Small Talk: The Polygamous Cul-de-Sac

[Cetacean]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

 She soon looked out and saw that  4 wild turkeys zoomed in and and were attempting to eat the Turkey scraps!

Cannibals!

[MargeGunderson]

21 hours ago, Cetacean said:

Cannibals!

Or zombie turkeys!

[SunnyBeBe]

I had some of that roasted turkey and it was delicious! Lol

[Pickleinthemiddle]

HAPPY EARTH DAY everyone.  

My daughter was married on this day 14 years ago.  It doesn't really seem like it has been that long ago.

[SunnyBeBe]

Happy Earth Day!  Pickleinthemiddle, Fouteen years flies by after you reach 40, imo.  
 

Does anyone know if it’s recommended to get a covid booster 9 days before elective knee surgery?  I’ve had 3 full doses of Moderna, but last dose was end of Oct. 2021.  I spoke with Ortho nurse and she said it’s ok to get it, if not less than 3 days before surgery.  Now, I’m not sure.  I should have planned better.  🤨

[Cetacean]

2 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Does anyone know if it’s recommended to get a covid booster 9 days before elective knee surgery?

The hospital is probably one of the safest places to be.  The staff is generally restricted to one or two units so would not be working both ortho and then a Covid unit.  As far as I know, all staff are still wearing masks.......and correctly, at least where I volunteer.  I think you are at more risk going to the grocery store! 

[SunnyBeBe]

17 minutes ago, Cetacean said:

The hospital is probably one of the safest places to be.  The staff is generally restricted to one or two units so would not be working both ortho and then a Covid unit.  As far as I know, all staff are still wearing masks.......and correctly, at least where I volunteer.  I think you are at more risk going to the grocery store! 

I agree. I’m just concerned about getting it before I get to surgery center.  I’m supposed to attend an event on 29th and I’m concerned about it.  It’s supposedly masked, but….who knows.  Too many people.  If I cancel, will probably lose a friend.  Oh well. So be it.  

[Cetacean]

3 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

If I cancel, will probably lose a friend.  Oh well. So be it.  

A tough call but I always balance those things against being in an ICU on a ventilator.  Or, in your case, having an issue with a much needed surgery.

[SunnyBeBe]

Yeah…..I hate to lose a friend over this, but it looks like it will happen.  

[Pickleinthemiddle]

20 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Happy Earth Day!  Pickleinthemiddle, Fouteen years flies by after you reach 40, imo.  
 

19 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I agree. I’m just concerned about getting it before I get to surgery center.  I’m supposed to attend an event on 29th and I’m concerned about it.  It’s supposedly masked, but….who knows.  Too many people.  If I cancel, will probably lose a friend.  Oh well. So be it.  

Does anyone know if it’s recommended to get a covid booster 9 days before elective knee surgery?  I’ve had 3 full doses of Moderna, but last dose was end of Oct. 2021.  I spoke with Ortho nurse and she said it’s ok to get it, if not less than 3 days before surgery.  Now, I’m not sure.  I should have planned better.  🤨

I know when my mom had a heart valve replacement they told her to wait.  But the only person except medical staff in her room, was my daughter and any visitor was required to wear a mask at all times.  She wasn't even there a full two days.  They told her to wait a few months before getting the booster.  

 

You could always double mask at the event and social distance as much as possible.  But any friend should understand you don't want to risk getting sick right before surgery.

[Pooky]

I've just been watching a show called the dead files. Apparently Flagstaff Arizona is very haunted... does anyone know anything about this?? 

[ginger90]

5 hours ago, Pooky said:

I've just been watching a show called the dead files. Apparently Flagstaff Arizona is very haunted... does anyone know anything about this?? 

https://downtownflagstaff.org/post/downtowns-haunted-locations

[SunnyBeBe]

22 hours ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

I know when my mom had a heart valve replacement they told her to wait.  But the only person except medical staff in her room, was my daughter and any visitor was required to wear a mask at all times.  She wasn't even there a full two days.  They told her to wait a few months before getting the booster.  

 

You could always double mask at the event and social distance as much as possible.  But any friend should understand you don't want to risk getting sick right before surgery.

Right.  I got my booster yesterday and so far no negative side effects.  I’m surprised. I’m making plans on how to handle this taking as many precautions as possible.  

[Sandy W]

44 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

https://downtownflagstaff.org/post/downtowns-haunted-locations

I don't dismiss the concept of paranormal activity, I have had one very strong experience myself.  I do wonder however if these events are something dreamed up by a tourism committee.  In the these instances, the seed is planted, then people stay at the hotels or visit the library looking for anything out of the ordinary.  The mind can play curious tricks.

To add mystique to the inn, Meri has alluded to a ghost chair in the upper hallway.  If you visit, don't sit there, I think the ghost was incontinent.

[deirdra]

3 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Right.  I got my booster yesterday and so far no negative side effects.  I’m surprised. 

When my sister got her Moderna booster, she asked if the side effects would be as bad as her second dose and was told that Moderna had cut the dose to half of the original shots. Hope you have the same lack of effects as my sister. I had none with 3 Pfizers and I think the dose change w/Moderna was to make it more in line with Pfizer's.

Edited April 24, 2022 by deirdra

[Absolom]

Moderna's booster has always been half the original dose.  They didn't change the amount of the original two doses.  

[iwantcookies]

When I got my Pfizer I felt no pain in the arm or any side effects. I plan to get all the recommended doses. I get very very sick when I get Covid. 

[SunnyBeBe]

34 minutes ago, deirdra said:

When my sister got her Moderna booster, she asked if the side effects would be as bad as her second dose and was told that Moderna had cut the dose to half of the original shots. Hope you have the same non effects.

I guess that explains it.  I’ve had 3 full doses before this half dose of Moderna.  

Edited April 24, 2022 by SunnyBeBe

[Pooky]

10 hours ago, Sandy W said:

I don't dismiss the concept of paranormal activity, I have had one very strong experience myself.  I do wonder however if these events are something dreamed up by a tourism committee.  In the these instances, the seed is planted, then people stay at the hotels or visit the library looking for anything out of the ordinary.  The mind can play curious tricks.

To add mystique to the inn, Meri has alluded to a ghost chair in the upper hallway.  If you visit, don't sit there, I think the ghost was incontinent.

I definately believe it. The history there is beyond belief. I couldn't believe it when I saw Flagstaff location so googled it and sure enough... it was Arizona. In the show the psychic said the whole town was haunted. 

[CalicoKitty]

I had the exact same reactions to all of my Moderna injections--fever that night and the next day.  No arm pain.  Shots 1, 2, and booster.  But I had no reaction or any pain from the two shingles shots, and that is the one that I hear people complain about.

[LilyD]

Sorry guys, time to say goodbye to the banana avatar!

It's still me...

It reminded me too much of Meri every single time I hang out here. So I've replaced it with a cute drawing of the new addition we'll be welcoming to our family early summer!

[Roslyn]

On 4/24/2022 at 4:24 AM, Pooky said:

I've just been watching a show called the dead files. Apparently Flagstaff Arizona is very haunted... does anyone know anything about this?? 

 

On 4/24/2022 at 11:03 AM, Sandy W said:

I don't dismiss the concept of paranormal activity, I have had one very strong experience myself.  I do wonder however if these events are something dreamed up by a tourism committee.  In the these instances, the seed is planted, then people stay at the hotels or visit the library looking for anything out of the ordinary.  The mind can play curious tricks.

To add mystique to the inn, Meri has alluded to a ghost chair in the upper hallway.  If you visit, don't sit there, I think the ghost was incontinent.

I live in a house with quite a bit of "residual energy". The energy of the house kicks up when the energy of the people does.  It was "fun" for the first years when my kids were teenagers... It's pretty quiet these days, but we have lots of experiences. When my kids come home and we are all hanging out together it will start up again. We are really used to it, but it still unsettles my husband.

I also worked as a baker in a very "active" bakery, often alone at night. Fun times.

[LilyD]

It’s typically human to want a sensible explanation for everything we see and hear around us. If you can’t explain it, it cannot be true, which is why a lot of people don’t believe the paranormal.

I personally believe we know and understand so little of what’s around us. There is something between heaven and earth, of that I’m sure. But that’s just me…

[Rabbit Hutch]

2 hours ago, Roslyn said:

 

I live in a house with quite a bit of "residual energy". The energy of the house kicks up when the energy of the people does.  It was "fun" for the first years when my kids were teenagers... It's pretty quiet these days, but we have lots of experiences. When my kids come home and we are all hanging out together it will start up again. We are really used to it, but it still unsettles my husband.

I also worked as a baker in a very "active" bakery, often alone at night. Fun times.

Yeah, our place is active, too.  One intelligent entity  downstairs and some residual activity going on upstairs.   Over the years I've gotten used to it to the point that I tell it to enjoy the peace and quiet whenever i leave to go back on the road after hometime.  👻

[Teafortwo]

9 hours ago, LilyD said:

Sorry guys, time to say goodbye to the banana avatar!

It's still me...

It reminded me too much of Meri every single time I hang out here. So I've replaced it with a cute drawing of the new addition we'll be welcoming to our family early summer!

So stinkin' cute! Please send photographs when the little guy arrives.

[LilyD]

It will be a little girl if all goes to plan ☺️  Mom's due to give birth some time next week. I won't say I'm glued to my phone but it's close! And then another 9 weeks before she arrives.

We've always had dogs and our previous shepherd passed away quite unexpectedly at the grand age of 12 last year. It'll be our third and I can't wait to see what this little girl is going to look like and how she's going to be!

[SunnyBeBe]

Good news about my friend accepting that I wouldn’t be attending the indoor concert!  She was disappointed, but took my advice to get someone else to go.  She actually got 2 other people to go with her and all seems well!  I have a tendency to think the worse about things.  It causes me a lot of anxiety.  I have to work on it.  

[Pickleinthemiddle]

3 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Good news about my friend accepting that I wouldn’t be attending the indoor concert!  She was disappointed, but took my advice to get someone else to go.  She actually got 2 other people to go with her and all seems well!  I have a tendency to think the worse about things.  It causes me a lot of anxiety.  I have to work on it.  

Same here, I know how you  feel.  You build it up in your mind the worst is going to happen. When it usually doesn't.

[iwantcookies]

I am so sick of this cold weather! I’m tired of freezing 🥶 and shivering. I need 80 degrees now. 

[Teafortwo]

At the risk of triggering anyone who has dealt with a serious illness while dealing with less than stellar medical professionals, I've put my post in the spoiler box. Please consider this a trigger warning and do not read if medical missteps upset you. Mods are more than welcome to remove this post if it is deemed too much. Thank you.

Spoiler

I have had quite the wild ride. I finally got put on prednisone on April 17 - not by my internist whom I saw on the 15th, nor my gastroenterologist whom I saw on the 14 (and spoke to on the 16th when I had severe stomach pains after breakfast). Both of these very experienced practitioners concurred that I have vasculitis, based on the pathology report of the biopsy they both viewed.  Both know that prednisone is the first line of treatment for vasculitis where the primary symptoms are rash, asthma and elevated Eosinophils (a type of white blood cells) - they saw the labs on that too. Neither one of them put me on prednisone. No. In fact, my internist said it would be best to see a rheumatologist first, so as not to "mask" the symptoms beforehand. 

In the middle of the night between April 16-17, I remembered about virtual urgent care on the "portal" used by the hospital network. The earliest appt was 8:15 am. The doctor took one look at the biopsy report and the bloodwork and put me on 60 mg prednisone. I actually had 6 pills (120 mg) in the apartment from a script I'd gotten at an urgent care, before being hospitalized on April 6. (In the hospital, they gave me prednisone each day, so I still had the other pills at home). So I took 3 of the pills. 60 mg.

I learned from the virtual urgent care doctor that there was a note in my chart from the absent dermatologist, visible only to providers but not to me, dated April 15.  It was addressed to the on-call dermatologist - the one who'd called me on the 15th to say I could pick up the steroid ointment. The note stated that I was to be put on 60 mg prednisone or, if urgent, be sent to the ER for IV pulse steroids requiring monitoring for heart rate and other vital signs. The on-call dermatologist who told me to pick up the ointment failed to mention these instructions.

On the 18th, after taking the second day of 60 mg prednisone, I went to see the dermatologist who'd been on vacation when the pathology report came back on the 12th. I have never been in such bad shape in my life. I broke down weeping in the waiting room, and again in the harsh light of the examining room where I'd been told to undress. Sitting there in the gown looking at my horribly swollen feet and ankles that reminded me of my father's right before he died.  I'd been up all night, every night, for at least 5 nights. I couldn't stop scratching, except when I was in an oatmeal bath. The dermatologist told me to go to the ER for high-dose IV steroids. I asked if I could go to the ER closer to my home than the one I'd been to before - the two hospitals have access to the same "portal" or shared database for messages, test results and other information. She said she'd put a note in my chart -- a note that the ER closer to my neighborhood would be sure to see -- so that they would know to give me the high-dose IV steroid drip/pulse whatever when I showed up. Before I left the office, I actually asked the nurse to see the doctor one more time, so as to verify that she had put the note in my chart. She said she had done so.

I went home and the prednisone I'd taken at 4 am kicked in around 10. So I decided I would put in some much-needed work time and worked til about 4.30 pm. I wasn't itching too badly yet so I decided to eat before going to the ER, since I knew they would not have food. I finally hit the road at about 8 (waited a bit too long as the rash had started to flare back up to an almost intolerable level.

I spent three hours in the ER. Because, you know, they have to take blood, do an EKG, insert an IV, find a dermatologist and on and on before they can take a treatment action. I have no problem with that, and that particular ER is extremely well-organized, with skilled people at every level. Even though the place was wall-to-wall gurneys, everyone head-to-toe, the whole thing was smooth and everyone from phlebotomist, to techs, to nurses, to doctors was on top of their game. Through a haze of itching and scratching I could appreciate their excellence. 

Finally the doctor came to me and said that they could give me 60 mg prednisone in an IV if I wanted, or 60 mg in pill form. I told them I was supposed to have a pulse IV and they repeated that was all they could do. Because THERE WAS NO NOTE in my chart about a high dose, overnight pulse IV. I took the pills rather than a needless IV of the same amount, and went home and back to the bathtub (oatmeal baths were the only thing that provided some relief and a recession of the rash for the duration of the soak.)

The next day I went to see a new internist, having already planned on doing so before the onset of all those symptoms. I knew I'd need someone in the computer network and my now-former internist doesn't use computers and is affiliated with a hospital that is not linked with the others I'd used. I was still on the 60 mg prednisone from the virtual urgent care doctor. I was still in horrible shape, not weeping the whole time, but crying a lot.

The new, very proactive internist got me an appointment to see a rheumatologist whose specialty is vasculitis. There was a two-month waiting list but they called me the next morning about a cancelation they had for that afternoon (Wed the 20th).  It seemed like a miracle - but in retrospect was a marker of just how horrible my condition was. It was the doctor's last day before jury duty, He adjusted the dosing schedule for the prednisone (a longer span of 60 mg, followed by a long taper for a total of a month. I like him very much and it is a comfort to know that I am finally in good hands.

The prednisone finally started relieving the itch and taming the rash for more than just 5 or 6 hours - on Monday, April 25th. This is the most I ever hope to suffer in my lifetime. 

The original dermatologist called to see how I was doing on April 22. I explained what had happened in the ER (no note). She replied that she'd thought they would put me in the hospital for the IV when they saw my condition - but that, in fact, she cannot admit to that hospital even though they share information with her institution - she can only admit to the one I'd been in earlier in the month. When I expressed dismay as to why she'd said I could get the IV at the hospital closer to my home, on the strength of her note - and asked why she hadn't made it clear that my best chance for treatment was to go to her hospital's ER - she told me that her son had died in the past year and that's why she'd needed to unplug during her vacation. This is a young woman, under 40, so clearly she lost a child or young teen. So very, very sad. And me: so VERY, VERY floored at her timing in telling me this horrible news, in my still horribly itchy, short-of-breath state. I guess I was supposed to feel sorry for her that she prolonged my suffering unnecessarily - by not directly messaging me on the 15th (instead writing the note visible only to her covering colleague who did not convey her instructions, and later visible to the urgent care doc, thank goodness) and by not making clear where I needed to go for the IV steroids on the 18th. I guess I was supposed to forgive her for my suffering, in light of her suffering over her son's death.

I am fortunate that after 10 days, it appears likely I did not catch covid from the packed ER on the 18th, despite my immune system being down due to the steroids, and not being able to get the 2nd booster due to the amount of inflammation in my body. (I got sick 2 days after I became eligible for the booster.) I am happy to report that today, for the first time in over three weeks, I had a good day with minimal itching, and was able to take a slow but very enjoyable walk.

 

Edited May 4, 2022 by Teafortwo

[Pickleinthemiddle]

15 hours ago, iwantcookies said:

I am so sick of this cold weather! I’m tired of freezing 🥶 and shivering. I need 80 degrees now. 

I don't like freezing, but we've already had a few 90 days and mostly in the 80's.  I don't really like when it gets really hot, dreading the 100+ days ahead.

[TurtlePower]

2 hours ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

I don't like freezing, but we've already had a few 90 days and mostly in the 80's.  I don't really like when it gets really hot, dreading the 100+ days ahead.

I do NOT miss the southwest for this very reason. One of places we lived has hit 100 already. In July, it rarely got below 90 at night and didn’t seem to end until November. Then, in April, it heats right back up again. NOPE! So glad to be outta there. 

It was admittedly a little chilly yesterday by the ocean with the wind, but I’ll take that over the heat and scorching sun of the southwest. 

[Rabbit Hutch]

6 hours ago, TurtlePower said:

I do NOT miss the southwest for this very reason. One of places we lived has hit 100 already. In July, it rarely got below 90 at night and didn’t seem to end until November. Then, in April, it heats right back up again. NOPE! So glad to be outta there. 

It was admittedly a little chilly yesterday by the ocean with the wind, but I’ll take that over the heat and scorching sun of the southwest. 

I can see both you and Pickle's points!  We're out in Colorado at the moment and I love being able to breathe.  I love how hot it is during the day and how it cools down at night.

My beloved South is prolly still covered in yellow spores, and hitting the 90s.  Humidity at 70%.  Sheesh.  🤪

Edited April 29, 2022 by Rabbit Hutch

[Cetacean]

I recently saw a program that talked about how air conditioning changed the shape of America.  Prior to the invention, there were no large cities in the south, people couldn't take the heat and humidity.  A/C is the the reason for the metropolises (metropoli?) of Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Atlanta, Miami, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't live in any of them even with A/C.  I am a northern MI girl through and through.  Lots of climate refugess are eyeing the area and snatching up property.

[Pickleinthemiddle]

2 hours ago, Cetacean said:

I recently saw a program that talked about how air conditioning changed the shape of America.  Prior to the invention, there were no large cities in the south, people couldn't take the heat and humidity.  A/C is the the reason for the metropolises (metropoli?) of Houston, Dallas, San Diego, Atlanta, Miami, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't live in any of them even with A/C.  I am a northern MI girl through and through.  Lots of climate refugess are eyeing the area and snatching up property.

I believe a lot of the buying is investors.  

I live in the Greater DFW Metroplex area.  But still in a county with a rural feel.  But within an hour of a major airport, Major shopping just 15-25 minutes away.  But have been reading about everyone in this general area talk about the significant rise in appraisal values of their homes.  Due to the real estate boom, getting afraid I might get priced out of the rental I'm living in.  Nothing else affordable in my area.  

[Irate Panda]

I’ve been reading articles about the benefits of taking a break from social media. I’m not really on there much to post, unless it’s to comment on dogs’ SM pages, but I wonder if I waste too much time on it.  It’s mostly reading about corny reality “stars” but I could get my fix of the Brown clowns 🤡 on here lol.  Has anybody here given up social media (I’m counting things like Twitter, IG, Facebook, TikTok) and if so do you think it improved your daily life?

[Cetacean]

17 minutes ago, Irate Panda said:

Has anybody here given up social media (I’m counting things like Twitter, IG, Facebook, TikTok) and if so do you think it improved your daily life?

The only one I have ever done is FB and I have cut WAY back on that.  It was probably a nice idea when it started, a way to keep up with friends and family.  It has descended into a cesspool of lies, fake news, crazies, and havens for malcontents IMO. 

I might check it once a week or so but we have a FB page for our non-profit for which I am one admin so I do have to take my turn in keeping things civil. Our group page has very strict rules which keeps our page on track for the purpose.  Unfortunately evil tries to creep in so we have to be vigilant.  I rarely post on my own page anymore.

The younger folks are moving away from FB to other platforms, statistically FB seems to be for the older population now.  Our non-profit audience is in the older group so we use it for fundraising and upcoming event information.

[xwordfanatik]

I deactivated my Facebook account a few years back.  I wasn't enjoying it, and a lot of the posts, to me, sounded like bragging.  I still have IG but don't use it much at all.  I've never been on Twitter or TikToc.  This forum is one I use and enjoy daily.  Snarking is something I enjoy, and the posts are fun to read, even if I disagree with some.  

Edited May 3, 2022 by xwordfanatik
change a word

[Gramto6]

The only SM I have ever been on is Twitter but I have not used it in well over a year. And frankly I don't miss it.  This site is my go to for contact with others and a small Diabetes forum I am a moderator on. That is enough for me.

[SunnyBeBe]

I try to limit anything that adds drama to my day.  My dream is to take 6 months off with no Internet, just regular cable, no cell phone, except a basic one for travel emergencies, and just a land line phone.  My business makes this impossible though. Maybe, after I retire. Lol.  

[SunnyBeBe]

A good friend of mine texted me some photos of the painting he did in his backyard recently…the sunrise was coming up, trees….so nice. He and his wife moved near the beach a few years ago. Just a different lifestyle.  I could do that at my country house, though I’m not really a painter.  Lots of changes I need for quality of life enhancement.  Oh, my neighbor is fostering 5 baby goats while the owner recuperates.  So cute and relaxing. I asked her if she thought about Goat yoga?  Lol. These goats will eat your hair!  My neighbor retired early and spends her time gardening, tending to her dog and baby goats and kayaking.  She’s always in such a good mood. Lol

[lookeyloo]

3 hours ago, Irate Panda said:

I’ve been reading articles about the benefits of taking a break from social media. I’m not really on there much to post, unless it’s to comment on dogs’ SM pages, but I wonder if I waste too much time on it.  It’s mostly reading about corny reality “stars” but I could get my fix of the Brown clowns 🤡 on here lol.  Has anybody here given up social media (I’m counting things like Twitter, IG, Facebook, TikTok) and if so do you think it improved your daily life?

Well, my main interests on Facebook are closed groups on quilting related topics and a couple heath related ones for my condition.  I see other things, rarely comment, rarely post.  My son posts to a group of us, so those are "closed" too.  It is good for things like that, for me.  I am on twitter but, not a habit and that depends on who I follow, mostly for fun.  Oh and someone invited me to a closed group on cooking at home.  No one posts a lot on those.  I do follow "cooking with Brenda Gantt" on Facebook.  She is a regular person who cooks in her kitchen, from Andalusia Alabama.  If anyone is interested, she is a hoot.  

[Rabbit Hutch]

Not on any social media.  L was way back in my college days but once I was out of that arena i shut it all down.  I post in a couple of forums here and there but that's it.  If I lived in China my social credit score would be dismal.  😛

And yes, Irate, I feel it did improve my life.  All of that bragging, veiled insults, and politics that I don't want to talk about is gone. 

I get grief from my family and am left out of the loop at times ( on purpose, from some) due to that a few only post their family stuff on Facebook, but frankly they're usually the ones I don't care to hear from anyways.

Funny, though.  They ALWAYS seem to find us when it's time for wedding, shower, and housewarming gifts.  

Edited May 3, 2022 by Rabbit Hutch

[Irate Panda]

Thank you all for such thoughtful replies.  I might give it a try just to see the difference.

[Yeah No]

1 hour ago, Irate Panda said:

Thank you all for such thoughtful replies.  I might give it a try just to see the difference.

I have deliberately avoided getting too involved in social media.  I got sucked into Facebook over a decade ago when my high school class decided to use it to organize a reunion and that was fine as was connecting with old classmates and friends, but after a while I got tired of all the bragging and political griping going on and backed way off.  I don't even have a Twitter account and don't even understand it or see a point in it.  I do have an Instagram account but never use it.  I have never even been on Tik Tok and have no desire to do so.  I think social media can bring the worst out in some people and be a huge time waster.  It can also encourage hate and spread misinformation.  The only reasons I go on it at all are to find and communicate with businesses, go on nostalgia sites for my old schools and neighborhood in NYC, and my town's FB page, which has been very informative so far.  I don't follow celebrities and rarely even follow what friends are up to either.  Whenever I have let my guard down and have gotten involved in it I've regretted it, and that has only been a few times.  Lesson learned.

I have belonged to other chat groups like this one over the years, mostly centered around a common interest.  Some of them have been very good.  About 26 years ago I got very involved in one and it started to take over my life to an unhealthy degree.  It started out great and I met a lot of nice people and learned a lot about our shared interest (personality theory), but after several years it descended into trolling and contentiousness and I became depressed and cut off from other people and activities.  I realized that I needed to cut the cord from that place and unsubscribed.  It was difficult but it was the right decision and since then I have never let any group take over my life to that degree especially if it becomes a negative experience.  I think a lot of people didn't go through this kind of thing until later so when I hear about similar experiences I remember how I overcame my own years ago.

Anyway, hope that helps.  🙂

[DakotaJustice]

11 hours ago, Irate Panda said:

I’ve been reading articles about the benefits of taking a break from social media. I’m not really on there much to post, unless it’s to comment on dogs’ SM pages, but I wonder if I waste too much time on it.  It’s mostly reading about corny reality “stars” but I could get my fix of the Brown clowns 🤡 on here lol.  Has anybody here given up social media (I’m counting things like Twitter, IG, Facebook, TikTok) and if so do you think it improved your daily life?

I got rid of FB, Twitter and LinkedIn years ago. Still on IG but with notifications off. 

Have you listened to this podcast about going on a social media diet? So good.

https://www.baggagereclaim.co.uk/podcast-ep-96-is-it-time-to-go-on-a-social-media-diet/

[Irate Panda]

7 hours ago, Yeah No said:

I have deliberately avoided getting too involved in social media.  I got sucked into Facebook over a decade ago when my high school class decided to use it to organize a reunion and that was fine as was connecting with old classmates and friends, but after a while I got tired of all the bragging and political griping going on and backed way off.  I don't even have a Twitter account and don't even understand it or see a point in it.  I do have an Instagram account but never use it.  I have never even been on Tik Tok and have no desire to do so.  I think social media can bring the worst out in some people and be a huge time waster.  It can also encourage hate and spread misinformation.  The only reasons I go on it at all are to find and communicate with businesses, go on nostalgia sites for my old schools and neighborhood in NYC, and my town's FB page, which has been very informative so far.  I don't follow celebrities and rarely even follow what friends are up to either.  Whenever I have let my guard down and have gotten involved in it I've regretted it, and that has only been a few times.  Lesson learned.

I have belonged to other chat groups like this one over the years, mostly centered around a common interest.  Some of them have been very good.  About 26 years ago I got very involved in one and it started to take over my life to an unhealthy degree.  It started out great and I met a lot of nice people and learned a lot about our shared interest (personality theory), but after several years it descended into trolling and contentiousness and I became depressed and cut off from other people and activities.  I realized that I needed to cut the cord from that place and unsubscribed.  It was difficult but it was the right decision and since then I have never let any group take over my life to that degree especially if it becomes a negative experience.  I think a lot of people didn't go through this kind of thing until later so when I hear about similar experiences I remember how I overcame my own years ago.

Anyway, hope that helps.  🙂

 

 

7 hours ago, DakotaJustice said:

I got rid of FB, Twitter and LinkedIn years ago. Still on IG but with notifications off. 

Have you listened to this podcast about going on a social media diet? So good.

https://www.baggagereclaim.co.uk/podcast-ep-96-is-it-time-to-go-on-a-social-media-diet/

Thank you, I never really had a lot of social media except for MySpace when I was a kid.  I tried Facebook like 5-6 years ago but haven’t used it in years I didn’t really get it…and felt like everybody was bragging or posting idealized versions of their lives.Twitter and IG, I opened, when I got sick, but didn’t really use; I really mostly just follow dog accounts.  I don’t follow people I know, mostly dogs and a couple of“celebrities” and podcasts; this was only after I got sick because I was bored.  Honestly, I wonder if people think I’m a real person on there  because all I ever usually post is “Your dog is adorable!!!”  🤗🤗🤗 or “Wishing <insert dog name> a Happy Birthday!! 🎂🐾🐾🎉

Anyway, it seemed like I got into this routine of wasting a couple of hours online, I think because of my health I was more limited in what I can do.  My physical health has really declined with my treatments…I sleep A LOT or at least rest a lot.  I’m trying to get back into reading more but I almost feel like my brain has a hard time concentrating now.  Anyway I appreciate everyone’s stories.  Glad I’m not the only one that might think it’s good to take a break.  

Thanks for the podcast recommendation, I’ll have a listen. Also open to anybody that has any good fiction book recommendations/podcast.  I’m not sure why but I tend to like ones with older characters (ie senior citizens). I watch this one couples YouTube videos about retirement and I’m about 30-something years from retirement, but it’s relaxing to watch.  I also watch YouTube videos about camping in the rain, again very relaxing. Anyway, I appreciate everyone listening, it’s just been a hard couple of years health-wise and I’m trying to find things that will improve my quality of life.  Thanks 😊

Edited May 4, 2022 by Irate Panda

[Irate Panda]

On 4/26/2022 at 6:09 PM, LilyD said:

It will be a little girl if all goes to plan ☺️  Mom's due to give birth some time next week. I won't say I'm glued to my phone but it's close! And then another 9 weeks before she arrives.

We've always had dogs and our previous shepherd passed away quite unexpectedly at the grand age of 12 last year. It'll be our third and I can't wait to see what this little girl is going to look like and how she's going to be!

I bet you are so excited 🤗🤗🤗!!! Dogs are so great!!! Hope you will share pictures, but understand if you are not comfortable doing that.  Congratulations!!! Dogs are wonderful, especially Shepherds!!

[TurtlePower]

16 hours ago, Rabbit Hutch said:

Not on any social media.  L was way back in my college days but once I was out of that arena i shut it all down.  I post in a couple of forums here and there but that's it.  If I lived in China my social credit score would be dismal.  😛

And yes, Irate, I feel it did improve my life.  All of that bragging, veiled insults, and politics that I don't want to talk about is gone. 

I get grief from my family and am left out of the loop at times ( on purpose, from some) due to that a few only post their family stuff on Facebook, but frankly they're usually the ones I don't care to hear from anyways.

Funny, though.  They ALWAYS seem to find us when it's time for wedding, shower, and housewarming gifts.  

Omg the bragging and fishing for compliments.  I’ve read several articles and studies that show people who constantly brag on social media are actually insecure (hmmm, Meri Brown?).

We probably all have that “one person” who does this all the time on SM. And you’d think they’d get the hint when their brags go unliked but other, non-braggy posts are. Their constant need for approval makes me not want to give it due to the constant flow of brags and, worse, humblebrags. 

[laurakaye]

After unfollowing/unfriending about 75% of my family on FB, I am rarely on there anymore.  The decision to unfriend close family members caused me so much stress, it was ridiculous.  They may have differing opinions than me on many things that have happened in the last few years or so...the difference was, I didn't post anything deliberately provocative on my FB page, and when I would read those types of posts from my family I thought that I could either respond and get into a stupid war of words, or I can ignore it - but by doing that I felt like I was somehow condoning the trash that they were posting.  So I slowly started unfriending, and then I started really thinking about why I was wasting considerable time on social media when I knew with certainty that if I scrolled long enough, something would come across that upset or angered me.  It was almost like I was testing myself several times a day with how much negativity I could take before someone's post or meme pushed me over the edge.  I really wondered about my own sanity - like, WHY am I doing this to myself?  What am I gaining?  Do I think I am going to miss something important?

So I am never on Twitter (should just deactivate my account), rarely on FB, and on TikTok once in awhile.  I also haven't watched the news in probably two years.  I feel like I am at a point where protecting my brain from overload is more important than anything else.

Also - is anyone else feeling a version of mild PTSD from the events of the last couple of years?  I find myself angry, or sad, or my fuse is much shorter than normal, off and on over the course of a normal day.  Could be my age, lol (56), but I am starting to wonder if we've been collectively holding our breath and now we're starting to relax and process, not just try to survive?  I don't know.