u/Various_Rest_3553

I went to an ACOA meeting 20 years ago.. (in the UK IN Bath). It took so much courage to go. I was freaked out because most people there were also recovering alcoholics /drug addicts and talked about their own alcohol and drug abuse., A couple, used it like a performance space. .. I was so freaked out .. I never went back and am still scared to go to another one . Is it that my level of sensitivity is too much? Is dealing with stuff that scares me /freaks me out part of the process (why was I so scared?). Or is ACOA just not for me ? Is it that there are /were so few AAor NA or ACOA meetings in the UK. I know there was only one ACOA meeting Anywhere near me and it was an hour away.
TLDR: I’m considering attending ACOA in the UK. Previous experience scared me. Is getting over experiences like that part of process? Or am I too nesh for ACOA meetings?

Hi I’m currently out of work (ex academic age 62) My work pension is ok .. if I take it now I’d have £18k per year. Plus a lump sum of about £70K. I have a load of questions about what to do. I have been looking for work but can’t find any, not succeeding (I’ve never been unemployed before) . I live alone. I have my own place. No mortgage. But I have a lot of really basic pension / retirement questions to ask and have no idea where to turn. I’m wary of asking Reddit to answer them .. as I need a conversation and a bit of back and forth. Like my pension seems really small for how much I paid in (over 30 years) .. ??
TLDR: where can I go for pension —/ retirement advice .. including affect on whole life that is not wholly centred on investment and for people with a lot of money .. Thanks ..

Hi I have had four bikes stolen from my property (inside my house) over the last 20 years. Apart from one super keen PC who recovered one from a bike stash at the police station.. the police are happy to give a crime reg but not much else.. Watching a tv show about police (Crimewatch caught) .. Police were v keen to find people doing repeat burglaries where jewellery and watches and cuff links etc were stolen.. and no harm to people because they ONLY burgled when people were out..They even went to the point of approaching interpol. And arresting people in Finland.. And said they were so happy returning sentimental and important items.. My bikes were beautiful, I’d spent so much love on the getting then resprayed, upgrading components, etc.. I cried when they were stolen. They were not just transport . And to have so many stolen. 😟😢

And I’m aware that many of my friends have bikes stolen from secure sheds where the bikes are locked and the thieves have come with power tools and vans. Surely these crimes are perpetrated not just by chancers but by gangs.. Why aren’t bike thefts taken more seriously ?

Also aware the police are overstretched must focus on severe crimes and violence .. but if it’s gangs.. isn’t that organised crime? I do value the police.. guess I just feel angry about bikes being stolen..

First.. I love the balloons and normally do not care about traffic as I’m lucky I can usually walk or cycle everywhere.?Tomorrow I’m heading for an all day thing just near Cribbs.. I need to take my car. My day ends at 4.30. I live in bedminster so have to return .. via Clifton Or via the Portway.. what are the odds of encountering grid lock? Perfect storm of traffic one way on Coronation Road, Suspension bridge closure. And balloon traffic.

I got gridlocked once about 15 yrs on balloon fiesta Thursday or Friday eve.. I think this makes me stupidly wary.

Should I be worried? Leave early? It’s a fun thing I like doing..

Edit: it’s near Cribbs causeway .. not Cabot .. edited to rectify .. Doh!

Went to Hartcliff recycling centre today .. whole car full of stuff .. feeling cleansed, decluttered and smug .. also the folk working there are mint .. xxx
Edit: the garden waste section smelled really good today too..

Hi , I’m not sure which pen, medium to use.. some appear to not erase well.
What are my options as I’m new to embroidery

Also I’ve finished my first piece, and it doesn’t need washing - and it was a simple cross stitch and didn’t need to mark the aida to follow my pattern. Can washing wreck a piece? (I’m scared of ruining embroidery by washing)

Hi I love board games. I’m an older woman.. I used to play occasionally with friends from work .. but it’s hard for them to come join me.. I have been to local board game nights - I live it but I’m older by 20 years often 29 years and worry that I might cramp the style if young folk ( by the way I am very you g facing .. I mean I like young people and have always worked with young people? I okay with my family occasionally.

I’d like to organise a game night or find board game friends.. (loads if my friends are not really into it)
is the answer 1) to keep going to local board game nights
2) invite my work mates but get really init regards being organised with dates and food (these usually get really woolly and difficult to organise)
I like easy games and tougher games .. so .. any ideas ??

Hi is there anywhere to watch the WC semi final in the town centre? Like millennium square screen?
Or a pub on north street ? Or all pubs ticketed? Ta

At the first heatwave a few weeks ago I realised my car (Mazda M 3) AC wasn’t working. I took it to a good AC Garage/ specialist in Bristol . Not much gas missing. Car was rewardingly freezing cold as I drove home.
Next day AC doesn’t work. I have a big journey in 33degree heat . It’s an awful journey there and back.

The garage make space for me to come back and say the Radiator (that’s the word they use) Isn’t working and will cost £600 to fix. I check with my usual garage. They say it’s more likely the condenser. , not the radiator. I check cos the car has not had issues with engine overheating and I’m really worried.

Anyway .. I’m being toasted to death on every journey in the heat and wondering if there is a cheaper method. ??

To be clear, I think £600 is the right cost . I’m pretty sure the AC specialist garage are good. But wondered why they said “radiator” not “condenser “ ?

I’m also certain I’m v uncomfortable in my car on hot days .
I’ve ducked out of a volunteering gig I do tomorrow at an event cos I can’t face driving home in a boiling car. ;(

TLDR: Car AC doesn’t work and it’s ruining things ..

I was upset when ITV stopped its TDF cycling programme. I always listened to Never strays far after it was great and funny. So great that pod is still going (with a new name) and looking fwd to listening. I love their humour and insight ..