u/mrsbootsonthelevel

I was visiting my parents and clearing some things out of my old room when I found a journal that I wrote in when I was 15 and 16. There was one entry in there about an interaction I had with my mom that completely solidified my OAD status. I thought I totally remembered the interaction but it was so different reading it from my POV in the moment. Long story short, a boy asked me out (first time) and I liked him but had no idea how to deal. Now I understand that I have anxiety and it was activated in full force but there was no language or even a concept for that back then. When I confided in my mom, her response left me feeling completely ashamed of my feelings. In my desperation to stop feeling anxious, I cut things off with the boy and I’m not proud that my actions hurt him. My mom thought she was giving me the right advice but she just did not have the emotional intelligence, knowledge, or bandwidth to identify what I was feeling and help me through it in a productive and loving way.

I never want my daughter to feel that way and I certainly never want her to feel shame after confiding in me about something so personal and vulnerable. I know if I have another I will not be able to devote the amount of brain and emotional space to her that I want, especially when she gets older and her issues become more complex.

If you’ve been, what was your experience? I read such mixed reviews but my curiosity is piqued. If you’ve had a good experience, what would you recommend?

If anyone is struggling to reconcile their expectation of having more than one child with the realities of having one, take a gander at this video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3bqs7RpGM/?igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

It feels harder than previous generations BECAUSE IT IS! Parents, especially moms, are doing more than ever in spite of societal and economic structures that specifically do not support, and even hinder, families. As people have previously commented, we’re whole-assing one rather than half-assing multiple.

If you don’t/can’t watch the video, the creator cites stats showing that Millennial Dads are now doing more than what Boomer Moms did with their kids but focuses on the fact that the involvement of Millennial Moms is off the charts because we’re not just physically keeping our kids alive, we’re fostering healthy psychological and emotional development through positive modeling.

Just a reminder that you’re doing a great job!

Does anyone happen to know if WWC does any rewind/throwback episodes of seasons 1 - 3 of Real Housewives of New Jersey? I just started watching RHONJ for the first time and would give my right arm for some WWC recaps.

I’ve been trying to get my mother in law to take advantage of the senior services offered in Burbank, including the on-demand Burbank Bus for seniors. Does anyone have any experience with it or know someone who uses it? I’d love to be able to give her some anecdotal evidence of its usefulness (if true). She’s also very technologically inept and only issues a flip phone for a cell. Thanks!

A friend is about to have her second baby. Her first just turned two. She’ll be having a c-section for a second time. Any suggestions for a gift for mom? I want to focus on a gift that will help her feel like her best self (or as best as possible) now that she’ll be balancing a toddler and a newborn. Thank you!

My toddler loved listening to the Ramona audiobooks narrated by Stockard Channing. They’re truly an elite level of narration and so engaging, even for a young toddler. I also found that my toddler engaged longer in quiet activities like drawing or puzzles while we listened to the series in the background. Does anyone have any similar recommendations?

I’m looking for a coffee spot with an outdoor patio to park for an hour or two. All of my current favorite coffee spots have outdoor seating on busy roads. Ideally, I’d love comfy seats where I can bring a book and hang out for a bit on weekend mornings. Specifically looking on the West side of the 5, including Toluca Lake. Thanks in advance!

I’ve been dabbling in several exercises classes through Burbank Parks & Rec. While I’ve had good experiences I haven’t quite found a class or instructor that is really clicking with me. Please let me know your experiences!

My 2 year old is suddenly obsessed with Shirley Temple’s “Animal Crackers in My Soup” from Curly Top. Anybody have any other suggestions for some old movies that their kids love and are appropriate for them? Especially musicals. Thank you!

I can get a deal for a gym membership through my health insurance and I'm deciding between the following:

1. Blink fitness by the Pavillions

2. Planet Fitness by the airport or on Laurel Canyon

3. 24 Hour Fitness by the Empire Center or on Lankershim by the North Hollywood Metro station

4. EoS Fitness on Laurel Canyon

I'm not looking for anything too complicated - really looking for a clean and calmer atmosphere. I would like to use the machines and the weights, maybe try a class or two if they are available, but they're not necessary. Any experiences and recommendations would be extremely helpful!