1.) These postcards are mostly grey. And black and white. And they are also good for grey days. :)

2.) This is The Dead Weather's debut album. A good one. (jack white <3 <3 <3)

3.) As you will see on the track listing, the eponymous The White Stripes album has TWO songs on it that relate to food: "Sugar Never Tasted So Good" and "One More Cup of Coffee". Plus, the cover has the traditional swirly mints of The White Stripes. (Also, this one reminded me that I don't have Neutral Milk Hotel's first album on my list! So thanks for that.)

4.) The postcard books are for my friends. I send postcards to them. This TOTALLY counts. Especially the David Choe ones since David Choe is amazing. And I know that my friends like his art.

5.) If there is ANY chance that you have not read Sabriel, you need too. Really, really, really.

6.) This was on my list, but was removed after the lovely /u/scrumtrelescent sent it to me! And heads are definitely not related to hair, because heads can be bald. And the biggest annoyance about these things is that they sometimes get stuck in your hair. So it's really an advantage if you have no hair. :)

7.) This postcard book is actually titled "Wicked Witches and Creepy Cats", so there are lots of cats in it. If you look inside, you will see a cat dancing with an owl, an awesome dress covered in cat faces, and a very cute cat in a pumpkin. Also some truly scary cartoonish cats. Avoid the one in the bowtie. shudder

8.) I really don't need another dress, but this one is so cute!

9.) So...I don't have movies on my list that I have seen before. I actually only have this one. BUT. I can save this. This is a Studio Ghibli film. And Studio Ghibli films are awesome. (Spirited Away is my favorite movie <3) So...my argument is, everyone should watch every Studio Ghibli movie at least once in their life because they're so great. Which is why I want it! :)

10.) When zombies attack, it is important to be able to run quickly. No one could run faster than someone wearing SUPERMAN SNEAKERS!! I mean, he's faster than a speeding bullet!

11.) My biggest current goal is to make new friends, since I'm moving to a new city (eek! yay!). Board games always help with friends! This would definitely help me out.

12.) I'm going to interpret "pesky Add-On items" as anything that a company encourages you to purchase after an initial purchase of an item. Instead of what you really meant. So you should probably just ignore this one. BUT. An expansion to Munchkin would be so fun! Even if you don't really need it at all... <3

13.) I wouldn't call this my dream item, but it is the most expensive item on my list. This NES game for a number of reasons. First, it's a GREAT game. Second, I think it's funny having an amazingly expensive item on my list. Thirdly, what if someone actually bought me the "new" one? That would be Amazing.

14.) (I love the edit-I always just knew what size a breadbox was from playing 20 questions with my mom...) So. I don't really have large items on this list so much. BUT. [Fabric] (http://www.amazon.com/Aviary-Sparrows-Cavern-Black-Fabric/dp/B004VNVE7A/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=NO029QAH2C2U&coliid=IEEZTV09MV12V), while perhaps being able to fold up into something smaller than a bread box, could also wrap around the bread box. This must count for something. It's already 42" across, so that's wider than a bread box...Plus, what if you just purchased 100 yards of it? Then it wouldn't fit inside...

15.) My dad has one of these and it is so useful. I want one too! I'm pretty sure it's smaller than a golfball. It's possible that it's longer than one, but if you smushed it into little pieces, the total volume would definitely be less than that of a golfball. :P

16.) If I ordered this now, it would be brand new when I recieved it in September, and new books just smell SO GOOD!

17.) I love Rio Grande games, so I really want to try Power Grid. Plus, if you worked at an electrical company, your boss might even think you were just hard at work on some new electrical line, soooo it's definitely safe for work. (hehehe)

18.) Since I'm starting grad school this year in a new city, far from my undergrad friends, I need chocolate to help me when I'm sad and lonely! (Another good way to make friends, too!)

19.) This summer, the only thing I've been doing is making things. I really want to get into making hats (for some reason), so I've been rather obsessed with finding sinamay-it would be so useful to have the forms already made too...

20.) Purchasing this item gives you TWELVE Toblerone bars (you get two of the beautiful 6-pack boxes that you see pictured. That's ELEVEN MORE than usual!!! I can't explain the amazingness of this any better.

BONUS ITEMS

Anything that has my real name on it: Hm. Will have to do more research. :)

Made in Oregon: While perhaps not recorded or manufactured in Oregon, as The Decemberists are from Portland, OR, these songs were certainly composed there!

fear cuts deeper than swords

So in my "flying from NY" experience, which I did twice before just moving to Southern California, here are some more tips:

Check a bag and get the majority of your gear into that one 50 lb. bag. Buy whatever you can before the trip from Amazon or wherever else, and just order the camping chairs and whatever else from Walmart for pickup. I knew I wanted my tent to be more than just a one-time coachella tent, so I researched it thoroughly and came up with this, which is a bit pricy, but the tent is only 11 pounds packed up, and packs up real nice and small so you can easily fit this into your checked bag. It's about 75% mesh, which means it's ventilated like crazy, which is great for the desert, and it comes with a rain-fly that the reviews all said worked great (especially important if you're going weekend 1, which has had weather issues the past 3 years).

This does mean you'll have to worry about the sun though, so I bought a bunch of mylar emergency blankets that I just duct taped to the top of my tent to reflect out as much heat as possible. They crinkled when the wind blew, so they were a bit noisy, but it's Coachella and you're going to be dealing with noise all weekend.

That's why you need earplugs. For the concert, you might want either of these pairs that I have used in the past, but for sleeping, you just want basic foam earplugs that will block the majority of sound out. You won't have to worry about your tent making noise or your neighbors' afterparty.

I wasn't willing to buy an easy-up in the past (though I may this year), so instead I just picked up a silver reflective tarp (to help with the desert sun) from Harbor Freight for not too much money, and then I ordered a few of these tarp poles along with a good line of reflective tarp cord and some plastic stakes (they don't allow metal). As long as someone else in your campsite has an easy-up, you can easily bungee the tarp to the side of that. Just make sure you are really good about tying down the poles.

The most IMPORTANT tip I can give you is to FIND A GROUP to camp with before you go! Last year, I was part of a campsite that attempted to include about 50 people. Only about 25-30 wound up actually meeting up before heading in, with a group of 11 cars. That wound up being split into groups of 5 and 6 cars, that had sites that were still within a block of each other. Make sure your group stays together on the security line! Find a line that seems to be moving faster than the others (which means they are checking each car a bit less ;) ) and make damn sure you stay together, because they only allow you 15 minutes to wait for the rest of your group once you're past security. Be a New Yorker about it if you have to. Two years ago, we found that there was an empty line over to the right that had been blocked off by another line right next to it. When we saw it and then went to move all our cars into the line, my brother just stood there with a beer in one hand, holding his other hand up to a group of cars that patiently waited for our group to be in the line together, and then we were all good.

One of the best parts about finding a group to camp with was that everyone is gonna forget something, but each time it happened, someone else in the group had it handy. It was pretty magical. The other awesome thing about finding a group to camp with, is you can almost bet everyone will have a good time because people are generally in their best moods and on their best behavior trying to meet cool new people like you.

I will also note that for flying in from NY, my budget has usually been somewhere around 1200-1500 for the weekend, including a flight (350), the ticket (375), the camping pass (85, split 2 ways), purchasing gear (around 300 the first year, but if you have last year's equipment it gets cheaper), and then about 300-400 for food/beer/weed (and if you stick to drinking in the campsite you'll be able to spend less on beer and stay hydrated more easily).

Anyway, there's my short novel about being prepared for and having an awesome Coachella camping experience. I'm still a boy scout at heart, so planning for stuff like this comes naturally to me and I am pretty passionate about it. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Fear cuts deeper than swords

OOH I LOVE SCAVENGER HUNTS. Placeholder. I'm working on this. Goodbye sunday night productivity.

EDIT Aug 11, 11:44pm PST

1.) something that is gray.

2.) Something reminiscent of rain. It rains so much in my city and on those days I like to have my tea and soup and all the yummy hot homecooked food at school in the library while I study. I already have a great thermos for my tea and hot cocoa but not for my soups/food.

3.) Something food related that is unusual. I don't know if this is necessarily food related but WOOOO TEA. MANA-TEA. Seriously this is awesome.

4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. A wii for my mom because she has been wanting a wii or ipad for a long time. My bro and i think the wii would be better because at least we could all play it together when we go home to visit.

5.) I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's the book I just finished reading and I feel like it has helped me a lot. I am so much more motivated and driven and it is helping me make some tough choices in my life. I am a senior in college but this book can help anyone who is at any place in their life I think. I currently have this on my wishlist which is like a supplement to the book. Seriously though, read it, share it with everyone you know. Let's make the world a happier place.

6.) An item that is less than a dollar. Awww yeee. They always seem to have one of these on the coffee table at my brother's house. Wherever he lives. Even though it's never his. But yeah, they're cool but I don't actually want one.

7.) Something related to cats. THIS IS SO AWESOME. I have another mug with the disappearing thing on my wishlist too. But yeah, I love cats, I just don't have much cat stuff on my wishlist. I do need a real cat though... hint hint nudge nudge

EDIT Aug 12, 12:15am PST

8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. Okay it's not Amazon but it is beautiful and I have had my eye on it for a year. Despite that fact that I do not plan on having children for at least 8 years. Dem hormones are a'ragin.

9.) I know it's not REALLY a movie but... A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? Because it is so beautiful and awe inspiring. It really brings me a sense of peace every time I watch it.

10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain. I can put on my holy strainer hat and pray to The Flying Spaghetti Monster to save me from the zombies.

11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. I know I used this for another one but really, I think doing these exercises would help me in all areas of life.

12.) One of those pesky Add-On items. These beauties, even though I doubt I can grow them without a yard...

13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why? My little acer hand me down freezes a lot, can't do multiple things at once, doesn't have a cd drive, has a screen too tiny to edit photos or edit my website. Basically everything is frustrating. And I'm a college student. So I use the computer for basically everything... and everything the little laptop CAN do takes forever.

EDIT Aug 12, 1:51am PST

14.) Something bigger than a bread box. If you don't think that is big enough, then here, but it's newly added.

15.) Something smaller than a golf ball. Well, I'm pretty sure this is smaller than a golf ball. If it wasn't, I'd be disappointed.

16.) Something that smells wonderful. Mmm imagine the ginger lemon grass!

17.) A (SFW) toy. And here's another one because I couldn't decide which one looks more fun...

18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school.

19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. Currently obsessed with learning all kinds of new jewelry techniques! Also obsessed with tea because it's the one thing my boyfriend and I developed an interest in together. It didn't start out as either of our interests.

20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand. THIS IS SO PRETTY AND USEFUL AT THE SAME TIME. Seriously so cute, has lovely details, 8gb, and you can wear it as a pendant. Whaaaat!

EDIT: this lovely is made in oregon!

-pixi nourshing balm oil cleanser Take off with warm baby wash cloth (microfiber, 10 pk $5 walmart)

• botanical all bright 3-in-1 micellar cleansing solution$6.99 Walgreens. Works better than Garnier pink cap, gets everything off in one swipe, it’s amazing. Seriously. And moisturizing.
  
• la Roche posay toleraine purifying foaming face wash helps clear out the gunk, great ph neutral and helps dehydrated skin. Both my SO and I used this and were amazed what it did to our skin in 2 weeks time.
  
• cosrx 96 snail mucin (hydrating HA type serum)
  
• dr. jart ceramedin liquid a very moisturizing “toner” in a sense, it helps repair the moisture barrier and i love how my skin looks when i use this stuff. I also use it on wounds to help them heal faster.
  
• hada labo premium solution and hada labo premium milky lotion 2 step system. Use this for very dry days.
  
• drunk elephant frambroos serum will wake up with brand new skin everyday
  
• dr jart ceramidin cream As an all over layer once your done with these.
  -dr Dennis gross alpha beta exfoliating moisturizer a wonderful emollient moisturizer that wakes you up with brand new skin, think of it as a more moisturizer DE frambroos, that you can use on the days you don’t use DE frambroos to get moisture and exfoliating and plumping properties. It’s wonderful.
  
• ole Hendrickson banana bright eye cream wonderfully hydrating and also brightening under makeup as well, but can still be used at night. Plumps fine lines.
  
• organic jojoba oil dab over face and around eyes, over eyelashes, eyebrows. Jojoba oil soaks into the epidermis bc it is the same size if not smaller than our pore size (compared to all these other oils like rose hip, squalene, Marula, etc)
  
• organic grapeseed oil, one of the highest in oleic and linoleic acid, resveratol, omega 3, omega 6, vitamin E. Don’t use too much. jojoba, grapeseed, emu oil are my favorite. Emu helps anything put over or under cross the phosopholipid barrier and cross deeper into the epidermis.
  
• lock everything in with Cera ve ointment.
  
• la Roche posay double repair moisturizer UV SPF 30 Use this as a daily spf, it helps dehydrated skin.
  
  
  things to have in your arsenol
  
• stratia liquid gold a combo of niacin amide, cholesterol, other important ingredients in the right combo that can be added to your routine without going through the ordinary mindfuck.
  
• Niod flavonne mud mask a detox, purifying, protective, and responsive face mask. One of the few masks to actually have.
  
• sand & sky Australian pink sand mask Just do it. Have this in your kit because it Detoxes your skin and makes it look like brand new baby skin with small pores.
  
• biologique recherche mask Viviant You won’t be able to get this, but eventually hopefully down the road in your skincare journey you will understand why I am recommending this. One of the best in the world.
  
• Aztec secret healing clay a good clay mask that is multi-purpose. Can sprinkle in your bath with some epsom salt with a very, very detoxing bath. Or with a packet of aveeno (or off brand) colloidal oatmeal packs for calming, soothing yet detoxing bath.
  
• taste knockout tingling treatment You want to see your pores disappear and your skin stay nice and balanced? Use this the night before. It’s pure magic. I’ve never used biologique recherche pm1970 but I can only imagine this is the closest it comes.
  
• biologique recherche p50 pigm400 regulates melanin productions, evens and brightens skin.
  
• melazepam 20% I personally am eventually going to try this, it’s iffy to recommend this because I haven’t tried it.... but it’s definitely on my list.... for an even and brighter complexion. I’ve tried The Ordinary 7% azelic acid and that was cool but not much of a difference. This seems like you would actually see a significant difference. I personally use retin A and have for 16 years now, nothing would work as good (none of these products) without my retin a. Pore size would not be what it is today without it. Melazepam=Azaelic acid or whatever. It prevents re-keratinization, is an anti microbial, anti-inflammatory, and some other shit. This plus retin A are like a golden combo. Def on my amazon wish list.
  
• the ordinary 30% aha bha acid peel or whatever. One of the only TO products actually worth owning in my opinion. The rest are a clusterfuck that crowd up your sink and look cool. But only serve one individual purpose. Usually a mild one at that. By that way, watch that caffeine solution bc that can be very very drying. It can help with mild puffiness but lymphatic massage helps more to drain the fluid and all together help the cause, versus a solution that is going to dry out your skin in the end all.
  
  
  That’s all I’ve got. Obviously this is not a go out and buy all these products at once, but I do believe that every single product on this list would help your skin. The major ones being tarte knockout treatment, sand and sky mask, la Roche posay toleraine purifying foaming face wash, pixi nourshing cleansing balm, botanicals 3-1 micellar water, cosrx snail mucin, dr jart ceramidin serum, and the dr Dennis gross exfoliating lotion. Frambroos is magical too. Gosh. Just everything here. But those specifically are my hard hitters. If I had to go buy something right now to try and see results, it’d be tarte knockout tingling treatment. The results on resurfacing are amazing. Buy that and jojoba oil, it’s moisturizing, just pat it in. Cera Ve makes a big difference in occluding your products and really making them soak the fuck in,.
  
  

  I say this because I had skin just like yours about 3 months ago and I wasted my money on all these “HG” products everyone talked about, and they were pure shit. Find what YOUR skin likes girl,. And don’t go balls out all at once. Try one thing and see how your skin reacts, then start introducing like products. Don’t be afraid to return products to CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Sephora, Ulta. EVERYWHERE. Keep your receipts. Every. Single. One.

Do it before she arrives. It is more difficult to set them yourself but once you have them in place you can hide the straps easy. And I don't recommend leaving the room, but I do recommend a blindfold. I've listed below some cheap starter equipment if you are looking for more tools to play with. Generally I will start slow and work up to something be it an orgasm, or paingasm and then start the cooldown.

So start slow, build up, climax of some sort, then aftercare. Remember the aftercare. Seriously, aftercare. I generally will take some virgin coconut oil and give my sub a massage after we play.

• Blindfold - Cheap version ($10 http://amzn.com/B001E7BPPW) Expensive nice version (http://amzn.com/B003CGJRNK)
  
• Cuffs - Neoprene with velcro ($14 http://amzn.com/B0052Z8UUK) are the easiest but alot of people like handcuffs ($10 http://amzn.com/B001D4XSYM) but the metal is really taxing on a sub. Leather ones are the best IMO but not cheap (http://amzn.com/B007W52ACW)
  
• Forced orgasms/orgasm denial - The hitachi magic wand is best for this ($47 http://amzn.com/B0089175GE). It's expensive but worth it. Plus you can buy attachment heads for it down the road.
  
• Rope play (Shibari) - You can grab some soft rope for bedroom play ($13 http://amzn.com/B002UV70DM) and visit twistedmonk.com for some instructional videos. For serious rope work you might want to invest in hemp ropes from twistedmonk and sissors for cutting free (http://amzn.com/B001D6YXIU)
  
• Sensation play - feathers ($7 http://amzn.com/B0026I02JI), tickling, pinwheels ($10 http://amzn.com/B000B7N1DA), ice (free, check your freezer)
  
• Spanking/slapping - Using a hand and staying in roughly the safe areas (ass, tits) till you know limits and interest levels
  
• Nipple clamps - Get some aligator nipple clamps that are adjustible so you can start out light and work your way up to harder ($10 http://amzn.com/B002JVWZSI). If you like you can add weights to them down the road
  
• Wax play - You will want to buy special paraffin candles that melt at lower temp for dripping melted wax on your partner ($10 per candle http://etsy.me/18Gwv7b)
  
• Floggers - You can make a call on this based on your experience with spanking ($40 and up http://flogmebaby.com/)
  
  These toys should give you a good baseline on what you like and what you don't. From there I would look around at places like stockroom.com or extremerestraints.com and find out what interests you. Stockroom.com has some of the best selection but is expensive.
  
  Best of luck.
  
  *Edit fixed some links

This is long. Sorry!

Disclaimer that there are different types of rosacea and everyone responds to medications a little differently. What works for me may not work for you and I am not a doctor. Check out /r/skincareaddiction as they have a lot of resources for most of the stuff listed below. Also, sometimes rosacea is actually caused by mites called demodex. (Gross I know!) Treatment for that is a prescription for ivermectin. I don't know how to verify if that's what causes yours, but asking your derm couldn't hurt.

I was diagnosed with mild rosacea about 10 years ago and had the metro gel prescription (same active as in your metro cream) and honestly it did not help me. My flare ups are the the result of temperature, exercise, and strong emotions, so diet changes didn't do much either. I recently went to try a new dermatologist and they said that the only thing they think would have any significant impact is laser treatment. That's out of my price range so I've just been working on keeping it from getting worse, and using skin care products that make it less noticeable. I've been happy with my routine which includes the following products.

Things that have helped to keep it from getting worse and in general make me less red:

• Azelaic acid. This is my holy grail, the absolute best skincare product I've ever used. If you only use one thing on this list, use this. It's helped both my cystic acne and the occasional rosacea specific breakouts. I responded so well to the OTC stuff my derm recommended against a prescription which has higher % of active ingredients than the OTC. I really like Malezepam because it's cheap and lasts forever. Be warned, it can sting and be itchy. The Ordinary has some too that works almost as well, but their tube is small and doesn't last as long. Use this at night because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. This is my last step after my moisturizer has sunk in.
  
• Vitamin C serum. It both seems to calm down my redness in the morning, and also boost the effectiveness of sunscreen, which is helpful because with rosacea you're extra susceptible to burns. I have used a couple, but am currently using Avalon Organics and like it ok, the fragrance isn't my favorite. Do research on this if you get Vit-C serum as it breaks down quickly and not all formulations are useful. Simple Skincare Science is a gold mine of good research on skincare products, and I like this write up on Vit-C. Use this in the morning before you put on sunscreen/makeup.
  
• Cicapair. This is supposed to help calm skin down during flare ups, but I've not really experienced that. It's just a green tinted moisturizer with SPF that nicely tones down redness for me. The link above is a dupe of Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment that they sell at Sephora for far too much. :) I use this in the morning as sort of a BB cream.
  
• [A313 Retinol] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GLZY90A/) non-prescription strength retinol. Feels like petroleum jelly, but helps reduce redness. Use at night after your moisturizer has sunk in. I only use this once or twice a week to replace the azelaic acid.
  
• Snail mucin. I like the stuff from Cors RX but there are a bunch out there. This helps your skin stay hydrated, (after flare ups my face gets really dry) and helps lessen healing time after breakouts. It supposedly has anti-aging properties too, though I haven't noticed any specifically. A lot of snail mucins are paired with bee essence. Those made me flush, so be careful with those. I use this right before nightly moisturizer.
  
  Good luck. Rosacea can be so demoralizing so I hope at least something here will work for you. <3

Congratulations!

• Personally I would recommend either a Remington 700 over the 783. There's nothing wrong with the 783, but the 700's fit, finish as well as the overall quality is just superior and I'm a firm believer in the "buy once, cry once" philosophy, especially with firearms. If you buy the 783, my bet is that as you get a little more serious about shooting, you'll end up buying a 700.
  
  
• With all that said, if you're not hell bent on buying a Remington, I personally would go with a Tikka T3 (there are many, many models). Overall it's about the same as a Remington 700 in terms of quality, but the bolt action is just silky smooth and the trigger pull is wonderful. I'm biased because I'm a bit of a Tikka fan, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
  
  
• In regards to the .308 calibre, again I'm a bit biased because my rifle is in .308 but regardless, I think .308 is the way to go. It's easily found, and comes in a variety of weight from (approximately) 120gr to 200gr so you have a choice of choosing a lighter bullet for smaller game or a heavier bullet for larger game.
  
  
• To pass the time while your PAL/RPAL is being processed, I strongly suggest buying high quality safety equipment You don't have to break the bank, but don't skimp. Apart from that I'd say buy a good soft case, and later down the road you can buy a hard case (my personal favourite is the Pelican 1750). Here's a little list....
  
  
• Ear protection: Howard Leight Impact Sport and Howard Leight earplugs (Personally I use both-- you only get one pair of ears!)
  
  
• Eye protection: Smith Aegis Arc (DS Tactical is a great company to deal with)
  
  
• Hard case: Pelican 1750 (Production Case is a nice Canadian company with prices way better than anywhere else and great customer service)
  
  
• Bipod: Harris Engineering (widely considered the best bang for your buck product-- I use the 9-13 inch because I'm a bit taller, but most people like the 6-9)
  
  
• Soft case: Cabela's drag bag-- great product at a great price.
  
  
  
• Torque wrench: VERY important in my opinion, as I see way too many people over-torquing their gear (i.e. scope mount screws) and messing things up. Wheeler Torque Wrench-- this is what I use. It's reasonably priced and I use it all the time when I'm working on my rifle. I know plenty of people say they're not necessary, but they'll save you from major headaches in the future.
  
  
• Bonus: When you buy your scope, DO THIS to level it. I've tried all kinds of methods, but this by far the best (assuming your rifle is levelled first). It's so simple, but so effective.
  
  
  Anyway, I hope this helps. I'll check back in a little bit (studying for finals right now) if I think of anything else.
  

Thank you for that hump day reminder. I needed it. I was feeling like this week would last forever but hey halfway done.

I had front desk with Drama and she was only mildly annoying. She did ask a bunch of pointless questions. Stuff like "when did that window shade get put up?" It literally does not matter, AND she asks in a way that tells you she doesn't think that person deserves a window shade (they do).

We had a huge delivery today. Three full 3 tiered carts. I don't know how many crates that is because I didn't do crates, but on Monday we got 8 crates and filled up 2 tiers of one cart (each crate has books for us and our branches, 12 libraries total). Which puts us at around...36 crates today? PLUS what our own delivery driver brought in. The new person liked sitting and scanning stuff so I filed and sorted things onto proper carts, which I like doing.

I worked on the summer reading logs and got all 3 done (ages 0-5, 6-12, Teens & Adults). I think they look pretty good considering that I was just told about them yesterday afternoon. BUT I'm like hmm, I could make certain things completely different. There are some major parts that I need to keep consistent across all logs, but otherwise, I can do what I want.

I ordered these earbuds and I'm excited about it. I might actually be able to watch tv with Danger. Or really, just stay in the same room while he watches. And I'm hoping it will help me get through Xmas party (we are hosting) without me hiding in the bedroom. Reviews by people with autism, PTSD, sensory overload issues, were good. I have the cptsd and am super sensitive to sounds. So yeah. Oh AND you are supposed to still be able to hear the person you are having a conversation with. It just quiets the din. It might help at work when people are loud and having to overhear their conversations really gets to me.

It's really weird when people start taking off articles of clothing while I'm looking up their card number or doing something else to help them. It's gross and weird when the clothes are filthy and smelly. I don't want to see your belly, dude. Nor do I want to see your underwear, or your chest. Put your fucking shirt back on.

I had Nissin Raoh soy sauce flavored ramen with egg for dinner. It actually has a pickled bamboo flavor. I love pickled bamboo. I put it into MFP and it has like 95% of my sodium goal. LOL. I didn't drink the soup though, I just like it for a little flavor.

Shower today. I'm hoping my curls/waves stay like they usually do, instead of how they practically fell out after I used that deep conditioning hair mask. I think those things weigh my hair down. I got some curl cream stuff and that weighs my hair down too. Even with gel.

I was gonna get bub a new tablet (Amazon fire kids edition) because his is having errors and freezing up and I thought it didn't have enough RAM but then I looked at some reviews and realized that the problem is really Amazon Free time. They recently did an update and it's been super buggy. Good thing I didn't go buying a new tablet. It would have done the same thing. Hopefully they will fix stuff soon.

I had a 3 year long relationship that had some similar hurdles.

We dated from 18-21, but even at 18 he had erectile dysfunction, and he didn't have the best hygiene practices.

We talked about it a lot and eventually, we had a bit of a breakthrough with hygiene.
Instead of me complaining or nagging at him, if I was feeling frisky I would lead him to the shower and I would wash him.
This is a wonderfully intimate practice, and it helps you open up to each other's bodies.

Even now, at 28, with a husband that travels all the time, I'll have gorgeous lingerie on when I get him from the airport, but he's funky after a day of travel, so we'll get in the shower while I'm still in lingerie, and I'll wash him and initiate sex while we're in the shower together.

That could be a workable option for you guys, it'll open up your intimacy and help with the hygiene, as he'll subconsciously also begin to associate cleanliness, showering and the overall sensations with arousal and this will likely result in him being more hygienic overall.

As far as his quick ejaculation, men tend to be very sensitive about this, and believe it's incurable, when the reality is that it must be worked through.
Given that he has had very few partners, and he does this, it's likely there's never been an opportunity to learn to build up tolerance before ejaculation.
There are numbing lubricants that can help with this as well.
But ultimately, the best way to build resistance to finishing too quickly is to practice being physical and intimate without bringing him to completion.
Using your hands, mouth, toys.

Have him pleasure you with a toy while you stroke him or give him oral, this way you'll get satisfaction and you can manipulate when he is allowed to ejaculate.

The best toy I have ever used is the hitachi wand with variable speed control, you can also get a ton of different attachments for it, so there are many different options to try and find what you enjoy the most.

I would assume he will enjoy seeing you aroused and enjoy being a part of it, and you can work together to get you to finishing, then maybe you can mount him to have him finish inside of you.

There are so many remedies for these issues and I hope you find some things that work for you to help heal your marriage and build your intimacy together.

Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions. I wish you all the best.

I've been working on a list of similarly priced products that are comparable to TO in terms of actives, so if anyone is looking for alternatives: (cheaper $/oz in bold, US-centric, unfinished list)

Retinoids:

• Granactive Retinoid 2% & 5% in Squalane ($9.60 and $13.90 for 30ml) (uses hydroxypinacolone retinoate)
  
  
  • Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum ($26.39 for 30ml) ($$)
    
    
• Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion ($9.80 for 30ml) (uses hydroxypinacolone retinoate)
  
  
• Indeed Labs ($19.99 for 30ml) - hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol ($$)
  
  
• Retinol 0.2% in Squalane ($5.30 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Skinlex Retinol Moisturizer ($13.60 for 60ml) - 0.1% retinol, airless pump packaging, (cream vs oil format)
    
    
  • Alpha Skincare Deep Wrinkle Repair ($17 for 30ml) - 0.15% retinol, $$
    
    
• Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
  
  
• Retinol 1% in Squalane ($6.70 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Life-Flo Retinol 1% in Sweet Almond Oil ($15.79 for 30ml) - $9.99 at TJ Maxx!
    
    
• Retinol 1% ($6.70 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Life-Flo Retinol 1% ($12.97 for 50.28ml)
    
    Vitamin C:
    
    
• (Water Based L-AA Serums) - this isn't a product TO carries, but if you're not tied to the anhydrous formula these can be good alternatives to TOs L-AA products
  
  
  • Skinlex 20% L-Ascorbic Acid Serum ($10.60 for 30ml) - also has ferulic acid, which is fantastic at extending shelf life for L-AA serums!
    
    
  • Skin Actives 15% & 20% L-AA Serums ($16.50 for 30ml) - also has ferulic acid!
    
    
• 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder (coming soon) ($5.80 for 20g)
  
  
  • Skin Actives L-AA Powder ($8 for 30g)
    
    
  • Lotion Crafter L-Ascorbic Acid Ultrafine ($5.80 for 28.35g)
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom L-AA Powder ($7.85 for 28.35g)
    
    
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 10% ($9.60 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Skinlex 15% Pure MAP Serum ($11.60 for 30ml)
    
    Direct Acids:
    
    
• Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($8.70 for 240ml) - this is easily the best deal at $1 per 30ml, but I'll include a couple pricier alternatives
  
  
  • CosRx AHA 7 Liquid ($14.40 for 100ml) - 7% glycolic acid
    
    
  • Alpha Skin Care 10% Glycolic Lotion ($16.99 for 120ml) - lotion format
    
    
  • Bravura London Ginseng Toner with 5% Glycolic Acid ($16.28 for 140ml) - (ginseng! the bottle! so pretty); the glycolic acid is partially neutralized so this is a good choice for an intro AHA
    
    
• Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($4.90 for 15ml, $5.30 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Silk Naturals BHA Toner ($11.75 for 120ml) - 2% salicylic acid
    
    
  • CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid ($16.80 for 100ml) - 4% betaine salicylate
    
    
  • Paula's Choice BHA ($29 for 120ml) - I always think of PC as a more expensive brand, but $7.25 per 30ml ain't that much more than TOs $5.30 per 30ml
    
    
  • MUAC Salicylic Acid 3% Serum ($10 for 30ml)
    
    
• Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% ($7.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Ecological Formulas Melazepam Cream ($12.99 for 50.28ml) - 20% azelaic acid
    
    
• Lactic Acid 5% & 10% + HA ($6.50 & $6.79 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Silk Naturals AHA Toner ($8.95 for 120ml) - 8% lactic acid
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom LactiSen 2% Gentle Gel ($11.90 for 60ml) - 2% lactic acid
    
    
• Mandelic Acid 10% Solution (coming soon) (price unknown)
  
  
  • MUAC 5% Mandelic Acid Toner ($5.50 for 30ml, $10.50 for 120ml)
    
    
  • Stratia Soft Touch AHA ($14 for 50ml) - 10% mandelic acid
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom 2% Mandelic Acid Tonic ($12.95 for 30ml)
    
    
  • Garden of Wisdom 5% Mandelic Acid Serum ($18.90 for 30ml)
    
    
• AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($7.20 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Skin Actives Alpha-Beta Solution ($16 for 30ml) - lactic and salicylic acid, not a fun murderous color like TO
    
    Antioxidants:
    
    
• Resveratrol 3% + Ferulic Acid 3% ($7.90 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Andalou Naturals Blossom + Leaf Toner ($12.95 for 178ml)
    
    
• EUK 134 0.1%
  
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% ($6.80 for 30ml)
  
  
  • Derma E Firming DMAE Serum, Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester ($18 for 60ml)
    
    
  • Derma E Firming DMAE Toner ($12 for 175ml)
    
    Edit - Removing UK recs, will make a separate list; hit the character limit (ofc), now continued below! :D

Hey so I use Small $40 musician ear plugs called Earasers

I found them at Guitar Center, and their the best/most expensive ones there. $40 for one pair is pretty expensive since other brands are half the price, but I really swear by these. I like the simple design and its super easy to put in, take out, and clean. And since its high fidelity earplugs, you can talk to people with them on and the music sounds great. It makes the bass sound good and the high pitched sounds less sharp and painful. But they are just for concerts, because I tried playing drums with these earplugs and it didn’t have enough decibel protection, but for a concert its perfect since you have distance from the band to the crowd.

So if you end up not liking the other brands out there because of their shapes or fit, these Earasers are definitely worth the money. With other ones, sometimes you don’t feel it go enough to plug your ears all the way. But with Earasers, they slide in and fit really snug, and you can adjust how far their in your ear according to how loud you want it.
Because of the texture of the plugs, it easily slides into the ear but it also grabs any earwax with it, so be prepared for some earwax when you take them out. Maybe I have an over abundance of earwax, but what I do is before a concert, I’ll put in the earplugs then take them out and clean all the earwax off and put them back in, basically cleaning my ear and preventing any earwax from being bothersome throughout the concert. Sorry for the TMI haha, but I have been rocking the same pair of Earasers for years and its honestly one of the best purchases ever!

And I don’t work for the company or anything lol, I just go to shows like once a month. I use size Small and anyone else I’ve seen try them said Small fits for them too. Safe travels!

I LOVE AZELAIC ACID. So I pretty well thought I would live with a red face forever along with a severely damaged moisture barrier. The biggest thing that helped me was azelaic acid. I use Melazepam from Amazon. Cheap and works! It's thick at first but smoothes into my skin leaving it kinda matte. At first it itched like crazy and I wasn't using it consistently enough. Then after more research, I decided to use it up and give it a chance. Along with anything high in ceramide, my skin got used to the 20% AzA. Maybe around the 10th day of twice daily use, my skin finally started to look normal. I also switch my oil cleanser to an olive oil based one and saw even more improvement in my redness. I've just added in Vit C to my under eye area and continuing to use Melazepam around the rest of my face and neck and my ENTIRE COMPLEXION is EVEN NOW! Would never have believed that was possible. Melazepam has also minimized my SFs on my nose, has finally stopped this ingrown hair on my neck from forming (I've had it for years!!!), and has cleared all the CCs on my forehead. I repeat: I loooooove azelaic acid, specifically Melazepam!

Current routine:

AM

Garnier Micellar Water - pink cap or Cerave Foaming cleanser

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose. Sometimes I wait after the Vit C but not usually since I don't use them in the same spots.

I do wait 15-20 minutes after my actives step.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method. My face loves this more than the Missha FTE.

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule or SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule depending on the day.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++ I don't see much sunlight at all but when I do, this one keeps me from turning beet red imediately upon application.

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Derma Green-Cure Solution Recover Cream This is the best thing I've found for redness and skin barrier repair! My skin loves ceramides so much and this soothes like nothing I've found yet.

Medela Tender Care Lanolin Tube on my lips. Yes it's nip cream. I couldn't use it all up while nursing and it causes my skin to redden so it's perfect for a little lip color.

PM

ROHTO Hada Labo Gokujun Cleansing Oil My skin reacted to Holika Holika Soda Pore B.b Deep Cleansing Oil so this is my second one to try and I'm really enjoying it.

Cerave Foaming cleanser with a konjac sponge but waiting on
Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam in the mail.

Cosrx Aha/bha Clarifying Treatment Toner

BELITAE Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid to my under eye area and upper cheeks

Melazepam to the rest of my face and neck, especially my nose like the AM.

SCINIC First Treatment Essence 3 skin method.

All depending on how I'm feeling that evening:

LJH TeaTree 90 Essence

SCINIC Snail All In One Ampoule

SCINIC Honey All In One Ampoule

Cosrx Galactomyces 95 Whitening Power Essence

Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

MIZON Snail Repair Eye Cream

Petitfee Black Pearl and Gold Hydrogel Eye Patch Not sure if I like these or not honestly...

Some or all of these layers followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and

Guerisson 9 Complex Horse Oil Cream

Pretty sure my shower filter, Mermosis, has also helped my skin and hair.

I also use sometimes REVITABOOST PEEL Anti-Aging Peel Pads or Cosrx Bha Blackhead Power Liquid but I skip my AzA on those days and just go back to my regular routine the following day. These are rare for me though because they make me ridiculously red again.

Things I'm waiting on in the mail:

ROSETTE Aqua Ceramide Gel

Rumase BIFIDA Snail Toner

Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam

It's Skin Power 10 Formula - PO Effector

Hoping the all work well for me too!

Morning routine:

• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam and Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser as face wash as needed
  
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% one drop on each cheek
  
• Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture before moisturizer
  
• OLE HENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation for moisturizer
  
• Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion when going out
  
  ​
  
  Night routine:
  
  
• Hada Labo Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam and Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser as face wash as needed
  
• Stratia Soft Touch AHA 10% Mandelic Acid Gel everywhere on face except nose and forehead
  
• Stridex (red box) on nose and forehead
  
• Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moisture before moisturizer
  
• OLE HENRIKSEN Sheer Transformation for moisturizer
  
• ArtNaturals Pure Morrocan Argan Oil when needed
  
• NOTE: Some nights I use Ecological Formulas Melazepam Cream (azelaic acid) all over the face
  
  ​
  
  Review:
  
  
• TO Niacinamide - Originally used this on its own for a week or so and didn't notice anything crazy, but it's also too short of a time to judge its impact. Then when I used it according to the routine above, it definitely showed some promising results. The overall texture of my skin is softer and smoother (ex: if I look at my skin with direct light hitting it to highlight "smoothness/not smoothness," the skin is smooth EVERYWHERE). I had some raised scarring, and those went down too. Not sure if this helped reduce the scarring color per say, but it didn't hurt. I replaced my Vitamin C in the mornings with this and saw more immediate results, comparatively.
  
• Stratia AHA - LOVE THIS STUFF. The combo of Stratia and Stridex has worked wonders for me like no other combo of acids (I have tried other combos/routines of AHAs and BHAs, like glycolic and other salicylic). I have to use the Stridex for my forehead because it's the only thing that keeps it clear, so that is simply a personal preference. However, nothing has healed my cheeks like mandelic acid. This one is super gentle (skin never feels taut), however it is slow working. It takes over a month to see positive results. I think it made me purge, which is why I say that. Also, if I don't use it for more than 1 day, I start to have breakouts immediately (experimented and noticed this 3-4 times). Even helps control my hormonal acne every month to where it comes and goes in a couple of days, and doesn't blow up into cystic-style bumps.
  
  Hit me up with questions if ya got any :)

Hey bud! I've been to my fair share of shows, and I saw Animal Collective back in 2013 in Madison, WI. Some tips about concerts and how to enhance your experience:

Earplugs are a must. These are the pair I own, and they work super well; I go to a wide variety of shows in different sized venues (ty Minneapolis) and I've worn those every time. I used to go earplugless, but when I went to see TOBACCO last year, some shoegaze band opened for them and they were literally the loudest fucking thing I've ever heard, ran to get some earplugs, and it was still painfully loud. Some bands like to crank it, generally AnCo keeps it on the lower end but it's never a bad idea to invest in saving your hearing. That's the end goal, isn't it?

When I saw AnCo, I went solo. Senior year of high school, travelled 50 miles on a Wednesday night to see em. Met some really cool guys at the show, shot the shit. Chances are, there's gonna be a fair amount of weed in the crowd. Toke if you want, but some venues are super vigilant while others really don't give a shit.

My general rule of thumb is to get there a bit before doors for a band I either really really love or a show that's gonna attract a big crowd so I can get up front. I'd follow this if you want to be right up against the stage, or at least be there around doors if you want the authentic 9th-row-in-the-pit experience. Being pushed far back kinda sucks, especially if there's an NBA player-sized person standing right in front of you.

Pretty much just go there, scream the lyrics, dance your ass off and vibe. There's gonna be quite a few pretentious hipsters who stand off to the side and just stoically watch them while sneering at anyone who dances. Fuck em, dancing to the boys was one of my best memories. Don't think drunk assholery will be an issue, but pretty much every single show I've been to has involved me being stuck next to someone who can't handle their liquor, be it tiny women at Beach House forcing their way to the front of the stage halfway through the set (and literally standing sideways, wedged between me and my friend) or some large, leather-coat-wearing fuckwad at Com Truise who has been sexually harassing as many women as possible. If you spot one nearby, don't let them harsh your mellow. If they're bumpin into you a lot and you want them to stop, just tell them to give you some space while being as smiley and polite as possible and they'll usually wander off. If they get aggressive, just push towards another spot in the crowd. I doubt there'll be many bad drunks in the crowd, but it never hurts to be a lil mentally prepared.

Anyway, pm me if you have any other questions, and I hope you have as good of a time as I did!

EDIT: Oh yeah, download a Mad Libs app on your phone. Play it with the people standing near you when you're waiting in line/between bands, it's a perfect icebreaker and it's pretty fun.

Don't know if it's noise, but I slept better after I tried some cheap earplugs. I expected them to be real annoying, but they work great. I use them every night now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051U7W32/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sorry, I don't know what you should do. I do want you to stick around, and after my one good day in years, I'm hopeful that there's a light at the end of the tunnel for people like us.

I will relate that "but idk just don’t feel like I’m worth it?" is just a complete summary of all of our issues. This is what we learn, that we are worthless and don't deserve anything. But I bet you're actually a good person. You try to do the best for the world, right? You want other people to be happy? You think of the best ways to treat people? I bet that puts you way above most people in this world, karma-wise.

I realize that it's way hard to get past that kind of thinking, but sometimes it helps me to take on the mindset of "Okay, this thought is absolutely caused by my issues, I can't trust myself on this. Let me just ignore it, and try to figure out what I should do."

Just got back from my therapy. It's really hard in that I have zero clue why I felt so good last Tuesday. It's all mental, so theoretically I can just feel like that all the time? But I don't. EMDR seemed impactful this week, so hopefully I'm making progress and will get more up days. But it's been years of lows.

Thanks for talking still!

Great thinking! I'll give you my experience with the ones I've used.

First I bought this set from Etymotic for myself and my Croo years ago. For the price they're great and served me quite well at local shows and Roo alike until I lost them at Roo in 2016 (luckily I always carry disposable ones too in case anyone around me in the crowd wants a pair so I wasn't deaf by the end of that Roo). I liked them for the price and the carrying case however they did have some issues like their odd fit for some folks.

After losing the Etymotic's at Roo in 2016 I bought this set from Eargasm pretty much as soon as I got home. They're a bit pricier than the Etymotic's but well worth the price in my opinion. They come with a large and small in ear insert in order to ensure a good fit for most and instead of using a tube and dampening materials like the Etymotic's the Eargasm's actually have a tiny filter that makes for much more even tones/sounds. They also come with a much better carrying case and have yet to have an issue with them in the ~2.5 years I've had them.

Side note about the Eargasm's, their carrying case is a tiny metal canister that comes equipped with a keychain and I take them to every show I go to, I mention this because the canister does look like something you'd house party favors in so the security may have you open the canister up so they can inspect it. I've also found the canister sets off metal detectors so if you do attempt to get through using it as a party favor holder it may come back to bite you. Just figured I'd give you a heads up there since I've gotten many strange looks from security and fellow show goers alike until I open them up and pop the plugs in.


Hopefully this helps! If you've got any questions about either set let me know!

First - Babygate all the way. Your 4 year old can get into so much dangerous trouble running around the house on their own. Hell no.

Second - I got a clock that turns colors. It's dark blue (and doubles as a nightlight) when it's sleepy time and turns yellow when it's time to wake up. (You program it and can have different bed and wakeup time for the weekends)


When she was four years old: I closed the baby gate and she was told NOT COME OUT OF HER ROOM OR MAKE NOISE UNTIL THE CLOCK IS YELLOW. It mostly worked.

Now that she is 5 she is not allowed to get out of her bed unless she has to go the bathroom until the clock is yellow. She also may not make noise or wake me up unless it's an emergency - and we talked about what those are.

Then, after she is asleep each night, I put a flashlight and her books near her bed. If she wakes up before the clock is yellow she can read quietly. If she makes nose, I take the books AND make her lay their quietly until the clock is yellow. It works beautifully.

There are two kinds of clocks and I recommend the more simple version and an open box version from the manufacturer.

The clock is available on Amazon, but I bought a used one directly from the manufacturer. I bought it 4 years ago and it's worked perfectly and looked perfect since the day I go tit.

http://www.mytotclock.com/buy_now.php



My next recommendation is the Dhom Classic Sound Machine - it's really the best one. My daughter started sleeping far deeper and far longer when I got a white sound machine on the recommendation of my pediatrician. It's the kind they use in therapy offices. It really does fill up the whole room with white noise - I can barely even hear the garbage trucks on garbage day. The bonus is that if it's going in her room, I can have an adult conversation or watch a "bang bang shoot 'em up" type movie without her listening in and the noises of the house don't keep her up. I don't have to TIPTOE until she's asleep! WOOT! Privacy is divine when you live in a small place!

You can get them cheaper on Amazon Warehouse. They are Open box but work perfectly: https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Classic-White-Noise-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1549570064&sr=8-1&keywords=dohm%2Bsound%2Bmachine&th=1

Hint on the sound machine: Put it in a corner of the room farthest from the child. I actually have mine up on a dresser in the far corner from her bed. That way they don't play with it on the ground. Best thing I ever did for her sleep.

OH! Lastly, the flashlight is hand crank and I got it from IKEA for cheap - they sell them in the kids section! https://m2.ikea.com/us/en/p/ljusa-led-flashlight-hand-powered-30190857/

I experience a similar effect when I play Minecraft. I'm only good for about an hour before it starts to set in. If I continue to play it only gets worse.

I never have figured out any game settings to alleviate this issue. I have. however, found some remedies that help me to get my minecraft fix!

Medications like Dimenhydrinate (the brand name id Dramamine, but if you look/ask for the drug name I just listed, you can get it at half the cost from your local pharmacy) are a big help for me.

Another thing that I've found to work well for me personally are Sea Bands. These little guys are awesome. They apply pressure to a pressure point on your wrists. I don't pretend to understand why they work, but they do. It is different for each person though so they may be more or less effective for your mom. Some advice I would offer you though is if she does try them, put them on like 15-20 minutes before she plays. For me, it seemed to help more when I wore them in advance.

One last piece of advice I can offer is in regards to screen/monitor size and full-screen mode. One of the things that helps me with Minecraft when I'm not using one of the other remedies is to alter the screen mode. I have a 24" monitor that I play on so when I'm planning on playing Minecraft, I put the game in windowed mode and resize the window to about 1/2 the screen size. Having a smaller screen seems to help with how quickly the nausea sets on for me.

Minecraft is the only game in my collection that makes me sick and it drives me nuts because it's one of my favorites. I hope that my tips can help you play with your mom! I would like to add though that I'm certainly not a doctor, so take my tips with that in mind. And your mom should probably read the warnings/consult her doctor before she takes the pills.

Comments like that from friends are prob well intentioned but clearly, not informed! I'm sure they don't know as much about skincare as us folks here on ScA! My 76 yr old mom will say things to me like "Do you use a washcloth? If not, here's how you wipe it on your face..." HAHA. : ) And def find a new derm who specializes in acne, and one who is NOT condescending. I'll suffer through it if the professional is top notch / specialist but otherwise, no way. The last person I need to judge me is my doctor!!

So glad to hear your skin is looking better, and it goes go to show you that you respond well to antibiotics. Re: the doxy, def check out food suggestions food. Directions usually say to not eat it with food but I'd eat it with food b/c it will line your stomach. Also says to avoid dairy but I think having a little protein (cheese in your case) would help cushion it (calcium slows absorbtion but only slightly). Probiotics could help you as well. You'll def have to experiment!

Also check out this post on TO Azelaic Acid. Some commenters said they found better results with [Melazepam 20%] (https://smile.amazon.com/Ecological-Formulas-Melazepam-Cream/dp/B001WUEJ4U?sa-no-redirect=1).

And this person had amazing luck within 24 hours using LRP products! so jealous...

These have been a lifesaver for me as I have heightened sensitivity to loud sounds and also recently became more conscious about protecting my hearing. I use them in both concert and everyday settings and in addition to protecting my hearing during intensely loud performances, they also help me tune out loud, distracting noises when I'm trying to focus in everyday settings, which was an unexpected, but welcome benefit.


Just a thought for making it through large festivals as high fidelity earplugs allow you to hear what others are saying more clearly as well, which can cut down some of the frustrations of interactions in that setting (like having to shout-repeat yourself 3 or 4 times to someone). This is because they attenuate sound evenly across the frequency spectrum, which results in an effect like turning the volume down, without losing any of the quality of the music—it's incredible. In any case, I hope you enjoy the festival and have the opportunity to see some wonderful live sets!

In two years, I'll also be a professional making 6 figures so I understand where you're coming from. It's not necessarily about the money but about the motivation to do something more with his life. Also, if you want to settle down, you want someone with more stability and potential to help support the family. It's okay, you'll be okay. Cry if you need to because you guys had some good times together. You made the right decision, for you and for him. I wish I could give you a big hug.

Maybe with your next awesome paycheck, you can buy this little baby and you can cum lots and lots all on your own. :) Feel better, lady! It'll get better with time. Just go at your own pace and don't look back.

Skin Profile: Normal/Combo, little oilier in the summer, dryer in the winter | Fitzpatrick 2 | Very mildly PD/Roseaca/Eczema prone | Mostly just trying to maintain

Climate/Location: Midwest US | Hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters; so much rain...



Sunscreen/Makeup Remover:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O (HG)

Cleansers:

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (HG)

Ocusoft Foaming Lid Scrub (RP)

Moisturisers:

Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream (RP)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream almost always mixed with squalane oil (HG)

Oil:

Timeless Squalane mixed with CeraVe cream (HG)

SPFs:

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - Untinted (HG)

Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 55 for when I need something water resistant (RP)

Active:

Melazepam - 20% Azelaic Acid (HG)



Reflection: I'm really happy with the routine I have now—my skin looks and feels the best it ever has, and I don't think I've added anything new in about a year. I feel like my current products address what they should, and even though I have (RP) next to some things I really have no desire to actively try to replace anything; if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? Having a consistent routine for so long has also given me plenty of time to see where and what my new baseline is, which gives me a more realistic idea of where I want to head next.

I still have some concerns I'd like to address, mainly SFs. I think I want to add in a BHA next, and then maybe a Vitamin C, but I have a hard time pulling the trigger when I feel like my skin is in a pretty damn good place right now.

To satisfy my desire to try new products I've started to get more into hair care and body skin care. It feels "safer" for me personally to experiment with a bunch of different products on my hair and body than my face, and it satisfies the same urge.

Finally a topic I'm passionate about!

I don't have a specific answer for you, but that's because I have a lot of experience with ear plugs, and I know taste and fit will vary immensely from person to person.

Unfortunately, that means the best advice I can give you is try a whole bunch of different ear plugs, and see which ones fit best and work best for your purposes.

Judging from my experience, I'm certain you're going to need more than one type of earplug.

A bunch of tips:

1. This place: http://www.earplugstore.com/
   
   
2. Check out their assortment packs.
   
   
3. They make smaller women's and slim fit earplugs. I'm a fairly large man, and they don't fit me perfectly, but if I just want to take the edge off of the ambient sound, I use them. They muffle everything, but not to the same degree as my regular sized earplugs. That may not be an option for you depending on the size of your ears, but it's an option for some.
   
   
4. For music and movies, I've tried Downbeats, but they don't fit me very well. You may have more luck, and there are other brands worth considering. Search for earplugs for musicians. They preserve the full range of audio frequencies, but just lower the volume. (Regular earplugs will tend to block out some frequencies more than others.)
   
   
5. My favorite.
   
   
6. Buy disposable earplugs in bulk on the internet.
   
   
7. Those single use disposable earplugs -- you can use them more than once, but they do lose some of their blocking power. (Depending on the situation, this might be an advantage.) But once they get a little too soft and squishy, they're done.
   
   
8. I often wear earplugs almost all day like you're planning. And I sleep with them every night too. That's doable, but do take them out for a decent amount of time each day. If they are in too long, even your favorite earplugs can become irritating. (And I know some people do have allergies to certain earplug materials.)
   
   
9. Noise dampening earmuffs are also great.
   
   
10. Keep a pair of earplugs with you in a little case at all times. You never know when you're going to want them.
    
    If you have any questions or just want to talk earplugs, let me know. Like I said, I'm an earplug aficionado!
    
    As for the rest of you, I can't recommend the earplug lifestyle to people on this subreddit strongly enough.
    
    Earplugs are like a warm, cozy blanket for your mind.
    
    Once you start using them regularly, you'll wonder how you ever managed to live without them.

I’d highly recommend a “white noise sound machine” such as the Marpac Adjustable model.

Marpac

I’ve tried fans, apps, looping sound clips and YouTube videos but nothing has worked as well as my Marpac. Read though some of the 11k reviews and you’ll come to understand why it’s helped allot of folks.

In my case; I’m a light sleeper and it does a great job of masking outside noises which otherwise would have woken me up easily. I like being able to adjust the air vent ports to suit the tone I’m comfortable with and given that’s it’s an actual small fan spinning within a container, it sounds much more natural and soothing than some app.

Use a heavy blanket, make sure your room is a bit chilly and use a physical white noise machine to help you fall sleep and stay asleep.

I hope this helps

I hate sounds so here’s what I devised:

Musicians Ear plugs:

Pros: easy to hide, cut sounds well
Cons: uncomfortable for long periods of time, easy to lose.

Low profile ear muffs:

Pros: best thing for cutting all sounds, impossible to loose or break
Cons: not super comfortable with glasses, very obvious.

Sound cancelling headphones;

Pros; you can hear conversations super well but it blocks out the back ground sound, you can also play music to cut out all sound, socially acceptable, the most comfortable solution.
Cons: very expensive for good ones, they use batteries, they are fragile, they don’t cut out as much sound as ear muffs

I own all three of these. I wear sound cancelling her phones all day and at social events such as a diner or party since I can easily have conversations with them, I used ear plugs at fancy events or places that I don’t want people to look at me or ask me why I’m wearing ear protections (ear plugs are also tiny and great to bring as an emergency back up) and I wear ear muffs in class. I will link the best of all of these:

Sound cancelling I used, they are good but use aaa batteries instead of recharging them with USB: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M1NEUKK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IbIHDb74TF6XZ

Sound cancelling of the latest and best technology (almost double the price but they are worth it if you have the cash): Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756CYWWD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7cIHDbGR2SXTV

Low profile ear muffs of high quality (they are on sale
Right now too!): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VWJL9LG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xeIHDb94GJN4V

Any “musicians ear plugs” will work but apparently these are the best ones: www.amazon.com/dp/B018WPOQSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YfIHDbZ20X0Q4

Oooh, I love the <$5 items! Let's see what you might like.

Okay, haha, I just found this ring in my random searching today and thought it was hilarious. Perhaps you might enjoy the ridiculous humor of it as well? All joking aside, this pocket watch made me stop and stare for the longest time. I can't believe it's under five bucks. Also, I am of the strong belief that everyone needs a head massager for those stressful days that just won't quit. You should also have a keychain flashlight for any emergencies that may arise (trust me, this thing comes in so handy). And since this one is solar powered, you don't have to worry about the batteries running dry at the worst possible moment on earth. This keychain key ring is super sturdy, and it's actually less than one dollar! What could be better! Hrm, purse organizers are super handy as well. But I think perhaps the best under five dollar item I've come across lately is this portable dinnerware kit, in case you need utensils on the go.


CROCHET THIS FOR ME! If I happen to win I'd die for a Jayne hat, because when I walked down the street with it on this winter people would surely know that I'm not afraid of anything.


Thanks so much for the contest! I'm in awe of talent like yours. Seriously, I tried to make a scarf once. It was... Yeeeeeah.

Honestly, it's going to take some trial and error to find the right ones for you.

There's plenty cheap but decent options so that if you lose yours on a somewhat consistent basis, it won't cost too much. It might happen as you get used to carrying them with you. A lot of people do Keys, I do my wallet but YMMV.

Three Popular options: Etymotic 20 DownBeats & Earasers I used US Amazon to show examples.

The Earasers are the Pricey option, but from my understanding, they offer the best Clarity. No case either, so you'll need to look for one. There's a fully "licensed" (meaning they'll fit) case for an extra 10$.

Etymotic 20's are what I use. Again, no case but I use a cheap key-chain pill case. Sounds good to my ears.

DownBeats are the most popular option I've seen around. They're too small for my ear canals, but they work for most. Come with a case, which is nice. Nice silicon and a friend who owns a pair usually forgets they're in.

All of these might work, or none of them. You just kind of have to try them out and see what works for you. Best of luck!

It might, but not a lot yet. Hardware IPD adjustment is the most noticeable help, plus general optimizations that can help keep FPS consistent or even higher like foveated rendering, but Index doesn't have all of that tech, as well as brute force specs like refresh rate, but that might be a year or two away in consumer devices. Weight and format also influence it. I remember reading about this really crazy tech that would send electric signals to your brain to simulate the feeling of movement. Individual game optimizations can also help.

​

There is also this wristband thingy that claims to help with it, but I don't know how much it works https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Band-Wristband-Anti-Nausea-Acupressure-Sickness/dp/B001F731N0

​

This video is quite comprehensive, however it is from the long-gone age of... 2017. Funny how outdated it already it is, but it still helps explain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3mMc__UtU

It does look like rosacea could partially be what’s going on (not a doctor, and you should see one since rosacea can progress to be quite serious). If it is rosacea, in my experience you’re going to need something specific for it. And nothing in your current regimen will likely treat it.

Azelaic acid and metronidazole are two topical drugs commonly used.

• This paper from 2003 found that azelaic acid gel, like Finacea, twice per day was more effective than metronidazole. Note that Finacea/azelaic gel is prescription only and expensive, in the US at least
  
  
• This paper found that azelaic acid cream, like Melazepam, was equally effective as topical metronidazole, with higher satisfaction.
  
  
• For my own skin, metronidazole cream seems to be much more effective than azelaic acid cream (Melazepam), and its more cosmetically elegant. But I wouldn’t put too much importance on my personal results.
  
  So, azelaic acid might be a good place to start; doubly so since you don’t need a prescription and it is assumed to be safe during pregnancy. And there’s good evidence for azelaic acid on acne, as well.

I use two types of earplugs.

Vibes High Fidelity Concert Earplugs - Hearing Protection Ear Plugs Noise Reduction for Concerts, Fitness Classes, Motorcycle, Sensory Disorders (Tinnitus Relief & Autism) - As Seen on Shark Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WPOQSG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_rWqODbPD5326E

These for when I need things toned down but don't need to be aware enough to, say, notice someone coming up behind me. So, places I feel safe. Theyre fairly comfortable. Designed similarly to earbuds. Easy to take with you and keep clean.

Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs for Concerts Musicians Motorcycles Noise Sensitivity Conditions and More (Ear Plugs Come in Premium Gift Box Packaging) - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019M576XW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_OXqODb425E193

These for when I have to be aware of my surroundings but can't deal with all of the sound because it's overwhelming. It makes things manageable on a good day, but they wouldn't do much on a bad day. They're really, really comfortable. Easy to take with you. Require a bit more care than most earplugs.

Both will let you hear conversation/tv/etc without issue.

Well, as far as the toys go, start simple. To pull a rabbit out with someone who isn't all that sure about sex toys is probably pretty intimidating.

I would get a bullet type toy, and maybe a vibrator you can wear during intercourse that might give her orgasms while you're in her.

We have lots of sex toys, but my wifes least favorite is the very expensive rabbit I got for her...thouhg I've yet to bring it to the bath. (thanks for the reminder!) She likes one like a rabbit, but its smaller...I'll link it below.

Also, on the glass toy, does your wife masturbate? Either alone or with you? if not then this toy is going to be useless to her most likely. My wife doesn't masturbate alone, so she really only likes toys that I can use for her that enhance our sex together.

Now here is my golden advice...get a Hitachi Wand with a strength adjustment box. This is by far her favorite thing. I can start out using it as a massage enhancer and eventually use it with my fingers before intercourse. Its big enough that its perfect since she likes doggie the best and she can put it on a pillow and use it while I'm behind her hand free. If I flip her around, she can hold it with no issues. My wife usually orgasms 2-3 times per session. If there is one sex toy every hetro couple needs, its an Hitachi. I'll also link.

This is the Hitachi we have

This is the butterfly toy we have that she used to really love

I’ve had good results azelaic acid. When I first started using it, it really burned at itched. I have super sensitive skin was sure I was gonna wake up with a rash after using it the night before but instead I woke up with the smoothest, redness-free skin I’ve ever had. I’ve been using it everyday since and it no longer stings or burns. The results have been great. It’s definitely the active I’ve had the least irritation from. I use Melzapam.

I’ve also had good luck with Alpha Skincare renewal cream. It has 12% glycolic acid which is kind of strong if your skin isn’t used to it. To get my skin used to it, I mixed a little bit of it and my regular CeraVe moisturizer together in my hand before putting it on my face. Then I mixed progressively more in each following night until I could comfortable use it on its own.

Both of these products have emollients so they shouldn’t further dry out your skin.

yes, pretty much. NRR = what the government-mandated test says, "noise reduction" = what the manufacturer says. Typically audiophilia is filled with bullshit claims, but I do trust the numbers that Shure puts out.

Keep in mind that the amount of isolation of a universal IEM is very dependent on how good a seal you can get. Thats why IEM manufacturers use words like "up to" instead of just specifying a number. The SE215 does come with foam olive tips, which IMO are very decent.

Why not try out a pair of foam earplugs first? They will cost you just a few dollars, and you will get a great sense of whether you want to spring $100 on the 215s or not.

I have used these in the past and they are consistently good - easy to fit into your ears and rated for 32 dB. IMO if this helps, either stick with earplugs or go for some 215s. If you still have issues focusing after trying out the earplugs, maybe take the medical route.

Good luck with your attempts to study, dude!

I've been using the disposable foam ones for about 2 years. They worked well with my Sena, but music was a bit muffled, but worth it since it got rid of a lot of wind noise. Last week, I decided to try the non-disposable ones. They arrived in the mail on Friday, so Saturday morning I thought I would go do a 20 minute test ride with the new plugs. WOW! Way better! My 20 minute ride turned into 3 hours because I was enjoying the music too much to ride home. I am not endorsing the brand/model I linked to, as these are the only ones I have tried, and there may even be better ones. But I would strongly suggest trying some of these if you like to listen to music through your Sena while riding.

If you can't hear your Sena, even with disposable plugs, you might try moving the speakers around to find the sweet spot. I have found that even a 2mm change in the speaker placement makes a huge difference in volume.

Hi! Chemo survivor here! (Disclosure: I went through chemo for an auto immune disease, not cancer).

I would steer away from books, actually. Reading, watching TV, and anything where I had to focus my eyes made me sick.

• this simple acupuncture band helped. But I survived off of audible tor entertainment.
  
  
  
• A friend of mine bought my audible subscription, and then also got a bunch of our friends to give me their logins so I could listen to books they’d already purchased without having to use my credits, which was really thoughtful.
  
  
• My biggest saving grace were essential oils- not because I believed they would cure me, but because every little smell also made me nauseous. Wild Thera makes a bunch of different types of balms with oils and beeswax, which I carried everywhere to mask the smells of the word.
  
  
• If you’re willing to drop a pretty penny and the friend doesn’t already have AC and/or a HEPA air purifier, those are both crucial. Chemo made me sweat a TON, and I couldn’t sleep through the night unless it was 5 degrees. The hepa air filter is just to lower the risk of infection.
  
  
• Ergonomic pillows, leg bolsters, etc. she’s going to spend a lot of time in bed, so it’s important she’s properly supported.
  
  
• Sleep Mask
  
  
• Ice Packs/Heating pad
  
  
• Coloring books with colored pencils
  
  
• travel scrabble
  
  
• a cozy blanket or sweatshirt. She’ll probably have a PICC line put in, meaning they’ll need to access her collarbone ish area so off the shoulder sweaters are great.
  
  
• socks with anti slip bottoms -the hospital will make you wear their scratchy ones if she gets admitted with regular socks
  
  
• sour and hard candy
  
  I think those are all the things I wanted, other than my friends to take me to chemo. I liked having a friend go with me because it passed the time faster having someone to talk with.
  
  Edit: whoever said weed has it right. It really helped, a ton. I wouldn’t smoke it, but some of my favorite hard candies and gummies were weed candy. I live in Seattle though, so it’s probably more accessible.

For the sweet tooth (like my dad, these are all things he likes):

• A candy jar or bowl filled with her favorite candy.
  
  
• An artisan ice cream scoop.
  
  
• An ice cream maker. You could get an ice cream recipe book as well.
  
  
• One of my dad's favorite gifts was a sugar dispenser... I think that shows his level of sugar commitment.
  
  
• Some artisan marshmallows.
  
  
• A milk frother that doubles as a hot chocolate maker.
  
  For the executive (like my mom, these are all things she likes):
  
  
• A high quality thermos for coffee on the way to work.
  
  
• A smart home setup, maybe an echo and some smart outlets or the google home. Really good for turning lights on/off, asking for the weather and news, listening to music, etc.
  
  
• A FitBit to help her keep healthy even working long hours.
  
  
• A popcorn maker that allows you to make non-microwaved popcorn in the microwave.
  
  
• A white noise machine. If she has any trouble sleeping this thing is AMAZING.
  
  
• A Roku or Chromecast that makes it easier to watch Netflix on the TV.
  
  
• Wine tasting or cooking class that you can do together. Really my mom loves doing stuff with her family.

I love headache helpers! They make me feel sooooo much better whenever I have motion sickness. Speaking of which, [these] (http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Band-Adult-Wristband-Color-1-Pair/dp/B001F731N0/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372393128&sr=1-1&keywords=motion+sickness+wristband) are what I find really relaxing. Kind of weird, but I get really bad motion sickness, especially when playing video games. I have no idea why. But when I put those on I can feel all the sickness melt away. Also, I like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Dayday-temperature-Visualized-Sensor-Plastic/dp/B00CPH3BDE/ref=sr_1_4?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1372393336&sr=1-4&keywords=led+shower+head) for late-night showers. I love having the bathroom dark, but without onbe. I'd probably slip on something and bust my head open. But whatever. I dont really mind any sorts of patterns or things. I like cutesy things, like the pattern you had with trees and clouds, but it doesnt really matter. And have you ever had flax pancakes? I dont know why, but I LOVE them. They're usually pretty dry, but its nothing some maple syrup cant fix!

Uh I'm so sorry to hear this. You definitely have a nuisance neighbor and that's so anxiety inducing on top of a chronic illness. I also have a chronic illness and work incall from home.

Have you thought about ways you can limit or muffle the noise? Do you have a carpet or can you put down an area rug? If you don't want a rug, maybe you can wear flip flops or slippers at home to help dull the noise? Do you ask clients to take their shoes off at the door?

I have a white noise sound machine that I use for sleep but a lot of psychologists use them to muffle noise in their office so people can't hear their patients. I have the professional one they use: https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Classic-White-Noise-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2IN38LJZ07OLK&keywords=white%2Bnoise%2Bmachine&qid=1566443701&s=gateway&sprefix=white%2Bnoise%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-7&th=1

It's pricer then the others but it's worth the $$.

I had a problem with my headboard & bed frame after 6 months of working. It was banging on the wall and creaking loudly during activity, it's a freakin miracle my neighbor next to me didn't' complain! It was a single guy so maybe he was happy to listen 😂. I ended up investing in a new bed frame when their was a memorial day sale and I'm pretty happy with my purchase. It's pretty and super quiet now.

Not so much for white noise, but I bought these for concerts and motorcycle riding and loved them:


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V9PKZA/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


My partner then upgraded me to these, and I love them as well, but TBH I don't see how they are better than the $10 ones I bought myself first:


https://smile.amazon.com/Eargasm-Musicians-Motorcycles-Sensitivity-Conditions/dp/B019M576XW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=eargasm&qid=1554298633&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-1-catcorr


I've since given her my Hearos to use at concerts. If I were you I think the Hearos would do you just fine; I haven't looked at the specs of either, like I said, they both appear to work pretty much the same.


Hope this helps.

If you haven't already, you could consider yoga-style exercises. Anything that's basically big stretches and breathing. Hold a pose and breath into it. The breath is key for relaxation. Longer exhales than inhales will cue your body to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the auto-pilot process for resting and digesting (think opposite of fight/flight). So breath is a way to have your body tell your muscles to chill, which makes them easier to stretch, which helps give you the relaxation and results you want. Massage is all about engaging the parasympathetic system and encouraging and facilitating the body's natural healing processes.

If you're talking about the theracane, I know plenty who love it. They're great. I've used one and plan to get one, but I don't own one yet so I can't speak for long term use. I have good results with tennis balls between my back and the wall, or on the floor. If you're curious about self care options, google 'self myofascial release' and check out foam rolling stuff. There's some really cool stuff you can do for yourself just by rolling around on the floor for a few minutes each day. :]

I would say a fan that is loud enough, usually the square floor fans (you can point it toward a wall so it doesn't hit you, otherwise you may get chilly). I usually keep mine on the lowest setting, but sometimes have to bump it up to medium if neighbors are playing music. I really find that the cheaper, square, medium'ish sized ones work the best. The more expensive ones try to actually be quiet, which is not what I want.

Also, i would get one of these bad boys: http://www.amazon.com/Marpac-SleepMate-980A-Electro-Mechanical-Conditioner/dp/B000KUHFGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303068647&sr=8-1

I have found that other noise machines (rain noises, etc) just have a loop back that I can pick up on and it actually keeps me up even more because I am following the loop back. The white noise machine above has no such thing, I love them.

I have their travel one because I am on the road for work 3 weeks out of a month. Works great. If I was you, I'd use both. Put the fan by the window, on the right setting. Put the white noise machine on your dresser, next to you.

The secondary glazing sounds great, and if I asked my landlord to do this he would laugh and laugh and laugh and laugh, then hang up on me. I feel your pain, man. I hate noise while i'm trying to sleep. But what I have said above has worked in some pretty shitty situations before.

1. A Dohm sound machine - seriously, this thing is amazing. My toddler still uses hers and my husband and I actually bought one for our room and we use it every night. It goes with us when we travel and it's essential to good sleep for us.
   
2. Gummy bear night light - it must be red! This was recommended to me from a sleep class we took before our toddler was born and it's amazing for middle of the night feedings. You squeeze the belly and it turns on and there's a separate adapter I recommend buying so you don't run out of batteries so quickly. The red light helps your baby (and you!) fall asleep quickly so you don't have sleep that's even more disrupted.
   
3. Seamless underwear - I wasn't expecting a c-section and ended up having an emergency one and I had to have my mother-in-law run to Macy's to find some seamless underwear for me because regular underwear hit exactly at my c-section scar and was extremely uncomfortable. She picked up some Calvin Klein ones and I've since purchased several pairs and I really love them, even when not pregnant, but it was something that I wasn't expecting to need. (I would find the link for them but I'm currently at work so I'll edit it later with the link, haha)
   
   Splurge item: a baby monitor with a camera and app on your phone. We originally used a motorola one because I was convinced I needed a separate little screen and I could still see it on my phone through an app, but we recently bought a Nest camera and I love it. I love being able to see what time she goes to bed if we have a sitter, I can tell when she's gotten up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom - even if she doesn't wake us up and its several hours later... overall, I just really love it.

Based on the responses in this thread, I'm really interested in the Etymotic ones that everyone is recommending. I've never tried them, but it sounds like they're pretty popular, and for good reason.

Personally, I got a pair of Earasers, and I love them. These lower the volume enough for me to spend all night at a show without any ringing in my ears when I go to bed. They preserve enough fidelity that I can have conversations and still enjoy the music. And best of all, they're practically invisible. Most people can't even tell I'm wearing them.

I have several friends that live in Finland, so I get to go and stay for free. I spent about 4 days in Rovaniemi for skiing last year. As an American looking over the side of the bridge and seeing a partially submerged speed limit sign, I thought, "Huh. The road has been flooded by the adjacent river and frozen over." Nope. They turned part of the river in a road. The river road speed limit is about 20 mph. :)

Useful information, VITAMIN D and a sun lamp are your friends. I used this sunlamp while living in Northern France. Seasonal Depression is a real thing and it blows.

Like the kind Finnish redditor mentioned, Finns don't generally do small talk. This is almost always true. Fight the urge to chit chat American style.

Also, learn sauna etiquette as saunas are very important in Finnish culture. Your board shorts in the pool and shower aren't going to fly. There is nothing better than beer and a sauna.

Speaking of beer, Finland has some great beer, but you may have to look around for it. I've some excellent beers in Finland which had complex flavors.

Remember that you are in Europe. Travel is relatively cheap once you get there, but living up north may make it a little more inconvenient and / or expensive.

Sign up for a VR account -national rail system. You can get some excellent deals.

Good luck and have fun!

I've never worn ear plugs, and I've been to ~ 150 shows over the last 10 years or so, so take this with a grain of salt... When you're close to the stage, you'll be closer to the speakers and more susceptible to hearing damage. If you're in the back of the venue, it's still loud, but not as big of a deal. I read an article once (can't find it presently) that stated a live concert of 4 hours of loud music can take something ridiculous like 6 months off your hearing or something. But clearly I've never listened.

A few years ago I saw Deaf Heaven in a really small venue and literally had ringing in my ears for a solid week. That was the point where I knew I had done some pretty severe damage. So now I either stand far away from the speakers, or if I know it's a small venue and want to be close, I wear some musicians earplugs, so the noise isn't distorted, just quieter. Something like these would do the trick if you're worried about it: http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Hearing-Protection-MusicSafe-Classic/dp/B0032BYCWG

Also wanted to chime in about moshing - don't worry about it! Have fun, and if it gets too rowdy, just push your way to the side of the crowd or back a few people away from the pit area. Not a huge deal at all. Watch out for crowd surfers! I've gotten kicked in the head a few good times from simply not being aware that they were coming. It sucks, but it's a part of the experience.

I'm actually going to this show tomorrow night, and i'm super stoked! I hope you have an awesome time!

This one works well but I like the hue of light a bit less than a few that are a bit more expensive (it is bluish and feels less like basking in the sun): NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp (package may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_v8VtybG2C7M3Q

This is my favorite one (nice sunlight-like hue, nice and bright-feeling): Northern Light Technology Boxelite 10,000 Lux Bright Light Therapy Light Box, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NPZZ1JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W9VtybTPEBHGC

The evidence behind both of these is good. You just gotta make sure you are sitting close enough and long enough (should be no more than a couple feet away and for about 30 min/day).

I use this device to make sure I'm getting enough light and for long enough (not exactly what the product was made for but it works - it measures anything over 2500 lux so you will know if you are sitting too far from the light): SunSprite Wearable Light Tracker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX5X4T6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_S.Vtyb221SKDB

Hope this helps! I'm a bit of a light-junkie so PM me or post here if you have any questions.

Short answer: lifting will definitely help.

I suspect your head is forward like that to counterbalance your chest going back. If you'd like to geek out a bit and try to understand what the different components are to a bad posture, I found this 5-part series helpful (don't mind the title and the tone of the piece; the information is solid, even though it's written for a very particular audience).

There are a number of venues of exploration for you:

• weak muscles (posterior chain: back, glutes, hamstrings, + core)
  
• tight, wound-up muscles (static stretching might help, but better would be mobility work like others have recommended here. Esp. consider soft-tissue work like trigger point self-massage; this thing is awesome.)
  
• bad cues for everyday posture. <-- this I want to explain a bit.
  
  People will tell you things like "stand up straighter", but they don't necessarily understand how to achieve this result, so they'll say things like "pull your shoulders back". Just pulling your shoulders back will probably not work though, because your shoulders will just get tired, you'll forget, and you'll slump again. I think a better cue is: roll your shoulders up towards your ears, then back and down your back, and when you get to that back and down position try to keep them there. If they start feeling forward again, roll them up, back and down again. For the head, think of pushing your chin back and into your chest, prolonging the back of your head. And try "stand up straight" not by lifting your ribcage up, but by keeping your abs engaged, maybe 15-20% of your max, to encourage them to support your spine (+ the shoulder & head thing above).

I don't know if this is relevant to your interests or not, but if you do a bit of reading about trigger points and get yourself one of these, it may greatly amplify the helpful effects you describe. (+make it possible to reach parts of your back/neck/shoulders that you otherwise wouldn't be able to.)

It makes a huge difference - it has for me at least - but I can't stress enough, that it helps to learn about how the muscles go together + where the relevant points are. Otherwise you'll just be jabbing yourself aimlessly. Because what might feel like the "sore spot" may just be referred pain, and you could unlock further improvement by addressing the originating points instead.

There are books on the subject, and plenty of massage-therapy-related things, but a good visual reference and tl;dr is this app (Muscle Trigger Point Anatomy) which shows you the places to address, the affected areas, with accompanying anatomical descriptions.

For whole-body care and maintenance it's something I definitely recommend (in addition to exercise and other healthy stuff, haha.)

<3 Some extra lighting could help, and maybe even set aside some cash for one of those sun lamp type things to make the shorter daylight hours in winter more bearable.

If you haven't already, investing in one or two plants that don't need a lot of light can add some cozy comfort to a room too.

What are your favorite colors? Can you decorate within those to create a happier space? I really like yellow and turquoise, and am always trying to find things in those colors. Even just a few throw pillows or knick knacks and a brightly colored cozy blanket can help. Throw down a cute dollar store blanket or some cheap cozy pet beds for the puppers to cuddle with you too!

...and maybe some brightly colored dollar store baskets to help organize your craft stuff and/or stash :D

IF you're able to, get outside as well even for 10-15 minutes during the day when the sun is out. Even if you're not smoking, but toking in your new cozy spot, and then trying to adventure out. It makes a a bit of a difference to get a change of scenery.

Edit: If you could find even just a futon mattress in good shape on Cragislist or something, you could fold that against the wall, hang some lights, put down some blankets and throw pillows, and call that a lounge/smoke spot too. If you Google reading nook ideas, you might be able to get some more inspiration on how to convert that into a smoke spot ;)

Hi, I think what you're looking for are called musicians earplugs. They lower volume without muffling sound quality. The ones I have are called
Earasers
https://www.amazon.com/Earasers-HEM001-Musicians-Plugs-Medium/dp/B00E2D9HAA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487460400&sr=8-1&keywords=earasers+earplugs

I find those work pretty well, my only gripe about them is they sometimes wiggle loose (but not fall out). They arent the ones that go inside your ear like a qtip or something, they're like the old ipod earbuds.

The other ones I have are called Etymotic earplugs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM6Q9XW/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487460473&sr=sr-1&keywords=etymotic+earplugs

I like these ones because they actually go inside your ear so they don't get loose. Personally, I wear the etymotic more often but the Earasers are more comfortable.

Lmk if you have any questions! Always happy to help. I have a ton of earplugs but those two are my favorite. Protect your hearing!!!!

I used to go to the doctor or the urgent care until I noticed the urgent care was using the Elephant Ear Washer. Ordered it off Amazon and was able to clean my ears out myself. https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Washer-Bottle-Doctor-Easy/dp/B005M2B5P0 Use a mix of peroxide and water and be patient. Be sure the water is warm or you'll get dizzy. You can read the Amazon comments for more specific instructions. It's definitely nice to be able to handle on my own and not sit around in the urgent care waiting room. Definitely helps to soften it with a few rounds of Debrox first though.

Lived in FHK the first two years it was coed (96-98).

• Bring flip flops to wear in the shared shower.
  
• The desks and cabinets do uninstall from the walls if you want to do a creative loft.
  
• Train noise reverberates through the quad, but you'll adjust quickly. A white noise machine like this will help immensely.
  
• Unless things have changed (I'm sure they have) your closest laundry not in the dorm will be in the study room behind Keathley adjoining Davis-Gary.
  
• Heldenfels is a short walk (10 mins), and that's where the majority of life sciences (for fish) should be.
  
• If you're in a room at the end, you can install a hammock on the corner of the railing pretty easily.
  
• Most important of all, leave your door open when you're there! Jam your music loud enough for passers-by. It's a great way to meet folks.
  

Give this list a try for Cattle Decapitation.

Some other points:

• Metal Archives is your friend. They keep a log of nearly every metal band that's ever existed (although they're finicky with metal-adjacent stuff so you won't find much nü or -core on there), so whenever you find a new band make sure to look them up. They keep a log of everything you could ever want to know; band members, discography, subgenre information, location, years active, and even similar artists.
  
• If you want to branch out to the wider world of metal music, make sure to give the Subgenre Essentials over at r/metal a look. It's a splendid list of albums that spans the foundations of metal and will give you the context to appreciate most of the scenes and styles of the genre, historical and current.
  
• Don't worry so much about subgenres at first. People are going to throw the terminology at you, but it's probably best not to think too much about it until you've gotten to know more of the genre foundations. I've seen a lot of people get very confused, especially around the edges of certain styles, and it's just not worth the headache. That said, don't write them off as a meaningless formality either, as there is value in being able to classify stuff.
  
• Wear ear protection at concerts/shows. Just do it. Even if it's a small venue. Listening to metal is fun and chances are you'll want to keep doing it in the future. These ones are what I usually see recommended to people although I have these ones and I'm happy with them.

If you plan on taking any drugs, make sure you go through a TRUSTED friend.

Obviously drink enough water to stay hydrated but try not to overdo it.

Get some music safe earplugs . These things saved my life!!

Most importantly, friggin enjoy yourself and don't care what anyone else thinks.

Also, have a backup plan to get home in case you want to leave early.

Have fun!! I miss going to raves.

Edit: I second comfy footwear. Very important.

This hilarious coffee table type book will surely make her laugh and it's only 43 cents so I'll link head massager to relax her.

Should I win I would love this sweet cake pan so I can make minicakes for everyooooone! :D

I hope your college bound sister enjoys her gifts! That's so sweet of you!

I use Downbeats, I've had them for a little over 6 months now and they have been working great at a price standpoint. The earplugs are fairly small, so if you like discretion I'd recommend these. As far as clarity I'd rate it at an 8/10, so not much issue with sound quality, although at times I've had a tiny bit of trouble hearing people(only when super close to the speakers). It's so gratifying knowing I can go to these events and come back without any hearing loss lmfao.

Edit: I'd also like to point out that earplugs are amazing in camping environments when you're trying to sleep... These were a lifesaver at Beyond 2 weeks ago.

eargasm earplugs
Tell her to get a pair of these. They are a bit pricier than others but I’ve tried almost every other ear plug and these have the best fit and best sound in my opinion. I started wearing earplugs heavy after almost having hearing trouble from going to so many bass shows at loud clubs, etc. I don’t leave home without these now and they were the best investment for nectar sets that I could possibly find. I made all the homies get pairs and they love them.

You can order AA off Amazon. Melazepam Cream and here's a really informational blog post about it. I have been doing 2 nights tret alternated with 1 night AA for a few years and now and have great results, but my skin is on the sensitive side so you might be able to do it more frequently. Just remember you're using a strong active and go slowly.

I've also found that using a gentle BHA like theCosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid really helps. It's like the tret brings everything to the surface and then the BHA clears it out.

Ooh, I know a lot about both these things! For sex toys, I always recommend the site www.shevibe.com, as they have detailed information on every one of their toys: exactly what it's made from, whether it's waterproof, batteries or charge, etc. Knowing what your sex toy is made of is really important because some materials are not body-safe and the sex toy industry isn't regulated. (More information here)

I don't know anything about ben wa balls, but LELO is a reputable brand, I've only heard good things about them. If you want both vaginal and clitoral stimulation at the same time, a rabbit vibe is probably your best bet. This is the one I have, although the clitoral stimulator isn't very long so I have to rock it back and forth to hit all the right spots. But I don't mind :P. However if you have vaginismus it may be difficult to penetrate with a toy like that. My favorite toys for just clitoral stimulation are the WeVibe Tango bullet vibe, and the Hitachi Magic Wand if you want something with a lot more OOMPH.

As far as nipple piercings, I got mine done about a year ago and I love them. But I made a mistake when I got them pierced and didn't properly research my piercer and proper piercing procedures. I recommend you search the Association of Professional Piercers to see if there's an APP member in your area. My original piercer used 14 gauge stainless steel externally-threaded barbells to pierce me. The gauge was good, but the other two were not. I ended up having a reaction to the metal (as it's not implant-grade, so it's not meant to be inside the body for long periods of time), and externally threaded barbells are bad because they can harbor bacteria and cause trauma to the piercing site any time the piercings are removed. When I bought new piercings, I got 14G (1.6mm) titanium internally-threaded barbells. (Nipples should be pierced at 12G or 14G, as smaller jewelry has a high risk of migration.) They're a bit more expensive, but it's worth it to make sure you don't have a bad reaction or get an infection. Any APP member will use implant grade materials and internally threaded or non-threaded jewelry, and of course use safe and sanitary tools (needles, clamps, etc).

Regarding pain... I'm not gonna lie, it hurt a lot. Some people get both done at the same time, I got one done after the other. It hurt a lot the first day, but after that it was just sore for a couple weeks then it only hurt if I bumped it. Your piercer will tell you about aftercare. Personally, I wore a sports bra for a couple weeks because I have fairly large breasts and I wanted to keep them in place. Some people prefer not to wear a bra at all. You'll want to soak it daily in sterile wound wash, which you can find at any pharmacy but will also probably be sold by your piercer. (I initially mixed the saline myself, but I used table salt and didn't measure it and that was a terrible idea.) I used a shotglass, fill it with wound wash and invert it over the piercing for 5-10 minutes a day. Try not to mess with the piercing, rotating the barbells or anything like that, as that can introduce bacteria to the piercing site. It will take 4-6 months to heal, and you shouldn't change the jewelry during that time. And don't use plastic net shower loofas, because they can and will get caught on the piercing and it hurts like hell. I've caught it on a loofa, on my shirt, on my bra, on a doorknob... it's all terrible. Be careful those first few weeks.

Overall I found getting a piercing to be very rewarding. I feel sexier, even though nobody can see them but me. I think they look really pretty (mine are purple anodized titanium - if you get anodized, they let you choose the color). It was definitely worth the pain. Let me know if this was helpful :)

I use earasers. They fit like customs, but only cost $40. I've used etymotic technology and others in the past, and I think these have the most clarity. I've used them at concerts and in performance settings (professional musician ~15 years). Also, I feel like these are the least noticeable in your ears. Mine came with a metal case.

EDIT: No matter which you decide on, WEAR EAR PLUGS. Save your ability to enjoy the music you love for the rest of your life.

This is a great post, congratulations on this new understanding about yourself, as part of an ongoing journey.

I think most of us have been forced by our circumstances to become at least instinctive experts on burn out.

Before my diagnosis, I burned out badly at work and home, in retrospect it's obvious how big a role my traits played in that process.

Some of the cure is autism specific, I do think stimming should become more socially permissible over time to support mental health of autistics, that said I personally do still elect to mask a lot, particularly at work.

You can go a long way by accessing quality thought in the area of burn out management, even if it isn't autism specific, though that understanding is still a crucial factor. Keep looking and make sure you wind up seeing a clinical psychologist whose practice specializes in autism, though I understand if that seems like a stretch in the near term.

My recovery began when I read Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness, because the whole book is about the ways people avoid burn out even while still pushing themselves to perform at their best.

Actually, I largely wasn't reading non-essential books at that point, but I could still listen to it on Audible during my daily commute.

In my experience as one of those folks with late diagnoses who may attract the problematic "high functioning" label, we do have to push ourselves to avoid backsliding, it's the burn-out management that is the missing piece.

I burned out because I didn't want to compromise. I needed the understanding I got from that book to give myself permission to rest, because it was the most productive course of action. Please do check it out. I recommend the Audible version, if that works for you.

Just as one more thing, I personally found noise sensitivity to be a huge thing for me. On occasions when my defenses are already low, noise is the easiest thing to push me into a shutdown (internalized meltdown). Thus, I found even when no one else was accommodating me, self accommodation with noise management was a huge factor. In the past I sometimes did this with earbuds or earplugs. Noise cancelling headphones are amazing, these days I use and recommend the benefits of a flagship model, for purchasing now that would be the Bose noise cancelling headphone 700. My older Sony WX-1000XM2 is also very good.

If you think noise cancelling headphones aren't practical choice at work where you need them most, I get that. Maybe then you need a discreet option. Check out the Vibes earplugs.

I have a 9-5 and I lift from 7 AM - 8:30 AM. Not every workout is 1.5 hours but that's my window.

For me, the trick has been and always will be caffeine. Namely getting it into my bloodstream as fast as possible.

Here are some tactics to get out of bed:

• Drink preworkout in bed. Have a large glass of water on the nightstand, a plastic spoon, a scoop or 2 of preworkout, pre-measured waiting to go. When the alarm goes off, dump the preworkout into the water, mix, chug, and lay back down. In 15 minutes or so the caffeine will begin to go to work. You won't be able to sleep, so get up! The plastic spoon is to save your spouse from having to listen to you mix.
  
  
• Caffeine pill. Same as the tactic above. Wake up, slam, and lay back down. You won't be snoozing for long.
  
  
• If you can actually get out of bed and get caffeine into you quickly, it's a lot easier to get your day started. I crankily wake up, drink preworkout in the kitchen, and then force myself to pack my gym bag and clothes for the day. After 5-10 minutes, I feel fine.
  
  It's never going to feel great waking up super early to lift, but after a while, it just becomes a part of your schedule.
  
  Lastly, try to wake up at the same time every day regardless if it's a training or rest day. Having the same schedule helps your body adjust and wake/sleep more easily. On rest days, I still wake up at 6 AM, but I play Xbox, do laundry, or even grocery shop. As a 30-year-old dude with a fiancee and 2 dogs, any time to myself is much appreciated!
  
  Oh yeah, I'm a light sleeper too. White noise has helped immensely in masking noises from outside my condo. I prefer physical white noise, as opposed to a digital sound, so I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Marpac-DOHM-DS-Natural-actual-Machine/dp/B000KUHFGM. I love it.

These work pretty great imo. Got them for when bassnectar came thru Chicago for the Spring Gathering and did not regret it.


Pros:
1.) Sound quality: They have built in attenuators, so they don't just muffle the sound. Sound quality remains solid because they still allow certain frequencies to pass through to the ear canal, but they limit the volume by about + or- 5 to 10db. That didn't sound like a lot to me when I first got them, but damn it made a difference. Woke up the next morning with no ringing or hearing fatigue.
2.) Comfort! I put these guys in right before Rezz started her set, and by the time Lorin started playing I completely forgot I had them in. I literally had keep making sure they hadn't slipped out during the show because I couldn't feel them in my ears after I adjusted.
3.) Clear Coated: Not proud of it, but am definitely self conscious about showing my age and didn't wanna be judged by anyone for wearing ear plugs and looking old as shit in a crowd that's usually a couple years younger than me lol (I know it's irrational, leave me be. I'm old, god damnit.) But it's really honestly hard to tell someone has them in unless you're standing next to them or really looking hard. So there's that also.
4.) Storage: They come with a tiny clear case for storage that doesn't take up too much pocket space.


Cons:
1.) Expensive: They cost 40$...as far as ear plugs go that's more than most. So if you're like me and lose a lot of shit (especially when I'm at shows) be cautious getting them. Haven't lost them yet, but festival season is upon us, so we'll see if I can manage to keep track of 'em.


Definitely recommend them if you trust yourself not to lose them!

I used to have two chihuahua-mixes. One was high-anxiety.

When we also had two cats, the dogs couldn't relax unless they were in a room with the door closed where the cats could not go. The dogs would stay vigilant the entire time the cats were around. The high-anxiety dog would follow the cats around and try to herd them. We had to re-home the cats (due to allergies we weren't aware of before) and the dogs were so much calmer after that. I know you said you tried closing the door, but, maybe he won't feel relaxed unless the cats no longer live there.

Exercise also really helps with their anxiety. I understand this isn't your dog and you are doing your best. Maybe someone else will have a great idea to help in this area.

You could try a thundershirt? It didn't work for my anxious dog but there are lots of success stories.

If noises set him off, you could try a white noise machine. You can even download a white noise machine app on your phone to test it out. The dog could go in a room without cats, and have the white noise turned on.

To me it seems like you may have done everything you can. It sounds as though the dog would need a lot of training and effort to get him to be happier and more well-adjusted, and your roommate isn't willing to do that :(

My bike is a screamer with it's werkes pipe, so I have tried a good bit of plugs.

For ease of use get a massive box of 3Ms off amazon and put like five pairs in your pocket, use them and toss them.

For the middle ground you seek, these are really easy to put in and let some but not all of the noise in.

For the best of the best, go to a bike show and find one of the guys making custom molded ear plugs and get a couple sets made. That's what I ride with now and they are great. I can still hear what's going on and my ears don't ring any more when I go to bed after a day of riding.

I actually prefer the higher level of protection after using them all, which I never thought I would say, but I'm pretty sure my hearing was going to shit by not wearing anything for so long....and there's no real turning back from that...

As has been said, molded ear protection is the best, but it is understandably out of many people's budget. A step up from foam earplugs are some good attenuaters I use these personally, and I've been pleased with the results. It will help a bit more than plugs and if you're engineering you'll have better fidelity as well.


You really want to see an audiologist though, they'll help you plan exactly what you should do.

The Gorge winds at night (and day 1 last year) can be crazy chilly! I think last year it got down into the low 40's at night, but when its been 90+ degrees all day 40 can seem like FREEZING! Make sure to get a locker to store your jacket/onsie in! (Bringing extra clothes into the venue is probably my #2 for most important things!) To go along with bringing extra clothes you want to make sure to get a fire blanket to put on top of your tent. It keeps out the hot and cold! Make sure to pay for really cold nights and hot as fuck days!

1 is get a water backpack it will save your life!

I also recommend ear plugs! You can get them pretty cheap on amazon. I got these last year and they were great!

https://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44RM/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494292859&sr=8-9&keywords=concert+ear+plugs

This year I found these... it came with 2 pairs.

https://www.amazon.com/Rave-High-Fidelity-Ear-Plugs/dp/B01GJ6BERQ/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494292859&sr=8-5&keywords=concert+ear+plugs

If you have a Facebook there is a Paradiso tips and tricks page you should check out!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1700643270194555/?fref=nf

Honestly I always use this brand of disposable.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-3301105-Visibility-Disposable/dp/B0007XJOLG

They are really soft and squishy and well shaped.

I wear them professionally a ton for shows and they do the job great. Plus always having a fresh pair keeps them clean and available.

And that's really the key, the best plugs are the ones you keep in your ears.


Bonus I always have plenty to hand out.

You use DEARMAN to get something you want (you have an objective) DEAR is what you say (describe, Express using I statements, Assert, Reinforce (give to get) MAN is how you say it (stay Mindful, Appear Confident, Negotiate (if possible)

You use GIVE when preserving/keeping the relationship. (the relationship is important to you and you don't want to fudge it up)

FAST is about your self-respect OR ending the relationship. In this case, the relationship is not the priority, YOU are. For example, if someone is taking advantage of you and using you, you might use FAST.

You can also search the sidebar for Interpersonal Effectiveness Activities that deal with conflict, How to be assertive, etc.

-------------------

That all being said, you have a few options to deal with your neighbor. Hopefully, some of these might give you some ideas you can use that will be helpful.

First, before speaking to them directly, What noise is the dog making exactly? Is it barking? Or is it just moving around (paws on the floor type noise)? If it's not barking and it's just motion noise, I think you might just have to deal with it, or ask the neighbor to get some carpet if they have bare floors. You could also try recording the noise in your apartment to play for both the neighbor and the landlord to prove your point. (ie: here's how loud your dog is at 2am)

What does your lease say about animals? Are they allowed or does your neighbor have a dog that they shouldn't have? Does the lease mention anything about complaints regarding animals and how to address them? If the lease says nothing about animals, you might want to speak to your landlord and see if you can file a complaint through your management company regarding any kind of barking. If this is a long-term rental (condo) you could ask the management company about putting in some kind of sound dampening/insulation between the walls of your units. This is where you could play your recording for them to prove to them how loud it sounds in your apartment. If the dog is barking late at night chances are you are not the only person who is pissed off by it.

If the management company is 'hands off' you could try approaching the neighbor, or writing a letter to the neighbor (if you don't want to speak with them directly) It is possible they don't realize how loud the dog is being. They are just 'used' to it.

If they don't resolve the noise regarding the dog, you should then start filing complaints with city bylaw. If the dog is barking for hours at a time and it's not stopping, and you've attempted to speak to the landlord, and your neighbor and nothing is changing, call your city bylaw department. Here's an example from LA Animal Service regarding Nuisance Barking. Some places want you to contact your local animal shelter and some want you to contact bylaw. Call your city to find out who to report this to. Keep in mind though, if you do this after all the other steps, your neighbor will know that it was you that called to file a noise complaint and may make things difficult for you. (I had it happen with my neighbor who would get pissed drunk and sit out on his porch blaring music and screaming along for hours at a time)

Your other nonconfrontational options include, getting a white noise machine or using a regular fan (works exactly the same but isn't as compact.) You can also try noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs at night when you sleep.

Your last resort would be to wait until the lease is up or break your lease (again, check your lease agreement for penalties). You could also ask the management company to move you to a different apartment within the complex away from the dog person (but that wouldn't necessarily guarantee you peace from other neighbors.)

Best of luck in resolving your situation!

Call me a corporate shill but I use a happy lamp and, I know it's anecdotal, but it makes a huge difference for my mood and energy in the winter months.

You can get a 10,000 lux lamp on amazon for 40-50 dollars. Use it for 30 minutes in the morning while you are drinking your morning coffee. Game changer.

EDIT: Since there were some questions about recommendations, [I use this one.] (https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/ref=pd_lpo_121_bs_img_2/166-1337885-5426712?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=G0EE30FB4N1A4WTGEJNQ) I actually spent quite a bit of time agonizing over what to buy since I have a min-max issue in real life and I have to say I'm happy with it. If I recall, a majority of the negative reviews were regarding the "ionizer" portion of the product which, to be frank, I have no idea about. There is no research to suggest that inhaling ionized air is beneficial. There is plenty of science to support the benefit of these lights for SAD as long as the strength of the light is 10,000 lux. This is important. Again, there is no scientific evidence to support that anything less than this will be beneficial. As with any product, user mileage will vary so I can't, in good conscious, suggest that you buy one of the "higher end" models for 200-400 dollars without knowing if you benefit so this is a good option. Having seen one of the more expensive lights be used in the resident room of the hospital I worked at, I suspect the more expensive ones do the same thing but are more aesthetically pleasing and have a larger spread of light.

As for use, the idea is to expose your skin to the light. I have it sitting on my dining room table so, in the morning while I drink my coffee and surf reddit, it's hitting my face. I use it for 30 minutes a day.

Another white noise fan. This is what I use. I like the sound of air moving better electronic white noise.

Melatonin helps me drift off. It doesn't make me sleepy, but if I'm already a little tired, my thoughts become more like dreams than thoughts, and I stop reacting to sounds or ideas. Isn't enough if I'm wired or wound up.

I also take mitrazipine now, which is similar to trazadone. They are antidepressants that are also commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia, among other things. I take a tiny dose, specifically to help me sleep. Taking it doesn't change the rest of my medication plan, it's just a little bump. Docs commonly give trazadone to old folks who can't sleep due to evening anxiety - it's that harmless (compared to other sleep and anxiety drugs). My 93 year old grandmother who was medically frail was taking it!

I don't do this, but I diaphragmatic breathing is very helpful for bringing down the anxiety and can help get you out of your head. So peaceful. Plenty of tutorials online.

ATTN: If you are planning to attend Trump's next rally in Minneapolis, please bring your whistles! You can purchase a pack of 24 whistles for only $10 on Amazon here. Also please keep your ears safe! You can purchase 50 pairs of earplugs on Amazon for only $10 here.

If you have any extra whistles or earplugs while at any rally or protest, please hand them to fellow friends. Soon the American People will all be able to blow the whistle on Donald Trump.

edit: Thank you for the gold you beautiful anonymous mystery person! <3 ! DON'T FORGET YOUR WHISTLES!

I have an actual white noise machine in my living room and one near my bed. I run them almost constantly. I see what you mean about not being quite the same but after a while I actually like them more than fans. They have a smoother whirl sound and I dont usually like to have fans on as much as I enjoy having them always on. My girlfriend used to say she felt like she was sleeping in a wind tunnel and I was like "exactly, world's best sleep!" [specifically this one] (https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Classic-White-Noise-Machine/dp/B000KUHFGM). I like it because it doesnt feel like an artificial speaker noise or phone app would

This happens to me too. My wax build up is out of control. The doctor also told me not to use Q-tips anymore because it just makes things worse.

I go to patient first. Not sure how much they charge without insurance but I pay about a $20 co pay and I feel like a million bucks after they clean it all out.

Also, as people were mentioning, you can buy the device they use off of amazon for about $30~. Drop some peroxide in there first. Let it sit. Then use the device with warm water.

Maybe worth you to buy it and do the process yourself since you said you need to go twice a year.

I should probably go that much myself, honestly. It has been about 2 years I think since I have had them cleaned out. I just stopped using Q-tips and it avoids the wax from getting impacted but I have noticed lately that my hearing is becoming muffled and it feels like I have a lot of wax buildup. Probably will stop by Patient First here soon!

Edit: Here is the device on amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Washer-Bottle-Doctor-Easy/dp/B005M2B5P0 best of luck!

This is great! I think we have really similar skin, and seeing your process helped me understand my order of operations.

• I really recommend trying out micellar water for an AM cleanse and to remove makeup at night before your PM cleanse; it made a huge difference for me.
  
• Right now I'm experimenting with azaleic acid to deal with rosacea. TO's 10% did nothing for me and was pretty meh, which I've heard a lot of other people say, so I'm trying out a 15% cream link and I'm waiting to see if it makes a difference. I haven't tried out my bottle of TO Niacinamide 10% + Zinc so I'm excited to hear how much you love it!
  
• I'm also starting to explore serums and stuff for hydration. I picked up a number of small travel size options at Sephora and I'm currently trying out Biossance's squalane oil. So far I haven't had a reaction and my hydration is definitely, visibly improved.

That’s right damnit! The most masculine thing is to be perfectly confident with what you like and who you are, regardless of whether it’s “masculine” or not. Theres going to be someone who makes fun of you for anything you do. Don’t dress nicely? You’re a lazy slob. Dress too nicely? Must be gay. Enjoy wine? What a sissy. Talk about how you’d rather drink beer than wine? You uncultured redneck.

Just do you the best way you know how.

Also, have you tried one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IHXFQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jMGKDb9EBZMA4

Here are a few links to posts with good info from over at Skincare Addiction

[First one]
(https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/SkincareAddiction/comments/377ahr/hi_my_dears_can_we_talk_azelaic_acid/?client=safari)

Second one

Third one

For me, I buy 20% melazepam for $13.50, a non-Rx form available on Amazon. The tube seems to last forever.

I treat it as an active, using it after a 20 min wait following Vitamin C, and I give it its own wait time. For me it has decreased redness, improved texture, and decreased the appearance of my SFs. I have pretty hardy skin, so I started out using it every day, and have never had an issue with sensitivity, over exfoliation, or dryness. I do skip it 2 days before and after my TCA peels.

Editing to add- I find it to be a matte semi gritty cream that smooths in and disappears, much gentler and with a nicer "feel" than the Ordinary's sorry excuse for an AZA.

I'm a firm believer that the only thing stopping you is yourself. Easier to say than do though. Be disciplined, put reminders up that are highly visible, and find a way to be accountable that kicks at your guilt. I had to learn that it's not "motivation" that gets you there, it's discipline, and a solid week of whining about being hungry and crying about the fact I wanted chips... Everything you do in life is a decision! YOU have to decide you want it, because where there's a will, there's a way. Here's my motivation that keeps me going. I had to learn to stop making excuses for why I was failing.

I'd recommend you get rid of *all your crap food in the house. Change rules with your roomates to where you don't share food with them, or even better, get your own shelf for your groceries, and a mini fridge for produce so you can't be tempted by seeing all their goodies. Get an air purifier for your room so you can retreat if someone is going to bake pizza, or cookies that smell enticing.

I might also recommend a SUN LAMP if you work overnight. It will help with your sleep, which will help everything else out. The body does weird things when you don't rest properly. Had one since end of college and I swear it's the best thing ever IF YOU USE IT REGULARLY.

I hope you can find something I've said helpful, best of luck. The road to any form of recovery is never easy.

I JUST got a pair about a month ago and I've used them at 3 or 4 shows so far.

1. I went with these -> https://www.amazon.com/Vibes-High-Fidelity-Concert-Earplugs/dp/B018WPOQSG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=22Y5VPOT50B3L&keywords=ear+plugs+for+concerts&qid=1554918249&s=gateway&sprefix=Ear+Plugs+%2Caps%2C412&sr=8-5
   
   
2. I did not see any loss in sound quality, just intensity. The beginning of the show, stuff seems muted but as it goes on and the volume increases, it becomes clearer but just less intense. If you've ever used a guitar or a mixing board, it was like turning down the gain and smoothing out the attack of the sound wave. I've noticed that they sound better and feel more comfortable when I used the smallest size plug.
   
   
3. Yes, I did notice that I needed to take them out to hear friends talking clearly...with that said, it also removed a lot of crowd noise and chatter so I was more attentive to the show.

This seems like it would be handy to redo stress as a College Bound kid. Plus, it's easy to pack. =)

My kids would love this (on my "play" list). If that doesn't suit you, you can surprise me. =)

Thanks for the contest! You are a very sweet sibling to send your sister off with a bang.

I can recommend musician's earplugs I ordered on Amazon awhile back. They reduce the volume but still let you hear sound clearly.

These 'eardial invisible earplugs' are rated to reduce sound by 11db. The foam earplugs block a lot more sound than any musicians earplugs but musician earplugs still do a great job and are more functional. This model is on the smaller side and fit my ears better than any other earplug I've tried. Just a warning thought they aren't actually invisible just somewhat hard to see imo.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2NTVPA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Another one I've tried are these 'eargasm high fidelity earplugs'. It's rated to reduce sound by 15db. Both of the earplugs I linked to come with a keychain holder that comes in useful when out and about. If I had to choose between the two I'd go with the first because it fits better but they really both deaden noise to a more tolerable level when my ears are sensitive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019M576XW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B019M576XW&pd_rd_wg=S8FDT&pd_rd_r=PW0MM4F611SPCQ5S1DF8&pd_rd_w=yCiIT&th=1

Yea, you shouldn't have to, but sometimes you just do. Every time I go to a doctor and they peek in my ear they tell me I have a lot of wax.

I clean the outside of my ear with a q-tip. The trick here is to not go any deeper with a q tip than your finger can get to. Absolutely no q tips in the actual ear canal, only on the outside cartilage area. I've found that q tips with a little bit of unscented lotion get any bits of wax or dirt off easier than my fingers do.

One time I did stick a q tip in my ear canal, and besides being really painful, it pushed so much wax backwards that my ear "clogged" and I had a hard time hearing. After about a week of being nearly deaf in one ear I went to an urgent care clinic and they rinsed me out. They used a product like this filled with a mixture of 50% warm water and 50% hydrogen peroxide. The doctor stuck the tube in my ear, squirted a bit in, and then had me lean over so everything could fall out. And EVERYTHING fell out. It was disgusting how much wax came out. But afterwards I felt like I had supersonic hearing in one ear.

Obviously I wanted the other ear to feel just as clean, so when I got home I filled a regular spray bottle with the same mixture and gave it a squirt in the other ear. It didn't work as well as the product linked above because the nozzle didn't get as deep, but the hydrogen peroxide fizzles a little and definitely cleaned it out. I feel like this method is safer overall because it still leaves wax in your ear to protect you, versus clearing everything out completely.

I swim a lot and sometimes ear wax traps water in my ear and it can lead to infections, so I now do this once or twice a year. I checked with my GP and she said its fine as long as I don't overdo it.

Your mileage may vary.

I agree that if you are used to the air handler, that may be a different story, but for people not used to forced air heat (like guests) the on off of the air handler is not subltle at all.

Just say you like to sleep with a fan on and use a desk fan. Box fans actually move air more quietly than a smaller fan, so for this purpose a smallish desk fan is probably best.

you aren't the only one who thinks natural noise is better noise, but thats an option too:

https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Dohm-DS-All-Natural-White-Machine/dp/B000KUHFGM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482344003&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=white+noise&psc=1



I really don't care if you think I'm a dick, but your lpt sucks.

Hi!

I used to get massages by a PT as well, and the type of massage that worked best for my pain was a deep tissue trigger point massage, which I believe is similar to the massage you've said is effective for you. As you mentioned, that easily becomes expensive, but my neurologist turned me on to a much cheaper solution. I do home massage therapy on myself using a Theracane and workbook and get the same benefits I was getting from having the massage done to me by a PT. I'm posting this from mobile so pls message me if links don't work. This way I can also get exactly the relief I want where I want it and most importantly when I want it.

The fans aren’t really an issue. We use a noise maker for the kids that’s a little fan that just makes noise. It’s pretty amazing I added the link below and can’t recommend it enough. After our 1st kid we had to buy one for our bedroom because we couldn’t sleep without it!

Also we have a dyson fan and it’s worth the money.

Marpac Dohm Classic (Tan) | The Original White Noise Machine | Soothing Natural Sound from a Real Fan | Noise Cancelling | Sleep Therapy, Office Privacy, Travel | For Adults & Baby | 101 Night Trial https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KUHFGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zaLWDbVNVH6TJ

Have you tried any kind of mindfulness practice? Meditation, deep breathing, autogenic training, guided imagery, that sort of stuff? Doing these things regularly can sort of bring down your baseline level of anxiety, and then doing something like deep breathing in the moment can help calm you down when you're having anxiety.

That time when you're alone for a while would be an excellent time to do some meditating. If you'd like some resources for how to meditate, let me know and I'll dig some up. :)

A good deep breathing technique is to just close your eyes, breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, then breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds, focusing your attention on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Some people find it helpful to have words they think of while breathing, like I say "here" while breathing in and "now" while breathing out.

You can find videos on YouTube for guided meditations, autogenic training, or guided imagery.

Also, how about ear plugs, like these?

There's something on Amazon called an Elephant Ear. $30 seems a little much for a plastic bottle and some tubing, but it's got to be cheaper than a doctor. I've used mine three times in three years and each time, out plopped an impressive, firm wad of ear gunk along with a little "pop!", followed by deliciously crisp hearing. It's awesome.

At this point, I look forward to impacted wax just to get the satisfaction of cleaning it out.

I’ve tried the etymotics and while they work, they were uncomfortable for me to wear for extended periods. Ended up getting Dubs which were more comfortable but I felt like they muffled sound sometimes.

Now I have Eargasm earplugs and I like them the most. I definitely recommend them. They’re the most comfortable without muffling sound, that I’ve tried. Plus they don’t have that little protruding plastic that come out of your ears, so you can wear a bandana with them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019M576XW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_t8YJAb9SDJDGZ

Thank you! Light therapy is basically re training your body to wake up to "natural" light. Humans have historically woken up to the sun rising and shining in our faces, which is arguably the cause of a lot of depression and anxiety in our culture today. So my therapist recommended me two things, the Philips HF3520 wake-up alarm clock and the NatureBright SunTouch plus.


The Philips alarm clock wakes you up with a simulated sunrise in your room plus some more "gentle" alarm noises (aside from the beach with the annoying seagulls - unless that's your thing lol) which so far I'm loving. There are a few videos on YouTube of it that give you the run down on how it works, it's really cool.


The NatureBright light is basically a bright as hell light you shove in your face for half an hour within 15 mins of waking up. I've done some google research on the therapy and some say that with the alarm clock you would get your sufficient light therapy for the day but my psych was very insistent that I use the 10,000 lux lamp, especially if I could only afford one.

Which brings me to my next point... These aren't cheap at all. The total for both lights was $316 CAD with the fastest shipping, which to me could potentially be worth it if it helps even a little bit with my depression and/or anxiety. I know I've already spent over that amount on medication and I'd rather try to wean myself off of the meds and use more natural methods. I'm hoping this works, and so far it seems like it will be pretty effective, and maybe if someone else reading this decides to try light therapy it could help them out as well.

Did a literature search, and there is some association between Ehlers-Danlos and scoliosis it seems, but it's thin, and it would still be hard not to call yours "idiopathic". There are, like, 8 types, and I don't know much between any of them at this point. Lots of people have lax ligaments and no scoliosis, and lots of people have scoliosis with strong ligaments. That said, it puts you at a further kinetic disadvantage.

Get a new doctor. Healthcare is still (allegedly) private in this country. That means if you don't like your customer service there'll be another doctor that would be more than happy to do what it takes to earn your money (especially now, and it's only going to get worse, but that's another subject).

So, like, pretty much the last thing you have left to hold yourself together with good posture and limited pain is your muscles. That's important.

What you need are as follows:

1. A diagnosis or not for your fatigue/stretchy ligaments, whether it's Ehlers-Danlos or not.
   
   
2. A world-class physical therapist that knows both spine stabilization and PT in hypermobility syndromes. You'll need an academic center. Not many PTs are qualified.
   
   
3. A specialized regimen of working out. Muscle stability, strength, and balance. That's kind of your best bet for being fitter and having less pain.
   
   Oh, and THIS for the knots in your neck and shoulders. Is awesome.

I bought a box of Howard Leight LL1 Laser Lites a while ago and I'm pretty happy with them. It looks like their NRR is 3 db greater than what you're currently using. I find them comfortable enough to sleep with them in, which is good because my upstairs neighbor works in a bar and comes stomping home at about 3 am most nights. I hope you find something that works for you soon.

Dude. This thing is awesome. And it's cheap, so start with that. My favourites are glass, though. This and this one are my personal go-to ones.

As for just vibrators, I LOVE this and this. They're both AMAZING. Like, holy shitballs amazing. Seriously.

Earasers. They are the best hands down. They are $40 but they are 100% worth it. Better than $200 custom earplugs from the ear doctor. Best out there. Trust me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E2D9HAA/ref=twister_B00EXNAI3Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon carries Eargasm brand earplugs for $35. I use these for work (since I teach rock music for six hours a day lol) and these are consistently comfortable to wear and easy to clean. They also come with a little metal case to help keep them clean and safe while not in your eyes. Maybe these could help?

[https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019M576XW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it/135-8584992-8082115?ie=UTF8&qid=1542252712&sr=8-3&keywords=eargasm+ear+plugs&dpPl=1&dpID=51ztL6Xe-WL&ref=plSrch](Amazon link)

The white noise machines that play noise through a speaker are supposedly not as good as those that produce noise mechanically. This mechanical white noise machine is very well-regarded, however I own one and it still doesn't beat a box fan. With light there's a concept of getting a full spectrum light. It's similar with noise. You want a rich, wide spectrum of noise.

Barring that, there are phone apps you might try such as White Noise Lite, Relax Melodies, and Chroma Doze. Relax Melodies is pretty neat, as it lets you create custom noise by layering in different sounds. These apps are on Google Play, dunno about iTunes.

Like another person said, get Flux. Also use Nightshift if you have an iphone. There is an app for androids that does the same thing. You can also get blue light filtering glasses.

Another thing to do is meditate for 5 mins or so before you sleep. You can just lie down and concentrate on your breath, try practicing with the mindful app. This is optional but meditation really has improved my quality of life.

Also, make sure that your room is as dark as possible and that you aren't being bothered by sounds. If I am in a noisy area I always wear earplugs that can be found cheaply on amazon. I use these and they are perfect.

You want your room to be a cave. Think cool, dark, and quiet. Distraction is the enemy and if you have insomnia I'm guessing that your mind wanders a lot. Get more exercise during the day and be more active if you aren't tired by sleepytime.

Also, don't drink caffeine less than 6 hours before you sleep.

Hope this helps you man.

My Fiance, my 3 year old (possibly ADHD) daughter, and I went on a 13 hour road trip to see family just a few weeks ago.

It went incredibly well, seriously.

My Plan:
Bring lots of dry snacks and things she normally has, and some things that are limited treats. We brought Lemon Zest Luna bars, lots of NutriGrain bars, fruit cups, pudding cups, single serving snacking crackers. We also brought a cooler for her to have her lactose-free milk and propel waters chilled.

I bought a few look and find books for her (Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Sofia the First, and Bubble Guppies), loaded her ipad with episodes of Wally Kazaam, Little Einsteins, and a couple of movies she hasn't seen in a long time (Finding Nemo and Monster's Inc). I also bought some Crayola Color Wonder coloring books and markers.

We started off the trip without any entertainment, no music/movies/books, just conversation. After about 3 hours, she fell asleep (it was around her usual nap time). After she woke up from her nap she was a little irritated that we were still on the road, so I broke out the ipad and snacks.

After she would settle down, we'd take a break from entertainment and just talk. We rationed entertainment for when she was getting uncomfortable.

Even though she's been potty trained for over a year, I dressed her in a Pull-Up in case we couldn't get to a bathroom in time, or if she had an accident while asleep (something that does happen at home).

For sleeping, we brought her own sheets, pillowcase, and mattress cover, oh and her special blanket. We brought along her white noise machine as well. This is her Dohm and it seriously saves my life on a regular basis. We did semi-normal bedtime routines in both hotels and my in-laws.

I was incredibly stressed out before the trip, just try to write a real plan down that fits with your kids. You know them best! I tried to research things to do on road-trips, but my daughter could really care less about license plates haha.

Good luck!

The Marpac Dohm original white noise machine is the one I’m referring to. Here’s a link:Marpac is the best thing for sleep if you are sensitive to noise or live in a noisy place. I used to live above a night club and it was so helpful.

A lot of people use these apps that have digital loops of soothing sounds but for one thing the loop itself can be distracting. And the other thing is it functions in a different way.

The white noise of the Marpac tricks your brain into masking the obtrusive sounds, that’s why it can take a couple weeks to get the full effects- your brain needs to get used to it.

The sound is similar to a fan, but a much smaller device, more effective and you might not always want a fan blowing air around.

You might need quite a bit of sound paneling but you could start small and see how it goes. It’s amazing to me what even a small amount can do to dampen sound.

Good luck and I’m sorry about your noisy roommate situation!

For anyone even without specific/significant trauma, TAKE CARE OF YOUR EARS. It's not hard to do, and a small amount of effort will make your life both easier and more enjoyable. My favorite thing to suggest is "musicians" ear plugs, for example:

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Hearing-Protection-MusicSafe-Musicians/dp/B0032BYCWG

or

https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468991709&sr=8-2&keywords=concert+ear+plugs

... they hardly change the character of sounds, like regular ear plugs do, and make loud events and concerts have way less detrimental effect on your hearing... plus later that night you can hear fine and don't have ringing in your ears when you try to sleep. For the price, in the long term they are worth 100x what they cost... get 2-3 pairs, put one in your glove box, another in your backpack or purse, and keep another at home in case you lose one. Get a pair for a friend, whatever... more people need to know about these things, they are gold. They are basically ear plugs with a small whole going all the way through.

Scalp Massager. I'd consider it more of a mini gift/ stocking stuffer. It was part of the gift I got for my conservative Catholic father's birthday. The man tells his children to just get him golf balls for every gifting occasion, which gets old after awhile and does his other passions a disservice (like his love for novelty items/gadgets). This item was the jumping off point for my new golf ball supplementing gift strategy and he enjoyed it so much that he even gave it as a gift for a few of his coworkers.

I have great satisfaction with Howard Leight, easily available on Amazon.

Honestly, I've tested almost a dozen different types of ear plugs and these ones were the most comfortable and most effective.

The reason I posted this is because of personal experience. I developed tinnitus last year due to a perforated eardrum surgery (surgery went well besides the tinnitus...) and after surgery I not only have experienced tinnitus but also sensitivity. I can't be at a party, a bar, or even a friend's house sometimes without wearing earplugs. It's fucking depressing and I don't want anybody else to have to go through this. My other ear which is also perforated has now developed tinnitus as well. It is one of the most depressing things in the world especially since I am currently in school studying to enter the music industry. (non-musician side)

It's hard for anybody to not want to turn their music up loud and jam out or go to a ton of concerts. In fact it's pretty unavoidable. What you can do though is get a pair of nice earplugs. Not the foam kind even though those do work they just muffle sound. The kind I'm talking about can in fact improve your concert experience and they allow you to hear what's important (the music) and you can still carry on a conservation with them in! I'll be honest they weren't the best pair for me in the last live event I was at. I was at a house show and the speakers are right there next to you so that on top of my sensitivity was probably what did it. They do have higher level protection though. [Here's] (http://www.amazon.com/LiveMus-HearSafe-Ear-Plugs-Hypoallergenic/dp/B00H2F87I8) a link if anybody is interested!

I'm in the same place right now, so I figured if I can look outside myself for a minute and and focus on something to help you, I might feel better.

• Search "positive affirmations" in YouTube ( I like Honest Guys and Jason Stephenson)
  
• Use an essential oils diffuser or candle for aromatherapy
  
• I use light therapy every morning with natural sunlight or
  Nature Light Therapy Box
  
• Pet your dog (or get one to pet)
  
• Read about alternative methods such as Kratom or CBD oil. (Tell your pdoc about any supplements or herbal treatments you use.)
  
• Color or doodle/ bullet journal (Search Pinterest for ideas)
  
• Get outside of your head for a minute and see if you can help someone else.
  
  [There now...I do feel better]

Daily tasks

• body weight exercises
  
• back and leg strengthening exercises
  
• eat healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner
  
  Irregular tasks
  
  
• visit cfmeu building and ask about work
  
• Ask supervisor about employment opportunities either under him or elsewhere?
  
  
  
• buy depression supplements including 'saffron' and light
  
• Cut out Y.Yang from your interest list, she's not into the same things as you and remember the Y.Lai experience, it gets draining but hard to leave. People are addictive after all..
  
• Cut 'Bain from your interest list, since she's incredible but her nose is not ideal and she doesn't know/like to let to dance (or hasn't demonstrated so yet!). But, her mind is really special. Friend her for that intelligence and her character! Wow.
  
• Cut Catherine from your interest list since you felt kinda bored and not totally proud when you hung out....I guess..reluctantly, you should do the same for Raj* for the same reasons :<...fitness won't help a face.
  
  
• insight, become less grandiose
  
• insight, go from pick up artist to boyfriend material
  
• apply to become a psychepi here or there
  
• buy running track pants that I can wear under my other pants for warmthy (actually, don't do this - save money)
  
• consider upgrading formal, walking, running and hiking shoes in one go (actually, don't do this - save money)
  
• use debit card statement to track expenses, but cancel transefrs from one of my own accounts https://www.mint.com/
  
• get warm but manouverable gloves maybe from aussie disposals or similar
  
• ask the low cost dentist at uni about jaw...
  
  Heroic task
  
  
• Complete then submit for assessment (first draft submission) and feedback from classmates 7 Lesswrong-complice pomos of scientific research (both musculoskeletal and psychiatric research projects) 3 pomo sci done
  
  posthoc
  
  
• cut down possessions and property
  
• upgrade your engagement as appropriate

> Post a link to your favorite NSFW Wishlist item. you may send it to me in PM, just note that you have done so.

My Favorite NSFW Item right now is a Hitachi with speed controller.
> What is your favorite NSFW subreddit if any?

I really like /r/passionx because I want people to enjoy themselves. Win/win/win. He wins, she wins, I win. Fake passion turn me off so much.

> What is your favorite sex toy if any?

Well, it was the Hitachi aka "Vroom Vroom McNeeds-a-Throttle" as my gf named it, but the one we had died a mysterious death from overuse. See the above link regarding favorite wishlist item, this one has a throttle...
> What is your favorite sex position if any?

Cowgirl

>* Reddit Raffle with the phrase "I like it when"

I like it when she cums so hard she passes out or loses the ability to speak.

EDIT; Forgot to link my NSFW List

I got airsick doing steep turns and also on a bumpy day when I was starting out, although I never threw up.

As others have said: ginger pills. Got them at walmart. I take one sometimes two before I fly. Haven't felt sick since.

Eat before: I eat peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter crackers or something filling but not heavy. Also hydrate before as well.

What I haven't seen mentioned yet are called Sea Bands https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F731N0/ref=psdcmw_3762351_t1_B00820HS1E
They are little wristbands that hold a pressure point on your wrist. You forget you're wearing them. Haven't felt even a little queasy since I tried them, even today which was really hot and bumpy this afternoon. I also only wear one of them but you can use both. I know they are a little dorky looking, but honestly it's better than wearing your breakfast. I was skeptical at first, but honestly I was willing to try anything and I feel like they helped alot. Good luck and try to fly more frequently to get used to flying!

Been using a few over the last few years:

Etymotics: good for shorter shows but after a while they start to bug me, YMMV

Eargasm: a little more comfortable than the Etymotics over longer stretches of time

EarPeace: the three different filter options are nice and easy to swap out, plus they include a third plug which definitely would've prevented that time I accidentally dropped an Etymotic onto the piss-covered floor of an Oakland bathroom and then spent most of the next band's set walking to the nearest Rite-Aid to get a pair of the shitty ones that make everything sound like you wrapped a blanket of mud around your head

I have this one and I like it. Popular and gets good rating. The second one is also popular and has a good rating,
https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Dohm-DS-Natural-Sound-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484716947&sr=8-2&keywords=white%2Bnoise%2Bfan&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/LectroFan-White-Noise-Machine-Sounds/dp/B00JU8P8VY?th=1


All the best!

New rider, too. ~400 miles so far.

Ear plugs:

I just had my first ride this morning with these:

• https://amzn.com/B0044DEESS
  
  Previously used these:
  
  
• https://amzn.com/B0051U7W32
  
  You can grab the little foam ones from the grocery store near the toothpaste for a couple dollars. But, after this first ride with the new ones, I love them. Much better. More comfortable. The sounds fidelity is still there, just lower intensity.
  
  Either way, I highly recommend them. They allow me to focus on other things than the rumbling in my ear. I think my ride is safer for wearing them.
  
  

  Pinlock:
  

  Good to know. I'm about to spring for one because the fog in the mornings is obnoxious. Thanks for the timely affirmation that it works.

New plan. Constantly blow whistles outside the White House and at all trump speaking events from now on. That would make him so enjoyably livid.

EDIT: thank you for the silver and gold! Let’s get out there and blow some fucking whistles!

SWS 72Pcs Plastic Whistles, Training Sports Whistles with Lanyard, Loud Toys Whistles for Christmas Birthday Party Goody Bag Fillers Games Survival Emergency, 5 Brilliant Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J65XRNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ffIMDbQYF44JS

EDIT 2: Thank you again for the awards! I feel it is also my duty to remind you to save your hearing. I have comments of people who want to get together to get this done. Pick and time and place and I’ll post it. Protect your ears! You only get one set and tinnitus is permanent.

Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 50 Pair - 32dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Ear Plugs for Sleeping, Snoring, Travel, Concerts, Studying, Loud Noise, Work https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EbJMDbYPVHZG9

EDIT 3: Thursday 10/10 at 6pm. Bring your whistles to the Target Center in Minneapolis. Get some whistles, get some friends, get irritating.

EDIT4: It’s been awesome to keep getting responses and interest in making this an actual thing! I’ve heard from people in MN, DC, SLC, California, and even England who want to get this started! I’m all for it, but let’s make sure we are there as an irritant, not as bullies. If you go out to blow some whistles tag your work with #irritatingwhistleblowers. So go get some friends, get some whistles, and get irritating!

EDIT 5: Good morning! Head on over to r/whistleattrump for further updates and shenanigans. I’ll continue to post updates and events as people get me the information.

You're lucky you have a cube! I had a piece of desk in the open concept office I recently worked in. I brought heavy-duty earplugs with me which seemed to help a lot, but it was still hellacious. I recommend these

Reconsider working from home if you can. That might be your best bet. Do half and half, so it's not quite so awful.

Good luck.

I got handed these at a gig a couple months ago

http://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44RM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406217480&sr=8-1&keywords=downbeats

and I haven't gone out to play or went to a club/festival without them. Custom fitted ear plugs would be ideal but these work well for me for now, I highly recommend all DJs carry some kind of hearing protection with them. I have a few DJ friends and friends from the military with tinnitus and from what I've heard it's not something to take lightly.

>I know it's not as good as medicine.

There haven't been as many studies as with many drugs, but so far the research is at least suggesting they're as good or better than most antidepressants. So good, in fact, that you have to watch out for mania. Using them in the middle of the day seems to reduce this risk, but again, not a lot of research.

>I am having financial issues and it's kind of expensive

This one seems pretty reasonable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000W8Y7FY

I got high fidelity earplugs on Amazon that come with a little case. I take them everywhere. Literally the only time I’m aware of them is when I switch pants and when I need them. Best spent $24 ever.

They aren’t perfect, but when you find yourself in a loud place they take the edge off. I still tend to leave loud places, but you can’t really do that immediately without it being awkward and these things make that possible. I use clay earplugs and earmuffs when I really need to protect my hearing. That said, they are good because it seems to get rid of the super low base and high treble, but you can talk to the people you’re with. It’s a bit muffled, but not bad.

surprised nobody has suggested these but if you are just looking for noise reduction I'd highly recommend these (or something similar): http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Hearing-Protection-MusicSafe-Classic/dp/B0032BYCWG/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SMSAKPS2M62Q730KMQ5

they provide decibel reduction so you can still hear everything but it isn't quite as loud. I love them for music concerts, loud bars, etc. because you can actually hear just fine unlike foam earplugs. Might be useful in a work situation too so he can still hear people calling him and such.

Bring earplugs. Rock concerts are very very loud and can damage your hearing. I know people debate this and often see temporary hearing loss as a 'rite of passage' for going to shows; but talk to anyone in their 50s and 60s who went to rock concerts when they were younger and they wish they would have used hearing protection. I always wear earplugs and they actually improve sound for many shows, but I did buy a pair specifically for concerts.


Be prepared to stand the entire time depending on where your seats are. The set lists that are available online are going to be the same songs they will most likely play when you see them, at least that's what JP has led us to believe in recent interviews.

Here are the ones I bought if you're interested.


http://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2/ref=pd_sim_hpc_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=00KS3R3FRM8FRJA162VF

This was the one I used. I liked it because it also had a negative ion feature, which also boosts your mood. Sometimes I'd lend it to my coworker and she found it really helpful, too (even her dog would sit in front of it!).

Also maybe check out some of these vids by therapist Kati Morton

SAD

What should you expect from therapy

What makes a good therapist

5 signs you are seeing a bad therapist

How to get the most out of therapy

Which type of therapy is right for me

depression playlist

​

Some other things that help me in the winter are planning a vacation somewhere warm if possible, even if it's short, getting outside even if it's cold, opening the blinds to let the natural light in, surrounding myself with "warm" things (cozy blankets, hot tea, springing the extra money to keep the house a few degrees warmer, pictures of warm scenery), and putting on my shoes when I first get out of bed. That last one is hugely important because it helps me set the tone and keep my schedule. If I don't, it's incredibly difficult to get up and moving and the whole day is lost. It also helps my depression in general to use a weighted blanket for sleep and to set up regular things to do with friends/family- grabbing coffee once a week together, going for a walk after dinner with my husband, taking the dog out, etc.

Hope you find what works for you!

I can't stress this enough: WEAR. EAR. PLUGS.

I've been going to concerts for the last 15 years or so and my hearing is GREATLY diminished because I didn't wear hearing protection as much as I should have. Honestly, it's super easy to remember/wear ear plugs and you will be so happy you did.

My recommendation: Alpine Hearing Protection MusicSafe Classic

They're a bit pricier than other models but the sound quality is EXCELLENT and they're comfortable as all get out.

I bought an amazing white noise machine because my neighbor's dogs love to bark a lot at night. It's the best thing ever- you could just saw you need an extra white noise machine to help you sleep now that you don't have the noisy fan anymore.

This is the one I swear by. I even bought an extra one to travel with.

https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Dohm-DS-Natural-Sound-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1499181322&sr=1-4&keywords=white+noise+machine

I also wake up by the slightest noise. The only thing that works for me is earplugs. But not just any earplugs. The ones workers in factories etc. use.

I'll try to find a picture or link for you, hold on.

Edit: i dont know if exactly these are available outside of germany but they are called bilsom laser lite.

http://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B0007XJOLG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420567335&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

They look like this. They are stronger than normal ear plugs because they are supposed to be used when working with heavy and loud machinery.

I hope you find something like that and it helps you.

finally something I can comment on from experience!

I used a standard box fan for ten years before my SiL gifted us one of these lil beauties and we'll never go back. The fact is, it creates a noise more soothing than your standard box fan without air circulation...which if you're a person who doesn't dust every week (like me) it's a nice change to not have the contents of your home swirling around all night long... highly recommend it!

/u/cochon1010 I can attest to the EarPeace HD. I'm a jazz & funk sax player, and often sit in front of a ton of brass, as well as drums & amps, etc. My hearing as of late has been more sensitive and I'm still young, so I gotta be careful. I went and saw Tower of Power in a very small expo center and they were SUPER LOUD. Had my earplugs in, and they really saved my hearing AND I could still hear clearly. Worth the $20. I just keep 'em on my belt loop everyday, all day.
another pair worth considering: [L!veMusic HearSafe] (http://www.amazon.com/LiveMus-HearSafe-Ear-Plugs-Comfortable/dp/B00H2F87I8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1450336559&sr=8-3&keywords=concert+earplugs)

The only thing to consider w/ these is that they're separate plugs for different decibel reduction amounts; with the EarPeace, they have little inserts (red and flesh) that you swap out depending on how much reduction you want to happen.

A Rubber Band Shooting Pen

They've actually got quite a few cool things. None of them really useful, but definitely some awesome up in there.

EDIT: Also, a scalp massager.
"It makes you feel like your head is cumming." - /u/The_Horse_Yeller

I use these and love them. They are musician earplugs like the Etymotic so they lower all frequencies more evenly. This is nice because you get the reduction in volume but don't get that feeling of all the high frequency disappearing like regular foam earplugs.

These are also shallow and flexible so they fit great under my helmet without hitting anything.

Here's everything I ordered just last night!

Bandana Headband face cover things I've bought these before, great for keeping cool and keeping the dust away.

Cheap Fanny Pack

Tapestry

More Tapestry

And some other things I bought a while ago.

Earasers Best earplugs I've bought so far, hella comfortable and inconspicuous.

Plastic Flasks

Extra Earplugs just in case someone needs them along the way

My mom got me this Nature Bright one as a gift (she knew I get bummed out in the fall/winter). I didn’t do any research to see how it compares to others, but I’ve had it for a few years and am very happy with it.

Highly recommend a light box to help offset the season change.

Note: I don’t use the ion therapy feature as I heard some questionable things about that.

Nature Bright Light

You can maybe try this or Hyland's makes this. I have had some success from Hyland's teething tabs and sniffles tabs. They dissolve and are safe for young kids. My other thoughts from my pregnancy nausea are mints (I liked spearmint better than peppermint) and also try ginger, like ginger ale. Another thought is the lollipops they make for pregnant ladies. I think they're called preggo pops or preggy pops. Also, my aunt owns a cleaning business and she uses a product called Odo-Ban for things that have a bad smell. Good Luck.

Of course. In terms of tinnitus treatment, without a comprehensive hearing test and counseling, I would not recommend any of the following methods. In most cases, tinnitus is frequently associated with hearing loss. When you treat your hearing loss, the residual benefit is that the tinnitus is mitigated. So, without knowing whether you have a hearing loss or not, I cannot say with a high level of confidence that the following methods will have optimal results.

​

Explore tinnitus relief apps for android and apple products. For example, Starkey Relax app (a lot of fine-tuning capabilities), Resound Relief app (a lot of soundscapes to choose from), etc.

Explore The Original White Noise Machine. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KUHFGM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000KUHFGM&linkCode=as2&tag=ppliedearing-20&linkId=7258be29e86b953f0f5deab741d7c1a5&th=1 .

Explore http://neuromonics.com/ - This is the most patient-centered approach, starting with a hearing test completed by your audiologist. There are a variety of products that are tailored to your level of tinnitus perception.

​

You can also visit and watch Dr. Cliff Olson's videos on tinnitus and treatment options. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ3ZZ6OELFE

​

You are not alone with tinnitus. No matter how old you are, start with a comprehensive hearing test by your audiologist and go from there.

​

Audiologist in Arizona. :]

It sounds like they’re partially attention seeking, and potentially partially thinking that your wife is “barking” at something outside the window.

I have two suggestions.

First, prevention. Specifically, opaque window film. If that doesn’t do enough to prevent the barking, a white noise machine on a low setting near the window might help as well.

Second, I recommend also desensitizing and teaching an alternate behavior. My recommendation is to get each dog a bed to keep in the room, and teach both dogs to go to their bed and wait quietly on cue. As part of that process, I’d recommend your wife have her phone out and pretend to talk on the phone while simultaneously dropping/tossing treats in the dogs’ beds. Building up a strong reinforcement history for quietly hanging out in their beds will be one of your best tools in breaking this habit.

Yes! So with this particular issue the muscle that you need to release is actually located between your shoulder blade and your ribs which makes it virtually impossible to get at from your back!
You have to go through your armpit! LOL Believe me for days I was massaging my back, trying to squeeze into my shoulder blade as much as I could with minimal relief.

I'm thinking the other pain you are experiencing is "radiating" pain from the actual trigger point. You would be surprised at how much better all the muscles around it feel after its released.

Ok, now how to release it!
This is the video I used, it worked so quickly my mind was blown.
Subscapularis Static Release

So if this happens for you a lot I would suggest buying a theracane or the different variation that they use in the video.

It does hurt a little but if you stick with it for 30seconds to a minute you will be amazed at how much better it will feel.

EDIT: If you don't have a theracane and can't wait you can search for "Subscapularis static release" or "Subscapularis dynamic release" for a stretch that will release it.

Dramamine and one of these band things

Other things that might help would be chewing gum or snacking. Also apparently fresh cool air helps as well.

Mythbusters did an episode indicating that ginger root is an effective supplement too, good excuse for a sushi feast.

I just started riding about 3 weeks ago. I didn't think wind noise was a real issue what so ever. I routinely came home from riding with intense headaches and neck aches. Read the advice here about 5 days ago a and ordered a good pair that reduces I think 29db. Been using them for 2 days and my 70+ mph ride is SO comfortable. I also no longer have a headache when I get home. I don't know why I didn't do this earlier. Simply amazing. Even if you don't care about hearing loss, care to make your ride more enjoyable. This may have saved my riding, was thinking I couldn't keep riding if I came hoes with intense headaches. 10/10 would highly recommend. Here are the ones I use keep em on my keychain.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H2F87I8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1478845722&sr=8-1&keywords=livemusic+hearsafe+ear+plugs&pi=SY200_QL40#

I use Melazepam (20% AzA), but a lot of people on the SCA sub use TO's Azelaic Acid Suspension (10% AzA). Both non-AB of course! Besides the %, the main difference is the consistency. TO's is silicone based and Melazepam is a gritty cream. Honestly both formulations suck in my opinion lol but there aren't many OTC AzA products to choose from. It can sting a bit at first so if you decide to try it out, use it after your moisturizer (and especially because of your eczema). I read in a study that it's just as effective when layered over other products!

And here's an awesome write up about AzA: http://simpleskincarescience.com/azelaic-acid/

Clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide and warm water.

Usually 1/4 hydrogen peroxide and warm water will do.

I use this

http://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Washer-Bottle-Doctor-Easy/dp/B005M2B5P0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1459449191&sr=8-1&keywords=elephant+ear+cleaner

It works very well.

I use to have a problem getting a good seal and my ears were annoying because it was full of earwax, which is why i never used iem.

But once I cleaned them, it felt good and i didn't feel anymore pressure from my ear anymore.

Good luck, let me know if you need any help

I use Alpine musicians ear plugs with changeable filters for on stage or as an audience member. Comes with a little case too. They have been ear savers for loud metal concerts and as a musician who plays next to drummers in small venues. I've also used them as a drummer and at an indoor shooting range. The shooting range was pushing it for these plugs, but they weren't advertised as indoor shooting protection. I keep them on my key chain so I always have them. Good for being around turbine engines. Yes, I use them everywhere.

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Hearing-Protection-MusicSafe-Musicians/dp/B0032BYCWG

Edit after reading other comments: I can hear myself better on stage with these. If my band could afford in ear systems, that would be better. I've sang with them and played many instruments with them. If I have trouble, I just loosen them up a little. They are small and barely noticeable when wearing them. People ask me when they see me putting them in and they end up ordering them too. I don't understand how people perform or go to concerts without them. Who wants a ringing in your ears every night?

Why would you hide one in someones campsite? And I didnt say anything about food or consumables.. Fill them with lego men or buttons or love notes or something. Edit: Someone above mentioned earplugs, great idea! If not for protecting your ears in the festival, then helping you sleep at night while your neighbors play Animals on repeat.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E2D9HAA/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Invest in a quality pair of earbuds. You’ll still be able to hear everything while you play and quality of sound won’t be affected, but the harshness of the sound will drop considerably. This will protect your eardrums from further damage with you still being able to play as you wish. Best of luck to you!

Gorgeous room!! If you haven't gotten one already, might I recommend a sound machine? I mention it because of the doors leading to possibly lively general living spaces. We have one right inside the bedroom door and it deadens most noise so we don't have to creep around the house like shitty ninjas. We also have a second, portable one which might be overkill but whatever gets us sleep gets a 👍 from me!!

In case anyone is interested we have Marpac Dohm and Marpac Hushh which also is great for clipping to her carseat!

I got these off Amazon http://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2 and I love them. Super comfortable and doesn't screw up the sound. Highly recommend them.

Yes, it gets better. It might take awhile, but it gets better.

Our twins didn't fully sleep through the night for 11 months. It was not a fun experience; honestly I was a zombie for basically a year and I really don't remember much of it. We were woken up 3-6x per night that entire time. Not fun.

BUT, now, our girls are a month shy of being 2 and they sleep like champs. I honestly can't remember the last time I had to get up in the middle of the night to do something for them. They go down in their cribs between 7:30-8pm, we close the door, they might whine for 5 minutes or less, and then they're asleep until we wake them up in the morning.

Do you have some sort of white noise machine? We have one of these in their room and it works great (in fact we have one in our bedroom too).

It's an azelaic acid that can be bought over-the-counter. I get mine on Amazon for ~$13 here https://www.amazon.com/Ecological-Formulas-Melazepam-Cream/dp/B001WUEJ4U

I find it to be very gentle, but I also have pretty tough skin. I started using it bi-nightly right away and never had any purging whatsoever. In fact, the difference after a week was incredible! Very effective as improving texture & stubborn acne scars.

It is an active though, so YMMV.

Living with roommates sucks, especially roommates with very different class/work/sleep schedules. Everyone suggesting 9-10 pm quiet time needs to get out of their morning person bubble. Everyone else suggesting that OP go out every time they want to have a chill conversation with friends is also being unrealistic. For one, that's going to get really expensive. For another, OP has a right to use the living room they pay to rent, which is equally as strong as Roommate's right to sleep, so they must find a way to balance these rights.

I say this as a very, very light sleeper. In a decade and a half of living with roommates, I have never come to a point of not being able to work it out, nor come to a point of putting my foot down and telling a roommate they couldn't use the living room at conversational volumes whenever I was sleeping.

OP - maybe in the politest way possible, you can help your roommate explore some techniques to sleep better. White noise machine or fan, blackout curtains, eye mask, ear plugs. I would again politely encourage your roommate to at least try ear plugs for a week. I recommend the Mack's 32 dB - they are small and squishy enough to comfortably sleep on even for a side sleeper (33 dB are quite a bit bigger) and you can still hear a nearby alarm through them, though they block out background noise. Here is an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_99exDbNDEE7RA

Cheap foam ones if nothing else, but i find they muddle the sound and make it difficult to talk to people

You can get decently comfy hi fidelity ones for 15-20 bucks, I liked these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GX1TOFM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But I upgraded and splurged and got a pair of $40 Earasers and they are AMAZING. Totally invisible, no ringing ears, I can hear the music, talk to people, and wear them for 8 hours at a festival with little to no discomfort. Even sometimes forgetting I have them in. I don't leave home without them. I got the small size and they fit me perfectly.

i use these! they don't distort the music at all but definitely lower the volume. i go to a ton of edm festivals and shows as well and they've been great. plus they come on a keychain so you'll never forget them!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A3Z44R2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's the wind that'll do you in. No matter what helmet brand or type you wear, your ears are gonna suffer from the wind.

You can buy different types of earplugs. But the two real stars are either Howard Leight earplugs or musician earplugs. They don't "plug" your ears like the first pair do but instead feel like you just turned the real world's volume knob down, because musicians need to hear perfectly what they are playing. I'd try out Ear Peace or LiveMusic HearSafe :)

Distraction is key - if you guys don't have a sound machine, get one immediately. Best 50 dollars I've ever spent - worth every penny.


(If interested, here is link to the one I have and love and it's on sale!)


Listen to lots of "nice" music, quietly. You can take the initiative here. When I say "nice" I mean quiet-ish, acoustic.

And most importantly --- talk about it. Ask him about it. He's going to have to learn to live with this (or it will go away!)

Good luck!

Assuming you're not interested in sites like Simply Noise (which I use a lot), I would recommend the Marpac Sleepmate. I bought one for my mom and she loves it. She let me test it when I went home to visit, and it was pretty awesome.

I have excess wax issues, and have to clean my earplugs (ER-20s are what I'm using at the moment) frequently, but in almost 20 years of wearing musician's earplugs I haven't had any significant issues with buildup caused by the earplugs themselves. I use one of these to help with wax removal, and it works pretty well. I've also used hydrogen peroxide and some other methods to deal with hardened wax on rare occasions. It sounds like your issues are more severe, but try not to let wax issues keep you from wearing hearing protection - cilia don't grow back.

You'll want to keep your ear canals clean, obviously. And try not to shove the earplugs too deep into your ear. I do this sometimes when I'm gigging and the drummer's really wailing on the cymbals, but it can result in the earplug picking up wax from the canal, and in your case could cause impaction. You might also look at MusicSafe plugs - they're double flange musician's plugs, and might not go as deep into the ear canal as the typical triple flange musician's plugs.

Welcome to Oregon!

Get one of these to ward off teh winter! It makes a difference I promise. The alarm clock is great too!

What are your top three tips to warding off existential dread/depression?


What are some of your favorite songs to shake the blues?

I really like Downbeats: https://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2?th=1

They stay in, still make the music sound good, and offer good protection. They even worked well when I was photographing a festival from the security pit, a foot away from the giant speakers.

Years ago I bought a box of 200 sets of Howard Leight Laser Lite NRR32 disposable plugs. I use them on the motorcycle, at the track, for sleeping, and hand them out to friends and family members any time we need protection. Everyone loves them. They are by far the most comfortable I have ever used and a single set will last at LEAST 2-4 weeks for sleep use (used nightly). I still have the box and have maybe gone through 1/2 to 2/3 of it. It was < $20.

Here is a link on Amazon (I bought them elsewhere at the time): http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Laser-Earplugs-Cords/dp/B0007XJOLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406299348&sr=8-1&keywords=howard+leight+laser+lite

AMEN. I know a lot of people with tennitus and that shit's no joke.

I bought these on amazon and haven't looked back. They work great, don't look goofy in your ears, and the metal case they come in is perfect for stashing party favors...if that's your thing :)

I used a white noise machine with my first kid starting when she was a baby, and she still uses & loves it today. She's 10. I use one too! It's scientifically proven to help you sleep better, plus it just blocks out some noise. To be most effective, get a white noise machine that uses actual air to create the noise, rather than a digital recording. It really fills the room without sounding harsh or grating. I love this one. It's $50 but it completely gives us our money's worth.

You have my absolute sympathy, we lived in an apartment for our first baby and now we're in a house for our second, and it really is a whole different ball game.

Good luck on your interview! I wish i could get a job at Amazon, that would be awesome.

head massage!

I use these things here (Vibes) when I'm mixing monitors, starting to feel ear fatigue, or when I know right off the bat that it's going to be a loud night.

They're fairly transparent, and I got used to them after a few weeks of shows. A big plus for me is that they're extremely removable, in contrast to my molded pair. They also fit nicely into the Eargasm case, it you have one of those. Most importantly, they're cheap

If you want to make sure your plugs aren't affecting how you mix, every time you make a change with the plugs in, pull them out to see how it sounds without them. Do this all night, every night, for a few weeks and then you should be pretty confident about the translation between plugged and unplugged

Give Eargasm a shot. I used them for Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine and Breaking Benjamin. They really do take out all the harmful bass and my ears felt great afterward. Any kind of high fidelity earplugs should be good. They don't make the sound as muddy as foam earplugs. Sound quality is much better. I have heard Dubz is a good brand as well.

Amazon

Consider checking out light therapy.

This sucker changed my life (don't use the "ionizer" part, though): https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY/

It seems like a highly personal thing, but 30 minutes in front of the light box every morning has helped fix my sleep cycles like nothing else, and it's better than relying on supplements to get to bed. 14 hours after my session I feel like a tranq dart hit me. If you try it out, give it a few weeks; you can always just return it if it doesn't work for you.

As for waking up feeling like garbage, that can be a blood sugar thing... try a few spoonfuls of almond butter right before bed, or some oatmeal.

I use 2 tools to try and deal with motion sickness (besides stopping play immediately once I feel off). One is Sea Bands. Super cheap, and simple motion sickness treatment.

Another is to have a fan going pointed at me. It helps cool me off and also keeps my body oriented even as I’m immersed in VR. Maybe one of those would help you!

I've used these ones for the last couple of years. Easy to take apart and clean, comes in a nice metal case. I haven't had any issues with them and I usually can hear shows really well after putting them in. Can even carry on a conversation if I have them in if needed.

I'm sure there's others that do just as well too, I think Etymotic has some on Amazon that are similar.

I've been telling mine for months that he snores. I went through like 10 brands of ear plugs before I found some that mostly work ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007XJOLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 if you're interested). Two weekends ago I went as a plus 1 to a wedding with my best friend so hubby went to some friends for a night of drinking and stayed the night. His friend woke him up in the morning saying he snores like a chainsaw lol. Apparently, he needed an outside perspective because he spent the last 2 weeks researching snoring and has settled on trying something called VitalSleep. Hasn't arrived yet, so can't personally speak to it, but when the news was in his face he had to face it.

I also agree that our sleep is a priority, so if he snores too much and the ear plugs aren't working he gets kicked out and goes to the spare room

As someone who is constantly on the road and also a full-blow fan-while-I-sleep addict I have to recommend the Marpac Dohm-DS.

It's "real" white noise caused by the movement of air, but can be packed extremely easily. Trust me, it saved my life and marriage.

http://www.amazon.com/Marpac-DOHM-DS-Natural-actual-Machine/dp/B000KUHFGM

I use a massage hook that I got on amazon for like $30 - it might seem a little pricey for a knobby piece of rigid plastic but it’s SO worth it. I got this theracane but you could do a search for massage hook and see other options.

This is the only thing that helps me get deep enough pressure to relieve some of the knots. I got one for my father in law and he loves it too. Seriously a life saver!

Turn of the AC and use this for white noise - https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Classic-White-Noise-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_8_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1541728196&sr=1-8&keywords=white%2Bnoise%2Bmachine&th=1

Very effective - I have recommended it to many people who all have said it was a lifesaver! Apps on phones just aren't the same as this is a physical noise like an AC or fan would be.

I use this one. It's a little pricy, but totally worth it. I've used a fan, white noise apps, etc. and nothing compares to these "analog" sounds machines. I don't know what it is about them, maybe conditioning is a part of it. Read the reviews. The only "side effect" I can think of is that if I forget it when traveling or sleep over at a dude's house I can't sleep for the life of me and I just lay there in existential dread. Like I said, it's my best friend.

Oh neat! Seems fun. Fear cuts deeper than swords.

1. Something that is grey. - Wishful Thinking list
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain. - Priority Items list
   
3. Something food related that is unusual. - Health/Beauty list
   
4. Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. - Priority Items list. For my cat Little because she gets urinary tract infections so I am always trying to find ways to keep her well hydrated.
   
5. A book I should read! - DVDs/Books list. I've wanted to read it since it came out, just haven't gotten the chance to. The movie was fabulous too.
   
6. An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! - Not on any of my lists
   
7. Something related to cats. - Priority Items list.
   
8. Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. - On a Private wishlist because the price is ridiculous.
   
9. A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. - Already Owned. Because it's my favorite movie.
   
10. Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. - Wishful Thinking list. Because I could throw it at their faces.
    
11. Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. - Health/Beauty list. Because I get bad back pain and muscle knots from my scoliosis and they can sometimes prevent me from doing what I need to do properly. Alternate from a Private wishlist because I may have to quit my job due to respiratory irritation from the chemicals.
    
12. One of those pesky Add-On items. - Health/Beauty list. I hate Add-on Items.
    
13. The most expensive thing on your list. - On a Private wishlist simply because it is so expensive. It's my dream item because I want to replace my gram's old one which I accidentally shattered the bowl for. /:
    
14. Something bigger than a bread box. - Priority Items list
    
15. Something smaller than a golf ball. - Health/Beauty list
    
16. Something that smells wonderful. - Priority Items list
    
17. A (SFW) toy. - Miscellaneous list. SFW to look at, not necessarily to play haha.
    
18. Something that would be helpful for going back to school. - Wishful Thinking list
    
19. Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. - Miscellaneous list. I have always been obsessed with writing lists. I have these markers and I love them but a lot of them are dried out/won't write. I haven't thrown them away because it makes me sad.
    
20. Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. - Priority Items list. A bag that I absolutely crave with every fiber of my being. I want it soooo bad. It's pretty and comes in other pretty colors and looks cute and comfy and wonderful.
    
    BONUS
    
    
21. Anything that has my real name on it. I don't know your real name, sadly. ): Maybe someday!
    
22. Anything made in Oregon. - Filmed in Oregon.
    
    
    Any of the things I have noted being on Private lists I would be happy to send you the link to for proof can be seen here. :) Also your wishlist names made me chuckle. :D
    
    Also also Happy Birthday to my dad! <3

It's probably motion sickness. I get this with certain games, mainly FPS games. I also get that overly warm feeling. Make sure you drink enough water.


Do you ever feel claustrophobic in first person games? Like, your brain feels like it can't take a break? That's what it's like for me. In third person, it feels freeing because I can see my character.



You can try wearing a motion sickness bracelet (yes, they actually work) and see if that makes any difference. For example: https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Band-Wristband-Anti-Nausea-Acupressure-Sickness/dp/B001F731N0

Here with a few more suggestions!

[Magic Wand] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089175GE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1KOJU68XO5O4X&coliid=I7MEJ9FRA2YGI&psc=1) - So your wife could enjoy some her time or you can use it to tease/intensify everything.

[nice lingerie] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0172J81WA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1KOJU68XO5O4X&coliid=I3HZSV1EP73CMW&psc=1) (plus size just in case ) // nice lingerie - Something that always helps me is feeling sexy & some good lingerie always does the trick.

You should definitely look into a sun lamp - this isn’t a tanning deal, it just put out bright blue-hued (e.g. sunny daylight hue) light. You set it up to be indirectly shining in your eyes for about 15 minutes and it peps you right up.

I have one on my desk. You’re looking for 10,000 LUX (not Lumens).

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/NatureBright-SunTouch-Light-Therapy-package/dp/B000W8Y7FY

But preferably native 240V not the 110V we have here.

I believe Wirecutter has a review so you can read more about them - google it ;)

Source: former Brit, now in Seattle by way of 15 years in sunny Florida. It’s the only thing getting me through the winters.

I've had the same experience with these ones. Really any high fidelity ones will have the same effect, but I like the downbeats because they're the cheapest ones (they're only 13.99). They're also about as stealthy as it gets.

But yeah. It's really cool how well they work. I was never able to have conversations in loud rooms before. But with them in I actually can. I actually went to a house show where there was a full band with a drum kit playing in a basement last weekend and I was able to talk to people during.

Real quick I just want to recommend these earplugs as well.

https://www.amazon.com/DownBeats-Reusable-Fidelity-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00A3Z44R2?th=1

The ones I linked work better with bigger ears and the ones the other guy linked work better for smaller ears for most people. Hope this helps for your future concerts!

• Spa type stuff: Head massager, tweezers, lip balm sets, mini lotions, perfume oils (sooo many good suggestions on /r/indiemakeupandmore)
  
  
• Candy: Pretty chocolate bars suited to giftee's specific tastes
  
  
• Gift Cards: Sephora if they are into makeup, Whole Foods if they are at all into organic stuff, Trader Joes if they are a student (TJs has the best snacks and is the cheapest!), Starbucks is a good catch all

Honestly, not really, I guess just expect it to get PACKED to the point where you have no room to really move a foot in any direction, it WILL get crowded, sweaty, and sometimes hard to see.

The only part of my night that sucked was standing next to a guard rail and being smushed between the rail and people, especially during the moshpits (which are fun as hell btw)

I also HIGHLY advise picking up earplugs if you don't own a pair already. You might think its not that loud during the starting artists (ie, Monxx, Liquid Stranger, sometimes Dion Timmer) before Excision starts, but he REALLY cranks the volume. During the intro/opening for Excision, everyone moved back a good foot, and just froze before cheering, it was LOUD and my ears were ringing a little before putting my earplugs in, but it was epic af and the bass was something out of this world!

So yeah, any further questions, don't be afraid to ask!

Don't forget, if you go, the most important part is to be laid back, feel the music, headbang, and just have a shit ton of fun!

They're like 3 bucks on amazon!! I have 2 of them. BEST feeling ever, and actually helps with my migraines!
What an investment! I'll take eight!!