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Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] Best rice pudding recipe? baked is better but i'm flexible 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:21 PM Flag
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I've only ever made the Joy of Cooking recipe. Lemon zest makes it really good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:27 PM Flag
[ - ] For all of you on the fence about moving to the suburbs, our highly regarded suburban district just laid off 30 teachers in one school. The are eliminating all non-essential subject areas such as k-5 world language. School will not look anywhere the same even after a vaccine. 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:17 PM Flag
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All communities are suffering budget cuts, at the state and local level, stemming from COVID and even prior to this in many cases. I think other factors are going to have to be used to measure trade-offs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:35 PM Flag
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Wow, that sucks. Are you also seeing a change in enrollment? I ask because I read that birth rates didn't come back up enough after the recession. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:39 PM Flag
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This is being done on a case by case basis. A blanket alarmist comment is inaccurate and not helpful. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:39 PM Flag
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^^^I live in the suburbs and budgets actually increased. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:40 PM Flag
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The point of my post is that fleeing to the suburbs for educational purposes can be problematic. At the very they should research projected school budgets. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:25 PM Flag
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Not in my burb. We are increasing staff. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:45 PM Flag
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Where? In a NY state suburb? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:46 PM Flag
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MA suburb. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:19 PM Flag
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What district ? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:48 PM Flag
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Brookline, Ma. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:19 PM Flag
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My friend in Brookline, MA told me they had just terminated hundreds of teachers and eliminated the pre-K program. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:07 PM Flag
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They already rehired all of them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:17 PM Flag
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Op, yes I posted about Brookline. It came as a shock to the community and is pretty awful. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:20 PM Flag
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Our principal emailed us and it sounded like she was blindsided. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:20 PM Flag
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People can’t afford property tax. That’s what happens. Schools suffer. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:25 PM Flag
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Ours are getting raises bc it was written into their contracts, which are being reviewed next year. They get multi year contracts that guarantee raises under any circumstance, plus free tuition for their kids! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 01:28 AM Flag
[ - ] does anyone think the K admissions process will be easier this year?maybe with people leaving less competitive (for top tier?) 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:10 PM Flag
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Absolutely. Especially for high donor families. They need to make up for the extra financial aid they have to allot to current families dealing with unemployment and furloughs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:11 PM Flag
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It will be a very hard year for K applicants looking for 75+% aid. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:12 PM Flag
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Agree with this. It will likely be a capital year. So annoying if you aren’t really rich, as kids who are not highly qualified will get spots over kids who are great (but still full pay) and those needing financial aid. That said, if things are remote (or partially so) in the Fall, the assessments will be completely new/different, so kids who can perform on Zoom will undoubtedly do better (especially since the school reports are started the year before, and the kids were on Zoom from March to June, so they will not be as detailed as past years). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:16 PM Flag
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I also think that there isn’t as large of a flight from the schools commonly referred to as TT on this board - people at those schools are mostly playing the long game and realizing that the pandemic will hopefully just be a blip in the long run. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:18 PM Flag
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This - common sense - [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:21 PM Flag
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Agreed. 60K is a lot of money to pay for remote learning at a 3T or new for-profit school if you have to cut almost everything else to make it work. Brearley/Collegiate, ect are a different story. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:24 PM Flag
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3T schools don’t cost 60k. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:12 PM Flag
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i think all private schools are 50k and over. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:37 PM Flag
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OP- hm hadnt thought abt that. we wouldnt be a donor family, but we dont need FA. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:26 PM Flag
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Any full pay student will have an easier than usual time. Same with college, btw. If you are a rising senior and full pay, apply to all your reaches. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 08:24 PM Flag
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I do think the junior class really lucked out in so many ways while the sophomores will go in with shaky foundations. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 01:55 AM Flag
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Meant rising seniors and juniors, in case that isn't clear. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 01:56 AM Flag
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Eh. Kind of doubt it. More than enough outrageously wealthy New Yorkers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:01 PM Flag
[ - ] Just spoke to a friend who moved in with her parents on LI. School district has 33 kids signed up for K. TOTAL. Reading specialists, aides, 15 kids per class. They'll have staggered schedules next fall. For free. Why am I doing this to us, why am I hanging on to Brooklyn? We are not rich, dreading paying for private K next year, dont need to go to the office. Renting. Why in the hell we cant just leave? 33 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:36 PM Flag
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Leave [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:37 PM Flag
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No family anywhere. We don't really have anywhere to go, we have a community in Brooklyn. I am more scared than anything. And we have 2 contracts we'd need to get out of - private K and rental (lease up July 2021). I am afraid of both of them suing us [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:39 PM Flag
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So stay. We know we wouldn't be happy in the suburbs, we love city life, even its overcrowded/unpredictable schools (we're public) and shitty infrastructure. Everything has trade-offs. If a 15-kid-K-class has enough value to you to give up everything else you love about Brooklyn + NYC, go for it. You selected a particular private school for a reason - was is just simply because it's "better than your public" or was there more to it that you valued, things your kids might not get elsewhere, even a quaint small town public? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:45 PM Flag
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np. all this. you pay a premium to live in NYC and you need to examine whether the trade offs are worth it. I know it's a luxury to live in the city and have a shorter commute and an interesting walkable environment, but if you can't afford it, go. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:58 PM Flag
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agree to this and above. the city isnt for everyone. i hate the suburbs and really dont want to leave the city. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:11 PM Flag
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me too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 11:58 PM Flag
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np. We are renters in Brooklyn with no family in the USA. Our community is in NYC and I consider raising kids here part of their education. It has to get really bad for us to leave. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:03 PM Flag
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Disease, crime, political unrest - are you waiting for locusts? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 01:40 AM Flag
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you sound like youd be happier elsewhere, but you have 2 contracts. i think you are stuckk here for a year. plan to leave in a year. or, by then, city life may be so different that you wont want to. i dont know how youd get out of both contracts, honestly. surprised you have a 2 yr lease. Thats rare. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:52 PM Flag
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NP: I've lived in NYC since 1997, in 5 different buildings, 5 different management companies, and have always had 2 year lease options. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:24 PM Flag
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well, i have you beat. Native New Yorker born in the 1960s. Ive rented in a dozen neighbs (UWS, east vill, williamsburg...). Only one had a 2 year lease option, and it was optional. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:35 PM Flag
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Are you working mostly with individual owners or larger management companies? 4 of my 5 have been large, anonymous management companies (big, full service buildings), and one was a walk-up registered as an LLC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:39 PM Flag
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So you've moved roughly every two years for the past 35 years or so? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:41 PM Flag
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*3 years, that is [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:41 PM Flag
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I don't know, why can't you leave? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:39 PM Flag
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obviously need psych help. seriously. complete and absolute fucking denial of reality [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:40 PM Flag
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np. Or subconsciously you know you won't be happy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:30 PM Flag
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what school district is that small? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:41 PM Flag
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I'm in a Chicago suburb (not the OP) and my district is that small. We have 3 kindergarten classrooms, all expected to run between 15-18. But we're likely to go hybrid, which means each class will run about 8-9 kids each 2 days a week. I'm beyond thrilled. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:03 PM Flag
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I would leave, but we own our apartment and I can't imagine cleaning and organizing it and listing it for sale right now. But if you rent, break the lease (or at least talk to your landlord about it and try to come to an agreement). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:46 PM Flag
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Just go. You'll build a new community. It will be so much better basically anywhere else. You'll hear all this "REAL New Yorkers wouldn't leave! You just can't hack it!" rhetoric, but that's just misery-loves-company sentiment from people who truly are stuck here for whatever reason. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:48 PM Flag
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I find "NYC is awesome and the burbs suck" and "the burbs are amazing NYC is miserable" to just be different sides of the same annoying coin. People are allowed to like different things. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:50 PM Flag
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Yes. Pros and cons to both. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:46 PM Flag
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We left Queens for LI. Same for my kids elementary school. It was like a pink puff cloud of happiness at the elementary level. The HS is rigorous and the my kids are off to good colleges. I was not rich enough for raising a familly in the city. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:49 PM Flag
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What town ? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:50 PM Flag
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Because this is temporary. If you think you'll be happy there 3 years down the line, by all means, go. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:58 PM Flag
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Just leave!? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:14 PM Flag
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^^particularly if you are a renter, just go sounds nice to me [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:17 PM Flag
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LI is great but taxes are very high. Our taxes are 14k small home [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:49 PM Flag
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im a native NYker, 3rd generation. Grew up in Manhattan up without a car, and failed my driving test as a teen. Mt driving lessons were navigating Park Avenue at rush hour! Not ideal. I never took it again, which I regret. I always thought the suburban friends I made at camp had such a cool life, with their houses and yards, but I never felt comfortable out there. I feel safer in a building with a doorman, than in a house "on the ground floor", if you know what i mean! I cant see living in a house and driving places. I love walking around NYC because its home. If I grew up in the burbs, I can 100% understand why moving to NYC would be a terrible choice. Maybe others feel differently, but its the way that your OWN bed is more of a comfort than a luxury hotel room anywhere else. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:00 PM Flag
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Maybe you've already found the place you want to live? Maybe a school district with only 33 kids in a single grade works for your friends, but it doesn't for you? It's ok to want something different. Being in a large, diverse area can have many benefits and it's a reason that many of us stay here. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:35 PM Flag
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Depends on the culture of the school and if your family will have any peers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 11:53 PM Flag
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A lot of the small towns on Long Island are full of carni folk. Just think about what kind of peers you want for your DCs and family [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:11 AM Flag
[ - ] Jericho NY - are the schools really that good? 9 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:11 PM Flag
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My Dad taught there. They are very competitive and intense and have great resources [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:19 PM Flag
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It's very "good" (don't live in that district but have several friends there), but COMPETITIVE. Start rounding up all the tutors you'll need, because everyone has them and you'll need them to keep up with the Joneses in the academic sense. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:33 PM Flag
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ive heard this. friend in syosset say that jericho is almost "too much". too competitive. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:12 PM Flag
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How's the town? I looked at Zillow - awful looking cookie cutter houses [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:37 PM Flag
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I've been there a bunch, and I think it's super ugly. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:01 AM Flag
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Yes [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:01 PM Flag
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Yes. It was a nice enough place to grow up, though I have no particular desire to return. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:20 PM Flag
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I recently watched a show on Disney+ about the ISEF (international science and engineering fair) and they showcased Jericho. The science teacher was incredible but very intense. They had a ton of kids place in ISEF. Makes you think it must be a very competitive school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:24 PM Flag
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Yes. It a lot of the kids have tutors and work all summer long. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:51 PM Flag
[ - ] I love matzo ball soup and wanted to make it at home tonight. Does anyone have an easy (and delicious) recipe for matzo balls? I have never made them before. Thanks! I know I can google, but trust recipes from moms here more. 21 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:54 PM Flag
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DH swears by the Manischewitz mix [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:58 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:00 PM Flag
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op- thanks. Is it healthy although a mix? I want to avoid additives or weird stuff. Will look into it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:01 PM Flag
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I have no idea. It's instant soup and ground up matzo. We eat it once a year. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:03 PM Flag
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if you want healthy, make from scratch [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:10 PM Flag
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The mix works great, use a bit of ginger ale in the mix as it makes the matzo balls fluffier. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:37 PM Flag
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This [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:42 PM Flag
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+1 - use the mix. it's super easy, and the mb's come out nice and fluffy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:51 PM Flag
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Streits is good too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 08:03 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 11:44 PM Flag
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My DH uses Matzo meal, eggs and oil and salt and broth. It's not hard. See recipe on the box. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:12 PM Flag
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^and uses a whole chicken in his soup. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:13 PM Flag
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op- thank you, will try to make from scratch. Yes, I also use a whole chicken in my soup (preparing it just now) I thought that matzo balls would be a nice addition to it. Instead of the noodles or rice. Thanks again. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:19 PM Flag
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Secret ingredient: 1/8 tsp of baking soda. It makes them fluffy! Also, you must boil them covered (no peeking!) for 30 minutes. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:26 PM Flag
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Thanks! This is helpful [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:58 PM Flag
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or a bit of seltzer [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 08:26 PM Flag
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When I make them from matzo meal, eggs and oil, they are too dense and heavy. I agree that the mix (any brand) is better. They come out fluffier. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:27 PM Flag
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just add seltzer [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 08:27 PM Flag
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I perfected this situation - The box matzoh ball mixes (Manischewitz or Streits) - tend to come out lighter and less dense than home made matzoh balls. Regarding broth - Do not USE their soup mix - it's terrible - make your own broth. If you have 2 days - the best thing to do is get a whole 3-4lb chicken and boil it with cloves, bay leaves, carrots, onion, and celery - let it cool, remove the layer of fat from the top. Debone and de-skin the chicken - then reboil to cook matzoh balls + add salt to your preference. Enjoy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:27 PM Flag
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Matzoh balls from scratch are pretty easy (they don't have the added crap that's in the mix) and seltzer (with lots of bubbles) is the key. I sometimes add in some of the fat from the soup to the mix. I like Streit's matzoh meal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:38 PM Flag
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As the poster said above, ginger ale is the key! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:04 PM Flag
[ - ] Makes me feel awkward when people invite themselves to our summer house, even for just the day. I do it once in a while but I don't like feeling the pressure and feeling like I have to say yes and if I say maybe or we'll see or whatever then I'm a jerk. 17 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:53 PM Flag
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I mean either you have people or you don't really. if you don't then just say 'we're not there yet'. if [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:00 PM Flag
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I mean either you have people or you don't really. if you don't then just say 'we're not there yet'. if [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:00 PM Flag
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you never do it's a lot easier not to feel awkward [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:01 PM Flag
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Please just say no. I hate the feeling that people blurted out an invite but then when we show up I feel like they didn't mean it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:15 PM Flag
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OP: I was happy to have them come once recently, but i very quickly (within a day) got a request to set up a next time, it felt pushy. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:45 PM Flag
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^^PS not a close friend, if it were a very close friend I'd be happy to do it a lot more often - I'm talking my kids' friends and their parents who I'm friendly enough with [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:49 PM Flag
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Even more reason to say No if they are not close and are imposing. Don't be afraid to say no. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:00 PM Flag
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They can't really invite themselves, they can only ask in a very pushy way, you can always say no, which is a complete sentence, and you are not being a jerk by rejecting rude people. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:16 PM Flag
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ITA. This year is very easy. Sorry we are trying to keep the company to a minimum this year. Done. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:20 PM Flag
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Oh my god, what kind of friends does everyone have? I have a beautiful pool and I love with my friends come sit with me while the kids play and if it turns into a BBQ or ordering in all the better. I don't want to sit around my nice things alone, I get enough of that working remotely right now during the week. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:37 PM Flag
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OP: everyone is different, DH and I are working hard during the week and really look forward to relaxing with our immediate family on the weekend, not entertaining. I did it one day this week and it was tiring and left me with a ton to clean up. I guess it depends on one's personality - I find it kind of draining but once in a while it's ok. And btw these aren't great friends. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:47 PM Flag
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so say no, we're busy. or don't mention your beach house to them. Maybe back off all together if they are draining, it can't be easy to maintain friendships with people if you don't see them, maybe mention an alternative plan like tennis. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:59 PM Flag
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OP: they are super nice people, they personally aren't draining they are just not my family or close friends and for some people (me) that feels like work. And they were already here a few days ago and asked to come back less than 24 hours later. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:06 PM Flag
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^^but I did find a way to respond to her that both pumped the brakes and didn't insult her and she was very understanding [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:12 PM Flag
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NP, I'm an introvert and I would hate this. I also can't imagine *asking* to come back less than a day after being a guest. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:14 PM Flag
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np. i get it, i don't like playing hostess and feeling like i need to have food, drink, and do other things a good hostess does. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:03 PM Flag
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Awkward? It should make you think - these people are rude, and No. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:28 PM Flag
[ - ] What do you consider a neighbor - same floor, same building, same neighborhood? 13 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:51 PM Flag
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Same floor. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:51 PM Flag
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Yes. Same floor. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:56 PM Flag
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Same building [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:52 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:07 PM Flag
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+2 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:43 PM Flag
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Same neighborhood [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:56 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:16 PM Flag
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Maybe two-block radius. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:57 PM Flag
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In NYC? For a large building, when I say "neighbor" I usually mean people in my building. If I was in a smaller multi-family or townhouse, would probably include people on my block in similar buildings. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:32 PM Flag
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Funny - now I'm thinking now about how I refer to people who live in other large buildings on my block. I usually say something like, "I was talking to a guy who lives in the building next door" or "a guy down the street." When I say, "I was talking to one of my neighbors" I'm almost always referring to people in my building. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:36 PM Flag
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I have a good friend who lives maybe three quarters of a mile away in the same sparsely populated suburban town. She mentioned planning a get together with some neighbors and it took me a minute to realize she wasn't inviting me! Then I was annoyed. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:46 PM Flag
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Depends on where I am. If I'm on the other side of the world and I meet someone from Hoboken, we're neighbors. Otherwise my neighbors are in my building or my block. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:46 PM Flag
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in Brooklyn, people within a block or 2. lots of low rise buildings, and we see people out all the time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:03 AM Flag
[ - ] Why do I feel so sluggish/tired by mid morning? I am 50, sleep around 7 hrs per night, eat right and exercise...It has mostly happened in the last week or so. I wonder if the stress from the general situation has something to do with it. I am fine otherwise... anyone else? What helps you? Thanks 16 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:50 PM Flag
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I am a bit younger but same - i am so so sleepy [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:51 PM Flag
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op- thanks for your feedback. Yes, but more than sleepy it is like I am "dragging" feel tired and this is after I had a good breakfast (egg and tomatoes this morning) and coffee... I also tend to worry which does not help. Maybe I should meditate for a few minutes... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:56 PM Flag
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or - thryoid issues? that was my mom at your age... [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:04 PM Flag
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op- No, checked thyroid again just 4 months ago (complete screening) and all is good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:21 PM Flag
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I have posted before, but I started listening to Farmacy and cut out (for the most part) flour, sugar, dairy, alcohol and processed food. I take a ton of vitamins I am 54 and feel pretty darn good. I do take like a 15 minute nap in the afternoon. I do cheat a bit but for the most part this is what I do [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:40 PM Flag
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op- thank you, very helpful. I have completely cut out those things years ago, and it certainly helps. What vitamins do you take? I currently take only D and a probiotic [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:01 PM Flag
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Ok well I will seem nuts, but I take magnesium, fish oil, vitamin b complex, fungreek, ginsing, cinnamon, alpha lipoic acid and a multivitamin. I take others but Im out of them right now. If you go to DR.Mark Hyman's website he has these quizzes in his download with suggested vitamins. I dont know if it helps but that's what I do! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:30 PM Flag
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try iron - maybe not everyday. I find that helps me. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:04 AM Flag
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Perimenopause [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:40 PM Flag
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Old age. After 40, you can expect rises and dips in energy levels. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:01 PM Flag
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what do you eat for breakfast? I feel like this if I eat simple carbs in the morning. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:08 PM Flag
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I posted above and the other day I had a bagel for breakfast and I swear I was tired all day. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:31 PM Flag
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I had thyroid condition -- make sure they look at T4, not everyone does. And he told me to do B12 shots, which might be a bit of a quack type medicine, but they do boost my energy [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:35 PM Flag
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I have one - I take a daily pill and really helps. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:05 AM Flag
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If this is something new in the last week, maybe the humidity is getting to you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:40 PM Flag
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try more water and more protein in the morning. make sure you eat a really good sized breakfast. include some fruit and healthy carbs. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:04 AM Flag
[ - ] I have an appointment with my primary care physician and I am so nervous... I have only started to go get my own grocery three weeks ago (only delivery until then). But they are going above and beyond w precautions it seems: did check in just now completely on line and they said to call the office when I am outside and they will let me in when my turn and doc of course will be wearing mask - but still need to talk to him and he may have to get close to check breathing etc. (unless they don't do that now?). Anyway, I realize I am still very nervous about Covid. Especially after reading this morning that 19 states have seen a spike in infections. 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:48 PM Flag
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maybe you should speak to him about your anxiety levels? doctors offices have been very diligent with mask wearing, limiting patients, etc. ive been to the pediatrician and was surprised at how careful they were. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:55 PM Flag
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op- thanks. Have friends in Europe who had covid or lost relatives, so I have always taken this seriously. But I realize that with the right precautions doctor visits are very safe even now. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:23 PM Flag
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My mom went to her dr last week, she's in her 80s, it was fine, they are all being careful. I understand the anxiety, but never going out again isn't really viable, we all have to just get used to the risk, like when we get in a car and drive on a highway. I have an appt. coming up too, I was nervous at first, but am now actually looking forward to pushing my own limits. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:18 PM Flag
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op- thank you [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:02 PM Flag
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I've been to the doctor 5 times. It's totally safe, safer than most places, including the grocery store. Relax. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:06 PM Flag
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I felt more protected at my recent doc visit (at a big hospital) than I do at grocery store. The precautions are at the highest level. I felt sorry for the poor doc with his mask plus plastic face shield, his glasses were so fogged up he could barely see. You are probably more of a danger to doc than he to you. Don't worry about it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:57 PM Flag
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doctor's offices are safe - they've all been tested, are wearing masks and gloves, and they clean constantly. should be fine. I've been to the doctor several times recently because of an ongoing issue and was all good. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:06 AM Flag
[ - ] Our NYC middle school is not giving out anymore assignments after Friday. The rest of the year is “fun” activities. I have to say that I’m so happy. I’m over all online teaching for now. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:46 PM Flag
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I'm so jealous! Elementary school is full steam ahead until the 25th! I can't even. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:35 PM Flag
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That is awesome. Funny thing is, if you think back to past years of in person school, the last two weeks were ALWAYS a joke/fun. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:58 PM Flag
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yes i was just going to say that. grades are usually entered by end of 2nd week in June. so anything after is clean up, fun, etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:10 PM Flag
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Is it an IB school? DC is at an IB MS and their last grading period is June 12th too. Lots of work now, but I look forward to no stress after that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:25 PM Flag
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Yes it is ha! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:22 PM Flag
[ - ] Post here if you post in the UES Mommas group. Just totally curious what the overlap is. 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:44 PM Flag
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OP: I read it a lot since dominates my feed, but I rarely post (only if I need some sort of info). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:45 PM Flag
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I just wondered if any of the UES Mommas “all stars” were also on UB. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:32 PM Flag
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yes but read really for amusement [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:55 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:00 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:00 PM Flag
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I read it for the drama - occasionally chime in if I can be helpful with a recommendation. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:44 PM Flag
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I exited the group when it got super-crazy a week or two ago. Before that, I posted benign things like where to go for books or toys. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:22 PM Flag
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Yeah it got crazy. The UWS one is a dumpster fire too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:33 PM Flag
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I do [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:50 PM Flag
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I do! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:52 PM Flag
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I do [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:22 PM Flag
[ - ] This virtual Field Day is the worst. Kids are in tears, everyone is annoyed and my house is a mess from all of the activities. I can't wait for "school" to be over. 25 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:11 PM Flag
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We opted out of that. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:22 PM Flag
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I just yelled at my son because he wants to do 'reading' on my laptop instead of his. I HAVE to get work done. I cannot tie up my computer in order to have a quicktime read him his reading homework. I'm happy to listen in and help him with questions as they come up - but dude, I have a freaking job. I hate this so much. At all times I'm being a shitty parent and desperately afraid that someone's going to call me on the subpar work I'm doing because I'm interrupted every 3 minutes. I would do anything to just get one hour straight of work done. Homeschool can F off. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:24 PM Flag
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does he have an ipad? or other device he can read on? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:53 PM Flag
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It's a read aloud where the teacher reads and then you need to pause every few minutes and type in the lessons you've learned or answer multiple choice questions in the app. He has a laptop and there's a family ipad. But he wants to do it with me on my computer. So then I freak out at him because I have zero bandwidth anymore. And I eventually cave because I can either spend an hour squabbling about him doing it on his device which will devolve into crying and slammed doors or I can just f ing do it on mine and get it over with in 15 minutes. I mentioned the part about how I'm a shitty parent, right? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:06 PM Flag
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You aren't, actually, and that's ridiculous, he has his own laptop, he can use that, saying no in this context doesn't make you a bad person. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:21 PM Flag
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Thanks. Of course he can. And he uses it for other subjects. I know with reading, he has a ton of trouble focusing. So my guess is he wants it to be on my laptop, so I'm fully invested and keeping him focused. If he does it on his laptop, alone, he won't ingest anything, he'll have to stop and keep going back, it'll devolve. His anxiety does not help. I just would kill to be a non-working parent who could take 30 minutes and fully help him. But I'm buried. My sister hasn't worked since she had her child and I'm so insanely jealous of her. I know she has her own difficulties. I just would kill to not be pulled in so many directions all the time. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:24 PM Flag
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Thanks for the heads up. Will try to avoid. Sad, because it’s so earnest and well-intentioned! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:25 PM Flag
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I know. I feel bad but this is our worst day yet. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:29 PM Flag
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omg what the hell school decided to do that to you??? I'm so sorry :-( [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:30 PM Flag
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they are all doing it! My school did last week, and online there are all sorts of videos teachers can use to support virtual field day. I guess a group of PE teachers decided this would be a good thing to do and everyone followed along. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:18 PM Flag
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what grades? one of my kids thought it was fun and the other thought it was silly but went along w it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:33 PM Flag
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That sounds awful. Sorry! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:36 PM Flag
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Field day in person in a silly waste of time. Holding it online is idiotic. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:36 PM Flag
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>is, not in [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:37 PM Flag
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Our middle school is doing something like that next week. Ugh! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:44 PM Flag
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Ours was fun. BUT the mess was a bit much for me too. And now school is over and I’m in the same boat as the mom who gets interrupted every 3 min and I’m sucking both at work and motherhood. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:58 PM Flag
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Aw, my kids loved ours. I agree with the poster above; it's well-intentioned. Just opt out if it's not working for your family. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:00 PM Flag
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Yeah, but sometimes you have kids who are rule-followers and they're doing it because the teachers are playing it up and they need to support their "team" when it's really just a mess. Went through this last week. Not the biggest issue but just another thing that this pandemic has crapped on. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:09 PM Flag
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Or little kids with FOMO. My 7 year old was doing an afterschool cooking class once a week that switched to virtual. Buying/sourcing the ingredients for the recipes and having to stop my work for a 45 min to supervise the whole thing (and clean up - 7 year old clean up efforts are great, but never thorough) is a PITA, but DC doesn't want to miss out - I enable/allow it because they've already had to lose so much, but wish it wasn't even on DC's radar. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:14 PM Flag
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OR: But why complain? Do you really think the PE teachers or cooking class teachers should just cancel their events? They're people trying to do their jobs/maintain their business, adjusting to the online format as best they can. It's not ideal of course but I don't see a better alternative. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 07:52 PM Flag
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Not cancel, but vet through parents. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 08:29 PM Flag
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It’s so clear that this totally varies family-to-family, kid-to-kid, between age groups, etc. I understand why you hold your opinion but not everyone’s is going to be the same. For that reason it makes most sense to continue providing these opportunities (individuals can opt out or modify their participation) rather than limit them completely. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 09:18 PM Flag
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Virtual field day? I thought I'd heard everything. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:34 PM Flag
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Which school? Ours was this week too but I thought it was great. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 12:30 AM Flag
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It was a highlight for my DCs during the past 3 months. Private school, ES grades. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 04:13 AM Flag
[ - ] Trying to get a sense of how people handle grocery shopping at this point. Do you restrict how often you shop? Do you wipe down anything afterward? Or are you pretty much back to pre-pandemic normal? 76 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:49 PM Flag
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Never did either of those [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:53 PM Flag
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same [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:10 PM Flag
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same never did that [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:30 PM Flag
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Same and I go shopping about 3 times a week. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:37 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 11:39 PM Flag
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Me neither. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 05:08 PM Flag
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Been trying to limit to once weekly the whole time and continuing that. Never wiped things down, just wash hands after shopping. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:55 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:11 PM Flag
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+++ [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:45 PM Flag
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I used to let things sit for a couple of days and would wipe a few things we'd be using right away like perishables, but I've stopped. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:57 PM Flag
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+1 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.11.20, 09:21 PM Flag
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OP: Do you take any special precautions now in the store? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:57 PM Flag
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I still wipe down the cart handle. I don't have contactless pay set up, so I just use my credit card in the machine. Figure I don't handle CC again til the next time I shop so if any cooties on it, they'll just die out. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:01 PM Flag
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Frankly, people should wipe down cart handles all winter every year just due to flu season. This is a new habit I think I'll be maintaining. Same with avoiding hand-shaking. That's a social convention that should just die out. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 04:30 PM Flag
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mask, distance from other customers, don't touch anything i won't buy, go home immediately and wash hands. if they have wipes for the basket handles i use them. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:02 PM Flag
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ditto all of this [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:19 PM Flag
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This - I have also limited my shopping to once a week and I only go to a grocery that has all precautions set up [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 06:46 PM Flag
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Only thing different is that I avoid taking my kid into crowded stores. I never wiped down things or waited 3 days etc. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 02:57 PM Flag
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Sticking to one delivery each week (where possible) and still wiping down but a lot less crazy about it. Then again I left nyc a few weeks ago so that could be part of it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:02 PM Flag
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I'm starting to go twice a week. Not sure if that's a little irresponsible. I go once to Whole Foods and once to the "regular" grocery store. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:03 PM Flag
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I still refuse to go to a grocery store: I get everything delivered via Instacart. However, I am much less obsessive about wiping it down or avoiding touching other things if I've touched unwiped groceries. The science is becoming clearer that you catch the disease from people, not objects or surfaces. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:06 PM Flag
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Wondering why you don't go to the grocery store at this point. Just curious about how you view the decision. I was ordering for a while, but recently started going to the store. In NYC. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:18 PM Flag
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Just seems like an unnecessary risk. Instacart is working fine for us, why abandon something that works for something that carries additional risk? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.10.20, 03:24 PM Flag