RAVE HERE thread

Started by Jamr0ckin
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
We’ve moved on from vacuums, but if your house is REALLY dirty, I just bought this and it’s amazing. So powerful. I bought it to clean up construction mess at my new house but I just used it on the carpets at my current house because I wanted to try it out, and they’re cleaner than probably ever before, haha. You know it is sucking well when you can see the carpet move.

ridgid-wet-dry-vacuums-hd1400-64_1000.jpg


 
In other “rave here” news, they’ve finished all the utility rough-ins and started the insulation on my house on Friday. At least one or maybe two more days on that, then we’ll be ready for drywall, which feels like a big step.

On Thursday, the dogs got to go visit the house for the first time since it was just a slab. They got to try out the newly framed-in dog wash station…they look happy now but they won’t like it nearly as much when they learn that’s for baths. But I am excited for the dog wash…
IMG_1162.jpeg
IMG_1165.jpeg
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I’m officially move into my new home for vet school! All animals survived the trip and are doing well, my stuff is here, and I am SO EXCITED to have a whole house!

AND I am officially done with my ****ty ex apartment complex! The funny thing is today they sent out an email about “accusations made on social media” sooo turns out I’m not the only one who has had issues with this place - good riddance!

Now to unpack and chill as much as I can because in 5 weeks time I will be in VET SCHOOL!! 🤩
 
The flooring went in to my son's bedroom today and I'm so excited for him to have a whole room that is safe to freely explore.

I didn't decorate a nursery so it's been a lot of fun decorating a bedroom and bathroom for a (soon to be) toddler.

Also, I've been wanting to get rid of the carpet since I bought this house so... one room down, two to go.
 
Finally decided to work on my health in the final push of vet school. I’m severely overweight/obese for my height, and I’m just so uncomfortable in my skin.

Investing in medication with the hope the financial incentive to keep me accountable. Plus will put my gym membership to good use
It’s not my business so feel free to ignore what I say but if you have the money I’d recommend trying to find a nutritionist as well! I went to one who was able to give me meal plans with some things to rotate between but also she made sure to have adequate fats carbs protein so that I never felt hungry when in a deficit. It really helped me and helped build healthy choices!

Way to go taking that first step!
 
Finally decided to work on my health in the final push of vet school. I’m severely overweight/obese for my height, and I’m just so uncomfortable in my skin.

Investing in medication with the hope the financial incentive to keep me accountable. Plus will put my gym membership to good use
I’m not trying to assume what medication you mean or trying solicit more info, but I started taking a GLP-1 (self pay Zepbound) in February and it was life changing. So if you need support in that regards, my inbox is open.

I’ve lost 40 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 and a calorie deficit since February. The mental effects were wild, in a good way…it completely and immediately stopped any cravings for soda, stopped the ‘food noise’, and just generally made it easier to make healthy food choices. There are definitely some side effects (nasty burps, low grade nausea, etc.) and it’s still work to stay in a calorie deficit while meeting nutrient needs, but I have no regrets and it’s definitely been worth the cost paying out of pocket. Though I know I’m lucky to be able to afford it. I did develop some bad side effects at the end of May when I tried to move up from the loading dose (horrible vomiting and diarrhea, like not keeping anything down at all) and had to stop it for a month. I just started again this week back at the lowest dose, so I’m hopeful I can keep losing and stay on it long term. Some people will tell you it’s “cheating” but it’s truly treating a disease and making life changes easier and more sustainable for me.
 
Last edited:
I’m not trying to assume what medication you mean or trying solicit more info, but I started taking a GLP-1 (self pay Zepbound) in February and it was life changing. So if you need support in that regards, my inbox is open.

I’ve lost 40 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 and a calorie deficit since February. The mental effects were wild, in a good way…it completely and immediately stopped any cravings for soda, stopped the ‘food noise’, and just generally made it easier to make healthy food choices. There are definitely some side effects (nasty burps, low grade nausea, etc.) and it’s still work to stay in a calorie deficit while meeting nutrient needs, but I have no regrets and it’s definitely been worth the cost paying out of pocket. Though I know I’m lucky to be able to afford it. I did develop some bad side effects at the end of May when I tried to move up from the loading dose (horrible vomiting and diarrhea, like not keeping anything down at all) and had to stop it for a month. I just started again this week back at the lowest dose, so I’m hopeful I can keep losing and stay on it long term. Some people will tell you it’s “cheating” but it’s truly treating a disease and making life changes easier and more sustainable for me.
the sulfur burps i had were absolutely insane. and once if a while if i have greasy food, they come back. but it’s a temporary thing and i would take 1000 days of sulfur burps if it meant keeping the weight off and keeping my bloodwork normal!
 
the sulfur burps i had were absolutely insane. and once if a while if i have greasy food, they come back. but it’s a temporary thing and i would take 1000 days of sulfur burps if it meant keeping the weight off and keeping my bloodwork normal!
Yeah, they mostly went away for me after a couple weeks, but they’re back with a vengeance this weekend now that I’m restarting after being off it. Can’t wait for this phase to pass again. Last night it was like every time I turned over in bed that unearthed more gas to expel.
 
If anyone else ever gets overwhelmed by finding and choosing healthy recipes like I do, I've really loved the cookbook "so easy, so good" by Kylie Sakaida. I've been making a concerted effort to eat better, and her book has been my absolute favorite resource for planning healthy meals.
 
I’m not trying to assume what medication you mean or trying solicit more info, but I started taking a GLP-1 (self pay Zepbound) in February and it was life changing. So if you need support in that regards, my inbox is open.

I’ve lost 40 pounds with the help of a GLP-1 and a calorie deficit since February. The mental effects were wild, in a good way…it completely and immediately stopped any cravings for soda, stopped the ‘food noise’, and just generally made it easier to make healthy food choices. There are definitely some side effects (nasty burps, low grade nausea, etc.) and it’s still work to stay in a calorie deficit while meeting nutrient needs, but I have no regrets and it’s definitely been worth the cost paying out of pocket. Though I know I’m lucky to be able to afford it. I did develop some bad side effects at the end of May when I tried to move up from the loading dose (horrible vomiting and diarrhea, like not keeping anything down at all) and had to stop it for a month. I just started again this week back at the lowest dose, so I’m hopeful I can keep losing and stay on it long term. Some people will tell you it’s “cheating” but it’s truly treating a disease and making life changes easier and more sustainable for me.
What pharmacy/service did you go through? I'm starting to think about options for myself once I'm done nursing my kiddo. The food noise is my biggest issue.
 
What pharmacy/service did you go through? I'm starting to think about options for myself once I'm done nursing my kiddo. The food noise is my biggest issue.
My primary care physician sends prescriptions to the Lilly Direct pharmacy. It’s $299/mo for the starter dose of injections, then escalates by $100/mo as the doses increase. I didn’t want to do compounded, I wanted name brand, and some of the online services seem sketchy to me. But using Lily Direct is very simple; dr sends the script, I pay, and it shows up on my doorstep a couple days later. Then when I need a refill I just message my doctor and we do the process again.

My doctor and I talked about oral options vs the injections but I chose the Zepbound injections for ease of administration, efficacy in literature, and theoretically overall fewer/less severe side effects. But ymmv and I’d obviously defer to your doctor. I’m not a fan of needles going into me but the injections haven’t been bad at all.
 
Last edited:
It’s not my business so feel free to ignore what I say but if you have the money I’d recommend trying to find a nutritionist as well! I went to one who was able to give me meal plans with some things to rotate between but also she made sure to have adequate fats carbs protein so that I never felt hungry when in a deficit. It really helped me and helped build healthy choices!

Way to go taking that first step!
I was looking at Nourish, since they are covered by school insurance. It’s just trying to pick the time that works with school
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Bitter sweet rave. My parents are starting the four day drive back home after spending nearly a month with me helping me finish packing up my apartment and moving into my new house for vet school. It was exhausting for all of us (including their 16 year old dog) but we came to the realization that this was the most time we’ve spent together in nearly a decade. It was so nice just being able to spend time together, taking breaks from unpacking to play games and just be around each other. I wish I hadn’t ended up living so far away sometimes, but I’m glad it is always nice when I do get to see them.

Now to finish unpacking and settling in before orientation starts in 3 weeks! The time has really flown!
 
Drywall starts Monday at the house!

Today they installed one of my dog related splurge items…a pocket dog gate that retracts into the wall cavity when not in use. It’s placed so I’ll be able to keep the dogs in the back of the house and out of the living room and kitchen when people are over, without an ugly dog gate being out and set up all the time or being stored in a closet. I’m stupidly excited for it. Can’t figure out how to upload a video to the forum and sharing my own video from YouTube would doxx me, so enjoy this video from the manufacturer.

 
To get us to overbuy clothes that they grow out of in 20 minutes lolol. It's a trap that I keep falling for
I just buy cat and jack at Target and then you can return it for some of the money back. They take clothes up to a year after purchase as long as you have the receipt and they can be worn. It's a life saver for buying too many cute things.
 
I hadn’t been to Wisconsin Dells since I was a kid. My 11-year-old niece had actually never been to a waterpark, so I got to take her for her first waterpark experience yesterday. We had a lot of fun. 🙂 It was nice doing it with an older/bigger kid because she wanted to go on all of the rides.
 
Last edited:
I have a phone interview I'm really excited about this Friday! It's not a research job, but it would be adjacent to my BA degree and the pay and hours are better. It would also look better on my CV than the retail job I'm currently at, which isn't a major consideration but it would be nice to feel like I have some forward momentum. Here's hoping I can sell them on me🤞
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Split up my move to school into two days. Yesterday was like 7.5 hours (including a stop) to the hotel. I was so anxious about driving my cats but there was only a little meowing and otherwise they slept/were quiet and didn’t seem too traumatized at the hotel lol. Soooo proud of them 🥹 bc I had fears of them screaming the whole time or escaping or being traumatized for life.
Thankfully only 4.5 hours of driving today and then we arrive at the new house. They have mostly eaten their gaba this morning so fingers crossed for another uneventful day lol
Spouse and MIL arrive late tonight with the UHaul then my parents come tomorrow and unpacking time !!! But at least the cats will be in the new place this afternoon
 
Zwilling warehouse sale 😍

Two (plastic) cutting boards
Solid wood knife block
Three each forks, spoons, knives for camping
Paring knife
Bread knife
3 miscellaneous knives $1.99 each
Tri-ply stainless steel 4qt pot

~$150
When zwilling sales they sale

I have so many staub cooking things that I've never paid more than 50% for
 
When zwilling sales they sale

I have so many staub cooking things that I've never paid more than 50% for
I keep waiting for them to put a couple specific Staub skillets on sale because I love my 11” enameled cast iron skillet and want more sizes. But of course they haven’t put the ones I WANT on sale yet…
 
When zwilling sales they sale

I have so many staub cooking things that I've never paid more than 50% for
I ended up going back for a few things j left behind. $758 retail and I paid $178. My prized pick was a Zwilling Five Star 8” chefs knife that retails for $150 that I paid $2. Two. Most of the knives need to be sharpened from rattling loose in the bins but for $2 I can handle that.
 
I had the best period of my life last week. It was 2 days of actual bleeding and one day of gross discharge. It's wild. I've had period problems since the beginning due to PCOS. But over the last 3-6 months, my period has been improving. Two months, I didn't have one at all as far as bleeding. The pre-period grumpiness is better too.

I've thought that it's either how much stress I had at the ER job and now the semi (but better) stress of being production at the new job; or it has to do with my salpingectomy. Maybe both. Either way, even if it gets a little bit worse than this as I get more stable with the new job, this is a win
 
the sulfur burps i had were absolutely insane. and once if a while if i have greasy food, they come back. but it’s a temporary thing and i would take 1000 days of sulfur burps if it meant keeping the weight off and keeping my bloodwork normal!

Yeah, they mostly went away for me after a couple weeks, but they’re back with a vengeance this weekend now that I’m restarting after being off it. Can’t wait for this phase to pass again. Last night it was like every time I turned over in bed that unearthed more gas to expel.

What pharmacy/service did you go through? I'm starting to think about options for myself once I'm done nursing my kiddo. The food noise is my biggest issue.
Just here to chime in that GLP-1 has been a life changer for me. Lost 30 lb since Feb and had to go off the last 2 months due to insurance coverage shenanigans and gained like 7lb back - the food noise came back with a vengeance despite all of the good habits I'd formed while on it (cry). Rave today is that the shenanigans are finally sorted and I can pick up my next dose today! Also happy to be in a group chat with others who want to commiserate.
Drywall starts Monday at the house!

Today they installed one of my dog related splurge items…a pocket dog gate that retracts into the wall cavity when not in use. It’s placed so I’ll be able to keep the dogs in the back of the house and out of the living room and kitchen when people are over, without an ugly dog gate being out and set up all the time or being stored in a closet. I’m stupidly excited for it. Can’t figure out how to upload a video to the forum and sharing my own video from YouTube would doxx me, so enjoy this video from the manufacturer.


OMG I love this, it looks so slick! May need to find one of those for our new house...
A bottle washer is the best thing I’ve ever purchased. Washing bottles and pump parts at 10pm was driving me mad.
View attachment 422675
Look at her go!
1st kid I hand washed all bottles and pump parts and drove myself mad. Kid #2 & 3 all of it went straight in the dishwasher and my life improved 100x over. Also purchased more so I had more stock and did the "leave the parts in the fridge between pumps all day without washing in between" and that was also a game changer.
 
Just here to chime in that GLP-1 has been a life changer for me. Lost 30 lb since Feb and had to go off the last 2 months due to insurance coverage shenanigans and gained like 7lb back - the food noise came back with a vengeance despite all of the good habits I'd formed while on it (cry). Rave today is that the shenanigans are finally sorted and I can pick up my next dose today! Also happy to be in a group chat with others who want to commiserate.
I’m down for an SDN GLP-1/weight loss support group. I’ve only told three people IRL so more support wouldn’t be bad.

Anyone who wants included maybe either do a heart eye/love reaction to this post or just PM me if you want your inclusion on the down low, and I’ll make a DM thread where we can figure out if we want it as SDN messages or if we take it to another message app.
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
1st kid I hand washed all bottles and pump parts and drove myself mad. Kid #2 & 3 all of it went straight in the dishwasher and my life improved 100x over. Also purchased more so I had more stock and did the "leave the parts in the fridge between pumps all day without washing in between" and that was also a game changer.
Fridge hack saving my life at work !
 
Baby’s first short day of daycare went… excellent???

I stayed for a bit, when I handed him over to leave he didn’t cry. In fact, he was kicking and laughing?

He was only there two hours but he took a 50 minute nap and ate an entire bottle of milk. They sent me multiple photos of him playing with other babies and alerted me his mood every hour.

I’m hoping this continues throughout the week. Tomorrow he stays for 4.
 
Baby’s first short day of daycare went… excellent???

I stayed for a bit, when I handed him over to leave he didn’t cry. In fact, he was kicking and laughing?

He was only there two hours but he took a 50 minute nap and ate an entire bottle of milk. They sent me multiple photos of him playing with other babies and alerted me his mood every hour.

I’m hoping this continues throughout the week. Tomorrow he stays for 4.
you are giving me hope!! We go next Tuesday
 
Baby’s first short day of daycare went… excellent???

I stayed for a bit, when I handed him over to leave he didn’t cry. In fact, he was kicking and laughing?

He was only there two hours but he took a 50 minute nap and ate an entire bottle of milk. They sent me multiple photos of him playing with other babies and alerted me his mood every hour.

I’m hoping this continues throughout the week. Tomorrow he stays for 4.

you are giving me hope!! We go next Tuesday
Sending you both good vibes for excellent transitions!

Don't be surprised though if there's a regression after 3-7 days! Some babies suddenly seem to realize like "wait you mean I have to do this every day?" and then it's more of a challenge. However I also did this transition with an older child so hopefully that regression never happens for you guys! Just don't be discouraged if it does because it's totally normal and will pass ❤️