OT - How is everyone putting a positive spin on the pandemic?
I know everyone is frustrated by the cancellation of football, especially me. However, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take advantage of this new paradigm. Anyone changing course in life for the positive, learning a new skill or getting a new insight?
Personally I am getting my personal finances in order, learning French and planning for a future long term trip abroad (hopefully next summer/fall). Would love to hear the positive voices out there. I think some people here could use the uplifting ideas and may serendipitously gain a fresh outlook on life.
August 17th, 2020 at 7:53 AM ^
I'm hoping this will lead to an increase in remote working in the future. I would love to work from home a couple days a week. And if it becomes a trend it would lead to less traffic and pollution.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:01 AM ^
This exactly. I’m Hoping this finally lets the old school way of thinking go out the window. I am unimpressed with the number of hours you work or the place in which it is completed. Get the job done and I care very little about the rest.
a lot of jobs require you to be on site with rigid hours (retail, manufacturing, services). But a lot don’t.
August 17th, 2020 at 9:27 AM ^
100%. I'm a software engineer and this has definitely pushed even the biggest shops into looking at remote work as a legitimate model.
On a personal note I'm working less, reading more, and planning to purchase that Epic ski pass and spend two weeks in December in the northeast then Feb - mid April out west snowboarding.
Also in the middle of moving from Madison to Petoskey at the end of the month. Was originally going to move to Traverse City but after spending the last month hanging out up here I decided Petoskey would work better (closer to family and the apartments are cheaper and closer to town).
All in all I've benefited from the pandemic, which is sorta a weird place to be mentally.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:20 AM ^
I'd love to keep doing the remote work thing. I've just watched too many RIFs over the years include dozens of people I never met who were 100% remote.
I've tried to be very easy to get a hold of since I've been remote, as that was my chief complaint of those who were "working from home" before.
We'll see. I'd love it to happen, I just think I'd have to be prepared to lose my job in the next RIF.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:29 AM ^
This, not having a 2 hour (back and forth) commute every day has been life changing.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:05 PM ^
Same. I work in manufacturing support so work from home was typically a non-starter but even now a lot of us work 1-3 days a week from home. I'm hoping the idea of WFH 1-2 days/wk sticks
August 17th, 2020 at 7:53 AM ^
My sister in law made me a Beyond Burger that I thought was real meat. I have not been the most health conscious individual, but I think I have found a way to make an improvement.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:20 AM ^
I'm just glad COVID has given me a reason not to see my in-laws at all
August 17th, 2020 at 9:25 AM ^
Or maybe go see them more often...with big long hugs..../s
August 17th, 2020 at 8:41 AM ^
Beyond and impossible meat in its current form is not any better or worse for your health. Maybe future versions will be healthier? The benefit is in the reduction of resources used to produce meat that contribute to global warming. Look at Brazil burning down the rain forest so that they can produce more cattle.
impact statement on Impossible foods site: https://impossiblefoods.com/mission/
In terms of real meat, chicken has the smallest environmental impact.
August 17th, 2020 at 9:12 AM ^
Wow, you’re right. I just assumed they were healthier because she’s a vegetarian.
Better for the planet with no health benefits @ $12 per pound? Back to regular burger...
August 17th, 2020 at 1:00 PM ^
Better yet, for $12/lb you could probably buy some lean ground beef produced from a grass fed/sustainable/carbon neutral farm ?
August 17th, 2020 at 9:26 AM ^
Support for your statement on the relative healthiness of different burgers.
It's easier to eat healthier if you don't mind your burgers tasting a little bit less like beef. I had a delicious beet-coconut burger at Hutkay in Ann Arbor. The texture and appearance was much like a regular burger. I should be learning how to make them at home.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:13 AM ^
Not just cattle, soybeans are a huge booming industry in Brazil. It's a huge fucking problem.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:15 PM ^
I realize this isn't the place for this, but hey, since Rona, what the hell.
It seems like the only reason anyone cares about Brazil is because it's home to a large percent of the rain forest. If you were running their country, would your number one priority be saving the forests so the rest of the world doesn't get pissed or trying to figure out how to be financially competitive with the world?
Now, if they could somehow make a profit off the protection of the forests that would be awesome.
Who's for signing a petition to globally send cash to Brazil to offset the income from the beef and beans?
August 17th, 2020 at 4:19 PM ^
Well, if I were running it I would want a complete picture, not just "what's good for us now". The problem with deforesting the Amazon basin, is that once those trees are gone, the rain will stop. That would turn the region into a desert. I don't think that's in the long term best interest of Brazil, or the world at large.
And we have subsidies going all over the world, for all sorts of reasons, economic and otherwise. I don't see how this should be any different. Considering the implications for the globe, I'd say it should get priority. And yes I would be fine with paying a small tax for it to happen.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:11 AM ^
Another perspective on chicken, I guess from an animal compassion standpoint is that one cow will create dozens and dozens of meals. One chicken will create maybe 2 or 3 meals. I am not an animal rights guy and I do own chickens. Someone said this once though and it made me think. And I don't think too often. Of course you could argue that a cow or pig is a higher ordered being than a chicken and I wouldn't argue. Chickens are always finding new ways to get themselves killed.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:04 AM ^
Hate to tell ya but that fake burger is probably worse for you than a real one.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:28 AM ^
I thought Beyond Burgers were good until I tried an Impossible Burger at home (Safeway sells the ground "meat"). I seriously would not have known it wasn't straight ground beef. I made a BBQ burger with cheddar, red onions, and a tangy sauce. Holy schmoly. The burger even stays pink in the middle when you aim for medium rare or medium. As someone said, it's not like it's a health food, but as a more ethical alternative to other unhealthy food, I'm hooked.
August 17th, 2020 at 7:56 AM ^
You mean other than developing a drug addiction?
August 17th, 2020 at 9:16 AM ^
You on the edible train too?
August 17th, 2020 at 7:56 AM ^
I’ve been looking to move from the DC area to the Boston area for about three years now. Remote working has greatly increased the likelihood that can happen, as at least one of my spouse and I expect to be able to telecommute on a long-term basis now that no one goes to the office any more. My employer has already said to not come back until July 1st next year at the earliest, and hers is trending that direction. Entering 2020 I thought achieving that goal this year was maybe 10%, now it’s at least 50%.
August 17th, 2020 at 7:59 AM ^
Always a good time to get the personal finances in order! I spent an evening last week trying to coach someone through theirs and it was a struggle. They've got impulse control issues and that doesn't help, but the idea that "credit card minimum payments are not actually what you owe" hasn't quite clicked.
As for my own goals: I spent the first couple months riding a bike trainer in the basement and getting back into cycling shape after a few years of little riding.
Then spent the last couple months riding longer distances outside, culminating in a 110-mile, 7.5 hour ride a week ago. (Stops not included...)
It felt great, now I need to plan my next challenge so I can stay motivated. I love getting out to ride, but it's just enough of a hassle to get from my house to any sort of trail or enjoyable road that I need some kind of goal.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:44 AM ^
This is great. Tuned up my old bike too! I have been riding every day before I log in to work. On the weekends I have been doing 15-20 miles. Need to get back up past 55 mi/day (my PR). A road bike may help since I use a mountain bike here.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:52 AM ^
Oh man, I'm giddy on your behalf for the first time you push hard on the pedals of a road bike on fresh asphalt.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:51 AM ^
Kudos for the financial coaching, and please keep it up! I can tell you that catching up on a late mortgage is one of the hardest things I've ever done. Mortgage's are normally the largest expense one has monthly, so getting behind one or two months can be deadly. I made it back up on my own - twice. Do not want to ever have to do that again. Keeping up is easy, it's all the little crap that catches you and makes you think about just a month... DON'T DO IT!!!
August 17th, 2020 at 9:02 AM ^
Wow, that takes some serious discipline to catch back up, congrats!
In this case, I was coaching someone who has a decent-paying retail job but lives with their parents, is on the spectrum, and has gotten very little training on how to budget, etc. I offered to spend a little time going through things because going through it with family just turns into guilt tripping and yelling evidently. I think the cash flow is there to fix the issues if there's a focus on doing the hard work you did to catch up, but it will take a long time.
I should have been more forceful about cutting up credit cards, etc. but was really trying to balance good advice with taking the emotion out of a money conversation. We got Mint set up so at least there's some visibility now... it's a start.
If anyone has advice on how to have money conversations with someone with mild autism, I'd love to hear it.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:16 AM ^
If anyone has advice on how to have money conversations with someone with mild autism, I'd love to hear it.
I'd say it depends how much they are on the spectrum and how much access (how close) you are with the person. Two ideas though -
- Take the outline from here and turn it into something basic. Maybe that is slimming down the chart to a bare minimum or just creating a checklist of the 6 Steps.
- Setup an automated budget process. My wife loves Mint and that might be an easy way to help show where their money is going and what bills need to be paid.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:37 AM ^
Thanks, that's very helpful. I saw that workflow years ago when starting out but didn't think about putting a distilled, simplified version together for them. (Investing isn't a concern right now whatsoever... three maxed out credit cards are, so I could cut quite a bit out to be revisited in 5-10 years.)
August 17th, 2020 at 1:11 PM ^
In my own experience (I'm not diagnosed) and with others who have autism, be direct. It's unhelpful to hint at what you think they should do. Just tell them exactly what you think and why.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:07 AM ^
The idea that "credit card minimum payments are not actually what you owe" hasn't quite clicked.
This was a hard one to break with my wife (back then gf). Always found that doing the math for a year of interest amount alone helped. It's basically just lighting that amount on fire (assuming the person has the $).
August 17th, 2020 at 11:55 AM ^
the idea that "credit card minimum payments are not actually what you owe" hasn't quite clicked.
I had a friend who was also like that. Reasonably smart girl but it just did not click to her that she should be paying more than the minimum. A friend and I had to explain to her the absurd levels of terrible debt she was going to get herself into it and I think...(or hope) it finally clicked
August 17th, 2020 at 8:04 AM ^
We’ve saved money on going out, daycare, etc and put the money back into savings for the kids and projects around the house that had been lingering for years. Feels good to move forward with a few things that had been back burner for a while.
We have 3-year old and 18-month old daughters. While trying to work and take care of them has been tough some days, we are happy and healthy and that’s all that matters. The girls have also really bonded over these past six months in a way that has been incredibly fulfilling to watch.
All that said... fuck 2020 forever.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:04 AM ^
I'm eating better now without going out for fast food for lunch like I used to before the pandemic.
I actually bought a pair of 31" waist jeans on Saturday (have been wearing 34" waist trousers for the past 15 years). I haven't worn 31" in 35 years.
August 17th, 2020 at 9:01 AM ^
I found the weight you lost.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:06 AM ^
I used to be dependent on Michigan Athletics and sports but I really don’t think it’ll ever be the same again.
I thought life without sports was impossible but I’ve managed since March to find a bunch of things to occupy its place as interests and no fall football doesn’t seem as bad to me as it does others. I’ve enjoyed the time away actually. I wasn’t even gonna see the first game on 9/5 against purdue that was announced and cancelled later because I was gonna be at my nephew’s birthday for the first time. He’s turning 7. I missed the first 6 because it always takes place during opening weekend. missed it last year to be at the Army game.
I know, Pretty fucked up right? Repairing my relationship with my family who really hasn’t seen much of me over the years because of my constant presence at games is a top priority.
When we start our family in the next handful of years I think I’m gonna shut it down online. Having an online persona means nothing to me because while I do appreciate the friendly people on here and who say hello to me in public if they see me, I don’t know any of you or the people online who aren’t so nice and all I really care about is how the people I know personally view me. I’ll be married within the next 2 years so things are moving quickly. I don’t know how long I’ll be on Earth so I’m gonna start using my time wisely and on things and people that really deserve it. I don’t wanna be like these grown married men on twitter with kids that are acting afool and putting their family at risk if some wacko doxxs them and tries to find them.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:08 AM ^
Can I have your Michigan stuff? Seriously, sounds like a plan. Good luck.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:11 AM ^
Oh I’ll always be a fan, I just won’t be missing important things anymore for games. Games can always be recorded if I commit to it. I’m already on a slight delay with Spectrum TV app anyways.
I just don’t wanna turn out to be the dad in the song Cat in the Cradle. If I continued down the path I was on that would happen.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:15 AM ^
Weave it in with your parenting. When the kid(s) are old enough, take them to games with you.
I hear you about Cat's in the Cradle. Catchy tune, but very depressing.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:28 AM ^
If you're a dad with a son and you don't get misty at Cat's in the Cradle there might be something wrong with you. My dad and I have a good not great relationship. I'm trying to do better for my son but there will always be that feeling I could have done more.
And congrats to you WD on the pending nuptials and change in perspective.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:47 AM ^
WD, I know people on here like to give you shit, but I’ve always thought you seemed like a good dude. I’m glad to see that you’re actively trying to improve things that matter, like your relationship with your family. I’m also glad to see that your devotion to wolverines seems to be turning into a healthy, mature appreciation for sports teams that, in the grand scheme of life, don’t actually matter. I wish you all the best! I’m glad you found some silver lining in such a crappy time in modern history.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:04 PM ^
Agree with another poster. - I've always cringed at some of the grief you get on this board. Your fandom has always come across to me as pure and with good intentions.
I'm guessing I'm about 20 years older than you and you will be amazed at how your priorities shift over time. I had a good relationship with my dad, but I was born when he was older, so that limited his ability to be too hands on as I got older. From the time I was in my 20s, part of the reason I've tried to stay in reasonable physical shape is so that I could be a hands on dad with my future kid(s). I am now in the sweet spot of doing just that and can play just about any sport with my son, albeit with a little more caution than he displays. As I approach my late 40s, I feel my body slowing down a bit, but barring significant injury, I should be able to make it through most of his youth as a reasonable side-kick to his pursuits. When you get that hug from your kid out of the blue and he tells you he loves you, there is 100% nothing better in this world.
Back to you WD, my guess is that you will NEVER regret missing a sporting event if it means spending time with those you love. I used to plan Saturdays around watching games and it did create conflict in my house at times. I now love watching games on DVR and have become a master at avoiding scores before I get a chance to watch (there can be good too - this allowed me to miss The Horror as I was on the golf course with my father-in-law and brother-in-law). Good luck with the plan!
August 17th, 2020 at 8:10 AM ^
Football isn't cancelled. Sept 3rd you can watch South Alabama vs So. Miss.
Sept 5 is Army vs Middle Tenn, Ark St vs Memphis, SMU vs Texas St. You can buy tickets to the two latter games.
August 17th, 2020 at 10:07 AM ^
Living vicariously through South Alabama. Never thought it would come to that.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:15 AM ^
My wife is a poor Vols fan, and I've been trying to convert her to U of M since we starting going out.
I look terrible in that orange, but I have no arguments for not watching them now.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:33 PM ^
My son went to UT, I actually like their stadium on the river!
August 17th, 2020 at 8:15 AM ^
I figured out I have ADHD (a long and complex story). I tried Ritalin briefly, then switched to Adderall. It's been life changing, along with the coaching and therapy I received in learning how to deal with the condition. Now I'm looking into online programs to get a masters degree and changing careers.
August 17th, 2020 at 8:42 AM ^
This is awesome! Congrats!
August 17th, 2020 at 8:18 AM ^
I have been spending some quality time with my two young children. The fortunate ability to be able to work from home has granted me extra time with them that I would not have normally had. It's been a pleasant surprise to get a chance to strengthen the bond I have with them over the past several months, and hopefully, when things eventually return to normal, that bond will continue to grow.
Also, my grill has been working overtime, and I've discovered a new host of grilling/smoking methods, and a new appreciation of different cuts of beef and pork. My stomach and my family's stomachs are thankful!
August 17th, 2020 at 8:25 AM ^
Reading Don Quixote. Renovating my kitchen & bathroom with all the money I'm not spending on other stuff. Getting fatter because I can't get my normal workouts in.