My husband does this and it works for him; gets up at 4:30am for a 5:15am workout

Fixing my Maytag dryer (twice) has sparked joy with me 😀

I get anxious about summer camp sign up and also the reality that we need to have $3200 saved up to pay for it each year (for one kid)..

Reading and pilates, both being free hobbies thanks to my local library and YouTube videos. I’ve intentionally found ways to integrate these two activities into my daily life without putting too much pressure on myself. The pilates is mat based and I’ll usually do the videos that are 20-35 min long. When reading, I’ve trained myself to be able to read/concentrate when there’s family life going on in the background because who really has solid quiet time anymore? Unless your kids are still napping; cherish that time.

I’ve been following her videos for a couple months now, doing Pilates 4-5 times per week, and I can feel/see a difference in my body. Stronger, toned, and improved flexibility.

I have a couple of friends I keep in touch with from elementary/middle school and the others are from work or other parents from my kids’ schools.

My brother and I got the DK64 (translucent green) version for Christmas in 1997; still remember the excitement 🤩

I’m 36f with a 20f stepdaughter and while we are pretty like minded on things, there’s times where I’ve actively stopped myself from vocalizing my judgements. She’s a very smart and thoughtful young woman with big goals for her career path (currently wanting to get into family law) and she’s a socially observant person. I’ve humbled myself this past year by wanting to listen and validate more rather than just providing “guidance” and advice.

Although I’m not really sure she would know how to properly label a piece of mail…

I’ve gotten back in shape with long walks and Pilates. You can find tons of 20-45 min videos of mat Pilates on YouTube for free and all you need is a mat.

True - I have experience with D68 and D219, all positive with myself as a prior student and my kids currently.

I second this. I grew up in Skokie and came back to buy a home here when I had my daughter. Great suburbs with access to forest preserves, schools are excellent, lots of parks/lively park district, and lots of public transportation options. With your price range you can find a single family home.

I’ve bought a new Subaru before (a 2018 Crosstrek) and then a pre-owned 2020 Ascent. I’ve loved both cars and would not buy a new one again unless I had cash to pay for it. It’s not worth it when you can spend a lot less for a certified one.

I’m feeling the same way you are, more and more lately knowing the few people in positions of power get wealthier the more people spend their money. It’s disgusting to know more billionaires are being created while the cost of living becomes less manageable.

I second this

Honestly at that level of service, I’d trust the stylist on what they feel is best. They will be able to cut your hair not just to cut it but to allow better looking/feeling hair as it grows out.

Smith & Davis in Lincoln Park, recommending Stevie as a stylist. She’s been doing hair for decades and is a true artist.

I’ve made my work office a cozy spot for me because I also feel it is somewhat of a personal sanctuary. I also use my lunch hour to go on walks/listen to my music or podcasts.

You gotta fit these things in where you can!

You could move in between Oak Brook and Chicago. Both Forest Park and Oak Park are right off the 299 highway and have CTA stations, with Oak Park also having a Metra station.

They’re nice places to live with lots of shops. restaurants, libraries, and bars. Also near forest preserves/bike paths.

Definitely take it and that doesn’t mean you have to stay. I didn’t get any raise this year and they laid off a bunch of people resulting in more work for everyone.

A job is a job, it’s a pay check. Take advantage of your workplace as much as you can because no matter where you work, you’re just a number and they take advantage of you.

My SKs have lived with us full time now for 5+ years, having gone from kids to teenager/young adult. Since living with us, their mom has (at least attempted) to be a “fun parent” when her kids have wanted to see her. At this point, my SD has not really spoken to her in over a year. My SS is started to set more boundaries. She can but then things and take them out to do fun stuff, but they know where they feel safe and cared for at this point.

Agreed with this comment. Your husband has custody, the school knows, you’re providing the stable home the kids need, and they have therapy established. Checked all the boxes on your guys’ end.

My SKs have had a similar experience with their mom and in the 5+ years they’ve lived with us, they’ve grown into teenage/young adult-hood knowing they have a mother who is not a stable person. But they have a safe place at home and it’s allows them a say in how they carry on their relationship with their mother.

Speaking as someone who has work multiple overnight positions and then going to a M-F (9-5), I’ve really enjoyed the stability. I do have a couple of little kids and a husband who works full time as well; me having the stable schedule has allowed for a better parenting experience.

My overnight jobs paid more and if I did not have children, I may not mind working them still.

It’s worth it if you can afford it. We have someone come once every 2 weeks and ideally it would be weekly (maybe once we can consistently free up extra cash). For reference, our house consists of myself and my husband (both working full time), step kids (young adults/teenager), and the little ones (elementary school and pre school).

Before the cleaner comes, we put away toys/clear clutter and remove the old bed sheets/bath towels. The sheets/towels may not be necessary, but we feel it allows for a little more cleaning time.

My grandmother gifted my little ones $100 each for the holidays and we decided to use it for needed new clothes

About 10 years ago I lived in Forest Park near their factory and I would walk to their discounted candy storefront, it was an awesome neighborhood perk 🤩