#i put my dehumidifier in the area

[wild-at-mind]

I think there's a damp spot in my flat :/ No mould so hopefully I caught it in time.

[ladyiristheenchantress]

Magic for the college witch

In honor of finding out I am set to graduate in December with my associates in science I have decided to celebrate with you all by sharing my tips and tricks I used to help pass some of my classes! Each tip will be sorted into circumstances as to where they may be applicable. Please enjoy, and congrats to all my future grads!

Reminder: In dorms and such you wont have access to many tools, but if your living in an apartment things are less strict. every time you see candles and such if you live in a dorm replace it with either electric candles or even colored stones you can rub together or place in a grid!

Registering for classes

Often times we try to register for classes as soon as possible, especially when you are an incoming freshman. When it comes to getting accepted and starting the process congrats your here.

Set up registering appointments on lucky number days, during the new moon, or on Mondays and Thursdays because those times represent readiness and preparation

Manifest getting good classes and teachers by sending off a prayer out to the universe

Do divination when registering opens to see if a teacher is a good fit or not (Also check out rate my professor)

If you are having trouble establishing classes, or just cant seem to get that *one* class you need, light a blue candle and put mint at the base of it to promote an opening

If your facing a situation where you are trying to get into an exclusive class (this also works if your presenting a thesis) put a sugar packet under your tongue to sweeten your words and make you more convincing

Getting to class on time

The commute anywhere can be a really hard thing to do, whether your commuting from a dorm to a classroom or city to campus it can be hard to be on time or find the motivation to show up to class

To motivate yourself to go to class keep a carnelian under your pillow to help you rise in the morning

Keep a consistent schedule, not only is this helpful psychologically but magically consistency helps build up magical energy towards motivation

enchant your walking shoes (or get heelies) to put pep in your step and always be on time when walking. You can optionally put a sigil in your shoe

enchant cars to avoid red lights by charging your keys in full moon light

Light a green candle before important days to make sure your morning commute runs smoothly

Setting up magical space in the dorms

Most dorms don't allow things like candles or flames, heaters, strip lights, etc. With this in mind people assume it must be hard to create a magical space without some of the key items, but we do have solutions!

Instead of regular candles, use electric ones as votives on deity altars

Instead of incense use MILD essential oil diffusers like lava stones in the corners, or a defuser. Bonus points if you use a dehumidifier

Chances are you wont have a lot of space, so opt for small placements on desks via mini figures and small stones

Set up sachets around your space and put them in clothing areas, not only do they smell good and keep moths away, they act as magical protection

Start working on energy based practices like meditation or enchantments with only your body

Navigating relationships

College can be a hard time, your adjusting to life without the friends you grew up with, most people start their dating life, and friends begin to come and go as you go through classes. Don't restrict what you experience

When you brush your teeth, enchant it to represent you 'speaking your truth' and 'biting back' so your protected from people who have bad intentions or are deceptive

When at parties and such put a sigil of protection on your left thigh, this represents protection from people looking to harm you

blow cinnamon at your door, or use a light cinnamon essential oil wash to invite new people and opportunities

Keep amber under your pillow or by photos to maintain friendships and help you let go of ones that no longer serve you

wear silver to repel energy vampires or people who are looking to use you

Studying success

Studying and how effective it is will depend on you and how you like to study, there are hundreds of posts online that look at how to find your study style, this more focuses on magic you can do for memory retention

Chew mint gum during studying AND during your test for memory recall

Draw sigils on your physical flash cards to make the information easier to retain

On the third of each month save that day to brush up on all information from the class, not only does this prep you for the final but this day is Athenas ritual day

Study the most on Wednesdays as they represent wisdom

Use a shungite worry stone during studying and testing to help keep your mind focused and stress free before tests

Test taking

Test taking can be a really hard part of college, I know it was for me. We do a lot of things to help prepare but what can we do during a test?

Create a sigil of good luck on top of your exam

Wear green on exam days

Eat and drink something enchanted (I swear by a snickers and a red bull) before a test for good luck

Create a superstition like a lucky shirt or pair of socks after your first good exam grade

Wear gold accessories to enhance your test taking skills, and speed up your test (Great when you are being timed)

Mental Health

Your mental health in college is very important, it can be hard being separated from your home town or family and just know that it does get better. College is a mix of emotions, from the loneliest point in your life, to the most social. You will be navigating new challenges, new feats, and its important to take care of yourself. Seek out the college mental health resources available to you like counseling as needed. you matter!

Use words of affirmations when you wake up and before you sleep to remind yourself you matter, my favorite is from the help "You is smart, you is kind, you is important"

Carry rose quartz and carnelian on you for self love and energy

Before bed drink lavander tea for rest and revitalization

Pray over your food to nourish your spirit as you go through college

Write down letters and petition to the universe for stability and how you feel.

I hope you all have enjoyed! Again, congrats to all my future grads, and I hope you all can come with me as I journey to getting my bachelors

Tip Jar

[etraytin]

Postcards From the Dusty Mountains

Took the kiddo out yesterday with me when I went a-volunteering because he is getting very tired of not having anything to do. You know it's getting bad when a guy misses school and is tired of being on his computer all day. I'm not being sarcastic either, I'm deeply sympathetic to his plight and I wish he could get back to school and the friends he was making and the brand-new boyfriend he's been taking those first cautious romantic steps with. He already had to live through COVID homeschooling for two years, and now this. Ugh. I have heard rumors that they are hoping to open the schools back up on October 21, which means two more weeks closed, but it could be worse. So many places still don't even have power, much less water.

Anyway, I took him with me and we went down to a food distribution in Swannanoa. They got hit very very hard, and we spent a couple hours helping a Chick-Fil-A volunteer team from Atlanta hand out hot chicken sandwiches and bottled water. In normal days I don't have much to do with Chick-Fil-A because I don't like their politics, but when the matter at hand is giving hot food to people who've lost their homes, you put the politics aside. I just wish the rest of the country was able to do the same, because I am extraordinarily tired of people thinking of North Carolina as a "battleground state" when the battle we are fighting right now is to keep people alive as the weather starts to turn cold and the water lines stay broken.

Today was busy because I actually managed to keep a doctor's appointment I have been waiting a month for, which was quite a pleasant surprise! The doctor's office is in Hendersonville, so the fact that they were open for business and that I was able to get there are both things that I might have doubted a week ago. I also had an appointment with a local HVAC outfit about getting a whole-house standby generator installed so that next time we have a power outage, we can at least power the fridges, the well pump, the dehumidifiers and my CPAP, with maybe some left over for laptop charging. The price he quoted me for everything except the propane tank and line was $11,000, which was not exactly unexpected but still a big ol' yikes. The good news is, his company bought several of the right size generators before the storm so they would have an inventory, so I could theoretically have a generator before winter really sets in. Highly tempting.

In the afternoon, kiddo and I went out to do more helping. If nothing else has become more apparent over this week, it's that we were and continue to be so, so lucky. Of all the teachers at my husband's school, we are the _only_ family who are still in our own home with all our utilities back up. We are the only members of our extended family in the area who have power. We are part of a tiny fraction of households in the region who have potable water coming from our taps. Given all of that, we decided that we were going to take my final paycheck from canvassing and put it into a community that was not lucky at all. Our Lowes got restocked big time this week, so I was able to go in and get a propane tank, a gas can, a huge box of contractor bags, a straight rake, a shovel, and a gas-powered chainsaw with two cans of fuel for it. We also raided our own house and took our own three shovels and straight rake, our garden cart, some very cute hiking boots I bought but hadn't worn yet, eight packs of bath wipes and two of our cell phone power banks and drove the whole thing down to Black Mountain.

Black Mountain is very close to Swannanoa and was also hit extremely hard by the storm. We didn't go around touristing, but even on the main roads we took we could see devastation everywhere. Everywhere the water touched was drenched in toxic mud, which has dried over the past two weeks into an awful choking dust that covers everything. It blows on the wind and rises with every passing car. As we drove I took the opportunity to explain how the search and rescue paint marking system works to Kiddo, because their bright green graffiti was on all the half-destroyed houses we were passing.

There's an outdoor music venue in Black Mountain called Silverados that has been turned into a massive distribution center. Hot meals were being passed out in the front, while the rear was a busy hive of organizing and distributing supplies. We went there and dropped off all our items, where they were carted away into an absolutely teeming hub of supplies and volunteers. We asked if they needed any more help today, but they definitely had enough willing hands. I think my dad will laugh because I finally did get the chainsaw he talked me out of, but then gave it away before it even left the box.

With a little time on our hands, we went back up north and visited our favorite grocery store, the one that sells lightly-expired canned and boxed food at greatly reduced prices. We were very happy to see that they'd come through the storm unscathed except for a lack of internet, and stocked up on more of the seemingly endless supply of Old El Paso meal kits that they sell two for a dollar. Cheaper than buying tortillas and taco seasoning, lol! We also visited the local record store, which opened for regular business hours despite the circumstances as well, and bought a couple of records because we want them to stay in business even though times are tough. It was, overall, an extremely successful outing.

Sometimes the world here in our house feels tantalizingly close to normal, an endless weekend where we are just waiting to go back to school and work. But just driving into town and seeing all the places closed for lack of water is enough to destroy that bubble, and driving thirty minutes in any direction is like stepping into a different world. Marshall, Spruce Pine, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, the River Arts District. Dozens more places that I have not seen and probably couldn't even get to if I tried. I'm very afraid for what is about to happen in Florida, for their sake and for ours. Appalachia has a long history of being forgotten about when bad things are happening. I really hope it doesn't go that way again.

[sweaterkittensahoy]

WE HAVE A FLOOR

OH THANK FUCK

So, for those of you who don't know or don't recall or just love seeing this fucking story again and again because this shit has HAUNTED me for NEARLY TWO YEARS, let's turn back the clock:

2022:

By the end of June 2022, the following things had happened to me in the year 2022:

Six sinus infections, one right after the other. Tested for Covid each and every time. Not Covid. When to the doctor on day 12, got the antibiotics, shit cleared up. And basically the moment the antibiotics cleared my system, new sinus infection.

Had so many in a row, in fact, that my my ashtma wouldn't calm down, and we had to get me on steroids for ten days to basically reset my lungs.

Went to a family wedding, first big trip since lockdown.

Came home from the family wedding and had Covid. I regularly get body pain with my fevers, and this was the worst body pain of my life. I barely remember going to the doctor for the test so I could take time off. It was bad.

Was very close to a major realization that a friendship I thought was going to last my whole life had become utterly toxic and abusive.

And then the end of June hit. And I woke up one morning to Sean cursing, which was alarming. Because I curse like a sailor, but he does not. I get up to see what the problem is.

The problem is a quarter-inch of water through most of our apartment. It was coming through our light fixtures. We are in a renovated basement of a house from the 1920s. I ran outside then up the stairs to see what was going on up there.

The house is two stories. Overnight, the toilet supply line on the second story had begun to leak. This kind of leak is a silent affair. We don't know when it started. But when we woke up, the entire living/kitchen area was flooded. The laundry room/bathroom was flooded. The water had soaked into the bedroom carpet so far that it was sopping wet from the door to about two feet in.

The office had, miraculously, not taken a drop. Still not sure how that worked.

We call the management company. We call insurance. I swear my ass off because Sean has to go to work, which means I'm stuck alone all day with the mess and a dog who does NOT understand why her paws keep getting wet.

Demo guys show up. They are very, very nice. By the time they're done on day one, there are two dehumidifiers and several large fans going in my house.

We don't have A/C by the way. And it's late June, and even in PDX, that's not great.

Three days later, the demo guys show back up to take out everything that can't be fixed. Our place looked like this:

Once they took all the wet out, we had this hole in our ceiling:

And were walking around on this floor:

That's the original cement floor that was put in when the house was built, by the way.

And then, we spent the ENTIRE SUMMER waiting for someone to FIX OUR FUCKING HOUSE. From the end of June until FUCKING SEPTEMBER we were living with an open ceiling and no actual floor.

I'd email the management company. I'd call. They'd say "Oh, we're working on it. The owner is dragging his feet."

Put a pin in that claim. We'll come back to it.

At the end of July, I ended that friendship I mentioned. I am using it as a measurement here so you understand that a month into my house being like this, I was also going through a massive emotionally fucked up situation.

Work was so fucking busy I nearly burned out. On top of trying to get some answers about when I was gonna get a fucking ceiling and floor again.

By August, I snapped and sent a terselye worded email about how it should not take this long to make some fucking decisions. I got back, "Oh, we're trying, but the owner isn't communicating with us."

Put a pin in that claim, too.

Finally. FINALLY. After FOUR contractors came and looked and gave estimates, we got told "Okay, we're gonna fix your place. In September. It'll take three weeks."

So, for three weeks, we moved into a hotel, and it was...it was fine. But it's not home, okay. I just wanted to be in my fucking house with a fucking ceiling and floor.

Finally, three weeks later, we moved back in, and we had a ceiling! And a floor!

And then I got what I thought was food poisoning. 48 hours of some of the worst pain I've ever had, and my endometriosis is severe enough I had a full hysterectomy at 31 or 32 (I honestly don't recall). Okay. I know from pain. Went to the doctor. Got an anti-nausea injection from the biggest needle I have ever seen in my LIFE. The doctor pushed on my gall bladder and asked if it hurt. I'd been continuously sick for 48 hours. Everything hurt. I said, in all honesty, I couldn't tell.

Went home. Rehydrated. Things seemed fine. They guessed it was my gall bladder anyway, and since I had no history of issues, said "Let's try to change your diet before we go through surgery."

Fine. Whatever. Didn't care.

A week later, in the first week of October, I ended up in the ER because I was sick again. So sick, in fact, I could not keep down apple juice. It took TWO DAYS to get a surgical spot. I went through caffeine withdrawal. The Try Guys released their video about firing Ned. All I wanted to do was go home to my finally fixed house and fucking sleep.

Surgery went fine. Had a full-room hallucination that Sean and I were Chucky and Tiffany from the Chucky movies. Kept telling Sean to kill the nurse so we'd get a larger cut of the money. This has never happened before, but I've also never been on Dilaudid for several days in a row to control my pain. Apparently, when that happens, I think I'm a serial killing doll.

Go home. Rest up. Things seem fine.

In November, I walk into the kitchen one day, look down, and see a space between two of the floorboards that should not be there.

I refuse to deal with it and throw a rug over it.

Over the next several months, more boards start bubbling and warping.

The floor, it appears, has some fucking issues.

I ignore it for almost a year. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "Gayle, why?"

Because 2022 was a fucking disaster, and a major part of it was the flood, and sometimes you just gotta avoid that shit, okay?

But, finally, it's bad enough I know I gotta say something. I send the management company a note. They send a guy. He's great. Says I'll hear back in a week.

I don't.

And then I don't.

And then I don't.

And then the owner asks to inspect the property to see how things are looking.

He sees the floor and is shocked. This is not good. Why is it like this? How long has it been like this? When did I put in a maintenance request? And what was the last thing I heard?

This is November.

In December, we are informed via letter from the owner that he would like to be cc'ed on every request we send to the management company because he is not pleased with their performance.

Well, okay.

In January, we get a hard freeze. And then we got a pinhole leak in a pipe. That I discovered when walking into the kitchen and stepping into--you guessed it--a quarter-inch of water on the floor.

It was comin up from under the boards, but the hole was actually in our wall. We had glare ice. No one in PDX knows how to handle glare ice. The owner made the trip from the deep suburbs to us every day he could (he got stuck once) to get the problem fixed as quickly and neatly as possible.

I heard him on the phone with the management company several times explaining what he was doing, how long he thought it would take, and thanking them for communicating with us.

Which.

It took 4 days. I got one email. At 6:30 PM. On a day I heard him call them at 10 AM.

So. Suddenly "the owner isn't responding" and "the owner won't communicate" seem like complete fucking bullshit. Because he sure as hell responded when he found out there was a leak (we cc'ed him on the email as requested), and I fucking HEARD HIM communicate.

And then we found out that the owner had not had final say on the floor, which now had to be replaced not just for bubbling but for being fucking wrecked from NEW water damage.

But for this new floor, we just went through him, and would you look at that. Clear communication. Regular updates. We were on the concrete again for about three weeks because that's just how far out contractors are booking right now. But the work was done when he said it would be, and by god, it's clearly a much higher quality of flooring.

So. It's done. It's fucking done. It looks beautiful. The owner scrubbed our bathroom before he left for some fucking reason and was worried he'd lost the knob off our washing machine (we bought it used; it's never had that knob). When I met him the first time after the big leak, I thought he was a complete asshole, and it turns out he's actually all right. He gave us money for dinner this week and is also gonna get us a few days of rent comped for having to have people in and out. I'm never renting through this management company again, but if that dude's got other properties through someone else, I'd go there in a second.

April 5, 2024. May it be the last reference I ever have to make to a fucking floor repair in this house.

[sunmaea]

I'm very pleased to be able to share 'The Tea Break' a short story that I wrote for Caffeine Rush. You can find the story on pp. 48-50 of the zine. Alternatively, you can read it here!

Summary: A group of English teachers discuss their classes during the mid-morning break.

You huddle around the kettle like witches circling a cauldron. Naomi fills her fox-shaped mug and immediately sips her Yorkshire Tea (it’s the type that has been specifically designed for hard water areas; after all, in this part of England, most brews are tinged with Essence of Limescale and Naomi, who moved only recently, is adjusting). “We just got to the Oliver Twist extract,” she says, setting the kettle back on its base. “They spent half the lesson screaming at a spider.” “A big one?” Amara’s voice is clogged. She tops up her lemon-and-ginger combo and wafts the steam towards her nose. “I saw a black widow in my kitchen last night.” Instinctively, you wince. “I’d die if I saw a black widow. They’re massive, aren’t they?” You take the kettle and pour water on your rooibos teabag. Redbush tea is naturally caffeine-free and, despite its delightfully woody taste, you think that this might be a mistake. You stayed up until 2 am playing a silly pizza game. The main reason you stopped, really, was because the cooldown mechanism kicked in and the vegetables would need a few hours to restock.

Amara has excellent reflexes: she hurriedly slides her mug onto a desk before turning away to sneeze. Five mini-explosions later, she emerges from the crook of her arm to insist, “Black widows aren’t actually dangerous. They’ll only bother you if you bother them.” “I would give anything for a cold,” grumbles Karina. She’s opted for peppermint. “My room stinks of damp and the children are even worse.” “Aren’t they dealing with that?” “No! Tom Bailey sent an email to say they have other priorities. They have given me a monstrous dehumidifier to keep me company.” You murmur, “Small mercies.” Naomi checks her watch. “Ten minutes,” she declares. “I told them to be back at eleven. If that Billy Blizzard ambles in with a burger again –” “I’m sorry. Billy who?” “Blizzard! I thought he was trying to be funny. But it’s on my register and everything.” Naomi picks up a custard cream and crams it into her mouth. Somehow, she manages to ask, “How’s your morning going?” Karina launches into a spiel about students turning up without pens, refusing to put their phones away, bickering bitterly over the seating plan – then, she relays that a tall girl came bursting into the room, scowled at her new English teacher and promptly stormed out again. “It was very strange,” Karina concludes. “I have never seen her before in my life.” “Pink skirt?” “Yes! How did you know?” “She stormed out and lambasted you in the corridor.” Naomi grins. “You’ve definitely seen her before. She swore at her mother at Induction and you told her to stop being a cow.” “Oh!” Karina starts. “I am surprised they let me get away with that.” Everyone laughs. You take another gulp of rooibos tea, smiling as Amara suggests hurling a black widow at the next student who spells ‘a lot’ as one word. Karina groans – so far, her students’ performances in the spelling tests have been dire. Naomi demolishes another custard cream. It’s a funny job, you think, making your way back to class. You spend most lessons oscillating between teaching and parenting. You dedicate unpaid lunches to ferrying students around the college, or ducking behind your laptop when your manager announces that there’s yet another spreadsheet to update. At home, you mark assignments or reply to emails or titivate PowerPoints. Every other weekend, you vent in the group chat about the nonsensical things that make you want to quit. Nevertheless, there are some perks. You have friends. And you look after each other in little ways, stocking the staffroom with biscuits and boxes of tea.

[thewizardtower]

Unsolicited…

You've got a really overwhelming situation. It’s a bit ancillary to my irl job (env health and industrial hygiene), so I wanted to toss some thoughts to the void to maybe make it less heavy? (Def feel free to disregard and delete)

Since the AC is too large for the house, the house will stay too humid because the AC doesn’t have time to “dry” out the air – it’ll kick on and off too quickly instead of running for awhile. I’m guessing this is also contributing to the fire hazard (power cycling of the unit). You may be able to find a company that will trade the unit for a more appropriate one, which could help recoup some of the costs for a new system, or maybe local rebates with the power utility provider if the new unit has a heat pump, or just for being smaller and consuming less energy overall (spitballing ideas)

If you have a dehumidifier (bit spendy), you can put this in affected areas to help the problem from getting worse. For an attic, you can try placing it near a central air intake or exhaust inside of the house, like near vents or the furnace, to try and catch the airflow (if you put the central air furnace to ‘recirculate’). Changing your furnace filters monthly if you don't already should also help with air quality.

Mildew will stain, like the plywood and drywall in the attic, but if it’s dry, it shouldn’t grow. You can also spray surfaces in a diluted bleach solution to help manage it. Just a small bottle of plain bleach (none of those silly laundry kinds) and a spray bottle. An N95 respirator and long sleeve shirt/pants would be a good idea if you go into the attic, but mostly for fiberglass (if you don’t have blown insulation) and potential critter dust (mouse droppings, esp if you’re in a rural area, which I assume if you have a well)

A “hot attic” will be that (hot), but it shouldn’t be “humid”. If it is, it might be worthwhile to visually check your roof or attic and make sure the PO didn’t leave you with a crappy roof and soffit venting set-up, or that the vents weren’t block by wasps, critters, etc.

Sending the best vibes I can, from one broke Millennial to another

Gotta stick together to survive in this shitty capitalist hellscape

Bless you honestly. 🙏🥺 Thank you for this advice! I'm definitely going to use the bleach solution on the mold.. it's everywhere and all into my insulation.

Exactly everything you said is what the repair guy just told me lol that's exactly why there's mold. The previous owners installed a gigantic unit for whatever unknown reason. Unfortunately the AC unit is roughly 20 years old, so I can't trade it in for anything because all the parts and coolant supplies it uses are no longer on the market/viable. We were able to measure what kind of AC unit we'd need and the smaller unit brought the cost down from $13k to...$11.6k. So, not much, but still a little. (I've been considering asking for ko-fi donations since I'm honestly and truly desperate, but I first need to wrestle the part of my brain that doesn't allow me to ask for help first lol).

Thank you, anon, for your advice on this. It truly means a lot to me that you took the time to reach out! People like you make being a poor millennial a little bit easier. Seriously, bless you.

[p-taryn-dactyl]

rant!

ok so basically

my roommate told me that she and her summer bridge roommate are thinking about moving into a dorm together this semester, bc the summer roommate is having problems with her current roommate. now normally, i would be fine bc i think myself a nice person, however... this just brings up all my complaints that i had tried to keep quiet about

one, she is the one who insisted on bringing the fridge and microwave from her home so we wouldnt have to rent it (she'll be taking those with her and btw we're only allowed one fridge and microwave per room)

this really isn't a major complaint but she's a recent turned vegan and makes it seem like such a disability and that she's 'helping the world' by being vegan. i get it if it's a health thing or religious but just because you chose to not have the joy of real cheese doesn't mean you're oppressed bbg

adding on to the previous point, ig since she brought the fridge she thinks that she needs to use every. inch. of space of it. like this girl buys entire shelves of food from the store and gets confused when i say i couldn't fit my lunch for the next day in there. like yes, you did bring the fridge (bc you insisted) but these things are supposed to be 50/50 arrangments

she also takes up like 75% of the room. im glad i chose to loft my bed bc now my desk in under there and my drawers but if i hadn't, we would have a major problem. she brought what feels like her whole room plus a few items. i thought i had overpacked but guys, she has so much shit. her desk is covered in things bc she doesn't have a place to put them after already using most of the "shared" storage she brought (and told me not to worry about bc before move in i had expressed just normally fears of moving in)

she has a giant fucking scooter that takes up even more space, keep in mind our room isn't exactly the biggest. and i already have a vendetta againts people who ride bikes and scooters around campus. i do understand that it's easier and for some, a stressless way of getting to class, but when the sidewalk is packed with students walking and you push through on your bike or scooter i want to scream.

she's also like never in the room bc of being with her bf so im stuck in the room cleaning everything that SHE BROUGHT and when she is in the room, she makes offhanded comments about where i put my stuff (i keep everything i own in my little area, and yes sometimes it gets messy but i literally have no space)

and she never really uses all these things she brought??

this is just me lol but im super sensitive to smell and her food, when she makes microwave food, smells horrible and lingers. you might think im being dramatic but guys ive literally thrown up bc of the smell

this is weird: she firmly believes that catholics aren't christian? that led to me trying to explain the history behind abrahamic reglions and the different secs of christianity but she just brushed me off with a "i know an ex-catholic who said they're not christian"

has severe only child syndrome

now, if (probably when) she moves out, she'll be taking everything she brought with her

since she moved in before me bc of her summer program, idk how much space she truly takes up but ik that she's taking the fridge, the dehumidifier, the microwave, the 'shared' storage drawers, the filtered shower head (i bought the sink one), a lot of the cleaning supplies that she insisted on bringing bc she only uses 'sustainable' products, the big trash can that i said i would buy but when i was at the store she texted me and said she already bought one, and our 'shared' water filter

side note: she was always comparing me to her summer roommate, sometimes to the point that one of my friends had to tell her to stop bc i was visibly uncomfortable

and ik it sounds like i hate her and that im just being bitchy, but we are friendly it's just i don't think she's self-aware of a lot of things.

also, last thing: she makes being from texas her entire personality. i genuinely believe she doesn't know that texas is bigger than most european countries with how much she generalizes it's population

i lied, this is the last thing: she mentions a lot how "she's not like the basic girls" which irks me

ok 'rant' over! ik i sound like a bitch and im sorry but i wanted to get this all off my chest.

idk if anyone will have questions but if you do, i'll answer them lol

<3

[dollsonmain]

So here’s the basic layout of the bathroom. It’s not huge, maybe 4 by 7 ft. The area on the right is the shower, which has a bunch of stuff in it including a tiny table for the dehumidifier.

I’ve failed to convey just how close the door is to the sink... There’s no space there, but I needed a place to write in the switches and outlet.

The toilet really is just in the way, and I don’t want to put stuff on or near it so that I can get to it quickly if I need to repair or replace things again.

This is going to take some getting used to in order to work in, because my process is usually rinse out the conditioner of 4 ponies or so, set them aside on the kitchen island on a towel to dry off a little, blot off excess water, sit in a chair at the end of the island and do the flat ironing, using the island as counter space to set them down on when I go to grab the next one.

Now I’m barely going to have room to move...

There’s the added issue of the power cord on the flat iron. I need it to not cross my body so I don’t get stuck on it, yank it off the counter into my own lap, flat iron the cord, etc.

Ideally, that position is this:

Which obviously isn’t going to work. There’s a wall there. I can’t put a cabinet or shelf there without it being in the way of the door (though I may be able to figure SOMEthing out...) so my best option right now is this:

Which puts the flat iron turned the wrong way for me (I’m right handed), turned so that if I set it down the way I use it I could end up heating the cord, and the only place to lay it down is in the sink.

This is the part I’m struggling with at the moment.

HOWEVER, fairykukla did give me an idea... What if I take the little white shelf thing out from between the sink and the wall and put the wire over-the-toilet thing in there instead? That’s worth looking at. That still won’t give me the counter space that I’m used to and I’d still be crammed in on a chair with my back to the sink and my knees touching the door, but some concessions will have to be made.

[onesaltyerik]

The endless loop of the landlord

Us (meaning me and my two flatmates): Hey so, the conditions in the flat are horrible, the walls have bugs and rats crawling around at night, there's persistent mould no matter how much we air out the place or run the dehumidifier, the carpet is constantly damp in the morning, it's freezing during winter time because the layout of the place makes it impossible for the fixed to the wall heater/dehumidifier to heat up anything outside of the room it's in, there's dry rot in the floor boards and walls, we can't open the windows any more than a crack when we're not here during the day cause the safety latch only allows a tiny little crack to be opened that's not nearly wide enough to allow for proper airflow, this place seriously needs renovation and fixing so we are breaking lease early and moving out.

Landlord: Okay but you signed a clause in your lease that you would provide a new tenant(s) as replacements to move in if you broke lease early, otherwise you'll still have to pay rent here.

Us: .....bruh, no one WANTS to take this place, it's literally rotting, it's not a safe place to live! We can't find a replacement because it's not something that can even house a replacement! Landlord: well then you just have to stay until your lease is up. Us: we literally cannot, our health has rapidly deteriorated, if you want us to stay until the lease is up you need to address the mould issue. Landlord: you should be leaving the windows open the run the dehumidifier. Us: NO, that's what we've been doing, it's not a solution! The problem is the building is literally falling apart from lack of moisture barriers under the floors, you have insect and mice infestations, there's hardly any windows and the windows that exist can't be safely left open all the way during the day when none of us are here cause of work and school because of the high burglary rate. You need to replace the windows so they lock open more than two centimeters, you need to install moisture barriers under the floor boards, you need to replace the dry rot affected areas, you need to put a dehumidfier on opposite ends of the flat so they actually get airflow and dry out that area, you need to replace the mouldy carpet and rotting curtains instead of just telling us to spray it down with bleach and call it a day! Otherwise we are leaving! Landlord: I can't do that with people living in the flat, we would have to work around your schedules. Us: Then let us leave! Landlord: No, you need to find a replacement tenant. Us: That is literally impossible and we are not going to lie and con someone into taking this piece of shit from us! Fix the damn flat or we're leaving! Landlord: (comes to visit) I fail to see where any of the issues are. (completely ignores the literal damages everywhere)

Yeah, so, that's what's happening right now. Fuck landlords.

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

Depends on whether it's indoors or outdoors, and what exact humidity level you consider "humid" or "dry" for your area.

Hear me out

Outdoors dry heat will let you cool off by sweating, obvious logic, always.

But indoors you can have devices. Indoors you can use dehumidifiers and evaporative coolers. Indoors the end result you get will depend on what humidity level you start with so I can see people having a different preference if they spend most of their time indoors.

Dry heat all the time indoors might let you sweat and cool off that way better, and might let you use evaporative cooling, but if it is always dry heat, it means your living space is super dry year round, because it being cold also makes the air dry. It also means there's no cooler to go by taking humidity out of the air. Like yes, that's largely because you've reached a point where dehumidifying literally can't help anything anyway, but it is slightly infuriating to have a dry bleeding nose in the dead of summer, knowing it will only get dryer in the winter. That and there's an ideal equation of sweating at a rate that you can keep up with by drinking water, and when it's really dehydratingly dry, it can make it hard to drink enough water and not deplete your electrolytes by accident. Constant attention to micromanaging everything you put into your body at all times is not what I would consider comfortable. In my apartment, for example, I have a couple baby cacti I have to water DAILY because it's so dry in here. I grew them from seed, I know for a fact by now that this isn't excessive for them and when I water them less they shrivel. Last summer it was 50 degrees indoors and while that meant sweat dried, it also meant no amount of running a dehumidifier could make it any cooler. There's a limit to how much sweating can cool you off, and when your water loss exceeds that limit, it's just annoyingly dry and it's in your house where you can't escape it. There's a limit to running a humidifier too, not that I have one currently.

So of course you still probably want dry heat so that sweating can actually cool you in all cases, and because using a humidifier with cold water, or a swamp cooler, can cool the air if it's starting off that dry, without making it so humid that you can't sweat effectively, BUT having it be obscenely dry and that hot at the same time can start getting super dehydrating, and I don't like having eyes so dry my vision is blurry for half the year, in summer.

I am willing to bet there is an ideal humidity range that lets you sweat effectively but isn't so dry it dehydrates you, that most people prefer actually, but will refer to as "humid" or "dry" depending on whether that relative humidity is high or low for where they live.

If forced to chose between too dry and too humid I am still picking too dry and then just trying to evaporative cooling my way out of that mess, but I think above all it's time that Canada recognizes that air conditioning is as necessary for survival as heating is, and should make it mandated by law in homes and rentals the way heating is. I shouldn't be forced to try to survive 50 degrees without air conditioning while having POTS and other heart issues just because I am poor and my landlord didn't see fit to have more than one singular sliver of a window that I can't even fit an air conditioner into if I could afford one.

I would have been swearing dry heat up and down the board with no caveat or exception but my apartment is so dry it makes me think the landlords stuffed the drop ceiling with freshly roasted silica beads before I moved in... And I am going to say that also has its downsides.

summer is coming up lads..

[theplumbnerd]

Dealing with a Water Leak Under Your Sink

Introduction

Discovering a water leak under your sink can be concerning, but knowing how to respond promptly and effectively can help prevent further damage to your home. Whether it's a small drip or a major leak, taking immediate action is crucial to mitigate water damage and address the underlying issue. In this guide, we'll outline the essential steps to take if you discover a water leak under your sink and provide answers to frequently asked questions to help you handle sink leaks confidently and protect your home.

Steps to Take if You Discover a Water Leak Under Your Sink

If you find a water leak under your sink, follow these steps to address the issue and prevent further damage: 1. Shut Off the Water Supply - Locate the Shut-Off Valve: Look for the shut-off valve under the sink and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to the affected area. - Turn On Faucets: Open the faucet above the sink to drain any remaining water from the pipes and alleviate pressure on the leak. 2. Identify the Source of the Leak - Inspect Pipes and Connections: Carefully examine the pipes, fittings, and connections under the sink to identify the source of the leak. - Look for Signs of Damage: Check for signs of corrosion, rust, or cracks in the pipes or fittings that may indicate the location of the leak. 3. Repair or Replace Damaged Components - Tighten Loose Connections: If the leak is due to loose fittings or connections, use a wrench to tighten them securely. - Replace Faulty Parts: If you discover damaged or deteriorated components such as washers, O-rings, or Dealing with a Water Leak Under Your Sink, replace them with new ones to prevent future leaks. 4. Dry and Clean the Area - Remove Standing Water: Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water from under the sink and surrounding areas or Dealing with a Water Leak Under Your Sink. - Dry Thoroughly: Thoroughly dry the affected area using fans or dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew growth. 5. Test for Leaks - Turn On Water Supply: Once repairs are complete, turn the water supply back on and check for any signs of leakage. - Monitor for Stability: Keep an eye on the repaired area for a period of time to ensure that the leak has been successfully resolved.

FAQs

- Can I use duct tape to temporarily patch a leaking pipe? While duct tape may provide a temporary fix for a leaking pipe, it's not a long-term solution and may not withstand water pressure. It's best to use appropriate plumbing materials for repairs. - What should I do if the leak persists after tightening connections? If tightening connections doesn't stop the leak, it's possible that there may be a more significant issue with the pipes or fittings. Contact a plumber for further assessment and repairs. - Is it safe to use household items to unclog a drain under the sink? While some household items such as baking soda and vinegar can help clear minor clogs, it's essential to avoid using harsh chemicals or objects that could damage the pipes. Opt for non-chemical methods or consult a plumber for professional assistance. - How can I prevent future leaks under my sink? Regular maintenance, such as inspecting for leaks, replacing worn-out components, and avoiding putting excessive strain on the pipes, can help prevent future leaks under the sink. Additionally, consider installing a leak detection device to alert you to potential leaks early on. - Should I contact my insurance company if I discover a water leak under my sink? It's a good idea to contact your insurance company to report the water leak and inquire about coverage for damages. Be sure to document the damage with photos and keep records of any repairs or expenses incurred.

Conclusion

Discovering a water leak under your sink can be alarming, but by following the steps outlined in this guide and consulting the accompanying FAQs, you can effectively address the issue and prevent further damage to your home. By taking prompt action and implementing preventive measures, you can maintain the integrity of your plumbing system and safeguard your home against water leaks. Learn More from Plumbnerd Read the full article

[tilecleaningtoday]

Birmingham Expert Reveals the Solution to Efflorescence Staining

A client from Great Barr in North Birmingham discovered a leak in a water pipe, which had been running in to the Quarry tiled living room for some time. The leak was repaired but had resulted in a lot of water soaking into the quarry tiles. This led to a significant amount of efflorescence appearing as the floor dried out leaving them in a poor condition.

I paid a visit to the property to see the condition of the tiles for myself and conducted a few tests to work out the best method to remove the efflorescence and restore the appearance of the quarry tiles. From this I worked out a quote which was submitted to my client’s insurance company.

The job was then put on hold for a couple of months until the client’s insurance company agreed the claim. This as it turns out was not such a bad thing, as the floor needed time to dry out completely (aided with dehumidifiers) before work began.

Cleaning a Quarry Tiled Living Room Floor

On the first day I started by taking moisture readings from the floor, which were quite low, and confirmed the floor had indeed dried out. Next, I gave the floor a general clean using Tile Doctor Remove & Go, I used a strong dilution and sprayed it onto the floor allowing it to soak in for ten minutes. Then I went around the edges and corners with a piece of black scrubbing pad to get the awkward areas clean first. I then used a 120-grit carbide silicone pad fitted to a rotary machine to loosen up the dirt.

The floor was then rinsed with an air flex pro machine which applies water at high pressure to the floor and then simultaneously extracts the dislodged dirt with a built-in wet vacuum.

To deal with the efflorescence I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-up and worked it in with a 240-grit carbide pad as before. This product is acidic and is perfect for dissolving the alkaline salts that form efflorescence. The solution was then rinsed off and extracted as before, and I set up a couple of air movers to aid drying the floor, for a couple of hours.

Sealing a Quarry Tiled Living Room Floor

Before leaving for the day I applied a coat of Tile Doctor Stone Oil and let that soak in for twenty minutes before towelling off the excess, the floor was then let to dry off fully overnight, again I left a couple of air movers in place to assist with the drying.

The next day I applied two coats of Tile Doctor X-Tra Seal, leaving an hour between coats to dry. The Stone Oil and X-Tra Seal will give great protection going forward and give the quarry tiles a slight sheen which really lifts the appearance of the tiles. Another benefit of the sealer is it improves the colour of the tiles and being fully breathable it will allow moisture still in the floor to rise through and evaporate at the surface.

Finally, I buffed the Quarry tiles with a white pad to bring up their appearance even further. My client was very happy with what was a complete transformation to the floor and left the following review.Very helpful insurance repair. Visited whenever necessary to give advice and helped with ongoing maintenance suggestions.

Before leaving took time to discuss aftercare cleaning for which I left them with a complimentary bottle of Tile Doctor pH Neutral Tile Cleaner.

Source: Efflorescence Staining Solutions in Great Barr Birmingham

[airconditionerrepairservice]

Keep Your Air Handler in Prime Condition: Simple Maintenance Guide for Optimal Performance

As an HVAC guru, I understand the importance of keeping your air handler in tip-top shape for maximum performance and energy-saving awesomeness. Think of the air handler as the superhero of your HVAC system, tirelessly circulating perfectly conditioned air throughout your humble abode or magnificent edifice.

Neglecting its maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even system breakdowns. However, with a simple maintenance routine, you can keep your air handler in prime condition. Let's dive into the essential steps you need to follow.

Learn how to keep your air handler in prime condition with my simple maintenance guide.

Learn how to keep your air handler in prime condition with my simple maintenance guide. Optimize its performance, improve energy efficiency, and prevent breakdowns with these easy steps. Ensure a comfortable indoor environment with proper air handler care.

Regular Filter Replacement

One of your air handler's most vital maintenance tasks is regularly replacing the air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, reducing the system's efficiency and putting strain on the blower motor. Aim to replace disposable filters every one to three months or clean washable filters as the manufacturer recommends. This simple step will improve indoor air quality and ensure proper airflow.

Clear the Surrounding Area

The area around your air handler should be kept clean and free from obstructions. Remove any objects, debris, or clutter that may impede airflow to the unit. Adequate airflow is crucial for the efficient operation of your air handler, and obstructions can lead to overheating or reduced performance.

Inspect and Clean Coils

Dirty coils can really put a damper on your air handler's efficiency. But fear not! You have the power to take action and keep those coils clean! Make it a habit to regularly inspect and clean your coils for maximum heat exchange. Grab a soft brush or vacuum cleaner and gently rid them of any debris. And if things get a little out of hand, don't hesitate to bring in the pros for a deep cleaning that will restore peak performance. Your air handler will shower you with gratitude!

Check and Lubricate Moving Parts

Give your air handler some love by thoroughly inspecting its moving parts. Look out for any signs of wear and tear on the blower motor and fan, and make sure to give them a good lubrication session following the manufacturer's guidelines. Keeping these parts well-lubricated will reduce friction and ensure your air handler stays super efficient and lasts for years.

Verify Condensate Drainage

Air handlers often generate condensation as they cool or dehumidify the air. Ensure that the condensate drainage system is clear and functioning correctly. A clogged drain can lead to water leaks and potential water damage. Regularly check the condensate drain and clear any blockages to prevent issues.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Don't wait for your HVAC system to give up on you! Give it the VIP treatment it deserves with professional maintenance. Only skilled technicians will work their magic, performing thorough inspections, catching sneaky issues, and fine-tuning your system to perfection. Say goodbye to breakdowns and hello to worry-free comfort all year round.

Monitor Performance and Energy Consumption

Keep an eye on your air handler's performance and energy consumption. Unusual noises, reduced airflow, or sudden spikes in energy bills can be signs of problems. Address any concerns promptly by consulting an HVAC professional to prevent further damage or inefficiency.

Following these simple maintenance steps ensures that your air handler operates at its best, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency throughout your space. A well-maintained air handler improves your HVAC system's performance and extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long run. Remember, when it comes to HVAC maintenance, prevention is key.

Contact a qualified HVAC professional if you have any doubts or encounter complex issues. They have the knowledge and experience to keep your air handler and entire HVAC system in prime condition, delivering reliable comfort year-round.

[beloveddawn-blog]

You really have no luck. Fuck.

I know you didn't ask for advice, but I'm gonna give some anyway. Also, my phone didn't save my first draft of this because tumblr's being it's usual delightful self, so if it seems like things are missing it's probably just that I typed it on the phone first, before I decided it was a bit much for that. This assumes the house is privately owned, insurance isn't helping, and there isn't a landlord to deal with.

PROTECT YOURSELF! Get a half mask with an appropriate filter for any work done in the affected areas. Preferentially wear gloves and eye protection when working with any chemicals. Follow the full covid disinfection protocols for anything brought out of an affected area INCLUDING YOURSELF AND THE CLOTHES YOU ARE WEARING

Isolate rooms/floors. Hopefully it's still summer for you but not unreasonably hot because both furnaces and AC WILL fuck rooms up again. Put vent covers in bags before replacing them in the vent openings. Cover cold air returns with masking/painter's tape or plastic held in place with tape. Block off doors by putting painter's tape around the door casing, then taping plastic to the tape.

Prioritize. Pick three or four areas that you need to focus on originally and seal the rest off until you can deal with them. I recommend the kitchen, a bathroom, somewhere to sleep, and the area your washing machine is in. Also make sure your breaker box and water shut offs are accessible. Consider moving your bed into the living room if it minimizes the space you need to work on first.

Maintain. Buy a dehumidifier. Use it. If it dries out the people make sure you hydrate (over-hydrate at first, until your body can adjust) and consider things like breathing in steam off of tea to help sooth the sinuses. Beware cross contamination. Ensure the bathroom and kitchen dry fully between uses. Make sure the fans vent outside, not into the walls, the cupboards, or the attic. I cannot stress this enough, SOME BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS SUCK. Double check that you aren't inadvertently adding to the issue. Consider misting corners and edges of cleaned rooms with something like Decon 30 (which is entirely non toxic. You could drink it if you wanted but it's still a very effective antimicrobial). Concrobium is another product you can look into as an encapsulant for corners and edges.

Abandon what cannot be saved. For example: your mattress. IT CANNOT BE SAVED. PILLOWS CANNOT BE SAVED. SOFT FURNISHINGS THAT CANNOT GO IN THE WASHING MACHINE CANNOT BE SAVED. They cannot be cleaned to a point any reputable company would guarantee they are safe. They're also, however, expensive as fuck. Get a sealable rubber/vinyl mattress cover (walmart carries them for like $20). Seal it in. Periodically sanitize it. When viable, replace it. Pillows can be put in garbage bags and sealed in the same way. Mold spores WILL have contaminated the foam inside of them. It's a bit loud and will take some getting used to, but please prioritize your health here. Get rid of your couch. Consider getting a futon and putting a mattress cover on that too.

Consider remodeling. Your carpet is fucked. Your baseboards are fucked. Your tackstrip is fucked. These are not fixable. I would recommend removing your baseboards and carpet (including tackstrip and underlay), bleaching/sanitizing the fuck out of your subfloor (which on the second and main floor is probably also fucked in areas) and sealing it with a primer. You will eventually need new flooring. This is not cheap. I'm sorry. Laminate and click vinyl can often be installed by the homeowner if they're any sort of handy. Consider getting discontinued or otherwise discounted types, put in transfer strips and new trim, and just remodel every room to be unique. It may affect resale value later, but there is literally nothing I can suggest besides "redo the flooring in the whole house in one go" that wouldn't.

Be ruthless with the basement. My recommendation is to unfinish it. Strip it to the studs, scrub the studs down to remove mold on them, then seal them all up with primer. Leave it like that. Adjust your insurance to make sure the basement is listed as 'unfinished' when you do that.

Get your ducts clean. As soon as you have the house stable, uncover all of the vents and returns and have your ducts professionally cleaned. There's no trick to this step, but it's something a lot of people wouldn't think of. Talk to whoever you get to do it and make sure they know there are contaminants in the vents and question them about how they're going to keep the rest of the house from being contaminated. Call around.

Obviously you don't need to do any of this, but this is literally what a mold remediation would look like for the most part.

Good luck

We’re dealing with a mold issue in our home, and I need help

(Images of some of the afflicted areas will be below the cut)

We got an inspection done which came out to about $600, and actual remediation could cost thousands. My partner’s parents aren’t helping with the cost, and I was laid off recently; so it’s basically entirely up to my partner cover it, which obviously has him reluctant to do anything about it.

I really need this shit gone. My health as you all know by now has already been deteriorating, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the mold is contributing if not worsening it all.

If you could donate to my kofi (linked here and in my pinned post) I’d really, really appreciate it. If you donate more than $10, I’ll draw or write for you in return (more $ = longer fic/more detailed art) if you want - just DM me whatever you want done.

[balkanradfem]

How do you dry yours medicinal plants to preserve? Just let it dry by itself?

There's several ways I know!

If you're just simply drying it at home, the best way is to hang them, just tie a few of the same together and have them hanging in some sort of shade. They should not dry in direct sunlight, as this will make them lose their color and they'll deteriorate faster.

It's also recommended to dry the whole stem, leaves (and flowers if you have flowers) together, and then only to break them apart when you're storing them; apparently that makes all of the oils inside of the plant preserve better in it's dry state!

Other ways you can dry plants is to just set them on top of some clean cloth, with good spacing so they're not on top of each other, or you can set them on top of some newspaper. If I have a big amount of herbs to dry, I'll set them on top of a bedsheet, and then hang the bedsheet or put it somewhere in shade to dry.

The professional way to dry plants is to set them in a space with a dehumidifier; this way they'll look as good as fresh when they're dry, without losing any color! I've never tried that, I've only heard about it.

I've seen some people set the plants inside of the dehydrator; I've also never tried this, but I hear it makes them very crunchy and easy to crush into powder.

This is a trick specifically for humid areas; if your air is so humid you can't set something to dry, you can put the herbs in paper bags, again with good spacing, and the paper will suck out the moisture.

That's all of the stuff I know! I personally have been hanging them dry in my kitchen, and it's worked great. I noticed they dry faster if they're in the air, than on top of cloth/newspapers. Have fun drying plants!

[chicago-geniza]

if/when i move i am investing in one of those medical-grade HEPA filters for my room & turning my fan into an ad hoc DIY air filter by pinning one of those furnace filters over the grill so i can run it without worsening my allergies & getting one of those turbo-charged hand-held vacuum cleaners for tight corners & small surface area & an industrial-scale dehumidifier plus humidifier, alternating by season, for the main room. and one of those crazy expensive hypoallergenic mattresses over which i will put a bedbug cover that is also impermeable to dust mites, and a hypoallergenic pillow with a bedbug cover AND a separate dust mite cover. i swear to fucking gd. my oxygen is dropping into the 80s again just from sitting here & my lungs feel like a sandbox. will also help when i start allergy shots