I completely get where women are coming from—whether they want to stay in the workforce or step back—and I truly believe every woman should have the autonomy to decide what’s best for her own life. But let's be practical here: if you're pulling in $8,000 or $9,000 a month, it doesn't exactly make financial sense to risk the complications of an early exit just because you're feeling burnt out, only to end up settling for some meager disability payout or a fraction of your salary... In my personal experience, it hasn't even made a dent in my finances; the math essentially evens out anyway.
My plan for the next trimester is to transition into an office role and try to keep working right up until about 45 days before my due date.😁
Paul Doyle3 regarding pregnancy precautions... I walked out immediately with 6 weeks on the clock After losing a baby before, dealing with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto, and having a job where I pull 13-hour shifts—where breaks don't actually exist on paper—it just wasn't doable. During those 13 hours, I'm completely on my own; there's nobody to step in if I need a quick bathroom break, let alone a moment to eat. And eating while you work? Strictly forbidden. So, you're stuck working 13 hours straight while feeling like someone could jump me, rob me, or worse at any second—not to mention how often we had to call the police, sometimes even daily. It might sound like an exaggeration, but it's certainly not for my colleague, who was waited on by some unstable guy from work after her shift ended and beaten up simply because she didn't say "good day" to him that morning—which he later admitted in court. There is absolutely no way anyone should be working under those conditions for minimum wage, especially when you're pulling six days a week—Fridays, Saturdays, everything.
If I were working a standard 9-to-5 office job with weekends off, I wouldn't even be considering high-risk complications in the first place. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to earn some average American salary of $55,000 or whatever. There are plenty of us stuck in terrible jobs with even worse bosses, and that's something people really need to keep in mind...
copperheron18 said:And you haven't even experienced the true level of 'consolation' yet—when you were expecting one thing, but get a girl first, and now you realize you're back at square one needing a boy next time.🙂
I honestly don't even know how I'm supposed to react to things like this...
I’m only about 12 weeks along now... this is already my second post in this thread 🤦 My parents, my sister, and my maid of honor all know. Honestly, I’m not even dreading the moment I tell the rest of them—it’s more the fear of when it becomes physically obvious, so I can’t hide behind excuses anymore It’s not that I’m intentionally keeping my pregnancy a secret, but... I have a massive extended family. There are just too many aunts and cousins involved in my business for comfort. I am hoping I have one little ace up my sleeve to divert their attention, though... being the "black sheep" of the family is actually a decent way to dodge the spotlight 😁 I’ve put all my bets on that distraction working 😬
So, about my dad. My husband and I currently live 218 miles supported by my parents and his—just in opposite directions 😁 My dad says: It would be best if you moved back home now that you're pregnant Excuse me? What, how, and why?? His reasoning: He thinks I won't be able to handle everything alone, so it would be "best" if I left my husband behind in New York City so he can keep working and living his life, while I and the baby move back home until I can write, read, and cross the street by myself again If I'm the one struggling, then who exactly am I having this child for? My parents or for myself and my husband??
Everything has come to a head. My mother keeps calling—acting like such a busybody—asking me to explain to my husband exactly which stroller we’re going to buy once the baby arrives As if we’ll be buying them one, two, or three months before the due date—who knows But oh no! Absolutely not. You buy the stroller *after* the baby is born If I let my mom go out to buy a stroller, she’ll come back with a grocery cart from a local farmer's market and expect me to pay full price for it as a baby stroller... honestly, I can take all those old traditions and grandmotherly "wisdom" and throw them straight in the trash
Yesterday, at 7 plus 2 weeks, I was hit with my first in a long line of those "helpful" little nuggets of advice that you just never quite forget... By Julkina Majka: "Please, just go to church this week and thank God for that baby—otherwise, I don't know how your pregnancy is going to end up." It goes without saying that I’ve already dealt with one miscarriage—which I suppose was also blamed on my lack of church attendance—and that I'm an agnostic, a fact everyone seems to be well aware of... 🤦
And honestly? This is just the beginning... who knows what else is waiting for me around the corner...
So, my wedding is finally over, and here we go -Walmart photography services—even if they happen to be the only ones available for your date, don't bother; they aren't worth a single cent The photos are a total disaster—I honestly can't find any other way to describe them -The live band—if you absolutely have to hire one, just know they’re completely mediocre; they didn't bring any energy at all -A local florist from the suburbs—she did a lovely job with everything, really solid work, no complaints there -Studio 54 (hair and makeup)—let's just say I wouldn't go back, and trust me, I'm not a high-maintenance person. The hairstyle looked nothing like what I asked for, and the makeup was its own special kind of nightmare. I even showed her a photo from their own Facebook page—you know, the one they use to showcase their "bridal looks"—and what I got was... well, something else entirely. I had to fix everything myself once I got home. The makeup didn't even last, and the hair? A complete catastrophe
My dad first fell ill back in 1997—he was only 39 at the time. It started with just a tremor in one leg, but in what felt like the blink of an eye, it spread to both hands and both legs. Up until 2002, no one could give him a straight answer—not even after visiting every major hospital in the States. They threw everything at the wall to see what stuck: spinal issues, Wilson's disease, adrenal gland problems, thyroid stuff... you name it. When they finally ran out of ideas, they slapped a Parkinson's diagnosis on him—mostly because the tremors looked the part, even though it wasn't actually that—and then they handed him off to a psychiatrist. They basically told him it was all in his head... that he was doing it on purpose. He ended up hooked on antidepressants and turned into a shell of his former self. On our own initiative, we managed to get him over to a specialized clinic in Germany, where they finally identified the real culprit: heavy metal poisoning. Even today, most doctors don't want to dig too deep into his medical history; he manages his condition solely through medications we've researched ourselves and source through various means. Back in 2001, the prognosis was bleak—they practically handed us his discharge papers and told us he was better off dying at home than being nursed in a hospital bed. Then, of course, there were the secondary complications that piled up over the years—poor circulation from the tremors, herniated discs in his spine (which a physical therapist helps manage), and so on... We’ve tried going back to the doctors several times over the years. But they just get lost in the shuffle... it all circles back to square one, repeating everything we went through leading up to 2002... they simply have no clue how to handle him. Still... he's still here. Just not thanks to the doctors...
Ever since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto (damn... Japanese person 😬), I’ve been scouring the web and reading about how much higher the risk is for developing other autoimmune issues . As if that wasn't enough, in just the next few days, I somehow managed to come down with lupus and MS—and then diabetes and high blood pressure decided to show up too . Naturally, with all that going on, my skin rashes weren't doing me any favors either, and Dr. Google started hinting at even more possibilities . Not to mention how often thyroid issues are linked to the adrenal glands... yeah, I had all of that . It’s just awful... I find myself withdrawing lately; even when the thought crosses my mind, I’m just not the person I used to be . Honestly, I'm just scared. Everything feels unsettling, and I immediately spiral into a panic attack . Like that one time something poked my arm—I’m embarrassed to admit I think it was just a mosquito—but I panicked so hard that I rushed to the ER claiming I was having an allergic reaction. They loaded me up with Benadryl and sent me right back home 🤦 . So... that's where I am. I don't tell anyone anything; it's just me and Dr. Google 😁 . Regarding the "go-bags"... I actually have a survival bag 😁. You know, for earthquakes, fires, that kind of thing . Inside, I keep the essentials: antibiotics (don't ask where I get them), painkillers, a needle and thread, bandages, pads, wipes, disinfectant, a water bottle, a lighter, and a flashlight . 😬 And hey, if anyone here thinks they're perfect, feel free to cast the first stone .
Kevin Smith7 said:I'm also really interested in makeup and hair styling, maybe somewhere around Chicago?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Well, let me share what I managed to dig up. There’s this stylist, Victoria from Orlando, who is absolutely wonderful—honestly my top pick—but there's a catch. You have to coordinate strictly to ensure she's the one showing up... she actually requires a minimum of five women to book her services. Now, I really don't feel like trying to talk people into spending $100 (if I remember correctly) just for makeup for my bridal party, and I certainly don't want to risk an arrangement where she doesn't show... 🙄 instead, you might get stuck with her assistant. Personally, that whole setup felt like a bit too much hassle, so I passed. My backup in Orlando was Studio 54, but they are fully booked through the end of the year—I think someone mentioned a few posts back that they might have openings late December. Over in Memphis, it might be worth adding Studio 54 on Facebook just to browse their portfolio and see if their style clicks with you. I was torn between them and Studio 54 (you'll have to search "hair salon" on FB to find them, otherwise you'll be hunting for days like I was)... though, to be perfectly honest, they don't quite provide that "wow" factor. I'm actually pretty decent at doing my own makeup and I know my way around a brush, but I have zero intention of messing around with eyeliner on my wedding day... 😍 When I called them, they mentioned having availability until October 14th, but for anything later, I should call back two months in advance. I believe she said makeup was around $120 or maybe $50, and I assume hair is similar or perhaps a little more. What I was truly interested in, however, was seeing work by Susan Cook, but their Facebook page is lacking photos. The owner, >, mostly posts shots of extensions and hairstyles—though I do know one bride he did who looked phenomenal, so it's a shame I can't track down some actual wedding shots. So, my current leading choice is Studio 54... for now. 😁 There is also a makeup artist named Jane Marjanovic, but I haven't been able to track down her number yet.
Mark Flores47 said:That's what I heard too, and nobody's really complained about them yet—at least not that I've heard. They're known as one of the pricier spots, but like you said, I don't care about the cost 😁 I'm only getting married once 😂 plus they do both hair and makeup there, so it's super convenient for me.
I feel the same way...😬 By the way, that salon I mentioned earlier is Studio Kodak... what are your thoughts on them? I sent them a request on Facebook, but they haven't accepted me yet, so I can't see any of their photos
Mark Flores47 said:Honestly, I'm not even sure if they did hair there... 🤷 but I heard makeup at Studio 54 goes for about $150... though I don't know if that's accurate. A friend of mine went there for her hair, and I think she paid around $150-$200... I'll ask her again and let you know for sure if she remembers. Her hair turned out perfect, really elegant and classy... just exactly what I wanted. As for the makeup, I also heard they offer trials $17... and if you end up wanting lash extensions, then it's probably another $17 I think... on top of that $150. Man, I'm overcomplicating this 😂
Honestly, this whole search is starting to get under my skin 😬 so I’ve decided to go with Studio 54. Given how close the date is, the girl there told me to call back in two months to get on the books. I might have mixed them up with another salon, but I think she mentioned makeup was around $120 or $150, which sounds like a total steal to me. I’ve been scrolling through their Facebook photos, and I really love their work. My plan is to go all out—makeup, hair, and lashes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me, and I really want to look my best. If $167 everything goes smoothly, I'll actually be happy with the result. Right now, I'm looking around Washington, D.C., because I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding, and over there, they charge upwards of $300 just for the makeup alone 🙄
placidsurfer15 said:I know there's an unnamed studio around there, but that isn't really right next to the diner—it's actually a street over on Shakespeare Ave, and some kid runs it. Might be what you're looking for.
I don't recall any hair salon being right next to that diner specifically.😕
Well, that’s how she described it to me. I've only lived in Indianapolis once in my entire life, so I can't really speak to the layout... 😁 Anyway, the girl looked absolutely stunning—seriously, I've seen the wedding photos and knowing her how she usually looks, I can tell you that transformation was a total ten out of ten! I'll ask her if it might have been at that unknown studio...
I was chatting with a woman who recently got married over in Indianapolis—she had absolutely stunning makeup done—and she mentioned the salon was located in Indianapolis right near that old local spot across from the pub. Apparently, that space is up for lease now, and she’s not quite sure if they moved elsewhere... Does anyone happen to know which salon she’s talking about or where they relocated? I'm looking for a guy, maybe around 35...
Paul Fisher34 said:Well, for my own wedding, I ended up booking Great Clips (even though Indianapolis is actually closer to me, it's not like I'm driving across the country or anything). I'm getting both my hair and makeup done there... honestly, I was torn between them and Studio 54, but I went with Great Clips because everything they do just looks way more natural to me.
I just checked out their Facebook page... and honestly, it looks pretty good. Do you have any other recommendations for the Indianapolis-Memphis area? And how far in advance should I probably book?
Apple Studio is way too far out of my way—I really need to find something closer to home in Indianapolis. The only place I’ve heard mentioned is Studio 54, but their Facebook page is pretty much a ghost town... nothing but a handful of photos. As for the makeup work, it looks $40... 😢not to sound repetitive, but I’m genuinely worried it might be a case of you getting exactly what you pay for.
I’m looking for some serious makeup advice... please help! Here’s the deal—I actually do a pretty decent job of doing my own makeup, but for my big day, I want something truly spectacular. Most of what I’ve seen so far has been just... meh. I reached out to Victoria from Indianapolis, but she won't even book unless there's a group of at least five women. 🤷 I did hear about this artist named Jane Doe, but honestly, there’s zero info online—hardly any photos on Facebook either. Plus, her price starting at $40 including lash extensions seems almost too good to be true... and I'm terrified of being disappointed when you only get married once. On the other hand, Anna Coric looks absolutely stunning in her portfolio... I also heard some buzz about Studio 54—has anyone here actually used them? Any advice at all would mean the world to me.
Drew Wright said:So, did it just sail through without being inspected by Customs, or was it processed but simply went through without any hiccups? Was this shipped directly from the USA? And how long did it take to arrive?
I ordered them from eBay—twice, actually. I don't think it was even the same seller, though if it was, that's quite the coincidence... It arrived in about 10 days—maybe even less once no customs issues at all