The advice thread for random problems #2

[Hastaggifted]

Wondering if someone has some advice.
The wall in my bedroom is wet. I don't know whether it's a leak or condensation. I have the window open and a dehumidifier but nothing seems to shift it. The wall has mould on it. I can clean the mould off (shout out to cillit bang mould cleaner) and it does come off but it's obviously not dealing with the source of the problem. Does anyone have any advice? I have contacted the landlord (I'll refrain from comment on that)

I have no advice on shifting it but I had this with walls in my kitchen when I was renting. The landlord and letting agents were utter pricks and wouldn't do anything about it. We contacted the environmental health of our local council and they sent an officer to assess and then they kicked his arse to fix it and fined him. It might be worth a shot?

 

[shadowcat5]

Yup. Vitamin b supplements gives you neon wee

AH thank you! I have terrible health anxiety so I was like I know it's probably that but I needed reassurance

 

[littlepup]

I need to break up with my PT and I do not know how to do it.

I signed up 4 months before my wedding last year, I bought 40 sessions with her in the idea I would do 2 a week. She is also the gym manager and ended up cancelling so many of them due to having to cover, being ill ect. So I ended up having over 20 sessions left after my wedding. I managed to get some in before Christmas but to be honest she has been pretty useless again. There is little effort, it's just made up on the spot. No progression in weights as she can't remember what we did last session. I have 10 sessions left, pre paid and I just want to call it a day. She hasn't seen me since Christmas as she couldn't fit me in as I need afternoons due to my hours changing at work and then she was ill.

I tried before Christmas and asked if her other clients wanted to buy them, as she has done to me when people have been ill etc. but she never did it. I have paid her directly instead of through the club, which she shouldn't do but she did me a deal and seems to do it with most of her clients.

It's awkward as it's likely I will still see her in the gym and she is really lovely but I think she's got a bit complacent, most of her clients see her for the social side of it. She is always willing to try and make the sessions work and even offered me her guest membership when I mentioned I might need to leave but when it comes to it she cancels more often than not and to be honest I have just lost the want for it.

Could you gift the remaining sessions to someone or sell them on? I think it's understandable to say that you're done or you fancy a change up.
If she wont allow someone else to take them, could she write you a plan to at least get something back from what you've paid?
She's been a bit dodgy tbf so you'd think she'd try to help.
ETA I agree shes messed you around and i would want my money back but it it sounds like you don't want to rock the boat hence my suggestions.

 

[Miss Pepperpot]

Anyone got destructive pets? What do you find the best toys are for them

This will seem stupid but I have a very destructive rabbit, he free roams during the day so around 8/9am to about 10/11pm an is supervised so I can keep a eye on him an he's ok

However I recently got rid of his cage which I used for nights when am sleeping an when am out, an changed it to panels to make a sort of pen so he could free roam the bedroom without supervision an not get into things

He now however seems hell bent on destroying absolutely everything, his bed that I've had since I got him got all the stuffing ripped out it an today the litter tray got thrown about, he has his box stuffed daily with hay an some chew things like those wooden balls, but am wondering if there's anything else I can get him that he will focus his chewing on that will last as his toys don't last long

Has he been neutered? If not then it may well be hormonal changes. Rabbits also don't like change so he might just be letting you know that he doesn't approve of you getting rid of things!
Rabbits really should be bonded with another neutered bunny, they are sociable animals and are much happier in pairs as it allows for companionship, mutual grooming etc but I do understand that means the costs of everything doubles, if you do go for it then many rescues will do the bonding for you as it can be a stressful process which can take several weeks ( not always, some fall in love straight away!) but a rescue will be able to match your bunny with a suitable partner.
As for destruction try giving some natural chews such as hawthorn or apple branches, unsprayed obviously, stuff toilet rolls or brown paper bags with hay and forage, buy a treat dispenser designed to make them work for their nuggets so it takes longer to eat them and provides mental stimulation at the same time, they do love to dig so a box of soil or kids playsand is great but messy so maybe use outside or on a floor that can be swept, a cleaner option is shredded paper but long cut only as short cut is too dusty.
Supervised play only: make a little line out of string, hang it up and peg his greens on it so he has to work for them by stretching up a little.
They love tunnels and hidey places that have more than one entrance/exit and things they can jump on and off at different levels, Google Hop Inn rabbit hideaway, not cheap but will last, also if they still sell them IKEA dolls beds are hugely popular with bunnies!
Hope this helps

 

[Snippysnips]

changed some info in case people i with are in the tread

So I work with this older lady, I would say she’s 50-60 year old. last couple of months she’s made comments about my face when the room is pack. I’ve explain over it being a common medical condition and it at times flare up but she still comments asks questions over this. I’ve never heard her do this to anyone else over their appearance.

This year a close family member went into hospital and nearly died. This happened when the lady was away and when she came back 3 weeks later she found out and started asking me about it i.e what hospital, what happened are the ok? I didn’t feel this was appropriate with how long ago it happened, I’m not close to this colleague and I only just started being settled after it happened.

I’ve been in care, not many people I work with are aware of this. I don’t like many people knowing this in case peoples behaviour changes towards me and feels sorry. However some of the comments this woman makes over people in care I don’t like. I maybe nit picking with this but it makes me feel uncomfortable but I don’t want to challenge it because i especially don’t want this woman to know.

I’ve had run ins with this person over the hospital bit. I feel like it’s becoming tit for tack as I’ve had to go to people over some stuff being wrong or not changed as she said she was going to. I keep biting my tongue because I don’t want an awkward atmosphere for my other colleagues and I feel like maybe it’s just me taking this stuff the wrong way. I try and keep interactions with this woman as minimum as I can to prevent this and I think maybe it’s personality’s clashing.

I'd be reporting her but that's just me, personally it's none of anyone's business what's going on with me, if I want to share things then I will but it's not up to someone to keep asking me

As far as commenting on your appearance, personally that's just rude especially if it's in front of others, I myself suffer from bad skin an when stressed it flares up, if someone was commenting on it in front of others I'd be shutting them the fk up there an then

She seems to be way over stepping boundaries, nothing to do with age, she just seems to be a noisy person which some people are, have you spoken to her privately an told her you don't want to share information an she's being disrespectful to you with commenting on you in front of others? I'd say tell her you feel uncomfortable an it's not her business what's going on an to stop with her comments on things, an if not then it needs to be reported, the last thing you want is to be harassed just because she wants to know whats going on

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

I could use some advice on Covid etiquette these days?

The situation is as follows:

Stayed with a girl friend from yesterday to today, we shared a meal and went out for drinks but slept in separate rooms for the night but in her flat.

Today she's tested positive.
I'm supposed to travel for work on Monday to headquarters for a general meeting that will last all week.

Additionally, there's some video recording the week after that I have been asked to do by the big boss.

So missing it would suck a lot but giving Covid to the whole company would suck as well.

Additionally I leave Monday really early via train, before head office opens.

Already tried contacting HR but so far no answer.

Wear a mask on the train and in public places like shops etc until you know you are negative. If you can’t get hold of HR then go to work but wear a mask. Tell them once you arrive.
We don’t send peoole home with covid anymore but have them wear a mask and just keep a distance from them where possible.
In fairness though at our job it’s easy to keep a bit if distance.

 

[Slaybutter]

no it's a pgce so a 1 year course. The job pays slightly more then I'm on but currently on but that's because I will be going from part time to full time so if I would to go full time in my current job then it would work out less (if that makes sense)

---



it's definitely a full time job and the reason why I haven't gone for it before but thought now might be right time. Thank you for the advice - ideally I would like to study. My main worry is the financial aspect of it - but then again a family member is back studying so why shouldn't I?

I understand what you mean about how the pay works out. If the one year course increases your expected earning potential then I would maybe consider it. Otherwise, the full time salary would be of more use to you. Hopefully there are other ways to pursue learning like online and evenings?

 

[Rxt156]

Anyone with Crocs for advice on how to clean them?

 

[tomato_paste]

The gasket from my blender has stubborn dirt. I’ve let it run through six dishwashing cycles and it won’t move. Does anyone have ideas that I can try out?

I would cook it up with dishwashing liquid and let it sit overnight. Which kind of dirt is it, do you know? I had that issue with avocado a lot that the dishes wouldn't get clean in the diswasher, soaking helped a lot.

 

[pinkmug]

Hello everyone!

I wanted to make a thread about home security but I think I'm too new a member to do that so I've found this thread, I hope you all don't mind!

I'm a single mum, live with my three little ones in a nice area with lovely neighbours. However, this week a couple of nasty break ins have happened in the local area (one included them bringing a knife!) and it's really got me thinking about how safe I am.

My windows are composite triple glazed, my front door is composite, non snap locks & no glazing with a ring door bell and I'm fully insured.

However the problem is my back door is a very old wooden frame (that's falling to bits), wooden door, old mortice lock, with a large single glazed window and it's giving me the heebies.

Between that door and upstairs there are two more downstairs internal doors.

I'm just starting to worry all the time about what could happen..especially coming up to Xmas and darker nights. Has anyone got any ideas on how I can make myself feel a bit safer (on a budget!), I can't change the door (cost).

Welcome any ideas x x

Can you install extra external locks on the door? You can try the door stoppers with alarms, I haven't used them myself but I've seen them suggested before.

I'd also suggest motion sensor lights for the outside of that door.

 

[chickhicks86]

Does anyone know if you contact your GP can they print out information from your file such as letters from consultants and also a list of your prescriptions?

You can see your medicines in the NHS app. There's lots of other stuff on there, but I've never seen a consultant, so there's nothing showing in those bits for me.

 

[Mamacita]

What does everyone take to work for lunch or does anybody have any ideas of what I could have to mix things up a bit? (I work in an office with only a microwave and kettle for context). I am wanting healthy ideas but I am so bored of bringing the same things everyday (sandwich, jacket potato, pasta or soup).

I would normally just take leftovers from dinner (make a bigger portion) so like a stir fry or whatever I'm having. Sometimes just stick a pack of boneless thighs for the week and have them with veg/rice at work. Sometimes make a big chilli and have that for the week. I basically just have a normal dinner type meal at lunch

 

[Blondeangel2515]

Do not engage with her outside of work talk and do not “go off on her” in the work place because it’s not appropriate and you will most probably get in trouble.
Next time she tries asking personal questions just tell her it’s none of her business but be polite.

I would also go to your supervisor/manager saying you feel the lady is being inappropriate and you only want to engage with her in a working capacity. That way you have yourself covered if she complains about you

I’ve gone to my supervisor a lot about her and she’s asked if I want her to talk to her over it and I’ve said no because it’ll just become a regular thing and I feel like I’m in school running to the teacher over it. I’ve thought ignoring her and keeping conversations with her to the bare minimum way help and give her the hint I’m not engaging or bothering with her.

When I mean go off on her I don’t mean in an aggressive way. I mean pointing out how it’s inappropriate and etc politely when the rooms full like after she’s pointed out my skin.

The other day she found out someone I’ve applied for a job in a different department I was talking too someone else in the room over the work night out and she suddenly asked me if I heard anything from it. People in the room weren’t aware I applied and I said “no, I didn’t get an interview that’s why I’ve not said anything” so I keep doing replies like that to make her feel uncomfortable brining it up or even asking

 

[CoffeeMamma]

Thank you, the final meter read is dated from after I moved out so i don’t know if the new occupant of the address changed supplier and that’s where it went tits up. Once I get back from my appointment I will raise it.

I think this is a debt letter rather than British gas. Who do I complain to? I have had no other correspondence except from this debt company.

Write to the debt company and tell them you’re going to dispute it with the company- they will likely put a hold on the account for 60 days to allow you to do that, then you tackle BG. If you have a tenancy agreement/house sale agreement from your new place send them that in the initial complaint- will definitely speed things up!

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Random one but can anyone recommend some good quality but not stupidly expensive slippers? I’ve had mine since October and the sole is wearing away already. I wear them a lot so don’t mind spending money on them if they’ll last longer than 4 months

I'm the same and I've bought these of amazon, they are really hard wearing

Also bought these in the sales when they were something like £20 and they were super comfy and lasted almost a year!

Black Calvin Klein Jeans Home Slippers | JD Sports UK

Shop Calvin Klein Jeans Home Slippers from our Calvin Klein Jeans range online now at JD Sports ✓Free Standard Delivery Over £70 ✓10% Student Discount ✓Buy Now, Pay Later

www.jdsports.co.uk

 

[shadowcat5]

Looking for anyone that's techy with computers, so this weekend DW is airing the regeneration episode, I don't watch it but my close friend is a huge lover of DW, for some reason they aren't airing it in America at the same time as the UK an she's really bummed about it

My question is, is there a way to somehow hook up my laptop to the TV an have what's on the TV on my laptop an give her a link so she can watch along or am I only going be able to point the webcam towards the TV on a Skype chat an have her watch that way

I know how to hook the laptop to the TV to watch what's on my laptop on the TV but if never tried it the other way around

what channel is it airing on? Is there an Iplayer type option that you can stream on the laptop and share screens? I don’t know what DW is sorry.

If you can watch it via iPlayer type service, I would also suggest to your friend to get VPN as she will be able log onto a UK IP address and watch it as if she was in the UK

 

[Snippysnips]

Need some advice on food. I made stew in my slow cooker last night, turned it off at about 7pm. Stew was piping hot. Went to bed at 9.30pm and forgot to put it in the fridge. Will it be okay to eat if I heat it up before I do?

Usually I forget to put stuff away an I normally leave stuff out to defrost over night but the house is always really cold during the night so it's been fine for me, am not sure what it would be like if it's been kept kindi warm all night though, I'd maybe treat it like rice though an cook it till its scolding hot just in case

 

[Mamacita]

Be careful with chocolate protein bars as they can be a lot of talk and no trousers with the protein content claims - thefitnesschef on instagram has loads of examples where he takes normal, cheap food and compares them with food that’s got “high in protein” slapped on the front for a higher price! One of them was the protein snickers (I think?)

All that said, have you looked on MyProtein? They have a lot of their own treat stuff, the other one is grenade bars.

The protein snickers has about 15g protein so it's alright but a lot of protein snacks will say that when they only have 5g which is hardly any. With protein bars, I would consider them decent if they have 19-20g protein per 200 or max 250kcal

 

[StatusWoe]

Do you have anemia?

And sorry, I know nothing about long Covid. Hope you get better

I have low iron, but the doctor said it's not low enough to be classed as anaemia. I'm taking an iron supplement though.

A blood test is only really as good as what they are testing for. Do you know what all they ran the tests for 2 months ago? I would ring back and ask them if you don’t as sometimes they just run the basics. I would also ask them to do a repeat to check that your iron levels have been able to increase again naturally. Get your ferritin level and b12 checked also. Low iron can really cause a lot of havoc.

Also, you are never bothering a Gp. It’s their job and more importantly it’s your health

Hope you feel loads better soon

Idk exactly what they tested for, but she said that there were no 'inflammatory markers' so I think that rules a lot out?? Not sure though.

Thanks to both of you for replying

 

[shadowcat5]

@shadowcat5 checked with CoffeeGranny (aka retired GP) and she says to keep a close eye on it, and keep it clean but as everyone else has said, tetanus shot is up to date so that’s the main thing. Any doubts pop into a pharmacy, they’ll give better advice apparently!

Oh thank you and thank coffeegranny for me! I’m going to put some more germolean on it before bed just to be safe but it seems to be just a surface scratch. It’s not sore and it didn’t hurt when I washed the dishes so I think I’m safe