The advice thread for random problems #4

[littlepup]

A joiner. But it’s a pretty e

Random question

The handle on my door is coming lose, is that a job for a joiner or a locksmith? I was thinking a joiner could do it but if it needs a new handle all together then will I need a locksmith since it may need new locks? It's a barrel lock we have if that makes a difference

A joiner or handyman but it’s a pretty easy DIY job, have a look on YouTube.

 

[stargirl23]

My mum also had acupuncture for her frozen shoulder and now it’s pretty much back to normal

 

[TwooTwooTwitTwitTwoo]

Does anyone know why when looking at car MOT status online most have a long history of all the MOTs but some only have the last MOT?

It could be the garage they use hadn't converted to the online system yet. I thought it was made mandatory years ago but coincidentally I saw an article today that mentioned from this year paper MOT certificates will be scrapped. As I say, I thought they already had been but apparently not.

ETA the private plate is a good shout. I've just tested it using the only private reg I know off the top of my head and irritatingly it's less than 3 years old so hasn't had it's first MOT yet.
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Ahh yes thank you, private plate makes sense. Shame that it buggers up. I would never buy a car where I could not see the MOT history

Assuming you'd be arranging a test drive, the owner should be able to show you previous Mot records. Even with the online system you still get a print out of mileage/ advisories etc.

Alternatively, if you're able to obtain the VIN you may be able to find the MOT history using that.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Does anyone self teach themselves coding? Am thinking of maybe trying it as a hobby but not sure of what programs/apps etc to go for, it would be more on the gaming side like modding

Look if there are any local groups that teach/help with coding.
Where we are we have a group specifically aimed at women/girls to teach and help with coding. All free run by volunteers

 

[littlepup]

I’ve never had Christmas lights on the outside of my house before, I feel silly for asking this but how do you attach them? I’m looking at decorating our porch but don’t want to damage the paintwork

Google "command Christmas light hangers" or "outdoor light hangers" - there are ones that hook onto gutters and all sorts.

 

[TheGlossy]

Can

Can you turn the power off to the pump?

I honestly don’t know where it’s located. All I can see is a bunch of wires, pipes and the pump. I don’t think there’s a switch anywhere. The pump is directly linked to the boiler.

Given this apartment has had multiple plumbing issues in the past, I’d rather not try and venture into the unknown in case I create a bigger issue. I don’t want this to become my liability.

 

[becca7721]

Ok. Thank you!

 

[Snippysnips]

Best of luck xx

Thank you very much, the wait to see how it went is becoming more stressful than the whole thing x

 

[stargirl23]

Quick question, if youre blocked on someone’s phone does that mean calls/texts are still delivered/charged? (Background long story bottom line is it was a misunderstanding, have sought advice from independent third partly who confirmed this). I’ve tried asking for a call to discuss, text and left message and been charged, but have heard nothing. I don’t know their device details.

Thanks!

You’ll be charged for the call/text but it won’t be delivered to the person who’s blocked you

 

[chickhicks86]

My washing machine has just decided to stop spinning - I’ve turned it off for half an hour at the plug, emptied what was in it (towels) and bounced it up and down and it’s still not spinning. Any advice please

Have you tried it empty on a slow spin, or even with a few dry items in just so it's got some weight in it? Mine has a tantrum sometimes if I wash something that makes it become unbalanced when the items are wet - like a dog bed or duvet - I guess a load of just towels might cause the same? Assume you've Googled the model of your washing machine not spinning?

 

[Snippysnips]

Get straight onto ACAS https://www.acas.org.uk/contact
Sounds like they’re gearing up for a constructive dismissal.

They are, they have a new female in working so basically want him out an are throwing false allegations around, he only got told today he's to go tomorrow which I thought you needed 48h notice as it's left us basically little to no time to get anything sorted

I’m not saying this is the case with your dad but dementia can make people aggressive.
Do you know what the procedures at his work is? During some meetings he will be allowed an advocate but depending on the business they might only allow a work colleague. Your best bet is to ask them for a copy of the procedure

I know, my papa an great aunt had it, but the thing is, he's not aggressive in any way, he has the very very start of it which is more forgetfulness but only when you ask him something an he's not fully paying attention an he then forgets, I know myself when it comes to cooking which is his job he's still fully all there, he still can remember recipes an cook from scratch, they take the absolute piss out him because he won't say no to them

This is also the same place that harassed him constantly on the phone to cover shifts when it was his day off then when I kept putting the phone off they had random staff members show up to our private home address looking for him to go in, he barely gets a day off cause as soon as they ask he won't say anything an just goes in to cover them

I honestly don't know what the procedures are with this place, it's a care home, an this is all going to be a case of their word against his, they done this with another male at the work months back

 

[Bobbleowl90]

I’ve never poached an egg before 🫣 please give me your best poached egg methods so I can show my husband I’m better than him at doing them for tea!

 

[cwymmie]

Ok - to give the background.

When I booked the balayage, the price was listed as €158. When I went to pay after all was done, I was charged €200. When I asked about the difference, they said the difference was an add-on for the toner. Fair enough if the toner is extra, but it needs to be mentioned somewhere on the price list.

In previous salons, the overall price included the toner. I’m not questioning the fact there’s a charge for it, I’m questioning the fact the way charges are disclosed.

Did they ask/say they were using it and tell you the cost before they used it? Or just used it and made you pay for it?

 

[stargirl23]

Thanks for that! Going to keep an eye out on my sons device and take it out with me from now on so he’s not using others phones and seeing stuff he shouldn’t. Going on to block those accounts too to make sure they don’t pop up

 

[Snippysnips]

I’ve just booked an appointment on Friday for beauty treatment. I’ve paid in full but stupidly I’ve booked the wrong treatment (the one I meant to book is £50 cheaper too). The T&C’s say no deposits are refunded but appointments can be changed up to 48 hours before. Obviously this is less than 48 hours because I’ve only just booked it. I’ve messaged them but could they refuse to do it? I’m such an idiot

There's no harm in asking, but it would probably depend on the place, my work is more than happy to change it as keeping the customer happy is more important to us an its not like it's a cancellation, you are still showing up

 

[Jerry Garcia]

My washing machine has just decided to stop spinning - I’ve turned it off for half an hour at the plug, emptied what was in it (towels) and bounced it up and down and it’s still not spinning. Any advice please

Pull the plug out again, leave for 60 seconds and then open and close the door six times in rapid succession. This performs a factory reset. Now try it, and if this hasn't fixed it alas its time for a new one! Good luck!

 

[Rodneytrotter]

It would depend, it sounds quite severe so I'd imagine you could get CBT through the GP, I think normally you get around 6 sessions but it would depend on if her GP thinks it's severe enough to refer her for it an it may be a lengthy wait as CBT is also used for anxiety, depression, grief etc, am not sure what it would be cost wise if it was done privately

Aww thanks, just remembered that her school does have a counsellor so I might ask them too. Thanks so much!

 

[littlepup]

I’ve not tried it but i found Disney lacking in content unless you have kids. For me anyway

I only want it for Bluey which is why I'm reluctant so spend much on it.
I'll watch the new series of Grey's anatomy when it comes out but otherwise, when we had it before with the vouchers, I too found there wasn't much on there if LO is too young to watch a film.

 

[cowtastrophe]

I've got a neighbour like this and I'm a petty bitch so I refuse to take their parcels round to them. I'm not a courier! We had their last parcel for over a month so now I ignore the door if I see the Evri man unless I'm expecting a parcel myself.
Actually I'm wondering if I have a reputation now because the postman knocked on the other day and asked if I minded taking something for next door. I said it was fine and he said 'Are you sure? Do you get on with them?' so maybe it's common knowledge that I'm a selective parcel collector

My neighbour started to become a pain in the arse with parcels. She was constantly asking us to go and get something off her porch or getting stuff delivered here without asking first. Even when she was on holiday, deliveries were arriving for her which really pissed me off. Eventually I told her that we couldn‘t keep taking stuff for her as we were often out and if she got stuff delivered without asking she ran the risk of it being stolen off the doorstep. I think she finally got the message as we haven’t had anything for her for ages and the last time she apologised profusely. Some people are just fucking cheeky.

 

[stargirl23]

Not really after advice as I'm pretty certain I've made up my mind and I'm not crazy. What I would like is other peoples thoughts as my husband thinks im over reacting and my daughter doesn't think its fair.
My daughter (nearly 8) has made friends with a little girl down the road (also 8) and they play out together and often in and out of each others house. That's absolutely fine. But I've heard the other girl has been talking about sleepovers and her mum has said they can have a sleepover at there's. I do not know her mum, only ever seen her once and that was a quick "morning". I don't think 7/8 year olds need sleepovers. Especially when I don't know the adults. It's her mum and a step dad that stays occasionally. There is way too much in the news and way too often it's the step dad that's dodgy. I just don't think it's worth the risk, they might be perfectly fine but there's always a chance.
I had a friend when I was 12 - 15 that I used to sleepover her house, everything was fine but years later i saw the Step Dad on crime watch wanted for being a paedophile from crimes before he met her mum. They were happily married and he had been in my friends life since she was 2 and had always been fine and never done anything to her or her brother . So it shows you can't trust anyone.
Please tell me you agree I'm right in saying no and I'll just have to be the boring, horrible Mum that says no.

I’d say you’re in the right and if it were me I’d be exactly the same. There’s nothing about being too over the top when it comes to safeguarding and protecting your child. Like you say you don’t know the mum and only spoke to her once, if it was someone you knew well it’d be different. My son is the same age as your daughter and I only allow him to sleep at my mums house or my brothers house as his cousin is the same age and they play together. However it’s only very rare occasions he sleeps over as he still wants me or his dad at night time and doesn’t like being away majority of the time