Hello! I’m interested in Hockey but I really don’t know where to start so I was hoping that someone on here could be kindly enough to teach me. I know a few things about it but it’s really only barely some basics. I’ve tried asking but no one really knows where to start and although my family is big into sports - hockey isn’t one of them. I’ve watched a few Kraken’s games but I still don’t really know what’s going on.. so if someone could please guide me towards any books, articles, videos, movies, etc. that can help me learn, I would really appreciate it! Or at the very least.. explain it to me like I’m 5. 😅
I never thought I’d be into sports. Hell, my family’s been TRYING to get me into football (which I still know nothing about lol) but I find myself really interested in hockey so that’s a start right?

Hi! What other diagnostic testing should be requested? I’m having a very hard time being taken seriously by my last few PCPs and am trying to push for further specialist referrals and tests. I have been very dismissed and feeling crazy. I even sought a psychiatrist thinking maybe all this was in my head after all and they have supported me in continuing to push for answers because I am in fact not crazy lol.
I’ve had the following done and come back normal, but wondering if there is anything else my PCP should check before ruling out lupus definitively.
Came back normal-
CBC, metabolic panels repeated 2021-2024
2022- ANA
2024- rheumatoid factor Cyclic certificates peptide DNA DS antibody Chromatin neucleosomal antibody Complement components c3c and c4c Sed rate by modified westergren Complete abdomenal ultrasound Vitamin D, B12, Iron, Ferritin
Came back abnormal- 2022-2024 antiphospholipid antibodies B2 glycoprotein IGM high
2024- head mri with/ without contrast- few white matter lesions and scarring
2023- HLA- DQ8 genetic variant confirmed
I’ve got a whole host of symptoms that are both lupus and other auto immune specific. These include: Brain fog Extreme fatigue Memory issues Intermittent Butterfly and raised skin rash Feeling like I’m sunburnt even after only a few minutes outside Intermittent hearing issues Intermittent balance/ coordination issues Severe skin breakouts, digestive issues Constant illness Joint pain Swollen sore hands Numbness and tingling hands and feet Bladder retention and emptying issues Choking/ swallowing issues, chronic cough Pinpoint burning or itching sensation Since I was young, but now increasing again: “aura” like migraine or seizure aura without any headache or obvious seizure activity. Only other way I can explain this is “Alice in wonderland syndrome” (see fastfeeling)
My doctor has questioned SLE, MS but not really super conclusively. I also have wondered if celiac could be a factor but was informed after ANA testing that I may not have been eating gluten in my diet long enough for it to show other than the genetic test (usually avoid gluten by chance). I also have not yet heard back from my PCP on the results of the MRI- these findings were taken directly from the report uploaded in my patient portal. My family history is questionable as my mom was adopted, no one in my family really goes to the dr. Only Cancers and brain tumors have been confirmed. The most troublesome issues as of late are the cognitive issues and my hearing going out. It’s a few minutes or a few hours one ear at a time, pressure and muffled hearing. Any thoughts are appreciated, as I am exhausted

Hi everyone,
I’m 23 years old and I just graduated college last year. my employment history is honestly pretty shitty. I have a lot of short stints at jobs that make me look really flaky to a potential employer.
I currently work as an administrative assistant at a really large national financial services firm and I pretty much lied about everything that you could imagine on my résumé. (I added a year and a half of experience to my college internship. I changed a job title from receptionist to HR assistant and said that I was still working there when I applied to my current job, even though it was a seasonal position and it had ended three months prior.) I know lying is bad but my family doesn’t financially support me and I needed to make rent so I did what I thought I had to do to get a job.
When it came time for me to do the background check, I had to fill out an employment verification form so instead of filling out the dates and job titles that I put on my résumé I just filled out the truthful dates and positions. I was able to pass the background check without any major hiccups, and they offered me the role. (I should add that this was a very intense background check because it was for a financial services institution. I’m talking 10 year employment verification check, credit check, criminal background check and a drug test.)
I’ve been at my current job for about five months and it’s nothing like I imagined. The workload is really intense and although I think I’m gaining soft skills, I don’t think any of the hard skills I’m learning here will be applicable to any of the fields I would ideally like to go into. My boss is also kind of a creep and really rude.
I really want to find another job, but since I’ve only been here for five months, I feel like I need to lie again on my resume.
My question is, was it a fluke that I was able to pass such intense of a background check or could I get away with lying about my dates of employment again? I’m worried that I was only saved because I was able to manually fill in my past employment history, but if a third-party company did the research for themselves, they’d be able to see that I was lying. Any tips and information on how employment verification works would be great!

Hi there! Hope everyone is having a good Monday morning. I would love to find someone to chat and flirt the days away with. Love getting to know people and building a friendship so long term chats preferred. Hit me up and let’s see if there’s a connection
Interests: Nature,video games,music,books,sports and a lot more!
Me: Tall,husky,bearded,tats

-Get pulled over by police. -Appear slightly slap happy where they think you’re drunk -Have them perform field sobriety -Wobble and fail -Refuse breathalyzer and urge you’re sober -Get arrested and taken to jail -Forced to blow there, you blow 0.0 -Get released, get a lawyer, sue for 1.5 million dollars for wrongful arrest
Yes it’s happened.

HI , pleasure to meet you all , as the title states I would love to have some friends to talk to here and there and actually form good friendships. A little about me , I’m an mechanic who loves to cook , game and watch anime , I have a very normal / interesting music tastes but I’m really big in to sleep token right now but I love all types of music , ( I’m also big into dance Gavin dance) . If your interested in be friends please feel free to message me , and if not that’s ok hope you have a great day.
Thank you all for reading , love you all 🫶🏾
Only 🚩 is that I love destiny 2..

Would you rather join in the crucifixion or the resurrection? (ACIM, T-11.VI.2:1)
²The ego chooses crucifixion and guilt;
The Holy Spirit chooses resurrection and innocence. (ACIM, T-14.III.4:2)
³For this is Eastertime in our salvation. (ACIM, W-135.25:3) ⁴And all the world will take this giant stride, and celebrate our Eastertime with us. (ACIM, W-135.26:4) ⁶This is our Eastertime. ⁷And we would keep it holy. (ACIM, W-135.26:6-7)
“Eastertime” is used three times across the entire ACIM canon. All in lesson 135. Easter marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion.
The Crucifixion is what we do day after day to our Brothers to hide our shame from our own recognition. ²The crucifixion did not establish the Atonement; the resurrection did. (ACIM, T-3.I.1:2). ⁴Crucifixion is a dream of judgment. ⁵So judge not, and we will waken. (ACIM, T-29.IX.2:4-5)
Today I launched an attack on a beloved Brother. After I initiated the lesson. It was so easy to choose. That is the insanity for which I forgive myself today. I forgive my shame that it would hurt no other.
Resurrection is

• Reawakening. ³God placed our Resurrection on the Altar, and so it is true forever. (ACIM, T-6.I.7:1-3)
• Sharing wholeness. (ACIM, T-6.I.12:1)
• Complete triumph of Christ over the ego, not by attack but by transcendence. (ACIM, T-11.VI.1:6)
• symbol of the release from guilt by guiltlessness. (ACIM, T-14.V.10:2-3)
• graduation from the acim curriculum

¹¹Forget your dreams of sin and guilt, and come with me instead to join the resurrection of God’s Children. ¹²And bring with us all those whom He has sent to you to care for as Jesus cares for us. (ACIM, C-5.6:11-12)

~First~
(Writing, writing, writing: Muse crashes, burns and refuses to respond. Great.)
The Buzz on the Spin
“That’s the third time the call was dropped.” Hoagie states the obvious.
“From what I can tell they’re being hacked like it’s the latest fad. Even if our call goes through clean it’s going to be seen by an audience of several billion at least.” Demon replies. His tiny little girl is sitting on his shoulder so everyone’s watching their language, even Zsebreza. Sure, Kathy was growing quick and was developing a good sense of humour, but not even Minisi wanted to be responsible for teaching her the naughty words.
It takes several more tries with the bridge crew chuckling at things before suddenly the link is accepted to find a thoroughly unamused Asian Man glaring at them. The man then lets out a breath. “Two hundred and eighty six separate calls with the image of a woman presenting herself. I have never been simultaneously flattered and insulted.”
“Spoiled for choice sir?” Demon asks.
There is a moment of a pause as the man’s eyebrow quirks in frustration. “Yes.”
“I’m afraid it’s a common issue the galaxy over sir, we humans are hot commodity. Even a hideous slob of a man would find himself inundated with attention. A competent man with goals, ideals and motivation? A feast before the starving sir.” Hoagie says.
“Clearly Officer Eastman.” He says before relaxing a little. “I am Observer Wu. I have been charged by the nations of Earth with baring impartial witness to what has occurred the galaxy over. I have already spoken to several pockets of humanity, including but not limited to three other space stations, the newly risen nobility of Vucsa and of course, The Dauntless and the Embassy on Centris.”
“So what are you looking for? We’ve sent back numerous eyewitness testimonies and as much in the way of resources and proof of our claims that can survive the damaging effects of Cruel Space. A fair portion of exotic material and cadavers were actually supplied from this very station. What more do you need?”
“I just wish to speak with people. I will be communicating with and travelling to every major locations where humans have touched in the galaxy. To see the truth of things with unclouded eyes.” Observer Wu says and there are some nods. “Now then, if you could describe your location and posting please?”
“Certainly, we’ll do that in reverse though if you don’t mind.”
“I do not.”
“We are posted here to both ensure that we have friendly contacts in an area of interest and to learn more about the galaxy at large. Between ourselves and our fellows posted at other stations we are writing the operations manual for how to maintain, police, administrate, protect and supply a fully functional space station with a substantial permanent population. We’re also recruiting and keeping our eyes out for unusual technologies, tactics and techniques. This station alone contains a permanent population that rivals several first world nations on Earth with an industrial capacity well beyond what those nations can provide.”
“Can it now? This station is self sustaining? Food, air and other such supplies?”
“It turns out that a great deal of air is released by harvesting asteroids. Most of them contain a large amount of ice, even when they’re primarily minerals of some kind. Food is grown in hydroponics on such a scale we outright export it. The mining provides the metals and other materials for further products and again, hydroponics of a different source give us oils which leads to plastics, cloth comes in too. The station is completely self sustaining at this point. If the rest of the galaxy was to vanish then all we need are some rocks and we can keep this place going forever.” Demon explains and Observer Wu nods.
“And have you learned about these techniques and technologies?”
“Yes, however many of them are reliant upon Axiom.”
“And the control of the station?” He asks and Minisi pokes at a few of them with her tentacles to get people to shift away. “And you are... the woman in charge I believe?”
“Indeed. Although not for too much longer. I’ve had my fun but the station has become a tedium. I will admit that your species showing up has broken up the monotony a touch, but only enough to give me enough time to really make sure my heiress has this place on lock and with an unmatched command crew.”
“And you’re fine with them having that level of power?” Observer Wu asks and Minisi has a tentacle point right down at Hoagie.
“This one has been in charge of over ten percent of my station. The most productive Agriculture Decks we have are in his power, both officially and unofficially. The businesswomen there fear the flamingo shirts!”
“Hey, I got flowers on at least half of them.” Hoagie protests and she turns to him.
“Hey hey hey! Station boss or not, no horning on my hubby!” Zsebreza says buzzing into view and pressing back on the woman who leans back in amusement.
“You Charbis are so easy to rile up...” She says fondly as Zsebreza sheathes her weapon while still giving her a massive stinkeye.
“So that video was not an elaborate prank in horrific taste.” Observer Wu notes.
“Reality is stranger than fiction sir.” Hoagie notes.
“Indeed it is, and now that you’ve confused me, I am going to return the favour.” Observer Wu states and Hoagie looks from side to side and everyone else is equally baffled.
“Sir?” Hoagie asks as Observer Wu presses a button on his armrest and requests for a certain passenger to be sent up. “What is this...”
He freezes entirely as the camera shifts and he can see... “Mom?”
“Daniel!” Janet Eastman says with a smile. “And... one of those... things that got you.”
“I told you we needed to edit that video.” Zsebreza says.
“But it would clearly have been faked in some way and...” Hoagie trails off. “I... are you alright? The way out of Cruel Space is no fun.”
“It.. it was not pleasant, but I worked in the kitchens for most of it and it kept me busy.” She says.
“Familiar territory then.”
“A starship mess hall is NOTHING like a Corner Bistro in New York.” Janet says and he chuckles.
“Are you sure you’re alright? I mean... the rail shot into orbit, the initial training...”
“I’m part of the civilian experiment. To see how easy or hard it is to get people out of our little corner of the galaxy.”
“And the verdict Miss Hoagie’s mother?” Minisi asks in an amused tone.
“Something needs to be done about the zero-gravity trip. It’s too much. I’ve needed some chemical help to stay calm during parts of the trip.”
“Yeah, it’s not much better when you’re trained for it.” Hoagie says. “Are you coming here?”
“Of course! Those videos were horrifying! If those girls are walking all over you like that then I don’t care if I’m numbered two hundred to one or two thousand to one! I didn’t work my butt off as a waitress when you were a little boy just to see a bunch of bees walk all over you! So I’m putting you on notice!” She growls out.
“Okay lady, I’m giving you the private number, because I love that attitude. And because we need to get ahead of this before there’s a war kicked off.” Zsebreza promises.
“There is no war that’s going to kick off. Mother, Charbis are a very defensive species and refuse to let people see their relaxed state unless they have absolute trust. No exceptions. That’s why you’ve never seen them in anything less than one of their most agitated states. When not safely in the hive a Charbis is only a few moments away from violence.”
“Is the hive like a beehive?”
“It’s not made of waxy hexagons. It’s a bunker with innumerable defences and very comfortable on the inside. They’re so reinforced and secure that it’s the most defensive part on the station barring the other Hives.”
“Hey, you’re really pushing it...”
“I haven’t said anything secret. I haven’t shown anything secret. Anyone with working eyes can see a Hive is nearly impossible to attack if they want to live, and with how wealthy and good with crops Charbis are in general, any idiot can figure out that they have plenty within the hive.”
“Well... yes, but the idea that anyone has any idea what the hives are like...” Zsebreza says and then Janet’s eyes widen as she realizes exactly what she’s seeing.
“Oh! It’s like THAT! No wonder you haven’t bothered running. It’s not too different from home was it?”
“Tough on the outside, everything you want inside? Pretty much.” Hoagie says and a very relieved Janet lets out a sigh of relief.
“Good. I’m still coming over though.”
“But, what about back home? Aren’t you?”
“Daniel. It’s okay. The old building was... well it was soon to be decommissioned anyway.”
“Oh... and I suppose the little place out back...”
“Gone too.” Janet says.
“I see.” Hoagie says.
“Are you alright?” Zsebreza asks and he nods.
“Yeah it just... the place I grew up is gone. Even if there was a way back to Earth, a true way, then I still couldn’t got home again.”
“Everyone leaves home eventually. Not everyone can go back.” Janet says. “Still. Don’t think you’re keeping me away, just because I’ve gotten an idea about you young lady. I’m coming to make sure you’re treating my little boy right. If this is a woman’s galaxy, then this woman is making sure her boy is with the best in the galaxy. Understand me?!”
“Mom!”
“Daniel.” She says even as he gives one of his fellows a dirty look when they snort. They put their hands up and back away. “So fierce young man. Now...”
•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•×•
He simply watches the video feed as mother and son speak. Trying to get a grip on the body language of the alien creatures. There’s a great deal of play and movement around the Charbis Bee woman, the ears are a massive tell on the Ikiya-Mas girl and the Mnenmi seemed utterly passive, in control. The men seemed either comfortable or excited and things seemed to be matching up.
Of course Mother Eastman was an open book to his practised eye, worried, putting on a brave front but the kind of woman who had given up her life to raise a child properly and was now chasing him out of not only maternal duty, but a sense of emptiness now that her great struggle was finished.
He knew her story. A sad tale of how to people, neither with families, had found each other and then shortly as life seemed to be picking up for the happy ending, an accident had taken the father, leaving a single mother to mourn and raise a child alone. A woman with no really marketable skills beyond being a woman and having a sympathetic story. She had been hired and remained hired at a moderately successful Bistro for over a decade, even being held on because she had a teenage son at home working a part time to help out.
Sad story, but one that had given her and the boy spines of steel. Still, open book regardless and...
His communicator goes off and he checks it. It is a text from an unknown number.
-Enjoying the show? ~Minisi
His eyebrows climb up a little and he reconsiders his thoughts on the octopus alien. She’s clearly very aware of things, and likely has the implants required to communicate without being obvious. Or he’s looking at a body double. Either way, she’s tipped her hand for... some reason. Which is bothering him. Why did she reveal this?
There is no way to determine without further interaction. So he replies with a simple yes.
-Good, a voyeur who doesn’t even enjoy the show is just a bore.
Is she just mocking him? This seems to be more mockery than anything. So he asks a simple question.
-Why does it matter?
-It doesn’t. You’re a prickly one aren’t you?
-Yes, I am. Is there an issue?
-Not at all.
Well that’s not useful. Is she just poking him for entertainment? She still hasn’t moved at all beyond basic shows of amusement as mother and son make plans to get her to the station and the Charbis daughter in law is putting on a clearly fake show of protesting having the woman be brought into the hive.
A hand falls onto his shoulder and he jumps in his seat a little before turning to see a smiling, but old and withered face. “Can I help you?”
“I was just wondering if I could make use of the communication relays next. As entertaining as the last few months were, I do think I should give a proper warning to my approach. If only to see how the boy responds.”
“Do you think he will respond poorly?”
“Only if he’s changed far more than I’d expect. But who knows? The mystery is half the fun of life now, isn’t it?” The elderly man says. Observer Wu considers for a few moments. This man had broken into his personal office without setting off an alarm, without alerting the guards and all the while needing a cane and with his joints audibly creaking.
“If you tell me how you broke in Mister Koga, then I think I can accommodate you.”
“Oh that? Easy enough, follow me lad, I’ll show you where you need a few more eyes. Or lasers! Lasers are always fun. Not as much as a guard dog, but having a poor inu in the vents is just cruel no matter how much you dislike chihuahuas.”
“That was rather specific.”
“I was suppose it was wasn’t it? Anyways, this way young man.”
~First~ Last

HI , pleasure to meet you all , as the title states I would love to have some friends to talk to here and there and actually form good friendships. A little about me , I’m an mechanic who loves to cook , game and watch anime , I have a very normal / interesting music tastes but I’m really big in to sleep token right now but I love all types of music , ( I’m also big into dance Gavin dance) . If your interested in be friends please feel free to message me , and if not that’s ok hope you have a great day.
Thank you all for reading , love you all 🫶🏾
Only 🚩 is that I love destiny 2..

So i got the gist, think of your Tulpa, focus on it when you have the opportunity, but I feel like im talking to myself.

(my tulpa name is iolite btw) So I usually talk in my head and say, “Hey Iolite how are you?” and then I respond to myself in my head like if I was thinking. What am I doing, is that going to help my Tulpa talk?? Like what’s the process?? Do I visualize Iolite in my head literally forming?
It’s hard to focus on something in my head and visualize since I have ADHD. can someone help, I usually remember Iolite so I have no problem with that.
When do I know my Tulpa is There???
When it talks will i be able to differentiate it between me?????

I am a parent of a troubled teen and this is my first post on Reddit. I registered for an account, just to make this post.
About three months ago, I found a post on Reddit discussing Red Hawk Academy in Littlefield, Arizona and it made me so angry I posted a response.
You can find the original posting at troubledteens Beetlejuicenewton.
Here was my written response to the original post:
"This comment is absolutely inaccurate and incorrect. My daughter has been there for months. I speak to her every week and we exchange letters throughout the week. This is the third program, she has been in and hands down the best program. You should not make accusations when you are not the parent and not actively involved in the program. I highly recommend this program. The staff are incredible and have helped my daughter tremendously. To all parents out there, call the school and ask to speak to Valerie. I have told Valerie that I will gladly speak to any parents who are interested in the school. This program has saved my daughter.) and was utterly shocked about what was being said about Red Hawk Academy."
Not understanding how social media works (in this case Reddit), I did not know that one's opinion can be removed from a site if the comment is contrary to the original post.
After posting this comment, I received an email from Reddit that my post had been removed and I was banned from the conversation. It took me awhile to calm down, but now I am in a place where I create a thoughtful post discussing my life with a troubled daughter and our experience with RHA.
Unlike the troubledteens Beetlejuicenewton post, I will not ban individuals who disagree with me.
This is my story...
In 2020, I started to notice a difference in my daughter who was 13 years old. I started to see a shift in her behavior. She was being inappropriate while on the internet, hanging out with troubled kids, and being very unkind to her family members. She started to lie, which turned into chronic lying. She started to get mad and hit her head into the wall. She never hit her head hard enough to receive a concussion, but it did get our attention. One day, I sat her down to discuss her behavior and took her phone. When I opened the phone, she had a screensaver that was a short clip of 2 toddlers being hit by a car. When I asked her why she had this as her screensaver, she said she thought it was funny.
Fast forward a couple of months....she was in therapy that was completely useless. She managed to make a handful of the therapist cry or get really upset. My daughter seemed to find humor in upsetting others. Her lack of empathy was beyond scary. She continued to hit her head into the wall every time she was upset. She then threatened to hurt herself, but it seemed to be more of a threat than anything else.
Fast forward three years...from the age of 15 to 16....she tried to "kill" herself twice (actually didn't really hurt herself, but it did get her into the hospital), hospital dependent (always wanted to be admitted to the hospital), suspended from school for inappropriate behavior (my daughter and her boyfriend were making out at lunch with hands down each others' pants), shoplifted (she shoplifted back-to-back days and took her little brother with her to provide cover), unprotected sex (I only found out because she thought she was pregnant), lying all of the time (she forgot how to tell the truth), cutting herself and still hitting her head into the wall, treated her little brother like crap (he would come to me crying, and tell me that he just wanted a "normal" sister), experimented with drugs (she only told me because she was feeling off and was scared), allowed strangers on the internet watch her sleep)....the list goes on and on.
This all happened within the timespan of 1 year! She was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. (For parents with daughters who have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, there is a great book I found on Amazon - When you Daughter has BPD: Essential Skills to Help Families Manage Borderline Personality Disorder by Daniel S. Lobel, PhD.)
Our family finally hit the breaking point. My husband and I were fighting all of the time, my son was so upset about his sister's behavior, and I was on the verge of having a breakdown. I cried all of the time and was so very sad about what was happening to my daughter.
We decided that we needed to send her some place. We could not manage her and she needed more help than we could provide. We sent her to a wilderness camp in Utah that came highly recommended by our therapist. I was scared to send her there, but I did not know what else to do. During her time at the wilderness camp, we had a neuropsychological assessment conducted, which resulted in an autism diagnosis. While she was slightly on the spectrum, it was clear that her behavior was driven by her borderline personality disorder. Within 5 weeks at the facility, we were advised that she was not a good fit for the program and we needed to find a therapeutic boarding school for her.
The wilderness program recommended a therapeutic boarding school in Oregon. We enrolled her in this program. She was a hot mess...she would not get out of bed and refused to go to school. She starting hitting her head into the wall (again), which the staff would not stop because the facility was a "no touch" facility, and the staff would just attempt to "redirect" her. She would punch and kick walls. Within 4 weeks of being at the school, the school called us and told us that we needed to immediately come pick her up because she was threatening to harm the staff members.
We felt desperate and full of despair. We did not know where to turn. We found the one and only program that has helped her....RED HAWK ACADEMY.
I initially called and spoke to Valerie. She and her husband, Sonny, own the school. Instantly, I felt heard and understood. During that initial conversation it came up that the school had received a reputation (not at the school's request) as the school that would take the girls that were kicked out of other programs. When I was filling out the paperwork (which is required for all programs), I got nervous because I had to sign a form that provided RHA with temporary guardianship. I prayed that this would not backfire on me. Unlike the other schools, RHA could restrain the girls when absolutely necessary. People instantly make accusations when the word "restraint" is involved in programs. What people do not understand, and unless you are in the unfortunate situation where you have a kid like my daughter, programs that restrain are absolutely essential. My daughter continually hurts herself and I need someone to stop her.
We dropped my daughter off at the school and hoped (with all of the hope we had left), that RHA would help our daughter. Programs, like RHA, are designed to help troubled kids. By no means, is this a vacation for your daughter or a break from the real world. My daughter tried everything she could to get kicked out of the program. She went so far as to orchestrate a fight with another student so they could both be kicked out. Unfortunately for her (and fortunately for us), she had consequences none of which involved removal from the school.
I have been so scared that we could not find help for her and that she would end up on the street when she turns 18 and most likely would end up homeless, uneducated, and in prison.
My daughter has been at RHA for 6 months and she is now at the point where therapy can begin. She has been so combative and defiant that it took 6 months for her to realize that she was not going anywhere and the only way she would leave the school was to complete the program.
While there have been good and many bad days, I am finally seeing a version of my sweet daughter. The daughter who used to hold my hand and tell me she loved me. For parents who are struggling, know that there are parents who understand your pain, understand the feeling of being out control, and understand how you become unsure of yourself (and your parenting skills). Just remember that you can change the trajectory of your daughter's life by getting her the help she needs. Welcome the opportunity to send her to a therapeutic school, like RHA, where she can get the helps she needs.
Thank you for reading this ridiculously long post, and I hope you can find some peace in knowing that are safe, supportive programs that can help your daughter!
I am going to write another post that specifically discusses RHA. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
​

My co-founder and I were recently successful in acquiring 50 people to the private beta of our new consumer fitness/gaming app FitHero so I figured I'd share what worked for us in case it helps others.
First, a little background...
The idea for FitHero was born out of a desire to apply gamified techniques to the health and fitness journey.
Fitness can often feel like a grind, with progress taking time to become visible. We wanted to create an app that helps users see and feel improvements, even when they’re not immediately noticeable in real life.
Additionally, we wanted to leverage AI to provide a unique, interactive experience that benefits users’ fitness journeys.
I remember one day at the gym, feeling frustrated with my progress, and thinking, "There has to be a way to make this more fun and engaging."
That's when the idea of battling AI-driven villains as part of a fitness routine really clicked for me.
Actionable Step: Define Your Inspiration and Goal

• Identify the core problem your app solves and how it can uniquely benefit users. Understand the emotional and practical needs of your target audience to ensure your app resonates with them.

Defining Our Target Audience
As someone deeply involved in health and fitness, with notable achievements in CrossFit and a lifelong passion for gaming, I built FitHero for people like me.
This approach ensured that the app met the needs of our initial user base effectively. I figured if it was something I would use and enjoy, there would be others out there just like me.
For consumer-focused startups, especially those being bootstrapped, I believe it’s essential for the founders to be the target audience. It allows you to move MUCH quicker and not be overly concerned with market research.
I tested this assumption by talking to friends at the gym and fellow gamers, asking if they would find an app like this useful and fun.
Actionable Step: Know Your Target Audience

• Build an app that you would use yourself. Leverage your own experiences and preferences to define the initial target audience. Conduct informal research through conversations with friends, family, and community members who share similar interests.

Early Marketing and User Acquisition
Initially, we needed to validate that the primary engagement loop was, well engaging 🙂.
We started by reaching out to friends in various fitness communities who also had an interest in gaming - literally DMing them and asking them to give our alpha a shot. Here was the message:

I know it's a little cheesy, but this approach helped us secure the first 15 to 20 users.
To hit our goal of 50 for our beta, we capitalized on the timing by releasing it at the beginning of the year (new years resolutions and whatnot), leveraging my social media presence to invite more people to try the app.
The timing, coupled with the growing interest in AI, helped us reach our goal of 50 users.
I vividly remember posting about our private beta on Facebook, hoping for a few responses, and waking up to dozens of messages from people eager to try it out. It was a thrilling moment that showed me there was real interest in what we were building.
Actionable Step: Validate with Friends and Community

• Use your network to gather the first group of users. Reach out to friends, family, and community members even if they don't fit your target audience profile. Ensure that these early users are willing to provide feedback and engage with the app.
• Limit the length of time for the beta. It helps people feel like they don't have to commit for a long period of time

Effective Strategies and Platforms
One effective strategy was limiting the number of users who could join the private beta, creating a sense of urgency.
Facebook was the primary platform for user acquisition, given its algorithm and the personal connection it offers.
We also created a Facebook group for FitHero, which allowed us to collect feedback, share updates, and engage with users in a private community. This approach fostered a sense of exclusivity and community among early adopters.
People love to feel like they're part of something exclusive, and this really drove engagement.
Actionable Step: Leverage Timing and Social Media

• Launch your app or a private beta at a strategic time. Use your social media presence to spread the word and invite users.
• Create a Sense of Urgency: Create a private beta with limited spots to drive urgency and make users feel special for being early adopters.

Engaging with Early Users
Engaging with early users primarily through the Facebook group was highly effective for us.
In particular, polls were excellent ways of gathering valuable feedback. Most posts to the group didn't get a ton of engagement, but when I posted a poll, it was easy for people to give feedback.
Actionable Step: Utilize Social Media Groups

• Create a Facebook group or similar community space for your app. Use this space to collect feedback, share updates, and build a sense of community. Engage users with polls to gather valuable insights.

Acquiring your first 50 users can definitely be challenging, but through a combination of timing, value-proposition and putting ourselves out there, we were able to do it and gather great feedback along the way.
Hopefully this helps some of you get your initial users!

My Microsoft account has been suspended for about a year now, I can still use outlook and other features but I can’t log into my Microsoft account.
I have no suspicious activity on my account, what I was doing before it was suspended? I just clicked an advert Microsoft sent for me to try the new bing AI and I wasn’t allowed to proceed due to “suspicious activity on my account”
Trying to verify my account when I put a phone number for a code to be sent, it says the feature is not available now.
When I fill an account recovery form, no matter the information it says it’s not enough.
I have been trying all available options for a while now and from all the information I see everywhere it’s like Microsoft just blocks accounts for no reason and just don’t give a damn.
Please who has a solution here?

Hi everyone, I’m reaching out because I’m feeling very confused and overwhelmed about my current situation at work. Before I transitioned, I had very close relationships with many of my male colleagues. Even to I was fem gay. It was just that the women all have kids and a husband and didn’t want to go for drinks after work. Since the beginning of my transition to a trans woman, I’ve noticed a significant change in how I’m treated. I’m experiencing what feels like bullying and hostility, but my colleagues seems to feel that I deserve it, because of the way I carry myself in my new role as leadership. I also was given a new function to coordinate the staff. Because they know me for long I knew it could give friction but now I feel like they use my transness as a beating stick to easily. It’s a bit of a macho-culture and while some men sometimes be sexist, some women now start to be passive aggressive towards me, now that I place boundaries. I’m often unsure if my interactions with men are being perceived as flirting or not. The insecurity of feeling halfway tru my transition. I feel confused about what female colleagues expect from me, and I sometimes sense that they’re angry at me for wearing too much makeup or not fitting into their expectations. It’s also hard to fix things when it goes wrong. And it the ones that where closest to me pre-transition that show me the disrespect. This uncertainty adds to my stress and confusion, making it even harder to navigate my work environment. It is taking a toll on my mental and fysical health, and I’m considering taking a leave of absence like my doctor proposed to get rest and maybe also to reflect for my future direction. However, I’m also worried about the financial implications and the feeling of guilt for needing a break. Has anyone else been through something similar? How did you cope with the feelings of guilt and confusion? Also, how did you decide whether to take a leave or keep working through the situation? Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

work #transwomen #confused #burnout

Hi, I’m a non-US citizen applying for a Schengen Visa at the France temp location in Seattle. Wanted to confirm what documents are required apart from the ones listed below And if there’s anything else I should keep in mind please let me know as well

1. Visa application form + Receipt
2. Passport (original + photo copy)
3. Current US visa (original + photo copy)
4. Passport Size Photos (2)
5. Latest I94
6. Proof of Employment (Offer Letter + 3 recent paychecks)
7. 3 recent bank statements
8. Hotel booking (have booked one with free cancellation during required visa duration)
9. Flight tickets (will buy one day before the appointment for free cancellation in 24 hr)
10. Medical insurance certificate (will buy a couple days before the appointment)

Do I also need an itinerary with all the spots I plan on visiting? I’ve requested a 3 week visa with Paris as my only destination so just showing a hotel booking and flights for Paris should be good I guess? Please let me know if I’m missing something! Will post my experience here later! Thanks!

I got a script last month and felt like they weren’t as good as they used to be, I figured maybe because they were generic or maybe I was getting use to the dose until something looked a little off too me and when I looked at all my different capsules they all had different amount in them. I talked to my doctor and he said I should ask my pharmacy, I went in and showed them and the best they could do was tell me there’s no recall for that product so there’s nothing they could do. It should all be the same dosage and brand.

M, 28, 229lbs, 6’0ft (diagnoses: hypertension and general anxiety)
I have had pretty bad abdominal distention since my late teens. A protruding belly that looks awfully out of place compared to the rest of my body. Even when I was at a lighter weight than I am now. It looks like a beer belly but I never had an ounce of alcohol until I was 22. It has made me incredibly self conscious and I constantly tense/suck-in my belly to hide it, pretty much 24/7.
It’s only gotten worse over the years and I’m at a point where I can’t even take a deep breath, because my belly will not extend out any further when breathing. This has had an effect on my voice as well, I can’t project because my breath support is poor. It’s starting to affect my job as well.
I saw a gastroenterologist a couple of years ago and he just shrugged me off saying I’m far too young to be worried about anything sinister. Also said a colonoscopy would most likely be a waste of my time and money…
Because of the nature of my job, I have to speak a lot and I really need to get this issue sorted, however, I do not know what type of doctor to see for this. I’ve asked my PCP in the past and he just told me to stay hydrated and explore an elimination diet…. Any doc recommendations? Thanks

I grew up being told this story by my Mother. When I was born I had seizures, the doctors didn't know what was wrong. My mom ask my uncle's give me a blessing and the seizures stopped after they did. I never had seizures again. She would always use that as faith affirming story.
I didn't think about it until I started to deconstruct my life and childhood. Now I am curious what the actual cause was? What if there was a serious issues? I guess those don't matter because God healed me so everything is good. /s
Anyone else have stories where blessings were used instead of medical professionals? Or other wild stories related to blessing?