Kimberly

Guys and girls!!

What are some of your tips to curb any first date nerves? What do you do if your date is total drag? How do you pump yourself up?

For any and all first dates, I'll typically tell them when I'm scheduling that "Sure, Friday at 7 sounds great, but I promised to meet up with some friends later." This way, I'm less nervous going into it, because I know that I have a designated out time. If the date is a total drag, I don't have to hurt anyone and make excuses to leave, I can usually just say "Well, I should probably head out now." If it's going well, it's an easy set up for date two. "I really need to get going, but let's continue this later this week!"

I moved out last month - no broken lease. Provided forwarding addresses. Hired a cleaning crew and provided receipt for the services. Left the place spotless. I was only there for a year, and honestly, I didn't even unpack because I knew after a month the landlord was INSANE (ie: coming into my apartment without warning, found the maintenance man drunk in my apartment, etc.)

Received a letter today stating I owed a significant sum of money for various repairs such as:

Damaged hardwood floors (I'm already demanding pictures of the "damage")

Ceiling fan

Toilet seat

Rubbish Barrel

Window blind

window screen

Rodent infestation

Insect infestation

Burned out bulbs

Replacing smoke detectors and batteries (already calling bull on this)

For a reported electrical problem while I was living there that was functioning when someone showed up

Snow removal

Removing trash (again, I left the place empty and spotless... unless she's trying to charge me for taking trash out when she came into my place unwarranted)

Restaining the back deck (that I never used)

Cleaning (two labors, three full days...more bull)

Repairing the washer and dryer

Application Fee and water bills (which I have proof of already paying)

My questions is how do I go about this? I'm guessing small claims court, but is there anything I can do before I have to bring it to that?

I'm currently preparing to move into a new apartment that has a balcony. My cat loves being outdoors, and I'm lucky enough now to have an enclosed back porch. However, this apartment is on the 7th floor, I'm a little worried about letting my cat on the balcony and losing balance on the ledge.

I've already checked with the property managers, and we can NOT install any sort of protective netting or fencing, so I'm looking into temporary options. For example, zip-tying plastic fencing to PVC pipes that I could easily disassemble at the center and fold in half and reassemble as needed. And of course, there's always the option of a large cage for her to stay in, but that would be a last resort. We'd really like for her to have some freedom.

Thanks for any and all advice!

I work 50-60 hours a week, and it gets difficult for me to get enough protein in my diet. I don't need it for weight loss or muscle gain or anything, I just need more protein in my daily consumption. I know there are a ton of foods I can eat that have it (cottage cheese, spinach, almonds, etc.) and I try to eat as much protein as I can. But because of my schedule and the fact that I just can't eat that much throughout the day, my protein falls short of my recommended intake. I've been tracking my intake over two weeks, and I'm only hitting 2/3 of the protein my physician recommended for me.

I'm looking into protein powders, but I have a few questions. In a case like this, is it even feasible to try protein powders? Is there a vitamin or something else I could try instead? If a protein powder would be helpful, what sort would you recommend (ie: whey, soy, brown rice, pea, etc.)?

Keep in mind: I'm not looking to lose or gain weight or muscle. I'm just trying to intake a healthy amount.

I DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR BEACH BODY, 21 DAY FIX, SHAKEOLOGY, OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I don't care about your miracle product, no matter how life changing it is. I don't want a monthly subscription to anything. I just want to know if protein powder is a reasonable choice for me, and if so, what sort would be best. Thanks :)

I've been working with a company for almost two years. I spent the first year and a half as an administrative assistant for the entire office.

Six months ago, I was given the opportunity to be the department coordinator of a specialized department within the same office. Not only did I train in my new position, but I also trained the new AA. I have completely parted from the first position, including answering to and being paid by a different supervisor.

However, the fact that I'm still in the office has caused coworkers and my boss to still treat me as if I am the go-to person for the entire office. I'm asked to do menial tasks that pull me away from my actual duties, and eventually, I fall behind. If they were to ask the actual AA, everything would get done in a more timely fashion, but every time I try to deflect it to her, I get scolded.

Not sure what else to do... it's getting more and more stressful to also hold the position of half of an office assistant on top of the coordinator position. Any advice how to bring this up to the boss?

We found a stray cat who looks like he had a home at one point. I have a new home lined up for him, but I'm going to need to foster him for a week or so. He is currently unfixed, but has an appointment scheduled to be neutered. I currently have two fixed female cats.

My plan is to keep him ALONE in a very large cat condo/cage type thing in my room for a day or two to get used to the scents of the other cats before they lay eyes on each other. After a couple of days, I plan to crack my door open so the female cats can see him and he can see them.

I doubt I'm going to be able to fully introduce them since I'll only have the little fellow for a week or two. But I'd like to make this fostership as easy as possible for all felines involved, with minimal messes and noise.

Thanks for any help!

Eight months ago, I obtained two male rats - brothers. About a month ago, I got a new rat. I tried the proper introduction process over the course of two weeks, and things were going well. However, once I moved all three rats into a brand new cage together, one established rat (Loco) just didn't like the new rat (Gus) and seriously injured him. Since then, Gus has been living in his own cage that sits next to the other cage.

Recently, the other established rat passed away, and now the only two rats I have are Gus and Loco. I know rats shouldn't be left alone because they can get depressed, but it doesn't seem like the two are coming any closer to enjoying each other's company. I would think that, eventually, Loco will realize that his brother isn't coming back, and Gus makes a perfectly acceptable snuggle buddy. Is there any possibility of the two living happily together, or will Loco just decide to happily live on his own?

I have two male black hooded rats, roughly 3 months old. I've had them for about a month, and they're usually very affectionate with me. Today, I moved out of college. They stayed in their big cage until the last minute, and then I put them in their transport box. The car ride home was about an hour or so, and I made sure to keep the air on, along with the windows cracked to keep fresh air flowing. As soon as I got home, I set them back up in their cage. I left them alone for a little to settle down, and when I came to them an hour or so later, they seemed startled by me ad very standoffish. They're eyes are also bulging a bit. Their appetite seems normal, and they'll let me hold them. They just seem a little lethargic compared to their usually hyperactive personalities.

I'm a novice rat owner who is deeply in love with her new pets. Any advice or calming words will help! Thank you :)