Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with day

Save me, Amazon Prime

BlahLaLa — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:58:19 -0800

What can I order from Amazon Prime RIGHT NOW to be delivered for Mother's Day? Got three moms/mom-types in my life who need something and I haven't done jack shit to deal with it yet. I have Amazon Prime, however. Can this be configured to save my ass?

I know Mother's Day is Sunday, but nothing gets delivered then, and I'd rather not do flowers. All three are living in fairly remote areas where the choice of "local items to be delivered," other than flowers, is limited or non-existent. So I'm thinking Amazon. Hit me with your suggestions, PLEASE.

1 night per month binge drinker

Jewel98 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:59:51 -0800

I know I have a problem drinking. I am a binge drinker that drinks once a month just before my period. Alcoholic Anonymous is the only answer I am getting. It has been helpful in the past, as I had 7 months of sobriety. As a binge drinker one or two nights a month, what do you think I should do, as I have found AA not the exact solution to my problems right now? Let me explain when, how, and why I drink. Please help! I drink when I am emotionally upset (typically sad or anxious) or in physical pain. I can usually tolerate the pain for a long time, like a month or two. Then I just get totally overwhelmed by life, and work, and people, plus the myriad of health problems I have. It all seems to much so I turn to a bottle of wine, or vodka or both, that night. I drink all night until the wee hours of the morning and text people I should not text, get on the computer in blackout and again talk to people I should not. I don't realize what I have said or done until the next morning when I look. The next day I feel obviously terrible. Then I can go another month or month and a half. I know this is tied into my menses because it happens around the same time of month, seemingly every month. I am careful during that time of the month when I am most likely to drink. It is all emotion based decision making and not logical or rational at all. I always think "oh I will just have a couple of drinks and it will not get out of hand." Then it does and I miss days of work. Now, this is not happening everyday of the week, and I really want to stop it. I do consider myself an alcoholic. I do know that much and fully admit to it. I have other mental health issues, as I said about anxiety and depression. I am on a Birth Control Pill to try and regulate my periods, but the pill does not regulate mood. I have tried not taking the placebo week pills to keep my hormone levels even-keeled, but it messes with my chronic stomach condition which has been diagnosed as chronic constipation. I don't know what to do, I feel like most people in AA were daily drinkers. I have never heard a story like mine told, but at the same time, I know I have a big, big problem because it is screwing with my life, causing me to lie, and I hate how I feel and that I cannot do anything the day after I drink. Please provide help.

Why are car washes in New York City open 24 hours?

RajahKing — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:59:22 -0800

Does anyone know why so many of the car washes in New York City (all boroughs) are open for 24 hours? Most businesses, obviously, are not open around the clock. Is this also true in other cities, that car washes are, like some diners and convenience stores, open 24/7?

Does anyone know why they are allowed to do so, and/or what purpose it serves? All I have been able to come up with is that taxis, car services, etc., use the washes after normal business hours... but at 3am?

I have 30 minutes to do something nice for my wife. Can you help me?

Nanukthedog — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:59:08 -0800

My wife has had an awful day. I mean awful. She is stressed, upset, feeling pretty depressed about it. Between the kids having a rough day and one of her clients cheating and taking advantage of her, her short term self-esteem and resiliency are shot. Wow... she has every right to feel this bad. I've got 30 minutes to try to do something nice for her before she gets home. What little things would make you feel better after a rough day? Specifics to this situation: I can't leave the house (the kids are now in bed) and my wife doesn't drink. Because this is a generic question, advice which includes that stuff is very welcome - because it'll help someone else out - but those are the restrictions to this situation.

Where can we volunteer for Valentine's Day in SF?

iadacanavon — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:49:13 -0800

I'm looking for a one-off volunteering opportunity in San Francisco on V-Day evening. Why is this so hard to find? Do they just think no one will want to volunteer that night? I've checked all the places I can think of -- Bay Area charity event calendars, OneBrick, VolunteerMatch, various charities and parks. The only thing I've turned up is some charity indie film festival, and a Parks Conservancy opportunity from 1-4 pm, but that would require taking off work. I checked Project Open Hand, but they require a 6 month commitment.

Are there any other soup kitchens, community gardens, shelters or any other type of nonprofit in the city that anyone knows of, that would be open to a couple volunteering that night (say, past 5pm) without a huge amount of training or additional commitment?

I was thinking it would be a fun thing to do together for Valentine's, and better than dinner, while helping some good cause. Wasn't expecting it to be quite so difficult to find anything. Should we volunteer another time and just resign ourselves to just seeing a movie or something that evening?

GET THEE TO SUNSHINE NOW.

roboton666 — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:15:15 -0800

What should I expect flying with a young child (8) from Seatac on Christmas morning? I fly out at 7:00 AM, boards at 6:30. I'm planing on getting there between 5:15-5:45.

Has anyone flown out on Christmas day? I imagine it will not be busy, but I also wonder if the airport will be lightly staffed, making getting any drinks and food after the security line difficult.

I'm not too worried about it, but if if I am totally wrong and it's like "OMFG madhouse get ready for hours of lines", then I should probably adjust my arrival time.

Save Boxing day

devonia — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:26:43 -0800

Boxing day restaurants for 20-30 people (Georgetown)? Trying to plan a boxing day get together for 20-25 people. Originally we were trying to get something catered, but it seems we have had trouble finding a place to do it.

Now we are looking into a restaurant that we can all go to that is open on Boxing day and takes large parties.

Any recommendations? (or if you happen to know a caterer that works on Boxing day...)

Location: Georgetown, ON

What are the dates for the 9th and 20th business day for the rest of this year and all of next year?

reenum — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:36:36 -0800

I need to quickly figure the 9th and 20th business days of each month for the rest of 2012 and all of 2013. Preferably not in a manual fashion. I've checked online, and all the calculators are for calculating the number of days between two dates.

Excel has a WORKDAY function, but also seems to be designed to figure out how many business days are between a specified start and end date.

What I need to find out is what the dates for the 9th and 20th business day are for each month for the rest of 2012 and for all of 2013. I'd prefer not to have to look off a calendar and do it manually.

Day Trips for Cheap?

Equiprimordial — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:50:06 -0800

Looking for cool and cheap day trips accessible from Oakland. Preferably things like hot springs, nature/hiking, cheap wineries, etc. Any recommendations? Thanks for your help!

Should I get him anything on Father's Day?

p1nkdaisy — Tue, 22 May 2012 00:11:19 -0800

Father's Day - He's got kids, but they're not mine. Should I get him anything? I'm dating a guy who has three older teenage kids (16 - 20). I don't have kids with him and don't have any of my own.

Should I get him something? Will that be weird? What're your experiences? (Cool Father's day gift ideas are a plus!)

I figured I should answer this question since we'll probably have a few more Father's Days before we have kids together.

Initial wins at a new job

pakora1 — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:59:41 -0800

First day/week and month on a new job I am in the market for a new career position. I recently read an interesting article on what a product manager does on the first day/week/month on the job. That has triggered this question below which can be for any profession (not just product management). Two part question here-

1. What do you do on the first few days/weeks/a month on a new job. What are the essentials? How do you get politically savvy on the job. How do you figure out and what do you figure out you absolutely need to do on the new job? The ask is more around political skills/making an impression/establishing your brand and knowing the right people as well as getting on the right side of the boss and figuring out what key deliverables are to get an initial win.

2. Where do you go for profession help. for e.g. your boss asks you to get a process document and you have never done that beore, which sites do you run to to get the "in" on how to do that. Do you have mentors who help?

Thanks for your input and for sharing as I dont want to be a bull in a china shop but want to tread carefully so I dont waste time on things are not going to be impactful in the long run but get some quick initial wins in.

PDX Filter: Looking for a day use open-air private hot tub / soaking tub in the Portland area.

brandoniain — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:12:34 -0800

PDX Filter: Looking for a day use open-air private hot tub / soaking tub in the Portland area. Similar to the cheap date questions, I'm looking for a place to take my wife for a day without the kid (who's only six months so it's hard to leave her overnight with anyone) so that we can just sit, relax, have our own light brunch and mimosas while enjoying warm bubbly water and a brisk breeze. I'm thinking soaking tub picnic. Is there anywhere like that in the Portland metro? Or anywhere within a 100 mile range of Portland? Not Bagby, and Breitenbush is a bit too public and nude for us. (We're not prudes, just private.) Looking for just day use - bonus points if they're big old wood tubs.

Help us figure out the title of this awkwardly named book

unintelligentlydesigned — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:57:20 -0800

My wife is going nuts trying to remember the name of a book she heard reviewed a few years ago. A couple of years ago, my wife heard a book review on NPR's Day to Day that intrigued her because of the title. She has since forgotten the title, but it was something along the lines of, "Her then him then her and back to him again" or "Me and you then me then you then me again". She remembers absolutely nothing about the actual book itself, except that it was written by a woman who is already an established writer. She has spent hours scanning book lists for 2008/2009, and cannot find it. She's starting to get a little bit bonkers about it, so I wanted to help

What are the rules regarding workman's comp and free lance day laborers?

zagyzebra — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:24:05 -0800

Am I required to carry workman's comp on free lance day laborers? I have a big restoration project coming up next year on my house in California and expect to hire everybody from licensed and bonded sub-contractors for major jobs to day laborers for little jobs.

My question involves the legalities of workman's comp. Mostly I want to protect myself in the event of accidents. Obviously, I will carry my own general liability policy. What I want to know is for whom do I have to carry workman's comp if any? Everyone will be free lance and hired to do a specific job. Some may work for a period of a few months, others a few hours, depending on the task.

Has anyone been through this who can give me advice so I can be certain to protect myself from unwanted law suits in the event of accidents?

nyc is my playground

arkitex — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:37:21 -0800

I have Columbus Day (Monday) off. What awesome things should I do in NYC while everyone else is at work? This is my first columbus day in new york, so imagine my surprise when a holiday I never knew existed suddenly reared its head and gave me a unexpected, but thoroughly delightful day off.

I'd like to take advantage of the fact that most people will be working on monday. What normally super crowded places should I go to? What should I do to take advantage of the fact that there won't be anyone around?

My first thought was to go to Ikea, because I need stuff from Ikea and Ikea always teems with people. But that kinda sucks. I'd rather do something more interesting. (I live in Brooklyn, btw)

Day Trips in and Around Frankfurt

smokingmonkey — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:34:21 -0800

My brother (18) and I (23) are in the Frankfurt area visiting relatives. We're looking for interesting and fun day trips in and around Frankfurt (let's say anywhere within about a 2 hour train ride) for this weekend and next week: museums, festivals, interesting places to grab a drink, cool shops or places/neighborhoods we should just plain walk around and see. We don't have a car so everything needs to be accessible by public transport. Thanks!

Spanglish for Hiring Movers

thelonius — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:30:42 -0800

Good Spanish phrasebook for hiring day laborers? At the end of the month, I am going to help a good friend move his Mom out of her apartment, into assisted living. His back is ruined: my knees are shot. He wants to hire day labor for the heavy lifting of clearing out her apartment, from the pool of young Latino men who congregate every day in our neighborhood, seeking work.

Neither of us speak Spanish. If he really goes through with this, I want to be able to say basic phrases like "I need 3 strong men for moving" or "$12/hr in cash" or "time for a water break, put down the boxes" or "get in the truck"

Canada Day in NYC

mccn — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:32:18 -0800

Where are the best Canada Day celebrations (Friday, 7/1) in New York City (the first four boroughs are best)? We're hosting an Edmonton import this week and next over this momentous Canadian holiday, and would like to round up the best gatherings of fellow Canadians - or just those who like to party. He's willing to travel and will eat and drink almost anything! Tell us more!

He is willing to travel, but Staten Island might be difficult, as he is (and we are) carless.

Father's Day without a father?

mcarthey — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 06:53:58 -0800

How can I help my wife cope with the death of her father during this Father's Day? My wife's father died over a decade ago but it is still an extremely sore subject with her. He is buried in another country so we cannot visit the grave (note that her family is also in this other country). I feel at a loss as to how I can do anything for her but it's difficult to sit idly by.

Day Trip to Montreal

tmharris65 — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 12:34:59 -0800

We will be vacationing in northern Vermont in July and would like to take a day trip to Montreal. Can anyone suggest a place near the city where we might be able to park the car and then take the Metro? Or a place within the city where we might be able to park for a day? Our plan is to drive up in the morning, do some sightseeing, have dinner, and then head back to our Vermont B&B. Any advice would be appreciated!

Wrapping my head around scanning smuggled mug in the round.

banannafish — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:24:19 -0800

How can I scan a wrap-around image on a mug? So, Father's Day is coming up and I'd love to give my father a reproduction of the mug I got him when I was younger. I've scoured the Internet for years, and even went so far as to call Hallmark Corporate and beg for backstock, with no luck. So I had my Mom smuggle the mug to me, so I've determined the best plan of attack will be to just scan it myself... Which is awesome, but I have no idea how to start or stitch the pictures together or anything, really. Should I scan the mug or take multiple pictures, or what?

I have a scanner, a digital camera and Adobe Photoshop and GiMP at my access. How on earth can I do this? Here are pictures of the mug: view one, view two, view three.

Aside: If anyone here has one of these mugs (1985 Hallmark Smile mug, made in Japan), I offer it's weight in gold as payment.

How do I do something nice for Mother's Day when I normally try to avoid my mother?

Terriniski — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 10:26:16 -0800

What do I do for Mother's Day given that (1) she has brought me quite a bit of stress over the past few years and (2) her own mother passed away a few months ago? My mother is a primary source of stress/tension in my life. She gave up a lot of her life to raise me and my three siblings, and she thinks that justifies constant involvement in and control over our lives. While I appreciate the sacrifices she's made, these actions are seeming less relevant to our current relationship compared to the stress she now inflicts. Most of the time, I find myself doing things to keep the peace so that I don't ruin things for everyone else in the family. This is generally easy to do because I live 1500 miles away, am married, and have a satisfying personal life such that interaction with my mom can be pretty limited.

My maternal grandma passed away earlier this year, and grandma had been living with my mom (my family, really) for the past 26 years or so. I expect this will be an especially difficult Mother's Day for my mom. And I know that the pain she will be feeling this year trumps my own discomfort in dealing with my mom. (While I dislike my mother, I still care and wish her the best as long as she's not dishing out the worst.)

For holidays, my siblings and I all chip into a savings account for my parents to use for traveling in retirement. Under the circumstances, I feel like we should do more for Mother's Day, so I asked my siblings for ideas. My brother, who is feeling the same stress I am, shot back a sympathetically snarky reply. My sister said mom would most appreciate a heartfelt card. The past few years I have sent Mother's Day cards that basically say, "Thank you for everything you've done for me." I could write this again as a way to comfort my mom, but I feel like it's getting old and I'm meaning it less and less.

(1) Should I suck it up again and just write something nice that I'm not necessarily feeling?
(2) Is there something else I could do that would be a nice gesture without requiring me to say something I don't really mean?

Memorable Mothers' Day

amelioration — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:22:33 -0800

My best friend's husband has asked for help finding a first Mother's Day gift. We're at a loss. Hope him? My best friend's husband wants to get his wife a lovely, heirloom-quality gift for her first Mother's Day. He has a budget of $250. Just prior to their engagement, he bought her a very rustic, yet delicate, emerald and gold necklace. Her engagement ring is a slender gold band with little emeralds in it.

Their first child is due in mid-May, which would make emeralds an appropriate choice. She also loves garnets. He's thinking of either a bracelet containing emeralds (no need to match the other pieces, because she'd never wear them all together anyway), or any piece of jewelry containing garnets. Something that is neither particularly delicate, nor terribly ornate. A piece she could wear with jeans and a t-shirt, or with a cocktail dress. A piece she'll want to pull out in 30-some-odd years to illustrate her story when their first son is getting ready to have his first kid. She's a fairly girly-girl, but also very active.

Any ideas?

High altitude day hikes in California.

Tell Me No Lies — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:21:05 -0800

High altitude day hikes in California. I'm looking for a few relatively flat (~1000' height gain) day hikes over 10000 feet somewhere in the Western U.S. California would be ideal.

So far the best I've been able to find is Telluride, with the town at 8750' and a fair number of nearby hiking trails of varying difficulty.

Bonuses would be:

1) A nearby hotel > 8000'.
2) Far away from any major light pollution.

The important criteria is that the hikes be relatively easy. These are test hikes before dealing with more difficult hikes at higher altitudes.

Help me find a good camp

RajahKing — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:23:08 -0800

Do you know of any summer day camps in New York for an inquisitive, science minded 11 year old boy? I'm looking for recommendations for any summer day camps, preferably in Brooklyn (but Manhattan is a possibility) that are a little more structured and project based, than a lot of the Y / Park Slope Day Camp style that prevails.

I am having a hard time because most of the camps I find that do more structured, themed stuff are for the little ones only.

I know its a horribly specific question - thanks in advance.