LPT: Protect your kid's precious plush animal (stuffie) by doing AirTag surgery on it
If you are a parent and you've had to hunt a very-important-wont-sleep-without-it special friend or, worse, have misplaced the very important friend: let's treat it the way we would your house pair of keys wearing an AirTag.
I say AirTag, but of course, this works with Tile and other similar technologies. That said, look at what your type of tag will handle if it gets in contact with water (either accidental, or if the stuffed animal needs to be washed). Suggest you use a tag that allows you to change the battery.
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In more details: this will work well for the stuffed-animal kind of best friend, but not so much for the blanky-type of favorite toy.
The thing to do:
\- Register the AirTag to your account, make sure it has fresh batteries, before you get the tag into the stuffed animal
\- identify the part of the toy that will allow you to have the most padding around the air Tag (ie, the belly of the beast will be better than a leg). This is so your kid doesn't feel the airTag or feels tempted to pick at it.
\- Cut into the stuffie and slide the pre-registered airTag deeply into the stuffing material.
\- Stitch the precious stuffed animal back up. Yeah, the stuffed animal will have a scar but tell your kid it is very brave and is all fixed again.
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Battery life
in 2 years-time, when the battery of the AirTag will need to be replaced, you ll have to cut off the stuffed animal's stitches to get the airTag out and replace the battery. To the plushie hospital!
Special consideration: Washing the stuffed animal
Technically, AirTags are water resistant but you'll be better off washing the stuffie by hand (quickly, dont let it soak) and then air-drying it. This is key: No dryer for the stuffie while it's carrying an airTag!
You could instead decide to do the stitching surgery every time you want to put the stuffie in the wash, but this seems annoying. It's best to just assume that the precious plush is now "handwash only, no dryer"
If you are using a different type of tag than AirTag, please check the requirements around water.
https://redd.it/1c0rn7z
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: if a caller won’t tell you who they are before you identify yourself they are a debt collector / law enforcement
Always ask who’s calling before identifying yourself; the caller’s response will tell you everything you need to know.
https://redd.it/1c0r0oq
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you were working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) but stopped, go back and check your eligible payments. There may be more than you expect.
I basically gave up on PSLF despite working at nonprofits for years because I didn't think all of my payments counted. I figured it was going to be at least another 5 years and I eventually decided it wasn't worth it and moved on to the private sector.
I recently checked my eligible payments again and had WAY more than I expected: payments during the COVID pause (which were $0) now qualify, and payments while my loans were deferred in grad school (which were also $0) qualified. I got my employers to sign off on my time, submitted my paperwork in late February, and just got $145k forgiven! I think the system is largely automated now so it was a relatively quick process.
I also wasn't working for a qualifying employer during the time of forgiveness, which used to be a rule but I don't think they're enforcing that currently. As long as you worked for a qualifying employer during 120 eligible payment periods, you should be eligible for forgiveness.
If you haven't checked in a while, it's worth checking again, especially before the November election.
Note: If Mohela is your loan servicer, forgiveness processing is paused until end of July -- they are transitioning PSLF back to the Dept of Ed during that time. So that may create some disorganization on the backend, but imo it's still worthwhile getting all of your documents together now so you can submit asap.
https://redd.it/1c0l19o
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Many popular books and audio books are free e.g. Orwell's 1984
Before you subscribe to expensive audio book services, many popular books are free and out of copyright.
e.g. Dickens, Jane Austen and Orwell
In written format here from this non commercial website :-
https://www.gutenberg.org/
and in audio format here this non commercial website:-
https://librivox.org/
George Orwell's 1984 is an essential read for everyone to understand disinformation and totalitarianism.
https://archive.org/details/1984_20220119
https://redd.it/1c0hhn6
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Leave passwords for your loved ones
This might be better for an r/AfterLifeProTips and it exists but doesn’t fit the bill. Please consider having a written log of passwords, usernames, logins etc. After having both of my parents and a close friend pass away within the last 5 years and being the executor of their estates I just want to say it would be very helpful to have this information to make the process smoother. My father passed away first and had done estate planning, had a will etc (plus I knew some of his login info for accounts) but it still would have made things much easier if had I had known all of them. From medical, mortgage, bank and insurance accounts to things as small as Netflix it all helps streamline the process. My dad was terminal and tried to plan and I knew after his passing the need for these things but the passing of my mom and friend came without notice. I am younger and in good health but since their deaths I keep a record on paper of my logins/passwords for every little thing that I update when necessary and made sure my wife knows about (even if she doesn’t like to think about needing it). I just encourage people to do something similar to save the people you love time and energy in a time that already drains their time, energy and emotions.
https://redd.it/1c0cv2u
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Floss at least few times a week!
Food that isn’t brushed away can easily sit between teeth and damage your teeth. I know flossing seems like a chore but try and floss 4-5 times a week (best if every night) to avoid cavities between your teeth.
https://redd.it/1c0ae5h
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you have trouble remembering to water plants, name the plants and tell them goodbye when you leave and hello when you come home.
It’ll feel weird but they’ll be on your mind when you are in the most mobile state and most likely to be able to water them as you’re thinking about it.
https://redd.it/1c05r6u
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you’re putting a drink in the freezer to get cold, set a gosh dang timer!
I have wasted almost as many drinks as I’ve drank to forgetfulness. I recommend 15-20 minutes.
Bonus LPT, put a damp paper towel around the drink to make it colder/get cold faster!
Edit: I originally wrote damn instead of damp on accident
https://redd.it/1c04d9h
@r_lifeprotips
LPT:Why do employers reach out to you for an offer, you tell them you're interested, and they never respond again?
I'm looking for a new job, and have sent out many applications. There have been several employers that reach out to me, I tell them I'm interested, and they'll never respond again. I even send messages later on, following up, and they never respond? Can anyone tell me why this is? The last message I had was:
Employer: Hello, u/FamiliarSurround, I see you applied for this position, how are you doing?
Me: I'm doing well, how are you?
Employer: Great! I'm looking for a full time employee for this position, are you looking for a job?
Me: Absolutely, and I appreciate your response. I would love the opportunity to have an interview. Would you happen to be available anytime this week?
Employer: (Silence) and never responds again.
This has happened several times, am I saying something wrong?
https://redd.it/1c01jpr
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Stupid people don't need a reason to be stupid.
This will save you from future worries. The logic that floats through your head doesn't float through theirs. Reason doesn't work with those who don't/can't/refuse.
https://redd.it/1bzv3r8
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If You Have a Fridge w/ An Ice Maker and Have a Power Outage, Empty It Into the Sink
We lost power for two days to to the blizzard in the northeast US. Ice in the ice maker melted and shorted out the ice maker, water dispenser, lighting, etc. If we'd remembered to dump it into a sink we even could have used the melted ice for flushing toilets, washing hands, etc. If you'd like to keep the ice as long as possible, empty it in a ziploc bag and put it back in the freezer.
https://redd.it/1bzrfis
@r_lifeprotips
LPT Get to know your local community resources
I live in a city where city departments are still catching up with technology, along with private resource centers. We have Thrive (formerly Credo & Transitional Living), NRCIL, Anchor, and Citizen Advocates to name a few. In my 20+ years in my city I've realized that the city doesn't advertise enough and the private resource centers are doing better keeping up with the times. Unfortunately because of this, people still end up falling through the cracks cuz they don't know what resources are available to them.
So that's my Life Pro Tip: learn what resources are available to you locally and don't be afraid to ask. That's what they're there for. (Don't rely on DSS, they're not always helpful).
https://redd.it/1bzhz7o
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you ever need to call a business but they’re closed because it’s too late/early, look for one in a different time zone.
For instance, if you need to speak to a bank teller about a question or Walmart, look for one on the other side of the country/world.
https://redd.it/1bze8bm
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: In high school or younger and want free tutoring? Check Schoolhouse.
The Creator of Khan Academy created a platform called "SchoolHouse". https://schoolhouse.world/
This is a place where you can get free tutoring by other student volunteers in a variety of subjects like Maths, English, History etc. But it also focuses on curriculums specific tutoring like AP or the SAT. It is for all ages from Elementary to Highschool (Rarely College.) There have been almost 150K Free sessions hosted so far. And from my experience, most classes are very small! (Median: 3/4)
https://redd.it/1bzce0a
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Why you should signal, EVEN in the middle of nowhere
I’ve been in many near-car accidents as a passenger driving with others. After the adrenaline wears off, they always make the excuse that they didn’t see another car. You should always signal no matter where you are and whether you believe somebody’s gonna see it or not.
By always signaling, you make signalling an automatic reaction. Just like breathing or walking, you don’t have to think about whether you should signal or not. It’s vital because those few seconds where you’re deciding whether to signal or not is a long time to waste when driving over 100 km/hr. If you use your turn signal every time, your hand just goes to the lever automatically as soon as you decide to make a turn or change lanes.
Also, most people “assume” the way is clear. Or simply make a mistake. As long as you use your change signal, other drivers will react accordingly.
I don’t understand why people need to make sure that somebody’s gonna see their signal before doing it, it doesn’t cost you anything, it’s free to signal. Who cares if you’re signalling and nobody sees it?
PS: You should still check your blind spots and your mirrors. Folks, just follow basic rules so we can all be safe.
PSS: What my father told me when I started learning to drive: ”Drive like every other car around you is trying to kill you“.
It’s not enough for you to be a responsible driver, I’ve avoided a lot of accidents when I had a gut-feeling that the car next to me was gonna cut me off without signaling.
https://redd.it/1bz8iyc
@r_lifeprotips
LPT if you don’t want to risk getting sick on vacation, wear a mask on the plane
First vacation since the pandemic; worked really hard to get here. This lady next to me on the plane had a virus and was coughing everywhere. I was so careful to wash my hands and sanitize but to no avail. I really wish I would not have risked it and just worn a mask. I should have known better to rely on people to be decent. Now I’m sick as a dog on vacation stuck in my hotel room.
Mrs. Park in seat 26D on WestJet flight 1862 from Vancouver to Honolulu, you are a POS. You coughed all over that plane and did not bother to cover your mouth. A decent human being would wear a mask. Oh and by the way, the only appropriate place for your feet on a plane is in your shoes. You suck.
https://redd.it/1c0sfk2
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: When renting or buying a new home, one of the first things you need to do is locate the main water shutoff valve and the circuit breaker box.
When you need one of these things you likely do not have the time to find them.
https://redd.it/1c0mwjg
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: The IRS will not ask you to pay your immediate delinquent tax bill, fine, with gift cards
https://redd.it/1c0jloa
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: if you want to change something about yourself (be more kind, more patient etc), seek out the “why” instead of “how”
https://redd.it/1c0fw0r
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Do not threaten customer service / guest relation operators that you're going to "cancel your membership" or "never do business with them again". There's a better way.
Just do it. Quietly.
Don't abuse the person on the phone with you.
These people on the other line have a rigid structure as far as what they can and cannot do. I guarantee you, if they could just resolve your problem, they would and they will, because that means the phone call ends. Yet, there are many, and I mean MANY people, that demand exceptions that they know they are clearly in the wrong for, and are otherwise asking for a "break" in the policy with someone who is just paid to pick up the phone.
While the world is progressively getting tougher and tougher, these people are getting eviscerated while they never made the policy in the first place. They're just being put in the place of the business that is currently signing their paychecks. That guy or gal on the other end of line doesn't deserve your vitriol.
The real LPT here is you get a lot farther with being understanding, admittance of fault, and a request for leniency. These people are not paid to get yelled at and verbally abused, yet they go through it everyday. If you go into the experience without expecting them to bail you out, but otherwise just seeing if you might be able to get a pass, it works. If it doesn't, cool your jets, eat your mistake, and thank them for the consideration.
You''ll live a much happier life.
https://redd.it/1c0bzl3
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Stop worrying about how changing the past could’ve affected the present, and start worrying about how the present could affect your future
https://redd.it/1c04n2h
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Stop worrying about how changing the past could’ve affected the present, and start worrying about how the present could affect your future
LPT: Stop worrying about how changing the past could’ve affected the present, and start thinking about how the present could affect your future
https://redd.it/1c04n5l
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: donate your eclipse glasses instead of throwing them away
Donate your glasses to Astronomers without Borders here: https://astronomerswithoutborders.org/programs/solar-glasses-distribution
https://redd.it/1c042op
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: beforentraveling in potentially unsafe countries, go to the bank and ask what the lowest value currency they have is and take out $100 worth
This will leave you with a fat stack of actual money. Keep this in a money clip, seperate from your travelling money. If you ever get robbed, you can give the thieves this money, they are likely to run off with this feeling they made a big score.
https://redd.it/1bzv5ff
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Do not feel obligated to take surveys that companies give you online or after speaking with customer service. They are outsourcing their quality control to you without compensation.
https://redd.it/1bztdax
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: if you want to use Libby for free audiobooks or books create a library card with New York Public Library online for free
Just tried it out, it works. They don’t verify your Adress so you can any NYC Adress.
https://redd.it/1bzj6mw
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: If you need to take your wedding ring off, put it on your key ring if you can so it doesn’t get lost.
This has saved me countless times, hopefully it can help someone else down the line.
https://redd.it/1bzfy3e
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Don’t accept longterm definite job contracts
I have 9 months left and for many reasons I wish I could leave right now.
One job I had applied to offered a 4 YEAR definite contract and also asked me if I planned to have kids (is that allowed? They were women too).
If I leave now I’ll have to pay the employer half of the remaining salary I would’ve made.
https://redd.it/1bza85d
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Always call truck rental places and ask for a discount
It's a competitive industry and they want your biznass.
A few weeks ago I was getting quotes and Penske came in cheapest but then when I went to reserve this week, the price was up by over $100. Called em and they knocked $100 off no problem.
https://redd.it/1bz7r15
@r_lifeprotips
LPT: Watch out for companies burying news on days like the eclipse
Some companies will plan for negative news to be sent out on days where people are distracted by other events. There is less likelihood they will get picked up.
https://redd.it/1bz6jz3
@r_lifeprotips
