Mustachian People Problems (just for fun)

[Dicey]

My related MPP is that my car is six years old and has 58k miles on it. The tires need to be replaced,, but how long do I wait? I do know the standard tread wear indicators, but I don't really want to wait that long. I like having tires with plenty of tread, but does that make me unmustachian :p

For time 5-6 years is the normal limit. If your car is rarely parked in the sun and stored in a garage then longer may be fine. In addition to reduced performance you need to worry about sudden tread delamination as tires age.

For tread the wear bars are the legal limit. At that point your wet road performance is already significantly reduced. Risk of hydroplaning goes up a lot after after about double the wear bar depth. Depending on how much rainy day driving you do replacing between 2 mm and 3 mm of depth would be advised.

Ha! It rained exactly zero days in the month of February. That's my MPP. I know the markers, I just don't want to wait for them.

[moof]

<snip>
My MPP is that we were making Trader Joe's chocolate croissants for special Sunday breakfast today. They are honestly the best - so much better than a bakery because you can eat them hot right out of the oven (which is the *only* way to eat them that's worth the calories and sugar!) and they only cost like $1.25 each instead of $3 or 4 at a bakery.  BUT, they have to be left out to proof overnight and since we don't leave the heater on overnight and it's freezing in the morning, the croissants barely puffed up at all.  They were still tasty, and absolutely still better than bakery ones that had been sitting in a case for an hour or 5 already.  But, not nearly as good as when they really balloon up overnight in warmer months.  I guess chocolate croissants are mostly a summer thing now, especially in the place we are renting now, which has poorer insulation than our previous home.

I have somewhat better luck in this situation by putting the tray into the oven before turning it on.  They tend to puff up somewhat extra while the oven in pre-heating.

[ysette9]

Come to think of it, my MPP is that my car keeps insisting it needs an oil change based on how long it has been since the last one. But since I bike almost everywhere now it isn’t anywhere near the mileage for the next oil change. So I ignore its demands

[Dicey]

Come to think of it, my MPP is that my car keeps insisting it needs an oil change based on how long it has been since the last one. But since I bike almost everywhere now it isn’t anywhere near the mileage for the next oil change. So I ignore its demands

Mine does that too, be a use DH uses synthetic oil. The car can be easily reprogrammed to make this nanny-car warning stop. Check the manual, or just keep ignoring it, lol.

[dragoncar]

<snip>
My MPP is that we were making Trader Joe's chocolate croissants for special Sunday breakfast today. They are honestly the best - so much better than a bakery because you can eat them hot right out of the oven (which is the *only* way to eat them that's worth the calories and sugar!) and they only cost like $1.25 each instead of $3 or 4 at a bakery.  BUT, they have to be left out to proof overnight and since we don't leave the heater on overnight and it's freezing in the morning, the croissants barely puffed up at all.  They were still tasty, and absolutely still better than bakery ones that had been sitting in a case for an hour or 5 already.  But, not nearly as good as when they really balloon up overnight in warmer months.  I guess chocolate croissants are mostly a summer thing now, especially in the place we are renting now, which has poorer insulation than our previous home.

I have somewhat better luck in this situation by putting the tray into the oven before turning it on.  They tend to puff up somewhat extra while the oven in pre-heating.

This will be YMMV.  I did that once and discovered my oven uses the broiler coil during preheating and burned the tops of my croissants.  Even with a different design the coils will be putting out high radiant heat compared to regular oven operation

TJ also has no-proof croissants that you can bake straight from frozen.  I don’t know how they are different and they still suggest letting it sit out for half an hour before baking.  They are also cheaper so... maybe just drizzle chocolate on top?

But I do like the fridge idea or a nice cozy bed croissant.  You could also put it in a box with an incandescent light bulb or something... cost would be like 10 cents and that would also go to heating your home

[dragoncar]

Come to think of it, my MPP is that my car keeps insisting it needs an oil change based on how long it has been since the last one. But since I bike almost everywhere now it isn’t anywhere near the mileage for the next oil change. So I ignore its demands

Mine does that too, be a use DH uses synthetic oil. The car can be easily reprogrammed to make this nanny-car warning stop. Check the manual, or just keep ignoring it, lol.

I have been known to go too long between oil changes based on time not mileage but there are reasons to change it before you hit the miles.  Those oil computers do take into account short trips and engine temperature to try to estimate if you are risking by excessive moisture in your oil (nice long trips boil off all built up moisture).  If you change your own oil it’s cheap enough that I would prefer to do it slightly more often rather than risk engine damage over time.  That said I don’t have a fancy oil computer and usually end up forgetting until the idiot lamp comes on and I realize it’s been 2 years since my last change.

[Zaga]

<snip>
My MPP is that we were making Trader Joe's chocolate croissants for special Sunday breakfast today. They are honestly the best - so much better than a bakery because you can eat them hot right out of the oven (which is the *only* way to eat them that's worth the calories and sugar!) and they only cost like $1.25 each instead of $3 or 4 at a bakery.  BUT, they have to be left out to proof overnight and since we don't leave the heater on overnight and it's freezing in the morning, the croissants barely puffed up at all.  They were still tasty, and absolutely still better than bakery ones that had been sitting in a case for an hour or 5 already.  But, not nearly as good as when they really balloon up overnight in warmer months.  I guess chocolate croissants are mostly a summer thing now, especially in the place we are renting now, which has poorer insulation than our previous home.

I have somewhat better luck in this situation by putting the tray into the oven before turning it on.  They tend to puff up somewhat extra while the oven in pre-heating.

This will be YMMV.  I did that once and discovered my oven uses the broiler coil during preheating and burned the tops of my croissants.  Even with a different design the coils will be putting out high radiant heat compared to regular oven operation

TJ also has no-proof croissants that you can bake straight from frozen.  I don’t know how they are different and they still suggest letting it sit out for half an hour before baking.  They are also cheaper so... maybe just drizzle chocolate on top?

But I do like the fridge idea or a nice cozy bed croissant.  You could also put it in a box with an incandescent light bulb or something... cost would be like 10 cents and that would also go to heating your home

Leave them in the oven with the light on to proof, the light will add just enough heat for them to puff up nicely.

[dragoncar]

But I do like the fridge idea or a nice cozy bed croissant.  You could also put it in a box with an incandescent light bulb or something... cost would be like 10 cents and that would also go to heating your home

Leave them in the oven with the light on to proof, the light will add just enough heat for them to puff up nicely.

Duh... I was almost there wasn’t I?  But I just couldn’t make the final leap and ya boomed me

[rantk81]

Investments always cause me tax-related MPPs.

Looks like my state of residence is trying to assess me a penalty of $24.80, because my quarterly estimated payments to the state were not evenly distributed throughout the year.  I made larger quarterly payments in the 3rd and 4th quarters than in the 1st and 2nd quarters -- because I shifted some investments around in the later half of the year, which caused some realized/taxable investment gains.

Technically, there are some really complicated forms I could fill out, in order to prove that my income was "lumpy" throughout the year, and I could prove that I made the appropriate estimated payments per each quarter.  However, my MPP is, I'm going to give Illinois the $24.80 that it thinks I owe, because that's easier than fucking around with a whole bunch of complicated and annoying tax forms.

I just paid IL their scam blood money.  I did attempt a quick phone call first to try to get them to waive it.  The guy on the phone was very nice, but said he was not able to waive it, and furthermore was very candid in saying "This is an unfortunate situation. You could fill out IL-2210 to show your income spread out throughout the year, but it isn't worth the effort for $25."

[techwiz]

Investments always cause me tax-related MPPs.

Looks like my state of residence is trying to assess me a penalty of $24.80, because my quarterly estimated payments to the state were not evenly distributed throughout the year.  I made larger quarterly payments in the 3rd and 4th quarters than in the 1st and 2nd quarters -- because I shifted some investments around in the later half of the year, which caused some realized/taxable investment gains.

Technically, there are some really complicated forms I could fill out, in order to prove that my income was "lumpy" throughout the year, and I could prove that I made the appropriate estimated payments per each quarter.  However, my MPP is, I'm going to give Illinois the $24.80 that it thinks I owe, because that's easier than fucking around with a whole bunch of complicated and annoying tax forms.

I just paid IL their scam blood money.  I did attempt a quick phone call first to try to get them to waive it.  The guy on the phone was very nice, but said he was not able to waive it, and furthermore was very candid in saying "This is an unfortunate situation. You could fill out IL-2210 to show your income spread out throughout the year, but it isn't worth the effort for $25."

I think there is a reason they picked the value of the penalty to be low enough that most would not fight it.

[merula]

MPP: I front-loaded my 401k for the first time and now the market downturn is making that look like a bad decision.

My company does biweekly paychecks and pays bonuses in February. I typically put half of the third paycheck into my 401K, and I did that for the third paycheck in January. Then in February, I got a bonus that, when combined with my YTD contributions, would allow me to max out the 401K, *AND* for the first time I learned how much the bonus was before the cut-off date to change the allocation.

So I decided to do that. And now all those contributions are down ~15% and it's throwing off my spreadsheets. It'll be fine in the long run, but right now I'm annoyed.

[Alternatepriorities]

MPP: I front-loaded my 401k for the first time and now the market downturn is making that look like a bad decision.

My company does biweekly paychecks and pays bonuses in February. I typically put half of the third paycheck into my 401K, and I did that for the third paycheck in January. Then in February, I got a bonus that, when combined with my YTD contributions, would allow me to max out the 401K, *AND* for the first time I learned how much the bonus was before the cut-off date to change the allocation.

So I decided to do that. And now all those contributions are down ~15% and it's throwing off my spreadsheets. It'll be fine in the long run, but right now I'm annoyed.

I did the same thing with our Roth IRAs this year. Also for the first time. I resemble that closing remark.

[sui generis]

MPP: I need to liquidate the assets in my HSA so I can roll it over to a new trustee.  I've been meaning to do this for a while, since the fees are high at HSABank, the current trustee, the one my old employer used. 

But now that I'm finally getting on the ball, the stock market takes a nosedive and I feel stupid for liquidating (even though I have a different, good reason to do it) not to mention bad about the losses. But not doing it at this point is psychological and a bad reason to wait so I'm...going to do it...?  Ugh.

[SwordGuy]

MPP: I need to liquidate the assets in my HSA so I can roll it over to a new trustee.  I've been meaning to do this for a while, since the fees are high at HSABank, the current trustee, the one my old employer used. 

But now that I'm finally getting on the ball, the stock market takes a nosedive and I feel stupid for liquidating (even though I have a different, good reason to do it) not to mention bad about the losses. But not doing it at this point is psychological and a bad reason to wait so I'm...going to do it...?  Ugh.

If you could just magically move it straight from one to the other, it wouldn't matter.   As it is, you could lose a bit.  Or gain a bit.

Does the amount you could lose matter all that much?

[sui generis]

MPP: I need to liquidate the assets in my HSA so I can roll it over to a new trustee.  I've been meaning to do this for a while, since the fees are high at HSABank, the current trustee, the one my old employer used. 

But now that I'm finally getting on the ball, the stock market takes a nosedive and I feel stupid for liquidating (even though I have a different, good reason to do it) not to mention bad about the losses. But not doing it at this point is psychological and a bad reason to wait so I'm...going to do it...?  Ugh.

If you could just magically move it straight from one to the other, it wouldn't matter.   As it is, you could lose a bit.  Or gain a bit.

Does the amount you could lose matter all that much?

No.  The total amount in the account is less than $10k.  Thanks for reminding me for another reason I should just do it!

[Sibley]

My 401k provider hasn't updated yet for today's market drop. I wanna see how far down the graph went!!!

Context: I am kinda enjoying watching this wild ride. Instead of feeling anxious, I think it's cool. Yes, I'm weird. But since the 401k hasn't rolled through yet, I can't get the full drop in value to see how far down the graph goes.

[Morning Glory]

My 401k provider hasn't updated yet for today's market drop. I wanna see how far down the graph went!!!

Context: I am kinda enjoying watching this wild ride. Instead of feeling anxious, I think it's cool. Yes, I'm weird. But since the 401k hasn't rolled through yet, I can't get the full drop in value to see how far down the graph goes.

I got paid today but my contribution won't post until Friday, so I will miss most of this dip. Wahhhh!!!

Another mpp: we are waiting to do another cc bonus until our mortgage refinance goes through, so we decided to do a low spend month and clean out the freezer, pantry, etc. I had to buy a new suit the other day and I told my husband I felt like I was "wasting my spend"  because it wouldn't count towards a bonus.

[Zaga]

Well color me annoyed!  DH's 401-K contribution was SUPPOSED to go in yesterday, it always goes in the Monday after he gets paid.  But it didn't.  Bah.

[dragoncar]

Well color me annoyed!  DH's 401-K contribution was SUPPOSED to go in yesterday, it always goes in the Monday after he gets paid.  But it didn't.  Bah.

Similar problem here.  401k contribution on Tuesday just in time to buy 5% higher and tomorrow looks down again

[Zaga]

Well color me annoyed!  DH's 401-K contribution was SUPPOSED to go in yesterday, it always goes in the Monday after he gets paid.  But it didn't.  Bah.

Similar problem here.  401k contribution on Tuesday just in time to buy 5% higher and tomorrow looks down again

Yep, just checked and it went in Tuesday instead of Monday like usual.  I have such a hard life...

[fell-like-rain]

Similar problem here- I did some TLH exchanges Monday, but didn’t have time to get the orders in before 4.. So they execute yesterday at close (mutual funds) and now I have $500 less in losses than I expected, and I’ll have to exchange more shares to hit -$3000...

[eyesonthehorizon]

But I do like the fridge idea or a nice cozy bed croissant.  You could also put it in a box with an incandescent light bulb or something... cost would be like 10 cents and that would also go to heating your home

Leave them in the oven with the light on to proof, the light will add just enough heat for them to puff up nicely.

Duh... I was almost there wasn’t I?  But I just couldn’t make the final leap and ya boomed me

I hate replacing the oven bulb. So my solution when it's below about 72° above my fridge has been to preheat the oven to a low temp for a few minutes, kill it, wait a few minutes more (so the coils are no longer too warm), and then stash the proofing dough in there to rise in a nice, cozy 85° oven. Summer dough rise in midwinter. (Run the house fan for a minute to distribute that nice warm gust of oven air if you won't be in the kitchen afterward.)

My MPP of the day is that the temperature outside is unreasonably and unseasonably perfect, but I have indoor housework to get done and refuse let in that 80% humidity, lest I need the AC later.

[SquashingDebt]

I had to cancel our big vacation for the year because of Coronavirus.  Most of the cost I'm getting back in credit towards another cruise, but I'm getting a decent amount back on the credit card I used.  My MPP is that I'm working on hitting a bonus spend for another credit card so I don't know which one to use right now - the one for the bonus spend or the one where the balance is -$1250!

[DadJokes]

I had to cancel our big vacation for the year because of Coronavirus.  Most of the cost I'm getting back in credit towards another cruise, but I'm getting a decent amount back on the credit card I used.  My MPP is that I'm working on hitting a bonus spend for another credit card so I don't know which one to use right now - the one for the bonus spend or the one where the balance is -$1250!

Hopefully the refund doesn't result in a bonus on the other card being clawed back.

[secondcor521]

I had to cancel our big vacation for the year because of Coronavirus.  Most of the cost I'm getting back in credit towards another cruise, but I'm getting a decent amount back on the credit card I used.  My MPP is that I'm working on hitting a bonus spend for another credit card so I don't know which one to use right now - the one for the bonus spend or the one where the balance is -$1250!

If I were in your shoes, I'd use the one for the bonus until the bonus is satisfied.  You can always call the one with the negative balance and ask them to send you a credit balance refund check.  Usually takes about a week to get in the mail.

[SquashingDebt]

I had to cancel our big vacation for the year because of Coronavirus.  Most of the cost I'm getting back in credit towards another cruise, but I'm getting a decent amount back on the credit card I used.  My MPP is that I'm working on hitting a bonus spend for another credit card so I don't know which one to use right now - the one for the bonus spend or the one where the balance is -$1250!

Hopefully the refund doesn't result in a bonus on the other card being clawed back.

That's my Chase Sapphire Reserve, which I've had forever, so I might lose some points but no bonus.

I had to cancel our big vacation for the year because of Coronavirus.  Most of the cost I'm getting back in credit towards another cruise, but I'm getting a decent amount back on the credit card I used.  My MPP is that I'm working on hitting a bonus spend for another credit card so I don't know which one to use right now - the one for the bonus spend or the one where the balance is -$1250!

If I were in your shoes, I'd use the one for the bonus until the bonus is satisfied.  You can always call the one with the negative balance and ask them to send you a credit balance refund check.  Usually takes about a week to get in the mail.

Good to know!  I wondered if that was an option but hadn't looked into it yet.

[Threshkin]

A family member had told me that was ridiculous, and said he gets new tires every 2-3 years!

Your family member is probably driving a non-Mustachian amount and replacing them based on tread depth instead of age.

Could also be cheap tires.  Decent tires can easily last 60k which is like 4 years at 15k per year

We replaced the tires on our van last year due to age, not wear.  They were 10 years old and still had lots of tread.

Our 20+ year old van only has 150K miles, our current average is under 3K a year.  Mileage might go up a little this year since we are building a bed frame so we can use it as a camper.

[Linea_Norway]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

[Sugaree]

Does your library not offer Kindle books?

[Raenia]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

My libraries are closed too, and I don't have an e-reader so I can't take advantage of e-books.  Once I finish what I have out already, I'll probably go with a mix of re-reads from my bookshelf, things I haven't read from DH's bookshelf (usually not as interesting to me), and maybe buying one or two from amazon and having them shipped.  I'd been trying not to buy new books, but desperate times...

[LennStar]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

My libraries are closed too, and I don't have an e-reader so I can't take advantage of e-books.  Once I finish what I have out already, I'll probably go with a mix of re-reads from my bookshelf, things I haven't read from DH's bookshelf (usually not as interesting to me), and maybe buying one or two from amazon and having them shipped.  I'd been trying not to buy new books, but desperate times...

Generally you can read books on PC too. There is an kindle app for example. I would be surprised of libraries don't have something similar.

[Raenia]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

My libraries are closed too, and I don't have an e-reader so I can't take advantage of e-books.  Once I finish what I have out already, I'll probably go with a mix of re-reads from my bookshelf, things I haven't read from DH's bookshelf (usually not as interesting to me), and maybe buying one or two from amazon and having them shipped.  I'd been trying not to buy new books, but desperate times...

Generally you can read books on PC too. There is an kindle app for example. I would be surprised of libraries don't have something similar.

I know there are ways to make it work, but reading on a computer screen hurts my eyes - part of why I don't have a tablet already.  MPP!  I strongly prefer physical books.  Possibly I'll buy a book or two that I've had on my TBR list which neither of my local library systems have, otherwise there are plenty of books in the house already so I won't be bored.

[sui generis]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

My libraries are closed too, and I don't have an e-reader so I can't take advantage of e-books.  Once I finish what I have out already, I'll probably go with a mix of re-reads from my bookshelf, things I haven't read from DH's bookshelf (usually not as interesting to me), and maybe buying one or two from amazon and having them shipped.  I'd been trying not to buy new books, but desperate times...

Generally you can read books on PC too. There is an kindle app for example. I would be surprised of libraries don't have something similar.

Libraries definitely do have this. Some e-books can also be read in Adobe e-pub which I don't believe requires downloading anything, plus some can be read through apps like Overdrive.

[Shinplaster]

I prefer actual books rather than a computer screen too.   But I've found this site is good when I can't find what I want at the library.

https://openlibrary.org/

Easy to use, and I've found some books that have been impossible to find elsewhere.

[dragoncar]

People hoarding toilet paper when they should have been hoarding books

Our library said keep the books no need to return and they did a way with all penalties a while back too.  Should loaded up the bus

[Raenia]

I prefer actual books rather than a computer screen too.   But I've found this site is good when I can't find what I want at the library.

https://openlibrary.org/

Easy to use, and I've found some books that have been impossible to find elsewhere.

Thanks, that's a great resource I hadn't heard of.  Sadly they don't have an e-book of the one I was looking for, and the nearest physical copy is nearly 100 miles away.  I'm sure I'll use it in the future, though!

[PMG]

People hoarding toilet paper when they should have been hoarding books

Our library said keep the books no need to return and they did a way with all penalties a while back too.  Should loaded up the bus

Somewhere I think I saw @La Bibliotecaria Feroz  mention that her libraries shelves were very empty leading up to their shut down. It gives me much joy to think of people curled up reading away.

[Sugaree]

My son's teacher staged a teleconference last night to read the kids a bedtime story.  It was a nice gesture. 

[shelivesthedream]

My son's teacher staged a teleconference last night to read the kids a bedtime story.  It was a nice gesture.

Oh wow, that's so nice!

[dragoncar]

My son's teacher staged a teleconference last night to read the kids a bedtime story.  It was a nice gesture.

Oh wow, that's so nice!

They probably miss your kids

[Threshkin]

People hoarding toilet paper when they should have been hoarding books

Our library said keep the books no need to return and they did a way with all penalties a while back too.  Should loaded up the bus

We have about 40 books checked out from the library.  We went last Saturday morning and picked up a few more books, "just in case".  That afternoon they announced that they were closing and extending all due dates until at least April 20.

I hate reading books on a tablet/laptop, I prefer paper.  But I have never tried a Kindle or other e-reader.  Are they that much different than my old iPad 2?

[RetiredAt63]

Our library is Corona closed and I found out that I had read most of the books on my Kindle, without buying new ones regularly, as I have been using the library instead.

But since last night I bought a couple of new Kindle books. Circumstances demand it. Another problem is that the dollar has bevome really expensive for me. Good for my international stocks, but bad for buying foreign items.

My libraries are closed too, and I don't have an e-reader so I can't take advantage of e-books.  Once I finish what I have out already, I'll probably go with a mix of re-reads from my bookshelf, things I haven't read from DH's bookshelf (usually not as interesting to me), and maybe buying one or two from amazon and having them shipped.  I'd been trying not to buy new books, but desperate times...

Generally you can read books on PC too. There is an kindle app for example. I would be surprised of libraries don't have something similar.

My library uses Overdrive, I  have it on my tablet. There are free apps for Kindle and Kobo too.

[Sibley]

People hoarding toilet paper when they should have been hoarding books

Our library said keep the books no need to return and they did a way with all penalties a while back too.  Should loaded up the bus

We have about 40 books checked out from the library.  We went last Saturday morning and picked up a few more books, "just in case".  That afternoon they announced that they were closing and extending all due dates until at least April 20.

I hate reading books on a tablet/laptop, I prefer paper.  But I have never tried a Kindle or other e-reader.  Are they that much different than my old iPad 2?

Yes. If you're getting one that is actually an ereader, not a tablet that can function as one. Tablets have a shiny screen. ereaders are matte, not gloss. I don't like them much myself though I do have an older kindle. They definitely serve a purpose though.

[mspym]

People hoarding toilet paper when they should have been hoarding books

Our library said keep the books no need to return and they did a way with all penalties a while back too.  Should loaded up the bus

We have about 40 books checked out from the library.  We went last Saturday morning and picked up a few more books, "just in case".  That afternoon they announced that they were closing and extending all due dates until at least April 20.

I hate reading books on a tablet/laptop, I prefer paper.  But I have never tried a Kindle or other e-reader.  Are they that much different than my old iPad 2?

A lot better than reading on a tablet. Lighter, less reflective, easy to read in sunlight. Not quite a book but a nice alternative especially for people with hand damage who can't hold some of the bigger, heavier books. Plus you can just download books from the library, which is nice.

Our library network just announced a lot of temporary closures and reduced hours for the ones staying open. 9-5.30 M-F no more weekend hours. I guess they figured this would support the parts of our community who really need them and the ability to get out of the house and interact with some other people - the elderly, unemployed, stay at home parents.

[Zaga]

An e-reader is very different from a tablet!  You can read it in bright sunlight just like a book, there's no glare or glow from the screen.  I actually prefer an e-reader for large books, the weight doesn't hurt my wrists like large books can, and I can also change the font size if my eyes are being unhappy for whatever reason.

[RetiredAt63]

Right now the best reason to use my tablet is that the library is physically closed but I can still get ebooks. It is also much better for travel.  I do love real books, and there are a lot of over-filled bookshelves here to demonstrate that.

[Loren Ver]

Being FIREd I don't have any extra cash flow to put into the market :(.  The put extra money into the market itch is sooo strong, but that "extra money" is "live on money", not EXTRA money. 

On the flip side, I don't have to go into the office (my company considered my job essential) and all my coworkers are in their labs and cubes. 

I also know how to keep myself entertained while at home as being FIREd and having time at home was a major life goal. 

But that itch is sooo itchy!!

[sui generis]

As a FIREd mustachian, I am not experiencing this "I have so much extra time" thing everyone else is while socially isolating.  In fact, I'm busier than ever as some of my volunteer gigs ramp up trying to figure out how to exist in the coronavirus world.  I'm on video conferences *constantly* competing for bandwidth with my husband who is now also, apparently, my coworker.

So I'm missing all these awesome free video concerts by YoYo Ma, performances by theater troupes, virtual tours of the world's top 12 museums, etc.  I just don't have a suddenly freed up schedule like others do.

[Goldielocks]

I think we need to revolt against the establishment and insist that libraries re-open for lending / drop off purposes only (not to stay at the facility).   There must be some way they can wipe down book covers and manage the number of people coming in at one time.

[ixtap]

I think we need to revolt against the establishment and insist that libraries re-open for lending / drop off purposes only (not to stay at the facility).   There must be some way they can wipe down book covers and manage the number of people coming in at one time.

It isn't just covers. Pages would need to be thoroughly sanitized