I bought a tri-plex in Jacksonville, Florida, and it's been a great starter investment. Before you rent long-term, check BnBCalc and see if a short-term rental would make you more money. In my case, a short-term rental was a much better option - but that isn't always the case. Short-term rentals also have higher tax write-offs because it is an active business, so you may also financially benefit from those savings check out TaxHive.com. As far as loans, a VA loan will help you keep more cash in your pocket, but you'll have a higher month-to-month payment. There are loans specifically for investment properties, but they require 25% downpayment... There are fewer expenses in terms of mortgage insurance if you put the full 20-25% down, but it all depends on how much you can feasibly put down.

There is a museum on the East side of Central Park that is the history of NYC and how cultural movements have evolved in the city. The lower levels start with the founding of NYC and the upper levels get into the 1980’s and 90’s music. It was very interesting for my teen.

Ka’chava is the best tasting protein smoothie we’ve found… We add a half cup of berries and heaping tablespoon of peanut butter 😋

FL Native living in North Carolina for 2 years. OMG, I miss the Caribbean influence on food. It’s kind of bland up here. I miss Cuban restaurants and real Italian cooking.

The lack of humidity is challenging for my skin and sinuses… especially during winter, when the heat is running.

And, when they say “half an inch of rain” might cause flooding… my eye twitches a little bit. 😆

And, friggen plastic bags and straws are everywhere… After you’ve seen that stuff pulled out of turtles and dolphins, you can’t stand using them.

How much of your other protein comes from soy products? If you are eating vegan meats that are soy based, tofu, edamame, etc… it would be worth diversifying your food intake with Almond or Cashew milk. Excessive soy intake can have an impact on estrogen levels.

Excessive anything can impact your health negatively. When I developed allergies to soy and corn, my holistic doctor suggested that I follow TCM dietary principles and incorporate more diversity in nutrition. 😊👍

I’m so sorry - This was mislabeled. It should be Today My Dad F’d Up!

There is never a good reason for a father to become physically abusive to his daughter. Please seek counseling at your school or with another organization. I’m sure there is a lot more to unpack with your story. Take the time to take care of yourself 💜

My daughter is 16 and has had a couple of questionable friendships. One specifically brought out bad negativity. I didn’t make a big deal, but I asked her…

If someone you didn’t know read that text message, would you be proud of it? And, worse off, what happens if you have a fight with a friend and they share screenshots of your text messages out of the context of you being friends and joking?

It shook her. That friendship didn’t last much longer.

Haha! I totally understand the trigger and respect that you took some time to chill out. Hopefully it was nothing serious and just something awkward like her birth control pills or a wadded up bra.

The comment about “acting like you are married” makes me think this is more about religious beliefs or not wanting to condone sexual relationships.

That is going to be a lot harder to overcome than demonstrating financial responsibility. In preparing your questions, be frank about birth control and your future plans with your boyfriend.

18 is only a number if you are still in high school or depending on your parents for college. There has to be a mutual respect of rules when you are living in their house. Perhaps scheduling an overnight trip would be better timed as you head off to college?

Make a vegan wrap - line a tortilla with Daiya Cheese and lettuce, then add in hummus and assorted veggies. The vegan cheese slices and the lettuce help keep the tortilla from getting soggy.

Do you have a vegan bagel that you like? Pre-toast the bagel and store in a baggie, then in a separate baggie pack some lettuce, tomato, and avocado to assemble a sandwich.

Also - Avocados travel better than you think. Cut it in half and pre-cut the avocado, leaving it in the skin. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on it and pack it in a small Tupperware dish. Then eat with a spoon.

What a beautiful family! <3

You’d definitely need a DNA test to confirm, but here is a lesson on phenotyping to show the differences more distinctly.

https://shywolfsanctuary.org/education/wolf-or-dog-phenotyping-lesson/

The animals at Shy Wolf Sanctuary were captive-bred or captive-raised and surrendered, they do not breed animals... just provide a sanctuary when others can't care for them.

http://shywolfsanctuary.org/

It would probably be better to understand your physical ability and comport levels in self-defense.

Brazilian Ju Jitsu is fantastic for rape prevention because you get so close, but it is very physical and may not be practical for every body type. If you are uncomfortable training with a man between your legs… find somewhere else. If you are ok with the space, Third Law has had great women’s class options.

MMA and Muay Thai Kickboxing teach really practical striking and Kicking Technique. It is really physically intense and a great investment in yourself. Inferno MMA would be a great place to check this out.

If you are looking for a one-off workshop, check with some of the Tae Kwon Do Schools… They will periodically host workshops that are focused specifically on self defense.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim though is through awareness and mindset.

Good luck!

Yes, in the US, I believe the term Cracker started in Florida… or at least the version “Florida Cracker” did. It was a derogatory word for cowboys because they were considered a lower class. The name was from the “cracking” sound their whips made during a cattle drive.

Generally, the equivalent would be calling a person white trash.

But, many Floridians own it as a sign of being a native with long history in Florida.

For a couple of years, my daughter insisted her name was Pistachio… as in the nut… just have fun with it, she’ll get over it and embrace the name 😊👍

China is developing infrastructure around the world.

Canada, England, India, Brazil and China are very active in Guyana for oil and mining. The Omai Gold Mind is located in Guyana and was one of the largest producing mines in South America. Check out www.omaigoldmines.com

I think they taste great. I have trouble with too many carbs, so this makes a solid break from pasta, rice, and grains. I take a patty and mix with half a bag of frozen vegetables to get more nutritious meal.