what are you doing right now?

[azucena]

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

[Pink Cashmere]

Jan 10, 2024 23:49:53 GMT -5 CCL said:

Jan 10, 2024 22:30:18 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I won't go to the ER unless I need the ER.  It's at least $1500 vs $150 at urgent care.  Even when I was on a copay plan it was $25 vs $250

Yeah my urgent care bills run $250-$300. My copay is $50. ER runs $2000-$3000+ with a $100 copay. The urgent care is usually .5-1 hour wait. ER can easily be a 4-5 hour wait. My fractured toe ER bill was $5000. I'm grateful to have insurance that covered all but the $100.

Like MPL said, I’m not going to the ER unless it’s I really need to. The pain is not so excruciating that I need the ER. It is a $200 copay plus 10% coinsurance, and I already wasted $50 yesterday.

Plus I saw a thread on FB last week where people that work at local hospitals were talking about how busy they are and close to max capacity again. I’d rather not be in a setting with people coming in with all the stuff that’s going around. It was bad enough in the waiting room yesterday at UC with all the people coughing and stuff. I and several other people had on masks, but not everybody. Despite the sign on the door that you must wear a mask. One man inquired about it at the check in desk, that not everybody had masks on and she said they can’t force people to put them on. Ummmm….. if it’s required, tell them to put a mask on or leave.

Anyway, last night I made an online appointment for today at the orthopedist I’ve seen for other issues. I received a text this morning to check in online for my appointment, which I completed. I don’t trust online appointments anymore lol, so I will call them as soon as they open to confirm.

[Pink Cashmere]

Jan 11, 2024 3:23:43 GMT -5 countrygirl2 said:

Ok delivery is between 2 and 6 tomorrow, got an email.

Now the dishwasher won't start again. I looked up troubleshooting and it said unplug and plug back up or try turning the breaker off for 5 minutes. I can't get to the plug so finally figured out which breaker it is and turned it off. I'm hopeful but don't know, have flipped it several times, but not for 5 minutes. I also tried 2 other resets and nope. Well, can't afford to buy a dishwasher too this trip so hope I can get it working again. I HATE doing dishes by hand. I might small amounts but not a d/w full, grrrr. If need be I will get one before the year is over I hope, will request it for birthday or anniversary or something.  These appliances don't look all that old, I'm betting the stove may be 7 years. I think they redid this place in 2016.  The fridge is dated that year. But nothing lasts very long anymore, a shame too for what they cost.

The most valuable thing I can get. A hug from my son thanking me for dinner, he doesn't know that is the nicest thing he can do for me. And I had the same from grandson crawling up on my lap for a bit.  
DIL was  curled up on the couch, she said I keep my house warmer than theirs and she was cold so I gave her a blanket and heating pad and she got warm. It is cold out tonight, supposed to get 33.

She told me her friends from NY who got transferred by the military to Belgium are paying a ton for heating oil. She said that it's costing them $2,000 a month and the house is only at 67, so not even very warm. Man, that would be a killer.

Well, going to see if my dishwasher works, I sure hope so. But I don't understand it doing that ever so often.

I hate washing dishes too. Besides my cutting board and knives, I try to avoid using anything that has to be hand washed.

I am glad your son gave you that hug and your grandson cuddled with you. I am with you on how valuable those moments are. Happy for you that you got those moments.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

We took Abby to the ER when she cracked her head.  $950 for ONE staple in her head.  

I avoid it at all costs because I have a high deductible plan so I have to pay that 100% out of pocket.   The only reason we went is because it was 9:30 at night so Children's was closed and I couldn't fully judge how bad it was.  If I had known it would be one damn staple I could just bought surgical glue and done it myself. 

I thought part of what was wrong with health care is everyone going to the ER for every little thing which results in higher prices for everyone, that is why urgent care was created to begin with.

I won't touch our Urgent Care in CB with a ten foot pole.   I got sexually harassed which I talked about here.  I have no idea if that weirdo is still the doctor there and I don't care to find out.  I'd rather bleed out.

[chiver78]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

I bought a few new non-stick skillets recently. please note, I did not pay these prices, I'm linking to the mfg websites. I shopped at Walmart and Amazon. 

Blue Diamond is what I use for over-easy eggs. a little cooking spray, and these pans are magical. I think my smaller one is an 8", though. I think I paid $15-20 each. 

T-fal is what I use for things like burgers or grilled cheese, where something *might* stick or scrape the surface and I don't want to damage the Blue Diamond. I paid about $10-12 for an 8" pan at Walmart. the bigger pans were around $20-25. 

I've got one hard anodized deep fry pan, but everything else in my collection is tri-ply stainless steel. happy to vouch for the Calphalon line of that, if anyone is interested

[finnime]

Hope all works out with your appointment, Pink Cashmere. I did the same thing when I broke my wrist last year. Instead of the ER I went directly to the orthopedic practice DH went to. They promptly did xrays, found the break and put a cast on me made of thie very cool stuff that they heated to mold it to my arm and hand. It had a sort of hinge, too, so I could take it off to shower. Worked great. 6 weeks of PT and I was good to go.

[finnime]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

Costco carries Tramontina pans which are quite decent. A 2 pack of 10" skillets is about $37; a single 12" is $28. THese are dishwasher and oven safe.

ETA: I also have a set of non-stick sauce pans from Pampered Chef (BFF had a party) that I've been very happy with.

ETA again: Costco also has non-stick Circulon Professional set, 10 piece, for about $180, very good per DSis.

[Cookies Galore]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

I have a Calphalon set that I love, so when a (drunk) friend destroyed a pan reducing tomatoes on too high heat, I replaced it with another Calphalon pan I found at Target. Not an exact match to my set, but it's nice.

www.target.com/p/select-by-calphalon-with-aquashield-nonstick-10-34-fry-pan-with-lid/-/A-86002325

Get rid of metal utensils. Silicon or nylon for cookware only.

[lurkyloo]

Jan 11, 2024 9:04:34 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Jan 11, 2024 8:58:47 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Just a selfish update: I had the Wednesday weekly meeting with my boss yesterday. It was virtual and lasted less than 5 minutes. It was only awkward, but at least there was no ugliness. She asked me if I had anything to talk about and I said no. There's tons to talk about, but I've learned my lesson about asking her questions. In no way did she acknowledge that I've resigned. 

What an asshat.

You have no control over other people being unprofessional and rude, and no responsibility either.

[daisylu]

4 hours to go. DH has been texting, so the time apart is working.

[wvugurl26]

I just got an email that John Hopkins is requiring masks again beginning tomorrow. Fortunately for me it's tomorrow because I saw it after I parked for my allergy/asthma appointment. No masks in the car anymore.

[myrrh]

Azucena, Sam's Club has a bunch of non-stick frying pans in the back by the restaurant stuff.
Example: www.samsclub.com/p/members-mark-12-aluminum-nonstick-restaurant-fry-pan/prod7300014?xid=plp_product_19

We've been using ours for years with plastic implements and it works great. We have a regular size, 12 inch I think, and a giant one for one-dish meals that will feed a family of four with two teens, haha.

Good luck!

[busymom]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

     It might be time to hide the metal utensils.  We've got some "thick" men in our extended family.

[giramomma]

Jan 11, 2024 10:43:07 GMT -5 wvugurl26 said:

I just got an email that John Hopkins is requiring masks again beginning tomorrow. Fortunately for me it's tomorrow because I saw it after I parked for my allergy/asthma appointment. No masks in the car anymore.

Our health care providers required folks mask up like a month ago.

[andi9899]

Jan 10, 2024 22:30:18 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Jan 10, 2024 22:20:32 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Why not just go to the ER? You're still gonna sit around for hours, but you'll be seen that day and every instrument knkwn to man and every specialty is under the same roof. Go in the morning and it will be less busy. I don't know if you have it there, but here we can see ER wait times by hospital online.

I won't go to the ER unless I need the ER.  It's at least $1500 vs $150 at urgent care.  Even when I was on a copay plan it was $25 vs $250

This is exactly why healthcare should not be a business. Why can't people just go directly where they need to and get help regardless of where it is and who they are?!

I know it won't change, but it just sucks that in one of the richest countries in the world, people suffer and die because they can't afford healthcare.

[chiver78]

ahh....I can't make this shit up.     upper management will be here from Ireland, 29-31 JAN. my 29th will start by packing up the car with my luggage and pup food, dropping them at daycare for the week, and heading to the airport. guess I'll miss the in-person time yet again. 

[bookkeeper]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

I have the All Clad non stick frying pans in both 10 and 12 inch size. I bought them at TJ Maxx. I bought my son the 12 inch chicken fryer with a lid last year for Christmas.  We love them.  I am being careful and hand washing them.  DH has his own ratty fry pans he can put in the dishwasher.

I was in Costco and saw they featured a small set of All Clad non stick fry pans.  I was moving pretty fast and didn't get a chance to compare them to mine.  Also at Costco, I bought a set of silicone utensils. It came with spoon, slotted spoon, 2 pancake turner, spatula and wisk.  Awesome to have good tools to use in non stick pans.

Gather up the metal cooking utensils and make a charity donation!

[minnesotapaintlady]

Jan 11, 2024 11:01:29 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Jan 10, 2024 22:30:18 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I won't go to the ER unless I need the ER.  It's at least $1500 vs $150 at urgent care.  Even when I was on a copay plan it was $25 vs $250

This is exactly why healthcare should not be a business. Why can't people just go directly where they need to and get help regardless of where it is and who they are?!

I know it won't change, but it just sucks that in one of the richest countries in the world, people suffer and die because they can't afford healthcare.

Well, to be fair, I don't want the ER plugged up with people who don't really need the ER either.  Maybe the answer would be to have UC and ER located next to one another with a triage process that decides for you if you're not sure which one to pick?  I would still want the option of going straight to ER though.

I'm really spoiled though.  Both our UC and ER are normally super quick, but we have two urgent cares in a town of 26K. I've definitely never sat for multiple hours in one. 

[NastyWoman]

Jan 11, 2024 10:57:28 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Jan 11, 2024 10:43:07 GMT -5 wvugurl26 said:

I just got an email that John Hopkins is requiring masks again beginning tomorrow. Fortunately for me it's tomorrow because I saw it after I parked for my allergy/asthma appointment. No masks in the car anymore.

Our health care providers required folks mask up like a month ago.

We (in the SF bay area counties) had to mask up in healthcare facilities) starting 11/1/23 and the mandate will last until 3/31/24. Walking into the hospital early November for my flu/Covid shots there were once again people handing out masks for those who stepped inside without one. There were notices all over that wearing a mask was mandatory but if you did not have one, or tried to sneak in without one, they made sure that you covered up. No nonsense like "you can't make people" was accepted

[Tennesseer]

Jan 11, 2024 11:18:26 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

ahh....I can't make this shit up.     upper management will be here from Ireland, 29-31 JAN. my 29th will start by packing up the car with my luggage and pup food, dropping them at daycare for the week, and heading to the airport. guess I'll miss the in-person time yet again. 

Reminds me of a work schedule I once had. I was the only person in my director's organization who had a Thursday-Monday schedule. Every Wednesday, the director had a conference call with his organization. Fortunately, I was not required to be on it as Wednesday was my day off. The director was very long winded.

[bookkeeper]

I also have a T-Fal 12 inch professional series, or something like that.  It is non stick and has a heavy disk base that works with induction.  Nice frying pan, but the sides are not very tall and I'm not Martha Stewart.

Next up:  How do I clean the burner grates on my gas stove?

ETA that I bought the T-Fal pan at Target.

[chiver78]

Jan 11, 2024 11:38:28 GMT -5 bookkeeper said:

I also have a T-Fal 12 inch professional series, or something like that.  It is non stick and has a heavy disk base that works with induction.  Nice frying pan, but the sides are not very tall and I'm not Martha Stewart.

Next up:  How do I clean the burner grates on my gas stove?

run them through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle. you can throw the flame diffusers in there as well. 

[daisylu]

My guess is that the metal ruining the pans are spoons, forks, and maybe knives. 

[lurkyloo]

Jan 11, 2024 11:01:29 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Jan 10, 2024 22:30:18 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I won't go to the ER unless I need the ER.  It's at least $1500 vs $150 at urgent care.  Even when I was on a copay plan it was $25 vs $250

This is exactly why healthcare should not be a business. Why can't people just go directly where they need to and get help regardless of where it is and who they are?!

I know it won't change, but it just sucks that in one of the richest countries in the world, people suffer and die because they can't afford healthcare.

Keep in mind that basically every other country is benefiting hugely from our dysfunctional system.  The US is the cash cow for all drug development activities; pharma considers non-US sales as gravy.  When non-US residents brag about their cheap drugs and look down on us I always roll my eyes. Kind of like Cletus with a zero or negative net tax liability bitching about his tax dollars supporting whatever.

Not a fan of the business driven aspect but also US doctors make much higher salaries than many countries and malpractice insurance costs are high.  

ERs I think are not allowed to turn away people regardless of ability to pay, which leads to high costs and long waits as underinsured folks use it as an urgent care.  Which is more or less what is being discussed here, correct?  ER is meant to be for emergencies.  There’s an extra charge built in to insurance to deter people from using it for non- emergencies which is typically waived if it’s determined that you did in fact have an emergency     So you’re arguing people should be able to go wherever you need to but sometimes people don’t know enough to assess that and make a correct decision about where they need to go-and incorrect decisions are costly on a resources front.  

Not arguing that the system is not broken, at all.  Just that it’s complicated.

[lurkyloo]

Jan 11, 2024 10:57:28 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Jan 11, 2024 10:43:07 GMT -5 wvugurl26 said:

I just got an email that John Hopkins is requiring masks again beginning tomorrow. Fortunately for me it's tomorrow because I saw it after I parked for my allergy/asthma appointment. No masks in the car anymore.

Our health care providers required folks mask up like a month ago.

Hospitals are a great place to get sick, with a significant risk of picking up a resistant bug.  I get the convenience/preparedness factor, but if you know you’re going to a place where there is a high concentration of sick people (at a time point where all the respiratory viruses are spiking at once) wouldn’t you want to mask for your own sake?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

The only non stick pans I have are a couple of Cephalon fry pans.  Those I am careful to use rubber in.  According to Cooks Illustrated, they suggest finding one at the price you like and just plan on replacing it.  Thats why I don’t bite for All Clad.  These pans last me 7-10 years.  Normally, Caphelon sells them as a set of 2.  

For the rest of our pots, I use either Tramontina tri ply (also a recommendation from CI if you don’t want to spring for All Clad).  Even at Walmart, they are not inexpensive.  They run $50-60/pan.  The 4 we have were bought about 20 years ago and are still perfect.  My final workhorse is Le Crueset stock pot.  I have a 7 quart I make stock in, a 5 quart for stock, and a braiser (large, shallow pot).  If I had to choose 1, I’d go with the 5 quart.  I just replaced the 7 quart, it was my MILs, had to be 40+ years.  The ceramic coating was flaking off.  I’m seeing the same with the 5 quart.  Next time we go to the outlet mall I’ll replace that.  The braiser is new.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 11, 2024 12:03:07 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Jan 11, 2024 10:57:28 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Our health care providers required folks mask up like a month ago.

Hospitals are a great place to get sick, with a significant risk of picking up a resistant bug.  I get the convenience/preparedness factor, but if you know you’re going to a place where there is a high concentration of sick people (at a time point where all the respiratory viruses are spiking at once) wouldn’t you want to mask for your own sake?

Same for urgent care and doctor's offices.  It isn't that hard.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jan 11, 2024 12:03:07 GMT -5 lurkyloo said:

Jan 11, 2024 10:57:28 GMT -5 giramomma said:

Our health care providers required folks mask up like a month ago.

Hospitals are a great place to get sick, with a significant risk of picking up a resistant bug.  I get the convenience/preparedness factor, but if you know you’re going to a place where there is a high concentration of sick people (at a time point where all the respiratory viruses are spiking at once) wouldn’t you want to mask for your own sake?

I walked into the hospital in KY with an infection in my hip.  I walked out of it as a carrier for MRSA.  Luckily, the infection in my hip was not MRSA, but had they done the surgery they wanted, there is no doubt I’d have been dealing with a superinfection.

Hospitals are great places to pick up antibiotic resistant bugs.  Longer you are there, the greater your risk.

[minnesotapaintlady]

I really need to replace my non-stick pans too.  They are really bad.  I just deal, but my budding chef son was chewing me out over break.

I still have a pile of Target gift cards I bought when they were 10% off.  I should probably throw a few in my purse for the next time I'm there.

[azucena]

Jan 11, 2024 10:24:11 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

Jan 11, 2024 9:33:47 GMT -5 azucena said:

I need new non-stick sauce pans and skillets but so much decision fatigue plus a little salty that folks in my house can't seem to understand not to use metal utensils in them. Pls link me to middle of the road pieces that you like. I don't want to buy top of the line bc they are likely to get ruined again.

I have a Calphalon set that I love, so when a (drunk) friend destroyed a pan reducing tomatoes on too high heat, I replaced it with another Calphalon pan I found at Target. Not an exact match to my set, but it's nice.

www.target.com/p/select-by-calphalon-with-aquashield-nonstick-10-34-fry-pan-with-lid/-/A-86002325

Get rid of metal utensils. Silicon or nylon for cookware only.

I have silicon spatulas, spoons, and flippers sitting in a container on the counter next to the stove.

DH will literally reach into the drawer to pull out metal serving spoon.