MRI Update
I finally got my results back yesterday. I haven't had my doc go over them yet. Since te medical jargon was too much for my peabrain, my husband suggested we put the diagnosis into GPT. Think swelling, arthritis, degeneration....basically, I'm "corpsifying" and the fall exacerbated it. I am hoping for a steroid shot and physical therapy.

The 3-3-3 Method
Tired of writing the same to-do list out every day? The “3-3-3 method” can help you stay organized, focused and productive, without feeling overwhelmed.

• The first three is for three hours of deep work on an important project. The method encourages users to kick start the day with three whole hours devoted to one big thing, whether that’s an assignment you need to finish for work, a project with a looming deadline or another essential task. 
  
•  After the three hours are up, take a much-needed break.
•  Then you’ll be ready to tackle three time-sensitive tasks. These are things that you keep putting off. This is when you make the phone call, send the scary email or go to the meeting you’re dreading.
  
•  And finally, it’s time for three routine tasks that you need to do to keep your life running smoothly. This is stuff you tend to put on the back burner, like grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning up around the house, or even making your to-do list for tomorrow. 
  

We Second-Guess 41% Of Daily Decisions

• The average American second-guesses 41% of the decisions they make in a day, a new survey finds.
• But for some overthinkers, it’s even more often, as one in eight admit they contemplate almost all their choices.
• That can make grocery shopping overwhelming, as the average person spends four minutes deciding on each item they consider adding to their cart.

Second Date Update
Sean got in touch about Rachel. They met on Hinge and went to a late-night diner in Oakland. Sean said they clicked right away, were laughing over milkshakes and fries, and he left thinking the chemistry was strong. But Rachel ghosted him afterward, so he called us for help.

Do You Think A Four-Day Work Would Actually Work?
Seven in 10 workers feel they could be just as productive in a four-day work week, according to new research. 

Things That Make Insomnia Worse

• Staying in bed longer - Experts advise a sleep routine of getting up at the same time every morning and only getting into bed when you’re truly tired.
  
• Cutting out screens completely - Lying in bed without something to focus on can lead to overthinking, which is terrible for sleep. That’s when having something to distract your thoughts can be helpful, but stick with something calm, like a nature documentary or soothing podcast.
  
• Swearing off caffeine forever - Caffeine blocks adenosine, which makes you sleepy, so if an afternoon cup of tea keeps you awake at night, skip it. 
  
• Trying too hard to sleep “right” - Trackers, gadgets and products to enhance sleep make it easy to obsess over snoozing, but that can backfire and give you anxiety. Your body knows how to rest and micromanaging it can add pressure, instead of helping.
• Expecting consistency - Thanks to things like age, stress, hormones and even the weather, some nights sleep will be easier than others, and that’s normal. You won’t get a solid eight hours every night, so don’t expect it or beat yourself up if the popular advice isn’t helping you.⠀

House Noises You Shouldn't Ignore

• Rushing water noises - Do a quick check for pooling water in areas that are prone to leaking, like your sink or bathroom, and checking the water meter is also a good idea. 
  
• Buzzing from lights - If you hear any sounds coming from your outlets or switches, call a licensed electrician.
  
• Whistling or hissing noises near gas-based appliances - This could be a “really serious indicator of a potential danger in your home that could lead to a house fire,” 
  
• Dripping faucet sounds - It’s less of an immediate emergency, but it can cost you more the longer you ignore it.
• Gurgling toilets - If it gurgles after you flush, that would be indication that you either have a backup and the water can pass but it’s struggling. 
  

Second Date Update
Amanda called us about Gabe. They matched on Bumble and met for coffee in Redwood City. Amanda said the conversation was fun, she was smiling the whole time, and she really thought there was chemistry. But Gabe never reached out again.

MRI Update
I went in for a neck MRI after I tripped over a dog bed in the dark. It has been a minute and I've been living on a steady diet of Advil and Tylenol. My chiropractor suggested the MRI. I haven't gotten my results yet, but as far as MRI's going, it wasn't terrible (the Xanax helped). But the staff was kind and they prepped my really well. I asked the technician if he thought MRI's would ever be silent. He said...."no." Bummer.

5 4 3 2 1 Method
Grocery shopping is much more stressful than it should be. But don’t worry – there’s a hack for that! If you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve probably seen that there’s the 5-4-3-2-1 method. It’s a grocery shopping hack that’ll cut your grocery shopping down - both time-wise and cost-wise. So, what is it? It’s the numbers for you to keep in mind when you go shopping. Your goal should be to buy five vegetables, four fruits, three proteins, two starches, and one item for fun. It takes the guesswork out of grocery shopping and will keep you from getting overwhelmed or overbuying.

Boat Cruise Recap
It was a blast and sadly, there is video of me doing the "Roger Rabbit."

Second Date Update
Samantha called us about Luis. They met on Tinder and agreed to hit a karaoke bar in San Mateo. Samantha said she thought the date went great — they were laughing, drinking, and she really believed Luis was into her. But after that night, she never heard from him again.

Live By The Ocean & You Will Live Longer
What scientists found and what they think might explain their findings:

• Coastal residents live about one year longer than the 79-year national average.
• Inland urban dwellers often die around age 78, slightly younger than average.
• Key benefits of coastal living include cleaner air, milder weather, less drought, fewer heatwaves, and more recreation opportunities.
• Higher incomes and better transportation access in coastal areas may also contribute to longer lifespans.

The Top 10 Occupations with the Highest Percentage of Workers Without A Bachelor’s Degree Earning Six Figures

1. Chief executives or legislators (63.3%)
2. Architectural and engineering managers (60.9%)
3. Software developers (56.5%)
4. Sales engineers (56.1%)
5. Computer and information systems managers (53.9%)
6. Power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers (52.4%)
7. Elevator installers and repairers (51.9%)
8. Computer network architects (50.7%)
9. Computer hardware engineers (49.5%)
10. First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers (48.7%)
    

Former Students And Professors Are Sharing Their Best Advice For Going Off To College

• "Speak to locals and leave the university bubble. 
  
• "It's okay to make friends in the first one or two weeks and never speak to them afterwards. It's all about getting your social skills attuned to a new environment."
• "If you were a big fish in a small pond in your previous town or secondary school, understand that you might well be a small fish in a big pond now."
• "Learn to make at least one yummy dish and one amazing desert. "
  
• "Go to class. Even if you're tired, hungover, you look like sh*t, you're just gonna zone out – going is always better than not going. You'll absorb SOME information by sheer osmosis."
• "If you are living on campus, get flip flops for the shower."
• "Go find the buildings and classrooms where you have your classes before the first day. You'll be able to plan your route and know when you have to hustle to get across campus."
• "Establish and stick to a routine. It will help keep you on track, keep you fed, keep your budget in check, ensure you're somewhat well rested, and minimize procrastination."
  

Second Date Update
Victor called us about Camila. They connected on Match and decided to go bowling in Daly City. Victor thought the night was playful and flirty, and he swore Camila was smiling the whole time. But after that night, she completely disappeared on him.

Strangest Things Ever Put On A Wedding Registry
On Buzzfeed under wedding shaming...

• "My grandmother was super offended that my distant cousin had lube on hers. Seriously. I just laughed."
• "I had a coworker who, in genuine earnest, asked for a Volkswagen Beetle. She was like, 'His family is rich, so why not shoot my shot?'"
• "A four-pound bag of Lucky Charms marshmallows. And that’s exactly what I gifted them."
• "My hairstylist and her husband had canned hams and Jif peanut butter. Yeah, they showed as 'purchased,' so somebody bought it for them too!"
• "Nose hair trimmers."
• "My husband put a lifetime supply of weed whacker wire on ours. Our neighbor bought it."
• "A friend put down rare fish for her aquarium since it's her passion!"
• "Condoms. So many condoms on registries."
• "A coffin. Still have no idea if it was a joke or not. "

What is the weirdest you have experienced?

Use These Somewhat Cheesy Phrases To Make Friends

• “I love your ____! Where did you get it?”
• “How do you like ____?”
• “Do you have any recommendations for _____?”
• “It was great to meet you. I’d love to stay in touch, if you’re open to it. How do you like to stay connected?”
• “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Let’s make plans to hang out more often.”
• “____ made me think of you. I’ve been meaning to reach out. How have you been?”
• 'I'm always looking for new friends to [try/do a particular activity]. Would you be interested?'

Some of these might work, others sound like you are waiting for then in the alley by your windowless panel van.

Marcus Got Into Another Car Accident
Marcus was sideswiped in a parking lot at Home Depot. The offender didn't even realize...so, he had to jump in front of her car. Not my first choice.

Second Date Update
Diego calls us about Marco. They matched on Grindr and decided on tacos in the Mission. Diego thought things got pretty spicy...so to speak. but Marco ghosted.

Quit Cracking
"Quiet cracking" is a workplace term for the gradual psychological and emotional deterioration of an employee who remains in their job but becomes increasingly disengaged, unmotivated, and unhappy, often due to factors like lack of career growth, feelings of being undervalued, burnout, and job insecurity from AI or a difficult job market. Unlike "quiet quitting," which is a conscious decision to do the bare minimum, quiet cracking is a subtle, slow decline in motivation and productivity that can lead to disengagement and increased stress. Have you ever been there & how did you get yourself out of it?

You Need More Sleep
There are obvious signs that a person needs to get more sleep and then there are the sneaky signs the body slips our way. Poor sleep is very common and there are some weird signs that you are a victim of it, according to the Speed Foundation. 

• Hormonal and menstrual changes
• Aches and pains
• Clumsiness
• Weight gain
• Getting tongue-tied
• ‘Microsleep’ episodes
• Dental issues
  

New research reveals that people are getting braver about skipping excessive tips.
A new survey of 2-thousand U.S. adults asks about their approaches to tipping and finds that the average person is still “guilt-tipping” nearly $300 a year more than they want to because of social pressure. That’s still a lot of money, but it’s a lot less than last year’s total. According to the poll, the average person reluctantly tips $24 a month more than they think is fair because of guilt or the awkwardness of not tipping.

• That adds up to $283 over a year, but it’s a big drop from 2024’s guilt-tipping tally of $453.
• This year, Americans guilt tip an average of 4.2 times a month, down from last year’s 6.3 average of times a month.
• Overall, 20% of respondents say they always or often tip higher because they feel pressured or guilty, but 29% say they rarely or never do.
• More than a third (37%) report that the tipping option amounts are higher than they used to be now.
• In general, 22% say they tip less across the board in 2025, but 32% actually tip more now to specifically support workers.
• And more than three-quarters (78%) think businesses should pay employees more so they don’t have to rely on tips.
  

Second Date Update
Brynn calls us about Patrick. They met on Hinge. Brynn thought they clicked — but Patrick ghosted. They went for coffee for their first date. Nothing sticks out in her mind that went wrong on the date. They had a lot in common. She was attracted to him. She was sure there would be a second date.

My Husband, The Jeff, Has a New Habit & I am Not Here For it
Jeff has this habit of saying to "no" to everything without taking a minute to consider the idea. Happy hour? No. Watch this new TV Series? No. And if I question why he says no, he responds..."fine, just do it since I have no say." What?! It is really annoying.

Cheap Dopamine Hits
People Are Sharing Their Best Low-Cost Dopamine- Boosting Activities

• "Watching the clouds is so underrated."
  
• "Building and creating things out of items you already have. Lately, I've been really into mending and making or upcycling used clothes."
• "Working out."
  
• "Hiking, especially to waterfalls. ."
  
• "I work at a cat rescue and also foster kittens at home when needed."
  
• "Woodworking. All you really need are like four tools, and you can make all sorts of cool stuff from sticks."
• "Propagating plants instead of buying new ones."
• "Ice bathing in the early morning."
  
• “Jump rope, martial arts, skateboarding, riding bikes, learning, yoga, any movement, and music."
  

Money Milestones
The ages Americans think you should be for these money milestones:

• Start saving for retirement - Age 27. But retirement planners say if you start any time in your 20s, you’re doing great and research shows that younger people are saving early.
  
• To land your dream job - Age 29. The thing is, the average American changes jobs a dozen times between the time they’re 18 and 56. So most of us haven’t found a dream job by 29, or we wouldn’t leave it.
  
• To buy your first home - Age 30. Home prices have spiked since 2020 and mortgage rates are high as well, so homes are less affordable. 
  
• To earn six figures - Age 35. A lot of Americans will never make a six-figure income. The average full-time worker in the U.S. made about $12-hundred a week in the second quarter of 2025, or about $62,500 a year, federal data shows.
• To become debt-free - Age 41. There are different kinds of debt and not all are bad, like a mortgage, which can work like a huge piggy bank that gets more valuable with every payment.
• To retire - Age 58. Retirement experts agree that’s a little early, but if you have millions saved, why not?
  

Second Date Update
Camila calls us about Jordan. They met on Match and went to brunch in Burlingame. Camila thought the date was smooth. She and Jordan "totally vibed." Plus, there were plenty of brunch cocktails and that really loosened up the conversation. They ended with a hug and he promised to call. But Jordan ghosted.

Corey Got Shamed
I had people over on Friday for an impromptu happy hour. At one point I asked my husband to refill one of our guests' glass. The guest stated, "you know women can do things too." He was absolutely right. I immediately got up and got the refill. My husband rode that one all weekend, he was gleeful.

Parents Spent Their Kid's College Fund
Kayla on Instagram DMs writes: I just found out that the money my grandparents left me has basically been spent. I got into my dream college and was excited to have that financial cushion, but when I asked about it, my parents showed me an “accounting” of how they used it over the years. Turns out all the things they gave me growing up (cheer camp, my senior trip, extracurricular activities, etc) were paid for with my money. They never once told me that’s where the money was coming from and now I only have enough left to cover my first year of school. After that I’ll need to get a job and figure it out on my own. I feel like that money was supposed to be for my future, not for them to use to cover stuff they didn’t want to pay for. Am I wrong to be mad about this? Isn’t it wrong for my parents to have spent money meant for me without asking?
 
Things People Automated That Totally Changed Their Lives

• “Our dishwasher texts our kids when it’s done, then shuts off their wifi if they don’t empty it.”
• “My alarm stops only if I scan a QR code in my bathroom.”
• “At the same time every year, I tell my bank I lost my credit card so I get issued a new one. All the scammers and subscriptions I signed up to the year prior will automatically get declined, and I only resign up to the ones I actually want.”
• “I made an Apple shortcut that runs once a day automatically that shows me all the photos I took on that day throughout the years. It allows me to slowly clean up all of my photo albums.”
• “I hate doing dishes (no dishwasher) and ALL my lights are smart bulbs. So I tell Alexa, ‘Time to do the dishes,’ and she dims the kitchen to 50% and plays Celtic music so I can pretend to be a Scottish pub owner cleaning up for the night.”
• “I’m sure you mean technology, but I bought 12 pairs of the exact same socks so I never have to match them, and if one gets a hole, I just throw that one out. It’s a very satisfying system.”
• “My iPhone tells my ex to stop texting me if I get a message from him”
• “I hid an Air tag in my car so I never have to remember where I parked. Also helpful if it’s stolen”
  

Second Date Update
Carlos calls us about Jasmine. They matched on Bumble and met up at a coffee shop in Daly City. Carlos really enjoyed how easy the whole thing was. He wasn't nervous or uncomfortable. She was easy to talk to. Now, she has ghosted.

Advice From Parents That Doesn't Hold Up
Redditors are spilling the most outdated “money tips” they’ve gotten from their parents that are no longer helpful.

• "It doesn’t matter what your degree is in, just get a degree and there will be plenty of jobs available when you graduate."
• "'Balance your checkbook.' I don't even have a checkbook. I've come to learn that some companies use pay cards for employees, and all employees' finances are managed through apps. You can see every transaction in real time, get spending alerts, and see what you have left to spend. The idea of writing everything down in a little book is just not how life works anymore."
• "My grandma told me I should always keep a quarter under the sole of my shoe in case I ever need to make a phone call."
• "My dad used to tell me to decide where I wanted to work, then buy your house near it. People no longer work for the same company for 50+ years, and often, where you work isn't totally up to you. Sometimes you take what you can get."
• "'Loyalty pays off in the end,' and 'Don’t change workplaces; try to stay at one place for your entire career.' Also, 'Only change positions if it’s a vertical move. Don’t change positions if it’s a lateral move.' None of this is true any longer."
• "Don’t spend more than your annual salary on a house."

Things Never To Say At Work

1. Corporate jargon
2. “I’m too busy”
3. “Ladies” or “gents” in emails
4. “As per my last email”
5. “Contact my colleague” in your out-of-office message
6. Jokey out-of-office messages

Nearly Half Of Americans Would Choose Money Over Love
The Bottom Line:

• The median U.S. annual salary is just over $62-thousand, but Americans expect their ideal partner to make six figures or close to it, according to a new Tawkify survey.
• It finds that if forced to choose between love and money, 46% would pick money.
• One in three admit they’d consider getting back together with an ex if that person got rich.

Second Date Update
Anthony and Marisol met on Tinder. He likes that she rollerblades. They had a great first date, according to Anthony. But now she is ghosting.

The Lengths People Go To Save Their Phones
A new survey says folks would consider doing shocking and disgusting things to make sure they didn’t lose or break their device.

• More than a third (38%) would be willing to skip eating for an entire day if it would keep their phone safe.
  
•  If they dropped their phone onto subway tracks, one in five (20%) would risk their safety to climb down and pick it up.
  
• Another 59% would dive into a pool fully clothed at a wedding and 56% would even dumpster dive to get their phone back.
  
• More than half (54%) claim they’d even fish their phone out of a filthy festival toilet.
  

Nope. No thanks, Tom Hanks.

End Of Summer Cleanout
August is the perfect time to give your closet a reset. Experts say you should declutter at least four times a year and this seasonal shift is a natural opportunity to clear out items you haven’t been wearing or that don’t serve you anymore. 

• Sweat-stained summer clothes that can’t be saved
  
• Broken beach bags with ripped handles or torn pockets
  
• Ill-fitting swimsuits that lost their shape or elasticity
  
• Worn-out or unworn sandals that never made it out the door
  
• Duplicate or neglected summer dresses you never reach for
  
• Unused accessories like hats, sunglasses, or jewelry that don’t fit your current lifestyle
  

Trends For Fall

• Secondhand finds are in-demand, as searches for “thrifted kitchen” have jumped 1,012% and “thrifted decor” searches are up 283%.
  
• Statement tiles are having a moment, with searches for “vintage tiles” up more than 1,100%.
  
• Art Deco is making a comeback.
  
• When it comes to clothing, preppy aesthetics are a hot trend for fall. Pinterest has seen searches for “women’s preppy outfits” skyrocket by 47,680% and “preppy chic outfits" are up 2,056%.
  
• For beauty, grungey glam makeup will be big, taking inspo from the 90s and 2000s, but with a modern twist. We’ll be seeing more pixie cuts, with searches for “chic pixie” up 2,435% and “pixie haircut 90s” surging 724%.
  

Second Date Update
Trevor and Aly met on Hinge and they both love trivia. They hit up a trivia night for their first date. Has she ghosted after Trevor exhibited "teacher energy?"