Ask the collective brain of FSU....

[millyskate]

I had a question for the collective brain of FSU, and I thought it might be worth starting a thread for one-off questions that don't warrant an entire discussion.

I need to order some photo prints, that would come already matted and/or individually packaged. I've only found one realistic option so far, and the matting isn't quite what I was hoping for. Any ideas? I'm really struggling with google!

 

[Spun Silver]

I had a question for the collective brain of FSU, and I thought it might be worth starting a thread for one-off questions that don't warrant an entire discussion.

I need to order some photo prints, that would come already matted and/or individually packaged. I've only found one realistic option so far, and the matting isn't quite what I was hoping for. Any ideas? I'm really struggling with google!

I would go to HP for that but IDK if their services are for HP printers only. I don't know why they would be. And I am not sure about the matting, but they are always coming up with new ideas.

Link: http://www.hp.com/global/us/en/consumer/digital_photography/free/software/photo-creations.html

 

[overedge]

I've used Shutterfly to make photo cards, and they've always turned out really well. It looks like they do photo prints as well:
https://www.shutterfly.com/prints/prints-posters

 

[Vash01]

I am so glad that I found this old thread. I was considering starting something similar.

Just a warning- This is long. May require patience to read through this.

I need some help with a decision. I went through my usual method of writing down pluses and minuses, sleeping over it, staying in bed in the morning to mull things over, discussing with my sister and a friend - I am still in a limbo.

Here is the background. I volunteered to do some work (serving - cook, wash dishes, clean up, etc.-at a meditation center in S.Cal). I was excited about it. I even canceled going to Skate America. Then doubts crept in because I have been having pain in my right hand since April (I am right handed). It has to do with a tendon that is connecTed to three fingers. I can still do housework and drive, although it causes pain. I have seen a hand specialist Dr. I am working with a physical therapist who specializes in hand. She is very good. She has given me two splints and exercises. When I asked her about driving to S.Cal, she said it will be ok. Just break it down.

The distance each way is 300 miles. I don't drive that far even with a healthy hand, so I looked into flying to LA or San Diego and trying for a ride with someone from there. I even tried for a ride from Phoenix but only one person responded positively. I could get a ride with him from LAX, and he will drive the 2.5 hours to the place (center). So that takes care of the pain caused by driving. I made my reservation for a very early flight on Wed (tomorrow), but since yesterday I am having doubts about making this trip.

My concerns are-

1. Driving will be hard on my already aching hand. If I drive, I will need to leave this afternoon and stay in a hotel halfway (in Blythe, CA). Hotels in Blythe are not very expensive. I am mentally not ready to leave in the next 3-4 hours, though my bags are 80 percent ready. I crossed out flying into LAX tonight.

2. I feel uncomfortable about spending 3 hours at LAX with two suitcases (I could rent one of those carts for $5 of course). I never worried about such things before. I have spent longer times at airports. I seem to resist this option for done unknown reason.

3. I could cancel the trip to S.Cal because of the hand (it could limit the amount of work I will be able to do, plus I will be without a therapist for roughly 12-13 days). However, this will create difficulties for the organizers and I don't want to let them down.

4. They want me there before 2 pm for orientation. It means no rest (get up at 3:30 am, travel, and work there after the orientation). I am concerned about not getting there in time. If I don't make it there for the orientation. it is not like they will fire me.

4. I just realized this morning that a lot of my discomfort is coming from never having been to that place, and I may be making excuses. I kind of don't want to go, but I don't like going back on my commitment because they are depending on me.

So how do you see this? You could make suggestions about the 3 hours at LAX, rest after the orientation (not sure if this can be done because there will be dinner prep) or may be I should just listen to my heart and not force myself to go there?

I know we can ask FSU about anything, and this is a rather silly question on my part, but I don't mind appearing silly occasionally (some may think I am not silly just occasionally- LOL).

 

[Skittl1321]

@Vash01 since you have the flights booked, I would take the flights. I think you are right the anxiety is coming from you being nervous about being somewhere you haven't gone before. You hand, while valid in the limitations, is serving as an easy excuse.

Why do you need to manage 2 suitcases in LAX for 3 hours? Can you just check these bags? Could you consolidate to a single bag? Can you find a strap so the bags can be strapped to each other and wheeled together? Could you use one bag and a backpack, so you only need to use one hand for your luggage, and your back for the other?


A luggage cart is also a good solution- and $5 is inexpensive, though I understand not liking to spend money on minor things. It costs way less than a hotel and canceled flight though.

Good luck

 

[Vash01]

@Vash01 since you have the flights booked, I would take the flights. I think you are right the anxiety is coming from you being nervous about being somewhere you haven't gone before. You hand, while valid in the limitations, is serving as an easy excuse.

Why do you need to manage 2 suitcases in LAX for 3 hours? Can you just check these bags? Could you consolidate to a single bag? Can you find a strap so the bags can be strapped to each other and wheeled together? Could you use one bag and a backpack, so you only need to use one hand for your luggage, and your back for the other?


A luggage cart is also a good solution- and $5 is inexpensive, though I understand not liking to spend money on minor things. It costs way less than a hotel and canceled flight though.

Good luck

Thanks so much! All are good suggestions, and you are spot on about using my hand as an excuse.

I will be arriving (from Phoenix) into LAX, so I won't be able to check the bags. After I pick them up at the baggage claim, I could rent the cart for $5-$6, which is not expensive at all in this situation (normally I avoid paying so much for such minor things, except when I have a long wait at an airport, and that has happened).

About combining into one bag, I am not a light traveler, and for this trip I have to pack enough clothes for 11 days, plus bedsheets, towels, etc.) be cause they don't have facilities to wash (I could wash some in a sink if they give me a single room; I have requested one but it depends on availability). So I will have a medium size suitcase and a carry on which is rather big, plus a tote and my purse. May be I could use a Large suitcase and fit everything in it - that's an idea.

Thanks again for your inputs.

 

[Vash01]

Update- the issue has been resolved.

I had informed the center in S. Cal of the limitations of my hand due to the pain. I just received a message from the center that I should take care of my health first, and go there to do the volunteer work only after I have fully recovered. I am disappointed because I had made up my mind to fly to LAX tomorrow, but I understand that they don't want someone who cannot do whatever is needed.

There will be more opportunities to do this.

That brings up the question- should I just use my Skate America tickets? So far no one has asked about them. I will make a last ditch effort to find a hotel room near the rink. My nephew lives in Seattle but Everett is too far from his home.

 

[Simone411]

Update- the issue has been resolved.

I had informed the center in S. Cal of the limitations of my hand due to the pain. I just received a message from the center that I should take care of my health first, and go there to do the volunteer work only after I have fully recovered. I am disappointed because I had made up my mind to fly to LAX tomorrow, but I understand that they don't want someone who cannot do whatever is needed.

There will be more opportunities to do this.

That brings up the question- should I just use my Skate America tickets? So far no one has asked about them. I will make a last ditch effort to find a hotel room near the rink. My nephew lives in Seattle but Everett is too far from hus home.

Vash, I think you should definitely go and use those Skate America tickets! I know you would enjoy being there, and it might take your mind off of your hand and the volunteer work you can't do at the moment.

I wish I was able to go, but I'm limited now to what I can do. But you have this opportunity! Go and have a great time, and you can also comment, give reviews while you're there. I think it's exciting!

 

[Vash01]

Vash, I think you should definitely go and use those Skate America tickets! I know you would enjoy being there, and it might take your mind off of your hand and the volunteer work you can't do at the moment.

I wish I was able to go, but I'm limited now to what I can do. But you have this opportunity! Go and have a great time, and you can also comment, give reviews while you're there. I think it's exciting!

I made my hotel reservation in Everett. Next in line - airline reservations.

 

[Simone411]

I made my hotel reservation in Everett. Next in line - airline reservations.

Yes!!! That's awesome, Vash!

 

[skatesindreams]

Vash, I think you should definitely go and use those Skate America tickets! I know you would enjoy being there, and it might take your mind off of your hand and the volunteer work you can't do at the moment.

I hope you decide to go!
eta: I'm so happy for you.

 

[Skittl1321]

I'm glad you are going to skate america.

 

[quartz]

Ha! Well, my first thought after reading all the volunteering/hand injury/travel issues was that if it were me, I’d just go to Skate America.

 

[Japanfan]

Update- the issue has been resolved.

I had informed the center in S. Cal of the limitations of my hand due to the pain. I just received a message from the center that I should take care of my health first, and go there to do the volunteer work only after I have fully recovered. I am disappointed because I had made up my mind to fly to LAX tomorrow, but I understand that they don't want someone who cannot do whatever is needed.

My first question was whether you would be able to do the work required because of your hand issues. Glad it all worked out.

 

[Vash01]

I made my hotel reservation in Everett. Next in line - airline reservations.

Done! See you in Everett (whoever is going).

 

[paskatefan]

Oh, wow! Good for you, Vash! Have a fabulous time @ Skate America!