You should try the orange soda

8 years ago I enlisted in the Marine corps. With the hopes that I'd get deployed to Afghanistan, step on a pressure plate while on patrol, and turn into a pink mist. No need for a funeral, or cremation. Just a folded flag and the handful of comfort items I owned stuffed into a box. But that never happened. Now I have to live with the shit I put my family through. All the hurtful words, bursts of anger, how I treated my step sisters and step father. All the fucked up n hurtful shit I put them through.
Each and every day to some degree or another is either filled with suffering, self hatred, and bitterness, or an overwhelming numbness. I want out. But I'm too prideful and arrogant to just suck start a shotgun, So that complicates things.
I've reached out to not only my mother but several friends for help. But nothings been done. Noone seems to care, even the slightest bit. I've tried to go through the VA, but because I don't have a combat deployment I don't rate talk therapy or any sort of help. Also tried going through just about every clinic or practice near me, all with the same basic "fuck you, your a guy no one fucking cares" type of reply.
At this point I'm honestly just gonna cook up 100lbs of hme ( home made explosives) and make my original plan work. No letters, or notes. Just gone.

Step Up Your Summer BBQ Party Game with ZeBoZap
Hello Reddit,
If you love outdoor BBQs as much as I do, then you know that setting the right vibe is key to having a memorable gathering. This summer, I've discovered a game-changing tool that has taken my BBQ parties to a whole new level - the ZeBoZap.
ZeBoZap is an innovative TV mount designed for outdoor use, and it's incredibly easy to set up. Whether you have a pergola, gazebo, or just a simple wooden post in your backyard, ZeBoZap has got you covered.
Picture this - you're grilling up some burgers, the sun is setting, and your favorite show, game, or music video is playing on the screen, creating an amazing ambiance that your guests will love.
Installation is a breeze - no need for professional help or complex tools. The ZeBoZap simply straps onto any shaped pillar or post, and voila - your outdoor entertainment center is ready!
I've found it to be a fantastic addition to my summer BBQ parties. If you're looking for a way to level up your outdoor gatherings, I highly recommend checking out the ZeBoZap.
Happy Grilling! #ZeBoZap #SummerBBQ #OutdoorEntertainment #DIYBackyard
P.S. If anyone else has tried ZeBoZap, I'd love to hear your experiences!

I’ve read several threads by @DavidO_Pgh on low cost home systems but am hoping to get a bit more guidance.
Budget: $1000 - 2000, possibly more
My wife loves to sing with her friends and currently uses a portable all-in-one box and an iPad for YouTube songs. She paid $600 but the audio quality is terrible and sometimes echoes.
I have plenty of audio equipment but unsure if any of it is usable for this purpose.
I currently have 5.1 home theater. Speakers are in ceiling. Subwoofer is in corner.
Video and audio sources are passed through the receiver on a rack in nearby closet. Video signal is output to TV on wall. Everything is controlled by a Harmony remote.
Also have tube amp, DAC, sources, KEF LS50 and Paradigm reference speakers in separate listening area. Probably bad to use these items?
Ideally, I would like a - 3 or 4 wireless mic set up - equipment (mic receiver and mixer??) mounted to existing AV rack - video/lyrics display on TV - song selection/control on iPad or laptop
What components should I get? How do I integrate into existing system and have a clean, unobtrusive look? Do I route lyric video signal through AV receiver or cast it using iPad Bluetooth?
Thanks for your advice.

I loved that it was about a divorced woman meeting a hot rich guy 😂 and I liked that it was kind of sexy but more so wholesome and Christ centered. It was extremely well balanced.
Another website suggested “redeeming love” by the same author but I’m not feeling a historical romance vibe right now.
What should I read next? Thank you.

Hi all.
Throw-away account for privacy reasons. I (F25)have had a friend (F26) for 7-8 years. She is one of my best friends and was one of those people that just clicked with me! We have a lot of the same interests and are always there to rely on each other when drama comes into our lives. She’s my rock! When I first met her, she had a boyfriend. He was a HUGE jerk and ended up really traumatizing her and cheating on her multiple times. Right before I met her, I slept with him in a one-night stand. It was terrible, and it ended there. Especailly because he told me after the fact he had an on an off girlfriend and they were currently "off" but he planned to be back "on" soon and that I could be his "side h*e" *BARF*. Weeks later, I met her in a class where we hit it off right away. Some weeks later, she showed me a picture of her boyfriend in which I was SHOCKED to see the guy I had slept with. I got the timelines and it was unclear if they were "together" or "on a break" or truly broken up at the time of the incident. I then learned that he's cheated on her MULTIPLE times with women he didn't know. I decided not to tell her when I found out because, frankly, she was really emotionally fragile for very justifiable reasons at the time. This was obviously a mistake! Instead, I pushed her to break up with him, pointing out how terrible he treated her. She did end up dumping him and moving on to have a few serious boyfriends between then and now.
Recently, she broke up with a long-time boyfriend. That break up was tough on her and really pushed her into her new healing era. She has had a lot of trauma-based therapy for the terrible past boyfriend.
Flash forward to now, I'm moving to a new city. I flew her out to my old city so she could help me take my animals on a plane to my new city, which I also made sure to spot her for. I was super grateful for her and we wanted to schedule a girls trip around this time anyway so it was great. I felt like this was a good time to let her know what had transpired before I met her. I swear, the first thing out of my mouth when I told her I had to tell her something I haven't told her for a long time was "I'm sorry, but I think I slept with (ex) before I knew you and I think you may have been together at the time." I waited for tears, for anger, for whatever reaction. Her reaction was "oh no worries dude it's fine", or something along those lines. I wanted to respond in whatever way she did, so I said "wow, okay. I had been holding that for a while". She asked why. I said "because I wanted to wait until a time I felt like you were emotionally ready to hear it." She then, in a gossipy, fun way, asked me "how was it?" to which I replied "terrible!". The mood the rest of the night was, what I thought, fine. She got some abdominal cramps later in the night which I found out when I asked if she was okay because she was being more quiet than usual. We ended up stopping and getting her some Advil.
Everything was A-OK until yesterday. She had flown home two days prior to yesterday. I had texted her a few times making sure she got home okay and with some updates on everything. The day before yesterday she wasn't replying, but I knew she was going to be working a lot so I didn't think anything of it. Yesterday, I woke up to a long message from her saying that she couldn't believe I brought her trauma back up, was complicit in it, and then patted myself on the back for being a "good friend" for keeping it a secret. She even said I didn't apologize, which I feel I did, but if she didn't receive that from what I said, then I absolutely own that I did not apologize heavily enough or that it wasn't central enough to the conversation. She then said there was nothing I could do to repair the friendship and proceeded to block me on everything. I managed to WhatsApp message her an apology where I just plainly said that I was sorry I held it back, I reiterated my reasoning why, and that I understood what she said but that if I didn't properly apologize then I was doing a disservice to our friendship and therefore felt I should make sure I reached out to appropriately do so.
I feel terrible for what I’ve put her through. I did bring up her trauma, in, what I thought, was a safe space. I understand now that her first reaciton was likely a trauma response where "everything's okay" and "cool" in order to maybe sweep it under the rug and handle it later. Then she got some time alone with her thoughts and developed how she truly felt, which was probably really betrayed. I definitely understand what I did was wrong, but I can't change past actions. I made the choices I made with the knowledge I had at the time and that's all I could do.
I'm mostly writing this to get some opinions on my behavior and on her somewhat late reaction. I never want to put someone through this ever again, and I understand that will require radical honesty with everyone I love from here-on-out. Thank you all for listening.

It’s a game that got deleted off the App Store a while ago but basically you’d play as a guy with a bomb trying to kill big bosses. It was a really fun game but it’s no longer playable. Is there anything similar out there?

Hey Reddit! I run a weekly in-person game of Pathfinder 2e at my home in the Lee Vista area of Orlando, and we've just wrapped up our current campaign as 2 of our members are sadly moving out of town. We'll be starting up a new campaign in the next few weeks, and are looking for a few new players to fill slots!
We're a friendly group of 20-somethings who met online and have become actual friends outside the game as well, and we're hoping to meet new people who'll fit in nicely. We'll usually do a board game night or something on days when someone can't make the session, just to spend time with friends. We're also always open to having someone else try their hand at GMing a one-shot or something, just to keep things fresh (and to give me a break, lol).
The campaign is likely going to be a 2e conversion of the Pathfinder 1e Giantslayer adventure path, but I'm open to hearing what the group would prefer! The group tries to strike a good balance between goofy TTRPG shenanigans and more "serious" roleplay, so if you're the kind of person who loves to draw up a backstory and get into character, we'd be thrilled to have you.
We typically play Tuesday nights from 6ish to 10:30ish, but the group is open to switching days to accommodate schedules.
As I mentioned, we'll be playing Pathfinder 2e, but don't worry if you're not yet familiar with the system, we're more than happy to get you up to speed. (The transition from 5e/3.5/Pathfinder 1st edition is super easy, and you probably won't be the only one still learning.)
If you're interested in joining, please be:

• Creative
• Friendly
• Reliable
• LGBTQ+ friendly (I mean it, some of us are hella queer.)
• In your 20's - 30's (we as a group are more comfortable with others around our own ages.)

Feel free to reply here or message me on Discord at Nubbins#8603.

I’m an incoming CS major, and I got 5s on AP Calc BC so I’m not taking Calc I and II. I also took calc III and linear algebra and got As in those, so I’m planning on taking the proficiency test for those classes.
If you’ve taken the proficiency tests for these classes, how difficult were they and how did you prepare for them?
I also want to get a math minor, so I was thinking of asking for permission to take Math 347 online this summer so it can help me towards my minor. That way I can take Math 441 fall semester hopefully, since 347 is a prerequisite.
If you’ve taken it, how difficult is Math 347? Is it harder to do it online and in an 8 week session? Any tips? Is it too difficult to take 441 as a freshman?
I also thought about self studying CS 124 this summer and taking the proficiency exam for that. However, I don’t have any CS experience beyond taking AP CS A in high school.
Do you think it is advisable to try and test out of CS 124?
Would it be too difficult to study for these proficiency exams on top of taking a summer math course?

Wow, I got this response from Tim’s customer support explaining why offers stopped appearing in my app this week.
(side note: Tim’s hasn’t managed to generate any offers for months that I’ve even been tempted to activate, so their algorithms actually suck when it comes to targeted advertising in my case!)
So, apparently Tim’s, instead of trying to entice a customer back to spend again with more or possibly better offers instead simply ‘punishes’ a ‘bad’ customer and stops generating any offers until (s)he makes a purchase again. And, I actually bought two coffees this week but still no offers. Guess I have to wait for next week’s refresh to get more non-tempting offers!
————-
xxxxxxxx (Tim Hortons)
Hi xxxxx,
Thank you for reaching out to Tim Hortons!
I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the time you have taken to let us know about the Offers missing from the app.
In order to qualify for Offers, you must have made a recent Tims Rewards purchase using your mobile app account or using your linked Rewards Card in the seven days prior to weekly Offers being sent out. Additionally, new accounts may not be eligible for Offers within the first week of the account being created.
If you do not receive next week's Offers, or if you believe that you should have received Offers this week, please reply to this email so that we can investigate further.
In the meantime, as an apology for the confusion, I have made sure to add 30 Points to your Rewards Balance. Please feel free to use these towards any future purchase with us.
Thank you and we look forward to serving you better soon.
Thanks,
xxxxxx

I've always wondered how someone could have 'anxiety and depression' the two together seemed like opposites, it never made sense to me until it happened. I've been depressed the majority of my life..I think it began when I was 12 or 13, I'm 31 now and some days just don't feel worth it anymore. I find myself isolating more and more. My dog is the only thing keeping me going. Any socializing feels like I'm just a burden to anyone or an annoyance. A big source of my anxiety comes from work too lately, I just feel like I'm not good enough and that even on our zooms/calls that when I speak everyone is annoyed at me for taking up any time at all.
I go through cycles of feeling too depressed to function, to being too anxious to sleep and my anxiety giving me digestive issues and overthinking (at least, I think it is probably contributed to that).
I don't enjoy anything I used to, self-care, cleaning, videogames, art.
For a very long time now my dream has been to go to Japan and I can finally afford to, but even that doesn't excite me - traveling in general was something I once loved, and now I can't plan a trip, because I can't find it in me to care.
The only thing that helps me is being outside in the sun, but sometimes that doesn't even work, and it's a struggle to get out some days.
​
I feel like a really dead/old cellphone, like the kind you need to charge several times a day, or the kind that you could leave charging overnight, and yet it still starts the day with a 70% battery. Every day...it's like I feel less and less capable of being human.
I used to try in everything I did and now I just feel like dying wouldn't be so bad, like a release from the sadness.
My friends try to encourage me to date, and I used to actually enjoy doing that, but now I can't even re-download a dating app because I feel like, who would want to be with me?
​
I'm glad I have my dog, I just wish I could be better for him. I don't know what I'd do without him, but certainly would probably not be here crying, so I guess it is better than I am able to live and feel, even if it is not always a good life, or good feelings.
I sit here and think of all the things good in my life, and that it is a life worth living - but I do this SO often..I feel it is probably not normal to have to convince oneself that life is good and worth it, but I have to so regularly..

What's the most adventurous food you've ever tried and would you do it again?

To fellow Redditors,
I posted this before, but now have ebook available as PDF and epub (no registering) and always free.
https://disabled101.wordpress.com/2023/05/30/download-pdf-for-book-disabled-101-adult-onset-disability-in-an-ableist-world/
In 2018, I developed an advanced stage 4 melanoma. I received immunotherapy that took me from being near death to in remission within 3 years.
The treatment was very toxic and I developed medical conditions and disabilities because of them.
It was a difficult journey to go through. I ve come through the otherside. Part of what helped me was to put everything I learned into a book (with my wife's help).
The book is about adapting to any adult onset disability and empowering your life
I've e-published the book for free and its available for free through Smashwords, kobo and other sites as a epub file. You may have to register with site -or- link at top for no registration.
There are no advertisements, no catch. I just want to try to help ppl who may be going through a similar situation. Its free.
Title: Disabled101: Adult Onset Disability in an Ableist World
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1394712?ref=
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/disabled-101-adult-onset-disability-in-an-ableist-world
Pls let me know if it helped you. Email is on copyright page.
Thanks. MJ Kuhn

The context: When I [F22] was 21, I had an anxiety attack in public on a Friday night and received a public intoxication charge. I won’t get into my side of the story, but I ended up with the charge at any rate.
I used my university’s legal services, and my lawyer and I pursued something called “alternative adjudication” because it was a first-time summary offense. It involved pleading “not guilty” and getting the court and officer to agree. All parties agreed, and I ended up completing 8 hours of community service. The case was then dismissed and it will be sealed by July or so. To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure what alternative adjudication or a summary offense exactly is.
The current issue: A background check I’m doing for a job is asking me to disclose the following:
“Have you ever been convicted of, pleaded guilty to or nolo contendere to a crime (felony or misdemeanor) OTHER than a traffic violation?… NOTE: Having a conviction dismissed does not necessarily mean it will not appear on your criminal record. NOTE: You must disclose a plea of guilty or nolo contendere even if adjudication was withheld. Failure to answer this question accurately could cause denial of employment or termination of employment… Any instances of the foregoing should be provided, even if you have been advised… that the record is sealed or expunged.”
The question: Should I answer yes or no? And could someone familiar with alternative adjudication explain why I should answer either way? I know I pleaded not guilty, but I’m getting tripped up by the use of the words “dismissed” and “adjudication” in the question. I reached out to legal services, but my lawyer left the university and the general email line hasn’t responded to the 3 emails I’ve sent, so I came here. Thank you so much in advance.

Just got a new gateway for an apartment I’m moving into. The activation process always fails when it tries to “find” the gateway after hitting the “check connection” button on the app. The router itself is functioning as I can connect to the network without any internet access (though I imagine this has to do with the modem side more). There is only one light on the gateway and when I connect the coax cable it goes from blinking orange to blinking green (which I think is indicating the coax outlet is live). Any ideas what to do?
Fyi I already tried the ol’ off and on

So, I've recently started playing around with trying to make different flavors for my sodas, and in particular, sugar-free ones, and I believe I've devised something pretty good; I was talking with someone about Kool-Aid, and came across a recipe for Kool-Aid soda syrup, which for those wondering, is 1 packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid in 2 cups of 1:1 ratio simple syrup.
Well, switch the 2C sugar for 2C Splenda, and you have a no heat, sugar-free simple syrup (unless you have access to preservatives, fridge any unused syrup and use it within a week or so for safety's sake). Add the Kool-Aid and mix well.
But, I took it another step and tried it with Crystal Light. And, buddy, is that good! I add two packets of Crystal Light to need less syrup per glass, but you still need about an ounce (2Tbsp or 30mL) per 8-oz (250mL) glass of soda. For some flavors, like orange or grape, you may need to add some additional acidity in the form of citric acid (around a tablespoon per 16-oz (500mL) batch, but experiment, see what tastes right to you), but see what you like, but be careful about flavors like teas; they like to foam.

Idk if it’s too late already but I have the SAT tomorrow and not sure if I should even take it. I haven’t studied up until this week and hasn’t been the best studying either. I’m a senior next year and not sure if I should take it tomorrow just incase somehow I get a good score of if I should reschedule for August. On the Psat I got a 950 from not trying so i’m not quite sure

Fledgling DM here. Been running a whimsical and violent 1-20 campaign for over a year now, but I feel like I haven’t thrown a real challenge at them in combat for a while—and the last time I did, it was with endless waves of enemies forcing them out of hiding, and I don’t want to do that to them EVERY time, you know?
So, I’m looking for any tips y’all might have on how to make combat challenging (I don’t just mean “deadly,” but I’ll take anything you’ve got on that as well).
I like running monsters and enemies from the manuals, but I also enjoy rolling my own PCs to use as key antagonists and villains (trying to learn the as many rules and characters as possible), but struggle to make them a challenge for my players. How much higher should my characters’ level be than theirs?