Not rude at all! You're paying for them. I always ask for specific ones if the sizes are noticeably different. I think most bakery people don't even think about it, they just grab whatever's closest. A simple "could I get that bigger one?" with a smile is totally fine. I'd overthink it too but honestly nobody working there is going to judge you for it.

My late husband and I had joint everything so I totally get the adjustment. When I started dating again the money stuff was honestly the most awkward part. What worked for us was kind of a loose system where whoever picked the restaurant paid, and the other person would get the next one. It wasn't perfectly equal but it took the weirdness out of it. For the really fancy places we'd just split it. I think the key is having one calm conversation about it when you're NOT at a restaurant and nobody's feelings are raw. Once you agree on a system it gets way easier.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. Family dynamics get so complicated when someone is seriously ill, and the old wounds tend to surface in the worst ways. If your nephew is keeping you updated even loosely, hold onto that connection. Sometimes the younger generation can bridge gaps the older one can't. Sending you strength.

We used Point.me last year for business class to London and it was honestly a game changer. You plug in your points balances and it shows you the best redemption options across all the programs. For October availability, most airlines release schedules about 330 days out so you should start seeing options soon. Set up alerts on Seats.aero too, that's how we snagged a Lufthansa first class award last minute.

Harpers Ferry is our go-to for a quick day trip, especially in the fall. If we have a full weekend we usually head to the Shenandoah Valley area, there are some really charming small towns along Route 11. Also love doing a random night at a B&B in Middleburg, feels like you're hours away but it's barely 45 min.

$25 each is totally fine for rec. We usually do a group collection from the team parents and get one bigger gift card per coach, like $50 Visa or Amazon. Takes the pressure off individual families too. A nice handwritten card from your kid goes a long way honestly.

Ugh I feel this so much. The worst part is when your kid tries to be brave about it and that somehow makes it hurt MORE. Plans change all the time honestly, especially this time of year with end of school chaos. I wouldn't read too much into it. Try again in a week or two - sometimes the second attempt is the one that sticks.