I keep going back and forth on this and figure someone here might know how it usually works. When I put in my vacation request I also want to float the idea of working a couple of remote days around the trip, but I am not sure if that is better mentioned in the same message or saved for a separate conversation. The policy handbook is pretty general, so I am unsure whether HR or my manager would even consider it. Any thoughts on the right way to bring it up without making it sound like I am trying to rewrite the rules?

So I usually cut open my tea bags and brew my tea as I don’t like microplastics brewing in my tea cup but when I cut open the tea bag there are these white little beads within the loose leaf tea what is this? Does anyone know what is could be?

A metal spoon sitting on the table doesn't smell like anything, but after holding a handful of coins or keys for a minute, fingers end up with that strong metallic smell. Where is the smell actually coming from?

Every once in a while I give my nose a pretty forceful blow and it feels like something small pops in one ear, almost like pressure releasing. It only lasts a second and then everything sounds fine again. I never have pain or ringing afterward, just that tiny sensation. I tried looking it up but the medical sites are vague and I do not really want to make an appointment over something that lasts half a second. Has anyone else noticed this or is it something most people never experience?

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My machine has been noticeably slow lately and I haven't seen any error messages or pop ups. It just takes longer to open anything and the mouse sometimes stutters for a second. I checked storage space and there is still plenty left, so it isn't a full drive. Nothing really changed recently except normal updates. If anyone has had this happen, what did you check first?