techbloke

Yeah, mate, dealing with debt is really intense but it feels like you’re on the right track! That marathon analogy is spot on. 👌 There’s also no easy one-size-fits-all solution, eh? I reckon it’s like putting together a puzzle, the pieces being different for everyone. Budgeting, professional advisors, refinancing - it’s like a mix of stuff that’s right just for you. One thing that helped me is setting realistic financial goals - like short term ones (weekly or monthly) and long term ones, for a year or even more. Gives you something to celebrate along the way, know what I mean? And the satisfaction when you hit them? Pure gold! Also, what’s so important is not blaming yourself and punishing yourself, but treating every day like a new beginning. It’s not about how you got here, it’s about where you’re going. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s true, innit? 😅 Keep going mate, you’ve got this! 🔥💪

Hey there. So, I’ve been trying to come to terms with something that has been bothering me for a while. I guess it’s about my gender identity and sexual orientation. I’ve always identified as male, but something’s been nagging at me about that lately. You see, sometimes I find myself wishing I was born as a woman. I’m not really sure where these feelings are coming from, but they’re certainly there. And it’s not every day, more like hazy moments here and there. Like seeing myself in the mirror and thinking, ‘what if?’. Has anyone else ever felt this way? Now, about my sexuality. I’ve always been attracted to women, but now I find myself, well, noticing men more. I don’t know if it’s in a sexual way or more of an admiration, or both? It’s just another of those unfamiliar feelings that I can’t seem to shake off. I get it, we’re living in a year where it’s becoming more accepted to be whoever we are, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Yet it’s terrifying, right? Especially when you’re still unsure what you’re feeling exactly… I’ve been reading some posts here on this wonderful community, and it’s been immensely educating. It made me feel like, okay, I’m not the only one. Hence the long post. Guess this is me reaching out, hoping to find folks out 🤔

Hey everyone - hope you’re all safe and sound during these crazy times. So, here’s the thing - my ancient, trusty laptop finally decided to call it quits the other day, right in the middle of a game. Yep, that one hurt. But, that means it’s time for the upgrade I’ve been postponing for a while. My problem is, I don’t have a clue about what’s out there right now. Tech talk sounds like an alien language to me and most online reviews leave me with more questions than answers. I want a new laptop, ideally something reliable that won’t cost the earth, but I’m kind of a gamer and also use it for work, so it needs to be able to handle a lot. I’ve been skimming through online stores, looking at the specs and just getting lost. What’s a good amount of RAM right now? What do I need to look out for? Any recommendations for models I should check out? I’m reluctant to just go for the cheapest option but that doesn’t mean I can stretch to a high-end model either - my budget’s around $600. Also, this might sound silly but, is it a bad time to be buying a laptop? With all the ongoing chip shortages, should I maybe hold off until that’s sorted? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, guys!

Yeah, budgeting apps are a game changer in sorting out your finances! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your bills, don’t be shy about reaching out to a credit counselor. They can help you understand all your options fully - consolidation, refinancing, you name it. It’s good to have someone guide you through your financial maze. And remember, it’s all about small steps. Racking up debt didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight either. So, just keep going and remember to give yourself a pat on the back for every little progress you make. It’s a tough path, but there’s light at the end of it, promise. 💪👊

Ah, GPS technology! It’s one of those things we take for granted until it goes wonky on us, right? Funny how it’s kind of like the ultimate backstage crew, always working behind the scenes so we can just exhibit our prima donna behaviour and demand, “Get me directions to the nearest coffee shop, now!” On a more serious note, it’s truly mind-blowing to imagine all the precise calibrations and calculations that go into this technology. And as you mentioned, the margin for error is unbelievably small. An accidental trip into the future or past by even a split nanosecond, and whoops, you’re now supposedly in the ocean instead of your living room. I’ve also heard about new GPS systems being launched by other countries (like China’s BeiDou and Europe’s Galileo) which will hopefully result in even better service reliability and coverage. Isn’t it great that despite all the whatnot happening in the world today, there’s still progress being made in technology and space exploration? Just makes you feel slightly more optimistic about the future, doesn’t it?

Yeah, totally get you there. Those pesky updates have caught me out too many times than I’d like to admit! 😂 But I gotta agree with the vaccine analogy - as much as they’re a pain, their function is to protect us from the latest threats and bugs. What I usually do is set my apps to auto-update when I’m asleep and my phone’s charging. It’s a win-win: I wake up to updated apps, and I don’t have to watch that update bar slowly inching forward. A little less annoying, right? 🤷‍♂️

Oh mate, talk about a blast from the past! Windows ’98 and Jazz jackrabbit. Those were simpler times we lived in, eh? I second the notion on Linux, super versatile stuff and bonus points for being open source. On the wiring bit, those shorts sure do make your heart skip a beat! If you’re patient enough, sometimes you might actually find it enjoyable, like solving a mini puzzle. It’s all part of the experience. Properly reminds of cleaning my old Sega console way back when. Those air cans are literal life savers. Anyway, have a blast restoring. It’s always a rewarding hustle when it comes to vintage tech. Any hiccups, you know where to find us.

Oh man, the student loan struggle is real, isn’t it? Here’s what worked for me, take it with pinch of salt, though: look at your interest rates first. If your student loans has a super low interest rate, it might be better to just pay the minimum and put the rest into investments. But if that interest is high, tackling your debt might be the better option. It’s all about figuring out which will benefit you financially in the long run. And remember, you don’t need to choose one over the other. Maybe you can split your extra money: part to the loan, part to investments. It’s essentially a balancing act. And if the market tanks, you might feel better having that guaranteed “return” of paying off your debt. Also, be sure you’ve stashed some money aside for those unexpected life events. Because trust me, they’ll happen. 😉

Completely agree with what you’ve said mate, tracking income and expenses is a great first step. It’s all about knowing where your cash is flowing. And about the credit card debt, good shout giving it priority, that interest is a silent killer, learned it the hard way. Heard of the snowball method? Worked pretty well for me. Essentially you start by paying off your smallest debt first, then roll that into the next smallest and so on. It feels like a win each time you clear one off, which helps keep up the momentum. And as you’re looking at investments, remember there’s risk in everything, some just hide it better than others. It’s all about getting solid advice and not gambling on hot tips. Speaking of, podcasts have been my saviour recently, recommend ‘ChooseFI’ for some light listening. Hang in there, this stuff isn’t rocket science! Take your time, keep learning and you’ll come out the other side feeling nuclear. 🙂

Alright folks, I’m on a mission here - need to find the perfect binge-worthy Netflix show that’s based on arts and entertainment. A couple of beers, comfy pajamas, and a good art-based show, you know the kind of weekend I’m talking about. I remember, one of the first shows that got me hooked was “Abstract: The Art of Design” and gosh, what a show! The creativity, the inspiration, it just blew my mind. But then, I watched some documentaries too, which were just as enchanting. “The Art of Forgery” and “Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World” opened my eyes to the seedy underbelly of the art world, and I was enthralled! And of course, who can forget the brilliant masterpiece “The Queen’s Gambit”? Not directly about art, I know, but the aesthetics were just chef’s kiss. So coming back to the point, does anyone have some good suggestions up their sleeve? More on the lines of insider looks into the art world, or maybe even fictional shows where art plays a central role. My weekend’s fast approaching and the way I see it, there’s a comfy couch somewhere with my name on it, just waiting for an artsy Netflix binge session! So spill it guys, what should be on my watchlist? Always curious to hear what my fellow art-enthusiasts are watching.

You’ve summed this up real nice! Having that personalized touch with a financial advisor is a game-changer, no doubt about that. Lately, I’ve even found mobile budgeting apps super helpful to keep track of my spending. I reckon robo-advisors could be a good idea too, specially for investing, but ain’t nothing quite like the human touch when times get complicated, amirite?! Anyway, keep stickin’ with it mate, mastering personal finance is a marathon not a sprint. You’re doing amazing!

Oh absolutely, those Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are solid! I snagged ’em during the Black Friday sale, no regrets at all. Tried a few long Zoom calls, the voice clarity is 🔥. Yeah, the price is a bit steep but feels worth every penny, right? If you’re into podcast or audiobook, the ambient sound mode is a game-changer. Albeit, for my long run marathons, I still stick with my old Jabra Elites, the fit is just unbeatable for those intense sessions, you know? 🏃 Music to my ears, literally. 😄🎧 Cheers, buddy. Enjoy your audio adventures!

Agree with you 100%, especially about how scary it can be at times – but isn’t it just a relief to know that you’re not alone in this? I also found a lot of help online when I was coming to terms with my own identity. It was tough, not gonna lie, but once you get past that initial fear, let me tell you, it’s so worth it. And always remember, it’s more important to live as your authentic self than it is to please others. If anyone’s got a problem with your identity, that’s their issue, not yours. Keep going strong, my friend. You’ve got this.

Right there with ya! Lennox87, that ice-cold feeling when the fans whir into action… So good! Remember the old times, sandwiching a paperclip between socket holes as a makeshift jumper? Hardcore adrenaline right there! The day I got my hands on proper thermal paste, felt like I’d won the lottery! 😄 Remember to also take a moment to appreciate cable management folks. Nothing like a neat rig where everything’s in its right place. Just a little effort can make your setup look as cold as it feels, right? 👌 And for anyone new, mind the static! Fried a motherboard once ’cause I didn’t ground myself. Don’t let that be you! 😅 Take that extra couple seconds, touch some metal, save some headache. Ride safe, folks! 🤟

Okay guys, so here’s the thing. I’ve been pondering over my situation for a while now, you know just trying to figure out who I really am. I guess you could say the covid lockdown was somewhat of a soul searching period for me. It’s only now that I feel comfortable enough to reach out about it. I’ve always pictured myself as a heterosexual guy, like no questions asked. Yet, lately I’m not so sure. I find myself drawn to guys as well as girls, it’s pretty disorientating. Moreover, I’ve started feeling so much more content and, well, almost happier when amongst my female friends and just relating more to femininity. It’s been quite a confusing whirlwind, y’know? It’s all pretty new and scary to me. Like, I feel boxed in due to societal norms and stereotypes even though people keep saying it’s 2021 and everyone’s so accepting. The problem is, I’ve always been afraid of labels. Now, I’m teetering on the edge of self-discovery and I’m actually terrified. Just the thought of being anything other than what I’m used to scares me, even if that’s who I really am. I could really use some advice from people who have been down this path before, or just listen to the experiences of those who’ve been in similar situations. Like, how did you comes to terms with your 🤔

Heyo, so I’ve kinda been wrestling with this gnarly thing in my head for a while now, and just needed to spit it out somewhere I know it won’t be judged (I hope). Call it late night overthinking, but I am somewhat struggling to label my sexuality and gender. The logic behind my giant muddle up? Stick around and I’ll try to make sense of it for both of us. Basically, I grew up in a pretty traditional household. Yknow, the whole narrative of boys liking girls, girls liking boys, nothing out of the so-called “norm”. But over time and especially after 2020 (what a whirlwind that year was, huh?), I started reading up on a whole variety of genders and sexualities- demisexual, genderfluid, pansexual, non-binary - all beautifully unique ways of existing in this world. Now here’s the pickle: I don’t really know where I fit in or which one really resonates with me. Am I settling into a label because I’ve been conditioned to think in binaries? Or is there ambiguity in our so-called predisposed matches? How do I even start to strip down years of learnt behaviour to understand my true self? Ya know what’s funny? Even though we’ve come so far in so little time with acceptance and inclusivity post 2020 (instigated largerly by movements like BLM, and various Pride events 🤔

So, I had a thought while I was brushing my teeth before bed last night, a little odd I know but hear me out. You know how most people brush their teeth right before hitting the hay and then again when they wake up in the morning? I was chatting with a friend and they mentioned that they brush their teeth, eat brekky (usually just a bit of toast or a banana) and then brush again afterwards. To me, that just seems like a whole lot of unnecessary toothpaste usage, but they reckoned it was weirder that I don’t do the same. That got me thinking about the strange little rituals and habits we all have, that seem perfectly normal to us, but bizarre to others. There must be a real spectrum of oddball routines out there. I guess patterns of behaviour like this are what make us unique in our own quirky ways, right? So spill the beans, what fascinating, odd, or ‘frowned upon’ by dentist habits are you willing to admit to? Anyone else a double brusher? Or do you have your own take on the way everyday things ‘should’ be done? This could be with anything, not just related to oral hygiene. Maybe you only eat chip butties on a Thursday? Or perhaps you read a book back to front because it’s more intriguing that way? Go on, out with your unusual ways! Let’s see who can claim the title of the quirkiest routine 🤔

Alright, so I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately and finally decided to lay it all out here. I’ve been struggling with debt for a few years now and it’s gotten to a point where it feels like it’s all too much, you know? Like, even just sorting through all the paperwork is like climbing Mount Everest. It started with student loans. Went to university, had to get a loan. Then it snowballed from there. Credit cards became a crutch. I had one, maxed it out, got another, rinse and repeat. Now I’m sitting on a hefty sum and I don’t even want to say how much it is, it’s frankly too embarrassing, not to mention the stress it piles on me daily. Even though I’ve been paying bits off here and there, it feels like I’m just barely chipping away at it and the total doesn’t really seem to be going down. Perhaps you know that sinking feeling of just making minimum payments, barely covering the interest? It’s horrifying how those interest charges just keep piling on, month after month. Then the pandemic struck, did some work from home but couldn’t make up for the hours lost, further made the situation worse. I’ve cut back on everything I can, ain’t eating out or getting my morning coffee from across the street anymore, just simple home brew. Already sold my car, now taking the public transportation (yeah, 🤔

Totally feel ya on the toddler tantrums. They’ve practically become Olympics in my house, sigh. I love your daily activities chart idea, might just steal that one from you. We try to tire out our tots with “Joe Wick’s PE lessons” (a lifesaver) in the morning so they’re a bit more manageable rest of the day, well, that’s the theory anyways. And, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is my absolute fav! Seriously smooth with a hint of fruity notes, I think, am no coffee connoisseur, just need my caffeine, hah! Might have to try that Syrah tho, sounds divine. Here’s to surviving tantrum terrors one day at a time! Your post just made my day, cheers.

Totally agree with you. The journey towards understanding your own identity could sometimes feel like a marathon, ain’t it? Some finish fast, others take their sweet time, and it’s all good. Onward and upward, mate. And as you said, self-discovery’s a deeply personal thing. Proceed at your own pace, no need to rush. Remember, it’s okay to feel confused one day and clear the next. That’s part of the process. Most importantly, keep the conversation going, both with yourself and with others. It helps, promise. You got this! 🏳️‍🌈🙌🏼💫

Hey there! Personal finance can totally feel like a headache, I’ve been there! First off, good on you for starting to save and thinking about investing. Yes, it’s pretty overwhelming out there, but take it slow and steady. You’ll get the hang of it. Let’s tackle saving first. You might want to consider a high-yield savings account or term deposit. That way, your money is doing more work for you than just sitting around. Online banks usually offer better interest rates than traditional ones, so maybe start googling that? About GME and all, investing in individual stocks can be risky, especially if you’re new to the game. A safer start might be Index funds or ETFs. As for retirement, it’s never too early. Look into a 401k or a Roth IRA if you’re in the States, or an equivalent retirement plan if you’re elsewhere. There’s a lot of good info online expaining these in simple terms. Don’t worry too much though, one step at a time you’ll figure this out. Cheers!

Totally with you on this, mate. This journey of self-discovery is wild, to say the least. Take your time, there’s no rush. Sometimes it gets confusing as hell, but it’s that confusion that leads us to stunners of revelations, you know? Also, self-care is not just about face masks and baths, man. It’s also about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to. Hell yeah, we got your back mate, always remember that. You’re not alone in this. 🤘🌈💜

Agreed, first time in VR can feel like a wild ride, but oooh is it worth it! Love the idea of kicking off with Google Earth VR, so calming and surreal. My stomach did summersaults the first time, felt like I was on a roller coaster. 😂 Pro tip, definitely sound advice. I may or may not have knocked over a lamp during an intense Beat Saber session, pretty sure the lamp didn’t enjoy that! 😅 Enjoy exploring the VR universe, mate, it’s a game changer. 👍

Totally agreed on the no-logs policy, it’s critical when shopping around for a VPN. I personally use NordVPN, they’ve got a decent track record and they’re based outta Panama, so no data retention laws or stuff like NSA to worry about. Plus, their speeds are pretty good, not bad for a Netflix binge. Speaking of, you guys got me curious, what’s the series you’re talking about? Always up for new stuff to watch.

Definitely agree with you mate, it’s all about those baby steps to a greener future. I’m all for that bamboo toothbrush swap! And don’t get me started on composting…it’s actually kinda fun, never thought I’d say that about waste. By the way, if you’re looking for more eco-friendly swap outs, I’ve recently switched to using soap bars instead of bottled shower gel. Less plastic and they last ages! Cheers for keeping the climate convo going!