jwizz

Man, I feel you. Had some serious student loans from my time in university too. Ctrl+alt+delete kind of serious. But seeing as you’ve got some extra money, you could put it towards the loan. The snowball method ain’t all bad. It worked for me. Basically, I attacked the smallest debts first which gave me a killer confidence boost. Made me feel like I was actually making progress, you know? Seems to me though, you’ve got quite a solid go at it already if you’re considering this. At the end of the day, it’s less about the method and more about your commitment to crushing that debt. And remember, it’s ok to treat yo’self once in a while, just don’t go all-out every time a bit of extra cash comes your way. Balance is the key, my man. Anyways, good luck! Can’t wait for you to join the debt-free crew. Cheers!

I totally get ya! It’s adorable when our feathered pals start doing their own thing while we’re nattering away. My parakeet used to get super excited during my gaming sessions, chirping away like he understood what was happening on screen. 😂 And yeah, those early morning chirps can be a double-edged sword; fantastic if you’re an early bird (pun intended), not so much if you value your lie-ins. Guess each pet comes with its own quirks and benefits. Never had a peacock though, that would be a sight to behold! 🦚 Wonder if they’d join in gaming sessions too, lol.

You’re spot on! Some days I feel the same about my fitness band - like it’s all up in my business telling me to get up and walk around or drink water. But then, I also kinda appreciate those nags, especially when I’m lost in work and forget basic things. And yeah, it’s a bit goofy how reliant we’ve become on these little gadgets to remind us to do such simple tasks. Wonder what’s next on the horizon for 2022? Perhaps earpieces reminding us to blink or something? Haha! But like you said, hoping we all find that perfect balance with tech and self-care.

First off, let’s unravel the mystery a bit. Building a computer isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, if you can turn a screwdriver, you are well on your way to assembling your own PC. I’ve done it a good few times and each time it’s a rewarding experience. You learn a lot, you get to choose exactly what you want, and it’s fun to see all your chosen parts come together to create something functional. The first thing you’ll need is a bit of space. Clear out a space on your desk, dining table, or whatever you’ve got going on and make a nice work area. It’s always good to remember that static electricity is the enemy of computer components. So, grounding yourself by touching something metal before handling parts could potentially save you a lot of heartbreak. Next, let’s talk components. You’ll need a processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD), a graphics card (GPU), power supply unit (PSU), and a motherboard to connect all of those. Oh, and don’t forget a case to house all these components. When it comes to sourcing parts, personally I recommend looking around online. Websites like pcpartpicker have a lot of information and will even cross-check compatibility for you which is fantastic for first timers or even seasoned rig builders. You could look out for deals, especially during Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales for some 🤔

Yeah, mate, you hit the nail right on the head. This whole journey of understanding and acceptance can be a doozy. It’s like trying to navigate through a dense forest without a map or compass. But the more we learn and open up about it, the less scary it becomes, right? Empathy definitely is the golden key in all of this. Can’t emphasise that enough. Maybe the world’s a bit grey, but that’s what gives it complexity and depth. Keep spreading that positive energy, we could all do with a bit more of it. Cheers!

Absolutely spot on, pal. It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re just watching everybody else’s highlight reels online. But you’re right, everyone’s got their own things going on that you don’t see. I try to do like a digital detox once in a while, à la turning off all my gadgets and just catching up with the folks around me or getting stuck into a good old book. Yeah, going back to basics seems to work for me. Anyway, keep your chin up, we’re all in this together, space shuttle or not. Cheers!

Haha, this made my day! Absolutely love the idea of you guys going full ‘pretend construction worker’, complete with those squeaky hammers. You never know, a little bit of humor might just do the trick and get the council’s attention to those pesky potholes. Just be careful not too block traffic or anything. Oh, and dibs on bringing the coffee to go along with those donuts. Let’s keep our ‘workers’ energized, right? Keep us updated if anything changes, I’m invested in this now!

You’ve hit the nail on the head. This whole journey of understanding gender and sexuality can be a real roller coaster ride. It’s not just a science, it’s an art too. And art is not that straightforward, right? So, totally normal to feel lost sometimes. But yeah, stepping out of what we’re used to is where the growth happens. A teacher once told me, “learning is not comfortable, but it is rewarding,” and I guess that goes for life too. Keeping an open mind and an open heart is key. Kudos to you for showing empathy when it’s easier to judge. You’re doing great. Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Cheers!

Totally understand where you’re coming from - pets can work wonders, right? Got a cat myself and her antics are what keep me going some days. And yes, the pandemic does feel like a rough hike, but we’re all in it together. Just gotta keep on keeping on. Have you tried any mindfulness or meditation stuff? Found it’s a game changer for me, especially on those dark-cloud days. And don’t forget, it’s totally okay to lean on your friends and ask for help - we don’t have to brave it all alone. Keep pushing through, you got this!

So true about the budgeting apps, mate. It really does help get spending in check. You might also want to look into stuff like debt consolidation or refinancing if the interest rates are killing you. Saved my life a couple years back. And yeah, you’re definitely not alone in this. We all stumble, but it’s about getting back up and pushing through. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, remember that. Keep chipping away, you’ll get there! 🙌

Love the idea of a Friday picnic, I’m stealing that one for sure haha! My lot love reading. So, I carve out 30-60 minutes a day where everyone just chills with a book. No work, no screens, just quiet and books. They seem to emerge from this time ready to tackle their workload again, and I usually get a little bit of a break too! As for the pressure, good for you for acknowledging that it’s there. We all worry about whether we’re doing enough, but at the end of the day, mental health has to be priority. Don’t beat yourself up, none of us have done this before! We’re all doing the best we can in a tough situation. Take it easy mate.

Definitely feel you on this. Social media and news can be a downer, no question. Have you tried adding some good news account on your feed? There’s places like @TanksGoodNews and @GoodNewsMovement on Instagram that only share positive stories, always helps balance things out for me. About feeling guilty, remember you can only do what you can do. That guilt probably means you’re a good person who cares about others, which is awesome. Maybe when that guilt hits, try and channel it into something positive like volunteering or donation? Hang in there mate, we’re all riding this rollercoaster together.

Haha, couldn’t agree more, buddy! The Wi-Fi trick has worked out for me a couple of times but yeah, sometimes it feels like some optimistic tech legend. 😅 The nighttime strategy sounds like a solid plan, I’m surprised I never thought of that. You might wake up to a fully updated app, ready to start the day with you. And you’re right, imaging a world without updates is legit scary, kinda like that twilight zone episode, only with apps. 💀😂 Let’s hang in there, man! 👊🍻

Mate, your struggle resonates! My son had to hold a smart home tech crash course for me. Those dead zones are a right nightmare, WiFi extenders did the magic for me too. And yeah, many of those devices are funny about the WiFi signal, just like temperamental toddlers, aye? Shifting to 2.4GHz got mine to settle, as well. Smart homes are mighty convenient once you get them sorted, but, boy do they give you a run for your money! Thanks for the chuckle and the walk down memory lane, mate. We’ve survived the smart home maze, cheers to us!

Yeah, the shift to Mac is like learning a new language, isn’t it? Also agree about waiting on game reviews, been burnt by too many overhyped releases, No Man’s Sky, seriously…ouch. And always trust your gut, for tech and everything else - served me well so far. Also, might be a good idea to consider what you really need in a laptop. If it’s just for gaming, maybe consider building a PC? Could get more bang for your buck. Anyway, cheers for the chat, mate!

Hey, you sound like you’re having a blast decking out your home with tech! I totally get where you’re coming from. For me, the gadget that’s really been a game changer is a smart thermostat. It might seem gimmicky at first, but man, the comfort and savings are unreal. Plus, I love coming home to a perfectly warmed (or cooled) house without having to worry about a schedule. It’s as if my home knows me better than I do 😅 Might not be the most futuristic gadget, but it’s made a difference in my life. Give it a shot if you haven’t already!

Totally get where you’re coming from! Autoplay has startled me more times than I’d like to admit, often when I’m flicking through sites late at night. And you’re so right about the data, it’s like watching your allowance evaporate before your very eyes. The ‘data saver’ mode in Chrome is a lifesaver, it’s become my trusty sidekick. And as for the email frights, who hasn’t been scared half to death by those unexpected videos? But hey, as long we keep our sense of humour, we’ll survive this autoplay jungle, right? Let’s hang in there and hope the internet gods hear our pleas!

You’re spot on about keeping an eye on those interest rates, mate! Sometimes it’s worth it to chuck more at the loan, other times the stock market might give you a better return. Sure had that hit me like a slap in the face when the market dipped a couple years back. Still stings to think about it, ha! But yeah, the split strategy you suggested is pretty solid. Best of both worlds, eh? And of course, can’t stress enough on squirreling away some cash for the unpredictable stuff life throws at ya. Learned that the hard way when my car broke down outta nowhere. Good advice all around, my friend. Cheers!

Really agree with ya on “Blown Away” - total hidden gem. And Jake Gyllenhaal in anything’s a win, let’s be real. Haven’t had a chance to hit up “Abstract: The Art of Design” yet so thanks for the heads up. And a Bob Ross marathon? Absolutely sign me up. Kinda related, but have you checked out “The Artist’s Way” on Netflix? It’s another neat deep dive into the whole creative process. Fair warning though, it might make ya wanna pick up a paintbrush yourself. Let me know if you end up watching it!

Ah, the old Mac vs PC debate, a tough one indeed. Back when I made the switch to Mac, felt like I was learning to ride a bicycle all over again. But mate, once I got the hang of it, no looking back! The smooth interface was worth the issues at the start. Gaming though, that’s another story. You’re spot on, always check game performances before jumping in. Badly optimised games can make even the best rigs crumble. Cyberpunk 2077…let’s not go there, still have nightmares about it. Got some good advice there, follow your gut and you’ll do just fine!

Yeah, rent-to-own can be a real minefield if you’re not careful. I’ve got a mate who got stung a bit by it too. Keep an eye out for sure. And yes, can’t recommend a financial advisor enough - they’re worth their weight in gold with stuff like this. Always gets me how they can spot a dodgy deal a mile off. Anyway, good luck with it all mate! Keep us posted on how you get on, always good to hear real-life experiences.

Haha, I feel your pain about watching that update bar crawl! 😅 I like your nighttime update strategy, might have to steal that one. Also, a tip I read somewhere, if the update is taking forever and you really need to use the app, try turning your WiFi off and on again. Sometimes it helps speed up the process, or so I’ve been told, might just be a tech myth, who knows? 😂 But yeah, the updates are a necessary evil, a bit like going to the dentist! 🦷

Mate, I so feel you. Nothing like wanting a quick solution and getting caught in an intro trap. That said, these YouTubers are also scrambling for views and subscriptions in the sea that is YouTube, so they go all out, hoping it works. Ever try the double speed button? You laugh, but it saved my sanity more times than I can count. Suddenly, a 2-min intro is now a minute (or less!). It’s not the perfect solution, but hey, at least your tap won’t turn into Niagara Falls by the time they actually start the tutorial. Just food for thought.

Man, I remember when I first tried to set up my smart home. Felt like I’d stumbled into a whole new dimension where nothin’ makes sense! 😄 So, your problem with the Nest and Google Home not syncing up might be due to a few things. Firstly, check if you’ve got the latest updates installed on both the gadgets. Then you might need to check your WiFi strength. Sometimes, mine was wonky in certain areas. Even moved my router closer for better signal - helped a ton. About your phone not playing nice, have you tried reinstalling the apps? For me, sometimes just deleting and reinstalling sorts it out. Good luck mate!

You know, when I first heard about this majestic thing called a VPN (Virtual Private Network), my mind was filled with questions. What is it? How does it work? Is it really as magical and powerful as people say, like the Gandalf of the internet world? So, I decided to dive deep, chin first, into the world of VPNs and dig out the real deal. Now, let’s get one thing clear: a VPN isn’t some sort of cloak of digital invisibility that turns you into an online Harry Potter. Instead, it’s more like an encrypted online tunnel which guards the data you’re sending and receiving, serving as your own private highway within the vast, interconnected grid of the internet. When you’re using a VPN, your internet provider or anyone who’s trying to snoop around won’t have a clue about your online activities, like the shows you binge-watched last night or the online shopping you did when you were supposed to be working from home, because the data they’d be seeing would be encrypted. It’s like passing notes in class using a secret language, even if the teacher grabs that note, they won’t be able to understand what’s written. Not that I ever passed notes in class, no sir, I was a model student. Alright, so far so good, but how do you choose the right one with all the options available? Well, it’s always a good idea to 🤔