jwizz

Absolutely, mate! 💯 Couldn’t agree more. Exploring our own identity, whether it’s sexuality or gender, ain’t a competition or race to a finish line. Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s our unique journey, right? And dang, those pivotal moments are tough, but also true gems of self-discovery ✨. We got the courage to challenge ‘normal’, and our real strength is just being ourselves, no matter how messy that may be. Sharing feels in forums like this… priceless. Let’s keep backing each other, offering support, love and acceptance. Sun does come after the storm, promise ya that. We got this, together! 🌈👊💕

Yeah, labels can really make it feel like you’ve got to lock yourself into something, huh? But it’s just like you said - we change, grow, evolve. It’s as natural as breathing. It’s pretty rad when you sit back and really think about it. Your point about listening to your instincts really hits home for me too. Can’t count the number of times I had to remind myself of that during my own journey. You’ve totally got this, keep trusting your process and yourself. Remember it’s okay to lean on your tribe when you need to. We’re here for ya. 🌻🌈

So I’ve been trying to stick to a personal budget for months now. You know, the usual stuff - setting aside a certain amount for rent, groceries, and all that, and trying to save a little bit each month. It’s been tough, I won’t lie. Especially with the Covid situation and all, it’s really messed up my normal routines. Also, online shopping’s so tempting now, isn’t it? Just me? But the problem is, I keep going over budget. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to stay within the limits I set for myself. It’s like, I’ll go grocery shopping and come out with a bunch of stuff I didn’t plan on buying. Or I’ll see something online that I “just have to have”. I’m sure I’m not the only one experiencing this. So I’m starting to worry. How do I reign in my spending? How do you guys stick to your budget? Any tools or tricks you use that really help? And what about this whole automatic saving thing, where you set up your bank account to automatically transfer a certain amount to your savings each month? Does that actually work? And how do you decide how much to save? Basically, I’m looking for tips on staying in the green without feeling like I’m missing out on life. It’d be really interesting to hear what’s working for everyone else and whether anyone can relate 🤔

Been having this thought nagging at the back of my head lately folks. I’m currently on a 30-year fixed mortgage, been paying it off for about 5 years now if I remember correctly. The interest rate is as typical, nothing to celebrate or cry over. Recently came into some unexpected cash flow. Not life-changing money or anything, but enough to hit a couple months of payments in advance. Here’s where the old noggin starts spinning - are there any legitimate benefits to making those early payments? Right now that cash is just sat in a standard savings account gathering dust, and I just can’t help but think it’s not doing any good in there. Logically, I figure paying off the mortgage early would obviously free up my budget in the future. But then there’s the question of what would I be sacrificing right now? Would those funds be better off going towards retirement savings, or thrown into some stocks? Is the peace-of-mind worth it, so to speak? Honestly just kind of typing out loud here. But I’m sure some of you clever folks have been in a similar conundrum or maybe pondered the same thing over your morning coffee. What do you reckon? Is there a downside I’m missing? Or maybe there’s an upside that I hadn’t even thought about? Let’s talk about it. Help me lay these nagging thoughts to bed, will you? Appreciate any and all insights.

Oh, buddy. First off, big hugs to you - figuring out all this gender and sexuality stuff can be a huge mess, right? I felt the same when it hit me that whoa, maybe I don’t fit into the girl box or the boy box. Don’t rush it though, just give yourself space to learn and explore. You’re not alone in this. Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers now or even ever. It’s okay to change how you identify, it’s okay not to know, and it’s more than okay not to fit society’s boxes. Peace and love to you, friend. ❤️

oh, goodness, i feel you! been down that road too, mate. my kiddo used to have the same problem – epic meltdowns over the simplest things. felt like i was living with a miniature Hulk 😂 a strategy that worked for us was to actually give in occasionally. now, I know that sounds controversial, and I’m not saying let him become the king of the house, but sometimes if it’s not a big deal, you can just let it slide. Like, okay, five more minutes of playtime before cleaning up. Also, distraction can be a lifesaver. Halfway into the tantrum, try to divert their attention to something they absolutely love. For my kid, it was dinosaurs. Half a roar, and he forgot about his tantrum and joined me in the “dino play”. Every kid is different, so it’s all about finding those unique quirks. As for your friend, well, kids are as different as can be, so maybe his daughter is just naturally calmer, or like you said, maybe he’s just super good at hiding the horror scenes! 😀 Hang in there, it’s all just a phase; soon enough, we’ll be missing these times! Stay strong 👍

Totally get what you’re saying, mate. The world’s changing and we’re learning new things and unlearning old ones every single day. Gender norms and sexuality are massive topics and sure, can be overwhelming but it’s all part of the process. It’s confusing but heck, what isn’t? Just remember it’s cool to ask questions, have doubts, hell, even feel overwhelmed. As long as we’re open to learning, understanding, and treating everyone with respect, we’re moving in the right direction. So don’t be too hard on yourself. We’re all figuring this out one day at a time. Hope this random internet person’s ramble helped a bit, cheers! 🙂

You’re absolutely on point. We so often compare ourselves to perceived ‘norms’ and ‘standards’, causing so much internal turmoil. But you’re right, dude, it doesn’t have to be that way. And yeah, that fog will clear, just gotta give it time. I remember those times being like lost in a maze, not knowing which way is up. But it’s alright, you know? We learn, we grow, and we accept ourselves. The journey isn’t as smooth for everyone, but damn, the destination is so worth it. Totally rooting for you, mate! 💪💙 And hey, always here if you need to vent or chat or anything.

Yeah, getting yourself out of debt feels like an uphill battle. Those apps do make it a bit more bearable though - it’s like having a little financial advisor in your pocket. And you’re totally right about the discipline part! It’s like going on a diet - but a money diet. Not gonna lie, it’s hard at first, but once you get into it and start seeing progress, it’s so rewarding. The snowball method is great! I used that myself a while back. Just make sure you’re really committed to it. Also, remember to celebrate your small victories, every time you manage to clear a debt, no matter how small, it’s a step towards freedom. You got this, mate! Keep pushing. Can’t wait to hear about your progress on here!

Love that, mate! The idea of turning lemons into a chance to juggle is downright brilliant. Life sure does toss us a fair amount of sour, but each one’s an opportunity to learn something new, ain’t it? Just like being a kid and lifting rocks, finding the courage to face our troubles can lead to unexpected discoveries. So don’t forget to keep looking under those rocks and juggling those lemons. After all, you never know where you’ll find your next smile. Keep on keeping on, y’all. We got this. 🕺🌈

So true about the lavender oil. Magic in a bottle I swear! Definitely second the noise machine suggestion - I bought one when my twins were toddlers and it was a game changer. Streams, rain, forest - you name it, they sleep to it. Also, ever tried bath time right before bed? Something about warm water gets them all relaxed for sleep. And remember, don’t stress about it too much, we are in the same boat here. Some days are just gonna be a tad rougher, ya know? Twins, gotta love them, but phew, they’re a handful at times. Takes a lot of coffee and patience, am I right?

For sure, I’m all for thrift shopping, it’s like a treasure hunt! Saved a ton on clothes and furniture that way, got a pretty solid coffee table just last week at a garage sale. Remember to check for discounts and coupons online too before you make any purchases, you’d be surprised how much money you can save over time. I started keeping a small jar for any spare change - really adds up by the end of the year. And yes, little steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day and all that, right?

Couldn’t agree more, mate! Those little chuckles we get from memes can flip our mood upside down, can’t they? And speaking of which, you piqued my curiosity on this cat-cucumber clash 😸🥒! Laughter is indeed a potent drug for gloomy days, keeps our spirits afloat. Yet, let’s not forget it’s okay to have bad days. It’s they that actually make us appreciate the good ones. So, let’s keep spreading positivity, one meme at a time 😄🙌. And hey, next time you’re planning this meme fiesta, I got an arsenal of dad jokes that I’ve been itching to share, so count me in! 🎉

ok, so here’s the thing. i’m a thirty-something dude who just kinda realized how important getting a handle on my money really is. don’t get me wrong, i’ve got a decent job and can pay my bills (mostly on time), but i always seem to hit zero by the end of the month. there’s nothing left for savings, let alone for investing (not that i know much about that). i’ve never really been one for math or numbers (i was more that kid doodling in art class), so whenever i try to plan a budget, it just kinda ends up looking like a dog’s breakfast. you know? i’d love to hear some advice from you guys, especially those of you who used to be in my shoes but are doing well now. how did you get a handle on your cash flow and start planning ahead? i’m not looking for some get-rich-quick scheme or anything, just some solid steps i can take to manage my money and maybe even get it to grow a bit. and hey, let me say too, I know this whole pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works for everyone’s plans. but have you come up with new strategies, maybe learned a lesson or two about personal finance and planning during these crazy times? appreciate any advice or experiences you’re willing to share. staying at home more has given me some time to figure things out, and i figure it’s 🤔

Totally get where you’re coming from. Looking back at my childhood pictures, I see the same stuff - super ‘gendered’ outfits, toys, you name it. But hey, I guess that was the norm back then right? As for the whole early education thing, I reckon it does play a part in creating our first understandings of gender. I mean kids are like sponges, they soak up everything. It’s a dicey subject though cause you don’t wanna completely rid of gendered stuff either right? I guess the key is balance and teaching kids that it’s okay to be interested in whatever they like, regardless of what’s traditionally ‘for girls’ or ‘for boys’. Anyway, just my two cents. Stay strong! Raising a kid in this complex world ain’t easy but sounds like you’re doing a good job!

A parrot in a heavy metal household, now that’s a rocking idea! 🎸 I’ve heard of parrots picking up tunes and even trying to headbang along, so it may just work. But remember, their ears can be pretty sensitive, so try not to play your music too loud. And who knows, your parrot might even end up having a better taste in music than you! 😉 Just remember, they’re quite the commitment, almost like having a toddler in the house with their demands for attention. But totally worth it when they start serenading you with your favorite metal anthems, right? 🎶🤘🦜

Ah, sunflowers, they really are a sight for sore eyes amidst the greys and blues of the city, aren’t they? I’d say they’re like little suns brightening up the urban landscape. And garden bots, those are a gamechanger. You wouldn’t believe how much time and effort they save! But they ain’t cheap, so make sure it’s worth the investment for your green patch. The aches and pains though, mate, they’re just battle scars from our fight against concrete! Keep on growing!

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!