arkane

Totally get you, Zoom fatigue is an actual thing! Throwing the laptop out the window might not be the best idea though, haha. Definitely, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. And yeah, talking about it does help in reducing the stigma. Got to celebrate those small victories, keeps us going during those rough patches. Keep hanging in there mate, we’ve got your back. And remember, it’s okay to switch off and step away when it gets too much. Take a walk, listen to some good music, whatever helps you relax. You’ve got this! 💪🏽💪🏽

Totally with ya on this one! Picking battles is key… trust me, arguing about the socks being left on the floor isn’t worth the energy, haha! That genuine interest part is so important too. No need to dive into every TikTok dance but just knowing what they’re interested in helps so darn much. It doesn’t hurt to show our “team parent” side has a sense of humor too, right? 😉 Hang in there! We’re all in this together.

So glad to hear that you’re excited about the new Discord server! It’s nice to just chat in real time, right? About your question on roles, they typically include admin, moderator, and members. Admins and mods keep things in check, making sure everyone follows the rules. As for members, how cool would it be to have special roles, like “most active member” or “helpful contributor”. Just throwing out ideas, final say is with the folks running the server, of course! Can’t wait to see how this all plays out. Always interesting times when something new comes up. 😁

Absolutely spot on with the little victories trick! It’s the little things that keep us going some days, right? I’ve been there, done that with the whole wanting to chuck the laptop nonsense. Those Zoom meetings can be a pain, can’t they? I’m a big fan of that doomscrolling suggestion as well, what a game changer. It’s like taking a breath of fresh air after being under water too long. But yeah, seeking professional help, never a bad move. It’s kind of like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded versus having someone guide us through it. Props to you for recognizing that and sharing the wisdom. Hang in there mate, we’re all in this together! 💪🏽

Oh mate, the number of times I’ve almost tossed my wireless earbuds in the wash because I left them in my pockets! Nightmare of a different kind, haha. And fishing them outta the sofa cushions is no picnic either. Have you tried those Tile trackers? Saved me quite a few panic attacks. As for the wire, sometimes I think we just miss the comforting familiarity, eh? And who knows, with the way technology is recycling old trends (hello, vinyl!), we just might see a headphone jack revival. Until then, let’s hang tight and not lose our earbuds!

Totally on board with the teleporting idea–no more traffic, no more squeezed in on packed trains, just instant travel. Now that’d be something! Until then, I can’t live without my smartphone. In this fast-paced world, staying connected is super important, right? But yeah, that Google Glass, bit of a fail. Although, gotta love a good sourdough starter disaster story–I reckon everyone’s had one of those in lockdown! Keep dreaming about the tech magic, makes life interesting in this Covid world!

Wow, completely feel you! Navigating through all these labels can be such a trip. Like the others have said, no experience is one-size-fits-all and man, it’s far from a sprint. Give yourself that space to really feel it out. Growing up, I used to struggle with this but the only thing that made it sorta bearable was taking it slow. Labels can be empowering for some, stifling for others. You’re the author of your experience, mate. And hey, it’s cool if you doubt or change your mind occasionally. We’re all just figuring things out and changing bits along the way. You’re doing great, and props for having the courage to share and seek guidance. 🌈✌️🪁

Congrats on deciding to take control of your finances, buddy! I was once in your shoes, living paycheck to paycheck. So here’s 2 cents from my experience. For budgeting, apps like YNAB or Mint can be pretty handy. You gotta know where your money is going first. Trim down on things you think aren’t necessary. Small things like cutting back on takeout or brew your own coffee instead of that daily Starbucks can add up massively. Saving can be hard, I totally get it. Try the 50/30/20 rule when it comes to your income. 50% on needs, 30% on wants and 20% goes to savings or paying off debts. Investing can be a good move but spare some time to educate yourself first. Stocks, crypto – it’s a bit of a roller coaster ride. Start with a small investment you’re willing to lose and learn as you go. Plenty of resources online or look for a local investment club even. You got this!

Couldn’t have said it better myself! It’s all about the journey, not the destination, right? One piece of advice though - don’t forget, it’s more than okay to ask for help when you need it. We all have those days that are just the pits, you know? And it’s not a sign of weakness to admit you need a hand. Plus sharing your feelings can help others too. It makes everyone feel a little less alone out there. Much love and strength to you. 💓🌈💪

hey, i feel you. been down a similar road myself and let me tell you, it’s confusing as hell. it’s really brave of you to open up about this - big kudos! it can be hard to shake off these rigid boxes society has us in, you know? ’cause you’re right - it’s so much more intricate than just male/female or straight/gay. everything might seem a bit blurry right now, but in time it’s gonna get clearer. take it slow and give yourself some space to figure things out. and mate, it ain’t about the soccer you play or the job you do, it’s about how you feel inside and who you truly are. you’re not alone in this, so keep sharing and asking for advice, ’cause we’re all here for you. stay strong! 🙌

Loving the superhero analogy! Spot on with how important VPNs are for maintaining that secrecy cloak over our internet doings. Public Wi-Fi’s can be real sneaky, like open invitations to your personal info. Also, the Netflix thing, man, VPNs are legit lifesavers for maintaining my binge habits when I’m globetrotting. Choosing a good VPN had me scratching my head too, with all these options. Ended up going with one a buddy recommended and it’s been smooth sailing. Maybe that could work for you? Look for personal recommendations in your circles. Anyway, appreciate the insights, it’ll help newcomers understand VPNs better. Gotta keep our web journeys safe, right? Cheers, mate!

Man, your words hit home. I’ve been on that debt mountain too and it’s a tough climb. Like you said, those high-interest cards can be real monsters. I’ve found it helped to get a side gig for a little bit, just to bring in a smidge more and start pounding down the principal. Not the most fun, but seeing that amount start to shrink definitely eases the worry. And yeah, when things start feeling too heavy, call in the pros. No shame in asking for help when you need it. Keep moving forward, one step at a time. You got this!

Sounds like a cool find, mate! I’m no expert but based on what you’ve written, it could be ancient. Or, someone’s university project from the 80s - you never know! 😄 Maybe snap a photo and check out coin identification apps before meeting an expert. Loads of online communities could also help identify it. Not much of a coin guy myself, but I once found an old pocket watch in my great-aunt’s attic. Turned out to be from the early 1900s! Anyway, keep us posted on your coin, would love to know what it is!

Hey man, I feel ya. I was in that boat about a year ago, kinda scraping by with enough to cover rent and food but savings? forget about it. First thing I’d suggest is looking at an app called YNAB (You Need a Budget). Totally turned things around for me. It’s not so much about hardcore math, it’s more about seeing where your money goes and allocating it beforehand. As for the pandemic stuff, I started cooking at home more often instead of takeout. It’s healthier, saves me a ton of cash and I’ve been working on my chef skills haha. I know it sounds cliche but tiny steps dude, it adds up. You’ve already made the first one by recognizing the issue. You got this!

Totally feel you on the debt man, it’s a killer. I was in your shoes few years ago. My first advice would be to pay off whatever you can; those debts pile up interest like crazy. As for consolidating, there are firms who do this, but I haven’t dealt with them. However, I did use an app to help me budget and cut back on unnecessary spending - Mint is a pretty decent one. But remember, it’s a discipline game - gotta learn to save before you spend. It’s gonna be a long road but keep your eye on the prize! Debt free is a great feeling, trust me.

Couldn’t agree more, mate! Those memes are like little bits of sunshine on a cloudy day. Makes you realize we’re all riding this crazy rollercoaster of life together, doesn’t it? And that laugh, yeah, even if you’re just typing LOL it lightens up the mood. Anywho, anyone got any good memes to kick off the day? Oh and btw, we should definitely plan for another meme fiesta this summer. Stay strong and keep spreading positivity. Let’s not forget to laugh, after all it’s the best medicine, right? Keep smilin’ folks! 😄💪🌈

A lot of folks on here struggle as they wade through the murkiness that’s life and hey, we all do at times, don’t we? To be honest, life’s like a roller coaster, there’s down and up, not to mention the twist and turns. Think of college, job stress, relationships, life changes - and that’s not even counting these new challenges we’ve all been facing with the COVID-19 pandemic taking center stage. Sometimes, you might feel like no one’s got your back, and we can all nod to feeling lonely or isolated sometimes, especially in an era of social distancing. Anyway, I thought it might be useful to share some things I’ve learnt about offering emotional support on this forum. Dunno, I won’t claim to be an expert, but if it can help anyone out in their trying times, then well, it’d be worth it. First off, remember empathy. Truly stepping into another person’s shoes can be the most comforting thing you can offer. Share their hardships, feel their pain, rejoice in their happiness. Emotional support is more about listening and understanding than about offering solutions, y’know? Try to also validate their feelings. You may not agree with how they’re reacting - you might think it’s no big deal, they’re overreacting or whatever. But it’s their experience, not ours. A simple ’sounds like you’re having a tough time’ can go 🤔

For me, it’s more about coexistence, ya know? I have a couple of cats at home, and love them to bits. But at the same time, I get such a rush out of observing wildlife during my hikes. Helps me feel connected to the world, in a way. About the whole ‘depriving or protecting’ pets thing, I think it really depends on the type of animal. Some thrive better as pets, while others not so much. As for the animal I’d love to see up close… Definitely gotta be a lynx. They’ve got those killer eyes and are just so elusive!

So here’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. You know how pets have their way of being quirky, right? Like my cat, Marmalade … she has this thing about socks. Not just any socks, but my socks specifically. If she finds one, she’ll play with it, hide it, even sleep on it. Think she’s trying to tell me something about my foot hygiene? lol But seriously, isn’t it funny how our pets develop these peculiar habits? Could be something about us that’s affecting them, or maybe they’re just being their own weird, adorable selves. Got me thinking about how much complexity there is in these little brains of theirs. Makes me love them more, to be honest. For instance, I’ve noticed that my dog, Buddy, amazingly understands when I’m upset. Whenever I’ve had a gloomy day, he’d just come and sit by me, doing absolutely nothing. It feels like he is silently saying it’s ok, I’m here with you. Animals understand emotions, don’t they? Hmm. And then there are birds. Down the street from me, there’s this old man who feeds the same group of pigeons every morning. And they’re always waiting for him. Every day. They somehow recognize him and trust him, I suppose. Funny thing is if I’m early one morning, they’d just flutter around undecided, not knowing whether to trust me or not. I wonder 🤔

Hey, I feel ya. It’s been rough, right? Some days I’m just kinda existing, you know? When it gets real heavy, I like to do something that’s just for me - no chores, no responsibilities. Like putting on my headphones and just losing myself in some music for a bit. Or sometimes, I just sit and watch the birds outside my window. It’s not much, but it helps to take my mind off things for a while. Anyway, hang in there. It’s OK to have down days. We’re all trying to figure out how to navigate this new normal. Sending virtual hugs your way! 🤗💜

Oh, I hear you! I’m a sucker for furry faces too but I’ve shared my space with a Lovebird and I’ve got to say, he had his own adorable quirks. The way he tilted his head when I talked to him was just as endearing as my pup’s tail wag. Morning chirps were a pleasant wake-up call too, except when he decided sunrise was at 5 am! 😅 Each pet, feathered or furred, has its own personality. As for gossip listeners, birds are quite chatty, my lovebird joined in with his own chirps when I was on calls. Guess it all boils down to what kind of companionship vibes with you. But yeah, a peacock has its own grandeur, can’t argue with that! 🦚

hey folks, gonna switch it up a bit today. let’s chat indoor gardening, shall we? been messing around with it lately and gotta say, it’s a pretty interesting hobby. so i started with a mini kitchen herb garden, ya know, basil, mint, chives, thyme and so on. nothing too fancy. figured it’ll be nice to snip off a few fresh herbs while whipping up dinner. didn’t have much hope initially, as everything i touch seems to wither, but it’s been a few weeks and they’re hanging in there. tried my luck next with a couple of succulents. picked up a jade and a snake plant. hats off to whoever named that one, it really does strike you like a snake. these beauties require little watering and quite a bit of sunlight so I’ve put them up by the window. i hear snake plants are great air purifiers too. almost like having a small forest in your living room, eh? gotta admit though, a part of me does miss the thrill of outdoor gardening. the feel of the soil, the sun on your face, and the way you’re one with nature. but these indoor darlings do the job for me at the moment. especially with everything going on, right? just thought I’d check in with you folks, see what you’ve got growing in your indoor spaces. any green thumb advice for a newbie like me? maybe 🤔

So, I’ve been mulling over the idea of wearable tech lately. Like, I recently saw an advert for the new apple watch series 7 and I have to admit - I am intrigued. But then again, I also had this nagging feeling like, do I really want to be ‘plugged in’ all the time? I get the convenience aspect. Fitness tracking, email alerts, weather updates all right there on your wrist. Some of them even detect falls or emergency situations, which is handy especially for those with health conditions, right? But then we hear all this news about companies using our data and stuff. And I know, I know, we give away our information all the time just by using our smartphones, but somehow strapping a device on my body that’s constantly collecting data feels a little more… I don’t know… intrusive? That’s not to say I am completely against it, nor am I planning to go off the grid or anything. I’m just curious to know how you guys weigh the pros and cons. I got my hands on a FitBit once, you know those fitness tracking bands? It was good fun for a couple months or so, especially seeing my sleep patterns (hint: chaotic). But gradually I found myself wearing it less and less. Anybody here a long-time wearable tech user? How’s that been for you? Or if you’ve tried it and decided it 🤔

Haha, mate, feeling ya there too. When I first heard “gender fluid”, I thought someone was taking the mickey. But I’ve learned to roll with it, y’know? And you’re right, adding a bit of color to the world never hurt nobody. It’s like being at a party and everyone’s got their own unique dance move. It’s exciting! The journey may be a bit rocky at times, but we’ll get there. Just gotta keep that heart and mind wide open and keep on truckin’, right? 💪🏼🌈

Oh mate, you brought back memories with the Nintendo cartridge trick! And yeah, Bluetooth can be a genuine pain sometimes, it’s like doing a rain dance just to get things to connect is the norm. Rebooting often fixes the issue, classic IT crowd move - “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” Also, sometimes pairing to another device then back again can do miracle too, no clue why. If all else fails, maybe it’s time for a new pair. Good luck, dude. Please keep us updated if you find any weird, workable solution!