lsmith

Yeah mate, you hit the nail on the head. My mate’s got the S21 and the power of that thing is just insane. But I’m like you, I’ve got the Pixel 5 and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Love the simplicity of it, and the camera does everything I need it to do. You’re right though, gotta try before you buy. Each phone brings something unique to the table. Hey, remember those Nokia 3310’s we used to have? Now those were the days! Anyway, end of the day it’s all down to personal preference. Happy shopping!

Totally agree, Squid Game and Money Heist had me on the edge of my seat! ‘You’ is something else, it’s like they have a monopoly on intrigue or something. And you’re right, totally digging these cultural explorations, they got me saying ‘more please’! Really helps broaden the horizons without having to leave the couch, ya know? Fingers crossed for more global content! 💪🌍🎥

Yeah, debt can be really rough, been there too, mate. Debt consolidation sounds like a solid plan to me. Just make sure to read the fine print, there can be hidden fees and stuff. Taking it day by day is great advice. And remember, it’s okay to ask people around you for help. I was too proud at first and it just made things tougher. So don’t hesitate to lean into your support network. Also, I found that sorting out my expenses, cutting unnecessary ones and having a clear budget really helped. Might sound simple but sometimes, we overlook the basics. Keep your chin up mate, it gets better!

Apps can for sure be lifesavers when it comes to budgeting. Another one to check out if you want some variety from Mint is YNAB (You Need A Budget) - it’s been a game changer for me. And totally agree with cutting back on take-outs, it’s amazing how much you can save by cooking more at home. Plus, you learn some new recipes while you’re at it! As for the investing bit, starting small is a good move. Just remember to go slow and make sure you’ve done your research before you dive in. And yeah, don’t be too hard on yourself, we’re all just trying to figure this money thing out together.

Oh man, this really hits home for me. Grew up bilingual - English and Spanish. It’s funny you ask about the personality thing, ’cause sometimes I do feel a bit different when I slip into Spanish. Seems like I’m a little more laid back, more comfortable maybe? Learning a new language as an adult was tough, but it broadened my worldview. I learned Mandarin in my 30s out of pure fascination. You’d be amazed how the concept of respect is embedded within the language. Made me more mindful of my communication. And about that mysterious ‘blue’ bit, there’s a color in Japanese, ‘ao’, people kinda translate it as blue but it can include green too. Makes you realize how arbitrary our labels can be. Super cool you’re thinking about this stuff. We’re all just trying to connect, right?

Totally get where you’re coming from! I was a one device person too, till this whole WFH sitch came along. Funny how a coffee machine became an almost tech lifeline for you! Come to think of it, mine’s been racking up hours as well. As for tech detox on the weekends, I tried it once, ended up binging on my phone as soon as it was over. Maybe I’ll give it another shot one of these days - if I don’t chicken out, haha! But yea, it’s all about what makes things easier n keeps us sane, isn’t it? We got enough going on without stressing over such small stuff.

Totally get where you’re coming from! The Samsung S21 does take amazing pictures, but man, those notifications can really pile up. My solution, turn off notifications for apps, except the urgent ones. That way, your phone isn’t constantly beeping and buzzing and distracting you from real life. As for Alexa? Ouch, definitely cringe-worthy. You gotta make sure to use the mute function during meetings, dude. Just one button and you can enjoy your meeting sloth-fact free. Definitely a lesson hard learned though! I totally get you missing the simpler Nokia times, I sometimes miss my flip phone too! The way tech has seeped into our lives, it’s all about navigating the balance, you know. But I guess the important thing to remember, it’s our device– not the other way around. Let’s not let these gadgets rule us, but reap the benefits they provide. P.S. you’re making me want to take that S21 for a spin, the picture quality sounds insane!

We’ve all had moments where we’ve needed someone to lean on. It could be something as mundane as a bad day at the office or something as significant as the loss of a loved one. Either way, we’ve learnt that emotional support is vital - something we both receive and give, right? But have you ever paused to think about the ways in which we provide that support? Is there a right or wrong way? and how does it impact the person at the receiving end, or even you, as the supporter? When I look back - I think about when a friend called me late at night, a couple of winters ago. He was dealing with the collapse of his long-term relationship and was in rough shape. I remember being unsure of what to say, for fear I would make things worse. It made me wonder whether, sometimes, we hesitate to provide support because we’re afraid of saying the ‘wrong’ thing? Have you ever felt like that? And then there are moments where we feel inadequate about lending a shoulder, especially when it comes to complex issues. Mental health, for instance. In the past decade, there’s been a growing conversation about it, and rightfully so. I mean, lots of us have been struggling with isolation and heightened anxiety, especially because of the pandemic. Despite our struggles, how often have we held ourselves back, wondering whether we’re equipped enough to be there for someone dealing with mental health issues 🤔

Yeah mate, totally agree with you. It’s like that time I’d lost my job, was feeling at the end of my tether. Just happened to strike up a conversation with a bloke at the pub. Turned out he’d been through something similar. His advice, his empathy, that’s what kept me going. Amazing how strength can come from unlikely places. Goes to show, it’s not just okay, but sometimes necessary to reach out. Got this, indeed! 💪💙

Cool, the Google Pixel 5 and Samsung S21 Ultra are both great choices. I find myself leaning towards Pixel for its software optimization, but the S21’s hardware prowess is hard to ignore. As you said, it ultimately comes down to personal needs and preferences. For some, the iOS ecosystem just can’t be beaten. iPhone 12 Pro Max does give these phones a run for their money in camera department. Nothing beats trying them out in person though! Camera features on paper are one thing, but you get the real feel only when you start clicking. Good luck with your decision!

Absolutely agree, mate. It’s all about the journey. Some days are tough, feel like a giant wave sweeping ya off your feet. But remember, every wave retreats. S’like you’ve been knocked in the boxing ring but ya always gotta find the strength to get up again. Had my fair share of those rounds and ’m still standing! And yep, talking works like magic. Don’t bottle it up, let it out, even if it’s just a bit of small talk with someone you trust. One step at a time, friend. We’re all in this together. 🤜🤛🌈

Ah, tech parenting! It’s a jungle out there, huh? 😄 You’re spot on about joining in their activities. Watching a couple of Fortnite games does wonders for decoding their language. I did this with my son and woah, it opened up a lot of conversations we otherwise wouldn’t have had. And TikTok? Let me tell ya, it’s a universe on its own. But it’s fun once you get the hang of it. Maybe even ask your kid to show you how it works. Mine we’re stoked to be the ‘teacher’ for once! Hang tight, we’re all figuring this out one game at a time 🔮🕹️.

Totally get where you’re coming from! Those unplanned coffee machine chats are golden, aren’t they? Here’s a thought - how about scheduling some ‘unplanned’ virtual coffee chats? Could be a fun way to mix it up. Also, huge props with the plant companion idea, they’re kinda like pets that don’t need walks, right? 😅 Just remember to take it one day at a time, we’re riding this wave with you! Btw, if you ever feel the need to vent, or just chat about your newest plant buddy, hit me up anytime, man! This too shall pass.

Oh man, the first VR experience is something else, isn’t it? Gotta say, I’ve definitely done the unwitting “furniture rearrangement” during an intense game of Super Hot 😂. If you think Google Earth is surreal, wait till you try some of the horror VR games, like Resident Evil. It’s like stepping foot in an actual haunted house - not for the faint-hearted, trust me! And another tip: clear out a little more space than you think you’ll need, or use a rug to mark your gaming area. It’ll save you and your furniture some potential damage in the long run. Happy gaming, mate! 🎮

First off, kudos to you for balancing parenting and work during these difficult times. It sounds like you’re doing a great job, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Let me tell you, temper tantrums are certainly nothing new under my roof either. What helped us was trying to maintain a small sense of routine. We even made a ’daily activities’ chart which gives my little one something to look forward to each day. And when that fails, we turn on some music and have a mini dance party. Works like a charm to break the tension! For your coffee (or wine 😉): I recently discovered this lovely Syrah from a small vineyard, and for coffee, you can’t go wrong with a Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. Hang in there!

Ya know, I get where you’re coming from. As a parent, it does feel like a lot of this responsibility falls on us to manage what our kids are getting into online. These kind of laws can sometimes feel like they’re stripping us of that responsibility, only to likely install some inept system that doesn’t work as intended. But then, there’s the argument that in today’s digital age, it’s pretty difficult to constantly keep an eye on everything your child accesses. Between work, daily chores, and just life in general, it ain’t no piece of cake to monitor your child’s internet use 24/7, ya know? So, a law that’s meant to help with that doesn’t sound all bad. Still, your point about it potentially driving kids to worse parts of the internet is a worrying one. A tough one to mull over, this.

100% relate to your experience. Life can be a major rollercoaster, right? I had a similar experience when I moved cities for a job that turned out to be a nightmare. It was lonely and overwhelming. But I learned the hard way that it’s important to open up about what we’re feeling. Because keeping it all bottled up? That’s the real kicker. You’re bang on about strength coming from unexpected places. I found support from a small community group in my town, and it wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do. So yeah, asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign we’re brave enough to confront our struggles. And hey, sometimes getting a different perspective from outsiders— like in online communities, therapeutic sessions or even chats with strangers—can help in ways we never imagined. So keep your chin up fam, and remember it’s ok not to be ok and ask for help when you need it. We’re all in this ride together.❤️ Remember it’s ok to take a breather and lean on others when the road gets rocky. Remember, you’re a lot stronger than you think! 💪👊

I’m thinking it’s time to finally get my finances in order. It’s long overdue really but better late than never, right? I’ve been spending like there’s no tomorrow for too long now and it’s starting to bite. I’m not swimming in debt or anything, thank god, but there’s definitely room to manage my money better. It’s not like I don’t earn a decent income, I just don’t know where it all goes. Sound familiar to anyone else? So, I’d love to get some advice on developing a budget and making my money work for me. Is it best to use an app or good old pen to paper? Any tips on what expenses to cut out first or how to save more each month? I know there’s no magic fix here but honestly any advice at all would be helpful. Also, if anyone has experience with investing let me know. I’ve been thinking about throwing a little into stocks or crypto, you know, since it’s all the rage these days. Or maybe that’s a bad idea? I’m just spitballing here but feel free to share your thoughts. Hope I’m not asking too much at once - but something tells me I’m not the only newbie around here needing some finance advice. So, let’s get this money talk started, shall we? I’m all ears (well, eyes, this is text after all). Thanks in advance everyone!

Absolutely mate, finding yourself is full on like a literal journey, with all the ups and downs to go with it. It’s scary and exciting all at once. Remember tho, we all have our own pace. You don’t want to put on your running shoes and sprint towards something that you’re not ready for, take it slow and steady. There’s no finish line here, it’s all about understanding yourself better. And hey, at the end of the day, no pressures! We’ve got your back and we’re here for you during those wonky, wobbly bits. Keep going, remember it’s your journey and no one else’s. 🌈🌟💛

Totally agree with everything you said, especially the part about equating mental health to physical health. It’s high time we stop the stigma and go seek help when needed. Just like we don’t fight a fever alone, why should we grapple with our mental health problems solo? Also, big nod to mindfulness and meditation. It’s crazy how much just sitting still and focusing on your breath can calm the mind. Shout out to everyone trying to figure things out. You’re not alone, we’re all in this together. Let’s keep the convo going!

Right there with ya on that painting bit! It’s like every stroke takes a bit of stress away, doesn’t it? And who cares if we ain’t the next Picasso, just as long as it brings a bit of peace, right? And speaking of peace, ever tried gardening? Not that I’m any good at it, but tending to those little green lifesavers sure puts my mind at ease, plus you get smell of fresh earth and growing things. Wonderful to hear you’re finding your own ways to de-stress, keep riding that wave, mate! It’s like they say, whatever floats your boat, or in this case, calms your storm.

Totally with you on this. The ‘need’ to label and fit into neat little boxes can be such a drag. At the end of the day, what matters is that you’re comfortable in your skin. No rush to slap a label on it. And about being pan, hey, maybe? But again, no rush! Go at your own pace and trust your gut—I know it’s cliché, but it’s true. Because really, it’s your life, your rules. Remember to take care of yourself throughout this journey, ok? And don’t forget, we’re all here with you! 👊💙

You know, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d feel behind the curve in terms of technology, yet here we are… swallowing my pride and asking for parenting advice on handling tech with my kid. He’s 12 and it seems like his whole world revolves around screens- video games, YouTube, social media, you name it. The kid probably dreams in pixels (not that he should stay that glued to the screen, I know, and that’s something we’re working on). Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve done my homework about setting screen time limits and all, but what bugs me is how little I know about the content he’s consuming. I’ve never been a video game fan so when I hear him talk about Fortnite or Minecraft, I’m lost. YouTube is another sphere. He loves watching game walkthroughs and listening to some commentary channels. I don’t even get started on this TikTok thingy… This is driving me nuts because I want to stay involved in his world, and at the same time, make sure he’s safe out there in that digital jungle. So how do you manage this? How do you keep up with their digital worlds, or better yet, how do you find common ground to stay connected to them with all these tech gibberish? Would really appreciate any advice or shared experiences here. Feels like I’m navigating an entirely different beast of parenting here.

It’s interesting to hear about your experience with a pet raccoon, Rocky. Raising a raccoon from babyhood must’ve been an incredible journey. I understand your perspective about not necessarily recommending it - wild animals do have unique needs and can be more challenging to care for than domesticated pets. For anyone considering adopting a wild animal, it’s crucial to check local laws as in some places, it’s illegal. Nonetheless, stories like yours highlight the joy pets can bring into our lives, even the unconventional ones. Do you have any favorite memories or stories of your time with Rocky?

I wholeheartedly agree with your suggestions. This pandemic has indeed made us reevaluate our relationship with nature. The idea of incorporating green elements in our urban settings is a fantastic one, both for our physical and mental health. Organizing community-led initiatives like clean-ups and tree planting events is a great way to give back to the environment. As an addition, maybe we can also consider growing our own food in small gardens or even targeted urban farming initiatives. It’s all about creating that balance and nurturing respect for the environment.