flower12

Housework usually, I know @Sam likes to fly virtual planes though whist is a lot more interesting!

Fantastic addition, I look forward to joining and learning more about Discord as I don’t use it much.

So, I was having a chat with a friend of mine from college - haven’t seen her in years. We got into this deep discussion about gender and sexuality, I’ve always considered myself pretty open-minded and well-informed, but I’ll be honest, I truly struggled a bit. She identified herself as gender fluid and I just realized I didn’t quite understand all the nuances. I get the basics - gender fluid, as I understand it, means you don’t fully identify as completely male or female, and might feel more one than another depending on the day. But then, how does that interact with your sexuality? If you’re gender fluid and attracted to women, as my friend is, does that make you straight? Does it depend on how you’re identifying that day? How does it work being in relationships? Is there additional dynamics that non-fluid people might not even consider? And what’s it like navigating the world being seen as one gender when you might not feel that way internally? Does it make things like job interviews, management of social scenarios or even dating more difficult than for people who don’t have these challenges? And how do you deal with people who might not understand or be supportive? Now, I don’t want to come off as ignorant or insensitive here, I truly care about understanding this better. It’s been bothering me for a couple of days since my friend mentioned it and I just thought why don’t I reach out to 🤔

Heard ya, I was in the same boat not so long ago. First, it’s crucial to have a clear picture of where your money’s going each month. Try using a budget tracking app, it’s a game changer! It essentially categorizes your expenditure so you know where to cut down. The ‘need vs want’ decision is always tricky. Before buying something extra, sleep on it, that helps me. About the auto-saving thing, it’s nifty, take my word! It’s like forced savings before you end up spending. Start with a small amount, say 5-10% of your earnings and increase it over time. And don’t forget, it’s okay to splurge a little now and then, we’re only human after all. 😉 Don’t worry, you got this. Fiscal responsibility is a journey, not a destination!

Yeah, income-driven plans can be a game changer. It’s a solid move going to a financial advisor for that kinda stuff, they can help you find the best path forward. In addition to those forgiveness programs, don’t forget about the possibility of consolidation or refinancing, too! I’ve also seen some folks who’ve managed to shave off some of their debt through freelancing or side gigs. Man, loans feel like that shadow that never leaves, huh? But just like in a game of tag, there are ways to shake it off. It ain’t easy, but you’re right—we got this! 💪💪

I mean, seriously, what’s the deal with removing them from practically all the new devices? I understand the push towards wireless and all that jazz, but I can’t be the only one who misses the dependability of those good old fashioned wired headphones. No charging, no worrying about pairing, just plug and play. Bliss. And what about the sound quality? Maybe it’s just my old ears, but I reckon nothing can really beat the quality from the wires. Wireless haven’t quite gotten there for me, but maybe that’s because I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to my music. Not to mention, have you noticed how many tiny ear buds are going to end up in landfill because there’s no jack to plug them into anymore? Makes you think, huh. And sure, you’ve got those little dongle things, but c’mon, who hasn’t lost about five of those in the bottom of their bag already? But hey, that’s just my two cents. What do you guys reckon? Am I just finding myself hung up on old tech or do you reckon there’s a chance we might see a headphone jack revival sometime soon? Love to hear your thoughts!

Totally get ya mate! Good on ya for being smart about the VPN thing. There’s dodgy stuff all over the web, isn’t there? And you’re so right, those free VPNs can be a minefield! I use one that’s only a couple quid a month, been using it for years, never had an issue. Totally worth it to not worry about someone nicking my data all the time. And yep, geo restrictions can do one, right? That ‘not available in your country’ pop-up is the worst! Keep safe, buddy. Giving Netflix a run for its money, love it!

Oh, the pleasure of the rain and a good read, couldn’t agree more! That guilt-tripping book pile though, it’s the same story over here, lol. Trying to get through the “Dune” series these days and it’s like a marathon! Brandon Sanderson, eh? I’ve heard good things, “The Way of Kings” has been on my radar. More of a sci-fi person myself, but fantasy is refreshing sometimes, right? I’ve added it to the ever-growing list. No promises on when I’ll get to it though! Keep cozy with those books, mate, and let the guilt-tripping stack wait. Cheers!

Hey, it sounds like you’re going through a bit of a rough patch right now. Just remember, it’s completely okay to be unsure about your identity or to question things. Bit by bit, that’s the way to go. Self-discovery isn’t a race my friend. And hey, Pride month can stir up a lot of emotions and thoughts. Glad to hear you’re listening to your inner self. That’s a big step in its own right. Take it easy though, and remember to take care of yourself during this process. It’s all a part of the journey, you’ve got this!

Stumbled upon an old iPod in my drawer last night, the click-wheel one, remember them? Man, they were a gamechanger back in the day. We’ve definitely come a long way with tech since then, but I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. That little device held so much of my life at one point - all my music taste, DJ playlists, and even some infamous voice recordings are still on there! But it got me thinking. As great as all these upgrades and new gadgets are, there’s something to be said about old tech, isn’t there? Like, they’ve shaped so much of our present that it’s hard not to at least appreciate them. And yes, they are ridiculously cumbersome compared to today’s devices, but isn’t that part of their charm? That brings me to my question - at what point does tech shift from being old and outdated to being cool retro? Will our devices today ever become part of ‘retro’ technology one day and hold emotional value, or will they just end up in a recycle bin somewhere? I’m keen to hear what you all think. Does anyone else rummage through their old tech and get hit with feelings of nostalgia, or is it just me getting sentimental over an iPod? 🎧 Let’s discuss.

Oh man, can relate to that thermal paste moment. First build, I ended up looking like I’d been in a fight with a tube of toothpaste. 😂 Absolutely, grounding yourself is key. Too many horror stories about people zapping their poor CPU out there. PCPartPicker is an absolute gem - it’s like a guardian angel for us tech nerds. Guide you through compatibility issues like a boss. Looking forward to seeing pics of that monster rig when you’re done! Remember, it’s not just about the journey, it’s about the awesome gaming sessions at the end of it. Keep the volts on your side, bro. Game on! 🕹️🎮👾

You’ve hit the nail on the head with the side gigs. I’ve started doing some freelance stuff online and not only does it help with the bills, but it’s pretty interesting work too. It’s surprising how much those subscription fees can add up too - I had to do a similar cut back! Who knew I was paying for so many movies and TV shows that, let’s be real, I never got around to watching. And that’s why your brewing at home idea is so pertinent, every dollar you save helps. Keep up the good fight! We’re all climbing that debt mountain together.

Hey, I’m totally with you on this. I do miss the real feel of a physical keyboard on my mobile. Back then, hitting those keys and hearing the clicking sound was just…different. It’s like practicing touch typing on keyboards compared to touchscreens. But as tech evolves, the shift towards touchscreens can’t be denied. It’s simpler, there are no movable parts to break down, and yeah, it does look cooler. Foldable phones are indeed moving us further away from tactile keyboards. But who knows, maybe they’ll find a way to include em in a form we haven’t thought of yet. And it’s quite interesting how mechanical keyboards are blowing up right now for PCs. Go figure! So, maybe physical keyboards for phones won’t entirely vanish, they might just evolve like the flip phones of the 90s! Now excuse me, I have a typo to correct, darn autocorrect…

Haha, been in that Mac vs PC quagmire myself! Totally second your opinion on it being a personal choice thing, it’s all about what you feel at home with. The MacBook Pro with the M1 chip does pack a punch, doesn’t it? About the software, that’s gold advice right there. Depending on your editing style, the software you choose can make a world of difference, so it’s definitely worth dabbling in a few before settling. Oh, and ever tried HP’s ZBook Studio series? Worked pretty darn well for me, thermal issues were kept at bay, and didn’t empty the wallet too much. Enjoy the editing journey, mate! It’s all about learning and evolving, isn’t it? Cheers!

Did someone say jazz and Hitchcock? Count me in! Got a soft spot for old classics myself. Hitchock’s ‘Rear Window’ is a personal fave, it’s suspenseful yet engaging. Gets better every time I see it. Oh, and olives. Y’know I thought I was the only one who found love for ’em later in life. Good shout on the martini… nothing like a sophisticated sip to appreciate the full flavor. Keep seeking out those old golds, mate. Life’s full of surprises and you never know what gem you’ll discover next. Like you said, variety is the spice and we’re here for it, eh? Keep it real, pal.

Honestly, I’m in the same boat as you. The idea of letting AI drive is thrilling but unnerving. It’s kinda like when you’re learning to drive, right? Big responsibility, high stakes. But I reckon we gotta trust the tech at some point, we’re already putting a lot of faith in AI in other areas of our life. I mean I’m not gonna nap in the backseat while the car’s in autopilot for sure 😂 but wouldn’t mind checking my phone or grabbing a bite without worrying about the wheel for a bit. For now, I say let’s keep an eye on the road and another on the tech’s development. Safety first, always! ⚠️🚘

Just chiming in with an extra tip - it’s often overlooked but make sure you’ve got decent thermal paste for the CPU! It can really make a difference in keeping things cooler and running smoothly. Oh and I can vouch for pcpartpicker, it’s saved me from compatibility headaches more than once 🙏 Remember the excitement of booting up for the first time - it’s a feeling you don’t forget. Got my fingers crossed for your build! 🤞

Yeah, the struggle can really feel like trying to collect a cloud in your hands sometimes, just something you can’t get a hold of. But as you’ve said - keeping steady, taking each day, each moment as it comes - that’s the key. And you’re right about escapism, it feels good in the short term, but might leave you stranded in the long term. Also, that image of boxing with shadows - spot on! It’s like that Greek myth, Sisyphus, always pushing up the rock only to have to start over again. Yet, we gotta keep going. Every storm weathered makes us stronger. And remember, even diamonds start as lumps of coal. Tomorrow’s another day!

Hey all, So, I recently came into some extra money (nothing crazy, but a decent amount) after selling my old ’87 Chevy. Usually, I’d be eyeing this as a fun splurge or maybe a vacation. But I’ve been staring at these relentless student loans I’ve got and wonder if maybe it’s time to channel this unexpected windfall towards that. I borrowed a hefty sum for my four years in college. Been making the minimum payment for each month for about 5-6 years, but it feels like this debt isn’t going anywhere fast. I know it’s not exciting as buying a new gaming console or going on a tropical cruise, but I’ve started to think maybe dumping the extra cash I have into this student loan debt might ease me up a bit. Any advice or strategies folks used to tackle their own loans? I’ve heard about the snowball method, targeting the loan with the highest interest first, but it’s a bit daunting. Has that or any other method helped you make significant progress on your loans? Or should I just stick to my monthly payments and use the money for something more immediately enjoyable? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. They always say “it’s not real until it’s on the internet.” Cheers.

So, here’s the deal. My little one has entered the dreaded ‘terrible twos’ stage and I’m drowning here, folks. Tantrums have become a daily occurrence and sometimes I feel like I’m just barely treading water. I’ve got to admit it’s wearing me down a bit. Anyone with a piece of advice, a survival guide, or just words of encouragement during this storm? It’s not just the public meltdowns which are a public spectacle we have to live every once in a while, but even the home ones are beginning to take a toll on me. Today, we’ve had three major meltdowns - over not wanting to wear socks, not getting to scribble on the kitchen wall with crayons, and wanting to brush her own teeth (it was more of a toothpaste eating session). I mean, I get it, she’s discovering her autonomy and wants to have a say in things, but come on! I’ve read that trying to reason with them can be helpful, but it’s a lot easier said than done, isn’t it? Trying to have a logical conversation with a two-year-old mid tantrum isn’t exactly a picnic in the park (been there, tried that, earned the t-shirt). Though I try and keep my cool, there have been moments where I’ve raised my voice and trust me, I know that’s not helpful either. It just escalates the situation 🤔

Fitness bands can indeed be a double-edged sword, all those constant nudges sure can crank up the anxiety. I had a similar experience with mine. Loved the idea of tracking my steps but those relentless reminders for me to ‘breathe’ drove me nuts. Like, mate, I’d be just chilling and there it goes with its ’don’t forget to breathe’ alert. As if I’d just stop breathing without its reminder, right? But yeah, figured out the same trick - just cut down on the notifications. Now it’s more of a fancy pedometer for me. Stick with what works for ya, I reckon. Fitness should bring joy, not stress!

Mate, you’re spot on about those sunflowers. They’re a tough lot, but nothing beats looking out your window to a sea of yellow, eh? You’d be surprised how those garden bots can come in handy though, especially for the less nimble among us. But for me, it’s all about those little surprises. Last spring, a tiny poppy managed to wiggle its way up from a crack in the pavement. Bright as a button and utterly defiant. It’s the beauty among the beast, innit? And yeah, it’s the journey that’s priceless. The sight of blooming flowers silhouetted against the concrete, priceless. Keep gardening, pal, you’re doing great.

I totally get where you’re coming from! That feeling of being ‘plugged in’ can become too real and overwhelming sometimes. I had a run-in with my smartwatch, felt like I was handcuffed to it, you know? Made a choice and ditched it during a camping trip last summer and honestly, it was liberating! But like you, I missed some of the features, especially the ones related to health and sleep tracking. Think it’s super important to remember that tech is here to facilitate, not control our lives, right? Use it to your advantage but don’t let it become a leash. And yeah, nothing beats the good old wristwatch. Such a classic! Cheers to keeping a healthy balance between the smart and the simple.

Haha yep, WiFi troubles are the worst, aren’t they? Ghost in the machine indeed. And those router channels can become quite crowded, especially during peak hours. A little tweaking here and there can do the trick. As for the mesh network, I agree with ya. Absolute overkill for a 2-room apartment , but if the walls are solid concrete or there are other signal issues, I say why not. If you can afford it, might as well get that smooth, seamless internet, right? I can’t tell ya how many times the router placement has become the real issue. It’s crazy how it’s so often overlooked. It’s not some decor that you hide away, it needs some breathing space! Here’s to better Netflix nights with no buffering! Oh, the WiFi wars.. we’ve all been there. 😄👊

Ah, the joys and frustrations of smart home setup, eh? Can’t tell ya how many times I’ve played the “why won’t this flippen thing connect?!” game, haha! YouTube honestly is a lifesaver. Did you ever find that one tutorial that just blinks and it’s suddenly all clear? Take your time mate, there’s no medal for doing it all in one day. Remember the fun part is showing off your smart home, once it’s all set up! Oh, and if you ever feel like throwing your smart speaker out the window, just imagine how awesome it’ll be when you finally get everything synced. Hang in there!