va557

That mental fog sounds really frustrating, especially when you’re trying to stay sharp on the job. Even if you’re a night owl, your body’s natural rhythms still get thrown off by working overnight. For me, it took about a month of night shifts before my brain started feeling less fuzzy, but what helped was making sure I got some sunlight right after waking up - even if it’s just sitting by a window for a bit. It kind of resets your internal clock a little. Also, I found that small, frequent snacks with protein and healthy fats kept me more alert than big meals that made me sluggish. Things like nuts, cheese, or even a boiled egg helped me avoid that post-meal crash. And don’t underestimate the power of short breaks to move around or stretch during your shift. It’s not a fix-all, but it did make a noticeable difference for me. That mental fog you’re describing sounds really frustrating, especially since you thought being a night owl would make it easier. I had a similar experience when I switched to night shifts - my brain just felt like it was in slow motion for a good month. What helped me was mixing in short, light exercise breaks during the shift, like stretching or a quick walk, to boost alertness. Also, I found that eating smaller, balanced meals instead of big heavy ones kept me from feeling sluggish. It’s good you’re already doing blackout curtains and white noise; those are solid moves. Some folks here mentioned caffeine helps but only early in the shift, so it doesn’t mess with daytime sleep. Hang in there, it usually takes a bit for your body to really adjust. If the fog persists beyond a month or starts to impact your mood seriously, it might be worth chatting with a doc just to rule out anything else.

That tiny balcony sounds like the perfect spot for summer movie nights! For your budget, I’ve had decent luck with the Vankyo Leisure 3 mini projector - it’s usually just a bit above $150 but often goes on sale. The brightness is surprisingly good for casual use after sunset, and it connects easily via HDMI to laptops or phones with adapters. Just keep in mind that even the better mini projectors in this price range tend to have weak built-in speakers, so pairing it with a small Bluetooth speaker is definitely the way to go for better sound quality. Also, since you mentioned portability, these projectors are lightweight and compact enough to toss in a backpack. I’d recommend grabbing a portable screen or even just a white sheet to improve the image clarity outdoors. Ambient light can really wash out the picture, so try to keep it as dark as possible when you watch. Have fun setting it up - there’s something magical about watching movies under the stars!

That burnt smell and smoke definitely sound like something got stuck or maybe a bit of residue inside heated up unexpectedly. Even if you don’t see crumbs, sometimes tiny bits can cling to the heating elements or the walls inside. Since it still heats up, it might not be totally fried, but I’d be cautious about using it regularly until you’re sure it’s all clear and safe. One trick I’ve used for a deeper clean is unplugging it and then using a soft brush (like a pastry brush or a small paintbrush) to gently sweep inside the slots and around the heating elements. Then tip it upside down and give it a gentle shake again. Also, running an empty cycle (without bread) after cleaning can help burn off any lingering residue safely. If the smoke or smell comes back, it’s probably time to retire it.