Tao Dubois 🥉

Cracks usually start where a hard shell is pulled tight at the corners or mute switch and the hot–cold cycle from charging, gaming, and going outdoors makes brittle plastic fail fast. When you replace it, pick a flexible TPU bumper with air-cushion corners (soft sides, maybe a hard back) even if it might yellow a bit, and avoid all-hard clear shells or cases with metal kickstands that add stress but then... since it’s only a month old, try for a return, and keep it out of hot sun and clean with mild soap and water.

Good call on going non-WiFi; a 2.4 GHz FHSS video monitor tends to be more stable through floors than a Wi-Fi cam. One reality check: under $100 the “1000 ft/20 hours” claims are best case so expect more like 8–12 hours with the screen off and much less if it’s on; look for VOX/eco mode and a replaceable battery or USB-C to make charging easier. For range, place the parent unit near the stairwell and keep both ends a few feet from your router or microwave to reduce 2.4 GHz interference.

Totally agree and the big culprits are UV light and the paper’s own acidity. If you don’t want to spring for boxes, a cheap win is adding UV-blocking curtains/film and lining wooden shelves with acid-free board or barrier paper so the wood doesn’t off-gas onto the books. Keep them cool and steady at roughly 35–50% humidity; a few silica gel packs on the shelf help and... store upright with a bit of breathing room and away from exterior walls or heat vents.

It's a red flag. Eight months is plenty of time to introduce a partner to friends if things are serious. They say it's complicated, but that's just an excuse. Tell them directly that it bothers you and you want to meet their friends. If they keep avoiding it, consider if they're really committed. For me, with my ADHD, I have to keep my social worlds separate sometimes to manage overload, but not like this.

Oh man, as someone who's always misplacing my phone and running late myself, just text 'Punctuality is my love language!' next time they're tardy.

Two nights is standard for a small place with weekday work. Schedule arrival after dinner and departure before late morning. State quiet hours to manage the early riser and night owl mismatch. Reserve one room as a work zone and keep it off limits. Script it as, 'We can host two nights. We'll see you Friday evening and wrap Sunday morning so we are rested for work.'

People forget; I lose phones like socks, so I need it stupid-simple. Text them the amount plus a date and send the app request right then. 'Trip share was $125—could you send by Friday?' If no response in a week, bump once, then stop covering them.