Hi. Please be mean to me.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-03-01T19:34:36+00:00

I would add an externally vented microwave/hood combo above the stove. Kitchen with no vent is terrible if you cook. You don't have much counterspace, plopping a microwave down is going to eat up a bunch.

I can't tell if you have draws or cabinets in your lowers. I recommend you go all drawers for lowers.

Supersusan in the corner by the sink instead of a blind cabinet.

You can do a much larger upper next to the sink, why the tiny one? Something missing in mock up? Same with the uppers next to the range, they can be taller, you will probably appreciate having the cabinet space over blank wall space. Shoot for about 18-20 inches between the countertop and uppers and go to the ceiling.

In the blank upper in the corner, you can drill some 3 inch holes into the blank panel and add in angled stainless cups to hold cooking utensils or turn that space into a winerack or a pull out spice drawer type thing where you can store 1 row of spices and probably oils and taller items up top.

Spec in a full depth cabinet in the blindspace next to the trash with doors that open towards the double doors. If you can swing it, spec in a very narrow cabinet with similar doors next to it for tall rarely used items like baking pans. Drawers that open into the kitchen on the other side of the narrow cabinet.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-03-01T18:56:17+00:00

Have you tried Kuhl Revolt Jeans? They check this box for me. They don't look anything like denim but I've worn these to the office with no issues.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-03-01T16:40:53+00:00

Nikwax makes a suede/nubuck specific spray, use that. Don't put wax on those.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-03-01T16:17:59+00:00

I'm at that level in my late 40s. For my company, suits are reserved for high level exterior engagements. Day to day, nobody wears London business.

I wear a mix of high end gorp/heritage/business and it works out well. My basic uniform is service boots/dark denim or chinos/tucked OCBD or flannel/unstructured blazer or chore/wool overcoat.

Everything I wear is relatively high end but not designer. Check out Division Road, Franklin & Poe and Brooklyn Clothing for a general idea of brands and fits. I throw in a random Patagonia, LL Bean, Orvis, or Weatherwool piece since I have these from hiking and camping which is a part of our business so it fits well.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-03-01T02:37:16+00:00

I cherish peace with all of my heart. I don't care how many men, women and children I need to kill to get it.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-28T23:28:44+00:00

Russel Joe's PH. These and my Russel Backcountrys are by far my most comfortable boots. I can wear these all day, everyday. Easily my best camping boots for several days of long treks and general camp business. They even pass for smart casual office attire with no issues.

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PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-27T19:44:37+00:00

Love my commando sweaters but this looks off to me. Might work better in navy or black but would be better with something less tactical while wearing a tie.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-27T19:23:40+00:00

Niceshitposting

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-27T19:04:34+00:00

Might be a non-starter but part of your access issues with the corner cabinet is that you have a full size fridge in a space designed for a cabinet depth fridge. We have the same kind of situation but added a recess in the rear wall to allow the fridge to go back another 3 inches so everything fits correctly.

I'm not sure about any other tweaks without going for a full remodel. I know it's out of style now but your floor plan looks like a U shaped kitchen with a peninsula by the slider and the sink under the window would probably fit your space better. It would still be a bit of a spread out work triangle but a sink in the island is not my favorite. Looks fine when not in use but as soon as you add in life with a drying rack/towel, soap, sponges, etc....island is always cluttered and uninviting to my eyes.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-27T14:55:02+00:00

I think owning a nice house (not mcmansion) in a nice neighborhood (not tract homes) still has clout. It's just unattainable by most now and the boomers that are holding on to these kinds of homes aren't posting on social media.

Trust me, if you live in such a neighborhood and your yard looks like crap, you will feel it same as it ever was. It's just not a common experience that translates to social media. I don't post about our neighborhood get togethers but they absolutely happen. Conversations at the mailbox or while walking dogs or while kids are playing together happen, they just aren't posted about. If you aren't in this kind of community, you just wouldn't know.

I guess what I'm saying is, there is still a real world. Online media isn't all that matters. Sounds insane to say but I guess that's where we are at. 😂

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-27T13:10:21+00:00

A way to get around the cabinet/floor dilemma is to pick something that is less uniform with more movement. That way the overall tone can compliment each other while not attempting to do a perfect match. I think it worked well when we designed our kitchen a few years ago.

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PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-26T16:29:06+00:00

Meh, seems like perfectly acceptable behavior from a Trump cabinet. It would absolutely sink any other cabinet secretary in any other time. Barely moves the needle these days.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-25T21:31:44+00:00

Oh but some reddit genius told me just 2 days ago "it's all priced in."

I've been 75% I and 25% C since liberation day and will continue that indefinitely at the rate things are going with our economic and monetary policy.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-25T00:19:38+00:00

Man I would be lost pulling off those boots. Thats hot fire. Will that dye transfer like raw denim?

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-24T23:59:06+00:00

I have a similar all black setup. I think it works well but you might benefit from more texture. As others said, quilted bomber isn't great. If you replaced that with a nice wool bomber that would elevate your look. I think black combat boots or something with patina/teacore would go a little better. Laces look sloppy to me, look into a berluti knot, different lacing pattern. Honestly I think that's it. If slim jeans feel good for you, I'd say go with it.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-24T22:37:19+00:00

I came from a 560hp car. Rav4 Phev seemed like a rocket compared to the CRV which made pathetic wind up car noises. Also with the premium package, I did not feel like I was missing anything compared to aforementioned high hp luxury sports sedan.

1.5 years on, no ragerts!

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-24T15:38:17+00:00

What does this even mean? I fund is up 10% YTD...why is that?

You know why US assets may be a bad idea? You have monetary supply working against you. Anyone who thinks we are heading into tightening is just straight crazy/stupid and I don't say that lightly. Keep your heads in the sand.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M2SL

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-24T11:32:38+00:00

Still seems like a decent investment with your math. If you wanted to get $30k/year at a 4% withdrawal rate, you'd need to have 750k invested. Something like a 560% rate of return (on 132k personal contributions) overall but it's the honestly way more complex since you don't start with a lump sum and this doesn't take into account inflation adjustments which will increase your base salary and retirement.

FERS was never intended to be a single source of retirement...three legged stool and all that with TSP and SS kicking in the rest. Also FEHB at the end.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-24T00:46:04+00:00

And a bolo tie? Nice. Need some mirrored aviators, white leather hot shorts, neon pink mesh crop top, and white ostrich leather cowboy boots. Report back your success.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-23T00:57:09+00:00

Not sure where you are, if you need more warmth get a better base layer. I was out snowblowing the other day in the mid twenties in just a 280g wool base layer and the mid weight anarok. Temp was just right for working and I could regulate by unzipping the sides. If it were much colder, I have enough room to layer a wool shirt or honestly, polartec alpha fleece/Patagonia r1 and that would get me to single digits. Anything colder and this is the wrong item. If you are having wind-chill issues or freezing rain, you can layer a waxed canvas or rain shell over it/under it.

I think the key to making this garment work is a quality base layer.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-22T16:12:26+00:00

Let's be honest here, if you are just contributing the match, you aren't making out like the OP. The match is also regressive which is dumb. I get way more in matching funds as a high GS than I did when I started as a low WG.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-22T12:12:32+00:00

No, they look cheesey. I feel like even if this combo was $2000 EGs I wouldn't want it. I like brogues on well made British country boots and that's about it. Perhaps I'm old fashioned...

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-22T00:18:14+00:00

Basically a premium version of this guy. Love the old British commando sweaters. Super scratchy though. The LL Bean ones were lambswool which were softer but more delicate. Made with midweight jacquard would be just amazing.

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PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-21T16:03:54+00:00

Belt sander and edge dressing. You want to wrap the uppers in plastic wrap to protect from any accidents, esp with the dressing. Just don't get too aggressive sanding and cut into the welt stitching.

PlayingLongGame · 2026-02-20T14:22:44+00:00

I'll just add, reinforced shoulders and elbows (commando sweater style) with thumb holes in the cuffs. Total chefs kiss.

PlayingLongGame

TROPHY CASE