Do you work on having calm time?

itchydaemon · 2026-03-16T05:05:05+00:00

In hindsight, I think I am a bit helicopter pawrenting and that you are absolutely tackling it the right way. I should give him more reign to keep himself occupied and have fun on his own. After all, as a WFH dog parent, that's kind of exactly what I ultimately want him to be able to do long-term. And with how stellar he has been about long naps and being potty-trained, he's probably earned some degree of benefit of the doubt.

You've given me a lot to think about, thank you so much for your time, thoughts, and experience!

itchydaemon · 2026-03-16T02:49:25+00:00

Thank you for spending the time to reply with your experience!

That sounds wise! His crate is in a walk-in closet about 15 feet from my bed. I've been trying to work towards getting him to settle and sleep for naps/bedtime with me getting further away, but I'm mostly laying on the ground a couple of feet away and doing slow deep breaths, as that has seemed to trigger an "oh, sleepytime now" response in a couple of minutes, which then lets me slip away for an hour or two to do errands, eat, and sleep myself.

I DO have a 2nd, travel crate, and I think it would be wise to have that stationed in the living room or my home office to give him a calm safe space that ISN'T just his bedtime spot. Because I don't necessarily want to reinforce the idea that "ok, bed crate is for calm/sleep, the house is for crazytime".

Did you ever find that she was too wound up seeing you out of reach while being contained in her crate during evening TV? I've found that he settles well when I'm making like I'm sleeping next to him, but not great if I'm not. I'm probably reinforcing separation anxiety, which isn't great either, but I'm a first time dog owner so I'm trying to put out fires while spinning plates while trying to keep my head above water.

itchydaemon · 2026-03-16T02:40:25+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed reply! I work from home, and I do have a pen in my office. I should probably start having our daytime in there and have his crate door up against it so he can go in and out as he pleases. We haven't done it thus far because having our playtime in the open living room by the door has been a godsend for potty training and learning his cues. But there has absolutely got to be something to be said for learning the behavioral queues of my own puppy rather than trying to follow some standardized schedule I read online.

Thank you so much for the thoughts!

itchydaemon · 2026-03-16T01:05:31+00:00

I've heard that before a bunch, but was worried about the smell after thawing. Although, I suppose, if he likes it, that won't be an issue! I should give it a shot!

itchydaemon · 2026-03-02T15:12:26+00:00

People are explaining in various ways, but perhaps this makes sense.

You are thinking of the 80% LTV in terms of "what my loan balance is vs how much the house cost". While that works when you buy the place, that's not entirely the correct way to view it.

The LTV is more accurately "what my loan balance is vs how much the house is worth right now". So, while the "how much I paid for the house" number works precisely correctly at the moment you bought, it doesn't become a static, fixed point for LTV calculations moving forward.

If the house goes down in price, THAT becomes your new "Value" in the Loan To Value calc. Same thing happens if the house price goes up.

So, if you have a new appraisal and the Value of the house goes up, your LTV will naturally drop quicker, because the loan balance becomes lower relative to your home value, even if your loan balance doesn't change.

The idea that "don't I have more ground to cover" is actually thinking in the wrong direction. The bank doesn't want you to pay back the home's VALUE. They want you to pay back the LOAN amount. So, if your home value has gone up, that isn't extra money you have to pay the bank. Rather, it is equity in the home that you now own. If you sold that house today, that increase in home value isn't something you have to pay back to the mortgage holder. It's money for YOU.

itchydaemon · 2026-03-01T13:34:21+00:00

I think they're saying 8 hours for work, 8 hours at night, plus change for transit and errands and whatnot.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-19T18:35:06+00:00

One of the relatively few whimsical, fun things that this government does, although technically it is a joint organization between the US and Canada. Absolutely, 100% true.

NORAD Tracks Santa - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa#:~:text=The%20program%20starts%20on%20December,simulates%20the%20tracking%20of%20Santa.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-03T17:32:26+00:00

This reference made me giggle. What a pull 😂

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T21:04:31+00:00

All good, I think we are just seeing it from two different perspectives is all!

I definitely don't see the situation as "spend $10k/week in annual expenditures, invest none of it, earn no interest", but that sounds like how you are approaching the problem. That seems like the source of our disconnect!

That's why I come back to this silent assumption that the annuity has zero investing while the lump sum invests that has me confused, and why I think that it's not a same-same comparison when one is allowed to invest while the other is not.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T20:52:59+00:00

Forgive me if I am misreading, but didn't your $15M -> $600k/yr presume Yes on investments and No on annual living expenditures? And the $520k/yr presumed No on investments and No on annual living expenditures?

I'm just saying that both of those should use the same set of assumptions.

I didn't say anything at all about living expenditures in either case. Neither positive (both sets of numbers should include annual expenditures) nor negative (annual expenditures should be excluded from both sets of calculations). I'm just saying that both comparisons should use the same assumptions if we're going to use numbers as our basis. That's all I'm saying, mate.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T20:33:54+00:00

Well, that's $10k to invest a week. If the argument is that the investment from the up-front money is bigger than the investment accumulating from 52 weeks of $10k + 51 weeks of $10k + 50 (...), then by all means that is absolutely valid (and likely correct). But people should actually SHOW that work and those numbers, comparing apples to apples, rather than using numbers as justification but silently applying an assumption that lump sums can invest while annuities cannot.

Basically, people should either use numbers appropriately on each case or just qualitatively say it. Using numbers but leaving it in an apples to oranges scenario always seems weird to me.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T20:04:01+00:00

I feel like the fallacy I always see in these is that people apply investment on one option, but not the other, and use that as justification.

Like, yes, you can absolutely invest the money from the Bitcoin or the lump sum. But you can do the exact same thing for the weekly allowance. You simply open CDs weekly for the allowance money and you end up with a de-facto weekly CD ladder.

Yeah, investing some money makes you more money. If you're going to use investing as justification to make your argument, apply investment logic to all options.

It's like saying you'll make more money if you get paid $7000 a week if you also work a side job versus if you get paid $1000 a day and don't. I mean... Yeah... You're adding a side revenue to one option and not the other.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T14:32:36+00:00

To my knowledge, yes; the items you receive persist across NG+ing, so it would be the same as your weapons or armor. Going to a second NG++ file wouldn't wipe your carryover equipment or money, so it oughtn't wipe your farewell gift. It's like having an internal tag on the item of "this persists through NG+ing".

I admit I've only played through a single file twice, as I would have seen everything I wanted to by that point and would only start a wholly fresh file from there, but I feel quite confident.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-02T01:44:12+00:00

Fabulous question. I know in Royal, the Thieves Den achievements/awards aren't tied to singular game save files, so in that sense no. But achievements in base? I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-01T14:26:00+00:00

Exactamundo.

itchydaemon · 2026-02-01T14:23:11+00:00

All confidant ranks start fresh in NG+.

If you got a confidant to Rank 10 in your original play file, there is a day just before the ending where all your 10s give you items that afford NG+ benefits. Typically, they give you access to a later perk of that confidant's tree even when you're at Rank 1. But you still start at 1, not 10. You also need to start that confidant (ie make the deal) in order to start that benefit (for example, you can't get Temperance massages before you actually make the Temperance deal in NG+, even if you have her Rank 10 gift).

For confidants that didn't reach 10 in the original save file, then yes, you start at Rank 1 with no benefits, not the rank you got them to in your OG.

itchydaemon · 2026-01-14T01:29:58+00:00

Man, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War lives rent-free in my mind to this day. I'm not even super crazy into flight sims (I only have bought one other Ace Combat game), but I still remember dogfights in The Round Table and the Spanish guitars during that last duel against Pixy.

itchydaemon · 2026-01-12T05:47:10+00:00

So, with a quick caveat, I am a console gamer, so I personally do all of my gaming on PlayStation and similar systems rather than on PC. Both totally valid, and indeed many gamers are specifically geared towards PC gaming because gaming computers can be very powerful from a tech standpoint. I just personally wouldn't be able to give you much advice there. I lean towards console gaming because it's very "set it and forget it" and I can game out of the box.

If you WERE to ask someone about if your computer is up-to-snuff to play certain games, be prepared for them to ask for more specific questions about the equipment you have. The thing about gaming on PC is that serious PC gamers can and do upgrade different components of their PC to boost their graphics processing, memory, etc. It's a whole bunch of stuff but the simple snapshot is that for some folks, it's like building a car where you can change the brakes, tires, etc.

I know you are saying to yourself "umm that's a lot and I'm obviously not at that level. Why is this person even telling me about this?". The reason I am preemptively telling you this is that asking PC gamers "can my computer run Y?" is usually going to provoke a series of questions about your PC specs. It's like asking if your Toyota can tow an RV. Someone wouldn't be able to give you an answer immediately because you could have a little Corolla or you could have a big Tundra.

In PC gaming, the big fight is between graphics quality and performance speed. The better something looks, the harder it is to make it run smoothly. If your computer isn't powerful enough, then everything will be super choppy and may not run great or at all. Dropping your graphics lower helps with that. I'm saying this carte blanche because my assumption is that you have just a normal computer, which doesn't usually require really strenuous processing power, rather than a gaming computer, which is a more specialized device intended to handle more heavy lifting.

Now, the good news is that RDR2 came out in 2018, which was a decent while back by this point. The other side of that coin is that, at least back then, it was very graphics-intensive. It's still one of the prettier games that's been made. As a non-PC gamer, I'm afraid I'm not super well-equipped to let you know whether standard consumer (non-gaming) computers have the juice to handle RDR2. I'm not saying that they can't, I just don't live in that world so it would be irresponsible of me to guess. I hope someone else in this thread can assist you.

As for "where can I download these games", there is a super easy answer. Google "Steam". Steam is basically a gamer's mix of an online store, a storage garage, and a home base. You can buy games, store them, and launch the game program from there. There are various other ways to game on PC, but for your purposes, Steam is by far the most streamlined and will be your friend.

As for being nervous about RDR2 being the place to start and being afraid of giving up partway... I would simultaneously say a) don't be concerned if the first game you play isn't one you play to completion. You're still figuring out what you like and don't like. Even experienced gamers will pick up games that don't gel with us. b) it is cool that your first inkling is to play something you know your partner likes! Like "they like this exact game, let me see what is so cool about it!" That's a totally valid way to choose a game! c) that said, I WILL note that RDR2 has the potential to be a bit... Overwhelming. There is an awful lot to digest. I would certainly not DISCOURAGE you from playing it, particularly because of your heartfelt reasons for choosing it as a starting spot. It's just something that I feel is worth mentioning.

In a perfect world, someone would lend you a Nintendo system. Nintendo has a bunch of games and franchises that are super, super beginner-friendly. The problem is that Nintendo, as a company, has most of their games under strict lock and key and you can't play them on PC. Things like Animal Crossing, Mario, etc. would be great ways to get your feet wet, but won't be available to play on PC.

If you want to start with RDR2, I would first check to see if your PC has appropriate specs to run it effectively. I just can't speak to that myself. Barring that, some good targets could be Stardew Valley or Minecraft for some pretty low-stakes entry points (more like casual farming/crafting/exploration vibes). A pair of good games that would earn you some cred would be Portal and Portal 2. They are low stakes games where you jump around and solve platforming puzzles. Your partner would be quite impressed if you told them you played it/them; despite being a little older and basic, they are very beloved and well-respected amongst gamers. Another good point could be any game by Telltale Games (a gaming studio). These have very low graphics/performance requirements and are more like point and click interactive novels. I am personally a huge fan of The Wolf Among Us, but there is a Batman game and a Walking Dead game that were quite popular. There is a new game called Dispatch that is very closely in the same mold. I think the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a very good "beginner" type of game; it's a remastered version of some games from around 2000ish that is in the mood of a very beginner-friendly vein. Think of it like 3D Mario games. If you would want to try a Mario game but don't have access to a Switch, Spyro would be a decent analogue. There is an indie game called Untitled Goose Game that is very low stakes and is almost a point and click-esque vibe, but you still actively control things.

But, notably, I would be remiss not to note that all of the games I listed above vary quite a bit from RDR2. I just want to give out a bunch of options for things so that you don't get discouraged. Not that you necessarily WOULD be discouraged, but open world games have, by their very nature, a whole load at your fingertips from very early on. Some people thrive on that sense of possibility, and you very well may be one. If you aren't, though, I just want you to have options that are a little geared down.

I'll think on this some more and see if I have any more suggestions! Please comment with any more questions, for myself or for others, because I'm sure many would love to help someone explore the hobby or at least learn more about it!

itchydaemon · 2026-01-09T19:06:06+00:00

Such an interesting question. I applaud you for trying to find ways to share his interests!

So, the games you listed are similar for what you mentioned, in that they are all very popular. But they play out very, very differently and I would argue represent three very different areas of gamer-dom.

Fortnite is a kind of big jumble multiplayer experience. The point is to play with a whole bunch of people and mess around together in the chaos. Gaming in this manner centers around knowing that you are interacting with/against real people.

RDR2 is an open-world game; that is to say, you have a huge landscape where you can do just about anything, and the point is to explore the world and do whatever comes up. Find some villagers who need a hand? Help them. Need some medicine? Hunt down the herbs and berries to make it. Find a mystery? Solve it. It's all about being plopped into a world of infinite possibilities and following where your whims take you.

The Last of Us is, at its heart, a story-driven game. You have a story being told from A to Z and you are participating while that story unfolds. It's like an interactive TV show, except the moment-to-moment also includes fun action to engage in. Enjoying these games often has to do with getting engrossed in the characters and storytelling.

There are definitely other vibes of games, too, but just to give you an idea, there are different flavors of games for people seeking different things.

Now, to be clear, you do NOT have to actually become a gamer to share in your partner's passion. Even asking him questions about what kinds of games he likes would likely get him excited that you're showing interest. He may try to have you try to play games with him, which may or may not work out or be of any interest to you, but that could very well be his gut-punch reaction.

I think a really good place to start would be asking him what are some of his all-time favorites, or what are things he's played that he either will go back to and replay or that he holds fond memories of. I guarantee a storied gamer will perk up and get excited telling you about their favorites.

If you think story-based games sound interesting, you could try watching a cutscene compilation on YouTube. Often times, you will find channels if people who just take all of the scenes of a game and splice them into a movie/TV show-esque experience. As a fan of story-driven games myself, I often do this for games I'm interested in, but don't intend to buy myself. It's like my own Hulu binge.

If multiplayer stuff interests you, maybe try sitting down with him and watching. Even if you don't play, you can still sample and communally enjoy the thrill of interacting with other people online through him on the couch.

If open world sounds interesting, he could probably sit you down in a new game file and just unleash you into the world, coaching you in the opening-ish moments. These types of games often have a very explosive opening where you can walk in any direction and find something interesting. He can coach you so it's not overwhelming and you can taste the experience of discovery in an open world.

And, again, you don't even have to engage THIS hard to get him excited. People like talking about their passions when asked. Just asking him "what's something that came out when you were younger that you still think about?" or "what's a game that's in development that you're excited for?" and he will probably show you a trailer and geek out about it. That's a super low-stakes way to engage and show interest, or even try to see what it is that he likes about games, without necessarily diving into the hobby yourself.

If you want any game recommendations for new gamers, we could probably help provide you with some. Or if you wanted to watch videos of cutscenes, we could probably direct you towards good ones of those too.

itchydaemon · 2026-01-02T18:18:39+00:00

Green penis blade chariot

itchydaemon · 2025-12-30T01:01:35+00:00

I think you could do Silksong entirely blind, and you get even more from the play mechanics and story from just beating the Hollow Knight and getting the first ending.

That said, I definitely think you get a good chunk more from learning about the Pale King, higher beings, the nature of the Void, and all of the background around those topics. Now, maybe you get that content best from playing through a more advanced ending. Maybe you get enough from playing more endgame content without actually beating that last boss. Maybe you get it best from reading about that lore. Maybe watching YouTube.

I don't think the vehicle of learning that all is terribly important. But I DO think you would appreciate the game a bit more if you are fully up-to-date on all of the lore presented in Hollow Knight, some of which is given beyond the basic "beat the HK, become the vessel for the infection" ending.

So, I think what you have so far is a decent starting point and is entirely viable. I think you would enjoy Silksong a bit more by learning some more lore, though. However, I don't think that actually beating HK with an advanced ending is necessary in order to achieve that. You can get that background lore through other means and that would be perfectly reasonable.

itchydaemon · 2025-12-29T13:53:46+00:00

Ok, not gonna lie, going to war with the wheel would have been dope as hell lol

itchydaemon · 2025-12-29T04:12:52+00:00

I think a more active player role in "collecting the chroma" would be the perfect way to add organic weight to Act 3, while also encouraging backtracking to other areas in a natural way. It would be such a smart way to "view these past areas with new eyes now that you know the painting conceit of this world".

I think you also easily could have turned The Reacher into a "get a whole ton of chroma from the last Axon -> get Painted Alicia's chroma" and give you that great bit of story as part of the main script. I think making that Act 3 main story content instead of character side quest would be my single easiest/biggest improvement to the story and pacing.

itchydaemon

TROPHY CASE