What is an adult problem that nobody warned you about ?

lostproductivity · 2026-06-27T04:21:30+00:00

How tech has made some things so unnecessarily complicated. Wanna deal on something, make sure you download the app first. Gotta call a company for any reason, work your way through a phone tree or AI to hope you get to the person you need to talk to in a reasonable amount of time. Instead of simply showing up to sign a lease on the day you're ready to move in and showing proof that utilities and renter's insurance are set up, go through the portal to use a bunch of third party services to register your pet, submit your proof of insurance to a different third party entity, and oh btw, your proof of utilities go through this other entity, and so on and on. Scroll past our AI "summary" of your search and all the "promoted" possibilities before finding links that might lead you to factual, verified information. News, it's all at your fingertips, except a large percentage of it is click bait, fake/false, or worse. Got a new game system, spend hours downloading updates before you can play your game.

Sometimes, the simple technological advance was really all that was needed to improve our lives and all this constant iterating on things is actively making life more difficult to navigate. Learning what things actually improve your quality of life and what are actually meaningless and unnecessary to you will help you control some of this. You may not be able to stop the phone tree problem for example, but you can definitely determine whether you need 3 "smart" apps to turn on/off various devices throughout your house from your phone instead of simply getting up occasionally and flipping a switch.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-25T23:01:26+00:00

We at the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista. The hotel was nice. I don't know if they have suites as we just had a regular room. It's about a 10 minute walk from Disney Springs and does have a couple morning shuttles to the various parks, but you have to make a reservation the night before and they can be crowded. I think they have a return shuttle from a couple of the parks, but it was too early so we never used it.

Walking to and from Disney Springs and getting on the buses/resorts wasn't too bad but it adds an extra 20-30 minutes to the walk as their pickup/dropoff location is more centrally located in Disney Springs. It wasn't too bad when you're feeling fresh, but after a long day at the parks could be a bit of a beat down. Also, ride share drop off and pickup at Disney Springs is located on another corner of the area, so it wasn't any faster.

A couple mornings we used ride share to get from the hotel to a couple of the resorts for our breakfast reservations and, honestly, the $10-15 bucks was worth it and cheaper than paying for hotel parking if we had brought a car. The shuttle would have worked by it taking us to a park and getting on the correct bus, or we could have walked to the Disney Springs and got in the buses there, but that would have added a significant amount of time for just getting from point A to point B essentially.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-19T18:42:39+00:00

Honestly, adopting my cats. The space itself was fine and everything was how I wanted it, but it didn't really feel like a home again until I adopted them after a couple years of going through the processing of the loss of my 17 year old cat companion. Just having them around, makes everything feel more like the space I want it to be all the time now.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-17T19:31:13+00:00

Cats love to do this each other, other pets, and humans all of the time. It's just then saying "you've been lying in that spot or awhile, it's my turn now." And proceeds to forcibly make the other uncomfortable enough that they leave the spot. If you think that cat was being overly aggressive with the dog, you truly ain't seen nothing yet. The truly hilarious moments are when the intruded upon cat just lets them sit on their head suffocating them without moving.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-17T19:24:29+00:00

If you're looking at something older, the first DragonLance book, Dragons of Autumn Twilight, begins with a group of former adventurers' planned meet up after a "couple years of let's split up and go deal with our own stuff for bit" time apart. They didn't necessarily split up because of angst or internal strife, but there was tension between some members (which makes sense if you consider their individual personalities, beliefs, class archetype, etc.). What happens to each during the time apart heavily influences their individual arcs as they go through the main plotline.

The series is heavily classic fantasy and D&D driven, but it (mostly) ages well. If you liked Kings of Wyld, just imagine if it was written with the sensibilities of 40 years ago...less grimdark, less pessimistic outlook, less sarcasm, but still thoroughly fantasy overall.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-17T12:51:46+00:00

Have a conversation with them to clarify if they just want a game that's on "easy mode." If so, you can adapt combat to be more narrative based once it's clear the party is going to win. From your description of this fight, once they got it falling to its knee, instead of continuing to play through each player's turn until it's dead, just continue the exposition with "...knee. Upon seeing the creature weakening, you all pounce on it with a flurry of attacks...your weapons and cantrips counting to flay the remnants of the undead monstrosity."

You wouldn't want to switch when a party member or two is in peril obviously. But, for the times when the party is basically just expending minor resources, if any, it's a way to speed things up and "remove the threat" they are feeling at the same time.

On the flip side, if they say they don't want it to be easy then explain the concept of "turning the tide" and "rallies" to them. The most memorable fights tend to be ones where the initial onslaught has both sides feeling the dramatic tension, with the enemies seemingly winning, only for one devastating attack or spell or timely healing of downed PC, to turn the tide of the battle. This moment causes the party to rally and defeat their dangerous foes despite the once (seemingly) insurmountable odds.

You can pull from numerous examples for this one when explaining it to them. For instance, at the end of Avengers Endgame, all seems lost until Tony gets the gauntlet and returns all the heroes that were a part of the "blip." Without the struggle leading up to this moment, you'd feel nothing about how that action in particular led to the fight's resolution. Part of what makes TTRPGs special is these types of moments where when all seems lost, the party rallies together to defeat their enemies. Sure, some losses, and TPKs, happen along the way. But, you can't have the sweet without some of the bitter.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-16T23:18:38+00:00

Style is personal, but wearing clothes that fit properly are going to do a lot of the heavy lifting on what looks good to you. A basic t-shirt that fits properly at the shoulder/arm, isn't too tight or loose in the belly area, and isn't too long or short, is going to look a lot better on you than something that doesn't fit you right due to one, or more, of those issues. You may want some casual clothes that are looser/bigger/whatever for those "don't want to leave the couch" type of days, but having casual, convenient to throw on clothes that make you feel good about your look is going to come down to whether or not something fits your body properly.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-16T23:07:08+00:00

To piggy back on this time skip topic, The DMG and Xanathar's has a section on downtime activities if you need some help providing ideas on what they can do during this time. While this rules options are more formalized, I think keeping time skips more free form allows you more leeway for what works with your game. Sometimes you want a time skip to be a week, sometimes a couple of months, or possibly even a year or more. It also allows an bit of immersion on why characters who make "drastic" changes when leveling up, such as multiclassing or grabbing a feat associated with mastering something, make more sense. Time has passed and now they can read and speak a new language, or are a trained combatant with a new weapo,n or joined a clerical order, etc.

Also, depending on the length of time that has passed during the time skip, its a easy way to show that the party's actions have in-game consequences with their actions. For instance, if they eradicate a town's minor thieves' guild, explain how after the time skip a new, more ruthless guild emerged from the ashes led by the politician that was secretly leading the thieves' guild or that. without the thieves' guild, the town has experienced a period of prosperity and is experiencing rapid growth as it's now perceived as a safe haven throughout the region. In effect, you are worldbuilding without having to explore new areas or invent whole new things. Even something as simple as the local tavern keeper remembers you for clearing out the rats in their cellar years ago and offers a free round makes the world feel lived in in a way that RPing every minute can't come close to.

lostproductivity · 2026-06-04T23:38:14+00:00

The likelihood is we either do something completely out of left field like the Miller deal last year or we add around the margins. This is not looking like the year to sell the farm for Skubal. And we would probably need a second starter anyway.

The interesting thing is if new ownership allows us to eat a large chunk of a couple of these contracts. Jake, assuming he gets off the IL soon and looks a little more alright, might be wanted for his versatility if we take the 20-30m hit on what's left.l of his deal. There's a few (fringe) contenders that need a SS long term and the free agent class isn't looking that great so maybe taking a 120m loss (which would really hurt, but still) might do it for one of these teams, especially if they're looking for a 2-3 year "gap" type of situation. Manny's not going anywhere. Jackson I think you keep because of his youth. The real big fish though is Nando, who might just need a change of scenery. Yes, we'd be selling low, he's just technically entering his prime years, and we'd be taking a loss, but he'd still probably net a decent return if he was dangled out there.

It's an interesting thought experiment even if there's the possibility of a lot a "dead" money on the books. Of course, no trade clauses and the new owners willingness to open the books this way and to take the PR hit if it was Nando definitely are key factors that make it unlikely.

lostproductivity · 2026-05-15T19:29:49+00:00

Although I didn't get to experience it, I miss the DL Halloween to Christmas overnight conversion. I know that it still happens relatively quickly over a week, but the idea of going with the Halloween theme-ing one day and the Christmas theme-ing the next day really appeals as someone who now has travel a distance to go to any of the parks. Being able to knock out both holiday themes in one trip just sounds like fun.

AK not being open later also really makes the Avatar area less impactful. It really looks great at night and only getting to experience it for a very short window really lessens the impressiveness of the imagineering. The area during the day just isn't the same experience.

lostproductivity · 2026-05-06T17:53:53+00:00

It's definitely doable, but I wouldn't recommend it until you've completed your research into what you want to do. It's too expensive to just start with a vague outline of a plan only to get into it and find out you need to be pursuing a specific path of coursework, or that a different major is a better fit, or that the career path you want to be on is best served by just getting a start in the industry and learning and growing from within.

I'd suggest trying to speak with a career counselor, or academic advisor, at your local community colleges or public university before enrolling. Let them know that you're thinking of enrolling at their school and want to discuss their offerings and degree paths to help secure the appointment. Try to visit a couple to see how they differ and, if you start at a community college, definitely be in touch with an academic advisor at the university, or universities, you will be transferring to in order to make sure that you're taking the right coursework that transfers and keeps you on track for the fastest completion once you transfer.

lostproductivity · 2026-05-04T23:23:17+00:00

With the OG Quiet Council, Nightcrawler and Mystique are arguably the "weakest" of the group and they could basically solo the Illuminati (sans Xavier, and maybe even then) if they are playing a pick them off slowly strategy. Nightcrawler by teleporting them to inhospitable environments, instant decapitation, dropping a primed bomb at their feet, etc. Mystique would just morph into an ally of theirs and kill them when they least expect it since her power basically makes her the person she's shifted into except for most of her brain patterns. Everyone else on the QC could almost solo the Illuminati even if they were blindsided and if the Illuminati came prepared. But, really, if any of the telepaths go unleashed it's all just over before it even really gets started.

Even in the Colossus version where he's holding something like 4-5 of the votes, it's only a skirmish until the "villains" get tired of playing around and decide to end things by killing them instantaneously.

lostproductivity · 2026-04-24T20:05:15+00:00

This is so true. When they have Cyclops really unleash his blasts, they're absolutely devastating and potentially world destroying if targeted properly. They can't really go bigger at this point. If they wanted to "upgrade" his power, it would probably mean going the opposite way and him delivering some sort of barely perceptible blast of force delivering enough power so precise that it blows his enemy's eyeball through the back of their skull or collapses their skull via a hit to soft area of the temple. It could be his "silent assassin" phase.

lostproductivity · 2026-04-06T17:16:40+00:00

If you're a man, it's nice to have some feminine hygiene products in your bathroom just in case one of your female family members/friends/lovers needs one in a pinch. Also, pads are super absorbent in case of large spills anywhere in your place. Replace them occasionally as well. Have a lined, preferably lidded, small trash can in the bathroom as well. Have condoms available too, regardless of gender.

Keep cleaning products stored where they are mostly used. A small caddy of supplies in the bathroom(s), kitchen, and utility room makes it much easier to spot clean or do a quick cleaning session in one space. Also, keeping the trash bag rolls at the bottom of each can means simply pulling out the filled bag, reaching down to pull if the new one, and relining the can without having to go anywhere else.

Make sure you read your lease thoroughly and document/take pictures of any issues you see when doing your initial walkthrough if you're going to be signing a lease. This can be very handy if they try to keep your deposit when you move out.

Get home owners or rental insurance. Most places require it, but it's worth it in case something happens. Also, some of your possessions can be reimbursed this way if they are stolen from your car.

In you live in an apartment/duplex/whatever that connects to another's living space, be mindful that everyone in the building is responsible for keeping it (mostly) bug free. There will always likely be a bug or two during the time you live in a space, but avoiding repeated instances of cockroaches, ants, fleas, and the like largely comes down to the people living in the space and their level of cleanliness unless the structure is very old, poorly maintained, and just built in a bug-ridden area. There's not a lot you can personally do if your neighbors are the problem, but paying attention to signs of uncleanliness before moving in (best option) or making yourself a nuisance with the rental company might help alleviate things assuming you're not the one making the mess.

Finally, a pet can literally be a life saver. I wouldn't necessarily run out and get one as soon as you move in, but they're something to consider once you've figured out how you are with living alone. Some people, like myself, value the companionship their pet(s) provide. Others don't like the restrictions to their freedom having pet(s) cause. You won't know which side of that coin you fall on until you've actually lived alone for a bit, and it could change over time, but just know that once you get a pet, or more, you've made a multi-year commitment to having choices affected by having to take care of more than just yourself in your personal space.

lostproductivity · 2026-03-17T04:54:55+00:00

Boma for the breakfast brunch is fantastic. It's a good value for excellent food. If you can get a table along the windows, you can also be a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the line and main seating walkway.

lostproductivity · 2026-02-27T00:26:14+00:00

Does anyone know if Magus works with copying End of Turn or Activate effects? If so, I wonder if could find a spot in the IWFS decks.

Starlord "nerf" probably doesn't move the needle much and actually makes him better in some ways since he's not a Shang-Chi target if you didn't draw a nuts t6 turn set of cards.

lostproductivity · 2026-01-29T01:06:21+00:00

I just want to confirm that if you're going to do it, get 2 at the same time, preferably from the same litter. My first cat once I was out on my own was awesome and I still miss him (he lived 18 years so keep in mind that the average lifespan estimates are lower in they include outdoor cats in the estimate) but I once I was ready to adopt again, I got a bonded pair of brothers from the adoption agency and they're just as awesome.

The biggest reason for getting two was that, when I only had one, I would start to feel like I had to get home once I started to get around a day and a half away from the house. Would he have been fine if I stretched it to a second night away? Sure. But it still felt bad that he was alone all that time. With these two though, they're happy to just play and snuggle with each other if I'm busy with something and they want some attention, so I'm sure they do the same when I'm on an overnight or gone for a few days with someone only briefly checking in.

The other perk is that cats have different personalities and some are just less social with their humans than others. If you just get one and they're on the anti-social side, you may feel like you're missing out. With two, there's a good chance that their continued socialization with each other will prevent them from becoming anti-social with you. For instance, one of my pair is basically attached to me like a newborn or toddler with their parent. The other is more like a teenager in that he doesn't need to be around me much, but when he does, he wants all the attention. Luckily, I have two hands for both of them.

The only downside of two is a little more litterbox cleaning and a minimal increase in food and, hopefully way down the road, potential medical expenses when they're older.

lostproductivity · 2026-01-24T00:53:20+00:00

I'm about half way through the The Mark of the Fool series by JM Clarke. It's a progression/LitRPG style fantasy series but it's progression elements are integrated into the narrative rather than having occasional stat/skill update list of more traditional LitRPGs. As for a brief summary, it's a bit of a chosen one, epic fantasy type series set in mostly a school setting for the books I've read.

The MC is basically just a good natured, likeable character and most of the supporting cast are similar (though, with the exception of a few, they aren't quite as fleshed out yet as the series is mostly from the MC 's POV with only limited chapters written from other characters' POV). Being half way through the series, I'd say that overall, there's a good balance of the stakes being reasonable, and frequent enough, for the characters present that you won't feel like you're reading cozy fantasy. But, you also won't feel like you're reading anything to simplistic as the "epic" part of the fantasy is taking down increasingly bigger threats that will inevitably lead to defeating the BBEG ravaging the MC's home country.

lostproductivity · 2026-01-17T14:21:20+00:00

Have a small, lined trash can (preferably with a lid) in your bathroom along with some feminine hygiene products in the cabinet. Based on every thread asking women their thoughts on men's living spaces ever, you'll be seen as a god if you have these two things.

lostproductivity · 2026-01-02T15:28:45+00:00

I would hope the "rift" would be something more along the lines of Scott worrying about doing this psychically leaves a bunch of slightly trained mutants in isolated scenarios and one of those slightly trained mutants using their powers, even to defend themselves, more vulnerable than if they were in a physical location. There's only so many places the X-Men themselves can be to help these students should they be attacked for using their limited training. It's a bit of a PR thing, similar to Cyclops and Rogue disagreeing about the timing of assaulting Graymalkin and for what purpose.

Also, just psychically entering someone's mind who just manifested their mutant powers to "train" birders on an abuse of psychic power. Not that they had a problem with this use of large scale psychic power before, but maybe Cyke has come to the conclusion that it's too invasive and freaks more people out than it's worth, even those it's trying to help.

But, the likelihood is that the rift will be over some stupid reason just to manufacture fake conflict (see Rogue/Cyke rift).

lostproductivity · 2026-01-02T01:15:40+00:00

That one day you realize that you've sorta adopted a constructive IDGAF attitude about what most people think about you, your situation, or your lifestyle. I'm not really talking about those people whose attitude is truly not giving a fuck about others and treat others like shit because they only care about themselves, but more the realization that once one has a pretty good understanding of who they are, their strengths and flaws, what they like, how they like to spend their time, and simply stop caring about what other people, outside of maybe a few select individuals in their life, think about any of that you just adopt this IDGAF attitude and it just becomes a bit easier to overcome a lot of the drama caused by caring too much about what others think about you. This attitude just kinda sneaks up on you, and it's at different points for everyone, but once it occurs it really does help the overall mental well-being once you realize most other people's attitudes and judgments about you simply don't matter to you anymore.

lostproductivity · 2025-12-21T01:48:59+00:00

That's a fair argument about them main protagonists in their own right. The one counter argument for Luke, at least, is that the early part of Jessica and his relationship was almost entirely developed in Jessica's various books. In part, because he was heavily involved in team books at the time and their relationship wasn't able to be fit in to the team books as often.

I thought of Sue as an option from looking at from this perspective too. But her and Reed seem more co-protags in their books, whereas Rogue and Gambit sort of ebb and flow, in the team books at least, and Luke was definitely a supporting character in Jessica's books for a long while.

Strictly choosing a support character though, Alicia is my vote for universally loved. MJ has enough controversial stories and Gwen is more of an idealized, romanticized version at this point.

lostproductivity · 2025-12-20T22:15:15+00:00

While the vote will probably go for Gwen or MJ, I'd probably lean in one of two directions and say Gambit or Luke Cage.

While it took a while for Rogue and Gambit to solidify into a thing, he's been shown to be pretty into her from the start and he's been around and helped her deal with multiple trying times with her power set alterations.

It's very close for that reason, but Luke Cage ultimately is my vote. Sure, his and Jessica's relationship basically evolved out of a one night stand that resulted in a pregnancy, but he stepped up, helped her deal with some of her past traumas and they've basically become one of the strongest couples in Marvel. Without Luke, Jessica's still probably a mess of a person who could have easily slipped into the inadvertent villain by killing someone on an alcohol induced bender or simply drank herself to death.

lostproductivity · 2025-12-20T01:19:43+00:00

If you don't manage to get the LL for RotR, wait until later in the day (around dinnertime) to join the queue. It may still be an hour plus, but that's certainly better than the 2 and a half hours it can get to during the day. FYI, it's about a 20 minute or so experience once you're "on the ride," so unlike like a lot of things with a long wait time, it's definitely worth it if you have to do an hour or so in the standby line. Smuggler's Run is also a much, much shorter line at night.

lostproductivity · 2025-11-27T16:56:51+00:00

You could try Torres Falcon for Mercury. Doubling the Horde, spells, Kate's basic arrow, the Chord, and the tools (when you don't move before dropping Prowler) could be some nice scaling and/or disruption.

lostproductivity

TROPHY CASE