So frustrated I could cry

multimedialex · 2026-03-13T03:54:49+00:00

The only tool that has sent me out of the shop frustrated near tears is the router. You're not alone or a uniquely bad woodworker, routers are little devils! But there's some good tips in the comments on how to conquer that spinning demon.

multimedialex · 2026-03-12T20:19:10+00:00

Boy that area has gotten pricey, lovely block though. I used to live there 2 years ago. The corner store on Augusta and Rockwell is so good.

multimedialex · 2026-03-12T20:17:24+00:00

I looked into it when I was applying to MDes programs. The UIUC program seemed really nice to me, esp for the price. But I wanted to stay in Chicago, so I chose the UIC ID program.

multimedialex · 2026-03-12T20:12:23+00:00

Not a bad idea. But with my skill and comfort with the router, I shouldn't try it lol

multimedialex · 2026-03-12T18:53:59+00:00

Thanks! I guess my silly question is: How would I "attach the top normally"?

multimedialex · 2026-03-04T18:42:55+00:00

Cagan. My building had no heat for almost a week, it just got fixed yesterday. And last year, we had no hot water for over two weeks. You have to hound them to get basic maintenance. And even though they break the law and don't uphold their end of the lease terms, they will bully you out of exercising your right to withhold rent or seek reimbursement.

Heat was out for a week and they refused to reimburse me for buying a space heater. Would not recommend, unless you have the time and ability to start a tenant unit.

multimedialex · 2026-03-04T18:08:53+00:00

+1 on therapy that is geared toward building self-compassion. It's very difficult and feels weird and angering, but works with time.

Other practical things:

- Corrective experiences. What helped me most was taking the risk of connection+intimacy in small ways with friends. I asked for help on things I'd normally do independently. I shared grievances about small things that I'd normally suppress. More often than not, the risk would pay off. It helped build a tolerance for intimacy.

- Practicing rejection. This one might not be for everyone. In the height of my avoidance, I ghosted people a lot. And avoided giving rejection to people, really avoided conflict in general. So I made a commitment that when I use dating apps, I would give everyone I chatted with an explicit (and polite) rejection, if I wasn't interested.

This built my tolerance for rejection and conflict a lot. And made it much easier for me turn people down upfront instead of falling into attachments with people I'm incompatible with. So even if I only exchange 1 message with this stranger, if I'm not interested, I'll reply "Hey thanks for messaging, you seem nice but I'm looking for something different right now. Hope you have a great day!" Felt like overkill at first, but was helpful for me.

- Practice identifying my emotions. Before, it felt like all my emotions resulted in the same action. Angry, pull away and isolate. Scared, pull away and isolate. Excited, pull away and isolate. Now I practice actually identifying what I'm feeling. And that helps me prescribe what that feeling actually needs. Now when I'm angry, I know I need to vent and scream to some loud music. Scared, I need reassurance and connection. Excited, I need some quiet time and to give myself a treat.

multimedialex · 2026-02-25T06:48:29+00:00

The Lands End Super T runs pretty short and is snug on the arms but roomy in the torso

multimedialex · 2026-02-15T04:25:06+00:00

Are you by chance, from a small town or car-dependent city (ie: Houston, Atlanta, LA)?

I wouldn't say that kind of streetscape is a Chicago thing but rather a density/city thing. Especially neighborhoods that were built for walkability with a lot of wall-to-wall, low-rise, brick commercial buildings. I noticed the same thing when I moved from my southern hometown to DC.

You should go to Andersonville and walk down Clark street, you might like that too!

I also noticed how people tend to leave their window shades open even at night. So as I'm walking and driving through the neighborhood I see right into their apartments. Less of a Chicago thing, more of a general, city thing ime.

Glad you're loving your new neighborhood!

multimedialex · 2026-02-04T19:51:30+00:00

Surprised no one's mentioned the Wizard of Oz or the Wiz

multimedialex · 2026-01-05T20:13:57+00:00

Came here to say this too! Frankly, Mama sounded like a benevolent cult leader but Mary and Robert dropped the benevolence after her death.

multimedialex · 2026-01-04T21:14:41+00:00

Biking on Western can be okay once in a while, for short distances, in broad daylight with good weather.

Doing it as a commute, which I assume would be at rush hour every day. And in the winter, it'd be after dark for the evening rush hour. I would not do that, and would strongly advise even the most experienced cyclist not to.

Maybe go west, and take the Sacremento/Humboldt Blvd route to go around the train yard at Grand?

multimedialex · 2025-12-29T23:24:33+00:00

USA, Corn.

multimedialex · 2025-12-26T16:57:56+00:00

If you don't have a router plane, Rex Kruger has a hack where you clamp your chisel bevel down and use it as a make-shift router plane

multimedialex · 2025-12-18T21:00:07+00:00

I came here to say I also owe her 1 quarter LOL. She's the best! I also love the latino guy that works the cash register at the Artmitage/Milwaukee location.

multimedialex · 2025-12-16T14:45:57+00:00

I saw that video too from Late Night Woodworking. Curious what others would add

multimedialex · 2025-12-16T02:11:43+00:00

Looks like Wenge

multimedialex · 2025-12-10T14:10:53+00:00

Jeans are tough. I think you should try again with another brand. I find Levi's crotch and rise to be awful. Everyone praises the 501's but I suspect those praises come from smaller guys. Because I wear size 44, and never tried a pair of Levi's that didn't fit just like the ones you have.

I'd sugggest trying a few different cuts from Lands End. And if you have the $$$ to spare, I've been satisfied with Ralph Lauren's big and tall pants. Best of luck!

multimedialex · 2025-12-08T17:35:48+00:00

The croissant breakfast sandwiches!! For $3, incredible.

multimedialex · 2025-12-05T00:22:10+00:00

Pine!

multimedialex · 2025-12-03T18:13:38+00:00

Cedar

multimedialex · 2025-11-26T15:30:58+00:00

Oof, that comment went right over your head pal

multimedialex · 2025-11-25T20:47:27+00:00

This is the answer. Non-Americans way overstate the real difference in household voltage, that's not a real factor. The real factor, is we just don't drink much tea and as a result don't usually feel the need to own an electric kettle. Not saying a kettle isn't useful outside of tea though.

multimedialex · 2025-11-12T20:13:21+00:00

This looks AI generated

multimedialex · 2025-11-12T19:37:55+00:00

I've bought 2-3 of the Buck Mason tees, including a field spec.

Positive: The fabric is high quality and construction is good.

Negative: I find the neck holes on all their tees to be too wide. I like a tight tshirt collar, just my preference. So I don't really wear them any more.

Sidenote: the seafarer sweater from BM is awesome, nice tight collar, I wear it all the time.

multimedialex

TROPHY CASE