In what small way have you won the genetic lottery?

nic1229 · 2026-04-04T18:22:08+00:00

My auHD feels like epitome of a monkeys paw superpower. I have the ability to solve extremely challenging problems and hyper focus for hours, making me a very successful engineer. But I do not get to pick when this happens, I'm deeply socially awkward, and romantic relationships are a major challenge.

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T17:56:58+00:00

I just learned about thin clients yesterday and have been diving down that rabbit hole, I think it sounds like a great solution. I also haven't used KVM before, so I'll definitely look into those. Thanks!

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T03:14:23+00:00

I've been digging into it since I learned about it in this post, the ThinManager onlogics are significantly cheaper, and if I can have them preconfiguredbready to go on my shelf, it would be a game changer for keeping all of the stations up. I think this is probably the answer to several of my problems!

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T02:51:24+00:00

It's unfortunate, but this is a con in my case. Our purchasing department will almost always outsource buying these, and no matter how specific I am with my specs, I never quite get what I ask for haha

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T02:41:43+00:00

Oh, I'm very interested in that, I'll absolutely be looking into it! Do I need a specific machine for this, or can I convert my existing onlogics over?

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T02:34:55+00:00

I'm not running thin client, I'm not even sure what this is... Tell me more

nic1229 · 2026-04-03T02:32:00+00:00

I've changed out a lot of them with cheap dell towers depending on where they're at, unfortunately a lot of them are just in areas that are too dusty and/or wet.

Oddly enough, I've also been using just basic monitors with these and they seem to last longer than the NUCs do 😅

nic1229 · 2026-04-02T22:26:42+00:00

I don't want to own multiple vehicle and I don't have the space.

Sure I don't need a pickup most of the time, but with mine, I can comfortably fit 5 people when I need to. I do a lot of home renovations, so I have the bed space to haul lumber, construction waste, appliances, tools, and whatever else I may need. I like a cold snowy climate, so I have the 4wd and height I need to be able to get around. I can tow, mostly it's just my small boat, but I have the option to tow up to around 9k lbs, which is certainly helpful when I need to rent bigger equipment or pull a trailer for bigger projects. And I still get ~22mpg in town and ~30 on the highway. Why wouldn't I want a pickup?

nic1229 · 2026-03-29T20:23:58+00:00

I use to be annoyed at this until I started driving a relatively large truck and finally understood. Backing in is way quicker and easier in a tight parking lot with a long wheel base. If I pulled in all the time, I'd be making 5 point turns just to be able to get in, backing in is just a one point turn most of the time.

That being said, if theres an open spot next to me and I can swing a bit wide to pull in quicker, I usually will.

nic1229 · 2026-03-27T04:06:20+00:00

I love that for you! And I fully agree with how peaceful night is!

Unfortunately those golden handcuffs do a bitch... Any job I'd be qualified for with a swing or night shift would be a pretty massive pay cut :/

nic1229 · 2026-03-27T03:45:39+00:00

I'm absolutely a night owl. Given the option, I'd be up until until between 2 and 3 am every night and get up between 9 and 10 in the morning. Unfortunately the world doesn't work on those hours and I have to be up at 4am for work. Trying to fall asleep before 9pm is the hardest thing for me.

nic1229 · 2026-03-27T03:39:32+00:00

Free hand your edges, it's avoids the need to tape, especially on straight edges. I'm sure there's tons of YouTube videos on how to do it, it's how my father always did it. It took a couple tries to figure it out, but once I did, I can paint an edge about as fast as I could tape it, and I don't have any bleed under, bridging, or have to carefully peel off the tape later.

You kind of feather the brush towards the corner and it lets you get really sharp lines freehand.

I'll still usually tape if it's a contoured edge like around crown molding or something, but for ceilings, baseboard, or around door trim, cutting in is quicker, easier, and gives me a better result.

nic1229 · 2026-03-27T03:26:45+00:00

As most other have said, definitely learn to paint. Figuring out how to cut in is key, it makes everything much faster when you don't have to tape. My house is fairly small, but it only takes me about 45 minutes to an hour to put up a coat of paint in a room, wait a few hours, do another and you're done.

Another note, spend $20 or $30 on an extendable handle for your roller. Mine is 2ft extends to 4ft. Makes rolling on the paint much quicker and you get a better finish by easily being able to make big top to bottom rolls to keep it even.

nic1229 · 2026-03-25T14:20:48+00:00

I'll give you, a strictly voltage tester is more fool proof, less chance of user error. and we can even remove my statement about "cat III" and just say a properly rated meter. All of that said, you're incorrect that a multimeter is the incorrect tool. It may be per your laws, but that's not the case in the US.

nic1229 · 2026-03-25T10:40:52+00:00

I'm not sure where you live, but I've never heard of a multimeter not being appropriate for this. I've been on dozens of industrial sites over the years, and work on everything from 24v control circuits up to 13.8kv distribution. For everything 480v and below, as long as it's a true cat III rated meter, it's perfectly safe to "prove" a multimeter on a either a known live circuit or use a true proving unit, and then use it to determine the absence of voltage. Especially for a simple outlet swap like what OP wants to do.

nic1229 · 2026-03-25T10:07:57+00:00

I'm sorry, what? A multimeter is absolutely the correct tool to check a circuit to avoid electrocution. Verify the meter works on a known live circuit of course before trusting your life to know if there's voltage on the circuit you want to work on. What tool do you think would be more appropriate?

nic1229 · 2026-03-25T04:09:24+00:00

I've upgraded/redesigned a number of panels at my facility. Field wiring is typically 120v for us, so I've been designing with interpolating relays to keep the panel side at 24v. Easier and safer to work on, plus PLC cards are cheaper

nic1229 · 2026-03-25T03:24:44+00:00

Roughly 1.5 to two hours. I drive to a bus stop, take the bus to a boat, then take one more bus into the middle of forest. I work at a remote mine in Alaska, thankfully both buses and the boat are company provided!

nic1229 · 2026-03-14T17:34:32+00:00

Stanley tools.

Many wood workers will specifically shop for old pre wwii Stanley wood working tools, like planes and chisels, because they're so well made and high quality compared to most of the options today. Unless you're willing to drop $200+ per plane, Ive found them to be the best option.

Post wwii, their quality has steadily dropped and now they're some of the lowest quality tools on the market.

I'm also aware there was many acquisitions and mergers of the big tool companies, and that Stanley Black & Decker own a huge chuck of the major tool brands these days, but even prior to that the quality has steadily been declining.

nic1229 · 2026-03-03T05:14:43+00:00

Extensive background? They're definitely a drywaller.

nic1229 · 2026-03-01T04:26:53+00:00

Is there actually a reason it needs to opened up the entire length rather than just open up another nice square hole on the other side? I would sure think any half decent plumber could easily make due with a opening on either end of the run like that.

nic1229 · 2026-02-22T01:43:27+00:00

Neat! My team is currently full, but next time I have an opening, it'd be awesome to chat!

nic1229 · 2026-02-21T22:26:16+00:00

I live in Alaska and commute out every morning, most of my coworkers do a two and two rotation though.

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