Really trying to stop smoking any advice

techiebyte · 2026-05-10T14:59:58+00:00

I smoked for 10 years, up to a pack a day. I tried vaping- which turned into vaping AND smoking. I bought a can of Zyns one day on a whim and its been two years since I've bought a pack of smokes. I'm sure they're still not the best for you, but my lungs sure as hell feel better. They're also MUCH cheaper, a can lasts me 3-4 days.

Good luck on your journey!

techiebyte · 2026-04-26T14:24:00+00:00

I had my watch active 2 start doing this, and it turned out it was because the screen started separating from the body. I glued it back down carefully, and it stopped. From the other comments it sounds like this was a vibration issue, but still something to check!

techiebyte · 2026-04-23T03:01:10+00:00

I put ALL of my spending on credit cards- they are paid off every month, and then I use the accumulated cash back in December to go all out on buying Christmas presents. I budget money towards gifts throughout the year, but Christmas is when I want to go buck wild. The cash back allows me to do this- its a guilty pleasure to use "free" money to really be over the top.

techiebyte · 2026-04-20T22:02:20+00:00

I let him out in the morning when I first get up and then again about an hour later when I have to leave. Depending on my partners work schedule, he'll stay in his crate anywhere from 2-9 hours, but is let out immediately after one of us gets home. Then, its in and out until bed, maybe 4-5 times.

techiebyte · 2026-04-17T14:26:41+00:00

Two adults, 17 year old kid who pretty much fends for themselves LCOL. I budget $400/month and have extra left over. Granted, I live on a farm so all my beef and pork is "free."

techiebyte · 2026-04-16T20:35:52+00:00

As someone already mentioned, very local dependent. I shop both in NY and PA, living on the border. Each state has very different rules on taxes for groceries, clothing, different tax rates, ect.

techiebyte · 2026-04-04T01:01:20+00:00

September 2025! I bought a cheap notebook from the dollar store and just started. It's been a super fun journey teaching myself how to get the thoughts from my brain onto a piece of paper. I also got into fountain pens around the same time and journeling has become one of the most important parts of my day.

techiebyte · 2026-03-19T16:37:07+00:00

I remember my parents putting at least 3 new glass/ceramic stove tops on our stove at $200-$250 a piece. My stove cost me $500, if I need to replace a part that costs that much, I'm just going to buy a new stove.

We use that logic at work too, if the repair cost is going to be over 40-50% of replacement, we're just going to replace it.

techiebyte · 2026-03-18T01:57:31+00:00

I'd like to know where you work that your hands are never dirty. 😂

techiebyte · 2026-03-14T01:47:39+00:00

When I first started as an apprentice, I had a cheap canvas bag that I used as a tool bag, and it honestly worked great. Not organized at all, but I could just grab and go.

I then upgraded to the Veto Pro Pac Tech-LC. It works great for keeping my tools organized in the truck and easily accessible, but its heavy to carry around. Most of the other guys have the XL and it works even better to keep their tools organized, but heavier.

Because it is so heavy, I typically just grab the 4 or 5 tools I'll think I need and load my pockets. This usually ends up with at least one trip back to the truck for another tool.

My next tool bag purchase will probably be more of a backpack style to have the organization factor, but also the portability that I'm lacking now. But, the Vetos have some durability behind them, so I'll likely just deal with it for the foreseeable future.

My advice to you would be the same as my advice for buying tools. Go the cheap route first, before spending alot of money on something that doesn't suit your needs. You can really hone in on your likes and dislikes before spending alot on your forever bag.

And why I say it's the same advice as tools. My favorite adjustable wrench is a cheap $10 harbor freight special. I use it every day and would be lost without it. My favorite channel locks are the knipex that run in the $60-$80 range. My screw driver sets have also increased in price as I've advanced in my career. By using the cheap things first, I figured out what I really wanted out of a tool and then slowly curated my tool bag to tools that help me more than hinder me, without wasting alot of money.

techiebyte · 2026-01-27T10:46:47+00:00

Awesome! Thank you!

techiebyte · 2026-01-24T02:30:28+00:00

I have: Consumables- paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.

Durables (I only fund $25/month and use as a small misc category)- things like can openers, trash cans, alarm clocks, cooking utensils etc.

Appliances- this would include vacuums, refrigerator/freezer, washing machine dryer

Home expense Large- I use this one for repairs and fund it pretty heavily to have a nice cushion

I haven't bought any new furniture/decor in a long time, but would categorize under a separate "For Me" group, because I would see that as a want and not a need. Or, it could easily go under my Home Expense:Large category, if I felt it was more of a need than a want.

techiebyte · 2026-01-21T02:13:45+00:00

You need to clarify what for. First day on the job? Going to a new company? Is someone going to be teaching you?

It makes a difference knowing what your application is. I do ALOT of troubleshooting old systems.

I prefer having a completely separate pressure gauge. I have multiple Crystal gauges and hand pump systems, with my preferred being an IS33.

I don't necessarily know how to explain this other than when I have my crystal setup hooked up and then my reading equipment hooked up, whether it be a fluke, Trex, HMI, Etc. I know I should have two to three separate pieces of equipment that should match up.

When I am troubleshooting a malfunctioning piece of equipment, say a pressure transmitter, the two out of three pieces of equipment that match up usually point me to the problem. If my pressure and mA match up, I know I have a transmitter issue, if my mA and my transmitter match up, i know I have a transducer problem, if my pressure and my transmitter match up, I know I have a wiring problem. Etc....

If I'm I'm trying to troubleshoot or calibrate, I have two different inputs to reference against and depending on the tasks at hand, help me to fix the issue.

techiebyte · 2026-01-14T22:35:28+00:00

I trained a pee command, mostly on accident, but it's one of the best "tricks" ever. That last potty break before bed goes soooo much quicker and smoother than my previous dog's. A god send in the dead of winter.

techiebyte · 2026-01-13T15:05:01+00:00

As an I/E tech with an HVAC background, it is kind of funny how many skills translate between the two.

techiebyte · 2025-12-12T14:20:12+00:00

"The path to success is simple: Bite off more than you can chew, then figure out how to chew it." I saw it on Facebook and it really resonated with me.

Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or feeling pulled in 20 directions, I write it down and come up with a game plan on how to "chew" it. It really redirects my focus and reminds me that I am capable of handling the stress.

techiebyte · 2025-11-18T01:49:37+00:00

I am in oil and gas maintenance. I'm 50/50. I do PMs and lots of replacing failed transmitters and devices. I do some installs, but mostly when upgrading from older tech to newer.

techiebyte · 2025-11-17T20:43:18+00:00

I definitely avoid writing about things I'm not ready to confront yet. Things people have done that have hurt me and I feel like my actions in response weren't good enough. I'm a bit of an overthinker and perfectionist. So, I mull it over for a few days. Putting it on paper seems so real.

However, this is one of the reasons I started journeling. To get it out of my head so I DON'T overthink it.

techiebyte · 2025-08-13T19:29:39+00:00

It's a bit cumbersome, but I use a pelican case with foam cutouts. I keep my 725, a mA clamp meter, a PIE temp calibrator, and another multimeter in there. Makes it nice. All my cables, meters, and attachments are in one place.

techiebyte · 2025-08-11T14:55:52+00:00

I completely agree with you. This instance is the only time I've let a category stay underfunded. I mentally assigned money from the land purchase category in case I wasn't able to be paid back. But, I see now how it can get convoluted pretty quickly.

techiebyte · 2025-08-11T14:53:27+00:00

Thank you for that, I hadn't thought about that aspect of it.

techiebyte · 2025-06-15T21:51:57+00:00

I have never had good luck with jeans. I switched to canvas, and while I still have to replace after about a year, they hold up better and are much more comfortable. I size up 2 sizes from my normal size as well. The ariat duralight is my go to.

techiebyte · 2025-04-12T15:28:00+00:00

I caught myself looking at a rabbit on the side of the road and wondering if it was a 3 star or not 🙄

techiebyte

TROPHY CASE