For context I've been out as trans for the past 3 years, came out within 6 months after finding out. I've been seeing a psychologist for 4 years now for many different reasons, but but has been working more like a therapist for me, and as a psychologist he couldn't help me with this one, so he gave me a list of names in the psychiatric field last December to start my transition (gotta get a GD diagnosis first here).
Well, we picked one that sounded great from my therapist's and my mother's (also a psychologist) description. Kinda got stuck in fear for a few months and finally booked an appointment a month ago. It took a lot of courage of course. Surprisingly, the waiting list was exactly 1 month. I had my appointment yesterday.
Well... turns out he can't do psychiatric assessments for gender dysphoria, that's not his field even closely. I asked him about the other names my therapist gave me, he said none of them does that either. He was awesome under every aspect - 100% respected my identity (he put my name on the documents after my legal name!), was deeply sorry that he couldn't help me with my transition, was very gentle with his evaluation and listened to every other issue of mine that I reported to him (we kinda thought we'd make the best out of it for everything else since he couldn't help with dysphoria) with a lot of compassion and seemed profoundly interested in my well-being. He even prescribed me another appointment with him for which in order to report me some colleagues who fit my needs, and since that's the only thing he can do for me, he'll see me basically for free (18€ healthcare ticket VS 122€ standard price). He said he would have done this even for yesterday's appointment, but unfortunately I had already paid. So overall a great experience and I really felt seen and connected with him - but it all went, and will go, to waste.
Idek what to think. My psychologist isn't transphobic in the slightest, in fact he helped me a lot with my social transition and the beginning of my medical one, he's already had some trans patients, and personally knows the people the referred me to. So while I highly doubt his mistake could be in bad faith, I also have no idea how he wouldn't know the people he was referring me to do not make official GD diagnosis for their trans patients. Idk if it is a field, role, training, competence, or qualification/license issue that keeps them from doing so, but I don't understand how he could not know this. I asked him more than once if he was sure they could make a diagnosis (especially on someone who is not binary trans) and everytime he said he had no idea why they wouldn't.
Just to make my day a bit worse, my mother changed our shared Amazon password and used my fucking deadname on it as she always does. She uses people's names in general, even our dog's, but the fact . We talked about it and she changed it but I can't fathom how, after 3 years of social transition and after I explained to her how social transition, gender dysphoria, and deadnames work, she still sees no problem in regularly using it for stuff - what's more, stuff that I have to use too, not only her. As if I didn't tell her it's hurtful every fucking time she names me that in public.
Idk I'm just... so fucking tired. I don't have much urgency for HRT but I seriously thought I was making a big step and finally doing something important to take care of myself and it would be smoother than most people's experience because I already had some experts working with me, but apparently that's not the case. I was hoping I'd start treatment within my first year of university (starting in September) so it would be easier for me to socialize and handle courses, but it's pretty clear by now that I might not even start before I get my degree if this is how things go.
It would have taken so little to avoid this, I don't know how my therapist could have overlooked this considering he took a good 3 months to research it. I knew this is going to get better and I will get there but I feel so fucking disappointed.

Given the recent discussion of Shut Up And Ruck’s strength programming, I thought it might be appropriate to address a few lingering comments.
First, we’re not immune to criticism. It is perfectly reasonable to criticize whenever and whoever you want, even me. Clearly, the anonymity of the internet provides ample license to do so. I’m not infallible and I make at least one mistake every fiscal year. I get downvoted all the time and I recognize that many things that I say are taken as gospel based on my years of providing accurate information. I don’t take this leniency lightly. I’ve earned this gift and I don’t look gift horses in the mouth. I certainly don’t shy away from criticizing others, but I always seek to do so from a position of best intentions of the outcome. But if you think that it’s appropriate to draw conclusions like “He definitely doesn’t know what he’s talking about”, “It violates basic principles”, or my favorite “It looks like he stole this from X, Y, or Z” and you’re basing that on one tiny screenshot of one sample day of one singular domain absent of context of the entirety of the programming then you must be special. I wish I had that sort of clairvoyance.
Second, our programming is not a mistake. Is it aggressive? Absolutely. Is it wrong? Absolutely not. It is deliberate and intentional. A few points to consider:
-The higher percentages and rep ranges occur at the end of each cycle. You don’t start off at the high end, you finish there. The passage cited is 9 weeks post 1RM testing. At a minimum the higher % come 5 weeks after testing. You get stronger and the programming reflects that.
-Just because you’ve never done anything like this doesn’t mean much. We follow the evidence, and the literature clearly indicates that our recommendations are appropriate. Aggressive, but appropriate. Here are 6 sources, including some meta-analyses that bring the body of knowledge to several hundred; there are many more.
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Source 4
Source 5
Source 6
Your experience not withstanding, our programming is entirely valid. This is especially true given the other variables. 1) we prioritize intensity and we manifest that through heavy weights 2) you only lift each exercise 2 times in every 5 day cycle - plenty of time for macro recovery 3) you are resting up to 4 minutes between sets - plenty of time for micro recovery 4) you are only doing 3 lifts in a day and only one for that domain - you aren’t doing 3 sets of barbell bench, then 3 sets of incline, then 3 sets of decline, then some cable cross-overs, then some dumbbell flys, then finishing with some drop sets on the Smith machine. 1 exercise, at maximal intensity. No need to pace yourself. 5) we are seeking to balance strength and endurance. It’s impossible to fully address both simultaneously. There will inevitably be friction. 6) we are seeking to challenge you, not accommodate you. 7) we emphasize self-reflection, data analysis, and agency. If you are struggling to meet the listed criteria then we encourage you to program accordingly. It’s foundational to our approach.
But allow me to let you in on a little secret. Even though we cite no small amount of literature, you can find lots of literature that argues against our programming. In fact, there is so much ‘literature’ out there that you can find supporting information for damn near everything and anything. So, back to my first point, you are welcome to criticize. But you should at least provide some counter-evidence beyond “in my experience”. In the Taxonomy of Information, anecdotal testimony is the least rigorous. We have presented our arguments, you are invited to present yours. Or be a little more graceful in your criticism.
We are well aware of Prilepin’s optimal reps (for powerlifting), and the NASM 5 Phase Optimum Performance Training Model (which we follow) and the NSCA Performance Pyramid (which we follow). We don’t disagree that they are to be well considered. We did a full and complete survey of the information environment. But we stated in our introduction and made available for free our philosophy…we have no interest in preserving the credentialed protectorate of the fitness industry. SFAS is different, so shall the programming be.
Third, we didn’t “steal” another program and stack it on top of our own stuff. That’s not how this works. If you survey all of the programs and methodology out there, you will find a ton of overlap. If you follow established principles and seek consensus, then you end up looking a lot like the other stuff. Did we look at other programs? Yes, dozens of them. Did we steal them? No. The fact that we favor a more intense program that most programs don’t should make this argument moot. This is a serious accusation and should be reserved for the most egregious circumstances. You might not have experience with this type of programming, you might not be familiar with recent literature, and you are only seeing a very minuscule event absent of any of the other programming and ancillary elements.
Fourth, and finally, I want to address the unhinged discussion of cost. We’re particularly sensitive to this topic because we know that our target population skews younger and likely less affluent, so cost matters. And I don’t like calling guys out necessarily, but u/Certain-Exam-2577 and u/Potential_Presence67 ? You two can go fuck yourselves. You anonymous peices of shit decided from your castles on top of Mount Holy that we are looking for a “money grab”? I could have charged hundreds, I could put all of my content behind a paywall, and I could simply pump and dump and walk away to stack cash. But that’s not the case.
What do you two fucking genius economists think would be appropriate for 8 months of daily programming for strength, conditioning, rucking, mental prep, mobility, skills, recovery and much more? We charge 60 dollars. Let’s take a very small survey the prep environment and see where we stack up:
Evoke - 3 months, requires additional programming prerequisites, $65
Performance First - 3 months, $90
18A Fitness - 4 months, $179
Gritty Soldier - 3 months, $30
Mountain Tactical - 12 months, $329
Blue/Green Training - 11 weeks, $129
We’re looking pretty competitive given these numbers. And these are the better programs. We mostly like them (and others) and we have tremendous respect for their creators and coaches. We don’t think they are as good as ours, especially our ruck programming, but they’re in the ballpark. Many guys in this sub have used them and speak highly of them. There are also near endless shit programs out there. AI generated, generic, point-of-sale trash with slick marketing and zero support.
We are a complete program that covers every single domain, and we have well established our expertise for SFAS. But we don’t rely on reputation, we deliver. We research, analyze, synthesize, and present the most comprehensive program out there. For just 60 bucks. Hell, you’ll spend over half that on a blank journal…we’ve recommended this excellent journal many times. But that’s just a cool journal. Zero programming. So we think we’re not “grabbing” too much.
Our resident pricks go on to say that RUSU wasn’t worth $50. Good thing we only charge $40. And perhaps you’d prefer the 15+ year old, lack-luster competition? They’re in the same price range. They even take a cheap shot at our Muster events as just a ‘wAlK iN tHe wOoDs tHaT yOu cOuLd do for FrEe’ or ‘info you could probably find online’. Our “competition” is $750 and one of the programs isn’t even taught by a military guy, much less a Green Beret. You two retarded laureates haven’t even attended an event, so your opinion is irrelevant.
And I should put a pin in all of this money grab, predatory, grifter talk by reminding them that this is all voluntary. You don’t have to spend a single dime if you don’t want to. Lots of guys don’t do anything extra and they get Selected all the time. But if a guy wants to be compensated for his hard work and another guy wants to allocate the cost of a night out drinking, then maybe your keen criticism could be stymied a bit. I offer plenty of free advice and commentary every day. I note that neither of you provide anything of value.
So, that’s my assessment of the situation. You don’t have to be a part of the conversation, but I thought that I should let you know how I see it. I endlessly tell you about the importance of foot care, so it’s only fair that I weigh in on this important topic. I should note that there was also some very reasoned comments and lots of guys understanding the intent of the programming AND of the program. And the OP reached out via DM and we had a very reasonable and productive discussion. He gets it. And the number of guys commenting is <1% of the number of guys reading the actual full program. I like that guys are passionate about this stuff. If you get 10 Green Berets in a room you’ll get 11 different opinions on damn near every topic. You know what they say about opinions…

I had a craving yesterday and along with it came the thought: “Am I really NEVER going to use a mood/mind altering substance again???”
My substances of choice were alcohol and THC. I used alcohol much more often, but I always preferred the high of THC.
I know some people on this sub use THC, and if that works for you, that’s great. But for me they are equally destructive. Neither have truly been about relaxing for many, many years. They are about numbing. They are about “zonking out”. Avoiding life. They pull me from living my life into a kind of life support. And when I start, I don’t know how to stop.
That craving voice Is only thinking about all the time I haven’t used up to now when it says “just this one time”. He’s not thinking about what comes after the “one time”. The craving voice is a child who lacks executive function. He wants what he wants when he wants it. I have to be the responsible adult and say, “No. It’s not safe. One time leads to a second time and a third time and a fourth time…”. I have to tell the craving child I love him, but I know best.
I have to be the responsible adult every day…damnit.
I didn’t use yesterday. I knew I could avoid using for one day. I know that forever is made up of “one day”s. I know I CAN do this. I just need to regroup and replenish my strength now and again. Posting here. Journaling. Talking to friends. Recovery Dharma. These things give me strength.
IWNDWYT.

I will try to summarize briefly. For my birthday, my friend gave me a Papillon puppy. It’s the most wonderful gift I could have received. But. I think I can't be happy about it and I don't love it. Maybe I don't even want to love it. A long time ago, I had a Doberman who was the apple of my eye. I adored him, but considering my elderly grandparents, I had to give him up. He ended up with my best friend and is in a good place. I visit him sometimes. I thought I had gotten over it, but it seems I haven’t. I've been crying for two days because every time I look at the little Papillon, I remember him. I miss him terribly and I am extremely ashamed that I don't love the new puppy. I’m not the type who thinks only big dogs are real dogs. I love them all. But involuntarily, I think I became a Doberman person and imagined that in the future, I might have another one. Now I can't decide whether to keep this little Papillon, as I'll probably come to love it anyway (not sure right now), or to give it back and wait, who knows how many years, for the right opportunity to have a Doberman. I feel ungrateful and miserable. I don't know what is right. I don't want to hurt my friend's feelings either (who, by the way, supports me in everything and regrets not thinking it through (although it's not his fault)), and I know that if I give this puppy back, it will hurt as well. Don't know what to do...
Sorry for my broken english & long text.

Recently after i did my workout I decided to compare my progress today with my previous workout and my current workout was almost essentially the same with the previous and for some I did less reps than before. I don't know why I'm possibly getting weaker or staying stagnant. I have been using the ideal routine for about nearly a year and I've definetely made progress on some muscles and i feel I've made little to none progress. I'm not sure if its because my rest days aren't long enough, if I'm not eating enough or if I'm not working out intensely enough.
I'm 17 years old and weigh around 67kg, 5'7-5'8ish
My rest days
Following the ideal routine's recommendation, I take 4 days rest sometimes 5 or 6 depending if I'm busy and have something so I cant go to the gym
Diet
when it comes to diet I try to eat as much as possible but sometimes, actually quite a lot I struggle to eat enough for a calorie surplus. I'm not even sure if I am at a calorie surplus, I live in a very east Asian household and the foods I eat are Asian foods that are generally not high in calories, most of my calories generally comes from rice + some food with meats, or Asian foods such as shomai. Previously, I've tried to record my meals with MyFitnesspal by weighing my foods and putting it in to see how many calories I'm getting. But my parents don't like me doing that and keep telling me to "just eat enough" they don't like that I'm trying to bulk, especially my mum who worries a lot that I'll get fat and repeatedly keeps asking me "check if you have a double chin" ,"you're not going to have a jawline" and "you're going to get a belly." I admit sometimes just to get her to stop I will try to reduce my portions. They keep repeating to me that "you'll grow stronger eventually." but I don't feel like I'm growing stronger, when I compare my progress to my friends I see their lifts growing big, I only manage to lift around half their weights, looking at what I've accomplished really bums me out seeing that. It's really conflicting when my parents keep telling me I eat too much and I'm getting fat but when I'm with my friends who also lift they tell me I'm literally a skeleton and have made no changes to my body or basically I'm still skinny. Personally I think I'm more on the skinny side and am weak. I've tried explaining to my parents you need a calorie surplus to build muscle, but they don't listen and insist ill just build muscle by eating maintainence to caloric deficit amounts. They don't exactly like me and the gym because they believe I'll become shorter by going to the gym. Also they think me living a Western lifestyle will lead to me dying sooner in comparison to the Eastern Asian lifestyle. Should I try to go back to counting calories to ensure i'm getting enough calories?
calories
when calculating the amount of calories I think the amount needed for a small 200-300 calorie surplus would be around 2800 calories. This is because I walk to school and back for around 15 minutes to and back and I also do a bunch of walking at school, on my phone which calculates my steps I average around 8,000-10,000 steps and when I go to the gym i walk around 20 minutes to and back + taking the train and my steps easily reach 20,000.
Workout Intensity
I try as much to go as hard as I can, when doing my sets at the start I do 2 sets of warms up that progressively get close to my hardest lift. Then on the 3rd or 4th set I do my final set and push as hard as I can. Sometimes I doubt if I've given it my all so I do a drop set and reduce the weight by a little bit and keep going until I really can move the weight, Ill try and push the weight to move, at this point I usually am able to move the weight a little bit around 25-50% of a rep but am unable to finish this I try twice and then If I really can't I move on to the next exercise. After I finish my workout I feel like I could've done more but when I think about what I did I think I couldn't have done more. For example when I was doing my squats, It was quite intense where I was heavily breathing and took small pauses after every rep, when I finished my set I felt like I should've been able to do 2 or maybe 3 more reps, but I was feeling a tiny bit lightheaded and had to sit down. Whenever I'm leaving the gym this doubt plagues me. I noticed when doing my workouts my biggest problem is my hands/ fingers being unable to bear the weight, so when i'm doing my set my hands give up earlier than the actual muscles being targetted.
Here is my progress list:
WU - warmup
DS - drop set
ES - each side
The exercises used are at the top of the list and I shorten them
[ for example Smith Machine Incline Bench Press -> SMIBP ]
day 1: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1suLtXZIbPggtLJaFXHy_jH-VHXjr-uR8smVclBHV0X0/edit?usp=sharing
day 2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v-6HjZczwhEio2KMrKI0pLybNTYL6LNxiiLM9r6kg8c/edit?usp=sharing
day 3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bp-RrkwjVOBC87b52KlhCcDjOY1axAmuoEe-Jp1vkwY/edit?usp=sharing
day 4: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10S1E0jVk7MXFHme-WHKorlLlGPTfVFgsqqZP_EWVqTI/edit?usp=sharing
here is my physique: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MzzpQV6wH2l34iDaZosPZg7SIieeJWh8wNfTWiNMh24/edit?usp=sharing
sorry about me uploading my physique in google docs, i'm personally not very comfortable with showing my body on the internet
if you've made it this far, thank you so much for taking the time to read me essentially ranting about my lack of progress and any advice is appreciated :).

Hello travelers!
So my wife and I booked a last minute cruise to Iceland and Norway through NCL this June. We're a family of four, with 3-year-old and 8-month-old boys.
Our Itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 - Reykjavik (Embarkation) Day 2 - Grundarfjordur Day 3 - Akureyri Day 4 - Sea Day Day 5 - Kristiansund (Norway) Day 6 - Trondheim (Norway) Day 7 - Alesund (Norway) Day 8 - Sea Day Day 9 - Husavik Day 10 - Isafjordur Day 11 - Reykjavik (Debarkation)
We're arriving one day before and staying one day after the cruise in Reykjavik.
I was looking for some general tips and advice as to our Itinerary. Looking at the excursions offered directly through NCL (as well as privately through other companies), I feel like what's available isn't really something the kiddos would appreciate or enjoy. Don't think it's a good idea to book many of those excursions for two main reasons:

1. Many are 3-8 hour long tours, something little kids would probably hate. While ours are generally well behaved and we've traveled extensively with them on multi day, hour long trips, that's usually in the comfort and privacy of our own cars. Also, these tours involve either clamoring onto boats for nature or wildlife watching, moderately difficult hikes, or really long drives. Stuff I think our kiddos might be over with in the first 20 minutes lol.
   
2. We want to be considerate of everyone else! There are likely many others on these tours, and don't want to subject them to our kids' potential tantrums, where they are stuck with us for hours. We understand little kids can be stressful, and we're already "intruding" on many people's vacation by simply coming along on the cruise, so we want to limit our impact on others' holiday as much as possible.
   

Some questions/advice sought are:

• As it relates to the Icelandic ports, are all these ports generally easy to walk around and explore on foot immediately following getting off the ship? We're considering maybe doing our own thing rather than booking tours, and simply walk around leisurely and poke around these ports. Is this feasible to do given our Itinerary?
  
• We are wanting to travel lightly, and are debating leaving our car seats behind. I understand Iceland's laws as they relate to child seats. Are taxis or other car transport services easy to book, and how difficult is it to request appropriate child seats? Good idea to leave the car seats at home, or bite the bullet and bring em with us?
  
• Given our Itinerary, anything special or interesting for little kids that stick out at any or these ports? Any recommendations of tours, sights, or experiences would be great!
  

RackNerd.com is a leading provider of cloud-based infrastructure solutions, dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals through innovative technology and exceptional customer service. In this chapter, we will delve into the company's rich history, mission, and values that have enabled us to become a trusted partner for our clients.
Early Years (2013-2015)
RackNerd.com was founded in 2013 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs who shared a vision of revolutionizing the way businesses approach infrastructure solutions. Initially, the company focused on providing high-quality server colocation services to small and medium-sized businesses. Our early success was fueled by our commitment to exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
Growth and Expansion (2015-2018)
As the company grew, we expanded our service offerings to include cloud-based infrastructure solutions, such as virtual private servers (VPS) and dedicated servers. This strategic move enabled us to cater to a broader range of clients, from small startups to large enterprises. Our team of experts worked tirelessly to develop and refine our infrastructure, ensuring seamless scalability and reliability.
Mission and Values
At RackNerd.com, our mission is to empower businesses to achieve their goals by providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions. We believe that our success is deeply rooted in our commitment to the following core values:
1. Customer Obsession: We prioritize our clients' needs above all else, ensuring that every interaction with our team is exceptional.
2. Innovation: We continuously invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve, providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
3. Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethics and transparency in all our interactions, fostering trust and credibility with our clients and partners.
4. Collaboration: We believe that teamwork is essential to achieving our goals, and we strive to create a culture of open communication, respect, and mutual support within our organization.
5. Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and promote a culture of inclusivity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
Awards and Recognition
RackNerd.com has received numerous awards and recognition for our commitment to innovation, customer service, and community involvement. Some notable accolades include:
· Best Cloud Service Provider (2020) by Cloud Computing Magazine
· Top 10 Cloud Infrastructure Providers (2019) by Cloud Computing News
· Best Place to Work (2018) by the local business community
Conclusion
RackNerd.com's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and dedication to our clients. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain committed to our core values and mission. We are proud to be a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, empowering them to achieve their goals and succeed in an ever-changing world.

History of RackNerd.com

History of RackNerd.com: A Journey of Innovation and Growth
As the world of technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, RackNerd.com has emerged as a leading provider of innovative solutions for data centers and cloud infrastructure. Founded in 2012, RackNerd.com has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small startup to becoming a global player in the industry. In this chapter, we will delve into the fascinating story of how RackNerd.com was founded and evolved over the years.
The Early Days: Founding and Early Growth (2012-2015)
RackNerd.com was founded in 2012 by a group of passionate entrepreneurs who shared a vision of creating a cutting-edge data center solutions provider. The company's early days were marked by a focus on building a strong team, developing innovative products, and establishing a solid foundation for future growth. The founders' expertise in data center design, infrastructure, and operations played a crucial role in shaping the company's early success.
During this period, RackNerd.com focused on building a robust infrastructure, investing in state-of-the-art equipment, and developing a comprehensive suite of services. The company's early clients were primarily small and medium-sized businesses seeking reliable and scalable data center solutions. As RackNerd.com's reputation grew, so did its client base, with the company expanding its services to include cloud infrastructure, managed services, and consulting.
Expansion and Diversification (2015-2018)
By 2015, RackNerd.com had established itself as a reputable player in the data center solutions market. The company's growth was fueled by its commitment to innovation, customer-centric approach, and strategic partnerships. During this period, RackNerd.com expanded its services to include:
1. Cloud Infrastructure: RackNerd.com launched its cloud infrastructure services, offering a range of cloud-based solutions for businesses of all sizes.
2. Managed Services: The company introduced its managed services portfolio, providing 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and support for clients' data center infrastructure.
3. Consulting Services: RackNerd.com expanded its consulting services to include data center design, infrastructure planning, and migration assistance.
As RackNerd.com continued to grow, it expanded its team, investing in talent acquisition and development programs. The company also strengthened its partnerships with leading technology vendors, solidifying its position as a trusted advisor in the industry.
Global Expansion and Mergers (2018-Present)
In recent years, RackNerd.com has continued its rapid growth trajectory, expanding its global footprint and diversifying its services. Key milestones include:
1. Global Expansion: RackNerd.com established a presence in key markets, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
2. Mergers and Acquisitions: The company has made strategic acquisitions, expanding its portfolio of services and expertise.
3. Innovation and R&D: RackNerd.com has continued to invest in research and development, driving innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving data center and cloud infrastructure landscape.
Today, RackNerd.com is a global leader in data center solutions, with a reputation for delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and unparalleled expertise. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic partnerships.
Conclusion
RackNerd.com's journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and dedication. From its early days as a small startup to its current status as a leading provider of data center and cloud infrastructure solutions, RackNerd.com has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. As the company continues to evolve and grow, its story serves as a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators around the world.

RackNerd.com's Philosophy

RackNerd.com's Philosophy: Description of RackNerd.com's values and approach to web hosting
As a leading provider of web hosting services, RackNerd.com is committed to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our philosophy is built on a set of core values that guide our approach to web hosting, ensuring that our customers receive the best possible experience. In this chapter, we will delve into the principles that shape our company culture and approach to web hosting.
I. Customer-Centricity
At RackNerd.com, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that our customers are the reason we exist, and we strive to provide them with an unparalleled level of service and support. Our customer-centric approach is built on the following principles:
· Personalized Support: We assign dedicated account managers to each customer, ensuring that their needs are met and concerns are addressed promptly.
· Proactive Communication: We maintain open and transparent communication channels, keeping our customers informed about their services and any issues that may arise.
· Flexibility and Adaptability: We adapt to our customers' evolving needs, offering tailored solutions and flexible pricing options to meet their unique requirements.
II. Quality and Reliability
Quality and reliability are essential components of our philosophy. We understand that our customers rely on our services to operate their online businesses, and we take pride in delivering high-quality hosting solutions that meet their needs. Our commitment to quality and reliability is reflected in:
· State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: We invest in the latest technology and infrastructure to ensure that our services are fast, secure, and reliable.
· 24/7 Monitoring: Our team of experts continuously monitors our systems, detecting and resolving issues before they impact our customers.
· Regular Maintenance: We perform regular maintenance and updates to ensure that our services remain secure, stable, and optimized for performance.
III. Innovation and Improvement
At RackNerd.com, we believe that innovation is key to staying ahead of the curve and delivering exceptional value to our customers. We prioritize innovation and improvement through:
· Research and Development: We invest in research and development to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in web hosting.
· Customer Feedback: We actively solicit and incorporate customer feedback to improve our services and address their concerns.
· Continuous Improvement: We continuously evaluate and refine our processes to ensure that our services meet the evolving needs of our customers.
IV. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency and accountability are essential components of our philosophy. We believe that our customers have the right to know what they are getting and how we operate. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is reflected in:
· Clear Pricing: We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
· Service Level Agreements (SLAs): We maintain strict SLAs for our services, ensuring that our customers know what to expect from our services.
· Regular Reporting: We provide regular reporting and updates on our services, keeping our customers informed about their performance and any issues that may arise.
V. Conclusion
At RackNerd.com, our philosophy is built on a foundation of customer-centricity, quality, innovation, transparency, and accountability. We believe that these values are essential to delivering exceptional web hosting services that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By prioritizing these values, we strive to build long-term relationships with our customers, providing them with the best possible experience and ensuring their online success.

Features

Features: Description of Shared Hosting Features
As the foundation of a reliable and efficient online presence, shared hosting has evolved to cater to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features that make shared hosting an attractive option for webmasters, entrepreneurs, and organizations alike.
1. Storage Space
One of the most critical aspects of shared hosting is the storage space allocated to each account. This refers to the amount of data that can be stored on the server, including files, images, videos, and other digital content. Typical storage space ranges from 1GB to 10GB, depending on the hosting provider and the type of plan chosen.
Benefits:
· Allows for efficient storage and management of digital assets
· Enables the creation of complex websites with multiple pages, images, and multimedia content
· Facilitates the storage of large files, such as videos and audio files
2. Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between the server and the user's device. This is measured in gigabytes (GB) and is typically calculated based on the number of visitors, page views, and file downloads. A higher bandwidth allocation ensures that websites can handle increased traffic and data transfer without experiencing downtime or slow loading times.
Benefits:
· Ensures fast and seamless website loading times
· Supports high-traffic websites and e-commerce platforms
· Enables the hosting of multimedia content, such as videos and audio files
3. Email Accounts
Email accounts are an essential feature of shared hosting, allowing users to create and manage multiple email addresses. This feature is particularly useful for businesses, as it enables the creation of professional email addresses, such as [info@company.com](mailto:info@company.com).
Benefits:
· Enables the creation of professional email addresses
· Allows for efficient communication and collaboration
· Supports multiple email accounts for different departments or teams
4. Databases
Databases are a crucial aspect of shared hosting, as they enable the storage and management of large amounts of data. This feature is particularly useful for websites that require complex data management, such as e-commerce platforms and online applications.
Benefits:
· Enables the storage and management of large amounts of data
· Supports complex data management and querying
· Facilitates the creation of dynamic websites and applications
5. Control Panel
The control panel is the central hub of shared hosting, providing users with a user-friendly interface to manage their account, files, and settings. Popular control panels include cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.
Benefits:
· Enables easy management of account settings and files
· Supports the creation and management of databases and email accounts
· Facilitates the installation of third-party applications and scripts
6. Security Features
Security is a top priority in shared hosting, with providers implementing various measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. Common security features include:
· Firewalls: Prevent unauthorized access to the server and data
· Encryption: Protects data in transit and at rest
· Regular Backups: Ensures data integrity and availability
Benefits:
· Protects user data and prevents unauthorized access
· Ensures data integrity and availability
· Supports compliance with industry regulations and standards
7. Scalability
Scalability is a critical feature of shared hosting, enabling users to upgrade or downgrade their plan as needed. This ensures that websites can adapt to changing traffic and demand without experiencing downtime or performance issues.
Benefits:
· Enables flexible and scalable hosting solutions
· Supports the growth and evolution of websites and applications
· Facilitates the adaptation to changing traffic and demand
8. Customer Support
Customer support is an essential aspect of shared hosting, providing users with assistance and guidance throughout the hosting experience. Common support features include:
· 24/7 Support: Available assistance and guidance
· Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
· Ticket System: Efficient communication and issue tracking
Benefits:
· Provides assistance and guidance throughout the hosting experience
· Supports the resolution of technical issues and concerns
· Facilitates the adoption and utilization of hosting features and services
In conclusion, shared hosting features play a vital role in ensuring the success and reliability of online presence. By understanding the various features and benefits outlined in this chapter, users can make informed decisions about their hosting needs and choose the best provider for their specific requirements.Features: Description of VPS Hosting Features
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting has become a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. In this chapter, we will delve into the various features that make VPS hosting an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and secure online presence.
1. Scalability
One of the primary advantages of VPS hosting is its scalability. With a VPS, you can easily scale up or down as your needs change, without having to worry about migrating to a new server or incurring additional costs. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that experience fluctuations in traffic or data storage needs.
2. Root Access
As a VPS user, you have full root access to your server, allowing you to customize and configure your server to meet your specific needs. This feature provides unparalleled flexibility and control, making it an attractive option for developers, programmers, and system administrators.
3. Dedicated Resources
Unlike shared hosting, where resources are shared among multiple users, VPS hosting provides dedicated resources to each user. This means that your server has its own CPU, RAM, and storage, ensuring that your website or application runs smoothly and efficiently.
4. Security
Security is a top priority in VPS hosting. With a VPS, you have full control over your server's security settings, allowing you to implement robust security measures to protect your data and applications. This includes configuring firewalls, setting up access controls, and implementing encryption protocols.
5. Customization
VPS hosting offers unparalleled customization options, allowing you to tailor your server to meet your specific needs. This includes installing custom software, configuring server settings, and optimizing server performance.
6. Flexibility
VPS hosting provides flexibility in terms of operating systems, software applications, and server configurations. This means that you can choose the operating system and software that best suit your needs, rather than being limited to a specific set of options.
7. High-Speed Connectivity
VPS hosting providers typically offer high-speed connectivity options, including fiber-optic connections, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer rates.
8. 24/7 Support
Many VPS hosting providers offer 24/7 technical support, ensuring that you receive assistance whenever you need it. This includes phone, email, and live chat support options.
9. Control Panel
Most VPS hosting providers offer a control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk, which provides an intuitive interface for managing your server, including features like file management, email management, and database management.
10. Backup and Recovery
VPS hosting providers typically offer backup and recovery options, ensuring that your data is safe and can be easily restored in the event of a disaster.
11. Monitoring and Maintenance
Many VPS hosting providers offer monitoring and maintenance services, ensuring that your server is running smoothly and efficiently. This includes monitoring for security threats, performing regular software updates, and conducting routine maintenance tasks.
12. Uptime Guarantee
Many VPS hosting providers offer uptime guarantees, ensuring that your server is available and accessible at all times. This is typically measured in percentage terms, such as 99.9% uptime guarantee.
In conclusion, VPS hosting offers a wide range of features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike. From scalability and customization to security and support, VPS hosting provides a flexible and reliable solution for those seeking a robust online presence. By understanding the various features and benefits of VPS hosting, you can make an informed decision about whether this type of hosting is right for your needs.Features: Description of Dedicated Hosting Features
In today's digital landscape, dedicated hosting has become an essential component of any successful online presence. With the rise of e-commerce, social media, and online marketing, the need for a reliable and secure hosting solution has never been more pressing. In this chapter, we will delve into the world of dedicated hosting, exploring the key features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.
1. Unmatched Control and Customization
One of the primary advantages of dedicated hosting is the level of control and customization it offers. With a dedicated server, you have complete control over the configuration, allowing you to tailor your hosting environment to meet the specific needs of your business. This level of control is unparalleled in shared hosting environments, where resources are shared among multiple users.
2. Scalability and Flexibility
Dedicated hosting offers unparalleled scalability and flexibility. As your business grows, you can easily scale up or down to meet changing demands. This flexibility is particularly important for businesses that experience fluctuations in traffic or require sudden spikes in resource allocation.
3. Enhanced Security and Reliability
Dedicated hosting provides an added layer of security and reliability, thanks to the isolation from other users. With a dedicated server, you can rest assured that your data is protected from potential security threats and that your website is always available to your customers.
4. Customizable Server Configuration
With a dedicated server, you have the ability to customize the server configuration to meet the specific needs of your business. This includes the ability to choose the operating system, software, and hardware specifications to ensure optimal performance.
5. Priority Customer Support
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer priority customer support, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently. This level of support is particularly important for businesses that rely heavily on their online presence.
6. High-Speed Connectivity
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer high-speed connectivity options, ensuring that your website loads quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on online sales or rely on a high volume of traffic.
7. Redundant Infrastructure
Many dedicated hosting providers offer redundant infrastructure, ensuring that your website remains available even in the event of hardware failure or network outages.
8. Advanced Monitoring and Maintenance
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer advanced monitoring and maintenance services, ensuring that your server is always running smoothly and efficiently.
9. Compliance and Regulation
Dedicated hosting providers often offer compliance and regulation services, ensuring that your business meets the necessary regulatory requirements.
10. Scalable Storage
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer scalable storage options, allowing you to easily increase or decrease storage capacity as needed.
11. Enhanced Performance
Dedicated hosting provides enhanced performance, thanks to the isolation from other users and the ability to customize server configuration. This results in faster page loads, improved search engine rankings, and a better overall user experience.
12. Customizable Backup and Recovery
Dedicated hosting providers typically offer customizable backup and recovery options, ensuring that your data is always safe and easily recoverable in the event of a disaster.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dedicated hosting offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for businesses and individuals alike. From unmatched control and customization to enhanced security and reliability, dedicated hosting provides a level of flexibility and scalability that is unmatched in shared hosting environments. Whether you're looking to improve performance, enhance security, or simply gain more control over your online presence, dedicated hosting is an excellent choice.Features: Description of Reseller Hosting Features
Reseller hosting is a type of web hosting that allows users to resell hosting services to their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment. In this chapter, we will delve into the key features of reseller hosting, exploring the benefits and advantages of this type of hosting solution.
1. Control Panel
One of the most significant features of reseller hosting is the control panel. A control panel is a web-based interface that allows resellers to manage their hosting accounts, including creating and managing sub-accounts, setting up email accounts, and monitoring resource usage. Popular control panels for reseller hosting include cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin.
Benefits:
· Easy management of hosting accounts
· Ability to create and manage sub-accounts for clients
· Monitoring of resource usage and performance
· Customizable settings for each sub-account
2. Sub-Account Management
Reseller hosting allows resellers to create and manage sub-accounts for their clients. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Ability to create and manage sub-accounts for clients
· Customizable settings for each sub-account
· Easy management of hosting accounts
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
3. Resource Allocation
Reseller hosting allows resellers to allocate resources to their clients, including disk space, bandwidth, and CPU usage. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Ability to allocate resources to clients
· Customizable resource allocation for each sub-account
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
· Easy management of resource usage
4. Billing and Invoicing
Reseller hosting often includes billing and invoicing features, allowing resellers to manage their clients' accounts and generate invoices for services rendered.
Benefits:
· Easy management of client accounts
· Ability to generate invoices for services rendered
· Customizable billing and invoicing options
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
5. Security Features
Reseller hosting often includes advanced security features, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and virus scanning. These features help protect hosting accounts from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Benefits:
· Advanced security features for hosting accounts
· Protection from unauthorized access and malicious attacks
· Customizable security settings for each sub-account
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
6. Scalability and Flexibility
Reseller hosting allows resellers to scale their hosting solutions to meet the needs of their clients. This feature enables resellers to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients, while still maintaining control over the hosting environment.
Benefits:
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
· Ability to upgrade or downgrade hosting plans as needed
· Customizable hosting solutions for clients
· Easy management of hosting accounts
7. Support and Maintenance
Reseller hosting often includes support and maintenance features, such as technical support, server monitoring, and software updates. These features help ensure that hosting accounts are running smoothly and efficiently.
Benefits:
· Technical support for hosting accounts
· Server monitoring and maintenance
· Software updates and security patches
· Scalability and flexibility for clients
Conclusion
Reseller hosting is a powerful tool for web professionals, allowing them to provide customized hosting solutions for their clients while still maintaining control over the hosting environment. By understanding the key features of reseller hosting, including control panels, sub-account management, resource allocation, billing and invoicing, security features, scalability and flexibility, and support and maintenance, resellers can provide high-quality hosting solutions for their clients.

Pricing Plans

Pricing Plans: Description of Shared Hosting Pricing Plans
As a leading provider of web hosting services, our company offers a range of pricing plans to cater to the diverse needs of our customers. In this chapter, we will delve into the details of our shared hosting pricing plans, highlighting the features and benefits of each plan.
Economy Plan
Our Economy Plan is designed for small businesses and individuals who require a basic level of hosting services. This plan is ideal for those who need to host a single website with limited traffic.
· Features:
o 1 website
o 5 GB storage space
o 10 GB bandwidth
o 1 MySQL database
o 1 email account
o cPanel control panel
· Price: 2.99/𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑡ℎ(𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦)𝑜𝑟2.99/month(billedannually)or3.99/month (billed* m*onthly)

Okay, people!! I have been meaning to ask this for while, especially seeing the posts from you dedicated achievement hunters and the lovely players who are devoted to their fave LI/story and replay constantly.
How long do you guys take to finish 1 Episode and then 1 Season of a story? And how do you find time to play RC during work/school days?
For me, I am a super slow reader so 1 Season of a story usually takes me a whole day, and that is on my free days where I have nothing else to do. A girl needs some tips cause I have so many books I want to read but I am unable to find the time to finish them 😮‍💨

Ok so I'm quickly becoming a cautionary tale but please tell me I'm being dramatic and it's not going to be as expensive as I fear.
Ok so building new house, thought everything was bedrock (1/3 of the site was exposed bedrock) decided on pillar foundation. Diet is heavy so hired a guy to scrape off the rock. Rock kept getting deeper and dude kept going, by the time I got there after work (yes I'm stupid I should have taken the day off). I had a family member meet the guy onsite to go over the plan. I forgot to tell my family member to have the guy stop if there isn't any bedrock after 4-5 feet. (Yes again cautionary tale)
Anyway super fun result of my stupidity is that the site that was supposed to be an 1 story <100sq ft house on a couple feet of pillar foundation (no basement) is now a mess. 1/3 is bedrock as expected then then the next 1/3 is a slope down with rises for boulders and the last 1/3 has a many 10+ish foot hole to the bedrock.
Yes I am stupid and totally f'ed up with my crappy instructions. I fully accept this mess is entirely my own making. So how big of a f-up is this? Think I can like fill with riprap/gravel or something and build on top of the gravey? Or maybe put the pillars down to the bedrock and fill in around with gravel?
I'm really hoping to fix this without blowing the budget.

So I’ve lived in my town for the last 20 years and they’ve been doing this big pride fest for the last 5 years. Today is pride fest and I’m interested in going but I’m painfully aware I’m going to see certain ptsd triggers in the crowd.. 10 years ago I was S.A’d by an on-duty police officer and I’ve been kinda angry and bitter towards the city since for how they swept it under the rug and dismissed me.. Pretty much anytime I’ve gone to the cops or city since they refuse to help me on anything.. I’m convinced I’m “blacklisted” or something due to my report..
So today is pride fest where the city boasts how “welcoming and inclusive” they are and meanwhile I’m looking at the hoard of cops and various city politicians and depts that will be at this and thinking “welcoming? Inclusive? Y’all left me feeling unwelcome, isolated, disregarded and left to go fuck myself on so many levels…”
Few years ago I was this pride fest and I get it it’s a crowded area, but there was a cop that got way too in my personal space and it was triggering af and ruined the rest of my day even though I get it, it was just crowded and this one didn’t do anything and wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings.. I went off and got drunk after that.. I just hit 3 years clean from drinking and don’t want to go back down that road again…
I’m interested in going to pride fest but I’m very worried seeing these people I can’t stand is just going to be upsetting.. I should be happy for pride fest, I should go out and socialize and try to meet people but fuck there’s going to be a lot of triggering people there… that doesn’t even include people I used to drink with that I want nothing to do with now…
Guess I’m always going to be alone… Also I can’t afford to move so “move to a new city” isn’t an answer…

Apostolic succession was clearly a brilliant way to preserve authenticity in the ancient days, and distinguish the churches keeping the truth from Gnostics who invented things on their own, etc.
But do some Christians believe that there's also something "magical" about it; that baptism and communion does not have any effect if it's done by pastors who don't have apostolic succession today? If so, what is the theological name of this view, what are the arguments for or against? If it's not true, how do we make sense of the bottom quote, from 1 Timothy?
I suppose many Orthodox probably have this "magical" view? Perhaps also some Catholics?
1 Timothy 4:
"Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. "

Ok so first things first, I am well acquainted with abuse and abusers, grew up in a very abusive family, except for s*xual abuse I went through everything else with them, of course this led me to see abuse as normal behavior, most kids bullied me, some close friends took advantage of my spineless behavior, and later on, I had abusive romantic partners.
Not all of them were, of course, but the ones that were I can think back and see the red flags I missed, eventually I went to therapy and kind of learned how to see them better, all that stuff.
Then comes my last ex. He was, well, great. He was attentive, kind, generous, his family welcomed me as a new addition from the first day, it all seemed too good to be true. The thing is, with other abusers, this façade would soon collapse, they weren't able to sustain it for long, but my ex seemed to really be like this, the only shady thing I can think of his past self it that he's always been very secretive about his emotions and repressed them way too much.
After about a year and a half of dating, several things happened, quarantine was one of them, my mental health decline was the other. I tried meds for the first time, it backfired and left me su*cidal for months, I had agoraphobia and went back to being terrified of people. That's when the silent treatment and refusing to get intimate with me and all the arguing began. His point was that he was okay with supporting me with my mental health stuff, as long as it got better and not worse, I tried to explain to him that sometimes things do get worse and there's nothing I can possibly do about it, he would get angrier and say that either I got "cured" or he would leave.
You can imagine how fragile I was back then, terrified of my friends,of going outside, I went back to my mom's house because of covid and had to deal with her abuse again, he felt like the only person I could trust. Even if I knew everything he was saying about mental illnesses was plain wrong, I chose to stick with him because he genuinely sounded like he wanted the best for me.
But everything only got worse, of course, his own life got harder, he was a sheltered kid that never worked or lived on his own, I on the other hand have been working ever since I was 17, we moved in together and you guessed it, it got even worse.
He was doing an unpaid internship where he would mostly observe others work instead of doing something himself, I worked part time because I wanted a little break from working 7am to 4pm for so long, so he was basically living off me and his parents, I also did most of the housework because he'd be there for so long, he didn't even have to, but he was there all day. Not only he never thanked me but he would belittle me for working part time and criticized my cooking, he was a picky eater and was used to his mom adapting to him so I had no idea this was a thing, he hated all veggies and everything that wasn't basically soup or meat and rice/potatoes. We both got folic acid deficiency from this btw, so I'm not exaggerating.
At some point my brain just gave up, I was so incredibly exhausted all the time, physically and mentally. Thank goodness I had the decision to go on a solo vacation with friends after being isolated for years and that's when I realized how badly I was being treated, by being around people who didn't treat me badly. This was last summer, as soon as I got home, the first thing I did was trying to talk to him, and knowing he wouldn't be reasonable, I knew I would have to leave him.
At this point we hadn't gotten intimate in over a year, he refused sleeping with me and would only talk to me to berate me. We argued very often, he was angry all the time, I was on edge all the time, I constantly had panic and anxiety attacks, he would treat me specially bad during these, and when I begged him for a hug sometimes he even hit me.
This was almost a year ago and I'm still broken. My memory is broken, my cognitive functions are half there, I am numb most days, can't feel a thing, not good nor bad, just can't feel, no matter what I do. I am incredibly depressed and don't have the will to do anything. I found someone great who is supportive and amazing in more ways than I can count, found great friends and rekindled friendships I left unattended because of my ex, and still I can't be there for them, not really, because I am not really here most of the time, went to therapy but can't yet afford trying EMDR (will be able soon, after I move from here) and I can't learn anything more from my therapist, it's also expensive. I quit my job and am living off my savings and unemployment, went back to one of my hobbies he used to belittle and criticize so much, I've been hired for collaborations right away and I am in several projects and I can't give my all and feel like I am disappointing people and most importantly myself all the time.
I miss the old me so bad, the one that's trapped beneath this impenetrable armor, and even though things have gotten kind of better, I hate being this fragile, quiet, soft person, when I used to be the polar opposite, I have nothing against quiet and soft people, I love them, it just feels wrong for me.
It took me a lot of work but before dating this idiot for almost 5 years, I got to be this extroverted, fun and warm person that had a million friends and was incredibly energetic, I used to be super physically active, went to a lot of social events, I had so many hobbies and was starting to carve wood. He took it all, and I have no idea how.
As I said at the start of this post, abuse is my whole life. No matter how much my family told me I sucked, they never took the fun out of things for me, if anything, it gave me that spark, that "I'll do what I want!" inner Cartman. No matter how much I was bullied or belittled by others, it never broke me, I was pretty much used to it. But this guy did.
Whenever I talk about toxic relationships with friends or people I meet, it's always kind of the same, "oh we were not compatible at all and refused to accept it haha" or "they were abusive from the start I just didn't know how abuse worked!" but I haven't found someone that went through the same thing as me, someone who's ex was perfect and then became abusive and disgusting, I left a lot out of it for the sake of brevity but his political views and overall morality changed a lot during all this.
I don't know how coherent this is, kinda need to vent , thanks to whoever read it at all, good luck with your own struggles ♥

My husband 31M and I 32F, have been together for 9 years now. We have a 7 year old son. Ever since we started this relationship, we spent our time bonding with drinking together even if it’s just the two of us. I haven’t been smoking when we met but he convinced me with vaping in 2020 with all the flavored juices he would get for me. (By convincing, he did not only ask me to try it but he bought me my own vape and continued to refill my pods everytime it ran out) Quite frankly, I liked the flavors and it stopped me from stress eating. I have been vaping since then.
Just a couple of months ago, he decided to live healthy by watching what he eats (counts carbs), works out everyday and makes a trip to the lake to jog.
Since I mostly cook for the family, I find myself so irritated when he would want his meal a specific way, he would also insist that I weigh everything I put in his meal. Sometimes I would also find him always saying something about what I eat and how many calories that would be for me. So I eventually started with intermittent fasting. After a week he said that wouldn’t work out cause it has to be accompanied by calorie deficit. Which I tried to apply but I found it bothersome so I just eventually used estimates.
It’s been 3 months and we’re still in the same state, and now every time he talks about anything healthy or his exercises, it just annoys me to the point that I’m giving him answers/comments that are not so nice and of course he’s upset about it.
Just a couple of days ago, he quit vaping too. Now I feel like I’m doomed being unhealthy while he’s doing his best to be one with all the changes he applied in just months. I have PCOS and I feel like I should be trying harder but the pressure is just pulling me away from it.
I don’t have anything against living healthy but I do find myself suffocated by it already.

English: for section 1 question a on paper 1 use pqe, point quote explain, nake one point use a quote to back it up and explain, leave extra space after each point incase you have extra time to spend on it
Question b of that same question make sure if you write the text of a speech the whole text is said speech and if you have to for example write the text of a speech from a famous person you never step out of character. Your opening line should be basically a rephrasing of the question eg:write an article for the local newspaper, you should say "I am writing for the x newspaper to tell you about...", even if its unrealistic they still look for this in regard to your purpose mark.
For the composing:make sure there are famous people you can talk about a lot, also just a few topics that youve got some bit of knowledge on e.g ai might be handy
personal essay: use anecdotes even if they're made up
Short story:I'm avoiding this personally but make sure you show don't tell and alsondont leave plot holes, from what I've heard people who do this already have things like settings, characters and storylines planned out before the exam
Opinion essay: chose for or against and be strongly for or against, if im not mistaken you can be neutral but it's a lot harder
For the single text your first quote shouldn't be from act 1 scene 1 or your texts equivalent,your answer shouldn't be a summary
For hamlet: have lots of quotes, back in as many points as possible with quotes, remember the word regicide and antic-disposition, if the question asks about Claudius' role as villain if must only be his direct wrong doings (laertes, elder hamlet) and not the ones he indirectly caused by making hamlet mad (ophelia, polonius etc).
Comparative:constantly compare your 3 texts,(this next tip only applies if parf of your comparative course is never let me go) MOST of the time if you are doing the question 1 which is split up into a and b where a is in relation to 1 text and b is 2, never let me go will be in part a as it is hard to compare to other texts, this obviously depends on the question but if in doubt do that
Unseen poetry:I'm absolutely useless at this but on my mock I completely misunderstood the poem and got 17/20, waffle with confidence, don't spend too long on it as 20 marks is sweet fa in your English paper and the difference between spending 20 mins and 25 mins is no more than 3 marks.
Poetry: have one poem you can talk for days about no matter what, they will more than likely come up. Have 3 more you understand to be able to answer a question, then your perfectly covered. If you want to be more confident you can learn 2 poems to perfect 50/50 but from here to Thursday time management is important
History: if your a slow writer like me learn a metric fuck tonne of good quotes they're the quickest way to pick up marks, here's a few if you want them
Oh little sputnik flying high/with made-in-moscow-beep/you show the world its a commie sky/and uncle Sam's asleep-mennen Williams,democratic governor of michigan
The United States would provide political, military and economic assistance to all democratic nations under threat from external and internal forces-the turman doctrine
We are kings men and well be with you to the end -james Craig (not precisely a long one but so many essays it could be used in)
I want dr king to know that I didn't come to selma to make his job difficult, I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realise what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to here dr king-malcolm x
Geography: from here to friday dedicate 10 minutes to aerial photography, it's 8 marks waiting to be claimed. Nows probably too late for flashcards but if it isn't fucking use them for srps
Maths: nows not too late to print off a mock or past paper, see what needs the most work and make sure you fully understand them
Irish: if your like me and haven't done a scratch there's still more than a week, predictions are your best friend, learn one essay, one poetry notes, one story notes and one play notes and let God decide how well he wants you to do
French:be able to write about the Olympics as if your fluent, its probably going to come up. Know your tenses and your subjunctive. Learn off a few proverbs they add marks to any essay. "Je suis tout à fait d'accord avec le declaration Ci dessus","il est neccesaire de pesser le pour et le contre", "n'oublions pas le proverbe" and "a Mon avis" fit into most opinion pieces, know them(get correct spelling aswel mine was affected by autocorrect). Also if your down to the wire learn diary phrased, even if you write a bad diary you will get marks for the phrases
Accounting: final accounts will come up,know 2/3, learn all your ratios and all the theory they will come up, know either budgeting or costing as one of each will come up, that leaves the second 100 marker, it will most likely be suspense as that comes up every second year but it could be a 60 marker, I wouldn't even bother worrying about anything else until ratios,final accounts, budget/costing and suspense are up to the grade your hoping for but if all that is sorted learn off maybe 3 other possible 100 markers, that any you have 4 which includes the 80% likely suspense and 2 will come up, the accounting exam is probably the easiest to predict, and for the love of God know your theory. Keep doing exam questions of your struggling, every time you correct one write down your mistakes and have the list of mistakes next to you when doing the next one, then tear it and make a new list of mistakes
This is all my experience, I will add any good advice for these subject or other subjects that are provided in the comments, all of these are for higher level except for maths, good luck,don't panic and think about the pint that's instore once this is all over

So my iPad was charging and I stupidly had it near my dog and a glass of water. Obviously a disaster happened and the dog knocked the glass of water next to the iPad. The iPad had the Smart Folio case closed and I wiped it and shut it off immediately. The charger was connected during the spill but the water came from the opposite side and I didn’t see water on that side of the iPad, and none I could see in the charging port. Majority of the water was on the case that I removed immediately and wiped the drops and water on the iPad. But sadly, The top speaker near the power button looked a bit wet so I propped it up on that side in rice at first. Later I read rice is no longer recommended so now it’s only upside down on the side that got wet. It turned on briefly by mistake when I accidentally had it upside down and pressing on the button, immediately I shut it off again. Im a student so it’s not so great to not be able to use the iPad, but of course I only want it to work in the long run. How many days do I need to leave it upside down for? Is there an amount of time I will know it’s out of the woods or just wait and see after a few days? Do I need to do something to eject the water from the speakers beyond holding it the opposite way? Or is it best to leave off and wait? Also,I need to travel for about an hour in a half this evening and take it with me, is it ok to put it in a case in a bag for that duration? It’ll be about 10 hours after the spill. Thanks to anyone who read this far and thanks to anyone who will respond.

I understand there is a special place for bestie in everyone's life. But in my case my gf keeps mentioning about this male bestie. They are both friends since 8th grade. My gf mentioned many a times that she has a crush on him and would have dated him instead of me but couldn't as they were living in different states but now moved in a common locality.
I am okay with the mentioning but the moment she starts glorifying this bestie, I just can't tolerate. She often does this intentionally. Few weeks ago, while I was busy in night shift, my gf and bestie were watching a movie "my fault" which contains a lot of nudity and intimacy scene and on top of this they were simultaneously watching each other on video call too. (I mean what's the need of video call when you both are co-watching the movie on online platform)
The another day she again said that how she was being intimate with this bestie in "dreams" (not in real) and this was just touching my limit line. I told her to not mix me and her bestie's together and keep few things limited for each other. But she often ends up treating him like the special one.
I am not allowed to curse this dude or say anything negative to him. If I mention that I don't like this mixing up, then she paints me up as a wrong mentality person.
I am on the brink of ending this 4 years of relationship. Though I trust her that she will not go to him but then all such acts of defending, openly expressing her fantasy with him, cracks me up.
What should I do? I want to protect this relationship but then I want to shield my emotions against any future consequences too