In Minecraft, a pixelated world, creativity has no boundaries; the same applies to interior decoration. It presents many options that allow you to express your style and individuality through home embellishment regardless of whether one is constructing a snug cabin tucked away in the forest or an imposing castle high up in the sky. There are several Minecraft interior design concepts for consideration as you set out to improve your online home:

1. Cozy Living Spaces: Design a space that is both warm and inviting filled with plush sofas, wool rugs, and a crackling fireplace. For added rustic charm, include elements like wood and stone.
2. Elegant Dining Areas: Overhead, hang elaborate table settings and chandeliers. Use experimentation of varying materials to attain an ornate air for chairs as well as tables.
3. Luxurious Bedrooms: Make a beautiful bedroom haven complete with fitted beds, soppy light, and elaborate nightstands. Incorporate some paintings of vases to give your area an identity.
4. Functional Kitchens: Make a beautiful bedroom haven complete with fitted beds, soppy lights, and elaborate nightstands. Incorporate some paintings of vases to give your area an identity.
5. Creative Workspaces: For instance, a study, workshop, or office may be well designed to nurture creativity. You should include some bookshelves, drafting tables, and storage spaces for tidiness.
6. Themed Rooms: Set sail to creative-themed rooms like a pirate’s treasure chest, a wizard’s tower, or a futuristic space station. Apply themed impediments and embellishments to populate your imagination.
7. Outdoor Retreats: Take your design abilities outdoors through landscape gardens, warm patio furniture, and welcoming pools. Make a peaceful oasis where you can rest and loosen up.

Take your design abilities outdoors through landscape gardens, warm patio furniture, and welcoming pools. Make a peaceful oasis where you can rest and loosen up.

I haven't been online much here on the reddit forums... is this a common issue happening right now, or just for me?
I have this problem where when I'm decorating (trying my hardest on the dreamsnap challenge), but when I exit the furniture menu, things are just invisible! But it's still reading that it's still there! I have to click into furniture tab again and literally click on the invisible item to make it show back up, only, when I leave the furniture tab after fixing it, something else turns invisible!! Constant cycle. I reloaded the game several times... it's really making the challenge hard and I don't think I'm going to even be able to participate in the challenge altogether to earn the rewards...

I'm currently making a evening snack and trying to decide what to watch while i eat and just got the feeling like i want to get to know someone new. And that's where you come in! I'm looking for you who like to shoot the shit and talk about anything and everything.
And by you i mean you who are :
someone who is at least 18 , uses discord and is comfortable being on voice chat , open to sharing a picture of yourself and a big plus if you are located somewhere in Europe for time zone reasons.
And what you get is a guy who is easy to talk to , that has bad jokes he laughs to much about and has a fun personality that hides many surprises!
If you want to talk send me a message with your name and general location.

Hi everyone!
I'm interested in learning about the shopping habits of conscientious consumers, like those in this subreddit, concerning large appliances and furniture. I have a few question on how you approach buying these larger items:

1. Do you research products online before visiting a store, or do you prefer to conduct research in-store?
   
2. After completing your research, do you usually purchase items online or in-store?
   
3. How crucial is accurate product information to you? For instance, if you discover inaccuracies about a product’s features on a store or website, does it prompt you to shop elsewhere?
   
4. What factors are most important to you when deciding where to make a purchase—warranty, price, shipping options, whether it's a big-box or local retailer?
   

For transparency, I work at a small tech company that supplies information to various furniture and appliance retailers, ranging from small independent shops to larger stores. I've noticed many data inaccuracies and am curious if these influence consumer decisions significantly.
I greatly value the insights this subreddit can provide and am eager to hear your thoughts!

Server IP: Play.FrontierSMP.net
Bedrock Port: 19132
Server Discord: https://discord.gg/E9mdAwFgNU
Version: 1.20.6 (Java) - Currently native on 1.20.4
Description:
FrontierSMP is a PvP server based on enhancing the Towny elements to their full potential with NO PAY TO WIN. Towns can survey for resources, capture specific points to collect bonuses, and even participate in weekly Siege Wars. With the custom resources, you can craft furniture, unique tools, enchants, or even grow custom crops in specific seasons. The possibilities are endless, and new features are added constantly. Join us to discover your love for being the strongest town, growing the most unique farm, or exploring the endless possibilities of customization.
Main Features:
🚩 No Pay To Win
🏰Towny
⛏Jobs
🏹 McMMO
🌲Custom Terrain
⛰ Capture Sites
💑Fully Player Run Economy
🛒Chest Shops
⚡Player Warps
🌎BlueMap
🎁Custom Shops
🖌️ArtMap
We're always planning new features and updating the server constantly. We hope to see you online!

Server IP: Play.FrontierSMP.net
Bedrock Port: 19132
Server Discord: https://discord.gg/E9mdAwFgNU
Version: 1.20.6 (Java) - Currently native on 1.20.4
Description:
FrontierSMP is a PvP server based on enhancing the Towny elements to their full potential with NO PAY TO WIN. Towns can survey for resources, capture specific points to collect bonuses, and even participate in weekly Siege Wars. With the custom resources, you can craft furniture, unique tools, enchants, or even grow custom crops in specific seasons. The possibilities are endless, and new features are added constantly. Join us to discover your love for being the strongest town, growing the most unique farm, or exploring the endless possibilities of customization.
Main Features:
🚩 No Pay To Win
🏰Towny
⛏Jobs
🏹 McMMO
🌲Custom Terrain
⛰ Capture Sites
💑Fully Player Run Economy
🛒Chest Shops
⚡Player Warps
🌎BlueMap
🎁Custom Shops
🖌️ArtMap
We're always planning new features and updating the server constantly. We hope to see you online!

In 2023, ecommerce companies in the UK generated a total revenue of over $130 billion. Ecommerce sales are expected to grow by 4.1% in 2024, helping the UK maintain its position as the most advanced ecommerce market in Europe.
We have created an article on the fastest growing ecommerce companies in the UK where we cover many important details about these companies.
Here is a quick summary of the full post:

Ecommerce Sales Growth in the UK

Although the industry is largely dominated by companies like Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Asda, there are many rapidly growing ecommerce companies in the UK. This report explores:

• Fastest-growing ecommerce companies in the UK
• Online stores (marketplaces) with the highest net sales
• Important UK ecommerce statistics and facts

Rising Ecommerce Companies in the UK

Gymshark

• Location: Solihull, UK
• Founded Year: 2012
• Founders: Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan
• Latest Funds Raised: $261M

Gymshark is a leading player in the fitness apparel industry, known for innovative, performance-enhancing gym wear. Starting in a small garage in Birmingham, Gymshark now serves customers in more than 230 countries through 14 online stores built on Shopify. In 2023, Gymshark generated an annual revenue exceeding £400 million, with significant increases in orders and international sales.

Smol

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2018
• Founders: Nick Green and Paula Quazi
• Latest Funds Raised: $34M

Smol is the fastest-growing laundry brand in the UK, revolutionizing the home cleaning industry with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The company offers concentrated cleaning products in minimal, recyclable packaging. In 2023, Smol helped save significant amounts of plastic, chemicals, and carbon, reflecting its commitment to environmental impact.

OnBuy

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2016
• Founders: Cas Paton
• Latest Funds Raised: £35M

OnBuy is a renowned marketplace offering a broad selection of products and supporting small to medium-sized businesses. It was ranked 11th in the UK Technology Fast 50 by Deloitte and named Europe’s fastest-growing ecommerce company on the FT 1000 list. OnBuy is also the UK’s most trusted marketplace on Trustpilot.

Laced

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2018
• Founders: Chris Gibbons
• Latest Funds Raised: $12M

Laced is an online platform specializing in sneakers, offering styles from major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Air Jordan. The marketplace allows for buying and selling pre-owned sneakers, with a focus on transparency and customer satisfaction. Laced has secured over $17 million in funding and plans to expand into broader Europe.

Club L London

• Location: Manchester, UK
• Founded Year: 2007
• Founders: Katie Randev

Club L London specializes in women's clothing, focusing on glamorous and occasion-specific attire. The brand has seen significant growth, with sales nearly doubling over the past year. In 2023, Club L London recorded a turnover of £29.5 million, reflecting exceptional growth since its launch.

Papier

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2015
• Founders: Taymoor Atighetchi
• Latest Funds Raised: $50M

Papier offers personalized stationery, including custom notebooks, journals, wedding invitations, and greeting cards. The company secured $50 million in funding before launching in the US. Papier's revenue has increased by 50% year over year, driven by unique designs and high-quality products.

Naturewall

• Location: Hull, UK
• Founded Year: 2018
• Founders: Philip Brown

Naturewall is the largest SlatWall manufacturer in the UK, offering eco-friendly wall panels. The company emphasizes sustainability and authenticity, using high-quality materials. Naturewall invested £1 million into a new manufacturing plant in Beverley, East Yorkshire, to enhance production capabilities.

Lyst

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2010
• Founders: Chris Morton, Devin Hunt, Sebastjan Trepca
• Latest Funds Raised: $85M

Lyst is a global fashion search platform connecting shoppers with over 17,000 leading brands. The platform offers over 8 million items and has become the most downloaded premium fashion iOS app worldwide. Lyst's Gross Merchandise Volume now surpasses $2 billion.

Qogita

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2021
• Founders: Yaniv Toledano and Danny Toledano
• Latest Funds Raised: €80M

Qogita is a marketplace for health and beauty products, offering items from over 400 suppliers and 10,000 brands. The company secured €80 million in Series B funding and aims to expand into additional categories. Qogita focuses on providing low prices, high-quality service, and seamless shopping experiences.

Shop Circle

• Location: London, UK
• Founded Year: 2021
• Founders: Gian Maria Gramondi and Luca Cartechini
• Latest Funds Raised: $120M

Shop Circle provides tools designed to streamline and enhance the digital commerce experience. The company raised $120 million in funding and offers a suite of apps and solutions tailored to the needs of online businesses, helping them grow and improve customer satisfaction.

Top Online Stores (Marketplaces) in the UK

Amazon

• Online Store Launch: 1998

Amazon UK offers a vast selection of products, competitive pricing, and efficient logistics. In 2023, the UK became Amazon’s third-largest market, with net sales of $33.6 billion. Amazon operates 20 distribution centers in the UK and has invested over £56 billion in the UK since 2010.

Sainsbury’s

• Online Store Launch: 1999

Sainsbury’s provides a variety of goods, including groceries and home products. The company focuses on high-quality, affordable products and offers savings programs like Nectar. Sainsbury’s recorded significant growth in revenue and profit, with a turnover of £29.5 million for the 12 months ending January 31, 2023.

Tesco

• Online Store Launch: 2000

Tesco offers groceries, clothing, electronics, and homeware. The company serves over 20 million customers monthly through its online store. Tesco's overall revenue for the UK and ROI amounted to over 60 billion British pounds in 2022/23, and it employs over 309,000 people in the UK.

Asda

• Online Store Launch: 1998

Asda offers a wide range of products and services, including groceries, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. The Asda online store serves 98% of UK homes and has a brand awareness of 97%. The company reported a 9.6% increase in sales year over year, with a significant rise in own-brand sales.

Important Statistics for Ecommerce Companies in the UK

• In 2023, ecommerce companies in the United Kingdom generated a total revenue of $131.5 billion, with projections to rise to $185.37 billion by 2028.
• The UK hosts the most developed ecommerce market in Europe, with nearly 60 million ecommerce users, expected to grow to 62.7 million by 2029.
• In 2023, the ARPU for personal care ecommerce was $114.8 in the UK.
• Amazon leads as the top ecommerce platform in the UK, attracting over 500 million monthly visits as of March 2024.
• On average, online shoppers in the UK spend $126 on desktop purchases compared to $102 on tablets and $86 on mobile phones.
• More than 42% of shoppers in the UK begin their purchase journeys via search engines.
• The average revenue per user (ARPU) in the UK ecommerce market is expected to increase by $577.5 between 2024 and 2029.
• In 2023, the keyword ‘boots’ topped the competitiveness chart in the UK with a score of 94, while ‘sneakers’ and ‘sandals’ scored 70 and 65, respectively.
• With a 21% market share, Shopify is the second leading ecommerce platform in the UK as of 2024.
• The revenue in the UK’s furniture ecommerce market is forecasted to grow by $5.9 billion between 2024 and 2029.

BONUS: Please refer to our additional sources for more facts and & stats about ecommerce companies in the UK:

• UK Ecommerce Statistics and Market (2024)
• Top Shopify Stores in the UK

Is there a way to simply customise those items to another color? The item I'm specifically asking about is Street lamp with Banners, mine selling in the shop are green and I'm wondering if there's a way to get black ones without going online.

I love how contrasting furniture looks but wood with naturally contrasting colors is either very expensive or hard to source where I live, is it feasible to just use same wood but stained differently or it's going to bleed color into each other ? I can't find info about it online.

Rubbish Removal Brisbane: Why You Should Give Away Your Rubbish
In a vibrant city like Brisbane, efficient rubbish removal is crucial to maintaining a clean, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing environment. One innovative approach to waste management is the concept of giving away rubbish. But why should you consider this option? Let’s explore the importance of rubbish removal in Brisbane and why giving away your rubbish can be a smart and beneficial choice.
The Importance of Rubbish Removal
Understanding the significance of rubbish removal helps highlight why it's essential for both individuals and the community at large.
Environmental Protection
Proper rubbish removal plays a critical role in protecting the environment. It ensures that waste is disposed of correctly, reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and supporting recycling efforts. This helps keep Brisbane’s natural landscapes pristine and minimizes the city's carbon footprint.
Health and Safety
Accumulated rubbish can lead to numerous health and safety issues. It can become a breeding ground for pests and bacteria, leading to the spread of diseases. Regular and effective rubbish removal prevents these hazards, ensuring a safer and healthier community.
Enhancing City Aesthetics
A clean and tidy environment enhances the overall appeal of Brisbane. Efficient rubbish removal helps maintain the city’s beauty, making it more enjoyable for residents and attractive to visitors.
Understanding the Concept of Giving Away Rubbish
Giving away rubbish might sound unusual at first, but it’s a practice that offers numerous benefits.
What Does It Mean to Give Away Rubbish?
Giving away rubbish involves donating or passing on items that you no longer need but that others might find useful. This can include furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, and more. Instead of discarding these items, you make them available to others who can reuse or repurpose them.
Benefits of Giving Away Rubbish
There are several advantages to giving away rubbish:
Reduces Waste: By giving away items, you reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Promotes Reuse: It encourages the reuse of items, conserving resources and energy.
Supports the Community: Helps those in need by providing them with useful items for free or at a low cost.
Environmental Impact: Minimizes environmental damage by reducing the need for new products and lowering waste production.
Types of Rubbish You Can Give Away in Brisbane
Various types of rubbish can be given away, benefiting both the giver and the recipient.
Household Items
Many household items can be donated or given away instead of being thrown out.
Furniture and Appliances
Old furniture and appliances that are still in good condition can find new homes with people who need them.
Clothing and Toys
Clothes and toys that your family has outgrown can be valuable to others, especially local charities and families in need.
Garden Waste
Garden waste such as leaves, branches, and grass clippings can be given away to be used as compost or mulch in community gardens.
E-Waste
Electronic waste, including old computers, phones, and batteries, can often be donated to organizations that refurbish and redistribute them.
Hazardous Waste
While hazardous waste like chemicals and paints needs special handling, some items can be given to specific programs that manage their safe reuse or recycling.
How to Give Away Rubbish in Brisbane
There are several practical ways to give away your rubbish in Brisbane, ensuring it benefits others rather than simply being discarded.
Using Rubbish Removal Services
Many professional rubbish removal services in Brisbane offer options for donating usable items. They can sort through your waste and identify items that can be given away.
Community Exchange Programs
Participate in community exchange programs where residents can swap or donate items. These programs often have events or online platforms to facilitate the exchange.
Local Charities and Donation Centers
Local charities and donation centers are always in need of items such as clothing, furniture, and appliances. Contact them to find out what they accept and how you can contribute.
Choosing the Right Rubbish Removal Service
Selecting the right rubbish removal service is crucial to ensure your waste is managed responsibly.
Reputation and Reviews
Look for services with positive reviews and a strong reputation. This indicates reliability and quality service.
Range of Services
Ensure the company offers comprehensive services, including the option to donate usable items.
Pricing and Transparency
Choose a service with clear pricing structures and no hidden fees. Compare costs to get the best value for your money.
Environmental Practices
Opt for companies committed to environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and proper waste disposal.
The Benefits of Professional Rubbish Removal Services
Hiring a professional rubbish removal service provides several advantages.
Convenience
Professional services handle all aspects of rubbish removal, saving you time and effort. They take care of sorting, transporting, and disposing of waste.
Safety
Trained professionals can safely handle all types of waste, including hazardous materials, reducing the risk of injury or environmental harm.
Environmental Impact
Professional services often have established recycling programs, ensuring that as much waste as possible is diverted from landfills.
Conclusion
Rubbish removal is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy Brisbane. Giving away rubbish is a sustainable practice that benefits both the community and the environment. By choosing the right rubbish removal service and participating in community exchange programs, you can contribute to a cleaner, greener city.

Any recs on patio furniture that will hold up for 3+ years? I’d like to shop locally but online is ok too.

I (23F) have been struggling with this issue for several months now and have been receiving somewhat mixed reviews, so advice is also welcome. I am also a first time poster and this is going to be long, so hello!
To start, let me give some context to my family dynamic. My parents divorced when I was very little and have since remarried (spouses will be referred to as bonus mom or bonus dad). My dad has always had 100% custody of my brother (20M) and I and we have also moved around a lot, so I have no friends dating before college friends.
With the exception of two seasons of a several month program, I have always lived with my father. He married my bonus mom when I was 18 and they have since had my two sisters (4 and 1 years old) and have a baby on the way. My bonus mom and I have had a good relationship, and while we have had some major rough patches, her and I have both put a lot of effort into our relationship and as a result our relationship grew much better and our respect for each other grew as well. I also very much adore my baby sisters.
My mother married my bonus dad while I was in middle school and have always adored him as well. He has been nothing but kind to myself and my brother and is a massive teddy bear. For a long time my mother and I have been somewhat distant from each other. I think we both just hurt from the decisions she had made in the past, but since then we've grown closer and this situation has made even more so.
All sets of parents are religious. My father and bonus mom are a niche kind of Christian. My mother and bonus dad are more of a typical kind of Christian. This piece is a very dynamic part of the story.
After my dad got a job in another state my bonus mom, brother, two sisters, and myself moved there. I quickly found a college to finish my associates degree that I fell in love with. I finished up my associates with little issue and had planned to stop there. However, when approached by the registrar with a degree audit letting me know I could finish my bachelor's within a year, all of my parents strongly encouraged me to pursue it. I was unsure at first because the amount of debt I had accumulated on this schooling venture made me nervous (the state where I had originally started my degree allowed me to pursue it for free, this one did not), but I chose to pursue it anyway.
That fall semester I started to pursue my bachelor's degree I got to know someone who I had previously noticed and admired from afar. He would become my boyfriend (21M). Let's call him Babe because he is one. Him and I have a lot of the same passions and our shy friendship developed into feelings over the course of the semester. To make the long story short, we ended up sleeping together and going on dates, and throughout this whole ordeal I never once felt used as I had in previous relationships with less intimacy. I felt 100% loved and cared for and I still do to this day.
At the end of the semester during finals week my bonus mom noticed him at the choir and jazz concert that my bonus mom and I both performed in. She had singled him out in the crowd when she noticed him observing me and later that evening asked who that "boy sitting alone" was. I tried to play dumb at first, but said he was a fellow classmate and friend. She asked if we had feelings for one another, to which I said yes. She asked me, "OP, why do you keep getting into these relationships that won't work?" Before this moment she had never seen him before and had never spoken to him before that. She informed me that we would have to talk to my father about this, and then I went to bed.
Side Note
In referring to "these relationships" she is making reference to a coworker I had liked that they also had not met. My dad and bonus mom instructed me to quit my job, which I did. There was also someone else who I had met online in a group of friends I had gotten close with, but they discouraged me from the group chat and from the guy, so I left the chat and him alone.
They had also not wanted me to go to a local Bible study because of how late it was at night and with how early I had to go to a different job in the morning. However, I think their real main concern "there are other young men there that are watching you and one of them could try and follow you home." Those parents live in the country just on the outskirts of town. The poor guy that would have supposedly followed me would have been lured into darkness and to a neighborhood that was very protective of its land.
When I have expressed that I wanted to go because I wanted friends, they told me, "Maybe God just wants you to be alone right now and just focus on Him." I at first thought this was legitimate, but later began to question that line of thinking.
Side Note Finished
Anyways, after that night I had texted Babe informing him what was happening. He told me if he needed to step back so I could work on my relationship with my parents he was more than willing to do so. He was also more than happy to be in my life. Just whatever was best for me. This was not the first time he had suggested this, and it honestly made me not want to let go of him more.
The next morning my father told me I needed to cut ties with Babe. I told Babe about this and we spent most of the day crying. Him and I performed our final concert that evening and I went to the grocery store to pick up some things for my bonus mom. She found out that I was at my concert and not at work and asked why she and my dad hadn't been invited. I told them that in the past I had tried to invite them to other concerts and things and had reminded them multiple times and put them on both calendars (monthly and weekly) for the family to see, but had been blamed for not informing them of my events the night of. I had grown tired of this and eventually stopped inviting them to things. They felt this wasn't fair since I tend to get my dates mixed up for different events, and said that they felt that trust had been broken.
Over the next few days (which was finals week, by the way) many conversations were had. I mostly listened and answered questions. Things seemed to be going well until they found out that we had slept together through a series of questions, and my father had blown up. He became so angry at Babe for "defiling [his] daughter" and described in detail how he wanted to hurt him. When they found out Babe was not a believer like ourselves, my father asked why I had stooped so low. It were these moments that sealed my decision to move out. My dad had assured me he was not angry with me, but I could not shake his anger towards Babe.
They also informed my brother what was going on, and him and I had a long conversation. He wanted me to stay with them at home, but was open to my boyfriend since " he must be really special if you slept with him." By the end of the conversation my brother had a positive impression of Babe and was decidedly Switzerland in this situation.
He had also asked me what I had done in return of my parents' kindness of letting me live rent-free in their home. I reminded him that any second that they needed something I would drop everything and do it for them. As long as I wasn't in class or at my in person job I would go wherever they wanted me to go and do whatever they wanted me to do. I would also help take care of my sisters on nights that I came home before they went to bed. I would give them baths and read them bedtime stories and get them dressed for bed and sometimes even put them to bed. I would watch them whenever I was asked to. If I had to do online work I either had to start late or it was cut short because my bonus mom would ask for help. Most anything that they would ask I would do. During days that I would be home all day I would help get the girls up and even watch them so that my bonus mom could nap and catch up on some much needed sleep. If my time and efforts were going unnoticed I was sadly displeased. I loved taking care of my sisters and helping around the house, but that doesn't mean that those things shouldn't be recognized. I also pointed out that I never asked for anything in return or ask for help with money. Sometimes I would get paid for watching them on date nights and whatnot (which were not often) but I never expected it.
This set of parents had also attempted to convince me to visit my mother and bonus dad and other family who live in another state. The irony of this is that they had thoroughly convinced me not to visit her on two occasions that I had planned to. The next evening my dad and bonus mom both told me the conditions of me living with them:

1. The truck would be taken away for two months. I would be taken to and from wherever I needed to go. This truck was my grandfather's truck who passed away last summer. My grandmother had been very insistent in wanting to put it in my name, but my dad and I insisted it be put in his name. At this point, the keys had been taken away and I was being transported to and from school. I was regretting not getting this truck in my name.
   
2. I would no longer be allowed to finish my bachelor's degree. Neither set of parents had ever contributed any money to my education or programs once high school finished up, with the exception of when I was asked to quit my job. Then my bonus mom and father paid maybe $400-$600 towards my tuition plus the other expenses and rent taken off for about two months before I got my online job with our friend.
   
3. I may also be asked to quit my in person job as well.
   

I told them I wanted to move out.
I had a college friend who was getting married that weekend offer her apartment to me while her and her husband went on their honeymoon for three weeks. That would give me enough time to cram my things into her place and search for a new one. That is where I was planning to stay temporarily. I had a feeling that this may fall through, and asked Babe if I could store some of my things like my furniture at his place and potentially stay there temporarily if my friend's place fell through. He had spoken with his landlord who also lives in the house, and his landlord said it would be okay.
Between all of this, Babe and I called my mother twice and explained the situation. She asked various questions about our relationship, including how to navigate and respect one another's beliefs as well as his family's (his family is Catholic), and we both had confidence that we could have compassion and respect for one another. She encouraged me to listen to my voice and covered the rest of what I needed in order to attend school the next semester. She thought my father putting me at this ultimatum with school was highly unfair and not very cash money (my words not hers).
I told Babe that if I was going to do this, he couldn't leave me and had to stick with me through it. He promised he would and has stuck to that promise to this day.
I removed my wall decor among other decor and hardware and wrapped them in clothes and garbage bags. Babe texted me throughout the night as I did this. I finished up at around 2:00 in the morning.
The next day as my father was taking me to school he asked if I was still with Babe. I said yes. He told me as long as I was still with him and sleeping with him I would have to move out, preferably by that night. The next 10 minutes or so of the drive consisted my father speaking curses over my life. Some of the more memorable include:
"You should take off your head covering. God is not covering you."
"You are rushing to sin and to shed man's blood."
"You will be a curse of destruction to anyone's home you come under."
Etc, etc.
I left the vehicle silently and went to my main building of work to weep. I called Babe crying and he assured me he would be there soon. He was, and him and his friend agreed to help me move some things out of the house before they left to see their families for the three week winter break. Their families lived in a different state. Them putting their break on hold meant a lot to me since his friend and I had hardly spoken before, and we were off. My parents were also on their way to an appointment for my sister about an hour away, so I knew the house would be empty and safe. I had also texted a coworker who knew what was happening and asked her if she could help move things and she agreed to come.
I let Babe and his friend only in the necessary parts of the house to collect my things. His friend mostly stayed by his truck in my driveway. I did my best to separate anything that may be of my parents since I was doing my best to move quickly. At one point I was informed that my bonus mom wanted to speak with me via our neighbor, so I went to go talk to my bonus mom on the phone. I was confused why she hadn't called me directly. I believe my neighbor had noticed unknown people carrying things out of the house and had informed my parents.
Apparently this was a conference call and my bonus mom and dad began to yell at me about how it was inappropriate to bring unknown men to the house and at the police and my father were both on their way. I apologize profusely and told them that I would leave immediately and ask them to call the police off since I was going to leave. I apologize saying that I didn't intend to disrespect them further or cause tensions to heighten, but they said that they would not call the police off and that my dad would not turn around. He also threatened to get in a fist fight with any unknown man on his property.
I told Babe that my father and police were on their way. He hurriedly gathered what he could while I grabbed important documents and things and rushed out of the house.
Lo and behold the cops had arrived and Babe and his friend were being searched. I set my purse down by Babe's friend's truck since it had a pocket knife and pepper spray in it and approached them with my hands up. I was also searched and the three of us were separated for questioning. Soon there were a total of 5 police cars and several police officers circulating between the 3 of us, hungry for the gossip. Unfortunately, Babe's friend was not terribly interesting since he was just trying to help and had no idea what was happening, so he got the least amount of attention. The cops mostly passed between Babe and I since we had the juicy details. All of the cops were confused why this whole situation was happening to begin with. Even those who were religious were confused how my parents could reject my boyfriend without ever speaking to him, and why that would cause me to need to move out in less than 24 hours.
They let us go and we got out of there as fast as we could. It was through this interaction that Babe and I became officially a couple since they had to ask "Who's that in relationship to you?" and boyfriend/girlfriend seemed to be the best response.
We dropped off what we could at my boyfriend's house and we all returned to school so I could ask for a place and they could get whatever Babe's friend needed for their trip. Babe and I said heartfelt goodbyes and I gathered what I could after some crying and a snack, and walked the 45 minutes or so it takes to get to his house. I collapsed into his bed, called out of work, and cried until I passed out.
My friend had still offered her place to me, but I refused saying that I wasn't going to intrude my sorrow on her during a time that was supposed to be joyous for her. I also realized that without a car it would be an hour or more to walk to and from work, and I close so that was not a good option. She did allow me to use her truck, so when my coworker picked me up from work that evening, we grabbed my friend's truck and went to my parents' house to grab everything I could think of that was mine. I informed them that I was coming, and they did not respond. My brother was also instructed not to help me with my move.
My father had locked up the place like Fort Knox so I could not get in through the way that would give me the easiest access to my room. I got in through the front door and went downstairs to open the garage (I lived on the garage level in the basement lol; which was actually quite a nice area; it resembled a little apartment) and found he had disconnected the power to it. When I went upstairs to wait I ran into my dad locking the front door. He turned towards me and looked at me and surprise and said, "You really came in here while we were praying?" I didn't know what to think of that. He reconnected the power to the garage and opened it, and watched coldly as my coworker and I moved things out. At the end, I returned my keys and told my dad that I loved him. He said he loved me too, and my coworker and I went to my boyfriend's house to unload my things.
Babe kept in constant contact with me and his landlord did his best to make sure I felt welcome and took great care of me when I needed it, between making sure I was fed and interacting with someone in my emotional fragility and even taking me to the ER when I was experiencing a lot of pain. His landlord even suggested I could move in, and that is when I began the excruciating process of sifting through all of my things and decorating the room. My mother and bonus dad also made sure to keep in closer contact with me as well, insisting I did nothing wrong but fall in love.
2 close family friends had also reached out to me during the week that followed my leaving. One was gently trying to guide me in the direction that she thought that I should go, but never shamed me. The second one sent me an angry text saying that I left God at my parents house and that I should return back to them, and that what I am doing is 100% wrong, and that I could block her if I want. She later texted me and apologized for her harsh words. I never have responded to either of them.
My father had also tried to withhold my paycheck from me, but eventually put it in the mail and it came to me via an address reroute. My bonus mom texted me saying the way I was speaking/not speaking to my father was dishonoring to him and I need to do better. She texted me that she missed me once. This was all within a week after moving out, and I never responded. I haven't heard from either of them since.
So now a little over 5 months have passed. I have army crawled through the semester and have successfully passed with honors and have graduated. My parents have missed all of the important events that have taken place during the semester, including the graduation ceremony. While I never invited them they also didn't exactly ask. My small group of friends have done their best to show support to me. Even small friends in unlikely places.
My father and bonus mom have not been in contact with me, but have insisted to others that they have tried to reach out to me and that this no contact situation has been 100% my doing. They had apparently been willing to talk until my friend from another state had come to see my graduation and pick up something of hers from my parents house that she had accidentally left with us, as well as my things. She had gone there twice asking for my things that day, and it had turned into a whole situation that ended up with them refusing to give her my items that I had left by accident and asking her to leave multiple times. There has also been a lot of other things that have happened but those are all stories of their own.
I am very happy with Babe as we journey through our relationship together. Well there have been so many emotional breakdowns, a few disagreements, and many, many tears, he has been so compassionate and gentle through it all. He has been so kind to me and has been gently guiding me to more healthy conflict-resolution tactics, lines of thoughts, and more. I had thought I was happy with my parents, but as time as gone on and as I reflected on my relationship with them I realized how shut down, isolated, and bottled up I was. I feel safe to cry in the arms of my beloved, to express my thoughts, make my own decisions, and to laugh with him too. When he is wrong he is quick to realize it and apologize. When I am feeling insecure his desire is to reassure me. I hope that I do the same for him. If I asked, I'm sure he would say so.
However, even despite all of this, I do miss my parents, my brother, and my sisters greatly. Especially my brother and my sisters. I am sad that I have missed my father's birthday and Mother's Day. I am sad that I will miss my new sibling's birth, and that they will miss my birthday. I want to reconcile with them, but I also want them to respect my decisions and especially respect Babe.
The few times that we have seen each other my father has not looked me in the eye or has barely acknowledged me. I know that it was my decision to move out, but with how quickly things went I feel like I was also kicked out. At first I only felt displaced, but now I also feel disowned. I'm not sure what they're telling people or even entirely what their side of the story is. My brother is still kind to me but our contact over the phone is very minimal. I'm sure that he has been discouraged to speak with me. When we run into each other we get to talk, but that's about it. I know that he is hurt and that he loves me, and I wish that there was more that I could do for him.
I am also scared of what my sisters' reactions will be if I do come back. I'm sure that they feel some level of abandoned, and I know that they have been crying about me because they miss me (via my aunt when she went and visited and ran into me). I don't wish for them to hate me, and I want to be involved, but I also don't want the Babe's vehicle that we share to be identified. If they called the cops on me once, what would stop them from doing it again? My trust for them completely dissipated after that incident, but the worst part of it all is that I didn't get to say goodbye to the girls or to my bonus mom. They had all gone to bed by the time I had come home from work and was finished moving out.
So... what should I do? AITA for trading my family for Babe and a bachelor's degree?

My 10 year old cat in disinterested in toys but expresses attention seeking behavior. I’m not sure how to help him and I have had a hard time finding resources online.
My dad adopted him when he was a kitten (I was 15) and he got very attached to me. I didn’t take him with me when I moved out on my own since he was my dad’s cat. However my dad gave him to me about four years ago so he’s lived with me for most of his life, with the exception of a 2-3 year window.
He’s never been particularly interested in toys, but he’s very averse to them at this point in time. I moved 5 hours away from my hometown with him, last August (almost a year ago) and that’s been a challenging adjustment for him. I give him lots of attention when I’m home. I work 8 hours a day. I keep his feeding schedule consistent and his litter box clean. He has a scratching post, wand with feathers and ribbons, plastic balls that have smaller balls inside to make noise, fish that move and make noise and a stool with an opening for a hiding away. Petting and cuddling him doesn’t seem to be enough but I can’t seem to find the right toys for him. He gets anxious zoomies, makes lots of loud noise and scratches all my furniture. I can’t seem to appease him. Any suggestions on how how to entertain and keep my precious cat physically and mentally stimulated?
TLDR: My 10 year old cat is restless and anxious, almost a year after moving. Nothing I do seems to appease him, including a consistent schedule, toys, pets/scratches and cuddles.

I’m planning on buying a kiln and initially I was going to buy new, Skutt, and was considering the 822-1018-1027 options. Then this opportunity for a 4-year-old 822 fell into my lap (digital controller). She got me very hyped for it and we chatted all about it (single user, fired on average once a month so 60 firings) but she took a few days to give me a price.
Turns out her price is basically the same as brand new ($2300), only it includes shelves and basic furniture, which would save me a couple hundred vs buying new, plus save on taxes. But it wouldn’t include a warranty, obviously. My gut says this is an absolutely crazy price. I expected something more like maybe $1500ish. Note, she’s never replaced anything so I imagine I’ll have to be changing out elements and such soon enough as well. It’s such a major price difference that I’m not even sure that I can counter.
It just feels like… why buy used if you won’t really save any significant money? If I bought new I could upgrade to the touchscreen wifi controller and stuff as well. But looks like there’s a good two or three month wait for delivery. It would be nice to but this and have it installed next week, you know? Researching comparables in CA posted online, the max price of any used skutt appears to be about $1400 (with many way lower). So can y’all gut check me on this price before I respond to her?

Residential Contracting 101
With over 20 years of building experience, I would like to share with you my insights in navigating becoming a successful contractor. With many different avenues of the building world its key to understand what problems will arise on any given day. A man once told a saying that stuck-the 6 p’s in life- Piss Poor Preparation leads to Piss Poor Performance. Preparation builds everything in construction, without preparation the jobsite will not run correctly. The best advice I was ever given was to learn a little about every trade giving you the ability to understand trade lingo and secrets. An example would be painters use the terminology flash; this means when the sub structure bleads through the paint. Subcontractors will give the best pricing if they respect your knowledge of the industry. If the subcontractor feels they will have to hold your hand through the job they will charge an extra fee…i.e. I call it the aggravation fee. In this blog I will explain the key elements in finding success in all aspects of the industry. Contracting is a physically and emotionally demanding job which requires planning and foresight to complete projects on time within budget. Picking your customer is just as important as picking your employees or subcontractors. I have worked for some of the most demanding customers leading me to question at the end if the job was even worth it. Sleepless nights, constant changes, lack of payment, lawsuit threats, adding work that was in the contract are just a few things you could face with a tough customer. With so many moving parts at all times it is critical to be able to adapt to changes within a short time frame. Materials will come in damaged, subcontractors will be late, employees will get sick, but the deadline you set does not change. The stress can be overwhelming at times keeping your mind in a good place is key to navigating all that is thrown at you. Choosing your client picking the right jobs-Keep these questions in mind The first question to be asked is what the time frame is to start the job to see if it fits within the timeframe for your business. If the time frame doesn’t work then move on from the project or let them know when you would be available to start. If the client really wants to use, they will wait until you are available. Taking on too much work will only lead to problems. Construction is a serviced based business, staying on top of the project and client will eliminate an unhappy customer and construction issues that will be over seen. With online presence if details are missed and customer service lacks it will only be a matter of time the phone will not ring. The second question to be asked to the client is do they have a budget in mind for the project. If they answer yes this is good, follow through with what the budget is. If the budget seems low let them know, this will eliminate a tire kicker, educate them on what the price range could be. If the budget seems reasonable then continue the discussion to the next question. If they answer no let them know that you can give them an estimate to see if the project is feasible with their finical capabilities. Taking on a job that is not correctly budgeted will lead to an unsatisfied customer due to non-transparency of the construction cost. The third question to be asked is anyone else bidding on the job, if the answer is yes, understand you might just be number check for the contractor doing the job. Dig a little deeper and find out how many numbers they are getting and why. If your business model is to be competitive be completely transparent with customer, this will gain trust with them. Let them know you get what you pay for and if you they choose the lowest bid it could lead into lack of quality of work.
The fourth question I will ask is there any specific subcontractors they wanted to use. If the answer is yes then I would explain to them you only use the subcontractors you have a working relationship with. Otherwise, this could backfire as the subcontractor might not show, do subpar work, talk behind your back to the homeowner. In my experience I would stay away from using any homeowner to alleviate problems down the road. A quick conversation now can save headaches down the road. The fifth question I will ask are planning on getting the job permitted, this needs to be known it takes more time for the permitting process. Plans will have to drawn submitted and approved to the city before work can commence. The sixth question I will ask if a residential remodel is are you going to be living through the remodel if yes understand this will take more time to navigate the project due to answering questions and cleaning the house on a daily occurrence. I would recommend seeing if the customer would be willing to move into an Airbnb or friends for at least the demo portion of the project. If they do plan on living through the remodel add a couple hours a day to accommodate the extra time that will be required. The seventh question I would ask in a residential remodel is how old the house is to see if there is asbestos that would need to removed by a proper company. A home built before 1979 will most likely have some asbestos in the house, use a licensed company with proper insurance to dispose of the materials. If everything looks good to this point find out a little more about the client personality. If the client seems reasonable, I would bid the job. Unreasonable people can cause you more stress than its worth. These are some red flags I would look out for. Some jobs are not worth the money. Very demanding in the way you are going to perform your job- I.e., tell you how you are going to do your job- You’re the professional not them! Give you a hard time about your price- haggle with price you estimated- The price is the price! If they are a family with little money and you want to help them out is one thing, if they are trying to beat you down is another. Mention they have a lawyer-there is no need for them to bring up that they have a lawyer - Run for the hills as if the job goes south, you will be the one losing out! Tell you what the payment terms are. It’s your business you get paid how it works for your company. If you want to get paid every Friday, put it into your contract-If the clients do not agree move on it will save you frustrations If they talk bad about the last contractor, chances are they will talk bad about you. There is a reason why the contractor does not work for them anymore, unless he did subpar work this a red flag Clients are using an interior decorator that will purchasing all of the materials- The materials could be ordered incorrectly by the interior designer your company will not make the mark-up it deserves. Interior decorators usually add time to the job as well as act like your boss. Charging a little extra for the time and stress that it will entail is only fair. Clients want to purchase the materials- You are using your knowledge to buy the correct materials-The mark up on the materials keeps the doors open working for wages only pays the bills The husband and wife do not get along-You will become the mediator between the couple it will lead to taking sides a losing proposition- A drama free work place is always best! Dangling carrot-if you do this job the next one will be better-Only look at what there offering at the present moment, if its not a good fit do not take the job for a job down the road…Its not worth chasing a job that might not happen! The Art of the Sale First things first selling your company is all about presentation. In meeting your clients for the first time show up with a collared golf shirt tucked in, belt, nice jeans, and newer shoes. Have a truck that a clean, no dents scratches, preferably washed the day you are going into your meeting. Have a leather note pad that is clean no dirt or paint visible. Show up 5 minutes early, if you’re running a little late shoot them a text to let them know. Treat the situation as if were going on a first date, best foot forward. As you introduce yourself give them a warm greeting, letting them know you are very interested in the work. Find out a little about them, hobbies, where they lived, etc etc. You are going to be working with them on a daily basis its nice to know what makes them tick. Having a good working relationship from the start is key forming a solid relationship. As the conversation progresses find out who wears the pants in the family…ie who’s the final decision maker. If its fits the wife, chances it is…..then kindly let the husband know happy wife happy life when their in a stall mate on an issue. As your looking at the project throw in some suggestions of what you think would look good from past experiences, this will get their attention that you have knowledge and want what’s best for them. If you see ways to save them money in their project let them know, money is a large point of the sale keep that in mind. Mention that you’re not the least expensive contractor but you’re not the most expensive either. Your customer satisfaction is your number one goal which leads to more time spent on keeping them happy. One happy customer will lead to another, one unsatisfied customer leads to work in the future. Bring up the fact the finishing the job on time is key goal to your business, many contractors run several jobs at once causing the jobs to be finished way behind schedule. You must stand out as having integrity, good morals, and the ability to problem solve to get the job. The clients will be testing you to see if you’re a good fit as well. Keep in mind as you take your notes that you must not forget anything they mention as it will come back before the job is completed…i.e. we mentioned that to you before we started the job! Take pictures of the proposed area for work, that way you can use it to better right your estimate. Let them know you will give them a detailed outline of when the job will be completed letting them see how long each phase will take and correlate it with your payment schedule. Before you leave their house let them know when the estimate will be sent to them. MAKE SURE YOU HIT THAT DEADLINE! Once you sent the email over with estimate make sure you get confirmation that they received it. Wait at least 2 days before checking with them, hopefully they contact you first! If they want negotiate the price, let them know that it is the best price that you can manage, its not worth losing money before you start. I closed 80% of the work I estimated by being very transparent and friendly. If you come off with an attitude charge double what the going rates are you might only land 1 out of 10 jobs as well as getting the reputation of being expensive. Bidding the job Looking up industry standards on pricing is what I would go buy for pricing. If you google the coat of any installation there will be a cost range for everything. Looking at the cost ranging from high to low I would tend to be in the middle. Some items might be low on the internet if this is the case use your best judgment not to lose money. Closing sales is key to success and keep the doors open for business. Being in the middle on pricing is key as most customers shy away from contractors that are extremely low or high on the price range. I tend not bid out hourly as wages do not pay for retirement. Bidding is better as customers no the exact price of the cost of construction. It also keeps the job moving quicker as time and material contractors take longer to complete projects…Thus costing the client more money and valuable time they could spend in their house. Using a Contract Using a detailed estimate tied to a contract covers your butt in 99% of the time. Having a piece of mind that every aspect of the job is covered in the estimate and contract protects both your company and the client. Key terms to include in your estimate/contract are. Have a schedule on excel showing the start dates and dates of each trade this will show the customer you are organized with time lines. If not written in the detailed in the estimate the item is excluded- This ensures if its not written down its not included. TBD- To be Determined- A phrase on a line item that has yet to had final decision of products or service needed. -The pricing will follow the decisions to be finalized Give out what your written warranty will be for parts and labor this changes state to state. If the homeowner provides the product than no warranty will be given on that particular item. In the contract have a start date and end date with the verbiage subject to change due to weather, product delivery, change orders Have a progress payment schedule to ensure the client understands when funding will be expected-Including if not payment is rendered service to the project will stop. Have written terms of how change orders will be charged-cost plus 20% or a set fee Make sure in your contract that arbitration is required versus going to court- This will save lawyer fees and going to court Many contracts can be found online and each state requires different contracts
Finding leads Finding leads is easy with the right network of people. I personally do not find working for friends or family members a good fit. Relationships get strained when money is involved, causing undue stress for both parties. I have listed a couple of ways to build a network or find work using the internet. Get in contact with realtor’s- Realtors have a big client base of homeowners who need work done Contact local Architects to see if they are working with any general contractors Leave some business cards at your local materials suppliers-Doowindow/lumber-many times clients will ask salesman for a referral. Join a business networking group- BNI is one of many Join a internet website lead generation company- Houzz, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, thumbtack, Yelp run an ad on craigslist Use a marketing company to market your website-This could become costly with little results Create a Facebook business page Create a Yelp business page
Building your subcontractor base Having 2 subcontractors for every trade, gives you the flexibility of completing jobs on time if the one the subcontractors is too busy at the time you need their service. Your subcontractors are the face of your business, choose owner run companies that are professional. Check to make sure there license are up to date..ie workman’s comp, liability insurance, state license. Choosing subcontractors with lettered vans, logoed t-shirts is s key to looking professional in the clients’ eyes. In the past I have gotten a lot of subcontractors for material supply shops, stopping by jobsites, researching the internet using Yelp, Home Advisor, etc etc. Once you get one good subcontractor ask them if they know any other trades they would recommend. One good subcontractor leads to another in most cases. The key to having a good group of subcontractors is to let them know that you are there to get help them get the job done. They do work for you but without them you are nothing…keep that in mind! Make them aware a clean jobsite is required at the end of everyday to ensure the proper safety for all parties including theirs! Over the years I have referred a lot of companies work when there is only 1 trade needed. Referring work to subcontractors is a good way to get top priority when you have work that needs to be completed ASAP. Timing is everything in times of emergency having a good group of subcontractors will make your business run smoothly. Pay your subcontractors immediately after performing work, this will make them feel appreciated! A happy subcontractor is one that will gladly go the extra mile for you knowing that there not just a number to your business! Buying lunch once a week for the jobsite is always a good token of appreciation!
Supervising In supervising any jobsite its key to monitor everything from materials on hand, weather, vehicle parking (if applicable), jobsite safety, and subcontractors’ workmanship. If you hired a professional there should be little supervision in the work being performed, on rare occasions a new hire might need some mentoring to get the results completed correctly. If you see a problem with there work address it with the worker directly, no need to call his boss…. building repour with the worker letting him know you got his back goes miles down the road! Checking in on the job first in the morning to answer any questions or changes that need to be conveyed and once in the afternoon to make sure all work be completed is done per construction industry standards. A job that is run blindly will have many more issues than one that is watched over. I have seen many jobs with no site supervision, leading to subpar quality work as well as safety hazards. Its better to be like an eagle than cluck like a turkey!
Working with the City/Inspectors On permitted jobs the city and site inspector will be a large part of how smoothly the job runs. Each phase of construction has an inspection allowing for the project to continue. Make sure your subcontractors are aware that the project is inspected before starting the job. The best way to stay on his good side is to provide a clean jobsite and having the job built to the highest standards possible. When having the site inspected be courteous to the inspector asking any questions or concerns you have with the work during the job. Being completely transparent will save you aggravation of problems down the road. The more he trust you the better if you seem sneaky or rude he will make your life a living nightmare! Many inspectors will have an attitude towards you….I suggest keeping quiet and doing what ever he wants….he’s the boss no need to get in a pissing match you will not win at. How to deal with irate customer Stay calm during any argument with an irate customer. Never raise your voice or show that you are bothered by their disgruntled behavior. If the customer is trying to get more from you than agreed upon stand your ground. Worst case scenario is you walk from the job, which in the long run be more of a loss for the client. I have only run into a couple of these clients; they are unreasonable and not worth losing sleep over a few dollars. Its best to terminate the relationship as it would be my best guess that a referral from this customer would not be one you wanted anyway. If you feel it was just a miscommunication on your end, take reasonability and remedy the problem. Taking accountability for your mistake will go a far way in their eyes and on future issues that arise. Prepping the homeowner pre-construction Before starting the job, it very important to give the homeowners a warning of what will happen during the construction process.

1. All furniture in the proposed working area must be moved- I would recommend having the clients take care of this to limit the risk of damage to their belongings.
2. There will be dust that will be in the house up to 3 months after construction-I would recommend hiring a construction cleaning company at the end of the job even so after it is cleaned dust will be present months after words.
3. There will be conflicts between you in the homeowner at some course of the job. - You will do your best to eliminate them as quickly as they arise-i.e. material damages, miscommunication, job delays
4. All decisions on materials must be made before the start of the job- this will eliminate job stoppage due to materials not being on site.
5. All materials will be on site before commencement of job-
6. Payment structures must be made per contract otherwise job will stop until payment rendered
7. Cars are to be moved out of the driveway- Ensures ease of loading and unloading of materials/tools
8. Give the specific hours that workers will be present- i.e. 7-3:30
9. Determine what areas are allowed to be used as staging for tools/materials
10. If animals are present in the home that they put outside or in a room during the day
11. All valuables in the house are locked in safe
12. Ask if using client’s household bathroom is okay or to bring in Porter Potty
13. Being transparent as possible is key to keeping a great relationship with your client!

During Construction During construction it is key to take detailed photos to eliminate any damages that were not caused by the construction process. I would also make a video to ensure all areas are included. All subcontractors should also take progress pictures to ensure if problems arise in the future, they will not be responsible for any work that they did not perform. Keep an on-going log of progress to the homeowners and share the pictures for there records. This will keep homeowners excited of the progress being made. When the house is gutted to the studs it is important to have construction photos showing where all utilities are run in the walls or sub floor. If there is a problem in the future there will photos showing all utility locations. Protect all flooring with plywood or floor protective. I also like to protect front door and tarp all areas where subcontractors are to be working. Make sure to cover any chandeliers/furniture/doorways with plastic to eliminate dust. Ask the homeowners if they have any concerns that they could think of. We’re all human and possibly a detail was missed! Post Construction Phase If the project went smoothly appreciation should be shown to the customer. Find out if the husband likes a particular type of liquor. Bring the wife a bouquet of flowers. Send a Christmas card to the family letting how much you appreciated the work. You know you have done a good job if they tell you they will refer you to their friends. The best compliment you could receive is a good referral. In Summary Try to find a knitch in the market, I found kitchens to be a great remodel projects. Bathrooms are tough as they are small, expensive with little profit margin with every trade involved. Windows/doors are also another great knitch as they can be installed quickly. There are so many different remodeling items that can be stream lined to make the selling installing process flawless. Once the core group subcontractors are in place the job almost runs itself. Every day is a learning experience with new materials or methods in construction. Keeping up with codes, materials, fluctuating labor and material cost is a job within itself. Anyone can be a contractor with the right mindset.

For those in Blacksburg, here's a rundown of some of this weekend's top events that you can enjoy:
Weekend Rundown of Fun: 1. Beer Tasting with Eastern Divide Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg Friday, May 17, 2024, 4:00 - 7:00 PM Admission: Free Vintage Cellar welcomes Brandon from Blacksburg's own Eastern Divide Brewing Company for a special beer tasting event. Must be ages 21 and older to participate. IDs are required. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777423
2. Pearisburg Community Market 2024 Kickoff with Music at the Market ft. Music from Ride'n Shotgun Band Pearisburg Community & Recreation Center, Pearisburg Friday, May 17, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Admission: Free The Pearisburg Community Market kicks off their 2024 Music at the Market series featuring the Ride'n Shotgun Band performing . Join them on the front lawn at the Community Center for live music, a variety of unique vendors, get a bite to eat from the Simple Fixins food truck, Hope Church NRV's Hamburger Camp Fundraiser and dessert from Dough Dees or Kimmies Kandy. In addition there will be a free art activity for kids. The Ride'n Shotgun Band is five-member band based in southwest Virginia playing popular country and rock music. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777443
3. Friday Nights at the Farm with Music from Celie Holmes and Black Coffee Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg Friday, May 17, 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Join Beliveau in welcoming a special musical guest every Friday night with live music from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and sing along to all of your favorite classics. Celie Holmes and Black Coffee perform a well-rounded repertoire of jazz standards, R&B, light rock and more and are based in Virginia. Enjoy food from Beliveau's full service kitchen until 8:30 PM and chat over a glass of wine during their extended bar hours until 9:00 PM. Get a $5 Beliveau Buck to use during your next visit for every $50.00 you spend on Friday nights from 6:00-9:00 PM. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777448
4. Dirt Road Breakdown in Concert Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Blacksburg Friday, May 17, 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Lee Worley and Bob Chew bring you swamp rocking Americana and classic honky tonk plus originals and enough rock and rockabilly to keep your feet a jumping. This unique duet we'll have you thinking it is a full four-piece band. Drawing from North Mississippi Allstars, Tom Petty, CCR, Black Keys, Muddy Waters, Jack White, Robert Johnson, John Lee Hooker, Rolling Stones, and more. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777072
5. May Bluegrass & Old Time Jam Session Newport Community Center, Newport Friday, May 17, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Admission: Free The Newport Community Center presents the Third Friday May Bluegrass & Old Time Jam Session. Bring your instruments and join us for a night of bluegrass and old time music in the cafeteria at the Newport Community Center. This is a family friendly event. Hotdogs, chili, cornbread and BBQ will be available for purchase. The Bluegrass & Old Time Jam Sessions are a monthly event that occur on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777005
6. Indoor Movie Night featuring The Greatest Showman Chateau Morrisette, Floyd Friday, May 17, 2024, 7:00 - 8:45 PM Admission: Free Chateau Morrisette presents an Indoor Movie Night featuring "The Greatest Showman". Bring the kids and join us for a special evening at the winery with free popcorn. Wine and cheese boards will also be available for purchase. The 2017 biography and musical drama "The Greatest Showman" is rated PG and stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Wiliams and Zac Efron. Film Synopsis: Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Note: Due to the expected rain, the movie has been moved inside instead of the planned outdoor film. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777279
7. Sarai Sibeal and Alliens in Concert Dogtown Roadhouse, Floyd Friday, May 17, 2024, 8:00 - 11:00 PM Admission: $10.00 Join Dogtown for a fantastic night with two acts that will get you moving. Sarai Sibeal will open the show and will be accompanied by Cameron McLaughlin on bass, Willis Greenstreet on guitar, Janiah Allen on drums, John Pence on keys, and Vladimir Espinosa on percussion for this show. Sarah Bowles, also known as Sarai Sibeal, is a native Roanoker. Merging electro-soul with R&B and world music influences, Sarah crafts a mesmerizing fusion of sound that captivates and engages the audience. Alliens is a powerful Caribbean-funk, world groove sensation led by brothers Jamiel and Janiah Allen that merges diverse world rhythms into a magnetic musical tapestry. The band effortlessly blends rock, reggae, funk, ska, Caribbean soca, electronica, cumbia, and more, creating an infectious sound that defies borders. A cross-cultural blend of sound is rooted deep in their souls from growing and living in foreign lands. Top it off with conscious multi-lingual lyrics and sweet trio harmonies and you get an experience that moves mind, body and soul. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777458
8. 2024 Braveheart 5K Run / Walk Bisset Park, Radford Saturday, May 18, 2024, 7:00 - 11:00 AM Admission: $35.00 Run the the fastest 5k course in the New River Valley and support the American Heart Association in the process courtesy of Runabout Sports and Carilion Clinic. Race day registration is from 7:00-8:00 AM and the 5k starts at 8:30 AM. This race runs along the beautiful New River for its entirety. The course is flat, fast and perfect for setting a personal best or running your first 5k. Participants can register in person at Runabout Sports within the First & Main Shopping Center or online. Awards will be awarded to fastest runners by gender and age group. As part of the Runabout Sports 2024 Race series, you will accumulate points towards overall and age group series awards. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777394
9. 2024 Pearisburg Junior Woman’s Club Junior Jamboree Pearisburg Community & Recreation Center, Pearisburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Admission: Free Donut Dash: Ages 3 & Up: $5.00, Ages 2 & Under: Free The Pearisburg Junior Woman’s Club (PJWC) will be hosting its 2nd Annual Junior Jamboree featuring a wide variety of events. The fun starts off with the Donut Dash from 9:00-10:00 AM in front of the basketball courts and is open to all ages. Participants will stroll along the park trail with tasty donut stops along the half mile trail. They will make their way to the pavilion where gourmet donuts and coffee await. All proceeds from the Donut Dash will help fund the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Giles County. At 10:00 AM, artists, crafters, local organizations and food trucks will be set up on the lawn of the Pearisburg Community Center. Additionally, enjoy live entertainment from the Giles County School of Dance at 11:00 AM, followed by Dance Motion performing at noon and closing out the entertainment at 1:00 PM is The Honey Drops. The Honey Drops are a young trio of singers (Aubrey Adkins, Ella Butler, and Ky Fury), ages 14, 15, and 16, based out of West Virginia. Their influences are broad, from Fleetwood Mac to the Killers and the Wailin’ Jennys to show tunes. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777273
10. The Little Event (Litter Clean Up) Iron Tree Brewing Company, Christiansburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 9:00 - 10:00 AM First Beer is 50% Off After Turning In Full Bag of Trash from Little Clean Up Join Iron Tree, Community Pizza, The Grill, and Baking is for lovers for a litter clean up event. Stop by Baking is for Lovers or Iron Tree Brewing between 9:00-10:00 AM to grab an empty grain bag and gloves. Then drive to your favorite park, neighborhood or hang around the brewery and fill up the bag with trash. Then bring the grain bag full of trash back to Iron Tree or The Grill for disposal and grab some lunch and a beverage. Participants, who fill a trash bag and turn it in, will receive 50% off their first beer at Iron Tree. Baking is for Lovers offers 10% off any item, Gardner's Frozen Treats and Gardner’s Frozen Treats will offer 20% off one treat and Gardner's Grill will offer 20% off one entree and Community Pizza will be doing 20% off any pizza during dinner service. The event is rain or shine. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777489
11. 2024 Spring Repair Cafe Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Christiansburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Admission: Free The New River Valley Timebank and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore presents the 2024 Spring Repair Cafe. Stop by the ReStore for free repairs including sewing for clothes & more, small furniture & appliances, electronics, knife sharpening, plant repotting and more. A Repair Cafe is a free event that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Give new life to your cherished items. The New River Valley Master Gardener Association will hold a plant clinic in addition to providing assistance to repotting plants (bring your own pots & soil). The New River Valley TimeBank is a project of New River Valley Home, a non-profit that works to foster vibrant, lifespan-friendly communities by connecting people, resources and organizations. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777480
12. Fish Fry Fundraiser New Mount Olive United Methodist Church, Radford Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fish Dinner: $13.00, Fish Sandwich: $6.00, One Piece of Whiting Fish: $3.50 Enjoy a fish fry including your choice of a Fish Dinner, Fish Sandwich or One Piece of Whiting Fish. The Fish Dinner includes two pieces of Whiting Fish, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Roll and Dessert for $13.00. The Fish Sandwich includes one piece of Whiting Fish on a bun and coleslaw for $6.00. One piece of Whiting Fish is $3.50. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Richie Delaney Memorial Fund to benefit his children. On January 16th, Richard Delaney of Delaney's Kitchen, a restaurant in Fairlawn, passed away unexpectedly. As this is a tough time emotionally on the whole family, it is especially a tragic situation for Richard's three young children. Orders can be called in as well. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777481
13. BrewRidge Music Festival 2024 Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM General Admission: $20.00, Beer Tasting Tickets: $35.00 Celebrate Virginia craft breweries on Top of the World at Mountain Lake Lodge's 2024 BrewRidge Music Festival. Join them for a day filled with great music, delicious brews, and beautiful views. They will have an array of Virginia microbreweries and musical performances by local old-time Appalachian and bluegrass artists Tennessee Hillbuddies from 12:00-2:00 PM and Jim and Val Gabehart from 2:30-4:30 PM. Concessions will be available for purchase cash only including BBQ, burgers and brats during event. Beer tasting tickets include five full beers. Lodging Packages are also available which includes one night's lodging. Note: This event is cash only for day of event purchases. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=776811
14. Blacksburg Mini Comic-Con B&B Theatres Blacksburg 11, Blacksburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM Admission: Free Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be handed out throughout the day. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777442
15. Dungeons & Dragons One-Shot Adventure for Ages 8 & Up Blacksburg Library, Blacksburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Admission: Free Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons with a one-time adventure. All supplies provided. The time commitment will be about three hours. Children ages 8 and up are welcome with an accompanying adult. Admission is free though registration is required. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777474
16. The Art of Happiness: Bubble Prints Montgomery Museum of Art & History, Christiansburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 2:00 - 3:30 PM Admission: Free The Montgomery Museum of Art & History presents the third program of The Art of Happiness 2024 series titled "Adopting Animal Characteristics through Clay". The Montgomery Museum of Art & History is bringing back "The Art of Happiness" during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. The month long series of events offer self-help coping tactics and strategies by using art exhibits, materials, and spaces as helpful tools to address emotional well-being. On May 18th, the program is "Bubble Prints". Creating calming and fun watercolor-like prints from paint-filled bubbles. Admission is free and all materials will be provided by the museum though registration is required. For adults 18 and older only. No art experience is needed. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=775917
17. Documentary Fundraiser: Butterfly In The Sky Lyric Theatre, Blacksburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 3:00 - 4:30 PM Admission: $5.00 Enjoy the award-winning documentary "Butterfly In The Sky" about the PBS children's show "Reading Rainbow". Inspiring and nostalgic, "Butterfly in the Sky" tells the tale of a revolutionary reading movement. Reliving the show’s legacy is a refreshing return to the written page. But you don’t have to take our word for it. It will be a fantastic afternoon celebrating books and the love of reading with representatives taking registrations for the Imagination Library program, along with Take and Make Craft bags and information on Summer Reading Programs from the Blacksburg Public Library, a Children's Books Pop-Up and gift card raffle from Blacksburg Books, and a special presentation from Storytime with Joelle. Ticket sale proceeds benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Montgomery County for local children. Tickets will be available in-person before the film or in advance online. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=77748818. May Flashlight Tour St. Albans, Radford Saturday, May 18, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 PM Admission: $20.00 St. Albans presents their May Flashlight Tour with registration at 5:30 PM and the tour from 6:00-7:30 PM. The Flashlight Tour is guided and includes a little history and paranormal in one. Hear all the chilling tales of what paranormal investigators, and the public, have encountered within these 120 year old walls. A little bit of history, a little bit of paranormal. Tickets are available online in advance and will be sold at the door provided tickets are still available. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight as there will be lots of walking and many dark areas. Dress accordingly as the building is not climate controlled. You must be 18 years of age (16 if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The monthly Public Paranormal Investigation will occur from 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM with registration at 7:30 PM and is $35.00 for those interested. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777483 19. Spring Fed Roots in Concert Rising Silo Farm Brewery, Blacksburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Admission: Free Spring Fed Roots performs music rooted in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, nourished by the waters and inspired by the beauty. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777073
20. Merchant Copy in Concert The Blue Hen - Family Style Restaurant, Christiansburg Saturday, May 18, 2024, 7:00 - 10:00 PM Admission: $10.00 Merchant Copy is a classic rock & roll and blues band based in Roanoke, VA playing hits from the 70s and 80s. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777441
21. Free Appraisal Day Cambria Station Antiques, Christiansburg Sunday, May 19, 2024, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Admission: Free Join Cambria Station Antiques for a free Appraisal Day to find out what your family heirloom, antiques or vintage items are worth. Valley Auctions, LLC will be on site providing feedback and written appraisals. Guests are limited to one item per person with only small antiques or collectibles. Larger items can be appraised from multiple high quality photos and item dimensions instead of in person. No jewelry at this time. The event is first come, first serve. Note: Some items may require additional research, so appraisals may be sent after the event. Link: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEventDetails.cfm?E=777457
For the live music line-up, visit: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEvents.cfm?ET=1
For all the rest of the big weekend events, visit: http://www.nextthreedays.com/FeaturedEvents.cfm
Thanks for reading, have a great weekend and don't let the rain stop your fun!

TLDR; At 19, I decided to pursue entrepreneurship to build products that bring joy and contribute meaningfully to the world, inspired by my immigrant parents' sacrifices and success stories. My background includes a transformation from a game-obsessed teen to a driven entrepreneur. After a breakup during my sophomore year, I channeled my energy into learning new skills, losing weight, and starting my first company—a social network for goal sharing. Despite many mistakes and pivots, I gained invaluable experience. Now, I'm developing an app to connect early-stage entrepreneurs and am determined to succeed, even after recent setbacks with a cofounder leaving and an accelerator rejection. - ChatGPT

I'm 21 years old, and I'm turning 22 in a few months.
I decided less than two years ago to pursue entrepreneurship to build products that would make people so happy to use, so that I'll have made a genuinely valuable contribution to the growing world and flip my old hedonistic ways.
This is not one of those stories about bankruptcy to riches, but something more relatable for the young budding entrepreneur who has gone through a life changing event - it might seem naive to the more experienced who have been there done that, but real for us now.

Family Background

I come from a middle class family of immigrants who escaped their dictator-run country when they were in their 20's in hopes to put their child through college. They worked for over 25 years to scrimp and save the money for all four years of classes. My father started a wholesale furniture business with some brothers and $0 to their name in the deep countryside of Vietnam; 20 years later they're making three million in ARR and I'm proud of him. My mother is a senior accountant at a big firm, and was moved from foster family to foster family as a young teen to complete her associates degree at UMass Amherst.
I don't have that kind of a story, but I want it. I come from a more privileged place because of them, but I still yearn for my own success story that carries the same weight.

My Background

I was obsessed with playing video games. I was on the computer by 5am before the bus arrived at 7 to pick me up, and I was back on it for another few hours after school. During winter and summer breaks I would play all day every day. I was a fat, lazy, computer-addicted 200lb 5'7", chips-gulping kid, and I somehow was still able to get a girlfriend, haha.
It was 2020 in March when quarantine periods were announced. I had the idea to build an MMORPG Minecraft server (called SiegeRPG), and I learned a lot of skills in just one year: design, leadership, people management, java/kotlin programming, blender modeling, many more. By 2021 I lead a team of 60 volunteers, with 100k unique players and a few thousand in profits. I started my University's Minecraft club in my 2nd semester of college and quickly brought it up to 300 members.

My life-changing Event

That girlfriend I had in highschool found a guy friend she got close with --too close, and subsequently broke up with me in my 2nd semester of sophomore year; she said we were incompatible. It makes me chuckle looking back on it now, but I know at that time that was the most hurt I'd ever experienced. I cried in bed for weeks and didn't go out for days. I was a mess, and I learned the guitar to hopefully get her back. I was REALLY down bad.
I'm glad I decided to be proactive... I don't think I would have picked up the guitar if I hadn't made my Minecraft server or club, and missed out on the thrill of building something from nothing. I probably would have continued to be someone to pity like I had been in the many years prior. My small decision to learn the guitar at that point in time struck a chord in my brain and I kept wanting to play.

My wins

Over the next year I dropped 40 lbs -my abs were showing for the first time! I got my first job, my first car, dressed nicely, took up boxing, and learned dozens of skills and earned certificates that would help me develop a business one day. By my junior year I left gaming behind me and I haven't touched it since. The Minecraft server was discontinued, and the club was handed to a new president, who has since raised it to 600 members :)

Why entrepreneurship?

I naturally leaned into entrepreneurship for the allure of it's erratic lifestyle. I saw the discomfort, fears of instability, bankruptcy, and depressions, and I said I want that. My father's story of building his business from 0 to 1 with two children and two full time jobs was filled with these moments. I was witness to them all. I wanted to pursue this lifestyle of scary growth and failures, akin to my sudden break up and "glow up" period. I wasn't naive to the struggles of building a startup, oh, but I was.

My first startup

In my junior year of college I started my first company, a social network to share life goals and hold your peers accountable. I made EVERY single mistake that first-time founders could possibly make. Here's 10 pieces of advice for young founders:

1. Researching articles online isn't enough to validate a need for an idea. Go talk to actual people who have the problem you believe they do.
2. Have a good balance of pessimism and optimism. Be critical of your own decisions.
3. Don't start an LLC when you haven't made a good bit of money that proves you're solving a real problem.
4. Just don't bring in volunteers to help you; they will add more management that you shouldn't be handling as a young founder. If you're looking for help, look for cofounders.
5. Learn everything by hand now. If by small chance you're getting traction, you'll need to learn those skills anyway. Don't bother paying for outside assistance.
6. Be frugal and resourceful.
7. Reach out for mentorship, participate in entrepreneurial communities, build a personal brand that people will know you for; this will come in handy.
8. Start with a problem you have, see if at least one person will pay for a solution to that problem, design a solution and get a resounding yes from your user, build the MVP, get more users.
9. Shut up about I am "X", so I can't do "Y". Are you an introvert and you're afraid to talk to people? Too bad, learn how to sell or never get a sale - your choice. Are you non-technical and your startup requires some coding? There are so many resources out there for you.
10. Many, many, many, of you have the ability to set aside time for meaningful personal development, but will opt on saying that time doesn't exist for you. That's a way of phrasing a false reality that will help you feel comfortable and ignorant of a more productive reality. Do you actually want to be an entrepreneur? That comes with the good and the bad.

By the end of my 1st semester of senior year I had pivoted 10 times. Every week during that semester I was experiencing lows and highs. In the beginning I built a team of 12 and an MVP before I had talked to a single potential user in person. I even started an LLC and wasted money on legal contracts. My first mentor showed me some reality by asking just one question, and I couldn't answer it adequately enough, "Who is your target user, and why would they use it?"
Over the next 3 months I had over 200 15-minute interviews with users for different solutions I pivoted to, and by the end of it I was trying to solve for a completely different idea that I didn't really care about - helping students get the skills to succeed in the job market.

My current venture

I had a few projects come and go from January 2024 to March 2024, but this recent one I'm working on has stuck with me. I wanted to bring together founders in a networking event on my college campus. I hosted one in early March and 12 people came together and talked for over 2 hours about their experiences. We all exchanged phone numbers, and they asked me to host another one - so I planned one in April and 25 people showed!
My vision for this venture is to help early-stage entrepreneurs collaborate on startup issues genuinely and authentically. I've tested a few different ways about doing that and I'm now developing an app to facilitate week-long masterminds.

Where I am

I've been working minimum 12 hours a day, from 8am to 11pm most days. I don't have a job if you discount my startup work, and I'm living with my mother. Now I'm getting closer to reality and what I've asked for from the entrepreneurial life style when I started. I'll have a story worth sharing.
I initially wrote this post to vent about how my third cofounder left yesterday - and with it my plans to move to NYC to room with him, and how I was looking forward to moving out of my mother's to join an accelerator in Florida for the past 4 months, but they didn't want to fund me yesterday too.
When I started writing this post I wanted to give some context into this current predicament I am in, but now I realize that I'll be okay. Sometimes things don't go as you planned them to be 100 times in a row. You have to get back on your feet. Maybe this is why, "never give up" is cliche - because it's been advised many many times.

I (30M) live in a small town and had been a doing sales at a furniture store for the past 8 years or so. (Sales Manager for the last 2)
I had some internal issues and pay problems so I abruptly decided to end my tenure and go to work at a local car dealership. Which I have been at now for the last 7 months.
Things are going great with the store I am at. They love me and think I'm a great marketer and people person. Problem is, it's very slow and I am making similar money to where I was, if not slightly less. This has been going on for the past few months. Now I know it's been slow for everyone in the car industry, but I own my own home and have 2 kids. My savings are nearly diminished and I am kind of stuck.
I have heard of online software jobs, but not really sure how to get going or more information on that side. I am good with computers and making phone calls. I have no problem closing deals or making clients see value in what I'm presenting. Problem for me here is getting people infront of me.
I am a university drop out with no real education. But I am a quicker learner and could do many different things. I just won't really have time or the money to go to school with the amount of bills I have and the way the economy is here in Canada.
I appreciate any ideas you folks may have. 60K/year here in canada isn't really doing it anymore.
Thank you

I'm thinking of putting together a kitchen with old timber furniture. Either stripped down timber or all painted the same colour for unity. I could get some very nice pieces for the cost of a new melamine kitchen. I can see it in my head but can't find any good inspo pictures online. Anyone know what I mean?