[DarK_RaideR]

5 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

This is a change that I don't really like very much.  I have time to study and the interest to put in more effort, but you are going to throttle me because I made a few mistakes?  Seriously demotivating.

It's not that bad actually, at least according to my experience. With German, it's got me on a much lower level than I'm actually at, so most mistakes are typos or me not answering in the exact way Duolingo wants me to. In that sense, I tend to want to do a ton of German lessons every time and get on with it; hearts help with the pacing so I can stop and let things sink in. Besides, I'm not rushing to complete the classes, I'm looking for regular contact with the language so I can brush up my knowledge of it. With Spanish, it's a reminder that I'm probably rushing, especially with the vocabulary. Here's the thing though, I happened to run out of hearts while doing my first lesson of the day in Spanish, so I figured it wasn't enough and chose "Practice" instead (the little dumbbell icon inside a circle on the bottom left if you're on a PC, doesn't seem to appear on the phone app). You know, might as well revise stuff since I got stopped. Turns out that completing a Practice session restores one of your hearts. Follow me for more life hacks

 

Looks like I haven't posted some music in a while. Now let's see, is there a song about being broke but having a good time regardless...

 

 

Challenge Day 8: Monday, September 18

(had to go back and edit some headers, as I'd messed up the days and numbers. Why yes, I have completely lost track of time, why do you ask?)

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Still no expenses, though I'm getting mail about bills coming in. Might get to paying them tomorrow.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

I just got off the phone with the guy I was directed towards, turns out the legal pathway more or less looks like what @Jarric (who I sadly won't be meeting after all, but there will clearly be more opportunities to do so in the near future) told me about the insurance sector. This means things aren't as bad as I thought and all my options are open. Might have to actually start testing the waters with some ad responses, plus get in touch with some recruiters.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
Can't do much for the house when you're at the house, right?

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo
Killing it on both languages. I'd say DL has quickly become my videogame of choice

[Jarric]

7 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

This is a change that I don't really like very much.  I have time to study and the interest to put in more effort, but you are going to throttle me because I made a few mistakes?  Seriously demotivating.

 

On the desktop website you don't have this, so you can play to your heart's content (pun not intended, but I'm keeping it).

 

To be fair though I don't mind it. It's not really a game if you can't lose, and you can practice to earn hearts or go and try to get legendary status when you don't have any hearts.

 

1 hour ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Turns out that completing a Practice session restores one of your hearts.

 

In the mobile app, if you tap on the heart icon at the top it should give you an option to practice to earn hearts.

 

1 hour ago, DarK_RaideR said:

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

I just got off the phone with the guy I was directed towards, turns out the legal pathway more or less looks like what @Jarric (who I sadly won't be meeting after all, but there will clearly be more opportunities to do so in the near future) told me about the insurance sector. This means things aren't as bad as I thought and all my options are open. Might have to actually start testing the waters with some ad responses, plus get in touch with some recruiters.

 

That sounds good, is that going down the legal executive route or the solicitor route? (I started training as a legal executive before I switched careers.)

[RES]

14 hours ago, Jarric said:

On the desktop website you don't have this, so you can play to your heart's content (pun not intended, but I'm keeping it).

 

Good to know! Now I see why a former co-worker of mine used to use the desktop version

[WhiteGhost]

17 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Turns out that completing a Practice session restores one of your hearts. Follow me for more life hacks

I suppose so, but it just seems like a weird thing to me to have to try and earn your way to study more

 

15 hours ago, Jarric said:

It's not really a game if you can't lose

Ah, I think I get it now.  I have never once considered it as a game, just as a tool.  I still see it as just a tool, but at least now the whole heart thing makes sense

[DarK_RaideR]

On 9/18/2023 at 11:57 PM, Jarric said:

That sounds good, is that going down the legal executive route or the solicitor route? (I started training as a legal executive before I switched careers.)

From my understanding, both? The man I was talking to assumed I was going full barrister/solicitor initially, but once I told him I'm not dead set on that but simply checking the landscape in order to make more informed decisions, he did not point out that other options would involve other (vastly different) procedures.

 

On 9/19/2023 at 2:09 PM, RES said:

Good to know! Now I see why a former co-worker of mine used to use the desktop version

If you can also regain hearts in the app version like Jarric said, I don't think that's the difference maker, unless (like me) she wasn't aware of it. From my experience, the desktop is more comfortable to use when you're typing sentences in the language you're learning. A proper keyboard is easier to use than a phone keyboard, plus sometimes my phone keyboard switches autocomplete to the language I'm learning and it's a bit of a cheat in regards to spelling. Might be my impression, but desktop also gives me more typing exercises. That could however be compensating for the fact that without a mic on my PC, I never get any speaking exercises when I'm on it.

 

On 9/19/2023 at 3:21 PM, WhiteGhost said:

Ah, I think I get it now.  I have never once considered it as a game, just as a tool.  I still see it as just a tool, but at least now the whole heart thing makes sense

It's a gamified tool, much like NF has been with characters and levelling  Some people might get motivated by the whole heart thing in order to focus and not lose them. For me, running out of hearts and having to either take a break or practice is a pacing thing: I either need to not rush so much or I'm forced to revise past content.

 

 

Challenge Day 9: Tuesday, September 19

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Finally managed to get out of the house and hit the city for a pub crawl. @deftona was kind (and quick) enough to cover transportation and drinking expenses on all three different pubs we went to, but I managed to order and pay for my dinner burger, just so I won't feel like I'm taking advantage of her hospitality. Shout out to those Brewdog guys too, that beef patty/black pudding/chorizo sausage/blue cheese sauce combination is just my thing and it really hit the spot.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

Know what's better than serious/heartfelt discussions with good friends? Having serious/heartfelt discussions with good friends over alcohol.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
Can't do much for the house when you're at the house, right?

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo
Did all my lessons in the morning before we set out.

[WhiteGhost]

2 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

From my experience, the desktop is more comfortable to use when you're typing sentences in the language you're learning. A proper keyboard is easier to use than a phone keyboard, plus sometimes my phone keyboard switches autocomplete to the language I'm learning and it's a bit of a cheat in regards to spelling. Might be my impression, but desktop also gives me more typing exercises. That could however be compensating for the fact that without a mic on my PC, I never get any speaking exercises when I'm on it.

Ever since the update my phone has not given me the option of tying anything, every question is just picking from the vocabulary options on the screen. I thought they had gotten rid of it but I guess they just hid it.   I looked around for it but couldn't find it.  I have didn't know there was a speaking option, as even the earlier versions didn't appear to have the option.   Do you know where they are on the phone app?

[DarK_RaideR]

On 9/20/2023 at 2:22 PM, WhiteGhost said:

Ever since the update my phone has not given me the option of tying anything, every question is just picking from the vocabulary options on the screen. I thought they had gotten rid of it but I guess they just hid it.   I looked around for it but couldn't find it.  I have didn't know there was a speaking option, as even the earlier versions didn't appear to have the option.   Do you know where they are on the phone app?

They aren't, you just start a lesson and one of the possible exercises you could be hit with is "Say the following sentence in X language". Another is "type the following sentence in X language" which I'm getting on both versions, more often on the PC, probably because I'm not getting any speaking exercises on the PC, I'm guessing because it detects I don't have a microphone connected. But I might be wrong.

 

Challenge Day 10: Wednesday, September 20

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Deffy took me to the supermarket and we got some groceries, as her bestie will be coming over for dinner tomorrow. Didn't get to contribute to the bill, but I have offered to cook for them.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

If I'm being honest, it was a pretty slow day. Might as well count it as one of my weekly days off.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
Can't do much for the house when you're at the house, right?

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo
Still doing these and it's been going pretty well.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

1 hour ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Deffy took me to the supermarket and we got some groceries, as her bestie will be coming over for dinner tomorrow. Didn't get to contribute to the bill, but I have offered to cook for them.

One of my favorite things to do whenever I visit another country is go to a grocery store.

[Heidi]

On 9/18/2023 at 3:05 PM, DarK_RaideR said:

at completing a Practice session restores one of your hearts. Follow me for more life hacks

😏

7 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

Didn't get to contribute to the bill, but I have offered to cook for them.

This is fair.

[WhiteGhost]

17 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

They aren't, you just start a lesson and one of the possible exercises you could be hit with is "Say the following sentence in X language". Another is "type the following sentence in X language" which I'm getting on both versions, more often on the PC, probably because I'm not getting any speaking exercises on the PC, I'm guessing because it detects I don't have a microphone connected. But I might be wrong.

That's weird.  I have never ever had any exercise that gave me the option to speak and nothing for writing recently.  No idea why.

[DarK_RaideR]

On 9/21/2023 at 3:05 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

One of my favorite things to do whenever I visit another country is go to a grocery store.

How so? Curious on the local food items?

 

On 9/22/2023 at 7:28 AM, WhiteGhost said:

That's weird.  I have never ever had any exercise that gave me the option to speak and nothing for writing recently.  No idea why.

Any chance of the internet in China just Chinaing?

 

 

Challenge Day 11: Thursday, September 21

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Still keeping the expenses at zero.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

Had some chats with def bout my plans, brainstormed a couple of fresh ideas but at this point, it basically comes down to employment, whether looking for one in the UK, getting a short term one where I am to make ends meet till the jump (probably after I've quit the legal sector) or a combination of both. It was productive, but it wasn't the full 8 hours because I also cooked dinner as def's Super Best Friend would be coming over. She's a wonderful person and we had a great evening.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
Can't do much for the house when you're at the house, right?

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo
Had a few cases where I didn't phrase the translation exactly the way DL wanted me to, so I ran out of hearts quicker than I should have.

[Heidi]

just popping by to say hi.

❤️ 

[deftona]

29 minutes ago, DarK_RaideR said:

I also cooked dinner as def's Super Best Friend would be coming over.

 

I feel like I need to illustrate this by saying that D_R cooks half naked. And it's great 😍

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

7 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

How so? Curious on the local food items?

 

That, and I enjoy grocery shopping, and it's one of those things you can do that isn't a tourist cliché that let's you see real life in a new place.

[Shello]

All caught up and following.  And I'm sufficiently motivated to open up my Duolingo that I haven't touched in several years... but then the question is which language(s)... French, Spanish, or Italian.   Yes, all 3 is the correct answer.  

[RES]

10 hours ago, deftona said:

 

I feel like I need to illustrate this by saying that D_R cooks half naked. And it's great 😍

Pics or it didn't happen!

[deftona]

13 hours ago, RES said:

Pics or it didn't happen!

 

I love how nobody has asked which half 👀

[DarK_RaideR]

On 9/22/2023 at 2:34 PM, Heidi said:

just popping by to say hi.

❤️

Hi back atcha! Always welcome.

 

On 9/22/2023 at 2:41 PM, deftona said:

I feel like I need to illustrate this by saying that D_R cooks half naked. And it's great 😍

Only because of the English chill weather. I usually  cook about 80% naked a.k.a. in just my underwear.

 

17 hours ago, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

That, and I enjoy grocery shopping, and it's one of those things you can do that isn't a tourist cliché that let's you see real life in a new place.

I get that. You should see the supermarket scene around def's residence, so hot right now.

 

15 hours ago, Shello said:

All caught up and following.  And I'm sufficiently motivated to open up my Duolingo that I haven't touched in several years... but then the question is which language(s)... French, Spanish, or Italian.   Yes, all 3 is the correct answer.  

Was about to answer "Yes" or "All 3" as I was reading this, but you reached that conclusion yourself already. Rangers gonna ranger and do ALL the things!

 

13 hours ago, RES said:

Pics or it didn't happen!

[DarK_RaideR]

Challenge Day 12: Friday, September 22

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Think I sufficiently impressed @deftona with my eating skills* she enthusiastically offered to cover dinner

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

Most of the day was actually spent playing videogames (we finally finished It Takes Two) but still got to talk about stuff. Not that much though, most of it was my own inner soul seeking. Looks like there's stuff to be done once I get back.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
I should mention here, there's been some developments. So apparently my dad's been trying to sort things out with a mechanic/engineer for over two years, trying to line up everything, get the necessary certificates etc in order to begin repairs on the wall of their house that used to be my bedroom. Humidity has caused some damage and while the inside is mostly aesthetic, the outside could cause materials to fall and injure a passer by. As I found out, my dad finally had enough and wary of the coming rain, politely asked  for this thing to finally get going. Which it has and apparently it's a mess, because someone has to be around in the mornings when the workers are doing their thing. I get how it can be exhausting for my dad, who also has to go to work, but my retired mom could absolutely handle this. That is, assuming she wasn't the type who'd spin it around and make it about her, and how this isn't letting her to make phone calls during the day to push her candidacy and has her too tired to go downtown by the evening, and how she'd made different decisions had she known ahead of time and so on. Narcissists man, they're a handful to deal with. Anyway, I figured it simply makes sense to take a bit of the financial and physical burden off of my dad's shoulders, so I told him maybe come over next week, give me some guidelines and I can do the paintjob on my own, or with a friend or something, he doesn't have to get involved in this as well since he also started doing things at their home. He didn't say yes, but he wasn't adamant against it either, said he'll drop by and we'll see.

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo

This is a thing that's still happening. Haven't been making great progress lessons-wise these last few days and DuoLingo keeps updating the content, which keeps bumping me a few notches down. I gotta do the same lessons again and it feels a bit like I've been running in circles, but whatever. As long as I stick with this, it's alright.

 

* They call that burger "Quadzilla" because it's basically 2 cheeseburgers and 2 breaded chicken fillets all slammed into one monstrosity. I call it "a light lil' something for dinner".

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

1 hour ago, deftona said:

 

I love how nobody has asked which half 👀

I simply assumed it was the left.

[DarK_RaideR]

On 9/23/2023 at 4:13 PM, Tanktimus the Encourager said:

I simply assumed it was the left.

Almost. It was actually the left torso and right leg, just so I could flex both tats.

 

Bit silent in here... Let's get some music going and set up the mood.

 

 

Challenge Day 13: Saturday, September 23

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

Still no expenses here, courtesy of my wonderful hostess. I did however get a message from the next door neighbours that the litterbox needs a change. Told them to use some of their own litter or get a bag and I'll pay the cost when I'm back, so that's a commitment for the near future.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

It was a lazy day, so I'm counting it as my second day off of the week.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
No further news here.

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo

Found the time to get my lessons in. Also, I got a notification that @Shello is back on Duolingo after a two year absence, so kudos to her!

 

 

P.S. If you ended up here after @deftona said she's too lazy to update because I practically do this for the both of us, she only had 2 of her 5 freggies for the day.

[RES]

2 hours ago, DarK_RaideR said:

the litterbox needs a change.

I bought a litter robot and only have to worry about changing the bags and adding litter when it gets low...it's not a cheap option initially but does save money on litter and makes my life much easier overall  

[Salinger]

WOah 

 

Love all these updates. Exciting changes ❤️ so so cool of you taking that courage and running with it !!! xx

[DarK_RaideR]

Challenge Day 14: Sunday, September 24

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

No expenses as far as I can remember

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

Let's be honest here, I didn't do anything towards this goal and I've used up my two days off for the week. Technically a fail, but given the special circumstances I don't feel that bad about it.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
No further news here.

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo

Didn't get to do my lessons, so it automatically used up one of those powerups to freeze my streak.

[DarK_RaideR]

Challenge Day 15: Monday, September 25

 

The pressing, short term goal: Stay afloat

It was return day, unfortunately. As far as this goal is concerned, I did pay for train tickets to and from the airport. Also I went into this with less than 100 pages left on the book I was reading (Mona Lisa Overdrive) so I spent the 9.99 to also grab Wyrd Sisters for the road. Oh and since I got home past midnight with only breakfast all day, I did also spend a bit to grab a pizza, some of which was saved for the next day.

 

The substantial, long term goal: Adjust living and employment

Didn't expect anything here with the all-day travel, but I still got restless (ADHD?) during the second flight (transit via Paris) and pulled out the laptop to compile an extensive list of things to be done within the next several days, so I'd say it went pretty well, all things considered.

 

The materialistic goal: Spruce up the house
Nothing new here, although I should say the cats had made up a bit of a mess while I was gone. Totally justified, not blaming them. Had some cleaning up to do and might have to do some deeper cleaning as well.

 

The oddball goal: Duolingo

Somehow I managed to do my lessons while waiting for the last plane to park, as well as on the train home. This was just before midninght, so I still kept the streak alive.