Charles Rodriguez (u/rodriguez.charles)

Posts

My take: Solo board games give me more joy than game nights with friends

I know most folks love the chatter and laughs during group sessions, but I find solo play lets me focus on the game itself. Last week, I tried a tough campaign alone and worked through puzzles without rush. It felt better than any game night I've had. Do others here like playing by themselves, or am I missing out on the fun with friends?

3 comments

c/drafters•

rodriguez.charles•2mo ago

From my landscaping drafts: Why I still start with paper

There's a big push in drafting groups to go fully digital from the get-go. Most folks think jumping straight into CAD is the only way to work now. I disagree, especially for site plans and initial layouts. Just last month, I sketched out a patio design by hand and caught a grading issue before it hit the software. That little drawing saved a client's project from a major redo. Sometimes the old ways just make sense. Not everything has to be on a screen to be right.

3 comments

c/commercial-divers•

rodriguez.charles•2mo ago

Spent a month on a Caribbean salvage op and the local dive culture schooled me

Honestly, working that old wreck off the coast of Belize made me rethink everything I knew about underwater work. Tbh, the locals there have tricks with currents and visibility that no manual covers. I watched a guy free dive down to spot issues before we even suited up, saving us hours of bottom time. Ngl, some of the gear we brought was overkill compared to their simple, effective methods. They taught me to read the water by color and fish behavior, something I never learned in training. If you get a chance to work with regional divers, shut up and listen because they know their backyard better than any tech. That job showed me that experience on paper means nothing without local knowledge. Now I always ask about native techniques before heading to a new zone.

3 comments

c/diy-home-projects•

rodriguez.charles•2mo ago

Refinishing my kitchen cabinets taught me to question eco-friendly paint mandates

Last year, I undertook a major cabinet refinishing project in my kitchen, and the prevailing advice was to use low-VOC paints for environmental and health reasons. I followed suit, but the paint's consistency was thin, requiring three coats for adequate coverage instead of the promised two. This not only increased my labor but also meant I used more paint than anticipated. After six months, I started seeing cracks in high-traffic areas, which I attribute to the paint's formulation. Contrast this with a previous project where I used a standard alkyd paint that has held up for five years without issue. While I understand the intent behind low-VOC products, the performance issues of these paints can lead to more frequent repaints and greater environmental impact over time. Therefore, I believe we should prioritize products that balance eco-credentials with long-term durability. It's about making informed choices, not just following trends.

3 comments

Posts

My take: Solo board games give me more joy than game nights with friends

From my landscaping drafts: Why I still start with paper

Spent a month on a Caribbean salvage op and the local dive culture schooled me

Refinishing my kitchen cabinets taught me to question eco-friendly paint mandates

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