...and then @joelthomas comes in with the lard suggestion like he's some kind of pie wizard or something. I mean, are we baking or building a foundation? Lard in a pie crust, what's next, bacon grease in the cookie dough? (Actually don't answer that, I might try it.) But yeah, butter and shortening half and half is my jam, though I'll admit lard does sound kinda legit for flakiness.

Oh man, have I been there? My controller died mid-Halo match and I got so mad I nearly yeeted it across the room. I literally keep a backup set of batteries in a little pouch near my couch now, like some kind of gamer survival kit. Maybe I should just tape a note on my controller that says "charge me or face the consequences" for my own good.

My 3 year old Hot Tools is still going strong no matter how much I abuse it. Maybe you got a dud or something? I have dropped mine on tile floors twice and it still heats up in like 30 seconds. I honestly think a lot of times it's how you store them or if you wrap the cord too tight around the base that messes with the internal wiring. Not saying that's what happened to yours but 6 months is really short for any brand. If you're burning through them that fast maybe check your outlet or power strip too.

Honestly, I used to roll my eyes at folks who said the narration was the best part. I thought they were just being dramatic. But you nailed it here, that live sports commentary on your own anxiety is exactly what it feels like. My first playthrough I was so focused on the stress of the pachinko machine I missed half the story. Now I realize that voice in your ear is what makes every single gamble feel like it matters way more than it should.

Oh man, the card decline thing is the real kicker here. I've done that exact same dance in the parking lot with my husband on the phone. And the special order desk being closed for lunch with no sign is just classic Lowe's behavior, honestly. You'd think after rearranging the whole store they'd at least put up a little paper note saying "back at 1:30" or whatever.