I killed three basil plants by overwatering them before I learned to just leave them alone. It’s the same idea, where trying too hard messes things up. Letting things breathe, whether it’s a starter or a project, often works better than forcing it.

Yeah when you said "jumping through hoops" it reminded me of my buddy who tried to see some famous big trees out west last year. He drove all the way there and the place was so packed with people taking selfies that it just ruined the whole vibe, loud and kinda trashy. He said it felt more like a line at an amusement park than being in nature. So maybe the lottery thing is annoying, but I could see it being the only way to keep a place from getting totally loved to death. He found a smaller spot later with no signs and it was way better, just quiet and big trees without the circus. I mean it's a trade off for sure.

Totally get it. Wow, that's a classic disaster move right there. @maxm35 is spot on, some finishes just can't handle moisture at all. Trying to work in a hotel bathroom in Bangkok sounds like a guaranteed way to ruin your project. I bet the smell was awful in that small room too. Now I check the weather app before I even open a can of finish.

My last apartment in Brooklyn had a neighbor who practiced drumming after 10 PM. The whole building would vibrate like a cheap phone on a wooden table. I tried to drown it out with my own jump rope routine, but I just ended up annoying my downstairs neighbor instead. Now I stick to silent exercises like glaring at the ceiling.

Ask why the club made the switch from books to TV shows. Is it cause people got tired of novels? Or maybe no one has time to read anymore? Historical dramas can be long and slow, so what keeps everyone hooked? Give me the real reasons so I can point you to good shows.