I also work in a factory but our temperature is largely unregulated with the exception of offices, break areas and certain departments where the stock needs to be kept away from too much humidity (so, even in those departments it's humidity control not air conditioning). In the winter it's cold enough that we've had pipes freeze in the center of the building and in the summer it's normal to see 100 degrees at 3am. It's too bad I don't live in one of those states where it's "regulated" because I think anyone would say those temperatures are unreasonable.
I don't know how unconventional my interests are but:
TTRPGs, board games, and uhh I guess taking things apart to see how they were made is interesting but only if I can hold the pieces in my hands
I usually pinch the knife (from the dull side) with my thumb and finger right up against the pit, putting pressure on it just until it pops off. Very similar to your method
It depends. Sometimes it hits hard and others I can just ignore it. My daughter and I do like to try to get songs stuck in each other's heads though, so we'll constantly quote lyrics to each other and try to pass them off as regular conversation
The only good answer I have is: I was forced to be independent. As soon as I turned 18, I had to pay rent to stay with my mom. Before that, I had to cook for the family and for as long as I was able to clean, I had chores around the house.
Even now, as a 40 something year old, I'm still learning to be independent and it's often because I'm forced to. The thing I've learned recently is that there are people who will help me through tough times when I need it. It's okay to lean on your support people to get you back on track because they know they can do the same when they need you. Like, I knew that conceptually but, I really learned it this past winter.
If I had any advice it's: get out of your comfort zone from time to time. You may find some new comfortable places there.
I used to use OBS with a second screen for my IRL games. I could set it up to display art of NPCs or track initiative or whatever else. Now we use a TV screen with Foundry running.
Dropped my new car off at the body shop because my neighbor decided to hit it while trying to park. The rental car is tiny and smells like someone smoked in it. I'm telling myself "it's only for 10 days" but I really hope they get done with it early.
Played board games with a friend last night and it seems like the guys at the board game store are warming up to us a little. I can potentially make new friends! It's exciting. Too bad I only go there every other week or so
I've heard that something like 67.3% of statistics are made up on the spot and 95.2% of people believe then whether they're accurate or not - especially if there's a decimal involved.
And here my cat is always talking about Mao