Every year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and tactile hobbies, Sammie gives us a real-world look at what it takes to navigate modern adulthood with limited time and limited money — and still find room for creativity, connection, and growth. Technology is in the mix, but seldom the hero. Instead, it’s a year defined by discernment, turning constraints into clarity, and using the right tools — digital and analog — to build a meaningful 2026. Thanks for listening!

What You’ll Learn in Episode 665:

Every year, the Black Friday tradition on Home Gadget Geeks gives us a chance to step back from product releases, gadget reviews, and tech news — and instead explore how technology fits into real life. Episode 665 is exactly that kind of episode. I’m joined once again by Sammie Collison, library para at Central High School in Omaha and now a full-time college student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on Journalism and Library Science. Over the past year, Sammie has navigated the intersections of work, education, budgeting, health, creativity… and the kind of technology that truly supports progress rather than distracts from it.

How a Remarkable tablet changed the way college notes are taken

Why low-tech tools are working better than screens in schools

How knitting connects to binary code and early computing

Real-world budgeting strategies for students & early career professionals

What happens when college, work, finances, and hobbies collide

This episode takes us through a thoughtful look at how tech is used — and when it shouldn’t be. Sammie shares her experience with her new Remarkable digital writing tablet, which has reshaped how she takes notes, manages her assignments, and organizes her projects. We dig into the post-COVID evolution of classroom technology, Zoom culture, and how adult learners approach education differently — including why empowering students with professional collaboration tools changes the confidence level in a classroom.

But Episode 665 is more than a tech recap. We also explore low-tech innovation inside the high school library, where puzzles, board games, creativity stations, and podcasting gear are helping students build focus and connection in ways that screens simply can’t. And then we take a fascinating turn into knitting — not just as a craft, but as a surprising doorway into the history of binary code, punch card programming, and the early roots of computing itself. It’s the kind of conversation that sits squarely where technology, history, and creativity meet.

From financial planning and real-world budgeting to summer job challenges, family dynamics, and 2026 goals, this episode reflects the realities of modern life — and how technology should serve us, not run us. If you’ve ever tried to make progress with limited time, limited money, or limited energy… this one will resonate. And if you still think knitting is just knitting — Episode 665 might change your mind completely.

FAQ for Home Gadget Geeks 665

❓What is this annual Black Friday episode about?

It’s a yearly check-in tradition between Jim and Sammie Collison, reflecting on where real life and technology intersect. This year focuses on college, financial planning, creativity, and how technology helps (and sometimes gets out of the way).
? Starts at [2:44] – Catching Up with Sammy

❓What degree is Sammie pursuing?

She’s working toward a Bachelor’s in Multidisciplinary Studies with a focus on Library Science and Journalism, combining communication skills with information management.
? Starts at [5:38] – Back to College

❓How does she use technology for schoolwork?

Her main tool is the Remarkable 2 digital writing tablet, which lets her handwrite notes, import PDFs, sign documents, and sync everything to her laptop. It acts like paper—but organizes like the cloud.
? Starts at [8:29] – Tech for Schoolwork

❓What low-tech strategies are being used in the school library?

To reduce screen fatigue, Sammie introduced:

• Puzzle tables
• Board games
• Coloring pages
• Podcasting equipment
  These tools encourage students to interact face-to-face and engage their brains differently than screens allow.
  ? Starts at [14:24] – Low-Tech Library Innovations

❓Why is knitting such a focus in this episode?

Knitting resurfaced as both a creative outlet and a cognitive tool. It activates focus, reduces anxiety, and builds community. We also explore its surprising connection to computer history, binary code, and punch card programming.
? Starts at [22:49] & [28:39] – Knitting & Tech

❓What does knitting have to do with computing or technology?

Historically, knitting machines used binary logic before computers did — knit and purl stitches map cleanly to 1s and 0s. Early knitters even embedded secret codes into textile work during wartime. That process later influenced computing and automation.
? Starts at [28:39] – The Art of Knitting and Tech

❓How is Sammie approaching financial planning while going to school?

This year included meetings with financial advisors, learning Roth IRA strategies, how pensions convert after leaving the district, and budgeting with limited income. Key takeaway: constraints create clarity.
? Starts at [38:39] – Financial Insights and Planning

❓Why were summer jobs difficult to find?

Post-pandemic labor trends changed the market. Many businesses dropped short-term positions, making seasonal employment harder to secure — especially for college students.
? Starts at [43:47] – Summer Job Challenges

❓What are her goals for 2026?

More stability. Finishing her degree. Continuing work in the library. Using both digital and tactile tools to stay organized. And being extremely selective about new gadget purchases.
? Starts at [52:31] – Looking Ahead to 2026

Links:

https://www.ravelry.com/account/login

Summary

• Winter Storm Warning and Show Introduction[0:00]
  • Jim Collison introduces the show, mentioning the Winter Storm Warning in Bellevue, Nebraska.
  • Sammie Collison discusses the uncertainty of snowfall, mentioning preemptive closures.
  • Jim thanks Patreon subscribers and mentions the Black Friday sales.
  • Jim and Sammie discuss the snowfall forecast and Sammie’s reluctance to speculate on the amount.
• Sammy’s Year in Review: January 2025[2:39]
  • Sammie reflects on her first year at Central, working as a library para at a high school in Omaha.
  • She started college again, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies with an emphasis on Journalism and Library Science.
  • Sammie explains the benefits of her degree, including public relations and communication skills.
  • She discusses the networking opportunities through her program and potential future master’s studies.
• New Tech: The Remarkable Writing Tablet[5:47]
  • Sammie introduces the Remarkable writing tablet, describing its features and benefits.
  • The tablet is slim, has a pen that feels like writing on paper, and includes a built-in eraser.
  • It can be used as a digital notebook, e-reader, and calendar, and is low on power usage.
  • Sammie mentions using it for class notes and signing documents, and its ability to sync with the cloud.
• College Experience and Technology Changes[10:17]
  • Sammie discusses the differences between her first and second college experiences, noting the impact of COVID-19.
  • She feels more confident and collaborative with her professors and can apply classroom lessons to her work.
  • Sammie mentions the cell phone ban in her library and the introduction of low-tech activities like puzzles and board games.
  • She highlights the positive reception of these activities among students and their effectiveness in redirecting students’ attention.
• Knitting and the Knitting Community[18:06]
  • Sammie talks about her knitting hobby and its resurgence during the pandemic.
  • She explains the benefits of knitting, including its tactile nature and the sense of accomplishment it provides.
  • Sammie discusses the online knitting community, particularly Ravelry, and its role in connecting knitters and providing resources.
  • She mentions the historical significance of knitting in binary code and its connection to early computing.
• Financial Planning and Career Goals[34:19]
  • Sammie shares her experience with a financial advisor and the importance of investing her pension funds.
  • She discusses the challenges of balancing full-time work, part-time school, and financial responsibilities.
  • Sammie mentions her aggressive budgeting and the support from her family, particularly her brother who helps with car repairs.
  • She reflects on the importance of financial planning and the advice she received from her financial advisor.
• Summer Reflections and Future Plans[42:31]
  • Sammie talks about the difficulties of finding summer jobs due to understaffing and low pay in the restaurant industry.
  • She considers taking a summer class to accelerate her college timeline and reduce debt.
  • Sammie reflects on the lessons learned from her financial advisor and the importance of making her money work harder.
  • She mentions the impact of her financial decisions on her future career and personal life.
• Gadgets and Technology[45:30]
  • Sammie discusses her current technology setup, including her iPhone, laptop, and iPad.
  • She mentions the durability of her iPhone and the usefulness of her iPad for work.
  • Sammie reflects on the importance of maintaining her technology and making it last as long as possible.
  • She considers the impact of inflation and economic uncertainty on her technology purchases.
• Holiday Plans and Family Dynamics[46:02]
  • Sammie and Jim discuss their holiday plans, including decorating their home and setting up Christmas lights.
  • They talk about the challenges of balancing holiday activities with their busy schedules.
  • Sammie mentions the importance of family time and the role of her brothers in supporting her.
  • They reflect on the changes in their family dynamics and the impact of their financial decisions on their holiday celebrations.
• Final Thoughts and Future Episodes[51:24]
  • Jim and Sammie discuss the future of the Home Gadget Geeks show and potential guests.
  • Jim mentions the upcoming episodes with Christian Johnson and Jay Franzi, and the possibility of taking long breaks.
  • Sammie reflects on the importance of the show for her and the support from the listeners.
  • They express their gratitude for the opportunity to share their experiences and connect with the audience.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg665

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #665 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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