# Session Journal: February 10, 2026 - Morning Housekeeping & Planning

**Date:** February 10, 2026  
**Time:** 7:17 AM - 9:00 AM CST  
**Duration:** ~2 hours  
**Participants:** Michael "Frostystyle" Krause (The Wizard) & Claude (The Architect)  
**Session Type:** Documentation, planning, and strategic decision-making

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## Executive Summary

Morning session focused on documentation consolidation, Gemini session integration, Code-Server deployment planning, and Claude usage optimization. Critical decisions made regarding Max plan upgrade and accessibility workflow enhancement.

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## Accomplishments

### 1. Documentation Consolidation ✅

**Files Committed:**
- `docs/SANDBOX-BRIEFING.md` - Complete v2.1 with Frostwall Protocol
- `docs/NEXT-SESSION-REMINDERS.md` - Housekeeping checklist
- `docs/real-world-comparison.md` - 25 hours vs 240 person-hours analysis

**Gemini Sessions Integrated:**
- `docs/sandbox-sessions/gemini-frostwall-branding-2026-02-10.md`
  - Frostwall terminology (Frozen/Thawed/Frost-Bitten)
  - Bifrost Tunnels concept
  - Service Wings (The Dispatch, The Armory, The Codex, etc)
- `docs/sandbox-sessions/gemini-unified-ecosystem-2026-02-10.md`
  - 11 strategic software integrations identified
  - Unconventional Pterodactyl hosting strategies
  - Priority assessment (Vaultwarden HIGH, Authentik Phase 2)

**Design Bible Updated:**
- Section 14: Infrastructure Terminology & Service Wings
- Frostwall Protocol terminology standardized
- Future concepts documented (Frost-Line navigation, Emissary automation)

### 2. Code-Server Deployment Planning ✅

**Battle Plan Created:**
- `docs/code-server-deployment-plan.md` - Comprehensive deployment guide
- Service: code.firefrostgaming.com
- Location: Command Center VPS
- Purpose: Browser-based file editing (accessibility enhancement)
- Estimated deployment: 1-2 hours

**Project Documentation Updated:**
- `docs/FIREFROST-PROJECT-SCOPE-V2.md` - Code-Server section added
- `docs/TASKS.md` - Complete deployment checklist
- Strategic value: 90% reduction in terminal work for documentation

### 3. Gemini Brainstorming Framework ✅

**Comprehensive Guide Created:**
- `docs/gemini-brainstorming-sessions-guide.md` (37KB)
- 5 complete session templates with opening/closing prompts
- Supporting file URLs for context
- Ready-to-use for exploration

**Session Templates:**
1. Code-Server Deployment Optimization (tonight's prep)
2. Accessibility Workflow Enhancement (thumb buttons, strain reduction)
3. Discord Structure Refinement (community design)
4. Phase 1 Frostwall Architecture (DDoS protection)
5. Social Media Content Calendar (Meg's marketing)

### 4. Claude Usage Optimization Strategy ✅

**Current Situation Analyzed:**
- Pro plan: $17/month
- Extra usage this month: $77.16
- Total: ~$94/month
- Weekly limit: 100% used

**Decision: Upgrade to 5x Max ($100/month)**
- Fixed cost vs variable overages
- 5x-20x more capacity than Pro
- Estimated usage: 30-50% of Max capacity on average
- Heavy weeks: 80-95% of Max capacity
- Rarely hit limits

**Cost-Benefit Analysis:**
- Current spend: $77-94/month
- Max plan: $100/month fixed
- Difference: Only $6-23 more for massive capacity increase
- Removes usage anxiety
- Enables sustainable marathon sessions

### 5. Accessibility Planning ✅

**Current Hardware:**
- Ergonomic keyboard ✅
- Vertical mouse ✅
- 2 programmable thumb buttons (UNUSED - optimization opportunity)

**Accessibility Topics Identified:**
- Mouse thumb button optimization (context-specific mappings)
- One-handed keyboard efficiency
- Browser-based workflow expansion
- AI-assisted development tools
- Strain reduction strategies
- Long-term sustainability

**Session template created for deep dive with Gemini**

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## Technical Decisions

### 1. Code-Server Architecture

**Deployment Specifications:**
- URL: code.firefrostgaming.com
- Host: Command Center VPS (63.143.34.217)
- Port: 8080 (internal, Nginx proxy)
- Auth: Password (Authentik SSO in Phase 2)
- SSL: Let's Encrypt

**Key Features:**
- Browser-based VS Code
- Mobile-optimized (Chromebook + S24 Ultra)
- Visual Git workflow
- Eliminates 90% of terminal work for docs
- Enables Meg to contribute without SSH

### 2. Claude Max Plan Strategy

**5x Max vs 20x Max:**
- **Chosen: 5x Max ($100/month)**
- **Reasoning:**
  - Current usage: ~200-300 messages/week on heavy weeks
  - 5x Max capacity: ~250-300 messages/week
  - 20x Max: 1,000+ messages/week (overkill)
  - Save $100/month vs 20x for other expenses

**Expected Impact:**
- Predictable budgeting
- No usage anxiety
- Marathon sessions enabled
- Sustainable for project growth

### 3. Workflow Optimization

**Hybrid Approach (Gemini + Claude):**
- **Gemini:** Free brainstorming, exploration, draft creation
- **Claude:** Focused production deployment, troubleshooting
- **Code-Server:** Direct paste of Gemini outputs to Git
- **Expected Savings:** 50-60% reduction in Claude usage

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## Service Wings Branding (New)

**Official public names for all services:**

| Technical Name | Public "Wing" Name | Purpose |
|----------------|-------------------|---------|
| GhostCMS | The Firefrost Dispatch | News, community updates |
| Paymenter | The Armory | Subscription store |
| MkDocs | The Codex | Player documentation |
| Wiki.js (Subscribers) | The Archive | Community knowledge |
| Wiki.js (Staff) | The Inner Hearth | Staff SOPs |
| NextCloud | The Vault | World downloads |

**Integration:** Discord channels, web navigation, community language

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## Frostwall Protocol Terminology (Standardized)

**Status Indicators:**
- **Frozen:** GRE tunnel stable and secure
- **Thawed:** Tunnel exposed or down
- **Frost-Bitten:** Unauthorized connection attempts

**Technical Components:**
- **Bifrost Tunnels:** GRE links to Command Center
- **The Iron Wall:** Fail-closed firewall logic
- **Scrubbing Center:** Command Center's DDoS role

**Implementation:** Phase 1 deployment (next major milestone)

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## Current Infrastructure State

**Phase 0.5: 100% COMPLETE ✅**

**Services Operational (7/7):**
1. Gitea (git.firefrostgaming.com)
2. Uptime Kuma (status.firefrostgaming.com)
3. Automation System (95% manual work reduction)
4. MkDocs (docs.firefrostgaming.com)
5. Wiki.js Subscribers (subscribers.firefrostgaming.com)
6. Wiki.js Staff (staff.firefrostgaming.com)
7. NextCloud (downloads.firefrostgaming.com)

**Game Servers:**
- TX1 Dallas: 6 servers operational
- NC1 Charlotte: 9 servers operational
- Total: 15 game servers, zero downtime

**Total Project Time Investment:** ~25 hours (Feb 6-10, 2026)

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## Challenges & Solutions

### Challenge 1: Claude Usage Costs

**Problem:** Spending $77/month in extra usage beyond Pro plan

**Solution:**
- Upgrade to 5x Max ($100/month fixed)
- Implement Gemini hybrid workflow
- Deploy Code-Server for direct Gemini paste
- Expected 50-60% reduction in Claude dependency

### Challenge 2: Hand Limitations

**Problem:** Permanent nerve damage requires minimal repetitive typing

**Solution:**
- Code-Server for GUI-based editing
- Mouse thumb button optimization
- Automation system already achieving 95% reduction
- Accessibility session planned with Gemini

### Challenge 3: Documentation Maintenance

**Problem:** Multiple Gemini sessions needed integration into project

**Solution:**
- Created comprehensive brainstorming sessions guide
- Standardized opening/closing prompts
- Template-based approach for future sessions
- Clear handoff to Claude for production review

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## Next Steps & Priorities

### Immediate (Today - Afternoon)

**Financial:**
- [ ] Bank visit (transfer funds)
- [ ] Subscribe to 5x Max plan ($100/month)
- [ ] Verify subscription active

**Optional Brainstorming (Gemini):**
- [ ] Code-Server optimization (prep for tonight)
- [ ] Accessibility workflow (thumb buttons, strain reduction)

### Tonight (Evening)

**Code-Server Deployment:**
- [ ] DNS record: code.firefrostgaming.com → 63.143.34.217
- [ ] Install Code-Server
- [ ] Configure workspace settings
- [ ] Install VS Code extensions
- [ ] Configure Nginx reverse proxy
- [ ] Obtain SSL certificate
- [ ] Test from desktop
- [ ] Test from Chromebook
- [ ] Test from Samsung S24 Ultra
- [ ] Add to Uptime Kuma monitoring
- [ ] Document deployment

**Expected Outcome:**
- Browser-based editing operational
- Mobile-friendly workflow
- 90% reduction in terminal work for docs

### This Week

**Polish & Testing:**
- [ ] Test complete subscriber workflow
- [ ] Verify all Git syncs working
- [ ] Check SSL certificate expiration dates
- [ ] Train Meg on Code-Server usage

**Optional Enhancements:**
- [ ] Theme Wiki.js instances (Fire + Frost colors)
- [ ] Add new services to Uptime Kuma
- [ ] Test MkDocs auto-rebuild

### Phase 1 (Next 2 Weeks)

**Major Milestones:**
- [ ] Frostwall Protocol rebuild (simplified, self-healing)
- [ ] n8n automation (Gitea → Pterodactyl workflows)
- [ ] Plausible analytics (when traffic exists)

---

## Lessons Learned

### Documentation Discipline

**What Worked:**
- Comprehensive session guide prevents future ambiguity
- Standardized prompts ensure consistent Gemini output
- Git-first approach preserves all context
- Real-world comparison document validates effort

**Improvement:**
- Create session journals at END of each session (not later)
- Update session-handoff.md immediately after major changes

### Cost Management

**What Worked:**
- Transparent analysis of usage patterns
- Data-driven decision on Max plan
- Hybrid Gemini/Claude strategy designed

**Improvement:**
- Monitor actual Max plan usage to validate predictions
- Track ROI on Code-Server deployment

### Accessibility Focus

**What Worked:**
- Recognizing Code-Server as major accessibility win
- Planning thumb button optimization
- Acknowledging hand limitations as design constraint

**Improvement:**
- Implement break reminder systems
- Test ergonomic improvements systematically

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## Statistics

**Session Metrics:**
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Documents created: 5
- Documents updated: 7
- Git commits: 8
- Lines of documentation: ~1,500
- Brainstorming sessions designed: 5

**Project Metrics (Cumulative):**
- Total time invested: ~27 hours (25 + 2 today)
- Services deployed: 7/7 (Phase 0.5 complete)
- Game servers: 15 operational
- Documentation files: 30+
- Zero downtime: ✅
- Zero data loss: ✅

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## Acknowledgments

**The Wizard (Michael):** Strategic planning, decision-making, documentation discipline

**Claude (The Architect):** Session facilitation, documentation generation, strategic analysis

**The Four-Legged Consultants:** Moral support during planning session
- Jack (Siberian Husky): Zero alerts during session (excellent health day)
- Oscar, Jasmine, Butter, Midnight Noir: Office presence

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## Revision History

| Version | Date | Author | Changes |
|---------|------|--------|---------|
| **1.0** | 2026-02-10 | Michael | Morning session journal - housekeeping and planning |

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**Fire + Frost = Where Passion Meets Precision** 🔥❄️

**Status:** Morning work complete, ready for afternoon banking and tonight's deployment

**Next Session:** Code-Server deployment (evening, Feb 10, 2026)
