Stop chasing perfection with this stuff, a 3 hour difference in proofing time is pretty normal depending on the week. My starter acts different every single day based on humidity, flour, and whatever mood it's in, so I wouldn't call it a breakthrough. Sounds like you just hit the sweet spot this time, enjoy it while it lasts before the next batch flops on you.

Union guys only care about the clock" is the part that always gets me. I've seen union mechanics sit around for an hour then bust their ass for four straight when something actually needs fixing. The clock thing is more about protecting themselves from getting screwed by management, not about slacking. It's really just whoever runs the shop sets the tone, card or no card.

Figured out the hard way that "eco friendly" and "professional smell" don't mix. Biked to a wedding once thinking I'd be a hero, showed up with helmet hair and a sweat ring on my shirt collar so bad it looked like a tide mark. The groom's grandma kept asking if I needed a towel and I just wanted to sink into the floor. Ended up locking my bike outside the venue and taking a cab home because I couldn't face the ride back. Honestly, diesel fumes might be the lesser evil if you know a dry cleaner on the way.