diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 6fe373c..2be5c47 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import threading
 from dotenv import load_dotenv
 import os
 from model.trainer import train_on_message
-from model.brain import generate_response
+from model.brain import generate_response, daydream
 from model.cleanup import full_cleanup
 from model.dream_replay import replay_dreams
 from model.rehearsal import simulate_conversation
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ intents.message_content = True
 
 client = discord.Client(intents=intents)
 
+empty_response_counter = 0
+
 
 @client.event
 async def on_ready():
@@ -30,12 +32,24 @@ async def on_ready():
 
 @client.event
 async def on_message(message):
-    if message.author.bot:
+    global empty_response_counter
+
+    if message.author == client.user:
         return
 
-    content = message.content.strip()
-    train_on_message(content)
+    if not message.content.strip():
+        return
+
+    train_on_message(message.content, source="user")
     response = generate_response()
+
+    if not response.strip():
+        empty_response_counter += 1
+        if empty_response_counter % 10 == 0:  # only every 10 failures
+            print(f"[Brain] Skipped {empty_response_counter} empty replies so far.")
+        return
+
+    empty_response_counter = 0  # reset counter when Ruby replies
     await message.channel.send(response)
 
 
@@ -49,15 +63,16 @@ async def background_cleanup_loop():
 async def dream_replay_loop():
     while True:
         replay_dreams()
-        set_next_action(900, "Dreaming new dreams")
-        await asyncio.sleep(900)  # Replay every 15 minutes
+        set_next_action(90, "Dreaming new dreams")
+        await asyncio.sleep(90)  # Replay every 15 minutes
+        daydream()
 
 
 async def rehearsal_loop():
     while True:
         simulate_conversation()
-        set_next_action(1200, "Practicing Conversations")
-        await asyncio.sleep(1200)  # Every 20 minutes
+        set_next_action(120, "Practicing Conversations")
+        await asyncio.sleep(120)  # Every 20 minutes
 
 
 # Start Ruby's Brain Loops in a separate thread
diff --git a/model/trainer.py b/model/trainer.py
index cc70982..e462f1b 100644
--- a/model/trainer.py
+++ b/model/trainer.py
@@ -2,7 +2,8 @@ import torch
 import time
 from model.dynamic_expand import expand_model_if_needed, _last_expansion_time, get_optimizer, expand_lock
 from model.brain_state import model, tokenizer, DEVICE, loss_fn
-from model.brainmap import add_to_brainmap
+from model.brainmap import add_to_brainmap, save_brainmap
+from model.tokenizer import save_vocab
 from context.context import add_to_context, get_recent_context
 
 LOSS_FILE = "data/logs/loss.log"
@@ -70,6 +71,8 @@ def train_on_message(text: str, source: str = "user"):
         log_vocab_growth()
         add_to_context(text, source=source)
         add_to_brainmap(augmented_text.split())
+        save_brainmap()
+        save_vocab(tokenizer.vocab)
 
     finally:
         expand_lock.release()
diff --git a/reader/reader.py b/reader/reader.py
index 632a5bc..c26ebe0 100644
--- a/reader/reader.py
+++ b/reader/reader.py
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 import os
 import asyncio
 import json
+from model.tokenizer import save_vocab, Tokenizer
+from model.brainmap import save_brainmap
 from model.trainer import train_on_message
 from model.scheduler import set_next_action
 from reader.filter import is_valid_line
@@ -10,6 +12,7 @@ PROGRESS_FILE = "data/memory/book_progress.json"
 READ_DELAY = 0.2  # seconds between paragraphs
 PARAGRAPH_MIN_LENGTH = 20
 END_PUNCTUATION = {".", "!", "?"}
+tokenizer = Tokenizer()
 
 
 def get_books():
@@ -18,8 +21,15 @@ def get_books():
 
 def load_progress():
     if os.path.exists(PROGRESS_FILE):
-        with open(PROGRESS_FILE, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
-            return json.load(f)
+        try:
+            with open(PROGRESS_FILE, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                data = f.read().strip()
+                if not data:
+                    return {"progress": {}, "completed": []}
+                return json.loads(data)
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"[Reader] Failed to load progress file: {e}")
+            return {"progress": {}, "completed": []}
     return {"progress": {}, "completed": []}
 
 
@@ -81,7 +91,10 @@ async def read_books_forever():
                     await asyncio.sleep(READ_DELAY)
                     set_next_action(READ_DELAY, "Reading")
 
-            print(f"[Reader] Finished reading {book}.")
+            print(f"[Reader] Finished reading {book}. Taking a break to dream...")
+            save_vocab(tokenizer.vocab)
+            save_brainmap()
+            await asyncio.sleep(120)  # 💤 2 minute nap after each book
             completed_books.append(book)
             progress_data["completed"] = list(set(completed_books))
             save_progress(progress_data)