problem: I need multiple terminals and don't want to log in more than once
solution: use screen. it has a fine manual page

problem: I want to continue working on exactly the same, eh, screen when I occasionally do need X
solution: my .xinitrc takes away the need to do a screen -x

#!/bin/sh

#
# ~/.xinitrc
#
# Executed by startx (run your window manager from here)
#

# test for an existing bus daemon, just to be safe
if test -z "$DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS" ; then
    # if not found, launch a new one
    eval `dbus-launch --sh-syntax --exit-with-session`
    echo "D-BUS per-session daemon address is: $DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS"
fi

# load xfce configuration
xfce-mcs-manager

# start window manager, make things look good
evilwm -term Terminal &
xsetroot -solid '#000033'
xsetroot -cursor_name left_ptr

# attach to screen session (if there is none, it will disappear)
Terminal --geometry=128x48+62+46 -x screen -x &

# wait for terminal to start so clock is displayed over terminal
# hit ctrl-esc over the clock to log out :)
sleep 1
exec xclock -geometry -0+0

problem: I want to use my mouse to copy and paste while not using X
solution: use gpm

problem: gpm causes WEIRD stuff to be printed on my screen and makes a huge mess that can only be cleaned up by rebooting
solution part 1: If you had been using screen, it wouldn't be so extremely bad
solution part 2: gpm needs arguments appropriate for your mouse/mice. These work for me: -m /dev/input/mice -t ps2

problem: I want email with spam filtering and whatnot. I hate mutt.
solution: ehmmm.....