How do you prototype for smd stuff? 
like do you order smd parts and also order breakouts?

solution for lighting LEDS - ie how do you control 2 sets of 8 leds where only one needs to be lit in either set (actually one of 7, one of 8) if I have enough gpio can I just route stuff all through one resistor and turn on whichever resistor I want? 
am I still planning on doing one rgb led for the long term status LED?

///// questions for RTC PCB layout
For PCF8523
how much power do I need, is 3.3V chill cause its within the data sheet ranges 
(adafruit also says 5V or 3.3V both cool so that sounds chill)

do I need pull ups? what are they for why are they disableable? 
do I need another seperate filter cap? is that overkill? (that's whats in the adafruit schematic

how to get rtc talking to rp2040 pins directly 

Can I use the sq output of the pcf8523 to clock the rp2040 as a whole as well?
IE, can I use one crystal to drive both the rp2040, and the RTC clock?

//