diff --git a/modules/desktop/hypridle.nix b/modules/desktop/hypridle.nix
index bd4b0f4..84c7d76 100644
--- a/modules/desktop/hypridle.nix
+++ b/modules/desktop/hypridle.nix
@@ -18,7 +18,11 @@ in {
       enable = true;
       package = cfg.package;
 
-      lockCmd = "${lib.getExe config.modules.desktop.hyprlock.package}";
+      # the `date` command doesn't work if we just call hyprlock. Huh
+      # workaround is telling hyprctl to dispatch to execute it
+      # hacky, but i couldn't care less at the moment
+      # TODO: change this when/if it gets patched
+      lockCmd = "${config.modules.desktop.hyprland.package}/bin/hyprctl dispatch exec ${lib.getExe config.modules.desktop.hyprlock.package}";
       unlockCmd = "pkill -USR1 hyprlock";
 
       listeners = let
diff --git a/modules/desktop/hyprlock.nix b/modules/desktop/hyprlock.nix
index 7762e17..6120357 100644
--- a/modules/desktop/hyprlock.nix
+++ b/modules/desktop/hyprlock.nix
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ in {
           position = { x = 0; y = 30; };
         }
         {
-          text = "cmd[update:1000] echo \"$(date + '%A %B %e')\"";
+          text = "cmd[update:1000] echo \"$(date +'%A %B %e')\"";
           font_size = 14;
           color = "rgb(${base05})";
           font_family = config.modules.desktop.fonts.fonts.sansSerif.family;