#and it's not like. a SHORT drive at all. 3 hrs on a good day w/ minimal traffic

[doyeons]

going back to my apartment tmrw. everything just feels kind of incorrect rn i cant describe it

#bella.txt #like ok my parents moved to be 3 hrs away from where they used to live #but my friends + my grandma r still where my parents used to live #so i have to choose btwn being w/ parents and my dogs or being w/ friends and grandma #and it's not like. a SHORT drive at all. 3 hrs on a good day w/ minimal traffic #+ it takes 7hrs to get from my parents to my apartment but only 4ish from my grandmas to my apartment #so i wanted to be.. over here.. before heading back to school #but idk things worked out so weirdly i only saw my one friend once and i missed her bday and i didnt see my other friend at all and i left #y parents and dogs earlier than i wanted and for no reason bc i didnt even go see anyone i just went to my grandma's immediately like #idk this probably sounds like it's not a big deal but i feel so weird i feel like i didnt plan right how to split my time #and now i'm leaving and idk when i'll be back #and i dont have to go tomorrow but i also. do? kind of? i dont know #kill my entire brain why cant i just think normally abt these things

[godblessyoublackemperor]

stratford on avon travelogue aka benny's really good super nice day (part 1 of 2)

IIIIIII decided to go to stratford on avon today bc i've been meaning to go for a while and I've got this week off (birthday tomorrowwwww) - cham was gonna come too but had a bit too much work so it was just me, and I was slightly apprehensive about that but i actually had an incredible day and I'm going to tell you all about it RIGHT NOW

I left the house at noonish, its a roughly 45min drive from worcester and the drive was actually really nice, all relatively fast b roads/country lanes. I didn't really have a plan for the day other than just walk around, maybe see some shakespeare shit, otherwise just see my little lizard brain took me, so I just set the sat nav for "stratford on avon" and set off. When i got to the town outskirts i immediately saw signs for anne hathaway's cottage so i was like "yeah aight" and turned off, went down some cute semi-rural residential streets and arrived in a nice green leafy neighbourhood with a nearly deserted car park (no bank holiday today in the uk, we have it next monday). I noticed the minimum stay was 3 hrs so i was like hmmmmm and then when i got to the cottage it turns out you can buy a ticket that gets you into all three shakespeare places (anne's cottage, his birthplace, his new place) so I was like hmmmmmmmmmmm *a plan is forming*.

watch out 🐊

I wandered round the orchard/outsidey bits (a little sculpture/statue trail of shakepeare-y stuff) and did a very speedrun-y tour of the cottage itself - I wasn't super invested or bothered about Learning I just felt like being a tourist and it was honestly super fun to just be like no thanks i don't want any information :) i'll just walk around :)

falstaff's belley, also bees

it's nice she could afford such a cool place, she was good in interstellar

After maybe less than hour I emerged from ann hathaway's cottage and by that time the plan had cemented - I was going to go and see how many of shakespeare's three cribs I could see in a day. I didn't actually need to do this because the ticket is valid for a year but it felt like a fun little goal. I also noted there was a handy signposted route into the town centre so I opted to leave the car there and walk - I both did and didn't regret this decision later.

The walk into town was mostly along a long straight boring road but I did see a cool graveyard and a euphemistically named "SCULPTORS" workshop not far away. The walk in total was probably about 15-20 mins but it felt a bit longer, i eventually got bored and wandered off down a side road and finally got spat out of the sleepy residential streets just in front of Holy Trinity church:

(i didn't know that was what it was immediately, again fully did not plan or research anything beforehand, anyway it is apparently a Landmark so, great 👍)

From here it was a short walk along the river, and by that point i was falling slightly in love with the place already - the weather was just sunny enough, it wasn't too busy, people were boating on the river, there were swans and geese everywhere. After a few minutes I saw these and my original plan to visit some dead bloke's houses sort of got back burnered:

When I saw the boats for hire sign my little lizard brain immediately decided it wanted nothing more in the whole wide world than to go on a little boat on the river avon. I thought "yeah aight" and wondered off to find the actual hire point, these were just moored here and the wasn't anyone actually around to hire them out to me.

on the way i went past some big theatre place? i think it was something to with the dead bloke, idk i was thinking about boats.

a couple more minutes of boat focused wandering brought me to the boathouse (on the right^) which was deserted except for the staff who were all sitting on the veranda eating hula hoops. they seemed mildly surprised that i wanted to hire a boat, and explained that they only electric motorboats for hire that day. I had already seen the sign advertising the option between analogue and electric and i was like "yeah aight", so i paid the man and hopped aboard. I was given a brief how-to, and here i should maybe explain I have not been on any kind of boat in a very long time, my experience extends to heavily supervised rowing on a canal as a kid and one (1) time having a brief go at the wheel of a motorboat on a scottish loch when i was 13ish. None of this really swayed or discouraged me however, so consumed was i with the lizard brain instruction to Go on A Boat. I gamely took in the safety briefing which amounted to lever forward go faster, lever back go slower/reverse, turn to wheel to steer, dont fall in (I'll try not to, i responded cheerily, like a real adult), and I was on my way.

aboard the good ship "number 27"

it took me a couple of minutes to get the hang of the steering, but its top speed wasn't too fast and it actually handled really nicely and responsively so the learning curve wasn't too steep, and pretty soon I was whirring happly along

On the return leg I was just working out how to correct after my big u turn (i only had the boat for 30 mins and was only allowed on a short section of the river) when i spotted something odd and brown on the near side of the riverbank and i was like, is that a fucking otter, and lads IT WAS AN OTTER

i look really unexcited here bc i'm trying operate a phone camera at the same time as controlling an unfamiliar vehicle, and trying not to plough said vehicle into said otter. the otter looks really unexcited here bc im just a twat in a boat and it sees those all the time.

The rest of my journey was uneventful but very pleasant, once i got the hang it was a very relaxing and centering activity and i will definitely be back. I brought the boat back right side up and with me still dry and in it, which the dudes at the boat hire seemed pretty happy about, and they were even happier when i showed them the video of the otter.

From here I sort of just wandered around a bit more? By now it was approaching 4 o'clock and S on A is apparently one of those towns where everything shuts down from like 4 to 5, so it was pretty quiet. I wandered up the high street, wandered into a hi fi store, gawked at some turntables, wandered into a weird little "vintage store", took a picture of a tuba, left, wandered around a bit more, and then walked past a japanese restaurant and stopped and was like hmmmmmmmm.

bonus toilet selfie bc i was feeling myself this day.

It wasn't opening until 5 but i now had a plan formed (completely forgotten about the dead guy's digs by now). I wandered back towards the river, found a gelato place, got gelato (elderflower, battenberg and salted caramel, don't question me), and went and ate the gelato with my legs dangling off the steps by the river OH NO I HIT THE IMAGE LIMIT OK PART 1 OF 2 I GUESS

#me #stratford on avon #adventures #in which i go on a BOAT and see an OTTER #and wander ABOUT

[stressedlawsecretary]

Today's Focus

02.21.24 - It is both hump day and soup day lol. I am not remoting in today; I am in the office for a soup social. I'll remote in tomorrow and Friday but since it's both takeout day for dinner and my dad is headed to a funeral this just worked better for the schedule this week.

Work - There are a couple of efiles sitting here for me but other than that I have no real work to do. SJC is off doing training, so I won't be needed as frequently by her, and my other two lawyers are very independent; unless I have to mail something today I will probably not have any real work to do.

Background Noise - Okay well. I start today with 121 on the Watch Later, which is a video less than yesterday after adding my subs for the morning. I'm probably going to do less of the nonsense background noise videos today than normal though, due to my studying.

I did do like eight full videos yesterday, around doing 20-minute chunks out of a couple of very long videos (3+ hrs and 2+ hrs respectively.)

Study - Wednesday is visual study day and for once I'm not at home to cheat with the DVR lol. SO I have a playlist of true crime videos on YT, and almost the entire like 40 seasons of Frontline on the Internet Archive set up. The plan is: a short video from the Watch Later, 20 min of one of the long videos I'm working on, a short video from the true crime playlist, and 20 minutes of a Frontline episode - all rotated in a circular fashion. I'll probably read some random articles here and there, might read some from my deep dives, and I have a documentary entitled The Act of Killing on my list but that's a stretch goal for sure.

I did very well yesterday. I read: six climate articles, three police misconduct articles, five pages from the Glass Report, five 'good news' articles, four other articles, and I finished both The Negro Problem (an article from The Atlantic circa 1889) and When is a Book Not a Book? Oliver Twist in Context (a five-part article by the NYPL). I did get farther in Black Women and the Constitution but that is a long essay so at least I made headway.

Extras - Okay, I am screwed up on the chores so I don't actually have anything to do today on that front; I am going to shower tonight so I have plans to try and tackle cleaning the medicine cabinet and the radiator register in there first. Other than that, it's two more episodes of Dekaranger (If I time this right, I'll switch back to Kamen Rider Drive on the weekend and finish that series up) plus a couple more episodes of Batman, which has gotten much much sillier than I remember it omg.

#studyblr #my study stuff #today's focus #talking #selfie

[hrblusky]

HR Trends For 2021 and Beyond 

As we move into 2021, it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons of this past year and consider what these mean for our future. So, what were the key takeaways from this year? 

1. The office doesn’t have to be the workplace 

Possibly the most significant change during the year was the recognition that working from home was possible for more people than had previously been thought. At the same time, being away from the office signified freedom for some, but for others, it created tremendous strains. Many organizations were caught short with no formal policy to support remote working, and ill-equipped resources to help those who struggled with this new reality. 

Given a choice, it’s unlikely that so many companies would have embraced working from home, but circumstances have meant that even the most intransigent have had to adapt and amend their working practices. 

Although there have been some suggestions that working from home will be the new norm, it is more likely that we will see organizations moving back to a healthy balance over time. Companies such as Google, Twitter and Capital One have already indicated that they will be retaining work from home options, but as mentioned, working from home does not suit everyone or every organization. 

The trend is likely to be a hybrid scenario where some employees choose and can work several days from home, whilst others elect to be back in the office environment. The key is that the choice won’t be about choosing a location for convenience, it will be about shared decisions between management and employees as to when a particular place best meets the need for productivity and engagement. 

2. The employee experience has changed 

Remote working and social distancing have created a very different employee experience than that experienced before the pandemic. We took it for granted that employees interacted in and around the workplace, that recruitment was necessarily a face-to-face process and that activities such as onboarding and training involved groups of people gathered in rooms sharing knowledge and experiences. 

Leaders have long promoted the need for team building activities, which often involve a range of physical tasks and challenges in competitively charged atmospheres. 

And relationship building between colleagues was over lunch, coffees and through the ubiquitous office gossip. 

HR has now had to re-envisage employee touchpoints and seek to replace them with positive virtual experiences. The focus has been on well-being, work and home balance, interpersonal connection and collaboration. 

One positive impact has been to create a more even playing field for communication across diverse employee groups or locations. Head office teams have been collaborating and interacting online with front office employees. Employees of all levels within the organization have been on the same virtual calls to address business needs and to network. 

Not only do these social interactions impact employee well-being, but they are fundamental to employee attraction and retention in the long term. 

Changing how people interact and communicate is something that changes company culture. Even when more people return to the workplace, it seems inevitable that some of the new and less formal ways of communicating and interacting will remain, in most cases bringing in a healthier communication culture. 

3. HR can, and must be, drivers for organizational change and success 

As the pandemic took hold, HR was one of the first teams called upon to be agile and respond to the changing dynamics. Indeed, HR was at the forefront of driving change and devising and implementing new working practices, not only for employees but for HR itself. 

Suddenly, a situation that impacted the entire workforce and took away freedom of choice meant that HR had to be center stage in providing the best way forward to meet business needs and take care of employees. More than ever, HR teams have had to embrace their operational role and the need to ensure employee well-being and support employees through challenging and life-altering experiences. 

Keeping company culture and values at the center of all activities has been an additional challenge for organizations faced with a remote and increasingly contingent workforce. Once again, HR is at the forefront of helping ensure that company values are embedded in communication, working practices and policies, behaviors and decision-making. 

Core activities such as recruitment and performance management depended upon face-to-face personal interactions; now, these activities, along with core operational tasks, rely on IT systems. Along with the change in process, this requires significant up-skilling of HR teams in a condensed timeframe. 

In short, HR teams now need to have digital skills and business acumen and must be agile, empathetic, comfortable with ambiguity and be innovative. 

Another core HR future work skill is analyzing data delivered by increased digitization to help the organizations make better-informed decisions. 

4. Personalization has become real 

Personalization in the workplace has long been a topic of conversation, but organizations have struggled with what this means in practice. Organizations considered groupings of employees in terms of their age ranges – Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers and Millennials – each having a list of traits that supposedly belong to everyone in the group. 

One of the impacts of the pandemic has been to bring out the fundamental truth that employees of all ages can, and do, come together to face challenges and to collaborate and cooperate when given the opportunity. All employees share the need to have a purpose, to be given opportunities for development and growth, and to experience good leadership. Diversity in the workforce is much more subtle and more critical than merely focusing on which year the employee was born. 

The ongoing challenge for HR is to meet individual needs within the whole. Some ways of meeting this challenge include improving communications, recognizing skills outside of job roles, developing and rewarding empathetic leadership and being willing to identify and respond to individual interests and needs, for example with flexible compensation packages, adaptable working patterns, and enabling employees to influence their job roles. 

The impact of remote working has increased focus on this area, and it is likely to continue to be a theme for HR in the coming year. 

5. Increased digitization 

The HR function has had to embrace technology not as a “nice to have”, but as a critical transformational driver. From automating paper-based tasks to creating efficiencies in processes to facilitating self-service for employees, the HR function has had direct exposure to the impact of digitization and automation on its ability to service both the organization and the employee base. 

A focus on digitization is something that needs to continue into the coming year if HR is to be able to deliver on so many needs and finally have its rightful place at the business table. 

#HR Trends

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[interstellarstorms]

Honestly I want to fucking sue my workplace right now for doing this to me

Backstory: I have been working at Target since March 2019. The last time I had at least a week off work was in December 2019, to attend a residential treatment facility out of state for my mental illness (long story short, they ended up kicking me out for being too mentally ill and I came back to work in January 2020 while finishing outpatient treatment back home). In the last year or so, I’ve been making so much progress at work that they sometimes forget about my needs and disabilities. This is one of those occasions but also like, kind of a worker’s rights issue.

I have worked a week of basically all Drive Up (delivering orders to cars in the parking lot). It has been absolutely freezing, I’m talking mostly subzero temperatures. I’ve spent a large portion of my workday outside. Target has these (probably barely sufficient) reflective jackets they loan out but my store only has like 3 smalls and 3 extra larges and anyway I prefer to use my own coat with a reflective vest because sensory issues and the smell. Until two days ago, I did not own a coat that was warm enough because my mom donated the one I used last year. Target also no longer provides us with hats like they used to, although I was okay on that front. For our hands, we were basically denied the ability to wear anything but fingerless and really thin touchscreen gloves because we have to be able to type in codes on our devices while outside. My hands always are in extreme pain by the time I get back inside, to the point where I probably need to hold them in front of a heater after every venture out, but every time I’m back in, I’m told I’m not going fast enough and I need to deliver more orders ASAP.

We have a single heater, a desktop unit, for the whole department, which can have up to like 10 people at a time. HR “provided hot chocolate to thank Drive Up” by putting a Keurig with some cocoa cups in the break room where other non-Drive Up employees took them all.

Our managers have given us so so so many talks the last few days about how we need to “do better” and be faster. They don’t take the cold into account. Some of them don’t even help us take orders out when we’re swamped. They also tend to make some people designated “runners” (who go outside and deliver, vs. grabbing the orders and prepping them) and that’s my job generally speaking, and while they claim to be trying to divide this job equally, they’re not doing a good job. I spend much more time outside than most. Some people spend so little time outside they don’t even bother to come prepared to go outside at all. And management generally lets them.

What does this mean, you ask?

Exactly. What. You. Think.

After MONTHS of having to delay my much-needed mental health break (God knows I wasn’t getting time off before or during the holidays, my week off is almost here. And I’m sick. Thanks to good old Target. Who made me waste my long-saved PTO. My vacation time. On illness. That they 100% caused in their negligence.

I’ve also missed a couple 15 minute (non-enforced) breaks and taken my (enforced) 30 minute break late if that counts for anything (yes I know it does but I don’t feel like it does).

If you read the whole thing lmk ily ❤️

#and i still have two more shifts (the one tomorrow is drive up at 9 am) #before i get my break #i might have to call off though because i might be contagious

[lianailia]

What a whirlwind of a weekend! It was so much fun hanging out with friends and my heart was so full! I miss them and wished I lived closer. It's too far to drive for me. Flying it's about an hr and a half. So not bad. Going there wasn't too bad. Coming home I was so tired and then we land and taxi on the runway for 30 mins. The airport was mobbed at 8 pm and then dead stop traffic. Fun! I was happy to see my kitty again and sleep. Heh still catching up I think. Sat was the only day it rained of course, otherwise it was just cold. I got to have a lot of good food. Went to Pamenti's the first night after having tacos for lunch. Then at Faire I had a grilled cheese which was hard to eat standing, but good. Kettle corn, and loaded baked potato soup in a bread bowl which was heavenly. We were all freezing and Ameria goes "Let's go to the soup store!" And that was a good choice. I wish I would have been able to get more pics, since there were a lot of good costumes. But my hands were so frozen. I was having a hard time keeping them and my purse under the cloak I got while holding the umbrella. Had to ditch the shoulder guards and wig, since it was too wet. But the shoes held up which is great. It was held at an old winery so they had paved roads, which helped. We have dirt. I've gone after rainfalls before. I loved everything and wanted to stay and shop more but my back got too bad. So had to quit about 3. I wish I had the stamina I used to and not a broken body. I am getting a cold too I think. But it was so worth it. Then Sun a group of us went to Friendly's for brunch. We all ended up getting breakfast. I get really good French toast and strawberry banana ice cream. So I was pretty full until later that night. I was so sad to leave. I was able to draw at the airport which was nice. I wonder how we kept occupied when waiting several hrs for things? I guess read. Lol it seemed too short but made some awesome memories and like I said hoping it's soon that we meet again. I want to go to the con, but this was my Christmas present already. Plus I don't have any clients lined up for pet sitting. Hoping that starts soon. I'm glad I had that 3 week one. Now I'm trying to figure out my neck. I was supposed to go yesterday to the new pain doc but got the address wrong. So I was too late. I had to reschedule to Fri. Botox is Mon. Anime night is Thurs. Hoping to wear costume again but won't have the wig or headband. Truly one of the best weekends ever. Now trying to catch up with Artober.

[type1cyclingdan]

Better Days Are Coming

Life is a funny thing, one minute you can be as low as you can be and the next you can be high as the stars. Last weeks race was the worst I have ever felt after riding my bike, normally my happy place where no matter how bad life is I can get on my bike and everything is instantly better.

I picked myself up, dusted myself down, had a pretty good week on the bike, and with controlling my diabetes, I worked on my breathing and visualising how I was going to race on Sunday. The night before the race was a bad one where my levels kept dropping, so through the night, the low alarm kept going off on my phone. I eventually I ended up getting up at 03:30 and having something to eat to get some carbs in to me and shut the pesky alarm up.

I could have let this get to me and affect how the day went but it is what is, you cant change it you just have to roll with it, so I made sure I had all my kit ready and read for a while. I did my Wim Hoff breathing and listened to some calming music instead of the music that I usually listen to. It's a 100-mile drive to Darley Moor race track, so over 2 hours of driving and thinking time on the way there I was listening to the Men’s World Champs Road Race. So, not to think too much about my own race.

I got there to find out that the race had be change from 13:45 to 15:00 so I took my time getting ready and just chilled in the car listening to music that would relax me. I did my Wim Hoff breathing and then got the bike out of the car and went for a short ride. My heart rate monitor would not link with my bike computer, so there is no HR data from the day, but again, it is what it is.

15 minutes before the race started, we got the opportunity to ride some laps of the track and find what way the wind is blowing as the track is so open the wind really does affect the racing. It was pretty strong on the back straight, which, to be honest, is the perfect place for it to be a headwind for what I had planned. My plan was to sit in the wheels for the whole race and do no work on the front until two laps to go where I was going to kick on the afterburners and go for a one man break to win solo.

However in life and racing plans are never concrete you have to adapt to the conditions and what others do sometimes and I had been watching one rider in particular that looked good and like he was up for a breakaway. So when he decided to go after around 18 minutes I followed him and we got a gap never a big one but enough after around 5 laps of us working really well together one other rider joined us so we were in a 3 up break and continued to work well together. It started to rain which was really good for us three in the break as around the tight turns and the hairpin we could pick our lines and hold our speed where as the peloton would be sketchy as hell and that would slow them down.

It was really tough and I did way to much of the work into the headwind section but if I had not I don’t think we would have stayed away. In the last 3 laps my levels started to go up a lot and with a lap to go I was up to 15 and felt the power drain out of me. I gave everything I had and managed to stay away to finish 3rd, over 40 minutes in the break it was an amazing feeling to know that I was finally seeing my strength on the bike come back.

I still have a long way to go to get back to anywhere near where I was 2 years ago but it felt good to see what I was capable of when I got my levels under control before a race. The win is coming and I have not even started the off the bike training with strength work and flexibility work so plenty more to come.As I said there is a long way to go to be able to achieve my goals, one being to win a National Masters title, but Sunday showed me that I can be competitive even with Diabetes. Do not ever let someone tell you that you can not do something and do not let anything stop you from being the best that you can be. Just because we have setbacks in life, get diagnosed with illnesses, it is never the end, only the beginning of a new chapter.

Keep Trying Never Give UP, set your self huge goals that people will tell you that you are insane to think you can achieve because if you even get close that will be one hell of a mighty achievement. Be flexible with your plans, you don’t need to change them just tweak them like I did on Sunday.

I know that there will be plenty of bad days to come, but I am bloody certain that there will be more good and outstanding days to come.

Dream big, work hard, keep trying, never give up, and believe that you can achieve 👊

#Keeptryingnevergiveup #believeandachieve #wegoagain #type one diabetic #Giant #giantpropel #giantpropeladvancedpro1 #TypeOneWarrior

[mikesavagenewcanaan]

Mike Savage New Canaan Is Your Muscular Tissue Auto Cool Enough

Ahh, to be cool. Little kids grow up having no principle of "coolness", and afterwards they struck the sixth grade. From that factor on, being "cool" gets on the top of their order of business. Muscular tissue vehicles are perpetually trendy. They have actually been trendy because day # 1, and their legend has actually expanded since. A friend of mine (who grew up in the 1960's) lately commented that there is nothing when traveling as amazing as a muscular tissue car, and he stated it in a manner that made it appear as certain as the reality that 2 +2= 4. The concern I question is, just how do you recognize if your muscle automobile is trendy sufficient?

Much like the corridors of secondary school, one might suggest that there is a position of coolness when it concerns muscle cars and trucks. Being prominent seemed to aid make some individuals cool down, but several trendy people were never ever prominent. Muscular tissue cars and trucks coincide means. (As a side note I've seen a few of the popular children from senior high school later in life ... and they do not seem rather as cool as I remember.).

Having a prominent model cars and truck (like a Mustang) offers it an instant coolness factor, while having a much less preferred model leaves it approximately the automobile's benefits to identify it's coolness. Allow's take a look at 3 muscle cars and trucks specifically and also evaluate the Cool Aspect ... and then you can establish if it's trendy enough for you to drive!

Automobile # 1 - first Gen Camaro (1967-1969).

Mike Savage New Canaan

First generation (1967-1969) Camaro's were preferred the day they were revealed. They were Chevy's answer to the Mustang as well as were similar because they were built off of an economic situation vehicle (the Chevy II ... where as the Mustang was constructed off of the Falcon). You can obtain one with a small block, a big block, one all set to drag race, or one all set to run the road training course (Z/28 style). Just buy it up as well as be sure to reserve a date for Friday evening ... which won't be tough to do. They're still preferred today as well as are one of the most searched for by collectors as well as hot rodders.

Senior High School Equivalent: The QB of the football team. Sports. Wonderful looking. He can bench press ... uh, a Camaro. Girls dig that.

Car # 2 - 1966-67 Dodge Charger.

Early generation Mopars are sort of the Apple 'Mac' of muscular tissue cars and trucks. A tiny percent of muscle mass cars and truck guys love them with utter commitment and also would certainly drive absolutely nothing else. To them, driving a Ford or Chevy would certainly resemble dishonesty on their other halves. That being claimed, the '66- '67 Charger is a very amazing automobile just from a designing as well as function perspective - the determines alone are awesome - however it's not for everyone. It really did not sell with the appeal of the '68- '70 models (or survive on endless time many thanks to the Dukes of Hazzard), yet it does have it's fans as well as can certainly hold it's own against the competitors.

High School Matching: The Captain of the Drumline. Not every person knows him, however those that do know he's obtained rhythm from head to toe. He's jammin' on drums with his buddies 24 hr a day, 7 days a week.

Automobile # 3 - AMX.

And after that there is that person. American Motors autos were always type of a fifth wheel. Several of their auto were dorky looking (the Pacer, the Gremlin, the Toreador, and so on), however the AMX was truly good looking. It was simply a little various than the standard, mainly because of it's short wheel base (VERY short) and the truth that it was a 2-seater!

Senior High School Equivalent: That individual that used a natural leather jacket and also tones. No-one knew his name. I think he's a renowned musician currently.

Summary:.

Mike Savage New Canaan

So simply why is it that we're trying to figure out if a muscular tissue car is great enough for you to drive? Well, fairly honestly ... what other factor would you need to drive one? They're bold, noisy, foul-smelling, and can be difficult to drive at times. They dislike being driven gradually as well as give you feelings of sheer delight and simultaneous horror while being strained. They require consistent wrenching as well as "tweaking" simply to remain in combating shape. Why on earth would certainly you put up with all of that when you could drive a good delighted Toyota Camry? You recognize why ... because similar to the Fonz, muscular tissue cars are trendy, as well as coolness abrades. So, in the long run, if you believe your muscular tissue vehicle is awesome - it is. That's all that issues. It's awesome sufficient. Remember though, if it's preferred, it's possibly currently awesome, yet much like secondary school ... a few of the coolest individuals were never prominent.

[96xie]

love all around

i had the most memorable birthday weekend :> i am filled with so much love and comfort its beautiful!!

on friday, i first ate lunch with my mom and i ~subtly~ brought up moving out because mocha’s mom gave her the blessing to move out and stuff and i was just reading her text messages and it was just so warming!! my mom stayed silent and started saying stuff like why would you want to move back there and why would you leave me, etc etc more stuff like that and honestly, thats my hometown. i was born and raised there, i find so much comfort there. we kinda trailed off and whatever but yeah. i took a nap and got ready for my dinner, picked up one of my sibs and thankfully there was no waiting line! mocha brian and wayo soon arrived, introduced everyone and we ate! chio asked if they did anything for birthdays and our waiter was like “ill sing you happy birthday ill do something!” and i was like nonono its okay LOL but yeah we had a really good dinner despite... not finishing our last bowls of meat ; __ ; mocha and deejay were roasting marshmallows and when wayo was eating his marshmallow i said “bro u rawdogging ur marshmallow” and he was like “ew yeah whats wrong with that!” chio gave me a painted picture with everyones notes in the back and i was about to cry so hard because it was a picture of me on a day that i felt so vulnerable. it was a day that was significant to me because i opened up to my big and sibs and it meant alot. i appreciated it so much and ; ___ ; just hold so much love and respect for them.

they cleared our table to give me a lil plate with ice cream mochi tht spelled happy birthday in sriracha sauce AND blasted happy birthday music LOL im also glad there was enough pieces to distribute to everyone ^__^ the lady was kind enough to take our pictures too and augh such a good dinner!

we got ready to drive to karaoke and angel opened my car and i was like wait, did.. did i not lock my car LMAOOO but nothing was taken so thats good! we arrived at karaoke and finished after 2 hrs ish (they cut us short) and some security guy was talking to us and we conversed with him and then a whole hour later it was just ... alot of talking. it wasnt bad tho, we were talking about alot of issues and it was nice to see from a different perspective in a civil way.

we went to my workplace for some coffee and my coworker was just goggling at wayo, i was just laughing cuz it was so obvious !! she pulled me to the side and was like “omg is that ryan ????” and i said omg no thats my bestie and she said “oh he’s cute omg !!” told her i could always introduce him to you and stuff and she was just all giggling like GIRL lemme be your wingwoman !! so cute anyways

me and brian ate like 2 or 3 caps of mushie before going into target just so it could kick in by the time we went to the park (spoiler: it did not work) but we really ventured in target. got our snacks, lil plastic tables, slime, picnic stuff and SHREK shirts B-) wayo was like we should wear it to the park and we collectively said no LMAO

we got to the park, set up and redosed again. made slime and basically just chilled. we still didnt feel anything at 4pm and we were just like fuckitttt guess we’re going all out. we basically finished 3/4th of the ziploc but when lisa came around that time, we started feeling it. everything was so HD, so clear, bright, things were melting, when i fixated on something it felt like everything else was a blur, clouds were within arms reach, trees too, etc etc. i was expecting to see the roses at the rose garden change color but whateva. anyways, mocha took 2 stems cuz me and brian were like we’ll take more if you take some and I KNOW SHE IS SO SNEAKY !!! still love her hehe but anyways!! we were all vibing n stuff and it was just a fun time. i couldnt move tho while we were getting ready to pack and i felt sooooo planted. we eventually got to our car, found a DUMB PARKING TICKET smh greedy ass neighborhood and drove to lisa’s car. i felt so worried tho, parking ticket, leaving my car to wayo, etc i could my body tense up so much. i told wayo to keep my car (kilig mobile) safe but i knew he was a good driver. i also knnow that lisa is a good driver but my body felt as if she was going 90 mph. she suddenly swerved into t4′s parking lot and my god my life flashed before my eyes. as we went into the freeway, i felt the same sensation: all the cars just flying past me. i stared into the sky as the girls were talking and i had an epiphany: i need to tell myself that im ok. im safe. im doing fine. and it took me back to what my therapist was saying: that my body is in CONSTANT flight or fight mode. its why my chest started hurting for MONTHS the previous year. im always worried. im always expecting something bad to happen. im so used to trauma, so used to pain i dont know how else to react. so the act of telling myself to stay calm is sosoosos important. but its hard when my body is conditioned to do otherwise.

we watched interstellar, ate thai food, trauma bonded and all that good stuff. wayo opened up about some stuff and i felt so angry for his situation. i was angry because i was in a very similar situation and yknow its just tough when someone you love had to go through that. mocha also, and i just... i wish we all hadnt gone through that. 

lisa gifted me this really nice piano art poster and man i cried.. again LOL. we were both partners for our piano duet back in high school and it reminded me how much we did alot of things together. i lovelovelove playing the piano as it give me so much peace though im not the greatest but still. the poster was SO beautiful and i really cant wait to hang it up in the future :”) i dont want to hang it up now because i think it deserves a beautiful home and my current place is just not it 

we were talking about jobs, relationships, sex stuff (cuz we’re open about it), exes, etc etc and honestly it was a fun talk. me and lisa were like “i dont see myself being married” and i mean I didnt lie !!! i really couldnt see myself being married. and with kids. i see myself with a dog in a comfy small home or apartment but yeah!! and then mocha brought up ryan and then i just kinda .... went off about how handsome and kind he was LMAO and lisa was just like “girl you said you couldnt see yourself being with anyone” ; ___ ; but yeah i was just saying how amazing ryan is and he’s just so darn bright and i feel like im undeserving i was and slgnsdnldnglrthngd argh but i also mentioned that we havent met in person so what if theres a chance he thinks differently of me and im not what he expected and stuff like that. like im really happy that we do share the same feelings but im not setting up expectations because its possible it would lead to disappointment and yknow. but he’s such a great guy and honestlyyyyy sigh. the timing is so darn odd. like i break up with my ex last year and i told myself, “no more dating until i graduate AND find a job” and then boom ryan enters. not a bad thing but if i betray myself i dont think ill do well. i was just worried about this whole thing like what if it goes wrong and yknow and wayo was like “if he’s putting in so much effort theres literally nothing to worry about. he already seems like a great guy.” 

me: but how do you really know?

wayo: i just know it, trust me

we also talked about red flags and stuff, we compared ourselves back in high school and beginning of college and we were just so bad to our exes. i was a miserable person but mocha watched me grow and become such a great person and mannnnn i feel and see it too! my first healthy relationship was with my previous ex and honestly i learned alot from him. i learned to end it amicably too, and there was so much learning to do in there. i now know how to treat myself, my partner, what to do and how to deal with things and learned how to communicate better. we went to sleep around 6am and i could already hear the birds chirping. i knock out after replying to ryans email :3

we woke up and got ready in the late day: got some coffee + tea + sushi + went to home goods, wayo bought me a container for my mushies and i thought it was funny how this woman was just butting in our convo like ok LMAO. we watched everything everywhere all at once and i thought it was a tad bit abstract but towards the end i cried SO hard. i was just like “euuuughghgueueughgh” and lisa was just caressing my shoulder and i continued to cry and stuff but damn that movie really said “you get to face generational trauma TODAY”

helped everyone pack their stuff when we drove back home. i know cream puff enjoyed everyones presence cuz they all played with her and rubbed her belly ehe. but anyways we all cleaned up and stuff, and i just. felt sad. cuz everyones going back home, and ill be alone again. physically, not emotionally. but yknow.

i did alot of reflecting after the weekend, and lil bit during too. but just being around my loved ones... its sossooso healing. i felt so loved. i felt so comfortable. i felt at PEACE. like we didnt have to do anything major, just as long as im with them i felt so calm. and honestly, this is probably the best birthday ive ever had. and im SO grateful for that. i could feel myself transforming in such a beautiful way and i may not be where i want to be but i KNOW im getting there. and my friends are there beside me to help me grow. and honestly ... ugh i cant describe it im just so happy. im always looking forward to things now. i was in a massive depressive state since high school and up until recently i feel like things are changing. i hope it continues to do so in a good way. im facing my traumas, my fears, my insecurities and learning how to deal with them. im no longer alone, i feel loved, i feel myself becoming stronger, and man thats such an incredible feeling. 

if theres one thing i need to address, its probably meeting my dad again. he reached out and said happy birthday, and that we should meet again soon. i need to tell him that im financially not in a good place and that he promised he would help me. im scared that he would forget, and im scared that he would brush me off. a part of me feels guilty because i dont know if i have been a good daughter because he’s also not doing well but at the same time he has always been absent and the least thing he could do is help me pay off things. i dont know. we’ll see. but theres that. another thing i need to address in the near future is moving out (again). i dont want to be bounded in an environment where i am not allowed to grow. its scary moving out because yknow its like ... im so used to being at home with my mom and ive always had problems with my health and she’s always been my safety net but i need to do things on my own. of course, when im ready but we’ll save this for another time

anywho, theres that. i really hope things become better in the future!

[letsmountainmagictreks]

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days is one of the most popular trekking packages in the Annapurna region which is designed at a budget price for travelers with limited time. Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek requires a good physical shape and needs to be reasonably fit to complete the trek. This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek commences from Kathmandu with a scenic flight to Pokhara then you will catch the private Vehicle and drive to Siwai village (55 km / 3 hours’ drive). From here the trek begins, and the half-day will be done for the flight and vehicle to reach Siwai village.

This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek starts from Nayapul rising from 1,100 meters to 4,130-meter altitude. In the beginning, we head up to the Chhomrong village. We walk through farming villages where many different kinds of crops like Rice, Oat, Corn, Barley, and vegetables as well as a fish farm can be seen with the view of Himchuli 6,419m, and Annapurna South 7,165m. Annapurna Base Camp Trek is popular with the peoples of Gurung as they protect the mountain areas. Mt. Machhapuchre is a holy mountain in the Annapurna region and Machhapuchre Base Camp is very close to Annapurna Base Camp. The place between MBC and ABC is the best viewpoint of the Annapurna Himalayas. You don't have to hike to the viewpoint, just go out of the hotel and enjoy the views. Viewpoint is beside the hotel where you stay overnight. After enjoying the views and reaching our goal we return to conclude the Short Annapurna Base Camp trek via Deurali, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Dada, to Pokhara.  

Hence, the Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 days is best for budget trekkers and time-bounded people who want to reach the base camp of the world’s tenth highest peak. If you are looking for relaxing and enjoyable trekking in the Annapurna region 12 days of Annapurna Base Camp Trek and 10 Days of ABC Trekking are the best for you. 

The services you will get in Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking

This Short Annapurna Base Camp Trekking package provides you one-way flight, trekking permits, an Experienced Guide and Porter, Pick up and drop, down jacket and a Sleeping bag even it is returnable after the trip, private vehicle Pokhara-Siwai-Pokhara

Outline Itinerary

Day 01:Fly to Pokhara 950m and drive to Siwai village then trek to Chomrong 2,170m/ 06 hrs.

Day 02: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan 2,310m/ 06 hrs.

Day 03:Trek from Dovan to Machapuchare Base Camp 3,700m/ 06 hrs.

Day 04:Trek from Machapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp 4,130m/ 03 hrs

Day 05:Trek from Annapurna Base Camp back to Bamboo 2,310m/ 06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek from Bamboo to Sewai village 1,340m/ 5hrs then drive to Pokhara 2hrs.

Day 07:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus and transfer to your hotel

US$729 per person

Trip Cost Inclusive: 

All airport transportation with pick up and drop

All Necessary  paperwork and Permit (Annapurna Conservation permit and TIMS)

One night hotel in Pokhara with a BB plan

Full meals of your choice (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with Tea & Coffee) during the trek

Guide and Porters (2 trekkers: 1 Porter) their  Salaries, Insurance, Equipment and Lodging    

Supplementary snacks (cookies  and energy bar)

Seasonal Fresh fruit every day after dinner

All mountain accommodation (Soft, comfortable, twin  room with sharing toilet)

Trekking equipment such as Down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag

Kathmandu- Pokhara by flight 

Private transport from Pokhara - Siwail

Private transport  Siwai (trail ahead) to Pokhara

A comprehensive medical kit

Pokhara -Kathmandu by tourist bus

Trip Cost Exclusive:

Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and  Pokhara

Hotel in Kathmandu

Boiled water

Hot Shower

Wi-fi

Electronic device re-charge

Bottle drinks

Personal expenses

Travel Insurance and evacuation insurance

Tip

#shortannapurnabasecamptrek

[libraford]

We interrupt the feral celebration of ousting an oligarch to bring you a story about Yeehaw and his Branch of Mystery.

  It has been a while since we last had some co-worker drama, but man- has it been a weird summer. I mean... we all had a weird summer in 2020, but I don't think I was really expecting this particular... flavor of weird?

 This is a story about Yeehaw, but it starts off with a story about Aggie.

 Aggie was someone we were excited to hire and part of our excitement was that it's rare to find someone with prior floral experience and we'd concluded at this point that it does no one any good to be picky about new hires in the middle of a pandemic. So finding someone who knew the difference between a carnation and a rose was a big deal for us.

 I say that in jest, but saying that we do 'on-the-job training' means that we've had to explain that yes- the flower in my hand that looks like a carnation is a carnation and not some other flower that looks like carnation but is not a carnation. Floristry is a very straightforward practice and for the most part a rose is a rose and a daisy is a daisy and if someone asks for those things, you give it to them.

 The hard part is, as always, making them look good together.

 Which is why we were pleased with Aggie- who previously did weddings for her friends and seemed to have a basic understanding of how to do things with her hands. We were happy to have her aboard.

 ... until you gave her criticism.

 She made her vases embarrassingly short, and if you tried to tell her how to fix it, she'd snap back with "I'm not DONE yet."

 She was done until you said something.

 If you gave her an order for two dozen white roses, she would take it upon herself to mix white and yellow roses together 'because it looks better.'

 It did not.

 Hashtag: #selftaught

 When a client asks for all white roses, there is likely a reason they asked for all white. Given that 90% of our work is funerals, it stands to reason that they are asking for all white because that is a traditional color for mourning. Working with a client means doing exactly what they asked for. Doing a wedding for your friends may get you high praise from people who trust you to work in the same aesthetic as them, but in a shop setting you are being paid to follow things to the letter. Doing so shows that you can follow directions, and they may come back next time.

 You don't know customer entitlement until you've been torn another asshole for leaving out a single rose.

 This seemed to never occur to her, and so criticism was a painful realization that perhaps she wasn't perfect at an art that was exceptionally susceptible to criticism. There were plenty of opportunities to make something in her own aesthetic, it wasn't like she was being stifled. There was a considerable amount of downtime where she filled the front cooler with her own creations- enigmatically giving each of them their own names like "Autumn Walk" or "First Snowfall." (This is not something that we do, on the whole.)

 Not very many of those sold.

 But I think what bugged me the most is that she only ever designed. She didn't take out the trash, she didn't answer phones, she never helped customers. She just... did flowers. Nothing else.

 Oh... and the chatter.

 "Do you travel? Oh, you simply MUST go to Bali sometime! You've never been to Asia? Well, there's nothing like achieving inner peace at a Buddhist temple on a mountaintop in Nepal. They have temples here in Ohio, but it's nothing like the real thing! You say you've never even been off the continent? Well, what are you waiting for? You only live once, you know!"

 Ma'am... we're in the middle of a pandemic. Ma'am... I only get paid so much...

 While trying to relate, I talked about my summer in Montana and she gave me the BIGGEST stank-face. "Montana? Ew, WHY?"

 Look, lady- I lived on a mountaintop next to an active, world-destroying volcano system. If that's not cool, I don't know what is.

 But thankfully, she only worked on weekends. See, this was her fun job. The job she does to stay social during a pandemic and flex her creative muscles while she makes money at her much more lucrative,but boring,HR job. So I only had to see her twice a month when I was manager on duty.

 Then she got fired from her weekday job and went full-time at the flower shop. Poor thing wasn't used to waking up at 7am every day. She was full of suggestions.

 "I think it would be easier for me if we only opened at like... 11am."

"Don't you think we should be taking proper photos of our work? All we would need is a nice camera and a soft lighting setup. Couldn't be much more than $1000."

"Oh I know! We should be doing inventory on tablets instead of writing things down!"

 Okay, you go buy those things then. It took her about a week of making those suggestions to realize that she wasn't real clear on how things worked around here and stopped. She became quiet, less enthusiastic about her 'fun' job now that she wasn't immediately the star of the show.

 Enter Yeehaw.

 We were excited about Yeehaw, too. He didn't just have experience with flowers- he had experience with a flower shop. He gave a good interview, he seemed like he knew what he was doing and was very passionate about flowers. He was definitely an entire hippie, but about 1/3 of all plant people are. Most importantly, we still had like three spots to fill left from our pre-Covid staff.

 Hired.

 There was an overlap of about a week where Aggie and Yeehaw worked at the same time. His work was... immaculate. Just... astonishingly beautiful work. You didn't even have to show him how to make anything. He just... knew.

 Well, Aggie didn't  like that much- we had only nice things to say about this new guy but all she ever got was criticism. And if we complimented him on something he made, he would give a little 'namaste' bow. And I could see her fuming with rage each time he did this.

 One day, she rushed into the back to take a phone call and any time someone went back there for a vase she would lower her voice as if keeping a deep secret. Twenty minutes later, she called Grandpa into the back as well to discuss something. Ten minutes later, Aggie left the building with her Live, Laugh, Love bag, looking pissed.

 "Where did Aggie go," I asked Grandpa.

 "She got a new job," she said. "Doing HR somewhere."

 "She didn't even say good-bye," Blue said, appearing unsurprised.

 And so we went on with out lives without really putting much further thought into Aggie, apart from the occasional 'you simply MUST visit Bali' line thrown in for bougie emphasis.

 Which brings us to the next part of the story, and that is Yeehaw.

 There are some details to know about Yeehaw that are kind of difficult to fit into a story neatly. Here is a brief list that may come in handy to know later.

-He lives with his mother.

-He drives a Tesla.

-He can afford the Tesla because he was in a terrible wreck that had him hospitalized, and a lawsuit was won.

-Because of this, he has two screws in his head at the temples.

-Unrelated, he has hair that goes all the way down to his back.

- And...

 "Grandpa, we need to tell you something," Blue said. "In private."

 Blue and Kali pulled Grandpa aside while Yeehaw slowly put together a funeral order. "Grandpa, there's no polite way to put this: Yeehaw is drunk as fuck."

 "He smells like whiskey," Kali said.

 "He's stumbling everywhere."

 "And he won't stop... burping."

 Grandpa paused. "There's something I need to tell you," she said, and she reached for a manila folder. "Yeehaw has something called... what's it called..." She leafed through the file and produced a paper, reading from it. "Auto-brewery Syndrome. His body actually produces alcohol anytime he eats bread or sugar. If he's drunk, it's because he can't help it."

 We each had a chance to go over the doctor's note, verifying that yes- that sure does look official. Everyone had questions, but it did answer the one I had about why he was sitting in the break room literally drinking peanut butter from the jar.

 So that was incredibly interesting and we no longer asked about the burping or why he was so slow.  

 However, the fact that he was so slow was extremely frustrating. Our average number of orders runs approximately 100 per-day. This can be eased somewhat when we have a full-staff with five designers- an average of 20 designs per person in an 8-hour day, 3 per hour.

 But it's a fine line some days, and if one person cannot keep up it turns into a struggle for all of us.  

 We did our best to accommodate. We gave him all the day-ahead orders so that we wouldn't be behind and he'd have all the time he'd need to make his gorgeous pieces.

 We were willing to make it work.

 A number of factors came into play one day, but most notably: Yeehaw's Tesla wouldn't start and he had to take the bus. So he was late.

 I think I saw him make one entire item in the two hours that we were in the same room. He went to lunch around 12:30, I took mine around 1:00. I saw him stumble back in from lunch, looking... out of it. Just... absolutely incomprehensible- mumbling, barely upright, his hair out of the bun, quite possibly sleepwalking- who knows?

 I saw him for that brief Sasquatch moment... and that was the last that I saw him that day. It was around 4:00 that  Grandpa asked the question:

 "Where's Yeehaw?"

 And no one had an answer. We all had places that we thought we'd seen him: cleaning the cooler, in the break room, heading to the bathroom... but no one had really... seen him since he stumbled back in around 1:30.

 We checked all these places.

 None of them.

 The person who actually managed to find him was Sarge, who noticed his feet sticking out from behind the bushes behind the building.

 "Huh," he said, presumably. He gave the feet a light kick and Yeehaw slowly sat back up. "Hey dude. You... okay, there? They're lookin' for you inside."

 Yeehaw mumbled something to Sarge and got to his feet, stumbling back into the shop without further interaction. He appeared into the workspace, holding a branch in front of his face for mysterious reasons. There were still twigs entangled in his long hair.

 "Where were you at," Grandpa asked, concerned.

 "Oh, I was in the bathroom," he lied from behind the branch of mystery. "I'm pretty tired. Is it okay if I go home?"

 Bewildered, Grandpa gave him permission to leave. It was soon after he left that Scout found his phone in the empty sink. "Who's trying to wash their phone," he asked in the loud manner that is characteristic of old white men. It rang while in his hand and one of our designers snatched it from him. It was his mother.

 "Hello," said the designer. "Yeehaw went home early, but he left his phone behind. Can you bring it home to him?" Mom agreed, she was just over at Trader Joe's anyhow.

 We thought, of course, that we were doing something smart and nice. Yeehaw's mom looks just about what you would expect the mother of a 30-year-old hippie that drives a Tesla to look. Grandpa, in a polite way, explained that he'd fallen asleep in a bush. To which Mom seemed neither surprised nor concerned about his behavior.

 "Okay. I'll be at Hallmark."

 Somewhere between the bus stop and Bexley, Yeehaw must have realized that his phone was not with him and so he came back looking for it. Despite his mother being literally in the same strip mall as we were, he seemed irritated that we'd taken the initiative to make sure his phone got to him.

 "Well, I bet if you just went down to Hallmark she'd give you your phone and probably give you a ride home."

 He mumbled something and then left.

 This seems like a decent place to pause, because him leaving the second time in the day should be the end of the story. However... at 5:00 in the evening there was still two hours left in the work day and from past experience... that is plenty of time for a lot of things to happen.

 The thing to happen was a phone call.

 "Hi, this is Jade from the main store. We've gotten... some... interesting phone calls. Is there... a... hmm... is there a dead body out in front of your store?"

 Pause.

 "We'll take care of it, bye."

 Who wants to be the one to poke the cadaver on the sidewalk? A volunteer from the audience! Ms Crowe: won't you come down?!

 I have had it planted firmly in my mind that Crowe certainly understands the concept of fear but does not recognize it. Apart from being one of our most reliable drivers, she is also a performer, a street medic, an activist, and most notably... a fire-breather.

 You have your hobbies.

 Point is- she's brave enough to check to see if the person laying on the sidewalk was dead or simply overdosed.

 As it turns out, it was Yeehaw- curled up in the fetal position with his arm covering his face.

 "Hey," Crowe said, poking him with her foot. "Heeeeeeey," she said again but more firmly this time. He moved, blinking in the evening the sun. "Buddy, you can't be laying around on the sidewalk. You gotta move on."

 Again, he slowly got to his feet. At this time, his mother emerged from Hallmark to see him talking with Crowe. A group of four people escorted him into Mom's car while he stopped every few feet to perform another 'namaste' bow.

 You think this is the end. But what have we learned?

 There's always more.

 He came in the next day as if none of this had happened. Conversation was difficult because we both desperately needed to know what the fuck happened and also did not want to trigger something. So we didn't bring it up. He apologized for leaving early: chronic fatigue syndrome, you know.

 Other places would have fired him, but we're a very forgiving workplace. Falling asleep on company time is not, in any way, the worst thing that someone has done at this location while still keeping their job. There was Sugar and her drugs, there was the dude that used the company van to pick up prostitutes (this was before my time), there was the guy that screamed at customers over the phone... it's a long list.

 The primary concern of our employers is whether or not you are a reliable person. If you routinely show up for your job and do the work, you're going to be okay at least for a little bit. And Yeehaw, for all his impeccable fuckery, at least showed up every day.

 We kept this at the back of our minds.

 One day, after the Day We Found Him In a Bush was behind us, one of the designers mentioned that they'd seen where Aggie works now. It was not in HR.

 It was our major competitor.

 Now, Grandpa knows this competitor well. She knows all her competition. It is the nature of a lot of florists to, once they've gotten sick of one place, move on to the next one and spill the beans on their operations there. So Grandpa gets the dirt on everyone.

 This particular shop was very regimented. You don't wing it- you follow the recipe as listed. He's been known to pick discarded flowers up off the floor and tell you exactly how much  money you're costing the company by letting it fall, to the cent. If you get so far as to make casket sprays, he will take your first one and chuck it across the room if it even looks like the stems are in there too loosely.

 This is what I mean about us being an easy place to work.

 Hashtag: #ohfuck.

 People come in and out of your life like that, in little ways. Sometimes you just have to have a little laugh at it. But what I thought was funny was that she felt the need to keep her new employer a secret, as though we would get jealous or tattle. Curious thing.

 Now that the glamour of Yeehaw's arrangements had worn off, we were starting to see more and more odd behaviors that didn't seem completely related to drunkenness.

 "Did you just fart?"

 "No, that was a spider barking."

 Amazing.

 Conversation with him was becoming... difficult. As I sat in the break room with my quick lunch and he drank soup out of a mayonnaise jar, he mentioned his area of study in college.

 "Cognitive Psychology and Hindu Philosophy, huh? That's an interesting combination."

 "Yeah," he said, funneling an amount of squash soup down his throat. "It'll take the rest of the world about 100 years before they catch up to where I am."

 I sat, posed in front of my beef and broccoli which I was eating with a fork, trying to process a logical reason why the rest of the world will be sleeping in a bush in one hundred years. "Uh... huh."

 This was followed by another thirty minutes of silence where I desperately wanted to know what he meant by that but didn't want to be the one to ask him.

 People will tell you that a hippie is generally an ineffective, benign kind of person who chants 'love love, peace peace' in a circle and consider that to be an action for change. But I can say with absolute certainty that I have met some downright egotistical hippies in my life. Those were lessons in bias- which I will have to save for other times.

 Eventually, Grandpa became frustrated with his slowness. We presumed that his speed of choice was a combination of his meticulous nature and his various ailments, but with the Christmas season coming upon us it was becoming much more than a series of symptoms.

 Previous persons who lacked speed were chatty, would play on their phone, or get distracted. But Yeehaw... Yeehaw simply moved like a tranquilized sloth. He slowly picked off each leaf, each thorn, each guard petal and took a minute for each action. He would put in his greens and then contemplate it powerfully for ten minutes before putting any flowers in... slowly.

 In the time spent doing this, I had already made something of a similar size and was starting on the second one.

 It was during one of these times that Grandpa finally said something.

 "Yeehaw, that spray is due in thirty minutes. Is there a way you can go any faster?"

 He looked up from his greens, held one carnation to his face, and said:

 "If you wanted me to move faster, you would pay me better."

 Let me start by saying that we do not get paid well. We don't. Compared to other flower shops in our city, we are probably the lowest-paid. This is something that the company is starting to work on with benefits and raises, but any amount of change takes time. (And its still better paying than when I worked in retail. But that's another book.)

 Yeehaw had been here for exactly one month. I don't know a single workplace that gives you a raise after one month and still lets you sleep on the clock without firing you. He knew what he was getting paid when we hired him.

 So anyways, he slowly grinds down our nerves to a very fine dust- burping, farting, falling asleep on his feet, staring intensely into space, talking about how much he should be making but isn't, bragging about his enlightenment, and generally just slowing down production.

 And then Grandpa had her well-earned vacation week. Blue was in charge for the most part and the week leading up to Halloween is generally pretty slow, so it was a good week for her to have a break with few mishaps.

 Eh... hehe. Yeah.

 Yeehaw... disappeared again. We checked the cooler, we checked the break room, we checked the bushes out back, we checked the sidewalk out front.

 He was in the bathroom.

 So we left it.

 He was still in the bathroom an hour later.

 We had one of the male drivers pound on the door to check on him. When Yeehaw opened the door to the men's room, there was a wad of toilet paper on the floor that he'd been using as a pillow.

 If I may pause here to explain- our men's room is disgusting. I have deep cleaned it several times only for it to become a germ-fest once more in a matter of hours. I don't ask who is peeing all over the floor because, honestly, I have no desire to know what grown man can't aim his willy in the right direction.

 So in order to fall asleep in the bathroom, you have to be willing to sleep in pee. During a pandemic.

 He reappeared in the workroom, put his apron back on, looked around at all of us still working and said: "Wow, it must be really hard to get fired here."

 It was at this point that Blue informed Grandpa.

 "Tell him that he's fired," Grandpa said, clearly 1001% done with this.

 "I'm not going to fire him," Blue said. "I don't think I can fire anyone."

 So she had the driver that found him do it, which was confusing for all of us. He ended up calling Grandpa to clarify. And by 'clarify,' I definitely mean 'beg for his job back.' A synopsis of the 20 minute phone call went like this:

 "What do you mean, I'm fired?"

 "Just that. You're fired. I'm tired of it, Yeehaw. You don't work here anymore."

 "Why?"

 "What do you mean 'why?' You spend all day making a total of three arrangements and then you wander off somewhere and fall asleep."

 "I can't help it if I have chronic fatigue syndrome!"

 "This is a physical job. If your body can't handle an 8-hour shift without falling asleep for two hours, this isn't the job for you. Tell me: where is that fair to the girls that you do 3% of the work while they pick up the slack and you wander off to sleep on the clock?"

 "I simply do not care about them."

 "You don't care that you're shoving all the work on your coworkers, and that's why you're fired."

 "I wish you'd given me a warning."

 "Tell me, Yeehaw: how many employers can you find that will allow you to sleep on the clock for two hours and let you off with a warning?"

 End of discussion.

 Now, you're probably wondering where Aggie comes back into this. Just hold tight, I'll get there.

 The Sunday after he was fired, he came in to pick up his paycheck. I was busy handling a minor emergency where one of our funeral homes forgot to order a spray and I had to make one as fast as I could. We held a brief conversation while I made the spray in a hurry.

 "I'm here to pick up my check," he said while I greened the spray and leafed through the paychecks simultaneously.

 "Here you go," I said, handing it to him without much fanfare. I presumed that he was looking for sympathy or some kind of followup or... I don't know. Sorry you suddenly care about your job?

 "So what are your next plans," one of the designers asked, trying to coax more information out of him while I did the work of three people.

 "It's kind of funny," he said slowly... as he did all things. "I've only ever been fired from flower shops." He paused, thoughtfully. "I think I'm going to go apply to the shop in Bexley that Aggie went to."

#as the world turnips

[cimerran-714]

Hello! I hope you're doing well. The purpose of this short "composition" is to closely analyze some of the key H/Hr moments in the books (I haven't watched all the movies, so you won't find anything about the films here).

And I know it should be obvious, but I seriously don't mind the R/Hr or H/G ship. It's none of my business. So please refrain from taking anything out of context/misappropriate the things I say. I mean absolutely no offence to any Canon pairings.

Even if you don't ship them, I'm sure you can't deny that both Harry and Hermione have an incredibly close platonic relationship together. I've heard people narrate some of the "finest" H/Hr moments while explaining why they're fit to be soulmates. There's a high probability that you'd come across them when talking to a H/Hr shipper. However, there are a few scenes in the books (which, in retrospect, are really 'sweet') I haven't heard others talk about often.

In this essay, I'd like to share some of the best scenes in the Potter books, immediately followed by an underrated moment.

Let's dig in.

Best moment:

The hug in Philosopher's/Sorceror's Stone.

Ah, isn't it obvious? This is certainly one of the finest moments that kickstarts the strong dynamic between Harry and Hermione. I really like this scene. It's powerful on a number of levels.

Romione shippers tend to provide a parallel to exemplify the attraction between the remaining members of the Golden Trio (Hermione apologizing about Scabbers and sobbing onto Ron's shoulders). But in my eyes, there's certainly something different about her hugging Harry.

Firstly, we've got to consider the context. When Hermione embraced Ron, it happened on the second page of a different chapter. On the contrary, anything that occurs at the end of any chapter/book sticks in our minds for a long time.

I'm going off on a tangent here, just to make sure you get the point. This trope (though I'm not sure I can it that) happens a lot of times in the Harry Potter books.

A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under the inky sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Harry Potter rolled over inside his blankets without waking up. One small hand closed on the letter beside him and he slept on, not knowing he was special, not knowing he was famous, not knowing he would be woken in a few hours' time by Mrs. Dursley's scream as she opened the front door to put out the milk bottles, nor that he would spend the next few weeks being prodded and pinched by his cousin Dudley... He couldn't know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: "To Harry Potter -- the boy who lived!"

This scene hits home for a lot of reasons.

Look, most of us can't help feeling sorry for Harry here. His parents are dead, which (as McGonagall claimed) is a horrible thing to have happened. We've also seen at the beginning of the book that the Dursleys hate the Potters.

It's distressing to realize that a one-year-old is about to be raised by a family who doesn't like him at all.

And the fact that the entire wizarding world is celebrating Volde... sorry, You-Know-Who's downfall, while the boy sleeps on innocently (without any knowledge of what's just happened), is even more saddening. No, he simply couldn't know what'd happened to his life, that witches and wizards all over the country are toasting him.

It's bittersweet.

Moving on:

Deciding that he'd worry about the Hogsmeade form when he woke up, Harry got back into bed and reached up to cross off another day on the chart he'd made for himself, counting down the days left until his return to Hogwarts. Then he took off his glasses and lay down; eyes open, facing his three birthday cards.

Extremely unusual though he was, at that moment Harry Potter felt just like everyone else -- glad, for the first time in his life, that it was his birthday.

This is, yet again, another 'Aww' moment at the end of a chapter. How can you not feel sorry for Harry? Most thirteen-year-olds have already enjoyed a lot of birthdays in the past. But for him, it's something new.

He's glad that it's his birthday for the first time. If I didn't know better, JKR wants us to sympathize with Harry.

And here's a final example:

Harry spun around to see Hermione pointing her wand at Ron, her expression wild: the little flock of birds was speeding like a hail of fat golden bullets toward Ron, who yelped and covered his face with his hands, but the birds attacked, pecking and clawing at every bit of flesh they could reach.

"Gerremoffme!" he yelled, but with one last look of vindictive fury, Hermione wrenched open the door and disappeared through it. Harry thought he heard a sob before it slammed.

I do feel for Ron, getting attacked by a flock of birds was certainly uncalled for. But don't you get the point? The "sob" momentarily diverts our attention towards Hermione.

"Poor Ron, that must have hurt... oh, dear, Hermione's crying."

I think you know what I'm talking about. It's the same thing that happened when Hermione embraced Harry and called him a "Great wizard."

Yes, the H/Hr hug doesn't occur at the last line or anything, but it's certainly just a page before the chapter ends.

"But Harry -- what if You-Know-Who's with him?"

"Well -- I was lucky once, wasn't I?" said Harry, pointing at his scar. "I might get lucky again."

Hermione's lip trembled, and she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms around him.

"Hermione!"

"Harry -- you're a great wizard, you know."

"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him. "Me!" said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery and -- oh Harry -- be careful!"

That's one reason why it's meaningful!

Also, note that Harry's just about to face the 'Big Bad' (at a moment when 'Danger lies ahead of them and safety lies behind'). No one's noticed them hugging, too.

And it wasn't in front of the Portrait Hall or anything, either.

It was deep beneath the ramifications of the castle. It was (probably) around midnight, too.

The situation (arguably, the fate of the wizarding world rests on Harry's shoulders now).

The dialogue ("You're a great wizard, you know" instead of "I'm so sorry about Scabbers")

The atmosphere (It was late at night).

The fact that they were just kids.

All of these make the hug so powerful.

Oh, and it was the first book in the series. 2- Underrated moment:

Harry (and yes, Ron too) saving Hermione from the troll.

What's interesting here is:

1- Harry was the one who immediately thought of Hermione after Dumbledore ordered the Prefects to take everyone to their dormitories (Not Ron).

2- Harry isn't smug about having just saved a stranger's life.

A stranger, moreover, who was considered "interfering".

On the other hand, Ron is a little git.

They passed different groups of people hurrying in different directions. As they jostled their way through a crowd of confused Hufflepuffs, Harry suddenly grabbed Ron's arm.

"I've just thought -- Hermione."

"What about her?"

"She doesn't know about the troll."

Ron bit his lip.

"Oh, all right," he snapped. "But Percy'd better not see us."

It's pretty obvious that, if given the choice, Ron would rather not go after the girl he'd teased in class.

Harry then did something that was both very brave and very stupid: He took a great running jump and managed to fasten his arms around the troll's neck from behind. The troll couldn't feel Harry hanging there, but even a troll will notice if you stick a long bit of wood up its nose, and Harry's wand had still been in his hand when he'd jumped - it had gone straight up one of the troll's nostrils.

Harry's saving both of their lives here (while endangering his own).

Remember that he's only eleven.

"We should have gotten more than ten points," Ron grumbled.

"Five, you mean, once she's taken off Hermione's."

"Good of her to get us out of trouble like that," Ron admitted. "Mind you, we did save her."

"She might not have needed saving if we hadn't locked the thing in with her," Harry reminded him.

Ron thinks they were doing Hermione a favour. Harry, however, is a tad more level-headed. And sensible.

Also, it's somewhat of a stretch, but I believe it proves the point that Harry's true nature is like his mother's (James Potter had boasted around after he saved Snape's life).

Yes, I know it's such a cliche, but Harry is pure at heart.

3-Best moment:

The "mythical" Hippogriff ride:

Now, I've personally never thought much of it. It's a good chapter, yes, but bringing animals into a Shipping war is just... meh.

It's the trust that Harry had in Hermione (when she pulled out the Time turner) that interests me.

Anyhow, it's a pretty common argument posed by H/Hr fans.

Quoting from Wikipedia:

In some traditions, the hippogriff is said to be the symbol of love, as its parents, the mare and griffin, are natural enemies. In other traditions, the hippogriff represents Christ's dual nature as both human and divine.

It occurred in the wee hours of the morning, so I suppose it does have a slightly "mythological" (I can't think of a better word) feel to it.

Again, I'm not sure I can call it my favourite part of the book, especially as Hermione wasn't enjoying riding on Buckbeak.

Underrated moment:

Having fun talking about Filch and Madam Pince.

Enjoying the fact that they could speak normally again, they made their way along the deserted lamp-lit corridors back to the common room, arguing whether or not Filch and Madam Pince were secretly in love with each other.

For Romione shippers who believe that Harry and Hermione are "boring" together, it's a rude awakening.

No, the "arguing" doesn't mean they were actually in a disagreement. It's clear that both of them were having fun.

Enjoying their time, in fact.

It's one of the few 'Harmony' scenes in Half-blood Prince.

I do not believe that either of them was consciously aware of their feelings towards each other, either.

And if it's just a coincidence that they were enjoying talking about being in love, it's certainly a bizarre one.

4-Best moment:

Visiting Godric's Hollow together

"'The last enemy that shall be defeated is death'..." A horrible thought came to him, and with a kind of panic. "Isn't that a Death Eater idea? Why is that there?"

"It doesn't mean defeating death in the way the Death Eaters mean it, Harry," said Hermione, her voice gentle. "It means... you know... living beyond death. Living after death."

But they were not living, thought Harry. They were gone. The empty words could not disguise the fact that his parents' moldering remains lay beneath snow and stone, indifferent, unknowing. And tears came before he could stop them, boiling hot then instantly freezing on his face, and what was the point in wiping them off or pretending? He let them fall, his lips pressed hard together, looking down at the thick snow hiding from his eyes the place where the last of Lily and James lay, bones now, surely, or dust, not knowing or caring that their living son stood so near, his heart still beating, alive because of their sacrifice and close to wishing, at this moment, that he was sleeping under the snow with them.

Hermione had taken his hand again and was gripping it tightly. He could not look at her, but returned the pressure, now taking deep, sharp gulps of the night air, trying to steady himself, trying to regain control. He should have brought something o give them, and he had not thought of it, and every plant in the graveyard was leafless and frozen. But Hermione raised her wand, moved it in a circle through the air, and a wreath of Christmas roses blossomed before them. Harry caught it and laid it on his parents' grave.

As soon as he stood up he wanted to leave: He did not think he could stand another moment there. He put his arm around Hermione's shoulders, and she put hers around his waist, and they turned in silence and walked away through the snow, past Dumbledore's mother and sister, back toward the dark church and the out-of-sight kissing gate.

If it was intended to be a totally platonic visit, why a pose that's very romantic? Also, as someone else had mentioned in their blog, Harry rarely (if never) initiates physical contact with anyone.

There's also a kissing gate present in the Church.

It seems as if JKR has got a flair for writing co-incidences that further cement the H/Hr relationship.

Underrated moment:

Ernie Macmillion's change of heart:

This is simply beautiful, and even more so as Macmillion was aware that Harry can speak Parseltongue (an ability commonly associated with Dark Wizards).

What happens when students are mysteriously turning into stone, and you figure out that one of them was "egging on" a snake during a duelling club? A boy, moreover, who dislikes the Muggles he lives with? Someone who managed to defeat Lord Voldemort himself?

Hmm...

The logical conclusion would be that Harry's got a hand in it. Ernie believed that Harry Potter was the one Petrifying everyone, even a few weeks/months after the attacks stopped.

What takes the Hufflepuff to bring him to his senses?

The fact that Harry would never harm his Muggle-born friend.

I know it's a little thing, but it shows that the whole school (indeed, Ernie belonged to a different House) was aware of how close Harry and Hermione were together.

Note that he'd apologized immediately after a double-attack.

"Harry, harm Hermione Granger? Impossible!"

Macmillian was the one being paranoid, and told tales about Harry to Hannah Abbot.

And yet a single thing changed his mind completely.

To wind up, I'mma give you another part from the first book:

It was as though an iron fist had clenched suddenly around Harry's heart. Over the rustling of the trees, he seemed to hear once more what Hagrid had told him on the night they had met: "Some say he died. Codswallop, in my opinion. Dunno if he had enough human left in him to die." "Do you mean," Harry croaked, "that was Vol-" "Harry! Harry, are you all right?" Hermione was running toward them down the path, Hagrid puffing along behind her.

What's noteworthy is that Hermione apparently doesn't care about staying close to Hagrid and protecting herself. She's so worried about what's happened to Harry that she's rushing along in front of Hagrid.

Throughout the books, you can see Harry being protective of Hermione.

The feeling's mutual ;)

#harry potter #harry x hermione #hermione granger #shipping dynamics

[shewillreadyou]

Me before you: Chapter 3: Excuse me miss

A/N: This is a TRR AU. Liam is already married, but see’s Riley and wants his cake. If the readers are receptive this might turn into more than a mini series. Enjoy!

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language, adult content, mild sexual innuendo. 

Word Count: 3468

Catch up: Haven’t met you Yet  For Real

Prompts: None 

Pairings: Drake & Riley

Song inspiration: Luther Vandross Take you out & Wait for Love

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.

The hot water cascaded down his sculpted body. He groaned as he ran his hands through his luscious chocolate locks. He lathered his shoulders as thoughts of her ran through his mind. He was captivated by her. She seemed to consume his every waking moment. Liam had crossed the line yet again. Every time it seemed his transgressions got more and more out of hand. He refused to allow his friend’s actions to ruin his final couple of days in the states. 

Bastien had taken over the King’s detail while they were in Waxahachie for Savannah’s wedding. For the next 48 hours, Liam was not his charge, he was his friend. His thoughts went back to her. She represented hope, possibility, promise. He had no idea what was to come, but he knew that it would be an exciting adventure if she was at his side.  

As he pulled his white henley tee shirt over his head, his mind went back to the conversation he had at the reception with his cousin Tyler, who was a cyber-security analyst with the Department of Homeland security. Drake explained to Tyler that he would no longer be sitting with him and the rest of the bridal party because the girl who he had been telling Tyler about who works in advertising, who he met in New York was there, and he intended to spend as much time with her as he could. She was something special. She could be the one. “So you invited her to Sav’s wedding?” he inquired. 

“No, actually she is the friend of Sav’s college roommate, Mackenzie, and came as her plus one. I had no idea she would be here.”

 “Sounds like fate.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that of all the places in the world this one person could be, she is here at your sister’s wedding... in Waxahachie, TX. If this girl is the one, you’re screwed. You might as well spruce up your resume. She’s a career woman. She is not going to move to Cordonia for you, and you suck at long-distance relationships. I can probably get you in at my job. My guy Rob in HR owes me a favor.”

“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever get the courage to ask her out,” he told Tyler.

The truth was, he could easily see a future with Riley. She’s beautiful, honest, smart, quick-witted, and kind. His cousin’s words bounced around in his head as he pulled on his favorite distressed jeans giving himself a quick once over in the full-length mirror in the room his Mom had decorated for him at the ranch after she returned to the states when his dad passed.

He opened his laptop and took a look around the room. The Walker Ranch had been in his father’s family for several generations being passed down to the eldest male child, like each generation before. Drake stayed in Cordonia after his father died and was handsomely compensated by the crown. His college education was covered, and he and his sister received a stipend each month. Drake was always taught to do a lot with little and to save the rest. For years he lived at the palace and saved every penny. Being friends with Liam, he learned how to invest wisely and he did pretty well in the stock market. His newest pastime had been real estate investment. He had been buying foreclosed homes in and around Dallas and having his Mom’s brothers and his cousins fix them up before selling them for a generous profit. 

He was curious, he was now the rightful owner of the Walker Ranch. It had struggled in the past, but because of his business plans and wise investment, the family business was as strong as it had ever been and his mom was nearing retirement age. What if he and Riley did end up together? He knew the plan was for his cousin Miranda to replace his mom when she was ready, while he retained ownership, but where would that leave him? He pulled up the DHS website and clicked on the careers tab. He was reading a description of a position that he believed he would qualify for, Intelligence Analyst.  

Just then Liam plowed through his door without warning. 

“Li! What the fuck man?” he shouted as he closed his laptop abruptly. 

“My apologies, I hope I'm not interrupting.  I just wanted to apologize if I offended you. You were right, any woman can be a lot. Carsyn is not speaking to me, she thinks I'm interested in Riley.”

“You are interested in Riley. She's just not interested in you and it's killing you. Let me ask you something, why is it so hard for you to grasp that a smart beautiful woman would be interested in me over you?”

“It’s just.. It’s not that. I'm not accustomed to rejection. It intensifies my want for her.”

“ I hate to cut our conversation short but I have to head out. I’ve got a few stops to make before I pick up Riley.”

“Then I shall take my leave. Enjoy! Smart man, planning a date when it’s going to storm. I’m sure you won’t have a problem closing tonight,” he said as he left the room.

The evening came and Drake drove along the winding Country Road towards the city. He tapped his thumb against the steering wheel to the beat of Chris Stapleton’s, “Starting Over.”

Then he switched from Prime country to the Heart and Soul station on his XM Radio. If he was going to have her in his life it meant embracing all aspects of it. He knew that music was a big thing for her and although she would listen to a little bit of everything she loved R&B and Jazz.  A song by Luther Vandross came on and to his surprise, it was not very different from the country music he listened to all the time. The chorus was catchy and very fitting. 

“Excuse me Miss, what's your name? Where are you from, and can I come? And possibly, can I take you out tonight?”

He found himself humming the tune as he stepped into the local Nursery to pick up a houseplant to go along with the Pinot Grigio he bought as a gift for Riley.  He decided on a Prayer Plant. 

It was relatively low maintenance and he thought it would be entertaining to watch it curl up in darkness. He didn't want to do the same flowers and candy that everyone does. He wanted to take her something that she would keep for a while, and possibly would make her think of him when she saw it.  As much as he didn't want to admit it the thought of her dating someone else while he was back in Cordonia was driving him insane. 

He was nervous and he couldn't figure out why. They were just going to hear some live music.  But he wanted to impress her so badly. He knew that it was more likely that he would end up putting his foot in his mouth but with her, for some reason, it did not matter. When he pulled up in front of her place he put on ChapStick, and reached into his glove box, sprayed on some Chrome, and checked his breath before quickly gathering the gifts for her and heading toward the door. He tucked the house plant under his arm as he smoothed over his clothes as the elevator took him to her floor.  A small lump formed in his throat as he approached her door. 

She opened the door and his breath caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. She was dressed in a denim outfit with matching stiletto boots and oddly enough, the denim matched his jeans. It would almost appear planned. He was secretly thrilled. She smiled at him and he was sure he forgot his own name for a few seconds. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him sweetly on the cheek.

“Hey Drake, you smell delicious.”

 “Hey. Thanks. These are for you.”

“Aww, you brought me a houseplant and wine? I’m not worthy, but I love it. Thank you. Come in! I promise I’m almost ready.”

She sat the plant on the counter and placed the wine in her wine fridge. 

“You look greeeeat,” she squealed. 

“Thanks. So do you.”

“So how’d you know what kind of wine I like?” she asked as she finished her eye makeup in the mirror. 

“Observant, I guess. I saw a bottle in the trash when I was here yesterday.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Are you ready?”

He stood moving to open the door for her. “After you.” They made it downstairs as a couple of her neighbors made it home from what he only assumed was church. He couldn’t figure out if the staring was due to her outfit or if it was because she was with him. He looked at her in awe as she strutted with confidence to his car. 

He opened the door for her and she smiled before thanking him. 

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. She was rattling on and on about the artist performing in the festival and he was secretly praying she wouldn’t ask him a question that required an intelligent answer. She kept touching his biceps and his hand. Her hands were so soft and he was sooo turned on. He hoped that she didn’t notice the bulge in his pants and think that he was a creep. He wondered if she kept touching him because she was nervous too?

“Um, Ri? You good?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You are extremely chatty and you keep touching me.”

“I’m excited. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself, but the way this henley hugs your arms,” she wiggled her eyebrows. 

He let out a low chuckle as he quickly glanced at her for the seventh time.

“Are you ok?” 

“Yeah, never better. Why?” 

“You keep looking at me.”

He grinned keeping his eyes on the road. They were nearing the venue when she glanced at his pants. He immediately assumed that she spotted his retreating erection. 

“What?”

“We’re matching you know. People are going to think we did this purposely.”

“Do you care what others think?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Good because we’re here.”

They parked and he asked her to stay put for a moment. He got out of the truck and grabbed a blanket and wicker picnic basket. He walked around the truck and opened the door for her and she blushed furiously as she stepped out.

They made their way to a free spot among the crowd. Riley noticed a few glares from both men and women, who obviously had an issue with she and Drake being there together. Then she smiled as one woman gave her a smile, wink and thumbs up as she stood to the side watching while Drake spread the blanket and invited Riley to sit. She knew that some people would have opinions of them being an interracial couple, but Drake didn’t seem bothered. In fact, she thought it showed how courageous he was. When another woman mouthed, “That’s a good look!”

She bit the inside of her cheek trying not to smile. The truth was she didn’t need any validation. She knew Drake was a catch. The fact that he was easy on the eyes was a bonus.  

“What’s in the basket?”

“Uh, a little something my mom helped me with.”

He opened the basket and pulled out wine glasses, a bottle of her favorite Pinot Grigio, cheese, cashews, summer sausage, deli turkey, sliced cucumbers, grapes, strawberries, whipped cream and 2 brownies. The opening act took the stage and Drake pulled Riley close. 

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“I am,” she said coyly as she settled between his legs.

They cuddled for a bit before eating, until one of the performers played a rendition of The Gap Band’s, “Outstanding.” She jumped up and pulled Drake with her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and swayed back and forth with Riley. She felt so comfortable in his arms, he actually had rhythm. There went another stereotype out the window, it just felt right. 

After several acts had gone on and several glasses of wine later Riley settled in his lap as a performer started to play a slower song. “I love Luther,” Riley squealed as she began to sing along.

Knowing love the way I do

I can say for certain that it's true

There's a chance for me and you.

I surely feel like the time is near

The picture in my mind is very clear

I think love has brought us here

I remember not too long ago

I was just a lonely person

With a lonely heart, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be,

Be a chance

For me to get the love

That I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love

And you're gonna get the chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love oh, my

When you take the chance on love you'll see

It's not a waste of time if you truly believe

The impossible can be..

So hold on tight if you think you're right

Cause nothing hurts as bad as when you see

You gave up too easily

Now I remember spending all my time

On a dream that kept me wishing that you could be mine, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be, be a chance, whoa

I never stopped believing there could one day be, be a chance

For me to get the love that I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love, and you're going to get your

Chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love

And you'll get the love that you've been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

But wait for love

And you're going to get your chance to love.

Drake couldn’t help but hang on to her every word. He wondered if she was trying to send him a message through the lyrics. She had a voice like an angel and when the song ended he was breathless. 

“Ms. Riley sings too?”

She giggled as she rested her head on Drake's shoulder, her back to his strong chest. He fed her  grapes then strawberries with whipped cream soliciting jealous glances from some nearby onlookers. She made sure to let her lips and tongue graze his fingers.  For a few blissful moments, they both silently enjoyed the closeness.

“You know, this is pretty cool,” he whispered in her ear.

She smiled as his breath tickled her ear. Feeling the effects of the wine, she paused for a few moments before she responded.

“What’s that?”

“This. Us. The festival. It all just feels right.”

She wordlessly looked up at him. She wondered if she could will him to kiss her with her “come get it eyes.”  Suddenly, a torrential downpour covered the venue, leaving Drake and Riley scrambling to gather the blanket and basket before sprinting to his Jeep. Before they could get there he stopped snaking his arm around her pulling her close. 

This was it, he was going to do it, it was now or never. If she was the onehe wanted to look back at their first date and tell a romantic tale of their first kiss in the rain. Now was the time. He leaned in and when she opened her eyes her lips found his instantly. It was everything she expected and more. It was hungry and passionate and lustful and it made her lady parts twitch. When he pulled away he watched her for signs of regret, but her eyes said she wanted more. 

“Hurry, get in,” Drake urged her as he took the time to throw the basket and blanket in the back.

They were both soaked. She laughed hysterically when he finally got inside. 

“This entertains you, does it?”

She nodded as she continued laughing, her eyes were clenched tightly. 

He went back in taking her lips again as it continued to storm all around them. Her hands roamed his body and her eyes went wide when she made contact with the bulge in his pants. Another stereotype out the window…Drake cupped the back of her dripping head with his left hand deepening the kiss while his right hand explored the soft skin of her thigh as a soft moan escaped her. Suddenly his phone rang, “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood blasted from his pocket startling Riley. Drake huffed and looked at her with apologetic eyes before answering.

“Mom? What’s up?”

“I’m so sorry for interrupting your date Drizzy.”

Riley smiled.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

“The power is out and the generator didn’t kick in. I gave Larry the weekend off..”

“I’ll be there as soon as I get Riley home safely. Sit tight.”

“Thanks Driz. How’d it go? Did you kiss her?”

“Mom! She can hear you.”

“Hi, Mrs.Walker.” Riley chimed in.

“Hi, sweetheart. Did he kiss you?”

Riley laughed again. 

“Bye Mom!”

Drake ended the call and turned to Riley, cheeks flushed red.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“For the way, tonight is ending. For my Mom.” 

“Nothing could ruin today. Not even your Mom Drizzy,” she laughed again.

‘Geez, Ri that was below the belt.”

His comment made her think about his bulge and she began to blush.

“Are you blushing?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s too embarrassing to share.”

“Now you know I won’t stop until you tell me.”

When they pull into her neighborhood the entire area is pitch black. Her building was also dark. 

“Good thing I have candles.”

“Or you could go back to the ranch with me,” he said shyly.

“Really? I don’t want to put anyone out.”

“It’s just Mom and I. Liam and Carsyn should be out for the evening. Besides, I promised you dinner and it’s Sunday, I bet my mom cooked.”

“I can’t meet your Mom looking like this. I’ll be ok.”

“Riley, I’m not leaving you alone in the dark.”

“If you want to spend more time with me just say that.”

“Fine, I want to spend more time with you and I’m not leaving you alone in the dark. My Mom would kill me. Pleaaase! I can get you one of Sav’s outfits. I promise it will be an adventure.”

“Okay, I’ll go. But only because you’re so cute when you beg.”

He bit his lip. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Drake Arrington Walker!” she warned.

“Too much?” He smiled.

When they arrived at the ranch, Drake showed Riley to his room and gave her towels and a change of clothes while he went to help with the generator. She quickly showered, pulled her hair up into a messy bun and moisturized with his Nivea lotion that she found on the counter she walked back into his bedroom pulling on the leggings she borrowed. She was still bare from the waist up when the door opened. Her back was turned when she looked over her shoulder to reprimand him.

“Drake!” 

“Riley, it’s me, Liam.”

Riley screamed as she scrambled to cover herself.

“Get out!”

“My mistake. I thought Drake was in here. But this, you are much better.”

“Get. Out.”

“Come on, what’s a little fun between friends?” he asked as he closed the door.

Before she could answer Drake barreled into the room, his fist connected with Liam’s jaw before he tackled him. 

“Have fun with me you bastard, I told you to leave her the fuck alone,” he yelled as Bastien pulled Drake off of Liam. Riley watched the entire scene in horror from the corner.

“Get the fuck out Li!” 

After Bastien escorted Liam back to the guest house, Drake checked on Riley.

“Are you hurt? He didn’t touch you did he?” 

“No, I’m more embarrassed than anything. He walked in without knocking while I was changing.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about him.”

“What in tarnation is all that racket back here?” Bianca asked as she turned the corner.   

“Just Li being a creep. Everything is fine Mom.”

Riley stood when Bianca entered the room. 

“Riley, this is my Mom, Bianca. Mom, this is my Riley.” 

His eyes went wide as soon as the words left his mouth. He grimaced as Riley extended her hand to his Mom. Bianca pulled Riley into her embrace instead. 

“It’s nice to meet the girl who makes Driz nervous.”

“Mom!”

Riley laughed.

Come on darling, I know y’all were supposed to get dinner. It’s Sunday so I cooked some pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans and for dessert, banana pudding funnel cakes.

“Oh my God, Mrs. Walker, that sounds amazing. Drake, you were holding out on me.”

“Not, really. Maybe I wanted to cook for you first.”

@txemrn @pixie88 @secretaryunpaid@khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @rideordiechronicles @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20 @choicesficwriterscreations @no-one-u-know @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @thefrenchiemama​ @somersetmummy​

TRR: @twinkleallnight  @bebepac @mainstreetreader @romereadingshop @romewritingshop @lem-20 @texaskitten30

#choices fanfiction #the royal romance #drake walker #drake x riley #me before you #fanfic #fandom #fanfiction #trr #trr au fanfic #naughty liam #follow shewillreadyou #jazz drizzy #kim reads #kim writes #kim reblogs

[taehoneycheeks]

Storms don't last forever

"After having a bad day, you relish in the arms of your boyfriend. But as he is, his ways of comforting are also unique. Not that you are complaining."

Pairing : Hoseok × reader

Genre : Fluff 💫

Note : relationship!AU

Wordcount : 1.8k

Warning : Deals with emotions like sadness and frustration. Harmless straddling. Kissing. Pg_13

Credit : @taehoneycheeks ©️

It was one of those days. One of those shitty days when everything went wrong for some reason. You were walking down the street with a fussy mind and as if your day couldn't get any better, it started raining due to which you had to wait under a bus stand for the rain to stop. After half an hour, the rain stopped pouring. Your home was still a few blocks away and luckily you didn't even got a taxi this time so you had to walk all the way from your office to your home.

Suddenly your ankle shifted and you accidentally stepped in a puddle on the road. Your shoes were covered in mud now which made your heart drop. A pit was already formed in your stomach. Your throat was now heavy with a bile slowly taking its form in it. You were trying to keep all your emotions at bay but truthfully they were all over your head. Sadness, failure, resentment were all you could think of. All you wanted to do was to go home and rest in the arms of your boyfriend's and forget about all your worries.

While you were deep in your thoughts, you didn't even realized that you were walking towards the threshold of your home. Crossing the threshold, you reached for the handle of your door and sucked in a deep breath hoping it would keep the dam of your emotions stable. Hoping it would dissolve the bile in your throat. Slowly you opened the door. Removing your shoes, you entered the living room.

"Babe! Is it you?" Hoseok asked from the bedroom. His voice ringing in your head. Suddenly, the bile in your throat too heavy, making it difficult for you to breath. But then again you didn't wanted to sadden him with your foolish reasons so you took a deep breath and made your voice as cheery as you could and said-

"Yeah its me!" you said but regretted it as your voice cracked at the last word. After a minute or so you heard soft thud of footsteps coming down the stairs. You mentally prepared yourself to not waver. To not show him that you just want to hide yourself in his arms. You wanted to be strong for him.

Then you saw him. He was wearing his blue mang pajamas and looked like he just removed his face mask because of the extra shine on his cheeks. But what caught your attention the most was his smile. He was smiling brightly, showing his pearl white teeth, forming his eyes in a cresent shape. He was happy to see you. Happy to see you back. Happy to see you safe, and that made your heart sore. You tried, really tried to hide your tears but just the sight of Hoseok was enough for you.

That dam of emotions burst and so did your tears. Heavy droplets streamed across your cheeks. You buried your face in your hands. Your knees started to buckle. All your emotions were flowing from your eyes.

Hoseok immediately reacted and buried your face in his chest. His one hand coming to rest on your lower back - by habit - while the other was stroking your head gently.

"Jagi....what happened?" he sounded worried, exactly what you were trying to avoid, but you couldn't help it. The emotions overwhelmed you and you just wanted to let it all out. As if reading your mind Hoseok picked you up, your legs locking around his waist, and lead you through the room and sat on the sofa.

He didn't seem to mind your clothes or your smell. He just cradled you like a baby while you were straddling him and sobbing on his shoulder. You hid your face in the crook of his neck, savoring his smell. He smelled like cherry, just like his face mask.

Your eyes were stinging at this point. Your head was throbbing and your nose was stuffy. Your throat was sore but you just had too much on your mind and couldn't keep up. You felt really tired and your eyes felt like they weight thousand tons so you lazily closed them for a while.

"Baby.." you heard him and then felt a soft hand on your head slowly motioning you to move. You didn't knew when you fell asleep, must be because of the soft touch or the warmth or the fact that you cried your heart out. You removed your head from his neck and slowly opened you eyes locking them with Hoseok's and saw that he was sick worried.

"What happened?" he asked again "Did someone said something to you?" he questioned and you stirred your head in a yes gesture. "Who was it?" his voice was calm, probably to not make you uncomfortable, but anger clearly reflected from his eyes.

"It was my fault. Everything is my fault." you stated, your words cracking because of your sore throat.

"I just had a really shitty day. Today I forgot my company batch at home due to which I had to wait half an hour outside then when I sat on my desk, my knee hit the table" you said showing him your bruised knee and heard him gasp

"Let me get some ice for you!" he exclaimed but you cut him and said "No, please.." trailing off.

"Okay then tell me everything that's worrying you" he said and you continued, thankful to him.

"After that I got scolded because I couldn't submit the work on due time. The HR said that I wasn't cut for the job and if it happens again he would fire me and then I stubbed my toe while exiting the office and then when I was returning from the office, I couldn't get any taxi and then it started to rain then I had to stand under a bus stand and my clothes got wet because of it and then when I was 2 blocks away I accidentally slipped in a puddle and my favorite shoes got dirty" you cried and saw that Hoseok was listening to your every word, even when you knew your reasons were silly, you still felt bad.

He caressed your head delicately "It's okay. It's all okay. Everyone has bad days. Its good to let it out." he said hugging you closer to him.

"I feel like a loser right now" you stated,

"No you are not. It's just one bad day, don't beat yourself up for that" he said but you just snuggled closer.

After a while of comfortable silence, Hoseok said "Can I take you out?" he asked,

"what?" you questioned, amused.

"For a drive? Get away from the usual routine" he said.

"But it's quite late and you have already changed into your pajamas and-" you were cut short when he joined his lips to your, slowly caressing your lips. His hand reached out to your face, brushing his fingertips against your jawline. You lost yourself to him. Just what you wanted to do. His kisses were always intoxicating. He gently moved away from the kiss.

"We are going for a drive" he stated, confirmed, and that was final. No questioning after that. "Okay" is all you said.

"Let's get you changed into some comfortable clothes first and then we'll go" he said, withdrawing you from his lap and taking you to your bedroom where both of you changed your clothes. After that both you exited your home, locking the door behind.

Hoseok went first and opened the car door for you and you gave him a shy smile which made him chuckle then he sat on the driver's seat and you both were off to go.

First you both went through McDonald's drive thru and order 2 burgers, 2 large fries, 1 coca cola and 1 sprite and then you both went straight on the highway.

You were still feeling bitter and didn't wanted to talk. He knew what was going in your mind as he connected the music system to his phone and started playing up all night

Take me 'round the world and back again

As I am searching for my soul out there.

Oh, there's something that I'm wondering

Where I'm going when my story ends.

You really liked the song. After taking a long sip from your drink, you started humming it.

"Hey, open the window" Hoseok said coolly and you rolled out the window.

Chilled air filled the car. It smelled like moist soil because of the rain which calmed you. The sky was spotted with small bright stars and a half moon. You gradually started to sing the song. Your voice barely audible above the air and the blast of the music yet Hoseok joined you. As the song reached it crescendo both of your voices raised an octave higher.

Song after song, you both were singing. Adrenaline running high. Didn't even caring if anyone heard you, if you were tired, it didn't matter. Nothing mattered now because of Hoseok.

He did this for you. He made sure you were happy. He made sure you were comfortable. You couldn't help yourself but marvel him as he was still singing each line of the song perfectly.

"What?" he asked suddenly looking towards you "Nothing...I just love you so much" you stated which made him flush in his seat. You started laughing at his cuteness. Your laughter and his giggles filled up the car. You didn't knew how much time went by and honestly you didn't cared at this point. All the fried food and sugary carbonated drinks adding up to your energy.

After finishing the burgers and drinks and screaming at the top of your lungs for another 24 songs you finally saw a similar road leading to your driveway.

"Do we have to go back!" you whined and heard him chuckle "Jagi, are you forgetting something?" he asked but you couldn't remember anything so you shook your head in a no gesture

"Tomorrow is Saturday!" he replied excitedly. Tomorrow is Saturday which means no work. You can cuddle all day and no one will disturb you at all. Only the thought of next day was enought to emit a squeak from you and Hoseok laughed again.

You both exited the car and entered your home. You were really tired and suddenly felt all your energy drain out from you.

"I am tired." you pouted and he said "Baby it's 3:30 in the morning. Of course you will be tired." you hadn't even noticed it was this late.

You both went to your bedroom and crept under the covers. As you both were already wearing comfy clothes you didn't find any need to change. Your leg went up to his waist as his hands went to secure around your waist. His warmth and tenderness were too comfortable and you couldn't help but to relish in the feeling of being safe in your boyfriend's arms. You slowly closed your eyes and said-

"I love you Hobi" and he replied "I love you too y/n."

A/n : Heya! How are you guys doing? I was a little unwell due to my sinuses 😅. I did used a new header this time. I don't remember, but I saw a header like this on some other fic and I wanted to try making my own. Hope you guys have enjoyed this work! Please ignore any typos or mistakes (I am still learning). Feedback and suggestions are always welcome 😊.

P.s. The song used in this fic is 'Up all night' by Khalid.

#bts #bangtan #bts army #bts hoesok #bts jhope #bts fluff #jhope fluff #jhope × reader #jhope

[lilypixels]

...............all of them.....?

It took me an hr to do this....🥲💀

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

Teacupsss

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

Lollipops

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

Uhhh cotton candy

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

Probably quiet and smart lol I did my school work and was friendly with everyone so I was a favorite and heard all the nice things 🙈

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?

I kinda like bottles more but like the glass ones with the caps that could slice your fingers-

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

I’m for all but sports lol

7. earbuds or headphones?

Earbuds

8. movies or tv shows?

Shows cause I’m the type to watch an hr long episode vs hr long movie idk why but I’m rarely in mood for them

12. name of your favorite playlist?

Drop the beat (ie songs that are upbeat and I like most)

13. lanyard or key ring?

Hmm...I guess lanyard?

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

Skittles or twizzlers

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?

I had lots I had to read in school but only ever finished a handful lol my favorite I think was maybe Macbeth? I would say Odyssey but I don’t think we read the full thing cause I remember being disappointed about something like that...

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

Sitting with my legs bent up in seat with me in some way

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?

Converse and some nice but cheap sneakers from Walmart

18. ideal weather?

Not too hot, not too cold, mild like before/after a rain (most the time), idc if it’s raining or sunny but as long as temp is comfortable I’m fine

19. sleeping position?

On my side most often

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

Phone and notebook

21. obsession from childhood?

Oh gosh uhhh I guess my like of dolls maybe? Or obsession with anything ✨unexplained✨ like ghosts, aliens, cryptids, etc

22. role model?

Kim Namjoon lol just kidding (sorta)

23. strange habits?

Ok I know I have some and my friends would be more than happy to point them all out but hm let me think...idk if these count as habits but I’ll never place a mirror facing a bed (this is more superstitious I guess than habit,,,) I can’t stand my food touching, if I have a tray like in cafeteria I have a certain spot for everything and uh my mind just went blank-

24. favorite crystal?

Moonstone, lapis lazuli, and I feel obligated to say garnet cause it’s my birthstone

25. first song you remember hearing?

Circle of Life maybe who knows xD

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

Walk or clean,,I’m more active and about with warm/nice weather

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

...stay inside where it’s warm

28. five songs to describe you?

Not this again😭 uhhh idk you tell me ajdbd

29. best way to bond with you?

Indulge me when I go off about things I like or learn 😔✊ I know I’ll talk your ear off and I’m sorry but know I don’t often talk about these things with people so once I start it’s hard to stop,,and it makes me really happy when people do listen to me about these things and send me related items every so often or even look into it themselves to learn more 🥺

30. places that you find sacred?

For some reason this feels like a trick question...um cemeteries and anything with ages of history I guess

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

Oof do I really have a true outfit?? I have shoes for this which are just black platform sneakers I call stomping shoes

32. top five favorite vines?

I never,,,watched these,,,

33. most used phrase in your phone?

“Yes”...?

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

State Farm and McDonald’s, always

35. average time you fall asleep?

10-11...usually...

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

Uhhh that one with the ginger dude (I think it was someone’s yearbook photo??) I don’t remember much else about the meme but it was on ifunny, or whatever the app was, a lot

37. suitcase or duffel bag?

Suitcase

38. lemonade or tea?

Easy, tea

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

...neither

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

Dude these questions really testing my brain power here- for senior prank someone put cereal in some bathroom sinks I think

41. last person you texted?

My mom

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

I’m gonna say jacket since I wear those often

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

Hoodie or cardigan

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

Fantasy

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

Usually whatever shirt I’m wearing that day and some pj/lounge pants 🤷

47. favorite type of cheese?

Mozzarella

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

I-what kind of question is this? How does one even answer this?

49. what saying or quote do you live by?

What comes around goes around lol (yes I’m a heavy believer of karma)

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

Lol who knows, probably something dumb me and my siblings were doing or something we watched cause there’s been plenty times of that xD

51. current stresses?

Homework vs free time e-e

52. favorite font?

I like the gothic looking ones but it’s usually not practical to use so idk

53. what is the current state of your hands?

My hands...? They’re fine ??

54. what did you learn from your first job?

How to care for babies and little kids, how to put on a diaper lol

56. favorite tradition?

I can’t remember a particular one off hand but I’m trying to start few new ones like decorating cookies for Halloween uwu

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

Uhhhhh like personally or...? Cause we’ve overcome homelessness before, um finishing assignments idk😭 oh maybe bullying?? That’s all I can think of since I still struggle with a lot,,

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

Alright let’s do thisss: creativity (mostly in writing sense), I can bake/cook, I have amazing organization skills and many work places have used that lol (bonus is I don’t mind, I actually really enjoy it, very peaceful), surprisingly good balance all things considered, I’m a quick learner

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

“I’m too tired for this.”

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

Good question good question🤔 I don’t think I’d last in any of them/have a terrible side character role so 💀

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?

“Life’s too short to hold grudges.”

62. seven characters you relate to?

Dude this is gonna get embarrassing I can feel it🤠

Itaru, Iori, Sogo, Belle, Simeon (obey me), Nozaki (he’s clueless about romance irl and doesn’t know when someone has a crush on him yet can write romance well enough and yeah it’s me lol), and uhh Swindler/Ordinary Person in Akudama Drive (still can’t believe no one really has names in that anime but the way she gets wrapped in everything felt like something that’d happen to me lol)

63. five songs that would play in your club?

Like nightclub...? I’m skipping this ajdbd

64. favorite website from your childhood?

Probably the Barbie site, me and my sister played all the dress up games almost daily istg

65. any permanent scars?

Appendectomy scars and then looks like I have one on a toe but it’s possible it still might heal...

66. favorite flower(s)?

Nightshade, foxglove, baby’s breath, bellflowers, roses

67. good luck charms?

I don’t think I have any...

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

Lemon

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

Let me think...I read something once about flowers having ears(?) but like not ear ears just something about having a part that picks up sound waves

70. left or right handed?

Right

71. least favorite pattern?

Lolll animal print I think

72. worst subject?

Physics...the worst science

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

6...?

75. when did you lose your first tooth?

I don’t remember, it probably happened when i was 6. I do remember losing one of my front teeth during my birthday one year and I was happy since the tooth had been loose for some time xD

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

Chips I guess or just like fried in skillet

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?

A succulent probably

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

Neither ew

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?

They are both about equally terrible

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

Earth

81. fireflies or lightning bugs?

Fireflies

82. pc or console?

I am on pc side now

83. writing or drawing?

Writing

84. podcasts or talk radio?

Podcasts I guess

84. barbie or polly pocket?

Barbie

85. fairy tales or mythology?

Mythology, it’s too fun and chaotic lol

86. cookies or cupcakes?

Hm...cupcakes

87. your greatest fear?

Uh,,,I don’t have many fears but I guess one would be falling from a great height? So I would get scared of crossing a bridge and it collapsing or riding a plane and it falling easily

88. your greatest wish?

World peace🥲

89. who would you put before everyone else?

My mom maybe...?

90. luckiest mistake?

I honestly don’t remember but something I do remember is I out semicolon instead of period and turned out to be correct grammar lol

91. boxes or bags?

Boxes

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

Sunlight or fairy lights, I don’t require much either way and prefer more natural lighting

93. nicknames?

Lassie, twinkle toes, Ash, poody butt (by 3 yr old I sometimes watch and play with lol he means it affectionately; I call him monkey butt and it’s catching on slowly instead)

94. favorite season?

Starting to be fall just a little more but I like transition times most

95. favorite app on your phone?

Let’s go with twitter

96. desktop background?

It is a moriarty and gang pic

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

2: mine and my moms

98. favorite historical era?

Ooo tough one but I’ll say renaissance as some of the coolest things came from that time

#if there’s something messed up in this string of text #ignore it cause I’m not proofreading again ajdbd #I did not realize there were so many questions pls #asks #jade why 😔💜