mandbpresents

[mandbpresents]

U.S.S. Dreamling

Hey Fangirls! While Bea is absent this episode, M and special guest Ace-din-djarin have a barrel of fun talking about the six century slowburn of The Sandman's most popular ship, Dreamling.

  fic!Club:

“Garden or Graveyard” by ShanaStoryteller

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21847510

  “Say it with Mushrooms” by FoxDragon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2757623

  “Sweet & Simple Things” by Allecto

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7817077?view_adult=true%5C

    Rec Corner!

“Make Perfect the Present” by Moorishflower - 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/48475258/chapters/122274517 

  “The Uses of Adversity” by MonstorousRegiment - 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41082297/chapters/102971127

  “Wake me up slow (Don’t leave me too late)” by eringeosphere - 

https://archiveofourown.org/collections/The_Dreamling_Secret_Santa_2022/works/43539427

  “Paint my spirit gold” by acedindjarin - 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42143451

  "Real People" by spqr -

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42134547

  “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” by Xx_virgil_xX -

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43723362/chapters/109947387

    Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S.

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Trope Time: School AUs - Classy or Classless?

Hey Fangirls! Today M and Bea talk about the classic trope of School AUs, why it's so popular, and how the AU changes as a fandom ages. Featuring a surprise discussion about Baby's First Mental Illness! (Thanks School...)

  fic!Club

“Garden or Graveyard” by ShanaStoryteller

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21847510

“Say it with Mushrooms” by FoxDragon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2757623

“Sweet & Simple Things” by Allecto

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7817077?view_adult=true%5C

  Rec Corner!

Bea: “Narnia Ain't Got Nothing On This” by attackofthezee (noxlunate)

(nay mare)

“Accountability” by withlightning

https://archiveofourown.org/works/611492

M: “go and get your hands dirty” by furiosophie

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31610876/chapters/78220622 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true

Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S.

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.

Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Character and Audience: A Romance

Hey Fangirls! Today, in the debut of season 4, M and Bea investigate the stranger called “I” as they dig into the world of self-insert, reader-insert, and Y/N fics. Who are “we” if inserted into our stories? Listen to this episode to get mostly Bea’s and a little bit of M’s musings on the subject!

  fic!Club:

“Garden or Graveyard” by ShanaStoryteller

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21847510

“Say it with Mushrooms” by FoxDragon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2757623

“Sweet & Simple Things” by Allecto

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7817077?view_adult=true%5C 

  Rec Corner!

M: “Those Who Speak with Wild Beasts” by magisterpavus

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7061515/chapters/16052815

Bea: “A Way Things Should Be” by LullabyKnell 

http://archiveofourown.org/works/8777860

Guest rec (MissSampo): “Sick As A Dog” by TaelonSamada

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40397589/chapters/101198433 

  Research

  https://fanlore.org/wiki/Reader-Insert 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Quizilla

https://fanlore.org/wiki/FanFiction.Net#2005_Ban_on_Choose_Your_Own_Adventure_Fic.2FSelf-Insertion_Fic.2FReader-Insert.2F2nd_Person_Point_of_View_Fic

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Imagine_(genre)

https://www.reddit.com/r/FanFiction/comments/80yzgb/comment/duz8nob/?rdt=54931

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=14796234660A51313700&page=1

Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S. 

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Fandom Exchange: DAD:HAT with M!

Hey Fangirls! In their newest Fandom Exchange, M just HAS to talk about the budding fandom of “Dungeon and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” AKA DAD:HAT. Bea is very much along for the ride. 

  fic!Club:

“Garden or Graveyard” by ShanaStoryteller

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21847510 

  “Say it with Mushrooms” by FoxDragon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2757623 

  The fic!

The Most Sweet: “Sunlight is a Kind of Burning” by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46609258 

  The Most Angst: “One Last Saving Throw(One Last Hail Torm)” by urisarang

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46607974 

  Would Only Exist in This Fandom™: “keystone” by weatheredlaw 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46544830  

  Cute Short Fic: “if you get lost, i’ll hold your hand” by yourstrulytay

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46454194 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S. 

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

fic!Club: 5+1's

Hey Fangirls! In the first fic!Club episode of the season, M and Bea read your comments, analysis, and jokes on three 5+1’s, or 15+3’s if you will. This episode includes the ichor of monsters, humfort, marriage tattoos, hugs, finding the will to live, and much more!

  fic!Club:

“Garden or Graveyard” by ShanaStoryteller

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21847510 

  “Say it with Mushrooms” by FoxDragon

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2757623 

  Previous fic!club if you’d like to read:

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S. 

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Shipping Taxonomy: A Guide to Classification of Uncommon Species

Hey Fangirls! In this incredibly scientific and thorough look into various types of the uncommon ships, M and Bea distill the nuances of small ships into four species: Minor Ships, Small Ships, Rarepairs, and Crack Ships. 

  fic!Club:

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

Rec Corner!

Bea: “Lokabrenna” by LMPandora

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/9366011 

  M: “Olive Branches” by pixie_rings 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43977226 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo and Miss S. 

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Why Don't Women Write about Women?

Hey Fangirls! In this newest FA episode, M and Bea work on an underlying question in fandom discussion - why is it that mostly female writers don’t tend to write about female characters? It’s a complex situation involving society, the patriarchy, and writer’s rooms.

  fic!Club:

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Rec Corner!

Bea: "The Proper Care Of Foxes" By laiqualaurelote

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/27550078

  M: “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” by Xx_vergil_xX

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43723362/chapters/109947387

  Referenced:

“Empty space (waves and particles)” by kathkin

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44061747 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

WTF RPF?

Hey Fangirls! In this episode, M and Bea discuss the controversy and legality of RPF - that is, Real Person/People Fic. Just what is it about celebrities, politicians, and historical figures that make people think, “I want to see this person in a situation.”? 

  fic!Club: 

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Rec Corner!

M: “the long way down” by Moorishflower https://archiveofourown.org/works/43183654 

  Bea: “Painappuru” by Icka M Chif (mischif) https://archiveofourown.org/works/13700304 

  Research:

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Timeline_of_RPF 

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/rpf-why-people-love-write-173139443.html 

https://appolsaucy.tumblr.com/post/38209037107/why-it-is-okay-to-ship-real-people-with-other-real 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Slashers_of_Silicon_Valley 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/The_issue_of_real-people_fic,_slash_in_particular 

https://reelrundown.com/celebrities/Real-People-FanFiction-OK-Or-Bad 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Timeline_of_RPF_Meta 

https://web.archive.org/web/20160418092111/http://fandominationnet.yuku.com/topic/619/Real-Person-Fic-justification 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/Because_We_Love_Our_Gods:_Mythoi,_Logoi,_and_Real_People_Slash 

https://fanlore.org/wiki/RPF 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com. 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

U.S.S. Gentlebeard with Ace!

Hey Fangirls! In the next installment of their U.S.S. ship series, M, Bea, and podcast friend Ace, plunder the depths of the show that is “Our Flag Means Death” and scuttlebut about the loveliest of ships, Gentlebeard. Savvy?

  fic!Club:

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246  

Rec Corner!

“on the bed of this blue ocean” By kirkaut

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37986538 “A Night At Blackbeards’s Bar and Grill” By Soft_october

https://archiveofourown.org/works/37896226 

“An Affirming Journal, by EDWARD “BLACKBEARD” TEACH, Currently Aboard the REVENGE in the Year of Our Lord 1717, Having Commandeered Her from STEDE BONNET, Gentleman Pyrate” By imperfectcircle, raven (singlecrow), soupytwist, tatteredbookmark

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38294947 

“Thou Makest My Heart a Bloody Mark” By tillysaysfuck

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38001811 

  Research

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com 

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Betas: The Weird Middle Child

Hey Fangirls! In this episode, M and Bea try to find the distinction between Betas and how they’re used in fic. Who are Betas within the context of the A/B/O world? What do people generally use them for in fic? It may be stranger than you think!

  fic!Club:“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246  

  Rec Corner!

“I want your hot love (and emotion)” by Squeaky https://archiveofourown.org/works/15591912?view_adult=true 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Fantasy AU's!

Hey Fangirls! What makes a Fantasy AU a Fantasy AU? Is it just a Fairy Tale? How different are they and how can you tell? M and Bea figure this out in the next epsiode of Fangirls Anonymous!

  fic!Club: “Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

Rec Corner!

  Bea: “Northern Sky” by littleblackfox and WarlockInTraining https://archiveofourown.org/works/14962908 

  “germinate” by stifledlaughter 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30350154 

  M: “Worn Out Plans” by leveragehunters (Monkeygreen) https://archiveofourown.org/works/37597627 

  “Flotsam and Jetsam” by glimmerglanger

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27132599/chapters/66257087 

Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

The Life Cycle of Fic

Hey Fangirls! Unless you’re in fandom the concept of a story having a life cycle may be foreign, but like most things in media, even fan fiction stories have a path like birth and death. Listen in to find out the complexities of the road that most fic take. 

  fic!Club:

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Rec Corner!

  M: “The Bard at the Window” by Flakeblood https://archiveofourown.org/works/41767806/chapters/104787321 

  Bea: “Death at the Warrny” by Miss_Lilian

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5134931/chapters/11815979 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. 

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Trope Time: 5+1!

Hey Fangirls! In the first episode of season three, M and Bea peer into the trope that is 5+1. Where did it come from? Why did it become a trope? Is it always 5 things and then a 1 not thing? The fangirls also reveal the first fic!Club fics of the season!

  fic!Club: 

“Something Smart to Do” by Kianspo

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889?view_adult=true 

  “My Love Will Forever be Stronger than Stone (Don’t be Afraid You are Never Alone)” by Resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

  “Someone that Hates to see me Go” by Autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Rec Corner!

Go ahead and read the very cute 5+1’s above! But also here’s "Weddings, Plural, and a Yak" by Speranza

https://archiveofourown.org/works/574618 

  Support M and Bea on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/fangirlsanonymous?fan_landing=true 

  Visit the podcast’s website at https://fangirlsanonymous.com/  

  Have Questions? Comments? Jokes? Email M and Bea at mandbpresents@gmail.com.

  Hosted by M and Bea

Music by Gabe Jensen

Produced by Miranda Sherrell

Edited by Miranda Sherrell

Consulted by Erica Bravo

  FAIR USE:

  Copyright Disclaimer: under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. 

  Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

Hiatus Announcement - Season Three

Hey Fangirls! M and Bea have a lot going on right now and can't release episodes for season three until January 7th, 2023. They will see you then! 

Season Three FicClub - three 5+1's:

"Something Smart to Do" by kianspo 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14501889 

"my love will forever be stronger than stone (don't be afraid you are never alone)" by resacon1990

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24118522 

"Someone that Hates to See me Go" by autumnhobbit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8113246 

  Check out this episode!

[mandbpresents]

[mandbpresents]

People keep going on like "how is there a galactic standard calander if theres so many planets" like thats why its a standard calander my beloved bestie - If youre shipping something from a planet with a faster day cycle than the destination planet you cant say "i'll get it to you in six cycles" because you both have a different definition of a cycle you would say "i'll get it to you in six standard cycles" which is a fixed measure that everyone knows instead of memorizing the length of a cycle on every planet you ship to.

Anyway youre all focusing on the wrong thing which is the names of the months being fucking unbearable i hate it here. Melona. Fuck off

[mandbpresents]

they're having a great time and everything's going smoothly!