#Preparation Guide

[mynacgroupllc]

Preparing for a healthcare job interview can be a bit daunting, but with the right strategies, you can ace it! Start by researching the company you’re applying to, particularly if it’s a firm like MYNAC Group LLC that focuses on healthcare staffing in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

[iteratorsex]

void worms and iterators knew about each other they could be friends. and they could hate on the guardians together

[lotus-pear]

soukoku shippers can NEVER come after kunizai now with the excuse of them having no angst i think they honestly win tragic yaoi of the year award WAIT UNTIL DAZAI HEARS HIS PARTNER GOT TURNED INTO A 7/11 $2.50 FROST GLACIER SLUSHIE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[10yearsofdnp]

April 10, 2015: I just adore their friendship with Duncan and Mimei so so much. Like, can you imagine being friends with Dan and Phil? They're the absolute sweetest humans ever and always have been 🥰🍫🇬🇧🇯🇵

[glowettee]

Hey Mindy!!! I love your blog. I was wondering whether you have any tips for giving good presentations?? I’m really shy and I have a mock trial soon. I’m a witness hahaha I’m so nervous ! 😬

hey lovely!! 🤍

omg first of all, thank you so much for the sweet message!! i'm so happy you enjoy my blog. mock trial witnesses can be super intimidating (i've been there too!!) but i promise you're going to absolutely shine once you get some confidence tricks in your pocket.

✧ presentation power moves for the shy girlies ✧

1. preparation is your secret weapon

   - memorize your witness statement until it feels like second nature

   - practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions

   - record yourself on your phone and listen back (yes it's cringey but sooo helpful)

   - create a little character profile for your witness ~ their motivations, personality, quirks

   - anticipate cross-examination questions that might trip you up

2. body language that commands attention

   - sit up straight but not stiff

   - keep your hands visible + still (fidgeting screams nervous)

   - make strategic eye contact with the jury when making important points

   - slightly lean forward when answering questions to show engagement

   - practice a calm, neutral face for when opposing counsel tries to rattle you

3. voice control techniques

   - speak slightly slower than your normal pace (nerves make us rush)

   - end statements with downward inflection to sound confident

   - pause before answering difficult questions (it looks thoughtful, not unsure)

   - vary your tone to emphasize key points (monotone = boring witness)

   - practice projecting from your diaphragm, not your throat

4. handling nervousness like a pro

   - arrive early to familiarize yourself with the room

   - do 4-7-8 breathing before you go in (inhale 4 counts, hold 7, exhale 8)

   - wear something that makes you feel powerful but still appropriate

   - create a pre-testimony ritual (mine is applying lip gloss + whispering "you got this")

   - visualize success the night before (literally picture yourself being amazing)

5. witness-specific strategies

   - stay in character even during objections

   - if you don't know an answer, it's okay to say "i don't recall" (better than making things up!)

   - listen to the FULL question before answering

   - if opposing counsel tries to put words in your mouth, politely correct them

   - remember: you're not only answering questions, you're telling a story

6. handling cross-examination gracefully

   - take a sip of water if you need time to think

   - don't argue with opposing counsel (it makes you look defensive)

   - if they cut you off, pause and say "may i finish my answer?"

   - maintain your composure even if they're trying to provoke you

   - remember that "yes" and "no" can be complete answers

7. little psychological tricks

   - wear something with a subtle confidence trigger

   - have a "power phrase" to repeat silently when nervous

   - visualize the jury as friends who are genuinely interested in what you have to say

   - practice with someone who intimidates you a little (builds resilience)

   - remember that literally everyone else is nervous too, they're just hiding it

8. day-of preparation

   - avoid caffeine if it makes you jittery

   - eat something light but sustaining

   - arrive with plenty of time to center yourself

   - bring a tiny comfort object that fits in your pocket

the jury will connect with authenticity over perfection every time!! your nervousness just means you care, and that passion will actually make you more compelling once you channel it properly.

you're going to absolutely crush this!! please let me know how it goes, i'm literally invested in your success now. sorry if this reply was a bit late.

xoxo, mindy 🤍

p.s. if you're super nervous the night before, try writing out your answers to potential questions by hand. something about the physical act of writing helps cement things in your memory better than just reading or typing!

[onabisworld]

I know same dude ch6 of Manhunt was so freaking good. But now I’m coming off the high and I need more. In these trying times do you have more billford fic recommendations??

Man, i currently dont! And all my favourite fics are currently near the end im so sadd theyre such rare stuff. If i do find some more i WILL spread the word

[starlitecryolite]

You can now ask the vigilante gang a question for 1 week and only 1 week!

(This is Part 1 in celebration of hitting an a03 milestone, hehe. I'll try to draw the answers as quick as I can but rest assured, ALL questions will be answered eventually)

[norestforthespookywriters]

Do you think scout troops exist in the L&Co world? Anyone out there earning "Ghost Defense Merit Badge" and flipping through the E-Prep Merit Badge Book to see a whole chapter on salt bombs tucked in there beside all the everyday disasters?

Tucked in the books Kipps reads sitting alone in his salt circles, is there a vintage Scout's Guide for more everyday disasters, like safely extinguishing fires, because now that he's working with L&Co., his odds of coming across that sort of disaster has skyrocketed?

[theygender]

Going to college as a nontraditional student with an office job is kinda funny bc now when a professor messes things up in a way that fucks me over instead of being like "omg this authority figure is so unfair 😭" I'm approaching it more with the vibe of like "if Karen from Accounting doesn't fix this mistake that's hindering my work after my third passive aggressive email I'm going to CC her boss"

[luc1ferian]

I am genuinely surprised at how involved the Lord of the Flies fandom is actually, I really shouldn't be but there's so much art and there's tons of fanfiction, there's like fandom drama, AND a tumblr secret santa?? congratulations wow /gen

[spotlightlover]

y'know uh. by some of the reactions to the latest ep, i feel like there are in fact still many ppl who do not seem to realize we are gonna have 10 pov characters.

[glowettee]

Hi Mindy!!! I hope you’re doing well, and I just wanted to say that I love your posts. Really well written and thought out!

I just wanted to ask.. can you create a guide for preparing to a completely new school which isn’t, like basic? Not in a mean way, but lots of the advice on the internet is generic.

For any extra info, I’ll be joining in the second semester, so there’s plenty of time to make long term changes. It’s also a private school, but I don’t know if that will make a difference.

Thank you in advance 💖 love you!

hi sweetness! @prettieinpink thank you for your adorable ask 🌸 i'm so happy to see this from you!!!!! i'd love to help you from personal experience, and things i documented being in private school. please make sure you look at the 10 secrets because they're super helpful and things i've personally used. i'm going to pour my heart into this comprehensive guide for you. transitioning to a new private school mid-year can feel overwhelming, but i've got you covered with everything you need to know! love youu <333

the ultimate guide to conquering your new private school journey: a glowettee exclusive

by mindy ♡ @glowettee

pre-arrival preparation (1-2 months before)

academic groundwork:

request detailed course syllabi from your future teachers

create a comprehensive academic portfolio of your previous work

research the school's grading system and academic expectations

familiarize yourself with any specialized learning platforms

set up digital organization systems (i use notion + google calendar + xTiles)

purchase textbooks early and start preliminary reading

research the school's academic support resources

understand the homework and assignment submission policies

social preparation:

create a private social media presence specifically for school

research student organizations and clubs that accept mid-year members

join class-specific group chats or discussion boards

study the school's social media presence to understand culture

prepare conversation starters based on school activities

research any school traditions or special events

understand the social hierarchy (yes, private schools have these!)

identify potential mentor opportunities or buddy systems

practical essentials:

develop a morning routine that starts 30 minutes earlier than needed

create a capsule wardrobe that aligns with dress code

invest in high-quality school supplies that last

organize your study space at home

set up a dedicated homework station

create emergency supply kits for your locker and bag

establish a meal prep system for lunch and snacks

plan transportation routes and backup options

digital organization:

set up a comprehensive notion dashboard (i'll share my template soon!)

create specific folders for each subject in google drive

download all necessary academic apps

set up a digital calendar with color coding

create assignment tracking spreadsheets

establish a backup system for important documents

organize email folders for school communication

set up notification systems for important deadlines

mental and emotional preparation:

start journaling about your goals and fears

establish healthy boundaries for social interactions

create a stress management toolkit

develop positive self-talk mantras

plan regular self-care activities

identify potential support systems

create a growth mindset framework

establish regular check-in times with parents/guardians

first week survival guide:

day one essentials:

arrive 30 minutes early

bring extra supplies

wear something comfortable but polished

pack emergency essentials

keep your schedule easily accessible

bring a small notebook for important information

have your introduction speech ready

prepare questions for teachers and peers

social navigation:

observe before participating

sit in different locations to meet various groups

join lunch conversations naturally

show interest in others' experiences

take notes on names and interests

identify potential study partners

respect existing social dynamics

be authentically yourself while observing school culture

long-term success strategies:

academic excellence:

create weekly study schedules

establish relationships with teachers early

join or create study groups

maintain detailed notes from day one

schedule regular review sessions

utilize teacher office hours

keep a detailed assignment tracker

create subject-specific study guides

social integration:

participate in school events

volunteer for school activities

join at least one club or team

attend school sports events

participate in school traditions

create study groups

organize small social gatherings

maintain connections with existing friends

personal growth:

set monthly academic and social goals

maintain a gratitude journal

create a personal development plan

establish healthy stress management techniques

develop time management skills

build positive relationships with staff

create a balance between academics and social life

regularly evaluate and adjust your strategies

pro tips from my experience:

keep a spare set of supplies in your locker

create a school-specific emergency kit

maintain a digital photo of your schedule

establish a homework routine from day one

create a support network outside of school

document your journey through photos or journals

maintain open communication with teachers

celebrate small victories and progress

10 secret tips that transformed my private school journey ♡

the bathroom rule always scout out the least-used bathrooms in your first week, but don't just look for any quiet bathroom - look for one that's strategically located between your most stressful classes. trust me on this - i found my favorite quiet bathroom on the third floor of the science building, and it became my secret sanctuary for quick meditation breaks, makeup touch-ups, or just moments of peace between classes. the lighting there was immaculate for those confidence-boosting mirror talks, and it was far enough from the main hallways that you could actually hear yourself think. i even started keeping a small essential oil roller in my bag to make these mini-breaks feel more spa-like. this space became my personal reset button during hectic days, especially during exam seasons or when social dynamics felt overwhelming.

teacher connection hack bring a small notebook specifically for writing down personal details teachers mention (their favorite books, coffee preferences, hobbies, their children's names, or even their pets). this isn't about being a teacher's pet - it's about building genuine human connections. i started bringing my teacher's favorite starbucks drink on presentation days, remembering to ask about their weekend plans they mentioned, or sharing articles related to their interests. not only did it make their day, but it also showed i paid attention to details. these small gestures created authentic relationships that made a huge difference during finals week, college recommendation season, and even when i needed extensions during tough times. remember, teachers are people first, and when they see you acknowledging their humanity, they're more likely to understand yours.

social currency secret keep a small emergency kit with hair ties, bobby pins, bandaids, mints, tampons/pads, tide-to-go pens, pain relievers (if allowed), small sewing kit, clear nail polish for tights runs, double-sided tape, and even a phone charger in your locker. nothing creates instant friendships like being the person everyone knows they can count on for emergency supplies. i actually met my best friend because i had a spare hair tie when she desperately needed one before her presentation, and that simple moment turned into a three-hour conversation after school. this kit isn't just about having supplies - it's about being the person who thinks ahead and cares enough to help others. i started keeping track of what people borrowed most often and would stock up accordingly. it's like having your own little convenience store of kindness.

the popularity paradox here's something no one tells you - in private schools, being overly eager to be popular actually makes you less popular. the social hierarchy in private schools is often more subtle and complex than in public schools. i learned to focus on being genuinely interested in others instead of trying to fit in, asking thoughtful questions about their interests, and remembering small details about their lives. surprisingly, the moment i stopped trying to be part of the "it" crowd was when people started naturally gravitating towards me. i focused on developing my own interests and passions, which made me more interesting to others. the key is to be confidently authentic rather than strategically social. this approach not only helped me build real friendships but also protected me from the exhausting game of trying to maintain a carefully crafted social image.

the uniform advantage even with strict uniform rules, there are always creative ways to stand out while staying within the guidelines. i invested in high-quality accessories that complied with dress code but made my uniform look more polished - pearl earrings, delicate necklaces, classic watches, and subtle hair accessories. these small details helped me feel more put together and confident. but it's not just about the accessories - it's about how you wear the uniform itself. i learned that having my shirts professionally pressed, skirts properly hemmed, and shoes well-maintained made a huge difference in how put-together i looked. i also kept a small steamer in my locker for emergency touch-ups. this attention to detail showed respect for the school's traditions while allowing my personal style to shine through in acceptable ways.

the lunch table strategy don't commit to one lunch table for at least two weeks, and be strategic about your rotation schedule. i created a subtle system where i would sit with different groups each day, making mental notes about the dynamics, interests, and personalities at each table. i rotated between different groups, which helped me understand the social dynamics better and prevented me from being boxed into one clique too early. pay attention to how each group interacts - some tables are for studying, others for gossip, and some for genuine conversations. i kept a small note in my phone about each group's interests so i could contribute meaningfully to conversations. this strategy gave me the freedom to form genuine connections across different social circles and ultimately helped me choose where i truly felt comfortable. by the third week, i had a clear understanding of where i naturally fit in, rather than where i thought i should be.

the academic alliance create study guides and share them with classmates before they ask, but make it systematic and sustainable. i started a google drive folder with my notes and study guides, organized by subject and topic, with clear summaries and practice questions. it naturally evolved into a collaborative study group where everyone contributed their strengths. i became known as someone who not only shared resources but also helped others understand how to create their own study materials. this approach created a reciprocal learning environment where everyone felt comfortable asking for and offering help. i even created templates for different types of assignments that we could all use, which saved everyone time and helped maintain consistent quality in our work.

the extracurricular edge join at least one unexpected club that's not typically "popular," but don't just join - become actively involved in ways that showcase your unique talents. i joined the astronomy club despite it being small, and instead of just attending meetings, i started organizing stargazing events and creating instagram-worthy posts about our activities. this not only helped grow the club but also showed others that you can make any activity exciting if you're passionate about it. the unexpected benefit was meeting people who shared my genuine interests rather than just social aspirations. these authentic connections often lead to the most meaningful friendships and impressive college application stories.

the social media strategy create a finsta (private instagram) specifically for close school friends, but treat it as a carefully curated space rather than just another social media account. wait at least a month before adding anyone - this gives you time to understand the social dynamics and ensure you're connecting with the right people. i used my finsta to share study tips, funny school moments, and support for others' achievements. it became a safe space for sharing real moments with trusted friends, away from the pressure of maintaining a perfect image on main accounts. i also used it to organize study groups and share helpful resources, making it both social and practical.

the legacy link learn about your school's history and traditions from older students, but go beyond just knowing the basics. i spent time talking to seniors, alumni, and even teachers about the school's evolution over the years. understanding why certain traditions started, knowing the stories behind school legends, and learning about notable alumni helped me feel more connected to the school community. i created a digital notebook of these stories, which became a valuable resource for other new students. this knowledge made me feel like part of something bigger than just my current school year and helped me appreciate the school's culture on a deeper level.

personal advice from my heart to yours:

sweetness, i want you to know that the first few months at a new private school can feel like you're learning a new language - everyone seems to know the words and customs except you. i remember feeling so out of place during my first semester, constantly second-guessing myself and wondering if i was "doing it right." that feeling of being an outsider would hit me hardest during school traditions or inside jokes that everyone else seemed to understand instinctively. i spent countless nights journaling about feeling like i was watching my school life through a window, wondering when i would finally feel like i belonged. but here's what i learned: that feeling of being an outsider is actually your superpower. you have fresh eyes to see things differently, and that perspective is valuable. you notice things that others have become blind to, and you bring new energy to old traditions. your unique viewpoint can actually help breathe new life into established social circles and activities.

the most important thing i wish someone had told me is that it's okay to take your time finding your place. private schools often have students who've been together since kindergarten, and it can feel impossible to break into those established circles. but here's the truth - while everyone else is trying to maintain their image and social position, you have the freedom to be authentically yourself from day one. you don't have to carry the weight of years of expectations or predetermined roles. focus on building genuine connections rather than strategic ones. keep your grades up, but don't let academic pressure steal your joy. document your journey - take photos, keep a journal, save little mementos. these will become precious reminders of your growth. remember that every single person who seems perfectly adjusted now once stood exactly where you are, feeling exactly what you're feeling. and most importantly, remember that the version of you that walks into that school on day one isn't the same version that will emerge at the end of the year - and that's exactly how it should be. you're not just adapting to a new school; you're growing into a newer, stronger version of yourself. embrace this transformation with open arms.

sending you the warmest hugs and all my support! feel free to message me anytime for more specific advice or just to chat about your journey 🤍

mindy x

p.s. would you loves be interested in detailed posts about my notion templates and organization systems? let me know in the reblogs/replies!

[rxttenfish]

having some kind of thought with both aaravi and miranda in that everyone wants bossy, growly, destructive, aggressive, dominant people, but they never want to actually deal with them or be forced to reconcile that they are, in fact, whole ass people on their own too

[victorluvsalice]

How To Write Smiler Alton: A Guide

Hey everyone -- so, my roller coaster OC Smiler Alton (based on The Smiler coaster from Alton Towers) has been kicking around in my brain for about three-and-a-half years now, having good times with Victor and Alice and starring in a decent number of fanfics -- most of them short prompt fics, but also a couple of longer pieces. And now that they've been around for a while, and I feel like I've gotten a relatively decent handle on what they're like as a character, I figured I might as well share my Basic Smiler Primer -- the stuff that I do my best to keep in mind whenever I write them. This isn't a list of headcanons so much as it is general character traits -- the things that really make Smiler Smiler, no matter what universe they may find themselves in. Because, as you know, I do love my AUs, so specific headcanons can vary from verse to verse. But this here is the list of things that are more or less common to every Smiler. Ready? Here we go:

Big -- And not just in the sense that Smiler is the only person who isn't practically a stick figure in my OT3. XD This more reflects that Smiler is someone who takes up a lot of metaphorical space in any given area -- they're extroverted, they're showy, and they never mind being the center of attention. Hell, for some of them, they actively encourage it as part of their jobs -- I have yet to show my Valicer In The Dark Smiler "at work," but you'd better believe they're pitching their little heart out to move that Joy Serum! Basically, if you're in the same room as Smiler, you'll know -- mostly because they'll march right up to you, introduce themselves, and start making small talk. XD They also tend to have pretty damn big emotions --

Which, um, is both blessing and curse. Because yes, when they're happy, they're downright ecstatic -- but when they're sad, they're completely miserable. And depending on the AU they're in, they might not be fully equipped to hand "bad" emotions (I've mentioned before that it takes poor VITD Smiler nearly dying of hypothermia for them to cry for the first time in front of Victor and Alice) or they might be stuck in a situation where said "bad" emotions are smothering the good ones (true of any Smiler stuck with Dr. Kelman as their parent -- more on that below). Basically, they feel everything very keenly, and there are a lot of benefits and drawbacks to that!

Cheerful -- Tying into the emotions thing above, as you might expect from an OC based on a coaster that's all about brainwashing people into permanent happiness, Smiler's base emotional state is happy! They're a very optimistic person, doing their best to look on the bright side of things, thoroughly enjoy whatever life has to offer, and use their various talents to make sure the people around them are happy as well!

...or, at least, that's the ideal. In practice, Smiler actually comes in one of three levels of cheerful, dependent on their situation in whatever AU I'm writing at the time:

Low Cheerful -- Smiler is stuck in a shitty situation that is really, if understandably, dragging their mood down. They're capable of being as cheerful as any other Smiler -- most of them are doing their best to remain optimistic, and they can be perfectly perky if they're alone with their friends and other loved ones -- but if they want a permanent mood boost, they have to escape whatever is making them miserable! Or, rather, whoever, because pretty much every Smiler of this type is -- as indicated above -- one who is stuck dealing with their asshole birth father Dr. Kellard Kelman (an evil psychiatrist from some of the early advertising from the coaster, who -- as per the old Sanctuary scare maze -- thinks it's acceptable to show people rotting animal corpses in an attempt to make them more "socially compliant"). Being trapped in a house with someone who doesn't respect their gender identity and is essentially trying to turn them into a copy of himself is not going to do good things for Smiler's mood, as you might guess! The Multiplayer Wonderland and Soulmate AU Smilers both come from Low Cheerful backgrounds, but I think the most obvious example I have of this kind of Smiler so far would be the Valicer Severance AU Smiler -- both Innie and Outie, because the former is stuck in that terrible office and the latter is stuck in Kelman's Sanctuary. Those two would probably win the medal for "most miserable Smiler," frankly -- being in a Severance AU is not a fun time!

Medium Cheerful -- Smiler is living a perfectly normal life, with the usual ups and downs inherent to that. This is the "baseline" Smiler, if you will -- they have loving parents, they have a decent job, they have friends and partners that they love a lot and enjoy hanging out with, and they have a minimum of bullshit to deal with. And if they have a bad day or two, they can bounce back and keep on trucking. :) As you might expect, the best example I have of a Medium Cheerful Smiler is the Modern AU Smiler -- an ordinary college student studying psychology and chemistry, working at the Sunny Brews coffee shop, and having fun times with Victor and Alice and their other coaster-based friends. They are very content with their lot, and they do their best to make sure everyone around them is too!

High Cheerful -- Smiler is...maybe a little too happy. And possibly not totally human. XD These are the Smilers who, for whatever reason, take the natural baseline cheer of the Medium ones and turn it up to eleven -- who are still perfectly nice people, friendly and warm and wanting to spread the happiness around, but who also just might set off a warning signal at the back of your brain. The ones who very much take the "Smile. Always." catchphrase of the ride to heart. As indicated, they also tend to be the ones most likely to be partially or fully non-human -- it's easier to write Smiler as spooky-cheerful if they're a fairy, or a dragon, or have been touched somehow by an eldritch being. Accordingly, the best example I have of this type of Smiler currently is my Valicer In The Dark Smiler, who is both in a happiness cult and was directly blessed by the god of said happiness cult, meaning they're almost aggressively cheerful. (And very keen on avoiding their memories of the time when they were a Low Cheerful Smiler living with Dr. Kelman...)

Mar-Mal -- "Wait," I hear you say after reading the above paragraph. "Surely the best example of a High Cheerful Smiler is Mar-Mal, right? The 'literal eldritch god of happiness' version of Smiler you cooked up?" To which I reply, "Technically --

"But also, they're not really a version of Smiler." I mean, yes, sometimes I do have them as the same person -- the Fallout Of Darkness Smiler is in fact a somewhat-chilled-out version of Mar-Mal driving a robot body, for example -- but these days, it's a lot more likely that if Mar-Mal shows up in an AU, they'll be a separate entity that is connected to Smiler somehow -- as an object of worship, as in Valicer In The Dark, or as a "patron" of sorts that grants Smiler some special powers, as in those vague "CaFae Latte AU" thoughts I mentioned in my "Help: How Do Tav!Smiler in BG3???" post. (Or, you know, as a Warlock Tav!Smiler's official patron, also as per that post.) I find it easier to write the (generally) more human Smiler, as you might expect -- AND keeping them in the background allows me to make Mar-Mal both help and potential threat, since I don't have to limit them with such things like "ethics" or "understanding that hunger isn't actually a 'bad' emotion." :p Bottom line, while Mar-Mal IS the Most Cheerful Being ever, they're usually also Not An Official Smiler, and thus not that relevant to this discussion. (And when they are a Smiler, I've generally traumatized them by having had them accidentally kill people with their attempts to make them happy in the past (the whole "not understanding hunger" thing), so they might in fact be closer to a Medium Cheerful Smiler in those cases.)

Charismatic -- Back to the main categories, here we have another trait that relates back to the first "Big" one I mentioned -- Smiler knows how to talk to people and turn them to their side! Something that deeply confuses Alice and Victor, let me tell you. XD But yeah, Smiler is not only willing to start up a conversation with pretty much anyone, they also are capable of making that person like them, or at least want to keep paying attention to them. Looking at the way I've written them swaying people, or helping their friends sway people, in the Valicer In The Dark stories I've completed so far, it seems to be primarily a "force of personality" thing -- whenever there's trouble, Smiler puts themselves front and center, with their big grin and their powerful deep voice, and immediately starts trying to make friends and allay any fears or misgivings someone may have about the situation. It doesn't always work -- VITD Smiler's initial attempt to convince the Van Dorts' cook that they and Alice are new hires in the upcoming "The Van Dort Vacancy" goes a bit awry because the cook is sure Nell would have told her if she'd hired new servants, and I vaguely mentioned in "Start At The Beginning...Sort Of" that one of the "three times Smiler and Alice talked before everything kicked off" incidents was Alice showing up to help save Smiler from some toughs that they weren't able to sway -- but they have a pretty good track record! However, being the kind of person that is quite skilled at talking people around to their side has three main drawbacks:

One: They can be rather manipulative. Which is not so bad when they're trying to sell something, or talk an enemy into not hurting them and their loved ones, but can be an issue if they start using those skills on said loved ones. Be wishy-washy about not wanting to do something (especially something they personally want to do), and they just might turn on the charm to try and give you a push, for example. Fortunately, they do respect an outright "no," and if you call them out for being a jerk, they will step back -- the last thing they want is to upset the people they care about!

Two: Their confidence in their ability to settle things with their words can sometimes lead to them getting themselves in trouble trying to charm people who really can't be charmed. For example, VITD Smiler took a real chance butting into ghost!Emily berating Victor for going to a whorehouse in "Start At The Beginning...Sort Of" -- if she'd been a little less sane, that could have ended with them getting attacked and possessed, which is NOT a fun time in that world! And I've already mentioned Alice having to save them from those unswayable toughs once in the past. Basically, they overestimate their talents sometimes, and that can lead to problems...which leads into the third issue --

Three: While they're great in a verbal battle, they're, uh, kind of shit in a physical one. ^^; Smiler is very used to being able to defuse situations via talking, which means if they're dragged into a proper brawl, their first instinct is going to be trying to get away from the action. They are a lover, not a fighter -- a support class, not a martial one! They'll fight if they have to, of course (see VITD Smiler throwing rocks at Barkis in "Start At The Beginning...Sort Of"), but they're not very skilled at it. Frankly, they're very lucky that generally Alice is there to do the "beating up people" thing for them!

Intelligent -- Smiler might be a smooth talker, but they certainly don't have a smooth brain -- they're pretty darn smart, if they do say so themselves. They tend to be decently well-read (even if Modern AU Smiler is more likely to go for a game on their phone over a book if they're bored); if they're in school, they get good grades; and of course they're very solid at reading social cues and interpreting what people want. A handful are even decent engineers and coders, occasionally tinkering with robotics (VITD Smiler's steampunk Roomba, made with fellow Advocate Dr. Gladwell...which is actually a fairly impressive feat of engineering, considering most "robots" in that world consist of mind-controlled ghosts running a mechanical body, but that one is all cogs and gears and punch cards) or maintaining their own website (Modern AU Smiler's "Ministry of Joy" site, where Victor found their hypnosis videos). But there is one field that all Smilers truly excel in --

Chemistry! Or alchemy, if we're talking a more fantasy-based AU. Yes, when it comes to the process of combining things to make other things, or breaking things up into their component parts, Smiler is a goddamn fucking genius. A natural knack for eyeballing measurements and guessing timings combined with years of study and experimentation (pretty much every kid Smiler had a junior chemistry set or some equivalent) means they can pretty much whip up anything you require if it's chemical or alchemical in nature, particularly if it's liquid (though they can work in other mediums, like VITD Smiler's attempts to make Giggler Gas). A fun side effect of this is that they are also absolutely amazing at making drinks -- Modern AU Smiler is everyone's favorite barista at Sunny Brews thanks to their incredible coffees; VITD Smiler is able to get Alice to forgive them for being a "morning" person with their excellent teas in "A Murder Shared Is A Murder Thirded;" and even Innie!Smiler from the Valicer Severance AU is able to make a cup of coffee with the office coffee maker that absolutely dumbfounds Miss Glados with how good it is. So yeah -- if you need a drug, a potion, or even just the perfect cocktail, Smiler is the person you talk to!

...just, uh, don't disrespect their craft, because that is one of the few guaranteed ways to piss them off. Particularly VITD Smiler, who angrily agrees to a drug-selling competition with two other alchemists studying at Charterhall's university after they mock them for being self-taught, and then GIVES THEM THE BUSINESS when they discover that the two not taking proper care with their ingredients means they've made something that is going to kill most of their customers. (And don't get me started on their annoyance with Baldur's Gate III's version of Faerun and its alchemy system in the vague crossover thoughts I've had between Valicer In The Dark and that AU: "What do you mean, you can combine this Sublimate of Wispweed with any Ashes to make a Potion Of Glorious Vaulting?! That's not how it works!" XD) Other Smilers are a little more chill, but even Modern AU Smiler will get annoyed if someone insists they're "just a barista" or something like that. They are a damn fucking good barista, thank you very much, and don't you forget it.

Kind -- And here we come to the trait that is probably the most antithetical to the actual coaster's theme -- but hey, I already established on this blog that I had to give my Smiler ethics, lest they get stabbed by Alice, sooo... In short, my version of Smiler, in direct contrast to I believe most Smiler OCs, is a good and decent person at heart -- someone who genuinely wants to help those around them and make them happier, because they believe pretty much everyone deserves to be happy. Granted, they may not always go about that in the best way -- see VITD Smiler being, essentially, a fantasy drug dealer -- but they're trying, damn it. Smiler is the kind of person who will drop everything to help a crying child find their parents; give money to someone who needs it without any expectation of having it paid back; provide people with an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on; encourage those around them to pursue their dreams and do what makes them smile; and tell corny jokes nonstop until a miserable friend is feeling better. Maximizing happiness and making the world a better, brighter place is always forefront in their mind, and being kind to people is very key to that. :) And helps them not get stabbed by Alice. XD Just try not to take advantage of it, because even Smiler has limits...and, given that I outlined in the "Charismatic" section that they can good at manipulating people, they're pretty good at spotting when they're being manipulated too...

Universal Headcanons -- And finally, to wrap things up, let's have a set of headcanons that I believe are true of pretty much all my Smilers:

-->Obviously, they're always nonbinary, even in AUs where they might not have all the modern words for it. They're not a man or a woman, and they'd like everyone to respect that, please

-->Their favorite colors are yellow, black, white, and purple -- expect to see a lot of each, especially yellow and black, incorporated into their clothing and their living space if at all possible

-->Their favorite animals are frogs and ravens -- the former because my very first Sim Smiler ended up doing a lot of frog collecting in my old Chill Valicer Save (admittedly, I only had them start because they needed plasma packs, being a vampire -- it quickly grew into "oh, these are neat, let's see if I can complete the collection," though); the latter because I've heard there's ravens on the grounds of Alton Towers, and they do tend to spend time around The Smiler's particular locale (this is kind of the reason Sooty is more Smiler's pet than Victor's in Valicer In The Dark, despite the ravens coming from Victor's canon)

-->They're musically inclined, able to play both the guitar (or local equivalent -- for example, Tav!Smiler would play the lute) and the drums, though they're better at the former than the latter

-->They're utterly unafraid of being "cringe" -- they will unironically give double thumbs ups and finger guns to people without fear, and they wear whatever the fuck they want (if given the choice). In fact, they honestly quite enjoy wearing loud clothing, particularly favoring black and yellow stripes whenever possible (natch)

-->They're excellent at inducing altered states of consciousness in people -- though whether this is because they're simply good at hypnosis or have genuine actual mind control powers varies by the AU (Modern AU Smiler is a good example of the former; the dragon Smiler from that Medieval Fantasy Hypnokinky AU I've toyed with is a good example of the latter; VITD Smiler straddles the line a bit thanks both to knowing conventional hypnosis and eventually being granted a power from Mar-Mal (the "Mesmerism" power from the Slide playbook) that makes them able to mess with people's memories a bit)

-->And -- even if the AU they're in should logically demand that they look more "normal," like the Victorian era AUs -- those iconic bright yellow glowing eyes and the purple-tipped black hair hanging in their face (see this headshot for reference, and also because they're particularly cute there) are going to be part of their look somehow. Mostly because I have a very hard time picturing them with any other eye color or haircut. XD (Look, they just look WEIRD to me with a normal eye color!) Yes, sometimes it can only be a part-time look -- Multiplayer Wonderland Smiler only has the yellow eyes and purple tips in Wonderland, for example -- but if I can make it work, I'm making it work, damn it.

Aaand I believe that should do it! Hopefully now we all understand my Smiler as a character better. :) I'm looking forward to writing a lot more with them as time goes on, and I hope you are too!

[highways-are-liminal-spaces]

solar photography practice……..