#-newfound love for the diversity of our community

[steakout-05]

i might get some hate for this depending on where this post goes but i think lesboys are so valid and the discourse about them is so ridiculous. like you guys shouldn't have to deal with all that and it frustrates me that people throw hissy fits over an identity that literally does not affect them at all.

"but men cant be lesbians-" wrong. butch lesbians and trans men have a really closely connected history with each other that practically intersects and you should really do some research on that before you make blanket statements, not to mention that gender and sexuality is weird and wobbly and fluid and a very personal experience. it means a different thing to each person. being a man can be something completely different and saying stuff like this ignores people like demiboys, demigirls, genderfluid and genderflux people etc. these people will really preach "demolish the gender binary!! love is love!!" until someone's relationship with gender and sexuality is a little too freaky for them to handle and be challenged by lmaoo

"ohhh but what about the cishet men who say they're lesbians to prey on women-" YEAH WHAT ABOUT THEM????? THIS AIN'T ABOUT THEM BRO!!!!! this argument also REEKS of terfy "trans women are just predatory men!!!111!!1" rhetoric and it grosses me out. yeah some men are gross and do try to pull this but that does not negate someone's entire identity completely just because of a few bad actors, you know that right? actual black and white behaviour.

queer discourse is silly and i don't know why it's a thing. just let people exist. it isn't that hard. we have worse things to worry about than whether someone calls themselves a lesboy or not. i think we need to unplug our ears and yank our heads out of the sand and remember that the queer community is what it is because of our unique and amazing diversity. arguing over labels like school children isn't gonna help that. damn.

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Avi Mayer

The reality is that Congress – including the large majority of the Democratic Caucus – is overwhelmingly pro-Israel. There are many reasons for that, most notable among them that America itself is overwhelmingly pro-Israel: surveys consistently show that Americans back Israel, support the US-Israel relationship, and regard the Jewish state as a close ally in massive numbers. Being pro-Israel is simply good politics, and it is one of the only truly bipartisan causes in America today.

But one cannot ignore the critical importance of visiting Israel in fostering lawmakers’ support for Israel. Groups hostile to Israel have grumbled that the Jewish state is the country most visited by members of Congress (which, according to congressional records, it appears to be). They hate these trips for exactly the same reason supporters of Israel love them: because they open participants’ eyes to the reality on the ground and make them more likely to understand and support the Jewish state.

Like Torres, numerous progressive members of Congress traveled to Israel with AIEF, local Jewish groups, and others early on in their political careers, and the overwhelming majority of them now align themselves with their party’s broad support for the US-Israel relationship. It’s an experience that works.

At the end of our conversation, I asked Torres how the pro-Israel community can create more pro-Israel progressives like him.

“There’s no substitute for traveling to Israel and experiencing the country firsthand in all its diversity and complexity,” he reiterated, noting that greater education in Israel is critical. “There are far too many people in American politics who are quick to render judgment on Israel without actually knowing much about the country, without actually having gone to the country or studied in depth, and there’s far more emotion than knowledge on the subject.”

“So I would recommend just more education and more outreach to members of Congress, and encouraging them to travel to Israel,” he concluded.

Amen, Congressman. Amen.

[ididntwanttohavetohauntyou]

#SAVE WARRIOR NUN

Avatrice is the best intentional slowburn wlw ship out there (you can’t change my mind). I will fight for them and Warrior Nun always for several reasons:

1) this representation is the kind we’ve been missing for decades (at the very least)

2) the team behind the show has shown that they’re willing to fight with us

3) this fandom is willing to take the time to fight passionately without blaming anyone but the people actually responsible - the network that didn’t promote the show and cancelled it despite good numbers

4) this show helped so many people (especially people like me who have struggled to reconcile their religion and their sexuality)

5) this show is female led and tells a story where the main storyline isn’t the women fighting for leadership positions or being catty unnecessarily

6) I love found family stories bc so many people can relate to them. We all find people who complete us and have our back no matter what and they aren’t always the people society says should do that

7) this show is genuinely just good. I’m studying film/communications rn and this show has all the components of the best ensemble shows:

a) strong and diverse characters who are not one dimensional or stereotypical (diverse in terms of race but also much more: personality, aspirations, paradigms, backgrounds, etc.)

b) conflict within the main group but also outside of it that play off of each other without being the same thing

c) major character development that is logical and well paced

d) realistic dialogue. It’s scripted but the jokes land when they’re supposed to and fall flat when they’re supposed to

e) the relationships (romantic and otherwise) are realistically complex and fluctuate

f) relatable characters and storylines (Ava exploring her newfound freedom recklessly, the girls all struggling with loss and change and Ava’s attempts to fit into that puzzle without replacing Shannon, Bea’s struggle with her sexuality, Camila’s need to prove herself and show her growth, Lilith’s thirst for validation, Mother Superion’s closed off nature because of loss, Mary’s stubborn fearlessness, Jillian’s loss of her son not once but twice, etc.)

g) natural chemistry between actors that shows onscreen

This show has done what so many have found impossible; It has balanced dozens of categories of expectations - that so many shows and movies don’t even attempt - and it has executed them all flawlessly.

I would like to thank the cast and crew for their amazing work. From one filmmaker/actor to many many more: thank you. This isn’t easy, but you did it, and you’re willing to do it again for us.

[theroastedwretch]

Between the Lines- Ep. 3

A/N: This one is pretty long, partially to make up for just how short the next one will be. Episode 4 comes at you pretty rapid fire by design, so it's harder to stretch out and still make it make sense.

Usual warnings apply, some no no words, innuendo/bad flirting. This one also features a bit more insecurity around body image than usual and discussions of mental illness, so if that's not your thing please keep that in mind.

Index Episode 2

I was cursing at my phone and muttering about stupid 20-somethings getting involved in shit they shouldn’t— and ignoring the irony— when I finally managed to get a grip on myself and start thinking a bit more clearly.

Should I text the others? The Hacker seemed pretty sure one of them was the culprit, and while I wasn’t totally positive, the timing of the threatening call seemed to support that. It had been early on in my communications with the group that it would have been surprising if my number had leaked beyond them by then. 

But if the Hacker was monitoring their phones, could the culprit be as well? I know he’d said he was putting protections on my devices, but if he hadn’t done theirs it was entirely possible someone could have gotten my number that way.

Not to mention, Thomas claimed the message with my number in the first place had come from Hannah’s phone. We’d been working under the assumption all this time that she’d sent it, but her phone had disappeared with her, and Thomas said the call he’d made had been answered by breathing. Despite what Joyce had claimed in Stranger Things, there was no good way to identify breathing.

What if it had been the kidnapper who sent them my number? The issue of “why me” remained, but it did make more objective sense that he would have access to the phone and use it for something other than calling the police (or their hacker friend). 

Hell, maybe my number has actually been a diversion. A random string of numbers sent to confuse them that happened to be my contact info? The coincidence was huge, but possible. In fact, was it even that big of a coincidence? Maybe for me, the person with the number, it felt that way. But on the outside looking in, most combinations of numbers with the right amount of digits would probably call someone. 

I wasn’t an investigator or police. I occasionally dabbled in writing mystery and did some escape rooms. I listened to true crime podcasts. But being that I was the core, stereotypical demographic for most of those things, that didn’t exactly make me uniquely qualified for any of this. 

My mind raced round and round, trying to piece together who I could trust, how I could help, and what my place in this whole clusterfuck really was. I actually had something of a reputation of being good under pressure (but collapsing as soon as it was gone— as shown by the time I’d giggled for like ten minutes straight after rushing around to put out Annie’s kitchen fire as she screamed and didn’t use the phone in her hand to call for help) but this time, maybe because there really wasn’t anything I could actually do, I found myself totally useless.

I’d worked myself up into such a fit that by the time Cleo texted, I was tense enough to yelp at the buzzing phone in my hand.

Thomas? I mouthed silently. The kid takes off after finding out about the body, gets weirdly aggressive at Dan to set up some sketchy deal he refused to mention by name, and then breaks into his girlfriend’s apartment? 

Cleo was clearly uncomfortable with it too, sounding more stilted and awkward than I’d ever heard her, even when confronting her about her newfound love of trespassing. Was he looking at her phone? Had he said something to her? 

It wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility to think he had a key— Annie’s boyfriend had one to our place, much to my chagrin— and Cleo was just as guilty of going in as he was. But something about her reaction put me on edge, so I hoped she’d get somewhere she felt freer to talk soon.

Jessy’s rage provided a good distraction, though I really wasn’t surprised to see the way the paper had “reported” the body. It fit for a small town, whose identity partially stemmed from the idea of being safe and close. How many times in the past had I rolled my eyes at my grandma declaring that “this stuff didn’t happen in her town” when she watched the news for the city I’d grown up in? These were places where you never locked your doors, knew the mailman by name. 

It became crucial to maintain that status quo at all costs, even if it meant relegating a murder to the back pages of a paper. Even if that meant the victim went unremembered.

Of course she was angry. Burying your head in the sand only felt good when it wasn’t your hurt being covered up.

Seeing her so upset brought back that feeling of helplessness I’d had with Cleo earlier. This time, there were things I could say, actions I could take. But nothing that would fix the situation or make her feel better at all. I could only let her vent. Even that felt so useless, it was only the tip of the iceberg.

Thomas’s return gave her something else to focus on, at least, even as I wondered whether it was planned or if his encounter with Cleo had forced his hand. I struggled to still see him as a devoted, grieving boyfriend after all this time.

The news that the body wasn’t Hannah’s perked everyone else up, but made me even more unsettled. As an outsider without any attachment to Hannah, a body appearing right after a kidnapping made things so much more complicated, and more dangerous. 

One was unfortunate, two was a pattern.

There was no way I could say that to them, though, or even the Hacker, so I was left to stew on that on my own through the rest of Thomas’s return conversation. 

Needing to process everything that had happened, I decided to go get some fresh air. I rarely took walks, I didn’t seem to get the cabin fever that others felt, and the pandemic had only made me even more comfortable hunkering down in one place. But suddenly I felt caged, like if I didn’t keep moving, I might collapse.

Something felt off to me, beyond the obvious. Why would the cops confirm anything to Thomas, who wasn’t Hannah’s husband and presumably had only a passing connection to the deceased woman? I knew that privacy in these cases wasn’t as strict as say, hospitals, and who knew what the laws in Germany looked like about that, but it still didn’t sit right with me. Maybe it was a small town thing? 

Googling “how much can the police release to non-family in a missing person’s case” got me nowhere even before I added in the jurisdictional aspect, and I started to get frustrated at how little I knew about any of this.

I’d had dealings with cops before, a rebellious youth plus some impulse control issues had seen to that. I’d dated some questionable men, no doubt about that, made some bad choices. I knew the basics of the law in some areas, but nothing significant. 

All of the recent happenings had me getting really frustrated with my ineptitude and getting pulled into this. I couldn’t say why I’d stuck around so far, really. It just seemed like everyone expected me to, and I didn’t want to disappoint them.

But hell, how was I not going to disappoint them? 

My life had begun revolving around this case, even when it probably shouldn’t. Outside of the movie day and going out with Annie, one of which involved Jessy and the other I still felt guilty over, I’d taken very little time away from this, and it was starting to wear me down.

Still, how did I tell these grieving friends that I needed a break? How would I leave them up to their own devices, considering even with my help they were breaking in to crime scenes, buying illegal items, and having breakdowns over found bodies? They were suffering worse than I was, and even knowing that I would crash, I felt responsible for that.

Hannah had been missing for weeks, and all I’d done was find a cat picture, pry into her medical information, and discovered some emo poetry. Poirot, I was not. I couldn’t help but think that the others blamed me for that fact.

As if hearing my doubts, the Hacker appeared. I hugged my sweater closer to myself despite the day actually being fairly warm, and considered putting him off. But I wasn’t going to make any progress without him, and the sooner we solved this mystery, the sooner I could nurse my ego and return to my life. 

I wasn’t at all surprised to hear he was reading in on my chat with Cleo, though I was a bit that he was watching my video chats. The insecure, dysmorphic part of me tried to remember how many chins I had while on screen, even knowing that he probably hadn’t looked at me once during the call. I knew it was silly, but I’d have to start considering my appearance a little more before turning on my camera. 

I’d meant to come off more teasing when I’d questioned whether my opinion mattered to him, but I knew I sounded desperate for his approval. Still, I was pretty surprised when he answered in the affirmative, seemingly genuine. My face burned when I admitted to the same, but it kind of felt like I owed it to him at that moment.

Of course, he quickly moved the conversation back to the matter at hand, and I tried not to let that sting. Once he admitted to his “flaw”, though, I couldn’t help but question myself even further. Did it extend to not realizing how he came off over chat? Had he not even noticed the times I was flirting?

It seemed like everything had me off kilter today, and I was desperate to hide under my blankets and let myself mope, at least a little. It was so like me, to get feelings for a guy on the other side of the world that I didn’t even know the name of who had no idea I’d spent weeks flirting with him. I felt like a teenager again, pining over a boy who told me that I’d have an easier time finding a boyfriend if I lost weight. 

Really, I thought I’d grown past this.

Massaging my temples as I walked back into my apartment, I let myself flop into bed despite how early it was. Maybe if I crawled into my safe space while texting, things wouldn’t bother me as much. Or I’d at least be less of an asshole and stop focusing on my own bullshit at a time like this.

I felt like I had to push back on his assertion that Hannah couldn’t have hurt herself. I clearly had more experience with depression than he had, and considering how he’d reacted to the SSRIs already, I worried it could break him. Besides, not all methods of hurting yourself came in the form that most people expected. Pretty much my entire early twenties was a testament to all of the ways you could hurt yourself without causing a single bit of physical harm.

I decided not to push that part.

We discussed the cloud entry (I resisted the urge to joke about my own shitty poetry, since I wasn’t making this about myself anymore)  and I was surprised to discover that he’d never met Hannah. He was maybe more invested in finding her than some of the group. 

I wasn’t making this about myself, so I didn’t worry that maybe they were romantic penpals or something. She had Thomas. 

I had to admit I felt pretty good about getting to tease him about the legends, and was glad to see it made him laugh. Not because I wanted his approval, but just because he was usually so serious. Of course. 

Finally, after exhausting all of the leads and updates either of us had— there was no movement on Poke’s number yet— he logged off suddenly and I sighed, taking the opportunity to wiggle deeper into my nest and think about nothing for a while. ___

I hadn’t intended to fall asleep, but I was shocked when I opened my eyes next to find that twelve hours had passed, and I suddenly found myself the topic of the group chat. Maybe I’d grilled Thomas too hard yesterday.

Dan: We don’t know anything about her, why should we trust her?

Seriously Dan? After facilitating some weird deal between Thomas and Poke, you want to start throwing stones? Maybe guilt and deflection, but annoying nonetheless.

I let myself get truly frustrated with them for the first time, reminding them of their responsibility for the fact that they knew nothing about me. Not like I’d been nothing but a vehicle to find Hannah or something to all of them but Jessy, right?

MC: I mean MC: You could ask

Thomas: What?

MC: I don’t have a whole lot of reasons to lie to you MC: Not beyond like “oh yeah I definitely do floss every day”, at least MC: So don’t ask that one MC: I will lie about that

Dan: We can’t even know if you’re telling the truth!

MC: Right MC: But if we’re talking stranger danger, it’s kind of 5 against 1 already.

Dan: Fine, so tell us about yourself

MC: Well that’s super unhelpful MC: I at least ask you guys questions

Dan: You mean interrogate? 

MC: Sure MC: Ask away

Jessy: What color is your hair?

MC: Ha!

I hit send while snorting before realizing that my amusement wouldn’t make sense to anyone in the group. 

MC: Sorry, inside joke… not a very good one. MC: Brown normally MC: But I get bored with that a lot.  MC: So like, less brown right now? I guess? 

Jessy: Oooh! What colors has it been?

I smiled a little, of course Jessy would show something of an actual interest while simultaneously asking questions that helped nothing.

MC: Well, I’ve done red streaks. Not like yours, Jessy, they called it “fire-engine red”. Red fades so fast, so I only did that once. MC: High school was when I did most of it. It was pink for a while. MC: Kept it bleached for a while, but I’m not a good blonde. MC: Blue in college. 

Thomas: Stop Thomas: Why are you doing this?

MC: Because she asked? And because if you guys keep not trusting me, we won’t get anywhere?

Thomas: No. I mean, why are you here?

MC: Because you added me to the group.

Thomas: You know what I’m asking

I groaned. I did, but where do you even start? How do I even explain, when I don’t really know myself? I knew I was on thin ice, though. Jessy liked me, and Cleo was open to me. But Thomas was, at best, neutral, Richy had barely spoken to me, Lilly was totally absent, and Dan… well, Dan was Dan.

What do you tell a group of strangers when they ask why you’re putting all of your energy into snooping around their personal lives? 

The hope that Thomas seemed to be fueled by, that I’d have some unknown connection and solution to everything seemed to have vanished. And that had really been my only connection to these people. 

“Sorry, I might want to bone the hacker you all hate, so I do what he tells me,” was pathetic on so many levels, and would do nothing to help me.

MC: Look MC: I’m an asshole, okay? My jokes are bad, I suck at people, and I’m just generally something of an acquired taste at best MC: But like, how do you walk away from people who want you to help find a missing person?  MC: I don’t know her. It’s crazy I care this much. But Thomas, you sent me all those pictures MC: And you’ve all talked about her so much MC: And I read the articles about it online and that made it so real too MC: I don’t know if I’ll be useful. Frankly, I’m usually not even at the best of times MC: But on the tiniest chance I can be, and I don’t try? I don’t think I’m prepared to be that much of a shit person. 

The silence after I wrote all of that stretched on long enough to make me sweat. Being genuine wasn’t something I practiced much, and I was mostly just glad I hadn’t had to say all of that out loud because I would have stumbled over it and messed it up somehow. However un-charismatic I was online, it was nothing compared to how I was in person.

After what felt like several minutes of nothing, I began frantically thinking of ways to take it all back. Despite the miles and miles between us, something about my words made me feel like I was standing in front of them all naked, so the lack of reply had me fighting not to claw my eyes out.

Finally, around the time I’d hunted down the dusty bottle of vodka I’d gotten as a gift for last Christmas and poured myself a glass with little enough juice that it did more for color than taste, there was movement in the chat.

Dan is typing…

Dan: Fine Dan: Stay

Dan is offline.

Cleo: Right, well… Welcome to the team.

I was a bit surprised to see the hesitation from Cleo, since she’d already called me at Hannah’s and admitted to several crimes, one of which I was complicit in. Maybe she’d only included me before since I was online and couldn’t stop her? Who knows.

Thomas is offline.

Cleo is offline. 

Richy is offline.

Only Jessy and I remained, which I guess I could have predicted at that point. Considering her line of questioning, and our active personal chat, it made sense that she’d be the one least likely to need to mull over my outburst. Which is why, when I saw a notification pop up seconds later, I didn’t hesitate to press it without looking at the name.

As it turned out, It wasn’t from Jessy. Instead, the notification led me back to my chat with the Hacker. 

???: You did surprisingly well.

Despite the fact that I’d normally bask a little bit in the compliment (however backhanded the qualifier made it feel), I only felt irritated. My frustration, insecurity and helplessness bubbled over, and even knowing how little he’d get those emotions from my words, he was the only one here to direct it at.

MC: Thanks? I think?  MC: Or are you just surprised they didn’t boot me out of the chat? MC: Look, I want to help, but you saw how that just went.  MC: I don’t do this, okay? I don’t know how to get people to like me, or trust me, or want to talk to me. Everyone who puts up with me in real life are either people who met me when we were young enough that being edgy and bitchy seemed cool, liked my mom enough to feel like they have to make sure I’m alive, or are getting paid in one way or the other.

???: I believe it went well, MC. You were quite convincing.

MC: Pf. Hardly. For Hannah, you need to find someone else. I can still do the cloud stuff if you want, but there’s got to be someone better to talk to the group.

The moment I hit send, a notification from the person I’d been expecting earlier appeared at the top of my screen.

Jessy: MC! I’m so sorry they acted so mean Jessy: They’re not usually like that, they’re scared. But that’s no excuse.  Jessy: You almost made me cry!

MC: I’m sorry! 

Jessy: No no, it was so nice! 🥰

MC: Mmh, Jessy, I made everyone run away.

Jessy: Trust me, they just didn’t know what to say. They hate being wrong!

While I wracked my brain trying to formulate a response, another notification popped up that I didn’t even bother to click this time.

???: ;)

Smug bastard. ___

After that, things were a little less tense in the group chat. The majority still weren’t particularly friendly,  but they’d at least seem to accept my presence. Dan was still kind of an asshole, but in a kind of way that I was used to, so I didn’t let it bother me. He seemed like the sort that people just kind of ignored most of the time, and I knew what that was like.

The chat wasn’t what I’d consider active, but they checked in on each other occasionally, tried to cheer each other up and touched base with platitudes and support. 

Jessy: MC Jessy: … Jessy: You there? Jessy: MCCCCC

Huh. It was strange for me to be addressed directly at the start of a conversation, but the fact that it was Jessy made it make a little more sense. I suspected she was trying to include me more and humanize me to the rest, a mission she’d kind of taken up recently.

MC: Hi! Sorry, I got a call.

Jessy: Aren’t you popular?

MC: No, no, never. Work. 😩

Jessy: Oh! You know, I don’t think we’ve ever talked about your job.

MC: Well, yeah, it’s not really been important. 

Other than my chats with Jessy, and the time Thomas had grilled me about my intentions, discussing me had been pretty low priority. I’d chime in here and there when the group chat dipped into the easy flow that happened in messages between old friends. And I never missed a chance to make a sassy comment or comment, which they’d quickly learned to ignore or roll their eyes at.

But it was true that in their eyes, I was still just a stranger. Even as I slowly started forming pictures of their lives and getting pulled deeper into Hannah’s world, the group as a whole still didn’t even know my last name. I hadn’t offered it, but they didn’t ask either.

After my hidden meltdown when the body was discovered not to be Hannah’s, I’d probably put up some barriers trying not to totally lose myself in their lives. It was wearing on my mental health in a pretty serious way, so while Jessy and I were continuing to bond, and Cleo had started talking to me more, I felt a bit detached overall.

Jessy: Still! Jessy: You’re always on your phone Jessy: Every time I’m on

I snorted at that, mainly because it wasn’t totally true. I wasn’t a morning person, and she was bright and sunny enough to be way too much until I’d gotten at least two cups of coffee in me. But after that, I did give my phone nearly my full attention.

MC: That’s what my boss just said on our call, haha. 🙃 MC: I work remotely, so I’ve got some flexibility MC: But I’ve been pushing that lately MC: And unlike someone, I’m not cute enough to get away with it

Richy: 😳

For all Jessy tried to hide when she texted non-stop at work, it was actually the worst kept secret. Especially since Richy was on nearly as much during the day. They didn’t acknowledge each other over chat all that much, but there was no way they didn’t notice they were both on.

But since it was just as obvious that Richy wanted to date Jessy…

Jessy: 😤 Jessy: But what do you do?

Of course neither would acknowledge it. They both knew, even if they wanted to pretend they didn’t. I was surprised the group didn’t heckle them for it more. Yet another way they differed from mine, I guess. I’d never live it down with them.

MC: Nothing very exciting. I’m called a “Customer Communication Quality Assurance Analyst”

Jessy: Right…

Yep, that was the usual reaction alright.

MC: Told you 🤣 MC: You know how when you call customer service, that message plays? MC: About your call being recorded? MC: Some companies review those in-house, but others contract out to a firm MC: So I work for one of those

Dan: You’re joking

He didn’t usually get involved when I was talking. He’d respond to the others, of course, but for the most part he preferred to ignore me completely. This would be interesting.

MC: No… why would I be?

Dan: You spend all day spying on people’s calls Dan: Just to open your phone Dan: And interrogate us

I actually was a little more offended than I should have been, which probably gave his point more credence. Still, it felt like there was a note of teasing to it that maybe could work in my favor if I played it right.

MC: Okay MC: Well when you put it that way MC: My life just sounds sad MC: And kind of creepy 😒

Dan: I mean, isn’t it?

MC: Hey 😤 MC: But actually MC: I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger

Jessy: Really?? That’s so cool

I hadn’t meant to prolong this conversation, but since Jessy had definitely become the one that both liked me best and I’d been most open with, maybe it would be useful to let them in a little.

And it was definitely for Hannah and not because I wanted the acceptance of these people. Of course.

MC: Mmh, no, not really.  MC: Could have saved myself a lot of time and money if I’d remembered I don’t like dealing with people that much

Jessy: What do you mean? Jessy: You’re so friendly!

Friendly? Jessy, I’m a raging bitch, covering up for the self-esteem of a goldfish with sarcasm and fake arrogance, the mouth of a sailor, and the gutter-mind of a 16 year old boy. Was that friendly?

MC: Sure, to people I like MC: But I made the mistake of being a TA in undergrad MC: Turns out, people can be really dumb and I have no patience 🤓

Cleo: MC!

Yeah. That would be a bit far for Cleo. She was nice enough, of course, but probably the one that struggled the most with my more insulting quips. Well, Thomas and Lilly hadn’t been much involved with me either, so maybe they’d have been yelling at me even more. Who knows?

MC: Yes, yes. I’ll be nice MC: I just get frustrated easily, I guess.  MC: Having to explain something over and over

Dan: Mmh, I’m trying to picture you as a teacher. It’s kind of funny.

I felt a surge of pride in realizing I’d kept Dan at least marginally engaged. Though actually, in other circumstances he might have actually been the one I was the most similar to. He seemed to also lack a filter and the capability to recognize when running his mouth was okay.

MC: Funny isn’t the word I’d have used

Jessy: Poor you 😫

MC: If I’m being honest, probably poor them 

Jessy: Oh no

MC: 😉 MC: It was better for everyone that I got out of that line of work MC: But it was too late to change my degree unless I wanted to spend way too much time backtracking MC: So I just found a job that would take a degree, no matter what it was.  MC: So now, here I am MC: Both professional and amatuer spy MC: Apparently 

Jessy: That suits you somehow

MC: I don’t know what to say to that MC: Should I be insulted or…?

Again, realizing my role in this group was still barely above the Hacker’s as far as my motives made my heart sink. They were right. My job here was to investigate, spy and uncover. But since I hadn’t really made them aware of just how creepy I was being, I was surprised to see that they considered me a “spy”, or even investigator. 

Jessy: No no! I just meant that you see things others miss Jessy: So it works for you

MC: Oh okay

Dan: Yeah, you’re a regular Sherlock Holmes

MC: Nah, he at least had cocaine to keep him awake. MC: I’m probably more like Harriet the Spy, tbh. 😂

The conversation didn’t continue after that, but I almost felt like I’d earned Dan’s respect even just the tiniest bit with that one. ___

I was somewhat caught off-guard when Richy added me after discussing the Man Without a Face in the legends chat that Jessy had made for us. I agreed with him that Jessy seemed more eager to latch onto the legend than most people would, but it made sense that she’d want to seize any chance she saw to step back from the idea that the killer could be human. 

For my part, the more I thought on the idea that someone would be masquerading as this mythical avenger, the more I saw it as a viable concept. Killers, especially ones that consider themselves righteous, love to glom onto characters that get across the message they want to embody.

My true crime podcasts taught me that much at least.

I teased him about Jessy more to get him off balance than to confirm he liked her— that much was already obvious. I wasn’t crazy about the power dynamics at play there, with him being her boss, but that seemed kind of like a thing that just happened in small towns. There were only so many people to start with. 

I considered lightly flirting with him to see if that was a better tactic, but frankly I couldn’t bring myself to. Jessy was a friend, and she seemed to like him too. I didn’t think he’d ever get up the nerve to ask her, but there was only so much playing in their lives I could justify before it felt icky.

Besides that, there was the question of my shadow.

Ruminating on that led me back to decrypting, a habit I’d taken up while trying to avoid thinking too much on him, his motives, and how much he even noticed about me. Ironically, decryption was the thing that should remind me the most of him, but I could generally focus on Hannah while doing the most annoying parts, since it was to benefit her. 

Sometimes I wondered how she would feel once she was safe. I couldn’t imagine she’d be interested in much to do with me— I was still pretty convinced she hadn’t sent my number— as I’d be mostly a reminder about this horrible time in her life. But would she resent me for the intrusions I’d made into her private life? 

As if sensing my guilt, the next file I opened was clearly another diary entry, once again filled with emotional conflict. It as much more straightforward than the last, written with a bit more clarity and thought rather than vomiting words up as they appeared in her head. 

I bit the inside of my cheek as I read over it a second time. I knew I had to send this to the Hacker, but Hannah’s distress had really been the only thing to faze him since that first, frantic call to her friends. I worried that this one, likely even direct enough for him to grasp the emotion behind, would cause him even more grief.

But he’d also be furious if he found out I kept something from him, even—or maybe especially— if it was out of a desire to protect him. Sighing guiltily, I sent it to him to discuss.

The conversation went a bit unexpectedly, though. Maybe he’d come to terms with our previous findings enough to prepare himself for this one, or maybe he was glad to have something a bit less hard to understand. He probably didn’t read much poetry with his flaw.

I wasn’t prepared for the fucking praise, though. Or really, my reaction to it was the problem. Instead of feeling patronized, it sent a bit of a jolt through me. So damn stupid, getting worked up over some guy telling you that you did a good job. I knew I had a bit of a submissive side but Jesus, really?

Wait. Could he have found that particular… interest… of mine when reading through my chats? Jessy and I got a bit detailed at times when discussing our preferences, after she got used to me it seemed like she enjoyed having someone to discuss things with.

What else had he seen on my phone and devices? He admitted to having full access but said he only looked at case-related things. Still, there was a lot of bullshit to wade through in order to find those case-related items. After he’d said not to worry about offending him, I’d mostly tried to forget he was there whenever I messaged people or screwed around on the internet.

But all it would take was one poorly timed screen-mirror and…

I scrambled to try to remember my recent activities and felt my face burn when I considered all of the possibilities. I wasn’t one to watch risqué videos, being more into reading and writing to alleviate my frustrations. 

Cool. Great. Awesome. He probably knew everything about my kinks and I didn’t know his name.

As freaked out as I was, the fact that I still didn’t know his name was starting to bother me. Especially in light of this recent realization. I could do it, right? Just ask his name? I mean, we’d been talking a while, he said he trusted me. I got the feeling I’d never see his face or talk to him without the distortion, but his name was innocent enough. 

Before I could chicken out, I typed it out, as a request rather than a question, and hit send.

Of course he’d ask why I cared. Of course it seemed ridiculous to him, I’d already suspected he had no idea what signals I’d tried to throw out. 

Would it hurt to try to be more obvious? I wondered. I was cringing at my screen now, trying to both type and shut my eyes to what I was saying as I admitted to liking him. I tried to make a joke of it, using the damn smilies Jessy had gotten me addicted to, but even someone who couldn’t read had to be able to just smell the pheromones and insecurity dripping off of every word.

Jake.

The emotional high of learning that, of being able to greet him properly for the first time, dampened a bit from the clear regret he immediately expressed. Still, he hadn’t left yet, so I I tried to salvage things a little.

Are you dating someone?

How could I not have melted at that? It was the most overt he’d ever been by far. So even when he fled again, I couldn’t keep the stupid grin off of my face. ___

I was pretty ashamed to only realize that Cleo had never gotten back to me about the situation with Thomas until she reached out again, saying that she needed to clear her head before we talked. Still, I should have checked in about it long before now, so the guilt of making it about me, again, pushed away the good feelings from earlier.

Learning that Thomas and Hannah had been arguing, that he no longer had a key to her apartment despite clearly having a way to access it, just solidified my need to check further into him.

Goddamn it folks, stop being shady and stop not telling me things. How is it this fucking hard?

I pinched my nose, attempting to slow my breathing. But learning that he took something from the apartment just shot my blood pressure back up through the roof.

I’d drank as much during this investigation— even ignoring my night out with Annie at the start— as I normally did in a year but I still couldn’t escape the urge for a shot. It was barely mid-afternoon so I resisted the urge, but barely. ___

After getting the book number for Jessy, Jake (that still felt weird) let me know he’d found Poke’s number. I got nervous when he revealed I’d have to call rather than text— I was a millennial, that’s my actual nightmare— and a little frustrated when he seemed to minimize the risk to me again. At this point, he should know I’d stick around even when I’m scared. But it would be really nice to whine and be comforted for five minutes before handing my number over to a suspected criminal. 

Still, I suspected that being comforting wasn’t particularly his style, and that even if he wanted to, he’d have very little reference for how to do it. 

And there was no denying that of the two of us, I was the better choice for handling the people part. I mean, we were still screwed, but I kind of suspected I was the only person he’d managed to charm recently and I still wasn’t totally possible how he’s done that.

So I groaned, put on my big girl panties, and called. ___

A locksmith. All of this cloak and dagger bullshit over a locksmith. A clearly unethical one, but why the hell would they not just pretend like Thomas had lost his own key or something instead of acting like the sketchiest fucking losers alive?

I wasn’t proud of my past associations, but I’d seen drug deals discussed with more grace than these folks were handling an exchange with a perfectly legal business and an obvious cover story.

Not to mention, why the hell did Thomas not know where her spare key was if Cleo did? I wasn’t sure how long they’d been dating, but it was probably long enough for him to know where her spare key was.

For some reason, I started to suspect less that the culprit was either Dan or Thomas, mainly because they apparently made the stupidest damn criminals I’d ever met.

Hannah, your friends are going to be the death of me, I swear. ___

As the group chat exploded into drama over Phil, I groaned out loud. A fight was a long time coming, especially between Cleo and Jessy, but did it have to be now?

I was working when it started, trying to clear my inbox that I was sorely behind on dealing with. Several of the calls I’d reviewed today had serious violations and one of the clients took the negative feedback really poorly. I’d had enough yelling for this week, thank you.

Annie popped open a can of coke behind me and leaned over to look beyond my shoulder at my phone. I tried to casually block her from seeing, but she was tall enough to catch sight of it anyway.

“Hey is that Jessy? How is she?”

“Fine,” I muttered, locking my phone screen and trying to ignore the rapid-fire buzzing. 

“What crawled up your ass?” She snarked, eying up my tense posture and tight expression. 

“Nothing, Annie, I’m just trying to work and no one will leave me alone!” I snapped, pushing my keyboard away from me in frustration.

She threw her hands up in surrender. “Jeez, sorry, I was just trying to help.” She turned away from me, toward her room, and took a loud slurp of her coke as she walked. “Let me know when you’re less of a bitch.”

“Right,” I mumbled to myself, getting myself more settled into my chair. “Focus.”

The incessant vibration wouldn’t let me, though, and I realized that I wasn’t going to get anything done until it stopped. Sighing louder than necessary, I once again got involved in something that had no good reason to be my business.

I felt bad for being relieved when Jessy stormed off and things cooled down relatively quickly after that. I reminded myself to reach out to her later, even though I knew she wasn’t the sort who liked to be left alone while she was emotional. 

The information about Phil was interesting, though. It wasn’t particularly a side of Hannah I’d heard anything about. But then, I’d only heard about her from people who loved her, and it already seemed like no one knew about her depression.

And boy didn’t I know the kind of questionable decisions depression could lead to. Not to mention, having learned that Thomas returned his key during a fight made me wonder exactly what their relationship was at the time of her disappearance. If they were broken up, maybe she’d been acting out her heartbreak in a way that would raise eyebrows in a small town. 

I suppose she could have been taken by a partner after all. Just not the one we knew about.

At the same time, Phil’s comments bordered on the Nice Guy style bullshit I and my friends had heard so often after turning a guy down. Men love to call women sluts for not sleeping with them.

No, I was supposed to be focusing on work. Work. It was bad enough to put off responsibilities for a kidnapping case, it was another to instead speculate on a woman’s sex life when I’d never met her.

Yet I was glad Richy was going to talk to Phil.

I managed to get through about half a day’s work before my phone started again. Spy mode was getting old fast, I have no idea why Jake liked this shit. I just don’t care about other people’s crap this much. I don’t even want to deal with my own social life!

Though it did catch my eye to see that Jessy and Dan were going on a date. Hadn’t seen that one coming, she’d never shown much of a soft spot for him and Dan didn’t strike me as particularly romantic.

But maybe I was just bitter considering “are you single” was the hottest my current relationship had gotten so far.

So much for doing work, I griped and started logging out for the day. Once I started brooding over things with Jake, I was never going to get back on track. I’d learned that the hard way.

Pretending it wasn’t at all to talk to him, I made my way out to the garden and curled up next to a bush to start decrypting in the sun. ___

The sun had set by the time I managed to get anything, but for the first time the picture made me pause. 

A Raven.

To be honest, a large part of me figured it was stupid kids. If this legend was as well known in the city as Jessy and Richy had implied, then it made sense for jagoff teenagers to run around marking things up with it. It was at least more creative than just doing penises like most of the graffiti I saw.

But it wouldn’t do to just dismiss it outright either. 

In fact, the more I thought about it, the more intriguing it was. Because it didn’t matter if it was just graffiti. The how or why of it being there might be totally irrelevant.

But what made it important was that Hannah thought it was important.

I suppose she could have just thought it was cool, or maybe she was interested in the legend or wanted to show Jessy, who clearly had a strong interest in the macabre. But not long after she’d taken it, she’d supposedly been dragged into the woods by the man this symbol was meant to represent.

Had she been pursuing him rather than the other way round? 

Trying to get around explaining to Richy and Jessy where I’d gotten the picture was a bit awkward. They seemed to know I was investigating on some level, and they knew I was in touch with Jake. But they hadn’t really put those things together or realized how deep I was digging, and I was pretty grateful for that. They would have to be offended on her behalf. I was offended on her behalf sometimes. 

But like, the police would be doing it too, right? Going through her personal life and putting it under a microscope, analyzing every word she said and who she said it to. At least I wasn’t her neighbor, her pastor, or anyone she had to deal with regularly. That had to be a comfort, I hoped. 

But I appreciated Jessy keeping Richy from asking more, either way. Her trust touched me, and made things much simpler for now. And processing this with someone other than Jake was strangely nice, despite how much I enjoyed talking to him.

Of course, then Richy had to get in a parting shot about where I got the picture. And the worst part is, he wasn’t even wrong. |___

The guilt of all— the hiding, the lying, the half-ignored responsibilities— it started weighing on me after that. Too much was at stake to back down now, but I could feel the suspicion pointed at me, and it was deserved. 

I wasn’t above half-truths or even the occasional lie, really. Sometimes it was just easier and better for everyone if the truth went unsaid. But this was snowballing out of control and I didn’t know how to stop it.

So I confessed the only thing I could think of that might not ruin everything.

MC: Jake?

Jake is online.

Jake: Hello, MC. Jake: Is everything alright? 

MC: I lied before. MC: And cheated.

I paused, trying to think of how to say it. Which I knew I should have considered before I even started the conversation, but planning wasn’t my strong suit when my emotions got the better of me.

Jake is typing…

Jake: To what are you referring?

Right. I’d gotten so used to him reading things and knowing what I meant before I said it that I just kind of assumed he knew what was going on in my head.

MC: The bet. MC: I’m sending your credits back.

After hitting enter, I quickly opened the app he’d sent me my winnings through and sent them all back. I hadn’t done anything with them, it felt kind of gross.

Jake: I appreciate your honesty, but I’m not sure I understand. You found the information more quickly than I could.

MC: Right, well. That’s because I already knew what SSRIs were for. I’ve been on them for years. MC: I’ve been depressed since I was a teenager. I don’t even know why I pretended. MC: I was just surprised you didn’t know already and then you were SO shocked and uncomfortable about Hannah and I got worried you’d think differently of me too so I just went with it.

He typed and erased several times, and my mind became a whirlwind of regret. Why was I doing this? He didn’t ask to hear all about my problems. It wasn’t like I’d conned him out of a huge prize. But I was so tired of lying, and lying to him felt especially wrong after he’d been letting me in. 

Jake: MC, I never thought less of Hannah for her depression. I was upset to find out that she was suffering.

MC: It seemed like you were, I don’t know, struggling with your perception of her. 

Jake: Not in a negative way, not toward her. And I am sorry that it made you feel like you had to hide or be ashamed in any way.

MC: I’m usually not like this with it, you know? I mean in high school I was, but that went super poorly so I made myself talk about it. 

Jake: You do not have to talk about it if you’re not comfortable.

MC: No, I want you to know. It’s a part of my life. And really so much about me makes way more sense when you realize my brain doesn’t really do what it’s supposed to.  MC: Sorry, dark humor is my main coping mechanism.

Jake: I had noticed.

MC: Yeah, it’s not particularly subtle.  MC: And just so you know, I’m stable. The meds help, and I do therapy as needed. There are still bad days and stuff but that’s always going to be true. MC: That’s part of why I kept pushing about you realizing it was possible that Hannah had hurt herself, too. MC: Like you said, that’s not the case here since you saw it. But it does happen. And I know my friends and family were even more upset when something would happen because it caught them off guard.

Jake: Is that something

Jake is typing… 

MC: Let’s save that conversation for another day, maybe?

Jake: Of course.

MC: But the good news is that maybe it means I can provide some different perspectives on things, right? Like that first cloud entry. MC: Really, I just have to hope that if I get kidnapped no one gives enough of a shit to sort through my stuff like this because there’s nothing good to be found in my sad folder.

Jake: “Sad folder”?

MC: Don’t even try, it’s super old and on a flash drive somewhere that hopefully fell out of whatever box I put it in when I moved here and got crushed by several cars.

Jake: How oddly specific.

MC: Fantasies are what keep a girl going, right? MC: Jake?  MC: Thank you for listening.

Jake: :)

Jake: Thank you for your trust. 

Jake is offline.

Later, after the third or so time that I re-read our conversation, I tried to work out exactly what it was that made trust so important to him. In our particular situation, we did need to trust each other to a point, but somehow it seemed bigger than that. It was like my trust was some precious trinket to him that he was grateful for each reminder of.

Admittedly, at times that trust felt a little bit more like blind faith, even toeing the line on being foolish. But my instincts told me that he was involved for the right reasons, even if sometimes his methods were at times a bit cold. ___

Somehow, maybe the drink I’d mixed while getting ready for my date with Jessy, it hadn’t occurred to me to think that Jake might have been reading along. I’d gotten used to it by that point, hell, sometimes it even felt reassuring. But it wasn’t until it had started winding down and he messaged me that I realized.

Jake: Hello, MC.

MC: Hello, Jake

He always greeted me so formally, it made me think of a handshake and firm eye contact. I chuckled, picturing us meeting for the first time with a handshake.

Shaking my head at myself, I looked down at my phone.

Jake is typing…

Here, he erased, paused, and started again.

Jake is typing…

After a few minutes of waiting, I started to get concerned.

MC: Is everything okay?

Jake: Did you enjoy your evening?

MC: So you were reading along again 😆

Jake: Yes, it seemed interesting that she chose to cancel her date to speak to you. I wanted to see if there was any information that could be useful to us.

MC: Well, did you see anything interesting?

Jake: Why do you believe that she made the decision to stay home and speak to you?

I wondered for a second if it bothered him. We’d never explicitly discussed my sexuality, and Jessy and my rapport sometimes played hopscotch with the line between bubbly and flirty in that way that every bisexual woman has been confused by at some point in their lives. 

MC: Because I’m great 😎 MC: But also Dan kind of sucks

Jake: Regardless, I imagine she would have had a more enjoyable time going out rather than making small talk over orange juice.

MC: Depends on the company I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

Jake is typing…

Jake is typing…

MC: Did I make it weird again?

Jake: No. Jake: Of course not. Jake: A virtual date was simply a concept I was previously unaware of.

Jake never really spoke informally, but at least lately he’d seemed a little less… stiff. I groaned, suspecting that, despite his denial, I’d made it weird. 

MC: Well MC: I think the voice distortion and hidden face might make it a bit more difficult for you MC: My mom did tell me not to talk to strange men online 😂

Jake is offline.

And there it is.  Not surprising, that could easily have been viewed as an insult. Especially after we’d been seemingly getting closer lately. But my life had totally been taken over by strange men on the internet lately, so I considered it somewhat fair to at least acknowledge that it was weird.

MC: Look, sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. My mom WOULD be rather annoyed if she saw me now. But it’s not like this is even the worst thing I’ve done. MC: Really I think I’m mostly surprised that you haven’t had a virtual date before. MC: It seems like that’d be right up your alley. Computers and girls at the same time.

His status didn’t change after my messages, so after a few minutes I let myself bonelessly sprawl across the couch and sigh. I read through a few bullshit articles online, shared some memes on Facebook, and waited to see if he’d log back on. That had happened a few times, after he’d done whatever he needed to in order to get over the embarrassment, annoyance, or brain breaking I’d subjected him to. He did need me, to a degree, and as inconvenient as my personality was for him, it was more to his benefit to keep me sweet.

Which probably made me a bad person for taking advantage of that for my own amusement just a little. But he could well be using me to find his friend so at least we both got something out of it.

It took longer than usual for him to come back this time, maybe I’d really pissed him off. But around the time I’d started scrolling through some cat pictures on Reddit, he came back.

Jake is online.

Jake: My apologies, something needed my immediate attention.  Jake: I don’t know how my small talk abilities didn’t make it abundantly clear, but I haven’t had the time or opportunity for many dates in the recent past, virtual or not.

My eyes widened a tiny bit. Personal information AND multiple contractions? The language was still very stiff, of course, but there was a tiny bit less formality than earlier. Maybe he wasn’t reading as closely before he hit send. Trying not to chicken out?

Pure speculation, but I liked the thought.

MC: Shame. They can be fun, even without the orange juice.  MC: What with the pandemic and all, it was that or nothing, so I tried my hand at it a few times. MC: Nothing came of it but you know. It passes the time.

Jake: Is that where your ability to connect with the group without meeting came from?

Interesting question, even feeling a bit loaded. I’d already confirmed I was single, of course, and I’d said I liked him more than once by now. But that still left a lot of room between “hermit” and “almost having a partner”, and I wondered if he was trying to suss that out.

MC: Not entirely. Most of my friendships are online ever since I moved a few years ago. I’m not the greatest at initiating conversation so I’ve mostly stuck with keeping in touch with them. MC: Keeping and forming connections aren’t the exact same, but since this lot seems to keep me close because Hannah sent my number, it helps.

Jake: I refuse to believe that you aren’t good at initiating. Jake: Conversation.

Oh, that made me laugh. I wanted desperately to push a little harder on that one, but he’d already logged off once and I was really enjoying talking to him. I got up and poured myself another glass to help me relax a bit further, since the one from my date with Jessy had started to wear off.

MC: I’m actually very shy at first, believe it or not. It’s only once I get comfortable with someone that I become the giant pain in the ass you see before you.

Jake: Does that mean you feel comfortable with me?

MC: Clearly. That’s how transitive property works, right?

Jake: Are you sure that’s the transitive property?

MC: Nope, but it is now.

Jake: Haha. Jake: You are quite intriguing.

MC: Boy, you know how to charm a girl. I guess “intriguing” certainly isn’t the worst I’ve been called though.

Jake is typing…

He stopped. I again waited for him to log off, but after several long beats, he hadn’t. I decided to put him out of his misery a little.

MC: So how much were you able to dig up on me? I’ve been curious.  MC: I can only assume by this point that you know more about me than I do.

If he was surprised or unnerved by the change in topic, he didn’t show it.

Jake: I looked, of course, before I gave you access to Hannah’s information and the spy mode. Jake: It was possible that the reason she had your number was because you were the culprit.

MC: Guess being across the world helped reassure you.

Jake: That was part of it.  Jake: Additionally, everything I saw pointed towards you being a perfectly normal woman.

MC: Normal? You must be bad at your job, sir. MC: But you didn’t actually answer what you dug up.

Jake: No, I did not. Jake: But I suppose you deserve to know. Jake: As you’ve mentioned, I have access to your phone. That allowed me to find your social media profiles and email very quickly. Jake: You don’t list your job on social media, interestingly. Nor the last several.

MC: No way I’m making it easier for them to find the shit I say. MC: I’m not sure I’d get fired faster for the nerdy bullshit or the liberal rants.

Jake: It’s a good idea to keep those separate, of course. Jake: It still would not be impossible to find. Jake: But you also use a nickname on social media and your legal name for work. Jake: And separate emails. Jake: That helps as well.

MC: My, are you this thorough with everything you do? MC: But the analysis is good. Though I’m sure you still found more.

I grinned into my glass a little. There was a chance he wouldn’t pick up on the suggestion behind my comment, but I wouldn’t mind letting him stew on it just the tiniest bit if he managed to. 

Jake: Of course. Being thorough is required in my line of work, so it’s part of my nature.

Damn. Just enough that he could still be talking about hacking. Or he could be volleying it back. And in order to know, I’d have to be more obvious. But I couldn’t let him win like that, so I decided to let it go for now.

MC: I’m not that easily deterred. If you found my work email, you found my LinkedIn.

Jake: Yes, of course.

MC: And knowing my email means you know the username for just about everything.

Jake: Yes.

MC: So, anything interesting?

Jake: Well, to be honest, once I’d found your socials and work information, I had enough to determine you were safe to contact.

MC: And I totally believe that someone we’ve established as being painstakingly thorough stopped there.

Jake: After some of our conversations where I revealed more details to you, I did look a bit further. I connected you to an old username it doesn’t seem you use any longer.

Oh, damn. I should have expected that, but suddenly realized just how many old profiles I had under that name. Everything from dating profiles, to forums, to fanfiction. It went back as far as middle school.

Jake: I stopped after finding an old Xanga and LiveJournal. At that point, it no longer felt appropriate.

Okay, maybe he didn’t find my RPG posts. I hoped.

MC: I would have thought you’d find those entertaining. I was pretty angsty and faux-deep. Almost as bad as my sad folder. MC: Loved me some sparkly HTML backgrounds.  MC: I got them all from a source of course, we can’t all be geniuses, and I considered myself something of a writer at the time. Coding was never my thing.

Hopefully, leaning into the embarrassment would get rid of the blush on my face. Plus, the second glass of wine was certainly helping to loosen my lips, er,  fingers.

Jake: To be totally honest, I was far too busy remembering my own teenage angst to focus too heavily on yours.  Jake: I scrubbed my own profiles years ago.

I smirked.

MC: Hm, now I’m curious what you used. MC: You can’t be too much younger than me if Xanga and LJ brought you back. MC: But I guess you could still be a late MySpace, early Facebook user and still remember those. MC: I’d bet good money you got your hands on a computer young, and probably had even less oversight than I did.

Jake: Mmh, but I thought your mom told you to be afraid of internet strangers.

MC: But she also believed I’d listen. It’s like she didn’t even know me. 🤭  MC: You’re probably not even the worst stranger danger I’ve let myself get involved with.

Another pause, but this one felt a little more comfortable. Maybe he was curious and wondering if he should ask. Or maybe he was pondering the meaning of “get involved with”. Maybe he just didn’t know how to reply.

Still, this time felt rather friendly, like the last hour or so had relaxed something in us both. I had no idea if he was flirting back or just clueless, but I didn’t sense any discomfort beyond maybe uncertainty. 

Jake: MC, I have to go. Jake: But thank you, I enjoyed this time.

MC: Hopefully it made good practice for your next virtual date. 😝

Why would I say that? And why did that thought bother me that badly? Of him taking our conversation and using it to charm someone else? 

That’s not good.

Jake: We shall see. Jake: :)

Well, fuck. 

Honestly, I probably could have dwelled on that for the rest of the night. But nothing sobers a girl up and jerks her out of daydreaming about men quite like a rapid fire confession of lawbreaking from someone who you thought hated you, discovery of a lead on a kidnapping case, and realizing that the initials on that same lead may well match the initials of the guy you were just daydreaming about.

After a nearly sleepless night, I would come to realize that nothing cleared up exhaustion quite like a threatening call and learning that someone you knew was barely clinging to life, either.

NEXT

[epenvs3000w24]

Unit 2: My Ideal Role of Environmental Interpreter

While reflecting on my experiences with others' environmental interpretations, the memories that linger are those of connections between tangible elements of a place and intangible meanings (Beck et al., 2018). In this way, the interpreter planted a seed to evoke thought so as to foster a revelation, personal understanding, and feeling. However, not everyone grows their roots the same way. Individuals are unique in their learning styles, which was highlighted when completing the “What's Your Learning Style?” quiz. Just as people grow roots in different ways, so too do they connect with and interpret their surroundings uniquely. Acknowledging this diversity is crucial, especially when acting as an interpreter for a place. While a location might speak for itself in some instances, it is equally important to tailor interpretations to resonate with the audience, sparking a connection that evokes emotion—a gift of a spark (Beck et al., 2018).

As an interpreter, my goal is to have visitors able to convey significance, by being able to appeal to their emotions and allowing them to create tangible connections with the environment. Drawing inspiration from my Montessori upbringing, I value the natural curiosity to learn, which I believe is crucial for environment interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). To enrich visitor experiences, I intend to provide an interpretive recreation as Beck et al. (2018) explained. Combining a theme for interpretation (as per the “T” in TORE), along with self-guided opportunities, encourages visitors to explore the environment in their own ways and develop their own connections (Beck et al., 2018). 

Along with endless opportunities to learn curiously, passion emerges as a central skill I would need for effective environmental interpretation. As Tilden expressed, sharing genuine love for the subject is paramount in engaging the audience (Beck et al., 2018). Without genuine passion, the interpretive experience falls short, rendering it no more valuable than reading a pamphlet. 

In my ideal role, I could exude this passion on a remote island where I lived for two months in 2021 for a marine conservation internship. Immersed in the island’s culture and community, I developed a profound passion for its nature. This newfound passion became integral to my daily life through my daily tasks, where I eagerly shared it with others, particularly children from neighbouring islands. Employing various techniques such as presentations, listening games, and hands-on activities, my team and I tailored our approach to different learning styles, providing a real-world application of environmental interpretation. The island as depicted in the pictures, speaks for itself, but I believe there is much more to discover if you know where to look.

Tailoring communication to evoke emotion and instill passion would allow me to showcase the hidden treasures of this 16 km² island to a diverse audience, providing personal opportunities to develop perception of place and explore and appreciate its nature as much as I do! 

Reference:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., and Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. Sagamore Publishing.

[transbookoftheday]

Coming Out, Again: Transition Stories by Sabrina Symington

'We don't just come out once. We have to come out continually throughout our lives. And as we grow and change and reach a newfound understanding of who we are, we come out once again in a whole new way.' Following the interconnected lives of a diverse queer community - including asexual, polyamorous, trans and autigender people - this empowering graphic novel explores the multitude of ways a person's identity and relationships can be expressed and can change over time. From Lily coming out as a lesbian after coming out as a trans woman, to Leanne embracing their genderqueer identity in later life, to Ty navigating their queerness with their autistic identity, these stories illustrate how life lived at the intersection of gender, sexuality, race and class is often a journey with many chapters. Full of love and pride - as well as tips and advice - these witty, tender and inspiring narratives prove there is no wrong way to be who you are, so long as you are being true to yourself.

[rambling22yearold]

My Views of Working in the Community Have Changed Over Time- 4 weeks in...

Throughout my years of studying and being exposed to clinical experiences, there has been none like this community block. It has not only opened me up to my own flaws and vulnerabilities but also to the systems within our country. This block began without any expectations attached because I knew that this experience was going to be completely different and unique as compared to the rest. “we will be therapists who walk the community, they know the students in the green scrubs” is what I heard. It sounded astounding, the amount of difference we could make. 

Engaging in community block programs as students in local areas, allows us to apply theoretical knowledge practically. These programs are rooted in experiential learning theories, which involve interacting with the real world and integrating new knowledge with existing ideas.

It is difficult to approach a community without any preconceived ideas. On our first day at Cato Manor, even before jumping off the bus we all hid our phones and brought no expensive equipment and accessories because we expected to get robbed if seen with them, "From what we were told". 

According to Daniel Kahneman, potential losses have a greater impact than potential gains, leading people to regret missed opportunities more than taking risks. Reflecting on my experiences, such as the workload and feedback from other students, I encountered moments of amazement, overwhelm, and frustration. However, these experiences served as stepping stones, helping me build a strong academic and personal foundation. Developing excellent time management skills was crucial, especially when faced with deadlines before starting the block.

Transitioning from a minimalistic approach to embracing urgency, as taught in Cato Manor and Denis Hurley, required unlearning and adapting to diverse therapeutic situations. It was essential to go beyond job descriptions, putting in extra effort and occasionally performing tasks beyond my role. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and prioritizing top-notch patient care were paramount. Fieldwork experiences, as highlighted by Lorenzo (2006), play a vital role in shaping professional behavior and preparing students for their careers.

The initial challenge of working with various patient demographics, including physical, psychosocial, and pediatric cases, was quickly apparent. While initially challenging, being assigned to a clinic offered invaluable learning opportunities. This block transformed my approach, allowing me to appreciate the diversity of conditions and the joy of treating each one daily. Overcoming initial difficulties, particularly in working with children, was facilitated by constructive feedback and a willingness to learn, leading to a newfound enjoyment in pediatric therapy.

Working at Denis Hurley with children from the Dalton Creche significantly influenced my career direction, fostering a deep love for paediatric therapy. Engaging in diverse activities and forming meaningful connections with patients underscored the therapeutic benefits of occupational therapy. This experience highlighted the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in delivering effective therapy.

Exploring cost-effective materials and encouraging patients' creativity and engagement in therapy sessions were rewarding experiences. Observing patients' enhanced creativity and enjoyment validated the efficacy of using such materials. Despite challenges, including the need for continuous learning and problem-solving, these experiences enhanced my skills as a future therapist.

The above quotation, attributed to Dorothy, a distinguished figure in  African American civil rights and women's rights activism, serves as a testament to the profound insights I have reaped through my engagement in community service. My involvement has yielded a deep enrichment by virtue of my interactions with community members, providing me with a heightened awareness of the privilege from which I come. The individuals within these communities have not consciously chosen the circumstances in which they find themselves. Immersing oneself in such environments promotes a greater capacity for empathy, which transcends mere sympathy from a distance. Being present and taking action in delivering healthcare services to all community members has proven to play a significant role in uplifting individuals within their community.  

The primary aim of my block was to grasp the requirements of the community and its accessibility, involving in-depth research, guidance, and practical involvement. Despite my initial lack of confidence, the journey highlighted the intricacies of rural therapy, stressing the significance of mentorship and personal development. Engaging in pediatric group therapy, health initiatives, and diverse placements provided crucial learning experiences, shaping my identity as a therapist dedicated to comprehensive care. Additionally, I value and believe that the connections I've forged with the women I worked with during this block were invaluable, making the experience more manageable

This block has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of societal issues, solidifying my understanding of my profession and preparing me to provide holistic care during community service. Despite its challenges, it has been a journey of lifelong learning. Leveraging the insights gained from peers and supervisors during this block will enable me to strive for excellence, not only in transforming communities but also in personal growth. I look forward to the opportunities for greater achievements that lie ahead as this journey continues.

References

Giles, D. E., Jr, and J. Eyler. 1999. The theoretical roots of service-learning in John Dewey: Toward a theory of service-learning. Michigan Journal.

Erez, M., & Zidon, I. (1984). Effect of goal acceptance on the relationship of goal difficulty to performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 69

Eyler, J., and D. E. Giles Jr. 2009. Where’s the learning in service-learning? San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

King, P. 1992. How do we know? Why do we believe? Learning to make reflective judgments. Liberal Education 78 (1): 2–9.

Lorenzo, T., Duncan, M, Buchanan, H and Alsop, A (Eds.). 2006. Practice and service learning in occupational therapy 2nd edition. John Wiley and sons. New York. [ Links ]

Schwartz, D., J. Bransford, and D. Sears. 2005. Efficiency and innovation in transfer. In Transfer of learning from a modern multidisciplinary perspective, ed. J. Mestre, 1–51. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

TOP 25 COMMUNITY SERVICE QUOTES (of 59). (n.d.). A-Z Quotes. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/community-service.html

[srenvs3000w24]

Blog 9: Last blog :(

Throughout this course, I've experienced significant growth in my personal ethics, as I have connected with my inner nature interpreter. Engaging with lessons, textbook materials, and insightful blog posts from you guys provided avenues for exploring concepts I wouldn't have considered to explore on my own. Reflecting on this transformative learning experience, I find myself equipped with a heightened sense of awareness and a more refined compass for navigating ethical dilemmas. These learnings will continue to shape my development as a furniture nature interpreter, offering insights into my beliefs, responsibilities, and approaches in this field. Newfound perspectives and principles will undoubtedly serve as guiding stars in my journey forward, shaping not only my professional endeavors but also my personal growth.

For me personally, nature has always been my safe place, a spot where I find peace and calmness amidst life's ups and downs. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved going on walks in the woods with my parents. The trees, the colors, and all the critters I'd see fascinated me. Nature became my go-to whenever life got too crazy or stressful. Nature has always been my safe haven, a place where I find peace and calmness amidst life's ups and downs. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved going on walks in the woods with my parents. The trees, the colors, and all the critters I'd see fascinated me. Nature became my go-to whenever life got too crazy or stressful. As I've grown up, this connection to nature has only gotten stronger and it's become a big part of who I am. Being out in nature helps me feel centered and reminds me of what really matters. Nature is my sense of place with its amazing way of making me feel balanced and resilient, no matter what life throws my way (Beck et al., 2018c).

When it comes to nature interpretation, I hold several core beliefs close to my heart. Firstly, I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to cultivate a meaningful relationship with nature, regardless of their background, age or how removed they are from nature. As a nature interpreter it is my belief to relay this message and to help facilitate and nurture this connection for others. Another fundamental belief of mine is the imperative to protect and conserve nature. Being immersed in the rich tapestry of biodiversity serves as a constant reminder of the profound importance of safeguarding our natural world. I not only uphold this belief for myself but also recognize its important to advocate for its significance to those who may not fully grasp its crucial role. Moreover, as a nature interpreter, my goal extends beyond mere recitation of facts. I aspire to share my knowledge with genuine passion and authenticity, aiming to leave a lasting impact by instilling in others a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. It's essential to me that my words resonate authentically, reflecting my genuine love for the environment rather than feeling scripted (Beck et al., 2018b).

Being a nature interpreter entails a range of responsibilities aimed at fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment. Thriving in this role requires a diverse skill set, beginning with a comprehensive understanding of flora and fauna and the ability to distinguish various species. This knowledge is my responsibility not only for my personal competence but also to form the foundation for effectively educating others. Equally crucial are effective communication skills, as nature interpreters often engage with groups of varying sizes and individuals from diverse backgrounds (Beck et al., 2018d). Moreover, simplicity in learning is as important. Recognizing the diverse educational backgrounds of participants, it's my responsibility to present information in a manner that is easily comprehensible to all. Understanding that access to education may not be uniform, it becomes essential for me to adapt teaching methods to accommodate varying levels of proficiency (Gallavan, 2005). In essence, the role of a nature interpreter demands adaptability, empathy, and a dedication to inclusive education. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to learn, we can ensure that the beauty and importance of the natural world are accessible to all, regardless of background or experience. It's a privilege and a responsibility to share the wonders of nature with others, and by embracing these principles, we can inspire a lifelong appreciation for the environment in everyone we encounter.

When I was younger, I used to think I wasn't cut out for school because the class lessons never came easy to me. It always felt like I had to go over things multiple times to understand it. It wasn't until later in life that I recognized the issue lay not in my ability to comprehend, but in the method through which I attempted to absorb information. While listening to lectures or reading from textbooks left me struggling to grasp concepts, I discovered that hands-on experiences and visual aids, such as photos and videos, was more effective in aiding my understanding and retention. This realization led me to acknowledge the unique approaches that resonate most profoundly with my individual learning style. When I can tangibly visualize concepts, they become etched more deeply in my memory than mere auditory or textual explanations ever could. Recognizing the diversity of learning styles among individuals, I've come to understand the importance of accommodating varied approaches to education. Just as I found my stride through visual and interactive methods, others may thrive through different means (Beck et al., 2018a). Embracing this diversity enriches not only my own learning experience but also ensures inclusivity and effectiveness in conveying knowledge to others.

In conclusion, this course has significantly enhanced my personal ethics and strengthened my bond with nature. Exploring diverse materials expanded my understanding, refining my ethical compass. These insights will shape my role as a nature interpreter, guiding my beliefs and approaches. Embracing inclusivity and adapting to diverse learning styles are key priorities. This journey underscores the importance of making nature accessible to all, regardless of background. I'm grateful for the enriching discourse and look forward to applying these insights as I evolve in my role as a furniture nature interpreter.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018a). How People Learn. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. (pp. 110). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018b). Parsonal Interpretation. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. (pp. 193). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018c). What is Interpretation. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. (pp. 10). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018d). Who Offers Interpretation. Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. (pp. 37). Sagamore-Venture Publishing.

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36. https://link-gale-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/apps/doc/A137921591/AONE?u=guel77241&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=9fe2f151

[mdenvs3000w24]

Ethics Beliefs and the Future of Interpretation (week 10)

Hey everyone, welcome back to another week of nature interpretation! I have some unfortunate news: this might be my last post in awhile. I’m moving on from blogging to explore where I can make meaningful contributions elsewhere. 

That being said, I am excited to share some of my final thoughts about nature interpretation, and share my personal beliefs and ethics. As some of you may remember, my university major is Biological Science, but my courses have become progressively more focused on biodiversity and conservation as the years have gone on. 

Personal Ethics

So, let’s get into my personal ethic as a nature interpreter. Now, there’s probably a million different things that comprise my views if I were to deeply analyze them, but let’s focus on the most important components. First, I believe in having a fundamental respect for the intrinsic value of nature, acknowledging that it exists for its own sake. Believing that nature has intrinsic value helps us reframe our interaction with natural resources as not something that is owed to us by nature, but rather something we should respectfully take only when we need to.

 In terms of the art of interpretation itself, I believe that presenting authentic and scientifically accurate information about the natural world is paramount (Beck et al, Chapter 7, Serving Diverse Audiences). This should be obvious -  we don’t want to give people misconceptions about nature. Nature already has so many interesting things to offer that exaggerating is both not necessary and unethical.

Something that is often overlooked is striving to make nature interpretation accessible and inclusive to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and identities (Beck et al, Chapter 7, Serving Diverse Audiences). Nature is everyone’s heritage regardless of their background! These are but a few of my major guiding principles.

What Beliefs I bring

One of the most important beliefs I hold is that interpretation should empower others to take positive action based on their newfound understanding and appreciation of nature, especially through local communities. Learning to love and interpret the natural world is incredibly important, but action is necessary to make real changes. Urgent issues such as climate change, food scarcity, malnutrition, and loss of biodiversity are highly complex and contested in both science and society. To address them, environmental educators and science educators need to engage people (Wals et al., 2014). In this way interpretation benefits society by promoting healthy communities and helping to inform the public which democracy requires (Beck et al, Chapter 3, Values to Individuals and Society). 

I’d also like to take a more detailed look at one of my ethics for interpreters ourselves. I believe that we should try to act in ways that minimize harm to the environment. Doing a better job recycling, planting native species, etc. This summer I am trying to grow a vegetable garden, and am continuously urging my family to convert parts of our yard to more native species. Even though addressing massive systemic problems is important -  we should try to live out our values on a personal level. 

Another primary belief I hold is that actions which protect nature actually work to promote human flourishing  (Beck et al, Chapter 5, Guiding Principles). Let’s look at a practical example. Over the last number of decades, it has become extremely difficult to repair and acquire parts for appliances. This forces consumers to toss out their old stuff and buy new. Recently, there has been a focus on right to repair laws in Europe and Canada that would increase the ability of consumers to repair. This helps consumers as they aren't wasting money on brand new items and lessens the demand on nature for resource extraction and landfill facilities. These kinds of actions can be a win-win for people and the environment!

Here's a picture of me repairing something! I mean it counts right?

My Responsibilities

Lets look at my responsibilities - here’s a simple yet difficult one - staying positive. Interpreters are encouraged to have a sense of humor, and to not despair, but rather to find solace in nature (Beck et al, Chapter 5, Guiding Principles). There is plenty of nihilism regarding climate change and ecological destruction to be found, but this is not useful. We should act as though we truly can make a positive difference, because if we don’t we’re guaranteed to fail. I think this fits into another goal of interpretation which is to “enjoy understandingly” - we’re supposed to enjoy the natural world while understanding the real threats it faces (Beck et al, Chapter 3, Values to Individuals and Society).

I think another responsibility is to communicate well with people who disagree with you. It is easy to do interpretation with others who agree with you. For example, among the students and staff in my program, there is deep passion about conservation. However, there is some deviation between this setting and the general public. It gets much harder to interpret for example, when someone fundamentally has different beliefs than you do. A common example of this is climate change denialism. It is almost impossible to do interpretation without inevitably addressing climate change, and it's even a goal of some programs (Beck et al, Chapter 5, Guiding principles). Of course, your audience does have the right to retain and express their own values, but offering new perspectives, being respectful, and asking your audience where their beliefs come from can go a long way. 

Individual Approach

Okay to end this off let’s take a specific look at how I can interpret best as an individual. I’ve been thinking about this a lot - I don’t know what specific ‘job’ or ‘career’ I want in this regard: will I become a park ranger or work in a museum? I mean I wouldn’t be opposed to trying out those roles but I just don’t know

At the end of the day, I could realistically see myself working at a summer camp as a counselor and leading a cabin in tons of fun and chaotic activities while still helping them connect to nature. I know I would personally enjoy that setting, which would obviously help me display enthusiasm naturally in my role. The fond memories that they’ll carry with them will instill a love of nature. We obviously aren't perfectly rational: we don’t just care about nature because of rote facts relating to how much timber we extract from forests for housing. We are often led by emotion and our personal experiences. In whatever role I hold, I will strive to maintain the ethics and approaches I listed above, and continue to hone my communication and interpretation skills! 

Anyway, that's all for now folks! 

I wasn’t sure how to end this post, so here’s a picture of a cute young snapping turtle that I forgot that I had taken until now

References

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: For A Better World. SAGAMORE Publishing.

Wals, A. E., Brody, M., Dillon, J., & Stevenson, R. B. (2014). Convergence between science and environmental education. Science, 344(6184), 583–584. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1250515  

[harmonyhealinghub]

A Journey of Self-Discovery: I Am Accepted Shaina Tranquilino March 7, 2024

Each of us weaves a unique narrative, full of twists, turns, challenges, and triumphs. One pivotal moment that universally resonates with many is the feeling of acceptance. Whether it's acceptance from others, from society, or, perhaps most importantly, from oneself, the journey towards embracing acceptance is a transformative experience. In this blog post, we will explore the profound impact of acceptance, both on an individual level and in the broader context of societal norms.

Acceptance from Others: The warmth of being accepted by others is a fundamental human need. It validates our existence, fosters a sense of belonging, and nurtures our emotional well-being. This acceptance can manifest in various forms - be it within our families, friendships, or communities. The reassurance that we are loved and valued for who we are lays the foundation for a resilient, confident self.

One common arena where acceptance plays a significant role is in academic and professional spheres. The elation of receiving that coveted acceptance letter from a desired university or job offer can be a life-changing moment. However, it's crucial to recognize that external validation is only one facet of the acceptance journey.

Self-Acceptance: While external acceptance is gratifying, the most powerful form of acceptance is the one that comes from within. Self-acceptance is a profound journey of acknowledging one's strengths, weaknesses, and quirks without judgment. It's about embracing the imperfections that make us uniquely ourselves.

The road to self-acceptance is often paved with self-discovery. It involves unraveling layers of conditioning, societal expectations, and personal insecurities. This process can be challenging, but the reward is an authentic connection with oneself and a newfound sense of inner peace.

Societal Acceptance: In the grand tapestry of societal norms, there is a growing realization that acceptance should extend beyond the boundaries of conformity. Diverse voices and experiences contribute to the richness of our collective narrative. The acceptance of different perspectives, cultures, and identities fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society.

As society evolves, the call for acceptance of various lifestyles, beliefs, and identities becomes increasingly crucial. Embracing diversity not only enriches our shared human experience but also paves the way for a more tolerant and harmonious world.

"I am accepted" is not just a statement; it's a celebration of one's journey toward self-discovery and societal harmony. The ripple effect of acceptance reaches far beyond individual lives, shaping communities and societies. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to cultivate acceptance in our hearts, extend it to others, and contribute to a world where everyone can proudly proclaim, "I am accepted."

[oxbridge1]

Boost Confidence, Master English: Join Oxbridge's Online Spoken English Classes for Kids

Introduction

In today's interconnected world, proficiency in English is more than just a skill—it's a gateway to opportunities. With the rise of globalization and digital communication, mastering the English language has become essential for success in both academic and professional spheres. Recognizing this importance, Oxbridge proudly offers tailored online spoken english classes in noida designed specifically for kids. In this blog, we delve into why these classes are not only about language proficiency but also about boosting confidence and nurturing young minds.

Why Choose Oxbridge's Online Spoken English Classes?

Tailored Curriculum

Oxbridge's Online Spoken English Classes for Kids are not just your run-of-the-mill language courses. They are meticulously crafted to cater to the unique learning needs and interests of young learners. Through engaging activities, interactive sessions, and age-appropriate materials, we ensure that each child receives personalized attention and progresses at their own pace.

Experienced Instructors

Our team of experienced instructors comprises language experts who specialize in teaching English to children. They possess the skills and knowledge necessary to create a supportive learning environment where kids feel encouraged to express themselves freely. With their guidance, students develop not only linguistic proficiency but also confidence in their ability to communicate effectively.

Interactive Learning Environment

Gone are the days of dull and monotonous language classes. At Oxbridge, we believe in making learning fun and engaging. Our Online Spoken English Classes feature interactive activities, games, and multimedia resources that captivate children's attention and foster a love for the English language. From role-playing exercises to virtual storytelling sessions, every lesson is designed to ignite creativity and imagination.

The Benefits of Online Spoken English Classes for Kids

Boosting Confidence

One of the most significant advantages of enrolling your child in Oxbridge's Online Spoken English Classes is the confidence boost they'll experience. As kids engage in conversations, participate in group activities, and deliver presentations, they gradually overcome their fear of speaking in English. This newfound confidence not only enhances their language skills but also empowers them to communicate confidently in various social and academic settings.

Improving Communication Skills

Effective communication is a vital skill that transcends language barriers. By participating in our Online Spoken English Classes, children learn how to articulate their thoughts, express their ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether it's discussing their favorite hobbies, sharing stories, or debating topics of interest, students develop the communication skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Enhancing Academic Performance

Strong English proficiency is often linked to academic success. By mastering the language at a young age, children gain a competitive edge in their studies. Our Online Spoken English Classes not only help students excel in English language exams but also improve their overall academic performance. The ability to comprehend complex texts, write fluently, and communicate effectively gives them a solid foundation for future academic endeavors.

Fostering Cultural Awareness

Understanding language goes beyond words; it involves understanding culture. In our classes, we integrate cultural elements into the curriculum to broaden students' perspectives and foster cultural awareness. Through discussions, presentations, and multimedia resources, children learn about different cultures, traditions, and customs, promoting tolerance and respect for diversity.

Join Oxbridge's Online Spoken English Classes Today!

In conclusion, if you're looking to equip your child with the skills they need to succeed in today's globalized world, look no further than Oxbridge online spoken english classes in noida for Kids. Our tailored curriculum, experienced instructors, interactive learning environment, and commitment to fostering cultural awareness make us the ideal choice for parents who want to see their children thrive. With our classes, your child will not only master English but also gain the confidence to conquer any challenge that comes their way.

Remember, it's not just about learning English—it's about unleashing confidence, mastering the language, and embracing cultural diversity with Oxbridge.

[campnorthstarmaineme]

two week sleepaway camps

two week sleepaway camps

Title: "The Transformative Experience of Two-Week Sleepaway Camps: Building Lifelong Memories and Skills"

Introduction:

Summer camp is a time-honored tradition that holds a special place in the hearts of many. For those seeking a more immersive and extended experience, two-week sleepaway camps offer a unique opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and the creation of lasting memories. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and experiences that make these camps a transformative journey for campers of all ages.

Section 1: Independence and Self-Discovery

One of the primary advantages of two-week sleepaway camps is the chance for campers to foster independence and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Away from the familiar comforts of home, campers learn to navigate new environments, make decisions on their own, and build confidence in their abilities. This sense of independence can be a crucial step in personal development, helping campers to better understand themselves and their capabilities.

Section 2: Building Lifelong Friendships

Camp environments are inherently social, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Two-week camps provide ample time for campers to form deep connections with their peers. Whether engaging in team-building activities, sharing late-night stories in cabins, or collaborating on camp projects, the bonds formed during these extended stays often translate into lifelong friendships. The shared experiences and memories created at camp become a foundation for lasting relationships.

Section 3: Skill Development and Enrichment

Beyond the social aspect, two-week sleepaway camps offer a diverse range of activities designed to challenge and inspire campers. From outdoor adventures like ropes course and rock climbing to creative pursuits such as arts and crafts, drama, and music, these camps provide a platform for skill development. Campers have the chance to explore new interests, discover hidden talents, and develop a sense of accomplishment as they overcome challenges.

Section 4: Nature Connection and Environmental Awareness

Many two-week sleepaway camps are situated in natural settings, allowing campers to connect with the great outdoors. This immersion in nature fosters environmental awareness, appreciation for biodiversity, and a sense of responsibility for the planet. Activities like nature walks, ecological studies, and outdoor games provide campers with a deeper understanding of the environment, instilling a love for nature that can last a lifetime.

Conclusion:

Two-week sleepaway camps offer a holistic experience that goes beyond the typical one-week camp format. The extended duration allows campers to delve deeper into personal growth, form stronger connections with peers, and develop a diverse set of skills. As campers return home, they bring with them not only cherished memories but also a newfound sense of independence, lifelong friendships, and a range of skills that contribute to their personal and social development. The transformative experience of a two-week sleepaway camp lingers in the hearts and minds of campers, shaping their outlook on life and providing a foundation for future success.

Camp North Star is situated in beautiful Poland Spring, Maine, surrounded by many beautiful and natural landscapes that we get to share and enjoy with our campers. Trips are offered every session and happen on the days we are not on our normal activity schedule. Trip days are a time to relax and enjoy time with friends and bunkmates.

Camp North Star is the top premier Maine sleepaway camp for boys & girls. We offer the best overnight summer camps for kids & teens in New England. Call Now: (207) 998-4777.

We give Different types of camp north star like-

Sleep away Camp

 Summer Camp

 Sport Camp

 Boys & Girl Camp

Thank You, For More Service’s Please Visit Our Websites.

[creativesplashpune]

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Perfect Video

Welcome to the inner sanctum of Creative Splash! Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you to join us on an exclusive journey behind the scenes. Ever wondered what it takes to craft the perfect video? Buckle up as we unravel the magic, passion, and precision that go into every frame.

The Creative Conception: Our video-making process starts long before the cameras roll. Learn how our team brainstorms ideas, conceptualizes narratives, and collaborates with clients to bring visions to life. Dive into the world of scriptwriting, storyboarding, and pre-visualization.

Lights, Camera, Action: On Set Adventures: Explore the buzzing energy of our studio as we embark on the actual shoot. From selecting the right equipment to directing talent and managing unexpected challenges, discover the secrets of capturing the perfect shot. We’ll share anecdotes, bloopers, and the sheer excitement of a day on set.

Post-Production Enchantment:

The real magic often happens in the editing room. Peek into our post-production process where raw footage transforms into a polished masterpiece. Learn about our editing techniques, colour grading, sound design, and how we ensure every detail aligns with the client’s vision.

The Role of Technology:

Technology is our ally in creating cutting-edge videos. Explore the tools and software we use to stay at the forefront of video production. From high-end cameras to the latest editing suites, understand how technology enhances our creativity and elevates the final product.

Team Collaboration and Dynamics:

Meet the faces behind Creative Splash! Our team is a diverse blend of talents, each contributing a unique flavour to the creative mix. Discover how collaboration, communication, and a shared passion for storytelling drive our team dynamics and ensure a seamless production process.

Lessons Learned: Overcoming Challenges:

Not every shoot is smooth sailing. Delve into the challenges we’ve faced, from unpredictable weather to unexpected setbacks, and how we turn obstacles into opportunities for innovation. Real stories, real solutions – discover the resilience that defines Creative Splash.

Conclusion Crafting the perfect video is a labour of love, a symphony of creativity, and a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence. We hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse has given you a newfound appreciation for the art and science of video production. Stay tuned for more insider insights from Creative Splash, Videos Production Company in Pune– where every frame tells a story, and every story is an adventure!

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Guided Bliss - Discover Peace and Calm with Meditation Classes in Queens for Anxiety Relief

Silence is a powerful aspect of the meditation center experience. The intentional silence observed during designated periods creates a space for deep self-reflection. The absence of external chatter allows the mind to settle, paving the way for a profound connection with one's thoughts and emotions.

Meditation centers often expose visitors to a variety of meditation practices. From mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation to breathwork and yoga, participants have the opportunity to explore different techniques. This diversity allows individuals to discover the methods that resonate most with them, empowering them to continue their practice beyond the center.

Beyond formal meditation sessions, a meditation center encourages mindful living. This may include mindful eating, walking, and even engaging in simple daily tasks with full awareness. These practices instill a sense of mindfulness that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

A visit to the meditation classes for anxiety Queens is not merely a retreat but a transformative journey. It provides a sanctuary where individuals can delve into the depths of their consciousness, reconnect with their inner selves, and emerge with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. As you step back into the outside world, the lessons learned and the tranquility experienced at the meditation center become invaluable tools for navigating the challenges of everyday life.

Amidst the challenges of urban living, an increasing number of individuals are turning to meditation as a powerful antidote to anxiety.

Queens, with its diverse neighborhoods and lively energy, may seem an unlikely setting for serenity, but within this dynamic landscape, meditation classes have emerged as urban oases. These sanctuaries offer a respite from the demands of daily life, providing a space for individuals to explore mindfulness and cultivate a sense of calm.

Anxiety is a prevalent challenge in our fast-paced society, and meditation classes for anxiety Queens are designed specifically to address this concern. Expert instructors lead sessions that blend traditional meditation practices with contemporary approaches, creating a harmonious fusion tailored to alleviate anxiety. Participants embark on a transformative journey, learning practical techniques to manage stress and reconnect with their inner selves.

Guided meditation takes center stage in Queens, offering a structured and supportive approach to mindfulness. Experienced guides lead participants through soothing visualizations and relaxation exercises, gently guiding them to release tension and embrace a state of tranquility. These guided sessions serve as a beacon of solace in the midst of the urban chaos, fostering a sense of peace within.

Queens' meditation classes are not just about individual well-being; they also foster a sense of community. Participants from diverse backgrounds come together, sharing their experiences and supporting each other on their respective journeys. The communal aspect enhances the transformative power of meditation, creating connections that extend beyond the class sessions.

Beyond anxiety relief, guided meditation queens often emphasize holistic wellness. Instructors may integrate mindful movement, breathwork, and self-reflection, offering a comprehensive approach to mental and emotional well-being. Participants leave not only with tools to manage anxiety but also with a newfound sense of balance and resilience.

Queens' meditation classes are inclusive and accessible, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The emphasis is on making mindfulness practices practical and applicable to daily life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced meditator, these guided meditation queens provide a supportive environment for personal growth and self-discovery.

In the heart of Queens, where the rhythm of life is both dynamic and diverse, meditation classes serve as beacons of hope for those seeking respite from anxiety. Through guided meditation and communal support, individuals discover the power to navigate the challenges of urban living while cultivating inner peace. Queens, with its unique blend of energy and serenity, becomes the perfect backdrop for a transformative journey into the heart and soul.

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Author’s Bio: Bay side meditation.org is the best place to go for meditation classes for anxiety Queens, you can book now for guided meditation queens.

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Golden Age Nursing Home | Superior Senior Care

In the tapestry of life, the golden years should be adorned with comfort, care, and a sense of belonging. For those entering the later stages of life, finding a sanctuary that provides superior senior care is paramount. Enter Golden Age Nursing Home, a beacon of compassionate living that stands out as a symbol of excellence in senior care. In this exploration of Golden Age Nursing Home, we delve into the core values, unique offerings, and the superior care that defines this haven for our elderly loved ones.

Unveiling the Golden Age Nursing Home:

Golden Age Nursing Home is more than just a residence; it's a community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Established with a vision to redefine senior care, this facility has become synonymous with comfort, compassion, and a commitment to fostering an environment where residents thrive.

Holistic Care Approach:

At the heart of Golden Age Nursing Home is a holistic care approach that recognizes the unique needs of each resident. From assisted living to memory care, the facility offers a spectrum of services designed to cater to the diverse requirements of seniors. The experienced and dedicated staff members at Golden Age are not just caregivers; they are companions on the journey, ensuring that residents feel valued, respected, and understood.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

Superior senior care is not just about meeting basic needs; it's about elevating the living experience. Golden Age Nursing Home boasts state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize both comfort and functionality. From spacious and well-appointed living spaces to communal areas that encourage socialization, every inch of the facility is designed with the well-being of residents in mind.

Medical Expertise:

Recognizing the importance of health in the golden years, Golden Age Nursing Home houses a team of medical professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services. Regular health check-ups, medication management, and specialized care for conditions such as Alzheimer's and dementia are integral components of the medical services offered, ensuring that residents receive the attention they deserve.

Enriching Activities:

Life at Golden Age is not just about routine; it's about embracing the joy of living. The facility curates a range of enriching activities that cater to diverse interests and abilities. From art and music therapy to fitness programs tailored for seniors, Golden Age fosters an environment where residents can engage in meaningful and fulfilling activities that contribute to their overall well-being.

Golden Age Nursing Home and the Community:

Beyond the walls of the facility, Golden Age Nursing Home actively engages with the broader community to create a supportive network for seniors. Collaborations with local organizations, outreach programs, and community events not only enrich the lives of residents but also contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

Testimonials: Stories of Comfort and Care:

The true measure of any senior care facility lies in the testimonials of its residents and their families. At Golden Age Nursing Home, these stories paint a vivid picture of a community where residents not only receive superior care but also find a place they can call home. From heartfelt expressions of gratitude for the attentive staff to anecdotes of newfound friendships, the testimonials underscore the positive impact that Golden Age has on the lives of its residents.

Conclusion:

Golden Age Nursing Home is not just a facility; it's a testament to the belief that the golden years should be embraced with dignity, compassion, and superior care. As we navigate the complexities of finding the right senior care solution, Golden Age stands out as a beacon of excellence, a community where residents are not just cared for but celebrated. In the journey through life's later chapters, Golden Age Nursing Home shines as a haven that offers superior senior care, ensuring that our loved ones embark on this phase with comfort, companionship, and a sense of purpose.

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Beyond the Canvas: Knife Painting Classes in Thane and Community Impact

Art is often viewed as a solitary endeavour, a dance between the artist and their canvas. Yet, the ripple effects of artistic endeavours extend far beyond mere strokes on a surface. In the vibrant city of Thane, amidst its bustling streets and thriving culture, the emergence of knife painting classes has redefined artistic expression and left an indelible mark on the community.

Unveiling Artistry Beyond Borders

With bold strokes and textured finishes, Knife painting has captured aspiring artists' imaginations in Thane. Beyond the conventional brushes, these classes offer a unique avenue for self-expression, encouraging participants to explore their creativity using unconventional tools. The impact is visible not just on the canvases that come to life but in the transformed perspectives of those wielding the knives.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

However, the impact continues within the confines of the studio walls. These classes have become a melting pot of diversity, welcoming individuals from various walks of life. They serve as a nexus where people converge, bound by a common love for art. Through shared experiences and collaborative sessions, camaraderie blossoms, transcending societal barriers and fostering a deep sense of community.

Empowering Through Art

Moreover, the influence of these classes extends beyond aesthetics. They serve as platforms for empowerment and personal growth. Students discover the nuances of knife painting and unearth their innate potential. The confidence gained within these classes often transcends into other aspects of life, empowering individuals to tackle challenges with newfound assurance.

A Ripple Becomes a Wave

The impact of knife painting classes in Thane can be likened to a ripple effect. What begins as individual strokes on a canvas emanate outward, touching the lives of those in the periphery. Communities are inspired as the passion for art spills over, manifesting in community-driven projects, murals adorning public spaces, and initiatives that blend art with social causes.

Conclusion: Weaving Threads of Transformation

In conclusion, Thane's canvas is not just embellished with strokes of vibrant colours but woven with threads of transformation. The burgeoning popularity of knife painting classes has enriched the artistic landscape and catalyzed a profound social and communal impact. Beyond mere strokes and palettes, these classes have emerged as catalysts for unity, empowerment, and community enrichment. As the city continues to evolve artistically, it's evident that the impact of these classes will endure, leaving an enduring mark on the fabric of Thane's cultural identity.

Are you inspired to join the vibrant world of knife painting and participate in this transformative community in Thane? Reach out to us today to explore our classes and immerse yourself in the artistry beyond the canvas!