#Construction Traffic Management Plan

[constructionsafetynetwork]

Ensuring Safety Through Planning and Communication in Road Construction

The twin pillars of Planning and Communication in Road Construction Safety are fundamental for ensuring the well-being of workers and the public. This article will delve into why meticulous planning and effective communication are critical in managing the unique risks associated with road construction projects and how they can significantly enhance safety outcomes. The Role of Planning in Road…

[sukunasteeth]

Taking Care of a Tired Sukuna

Sukuna has had a long day.

Well, night.

Morning.

Fuck.

Working construction had been twisting up his sleeping schedule. At this point, Sukuna was starting to feel it in his body; in the strain in his muscle, and the aches and pains that randomly gripped him.  

They had him working on a new project that could only be done at night, while the public was off the main roads, and that meant his new work hours were starting from sometime in the middle of the evening and ending in the morning or the mid-afternoon. Being nocturnal wouldn't be so bad if his commute home wasn't during rush hour. The traffic was always worse when he just wanted to crawl onto his couch and fall asleep there. And when he does come home at the end of the day - he's aching, exhausted, and every bone in his body is vibrating with the noise from a jackhammer or the hum of a forklift.

Sukuna has always liked something that keeps him busy, interested, something that tests his strengths. So, he can't say that he hates the job, but he does wish that it wouldn't occupy so much of his time. He's wont to forget things when he's so wrapped up in a new task.

Like today, for example, when he finally swings his truck around the front of his apartment building, barely making it off the freeway without murdering someone, and he spots your car parked there in his spot.

He starts a bit, his sleep deprived brain suddenly spinning as memory serves him. 

That's right. You were supposed to come over today after he got off of work and spend the night- and he didn't plan a damn thing. There's no flowers in the backseat, he didn't stop to grab lunch for the two of you, he doesn't even have anything in his fridge for dinner tonight, besides a few forgotten beers tucked away in the side door.

As Sukuna searches for a parking spot much further down the street, he knows he should be disappointed with himself, but he can't help the touch of excitement that's suddenly dissolving the exhaustion from his muscles. Sometimes, Sukuna resents the fact that you manage to reduce him to this. He hates that he can't control that his heart skips a beat at the thought of seeing you again, like he's in some sappy romance novel.

But it was the hold you had on him, and he was starting to accept it.

~

You got to Sukuna's apartment about two hours before he was scheduled to be home. It was a day off for you, and you woke up with butterflies fluttering around in your chest.

You were giddy to see him. You always were. And not a single butterfly has died in your heart-space for him since the moment you met Sukuna, around two years ago. He has tended to each of them since then with his gentle but stubborn touch, although, he would never admit it.

You adored him for that.

It's still early in the morning when you use the key he had made for you to unlock his front door. Immediately upon stepping in, you're hit with how dark his studio is. The sun had risen over the horizon hours ago, and yet, the only hint of its light came from a small gap in Sukuna's blackout curtains. When you pull them back, you turn around and wince at the room behind you.

Yep, he's working too hard.

There's construction tools all over the house; sitting on the counter, in the sink, on his bed-stand, there's even a huge oil covered machine beside the front door that you nearly trip on in your trek over to the curtain. His coveralls and work clothes are strewn across the living room like he's been too exhausted to even make it to his bed at the end of his days, which is not very far from the couch. Meanwhile, his bedroom and the kitchen look nearly immaculate, telling you he hasn't cooked in days and confirming your suspicions about his sleeping arrangements. You wander over to his fridge and pop it open, sighing hopelessly when you're greeted with nothing inside.

Good thing he has you. 

~

By the time he makes it home, it's around one in the afternoon. You've got his laundry hanging on the clothesline outside, more in the washing machine, and all of his tools and odds and ends have been sorted and dusted clean. You've opened every window he has, and cool, fresh air sweeps away the oppressed darkness his apartment held before. Everything was back in equilibrium. 

When his keys jingle outside the door, you're just finishing up the last of folding his laundry. Sukuna steps inside, and your heart aches at how drained he looks despite the way his eyes widen as he peers around the room in surprise. His clothes are covered in dust from the construction site, and there's a smear of dirt on his cheek that makes him look like a chimney sweep. There's a tool in his hand that looks rather heavy, straining the muscles in his arm, but he seems to have momentarily forgotten to put it down. Half moon circles are embedded under his eyes, but they only bring out the intensity of his gaze. 

"Hi 'Kuna?" You chime, calling his attention to rest on you.

He blinks, taking a moment to process the situation. You don't recognize the glimmer in his eyes then, and part of you starts to sweat at the thought of him taking this all wrong. Sukuna had never been particularly picky with you, but vice versa, you had never done something like this for him before. He never gave you the opportunity, after all. Out of the two of you, Sukuna was usually the one who was always effortlessly put together.

"You... cleaned..." He notes. 

You swallow, "I did but I didn't move things around though. Just tried to put things back. Your laundry is right outside and I got you some groceries-" Sukuna drops the tool in his hand without warning, and you start talking faster, your voice raising a pitch as he starts towards you. "Okay, thinking back, I guess I should have asked. Maybe texted- no, you hate texting. Maybe called-"

“Did you clean the paint specks off of my air compressor?” He was standing in front of the machine beside the front door, which you painstakingly made sure not to ruin in your cleansing, despite having no idea what it was. 

When he looks at you for an answer, continuing to close the distance between the two of you. You swallow the rock in your throat. “Too much?” 

He’s made his way across the room and his surprised expression finally settles into a familiar hungry grin. He grabs you by the hem of your jeans, yanking you roughly towards him. You catch yourself on his chest, making a small noise of surprise. When you look up to scold him, Sukuna is an inch away from your face, his lips almost brushing yours, save for half a centimeter of space between them. He smells like sawdust and menthol, you can taste it in the close proximity as he greedily takes your breath away. 

“Off. Now.” He growls, but his fingers are already undoing the button clasped in the front of your pants. “I’m about to fuckin’ eat you, sweet thing.” 

~

You end up skipping lunch, but you're well satisfied a few hours later. A certain hunger: satiated. Sukuna is resting peacefully beside you. You can hear his even breathing against the sound of the cicadas outside, screaming in through the windows. Seeing him so content, sets your heart at ease and you release a sigh of relief. 

Now, to end the night, it was time to slip out of bed without him noticing to finish folding his laundry. 

Or so you thought. 

As you carefully peel back the blankets and try to sneak off the side of the mattress, a warm pair of fingers loop themselves around your panty line, effectively preventing you from going anywhere. Guiltily, you peek over your shoulder to see Sukuna glaring at you with half of his face still smushed into his pillow, genuinely disgruntled with the fact that you were trying to leave his bed. You can't help but chuckle.

"I'm just gonna go grab your laundry." You reassure him, brushing a tousled tuft of his hair out of his eyes. The knot between his brows deepens.

"Let me do that later. C'mere. " He tugs on your panty line, confident that you'll be submissive for him.

The sun outside was casting tall shadows on the walls of his bedroom and the glow was now deep and rich, telling you that it was preparing to set. You didn't want Sukuna's laundry on the balcony all night, which is what you were sure would happen if you didn't go and grab it now.

You hear a thread rip in your panty line interrupting your contemplation and, quickly, you grab his wrist, squeezing it as a signal for him to let go.

He continues to hold fast, his brow cocking in a silent dare.

"'Kuna, come on." You try, "Lemme take care of you-"

"You've been doing nothing but take care of me all day." He scoffs, like the idea of it is absurd to him. Rarely does Sukuna allow you the opportunity to show him as much care and adoration as you have today. Being doted on was not typically something he enjoyed. You knew that, and that's how you also knew that he was exhausted to his bones that day. "Get your ass back here."

There's a tug again, and another thread snaps somewhere. You pout at him, already having the foresight that this pair of panties wasn't going to last you long either. Your partner had the tendency to rip them off of you, and this wouldn't be the first pair to become a shred of what they once were. To be fair, he was also known for giving you his credit card and telling you to go buy "some things for him to see you in", so it would be at no cost to you. But, you happened to like this pair.

Sukuna watches you consider your options silently, unrelenting in his hold on your lace. When you peek up at his gaze, testing one more time, you know you've already lost.

"Don't make me chase after you." He warns, the promise of your inevitable surrender is evident in the predatory glint of his eyes. If Sukuna had a tail at that moment, it would be swaying back and forth, preparing for a pounce. "It's been a while since the last time I had you tied up. I do miss those sweet little bruises we left on your wrists."

You feel the hair on the back of your neck stand at attention upon his recollection. The last time Sukuna had you in ropes, you had to call off of work the next day. Your backside stings with the memory, but half of you can't help but ache for it too. Tied up in Sukuna's bed while he was forced to care for the boneless pile that was his girlfriend, drunk off of his lovemaking? That wasn't the worst place to be.

But, on the other hand, you could tell how exhausted he was with the new construction project at his job. You have a flashback of showering with him at the end of the night and scrubbing sawdust out of his hair. Having to gently prod and kiss him awake as he fell asleep standing up in front of you. You were adamant that you weren't going to do anything to tire him further tonight. 

Before you can properly give in, Sukuna must have decided that you were taking much too long to obey him. 

His other hand reaches over and winds around your lower waist, pulling you backwards into the soft cushion of the pillows and easily flipping the two of you so that he’s mounted above you. In your surprised stupor, he collects both of your wrists in one of his hands and pins them above your head. 

"You've forgotten how to follow directions again, kitten." His murmur is like velvet against your ear. His teeth graze over his favorite spot on the nape of your neck, where he’s already tortured it with his teeth and hickies. You didn’t realize how raw the skin was until he bites you there, drawing a whimper from your throat. 

 "Let's remind you."

[astrojulia]

Tarot Cards as Professions

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Major Arcanas:

The Fool: Work with abroad, connections with imports, language teacher, multinationals, entrepreneur, intern, college student, art major.

The Magician: Entrepreneur, job that needs skill with the hands (acupuncture, hairdresser, artisan), actor, salesperson, influencer.

The High Priestess: Education, especially children, nutrition, psychology, cook, housewife, food engineering, toy factory, fortuneteller, spiritual advisor, librarian.

The Empress: Management, business administration, foreign trade, secretariat, translation, decoration, stay-at-home mom, model, cook, farmer.

The Emperor: Business administration, work related to areas of technological innovation, the military or sportsmen, CEO, tycoon.

The Hierophant: Philanthropic areas, ONGs, religious work, social work, diplomacy, and a degree, journalism, writer, editor, priest, spiritual guru, politician.

The Lovers: Sales area in any sector, tourism, theater, advertising, the arts in general, porn star, stripper, masseuse.

The Chariot: Activities related to transport, cars, the latest technology, chauffeur, mechanic, athlete.

Strength: Aesthetics, physical education and various body therapies, medicine, zoologist.

The Hermit: Teacher, writer, doctor, antique dealer, restorer, librarian, gardener.

Wheel of Fortune: Financial market, exchange offices, casinos, lottery houses, stock exchanges, and areas related to public relations, hospitality, game show host.

Justice: Public jobs, won through competitions, politics, police, with government positions, in the diplomatic area, law, insurance company worker.

The Hanged Man: Nurse, auditor, inspector, porter, secretariat, general assistants, yoga instructor, prison guard, philanthropist.

Death: Doctor, farmer, geologist, business administrator, gardener, accountant, assassin, death row executioner, surgeon.

Temperance: Working with liquids in general or with what is transported in liquid form such as alcoholic beverages, medicines, juices. chemist, chef, food critic, regional or even international traffic.

The Devil: Does not limit the individual to a professional wing, so he can also go to extremes for the desire he has, such as landlord, drug lord, sex trafficker.

The Tower: Social assistance, humanitarian aid, medicine, firefighter, police officer, construction worker.

The Star: Music, painting, sculpture, poetry, cinema, makeup artist, dressmaker, beautician, agent, promoter, sound artist, astronomer, harpist, dealer, meteorologist.

The Moon: Oceanographers, sailors, fishermen, owners of bars and restaurants or nightclubs, artists in general, medium, hypnotist, psychiatrist.

The Sun: Motivational speaker, entertainer, comedian, social relationships, work with the public, artist in general, member of society.

Judgment: Work done at home, connection with the law, lawyer, judge, work with disabled or people excluded from society, social assistance, board member, executive producer, director.

The World: Pharmacist, massage therapist, scientist, teacher, community leader, religious leader or priest, fashion designer, makeup artist, interior decorator.

Wands:

Creative industries such as advertising, marketing, and graphic design.

Entrepreneurship and starting your own business.

Athletics, sports coaching, or physical training.

Outdoor jobs like park ranger or tour guide.

Event planning or organizing.

Firefighters or rescue workers.

Ace of Wands: Entrepreneur, startup founder, motivational speaker, fitness coach, personal trainer.

Two of Wands: Business strategist, project manager, travel agent, international consultant, import/export specialist.

Three of Wands: Sales representative, marketing manager, e-commerce entrepreneur, market researcher, international trade coordinator.

Four of Wands: Event planner, wedding coordinator, party organizer, festival manager, hospitality industry professional.

Five of Wands: Conflict resolution specialist, mediator, lawyer, debate coach, competitive sports coach.

Six of Wands: Public relations manager, spokesperson, social media influencer, motivational speaker, winning athlete.

Seven of Wands: Defense attorney, human rights activist, political campaigner, advocate, civil liberties lawyer.

Eight of Wands: Courier, delivery driver, airline pilot, travel blogger, expedition guide.

Nine of Wands: Security guard, bodyguard, soldier, endurance athlete, self-defense instructor.

Ten of Wands: Overworked entrepreneur, project manager, event organizer, professional organizer, heavy equipment operator.

Page of Wands: Assistant in a creative field, aspiring artist, intern in a startup, social media coordinator, apprentice.

Knight of Wands: Travel journalist, adventure tour guide, professional athlete, race car driver, stunt performer.

Queen of Wands: CEO, business owner, charismatic leader, life coach, influential speaker.

King of Wands: Executive manager, entrepreneur, leadership coach, consultant, director of a creative agency.

Cups:

Counseling, therapy, or social work.

Hospitality industry, including restaurant management and bartending.

Wedding planner or event coordinator.

Artistic fields like poetry, writing, or acting.

Healing professions such as nursing or holistic therapy.

Psychologist or counselor specializing in emotions and relationships.

Ace of Cups: Therapist, counselor, social worker, holistic healer, emotional support specialist.

Two of Cups: Marriage counselor, matchmaker, relationship coach, wedding planner, love psychic.

Three of Cups: Event organizer, party planner, celebratory event coordinator, community organizer.

Four of Cups: Meditation teacher, mindfulness coach, spiritual counselor, psychologist, therapist.

Five of Cups: Grief counselor, trauma therapist, hospice worker, emotional healing practitioner, bereavement support.

Six of Cups: Child psychologist, teacher, daycare worker, children's book author, pediatric nurse.

Seven of Cups: Creative writer, fantasy novelist, imaginative artist, dream analyst, visionary.

Eight of Cups: Travel blogger, adventure seeker, spiritual pilgrim, explorer, wanderlust photographer.

Nine of Cups: Life coach, happiness consultant, gratitude coach, self-help author, wellness retreat organizer.

Ten of Cups: Family therapist, marriage and family counselor, foster care advocate, wedding planner, family mediator.

Page of Cups: Creative writer, artist in training, intuitive healer, aspiring therapist, dream interpreter.

Knight of Cups: Actor, romantic poet, musician, art therapist, love and relationship coach.

Queen of Cups: Psychic reader, intuitive healer, counselor, compassionate caregiver, therapist.

King of Cups: Therapist, counselor, intuitive mentor, emotional intelligence trainer, psychologist.

Swords:

Legal professions like lawyers, judges, or law enforcement officers.

Journalists, reporters, or investigators.

IT specialists, computer programmers, or hackers.

Teachers or professors specializing in critical thinking or philosophy.

Military or defense-related careers.

Strategic planners or analysts.

Ace of Swords: Lawyer, judge, legal consultant, investigative journalist, strategic planner.

Two of Swords: Mediator, conflict resolution specialist, negotiator, diplomat, relationship counselor.

Three of Swords: Divorce lawyer, grief counselor, trauma therapist, emotional healer, heart surgeon.

Four of Swords: Rest and relaxation specialist, meditation teacher, spiritual retreat organizer, yoga instructor.

Five of Swords: Military strategist, competitive sports coach, lawyer specializing in litigation, debate coach.

Six of Swords: Travel agent, relocation consultant, therapist specializing in transitions, boat captain.

Seven of Swords: Private investigator, spy, intelligence analyst, cybersecurity expert, undercover agent.

Eight of Swords: Social justice lawyer, human rights advocate, disability rights activist, therapist specializing in limiting beliefs.

Nine of Swords: Insomnia specialist, anxiety therapist, nightmare counselor, sleep coach, mental health counselor.

Ten of Swords: Surgeon, coroner, forensic scientist, mortician, grief counselor.

Page of Swords: Researcher, journalist, fact-checker, apprentice in a legal field, investigative reporter.

Knight of Swords: Military officer, police officer, attorney, competitive fencer, conflict resolution specialist.

Queen of Swords: Judge, lawyer, critic, journalist, literary agent.

King of Swords: Judge, attorney, CEO, strategist, military general.

Pentacles:

Financial advisors or investment bankers.

Real estate agents or property developers.

Agriculture, farming, or gardening.

Architects, builders, or construction workers.

Conservationists or environmentalists.

Accountants or bookkeepers.

Ace of Pentacles: Financial advisor, investment banker, wealth manager, entrepreneur, luxury goods retailer.

Two of Pentacles: Financial analyst, accountant, bookkeeper, event planner, stock trader.

Three of Pentacles: Architect, contractor, project manager, teamwork facilitator, craftsman.

Four of Pentacles: Wealth manager, investor, financial planner, asset protection specialist, treasurer.

Five of Pentacles: Social worker, philanthropist, charity organizer, financial counselor, volunteer.

Six of Pentacles: Philanthropist, humanitarian worker, non-profit manager, social worker, charitable fundraiser.

Seven of Pentacles: Gardener, farmer, agricultural consultant, sustainability expert, botanist.

Eight of Pentacles: Craftsperson, artisan, apprentice, skilled tradesperson, technical trainer.

Nine of Pentacles: Luxury brand manager, independent business owner, successful entrepreneur, vineyard owner, art collector.

Ten of Pentacles: Real estate developer, property investor, family business owner, generational wealth manager, financial advisor.

Page of Pentacles: Intern, student, apprentice in a practical field, aspiring entrepreneur, entry-level employee.

Knight of Pentacles: Accountant, financial planner, farmer, skilled tradesperson, meticulous worker.

Queen of Pentacles: CEO, business owner, property developer, hospitality industry entrepreneur, financial advisor.

King of Pentacles: CEO, business mogul, successful investor, high-level executive, financial consultant.

(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved

[sirfrogsworth]

FFFF: Froggie's Fuckin' Fancy Foray

In a previous post I was debating whether I should go to the Sam's near me, which requires a short 11 minute drive, but the path to get there is quite stressful due to traffic and construction and frustrating detours onto narrow side streets.

There was even a time when a bunch of signs got knocked over or removed and I accidentally went down an unfinished road that dead-ended into a pile of rocks. That was a fun moment. Especially when people stared at me as I did some improvised off-roading to get turned around.

Like I said... STRESSFUL.

Or I could head the other direction across the river into Illinois.

A scenic 22 minute drive with empty highways to a much nicer Sam's. The extra 20 minutes of total drive time is a lot, especially after all the walking required to collect my groceries. And I feared it would test my energy limits, since I had to go to Sam's and Schnucks to get all of the groceries I needed. Sam's is great, but sometimes I just don't need seven dozen of something.

I was having a decent energy day, so the scenic route won.

My plan was to go to Sam's for the bulk of my groceries and then drive all the way back across the river, past my house, and go to the Schnucks that stocks my favorite new fancy Fitz's soda. Which would add another 30 minutes of driving. Though I figured if I wasn't feeling up to it, I could go to Schnucks another day.

But as I stood in the Sam's parking lot holding a five dollar rotisserie chicken, an idea struck me... "Maybe there is a Schnucks near here."

I opened Maps and to my dismay, there was a Schnucks just down the street and for three entire years I never thought to check.

Literally half a mile down the street.

I think we are all familiar with the concept of chain stores varying in quality depending on the area they are located.

There is a Schnucks only 1.2 miles from my home. It is what I would call "tolerable."

Let's deem this location "TS" for Tolerable Schnucks.

TS is clean and has all of the essentials but they try to shove ten pounds of Schnucks into a five pound bag. It is cramped and poorly stocked and the lighting is somehow extra florescent.

They managed to squeeze in a decent deli, but that is where the niceties end. They usually have one register open even if the checkout line wraps around the dairy section. I have yet to find a less busy time to go. It's always filled to the brim with people—morning, noon, and night.

And, frustratingly, they rarely stock my new botique soda obsession, Fitz's.

I allow myself one occasional sugary treat to manage the cravings and I never know if they are going to have it.

However, if I travel an extra 15 minutes then I can upgrade to the Schnucks I would call "nice." So we'll go with "NS" for Nice Schnucks.

Weirdly the NS is near the "tolerable" Sam's (no acronym because that would be confusing with Tolerable Schnucks (TS)). They are only 3 minutes apart but the store quality difference is pretty drastic. If I have the energy, I will try to stop at both places in one trip since they are so near each other.

NS is a much bigger store than TS and they even have a bigger selection to go with that extra space. I have to get my fancy soda there because I guess TS figured "let's just fill the aisle with Diet Coke and nothing else." NS has a much bigger deli and full bakery and a fish person and even a quaint little floral department. They usually have multiple registers open and they stay open past 8pm so you can go when it isn't busy. The lighting is a little better, they keep things in stock, and they even have half-sized shopping carts that are easier to push if you only need a few things.

I thought that was the gold standard for Schnucks.

As nice as it gets.

But then I discovered this new Schnucks near the Nice Sam's and that assertion was about to be shattered.

Let me introduce you to the FFS.

The Fuckin' Fancy Schnucks.

The first thing you notice at the FFS is the front has well-maintained landscaping. Like, proper shrubbery.

That's fuckin' fancy.

The second you enter the store you are greeted with a fully staffed floral department.

It felt like if Valentine's Day could manifest a jungle. Brightly colored flowers everywhere surrounded by mylar balloons wishing people happy whatevers.

Then I turned the corner to see the biggest Schnucks of my life. With one entire side of the store dedicated to bespoke food items.

They got a deli. They got a bakery. They got a fish person. They got another fish person who just makes sushi all day.

They have an entire wall of prepared food items made at the store daily. Sandwiches and salads and pastas and full chickens. They even make their own frozen pizzas.

And then I noticed... the Meat Masters.

They have their own damned butcher on staff!

I found myself just going up and down all of the aisles and discovering new things the other Schnuckses never stock. The soup aisle was ridiculous. I was getting pretty tired and I was paralyzed by too many choices. So I decided to just get my normal boring soups and come back another time to explore the Fancy Soup Section.

The FSS at the FFS, if you will.

And the lighting was just so much more pleasant. It didn't feel like a 90s office building.

And look at that flooring. Did they hire an interior designer?

TS & NS just have generic square tiles.

I mean, I guess making some of them blue is something. But even the ceiling is drab comparatively.

And look at the TS Zapp's display compared to the displays at FFS.

I will say, TS takes much better care of their robot friend. FFS stuck their robot in a very undignified location.

This Roomba with a giant erection spends all day counting stuff and they stick him next to the men's room? Let him hang out with the Meat Masters or the fish people.

This is how a robot uprising starts.

The soda aisle was at the end of the store so I arrived there last. I was nervous they might not have my beloved bottled soda pop. Not only did they have it, but they also had 4 other flavors I didn't even know existed.

I guess you could say the FFS had an FFFS! (Fuckin' Fancy Fitz's Section)

I got that same feeling when you unlock bonus items in a video game. I don't know what the difference is between cream soda and "cardinal" cream soda... but I'm gonna find out!

Update from Future Froggie: It's fuckin' tasty!

So...

Future Froggie approves of Fuckin' Tasty Fitz's Soda from the Fuckin' Fancy Fitz's Section at the Fuckin' Fancy Schnucks and is sad Nice Schnucks and Tolerable Schnucks Failed Future Froggie with their Lacking Fancy Fitz's Soda Section.

Or...

FF approves of FTFS from the FFFS at the FFS and is sad NS & TS FFF with their LFFSS.

Got all that?

I loaded up the FTFS and my frozen pizzas and my non-fancy soups and headed over to the registers. They had 3 lanes open despite hardly anyone shopping at the time. I didn't have to wait in the dairy section for 25 minutes. So I justified that extra drive time and then some. Because standing in line is harder than sitting and driving.

So I guess I answered my question about which path to choose. If only I had known about the FFS earlier I would have forgone NS and Tolerable Sam's and just drove the extra 20 minutes across the Mississippi River to and from MO & IL.

On the one hand, it is kind of depressing that just like public schools, property taxes dictate the quality of vital stores in our communities. I mean, these are stores run by the same company. I know the physical property can necessitate some variation due to size and configuration differences. But it's clear they are pumping a lot more resources into the FFS. Not just more cashiers with a bagger on every lane, but actual experts in flowers and fish and baking and deli.

And who knows how much a MoM costs. (Master of Meat)

On the other hand...

We live in a society and can't fix capitalism overnight and all that.

I need my FTFS and FSS at the FFS, okay?

[ogenvs3000w24]

As an Environmental Entrepreneur

My ideal role as an environmental entrepreneur is to pursue a career in urban planning. In a time where new developments are constantly in the works and technology is improving at a rapid pace, environmental sustainability and preservation often gets overlooked. Growing up in Toronto, I always noticed the sheer quantity of construction going on at all times as well as the heavy traffic that occurred every single day. While traffic and construction are inevitable in urban areas, there are plenty of improvements that can be made to promote sustainability and advocating for the environment. I would like to aid in designing developments, such as homes, offices, parks, and malls to be sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. By using my skills to develop urban areas, I could benefit communities and cities to create a more eco-friendly environments and reduce the amount of pollution emitted by highly urbanized areas.

The role of urban planner can have a wide array of duties that would be taken on day to day. The job may entail research, engaging with communities, developing policies, architectural design, transportation planning, collaboration with stakeholders, outsourcing for specialists, and marketing and promotion of sustainable urban planning. Although many activities go into the everyday lives of urban planners, the overall goal is the create sustainable urbanization.

My ideal location for workers as an urban planner would be Toronto. It is an urban area in need of more sustainability, plus my family lives there and I'm family with the city. To become an urban planner in Ontario, I will need a bachelors degree in either urban and regional planning, architecture, geography, engineering, or a related discipline (job bank, 2023). I may also need a masters degree in one of those disciplines (job bank, 2023). I will then need to become a member in the Canadian Institute of Planners, and a certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (job bank, 2023). Some of the recommended skills include evaluation, critical thinking, management of financial resources, problem solving, reading, writing, and oral communication (job bank, 2023). Recommended personal attributed include collaboration, innovation, attention to detail, adaptability, leadership and independence (job bank, 2023). It is also recommended to be knowledgable in mathematics and water resources (job bank, 2023).

References

Canada, E. and S. D. (2023, November 21). Planner, urban and regional near Pictou (NS): Skills - job bank. Planner, Urban And Regional near Pictou (NS) | Skills - Job Bank. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/skills/22469/23051

[im-fckn-threaded]

You know what? Literally ONE person on here asked me about my job. So now you all have to know :)

I already mentioned I‘m a transportation engineer. That means my general job is to plan different modes of transportation and then oversee the execution of my plans, including infrastructure, operational planning, business management, digitalization, decarbonisation, ect. I’m also trained in vehicle construction and manufacturing as well as in the planning of civil engineering structures like bridges and roads (asphalt and concrete construction of roads were my favorite subjects in uni!). I‘m currently working for a city government in my area and am the project manager for the city’s public transport. That means designing and adjusting the public transport network, adding new bus lines, changing old ones, building a five year development plan for the public transportation system (network development, accessability, service quality, analyzing demographic structures and changed in the city, taking into account new centers of gravity of different activities like work, shopping, living and recreational activities, all that shebang) and then seeing to the execution of that plan. I have to coordinate our regional bus network with neighbouring municipalities and of course, the most important part, I have to coordinate with my colleagues who are planning the other modes of transportation in the city (motorised and non-motorised private transport). And THEN I also need to take into account what the other department is cooking, the city planners (lots of architecture, not really my cup of tea).

That being said, this is my job now. I‘m interested in many aspects of transportation engineering and I‘m not going to do this particular thing forever. Actually rolling stock construction and manufacturing (and certification) really tickles my fancy and I‘m trying to get my foot into the door within the next 1-2 years, because I would like to work with a tangible product again (I used to work in electric drive manufacturing, but my department got closed down and I wanted to try something else with more orientation towards planning public transport supply, so I‘m now in public service).

I love to read and ruminate about curious, brave, creative and different solutions for urban traffic and urban design problems. And then think about how they suck or not and wether or not they could be a viable solution for problems I encouter in my city. And then get in contact with my colleagues to figure it out. There is always much to learn from other cities, other countries (including fuck-ups). And luckily the doors are wide open to change and new ideas (thanks climate crisis) so it‘s the perfect time to be a bit funky with the transportation planning.

Unfortunately it‘s also my job to answer stakeholders’ (think citizens, local companies and shops etc) questions and complaints. And they don‘t like the change in mentality that is currently leaning heavily towards walkable cities and car-free zones.

Hey, I‘m really enjoying talking about this actually. Maybe I can find some more transportation design fuck-ups to talk about. Anyone, give me shout out or something if you wanns know particular things idk

Will definately be posting more anyway :)

[xomakara]

Miracle Worker

MW Chap. Master || Next>

A/N - I have no idea why the word count for these chapters of this series, is so short. Like it makes no sense to me. Oh well lol

Chapter 001

“Oh, come on.” You rolled your eyes, hands gripping the steering wheel. You'd been stuck in traffic for about an hour and barely budged from your spot. What the hell is going on to cause this traffic? You pushed a few buttons on the dashboard of the car, ringing echoing all around you.

“Hey Boss.” The voice of your male assistant said enthusiastically on the other line. “Are you here yet?”

“Jisung-ah, I’m stuck in traffic. I have no idea what time I’ll get into the office.” You muttered, letting out a small groan. “This is complete torture.”

“Oh, that’s not good. Did you want me to push your schedule back for tomorrow?” Jisung asked.

“Yes, please.” You said as you stepped on the gas pedal lightly and then on the brakes to stop. “I have that Management meeting soon, right? Keep that opened and reschedule everything else. Let the others know that I'll be a tad bit late.”

“No problem.” Jisung said as you heard him scribble something on a pad of paper. “Oh! Did you want me to reschedule your lunch with your father as well?”

“If you can Jisung.” Lunch with dad...You felt bad since you barely had time to spend with your father due to taking over his position since he retired. “Actually... can you make dinner reservations for us over at Heaven’s Highway? Include both Johnny and Taeil as well.”

“Ouuu. The fancy restaurant. I’ll be sure to let him know about the change of plans.” Jisung said. You heard him shuffling around in the background, most likely heading over to his desk. “I hope you get here soon. Johnny-hyung and a few of the others just stepped into your office for the meeting.”

“Yeah, yeah. Thanks for reminding me, Jisung. I’m hoping the traffic goes by faster.” You muttered as you slowly moved in traffic. “I’ll see you when I get there.”

“Yep. See you soon.” Jisung said before he hung up. You focused on the road and before you knew it, traffic started to move along.

You continued to drive along the main streets of Seoul until you pulled into your personal parking space at the company’s garage that was only a few feet from the main building. You got up out of the car, locked it and walked out of the garage to look at the towering building in front of you.

Hope Media.

Your baby. Your child.

For the longest time, you poured out all your time and feelings into the company. You were an only child in your family so when your father retired, you took over the position of CEO of Hope Media at the age of twenty. The company flourished under the ten years you took control. It was now one of the leading companies that produced movies, TV dramas, commercials and music videos. You noticed the poster of Dream, Hope Media’s highly acclaimed actress who was currently promoting a new sageuk drama. You remembered that Dream started her career into acting the year that you took over the company. She was perhaps one of the factors of Hope Media becoming as successful as it is.

Walking into the main entrance of the building, several employees called out their greetings. You gave them several nods and continued towards the elevator where one of your best friends stood, checking his watch and lightly tapping his feet.

“Good morning Taeil.” You said as you stood by the younger man.

“Don’t you mean ‘good afternoon’?” He looked up and lightly huffed at you. He gave you an amused grin a few seconds later as he pushed the up button to the elevator. “Geezes Y/N, it’s past lunchtime and you’re just now coming into the office? Did you forget about the meeting?”

“No, I didn't forget. Traffic was a bitch.” You sighed and ran a hand through your hair and entered the elevator as the doors opened. Pressing the button to the top floor, you leaned back against the wall. “I swear there’s like construction on every corner in Seoul.”

“There’s construction everywhere.” Moon Taeil muttered as he watched you. He crossed his arms and leaned against the elevator wall, watching the floor numbers flash before his eyes. “Jisung told me that you invited Johnny and I to have dinner with your dad?”

“Yeah, since I obviously missed lunch with him.” You frowned, and plucked at your sleeve. “Plus, Dad has been saying that he wants to see you and Johnny since you guys stopped visiting him.”

“I haven’t stopped visiting him,” Taeil chuckled as the elevator stopped. “You’re just keeping us busy and I have to pick up your slack when you're out of the office.”

“Oh hush,” You lightly slapped his shoulder as you walked out of the elevator and into the lobby of your upscale office. Park Jisung, a young man of about twenty, rose to his feet when he saw you and gave you a small frown. You gestured to your office. “Are they still waiting for me?”

“Yep. It's only been ten minutes.” Jisung said as he handed you several portfolios. Even though he was young and your assistant, he was very casual in talking to you. You didn't mind if the employees talked casually with you. You knew you could count on the people to have your back and get their jobs done. “Need me to bring anything for you guys?”

“Nah, it’s fine but thanks Jisung-ah.” You gave him a small smile. “You're the best assistant ever.”

“I hope so. With the trouble you caused last time when you ran late for Ms. Dream’s conference, I had to work twice as hard with Johnny-hyung to make sure it went well.” Jisung huffed. You chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. He was one of the youngest in the company but he showed incredible amounts of potential.

“Did I ever tell you that I hate meetings?” You turned to Taeil and asked him, contemplating if you wanted to open the office door.

He chuckled. “All the time. Let’s just get this over with then, shall we?”

You stepped into your office, Taeil following after. This was going to be a long meeting.

MW Chap. Master || Next>

[digitalmarketigroadmap]

Digital Marketing Roadmap

Trailblazing the Digital Age: An All-Inclusive Manual for Creating Your Digital Marketing Roadmap

A carefully constructed digital marketing roadmap is not only desirable, but necessary in the huge digital cosmos where algorithms change and consumer behaviors fluctuate like the tides. A roadmap acts as a compass for your company, pointing it in the direction of success and sustainable growth as it navigates the complexity of the internet environment. Let's investigate each essential component that makes up a solid digital marketing strategy in more depth. 1. Market Analysis and Research: Revealing Perspectives market analysis It is essential to have a thorough awareness of the market landscape and the people that make up its inhabitants before embarking on your digital marketing adventure. Thorough market research reveals insightful information.

2. Establishing Objectives: Charting Your Path Setting Goals: All great journeys start with a destination in mind. Likewise, the foundation of a strong digital marketing plan is the establishment of specific, quantifiable targets. Whether your goal is to increase sales conversions, drive website traffic, or raise brand awareness, it should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound). These objectives act as beacons to direct your efforts and provide you with the ability to track your progress as you go. 3. Content Strategy:Developing Storytelling Techniques Narrative is king in the enormous ocean of digital content. The kinds of material that should be produced, the platforms for distribution, and the publishing schedule are all outlined in a well-designed content strategy. Engaging social media updates, interactive infographics, and educational blog pieces are all available.

4. SEO and Keyword Strategy: Getting Around the Search Engine Environment Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is your ally as search engines are the main navigators for the internet. To improve your visibility in search engine results, you must optimize on-page components, develop authoritative backlinks, and conduct in-depth keyword research. You may steer your content toward the top of search results and draw in a consistent flow of organic traffic by matching user intent with search algorithms.

5. Managing Social Media: Navigating the Social Networks marketing on social media Within the humming harbors of social media platforms, marketers can interact personally with their audience and build lively communities. Choosing the appropriate social media platforms for your target audience, producing content that is shareable and generates dialogue, and building relationships through real interaction are all essential components of developing a strong social media strategy. You may confidently and precisely navigate the social seas by utilizing the power of social listening and analytics.

6. Email Marketing: Developing Connections email promotion In the clamor of digital platforms, email marketing is still a reliable ally in your marketing toolbox. You can nurture leads, build relationships with customers, and increase conversions by sending tailored, valuable content straight to the inbox of your audience. Email list segmentation based on demographics, habits, and interests enables you to send readers with content that is specifically tailored to them, building trust and loyalty.

7. Tracking Your Analytics and Performance: Visualizing Your Advancement It's critical to pay close attention to your analytics data when you set out on your digital marketing journey. You may evaluate the success of your tactics and make any adjustments by monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) including website traffic, conversion rates, and engagement metrics. You can precisely steer towards your goals, distribute resources efficiently, and optimize your efforts using a data-driven strategy.

In summary, preparing for success A well-crafted roadmap is your compass in the always shifting world of digital marketing, showing you the way to success in the face of choppy conditions. You may confidently and purposefully traverse the digital frontier by carrying out in-depth study, establishing specific objectives, and putting strategic approaches into practice across a variety of platforms. Now that you have the information and understanding necessary to rule the digital space and set a course for unmatched success, raise your sails, raise your banners, and set off on a journey of exploration.

[beardedmrbean]

BARCELONA, Spain — In an effort to ease traffic congestion and curb greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change, municipalities from Barcelona to Brussels have embarked on what has been called a “transportation revolution.” Urban centers across the continent have adopted a host of innovative schemes designed to steer vehicles out of crowded downtowns, creating so-called 15-minute cities — where cars aren’t needed and services like banks, barbers, grocery stores and doctors are a short stroll or bike ride away.

But a fierce backlash has emerged in recent months against the restrictions and plans to all but rid cities of the bulk of their automobiles.

“There’s a new aggressiveness in some of the pushback we’re witnessing,” said Barbara Stoll, director of the Clean Cities Campaign, which works with municipal governments to reduce incoming traffic. “A lot of that opposition is from a very loud minority, largely composed of men who rely on the car, which has on multiple occasions escalated into physical violence and threats to public officials.”

In response to objections from business groups and political opponents, who have demanded that economic assessments be conducted prior to converting more neighborhoods to traffic-free zones, the Barcelona City Council in December froze in place its “superblock” program. A plan to keep cars out of one district in Berlin is also up in the air after candidates opposed to the idea fared well in last week’s elections in Germany.

In sprawling Brussels, where traffic-calming measures that are part of the city’s Good Move mobility plan have created construction quagmires, some politicians are voicing loud dissatisfaction, with one party, the hard-right Vlaams Belang, launching a sarcasm-laden campaign called No Move.

“The only thing that the Brussels government has managed to do is aggravate the traffic situation in our city, which was already disastrous,” the group says on its Facebook page.

David Leisterh, a member of Belgium’s Reform Party, told Yahoo News he now believes that the Good Move plan should go forward only if more than 50% of the city’s population supports it.

“I’m not against the idea,” Leisterh told Yahoo News about anti-congestion measures. “I’m against the way it’s been done so far.”

Claiming that the implementation of Good Move resulted in an 80% reduction in business, Christophe Durieux, who owned the upscale Brussels restaurant Le Rabassier, closed down the popular eatery late last year. “My customers tell me themselves, they will no longer come to my restaurant because it is too complicated,” Durieux told radio station BX1 in September. “It is becoming unbearable.”

Other downtown business owners have taken issue with Good Move. According to a poll conducted by the Neutral Union for the Self-Employed, two-thirds of small and medium-sized businesses in Brussels were considering moving due to the program. “This is a disaster for the vast majority of the self-employed and SMEs [small- and medium-sized enterprises],” the union told the Brussels Times in response to the survey. “If two-thirds of them already found traffic difficult before Good Move, more than 90% feel it is even worse now.”

Traffic barriers set up throughout Brussels have been vandalized and ripped out, and City Council meetings have turned increasingly testy, with protesters storming one recent meeting and making violent threats against the district councillor in charge of the mobility plan. At another meeting, a protest leader shocked attendees when she likened the plight of cars to Jews during the Holocaust.

“Are you planning to stick colored stars on our vehicles so that we can identify the ‘foreigners’ of the neighborhood ... the invaders, those who should be deported somewhere else?” asked Brussels resident Roxane Henry. “Someone had the same idea in the 1940s.”

In late October, demonstrations against Good Move turned violent with more attacks on traffic barriers. Seeking to control the crowd of roughly 100 demonstrators, several police officers were injured in the melee.

“Our will is to create social cohesion through dialogue and not confrontation,” Brussels City Councillor Vincent Vanhaleweyn, a supporter of Good Move, told Belga News Agency after the incident. “Our will is not to bury the project, but to bring together those for and against it in five months and find a solution for everyone.” Thus far, that hasn’t happened.

In several districts in Brussels, Good Move construction has not only stopped — it has reversed, with crews restoring streets to their original design, as planners go back to their drawing boards.

Even residents who support limiting traffic are ambivalent. “On the one hand, it’s good for the environment, and for reducing time spent in traffic jams — and the reduction of noise is good for residents,” said PR director Catherine Couplan. “But it’s bad for the residents living in streets where traffic is being redirected, and it’s bad for city shopkeepers, whose revenue is being severely impacted.” And while the idea of the city going greener is a long-term plan that Couplan supports, she said the everyday reality of the changes underway simply “creates chaos.”

“The protests seem to be the results of a combination of different factors,” said Stoll, pointing to issues from a “resistance to change” and “the current cost-of-living crisis” to feelings that low-income residents are being unfairly burdened by measures curtailing the use of cars.

In Oxford, England, problems started in late November, when county councillors approved a trial program to restrict traffic on six clogged arteries, a move that would help bolster the 15-minute-city concept. In 2024, officials plan to install traffic cameras and six “traffic filters” — boxes with signs on them informing motorists that traffic is restricted for private automobiles between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. According to the council, the plan is meant to reduce private car traffic on busy streets during business hours; residents will be issued permits to allow them free passage, but nonresident vehicles that drive past filters will be subject to a 70-pound (about $85) fine during the restricted times. After the plan was announced, council members started receiving death threats.

“Staff and councillors have been subjected to abuse due to inaccurate information being circulated online,” Katariina Valkeinen, senior communications officer of the Oxfordshire County Council, told Yahoo News.

That “inaccurate information” began on Nov. 30 in an article by the independent British News outlet Vision News, with the headline “Oxfordshire County Council Pass Climate Lockdown 'trial' to Begin in 2024.” The article claimed the council planned to “lock residents into one of six zones” and keep them confined as part of a lockdown to fight global warming. And from there the fallacious rumors snowballed, portraying the 15-minute-city concept as akin to forced imprisonment in an effort to battle climate change.

In January, a group called Not Our Future began leafleting Oxford homes, warning locals that they were about to become guinea pigs. The group’s founder, David Fleming, was not from Oxford, but he did have a knack for stirring up anxiety. In 2020, he founded another group whose goal was the elimination of all COVID restrictions. A month after the leaflets appeared, several thousand demonstrators took to the streets to protest what they saw as the first steps in a climate lookdown.

[uristmcdorf]

There is not, on this lonely little blue marble floating in space, even one single human being who can actually call themselves “self made”.

Every single one of us is the product of the care and resources and work of others.

Today I did the following things:

Got up and did the morning routine

Travelled with my partner to the petrol station to top up the car

Travelled with my partner to the calor gas site to pick up some gas to heat my home

Tidied the front room

Entertained a friend for 30 minutes so they could pick out some spare embroidery threads from my collection they needed

Attended my fortnightly trans art club hangout

Made and ate dinner with my partner

Did some knitting

Let’s just pick a single one of those things.  Petrol station trip to top up the car.  Hell, let’s reduce that down even further:  owning a car and driving it on the road.

Who built those roads?  Other people, not us, who built these roads long before we were born knowing they would likely be used long after they had died.  Who maintains them?  Other people, not us, who get paid far less for their work than what it would cost the world should we suddenly lose access to those working roads.  Who fills pot-holes and repairs traffic lights and roundabouts and crossings and junctions and repaints the road with signs and symbols?  Who maintains the signs up alongside the road that direct us?  Who ensured that the roads and the car could fit each other adequately?  Who checks the roads to ensure no one has parked on them or otherwise blocked one off causing hazards to travellers?  Who created a series of laws and regulations governing cars and driving and road use, to ensure that the other drivers would not be a significant risk of harm or danger to us?  Who built the car we’re travelling in?  My partner and their father often work on the car to maintain it, but they still take it for an annual MOT at the garage where professionals, trained and certified to a required minimum standard that we can feel assured guarantees their ability to repair the car correctly, check it over and certify it safe for continued use. 

In the simple act of stepping a foot onto pavement outside I am benefitting from the labour and effort and time and care of hundreds of people, both ones working now and ones long-dead.  The street cleaners who ensure the pavement is free of mud, leaf litter, trash and dog mess and other hazards.  The maintenance crews who repair cracks and pour salt on the road in Winter to prevent ice.  The town planners and construction workers who planned and designed and laid the road. 

The day I was born I was the product of one woman’s arduous physical labour and the combined skills of multiple doctors and nurses who had each trained for years specifically to be able to do the work they do, as well as the cleaners and hospital staff who built, created, managed and maintained a safe, hygeinic space for the birth to take place.

The people who decided to plant walnut trees along the roadside didn’t do it because they wanted to harvest walnuts for themselves.  They knew damn well they’d be dead before those trees first bore fruit.  They did it so their children and grandchildren and the children and grandchildren of their neighbours would enjoy walnuts one day.

That’s what society is.  It’s the entire point of having one.

We are supposed to care for each other.  We are supposed to provide for the most vulnerable.  We are supposed to create resources together that we then share together.  We are supposed to strive to create a world that will provide the next generation with less work and more resource.

[mathiastobewatsen]

shizuo heiwajima reference on my street. my unemployed neighbor somehow managed to transport two full-size wooden telephone poles from who knows where into our neighbor and left them on the side of the road. he also has a stop/slow traffic sign presumably taken from a road construction site in his yard. how is he getting these things and what does he plan to do with them.

[party-gilmore]

had a bit of stomach upset en route to rehearsal and almost fucking shat myself in the car because I was in a construction traffic slowdown

BARELY managed to get through it and off the interstate and into a Panera in time but like holy shit I was. I was so sure I was gonna. That this was it.

That said… it does have me now suddenly motivated to make a tummy trouble game plan and keep a change of clothes and possibly even a bedpan and hazmat bags in the car idk I just. Never ever ever wanna be in this situation again.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Hazel Locomotive works presents the Chester and Holyhead Railway class 17.

The most famous engine from Gwylan Locomotive Works is the C&HR Class Class 16 Pacific, but this wasn't the only engine to end up on the Chester and Holyhead.

The Class 16 Pacific was an attempt by the GLW to break into new markets. Express engines were by their very nature impressive and eye-catching, and it was hoped the engine would bring attention to their company.

As the construction of the class 16 was coming to a close, the GLW was approached by a railway to build them a new express locomotive. The railway, the Seagull Line, had very sharp curves for a standard gauge mainline, so they needed an express locomotive with a shorter wheelbase.

The GLW was elated, here was the chance they had been waiting for. A chance to break out with a brand new express locomotive. The engine GLW designed was a 4-6-0, as large as the Seagull line allowed for, sharing many design traits with the class 16. The cab overhung behind the rear drivers, allowing the fitting of a larger boiler and firebox. The Seagull line approved the design, and a contract was drawn up and signed. The down payment was made and construction began.

The engine came together quickly, and the GLW sent word to the Seagull line upon completion...only to receive no reply. In the time since the order had been placed, the Line had been subject to a hostile takeover, and the new management had no interest in the engine. To make matter worse, the contract prevented GLW from offering the Locomotive to other railways until October of that year.

Gwylan Locomotive Works had invested a lot of money into the class 16, and more into the seagull lines express engine. That had been fine with the guaranteed payment for the 4-6-0, but as the Seagull Line's new management dragged out paying for the engine via a legal battle, betting the works would run out of money before the lawsuit could be settled. They were correct. In June 1939, Gwylan Locomotive Works filed for bankruptcy. The Class 16 Pacific was protected by her contract with testing eith the Chester and Holyhead Railway, but all other remaining GLW assents would fall to the debt collectors.

The 4-6-0 was locked into legal limbo by contract, so was left in the back if the works, and largely forgotten. However, fate was not done with the engine.

Following the declartion of War against Germany in September 1939, the Class 16 would officially pass into Chester and Holyhead ownership. In early October, the debt agency sent a team to search the derelict works for any usable spare parts or plans to pass on to the railway. During this visit the dust covered 4-6-0 was rediscovered. The debt agency knew next to nothing about railways or locomotives, but they had legal contacts that did.

The Chester and Holyhead was surpised to be contacted by the debt collection agency again.

"To the Board of the Chester and HolyHead Railway, While searching premises formerly belonging to 'Gwylan Locomotive Works' for usable parts or schematics for the No.16 4-6-2 Locomotive in your possession, we discovered a second express locomotive of 4-6-0 design. Locomotive has been trapped by contract till this week. Please advise." The C&HR quickly offered to purchase the locomotive. Their standard class 9 pacific had been designed as for mix traffic, so they were in heavy demand for goods traffic. A smaller more efficent engine for the smaller passenger trains was needed The engine was purchaed for undisclosed sum, and was given the number and classification 17. Routinely during the war No.17 was seen pulling what was left of the C&HR express services. After the war once over, the class 17 gracefully retired from express passenger work to run the C&HR milk trains, where she has remained every since.

[dreamsculptor]

A post about what I’ve been doing, and how I’ve been doing:

I got a job around July of last year. It’s right around the block from where I live, so I have essentially no difficulty showing up for my shifts. On top of that, the people I work with are all completely delightful and constantly show me that they care about me and my well-being, co-workers and managers alike.

To drive home the fact: my birthday passed in February. I requested my birthday off, and I got it, but when I came back to work for my next shift, my executive chef had literally bought a cake for me. After I got off my break and returned to the line, there was the Minions birthday song playing on the speakers. ( 😭 ) But my chef was standing at my station with the cake and candles in it for me.

My assistant general manager had also put a candle in a Hostess cupcake and brought it to me mid-rush as a gift:

I had a party on my birthday - which only about 4 or 5 of my friends were able to attend, but I’m grateful they did - and one of my coworkers gave me his two favorite books, Into the Magic Shop and The Obstacle is the Way. I finished ITMS recently and it was so outstanding it made me cry on numerous occasions. I have yet to start TOITW. I see why ITMS is one of his favorites, and I look forward to reading TOITW. I overwhelmingly recommend reading Into the Magic Shop (author James R. Doty, MD).

Do you remember Avery? and Mokushi? The story that Avery was originally part of has been slightly overhauled, and the previous owner of Mokushi transferred ownership of her to me. I’ve expanded the rest of the “TARDUS Crew” with 3 new characters - Renatas Monte, Emil Oberto, and Hường Hoa. I’ve started working on a few little pieces of writing for the TARDUS story itself, which can be found on the site, but I also expanded into Fallout 4 AU territory with “To Change and Not to Change” (subtitle What Grief Does to People, for the ridiculous acronym TCANTCWGDTP) which I have gotten heavily invested in. The stories of Mokushi, Emil, and Danse are outlined, and I have yet to write out Avery’s story. Hường also comes into play in Mokushi’s story, and I have plans to write out Mokushi and Hường’s initial meeting.

(Footnote for TARDUS/TCANTC: There’s an ‘incorrect quotes’ page on the TARDUS site. Very fun to read, and offers a quick depiction of the relationships between the characters/how they tend to interact with each other. “K” stands for me, Kepler, because I’m funny.)

All in all, only outlines taken into account, I have written ~7,500 words for TCANTC. I have also drawn a comic titled “Medical Attention” for one of the events in TCANTC, as well as a 3-chapter, ~8k word fic following TCANTC’s version of the Blind Betrayal quest from Fallout 4. It is available to read on my website, and also hosted on Archive of Our Own. (Don’t @ me, it’s still one of the best-constructed and high-traffic writing sites on the internet.) I’ve also commissioned Moth to build a site for me, which looks amazing - it can be found at a sub-link of his Neocities, here.

I’ve stayed close with a few of my friends from Tumblr, like Moth and Apollo. A few others have hovered around though I haven’t stayed in extensive close contact with them, like Hero, Isadora, and Jay. I’ve also made a variety of new friends, such as Capt, Xeno, Clymene, Shiny, and Hacksick. I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to - and doing writing sprints with - some slightly older, more experienced writers, who I will not name to maintain their anonymity. They don’t face publicly on the internet, and I expect they would appreciate me upholding that. I’ve also been making friends with my neighbors and the people in my community - who I also will not name, for my safety and their privacy. If I didn’t name-drop you directly, and you expected to be here - sorry! There’s a whole lot of people that come in and out, or who pop up for a conversation or two every once in a while, and I appreciate you just the same. ❤️

I also broke up with and cut off my ex-girlfriend who I mentioned at times in the past. She still lives near me, which I loathe, but I don’t cross paths with her very often, which I am grateful for. In her stead, I have been talking to and connecting with a variety of other trans people in my area. All around, it’s been good to fill my life with close friends and real people. I feel much more present, less isolated, much happier, and more fulfilled for it.

I have also been stepping up to do more volunteer work for the less fortunate people in my city and the surrounding area. There is a mission that I’ve started to work with weekly to distribute food to the homeless, and I personally take leftover food from work (that would normally get thrown away at the end of the day) to redistribute to the homeless people directly in my neighborhood.

The weather around here has also been steadily improving - less snow and more sunshine - and I look forward to when the days start getting warmer so I can return to rollerblading regularly. With my job being so close to my home (just about a mile), I greatly enjoy rollerblading to work when the weather permits. When the weather is too cold but the streets aren’t snowed over, I usually like to take an electric scooter. If there is snow outside, I tend to get a Lyft to work.

I also decided to make the bad wonderful decision to install Final Fantasy XIV, and I’ve sunk 80+ hours into it already. I’m completely taken with the story of it - though I haven’t even finished the storyline of A Realm Reborn (the ‘base game’) - and I greatly enjoy the photo mode that it offers. If anyone else plays FFXIV, I’m Syn Kepler on the Siren world on the Aether datacenter. I plan on making at least one more character, on a different datacenter, sometime in the future. It’s been a lot of fun.

I’ve especially fallen in love with Thancred Waters and Cid Garlond. My main character, Syn, is a male Au Ra with the height scale set to maximum, and everyone looks tiny compared to him. I love it. (Thancred is in the first picture, Cid in the second.)

All around, life has been good. Things have gotten weird at times, and pretty awful at others, but I find that they impact me much less nowadays. Even when I think about bad things, when I remember negative memories, when things go awry, the negative emotions I feel about them are an under-current compared to the joy of living my day to day life. I wake up in the mornings happy to start a new day, to talk to my friends, to see my co-workers, to work on the things that I love. The positives of my life, after 20+ years, finally outweigh the negatives. It makes me grateful that I survived the dozens of suicide attempts throughout my life, that I’ve finally made it to that ever-preached day that “it gets better.”

It really does get better. You might - if not most likely, will - suffer. Life will be shitty, sometimes. You’ll lose friends so close to you it makes you want to die, but after the fact, you will earn new friends that you find just as much joy with. Different changes in life will make different people happy - what made me happy was freedom, to move out of the South, to live on my own, to be able to cut and color my hair and dress all the ways that I want to. To live in a place that I do not constantly fear for my safety as a transgender, gender-non-conforming, nonbinary person. To work with people who accept me at face value and don’t harass me for being transgender, who don’t say transphobic things to my face and behind my back. To work in the kitchen, and not in the dining, to not deal with customers - who have often also been the perpetrators of harassment in the past.

I’ve updated my blog themes to contain the lyrics to Sunshine by Atmosphere (YouTube, Spotify) because it wonderfully reflects the joy I finally have in life.

In the words of Slug (the MC of Atmosphere), whom I love so dearly:

Every day that gets to pass is a success.

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

A list of albums I’ve found and loved (Spotify links only):

Fight With Tools - FLOBOTS Cardboard Castles - Watsky When Life Gives You Lemons - Atmosphere God Loves Ugly - Atmosphere Knew School - Knowmads Prohibition Swing - Lyre Le Temps Power in Numbers - Jurassic 5 This Is How We Get Better - The Narcissist Cookbook

[aeoki]

Seven Bridges - Hate Control: Chapter 15

Location: Tanabata Fest Stage Characters: Mitsuru & Mao

TL Note:

Mao is referring to the culture where it’s more appropriate to address those in a higher standing to you by their titles instead of by their names in Japan, as it’s a sign of respect.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< At that time. Music ward (“Tanabata Fest” Venue 4). >

Mao: Maan~! Things are tough! Preparing everything was hell but D-Day feels even worse than that!

But it’s fine! I’ll work hard! Actually, hell is more than welcome! I’m the kinda person who gets happier when things are more tough and hectic! Ahahahahaha ☆

Mitsuru: Baaam! ☆

Mao: Who just rammed into me!?

Hey, Tenma! It’s great to see you’re full of energy but don’t just ram into me like that! Are you an assassin after my life or something!?

Mitsuru: That’s right, y’know!

Mao: It is!?

Mitsuru: Just kidding! Sorry, sorry, Student Council President Nii-chan!

Mao: It’s okay – so you’ve finally learnt to call me that, huh. Good job. If you’re gonna keep calling me Mao-chan-senpai, then that would set a bad example for the kids.

Mitsuru: Mao-cha– I mean, Student Council President Nii-chan, were you also worried about that sorta stuff?

Mao: Uh, not really. But, suprisngly, the new students are a bunch of serious kids with common sense[*]~ They get angry when they see other people treating me sloppily.

They even come all the way to tell me and say, “You’re fine with them treating you like that!?”.

Even that felt really nostalgic… I’ve gotten too used to Yumenosaki’s way of doing things freely.

Mitsuru: Being free is a good thing, y’know! It’s because you’re not tied down anywhere that you can go wherever you want!

Mao: Yeah~ Yeah, you always say such good things, Tenma. It's reassuring.

Anyway, what’re you doing over here by yourself? Where’s the rest of “Ra*bits”? Did you get separated from them?

Mitsuru: Huh? Oh no, I left them behind, y’know! I was so happy being able to run around boldly around town…!

Mao: Watch out for accidents~ Well, there’s traffic control so I think it should be fine, though.

Oh, and Tenma, do you really understand what’s going on during this “Tanabata Fest”? There’s no point in you running ahead by yourself like this, you know?

Mitsuru: Hmm~ It looks like things are different from what I heard before so I’m confused, y’know! Apparently, Anzu Nee-chan fixed the proposal at the last minute?

Mao: Yeah. It was a rush construction job. The original proposal was useless so it’s been a lot of work. It’s still better than using that disappointing proposal, though.

Mitsuru: So what specifically changed? I’ve got time until the others arrive, so tell me!

Mao: I don’t have time though… Oh well, I’ll keep it brief.

First, there were two events that focused on Tanabata. The one at Yumenosaki and the other at ES.

Mitsuru: Yeah, I heard about that, y’know! Arashi-chan-senpai and “Knights” were supposed to take part in the ES one, right?

Mao: Yeah. But we decided to combine both events together. I worked really hard in that aspect so I’m pretty proud of that.

I negotiated with ES and ES would include the school’s “Tanabata Fest” in their proposal.

So that’s why even though Arashi and “Knights” were supposed to take part in ES’ event, they ended up taking part in the school’s one too. You get what I’m saying?

Mitsuru: Yeah…?

Mao: In other words, it was done out of consideration for “Knights” since they kept changing their plan of action like a weather vane.

At the same time, we could get a budget from ES so that was a huge help in terms of managing the event.

Anzu then revised the “Tanabata Fest” proposal with the new budget and other factors.

Basically, the format is the same as last year’s “Tanabata Fest”. The idols who applied can go up on the stages set up in the venues.

And two units will face off in a performance battle. That’s also the same as last year’s and will be decided by the tanzaku paper votes.

The winning unit remains on stage and grants the wishes of the audience Tanabata-style while waiting for the next set of challengers to come up.

Mitsuru: Oh, I love that part where we grant wishes! Bakyuun ☆

Mao: Me too~ It looks like “Akatsuki” will be appearing as a complete unit, so maybe you can see Hasumi-senpai’s bakyuun this year too.

Mitsuru: I wanna see, I wanna see! But we lost to “Akatsuki” last year, so this year, I wanna win, y’know! I dunno what I should do!

Mao: It’s okay. As you’re aware, the unit who lost can come up for a rechallenge after a certain amount of time passes, so you can get back up on stage however times you want.

Mitsuru: I’m happy about that but I went back up on stage so many times last year, I was exhausted at the end, y’know! Wahaha!

Hajime-chan also doesn’t have much stamina, so a few days after that, he could barely move an inch.

Mao: Sengoku was also dead… last year… Yeah, this sorta brutal method definitely sounds like Anzu’s style. She has way too much faith in us.

But it’s fine. It just means she thinks we’re just that amazing.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[wedelivergravel01]

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