#How To Increase Height In 1 Week In Hi

[azsazz]

Ride for Me

Cassian x Reader [Starfall Week Day 1]

Summary: @starfallweek Day 1 Prompt: Rumor has it, stardust increases attraction, and character A could really use some help right now…

Warnings: None

Word Count: 804

Notes: Starfall Week 😍

_________________________________________

“Sweetheart,” Cassian chuckles against your lips, groaning when you slide your tongue easily into his mouth, grazing it languidly against his, “We’re going to be late.” 

“Don’t care,” you pant, pressing even closer to his large body. He’s so warm, solid in all of the right places. Namely, his cock stirring against your hip. “Need you so badly, Cassian. Please.” 

You want to whine when his large, calloused hand caresses your jaw, gently straightening to his full height. His hazel eyes are swimming with an emotion that is gone before you can pick up on it, but the soothing motion of his thumb against your cheek helps settle the raging need inside of you. 

“What’s gotten into you today?” he wonders. Then, as if he’s made some sort of mistake, he tacks on quickly, “Not that I’m complaining. I love when you’re all needy for me…” His voice turns rougher and he pinches your hindsight which makes you jolt against him. He grunts a little at the feeling. Maybe you don’t need to be at the House of Wind on time…

You shrug bashfully, cheeks pinkening. “I don’t know,” you admit, “There’s something about Starfall that always gets me a little…”

“Aroused?” he teases, dipping down to pepper your cheeks with kisses because you’re too adorable not to. “No need to get all shy on me, sweetheart. I can smell it on you, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever smelled.” 

His words make your grip tighten around his neck and your thighs tremble. His hands are so big where they’re settled on your hips and you just want to feel those hands all over your skin, running down your sides, cupping your breasts, slipping into your cunt—

“Fuck, sweetheart,” he groans, dropping his head onto your shoulder and nuzzling into your neck. You shiver as his breath tickles your throat. Cassian digs his nose in, right where he can scent you the most. “You might just break me yet.” 

“It wouldn’t take much,” you croon, dragging your nails right down his back, reveling in the way that his grip on you tightens and he nips at your neck. “We can be a little late,” you offer, but it sounds more like a desperate plea. You’re uncomfortably wet, the ache between your legs distracting and in need of relief.

“We can,” Cassian answers, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. You squeeze your eyes shut, moving even closer into him, pressing your breasts up against his chest. “But then everyone would know that I fucked you so hard that you couldn’t walk.” 

There’s always something about Starfall that has you feeling like this. Maybe it’s the energy in the air, the excitement of seeing the greatest Night Court tradition, spending it with your mate. The celebration leaves you feeling needy, like those colorful star clusters darting across the night sky brings a spirituous sense to the court, to your soul.

It started early this year.

“So maybe we don’t show up at all,” you try to joke, but a night alone with your mate under the stars sounds too perfect, you don’t think Cassian would ever go for it.

As if you’re right, Cassian pulls away slightly, staring deeply into your eyes. His face is serious as his gaze flickers between each of your eyes, taking you in. “Is that what you want, mate?” he asks softly, and it makes your heart ache a little. 

You’d love to spend the night alone with Cassian, but you understand how important it is for him to spend it with the rest of the Inner Circle. It’s been an important tradition to him for centuries now, long before you came into the picture. You couldn’t ruin that for him, you wouldn’t ruin that for him.

You part your lips to speak but Cassian’s already swooping you into his arms and bounding for your bedroom. “What…?” 

His voice is gruff, sure of his words as he strides for your room. “My mate needs me,” he says, and butterflies explode in your stomach. “Everyone is going to understand that,” Cassian adds softly when he feels the worry emanating through your shared bond. He plants a reassuring kiss to your forehead, shouldering his way through the doorway. “And if they don’t, they can get fucked.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do,” you beam and he laughs. You snuggle closer into his chest, loving the way that it rumbles with his laughter.

“You’ve succeeded in that, sweetheart,” Cassian whispers, finally setting you down on your feet right at the foot of the bed. Your heart jumps into your throat when he gets down on one knee, but he’s lifting your foot, helping you out of one shoe and then the other. “Now, let me help you out of this dress.”

[catbread0]

Hiya, may I request a Sebastian Solace x (GN/fem)reader, where the reader had also went through urbanshade’s experiments to enhance mobility in the water or abnormal strength. Maybe it could take place a day or two before the whole lockdown where the reader is put in with Sebastian in hopes for trying to tame Sebastian’s bumbling rage and a companion (aka, another sentient being) in hope of keeping him under control.

Mayhaps as well when the whole lockdown does happen Sebastian goes to find the reader since they might have also been getting transported and they had more of a larger dose of the tranq (since Ik Sebastian faked being knocked out and someone had to smart enough to hear the gaur panic about it and gave reader and extra dose.). Just a smidge of angst.

Sorry if this doesn’t make complete sense, I tend to do that when I’m excited about something rush to put all my thoughts and ideas down 😭

-🌽 anon

Sebastian Solace x Fem! Experimented! Reader 

I loved doing this. Sorry for the late response. There have been so many requests since the last time I saw. Hopefully, you enjoy reading this.

(*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

Words: 3,148

Very OOC, mention of killing/death and drugs (anesthesia), a bit of angst, happy ending, a bit of comfort

All the information I found is from the official Pressure wiki, urbanshade.org!! NOT FANDOM WIKI (MOST STUFF ON THEIR IS NOT CORRECT, PLEASE CHECK THE OFFICIAL WIKI!!)(Note: I made this before the friendly fire update came out)

Sebastian Solace Masterlist

Beloved Companion

Document:

Z-##, codename: _________, real name “(Y/n)(L/n)”. Z-## has undergone experiments to enhance the ability to breathe underwater and strengthen humans. Z-## has successfully gained the ability to breathe underwater. However, their strength has also increased but only to a certain point that could break in half the body of a human. When added more DNA of stronger sea creatures, it seemed to stay the same no matter the animal. After that experiment was done, Z-## underwent another experiment that had DNA strands of sea creatures that are known to be calm and friendly towards sea creatures. However, due to most of the fish being small, it had a drawback, it decreased her height to 8 '2", she was originally 10' 1".

After the calm sea creature experiment, Z-## was put in containment cells for other experiments in Hadal Blacksite for a few days. Some include Z-317 (Eyefestation), Z-367 (Pandemonium), Z-283 (The Angler), and S-Q (Squiddles). All of the interactions with Z-## have been a positive outcome. The specimens have been calmed down and/or have been less hostile for a few days until Z-## is put back with them. 

Because of the variants of success with Z-##, her rank has been moved up to MR-P, and she was given more benefits with her rank being moved up. These benefits included: better living conditions, being allowed to roam the facility freely, and being involved in non-deadly testing. 

Recently, Z-13 (Handy Man) has been getting harder to control due to his anger and rage whenever he sees one of the scientists. We have debated if Z-## should enter Z-13’s containment cell. While Z-13 is also an MR-P, it is unpredictable if he would harm and/or kill Z-## due to the burst of outrage he has been having for the past week or so. In the end, it has been decided that Z-## will go into Z-13’s containment cell. If Z-## gets harmed, then Z-13 would be neutralized by any means necessary but not to the point of killing him. Then, Z-## would be taken out immediately and rushed to be checked up on.

The goal is that Z-## will hopefully calm down Z-13’s rage, just like the other specimens that have encountered her. This will also be a test to see if there could be a potential chance of them being partners to see how their human DNA mixed with the DNA of sea creatures in both of them, could affect genetics when it comes to their offspring.

End of Z-##’s current document.

You were roaming your spacious water enclosure when you heard your ‘name’ be called on the speaker in your enclosure.

“Z-##, please come outside your enclosure. You will be entering another specimen’s enclosure today. They are an MR-P just like you.”

You swam to the door that will get you out of your enclosure. You stood in the middle of two doors, the door behind you closed shut, and the water started to drain from where you were in between the doors. Once the water was fully drained, the door in front of you opened, and you entered the room.

 You followed the small scientist to where these new people you would be meeting today. You would wave to some of the scientists. It was a habit since you would always wave at the other sea people each time you met them in their enclosure. 

You soon arrived and stood in front of the glass window to the water enclosure. 

“Today you will be meeting Z-13. He recently has been having outbursts every time a scientist walks by or when they try to communicate with him through the intercom. You will be with him for 5 days and 5 nights, in the morning you will return to your enclosure. Then, later in the day, you are scheduled to have another experiment. If anything were to happen to you in Z-13’s enclosure, yell, and you would be taken out immediately. Understood?”

You nodded at the small scientist. You looked back through the glass window to try and find ‘Z-13’. To no luck, it looked empty in the water enclosure.

“I should warn you that he is bigger than most specimens you have encountered before. Z-13 is 10 '6".”

The small scientist stated that as you entered the door. At least they gave you a warning.

The door behind you was shut, and you were again in between two doors. The water slowly rose and filled the small room you were in to enter the water enclosure. The door in front of you opened once it was filled with water, and you swam into the enclosure.

The small scientist pressed a button that made the glass window no longer able to see through both ways. It was for Z-13 not to be outraged if a scientist were to accidentally walk by.

You swam around but still couldn't find Z-13. 

That was until you spotted what looked like a cave on the side of the wall near the floor, its entry was covered up in large seaweeds, making it almost hard to see it in the first place.

You swam into the cave, “Hello? Are you here?”

You soon see 3 blue eyes in the corner of the cave, and you jump a bit, not expecting that. You swam closer but stayed a few distance away.

“Hello, I'm Z-##, but my real name is (Y/n)(L/n). What is your name, Z-13? It would be nice to put a name to a face.”

Sebastian didn't answer. He thought you were just doing this because of the scientists forcing you.

When you realized he wasn't going to answer you, you waited on the opposite side of the cave and made yourself comfortable.

You kept talking about small things, like what you did before you were jailed, why you were put in jail, how nice the other sea people were to you, etc. Whenever you talked, you seemed genuinely happy every single time.

After talking, you started to think that maybe he thought you were annoying. 

“I'm sorry, I will leave if you are uncomfortable.”

You got up and started swimming the same way you entered since there was only one way to exit and enter the cave. 

“Sebastian, Sebastian Solace is my name”

You immediately paused, not expecting him to answer or talk to you at all. You immediately swam right towards him.

“That's a nice name. Can I see what you look like? If that's fine with you, of course.”

He was silent for a bit before pulling on his anglerfish lure.

Goodness, when you saw him, you felt something inside you, as if your heart skipped a beat.

He was quite handsome, at least in your eyes. But you shook that thought out of your head.

You both started small talks, but they would give brief replies.

Soon, the day would end. You slept on the opposite side of the cave, not wanting to invade his space.

Meanwhile, Sebastian would stare at you for a few minutes.

‘She'll probably ask the stupid scientists to take her away tomorrow’ he thought before turning off his lure and going to sleep.

The next day, he woke up to you gone, ‘I was right. It was stupid to think she would sta-’

“Oh, you're awake? I got your bucket of fish that the scientists brought. Here.” You said as you entered the cave and handed him the bucket full of fish.

Sebastian took the bucket but looked at it before eating it. He thought you put something in it before realizing you didn't. 

You talked, and he ended up opening up to you a bit more this time.

As some hours passed, you both were out of the cave and swimming around Sebastian's enclosure.

At some point, Sebastian was teaching you Spanish, or at least how he speaks Spanish since he's Chilean-American. Different countries speak the same language but say it differently.

You both ended up spending almost the whole day outside of the cave and returned to sleep.

On the 3rd day, he woke up and saw you sleeping. He went outside the cave and picked up both of your buckets of fish, and brought them back to the cave.

The whole day, you two spent knowing more about each other's life, your family, colleges you both went to, what classes you both majored in, and some of your talents. Sebastian even used some of the plants, rocks, and garbage he had lying around to make a prop that looked like an electric guitar and tried to teach you. 

You both laughed and smiled with each other almost the entire day.

Night came back more quickly than you both thought. You and Sebastian returned to the cave.

As you were getting comfortable to sleep in your corner, you felt a soft material cover your upper body.

“I snatched this when the scientists weren't looking while I was doing some janitor duties. Perks of being an MR-P.”

You gave Sebastian a warm smile and thanked him before falling asleep.

Sebastian didn’t want to admit it, but he felt happy when he was with you. You would listen to him, and it didn't feel like he was talking to the wall. Unlike those scientists, they only asked questions about his mutation and waited for a response from him to record it. 

Only caring about the progress.

On the 4th day, Sebastian woke up early and decided to pour some of his fish from his bucket into yours.

The scientists had seen this through the glass, during the night they decided to make the glass be 1-sided, they could see you but you couldn't see if they were there.

They saw this as a sign of success but also that maybe he was trying to court you. This made them think that there could be a possibility that you two could have offspring and they could continue their testing.

Later in the day you and Sebastian were messing around, he was trying to teach you how to ‘dance’. The dances were ones that he saw people dancing to at Chilean/Hispanic parties that he went to. It was a mess since you both didn't have legs to step on, but you both enjoyed each other’s attempts.

On the 4th night, you both moved closer to each other and slept peacefully. But both of you had your back to each other.

It was the 5th day, and you and Sebastian were getting closer to the end of your visit.

“Sebastian, I have to leave tomorrow morning, and after that, I'm scheduled to be experimented on. I'll make sure to see you after it's done”

After telling him you could tell he didn't look pleased, his ears and tail twitched.

“I am also scheduled to have an experiment done on me tomorrow. Maybe we will be able to see each other again right before it happens.”

You smiled when you heard that, “I hope we can.”

Soon, it was the next morning, and it was time for you to leave. You said bye to Sebastian and gave him a warm smile before you left. 

After a few hours, he was called out for his scheduled experiment. 

He was left in the surgery room and was given anesthesia. He pretended the effects had worked on him, but he was fully awake.

He heard the door open and close to his room, footsteps walking around the room, and heard the scientists speaking.

“After we are done with Z-13 we have to perform on Z-##, even if the chances of her dying is 75%, there is still a slim chance of her surviving and for it to be a success. It would be a great benefit for Hadal Blacksite.” One of the scientists said

“But she’s an MR-P. They are only allowed to be experimented on if it's non-deadly.” the second scientist asked.

The first scientist answered, “Well no surgery or experimentation is 100% safe. If she perishes, then we will start back on square 1 on another inmate.”

Sebastian felt his body fill with rage once again. Once the 2 scientists were close enough, Sebastian immediately killed them by slashing them with his claws. 

Sebastian immediately slithered out of his surgery room, and an Elite Guardsman was standing right outside. Just as the Elite Guardsman was about to shoot at Sebastian, Sebastian killed him and stole his keycard.

There were other scientists and guardsmen around as this happened. 

Everything went into chaos. 

People ran to escape, and guardsmen shot at Sebastian, but the bullets did not affect him, making some of them run away with the others. Desk’s, doors, tables, chairs, and the lights were either destroyed or thrown around.

Sebastian killed the Guardsmen who were shooting at him or trying to stop him. As he was doing this, he was trying to find your room to take you away before they could kill you.

Meanwhile, you were lying on the surgery table. You trusted the scientist who would perform on you since you are an MR-P. But also because you were always nice to them, helping them calm other sea people around the lab, always following orders, etc. 

How naive you were, or was it because of the fish's DNA that mixed with yours? It didn’t matter to them. To most of them, you were just a lab rat who benefited them.

As the scientist in your room gave a syringe of anesthesia, you both heard the sound of people screaming and things being trashed. That's when the scientist's handheld radio (or walkie-talkie) started making noise from the other end.

Blood-curdling screams could be heard loudly, “Z-13 HAS FEIGNED HIS EFFECTS OF ANESTHESIA AND IS ON A LOOSE KILLING SPREE. I REPEAT Z-13 HAS FEIGNED-” 

That’s all that was heard until the other end was abruptly cut off.

You sat up immediately, “Sebastian is wh-”

That's when the scientist gave you 3 more syringes of anesthesia quickly. They knew if Z-13 wasn't affected, then you mostly weren’t with just one. They were frightened with the idea that you would do the same. Your strengthened ability could break a human's body easily in half. They thought you would follow Z-13 and try to kill them.

You immediately fell off the table, from the sudden effects making you pass out. 

The scientist was about to give you another syringe again with anesthesia until Sebastian barged into the room. He finally found you but saw you on the floor unconscious. He saw the scientist who did this with the syringe in their hand. He immediately killed them, tore them up, and they were almost unrecognizable afterward.

Soon, the commotion died down and came to an end. It was only the two of you currently. Everyone who survived escaped or maybe died while running away.

Sebastian carried you in bridal style with his 2 arms and used the 3rd one to try and feel your pulse. 

He felt that your pulse was dangerously low.

He carried you out of the surgery room and went looking for other rooms. He soon found a vent that led to another small room. He laid you down carefully on the floor. 

He knew he couldn’t do much. It was just a matter of luck and time to see if you would wake up. Too much anesthesia could kill you or send you into a coma. All he could do was just watch and protect you from any further physical harm.

4 days have passed of endless waiting.

Sebastian watched over you, trying to find more things to make you comfortable, feeling your pulse from time to time, bringing in extra fish, or whatever snacks that were left behind by the scientist, and stored them on the shelves in the room in case you woke up from your coma.

During your coma, Sebastian used the keycard he stole earlier from the Elite Guardsman and released the monsters in Hadal Blacksite. Some of the monsters decided to help after being told what happened to you by killing the people who would enter to try and retrieve the crystal to get the place back into running its cruel experiments.

You slowly opened your eyes. It was pitch black. You didn't know where you were. That's when a sudden light lit up the room. (Sebastian’s angler lure)

“You're finally awake. You had me worried that you would leave me behind. I have food for you, go ahead and eat. I’ll explain what happened while you eat.”

You slowly started eating, still somewhat under the effects of the anesthesia that was steadily wearing off. As you were eating, Sebastian explained what he had overheard when he was faking about being under anesthesia, the killing spree he went on to find you, him releasing the monsters, causing the lockdown, you being unconscious for 3 days, etc.

You felt betrayal dig a small hole into you, but you also felt stupid for thinking they wouldn’t do that to you at some point no matter your rank. 

Sebastian helped you process everything and pat your back when you would choke on your food. Sebastian helped you all the time while you were still too weak.

After a few days, you started to become your old self again. You went to see some of the monsters and wandered into rooms you never got the chance to see.

You helped Sebastian set up his shop by collecting the items he accidentally found when he was trying to find files to blackmail Hadal Blacksite. 

After some months, you both started to gain feelings for each other. It took a while for the both of you to realize you felt the same way towards each other.

You both helped each other, you patching his arm, him protecting you from people trying to kill you because they mistook you for being dangerous, talking with p.ai.nter (Z-779) and spending time with each other in the shop while inmates buy things from the both of you.

You were glad that he saved you from your deathbed and glad you were both in a relationship.

You gave him one last kiss before you both went to sleep for the night. Already looking forward to tomorrow.

Bonus!

How you both learned you both felt the same was by accident.

You were visiting p.ai.nter, and you were talking to him until they accidentally mentioned that Sebastian likes you.

“Sebastian did tell me that he thinks that he has feelings for you, since when you were first with him.”

It was dead silent for a bit, both of you realizing what he said.

“Oops…”

He also made the same mistake with Sebastian, telling him you like him.

....Maybe it wasn't actually a ‘mistake’.

~Lilly's

[chasteandpregnantmale]

The immaculate conception of Michael Part 4

Part 4

Br Aidan’s friendship with Br John was flourishing too.   They were often seen in the chapel praying.   Aidan found John’s prayers very supportive which he needed more and more.   He was still so pleased to be doing this as God’s vehicle to give Jan & Jon a child but was now finding it physically burdensome.   He didn’t know how much he weighed now, but it was a lot.   Br Bernard weighed him regularly but he couldn’t see past the bump any more to see what the scales read.

Sometimes Br John got a little more friendly, even intimate, than he should.

That summer turned out to be one of the hottest on record.  Aidan had never sweated so much in his life - particularly in the small of his back which then ran down his butt crack, on his belly and in the cleavage he was developing now in his chest.   Br Bernard insisted he drink a lot so as not to get dehydrated and what with that and being very pregnant, he was always peeing.

Br Aidan continued to feel the strong sense of calling and privilege in his condition though as he continued to grow he sometimes wished he could have some respite from the physical awkwardness and weight of his baby bump.   His belly could no longer sit at the main dining table as the benches to sit on were fixed and his bump would no longer fit.   One of the brothers had fitted a deep shelf at his chest height so that he could eat standing with his bump pushing under the shelf.   He wondered if his belly would touch the wall by the time he was due.

Aidan didn’t know how he felt about giving birth.   He wasn’t at all apprehensive about the birth itself because while he didn’t know how it was going to happen, he knew that God would see him through.   It was more about wanting this amazing privilege to continue while at the same time wishing he could be free of the awkwardness that was increasing day by day.  Added to that, he was finding his pregnancy so tiring now, partly because there was so much of him to move around now in what was still a fairly active life, and also he was finding it increasingly hard to get comfortable in bed.

By the end of August Br Aidan had got so big that even he conceded that he would have to go on to lighter duties.   The Abbot and Br John had been saying this to him for over a month but he was determined to carry on as normal despite his special calling.   

The romantics were disappointed when the Feast Day of St Aidan came and went with no sign of the baby appearing.   Br Bernard was getting increasingly concerned that the baby would be born soon but he was not sure how.   He suggested to the Abbot that they should have another mass with the intention of the baby.   Once again, Br Aidan sat through the mass with his belly exposed.

The brother who took this photo caught Br Aidan just as the baby gave a big kick - an event that occurred with increasing frequency and strength as his pregnancy progressed.   Br Aidan was encouraged by the prayers of the mass.   Deep within him he knew that everything was going to be alright but that he wouldn’t be giving birth in the near future.

Because the Mass took place on a Saturday, both Jon and Jan were able to be there.   They were able to meet with him afterwards in the visitors’ sitting room.  They believed the delivery to be imminent so asked for a final photo of their surrogate’s belly.   Obedient to the last, Aidan was willing to oblige.

It was about this time that Br Aidan had a recurring dream.  It was similar to the one he had had once earlier in the pregnancy with St Michael supporting him at the birth.   This led Aidan to be convinced that he would give birth on Michaelmas - almost four weeks past his due date.   When he told Br Bernard, he was told that was not very likely.

 An aspect of the dream that slightly alarmed Aidan was the size of his belly.   It was enormous.   He was finding the size of the baby bump big enough now, so he hoped Br Bernard was right and he would give birth in the next week to 10 days though Bernard could see no indications that Aidan was near birth.   

He was concerned about Aidan’s size too.   From his basic examinations of his colleague brother he knew Aidan was carrying a lot of amniotic fluid.   He didn’t know why this should be so but thought it was maybe an aspect  of the pregnant male as the cave pictures of pregnant chiefs all showed them very big when with child.   In one way this meant it was more comfortable for Aidan as the baby had room to move around.   But it also meant that there was a lot of extra weight for him to carry.   Another downside was that it was harder for Br Bernard to feel the baby by examining the bump - which was the only option open to him.   Despite that, he was pretty sure Jon and Jan’s baby was a very good size.  It might weigh in at 10lb at birth he thought.

The days of September ticked by slowly for the whole community; particularly so for Br Bernard, Jon and Jan and, of course, Aidan.   It was the morning of the 25th when Br Aidan felt a bit strange during Matins.  He could quite put his finger on it - he just felt a bit “off’.   He put it down to sleeping badly.  With his belly the size it appeared in his dreams with St Michael, he found it hard to find any comfortable position.   That evening after Compline, on his way back to his cell, he felt a huge cramp starting in his back and spreading round to the bump.   

He knew he was well overdue but it didn’t occur to him, at this point, that he might be going into labour and so went to bed.   Br Bernard was unaware of these developments.   Had he been so, it would have given him some relief.   With Br Aidan almost 4 weeks overdue,he was wondering at what point he should take him for proper medical care.

Br Aidan spent a pretty uncomfortable night.  The cramps were pretty sporadic but painful.   He had been well drilled in what he could expect during labour and knew there was nothing to worry about as the cramps didn’t have any regularity to them.   However, after Matins the following morning he went to see Br Bernard who checked him over and said that he thought things were beginning to happen in regard to the birth.   Even so, he thought it best to admit Br Aidan to the infirmary and inform the whole community of the young brother’s confinement.

By the evening of the 26th Aidan’s contractions had become regular and Br Bernard could see that he was definitely in Stage 1 labour.   Nothing much changed overnight and the gyne brother was concerned about how slowly the young brother’s labour was progressing.  On the plus side, the brother was bearing his labour well and was really stoic with the pain.   In fact, Br Bernard reflected, he had been really stoic throughout his huge pregnancy.  It was incredible really.

Another plus was that Br Aidan was very innocent and naive about pregnancy and labour.   He knew that labour was normally lengthy and just assumed that his long labour was quite normal.   He was surprised how painful and tiring the contractions were and had no idea that they would get increasingly worse up to the birth.   It was strange.   Yes, the contractions were painful, but they also filled him with a deep joy as they heralded the coming of a new life into the world which he had the privilege to deliver.

Br Bernard gave Br Aidan frequent examinations and was relieved to note that his anus was dilating.   The young brother could therefore give birth naturally.   The baby’s heartbeat was strong and regular.  Everything looked to be going well even though progress was slow.   Things continued like this all through the 27th and 28th.  After Compline on 28th Br Bernard gave the labouring brother one last check and noted he was now 8 cm dilated so he decided to stay with him.

From there things moved fairly quickly.   The Abbot was notified and he called for Jon and Jan to be present at the birth.   By the time they arrived, Aidan was pretty much fully dilated and was pushing within the hour.   It was a long and painful night and at 6.14 in the morning the baby was finally born with Aidan on all fours.   The boy was caught by Jan who, under the direction of Br Bernard took the baby away before Aidan saw him so that the baby bonded with Jan not Aidan.

There was so much joy and relief in the room it was overwhelming.    Aidan, Jan and Jon were in tears and Br Bernard was just relieved it was all over and had gone so smoothly.   The joyful news got out into the community and a full peal of bells rung later than morning.

Br Aidan was exhausted but felt so fulfilled and happy that he had managed to see his God-given task through to the end.   He had never doubted that he would though others had thought it impossible.   Needless to say, Jon and Jan were over the moon and named the boy Michael as he was born on the feast of St Michael.

Jan and Jon took the baby home with them that day.   Aidan stayed a couple of days in the infirmary to recover from the birth and then it was back to normal.   Normal, apart from a sore and leaking chest which he was not keen on.   But after a fortnight or so his breasts dried up.   He was shocked when he put on his habit, which the vesterer had taken the gussets out of while he was in the infirmary.  He filled it far better than he had at the same time the previous year.   Nor could he use the original girdle.

The swelling in his belly did decrease over the next couple of months but not entirely.   In late November he was called into the Abbot’s office again.   The Abbot told him that he knew God wanted Jon and Jan to have a proper Catholic family as did they themselves and informed him that they would be praying over him again on the coming Advent Sunday.   Br Aidan knew he had no choice but to agree and was happy to continue his work for the Lord.

[in1-nutshell]

Bot Buddy being Swerve’s older sibling

SFW, familial, platonic, Cybertroninan/ Bot reader, slight angst but has a happy ending

MTMTE

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 here

Part 3 here

For this writing, Swerve’s older sibling is going to be BIG. We are talking Fortress Maximus Big.

How does Buddy have a sibling like Swerve with their height? No one knows and quite frankly, Buddy doesn’t care. They are very close to Swerve.

Buddy doesn’t mind their younger brother talking their audial off about the most random things. They have gotten used to it by now.

“Hey Buddy. Do you think that if minibots ever became a combiner it would just turn out to be a normal sized bot?”—Swerve

“I honestly don’t know how to answer to that question.”

“No, no, but see if the size of one minibot—“—Swerve

“There goes my sleep…”—Buddy

Swerve is insecure, that’s nothing new. But it increases a bit when he is with Buddy in public. He doesn’t like it when bots or himself start comparing them with him. He really wants them to be proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Would 110% support anything Buddy… but he also has his limits.

“Hey Buddy, what are you doing?”--Swerve

“I’m trying to hone in my hiding skills.”--Buddy

“Under a table?”--Swerve

“Yep, and it surprisingly comfortable down here in this crouching position.”--Buddy

“Your stuck aren’t you.”--Swerve

“… maybe? Yes? Help?”--Buddy

“I’ll get the screwdrivers.”--Swerve

“Thanks Swerve!”--Buddy

“This has been the third time I’ve had to disassemble that table…This is getting ridiculous…”—Swerve

Swerve has taught Buddy a thing or two about what he knows about being a metalourgist. As well as teaching them bit of knowledge he knows from doing weird jobs here and there.

“Swerve what do we do when the light turns red?”--Buddy

“Oh! That’s a good question. That usually just means to-- HIT THE DECK!”—Swerve

Buddy is extremely protective of Swerve. They can sometimes get to a ridiculous level of overprotectiveness for Swerve. For example, breathe wrong in his direction, you will feel pain.

“Swerve hold my drink. I’m going to go teach a mech about keeping one’s servos to themselves.”--Buddy

“They just brushed by on accident! There is no need for violence!”--Swerve

It was no surprise that around the time the war rolled by, Buddy was approached and recruited into the Elite Guard. Swerve despite his worries fully supported Buddy.

“Don’t worry about it Buddy! I’m sure your going to have the best stories to tell me when you come back from your missions!”--Swerve

“You really think so Swerve?”--Buddy

“I am positively sure of it Buddy! You know what, this calls for a celebration! Lets go find some engex.”--Swerve

Whenever Buddy was on long trips, they made sure to try and send a message through their personal channel. Swerve tries to make his messages short, but that was nearly impossible for him to do.

“Hey its Swerve! I have so much to tell you, Buddy! First there’s this bot named Blurr and I got his number and now there is a big plan when the wars over. So the plan is that…”--Swerve

Now for some hurt.

Swerve gets notified from some officers from Buddy’s team that there was a good chance that they were killed in action in the last mission. Swerve was in denial at first, but it soon turned into a depression that would follow him for many years even after the war was over. To try and cope with the loss he would still try and send out deep space messages telling them about his day and how much he misses them.

“Hey Buddy, its Swerve again. It’s been a slow week at the bar today. Whirl’s has been on a cocktail binge and nearly attack a poor bot when he asked for the time… And Tailgate, did I talk about Tailgate, well Tailgate is… and then he exploded, I swear Buddy, he exploded!”—Swerve

Timeskip after the events of Swearth

Swerve was getting better. Sure, progress was slow but he was getting to a better place mentally, with the help of his friends and therapy. The only person who he had ever talked about Buddy was Rung. Buddy was a subject that Swerve was not comfortable speaking about too much about. Now Swerve only knows that Rung knows about Buddy ever existing but there were two another bots on board who knew about Buddy. It was Rewind and Whirl

Why? Why those two bots?

Rewind knew after accidentally stumbling on some footage of Swerve and Buddy. After seeing enough footage, Rewind could tell that Buddy at least meant something important to Swerve. He doesn’t bring it up to Swerve. He wants to but he knows if Swerve wants to eventually talk about something then he will talk.

Whirl knows Buddy as his ‘Buddy’ when he was working with the Wreckers. Buddy had joined as a collaboration between the Elite Guard and the Wreckers. Buddy ended up saving Whirl from certain doom and from then Whirl made sure that he was now Buddy’s problem.

“Hey Buddy, what do you think about breaking into a Decepticon clinic and crushing Killmasters brain module?”--Whirl

“How about we don’t do that.”--Buddy

“Your no fun, you know that.”--Whirl

“Yeah, yeah, let’s go get with the others. I think they are debriefing now.”--Buddy

Absolutely loved working with Buddy. He did find out the Buddy’s designation was on the KIA lists after he heard of their mission going off the rails. He had long accepted that Buddy was dead, or missing. Now being on the Lost Light, Whirl has some hope that Buddy might still be out there. If Swerve could create a giant holographic planet for months and not die or Rewind coming back, in a way, then anything was possible.

Now present time

Buddy was very much alive.

[levi-venn]

Tech and Crow

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 (Final) Available also on AO3)

On Eriadu, statistically speaking, humanoids died more often from unnatural causes than old age.

Seventy percent perished from animal attacks.

Ten from disease.

Eighteen percent from venomous plants. 

One-point-ninety nine percent from the Empire.

The remaining zero-point-zero-one percent were given to those flinging themselves from a moving monorail car to save their siblings from death.

Eriadu is not an ideal place to die, Tech thought, midfall. But it’s preferable to dying on a fool’s mission for Sid.

For a few treasured seconds he seemed to be floating rather than falling, the cloud cover making it near impossible to orient himself in any direction, though his stomach was telling him his back would meet the ground first. It would be a painful, but hopefully quick death.

The trees, however, had other ideas, both on how Tech would land, and whether he would survive or not.

The first branch shattered against Tech’s pauldron sending him spinning. Another branch broke against his shin guard. There was a nest of twigs, cotton, and unfertilized eggs that slammed into his helmet essentially blinding him.

As he continued in this downward spiral he attempted to quantify how many branches were needed to slow his fall and increase his survival rate. The fact he was hitting branches once every half second told him the odds were in his favor. Evidently, the Eriadian redwood forest was an ideal place to free fall from a considerable height.

Good to know.

While he couldn't control the rate in which he was falling, nor the amount of branches he was shattering, he did manage to land on his back. And in doing so, he jettisoned the remaining breath from his lungs.

He lay there, very still, unfortunately awake, and gasping for air that wouldn't come. Darkness crept around the edge of his vision. He struggled to stay awake. Struggled to breathe. Panic was rising within him.

There is no need to panic, he tried to remind himself. This is just a reaction to present trauma. There is no immediate danger. Breathe...breathe...

Even as the breath returned to him, a new problem arose. He couldn't slow his breathing down, nor calm his heart rate, and the anxiety frayed his nerves as if he were still falling. 

He tried a different tactic: He recalculated the unnatural death toll on Eriadu:

Seventy percent perished from animal attack.

Ten from disease.

Eighteen percent from venomous plants. 

And now two percent from the Empire.

As a youngling, Tech's exceptional mind had mastered every intellectual acuity test presented to him. However, no amount of brilliance would help him when it came to combat training. All altered clones had a defect in one form or another. His came in the shape of bowed and twisted legs, not suitable for a soldier.

It was logical that the Kaminoans broke his legs to reset them. Logical and agonizing. Tech was bed-ridden for weeks. 

They gave him a datapad filled with as much reading material as he could absorb, but even then there was no distracting him from the pain nor the panicked episodes that came with it.

He didn’t want visitors. Didn’t want to appear weak to his brothers. Soldiers weren’t bed-ridden. Soldiers didn’t cry from fear of an uncertain future.

Crosshair ignored Tech’s request for isolation. He appeared every day, three times a day, always for meals. He claimed he was just there to steal Tech’s bread roll, but he only ever took a bite and stayed long after Tech ate the rest of the meal.

Crosshair wasn’t much of a conversationalist, but he would sit on the edge of Tech’s bed, cleaning his beloved DC-15A cadet blaster rifle, and casually ask Tech questions. 

“Why do Kaminoans have such long necks?”

“Who would win in a fight? A Jedi with a vibroblade or a Mandalorian with a lightsaber?”

“How many B1s would it take to equal the power of Jango Fett?”

Tech stared up at the Eriadian sky, mostly obscured by broken branches and his cracked and smudged lens. 

He’d give anything for one of Crosshair’s thinly veiled questions to distract him from the pain and panic.

And truly...he’d give anything to see Crosshair again, regardless.  

***

It took fourteen days and seventeen hours to find Mount Tantiss on the planet, Weyland. It would have taken half that time if Tech had his goggles, a working datapad, and (admittedly) his siblings. Fourteen days was plenty of time to heal his body from its fall, but even at peak condition the climb up the mountain was arduous. Tedious even. Slower as he had to make camp and find food and disarm Imperial sensors the whole way up.

Seventy-eight hours later, he found himself at the base of the Imperial science facility. 

He also found himself exhausted.

“Come on, Tech! You can do it!” Hunter had cheered all those years ago as young Tech clung to the middle rung of the monkey-lizard bars high over the training grounds. The platform might as well be located on another planet.

Tech’s legs had been reset the previous year. He was fully healed. There was no excuse for this fragility. Yet his muscles shook with effort, sweat poured down his face, stinging his eyes.

“I’m gonna get him,” Wrecker said.

“No!” Hunter pulled his brother back. “He can do it!”

“No, he can’t! Look at him!” Wrecker whined, face full of worry. 

“C’mon, Tech! A little further!” Hunter looked worried too, even as he cheered his brother on. 

Even as Tech’s grip began to slip.

To this day, Tech didn't remember Crosshair's reaction to his failure that day. What was the point of recalling it, anyway?

Utterly meaningless, he always told himself when he'd try to recall. And he would attempt this often.

***

A carrion crow visited Tech the morning after he collapsed from fatigue a kilometer from the science facility. 

The corvid landed on his back, then proceeded to hop in little circle as if Tech was his own personal, albeit ineffective, trampoline.

Tech hadn’t noticed he had become an amusement ride for the crow until it cawed rather rudely and directly into his ear.

Jolting awake at the caustic alarm, Tech jumped to his feet, pulling his blaster and pointing it at...a few feathers that had been jostled from the startled bird. The crow landed on a nearly smooth boulder nearby, croaking as if flabbergasted by the audacity of Tech’s reaction, then flew off in a cackling rage.

The day was spent doing recon of the area. The sheer density of this side of the jungle kept troopers away, and by nightfall Tech had made a decent, albeit temporary, base.

That evening Tech dreamed.

“You remember ‘C’, don’t you?” Tech asked the small boy sitting beside him. It was a very real memory, but his subconscious twisted timelines, making him a fully grown adult sitting next to a small, gray-haired boy hunched over the datapad, stylus awkward in his little fingers.

“I remember,” Crosshair said, stubbornly, stylus making a vertical line.

“C is for curved,” Tech recited the pneumonic, smiling to himself as Crosshair quickly readjusted his stylus, making a shaky but clear C.

“Now an ‘R’.”

Crosshair hissed in frustration, stylus lifting and lowering onto the screen making little angry dots on the workbook page. “I don’t want to.”

“Shall we do it together?” Tech asked.

“No,” Crosshair insisted, even as he sat closer to Tech and leaned against him. Tech put his hand over his brother's to guide him. “Up, and around, and down to the ground.” Tech said.

“I can do ‘O’ by myself,” Crosshair said, pushing Tech’s hand off of his own, though he still leaned against Tech as he drew a mathematically perfect circle. 

The dream had taken liberties, but the scene was more or less how Tech remembered Crosshair writing his name for the first time. The dream neglected to recall Crosshair asking Tech not to tell their brothers that he struggled to write his own name.

But Tech was allowed to know. Only Tech. And Tech kept his word to this day.

“Let’s see how you did,” Tech said, in this more or less accurate dream.

He picked up the datapad and read in perfectly block letters.

[H E L P  M E]

Tech startled awake. 

He told himself it was just a dream. Memories and information and out of context stimuli colliding together into something nonsensical.

Utterly meaningless, he told himself, even as he wiped the tears from his cheeks.

It was still night. The moonlight punched its way through the canopy of trees, offering illumination that only helped to remind Tech just how alone he was on this mountain.

Actually, Tech corrected, the moon doesn’t illuminate anything. The light I’m seeing is a reflection of the sun. 

This factoid did little to alleviate the situation. 

But he felt better acknowledging it.

***

The crow returned the next morning holding something in its beak: a small pinecone, young and green. The pinecone had no nutritional value to the corvid, nor was it proper nesting material.

Crows have been known to offer gifts as a sign of gratitude for an agreeable exchange or action.

The gift was obviously not for Tech considering he had pulled a blaster on the corvid upon their first meeting.

Who are you giving your gifts to? Tech wondered. A bored trooper? A sensitive officer? A desperate prisoner?

“A desperate prisoner wouldn’t sacrifice food for trinkets,” he concluded to the crow.

The crow hopped around the boulder once, twice, then flew directly at Tech, who ducked just as the crow smacked a wing against his head mid-flight. Even with the pinecone in his beak, Tech swore he could hear a throaty cackle.

Tech continued his recon of the science facility as best he could without being discovered. Getting close to the building wasn’t an issue, it was getting near anything resembling an entrance that was the issue. He had one blaster against an unknown amount of guards, which meant all he could do was recon. And then he would fill his siblings in when they arrived.

It never occurred to him his brothers and sister wouldn’t eventually come to the same conclusion as he. They would find this planet. They would find Tech and receive his very useful intel, and then they would save Crosshair. The squad would finally be reunited.

It would all work out. It had to.

He couldn’t afford to think of the alternative. Worrying about it was useless.

Utterly meaningless…

***

The next morning, he awoke before dawn. No crow was waiting for him.

Trying a different tactic, he broke off a bit of plastoid from his cracked pauldron and set it on the crow’s boulder.

He waited.

Just after dawn, the crow landed on the boulder, cawing immediately at Tech, feathers literally and proverbially ruffled at an unauthorized object occupying his boulder.

But then the corvid calmed, eyeing the object properly, pecking at it as if appraising its value.

“I assure you, it is of a high-quality material,” Tech told the crow. “The fact it is broken means it worked as intended. It did not survive the fall so that I could.”

The crow listened, or at least stared at Tech with intensely black eyes, and then decided - perhaps entirely on his own - to take the plastoid and fly off.

This time Tech ran after crow. 

As he hypothesized, the crow flew directly towards the science facility.

Tech kept his goggleless eyes to the sky as he ran, thanking his imperfect genetics that he was far-sighted, allowing him to track the crow in his pursuit. So long as the crow didn't require him to read a datapad, he only needed to worry about the thick underbrush tearing his compromised under-armor, thorny vines scratching his cheeks, and the uneven ground threatening to trip and trap him.

“Come on, Tech! You can do it!” Hunter’s words echoed in his mind. He chose not to think of Wrecker’s face full of doubt. The crack in Hunter’s voice betraying his words.

Actually, Tech realized. I can do it. 

A crow is capable of flying over ninety kilometers an hour. Tech, even at his healthiest, could reach thirty kilometers an hour.

The crow wants me to follow him, but to where?

As if to answer, the crow suddenly dove towards a hole in the fortress and Tech skidded to a stop just below it.

He gazed quietly at the barred window approximately seven meters above him, the crow’s tail feathers twitching and wiggling as it seemed to be eating something on the sill. 

And then he saw it. Briefly. A flash of familiar fingers. Long and callused and always itching to pull a trigger. 

Fingers that used to wrap around Tech’s hand when the lightning was too bright outside. Fingers that would hold soggy bread in the rain, hoping to conjure a bird that would never come. Fingers that could draw shaky C's and perfect circles.

I found you, Tech thought, his heartbeat growing irregular from this sudden turn of events. Now to get your attention.

***

“Where the hell are your goggles?”

It wasn’t not the first question Tech expected, but a fair one nonetheless.

Tech touched his temple reflexively, trying to adjust goggles that clearly weren’t there. “A long story that I can narrate at a later time. Are you hurt?”

Crosshair pressed his forehead against the bars. “What do you think?”

It wasn’t the answer Tech had hoped to hear.

“How did you know the crow was coming to my cell?” Crosshair asked.

“You used to birdwatch when we were children. That combined with the lack of incentive for anyone on this base to feed a carrion bird. It was obvious. So I gave the corvid a message to give to you.”

“His name is Egg.”

“Egg?” Tech frowned up at Crosshair. “Why is his name Egg?”

“He likes Eggs.”

“So, by that logic, if he enjoyed Colo Claw Fish-”

“Does it look like they feed me sushi here?”

Tech raised a finger…then lowered it. “Point taken.” 

“How are you going to get me out of here?” Crosshair asked. His head disappeared from view a few times and Tech assumed it was to ensure they were speaking privately.

“We’re going to wait for our siblings to retrieve us,” Tech answered.

“Where are they?”

“I don’t know.”

“When are they coming?”

“I’m uncertain.”

“Then how do you know they are coming?” Crosshair asked and the crow - Egg - seemed to echo with an indignant craah. 

“Because they were searching for you when we were separated, and I managed to find you on my own. Given that they are lacking my brilliant mind, it may take some time, but I am sure they will figure it out, find the path to Mount Tantiss and we will be reunited...eventually.”

“Eventually…fantastic,” Crosshair hissed.

It could have been Tech’s impaired vision, but it looked like both Crosshair and the crow rolled their eyes at the same time. 

Tech had missed his brother’s sarcastic wit terribly.

Even if it was directed at him. 

Part 3: Cross and Tech and Egg

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Are Your Roots Deep Enough?

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

=========================

+ Habakkuk 3:19: “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to tread on the heights.”

=========================

VERSE OF THE DAY

========================

+ Romans 8:25  Now, if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.

=========================

** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS **

I HAVE THE TRUE FOUNDATION WHICH IS JESUS

I AM FULLY  INVESTED

I AM HYDRATED SPIRITUALLY

I AM CONNECTED TO CHRIST

********************************

THOUGHTS:

=======================

So, it's hard to wait on anything; we discussed this the other week, but we will see that God is ready to bless and keep us and help us through all our things and problems. Still, we don’t see him doing it sometimes, but it doesn’t mean he's not working everything out for our good, and that’s what we must wait for is him.

   How patient are you with him working things out? Look at David; David waited so long to be king he had to be under King Saul; he was a musician before he was king, a shepherd, a giant slayer, and a furious warrior; he was all those things before he became king, and do you think he was wondering when his time will be ,but look David had some growing before he could just take over being king.

  He had to experience things before he became what he was called to do, and that’s where some of us are at right now; we are in our waiting season, our growing season and a lot of us don’t want to be here; we want to be out doing what we want to do, but we can't ,so we must wait eagerly with patience and for things we can't see. Other people won't see your growth and your change. They won't, but we must always keep pushing forward.

    Colossians 2:7: Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then, your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

   We must allow our roots to grow down deep. When we see plants growing in a pot, they usually do this because they are comfortable; they will even take the form of the pot because they feel secure in that pot, and that’s when you know that plant is secure. Sometimes, we must allow our roots to grow in God and let him build our lives, and when we do this, our faith will grow because we are growing in him; we are trusting in him that he has our best interest in mind and then we will start to be content because we no longer depend on ourselves.

   That’s what David had to do, even if everything looked shaky. Everything looked like a windstorm. He had to stay in it and trust that God got him through his problems. It took patience and trust in God. Are your roots deep enough? Have you become comfortable in this season, letting everything around you go and walking in his purpose for your life?

   2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test

  Every day, we must examine ourselves to see if we are where we must be; a lot of us aren’t where we should be because we are too focused on other things like more money, jobs, relationships, and fleshly desires instead of where we should be, which is where God has us; sometimes, we forget that our lives aren’t our own and where God places us is for a reason, and where he places us is supposed to mold us and shape us.

    When we allow ourselves to take root in the season we are in, we can see his plan because we aren’t focused on anything else; how long has it been since you went to God and said, "Am I where you wanted me to be? Am I heading in the direction you wanted me to go? I don’t see anything, but I know you see it all!

  Proverbs 1:5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

  We must hear to be able to learn, and we must accept guidance from him and that’s because if we don’t hear and we don’t slow down and allow him to conduct us and allow him to give us what we need, we will grow deeper into more impurities than we could ever imagine. 

God is waiting for us to seek his will; we might think we are waiting on him, and we might think we are doing everything right, but if we are moving and doing everything else, we think he wants. Really and truly, he’s been trying to say to us stop and take root; we will miss opportunities and doors for our lives because we refuse to check in and see what he wants from us.

    We could be stepping into a place of dryness because we didn’t seek him before we moved; today, ask God do you want me to wait ? What is it you trying to show me? Because we can look and not see, we can hear and not hear because we hear what we want and see what we want. Ask God to open your eyes so you can see the bigger picture and take root in him.

   Luke 6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it because it had been well-built.

    We always want to be the man in this story who dig deep and laid a foundation; when we have a foundation in Christ, nothing else can come and break it; nothing can come and shake it because when we are deeply invested with God, that’s all that matters and that’s the most powerful foundation anyone can have is with him. We can try to have the foundation in other things here on earth, but nothing can help us stand strong; nothing else can make our lives better when we read our word, we pray, and we mediate daily those things help hold us up because we are seeking him, start seeking God more start taking deep session with him than the ones you have. You’ll see a deeper connection developing between you and God.

   ***Today, we learned that when a plant is comfortable, it grows deep roots into the pot it’s in, and when we are going deeper with our time with God, we will become like the pot and build a foundation like the man in the verse, anything we do when we fully invested in God it will show in our actions and what we deem as necessary.

   Many times, when we don’t think something is necessary, we will not invest a lot of time in it. Still, every day, we don’t spend time with God; we are dying spiritually, we are becoming dry, and to stay hydrated, we must come and drink of the living water; he asks us to come many times in the word but do we hear his call or do we deny it, take root in God today and don’t deny him your time or your life. ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

========================

PRAYER

========================

Heavenly Father, we thank you for allowing us to see another day and for allowing us to be deeply rooted in you. Lord, help us stay connected to you and closer to you. Show us how to spend more time with you, lord; we ask you as we go through that; you show us how to not become disconnected because of life but to stay connected because you are what we need most of all. Lord, sometimes we become so confused, but we ask you to show us everything we need and more. In Jesus' Name Amen

========================

REFERENCES

========================

+ 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

 

+ John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.

 

+ Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

========================

FURTHER READINGS

========================

Proverbs 8

Exodus 26

Judges 9

Jeremiah 42

 =========================

[starlight-nightsky1107]

Start: 7:04 p.m. 13/7/2024

My own take on werewolves part 1 (For my new and first story)

Beginning (End of first part of the story)

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 14

Species: werewolf (human form)

Status: Healthy, Unaware

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 14

Species: werewolf (human form)

Status: Healthy, Unaware

Notes: In one year, after their 15th birthday, Alfred and Elise will begin having some symptoms indicating the beginning of physical changes and preparation for their first shape-shift and the awakening of their wolf instincts and second consciousness taken in a shadow form of a wolf making it their other sense of self.

Start of midpoint

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form)

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form)

Status: Healthy, on stage 1 of the shape-shifting preparation. Aware of the upcoming changes (thanks to their parents' teaching) but clueless of the process of it

Stage 1 symptoms: Alfred's voice deepening even more, itchiness on both twins' tail bones, they start feeling clumsy out of the blue (height growth), minor headaches and their nails are growing longer and faster than usual.

Midpoint

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form)

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form)

Status: Healthy, on stage 2 of the shape-shifting preparation. Alfred is concerned of these progressed symptoms even though their father, Johnathan, has reassured them that it's normal for all werewolves; the sister, however, seems to be handling it better than he expected despite having similar symptoms like him.

Stage 2 symptoms: Itchiness on their tail bones continues, headaches become more painful, slight change in mood (Elise tries to stay positive as long as possible while Alfred struggles to do the same and mostly stays in his room to process everything), feel more hungry especially for animal flesh. Gum and teeth feel weird, hearing abilities begin to slowly evolve to the maximum werewolf hearing skills and as a result they can pick up on a few subtle sounds not even Amber can hear as a human and during this period hair becomes fluffier feeling almost like fur to the touch.

Past the middle of midpoint

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form, slight changes appearing a little wolf-like humanoid creature)

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form, slight changes appearing a little wolf-like humanoid creature)

Status: Healthy, on stage 3 of the shape-shifting preparation. Alfred feels more tired the last couple of weeks, no matter how many hours he sleeps. Besides the now unbearable headaches his eyes are stinging with an intense burning sensation which could be a sign that he's gaining increased eyesight and night vision with the help of the moon. Same goes to Elise, eventually beginning to stay to her room too.

Stage 3 symptoms: New bones for their wolf tails begin forming on the tail bone, nails need to be trimmed and cut every week due to the uncontrollable (re)growth, eye colour slowly turning into gold and irises becoming more slit. Adding to this, pain in the joints slowly increases from height growth, they become aware of something slowly awakening on the inside, their hearing abilities continue to develop, have bigger appetite than last time, eventually blood veins start to take a black colour and teeth are taking a sharper form.

End of midpoint

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form, more changes appearing a little wolf-like humanoid creature)

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form, more changes appearing a little wolf-like humanoid creature)

Status: Healthy, on stage 4 of the shape-shifting preparation. Days turn into weeks and eventually one month and a half later Alfred feels more moody and overwhelmed of the slightest sounds and most detailed things from a far distance (his almost developed night vision isn't making things better either). Even his twin sister's positivism seems to fade out for the same reason, and both of them try to comfort each other and not start arguments despite always being in distress, confused and overwhelmed. Can you blame them though?

Stage 4 symptoms: Tail has been fully formed with brand new bones, blood veins, nerve endings and currently pending for the fur to grow out. Hearing abilities and night vision have fully developed but the twins are still adjusting to these changes (they don't seem amused with the idea of hearing all kinds of gossip people would whisper about if they were in a close distance, hate fireworks and loud cars in close range (although it will only last for a short period till their hearing has been properly controlled in an older age)). Smelling skills have began upgrading and now they can smell their family's scents, Amber's scent & their parents' including their own (all those new scents are something they try to process but that's the only thing that's mysterious and interesting in their opinion, who could have thought their father was right about living beings having a unique scent?). All blood veins have been covered in black and fingertips and toes began turning black too and the process will continue further during the end of stage 4 and beginning of stage 5. The ears were already pointy and fluffy since childhood, this time they gain muscle movement resulting in twitching whenever a sound attracts Alfred and Elise's attention, even a sudden one.

Epilogue of midpoint

Name: Lars Alfred Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form with (were)wolf features, the Pre-transformation process has been completed)

Name: Jacqueline Elise Johnson

Age: 15

Species: werewolf (human form with (were)wolf features, the Pre-transformation process has been completed)

Status: Healthy, on Final Stage (stage 5) of the shape-shifting preparation. The time has come, there are only three days left before the full moon. Alfred still doesn't feel ready yet for his first transformation, including Elise, despite spending their time getting ready for that day during the months they were going through those changes listed above. Lately he's been feeling nervous for what's to come just like his sister; the life they used to know will change in just one night. They will see things differently, they will come across unfamiliar sounds they never heard before, and most importantly they will become hunters just like their family and the entire wolf pack. They will finally get their true werewolf form after years of being in the human version, and a secondary one which is the wolf version.

Final Stage symptoms: The migraines disappear just like that while the rest of the physical symptoms remain. Their nails on both hands and legs have harden and are really sharp just like their teeth so there's really no point in trying to cut them again after many times and quick regrowth overnight.

End: 7:57 p.m. 14/10/2024

[puppyexpressions]

When to Stop Feeding Your Dog Puppy Food

Proper nutrition is an important part of caring for puppies and adult dogs. Most owners know that puppies need food specifically made to promote growth and development. However, many owners struggle to determine when the time is right to switch to adult dog food. This is because there is no rule that applies to all dogs. Different dogs grow at different rates. You and your vet can estimate the best time to make the change to your puppy's diet

Feeding Puppy Food

Puppies need more calories than adult dogs to support their growth, development, and high energy levels. Young puppies need about twice the number of calories as adult dogs of the same size. As your puppy approaches adulthood, his growth begins to slow and his caloric needs decrease. If you continue to feed puppy food once your dog stops growing, it will result in weight gain. Excess weight can quickly turn into obesity, which can lead to a host of health problems.

When to Switch to Adult Food

In general, dogs are considered puppies until about one year of age. However, different breeds age at different rates. For example, many large and giant breed dogs are considered puppies until two or more years of age and will therefore need to remain on puppy food beyond age one. Conversely, some small dog breeds reach adult size before the age of one. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to your dog's diet, so ask for advice before making the switch to adult food.

When deciding on the right time to feed adult dog food, the goal is to switch to adult food around the time the puppy stops growing but before he starts gaining excess weight. Keep track of your puppy's weight and height and look for the numbers to increase at a slower rate. Most dogs will begin to reach a plateau around one year of age, but you might notice the growth slow down as early as eight or nine months of age.

Assessing Your Dog's Weight

Be aware that weight gain does not necessarily indicate growth. If your dog is gaining weight but not getting taller or more muscular, he may be getting overweight. You can address your dog's body condition at home in a few steps:

Run your hands along your dog's ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. If you cannot easily feel the ribs, your dog may be overweight. 

Look at your dog from the side. You should be able to see the upward tuck of the belly. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck.

View your dog from above. There should be some narrowing at the waist just past the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog. 

Very prominent ribs and a very small waist may mean your dog is underweight. Visit your vet for an exam to be sure.

If your dog is less than a year old and seems to be gaining weight, you may need to simply reduce the portion size or frequency of meals before you switch to adult food. Vets recommend feeding young puppies three times per day. However, most puppies can go down to meals a day when they are approaching adulthood.

How to Make the Diet Change

Any diet change should be done gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. This process can take a week or two depending on how you do it.

It may take some time and research to choose the right food for your now-adult dog. You may wish to stick with the same brand of food but switch to an adult formula. Of course, your vet can help you find an appropriate diet.

Once you have chosen the adult dog food, determine the portion size of adult food you will eventually need to feed based on your dog's current weight. Then, add a small percentage of adult food to the puppy food, increasing it a little at each meal. For simplicity, you may want to work out a schedule so you are not trying to remember how much of each to feed. Many veterinary professionals recommend the "3 by 3" approach when switching diets:

Days 1-3: Feed 1/3 portion of adult food and 2/3 portion of puppy food

Days 4-6: Feed 1/2 portion of adult food and 1/2 portion of puppy food

Days 7-9: Feed 2/3 portion of adult food and 1/3 portion of puppy food

Day 10 and on: Feed full portion of adult food

During the switch, watch your dog's appetite and bowel movements. Slow the transition if your dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting. If GI upset continues, you may need to choose a different adult diet and re-start the transition. Contact your vet if your dog has vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day.

Watch your dog's weight over the coming months to make sure you don't need to adjust portion times. Also, be sure to keep up with annual or biannual veterinary wellness check-ups as recommended by your vet.

[unpluggedfinancial]

How I Think BTC is Going to Reach a New ATH This Week

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but recent events suggest that we might be on the brink of an unprecedented surge. I believe Bitcoin is poised to reach a new all-time high (ATH) this week, driven by significant political endorsements, strategic financial moves, and bullish market responses. Here's a look at the key events propelling Bitcoin to new heights.

Recent Events Driving Bitcoin's Surge

1. Donald Trump's Keynote:

Former United States President Donald Trump made a groundbreaking announcement at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville. In his keynote address, Trump promised to make the United States the "crypto capital of the world." He unveiled plans to create a national Bitcoin stockpile, turning the cryptocurrency into a "permanent national asset."

This bold promise has triggered bullish responses from top crypto analysts. Many predict that Trump's electoral promises could lead to a tenfold increase in Bitcoin's price. Trump's endorsement is not just a political statement; it's a game-changer for the perception and adoption of Bitcoin in the mainstream financial world.

2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Statement:

Adding to the momentum, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed that the U.S. government has seized over 200,000 BTC, valued at approximately $13 billion, through law enforcement agencies. RFK Jr. described Bitcoin as a currency of hope, emphasizing its potential for optimism, democracy, transparency, freedom, and independence.

Kennedy hinted at signing an executive order to build up the U.S. strategic BTC reserve. Under his administration, the U.S. Treasury would purchase 550 bitcoins daily, aiming for a target of 4 million BTC. This plan underscores a growing recognition of Bitcoin's value and its strategic importance to national reserves.

3. Cynthia Lummis's Proposal:

Senator Cynthia Lummis has long been a proponent of Bitcoin, and her latest proposal further cements her support. Lummis suggests treating Bitcoin like gold or oil to bolster the U.S. economy. Her plan involves building a secure network of Bitcoin vaults run by the Treasury, with the aim of acquiring 1 million Bitcoins—about 5% of all existing Bitcoins.

Funding for this acquisition would come from reshuffling existing Federal Reserve and Treasury funds. Lummis emphasizes that this initiative would not infringe on personal Bitcoin holdings, protecting users' rights while strengthening national reserves. Her ongoing efforts, including the Cynthia-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act, aim to balance stringent regulations with support for innovation.

4. ETF Approvals and Performance:

In addition to these political endorsements, the approval of the Ethereum ETF has set a precedent for the crypto market. The Bitcoin ETF is also performing exceptionally well, attracting increased institutional interest and investment. This institutional support is crucial for Bitcoin's sustained growth and stability.

The Bigger Picture

These events collectively create a perfect storm for Bitcoin's price surge. The strategic acquisitions by the U.S. government, coupled with strong institutional interest, provide a solid foundation for Bitcoin's value to skyrocket. The recognition of Bitcoin as a mainstream asset by influential political figures further legitimizes its role in the global economy.

Conclusion

With the convergence of these significant developments, I am confident that Bitcoin is on the verge of reaching a new all-time high this week. The bullish sentiment from key political figures, coupled with strategic financial moves and institutional support, sets the stage for an unprecedented price surge.

Call to Action

What are your thoughts on Bitcoin's trajectory? Do you agree with my prediction? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. For more updates and insights on Bitcoin and the financial revolution, follow my blog and social media channels. Let's stay informed and navigate this exciting journey together!

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

📺 YouTube Channel: Unplugged Financial Subscribe to our YouTube channel for engaging video content that breaks down complex financial topics into easy-to-understand segments. From in-depth discussions on monetary policies to the latest trends in cryptocurrency, our videos will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions.

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

[nursingwriter]

SOAP Pediatric Case Study Six-year-old male child dealing with the persistent cough for about a week and a half. Child complains of mucus being stood up during coughing. He is not been able to sleep the entire night, as if coughing has woken up several times during the past few nights. This morning, he became diapretic and began to cough even worse. The patient has very deep dark circles under his eyes and is showing signs of shivering. The mother took the temperature on a home device of 102°, prompting her to quickly visit the healthcare facility. The mother has tried to quell the coffee with over the counter child's cough medicine, as well as hot lemon tea and chicken soup. Still, the child's condition has continued only to get worse, with symptoms increasing in severity and duration. Med HX: Overall, the little boy is healthy. Yet, there have been significant issues with his health in the past. He has had a history of croup several times in the past, with a case of walking pneumonia reported two years ago that required a short form hospitalization 24 hours. Additionally, the young boy had a case of seasonal allergies in the springtime, as well and a documented case of month. Meds: Asthma medication is Albuterol. About two puffs daily PRN. It is currently getting towards springtime, and thus allergies must be kept at bay in order for the child to function well at school. Additionally, the child has been using his inhaler more often than usual. In fact, childhood use it about five times daily since the cop has developed. Social HX: The child lives with his two married parents in a non-smoking household. There are two dogs, with the younger sister. The house has recently dealt with illness the other members of the household. In fact, the mother reports having similar symptoms, but to a much less of a degree. ROS: The child has been complaining of the cough, as well as thick mucus in his mouth and nose. The cop is beginning to affect both his daily life, as well as his sleeping. The boy is also claiming that he is coughing up green mucus, and has clear soreness in his chest. He's beginning to get overwhelmed with his fever. Objective Data Vitals: BP 110/70, BMP 20, P 118 The child weighs 46 1/2 pounds and is at a height of 48.2 inches. Upon physical examination, it's clear that the child is definitely much paler than in the pictures his mother had shown just previously. Additionally, his mother reports that there is a slight weight decrease, of about 3 pounds since the child's laugh physical three months ago. HEENT: Swollen turbinates with clear tenderness and irritation of the let maxillary sinus. Resp: The chest exam clearly showed how the child's coughing was not clearing the internal coarse bronchi. There is clear swelling and inflammation within the bronchial tubes. This is suggestive of bronchitis and its typical symptoms of inflammation. An examination of the history and physically of the chest suggests hyperinflation and a clear strong presence of central markings. This is a sign that the diagnosis could either be bronchitis or even a severe asthma reaction. Labs: WBC normal LYM: Normal MCV: High MCH: Highe X-Ray: Normal. Assessment Differential Diagnosis: 1. Croup 2. Bronchitis 3. Asthma reaction 4. Pneumonia 5. Influenza Nursing Diagnosis: 1. Bronchitis 2. Influenza 3. Seasonal Allergy Reaction The child's immediate family members have recently have had a cold. The child could have picked up the cold, and did not respond to it in time. This then allowed bronchitis to form the same time the child is suffering from mild asthma and allergic reactions during the springtime. With a clear history of bronchitis present in the child's medical report, it is suggested that the child should be diagnosed with bronchitis. Essential diagnosis is acute bronchitis, as has followed a cold or potential viral infection. Plan Diagnostic: Gather more records about his previous cases of bronchitis. You need to be determined whether or not this is acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis coming back after the child had picked up the same cold family have had. Moreover, the child should undergo more medical tests in order to determine the exact diagnosis. A gram stain and culture needs to be taken. This requires the child to provide mucus for the culture. Additionally, there needs to be the measurement of blood oxygen levels. Influenza and other bacterial tests could also prove beneficial in solidifying the diagnosis as acute bronchitis. Therapeutic: The nature of the symptoms and the fact that they are only being exacerbated by the child seasonal allergies requires some additional prescription medications in additional to cost suppressants, such as cough drops that can be found over the counter. First of all, one would be inhaled beta2-agonists, which will help open up the airways and help relieve some of the more difficult coughing. Additionally, Amoxicillin should be prescribed because the boy may be at risk of contracting walking pneumonia again if the inflammatory infection is not handled soon enough. Teaching / Counseling: The mother should be advised that moist air will help relieve the child's cough during his sleeping periods. As such, the mother should utilize the humidifier, or have the boy to take hot showers nightly so that the moisture can help open up airways and loosen the mucus. The mother needs to make sure that the child is trying to get rid of as much mucus, and thus not re-swallowing or ingesting any of the mucus, which would only continue the infection. Additionally, the mother should be advised to purchase cough suppressant, like cough drops. Also, soft foods may be best for the child diet, as their less irritating on the inflamed portions of the back of the child's throat. Follow Up: A follow-up should only be scheduled if the child does not get rid of the cough within a period of 5 to 7 days. If after all antibiotics are completed and the child still shows significant symptoms, the child needs to be brought back in to see his primary physician. https://www.paperdue.com/customer/paper/soap-pediatric-case-study-six-year-old-male-182539#:~:text=Logout-,SOAPPediatricCaseStudySixyearoldmalechild,-Length4pages   Read the full article

[alicevgcna]

Increase Your Career with CNA Classes in Missouri: Your Path to Success Starts Here!

**Meta Title:** Boost Your Career with CNA⁣ Classes in Missouri: Your Path to Success Starts Here!

**Meta Description:** Discover how taking ​CNA classes in Missouri can propel your career to new heights. Learn about the benefits,‌ practical tips, and real-life success stories to inspire your journey⁢ towards becoming a certified nursing ‍assistant.

# Boost Your Career with CNA ⁣Classes in Missouri:⁣ Your Path to ​Success Starts Here!

Are you looking to kickstart a rewarding career in healthcare? Consider ⁤becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Missouri. CNA classes can provide you with the ⁢necessary skills and ⁣knowledge to enter the healthcare field and make a⁢ real difference in the lives of others.

## Why Choose ‍CNA‌ Classes in Missouri?

Missouri offers excellent opportunities for aspiring CNAs, with a growing demand ‍for healthcare professionals in various settings, including hospitals,⁤ nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. By enrolling in‍ CNA classes⁣ in Missouri, ‌you can gain a competitive edge in the job market and ⁣secure a stable and fulfilling career ⁢in the⁤ healthcare industry.

### Benefits of Taking CNA​ Classes in ⁣Missouri:

1. **Job Stability:** The healthcare‍ industry is a⁢ recession-proof field, providing stable employment opportunities for CNAs. 2. **Fulfilling Work:** As a CNA, you will have the‍ chance to directly impact ⁣patients’ lives and provide essential care and support. 3. **Fast Training:** CNA classes in Missouri⁢ typically last⁣ a few weeks to a few months, allowing you to ​enter the workforce quickly. 4. **Career ‍Advancement:** CNAs can pursue further education and​ training to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).

## Practical Tips for Success:

1. Research accredited CNA programs in Missouri to‍ ensure you receive quality education and training. 2. Create a study schedule to ‍balance coursework, clinical rotations, and exam preparation effectively. 3. Stay organized and⁣ focused on‌ your goals to succeed in your CNA classes and career. 4. Build strong relationships with instructors, classmates, and healthcare‌ professionals to enhance your learning experience.

### ⁢Real-Life Success Stories:

**Case ⁣Study 1: Sarah’s Journey from CNA to RN**

Sarah started her career as a CNA in Missouri and quickly realized her passion for nursing. With​ dedication and hard work, she continued ⁣her‌ education to⁢ become​ an RN,‍ advancing her career and achieving her goals.

**Case‍ Study ⁤2: Jason’s Experience in Long-Term Care**

Jason completed⁤ CNA classes in Missouri and found a rewarding job in a long-term care facility. His compassionate care and dedication to his patients earned him ​recognition and respect among his colleagues.

## ⁣Conclusion:

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a successful career in healthcare, consider enrolling ⁢in CNA classes in ⁢Missouri. With the right training, dedication,⁤ and passion for helping others, you can embark on a fulfilling ⁢and rewarding journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Don’t wait any longer – start your path to‌ success today with CNA classes in Missouri!

[HTML Table with WordPress Styling]

| Benefits of CNA​ Classes in ⁤Missouri | Practical Tips for Success | |————————————|—————————| | Job Stability ⁢ ⁤ ⁣ ⁣ | Research accredited programs | | Fulfilling Work ‌ ‌ ‍ | Create a study schedule ​ | | Fast Training ​ ⁣ ⁣ | Stay organized and focused ‌ ⁢ | | Career Advancement | Build strong relationships |

Remember, your future in healthcare starts with CNA classes in‍ Missouri. Embrace the opportunity to ‌make a‌ difference in the lives of others and build a ‍successful career in this rewarding field.⁣ Good luck ⁣on your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Missouri!

https://cnaclassesonline.net/increase-your-career-with-cna-classes-in-missouri-your-path-to-success-starts-here/

[weightlosesuccess]

Michael's Journey: Transforming His Life Through Sustainable Weight Loss

Transforming His Life Through Sustainable Weight Loss

In today's fast-paced world, weight loss often takes center stage in the pursuit of healthier lives. This is the remarkable Michael's Journey: Transforming His Life Through Sustainable Weight Loss.

The Turning Point: Michael's Decision to Change

Michael's story begins like many others. He was leading a busy life, juggling work, family, and social commitments, often neglecting his health. As the numbers on the scale steadily increased, Michael realized he needed to make a change.

The Decision to Transform

Michael's transformation journey started with a decision—a moment of clarity that inspired him to take charge of his health. He recognized that his sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits were affecting not only his weight but also his overall well-being.

Setting Realistic Goals: The First Step Towards Success

Michael understood the importance of setting achievable goals. The idea of losing a significant amount of weight can be overwhelming, so he broke it down into smaller, manageable milestones.

Realistic Weight Loss Expectations

To avoid setting himself up for disappointment, Michael focused on losing 1-2 pounds per week. This gradual approach to weight loss is not only healthier but also easier to maintain over time.

Sustainable Changes: The Foundation of Michael's Success

Sustainable weight loss is not about quick fixes or crash diets. It's about adopting lifestyle changes that can be maintained for the long term.

Diet: A Focus on Whole Foods

Michael began by reevaluating his diet. He embraced whole foods��fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and minimized processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. His diet plan included: - Breakfast: Nutrient-rich oatmeal with a topping of fresh berries and nuts. - Lunch: A balanced salad featuring grilled chicken or fish for a protein boost. - Dinner: A wholesome meal with salmon and an assortment of roasted vegetables - Snacks: fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt to keep his energy levels up.

Exercise: Incorporating Physical Activity

To complement his dietary changes, Michael incorporated exercise into his daily routine. His exercise regimen included: - 30 Minutes of Exercise: Most days of the week, he committed to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, and biking became his trusted allies in the journey towards better health.

Balancing Calories: Understanding the Basics

To effectively manage his weight, Michael learned about calorie intake and expenditure.

Calorie Deficit: A Key Principle

The foundation of Michael's weight loss journey was creating a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than he consumed each day. He achieved this by adopting the dual approach of consuming fewer calories and increasing physical activity. Calorie Calculation Understanding his caloric needs was essential. Michael recognized that factors such as age, sex, weight, height, and activity level influence calorie requirements. He used online calculators to estimate his daily needs. Safe Weight Loss Pace An important aspect that Michael kept in mind was the pace of his weight loss. He understood that losing more than 1-2 pounds per week could be risky. His commitment was to prioritize a safe and steady journey.

Inspiration from Success Stories

Learning from the success of others who had achieved remarkable weight loss goals was another aspect that motivated Michael. Scientific studies revealed how sustained weight loss had a profound impact on reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Type 2 Diabetes Remission Moreover, research demonstrated that individuals with type 2 diabetes who achieved significant weight loss had an improved chance of experiencing remission of their condition. These insights further fueled Michael's determination.

The Science Behind Weight Loss: A Glimpse into the Future

In today's ever-advancing world, the future of weight loss is promising, with researchers and technology playing a vital role. Personalized Calorie Recommendations Scientists are working on methods to personalize calorie recommendations based on an individual's unique genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle. This approach will provide tailored guidance for healthier weight management. Innovative Calorie Tracking Technologies In the digital age, new technologies are emerging to help individuals monitor their calorie intake and expenditure with precision. These tools will enable people to make informed decisions about their diets and exercise routines. Smart Food Choices Food companies are making strides in developing healthier options. These foods are not only lower in calories but also higher in essential nutrients. The future will see an array of choices that support healthier eating habits. Accessible Exercise Solutions Advanced exercise technologies and programs are making it easier for people to engage in regular physical activity. These innovations remove barriers to exercise and promote a more active lifestyle.

The Bigger Picture: Battling the Global Obesity Epidemic

Obesity is a global health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of American adults are classified as obese. Obesity is a significant risk factor for chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The Future of Weight Loss In conclusion, Michael's story reflects the potential for transformative change in the world of weight loss. It underscores the importance of a sustainable approach based on whole foods and consistent exercise. Michael's dedication and determination led to an incredible weight loss of 40kg in just 17 weeks. The future of weight loss is brighter than ever. With evolving research and technology, individuals can expect even more effective and safer methods to help them reach their health and weight-loss goals. The journey towards a healthier future starts with the decision to take the first step, just as Michael did.   Read the full article

[eazy-group]

Jamie lost 32 pounds

New Post has been published on https://eazydiet.net/jamie-lost-32-pounds/

Jamie lost 32 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Jamie lost 32 pounds. At the start of her journey, two of her loved ones faced significant medical challenges and she had every reason to quit, but she refused to give up. She worked with a nutrition coach, worked out consistently, and was accountable for her goals.

Social Media: Facebook: Jamie Lynn TikTok: jamminwithjayonce Instagram: @jamminwithjayonce

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?  First, I would say you MUST have a made-up mind! After seeing the scale read 207 pounds, I had reached my breaking point. During phase 1 of the Terry Starks program, my father had just gotten out of 6-week medically induced coma!!! Then, on the 4th of July, my husband tore his patellar tendon and had to have surgery within days. His injury has a 6 to 9-month recovery process. 

I had EVERY REASON to quit, but that made me fight even harder for it. My life during this time was filled with many things I couldn’t control. My meal plan and consistent workouts were the only things I felt I could actually control. My workouts became more than physical but therapeutic. Terry also sent daily emails that kept me motivated and helped to hold me accountable.

How did you change your eating habits? I’ve always enjoyed working out, but as we know, that’s only 20%. So I decided to contact Terry Starks, nutritional coach, for help and guidance on food. I have tried everything from keto, intermittent fasting, calorie counting, etc. The results were not there for me and my body type. 

The most significant light bulb moment for me was when Terry stated, “You are not eating enough.” I was shocked to learn I needed to eat five meals daily to increase my metabolism. I set up alarm reminders on my phone for each meal. 

Another major lesson for me was that I stopped eating dairy. I didn’t think I was a big dairy person, BUT this has been a game changer for me and my body type. Last but not least, and probably the HARDEST thing, was to no salt. I’m not talking about table salt but looking at labels to find food/seasonings with no salt. I never realized how salt is in EVERYTHING. Thankful that many products are not creating no-salt versions. My most exciting find is Ketchup with no salt added.

What is your workout routine? Mainly, I do cardio, but last month, I started incorporating more light weights. I work out every morning during the week (5 days) at 6 am and use YouTube at-home workout videos. My favorites are Grow with Jo and Juice and Toya.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? Starting weight: 207 pounds Current weight: 175 pounds

What is your height? I’m 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? I started in June 2023, while on a family vacation to the largest indoor waterpark, where I was forced to wear swimming suits for most of the trip. I decided to reach out Terry, whom I was following on Facebook, to begin my transformation journey. I had seen him post several weight loss transformations, but in June I got enough nerve to reach out and see what his program was all about. I had never worked with a nutritionist before, so was curious to learn more about the process.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?  No

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?  To lose weight, you have to eat more. More of the right things, of course, but don’t starve yourself or try and do one big meal earlier in the day.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?  Just start and be consistent. My weight loss journey taught me about faith. Being able to see past right now to where you want to be. A lot of times, we don’t think things are achievable because we don’t see them. Keep going and pushing in spite of because you got this.  

WATER! Even if you think you drink a lot of water, drink MORE!! I truly try to drink a gallon of water a day. 

Sometimes, start with one change. Then, in a couple of weeks, add on another goal so you can have a sense of accomplishment. This is how I motivated myself.

<![CDATA[.prevNextBtnbackground-image:none;]]>

!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '535994566915443'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '1531644400444480', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.2' ); ;

(function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Source link

[ear-worthy]

Spotify Has Multiple Podcasts To Engage Your Taylor Swift / Travis Kelce Curiosity

Searches for Travis Kelce Spike +1,300%, ‘New Heights’ Podcast Tops The Charts on Spotify

 How do you become the most visible football player in the U.S.? Well, you could do something extraordinary like score five touchdowns, record five sacks, or make five interceptions. 

Or you could be dating music superstar Taylor Swift. These days, it seems like Swift -- whose boyfriends have the lifespan of a housefly -- have swapped the Eagles t-shirt hanging from her door for a Kansas City Chiefs jacket… 

 After last Sunday's exciting game at Arrowhead Stadium, rumors of a “Love Story” with Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce took the internet by storm, with interest in the Super Bowl Champion skyrocketing. Here's what they're seeing on Spotify – 

Following the Chiefs game on Sept. 24, searches for “Travis Kelce” increased by more than 1,300% on Spotify, compared to the previous Monday (Sept. 18).

In the latest episode of his podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce (the first to be released since Sunday’s game), Travis addressed Sunday’s  internet-breaking moment, leading it to becoming the most-streamed episode of the podcast to-date.

New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelceis currently the #2 Top Podcast in the US and  Canada on Spotify Charts.

New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelceis currently the #1 Top Sports Podcast in the US, Australia and Mexico, and #2 in the UK on Spotify Charts.

In just the past 14 days alone, listeners on Spotify have consumed nearly 100,000 hours related to this topic.

Any good, profit-hunting company who can capitalize on popular trends would be knee-deep in the Kelce-Swift (or is it the Swift-Kelce?) tryst.

If you’re as “Enchanted” by the budding romance as so many are, -- surprise, surprise -- Spotify has countless podcast episodes to keep you up-to-date:

· The Toast: NFL (Taylor’s Version) 

· Comments By Celebs: Taylor and Travis Kelce!!!!

· The Bill Simmons Podcast: A Dallas Letdown, Taylor Swift’s KC Date, Cleveland’s Crazy D, Chicago’s Agony, and Week 4 Lines With Cousin Sal 

· Calm Down with Erin and Charissa:Pregame - Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Reaction with Greg Olson 

· Chicks in the Office: Taylor Swift Cheers on Travis Kelce 

And if you want to get to know “The Man” causing all this commotion, Spotify has created a destination for you to Get To Know Travis Kelce. 

Head over to Spotify to listen to these recommendations and more

Is there a Fan Duel of DraftKings betting line on how long this alleged romance goes on?

[earaercircular]

Britain is losing its way in cutting carbon.

A slowdown on wind power is a serious sign of drift

Stand on the cliffs above Happisburgh, a Norfolk village, and imagine the electricity to power a large city flowing beneath your feet. Some 80km offshore stand 130 turbines, each over 300 metres tall, or the height of three Big Ben clock towers stacked atop one another. Cables that emerge from the seabed pass underground between flint-clad villages, carrying energy for 1.5m homes.

That, at least, was the plan. The Norfolk Boreas was intended to be one of the largest offshore wind farms anywhere. Vattenfall[1], a Swedish developer, won permission to build it in 2021. The blades were supposed to start turning by 2027. No more. In July the company halted work because of spiralling costs. Other projects are in doubt. This week the results of the government’s latest renewable-energy auction are also due. In contrast to previous rounds, few if any offshore wind projects are expected to win contracts.

If so, that would be the clearest sign yet that Britain’s once-impressive progress towards net zero by 2050 is faltering. Early gains came in part because manufacturing has declined and the country was early in kicking dependence on coal. But as other countries have sped up their own transitions, progress has slowed. In June the Climate Change Committee[2], a watchdog, warned that Britain is trailing others’ efforts.

One problem is a studied lack of leadership on the environment from Rishi Sunak, the prime minister. In July, after a by-election victory seen as a rejection of London’s ultra-low emission zone (ulez) for vehicles, Mr Sunak touted policies, such as the need for more oil extraction from the North Sea, viewed as provocative by environmentalists. He also hinted to ministers that net-zero policies could be watered down. On August 31st he named Claire Coutinho as his latest energy secretary, the fourth occupant of the post in just a year.

How much does Mr Sunak’s lack of interest matter? He is buffeted by others. Some in his party hope to paint Labour politicians as eco-zealots. But he must also contend with other backbenchers, including his immediate predecessor, Liz Truss, who demand more green activity. That group compelled the government to suggest, on September 5th, that it would ease an effective ban on building onshore wind farms in England. Nonetheless, under Mr Sunak green progress is stalling.

Start with offshore wind, the core of recent green efforts. Over the past decade, and four rounds of auctions, the cost of electricity produced from such fields has fallen by almost 75%. Only China has more offshore turbines. Last year wind, most of it offshore, produced more than a quarter of all electricity in Britain. Boris Johnson, prime minister from 2019 to 2022, had much bolder goals, to make Britain the “Saudi Arabia of wind”, lifting capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2030—it is 15GW today.

That was always going to be difficult, requiring three or four new Norfolk Boreases[3] each year. With other wealthy countries also keen on the technology, competition for skills and parts has become fierce. Inflation has also hurt. Vattenfall, Orsted[4], a big Danish wind-farm developer, and others say building costs are up by 40% from last year. Pricey steel is one problem. Overstretched suppliers, including those of boats needed during construction, are another.

Most analysts think building costs will remain high. Despite this, the government refused to increase the maximum strike price—the highest bid allowed to developers in a reverse auction—from last year. It may have worried about giving any hint of consumer bills rising to support green projects. If so, that was wrongheaded, says Jess Ralston of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit[5], a think-tank. With gas prices expected to remain high and no obvious alternatives, offshore wind projects still offer savings for consumers. Ministers were also probably influenced by developers crying wolf before, saying a price could not be met only to bid below it.

If few, or even no, new offshore wind projects are agreed on after the auction this week, that would create uncertainty for suppliers to the industry. Developers may drift away to other markets: Germany completed its largest auction round so far in July. And even if one or two projects win support, if prices are too low for the developers to get around to delivering them, that would mean more delays.

The outlook for onshore wind farms may seem brighter. But these are much smaller than those at sea and a big expansion is unlikely. Tight planning restrictions will remain, even if these are less arduous than the previous regime, under which a single objection from a local resident would scupper a project. In England just two onshore turbines have gone up in the past three years, both on land owned by Keele university[6].

Mr Johnson had talked of easing planning rules, or finding ways to reward areas hosting wind farms for doing so, but no specific proposals have yet emerged. In Norfolk, councillors grumble that locals see no gain from disruptions in the county. Other countries do a better job of dangling carrots. In Germany, for example, some developers pay communities a share of their annual profits, roughly equivalent to €2,000 per hectare.

Two other indicators illustrate Britain’s drift. The first concerns heat pumps to replace household gas boilers. Last year 69,000 of these were installed, whereas Germany managed to put in 236,000. A target to get 600,000 into British homes each year by 2028 is all but certain to be missed. Regulations and taxes that apply to electricity, but not to gas, discourage switching. A lack of skilled engineers to install the pumps is another constraint.

The second is the administration of Britain’s emissions trading scheme, introduced after Brexit to replace one used in the European Union. By the spring of this year, the national carbon price had started to diverge from the European one. Since July, after the government said it would issue more allowances for polluters, the national carbon price has fallen yet further. That gives investors in Britain less incentive than those in Europe to seek out green projects.

The pace has not slowed in every sector. Even if the push to decarbonise the grid is slowing, the switch to electric cars continues: one-fifth of cars bought by Britons in August were electric. It helps that electric-car prices have been falling globally, but also that Britain has stuck to its promise to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and introduced a goal for manufacturers to make more vehicles electric. Some Conservatives have called for both of those to be ditched. Instead Mr Sunak listened to the auto industry—notably the Tata Group[7], which in July announced plans to build a battery factory in Somerset, helped by a large subsidy from the government.

More tensions will come to the fore this month, as an energy bill reaches its final stages in Parliament. Ms Coutinho faces pressure on matters such as the ending of installation of oil boilers in households (Duncan Baker, Conservative MP for North Norfolk, calls it “the rural ulez”). If Labour were to form the next government, it says it wants all of Britain’s electricity to be zero carbon by 2030— five years before the Tories’ target. Another year of drift would leave it with a lot to do.

Source

Editor, Britain is losing its way in cutting carbon A slowdown on wind power is a serious sign of drift,-in: The Economist, 5-9-2023; https://www.economist.com/britain/2023/09/05/britain-is-losing-its-way-in-cutting-carbon

[1] Vattenfall is a Swedish multinational power company owned by the Swedish state. Beyond Sweden, the company generates power in Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The company's name is Swedish for "waterfall", and is an abbreviation of its original name, Royal Waterfall Board (Kungliga Vattenfallstyrelsen).

[2] The Climate Change Committee (CCC), originally named the Committee on Climate Change, is an independent non-departmental public body, formed under the Climate Change Act (2008) to advise the United Kingdom and devolved Governments and Parliaments on tackling and preparing for climate change. The Committee provides advice on setting carbon budgets (for the UK Government carbon budgets are designed to place a limit or ceiling on the level of economy-wide emissions that can be emitted in a five-year period), and reports regularly to the Parliaments and Assemblies on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, in 2019 the CCC recommended the adoption of a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the United Kingdom by 2050. On 27 June 2019 the British Parliament amended the Climate Change Act (2008) to include a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. The CCC also advises and comments on the UK's progress on climate change adaptation through updates to Parliament.

[3] The Norfolk Boreas project was a 1.8GW offshore wind power generation facility planned to be constructed in the North Sea, UK. It was the first phase of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, which would have a total installed capacity of 3.6GW. Vattenfall is the owner of the offshore wind farm and developed until recently the project through its wholly-owned subsidiary Norfolk Boreas. https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/norfolk-boreas-offshore-wind-farm/

[4] Ørsted A/S (formerly DONG Energy) is a Danish multinational energy company. Headquartered in Fredericia, Denmark, Ørsted is the largest energy company in Denmark. The company adopted its current name on 6 November 2017. It was previously known as DONG. As of January 2022, the company is the world's largest developer of offshore wind power by number of built offshore wind farms. Ørsted developed approximately 30% of the global offshore wind power installed capacity, excluding mainland China. Globally, Ørsted produces 90% of its energy from renewable sources, and has an objective of exceeding 95% by 2023 and 99% by 2025. The company has a goal of net zero generation by 2025 and no carbon emissions by 2040

[5] The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) is a non-profit organisation based in the UK conducting independent research and analysis on energy and climate issues. The organisation was incorporated in 2014.[1] According to their own about page, they are a "a non-profit organisation that supports informed debate on energy and climate change issues in the UK", supporting journalists, parliamentarians and other communicators with accurate briefings on key issues, and work with individuals and organisations that have interesting stories to tell, helping them connect to the national conversation.

[6] Keele University, officially known as the University of Keele, is a public research university in Keele, approximately five kilometres from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England. Founded in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire, Keele was granted university status by Royal Charter in 1962

[7] The Tata Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai. Established in 1868, it is India's largest conglomerate, with products and services in over 150 countries, and operations in 100 countries across six continents. There are 29 publicly listed Tata Group companies with a combined market capitalisation of ₹23.6 lakh crore ($311 billion) as of March 2022.

[blue-opossum]

Chess Game

        Chess Game

        Monday morning, 28 August 2023.

        About 1 minute and 20 seconds to read.

        Dream #20,706-02.

        I. Somatosensory casting and staging:

        (Chess pieces are an uncommon somatosensory casting, while coins are my most common, occurring up to a few times a week for about 60 years. There is minimal intention in this casting foundation (regarding the narrative's beginning). In contrast, coins often appear by intent for increasing dream state tactility based on finger-to-finger tangibility as when holding a real-world coin.)

       I find myself playing chess with an unseen opponent. I control the white pieces. My view is limited to the chessboard. The environment is undefined. Physicality other than somatosensory is absent.

        II. Proto-cognizance staging increases (to create an unrealistic "mistake" to aid in "coming to my senses" for precursory wakefulness using liminal dynamics):

        Eventually, I become aware that I have four white rooks on the chessboard. We had been playing for several minutes (apparently with no mention of my extra rooks by my opponent), but I realize the current situation is wrong. Otherwise, we have about the same number of pieces. I see his two black knights in close proximity in about the middle of the chessboard where two of my rooks are. My other two rooks are on either end, close to my side of the chessboard.

        I replace two of my white rooks (near the center of the chessboard) with knights after briefly and vaguely considering if I should use bishops. My opponent does not seem to notice, though I never see him. I am vividly aware of how each piece can move, but my dream fades after this.

        In terms of dream state navigation, because there is no physical response (other than less-defined somatosensory), the rooks, also called "towers," might correspond with static vestibular associations or model height navigation, while the knights (horses) would be like an inactive kinesthetic dynamic. Horses have otherwise featured regularly in my dreams because of that factor.

        It is not unusual for protoconsciousness to have a minimal personified implication without seeing it, which sometimes occurs when closer to consciousness and with less illusory physicality overall.