#WHY DO WE ALL START AT 9AM AND NOT GO PAST 11AM. PLEASE

[thegreatestheaver]

planning courses for the next semester is not for the weak

[niall-is-my-dream]

Power Over Me - Part Two

Thanks to @heart-attack-harry and @lizziespidiepridie for your help.

Catch up on part one below

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/188083232033/power-over-me

"I wanna be king in your story I wanna know who you are I want your heart to beat for me Oh I"

3k words

Your eyes were struggling to open up this morning. Puffy from crying like a loser last night over a guy who is clearly an arsehole. Reliving the whole thing in your head had you pulling the covers up and hiding beneath them, wanting to hide away for the rest of your Sunday. 

But you knew you shouldn't.

Dragging yourself from your bed you managed to navigate your way to the bathroom, running the tap and splashing your face with warm water. Patting your face dry, you looked in the mirror above the sink and saw your face. 

You looked a right state. 

You needed paracetamol, a coffee and a two week vacation somewhere hot.

Preferably by yourself where you could wallow in your own self pity.

Sadly you'd have to make do with your sofa.

After making yourself a coffee and some toast you sat your bum on the sofa, turning on the tv and browsing the channels, you found some housey type programme. You know the ones where they want the cafe culture life in London but on a shoestring budget, then complain it's a two bed flat rather than a 3 bed house they'd dreamed off.

Well those twats can fuck off you thought as you switched the channels to an old episode of Friends. The One With The Prom Video, great. Basically the one where after years of lusting over Rachel, Ross finally wins her over by his sweet antics from when they were teenagers. 

A nice happy ending.

Well that can fuck off to.

You turned it off in the end, choosing to sit in silence and eat.

Your phone was on the coffee table with your bag and keys, exactly where you had left it last night when you'd got in. It had been ringing constantly on your journey home and the taxi driver had even commented about you not answering it.

After a quick text to Deo as promised to tell him you were home safe, you'd turned it off and left it. 

Now it was slowly torturing you.

A sucker for punishment, you moved to turn it on. The screen lit up and showed you how many missed calls, texts and voice messages you had.

A reply from Deo telling you to sleep well and to text him if you wanted to talk.

You didn't.

A couple from your friends who you'd been out with, asking you what was going on and that they hoped you were safely home.

And 23 messages from Niall.

13 missed calls. 

And 5 voice messages.

You didn't bother to read them and you hastily deleted them all without reading them. Same with the voice messages. Delete.

You didn't feel any better after doing it, the coffee and toast slathered in butter hadn't even helped how you were feeling. It wasn't a hangover or troubled night sleep that was causing you pain. 

It was your heart.

You were shamefully heartbroken at what had happened. Shameful because you had vowed since Lewis Burns broke up with you in Year Ten that you would never ever let a guy hurt you like that again. Granted you had been 15 at the time but it was a value that ten years later you still tried to follow.

Your heart felt heavy and it both scared you and annoyed you.

You just need some time to cool off and get over him.

Letting out a huge sigh you gathered up your plate and mug and took them to the kitchen. Opening up Spotify, you put some tunes on and started tidying up your flat. Washing up, making your bed, putting a load of washing in, it was all a distraction. A much needed one and it was working. When it was all done you grabbed your book and headed for a bath.

Throughout your day your phone beeped with messages, when you saw Niall's name you just deleted them. But as the afternoon went on, you opened up his contact and blocked him. Tears had followed and you ended up going to bed at 9pm. Your Sunday had turned out to be a quiet and lonely one, but something that was very much needed. 

Turning off your alarm the next day, you couldn't be bothered to get out of bed. But you had a meeting at 9am and another at 11am, and you had some prep to do.

The mornings routine was basically just going through the motions. You still felt like absolute shite, the heavy feeling in your heart hadn't even remotely subsided. After taking a hot shower you dressed and ate a quick breakfast, not even bothering to put the radio on like you normally did. Good luck to anyone who came in contact with you today.

The tube as usual was busy and you were squashed in amongst all the other commuters. By the time you'd arrived at your station your mood was getting worse. It hit its peak when you walked into your building and saw bimbo bambi on the front desk. She had a stupid smirk on her face that was definitely aimed at you as you walked past her. 

Luckily she had been on the phone and hadn't been able to speak to you. You were in no mood to be dealing with her high pitched squeaky voice this morning. How in the hell she had got the job as receptionist at the Recruitment Agency you worked at you will never know. You got the impression she couldn't even spell her own name. Which was Nina by the way. Bimbo bambi was just a nasty, horrible nickname that you and Annie from the second floor had come up with. Bullying wasn't something you condoned, but she didn't know that was her nickname and so she couldn't be offended if she didn't even know it. You were always polite to her and smiled nicely whenever she interacted with you. But she was definitely not a friend of yours and would never be one.

The reason behind her smirk became apparent when you saw the huge bouquet of flowers on your desk when you walked into your office.

Pausing in the doorway, you didn't want to go over to them. A few faces of your colleagues were smiling at you. Jack the office playboy was the first to speak, asking you who your new fella was. Choosing to ignore him, you walked to your desk dumping down your bag and looking at the arrangement.

The bouquet was beautiful, a mixture of light pink and cream flowers. A sealed note was attached to the cellophane wrap. Looking around as you opened it, a simple message was written.

Please can we talk x

Shoving the card in your bag, you didn't have time to even think about it now. You had a meeting with a company about helping them with recruitment in exactly 28 minutes. A large coffee was needed and you needed to gather all your prep together.

Dwelling on the card and over thinking about it would have to wait.

********

Your 9am meeting went well and you were back at your desk finishing the prep for the next one when your work phone rang. Seeing it was the reception office you let out a frustrated sigh before putting on your most polite voice.

"Hello?"

"Elizabeth, You have a visitor?" Nina said.

"Oh they're early." You replied looking at your watch and seeing 10:35am.

"No, it's not your next appointment."

Your heart sank.

Please no.

"You didn't tell me you were friends with Niall Horan?!" She whispered excitedly down the phone.

"Well it never came up in conversation." You replied quickly. "Please tell him I'm super busy and that I have a meeting at 11."

"Oh ok, will do." She replied, and you hung up before she could answer any further.

You were fuming, first the flowers then turning up at your work. Did he think that was the way to get you to listen? Well he was sadly mistaken.

Running your fingers across your temples you willed the anger to go away. You still had work to do. You'd managed to distract yourself this morning with the potential business that your meetings could secure. Letting him get into your head was not needed right now.

Breathing out a massive sigh, you looked up at your computer to continue answering some emails. That's when you saw him. 

Strolling through your floor coming for your office, attracting the attention of every single person. His casual attire of dark jeans and blue t-shirt being the biggest factor.

Fuck he looked so good.

His face was unreadable, something that was strange to you considering you'd known him 6 years. You had always been able to read him. 

But not today.

You stood up from your desk as he strolled into your office, closing the door firmly behind him.

"Niall...."

"Why haven't you answered my messages?" He asked you bluntly.

"Because I didn't want to." You replied in the same manner.

"You've not even read them, and the last ones I've tried to send you bounced back. Have you blocked me?!"

"Yes, and yet you still didn't get the hint." You said as you gestured towards the flowers.

"I just...... " He began but you cut him off.

"Look Niall, I can't do this right now. I have a meeting in 15 minutes to get ready for. To be honest I don't even want to have this conversation with you at all."

You were being rude now, desperate to save face. Your heart was pounding in your chest, it ached to reach over and touch him, but you held back when you remembered Saturday night. His cocky behaviour had infuriated you, but his lost looking face right now was making you feel guilty. But only for a split second before you remembered how hurt you were, how embarrassed and ashamed you'd felt.

Holding back the tears was becoming harder and you really needed him to leave before he saw how broken you were. The tough exterior you were trying to show him was crumbling.

"So, you don't even want to talk to me about what happened?" He asked you his voice calm.

"No."

This was a lie, well sort of. You did want answers from him but not now. You weren't ready.

He shook his head and started to look annoyed which infuriated you even more. He had no right coming into your office, surely the ignoring his calls and messages was enough of a hint for him, but apparently not.

You'd have to have a word with Nina in a subtle way to get her to actually listen to you when you need someone to go away.

"This isn't over." He said as he left.

"It never started." You replied.

**********

The second meeting had been ok, luckily it was a meeting with a client already on your books, because your mind had been elsewhere. 

Niall strolling into your office was not something that you had even been remotely prepared for. Seeing him had effecting you far more than you had thought. It was a silly crush and you needed to get over it.

It would be easy, he travelled a lot and he had a lot of friends. You were sure you could dodge seeing him, you'd probably lay low for a few weeks and avoid the dreaded conversation with your mutual friends.

Willie's voice asking Niall what the hell he had done to you, was still stuck in your head, he had messaged you today asking if you were ok. Willie had taken on the big brother role in the group and as one of the youngest you had been happy to have him care and support you. Deo had sort of become the annoying brother, but he had shown his caring side to when he helped you in a taxi on Saturday night. Neither had pushed you to talk and you appreciated it.

As you had got into the office early that morning you decided to head off at 5. Your head was still pounding and after taking some painkillers you tidied away your desk and grabbed your bag.

Nina was sitting at her desk on reception when you went past.

"I'm heading off now Nina so if anyone calls they will need to leave a message." You informed her.

"Got dinner with a certain someone?!" She replied with a wink.

God she was annoying.

"Not that it's any of your business but no."

"Oh it's just he's been outside in his car for the last half an hour."

"What?"

"Niall Horan." She said continuing to smirk.

"Spreading gossip isn't tolerated here. And not following orders from me when I ask not to be disturbed while I'm prepping for an important meeting is also a problem."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it."

"I know, but Niall is my friend and he's incredibly private. Please don't start making something out of nothing." You replied, defending him. He might have pissed you off, but you couldn't help but be protective.

"I am really sorry, I wouldn't spread gossip I promise. And I'll follow your orders about visitors from now on." She replied looking absolutely petrified of you.

"Thankyou, I'll see you in the morning." You said.

She mumbled a nervous goodbye as you left the building. You spied his car out the corner of your eye, what was he thinking hanging around waiting for you?

Walking quickly in the opposite direction towards the tube station, you hoped he hadn't spotted you.  

But of course he fucking had.

He called out your name, but you headed down the street winding in between the crowds. You knew he wouldn't follow you, wouldn't risk being seen chasing a woman down the street. In today's world, cameras were in your pockets and footage could be uploaded online for everyone to see in seconds.

He definitely wouldn't do that.

You reached the tube station, swiping your oyster card you made your way through the station to your platform, breathing a sigh of relief at having avoided him again.

The walk back from the station wasn't long and you called into little Tesco Express to get a microwave meal and a bottle of wine. You definitely couldn't be bothered to cook tonight. It when you were approaching your building that you saw his car in the car park.

Fuck.

You managed to avoid him and sneak around the back. There were two entrances to your block, accessing the way through the gate and the shared garden, you let yourself in hopeful that he hadn't seen you.

But it didn't matter, he hadn't been waiting in his car. He was waiting at your door.

Your heart sank.

After a rollercoaster day of emotions and a heavy workload you could cry just at the sight of him. You didn't have anymore fight in you to argue and you knew you'd crumble. 

The sight of him leaning against your door, knocked the breath out of you. His face looking straight ahead, the sound of you walking up the steps caused him to turn.

His face once again had that annoyed look, and you couldn't believe the cheek of it. How dare he look annoyed after how he had behaved.

Walking up to your door, he didn't move. Your eyes met his and the annoyed look was gone, replaced by one that was pleading with you. He knew you'd ask him to leave and he would fight you until you agreed to hear him out.

Moving closer to him, you were just inches away as you raised your right hand above his shoulder and put your key in the lock.

"Please talk to me. Let me explain." He whispered.

Your body betrayed you as your eyes filled with tears.

Turning the key, you unlocked the door and moved sideways to get around him. He was right behind you, walking into your flat as you were taking the key out the lock. Strolling in like it was perfectly ok to do after everything that had happened.

Shutting the door, not acknowledging him you put your shopping bag on the side. Carefully taking out your meal and your wine. You could sense him at the doorway as you took off your coat and sorted out your bag.

"Are you going to let me explain?" He asked his voice calm and low.

"Doesn't look like I have any choice does it?!" You scoffed aware that he could probably hear the way you were choked up.

"Why are you being like this?" He asked you.

"Like what Niall? An arsehole? Not nice is it?" You replied allowing your face to be seen, no longer hiding behind your long hair.

His eyes widened when he saw your face and upon hearing your words.

"I'm sorry."

"Doesn't matter."

"It does matter. I'm not good at this."

"Good at what exactly?"

"Talking about this sort of stuff."

"Then why are you here, why have you been messaging me, coming to my office and waiting outside my work? I specifically told you I didn't want to talk to you. Did you not listen or are you just trying to humiliate me even more?"

Silence.

You couldn't even look at him, choosing to walk past him and out to the hall, hanging your coat up on the hook on the wall.

"I think you should go." You said, eyes brimming with tears. You knew he was right behind you and you couldn't bare to turn around and face him.

"Not until you've let me explain."

"There's nothing to explain, it was a mistake. It shouldn't have happened. Done. Now you can go."

"Elizabeth."

"No, I can't deal with you right now. Please just go." You begged.

"I didn't mean to leave that night, I don't know why I left you to wake up alone."

You moved towards the door, opening it, unable to bare being near him. His scent was invading your senses and you couldn't take it anymore.

"Let me know when you figure out why you did." You said and he moved towards you.

Your eyes couldn't meet his as he looked at you before walking out the door.

Part Three

https://niall-is-my-dream.tumblr.com/post/188384634468/power-over-me-part-three

[andyourhostkristenwiig]

I thought about this for quite a while..about what happened at work yesterday. I have to write it down and I can’t fit it in a message to my friends...but I can’t let it go yet. I’m making it read more though.

We’re 6 people in our department including our boss.

Three of us were around the same age (26-30) so we got along very well. Especially with Corona hitting us, two of us living alone, we weren’t allowed to go anywhere besides work so we bonded. We were friends, at least I thought so.

We’d spend lunch breaks together, since we shared one office anway, we had a movie/game night one time in June. We laughed a lot and work was really fun. Let’s call them A and B (which fits, since I’m C)

Now we all have our little knicks and knacks and I fully understand that.

A was afraid of pretty much anything. B and I  would do just about anything for her...go pick up lunch, let her pay later because she was too afraid to use an ATM, we picked up stuff from the grocery store when she forgot something on her ONE shopping trip she could do per week so she didn’t have to be around more people, I walked her outside and across the town square every lunch break because she was afraid of being watched, I went grocery shopping with her after the store re-arranged everything and she was afraid of not finding things and being in there for too long, we would sometimes just bring stuff from our break for all of us just because we were friends. She freezes extremely quickly and has a fan heater in our office...but with my dust allergy that’s nearly impossible for me, the three of us sat together and talked about alternatives. She doesn’t like wearing thick clothes, she doesn’t like scarves, she doesn’t like sweaters or winter boots. We eventually settled on heated pads for her shoes, the door can be closed, the heater can be on but the fan heater has to stay shut off and I get to air out the office every now and then.

Sounds nice, right?

Yes, until you asked her a favour. She would always turn her anxieties to please her, so she didn’t have to do any favours for us. She wouldn’t even take my sick note that was in an envelope from me so I wouldn’t have to send it all the way through the entire town hall which takes a couple of days. Whatever you would ask her, she couldn’t do it for whatever strange reason. But if you’d ask her one favour multiple times, she would always decline it with a different explanation.

The “worst incident” is so dumb but actually apparently big now.

There’s a calendar in our office that I need to set payment deadlines. I can clearly see it but I can’t reach it. Usually our cleaning lady pushes the date farther but that week she was sick. I asked A to please push it to the new date. She proceeded to tell me she couldn’t reach it. And I told her, no she could, we’re the exact same height, she just has to take a tiny step closer. She then ended up acting super dumb and ripped the calendar off. Yeah I was a little annoyed. Told her that now she has to step even closer to put it back on. She suddenly asked me if she couldn’t hang it behind me instead to which I answered that it would be dumb to put it behind me when I need it like 20 times a day and can’t see it there. Anyway that dumb argument went on for 10 minutes and ended in me ripping the calendar from her hands, putting it back on from the exact position she was standing in before and telling her to stop acting stupid. Which I still stand for. That was when the town hall was closed for everyone except employees so to calm down, I put my headphones on and continued my work. Like 10 minutes later I just came back from asking something in the office next door but they needed more info so they came with me, I saw that she was crying. I’m bad with crying people and went to B’s office and asked her to come over to check on her. Which she did. But A didn’t really want to tell us what was going on and eventually told us it wasn’t about the calendar thing but something personal and she’d rather go home. Which she did...that entire thing happened at like 8.45am and she left at 11am. (this is important for the story just go with it)

Anyway, we forgot (or so I thought) about it, continued joking with each other, hung out, we still had lunch together every day and would play uno when everyone else was gone at work. We would talk about work like friends, not like colleagues...we would mock here and there and voice what we hated.

Things at work were sort of tense lately due to several reasons...mostly misinterpretation and misinformation and for whatever reason they projected all that onto B. It was quite weird at work lately. I was always a bit confused why they wouldn’t address their problems with B herself.

We still had the fan heater issue though because she didn’t want any of our agreements anymore, saying it looks stupid and she doesn’t want it. When I came in at work and told her my eyes hurt from the dust, all she said was “oh sorry but I’m cold” and turned it back on. We sometimes butted heads here.

Last friday B had her final day, she got a new job closer to home and she totally deserved it. We were sad and would always go “oh no this is our last time eating chinese together” and all. I prepared an awesome home-made farewell card, bought some nice stuff for her and all. A and I would split our office then and she’d move into the now empty one and it was gonna be nice after all.

But the second B left the parking lot my colleague went “everything’s gonna be better now” and I thought that was so weird. On the weekend she left all our group chats and told us she would explain it to us later. I wasn’t at work on monday because I had handimen at my apartment.

When I came in on Tuesday, not only had A moved out of my office but also taken furniture from my office that I specifically moved into my office this past winter because I needed the space. She had also used my office as sort of a litter bin and put even B’s forgotten drink. It was so weird.

Anyway at 8.30am I get an email inviting us all to a meeting at 9am. I knew something was up when no one reminded me when they already left for the meeting.

So I came in there to be completely shredded apart. It was 4 against 1.

And who started? A started. She started again with the entire lunch thing where I didn’t want to have lunch with all 6 colleagues in my office (hello, corona you dumb fucks). Despite me having explained it a million times before.

Then, here’s the calendar story as she told it with tears in her eyes to our boss:

She was crying so loud that I should have heard her. I had left and entered the office several times and didn’t pay attention to her crying. Then I proceeded to go next door to get my colleague to show him that she was crying and my alibi was showing him a single sheet of paper that didn’t say anything. After THREE hours, we asked her what was wrong with her. And meanwhile we texted with each other and would laugh about her.

She told me she liked joking with us but sometimes they were too much. I asked her why she didn’t say anything and continued laughin with us while the two of us would always say when it went too far. She doesn’t like conflicts, she wasn’t peace. FUCK YOU, YOU WENT TO OUR BOSS FOR SOMETHING WE COULD HAVE HANDLED PRIVATELY.

Anyway, every colleague went on to tell me how awful I am. I am contemptuous, I’m a bully, I don’t have empathy, I mock everyone and show no respect. That went on for 35 minutes, I wasn’t really allowed to tell my version of the stories because A had tears in her eyes and went “I’m not stupid, I know you laughed about me” you know what you little bitch? I didn’t but I lost all respect for you with this move. She knew exactly that I’m the most uncomfortable if I’m unprepared in a room with all colleagues and was the center of attention. I was shaking the entire time, my voice was unrecognisable and I spent the entire morning in my office crying. They turned all those stories the way they pleased them and four against one, I was pretty helpless there. They told me it was all due to B and my friendship with her. No it wasn’t, it was me not being fake polite to you idiots anymore because you didn’t deserve it. A said she did this for her own health, she couldn’t handle the trouble in the air anymore. Oh sweetie...du hinterfotziges kleines Stück Scheiße...like I will ever talk to you again, like we will ever sit together again somewhere and play nice. I despise you with all my heart and I hope karma gets you good! I will never pick up lunch for you again, I will not accompany you anywhere to ease your anxiety and I will never bring anything from the store ever again.

I knew she was gonna stab my back eventually but this was unexpectedly fast.

I talked to B then, proceeded to delete A everywhere and block her. I am never talking to her ever again, luckily we don’t have the identical work. B went on to write her a huge text about how much of a coward she is that she couldn’t address us personally, as friends, and instead cornered me with everyone else when I was alone and most vulnerable. How fake it was to play friends with us just to go on to tell our boss everything the second she gets the chance. How she doesn’t want harmony, she just wants to have the upper hand. Her answer? “I didn’t read that text but we didn’t corner her, we invited her to a meeting. And I didn’t say she was gossiping, someome told me she was gossiping about me“ What kind of a friend believes that a friend gossips about them when they’re sick for one day? B wasn’t in that day, who was I supposed to gossip with? Also I do not talk shit about friends. ever! just to their face for fun. I have met many awful people in my life, but this must be the tip of the iceberg. I have never felt so used by a person that I really went out for and genuinely considered a friend. B told her that we did everything in our might to arrange with all her anxieties and fears but she has to address mine in front of a crowd which is also an anxiety of mine.

I have now scheduled a meeting with my boss on monday where I askedto show her my perspective of the stories told about me. I have so much shit on these guys just on these stories, they just think I’m too chicken to let them out. But if they think I’m going back to being the 15 year old teenager that was bullied and cried every day at school, was afraid of everything and everyone they picked the wrong one. I am done. I fought so hard to be the person I am now. I’m not perfect, I have so many mistakes and shit, but I got so far. If they think they can ruin it by sticking together, I will just take us all down. I have worked in so many different administrations these past years and not a single one has said a bad word about me. I’m still in contact with 90% of the people and when it’s not Corona, I go and check in with them from time to time. I am not letting a coward, a little back-stabbing bitch, an uncapable boss and a whiny rat ruin everything.

The End...to be continued I guess.

We’ll see about my future there once I’ve talked to my boss on monday.

[throwawayaccount-things-blog]

House Raid / Homelessness.

Hello. My name is William.

I’ve recently just been made homeless and am currently seeking housing.

Yesterday I made a post on my Tumblr Blog talking briefly about what happened to me as a sort of SOS since at the time I was completely unsure of what to do. Through the help of my followers, they were able to help with donations to help me through the process of finding a new accommodation. I’ve now set up a savings account with the funds inside which will help me find an accommodation easier. I’ve also contacted an Emergency 24/7 Homeless network and they have helped me figure out what my next course of action is. Monday, they said they’ll be able to send a support worker to see what can be done. I’ve also had help from my social worker who has kindly been able to store my furniture such as chair/mirror/bookshelf while I'm searching for a place in her house. 

I can’t even begin to state how essential you guys have been for me. It's not even funny. You guys are some of the finest. 

However as much as I wish to gush about your guys selflessness, that's not why I am making this post.

I’m making this post to go over everything what has happened during the past two months of me living in my previous house. My previous room. You might of already seen it here [warning blog is nsfw but content of link is not]. A way to get my thoughts out. Maybe let it serve as a Cautionary tale of sorts of what sort of stuff to look out for if any of you are looking to move out. For that reason, I'm using a Throw-Away account since my main blog is NSFW and will filter this post as such.  

 I want this to reach as many people as possible so if you could. 

- Please Reblog this if you wish - 

 This is going to be rather long. Extremely long and rather heavy. 

 I’ve divided it into three parts

Before the event. 🔴

The event. 🔸

After the event.📗

Personal Thanks. ❤️

1). Before the event. 🔴

So, around July 15th of this year. I moved out of my parent's. They were already moving into a new place at the time. This was the place I posted about during the same time saying how I was happy with the accommodation. It was small and the nights were pretty cold but just for the sheer independence I loved it. Able to draw whenever I wished. Sleep as I wished. It was a good starting point The Landlords (I will be referring to them as Derrick and Jessica) seemed friendly and down to earth too. Often sharing tinfoil and lending cups and plates. So, I never suspected that things would end up... this bad...

The rent was around the higher end of £350 - £400 (I’ve been told I shouldn’t disclose the official payment) per month. This was for Rent/Water/Wi-Fi/Heating. I’ve been told this was rather pricey for what was rather small room but being inexperienced in this sort of stuff, I didn’t really assume it as a problem.  

However here is when I did notice a problem. One of the council members who regularly supports me needed me to supply her a ‘Tenancy Agreement’. The terms and conditions for actually living at the place and was baffled by the fact that the Landlord never gave me one. She told me to get one ASAP since it discloses my rights as a resident and on the same day I went to talk to Jessica about getting one.  

She then told me that she wasn’t a landlord, she was only filling in for Derrick as he just recently when on a holiday to America and wouldn’t be back for 6 weeks, but said she would get in contact with him to get one. Various times during all of August, I would ask about it over and over again since it was a big priority for me but with little feedback aside from “He hasn’t gotten back to me yet”. I also found out halfway during his trip, Derrick and Jessica changed their numbers, making contacting them extremely cumbersome. Again, being rather naïve I assumed they were just busy on their Holiday/Work.   

Derrick eventually came back around the beginning of September. So, I asked him “When can I get my ‘Tenancy Agreement’?” With him being rather unsure and seeming wanting to avoid talking about it. It wasn’t until this week. Monday the 10th of September I was able to get one and it was extremely light. I was told a Tenancy Agreement would come in a pack of documents, going over the Terms and Conditions as well as what sort of benefits such as Housing support you could apply for.  

I took my Tenancy Agreement to my supporter. She was confused by the size too but told me I should take it to the Job-Centre to verify it and to see if I was applicable to any of those benefits. This was on Thursday afternoon. I went to see it being checked by the Job-Centre and shortly after went to work. The Job-Centre told me that I needed Derrick to give me a statement saying what he does, I asked him before I went to sleep saying to just catch me when he has it since I already assumed this would take another week long of catch up anyway.

2). The event. 🔸

Friday. I woke up to someone knocking at my door. I actually thought it was Derrick, seemingly having that statement for me. That was until I heard the knocking again escalate into full on banging and slamming. Checking my phone, it was 6:43AM. Who the hell was slamming my front door? My room was divided into a small hallway into the bedroom so I couldn’t hear anything until I was actually approaching the stairs. 

“Open up. Council Enforcement.” Or something along those lines. 

I was... well fucking confused to say the least but I got down the stairs and opened up the door. The hallway was flooded with Police. About 3 Officers per door. Two of them typical police clothes and one of them wasn’t, sporting equipment like scanners and cameras. 

I kept calm and politely asked what was going on? Invited them upstairs and they told me they were doing an inspection on the building. To make sure it was safe or something. I didn’t think that inspections meant busting down people's doors but I wasn’t really too eager to be joking around with law enforcement.  

 They summed it up as needing to look over the house to make sure it was safe or something. The lady with the scanner checking my room for fire alarms and exits of which there wasn’t any. One of the officers asked my typical personal information, another one asking for information on the house, when I moved in, was I living alone. How much did I pay? Etc. They were asking everyone this.

After around an hour of questioning. I got told this. 

“The place you’re living isn’t safe. There is no official heating in the room” (Which is correct. Derrick said they couldn’t install radiators up there and had to make due with electric heaters, meaning I was paying heating for no reason.) 

“There are no fire alarms or exits up here. In the case of a fire. You would not be able to fight any flames up these stairs and wouldn’t be able to escape (due to it being an attic room). 

They told me that I should move down to the lower room. I asked them if this would mean that I couldn’t live here anymore and they did say “Not to worry, we will sort this out” 

At around 8:39AM they left. Everyone going down to Derrick and Jessica and asking what the heck was going on?  

Jessica and another House Guest said that the Police was banging on the door saying they were doing an ‘immigration check’ and pointed to the dining room table, a yellow sheet of paper which was an immigration warrant was there which was one of the reasons why they raided, but we also were asked Council related questions so this just furthered the confusion. 

 Derrick told us that “They have given him a list of things which need fixing and that he is going to contact HIS landlord to see if he can get these installed.” 

This was one of the biggest red-flags for everyone. This piece of conflicting information about how he was going to see another Landlord? Another housemate asked him what he meant by that to which Derrick replied- 

“Oh, I’m the landlord of this house, but I don’t own the house itself. My Landlord does.” 

After that he went into his room and got his coat before setting off, Me being as oblivious as always asked him ‘Should I move all my stuff into the empty room on the second floor? The Police told me upstairs isn’t safe to live in anymore.” I was given the go ahead and started. 

I went straight at it. Every single item in my attic room I moved by myself down into the empty room. Except it wasn’t empty at all. In fact, it was filled with Derricks stuff. I got told I needed to “Move all of Derricks stuff into the hall if you want to use the room.” ... Well I needed somewhere to put my stuff so I went ahead and moved all of his stuff and then my stuff. 

From 9am till around 3pm. I just kept moving it. I was sleepy from being woken up so early. I usually go to work at 6pm and finish at 11am so I’m usually asleep by like 4am. So, working with like 3 hours of sleep was certainly a thing. But after all that work. I was happy to see my new room set up. The room itself was most certainly a downgrade from the attic room. The ceiling was gross and crap was pressed into the carpet but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get some sleep before work. My room looked nice enough. I set up a little bed area and went for a kip.

...Haha. Now for the fucking sucker punch. 

One of the house mates knocked on my door as I was just about to take a nap. Jolting out of bed he handed me a brown envelope. A document was in it, the same was taped to the door of the house.

“Following a visit to the property today, an Emergency Prohibition order has been served. This means that the property cannot be used for living or sleeping accommodations or any other purposes not approved by the council until the work specified in the Order has been completed.” 

...We have just been made homeless. 

This document lists all of the house's issues. Lack of fire exits. Lack of fire doors. Boiler on brink of dangerous eruption. Etc. Anyone who stays and ignores the Prohibition Order will be fined and arrested. 

We instantly went to look for the Landlord. But they weren’t in the house. We went to check their rooms and they were gone. Not answering their phones either. We assumed that he was going to talk to that landlord which actually owned the house... But they never came back. 

 I was so lost. I had no idea what to do at all. My parents were out of the country. I have no close family connections and my only friend in the area already has a full house. What about work? What about my postage? What about all my stuff? 

As much as I wanted to just... drop and cry, or grab my chair and break shit or just anything emotionally reckless and stupid. I just had to start packing. 

I phoned my family to tell them what happened. They told me that they’d phone my Uncle to see what he could do. Even during this time, I felt guilty because he only recently recovered from a minor stroke. However, even though legally I wasn’t allowed to stay at his. He told me I could spend the weekend here to help search for a new place. During this time. I decided to basically fire on all cylinders. I made the post on my art blog asking for help. I phoned my friend who was at work and offered to help drive my items to my uncle's place since this was an urgent thing. And I called an Emergency Homeless hotline which while went to voice mail. at least got back to me the following day. 

I had to abandon a lot of my stuff. Stuff like my game console, games, and piano keyboard I had to flash sell for dirt cheap. Stuff like all my books I had to leave behind due to being too heavy. All I could afford to take is my PC gear (since it's my second form of income with commissions + only way to talk to friends online) and my clothes, of which I only was able to cherry pick my best. 

I felt like a fool to have made that room that nice if I would have known this would have been the end result.

Around 6pm. My friend Anthony came to help. He and his dad helped pack his car with my stuff and drove me to my Uncles for the weekend.

I had still to go back there tomorrow for the rest of my clothes and medical stuff. But within 12 hours of the Police Raiding the building. Everyone was made homeless.

...And to think I fucking joked about it with that DK64 music...

3). After the event.📗

I slept really rough last night. But it was mostly just me thinking about what to do. I phoned all of the contacts of the Landlords but I got no reply at all.  

 My first plan was to jump to the house and sell my consoles and keyboard in order to accumulate some money for the upcoming room/house hunt. The only thing I have now is my 3DS. I don’t have the room to really bring along 4 consoles + games along. For my collection, £73 wasn’t a lot at all. But I should be happy I was able to actually get to sell them. When I came back to the house one of the doors was busted. The room was Derricks office where he kept his PC. PC gone. So, I kind of assumed my stuff would have been compromised.

The second time I came, there was another House-Mate getting his stuff with his friends. I basically had to cherry pick some of my clothes again and set off back to my uncles. However just as I turning into his house. My social worker offered to help take in some of my bigger stuff like my Bookshelf and Mirror. I took them up on that offer and she convinced me to let her take in the rest of my clothes and books. So, while I had to abandon some of my stuff. I still got to keep the bulk of it now, I just wish I had of waited before selling my items... 

However, as we get to the house. There were two people at the door looking rather puzzled? We went to talk to them and it turns it it was the ACTUAL landlord and his lawyer. 

They were wondering what happened to the place. So, after we told them what went on last night. He then told us that He was the landlord of Derrick and Jessica. Derrick and Jessica were illegally sub-letting the house without him even knowing. All he knew was that Derrick and Jessica were living in the house with their family. It all made sense now. The house itself was perfectly safe for a single family. However, as a “Shared House” it was deemed unsuitable and dangerous and thus why it was placed under an Emergency Prohibition

The guy from the second time I came back was also back in the house getting more items. He said that he actually stayed the night and at around 1am he actually saw Derrick and Jessica come into the house in an extremely irate manner and then quickly leave. Leading us to assume they took what thing they needed and bolted out of there before the Police catch them. 

The Landlord and Lawyer, my social worker and I all shared details and started searching the house for anything else which would be considered proof of Derricks and Jessica’s Subletting scheme. 

 After that. We checked their room and saw that they abandoned their cats. We had to call the RSPCA in order to get them both rescued. They both seemed in rather bad health.

We finished off by moving my stuff to my Social workers house. Gave our keys to the actual landlord and told them to keep in touch if they need anything. 

  And then. Well... This. I started writing this around 8PM and as of typing this right now its 22:31PM. I really needed to get all this off my chest. It's been eating me up inside to just go along with all of this and continue with no real way to outlet how I feel. I’m not even sad or angry now. I’m just really tired. 

Here is a couple more pictures of the place

So yeah. I hope this paints a better picture of what I've been through in like the past two months or so. For having all this thrown on me. I’ve kind of just... continued. I’ve been so enamoured by being independent and free that I was so oblivious to the fact I was being taken advantage of. I was none the wiser. I trusted those landlords. I thought they were genuine. And when I was told that we were all homeless I expected them to help us. But instead they backstabbed us and skipped town. The Police, The Council, The Landlords left us. All we were told to do is call the Homeless Hotline. A hotline which auto transfers you to the local Council and Housing Firm. (Which is fucking closed on the weekend FYI) 

Let this be a big warning. No matter how comfortable or clean or convenient your life is, DIG DEEPER. You need to make sure that you’re standing on stable ground. Put some money into savings. Keep your connections with your family and/or friends strong. Never doubt yourself or keep yourself from asking for help. I could have easily kept myself from asking any of you guys for help or my friend for help and I would of been left with only my clothes and laptop. 

This finally leads into 

  4.) Personal Thanks. ❤️  

 I need to thank every single one of you which has given me support. Don’t get me wrong. I am still far from being securely housed. But just for yesterday alone. 

A huge thank you for everyone who reblogged my post 

A huge thank you for everyone who donated to my aid 

A huge thank you for even reading my emotional rambles. 

I really do not deserve you guys.  

Just... thank you. 

thank you. 

[kpopescapes-blog]

HOME

When you were done with the dishes, you heard the door open. You knew that it was your uncle. You were already washing your hands when you heard your uncle tell the dreamies to get some rest. They all groaned but still followed, probably feeling the tiredness too. When you heard all their doors close, you also went to your room, saying ‘good night’ to your uncle before closing the door of your room. Your room had a small bathroom so you thought that each room had one. There is a big one near the kitchen though, but you didn’t know who uses that.

‘It really is a big house.’ You thought and you really felt thankful that your uncle is there to help you. You started to feel tired too. You did all the things you had to do then you slept, thinking about all the things that happened to you in the last 24 hours.

The same routine happened for more than a week, your uncle told you to stay inside for a week to make sure that all suspicions would die first just in case anyone saw you on the day you arrived.

It has already been 9 days since you arrived in Seoul and since you started living with the dreamies. Nothing major has happened in those days since the dreamies were busy with their schedule and you were busy preparing for your job interview. You would talk with the members every now and then but that was it. Today, you woke up at around 7 in the morning. You usually wake up later than that but somehow, your nervousness woke you up earlier than usual. You were going to have your interview today. You did your morning rituals and left your room. You saw your uncle prepared to leave.

“Good morning, uncle.” You said softly.

“Good morning, y/n-ah. Did you sleep well?” You nodded and gave him an aegyo-like smile. He ruffled your hair and laughed a little. Most people say that you have your natural cute side when you’re talking to the people that you are comfortable with.

“The boys are already preparing. They have a schedule at 11am, and they won’t be back until 8pm. If you have to go out, make sure you don’t get caught. Be careful, okay? You’re still new in Seoul, so if you get lost, just send me a message. We’ll be leaving by 9am.” He reminded you. You could see that he really was worried about you.

You decided to prepare hot drinks for the dreamies before they leave so you went to the kitchen. Mark was the first one to go out his room. He sat on the couch in the living room, his back facing you.

“Hey.” You shouted in a whisper and tapped his shoulder.

“Oh. Hey. Good morning.” He said and smiled.

You handed the cup of hot choco to him. He said a small ‘thank you’ and started to drink it. You sat on the carpet, indian style. You glanced at the clock and it read 7:30am.

“Why are you so early? You have an hour and a half more to go before you leave.” You asked as you rested your head on your hands, looking up at Mark.

He smiled as he saw your position. He found it cute, how your eyes twinkle when you’re really curious about something. He bent down a little, trying to level your eye sight. You backed away a little with his sudden movement. He held his cup with both hands and looked at you in the eye.

“Because I have work, y/n-ah. And I believe I’m the oldest member in this group and being responsible is expected of me. And you? What is a pretty girl doing this early?” He said with a smirk, knowing very well how it’s affecting you. You realized he was teasing you and oddly, you decided to go with it.

“Oh. Because I have to find a job, Mark-oppa. So I don’t have to be a bum walking around this big house of yours.” You said and both of you laughed a little. You liked it. The light-hearted talk you were having with Mark.

Both of you heard another door open, and both of you suddenly sat straight, as if you were caught doing something you shouldn’t be doing when you were just talking. You both looked at Renjun, the person who made you and Mark flustered just by opening his bedroom door. Renjun was indifferent though, immediately sitting on the other couch and playing with his phone.

You stood up and made another cup of hot choco. You handed it to Renjun with a smile. He looked at the cup and at you, giving you a smile when he saw yours. He reached for the cup and gave you a small bow. After Renjun, the other members started to get out of their rooms too, and you gave each of them hot chocolate. It was 8:30am when they were all sitting on the couches in the living room, each of them holding a cup of hot chocolate. You were standing, looking at them from afar and smiling.

“30 minutes, kids.” Your uncle said and went outside, to prepare the car that they were going to use. The dreamies rushed in drinking. Jisung, being the youngest, put all the cups on the sink. You saw Mark approaching you.

“Are you really going out today?” He asked.

“Yes, oppa. I really have to find a job.” You answered and sighed, afraid that you won’t be able to find one today.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do great. Be careful, okay?” He said and you just nodded. He ruffled your hair, making your heart skip a beat. They all started to leave, each of the members saying ‘good bye’ to you.

Before preparing, you decided to clean the house first since it was your job. By 1 in the afternoon, you already left the house of the dreamies. You put a hat and mask on to make sure that no one would recognize you if anyone actually saw you leave the house. You went to the nearest public bathroom to fix yourself. When you were sure you looked decent, you started to do your thing.

You didn’t have to roam around Seoul because you only had one place in mind, SM Entertainment. You always dreamed of being a famous songwriter. You spent your whole life preparing for this, enrolling to an arts school that offered classes on how to write songs effectively. You completed as a top student at your school and you were honestly pretty confident in your skills.

You were not sure with how you could get to SM so you decided to take a taxi. You looked at the window as you moved, admiring how Seoul is living up to your expectations so far. After a few minutes, you were already standing in front of the building of SM Entertainment. You put your hand on your chest as you tried to calm your heart. You took a deep breath and entered the building.

You went to the information desk and they guided you happily. They lead you to a room and when you went inside, you saw that you were not the only one who wanted to be a songwriter for SM Entertainment. You patiently waited for your turn. It was already 3 in the afternoon when they called you to another room to have your interview.

You went in the room smiling, but you feel like your heart could burst anytime. You looked at the five people that you are supposed to impress today. They were intimidating but you reminded yourself to keep smiling and show the best of yourself. You were asked a number of questions including why you wanted to work in the company. You answered every question confidently.

“Okay, if you could wait outside for a while. We would like you to prepare some songs you have composed in the past so we could hear it.” One of the interviewers said. You bowed and said ‘thank you’ then left the room.

When they said ‘for a while’, you did not know that it would take more than two hours. Your interview ended by 4pm and it was already 6pm. A few more minutes, and thankfully, your name was called. They lead you to another room and when you went inside, it was a recording studio. You handed them the flash drive that contained the songs you wrote and sat on a couch in the room.

They played all the songs you had in the flash drive. You were unable to read their expressions and you kept biting your lower lip because of nervousness. You would catch them tapping their foot to the rhythm every once in a while but most of the time, they would just listen carefully and take notes.

By 8pm, they ended your appointment by saying that they would give you a call within 2 or 3 days. You once again bowed and said ‘thank you’, not forgetting to smile brightly. You did not know that it would take this long, and you were not even sure if you would be able to work for them.

When you were out of the building, you suddenly felt so tired and hungry. It was also a bit chilly, and you were wearing a thin blouse. You remember that you put your jacket on the couch before leaving, so you thought that you forgot it there. You just sighed and looked for the nearest café.

You kept walking and you found a café near a bus stop. You ordered milk tea and cake. You sat and once again sighed, wondering if you did a good job or not. You were already starting to think of other companies that you could apply at.

You decided to just call it a day and hope for the best. You unlocked your phone and scrolled through news. You saw that the official lightstick of NCT was already available and you made a promise to yourself that you would buy one as soon as you can.

You kept scrolling that you somehow forgot the time. You looked at the time on your phone and it read 8:51pm. You decided to leave the café and continue walking. You saw a playground and decided to sit for a while. You sat on a bench and looked at the sky. The sky was already dark and there stars were not very visible.

You felt your phone vibrate and you saw that your uncle was calling you.

“Y/n-ah? Where are you?” He asked, his voice full of worry.

“I’m just walking around uncle, don’t worry. Are you home now?” You said tiredly.

“Yes, we’re already home. Please be home soon. Do you need me to pick you up? You sound really tired.” He offered. “Anyway, the kids have already eaten so you don’t have to cook tonight.”

“No, it’s fine. I can just take a taxi.” You assured him. He agreed but told you to be home before 10pm. You said okay. He told you to be careful before dropping the call.

It was 13 minutes before 10pm when you arrived in front of the red gate. You entered the gate and knocked on the door. When it opened, you saw a barefaced Mark. He was wearing glasses and casual clothes. You smiled and he opened the door wider for you.

You went in to see all the dreamies in the living room. They all looked so serious so you thought that something bad had happened to them. You looked around the room to find your uncle and when your eyes met, you gave him a ‘what happened?’ look.

“They were worried about you. It was pretty cute to watch, they all seemed like your older brothers.” Your uncle said with a laugh. You smiled and looked at the dreamies, suddenly you don’t feel that tired.

“Where have you been, noona?” Chenle said with a pout. You sat beside him and nudged him lightly.

“I looked for work, Chenle-yah.” You said with a small whine.

“Ah, so cute~” They all said in unison, which took you by surprise. You blushed and hid your face.

“Okay, okay. Since y/n is here, all of you should rest now. Y/n has to rest too.” Your uncle said.

They all agreed and said ‘good night’ to you before entering their rooms. You said it back and gave each of them a smile. Your uncle entered his room too after ruffling your hair. You were left in the living room alone and again, the tiredness consumed your body. You rested your head on the back of the couch and closed your eyes for a while.

“You’ll fall asleep on the couch like that.” You heard someone say. You opened your eyes and saw Mark. You smiled but you were too tired to reply. He just laughed a little and sat next to you.

“How was your interview?” He asked and you just sighed, feeling more tired than ever.

“I don’t even know if I did well. I feel like I will not get the job.” You said, once again closing your eyes.

“I’m sure you’ll get it, y/n-ah. Don’t stress about it too much.” He said, trying to cheer you up.

“How was your day? Did your schedule go well?” You asked, knowing that he is tired too. You noticed his eyes the moment you saw him when he opened the door. He looked great even if he was barefaced, but the tiredness was obvious from his eyes.

“Tiring.” He said. You just hummed, your eyes still closed. There was a comfortable silence around you two. You felt yourself getting sleepy but before you could move, you felt Mark lay his head on your shoulder. You froze and opened your eyes.

“Let me stay here for a while please.” He said softly and you couldn’t help but feel the butterflies in your stomach. You stayed in that position for a while. You glanced at him and saw how peaceful he looked. You smiled and felt that you were starting to catch feelings for this guy. Sure, it has not even been a month since you met but damn, he’s making you feel things.

You felt him move and he said, “Go to sleep, y/n.” You nodded but remained seated. He stood and ruffled your hair, once again making you feel butterflies.

Mark’s Part 4 is done! Yay~ I’m trying to make HOME as entertaining as possible so please keep supporting it. I’ll upload the next parts as soon as I can. Thank you for reading HOME! ^^

Hope you like it!

Previous: Part 3

Next: Part 5

[traciedemars]

COVID & buying or selling...Education

Home Buyer & Seller Education & Virtual Classes

Please remember that, currently, ALL BUYER & SELLER classes are being held virtually. We look forward to teaching at the community centers again, once they open.

For the virtual classes, they are TWO hours long, and will start at the scheduled starting time. Please email traciedemars@aol.com for link & password

Upcoming Home BUYER Classes

Saturday, August 8, from 10am-12pm (ish)

Saturday, August 15, from 11am-1pm (ish)

Saturday, August 22nd, from 12pm-2pm (ish)

Monday, August 24th, from 5pm - 7pm (ish)

Saturday, August 29th, from 10am - 12pm (ish)

Upcoming Home SELLER Classes

Saturday, August 8th, from 12:30-2:30pm

Saturday, August 22nd, from 9am-11am

Thursday, August 27th, from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Happy August!

I have to admit.. I am sad today. Today is the day before the Clark County Fair would have started. Today I should be at the fairgrounds setting up our booth and getting ready for the fair to start tomorrow morning. We are at the fair every year, and as exhausting as it is, it is also fun, exciting...and honestly... I absolutely love it when our friends, family, clients (both past, present, and future) come and visit us. I love seeing everyone and visiting with them. I also love being able to give little gifts to everyone. I am also looking at the projected weather forecast for the next week, and honestly, I am crying a bit as it is really a PERFECT fair forecast.....of course it is, right? Remember how at the beginning of this year we were so excited? All the holidays that were going to fall on the weekends? 4th of July on a Saturday? Rock on! Halloween on a Saturday AND with a Full Moon? AWESOME! Christmas? New Years? On Saturdays? Score!! It's like the stars all lined up for a perfect year....and well, it's like that piece of cake you are so excited to come home to eat, and that you have been thinking about ALL day...and you come home, and it is GONE!!! Someone else ate it!! You know what I mean...right? That is what 2020 feels like to me... crazy.. but here we are.

HEADS UP, if you are a CLIENT, please check your mail boxes! We couldn't do a Client Appreciation this spring, but there is something in your mailbox that should be a little fun. We are also trying to plan something for the end of summer... we will see how that shakes out... stay tuned!

This month I am going to talk about showing a home and a few of those 'hidden' fees that people don't think about. Whether you are thinking about selling (because it is definitely a sellers market), or you are buying a home... how does that work right now with COVID and everything else going on? Well, hopefully, this should help. As always...feel free to reach out with any questions! Thank you!!

While showing homes, we go over lots of 'little' things that otherwise people don't think about. Some of these items are the 'hidden' costs of buying a home....those things that you weren't planning on, but probably should be. Not too long ago, I was on one of the facebook swap/free/sale sites, and I was reading how some people were upset with the home buying process and the 'hidden' fees they weren't told about. It is true that there are a LOT of fees and other expenses involved with buying a home. The point of these blogs, and of course, the home buyer classes is to give folks this information. There shouldn't be anything 'hidden' about the home buying process. As you know, I am a big fan of not sugarcoating anything....I believe that an ugly truth is better than a pretty lie every day of the week. You might not always like what I have to say (and that is ok), but I am not going to hold anything back from you on the off chance you might not ask me to help you buy, or sell, your home. Personally I don't just want to hear about the 'good' things about a loan, or process....I want to hear it all...the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that I can make the best decision for me and my family based on the pros and the cons....not just the good. So....yes, I am not going to just agree with what you read on the internet, or saw on HGTV, or heard from your direct and personal circle....I am going to give you the pros and cons because this is YOUR home buying (or selling) adventure, and YOU need to make the decisions. My job is to help you find, and have, all the information I can get you so that you can make those choices based on a full picture....not just half of one. Last month we talked about the 'basic' fees of earnest money, home inspection (including the possibility of radon & sewer scope), and appraisal. However there are a few other 'fees' that you might want to think about.

Other fees?

Changing out locks

...I always advise my clients to change out the locks of their new homes. Why? Well, even if the sellers give you all the keys they have...there is not guarantee that there isn't more keys running around somewhere. I used to change out my house locks every couple of years because my kids were always losing keys. Finally....last year... I went and purchased the the house locks that have the key pad. It is awesome!! I don't worry about lost keys anymore. Every family member has a code, and what is the best is that I can add and delete codes as needed. So...go away for a couple of days, and have a house sitter? Give them a code,and when you get back you simply delete the code. I tell you....worth it!

Mailbox key

...yes, legally you are not supposed to copy the mailbox key, but a lot of people do. Mail is not something you want to mess with. Take your HUD form down to the post office, and have them re-key the box, and get a new key. Cost is about $100, but for peace of mind...that isn't much. When you are changing out locks, talk with the locksmith... she/he may be able to help with this as well.

Paint

...you will probably want to paint some, or all, the rooms of your new home. Each gallon of paint runs about $25. Paint is the easiest thing you can do to make the home 'yours', and it's fun! Paint can change the entire feel of a room, or home. Personally, I am a fan of semi-gloss. I like the shine to it, and most importantly, it cleans up easy....with kids and big dogs, this is my go-to.

Minor repairs

...during the home inspection the inspector will probably point out repairs that the home may need. Some of these repairs may be cosmetic repairs that will be part of your 'honey-do list' with your new home. Remember that, at the home inspection, we are looking for any repairs that will affect the safety of the home, or occupants...or anything that may need a contractor to repair. The 'big' areas that we usually see repairs for are roofs, attic spaces, crawlspaces, and siding. These are the places that usually get called out during the repair process for a licensed contractor to come in Remember that home inspectors are licensed for home inspections. It is during this period that we will request a second opinion by a licensed contractor...who can give a better, more thorough inspection/repair for the item that the inspector called out. All homes have some repairs that will need to be done by the (new) homeowner....it is part of being a homeowner. Don't forget that the worst thing a homeowner can do is to defer maintenance. If you need help with that, give me a call or email... I always have a 'guy' that you can call for help. Anytime you need work done around the home that you can't do, give me a holler...I know people. I tease, but it is true. I know excellent contractors that will usually give you a better deal because I refer them out. I refer them out because they do a good job...and give better deals. Just like in Real Estate... referrals are the name of the game. :-)

Lawn supplies

...did you come from an apartment? Well, most likely now you have a yard. You will need a lawnmower to start with. There will be other lawn equipment that will follow...weed eaters, trimmers, wheel barrels, shovels, and a myriad other things that come with having a yard.

Appliances

...don't forget that washer, dryer, and fridges don't come with the home. If you don't already have these appliances then you may also be purchasing a washer, dryer, and/or a fridge. Just please, please, please wait until AFTER you get keys for the home before you go purchase these things.

Curtains/Blinds

...if your new home doesn't already have some then this may be on your 'to buy' list. Sometimes even if your home does have some, you may want new ones. Honestly, I have had very good luck with curtains at places like Target, or Fred Meyer, or even Wal-Mart. I think I've gotten all my curtains from Target. They have blinds as well.

House Cleaner/Carpet Cleaner

...when a home is vacant you know exactly what you're going to be walking into when your buyers agent (hopefully me LOL) gives you keys, but... when the home is owner occupied, you don't. Yes, you can and will do a walk thru of the home before closing, but it will still be occupied. In many cases, when the home is owner occupied the (soon to be) previous owner doesn't vacate the property until day of closing, or sometimes even a couple of days after closing. With cases like this, you really don't know what condition the home will be upon closing. We have to have faith that the (soon to be) previous owner will leave the home in a clean condition, but sometimes...well, sometimes, they don't. Also, one persons idea of clean is not another persons idea of 'clean'. :-) Many times, whether the home is vacant or owner occupied, a buyer will book a professional carpet cleaning, or house cleaning after closing....simply for peace of mind.

Insurance

...wait..you already have insurance, don't you? Well...yes, you have mortgage insurance, title insurance, and homeowners insurance, but what about earthquake insurance? You don't...

When I purchased my home my homeowners insurance included earthquake insurance. About 10 years ago though we received a letter that no longer would homeowners insurance include earthquake insurance....why? Because we live in the #1 high danger area for earthquakes. Because of that earthquake insurance must now be purchased separately. So, AFTER you buy your home, call your insurance company and add on earthquake insurance. Cost isn't too much, but it is important....just in case.

Toilet Seats

Yeah, I know you probably didn't think of that, but really....if it were me, I would change out the toilet seats when you buy your new home. Why? Well, since now you are thinking about it....I'm sure you can see why. LOL Toilet seats are not expensive, and really...having new seats just makes you feel better! :-D

As we've talked about, once you hire a Realtor to help you with your home adventure, you are ready for the 'fun' part.....LOOKING AT HOMES! :-) This is always an exciting time for buyers, and it should be! Every home you pull up to has the possibility to be 'the one'....The one you make an offer on, the one that you buy, the ONE that becomes YOUR HOME...and it is very exciting. For the sellers though, it is very stressful because currently it is THEIR home, and they're leaving so that strangers can come in. As a Realtor, we are trying to make this as easy as possible for both the buyer and seller, but we need help... especially right now...

We are in the world of COVID, and it has changed how we look at homes.

For the homeowners (sellers), we are asking that the home be available to show, that the home be clean, nothing of value is being left out, all medicines are put away and out of sight (not left in bathrooms or kitchen cabinets), anything that a seller wants excluded from the sale is noted, that sweet pups are either removed or kenneled, that sweet kitties are noted as inside only or inside/outside ok, and that please, please... homeowners (sellers) be gone for showings. Selling your home means opening up your home to strangers. Please note that anytime a Realtor shows your home, that Realtor is responsible for the buyers they bring into your home. If you have any COVID concerns, please bring them up with, and talk about them with your Realtor. As always, there is more to it than this, but that is a different class....and email. You can always call me for more information when you are selling your home.

For the buyers....it gets a bit more complicated... before we go house shopping, we are asking that you have a pre-approval letter with a solid lender, we are asking that you do not look at homes above your price range, we are asking that you have thought about the Top Three things you want in a home (so we can show you homes that have those items you value most), and that you help us help you.... We are currently in Phase 2 which means that we can't have more than 3 people (including the Realtor) in the house at a time, and yes, masks are currently required when we are showing homes. Many homes will request that we take off shoes so be sure to wear easy on/off shoes.

When a Realtor opens the lockbox to show you the home, we are taking responsibility for everything that happens from that moment on....until we lock up the house and put the key back into the lockbox. As I say all the time... Real Estate is NOT like HGTV... you don't just get to wander the home while your Realtor sits outside... we must be with you at all times when touring your potential new home. Sometimes this can be like herding cats, but we understand your excitement... just please, please as you are touring the home, and we know you have your family with you, please...we must all stay together. Don't make me sing to you here.....

As cool as those toys look, I'm sorry but the kiddos can't play with them, and sorry...but you can't jump on the beds either. It's ok to open cupboards, and closets, but we can't open dressers, or go through someone else's personal items. Touring a home is a VISUAL thing....sorry. However, yes, you can use the bathroom....usually.. sometimes we do have requests from sellers that bathrooms are NOT used. I showed a home last week where the sellers literally taped the toilets shut on days they were showing. I thought it was funny...

When we are looking at homes, often we have more than one home to look at, and many homes are owner occupied so your Realtor makes appointments. We do the best we can to make sure we have enough time to look at the homes, but we need to stay within our timeframes as the sellers are waiting to come home after we leave, or there are other Realtors waiting to show the home. I promise we are not trying to 'rush' you through the home...we are just trying to stay within the timeframes so that you can see the other homes on your list.

Looking at homes is exciting, and many of you will send your Realtor a long list of homes to go see, but what you don't know.....yet...that looking at homes is exhausting, and they quickly starts to blend together. Don't look at more than 6-8 in one appointment. I've had clients look at up to 10 at once, and that is a lot. We can do it....just be prepared. Your Realtor should give you a print out for each home we see, so be sure to take notes on each of the houses because they will blend together and you will not remember what you liked, or didn't like, about the first couple of homes by the time we get to the last couple of homes. :-)

With the real estate market being so crazy right now, it's important that if a home comes up that you like, that you let your Realtor know as soon as possible so we can make an appointment for you to see it. Many homes are receiving multiple offers and go pending within a few days. Your Realtor should be sending you a list of homes as they come on the market for you to check....drive by the homes...check out those neighborhoods....and let's make an appointment to go see the inside of the home.

Do not trust Internet photos! Realtors hire professional photographers for our listings for a reason. Smile Internet photos are a lot like internet dating...you don't know what you're going to get when you get there

Like the neighborhood, but not sure about the house? Let's at least go check out the inside! You never know as you can't judge a book (or a house) by its cover.

ASK QUESTIONS!! For heavens sake...this is a home you are thinking about buying... ask questions! As your Realtor, we are here to help! If we can't answer your questions, we can at least set up in the right direction to get those answers.

Buying a home is a very emotional experience. Your Realtor is here to point out pros/cons, and to help you.... Trust your heart, but use your head... or your Realtor. :-) Remember that we work FOR you.

As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one. Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships. Your agent, and your lender work for YOU. You drive the bus...we are merely GPS to help you get to your goals. Like the classes, this weekly blog email is to help you with your home adventure. The goal is to be informative and non-promotional. :-) We are, however, hoping you will call and want us to help with your adventure.

If you have any questions about this, or something you have heard...or if you would like me to help you with your home adventure, please call, email, text, or facebook me anytime. I am, as always, happy to help!

Thank you again for your business and your referrals!! ...and thank you for referring these classes to your friends, family, and co-workers.

. ..disclaimer...if you have already purchased a home, or would no longer like to receive these emails, please let me know and I will be happy to remove you from any further mailings...

Information is power, and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there.... If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.

If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime. You can call, text, email, or even facebook me. Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

Upcoming Topics:

What if I don't have a Down Payment?

How do I hire a Realtor, & do I have to sign anything?

Heating Types (but I want AC)

Last Week: Can you buy a home with ZERO out of pocket?

Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon,

;-D

Tracie DeMars

Real Estate broker

Re/Max - Van Mall

360/ 903-3504 cell

360/ 882-3600 fax

www.traciedemars.com

traciedemars@aol.com

“Interested in free and non promotional home education classes? Go to www.learningtobuyahome.com or www.freesellerclasses.com for local upcoming home BUYER and home SELLER classes, or facebook: Tracie DeMars Real Estate for my home buyer education blog.”

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."

- Shel Silverstein, American poet, cartoonist and composer, (1930 - 1999).

[kalidoesgenes]

A (Thurs)day in the Life of a 2nd Year UoM Genetics Student

I have been busy this week, because we are in our month of labs.  We now have labs three times a week for four weeks.  In other weeks, these hours are empty for independent study and naps.  I am suffering a severe culture shock.  For that reason, I’ve decided to go with random days rather than a straight week.  Apart from trying to find more time when I’m already busy, it will also mean that I can show you a day from a non-lab week as well.

I’ve also decided to include today because I feel like it’s important (for me) to be open about mental health and learning how to handle stress.

8am: I generally try to get up at 7am, but I’m feeling particularly stressed and tense this week.  I’m not getting as much work done as I would like  and I constantly feel like I’m missing or forgetting something, even though, when I make a list, everything is fine.  Not optimal, but well within parameters.  I play crush crush some more.  My wrist hurts, and I’m not sure I’m having fun any more.

9am:  I’ve eaten some oatmeal and left early, so I can do a bit of work before my 10am lecture.  I finish typing up some notes in the neat little study cubbies outside the lecture theatre.

10am: I like developmental biology, which is one of my optionals.  I also like that the professor prints off the slides for us, so I don’t have to get my own.  I also like the professor.  I like most professors.  They are adorkable.  Also, we have one who looks like Johnny Lee Miller, which is always nice.

11am: straight into labs, where we will be using light microscopes to examine the slides we’ve made over the past two days.  I hate light microscopes.  I can never see through both eye thingies at the same time, no matter how I adjust it.  I spend an hour struggling with it and then we go to lunch.  I pick up a meal deal, with some coke and cake, then go home to watch an episode of Friends and play crush crush some more before going back to fight the stupid microscope some more.  I happen to live very near the university, so I can accomplish this within an hour.

1:40pm:  Back to wrestling with the stupid microscope.  I can see through one eye at a time (though the squinting is kind of painful), so I’m able to make some drawings.  The professor tells me my drawings are wrong, but gets distracted before telling me why.  I try again.  They’re still wrong.  I tell him about the struggles with the microscope and he suggests that maybe there is something fundamentally wrong with my eyes and I will never be able to use a microscope properly.  I start to cry.  The short version is; stressful, tiring week, too much caffeine and sugar, and I hate not being able to do things.  The long version is, abusive/neglectful childhood in which I was not allowed to express emotions so I still struggle to express them reasonably, along with very low self-esteem, imposter syndrome which has just been confirmed by finding something I can’t do, triggering the fear that I have now reached saturation point and will never be able to do or learn anything more and the slide into failure will now begin, low sleep, high stress, and high sugar/caffeine.

  The professor isn’t actually mean, just matter of fact and concerned.  He suggests we go into another lab and finds me an alternative microscope with a different kind of eye-thingy.  I struggle with that for a bit, then go off for a quiet ten minute cry in the toilets.  I consider making myself sick, which is my stress response.  The longer version is, I used to get sick a lot as a child - migraines and lactose intolerance - and I would usually feel better after throwing up, which may have caused a connection between vomiting and relief in my brain.  Speaking of LI, my mother insisted I was making myself sick on purpose, force-feed me to the point of vomiting (either due to lactose or too much food) then feed me Tabasco sauce as a punishment.  This would make me sick again.

In short, it’s possible that I am so attuned to this abuse that I started doing it to myself as a punishment.  I realised this was a possibility a few months ago and vowed to not make myself sick again.  What’s the bloody point of going no-contact if I just do it to myself?

2:30pm:  I did not make myself sick.  I went back to the microscope and churned out some more drawings, then we have a session on what we were supposed to have discovered.  Based on this, I think my drawings were fine; if I’d had a bit more time and a bit less stress/panic, and maybe some calm answering of questions, I’d have got it.  This doesn’t immediately make me feel better, but does help later.  We hand in our lab books; I’m quite pleased with mine.  We have the weekend to create an image based on our slides and write a figure legend; I’m confident about doing this based on the final lecture session.

3pm: I decide to go to the library to try to work for a bit rather than go home and play videogames again.  Crush crush looms over me.  I get a soda and some m&ms, then try to work for an hour or so, but the internet is playing up and my focus is shot, so I go home.

5pm: there is only crush crush.  And maybe some other work inbetween.  And episodes of Friends.

8pm: I tell my boyfriend that I’m not sure Crush Crush is even fun any more.  I don’t tell him about the pain in my right wrist.  My mother had surgery for carpal tunnel a few years ago, and while carpal tunnel is not actually hereditary, the narrow bone structure at the wrists which is a contributing factor is.  I like my delicate wrists.  That’s what my arms look like.  I don’t want them to have to change.  I also have a bit of a phobia of general aesthetic, and, despite having had local anaesthetic within the last few years, I, deep-down in my bones, don’t really believe it works.  So I don’t want to have any kind of surgery.  At this point, I delete Crush Crush.  I may have deleted my progress or I may be able to get it back.  I don’t want to check.  I feel an instant sense of relief.

9pm: I did some work then started playing Cinderella Phenomenon, a visual novel in which you play as a cursed princess trying to break that curse by helping others to break theirs.  I get the bad ending for Rod, play again making different choices (while taking notes in a spreadsheet because that’s how I roll), and then go through again picking all the good choices to finally get the good ending.  While doing this, I tidied up, sorted out my stuff for tomorrow, and did my laundry.

1:30am:  ...okay, it took me this long to play through Rod’s storyline.  At least I’m playing this game because it’s fun and interesting and not because I feel compelled to get just a few more clicks.  I go to bed and listen to a hypnosis podcast on removing anxiety.  I’ve set tomorrow’s alarm to 9am, because my first lecture is at 11am.  Right now, I feel like sleep and recovery are more important than waking up early.

[geniuscloud]

Bad Liar- Chapter Three

I kinda went a little long on this chapter so enjoy! ALSO PLEASE DON’T BE MAD. I don’t know how to collapse the story so it doesn’t show up as long. I apologize! If anyone knows, PLEASE TELL ME!! Please let me know what you guys think, or if you have anything to say at all. I love hearing feedback! Thank you to everyone who has been reading this series. It means a lot to me. Xx

Genre: Fluff, Angst, and a little suggestive.

Jaebum/JB (GOT7) X Orginal Character

Collage/University AU

Warrnings: May cause slight heart break, and rage towards characters.

May contain: Brief mentions of BTS members.

Groggily I moved my arm, swinging it around, trying to blindly feel for my phone which wouldn’t stop beeping. The new semester meant waking up at 6am every morning for a 7:30am class; though luckily my classes ended by noon. Every ‘day one’ my first class was at 11am, and classes only lasted until 3:15pm. The only problem, I’m not a morning person. I get grumpy and agitated really easily until about 9am, then I start to properly wake up and join society as a happy person.

I got up after about 10 minutes of pep talking myself, chanting things like “if you get up today, you can see that cute Barista Jimin before class” and “If you don’t try to attempt murder, you can let yourself get ice cream from the convenience store after class.” After that I jumped in the shower, got dressed in some comfortable clothes, and did a little bit of makeup. I made a deal with myself to start letting my skin have a break on the days that I have class early. No more early morning cake-face, because once you get to university you start to realize sleep is extremely important and no one actually cares how you look early in the morning because everyone is just trying to stay awake to get their money’s worth out of the classes.

Around 6:45 I was almost ready to leave to the coffee shop; slipping on my black doc boots, when I notice I was basically monochrome dressed. Black skinny jeans and a grey shirt. Maybe I should try adding some color to wardrobe like Amie? She always wears such cute and colorful clothes. Maybe I could get more attention from boys if I was always cute like her and… What am I saying? Oh God maybe I’m getting jealous of her? Ugh, stop it. I’m fine the way I am, but… Okay, maybe some color in my wardrobe wouldn’t hurt. It would be better than looking like I’m going to a funeral all the time. I switch out the black jacket for an army green one, hoping that maybe I would look a little more approachable.

I slipped my contacts in last minute, and then grabbed my stuff before locking up. I was lucky now because this semester I have more time in the morning to get to my class. Living a little far away from school meant I got up around 6am for my 8:30am class, so this time it was nice having about half an hour to walk the equivalence of 2 parking lots. I could stop by the coffee shop, chat up the cute guy Jimin, and then head to class without worrying.

The little bell over the door rang as I walked in, a big smile on my face when I saw Jimin. I had gotten to know him a little better once he started working here 3 semesters ago. His dad owned the local coffee shop on campus, and he worked here almost every morning before his classes. He, unlike myself, was a morning person and didn’t mind waking up at 5am to open the shop at 6am. I would rather bathe in boiling water.

“Good morning Jimin!”

“Good morning Micah, you’re here early?” He smiled brightly.

“I moved on campus so I’ll probably be here a little more often, and a lot earlier than usual.”

“That’s cool. I’m glad to see you not as rushed and panicky like last semester.”

“Don’t remind me. Anyways, can I just get a Caramel Latte?” I said, biting my lip while thinking.

“Are you going to drink the whole menu this year as well?”

“We’ll see… Oh can I get a bagel too?”

Jimin ended up giving me the bagel for free as a little gift for being a very frequent customer. He wrote my name on the cup before tucking his light brown hair out of the way, and then resting the marker behind his ear. I sat down at the bar stool beside Jimin’s station munching away on the bagel as we continued to talk. “There sure are quite a few customers in here already and it’s only ten minutes after seven…”

“Yup, we get some really interesting people here when we open and when we close. Like that guy in the right corner hiding under his duvet with his laptop? His name is Taehyung, his friends call him V. He’s been in here every morning for the past 2 weeks right when we open. Even before campus properly opened for classes. That’s his third cup of espresso in two hours, and if you watch closely… He only blinks every 20 to 30 seconds. Apparently, he’s retaking a class and is trying to prepare so he does well. I don’t think he’s slept in a few days. He keeps mumbling something about plants.”

“Maybe he’s doing something to do with plants?”

“He’s a visual art’s major…”

“Uh oh.”

“Yeah, I hope he’s okay though. He’s the reason I put emergency services on speed dial on the business phone,” Jimin laughed pointing to the phone by the register. I finished up my food before grabbing my bag and I was just about to head out the door when I heard Jimin call out, “Hey Micah, are you free this weekend?”

“Uh I think so?”

“Want to go see a movie or something?”

“Yeah, sure! Are you working tomorrow, I can give you my number then? I’ve got to go to class right now” I yelled.

“I’m always here, of course. If you show up, coffee is on me.”

“I’ll be there, bye Jimin!” I darted out the door and started rushing towards my class. I was a language major, my strongest second language being English. My first class on day two was advanced English language and grammar. Which I felt would be a little easier for me, but boy was I wrong. Who knew that American’s were so weird dropping the u in words like colour and neighbour? As well as having words that are spelt the same, but sound different? Live and live, read and read? What is this?! We also established partners for any class activities, which I went to my usual partner throughout the first few semesters we had together. Thank goodness Namjoon was in another one of my classes, because he was really good with English. Where he excelled, I didn’t… though where I excelled cough pronunciation cough he wasn’t AS great. I was better at pronouncing words, and talking without an extremely distinct accent.

After what felt like forever, my classes were finally over. All I wanted to do was go home and sleep but I guess the universe had a different plan because as soon as I got home Amie was hosting what looked like a party. Though it wasn’t any of her new friends, it was JB and the guys. Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, Yugyeom, and BamBam. All 6 of JB’s close guy friends were in the living room packed around the built coffee table eating. It was a typical sight for me, just usually it took place at JB’s house. Youngjae was kicking everyone’s ass at video games like usual, while the others cheered him on. I saw Amie sat on the couch, pressed between JB and Yugyeom, with a bowl of chips in her hand.

“What the hell are you guys doing here?” I yelled over the TV. The game paused in an instant, all their eyes darting over to my position by the front door. No one had even noticed me coming in.

“Micah! You’re home, how are you?” Jackson smiled getting up from the floor and coming to give me a hug. He was the only one who really made an effort to come and greet me, which was a little unusual. Normally the guys were pretty excited to see me since I don’t get to see them often.

“I’m doing good. Class was boring… Amie how was your first day on campus?”

“It was fun. I went to that little café and got a coffee. The barista says he knows you!”

“Ah that’s Jimin, yeah he’s my friend. Oh by the way, we’re going to catch a movie this weekend. Do you want to come too?”

“Micah, that sounds like a date. Did you seriously just ask me to third wheel your date?” Amie smirked, raising her eyebrow.

“Micah has a date? With someone other than Jae…” Yugyeom announced before Jinyoung gave him a solid elbow to the ribs.

I rolled my eyes, “It’s not a date. Anyways, can you guys explain why you are all here?”

“You didn’t tell us you had a cute roommate who could cook!” BamBam, placing the controller down.

“I just got her yesterday, and I didn’t know she could cook.” “Well she’s great, you’re going to be seeing a lot of us if she’s here and making food. Try the pork buns!”

I sighed, walking over to the rest of the guys. I was going to sit down with them but with the 8 of them taking all the chairs and carpet space, it really didn’t seem like a welcoming environment. Amie shot me a small apologetic smile before answering the question in my head. “JB brought them over to surprise us. He said they are your friends too, and also thought it would nice to introduce them to me in the meantime.”

“It sure was a surprise…” I huffed. I threw my bag in my room, laying down on my bed for comfort. I just wanted sleep, or death at this point. This was starting to get a little annoying. I’m the kind of girl who likes a plan, and I don’t like drastic changes. When things don’t go the way as planned, I start to get agitated. My theoretical plan would be moving in with my childhood best friend, going to school, having this place as my relaxing safe space, and then JB’s place would be where I go for socializing. Now JB is here and brought the looney toon bunch with him…Plus my roommate is too much of a socializer to say no and turn them away.

“Micah? Are you coming back? Youngjae wants to verse you too!” Mark called from the doorway.

“I don’t have anywhere to sit” I exclaimed as I paced over to the group.

“Just sit on my lap, I don’t mind. I have strong thighs. Though I can stand if you want to sit down,” Jackson smiled sweetly. Some people would take that as a dirty suggestion, but Jackson was actually just a genuinely sweet guy.

“That’s not happening, Micah can sit here. I’ll stand…” JB interrupted, getting off the couch and moving to the side. I slid beside Amie, who still looked a little uncomfortable.

“So, what are we playing?”

“It’s a Grand Theft Auto death match,” Yugyeom replied passing BamBam’s controller over.

“Oh, you’re back playing this old game? I thought you guys would have been playing something new like Overwatch or something.”

“Hey why doesn’t Amie verse Micah?” JB asked. All the guys seemed to really like the idea of us playing.

“Okay, but just so you know I’m great at playing games” Amie replied, grabbing Youngjae’s remote.

“Getting cocky, are we? Care to make it a bet?”

“The winner gets something that belongs to the loser. Winner’s choice.”

“Deal.”

“I should warn you Micah, I never lose.”

“Neither do I” I smirked.

Saturday rolled around faster than I anticipated. Even though the guys said they would be over frequently, I hadn’t seen them since Monday. Which was a good break I guess… At least I was able to focus on school more, and I even got to hang out with Amie. We went shopping together a little bit, she got her nails done while I watched. We just had some free time to reconnect and get back on the same page as before. We both had changed a lot, but the chemistry was still there for the most part. She told me stories about living in the UK, and in Sweden. Apparently, she felt kind of lonely and awkward being part of the minority compared to when she’s home in Korea. The world has differently beauty standards, and here… She’s considered model gorgeous, like one of the most glamourous looking idols.

I woke up a little late on Saturday morning to the sounds of Amie making breakfast. She was busy trying to make crepes, but she dropped the pan before it made its way to the stove top. I ran in to check on her, reassuring myself that she was okay.

“What the hell happened?”

“I was holding my phone and the pan in one hand, and then it buzzed which startled me and I dropped the pan” she said, lifting the pan off the floor, “thank goodness there was no crepe batter in there yet.”

I picked up her phone off the floor, the screen lighting up with a message, “Who’s Jae emoji peach?”

“Oh, it’s JB. Get it Jaebum? Jae-bum. As in peach emoji, because it looks like a booty.”

“Yeah, I-uh… I get it. So, what’s going on with him?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you guys like…?”

“We’re just friends for now. He is going to come over soon though, he said since you’re busy maybe we could hang out and go for dinner” she smiled into her phone, “You’re okay with that right?”

“Yeah why wouldn’t I be? I have a date with Jimin anyways.”

“Thank you again for being super cool with all of this. I really like JB, and I think he likes me too. I hope you don’t feel awkward about this…”

“Me? Awkward? Psssh. We’re history, done, the past is the past. I have absolutely no romantic feelings for him whatsoever.” Amie put a crepe on my plate, decorated with strawberries and crème. I instantly shoved it in my face, trying to keep myself from talking because this could go really bad, really fast.

“Hey do you want help getting ready for your date with Jimin? I obviously love doing makeup and hair for other people. I could help with an outfit too?” Amie suggested.

“Oh, I don’t want to burden you…”

“It’s not a problem at all. I mean I saw Jimin, that guy is the most aesthetically pleasing guy I’ve seen in a very long time. He’s super attractive and would look really cute with you. You should doll it up a little an impress him.”

“If you want to… Please don’t make me look too uncomfortable though. I still want to look like me” I begged.

At first, she tried to dress me like her. A white crop top with a floral skater skirt, and sandals. Which was a huge “nope” in my books. We argued a little bit over my outfit, and then she finally went to MY closet to look for clothes. We settled on a black tank top, light high-waisted shorts, and my army green jacket. Once the clothes were settled she finally submitted to making me, still look like me. The makeup was neutral colored, and she added more body into my hair.

“Now you have that more intense beach wave look. It suits you, and it’s cute” she smiled, letting me finally look at myself. I’m not going to lie, I was feeling pretty damn confident in myself right now. The best part was that I still looked like me, just a little cuter. “You’re a work of art, now hurry up Jimin is going to be here in a little bit. JB should be here in a few minutes as well.”

I texted Jimin, letting him know I was ready. He replied that he was almost at the campus, and that he’ll be here soon. A knock at the door brought me to my feet, rushing to the door with excitement. I was really hoping for a good reaction from Jimin, since he usually sees me sleep deprived and not at my best. “Hey Jimi… Oh it’s you.” “Well nice to see you too ‘Best Friend” JB mocked, giving me a slight hug while entering.

“Sorry I’m just waiting for Jimin and he said he’d be here soon so I assumed it was him.”

“Wow, I’m hurt. You’re not even excited to see me anymore. What have I done to deserve this kind of treatment?”

“You keep coming over uninvited?”

“That’s not the point,” he laughed. He gave me a quick scan before returning his eyes back to mine, “You look good. Trying to impress a guy I assume?”

“Well now that I’m back in the dating game, I guess I better put some effort into it.”

“Admit it, I ruined you” Jaebum laughed, shaking his head side to side in a joking matter.

“You completely destroyed me, I’ll never be the same now” I rolled my eyes, cracking a huge smile.

“Seriously though Micah, you look good. I’m happy for you.” I felt a blush creep over my cheeks before adverting my eyes to the front door as the knocking sound protruded from it.

“Well I better go, I’ll see you later. Have fun with Amie, not too much fun though!”

“Same with you!” He called after me, as I closed the door behind him. He only caught a glimpse of Jimin’s face, the two of them sending each other a small smile.

Jimin was a kind guy, and was super sweet. You could tell by his little actions that he was super careful with every move, and he was also very caring and adorable. We saw a puppy running around in the parking lot after it escape from its owner, and oh my Lord, I’ve never seen a man act cuter with a puppy before. It made me want to plant a huge kiss on his plump lips, and squeeze him to death. Jimin was so kind to every person we met, making sure to say thank you and respectfully greet the people we came in contact with.

I got to know the little details about him and his life. His family had been running the little coffee shop his grandmother opened, on the side of their everyday jobs. Jimin had offered to basically take over as manager for the mornings because of his classes, and the pay was really good because of number of “hangry” students that stopped by. The most interesting thing I had learned about him was that he was actually a contemporary dancer, and could sing as well. Though he was too shy to sing in public, and promised to sing for me another time.

The date as a whole was really good, I enjoyed myself. Though there was a tiny piece of me who also couldn’t deny that we didn’t really have the relationship chemistry. He was an amazing guy, and he was really attractive, but we were also, really different. He was a morning person who cared so much about other, and was this bubbly ray of sunshine. Myself on the other hand, was a night owl who would cause murder if I was awoken too early for my own liking. I also had the tendency to be a little bit of a moody person and sometimes I can act like a total jerk. That was kind of the reason JB and I worked well together. We were always watching out for each other when our personalities were at their worst. We also understood how each other felt because we both know how it feels.

Maybe I wasn’t acting being sarcastic when I said JB ruined me, because there was a little bit of truth to that. I was always kind of comparing guys to JB. I realize now that maybe I just need to talk to JB about it. We never really had a proper conversation after the break up. We just instantly went back to friends, and just swept the feelings under the rug. Maybe it was time that we talk about things, especially if the two of us feel it’s time to properly start moving on. I couldn’t do that to Jimin anyways. That’s the worst thing I could probably do; starting a relationship with him before I even properly figure out my feelings for my best friend.

Jimin dropped me off at my dorm, which was still empty at the time. I invited him in for a little bit to thank him for taking me out and share some of the cake we bought from the bakery before we arrived. In the end, the evening was really nice. I had fun, and promised that we’d hang out a little more… as friends. I gave him a big hug before saying goodbye. It hadn’t been more than a minute or two when I noticed he had left his headphone on the counter. I grabbed them, slipping on my shoes and swung open the door. As soon as I lifted my head I was stunned to see two bodies in front of me. JB and Amie, planting a deep kiss on each other.

[missstormcaller]

WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU Part 9 Translation

Hey! Thought I should get to doing more WDkALY again before I leave it too long, I did as much as I could in my free time today, I hope no one will mind, but I cut marriage registration ‘1’ a little bit shorter (not too much happens here aside from setting up the scene for later on) so I can get to translating marriage registration ‘2’, I have a busy few weeks ahead of me so these translations may end up being slow anyway, sorry about that!

Marriage Registration

1

pages 90-96

6th sector - Kuchiki clan mansion

On a morning after one week since the gathering at the marriage announcement has passed.

"Nii-sama!"

Finishing squad preparations, Kuchiki Byakuya exited his room only to be called to a halt by Rukia. She nimbly folded her knees and propped herself up with both hands on the plain wood of the hallway.

"Today I will leave for the nyuseki*  formalities"

(*entering a family register as a married couple)

After bowing and then raising her face, Byakuya looked at Rukia with softened eyes.

"I see……has an appointment for going to the Kininkai already been settled?

Rukia tilted her head at hearing this unfamiliar word 'Kininkai'.

"Go to……Kininkai……? Don't I simply submit a notification to the Personnel Record Administration Bureau……?"

Watching his younger sister-in-law who looked puzzled, Byakuya's eyes widened in bewilderment for just a moment.

"……Chiyo"

"Yes, I'm here!"

Immediately there was a reply coming from the right hand side behind Rukia. Turning to look over her shoulder, to her surprise, her maid Chiyo was kneeling there whilst lowering her head in a deep bow.

"Give a detailed explanation to Rukia"

Without saying what, Byakuya gave this command with only a few brief words.

Having no need to enquire back, Chiyo responded with "as you please"

"……I will go now"

"Take care, Byakuya sama"

"Take care, Nii-sama!"

Chiyo said that whilst remaining in a low bow, Rukia stood up and watched his back until he was out of sight.

"Well then……Chiyo. What in the world is this 'Kininkai' that nii-sama was talking about?"

Rukia returned to her room accompanied by Chiyo, together with Abarai Renji who had just come to pick her up, they sat face to face with Chiyo.

"Kininkai is an abbreviation for 'Kinin* (*Golden seal) noble assembly. In cases of marriages involving the four noble clans it is compulsory to submit a document to the Kinin noble assembly, that document should be presented by the head of the family themselves."

"I see……! So that's why nii-sama asked me if I had a fixed appointment for going to the Kininkai"

Chiyo nodded 'that's right'.

"Where is this 'Kinin noble assembly'?"

When Renji asked, Chiyo laughed "you should avoid being impatient, Renji sama!", she spread out a piece of paper with four folds that was kept in between her waist sash, in front of the other two.

"In which case, please allow Chiyo to deliver an explanation regarding the process of the nyuseki!"

On that paper that was entitled [Rukia sama, Renji sama course of events up to the nyuseki], there was beautifully brushed writing and a myriad of details were penned. Chiyo pointed at them one by one, she carefully explained the numerous formalities leading up to the nyuseki.

"It……it's this complicated!?"

"I even feel the ill will of someone who doesn't intend to get married……!"

The pair who had finished listening to everything, both had their heads resting in in their arms, a summary of the nyuseki process is as follows.

1- For the marriages of persons residing within Seireitei - submission of marriage registration to the (7th sector) Personnel Record Administration Bureau.

2 - For the marriages of Gotei 13 soldiers -  submission of regimental soldier marriage registration to the (4th sector) Gotei Soldier Record Administration Bureau.

3 - For the marriages of official seats and above - submission of high spirit marriage registration to the (6th sector) Higher Order Spirit Rank Administration Bureau.

4 - For the marriages of nobles - submission of noble marriage registration to the (Central 1st sector) Noble Assembly.

5 - For the marriages of the four great noble clans, a marriage certificate is presented to the Kinin Noble Assembly (Central 1st sector), the husband and wife are present under the head of the family who submits it.

6 - Report to the captain/vice captain of the entire division at the squad's headquarters.

"By the way, the reception counter of the Kinin Noble Assembly is only open from 9am to 11am, so please be aware of that! It is for that reason that Byakuya sama was concerned about going to a Kininkai appointment"

"Is that so, that's no good I can't take half the day off……!"

Nodding a 'yes', Chiyo looked at her pocket watch.

"If you are going to face this process from now……because you are both well accustomed to using shunpo, Chiyo thinks you will be just in time to present yourselves for regimental soldier marriage registration!"

"Even if we use shunpo we can't visit more than two places!? Right now it's still……"

"It is seven minutes past nine"

"It is!? I understand that the Kininkai is compulsory, I hope I can go as far as submitting a document to the Noble Assembly!"

"Renji sama……the offices have a waiting time, that part is unavoidable. Since there is no way that each administration Bureau will simply do marriage registration at the reception desk……"

The Personnel record Administration Bureau that deal with people going in and out of Seireitei is particularly busy, it was famous for its long waiting times, it is said that they handle all procedures throughout the whole day.

"Renji, I wonder if there is no help for what you were saying to Chiyo?……Chiyo do you mind if I take these instructions?"

"Of course not!"

Chiyo gladly folded the paper up and respectfully held it out to Rukia. Putting it into her pocket, Rukia clapped Renji's shoulder and stood up, "let's go"

Marriage Registration

2

pages 96-113

7th division barracks.

Whilst walking Goro the pet dog at the back of the squad building, the 7th division's captain, Iba Tetsuzaemon, went around the premises to collect the previous day's paperwork.  

The typical collection method is that after work, each soldier submits their paperwork of the day to the collection box in front of the office, but the former captain Komamura Sajin did this in a specific way, "Morning collection walk", which Iba continued to this day.

Upon finishing the collection, Iba returned Goro to his pen, he took a seat on a bench that was placed next to that pen. The bench was right under the growing shade of a Yamamomo tree, and a refreshing breeze was blowing. Iba took out a bundle of reports from the documents container, he shifted his sunglasses to his forehead and eyed the contents thoroughly, he then inked areas of concern in red.

When the paper bundle reached half its original amount, Goro who was sprawled out by Iba's feet with a white fur coat that swayed in the gentle breeze, pricked up his ears, and then raised his body.

"What's wrong, Goro?"

Goro barked once as if to bring attention to something, he gazed intently at the alleyway beside the squad building and wagged his tail excitedly. Before long from that alleyway appeared two young werewolves wearing student's hakama indicating they were students of the Shino Academy, they started sprinting into a tumble.

"Urui! Shouma!"

"Tetsu saaaan!!"

The older brother Urui, who's grey fur fluttered, jumped at Iba's right leg as he stood up from the bench.

"Tetsu San, Tetsu San!!"

The younger brother Shouma who had an ivory-white coat of fur, clung to the left leg also. Goro delightfully ran laps around Iba.

"What have you been up to so early in the morning?"

After patting their heads, Iba grasped the back of their collars, peeled them off of him and then lowered them back to the ground. The pair playfully followed and pet a slightly disheveled Goro whilst talking.

"Since we are starting the apprenticeship from tomorrow, throughout today we are learning the path leading to the barracks of the division we are temporarily affiliated with, sensei told us to examine what's around us!"

Shouma declared, "it's the last day off before things become terribly busy!" Urui added.

"So then, Tetsu san! We……"

Pulling Urui's sleeve whilst breaking him off mid-sentence, Shouma said "Big brother that's unfair! I will also say it!"

"Well then, let's say it on go! Ready, set, go!"

"We were assigned to the 7th division!"

From around his waist height, two sets of cute round eyes stared up at Iba.

"Both of you! That's amazing!"

"Right! It's awesome! Since it's 1 out of 13 and 1 out of 13……err……"

"1 out of 169!"

"Ah! That's the probability! Big brother calculates fast……!"

With a "that's right!" Urui placed his hands on his hips and threw out his chest. The thick bushy tail that protruded from his hakama swayed left and right.

Normally, the former apprentices were selected at random, the head of the academy probably allocated them both to the 7th division whilst considering their feelings, Iba thought.

"Ah, that's right! We wanted Tetsu san to make us a tail hole again, today we've brought our Shihakushou's hakama given to us by sensei!"

Urui tucked up his sleeves, from a bag he took out a black hakama accompanied by a small sewing box which he then handed over to Iba. "Mine too" Shouma also took a hakama out from the bag.

"Of course……even though I'm not your mother……"

Despite uttering that complaint, Iba opened up the sewing box and began working. Contrary to that manly appearance, Iba was nimble fingered, from carpentry to housework and sewing, he could do anything. It was also Iba that made a hole in their student hakama for their tails to pass through which the werewolf brothers were currently wearing.

Urui and Shouma sat on both sides like they were sandwiching Iba, they watched fixedly, captivated by his skill.

"Hey, Tetsu san. We went to meet Sajin sama yesterday night. We informed him that 'we are starting our apprenticeship from the day after tomorrow'."

Urui said whilst focusing his gaze on the tip of the needle sowing forward with a *prick-prick*.

"You snuck out of your dormitories again!……then, was Sajin dono doing well?"

"Uh huh! When we went and hunted such a plump pheasant!"

Shouma spread both of his hands widely with a complacent smile.

"I see. that's good"

"It was still warm and delicious"

Urui watched as Shouma licked his lips, "That's bad manners!" he chided.

"Sajin sama wanted us to tell Tetsu san that as a leader of people you must, more than anyone else, take care of yourself"

As Urui said that, Iba's hand suddenly stopped moving.

"Tetsu San was at the training field late at night and was discovered by Sajin sama" Shouma giggled.

"……He can see through anything…… I'm no match for Sajin dono……"

Iba sighed and then laughed a little.

Komamura Sajin did battle using the secret "Humanisation technique" handed down to him by his werewolf clan in order to strike down the enemies of Genryusai, in the end, the price he paid for that was transforming into an animal that could not speak.

Along with becoming a wolf, Komamura survived through the Great War, he remained hidden in the hills behind the training fields, Iba reported to everyone that "Captain was killed in action".

All the existing captains and vice captains felt the spiritual pressure of Komamura - although it became much smaller and could not compare to before - but respecting the decision of Iba, they dealt with it as if he were killed in action.

Even when it became a popular topic of conversation that a large wolf had settled in the hills behind the 7th division's training grounds, everyone in the inner circle thought "it's Komamura Sajin……" whilst maintaining an air of indifference towards the subject.

One night, after half a year had passed since Komamura began living on the hillside.

Iba thought that it seemed as if Sajin was summoning him, he jumped up from his futon. He grabbed his haori and rushed out the front.

"It's going to be getting reasonably cold……"

Iba walked upon the training grounds, Komamura sat at the foot of a grass covered hill. When he caught sight of Iba's figure, he got up and gave a small bark, he then lead Iba up the hill. As he followed, he tread firmly on the soft ground were fallen leaves had accumulated, he was guided before a hole, approximately one meter in diameter, dug directly into a steep slope.

"Is there something inside……?"

Iba stooped down and concentrated his gaze inside the the pitch dark hole.

"Who is it? Sajin sama……?"

He thought he had imagined hearing the small voice coming from inside. Komamura barked towards the inside, there were sounds of something stirring about, two young werewolf boys creeped out. They were wearing clothes that were similar to rags, their fur was slightly dirty, only their eyes were a breathtaking vibrant orange colour.

"This is……! Are they werewolf children……!?"

Looking at the surprised Iba, the two werewolves with cute eyes said "Wooow!" in a raised voice.

"It's Iba Tetsuzaemon San!"

"Awesome, awesome! It's the real Tetsuzaemon san!"

The pair delightfully ran around Iba.

"Sajin sama called him here! Thank you very much!"

The young boy with grey fur threw his arms around Komamura's neck. Komamura responded with a sniff and softened his eyes.

"Tetsu san! We came here because we want to become shinigami!"

The other young boy with ivory-white fur, jumped about whilst grasping Iba's clothes, he teared himself away and said "hey! When people meet people, they introduce themselves first!"

The pair kneeled alongside each other whilst resting on both hands in front of Iba.

"It's nice to meet you! I am Urui of the werewolf family! I'm this guy's older brother"

"I am called Shouma! I'm the younger brother!"

In unison they voiced a "pleased to meet you" and bowed.

"I'm Tetsuzaemon Iba. 7th division captain."

Iba bowed sternly, "we know!" Shouma laughed.

"We read this and decided we want to become shinigami!"

Urui carefully took out a worn out magazine that was inside his pocket, he showed the front cover to Iba.

It was a squad 7 special feature issue of 'Seireitei communication' published many years ago.

Iba carried the two back to the squad house, they both took a bath first of all. Meanwhile, he quickly prepared rice balls and soup in the kitchen, the pair got up from the bathtub and put on new clothes, they then sat in front of the hibachi* (*traditional Japanese heating device) and ate their meal. Komamura hated the idea of heading inside, but he was pulled in regardless given no choice by the brothers, thinking "good grief" at the situation, he settled himself down in the corner of the room.

"So you guys, how did you come here?"

Iba asked the two who were now completely clean, whilst he was warming up with hot sake.

"We were packed into uncle's* cargo!" (Note: this ‘uncle’ person is not actually their uncle, ojisan is not uncle in this context but using other words like ‘mister’ didn’t flow well with the text so he will be referred to as ‘uncle’)

"Shouma, he won't understand if you just talk about that all of a sudden! Tetsu san, is it okay if this becomes a little long?"

Watching as Iba nodded, Urui put down his soup bowl and began talking.

"Because our werewolf clan normally live inside a den, we almost invariably don't know anything about the situation of the outside world. Even if we ask adults they say they don't know, so I thought I should go see for myself, together with Shouma, we secretly sneaked out of our den at the dead of night……"

"We went to a nearby town! The stars that came out were amazing!"

"The werewolf clan live on top of a large mineral deposit where various gems are mined, they are extracted for business. Since we knew that once a month, an adult takes the gems to a nearby town to exchange them for clothes and other supplies, we followed the scent and went there. It was night so there was no one on the streets but, the both of us got to take a look around for a while."

"Then, we met uncle!"

At the edge of town, a large refined looking man with a muscular build, was happy to see the two small werewolves and gave a broad smile.

"That person, he always carried out the gem transactions with our werewolf clan, he was uncle goods transporter."

"This book, he gave it to us!!"

Shouma put aside his food and instead picked up and embraced the "Seireitei communication" magazine.

"Since we knew uncle would be in town in the evenings of the days the adults would go bartering for goods, we went to meet up with him many times, we heard about the outside world……stories of the Gotei squads. The fact that a very powerful ryoka came, that there was a battle to protect a human world town, that there was an awfully huge war and a lot of shinigami lost their lives……"

"Apparently, a lot of the 7th division shinigami also passed away. Sajin sama too……we were told he was dead. However we would not believe that! Such a big, strong and cool person like Sajin sama could not be dead……!"

"So then, we decided to go and confirm it. If he had truly died, at that moment……we said, let's become shinigami in Sajin sama’s place!"

The Hibachi's glowing embers were reflecting in the eyes of the two who looked directly up at Iba. The original orange mixed with red, it appeared as if the insides of their eyes were set ablaze.

"If we said that to our mother, she would tell us 'don't say say such reckless things!' She'd get so angry that she'd lock our bedroom door from the outside at night……in the daytime the adults are watching and we can't sneak out, we were worried about what to do, on the day our father had bartering duty, he took us with him to town"

Before departing, their father said "since they've been secluded in a den the whole time, they've started talking about becoming shinigami. If I show them around outside a little it may calm them down." He persuaded their dissenting mother and then took the pair out.

"Our father did the business transaction at the edge of town with uncle goods transporter, at the end he said "won't you transport these guys to Seireitei".

"At that moment father handed over a red gem wrapped in a cloth, I saw it!"

"It was a ruby I think. I guess that was our transport fee.……father said 'shrewdly follow down the path that Sajin sama has opened up' with a smile he sent us off."

Watching his father's figure as he waved his hands enthusiastically, Urui suddenly thought that their father also might in fact have wanted to become shinigami. 'Did he give that up when we were born'.

As they both remembered their father, they seemed lonely, their ears turned downwards. The quiet room resounded with the noise of crackling charcoal.

"Uncle gave us cloth to hide our faces, so we wore that and walked through Rukongai for several days……we were then concealed inside a wooden box and loaded onto a cart before a huge gate."

"We were taken in swiftly without being exposed but, we were told we couldn't be unloaded in a place where there were people watching, so we went to uncle's delivery destination! It was a very big workshop called 'Omaeda Jewels'."

“The Omaedas' company buy gems from our werewolf clan……!"

'Omaeda Jewels' is one of soul society's Jewelers run by the Omaeda clan. The second division's vice captain Omaeda Marechiyo serves as the manager of the precious metals department; it was a familiar company Iba thought, but he's never heard of there being any relation to the werewolf clan before.

"To start with, we thought we should meet Tetsu san, we asked uncle about the location of the 7th division. In order to not be discovered by people, we only traveled at night time, we passed through mountainous terrain and forests……on the night of the third day, in the middle of the forest we detected the scent of a fellow wolf……!"

"We thought, Sajin sama is alive after all! We followed the scent and arrived at that hole, finally we found Sajin sama!!"

At that moment their excitement returned, Shouma stood up and started hopping up and down on the spot.

"We explained to Sajin sama about everything until we came here, 'Tetsuzaemon will surely be of help to you' he told us……"

"Wait a minute! You guys can understand the captain's speech……!?"

"Eh? Tetsu san doesn't understand?"

"Shouma, people don't understand wolf language. That's normal."

Urui declared, Shouma sadly lowered his tail and walked towards Komamura. Sitting beside him Shouma said "Sajin sama is there anything you want to tell Tetsu san? I can relay it for you", he brought his ear close to Komamura's mouth. After pondering on this for a little while, Komamura gave several low barks, catching his words, Shouma came back in front of the hibachi with a smiling face.

"What did captain say……?"

"First of all he wants you to stop calling him 'captain'! Since Tetsu San is the captain now, it's uncomfortable to be called so"

"I, I see……! I apologise, ca…… Sajin dono!"

Facing towards Komamura, Iba bowed his head, "you saved it at the last moment just now!" Urui said.

"And one more thing, 'Tetsuzaemon is well suited for parenting' he says!"

"Huuuuh……!?"

"Hahaha! I also think so too Sajin sama!"

"Me too I also think so!"

Watching as the pair rolled with laughter, a slightly embarrassed Iba took a gulp of his sake.

"What in the world do you think the time is right now……captain Iba!?"

Vice captain Iemura Yasochika, who came to give a warning to what seemed like soldiers staying up late, was lost for words when he saw the line up of faces illuminated by the Hibachi.

(Who are those wolf children!? And could that big wolf in the corner possibly be Komamura Sajin sama then……!? So does that mean those wolf children are members of Sajin sama's clan……!?)

"Ah! I know this guy!" Said Shouma pointing at Iemura whose mouth was agape.

"He's the person that's third seat of the 4th division!"

"If I'm not mistaken……that is Iemura san! Hey Tetsu san, why is there a 4th division member here so late?"

"You both might have read in 'Seireitei Communication' that this guy is in the 4th division, well he's my vice captain now"

Hearing that, the pair exchanged a glance at each other's faces "vice captain!?" they rushed over to Iemura.

"Nice to meet you! I'm called Urui, of the werewolf clan!"

"I'm called Shouma!"

Together they said, "Pleased to meet you lieutenant Iemura!" and they bowed.

"Th-that's very kind…… I'm Iemura Yasochika, vice captain of squad 7……"

"These children, I will take responsibility over these werewolf brothers"

"Tetsu san, you’re accepting us!?"

"Hooray!!"

The two kicked off the floor, flying past the hibachi to embrace Iba. Behind his sunglasses, Iba looked fondly at them, he gently placed his hands on the two heads.

"What are you mumbling about Iemura, it's off-putting! Spit it out clearly!"

"No, that……it’s just that captain Iba makes that kind of facial expression too……"

It was the first time in half a year seeing Iba with a smiling face. Naturally he was a man who didn't smile very much, after the Great War and since the captain's inauguration, his face was always tense and stern.

"What, you have the cheek to say that……!"

Iba tried to throw his sake cup at Iemura after feeling embarrassed that his smiling expression was seen but was stopped from doing so by Komamura. Komamura barked several times in a row, before long Urui translated the contents.

"You get too worked up. You need to loosen up the tension in your shoulders some more"

Dropping his raised arm, Iba apologised to Iemura, "sorry".

"Please don't apologise……it was on the spur of the moment. I will understand if I get a scolding right now however, if you will just allow me to say this……"

Iemura came closer to the hibachi, he sat on his heels in front of Iba and pushed his spectacles up.

"Captain Iba, I believe you have the tendency to be a little too stubborn. You train until late every night, regardless of the late hour I have to wake up to heal your wounds. It seems as if I was seated as vice captain because of the fact that I was from the 4th division. Even if I tell you to take a little rest, you do not listen, you relinquish your day off to train again and again……watching the captain being like that, the troops also train all the time until late, they barge into my place to fix their broken arms and fractured bones. Even when I have vice captain duties. Everyone says 'I want to be strong like captain someday', 'I want to be able to support the captain someday', truly……you are a wonderful captain. Except in just one place, you don't  seem to appreciate your vice captain much."

Iemura said almost without taking a breath, he fearfully raised his face, Iba silently held out a sake cup for him.

"……thank you very much"

Iemura accepted it and remained quiet as the sake was poured.

The werewolves who were exhausted fell asleep atop Iba's knees, their light snoring could be heard. Settling against the Hibachi's embers, the two continued to drink together in peace.

Illustration of Iba, Iemura and the wolves in front of the Hibachi is placed here!

A few more pages of Marriage registration 2 left by the way I just stopped at the illustration.

[instantdeerlover]

The Best LA Pop-Ups, Summer 2020 (1) added to Google Docs

The Best LA Pop-Ups, Summer 2020 (1)

We’re not sure if you’ve heard, but LA is in the midst of a renaissance. But you won’t find any lame ceiling paintings or anatomically lacking sculptures. What we’re witnessing is something much greater than all that. It’s a new dawn, a complete rebirth. It’s the beginning of a better, more delicious epoch. Behold! The Golden Age of Pop-Ups!

[INSERT GRAVE-SHAKING AWE AND HARP SOLOS HERE]

Sorry... we haven’t spoken to another human being in five months. Where were we? Oh yeah, pop-ups!

From dazzling boxes of sushi to Caribbean roti, some of the best (and most exciting) dishes in the city right now aren’t being made in restaurant kitchens - they’re coming from backyard BBQs, coffee shops, and loan office parking lots. But more on that later. Without further ado, here are the 27 great LA pop-ups you should know about.

   Featured In The LA Socially Distant Summer Guide Everything you need to enjoy some semblance of summer. THE SPOTS  Adda, The Hangout $$$$ 672 S. Santa Fe. Ave.

Not only do you get to eat delicious Indian food at Adda, The Hangout, you’re supporting a great cause, too, as a portion of all proceeds are donated to charities like No Kid Hungry and the LA Food Bank. Right now, the menu is only two dishes - kadai chicken served in a thick gravy with onions and bell peppers, and Punjabi chole (garbanzo beans cooked in onions and tomato sauce) - plus jeera rice that comes included on the side. All ordering is done through their Instagram, and pick-up occurs after 5pm on Wednesdays.

 Aliza J. Sokolow $$$$ 1121 Glendon Ave.

LA food photographer and stylist Aliza J. Sokolow started baking her own challah and cookies - and selling them to the masses - in late spring. All ordering is done through her website, with five different pick-up locations throughout the city, ranging from Santa Monica to Echo Park to Encino. She’s also donating a portion of all proceeds to local charities.

 Ăn Cơm An Com $$$$

Here’s how it works: Once a week, the homestyle Vietnamese pop-up drops a new menu on Instagram - most recently, they’ve featured dishes like cơm gà (poached chicken served over burnt star anise rice) and thịt kho, or caramel-braised pork belly. Once that goes live, you have approximately one hour to drop everything (and we mean everything) and head to their link in bio to place an order. Be warned - pre-orders tend to sell out quick.

 Anjahles Anjahles $$$$

The menu at this Jamaican fusion pop-up is constantly changing, but what stays consistent is their innovative take on Caribbean cooking. Well, that and their incredible graphic design skills. Past menus have included burritos made with oxtail, jerk chicken served over rice, and “mosschata,” an Irish moss horchata sweetened with agave nectar. The menu is posted every Friday at 9am for preorders — so make sure you set an alarm (or seven), then text your order to (323) 300-4054.

 Anikah Shaokat Bali Mesari $$$$

Chef Luh Putu Suarniti harnesses the unique flavors of Bali at this Downtown pop-up. Think fragrant plates of nasi jinggo, a classic dish made with chicken, yellow rice, and coconut milk, or Balinese pork ribs served with sambal matah. Pre-orders for Bali Mesari open every Saturday at 5pm, DM their Instagram to place one.

 Bridgetown Roti $ $ $ $ Caribbean  in  Arts District $$$$ 672 S. Santa Fe. Ave.

This Caribbean pop-up specializes in one thing, and one thing only - Bajan roti. Pockets of thick, flaky dough are stuffed with fillings like curry-braised oxtail and peppers, as well as sweeter options, like curried yams and mangoes. Lurk their Instagram for the next pick-up date, then DM to order. And maybe bring a friend? Orders are capped at eight patties/person.

 Brant Cox Burmese, Please! $ $ $ $ Burmese  in  Arts District $$$$ 672 S. Santa Fe Ave.

Securing an order here might require a bit of planning (pick-ups only happen twice a month, on Tuesdays), but in a city with shockingly few Burmese options, breaking out your calendar app just might be worth it. The Southeast Asian pop-up brings you dishes like fermented tea leaves, catfish soup, and vegan khao swè, a traditional curried stew made with thick noodles. But what really makes the food special here are the details — our Editorial Operations Coordinator, Anikah Shaokat, recently ate here and had this to say:

“Everything at Burmese, Please! is rave-worthy. But what really made the entire meal memorable were the accoutrements. Namely the Ngapi Kyaw, a salty, umami-rich fermented shrimp powder. This is a staple in Southern Burmese cooking (very close to where I grew up), where seafood isn’t just food, but a way of life.”

So… yeah. It’s probably time to fire up the Google Calendar.

Calabama $ $ $ $ Sandwiches  in  East Hollywood $$$$ 5406 Lexington Ave.

Turns out, there are very few greater joys in quarantine than watching a breakfast sandwich being lowered in a bucket from a fourth-floor fire escape - particularly when the sandwich tastes as good as the one from Calabama. This Sunday-only pop-up operates out of an East Hollywood apartment, where ordering is done via their Instagram and pick-up comes in the form of a giant red bucket that’s lowered into your awaiting arms. The sandwich itself is essentially a giant breakfast grilled cheese, and yes, it’s even better than it sounds. Be sure to grab a bottle of their (literally) home-made hot sauce, too.

 Brant Cox Carla Cafe $$$$ 9229 W Sunset Blvd

Home to some of our favorite new sandwiches in LA, Carla Cafe currently pops-up every few days inside Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood. They post all the ordering details on their Instagram so definitely give them a follow and, uh, wait? (we’re not sure why they’re private, either). Stay diligent, though - they sell out quickly. They only make one kind of sandwich each day and it always changes, but just know that whether you get the garlic aioli chicken, tuna chop, or pesto chicken, it’s going to be incredible.

 Brant Cox Chainsaw $$$$

Located inside a garage in Echo Park/Historic Filipinotown, Chainsaw started as an underground dinner party series in 2019 run by the former pastry chef at Here’s Looking At You (RIP) and a sous chef at Providence. During quarantine, it’s become a contactless pop-up selling homemade pies, ice cream, and a grilled pork sandwich that needs to be put on your priority list immediately. Available only on Sundays as a part of their $30 “Chainsaw Lunchbox,” this hefty sandwich comes topped with smoked potatoes, shredded lettuce, black butter, tomatoes, garlic mayo, and grilled pork shoulder we’re confident would be a star dish on any restaurant menu in town.

 De Porres de Porres $$$$

For seven years, Pablo Osorio and Danielle Bell staged intimate dinner parties across the U.S. Now, they’ve launched a weekly delivery service, featuring an always-changing menu of dishes inspired by Osorio’s native Peru, and desserts inspired by Bell’s time in the South. That means gravy-smothered quail, vegan causa (Peruvian potato casserole), and caramel pound cake - delivered right to your door. For ordering info and more, check out their website.

 Brett Keating Dough Daddy LA $ $ $ $ Pizza  in  Downtown LA $$$$

A new pop-up in Downtown LA, Dough Daddy makes incredible Detroit-style pizzas and (presumably not-Detroit-style) cocktails. And if you’re wondering what, exactly, a Detroit-style pizza is: It’s a thick, rectangular pie with Wisconsin brick cheese melted on top, and then topped with tomato sauce. The pies are absolutely tremendous here - crunchy, doughy, and chewy all at the same time - and the accompanying cocktails taste like they came from your favorite tiki bar. Order through their Instagram, but be warned: Pick-up slots disappear faster than the Lions’ playoff chances. For more info, check their Instagram.

 Golden Rice Co. Golden Rice Co. $$$$ 9229 Sunset Blvd

A Persian pop-up making perfectly crisp, Saffron-studded tahchin - rice cakes popular in Iranian cuisine - Golden Rice Co. does Sunday pick-ups and deliveries, and they sell out fast (like, they’re currently taking orders for September 6th). To see their full menu, which includes other Persian favorites like Mast (a refreshing salad made with yogurt, cucumbers, and dill), or to place an order in while you still can, check out their Instagram.

 Brant Cox Gold Land BBQ $ $ $ $ BBQ  in  Culver City $$$$ 12430 Washington Blvd.

Gold Land BBQ sets up shop every Sunday in the back parking lot of Menotti’s Coffee Stop in Culver City West. Running from 11am-3pm, expect a true neighborhood barbecue feel, complete with a giant grilling pit, music on the loudspeaker, blankets and chairs strewn about, and some of the best Santa Maria-style BBQ in LA. The ribs and linguica sausage are standouts. You can pre-order through their website.

 Kinkan Kinkan $$$$

From neatly packed sashimi bentos to dazzling boxes of uni, this Silver Lake sushi pop-up is utterly obsessed with perfection - but in the best way possible, kind of like Sugarfish on Adderall. Elaborate chirashi dons are served in ceramic bowls (which can be purchased for $5) and are filled with expertly cut pieces of bluefin tuna, unagi, sea bream, and ikura. Plus they give you a little can of yuzu soda with every meal, which is just... nice? DM their Instagram to pre-order.

 Brant Cox Kuya Lord $ $ $ $ Filipino  in  La Canada Flintridge $$$$ 4526 La Granada Way

This Filipino pop-up is run by Lord Maynard Llera, a former sous chef at Bestia, and operates entirely out of his house in La Canada-Flintridge. There isn’t a set ordering schedule at the moment, but you’ll get all the menu, payment, and pick-up location details by following @kuyalord_la on Instagram. So go ahead and do that right now, because this food is simply too special to miss. The pancit chami is a revelation.

Neighborhood BBQ $$$$ 4730 Crystal Springs Dr.

Neighborhood BBQ is run by Erik Piedrahita, the former executive sous chef of Bon Temps (RIP), and specializes in giant family-style BBQ kits. The exact menu changes weekly, but you can expect a few different salads, mac and cheese, cornbread, and a Santa Maria-style protein of some sort - all packaged together for about $90. Orders open Monday at 10am via their website and pick-ups happen Saturday at 6pm in Griffith Park.

Nunchi $$$$

Roll cakes decorated with flowers. Lotus rice that’s been stained pink. And jelly mooncakes in the shape of corn on the cob? At Nünchi, the lines between art and food aren’t just blurred — they cease to exist. Equal parts Korean pop-up, dessert catering, and vaporwave dreamscape, everything here seems too pretty to eat — but maybe that’s the point? DM their Instagram to pre-order.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NÜNCHI (@eatnunchi) on May 12, 2020 at 9:07am PDT

Paratta $$$$ 672 S Santa Fe Ave

Paratta is an Arts District pop-up specializing in modern Desi (South Asian) street food. Think flaky lachha paratha rolls, chicken tikka samosas, and wagyu beef kabab platters. They’re currently open Wednesday-Sunday and ordering is available online and through most major delivery apps. Pick-up is located at Crafted Kitchen, at 672 S. Santa Fe Ave. in the Arts District.

 Perilla Perilla $$$$

Perilla is a Korean pop-up where chef Jihee Kim cooks a rotating menu of banchan out of her tiny kitchen in Koreatown. She takes inspiration from whatever she sees at the farmer’s market that week, which means seasonal dishes like corn crab salad with tomatoes, fermented carrot in ginger and mandarin zest, and green beans in creamy garlic confit. For menu and information, check out her Instagram.

 Ribtown BBQ Ribtown BBQ $$$$ 2125 W. Jefferson Blvd

This Southern-style BBQ truck is serving pit-smoked perfection, in the form of hot links, pulled pork, and, their house speciality - tender, juicy rib tips covered in a custom Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce (a.k.a. Mark Zuckerberg’s favorite meat accompaniment). And although they might operate out of a loan office parking lot, when the meat looks this good, there’s no way in hell you’ll be leaving alone. Yes, we went to college. And yes, we’re still paying off those loans - maybe with Ribtown, we’ll kill two birds with one stone? Open Friday through Saturday, pre-order through their website.

 rose + rye $ $ $ $ Cafe/Bakery ,  Dessert  in  Granada Hills $$$$

This dessert pop-up has only been around since the end of May, but it’s already managed to hold cake auctions in honor and raise funds for Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain, participate in the Pies For Justice bake sale, and educate their followers on critical radical justice issues. All of this, while continuing to make one of the best treats in town - baked in a crisp, golden crust, Rose + Rye’s banana Nutella pie isn’t just good, or even great - it’s Decadent with a capital D. Head to their Instagram to place an order.

 Shappy Pretzels $$$$ 11701 Moorpark St.

Philadelphia might’ve given us Gritty and Kitten Mittens, but our favorite thing to ever come from The City Of Brotherly Love is unequivocally the soft pretzel. And now, you can get the real thing right here in LA. Operating out a cafe/catering shop in Studio City, Shappy Pretzels is a one-man pop-up that offers pick-up from 11am-11pm Thursday-Sunday. Ordering can be done via their website, but be sure to plan ahead, they tend to be sold out about two weeks in advance.

 Thank You Coffee Thank You Coffee $$$$

This is easily the cutest coffee pop-up in the city, and perhaps even… the world? Operating out of the Chinatown stationery store Paper Please (good manners abound here), Thank You Coffee offers a compact menu of pour overs, herbal teas, and specialty drinks, like the You’re Welcome latte, made with lapsang souchong syrup (a smoky, aromatic black tea from China’s Fujian Province), chicory pecan bitters, espresso, and oat milk. Plus all of the bottles come with little cat drawings. What the hell.

 The Bad Jew The Bad Jew $$$$

Rebecca King is the titular Bad Jew at her “very un-kosher” sandwich pop-up, which operates weekends out of places like The Nosh in Beverly Hills and Naughty Pig on the Sunset Strip. She wood-smokes and cures all her own meats for sandwiches like the Reubecca (a corned pork Reuben) and the Danny Boy (a pork pastrami Reuben).

 Villas Tacos $ $ $ $ Tacos  in  Highland Park $$$$ 4958 Lincoln Ave.

This backyard spot in Highland Park is making some of the Best New Tacos In LA. Starting with a Dodger-blue corn tortilla base (taquero Victor Villa’s tribute to his hometown team), these seven-layer quesotacos pile on the mesquite-grilled meats, and are made even better with a bit of Villa’s fiery salsas and pinch of pickled hibiscus onions. The house specialty - and we mean that literally, since Villa operates out of his grandmother’s corner lot - is chorizo and potato, which we love. Give them a follow on Instagram, and DM your order for pick-up.

 Brant Cox Warung Bali $$$$ 740 S Western Ave #116

Run by a former N/naka chef, Warung Bali is a Sunday-only pop-up that operates out of Iki Ramen in Koreatown and specializes in Balinese-style seafood bento boxes. For only $22, you get grilled snapper and shrimp, spicy sauteed squid, sayur urap (Balinese mixed vegetable), acar (pickled vegetables), and two different kinds of sambal. It’s a great value, but considering how incredible the food tastes, we’d pay double that to get it. All pre-orders are done through their Instagram.

via The Infatuation Feed https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/best-la-pop-up-restaurants Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://trello.com/userhuongsen

Created September 14, 2020 at 11:42PM /huong sen View Google Doc Nhà hàng Hương Sen chuyên buffet hải sản cao cấp✅ Tổ chức tiệc cưới✅ Hội nghị, hội thảo✅ Tiệc lưu động✅ Sự kiện mang tầm cỡ quốc gia 52 Phố Miếu Đầm, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội http://huongsen.vn/ 0904988999 http://huongsen.vn/to-chuc-tiec-hoi-nghi/ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xa6sRugRZk4MDSyctcqusGYBv1lXYkrF

[hauteculturefashion]

Seoul is a thoroughly modern city that dances to a consumerist beat. The enthusiasm for style, fashion and visual identity here is fuelled by centuries of design traditions and a rich cultural heritage that carries through to contemporary life. There’s plenty to do, see and experience, but the metropolis can be overwhelming if on a short itinerary. Here’s my 48 hour snap shot for people that love fashion, textiles, art and culture.

Day 1

9am Start your trip by stepping back in time to visit Bukchon Hanok Village in the heart of the city. This traditional village is totally beautiful, with hundreds of Hanok houses that date back to the Joseon dynasty, maintained till today. It’s free to wander around but I definitely recommend renting a Hanbok to do so in. Make the most of the photo opportunities under the sloping roofs that rise up through the village.

Feeling like a Korean princess in a traditional Hanbok.

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul is famous for it’s ornately shaped roofs.

View from above, Bukchon Hanok Village overlooks the capital city.

11am Insadong Street is where to go for traditional antiques and cute crafts. Pick up some trinkets at the flea market, get your own personalised stamp and if you’re lucky, strike gold in one of the many vintage shops. It’s a lovely spot to stop for lunch – try and get a table at Sanchon, an amazing vegetarian restaurant run by a former monk.

Insadong arts and crafts shop sell hand carved stamps.

Insadong is a popular place for vintage shops.

Up market and trendy hanbok shops can also be found in this area.

Insadong’s streets are home to flee market style street stalls.

2:30pm Head to Deoksugung Palace and marvel at the ornate decoration before watching the parade of traditional Korean costumes in the Royal Guard Changing ceremony at 3:30pm in front of Daehanmun Gate. 

Details of Deoksugung Royal Palace.

Changing of the Royal guards ceremony at Deoksugung Palace is a great way to see different types of historic Hanbok.

Gorgeous details in the eaves of Deoksugung Palace.

4pm Embrace your inner consumerist and make your way to Myeongdong to shop till you drop. Stock up on beauty products here; there are over one thousand cosmetic shops selling everything you could ever desire to maintain your youth, plump up your lips or glossify your hair. There’s also multiple malls and street stalls a-plenty selling clothes, trinkets and souvenirs. It’s a good place to indulge in some street food. I went for some vegetable gimbap and goon mandu (dumplings) followed by hotteok (sweet pancake – delicous).

6.30-7.30 / 8.30-9.30pm  Round off Day 1 with a trip to Korea House to see one of the two nightly performances here. These showcase a medley of traditional Korean costume, dance, music and culture and are completely breathtaking and spectacular. Do not miss!

An artist from Korea House poses for photos outside the entrance before the show.

Day 2

9am Dongdaemun market is full of fantastic fabrics and haberdashery. It’s the place to come for a custom made Hanbok which makes for a wonderful memento. If you have the time to have one made, do it. Spend a morning on the 3rd floor stroking different shiny silks and being more and more in awe of the vibrant prints and adornments which you can buy to create the garment of your dreams.

The Hanbok tailor shops in Dongdaemun market will leave you wanting to dress like a walking rainbow forever more.

  South Korea’s fashion designers flock to this market to see the latest wholesale fabric trends

Fake fur market stall outside the market.

Dongdaemun fabric market stocks many different designs.

11.30am Take the train to Hyehwa station and ascend the city walls until you reach Naksan park. Past here, you’ll find the Ihwa Mural Village sitting high above the city. The buildings, stairways and walls are all adorned with street art and there are plenty of cute but cool photo opportunities. Let yourself get a bit lost, marvel at the view and have a spot of lunch at one of the many cafes in the area.

Ihwa Mural Village fish steps

Adorable huskies painted on the wall in Ihwa Mural Village

Keep climbing up the painted flowered stairs that scatter through the city for even better views of the metropolis below.

Street art styles are diverse and fun

A sweet place to grab something to eat

2pm Gwangjang market is not just about the (incredible) street food. There’s a great vibe and you can browse antiques, fabrics and accessories whilst listening to thumping k-pop tunes. Still looking for a vintage one-off? Try your luck here in the vintage clothing arcade on the 2nd floor. It is one of Seoul’s most famous street food markets and you’re gonna need some snacks to fuel your hunting for all those bargains.

Gwangjang market’s antique shops are packed with gorgeous textiles and ornaments.

While away the hours in the local fabric markets

Hand embroidered South Korean military badge

Gwangjang market antique textile cushions

Gorgeously embroidered Hanbok accessories

Ready to wear Hanbok shop in Gwangjang market

The side streets leading into Gwangjang market

4.30pm till late Finish your day in Sinsa, in the heart of Seoul’s fashionable shopping district Gangnam. There are chic boutiques, swanky restaurants and elegant bars. If you get here in time, pay a visit to the Horim Museum (last entry 5pm, Mon-Sat) for contemporary art and traditional artefacts. End your trip in style at Le Chamber; a speakeasy bar which you must enter through pulling a book out the bookcase. Yes it’s expensive and indulgent but after all that shopping, you’ve earned it.

Have been spent a weekend in Seoul? What were your favorite spots and a activities to do? If you have any good suggestions for Haute Culture readers then please share your advice in the comments below as we would love to hear from you!

Going to South Korea? Why not pin this article and save it for later!

what to do in seoul south korea

48 hours in Seoul: Shopping, Sightseeing, Ceremonies and Shows! Seoul is a thoroughly modern city that dances to a consumerist beat. The enthusiasm for style, fashion and visual identity here is fuelled by centuries of design traditions and a rich cultural heritage that carries through to contemporary life.

[traciedemars]

Winter Time, and Best Time to Buy a Home...

Upcoming Free (& non-promotional) Home Buyer Classes:

  ...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page

Saturday, November 16th, from 11am-2pm (ish) ​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave).

Saturday, December 7th, from 9am-12pm (ish)       Marshall Community Center, conference room       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Monday, December 9th, from 5pm - 8pm (ish)        Marshall Community Center, Conference room       1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College) Saturday, December 14th, from 12pm-3pm (ish) ​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave).

If these class dates and/or times don't work for you, please let us know.  We understand that you have lives, and families, and work.  We will work something out that works better with your schedule.  Just let us know....                                                        Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D ~~~~~~~~~

Happy Veterans Day...

 I want to take a quick moment to thank our veterans... those who have served, and those who are serving.  I appreciate the sacrifices you have made, and are making.  I have many clients, friends, and family who've served, or are serving, and I've had many tell me that the hardest part is being so far from family & home.  Home..it's a powerful word....and for many folks one of the reasons why they do serve.  So...thank you...

 Now, today is November 12th...and like many I am enjoying the new Disney+!  Oh my, so many movies that I a remember as a child, and when my older kids were much younger... Blackbeard's Ghost, Pollyanna, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, and so much more.  It's a glorious thing!    Don't forget about the Client Appreciation Event coming up for 11/23 from 3pm-6pm (or thereabouts) for Frozen 2!  Chris Berg buy out the entire theater for these events a few times a year to say, Thank you, to our clients.  We appreciate you!  Now...Frozen 2 is sold out in the general area, but there are some seats available in the 21+ area, and we are going to start rsvp'ing for Star Wars IX in December!!  Thank you for your business and for your referrals...  

So, this week, let's talk about the current market for a quick moment.....I know that it's gray and dreary, and everyone has the holidays on their mind, but honestly, if you are even 'thinking' about buying a home....NOW is the best time.  Yes, there are not a whole lot of homes on the market, but the market is not as competitive as it is during the spring time.  Remember that from offer to keys it will take about 6-7 weeks.  The market tends to pick up and start getting crazy again right about late February/early March-April when folks start getting their tax refunds.    

Now...please remember that my magic wand is broken, and the magic 8 ball exploded all over my house with the coming holidays... so no one really knows what is going to happen.   Typically in an election year we don't see a whole lot of movement with interest rates, or any major changes that could disrupt the economy.  Seattle and the Portland Metro are still very solid markets, and we are still in a sellers market, but it isn't as strong or fierce as it was a few years ago.  We are still seeing multiple offers on homes in certain price ranges, but for many other homes we are seeing sellers paying some closing costs for the buyers.  What will happen for the coming year though?  This is a lot like foretelling the weather right now... as it really depends on when things happen.  Most industry sources do say that home prices should start plateauing though.  This doesn't mean that the home prices will not go up...they just shouldn't go up like last year.  They should steady out. As people see the change in the market coming, more homeowners should put the home on the market so they can begin their move to their new home, and this will help all the price ranges see more homes on the market. So, yes, there aren't as many homes on the market right now than there will be say around...spring break... the homes that are on the market though are solid sellers.  

 Yes, prices are still going up, but not as much as they were the past few years, so let's talk about how all that works.  I bought my old home in late 2001, with a 6.875% interest rate....don't feel bad, or shocked....in a 'healthy' market, a 'normal' interest rate would be about 7%.  We were THRILLED to be under 7%!   We sold that home in 2017, and it was harder than I thought it would be.  It was our first home, and we had lived there for 16 years.  It was the craziest thing, but did you know that when our buyers purchased our home for the $285,000 it was worth, with the 3.5% interest rate.... our mortgages were almost THE SAME!   Wait...I'm not (that) crazy...it's economics.  Yes, they bought it for more than I owed, but with a much lower interest rate.   That equaled my lower owed amount, but higher interest rate. How crazy is that???  Now, here's the crazy part... in 2016, my old house was only worth about $245,000, and right now, that same home is worth $330,000! NUTS!!!  My mother purchased a home in the 80's for $70,000, but her interest rate was 18.375%!!!   ....now that is crazy!!    The point of this is that while yes, prices are going up, the interest rates are still really low, so you can purchase more home.   When this changes, and interest rates rise it doesn't mean that home prices will immediately start dropping, they should start leveling off ...it will take a bit of time to balance out though.  

  I have clients asking me if they should just settle then on a home, and frankly this is a tough question.   No, you shouldn't 'just settle' on a home, but you may have to adjust either the type of home you want, the location, or be able to go up in purchase price to get what you want.  Please remember that this most likely is not your last home, but your home for the next 5-10 years....that's the average.  Know what your top 3 things are that you need in a home.  Whether you are buying a home, or selling a home...it is exciting, scary, fun, and frustrating.  It's a lot like a roller coaster, or driving down Mill Plain during rush hour,....or during that last month of pregnancy. I tell you....there's a reason I don't drink often.....I'm afraid once I start that I won't stop!  ;-D  (just kidding)  Buying and/or selling a home always going to be a a roller coaster when you're on the ride.  We're here though to help...that's what we do.

 When you are looking for a home,  you need to consider more than just the house.  You are also buying the neighborhood, the schools, the property taxes, the local parks, the neighbors, and the local infrastructure.  The home needs to 'fit' you like your favorite pair of pj's. For example....this last weekend I had a client look at a home that she liked.  On paper it was everything she said she wanted, and she couldn't find anything against the house that would cause her to not want to write an offer. So why was she hesitant?  Because this home was that sweater or shirt that looks good on the rack, and so you try it on.  It fits ok, and it looks all right, but there is just 'something' that is 'off' with it.....you can't figure it out either.  Sometimes you buy it, but never wear it, and sometimes you put it back.  Buying the 'right' home is a lot like that.  You can, and will, see homes you like, but they just don't 'fit'.  Put that home back.  Sometimes you see an item of clothing on the rack that you really don't know about....but you try it on anyway and BAM!  you look AMAZING!  Some homes don't look like much from the outside, but you get inside and they are amazing.  Remember that internet home photos are a lot like internet dating....you never know what you are going to see when you get there, and many agents hire professional photographers for a reason.  I can always tell which photos an agent did themselves, and who hired someone.   Finding the 'right' home is like sliding into your favorite jeans, or boots.....there is just something about it that 'fits'.  I see homes I 'like' all the time, but just because I like it doesn't mean it fits.  If you are obsessed with a home that you have seen though.   You really like the home, and you keep going back to the pictures, and driving by the house.....that's the 'right' home....even if it was one of the first homes you saw, or it was something you didn't think you wanted, or weren't sure about.  That home is that sweater/shirt/shoes that you just weren't sure about....until you tried it on.  Darling, you look AMAZING!   Trust your instincts....this is YOUR home, and YOUR mortgage.    With rents going up so much lately you can buy for about what your renting...or close to it.

  What is the best time to buy, or sell?  Whenever YOU are ready.  Sometimes waiting makes sense, and sometimes it really doesn't.  I am a firm believer that the right home will always be ready when you are, and that it will all fall into place.  Remember....your agent works for you.   YOUR agent isn't a salesperson.  We shouldn't be trying to 'sell' you on anything.  YOUR agent works for YOU....not the other way around.  When you hire an agent you are hiring a representative; someone who should be looking out for your best interests. Always ask questions. We do this all the time, and we love it, so use our knowledge to your advantage.  There really is NO stupid question in real estate. There is always learning opportunities, and that is goes for us as well.   If i can't answer your question; I will help you find someone who can.  We're in this together.  

Don't forget though... that the first step in ANY adventure is education. Take a home buyer class, or a home seller class....that's what they're there for.  

Information

is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....

 If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  

If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

   As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  Your agent, and your lender work for YOU.  You drive the bus...we are merely GPS to help you get to your goals.  Like the classes, this weekly blog email is to help you with your home adventure.  The goal is to be informative and non-promotional.  :-)  We are, however, hoping you will call and want us to help with your adventure.   Thank you again for your business and your referrals!!  ...and thank you for referring these classes to your friends, family, and co-workers.   ....disclaimer...if you have already purchased a home, or would no longer like to receive these emails, please let me know and I will be happy to remove you from any further mailings...   Upcoming Topics:

Winter Home Maintenance & things to look for...

Last Week:  Delayed Possession...what is this madness?

Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon,  

;-D  

Tracie DeMars  

Real Estate broker

Re/Max - Van Mall  

360/ 903-3504 cell  

360/ 882-3600 fax  

www.traciedemars.com

traciedemars@aol.com

“Interested in free and non promotional home education classes?  Go to www.freehomebuyerclasses.com for local upcoming home buyer and home SELLER classes, or facebook: Tracie DeMars Real Estate for my home buyer education blog.”

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."    

  - Shel Silverstein, American poet, cartoonist and composer, (1930 - 1999).

[traciedemars]

Winter Time & Buying (or not Buying) a Home Upcoming Free (& non-promotional) Home Buyer Classes:   ...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page Saturday, January 5th, from 9am-12pm (ish)      Marshall Community Center, conference room      1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College) Thursday, January 17th, from 5pm-8pm (ish)       Marshall Community Center, conference room       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College) Saturday, January 26th, from 11am-2pm (ish)        Vancouver YMCA, conference room        11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave) If these class dates and/or times don't work for you, please let us know.  We understand that you have lives, and families, and work.  We will work something out that works better with your schedule.  Just let us know....                                                        Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D ~~~~~~~~~ Happy New Year! Welcome to the 'lost time'... when I was a little girl I really thought this time of year was time in limbo.  We had Christmas, and then time kind of stopped and floated...then BAM! ...  it was New Years Day, and time started again. I know it sounds silly, but that is the way it really felt to me , and kind of still does.  There is all this build up to Christmas, and then time kind of 'floats' to New Years Day.  This is the time for reflection maybe?  I love the holidays... November, December...those are my absolute favorite months of the year.  I love the cold, wet weather.. I love the darkness... and I love that my husband has time off to be home, and winter vacation for the youngest.  I love having all my family together.  This time of year I love to snuggle down on the couch with some tea, and a fire, and some good movies on the TV....with some crochet to occupy myself with too.  LOL  Let's be honest though... this is also the time of year for reflection....and this year was maybe one of our hardest as we had a very difficult loss this summer in my family, and then just this past week, a very loved friend of mine that Ive known for 30 years... he passed. This Christmas my son decided to spend both christmas eve, and christmas day with his girlfriends family, and I didn't like that at all.  Like every year there is good, and bad... but this year the losses seemed to be overwhelming for so many. However, it wasn't all bad.... we had some wonderful family vacations, we had some AMAZING client appreciation events, and I was blessed to assist 54 people with the home buying & home selling adventures. 54 sets of keys exchanged as some folks sold their homes and moved to their next adventures, and some folks got keys for their first home (and you never forget your first), and some folks got the keys for their next home to carry them to their next adventures. Man, it has been a mixed bag year for certain.... Here's to 2019!  Here's to helping you, and yours with your home buying ... or selling... adventures.  Here's to the Clark County Fair in August, the Home & Garden Show at the end of April, and the Client Appreciation events (Infinity War: End Game, the new Star Wars and another one that we are still deciding on. Here's to birthdays, anniversaries, house-iversarys, and get-togethers with the ones we love.  Here's to house warming parties, and that final walk through on the home you're leaving.  Here's to the joy you feel when you get keys to the home that is YOURS, and no one else's.  Here's to love, friendship, joy, and happiness.  Here's to memories, and 365 days of new adventures.  We got this!     So, this week, let's talk about the current market for a quick moment.....I know that it's winter, and it's the after holidays, but honestly, if you are even 'thinking' about buying a home....NOW is the best time.  Yes, there are not a whole lot of homes on the market, but the market is not as competitive as it is during the spring time.  Remember that from offer to keys it will take about 6-7 weeks.  The market tends to pick up and start getting crazy again right about March-April when folks start getting their tax refunds.     So lately I've had a few clients lately asking me where all the homes are.  Well, it's the holidays...  and many folks will wait until after the new year to put their home on the market...new year, and fresh start.  I know of a few homes getting ready to go on the market within the next month.  If you're thinking about buying ....January through March is a great time to be out there.  We are in that tail end of the best time of year to be a buyer  :-)   Now...please remember that my magic wand is broken, and the magic 8 ball exploded all over my house with the holidays... so no one really knows what is going to happen.  However, most people in the real estate industry agrees that in 2019 we will see interest rates continue to go up. This is a very solid bet.  It's a split decision with industry sources on when prices should plateau off.  With Seattle and the Portland area being 2 of the top markets in the United States, it really depends on how soon we will see more homes on the market.  This is a lot like foretelling the weather right now... as it really depends on when things happen.  Most industry sources do say that home prices should start plateauing though.  This doesn't mean that the home prices will not go up...they just shouldn't go up like last year.  They should steady out. As people see the change in the market coming, more homeowners should put the home on the market so they can begin their move to their new home, and this will help all the price ranges see more homes on the market...which should help with the multiple offers that we saw so much of during the spring of 2018. I'll be honest here... the last couple were awful for multiple offers. This past summer, and fall were not as bad, and this winter has been quite a bit different than the past couple of years winters. This is usually a beginning sign that we have reached that plateau... but this spring and summer will tell the tale.        So yes, prices are still going up, but let's talk about how all that works.  I bought my old home in late 2001, with a 6.875% interest rate....don't feel bad, or shocked....in a 'healthy' market, a 'normal' interest rate would be about 7%.  We were THRILLED to be under 7%!   We sold that home in 2017, and it was harder than I thought it would be.  It was our first home, and we had lived there for 16 years.  It was the craziest thing, but did you know that when our buyers purchased our home for the $285,000 it was worth, with the 4% interest rate.... our mortgages were almost THE SAME!   Wait...I'm not (that) crazy...it's economics.  Yes, they bought it for more than I owed, but with a much lower interest rate.   That equaled my lower owed amount, but higher interest rate. How crazy is that???  Now, here's the crazy part... in 2016, my old house was only worth about $245,000, and right now, that same home is worth $325,000! NUTS!!!  My mother purchased a home in the 80's for $70,000, but her interest rate was 18.375%!!!   ....now that is crazy!!    The point of this is that while yes, prices are going up, the interest rates are still really low, so you can purchase more home.   When this changes, and interest rates rise it doesn't mean that home prices will immediately start dropping, they should start leveling off ...it will take a bit of time to balance out though.     I have clients asking me if they should just settle then on a home, and frankly this is a tough question.   No, you shouldn't 'just settle' on a home, but you may have to adjust either the type of home you want, the location, or be able to go up in purchase price to get what you want.  Please remember that this most likely is not your last home, but your home for the next 5-10 years....that's the average.  Know what your top 3 things are that you need in a home.  Whether you are buying a home, or selling a home...it is exciting, scary, fun, and frustrating.  It's a lot like a roller coaster, or driving down Mill Plain during rush hour,....or during that last month of pregnancy. I tell you....there's a reason I don't drink often.....I'm afraid once I start that I won't stop!  ;-D  (just kidding)  Buying and/or selling a home always going to be a a roller coaster when you're on the ride.  We're here though to help...that's what we do.  When you are looking for a home,  you need to consider more than just the house.  You are also buying the neighborhood, the schools, the property taxes, the local parks, the neighbors, and the local infrastructure.  The home needs to 'fit' you like your favorite pair of pj's. For example....this last weekend I had a client look at a home that she liked.  On paper it was everything she said she wanted, and she couldn't find anything against the house that would cause her to not want to write an offer. So why was she hesitant?  Because this home was that sweater or shirt that looks good on the rack, and so you try it on.  It fits ok, and it looks all right, but there is just 'something' that is 'off' with it.....you can't figure it out either.  Sometimes you buy it, but never wear it, and sometimes you put it back.  Buying the 'right' home is a lot like that.  You can, and will, see homes you like, but they just don't 'fit'.  Put that home back.  Sometimes you see an item of clothing on the rack that you really don't know about....but you try it on anyway and BAM!  you look AMAZING!  Some homes don't look like much from the outside, but you get inside and they are amazing.  Remember that internet home photos are a lot like internet dating....you never know what you are going to see when you get there, and many agents hire professional photographers for a reason.  I can always tell which photos an agent did themselves, and who hired someone.   Finding the 'right' home is like sliding into your favorite jeans, or boots.....there is just something about it that 'fits'.  I see homes I 'like' all the time, but just because I like it doesn't mean it fits.  If you are obsessed with a home that you have seen though.   You really like the home, and you keep going back to the pictures, and driving by the house.....that's the 'right' home....even if it was one of the first homes you saw, or it was something you didn't think you wanted, or weren't sure about.  That home is that sweater/shirt/shoes that you just weren't sure about....until you tried it on.  Darling, you look AMAZING!   Trust your instincts....this is YOUR home, and YOUR mortgage.    With rents going up so much lately you can buy for about what your renting...or close to it.   What is the best time to buy, or sell?  Whenever YOU are ready.  Sometimes waiting makes sense, and sometimes it really doesn't.  I am a firm believer that the right home will always be ready when you are, and that it will all fall into place.  Remember....your agent works for you.   YOUR agent isn't a salesperson.  We shouldn't be trying to 'sell' you on anything.  YOUR agent works for YOU....not the other way around.  When you hire an agent you are hiring a representative; someone who should be looking out for your best interests. Always ask questions. We do this all the time, and we love it, so use our knowledge to your advantage.  There really is NO stupid question in real estate. There is always learning opportunities, and that is goes for us as well.   If i can't answer your question; I will help you find someone who can.  We're in this together.   Don't forget though... that the first step in ANY adventure is education. Take a home buyer class, or a home seller class....that's what they're there for.   Information is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.    As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  Your agent, and your lender work for YOU.  You drive the bus...we are merely GPS to help you get to your goals.  Like the classes, this weekly blog email is to help you with your home adventure.  The goal is to be informative and non-promotional.  :-)  We are, however, hoping you will call and want us to help with your adventure.   Thank you again for your business and your referrals!!  ...and thank you for referring these classes to your friends, family, and co-workers.   ....disclaimer...if you have already purchased a home, or would no longer like to receive these emails, please let me know and I will be happy to remove you from any further mailings...   Upcoming Topics: Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg, Pinnacle Mortgage) What do I need to buy a home, Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask, What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....What does an Agent do for me? Debt to Income Ratios....What is this? Last Week:  Winter time home maintenance and things to look for Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon,   ;-D   Tracie DeMars   Real Estate broker   Re/Max - Van Mall   360/ 903-3504 cell   360/ 882-3600 fax   www.traciedemars.com   traciedemars@aol.com       “Interested in free and non promotional home education classes?  Go to www.freehomebuyerclasses.com for local upcoming home buyer and home SELLER classes, or facebook: Tracie DeMars Real Estate for my home buyer education blog.” "Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."       - Shel Silverstein, American poet, cartoonist and composer, (1930 - 1999).