#and don’t get me started on that woman that used to reside in Hungary

[pesoglav]

The yapping mutt has to be dealt with, he is just that a mutt that traffics women and acts tough on social media but requires 24/7 security to stop people for cracking his melon with a brick or a makarov. Any and all westerners in the sex business in Eastern Europe are traffickers and should be either worked to death or executed.

[nataliesnews]

Modi. Rivlin 6.4.2021

I have not written much lately. One of my friends is very ill and it sent me back all those years to the time with Oscar.  In this case she was attacked by a germ which they have not been able to identify and antibiotics are having no effect. I was learning Spanish with her for the fun of it but over the years we also became friends. It is so sad as she has just been through a few bad years and a divorce and had moved into a new flat with no furniture and everything seemed to be going for her. She is under sedation and oxygen and one can only wait.

 But the last night I heard at last some wonderful news. My girl, Esther who did reflexology on me got married at the age of 40 and yesterday had a son. I was so thrilled for her. I just hope that her mother will be able to come as she is from Hungary. Esther also had Corona so this is such a relief.

 So much has happened also in the last few days so let me do it chronologically.

 I have often written of Chan el Achmar and a group called Friends of the Jahalin did a trip on Thursday. While we are at the school I thought maybe I had wasted my time as there was nothing new nor encouraging to hear. I only hope that International organizations manage to keep the school going and also the little miserable village from being destroyed. I look around at the shacks they live in, the tents, their conditions and find it unbelievable that we want to take even that away from them. Anyhow a young man, Modi, did a trip there and then went on to Nabi Musa and Mar Saba which are places which I have not seen for years though we have often hiked there.

 Nabi Musa was built in 1269 and the Moslems believe that Moses was buried there. Just lately some idiots, Jews and Muslims held a rave party there. It is like holding a rave party at the Wall. It has caused a great furor and has put a stop of the time to the idea of building a sort of a Chan ( hotel in the desert)  there. I don’t much hold with holy places. I am always reminded of the story of the two travellers in the desert whose dog died while they were on a trip and buried in under many stones so as to remember the place and every time they passed there they would add a stone and often saw that the heap was getting bigger. Then for many years they did not go back and when in old age, decided to make a trip of memory. As they drew near the spot they saw that there was a big celebration there and were told that it was in honour of the great prophet, Caleb (Dog). But you really have to have no respect to do anything like that. As you can see  you really have to  cover yourself to go in and this was how they dressed me.

  Then we went on to Mar Saba. My memory of it is arriving there on a hot day and only the men were allowed in. According to what I remember I think no woman ever has been allowed in. But we sat there for over an hour and a half in that baking sun  while the men had the grand tour. We were furious. But this time a road is being made to a lookout point on the other side.  It was really hard going up but two men who had a four by four came back and took myself and another woman up ….but it was a wild ride and once or twice I was sure that the jeep was going to topple over. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the view was great.

 https://www.seetheholyland.net/mar-saba/

 Our demonstrations do not seem to have done much good. The shouts of Bibi is the king…if they would listen I would shout to them Shaul was also king, he also was engaged with a witch and his sons came to no good end. Last night there was a demonstration at the house of the president. One does not know what to dread more…that Netanyahu will again from the government with some of the most fascist elements Israel has ever known…. Or that he will become the president in the place of Rivlin. Then the right will make him dictator. And give Yigal Amir a pardon and a life pension. Little about our protests appear on the news to be read or seen. I was yust thinking that Netanyahu would probably make a law to make him president for life when I read this about Putin

 Putin approves bill allowing him to remain president until 2036

Russian leader gives himself option of two more terms after this one ends in 2024‎; was first elected in 2000‎, has been the de-facto head of government since

https://www.timesofisrael.com/putin-approves-bill-allowing-him-two-more-terms-as-president/

 So on the light side:

So last night we were there and I met Lulu, this great dog whom I had noticed before with three legs.

  My friend, Dalia, lives in the same street as the home of the President. I hope for her said Netanyahu does not become President……then their street will be turned into a Bastille prison as Balfour has. When we went back to her house, the Bibiastiem, were standing on the other side. Of course they were given the closest area next to the presidential residence and as we came past the one with the microphone started jeering at me saying that I would have to go on walking for the next four years……I was surprised that we were not phatically attacked because the police would certainly have turned a blind eye. All the police presence seemed to be on the side of the left…..we traitors.

 Today we will go the Knesset for the grand opening….of what. Of a government which is being founded on the same day as the leader has been in court on charges of bribery and heaven alone knows what. I noticed his wife did not come along to do hold his hand. And I suggest to read this to see how the crime family controls the media,

 Ex-CEO of top news site: Skewed coverage of Netanyahu was part of quid pro quo

Ilan Yeshua details orders to fire top editor, bury negative stories, smear rivals, all coming from PM's aides; says Walla owners made clear their business interests were at stake

https://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-walla-chief-skewed-coverage-of-netanyahus-was-part-of-quid-pro-quo/

   https://www.jahalin.org/palestinian-school-under-imminent-threat-of-demolition/

 Don't Say We Didn't Know 741

In their efforts to make Palestinians of the South Hebron Hills leave, the Israeli army and  settler-colonists block ways that serve Palestinian traffic in the area.

On March 11, 2021, the Israeli army used boulders to block a track connecting Sha'ab Al Batam, Qawawis and Al Fakhit to Al Carmil and Yatta.

On Monday, March 22, 2021, settler-colonists blocked the track connecting Bir Al Eid, Jinba, Al Fakhit, Halawa and Al Markaz to Yatta, Susya and Al Carmil. 

On Saturday, March 27, Israeli human rights activists cleared this barrier.

   Modi. Rivlin 6.4.2021

[invokeinspiration]

Reflections on Orthodox Judaism/Hasidic Communities

Like many people during COVID, I am watching a lot of Netflix. I’ve finished the entire Vampire Diaries universe (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies), I’ve also binged on Hannibal (of which I am currently writing a very in-depth fanfic), and I have watched countless fantastic films. I’ve watched Ip Man 1 and 2 and will be watching 3 and 4 soon. I have watched The Lobster, Moonlight, Resident Evil, Adams Family, The Danish Girl, and The Hater. I have watched shows and movies that have made me cry, made me laugh, made me do some research, and made me think about the story and characters long after the end credits. But early into my quarantine period, back before April, I came across a trailer for the show Unorthodox and it began a journey that I’d like to share. 

Unorthodox is an American/German limited series on Netflix that follows the story of a young woman, Esther (Shira Haas), who begins a marriage in a Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn. She was a member of the Satmar sect that began with the Hasidic community in Hungary but migrated to New York after WWII. The Satmar sect is characterized as being more strict than the European Hasidic sects with a complete rejection of modern culture, fierce anti-Zionism, and strict adherence to male-only education. The story is based on the true life events of Deborah Feldman’s life depicted in her memoir. When I first saw the trailer, I was uncertain. I actually didn’t immediately watch it but after seeing the preview a few times, I thought to just take a risk and I am certainly glad I did. The visual style of the show was beautiful. There was an authenticity to the show that I was entranced by. I felt like I was truly in a Hasidic family and understanding Hasidic roots and traditions. I love it when good television transports me into a new world and allows me to really see all sides. 

Shira Haas was a breakthrough performer. She had a gentle brokenness that felt pure and raw. As a young woman, Esther wanted to be a part of her community but also felt a deep split emerging between her love for her culture and the desire for something that would break her from those roots. She made an extremely difficult decision by leaving her Hasidic family in Brooklyn for a life of uncertainty in Berlin. It was definitely a tale of an idealistic young woman following her heart, a story that we can all get behind. What was refreshing though, was depicting the reality of the loss of her community. It was never going to be a clean break and I’m glad the show told the difficult story as well as the happy one. 

She wanted to experience individual expression, something that was taboo in her culture where standing out made you troublesome and difficult. When her family told her to stop chasing after her mother that abandoned her for the secular world, she went anyway. When her family told her that her life goal should be to bear children and be a good wife for her community, she decided to chase her dreams of studying music. When she felt trapped in a loveless marriage, she wanted to find a passionate love. Even though she found moments of clarity and happiness, she still felt lost, trapped in between two worlds. The difficult decision of leaving home oftentimes made her feel confused and wanting to go back to the comforts of the only support system she thought she knew. Even though her husband came searching for her, she knew that she couldn’t trust that support system again. She had to create a new one.

As the story continued, not only about Esther but the dynamic characters that surrounded her, I became enveloped in the visceral empathy of their situation. I know that I am not a part of the community, but I could feel the turmoil as they were feeling turmoil. I could feel the frustrations from many sides as though I was feeling them. For example, Esther’s husband Yakov (played by Amit Rahav), was difficult to relate to at the beginning of the show. I know too many men in my personal life that have no interest in being truly sympathetic to women’s needs or follow along with the pressures of society without having enough courage to think for themselves. For the first few episodes, that was Yakov, but as the story continued, I began to see where he was coming from and felt like he was truly a good man. It’s not often that I see a beta male antagonist become a truly developed, sensitive man. It makes me feel hopeful that there may be more intellectual, loving, good men in the Hasidic community. These relationships, including every character’s relationship with God, were complex and ugly at times but it didn’t leave me with a bad taste in my mouth for the community. In fact, it left me curious. I wanted more. 

Netflix came out with a behind the scenes short documentary about the show and there was so much that went into the details of the show that really embodied the community as a whole. The writers and producers wanted to show as much as they could about the Hasidic community. They wanted to maintain respect for the community while also commentating on how the secular world sees it from the outside and how someone like Esther might feel trapped in between. There was still a whole universe I didn’t yet understand.

Since I, unfortunately, don’t have Hasidic friends to talk to about my new obsession for the community, I wanted to watch whatever Netflix had to offer. I came across the documentary, One of Us, which follows three ex-Hasidic Jews who left the community for a variety of reasons. Ari was a young man of about 19 or so who was sexually assaulted during his adolescent years and, after not feeling supported by his community, turned to alcohol and drugs. Etty, after years of suffering domestic violence in her marriage, decided to leave the community which left her in a custody battle of her five children, of which she subsequently lost. The third person, Luzer, decided to leave the community after he felt abandoned when he asked questions about God’s existence. Watching their stories also made me realize another piece to the puzzle of the Hasidic community. When I watched Unorthodox, I felt that it made most sense that women would be the ones to leave the community because they were significantly more oppressed than the men, as in most religious societies. However, after watching One of Us, I realized that men leave too. Men feel abandoned and invisible in the community just as women do. 

There was a point in the documentary where Luzer asked one of his Hasidic friends why the community is this way and his friend responded to say that, “it’s all about the survival of the Jewish community.” Without strict control, the community would fall privy to the secular world and lose its strength over time. It’s clear that the community leaders of the Hasidic community don’t want to lose people to the secular world. It is also clear that a lot of ex-Hasidic individuals miss and love their community, even with its problems and constrictions. I think that if the community wants to prevent more people from leaving, they may have to compromise by providing more support for people. There are times in every pious person’s life where there are doubts about God. For a lot of people, those doubts can be strong. 

For most Jews, there is profound respect for the rabbi and if more rabbis can encourage a more open dialogue about the doubts about God and the community, then perhaps people won't feel so isolated. For men and women suffering from sexual health or marital issues like abuse, there should be a trusted system in place to protect these individuals. It’s not the issues themselves that make people want to leave, it’s the feeling of abandonment of these issues by the entire community that make people feel isolated and wanting out. The specific issues discussed in the documentary may be why I have more specific ideas on how to approach a more progressive Hasidic community. This is what I gather from what I see in both Unorthodox, One of Us, and my own research. 

The end of One of Us left me to be more critical, rather than the appreciative aftertaste I got after watching Unorthodox. I appreciate that every religious community has its own faults, and harshly criticizing it hardly makes sense coming from a non-Jew. So, I return to simple appreciation, observation, and curiosity rather than harsh criticism.

If any individual reading this has any opposition, comment or question about my thought process on this topic, I highly encourage discourse. I love to be re-educated. 

However, my interest in the Hasidic community still has not stopped. It’s not because I am religious, but because I am deeply fascinated by the complicated world of Judaism and of strict religious communities. I also wanted to continue watching some of the more beautiful and interesting traditions that I grew fond to appreciate in Unorthodox. 

Which has led me to a bit of a different kind of show, Shtisel. Shtisel is an Israeli drama television show completely filmed in Yiddish. It’s a fairly recent show, with the first season released in 2013 and it’s newest season greenlit for production at the end of 2020. I’ve just started it but I am hooked. The actress, Shira Haas, who plays Esther in Unorthodox plays one of the supporting character’s daughters in this show.The show follows Akiva Shtisel, the protagonist, a young man who falls for an older, twice widowed woman. Though, his family disapproves, he can’t seem to get her off his mind. There’s lots of additional side stories that make the show interesting and I’m excited that a third season is coming. I’ve just started the show, but right now I am enjoying the story because it’s different than what I’ve seen before. I wanted to see more about the lives of people actually still in the community, rather than those who want to leave or have left. Shtisel is refreshingly different from Unorthodox, in the way that the Hasidic Jews in Shitsel are Israeli, which supposedly implies a more lax community. In some ways, I’ve noticed the changes. I noticed that there are women who work in the Torah schools and men who speak more freely about marrying for love rather than for community pressures, which seems to be different from the Satmar sect. 

I have a lot more I want to see and learn. I have a billion questions to ask about this world and I want to get to know more. I hope that more people become interested, just as I have. I want more people to find a new respect for the Hasidic community, the Jewish faith and of religious groups in general. I think the more we try to learn about each other, the closer we become as people. Sometimes, it isn’t as hard as we make it out to be. All it takes is a little Netflix surfing. 

Shalom.

[umassdonahueinstitute]

Worldwide check-ins from Civic Initiative alumni during the COVID-19 epidemic (part 1)

Mike Hannahan, director of the UMass Civic Initiative, asked alumni last week about how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting them and what they were doing to take care of themselves during this unprecedented time across the world. Here are there responses, categorized by country.

The responses are to two questions: How has the coronavirus changed your life? How are you taking care of yourself?

###

Italy

Locked at home under "house arrest" on my own. No contagion, at least no symptoms. Family split, I am in Lombardy, the most dangerous place in the world, sister in Lisbon, parents in Taranto. E-teaching is a nightmare, always working in front of the computer.

Going out every 2/3 weeks to buy food, wearing gloves. No face mask, I can't find them anywhere, putting a scarf on my nose and mouth, like a far West outlaw man.

Argentina

Today we are in a complete quarantine, we cannot go out, unless we go to the market or the pharmacy. We have to be in our homes, not going to work or we could go to prison. It's complicated but it's a sacrifice for a good cause.

We cannot complain if we are at home with food and internet. It's hard but not impossible, it could be worst.  We don't have to forget that is the only way we could help to stop the virus. Just stay at home. We are not being asked to go to war, to risk our lives, we are being asked just to stay with our family. Call your friends if you miss them, call your boyfriend, but do not minimize what you could cause if you go out of your house.

 Turkey

Materially not much, I and my family are in good health, but mentally I am devastated by this development. As a professor of international relations, I observe very extraordinary/unusual developments and cases in my country and the world at large. I ask and wonder about many consequences of this coronavirus problem, which I call it as humanity's ontological war against the virus and the nature in general. In this respect we in Turkey also have extraordinary measures and policies: schools and universities are closed; distance learning started first time; travel, meeting, entertainment, even shops and many other places are restricted or closed. In short, our life is getting miserable and scary like in the "American horror films"! 

The first and the most important thing is that I and my family isolated ourselves from society and even our larger family connections, locked into home except for shopping. But, thanks to classical and social media such as Twitter, we are strongly engaged with the external world, learning things about and sharing my views with the world. Consequently, we are living in a strange world in many ways: coronavirus threatens us, but we struggle against, definitely defeat it. 

 Hungary

I am distancing... It is a state of emergency from March 12th in Hungary. The borders are closed for foreigners. More and more of the clothing, furniture and similar stores are closing, except for pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations and tobacco shops. People can still go to work (if they are not in home office). My university switched to remote learning. However, we don't have clear rules for distance learning. So, I basically preparing informative slides with helping docs and video lectures in Camtasia (6-10 minutes each).

I was like a person in the joke: on the first day, I found a woman on my couch. (It turned out that she's my wife. She is nice.) More seriously, I am working from home. Luckily my wife, too. Our kid's kindergarten is closed since Monday (16th). So we are together. Since it is not mandatory yet to be in our homes, I try to take a walk every day. If I see somebody then I go to the other side of the street. We are cooking every day and in general, we try to have a daily schedule. The life is pretty much the same as it was in Yugoslavia/Serbia during the NATO bombing in 1999. A daily schedule could help a lot to get back in normal when this 'shutdown' is over.

 Pakistan

You may know, I am Resident of Internal Medicine leading to specialty now at HMC Peshawar, one of the prime teaching hospital, at the capital city of our province Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. I am actively involved in the health policy and advocacy for doctors’ rights as well. Currently, I represent the Provincial Doctors Association Khyber Pukhtunkhwa as official spokesperson and Member Executive council.

I am part of Corona (COVID-19) Combat Team of my hospital and Provincial policy board. The aim of both of the above is to contain the disease and treat the already affected ones. I was very instrumental in the process of devising a policy and now to accomplish what has been planned to combat this highly infective and deadly virus. In short, I am among the few to face and fight this pandemic in the front lines. 

How am I taking care of myself? The answer to the above question is simple, our government doesn't have many resources. The PPE's (Personal Protection Equipment) are missing. There are a very limited number of masks, goggles and protective gowns available. Most doctors are working without any protection. One of our doctors just died today at Gilgit, Dr. Osama. Our President of Association is isolated in quarantine as he dealt a patient suspected case of the virus with a positive travel history of China which later on come out to be a positive case after PCR testing. Many doctors are exposed due to the non-availability of PPEs. Yesterday, I did a press conference and demanded the Provincial government to provide PPEs to all the health staff working in the ERs and OPD clinics.

 Australia

I'm currently living in Sydney, Australia. One month ago I started to work as a Program Coordinator at Generation Australia, a non-for- profit that trains unemployed people to get jobs. Since last week all trainings were switched to on-line learning. So I work from home and all the students study from home. Apart from that, Australia has closed its borders for all people who are not Australians. So if I go out even to see my family back in Argentia, I won't be able to get in again anytime soon. That would mean losing my job. 

I wash my hands very frequently and try to avoid crowded places and taking public transport.

 Pakistan

The coronavirus is turning out to be surprising us with a new challenge every day. The government is saying numbers increasing day by day. For a person who has to work to earn, the uncertainty and now the lockdown is making her/him thinking how s/he will be managing things for the future. The lockdown is said to be for 10 to 14 days, but experts are suggesting that it can be prolonged to months and even for a year. The biggest challenge we are facing is uncertainty, no one knows what to expect and what to plan for the coming days which surely can be predicted as very challenging.

I personally am looking into and following the guidelines shared by the WHO, which starts from regular handwashing, not touching face and avoiding public places as much as possible. I am looking forward to social distancing, self-isolating myself and with my family until the situation becomes normal again.

 India

I as teacher and responsible citizen was always telling in classrooms and talks outside for years maintain personal hygiene...keep ur surroundings clean...wash hands whenever u have to eat anything...but most of the people in India doesn’t bother unless some epidemic breaks out. After that, its life as usual...spitting, urinating, keeping surroundings unclean are common sights on the roads here... No government can do anything if people in that society doesn’t have self-health discipline. I as warden and vice-principal saw that 1000 students under my control are asked to vacate hostels 2 days back and come back on 31st March. Told the students not to join weddings and festival gatherings...warned them not come with some virus when they return to campus later this month

As I am a sportsman too, maintain the utmost health discipline from the beginning. I must thank my parents for this. Alternate days tennis...mask when I go out...wash hands as frequently as possible as water is a scarce resource in our country.

 England

I am in London as I moved here 2 years ago but as you know all my family and friends in Turkey hence, it was a very hard decision for me to choice staying here...It has changed my life a lot already. My husband and I are working from home now. We tried to stay at home as much as we can even before the government advice. I am still frustrated with Boris for his very late decision to close schools, bars, pubs ext. I am a face-to-face major gift fundraiser, therefore, now we need to find out new ways how my role can evolve with the current situation.

In terms of taking care of myself, as I said we go out only for a walk or market shopping. Thank God, we are healthy and due to at-home physical activities, having enough sleep and ext. I feel good physically. However, it is challenging to keep sane and calm mentally.

I am terrified to get a coronavirus as NHS is not capable of taking care of any patients and we are expected to get well at home. Also, I am very concerned for my family and friends since the rates in Turkey is also increasing rapidly. At last, having thought of losing them and not being able to see them again is killing me, that's my biggest fear at this moment. Other than that I am fine writing my dissertation, working, cooking, painting at home to keep myself busy.

 Iraq

We registered more than 200 cases with 17 deaths and the spread is getting serious in our country, so there was a curfew forced by the government so we are staying home and that was so boring at first. I used to go out like every day and this is a big challenge for me to stay home. We have to adhere to our own benefit and the bright side is we are spending much more time with our families, so it won't be worse than catching the infection.

Some measures I'm taking to protect myself and family is by encouraging them to stay home, using some chemicals to fumigate the house, and when I go out for necessities I use good protection with face mask and gloves and using alcohol frequently.

My final word is to encourage everyone to stay home and enjoy what's in your houses, you will be surprised with the things you can do in your place.

 Finland

Finland is in lockdown since 18 March 2020. I am in self-quarantine since 14 March after arriving from a one week trip to Belarus back to Finland that day. I live with my husband in Joensuu, Eastern Finland where epidemics have not hit as yet. However, we are moving to our new flat in Helsinki 30 March which is now a stressful and exiting situations in the present circumstances.

In Finland there is a strong suggestion to stay at home and reduce all social contacts. So, we live quietly and go for walks with our dog twice a day. Shops are open normally and in Finland the globally exceptional emergency supply work supports the trustworthy situation with foodstuff and pharmacies in such time of crisis (we are proud for that!).

My daughters are students and staying in their homes in Helsinki region. High Schools and universities are closed down and all people who can do distance work. So, all kinds of challenges and solutions for distance work and supporting those alone at home without face-to-face contacts are important at the moment.

The present lockdown is issued till 13 April. In Finland first death due to Corona took place yesterday. We have 500 reported Corona cases at the moment. The most serious concern is about those over 70 years old.

 Cameroon

Although there is no nationwide lockdown, we are advised to stay at home, and to go out only if it is compulsiry. We had  a very busy first semester. I reduce academic activities.

May God make us safe.

 Pakistan

Watching the death toll rising around the globe has made me realize, how even at the peak of technology and billions of dollars at our disposal. To fight mother nature head-on is something we cannot do in one day.  The virus is spreading exponentially in our country and it is sad that only a few hundred thousand are taking it seriously, while millions are making fun of it. This has made me take on another challenge which is to teach and aware people of the dangers of this virus. As our majority of the population is Muslim, we live our religion, so I am trying to relate the awareness with the Islamic concepts. Hopefully, by teaching through social media will benefit some and creates a chain reaction.

This is a global crisis and must be tackled with everything a human can do.

Be safe everyone, be helpful and empathetic.

 Pakistan

Indeed this pandemic is a colossal test for the self and our collective character. Amidst the gloom of rising Covid-19, it’s understandable that every single person on this earth can be affected by it. It has a multidimensional impact at individual, national and international levels. This epidemic has changed my thinking patterns and make me more conscious of the philosophy of life. It is affecting my personal, professional and academic life. Actually, I was busy in the data collection of my postgraduate thesis; but unfortunately, I have to stop it. No doubt, it’s a challenge for “humanity”, the current situation is depressing and alarming but the indomitable human nature can deal with it. At the individual level, I am trying to isolate myself and my family; also, I am following all the authentic instructions by international(WHO) and national agencies(NIH) because, “health is wealth”. As a responsible community we should have to take serious precautions about this natural call. This is the crucial time to reflect back critically on ‘ourselves’ (self-purification) by evaluating the purpose and meaning of life. Hopefully, we will defeat this health war wisely, the required input from every policy stakeholder can act like a safety-chain for the entire human community. However-in proceeding years-it is clearly evident that there will be a neo-social   change in transnationalism and the domestic policy arena. 

 Indonesia

This global pandemic has certainly changed my daily routine. My workplace has been conducted work from home regulation to protect the employer from the events. My works have been much in their field, where I need to work with stakeholders and community, but this situation changed our plan. Though it is hard to still conduct some work with the community since we prevent to do face to face activity, but this moment we gave a try in initiating an online platform. In how we teach people to occupy current technology. There are still many challenges as it might not effectively work with a community who were never exposed or experienced any technology. At this moment, I learn about the technology gap as well.

On the other hand, this global pandemic also got me to learn about such a complex system in dealing with a global pandemic. I learn to see the gap in the socio-economic class dynamics in the ocommunity. Moreover, to see the systematic failure in addressing the issue. It has never been this concerning to see the vulnerable groups (elders, disabled people, women, low-income family, etc.) would be the ones who got the most severe impact of this event. As a civic society, we might be so aware about this issue, but we don’t have much ‘power’ to create such a significant change in dealing with this virus. But, I see the crucial courage to push people in power through advocacy to take such an important action and commitment to make sure that everyone could be treated fairly during this emerging situation.

I am trying to have healthy lifestyle. I consume more vegetables, fruits and a balanced diet. I do regular workouts. Reading and listening to music for my free time. And I am trying to focus on my works too. It is a bit overwhelming to keep reading the news and update, sometimes it has been too complicated and frustrating. In this very uncertain situation, it is good to balance what I need to know and when to stop scrolling Twitter.

 Pakistan

I was at my university when I got to know about the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our class finished before its usual time and we were asked to leave our class room quickly. When I came out of the room, we were informed that the university was closed for 15 days because of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected several people across Pakistan. It was very shocking for me because I was living my usual life. I was unaware of the occurrence of such an unexpected deadly virus causing a huge loss to humanity. We were overloaded with assignments, case studies, readings etc. I did not know anything about the pandemic at all or its horrendous effects on other countries. When I googled Covid-19, I felt so dreadful looking at its adverse effects in China, Italy, Iran and other countries.  The most frightening part was how it spreads fast among people and now most of the world was suffering from it. The unsympathetic, horrific coronavirus changed my life as it brought so much uncertainty, confusion and worry with itself.  Realizing that the virus has no vaccine or cure until now makes me so anxious and nervous. I spent last week constantly dreading about the future of the humanity. I am concerned about all the countries where so many people are illiterate and they are not aware of the seriousness of coronavirus and how lethal it could be to humans. I feel as if my life has become immobile. Amidst the chaotic situation, I cannot think about my future plans, dreams or goals. As a working woman, I used to work 8 hours as an English language instructor in a college and I would take post-graduate classes in the evening. Now, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I am practicing self-isolation which made my life so dormant and passive. I miss my colleagues and friends. We cannot hang out like usual anymore. The news channels constantly update us about the rising number of coronavirus patients and how the situation is getting worst throughout the world.  Mostly countries despite trying their best are experiencing worst circumstances. The situation is strange, stagnant, desperate and hopeless but realizing how China successfully came out of it gave me hope.  Nowadays, I am focusing on how I can spread awareness regarding the coronavirus technologically. I am sharing and spreading coronavirus precautionary videos, voice messages, photos, text messages with people and groups. I miss my life before the coronavirus outbreak but I am concentrating on how I can help people amid the pandemic. My life and concerns have totally changed during the coronavirus outbreak. I have started focusing on the need of the hour which is to follow all the safety measures and to provide support to people through spreading awareness about safety measures and guiding them to be compassionate during this challenging time.  I am trying my best to act as a responsible citizen and human in order to contribute my share in controlling the coronavirus outbreak.

I keep on washing my hands after every 20 to 30 minutes. I am more conscious and attentive when I go out for doing some inevitable tasks. Initially, I used hand sanitizer frequently but they got finished in the market which was troublesome. I ordered gloves for myself and now I use gloves whenever I go out. Furthermore, I have been using a mask for pollution and seasonal allergy so wearing a mask during the pandemic is not something tough for me. I started practicing self-isolation the day I got to know about precautionary measures which all of us have to take during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Self-isolation which was boring at first as I used to be out till evening before the COVID-19 pandemic for work and evening classes. Now I spend most of my time reading, watching movies, playing indoor games, article writing, praying and working on my assignments. These activities keep me busy and I do not feel pessimistic or gloomy due to this sudden lifestyle change which was greatly depressing for me at the start. I am trying my best to act with complete responsibility as it does not only concern my life but many others too. We all have to try to break the chain in order to stop the spread of coronavirus. If we follow the precautionary measures, we can win this fight against this global pandemic. The restraint that we practice during this chaotic pandemic will help in restoring human life as it was before the coronavirus outbreak.  

 Iraqi Kurdistan

My city and all Kurdistan is under lockdown now. Because of the nature of my work, I am still allowed to go to work at my hospital, but pretty much almost all other non-essential businesses are closed. I hope this doesn't become the new normal.  

I try to not go out and stay at home unless I really have to. At work, we take the necessary measures. All the doctors, nurses and hospital staff have to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves.

 Argentina 

The quarantine has affected us all at a personal level, but the economic effect is also very significant. Work opportunities are more scarce and the near future seems complicated in that sense.  Although what worries me most is how this will affect the people who depend on the informal economy.  Governments from all over the world have to develop policies to support marginalized groups in this context. It is easy to shelter in place if you can fill your fridge, it is more difficult if you can't.

Besides following the publicly known instructions, I am also wearing a mask when I go buy groceries. Some say it protects you better from the virus and some say it doesn't, but everybody agrees on the fact that it is good for not spreading it. You never know how it will affect you or even if you have it without showing symptoms yet. 

Ecuador

How has the coronavirus changed your life? Well, the university closes all installations and send students and professors to home. So, right now I am working at home and trying to fulfill all my duties until the beginning of the next semester. Besides by an order of the authorities, remain at home is compulsory and one just can go out to obtain supplies and medicines.

Since last Thursday I remain at home.

 Australia

A few minor things such as football season being suspended, travel bans, pubs and cafes being closed, and limited availability in supermarkets of some things such as rice, pasta etc. Major disruption has involved the University of Tasmania stopping all face-to-face teaching (tutes and lectures) and lecturers transitioning to fully online teaching. Things will change in Tasmania when either a government decision to close schools is made, or schools make the decision independent of government.

I’m socially isolating and following advice about hygiene. I’m still going for a bike ride when I can to keep myself healthy

South Africa

COVID-19 has redefined my pattern of social interactions among peers. It has placed restrictions on my movement and keeps me at home and my desk. Unnecessary visits discarded and concentrate more on my research. Nevertheless, it has created an atmosphere of fear and panic. It is a time that has drawn me closer to God and sharing the gospel with friends. I explore the social media platforms to encourage people to put their trust in God in the face of a raging pandemic.

I take care of myself by improving personal hygiene and maintaining my food habits. I keep social distance having restricted my movements and contacts with people.

 Ethiopia

I am deeply saddened by the death and suffering of thousands of people across the world. Here in my country, Ethiopia, the spread of the virus, according to official figures, is limited to a handful of people who contracted it while abroad. There is no report of domestic transmission so far. Nevertheless, schools are closed for two weeks (we are now into the second week) and classes are suspended for university students. As university instructors, we are supposed to help students study while at home but the problem is that we do not have the necessary preparations to do that. Though the spread of the virus is very limited the global situation is hitting the country very hard. The country is very dependent on exports and imports in the countries seriously affected by the virus. So, there is a shortage of important supplies such as sanitizers, alcohol, face masks and food items. So, people are turning to traditional ways of preventing epidemics. In fact, as we are yet to suffer from the spread of the virus, we are going to see the real reaction of the people in the immediate future.  Our thoughts are with those who are suffering from the virus.

[beatrice-otter]

Fic: A New Arrangement

Title: A New Arrangement Author: beatrice_otter  Fandom: MCU, Agent Carter Characters: Ana Jarvis, Edwin Jarvis, Howard Stark Written for: selenak  in the 2018 ssr_confidential ficathon Betaed by: domarzione  Word Count: 3,401 Rating: T

Summary: Edwin and Ana love each other, and they're grateful to Mr. Stark. But there are still a lot of details to figure out in their new life.

On AO3.

The first—and only—time Edwin tried to dress Mr. Stark, it did not go well.

The trip from Hungary to England had been anxiety-producing in many ways, some of the problems solved by Mr. Stark, and some of them created by him. Being back in London was odd in many ways, not least of which was the sensation of being one of a very few able-bodied men not directly involved in the war effort in one way or another. (He would choose Ana over England, had chosen that way, but he still loved England and he very much wanted them to win.) Very well; he himself could no longer serve, but he could serve Mr. Stark, who was critical to the war effort.

The problem was, how? He and Ana spent the first few days organizing Mr. Stark's London residence, which desperately needed it. Arranging meals and the timing of baths was difficult because Mr. Stark's schedule was … erratic. (Indeed, he did not even know how long they would be staying in London before moving to America.) But on about the fifth day, Edwin finally managed to time drawing the bath and setting out the clothes so that they were ready just when Mr. Stark woke up. The bath went well. The rest …

It wasn't just that Mr. Stark had no idea how to be dressed. Edwin, having grown up in service, had been a batman for all his time in the British Army, and most of that as the only batman assigned to a rotating group of junior officers, most of whom were too middle-class to have ever had a valet. He'd only dressed them for formal occasions, but they'd all had at least a vague idea of what a valet was supposed to do, and were generally happy to follow his gentle instructions and let him do his job.

Mr. Stark had no idea what the role of any servant was. And he was constitutionally incapable of standing still. And he was so busy talking that he didn't pay any attention at all to Edwin's instructions.

The fourth or fifth time they'd collided, Stark had thrown his hands up.

"No, see, this isn't going to work," he said. "I don't care what the upper-crust of England do in their own bedrooms. What I am going to do in my own bedroom is dress myself. What you are going to do is make sure everything's ready to go."

"Very good, sir," Edwin had said, with a brief bow. He stepped back to wait for Mr. Stark to finish dressing.

"And I don't need you staring at me while I do it, either. Scram."

"Very good, sir," Edwin said, with a slightly stiffer bow. He left the room and went downstairs to where Ana was washing up the breakfast dishes. The radio was on, playing classical music softly.

He took up a towel and began drying.

"Done so soon?" she asked.

"Mr. Stark does not care to be dressed," Edwin said. "Just as he does not care to be shaved. Or chauffeured. Or to have his desk or workspace tidied." And given that Mr. Stark apparently spent little time in his London apartment, instead working all hours in his laboratory with the Strategic Scientific Reserve and then out to the clubs, before collapsing into bed near dawn and then waking to do the same again, that left little for Edwin to actually do.

As a boy, he'd dreamed of a job where he could have time to himself more than a half-day a week. But this was ridiculous.

"Well, maybe things will change when we go to America," Ana said. "He has a larger house there, doesn't he?"

"More than one, he's said," Edwin replied. "I'm sure there will be a great deal to clean. But I hardly think his personal habits will change much; just an endless round of work, which he cannot share because it is classified, and parties, which he does not host himself. Although I suppose he might host parties in his own home, when he has an entire house and not merely a flat." Mr. Stark did have a number of residences, including more than one house. But Edwin rather doubted, from things he had said, that Mr. Stark had adequate staff to maintain all of his residences. If Edwin was not to be a valet, perhaps he would function more as a butler, though he was not optimistic about the success of that, either. A butler managed the household, and there seemed to be very little household to manage.

It might be good to make a home someplace other than England, Edwin reflected. As of late, his relationship with his homeland had been … fraught. And if all Americans were as ignorant of proper servant roles as Mr. Stark was, Edwin would not need to fear judgment for failing to serve such a peculiar man.

"Well, we'll be together," Ana said. "And things could be much worse."

"They could indeed," Edwin said, reflecting on what would probably have happened both to him, and, more distressingly, to Ana, had Mr. Stark not intervened. Edwin would take a boring job he was wasted in, to have Ana safe with him.

The radio was now playing a Strauss waltz. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Jarvis?" he asked, tossing the towel on the counter.

"I would be delighted, Mr. Jarvis," Ana said with a grin, wiping her hands on her apron and stepping into his arms.

They hadn't even made it halfway across the kitchen when Mr. Stark called. "Jarvis? I changed my mind, I do want you driving me in today, I've got a lot of stuff to read before that meeting."

Ana sighed, gave him a peck on the lips, and went back to the sink to finish the dishes. Edwin straightened his waistcoat and went out to Mr. Stark.

Ana stared out the window as Edwin drove off in the car with Mr. Stark.

It was the first time Ana had been alone—really alone, for more than an hour or two—since escaping from Hungary. In many ways, it was a relief to not be hovered over, and yet there was a sinking feeling in her gut, as if the British army would break in and steal her away to return her to the Nazis. (Certainly, if Edwin's former general had his way, they would.)

She shook her head. That was foolish; now that the war had started, the British Army had more important matters to attend to than one lone foreign Jewish woman married to an Englishman under unusual circumstances.

(Though, who knew what the Hungarian Army might be doing to her family and friends back home, even now? Hungary was desperate to stay in Hitler's good books, and Hitler hated her people so fiercely. In a few short years, Hungary had gone from a homeland to an enemy, and even now Ana wasn't quite sure how it had all gone so wrong so quickly.)

"What am I going to do with myself?" she wondered, shoving her fear away. It would her no good, and it would certainly not help her family. She couldn't go back to Hungary and give her family the sort of daring rescue she herself had found, but she could figure out what to do in the foreign land she found herself in. She did love Edwin, of course, would love him even if she didn't owe him her safety and freedom; but it was unsettling to be so dependent on him and on Mr. Stark. Especially as, over the last several days, it had become quite obvious that neither of them had the least idea of how to take her into account as they made plans.

Ana was not a cook. Nor was she a housekeeper. She was a seamstress, and a sales girl, and quite good at both. Yet Edwin was assuming they would be traditional British servants, instead of, say, him serving Mr. Stark and her finding a tailor shop or boutique to work at. It wasn't that she couldn't cook—she was decent in the kitchen—but she was certainly not up to the sort of quality a professional cook needed. And she had no ambitions to train up to that standard. If she wanted to do nothing but cook and keep house, she could have gone into service in Budapest. Or married, instead of going to work in the hotel.

She picked up one of the cookbooks on the shelf, and sat down to read. It took very little time for her to give it up in frustration. Her English was serviceable, polished through talking to tourists and watching American movies. Her ability to read English was terribly bad; it would be much more productive to wait and do this with Edwin here.

She put the book back on the shelf and eyed the pantry and its stock of food. Some of it was familiar to her, but much was not. The same thing was true of the icebox. She'd never eaten bacon in her life, and certainly didn't know how to cook it. She knew how to cook traditional Hungarian Jewish foods. Her mouth watered at the thought of ines, goose fat rolled in paprika and chilled, a treat she'd always loved, but where would she get either goose fat or paprika? Especially when they were starting to restrict so may foods? Perhaps it would be better in America. (Did Americans eat goose?)

Ana opened the icebox again and stared at the bacon. She'd lived and played and worked with gentiles her whole life, and though her family wasn't very observant they'd gotten their meat from a kosher butcher. If you had asked her, in Hungary, if she had an objection to eating pork, she would have said no, it just wasn't what she was used to. Yet here and now, far from home and most of the people and things she held dear, she discovered that it mattered more to her than she had thought.

And how would Edwin respond if she refused? He'd assured her he wouldn't blame her for being Jewish, or ask her to convert, but … would that last, now that they were married? She wanted to trust him, but their courtship had been such a whirlwind … Not to mention how Mr. Stark might respond. And she owed both of them her life.

She shook her head. It seemed like a petty thing to worry about, when she knew the danger her family and friends were in back home. (She hoped and prayed that she was wrong, that she was over-reacting, that it would all pass quickly and things would go back to normal as her brothers had been insisting they would, any day now.) But there was nothing she could do for them. She was here, in relative safety, and they … were not. She couldn't save them, or help them, or do anything for them besides maybe helping Mr. Stark build the weapons that would defeat the Axis. And, hopefully, stay true to her heritage even now, so far away from home.

She shook her head. Edwin was wonderful, but he thought her problems were pretty much solved, now she was physically safe. She longed to talk with someone who might understand, someone who shared at least some of her experiences. And while she couldn't contact her family—she'd written them a letter, but who knew if it would reach them, or where she would be when they wrote back—she knew how to find people here who might understand.

She dug through the drawers until she found a telephone directory. Now, how did they spell 'synagogue' in English?

"—and I'm telling you, Jarvis, I am this close to reducing gas consumption in the internal combustion engines by ten percent, if I can just get the calculations right," Mr. Stark said as Edwin opened the door to the flat for him.

"Indeed, sir? I believe the British Army, the farmers, and the general population will all be most grateful," Edwin said. Petrol was strictly rationed for the duration of the war, and already there were shortages.

"Though probably not grateful enough to overlook me going for joyrides," Mr. Stark said. "They just don't understand how gunning through a tight curve can clear a man's mind and open up the ol' gray matter."

"They are indeed a most humorless lot, sir." Edwin helped him off with his coat, ears straining for any trace of Ana. He'd called, to let her know when they would be home and that Mr. Stark would be having supper at home, but there had been no answer. Had there been some sort of trouble?

"You're telling me, Jarvis, you're telling me," Howard said, oblivious to Edwin's distraction. He nattered on about his day for a while before Edwin was able to excuse himself to go look for Ana.

She wasn't in the pantry, the kitchen, or their bedroom. Edwin was just coming back to check the kitchen again, as if she'd been hiding under the sink, when she came in through the servant's entrance, unwrapping the scarf around her head.

"There you are!" Edwin exclaimed, feeling greatly relieved. He went to help with her coat and the parcel she was carrying.

"I'm so sorry for worrying you," Ana said, embracing him as soon as her arms were free. "If I'd known I'd be this late, I would have left a note telling you where I was going. I'm afraid I got on the wrong underground line, and it took me a while to figure out how to get back."

"You never had trouble on the Budapest metro," Edwin said, confused.

"Yes, but in Budapest I can read the signs and I know the city," Ana said. "I figured it out, and next time I shall not make the same mistake, but I hadn't thought I would get quite that lost. And people were not very helpful, or at least not once they heard me speak." She gave him a rueful smile. Though she had stepped back out of the embrace, she kept his hand held tightly in hers.

Edwin sighed. He thought Ana's accent was charming, but too many Englishmen would find it merely foreign. "Next time, I can go with you."

"Perhaps," Ana said. "But my dear Edwin, I cannot always be dependent on you for everything, and I can find my way, even in an unfamiliar country."

He kissed her hand. "It is so hard to believe you are really here, and safe," he said. "I know it is silly, but I keep half-expecting something to happen to you."

"I do, too," Ana said.

"And then I got home, and you weren't here. I fell in love with your courage and your wit, and I know you've faced far worse than the London Underground—"

"We both have," Ana said.

"—so I shall try to keep that in mind in the future," Edwin said. "But yes, a note would be appreciated. Where did you go? I wasn't aware you knew anyone in London."

"I didn't," Ana said. She hesitated, looking him up and down. "I went to a synagogue."

"A … oh," Edwin said. He frowned. "They have services on Thursdays?"

"No, Shabbos starts at sundown on Friday," Ana said. "But you and Mr. Stark are the only people I know in the whole country, and I was feeling homesick. The rabbi didn't speak Hungarian, of course, but my Yiddish isn't bad, and he was very kind." She was still watching him carefully, and her hands were clasped very tightly. She looked—she looked nervous, Jarvis thought, though he had never seen her that way before. Cheerful, yes; afraid, certainly, in the worst parts of their escape when all seemed lost. Blindingly angry, once or twice. But never nervous.

Edwin was a little taken aback. "Ana … are you worried I would be upset that you went to a synagogue? I know you're Jewish. That was why we needed Mr. Stark's help to get you out of Hungary."

She grimaced. "Yes. Well, some people may say they do not mind and yet they do. I did not think you would be one of them, but I could not tell."

"I fell in love with you for who you are," Edwin said. "If I wanted to marry a Christian, well, there are many Christian girls out there who would be pleased to be Mrs. Jarvis. I chose you."

"And I chose you," Ana said, stepping closer to him and putting a hand on his chest. "And I think we both chose well."

And at that, of course, he had to kiss her. It was still such a wonderful new thing, being able to kiss whenever they liked. And she was so very delightfully enthusiastic—

"Hey, Mrs. Jarvis, what's for dinner?" Stark called.

"He does have the most appalling timing," Edwin said. Somehow, being at his master's beck and call had never been so onerous.

"It's like he knows when there is something to interrupt," Ana said.

Ana stepped back from her husband's embrace and grabbed her apron, tying it on as she went to ask what Mr. Stark wanted for dinner. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything started, Mr. Stark, I got on the wrong line on the Underground and didn’t get back when I planned.”

Mr. Stark waved this off. “It’s hell to get anywhere in London, they never heard of a grid or straight roads. I’m feeling like breakfast for dinner, how about eggs and bacon?”

And there it was. Ana had hoped to have longer to prepare for this, and learn the best way to handle him. She hoped that his willingness to help her escape—and protect Edwin for his role in doing so—would be manifest in continued tolerance. “Mr. Stark,” she said carefully. “I have never learned how to cook pork products. I don’t know how to make American food, and though I am very willing to expand my repertoire, not so wide as to include bacon.” Edwin was standing in the doorway behind her, and she was sure he was unhappy. Despite his experience with his general, Edwin was not a man used to denying authority what it wanted. “Edwin is a very competent chef, and I am sure he would be happy to cook any pork products you desire.”

Stark tilted his head, staring at her through narrowed eyes. “You’re a seamstress, not a cook.”

“Yes, sir,” Ana said. “I also worked briefly in an office. I can learn, but right now the best dish I could make on short notice is kugel. It's sort of baked potato pudding.”

Stark had a curious look on his face. "Why not, it'll be like being back on the lower east side. Tonight, kugel, tomorrow morning, eggs and bacon, and tomorrow afternoon we get on a boat for America. I don’t need another secretary, but there’s a lot more things I’d like to have someone else handle than just cooking and cleaning and dressing me. We’ll get it figured out."

Ana breathed a sigh of relief. "That sounds like a plan, Mr. Stark.”

Mr. Stark ate his kugel with the same gusto he did everything, and gave his compliments to the cook. Edwin did not mind it, though of course he preferred the solid English cooking he was used to. Still, variety was the spice of life, and all that, and he supposed he would get used to all the paprika. After supper, Edwin and Ana did the dishes together and then played cards until it was time to retire for the evening.

Edwin was deeply engrossed in removing his wife's brassiere and kissing the skin thus revealed when Stark roared for his attention.

"Hey, Jarvis, where are my burets?" And then, when Edwin didn't respond fast enough, "Jarvis? You haven't gone to bed yet, have you?"

Ana groaned and flopped back on the bed, clutching at her hair.

"He really does have the worst timing," Edwin said, buttoning his shirt back up. Ana looked lovely like that, en déshabillé, even with the scowl she was currently wearing.

"I think we shall have to be very firm about what hours we are and are not working," Ana said, "or else I, at least, will very shortly forget my gratitude. We must have some time to ourselves!"

"I cannot disagree, my dear," Edwin said, although he quailed a bit at telling his employer that.

"He was not upset at all when I told him I would not cook bacon," Ana pointed out. She got up from the bed and helped him with his waistcoat. "I don't think he minds people standing up to him, and I know he walks all over people who don't." She gave him a deep kiss. "His bark is worse than his bite. Be firm. And come back to me quickly." "Jarvis!" Stark yelled again. Really, their neighbors would be complaining, soon.

"Right," Edwin said, giving Ana a peck on the cheek. "I will be back soon." And off he went to follow his wife's instructions.

[kailasquires]

In Case You Missed It...2017 In a Nutshell

In 2017 I pulled a bit of a Disappearing Act, and deactivated most of my online and social media presence, which was already pretty limited to begin with. This was somewhat of a cleanse for me, as I gave up drinking alcohol and deleted my Instagram account for the entire year, and deactivated my Facebook for a large part of the year. I must say that life without drinking and excessive social media browsing has forced me to engage in alot more self-reflection and for that reason I’ve decided to re-introduce my blog. I tend to be a pretty private individual, but for my final activity in 2017 I wanted to be open and vulnerable.

There’s no real topic for this post, but it’s centered around personal life, career, faith and relationships. Instead of simply boring you with a long monologue, I’ve chosen to create a list of 50 things I experienced, learned or appreciated this year. I hope you enjoy. 

Top 50 List of 2017

1. There’s power in the tongue. Start speaking things into existence ! 2. Time is of the essence, so live your best life while you’re still alive 3. That being said, don’t try to rush things. God willing we have 70+ years on this Earth, and that’s a lot of time to fill with love, laughs, accomplishments, failures and new experiences 4. My year sober taught me to be bold, shoot my shot and take the things I wanted in life. Lesson Learned: If you need help with something, don’t hesitate to ask. If you want something, Go GET IT!  5. Don’t ever rely on another person for your happiness. If you haven’t found your happy place whilst being alone, that just means you haven’t spent enough quality time with yourself 6. My brother wins Dad of the year, and I’ll fight anyone on that 7. I love to receive and give feedback. If we’re not constantly improving ourselves, what’s the point of living? 8. Jesus was a servant, spreading love and salvation to all. In the end, The Word of God will ultimately judge us, so I’m making sure I’m aligned with His Word  9. The way to my heart is comedy and food 10. Maggie is one of the most resilient people I know. Keep shining SB!  11. Applying to business school was one of the most arduous, mentally draining and stressful processes of my life, but I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat :-) 12. Child rearing/parenting is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can undertake, and it often goes unappreciated or unnoticed. No parent is perfect, but it’s important to still say thanks to the ones who raised you. THANK YOU MOM & DAD!!! You did an incredible job with my brother & I  13. If a person de-prioritizes you, don’t get angry or question why. Instead respect their decision and repurpose your efforts elsewhere 14. MLT  is one of the greatest organizations I’ve ever been a part of. My MBA prep class is filled with impressively talented, accomplished and fun black and brown folks. I’m forever grateful for the experience I’ve had with you amazing people #BosslandAwaits #CoachJTaughtMe 15. I dated a man with whom things just seemed to click naturally. He was honest, funny, caring, and NOT petty(lol). I believe we both brought out a side of each other that those around us had never seen, and for that I’m thankful. Although this kind of puppy love is exciting and heart-warming it is often times short-lived 16. Chance the Rapper was my favorite artist of the year. He has a God given talent and I pray he never stops shining his light    17. Noise canceling headphones are the best thing to ever happen to a New Yorker who enjoys a quiet commute to and from work. #ThankYouBose 18. I believe in every single one of my friends wholeheartedly and am proud to say that I’m surrounded by incredible people who I am 100% certain will be the industry leaders of tomorrow #WholeTeamWinning 19. Fellas..When I love, I love DEEP and can be a bit crazy at times. Enter at your own risk. *evil smile* 20. But I’m hella fun and you’d have amazing life experiences with me lol 21. I should’ve bought Bitcoins back in the day when I kept telling people to invest. Note to self: Heed your own advice  22. Emotional Labor is real 23. Black women are Dope! 24. People who don’t fit the description in the above comment should NOT take offense to that. I’m sure you’re all amazing as well, I just think that this group of individuals needs to hear it more often. 25. When Isi tells you to wear a life jacket, DO IT!!! Thanks again for saving me from drowning off the coast of San Andres into the Caribbean Sea :-*  26. 🗣Life is too short to waste time dealing with fickle people  27. This scripture single-handedly helped me fight against all the angst I felt while applying to business schools:  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” - Philippians 4: 6-7 28. I find it terribly rude when people don’t return phone calls or texts. Like I know you saw my message, the least you could do is say “ok” lol.  #PetPeeves 29. I held up an Uhaul distribution center over a disagreement and went on a twitter rant the next morning; Probably the most gangsta moment of my life, and a great showcase of my millennial sense of entitlement #SorryNotSorry 30. Everyone should engage in the self reflective, soul searching elements of the business school application process: it’s always necessary to press pause on life and take an inventory on where you are and where you say you’d like to be in the future  31. Bikram yoga was one of my favorite practices of the year. I always left feeling empowered and rejuvenated 32. I find inspiration in almost everyone I come in contact with. I’m amazed by people’s stories and wish we could publicly recognize everyday people more often. Low key, I wish I could meet every person in the world.  33. In hindsight, not getting my promotion at work in 2016 was the wake up call I needed to grab a hold of my life 34. I would love to work for Bain & Company in 2 years #SpeakingItIntoExistence 35. All Men Are Trash!!!!!!! 36. Good guys of the world, don’t take offense to the previous statement but with the rise of this #MeToo movement it’s become so apparent how many men impose their hypermasculinity upon us women (ie. inappropriate touching, unsolicited peen pics, street harassment etc.)  37. Barbados might actually be paradise, and it took me 26 years and a vacation with my friend to realize it. Moral of the story: some of the greatest treasures in life might be right in front of your eyes, you just need the right circumstance to help you see it  38. I love to see people smiling and enjoying nice hardy laughs 39. I tried Ramen for the first time this year and it blew my mind!!!! Gotta go to Japan ASAP! 40. Never trust when a man says “I can’t” because when he says I can’t, he ain’t a man. Okay maybe I stole this from Love & Basketball, but I’ve learned it’s so true though! lol   41. I want my next relationship to be God-centered. Period 42. Moving to Harlem has been incredible!! I love the culture, communal harmony and overall liveliness of the area. I can only imagine what the place was like during the Harlem Renaissance #RespectTheCulture 43. This year I limited my traveling to save money and focus on the GMAT, but I still was able to sneak in a few new cities: Budapest(Hungary), Salzbergen(Germany),Medellin(Colombia), Albuquerque, Tulsa and Greenville!  44. One of the best things about moving back to NY is being able to minister  at my home church again, as the resident saxophonist. I feel so much more fulfilled on Sunday mornings 45. This year i was determined to rid myself of gossip, idle talk, & foul language. I’m hoping to speak peace and prosperity into people’s life from now on #BuildingABetterMe 46. In a relationship, “women cannot go backwards in lifestyle” . Chris Rock taught me… 47. God has been too good to me to just sit on my gifts and talents. Laziness is far from Godliness. Disclaimer: This is not a direct quote from the Bible, just my own interpretation haha 48. This year I tried to be very intentional about the words I speak to myself and others. These days I find it’s so easy to say empty words, make & break promises and to be a “yes woman”. I’m hoping to be more genuine and true to my heart from now on 49. I’ve tried dating apps for a bit this year, and still think there’s nothing like meeting someone organically in a cafe or at a nice bashment. However, I can say there are some gems that are so hidden that you need to mine for them electronically ;-) #CoffeeMeetsBagel 50. By God’s Grace I was accepted into all 3 business schools that I applied to. Next year I’ll either be moving to Boston, Philly or Chicago. See you later NYC, I’ll be back in no time :) #WontHeDoIT

Thanks for listening. Peace n Love 

Kaila

[impvarjack60]

16 Ballroom Blitz

Now this was the event I was truly dreading, because I had no idea what I was going to see today. I've only met one other Hybride, and she's completely normal. Because the person who thought of her wasn't completely nuts. Anna was super excited about the whole thing. I had the feeling that the 'First Time in Forever' thing was coming out. The Masters knew that this was a trait that I found endearing, and it was my favorite song in the movie. "I can't wait to meet everyone!" "As long as you've met the one, I'm OK with it." That one got by her, blurred by the excitement. So we got dressed to the nines, but put on some running shoes for the trip there. This is the one time I wouldn't mind being able to hail a cab. It's a long walk, and Anna rambled on about who'd she would like to make friends with. I must admit, this was something I really liked about her. She would be the charming intermediary that would make making friends so much easier, if they can just get past her looks. The fact was that I kept my passion for Frozen hidden from the world because it was flat out embarrassing, and now everyone would know. There was no way to hide it anymore. My only hope was there would be some more freakish people there to out-shadow her.

Not a snowballs chance in Hell.....

"Oh, hey look. it's the Zahir's" "Where, I don't...." Damn, 'Eyeballs' is at it again. As I looked out into the crowd, it seems that Anna was a unique creature among the Hybrides. While I was seeing lots of large breasts, I wasn't seeing anything too off the cuff. But there were some exceptions, there was a Marilyn Monroe. Kinda' cliche', but meh, OK. Alright!, there we go, an Orion. I'd recognize that green skin anywhere. I knew I wasn't imagining her the other day.

Another woman had a very Japanese Hentai look. More big eyes. Saw a couple of Amazons in the crowd too, I always liked those. One had to be over two and a half meters tall. "Honey, I'm gonna' go mingle." "Go ahead, Anna. I'll catch up." "Is that Princess Anna?" An inquisitive couple ask me. "Yep, one and the same." "If you don't mind us asking, how did she come about? Oh,.. and I was there for your speech, very inspiring." "Well, she's the result of a delusional mind, in a way. I was obsessed with the whole Frozen thing. Be careful what you wish for, right?" Man, I could use a drink right now. "She's very lovely, you must be proud." "For a choice I didn't make, she was a good choice." That one went right over their heads, ZING! "She also seems to have attracted quite a crowd." Yea, it looks as though Anna was the hit of the party, she was completely surrounded by guests, answering all their questions with grace. The women were just absolutely fawning over her. I could see them pointing at her eyes, probably giving her make up tips and the like. With her ear to ear grin and her hands folded in front of her, she was the epitome of cuteness. I saw her wave her arm near her face, followed by fits of laughter, HA! She must've done the masturbation joke, and it worked. Good for her. It seems she could converse fluently with these people. Maybe this was the leader they would be looking for, but she was still a baby. As a pair, we could possibly pull it off. I was really awkward in these situations, but Anna looked like she was born for it, maybe she was. Funny thing was though-on earth-it was always Elsa, Elsa, Elsa. Anna just didn't have the fanbase she did. To me, Anna was the real hero of the story. Although my own twisted view of the world may have skewed my view somewhat. They both made sacrifices, but Anna gave her life for Elsa. Yea, it was just a movie, but now look were I am. Waist deep in fantasy, that's real. If Elsa was here, Anna would probably be second fiddle again. But these people seem genuinely hooked on her, what is it about her that's so magnetic? __________________________________________________________

It looks as though roughly the same crowd was here at the last meeting, just times two. These people it seemed just longed for a lost love, and their prayers were answered. Anna was a freak among them, but she was a freak that they liked. I was scared that she would be an outcast here, but that's not proving to be the case. I really didn't get to talk to her much for the rest of the evening. That is, until the Quartet began to play.

It seems that some of resident musicians had taken my advise and got together, I couldn't be happier. They broke out some Beethoven from the Middle Quartets. While I never paid too much attention to the individual pieces, I recognized the work, I had a collection from Hungary with these pieces on it. They were joined by a horn section, then they broke out the Strauss Waltzes, the Blue Danube started to play and I saw Anna run up to me; "Let's dance, shall we?" "Oh, wait Anna, I don......" "Come on!" Too late, she was dragging me out to the floor. It wasn't a complete disaster. I learned square dancing when I was a kid, but that was fifty years ago. She, on the other hand, was a complete natural. How she learned this, I have no idea. I don't ever remember seeing her practice, but she did seem to have a good sense of rhythm. Maybe she just has pre-programmed natural abilities. Another strange thing that leaves me baffled. I did manage to get one good twirl out of her, her skirt fanning out as she spun. "See, you're not too bad, and at least you're not trampling my feet." The fact was that's only because they were so small they were a hard target to hit.

This moment brought back a dream I had as a teenager. I can't remember her name, but there was this girl I would talk to on the bus ride home after school. She had the same piercing eyes as Minoo. I dreamt of that girl in a ballroom gown while I swept her across the floor to this very same music. Now I'm doing it with someone who is ten times more beautiful, and I felt as if my heart would burst out of my chest, so many dreams coming true all at once. Speaking of Minoo, she and the Doc were burning up the floor. If this was a contest, they'd be going home with the big trophy. Maybe they can give us some pointers. But in Abzari's religion, dancing like this was frowned upon, where did he learn this?

In my self created daze, I complete ignored the fact that the floor had cleared except for the Zahir's and us. The music ended to much applause, while Anna and I bowed in the Zahir's direction as I proclaimed to the crowd; "The Winners, ladies and gentlemen!" More applause ensued. "OK, Anna, I think that's enough for now." "Alright, but we are taking lessons as soon as I can arrange it." "I would be delighted, m' lady."

Abzari had walked over and took Anna's hand; "Would you care to dance, your Highness?" "Charmed." And off they went. It's one thing to see your dance partner in front of you. But the view from afar gives you another perspective, a chance to see her from a different angle, and I found myself mesmerized. She was such a vision, I hope we get to do this forever. Why did we ever stop doing this? This is what the human race needed. Interaction. Beauty. Enlightenment. Joy. Why did we tolerate the existence we got handed? Were only a select few people supposed to have this kind of enjoyment? This should be for everybody.

Now that is what concerns me. Not everyone is here. Some of us are still camped out, huddling in their houses, afraid to come out. We have to reach out to them-we're in this together-we need them.

The evening wrapped up with a few people stopping by to say how much they liked my speech, and to Anna came complements on her dancing and how charming she was. We did make some inroads here and I figured these were good things. But disaster hangs over my head like a piano being hoisted into a ten story building, and sooner or later it will fall.