#especially considering it was only the 2nd comment i’ve gotten this month

[picascribit]

This morning I woke up to an effusive comment on a little fic I wrote 12 years ago for a book that has no fandom (3 works tagged on AO3). If you don’t think that shit made my day, you don’t understand the struggles of a fanfic writer.

[knickynoo]

Do you have any thoughts on Marty and his self esteem issues? In most of the trilogy, I feel like Marty ranges from experience a lot of insecurity at best, to like a considerable amount of self loathing at worst, (like pls Marty, Doc getting struck by lighting was not your fault? You’re not Thor?) . And there’s the whole chicken thing, so I was curious if you had any thoughts on where it stems from, how it’s affected him etc etc? Okay lmao that’s it, have a great day !!

Hello! Do I have thoughts?? Yes. I do.

So, one of the things I like so much about Marty as a character is that...he's kind of an enigma of sorts? Like. Here's this kid who skateboards, rocks that denim jacket and the cool sunglasses, plays guitar, has a pretty girlfriend, etc. You take all of that, and it should reflect a really confident, popular person. I mean, with all the stereotypical "cool guy" attributes considered, Marty should have Ferris Bueller-level confidence and charm. He should be strutting around, smooth-talking everyone, laughing in the face of danger, and possessing unshakeable self-esteem. But he does/has none of those things because, as we all know, Marty is A Mess (affectionate). And yeah, a lot of it seems to stem from self-esteem issues, which we do see sprinkled throughout the trilogy. Where's it all coming from? Well, a lot of places, most likely...

• FAMILY: Probably the biggest factor. Though I'm sure George and Lorraine were sincerely in love for a while at the beginning of their relationship/marriage, I think it's fair to assume that any real spark between them had pretty much fizzled out by the time Marty came along or when he was a young kid. Take a loveless relationship between a meek, subservient man and a woman who drinks away her feelings, factor in a 17-year-old boy who's probably never had any real semblance of parental stability in his house, and it's highly likely that kid is going to have some issues. It's really difficult to believe in yourself & feel secure when the norm is having parents who are wrapped up in their own worlds/rarely interact with each other, seeing your father get emotionally (& physically!) pushed around by his supervisor, and watching your mom cling to alcohol and sink into depression.

• Plus, there are the separate relationships George and Lorraine have with Marty. Granted, we don't see much of it, but what we see at dinner is probably a good example of a typical interaction. George is quick to steer Marty away from any situation where he may face rejection or hardship. And yeah, he may think he's protecting his son, but this strategy is actually pretty harmful. I can imagine that any time Marty is feeling nervous or let down, and goes to his father seeking encouragement, he's only left with the impression that it's better not to take any risks at all because he might fail anyway. Instead of being built up, any potential self-worth is being chipped away at by George.

And as far as Lorraine is concerned, I get the impression that she's (more often than not) critical and judgemental of Marty. She's not shy about airing her strong dislike for Jennifer, during which Marty stays completely silent and unresponsive. Perhaps Marty's general default around his mom is silence, due to him having learned a long while back that he's better off keeping his mouth shut. I can see Lorraine lecturing Marty often, picking apart every little flaw she may see in him (friends, grades, attitude, etc.), especially when she's had too many drinks and especially when you consider that Marty is probably her most "difficult" child. Sad as it may sound, I can't picture Marty walking away from very many interactions with his mother feeling good about himself.

• GENERAL ANXIETY/NEURODIVERGENCY: Marty is an easily flustered, anxious guy. And whether that stems from his home environment or genetics (I mean, look at George), I don't know. But he definitely seems to be a sort of nervous, hesitant kid, particularly in the first movie. I also, like most of the fandom, headcanon Marty as having ADHD. And like...if that's the case for him, it certainly isn't helping at all with the self-esteem stuff. He's written off as a slacker at school, told he'll never amount to anything, and probably struggles a lot to keep up in his classes and survive in an environment that almost definitely doesn't offer any form of support or accommodations. That would be a big blow to his self-worth as well.

People with ADHD also tend to be very critical of themselves, worry about what others think of them, and have a hard time with rejection. Hence, the one rejection at the audition followed by, I'm just a big, stupid failure and I'll never ever be good enough. My world is crumbling, I should just give up everything forever =(((

(What do you mean those weren't his exact words??)

• BONUS: Marty might also face a decent amount of social isolation/teasing due to his friendship with Doc, which would take a toll on confidence too. Also, I just...don't think that Marty has many friends??

When you take all the above factors, Marty's self-esteem issues make a lot of sense and, if not for Doc, would probably run a lot deeper than what we see in the trilogy. ALSO!

• Marty blaming himself for Doc getting hit by lightning in the DeLorean: I've seen a few people comment on this and how they think it's ridiculous that Marty felt guilty but...it's always made a lot of sense to me, actually. No, Marty didn't cause the lightning, but he did set off the chain of events that led to Doc being there at that moment. If he'd had the inner strength/self-control to walk away from Biff outside of the dance, he could have just joined Doc on the roof with the almanac and they'd have been on their merry way. And even if Biff had continued to challenge him, or even followed him, Marty likely could have created a diversion or gotten an adult at the dance to help and still made it up to the roof before the worst of the storm hit. But because he couldn't stand being called a chicken, he ended up taking a door to the face, had the book stolen back, and had to go on that little side adventure to retrieve it, which led to Doc needing to save him. So yeah, I'm actually team Marty on this one. His choice did lead to Doc being catapulted into the Old West, lol. I'd have been consumed with guilt too.

• The Chicken Thing: I'm not going to go into too much detail (HA!) because this is already ridiculously long, but I will say that I don't go by the more popular headcanon that says Marty's sudden inability to handle being challenged is due to the updated timeline taking effect and "altering" him. Essentially, that Marty growing up with a confident, successful father made him have higher expectations put on him, and so he was always striving to prove he could live up to them.

I actually don't think any ripples from the new timeline catch up to Marty yet during the course of the trilogy. (I tend to headcanon that as happening gradually in the coming weeks and months after he gets home). Instead, I think that Marty's inclination towards becoming feral at the words "chicken", "yellow", etc. is because of his life in his original timeline. Growing up with a jellyfish for a father, it makes sense that Marty would want to distance himself as much as possible from being associated with weakness. He'd want to prove himself that much more because everyone around him would probably think he's just like his cowardly old man.

And though I know it's not really possible (because they weren't planning on a 2nd or 3rd movie), I think a case can be made that there's a glimpse of the "chicken thing" in the first movie, in the scene of Marty and Lorraine in the car at the dance. I mean, he gets all upset and tells her not to drink, but then she calls him a square, uses the classic peer-pressure tactic of, everyone's doing it, and he caves instantly and takes a swig. Could be because he doesn't want to be thought of as a square, or could be because he's desperate to calm his nerves a bit. Either way, Marty doesn't seem to fare too well when challenged or put under pressure, so I lump this scene in as a "chicken" moment.

I...need to stop. I set out to write a quick response to this. Like, a paragraph or two. But this question activated Hyperfocus Mode, and I blinked and now it's 2 hours after I started and I have AN ESSAY.

Thanks for the ask! *goes to lie down*

[elysiashelby]

In Another World - T. Shelby Imagine Ch. 4

Paring: (Eventual) Thomas Shelby x Aliena Welsh (OC)

Fandom: Peaky Blinders

Word Count: 5, 257

WARNINGS: Angst, Cursing, Explicit Attempted R*pe Scene, Descriptive Murder Scene, Recollection of Past Molestation

Summary: Aliena Welsh has been living in the universe of the show Peaky Blinders for 8 months now. She feels like family more now than ever since she has a role for everyone in the family. But as she delivers the Shelby Brothers’ their food at the Garrison, trouble brews. She will commit something that will never go away for the rest of her life. 

MASTERLIST  CHAPTER 3.3  CHAPTER FIVE

A/N: HI! If you skipped to this chapter, that’s completely fine! I tried including the most important parts that took place in the extras. 

READ THE WARNINGS! THE 1ST LINE BREAK IN THIS CHAP MEANS THE SCENE IS STARTING!! LOOK FOR THE 2ND IF YOU WANT TO SKIP THE SCENE!! 

THANKS FOR READING!

It's been two months since the incident happened. Meaning I have been with the Shelby family for eight months in total. I did not get over it the night after, it took a week. 

Instead of getting over it the next day, I had tried drowning myself in work but they didn't let me, which led to me breaking down. It was embarrassing. Another bath was drawn for me and on that night, I had smoked my first cigarette. It made me both calm and riddled with anxiety. So, I haven't touched one since. 

I call Thomas, Tommy now. It happened after the incident. It was like I was a part of the family, in a way. I mean I hope I was considered family. After all, I do cater to every emotional need in the family. I act motherly/older sister-like to the children including Finn, a younger sister to Ada, a daughter to Polly, and I'm a coping mechanism to the rest of the boys. The nights that I'm not soothing Arthur, I'm with Tommy. John is pretty alright. To be frank, he has a tighter grip on demons than his brothers. However, I believe that's only because he doesn't want his kids to ever find out, or he has his different outlets that I don't know about. 

It has been really nice to sleep beside someone. By someone, I mean Tommy. You see, we had this agreement that I would just talk his ear off throughout the night, and he wouldn't use his opium pipe anymore. Now, I know he doesn't see me that way, but c'mon! He's just so fit! I honestly don't know if he's aware that I got a crush on 'em, but I just hope he's kept it to himself. I was never one for subtly in any of my pursuits. I always had a habit of staring. 

As I was sweeping away all the dirt in the house, I got incredibly bored. Since it was only Finn around, hopefully, doing his homework that I gave 'em! I began to sing. 

"Bitch, don't steal my man. He's got a weakness for girls like you. We both know you can. But I really need him more than you." 

It was so liberating to be able to comfortably sing. I started to get more into it. 

"You're a supermodel, shaped just like a bottle…" I held on to the broom, but made an outline of an hourglass figure with me free hand. 

"He could run his fingers through your hair." I raised my hands, ran my fingers through my hair, and jerked it behind my shoulders. 

"I bet you're a good time girl. But don't you know he's mine though?" I danced around my broom and then pointed to meself on the last lyric. 

"I was running around for a minute. Now he's the only one who can get it." I sang while smacking me hip lightly, trying not to make any other unnecessary noise. 

"So bitch, don't steal my man. He's got a weakness for girls like you. We both know you can. But I really need him more than you." While singing, I put on a sad expression. It was more like a childish pout. 

"Maybe I can fake it. Fake it 'til you make it." At this point, I had me eyes closed and was zoned in on singing. I started to dance slowly. 

"I can't promise, I'll be cordial. Got a mouth just like a trucker." Oddly enough, I started to sink down till I was crouching, but me knees were touching. I was also patting parts of me body as I went down. 

‘I really can't describe movements to save my life!’

"I can't even be a lady. Out in public for my mother, motherfucker." On the last lyric, I immediately stood up. I turned around, opened me eyes for a split second, and grasped the broom again. 

With me eyes now closed, I continued. "But bitch, don't steal my man. He's got a weakness for girls like you. We both know you can. But I really need him more than you." I put on the same sad expression to really feel the song. 

With the broom hugged against me body, I began to sway with it. "I won't blame him if he leaves me for you, oh." 

Me swaying came to a halt. "I won't even blame him if one day he runs off with you." I felt me own heart break for me imaginary lover's affair. Me voice came out softer than I expected.

 I didn't like that so I tried singing the next lyrics with a more happy tone. "Bitch, don't steal my man. He's got a weakness for girls like you. We both know you can. But I really need him more than you." I danced around the broom with more energy. I felt the sway of me dress with each turn. 

"Yeah. Oh, oh-oh. Oh, oh, oh. Don't steal my man. Bitch, don't steal my man. Don't steal my man." As I sang out the last of the lyrics, I stood still and opened me eyes. 

I expected silence, maybe even just Finn peaking in but it was worse. I was met with thunderous applause from the Shelby brothers, even Tommy. 

John hooted and whistled while clapping. "Whoo! We got ourselves an exclusive singer!"

"You're fucking right, John-boy! We 'ave our very own songbird." Arthur shouted. 

Tommy just had this smug smile on his face. 

I cringed at their "compliments''. I cringed very harshly from their comments! The worst part is that I can't tell if they're being sincere or not! "Piss off! Why didn't youse say anything? I'll make yez your scran then do one." I balanced the broom on the wall and shoved meself past them into the kitchen. All three of them started to fucking giggle. 

"Don't tell me you got so flustered that we brought out your scouser! Eh, Ali!" Tommy shouted. 

I sucked on me teeth. A habit I picked up from Tommy. I adopted it before I came here, though. It was actually a tick from Cillian, but he did it so many times as Tommy in the show, and well the real Tommy actually does it a lot. So, there was no getting rid of it!

‘I don’t why Tommy is acting so smug as if I don’t ‘ave to sing ‘em sad songs every night just so he can fuckin’ fall asleep. The bastard!’ 

"Shut up! Now, are youse gonna eat leftovers or am I making sandwiches?" I reached for plates that were in the cupboards and put them on the counter. 

"We'll have the leftovers, Ali." Tommy replied. 

I walked over to the icebox and took it out.

After they finished with eating and teasing, I had to finish cleaning up. It was especially difficult today because I decided to do a musical fucking number and Finn managed to work up the courage to ask me for help on his homework. 

By then, I was working on dinner with Polly. I did the peeling and chopping of the potatoes and carrots. She was making soup. We were debating about who Ada had been sneaking off with at night. I knew it was Freddie Thorne, but I was not going to be a snitch. Besides, she’s been using me as a scapegoat and I’m fine with her racking up her “I.O.U’s.”

The phone went off which Polly answered. I heard bits of it, but I was really trying hard not to be geggin' in. 

Polly sighed before saying, "Tommy rang said that they'll be eating at the Garrison. Go and take it to them, yeah?" 

I nodded in response. I got up and put our bowls into the sink. 

"Don't worry about the dishes tonight. I'll do those. Just give this to them and you'll be down for the night." 

I got me basket and put in three bowls and spoons. I lowered it ‘till it rested in the crook of me elbow, and then carried the pot of soup using both of me hands. Polly got the door. We said our goodbyes and I began me journey. 

As I was walking, men tipped their hats to me or bid me goodnight. It was strange to me for months in the beginning, but I've gotten quite used to it. It happens anytime I'm out and abar. 

As I got closer to the pub, I noticed these three young lads leaning against a wall outside. I wasn't sure at first but as I drew nearer to the door, their heads followed me. The middle one must have known the jig was up ‘cause he actually had the nerve to whistle at me. Like a dog. 

It stopped me in me tracks. I've never been treated this way in me whole life. After I became the Shelby family's maid, Tommy made it clear that nobody could touch me. I was off limits. Everyone in Birmingham knew that. But that didn't stop this cheeky lad who kept catcalling me and inching closer. I shook me head and then continued on. 

A man who was walking out greeted me, saw I was holding a pot, then held open the door for me to walk in, and even opened the second door. I thanked him. I walked over and knocked on the door to the snug. Arthur opened it after like five minutes of me waiting. 

"Here's your dinner. I'm off." I said while placing both the pot and the basket down.

"Oh c'mon, Ali. Stay 'n 'ave a laugh with us!" John shouted as he passed out the plates and spoons to his brothers. 

I shook me head with a smile on me face. His loud behavior made me want to laugh. But there was this sense of anxiety that washed over me.

'Maybe I should stay.' I thought. 

Me nerves were unsettled by the lads who were outside. I didn't want to know if they were waiting on me to come back outside. 

‘I would be safer in here.’ 

I stroked the edge of the table and took notice of its coldness. 

'Maybe I was just being paranoid. I should just go home. I would just ruin their fun.' 

"Aliena, are you alright?" Tommy asked. His eyebrows furrowed in worry. 

I smiled. It was, secretly, a sad smile. "Yeah, just grand. I'mma head on home. See youse tomorrow. Night!"

They all shouted back the same and I left. I kept the image of Tommy in me mind as I walked out of the pub. The cold air was nice against me hot face. But it didn't stop me from seeking warmth. I crossed my arms over me chest and hid me hands with me arms.

"Oi! Pretty lady! Wanna have a good time with us?"

"Yeah, come on! Show us a good time."

"You know, we're not from here."

I knew they were trying to close the gap between us. I tried walking faster. 

I could hear the pounding of their footsteps before I could react. Suddenly, there was a tight grip on me forearm and he yanked me toward himself. I gasped in surprise. 

"Come on, love. We came all the way from London to this shit city. Staying at this shitty hostel called… Something with Betty in it. So, how 'bout you fucking show me and my mates a good fucking time?" He squeezed me face in his hands. 

Me breathing quickened and heart was caught in me throat. 

"Le-Let me go! Fuck off!" I screamed. 

I managed to tear his hand off me face and I kicked his knee. He groaned in pain while doubling over to support it. I started to run, but I didn't manage to get very far. One of the others caught up to me. He caught me arms, swung me 'round, and slapped me across the face. 

Me ear rang and I felt a lot of pain. "Let me go! Stop it! Help me! Somebody help me!" I yelled as I tried putting me feet down, but he just kept dragging me. 

Nobody was helping me. 

'I'm scared. I don't wanna be raped!' I kept chanting over and over. 

Eventually, the guy tugged me into his arms and shoved me into an alleyway. I groaned on impact. Me stockings ripped and me hands skidded on the cement. I raced to get back up, but the man that threw me, bunched up the collar of me coat and threw me against the wall. I yelped and started seeing stars. Pain exploded throughout me head. But even then I knew he was taking off me coat. 

I heaved out a breath. He took that chance to shove his tongue in me mouth. It was so revolting. He tasted of booze, ciggies, and pure bad breath. I bit down on his tongue. He cried out in pain. He held his mouth. His grip was still tight on me collar. I tried running the other way since his friends were blocking the entrance of the alleyway, but he tugged me back and punched me. 

Now, that fucking hurt. I froze instantly. The pain was too much. I started sobbing. 

"Shut up!" He demanded. 

I didn't listen. So, I got a knee to the stomach. I grunted in pain and doubled over. He didn't let me soothe meself as he yanked me back up and started to attack me neck. 

I heard and felt as he ripped me dress open. I tried harder to push against his torso. I tried pushing him off of me. He ripped me bra and I felt his tongue roam me chest. I cried out. I was disgusted. Me stomach was churning. I reached up and yanked him by his hair. 

He shouted in pain and punched me in me ribs. I groaned. 

From the corner of my eye, I could see his two friends just staring at us. They were enjoying watching me struggle. They were smoking and sharing a bevvy. They were smiling at the sight of me, they were laughing at me!

He didn't stop there. He grabbed me by me arms and threw me against the wall multiple times. I tried sticking out me neck forward. It was an attempt to protect me head and it worked… a little. I was completely out of it by the time he stopped doing it. 

I could feel yet I was also numb to it. It was like the incident all over again. I still thrashed me arms around, but it was so weak. I was so beaten. Me body was not used to this. It wanted to shut down. I knew it did. But then me fingers grazed something on his upper torso. Me breath hitched. 

It knew this spot to be special. Tommy had a special spot here too. It was a gun holster. I felt me attacker raise me left leg and push my panties aside. 

After that it was such a blur. It all happened so fast. 

I took the gun out of its holster, pressed it into his torso, cocked it, and pulled the trigger. The shot rang through me ears. All I heard was white noise after that. 

I held onto the back of his neck, supporting his weight by leaning him on me body, looked to my right and saw that his friends had run off. It was then that I heard his choking gasps. I felt nothing. I pushed his body off of me and cocked the gun again. His fingers started to outline his bullet wound. He stared up at me in shock. 

He held his hands up, begging for his life. I looked down and stared at his leg. I aimed and fired. He screamed in agony. I cocked the gun. I aimed at his shoulder and fired. Another scream ripped from his throat. 

At that moment, I felt me mouth twitch upward. I felt meself smirk. Me eyes widened like a madman. I felt powerful. I walked closer to him and stood over his body. Slowly, I cocked the gun. He whimpered and put his hands up slowly. Hands covered in his own blood. I relished the terror in his eyes. 

I felt the smile expand on me face and I aimed for the middle of his forehead. I exhaled sharply before closing me mouth up. The action caused me to giggle uncontrollably. He sobbed louder but also somewhat slurred. He was dying. I knew that and he knew that. 

So, I withdrew the gun and took a small stumbling step back. I contorted me face in fear— it was all an act, and watched as he put his guard down. I stayed like that for about a minute before I couldn't manage to hide me smile anymore even while biting me lip. In a flash, his face lit back up in terror and that's when I took a step forward and pulled the trigger. The smile fell from me face. His hot blood had splattered all over me face, blowback I heard it was called.

"Oi!" A man shouted. 

I looked up to see no one that I would know. However, the man was wearing a peaked cap and was accompanied by three others. All guns were raised and pointed at me. 

They inched closer to me and I took a real stumbling step back. 

One man gasped. "That's Aliena Welsh. Mr. Shelby's maid!"

They put down their guns and rushed to me. I just stood there. Then, I looked down and stared at the gun. Me hands were trembling like leaves, but it was all an act. One of the Peaky men held out his hand toward me, I flinched and he stopped. 

"Miss, let's get you home. We'll take care of 'em. Come now, dear." He gestured to the gun and reluctantly I gave it to him. Another man gave me his coat. I wrapped myself around it. 

"Come, Miss." He waved me to follow him. 

I looked back and watched as the other men started to deal with the body. One man hauled him up by his armpits while another picked him up by his legs. 

Almost in a trance, I said. "No. I'm going home by meself. Go 'n tell, Tommy, what’s happened." 

Then, I rushed past him. At first, I was speed walking and then I was running. I was running with one hand holding onto me torn dress. The man’s coat had flown off of me shoulders. I was basically just covering me chest. Me stomach was on full display, though. 

But, of course, me suffering would not end. Me heel got caught and I tripped. I caught meself but it made me pre-existing wounds hurt even more. I sat there in the middle of the sidewalk. Panting for breath. Me lungs, no, not just me lungs. Everything hurt. Especially, me head. 

'I'm finished,’ I thought, ‘I can never go back now. I can’t go back to my family after I’ve killed someone. I-I can never be saved by any higher power, or have salvation for my soul. I... I killed him.’

I started to laugh, maniacally. I just giggled and laughed. Until they turned into blood curdling screams. Once I lost breath, I desperately inhaled and then sprang myself up. I continued running until I got home. With the door in sight, I started to sob. The worst part of it was that I wasn't crying because of what happened. It was because I knew I needed to look distraught. I knew deep down that I had absolutely no regrets pulling that trigger. 

I probably even liked it. 

I started banging on the door. I could hear Polly yell for me to stop. I didn't. Not until she ripped open the door. I saw as her gaze contorted from angry to something else, maybe astonishment. She brought her hands to her mouth. Her eyes watered which made me look away. 

"Oh my god." She whispered. Polly sounded so choked up. Her sadness seeped into her words. 

Her hands slowly reached out to me. They were shaking so much. And I broke. I started to cry, sob, wail. 

"Polly! Polly… " I repeated her name over and over. She drew me into a hug and helped me inside. I hid me face in the crook of her neck. 

"Sh! It's alright, love. I have you now. Ada! You're safe now. ADA, GET DOWN HERE THE FUCK NOW!"

I knew she was leading me into the living room. She helped me sit down and she never stopped stroking me hair. 

Before Ada could ask any questions, Polly told her to bring the tub in and to draw me a bath with hot water. I was still crying. I sounded awful. 

"Pol, what's happened?" Ada asked as she poured the hot water into the tub. 

"I don't know! Just focus on what I've told you to do! Ali, love, I'm goin' to be right back. You need ice for your face." She kissed the temple of me forehead and then unwrapped me from her. 

I looked at her empty spot with hollow eyes. Then, I trailed over to Ada. Her mouth hanging open slightly. 

I gulped. Me mouth was completely dry. The tub was full. I stood up slowly. I didn't even realize it would hurt. Hell, I didn't even realize that there was blowback on me breasts and neck, not just me face. I slipped a finger under the strap of me bra and carefully slipped both it and me dress off of me body. 

As I went to take off me panties, I suddenly remember I had thigh high stockings. I closed me eyes shut and sat back down. A wince left me mouth. I kicked off me heels, reached down, and tugged them off with very strained effort. When I stood back up, heels clicked on the floor meaning Polly was back. I slid off me panties and then entered the tub. 

Ada tried to protest but it was too late. I had already submerged me body in the scathing hot water. It burned and yes, and Polly yelled at me for it. But then I got used to it and she was holding the makeshift ice pack against the left of me face where the bastard struck me the most. Ada, with a towel in hand, was scrubbing the blood off of me body. She was being so delicate with me.

That was when the door flew open and in came the Shelby brothers. The sound of the door banging on the wall made me cringe. I closed me eyes at the sound. Just as I was tipping me head back, me face was grasped and inspected. 

"Who did this? What the fuck happened!" Tommy shouted. 

"Stop your fucking shouting! She hasn't said a word… Aliena, love. Can you tell us what happened?" Polly asked. 

Languidly, I opened me eyes. Tommy's eyes were blown wide. And, I could finally read his face. He was angry and worried. I looked behind 'em and saw John and Arthur were doing no better. Arthur was raising a fist to his mouth repeatedly before striking the couch. John was pacing back and forth while sniffing a lot. Ada was crying beside me. She took her hand in mine. 

I felt loved. I felt safe. 

I exhaled loudly with me cheeks puffed. I made a kind of "oo" noise like when women give birth. I swallowed a sob and began to speak. 

"There was these three fuckers outside the Garrison. They were eyeing me real hard before I went in. I thought I saw wrong because well, no one in the city disrespects me. Ha!" I looked away from Tommy as I ran me tongue over the inside of me cheek. "When I went back out, they had already gotten like closer. They were catcalling me. Saying things like I should show them a good time. That I owed it to them since they were from out of town." I scoffed and looked down at me chest. 

Me bare chest. It was still covered in blood. Me face contorted. I was filthy. I had a disgusting man's blood on me body. I raised me hands and started rubbing on me skin. It had dried somewhat. It wasn't coming off! I started to hyperventilate and scratch at me skin. 

"Eh, stop that, Ali! Eh! Aliena, stop that!" Tommy took my hands from me neck and into his. Me eyes widened and I could feel me head twitching to the right. 

His thumb made small strokes up and down me hand and I started to calm down. 

"One of them ran to me when I started speeding up. He grabbed me and I screamed for help. I tried fighting. Kicked his knee and ran for it. But another one caught up to me, swung me 'round, and slapped me. I kept screaming for help, but nobody was… " I took a deep breath. "They threw me in an alley and then against the wall. I kept on fighting. The guy who was gonna… Well, he was wearing a gun. So, I… I-!"

I shook me head, violently. "I shot 'em, Tommy. I took his gun and shot 'em. His mates ran off. And yeah…" I slipped me hands out of his grasp and finally allowed me head to tilt down as I rested me eyes. 

I muttered. "Me virtue lives to fight another day." I snickered, mirthlessly.

I felt rather than saw Tommy's explosive response. He slammed his hands against the tub while screaming, "Fuck!" 

Polly and Ada both gasped. 

"Did they tell you anything else, love? Like where they were planning on taking you? Or where they came from?" Polly asked, always quick to regain composure. 

I nodded. "Said they'd come from London. Staying at Betty's. I think that meant that lodging place that's run by that… "

"Semi-retired prostitute." Tommy finished. "Right. John, Arthur! Let's go!" 

Polly didn't even try stopping them. The door closed with the same bang. I started to cry again and this time I had two women soothing me. 

They cleaned the blood off of me. They washed it off of me body and hair. They put me in a nightgown and Polly brushed out me hair. Afterward, Polly sent Ada up to bed and we cuddled on the couch. 

I cleared me throat. "This isn't the first time. Not even when Tommy brought me home that day two months ago. No. The first time it happened was when I was 13 or 14. Me ma’ let me have a bevvy for the first time. It was Thanksgiving 'n all. I got so bevied up that me sis offered me to sleep in her room. I wanted to see the baby, so everyone went along with it. You see, I was supposed to sleep at the end of the bed while she was supposed to sleep next to her husband. It didn't end up like that. I slept next to 'em with the baby in the middle of us, and my sister was at the bottom. 

It was fine 'til I woke up and he was fondling me. He was playing with me breasts and kept running his hand up and down me thigh. I fucking froze, Pol. I froze for so long. But I managed to get away. I went running to me room. I told me ma’ in the morning and she told me sis. They didn't believe me. Me ma’ wanted her granddaughter to grow up with both parents, so she hid it from me da’. Me sis just thought I was lying for attention. I had to be in the same house with 'em for so fucking long!" 

Polly sucked on her teeth and held me closer to her. She held me so tight that I could hardly breathe. Tears escaped me eyes but me face wasn't contorted.

 I was so tired. 

As the night went on, Polly eventually walked me to bed. She tucked me in like I was a child. She kissed me forehead before walking out. Once I hit the bed, all fatigue washed away. I was left with me own thoughts. I couldn't fall asleep now. 

I brought fingers to me face and lightly pressed on the outside of me bruises. I hissed in pain and withdrew me hand. 

'I don't wanna see me face.' I thought. 

But because I acknowledged it, I wanted to do it. I slowly got up from the bed and walked over to the mirror. Me left cheek and eye were both bruised. It wasn't absolutely horrible, but I've never seen me face like this before.

I huffed as I dropped me hand from me face. I opened the palm of me hand and traced the outline of me scrapes. They burned like a bitch when I was in the bath. I slowly crouched down and did the same to the scrapes on my knees. But as I did so, pain shot up throughout me body because I neglected the bruises on me stomach and ribs.

 I was littered with fucking bruises. 

I sighed, running a hand through me hair as I tilted me head back. I pinched the bridge of me nose. I was brought out of me trance when three soft knocks rang through the room. I jumped at the sudden sound. 

"Ye-Yes?"

The door opened and it was Tommy. He had dressed down. He was in his pajamas. A white long sleeve shirt and pants. I never asked if they were his work pants, but they were eerily similar. 

He cleared his throat and flicked his nose. "It's done. We found 'em and dealt with them." 

I let out a loud breath of relief. They were dead. I wouldn't have to worry about them at all. Unlike in me original world where I couldn't sleep because I feared he'd come for me and me family. 

I ran me hand through me hair, and bunched it at the front. I looked up at Tommy. "Thank you." I whispered. 

With his hands now in his pockets, he nodded. 

I knew what I was doing. I knew that I probably shouldn't ask, but I didn't want to be alone tonight. I ran to him and hugged him. He returned it, hesitantly. He soon rested his chin on me head. 

I felt him kiss me head and he whispered. "Sleep with me tonight, eh? You shouldn't be alone tonight." 

I nodded with me head still buried in his chest. Slowly, he guided me to his room. I climbed into his bed and he did after me. I faced the wall and allowed his arm to be me pillow. I gathered me hair and put it all to the side where his arm laid. 

I could hear his breathing and that's all it took for me to start drifting off. Me eyes fluttered open when I felt his fingers comb through me hair. He couldn't fully thread his fingers through me hair, but it was still soothing. 

"You're safe now. You'll be okay." He whispered over and over. 

His voice is something I always want to fall asleep to... 

It didn't take me long to fall asleep at all. I was safe in the Shelby house, in Tommy's arms. 

TAG LIST: @amirahiddleston​ @nemesis729​

[aharris00britney]

ASKS 18

Andromeda’s a big wide open galaxy; okay anyways here are some asks about Dead by Daylight, ayoshi collab, sims 5, my old recolors, and just some sweet people who sent me some nice messages <3

Anonymous said: In your collab with Ayoshi, the outfit that shows off the Ciara Top and Jess shorts, where can I find the garter belt accessory used with the shorts?

Those stockings get asked about SO much lmao. They are BY Ayoshi like.. idk why people ask about them. I desperately want him to remake them with new textures. Maybe one day lmao. All of his CC is in this post including the stocking (Miso Tights).

Anonymous said: Omg whos your dead by daylight main

Kate and Yui <3 I have been using Jane recently too. I play as Spirit for killer but I only do killer for the challenges LMAO

Anonymous said: I am very new to The Sims world, ts4 is my first time playing, and finding out I can have mods on my game change my world, and you are one of my favorite creators! So I just came to say you are really amazing. I think I have all of your hairs, and most of you others cc, it is because of you my townies look so cute nowadays!! Remember your effort is really valued and you are loved!!!

thank you so so so much ;n; I would really advise against having all of my hairs lmao there are like 150+ and a lot of the older ones have issues i want to fix... just need to find the time

Anonymous said: what do u use to get the little sparkles in your edits :o is it a brush?

I honestly don’t remember. Every since the first one I just use the same lookbook PSD that has the sparkle on it. These look similar though so try them.

Anonymous said: wcif the first two chokers used in your pic for your hairs you just put up on your patreon?

All of my patreon cc posts are public the day they go up. the download is for patrons only but the CC posts are public. Those always have the CC i use linked at the bottom. Always. They have since June of last year. Just go to my Patreon and scroll down to the hairs, and you will see them linked. No pledging or following required. 

Anonymous said: Do you have a Ko-Fi? I’m wary about trying to send a one-off via Patreon incase I forget to cancel the next month.

I have a paypal.me link > here < but please don’t feel inclined to donate. Also if you do a one-off with Patreon you can cancel it right after you pledge and you’ll still have access to the Patreon content til the end of the month. 

Anonymous said: not to rush you or anything but bella is one of the prettiest sims you've ever created and i can't wait for you to release her omg

Bella queen wbk (thank you)

Anonymous said: your models are so pretty! would you consider release the tray files of them?

that is the plan, not sure when though. I am building them a house rn which i’ve been having fun doing. They all lived in a basement before

Anonymous said: hi :) just out of curiosity, what is the EA policy u always mention concerning the third hairs in ur posts? thanks!

CC put on Patreon is supposed to be post within 21 days of going on Patreon. One of the community managers said it a while ago. I have the details on my Patreon about me page if you want to read and get links. <3

@ariapixie​ said: Happy New Years!!🎆🎉🎉🎆🎇🎆

thank you!!! i hope youve been having an amazing year so far <3

Anonymous said: Heey love :) I am obssessed with your hairstyles *_* you're the reason I switched from alpha to MM :) just wanted to ask you how come you no longer include recolors for your latest hairstyles? :)

well there were a few reasons:

1). I never used the recolors myself. I like the colors I just never used them 2). I got comments about the colors looking too metalic 3). I had started Patreon around that time and doing recolors for 3 (and sometimes more) hairs every month would have been a lot. Especially bc my DDS was broken so I had to do them a bit more complicated than just saving as DDS. 

I know that some people really liked my recolors, and I am sorry if me stopping caused any issues. There are actions for the hair colors and recoloring hair is really easy to learn and do. 

@sadnessimmer said: 💌This is the Amazing Person Award! Once you are given this award you are supposed to paste it in the ask of eight different people, who, in your opinion, deserve it. If you break the chain nothing will happen, but it is sweet to know someone thinks you’re amazing inside and out! 💌

Anonymous said: how is your content so amazing ily so much 🥺💕

Anonymous said: Thank you so much for all that you do! Your hairs and collabs are amazing

thank you so much! 

Anonymous said: Could you ever see yourself creating hairs (or custom content in general) for the Sims 5 once it comes out?   

If the style is something I enjoy and the creation method is similar yes

@ariapixie​ said: Hi I think tumblr ate my ask so I’m sorry if you’ve already gotten this. I really love your editing it’s so beautiful and I was wondering if you would ever consider doing a tutorial on how you do it

honestly most of the time i do stuff differently. I run the same topaz/sharpening actions every time and then add some shadows and play with curves. Nothing that is super intensive tbh. I wouldn’t even know how to go about doing a tutorial tbh

Anonymous said: What's your name on the gallery? I can't ever seem to find anything from you, or do you not have one?

aharris00britney; make sure you have CC enabled

@wcifblog​ said: Hi, I am in love with your CC. I'm a simmer for a long time but just lately I've been trying to learn how to make my own CC. I've seen some of your speed meshing videos and I was wondering if you'd ever consider making a tutorial for beginners on how to create a new mesh from scratch. (I'm trying to create a curly hair on blender but I'm stupid I guess). Thank you so much for all your work, love, Kel.

hey! thank you so much <3 I actually don’t mesh stuff from scratch though. So I’m afraid I am not able to help in that department :( I’m sorry

@tarrinix​ said: would it be possible for you to upload a mass file for download that has all of your hairs? (I'm asking for only the ones created by you so others don't miss out of credit links and things like that.)

I really wanted to get all my 2019 CC updated before the end of the year and have it up in a .zip. But I never got around do updating stuff from the start of the year. I need to get back into updating stuff I just am so.. unmotivated recently? Idk hopefully I can get all my stuff updated in the next few months and have some mass downloads for 2017, 2018, and 2019 stuff. 

@xayami​ said: any thoughts on 365? 😳

well.... im excited for B#RN. that is what matters, right? LMAO I’m going through a Weyes Blood/FKA Twigs phase rn so I haven’t been listening to much kpop. Especially at the time that 365 released.

Anonymous said: the sim modeling your piper hair can murder me and i will thank her over and over how make good sim

Anonymous said: it's not even just her it's every GODDANG MODEL!!!

LMAO Ivy is my 2nd blond model. She is a queen isn’t she? She is actually the sim from this lookbook and I just randomly added her to my models household and she stayed. 

[natsubeatsrock]

My History with & Response to Nalu Hate Messages

I knew I wanted to make a post about this, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to go about it. Originally, I was going to take a much different approach. I was going to be much more light-hearted and turn it into a bit of an April Fools joke. However, considering how much things seem to have escalated, I decided to take a bit of a different approach.

A fair warning: this post contains a lot of insensitive language that many might upset people, especially here on Tumblr. Continue at your own risk.

On February 25th, I recieved the following messages over my Tumblr, likely in response to either my post about not liking Nalu or my explanation of Nali in Key of the Starry Sky arc.

At the time, I thought of this as a bit of a challenge. This wasn’t the first time I’ve received these kinds of messages, as some people who have known me for a long time may or may not know. However, this is the first time I’ve gotten this many messages for seemingly so specific a reason.

I decided to test the waters a bit by actually making a post about Nali. On March 1st, I posted my most recent Nali essay. If you check the notes, a lot of them aren’t accounted for by the likes, reblogs, and comment on the post. What’s the reason for that?

On March 2nd, I recieved even more messages, including a couple of replies on the post itself. I marked the accounts as sending spam and the messages disappeared.

When I published the post, my plan was to make a few jokes regarding these posts on April 1st. I figured that they’d likely respond to me anyway, but that it was a couple of isolated events.

It turns out that I wasn’t the only one to get messages. First it was a reply implying someone else got the same messages. Then a couple of other blogs that express disdain for Nalu got the same messages. And yesterday, I saw a post that someone in the Nalu fandom actually gotten the same messages.

It turns out this ran way deeper and has lasted longer than I figured it would. (How convenient it’s happening now.) Even as late as the day I’m posting this, on March 31st, I got these messages on both of my blogs.

And like clockwork, April 1st, the day after posting this, I’ve gotten messages on both of my blogs, replies on this post, directed at another user who replied to this post, and even comments on my link to my April Fool’s story.

If I get any more messages, I’ll add them to this post.

If you read the messages, they boil down to five basic things:

Screw you for not liking Nalu.

Screw you for supporting Bernie Sanders. (?)

I hope bad things happen to you.

I hope bad things happen to your family.

*insults you’d think Tumblr users wouldn’t use*

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t feel attacked by these messages. I never took these messages seriously and feel as though even making a post with this is at least potentially a mistake. However, the worst that might happen at ths point is that I get more of these messages.

The real reason I’m making this post is because I’m annoyed by the fact that this is happening. Not just because I’m stuck in my house and this may be the most interaction people have had with my posts ever. Mostly because I don’t expect this to change anything in any meaningful sense.

Do I honestly think that this is the work of evil Nalu fans? No. I doubt most people in the Nalu fandom are seriously that antagonistic at this point in the series. At the same time, I doubt this will cause some fandom introspection beyond “don’t harrass the pathetic minor shippers”.

My bet is we deal with this for about a month or two. Tumblr staff shouldn’t be so terrible as to allow this to happen for much longer than that. I doubt that fandom-at-large will care about it by then and things will go back to normal. As bad as it’s probably being made out, I don’t know that the fact that people are getting these messages is what people should be mad about. In fact, the thing that really annoys me is exactly that fandom isn’t as far off from this as they’d like to think. Let me be crystal clear: I don’t think that pro-Trump sentiments and wishes for harm are actually traits of the Nalu fandom.

But the idea that “minor shippers will feel bad when Nalu becomes canon” is one that I’ve seen said tons of times over the years. I even got messages to that effect on some of my older posts last week. Fandom didn’t care about that before this incident started and they won’t care when this all blows over. Heck, I’m not convinced the people in the Nalu fandom who will see these messages being spread as an issue have a problem with that baseline assumption even now. That’s what annoys me most about this situation and will absolutely be the subject of its own post.

For now, though, I don’t know that I can say much more than mark the accounts as spam if you get messages like this. I have my suspicions as to why this kind of thing happens in this fandom at all, but I can’t explain why it happens to so many different people here, even people that actually like Nalu.

And, if by chance, you are behind this and are reading this, in the tradition of this blog, I have a special message for you fron NF.

Hope you stay safe. See you!

[marixpedition]

5 Risks That Gave 2019 a 180-Degree Turn

It is almost the end of the year, and here we are trying to look back at what basically happened in the year that is yet to end. I am guessing that it will either be a trip down to memory lane or a flashback of regrets. It is undeniable that we are all rooting for the former though.

2019 embodies a different personality for every person. I have scrolled through Instagram looking at people’s 2019 stories - travel, success, milestones, relationships, reconciliation, breakups, enlightenment, coffee, and more coffee. Some would say it is a year to be thankful for; some would say it is something they have to let go of. I am thinking each year boils down into two options: make or break. 

I have known people who got married this year, had their first child, graduated from college or graduate school, got back with their ex, traveled a lot this year, just got promoted at work. Others I have known of lost a family member, ended a long time relationship, got cheated on, lost an opportunity they have been waiting for so long, was rejected by a person they liked so much or friendzoned, had a friendship gap because of little things that got out of hand.

Disclaimer lang puu: ‘di ako nagbablind item or nangchichismis.

Each year that passes for us is a mathematical problem that just got solved or just left us even more puzzled than we were in this life. If I were to assess my 2019, I choose the latter. There are so many things this year that got me asking myself, “ What the heck was that?” or “What on Earth just happened?”

I am about to share to you 5 personal things that happened in my year and what I learned from them. These are not just 5 personal issues or drama or whatever you would call that, but they are “risks” I took this year that made me tell myself, “Damn, girl! Ano? Rebel ghorl?”

1. Pixie Cut

Christmas of 2018 was when I finally had a short haircut after 3 years of having a long hair, but 2018 was yet to be shaken. It was because I finally decided, middle of this year, to get a pixie after a year of push and pull conflict with myself. I was too excited to get my hair chopped real short that time and also nervous. Why was I nervous? SIZT! I was about to get the shortest length of haircut in my entire life (so far). Who knows I might sport myself a baldy some day? 

Do I consider it a risk? ENTIRELY. It was a huge risk because I was not fully confident that I will be able to pull it off after the magic of the salon blower expires. It turns out to be true. Reactions of the people I know were mixed. “Omg! You cut your hair? I love it!” “It suits you! How I wish I can do the same!” “What happened to your hair?!” “Why did you cut it?” “What are you doing with your life?” (Oo besh may ganun nagtanong, “Ano ginagawa mo sa buhay mo?”)

How did my family react to it? My brother - no comment. My mother - at first she was confused as to why I would cut my hair very short but she eventually accepted my decision. After months of having my pixie, she also got the same hairdo. Idol talaga ako ng nanay ko. ‘Di bale idol ko din naman siya. My father - he did not like it. He thought I looked like a “tomboy” in Filipino context. Jake Zyrus ganorn daw. Even my relatives from the province was not a fan of it especially the titas. I still love them, but I was on the verge of blaming the culture for what it has imposed on women with short hair and glorifying those with long ones. But I said to myself, WHATEVER. 

That is when it hit me. 

That is how it feels when you defy the norms without actually violating any rules. Cliché man pero EMPOWERED tayo mga mamshies. It was following my heart’s desire without compromising my faith and principles nor any relationship. It was a great leap for me - doing something new and beyond my comfort zone.

It reminded me of the day I put my life in the hands of the Lord. Many people would say it is very risky and scientifically unstable based on human calculations, but never in my entire life did I feel like I have done the right-est thing until I have surrendered everything to Him.

But why did I grow my hair again? P350 monthly haircut maintenance at Bench Fix Salon. Mahal, besh. Pulubi na ako.

2. 2nd Pair of Lobe and Helix Piercing

The second thing I will talk about is indeed RISKY. I admit that I have compromised few of my principles and relationships here. Example would be the promise to keep the body pure for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which means that having tattoos or cuts/wounds do not make the Lord pleased. Also, because I am an educator who is to be a role model in the academic institution, I must not have gotten a piercing that could push my students to do the same which obviously is not allowed in school.

Second best question is do I regret getting those piercings? Kind of. I am not the type of person who breaks the rules because I detest any form of hassle if it can be avoided. Now, having these piercings is so hassle when I am at work because they have to be removed then put on again at night to make sure the holes do not close.

Hassle talaga, mga besh. Wala eh. Priorities. I love my work more than my nice earrings and piercings.

Kathryn Bernardo made me get the piercings. Haaayy. I still love her though.

Do I recommend piercing? Yes, one pair only for girls. For boys, nah.

But to those who are wondering where I got them (hehe), I’ve had my first pair of lobe since I was a child. I don’t exactly remember where I got them. My second lobe piercings are from Unisilver which used an ear gun. It was more painful compared to needle piercing. My helix piercing was done by Iggy Boy Palma, a professional tattoo and piercing artist, at Whiplash Tattoo in BF Aguirre. Popular question: Which is safer and less painful? Definitely, needle piercing. I give it a 2/10 level of pain.

3. Bleaching my Hair

It was only this December that I finally decided to give my grown pixie a new look. I had the back part trimmed and gave in to the highlights club. At first, I was troubled by how it looked like after having it bleached. IT WAS SUPER LIGHT AND BRIGHT #ManokNaDilaw (yellowish orange). I got nervous because it looked bad on me, and I do not want to be called out again for another violation. So, I had the stylist layer the color with another coating which is gray.

Many people have asked how it was done. Let me share with you how simple it was. First, the stylist tied my hair in half pony tail. The loose part (untied) was the one that got bleached and colored gray. Finally, if you put the pony down, the light dye will be covered but is partially seen which is actually the idea of the style.

Was I happy about it? SUPER. I think this hairstyle is actually cool-subtle kind of rebel. It is not loud obvious, but it shows and stands out. Thank you, Pinterest.

Do I recommend it being done in a salon? Yes! Less hassle, and the stylists know better. However, if you have been coloring your own hair for years now, I guess you could do a DIY not to mention that it will be cheaper.

4. Getting Darker

What is wrong with being dark? NOTHING. But is there something wrong? Yes, many in this country believe that those who are fairer look better. Am I angry? No, but I am sad. Ganda ko kaya, char.

This year, I was blessed to have visited Boracay with my church friend. Despite it being crowded, it was a real paradise (Kala ko nga nasa abroad ako eh puro foreigners legit). The white sand was so fine just like flour. During the trip, I did bring with me sunscreen but not to make myself not get dark but to avoid sunburn. Yes. I was super ready to dive into the sea and just get all that rays on sunshine on my skin. When going on a beach trip, getting a tan is a must. I think tan looks pretty. To cut the long story short, I got darker intentionally lol.

Why is this a risk? I believe I have never been as dark as that in the past four years. After some time, our family went to our province in Quezon. Many of our relatives were like, “Ang itim mo!” “You got dark!” (Ano pa po? Keep it coming!) Well, it’s true, but what is saddening is the facial expressions that accompanied their remarks. Am I mad? Of course, not! It is a risk I do not regret at all. I do not mind getting dark as long as I get dark while on a beach trip and not here in Manila heat.

5. A New Work Responsibility

Now is some serious talk. (Kabado me sa part na ituu) What has changed this academic year for me? First, I got new additional tasks that are more challenging. Second, I am advising both students and teachers already. Third, I’m doing OTs again.

What exactly is this that I am talking about? It’s hard to explain, but let me put it this way. I used to be just an extra in a scene. Now, I am a some sort of a minor character who is tasked to help the protagonist achieve the goal and slay the enemies.

Am I happy about the opportunity? BIG YES. Is it mostly fun doing the job? No (nako nako talaga). There are more emotional heartbreaks, mental breakdowns, and sleepless nights. I have learned things in a not so easy way like how words could mean differently to the company and to the customer and how honest and transparent I must be to our clients. There were moments when I think I knew better, and it was so difficult to submit to authority. In those times, I was able to prove again that only God will remain consistent by my side. He is my constant help and supporter who encouraged me to choose what is right rather than what is convenient.

Did this opportunity put me in a better situation? Triple yes. I admit that the journey is an uphil climb. There is absolutely zero shortcuts (hirap kung hirap mga kapatid). However, God surrounded me with people who helped me mature, be graceful under pressure, control my emotions, laugh despite the hurt, and clearly see the beauty of being a teacher.

To end this post, I would like to just praise the God Almighty for His faithfulness in our lives. Getting through the 365 days is no joke. There were nights I thought of not going to work the next day because I had so many doubts and insecurities. Fortunately, I have only had one absence because I was sick. It was an ironman race to finish 2019. There were several curves and confusing directions which stressed me so much. Even though it was exhausting and tempting to give up, God pushed me to not stop moving until the end of the race (which of course I have not reached yet).

My 2019 is not as extravagant or controversially interesting as others’, but what I can say is that in those motivating experiences that happened in my year, I have earned a bigger faith in Him.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

v. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

v.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[createdbyangels]

Sassy is FIVE!

Welp, the girl child turned 5.  It was almost a month ago but she is still, as of today, telling people several times a week that she had a birthday and is five now.  So it’s still news around here.

Here was my FB post on her birthday:

Five. I told a friend today that five feels so much like "big kid" 😭 This is the year we send her off to kindergarten. I just can't. Not pictured...shopping as Elsa to pick out presents from Grandma and Papa ("I think everyone will think there is a REAL princess here"). She looked at EVERY ITEM on the shelves. (I HATE shopping, guys) A sprinkle doughnut, painting a little Elsa jewelry box with friends, park time, more friend time at home (she was stoked to have her friends with us all day!!), the library, a movie, pepperoni pizza and daddy found the moon in the telescope before she went to bed! And Corbin came down early this morning to make sure we had put balloons on her chair and to write her a note ("Happy birthday Savannah!!! I will do the silverware for you" 😍😍) He did her part of unloading the dishwasher for her. On this day 5 years ago one of my first questions after she FINALLY joined us in the delivery room was, "Definitely a girl??" Yup. Definitely. And definitely MY girl. Happy birthday my Savannah. We are all on our toes with you around and we wouldn't want it any other way.

Savannah’s personality is SO BIG.  I often find myself telling people while we are out, “She’s a lot” with a sigh or an eye roll.  Mostly because she is twirling and being loud or roaming around or just absolutely not listening to me.  Corbin was so compliant.  Don’t get me wrong, he can be very difficult, but when we are out he follows the rules, stays close to me and doesn’t cause a ruckus.  Today in Kohl’s, Savannah lagged behind, sat on a giant sloth plush toy while I walked away, yelled, “NO!” at least twice, climbed up on the base of a mannequin while asking why "That lady doesn’t have a head?!” and continued reading a book across the checkout line while I called no few than 5 times for her to come back over to me.  And that was AFTER the incident earlier in the day when we got home and she threw such a massive fit because I didn’t wait for her to check the mail (she came inside and took off her coat and shoes KNOWING we were about to walk to the mailbox) that she stomped outside to the edge of the street and SCREAMED, “I DON’T LIKE YOU!!!” for the whole neighborhood to hear.  And then went in the bathroom and unrolled the rest of the toilet paper on to the ground “because she was mad”.  (She spent QUITE a while learning how one cleans up TP that has been unrolled from the roll....)  So yeah.  She’s A LOT.

But.  I’ve been reading a lot about how the words you use to describe your children has such a massive impact on them.  I’ve always known that.  In my brain.  But my heart is taking notice.  I don’t want her to think that she is too much for us to handle or is a nuisance.  He massive personality is going to be one of her biggest strengths.  It is our job to help her learn how to reign it in when necessary.  But also to encourage her to be herself.  Not mentioned above is how she delighted the couple ahead of us in line at Kohl’s by telling them, “I just had my birthday and I’m 5!” as they told me about their spunky kid who is now 25.  Or how in Food Lion the other day she, unprompted, told an employee at the check out, “I love your skirt”  She is unfiltered.  Which means, at 5, we get the inappropriate right along with the sweet, beautiful and hilarious.  Hopefully the filter will come. But I also have zero concerns that she will be bullied or taken advantage of. She won’t have any of that now and I’m certain she won’t have any of that ever.  It took me about 27 years to find that voice.  I hope she doesn’t lose that voice.  

So.  Moving on to more facts about Sassy (aka Van Van, aka Sassums, aka Van Van Q-zles”, she is in Ms. LaShauna’s 4 year old preschool class at APPLESeeds preschool.  This is her last year there - kindergarten starts in July 2020!  I can’t believe it.  She does Kidokinetics this year again (this year it’s Mondays...she stays an extra 45 minutes after school ends and does a sports related activity with Coach John)  A friend who observed her after school one day called her “The Mayor of preschool” .... it’s hilarious because it’s true.  There are kids from 2-5 in this preschool and since she started at 2, kids of all ages have known her.  I know that, at 2, that is likely because her name was ALWAYS being called for some reason 😂  And is probably still somewhat the case now.  But she is also just very social and loves to talk to everyone in her presence. So on this particular day apparently several (a lot) of the kids and parents who walked by her that afternoon (she was staying for Kidokinetics so I wasn’t there) said goodbye to her by name.  She has also developed a habit of calling someone in each of her circles “bestie” (there is one at gymnastics and at least one at preschool) .It’s so funny to hear things like that out of her mouth.  She sounds like a teenager and it’s weird.  

She just finished her 2nd season in soccer and is actually pretty good.  She scored at least one goal in nearly every game.  She shockingly also loved the social aspect of the whole experience. I take her to Sonshine Gymnastics Tuesday mornings for an hour of gymnastics.  She wanted to go back after doing dance last year.  She likes them both but has gotten really into gymnastics again.  It will be interesting to figure out how we are going to do an activity for both kids once she is in school and her things also have to become after school activities.  We’ll cross that bridge once we come to it.

Her favorite colors are pink and purple, she loves to watch Fancy Nancy, T.O.T.S., Puppy Dog Pals, Disney movies and recently, this slightly annoying show on Netflix called Masha and the Bear (which also has a few spin offs).  There are worse things.  She LOVES movies and we’ve see a ton considering her age.  She can sit through a movie better than Corbin can at this point.  Especially if she also has popcorn and M&Ms.

Favorite foods are pretty standard - mac and cheese, grilled cheese, fruit,  But she is also a great eater when it comes to veggies - she loves avocado, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots and ranch and spinach.  She does NOT love several of the meals I make right now - mostly to be difficult I think.  She complains when I make chicken .. (have you met me...we only eat chicken and turkey around here) but loves mashed potatoes and generally loves the veggie.  Except peas.  She doesn’t like peas.  Or beans for that matter.  She can THROW DOWN on some sweets.  Gets that honestly.

She gets motion sickness in the car if she reads/colors, gets super dizzy when she spins, isn’t afraid of heights or most anything dare-devil like, loves board games and card games, is super at playing pretend and loves to put on shows for us that involve singing and dancing routines.

For all my comments about how she is a lot (she IS a lot) I honestly don’t know what I’d do with a mild mannered girl.  We are both passionate and we get each other.  Even though sometimes (a lot of times) that involves screaming or being super frustrated).  It’s always cliche’ but I genuinely can’t believe she is 5.  We have 2 big kids.  And in 8 months we’ll have 2 ELEMENTARY kids.  Sometimes I feel like I’m counting the minutes until she is in school full time but I also recognize that we only have a little bit of full time left together.  And the sadness about how big she is (how big both of them are) is very real.  But, all part of life.  Onward to the year of five!

Princess pancake breakfast at Mason Jar Tavern

Day at the NC State Fair

Her 3s preschool teacher Ms. Beth

(Out of order/Holly Fest and Halloween)

Amtrak ride to Durham

Fairy garden party

Sharing sweet potato fries with mommy

3 Bears Acres for mommy’s birthday

Stuck a pebble in her ear at camp...had to go to the dr to have it removed

First time having a friend sleep over

Myrtle Beach

Spent her birdthday with Jonah and Farrah

Corbin made her a shrink ray worker (after not letting her go anywhere near his homemade shrink ray for a long time)

Corbin wrote her a birthday note saying he would unload the silverware for her (that is her AM chore)

Crazy Glaze for her bday activity

Scarecrow at school

Fuquay festival

[blockbustersgang]

Djibouti Diaries, part #1:

Irregular blog series of Iiris’ thoughts and travels in Djibouti filming upcoming feature “The Grave Digger” by Bufo, Pyramide Production and Twenty Twenty Vision.

Reporting thoughts from the first 8 days on the road, exactly 10 days before filming starts

Arrival

I’m not a huge fan of long flights - sometimes my low blood pressure gets the best of me and it’s not once or twice I’ve almost fainted after half a day in a plane. Surprisingly travelling with Qatar Airways was very nice and I rewatched A Star is Born (not the sad end though, as I wasn’t in the mood for sad endings) and got familiar with Aquaman (or tried to, didn’t really understand why was he called Aquaman and why not Ocean Master) and agreed again how complicated element water is for any VFX / CGI work.

Arrival to Djibouti was hot, fun and exciting. We understood already at the airport the way this country works is something very different than what we’re used to. Hot air whispered to our ears and black night took us to it’s arms. Road to our hotel was bumpy and after 30 minutes in the country I was already sweating like a pig. When getting to my room I was definitely in a small shock - no window, everything was very simple, AC wasn’t working - do I really spend the next 1,5 months here? I need to cancel my boyfriends trip here in the last shooting week - he’ll kill me if I’m making him to spend a week in here instead of the nice hotel rooms he always gets when he’s filming abroad. And my phone has no reception whatsoever, how will any producers from upcoming projects be able to reach me?!

I woke up the next morning very sweaty and hungry and went to breakfast (nothing gluten free was available, but luckily I had my own snacks with me). Suddenly after a big cup of black tea with steaming milk (yes, I might be a little British) world seemed exciting, interesting and adventurous. And especially after seeing the city and surrounding landscapes quickly nothing felt that gloomy or primitive anymore. I’m blaming my tired eyes and sudden travel depression for the first looks.

After 24 hours in Djibouti I finally took the time to open my luggage and make the little room mine. I scattered my stuff - my hot water boiler, tea collection, first aid kit, small library, my favourite tea cup, my essentials on suitable places and sat down. This is my small Djiboutian home. I’ve noticed waiting eagerly to get to show all this to my boyfriend (and am slightly worried his first night is like mine and I’ll be offended even though I’ll very much try not to).

As it’s never as easy as it could be / some IT talk

Through the first working week here (which in Djibouti is from Sunday to Thursday) we’ve scouted few missing places and started our tech recce tour. I’ve redone first 2 weeks callsheets with my loyal 2nd AD Paula (who I really really wanted to take this journey with me and I should probably almost apologise the production company for dozens of relentless, demanding emails) who’s arriving here next Saturday. First real setback happened two days ago when my 6-month old laptop broke out of nowhere. As I thought, nearest AppleStores can be found from Egypt, Doha, Dubai or South Africa. No AppleCare on sight either. As our Gaffer was flying to us in the next 12 hours there was no time to cry and get depressed - that I really felt like doing as I’ve already once had to repair this laptop - but to quickly consider my options and act.

Talking about loyal friends no guessing Emma has been the other one. She googled with me and ran to AppleStore to get me the newest iPad Pro with needed accessories and took it to our Gaffers to catch the flight next morning.

2nd setback of course happened when receiving the iPad and realising there is no longer MMS To Go available (seriously Entertainment Partners!!! I cannot be the only 1st AD who uses this) as mine on my old school iPad is a version from 5 years ago, only supported on 32 bit tablets and not on 64 bit ones so they’ve deleted it completely (and have no plans to bring it back as was replied to me from their customer service). Another round of zen mindset was definitely needed as well as Paula who now exports me PDFs to mark all changes so she can then work on those on her laptop’s MMS.

And not to get too optimistic iPad Pro neither supports formulas on pages that I desperately need for my callsheets. So currently after this setback no. 3 I’m also commenting our callsheets on PDF and Paula then makes the changes as needed. This is very close to our usual work flow but I’ve never felt this handless on a production. So Paula is bringing one more device with her - an old computer for all this I cannot do on my sparkly new iPad.

After blaming Apple this badly I must say otherwise I’m very very happy on this iPad and especially it’s functions with folio keyboard and pencil. If MMS and Pages would work here, I’d be replacing my laptop need with this 95%.

Living, understanding and experiencing Djibouti

My expectations of this journey weren’t very glamorous. I was unsure if there’d be anything in the stores I could or would buy being celiac, vegetarian and a western who’s been scared with a lot of talk over possible diseases and how they spread. After a week I feel very normal here. We’ve got two big grocery stores with many familiar products next to the hotel and one even has ”sans gluten” section. I’m starting to get completely used to cars that are old, rusty and missing some usual actions or pieces (only our driver knows how to get the minibus door open) and bumpy roads.

90% of our local crew is always on time. I’ve been stunned. They’re also very helpful, live at the moment, try their hardest to adapt to our ways and never complain. I’m sure our cultures have and will crash but for now it’s been a lot easier than I thought it would be (fingers crossed!). My 3rd AD is a wise local lady who’s determined to teach me some french on the way - and I am determined to learn at least something.

Amount of people everywhere is crazy to a finn. It’s usual there are more than 10 children in the families. I’ve obviously been in tears seeing little children on burning streets without shoes and then again I’ve also discovered how good life can be without all the things we usually think a good life needs. Most of the children look us curiously and after a while we can see a shy little wave - which we always answer to and that usually brings a lot of excitement to the air. Families living in small village with their stone built huts instantly offered us food and water after we marched to meet them with our safari outfits, taking reference photos with our smartphones and drinking water from our filtering bottles. There are goats everywhere - every possible size and color.

I’ve eaten amazing Ethiopian and Indian food. I’ve almost gotten used to the weather - liking 34°C we had yesterday A LOT more than 42°C we had in the beginning of the week though. I’ve only burned little bits of my skin and almost finished my first travel book (Naiset joita ajattelen öisin, Women I think at night by Mia Kankimäki). I’m starting to call this place my home. My phone still has no reception but I’ve very much adapted to the African living in the moment culture - well, it must be a lot of text messages I get after arriving to Dubai in the beginning of November and getting it back online. And as I have Emma, I’m counting on people calling her if they really need to reach me.

Iiris

[superblyjovialtheorist-blog]

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I'm a 43-year-old very healthy woman who doesn't smoke. My children are on Oregon Health plan and my husband has several health problems and is on permanent disability and medicare. So..I don't qualify for Oregon health plan and we cannot afford most health insurance plans. So....I was thinking an HSA might be good for me since I have no health issues. To clarify, I am not interested in adding my children or husband to this. Just for myself...as they are already covered just fine. Wondering what the average cost per month is and wondering if it matters what credit score you have...because mine is very low currenty due to my husband's medical bills hurting our finances a few years back. Thank you!""

Isn't it time the insurance companies stopped ripping us off?

Just how annoyed am I... I've been unemployed for 4 months and receive income based job-seekers allowance,we don't have enough to live on and finding a job seems harder than ever just now.My car had an engine problem and both the Tax and M.O.T had run out,with so little money coming in I thought it best to do without the car until I get working again so I scrapped it.I called my insurer to freeze my policy and was told that I could only freeze it for 30 days and would still have to pay the monthly 20, then I would have to cancel if I didn't get another car by the end of the 30 days,cancelling will cost me 90. What the hell,how am I supposed to find the money and isn't it time these greedy companies were asked to explain why they need to charge ridiculous amounts of money for doing nothing other than posting a letter,they also charge 35 to change the policy onto another car which I find a bit hard to swallow. Why though,why do they have to charge so much in these hard economic times""

Can car insurance limit your driving distance by gade?

My father wouldn't let me road trip to another state because my car insurance would only let me drive from here to school. Can car insurance limit the places you drive?

Home owners Insurance can't afford - help?

a year ago I paid off my mortgage and now I have property taxes which I pay in installments and now home owners insurance, there was enough left in escrow the first year for the mortgage company to pay the property taxes rhe first year, but now I realize I cannot afford the home owners insurance / I'm in a low income job , and it's $600 a year - If I were to cancel the home owners insurance until I get finish my degree to become a teacher in three years would I encounter problems with an another insurance company to get home owners insurance once they know I've been without HOI for say 2-3 years? or what would happen - see I hsve property taxes, hoa do every month etc and I'm living paycheck to paycheck I have car ins cause it's the law / can I just cancel the HOI just for three years until I make more money? advise please""

Car got broken into... How much will insurance cover?

So my buddy calls me in the morning of the last day of school (I decided not to go and sleep in). He needs to borrow my jumper cables for my friend. He comes over, and we head over to my car to get the cables. I open the trunk, and my subwoofer isn't in my car any more... Head over to the passenger side and see that the window was smashed in, they stole my mp3 player and broke the recliner for the passenger side chair... Right in front of my house. I'm wondering how much will get covered by insurance... We have Progressive. I'm wondering if a. They'll cover the price of the sub, mp3 player, and cost to get the recliner fixed (sub and mp3 cost a total of $200-$250). idk about the recliner, maybe $60. I know they'll cover the cost of the broken window ($200, already dropped it off to get fixed), but my dad (owner and insurance payer of the car) is wondering if the increase in rates will be worth saving the $200 in window repair. Thanks. Make sure to take your valuables out of your cars at night or in a sketchy area, guys.""

Is this covered under home owner's insurance?

We have been doing A LOT of work on our house (getting it ready to sell), and we've paid for basically everything (even things that would've clearly been covered by insurance). However, this problem is one I'd rather not pay for if it can be avoided. There was apparently a leak under our shower and it caused some fairly serious rot under the floor. We were unaware of the leak. The carpenter who came says that there will be some fairly extensive work necessary on the shower itself, not just the rotted wood (which will be easy and fairly inexpensive to replace). Will my home owner's insurance policy cover that?""

Camaro Insurance cost?

I know insurance is a hard to estimate on since there are so many things that determine the price but can anyone tell me about the insurance for a 2012 camaro would cost for me? or how much extra it would cost for my situation. I have a 1998 toyota 4 runner and I am a 19 year old female. No tickets or car wrecks ever. My dad is getting me a new car and I am trying to talk him into letting me get a camaro. About how much extra would it cost yearly to go from an SUV to a sports car like a camaro?

How much does insurance cost for?

Hi! I'm a 16 year old male that lives in Kentucky, and i'm getting a truck soon, it would be my first vehicle. Its going to be a mid 90s or late 80s truck. I'm wanting to know how much insurance would cost on average? Any help would be greatly appreciated.""

affordable health insurance plans in ny

affordable health insurance plans in ny

How I Know Credit Card Insurance?

I would like to learn Credit card Insurance. Is it available in banks? How do i know, which bank offer very attractive manner? Which are all the bank tie up with insurance company? How to calculate the premium amount, sum assured and relevant details? Please give me detailed query.....""

What is the cheapest car insurance for 16 year olds?

I'm going to get a car soon but I want to be able to pay for my own car insurance. Take some bills off my parents backs. Which insurance company wouldn't screw me over?

Am I paying a reasonable amount for car insurance?

I am 21 listed under my parents insurance with Progressive. I got my license at 16, and have no tickets, but one accident that was a no-fault to me. I am currently paying 120 dollars. ...show more""

What is the different between pension saving and life insurance?

i plan to buy for my personal insurance but i have no idea which one i should go for. Is that everyone of us need to have saving insurance to make life be protected? My friend suggested me to go for the pension plan , but some of them they not agree why should i go for any insurance saving. I have a confusion now.""

How can I get insurance to cover at home birth through a midwife?

My Insurance company is saying that they will not cover an at home birth through a midwife, although they do cover midwife care. I do not want to pay for it up front if I am not certain I can get most of the cost reimbursed. I am admit on doing an at home birth as long as it is safe for the baby. I keep hitting a wall with insurance, what can I do?""

Does becoming pregnant qualify as a life changing event for most insurance companies/employers?

Commonly, life changing events are listed as marriage, divorce, and birth of a child, ect. If a person doesn't have insurance and learns that they are pregnant, will most companies allow enrollment at that time even if enrollment is scheduled at a specific time of the year?""

How many babies will citizens be permitted to have once costs are fixed through insurance mediums?

How many babies will citizens be permitted to have once costs are fixed through insurance mediums?

My car got totalled and my car insurance expired. HELP!!!?

My brother totaled my car and i cant get it fixed because my car insurance expired. Can I wait to get my insurance renewed and get it fixed or just forget about it and get a new car under a new insurance policy?

Car insurance for a non working vehicle?

My car needed a major repair last fall. I work from home and have been trying to pay off student loans so I decided to do without a car for 6 months since I live in a convenient location- I just received my tax return and can afford the major repair. I stopped my car insurance while I wasn't driving since it was $125/mo and I now need to start it back up. I am switching companies since I really didn't like mine- I just got to the questions about insurance lapse does this apply to me since my car wasn't working? I haven't returned my form yet. I hope I didn't screw this up, a friend just told me I should have possibly kept a storage coverage that my rates might skyrocket. It's an older car with no loan attached. I live in MN, perfect driving record, was with the same company for 25 years and had never missed a payment. If it is considered a lapse is there a way to get around it legally like giving/selling my car to my boyfriend and then listing me as a driver so I can use it when needed? We don't live together but he did most of the driving when we did use it- it's not worth much, maybe a few thousand dollars at most- maybe I'd be better off selling my car and getting a new (used) one so I don't have to explain a gap? Thanks.""

Jeep Wrangler Sahara insurance?

I am a 16 year old female... I want a 2004 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Sahara as my first car. My mom seems to think the insurance is too high. Can anyone tell me whether the insurance on it would be super high or give me an average number for insurance? Would it be cheaper on a smaller car? thanks .xx

How much would insurance be for a 16 year old with a 2008 G6?

Me and my dad went looking for cars and he said that he would buy me a 2008 G6 but I have to pay for insurance, with full coverage. Any idea how much it would be? And if so, where can I get the cheapest insurance.""

Does California state law not allow insurance companies to increase rates for $750 or less claims?

I heard California Sate law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates if you have a total accident claim of $750 (not to include deductible amount)? Is this true?

How much is insurance for a single male under 25 on a DODGE CHARGER?

??

Car crash and keeping insurance out of it.?

I have caught the back of a car whilst parking up. I have offered to pay for the repair whilst not involving our insurance companies. The third party accepted this, I have found a company who can repair the damage at a decent price but the third party are saying they wish to get other quotes. Who's decision is it ultimately to where the vehicle gets repaired?""

How to be auto insurance agent that sells more than 1 brand of auto insurance product?

I am interested in becoming an auto insurance agent. I want to do this part time, but I don't know how to get started? I can go to school to get the degree to sell insurance, but how do you get the connections to sell the various types of insurance ?""

State Farm car insurance refund?

I had State Farm insurance. They raised my rate...I cancelled. After I cancelled they drafted my account for the amount due the following month. So I paid the new insurance and State Farm. I requested a refund for the amount drafted. They sent me a check for a little less than half of what they charged me. Wen I asked why, I was told that they had to charge me for insurance I had on my cars from the first to the sixteenth of October. The draft occurred on October 20th. I am confused. When I began my payment plan I paid a month in advance. How did my payments become a partial month in arrears? Does anyone know how these payment plans work and how to get my money back? Thanks.""

How to quoet car insurance?

I just bought a car and i don't know how to put my car info and get me cheap insurance before i stack with expensive insurance company.

Car Insurance question?

So the other day as I was pulling out of the parking lot my car hit this non moving car next to me. The damage is not bad at all(a small dent with some scratches) and I am working with the other owner to get it fixed. I recently found out that they got an estimate from two places and both places are charging about 1000 dollars for their service. Do you think I would be better off paying for it from my pocket without informing my insurance place?(I am a broke college student). Should I get the car insurance involve? If I do get the insurance company involved will my rate go way up(cleaning driving record)? And how does car insurance company work(do they pay for all or partial)? What is my best option? Please Help!! Thank you so much for your time.

Does anyone know a reliable and affordable car moving company?

I need to transport my car from Wisconsin to California. I would like it to get there safely and not have it break my bank. Has anyone else used a car shipping service that they recommend?

I have progressive and how much do you think the insurance would cost to get my son a 2013 Camaro v6?

He has no tickets and has As and Bs in college. Its a boy.

Do nurses get free health insurance?

I heard from some people that they and their family get free insurance (if that's true, then what members of the family qualify?).""

What are some cheap Home/Fire insurance offers for a house in Southern California?

ABSOLUTELY NO SPAM REPLIES PLEASE!!!

What's the easiest way to get health insurance?

What's the easiest way to get health insurance?

Affordable insurance in houston?

me and my wife have just recently moved to houston and we are looking for health insurance that is affordable and you have to do cheap co payments. can you suggest any in this area? cause i used to have HIP when i lived in new york and everything i did was free except for my monthly premiums.

What is the average cost of insurance for box truck owners?

looking to start a company and i am wondering how much it would cost so i can get the ball rolling.

affordable health insurance plans in ny

affordable health insurance plans in ny

Can I save money by canceling my insurance and just driving my girlfriends car?

I got a DUI earlier this year, and naturally, my insurance rates went way up. I'm getting ready to move in with my girlfriend, and we are planning on selling one of the cars. If I sell my car, couldn't I just drive her car and not have to pay the high insurance rates? This seems underhanded and like I'm cheating the system. What are the rules and stipulations with this sort of situation.""

Who do you have for car insurance? open!?

looking for a cheap car insurance, buut not to cheap were if i get into a car crash they'd give me 10 cents. any suggestions?""

Can i go on my mums car insurance?

I'm nearly 17 and looking to buy a car and drive however the prices of car insurance are way too high. Is it possible to share the car with my mum and have joint insurance with her?

Finding 2000-3000 insurance for young driver?

With my UK license I intend on buying myself a car for university (GOLF or POLO). Being a young driver (19 years old), insurers are less than happy to offer cheap insurances. The best quote I've found so far from gocompare and dozens of other websites are Quinn Direct with 3800. Could you please suggest where to get cheap 3rd party insurance, you're welcome to mention other car models if it helps cheapening it. Thanks""

I'm tired of being an agent assistant. What other jobs can i find in the insurance industry?

I have a bachelor in marketing and i've been working as a licensed assistant to an insurance agent. I plan on working here at least another year, but I am interested in learning about other jobs in the industry since our corporate office is nearby. What are some other jobs i can look into? Just looking for ideas, thanks.""

""In general, How much does car insurance go down after marriage?""

I live in Seminole County Fla, am 22 and getting married. I pay 135ish a month now, how much does it usually go down???? I'm not asking exact just a rough estimate?""

How long do you have to file a claim with car insurance?

I hit a lady on january 25. I made a little crack on the inside of her car. She sais to just give her money to fix it and she won't claim it. How long does she have to claim this with her insurance?

Classic car insurance for new drivers?

Hello. Can you get classic car insurance for a new just test passed driver. If the car is say a 1.1 escort or similar and the driver is over 30 years old? or is it verboten until at least 2 years have passed driving with normal insurance? Thankyou.

How much qualifies as full coverage insurance?

How much qualifies as full coverage insurance?

Car insurance for a new driver?

I will be driveing soon how much on average is car insurance for a new driver?

How much will my auto insurance be on a 2013 Kia rio5?

How much will my auto insurance be on a 2013 Kia rio5?

Do i have to have a motorcycle license to get motocycle insurance?

Do i have to have a motorcycle license to get motocycle insurance?

Which car insurance company allows you to make the cheapest one year payment?

I have esurance but they force you to make 2 payments a year,and the second payment AWAYS shows up at the worst time lol""

I got a cheap quote from The General Auto Insurance company?

and I think its too cheap to be true, it was a 6 month premium for $224 with a down payment of $56, is this a scam or is it a legit quote/company????""

Looking for health insurance for self employed person with hepatitus c?

I am self employed and have Hepatitus C, I am looking for health insurance""

Cheapest way to get car insurance ?

I need to insure my car in order to be legal, but i do not want to pay a lot for insurance if the car isnt worth anything, its not worth much but its AWD and gets me where i need to go. Are there any companies that offer low payments for a piece of paper showing i have insurance that i can show a cop if i get pulled over so i wont owe 1500 bucks to the state?""

Is a 2000/2001 BMW 323ci an expensive car to insure?

I know insurance costs depend on a number of factors, but, all that aside, does anyone know if this car is expensive to insure? (or any of the other higher up 3 series like the 330ci )""

How much does insurance cost?

Im a 17 old year about to go to 18. I got my g2 and i have a FWD 2002 Mazda Proteg5. How much does insurance cost and is there a way to make the insurance cheap for me. I life in the Toronto area. I didn't take driving school.

Health Insurance in RI?

Im 25, married, with a 1 year old baby.Im trying to find a family health insurance plan for my family.The company that I work for offers health insurance but the rates are very high, I can not afford what they offer, however it is hard to find Health Insurance elsewhere because my employer does offer it.What are my options?(I live in RI.)""

If you are in the military does your car insurance rate go down?

If you are in the military does your car insurance rate go down?

""I gave a urine sample for life insurance, want two more samples on different days. Why??

I gave a urine and blood sample about a month ago for life insurance. I received a call yesterday from the company that takes performs the physical and takes the samples...they said my insurance company wants to more urine samples on two different days. Why is that?? It has me really worried and I can't call the insurance office until tomorrow to find out why. I would assume that they had messed up the sample if they just wanted one more but they want two on two different days. :/ I informed them that I take birth control and sometimes take Ibuprofen. I don't use any other drugs or smoke and very rarely drink alcohol. I also have not been having sex (only with 2 people) and have been tested for STD's and visit the gynocologist every year and am always fine. I didn't receive anything from my insurance company about my blood tests which means those didn't show anything (would only send to me if something wrong). Any ideas about what's up with the urine sample requests???

I am a police officer and I want cheap car insurance...any company suggestions?

I am a police officer and I want cheap car insurance...any company suggestions?

Auto insurance history question!?

I'm trying to get auto insurance for the second 6-month period of having my car. I don't get the question in applications for auto insurance (or getting a quote): Have you had auto insurance for the past 3 years without break or lapse in coverage? Well I have my first car for almost 6 months (fully insured), so I check no . but then it gives me two options: how long were you without coverage: a) more than one month / never had insurance b) less than one month I guess this question is trying to find out if I had a break in coverage. There isn't any break in my car insurance but I only have 6 month history! Is it OK if I say yes to the first question (Have you had auto insurance for the past 3 years without break or lapse in coverage) ? Thanks in advance""

Infinity insurance reviews?

Me and my husband are looking to change insurance companies for our cars. We currently use Geico, but it just got really expensive. We got a quote from a broker of a company called Infinity but I've never heard from them, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this company or could give me some reviews about it! Thanks a lot!!""

Where can I find the cheapest auto and motorcycle insurance in Tennessee?

the absolute cheapest state minimum just to drive legal

affordable health insurance plans in ny

affordable health insurance plans in ny

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-insurances-do-i-need-alexander-green/"

[topinforma]

New Post has been published on Mortgage News

New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2pDFurn

Should you rent or own a home in retirement?

Whether you rent your home or buy, it’s always good to start saving for retirement as soon as possible. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg)

During my live online chat last week, two questions came up about retirement.

I put the questions to the team of Color of Money retirement coaches that I’ve assembled to help me help you with your retirement concerns.

Retirement for renters Q: Do you have any advice or suggestions regarding saving for retirement for renters who don’t have plans to buy a home? I’m in my 40’s and have been satisfied with renting thus far. I am wondering what strategies one should consider in my situation. I am not sure if/when I will buy a home. Is this a huge mistake on my part?

Jean Setzfand is a senior vice president of AARP Programs that produce interactive educational programming designed to address health, wealth and personal enrichment concerns for consumers 50 and over.

Setzfand: Whether you rent your home or buy, it’s always good to start saving for retirement as soon as possible, especially if your employer provides a matching retirement plan.

Regarding your decision to rent or buy, though your personal preference may be the main driver, a recent study Out of Reach 2016 (nlihc.org) by the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlights the lack of affordable housing across America and the high cost of renting, especially in the DC metro area. Of the states ranked most expensive to rent a two-bedroom apartment, DC ranked 2nd; MD ranked 5th and Virginia ranked 11th.

Not only is affordable rental property harder to find, you don’t have the advantage of building home equity when you rent vs. buy a home, which is an asset that may provide you some financial support in the long run.

Why the decline of the homeownership rate is good news

Fidelity Investments published an article that outlines five questions you should ask yourself when you’re debating renting vs. buying. They are:

· How long are you planning to stay where you are? · Do housing prices always go up? (This addresses the misconception that housing prices only go up, not down.) · Are you “throwing away money” on rent? (Addresses many of the hidden costs of owning a home.) · How much will you save on taxes? · Are you comparing apples to apples? (Stresses that you should factor in the complete cost of ownership, not just rent vs mortgage.)

Check out the interactive calculator that lets you plug in your own numbers to see the difference that buying or renting might have on your long-term finances.

Here’s another good article on the topic: Retirement living: renting vs. home ownership

Michael Edesess is an economist and mathematician and chief strategist of Compendium Finance. He is a co-author of “The 3 Simple Rules of Investing: Why Everything You’ve Heard about Investing Is Wrong ― and What to Do Instead” and author of “The Big Investment Lie.”

Edesess: It’s not a mistake not to buy a home. If you have been satisfied with renting, there’s no reason not to continue in that fashion. Investing in buying a home has risks and potential rewards just like any other investment. The rewards to home buying have actually been considerably less than those of investing in the stock market. Nevertheless many people prefer to own, though the reasons could be circumstantial or psychological.”

If you own a home, check out these articles:

— Retirees, should you buy or rent when downsizing?

— Is it better to buy or rent in retirement?

Send your questions: Join Michelle Singletary Thursday at noon for a weekly financial chat

Saving during retirement Q: My husband and I have safe pensions that will cover all our expenses in retirement and a considerable nest egg, but we probably won’t be able to continue to save like we have all our lives. Do people usually continue to save in retirement or is that the time to draw down our savings (or leave it alone in case of emergencies)? I can’t get my head around this because I’m so used to saving. We don’t have anyone to leave the money to if that’s a consideration but, of course, hope to leave some to charities.

Carolyn McClanahan is a physician turned certified financial planner. McClanahan, who founded the fee-only Life Planning Partners based in Jacksonville, Fla., concentrates on how health intersects with personal finance, including long-term care issues.

McClanahan: Your savings habit is serving you well. It is not uncommon for great savers to have difficulty when it comes time to start using the resources they have worked so hard to obtain. For some, money becomes the object when it really should be considered a tool to help you enjoy life.

After you’ve consulted with an hourly financial planner to determine if you have enough for emergencies, health care costs, and potential long-term care costs, decide how the money left over can bring you the most joy.

You mentioned charity — instead of waiting until you die, start giving to charity now! That way, you’ll get to see the fruit of your hard work. In my experience, clients enjoy giving to local charities and small organizations where their dollar can have the most impact and where they can potentially become involved in volunteering for the charity. Giving improves our sense of well-being, and a better sense of well-being leads to better health, so it is a win-win for all involved.”

Edesess: “From what you say the only reasons for continuing to save would be to bequeath more to charity, and because you have psychologically gotten used to it. It might be hard to change and become a spendthrift, even if you can financially — and after all, there’s no reason why you have to spend money, just because you can.”

Here’s an article from Fidelity “How long can I make my savings last” with a section on setting up a portfolio to allow you to spend and save.

Retirement rants & raves In this feature your voice matters. This is a space in which you can rave or rant about anything related to retirement. So what’s on your mine about your retirement or your planning for retirement? (I would especially love to hear from young adults.)

Send your comments to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state. In the subject line put “Retirement Rants & Raves.”

Last week I asked: What’s been your experience with buying or using long-term care insurance?

“I was one of those federal employees who purchased long-term care insurance several years before retirement in 2010,” wrote Raylene Canby of Sammamish, Wash. “There were very modest premium increases until last year when my monthly bill went from $155 to $351! Needless to say, I’m glad I was sitting down when I opened that letter. The choices were to pay it, quit the policy or to change the policy to one providing significantly less care. I chose to continue the existing policy, which provides care for an unlimited number of years, which is no longer offered by any long-term care insurer.”

Cindy Estep from Annapolis, Md., wrote: “The firm I work for offers long-term disability insurance for which I pay a monthly premium. The only reason I signed up for LTDI is because the policy is convertible into long-term care insurance without having to have a medical exam. Of course I will need to continue paying the premium after I retire — assuming of course I can afford the premiums. I would like to pay off my mortgage. Instead of a monthly mortgage payment, I’ll be paying for health insurance and other medical expenses.”

Live chat this week Join me on Thursday, April 27 at noon (ET) for a live discussion about poverty in the U.S.

I’d like to continue the conversation I’ve been having with readers about some recent columns I’ve written on the topic, including an essay I selected for this month’s Color of Money Book Club. Read the review: The next face of poverty could be yours

What do we as a society owe the poor?

I spent my childhood on Medicaid, and Trump’s plan to roll it back is disastrous

I wrote about being a child on Medicaid. A reader called me the N-word.

Click this link to participate in the discussion.

Newsletter comments policy Please note it is my personal policy to identify readers who respond to questions I ask in my newsletters. I find it encourages thoughtful and civil conversation. I want my newsletters to be a safe place to express your opinion. On sensitive matters or upon request, I’m happy to include a first name and last initial. But I prefer not to post anonymous comments (I do make exceptions when I’m asking questions that might reveal sensitive information or cause conflict.)

Have a question about your finances? Michelle Singletary has a weekly live chat every Thursday at noon where she discusses financial dilemmas with readers. You can also write to Michelle directly by sending an email to michelle.singletary@washpost.com. Personal responses may not be possible, and comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer’s name, unless otherwise requested. To read more Color of Money columns, go here.

[darkeststorm]

Hi everyone. Today’s Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR. Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the ladies at The Broke and The Bookish, they come up with new lists for the book community to participate in almost every week. You can read more about that here.

I decided to make a list of the books coming out this Spring rather than general books I want to read. You would be surprised how complicated this actually was and not because of the books. I was trying to figure out what months were considered Spring. The fact that it’s freezing outside and feels like it could snow any minute didn’t help any.

After talking to friends, I decided to stick with the standard Spring dates which is March 20th-June 20th. I picked fifteen books that I’m dying to have. I have quite a few of these as eARCs so I need to get to reading!

~March~

Dead Little Mean Girl by Eva Darrows

March 28th from Harlequin Teen

I love the idea of Dead Little Mean Girl because I believe it’s a deconstruction of the mean girl trope. It doesn’t hurt things that the character Quinn is a bit of a nod to Quinn on Daria.

~April~

What Girls Are Made Of by Elana K. Arnold

April 1st from Carolrhoda

I think when a person gets in a relationship, it can be easy to lose themselves inside it and forget who they are after. What Girls Are Made Of seems like it will be discussing what exactly this means and how you get back to it, I can’t wait to read.

Speak of Me As I Am by Sonia Belasco (eARC)

April 4th from Philomel Books

I like how Speak of Me As I Am is going to deal with grief and the way two teenagers grieve. The aspect of the main characters being in the play, Othello also attracts me to this book. Interestingly enough, like What Girls Are Made Of, Speak of Me As I Am will also show who people are when they are on their own. I think that’s important to know, especially when a relationship is possible.

Alex Approximately by Jenn Bennett (eARC)

April 4th from Simon Pulse 

This sounds like such a cute, light-hearted version of You’ve Got Mail, which is one of my favorite movies. I read the first few pages and I was so into them.

Letters To The Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (eARC)

April 4th from Bloomsbury

This is a sadder You’ve Got Mail-esque book. I’ve heard that Brigid Kemmerer is a really good author so not only do I have high hopes because of the plot, but also because of what I’ve heard.

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz

April 11th from G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Don’t act surprised, this book needs to explanation. I love Hamilton, I love Alex and Eliza’s relationship, I need this book. I will never be satisfied until I read it.

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (eARC)

April 11th from Balzer + Bray

I have to admit I have still not finished Simon, but I still remember how much I loved reading what I did read of it. It was such a well-written Contemporary that I have nothing but the highest expectations for Upside. I’m really wanting to read it because it features a girl who is fat and Jewish and yes. Need.

~May~

How To Make A Wish by Ashley Herring Blake (eARC)

May 2nd from HMH Books for Young Readers

I read Ashley Blake’s Suffer Love and I adored it the entire time. When I read a debut I love, I have to read the author’s next book, of course. How To Make A Wish sounds amazing with it’s hopefully deeper look into poverty and family dynamics. I love books with dysfunctional and/or unconventional upbringings and seeing how characters deal with that.

Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (eARC)

May 2nd from Amulet Books

This book, I saw someone call it basically She’s The Man meets Pitch Perfect. I love She’s The Man and really any fiction that follows the girl main character who has to pretend to be a guy. I haven’t seen Pitch Perfect, but I’ve seen Glee so I think it’s kind of close? We’ll call it kind of close! So basically, girl dresses up as guy and joins a singing group, um, yes please. It sounds exactly as Glee now that I think of it.

Minus the dressing up as a guy thing.

Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

May 9th from Balzer + Bray

Ramona Blue is Julie Murphy’s latest book. Following the success of Dumplin’, I knew I wanted to read this. I haven’t read either of Murphy’s previous books, though I do own them. I like how Ramona has a bigger responsibility than some teens and how she has to be the adult. That reminds me quite a bit of I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios. I can’t wait to see how Murphy deals with the sexual orientation in this book.

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord (eARC)

May 16th from Bloomsbury

I used to go to church camp and Youth Conferences in middle school and part of high school. I always looked forward to it. Well, mostly the youth conferences, to be honest. I love seeing books with characters dealing with faith and how the situations in their life affect that. Emery’s pretty much one to watch now as this is her fourth Contemporary. I am sad to say I have not read any of them yet, though I do own Open Road Summer, The Start of Me and You and yes, The Names They Gave Us.

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich (eARC)

May 16th from Feiwel & Friends

This book totally deconstructs the love-triangle trope on its head and I am just here for it. Like, yes please. That’s really all I have to say because what else needs to be said?

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (eARC)

May 30th from Simon Pulse

I am trying to figure out how to phrase what’s in my head. I think arranged marriages are interesting. My first ‘experience’ with actually seeing an arranged marriage plot in fiction was with Degrassi. The characters in Degrassi were also indian. While they didn’t get married, they did meet each other. I’m interested in seeing Dimple and Rishi interact throughout the book.

I Believe In A Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

May 30th from Farrar, Straus, and Giroux (BYR) 

I wish I could say I love Korean Dramas but to be honest, I’ve only ever watched one. It was Autumn In My Heart and it broke my heart, I was in pieces. It was disturbing how much I still hurt from that drama. I’ve been meaning to watch more dramas but I just haven’t gotten around to it. Part of the reason is because I have to read subtitles and I already find it hard enough to read actual books. You see my problem then, yeah? Anyway, I am in love with this idea of this character studying Korean dramas and wanting to re-create her own sort of romance with that.

~June~

  Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

June  13th from Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

I fell in love with Heather’s last Contemporary, I’ll Meet You There in 2015. I loved how she dealt with hard topics. Thus I have faith she’ll be able to do justice for this story involving a girl who gets in an abusive relationship. 

Did any of these books make your Spring TBR? If not, what’s on your TBR? Have you read any of these books? Let me know in the comments!

All The Books On My Spring TBR Hi everyone. Today's Top Ten Tuesday is Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR. Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the ladies at The Broke and The Bookish, they come up with new lists for the book community to participate in almost every week.

[josephstoontown]

That’s Comedy!

A Joseph's ToonTown story.

Another part of the ongoing Joseph/Winnie sub-plot thing that never seems to end because my unconscious (yes, that's what I meant) brain refuses to let it do so.  Waugh. Ironically, this story isn't very funny. (You'll see.)

Sidenote: This latest revision omits a small section of story that I felt was unnecessary.

Word count: 6,748 – Character count: 39,010 Originally written: December 17th, 2016 Slightly revised: January 16th, 2017 Revised further: August 29th, 2017

Joseph learns a bit more about the nature of 'toons than he'd ever intended to.

Winnie Woodpecker, Woody Woodpecker, The Woody Woodpecker Show, and related characters and properties created by and © Walter Lantz Productions Minerva Mink, Animaniacs, and related characters and properties created by and © Warner Bros. Animation

[ ↶ Prev. Story | ← Prev. Chapter | Next Chapter → | Next Story ↷ ]

    “You’re… serious about this?”     “I’ve never been more serious about anything in my entire life.”

    It was a pleasant March day in ToonTown.  The weather was unseasonably warm and, to Joseph, it seemed like the ideal time to go to an outdoor café with a friend.  However, when he’d invited Winnie to share a drink with him, he certainly hadn’t been expecting the news she’d brought along with her.

    “I’ve thought about this for the last three months, Joseph,” she explained, “really thought about it… and, without knowing what’s going on, I can only assume that Woody wants to break up but is too much of a coward to tell me.”     “So, you’re going to break up with him?”     “Exactly!”     Joseph paused, his ears flicking as a cool breeze blew through the area.     “That might be… the single-dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Winifred.”

    The woodpecker blanched at his response.  The bluntness of his statement, combined with the frown on his face, and the way his ears were curled back only partway, told her that he’d meant what he said.  And, she was not amused.     “Excuse me?!” she half-shouted as she stood on her chair.  “What did you say?!”     Joseph took a moment to look around.  Some of the other customers had paused their own activities to stare at the temperamental woodpecker’s actions.  But, regardless of whether they were watching or not… he was going to stand his ground on the topic.     “I said,” he started, again, “‘that might be the single-dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say.’”     Winnie sputtered, flabbergasted.  She angrily glared at the fox as he continued.

    “Now, I don’t know you to be one to say dumb things very often… so, it had to have been pretty damn stupid to make me think that,” he explained.  “At least, to my way of thinking.”     “Well, to my way of thinking, you’re the stupid one!” she said, pointing at him.     “Okay…”  The fox gestured back with one hand.  “That might be the second-dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”     The woodpecker growled, stomping on the chair.  “Shut up!”     “That wasn’t nearly as dumb,” Joseph said with a grin, “but, pouting won’t get you anywhere, with me… much less your situation.”     Winnie threw her hands in the air, then, audibly venting her frustration.     “I wouldn’t even be considering it if you’d just done your darn job in the first place!”     “Hey, I told you…  I tried.”  He took a sip of his cold coffee drink.  “Numerous times.  But, I’m not about to rifle through my roomie’s stuff while he sleeps just because of a hunch.”     “It was your idea in the first place!!”     Joseph opened his mouth to speak… then, he immediately closed it, pausing to think.     “You’re right,” he said a moment later.  “That may have been one of the dumbest–”     “Gah!”     Winnie flumped down, her ponytail bouncing and skirt furling as she hit the cushion.     “Some help you are…”

    “Alright, look… all I’m saying is that, maybe, you’re jumping the gun, here…”     Joseph gave a concerned frown, leaning over the table.     “I mean… how long have you two been together?  Since the 1960s?”     “Mid-1950s… and, well… not…”  Winnie rubbed her arm, looking down.  “It’s– it’s been an off-and-on kind of relationship, to be honest.  Not… not frequently, but, over the years.  You know what I mean?”     “Kinda…” he answered, “but, not really.  I know people that break-up sometimes get back together.  But, that just makes me wonder… shouldn’t you know Woody well enough by now to know what’s going through his mind or what not?  He doesn’t seem that complicated…”     “You’d think so…”  The woodpecker gave a sigh.  “I mean, you really would think that… after working with and being friends with him… and, especially being with the man for half a century off-and-on… that, I’d have a little insight into his birdy brain.  But, Woody is… surprisingly complicated, all things considered.  I mean, if everything were as simple as you’d made them out to be, don’t you think we would have been living together when you’d arrived?”     “Um…  Huh…”  He hadn’t thought of that…

    “Our relationship is pretty casual if I’m being completely honest.”  Winnie took a sip from her warm drink.  “But, it has to be!  We’ve kept pretty busy, since the 1990s…”     “When I found him,” Joseph started, “he was unemployed.  At least, that’s the impression I got.  He also didn’t seem like he cared, that much…”     “Well… Woody’s always been good at making-do,” she commented.  “If he didn’t have a place to sleep, he’d go to a halfway house.  If he was hungry, he’d perform slapstick in the park for a sandwich or enough money for some food.  And, if he needed to bathe, well… there’s always the pond or a public shower at the pool.  Though, I think the lifeguards frown upon that…  One time, he even used the birdbath near that museum!  Boy, was that ever a fun day!”     Joseph gave a blink.  “Wait…  Are you saying that he’s…”     “A vagabond, basically,” she said with a nod.  “Until he met you, I mean.  Again, if I’m being honest… you might just have been the kick in the pants Woody needed to get his life back in-order.”     The fox gave a blush as he saw Winnie smile.  He quickly rubbed his cheek, his ears folding back.

    “I just needed a job…” he shyly explained.  “It’s not my fault he insisted on tagging along… and, there was no guarantee that outburst would have even worked.”     “But, it did!” Winnie cheerfully countered.  “And, you two have been gainfully employed, ever since!  But, that just leads me back to my original problem…”     The fox noticed her grip tighten on her foam coffee cup.     “Why in the world is ignoring me?  I know he has days off…  It’s mandatory, in most jobs!  It just seems like every day-off he and I share, he goes and works overtime…  Like, today, for example!”     Winnie took another sip before continuing.     “Today, he’s working 1st shift and 2nd shift at Joe’s!  Why does he need so much overtime?  Where is that money going?  And…”     The fox jerked back as Winnie once again aimed her finger his face.     “Why haven’t you asked him about it?!”

    “I did!” Joseph countered.  “Several times!  But, every time, he gave me a different answer.  ‘Work expenses,’ or he was ‘overdrawn on his bank account,’ and so on…”     Winnie perked at that last one.     “Bank account?” she repeated.  “Woody has a bank account?”     “He has a savings and checking account.  I mean, one each,” Joseph clarified.  “Joe – the owner of the diner – insists on direct transfer so he doesn’t have to worry about whether or not his employees get their checks, twice a month.”     The woodpecker looked confused… and, maybe, a little upset.     “Wh… why didn’t he tell me he had a bank account…?”     “Why… would he?” Joseph asked.     “I have a friend who works in banking!” was Winnie’s counter.  “She could have gotten him the best interest rate possible, for his savings account!”     “Oh.”  The fox paused…  “Uh… does that offer extend to me?  ‘cause my interest rate kinda blows.”     “One problem at a time, Joseph.”     He briefly gave a frown, at that, watching Winnie sip her drink, again.

    “So, you honestly don’t think I should break up with him?” she quietly asked, running her finger around the rim of her cup’s topper.     “Of course not,” Joseph immediately replied.  “I mean, if you’re not even sure he wants to break up, why risk it?”     “Because,” she rebutted, slamming her fist on the table, “I’m getting tired of being left in the dark!”     “Yeah, well…”  Joseph spoke much more quietly as he said, “Me, too…”     That gave Winnie a bit of a pause for thought.     “What?”     “I’m tired of being left in the dark, too,” he clarified.  “Between Woody’s mysterious obsession with work and Shinko’s utter lack of response to my letter, I’m getting more-than-a-little-annoyed.”     She gave a blink.  “Shinko still hasn’t replied to that letter, from Christmas?”     “Bitch took my money and ran…” he spat with some unwarranted hostility.  The strong language had thrown Winnie, for a moment…     “I think you might be jumping to conclusions…” she offered.     “Yeah, I know…”     Joseph sighed to himself…     “Maybe the letter got lost in the mail or something.  Who knows?  Who cares?  It’s not like I need Shinko in my life.”     “And, I don’t need Woody in mine!”     Once again, Joseph gave a slight scowl… but, after a moment, he simply sighed, again.

    “Here’s to us,” he said as he raised his plastic cup, “a couple of lonely hearts just looking for a little attention from a couple of dummies who don’t know any better.”     “Hear, hear, brother!” Winnie laughed, clinking her cup against his own.

    As had been the custom on what once was Winnie’s “Satur-date” days, she and Joseph headed to Fred’s Video Shed to see about borrowing a movie to watch.  Although Winnie still found herself somewhat unnerved by the tall, balding man… she found that he was considerably more tolerable during normal business hours.

    Within the shop, the aroma of marijuana was non-existent, replaced by fresh air or the occasional vanilla scent and he made sure to always have all of the store lights on, making the atmosphere considerably more pleasant.     As for Fred, himself… in contrast to the casual outfits he worn in the off hours, he always made sure he was dressed in a clean shirt and pants, as well as wearing a newsboy cap to hide his bald spot.  He also kept his long hair tied back, making himself look much more presentable.     When dealing with customers, he very rarely did his “Collector voice…” though, he was still happy to offer sizable amounts of trivia and knowledge about the products he was offering.  In addition, he was much more courteous and patient, especially with even the pickiest of perusers.  And, to Winnie’s dismay… Joseph just happened to be one of those types.

    “So, let me get this straight…” Joseph said as he looked at two VHS cassettes.  “Both of these movies star Tom Hanks?”     “That’s right,” was Fred’s reply.     “And… this one’s a comedy?”     “Of sorts.”     “While this one’s a war drama?”     “Very dramatic!”     “Huh…”  The fox paused to process this information.  “Isn’t Tom Hanks known as a funny guy?”     Fred gave a nod.  “Generally speaking, yes.”     “Hmm…”  Again, Joseph paused.  “He was in Toy Story, right?”     “Correct.”     “And, wasn’t he in that one movie with the volleyball?”     “Cast Away,” Fred said.     “Hmm…  Dynamic guy, I guess…”     Once again, Joseph looked between the two movies…

    “Tell you what,” he said as he pointed to the comedy.  “We’ll borrow this one, for now… and, I’ll be back for the other one on Woody’s next day off.”     “Excellent choice, sir,” Fred commented as he put the war movie back on the shelf.  “I can let you have that one for five dollars.”     “Five dollars?” Joseph repeated.     “Gotta sell some inventory sometimes, Joe.”  The man gave a shrug.  “Can’t be lending out stuff for free all the time.  On the other hand, if you wanted to barter, well…”     “I don’t think I have anything you’d want, though.”     Fred gave a grin.  “You have five dollars, don’t you?”     Joseph gave a chuckle.  “Well… yeah…”     With that, the fox finally completed his transaction with the shopkeeper – much to Winnie’s relief – and, the two were on their way to Woody’s apartment.

    “I think you’re going to like this movie, Joseph,” Winnie said as they walked up the stairs of the apartment complex.  “It’s kind of sad at some parts… but, it’s pretty amusing, too!”     “What, exactly, is this movie about,  Winnie?”  The fox took a look at the bare cassette in his hand.  “The name ‘Big’ doesn’t really give me much to go on…”     She gave a mischievous giggle.  “I’ll just leave that as a surprise!”     “Ah, you rascal…”     Soon enough, the two had settled in on the trusty, green couch Woody had found months prior, a bowl of popcorn and some drinks sitting nearby, and started the movie.

    As it turned out, Big was a fairly appropriate title, what with the main character making a wish at a fortune-telling machine to be just that; “big.”  He got his wish… but, before long, he found that he’d gotten more than he’d bargained for, adulthood being a whirlwind of emotions for him.  One scene, in particular, really seemed to get to Winnie, though…     “That poor baby…” she said, watching Tom Hanks cower in fear of the big city.  He’d just heard gunshots and a horrible scream from outside his New York flop-house window… which was not something anyone wants to hear before they go to sleep, much less a 10-year old boy.     “I know, right?”     Joseph cuddled Winnie a little closer, rubbing her back.  She gave a soft sigh, in response.     “I just want to pick him up and tell him everything’s going to be okay…”  She paused, looking up at Joseph.  “I guess that’s just the ‘mother hen’ in me, though.”     He smiled at her.  “Heh.  You’re such a sweetheart, Winnie…”     She smiled back before resting her head against his chest.     “I wonder what it would be like, to be a mother…” she quietly mused.  “It’s probably not as much fun, as I think.”     “Probably not,” the fox chuckled.     “But, still… one can always wonder…”

    The rest of the movie wasn’t quite as sad as that scene had been.  However, it was a little eye-opening.  As the main character settled into his daily routine as a data-entry grunt and, later, a major consultant to the toy company he’d worked for, he found life in the big city to be much less scary.  By the end of the movie, he was a full-blown adult in a serious relationship, having completely forgotten about his original plan to find the fortune telling machine to go back to his original size and life.  It made for a bittersweet ending as he stepped away from being an adult… one with a loving girlfriend and a successful job… but, his girlfriend seemed to understand that it was for the best.

    “Everyone deserves to have a childhood…” Joseph thought aloud.  “No one should be forced to just… grow up, like that.”     “Still…”  Winnie smiled up at the fox.  “Sometimes… I, for one, wouldn’t mind being a bit bigger.  Maybe Woody would pay more attention to me if I were…”     “Eh?”  Joseph tilted his head.  “Is he into tall girls or something?”     “Well…  I actually meant… you know…”     She sat back, making a round motion with her hands over her white-feathered chest.     “‘Bigger.’”     “Eeehh…?!”     Winnie giggled at his confused blush.  Eventually, Joseph started to laugh as well.

    “I think you’re just fine the way you are, Winnie.”  He leaned down, playfully nuzzling her face.  “You’re just so cute ‘n cuddly!”     “Aww, you’re just saying that!” she giggled, pushing his head away.     “Not at all!  But, I might be biased…” he said with a grin, pulling her up into his arms.  “I kind of have a thing for shorter girls…”     “I’m not short!” she protested with a laugh.  “You’re just tall!”     “Well, I certainly appreciate that sentiment…”  He pressed his nose to her beak, looking into her blue eyes with a purr.  “But, sweetie…  You’re short.”     “I am not!” she said, smiling.  “I’m a reasonable height for a slapstick ‘toon!  Just ask Mickey or Foxy!”     “What about Bugs?” he asked, his eyelids lowering.     Her own eyelids lowered as she replied with, “Those ears don’t count and you know it.”

    “What’s so bad about being short, anyway?” Joseph asked, giving her a quick peck.    “Short girls are cute.”     “Mmph…”     Winnie squirmed in his arms… but, she didn’t seem to be putting up much of a fight, then.     “No fair, trying to distract me…”     “Distract you?” he asked, giving her another little kiss.  “Why, whatever do you mean?”     The woodpecker was blushing as she whimpered, trying to squirm out of his embrace… but, again, she wasn’t trying too hard.     “You’re trying to distract me– mmph…” she started to say, being cut off by a third kiss.  “From my argument…”     “And…”  A fourth one fell closer to her beak.  “What is your argument, exactly?”     “That– that I’m not short…” she whispered, beginning to fall prey to the fox’s charms.  “You’re just…”     “Tall?” he said, giving her the most tender of nibbles on her neck.     That action seemed to completely derail Winnie from her thoughts.  Her eyes fluttered the rest of the way closed and she squirmed against his body, emitting a soft coo of delight…     “So cute…” he whispered as he nibbled on her a little more.  “So small…”     “Nuh… not small…” she panted, continuing to squirm.     “You’re certainly smaller than me…” the fox countered before dragging his tongue from her shoulder to just under her chin.     “Ahn…!”     The fox perked, leaning back as Winnie shuddered in his arms.  He paused his actions, just staring wide-eyed at her as she calmed.  He really hadn’t been aware of just what he was doing, then… but, the noise she’d made seemed to snap him out of his… well… lust.

    “Uhm…” he started to say.  “I uh…”     Joseph rubbed the back of his head, looking at the blushing bird as she looked up at him, eyes half-open.  She seemed to be a little short of breath, just then…  As Winnie continued to look at him with those beautiful, blue eyes, though… he started to feel guilty…  She hadn’t told him to stop… but, at the same time, he thought he might have taken things a little further than he’d intended to…  He just felt so calm, around her… and, everything felt so… natural…

    “Why… did you stop?”

    The fox’s eyes opened back up, at that.  It was such a simple question… but, at the same time, it almost seemed in direct contrast to those innocent, blue spheres staring up at him…  He was at a loss for words.

    “Did…”     Joseph gave a blink and Winnie shyly looked away, bringing a hand to her chest as she continued to stand on his legs.     “Did I do something wrong?”     “What?”  The fox jolted.  “No!  No…  No-no-no…”     “Then…  Then, why did you stop?”     Joseph could see her blush brighten as she closed her eyes a little more.     “It… felt good…”

    Once again… Joseph was at a loss for words.  Every part of the scenario… every word Winnie had said, since he’d stopped, told him that she wanted him to keep going.  But, something was keeping him from doing so.  Maybe it was her shy demeanor…  Maybe it was her blushing face…  Or, maybe… maybe… it was because he knew, in the back of his mind, that he was inadvertently trying to seduce his best friend’s girlfriend… and, succeeding, at that…

    “We… we should stop,” he finally said with a sigh.     “What?”  Winnie was the one to jolt, then, her eyes widening and her head jerking toward his as she excitedly asked, “Why…?”     “I just… I don’t…”  The fox looked to one side, his ears falling back.  “I shouldn’t be doing this.”     “But… why?”     Joseph closed his eyes.  “You know why…”     “No, I don’t.”  Winnie tilted her head.  “I really don’t.  Please, tell me?”     He opened his eyes, blinking as he turned back toward the bird in his lap.  She was staring at him, her eyes full of innocent curiosity and her hands at his chest.  He’d almost have believed she really didn’t understand… were it not for the fact he knew she was smarter than that.     “Does the term ‘boyfriend’ mean anything to you?” he asked, sounding a little sharper than he’d intended to.     “I don’t see a ring on this finger,” she said as she brought her right hand up.  “Do you?”     “I… what?”     The bird gave a soft chuckle, closing her eyes and shaking her head.     “Sorry.  I couldn’t resist.”     Joseph scowled at that.  That was no time for humor…

    “If I’m being completely honest…” she started to say as she cuddled up against his chest, “I’m not sure what I want, right now…  Your affection felt so nice, though…  I… I haven’t felt that sort of touch in such a long time…”     She leaned back with a shy smile.     “There’s quite a bit of difference between ‘Find the Mistletoe…’ and, this… after all…”

    The fox gave another blink as Winnie settled against his chest a second time.  His arms gently curled back around her… but, he didn’t make any other movement.  Her confession had been just a bit unexpected, to him.     “Are… you sure…?” Joseph quietly asked.  “Are you sure you want me to keep going?”     “No,” was her honest answer.  She accompanied that with a tight hug.     “But, I’d like it if you did…”     Joseph hesitated for several moments, still not entirely sure of what he should do.  He really did want to keep going… keep being affectionate…  But, the question that continued to plague his mind… that prevented him from doing so… was… “should he?”

    The obvious answer was, of course, “no.”  Winnie wasn’t his girlfriend, after all.  But, for some reason… that logic, alone, wasn’t enough to get him to completely stand down.  He had been a little starved for attention for a while… at least, intimate attention…  And, it seemed fairly obvious that Winnie had, as well, if her reactions were anything to go by.  Would it really be so bad… so wrong… to just give her what she wanted?  Just once?     “You don’t have to, if you don’t want to…” Winnie softly whispered, interrupting his thoughts.  “I’m perfectly content to sit here and cuddle…”     That may have been true… but, what Joseph didn’t know was… was he?

    “Hey, Winnie…” he finally said, getting her attention.     “Yes?” she asked, looking up at him.     “Let’s make a deal.”     “But, your name isn’t ‘Monty,’” she softly giggled.     “I don’t even…”  The fox shook his head.  “Anyway.  Here’s my deal: I’ll keep going… but, only if you’re absolutely sure that’s what you want.”     Winnie perked, giving him a warm smile.  “Are you sure?”     “Only if you are.”     The bird hummed, turning her head down with a thoughtful look…     “What if…” she quietly said as she looked back up.  “What if I said I was sure this is what I wanted… right now?”     Joseph looked to one side, his ears folding back.  “Right now?” he repeated.     Winnie gave a slight nod.     “Right now, huh…?”     There was a long delay as Joseph mulled over her words in his head…

    “If you’re sure that this is what you want right now…” he finally said, turning back to his friend, “then… that’s good enough for me.”     Winnie’s face brightened.     “However.”     She gave a blink, her smile fading and body tensing…     “I want you to promise me…”     Joseph paused, swallowing…  He didn’t want to say it, for selfish reasons, but…     “If you change your mind at any point… you have to let me know, right away.  None of this ‘I don’t want to spoil his fun’ stuff.  Does that sound fair to you?”

    Winnie bit her lower beak, pondering his words…  She really did want him to keep going, preferably guilt and concern-free… but, if that was the only way Joseph would agree to give her the attention she wanted…     “O-okay,” she said after a few moments.  “If I feel any sort of guilt… or, start feeling as though I shouldn’t be doing this sort of thing with you… then, I promise, I’ll tell you right away.”     “Okay,” was the fox’s simple reply.  “Then, that’s that.”     Winnie tilted her head, making her short bangs bounce.     “Now… I can just focus on this!”

    The girl gave a squeak as Joseph immediately pulled her in and started nibbling on her neck, again.  It wasn’t nearly as intimate or loving as before…  In fact, it was a lot more playful, the fox emitting a lot of fake growls as he nipped and kissed at her feathers.     “S-stop…!” she giggled, squirming in his arms again.  “That tickles…!”     “Does it, now?” he said in a soft tone before continuing his actions.  That just caused her to squeal and giggle all the more.     “Nnn…!  Cut it out…!”     “What will you give me if I do?”     “Aah…!”  She tugged at his arms… but, to no avail.  He had a pretty firm hold on her smaller body.     “Weeell?” he asked, giving her another little lick.     “Ah… ha-hah…!  Wuh– what do you want…?”     “I waaant…”  The fox leaned back with a grin.  “A kiss.”     Winnie took that moment’s reprieve to catch her breath.  Her face was already bright red from laughing so much in such a short time…

    “A-a kiss…?” she eventually repeated.  “Is that all?”     “Yup.”     Winnie mulled it over, tilting her head side-to-side and making her bangs bounce, again.     “A kiss, huh?  Just one?”     “Yup.”     “Okaaay…”  She grinned.  “Pucker up.”     The fox closed his eyes and did as she’d instructed.  A second later, he felt something touch his lips… it didn’t feel like her beak, though…  In fact, it felt… and smelled… kind of… rubbery?

    Joseph slowly opened… then, widened his eyes!  Winnie was standing on the coffee table, her hands holding on to a wooden handle.  Said handle was attached to a red toilet plunger… and, said plunger had a firm hold on his muzzle!     “Hrnn?!”     “Kiss-kiss, dahling!”

    Before he could try and remove the plunger head, Winnie gave it a yank!  He was shocked when he felt it pull air out of his nose and tug at his lips.  When she started pushing and pulling on it, he began to flail, making a series of muffled sounds before finally trying to remove it.  After several failed attempts which resulted in him inhaling a lot of rubber-scented air, he finally yanked it off with a loud pop!  The resulting counter-force sent him back against the couch and probably would have put him over it, had it not been for the wall behind him.

    Joseph panted, flicking his tongue and making quiet, hacking noises, staring down at the floor as he desperately tried to get the taste of plunger out of his mouth.     “How was that for a kiss, loverboy?”     He looked up as Winnie spoke.  She had a wide, mischievous grin on her face and her eyelids were lowered.  She knew she’d won that round… or, at least…     “Come ‘ere, you!”     She thought she had.

    The bird leaped up with a half-shriek as Joseph launched himself at her!  When he flew over the table and landed in front of the TV table, she gave a loud laugh, landing right back on the table and facing him.     “If you were trying to catch me off-guard,” she teased, “then, you shouldn’t have telegraphed yourself, like that!”     “Freakin’ toon reaction time…” he grumbled as he rolled on to his back.  “And, aren’t you supposed to be the sane one, between you and Woody?”     Joseph gave a grunt as Winnie hopped over and sat on his chest.     “You could say that, I suppose…” she said, still grinning.  “But, I am still a ‘toon – a darn good one at that!”     “I’ll have to watch some of your cartoons, sometime,” the fox said as he leaned up on his arms.  “See how you compare to your vastly-superior male counterpart and all.”     “Excuse me?”  Winnie gave a blink.  “‘Vastly-superior?’  What’s that supposed to mean?”     “Well…” Joseph started, holding up one hand.  “For one thing, Woody’s pulled about a hundred tricks like that on me, since we’ve known each other.  If I’m not mistaken… that was the first time you’ve ever tried to pull a prank on me, not counting wordplay.”     The female scoffed, looking mildly angry.     “That’s because I’m not as screwy or spontaneous, as Woody!” she protested.  “I can still play pranks with the best of them… but, I’m just more… selective… about my set-up!”     The fox grinned.  “Suuure you are…”     “I’ll show you who’s funny!  Just wait until another opportunity presents itself!”     “How about right now?”     “Right no– ah!”     Winnie suddenly found her arms captured by the fox.

    “Go on,” Joseph said as he sat up, holding the squirming bird in his hands.  “Pull a fast-one on me.”     “It… it doesn’t work, like that!” she protested.     “Oh?”     “I can’t just be funny…” she confessed with a frown.  “The opportunity has to be just right…  Timing is everything in comedy – especially when it comes from a place you’re not expecting!”     “Pfft.  If I’d grabbed Woody by the arms, he would have already smooched me and made his escape, by now.”     Winnie was about to argue… but, almost immediately, she noticed something.  The words Joseph had used, combined with the smart-alecky smirk on his face, told her the fox was trying to get in her head… play her like a fiddle.  Too bad for him, she wasn’t about to fall for it.

    “I bet you like it when Woody smooches you,” she said with a smirk of her own.     “Not especially…”  Joseph lowered his head, a grin coming over his own face.  “But, I like it when you do.”     Winnie gave a blink.  She hadn’t expected him to counter her so honestly…     “W… well… it’s not funny if you like it!” she said, unwilling to give up.     “But, it is adorable… just like you.”     She narrowed her eyes.     I am not about to be outfoxed, here! she internally mused.  Think, Winnie…  What can you do or say that would get his goat?  All you need is one… good… distraction…     And, then, it hit her.

    Winnie looked down, fluttering her eyelashes at the fox.     “Why, Joseph…” she softly whispered, “are you flirting with me?”     “Uh…”     The fox blinked, his ears flicking in confusion.  That shy smile and soft giggle she’d given seemed to throw him  And… that was all the distraction she needed!     “Joseph, dear…” she whispered.     “U-uh…”     The fox was blushing a little as he watched her flutter her eyelashes again.  Suddenly, he gave a squeak.  Winnie had gotten a hand free when he wasn’t paying attention and pinched his cheek.     “If I recall…” she softly cooed, “I still owe you a kiss, don’t I?  Well…”     He blinked as Winnie leaned in, pursing her beak in an inviting way.  His blush intensified and he gave a swallow…  For some reason, he went ahead and closed his eyes again, leaning in to kiss the willing bird’s beak…

    Splat!

    The words that came out of Joseph’s mouth as he felt the familiar sensation of a cream pie impacting his face were not ones that were fit for most network TV.  In fact, had he been a ‘toon, it probably would have been complete gibberish or covered by nasty-looking symbols.  Regardless, it would have been pretty funny for a viewer.  It certainly was for Winnie…

    “I can’t believe you fell for that twice!!” she said as she rolled on the floor, laughing as the fox wiped the pie off his face.     “You know what?”  He gave a snort.  “Neither can I.”     “Aww, don’t be like that!”  Winnie sat up with a smile.  “You have to admit, it was a pretty silly thing for you to do!  You should have known something was going on, when I started to charm you with my feminine wiles!”     “Can’t disagree with that…”  The fox sighed.     “Need some help cleaning up?” she helpfully offered.     “Suuure…” was Joseph’s unenthusiastic reply.     Winnie immediately leaned back, hopping up on to her feet.  She walked over to the fox and ran a finger down his cheek before popping it into her mouth a second later.     “Mmm!  Coconut cream!”  She grinned, her words turning low as she added, “My favorite…”     “U-uhm…”     He watched the bird draw closer.  Before he could say anything coherent, he felt something warm and wet gently brush against his cheek.  Then… his entire face became obscured!

    He once again found himself flailing as Winnie roughly wiped him clean with a wet cloth.  When she removed it, however, he could see her snickering, barely able to keep herself from bursting into laughter a second time.     “Do… I dare ask?” Joseph said after a long delay.     “Nn…!  Here!”     Winnie snickered, drawing a large, round mirror from her skirt pocket and Joseph could immediately see what was so funny…  The cloth had ruffled the fur on his face in a way that made it stick out in all sorts of odd directions.

    “You know…” Joseph said, sounding dejected, “I shouldn’t be surprised.”     “It’s not… snrk… that bad!” Winnie half-giggled.  “It can be fixed!”     Joseph just grumbled at that…     “Here, let me help…”     Winnie drew close again.  By then, Joseph was expecting another ridiculous toon prop to come into play.  However, she instead drew a normal-sized brush from her pocket and began calmly stroking out his matted facial fur.  It seemed like she was done messing with the fox… and, honestly… the brushing felt pretty good, too.

    “Gotta say…” Joseph said with closed eyes and a purr, “I was expecting more mayhem.”     “I probably could have kept going…” Winnie admitted as she straightened his fur, “but, I could tell you weren’t having as much fun as I was.  Plus, it’s just us, after all.  No one’s watching.”     “It wouldn’t surprise me if someone was, though…”  The fox opened one eye to look at the bird.  “ToonTown is full of surprises.”

    “There,” Winnie said after a couple of minutes.  “Pretty as a picture!”     Joseph was once again directed to the oversized pocket mirror.  As soon as he realized what he was looking at, however…     “You just can’t help yourself,” the fox said as he looked at Winnie.  “Can you?”     “Whooo?” Winnie replied with mock-innocence.  “Meee?”     The fox immediately set to work removing the pink bows from the fluff of his cheeks, much to the amusement of his friend.

    “Are you done?” he sharply asked a short while later, clearly running low on patience.  “Did you get it all out of your system?”     Winnie jerked at the fox’s harsh tone.  One hand began to rub her arm and she looked down, tapping a toe against the apartment carpet.     “I… I’m a ‘toon,” she offered as an explanation.  “Rule of Funny dictates that–”     “I don’t care if the ‘Rule of Funny’ dictates you go jump off a freaking cliff!”     “It… it might, depending on–”     “Enough is enough!” he interrupted, starting to half-shout.  “I’m done being the victim to your stupid ‘comedy routine!’  It’s not funny!”

    Winnie looked up at the fox with wide eyes.  She looked absolutely… shocked!  Joseph had never yelled at her before…  That alone was enough to give her pause… but, the words he’d used…  Those were one of the last things a slapstick ‘toon like her ever wanted to hear.

    “I… it’s not?” she meekly asked.     “No!” he assured her as he got to his feet.  “And, neither are you!  You’re just… just being a pest… like Woody always is!  I thought you were better than that, Winifred!”     “You d-don’t think I’m funny…?” she asked, still sounding somewhat quiet.     “I already told you… no, I don’t!”     “I… I’m not funny…?”     Joseph gave a frustrated groan, letting his temper slip further.     “How many damn times do I have to tell you?  No, you are not funny, Winifred Woodpecker!  You are annoying, you are abrasive, and you are just generally–”     “You don’t know what funny is…”     The fox gave a blink of his angry eyes.  Winnie’s voice, although barely above a normal speaking tone, had derailed him again.

    “Excuse me?” he started.  “I don’t know what–”     But, again, he stopped in mid-thought.  Not because of what Winnie had said, however… but, because of the look she was giving him.  She stood there with her legs apart, fists clenched and pointed at the ground as she stared up at the fox, a horrible scowl on her face, eyes full of tears…  Angry ones.

    “You don’t know what funny is, Mister Joseph Lithius!” she shouted, clenching her eyes shut.  “You wouldn’t even know ‘funny’ if it came up and bit you on the bottom!  Just because you can’t take a joke doesn’t mean I’m not funny!  It means you… you…!”       She paused, seemingly trying to find the right words…

    “It means you don’t know the first thing about slapstick comedy!” she started again.  “Even the most basic ‘toon can appreciate a good pie or cleaning gag!  But, you?  Nooo, you’re too good to be on the receiving end of one, aren’t you?  You’re too proud to let your hair down and be a part of timeless comedy routines, huh?  And, here, I thought you could take a joke…  Well, I guess I thought wrong, didn’t I?”

    As Winnie paused again, Joseph noticed just how much disdain she for him, at that time.  Her normal, beautiful, blue eyes had turned overtly hostile, the hatred of a thousand hurt feelings coursing through her and aimed exclusively at him.  There was no compassion… no mercy to be found in her right then-and-there…  She wanted to rip him asunder for the – as she saw it – cruel and unforgivable things he’d told her.

    “I never want to see you ever again!!” she shouted as she stormed over to the door.  When she reached for the doorknob, she turned to the fox, not quite done with him yet…     “And, I hope that, for your sake,” she snarled, “Shinko never learns just what sort of horrible person you truly are,  you stodgy jackanape!”

    Winnie opened the door and left without a word more, slamming it on the way out and leaving the fox standing there, stunned into silence.  And… there he stood, for some time after, his body having numbed and failing to respond to even the most basic of mental requests. –––––

    “So!!”

    Joseph jumped, startled out of his seat as Woody came barging into the apartment.  The fox stared up from his new position on the floor, fur bristling and ears perked.

    “Now I see what’s really been goin’ on ‘round here!” Woody said as he closed in on the startled fox.     “Wh-what…?”     “I don’t how I could be so blind!” the woodpecker half-shouted as he leveled a gloved finger to the fox.  “All this time I been workin’ at Joe’s Diner, you’ve been goin’ after my gal!”     “Wh– wha– whaa…?”     Joseph, confused and intimidated by the angry woodpecker, started to crawl back, trying to get away.  However, Woody had no problem keeping pace with the cowering fox, his finger staying aimed right at his face as he continued to shout.

    “Thought you could just mess with her head, did’ja?!” Woody rhetorically demanded.  “Thought I’d never find out, did’ja?!  Weeell… my gal is true-blue, Bucko!  She told me all the horrible, nasty things you said to her!”     “What… did… I…?”     “Do you even know how bad you hurt her?!  Do you?!”     Unsure of how to reply, the fox just gave a confused whimper.     “Winnie’s a sensitive kinda gal…” he calmly said as he looked away, bringing his hands together under his head.  “When she gets close t’ someone, it’s real easy fer ‘em t’ mess her up good.  But, you…!”

    Once again, Woody pressed the fox, pointing and approaching him.     “What you did went waaay beyond just messin’ her up!  You broke her heart!!”     “I… I…!” was all the fox could say.     “Yeah!  You!  S’always about you, ain’t it?!”     “N… no…!  I…”     “Yeah, you!  As in, ‘you get outta my sight and outta my apartment!’  Now!!”

    Before the fox could even try and defend himself, the woodpecker had somehow managed to grab him by the shirt and carry him to the door.  Without any hesitation at all, he hurled the fox across the hall and into the opposing wall.  Then, just to add insult-to-injury… he threw the fox’s backpack at his face which, upon impact, spat all of his clothes into the hallway!     “And stay out!!” Woody shouted before slamming the door behind him.

    There was a long, awkward pause as the tenants of apartments 3A and 3B poked their heads out at the commotion.  Joseph sat there, upside-down and on his shoulders, in the third-story hall of his apartment complex, covered in the various meager articles of clothing he’d managed to gather during his time in California.  As he did, though, a single, powerful thought entered his mind… which he immediately vocalized…

    “What…  The…  Nether below…  Just happened…?!”