#furniture logistics company

[axislogisticsservices]

Best Furniture Assembly Services in Miami

The modern business landscape of Miami includes cut-throat competition of the best furniture company in the region. You can get the help you want by getting in touch with a fine and reliable furniture logistics company. Get help with services such as furniture assembly services in Miami, furniture delivery in Miami and white glove delivery in Miami.

[goldenfreightforwardingmarketing]

Sustainable Delivery Options: Balancing Speed and Environmental Responsibility

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for quick delivery is ever-increasing. However, this need for speed often comes at an environmental cost. Global Freight Solutions (GFFCA) is addressing this challenge by offering sustainable delivery options that balance efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Eco-Friendly Freight Options

GFFCA provides ocean and air freight solutions that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. Their ocean freight services, in particular, offer a more sustainable alternative to air freight, reducing carbon footprints while ensuring reliable global shipping.

Integrated Inland Solutions

Beyond international transport, GFFCA’s inland solutions incorporate eco-friendly practices in road and rail transport. This integration ensures a seamless, environmentally responsible chain from international transit to local delivery.

Advanced Warehousing and Distribution

Sustainable practices extend to GFFCA’s warehousing and distribution services. They employ advanced inventory management techniques and strategic location choices to minimize transport distances and emissions.

The Role of Customs Brokerage

Efficient customs brokerage not only speeds up the delivery process but also contributes to sustainability by reducing delays and unnecessary emissions associated with waiting times at ports.

The Big Picture

Balancing speed with environmental responsibility is not just a logistical challenge but a commitment to sustainable business practices. GFFCA’s approach demonstrates how logistics companies can play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly transport solutions.

Looking Ahead

As the demand for rapid delivery grows, so does the importance of sustainable practices in the logistics industry. Companies like GFFCA are leading the way, showing that it is possible to meet customer demands while being environmentally conscious.

In conclusion, the logistics industry stands at the crossroads of efficiency and sustainability. By choosing providers like GFFCA that prioritize eco-friendly options, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future while still meeting their logistical needs.

[megashiftlogistics55]

Choosing a trustworthy mover can be challenging task. It can get difficult to understand which company to trust when there are so many options available. At Megashift Logistics, we take great pride in having a 100% customer satisfaction rate. We are equipped with all the right equipment to serve you a smooth move. Call us right away for furniture removals in Cape Town.

[moversandpackersuae]

The very idea of shifting the furniture gives you a sense of the mess that you are about to welcome, isn’t it? But hang on, if this responsibility is given to the best professional furniture movers in Dubai, then this entire moving process can be a smooth one! And to make it a ride on the velvets, there are certain factors that are to be considered while choosing the right furniture movers.

Not just for home furniture, if you’re looking for the most trusted and high-performance office movers and packers in Dubai,

For more visit: https://fitmoversuae.com/

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Paradigm Shift 1

Warnings: this fic will include elements, some dark, such noncon/dubcon, and other untagged triggers. Please take this into account before proceeding. It is up to curate your online consumption safely.

Summary: you get transferred to a new position but it's hardly a breath of fresh air. (plus!reader)

Characters: Loki, Bucky Barnes, this reader is known as Billie.

Author’s Note: Please feel free to leave some feedback, reblog, and jump into my asks. I’m always happy to discuss with you and riff on idea. As always, you are cherished and adored! Stay safe, be kind, and treat yourself💜

💼Part of the Bad Bosses AU💼

“So, I’m sending you over to logistics,” Mr. Odinson nearly knocks over your pen cup as he sits on the corner of your desk. He gargantuan figure makes you fear for the integrity of the furniture beneath him. “I trust you can keep things tidy there.” 

You want to ask why you but don’t dare. Thor can be pleasant enough. Personable, friendly even, but you’ve also heard how his voice turns to thunder when he’s angry. You’re not shy of the stories either. Wandering eyes and hands. You don’t think they’d ever find you but you’d rather steer clear of the risk. 

“Logistics?” You wonder. 

“Mm, yes, my brother and his new partner,” he waves his hand dismissively, “they’re in need of a desk jockey to mind their dates. When I tell you how many meetings I’ve shown up to and met only an empty table.” 

“Uh, yes, sir, that sounds... bad,” you eke out. 

“Mm, yes,” his eyes flick up and down, “as it were, Fandral said you did rather well on his little task force so you will go down and sort them out. I would warn you but it better you find out for yourself. Perhaps those two will not be so difficult for one such as yourself, eh?” 

He taps the tip of your nose and you blink in surprise. You’ve witnessed it before. A bit too touchy for HR’s liking but they don’t do anything about it. After all, if you make money, then who cares how you behave? 

“When do I... start?” You ask. 

“Now,” he shrugs, “suppose sooner is better.” 

“Now?” You can’t help the shock in your voice and he narrows his eyes, “yes, sir. Um...” 

“There are boxes in the copier room, pack up your things, they should be expecting you... I think,” he stands and scratches his beards, “who’s to say if they read the email.” 

You’re hardly feeling good about this. He hasn’t said one thing that’s made you confident in your reassignment. You prefer the familiar and after two years, this is finally comfortable. Of course you’re the sacrifice they’ve chosen. Now you have start all over again. 

You get up as Odinson leaves and you head off to the copy room. You find an empty paper back and return to your desk. You put your pen cup inside, your ergonomic keyboard and mouse, the next person can put in a request, and you empty your single drawer into the bottom. You put your bag and coat on top and bid a wordless goodbye to your cubicle. No one else even seems to notice as you pack up your laptop. 

Logistics. You’re not even sure where that would be. You stick to your little corner of the company and keep your head down. 

You look it up in the office directory. A whole floor down. You get on the elevator and bob impatiently as you descend. You step off and march toward your fate. You slow as you pass between the desks of clacking keys and the smell of stale coffee. No one looks very happy. Even if they gossip terribly upstairs, at least they’re lively. 

No one looks up as you stroll by. Right. Where exactly do you go. You’re not seeing a free desk. You near a door with a placard on it. Laufeyson, Odinson’s brother. You glance over to the next door. Barnes, a newly acquired consultant. Alright. 

You knock on the first door and wait. And wait. And wait. You tap a little harder and hear shuffling from within. You step back as the door opens with a harsh swing inward. 

“What do you--” The tall main with his oily black locks stops himself mid-sentence and tilts his head, “and who are you?” 

Your eyes round. Does he not know? Your brows arch and nearly meet in the middle. You frown. 

“Your brother--” 

“Secretary,” another voice grits like gravel from behind you. “Remember?” 

You turn as the blue-eyed man blows across a mug and tastes his coffee. His hair hangs around his square jaw, a thicker set than the other man. You glance between him and Mr. Laufeyson, “secretary? Well, not exactly, your brother sent me for clerical--” 

“Secretary,” Laufeyson insists, “very well. Suppose it will ease the burden of tracking those mindless check-ins,” he makes a sarcastic quotation with his fingers, “as you will. Send a ticket to IT, have them add you to my calendar.” 

The door closes as swiftly as it opened and you stagger back. You look over at the other man as he approaches the next office and rests his grip on the handle, “My partner, Loki Laufeyson; Bucky Barnes,” He motions to himself with his cup, “send that ticket in and add my name.” 

“Yes, sir, but er, wait, I--” 

He just as quickly dismisses you with the open and close of his door. You stand dumbly in the hall and look around. What a warm welcome. You look down toward the bullpen of desks and further down the hall. So, where are you supposed to work? 

You pace up and down the short hallway. You find a closet full of old mice and keyboards, and the breakroom with its worn-out coffee maker and humming fridge. You can’t exactly work in either.  

You sigh and return to the hall. You plunk yourself down between the doors of your new bosses and open your laptop to balance on the box. You sit on your jacket and keep your purse against your thigh as you sit on your feet. You open up the support portal and file the ticket; first task done. You have to wait for access until you can do anything else since neither of them seem to want to explain very much. 

You shake your head. Why on earth did you think it couldn’t get worse? It surely feels like a demotion to be sat on the carpet with cardboard for a desk.

You wonder why you? You suppose you’re not interesting enough for Mr. Odinson to keep around. Still, he doesn’t need to punish you for not being his type. 

Well, so long as you’re paid, you’ll just have to make it work. 

[ghosts-bandwagon]

TF141 + König help you move

Here’s some backstory (bc this is incredibly self-indulgent send help): you take everything upon yourself, plan everything down to the last detail so you just wind up overwhelming yourself and then you’re just running on fumes the entire time, you are not at peace until you’ve moved into the new place, you are a ball of stress aaaand go:

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley:

He’s very much the type to watch you go, he knows you’re overloading yourself and he wants to step in but he also knows you need to learn how to ask for help

That’s not to say he’s completely hands off, he’s listening to every word when you review your checklist, he’s helping you pack- everything from assembling the boxes to sealing them when they’re full

He’s taken it upon himself to make sure you eat a proper meal

“What’s this?” You ask as you mute your phone while on hold with the utilities company for your new place,

“It’s breakfast. Eat.”

“I already-”

“Iced coffee isn’t food, love.”

Bet

So he’ll take to cooking or grabbing your favorite take out

If you’re worried you forget something, he’ll go down the list with you, going so far as to grab your notebook and review it with you

He encourages you to sort through your belongings and figure out what you want to keep and what you want to give away

His rule: if I haven’t seen you use it, wear it, read it, or touch it in the last six months, it’s going in the giveaway box (save for stuff with sentimental value)

Surprisingly enough, it helps reduce how much you have to pack and you couldn’t be more thankful

All in all, 10/10

John ‘Soap’ MacTavish:

He’s so much fun to be around

He knows you’re taking on too much and he’ll tell you as much

“I’m fine, Johnny, I just like these things done a certain way. And when the order gets messed up, I have a panic attack.”

“Well, then explain how you’d like it done, and I’ll see to it that it stays that way, sound good?”

He’s so understanding god bless

He does everything possible to make the process stress free, from putting on music while you’re packing and cleaning, to being in charge of snacks 

He helps divide the labor very seamlessly, he does all the physical stuff (packing, cleaning, moving furniture, etc) and he leaves the logistics to you, (utilities, new apt, address change, etc)

If at any point you feel like it’s still too much, he’ll jump in without hesitation 

Just tell him where you’re struggling and what your next task is and he’ll gladly take over

You point, he’ll shoot (or pack, in this case)

John Price:

Like??

Good luck trying to take control of the whole thing

He’s way ahead of you and doesn’t let you do a single thing on your own, that’s not true, he’ll let you do things on your own but not all of it, you get the idea

Man’s a Captain for god’s sake, he definitely has a system to make the process easier

He makes sure you start the process sooner rather than later to avoid scrambling last minute

Before even buying boxes, he’ll sit down with you to come up with a checklist for things to do and what order to pack your place in

He’s very encouraging throughout the whole process

“Phew, almost an hour later and I was successfully able to transfer my car insurance.” You sighed slumping against the table, practically throwing your phone to the other side of the room

“You’re doin’ great, love, keep it up.” He comes up behind you to rub your shoulders and rub your back encouragingly

He’s with you every step of the way

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Gerrick:

I love him but I can see it as being kind of chaotic lmao but still fun!

You better believe he’s got Animal Crossing music on loop

He claims it’ll help you get into the cleaning/packing frame of mind and son of a bitch he’s right 

He sets a hard limit of one to two things a day, so if you finished packing up your living room sooner than you expected and now you want to move on to your bedroom, too damn bad

He’ll physically stop you lol

“You already did enough, babe, it’s time to rest.”

“I feel fine, Ky, I can keep going.”

“Trust me darlin’, take it easy, you’re doing great.”

Definitely the type to give you a treat to help keep you motivated, or even start your day with a treat

You’re dreading calling the new internet company to set up your new wifi? Well guess what? He’s treating you to coffee and a cinnamon roll from your favorite cafe to help motivate you

You’re dead tired after packing up all your belongings in your room, dinner is your pick babe, whatever you want, yes, Taco Bell is perfectly ok 

König:

Very good at following directions and equally good at being perceptive and knowing when to step in without being asked

He knows you have a habit of taking on more than you can handle but he also knows your tells just as well

Increased irritability, you’re more tired than usual, you’re not eating as much, drinking more coffee than you normally do, jittery leg, trouble sleeping, he knows you babe, he sees you

So he does everything he can to prevent you from getting to that point

If you’re complaining about packing all your books, don’t worry about it, he’s on it

You’re stressed about cleaning as you pack, no need, he’s already coming behind you with Clorox wipes, a broom, and a swiffer mop

He encourages you to offload some of your tasks to him, insisting that he knows how you want it done and can do it accordingly

“Schatz, you have so much on your plate already, let me handle renting the truck and getting the supplies, we’ll go over what you want to do first, and I’ll help you do it, ok?”

At the end of the night when your limbs ache from exhaustion, he gently taking your hands in his and massaging the tension away, placing little kisses as he goes

[100493503004422]

I feel like even if there was a rapture, the next day the CEOs of furniture companies would be like. well I know our logistics facilities have really taken a hit with all the attrition, but it's still important that our goods go out on schedule. we have navigated a path around the hellmouth that opened in the pacific ocean, so there's no reason we can't continue with existing timelines. and unfortunately, just because there are natural disasters and titans running amok doesn't mean Q2 reports don't get released next week. we're still a team, people. let's remember the customer in these unprecedented times

[catierambles]

Blood Moon Ch.18

it's been a bit. Get caught up

Days passed since their engagement and Annalisa made plans to tell the coven once they were all able to get together. They may all be a part of the same group, but not all of them worked for the clubs and had their own schedules that needed to be worked around.

Sy was making his rounds at Tell-Tale Heart when he checked in with the staff manning the VIP booths, pausing slightly when he saw Mike and Frost sitting in one of the booths. He was turned towards her, propping himself up on the back with an elbow while she talked animatedly, a wide, excited smile on her face. He had a small smile on his as he watched her but looked over when he noticed Sy. Sy just gave him a small nod and Mike turned his attention back to Frost, his smile widening.

“Hey, Cowboy.” Sweeney said when she saw him, joining him as he moved away from the booths. “That’s your brother, right?”

“Mike, yeah, he’s the youngest.” Sy said and she snorted.

“I caught a bit of what they were talking about. Comics. Meredith—Frost—she doesn’t get to talk about them a lot here, so I’m glad she’s able to at least somewhat.”

“Mikey’s a big nerd, loves comics.” Sy said and she gave a small laugh.

“They’ll have a lot to talk about then.”

“She’s your daughter, yeah?” Sy asked and she gave him a questioning look. “Annie told me.”

“Yeah, she’s my little girl.” Sweeney said with a fond smile, “Had her back in ‘42.”

“Nineteen?” You never knew.

“Eighteen.”

“Damn, okay.” He said and she gave another small laugh.

“We look good for our age, don’t we?”

“Amazin’ what a specific diet will do for some people.” He said and she gave another laugh, reaching out and touching his arm gently.

“Good talking to you, Cowboy, I have to get back to my rounds. Your brother is in good hands.”

Mike and Frost vanished from the VIP booths at one point, but he didn’t think anything of it. The rest of the night passed uneventfully and Sy and Annalisa went back to her place once the club was closed up and the closing duties squared away.

“I got the sixty-day notice on my apartment.” He said as they lay in bed.

“Don’t renew.” She said simply, relaxing against his chest.

“Thought about askin’ you if we could consolidate, what with the engagement and all, but I didn’t know how you’d feel about it.”

“Kyle.” She said, propping herself up on his chest and giving him a look, making him chuckle. “We can get some of the others to help you pack. Anything major you want to keep? Furniture?”

“Nah.” He said, “It can get trashed. It was all second hand stuff anyway and not in the best shape when I got it.”

“We’ll go over logistics in the morning.” She said, relaxing against his chest again.

A few days later and Annalisa was in her office in Pendulum, going over moving companies for Sy. He didn’t have a lot of things he was going to bring over, but what he did have wouldn’t all fit in his truck. There was a gentle knock on the door and she looked at it briefly.

“Come in.” She said and it eased open, Frost poking her head in. “What’s up sweetie?”

“Can I talk to you about something?” She asked and Annalisa looked at her.

“Of course, what’s up?” She came more into the office, closing the door behind her.

“How did you—can I ask you something personal?” Frost asked and Annalisa nodded. “How did you know Sy was your Tovaras?”

“Pardon?”

“What was your first clue that he was your Tovaras?” She asked and Annalisa sighed, her brows knitting together slightly. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want.”

“It’s not that.” She said, “It—I wanted to be around him. All the time. Just everything about him pulled me in. The sound of his voice, how he smelled, it was like gravity. I could feel myself getting pulled into his orbit and I didn’t want to fight it. Why do you ask?”

“His brother, Mike, was in Tell-Tale Heart a couple nights back with his friends. We got to talking about comics and video games and I...I went home with him.” She said.

“Okay...”

“I can’t get him out of my head.” Frost said with an embarrassed chuckle. “It wasn’t just the sex, even though that was fantastic. We’ve been texting and talking and I—I can’t stop thinking about him. When we were together, I didn’t feed from him. I didn’t want to, I just wanted to be with him.”

“I see.” Annalisa said, “Have you seen him at all since then?” Frost shook her head.

“The longer I go without seeing him, the more I keep thinking about him.” She said and Annalisa reached over, pressing a button on the intercom for the security room.

“Sy, can you come to my office please?”

“In two shakes.”

“Am I in trouble?” Frost asked, “I mean...Mike is Sy’s brother and—”

“Not at all, sweetheart.” She said, giving her a reassuring smile. Sy came into the office without knocking, giving Frost a small smile before turning his attention to Annalisa.

“What’s up, babe?” He asked.

“Sy, Frost just shared with me that Mike is her Tovaras.” She said and Sy gave Frost a surprised look.

“You sure?” He asked and Frost nodded.

“Pretty sure.” She said, “I’ve never felt like this about...anyone before. Annie said that it was like gravity with you and—I just—I understand. Gravity.”

“Well, damn, okay then.” Sy said, “Mike is a shit-head, but he’s a well-meanin’ shit-head. He’d never hurt ya on purpose. Want me to call’im? Tell him to come on over if he ain’t busy?”

“Could you?” She asked, “I don’t—I don’t want to appear clingy.”

“Of course, doll.” Sy said and dug his phone out of his slacks pocket, selecting a contact and putting it to his ear. “Hey, Mikey. You busy? Why don’t you come on over to Pendulum, Annie and I wanna talk to you about somethin’.” He said his goodbyes and hung up, putting his phone back in his pocket. “Should be here in a few. Annie, you think we should—since she’s here an’ all.”

“Meredith, Sy proposed and I said yes.” Annalisa and a wide smile split Frosts’ face.

“Oh my god, congratulations!” She exclaimed and pulled Sy into a brief hug before going around the desk, Annalisa standing so she could hug her as well. “I’m so happy for you two! Can I tell anyone? You want to do that yourselves, right?"

"Mums the word for right now," Annalisa said as she pulled away, "We want to get everyone together first."

"Eugene is going to blow a gasket." Frost said, rolling her eyes, "But I know you'll keep him in line."

"Eugene is your pops, yeah?" Sy asked and she nodded at him.

"He may have fathered me, but he's not my father." She said and he gave her a nod in return.

"I gotcha. Knew some fuckheads like that in the Army. Get a girl pregnant, want nothin' to do with the kid." He said, sniffing slightly. The man was doing absolutely nothing to change his opinion of him. They talked for a bit, Frost asking Annalisa if they had any idea how they wanted the wedding to be when Sy's phone chimed and he dug it out, looking at the screen and excusing himself. He came back a few minutes later with Mike, a slow smile spreading over his face when he saw Frost.

"Hey, Merry." He said and she gave him a smile back.

"Hey." She said.

"Mike, why don't you come in?" Annalisa said, "Frost, go keep Ethan company a bit while we talk to him?"

"Yeah, of course." She said and she and Mike shared a quick look as she moved around him to leave the office, Sy closing the door behind her.

"What's up?" He asked, "I swear I haven't told anyone about you guys so if you’ve heard anything—"

"It ain't that, Mikey, calm down." Sy said.

"Mike, I know you and Frost spent the night together." Annalisa said.

"Is she—is she in trouble?" Mike asked in a rush, "I swear, she was off the clock, and she was completely into it and I—there was no money involved or anything and—"

"Take a breath, kid, she ain't in trouble." Sy said and he gave a sigh.

"Okay, good." He said, "Then what—what's going on?"

"I want you to be honest with me." Annalisa said, "How do you feel about her?"

"Real talk?" He asked and she nodded, "I want to be around her all the time, but I don't—I don't want her to think I'm some weirdo who got obsessed just because we slept together once. She's all I think about lately and I just—I don't know, I've never felt this way about a girl before. I mean, I know she's a couple hundred year old vampire but still." Annalisa and Sy shared a look, a small knowing smile coming over Sy's face.

"Mikey, when I told everyone that Annie is my Mate, Annie said that they had somethin' similar and I was hers." Sy said.

"Yeah, I remember."

"It's called a Tovaras de Viata." Annalisa said, "Tovaras for short. It's a Life Companion or Life Mate."

"Okay..."

"Frost—Meredith came to me and asked how I knew your brother was my Tovaras. I asked her why she wanted to know and she told me exactly what you just told us about how you feel about her." Annalisa said and the understanding crept over his face.

"Oh." He said, "So I'm—I mean, I'm her—"

"It's why I asked you how you felt about her. Tovaras is...well, it's forever, and you're human so I wanted to be sure. For her sake." Annalisa said.

"Oh." He said, "I need to—I'll be right back!" He rushed from the office, leaving the door open behind him.

"Mike!" Sy called after him and Annalisa rolled her eyes with a smile, the two of them leaving her office and heading to the front. They found them at the bar, Ethan looking on in amusement as Mike held her in his arms, her own wrapped around him tightly as they shared an emotional kiss.

"I'm your soul mate, huh?" He asked when he came up for air and she nodded, giggling slightly. "Well, damn, sweetcheeks, and here I didn't want to come off as a clinger."

"You're human, I didn't—I didn't want to scare you off." She said and he gave her a soft kiss, her eyes closing.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm yours, baby girl."

[esta-elavaris]

From @softdandelion for this writing ask ✨ (thank you!!)

hc + 🐈 for a pet/animal-themed headcanon

Early on, the dogs would be one of the few points of actual contention in their relationship - the kind that leads to arguments rather than just their usual love language of bickering.

When they get them, Theo would absolutely see them in a modern sense "these are my babies, they are to be treated as such" from a standpoint of like, pampering them (but she'd also have them well-trained because she's not one of the stupid types who's all "let's get a BIG dog and then let them be insanely aggressive and pretend it's cute, y'know?) -- and James would uhhhh disagree. He'd have much more of an "these are animals" view rather than Theo's "these are members of our family."

Lots of "if you're going to let the dogs sleep in the house that's one thing, but for the love of god they're banned from the bedroom - why...why is the dog on the bed? No. Absolutely not. This is ridiculous." while Theo insists that it's just as much the dogs' house as it is their house, and not allowing a pet on the furniture is basically fascism.

Eventually, though, I think James would have big "dad who said he didn't want a dog" energy. Theo would catch one (or both) of the puppies sleeping on him and just give a look while he's furiously pretending he hasn't grown stupidly attached to them.

I do think he'd be less permissive with them than Theo, but I also think he'd come more around to her way of thinking than vice versa, not just from being actually convinced, and not even from a weird boomer "happy wife happy life" thing, but because it would matter more to her than to him and he knows which hills to die on. I also don't think he'd have much of a heart to really fight her on it, because of how stupidly happy the dogs would make her.

But he'd still be adamant about keeping them off of the bed.

Any time he goes away for a few nights and then returns, it's a habit that has to be trained out of them once again. Theo pretends she has no idea how it happens.

hc + 🗡 for a weapon-themed headcanon

Theo never actually ends up with any kind of big weapon attachment in CTW. Like, you know how there's the thing with James' sword, and Jack's hat, and there are certain items you see in fiction and just associate them with their owner? That doesn't happen with any swords for her - although it might in As It Was, because it feels like a missed opportunity.

There just wasn't room for it in terms of plot and logistics, based on what happens she really would just need to get by with what she had available to her (which is a strong Theodora-ism, anyway).

Seeing as the action doesn't completely stop for them after the events of the main story - they can still sail with their company's ships any time they have a hankering for adventure - they'd definitely have to end up splashing out for a proper weapon for her. Like, one made to her preferences/measurements, and one that's meant to be hers, rather than just whatever she can grab and cause damage with.

At some point, James would also take it upon himself to see her fitted with a firearm. Probably because he'd despair at how happy she is to abandon "proper" fighting methods and dive in for close quarters in order to grapple with an opponent, because that's where she's comfortable and that's where she has the upper hand. She kinda sorta uses a gun in the final battle, but by that point everything's been done for her and all she needs to do is point, aim, and make the most of the shots she has because there's no chance of reloading. So I think they'd make A Day of seeing her educated on that. James would have a "well, that's awakened something in me" moment watching her fire it, but he's late to the party considering she had that moment all the way back during the battle at the end of the first movie, when he shoots the member of Barbossa's crew who's attacking her.

[relocationsingapore]

THINGS TO THROW AWAY DURING RELOCATION TO EUROPE

Relocating overseas, especially Europe, is an exciting experience filled with opportunities and adventures. However, moving internationally can also be a logistical challenge, particularly when it comes to deciding what to take with you and what to leave behind. Streamlining your belongings before a move is not only practical but also helps reduce shipping costs and clutter in your new home. In this article, we’ll explore the things you should throw away or donate during your relocation to Europe to ensure a smoother, lighter, and more organized move.

1. Outdated or Unused Electronics

Electronics are often among the heaviest and most cumbersome items to move, and many of them may not even be compatible with the electrical systems in Europe. European countries use a different voltage standard (typically 220-240 volts) compared to many other countries, so some of your electronic devices may not work without a transformer. Additionally, power plugs in Europe are different, so you would need adapters for many of your devices.

Before packing up your entire collection of gadgets, assess which electronics are truly worth the hassle. Items like old televisions, DVD players, and other unused or outdated electronics should be disposed of or donated. If you have specific devices you use regularly, such as laptops or mobile phones, consider whether they are compatible with the electrical systems in Europe or if they’re due for an upgrade.

What to Throw Away:

- Old phones, computers, or tablets that are no longer functional or needed.

- Large appliances like microwaves or hair dryers that may not work with European voltage.

- Old cables, chargers, and adapters that no longer serve a purpose.

2. Clothing That Doesn’t Suit the Climate

When relocating to Europe, it's essential to take into account the climate of your new destination. Europe’s climate varies from country to country, ranging from the Mediterranean warmth in southern Europe to the colder, temperate climates in northern and central Europe. Moving to a new region is a great opportunity to reevaluate your wardrobe and get rid of clothes that won’t be useful in your new environment.

For example, if you’re moving from a tropical region to a colder European country like Norway or Sweden, it might be time to say goodbye to some of your lighter, summer clothing and invest in warmer attire. On the other hand, if you're relocating to a Mediterranean country like Spain or Italy, you may not need heavy winter coats or boots. Sorting through your wardrobe and donating clothes that won’t be suitable for your new environment is an easy way to lighten your load.

What to Throw Away:

- Clothes that no longer fit or are worn out.

- Heavy winter gear if you're moving to a warmer European region.

- Light summer clothes if you're relocating to colder parts of Europe.

3. Bulky Furniture

Shipping large, bulky furniture across continents can be both costly and impractical. Most international moving companies charge by volume and weight, so moving heavy or large furniture can add significantly to your relocation costs. Moreover, furniture that fits well in your current home may not suit the style or size of your new place in Europe. Many European homes and apartments are more compact compared to those in other regions, so it’s worth considering whether your larger furniture pieces will even fit.

Additionally, certain furniture pieces may not match the aesthetic or design commonly found in European homes. Instead of shipping furniture that may not work in your new home, it’s often more practical to sell or donate these items before you leave and buy new furniture when you arrive.

What to Throw Away:

- Old or worn-out furniture.

- Bulky items that may not fit in smaller European homes or apartments.

- Pieces that don’t match the design or aesthetic of your new home.

4. Books and Magazines You Don’t Read Anymore

While books can be cherished possessions, they are also heavy and take up a lot of space when moving. Relocating to Europe is a perfect time to sift through your book collection and decide which ones are worth taking with you. If you have old textbooks, novels you’ve already read, or magazines you’re unlikely to revisit, it might be time to let them go. You can donate books to local libraries or second-hand shops to lighten your load.

Additionally, with the rise of e-readers and digital media, you can easily store and access your favorite books electronically, eliminating the need to transport physical copies. If you’re a frequent reader, consider converting your library to a digital format, which can make your relocation much more manageable.

What to Throw Away:

- Old textbooks or reference books that are outdated.

- Magazines or books you’ve already read and don’t plan to reread.

- Duplicate copies of books or titles you can easily access digitally.

5. Expired or Unnecessary Food and Pantry Items

It’s important to remember that food items can’t always be shipped across international borders, and some countries in Europe have strict regulations on what types of food products can be brought into the country. During your relocation, take time to go through your pantry and refrigerator, discarding any expired or unnecessary food items. Spices, condiments, and perishables should be left behind, especially if you’ve been storing them for a long time.

Many European countries have well-stocked grocery stores and supermarkets, making it easy to replace food items once you’ve settled in. It’s best to use up what you can before your move and avoid the hassle of trying to transport food that may not be allowed into your new country.

What to Throw Away:

- Expired food products, spices, and condiments.

- Opened pantry items that may not travel well.

- Perishable items like dairy, frozen foods, and fresh produce.

6. Old Paperwork and Documents

While it’s important to bring essential documents like passports, visas, and financial records with you when relocating, you don’t need to carry boxes of old paperwork to your new home in Europe. Many people accumulate years’ worth of paperwork, such as old bills, receipts, or outdated contracts, that they no longer need. Sorting through your documents and shredding what’s no longer necessary can free up space and reduce the weight of your belongings.

Consider digitizing important documents before your move. By scanning and storing files electronically, you can keep track of necessary paperwork without the need to transport physical copies. Be sure to retain any legal or tax documents that may be required, but clear out the clutter where possible.

What to Throw Away:

- Old bills, receipts, and paperwork you no longer need.

- Duplicates of important documents you have stored electronically.

- Documents that are outdated or irrelevant to your current situation.

7. Sentimental Items with Little Practical Value

Sentimental items, such as old souvenirs, greeting cards, or memorabilia, can take up a lot of space, and while they hold personal value, they may not always be practical to bring on an international move. While it’s important to keep certain keepsakes that have significant meaning, relocation is an opportunity to declutter and part with items that no longer serve a purpose.

Consider taking photos or creating a digital archive of sentimental items to preserve the memories without having to transport the physical items. This allows you to hold onto the memory without adding unnecessary bulk to your move.

What to Throw Away:

- Souvenirs or trinkets from past travels that don’t fit into your new home.

- Old cards, letters, or memorabilia that hold little significance.

- Sentimental items that are damaged or deteriorated over time.

Conclusion

Relocating to Europe is a chance for a fresh start, and decluttering before the move can make the process much smoother and more cost-effective. By sorting through your belongings and deciding what to throw away, you’ll reduce the stress and costs associated with international shipping. Let go of unnecessary items like outdated electronics, bulky furniture, and expired food, and focus on bringing only the essentials to your new home. With a more organized move, you’ll be able to settle into your new life in Europe with ease.

For more information please visit Asiantiger international relocation singapore

[axislogisticsservices]

Crating and Packing in Miami

Crating and packing is not just a service but an art that can only be manifested by the most professional companies, such as Axis Logistics Services. Driven by commitment and known by its experience, the company offers services such as crating and packing in Miami, furniture crating in Miami, and custom crating in Miami. Today, we shall take a good look at how packing and custom crating are done and what materials and objects are used to make sure that your goods are reaching their destination safely. 

Crating and Packing in Miami: Visit Here

Use of protection layers for crating and packing in Miami 

The use of many layers of protection is necessary in order to guarantee that your things will arrive at their destination in the same condition in which they were transported.

There are several cases in which a sturdy wooden crate serves as the initial layer. The majority of the time, this is a wooden crate that has been manufactured to order and is intended to provide the highest possible level of security for the items that are being transported. There is also the possibility of using skids and pallets made of wood that have been customised.

Other options for furniture pricing in Miami

Nevertheless, this is only the beginning. When it comes to the steps that are taken within a container to prevent objects from moving around while they are being transported, packaging experts are also quite clever.

In the field of specialty shipping, what exactly are the terms "blocking" and "bracing"?

Customers frequently inquire, "What exactly is blocking and bracing?" The use of blocking and bracing offers an additional degree of security for assets that are being shipped. When it comes to ensuring that things, particularly those that are large and/or heavy, do not shift or move within their container while they are being transported, it requires the utilization of a variety of different methods.

Typically, it is not sufficient to just cover the area surrounding a crated object with loose material in order to eliminate the possibility of the item moving around. The object should be placed in its box or on a wooden pallet, and then it should be immobilised using wood blocks or cradles that are fastened together to create a protective framework. This is a more effective method.

All about custom crating in Miami

An object or gadget that is equipped with casters, for instance, could have blocks encircling the front and rear to prevent sliding, wood bracing to restrict movement from side to side, and straps that are connected to the wood foundation to offer even more support.

It is possible to successfully secure any item, regardless of its shape or size, by employing blocking and bracing procedures that have been meticulously designed. Everything from massive pieces of industrial equipment to one-of-a-kind works of art is included in this category.

What kinds of product-specific packaging options are there to choose from?

The assets that are going to be carried provide a third layer of protection, and there are various different forms of packaging that can provide this protection. In accordance with the characteristics of the objects, these materials are chosen, and they may include the following:

Pillows with specialized padding. When transporting certain assets, it is essential to not only reduce the amount of vibration that occurs but also to make certain that the objects do not come into contact with one another or with the walls of the container. Personalized cushioning is a viable option for accomplishing this goal. Polyurethane foam is frequently used for components that are on the lighter side and more sensitive. The use of polyethylene foam is often a great choice for the protection of heavier assets. There are other materials, such as felt, that may be utilized to assist in protecting the surface finish of the units that are being crated. In many cases, it is of the utmost importance to safeguard sensitive gadgets from the frequency of vibrations and potential impacts that are encountered in transportation contexts. One frequent solution to this problem is the installation of a floating platform that has been created specifically for the crate deck and is secured to it using polyethylene foam and spring fasteners. 

When it comes to designing an efficient solution, the engineering staff at Axis Logistics Services is able to deal with any frequency vibration specifications that are offered.

Material that is anti-static. Damage to sensitive electrical devices can be caused by electrostatic discharge. However, there are a variety of anti-static packing materials that may be utilized to circumvent this issue. The anti-static stretch wrap, buttle wrap, foam, and barriers are all included in this category.

Contact Us at: Website: www.axislogisticservices.com Contact us link: https://www.axislogisticservices.com/contact/ Address: 16295 NW 13th Ave bay c-2, Miami, FL 33169 Email: hello@axislogisticservices.com Phone: 3057534011

[philiproy1]

Top Commercial Moving Services Near Me with Capital Moving and Storage

When it comes to relocating a business, finding a reliable moving company that understands the unique challenges of commercial moves is essential. Whether you’re moving to a larger office, downsizing, or relocating across town, the efficiency and expertise of your moving company can make all the difference. Capital Moving and Storage stands out as a premier provider of commercial moving services, ensuring your business relocation is seamless and stress-free.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why Capital Moving and Storage is your top choice for commercial moving services near you and how our approach can benefit your business relocation.

Understanding the Importance of Commercial Moving Services

1. Specialized Expertise for Business Moves

Commercial moving involves more complexity than a typical residential move. Businesses often require specialized handling of office equipment, IT infrastructure, and sensitive documents. At Capital Moving and Storage, our team has the expertise needed to manage these unique challenges. We understand the importance of minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth transition, which is why we offer tailored solutions for every aspect of your commercial move.

2. Efficient Project Management

A successful commercial move requires meticulous planning and project management. From initial consultations to the final setup in your new location, Capital Moving and Storage provides comprehensive project management services. We create a detailed moving plan, coordinate logistics, and ensure that every step of the process is executed with precision. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to your business operations and ensure that your move is completed on time.

3. Secure Handling of Sensitive Equipment

Businesses often have valuable and sensitive equipment that requires careful handling. Whether it’s computer systems, office furniture, or confidential documents, Capital Moving and Storage employs specialized techniques and high-quality packing materials to protect your assets during the move. Our team is trained to handle a variety of commercial equipment, ensuring that everything arrives at your new location in excellent condition.

4. Minimal Downtime and Disruption

One of the primary concerns for businesses during a move is minimizing downtime. Capital Moving and Storage understands the need to keep your business running smoothly. We work closely with you to schedule the move during off-peak hours or weekends to reduce disruptions. Our efficient moving processes and experienced team members ensure that your business can resume operations as quickly as possible.

5. Comprehensive Moving Services

Capital Moving and Storage offers a full range of commercial moving services to cover every aspect of your relocation. Our services include:

Office Relocation: Whether you’re moving a small office or a large corporate facility, we handle every detail to ensure a smooth transition.

IT Equipment Moving: We specialize in safely moving sensitive IT equipment, including servers, computers, and telecommunications systems.

Furniture and Fixtures: From desks and chairs to filing cabinets and conference tables, we ensure that your office furniture is packed, transported, and set up with care.

Packing and Unpacking: Our team uses high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings and ensures that everything is unpacked and organized in your new space.

Storage Solutions: If you need temporary storage for your office items, we offer secure storage solutions to keep your belongings safe until you’re ready to move them.

The Commercial Moving Process with Capital Moving and Storage

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in the commercial moving process is an initial consultation with our team. We assess your needs, discuss your requirements, and develop a customized moving plan. This includes evaluating the size of your move, the type of equipment and furniture involved, and any special considerations or concerns you may have.

2. Detailed Moving Plan

Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, we create a detailed moving plan. This plan outlines the timeline, logistics, and responsibilities of each party involved. We coordinate with your team to schedule the move, ensuring that it aligns with your business operations and minimizes disruption.

3. Packing and Preparation

Our team begins the packing process well in advance of the move date. We use high-quality packing materials to ensure that all items are securely packed and protected. Special attention is given to sensitive equipment and documents, which are packed with extra care to prevent damage.

4. Transportation and Delivery

On the day of the move, our team handles the transportation of your items to the new location. We use well-maintained vehicles and employ efficient loading and unloading techniques to ensure that everything arrives safely. Our team follows the most efficient routes to minimize transit time and ensure timely delivery.

5. Unpacking and Setup

Once your items arrive at the new location, we handle the unpacking and setup process. We work with you to arrange furniture and equipment according to your preferences and ensure that everything is in its proper place. Our goal is to help you get settled into your new space quickly and efficiently.

6. Post-Move Support

Our commitment to service extends beyond the completion of the move. Capital Moving and Storage provides post-move support to address any issues or concerns that may arise. We are available to assist with any additional needs and ensure that you are fully satisfied with our services.

Why Capital Moving and Storage is the Best Choice for Commercial Moves

1. Proven Track Record

Capital Moving and Storage has a proven track record of successfully managing commercial moves for a wide range of businesses. Our team’s extensive experience and positive feedback from clients reflect our dedication to delivering high-quality moving services.

2. Personalized Service

We understand that every business has unique needs and requirements. At Capital Moving and Storage, we offer personalized service to ensure that your specific needs are met. Our team works closely with you to develop a moving plan that addresses your unique requirements and ensures a smooth transition.

3. Commitment to Excellence

Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our service. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, Capital Moving and Storage is dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring that your move is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

4. Reliable and Transparent Pricing

Capital Moving and Storage offers reliable and transparent pricing for our commercial moving services. We provide clear and upfront estimates with no hidden fees, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect. Our pricing model is designed to offer value for money while maintaining the highest standards of service quality.

Contact Us for Your Commercial Moving Needs

If you’re looking for top commercial moving services near you, Capital Moving and Storage is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing reliable and efficient moving solutions for businesses of all sizes. We understand the complexities of commercial relocations and are committed to delivering the quality service you need to ensure a successful move.

To learn more about our commercial moving services or to schedule a consultation, contact Capital Moving and Storage at (919) 887-1721. We look forward to assisting you with your business relocation and delivering the exceptional service you deserve.

Capital Moving and Storage

1230 Kirkland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States

(919) 887-1721

[beardedmrbean]

Bulgarian businesses are gearing up for the transition to the Eurozone, a process expected to take between six months and one year according to an informal survey conducted by the Association of Non-Food Traders (ANFT). The survey, encompassing sectors like furniture, building materials, sports goods, and books, underscores the pressing need for clear regulatory guidance from the government to facilitate smooth adaptation.

Half of the surveyed companies anticipate Bulgaria's entry into the Eurozone not earlier than 2026, with a quarter pinpointing July 1, 2025, as a realistic timeline. Only 12.5% believe entry could happen as soon as January 1, 2025, contingent largely on factors like inflation levels and political stability.

Despite preparations underway by half of the respondents, many companies feel inadequately informed about what adjustments are necessary. There's a notable dearth of accessible practical information regarding the preparations for Eurozone integration.

Currently, IT departments (30.8%) and logistics/sales teams (30.8%) lead in preparations, followed by finance/accounting (23.1%). Essential changes are expected across at least five departments: IT systems reset, financial recalibrations, new sales protocols, HR adjustments, and legal contract revisions.

Respondents overwhelmingly call for more proactive support from the state, with 66.7% urging practical guidance and 33.3% advocating for expert assistance. Absent sufficient state resources, 62.5% plan to seek help from local business or NGO professionals, while 12.5% consider hiring Eurozone experts, and 25% intend to rely on internal training efforts.

A critical concern for half of the businesses post-Eurozone accession is managing the dual price labeling in both BGN and EUR, mandated for up to 12 months. Clarity is also sought regarding the provision of "starter kits" containing Euro notes and coins, essential for customer transactions.

The preliminary cost assessment for Bulgarian businesses to convert to the Euro and back annually totals approximately BGN 300 million. Trajan Haladzov from ANFT estimates individual company expenditures at around 450,000 euros, covering IT system adaptations, dual currency labeling, and staff training costs.

ANFT's Executive Director, Galin Popov, stresses the urgency of finalizing the legal framework, citing the adoption of only one out of five necessary laws and regulations so far. He emphasizes the need for transparent government actions to prevent a last-minute scramble that could potentially double implementation costs for businesses.

As Bulgaria navigates towards Eurozone integration, the timely enactment of regulatory measures remains pivotal to ensuring a seamless transition and minimizing economic disruptions for businesses across various sectors.

[moversandpackersuae]

Everything You Need to Know About Overseas Moving

Moving to another country takes time and planning, and it entails more than just looking for the best moving company for you. Because of the additional layers of immigration, customs, overseas shipping, and more, it is more complicated than planning a cross-country move. A solid plan, on the other hand, allows for a smooth transition.

Whether to study at university or to begin an exciting new career opportunity, is a complicated process with many moving parts. As a result, it is easy to become engrossed in the complexities of the relocation. But don’t worry! If you divide your move into small tasks, you will have a much less stressful move. Here is everything you need to know about overseas moving:

Get the right documents: The first step in any international move is to research the necessary documents and ensure that you have everything you need to obtain them. This is an important step because it allows you to save time by having all of the necessary documents in place.

Research international moving companies: Before you make your big move, it’s critical to enlist the assistance of professional international moving companies that are familiar with the moving process and the regulations of the country you intend to live in. This is due to the fact that laws differ from country to country.

Contact the international movers: The international movers you hired are your key coordinators and helpers who can help you make a smooth transition to your new home abroad. Make contact with them before your international move.

Confirm your appointments: Contact your international move coordinator at least two to three weeks before your departure to go over the details of the move. This includes confirming any applicable parking and elevator permit bookings, as well as appointment confirmations.

Review your final contract: Examine your contract for any minor details, such as the name of the company or contracted international movers. Check document receipts. Ensure that all required documents are received.

Customs: Each country’s imports and exports are regulated by customs authorities. They will receive and verify the information on the documents you have submitted to ensure that it corresponds with the shipment, as well as determine if there are any discrepancies and whether customs exams are required.

Truckers: The truckers are the people who will pick up your personal belongings on the agreed-upon pick-up date with your freight forwarder. They will deliver a container to your door and then transport it to the port once it has been loaded. Similarly, when your belongings arrive at their destination, truckers will transport the container to your new address or to a warehouse.

Fit Movers is a professional Movers and Packers company that assists clients in making their moving process as simple as possible. They are the most reliable and provide the best overseas moving services in Dubai. Our expert team assists with everything you need using their experience and knowledge. If you are looking for moving companies in Abu Dhabi, contact us.

[jhilsara]

Tie Me to You/ Chapter 6

Chapter Summary: Mika gets stuck grocery shopping with Sam... who hasn't really spoken to her in 2 months.

Word Count: 2.5k

<Last | Next>

Chapter Warnings: None!

This fanfic will explore heavier emotions and will have eventual smut. Minors DNI

Can also be found on AO3 X

They told me all of my cages were mental

So I got wasted like all my potential

And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad

I have a lot of regrets about that

this is me trying - Taylor Swift

Chapter 6

It took one interaction for Mika to realize that she and Sam were very different people. It took a couple more for her to realize that he makes her blood boil in ways that make her eye twitch and her fingers curl into fists. She feels like a child with how quick to anger she becomes around him.  

 It takes a month for her to conclude that there is no hope for them to create a relationship like she has with the other brothers. She doesn’t even see them ever being civil, let alone being friends. 

It takes two months for her to feel hopeless and that her and Sam are just two people living together. Nothing more and nothing less.  

Indifferent.  

It frustrates Mika that she can’t interact with Sam normally. 

 Damien and Matthew had been so easy to talk to. They were so invested in the human world and full of questions.  She didn’t struggle to keep conversations with them. It almost felt like she had brothers the way they would laugh and recall stories of her grandfather.  

Erik, she had surprisingly gotten insanely close to. He had cleaned out her grandfather's room like he said he would, and he made it feel like it was hers. He had put all her grandfather's belongings into the office and told her it was sorted and ready for when she wanted to go through it. When she saw the room for the first time it truly felt like it wasn’t a hollow reflection of her grandfather. It felt like it was hers. Erik had rearranged the furniture pieces, unpacked her belongings she brought with her, and had gone out to find some things he thought suited her tastes.  

Mika didn’t dread sleeping in there anymore.  

The first night in the newly renovated room was the best sleep she had gotten since her grandfather died. It didn’t fix her grief, but it made the ever-lonely nights easier.  

James was also a rough start, but it wasn’t so bad after he talked to her in the garden. She wouldn’t say she was close with him, but she could find common ground. Not to mention James offered to free her from the duties of the family company. They had been planning the announcement party for her to name him as CEO. He had no issues believing he could use his powers of enthrallment to persuade everyone to believe them. It was the logistics of planning everything and sending out the invitations and RSVPs.  

The date was set for early May, and they already had confirmations from news outlets wanting to cover the “Young New CEO of Anderson Toys”. They were getting that story, just not who they thought it was with. James had also suggested they turn the event into a commemoration ceremony for her grandfather and Mika couldn’t be happier. Most of her grandfather’s friends were left out of his funeral or weren’t even given a chance to know. She wanted to celebrate her grandfather with the people he actively loved and worked with. 

Her father had also already sent his confirmation that he was coming. She hated how looking at his name sent a wave of fear through her body. She wasn’t a child anymore, but he still had this effect on her. She hated how small she felt next to him.  

James reassured Mika that her father wouldn’t get near her. She appreciated the effort and the support from him. It was kinder than anything her parents had ever done for her. It was nice to have someone looking out for her.  

It was nice to have people to come home to, who greeted her warmly. She had never experienced a welcome home. Her mother was distant, and her father was cold. Mika had been told countless times how important it was that she didn’t disappoint them.  

Their perfect, porcelain doll daughter. Beautiful and ready to crack at any moment. 

Sometimes she felt like she was cracked, broken from the inside, held together only by willpower. She had spent so long walking a tightrope in her parents' house. 

In this home though, she was free. She came home to smiles and welcome backs. She came home to meals every night with the band of brothers. It was a home... a family, if she dared tried to call it that.  

...but there was Sam. Sam who had made it overly clear that he wanted nothing to do with her. He avoided her like the plague. If she didn’t find her interactions with him so frustrating, she’d be insulted. 

She thought she could deal with it, that it wouldn’t bother her. His silent attitude, his snarky remarks that made her want to argue back and forth. Mika's relationship with Sam, if she could call it that, was tumultuous at best.  

She wanted to get along with all of them, even if that seemed impossible. Sam clearly, making it harder than it needed to be. 

She only ever really talked to him if it was in group conversations at dinner and designating tasks when they did group grocery shopping trips.  

It mostly consisted of Matthew, James, Sam, and her. Erik and Damien would come if they were free but preferred not to overload the car. 

Matthew only went because James and Sam were constantly fighting over grocery items and meal preps. Even if James was the one who cooked the most. Sam was very opinionated over the quality of meat and vegetables. To the point that he’s gotten in a few arguments with the butchers. 

Mika still hasn’t been back to the good meat shop downtown since he argued over the cut of ribs they were buying that time. It truly was embarrassing.  

Today, was grocery shopping day. Today, Matthew and James were not coming. So, it was only Sam and her.  

She was dreading this trip more than normal.  

Mika’s putting on her shoes to leave and she calls out for Sam.  

“I’m ready to go Sam, unless you want me to go alone, which is fine too!” she says holding onto the door frame as she slides on her rain boots. April was always wet, more than she’d like.  On the bright side, her flower bed was looking amazing.  

“Leave you alone to pick out the produce? No way.” His voice pipes up closer than she registered. She looks up and sees him holding the door open, like she wasn’t the one waiting for him.  

How was he so fast?  

She grabs her keys and motions for him to follow. The car ride to the grocery store is bleary and silent. The low rumbling of the radio and the rain hitting the windshield is the only noise heard between them in the car.  

It makes her anxious, how heavy the silence feels.  

Once they’re inside the store, Sam grabs a basket and goes off to the produce section leaving her alone. She sighs and pushes her shopping cart to gather the things on the list.  

Once she’s done, she’s standing in the freezer section contemplating what ice cream she wanted. She hears Sam’s heavy footsteps before she sees him as he sets his basket in the cart. Filled with meat, veggies, and fruits.  

“Are you not done yet?” he asks her, tone a bit accusatory.  

She shakes her head, “No, I am. Just thinking about something for me to veg out with later.” she hums in thought.  

He quirks a brow at her, “Isn’t ice cream like, I don't know, sad food?” he questions.  

Mika turns and gives him a sharp look of irritation. He’s said maybe two sentences to her, and she’s already done with this shopping trip. 

She just sighs and reaches in for a small pint of lemon custard and places it in the cart.  

“Lemon?” Sam asks, looking over her shoulder. 

She can feel her eye twitching, ready for this conversation to be over, “Yes,” She hisses out, “It’s my favorite.” she says defensively. 

“Don’t people usually get chocolate when they’re sad?” He states taking a step back to gently pry the cart from her hands and push it.  

Mika bristles, “I like lemon custard. Didn’t know I was gonna get grilled for my depression ice cream of choice!” she says in an irritated huff.  

She did not need this right now. Sam had never tried to talk with her before, and today wasn’t the day to start. All she wanted to do was go home, curl in her bed, and watch a movie with her ice cream.  

Not answer arbitrary questions that he clearly didn’t care what her answers were.  

“I’m not grilling you!” He groans out pushing the shopping cart. “I’m trying to have conversation...” he mumbles to himself.  

Mika freezes and moves to stand in front of him, stopping the cart from moving, her eyes bright with fury. 

“Then why do it now? Why not sooner? Why not in the car, or look through the store with me, or, god forbid,” she scoffs at him, “the million times you’ve avoided me!” she hisses out voice raising with her anger. She was tired of being angry, but Sam knew how to pick at her. Say or do all the right things that made her feel something besides sorrow.  

She loathed it. 

Sam’s brows furrow down, like they always do when he frowns at her, “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks in a cold tone.  

Mika glared at him and decided against starting a fight in the middle of a very public grocery store. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath trying to center herself. Sam could just look at her the wrong way and she felt the pit of her stomach turn.  

“Just, forget it. Let’s check out.” Mika pushes ahead walking towards an empty checkout line.  

She can feel his silent fuming next to her. He’s simmering like a pot about to boil over. Maybe this was it. This was the moment the two of them would finally scream it out and agree to never talk to each other again.  

She could handle that. In fact, Mika would prefer that in this moment than having to be stuck next to him with his glare burning holes into the back of her head as she pays the cashier. 

They aggressively load up the car with their groceries and get in to go home. The sooner she was home, the sooner she could run off to her room. Where there wasn’t an overly muscular man observing every move, she made.  

Once they’re seated in the car he turns to her snapping in a clipped tone, “What did you mean inside?”  

Mika clutches the steering wheel tightly, focusing on the road and not Sam’s face, “Exactly what it sounded like Sam.” she says dryly. “You avoid me, all the time! So, forgive me, but I find it extremely hard to believe you when you say you’re trying to start a conversation... you’ve had plenty of better opportunities to talk to me.”  

Sam opens his mouth to try and argue with her. He doesn’t say anything though, just keeps opening and closing his mouth like a gapping fish. He can’t argue with the truth. 

She raises her brow in a pointed look, “Point proven. Now can we just go back to you ignoring my existence?” she bites out bitterly.  

Sam’s face hardens, he leans forward making sure his body is facing her, “I can’t ignore your existence, in fact, I’m more than aware. I can’t get away from you.” his voice is low, almost a growl.  

She’s had it. How dare he act like she was the problem. She slams on the brakes and pulls over to the side of the road. If she was going to get into an argument, she would look him in the eye. She couldn’t believe his audacity! 

“Okay Sam, be so fucking real right now. What you just told me makes no sense! You never talk to me, hell, half the time you won’t even look at me!” She says facing him completely and trying to keep herself collected. Her tone rose, and she was five seconds away from screaming in frustration. Sam made her want to pull her hair out.  

He just continues to glare at her. “Half the time you either leave the room when I enter it or you’re hiding on the roof. I don’t know what I did to you, but I’m sorry okay! Just don’t sit here and act like you care or notice me, or whatever it is you’re trying to say!” Mika can feel her face flushed clearly frustrated.  

His own scowl deepens as he opens his mouth, “I’m not pretending to care about you idiot! Who do you think was dragging your ass to bed every night you’ve been crying yourself to sleep on the couch? It sure as hell wasn’t anyone else!”  

She pauses, her eyes widen in surprise. It was Mika’s turn to be stunned into silence.  

Sam realizes what he’s just admitted, and his own face flushes from embarrassment. He lets out a heavy sigh and pushes his hair back and his eyes drift to look out the window. “That’s not-fuck.” he groans in a hushed tone.  

She looks at him in confusion unsure of what to do with the information he’s provided. Mika slowly eases the tension from her body as she moves to sit back in the seat.  

“I’m... confused.”  

“I’m sorry, okay.” Sam tells her with a sigh. He looks back over to her, “I swear I’m not trying to be a dick... I just didn’t want to irritate you after the whole, kiss situation.” he sounds embarrassed just mentioning it.  

“Before I knew it two months went by and, I didn’t know how to talk to you... you just seemed to avoid me, so I assumed-” he trails off his sentence, unsure of where to go or what he even means.  

Mika sits in silence for a moment before dissolving into a fit of laughter. She covers her face with her hands to try and muffle her laughter but her whole body shakes as she laughs.  

“I’m sorry! Sorry I just-” she turns to him, looking at him through her hands, “are you telling me you were too embarrassed to talk to me?” She bites her lip, trying to stifle her giggles.  

Sam’s face is bright red as his voice hitches in annoyance, “I- no! That is not what I’m saying!” 

Mika’s still smiling, trying to calm herself down, “Really? From where I stand that’s exactly what it sounds like.” she teases. 

Sam sighs and leans back in the seat. Hands covering his face now. “Fine... you win.” he mumbles.  

She reaches out to touch Sam’s arm lightly. It’s meant to be reassuring but the way he jolts, like he’s been shocked, from her touch has her retracting a little. She chews the inside of her cheek for a moment looking for something to say. 

He’s looking at her though, with a soft smile. The first she's seen from him. Mika thinks he looks infinitely better when he’s smiling.  

 “If it makes you feel any better, Damien and Erik chewed me out...” he tells her, it’s half joking.  

She snorts, “It does actually.” she says smugly.  

She sits back shaking her head in disbelief. She drives them back home, the silence not so heavy in the car, but one of understanding.  

Life gets a little easier after that.  

[literary-illuminati]

Book Review 34 – Defekt by Nino Cipri

This is the second book of Cipri’s I’ve read, and I enjoyed it significantly more than Finna. Which still isn’t falling in love with it, if I’m being honest, but I’m not at all annoyed I read this one. The overall impression is kind of like watching the kind of rough pilot to an indescribably cheesy by fun adventure serial? Up to you how harsh a discretion that seems.

The story shares a setting with Finna – as in, it’s set literally in the same story, less than a week after. It follows Derek, a special exempt employee of the suspiciously Ikea-like retail megacorp who started a few weeks before, lives in a shipping crate behind the store’s loading dock, and has no memory of ever leaving store property. After he calls in and takes his very first sick day (a coworker saw him basically collapse while assembling furniture and browbeat him into it), his extremely disappointed manager has him come in late to help the outside team with a ‘special inventory’. The outside turns out to be, well, alternate universe versions of him – variations on the same mould, all mass produced in some of the controlled alternate realities the company’s insourced its production and logistics hubs too. The ‘special inventory’ likewise turns out to be a bug hunt, hunting down and killing all the products that have mutated or come alive due to glitches in their production before they have a chance to escape or damage company property.

The plot goes more or less how you’d expect – the alternate Derek’s are a queer and quirky band of likeable misfits (one might even say a found family!), except for their leader who is a monster convinced that if he’s enough of an abusive hardass to the others corporate will see ow valuable he is. The Defekta turn out to be basically benevolent, and Derek turns out to be defective himself, with literal magic empathy and enhanced senses and an involuntary sort of broadcast telekinesis when he’s dealing with strong emotions (which sounds like literal actual hell to me, for the record).In the end the shitty direct supervisor is trapped in an alternate reality, and everyone else unionizes and holds the store hostage until the company caves to their desired reforms Happy ending for everyone!

I’m not sure if it’s intentional or just an artifact of how Cirpri came up with the idea, but the whole ‘taking place literal days after the last book’ thing very much does make it seem like either this one Midwestern store in particular or possibly the company as a whole is like 90% of the way there to spiralling into a complete metaphysical collapse and possible destroying the world. The one scene with Jules at the start of the book also honestly made me like her more than the entire previous book where she was literally the second most important character and on like every other page.

I do think the kind of absurdist corporate horror setting worked better in this book than the prequel, if only because it was a bit more restrained and picked the one aesthetic/setting to actually develop a bit. Having a little bit more edge helped too. Reagan as the polished-until-she’s-glass always upbeat and friendly corporate upper management definitely worked as a more sinister and threatening figure than absolutely anyone in Finna, at least. I do still think the corporate jargon was like 20% too over the top and obvious to really work as satire or horror and just, well, not really funny enough to work as comedy. But that’s probably just a matter of taste

Speaking of funny – I’m not sure whether the megacorp in this is transparently specifically Ikea instead of something more generic (or, like, Wallmart) – Cipri spent some shitty years working at one, maybe. But given literally everything else about the book’s politics, it is kind of surprising how many times the books go back to the ‘look, this thing’s name is a funny-looking foreign word!’ well for humour. Or, well, ‘humour’.

Derek’s whole character arc from enthusiastically brainwashed retail drone to radicalized monster-whisperer was perhaps a bit abrupt, but it worked for me overall. The rest of the inventory team were all pretty much just archtypes with character designs attached, all basically being exactly what you would expect – the only real ‘reveal’ is that Dirk the supervisor isn’t the longsuffering professional leader trying to wrangle the rest of them and get the job done, he’s just an abusive piece of shit the rest of them actively fantasize about murdering – but none of them are, like, offensive.

The themes are, look, they’re really on the nose. There’s no way around it. Derek is so repressed and out of touch with/incapable of expressing his real emotions that his throat splits open and grows a second mouth that starts psychically broadcasting them. There are multiple conversations where people just explain their characters. There’s an interstitial bit of corporate propaganda between chapters about the risks of employees being radicalized by alternate universes into union organizers shortly before the main characters force the company to give them better treatment by sitting down and threatening to hold the store hostage the night before a big product release. And so on.

Still, I honestly enjoyed the read? Very possible my expectations were just lowered enough enough by the first one that I could just take this as it was, honestly, but still. Largely insubstantial popcorn, but not popcorn I regretted spending a few hours on.