#internal coordination

[littlebellesmama]

Grateful for the Pause: A Public Holiday to Catch My Breath

It’s not even the end of the week, but I’m feeling especially grateful for today. A public holiday. It sounds simple on the surface. But this one is landing like a lifeline. A pause in a calendar that has barely allowed time to think, let alone rest. Burnout doesn’t feel far away anymore. It’s circling closer by the day, and this break, brief as it is, might be the only thing standing between me…

[torillatavataan]

28 September 2024 marks 30 years since the sinking of the MS Estonia

MS Estonia sank on Wednesday, 28 September 1994 as the ship was crossing the Baltic Sea, en route from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden.

The sinking was one of the worst maritime disasters of the 20th century. It is one of the deadliest peacetime sinkings of a European ship, after the Titanic in 1912 and the Empress of Ireland in 1914. It is the deadliest peacetime shipwreck to have occurred in European waters, with 852 (out of 989) lives lost.

Image source

[tophatcats]

Belated happy international lolita day 🎀 My coord this weekend was inspired by Sena (Charade Maniacs) and Tomo (Girls Band Cry). The main outfit points are the faux pearl accessory details and the Mizuki Iochi ita bag 💜

Dress is Angelic Pretty's Charming Dot OP

[fauvester]

svsss demons hospital au scrub choices. SHL is a figs girlie (girl you cannot wear outside figs to the OR, sorry) LBH is kind of a jaanuu guy but occasionally gets mandelas for the colors. MBJ is an exclusively inpatient proceduralist so he only ever wears the cheap hospital provided scrubs that his tits never fit into properly

[clonerightsagenda]

I'm really grateful I have a group I'm already involved in right now, because I'm seeing a lot of despair and "I don't know what to do" and "I'm the only one in my community who feels this way", whereas we're like. well. we know what to do. It's going to suck, it might not work, people are going to get hurt in the meantime no matter how hard we try to limit the damage, but we do know what we need to do.

The reality is, this is not a mobilization problem. It's not going to get fixed by convincing more people to go to the polls, or if a few third party voters had held the party line, so you might as well stop blaming them. Actually unfortunately the next steps rely on stopping blaming individual people, but go ahead and take however long you need to get it out of your system. I get it.

As I said, it's not a mobilization problem. A large portion of the population voted the way they did on purpose, and a big reason for that is because for a large portion of the United States population, life kind of sucks and has been getting worse. The Democratic party has failed to run on a coherent narrative of why this is and how they're going to make it better. The Republican party, on the other hand, has run on a very strong narrative of how they will make it better by getting rid of all the things and people who are to blame. It's a narrative that has worked for a lot of groups in the past. It's working now, in the increasingly polarized social media landscape, even in demographics Democrats have typically considered safe. Everyone loves the luxury of having someone to blame.

Unfortunately, the fix to this is long, and slow, and hard. It's not begging politicians for scraps. It's getting offline and going outside. Talking to your neighbors about their lives, their fears, their needs, and what kind of world would meet those needs. Even the one with the Trump sign in their front yard. Some of these people are in it for the racism and the cruelty and siphoning everything to their rich cronies, but a lot of them are struggling and desperate and grabbed for the life preserver someone threw them, even if it's secretly stuffed with arsenic. If thrown a different life preserver, they can be convinced to grab it.

And no, it's not ok that they decided to shove vulnerable minorities' heads under water just so they could theoretically get theirs. You're allowed to be angry! But unfortunately further isolating these people only pushes them deeper into the fascist movement ready to embrace them. They need to interact with real representatives of the groups they've been trained to blame and fear. They need to be given a different narrative with real solutions, but screaming it at them on Twitter won't do it. Long conversations where people take their hardships seriously but direct them more constructively might.

That's not going to be easy. You may not like or forgive them. And not everyone can do this work! It's going to be safer for white, not visibly queer/gnc folks to make some of these initial contacts. (At one of our meetings, a femme woman of color was talking about canvassing transit riders and dealing with misogynistic comments and having to decide, ok, where do I personally draw the line saying I cannot work with this person versus being aware that a lot of people are not steeped in politically correct language and can change. It's a tough line to walk!) People also aren't interested in answering their doors for canvassers these days, so organic social connections work best. Maybe you're talking to people in your workplace. Your apartment complex. Your neighborhood. Your own family. Maybe you join a book club full of seniors at your public library. Many people want positive change! My state notoriously always votes for progressive ballot measures and then turns around and votes in conservatives who try to dismantle them. There's a logic gap there, but in that gap is a potential for conversation, because we have places where we already agree and want to work together.

The theory here is, if we can talk to enough people, if we can build genuine real world offline connections where we agree on our shared problems and our shared desires for a better world and come up with solid solutions beyond pointing fingers, we can build a large enough coalition to start making demands, most likely through targeted disruptions (strikes, walkouts, etc.). The handy thing is, if you can get that many people demanding something, it doesn't actually matter which party is in power.

Is that possible? I don't know! Organizing that many people is really really hard. It's hard reaching out to people who've just punched you in the gut. Some people will not change. Some people will have hard lines that don't mesh with your hard lines. And I'm certainly really scared myself about the likely takeover of all three branches of government and probable draconian measures against dissent. We're going to have to carefully consider risk/reward when planning actions and disruptions. We're going to have to fight through fear and exhaustion and apathy and pain and betrayal, and I don't know if we can. I don't know if I'll see something like this happen in my lifetime (although the UAW sure is gonna try in 2028). Hell I don't know if we'll have elections 4 years from now. But that's the path. If you're not up for walking it right now, that's fine. If you're not up for walking it ever, ok. But I don't think there are any shortcuts or miracles. This is what we can try, and if it fails, at least we did what we could.

(If you see this post and your instinct is to reply with some variation of 'nice speech but we're all fucked and might as well give up', I understand why you feel this way. It's a feeling a lot of us are struggling with right now. Take the time you need to take care of yourself, and when you're ready, you can come back and we'll be happy to have you.)

[harundraws]

couples that slay together, stay together 💋

[panstarry]

So excited for my shirt! Please tell us how much you raise wishing the families best of luck 🇵🇸

omg thank you so much! that's so sweet! just from this initial preorder period from this round, we've made it over halfway to our goal of $4,000 ^_^ this doesn't include the vending and events we usually do after we put in our order!

(for reference, after shirt preorders + months of in-person vending from round 1, we raised over $8,000! rn we've already exceeded preorder numbers from the first round so i've got high hopes for this round of shirts. thank u all for ur support <3)

for the readers: if u haven't gotten one yet.... get in there... preorders have been extended to thiiiis friday 2/28/2025! and if ur local to the dmv area we have events/workshops/etc in the works where u can also grab em :-)

[themancorialist]

Ordsall Footbridge, Manchester.

[midnight-els]

For All Mankind - Margo Madison & the littered conference room of international (un)co-operation

2x06 - Best Laid Plans 3x08 - The Sands of Ares

[vacant--alleyways]

GUYS

all the studying paid off 🥲🥲 I just hope I do as well for all the other subjects

[lipstickontheglass1985]

at least now whenever i feel stupid i can remember a grown german man asking me if poland is in the eu or not 😭😭😭

[maramirror11]

Jean vs Reggaeton

This fic isn’t beta readed, so I'm sorry for my bad english.

Intern (Irene) uses she/her pronouns.

—

A week before the money laundry plan finished, Intern received a text message while working. It was from one of her cousins inviting to a party at a local club. She accepted, it’s been ages since she went out. The message also said she could invite one friend.

At that moment, she heard a sigh from Jean who was working near her. With the deadline approaching, he had to be sure everything went according to the plan. As a result, he looked even worse than usual, darker bags under his eyes and gaze constantly lost in his own thoughts. Then, a brilliant idea came into her mind.

“Hey Jean, are you free this saturday night? Or are you going to finally get some sleep?” Intern walked to his desk.

“You know blinking is the only way I sleep” He chuckled. “Why do you ask?” His eyes still focused on the screen with an almost empty coffee mug in his hand.

“Wanna go out for drinks? I was invited somewhere and I'll like you to come too”

Jean paused his work for a moment and remembered his plan was to practice the ukulele. At first, he thought about declining since he was exhausted. However, it wasn't often when they could go out without the brothers and it would be nice to go somewhere new for a change.

“I’ll go. I need a distraction or I'll jump in front of the next car I see”

“Great! I'll send you the place and we'll meet there” She said with a smile. “But first I'll do a new pot of coffee, we still have a few hours left”

…

The day finally arrived and Intern was outside the building waiting for Jean while walking back and forth. This was different from the other times they went out. Normally, they'll go to drink and relax at a bar after work. She feared this hangout would make him go back home more stressed.

Her train of thoughts stopped when she saw Jean arrive and her heart skipped a beat. It was a pleasant surprise to see what he wears outside work. It wasn't anything outstanding but it made him look more handsome than usual.

“Damn Jean, you look stunning! I didn’t know you had something other than your usual white shirts and black pants” She greeted with a hug.

“Well thank you! I can say the same about you too”

“Oh, this old thing? You flatter me” Intern covered her face dramatically. “Now turn around, I want to see the whole outfit”

He complied and then said in a soft tone “Really, you do look gorgeous tonight”

“Thanks” Said flustered, taken by surprise by the sincere compliment. “Every once in a while we need to get all dressed up. Let's take a picture before we get inside”

They found a spot to take a selfie and then went to the entrance. When they got through the door, they found a big crowd already. For them not to get separated, Intern took Jean's hand and guided him towards the bar.

After they got their drinks, they went to the reserved table for guests. It was on the second floor, near the stairs. Most guests were on the dance floor, which meant they were alone. Luckily, even with the rather loud music in the background, they could still hear each other.

“Do you come here often? I see you are familiar with this place” Jean asked after he had his drink.

“My cousin is a friend of the owner. She likes to go out a lot and that means she dragged me here countless times” Intern took a sip of her cocktail. “Do you like it?”

“It's a little different from what I’m used to, but it has a nice ambience”

“Just you wait until the good music starts, it'll get even better. Believe me, you'll shake off all that stress”

“I'll take your word for it, or you'll suffer the consequences for lying to a dangerous mafia member” Both laughed.

Slowly, they lose track of how long they've been talking, only being interrupted a few times by Intern’s friends who came to greet her. Later, when Intern was about to get a new drink, she heard a familiar melody. As soon as she recognized it, immediately stood up and turned around towards Jean.

“Do you know how to dance?” She said looking expectantly.

“I do, but-”

“Good, you are coming with me” She grabbed his hand and quickly led him to the dance floor.

“Hey! What's the rush?”

“The song will end! Besides, you need to experience the rest of this place”

They got through the crowd until they found a spot big enough for both. Intern let go of him and started dancing, while Jean remained still.

She started swinging her hips in circles, spinning around, slowly going down and up with the rhythm of the music. On top of that, she was singing loudly while pointing at him. Sadly, he couldn't understand anything the song said.

Jean stood mesmerized by this new side of Intern. She was rather calm in their everyday life, despite how crazy their work became.

Normally, it was a good thing since he needed someone who can stay grounded, but now he wished she could take this rowdy side more often. As he saw her passionately doing what she enjoys, it made him eager to start doing the same.

He snapped out of his own thoughts and decided to join her, imitating those around him. He tried to move with the rhythm but that only made him bump into other people. For his misfortune, the only physical activity he does is walk to the bus since he hasn’t reclaimed his car yet. So, he failed miserably as his moves were too stiff.

Intern got out of her zone when she saw Jean's performance. This made her laugh a lot and got closer to his ear.

“Jean, you lied to me!” Intern tried her best to calm her laugh.

“I'm rusty, okay? Besides, the ones I know are slower with more space to move” He tried to hide his embarrassment.

“Let me show you then”

First, she made Jean separate his feet and slightly flex his knees since it’ll be easier to maintain stability and not crash with anyone. Then, he had to tiptoe forward and back in place while his shoulders swung forward. Once he got more comfortable, Intern showed how to move his hips on a circle while going down and up. This one took a little more coordination.

As time went on, Jean got enough practice and started to do it with more confidence. When Intern was satisfied with his performance, she resumed her own dancing. This should’ve been enough for him not to humiliate himself, except that he still looked somewhat stiff.

“Give me your hand” Intern said while extending hers.

“What for?”

“Just trust me” She winked.

Intern realized Jean took these lessons too seriously and proceeded to playfully make him swirl. It didn’t go as smoothly as she wanted, but it made Jean laugh and loosen up. Still holding hands, he tried the same with her. Except that this time, it went perfectly.

It's been a while since she saw Jean in a good mood. He was so anxious about every single detail for the money laundry scheme, due to his head being at risk. Still, he deserved to enjoy the present.

Intern knows Jean hates his job, he always warns about ending up like him. Despite all of that, still got something out of it, the Bada brothers. Even if they don't show it often, from the way they talk and treat each other, it's obvious they care about Jean. Another thing he has now… is her heart.

Unexpectedly, he became someone important in her life and everything was better with him close by. That's why she felt honored to make him feel safe enough to show his hobby and really hoped he had that confidence to just be himself more often.

Intern had this attraction towards Jean for quite a while, but wasn't sure whether to make a move or not. For the most part, it’s because they work together and could bring problems for both in case he was interested.

However, tonight they weren't co-workers, they were friends and that gave her more confidence in being more direct with her affection.

Deep inside, she feared he would've been taken aback by her attitude and changed the way he treats her. But it was a huge relief that it wasn't the case, on top of that he learned about her interest.

As both were dancing while holding hands, Intern was dying to get closer to Jean but didn’t want to make him uncomfortable. So, she started to move her hands at a slow pace to his shoulders, looking at his reaction. If he appears to be uncomfortable, she'll stop.

He shivered with the sudden caress, it’s been forever since he felt a simple touch like that. Despite the initial surprise, he took the hint and his hands went to her hips just like those couples around them. Upon every movement, she could feel her heart beating faster. His hands on her body gave her courage to get closer. Little by little until their bodies were almost pressed against each other.

Neither of them were paying attention to the music or people around them anymore. The only thing in their mind was the way they slowly moved together in synchrony while looking at each other.

The tension between them became painful and their faces got closer. Intern's lips almost reached into his. But all of a sudden, she stopped and pulled back. The nervousness got the better of her this time. Jean looked expectantly, but didn't move forward either. Intern had to think something quick to make the moment less awkward.

“Wanna go back?” She asked while mentally beating herself for wasting this chance.

Jean just nodded and both left with regret on their faces. To forget about this, they asked for another round of drinks before going back. When Jean sits down, he realizes how fatigued he feels, they have been dancing for a long while now.

“I wasn't THAT terrible, right?” He said with a short breath as he dropped into his seat.

“You did a good job actually! I'll take that as you had a good time” Intern sat and had her drink.

“I did, I feel a huge weight off my back. Although, I can't fucking move anymore” He sunk into the sofa.

“You see? I kept my promise. Besides, you deserve to unwind every now and then”

“Thank you. But, you never told me you could dance like that! Where did you even learn it?”

“Ha! It's one of my secret talents. I promise, I'll teach you more next tim-”

Intern suddenly recognized one of her favorite songs blasting through the speakers and stood up again.

“I'll be right back, it won't take long” She set down her drink on the table.

“Aren't you tired?” The thought of standing up was already draining him, let alone go back.

“Not when this banger is playing, but you can stay if you want”

Intern rushes back while Jean watches from the second floor, still with the promise in his mind and a dumb smile on his face. Then, the words “next time” echoed in his head and reality hit him.

In secret, he had been planning to leave the city after the Colombian deal was done. As much as he would've loved to run away earlier, he didn't want to leave Intern behind just like that. He finally found someone he could truly connect with, and now he had to be alone again.

A question occupied his mind. Will this truly be the last time they can be together like this?

The answer made his chest hurt but he couldn't stay for much longer. Even so, the thought of Intern wondering where he went or whether he’s okay, made the pain worse. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea to let her know about his plan.

He was looking at the distance when he saw Intern waving at him, interrupting his thoughts.

“Fuck it, that next lesson has to be sooner” Jean stood up.

He pushed his worries aside and joined Intern on the dance floor once again. If this was their last time, then he'll make it worth it.

----------

The song that plays when Intern gets up for the first time is "Atrévete-Te-Te" by Calle 13 (Explicit Version). And the one when they are about to kiss is "Ahora Es" by Wisin & Yandel.

If you want more recommendations for similar songs, I'll leave a few (this is just an excuse to talk about my favorites song):

¿Qué tengo que hacer? - Daddy Yankee

Salió el Sol - Don Omar

Rompe - Daddy Yankee

Dile - Don Omar

El Telefono - Hector Bambino "El Father", Wisin & Yandel

Noche De Entierro (Nuestro Amor) - Hector "El Father", Wisin & Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Tonny Tun Tun, Luny Tunes

Ella me levantó - Daddy Yankee

[disney-forever-and-evermore]

being obsessed with a piece of media while doing the dp is so funny like it’s I love you but you wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me

or I know which group 3 and group 4 subject you would choose, whether or not you’ll take a group 6 subject, which text type you wouldn’t chose for Lang & Lit SL, the types of CAS experiences and CAS project you would do, the EE topic and how much you would suffer in tok

[galaxiesworldsaway]

Sorry MAWS, an event you’re attending as an intern will never be a date. You’re there under a lot of pressure to perform a job as well as network, there’s no time for romance !

[thatrandombystander]

Been wanting an ace ring for a while AND have been wanting spinner ring for a while. Obviously the solution is to just get a black spinner ring.

[nicepersondisorder]

trying to remember if i for real thrown up something red or it was just drunk hallucination