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pindaleng · 4 years

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Title: But I Knew You

Pairing: Avatrice

Chapters: 1/1

Wordcount: 2270

Summary: College AU. Beatrice is Ava’s favorite person. Ava loves being around her in a way she can’t explain. She wants to do everything with her, from studying to partying to walks outside. Which is completely normal for best friends.

Getting flustered by close contact and fake flirting is also definitely a super normal friendship thing.

Read on AO3 or below.

“I don’t get it.”

Beatrice sighed from her desk. “You don’t have to, it’s organic chemistry.”

“But I feel like I should. Like, this is the structure of living things right? I’m living, so I should understand how it works.”

“You use the internet, but you don’t know how that works.”

“Good point.” Ava shut the thick textbook in front of her. She didn’t really want to learn anyways. “You done yet?”

Beatrice sighed again, turning in her chair to face Ava, who was sitting on her bed. “We’ve only been working half an hour, and I specifically said I was spending the entire day studying. Which you should be doing too, since I know you said you have an exam Monday.”

“Fine Ms. Studious.” Ava made a big show of loudly unzipping her backpack and finally pulling out her laptop and notebooks. “I’ll…study,” she said, punctuating her last word with air quotes.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes, definitely looking skeptical, but turned back to her own pile of schoolwork.

Ava opened up her Google doc notes on her laptop, and simultaneously picked up her phone to check Twitter. Beatrice was right to doubt her; she practically never did any work on Saturdays. That’s what Sundays were for.

And yet, every Saturday, she showed up at Beatrice’s room under the guise of studying, just so she could hang out with her favorite person. Beatrice was one of the few people Ava felt comfortable in silence with, maybe due to all the death glares she’s received from Beatrice when she’s being too distracting.

Either way, she found comfort in it, even if they’re just sitting in the same room together, focused on their own activities. Beatrice studying, and Ava scrolling through social media on her phone, occasionally typing a paragraph or two for a paper due the following week.

They’re pretty much polar opposites, and Ava often wondered how they stuck as friends. Probably due to the weird crucible of living on the same freshman year dorm floor. People got to know everyone really quickly, for better or worse.

Luckily, it turned out for the better with everyone Ava met. A few of them with rooms in the north wing bonded fast, and they rented a house together for their sophomore year. She loved them all: Mary, Lilith, Camila, and Beatrice.

But especially Beatrice.

Beatrice was smart, kind, and witty, and honestly the best listener Ava’s ever met. Ava unabashedly talks a lot. Like, a lot. And being like that, people can lose interest as conversation and friendships progress.

But Beatrice still gave Ava her full attention after a year of Ava talking her ear off. Which was still impressive every time.

It’s cool.

It’s cool that she has a solid group of friends when there was no one back home to keep in touch with.

She really loved it here.

There were so many things to do and people to meet, sometimes she still got overwhelmed by it all.

And the best place to get the full experience? College parties.

It was the midst of midterm season, but honestly all the more necessary to have something to blow off stress. And to be real, midterm season lasted from the second month of school to the end of the semester. So, no better time than the present.

After Ava got kicked out of Beatrice’s room for being too distracting, she spent most of that evening helping the rest of her housemates set up their party. Mary was in charge of getting alcohol, having the most connection with older students. Lilith put Ava and Camila in charge of cleaning and setting up, which basically meant that Lilith didn’t trust Ava to actually do the work well. Ava would have been offended if she didn’t enjoy spending time with Camila so much. The girl was a ball of literal sunshine, yet also unexpectedly, full of dirty jokes.

So, setting up the apartment with Camila was a party in itself, full of fun banter and deep life discussions.

Ava just finished putting out the snacks and booze, when the first people arrived. She cracked open a bottle of Fireball, and downed a double shot.

Ava happily shook out her body as the the liquid warmed her up. It was going to be a good night.

———

Ava’s in the middle of laughing at some stranger’s story when she caught sight of a figure coming down the stairs. She grinned.

“Woo! Life of the party’s here!!!” She yelled across the room, startling the people around her, and drawing Beatrice’s attention towards her. If Ava was sober, maybe she would have cared more that Beatrice looked slightly (very) embarrassed, but Ava definitely wasn’t sober. She half skipped and half jogged across the room, undoubtedly spilling her drink on herself and several bystanders.

She hugged Beatrice tightly when she reached her. God it felt nice. Like sinking into a bed of clouds. Or something similarly soft and fluffy and comforting. “I missed you.”

Beatrice laughed softly, close to Ava’s ear. The best sound in the world. “You just saw me a couple of hours ago.”

Ava pulled away and pouted. “Still.”

Beatrice smiled, in a perfect way that made her entire face brighter. Holy hell she was beautiful. “Well, I finished up for the day and I’m here now. Any chance you can show me where the party is?” Her eyes sparkled with playfulness.

Ava looked at her in disbelief. “Wait seriously? You wanna join?”

“I can’t be a dud at a party in my own house, can I?”

Beatrice had definitely sat out on many parties they’ve hosted, but Ava ignored that. For now, she was going to enjoy this win. She led her to the kitchen, where various bottles of alcohol and sodas crowded their dining table. Beatrice shrugged when Ava asked what she wanted, so she just made a vodka cranberry. It was a crowd pleaser drink in her opinion. Plus, some rich kid brought Grey Goose, which was probably double or triple the price of everything else on the table.

Beatrice took a sip. “Not bad.”

“I may not know much,” Ava tapped her index finger a couple times to her temple, “but I do know my liquor.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, you also know how to get on my nerves.” Beatrice said teasingly, voice devoid of any malice.

Ava took a overdramatic bow. “Thank you, m’lady.” She refilled her own cup with a mixture of vodka and sprite. “Shall we?” Ava offered her hand to the other girl.

Beatrice rolled her eyes, but put her hand in Ava’s.

Ava led them back to the main room, navigating through groups of bodies to eventually land them at a couch, which was miraculously unclaimed.

From there, Ava launched into basically non-stop talking, wanting to entertain Beatrice in the best way she knew how. She shared stories of all the people she met during the night so far, with Beatrice supplementing the conversation with appropriate reactions and commentary. Ava recounted one guy that recklessly challenged her to shotgunning a beer against him. Spoiler alert, he lost miserably. Ava watched Beatrice’s eyes as much as she could while she was talking, entranced with their intenseness, openness, and expression. Did they always look like that?

The eye contact felt so personal, like it took away everyone else in the room, ignoring the raging party and loud music around them.

And the music was definitely loud, though the song choices were good. Mary knew how to set up a playlist. Ava got banned from music duty when she un-ironically added in Friday by Rebecca Black.

No regrets.

After exhausting all the tales from that night, she moved to discussing and speculating with Beatrice on the backstories of all the partygoers. People watching with Beatrice was always fun. As strait-laced as she appeared, Beatrice was also incredibly creative. Whatever wild stuff Ava theorized, Beatrice could match or do better.

At one point, a couple joined them on the couch, pushing Ava into Beatrice, pressing their sides together. The couch was much too small to comfortably fit 3 people, much less four.

“Shit, sorry.” Ava tried her best to back up and give Beatrice space, but there was nowhere to go.

Beatrice put a hand on her thigh and smiled. “Ava, it’s fine.”

Ava suddenly found it hard to breathe. Probably due to being surrounded by two more people.

“You okay?” Beatrice furrowed her eyebrows.

“Yeah, think I just need to get out here for a bit. Wanna take a walk?”

“Sure.”

There was a nice, cool breeze outside, a welcome relief from the humid air inside. It was also much quieter.

Beatrice suggested getting ice cream from Mcdonald’s and Ava emphatically agreed. Beatrice really knew her.

Fifteen minutes later she was contently humming to herself as they walked back to the house. This was the best party ever. She had an ice cream cone in one hand and somehow Beatrice’s hand in the other. A perfect night. Ava’s pretty sure this is the happiest she’s ever been in her entire life.

———

Ava groaned as she slid back into consciousness. She felt grimy, which was not unusual for her after a night of drinking.

She did a quick self inventory to assess the damage.

She was in her own bed, which was good. Boxers? On. Shirt? Also on, but in her sleep shirt instead of the button up she was wearing last night. Interesting. No bra. Also interesting.

She felt around to her right and left. No body in the bed with her. Good to know.

Minimal pounding in her head. She sat up, breathing a sigh of relief that she didn’t feel like throwing up.

She noticed a glass of water and a couple of Advils on her nightstand. Definitely Beatrice. No one else would be nice enough. Okay maybe Camila, but she still had bets on Beatrice.

She quickly washed down the pills with water and slipped on shorts and a pullover before making her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Mary was sitting at the table eating, and Beatrice at the stove pouring batter into a pan.

“Pancakes, oh my god. Bea you’re the best.” Ava gave Beatrice a tight hug and overdramatic sloppy kiss on the cheek.

Beatrice playfully pushed Ava away and made a show of wiping the kiss off her face. “Yeah yeah I know, now eat it while it’s still hot.”

Ava saluted. “Got it chef.”

“Dork.”

“You love it.”

“No comment.”

Ava’s in the middle of inhaling her fifth pancake when Mary said something. Beatrice left the room about a pancake ago, so it could only have been directed at Ava.

“What?” Ava momentarily stopped chewing.

Mary got up and started rinsing her dishes in the sink. “I said, you should really tell her how you feel.”

Ava knitted her eyebrows together. “About what?”

Mary stared at her for a while, long enough to make Ava to feel uncomfortable. Her mouth was still full, and Mary has perfected the gaze that made her feel like a kid in trouble.

“Never mind,” she said, as she put her dishes in the dishwasher.

“About what??” She repeated. Mary ignored her and walked out the kitchen. Ava swallowed the rest of the food in her mouth. “Asshole!” Ava yelled after her, eliciting a middle finger response.

Beatrice appeared in the doorway. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just Mary being cryptic and messing with me.”

“Sounds about right.”

Beatrice sat down at the table. “How are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly… not bad. Seriously thank you for the food and Advils,” Ava remembered her state of dress when she woke up. “And…probably also for helping me out of my clothes.”

“Oh um, right, it was nothing. Didn’t want you sleeping in an uncomfortable, sweaty shirt.” Ava noticed Beatrice’s cheeks turn a little pink. Shit, she didn’t mean to embarrass her. She could fix this.

“Did you see something you like?” Ava wiggled her eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood, but it only made Beatrice blush harder. Oh my god Ava you’re so bad at this. She felt herself digging herself into a hole. Of course fake flirting with her is going to make it worse.

Ava was about to say something (probably dumb) to attempt again to save the situation, before Beatrice spoke.

“How could I not? You’re beautiful.”

For once, Ava was speechless. The incredibly reverent but casual way Beatrice said it completely took her breath away. There was something magical about how soft Beatrice’s eyes were, and how vulnerable it felt. Half of Ava felt calmed, while the other half of her was a raging mess. Ava felt the need to do something. She wasn’t sure what, but she needed to do something. She started racking her garbled brain for any ideas.

Beatrice’s smile slowly slid into a smirk, “Got you.”

The spell of the moment was broken. Ava laughed to dust off any lingering weird feelings. “Wow, got a taste of my own medicine. I’m impressed.”

“I had a good teacher. You should have seen your face.” Beatrice mimicked a “deer in the headlights” look for a brief moment before grinning again. She got up from the table. “Now hurry up and finish your food so we can get to the library. I’m not going to let you forget about studying for your midterm tomorrow.”

“Right. Yeah.”

“Cool.” Beatrice slapped Ava’s arm playfully before leaving the room.

Ava watched her go, wondering what in the living hell just happened. Fuck. Was she about to kiss her best friend?

#avatrice #sister beatrice #ava silva #warrior nun #college au #fic #fanfic #mine

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svguavajelly · 5 years

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Accidents Will Happen

It’s our one year anniversary in Cuenca and I wake up in the hospital. Quite different than our planned celebratory dinner as a family because as we all know…shit happens. There was no regular path to this moment, instead a series of accidents and bad luck. The good news is the surgery is behind me and now the slow healing process begins.

It all started over a couple of months ago when I had a planned adventure for the kiddos while Hannah was away at her weekly afternoon of playing bridge. Getting outside is imperative because the three wee ones trapped in the house can be a challenge. The week before I had ridden my bike a couple of hours out of town, up a valley road to this visible summit on a ridge. Guaguazhumi (pronounced Wawashumi) seemed like a good way to spend an afternoon with the kids.

That nipple on the ridge is the summit.

We took a 1/2 hour taxi ride ($6) to the trail head. We were a determined team with Luz in the chest carrier, my backpack full of rain gear, hats, water, snacks, a change for Luz, camera and a couple of small toys, and Tomu and Jade hiking. They are very experienced for their age and keen to explore. We were prepared…after all, what could go wrong?

The trail immediately began with a steep ascent and would continue for the duration of our hike. I picked the more direct, steeper, shorter route with the intention of having a longer leisurely descent with the sights of Cuenca and Cajas always in our view.

Trailblazing Jade the Fearless

There wasn’t a soul in sight for our hour climb and near the summit we had to push through some overgrown brush and criss-cross through a gully….challenging for anyone, yet Tomu and Jade were excited to push for summit. I stepped up a small slope and suddenly, without warning my foot slipped downward a couple of feet. I instinctively put my left hand up to protect sleeping Luz’s head and my right hand out to catch my fall.

THWACK…my foot went down with my arm extended, stretched over my head immediately dislocating my shoulder. I knew it right away when I stood up and checked on Luz. She was crying as this woke her and I noticed my right arm was a few inches longer. The pain was intense though with the adrenaline pumping I remained calm, telling the kids we had to go down and wouldn’t make the summit. They knew something was up even though I downplayed my injury. We walked back to a flat spot where I took off the heavy pack (OUCH), took Luz out of the carrier (OUCH), took off my shirt (OUCH) and evaluated the situation.

Clearly dislocated as I could see the odd shape of my shoulder and the ball of my humerus bone in my armpit. Made a small attempt to reset it by holding onto a tree and pulling backwards….like in the movies. No luck. Checked cell phone…no service, not that I could really call anyone to help me though speaking with Hannah would have made me feel better. I knew we had to get to the remote dirt road, an hour down a steep trail with the 3 helpers.

I explained to Tomu and Jade that I was OK but hurt and they would have to help themselves to get down. Tomu valiantly offered to help Jade down the tricky parts of the trail and he assisted in getting Luz back in the carrier and the pack on my back (OUCHY-OUCH). I thought about ditching the pack and returning for it later but since I had to carry Luz regardless I thought the pack would provide counter-pressure to Luz’s carrier…kinda holding my shoulder together….but not really.

We managed to get down fairly quickly and the sun came out blazing when we reached the road. It was no surprise that there were no cars in sight so we started walking. I thought about knocking on a door of one few houses for assistance but decided against it. Luckily within a few minutes a mixto (taxi pick-up truck) passed and agreed to take us home.

Happy to be off the mountain I had a moment to let it all sink in and the pain came on strong as well as many emotions during the very bumpy ride home. I was mad at myself for putting the kids in a potentially bad situation, for getting hurt and realizing the consequences of it all. Injured, unable to help around the house, the slow recovery….crap.

I finally got ahold of Han and she was going to meet us at the house to watch the kids and I would carry on to the hospital to get my arm reset. The best thing about this day so far was the kiddos and their attitude. They all were beyond helpful by listening and acting accordingly after the accident and before with their eagerness to do some crazy exploring with Papa.

Han arrived at the house and the second phase of this debacle began. Figuring out which hospital to go to and how to progress with emergency care and long term help. I couldn’t really think about anything except putting my shoulder back in the socket. The pain had intensified as it had been a few hours since the accident by the time I reached the hospital.

They immediately put me in a room and gave me a lot of attention with questions, blood pressure, x-rays, etc. but no indication of getting my shoulder set. After an hour and much struggle with the language, calls to and from Han and many different people coming in and out we heard the trauma specialist was on leave (he just had a baby). More confusion and delays, saying I would have to go to another hospital, finally they informed me a doc would come and help me.

Hours more passed before he actually arrived, during which I had been admitted, prepped for surgery, IVed, lightly drugged (not enough) and left alone in a room while I writhed and tried to get a comfortable position to relieve the pain…no luck. Han arrived as the doc was trying to manipulate my arm back in the socket, without success. It was an extreme anterior dislocation that was difficult to reset so they put me under and minutes later it was in place.

When I awoke the pain had all but disappeared. After more x-rays, paperwork we were free to go. The prognosis was it would take awhile to recover but with time and rehab it should heal fine.

Fast forward a month. After rest and a couple of rehab sessions things had gotten better for the first couple of weeks then much worse for the last couple of weeks. I sought a second opinion and subsequently third opinion, got an MRI and the diagnosis was two major tears in the supraspinatus (top shoulder muscle), and the labrum (shoulder socket). Surgery was scheduled for the following week. We found out later, while performing surgery there was a 3rd major tear on the subcorpularis (shoulder blade muscle).

As happy as I was to finally know what was happening with my body, the actual news itself was pretty grim. A month had gone by since the dislocation which set recovery back. I had been relatively active during the month while my shoulder was barley attached with activities like biking daily, playing ball and roughhousing with the kiddos…all the normal stuff. There was some pain but compared to when it was dislocated for 5+ hours and after it was reset it seemed minimal.

The afternoon before surgery I went to a 90 minute relaxing massage to loosen things up before I was laid up. It was a brilliant idea and upon leaving my session I felt better than I had in a couple of weeks. I pedaled my bike home from the other side of town on one of the designated official bike lanes just like the ones in Seattle with the little bumps separating it from the road and painted with that red, textured, rubbery coating and the familiar bike logos stenciled on. Also, all intersections have the pedestrian crossing lights except changed to show a rolling green bicycle when we have the right of way.

From experience I know there is no established formality for 'right of way' in Latin America and I often say when urban riding “I don’t want my epitaph to say ‘But I had the right of way’”. The nice smooth lane I had to myself combined with the gentle downhill or the post massage, semi-euphoric state of mind or the lack of traffic on the one-way road…I dunno but I was riding fast with my perfectly connecting lights flashing the rolling green bicycle and that bliss quickly ended.

In the distance I saw the small white car approaching my clear intersection and prepped to brake (even though I had the right of way) and I saw it stop before turning into my lane. Perfect, they are waiting for me and I continued my fast pedal cadence when at the last second they turned and crossed my path. It happened in slow motion in my mind and by slamming on the brakes I managed to scrub some speed before the bike collided with the drivers front bumper and I flew cartoonish over my handlebars, over the car hood and landed some meters away, tumbling into the bike lane.

FUCK, FUCK, FUCK I yelled, more scared about further damage to my shoulder than anything else. It hurt…really badly and consciously I had managed to not land directly on my existing injury….the night before my morning surgery.

Many people gathered and the woman driving the car came over crying (I think she thought she killed me). Soon the police and ambulance arrived even though I called no one except Hannah. It was difficult to dial with shaking hands and the service wasn’t good so many dropped calls later she left Jade at Tomu’s soccer practice and arrived with Luz in tow to find me in an ambulance.

We talked for a minute and I assured her I was going to be sorta OK. While I received suspect care in the ambulance, Hannah was negotiating the compensation with the woman who had no insurance but had the backing of a dozen colleagues from where she worked across the street. Hannah had the backing of Luz who was bawling due to all the commotion. I was useless and no help.

After much debate we agreed the ambulance would transport me to the free, public hospital for x-rays and evaluation. The woman and some entourage, including Hannah and Luz would follow and pay for the x-rays. I did confess that I was previously injured and was getting surgery the next day…it seemed like the right thing to do. We creeped through rush hour traffic, listening to the driver and EMTs argue about the best route and Hannah and Luz followed in another car.

When we finally arrived at the hospital later I was frustrated and done with everyone and the last thing I wanted to do was spend hours waiting for x-rays the night before my surgery. I stepped out of the ambulance in front of the emergency entrance and said “adios…I’m going home”. I got in a taxi and picked up Tomu and Jade who were patiently watching the next soccer practice. They are on their best behavior when things are at their worst…they really rise to the occasion.

So happy to be home, Han soon arrived with Luz after riding with the woman and her entourage. The police had been following but were released en route when we agreed, via recorded video, that the $50 cash compensation was sufficient…which it wasn’t but what can we do?

The next morning, lying on the operating table, I was surprised by the large size and sparseness. It was virtually empty except for a couple of metal shelves, a garbage can and a free standing closet. Staring at the two huge, modern octopus-like lights which hung from the ceiling above me I witnessed people slowly filling the room by rolling a dozen types of electronics, scanners, computers, monitors, drills, and a cart with all the ominous looking sharp things…one by one over the next hour. The anesthesiologist came in and sent me to dreamland.

So back to the start of this blog…our 1 year anniversary and when I awoke in the hospital I was happy to see Han and the kids. I got some sweet homemade cards and they all wanted to climb on the robot bed. Lovely to have my main support group in attendance. Our dear Cuencano friends Lore & Juanito came by as well. Unfortunately the doc made me stay overnight…ugh. They came in frequently to wake me and ask how I was doing?!?

The doc came by late and gave me the news of the surgery. From the MRI he knew about 2 of the damaged areas but was surprised by the severity once he was inside. He also found a 3rd major tear that didn’t show on the MRI and took care of that as well. My new internal hardware includes 4 composite screws anchored into bones to give extra support for the sutures which repaired the severed tendons. Overall he said it went very well and eventually, with proper therapy, I should be 100%.

After a difficult night of sleep…the first of 100+ in a row to date, we finished up some paperwork and final check up and I was ready to go home. I had to go downstairs and pay before they would officially release me and remove the IV. I settled my tab, about $3900, not including the screws which we arranged to buy direct from the supplier to avoid the hospital mark-up as advised by the surgeon to save some $$ since this was all done without insurance. My research shows the similar extensive repair in the US may have cost up to $30,000 or more.

As I write this I am 6 weeks post-op and progressing on schedule while seeing 2 different physical therapists per week not counting Libby who was my in house therapist while she was visiting....Thanks Wub! Their styles differ and I’m benefiting from the variety with Jose and his specific exercise regimen and Carla and her stretching and shoulder manipulation. The loss of strength and complete atrophy of my upper body is shocking. I stepped on a scale yesterday at rehab and I weighed 144 pounds! I haven’t seen those numbers since middle school football. I couldn’t lift my arm for weeks and have recently began using the smallest dumbbells made…and seeing progress which is so measurable at this stage. I’ve started riding my bike this week which changes my attitude immensely. I did enjoy the leisurely walking pace to experience my neighborhood and the city these past few weeks…but nothing like biking in Cuenca, which I love.

My first goal was to be ready for our 3 week Bolivia trip which departs in a couple of weeks. Patagonia trip in January will be more demanding as we are backpacking and camping with the kids and I think that’ll be OK as well. Lastly I hope to resume the annual Squamish, BC trip to rock climb with Han when we return to the PNW next summer. With every painful stretch and struggle with every rep and grunt I close my eyes and imagine climbing that big wall again.

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michaelberry-blog · 5 years

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Iceland Day 3 - Reykjanes peninsula: fire, ice, and everything nice

Other people had told me the northern lights outings returned around 1, so I had booked yet another tour for today. But my previous night ended at 2:30am, so waking up was a bit more difficult than yesterday. Gummi picked me up in the Gateway to Iceland minibus, even though I had booked through Extreme Iceland. Gummi was anything but extreme, and I’m pretty sure nobody else could hear him except me, and that’s because I sat right behind him and chatted his ear off for the next 8 hrs. There were only 2 other passengers though, so it ended up basically being a private tour.

The first stop was a large but unassuming house at the end of a peninsula, where the president lives. Yep, you can drive right up to the president’s house and might even see him returning from a jog if you time it right. Apparently, the Vice President of the U.S. once visited, and when rooftop snipers were requested the Icelanders thought it was a joke. There was a single police car parked adjacent, and I realized that was the first one I had seen all trip.

On our way out to the Reykjanes peninsula, we cruised through one of Reykjavik’s sleepy suburbs known for its superstitions. Sidewalks and roads jog around elf mounds and rock formations that were created when sunlight turned trolls into stone, and the legends of the hidden people are alive and well. The terrain grew more and more rugged, and eventually we were making our way across a desolate lava field of craggy obsidian topped with snow. Like much of Iceland, this was actually fertile farmland until the 11th century, when a series of eruptions and a mini ice age buried it beneath ash and ice. The original settlers, who had crossed the Atlantic for a lush promised land, must have been pretty pissed when their luck changed.

We reached a frigid pond, its cookies-and-cream shores evoking the feeling of an alpine lake, except we at sea level. The fog hung heavy like a specter, and I realized how fortunate the weather had been over the past few days. Not far away, a cave that looked like it could be Gollum’s home invited us to explore. We donned headlamps and crawled in, almost soiling our long underwear when we saw a body inside. Upon closer inspection though, we realized it was just a paper mache mannequin. Nice one Gummi. Apparently though, outlaws lived in caves like these if they were cast out of society. The Vikings are remembered for being especially vicious, but they actually developed what is claimed as the world’s oldest parliamentary government in the 10th century, called Alþingi. But law-abiding doesn’t necessarily preclude violence, especially when the laws say murder is punishable by... a fine. Unless you disposed of the body. Then you had to live in a cave.

The smell of sulfur permeated the chilly air as we neared the Seltún mud pots. Fumes and steam gurgled out of the putrid waters, and a sign warned of eminent death for those who strayed from the path... which was a walkway slick with ice and lacking railings. This miasma used to be a geothermal power plant until one day the pressure built up enough to cause an explosion. So they capped the vent with concrete until... the pressure built up enough to cause an explosion. I’m sensing a common theme here. Later we would see the Gunnuhver mud pot, which ups the ante even further by being haunted.

Out on the coastline, the environment was equally harsh but in a different way. The powerful waves thundered against the sea wall, and we explored the ruins of dug-in homes used by ancient fishermen and farmers. We even spotted the rusting carcass of a modern boat that had been tossed an unbelievable distance inland. NASA actually trained astronauts for the lunar missions out here, which should give you some idea of the landscape. Adding to the scene were the smelting factories, dotting the Martian landscape like alien moon bases. The abundance of cheap energy (Iceland produces 6x the electricity per capita than other developed nations) makes this a perfect place for energy-intensive industries like aluminum production and server farms.

The final stop, and most interesting to me, was the continental divide and mid Atlantic ridge. It’s here that the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly tearing apart, releasing the fury deep within the earth’s core. The ensuing massive volcanic activity is the reason for Iceland’s existence, and also its near demise throughout history. We went to the “bridge between two continents,” which is a nice idea and showcases an immense fissure, but is about 8 km too short. However, you actually can see the transition between continents as you gaze across the plain, which is something incredible.

After dropping the other tourgoers at the airport, it was just Gummi and me cruising back to Reykjavík. We chatted a lot about the tourism boom, global warming, and the government: 3 things I’ve noticed Icelanders have strong options about. At a stoplight in front of the hostel, I was rummaging through my bag when the whole van lurched violently. Gummi had bumped into the car ahead on the final 0.1% of an otherwise flawless tour. Luckily the damage was minimal, but I could tell he was a bit embarrassed. As he swapped insurance numbers with the other driver (a cute local lady), I told him to write my number down on the paper and thanks for the intro. The mood lightened, he laughed and we parted ways.

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hillaryisaboss · 7 years

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Lots of narratives have been going around about why Hillary lost. Most are placing the blame directly on the candidate herself, ignoring a few key points:

1. Hillary won the popular vote by 3 million votes. Yes. 3 million. To minimize this or not take it into consideration proves you are bias in your analysis of why Hillary lost. You don’t win the popular vote by 3 million if you are a truly bad candidate (Hillary also won every single debate). And for historical reference, Al Gore only won the popular vote by 500,000. Hillary won it by 3 million. 3 million votes is no small feat. You cannot ignore this fact if you want an un-bias analysis of why Hillary lost the election. The last two Republican Presidents lost the popular vote!

Also – both popular vote winners Al Gore and Hillary Clinton were hurt by progressives (Nader and Bernie) who got too comfortable after 8 years of a Democrat in the White House. Our side seems to shoot itself in the foot after 8 years in power. As we learned yet again -- every vote counts, especially in the swing states. Because guess what? You can win the popular vote and still lose the election due to the electoral college. Progressives blew it big time for the second time in 20 years and hurt our popular vote winners Al Gore and Hillary Clinton. A cumulative 3.5 million more votes for the Democrats!

2. In U.S. politics, one party usually has power over the White House for only 8 years. Very rarely does a party hold onto the White House longer than 8 years. The last time was when Bush Senior won after Ronald Reagan, but then he quickly lost re-election to Bill Clinton. Democrat Al Gore couldn’t even win after Clinton left us with a surplus and booming economy. This usually happens because the side that isn’t in power tends to rise up, while the side that occupies the White House gets lazy and complicit. From a historical perspective, America was already headed towards a Republican Administration in 2016. Combine that with the racist backlash to Obama, and Trump exploiting the rise of worldwide racist nationalism, it’s no wonder their base turned out and ours didn’t. Remember – under Obama, the Democrats have lost 900 legislative seats nationwide and most of the Governorships and state legislatures, too (in addition to the White House and U.S. Congress). The backlash to Obama has been strong and was bound to hurt us in 2016. Point is – in American politics, very rarely does the same party occupy the White House for more than two-terms. This especially holds true when you combine that with racism and the rise of nationalism working against the first African American President. Conservatives were out for blood after 8 years of Obama, while our side shot itself in the foot by allowing Bernie to run as a Democrat (Nader all over again).

3. Just as in the United Kingdom (Brexit), there has been a worldwide resurgence in a nationalistic white working-class. Trump exploited this in a way Bernie Sanders never could have. Why? Because nationalism is being used to scapegoat immigrants and minorities. The 2016 election truly was an election about which party was going to turn out their base (whites vs. minorities). That’s why Hillary spent her time trying to convince us of the dangers a Trump Presidency posed to minorities. And if we had voted in levels similar to 2008, our base would have triumphed. But a core part of our base was missing – young voters that showed up for Obama but not Hillary. Why? Bernie fucking Sanders. Most of the “Bernie-or-Bust” voters I knew were young male progressives who puked at the thought of ever voting for Hillary. They even called Bernie a “sell-out” when he half-heartedly campaigned for her. What a shame. Because in the face of Brexit, every vote counted. Remember – Trump only won the swing states by a total of 80,000. How many “Bernie-or-Busters” were in the swing states? Seriously – never underestimate angry white men showing up at the polls (Brexit and Trump). Our side is much harder to turn out. That’s why every vote counted. And yes… I’m looking at you, college students!

4. Comey. The momentum the 3rd debate victory produced was lost after the Comey letter. The 3rd debate was the debate where “Nasty Woman” was coined. The closet thing the Hillary campaign came to naturally produced momentum. And it (luckily) came near the end of the election in the final stretch. Hillary was riding high after the 3rd debate domination – 11% polling lead. Everyone thought she was going to win and Nate Silver gave her over a 90% chance of winning. But then came the Comey letter.

His letter also came after the release of Trump’s “pussy grabber” tape. The media narrative switched from “pussy grabber” to “FBI re-opens Clinton E-mail Probe.” The headlines became anti-Clinton rather than anti-Trump. And in American culture, media momentum is huge. That’s why they call it an “October Surprise.” Late deciding voters heavily broke for Trump due to the Comey letter and that’s what made the difference.

Hillary ordered a complete analysis of the election and the Comey letter was the only new variable from her 11-point polling bump after the 3rd debate to election day. “Pussy grabber” was old news. “E-mails” became front and center yet again. This is why there is currently an independent review of Comey’s actions as we speak. Official protocol says to never release anything about a case if it may sway an election. Why? Because it might turn out to be false. Just like what happened. Comey ultimately retracted the letter in the final hours of the election, but the damage had already been done. Hillary was finished. Her 11-point debate lead – gone. That’s why there is currently an official investigation into Comey breaking official protocol and swaying the election in Trump’s favor. Once this investigation is complete, I’m sure you’ll be hearing from the Clintons.

5. Sexism. The 2016 election proved a far more qualified woman can still lose to a far less qualified man. Actually, Hillary was the most qualified person (man or woman) to ever run for the Presidency. Any man with Hillary’s accomplishments and qualifications never would have lost. It wouldn’t have even been close. Period.

6. Russian interference. We’ll never know exactly how much Russia swayed the election, but the influx of “fake news” targeting Hillary Clinton definitely had an impact on her public perception, especially in regards to her “trustworthiness.” Putin had a vendetta against Hillary because he held her responsible for the protests he faced after his re-election. He also thought Hillary would be far more aggressive and effective than Obama. He’d rather have a puppet and buffoon as President (Trump) than the brilliant Hillary Rodham Clinton.

7. The media. Hillary’s e-mails were made to seem just as bad as the millions of horrific things Trump did over the course of his 4-times bankrupt career. The false equivalence was mind-boggling. In the pursuit of trying to appear “un-bias” by saying both sides were equally corrupt, they ended up being bias against Hillary and helping Trump win the Presidency. The actual un-bias viewpoint is that nothing Hillary has done is anywhere near the level of deplorable things Trump has done. But the media made Hillary seem just as bad as Trump in order to give the impression that they were being “objective.”

I truly hope the media did some soul-searching after the 2016 election. Tearing down Hillary and glorifying Trump – giving rise to his “cult-of-personality” has really bitten you in the ass, hasn’t it? Now you have at minimum 4 years of covering a manipulative propaganda artist con-man who just likes to play head games. Have fun!!

8. Republican witch-hunts. Republicans abused their power, which led to 8 separate Benghazi investigations. More investigations than Pearl Harbor, the JFK assassination, and 9/11. Yet Hillary was never found of any wrongdoing and came out victorious after her triumphant 11-hour Benghazi testimony. Unfortunately, after so many fake “scandals,” Hillary’s image had been damaged. Which was the entire point of these fake scandals – even if Hillary isn’t guilty, we can still accuse her of corruption and plant seeds of doubt. But rather than viewing the Republicans as the corrupt ones, manufacturing fake Clinton scandals and wasting tax-payer money, many Americans drank the Clinton hate kool-aid (even progressives).

All of these factors led to the “perfect storm.” Which is why we needed every single vote in every single state. Yet Hillary still managed to win the popular vote by 3 million despite Russian interference, Bernie mania, multiple witch-hunts by Republicans, 11-hour Benghazi testimony, sexism, a media hell bent on false equivalency, a rise in worldwide racist nationalism, one party historically only occupying the White House for 8 years, and the devastating Comey letter.

3 million more votes. Despite it all. A majority of Americans agree with our vision and our values. By the millions. And that’s not even taking into consideration ID laws and voter suppression of minorities, which greatly decreased the amount we won by.

“But, you know, then at the end, we had the Russians and the FBI deal. She couldn’t prevail against that. She did everything else and still won by 2.8 million votes.

The finest vote counter in America is Nate Silver. He told you what costed the election.” ~President Bill Clinton

A political icon and legend. Was going for round 3 in the White House. And we all know she ran it the first two times.

#hillary clinton #bill clinton #barack obama #bernie sanders #donald trump

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annalysapostmaria-blog · 7 years

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The Aftermath...

The sky was grey and sad. We first checked the bedrooms and were so thankful the windows held! We spent the early morning mopping and trying to to soak up the pools of water around the house. Outside, leftover rain and wind blew in every so often keeping us cautious of flying debris. Our first time scoping around our house was spent pointing and shrieking at everything in disarray. The beautiful jungle surrounding us was nothing more than skeletons of broken branches. We could see neighboring houses we never knew existed! They once lay hidden deep in the jungle but now they're completely exposed! I watched Javi walk up the driveway at the tallest part of our mountain to get the full 360 view of our area. He couldn't hold back tears looking out at the blankness and worrying about the people that were suffering tremendously.

Our solid concrete house had minimal damage. My curiosity couldn't help but take me right downstairs to inspect the mysterious noise that shook the house so violently the night before. The first thing I saw made my eyes go big and I shouted to Javi to check it out with me! "Is that a wall and window laying in our yard!?" It sure was. The downstairs consisted of a wooden room built with a door and windows that was occupied by the landlord to store belongings he wasn't ready to part with as well as a tin shed for all his old tools, paint, etc. Neither was there anymore and it was completely unrecognizable! Every wooden wall was scattered in the yard a good distance from where the room had been before! The only thing left in the room was the floor! Our dryer and propane tank were both laying on their sides and melting in the mud but luckily they had a piece of tin roof from the demolished shed wedged on top protecting them. Javi's tools and yard equipment he had tied down earlier were safe! Hallelujah! The yard and downstairs would be a lot of work but we were grateful nonetheless.

Holding hands we walked up our drive way to assess the roads. We made it to the entrance gate and stopped. From there on it was a wall of trees, light posts, and telephone poles laying horizontal, completely blocking anything from driving in or out. "Well, we aren't going anywhere for a while." It was vital we check on our friendly neighbors. An older couple who we called "the welcoming committee" because every time they catch us coming or leaving home we are welcomed or dismissed with huge waves and smiles. Battling through huge trunks, wires, and debris we finally made it to their house. The couple was on their front porch as we'd always seen them before. You could see in their eyes they were shocked we made it through the never ending roadblock in between both our homes. Don, the husband, yelled "group hug!" Instantly the four of us embraced which felt wonderful! He reminds me of my Pop Pop. A tall, lanky, island man with ripped jean shorts and white scruffy face. We traded stories of the storm and they agreed how it felt as if it would never end.

We continued down the road to check on more neighbors. As we walked we saw houses without roofs still creaking and dripping water from the last remnants of wind and rain. Every house had scars of torn paint from the blasting winds. We arrived to the main road which takes you down the mountain and into our little town. Just like our driveway, it was a web of thick heavy wires, trees, and shattered glass from fallen street lamps. The adorable little Puerto Rican women were outside with brooms sweeping up leaves to the side of the road to rid any chance of mosquito nesting grounds. The men were all yelling and laughing in the road. With chainsaws, machetes, and axes everyone was doing their part to help clear the road.

Javi and I jumped in picking up branches and dragging them to the side. As we were working a truck driving from further up the mountain stopped where he could no longer drive due to the massive trees fallen in the road. A group of men and women spilled out of the truck and jumped out to help. We realized that they were driving down the curvy mountain road stopping and helping clear a path along the way. This happened several more times with other cars. Everyone working together to help create an escape. When heavy rain started again I left Javi on the road working while I went back to work on the house. Javi walked in the door around 7pm and told me him and our neighbor farmer had cleared the path in our drive way. I didn't believe him because all they had were machetes and axes. I still don't understand how they were able to cut through so many large trees with rusty dull tools but they were determined! I was astounded.

With phone service still out we planned to check on his parents in Mayagüez the next day. With a full tank of gas we were excited to get out of the house and explore the island. The road had been cleared all the way down the mountain. Still having to dodge heavy fallen street lines, transformers and trees. The destruction was horrifying. Wooden houses with tin roofs were now piles of rubble. Plantain farmers with fields of crops blown away to nothing. Floods filled the highway and gas lines were already building up for miles. Some parts on the 2 (our main highway that circles the entire island) were narrowed to one lane due to fallen posts, trees and floods. What used to be thick jungle starting from the highway shoulder was now stripped to its bone and you could see back for miles.

When we got to his parents house there was a big sigh of relief. It reminds me so much of my family home I grew up in in Florida. I always have a sense of comfort being there. We walked in the front door and I could hear Javi’s mom questioning "Who could be here?" When she saw Javi she screamed, leaped into her son’s arms, and held him tightly. Javi, adjusting to her height, held her back and we all let out tears of joy. Mama Zulma told us if we hadn't shown up by that day she had someone who was going to check on us up in the mountains of Rincón. His parents made it through the storm okay with minimal damage to their house. Papa Fernando turned up the weather radio while Mama Zulma made us coffee on a gas stove. Her kitchen floor bubbled and popped as she stepped caused by minor flooding through their kitchen window. They hadn't been out of the house since the storm so we decided to take them on a drive around Mayagüez to check the damage.

We spotted 18 wheelers and shipping containers flipped over like hot wheels on the roads. A shopping center’s roof now on the other side of the highway. We went to check the beach of Mayagüez and that was by far the worst. The ocean had swallowed the coast line, sucking back everything it engulfed. Tops of cars stuck out of the ocean behind the crashing waves. Being only 2 days after the hurricane, we witnessed people coming back to their homes for the first time to find they had lost everything. One woman lost her whole house when the road collapsed making the concrete structure crumble. The police wouldn't let her inside her own home because it was so unsafe. Across the street another family told us they had 4 feet of water inside their house ruining all of their belongings. Our hearts hurt for these people. It was a very emotional day.

Mama Zulma sent us off with food and supplies as she always did even before the storm. I gave her my family's phone number in case she was able to get phone service before us to let them know we were safe. Javi and I planned to be back in 2 days to check on them again. At home we still had a nice set up. Plenty of canned food, 2 burner Camping stove, even ice in a cooler! Outside we started piling up rubble but to this day we haven't made a dent in the clean up downstairs. The water took some time to dry up with no sun to help it evaporate. I prayed for no rain for the sake of the people without roofs. The days were slow and long and I worried about my family. Hoping they gave us the benefit of the doubt we were safe. To me, that's been one of the hardest parts of this whole mess. Not having service to contact friends and family. If you were in a absolute dire situation you can't get a word out for help and that scared us.

We made it back to Mayagüez on time as promised. Mama Zulma told me a neighbor/family friend had a land line that was working by the miracles of God! She drove me over right away seeing the impatient look on my face to talk to family. I tried my mom but no answer. My dad, no answer. I was loosing patience when I finally made it through to my cousin/big sister, Katie. Katie and I grew up together in Florida. Pretending to chase storms and tornadoes since we were little girls. We joked this is what we had been training for our whole lives. Hearing her voice is one of the greatest feelings I've ever had in my whole life. She gave me such a sense of calm and peace. She filled me in on Maria's path (we were still clueless on what had happened) and how it shifted west closer to us as a category 3 like we had assumed. There was so much I had to say but with others waiting to use the phone the call was quick.

#puerto rico #rincon #hurricane maria #prstrong #rinconstrong

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humanistauno · 4 years

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A Journal by: Melody Leagogo

Earth’s Rumble

On December 15, 2019 that was Sunday, I slept comfortably and pretty-well that I was not able to recognize the day of our Sabbath and devotion. I woke up as the morning sunray touches my lips, tardily crawling and wriggling like a worm. I accelerate slowly to switch my hips, indolently awake after the heavy sleep. I just told myself that this Christmas break, I should withdraw sleep because if there are classes I always woke up early. I fixed my bed and went into the kitchen to have my breakfast. It was just a normal day for me, no other plans aside from doing my daily routine and household chores then after, I will grab my contraption and start scrolling my social media accounts, watching videos, and doing some leisure. As the afternoon shadow stretched long and thin, I feel drowsy and decided to take some sleep but before that I played a game in my cellphone. I did not expected that this, this boredom feeling will turn into a trauma and replaced a feeling of huge nervousness and worry. Around 2:11 in the afternoon, the Mindanao Island shake again. A magnitude of 6.9 strike the Mindanao again for the third time and the strongest among the major earthquake that happened so far that hit the Land of Promise. I hurriedly jump from the bed and grab my six years old niece together with my father to go out. I was very nervous but my father told us do not panic, do not rattle and be aware. Prayers filled my mouth and I looked into my niece whose wrapping her arms around mine that seems very nervous as well. I opened my Facebook and saw the different updates about the recent calamity where Davao del sur is its center, the damages, and the ruined infrastructure caused by the disaster. The whole Mindanao was mourning and I remained astonished as I never assumed that this day will give a great impact to the Mindanao’s. I ended the day in fear that it might happen again and a prayer that it will not happen again.

Christmas Eve

Every year we are tend to celebrate Christmas with our family and gathered into my aunt’s house in General Santos city. It is our tradition as a family to celebrate Christmas together there and prepare foods for the Noche Buena. Today, December 24, 2019 before the Christmas day, I woke up with excitement because finally I will be able to escape the boredom that ruled the house for the past days but most importantly, I will be able to see my aunties, uncles, cousins and the quality time we will be spending to each other. We prepared and packed our things for the few days of staying there and then, leave the house. We rode on a bus to reach our destination and as we arrived at my aunt's house, the smells of delicious Noche Buena welcomed us. Caldereta, Barbeque, Grilled tuna, Seafood, Sweets and Desserts, fruits, and the every year's center attraction on the table of Filipinos, Lechon. I was glad that there is such event on our life that make us gathered together and capture each moment that our family will cherish. As everyone bide one's time for midnight, my uncles were already drunken laughter, spill the beans of liquor with matching karaoke. My aunties who became story tellers, exchanging one's ideas and hearty laughter. Their clamor and chatter makes harmony in mine that the connection between us is still there. During the Christmas Eve, my sister Cathy, contacted our oldest sister in the family via video call because she was not around with us. Actually, she was not around for 15 years and 15 years of celebrating Christmas without her. I am just 2 years old when she left to catch her luck and currently she's living in Cavite and have her own family now. We greeted each other a Merry Christmas, some chitchats and goodbye for each has stuffs to do. It's now 12 midnight, my uncle light the fire crackers, greeting each other a "Merry Christmas".

Holiday

We Christians celebrate Christmas as a commemoration on Jesus birth and often giving and receiving presents and cards as one of the symbol. Today, December 25, 2019, I started a Christmas day with a midnight mass at the chapel together with my mother in Calumpang, Gensan as a thanks giving for all the gift and blessings we received this year. After attending the mas, we went home and I took some sleep because it's already morning since yesterday of going around. Today, my aunt from Ilo-ilo city together with her son will be arriving soon to have their vacation and will be spending time for us in this season of holiday. I am eager to see them because the last time we saw each other was in the year 2016. It was around 12 noon when they arrived at my aunt's house in Gensan. We greeted each other and welcome them a hug. There were many pasalubong they've brought for us including clothes, bags, shoes, cosmetics, and of course the delicacies of Ilo-ilo is imperishable. There are Bischocho, Piyaya, and Pinasugbo. Aside from giving us all this stuffs, I also received a cash from them. I can say that December is truly a season of giving and the only season for me to collect more money. Our dinner was burst into laughter because my cousin with a mental disorder or what we called being hyper was stealing our foods because he was fond of eating and make funny acts. I hope that this is not the last time that we will be seeing each other again. I am looking forward for many years of spending Christmas with the family.

Union

After staying in my aunt's house in General Santos City to celebrate Christmas, now it’s a time for us to go back home. Last night was another memory to be keep on my album of happy moments and love. It’s already December 26, 2019, time flies really. First of all, I woke excited because this day, I'll be witnessing the annular solar eclipse where Sol and Luna will be meeting each other again. According to the news and information I've read from social media, around noon, the moon will engulf the sun enable to form a ring of fire and will visible in some parts of Mindanao. We are hoping to witness the said phenomenon but unfortunately Sol and Luna was ashamed of showing its stunning union that they were hiding on the clouds. I feel blue because of missing such phenomenon but that was not a big deal. On the other hand, this afternoon, we went into nearby purok not so far from our house because this day was the death anniversary of my uncle, the late husband of my aunt from Ilo-ilo city. My uncle from Cagayan de Oro will be also arriving this day. They decided to stay in Antong instead of directing to Gensan because my aunt will be also going here. As we arrived to my late uncle's house, my uncle and his family was waiting for us. We greeted each other a hug because we've been seeing each other once a year and I cannot deny that I've misses them a lot as the two celestial beings met earlier it happened also on us. Actually, I don't have that strong relationship with my cousins or closeness with them because they are living in Cagayan de Oro and I am staying here but both company was trying to socialize and talk to each other to build connection and friendship. We had boodle fight for dinner and some enjoyable moment as we commemorate the memories of our late member of the family..

Reunited

A family is like branches on a tree that grow in a different directions yet the roots remained as one. Today, December 27, 2019 is our 4th Plaga family reunion. It is once a year occasion that held every December of the month. I started the day grateful because again, our family was a given a chance to reunite and know each other better. Our first reunion happened in Gensan, then Mlang North Cotabato, last year was in Manili Lutayan, and today here in Lamba Banga. As we arrived, they welcomed us with a warm hug and we bless to the elders as a sign of respect. We started a program with a Bible service coming from our relative who is a pastor and shared the value of family. The elders start to bring back the history and ancestors of our race. Each family introduce their children so that the other family will know each other and the connection between us. After the chatters, the story telling, and socializing, we had our lunch. After filling our stomachs, they started to raffle our names who were listed earlier to some prizes awaited. Luckily, my name was not called. I told ‘ya I am not with this kind of gimmick. However, it was fun, expecting that your name will be the next one to be called. Not one of the winners of raffle but a winner in our parlor games. Together with my cousins, we played the game pass the message in the form of face movement and fortunately, we won the said game with a prize of 500 pesos. Our reunited was great and fun, I know a lot of the relatives and start to build friendship with them. I hope that this is not the last and hoping for many years of spending time and moments with them as for the next generation to continue our identity and legacy.

A Decade Has Pass

The year 2019 was not too bad for me. We are just creatures engulfed by imperfections and flaws. Challenges and tests were given and it is normal for us to feel crestfallen, to feel sorrow, and to feel anger. As I leave one year behind and roll into the next one, I am looking forward for the new year of bringing blessings, good health, and prosperity. New Year of hoping for a successful and fulfilling life I desire and deserve. Each fresh new start offers an oozing opportunity and beginning which is probably the reason I look into New Year’s Eve so much. As I end the last page of this chapter, I am with my parents on our own humble home beneath swaying palms. As we celebrate the New Year, we prepared minimal for the Medya Noche because we’re just three left here to face the new chapter. I and my mother cooked a minimal amount of Mango Graham, Lumpiang Shanghai and Grilled Tilapia for some reason, there is served on our daily table where we can eat together. Around 10 pm, me and my mother attended a midnight mass for the last day of the year to thanks God for the year of bitter-sweet and prayed to God that this coming year will shower us blessings, opportunities, and new discoveries. As I stand at the edge of the decade, waiting for 12 am for the 2020 to wave, there were different sounds that believed to drive away all the negativity and bad spirits, so as a tradition each one of us made noise and watched as the fireworks display. No matter what goals and changes I have for this coming year or how many New Year’s resolution I planned to move, in the start of a new year is a moment to acknowledge.

Community Engagement

Today, January 2, 2020, it is great to start a year with discoveries at the same time with adventure. We were tasked to go in a community we thought who are in needs as part of our subject Community Engagement and as a Humanities Student who are in lined with this area of specialization. Our group agreed to meet in front of SPDA at 8 am but unfortunately out of the 10 members only four of us were able to come. It is OK for me because of some instances that we cannot handle and commitments. At around 11 am, we decided to light up the fuel onward. We rode on a tricycle motioning the distance of Brgy. Assumption. We were lost bird in a desert misguided by the location of that hidden vicinity. We have no little knowledge on how far that place is nor where is the exact location because the one who’s suggest the place was not around why the driver occupied our being clueless. He charged us fare that is not accurate to the distance of our trip but we didn’t argue anymore. He dropped us in the low part area because he said that the tricycle has no resistance to climb up the mountainous area so we started walking and seeking for the whereabouts of our destination. Luckily, the people there was approachable and not rude. Some people we’ve asked warned us that the Brgy. Hall is far to walked but we decided to pursue it to exercise our muscles and enjoy the surroundings. We walked for about 4 kilometers fortunately, the road was cemented before reaching the Barangay hall and then we signed our permission letter to run the evaluation smooth. According to the people there, there 7 sitios and we are not sure where to go. The air brought us to Sitio Datal Fitak, the fifth sitio and more elevated and a kilometer away from the Brgy. Office. The people there are B'laans and the way they live is very simple. As we start our evaluation, we were surprised by their kindness and genuinely. The warm welcome and smile to us relieved our tired. Every time we asked them to conduct a survey, they let us in their humble home and treat us politely. It was 3 in the afternoon when we finished our sample target population and we went home. I wish I can go back to that place again where the smiles of the children are genuine and sincere.

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akihairandmakeup-blog · 5 years

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My Journey To Diagnosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that doesn’t have a cure. 1 in 10 women have endometriosis, yet it is one of the least researched and understood diseases. Average time of proper diagnosis is 7 – 10 years. I began experiencing symptoms of Endo when I was 13, yet didn’t get a diagnosis until I was 27.

Endometriosis acts like a cancer as in the cells rapidly divide, grow and invade any surrounding tissues and organs. This causes a lot of internal bleeding and severe damage to organs accompanied by unbearable pain.

I went through this pain for more than 10 years before I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis. Every month I would take 2 – 3 days off from school during my cycle. Curl myself in bed, unable to eat anything and if I did eat something, I will vomit which makes the pain worse. I have a twin sister who have normal periods. My mum would always compare the two of us and give extra attention and care for me. Years passed by and my pain was getting worse. I was rushed into A&E several times during college and uni days. I’ve been to so many hospitals and seen countless number of doctors. Every doctor concluded the case with just a ‘bad period’.

After graduating in BA Accounting and Finance, I got my first job as an Accounting Assistant. I didn’t want this horrible illness to interfere with my new job so I managed to get some temporary medication to balance my hormones. My GP prescribed me with contraceptive pills which is a temporary cure to help with the pain. Even though it had several side effects such as migraines, mood changes, nausea, night sweats, etc, I managed to adjust to it.

Three years passed by, I was almost 25 and was getting ready to get married and move in with my childhood sweetheart. I’ve been with my husband since school days, for more than 15 years now. Both our parents accepted our relationship early which made things easier for us. We both agreed on starting our family as soon as we get married as we had no reason to wait. So, a year prior to our wedding, I decided to come off the contraceptive pills to bring my hormone levels back to normal and prepare my body to conceive. I had to go through several months of painful periods without the pill, in hope that I will be able to conceive as soon I get married and I will have a break from periods while I am pregnant. However, things did not go that way. I was rushed into A&E several times between this time when I have severe pain. I had to take time off from work frequently but was unable to explain the actual reason at work as I was not diagnosed then.

I went through depression because I was unable to lead a normal life and had no idea what was going on with my body. I was unable to continue my job as I was going through this unexplainable pain and confusion. To divert my mind from all this I decided to quit my job and take on my passion and started this Makeup Artist journey 2 years ago in March 2017. The reason I chose this job is because it does not hold a schedule the way that most other careers do. Every job has it’s own call time. Some may be in the middle of the night and some could be in the middle of the day. I love being able to set a schedule of my choosing. You can accept the jobs that coincide with the life you are living and refuse the ones that are not. In other words, you will be working to live around your schedule, not living to work around someone else’s, which was totally convenient for me. One good thing about my periods were that my dates were pretty regular. So, I avoid taking bookings around those dates. Even then, I had two awful experiences where I had to work in pain as my dates messed up.

One occasion was when I was booked for a Bridal Saree draping job in Central London. Total cost for this job was only £100 including travel since I was new to the wedding industry. I usually drive to my jobs but in this case since I was unable to drive due to the pain, therefore I had to take a cab to the venue and back home, which cost me over £150. I didn’t eat or drink anything that morning because I usually throw up when I’m in pain. Even then I brought a couple of carrier bags with me in case I threw up in the car but thank god I didn’t. I had no other choice because I respect my job and I cannot let my client down on the day of the event and break the trust.

Later on another occasion, I was booked for a pre-wedding photo shoot in Cornwall, which is roughly 5 hours drive from my place. I didn’t want to travel alone as I had to stay over for a night so my husband accompanied me on this trip. I was looking forward to this job since it was my first job far from home and to make it more special, my husband was with me. But the happiness didn’t last long at all! On our way to Cornwall we took a break in-between to have lunch. When I went to refresh myself, all my excitement was flushed away in the toilet as my period came a week early.

Luckily, we were next to a petrol station, so I managed to get hold of sanitary pads and painkillers. I was praying to God to give me strength to bare the pain for the next couple of days.

First Pre-wedding look was scheduled to be shot that evening so once we arrived at the hotel, I unpacked my kit and got the bride-to-be ready. The pain was bearable, so I managed to do my job with less trouble. But the pain was increasing slowly and I had a sleepless night in fear worrying about the next day. The following day I was scheduled to do two different looks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon and head home in the evening. The pain was unbearable in the morning. I had to take several breaks in between to vomit because that’s one of the worst parts of my severe period pain.

More than the pain, it was extremely embarrassing in front of the new people I just met and I couldn’t explain the name for my illness because it was just a ‘bad period’ like the doctors named it. Never the less, I managed to complete my job and my client was happy with the looks I created which gave a satisfaction before I left to head home.

That 5-hour car journey home with my husband is the most unforgettable journey in my life.

I wanted to cry out all the pain I was holding that I couldn’t show in front of everyone. The pain was intolerable, and I was crying through out the journey. At one point, my husband lost his patience and began to get frustrated with me. Like every other person, my husband trusted the doctor’s words that there is nothing wrong me and it’s just a bad period. So, he assumed my pain is normal like his sister’s and every other girl’s but I’m exaggerating and making a drama. That’s the day I felt the meaning to ‘Words hurt more than actions. Actions hurts our body, but words hurt our soul.’

Initially he was very supportive when I decided to quit my Accounting job and was happy to support me financially as it would take time for me to grow in the wedding industry before I can start doing bridal jobs. But watching me go through pain during my job, he assumed I’m not even able to do that simple job. He shouted ‘Stop crying and overdramatising, It’s better for you to quit everything and sit at home and do nothing because that’s all you’re capable of doing. Your voice is irritating me, if you don’t stop crying, I will get off the car and walk home.’ I had no strength to respond since I was mentally and physically drained out.

We finally reached home. My husband opened the house door for me and left. I filled a hot water bottle to ease my pain and curled myself in bed. I really wanted to get some sleep to rest my mind and body but all I could hear in my mind was my husband’s words repeating how useless I was.

I began to judge myself through everyone else’s eyes. I started to doubt myself whether my pain is real or am I over reacting. The one and only person I wished who would trust me and give all the love and support even doubts my pain, this led me into making wrong decisions. I couldn’t imagine living with this pain for the rest of my life, so I decided to take my own life. I took the 12 pain killers that were left in the new pack I bought the previous day and went to sleep in hope that I will not wake up the following day. But little did I know that my body was strong enough that exceeding the stated dose does nothing to my body. I was perfectly fine the next morning. I sat my husband down and told him how hurt I was by his words and it led into taking the tablets last night. He felt extremely bad about what he did and apologised. Soon things were back to normal between us.

Never in a million years did infertility cross my mind so after several months of trying to conceive, without any positive results I began to have serious concerns. I explained the situation to a new gynaecologist at my GP surgery, who was also an endometriosis specialist. After a scan, I learnt I had a large cyst on my left ovary that needs to be removed (laparoscopic) surgery which could increase my chances of getting pregnant, but I was told I may lose an ovary. My husband and I decided to do it as it would also help my pain.

Following my operation, my surgeon explained she had removed the cyst, managed to keep my ovaries intact, remove my left fallopian tube which was totally damaged and there was much more than that. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis!

There are four stages of endometriosis: minimal, mild, moderate, or severe endometriosis.

Minimal endometriosis also called stage 1 endometriosis and is characterized by isolated implants and no significant adhesions.

Mild endometriosis (stage 2) is characterized by superficial implants that measure less than 5 cm in diameter without significant adhesions.

Moderate endometriosis (stage 3) involves multiple deep implants, small cysts on one or both ovaries, and the presence of flimsy adhesions.

Severe endometriosis (stage 4) this is the final stage. consists of multiple deep implants, large cysts on one or both ovaries, and thick adhesions. In addition, infertility is likely with stage 4 endo.

I was given pictures of how a normal women’s reproductive system would look and how my one looked from the pictures they took during the surgery. Everything was explained clearly and all my questions were answered. But there was something that I was not ready for. I had to wait 6 months to heal from this surgery and would need to under go another surgery to remove the rest of the endometriosis. My surgeon also confirmed that I will not be able to conceive naturally due to the damages caused by endometriosis so our only option is IVF. But there is only less than 0.8% chance of success.

I felt a slight relief after the surgery having more knowledge about my illness and was preparing myself for surgery number two. I was told having normal periods between the two surgery could cause more pain and damage to my organs, therefore I was on an injection called ‘zoladex’ to stop my periods are prepare my body for the next surgery which is much more complicated compared to the previous one. There are several side effects related to this painful injection: hot flashes, sweating, migraine, dizziness, mood changes, bone pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, sleep problems (insomnia), and much more. I managed to overcome all this and currently recovering from my second surgery...

#endometriosis

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yourcertainstudentlight-blog · 6 years

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San Jose California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 95191

"San Jose California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 95191

San Jose California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 95191

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I have severe episodes of tonsillitis about 5-8 times a year (lasts 2wks - 1mo, fever hangs around 102F-104F, pain relief in bones and muscles is impossible with over-the-counter pills) and I have small bouts in between those. I'm no longer going to college because it can get really difficult to attend and keep up with classes. I have no health insurance and my mom only has enough money for bills, my dad is homeless and stays with whoever is charitable enough to house him for the night or so. I'm 20 years old and I hear you have to be disabled or 19 and under with low income parents to receive cheap or free health insurance. I need a tonsillectomy so I can stop being sick constantly. I'm trying desperately to find a job and am keeping it hidden that I'm chronically ill so they'll hire me, but still no luck for the past summer. Is there any type of health insurance I would be eligible for to pay for my ~$2,000 surgery?""

Young Driver Insurance?

Ok, here's what's going on. i am basically a new driver and have passed my test 18 march last year. the time has come for me getting a car, however the insurance premiums are ridiculously high. I have used the comparing websites, but they offer no real result, so I phoned a few up. This is what they gave me, I was asking for a quote, on an 04 Renault Clio 1.2 Dynamic with 3 doors. Co-operative insurance 4645 (Full Comp) Direct line Over 3000(Full Comp) (they wouldn't give an accurate result, I'd have to be transferred onto another dept.) Quinn Direct 6000 (Third party, Fire & Theft only, i was then informed that their premiums where increased) All in my own name and not under any parents, however it seems like the best option at the moment. I do know about a few companies that specialise in young driver insurance, one called Young Marmalade and another called i-Kube. Both are cheaper, but there are catches to policies, i-Kube requires you to have a GPS tracker fitted, if you drive passed 11PM at night a 100 Penalty is incurred, and for each night you drive past said time. with young marmalade you need to have the pass plus scheme. I also know that premiums are subject to a post code area rating. (CH 62) so if anyone could tell me where cheap insurance for this type of car is I would be great-full.""

How much do you pay for:car insurance? Home insurance? Furnishing your first apartment?

What do you put on a car insurance quote when your penalty has expired?

i had a penalty for 3 years that ran out in 2008 but when i look for insurance they ask for any penalty for the past 5 years. Do i say yes even though it expired in 2008?

""Insurance- Cabin, not sure which insurance?""

We live ouside of Canada, but own property with a cabin on it. My dad and aunt own it. According to the insurance if one of the owners (ppl on the insurance) are not on the property (say, 500 miles away) if something happens (like someone falls breaks there leg) to someone we take there, we are not covered and could sue us. If my dad put me on the insurance would our aunt have the right to sell the property without us having any say? He thinks that if I am put on the insurance I will be on his half and my aunt will still have her half therefore giving her more power. Is there any way around this insurance and suing thing if I want to go up there with some friends without them?""

Can I get a car without insurance if I am 16?

So my mom has statefarm but refuses to pay for my insurance if I get a car, I'm 16 and in Colorado, do I need insurance to get a car. This guy across thr street is selling a really cool car cheap and I want to get, would I need insyrance to buy a car and drive it, or cam I get it and avoid accidents.""

Does AMERICA'S BEST eyeglasses accept INSURANCE?

i need to get glasses but im not sure if they acept insurance

Why is it a requirement to have a car insurance in the UK?

i have just passed my driving test last week. i already have ford fiesta (its so loud). why would i want to insure my car against what. what is car insurance about? what/where is the cheapest company to go and why? what are the benefits of car insurance?

Where is a good place to get insurance after having a suspended license without paying a large sum?

My license was suspended in 2009 for a year. I currently have insurance under American family but they upped my fees to around 200 bucks for even if i have a decent record. Can anyone recommend a decent company that might be cheaper with the suspension on my record?

""Any companies you would recommend for cheaper car insurance rates (in Ontario, Canada)?

I've been calling around some of the major companies and the quoted rates have been sky high despite my spotless record. Maybe there's some hidden gem companies out there? I hope!

I had medical insurance but did not submit the bills till after the insurance was done new insurance wont cove?

Any help would be appreciated this was actually a few years ago but my dad claimed he was working on it but nothing has been done. Its already gone to an outside collections agency. It was in California

Do i need car insurance?

i am turning 16 soon and i am wanting to buy a cheap truck that's about $1500. I wont be able to afford insurance since i will have to be on my own insurance plan and it would be about $200 a month. since i wont care about the truck if it gets damaged and since its so cheap i didn't know if their is a way i could just get like liability or something? also I live in missouri. Thanks

Why did my car insurance get higher?

My car insurance is going up over $100 per 6 months *shocked face* I am curious. Is car insurance in general getting much higher? Or would this increase be due to a wreck I had in January? (It was totally not my fault, but the guy who hit me wasn't insured.) p.s. If it makes a difference, I use progressive insurance. I spent over a month calling around - they had the best offer for me last year. But now I guess it's time to see what else is out there.""

Motorcycle insurance is so expensive?

Basically I'll be doing my cbt test this Wednesday so I can ride my 125cc supermoto which I use for dirt biking. Checked insurance on my Yamaha WR125X and it's 1400 for comprehensive, da fk is this? After seeing that I was physically sick. So I thought I'll just check on the most cheapest moped and it's 700 which is still expensive.. How the fk do these kids I see with mini coopers afford insurance and all I wAnt is to ride a small 2 wheel sht face. I'm 18, 19 this march, work full time. Can I find it any cheaper anywhere? Should I go for third party insurance? I just hate my life""

Do you need to show proof of insurance for title transfer?

When you buy a used car and go to DMV to transfer title, do you need to provide proof of insurance? Or is that only for registration renewals. This is for California""

Car cheap on insurance?

Hi im wanting to buy my first car in a couple of months so i would like to know of a car thats got a small engine 1l preferably and cheap on the insuramce,yet slightly large for personal use such as fishing :) and finally a hatchback""

Cheap car insurance company in vegas. 2 cars paid off?

How much will my insurance go up with getting 4 points on my license?

I live in Pennsylvania. I got a speeding ticket today going 17 miles over the speed limit. I looked it up online, and I think this will put 4 points on my license. I have Nationwide insurance, and I'm 24 years old. How much will this most likely raise my insurance and for how long? This is my first time getting any points on my license. I have gotten 2 previous speeding tickets without acquiring points. One was 5 years ago and the other was 2 years ago out of state (in New Jersey). I don't remember how much over the speed limit I went on those occasions. Thanks for any help!""

How much will my insurance cost? Just turned 16?

I want to get a 1994 Mitsubishi 3000gt, but my dad said the insurance would be way to high. Can anyone estimate the price per month insurance would be for a 16 yearold that just got their first car and lisence? Thanks, Dustin""

Car insurance question?

In Georgia, if you let someone borrow your car and they get a speeding ticket, does it make your insurance go up too since it happend in your car?""

Does anyone know where you can buy individual medical insurance? Epileptic reasons!?

Insurance expired.

How much would my insurance be for a mustang 1994 & 17 yr old.?

Would i have to get my own insurance or have my parents put my car on there insurance since its gonna be in there name b/c i only have a permit

San Jose California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 95191

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/arkansas-insurance-non-resident-license-gerald-stephens/"

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tebbyclinic11 · 6 years

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How to Sleep Better: My Crazy Expensive Quest | He...

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This story is part of the 2018 Feel Good Food Plan, our two-week mind-body-belly plan for starting the year off right.

I don’t want to brag, but I have always considered sleeping one of my greatest strengths. I like to think that I’m good at other things, too—charades, mostly—but my advanced sleep abilities have always been a particular point of pride. I can sleep anywhere, at any time. One summer, I lived in a house that was struck by actual lightning, which I know only because someone told me. (I was sleeping.) It is perhaps my greatest virtue, next to being tall.

And so I have generally been pleased to see that sleep is now considered VERY IMPORTANT, according to many scientists and also Arianna Huffington. Adequate, high-quality sleep will make us: nicer, smarter, more productive, more emotionally stable, less sick, and potentially less cancerous.

If you want to sleep better, there is standard advice, which is good and free. Go to bed at the same time, and wake up at the same time. No caffeine after 2 p.m. Work out, but not in the evening. Cut back on alcohol; use blackout curtains; reserve your bed for sleep and sex but never Netflix; keep your room cool. I know. But I am an advanced sleeper; I wanted advanced sleep.

Luckily, we are living in a golden era of sleep technology, where you can get “smart pajamas” with “bioceramic gel” and head-chilling pillows and lamps that simulate sunlight and goggles to lull you into “the theta brainwave state.” With great enthusiasm and minimal commitment to the scientific method, I vigorously tested five of them.

The $125 Sleep Mask

Let us first address the elephant in the room: The Monkey Mind Band is a sleep mask that costs $125. Onward. According to the copy on the company’s website, this mask is “coated with a dense layer of pure silver ions,” which creates a “conductive shield that reflects and neutralizes the damaging effects of artificial light and electro-pollution” and can also reduce inflammation and kill “face bacteria,” which are what give you pimples. I think. I have no idea how much of that is actual science, but I do know that the MMB, as we’re calling it now, is a magical cocoon for your face. While most sleep masks are essentially eye-bras, the MMB cradles your entire head, smooth and unstructured. Every evening, you retreat into it, and every morning, you emerge a well-rested butterfly. Buy Monkey Mind Band, $125.

The Sheets That Keep You From Waking Up In A Sweat

I have long maintained that temperature is very important for sleep, so it is nice to see that science agrees with me. Did you know the best temperature for sleeping might be as low as 60.8 degrees? Unfortunately, my landlord does not know this—I live in a year-round tropical paradise—so I was very excited by the idea of SHEEX. Unlike their cousins, “sheets,” SHEEX are 87% microfiber polyester and 13% spandex and are designed to “transfer body heat 2X more effectively than traditional cotton” and “breathe nearly 50 percent better,” thus reducing “sleep-disrupting temperature fluctuations at night.” I hate sleep-disrupting fluctuations and also love the texture of gym clothes, so I’m very into this, on a theoretical level. On a practical level, I slept…fine? I didn’t sweat, but I also didn’t feel unusually temperate, just, like, regular temperate. Still, they were very good at covering my bed. Buy Sheex Original Performance Set, from $159.

The Anti-Snoring Pillow That’s Also a Speaker

This is a cushy and enormous pillow—the Great Dane of pillows—so thick it can be stuffed with eight built-in speakers (to stream music/sleep tracks), a three-axis gyroscope (to monitor movement), two adjustable vibration motors (to react to snoring), and a decibel-tuned microphone (to pick up said snoring) and still feel very soft. It will play you soothing sounds, or tunes, or podcasts from your phone while you fall asleep at night. It will wake you up in the morning with a gentle deep-head vibration at what is supposed to be “an optimal time in your sleep cycle,” which it knows, supposedly, because it has been tracking your sleep all night. You set all this up—the alarm, the music—in the ZEEQ iOS or Android app, which connects to the pillow via Bluetooth. Then in the morning, the app presents you with an analysis of your sleep and a numerical “score.” It’s a lot for a pillow! I kept accidentally disconnecting ZEEQ from Bluetooth by futzing with my phone after I’d set it for the night, but I see that mostly as a personal weakness. My bigger concern is ZEEQ’s sleep scoring, which gave me extremely high marks, even on the night I know—know!—I slept approximately not at all. Then again, I found the vibrating wake-up call rather pleasant, and it is by far the best way I know to stream music directly into the back of my head. Buy ZEEQ Smart Pillow, $199.99.

The Personal Temperature Control System

I had high hopes for the BedJet because, as we have established, I am passionate about temperature management, and the BedJet is like a private HVAC system just for your bed. It not a subtle apparatus—there’s a box that clamps to your bed, and then a hose that jets air into an “AirComforter,” which is actually a special top sheet designed to go under your regular comforter. (You can also use your own boring top sheet, if you are less passionately devoted to temperature management.) Once I got past the instruction manual, which outlines all the ways PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR, I basked in the absurd luxury of absolute climate control. Last night, for example, I was cold, so I turned on the “heat” setting for a toasty blast of hot air, but then this morning, I was hot, so I turned on “cool” for some intimate ocean breezes. There’s a remote control, but I used the app, which, coincidentally, is also styled like a remote control. Does it use a lot of energy? Yes, yes it does (between 700 and 1000, according to my energy meter; don’t ask). But it shuts off automatically, which is important, because you’re supposed to sleep cold, remember? Also, trees, or something. The BedJet is the closest I will ever come to being royal. Buy BedJet V1 Climate Comfort System, $469.00 and AirComforter Sheet Accessory, $159.00.

The Stealth Sleep Monitor

The SleepScore Max is an unobtrusive little box that looks like a speaker and uses “bio-motion sensors” to “measure respiration and body movement to accurately quantify your sleep.” Without even touching you, like a ghost! It works with your smart phone to monitor your sleep—and your sleep environment—and then to analyze your sleep, and then to score your sleep, and then to give you recommendations about how you could sleep better. (Obviously, it also has a smart alarm.) When I set it up, the app (iOS only; Android coming soon) asked for a whole lot of info about my height and age and mattress and general sleep habits and sleep goals and chronic medical conditions, and while I love quizzes about myself, the more important result is that I got a nightly “sleep score” that seemed generally to correspond with how I’d actually slept. “Cool down to improve your REM,” it told me one morning when I awoke to a truly embarrassing score of 75. The insights get better as you go, supposedly—the really deep stuff comes after 30 days of consecutive use, which is longer than I’ve had it—but you start getting fun graphs of your sleep habits immediately, which, in addition to constant validation, is mostly what I want. Buy Sleepscore Max, $149.99.

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