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nalgenewhore · 3 years

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☽ ☼ ☾

As he sat at his gate, he watched the other people. Something about airports had always intrigued him, so many people in their own lives, on their own paths all converging to this one place before jetting off once more.

Lorcan was restless. On the arm of the uncomfortable chair, his fingers tapped out a furious beat. The monotonous drone of the phone line ringing in his ear didn’t help. Pick up. Pick up. Pick up. I miss your voice and I need you to pick up so I don’t lose my fucking–

“What, the fuck , do you want?”

He chuckled, “Good morning to you too, princess.” Inside his chest, his heart fluttered. Fuck, he missed her. He missed both his girls. The minute they’d dropped him off at the airport eight weeks ago, he’d been itching to go home.

“I told you not to call me that.” There wasn’t any bite to her words and Lorcan knew - hoped - that she was wearing that soft, sleepy smile of hers.

He hummed, stretching his long legs out and crossing them at the ankle, “Tell me to stop without smiling and I’ll stop. Easy-peasy, Lochan.”

Elide just muttered a curse in Blackbeak and sighed as if talking to him was some sort of divine torture, “Why are you calling? It’s not even three yet, Lor.” Instantly, remorse flooded through him. He’d forgotten completely about the time difference and told her as much. “Mmm, it’s fine. Did something happen?”

“Nah, I just wanted to say hey before my flight. I’m sorry for waking you up,” he said. Lorcan ran his tongue over his teeth. “I’ve… I miss you two.”

The teasing, light mood dropped a bit. Lorcan could hear her breathing slowly and then she answered, her voice weaker than normal, “I know, Lor.” Her swallow was audible. “We miss you too.” Before he could respond, before he could offer her any sort of fleeting comfort, Elide spoke again, “Hold on one second, ok?”

She was gone before he could respond. Lorcan could hear something rustling, like someone slipping out of a bed. He froze, hardly daring to breathe. She wouldn’t- Elide and Lorcan both knew better than to have someone over when they had the kid with them.

There was soft murmuring he couldn’t quite make out and the unmistakable whine of their daughter. Lorcan slumped down in relief, cursing himself for this… jealousy. It wasn’t fair. “Hello?” snapped Stella Luna.

He chuckled, delighted by his child’s greeting, “Hey, Tiny.”

She gasped and that innocent sound, filled with childlike wonder and elation, soothed his aching heart. “Daddy?”

“Hi, Stella. I’m sorry I woke you up so early, I wanted to say hey before I get on the plane,” Lorcan explained with a smile. Thinking about Elide that summer had been painful enough, knowing he was so far from her, but it was nothing compared to the agony of missing his daughter.

“Are you coming home today? ‘Cause I got kindergarten tomorrow, Daddy. Mama said you would take me,” Stella said.

“Yes, I’m coming home today. I’ll take you to school tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok, Daddy. I’ve been very busy, you know. Yesterday we went shopping and at Mintage, mama found me a Wednesday Addams lunch box,” Stella regaled, her words dripping with wonder and awe. “I’m so excited ‘acause I love Wednesday Addams, Daddy, did you know? We watched it last night at Fenny’s house ‘acause he let me choose. He said he was sick of the Addams family and that’s why I called him a dummy.”

He laughed, pausing for a moment to listen to the PA. “Passengers boarding Flight 1203 to Varese, please make your way to gate C49. Passengers in zone one, please line up at the boarding desk.”

“What was that? It sounded funny, Daddy, like a robot,” Stella said.

“My plane’s getting ready to take off, Stel, they want everyone to come to the gate,” Lorcan explained. “How was Fen’s?”

“Oh,” she started, “it was very good, Daddy. After the movie, he taked me to his show an’ I wanted to bring Salem but it’s too loud for him so I sat with Essar and she got me a juice box when I was thirsty. I think it was a secret ‘acause they only give them to me. It was grape which is my favourite, but I didn’t want to finish all of it so Vee drinked it after his show. Then Fenny and me and Con and Vee went to Grampy’s and I fell asleep so Fenny took me home.”

“Passengers in zone two, please line up at the front desk.”

Lorcan checked his boarding pass, “Kid, I have to get on my plane now, ok?”

“Ok,” Stella replied, a little sadly. “I miss you.”

The corners of his lips turned down. Lorcan hung his head, opening and closing his mouth a few times as he tried to think of what he could say to comfort his child. Eventually, he said, “I know, Stella Luna. I miss you too. I promise - once I’m home, no more tours, ok? I love you.”

“Love you too, Daddy,” she chirped, already his happy, bubbly little baby again. “Bye-bye!”

“Bye, Tiny. Put your mother on for me,” Lorcan said, laughing through the sentence. He could hear Stella Luna hand the phone over to Elide.

“Yes , you can sleep now,” Elide said with a kiss smacked on Stella’s head. “Lor, you still there?”

“Yeah, ‘m here. I have to get on the plane now.”

“Ok. Do you want us to pick you up from the airport?”

Though it pained him to say it and further delay their reunion, Lorcan said, “No, don’t bother. I’ll be tired and I’ll probably just crash when I get home. I’ll see you tomorrow, though.”

“Can’t wait, Salvaterre.”

He smiled a small smile, one that was only ever for Elide, “Me neither, Lochan.”

☽ ☼ ☾

He woke up somewhere high above the Cambrian Mountains. For a few moments, Lorcan stared out the small window, groggy and confused.

It took him a second to remember what was happening and why he was on a plane. When he finally did recall, Lorcan pulled his laptop out of his camera bag and placed it on the desk. The band he’d been working with over the summer had bought him a seat in business class for both his flights home.

Lorcan shifted in his seat and absentmindedly toyed with the curved barbell that pierced the delicate skin connecting his upper lip to his gum as he waited for his computer to turn on. He leaned down, searching through his bag for the USB that carried every shot he’d taken in concert that summer.

He found it and sat up straight. A small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as he saw the background of his laptop. He hadn’t changed it in the three years since the photo of Elide tattooing Stella’s name in Ozuye on the outside of his right thumb while he held a sleeping Stella Luna to his chest with his free arm had been taken. The tattoo was his favourite, though it probably tied for first place with the cartoon-inspired Wednesday Addams on his inner left wrist.

The placement of both designs had been purposeful, so when he was shooting something, he could see them clearly and think about his daughter. He had never met anyone who loved the Addams family more than Stella.

Lorcan put his headphones on and played a playlist at random. Pink + White played as he opened Photoshop and uploaded a file he hadn’t even looked at yet. The photos weren’t needed for another month, but he would rather get them done now so he could focus on the upcoming studio show.

He still hadn’t decided what or who his subject would be. Maybe he would take a break from concerts and focus on something else.

For the rest of the flight, he worked to distract himself from the fact that he’d be seeing Elide again. It hardly made any difference, his mind on her like always. Lorcan had been in love with Elide for… forever. He finally realised it, though, a couple weeks before she had their daughter.

He had wanted… he had wanted a family with her. A real one, where Stella wouldn’t be perpetually split between two homes, but Elide hadn’t wanted that and Lorcan respected her wishes. Maybe it was foolish, but six years seemed like long enough to be pining for someone.

As Lorcan got lost in the thoughts he spent most of his waking hours repressing, a hissing voice that sounded suspiciously like his mother snapped, Elide Lochan is not ‘someone’ and she is certainly not someone you get over. Ever. Stupid boy.

His lips twisted with a rueful smile, though the memory of his mother ached and stung. Lorcan swallowed past the painful tightening of his throat and saved what he was working on, electing to watch something he’d downloaded on Netflix until they’d landed in Varese.

The air in Varese was balmy and he couldn’t stand it. Lorcan was seconds away from trying to peel his skin off. He had always hated the heat, but this steaming humidity was his hell.

When his zone was called to board the flight, Lorcan could hardly keep the grin from his face. The thought of seeing his family, no matter how it hurt him to know Stella would come home with him tomorrow and Elide would stay in her apartment, was a joy nothing else had ever replicated.

His heart seemed to beat a frantic timpani, each pat-pat saying, wait for me, wait for me, wait for me .

☽ ☼ ☾

There was a crick in her neck. Elide muttered a curse with her eyes shut and reached out to her bedside table, only to feel nothing and hear an innocently delighted giggle.

She smiled and kept her eyes closed. Slowly, Elide reached out, “I wonder who could be laughing right now. And where could they be!”

There was that little laugh again, though Elide knew her child was doing her absolute best to stay silent. She heard Salem’s meow of protest and Stella’s sweet shushing.

Staying silent had never been Stella’s strong suit. Elide continued on, now patting the blankets. “Hmm, I do wonder if they could be hiding beneath these blankets!” As she said ‘blankets’, Elide opened her eyes and ripped the covers away. A quick blur of orange and black flashed past as Stella’s fluffy cat was freed and Salem bounded away.

Stella Luna’s shrieking laughter filled the room, gloomy from the rain that poured steadily against the large, paned windows. Elide laughed too as she grabbed her daughter and pulled her into her lap, her fingers digging into the soft part between Stella’s ribcage and hip bone. Stella squirmed away, begging her to stop, “No, please, mama, it tickles!”

Elide chuckled softly and relented, choosing instead to gather Stella up in a long hug. “Oh, good morning, little one. How did you sleep, hmm?” She pulled back and brushed her hand through Stella’s hair.

“Um, I slept good, mama, but I’m really hungry now, so I would like to have breakfast.”

“We can do that. What do you want to eat?”

Stella flicked her eyes up to the ceiling. Though her shape was Elide’s ethereal monolid, the colour of rich browns and deep blacks was all Lorcan. “Pancakes, mama. Can we make them look like bats?”

Elide snorted and nodded, “Of course we can. Why don’t you go wash your hands and we can make them, ok?”

The four-year old was off before she could even say yes, hurriedly careening into the bathroom. Her mother laughed again, but the care-free sound bled into a pained groan as she stood up and stretched. Elide really needed to stop crashing in her daughter’s bed.

Stella hollered back from the toilet, “Mama, can we have chocolate chips in the pancakes?”

Elide smiled as she walked through Stella’s room. On the floor, one of Stella’s toys obstructed her path and Elide jammed her toe into a wooden box. She gritted her teeth against the pain and asked, “Will you clean your room today?”

“Uhhh,” Stella contemplated, “I guess. I dunno why , mama, I don’t care if it’s messy, why do you care?”

“Because your room is messy and you might hurt yourself if you don’t know where something is,” Elide replied steadily. As she pulled on a pair of shorts, she heard little feet race into the kitchen. Elide twisted her hair up and clamped it into place with a hair clip. When she padded into the kitchen, Stella Luna was standing obediently on her stool, her hands clasped like a perfect little child. Elide hooted at the sight, “Oh, you little demon.”

Stella grinned proudly at the nickname and pushed her wild hair back with both hands. She sighed in annoyance, “Mama, help please. It’s too much.”

“Of course, witchling,” Elide said. Stella clambered up onto the counter to sit patiently. Elide hummed something soft as she parted her daughter’s hair and weaved two simple pigtails. As she braided, Salem gracefully leapt onto the counter and made himself comfortable in the fruit bowl, resting his chin on his crossed paws like a proper gent. “Better?”

“Yeah,” Stella chirped as she climbed down and ran to the pantry. She flung the door open, “Mama, is Daddy coming home today?”

“He is. Remember, he called last night, baby,” Elide replied as she pulled out eggs and milk from the fridge.

“Oh, I thought that was a dream ,” explained Stella. She lugged over the large container of flour, carrying it with both arms and almost tipped over. She decided to put it on the floor and push it to the counter. “I wanna play music!”

Elide laughed as she picked the flour up and began measuring out the dry ingredients, “Go for it, Stella.” She watched in delight as Stella ran to the record player and sat on the floor in front of it to peruse the stack of records.

A couple moments later, Stella had decided and put the vinyl on. She pranced back over to her stool as music played. “Mama, can I crack a egg, please?”

When I met you in the restaurant, you could tell I was no debutante

“Yes, ma’am,” Elide passed her an egg, “Be careful, you remember what to do, right?”

“Yup!” Stella delicately cracked the egg on the side of the liquid measuring cup and used her thumbs to open it. The yolk and egg white plopped perfectly into the milk and vanilla. She picked up the whisk and mixed it all up.

Dreaming, dreaming is free

Stella was soon bored and trailed over to the living room. She sat down and started to dance with her frog stuffie, singing along, “I don’t want to live on charity, pleasure’s real or is it fantasy…” Elide grinned at the sight and found the silicone mold in the top drawer.

A few minutes later, Elide slid a stack of bat wing pancakes onto a plate. “Stella? Food’s ready.”

“Ok, mama,” Stella said. She skipped to the table and climbed onto her chair. “Can I have maple syrup too?”

Elide had already grabbed the bottle and grabbed a pair of forks drying in the dish rack. She put the plate down and sat, passing Stella her fork. Stella doused the pancakes in maple syrup and attacked viciously, stuffing an entire pancake into her mouth. Elide laughed loudly, “Baby, eat your food properly. C’mon, you know better.”

Stella grinned around the sticky-sweet mess and chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Elide took the plate and cut the food up into bite-sized pieces before passing it back. The four-year old abandoned her fork in favour of her wee hands and stuffed as many chocolatey-mapley-buttery pieces as she could into her mouth.

“Good gods, child,” her mother said. “You’ll choke.” Delight surged through her at the sound of Stella’s gleeful laughter, albeit muffled. She grabbed a napkin and reached out, holding her daughter’s chin hostage as she wiped the mess away. “I am so happy your father is coming back, he’ll finally take you off my hands, you gremlin.”

Stella gasped loudly and wrenched her chin free, “Mama, can we go to the airplane place? I want to surprise Daddy. Pretty please?”

She made her eyes big and wide, sticking her bottom lip out. Elide cracked immediately, “I think he’d like that, wouldn’t he?” Stella nodded with such vigour Elide half-thought her head would fly off. “We’ll do that later, Stel. Why don’t you finish your breakfast?”

Stella needed no further prompting.

☽ ☼ ☾

His bag was the second bag out. Lorcan easily slung the black duffel over his shoulder. He made his way out of the baggage claim and around fellow passengers numbly awaiting their belongings.

Lorcan thought about pausing, his fingers twitching to grab his camera and freeze the moment. There was something slightly surreal about it all. A voice told him to stop, to do it, but the sweet, pure voice of his baby calling him home was louder.

He was still listening to miss star’s jamzzz and clicked the ball of the piercing in his tongue against his teeth to the beats. I’m Not A Loser by the Descendents’ played at maximum volume as he strode across the scuffed and dingy linoleum.

Vaguely, he thought he might’ve heard someone calling for him. Pausing, Lorcan half-pulled a headphone off his ear. He looked around, narrowing his eyes in confusion at the sea of strangers.

“Daddy!”

“Kid?”

A wee one shot out through the passing crowd. Her hair, jet black and thick, curled out of her assumedly once-tight and neat braids. Her eyes were thin and dark, so rich and depthless, framed by long lashes. The little lass seemed to have a piece of the sun setting her warm, coppery complexion aglow from beneath. “ *Até , hi-hi!”

Stella launched herself up and Lorcan dropped his bag to catch her. He held her tight to his chest, one hand cupping the back of her head. “Tiny, Creator above. I missed you so much, my darling moon.”

“Hi, Daddy,” Stella whispered, her arms tightly wrapped around his neck. “It’s nice to see you.”

Lorcan laughed raspily at her formal greeting, “Wow, so fancy, miss Star. ‘It’s nice to see you’, really? You’re killing me, Tiny.”

She giggled, shaking her head as she pulled back, “No, I’m not fancy, Daddy. I’m tough ,” she snarled, baring her teeth intimidatingly.

Lorcan laughed again, his head tipping back, “The toughest .”

Stella beamed and abruptly stopped, an outraged gasp escaping her. She grabbed his face and pulled his head back down. When she felt his stubble, Stella Luna pulled a face, “Daddy, you have to shave. It’s scratchy.”

“What, I thought I looked nice like this, babe,” he said, shifting her to his side. “It’s that bad?”

She stared at him for a while before slowly shaking her head, “No… it’s ok, Daddy. Mama likes it like that.” Stella laid her head on his shoulder. Lorcan smiled and held her tightly again, his eyes closed.

For a long moment, neither said a word, until Stella became restless and started peering out around her. “There’s so many people, Daddy.”

“There is,” he agreed. Lorcan brushed something from her cheek and Stella batted his hand away. “So, you learn to drive while I was away, or something?”

“No! I’m still little , Daddy,” Stella Luna corrected him with a giggle. “Mama drived me.” She pointed vaguely towards the entrance, “Mama’s over there and she said, ‘Stella, hold my hand and stay close ‘till we see your dad, ok?’ but you’re so tall and I sawed your head so I ran and didn’t listen to Mama.” Gasping softly, Stella put her hands over her mouth, “Oh no. Mama! Mama, hello? I am here,” she curled her arm over his shoulder as she craned her head to look around. “Where she go?”

Lorcan looked around as well, loving and hating the way his pulse sped up at the prospect of seeing her . “I don’t know where your ma is, maybe she- oh,” Lorcan cut himself off as he saw a familiar flash of long black hair through the crowd. “There she is.”

Through the throngs of passengers and travelers, Lorcan saw a fair skinned, petite woman. Her hair was dark, streaked with purple, and fell to her hips. She left it be in its natural waves, but had it cut into a blunt, pointed fringe that framed her heart-shaped face. Her round, plush lips were painted deep, nearly black, red. They curled into a teasing grin, “Hey, Salvaterre, I see you’ve finally decided to rejoin the rabble! Was the tour too preppy for you, what with all the first class flights and champagne?”

He laughed and reached out to flick her nose, “Shut your mouth, Lochan. I’m common folk for life.” Elide laughed and Lorcan smiled, “Fuck, I can’t believe that you two came to pick me up.” He pulled Elide into a hug, something finally settling inside him as he held his girls for the first time in two months.

“No, no swearing, Daddy,” Stella chastised him, her frown disapproving, “Fuck is a bad word. A very bad word and we’re only allowed to say it when we listen to music.”

Elide laughed and slipped her arm around his waist, “A wretched word, really. It’s like you want our daughter to become a menace to society.”

“Oh, really? And what if our daughter wants to be a menace to society?”

Stella Luna nodded, sticking her chin out, “Yeah, what if I want to be a menace to society, mama?”

Elide shook her head at the two of them and narrowed her eyes at him, “This is your doing, you know, Lorcan.” Oh… how his heart stopped as his name tumbled from her lips. Lorcan struggled to breathe for a moment and Elide’s warm grin faltered. “Lor? You alright?”

“Y-yeah, just jet-lag,” he said quickly. Lorcan averted his eyes from Elide’s concerned gaze. Stella Luna wiggled, whining slightly. When she was set down on her feet, she grabbed Lorcan’s hand in one of hers and Elide’s in the other.

“Let’s go!” she shouted, tugging them along with all her might. At fifteen kilos and a solid one-hundred centimetres, it wasn’t much, but her determination made up for it. Over her head, Elide shot Lorcan a smile and a wink.

Lorcan rolled his eyes and chuckled. Stella skipped and hopped along to Elide’s car. Lorcan tossed his duffel in the trunk as Elide helped Stella into her booster seat and he walked over to the passenger seat. “Daddy,” Stella said, “did you know my birthday is in two months? That means I’m gonna be five whole years.”

“Wow, you’re going to be so old ,” he said dramatically, smiling in the rearview mirror when Stelle’s jaw dropped open and her eyes widened.

“I don’t want to be old. Old people are yucky. Like you and mom.” Elide and Lorcan looked at each other and burst into gutsy laughter at their daughter’s words. Stella sniffed primly and turned her face to the side, “It’s not funny to be old. Being old means you die. Do you want to die, Daddy?”

“If I die, I become a ghost and I’ll haunt people,” he said.

“Would you haunt me ?” the girl asked, her eyes filled with morbid curiosity.

Elide huffed a laugh. She turned the car on and smoothly pulled out of her parking spot to the freeway that would take them back to Orynth. “You two are ridiculous. Stella, baby, no one’s haunting you.”

“Yeah, except for me,” Lorcan ever-so-helpfully stated.

As Elide exclaimed in annoyance, Stella giggled uncontrollably. The dark haired woman couldn’t help but laugh along and the sound of their laughter soothed the dull ache of missing them.

☽ ☼ ☾

“ Até, ‘m tired,” said Stella, trailing up to Lorcan. She was all ready for bed, dressed in her Jack Skellington pyjamas. Her dinner of tomato soup and grilled cheese had been devoured an hour ago. Lorcan was in Elide’s kitchen, washing the dishes as Elide worked on a sketch and Stella checked her backpack over and over and over again. She was not going to be caught unprepared for her first day of kindergarten.

He rinsed off the iron skillet and placed it in the dish rack. Lorcan dried his hands and turned to his daughter, who held her hands up expectantly. With a fond smile, Lorcan scooped her up and asked, “Time for bed? Did you brush your teeth yet?”

“Mm-hmm,” she nodded and dropped her head onto his shoulder. “Daddy, don’t forgot Mr. Ribbit.” Stella said softly, already falling asleep. She clutched at his shoulders, a yawn splitting her little face in half.

His grin softened and he kissed the top of her head, “Can’t forget your frog, now, can we?” There came a low chuckle from the living room. Elide walked over to them, her pencil stuck in her hair and carrying the fuzzy green animal. She passed the animal to Stella and pressed a kiss to her cheek. Lorcan offered her his hand, “Come with us?”

Elide nodded and slipped her hand in his. They walked to Stella's room together. She breathed evenly and deeply, her eyes closed. Her lashes brushed the tops of her rosy cheeks. Lorcan set her down with care and tucked her blankets around her. “Good night, my darling moon,” he said softly - in his native tongue - and brushed her hair back before it could tickle the tip of her button nose.

“Night-night,” Stella whispered, her eyes cracking open. “Are you gonna come drive me with mama tomorrow to school?” She snuggled into her pile of pillows and held her blanket up for Salem to settle in beside her. The cat curled up against her and purred softly as he flicked his fluffy tail over her protectively.

“Yes, I am.”

She nodded, “Good. That’s good, Daddy.”

“Alright, Tiny,” he laughed softly, “go to sleep, yeah? You’ve had a big day.” He kissed her forehead and stood up to let Elide say good night.

Elide sat down on the edge of the mattress and cupped Stella’s face in her hand, her words soft and too low for Lorcan to hear. She too chuckled and kissed Stella Luna’s cheek, then got up and stepped over to Lorcan.

They closed the door and silently walked back to the living room. Lorcan sat down on the couch and rubbed his eyes. Elide curled up in the opposite corner and smiled, “Tired?”

“Yeah,” he said, dropping his head back against the couch. “Fuck me, I have to go home.”

“Why don’t you just stay here tonight? You’ll have to come back tomorrow anyway,” Elide said, her voice measured.

Lorcan looked at her, but her face was turned to the side. “Are you sure, El? I honestly don’t mind and I haven’t been to my place in a while.”

She glanced over at him, “No, c’mon, it’s fine. It’s not like we’ve never done it.”

“Done what?”

Elide shot him a flat look, “Slept in the same bed.”

Lorcan choked and his eyes widened, “El- what? I was just going to take the–”

“I swear to Anneith if you say ‘couch’, I’ll strangle you. I’m not making you sleep on my couch when you’ve been gone all summer.” Elide stood up and walked to her bedroom, her hips swinging enticingly. Lorcan quickly looked away. “Besides, my bed is big. I promise I won’t give you my cooties.”

He snapped his teeth and crossed the room to join her. “Fine. I’ll stay.”

Elide crossed her arms over her chest and smiled cockily, “I knew you would.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Lorcan said, pulling her into his arms. Her body melted into his. They fit perfectly together. They always had. “You’re always right, aren’t you, princess?”

Elide hid her smile and slipped her arms around his waist, her cheek pressed above his heart. For a long moment, neither said a word. Then, Elide pressed her forehead against him and whispered. She couldn’t speak any louder, fearing that the tears she’d held back for years would finally spill over. “It’s nice to have you home, Lor.”

“It’s nice to be home,” he murmured, gently rubbing her back.

“It wasn’t the same without you.” It’s never the same without you.

He closed his eyes, hating the tears that blurred his vision. “Wasn’t the same without you, either, Lochan.”

☽ ☼ ☾

an: ahh ! it’s here ! a few things will b different for this wip, so i just want to let u all kno:

- chapters will b posted once a week on mondays, at 8pm pacific standard time

- there will b flashback chapters !!

- there will b depictions of recreational drug (marijuana) and alcohol consumption - i will put warnings for these n if there r any other triggers u would like me to warn, pls let me know

- if u want to b added/removed from the tag list, just send me an ask - it is rlly no trouble at all <3

translation: *Até: Father/Dad in Lakota (i headcanon lorcan to be native american - speficially Oglala Lakota. this will b more apparent/relevant in future chapters. i call his tribe 'the ozuye'. 'ozuye' means war-party in lakota)

songs played in chapter: (by order of appearance) 1. Pink + White - Frank Ocean 2. Dreaming - Blondie 3. I'm Not A Loser - Descendents

@mythicaitt @werewolffprince @schmlip-scribble @the-regal-warrior @ladyverena @ttakeitbacknoww @shyvioletcat @alifletcher2012 @tswaney17 @ourbooksuniverse @flora-and-fae @thesirenwashere @queenofxhearts @maastrash @mynewdreamwasyou @cursebreaker29 @empress-ofbloodshed @b00kworm @hizqueen4life @silversprings98 @amren-courtofdreams @minaidss @superspiritfestival @sanakapoor @ireallyshouldsleeprn @spyofthenightcourt @thegoddessofyou @more-espresso-less-depresso-xx @claralady @neonhellas @darlinminds @readingismyonlyhobby @autophobiaxx @silversprings28 @myshadowsingeraz @aelinfeyreeleven945tbln @elriel4life @always-in-a-daydream @jlinez @ladywitchling @mariamuses @darklesmylove @adelzd-bookblr

#star-crossed & moon drunk #sc&md chapter one #all the stars rewrite #elorcan #elide x lorcan #elide lochan #lorcan salvaterre #stella luna salvaterre lochan #isa writes #nalgenewhore #whoo hoo we're in for it now buds #this is a slooowwww burn

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wacadoodledo-blog · 6 years

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WAC Habitat for Humanity

So as some of you may know if you’ve been following my other posts that I’m extremely involved in Habitat for Humanity on campus. I started as a member of the club when I was a freshman and I quickly became the Fundraising Chair. Now, I’m the Vice President, with aspirations to run for President.

HFH aims to provide affordable housing for low income families, globally. I did an internship this summer with Tuckahoe Habitat for Humanity, the affiliate near my hometown. It was really fun, but I’d much rather volunteer. HFH relies on volunteers, as they are a non-profit and require a lot of physical labor to get these houses built. There are a lot of logistics that go into the building of homes, choosing homeowners, and the rest of the process. It’s really great that campus chapters and clubs, like we have here at WAC that affiliates can utilize when we can go and work.

Our club goes on 4 trips a year - Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. We also have fundraisers and advocacy/education events on campus throughout the year. We try to go on a few workdays each semester at closer affiliates like Tuckahoe (Caroline and Queen Anne’s Counties) and Central Delaware. My position is in charge of the workdays so I get to organize those dates and make those day trips happen. The trips are usually very fun, we go somewhere a little further than campus for Fall, Winter, Summer (usually NJ, VA, or stay in MD) but Spring Break is our biggest trip - we go to places like NC, SC, and this year we’re going all the way to Alabama!

It’s super easy to get involved with the club. To be an active member, all we ask is that you attend 2 events a semester, and a general membership meeting can count as one of those things. Another can be a workday, fundraiser, trip, etc.

If you’re interested in getting involved with HFH in any way, check out https://www.habitat.org/ or get in contact with us here on campus!

https://www.washcoll.edu/clubs/habitat-for-humanity/

Instagram - habitat_at_wac

Twitter - WAC_Habitat

Facebook - Habitat for Humanity at Washington College

#habitat #wac #WACLUV #washcoll #washingtoncollege #build #homes #service #volunteer #GetInvolved

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your-dietician · 3 years

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Who are the men behind Black Players for Change in American soccer?

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/soccer/who-are-the-men-behind-black-players-for-change-in-american-soccer/

Who are the men behind Black Players for Change in American soccer?

Before he became an executive director for a Black player coalition in Major League Soccer, Justin Morrow received death threats during high school in Cleveland when media coverage of his soccer talents became too much for some.

Before Jeremy Ebobisse became a board member for that same coalition, the Portland Timbers forward was a youngster from Bethesda, Maryland, enduring N-word taunts from opponents in his club soccer games.

Calling out systemic racism in society and vying for more opportunities for Black people in MLS is nothing new for Morrow and Ebobisse – but they used to do so on their own.

Now, as board members of Black Players for Change, an independent, player-led coalition that has more than 170 members, they are helping create tangible change for the Black community in MLS. The group, which was founded on Juneteenth one year ago, is not only impacting Black players, coaches and staff as professionals, it is also empowering members as Black men in America as they combat racial injustice.

The Black Players for Change assembled on the field July 8, 2020 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex ahead of the first match at the MLS Is Back Tournament.

Submitted: Major League Soccer

In its first 12 months, the coalition has become a force. Members protested on the field at the MLS Is Back Tournament last July, raising their fists for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to remind the nation of how long Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck, murdering him. The group also helped transform MLS stadiums into voting polls in November. It has vowed to build 12 soccer mini-pitches for Black communities, and it established the league’s first diversity committee, which gave it a seat at the table with MLS owners and Commissioner Don Garber.

But to solely harvest one year of change as a feel-good highlight reel overlooks the emotional roller coaster the men representing the coalition are riding, as they seek to expand opportunities for Black individuals in American soccer while forging bonds as brothers.

“There’s already so much that goes into a player’s career, in terms of being successful on the field,” Morrow told The Tennessean. “But for me, this has been about leading a group of men in pursuit of a goal. We win sometimes, we fail sometimes, but we always do it together.”

Black Players for Change has grown from an Instagram group chat, started by Morrow to create a safe space for Black players expressing their frustrations after Floyd’s murder, into a fully working organization that communicates and conducts business through WhatsApp and Slack.

The byproduct has been the creation of a tight-knit organization that allows Black players such as Morrow — the Toronto FC fullback in his 12th year in MLS — to connect with some of the league’s youngest. The dynamic has created an atmosphere that encourages players to speak up and find their voices.

Justin Morrow, 33, is the executive director for Black Players for Change and is a fullback for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.

Submitted: Black Players for Change

“If we can be the ones to empower (players) to do that,” Morrow said, “that’s exactly the reason why this organization exists.”

More than just a co-founder, Morrow, 33, is the group’s elected leader. He has perfected walking the line between a serious focus for work and keeping things light with jokes.

Those skills, along with his passion for a cause bigger than himself, comes from his father, Leroy.

Starting as a 23-year-old patrol officer for the Cleveland Division of Police, when Morrow was 2, Leroy climbed the ranks to become a lieutenant by the time Morrow was 13 and eventually became a commander.

“He was just so dedicated and rose up the ranks,” Morrow said. “&mldr; I saw that he was always trying to work harder for our family, and pull us up, so that’s always in my mind like, ‘Don’t mess around.’ ”

Morrow heeded that advice as he blossomed into a star at Saint Ignatius High School, a prominent Catholic school in Cleveland. As a junior, Morrow had helped the Wildcats win their first state championship. His prominence grew as the Cleveland Plain Dealer published stories about both his talent and his team.

That prominence came full circle that fall, when Morrow was called to the principal’s office with one of his close friends on the soccer team. The school had received a letter with death threats addressed toward them. Police were present and the FBI was involved.

The letter contained racist language, and according to The Athletic, it made reference to a photo that had appeared in the Plain Dealer of Morrow, his teammate and their white homecoming dates.

FBI officials eventually identified the person who made the threat. The person had also sent similar racist messages to professional athletes.

The incident was an eye-opener, Morrow admits, but not a detriment.

Justin Morrow, executive director for Black Players for Change

I just wanted to create something that lasts longer than I do.

“Those things happen to you and maybe you don’t consciously let it affect you, but subconsciously you know it’s always there,” he said. “It’s always there. It shapes the way you see things, so it’s just been as a steppingstone to get to where I am today.”

Morrow matriculated through majority-white Catholic schools at every level of his education. He played four seasons at Notre Dame from 2006-10 and was the treasurer of the campus NAACP chapter, which he helped start. It was his way of making change in a predominantly white environment.

“I just wanted to create something that lasts longer than I do,” Morrow said. “My time studying at Notre Dame was fantastic, but it’s always short for everyone. The same will be with Major League Soccer in my professional career.”

Ebobisse, 24, also grasped racism from an early age. Growing up in affluent Bethesda, Maryland, the Timbers forward was one of two Black kids in his grade during elementary school and was naturally exposed to politics near the nation’s capital. He played for Bethesda SC as a youth, which included Alex Van Hollen, the son of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

“I was in and around his campaign events and got to understand from a distance what it took to run successful campaigns and to legislate,” Ebobisse told The Tennessean.

But as Ebobisse grew older, his Bethesda SC squad became more diverse with players from Potomac, Bowie and Baltimore. But he still endured gaslighting. Some of his peers in Bethesda and at Walter Johnson High School – where he graduated in three years – insisted racism didn’t exist, as they spewed the N-word in Ebobisse’s presence.

It wasn’t until his sophomore year that Michael Williams – who played soccer at Howard University, an HBCU in Washington – became Ebobisse’s AP World History teacher. Williams, who also coached Walter Johnson’s soccer team, gave Ebobisse a new way of attacking racism and oppression.

Jeremy Ebobisse, 24, is a board member with Black Players for Change and a forward for the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.

Submitted: Black Players for Change

“The way he taught me to look at the world from where I was, breaking down the Eurocentrism in everything that I received up until that point, definitely set me on a course to challenge narratives as I see them and to understand biases everywhere,” Ebobisse said. “And if I can understand the bias, then I can understand information a little bit better.”

Ebobisse is still on that course. Now as a five-year veteran with the Timbers, he collaborated with the Players Coalition, which consists of NFL players, in the spring to help pass the Juvenile Restoration Act.Maryland Senate Bill 494 would abolish life without parole for youths and institute a judicial review for sentence reduction after 20 years of confinement. In September, Morrow did the same in tandem with Players Coalition members in Ohio, helping pass Ohio Senate Bill 256.

Jeremy Ebobisse, on learning and understanding biases

The way (Michael Williams) taught me to look at the world from where I was, breaking down the Eurocentrism in everything that I received up until that point, definitely set me on a course to challenge narratives as I see them and to understand biases everywhere.

Such a platform is new to Ebobisse, who is revered by his teammates and respected by Portland’s activism community, including Rose City Justice, which led several intense protests in the city last June. In a way, Ebobisse is empowered and it’s credit to Black Players for Change.

“In 2017, 2018, 2019, I would have never had the chance to use, for example, my club in order to further my message directly or to create content or to change internal policy,” Ebobisse said. “It was pretty nonexistent, whether it was because I was a draft pick that hadn’t broken into the team yet, or because the social climate wasn’t there for it. I think it was a little bit of both.

“Now that’s not the case. … We’re asking the tough questions, not only in Portland, but nationwide and at the league office. I think it’s really important and that’s a testament to BPC.”

Black Players for Change sparked unprecedented progress in its relationship with MLS last summer.

BPC’s board of directors secured a meeting with Garber after 10 MLS clubs chose not to play after the August shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by Kenosha police in Wisconsin. In that Sept. 24 meeting with Garber, MLS owners and BPC, the league committed to a $1 million contribution to BPC through 2024, coupled with a package of six initiatives.

The meeting accelerated MLS’ hiring of Sola Winley as vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. Winley, who is Black, had championed diversity and inclusion as executive vice president of corporate strategy at A+E Networks.

CJ Sapong talks playing for Nashville SC and Black Players for Change

Jeremiah O. Rhodes, Nashville Tennessean

The meeting also helped establish the MLS Diversity Committee. Winley sits on the committee with Morrow, Sean Johnson of New York City FC, and Earl Edwards Jr. of the New England Revolution. Garber, a crew of MLS owners, a resource group of Black MLS employees and the Soccer Collective on Racial Equity (S.C.O.R.E) also make up the committee.

“We’re players in a room with MLS employees, front office employees and owners of our teams,” Edwards said. “In those spaces – granted, we’re players – we want to be viewed more as men, as Black men that are trying to make a change.

Earl Edwards Jr., 29, is a board member with Black Players for Change and goalkeeper for the New England Revolution.

Submitted: Black Players for Change

“I think that dynamic of us being players – feeling like players – and them being owners looking at players a certain way, being in the front office looking at players a certain way – (it’s) that border of interactions we don’t normally have. Now (they’re) taking feedback from players, specifically Black players,. I think it’s just new for them and for us to be outspoken, demanding certain things or telling them what we want is new for us, too.”

For Johnson, sitting on the committee has made an impact on him. The committee’s April 20 meeting happened as the Chauvin guilty verdict was being revealed. Chauvin killing Floyd sparked a national reckoning for social injustice and police brutality.

“I remember specifically – I shut off my (Zoom) video. I went into the living room,” Johnson said. “I took about 15, maybe 20 (minutes) which felt like forever because it was it was a very emotional moment for me, sitting there with my girlfriend and hearing the verdict.”

Johnson called BPC’s impact on him an emotional ride. For Morrow, leading the group has created a series of life lessons. And for Ebobisse, the power of the platform makes him proud.

But after a long pause, all three elected to focus on what impact Black Players for Change will have on the Black community beyond the coalition’s first year in existence.

“Youth soccer into college soccer into professional soccer has not been the most welcoming of environments for Black people in this country – Black men and women,” Ebobisse said. “So alongside BPC and other organizations, we have a big role to play in changing that and I think we’ve already put a lot of people on alert and gained a lot of collaboration as well.”

Jalil Anibaba talks playing for Nashville SC and Black Players for Change

Jeremiah O. Rhodes, Nashville Tennessean

BPC’s work impacts stretches outside the American soccer bubble. Morrow and Ebobisse represent BPC in working with the NBA Players’ Association on advocating the passage of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, which prohibits racial profiling, reforms qualified immunity, bans chokeholds and federal no-knock warrants, such as the one used in the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Juneteenth is a celebration for Black liberation and the end of slavery in the U.S. To Black Players for Change, the holiday also marks the birth of a brotherhood, whose work in American soccer continues.

“If we don’t do it, nobody else is going to and that’s exactly how we feel,” Morrow said. “That’s what’s so special about this organization.

“I’m not a guy that looks back very often,” he continued. “I just turn the page and get on to the next thing. And maybe there’s a minute for us to pause and appreciate what we’ve created and at the same time, continue to teach about Juneteenth, which is only growing. So, we have a big job to connect the older generation to the current generation and understanding of how we’ve gotten here today.”

Justin Morrow, Toronto FC

Jeremy Ebobisse, Portland Timbers

Quincy Amarikwa, MLS free agent

Jalil Anibaba, Nashville SC

Earl Edwards Jr., New England Revolution

Ray Gaddis, retired MLS player

Bill Hamid, D.C United

Sean Johnson, New York City FC

Ike Opara, Minnesota United FC

CJ Sapong, Nashville SC

For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at [email protected]. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssocer.

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kennethherrerablog · 5 years

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You Can Make $400 Extra Per Month Donating Plasma, Here’s How

Would you be willing to donate your own blood plasma for money?

Below I am going to walk you through the answers of how much you get for donating plasma, where is the best place to donate depending on where you live and what are some of the hacks to making the most money for your time.

The best part–you can actually make up to $400 extra cash each month by donating your own plasma!

This is the reason why donating plasma has become one of the fastest and most lucrative side hustles. If you are someone who doesn’t mind getting poked with needles, this may be one of the most passive side hustles we have found.

Now, that’s a pretty good payday if you ask me, and if you help somebody with a medical need in the process, then it’s a true win-win!

Need a Little More Cash? In addition to donating plasma, you can earn even more when you share your opinion with Survey Junkie. Survey Junkie has a TrustPilot Rating of 8.8 out of 10 and over 3 million members earning cash daily!

So, if you’re willing to set aside two hours of your time at least once a month, you have a really unique opportunity to make a quick, honest buck!

Table of Contents

How Do I Donate Plasma?

What Are the Benefits of Donating Plasma?

How Much Do You Get Paid for Donating Plasma?

How Do Plasma Centers Pay You?

Which Plasma Donation Centers Pay The Most?

B Positive

Biolife

Biotest Plasma Center

BPL Plasma

CSL Plasma

Grifols

Interstate Companies

GCAM Plasma

KEDPlasma

Octapharma

Your Local Plasma Donation Center

Donate at Your Local Red Cross Chapter

Helpful Tips to Become a Plasma Donor

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Pass a Medical Exam

Bring Proper Documentation

Does Donating Plasma Hurt?

How Long Does It Take to Donate Plasma?

Bonus Hacks: How to Donate Plasma Faster

Stay Hydrated

Squeeze a Stress Ball

Avoid Saturated Fat

What Happens During a Plasma Donation?

How Often Can You Donate Plasma?

When Can I Donate Plasma?

Make a Second Plasma Donation to Get Paid

What Can I Do If I Am Rejected as a Plasma Donor?

Temporary Deferrals

Permanent Deferrals

Alternatives to Donating Plasma

Flexible Side Hustles

Alright, Now You Ready to Donate Plasma and Make Money!

How Do I Donate Plasma?

Contrary to popular belief, donating plasma isn’t exclusively for cash-strapped college students. While your local donation center might be conveniently located near college campuses, you can donate if you meet the following requirements:

Must be between 18 and 69 years old (at least 19 years in Alabama)

Weigh at least 110 pounds

Clear of certain infectious diseases and have adequate hemoglobin and blood levels

Possess a legal government ID or Social Security card to prove citizenship

Keep in mind the standards can vary from state-to-state, with some of the most common added restrictions of being tattoo or piercing free, older than the standard 18-years-old, or waiting up to weeks between donation visits.

If you meet these basic requirements, the next step is to get in the car and drive to your local donation center.

What Are the Benefits of Donating Plasma?

There are many reasons you should donate plasma:

Help save lives

Get paid weekly

Flexible donation times

It only takes an hour to donate

Encourages you to pursue healthy behaviors

You’ll find out more about these benefits–especially how you can make money donating plasma–as you read through this article.

Another benefit of donating plasma besides making money and saving lives is that you can also donate blood too. Yes, you’ll have to wait eight weeks after donating whole blood before you can donate plasma again, but it’s something to keep in mind if you don’t have to rely on the regular payments from plasma donations.

How Much Do You Get Paid for Donating Plasma?

You can earn up to $50 per donation, but there are several variables:

Individual donation center payment policy

Is this a first test or subsequent test?

How much plasma you can donate

Although you must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate plasma, you might not be able to donate as much as somebody that weighs 180 pounds because FDA guidelines allow heavier people to donate more plasma; talk about an unfair advantage!

Donation centers pay each donor based on the size of the donation.

So, you might only make $20 or $30 per donation instead of $50 if you weigh less and cannot physically donate as much plasma.

You’ll also get paid more for your first donation because it takes approximately two hours for your first donation because of the onboarding process.

Subsequent donations only require up to 90 minutes of your time–one hour in most instances–so you get paid less per donation, but it’s still easy money. And, some centers pay more if you have a special, high-demand protein or you are a frequent monthly donor and qualify for your center’s monthly promotions!

How Do Plasma Centers Pay You?

The most common payment method for plasma centers is a prepaid debit card. Some donation centers offer rewards points that can be redeemed for cash or merchandise rewards.

Each donation center contracts with a different prepaid debit card provider, so you’ll need to read the payment terms and conditions to make sure your cash balance doesn’t expire. Most cards are reloadable so regular donations mean your balance will never expire, but your balance can expire if you go at least 30 days between donations or you don’t log into your rewards account in at least 180 days.

Which Plasma Donation Centers Pay The Most?

There are more than 400 plasma donation centers all across the United States and most of them are operated by the ten companies listed below. The most common payment method is a prepaid debit card.

Most of these donation centers pay a bonus of up to $50 per donation for your first five visits. If you have at least two centers in your city, take the time to call and find out how much they pay for your first visits and subsequent visits to see which center pays more long-term.

Visit a private donation center to make the most cash. Red Cross donation centers accept plasma donations in addition to blood, but they don’t offer cash payments for your donation. And, the Red Cross only let you donate once every 28 days which is another bummer if you want to make a regular weekly income by donating plasma.

The following is a list of plasma donation centers in alphabetical order, not necessarily the highest-paying. However, most centers offer similar payments and you can expect to make up to $50, on average, for your first donation.

B Positive

Maryland and New Jersey residents might live near a B Positive donation center. All payments are deposited on a B Positive Visa gift card. According to the B Positive website, all donors earn $50 for their first five donations made within the first 30 days.

What makes B Positive exciting is that they pay progressively more for each monthly donation. You might only earn $25 for your first donation each month and $45 for your eighth donation.

Payment per donation: $50 for each of your first five donations, then $15 to $45 per donation

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: MD and NJ

Biolife

There’s a good chance there’s a Biolife center near you as they serve 28 states. Payments are made on the Biolife prepaid debit card. The payment per test varies from center to center, but you usually get a bonus your second weekly test. Since your plasma is useless without the second donation within six months, Biolife gives you some added incentive to come back later in the week.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 per donation

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Biotest Plasma Center

Biotest Plasma collects plasma donations in 12 states. All payments are made to a reloadable prepaid MasterCard debit card. Each time you donate, Biotest loads your payment onto the card.

You can also get a refer-a-friend bonus by getting your friends and family to donate plasma too. They also have monthly sweepstakes that let you win additional cash and prizes too.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations, then $35 to $45 per donation

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AR, FL, GA, IA, NC, NE, NM, OH, PA, SC, SD, TX

BPL Plasma

BPL Plasma pays up to $50 for your first five visits. How much you make after the initial donations, depends on your weight and your center’s payment policy. Seasonal promotions are offered to earn bonus payment too. The most qualifying donors will earn up to $300 per month after monthly promotions and active fees are accounted for.

The maximum donation age for BPL Plasma is 65 years old and free from excessive tattoos and piercings in the past 12 months.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations and up to $300 per month

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AR, AZ, CO, FL, IL, KY, ME, MN, MO, NC, NM, OH, OK, TX

CSL Plasma

With donation centers in 35 states, CSL Plasma is also likely to have a center near you too. And, they also pay good money for your plasma and you can make up to $400 per month. Like the other donation centers, you’ll earn iGive points that can be redeemed for cash on a prepaid debit card. Plus, you can participate in the monthly promotions to earn extra points.

Unlike some of the other donation centers, your iGive points can also be redeemed for merchandise rewards if you don’t need the cash at the moment.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 per donation

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AL, AZ, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WV, WI

Grifols

Grifols is a conglomerate of the following plasma donation brands:

Biomat USA

Grifols

Plasmacare, Inc.

Talecris

You might only make up to $200 per month which puts Grifols at the lower end of the pay scale, but according to a Grifols employee, you actually will get paid within 30 minutes via a prepaid card if you simply make it back to the room to get stuck! To earn double the income, compare the payment schedule if there’s another plasma center in your town or within driving distance as most centers accept donors that live within a 50-mile radius. On a positive note, you can make extra money by referring friends.

While it should be a non-issue unless you’re a procrastinator, Grifols requires at least 48 hours between donations. Other donation centers only require a break of at least 24 hours.

Payment per donation: Up to $25 per donation or $200 per month

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 48 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NC, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI

Interstate Companies

The Interstate Companies have 22 plasma donation centers located in 13 states. Most of their plasma donation centers carry the Plasma Biological Services or Bio-Blood name.

When looking for a donation center on the Interstate Companies website, pay attention to what donations are accepted at your nearest center as they either accept plasma only or whole blood only.

Maximum payment varies by location, but you can expect to earn up to $50 for your first five donations, then $250 per month. Like Grifols, you must wait at least 48 hours between donations.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 48 hours between donations

States with donation centers: FL, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, MS, PA, TN, TX, WI

GCAM Plasma

GCAM Plasma operates donation centers in four states and you can earn up to $30 per donation after waiting 24-48 hours between donations. If you earn $30 per test, you can expect to earn approximately $240 a month by donating twice a week.

Payment per donation: Up to $30 per donation

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: CA, ID, TX, WA

KEDPlasma

Attention plasma donors in Buffalo, NY…KEDPlasma really wants your plasma if you have Rh-negative blood and live within 90 miles of Somerset Laboratories. If you meet these basic requirements, you can make a little extra cash by participating in the Anti-D program.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AL, FL, GA, LA, NC, SC

If not, KEDPlasma still accepts plasma donations from several states in the eastern United States. You can expect to earn up to $400 per month and receive a bonus for your first five donations. All payments are made to a Wirecard prepaid debit card.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AL, FL, GA, LA, NC, SC

Octapharma

Octapharma has plasma donation centers located across the country and Germany if you know anybody there that wants to become a plasma donor too.

In addition to getting paid to refer a friend to donate with Octapharma, you earn rewards points that can be redeemed for tiered rewards including express passes, gift cards, and sweepstakes entries, or a prepaid MasterCard debit card.

Payment details vary by location, but you can expect to make up to $50 for your first five donations. After that, expect to make around $300 per month or approximately $40 per subsequent donation. As a frequent donor, you can qualify for monthly bonuses too.

Payment per donation: Up to $50 for your first five donations and $300 per month

Donation frequency: Twice per week with at least 24 hours between donations

States with donation centers: AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NV, OH, OK, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI

Your Local Plasma Donation Center

The ten donation centers listed above are the largest companies with a multi-state presence. There are also independent donation centers–like ADMA BioCenters in metro Atlanta– across the country that pay you for plasma donations too.

The easiest way to find your closest plasma center is searching by the keyword, “highest paying plasma donation center near me.”

If you’re lucky, you’ll have more than one option and you can call both centers to compare payouts. When I performed the web search, I found two different centers in my city that pay for plasma donations.

Taking a few seconds to explore all your options can be well worth the effort as you can make double the amount at a donation center across town.

Donate at Your Local Red Cross Chapter

If you don’t live near a plasma donation center that pays, you can still demonstrate your giving spirit by donating to your local American Red Cross. You won’t get paid, but donating plasma is still a great way to “pay it forward” to help out a neighbor.

You’ll only be able to donate plasma once every 28 days or 13 times a year, but you can still donate whole blood and blood platelets during the waiting periods.

Helpful Tips to Become a Plasma Donor

Most people just can’t walk into a plasma center and make your donation because you might faint from lack of food or dehydration. Instead of being told to come back tomorrow, follow these tips to make sure you arrive prepared and you’re allowed to donate.

In most states, you must be at least 18 years old to donate plasma; the lone exception is Alabama where you need to be at least 19 years old.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of liquids before you donate

Avoid a fatty or high cholesterol foods

Don’t drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages at least 72 hours before a donation

Getting into the habit of eating healthy might seem like a chore at first, but look at it another way; you’re getting paid to be healthy when you donate plasma.

If you don’t think it’s possible to eat healthy without breaking the bank, listen to Episode 84 of the Money Peach Podcast as Erin Chase tells you how to make every meal a $5 meal. After listening to Erin’s money-saving secrets, your plasma donations can cover most of your food bill!

Also, you will definitely want to shop with Ibotta to get a $10 cash bonus and save every time you buy groceries.

Pass a Medical Exam

Before each donation, you need to pass a basic medical exam that consists of questions about your general health, checking your blood pressure, and pricking your finger to check your iron and hemoglobin levels.

Maintaining a balanced diet also helps ensure your iron levels and blood pressure are adequate.

The testing center might prohibit you from donating in these circumstances:

Weigh less than 110 pounds

Insufficient iron or hemoglobin levels

Recent tattoos or piercings

Carry certain transmittable diseases

Take select prescription medications

Recently traveled outside the country

You will need to ask the center which illnesses and prescription medications disqualify you from becoming a donor.

If you have HIV, hepatitis, eczema on your arm in the donation site, diabetes controlled with medication, the donation center won’t let you donate. You also won’t be able to donate if you have been pregnant within the last six months.

If you are currently on prescription medication it may not be an automatic deal breaker, but you probably can’t donate if you take medication for acne, cold sores, infections, or vaccines and immunizations.

Never try donating plasma if you don’t feel 100% from allergies, the flu, or the common cold. You also won’t be able to donate if you currently have a sprain or stitches.

Bring Proper Documentation

You must be able to prove your identity for your first visit. In fact, the donation center staff won’t begin checking your vitals until you show you’re a legal citizen. Your individual center might have slightly different document requirements, but the most commonly required documents include:

Social Security Card or Border Crossing Card

Valid picture ID (driver’s license, student ID, or military ID)

Proof of residency (bank statement or bill issued within the last three months)

Bring what documentation you normally bring when you need to renew your driver’s license or apply for a passport. After the initial donation, you may only have to bring your regular photo id to verify your identity.

Does Donating Plasma Hurt?

With each donation, you don’t get pricked with a needle not once but twice. For your plasma to be used by another, you need to make your second donation within six months so you’ll technically get pricked four times.

If you’ve donated blood before or don’t mind having blood drawn for testing, donating plasma is a very similar experience. Many donors say the needle feels like a mild bee sting; it’s not as fun as relaxing at the beach but it’s for a worthy cause.

One of your fingertips will be pricked first to test your iron and hemoglobin levels. If they’re up to par, you’ll proceed to the donation area where you will get pricked the second time by a phlebotomist in your arm to begin donating blood.

If you feel discomfort while donating plasma, immediately speak with the phlebotomist who might only need a minor adjustment to the needle or plasmapheresis machine.

Because the plasma center is only collecting your blood plasma, the donation machine is actively separating your plasma from your blood and returns your blood with saline additive back into your body. This return process can give you a cold feeling, and it’s recommended you bring a jacket or light blanket to wear if you feel cold.

How Long Does It Take to Donate Plasma?

Your first ever plasma donation visit usually takes twice as long as your subsequent visits. One reason is all the paperwork you have to fill out before you can begin the actual donation. Until you find your groove while donating, it can also take a couple visits to acclimate to having a needle in your arm for an hour too.

Expect your first visit to take between 90 minutes and two hours, however the actual donation time will only consume an hour of that time.

For your future visits, you can expect the entire donation to last around an hour because you only have to complete a basic medical questionnaire to ensure nothing has changed since your last visit that only takes a couple minutes to complete.

Since it only takes an hour in most instances to donate plasma, this is a quick and easy side hustle you can partake in between classes, after work, or on your days off.

Can you set aside two hours of your week to potentially make $100? I can!

Bonus Hacks: How to Donate Plasma Faster

Plasma centers pay you a fixed rate based on how much you donate. It doesn’t matter if it takes you an hour or two hours, you’re only going to make $50. So do you want to make $50 or $25 an hour? If you want to make $50 an hour, you need to follow these hacks below on donation day.

Like other side hustles that pay a flat rate, how much time it takes to donate plasma is just as important as how much you make per donation. Centers pay you more when you go for your initial visits because of the extra time required, but you need to learn how to work smarter instead of harder to maximize your earnings for subsequent plasma donations.

Stay Hydrated

Not drinking enough water before you donate slows down your donation speed because your blood is “thicker” and it’s harder for the machine to collect your plasma. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common reasons for slow donations because blood plasma is 90% water.

Just remember that you only have a finite amount of time for each donation session and after a predetermined amount of time the phlebotomist will begin unhooking the collection equipment whether you’ve donated the daily limit or not.

If you’re hydrated, you can donate your full amount within the donation window but being dehydrated might only let you donate three-quarters of your donation limit and you get paid less as a result.

Remaining hydrated can be a double-edged sword. Drinking too much water can cause your blood iron levels to become too diluted and you’ll be disqualified when they check your iron and hemoglobin levels.

Squeeze a Stress Ball

Regularly squeezing your hand or a stress ball boosts circulation. The quicker your blood circulates, the sooner you donate enough plasma. Find what works best for you so you remain comfortable while donating so you don’t try to “force” the donation and actually end up donating less.

What happens if your blood doesn’t circulate quickly enough?

The machine sounds an alarm and the phlebotomist must make some quick adjustments to clear the blockage. If they can’t, you’re not able to donate plasma for the next six months!

While this scenario is the exception to the rule, don’t forget to squeeze your fists periodically during a donation to keep yourself out of the unemployment line.

Avoid Saturated Fat

Eating a greasy cheeseburger and fries before you donate can slow your plasma flow too much. This is because these two foods are high in saturated fat that clogs your veins and produce “cloudy” plasma that can clog the plasmapheresis machine. If your plasma flow is too slow, your donation session will end prematurely and you’ll be paid a reduced rate.

Avoid saturated fat at all costs by not eating these foods before you donate:

Burgers

Fries

Cheese

Milk

Candy

Processed foods

Instead, seek foods with unsaturated fat which can actually speed up your plasma flow and help you donate in a shorter period of time; 45 minutes instead of 60 minutes for example.

Some examples of foods with unsaturated foods that you can eat and won’t leave you hungry are:

Avocados

Natural, non-hydrogenated peanut butter

Almonds

Fish

Beans

Eggs

Try to buy fresh ingredients including raw fruits and vegetables instead of pre-made items you get from the grocery store or restaurant. They’re healthier overall and cheaper.

What Happens During a Plasma Donation?

If you’ve donated blood before, the entire plasma donation process is very similar.

In a nutshell, here’s how it works:

Arrive at the donation center

Pass the iron and hemoglobin test

Phlebotomist connects the plasmapheresis machine to begin the donation

Finish the donation and schedule your follow-up donation time

From start to finish, you should expect to be at the center for 60-90 minutes depending on how long it takes you to complete the paperwork and donate your plasma. The most skilled donors only need 45 minutes to make the actual donation after checking their iron and hemoglobin levels.

When donating plasma, you’re sitting in one place for about an hour. The donation center is paying you for your time, but is it possible to “double dip” and make more money?

Most centers play movies and let you watch tv, so it can be an opportune time to rest, but many centers now offer free public wifi that you can use to stream your own content, read great books, study for an exam or promotion.

Another option to increase your hourly rate is taking paid online surveys. Since the average online survey takes 15 minutes, you can complete four surveys during a single donation.

How Often Can You Donate Plasma?

You can donate plasma twice a week, but you must wait 24 to 48 hours between donations. This rest interval gives your body time to replace your plasma count. Drinking plenty of water ensures your plasma levels quickly return to their normal levels and you’ll maintain a high energy level too because coffee, tea, and soft drinks dehydrate you further.

Donating plasma isn’t as intense as donating blood because the plasmapheresis machine puts saline back into your body, but your body still has to replace the plasma you donate.

In between donations, remember to avoid junk food and sugary drinks too. And, you still need to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for at least 72 hours before your second donation as well. While you shouldn’t go hog wild after your second weekly donation, you can relax your eating habits a little more afterwards.

Like you should drink plenty of water to avoid the negative effects of dehydration, eating healthy food provides multiple benefits besides faster donation times.

When Can I Donate Plasma?

Most donation centers are open every day of the week from 7am to 7pm during the weekdays and through mid-afternoon on weekends.

You can pick the day and time that works best with your schedule whether it’s before work, after class, or during your lunch break. Some centers also provide free childcare so you can donate plasma if you bring your children along too.

Your donation center might have designated time slots for first-time donors because of the additional time required to complete the additional paperwork. Afterwards, you can pick the donation time that works best for you because you only need to set aside an hour to donate the plasma since your name’s in the computer system.

Make a Second Plasma Donation to Get Paid

There are many similarities between blood and plasma donations, but one of the largest differences is that you don’t get paid until your second plasma donation is collected.

That means you must donate plasma twice before the donation center hands you a prepaid debit card loaded with cash. In most cases, you have six months to make your second sample.

Donation centers don’t do this to be mean, but they need two separate plasma donations before your plasma is usable. Holding payment until the second donation prevents ill-intentioned hustlers from donating once and running away with the cash while the center is stuck with a useless donation.

Think of your first donation as a “security deposit” and the second donation as your monthly rent payment; you make rent each month and your landlord is kind enough to let you stay for another month.

If you earn $50 per donation, the donation center will pay you a $100 lump sum payment; $50 for the first donation and $50 for the second donation.

Remember in order to receive the new donor bonuses–$50 per donation compared to the usual $40 donation payment–you usually have to complete each donation within the first two months.

Because I’m sure you like making money and helping people in the process, you’ll have no problem making your second donation ASAP!

What Can I Do If I Am Rejected as a Plasma Donor?

Maybe you want to donate plasma but can’t at the moment because of a current medical condition, you’re pregnant, or you recently got a tattoo or piercing. Whether you’re waiting a few months to become an eligible donor or donating plasma just isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry.

Temporary Deferrals

Maybe the center gave you a temporary deferral because you don’t feel well, are still recovering from a recent medical procedure, or your iron counts were too low. Whatever the reason, follow the center’s advice on how long you should wait and if there’s anything you can do to help speed up the waiting process.

If your iron count is low, you can start consuming more iron-rich foods to boost your count. It might take a couple days, but don’t give up hope if you have a temporary deferral. Your opportunity to donate will arrive sooner than you think.

Permanent Deferrals

Maybe you’ll never be able to donate plasma because of a certain medical condition that can harm your body or the plasma recipient.

If you believe the donation assigned a permanent deferral in error, you can try to overturn the deferral by getting a second medical opinion and following the center’s appeal process. It’s worth a shot if you’re serious about donating plasma.

Alternatives to Donating Plasma

Maybe you’ve decided plasma donation isn’t for you or you need to pursue an additional side hustle on the days you aren’t donating plasma.

Thankfully, there are many different options that won’t affect your donor status.

Flexible Side Hustles

Donating plasma might sound appealing because of the flexible donation times. All you have to do is set aside two hours a week that are most convenient for you; those are the best side hustle options because you name your own hours.

While this is only a partial list of flexible side hustles, you should consider these options first:

Online surveys on Survey Junkie or Swagbucks

Driving for Uber or Lyft

Delivering food with UberEats

Freelance writing

Graphic design

Transcribe two-minute audio recordings

You can easily do these side hustles in addition to donating plasma. Several of these online-based hustles can be pursued while you’re donating. If you’re a rideshare driver, you can donate plasma between gigs which means you don’t have to make a special trip to the donation center because you’re passing by it anyways.

Alright, Now You Ready to Donate Plasma and Make Money!

I think we all understand donating plasma won’t make us rich, but it’s a great, flexible way to supplement our regular income. And, we get the opportunity to pass on the gift of life in the process.

In fact, if you really break it down–donating plasma is one of the few ways you can legally “sell” your body for medical purposes and get paid!

If you’re ready to make some money by donating plasma, don’t wait. Your local plasma center is waiting to schedule your first donation!

Related Posts You May Like

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You Can Make $400 Extra Per Month Donating Plasma, Here’s How published first on https://mysingaporepools.weebly.com/

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femmesfollesnebraska · 7 years

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Katrina Majkut, artist

LFF is pleased to present a photo essay by artist Katrina Majkut around her new series, Sexual Assault Rape Kit.

Installation of Sexual Assault Rape Kit, by Katrina Majkut, 2017

My goal is to stitch underrepresented or omitted subjects in embroidery. So I started stitching every product related to women’s reproductive health, family planning and their bodies.

Kit 1, Katrina Majkut

It was a natural progression to include the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit after hearing about the underreported assaults on U.S. college campuses over the last few several years. As I researched more products to stitch, the unstitched products were becoming more related to violence – used in response to it or to prevent it.

Step 1, Katrina Majkut

I realized that In Control is, unfortunately, inherently violent as women have always fought civilly and socially to control their own bodies. Secondly, that this kit has begun a new cross-stitched art series.

Step 2, Katrina Majkut

The importance of this new series became apparent after news of Harvey Weinstein’s sexual predator history and the most recent gun violence in American. The U.S. government’s response on these matters has been silence or unsupportiveness.

Step 3, Katrina Majkut

Betsy Devos has announced her intentions to role back Obama-era Title IX policies on sexual assault, gun reform remains nonexistent and Trump has condoned workplace harassment and sexual assault as locker-room talk.

Step 4, Katrina Majkut

I hope this particular artwork brings empathy to survivors and raises awareness towards the lengths of what women have to go through to feel in control of the bodies even after the assault has taken place.

Step 5, Katrina Majkut

I hope it also brings to light the issues of testing kits in a timely manner in order for survivors to seek justice and how many departments of justice neglect them.

Step 6, Katrina Majkut

Katrina Majkut (My’kut) is a visual artist and writer living and working in Brooklyn, New York. She is dedicated to exploring and understanding feminine narratives and civil rights in aesthetics and social practices within mediums such as embroidery, painting and writing.

Step 7, Katrina Majkut

Majkut recently exhibited in Nasty Stitches at Victori + Mo (Brooklyn), a two-person exhibit, Don't Touch My Papaya at The Art Gallery at CUNY College of Staten Island, and a solo show at Babson College. She was also an Artist in Residence at MASS MoCA.

Step 8, Katrina Majkut

Majkut has been featured in multiple publications from the Huffington Post to VICE Communication's Broadly. She has been listed as one of four international artists starting a new chapter in feminist art by Mic Media and thrice highlighted as a must-see artist in the Gowanus Open Studios by Hyperallergic.

Step 9, Katrina Majkut

Her art catalogues are in several library collections including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, D.C.

Step 10, Katrina Majkut

Majkut will be releasing her first published non-fiction book, The Adventures and Discoveries of a Feminist Bride based on her blog, TheFeministBride.com through Black Rose Writing in 2018. The book examines Western wedding traditions with feminism, humor and self-deprecating anecdotes.

Step 11, Katrina Majkut

She has written for various publications from Bustle.com, Bust.com to Bitch Media. Majkut holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Babson College, and a post-baccalaureate certificate and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.

Step 12, Katrina Majkut

This year, Majkut exhibited in F-word. Riverworks Gallery. Greenville Technical College. Greenville, SC.Truth. BRIC Arts Media. New York, NY.

Step 13, Katrina Majkut

In 2018, Majkut will be exhibiting at Chesapeake Gallery, Harford Community College, in Bel Air, MD; Greenly Gallery, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA.; and Future Tenant Gallery in Pittsburgh, PA.

http://katrinamajkut.format.com/

Les Femmes Folles is a volunteer organization founded in 2011 with the mission to support and promote women in all forms, styles and levels of art from around the world with the online journal, print annuals, exhibitions and events; originally inspired by artist Wanda Ewing and her curated exhibit by the name Les Femmes Folles (Wild Women). LFF was created and is curated by Sally Deskins. LFF Books is a micro-feminist press that publishes 1-2 books per year by the creators of Les Femmes Folles including the award-winning Intimates & Fools (Laura Madeline Wiseman, 2014) , The Hunger of the Cheeky Sisters: Ten Tales (Laura Madeline Wiseman/Lauren Rinaldi, 2015 and Mes Predices (catalog of art/writing by Marie Peter Toltz, 2017).Other titles include Les Femmes Folles: The Women 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 available on blurb.com, including art, poetry and interview excerpts from women artists. A portion of the proceeds from LFF books and products benefit the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Wanda Ewing Scholarship Fund.

https://www.facebook.com/femmesfolles/ instagram: @lesfemmesfollesart femmesfollesnebraska.tumblr.com lesfemmesfollesbooks.tumblr.com

#katrina majkut #in control #les femmes folles #women in art #contemprorary art #feminist art

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gigsoupmusic · 5 years

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ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN Announces North American Tour with IN FLAMES & RED

Canadian Metal Band ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN has announced that they will be joining IN FLAMES and RED for their 2019 Fall / Winter Tour. Launching November 2nd in Wichita, KS, the tour winds throughout the US and Canada, ending December 20th in Dallas, TX. The group will be touring in support of their new album, Harbinger, which is available now via Nuclear Blast Records.

Tour Dates: 11/02 @ Wave - Wichita, KS 11/03 @ Gothic Theatre - Englewood, CO 11/04 @ The Complex - Salt Lake CIty, UT 11/06 @ The Observatory - Santa Monica, CA 11/07 @ The Marquee - Tempe, AZ 11/08 @ Hard Rock Live - Las Vegas, NV 11/09 @ Cargo - Reno, NV 11/10 @ The Senator - Chico, CA 11/11 @ The Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA 11/13 @ Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR 11/14 @ Modtown Ballroom - Bend, OR 11/16 @ El Corazon - Seattle, WA 11/17 @ Rickshaw Stop - Vancouver, BC 11/19 @ Palace - Calgary, AB 11/20 @ Union Hall - Edmonton, AB 11/22 @ The Garrick - Winnipeg, MB 11/23 @ The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN 11/24 @ Concord Music Hall - Chicago, IL 11/26 @ London Music Hall - London, ON 11/27 @Phoenix Concert Theatre - Toronto, ON 11/28 @ Bronson Centre - Ottowa, ON 12/03 @ L'imperial Bell - Quebec City, QC 12/04 @ Corona Theatre - Montreal, QC 12/05 @ Aura - Portland, ME 12/16 @ The Palladium - Worcester, MA 12/07 @ Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD 12/08 @ Sony Hall - New York, NY 12/10 @ Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN 12/11 @ The Signal - Chattanooga, TN 12/12 @ The Firmament - Greenville, SC 12/14 @ Culture Room - Fort Lauderdale, FL 12/15 @ Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FL 12/16 @ Center Stage - Atlanta, GA 12/18 @ TOwer Theatre - Oklahoma City, OK 12/19 @ Come and Take It Live - Austin, TX * 12/20 @ Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill - Dallas, TX * * No RED https://open.spotify.com/album/11KNTC9eCKHlot7EOaZJIt?si=SZuKcdOlR42mxlJ0rECWdw The days get shorter during autumn, and the darkness lasts longer. As the leaves turn, life does as well. This annual change ushers in another season and all of its inherent possibilities. For as dark as it may seem, it offers the promise of a new chapter. Such contrast fuels Alberta, Canada metal outfit Arrival of Autumn. Sonically, precise metallic pummeling offsets sweeping and soaring hooks, while thematically apocalyptic imagery undercuts a glimmer of hope. The quintet—Jamison Friesen , Brendan Anderson , Ryan Sorensen , Kevin Student , and Ty Fox —explores this dichotomy to the fullest extent on its full-length debut, Harbinger . “Symbolically, the arrival of autumn represents the leaves changing, the smell of decay, and the oncoming bleakness of winter,” says Jamison. “We’re entering a bleak time of year that can be translated to a mental state or the state of the world. However, things sometimes have to get a little bleak before they can get better. We’re attracted to art that reflects and accepts this side of humanity as part of nature. We’re going to grab the issues and address them head-on.” Born and raised in the tiny city of Grande Prairie, the musicians grew up “300 miles from the nearest international airport.” Inspired by the likes of Metallica, Lamb of God, Trivium, Black Dahlia Murder, and more, music doubled as a refuge from small town malaise and nearly six months of winter as the band formally came to life in 2011. “When you’re in a boring city in the middle of nowhere, people find themselves susceptible to destructive habits, so you need to have a willingness to avoid those,” he continues. “Playing music is how we grounded ourselves.” The musicians personally booked tours across the Great White North, attracting a growing fan base in the process. They unleashed a pair of independent albums—Endless Nights and Shadows—and caught the attention of super producer Jason Suecof . Not only did he turn them on to Nuclear Blast, but he manned the boards for Harbinger throughout 2018. Throughout intense sessions, the producer pushed the boys to maximize their potential all-around. “Jason would analyze every part at a deep level,” he goes on. “We learned a ton from him in terms of how to write and really refine our approach. He brought the best out of us.” Arrival of Autumn introduce Harbinger with the bludgeoning barrage of first single “The Endless.” Airtight riffing and a percussive onslaught culminate around an undeniable hook. “We’re really into Westworld, and that inspired the song” says Jamison. “It addresses the human psyche and almost questions our free will and what drives us. Do we have free will, or are we simply going through our daily lives unchecked?” Meanwhile, “Better Off Without” underscores a metallic maelstrom with a ponderous concept of “how at some point in history we gained conscience and we mistook it for a divine voice.” Elsewhere, “Witness” hinges on thick grooves and a refrain as haunting as its subject matter. “That one is about trying to survive when everything around you is falling apart,” he remarks. “It’s told through a fictional apocalyptic setting, nodding to the Mad Max movies. The protagonist finds he can be a hero when there doesn’t seem to be a point in trying.” In the end, Arrival Of Autumn signal a new season for heavy music on Harbinger. “I hope the content does make people think about how they live their lives day-to-day and to be themselves and believe what they believe,” Jamison leaves off. “Don’t live a lie. If you know something is false and you are acting it out day-to-day in order to impress other people, cut it out, and get yourself together. Recognize that all you have to do is be a better person and that itself can cause a ripple effect for the better.” Read the full article

#ARRIVALOFAUTUMN #DebutAlbum #EndlessNights #Harbinger #INFLAMES&RED #independentalbums #Metal #northamericantour #Shadows

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griefsurvivor · 5 years

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More than You Can Handle - January 2019 Edition

Have you ever gotten news that literally took your breath away? Me too.

Whether it was heartbreaking loss, a scary medical diagnosis or other crushing news- sometimes life gives us more than we can handle.

A week before Christmas my family’s world turned completely upside down with a late night call. I don’t remember the details- only a few terrifying words about our son, Michael. Words like, “scans, extreme pain, lymph nodes, emergency surgery ...” Within minutes we had packed whatever we could find and started the 3 1/2 hour drive to Charleston, SC.

Christmas week and the weeks since have been filled with sweet family time, doctor visits, world-class friends and one of the scariest words in the English language.

As author, Lysa TerKeurst puts it, “there’s no easy way to attach the word cancer to your world and not make all who love you cry. (It’s Not Supposed to be this Way book.)

We are thankful a couple brilliant doctors at Duke and MD Anderson have assured us that the surgery removed the bad stuff- but that treatments will be an “insurance policy” for the future. Well alrighty then. Treatments started this week, and we fully believe Michael is healed, by Jesus’ mighty power. Amen.

There are a couple things I’ve noticed during this really tough chapter. If you’re in a, “more than I can handle” season right now, I hope they help you, too.

Tears Are a Really Good Thing

Last week, when I mentioned Michael’s situation to a complete stranger, an embarrassing and sudden Tsunami of tears erupted. Half a box of Kleenex later, I was finally able to catch my breath. The tearful pattern continued on and off all day long. Surely I must be losing my mind, I thought.

The next day, I spoke with a counselor friend and casually asked if he thought I was going crazy. Ever been there? He was so compassionate to assure me, “you’re not going crazy. You’re a mom.” He went on to tell me that tears are actually a really good thing.

All that to say, if you find yourself uncontrollably crying, or questioning, angry or whatever... please know you’re not going crazy. You’re human! And tears are actually a really good thing.

Don’t Go it Alone

If you have one person in your life you can call day or night, no matter what, you are truly Blessed! After years of attempting to fly solo through grief, tragedy and life, I finally figured out we were never designed to face the crushingly hard stuff by ourselves!!

Today when I realized Michael had been battling intense treatment-related pain, I called up five Prayer Warrior Angel friends. Within moments, prayers from multiple states were being lifted, fearlessly and out loud- for this pain to forever leave his body! Please feel free to join this Prayer Angel Army!

If you don’t have someone to walk with or to pray for you, I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to send them. Or, add a comment on the Grief Survivor Facebook page. I’d be honored to pray for you...and might even call up the Prayer Warrior Angels on your behalf!

The Lord’s promise that He is close to the brokenhearted; and that He will rescue us when we’re crushed in spirit, has been a lifeline for me. My prayer is that these words (Psalm 34:18) will comfort you, too with peace and strength.

#sudden tragedy #grief #loss #cancer #more than you can handle #Lysa TerKeurst

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the-record-newspaper · 6 years

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CSM Reggie Hill Retires after 35 Years Military Service

HEATHER DEAN

Record Reporter

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Reginald F. Hill, Jr., of Mulberry, retired with over 35 years of military service and over 20 years of active duty in the Army’s Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program.

Hill had always thought that after high school, he would either join the military or go to college. He got to do both; in October 1982, after a year of college, Hill enlisted into the North Carolina Army National Guard in Company D, 505th Engineer Battalion in North Wilkesboro. Through the National Guard/ Army Reserves program, he was able to pay for college and get military training. Hill has served in Iraq, Kuwait, Europe, and South and Central America.

In 2017 he served as the Command Sergeant Major for Task Force Rhino for a 45 day, emergency relief operations mission to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria with the 105th Engineer Battalion. Task Force Rhino was assigned as the command and control of the Engineer line of effort for the south quadrant of the island and is stationed at Camp Santiago, Salinas, and Puerto Rico. Horizontal Engineer companies from South Carolina, Louisiana, and New York are assigned to the task force.

Between traveling and deployment since 1996, Hill says he is ready to take some time off and just stay in Wilkes, though he is finding out that retired life seems much busier.

CSM Hill was mobilized with the 505th Engineer Battalion for Operation Noble Eagle to the Military District of Washington and the National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, MD 2002-2003 and received the Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as the Battalion PSNCO.

He received the Bronze Star Medal for his service as the Battalion Operations NCO during deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of the 101st Airborne Division’s Task Force Band of Brothers 2005-2006.

He served as the First Sergeant for the North Wilkesboro, Elkin, and Lexington units from February 2007 to August 2010.

In June 2013, Hill was promoted to Sergeant Major, and appointed as the Command Sergeant Major of the 105th Engineer Battalion (Rhinos) 1 December 2014.

Upon his retirement, Hill was nominated for the Legion of Merit, the North Carolina National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Among his recollections, Hill says that the blizzard of 1993 comes to mind. “I was so proud of the unit and my soldiers. We almost had to deliver a baby in Ashe, but we got her through to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and they were able to air lift her to the hospital from there.” Hill said the Army may not teach you how to deliver a baby, but the training of how to stay calm in stressful situations, kept every one safe.

Of his last mission in Puerto Rico he said “It was uplifting to go and help those affected. I wish we could have stayed longer to help. Some of the Soldiers there, lost everything as well, and they have to rebuild and do their jobs simultaneously.”

CSM Hill is a life member of the North Carolina National Guard Association, the Army Engineer Association, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1142, the Braxton Bragg Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #810, and N.C. American Legion Post #31.

Statistics show that only 1% of the population enlists into the armed services. Hill says that it is important to carry on taking care of service members, even though he is retiring. Every month his church, First Light, sends care packages to service members. “I try to stress to the young people that we really do take our freedoms for granted. Over in some countries, people aren’t allowed to go to church, or even vote, and everyday, someone is putting their life on the line to make sure that we get to carry on.” Hill said. And for those trying to decide, like he did, whether to go to college or to enlist, he encourages them to go the route he took- enlist in the National Guard, or Army Reserves, go to college, learn a trade, while learning how to serve your country.

An Alumni of North Wilkes High School and Appalachian State University, Hill resides in Mulberry, with his wife, Karen, and three dogs. They have two sons, Daniel, 25, of Raleigh who was a communications major at State University, and is now a producer for Spectrum News in Raleigh, and Patrick, 19, who just graduated from Wilkes Community College this week, and who is transferring to Appalachian as a Criminal Justice Major. . CSM Hill is the son of Reginald F. Hill Sr. and Shelby Hill of North Wilkesboro. He will be speaking at the North High Baccalaureate Sunday, May 20, at 6 p.m. at Baptist Home Church.

His Military Service:

Hill served in the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in positions of increasing responsibility to include Heavy Vehicle Driver, Armorer, Unit Clerk, Supply Sergeant, Carpentry & Masonry Sergeant, Combat Engineer, Training NCO, Readiness NCO, PSNCO, Battalion Operations Sergeant, Brigade Chief Operations Sergeant and culminating as Battalion Command Sergeant Major.

Hill’s many schools include the Battle Skills Course at Camp Robinson AR; the U.S. Army First Sergeants Course at Region II NCO Academy at Fort Jackson SC; the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker AL; the basic and advanced Anti-Terrorism Courses, Physical Security Course, and the Engineer Pre-Command Course at Fort Leonard Wood MO. He is a graduate of Class #37 of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, TX .

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earlorguk · 6 years

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Census Substitutes & State Census Records- 2nd Edition – 25% Off + Free USA Shipping Thru February 16

About a year ago, Family Roots Publishing released a new Second Edition of Bill Dollarhide’s popular 2008 Census Substitutes and State Census Records set. The series is in three books, all over 270 pages each, Eastern States, Central States, and Western States. So many changes have taken place since the 2008 edition was printed that we were compelled to finally do a complete update of what was a 2-volume set. The use of colonial, territorial and state census records is mandatory if doing United States family research. Thirty-eight states took these censuses. Al states have what we’d call census substitutes – tax lists, voter registrations, land record indexes, directories, military lists, land ownership maps, and on and on… Mr. Dollarhide has compiled the best descriptive listing, complete with call numbers and internet links, that has ever been produced. It’s sure to help you find more ancestors and cousins than ever before.

We’ve decided to run a promo on the Second Edition books for Valentine’s Day 2018. We’re making the 3 volume set 25% off – and throwing in free USA shipping from now through the February 16, 2018 (Sorry, we can’t afford to ship these out-of-the-country at this price). Get these fabulous research aids today! The set of three books sells for $99.95. Taking off 25% makes them just $74.96 for all three volumes. Also save $8 in postage by purchasing during this sale. Click on the links to purchase.

Note that the books are available as paperback books, PDF eBooks, or a combination thereof. All options are at sale prices. See the links at the bottom of this entry.

In this Second Edition, William Dollarhide identifies Census Substitutes, as well as State Census Records for the Eastern, Central and Western portion of the United States of America. The substitutes are those name lists derived from tax lists, directories, military lists, land ownership maps, voter registrations, and other compilations of names of residents for an entire state, one or more counties of a state or one or more towns in a county. Thirty-eight states conducted colonial, territorial, or state censuses that are extant and available for research today. Often taken between Federal Decennial Census years, these records may contain unique information, and may even shed light on the lives of your ancestors that might have been on-the-move.

The Second Edition includes numerous online sources that have been posted on the Internet since the First Edition was published in 2008. This reflects the ongoing efforts of both public and private companies to digitize relevant records. Although the series is by region, and then by state, there have been numerous nationwide census and census substitute sources that have been developed in the last decade, with most posted online. For this reason, we have included a Nationwide Censuses & Substitutes chapter within Volume 3. The First Edition was printed in two volumes (Eastern & Western), while the Second Edition is now in three.

The 1st volume covers 22 eastern states, organized with these regions: Old Southwest (AL, FL, GA, &; MS); New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, & VT): Mid-Atlantic States (DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, & PA); and The Old South (KY, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV).

This 2nd volume covers 16 central states of The Old Northwest (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, & WI); The Central Plains IA, KS, MO, NE, ND, & SD); and the more Central Southern states of (TX, OK, LA, & AR).

This 3rd volume covers 13 western states of CA, NV, AK, & HI; Nuevo Mexico (NM & AZ); The Mountain West (CO, UT, & WY); and The Oregon Country (OR, WA, ID, & MT). Also included is a full chapter on Federal Censuses and Nationwide Substitute Name Lists.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME ONE – EASTERN STATES

Chapter 1 – The Old Southwest ● Timeline – The Old Southwest ● Alabama ● Florida ● Georgia ● Mississippi

Chapter 2 – New England ● Timeline – New England ● New England Name Indexes ● Connecticut ● Maine ● Massachusetts ● New Hampshire ● Rhode Island ● Vermont

Chapter 3 – Mid-Atlantic States ● Timeline – Mid-Atlantic States ● Middle Colonies Name Indexes & Guides ● Delaware ● District of Columbia ● Maryland ● New Jersey ● New York ● Pennsylvania

Chapter 4 – The Old South ● Timeline – The Old South ● Kentucky ● North Carolina ● South Carolina ● Tennessee ● Virginia ● West Virginia

CONTENTS OF VOLUME TWO – CENTRAL STATES

Chapter 1 – The Old Northwest ● Timeline – The Old Northwest ● Illinois ● Indiana ● Michigan ● Minnesota ● Ohio ● Wisconsin

Chapter 2 – The Central Plains ● Timeline – The Central Plains ● Iowa ● Kansas ● Missouri ● Nebraska ● Dakota Territory ● North Dakota ● South Dakota

Chapter 3 – Central Southern ● Arkansas ● Louisiana ● Oklahoma ● Texas

CONTENTS OF VOLUME THREE – WESTERN STATES & NATIONAL

Chapter 1 – Sierra Pacific & Alaska ● California ● Nevada ● Hawaii ● Alaska

Chapter 2 – Nuevo Mexico ● Timeline – Arizona & New Mexico ● Arizona ● New Mexico

Chapter 3 – The Mountain West ● Colorado ● Utah ● Wyoming

Chapter 4 – The Oregon Country ● Timeline – ID/MT/OR/WA ● Idaho ● Montana ● Oregon ● Washington

Chapter 5 – Nationwide ● Federal Censuses ● National Census Substitutes

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Volume 1 – Eastern States; Volume 2 – Central States; Volume 3 – Western States & National: Substitute Name Lists for all 50 States and State Censuses for 38 States, Second Edition; by William Dollarhide; 2016; 3 volumes; 822 pages; Item FR0195

Also available as a PDF ebook bundle of the three books, Volumes 1, 2, and 3 – FR0196.

Also available as a super-bundle with Volumes 2 & 3, as well as PDF ebooks of all three volumes – FR0197.

ALSO AVAILABLE AS THREE INDIVIDUAL PRINTED BOOKS

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 1 – Eastern States – FR0419

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 2 – Central States – FR0421

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 3 – Western States & National – FR0423

ALSO AVAILABLE AS THREE INDIVIDUAL PDF EBOOKS

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 1 – Eastern States – FR0419-PDF

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 2 – Central States – FR0421-PDF

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 3 – Western States & National – FR0423-PDF

ALSO AVAILABLE AS THREE INDIVIDUAL PRINTED AS WELL AS PDF EBOOKS

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 1 – Eastern States – FR0419-PRINTED-PDF

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 2 – Central States – FR0421-PRINTED-PDF

Census Substitutes & State Census Records, Second Edition, Vol. 3 – Western States & National – FR0423-PRINTED-PDF

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Dollarhide is best known as the co-author of the Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920, acclaimed a top-5 best-selling title in genealogy. He has also authored The Census Book: A Genealogist’s Guide to Federal Census Facts, Schedules, and Indexes; New York State Censuses & Substitutes; Map Guide to American Migration Routes, 1735-1815; and Genealogical Resources of the Civil War Era, as well as dozens of other titles related to genealogical research. William Dollarhide was born and raised in Seattle, lived near Salt Lake City for two decades, and now lives in Mount Vernon, Washington.

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Who are the men behind Black Players for Change in American soccer?

New Post has been published on https://tattlepress.com/soccer/who-are-the-men-behind-black-players-for-change-in-american-soccer/

Who are the men behind Black Players for Change in American soccer?

Calling out systemic racism in society and vying for more opportunities for Black people in MLS is nothing new for Morrow and Ebobisse – but they used to do so on their own.

The Black Players for Change assembled on the field July 8, 2020 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex ahead of the first match at the MLS Is Back Tournament.

Submitted: Major League Soccer