#sewing contractor

[tj-crochets]

Hey y'all! I have a question that (judging by how my mom reacted when I asked) is going to sound like a joke, but I am genuinely asking because I really don't know what's funny about it and I would like to So the other day at work a contractor called me, asked one question I could (and did) answer, and then spent 10 minutes complaining about his phone, insisting it was a problem on our company's end. The problem is his phone not dinging to alert him when he gets emails from us, and after I gently tried explaining a couple times that the issue is on his end, not mine, he just kept getting angrier and insisting that is was not on his end. I finally said "I'm sorry, I can't fix that. Is there anything else I can help you with?" He said, angrily "Well there's no need to be sassy about it" and hung up on me And like, I get that it's funny he hung up on me after calling me sassy of all things (far from the worst thing I've been called at work) but both my boss and my mom separately seem to think my response is funny??? I thought I was just being professional! Am I missing something?

[smartstaffbluecollars]

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[therealcallmekd]

Part four of the Magic Circus: Ragatha!

Had the least amount of change in her design but i think it still fits! Sewing needle harpoon is my greatest stroke of genius yet.

The Others:

Pomni , Jax , Zooble , Gangle

The Contractors:

Caine + Bubble

[diejager]

it's always girl dad König or girl dad Simon but girl dad Makarov whose little princess gets away with everything

Cw: mention of assassination, protective behaviour, father!Makarov, tell me if I missed any. nnote: every dialogue in italic is spoken in Russian.

“- could provide you with-” 

“Papa, ” you poked your head through his office room’s door after giving it three light knocks.

You knew your dad was in his office, a worker of the house had told you where he was after you asked her, the old lady’s face wrinkling up with her gentle, saying that she saw a Bolivian man escorted to his office, but didn’t know if he left or not. Wanting to try your luck, you crossed the mansion to get to his office, built on the left side of the house, while your bedrooms and study rooms were on the other end of the mansion. He liked to separate his work life and his life with you, for better protection and keep your from knowing the dangers of life —or so he says. 

A man sat across him, the bald head of the Bolivian man Old Baba mentioned, wearing a suit sewed in fine looking silk, of rich and luxury that even your father never wore around so carelessly. It would catch people’s attention, right or wrong, he didn’t need any of that, he would rather wear the same black and white attire, clean and normal enough to be unnoticeable by the mass. The dichotomy between the fat man and your father was laughable, a scene you’d only see in your comedy novels or a movie. Your abrupt entrance had cut the man’s proposition in half, turning both their attention towards the door where you blinked owlishly, partly in guilt for barging into his meeting and in shock at the bald man’s heavy perspiration. 

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were still talking,” you bowed your head, ready to excuse yourself for barging in, “I’ll come back later, papa.”

“It’s fine,” Makarov waved his hand, nodding his head to let you know he wasn’t mad, your father would never be mad at you, you listened so well and never fought him on anything. You were a gem in his eyes, something precious and untouchable to all but him, “I’ll have someone call you when I’m done.”

When you closed the door, Makarov’s attention turned back to his potential - well, past potential - ally, his eyes darkening after he caught the man whispering something horrid about your interruption. His business was yours as much as it was his, you might’ve been kept in the dark at most time, but you knew enough to know he was a dangerous man. He kept you sheltered, but not naive.

And after half-heartedly listening to what the man had to provide, Makarov dismissed him, giving him a cold apology about those needs being fulfilled by a prior contractor, someone who already provided him with the material he proposed. He didn’t need a rich pig that stupidly flaunted is money, it would attract to many eyes and he didn’t need that if he wanted to reach his goal and build a better world for you. 

He flicked his wrist, opening his phone and mindlessly dialling a number, pressing the screen to his ear as he watched the man amble down the stairs, struggling to make his way to the car he had a chauffeur waiting for him. The person on the other side picked his call within seconds, a cool and monotone voice ready to receive his order from Makarov, the unbothered tone at his fury, a personal and petty thing that clawed at his mind. 

“Make it known that I will have no one disrespect my daughter.”

“Yes, sir.”

Taglist: @sae1kie @yeoldedumbslut @bvxygriimes @distracteddragoness @konigsblog @im-making-an-effort @daisychainsinknots @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @danielle143 @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @notspiders @brokenpieces-72 @petwifed @randominstake @cassiecasluciluce @hayleybarnesx @shironasumi @sparky--bunny @bloobewy @infpt-zylith @sweetnanah @aldis-nuts @evolutionarry @kaoyamamegami

[lw77]

Diet Pepsi 💈 (LSxMV)

Chapter 1. - Angel

Max wants more than just a sub.

Who knew helping his dad at the shop would become his own personal brand of torture. He knew his dad had regulars, but he thought they’d be – old men regulars not whatever these chippendale escapees were. 

Apparently they’re contractors, who look like every middle-aged woman’s fantasy. Including Logan’s. 

And like clock-work, the group of men enter, a few heading to the drinks and some to his mom’s home-made subs. He hears Danny’s loud laugh, followed by Charles snickering as they tease their other colleague, George, Logan’s mind helpfully supplies, as he shows them something on his phone.

Logan wonders where the other one is, Max, all ruddy cheeks, bright blue eyes and big arms, who’s sadly amiss as he looks towards the floor. 

It’s embarrassing really, how at twenty-one Logan is like a school boy with a crush. If he ever confessed all the things he’s thought, fantasised about or, God, he inwardly groans, dreamt since seeing that man, it would have his Priest drowning him in holy water. 

A tap at the counter knocks Logan out of his thoughts, as he sees Danny in front of him ready to cash out. Like he knew what was going through Logan’s head, Danny’s smile stretched wider, “What’s wrong Logie boy, you disappointed it's just us today?” 

Logan squeaks as he’s caught out, face aflame, “No idea what you’re talking about, um– will that be all?” gesturing to the stack of subs and drinks Danny’s placed on the counter. 

“I think you doooo Logie boy.” Danny croons winking, as Logan speeds up his scanning before Danny can say anything else. It doesn’t stop the man from resting his forearms on the counter and wiggling his eyebrows.

“You’re awful, I’m telling my mom not to make any more of her salami subs.” Logan whines, trying to threaten Danny’s favourite sub away in hopes of ending his teasing. 

Danny smiles cheekily in response, “Your mother loves me, she would never do that” as he taps his credit card on the reader. 

Putting the items in plastic bags, “Maybe I’ll just throw them all away then.” Logan says petulantly. Taking the bags from Logan, “Oh come on Logie boy, that would just be wasteful. Now don’t you worry, he’ll be back next week!” Danny shouts with one last wink as he heads out. 

It’s loud enough that Charles and George, who were still hanging by the front, look up and laugh as if they know exactly who Danny is referring to. It makes Logan let out an embarrassed “Danny” as he hears the group’s laughter continue out the store. 

_______________________

Logan is snug in their usual booth, waiting for Alex and Oscar to return with their first round. They’re celebrating Alex’s new job tonight.

“Alright, two pitchers of beer for us and a Sommersby cooler for the princess!” Oscar announces loudly as he sets down their drinks. Logan snatches the cooler and pulls it closer.

“Oh, come on, Logie bear. You know we’re just teasing you,” Alex says, only making Logan scowl more.

“Seriously, what’s gotten into you this week? Did your mom accidentally sew up your fuck-me jeans again or something?” Oscar asks, furrowing his brows in genuine curiousity.

Logan groans and sinks further into his seat. “No, worse.”

“Did she try to set you up with one of her awkward co-op students again?” Alex asks.

Sitting up, Logan protests, “Okay, that was one time! Checo was sweet—he just had really sweaty hands.” Realizing how pitiful that sounds once he says it, he rests his head against the booth's cushion.

Alex and Oscar sit in silence, giving him space to finally share what’s bothering him.

“You know those hot regulars my dad has? The Chippendale escapee contractors? Danny Ricc—you know him, Alex.” Leaning in, Logan hisses, “Well, they definitely know I’m into their friend or colleague, whatever he is.”

“Yeah well, Logan, you’re not exactly subtle. It’s pretty obvious you’ve got a crush on that guy,” Oscar replies, in an all too annoyingly factual tone, Logan decides.

“And your pupils get huge dude when you like someone. There’s no hiding your attraction buddy,” Alex adds, raising his hands in surrender.

“Oh my god, how am I going to face him now that I know his friends know? Meaning, he knows too. So mortifying,” Logan says, fully aware he’s whining when they’re supposed to be celebrating Alex. “Sorry, I’ll snap out of it… or I’ll move out of town.” He says the last part a little too seriously for his friends.

“Anyway, that’s my week. Now—Alex, come on, tell us about the job! The floor is yours.” Logan gestures with a flourish.

Alex and Oscar share a look. “I got hired to consult as an architect.”

Logan perks up and excitedly congratulates Alex, asking where. “At Danny Ric’s company—your favorite!”

“Oh my god, you’re going to be a part of the Chippendale escapees?” Logan squeals, both hands slammed on the table as he leans over in excitement.

Oscar, observing the scene then asks, “Time for a cheers then?”

“To Alex joining the Chippendale escapees!” they cheer, clinking their beers and can together.

“Oh my god, you’re going to work with Max. Alex, you love me, right? You’ll tell me if he ever talks about me, or if he says I’m cute?” Logan continues, getting even more embarrassing. Oblivious to the widening eyes of Alex and Oscar as they glance behind him.

“…Oh my god, he came in muscle tee a few weeks ago and I just wanted to bite his biceps because they looked so big and they are so big—”

“Ow! What the hell, Oscar? We use our words now.” Logan admonishes, bending in his seat to rub where he got kicked. But he freezes as he hears a familiar laugh. Looking up, he sees Danny standing by their table, amused, and oh god, Max, arms crossed and wearing an equally amused expression.

Now looking no better than his best friends, Logan’s eyes are wide, his face is scarlet, and his mouth hangs open in shock as he realizes they must have heard everything—or at least enough. Maybe he can learn to love Checo’s moist, moist, hands because Mexico is definitely far enough.

“Hey, boys, didn’t mean to interrupt your evening. Just came over to congratulate our dear little Alex on joining the company! Our youngest yet!” Danny sings, wiping a tear for dramatic effect.

Meanwhile, Logan, snapping out of his deer-in-headlights look, is now studiously examining the table varnish, hoping the two men forget his earlier soliloquy over the other's (big) arms.

Good-naturedly, Alex invites Danny and Max to join them in the booth, leaving Logan pressed arm to leg against Max, his best friend completely uncaring of Logan’s gay panic.

Logan starts drinking from his can, hoping to avoid any conversation. But before long, Danny, Alex, and Oscar finish the two pitchers and decide they need to get the next round. Logan’s eyes widen as he mentally pleads, *Don’t leave me alone.* But both Oscar and Alex blissfully ignore him.

Staring at his drink as if it's the most interesting thing, Logan catches a glimpse of Max turning his way.

“Heard you missed me at the store.”

Logan looks at him, feeling his cheeks flush. As Alex pointed out earlier, his attraction to Max is probably written all over his face.

“I—um, no, just wondering where you all were,” he stutters, wetting his lips. “Not just you.” He leans back against the wall as Max essentially cages him in the booth, one arm resting on the back and the other bent on the table. Max’s body warmth and sandalwood cologne envelop Logan, blanketing his senses. Max’s gaze drops to Logan’s lips, a small smirk playing on his face, "Really?" he prompts, "Ye-yeah" Logan breathes out, Max's eyes flick up to Logan's at his answer and his lips break into a smile as he replies simply “Okay, if you say so.”  And, all too soon, he leans back, creating some space as the sounds of the bar filter in again, grounding Logan, feeling like he must be in heaven with Max so close.

Clearing his throat as Danny and the others join the table, Logan sits up, gratefully accepting a new can from Oscar, who gives him a knowing look while subtly elbowing Alex. Now both friends are watching him with knowing smiles, taking in his flushed cheeks and wide eyes.

Logan glares back but falters when he feels a big hand settle just above his knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. He realises he’s being asked a question. “Oh—I'm sorry, what?” he asks, confused, snapping his gaze to Max. 

It’s Danny, looking past Max with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He repeats his earlier question, fully aware of why Logan is distracted. “I asked if you’re excited to see your best friend every day now. Since your mom’s subs are legendary. And essential to a good work day”

Logan’s disbelief drips from his tone as he asks, “Even if all we have is the veggie one, Danny?” He raises his eyebrows for added effect.

Danny crosses his hand over his heart dramatically. “Even the veggie one, Logie boy! Although some of us come for the service too.” He finishes with a sidelong glance at Max.

Max, whose relaxed against the booth with his body still angled toward Logan and a comfortable hand resting on Logan’s thigh from when he squeezed it earlier to get his attention. At Danny’s insinuation, Max looks down at Logan, a small smile tugging at his lips as he gives Logan’s thigh another gentle squeeze, this time higher up, and shrugs.

The warmth from Max's touch sends a flutter through Logan's stomach, mingling with a simmering feeling in his chest that he can’t quite identify.

Thankfully, Logan is saved from responding as Oscar pulls Danny’s attention away, asking what project they’ll be starting on.

In the most teasing tone he can muster despite his fluster, he whispers, “So, service?” Looking up at Max from beneath his eyelashes.

Max leans in closer, his voice low. “You’re not the only one who's been looking, Angel.”

Logan’s face heats up further. The nickname doesn’t help his battle against arousal or the realisation that he was not subtle at all.

He blinks as he responds with a soft “uh-huh,” nodding his head, his mind feeling like cotton from their proximity and Max’s admission of mutual attraction.

Max’s gaze drifts to Logan’s lips just as Logan nervously bites his bottom lip. He’s on the verge of saying something—or maybe hoping for something more—when a cough interrupts them, making both of them look up at a smirking Danny.

“While the image of you two is a relief, we have to head back. Poker night! We just had to stop to congratulate you, Alex, on joining us.”

Logan, embarrassed by Danny’s comment, groans into his hands, while Alex thanks Danny brightly. Glancing at Danny, as he waits for Max, he leans into Logan’s ear, whispering, “See you tomorrow, Angel,” and with one last squeeze to Logan's thigh he’s out of the booth and heading for the door behind Danny. Leaving Logan bright red, his arousal flashing like a stop sign, and his two best friends laughing at his expression.  

Unhelpfully, Alex says, “Guess this means you don’t have to skip town anymore.” To which Oscar shouts, “Hear! Hear!” Logan can’t help but giggle, his embarrassment fading as he nods in agreement.

Chapter 2 - Hunter?

Chapter 3 - Sunburn

Author's note: So I listened to Diet Pepsi by Addison Rae and I just kept seeing buff/fit Max (white t-shirt, gold cross in blue jeans) and Logan vm baby boy/angel and big blown out eyes and parted lips when Max comes into his dad's store with his co-workers/friends. (i was going for a lil age diff but mostly size difference)

also i was gonna make it hotter but its like jesus had a hand on my shoulder as i got to it. maybe next chapter

[ouroborosman]

Actor!Wally AU Story Lore!

Okay!!! I've been sitting on a bunch of unfinished images but I wanna share this now! I'll update the pics as they get finished~

Here's the story lore for Jay in the Actor Wally AU!

Wally actor AU created by @frillsand!

Jay is a 20-something that moved to a larger city about a year or two ago. She was born and raised in a pretty small town, and being the oldest of her two other siblings, was set to inherit the farm her family owned. She really hated how secluded she was from everything, and decided to set off to a nearby city to make something of herself. She might even go to college, she told them!

The learning curve was really harsh to this formerly-sheltered girl. She brought some money with her she saved up, but that was gone before she knew it. She luckily managed to get a job and apartment before actually becoming homeless.

 One thing she had always liked was crafting and sewing and found herself doing such in her free time. She got fairly good at it. It was one day she ran into one of her puppet neighbors that had managed to get a pretty large tear in their arm. She offered to fix them up! Word spread around and soon enough Jay had a little community of puppets around her asking for repairs and she happily obliged.

This actually worked out well for Jay. Eventually she had puppets asking for cosmetic things, like decorative embroidery and such on their bodies. Jay charged a small fee for these services. Word got around enough that Jay actually got accepted for temporary jobs that she applied for, and she basically became an independent contractor of sorts. Along with her cosmetic services and selling her plushies she began making, she made an okay living.

Later she gets accepted to a ‘floater’ position for Welcome Home Productions, covering for people that call in. Normally she would probably bounce from how stressful the set is, but the better pay and more reliable work opportunities keeps her there for now. Plus, she enjoys her tasks at work! She often makes props, consults for costume designing, and other things alike.

THE MEET~~

Jay of course knew of Wally Darling before, often passing him by or watching as he worked on set. His reputation and behavior toward staff kept her pretty wary of him and she steered clear.

Too bad that she was covering for his seamstress one day! And how unfortunate that she needed to fix up an outfit he was currently wearing! Lmao. She really did expect him to bite her head off, but much to her surprise he wasn’t too bad. Small talk between them led to her explaining the other odd jobs and commissions she takes, as well as an off-hand mention about mending puppet injuries. Wally takes a bit of interest in that, how strange that a human chooses to do that? As soon as she’s done with the costume fix up she skitters off because he still intimidates her lol.

Seeing that he wasn’t as bad as his reputation said, Jay forms a little crush on him throughout her time on set. She jumped at the opportunity of a blind date with him! He’s awkward and she finds it cute and flirts with him a bit. Probably after this date, they became somewhat friendlier towards each other and chat at work when they get the chance.

(pic soon to come maybe!)

Aaand that’s the base story in my head! I think leaving it open-ended makes it fun to imagine different scenarios! Thanks for listening to my brainrot if you made it this far!! <3

~~~

Other little factoids that will probably never be relevant to the main story:

Jay freaking loves bugs!! She’d become an entomologist if given the opportunity. School is expensive, though!

Jay keeps a few pet insects and has a cat

Though she has a little community of puppet neighbors for company, Jay lives alone. She gets really lonely sometimes, as her best friends became long distance when she moved

Maybe her loneliness is why she has so many plushies. She basically is surrounded by them when she sleeps.

She is quiet and polite to associates. To friends, she indulges in strange humor and is pretty goofy. She’s a bit too sensitive for her own good and will get pretty sad if she thinks her friends are upset with her.

Jay’s clothing style is a mishmash of cutesy-pastel and punkish. She likes fem and androgynous clothes best. She can’t afford many outfits anyways tho-

Jay loves biology and nature. She spends most of her time inside doing work and hobby stuff, though

[lilailes]

Celebrating TOA and the people who contribute to make our group what it is.

Repost, don't reblog. Only fill in what you feel comfortable sharing!

Happy anniversary, TOA! Here's to many more years spent together.

Name: Mirae

Pronouns: She/Her but generally don't really care

Birthday (no year): October 11th

Where are you from? What is your time zone? US/EST

How long is your roleplay experience? I've been here since 14? So 10 years LOL

How were you introduced to roleplaying as a whole? (in job app vc: friend referred) A friend introduced me to Tumblr and RP!

How were you introduced to TOA? Well, it all started when I saw Nat's [REDACTED]-

Do you have any pets? Three dogs! (Australian Shepherd, French Bulldog aka Tater, hall of fame, and cat)

What is your favorite time of year and why? (Season, holiday, general period) Fall/Autumn! It's so much cooler, or at least for that one month here, but spring is okay too for the fashion and colors even if allergies are hellish

What is your IRL occupation? Every time I tell someone what it is I do, they don't know what it is, so for the sake of the internet, I am a corporate girlie/contractor

Some interests and things you like/enjoy? Sewing/fashion, reading, hanging with friends and family

What non-Fire Emblem games do you play? Ace Attorney/visual novels, RPGs like Persona/SMT, Final Fantasy though it's more like watching these days

Favorite Pokemon type & Pokemon: I've always been Water type biased, but I really enjoy Electric and Ghost as of recently. To that point, Raikou LOL but Flareon is my favorite eeveelution for the 2000s forums. They got that dog in 'em

Tell us some funfacts and trivia about yourself! (Optional bonus challenge: if you filled this out last year, try not to repeat what you said back then!) I don't think I answered this one last year but ? I was not born in the US despite living here for p much my entire life.

How did you get into Fire Emblem? TOA was pretty much how I got into it LOL

What Fire Emblem games have you played? SOV, 3H, Engage, and Heroes if that counts

First & Favorite Fire Emblem games: First: SOV and Favorite: FE6, though SOV is a close second

List your 5 favorite Fire Emblem characters across the series! Berkut, Petra, Raven.... Hm... Lilina and Griss

Who was the first character ever to make you go “ooh I like this one in particular” and why? Can be any context and reason! This explains it all.

Any Fire Emblem crushes? 😳 Griss and Raven

If you’ve played (or are familiar with) the following games, who was your first S support? Who would you S support nowadays? - Awakening: Not really familiar with the cast - Fates: Not really familiar with the cast - Three Houses: Theoretically, Claude I think - Engage: Theoretically,

Favorite Fire Emblem class? Archers and mages

If you were a Fire Emblem character, what would be your class and stats? Would you be playable? I would like to be an archer, but I don't think I'm athletic enough, maybe a mage. Though, I do greatly enjoy martial master and wolf knight so maybe one of those? You would put a little guy like me through war? I would be playable, but as an optional recruit

If you were a Three Houses character, what would be your affiliation? (Black Eagles, Blue Lions, Golden Deer, Church of Seiros, Those Who Slither in the Dark, unaffiliated civilian, other - for example Almyran) Black Eagles!

If you were an Officers Academy student, what would be your boons, banes and potential budding talent? Boons: gauntlets Budding talent: riding and bow Banes: axe, heavy armor

If you were an Engage character, which nation would you originate from? (Firene, the Kingdom of Abundance; Brodia, the Kingdom of Might; Elusia, the Kingdom of Knowledge; Solm, the Queendom of Freedom; Lythos, the holy land of the Divine Dragon; Gradlon, the desolate land of the Fell Dragon) Elusia has my whole heart so there

How do you pronounce TOA? 🤔(separate letters, to-ah, other?) T-O-A

Current TOA muses: Florina and Panette

Past TOA muses? Too many to list off, but the most memorable ones are: Petra, Lilina, Rinea, my Magvel stint, and maybe Elincia

Who was your first TOA muse? If you no longer have them, can you see yourself picking them up again? Gray, and no lol.

Do you believe you have a type of character you gravitate towards writing? (If you filled this out last year, has this changed in any way?) Brand: soft/sad girls, glass half full girls, and blondes (former)

Do you have characters or types of characters you don’t think you can handle writing, but wish you could? Antagonists and lackadaisical/carefree characters

What kind of scenes, situations etc do you believe you enjoy writing the most? (If you filled this out last year, has this changed in any way?) There's not a particular type of scene/situation I enjoy the most, I like a nice and healthy balance! Whatever strikes my mood at the right time.

Do you have any scenario in mind for your muse(s) that gets you thinking “man I hope I get to write this one day”? I did for some past muses, but I think now I'm just kind of seeing where things take me/

Favorite TOA-related memories? Any point when I wrote Lilina, I think she had the most event participation and I just have a lot of memories and connections I enjoyed with her

Present or past tense? I generally go for present these days, but I try to vary the tense depending on the situation.

Normal size text, small text, no preference? I usually use small text, but I don't have a preference and will adjust based on writing partner

Got any potential muse delusions to share? 😉I've given Framme and Eir a thought or maybe a rerun from my past

[throatofdelusion12]

Tmagp Avatars and victims

Flesh mascot : Fans

A walking sewing kit : The police and random people

People who give tattoos : Skibidi Ohio Sigma Gyatt rizzlers (no cap) (kinda sus)

Wealthy person who likes hunting : contractors

Snakes : pest control

The Ocean : As good as guess as mine with correlation

Plants : murderers

[dolphin1812]

Everything about this chapter is so painful.

I think there’s a bit of an implied judgment of Fantine in Hugo’s use of the term “coquetry” to describe her pride in her beauty, but it’s still devastating to watch her lose that when it’s the one thing she still had that brought her joy (not including the memory of Cosette, which is necessarily bittersweet because of their separation). In a previous chapter, it was stated that Fantine loved to brush her hair. Watching her lose that, then, isn’t sad because she’s no longer beautiful; it’s sad because she can’t do one of the few things that made her happy in a life of misery.

Of course, cutting off her hair wasn’t the first appearance-related sacrifice Fantine made for Cosette. When she left her daughter with the Thénardiers, it was mentioned that while Cosette was dressed in fine clothes, Fantine herself was dressed very simply. She had enjoyed beautiful clothing as well when she was with Tholomyès, but when she realized she couldn’t clothe both herself and her daughter, she prioritized Cosette. However, as Fantine said with her hair in this chapter, there’s a way back from that. Hair grows back; clothes can be bought again. And even though she can’t afford to put in the same attention to her appearance, she still cares. For instance, after cutting off her hair, Fantine covers her head with small caps that still make her look nice. It’s not the same as having her hair, which makes her happy through its beauty and through the relaxing ritual of brushing it, but it is a small thing that brings her comfort.

Her teeth, as she points out, are a permanent loss. She lost her hope with them. I think it’s very telling that what causes Fantine the most pain isn’t the direct suffering of poverty; it’s the loss of hope and joy. The long hours of work and her constantly shrinking salary are awful. But they’re not as bad as knowing that her lack of money is keeping her from seeing Cosette. Or that she’ll never be considered beautiful again because she’s missing her front teeth. When she was poor and could still hope to have these things again, she was able to manage to some extent; she wore her caps, she’d think about seeing Cosette someday, and she’d push herself to get through the day. Now, Fantine continues to work for Cosette’s sake, but she doesn’t do any of the small things that made her happy. Her caps are now dirty, and her linens aren’t mended either “from lack of time or from indifference.” The physical suffering of poverty (hunger, cold, etc) and its emotional consequences have blended together to push her into absolute despair.

It’s interesting how Hugo links her suffering to the prison system as well:

“She sewed seventeen hours a day; but a contractor for the work of prisons, who made the prisoners work at a discount, suddenly made prices fall, which reduced the daily earnings of working-women to nine sous.”

Fantine’s salary has always been low,  but the abuse of prisoners is an excuse to drive it even lower, illustrating the interconnectedness of these systems.

[tj-crochets]

Crafting update: all the fabric is cut to size and ready to sew for my next baby quilt! I'm actually following a pattern for once! Well. Mostly. The pattern calls for 28 jelly roll strips and I have 24 so I'm adapting, but I am mostly following a pattern lol

[smartstaffbluecollars]

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[pbandjesse]

We are just now leaving Paul and Sam's wedding part two! I did not expect dinner to go so late. I am glad I dressed up nice and was able to feel very pretty.

The rest of today could have been a little better. It just didn't go as planned. Things I thought would be readily available just were both and I felt pretty frustrated with the whole situation. But it wasn't a terrible day.

I slept alright. I woke up naturally at 8. But let myself sleep until 930. I had fallen asleep with damp hair but it had been in a braid so it wasn't to crazy but there was just something about it that made me laugh because it was sticking up funny. But it was quickly delt with and I got cleaned up and dressed and felt alright.

Mostly I was starving. I would skip breakfast food completely and just have a frozen pizza. It is the quickest thing I can make. 2 minutes. And while I was waiting for that I would move Ruby the Roomba upstairs to vacuum. And open the back door for Sweetp to enjoy the sunshine.

It was a beautiful day but outside the safety and shade of the house it was very very hot in the sun. I would find myself very miserable in it later. But while I was home I was fine.

I hung out on the couch and worked on cutting all of the yarn for May's temperature blanket square. I had not done any for this month. Which is so bad. I haven't finished sewing down last months either but I knew I would be able to catch up. I hope to do some of it at the market and it's easier if I precut the yarn and then dont have to bring all of it with me. Saves time.

It would take a while to do 24 days of rows though. 48 pieces plus the two begining rows. It's a lot to measure. So I was on the couch for a while. And once it was made I balled it all up and felt pretty accomplished.

I decided it was time to go out then though. I would packed myself up and headed out into the hot hot world with a plan. I would go to the restore. Then Home Depot. I wanted to get another storage shelf and then two raised wooden planter boxes. This was the goal.

I would have to go back in the house first though because James needed a number from a flyer we got yesterday. We are trying to get estimates from contractors for a few things. New doors and a fence mainly. But hoping it will give us connections for the larger projects in the future. But once I relayed that I was on the road.

My plan did not workout as well as I had hoped. Restore was fine but didn't have anything I was looking for. Home Depot was more promising but no wooden garden beds. Only plastic. So I was feeling a little annoyed but I thought I would go to Glen Burnie to the Lowe's and then I could also hit up the value village and then go to second chance. This seemed super promising.

But no luck.

The people at Lowe's acted like they had no idea what I was asking for. I even showed it to them on their website. Only one woman knew what I meant but her directions for where they were was not correct. And they also only had plastic. They said I might have to order them online for pick up. I was not totally defeated yet though. Walmart was coming up when I was googling and one was just down the street.

So I went there. Even though I had no gift cards for there (the whole reason I was going to the other stores was because I have gift cards!!) but even then no luck. And I have not even shopped in a Walmart in a decade so I felt a bit uncomfortable. And sad I still wasn't finding what I was looking for.

I tried to make myself feel better getting a pretzel from Auntie Anne's but then their credit card reader wasn't working and it was a whole thing but she did reset it and I was able to get my pretzel so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But I was a little frazzled. The heat did not help.

I sat in the car in the parking lot and had my pretzel and tried to not be completely upset. I was frustrated. I felt stupid. I really thought this was going to be an easy project and I could feel accomplished at the end. But no. And that wasn't a nice feeling.

I decided to go to value village still. And I did have some luck there. A new jumpsuit. A shirt sleeve black cardigan (which was already on my list), the green striped button down I'm wearing in my one picture. I got two pairs of shoes for working events. I would wear one of them tonight and I love them very much. I don't normally go for a square toe but apparently I should because I really liked it on myself.

I also got a cool camera bag I think would be useful for travel. And a yellow cat plushie that made me think it's the love child of two of my other plushies (Daniel and Paul), couldn't pass him up.

I would still try second chance. But nothing there was what I was hoping for. I walked all over the store but I just wasn't feeling anything. So I went home.

I was super happy to be home. It was so hot out in the world. I would change and try on my new things and put things away. And then I was just chilling. I had the backdoor open. I was knitting. I was having a good time. Even if I felt a little sad that I wasn't successful, I was still doing okay.

James would call and offered to get me shake shack, which was the only thing I wanted to eat. And I appreciated them so much for doing that.

They would come home a little later then normal because of that. And we would sit together but I was feeling a little overwhelmed and overstimulated. So they gave me some space. But soon it was time to get ready to go over to fells point for Paul and Sam's American wedding day dinner.

James would iron their shirt while I went and got dressed and did my makeup. I had trimmed my bangs last night and I was afraid I made them to short but I actually felt really cute. And pretty soon we were heading out.

We left super early to get parking. And that ended up perfect because it did take a few loops. But once we were parked we were able to find the wedding party near the water. And it was so nice to see everyone.

We would walk to a bar first to wait for Paul and Sam to finish their pictures. I loved seeing Stephanie and Gabe. And we were also joined by Paul's friends Kieth and his wife Amber. And they were lots of fun. We talked about our jobs and I got to talk about my arts background for a while. Amber is pregnant and it was fun hearing about her cravings and how she only had shortness of breath as her first pregnancy symptoms! No throwing up at all! Very interesting.

Paul and Sam would find us soon though and we headed to the very fancy dinner. Rec Pier Chop House. This place is like. Very very fancy. I did not expect the inside to have a whole green space with trees. And I was not prepared for a 5 course dinner.

I couldn't eat all of it, for vegetarian reasons, but they were really accommodating and made a special vegan pasta for me and Amber who had some allergies and couldn't have the crab pasta. My favorite thing was the sheep's milk ricotta toast with hot honey. And the vanilla gelato at the end. But literally everything was beautiful.

The conversion was loud and funny and the energy was great. Paul and Sam looked great. Sam's dress was so cute. So simple and elegant. Honestly everyone looked lovely tonight and it was fun getting to be in this fancy space and eat fancy food. I had a really nice evening.

I didn't realize it was going to go on and on and on though. Not in a negative way at all. I was having a great time. I truly enjoyed everyone's company. But by 1030, after the second dessert and James getting two entire to-go boxes of tiramisu, it was time to go home.

Hugs all around. Congrats and see you at wedding part three. And me and James were off into the night.

We stopped to take some pictures. A nice couple offered to take them for us but I told them it's funnier if I'm running from the timer, but thank you for offering!! We were in a silly mood. People were everywhere. Fells is always so busy. A girl told me she loved my dress. It was such a nice way to end the night.

We got back here in short order and I have been sitting in the floor writing this. I want to go get a quick shower and get to sleep. Because tomorrow is the farmers market! My first of the year. I missed the opening market last week but I am still hoping for a very good day.

So wish me luck everyone. I love you all. Good night!

[planets-and-prose]

Find The Word

I was tagged on this by @k-v-briarwood, thank you for the tag!

My words are: Leak, Beam, Favor, Neglect.

I'll tag @chayscribbles, @n1ghtcrwler, @bones-and-rainbows, if y'all want to, and anyone else who does want to :) Your words are: Blue, Rip, Shine, Blanket.

Since Continuing Education really isn't...written, I'm doing Signature Powers so we'll see if that half-done, swiss cheese manuscript pulls some decent quotes. These are...entirely unedited, but I'll provide limited context when appropriate.

Leak (AKA the two local aromantic enbys learn about queer-platonic relationships)

“We…slept together,” Vandita murmured. "Overnight." “It…looks that way,” Hikari replied, trying for a chuckle. It came out oddly forced. “And it doesn’t feel wrong,” Vandi added. They also looked shocked at this turn of events, and that brought Hikari at least a little bit of comfort. Thank the gods that they weren’t the only one out of their element. “No, it doesn’t.” Silence stretched for a moment as the morning sun leaked through the window, spilling shadows across the room. “So, we…should we talk about this?” Vandi asked, sitting up in bed. “Maybe? Yes. I think we likely should. Maybe you have more experience in this than I do?” Gods, they hoped one of them had experience.

Beam (Exposition, and allusions to me being unable to NOT have a shapeshifting character)

"Niko, if we don't find anything, it'll be fine. You've been helping so the pain isn't as bad, and I haven't shifted in quite some time. I could live like this easily. If we find anything, it'll be amazing, but we don't have to." "But you SHOULDN'T have to live this way! You shouldn't! Your damn contractor…" "…is just one of many contractors. I don't have it the worst, trust me. It's just how things are in a lot of places. I should have known better. I asked for power, and I signed a contract stating that that power had a price. Yes, I didn't know about the bone issues, but…I should probably have known. That's just the way it is. Contractors have and will do much worse." "But it just…! Ugh!" Niko huffed out a frustrated sigh. "Still. If I can help you, I will, so we're going to try. Besides, travel might be nice. You're so used to running around in the woods, hopefully it'll be good for you too." Rose beamed. "I have missed the woods."

Favor (In which Vandi and Hikari come back, and Vandi's pronouns are inconsistent because they're she/they and honestly I did this whole thing in a month for NaNo lol)

Hikari nodded and gave a sympathetic grimace. “Overprotective father?” “You could say that.” Thinking of their father, how angry he’d be…how he probably had half the army out searching for his two errant children…it was definitely something. But it was liberating to not be associated with her father for once, to not have to be royal or perfect or even have to worry about it. The only person who might know about their royal background was Gil, and he hadn’t said anything so far. It was probably alright. “Well, I’d better go check on Seri. She’s…having a rough time.” “She does have a lot on her shoulders, it seems. She’s not really letting any of us in.” Vandita shook her head. “She doesn’t really trust that easily, and I’m trying to get her to loosen up. But it’s definitely not working.” “Well, time’ll do it. Go take care of your sister,” Hikari told them with a reassuring smile. Vandita nodded and left Hikari’s chambers in favor of Serilee’s.

Neglect

Apparently I haven't used this word? Ever? I checked like four manuscripts...so either Scrivener hates me or I'm not utilizing that particular brand of angst enough. So I'm throwing in a random excerpt from SP that I Just Felt Like.

Codell turned his attention to his quilt, examining the bright patterns and the intricate detail. Now that he couldn’t hear or speak, he learned that his eye for detail improved markedly, giving him an ability to sew intricate patterns, distinguish between colors and fade one seamlessly into another in a way that seemed almost impossible to achieve with blocks of fabric. Living in silence gave plenty of time to recreate beautiful mountain views in quilted fabric, bringing an art that was once thought to be simply “homey” into an art form of its own. And if people managed to get past the stony exterior and the strangely all-knowing stare, they would have the opportunity to buy a truly resplendent piece of artwork. Yet few did, so often Codell simply sat, beneath an awning so as not to burn his fair skin, sewing in…well, it was always silence for him. But few tried to talk to him. Today wasn’t an exception, aside from the vision.

Thank you again for the tag!!

[bi-demon-ium]

S2 EP 6 LIVEBLOG

not me asleep for five minutes before this and rushing to get everything up and ready dflgkjghljfgh

ANYWAY

GAYFEAR.PNG

particularly for curtain to discover whats going on + benedict & number two’s “sewing discord” + the Brainsweeper + etc

GENTLY APPLY SOME HANDCUFFS

hey I bet that’s rhonda!!!!!!!!

or milligan rhonda and miss perumal

KATE’S FACE WHEN THE WATER POLO PLAYER FELL THEN WAS SLOWLY DRAGGED BACK IN

RHONDA!!!!! RHONDA MY BELOVED I LOVE HER

ohhhhh hug

kate and martina my beloveds

CONSTANCE dflkgjdfg “LOADED question”

oh so is dr garrison actually going to team up with them???? nice!!!!

also have I mentioned I kinda like her new unhinged person hair

also rhonda looks so good

“you okay with this constance?” aw<3 LKJDFLGKJDG PLUS HER RESPONSE AND “it’s true 😔”

WE ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS DLGFKJDF OPEN TO A BUYOUT

uh oh ! the greys!

water polo team vs the greys?

slkgj dr garrison immediately fleeing

hang on that sounded like—tranq darts??

MILLIGAN

THE “HELLO”

MILLIGAN GOT HIS TRANQ GUN!!!!!

wait so miss perumal and milligan surrounded by greys earlier they just????? what??? beat the shit out of them too???? amazing

oh here’s everyone running in the field!!! nice music

uh oh miss perumal is chasing constance

“TAKE ME” OHHHH SHES DISTRACTING THEM OHHHH

MARTINA KATE AND MILLIGAN TRIO???? OHH????

oh no milligan got tazed! fuck

fdogldfkgjdfg [paralyzed in back seat flat on back] Just. Drive

UHHH OH GANG SPLIT UP IN THE DARK

reynie and rhonda on motorcycle, constance in the dark, kate milligan and martina in van, miss perumal captured, and… I didn’t see where sticky went?

curtains…. hypnotizing or powering up the child??????? this is so weird I hate this

I feel like he’s charging this kid like a battery

MR BENEDICT<333

I mean big worry bc of the outfit but also <333

twi-night gkhljflgjhfgh

and curtain’s response and continuing to needle him about it

okay see now it seems like mr b ISN’T fully hypnotized but it’s not like he wasn’t unhypnotized and I don’t think he’s acting either bc he’s acting weird and wrong still

then again I guess it’s not quite as simple past the initial burst as “is just extremely comically happy/out of their mind” but then that’s kind of how the others seemed?

“she doesn’t weigh me down” oh no

“WELL I DO NOT WANT TO BE A BURDEN ANYMORE” OH I KNOW ITS LIKE. BUT.

uh oh! a task!

DUSKWORT/DUSKWART? A RARE BUT POWERFUL SEDATIVE? OH?

STOP FUCKING MAKING WEIGHT JOKES IM GOING TO KILL YOU

comedy of orange peel man ruined by weight joke.

Now’s The Time For Feedback.

cutting the hair :(

“I know it needs to be done.”

I mean you didn’t exactly “agree” to separate

INTERESTING CONSIDERING THE SOURCE

OH NO MILLIGAN. OH MILLIGAN. I LOVE YOU BUT. OH. :/

lkgfjgh “im formulating a plan 😌”

also unexpected rhonda and reynie bonding time! nice!

also once again im saying: rhonda is so beautiful

oh also I bet reynie screaming is coming

also very funny if it’s just rhonda going “just scream out your feelings” and him going “what” and shes like “it’ll make you feel better<3”

oh reynie :( “I missed up everything”

I was RIGHT SHES TELLING HIM TO YELL I WAS RIGHT IM SO HAPPY

well, mostly right

REYNIE YOUR SWEATER VEST???

yes youre allowed to be angry beloved

dlfkgjdfg slowly picking up the sweater vest

ah constance and sticky were together that make sense

I feel like I knew that

ANYWAY

“This Is Child Abandonment. You Will Be Fined.”

constance and sticky bonding finally!!!!

they’ve always had some tension so this is good

uh oh

I bet this is catatonia

UH OH YEAH

OH NO

THAT’S BAD ITS NOT JUST ACOLYTES IN THE COMPOUND

OH NO OH NO OH NO

OH THAT’S SO BAD OH GOD NO

this is extremely suspicious somehow I don’t know why I think that but it is

maybe ive just been trained to think small inns like this are traps ldfkgjdfg

A COMMITMENT TO ALL THINGS COZY<3 ROLL CREDITS

fire is not very cozy :(

plot twist curtain burned it down don’t ask me why. he hates coziness

LKJDFGJG CONSTANCE<3 How Much Truth Do You Want.

all things boat !

they haven’t even shown any signs of being paid, they’re children without parents with them????? suspicious or friendly?????

I know I know, snakes everywhere

but COME ON IT’S WEIRD RIGHT

“we must flee this place” see I think constance is being intuitive not grumpy

ONE OF YOUR BROTHERS TOP ATTACHES

LDFKGJLDKFGJ JEFFERS

LUDICRIOUS COVER SAW THROUGH IT RIGHT AWAY

I LOVE JEFFERS YOU IDIOT

kjgkghfgh the very obvious [hangs head] I haven’t found them :(

LKDFJGLKJG HANGING UP ON HIM. RIP JEFFERS

miss perumal is going to destroy him

jackson and jillson time! uh oh!

UH OH TIME FOR HIM TO FIND OUT

I LOVE JACKSON AND JILLSON SO MUCH

“and they’re not moving” he looks actually upset uh oh

“it’s not possible haha” everyone is unconvinced

denial of course we knew

for their privacy, asshole

CHEMICAL MISFIRE IN THEIR BRAINS? IRREVERSIABLE

HIS FACE LDFKJGDFG “OH”

of course you don’t. idiot. I hate you

milligan I love you but entering alone in disguise is also a bad idea

martina having to watch her gf’s daddy issues play out in hd

I love how she continues milligan and kate equal amounts Her Players/Team. and her trying to pep talk them lgdhkjfghj 😭

is there duskwort in those scones. or some shit.

their weird waiting for a reaction

“the crumb isn’t right, is it? your dough was too wet.”

constance I love you but why are you bullying them. genuine question is there a reason

“you’re so selfish!” uh oh!

also wait this is the episode where constance is “surprisingly intrigued” by curtain’s tv special right? so I be—YEAH YEAH FUCK

UH OH

once again trying to explode him with her brain

uh oh. now thin—“negative thoughts only cloud the mind” her face oh no this is bad

oh THIS IS BAD

can you imagine constance going full happy positive and sticky being like wiat no I take it back wheres my rude mean little sister

NO NO N O NO N O NO NO N O NO NO N O NO NO THE SMILE NO

martina i adore you

“no matter what goes down, im glad we got to hang out again” <3

madge’s honor? lkdfjgdkfjg

milligan. ldkfjglkdjfg.

“but standing by if you need me while also giving you space” + martina’s reaction ohh

“he’s just worried”

“my parents are nice people” “but are they interested in my life?” “your dad’s trying. he’s interested” ohhhh

also martina not an orphan confirmed huh

well they could be foster parents but you know

sticky’s going to apologize for snapping and then—

OH YEAH :(

OH THIS IS BAD

TERRIFYING

wow that was an abrupt cut to commericals huh

could have lingered on her creepy smile as she said “of course”

anyway.

i cant believe they whammied constance?????

“SHE IS BREAKING ME SOFIA”

deep breaths, we have to try—this is definitely something shady

recruitment for curtain?

shes going to say something nice or something

shes being so weird and cheerful I hate it wheres my mean grumpy daughter?????

although the couple/siblings (?) reaction was good

oh the little music playing I love that thing

oh hes going to get so excited about infodumping about boatwright he’s distracted by her whammiedness

“shes very brave. and a good friend” gf talk dlfkgjdfg

milligan is very similar

“im confused too.” [she looks up in surprise]

OHHHH KATE AND MILLIGAN HUG OHHHHH

whos going to come out of the woods

AH rhonda and reynie!!!!

RHONDA AND MILLIGAN HUG???? ADORABLE BUT LIKE

BRO IF MR BENEDICT DOESN’T GET A HUG IM GOING TO KILL SOMEONE

constance sounds so unlike herself it’s so weird I hate this :(

“did you just call me sticky” “of course! that’s your name, silly!”

THAT’S HOW HE GOT IT LKHJFGHFH

DKGLJDGLHKJFGLHKJFLGKHJFGLKHJ

JEFFERS WHAT IS THAT POSE

“FOUND YA!”

HE’S SUCH A NERD

I HATE THIS MAN

DLJFGLKFJG ITS TAKEN ME A LONG TIME TO REBUILD MY SELF ES—SIR PLEASE

TO KNOW DEEP IN MY HEART I CAN SECURE A PERIMETER LKDGFJG

oh no is he going to rat them out?????? oh wait no probablt sedating him

headmaster shu

time. time with each other. so thank you. “you’re welcome, nicholas.”

oh there’s no way curtain doesn’t immediately know whats going on his face is too. flgkhjfgh

although seeing curtain here is weird

mr benedict telling jokes and never collapsing

and curtain not doing his LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY THING

DLFKGJDLFKGJDKFJG Jackson and jillson “hello CROWE”

“a very exclusive list of traitors. when you betrayed us”

LKDJGLKJG EXTREMELY BUSY I THOUGHT HE SAID “EXTREMELY PISSY”

THEY. THEY RECCOMENDED HER? OH

ohhhhhhhhhh

martina awkwardly widening her arms to hug both of them at once ldkfgjldkfgjlgkhjfghfgh

of all the hugs I hoped we gte I admittedly did not predict jackson jillson and martina???

EVERYONE’S REUNITED?? ALMOST???

“TURNS OUT THE WHOLE VAN THING IS A CRIME” LFDKGDFG

ohhh another kate and martina hug but kate initiated glkfgjh 🥺

rhonda: if you ever need a job—dglhjhlfgkjhfgh

I kinda expected her to leave but still sad :(

“your’e too easy, nicholas. I can keep the puns flowing all day”

but it doesn’t look like hes fallen asleep

number two’s expression did NOT look happy

is he going to stop curtain from drinking?

mr benedict your feelings are written all over your face you are terrible at this

oh. oh no

mrs two? did he just say mrs two?

number twod;fgkd lfgjdkfjg that awkward shoulder pat

oh hes WHAMMYING HER OH NO

OH NO THAT WAS THE END? WHAT THE FUCK

[sofiadragon]

I use this sewing kit.

I inherited this gently used sewing set from my great-gran. She wasn't very crafty, so it didn't see much use until it reached my hands. The set has held up well, though it is clear that some bits have gone.

This is interesting to me because it is an advertisement. This was free, not purchased, for attending some event. I don't know a lot about the history of it aside from "it came from Southern or Central New Jersey" and what is written on it.

It shows how the party has moved, how the values have changed over time. Now big Republican donors are citing the way party funds were (mis)used over the last few years to explain why they aren't donating. Lavish election-night parties for people who lost. Unspecified fees in the millions per state. Vague categories where there used to be line items... and they used to be so down to earth and about the little guy. I look at them now and see them only helping millionaires.

It's just so practical. A tool, a useful (if sexist) gift given to active political women.

Looking at the rest of my blog it might shock people to know I started out Republican. I hated the nanny state, and bluer areas of my home state seemed to have more troubles. Why, Atlantic City had that cheapskate Trump who failed to pay good hard working construction contractors for the work they did on his hotels and those corrupt liberals from up near NYC let him get away with bankrupting working class folks.

They left me behind as they shifted the goal posts. I don't want to ban all guns, I just want them registered like cars because too many people are getting killed by them. The same way I want commercial vehicles driven by people with CDLs I want people carrying in public to have had additional training. Do what you like in your own home, but your freedom stops at the bridge of my nose. That's not removing my rights as a law abiding citizen, that's gatekeeping supply from those who aren't so law abiding. Adding more guns to schools to fix the problem of people shooting up schools missed the entire point, and voting to defund mental health programs makes the current Republican stance on gun control hypocritical as well as too lax.

It was one part libertarian and one part practicality. Like this sewing kit, I want people to have the tools and if they don't use them that's their fault. Democrats wanted to tear down so much and rebuild it to fix systemic inequality, but lots of people would be hurt if it was done all at once and are we going to compensate them? Then as I approached voting age the Republicans started advocating, not for measured responses to problems and slow change over time, but to bring things back to how they were when this sewing kit was made. I was never an Evangelical Christian or a millionare and as the party moved to cater more and more to the former in word and the latter in deed I got left behind.

I don't want my politicians to have punishing sexuality -related sins as a top ten priority. When it was plank number 597 on the platform I ignored it, because when it came time to write laws I knew they would ignore it. That libertarian foundation I had said that what happenes between consenting adults is between them and whatever God they have, and I expect the same courtesy for everything I do in my home that doesn't affect anybody outside it.

But that's not even the main reason I flipped. I'm a history nut, born and raised by a family of Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans, and teachers, with a pagan/Christian fliwer child turned finacial planner for a mom and a draft-doging conscientious objector nerd for a father. The family voted red down ticket and third-party up ticket through my childhood. When George Bush Jr started talking about Iraq, my father and I looked at each other and called BS. We knew, because we knew our history, that Saddam Hussein and the terrorists who attacked us would rather rip out each other's entrails than work together. We were being lied to.

And they kept lying. Sure, fine, all politicians lie, but historically they promise the moon and deliver a glow in the dark sticker. They say A is their top priority and then mostly work on B and C - and that's lies but it's an acceptable sort of lie. Expected. Less a bold faced falsehood and more a confrontation between ideas and reality. Recall what I said about the anti-gay political adjenda for my home state politicians? Yeah, priority number 597 was only brought up to drive certain people to the polls, but nobody was going to do anything about it on either side of the aisle back then.

There was no way Afghanistan radicals and Iraq were working together. Hussein had been killing them to keep them out of his country for years before 9/11. History nerds knew. Immigrant families from the Middle East knew. Most Americans just believed, because why make a lie so huge? We thought that the truth would out, Bush would look like a nincompoop out to avenge daddy, and we would course correct.

Obama was actually pretty good, too. The ACA wasn't a Medicare buy-in like the poorer parts of my family would have liked to have, and my eyes and teeth are somehow not parts of my body still according to medical insurance, but at least my uterus finally was! The filibusters were out of line - that silent version has to go - and the Republican led Congress passed the fewest number of bill in the history of the institution, to the point of not being able to keep their own lights on, to coddle the racist demographic.

While I was personally shedding the racist framing I grew up with, the Republican party was pulling on extra layers of hate. They didn't talk about their ideas anymore, just all what they didn't want. No this, no that, and when Obama shrugged and started writing executive orders just to keep the wheel turning they hated that too.

Then, Republicans went full ugly. They blocked a Supreme Court nomination, not on the merits of the nominee, but only on the basis of the president's skin color. Just sat on their hands and refused to do their job for the best part of a year. The constitution says they should have a hearing and talk about the merits, they just didn't.

You know how fast anybody would be fired for not handling a project like that in any other context? Just don't make any fries at a fast food job. Just don't file your quarterly reports at an office job. Just don't conduct any interviews for a new CFO as a CEO. This was a major obligation and they just dropped it. Like the constitution was just a suggestion. As if the second election of Obama wasn't legitimate.

And I was out. I was in a different state then, but the people I voted into state and federal office supported this nonsense. I would have liked several people other than Clinton on the ticket- I thought Trump was too old then and wanted someone younger and more willing to call a spade a spade. Clinton was too savvy, too deep into the delicate political dance to be rude about the lies. Trump also lied "bigly" and constantly. Pence was a floorboard - bland and easily stepped on.

I don't see them getting my vote back, even downticket. Biden has salvaged our international relations - I consider the president's primary job to be running the State Department and filling our embassies with competent patriots. Bush and Trump were both international laughing stocks, and in the vein of Republicans not doing anything Trump seemed to have forgotten that appointing people to a lot of necessary positions was his job. Whatever you want to say about Obama's or Biden's relation to the Ukraine, at least they didn't leave an empty chair in the embassy.

I used this sewing kit today. It's a tool, a needful thing that wants use and facilitates productivity. It gets a job done. I think it is ironic.

Republicans, for most of my voting life, have been the party of doing nothing. Filibusters instead of arguing your case. Blocking nominations and then not filling empty posts. Doing less and less of the essential parts of governing the country, while digging more and more into our privacy. It is Republicans who want to know what my genitals look like, who I sleep with, and all the bloody details of my multiple miscarriages. They want to restrict what books I am allowed to read in my local library. They want to pass nanny state laws so restrictive to "protect" the children from seeing two men holding hands that the mention of adultery gets anything with the ten commandments in it banned from all school district funded libraries. Actually, Republicans are really into nanny state laws lately. It's the only thing I hear them talking about on a national stage. Infrastructure? Nope, that's a Democratic issue now because all the big projects are woke green stuff like hydroelectric gravity batteries for wind farms and mass transit.

Democrats want to make it illegal to be a dick for racist or queerphobic reasons. I think we have laws for that already, but there is no harm in clarifying that you should believe people when they introduce themselves as a woman or man and not harm them because you think their genitals might not look 'right' according to your personal standards. We had to clarify that black people and women were also to be treated with respect and decency, so let's make it clear that you don't have the right to assault someone. Democrats want Universal Healthcare, and I'd be happy with a medicare/aid buy-in where I can pay extra taxes voluntarily to get coverage, but I wouldn't be upset if they took it to the next step. Like Bernie said, ask for a whole loaf and negotiate for half. Biden would like to get Putin out of office, and I'm all for that. Our foreign relations are awesome right now. We're trying to claw back component manufacturing for national security reasons because we can't have the military dependent on circuit boards and component parts that are all imported.

What I care about that both sides ignore?

Nationalize the rails (and make it stick this time, codify that under interstate commerce the way we did highways.) It's getting to be a national security issue that freight shipping is so gas-dependant so we need to build nuclear power and modern electrified rail systems.

Right to Repair needs national attention too. There is no reason my phone is constructed in such a way that a handy person like myself can't safely replace the battery.

Recycling in the USA is a joke that stopped being funny around Y2K. Why are we shipping our Recycling overseas? Garbage collection and processing is one of those things I expect my taxes to pay for - stop requiring Recycling plants to pull a profit. That's idiotic hyper- capitalistic nonsense; trash collection does not need to be profitable to be a public good.

Make police academy training require/include a 2 year college degree based on law, history, and conflict resolution/psychology. Many other countries have 4 year programs and we're over here clowning like this is an easy job you can learn by doing after less than 6 months of training in much of the USA. Some state police programs are already at this standard, others need to catch up.

And closer to home? One school district per county in every state. Period. Let the kids mix, let the funding comingle. A more level playing field is beneficial to society as a whole, everyone deserves access to the tools. In fact, bring a lot of small town home rule shenanigans up to the county level. More daylight there to catch corruption and embezzlement because more people show up to watch or stream county meetings than do the same for small town boards. Again, some states already have this on lock, but boy do some others need work. Finally, if you won't forgive loans then let people lose them if they go bankrupt. You tried, you failed, let's cut that dead weight loose so you can try again. It hurts the economy to have so much student loan debt on people who never got a high value 4 year degree - which is where a lot of the people struggling with the loans are. Sometimes random shit happens through no fault of your own, and you bail out into a working class job to avoid something worse. That's where a lot of the old SL debt is sitting, so just let people drop the debt if they fail that hard the way they can for everything else.

[adhdtoolbox]

Build in room for Blockers on your To Dos

Photo by lucas souza from Pexels

You go to do the thing before before you can do that thing, you have to do something else. Before you do that, there's another thing...

Every time you come back to a to do list, you can't remember WHY you can't start on the thing yet, but you have work your way backwards through perquisites every time.

What if you left room in your to do list for blockers?

Start on the right side of the page, right your to do list like you're used to.

Now, when you start the task, your goal is EITHER to cross it off OR write down what blocked you. Why can't you sew a button back on?

You don't know where the button is. Okay.

Next time you come back to the task, your mission ISN'T to sew the button back on it's to find the button.

Ah, the button was on top of your dresser. Well done. Cross it off, note it down.

Shit. Where's your needle and thread?

You get the idea. As you discover why you can't do the chore, shift your focus on the to do list.

If you spot a circular dependency (it would be easier to clean out my closet after sorting my clothes... but I don't want to sort my clothes until I have somewhere to put them...) then DECIDING which goes first is your next step.

This will also make it easier to spot a huge jump in the size of the chore. If you set out wipe down the counter, but five steps later you're researching contractors to remodel the kitchen - draw a line between blockers where you actually CAN start and make the big chore its own thing.