#so when they got to my report card and saw the 75 they were like 'ok. it's the first marking period. just do better.'

[esyra]

After the hospital bombing, I finally heard back from my grandmother and confirmed that several of my relatives were murdered by Israeli bombing. Seven of them, to be precise. Three are still going, including her. We've been talking constantly ever since.

Asked if it was possible to head south, and was told they did but were also bombed there. So they decided to go back home, in Zeitoun. Their home was bombed and they were pulled out of the rumble, then driven by ambulances to the al-Ahli Arab Hospital. There were people in every corner. Gazans sheltering, sleeping on the floor. Gazans dying on the floor, waiting for beds.

Four were declared dead on arrival, three were in need of surgery and other three were just bandaged. Then, a bomb was dropped in the parking lot that made parts of the ceiling collapse, like Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah reported in that horrific conference/interview. Those in need of surgery died.

By the way, just in case you didn't know: the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the third oldest in history, bombed by Israel a few days back, was located near the hospital.

When looking for new shelter, they saw schools with signs hanging outside, "We can't take any more families." They met families, sympathetic but already sheltering too many people. They're now staying in an apartment building they found empty. Sleeping in the corner of the living room. If the family comes back, they'll apologize and leave.

Told me she was saving her phone battery for when the bombing stopped, and she had to ask for help to rebuilt the neighborhood. But she doesn't think it's gonna stop anymore. The ones still with her are mute most of the time, like they're saving energy, but she feels lonely and wanted to talk. There's no internet and to connect to WhatsApp, people are buying "a card from the supermarket, there's a password and username." Not sure what she meant. Still, the internet is inconsistent and won't load neither videos or images nor pages, so she doesn't know what's happening on the outside world.

Told her there were a lot of people protesting to stop the genocide, she replied, "The bombings are getting worse by the day." The bombing yesterday was the worst she ever witnessed. The entire neighborhood is infested with the smell of death, of decomposing bodies. Bodies are piling up in the streets and she's not sure if it's because they ran out of places to store them, but most of them are in bags. The smoke of the bombings hide the blue sky—she hasn't seen the clouds for a while.

Asked if I could share their pictures, names and dreams with people and was told, of which I partly agree, "they're not entertainment." If anyone genuinely cared, they would be alive—I'd argue there are people who do care, but I'm not gonna lecture her pain. And they don't deserve to be used to fulfill someone's sick fantasy. Told me to remember what some Israelis do with pictures of dead Palestinians. And I do.

For those of you who are not familiar, many times before settlers got together to celebrate the murder of Palestinians. For one, in 2015, Israeli settlers set a house in Duma, West Bank on fire. An 18-month old baby, Ali Dawbsheh, was burnt alive. Both parents later died of wounds and only a 5-year-old, Ahmad, survived, although severely injured.

Two celebrations of their murder are widely known, one at a wedding and others outside the court in which two were indicted for the terrorist attack. In the wedding, guests stabbed a photo of the toddler, Ali, while others waved guns, knives and Molotov cocktails. Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was present.

That's what happens in an apartheid. Palestinians are so abused by authorities that their "innocent civilians" come to accept the brutality as necessary or are desensitized by our suffering. After all, it's been 75 years—get used to it!

So I won't risk the image of my loved ones, in fear they are used in these kinds of depravity. I will say, though, the world lost a young footballer. Lost a female writer and an aspiring ballerina. Lost a kind father, who was also a great cook, and a loving mother that enjoyed sewing and other types of handicraft art. Lost a math teacher and a child that wanted to become one.

People think Israel is testing new weapons on them. There's civilians arriving at the hospital with severe burns, which they thought was from white phosphorus, but apparently the pattern is different from the one caused by white phosphorus. It's widely believed Israel tests weapons in Palestinians.

Jeff Halper, author of War Against the People, a book on Israel's arms and surveillance technology industries, said: "Israel has kept the occupation because it's a laboratory for weapons."

They've ran out of drinkable water and the "aid" Biden sent was only for the South of Gaza and no fuel, for hospitals, was allowed in. Many shelves in the supermarket are empty. She said many are convinced that if they don't die from the bombing, they'll die from starvation or dehydration, or whatever disease will develop from the dirty water they're drinking.

Told me all people do now is pray, cry and die. Told me she hopes West Bank is spared. Told her Israel bombed a mosque in West Bank and dozens of Palestinians in West Bank are being murdered by settlers, so she bided me goodbye.

[i-luv-sweets]

|Use Less Gun| Yandere Engineer x reader

Writing in your laptop you were focused on each word and computer key being used. The bright light of the screen almost making it blinding in the dark. After finishing a paragraph you sighed and leaned back into my chair. Taking a glance at the clock of the apartment almost made you groan. You did it again Y/N. You stayed awake till 1 AM while writing your book. You shut your laptop and spun around in the chair for a few seconds. You weren't  even gonna publish any of your books. You wanted to wait until you learned more.  You must not be reckless when it comes to your future.

You looked at the college report card and scanned over it a few times. Your eyes hovered over a singular subject, Math. You were supposed to be a creative writer, not a mathematician. You didn't even see how it will help yourself. The percentage of math was 75%. If your parents saw this they'd  give you a hard ass beating. kinda your teacher's fault anyway.  Sighing you took out your phone and typed "Math tutors". Scrolling through the profiles, there was a recently new profile. Dell Conagher? He seemed good enough, not like you need the BEST tutor. You just need help. Clicking on the profile and pushing the button "Book tutor session" you messaged the time and place where you wanted to meet. Yawning, you charged your phone and walked over to your room. Upon reaching the soft bed you landed face first and just passing out immediately.

Hearing the footsteps of your landlord you knew it was 6:00 AM. Stretching your arms you rolled out of bed and got ready for the day. Hearing people's footsteps shouldn't be someone's ideal alarm clock but your landlord was always awake on time. So you didn't really bother to set up an alarm clock. The partly cloudy morning was as calm as ever. This helped with your lack of sleep in a strange way. Since peaceful morning always seemed to get you awake. The smell of the coffee that you were making was so nice. Taking a sip of it you thought about your schedule for the day.

It shouldn't be a hard day at all. You were fairly good at school except when it came to the mathematics class. All you have to do is get through the day, get help from your new tutor, and  do whatever afterwards. You got dressed and ready for school before grabbing you needed items into your backpack and leaving. Wait did you forget to eat breakfast? It should be fine. You can always order something in a shop nearby. You got two hours until classes started anyways. Making your way to your college you walked on the sidewalk kicking a pebble. it would've been easier if you owned a car, but you were a broke ass college student. The way for you to get to school is by walking. That was the best that you could do for now until you got a real job. You could've easily gotten a job if you took the risk of publishing one of your books. But you just have to be a stubborn lil person did ya?

The day was smooth enough and you didn't have much trouble for once when it came to classes. When you entered your apartment again you decided to clean up a bit. You texted the tutor that you wanted to meet at your place. That way you don't have to bother walking back after tutor. Yeah you walk back from school but you tend to buy food for dinner if you stay out later than your usual schedule. When that happens you always have to walk farther to get a good food place.

Dell got out of his car and shut the door gently. Looking at the apartment complex in front of him, he turned on his phone. Looking at the text that his tutee sent about the place he tilted his head. The apartment almost looked like a place where killers hang out. Not only that but the person literally sent him a message at 1 AM. He doesn't do tutoring but it would be nice to get a side job while he was getting started on his job.

Reaching the elevator he pressed the button to the floor his tutee lived on. Upon reaching the door Dell knocked nervously. This was his first time tutoring someone, let alone tutoring in their home. Though he was worried, when the door opened he became less anxious.

'Well don't she look nice?' He thought to himself before giving her a warm smile and an extended hand. "Nice ta meet ya. Mah name's Dell." He said before the female nodded and shook his hand giving him a small smile as well. "Same here, I'm Y/N." You spoke as you stopped your friendly hand shake and retreated your hand to the side of your body. His southern accent almost made you laugh a bit. To you Dell sounded like one of those old western movies that you would watch. "Sorry about texting you at 1 AM by the way. I was just up late and decided to get a tutor last minute." You mentioned as you moved to the side so he can enter your apartment. "Ain't no problem, ah was just worried some killer texted me." He jested as he took a look around your apartment. You couldn't help but laugh with him. The place wasn't too big but not too small either. The livingroom and kitchen were next to each other and there were 3 rooms. One room open to show a purple bedroom.

'She probably has a roommate' He observed in his mind. "Anyways now that the introductions are out of the way want to get started?" You questioned as you sat down at a table. "Yeah, ah'd laike ta start now to." Dell responded as he sat down and looked at your laptop. The two of you went over math for a good hour. There was an alarm coming from your phone which made you two jump from the loud sound. Grabbing your phone, you turned off the alarm.               "Looks like our time is up." You said almost thankful that the math session was over. Dell was quick to notice your somewhat relieved expression.  He almost didn't want it to end because of the funny small talk that you would make occasionally. It was almost amusing seeing as when the two of you started your tutoring session you didn't know much about the math formulas. He did catch a glance of your report card on the kitchen island and was fairly impressed. You had good scores until it came to math. Not only that but there were notes next to you math score. The notes sort of seemed annoying too.

'student not paying attention'

'student doesn't participate'

'Don't use light pencil on a test'

'Don't tap your foot in class'

'stop speaking when not spoken to'

"Mr.Dell? Are you ok?" You asked curious when seeing him space out a bit. "Oh! Ah'm sorry bout that. Ah had a few thangs on mah mind." He said now standing up and heading for the front door. You followed after him and opened the door for him. "Thank you for helping Mr.Dell." You spoke as you moved to the side. "Weren't no thang. Please text me later so I can know our tutoring schedule." He stated as he smiled at you. His smile making you mirror him. "Will do, have a good day sir." You said closing the door as he left. After your locked your door you went on with your day. The tutor didn't go that bad at least.

[bike42]

April 13-15, 2021 IAT Heading South

The funny thing about Spring in Wisconsin is it can be variable. After two weeks of amazing warm weather, we’re back up North in the cold. It’s actually “normal,” weather for April, but after what we’ve had recently, it’s kind of hard to go back. Actually, it was perfect weather for hiking, we just had to keep moving.

This time, we’re staying in the Holiday Inn Express in Antigo, WI (population 7780). I had a Waunakee Chamber Board meeting via Zoom early Tuesday morning, so Jeff and I drove up late Monday night so I’d be able to take that call before joining the gang.  The hotel experience is different than when we’re together in a cabin, but we can’t always have everything perfectly aligned.

Kent had shoulder replacement surgery about two weeks ago, so this hotel option worked out well for Kent and Lynn too.  He can’t hike “off road” for a bit (risk of falling), so he’ll hang out while Lynn hikes with us.  I will say it felt odd not having him along on the hike.  They arrived at the hotel early Tuesday morning, and Lynn rode with us to rendezvous at the start with Dan, Tam and Gary who had already left a car where we’d finish our Tuesday hike.

There were a few snow flurries in the air as we set off hiking just after 10am.  We all dressed in layers, but the 34 degrees with a high of 40 caught me a bit off guard and I had to get creative and layer in some clothes that I’d brought for hanging out in the evening!

Everyone started out in gaiters, which was good as it wasn’t long until we were detouring around or splashing through puddles.  In fact, as we were traversing around 4H Camp Susan, the road was completely submerged so we hacked our way into the woods, up a hill, and bushwhacked back down to the trail.

A little more than three miles, and we were crossing Hwy 45 – which marked the end of the Highland Lakes Segment and the start of the Summit Moraine Segment.

We came upon the Jack Lake ski trails area, and a nice little warming shelter with a porta-potty.  It had a stove and wood – we could have had a fire if we’d needed to warm up.  We were glad to have a picnic table and took an extended break there.  The terrain was like other cross-country ski areas we’d hiked before – nice wide-open trails, but hilly!

After a few easy miles, we came to a fancier warming shelter called the Spychalla Lodge.  We didn’t need another break, but we took one anyway.

From there, we continued on to Veteran’s Memorial Park. My folks had checked this out already, so I knew to expect cute little cabins and a nice campsite – I thought we were just a few weeks too early for camping, however – plus we needed Wi-Fi for a few conference calls.  Just outside the campground, we entered the Langlade County Arboretum, where all the trees were labeled – we found it to be quite educational.  The trail wound around several beautiful lakes:  Game, High, Low and Jack Lakes – said to be named by card-playing loggers that had previously inhabited this area.

Our guide book warned us of possible issues with floating bogs and beaver dams, but we had no issues.  We arrived at our end point for the day about 3PM – could have gone further, but Jeff and I had a Zoom call to be on at 6:30PM that evening so we’d planned for just over 11 miles today.

It was a windy day, but we were mostly protected in the trees – the sound of the wind in the high pines was awesome.  While it never got warm (although Gary was hiking in a t-shirt), it was a pleasant day.  The woodland flowers were just beginning to bloom, but they were advanced enough to use my “Picture This” app to help identify them.  The forest and lakes were alive with the sounds of birds including sandhill cranes, geese, several kinds of ducks and I really loved the sounds of the Ruffed Grouse as they were “drumming,” to attract females or ward off challenging males.

Back to the hotel, and we walked over to the Bowling Alley across the parking lot – always a fun experience and the place was hopping, and the food was ok.

Wednesday morning, we awoke to snow on the cars, and the temperature was 33 degrees as we set out.  I was the navigator, but wasn’t paying attention as Gary, Lynn and I were in a deep conversation about Waunakee’s Community Study on race ... so we missed a turn and saw a bit more of Langlade County!

We did the car drop, and at the start, there was a moss-covered stump that I’d photographed Tuesday afternoon – what a contrast to now find it snow covered!!

We set out at a brisk pace, and quickly finished the last 3.5 miles of the Summit Moraine segment.  The terrain was mostly wide, grassy rolling roads, but then it turned and climbed along a ridge.  Someone had built steps out of large rocks – the first time I can recall seeing that. I imagine it was a lot of work to build that, but made the climb easier. We skirted several beautiful lakes, and saw a beautiful DCA site.

The trail paralleled Highway A for a stretch, where we got a few honks from cars going past.  We crossed the highway and began the Lumbercamp Segment.  The trail went through the Peters March State Wildlife Area, and I expected it to be wet, but aside from an occasional large puddle in the low spot on the trail, it wasn’t bad.  No one got wet feet today!

We walked along lumber roads, mostly grass covered thankfully. We only came upon a short stretch where there was active logging with equipment present but no one working today.  The roads there were muddier, but nothing like the mud soup that we’d experienced several weeks ago on the Highland Lakes Segment!  

I slowed my pace a bit and immersed in the peace of the surrounds – enjoying seeing the new growth of the trees and flowers, and listening to the cacophony of the birds.

After six miles, we searched out a place to stop for lunch. We’d been spoiled yesterday coming upon several shelters and areas with picnic tables!  We finally spotted a downed tree, and Jeff got out his saw and lopped off a few branches to make room for the seven of us.  It made us all think about the lunch we had sitting on a log atop a mountain in Slovenia a few years ago!

We continued trekking, on the lookout for the “Hillbilly Hilton” that we’d read about in our guidebook.  Its all that remains from the Norem Lumber Camp which operated from 1920 to 1938.  The camp originally had several log structures, but the only remnant is the root cellar, which has been renovated (?) into a respite for hikers.  There were several sleeping platforms, a table and shelves with various things that had left behind.  Unfortunately, there was a lot of trash both inside and outside.  In the event of severe weather, it’d be a good place to take shelter, but I’d have been more comfortable in a tent versus sleeping inside there!!

We had another snack, and the guys kicked into turbo mode, with Gary issuing a self-challenge to finish the hike by 3pm.  Tam, Lynn and I hiked a more moderate pace, stopping to check out the ramps (wild onion, or wild leek) – the forest was full of them, and I’d never seen them growing in Wisconsin before.  Made us wish we were cooking dinner tonight!  

The trail left the primitive road and headed up of high-relief hummocky topography.  Once again, we found ourselves stumbling over roots and rocks, which actually was a welcomed change from the monotony of the forest roads.  We came upon the beautiful Baker Lake, with a steep boat launch and a wooden slide to launch a canoe or kayak – would be a great secluded place to paddle!

From there, we climbed up a steep hill to Hwy-52 and the endpoint of our segment (and the guys patiently waiting).

We hiked over 16 miles today, in just under 7 hours. Great pace, but not too challenging. Feels great to be able to put in these longer distances.  Gary commented that we had “rain, snow, sun, and wind; everything but locusts!”  All in all, a great day.

We picked up the car at the start and got back to the hotel about 4:30pm, where Kent was waiting for us.  He walked around Antigo, but reported it was much colder and windier than what we’d experienced in the protection of the forest.  Since we had a Zoom call scheduled with Donovan of Embark Explorations (our Kilimanjaro guide company) at 7pm, we decided to head out to dinner right away.  Tam found the Fifth Avenue Restaurant in downtown Antigo that had a good-looking menu and great reviews, so we headed there.  Like most placed up north, they’re a bit casual with COVID restrictions and masks seemed to be optional and they had no problem with our group of 7 people sitting at one table.

We had a great dinner, lots of food, my favorite Leinenkugel Creamy Dark beer, and Jeff and I got pie to go from the Dixie Diner next door (same ownership – same family operating both places for 75 years).  

After dinner, we went back to our “suite” at the Holiday Inn Express and huddled around Jeff’s laptop for our call with Donovan (and George Sanchez, our BrightStar colleague from Austin TX who will be joining us in Africa).  Donovan and his wife have a pact to live somewhere else in the world every five years. They’d lived in Tanzania at the base of Kilimanjaro, and are now living in Guatemala so he was logged in from there. The call went well, but a storm was approaching there – we could see the lighting in his background window, and as he predicted, he lost power towards the end of the call.  We learned enough to get super excited for our September trek! I’m so thankful that Gary suggested this IAT adventure to help get us so comfortable with multi-day trekking and test out our cold weather gear in preparation for all the weather we’ll encounter on our 9 days on the mountain in Tanzania.

Thursday, we woke to clearer skies, but still cool – the sunshine makes all the difference, mentally as much as physically.  An easy car drop, we found ourselves at the start of Kettlebowl and hiking down into the bowl by 7:50AM.

The road opened up at the base of the Kettlebowl Ski Area, a nice little hill with some short, steep sections, served by several rope-tows, so that made me think of the nearby Paul Bunyan Ski Hill where I learned to ski!

Kettlebowl is a segment I’d read about as one where people had trouble getting lost so I was a bit nervous. It was rated a 4 / 4 so that got our attention as well.  In reality, it was mostly wide forest roads, with numerous intersections.  Perhaps in full leaf out, some of the signage is obscured, but we had no issues.  We did have over 1000 feet in elevation gain, but easier to do with wide grassy paths versus narrow rocky trails.

 Our group set off fast, which helped warm us up on the cold morning. After a mile, the layers started coming off.  After about 3 miles though, I backed off a bit to enjoy the hike a bit more.  Most of this area had been logged long ago, and has a successional forest of aspen and birch.  Without leaves, we could really see through the trees – lots of hills, kettles, large rocks.  We didn’t see wildlife, but I’m sure they saw us!

After about 5 miles we had a break – I went into the trees to find a large rock to sit on while I enjoyed the coffee I’d brought along with a fig bar.  I really enjoyed the tranquility of being “alone” in the forest, knowing Jeff and my friends were just over the ridge – not exactly out of ear shot, so I had my “adventure with security” moment.  I honestly cannot imagine doing these treks alone, but many people do.  Our group is so compatible too, its ok for some to head out fast and work on cardio, and for others to linger back and talk or just enjoy the solace of the hike.

We completed the nearly 10-mile trek well before noon.  We’d left two cars there, so Gary and Lynn headed back to Antigo to pick up Kent at the hotel, while Jeff and I drove Dan and Tam back to their car.  We all met up at the Dixie Diner in Antigo for a hearty lunch.  I was thinking cheeseburger of course, but their special today was a Pastie – either beef or chicken variety.  My love of dough led me to choose that option – it was good, but very different than what I was used to.  It had large chunks of beef and potatoes, while I’m used to more of finely diced version, more like a hash stuffed in a pastry.  

After lunch, we drove back to the cemetery where the Kettlebowl segment ended to begin what’ll be a 30-mile connecting route (CR) – through the end of the Guthook West portion and onto the Central portion of the app!  Since we had a great day and we were all feeling good, we decided to knock off 5 miles of the CR, and Kent walked with us – we felt complete as a group again!

I’d developed a small blister on my right heel yesterday, that was unusual.  This morning’s hike, even though I’d had a Band-Aid on it, expanded it to quarter size.  It didn’t prevent me from hiking; I hardly thought about it.  But I’ll need to work on route cause (probably will have to give up pedicures and my foot softening lotion and build up my calluses before September)!

We had a fast 5 miles back to the tiny village of Polar, then a shuttle back to the cars and we were all on our way home.  We’re still a 2.5-hour drive to our home – getting closer as the “crow flies,” but its still a remote location with small county roads to drive to get to our locations.  After our 4 days next month, we’ll be within two hours – still too far for day trips, but that will come this summer.

[tdatdroleplay]

Hank & Lux - From the Beginning

This story was originally posted in May of 2020 from the Twitter accounts of @HisTeenDream and @RookByTheBook. 

Lux: [She’d spent the last four years in Houston, attending Rice University. And it was at her graduation in May that her father let her in on a serious secret. He had lung cancer. And he was getting sicker despite the treatments. He didn’t want her to move home, but she didn’t feel right about staying in Houston like nothing was wrong. Besides, she’d graduated and could hopefully find herself a job in San Antonio. She’d spent the day at the hospital just...spending time with her father. She wished that things were different. She wished she had more time, that she hadn’t spent the past four years away from him. But it just wasn’t...in the cards. So instead, during his treatments, during the times when he was having serious issues, sickness and even depression, he stayed at the hospital. So she’d spend a decent amount of her days there too. In between, she tried to take care of the house and find herself a job. Which hadn’t been as easy as she hoped. On her way home, she decided to pick up a little takeout from Blanco Café. She went ahead and paid, got the bag, back in the car and headed to the house. Pulling up, she got her bags and headed to the door. She went to put her key in the lock and then paused when the door simply pushed open.] What…[She had a sinking feeling as she pushed the door open and saw all the lights on, the place ransacked, a lot was missing, and the window around the back of the house in the living room was busted out. She didn’t bother going inside any further just in case someone was still in there. Instead, she dug her cell phone out of her bag and called the police to report a break in.] 

Hank: [He walked out of the office of the San Antonio Police Department’s psychologist. It wasn’t because he had any issues with discipline, or a head case...it was just part of his career path. There were three examinations an officer had to pass after he completed an initial interview if there was an aspiration to be a SWAT team member. And that was all he could think about. The first was the psychological exam. Then that was followed by the fitness testing and the skills examination. One on the books, two to go. He’d spent the last three years working as a beat cop for the SAPD and he was damn proud of that, but he wanted bigger and he wanted better. He was made for more than this. In the year before the academy he went through an accelerated degree program where he snatched up a degree in Criminal Justice. He had plans to apply for this from the minute he graduated high school. He had already certified himself in counter-sniper tactics, helicopter and armored vehicle insertion and was hoping to get himself enrolled into explosives, rope skills and crowd control if he passed his exams of course. But...that was the goal. And as he walked back through the hall toward the little station where he sat to file his reports, when he heard the Sergeant call over to him. “Page, get your ass back to your car.” He chuckled and nodded and grabbed up his keys.] You got it, sir. [He blew out a breath and headed back out. He knew they were gonna break his balls over this. Leaving the team to join another, but it’s just what he wanted. He spent a good hour patrolling his normal runs when dispatch sent out a call. “Possible 10-35. Subject location unknown.” His brow lifted, but when he heard the address, he grabbed the radio and responded.] Unit 8 is 10-76. My 10-77 is about fifteen minutes. [He set the radio down, flipped his lights on but not the sirens. His brow was furrowed. That was an address he knew all too well. It was the childhood home of a friend of his. And it was a place he visited often enough. He went there to help her father. Fix what needed fixing. Take care of the lawn, the flash ice storms in the Texas winter. And even he had to admit that things just seemed to be getting a little more worse for the wear. But still, he wondered how the man called if he wasn’t in the house and that troubled him enough to drive a little faster than was allowed through a residential district. And he had to wonder why he didn’t just call his cell. He cleared his throat as he pulled up at the side of the house and grabbed his radio again.] Unit 8 is 10-06. Standby. [He stepped out of the car, closing the door as he started to walk up the side of the walkway, the back of a woman with long blonde hair coming into view.] Ma’am? 

Lux: [She was standing in the yard, arms wrapped around herself as she just stared at the house. How was she going to tell her dad that their house had been broken into, their things stolen? He would want to come home, and he needed to be in the hospital receiving his treatments. Her dark blue eyes were starting to water when she heard the sound of a man behind her. Turning around, she saw an officer.] Yes. Um...I haven’t been inside. [She looked back toward the house, but continued to speak.] The door was open when I got home. And I...just peeked inside. Didn’t see anybody, but the place is a mess. So I just called the police and waited out here in the yard. [Turning back toward the officer, she figured she needed to introduce herself.] I’m Lux Wilder. This is my father’s house. His name’s Eric Wilder.

Hank: [That was a shock he wasn’t expecting. There she was. Lux Wilder. The girl of his teenage dreams. They were friends then. And had a few classes together. But he was quiet. She was friendly. He kept to himself, she went to all the parties. She was smart and beautiful and he was skinny and pale and yeah. It was no wonder she didn’t know who the hell he was. He cleared his throat.] I’m familiar with who owns the house, Miss Wilder. I know your father well and...you for that matter. [He looked up at the house.] Wait here, I’ll go and check it out. [He started toward the house before he looked back at her again. She definitely grew up. Still just as beautiful. He walked up the steps and used his foot to push open the door as he pulled his black gloves on and opened the holster clasp before palming his weapon. It definitely was a damn mess. Someone did a number on it and that just pissed him off. He called out to anyone that may have still been in the house.] Police. If there’s anyone inside, come out now with your hands up. [He went from one room into the next. Where the hell was Mr. Wilder?] 

Lux: [Her brow furrowed as he said he knew who owned the home, knew her father, and knew her. How the hell did he know her? She was pretty sure she’d remember someone who looked like a strip-a-gram cop. She was still looking up at him when he told her to stay there.] Uh...yeah, OK. [She had to figure out who this guy was. She tried to see the name on his uniform before he walked away, but she only saw a P before he was walking past her. She stood in the yard, watching him head into the house. He was a pretty big man, but shouldn’t he have waited for back up or had a partner? She bit the corner of her lip as she waited for him to come back out.]

Hank: [He cleared the entire house. If someone had been there, they were long gone now. He holstered his weapon and secured the clasp before he came back out, he had his radio up at his mouth this time.] Dispatch this is 8. I have a 10-24 with PD. Can we get someone out here for collection? I’m 10-75 with the caller. [He left the radio go and heard the confirmation. “10-4 Officer Page. I’m sending someone now.” He looked back at her and raised a brow.] I’m gonna need some information from ya and I’m having someone come out to collect evidence and process it since there’s so much damage. We’ll file the report and I’ll check with the neighbors to see if anyone’s heard anything. Where’s Mr. Wilder? [His brow furrowed.]

Lux: [She was standing there, staring at him. The radio said Officer Page. Page. She went to high school with a couple of Pages, but...this guy didn’t look like any of them. She was still in thought when he came over to speak to her. And it took her a minute to answer him.] Uh...yeah, sure, that’s fine. I don’t know how much information I can give. Can I go inside and see what’s missing? I…[She shook her head.] How do you know my dad? How do you know me? [She looked up at him, dark blue eyes studying his face. She had to admit there was something familiar about his warm hazel eyes.] 

Hank: [He shook his head.] Not just yet, they need to clear it. I wouldn’t want some kind of evidence unknowingly get destroyed because we’re moving things around. [His brows lifted.] It’s me, Lux. Hank. [He moved his pen across his notepad before he looked back down at her.] I guess I do look a little different. [He smiled.] I...see him when I’m on patrol. This is my neighborhood. And obviously /he/ remembers me. But I haven’t seen him for a little while. Is he alright? 

Lux: [Her full lips were parted as she just stared up at him. That wasn’t Hank Page. And then he made a crack about her dad remembering him.] No, I remember Hank Page, but Hank Page didn’t look like that. [She gestured to him.] Or...you. Uh...shit, I mean, Hank was small...er than you. And…[She snapped her mouth closed and shook her head, smiling at him.] It’s only been four years. The glow up is real. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. How’ve you been? [She would’ve hugged him, but he was a police officer and that might’ve been frowned upon especially since he was on duty.] My dad’s...well, a few months ago, he came to my graduation and afterward, he and I were out at dinner. He wasn’t trying to ruin the occasion or anything, but a few days prior, he’d gotten a pretty serious diagnosis. Lung cancer. He’s been in and out of the hospital lately. A lot of chemo. A lot of...problems. So I moved back home to try to help him. Not that I’m a ton of help. Unfortunately. And now I get to tell him that all our stuff’s gone, and he’s going to worry that his little girl’s staying in an unsafe place. And that’s the last thing he needs to worry about right now.

Hank: [He was about to make a comment about her when she said that her father got one hell of a diagnosis and his eyes went a little wide and that made more sense. He’d noticed the change in Eric and it was obvious now, but it wasn’t then. He just figured it was taking him some time to bounce back from a cold. He shifted his weight and shook his head.] Man, Lux...I’m sorry, that’s…[He was gonna have to process that too. He’d gotten close to her dad in the years of her absence. And it was no wonder he didn’t tell him. He didn’t want him to make a damn fuss over things. With that bomb being dropped, a few techs showed up to do some processing and he pointed them in the right direction.] When they leave, we’ll see what’s missing, yeah? We’ve had a bunch of kids running around causing problems. Vandalizing cars and stores and things like that, but it hasn’t been anything serious. So this most likely isn’t going to be anything close to unsafe. But we’ll go back in and assess and get an idea. But maybe just give it a little while for him to rest up before you break the news about the break in. When’s he getting discharged? 

Lux: [She shook her head.] It’s been hard. But he’s having a hard time with the treatments, and he’s also getting depressed a lot lately. [She sighed softly.] Yeah, that’s fine. I just mean, he won’t want me staying in a place that’s been broken into. And I guess I don’t really want to either. [She pulled a face and her shoulders lifted a bit.] Maybe I’ll just stay at the hospital tonight. [She shook her head.] I don’t really know. When he goes in for treatments, they really take a toll. He usually stays for a few days afterward until he starts feeling a little better. 

Hank: [He shook his head. Dammit, Eric.] Would you feel better if there were an officer outside tonight? [His brows lifted.] How long have you been back? Are you planning on staying or are you just here for what’s going on with your dad? [He tapped his pen to the page.] That’s not for the report. That’s all me. Being nosy. 

Lux: [Her own brows lifted.] Oh, you guys...I mean I’m sure the police have better things to do than babysit a scaredy cat. I put the wheels in motion to move home as soon as daddy told me. I’d already graduated, so I just figured I’d move back here from Houston. Try to get a job. I’ve been back for almost two months I guess. And yeah, I’m gonna be staying. [She smiled when he said he was just being nosy, a soft laugh spilling out.] 

Hank: [He paused on the personal talk for a minute, getting information from her, what he needed for the report that he was going to have to fill out and enter later, but he was glad when the tech team gave them the go ahead and check inside. He turned with her.] Don’t be ridiculous. The police enjoy getting the chance to sit outside of a house all night. We don’t get called for anything. We just...relax. Listen to music. Do rounds. Trust me. It’s a shift the boys love to get. [He winked at her then turned around toward the house.] Two months? Damn, Lux. That’s a long time. Didn’t wonder about your old buddy Hank at all? [His brows lifted as he pushed the door open for her.] Take your time walking through. Let me know if something significant jumps out at you as missing. 

Lux: [She laughed.] Well, then if it’s a cakewalk, you should take it. I’ll, uh, give you…[She pulled a face.] can’t be beer cause you’re on the clock. So...lemonade? [She laughed a little and shook her head.] Alright, anyway...my good buddy Hank never even offered to come up to Houston and visit me. My good buddy Hank never even texted. Or emailed. Or anything. And you know what? Good buddy Hank...you should’ve. [She gave him a nudge with her hand and then stepped inside the house. She was dreading this. Seeing all the things that were taken.] Well, the television’s gone. Computers. [She headed toward the kitchen, seeing the drawers open.] Did they wanna steal the damn can opener?

Hank: [He chuckled and shook his head.] Hey, I won’t charge the city. I’ll take the beer and I’ll take it in a pair of jeans instead of the uniform. [He jotted down what she said was missing, getting types and how many.] Can opener? Are you serious? [He shook his head and then decided to full circle that conversation.] Well, how was I supposed to know you wanted to hear from your good buddy Hank? I mean, let’s be real here. The /only/ thing you were focused on besides getting out of town was Cameran Taylor. Quarterback. [He looked over at her and pulled a face.] Which...just in case you’re considering sending him a, “I’m back” text...just don’t. He’s doing three to five for armed burglary. Knocked off Mr. Henderson’s Hardware. [He grinned.] I had the pleasure of that collar. [He wet his lips. Might’ve said he resisted a few times during that arrest, but it was justified in his mind.] 

Lux: Let’s just say you get the beer, but keep the uniform on. [She nodded with a bit of a grin.] It’s...well, we’ll say it makes me feel safer. [Was she seriously flirting over a burglary scene? She sighed.] No, can opener’s here, but they did take the Ninja coffee maker and the Instapot. Who the hell takes an Instapot, Hank? Who robbed my dad’s house? Betty Crocker? [She sighed, shaking her head and moving into the garage. She pulled open the door and shook her head.] All my dad’s tools…[She shook her head with yet another sigh. When Hank brought up Cameran Taylor, she rolled her eyes.] I haven’t spoken to him since my freshman year. He...well, I found out he was pretty focused on my best friend Megan. Needless to say, we’re not friends anymore, and Cameran...well, he hasn’t been a thought in a long time. [Her brows raised.] Really? He’s in jail? [She laughed softly, shaking her head.] What an idiot.

Hank: Idiot is an accurate description. He was “armed” with a flare gun. That’s why it’s only three to five. [He shook his head.] Tweekers. They’re looking for anything that runs. Anything that can get a few dollars resale. But that also means they’re less likely to come back. [He knew it sucked to be missing all of those things, but her dad didn’t really use those tools anymore. He brought his own when he came out to the house to fix something.] Megan? Really? I don’t know who that is. [He laughed and shrugged his shoulders.] Oh, the uniform’ll cost extra. [He lifted both brows and then stopped to look out the back window that was broken.] There’s no way to get this fixed tonight, but I’ll sheet it up for you. So none of the central gets out and keeps the damn bugs out. 

Lux: [She couldn’t help but laugh at the flare gun bit.] He never was the brightest bulb in the shed. [She sighed when he said that it was more than likely tweekers looking for anything they might resale on the street.] Oh God…[She hurried out of the garage, making a beeline for her father’s bathroom. And sure enough, all of his medications were gone. She tried to remember them all so that Hank could list them.] And yes, Megan. Megan Calder. You remember her. If you remember me. [She shook her head with a smile as they moved out of her father’s bedroom, which...his .38 special was missing too.] What’ll it cost me? [She looked up at him and then pushed her own door open, her room still much like it had been when she left for college. Her laptop was gone. Obviously. Her television.] Thanks, I appreciate that. I…[She stopped, looking around frantically.] Wait...No…[She looked under her bed and everything. It was gone. She sat down on the edge of the bed and covered her face with her hands.] They took my cello. How’m I supposed to get a job here now? It was hard enough already. Now I can’t even audition.

‘Hank: I’m gonna need the permit information for the gun. I’m gonna have to make sure that’s specially noted in case it’s used in a crime. [He shook his head.] We’ll make sure to get the pharmacy to refill what he needs and...yeah…[He was gonna have do some work around here. Reinforcing doors, locks. Security system. If she was staying and bringing Eric home, they’d have to have something in place. When she bent down and then ended up on the bed, he crouched down in front of her, setting the notepad on the bed beside her. He remembered Megan. He just didn’t care about Megan. He put his hand on her knee.] In the basement...your old cello is down there. [He wet his lips. He moved it when Eric needed him to take a look at the furnace.] I know it’s probably not what you’re used to now, but it’s something, right? 

Lux: [She pulled her hands away from her face when she felt Hank’s hand against her knee. She wiped under her eyes and then nearly bowled him over as she hugged him.] It is!? [She felt like she could take a breath. Yeah, it wasn’t the cello she’d been playing for the last four years, but it would work. Until she could get a new one. Or by chance the police found their things. She was just...wait...how did Hank know what was in her basement? She pulled back.] Hey, uh...good buddy Hank...how do you know what’s in my basement? I’m pretty sure you never came over and hung out in the basement when we were in high school.

Hank: [He felt her hug him and damn if that didn’t take him back to when she left for college. He wet his lips and then nodded his head when she pulled back.] Yeah, it’s down there. [He stayed crouched down for the time being, his elbows resting against his knees.] Well...that’s kind of a long story. Why don’t you get your things and grab the paperwork on the gun. I’ll take you down to the station, get that filed. My shift’ll be over by then and I can bring ya home and help...put things together here with ya. Sound alright? [He stood back up and looked down at her. He turned, pulling a tissue from the stand and passing it to her for her eyes.] After you left, I still kicked around the neighborhood. And since it was just your old man here, I checked in on him since I was still here. I helped him around the house. Mowed the lawn. Fixed the furnace. Cleaned out the garage. Did you know...that man is a bit of a hoarder? He kept /all/ of your grade school artwork. It’s...a bit of a problem. 

Lux: [She nodded as he said he’d take her to the station and then back to the house to help with the broken window and making sure everything was OK in the house.] Yeah, that’s fine. [She took the tissue from his and dabbed beneath her eyes. When he stood up, she went ahead and did the same. She listened to him talk about how he knew the cello was in the basement.] That’s sweet. You were always a real good guy, Hank. [She smiled when he said her father had kept all her grade school artwork.] Yeah, I can believe that. Dad’s sentimental. [She blew out a breath, not wanting to cry again.] Let me put my dinner in the fridge. [She walked to the kitchen, sticking the bag from Blanco’s into the refrigerator before she went to search for the paperwork in her dad’s room.] 

Hank: [He resisted the urge to say not good enough. She had enough going on and he didn’t need to add the butthurt boy from high school to the mix. But he wasn’t that boy anymore either. He’d grown up. And he’d gained a sense of confidence he completely lacked so many years ago.] Well, he’s a good man. And I enjoyed getting to hang out with him. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for the academy. [He chuckled.] He didn’t need to, but I appreciated it. [He walked her toward the door.] Lock up what you can. I’ve got tools in my trunk. I’ll take a look at what I can tonight. And I’m gonna have to grab something to eat on the way back. Definitely Paolo’s Pizza. For old time’s sake. 

Lux: [She was digging in her dad’s closet, trying to find the permit information for the gun that was stolen, and it took her about fifteen minutes before she could find it. Once she had, she gave it over to Hank and walked with him to the door. Making sure the garage door was down, the inside door was locked, and then the front door was locked, she followed him outside.] Should I take my car? [She looked up at him when he mentioned the pizza place.] Yeah, I’ve missed that place. [She stopped in the driveway.] Hey, Hank...I’m sorry. I should’ve kept in contact with you. I just...I guess I was just selfish. You were always such a good friend to me. And when I left, it wasn’t that I left to get away from every part of my life. So why didn’t you ever...you know...text me or anything? I mean I know we weren’t like...super close or anything, but we were friends.

Hank: [He shook his head.] You can ride in the front with me. It’ll be alright. You’re coming down to file a report on a missing firearm. It’s not going to take long. [He walked over, opening the door for her and closing it once she was in. He blew out a breath as he walked around to get into the driver’s seat. This wasn’t the conversation he thought he’d be having today, but he wasn’t minding who he was having it with.] It’s alright, Lux. You were doing big things. You needed to go. [He started the car and shook his head, checking before he pulled out.] Honestly, I just thought...you were gonna make other friends. And some boy ya knew in high school just wasn’t up on that college level, ya know? My whole life, I had one dream. And I’m doing it. But that took me in one direction and you were in another. I just didn’t want to insert myself in the new life you were trying to carve out. And...I didn’t have much to offer then either. 

Lux: [She got into the front seat of the cruiser and then looked at him when he was in the driver’s seat.] I’ve never ridden in a police car before. [She smiled.] That isn’t true. You were a good guy. You were smart. And you were always the sweetest. I just thought maybe you didn’t wanna stay friends when I left. It’s hard to stay friends with someone who isn’t around, you know? But you could’ve come up and visited me at Rice. I had quite a few concerts too. I should’ve invited more people to those. [She laughed a little.] I did make friends. But...well, they’re not around now, are they? Nope. They were around for the fun stuff. Not the tough stuff like my dad having cancer. Dad never told me that you were around. Then again...I didn’t...talk...to him much while I was in school. I regret that now.

Hank: Hey, don’t regret it. You talked. Probably more than other people that went off to college spoke to their parents. [He shook his head.] I should’ve. You’re right. But then...you would’ve seriously missed out on the big reveal of your good buddy Hank. [He looked over at her with a smile.] There’s all different kinds of friends, Luxie. People that come into your life at the right time for a little while, people that come into your life at the wrong time for far too long and people that don’t ever really stay away, but come when they’re needed. But no, he didn’t say anything. Then again...he didn’t tell me about having cancer the last time I met with him. So he and I have a conversation coming. I also didn’t know you’ve been back this long. And that’s probably because these past few weeks I’ve been putting in for a promotion. I was gonna surprise the old man if I got good news and now I guess...yeah. Does he have a prognosis? [He looked over at her and shook his head.] I’m sorry. 

Lux: That’s true. I didn’t even /recognize/ you. You look great, by the way. Hair cut. Muscles cut. [She laughed and then shook her head.] I felt that bicep. That is one serious bicep. [She looked down at her hands when he called her Luxie. No one had called her that in a /long/ time. She nodded.] Yeah, I guess that’s true. You know dad. He’s tightlipped about that sorta thing. Doesn’t really wanna let on how serious it is I think. But I think they’ve...well, it isn’t like a six month prognosis or anything. So that’s good. And yeah, you need to rake him over the coals for not telling you. A promotion, huh? What’s that about?

Hank: Yeah, I traded in my spaghetti arms for /man/icotti. [He laughed at his own stupid joke, but he knew it would make Lux laugh too. He could always make her laugh. That much he enjoyed. And it didn’t matter what he looked like, she liked his sense of dad joke humor.] Well, you’ll have to feel the other one. It’s just not fair to only get the chance to touch one. [He looked over at her and smiled.] Oh, I’m gonna. I would’ve been there more if he told me. [He shook his head.] Yeah. I’ve got all my ducks in a row. I’m starting my exams in the next few weeks. I’m really hoping I get accepted into SWAT. 

Lux: [She laughed at his corny joke, thinking it was pretty clever.] That you did. [She nodded as he talked about feeling the other arm.] Yeah, I’ll definitely do that. But you know...that’s just gonna lead to more questions. Like...are there pecs and abs under that vest or...I mean...who knows what’s going on under there? [She smiled, shaking her head and looking out the window.] Well, you definitely are the one who changed more out of high school. I mean maybe...no, definitely. [She laughed, but then raised her brows.] SWAT? Wow, that’s serious. That’s pretty intense. But that’s awesome. I mean...living the dream, huh? That’s what you wanted to do. Law enforcement. I remember how crazy Shane thought you were. He said no way Hank’s gonna be a cop. And I always told him to stuff it. That if I could play the cello for a living, you could do whatever you wanted too.

Hank: [He looked over at her, with his brows raised. And that was a side of Lux that wasn’t ever there when they were kids. That flirty little smile, the way she wanted to know more about his body. Not that he was minding one bit. He was more than happy to let her see whatever she wanted. Once again...high school dream girl. And seeing her now, that didn’t seem to change. Well, maybe the girl part. He’d definitely replace that with woman.] Hey, you’re the one that wanted me in the uniform. I’d be /more/ than happy to let you do some investigating of your own. [He grinned and then shook his head.] Jesus...Shane. Yeah, he’s still doing alright. Wife and a kid now. Yeah...SWAT. I’ve worked my ass off to get the opportunity. And if I’m cleared, it’s back to training, but it’s worth it. 

Lux: Hank...you’re making me blush. [She laughed, her hand touching her warm cheek.] The uniform’s nice. Accentuates all the right...areas. [She lifted her brows and then looked out the front.] Pretty sure it’s totally inappropriate to be flirting with the officer who’s...you know...investigating...filing....working...this case. [She dragged her words out with a smile on her lips.] I’m sure you’re gonna be plenty busy training and all that.

Hank: Well, then I’m doing my job, ma’am. [He chuckled and looked over at her. It felt damn good to put a blush on her face for the right reasons.] Why’s that? I’m a man, Luxie. Who happens to be a cop. This would be inappropriate if I said, give me a kiss and I’ll let you out of a ticket. [He grinned over at her.] Got any tickets? [He bounced his brows before he started down the road to the station.] Well, it’s a lot of training, but unlike going through the police academy which was 30 weeks of in-house training, this is shorter and I’m not required to live on campus. So it’s more of a nine to five that I get paid to do. A stipend actually. 

Lux: [Oh, a man he definitely was. And she felt ridiculous for even entertaining that idea. She shook her head with a smile, that flirting just spilling out before she could even stop it.] Well no, but you could write me one, right? [She made a little eep sound and then laughed. She tried to focus on what he’d said about his job.] That’s good. You know, not having to live on campus. You can kind of continue with your regular life. So...Shane’s got a wife and kid? I didn’t see a ring so...or maybe you can’t wear a ring and do what you do? I don’t know. Are you...married? Engaged? Girlfriended? 

Hank: The point is to not write the ticket. The kisses get you /out/ of them, remember? We don’t want a papertrail. [He chuckled and then wet his lips.] Didn’t see a ring on Shane? Oh..you mean me? Yeah...no. I mean, if you’re married, you’re allowed to wear it. Most guys opt for the silicone bands now. But I’m not one of them. I’m not married. Or engaged. No girlfriend either. I just never know if they want me for me, or they’re just using me for a get out of jail free card. [He chuckled.] I’m just kidding. Not about the girlfriend. Or wife. Or fiancee. 

Lux: [Her brows raised as she stared at him.] Listen to you, Mr. Dirty Cop! [She laughed and then shoved his arm with her hand.] Oh...is that assaulting an officer? You may have to frisk and cuff me, Officer Page. [She ended up laughing and shaking her head.] No! Not Shane! [She pursed her lips and shook her head.] I’m sure they wouldn’t be looking for a get out of jail free card, unless...who are you dating? [She arched a brow and then smiled at him.] Well, I hope you get all the things you want. SWAT. And any other promotion or thing your heart desires. You deserve that. 

Hank: Yeah, that’s exactly what that means. I think I’ll bring the cuffs and use the night stick. [He chuckled and wet his lips again. He was gonna have to reel it in. You couldn’t hide much in a uniform.] Hey, you know I don’t like bad girls. [He grinned.] I’ve always been different. So those good girls, that get good grades and grow up to be hot cello players. [He grinned and nodded his head.] Well, there’s a lot of desire in my heart, but...we’ll get to that later. [He put the cruiser in park and pulled out the keys.] We’re here. [He chuckled and got out, walking over to open her door.]

Lux: The night stick? [She looked at him with raised brows.] Is that what you call your…[She covered her mouth as a laugh tumbled out.] I...wow, this conversation has gone completely off the rails. [She shook her head and then turned to look at him.] So...my good buddy Hank thinks I’m hot, huh? That’s cute. [She had to admit that she was curious about the desire he had in his heart, but they were at the police station. She wet her lips as he got out and came around to open her door. Getting out of the car, she looked around.] Lead the way, officer.

Hank: [He nodded his head.] Follow me, ma’am. [He winked at her.] And for the record...no. That’s not what I call it. [He grinned as he held the door open for her to walk through it.] Who needs rails? Cute? [He reached up and clutched his chest.] That’s the kiss of death right there. [He walked up to the front and pulled out the papers she’d given him.] Gimme a sec. [He walked around behind the glass and spoke with the Desk Sergeant. He was behind there about four or five minutes before he came back out.] Alright, they’re gonna get that in the system and you’ll need to sign it, get a copy. I’m gonna head down and change and grab my bag. Wait for me here, yeah? 

Lux: Don’t you dare call me ma’am. No? Well, it’d be a good name for it. Just saying. [She shook her head.] No, not cute like that. Not like a baby holding a puppy or something. So no...it isn’t a kiss of death, but you sure are bringing up the word kiss a lot tonight, aren’t you? [She smiled when he turned to look back at her.] What? I’m not objecting or anything. Just pointing it out. Must be your subconscious. [She nodded when he told her to give him a second. She stood out there and waited, and when he said that they were going to get her a copy and she’d need to sign it, she nodded again.] Alright. I’ll be here. 

[lockdownuk]

Lockdown Diary Part 3

A personal account during the lockdown in the UK due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

23/03/2020 8:30pm Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, gives a live address to the nation to, effectively, put the country on lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, Covid-19.

Many of us have been self-isolating for days but this latest development within the UK in reaction to the pandemic feels very serious and very scary. I decided to keep a simple diary and where better but online.

Day 61: Writing this in the afternoon on day 62. An exercise driven day. Two walks and stair climb as usual plus I popped round Jeff’s early evening. First time I’ve been to his house, 1 Garden Row, Elmington. It’s further than I thought so, with walking there an back, I managed a daily total of 14km. It was good to see him and have a social (but social-distanced) beer. When I got home, @9:45pm, I made thai green chicken curry, watch The Report (a great, if worrying film) and then TikTok-ed until gone 5am!

Day 62: Typing this on day 64! Beer round Karen’s. Missed Sam’s quiz.

Day 63: Typing this on day 64! Beer round Karen’s. Again! Well, it is bank holiday Monday! Had dirty pizza for tea and watched The Heat. Again! It is the most piss funny film.

Day 64: Well, I have been feeling guilty about treatung the bank holiday w/e l;ike a bank holiday w/e. It’s dawned on me that that guilt is way too self-disiciplned. I got up about midday, usual two walks and stair climb but that’s it. I need to clean the house from top to bottom, get on top of my online courses, get the garden done, get the car fixed, go shopping…fucking hell - if only I had the time…

Day 65: Today I swapped Amazon prime free trial for about the 5th time in my life. Same card and address - will they get wind of my skullduggery. This is all so I can finish watching Hunters and catch Homecoming S2. I went shopping at Asda near Raunds. I wish I hadn’t, it’s no good for a comprehensive shop. Received an email from RCI inviting me to a Zoom meeting with Pal Mulcahy for a business update. I fear the worst. And it’s at 10:00am, FFS!

Day 66: Logged in an attended zoom forum with Paul Mulcahy and over 250 RCI staff this morning. The message was that there is going to be redundancies. I expected this and expected to fall victim. All staff that are going to be put through cionsultation would be contacted today. I however wasn’t! Very, very surpised. meanwhile, Nick Reilly asked to connect via LinkedIn (including become a LinkedIn staff team member -  that’s new to me so I’ll see what it is but I accepted the invitation) Later, I WhatsApp-ed him and asked who has been affected from IT. All he could tell me was no one on Jon Rodger’s team is under threat. Also, Mark C emailed - I’ll respond tomorrow. I got up at 09:00ish and had my mornming walk before the 10:00am meeting. I am now, at 09:30pm, fucking knackered. Dinner and then bed, methinks but not before one more episdoe of Hunters!

Day 67: Typing on Day 68. Got pretty drunk last night. I’ve got blisters from walking (new boots) so I don’t think I’ll walk tomorrow (well, today!).

Day 68: I did fuck all today. Got up after 1pm, no walking. I did manage to clean the bathroom (and smash my little mirror) and do my 26 stair climb. I am typing at 9pm and I feel whacked!

Day 69: I have an abscess. It’s not too painful (today) but I am going to call the dentist tomorrow (Monday). I think antibiotics are in order. I watched a film, which I actually started yesterday, called The Voices starring Ryan Reynolds, Gemma Arteton and Anna Kendrick. Fuuuuuuuuuuuucking weird. The closing credits are the most bizarre, in context, I’ve ever seen. But, in general, a very good film. Back to normal exercise regime today plus hovered the hall and stairs. Get me. It’ll be interetingh to see my Google Fit figures for May tomorrow.

Day 70: Contacted the dentist who advised salt water rinsing and ibuprofen. But, tbf, it’s a lot better today and the swelling has gone right down. The dentist I called was the Oundle House (Rodericks) one. I was not hopeful since last time I saw them they referred me to their Northampton clinic for root canal work which was quoted at over £600. However, the dentist was very nice, had my x-ray to hand from that last visit and seemed more interested in making sure I’m OK than gaining a paying customer. He still wants to see me when possible though! I must mention the weather. It has been glorious weather nearly every day throughout May (it’s June 1st today). Seriously sunny and like a holiday every day. The news mentioned it today - the level of sunshine throughout the transition from spring to summer is unprecedented, apparently. My T shirt tan is, quite frankly, ridiculous!

Day 71: Today’s ‘must mention’ is what’s going on in the US and it’s not particularly related to Trump. There was a black man killed while under arrest. George Floyd died Monday 25th May (8 days ago) A policeman, who knelt on his neck for minutes while he complained of not being able to breathe, has been charged with murder. Now there are riots and curfews and military intervention all over the country. It’s similar to the English riots of 2011. It’s worrying, sad, scary and not what the fight against the pandemic needs. Most of all, it’s racism rearing its ugly head yet again. I’ve had a normal-ish day. received an email from Jim checking in, talked to a recruiter about a promising job lead (although the hours are 8-5 which I am not happy about), talked to Barry across the road and sent Barzzy a WhatsApp. And I logged in Shaw Academy and started lesson one of module 2 of web Design. It’s been a while, so long overdue, but I only did about 15 minutes. Must try harder / do better! As I type, late (10:10pm) I have dinner cooking and a strange pain in my left side and am in the middle of No Country for Old Men. Don’t think I’ve seen it since the cinema (13 years!)

Day 72: As soon as (well, within a couple of days) I mention the weather, it turns. It’s rained a little and is a lot cooler (15° rather than mid-20s). Much better for walking, I have to say. I finished Hunters today (Amazon Prime series). While I enjoyed it, it got too surreal at the end. It is loosely based on the real story of Nazi hunters in the US in 1977 but the straying from loosely based to down-right ridiculous fiction annoyed me. If it goes to S2, I will watch it, however. Received some of my rental deposit back today (the law changed so that only 5 weeks rent can be demanded as deposit). Over £600. Nice.

Day 73: I made a short video for Marc and Clare’s 26th wedding anniversary. I ‘dressed up’ for it. I enjoyed doing it and I think it was appreciated.

Day 74: Typing on Day 75 for no other reason than I couldn’t be bothered on day 74! I received a letter either today or the day before (well, yesterday or the previous day!) from Mr Minos at the eye clinic informing me that, while there is some stuff going on in both eyes (garnered from the photo scans done at the last hospital appointment), he wants to see me in three months. Always a refief when that happens. Been getting into two series on Amazon: Alex Rider and Modern Love. One is a male Hanna, the other is soppy affairs of the heart based on real life stories (from essays written in the NY Times). Both enjoyable for totally different reasons.

Day 75: Lazyish day. Well, not really, just that I only went for one walk, alebit 6km andI got pissed on. Wehn the rain hit, it was also fucking freezing! Some of the clouds were stunning today, made for great photos. As I type, it’s 21:12, I’m listening the wonderful Phoebe Bridgiers. Now, I’m gonna make some tea and sup a few ales, I reckon.

Day 76: Done lots of walking today (over 13,000 steps) I made sausage casserole with too much chilli (scotch bonnet and birdeye). I had an online (fb) debate with Sam over whether the George Floyd murder was a racial.

Day 77: Received a new (used) wing mirror for the car. £18 with delivery, I reckon that’s a bargain. I cashed in £20 from Prolific as well, so I’m satisfied at the financial full-circle. Dropped the car off at Barnwell (Nene Valley Body Shop) and walked back - 7km. Just about to dive into tea - finishing the blazing hot sausage casserole from yesterday. Then I’m going to do some more Rubik’s cube practice with my recently acquired GoCube.

Day 78: Lots of daily walking, 26 stair climb, press-up and late nights watching TikTok (gone 3am this morning) are making for a constantly knackered Tim Stubbs. Today I made veg soup and cooked up some meatballs. Both are delish. How did I ever to learn how to conjure up such stuff? The Rubik’s cube learning is coming along except that I need good daylight to distinguish between the yellow and white faces on the flipping thing!

Day 79: Listening to Radio 6 most the day and the news is making for dire listening. Forecast of severe recession, especially if there is a second peak of the virus, which I think there will be. Plus, an offshoot of the George Floyd murder and the #BlackLivesMatter movement, institutions and town councils are being lobbied by campaigners to remove statues of anyone associated with things like slavery (one was toppled in Bristol at the w/e) and rename buildings etc. that were named after historical characters with any links to something that now is deemed wrong or offensive. I agree with it but it’s not pleasant to hear amongst other bleak news. Walked to Barnwell to collect my car - front trim reseated and new wing mirror fitted, £20 - bargain (I source the replacement wing mirror). But, also, forked out £165 on car tax! Cleaned the lounge from top to bottom. Knackering!

Day 80: Chatted with Dad and Rita - he’s pissed off with the slavery backlash but otherwise they are both OK. I saw Baz in the Tesco queue where I mentioned my disgust at the Thursday market being allowed (I found I could not maintain 2m at all times just walking to Tesco’s!) and that I really don’t want to catch Covid19 as I will probably die. Maybe a bit dramatic but he messaged me later today to say he’d been thinking on what I said and offered to shop for me. I replied that I am OK to shop but am scared at how people are taking things so much less seriously than when lockdown started yet the virus is still out there just as it was then! I am very touched at his massage. I thoroughly cleaned the bedroom and changed the bedclothes today. House work really knackers me out!

Day 81: Spare room cleaned today. Not much else to type about. It’s Friday, I making curried mince and I don’t feel like a beer. How I’ve changed!

Day 82: I did have beers last night. Ended up going to bed with daylight and dawn chorus for company. Today, when I woke, gone 1pm, I have been greeted by what can only be described as thoroughly depressing news from every quarter. This includes violence in the capital, further virus outbreak in Beijing. Fog’s political posts on FB make for depressing (but vaild) reading. I’m feeling thoroughly fed up today. Not even music can lift my mood…

…but, I am currently listening to Craig Charles on BBCR6 and, I have to say, he’s putting in quite an exceptional effort - there may be hope that my mood might lift, even at gone 8pm! I might have a beer or two and grab something postivity and enjoyment from the day after all.

Day 83: Another late one last night but up before noon today. Started watching something called Condor on Sky One. It’s OK - there’s stuff I wanna waytch on Amazon Prime but, more often than not, it keeps telling me there’s ‘a problem’ when I try to play anything. Pissing me off. I just checked and I have two weeks of the initial 12 of furlough to go. I shall started asking the questions about what might happen on the Connections website.

Day 84: Typing this on Day 85. On the way back from dropping off some shoes for Sean Davies at his brother’s (martin) I met Karen and she said why not pop round for a beer so I did. Certainly not used to a drink on a Monday so that, and the genral upheaval to my evening, while good fun and a nice change, put pay to my usual diary entry! I sorted Amazon Prime out by leaving the TV turned off for over an hour. Day 85: Tim did the garden today and it looks great. The pipes in the bathroom have been knocking loudly, on and off, for a couple of weeks now. Last night, they were so loud that today I took it upon myself to resolve it or ring Woodfords. So, having turned off the water, run the taps dry to get rid of any trapped air and then turned the water back on slowly, I discoved it’s the cistern and its pipes. Woodfords are arranging Corvee to visit. Meanwhile, leaving the water turned off at least stops the noise which is, otherwise, costant and unbearable! I emailed HR a couple of days ago about what’s happening in a couple of weeks time in terms of furlough when the 12 weeks will be up. Sue Cockimngs got back to me attaching an email Deryn sent on 15th May which I never received. Basically, they’ll extend furlough if need be and an update should be forthcoming late May/early June. Well, that time has passed, so who knows what is going to happen. The furlough scheme (CJRS) has been changed by the govenment, I’ve read, and it looks like any new people would have to have been furloughed by June 10th (it’s the 16th today) so no furlough rotation, which is annoying. The CJRS ends 1st October with employer contributions required from 1st August - that’s D-Day as far as I am concerned….so job hunting will have to step up a notch! Day 86: Pete’s birthday and he bought himself the same speaker as me. When I asked if it lived up to his expectations he mentioned it’s better through WiFi than Bluetooth. That confused me as I haven’t got WiFi available on mine…..long story short, I bought the wrong fucking speaker. I got a AudioPro AddOn T10 instead of C10. To say I am fucked off is an understatement. To think I was so pleased at the cheap price I paid. Now I feel like I have wasted  €200. Bollocks.

Day 87: Finished Alex Rider last night. Another series that started off so well and ended a litte weak but, overall, not bad. I’ve started keeping strange meal times…lunch very late (4pm) and dinner really late (11pm). I need to sort it ‘cos it’s playing havoc with my sugar levels. I had a huge hypo while having my second walk today, second day on the trot that’s happened. My late dinner was Chinese chicked curry with a quarter of a scotch bonnet and two birdeye chillies. Delish.

Day 88: I have managed to be bitten yesterday or the day before on one of my walks. There are strange, itchy lumps on my right inner forearm. And I do mean itchy. I trimmed my sideburns today, I was very pissed off with them. My hair looks just a little less shit. I did a shop at Tesco in Corby today. Mainly booze as follows: 20 cans Sam Miguel £18 18 cans Stella £15 20 bottles Bud £10 8 cans Tyskie £9 3 lrg bottles Warsteiner £5 £57 Bargain.

Day 89: Lazy day. One short walk and usual stair climb. Howard and Sue popped round to give me a pressie - bottle of Monkey Shoulder. I’m building up quite a collection of whisky!

Day 90: Dad called and we chatted for an hour or so. I had to apologise for not sending a father’s day card! Dan messaged me and offered to pay for a pizza delivery which I declined.

Football has started again this past week…Prem and Championship only. L1 and L2 season was cut short and Posh missed out on the play-offs by one place. As I type, Everton v Liverpool is on Sky Sports on a Sunday evening - it’s very strange with no crowd. There’s crowd noise being played thorugh the tannoy.

[traincat]

I saw on your Twitter about your love of Spider-Man ships, and I was wondering if you could expand on them? I know about Peter/MJ and Peter/Gwen, but that's about it. (And maybe Peter/Liz? Idk if that's just an MCU thing or not.)

I love, love, love the women of Spider-Man and I think 616Spider-Man has some of the best love stories and some of the best romanticchemistry in comics. PeterGwen and PeterMJ are the big ones, along withPeterFelicia, but he’s had a number of relationships over the years – CissieIronwood (Marvel Team Up vol1 #80-81, #90, Annual #2), Marcy Kane, Deb Whitman,an implied casual hookup with his neighbor Bambi, a thing with his work wife,reporter Joy Mercado – okay this one didn’t actually happen-happen,but it happened in my heart, and they did kiss. I love her and will refer toher as his work wife forever. But let’s start at the beginning, since you askedabout Liz Allan. PeterMJ and PeterGwen are considered the big Spider-Man lovetriangle, but Peter was involved in plenty of romantic drama before either MaryJane or Gwen was ever introduced on the page. One of the big things I loveabout Spider-Man are how, even after the romantic relationships are over, theseries lets its female characters continue to have big roles in Peter Parker’slife, and that’s the case with both Betty Brant and Liz Allan, the leadingladies of the original Spider-Man love triangle. PeterLiz is athing, although it’s very different from the way the MCU portrayed it, so let’sstart there.

Liz Allan: Liz is one of the longest running Spider-Mancharacters and one of the few to debut in Amazing Fantasy #15 along with Peterhimself, Flash Thompson, Aunt May and Uncle Ben. While Peter initially had acrush on Liz, who was at the time dating Flash Thompson (everyone in theSpider-Man friend group has dated everyone at one point or another), Peter soongot over it when he met J Jonah Jameson’s secretary Betty Brant – only for Lizto develop a crush on Peter after. She openly flirted with him, causingtensions between Peter and Betty and Peter and Flash both.

(Amazing Spider-Man #17)

Liz faded out of the picture for a bit after confessing her feelings to Peter at their high school graduation in Amazing Spider-Man #28, only to make her return in Amazing Spider-Man #132, when Peter encounters her wandering the streets exhausted and troubled over her step-brother, Max Raxton, the Molten Man, a one-time supervillain who would later reform.

Liz later met Harry Osborn at Betty Brant’s wedding and the two quickly fell in love and got married. (Everyone in Spider-Man has been involved with everyone in Spider-Man.) They have one son together, Norman Osborn Jr. They probably should have thought on that name a little more. (Harry has a second child with a woman named Lily Hollister.)

(Amazing Spider-Man Annual #17 – everyone in Spider-Man has also made out with everyone in Spider-Man, regardless of relationship status.) 

Peter and Mary Jane even lived in the same building as Liz and Harry for a while, up until Harry’s death (long story – he got better). Liz took over Oscorp in the wake of Harry’s death, briefly had a relationship with Daredevil’s Foggy Nelson, and eventually became CEO of Alchemax. Recently, she and Harry got back together in Amazing Spider-Man #789.

Some Liz issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #1-28: Liz has moments scattered all through the high school years, including ASM #6, where she develops a crush on Spider-Man, ASM #17, where she schemes to get Peter to attend a meeting of the Spider-Man fan club, ASM #25 when she first meets Mary Jane, ASM #26 where she breaks up a fight between Peter and Flash, and ASM #28 where she confesses her feelings for Peter.

Webspinners #9: A more modern Spider-Man high school flashback, Peter finds himself in trouble when he accidentally ends up with both Liz and Betty believing they’re going to prom with him. An excellent look at how smothered and trapped Liz felt as a teenager.

Amazing Spider-Man #132-133: Liz makes her reappearance.

Amazing Spider-Man #153: Liz asks Harry out, starting their relationship.

Amazing Spider-Man#166: Liz and Harry announce they’re getting married.

Amazing Spider-Man #172-180: When Liz is arrested for attempted robbery, she temporarily leaves Harry, believing herself no good for him.

Spectacular Spider-Man #85: Liz announces she’s pregnant.

Amazing Spider-Man #260-263: Mary Jane and a heavily pregnant Liz are kidnapped. Harry, in an attempt to rescue them, ends up captured as well. Later, Liz gives birth to her and Harry’s son. 

Spectacular Spider-Man #178-184, #189-190, #200, #204: The Child Within/The Harry Osborn Saga. Haunted by his father’s evil legacy and poisoned by the belief that Peter killed his father, Harry spirals back into the Green Goblin and Liz’s family falls apart. The Child Within (Spectacular Spider-Man #178-184) is one of my favorite storylines of all time, a truly haunting read. Content warning for childhood abuse, including childhood sexual abuse, not of Harry but definitely paralleled against Norman’s abuse of Harry. In #189-190, Harry kidnaps Liz, Normie, and Liz’s stepbrother Mark. Spectacular Spider-Man #200 is the death of Harry Osborn, and in my personal opinion one of if not THE most stunning comic book issue of all time. In #204, Liz and friends receive Harry’s video will. 

Peter Parker #75: Norman Osborn returns from the dead and threatens Liz. Also has some good Liz&Flash content.

Marvel Knights Spider-Man #7: Peter and Liz attend Midtown High’s reunion.

Amazing Spider-Man #581-582: Harry Osborn, returned from the dead, attempts to right some wrongs for Liz.

Amazing Spider-Man #789, #799-800: Liz and Harry rekindle their romance, only to have their children kidnapped. Cards on the table: I hate this story arc and think it’s terrible! But I do love every panel with Liz in it, so, that’s the toss up.

Liz has also made some recent appearances in Eddie Brock’s Venom series.

Betty Brant: Like Liz, Betty’s one of the longest running Spider-Man cast members. The title of Spider-Man’s first girlfriend is commonly and erroneously granted to Gwen Stacy, but Peter actually first dated Betty Brant in 616. First appearing in Amazing Spider-Man #4, Betty worked as J Jonah Jameson’s secretary and she and Peter quickly became close.

(Amazing Spider-Man #7 – another common error is assuming Peter’s always been awkward/shy around girls. “Nothing, baby… for at least an hour!” Smooth.)

(Amazing Spider-Man #11)

Betty and Peter’s relationship wasn’t without its own issues, though. Betty was jealous of Liz’s flirtations with Peter, but things really came to a head when her brother, Bennett Brant, was murdered. Betty blamed Spider-Man for his death, and Peter felt that this meant he could never tell her his secret identity. They still continued the relationship, complicated by the appearance of Ned Leeds, a reporter for the Daily Bugle who was also interested in Betty. Though she loved Peter more, Ned seemed to offer Betty the stability she craved. After his high school graduation, Peter planned to propose to Betty (yes, at age eighteen, with a part time job, and still living in his aunt’s home, he planned to propose, because Peter Parker LOVES proposing) but things didn’t go as planned.

(Amazing Spider-Man #30)

After a long engagement, Betty finally married Ned Leeds in Amazing Spider-Man #156. The two left for France, where Ned was on assignment. Ned worked long hours and Betty found herself completely isolated, alone in a country where she didn’t speak the language. She left Ned and returned to New York, where her and Peter’s feelings for each other were rekindled.

(Amazing Spider-Man #189)

Peter and Betty’s affair was short-lived after Ned returned. While he and Betty attempted to reconcile their marriage, it continued to deteriorate, and Betty sought comfort in Flash Thompson, who had at this point become one of Peter’s closest friends. The two would have an on-again, off-again relationship for years, and through it all Betty’s remained one of Peter’s most important relationships.

(Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #20)

Some Betty issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #4: Betty’s first appearance.

Amazing Spider-Man #7: Peter and Betty begintheir romance.

Amazing Spider-Man #10-11: When Betty disappearsfrom town, Peter goes after her – only for Spider-Man to become embroiled in anincident that leads to the death of her older brother, Bennett. 

Untold Tales of Spider-Man #12: Betty’s backstoryrevealed, including the details of the relationship she had before Peter, andwhy his thrill-seeking disturbed her so deeply.

Amazing Spider-Man #30: Betty reveals that NedLeeds has proposed to her, and Peter plans to propose to her himself, only forthe shadow of Spider-Man to come between them.

Amazing Spider-Man #156: After a long engagement,Betty and Ned marry. Peter is the best man – I can only assume because Neddidn’t have any friends. Betty and Ned leave for Europe.

Amazing Spider-Man #184, #186, #188, #189, #193, #195: AfterMary Jane turns down Peter’s marriage proposal, he finds Betty waiting for himin his apartment, where she tells him she’s separated from Ned. She and Peterbriefly engage in an affair before Ned returns.

Spectacular Spider-Man #96, #97, #98, #100: Withthe cracks reappearing in her marriage to Ned, a chance encounter throws Bettyand Flash Thompson together and the two begin seeing each other behind theirrespective significant others’ backs.

Spectacular Spider-Man #107–110: The Death of JeanDeWolff. Betty becomes important in the closing act of this story when she’sattacked by Sin Eater, causing Peter to fly into a rage.

Amazing Spider-Man #275, #280, #283, #284: WhenFlash is framed and arrested, suspected of being the Hobgoblin, Betty’smarriage further crumbles. Twice Peter witnesses Ned be physically intimidatingtowards her, once grabbing her in the middle of the Bugle offices. Betty andFlash reunite.

Amazing Spider-Man #289, Spectacular Spider-Man #128-129: AfterNed’s death in Spider-Man vs Wolverine, Betty cracks under the stress andsuffers a mental breakdown. Flash attempts to help.

Web of Spider-Man #40-43: When Betty joins a cult(look, I love her, but she makes some bad decisions) both Spider-Man and Flashgo to extremes to get her out.

Spectacular Spider-Man #148: During the Infernocrossover, Flash and Betty are both haunted – him by a false Spider-Man, andher by the specter of her dead husband.

Web of Spider-Man #91-93: I will simply describethis story as Betty, Get Your Gun.

Daily Bugle #1-3: In this three issue blackand white miniseries, Betty’s on a case and Peter plays guard dog.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #20-22: In thewake of Civil War’s identity reveal, Peter and Betty talk about his beingSpider-Man. Also an insect lady tries to eat Flash or fill him with eggs orsomething like that. Betty continues to have her gun.

Amazing Spider-Man #583: The time Marvel put Obamaon the cover and tricked everyone into buying a whole issue of Peter and Bettyhanging out. It’s a really cute story, though, and one of my favorites forthem.

Amazing Spider-Man #665: Spider-Man’s out forblood when Betty’s the victim of a violent mugging. Also establishes Peter andBetty’s movie nights.

Venom (2011): Betty’s a major character for most of thebeginning of Flash’s Venom run, through issue #21 – Flash’s secret status asAgent Venom threatens their relationship. Also her brother shows back up! Youknow, the dead one. Comics, they do that.

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #42: I don’t like the plot ofthis issue, but it is some of the most recent Peter&Betty interaction, andthe opening scene features them at a fortune teller’s parlor and it is verycute.

[minhoinator]

By My Side, A Hogwarts AU (20/75)

promises made - “Are we still good to hang out this summer? I know I haven’t really set up anything with my mom, but I’d still like to, if...if you want to, that is.”

Kibum grinned. “Yeah, of course! I’ll ask Grandma on the way home, I promise. A week for each visit, right?”

“Hopefully.”

master list // AO3 // AFF // first year - muggle-born, sorted, first day, homesick, hallowe’en, deck the halls, possibilities, belonging, exceedingly acceptable, return to king’s cross - second year - diagonally, taking flight, ten points, all that glitters, holly jolly, push and pull, shooting stars, special treat, sleepover

@lockandminkey @minhosbowties @sapphicshawol @artfulkey @shinyexo  @posygal @bumkeyko  @usuallydreamin  @taespoon-of-sugar (if anyone else wants to be tagged in this, just let me know!)

* - * - *

There’s a certain electricity in the air on the last day of school. The growing excitement within each student at the mere thought that they’ll be seeing their parents and family soon and the knowledge that they won’t have to back here at Hogwarts for at least another two full months was enough to make any student ecstatic enough to keep talking while Headmistress McGonagall was coming up to the podium.

Or, even all of them.

Kibum noticed her standing there, watching the student body with a look of mildly amused disdain. He quieted down, until Mason three seats over made a joke about the Grindylows they saw in the Lacuspectio last night. He suppressed his shiver at the memory. It was always so cold in that room, underneath the Black Lake, but it was also one of his favorite places in the Slytherin common room. He’d have to figure out a way to sneak Minho in there someday.

McGonagall cleared her throat, and without her even amplifying the sound, the entire Great Hall quieted, even the professors. “Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you all are enjoying your final lunch here before you leave tomorrow.” She paused, as if waiting for a response, but no student in their right mind would interject once she began her speech. “Congratulations again to Slytherin for your impressive win of the house cup, a new record to beat, if my memory serves me right.”

A couple of whoops and hollers went up around Kibum, as well as a weak applause from the rest of the students. When McGonagall raised her hand, they grew silent once more.

“Due to a magical malfunction, we were not able to have your report cards ready by last night, but they’re here now. If Crawley, Dunn, William, Hughes, Porter, Cunningham, Carson, and Wood would come up to collect the envelopes please.”

Somewhere far down the table, Vincent and Charlie got up, as well as the head students from the other houses, and hurried to the podium to get everyone’s report cards.

“Once you are finished with your lunch, you are dismissed to do what you wish for the rest of the day until dinner. Except for seventh and second years, of course.” Kibum sent a quizzical look across the table to Callum and Aaron, who shrugged. “Seventh years will stay in here and second years will report to Classroom 3C.”

The Dark Arts classroom? “I wonder what that’s for,” Kibum muttered.

“Maybe we all did really bad on our final?” Analecia whispered back.

“Thank you for your attention, you may go back to your meal now,” McGonagall said as she turned away from the podium.

Kibum glanced across the Hall to the Hufflepuff table to see that Minho was just standing to leave. Their eyes met and Minho nodded to the door. Kibum jumped out of his seat and hurried to meet him in the doorway.

“I wonder what that’s about,” Minho said once they were within earshot.

“Not sure.” Kibum looked back into the Great Hall, watching as O’Neely stood and started for the door behind the dais. “I hope it’s nothing bad.”

“Me too.”

They trudged over to the stairs, taking each one up to the third floor as slowly as they could, dreading the inevitable.

Whatever it was.

They were the third and fourth to the classroom, beaten by two Ravenclaws that Kibum couldn’t remember their names. The other second years continued to trickle in after they took a seat at one of the desks. Kibum hummed to himself as he glanced around at all the others, their nervous chatter spurring his own anxiety.

“When does Jonghyun get back from France?”

Kibum’s eyebrows rose and he looked over at Minho. “I think Grandma said the 26th. Why?”

“Just curious.” He looked as though he was about to elaborate, but O’Neely walked through the classroom, his long robes billowing behind him. Minho watched him, his mouth slightly agape, and Kibum’s face heated when he turned to flash a smile to the group.

“You guys seem nervous,” he said, chuckling, as he sat on the edge of his desk in the front of the classroom. “This is nothing bad, I swear. See, the professors here all take a year of students under our wing, to mentor and guide and counsel you, if the need arises. Last year, my class graduated, and so I get the pleasure of being your mentor for the rest of your time here at Hogwarts.”

Kibum’s eyes widened, and he spared a quick glance to see how Minho was reacting. Judging by the smile on his face, he was excited about this, too.

“Anytime, day or night, you need something – advice, help with your studies, someone to talk to? I’m here for you. That being said,” he turned, reaching for something on his desk, “I have your report cards, as well as your permission slips that you’ll need to have signed by either your parents or your legal guardian.”

Chloe Robbs raised her hand, and O’Neely nodded to her. “Permission slips for what, Professor?”

He smiled. “Your permission slips for Hogsmeade.” Excited murmuring filled the classroom, and Minho caught Kibum’s eye with a concerned look, and Kibum just shook his head. He’d explain later if O’Neely didn’t right now. “Yes, you’re all excited, but please do be sure to get those signed, because if you don’t, you will not be allowed to leave with the rest of the upperclassmen, alright? Now,” he shuffled through the papers in his hand. “Come up when I call your name, and then you can go finish packing.”

Minho was called up before Kibum, but he waited by the door until Kibum got his papers. Without a word to each other, they made their way to the far staircase, climbing up instead of down, and went to their study closet, their report cards held tightly in hand. Kibum lit the candles and Minho closed the door behind himself, sitting down beside Kibum.

“Same time?”

“Same time.”

The ripping of the envelopes was amplified in the small space, and Kibum slowly slid his out to see it.

Kim Kibum – 2nd year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – has succeeded in getting these grades for his classes this 2004-2005 term.

Astronomy – Exceeds Expectations

Charms – Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts – Acceptable

Herbology – Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic – Acceptable

Potions – Outstanding

Transfiguration – Exceeds Expectations

It was his second year in a row to get an Outstanding in Potions, and for that, he was pretty proud of himself. He peaked over at Minho’s, but only saw him slipping it back into his envelope. “How’d you do?”

“Good!”

“Yeah?”

Minho wiggled slightly where he sat, grinning when he looked up at Kibum. “I got an Outstanding in Herbology.”

Grinning himself, Kibum started to hug him, only to pull back a little once his arms were around him. “Pass everything else?”

Minho leaned into the hug, and Kibum tightened his embrace. “Yup!” Kibum patted his back a couple times before he let go and leaned back against the wall. They both sighed.

“Five years left, and then we’re done.” Kibum hummed in agreement. “To tell you the truth, I didn’t think I’d make it this long here.”

“Really?”

He nodded, his head knocking lightly against the wall. “I don’t think I would have, if you hadn’t helped me.” Kibum glanced over at Minho, his gaze dropping to his folded hands when Minho met his eyes. “I…I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. With…with helping me learn English better and…and understanding what’s going on with the lessons. It“ – he cleared his throat – “it really means a lot to me. I’m really grateful to…to you.”

Minho fell silent, but Kibum could feel his eyes on him. “Well,” he said as he looked over at Minho, “what are friends for, right?”

“Yeah.”

There was a stretch of silence between them before Kibum cleared his throat. “Hey, we should probably go finish packing, huh?” Kibum said as he stood, brushing off the seat of his trousers. He held out his hand to help Minho up, which he took.

“Probably.” Kibum blew out the candles once Minho opened the door and followed him out into the hall. “Got your permission slip?” He nodded. “Report card?” Kibum nodded again. There was a hint of a twinkle in Minho’s eye, and then he was running off to the staircase. “Race you!”

“Not fair! You had a head start!” Kibum shouted as he started to run after him, picking up his speed with a huff when Minho reached the staircase.

* - * - *

“Anything from the trolley?”

Minho shot up from his seat, which roused Kibum, who had been leaning against him while he slept. Callum joined him at the doorway, both of them digging in their pockets for change.

“Two packages of beans, please, and a bag of lemon drops?” Callum said, fishing out a Galleon and dropping it in the Trolley Witch’s jar. “You want anything?” he asked, raising his voice.

“No, I’m good,” Aaron said, since it was directed at him.

“And for you, dear?” she asked Minho as she handed Callum his candy.

“Uhhh...” he kept digging around in his pockets, searching in vain for a Sickle or even a Knut. “Nothing, I’m good.”

“What’d you want?” Kibum asked as he came up behind him, his voice still groggy.

“Just a couple of licorice wands, but it’s -- “

Kibum dropped a silver Sickle in the jar. “Red, please.” The Trolley Witch passed them to Minho and went on her way, calling out to the next cabin. Minho was about to thank Kibum when he reached around and took one of the twisted wands out of his hand with a wry smile. “Sorry I fell asleep, but you can blame Fredrick for keeping us up all night.”

Minho chuckled. “It’s fine. Seb and Travis kept us up late, too.”

His gaze drifted to the window, and he watched as the Scottish countryside passed them by. The light cream and lilac of the heather, lush green of the highland moors, and rich brown of the crags was just a blur as the Hogwarts Express zipped along on the tracks. Anytime he tried to focus on any one thing, be it a hill or even what he thought might be a deer, he lost sight of it. Absently, he stepped up to the long window in the hall, his breath fogging it up.

“It’s so pretty out here.”

Beside him, Kibum nodded. “I’ve been out there with Mom, once.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. She took me here after Dad died, when we first moved in with Grandma, just to show me where they had been and what they had done. I actually got to see a Hogwarts from a distance, during that trip.” He sighed heavily, offering a small smile to Minho when he looked over at him. “It was nice, actually, being able to put a place to Dad’s stories. He loved living in Great Britain...I wish he would have been able to see it again before he died.”

“Why...why’d he move back to Korea?”

“His dad was sick. That’s actually where I was born, in Daegu, but I wasn’t there very long.” Minho knew why, as Kibum had told him the story before. His father grew sick -- leukemia -- and was taken to a cancer center in New York to be treated. They made a life there, until Kibum’s dad died, and after he was buried in South Korea, they moved to London.

He sighed listlessly and Minho worried his bottom lip. He didn’t often talk about his dad being sick, nor his inevitable death...“I’ve been to Daegu! It’s nice.”

Kibum sniffed in amusement, his expression brightening slightly. “Well, I would assume so.”

“Is Grandma gonna be on the platform?”

“Probably. She said she might be a little late, though. If that happens, I’ll just wait in Dulcis for her to show up.”

Minho turned to face him, leaning his shoulder up against the window. “I might wait with you, then. Mom told me that they’ll probably be late because Dad’s team has a game today. Oh, hey, speaking of -- “

“Hmm?”

“Are we still good to hang out this summer? I know I haven’t really set up anything with my mom, but I’d still like to, if...if you want to, that is.”

Kibum grinned. “Yeah, of course! I’ll ask Grandma on the way home, I promise. A week for each visit, right?”

“Hopefully.”

“It’ll be fun, if it works out,” Kibum said as he looked back out the window. The scenery had changed as they had been chatting, from the Scottish countryside to the rural area just outside of London. It wouldn’t be long now until they reached King’s Cross. “I’ll get our stuff.”

Minho finished the licorice wand he had been working on and stuffed the other two into his jeans pocket. By the time Kibum handed him his backpack, the train had reached London itself, and Minho slipped on his backpack as they went into the tunnel. Kibum’s hand found his arm in the darkness, holding it gently until they came back into the light of King’s Cross.

Parents and grandparents and siblings, both older and younger, were waiting for them as the Hogwarts Express pulled up to the platform. Both Kibum and Minho searched for Grandma, Kibum spotting her first. “There she is! Oh...”

Minho looked where he pointed, finding that she was not alone. “Who’s that?”

“My...mom? What is she doing home?”

“That’s a good thing, right?” Minho tore his gaze away from the two women when Kibum didn’t answer right away. “Isn’t it?”

“Yeah...yeah, it’s just weird.” The gray exhaust from the train billowed around the window, blocking their view for a second, and Kibum turned to Minho. “I’ll write to you with what she...well, they say, okay? First thing, I promise.”

“Okay.”

Kibum gave him a quick hug, looking back outside the window at his mom and grandma. “I’ll tell Grandma you said ‘Hi.’“

“Thanks,” Minho said as he watched Kibum walk toward the door and out onto the platform. He hooked his backpack over his shoulder before he followed him, but by the time he stepped down, Kibum was already reunited with them, getting hugged by both of them at the same time.

Smiling, Minho made his way over to where the luggage was being unloaded, finding his duffle bag easily amidst all of the heavy trunks. By the time he had Geum-nun’s cage, Kibum and his mom were making their way over to the luggage pile. Minho waved at him as he started walking toward the brick wall.

He stopped a couple steps away from it, taking a deep breath. It would be weird to be back with Muggles again, even if it was just his family. “You’ve got this, Choi,” he said, using the best Kibum voice he could muster.

Chuckling to himself, he started to run, slowing down once he passed through the wall. He blended into the crowd as best he could with a caged owl in his arms, and after another deep breath, he started making his way to the entrance to wait for his mom.

A/N: And so ends Second Year! Thanks to everyone who has read it so far, you have all of my love <3 I hope you’re looking forward to Third Year and everything I have planned for that ^^ Let me know what you think so far, if you feel like it! Feedback is much appreciated

[jdmainman123]

And out and now any act statement #report this is a great day for us although we wish we would have never seen it the genocide taking place all the black boys have hand sanitizer and will be jerking off. WAIT FOR IT THIS IS THE JOKE

Grandma's born the white hair white skin old ladies p***. This is this is Antioch joke we live to make and live by but black somewhere along the way wanted to move us into his houses and live by a joke

That we could no longer stay with our dry mouth that we no longer want is our thought it was funny but we were just saying it like rats and it will trying to keep electricity going for a man who refuses or couldn't build a real computer baby

THAT'S RIGHT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO SEE THE GENOCIDE BUT THANKS TO THIS F****** LUNATIC OPENING UP A HOMELESS AIRPORT HEY IF YOU GOT ANY WHITE HAIR WHITE SKIN BOYS SEND IT TO ME DON'T PUT THEM BACK IN THE BUILDING AND RECYCLE THEM I want I want them all here jerking off to White hair white skin old grandma p***THEN I GOT ENOUGH HAND SANITIZER TO GO AROUND

I can't believe this s*** came true I refuse to believe this everyday of my life because it was the worst story I've ever f****** heard BUT IF YOU ASK ME WHY YOUR SATELLITE CITY'S BROKE UP ALLIANCES BECAUSE I WOULD FLY INTO A HOTEL AND FOR ME TO JUDGE A CITY I COULDN'T UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. SO I WILL TURN ON THE P*** NEWS CHANNEL AND I WOULD JUDGE THE QUALITY OF P*** AND TURNS OUT IT'S THE SAME F****** TAPE OF THE SAME MAN WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY ABOUT 15 YEARS OLD HAVING SEX WITH GIRLS FORCING ALL THE BOYS TO JERK OFF TO

It's a nightmare because yacht fish is only here to save you man 75% of you were born from a jerk off condom satellite another seed and the other side of a credit card plastic SAVED AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO YOUR CITY FOR YOU TO BECOME SATELLITE MAKERS

And if it's only for me to give you guys a reason to say no I know him. Because I seen him. Because I know him now. I BELIEVE IT I BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE HIM THE B****

You know that gives me a lot of f****** credit walking off of the airplane there is the one who saw the beach #yikes YIKES 😬

[gamecube11]

Nintendo GameCube HDMI, Component & RGB Plug 'n Play Solutions

at the point when we've delivered our RGB 200 series

scene on the Nintendo GameCube in

mid 2016 HDMI and other video yield

choices were scarcely beginning

to turn into a reality for the control center

from that point forward the Gamecube scene has

changed a reasonable bit and we presently have a

assortment of items that have the

potential to beat Nintendo's true

part links in both cost and

usefulness so how about we investigate a

modest bunch of the most up to date choices for

capitalizing on your GameCube

[Music]

[Applause]

as was standard for the time the

Nintendo GameCube sent with a bunch of

standard yellow red and white RCA links

composite video and sound system sound an essential

the normally accessible association the

framework's simple AV out port is skilled

of s-video and NTSC locales and RGB and

Buddy locales anyway this port as it were

upholds video in the 15 kilohertz range

for NTSC locales that is for the most part only for

ATI

assuming you need to jettison intertwined video

for reformist yield then, at that point you're going to

need another arrangement as karma would have

it the Gamecube dispatched with a computerized

AV port on the back of the control center this

was initially imagined to take into account

equipment like a type of 3d glasses

or on the other hand headset oh the maximum capacity of

this port was never acknowledged during its

day rather Nintendo delivered a bunch of

segment links alongside the

identical D terminal variant in Japan

which utilizes exceptional equipment covered up

inside the connector to change over the

ports advanced video to simple ypbpr more

ordinarily alluded to as segment video

part video wasn't yet a generally

taken on design because of these links being

sold distinctly through Nintendo and the

computerized out port being eliminated from

later GameCube frameworks the segment

links are moderately uncommon and have

since become an exceptionally wanted and

important ware since no other gadget

at any point utilized the GameCubes custom computerized

out port creating a reasonably formed

outsider connector would be a

impressive speculation yet more

significantly somebody must be the first to

figure out the GameCubes advanced

signals this work was done a couple of years

back by somebody passing by the name of

concealed this was the start of the

open-source GC video project opening the

way for anybody to make and sell their

own GameCube advanced out mods

options in contrast to the authority segment

links and HDMI connectors today a number

of alternatives exist we have our hands on

a couple of the best plan outsider

choices for upgrading your GameCube

experience while none of these are

precisely modest they do uphold

valuable usefulness over the authority

segment links that are additionally endlessly

more moderate in this scene we'll be

taking a gander at the GC HD and the GC h d- -

imprint to purchase Eon gaming the Carvey by

uprising businesses and the GC pair

by Dan Coons alongside how they look at

to normal GameCube and we yield

through up scalars like the open-source

check converter and the framemeister the

GC HD and Carvey items were given

to us for audit while the GC duel was a

bought pack introduced by Jason of game

tech us for European clients GC double

is accessible for establishment through

computer game flawlessness where the open

source check converter is additionally sold it's

imperative to realize that these

items are based on a similar open

source code base initially created by

concealed and generally have

essentially similar elements and picture

quality anyway GC video gadgets may

have firmware changes carried out by the

producer and will bring up the

contrasts when we can initial a speedy

outline of each $150.00 GC HD by ein

gaming was not the principal mod free

fitting and-play HDMI gadget for the

Gamecube yet it was quick to be

for the most part applauded by the retro tech

local area for its free from any and all harm plan

also it was broadly accessible

through online retailers like Amazon

as a mass-created item the GC HD

highlights a two-prong intended to involve

both the simple and advanced ports for

greatest solidness anyway it is a somewhat

tight fit that requires additional pressing factor

to fit properly and we wouldn't need

to connect it and out too often however

we do like the side situation of the

HDMI yields which limits pressure

on the ports this GC HD configuration is currently

ceased for the imprint 2

model which we'll get to in a

second the vehicle be by guidance

enterprises is an appealing more modest HDMI

attachment and play that includes an

dumbfounding multiplication of the authority

Nintendo computerized connector plug it looks

so great and snaps in perfectly the vehicle

B has an appealing cost as well

costing just $75 while this unit is

clear plastic and runs on firmware 2.4 a

guidance is right now progressing

over to selling units with 2.4 B along

with some extra shell choices

anybody keen on refreshing the

firmware might do as such through the inward jtag

connector or by sending the unit to

uprising for administration since the vehicle B

just possesses the computerized out port it's

conceivable to all the while use HDMI

close by s-video and NTSC consoles or

RGB on PAL consoles as long as the

reformist output mode isn't locked in

while this does lamu to interweaved

yield it very well may be helpful if say you

need to play on a CRT

while conveying a computerized message to an

HDMI catch card for a stream

guidance likewise let us acquire their

segment link improvement model

while this item is ideally not very

distant

creation models with shaped strain

help were not prepared on schedule for this

video directions plan is to utilize 75 own

coaxial link with BNC connectors for

those with proficient hardware however

these can be effectively and efficiently adjusted

to RCA for standard segment

associations revolt is selling

their GameCube computerized connector parts

so others might utilize them in their own

custom GC video projects

I got a Gamecube and I was somewhat

needing to mod it

I resembled sort of searching for a decent

HDMI arrangement and I just was not actually

content with the current technique so I kind

of set out and began overhauling my

own board and afterward that is somewhat where

it went from that point

dan Koons is one of the current

hotshots of the retro modding and open

source equipment plan local area known

online as citrus 3000 psi dan has put

extensive time into making equipment

based around GC video his lead

configuration is the GC double an inward mod

that holds stock usefulness of the

advanced out port while adding HDMI

yield just as part and RGB to

the simple out both being completely proficient

of 480p a different connector can be utilized

for associating we part or skirt

links to take advantage of these better

simple signs advanced and simple yield

works all the while which we've found

exceptionally helpful for playing on a CRT while

catching HDMI for a stream GC double is

presently publicly released so anyone can make one

with the expertise substantially more as of late Eon

gaming has reported an organization with

dan Koons to deliver what is basically

an attachment and-play rendition of the GC double

with extra elements the GC HD mark

2 elements a comparable plan to its

archetype with a simpler yet at the same time

secure fit the subsequent prong isn't

just a spurious port it currently takes advantage of the

simple sound system signal for extra

yield alternatives the most clear expansion

is a Wii style AV port this port

upholds we part links and we RGB

scart links the two of which can deal with

480p video if your associated gadget can

acknowledge 480p over part or RGB another

3.5 millimeter jack fills in as a

double reason sound system yield and smaller than usual

Toslink source for adaptable simple or

advanced sound autonomous of the video

yields dan Koons has fostered his own

part of the GC video firmware to

represent the extra usefulness

also, a couple of different components yun advises us

that they're situating the GC HD mark

to is a definitive GameCube yield

arrangement that they'll never need to top

all elements and all associations in one

gadget costing a similar cost as their

unique item if the firmware is ever

wanted to be refreshed the imprint 2 is a lot

simpler to open contrasted with its

archetype we do have a few concerns

with respect to assemble quality and the

plastic overall feels substantially less

vigorous contrasted with the main GC HD

in any case we've been content with the

gadget's exhibition particularly for

simple video which we'll go over in

detail a bit later on the grounds that the imprint 2 is

expected to supplant the greater part of the interest

for the GC double mod van Coons isn't

planed to keep on offering units or

establishment for GC duel yet

do-it-yourselfers can generally make

their own GC double by buying PCBs

through oash park we truly love what

this implies for the GameCube scene

while the GC HD mark 2 covers essentially

all potential requirements for the Gamecube

power client in a solitary gadget

directions separate HDMI and segment

arrangements permit customers to pick and

look over our perspective there's no

wrong decision here while the essence of GC

video activity is equivalent to what we

saw with early mods in our RGB 207

scene we should invest a little energy

taking a gander at a portion of the components and

usefulness going to all GC video

items when utilizing HDMI yield

explicitly we're taking a gander at the framework

menu on the vehicle B here which can be

worked by an included infrared distant

or then again prepared to work with all inclusive

controllers GC video is intended to be

intrinsically liberated from input

VISIT THIS SITE

[venusparker]

best friends ↬ p.p + n.l

prompt: just a bunch of headcanons about these two fluffy boys’ friendship. is it gay? kinda. just a lil.

warning: strong language but that’s it. and it’s sad. mention of death.

notes: okay these are REALLY long just a warning but a lot of these made me smile and i love ned and peter whoops!!. enjoy ✨

•••

✦ ned and peter are surprisingly really good at keeping up with certain traditions they made as children.

in fifth grade, peter would eat a bunch of junk before a big test even though he didn’t particularly enjoy it

it just really made him feel better, that’s all, and ned would be the guy to spend some extra cash to buy peter cookies and a 75¢ ice cream from the cafeteria and they’d both eat it together even though everyone else would stare at them in horror because oh my god how can two eleven year olds eat so much

now whenever they have midterms in high school or finals for something, peter they would cry and then munch on a bunch of pizza that may ordered and drop by delmar’s and get some ice cream in the frozen section by the back

(really it’s for delmar’s daughter who hangs out there after school with all of her friends, but ever since peter’s comment, delmar doesn’t let her hang out there the same time peter usually comes by)

and now, instead of the rest of the fifth grade, it’s may staring in horror and disgust as these two kids who are basically her own children pig out in her living room

but as long as they’re passing their classes!!!! she guesses it works!!!

 ✦ they’ve come up with a bunch of new ones over the years and they’re all pretty much useless but there’s still a few old ones that mean a lot

for example:

before they graduated middle school, they each vowed to never leave each other’s side when they started high school and that they’ll always be best friends

the handshake

tHe hANdSHAKE!!!!!

THE HANDSHAKE

that’s where the handshake originated from, even though it’s something they were working on for a while.

honestly it’s so dumb and long but they always do the handshake any chance they get because in their heads it “proves” their friendship

the night of middle school graduation was the first time that they actually managed to do the whole handshake without messing up and ever since they do it with ease

they both cried that night even though they both knew that they were getting into midtown and would see each other but no one talks about that

 ✦ most of their friendship had been happy traditions that again were useless

but they were just happy to be best buds even though they kissed like ONCE during freshman year but they pushed that out of their minds after realizing that maybe they didn’t like each other that way

they used to go camping with uncle ben a lot and ben loved having ned around because ned was better at fishing than peter was

it was a yearly thing if ned’s parents allowed him to come

peter and ned shared a tent because no, uncle ben i don’t WANT to share with you when ned’s here because i don’t want him to think i’m lame...but i still really love you okay we can share a tent next time i love you still i promise

ned and peter stayed up roasting marshmallows, which took five tries because peter kept BURNING his and ned’s would never even toast at all because he wouldn’t let his marshmallow too close to the fire

uncle ben would take over and do it for them and he was the absolute best at making s’mores

that counted as a tradition, where ned and peter would go camping yearly no matter how mad they were at each other over something stupid—peter was once upset at ned because he thought that ned stole his pokémon cards but really flash had done it

but...camping is something they hadn’t done in a while

✦ when and after uncle ben died, ned didn’t know how to react

he heard about it from the news12 report that his older sister was playing on the television and his heart dropped

they had just started sophomore year and peter had just turned fifteen and ben was supposed to take them and may out to celebrate just for fun

ned ran to peter’s

or, well, he would’ve but as a fifteen year old boy who did not live close enough to his best friend, he didn’t have enough stamina

so he brought his wallet and took some cabs to see peter and how he was doing

police weren’t going to let him in until a crying aunt may saw him and told him that peter was in his room

peter hadn’t said anything when ned walked in but only because he was too busy crying

ned had never seen peter cry like this, but he knew that peter loved ben and may more than anything in the entire world, and now he had just lost his only father figure

ned sat down next to peter, who had balled up the sleeves of his jackets because he was clenching his fists so hard

peter was silent, trying to keep his crying quiet and keep it in, the tears not stopping and his jaw tense

neither of them said anything for a while until peter, still crying, turned to ned and said

it was...a stupid...a fucking robber. this is all...my fault...i have to-i’m going to do something–for ben. i was too late—too late to save him.

at the time, ned didn’t know exactly what peter was taking about, but he still listened.

it’s okay, pete. i’m going to be here for you no matter what.

peter hugged ned and they both cried until they ended up falling asleep

may came in and, after telling ned’s mom that yes, edward is staying over with us for the night to support peter, covered them both with the star wars blanket that she and ben had gotten for peter on his twelfth birthday

 ✦ though it isn’t necessarily a tradition,

on the anniversary of ben’s death, they promise to take aunt may out and just treat her to some food or anything that’ll keep her mind off of it until peter and may visit ben’s grave by themselves towards the end of the day

if peter is busy with spider-man business earlier during that day, ned hangs out with may in the house, filling up the empty space so she doesn’t have to be alone

peter and ned usually take her someplace fancy, using some of their birthday and holiday savings so she can eat out like she used to with ben

✦ on a happier note, since the months have passed, these two have more nerdy things they do together:

on each other’s birthdays, they always hide a gift for the other and they usually buy each other more than one

sometimes ned gets really excited (or frustrated) when peter can’t find the presents ned hid for him and just tells him

peter’s favorite gift that ned has ever gotten him was a realistic lightsaber that ned used like all of his piggy bank money on to get and they both got one

ned got blue and peter got green

for ned’s birthdays, peter can be an ASSHOLE but not in the “i’m a mean person” way, more like he’s a smug little dipshit way

he leaves ned with no mercy whenever he hides ned’s gifts

like peter usually puts them somewhere obvious but he pretends to have hidden them somewhere really hard and ned hates it

but they both put a lot of thought into each other’s gifts and it’s very heartwarming

they also have a pact that’s unspoken where whenever they like somebody, they play each other’s wingman (hence ned with liz)

they’re not very good at it, especially peter because peter can’t even say hi to someone he likes let alone get ned a date

ned is a little better but all he does is embarrass peter like aunt may does since ned just makes peter’s crush very obvious

✦ last “tradition,” because i know this is very long but i love my boys

this isn’t really a tradition

but they know they’re always going to be there for each other

they always have sleepovers and eat dinner at each other’s houses and are willing to help each other anytime of day

they’re best of friends and they love each other dearly very much

and hopefully! that doesn’t change

unless you know what happens in the comics then rip but

sweet babies!!!! my boys!!!

[angelybean]

Almost (A Memoir)

“I don’t want you to go,” I said, lying in Harry’s arms on a blue blanket in the grass. “She’s going to hurt me.” We were having a farewell picnic date in Prospect Park for his summer Army ROTC training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. My mother had become increasingly hostile towards me, spitting insults when she was irritable and threatening to take my phone away. I knew it was because I had lost my scholarship while trying to be admitted to the nursing major, but I had already written an appeal letter. The committee’s decision could not be any more crucial to me at this point. I was anxious at every moment, because I was raised with “cultural” methods-- hair pulling, slapping, spanking, and identifiable flying objects. I remember one morning before school in the seventh or eighth grade, she had thrown a fork at me, and my hand bled. In the car, my father yelled at me to make me stop sobbing. He was always on my mother’s side, probably because she had to take care of the three of us (I had two younger brothers: Peter and Neal) while he was at work. It was always because I was rude, my grades weren’t high enough, or it was my tone of voice (though my brothers were allowed to get lower grades). Any kind of response from me while my mother was angry doomed me.

I was sniffling when I entered the Mark Twain Gifted and Talented Intermediate School building, but I refused to tell Mitch, the security guard what had happened. Usually, we greeted each other and he gave me a high five. When he brought me to the principal’s office, a counselor asked me what happened.

“Was it Mom?” she said. I nodded. “Did she physically hurt you?”

“No,” I said, still breathing heavily and crying. Even in high school, when I got in trouble for getting a 75 for a class on my report card, I knew I had to get better grades. Not for my happiness, but rather, for my survival. If no one cared about me, I had to at least look out for myself.

My parents host praise and worship meetings at church every Sunday night, and in high school, I started skipping out on them because of stressful deadlines. However, when my family got back home one night, my mother confronted me in front of my brothers and my father.

“I had homework,” I kept saying, but she had enough. Her hand hit my face, hard. I was in shock, and I was sad, but nothing could have felt worse than having the males just watch. At ages twelve, sixteen, and forty-eight, they deemed themselves useless to me. When my mother walked away, they walked away, too.

I grew more nervous as Harry’s departure drew nearer. Ever since we started dating, I told him about what I had experienced. He was twenty-two and was pursuing his master’s degree in social work, so he understood and comforted me, not to mention that he was fit enough to fight anyone who tried to hurt me. But he was leaving. My intuition told me to fear for my life, like there was someone who couldn’t wait to lash out on me once he left.

“I’ll be back,” Harry said. When he dropped me off home, there were tears in our eyes. I needed him, but he couldn’t stay to protect me. The following days would be plagued with racing negative thoughts, and I yearned to speak with my boyfriend. At Fort Knox, cellphone use was restricted to five to ten minutes before bedtime at 10 PM. While Harry was under strict supervision, I needed to make myself useful just in case my appeal letter was rejected. I desperately searched for jobs and attended countless interviews.

After a week without Harry, I arrived home after a long day of sending and rereading correspondences with the appeal committee and job searching. The pencil sharpener had fallen from the kitchen counter and was disassembled on the floor, leaving shavings near the stairs--probably because of one of my brothers. Tired and sluggish, I went straight to my white room and climbed into bed, half hoping Harry would text me and half hoping I would fall asleep. The sun had begun to set, and before I knew it, I was sliding into unconsciousness in my hot and dim room. Suddenly, I heard my mother come home from her babysitting gig. She sounded like she was yelling angrily, and I hoped that I was safe behind my bedroom door.

It swung open. “Get up! Ang tamad mo!” my mother yelled with a broom in her hand. She rushed to my side and smacked my legs. Her eyes bulged at me, though if I enlarged mine even slightly, I would be punished.

“Ow!” I said, not fully understanding what was going on.

“Why are you lying here? You’re good for nothing. The floor is a mess! Clean it up! Now!” Regaining my consciousness, I claimed that whatever happened to the pencil sharpener was not my doing. She hit me again, threatening to hurt me more if I didn’t get up right away. Shaking, I went to the kitchen and cleaned everything up as quickly as possible. I started to panic as I returned to my room and put on a cardigan. I had to get away. With my phone in hand, I walked to a nearby park without saying goodbye.

I remembered my mom complaining about how I confided too much information in Harry sometimes. “He’s just a boy,” she had said. “He can’t protect you.”

* * *

A year later, it was the day before Easter. In the midst of midterm assignments, I felt myself withdrawing from the world again. I stayed in my room for most of the time and refused to socialize. That morning, I woke up late and ate the sunny side up eggs on the table. The yolks were hard, and I only liked the whites, so I threw out what my picky self couldn’t handle. Then I went back to rest again--I couldn’t stand or sit for too long. In the eighth grade, I had spinal fusion surgery that inserted metal rods, screws, and knobs in my upper back. The lower part, however, was still prone to scoliosis curvatures and aches. I laid in bed, thinking about my future and the meaning of life. My brother, Peter, was also in his bed next to mine, preoccupied with his phone.

The night before, I had gotten into an argument with my mother about the Bible. I wondered when I would be able to leave my home. I was sick of church and the hypocrisy. If only the community knew. Would they care?

Suddenly, my mother burst into my room.  “You threw out the eggs?!” she said. “I work hard to cook them and your father works hard to buy them!” I realized she was still sore about the argument last night.

“I’ve never liked egg yolks--”

“You’ve been rude since last night! Get up! Wash the dishes!”

“I’m resting.” Thin lipped, she left the room for a moment, returning with The Stick. It was a long, wooden stick that she used whenever she was furious. I can’t recall exactly where she got it from or what its true purpose was.

She hit my back with The Stick once, and I remembered what I promised myself. I quickly jumped up on my bed and grabbed The Stick from her, pointing it in her direction.

“What are you doing? Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Daddy, come here, look what your daughter’s doing!” Peter watched silently.

My father came in the room, yelling, “Give that to me!” I hesitated, not wanting to give up. “I said give it!” he said, grabbing it from my hands.

“See what she did? I was just telling her to wash the dishes,” my mother said, taking my phone away to hide.

“Go!” said my father. I left the room angrily, but not before I was hit hard on the leg, leaving a painful bruise. I tried to keep calm as I cleaned up in the kitchen, but something in me snapped. I refused to live in fear and anxiety any longer. I decided to Facebook message my cousin, Junior, who had moved out of his own family’s home in Long Island to the Stony Brook area, where he went to college. He was only a year older than me.

“Hey Jr.,” I said. “Please pick me up. I’m done with my family.”

“Sure,” he replied. “I’ll be there in half an hour.”

Finally, I thought. A way out. Knowing full well that I was forbidden to carry more than five pounds due to my back surgery, I packed as many of my clothes and possessions as I could in nearly ten bags. I was to meet Junior at the Starbucks in my neighborhood and be rescued. I explained this to my parents as I hugged them, apologizing for the trouble I caused when I finally stepped out of my room, bags in hands. They stared at me dumbfoundedly. I took this as subconscious consent and waddled down the stairs and out the door in a hurry. I should have taken a detour around the corner to prevent my father from finding me, because he caught up to me shortly after. After all, he did start running half marathons when he was diagnosed with diabetes. I lived in a predominantly orthodox Jewish neighborhood, and I could only imagine how ridiculous I looked to neighbors and passerbys.

“Come home now,” he said.

“No,” I said, and kept walking. He grabbed my bags and pulled.

“You think I’m afraid of you?” he said. “I’m not afraid of you.” I thought this was peculiar, because I was the one who should be afraid.

“I’m not going back,” I said, seeing a police officer giving out parking tickets. I began to cry on purpose, though it wasn’t difficult.

“What’s going on here?” she said. My father was flustered, so I used this moment to flee to Starbucks. I struggled to carry my bags and upon arrival, I looked for my usual seat in the back and pulled out my laptop. Out of breath, I realized that Junior was still on the road. A few minutes passed. To my horror, I saw that my father was driving into the parking lot. To make matters worse, my mother stepped out and was headed inside. Frantically, I took my bags and tried to hide in the corner near the bathroom, but to no avail. I was trapped.

“What are you doing there?” my mother said sternly. “Let’s go home!”

“No, I’m not coming home,” I said. “I’m going with Junior.”

“Junior doesn’t live with his family. He can’t help you! Why are you bothering him?”

“I don’t care. I’m not going home.”

“You look crazy sitting in that corner. Let’s go; we have church tonight!”

“No, I’m not going.”

“What’s the matter with you? This is why you get in trouble.”

“You hurt me.”

“Because you’re disrespectful and disobedient! Stop sitting there and come home already.”

“No.” Where was Junior? This was not going as planned.

Just then, a tall blonde gentleman walked out of the bathroom. “What’s going on here?” he asked.

“She doesn’t want to go home,” my mother said.

“I was asking her,” he replied.

“Well,” I started, “she hit me, and she’s punishing me for not washing the dishes but I’m just a stressed college student. I have a job, I landed an internship, and I have a scholarship that I lost, but won back successfully.”

“She’s not listening to me,” my mother insisted.

“It seems like she’s a good student,” said the young man. “She has a scholarship and an internship, and she’s not committing crimes. I don’t see the problem.” He turned to me and handed me a business card. “I don’t know what you’re going through, but if you ever need a church, we welcome you.” He was a Jehovah’s Witness.

“Thank you,” I said, thoroughly embarrassed. Although I had no intention of joining another church, he was an angel at that moment. Not wishing to hear another word, he left, hoping he played an important role. I checked my laptop again. I had received many missed calls and messages from my Harry via Facebook Messenger, because I still did not have my phone. I briefly explained to him that Junior was coming to get me. But where was he?

My mother tried again. “Let’s go home. Hurry, we haven’t eaten yet. Are you hungry?”

“I’m fine. I’m going with Junior.”

“Why are you being so difficult? This is humiliating! Don’t you know if someone finds out, this will be considered a scandal?” If she meant someone from the church community or one of our relatives, all the better. Let them find out, I thought.

“I don’t care. I’m done getting hurt.” Where was the apology? I always had to say sorry whenever I made a mistake. Where was my justice? She hated my pride and always called me out on it, but where was her humility?

Suddenly, an EMT appeared. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” I said, frustrated and thirsty. I had worn too many layers for this occasion.

“You’re going to have to take this elsewhere. We got a call.” Just then, Junior came in.

“Junior!” I was relieved.

“Let’s go outside,” my mom said, and I felt trapped again.

Doesn’t anyone understand how I feel? I thought. Don’t they know how unhealthy it is for me to be emotionally stressed all the time?

As we walked to Junior’s car, I carried all my bags and climbed into the front passenger seat. My mother opened the door and sat in the back.

“Get out,” I said. “We’re leaving. Let’s go, Junior.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” my mom said. “Or I’m going with you.”

Junior was silent and seemed at a loss. “Let’s go outside, Tita.” They left and started talking in front of the car, and I felt weak. I was impatient, but as I saw the look my mother gave Junior, I realized that I had lost. This would definitely be reported to his parents, who, no matter how estranged they were at the time, would definitely feel pressured to return me to my parents. We were family after all. Eventually, Junior left my mother and I to talk in the car while he sat in my father’s car.

“I do not approve of what Junior is doing,” she said. “All you kids are the same. Why do you let them influence you?”

“I don’t care. Just leave me alone.”

“No, I’m not leaving you.”

“I don’t want to get hurt anymore.”

“Okay, I won’t hurt you anymore. Okay? If I hurt you, we’ll let you leave. Come on, let’s go to mass.”

“No. Apologize first.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“What am I, a kid? Okay, I’m sorry for hurting you. You’re an adult now and I should treat you like one.”

“Are you really sorry?” “Yes, I’m very sorry.” That was all I needed to hear at that moment. I wanted food and needed my phone back anyway. My mother and I hugged and reconciled. Then, I apologized to Junior for making him drive all the way to New York City, but it seemed like he had already made plans with his friends. Before going to the Easter Vigil, my family stopped by the house to get ready. I drank water, retrieved my phone, and planned my next move. I was going to leave this place, somehow.

[quinintheclouds]

About Me Meme Tag Thingy!

I was tagged by @arceus-ex-machina to do this! Thank you! I’ll tag @aronicallyawkwardavery @spudthecat @notquitedeadyet and @nishitapatel :D

THE LAST: 1. Drink: Water. WITH lime juice. I live on the edge.

2. Phone call: I called Avery cause she lost her phone... does that count? 

3. Text message: Nina

4. Song you listened to: Don’t Do Sadness/ Blue Wind (from Spring Awakening)

5. Time you cried: last night probably? I think? HAVE YOU:

6. Dated someone twice: Nope

7. Kissed someone and regretted it: Nah

8. Been cheated on: I don’t THINK so...

9. Lost someone special: tons

10. Been depressed: um only almost constantly

11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: nope!

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS:

12. Purple

13. Yellow

14. Turquoise

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU:

15. Made new friends: yep

16. Fallen out of love: yep 17. Laughed until you cried: definitely

18. Found out someone was talking about you? haha yup

19. Met someone who changed you? Gonna copy and just say that everyone you meet changes you in some way

20. Found out who your friends are: yeah

21. Kissed someone on your FB list: yep

GENERAL: 22. How many Facebook friends do you know in real life: nearly all? I don’t know, don’t use fb much

23. Do you have any pets: not of my own, per se? But my family has 2 dogs, a cat, a chicken, and a tarantula.

24. Do you want to change your name: Not sure. Depends.

25. What did you do for your last birthday: travelled back from a boring conference for my grandpa, and both my parents and grandparents forgot about my birthday, so they ran to the gift shop and both got me the same crappy $1 bracelet. So I spent my birthday being yelled at and crying, being called a slut by my mom for wearing shorts, being plane-sick, etc. Good times. 26. What time did you wake up: like 2pm today lol

27. What were you doing at midnight last night: lying awake and trying to force myself to sleep

28. Name something you can’t wait for: being independent from my parents.

29. When was the last time you saw your Mom: earlier today

30. What is one thing you wish you could change in your life: my life (ok that’s a cop-out answer. I guess I’d eliminate executive dysfunction)

31. What are you listening to right now: my own youtube video lol (watching for errors)

32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: probably?

33. Something that is getting on your nerves: bigotry

34. Most visited website: youtube/tumblr

35. Mole/s: just one above my lip (might just be a big freckle but idk)

36. Mark/s: I have a birthmark on my leg shaped like a heart <3

37. Childhood dream: I wanted to invent the ability to fly, and travel through space meeting alien friends :)

38. Hair color: dirty blonde

39. Long or short hair: hella short right now and I LOVE IT

40. Do you have a crush on someone?: no flipping clue

41. What do you like about yourself: My imagination/creativity, I guess?

42. Piercings: just 1 in each earlobe (but I’d like a nose piercing someday)

43. Blood type: A+ (unlike my report card)

44: Nicknames: Quin, Quinky, Quinny Linny in a Trash Binny, Q, LynQuin...

45. Relationship status: single, thank goodness

46. Zodiac: Leo

47. Pronouns: she/her and they/them

48. Favorite TV show: UHHHH I CAN’T CHOOSE I like Steven Universe, The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, Rick and Morty, HIMYM... 49. Tattoos: hopefully one day I’ll have a couple!

50. Right or left hand: right

51. Surgery: none

52. Hair dyed a different color: eh, I got reddish highlights once. I’d like to dye it a fun color sometime

53. Sports: I played baseball as a kid before getting kicked off cause I was a girl, then soccer, then gymnastics for like a couple months before we moved, then tennis and badminton. But I’m honestly not much of a sports person.

54. Vacation: I wanna go everywhere!

55. Shoes: sneakers, sandals, and boots. Mostly barefoot when I can though

56. Eating: yes, I do the eating

57. Drinking: liquids

58. I’m about to: finish this question

59. Waiting for: my life to get itself together

60. Want: to be able to function despite my disorders

61. Get married: one day

62. Career: something creative, ideally I’d get to be in charge of something. Wanna be a musical theatre teacher/director for high school and then also pursue other stuff. Hopefully something will take off.

WHICH IS BETTER:

63. Hugs or kisses: both!!!

64. Lips or eyes: also both?? Lol how can you choose?

65. Shorter or taller: don’t have a preference but ideally not waaaaay taller or shorter than me

66. Older or younger: closer to my age, the better

67. Nice arms or nice stomach: both? Neither? idk

68. Sensitive or loud: this is phrased as if they’re supposed to be opposites or mutually exclusive…anyway I guess sensitive (just gonna leave your answer cause same)

69. Hook up or relationship: both serve different purposes for different things at different times

70. Troublemaker or hesitant: a hesitant troublemaker

HAVE YOU EVER:

71. Kissed a stranger: nope

72. Drank hard liquor: yep

73. Lost glasses/contact lenses: Constantly losing my glasses

74. Turned someone down: yeah, I hate doing that

75. Sex on first date: nope

76. Broken someone’s heart: I don’t think so?

77. Had your heart broken: yep.

78. Been arrested: nope

79. Cried when someone died: yeah

80. Fallen for a friend: definitely

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

81. Yourself: *punches my low self esteem in the face* yea (leaving your answer again :P)

82. Miracles: depends on your definition of miracle. To me, yes

83. Love at first sight: lol no, that’s just infatuation

84. Santa Claus: no :/

85. Kiss on the first date: if everyone’s comfortable with it, yeah, why not?

OTHER:

86. Current best friend: Nina

87. Eye color: blue/grey

88. Favorite movie: I don’t know enough movies to pick an all-time favorite... I do really like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Princess Bride, and most pixar movies (inside out <3)

[quickchangeartist]

92 Questions Tag

Tagged by: @shadowbanish (thank you! <3)

Answer the questions and tag 20 people.

Shit, uhhhhhh... I dunno about 20. That seems like a whole hell of a lot. @ammonia-jane, @manticorefruit, @pink-reindeer, @ghartokpadhome, @ashadahlen, @ashtraska, @onepartpartyonepartmachine, @happilynerevarafter, @relvinmeru, @julei-zu, @aforgottenchampion, @jerallmountains, @sonofqueen, @hardbittenhearts, @aramis-stilt0n, @snowelves, @automatomicatomaton, @dunmeritude, @sithisit, @chameleonspell HEY WE DID IT (Disregard if you want, tho, cos this is a lot of questions and all)

THE LAST: 1. Drink: Tea, with a lot of sugar and milk. 2. Phone call: @ammonia-jane, actually, because I’d missed the bus and made myself late.  3. Text message: “A miserable pile of secrets.”  4. Song you listened to: “Maker Of My Sorrow” by Eliza Rickman 5. Time you cried: Probably yesterday morning, or the night before.

HAVE YOU: 6. Dated someone twice: Like, gone on two dates or dated them, broke up, then dated them again? Either way, yes. 7. Kissed someone and regretted it: Oh man, yeah. Many people I’ve kissed have not been good at it, regardless. 8. Been cheated on: Yeeeeeaahh actually that sort of happens a lot? I often wonder about that, and whether that’s why I just plain don’t much mind being fucked around on, maybe I just see it as a natural consequence. Or maybe I’m just poly and I shouldn’t overanalyse the whys so much. 9. Lost someone special: Yeah. 10. Been depressed: Bruh. Come on, now. 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: Lol. Yeah. LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS: 12. Red 13. Black 14. That sort of deep reddish purple that you only get on certain kinds of plum at very precise times of the year. IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU: 15. Made new friends: Yeah! I’m really bad at keeping them, though. 16. Fallen out of love: Nope! 17. Laughed until you cried: Yes 18. Found out someone was talking about you: Nah. Either they cover shit up properly, or I’m just not that interesting to talk about. Also, I’m pretty obtuse to be fair. 19. Met someone who changed you: Not in the last year, but they’re still around?20. Found out who your friends are: I wasn’t in doubt? Damn, some of you must have much more drama-filled lives than I do. 21. Kissed someone on your Facebook list: Idk? Probably. I think I gave @manticorefruit a smooch on their hat the other week. I kissed Voltaire after a concert a month or two back.

GENERAL: 22. How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: I don’t really know? Probably not more than half, though. 24. Do you want to change your name: I planned to change to my current name, Daniel, for the duration of transitioning, then change to Casimir once my surgery was done with. Then a friend of mine turns up with a Friendship Tattoo with ‘Daniel’ right there on his forearm and I’m just like. Welp.  25. What did you do for your last Birthday: I hung out at my mate’s place and drank gin and ate a delicious earl grey-flavored cake with “Happy fuckin’ Birthday aye” written on it in purple icing. That cake lasted for two weeks, it was enormous. 26. What time did you wake up: It should be 7am, lately it’s between 10am and 1pm because life is a series of mistakes. 27. What were you doing at midnight last night: Probably something unspeakable. 28. Name something you can’t wait for: For @ammonia-jane to go to Texas so she can come back. 29. When was the last time you saw your mom: She’s literally right here. My cat is sitting on her and she’s reading my old report cards from school 20 years ago. 30. What is one thing you wish you could change in your life: Oh my fucking gods, where to fucking begin... How about I go back to being 17 and happy and not yet so crushingly mentally ill. That or give me $100,000. 31. What are you listening right now: My cat purring, also “The Wayward Wife” by The Merry Wives Of Windsor. 32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: ...Shit, I don’t know. Maybe I haven’t?? 33. Something that is getting on your nerves: My real estate agent hasn’t returned my emails OR my calls in going on a month now, despite sticking a demolition application notice on my damn lawn in the dark of night. Shitweasels. 34. Most visited Website: If not Tumblr, then probably UESP. LOST QUESTIONS 35. Mole/s: I think there’s one on the back of my neck maybe, and there’s one on the underside of one forearm. 36. Mark/s: Like... A bunch. Scar across my shoulder, scars all over my fingers and hands, big scar on my left thigh, nick on one wrist and between two knuckles on one hand I’ve had as long as I can remember, big flat scar on the sole of one foot, freckles on my shoulders (the ones on my face and forearms faded a lot when I became a Basement Goblin but the ones on my shoulders were from a SEVERE sunburn so I figure they’re there to stay), my stretchmarks are invisible now but holy fuck am I still super self-conscious about them, etc etc etc. 37. Childhood dream: I wanted to be a vet surgeon so much. 38. Haircolour: Right now? Henna-dyed red, it’s sort of brick-red now. 39. Long or short hair: I have a mohawk that’s long enough to reach the small of my back. So... Both? 40. Do you have a crush on someone: Sure <3 41. What do you like about yourself: My hands are pretty and I can do lots of things with them, like blacksmithing and carpentry and rude gestures. 43. Bloodtype: I THINK it’s O-? I can’t remember right now. It’s on some paperwork somewhere around here. 44. Nickname: Dan No, Dan Pls, Dan Would You Just Stop 45. Relationship status: I think they’re both going pretty well? 46. Zodiac: Aries  47. Pronouns: Neither He/Him/His or They/Them/Theirs feels ‘right’ but because English is a woeful pain in the ass, I’ll accept either of those. 48. Favourite TV Show: Right now it’s American Gods. 49. Tattoos: SOON. Once I get a new spot to live sorted out, I got some promises to keep. 50. Right or left hand: Right. 51. Surgery: Broken wrist, had a chunk carved out of my foot, had my thigh cauterised shut because I kept tearing the stitches and I decided I didn’t care. Had some bits and pieces extracted. Had broken tooth bits fished out of my jaw. At some point in the future there’ll be major chest surgery. 52. Hair dyed in different colour: SO MANY. I had to cool it with that once I started getting scared of my hair falling out. I used to be Billy Idol peroxide-white, though, I think that was the worst for it. 53. Sport: I don’t sport? I like watching Swordcraft battles. I think that’s a sport. 55. Vacation: The Murray River, up around Sunraysia, about 12km downriver from Loch 11. Not that I’ve thought about it at all. 56. Pair of trainers: I don’t know if I have any, actually. I wear my boots to death, though, they need resoling now I’ve ground the heels hollow again. MORE GENERAL:

57. Eating: Right now? Kabana and some baked beans. Whatever I could find in the kitchen. 58. Drinking: Cheap coke. 59. I’m about to: Write something, I hope, if my brain stays still. 61. Waiting for: Word back about the last rental lease we applied for. 62. Want: Not gonna lie, I would pay $50 for someone to come lie in bed with me and tell me it’s gonna be okay while we spoon and watch American Gods. 63. Get married: Afraid I can’t. Australia’s fun like that. 64. Career: *distant, bitter laughter* WHICH IS BETTER 65. Hugs or kisses: Depends on the person. It’s hard to screw up a hug, though. 66. Lips or eyes: Eyes 67. Shorter or taller: Depends on what I intend to do with them 68. Older or younger: Older 70. Nice arms or nice stomach: Arms, I have such a weird envy thing for good shoulders. 71. Sensitive or loud: Sensitive, because holy shit I am all nervous all the time and loud is bad for me 72. Hook up or relationship: Hmmm. I mean, both have their pros and cons. 73. Troublemaker or hesitant: I am naturally really cautious, so hesitant, I guess. HAVE YOU EVER:

74. Kissed a stranger: Yep 75. Drank hard liquor: Yessir. I got a bottle of gin beside my chair at all times, lately. Beautiful Tanqueray. 76. Lost glasses/contact lenses: I don’t have either, though I probABLY REALLY SHOULD 77. Turned someone down: Yeah, it was so awkward. Poor thing, really. 78. Sex in the first date: Why wouldn’t I? 79. Broken someone’s heart: Ayyeh... Yeah, pretty often. I’m kind of garbage. 80. Had your heart broken: Yes. 81. Been arrested: No! A low bar, I know, but something I’m proud of. 82. Cried when someone died: Still doing it, now and then. 83. Fallen for a friend: Yes. DO YOU BELIEVE IN: 84. Yourself: Hah. I believe that other people believe in me and I don’t want to disappoint them, how’s that? 85. Miracles: In a way. I don’t think of them as miracles, though. 86. Love at first sight: Not the kind of love that ought to last. 87. Santa Claus: Nah 88. Kiss on the first date: Hell yeah smooches. 89. Angels: How christian-specific of you. OTHER: 90. Current best friends name: I always hated the idea that asking that question was normal and acceptable. Just makes other friends feel inadequate. 91. Eyecolour: Blue-grey, there’s a bit of brownish-gold around the middle I got from my mother. 92. Favourite movie: The Man Who Fell To Earth. It makes me cry a lot. Or Showgirls, because I cannot watch it without laughing, it’s a trainwreck that never stops giving.

[carmineri]

The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! February 2019 Disney Outlet Store Photo Report (Star Wars, Orange Bird, runDisney and more!)

Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando.  With me covering the Disney Character Warehouse on I-Drive and Secret Shopper Ben Wszalek at Vineland (see end of every Outlet Report for more details on each location), we not only got to see a whole bunch of Christmas items – including the Flurry of Fun event at DHS and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – but more items from Pandora: The Land of Avatar (shocking, I know), runDisney, Star Wars, Peter Pan and more. Of course Christela McC is also here with a look at some Outlet items from California, including an incredible toy set for Radiator Springs Racers!

Enough jibber jabber! Ready to see what we we found? Alright, let’s go!

A couple months ago I predicted that the Outlets would soon be home to a ton of elaborately themed bags and wallets that Disney was putting out. My reasoning? These bags look great, but I have a hard time believing someone in the Real World (AKA outside of Disney World) would use one. They also have some next level bonkers pricing. While we’ve seen a few arrive here and there over the past couple trips, a whole bunch arrived this month including these Little Orange Bird backpacks and wallets. The original price on the backpacks wasn’t there, but I’m pretty sure they were $75. The reduced price is $39.99.

Orange Bird. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

I have a lot of readers who like to see bag updates, but unfortunately they are one of the least interesting items in the store for me so I end up not paying much attention. These bags were made by “Loungefly” if that means anything to you.

These Orange Bird wallets were originally $50 a pop, which just seems INSANE to me. They have been reduced to $24.99. I’m not saying you’ll look like a weirdo using one of these in Idaho or New Hampshire, but I’m not saying you won’t look like a weirdo either.

Orange Bird wallets. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

it’s a small world themed wallets. Originally $50, now $24.99.

it’s a small world wallets. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Rose shaped bags. I mean c’mon now. I can see a market for this existing on the one day a year people wear crazy hats to the Kentucky Derby, but that’s about it. Or for like little kids. BUT WHAT KID HAS $74 TO BUY THIS AT FULL RETAIL?!! Reduced to $36.99.

Rose bag. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Here’s the back side of the bag.

Rose bag. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

These bags featuring characters from Princess & the Frog look terrific. Very eye catching. Dr. Facilier holding cards one was originally $74, now $36.99. One below that was originally $54, now $36.99. Ray the firefly bag at very bottom was originally $74, now $36.99. Other side starts with Tiana at top at originally $74, now $36.99 while the Lily pad bag beneath her was originally $54, now $26.99.

Princess and the Frog bags. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Kate Spade bags from the Minnie Mouse collection. Purse was REDUCED to $163.99. No idea of original price but CAN YOU IMAGINE? Wallet was originally $50, now $24.99.

Kate Spade bag. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

We saw a ton of 2019 runDisney marathon weekend merchandise shipped directly over to the Outlets in record time last month, but some still arrived in February, including these pins. Original price was $16.99.

Marathon pin. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

The pin “opens” up.

Marathon pin. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

These runDisney sneaker ornaments have been reduced all the way down to $2.99 (were originally $26.99.)

Shoe ornament. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Marathon Weekend car magnet. Originally $12.99, now $2.99.

Car magnet. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

1,000 piece Pandora jigsaw puzzle. Originally $21.99, now $7.99. We have young kids in the house who love doing Disney jigsaw puzzles, but when I went to buy some at Disney every single jigsaw puzzle set was a 1,000 pieces (or more.) Right now they have been putting together a set that came from the Disney Outlets over a year ago featuring Disney Junior characters. The set came with four puzzles and each were about 48 pieces. This set came from Shanghai Disneyland though, so maybe I need to fly over there to shop for some newer jigsaw puzzle sets.

Pandora. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Pandora. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Here is the current update for the scary Avatar monkey toy. It appears none have been sold since last month, but the Outlet did take out all the other items that were under the monkeys.

Avatar monkeys.

Speaking of Avatar, here is a shirt featuring the company ACE, who in storyline are the people “transporting” us to the planet of Pandora at Animal Kingdom. Thankfully they also transported cases of Coca Cola and Disney reusable shopping bags featuring the Tree of Life. Actually, the movie Avatar takes place in the year 2154 and the stuff on Pandora: The World of Avatar is set generations after the movie, so none of this makes any sense whatsoever. Shirt was originally $24.99, now $9.99.

ACE shirt.

Back of ACE shirt.

Part Time Beast shirt. Originally $39.99, now $12.99. $40 for a t-shirt, not from the 28 and Main collection. Sometimes I just don’t get it. No offense to anyone who bought this, but it looks like I could have just made this shirt myself at home for like $6 with some iron on stencils at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. Shirt would be higher quality material to boot.

Beast shirt.

Belle shirt. Originally $34.99, now $12.99.  Like this artsy stylization of the character.

Belle.

Cinderella shirt. Also originally $34.99, now $12.99

Cindy.

Ariel long sleeve shirt was originally $39.99, now $12.99.

Little Mermaid.

Beauty & the Beast shirt was originally $34.99, now $12.99. The Little Mermaid tank top was originally $36.99, now $12.99.

Princess shirts.

Ursula tank top on left was originally $34.99, now $7.99 while t-shirt on the right was originally $36.99, now $9.99. I’m no prude, but that seems like a pretty low cut on a Disney t-shirt.

Ursula wear.

Look at this hot mess. Evil Queen shirt on left was originally $39.99, now $14,99 while the Cruella shirt was originally $34.99, now $12.99. WHO WEARS STUFF LIKE THIS IN PUBLIC?!!!!

Shirts.

I guess this doesn’t seem so bad in comparison. Originally $34.99, now $12.99.

Cruella.

Cute Minnie Mouse shirt. Not sure what the term is for a shirt like this that isn’t a t-shirt but also not a long sleeve shirt. Is it called a “3/4 shirt?” Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

Minnie Mouse shirt.

We bought one of these 101 Dalmatians outfits for the baby in our family. Will post a picture next month. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

L’il Cutie.

Stitch tank top for kids. That would have been the day when my parents bought me a tank top for $24.99 growing up. It has been reduced to $9.99. What would a kid small enough to wear this put in a shirt pocket?!

Kids.

Oh boy did a whole bunch of dresses arrive this month. Here’s a couple featuring the Orange Bird and Fantasyland. Both were originally $128, reduced to $59.99.

Dresses.

Here’s a little detail on the Fantasyland one.

Dress.

Mary Poppins dress was originally $108, now $44.99.

Mary Poppins. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Kid’s Rapunzel dress. Originally $34.99, now $14.99.

Punzel.

Kid’s Mulan dress. Originally $59.99, now $24.99.

Mulan.

These princess tiaras were originally $17.95, now $7.99.

Tiaras.

They had a bunch of Disney Princess music boxes. Each was originally $22.99, reduced to $7.99.

Music box.

Interesting that they had these Sleeping Beauty plush on sale when you’d think they could have just tried one last attempt to sell them at the Princess Half Marathon in February, since Aurora was the signature character of the weekend. Anyway, these dolls were originally $24.99.

Aurora.

Buzz Lightyear foam dress up set for kids. Not sure of original price, but it was reduced to $14.99. It included Buzzy’s gauntlets, belt, chestplate, and backpack. There was a button you could press that would announce one of five separate phrases or sounds. The wings on the backpack could be opened and closed.

Buzz.

A quick break for a story time. I apologize to  you, Dear Reader, for mostly providing an unrealistic expectation of what you will get during a Disney Outlet Store Shopping Experience. I rarely talk about how bad the parking is. Don’t mention much that the stores are generally PACKED with people. And while they do their best, the Cast Members working the cash registers generally take a long time with each transaction because of how many things need to be secretly wrapped for traveling.

Then you have the eBay pirates. These are people who will buy out the entire stock on an item right in front of you. They generally work in teams and often know Cast Members of the store who put aside items for them, so regular guests never even had a chance. Not saying this is illegal. Not even saying Disney should do something about this. Just letting you know of what you could possibly run into when shopping in Orlando. Being in line behind one of these pirates will test your patience, as Judy Hopps experience at the DMV in Zootopia goes faster. There’s a lot of great deals at the Outlets, just be prepared to pack every ounce of self control you have.

  Okay, onto more pleasant stuff. Here is an art print by artists Rosemary Begley that features The Beast’s castle as seen from the bridge to Be Our Guest Restaurant. Originally $34.99, now $19.99.

Art.

Here’s a picture I took of the castle when we ate at Be Our Guest. One of the theme park hills I will die on is that dinner at BOG should be a Must Do for every Disney fan. Yes, it’s too much money, but the atmosphere is worth it and the grey stuff is just what you wanted it to be and is actually delicious. THAT SAID, I will probably never go back to BOG for breakfast or lunch as I find the experience to be completely miserable. The table service at dinner is in my personal Disney Top 6, but the quick service breakfast and lunch experiences are the worst.

Be Our Guest Restaurant. (photo by Scott Sanders)

My zoomed in shot.

  Time for some STAR WARS!

First up is this item that clams to be a postcard featuring Finn. It was originally $12.99, now $5.99.

Postcard?

However, this is clearly NOT a postcard and just some sort of overpriced art print. Why anyone would want this besides the actor who plays Finn is beyond me, and I say this as a Star Wars fan. Actually, maybe if this is still at the Outlets next month, I’ll buy it and actually try to use it as a postcard and send to Len Testa. We’ll see if it works.

Not a postcard.

BB-8 coin bank. Not bad. Originally $26.99, now $19.99.

Coin bank.

Each month I laugh, and laugh, and laugh that the Star Wars people thought audiences would connect to the character “Enfys Nest” from Solo like they did for Boba Fett or Jabba the Hutt. It also warms my heart that the people they fired off Solo just won the best animated film of the year award for Spider-Man into the Spiderverse. An award that almost ALWAYS goes to Disney. Sometimes it seems karma does exist in this world. Anyway this Funko Pop was originally $14.99, now $7.99.

Enfys Nest.

Highly detailed Snoke figure. Originally $29.99, now $14.99.

Snoke.

This is an all time bad shirt at the Outlets, and imagine the ground that covers. Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

Star Wars.

This Star Wars shirt mashes up a Andy Warhol “pop art” style of work with some sort of next level bananas lacing on a t-shirt. Maybe I’m just getting too old for this stuff. Originally $34.99, now $12.99.

Star Wars.

This Star Wars outfit looks like it would be worn by someone who currently wears pajamas while shopping at WalMart during the day. Not sure of original price, but it was reduced to $19.99.

“Yikes. Good luck with all that.” – Jerry Seinfeld

There’s generally a good amount of lanyards available at the Outlets for those of you into that sort of thing. This month there were a bunch of Halloween related ones on the left (originally $12.99, now $5.99) while the 2018 themed ones on the right were reduced to 99 cents (originally $14.99.)

Lanyards.

Last month I regretted not buying the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! keychain, but was able to pick it up this month.

  And speaking of the Disney California Adventure ride Mission Breakout, it’s time for us to take an intermission and head on out to CALIFORNIA with Christela McC and check out some items that were found in the Disney Outlet Stores closer to Disneyland. (Spoiler alert, they are not that close. Details at the end of every Outlet Report.)

Our first item is one that I am IN LOVE with and asked Christela to pick me up one. It’s a toy set featuring the ride vehicles for Radiator Springs Racers and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree!  This is something I would love to see for like about 50 Disney attractions. Let’s have a Jungle Book set. A Kilimanjaro Safaris set. A Matterhorn set with Harold. Think of the possibilities! This set was originally $29.95, reduced to $13.99.

Radiator Springs. (photo by Christela McC)

Fun little Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree shirt for kids. Originally $17.99, now $8.99.

Junkyard Jamboree. (photo by Christela McC)

Radiator Springs “speed shop” work shirt. Originally $34.95, now $11.99. Here’s the front.

Lightning McQueen. (photo by Christela McC)

And here’s the back.

Radiator Springs. (photo by Christela McC)

Holiday themed hooded sweatshirt featuring Minnie and Figaro the cat. Originally $39.99, now $14.99.

Figaro! (photo by Christela McC)

Hooded tank top? That doesn’t even make sense. Originally $34.99, now $19.99.

Disneyland. (photo by Christela McC)

Sequined Disneyland spirit jersey. Originally $69.99, now $26.99. Here’s the front with the iconic Disneyland “D” bedazzled.

Disneyland. (photo by Christela McC)

And here is the back.

Disneyland. (photo by Christela McC)

Here’s a shirt even John Lasseter wouldn’t wear that has many of Disney’s California attraction logos just slapped on it with no rhyme or reason. This was originally $64.99, now $19.99. Can anyone answer why so many of the logos are printed upside down? What is the purpose of that? Even better, it’s long sleeved. Yikes.

UGH. (photo by Christela McC)

Women’s Disneyland hoodie. Originally $49.99, now $17.99.

Disneyland. (photo by Christela McC)

Pirates of the Caribbean shirt with an Old Timey logo. I like this one a lot. Originally $24.99, now $8.99.

Pirates. (photo by Christela McC)

Star Wars shirt featuring the Death Star, a Tie Fighter and an X-Wing Fighter. It kinda looks like one of those Magic Eye gimmicks though where you’ll see another picture if you stare long enough. Originally $59.99, now $19.99.

Star Wars. (photo by Christela McC)

I am the Rebel Spy shirt from Star Tours. Originally $19.95, now $7.99.

Rebel Spy. (photo by Christela McC)

While I’ve never seen an episode of the Star Wars cartoon Rebels, I think this droid Chopper is from that. Originally $12.99, now $5.99.

Chopper. (photo by Christela McC)

I kinda like these Rapunzel themed hats. Originally $29.95, now $10.99.

Punzel. (photo by Christela McC)

Disneyland Old Timey logo tote. Originally $44.99, now $15.99.

Tote. (photo by Christela McC)

This reusable tote didn’t not have an original price but was reduced to $1.99. It also featured Figaro the cat, so it gets a thumbs up from me.

Tote. (photo by Christela McC)

California got their fair share of themed purses. We’ve seen the Carousel horse bag at the Florida outlets before. The Orange Bird purse was originally $65 now $29.99. Penguin was $70, now $34.99. Horse was originally $65,now $41.99. Snow White’s apple was originally $29.95, now $14.99.

  Okay, back to FLORIDA!

The Vineland Disney Outlets have a lot more space than the International Drive location (at least twice as big, if not three times bigger) and they even set up a dedicated desk just selling Disney park tickets.

Ticket desk. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

You know its going to rain outside when Disney starts bringing out the ponchos and umbrellas at every kiosk. Here’s some of the umbrellas reduced to $5.99.

Umbrellas. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Yep. That’s seriously what they call them. (original price was $9.99)

Toothpick holders.

Plenty of toothpick holders available.

Toothpick holders.

I’m not 100% sure what this thing even was. The box with Mickey on it seemed to be made out of wood. The three glasses in the middle were very similar to candle holders, but they were empty. I guess you could use them to store a box of Costco toothpicks. Originally $29.99, now $12.99.

Stuff.

This Minnie Mouse “mugs” were originally a crazy $22.99. They’ve been reduced to just $2.99.

Minnie. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Captain Hook and Smee coffee cup. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

Hook.

The vast majority of all Disney coffee cups get reduced to $5.99 no matter what they originally cost.

So this one being reduced even further to $2.99 shows you how many of them they are selling. (this one was originally $15.99)

Cup.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party mug. Originally $22.99, now $4.99.

MVMCP mug. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ornaments. Originally $24.99, now $5.99.

MVMCP ornament.

Lots of the ornament were available.

Ornaments. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas pins. These were originally $16.99. First up is a pin featuring Peter Pan.

Pin. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

And here’s a similar one featuring Alice in Wonderland.

Pin. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Here’s both those pins along with four others in a set that ORIGINALLY COST $280. This has been reduced to “just” $139.99. Amazing. Simply amazing.

Pin set.

If I’m lyin, I’m dyin.

  Ornament themed purse. Originally $65, now $24.99.

Purse.

Tons of these Flurry of Fun tumblers. Originally $22.99, now $4.99.

Xmas.

Kids Christmas themed shirts. Onesie on left was originally $19.99, now $4.99 while t-shirt on the right was originally $17.99, now $7.99,

Christmas.

I like this one. Although I wish the legendary Santa Macaron would have been included. Originally $19.99, now $7.99.

Snacks.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party shirts. Long sleeve shirt on the left was originally $32.86, now $6.99 while the shirt on the right was originally $32.99, now $9.99.

Shirts.

I’m guessing this bonkers price is because this shirt was being sold outside by someone in a cart and they could add the sales tax in to make a more normal price like $35.

  Here’s a Chip & Dale shirt from the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party that was originally $23.47, reduced to $6.99.

Shirt.

Kid’s Christmas themed outfits. Dress was originally $59.99, reduced to $24.99 while the jacket was originally $46.99 reduced to $14.99.

Outfits.

I kinda like this 8 bit Minnie-as-a-reindeer shirt. Originally $64.99, now $12.99. Hopefully whoever set that $65 price point got coal in their stocking.

Reindeer.

This next “shirt” is so weird I can only envision Captain Cruiseline himself wearing it. Originally $64.99, now $12.99.

Christmas or April Fool’s? You decide.

Two more shirts, including one for EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Left shirt was originally $36.99, now $10.99 while the red one was originally $39.99, now $11.99.

Shirts.

Speaking of Festival of the Holidays, how great is this. A serving tray to put snacks on. Originally $12.99, now $2.99. Only there’s one problem…

  YOU CAN’T PUT FOOD ON IT.

Of course I bought it.

  Some assorted photo frames. Tower of Terror was originally $19.99, now $7.99 while the Everest and Rock ‘N Roller Coaster ones in back were originally $16.99, now $7.99.

I wonder what Disney has lost more sales on in the last decade plus. Snow globes because people can’t fly with them home, or photo frames because photos go immediately to their My Disney Experience account and they don’t need to go to a sales desk to see them. Is there another popular item that you just don’t see sales of anymore (not counting things like the toy guns they removed from Adventureland or Frontierland)?

Photoframes. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

Minnie Mouse iPhone cases. One on left was originally $39.99, reduced to $7.99 while ugly one on the right was originally $44.99, reduced to $7.99.

iPhone.

Pink drum sticks for Rock ‘N Roller Coaster. Originally $17.95, now $7.99.

Drum sticks.

Zootopia toy set. Originally $24.99, now $12.99. The World of Disney store in Disney Springs is currently FILLED with a ton of toy sets like this featuring characters from various Disney/Pixar films. I expect to see a lot more of these later in the year.

Zootopia.

Hard to see but there is a Lightning McQueen and a whole bunch of confetti in this super ball. Reduced to $1.99.

Ka-chow!

And lastly, WDW 2018 magnets are priced to go at 49 cents each!

Magnet. (photo by Ben Wszalek)

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). They do not ship. There are items at the Outlets that you can buy both in Disney stores along with the Shop Disney Parks app, but you will be paying full retail for the items. For our CALIFORNIA OUTLET trips, @ChristelaMcC goes to the Las Americas outlet in San Diego. It is located right off the last U.S. exit.

I often get asked “which store is better?” That depends. Vineland is close to Walt Disney World, while the I-Drive location is a hop, skip, and jump away from the Universal Orlando Resort. The Vineland Disney Outlet Store is much, MUCH bigger than the I-Drive location. However, the Vineland outlets in general are much, MUCH busier than I-Drive. Each have their pros and cons, and ultimately they carry much of the same items. For a Disney Outlet Store FAQ, check out this SATURDAY SIX Presents: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Disney Outlet Stores (But Were Afraid To Ask)

Previous editions of Magic, Memories, and Merch: July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014, December 2015, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015. June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015. December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, November 2016, December 2016, January 2017, February 2017, March 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017, July 2017: The FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY special, August 2017, September 2017, October 2017 (tribute to the O.O.G.), November 2017, December 2017, January 2018, February 2018, March 2018, April 2018, May 2018, June 2018, July 2018 (FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY special with the introduction of the OUTLET HALL OF FAME), August 2018, September 2018, October 2018, November 2018, and December 2018 and January 2019.

We also did an edition of Magic, Memories, and Junk for a non-Disney owned Outlet Store, and for you merch addicts like myself, you may also enjoy a look at the official Disney merchandise available on the Disney Cruise Line, Castaway Cay, and at the Orlando International Airport. Want to see our favorite WDW resort-specific merchandise? Well, CLICK HERE!

If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog and you can follow your humble author on Twitter (@derekbugan).

The post The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! February 2019 Disney Outlet Store Photo Report (Star Wars, Orange Bird, runDisney and more!) appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

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[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/business/i-stole-30000-from-my-mum-to-make-millions/

'I stole £30,000 from my mum to make millions'

Image copyright Andrew Fosker/PinPep

Image caption Andrew says that despite making millions he remains ambitious

The BBC’s weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world. This week we speak to serial technology entrepreneur Andrew Michael.

When Andrew Michael was 17 he gambled on changing his life by spending £30,000 on his mother’s credit card without her knowledge.

A self-confessed “computer boffin” who back in 1997 was living at home with his mum in Cheltenham, in the west of England, he spotted a business opportunity.

Wanting to set up his own website with a school friend, he realised that very few of the existing web-hosting companies were aimed at small businesses or members of the public.

“All of the web-hosting companies in the UK at the time were pitched at much bigger companies,” says Andrew, now 39. “But we saw that small businesses and individuals wanted something self-service and easy to use.”

Image copyright Andrew Michael

Image caption The success of Andrew’s first business made him very rich

So he and his friend decided to fill the gap in the market, and set up their own web-hosting company called Fasthosts.

“We had the computers we needed in my bedroom at Mum’s house, and we had created the software ourselves,” says Andrew.

“But what we really needed was a high-speed internet connection, which in those days involved digging up the road. It cost about 30 grand, but we had no money.”

Thinking he had no other option, Andrew swiped his mother’s credit card and ordered the internet upgrade. “We kind of blagged it over the phone,” he says.

Also booking some magazine adverts – and explaining away the big new computer modem – the gamble was that the business would earn enough in its first month to pay off the credit card bill when it arrived.

Amazingly it worked. “By the end of the month we had enough clients and money to pay for the internet line and the advertising,” says Andrew.

And just as importantly, his mother forgave him for the subterfuge.

Image copyright Andrew Fosker/PinPep

Image caption Andrew runs his latest business, Bark, with co-founder Kai Feller

While his friend went off to university, Andrew cancelled his own plans for higher education to focus full-time on growing Fasthosts instead.

He ended up selling it nine years later for £61.5m. Aged only 26 at the time, his 75% share of the business meant that he pocketed £46m.

Two years later Andrew set up a cloud storage firm called Livedrive, which he subsequently sold for an undisclosed sum also believed to be tens of millions.

While both businesses proved successful, Andrew also made newspaper headlines for throwing lavish, no-expense spared parties.

His work Christmas parties at Fasthosts were reported to have included performances by the likes of girlbands Girls Aloud and Sugababes, plus rockers The Darkness, and chat show host Jonathan Ross as the compère.

And he admits that he once paid for US R&B singer Usher to perform at a girlfriend’s birthday party.

“I love a party, I love entertaining people,” he says. “And I don’t do things by halves.”

Image copyright Getty Images

Image caption Andrew spent a fortune flying US singer Usher to the UK to perform at a girlfriend’s party

Born in Cyprus but raised in Cheltenham, Andrew thinks he inherited his business drive and focus from his father.

“My father came over from Cyprus, and was very much a small business man,” he says.

“Like many Cypriots, he opened up fish and chip shops and cafés, and so some of my childhood was spent driving around those sites, collecting takings, and discussing business ideas.

“From a very young age I had a trading, money-making, get-up-and-go mentality.”

Looking back on how he expanded Fasthosts, he says that he was “laser focused”, and that “nothing else mattered”.

While the sale of the business in 2006 made him very rich, he says it also left him feeling unfulfilled.

“I remember being in the office when the money came into my bank account, and I thought it would make me really happy,” he says.

“But I actually had a sinking feeling, as I walked through the office and realised I’d sold it all, that it all came down to a number on a spreadsheet.”

Image copyright Andrew Michael

Image caption Andrew met many stars and idols in his 20s, including Sir Richard Branson

As a result, Andrew admits he “got bored and probably drank and ate too much” for a while. Keen to get back into business he launched Livedrive two years later.

Unfortunately the company initially struggled in a crowded marketplace.

“We found that lots of other people had had the same idea at the same time, so just advertising wasn’t working,” he says. “It was my first experience of potential failure, and I was worried I was going to be a one-hit wonder.”

And so it might have turned out, if it wasn’t for a night in the pub.

More The Boss features:

“I ended up becoming quite friendly with someone from [electronics retailer] Dixons, who I met on a night out with a mutual friend,” says Andrew. “We then started working with them.”

Dixons decided to help Livedrive to develop its product, and then to bundle it with laptops and tablets that it sold.

“It was a smash hit,” says Andrew. “And we went on to replicate the model with other retailers. Eventually the business became bigger than Fasthosts.”

Following the sale of Livedrive in 2014, Andrew’s latest business is Bark, a website that allows people to book local service professionals, everything from a plumber to a guitar teacher, dog walker or personal trainer.

Image copyright Bark

Image caption Bark allows people to hire everything from plumbers to guitar teachers

Independent technology analyst Chris Green says: “Fasthosts was a classic example of the bedroom computer innovation that the UK was so good at in the 80s and 90s.

“Not only was it an instant success for a 17-year-old Andrew Michael, but it also simplified the process of registering domain names and accessing web hosting for many.

“Meanwhile, Livedrive was unquestionably a pioneer in the personal and small business cloud storage and backup market.”

Looking ahead, Andrew says he still has plenty of ambition.

“I’m the sort of person that the more I have, the more I want. And even though my first two businesses did well, I don’t class myself as wildly successful.”

[pleasantlybluedelusion]

TAG THING

Zee Rules: you must answer these 85 statements and tag 10 people

I was tagged by @rhysand-vs-rowan <3

The Last …

1. Drink: H2O 2. Phone Call: me giving a friend answers on homework questions she didn’t know 3. Text Message: a friend giving me her answer on a homework question i don’t know 4. Song you listened to: sorry- justin bieber (( not a huge fan, but unfortunately  heard this song on the radio and hadn’t heard anything since )) 5. Time you cried: reading my physics book for mid terms 6. Dated Someone Twice: never done that 7. Kissed someone and regretted it: i am a proud owner of virgin lips 8. Been cheated on: nope 9. Lost someone special: not really. my great grandmother passed away when i was 11. but i wasn’t really close with her 10. Been depressed: when i looked at my mid term report card :( 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: not at all. drinking is against my religion so...

3 favorite colors

12. aqua marine 13. salmon 14. the colour of the sky right before sunset,, kinda bluish

In the last year have you…

15. Made new friends: nah,, i’m a total social outcast 16. Fallen out of love: nope 17. Laughed until you cried: while reading the dark prophecy by rick riordan (most recent). but for other books too 18. Found out someone was talking about you: yeah,, apparently people can get annoyed by sarcasm. can you believe that? 19. Met someone who changed you: do characters count? if so then yes 20. Found out who your friends are: well... nobody stabbed me in the back or anything... but i did really know a few people who would have my back no matter what 21. Kissed someone on your facebook list: nope

General

22. How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: i don’t have Facebook...? 23. Do you have any pets: no, but i really want fishes. i can have a lot and name them based on my favourite characters 24. Do you want to change your name: reading books with protagonists that have such great names *cough* feyre *cough* *cough* aelin *cough* makes me want to change my name to theirs. 25. What did you do for your last birthday: i got money and ate pizzaaaa 26. What time did you wake up: 6 a.m. SCHOOL 27. What were you doing at midnight last night: sleeping like a baby 28. Name something you can’t wait for: TOWER OF DAWN AND TOG 7 29. When was the last time you saw your mom: about half an hour ago? 31. What are you listening to right now: i just turned on the radio and despacito ((the justin version)) was blasting out. WHY ARE HIS SONGS EVERYWHERE 32. Have you ever talked to a person named tom: sadly no 33. Something that is getting on your nerves: my socks are wet. why didn’t i take them off? i just did 34. Most visited website: tumblr. no other contender 35. Hair colour: black. like my soul 36. Long or short hair: medium-ish? how do you measure hair length? 37. Do you have a crush on someone: it doesn’t matter.i won’t have a shot with them anyway. SINCE THEY’RE PURELY FICTIONAL 38. What do you like about yourself: my amazing sense of humour  39. Piercings: none 40. Blood type: A- (yes, this is a real blood type) 41. Nickname: Yas 42. Relationship status: single as a pringle 43. Zodiac: cancer 44. Pronouns: me don’t understands (( the grammatical errors are intentional btw)) 45. Favourite tv show: THE MIRACULOUS LADYBBUG, GRAVITY FALLS AND STAR VS THE FORCES OF EVIL <3<3 assuming cartoons count 46. Tattoos: none also 47. Right or left handed: right handed for everything  48. Surgery: also none ((wow my life is boring af)) 49. Piercing: refer #39. is there a difference between the questions?? 50. Sports: tennis. and sometimes badminton 51. Vacation: london is gonna get a hold of me in november. WATCH OUT LONDON,, HERE I COME

More General

53. Eating: air 54. Drinking: still haven’t finished my daily dose of h2o yet 55. I’m about to: stay online for as long as i can 56. Waiting for: my associates to contact me and give me some ANSWERS 57. Want: more books,, but sadly i’m broke 58. Get married: probably not anytime soon 59. Career: something to do with books probably. but not writing cause i suck 60. Hugs or kisses: my personal bubble is not to be invaded. but people do it all the time smh 61. Lips or eyes: eyes 62. Shorter or taller: taller 63. Older or younger: maybe like a little older 64. Nice arms or nice stomach: both is good 65. Hook up or relationship: relationship for the win 66. Troublemaker or hesitant: a little bit of both 67. Kissed a stranger: hah no 68. Drank hard liquor: never 69. Lost glasses/contact lenses: i have perfect vision muahahahahah 70. Turned someone down: nope ((cause nobody ever asked in the first place lol)) 71. Sex on the first date: definitely not 72. Broken someone’s heart: no way 73. Had your heart broken: EVERY TIME A FICTIONAL CHARACTER DIES 74. Been arrested: wouldn’t you like to know; but no 75. Cried when someone died: yes. a few fictional deaths included 76. Fallen for a friend: yep. it didn’t work out, but we’re still friends

Do you believe in …

77. Yourself: nope,, there is a thing called confidence that i don’t seem to own 78. Miracles: depends on the situation i guess. but hoping never hurt anyone... *cue a montage of when it did* 79. Love at first sight: never experienced it but i like the concept of it 80. Santa claus: no... 81. Kiss on the first date: we’ll see what happens when i actually go on the date 82. Angels: yes. definitely

Other

83. Current best friend’s name: Edelyn, Dania, Nadia 84. Eye colour: dark brown-ish? 85. Favourite movie: wonder woman ((so far)), tangled

so... i tageth thee @violet-ahs214, @alrumadia, @kricket-ashryver-of-kazan, @nicolecorellx, @heremep, @esmerm010505, @whitethornashryvergalathynius, @the-bookish-nerds, @wtfsarahjmaas, @heiressfireheart