#the entire floor will need to be replaced in less than 10 years | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

caffeineandsociety · 1 year

Text

Honestly, as much as many people point out how much large quantities of money spent by the ultra-wealthy on frivolous things could change their lives as a reason that the level of wealth inequality we're at is absolutely unconscionable, and they're ABSOLUTELY correct that it's a great illustration of the problem...

I think an underrated and equally important illustration is how much those quantities CAN'T do.

Let's think about a million dollars. That's a quantity that says "HOT DAMN, you REALLY made it!" to most people. That's a lot. It's more money than most people will handle at once in a lifetime.

And it can BARELY buy most single-family homes in California. It can't buy many that don't even qualify as McMansions, just...nice houses. It's even worse in NYC, where you can find apartments the size of a postage stamp that it can't buy.

And if you want to RETIRE with "just" a million dollars? You'd better hope you die soon.

Suppose you retire at age 55 with a million dollars. Congratulations! If you live to age 75, that's 50k a year. 85, it's $33k a year. 95? You've got $25k a year...and it's likely that you're ending up with medical bills that take an entire year's worth of money in one go. Ending up in assisted living? Well, the median cost of assisted living in the US is...$54k a year. Congratulations, ALL your money goes to rent now! Every cent! Better hope you die within 15 years!

You COULD avert this by putting the money in a high-yield account and only skimming off the interest, yes - the average retirement account, with an interest rate of 5-8%, would give you $52-83k a year...but even then, you have to have a million dollars in the first place and not withdraw from your initial principal, which, good luck doing THAT with the complications that tend to arise in old age and health insurance deductibles and coverage limits and loopholes to make you pay out of pocket. $83k a year may sound like a lot, and it certainly is to most of us, and even so, life has a way of eating through it fast, especially if you're retirement age.

In addition, there's a concept that I call "item debt" - it's about those things that, sure, you can SURVIVE indefinitely without them, but you will live a longer and healthier life if you have them. This can be anything from a stove that can actually maintain a constant temperature, to a computer that lets you do your job without freezing and crashing every few minutes, to assistive devices. Item debt can be the need for transportation in the US's car-centric society - you can't even afford a shitty old beater, so you have to take the bus 3 hours each way; the first thing you'll do if and when you get the money is buy a car and...then what? Your bills are no less impactful; if anything, they're worse because now you have to pay maintenance on the car. It can take the form of, "well, I really SHOULD be using a wheelchair, but I can't afford that and I can walk ENOUGH that my insurance won't even partially cover it, so guess I'll rely on this $10 cane until it inevitably gets worse." It can take the form of saying "I'd aggravate my various orthopedic problems a lot less if I had more power kitchen appliances, but those are expensive, so I guess I'll make do without" until you can't lift a bowl anymore without hitting 8 on the pain scale. It can be the empty first apartment, bare mattress on the floor, that's a wonderful improvement over wherever you came from but if you don't get a bedframe you're either going to wear out that mattress really fast and have to spend a ton of money replacing it, or have to strain to pick it up and let the underside air out every day, which may not seem like a lot now but will destroy your back over the years if the cheap mattress itself doesn't do it first.

Thing is, most people who are not MULTImillionaires have some form of item debt - and if you have multiple disabled family members or a sufficiently expensive illness in the family (e.g., need for a lung transplant, which can cost upwards of $1mil WITHOUT complications, or cancer that requires a particularly expensive type of chemo), sometimes it'll take something like $10mil to get out of it.

Again, we're talking about WAY more money than most people will see IN THEIR LIVES. We're talking about quantities of money that MOST people are expected to live our entire lives without. We would all live longer, healthier, happier lives if we could all have basic food and water, sufficient living space, and health care including home medical devices as needed, guaranteed. There is no scarcity reason why we SHOULDN'T have these things guaranteed to everyone except a many-times-over-disproven myth that everyone would just stop working and then we'd have no supply chain if we didn't have death by poverty as a constant looming threat.

And so these things remain out of reach to EVEN THE LOW END OF THE WEALTHIEST 10% OF AMERICANS.

And for what? 90% of the country is left second-guessing, postponing, or even outright foregoing NECESSITIES, and FOR WHAT?? So the top 0.5% of fucking assclowns can have megayachts and eat gold and spend amounts of money that could change people's lives on stupid and dangerous shit whose horrible safety standards they can then inflict on the rest of us??

If that doesn't piss you off and tell you something needs to change I don't know what will.

#$250k would be able to clear MOST of my item debt #i would be able to get all the kitchen appliances i need to stop destroying my body to cook #id be able to get some mobility devices and braces ive been badly needing #but it WOULDN'T be enough to get me a house that could actually meet my accessibility needs without moving ro a cheaper state #where i would know no one and not be able to see my own doctors anymore #now that ive FINALLY found a medical team that ACTUALLY works for me #and tbh i find THAT to be an even more damning illustration of the problem than what that money COULD do

8 notes · View notes

sandlessseattle · 2 months

Text

Why You Should Consider Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardwood floors are a timeless feature in any home, adding warmth, elegance, and value. Over time, however, even the most well-maintained floors can start to show signs of wear and tear. Scratches, dullness, and discoloration are common issues that can detract from the beauty of your flooring. That’s where hardwood floor refinishing comes in—a process that can restore your floors to their former glory without the need for a complete replacement.

What Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?

Hardwood floor refinishing involves sanding down the surface of the floor to remove the top layer, which often holds the most damage. This process eliminates surface-level scratches, stains, and imperfections. After sanding, a new finish is applied, which not only restores the floor’s appearance but also adds a protective layer to help prevent future damage.

Benefits of Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors

Cost-Effective: Refinishing is a more affordable option than replacing your entire floor. It allows you to renew your floor’s look without the expense and hassle of new installation.

Preserve Original Flooring: If you have original hardwood floors, refinishing allows you to preserve this valuable feature while still achieving a refreshed look.

Increase Home Value: Refinished hardwood floors can significantly enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers, increasing its market value.

Customizable Finish: When refinishing, you have the opportunity to choose a new stain color or finish type, allowing you to update your home’s style without major renovations.

When to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Knowing when to refinish your hardwood floors is key to maintaining their beauty and longevity. Here are some signs that it’s time to consider refinishing:

Visible Scratches: While minor scratches can be normal, if you notice a large number of visible scratches that have penetrated the finish, it may be time for a refinishing job.

Dull Appearance: If your floors have lost their shine, no amount of cleaning or polishing will bring it back. Refinishing can restore that original luster.

Water Damage: Dark spots or stains from water damage often penetrate the wood and cannot be removed with simple cleaning. Refinishing can often eliminate these marks.

Faded Stain: Over time, the stain on your hardwood floors may fade, especially in areas with heavy sunlight exposure. Refinishing allows you to re-stain the floors for a consistent look.

The Refinishing Process

The process of refinishing hardwood floors typically involves several steps:

Preparation: Furniture and rugs are removed, and the floor is thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris.

Sanding: A sanding machine is used to remove the old finish and any surface-level damage. This step requires precision to avoid damaging the wood.

Staining: After sanding, you can choose to apply a new stain to change the color of your floors. This step is optional but can dramatically change the look of your home.

Finishing: Finally, several coats of finish are applied to protect the wood and add shine. This finish can be customized in terms of sheen—ranging from matte to high gloss.

Drying and Curing: The final step is allowing the finish to dry and cure. This process can take several days, during which time the floors should be avoided to prevent damage.

FAQ About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

1. How often should I refinish my hardwood floors? The frequency of refinishing depends on the amount of traffic your floors receive. On average, hardwood floors should be refinished every 7-10 years. High-traffic areas may require more frequent refinishing, while less-used rooms may go longer between treatments.

2. Can all types of hardwood floors be refinished? Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times. However, engineered hardwoods have a thinner top layer, which limits the number of times they can be refinished. It’s best to consult with a professional to determine if your floors are suitable for refinishing.

3. How long does the refinishing process take? The entire refinishing process typically takes 3-5 days, depending on the size of the area and the number of coats applied. This includes time for sanding, staining (if desired), finishing, and drying.

Why Choose Professional Refinishing?

While DIY kits are available, professional hardwood floor refinishing ensures a higher quality result. Professionals have the tools, experience, and expertise to handle the refinishing process with care, ensuring your floors are not only beautiful but also durable.

Hardwood floor refinishing is an excellent way to restore the beauty of your floors, enhance your home’s value, and extend the life of your flooring. Whether your floors are showing signs of wear or you’re simply ready for a change, refinishing offers a cost-effective and efficient solution. With a professional refinishing job, you can enjoy the warmth and elegance of your hardwood floors for years to come.

#hardwood floors #Hardwood floor refinishing

1 note · View note

dentaltreedentalclinic-1 · 4 months

Text

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most popular options are dental bridges and dental implants. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, making the choice between the two dependent on various factors including individual health needs, budget, and personal preferences. At the Best Dental Tree Dental Care in Aundh Pune, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Dental Bridges A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is anchored in place by the natural teeth or dental crowns on either side of the gap, known as abutment teeth. The false tooth or teeth in between are called pontics, which can be made from various materials such as porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination.

Advantages of Dental Bridges:

Quick Process: The procedure to place a dental bridge is relatively quick and usually requires only two visits to the dental clinic near me. Cost-Effective: Generally, dental bridges are less expensive than implants. Non-Surgical: Unlike implants, bridges do not require surgery, which might be preferable for some patients. Disadvantages of Dental Bridges:

Impact on Natural Teeth: The adjacent teeth need to be filed down to support the bridge, which can weaken them over time. Lifespan: Bridges may need to be replaced after 10-15 years, whereas implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Bone Loss: Bridges do not prevent bone loss in the jaw where the tooth is missing. Understanding Dental Implants Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a crown is attached to it, mimicking the look and function of a natural tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants:

Durability: Implants are known for their longevity and can last a lifetime with proper care. Bone Preservation: They help preserve the jawbone and prevent the bone loss that occurs when a tooth is missing. Natural Look and Feel: Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a more aesthetic and functional result. Disadvantages of Dental Implants:

Cost: Implants can be more expensive than bridges. Surgical Procedure: The process involves surgery and a longer healing period. Time-Consuming: The entire process can take several months from start to finish. Making the Right Choice Choosing between a dental bridge and a dental implant involves considering your individual situation. Factors such as your overall health, jawbone density, budget, and personal preferences play a crucial role. Consulting with an experienced dentist is essential to determine the best option for you.

At Best Dental Tree Dental Care in Aundh Pune, we offer both dental bridges and implants, ensuring that you receive personalized care tailored to your needs. Our team, including Dr. Ganesh, a renowned implantologist in Aundh, is dedicated to providing the best dental implants treatment near me. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal near me, best dental fillings, best teeth braces and clips, or best teeth whitening treatment, our clinic is equipped to handle all your dental needs.

Conclusion Ultimately, the decision between dental bridges and implants should be made with the guidance of your dentist. Both options have their merits, and what works best for one person might not be suitable for another. If you're looking for a reliable dental clinic near me, visit the Best Dental Tree Dental Care in Aundh Pune. Our experienced team is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

For the best dentist in Aundh or if you're searching for a dental hospital near me, look no further than our clinic. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards optimal dental health.

Dental Tree Dental Clinic

Address: Rikesh Apartment, 1st Floor, Flat 3, DP Rd, opp. Deepak Sweets, near parihar chowk, Sanghvi Nagar, Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra 411007

Phone: 086695 89999

Website: https://www.dentaltree.in/

#best dental fillings #best dentist in aundh #best teeth braces and clips #best dental implants treatment in near me #best teeth whitening treatment. dentist near me #wisdom teeth removal near me #dental hospital near me #dentist in aundh #dental clinic near me #dr ganesh dental implant

0 notes

bathsolgreenville · 8 months

Text

Empower Yourself with Greater Safety Options in Your Shower

Power of the Shower: Accessibility and Safety Edition

Your bathroom is more than just a functional space — it’s a sanctuary. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your bathroom is a clean and comfortable place you love being in.

If you’re into home renovations, one option is converting your tub into a shower. Not only does it make your bathroom more sleek and modern, but it also improves safety and accessibility.

In this article, we’ll explore safety reasons behind shower conversions, including…

Extra space

Reduced risk of slips and falls

Better accessibility and a more customized space

Lower water bills and improved water conservation

Easier to clean

Whether you’re considering remodeling your entire bathroom or just want to add a couple of modifications, converting your tub to a shower is a safe option — in more ways than one.

But First: What is a Shower Conversion?

A shower conversion is the process of converting a bathtub or older shower into a newer, better performing shower.

You can remove the existing tub and replace it with a walk-in shower enclosure or modify the existing space to create a walk-in shower. Sometimes a conversion project involves redirecting the plumbing and making structural changes, but don’t stress because it doesn’t always have to be a big overhaul.

So what are some of the safety benefits of a shower conversion?

Extra Bathing Space

If you live in a home where accessibility needs are high, a roomier bathroom can better accommodate mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs. This makes it easier to move around safely — which is a bonus even if you don’t need help! No matter your needs, extra space in your bathroom can make it easier to use and enjoy the space and improve the aesthetics.

Reduced Risk of Slipping and Falling

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80% of bathroom-related injuries were caused by slips and falls. Regardless of age or agility, injuries can happen to anyone. In fact, every year more than 40,000 children and teens head to the emergency room due to injuries in slippery bathrooms.

Walk-in showers have fewer barriers than tubs, which make them ideal for safer bath experiences. No more big steps into or out of the tub.

Showers also present less of a risk of slipping and falling compared to bathtubs, as you can modify the surface to be non-slip and the water is not as deep.

Better Accessibility

A shower bench for a built-in seat for relaxation and mobility needs.

Grab bars, which are great for stability.

Raised shelves, removing the need to bend over to pick up items (and making a great shave ledge too!).

Multiple shower head options. A handheld shower head can help you clean all over, while an attached head allows you to use both hands.

There are also some non-slip options you can look into, both permanent and temporary:

Non-slip coating: Apply a non-slip coating to the shower floor. These coatings are typically made of a durable epoxy or polyurethane and can provide a long-lasting, slip-resistant surface.

Non-slip tile: Put tile in your shower with a textured surface that provides a slip-resistant surface. You can also use a slip-resistant grout.

Non-slip strips: These strips are typically made of a rubber or PVC material and can be attached to the shower floor.

Non-slip mat: If temporary is more your style, place a non-slip mat on the shower floor. This type of mat is made of a rubber or PVC material and has suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place.

Additional Benefits

In addition to all of the safety benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion, there a several other benefits that come with making the switch as well.

Save Money on Your Water Bill

How does saving money connect to bathroom safety? There are a few ways:

1. Encouraging conservation

The average shower uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute, which means a 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons of water. In contrast, the average bath takes at least 36 gallons (and a full bath can use up to 50 gallons!).

With a shower, you can save over 4,000 gallons of water a year, making a shower easier on the environment and your wallet.

2. Maintenance

By saving on your water bill, you have more resources to maintain your home’s plumbing. This can help prevent leaks, pipe bursts, and other problems that can cause water damage to your home.

3. Prevent mold and mildew

By using less water, you reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in your bathroom. (Less moisture = less of the warm, wet environment where mold thrives.) You’ll improve indoor air quality and prevent health problems associated with mold exposure.

Easier to Clean

Showers also don’t have as many hard-to-reach areas as tubs do, such as the space between the tub and the wall.

In addition, many modern shower materials are designed to be easy to clean and maintain, such as glass enclosures, fiberglass or acrylic surfaces, and non-porous tiles, making cleaning even easier and more effective.

In particular, Five Star Bath Solutions shines in this arena! Our exclusive panels are low maintenance and long lasting, making them a fantastic choice for anyone — whether you have less mobility or just don’t love scrubbing a shower.

Seal the Deal with the Professionals

If you’re looking for a safer bathroom, Five Star Bath Solutions of Greenville has you covered. We offer a variety of safety features and conversion options, including:

Shower benches

Grab bars

Non-slip coatings

Raised shelves

Multiple shower head options

Floor to ceiling continuous walls

Large variety of colors and textures

Elegant natural stone color selections

100% protection from water and mold damage

We’re fast workers too. You won’t be without a bathroom for long as we typically finish in just 1–2 days, and we also offer flexible payment plans to make financing simple.

Our exclusive composite panels are…

Affordable

Safe and hygienic

Convenient

Beautiful

Longer lasting than anything else on the market

Guaranteed waterproof for life

We also guarantee 100% protection from water damage and mold, which makes the safety element even more of a no-brainer.

We want you to work with us! Be at peace by choosing Five Star Bath Solutions of Greenville because we can give you the results you are looking to get. Contact us today at (864) 528–1553 for a free inspection and get an accurate estimate of the costs required to make your dream project a reality.

0 notes

fsbsdalton · 8 months

Text

Empower Yourself with Greater Safety Options in Your Shower

Power of the Shower: Accessibility and Safety Edition

Your bathroom is more than just a functional space — it’s a sanctuary. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your bathroom is a clean and comfortable place you love being in.

If you’re into home renovations, one option is converting your tub into a shower. Not only does it make your bathroom more sleek and modern, but it also improves safety and accessibility.

In this article, we’ll explore safety reasons behind shower conversions, including…

Extra space

Reduced risk of slips and falls

Better accessibility and a more customized space

Lower water bills and improved water conservation

Easier to clean

Whether you’re considering remodeling your entire bathroom or just want to add a couple of modifications, converting your tub to a shower is a safe option — in more ways than one.

But First: What is a Shower Conversion?

A shower conversion is the process of converting a bathtub or older shower into a newer, better performing shower.

So what are some of the safety benefits of a shower conversion?

Extra Bathing Space

Reduced Risk of Slipping and Falling

Walk-in showers have fewer barriers than tubs, which make them ideal for safer bath experiences. No more big steps into or out of the tub.

Showers also present less of a risk of slipping and falling compared to bathtubs, as you can modify the surface to be non-slip and the water is not as deep.

Better Accessibility

A shower bench for a built-in seat for relaxation and mobility needs.

Grab bars, which are great for stability.

Raised shelves, removing the need to bend over to pick up items (and making a great shave ledge too!).

Multiple shower head options. A handheld shower head can help you clean all over, while an attached head allows you to use both hands.

There are also some non-slip options you can look into, both permanent and temporary:

Non-slip coating: Apply a non-slip coating to the shower floor. These coatings are typically made of a durable epoxy or polyurethane and can provide a long-lasting, slip-resistant surface.

Non-slip tile: Put tile in your shower with a textured surface that provides a slip-resistant surface. You can also use a slip-resistant grout.

Non-slip strips: These strips are typically made of a rubber or PVC material and can be attached to the shower floor.

Non-slip mat: If temporary is more your style, place a non-slip mat on the shower floor. This type of mat is made of a rubber or PVC material and has suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place.

Additional Benefits

In addition to all of the safety benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion, there a several other benefits that come with making the switch as well.

Save Money on Your Water Bill

How does saving money connect to bathroom safety? There are a few ways:

1. Encouraging conservation

With a shower, you can save over 4,000 gallons of water a year, making a shower easier on the environment and your wallet.

2. Maintenance

By saving on your water bill, you have more resources to maintain your home’s plumbing. This can help prevent leaks, pipe bursts, and other problems that can cause water damage to your home.

3. Prevent mold and mildew

Easier to Clean

Showers also don’t have as many hard-to-reach areas as tubs do, such as the space between the tub and the wall.

Seal the Deal with the Professionals

If you’re looking for a safer bathroom, Five Star Bath Solutions of Dalton has you covered. We offer a variety of safety features and conversion options, including:

Shower benches

Grab bars

Non-slip coatings

Raised shelves

Multiple shower head options

Floor to ceiling continuous walls

Large variety of colors and textures

Elegant natural stone color selections

100% protection from water and mold damage

We’re fast workers too. You won’t be without a bathroom for long as we typically finish in just 1–2 days, and we also offer flexible payment plans to make financing simple.

Our exclusive composite panels are…

Affordable

Safe and hygienic

Convenient

Beautiful

Longer lasting than anything else on the market

Guaranteed waterproof for life

We also guarantee 100% protection from water damage and mold, which makes the safety element even more of a no-brainer.

We want you to work with us! Be at peace by choosing Five Star Bath Solutions of Dalton because we can give you the results you are looking to get. Contact us today at (706) 810–5489 for a free inspection and get an accurate estimate of the costs required to make your dream project a reality.

0 notes

omaha5star · 8 months

Text

Empower Yourself with Greater Safety Options in Your Shower

Power of the Shower: Accessibility and Safety Edition

Your bathroom is more than just a functional space—it’s a sanctuary. That’s why it’s critical to make sure your bathroom is a clean and comfortable place you love being in.

If you’re into home renovations, one option is converting your tub into a shower. Not only does it make your bathroom more sleek and modern, but it also improves safety and accessibility.

In this article, we’ll explore safety reasons behind shower conversions, including…

Extra space

Reduced risk of slips and falls

Better accessibility and a more customized space

Lower water bills and improved water conservation

Easier to clean

Whether you're considering remodeling your entire bathroom or just want to add a couple of modifications, converting your tub to a shower is a safe option—in more ways than one.

But First: What is a Shower Conversion?

A shower conversion is the process of converting a bathtub or older shower into a newer, better performing shower.

So what are some of the safety benefits of a shower conversion?

Extra Bathing Space

If you live in a home where accessibility needs are high, a roomier bathroom can better accommodate mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs. This makes it easier to move around safely—which is a bonus even if you don’t need help! No matter your needs, extra space in your bathroom can make it easier to use and enjoy the space and improve the aesthetics.

Reduced Risk of Slipping and Falling

Walk-in showers have fewer barriers than tubs, which make them ideal for safer bath experiences. No more big steps into or out of the tub.

Showers also present less of a risk of slipping and falling compared to bathtubs, as you can modify the surface to be non-slip and the water is not as deep.

Better Accessibility

A shower bench for a built-in seat for relaxation and mobility needs.

Grab bars, which are great for stability.

Raised shelves, removing the need to bend over to pick up items (and making a great shave ledge too!).

Multiple shower head options. A handheld shower head can help you clean all over, while an attached head allows you to use both hands.

There are also some non-slip options you can look into, both permanent and temporary:

Non-slip coating: Apply a non-slip coating to the shower floor. These coatings are typically made of a durable epoxy or polyurethane and can provide a long-lasting, slip-resistant surface.

Non-slip tile: Put tile in your shower with a textured surface that provides a slip-resistant surface. You can also use a slip-resistant grout.

Non-slip strips: These strips are typically made of a rubber or PVC material and can be attached to the shower floor.

Non-slip mat: If temporary is more your style, place a non-slip mat on the shower floor. This type of mat is made of a rubber or PVC material and has suction cups on the bottom to keep it in place.

Additional Benefits

In addition to all of the safety benefits of a tub-to-shower conversion, there a several other benefits that come with making the switch as well.

Save Money on Your Water Bill

How does saving money connect to bathroom safety? There are a few ways:

1. Encouraging conservation

With a shower, you can save over 4,000 gallons of water a year, making a shower easier on the environment and your wallet.

2. Maintenance

By saving on your water bill, you have more resources to maintain your home's plumbing. This can help prevent leaks, pipe bursts, and other problems that can cause water damage to your home.

3. Prevent mold and mildew

Easier to Clean

Showers also don't have as many hard-to-reach areas as tubs do, such as the space between the tub and the wall.

In particular, Five Star Bath Solutions shines in this arena! Our exclusive panels are low maintenance and long lasting, making them a fantastic choice for anyone—whether you have less mobility or just don’t love scrubbing a shower.

Seal the Deal with the Professionals

If you’re looking for a safer bathroom, Five Star Bath Solutions has you covered. We offer a variety of safety features and conversion options, including:

Shower benches

Grab bars

Non-slip coatings

Raised shelves

Multiple shower head options

Floor to ceiling continuous walls

Large variety of colors and textures

Elegant natural stone color selections

100% protection from water and mold damage

We’re fast workers too. You won’t be without a bathroom for long as we typically finish in just 1-2 days, and we also offer flexible payment plans to make financing simple.

Our exclusive composite panels are…

Affordable

Safe and hygienic

Convenient

Beautiful

Longer lasting than anything else on the market

Guaranteed waterproof for life

We also guarantee 100% protection from water damage and mold, which makes the safety element even more of a no-brainer.

We want you to work with us! Be at peace by choosing Five Star Bath Solutions of Omaha because we can give you the results you are looking to get. Contact us today at (402) 999-4937 for a free inspection and get an accurate estimate of the costs required to make your dream project a reality.

0 notes

ledenews · 9 months

Text

Santorine - 'Insufficiently Read' Is Far Too Frequent

Ever have one of those epiphany moments when you realize something completely profound about yourself? That “Ah-HA!” moment that is not the element of surprise, but the instant where you add a level of self realization that provides a high level of personal satisfaction? I’ve always been a voracious reader. My Mom still thinks I ruined my eyesight reading “Tom Swift” novels by the night light when I was in elementary school. Not enough time in the day to get in the sports that Dad required, the piano lessons that Mom expected, dinner, homework and raising cane with the guys in the neighborhood. So I extended my day by laying on the floor next to my bed, with the blanket hiding the night light, reading until I fell asleep. For the past thirty years or so, my practice has been to have two books “going,” one for my personal enjoyment (science fiction is a favorite), and another that is work related (technical or managerial). More than that and “confusement’ (that’s a Dolphism - a combination of confusion and befuddlement) will set in and I’ll miss the point of everything I’m reading. This has worked out well for me. I mean, after all, there is only so much time you can spend in the reading room on that uniquely uncomfortable vitreous china seat, so the disciplined among us make time to read. I was and am still nearly religious about it. I’ve also preached the advantages of reading to those less experienced. I was talking about things entrepreneurial to a room full of about 50 high-performing university students and I asked them what they were reading for their chosen profession. Their silence made them uncomfortable. I was shocked. I followed that by asking what they were reading for fun. One hand shot up. ONE of 50. It made the entire room fidget. Their response was completely foreign to me. How many subscribed to a newspaper? None. How many business majors? About half the room. Subscriptions to the Wall Street Journal? Not a one. How about the free campus newspaper? Two. In their defense, they did say they check out the college newspaper online, but when I probed a little further, only a tiny percentage could remember the last thing they read, and if it changed their mind. I don’t think I need to state that this does not bode well for the upcoming generation. I’m the guy who, when our children were young, could only get one copy of the Harry Potter books when they were first coming out, and my solution was to cut the bindings in thirds. Eldest daughter would read the first third, and pass it to the the next daughter and so forth. I wish I could have found three copies to buy, but I was lucky enough to get a single early copy. That’s how much I value reading. My reading time has been under attack for the past 20 years, and has been fighting an all out war for the last 10. The protagonist is online and the smartphone. I see reading “on paper,” an “e-Book reader” or online as the same thing, and it many ways it is. There’s a need for a time-suck called social media, and it does not come close to replacing (or augmenting) reading. It’s a plethora of poorly written, misspelled snippets of thoughts. It’s the literary equivalent of gruel, and about as filling. So, what does this have to do with this column? We write like we read. We spell like we read. Reading effects how we make decisions, and how we process information. It effects everything we do, intellectual and manual. This summer, I’m going to lay some brick. I’ve never done it before, but I’m going to read up on it. I don’t have time for the YouTube videos, and I can consume the information I need much more quickly reading. It will be a decidedly “DYI” project. But it will be good enough, and I’ll have enjoyed another new experience. The best pipe fitter I know is well read. So is the best HVAC tech. The best mechanic has serious computer chops, and those come from reading. That goes double for the best appliance salesman. It’s the same for the attorneys, accountants and damn near everyone. Being well read makes you the most interesting person in the room. It’s an instant basis for conversation. It makes the words you string together at a keyboard or with your favorite pen that much more enjoyable. It is more than that important. I’m questioning if I’m reading enough. I can, and will do better. Because I write like I read; I will read more quality works, which will allow my writing to be that much better. I owe you that. Read the full article

0 notes

lovemehatemex0 · 2 years

Text

this is going to be a long one. but it's about my life, my thoughts & my feelings. I purposely had to put the keep reading button on because of how long this post is.

From leaving high school 10 years ago, I never imagined I would be where I am today. I planned on getting my CPA & being an auditor. I assumed I would already be married by now because 18 year old Christine was obsessed with her shit head boyfriend. I thought I would've been out of my parents house by now. & i never knew guys could be such disgusting pigs in this so called dating world that I fucking hate it. I've also never been so bored in my entire life. I for the first time ever, feel boring. & I now know why I constantly stayed busy all the time going to college, getting my masters done & even just keeping up with it for another 4 years.

I'm honestly kind of disappointed in myself that I never tried to become a CPA. My downfall was I was never a good test taker. & I was too busy working/seeing my friends/ seeing my boyfriend to even care about it. At times, I even wish I didn't go into accounting. I never wanted to go to college. Was never good at understanding concepts & applying them to everyday life. I hated school. & everyone knew it. my first ever exam I took, I failed it. Got a 53 or something & that stayed with me ever since I was 10. if there were any other ways I could've earned money I would've rather done that. Because I still don't think this shit is it for me. I only passed college one way, & I'm not proud of it. But I wasn't spending all that money to fail.

This one is going to have a lot of feelings, & I already just cried over thinking of it. I thought for the longest time I was going to be stuck with my ex because of what he gave me. For at least 4 years I felt stuck. & I should've listened to my dad & got out sooner. Especially when he forced me into having sex with him when I was 16. That should've been the first time. Another time should've been when he left me for another girl. & then life throws you a crazy fucking curve ball & you're stuck with something for the rest of your life. But, I was honestly expecting to marry him. Until he started telling me he was going to propose to my at my college graduation & i literally freaked out & was like omg ive never even been with another dude & i cheated on him. I think all of the trauma experiences literally keep me from liking someone. & I think I'm so used to being on my own after feeling like i was stuck for so long, I don't want to give up that freedom either. & I will find the slightest thing wrong with someone just to not like them. I just stopped giving out chances already because I'm stick of the bullshit.

Aside from not wanting to give that up, my hearts in a place where i know it shouldn't be. & I'm so hopeful for the impossible & I know I shouldn't be at all. & I think that's another aspect that stops me from liking anyone else. I try not to but it does. I freak out in my head whenever I kiss another guy. I never expected to go down this path & I told myself I would never go for anyone that was. & I know I'm replaceable. & that's what scares me the absolute most about all of this.

I honestly was expecting to be married by 25. I was also expecting to weigh less than what I do now & to be moved into a house in either Fairfield, Shelton, or Milford. But like a cute little boxy house with the two windows that pop out of the roof on the second floor with a porch on the front of the house. I just think they're so cute. Or, it's not the worst scenario but I would love to be living in NYC. That was always my dream. I was also expecting myself to have at least one child by now. Do I think buying the Audi was a good financial investment? Honestly, no. It was more or something I wanted than a need. I should've been looking for a house or an apartment, but as much as I want to live alone, I don't want to be alone and have that financial responsibility on me either. Whenever I think of being on my own, I just think about how whenever I'm sad I can cry whenever I want & no one would be around to hear me. & no one would know how sad I am over certain things in my life & what I really want.

If there's anything in this life i hate more than anything, I hate this dating world. I hate how you have to hook up with someone to get to know someone, to get to see if you even like them, & then maybe, just maybe something could come from it. But I've had no luck. My last date I think was in December & I didnt hear anything from him since because I wouldn't fly down to Miami when he was going to sleep with him. & I swear to god if one more guy asks me for a threesome or to find a guy for me & him to have a threesome with so he can get action from the guy I will just stay single for the rest of my life & be all my friend's children's cool aunt. I purposely stopped saving people's number in my phone because I just know they're not going to be around for long. It's not worth it.

I literally told anna yesterday i've never been so bored in my life. Literally nothing is going on. I have no drama in my life. I don't talk crap (as much) like i used to. I'm not seeing anyone. Let's face it I'm not even talking to anyone. I literally want to be up in bed by 8 pm & do nothing but scroll on tik tok or cry my eyes out. I don't even want to shop because I don't need anything. I don't need more clothes or jewelry or shoes. & material objects are starting to become pointless to me. They don't make me happy like they used to anymore. I also wonder if I'm just starting to lose interest in things. & I wonder if I'm starting to become depressed again. It trickles on & off from time to time, like a roller coaster.

I don't mean to overthink so much. I just think of all the what if's that could happen & it makes me want to ask question and wonder well what the hell is going to happen. I expect the worse out of everything, even in a good scenario. Mainly because I am so used to getting hurt & being sad. So I try to prep both my mind & my heart to be hurt to help it when something actually does happen. I don't want to be like this. All I want is to just be happy. & get what I want. & go through life knowing I was happy with what I got & where I got in my life. When is it my turn to finally be happy & get what I deserve?

I guess all of these thoughts started coming up because my 10 year high school reunion is coming up & people I was friends with in high school who I didn't expect to be going are going because they want to show off what they achieved in their life. One wants to show "how pretty they got" another wants to "show all their successes" after getting bullied. I was literally an emo girl in high school who wanted to hide & stay away from everyone because I got told I was too fat & I was so big growing up I probably ate humans & people would tease me because I didn't run to they would purposely steal my shit & run away with it because I would huff and puff while trying to run. I also never joined the dance team when I got told numerous times I would make it because the girls who would bully me were on the team & i didnt want to get picked on even more. Since 2013, I got a little less scary looking from high school & I am in the position where I'm not proud of my life but I'm surviving.

I guess that's why I say I wish I was dead. So I didn't have to deal with this life and my actions & where I am today. I know people would be better off without me in their lives & I wouldn't be such a fuck up all the time. Secrets could die with me, desires would die with me, & all of my feelings would finally go away & I wouldn't be so god damn emotional all the time. I'm sick of wondering why certain things happened to me & why I'm put into certain positions I'm in.

Wow this felt amazing to write out & just get off my mind. & now I remember the true reason why I got tumblr when I was 14.

#10:55 pm

0 notes

smokealarminstallation · 2 years

Text

How to Install a Smoke Detector in an Electrical Box

Having a smoke detector in your electrical box is the best way to protect your home from fire. However, there are several factors that you need to take into consideration when you decide to install one. You need to know what kinds of smoke detectors are available, the costs involved, and how to install a smoke detector in an electrical box.

Cost of installing a hardwired smoke detector

Choosing to install a hardwired smoke detector can be a good idea. They are cheaper and easier to install than battery-operated versions. They are also more reliable, since they have a backup battery. But they require electrical wiring to be installed, which can be an extra cost.

The price of installing a hardwired smoke detector will vary depending on the model you choose. The most basic unit will run between $35 and $100. It’s more expensive if you want the smart features that come with some models. Some are designed to alert you of disasters and weather. Other smoke alarms come with voice alerts.

Hardwired smoke detectors have a backup battery to protect you in case of power failure. They also have an advanced photoelectric sensor that detects dangerous smoke levels. These are the most popular type of detectors. You can save money by buying a multipack of smoke detectors.

Battery-powered smoke detectors are less expensive than hardwired models, but they aren’t as durable. You will need to replace your smoke detectors every 10 years to ensure they are working properly. Some fire departments will even replace your detectors for free.

Common types of smoke detectors

Detectors are devices that help you sense smoke or fire. They are usually housed in plastic enclosures. They are either battery powered or hardwired. They may be stand alone or connected to a centralized fire alarm system.

They save lives. They are often required by building codes. They can detect smoke optically, ionization, or by physical means. They may also have a secondary battery backup. They provide early warning to the occupants. This gives them more time to safely exit the building.

They are easy to install. However, they require some electrical knowledge. A professional electrician will charge a per hour rate. If you have an electrical background, you can do this project yourself. But if you don’t feel confident, you might want to hire a licensed electrician.

To install a hardwired smoke detector, you will need to install a circuit cable. This cable runs behind the wall and is used to power the detector.

Placement of smoke detectors in a home

Using smoke detectors to protect your family is important. In addition, you should have a fire escape plan in place.

There are many different types of smoke detectors available. You should choose one that is suitable for your home’s layout. If you are unsure of which type is right for you, ask your local building authority.

There are two main types of smoke detectors: photoelectric and ionization. Photoelectric detectors use light to reflect off particles and are more effective at detecting smoldering fires. Ionization detectors are radioactive materials that detect flames.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing smoke detectors on every level of your home. If you are planning a major remodeling project, you may need to upgrade your entire home’s smoke detection system.

Ideally, you should install a smoke detector at least 12 inches away from the ceiling. This will allow for a good level of airflow. Also, you should consider placing the detector near a stairway to the upper floors.

Testing a smoke detector

Whether you are installing a smoke detector in a new home or replacing an existing one, it’s important to test it to ensure that it is working properly. Detectors can be tested in several different ways, including using real smoke.

The USFA recommends testing your smoke detector monthly. This is because smoke can contaminate your sensor’s ability to detect a fire.

If you are installing a battery-operated detector, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the unit to a breaker panel. It’s also a good idea to check the batteries regularly.

If you have a hardwired smoke detector, you’ll need to splice it into an existing circuit. If you are installing a new circuit, you’ll need to get an AFCI-protected circuit breaker.

You will also need to wire the smoke detector to the electrical box. Most smoke detectors have a test button that you can push to see if the alarm is functioning.

#smoke alarm #smoke detector #smoke alarm installation #smoke

0 notes

likepainitingservice · 2 years

Text

LikePainting - Adelaide painting services

Whether it's a small room or an entire house, we can help. Our experienced team is available to assist you in your painting project. We have many years of experience working on commercial, industrial and government projects all over Adelaide. Our mission is to deliver a painting service that's professional, reliable, and risk free.

Our mission is to deliver a painting service that's professional, reliable, and risk free.

Our mission is to deliver a painting service that's professional, reliable and risk free. Our team of expert painters work with you to help find the right solution for your home or business by providing advice on colour schemes, colour palettes and finishes. We believe in doing things properly, which is why we take the time to get it right first time. It’s this attention to detail that makes us one of Adelaide’s premier residential painting companies.

Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service means we are thorough, careful and diligent in everything we do – no matter how big or small the project may be! We provide a full range of residential painting services including interior house paint jobs (walls & ceilings), exterior house painting (exteriors), exterior wall repairs and more! We also provide commercial property maintenance services including window cleaning; carpet cleaning; gutter repair/replacements; skylight replacements; deck renovations/paintings etc...

We are thorough, careful and diligent.

We are thorough, careful and diligent. We take pride in our work and leave no mess behind.

We are professional and reliable. Just like you, we value our reputation – so we do whatever is necessary to ensure that you will be happy with the results of your job.

We are risk free! For more than three decades, the owner-operator has been providing a high quality painting service with an impressive track record for delivering projects on time and within budget.

We provide a full range of residential painting services in Adelaide.

You can rest assured that your home or business will be in good hands. We provide a full range of residential painting services in Adelaide, whether you need us to paint your house inside and out, or just the outside! Furthermore, we can paint fences and decks, sheds and more. We also offer interior painting services—we’re capable of painting walls, ceilings and floors. If you’re looking for a kitchen makeover with new cabinets that match your countertops perfectly then look no further than LikePainting!

We work on commercial, industrial and government projects all over SA.

We have worked on projects all over SA, from small residential renovations to large commercial developments and everything in between. Our clients span a wide range of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, educational facilities and government agencies.

We work with a variety of building types and sizes – everything from schools to warehouses to offices. We have also completed projects involving steel framing or heritage buildings that require careful consideration when painting the walls.

We strive for perfection in what we do every day.

At LikePainting, we strive for perfection in what we do every day. We are committed to excellence and are proud of our work. Our business has been operating for over 10 years, which means we have a reputation for quality work.

We are the best at what we do, so you can expect nothing less than an exceptional painting experience with us.

Adelaide's most trusted painters

We are a family-owned business. Our team has been in business for over 30 years and has built a reputation for quality workmanship, attention to detail and customer service. We are fully licensed and insured so you can be confident that we will be good stewards of your property during the painting process.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide our clients with a full range of painting services from small jobs such as window cleaning through to larger projects like ceiling repairs or wallpapering. Our team of painters have been trained in all aspects of interior decoration including consultation, colour selection and preparation work (e.g., sanding/scraping).

Conclusion

We are the most trusted painters here in Adelaide, with a reputation for exceptional work, on time and on budget. We have been operating since 2013, so we have plenty of experience when it comes to painting services. Our goal is to make sure that our clients are satisfied with their results as much as possible. You can count on us!

0 notes

highwaytothedangerzone502 · 2 years

Text

India Lima Yankee - Chapter 39

Pairing: Rooster x Female OC

Word Count: 3420

Warnings: Anxiety about death, mention of cancer

Summary: Juliette Kazansky discovers Maverick is back in town for a special training detachment, but she's more than a little blindsided when Rooster arrives too. Having not spoken to him for almost ten years after their less than amicable break-up, Juliette can only imagine how the next few weeks are going to play out when she remains head over heels in love with him while he wants nothing to do with Juliette other than to forget her.

Or so she thinks.

Notes: The parts in italics are flashbacks.

Chapter Songs: Hurts Like Hell Hurricane Bad Dream

Chapters: Chp 1 Chp 2 Chp 3 Chp 4 Chp 5 Chp 6 Chp 7 Chp 8 Chp 9 Chp 10 Chp 11 Chp 12 Chp 13 Chp 14 Chp 15 Chp 16 Chp 17 Chp 18 Chp 19 Chp 20 Chp 21 Chp 22 Chp 23 Chp 24 Chp 25Chp 26 Chp 27 Chp 28 Chp 29 Chp 30 Chp 31 Chp 32Chp 33 Chp 34 Chp 35 Chp 36 Chp 37 Chp 38 Chp 39

Juliette

"Send them." Cyclone's words sent a shiver down Juliette's spine, and the darkness of the room, illuminated only by the screens and a few blue lights, helped nothing. Her grasp tightened on her locket with each sound of the catapult as it launched Maverick, then Rooster, then Phoenix, then Payback.

At first, all seemed well. The Dagger squadron stayed close together, no enemies took to the skies, and they were ahead of schedule. Then, Juliette noticed Rooster falling behind and had no doubt he had started to overthink the mission, the precise thing she'd been worried about happening. Followed by the two bandits that appeared out of nowhere, most likely long-range patrols, the entire situation provided a foreboding omen.

And then, things started looking up. Rooster floored it, flying at a breakneck pace that rivaled Maverick's insanity. Juliette watched, joy surging through her veins, as Daggers One and Three successfully performed the first miracle. It was temporarily replaced by panic when Payback and Fanboy's laser wouldn't work, but 'pride' scarcely sufficed for what Juliette felt when Rooster not only dropped his bombs blind but that they successfully hit the target, completing the second miracle. Cheers rose throughout the room.

That's my Bradley. Juliette thought, beyond delighted with their accomplishments. It meant her faith in the people she'd suggested to Maverick had been the right ones, and a weight lifted off her shoulders. I haven't sent them to their deaths! They're going to be okay! They're coming h-

Juliette's enthrallment was short-lived when she realized the Daggers still needed to pull off the third, unspoken miracle: battling the SAMs after Coffin Corner. The panic that ensued over the radio as the anti-aircraft weaponry locked onto the pilots sent such a wave of terror and nervous anticipation over the group in the command room that one could've heard a pin drop. Juliette waited with bated breath, tensing every time she heard Rooster say, "Dagger Two defending."

Then, her worst nightmare came to life when Rooster announced, "Shit, I'm out of flares!"

"Rooster, evade! Evade!" Maverick barked frantically.

"I can't shake 'em! They're on me! They're on me!"

Juliette blinked, and in that split second, Maverick's image disappeared from E-2, followed by Rooster shouting, "Mav! No!"

No, no, no, no, no! Juliette's heart cried out for the man she adored so much, the man who had been a second father to her, the man she had hoped to walk her down the aisle in place of Iceman.

"Dagger One is hit!" Phoenix yelled, horrified. "I repeat, Dagger One is hit! Maverick is down!"

"Dagger One, status. Status!" Rooster demanded, his voice betraying the love he'd tried so hard to bury all these years. "Anyone see him? Does anyone see him? Dagger One, come in!"

"I didn't see a parachute," Payback replied.

"We have to circle back."

"Comanche. Bandits inbound. Single group, hot. Recommend Dagger flow south. One minute to intercept."

Cyclone hesitated, panic in his eyes. "Get 'em back to the carrier. Now."

"All Daggers flow to ECP," the officer ordered. "You have bandits headed for you."

"What about Maverick?!" Rooster argued. Juliette recognized the undercurrent in his tone, the panic, the anger, the defiance.

"Tell him there's nothing he can do for Maverick in a God damn F-18!" Cyclone snapped. Unless Juliette was mistaken, she swore she heard the admiral's voice crack at Maverick's name. She wanted to cry herself. She wanted to scream to release the pain of losing yet another loved one so soon after her dad, but she couldn't. Juliette had to hold it together because Rooster needed her when he returned.

If he returned...

Hangman suddenly came over the radio. "Dagger Spare, request permission to launch and fly air cover."

Cyclone shook his head but said nothing, and the officer relayed the message to Hangman. Although Juliette couldn't see the pilot, she knew he didn't take the news well. As independent as he was, she'd seen him grow a fondness and protectiveness of Maverick.

"Launch search and rescue," Warlock said, bringing a small amount of hope to Juliette's heart. It was Maverick, after all. He couldn't be killed. Surely, he was still alive?

"Negative," Cyclone responded immediately. "Not with bandits in the air."

"But sir, Maverick is still out there!" Hondo jumped from the back of the room, sounding more than frustrated at the decision.

"We are not losing anyone else today!" Turning to the officer, he instructed firmly, "Get 'em home now!"

"Dagger Two, return to carrier. Acknowledge," the officer said. When no response came from Rooster, she repeated, "Acknowledge!"

"Rooster, those bandits are closing," Phoenix warned, grief edging her tone. "We can't go back."

Bob added sadly, "Rooster, he's gone. Maverick's gone."

She could hear her fiancé breathing heavily, distressed and despairing. He'd yet to respond to the order, and a sinking feeling settled in Juliette's stomach. She knew what he wanted to do, and it terrified her, but she also understood. If Juliette was in Rooster's position, she'd be considering the same thing.

"Jules-" Rooster's hesitant voice came over the radio- "if you're listening, I'm sorry. I have to. India Lima Yankee."

Juliette bowed her head to hide the tears falling down her cheeks. I love you too, Bradley.

Without lifting her head, she listened to the chaos that ensued. Juliette already knew what Rooster had been planning on doing. The moment he said her name, she knew. The others, however, didn't. No one went after him, though. For a fleeting second, Juliette thought he might be in the clear. Rooster shot down a helicopter and, for a few seconds, remained in the air. Then a SAM got him, and any hope Jules held onto evaporated. Without a word, she exited the command room, ignoring the attempt by Cyclone, Warlock, and Hondo to get her to stay. In a daze, Juliette shuffled throughout the aircraft carrier, letting her feet go wherever they pleased. She ended up in the Main Hangar, collapsing to her knees behind an F-18 as memories pummeled her like waves crashing onto the shore.

***

"Girls, are you almost ready?" Sarah Kazansky asked, poking her head in the doorway. Juliette and her two best friends, Brianna and Charlotte, whipped their heads around from their positions scattered across the basement bedroom they'd commandeered as their dressing headquarters.

"Yeah, we're just putting on our shoes and jewelry," Jules answered from the bed, struggling to see the holes on her shoe straps to secure them onto her feet. "We'll be down in two minutes."

"I'll let the boys know." Beaming, Sarah shut the door. Juliette stood up, having finally gotten her shoes on. She tried to hide the disappointment on her face at the mention of 'the boys.' It only referred to Barry and Ron, her friends' dates. Bradley hadn't been able to escape from college for a few days to join her at prom. He had a previous engagement he couldn't postpone. Still, Brianna and Charlotte noticed, smiling sympathetically at Jules through the mirror that she twirled in front of, admiring her outfit. The former said, "We're sorry Bradley can't come."

Juliette shrugged. "Downside of dating an older guy, I guess," she replied, glancing down at her dress. It was navy blue with spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline. Made of chiffon and lace, it was everything Juliette had dreamed of, including the sparking silver stilettos with bedazzled backs. Her mom loaned her diamond earrings and even offered a diamond necklace to match them, but Jules declined the latter. She wanted to wear Bradley's locket to have a little piece of him with her tonight.

"All right, I'm ready," Charlotte announced. "You two good?"

"Yeah, let's go!" Brianna exclaimed, jumping up from the floor. The trio shouted that they were coming, and Juliette heard some scrambling.

Weird. She thought, but that was all that crossed her mind. Jack was home, so knowing him, he probably had attempted to play some prank on Jules as she came up the stairs, and her parents stopped him in the nick of time.

Ron and Barry's mouths fell open at the sight of their dates, making Juliette wish Bradley stood among them to see him have the same reaction. She discreetly pulled out her phone to see if he'd texted her but saw nothing from him. There was, however, a text from Maverick that said: Have fun!! :D

Juliette smiled to herself at the emoticon usage. Mav had just discovered how to make faces from the punctuation, and he used them relentlessly with Bradley and Jules.

"Girls, let's get a photo of the three of you first," Sarah instructed, motioning for them to follow her outside to the covered patio. There, they took a few photos, some with normal expressions, some with funny faces. Then Sarah instructed the boys to sidle up to their dates. Juliette remained in the middle, plastering on a smile. It's not that she wasn't excited; she was! But she wanted Rooster here. She'd been worried about him halfway across the country, especially now with the second anniversary of Carole Bradshaw's death having passed barely a month ago. He always fell into a depression for a few weeks around it, and although Juliette never feared for his life, she still hated him being alone during this time.

I'll be there for him next year. I'll be at UVA with him. Juliette reminded herself of this to make her feel a little better about the situation, but it didn't do much.

Iceman slipped behind the group and entered the house, saying he had to check something quickly. Juliette thought nothing of it as her mom ordered the group to smile a few moments later. Sarah snapped a few photos and checked the screen. She approached the group and queried, "What do you think? Do you think I need to retake them?"

"I'm sure they're fine," Juliette responded casually, peering at the screen to check the photos. She scanned each person, looking for any blinking eyes, discreetly placed middle fingers (which Ron was notorious for), or blurriness. But Jules saw nothing. Herself, Brianna, Charlotte, Ron, Barry, and Bradley all looked-

Bradley!

Juliette whirled around to find her boyfriend grinning from ear to ear, wearing a tux and holding two boutonnieres. She flung her arms around his neck, nearly too stunned to speak. All she could stammer out was, "What are you- how are- I thought you already had an appointment to go to?"

"I did. I had your prom," Bradley replied, kissing her cheek.

"How-"

"Mav bought me a plane ticket, and Brianna and Charlotte got my prom and after-prom tickets for me. Then your dad picked me up and snuck me into the house. I got ready in Jack's room."

Juliette blinked, unable to fully comprehend his words. "You've been in my house this entire time?!"

"Yeah. You nearly caught him when you came out to greet me earlier," Iceman said from across the patio. "Poor Bradley had to cram himself on the floorboard of my car while I hurried and hopped out to stop you from approaching."

"I wasn't going to let you go to your senior prom without a date," Bradley said, slipping his arm around Juliette's waist. "You look magnificent."

"As do you," Juliette replied, looking him up and down, appreciating the navy blue suit that matched her dress. She pinned his boutonniere to his lapel before kissing him, and with her lips brushing against his, Jules whispered, "India Lima Yankee."

Bradley slipped her boutonniere onto her wrist, kissing her forehead. "India Lima Yankee."

***

Throat cancer.

The words burned themselves into Juliette's brain; they were all she could think of. Her world came crashing down at her father's diagnosis. Although the prognosis had been good since the doctors caught it early, it still terrified Juliette at the idea she could lose her father this early in her life. Her first instinct was to call Bradley because he understood better than anyone what it was like to know you were going to lose a parent, and she had. Despite their horrible breakup a year ago, Juliette caved and called him. As expected, it went to voicemail. Antonio, her boyfriend, had been there for her from the get-go of the diagnosis, but Juliette still ached for Bradley. He'd been her friend long before he'd been her boyfriend, and he undoubtedly would know precisely what to say to make her feel better if he was willing to talk to her. Evidently, Bradley wasn't.

The only other person Juliette wanted to talk to was Maverick, but the last she heard, he was somewhere in the middle of the desert in the Middle East. She thought of calling him, but what if her dad didn't want Maverick to know? The aviator would drop everything to come help her father and their family.

She had become closer to Maverick, which she hadn't thought possible, after her and Bradley's breakup. He'd surprised her a few days after it happened, having called in a favor to end his deployment early to help her through it. That memory always stuck with her, and it's why Juliette became so fiercely loyal to Maverick. She would challenge anyone who tried to harm him in any way, shape, or form. Juliette learned how to do that from the best, too: her dad.

Her finger hovered over the 'Call' button for Maverick. If she called and he didn't pick up, he would call her back regardless of whether or not she left a voicemail because Maverick knew Juliette didn't call him on deployment out of the blue unless something was very wrong. Still, she wanted to be in his presence and knew of just the place to go.

After his falling out with Bradley, the Bradshaw home had been sold. Maverick used his portion of the sale to pay for Bradley's college tuition, unbeknownst to Bradley himself, and moved to a warehouse in the middle of the desert. It allowed him privacy and solitude, the two things Maverick cherished after being on an aircraft carrier most of the year. The only ones who knew of the warehouse's location were the Kazansky's and Bradley, the latter of whom never visited. The Kazansky's rarely went out there themselves, respecting Maverick's wish for privacy and solitude even though they all knew they were welcome. Jules had gone out there a few times, and today would be one of those. It's not like he would be there; Maverick wouldn't return home for a least a couple of weeks, from what she remembered. Still, she swiftly packed a bag, shoving in some leggings and sweatshirts, her phone, laptop, and chargers, her makeup bag in the event she had to hurry back looking presentable, and some toiletries. It took her less than fifteen minutes, and soon, Juliette was cruising down the road in the blazing Californian sun.

It took her a couple of hours to arrive at the warehouse, and by the time she did, the wide open space surrounding her lifted her depressed spirit. Parking her SUV outside, she hopped out and used her key to enter the building. Juliette, expecting no one to be there but herself, opened the door with her key, revealing a figure in the doorway. Her fist instinctively flew out, connecting with the person's face.

"Ow!" Maverick's all too familiar voice exclaimed. He held onto his nose, blinking back tears while Juliette clapped her hands over her mouth.

"Mav! What- oh God, I'm so sorry!" she apologized profusely. "Are you okay?!"

"I can outrun missiles, guns, bandits, and admirals, but I can't outrun your fist," he joked, chuckling.

"What are you doing here? I thought you weren't supposed to be home for another few weeks?"

At this, Maverick sobered up. "Your mom called me."

"Oh..." Juliette bowed her head, knowing what that meant. "I-I was going to call you about that, but I didn't know if Dad wanted you to know yet."

"Whether he did or didn't, your mom thought it best she inform me of it, but I don't think it was purely to support your dad. I think she's aware you need someone too."

Juliette couldn't look Maverick in the eye. She didn't want him seeing her cry even though he had before. "I, uh, I called Bradley first. I caved. With you away on deployment and figuring he was probably home from his, I thought since he understands what I'm going through, he'd be a good person to call. That, and he always could say the right thing to make me feel better whenever I was upset, but he didn't pick up. I wasn't expecting him to, but it still hurts..."

"Ah, so I was second choice?"

"What? No! I was-" Juliette stopped when she noticed the teasing smile on her uncle's face- "I thought you were halfway across the world, and if I called you, voicemail or not, you would've realized something was wrong, and I didn't want you to be worrying the rest of your deployment. So I came here to escape the city's suffocating walls and noises and feel a little closer to you when you weren't here. I don't know why I'm so upset. His prognosis is excellent because we caught it in time, but I-"

"He's your dad, Jules, and you're closer to him than anyone else in your family." Maverick grasped her shoulders. "It's okay to be upset."

The sympathetic, understanding look in his eyes made the dam break. Juliette let loose the fear and stress of the past week in a waterfall of tears she hadn't wanted to burden her parents with.

Maverick pulled Juliette into a fatherly embrace, allowing her to release the emotions she'd kept so close to her chest. She hated showing any form of weakness, even in front of her family, but this was different. Her dad's life was at stake, and if anyone understood what she was going through, it was Maverick.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you'd like," Mav whispered, patting her back.

Juliette pulled away, wiping her tears off her cheeks. "I won't stay long. I know you like the peace and quiet and-"

"That only applies to people outside of our family. You, your parents, your brothers, and Bradley are welcome here any time for as long as you need. Half the time, you're so quiet, I have to make sure you haven't left without me knowing!"

"If I didn't have work on Monday, I'd stay here for a week."

"What do you say I make us some dinner, and we can catch up on everything? How do burgers sound?"

"That sounds amazing. Thank you, Mav."

"Anything for you, Jules, you know that."

Juliette watched him walk off to the kitchen, wondering what she'd done in life to deserve him and what she would do without him. Maverick had defied death so many times, and one day, she feared, it'd catch up to him, but today was not that day, she told herself. Right now, Maverick was here, in person, and Juliette was going to savor the time she had with him because who knew when it would be her last?

***

Her stomach rolled in nauseous waves, and had Juliette eaten anything that morning, it surely would've been thrown up. She couldn't wrap her head around the fact both Rooster and Maverick had been shot down, that they were both in enemy territory, most likely dead. If they weren't dead right now, then they would be soon if the enemy got hold of them. If the bandits didn't disappear in the next few hours, then a search and rescue operation would most likely be picking up the corpses of her fiancé and uncle, if the operation was sent out at all.

"Dad, Carole, Goose, if any of you are listening to me right now-" Juliette croaked quietly out- "please get them back home to me alive. Please watch over Bradley and Maverick until we can get to them. I'm begging you. I can't lose them. I can't-"

The sound of the catapult launching Hangman managed to break through Juliette's hyperfocus on Rooster and Maverick. She looked up like she could see through the metal onto the flight deck. Why were they launching him? Were the bandits closing in on them now? Or was it something else? An impossible thought crossed Juliette's mind. There was no way... it couldn't be... could it?

***

Tags: @lgg5989 @shanimallina87 @polikszena @summ3rlotus @souslesyeuxde @gleasonmalfoy @icemansgirl1999 @supernaturaldawning @thedarkinmansfield @lyannaforpresident @lapilark @getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth @simpofthecentury @shadeops21 @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @double-j @picklejuicesposts @bradshawsandbridgetons @majdoline @jakexfmc @catsandgeekyandnerd

26 notes · View notes

jiminrings · 3 years

Note

umm maybe this is me projecting bc i am messaging you during my break but for a drabble request, yoongi in a retail setting???? 😐😐😐😐 oc could either be a co-worker or a regular customer who asks too many questions 😔😌

retail-type beat

drabble week: day three

drabble week masterlist

pairing: customer!yoongi x retail worker!reader

wordcount: 3k

glimpse: "hi! almost thought you were hiding from me for a second. anyways, is this sweater wool or cotton?"

feedback + support mean the world to me!!

the last time you checked, work doesn’t start until nine

you kNEW it doesn’t start until 9 in the morning, so clearly that’s why you’re just wearing slides instead of your sneakers

the company uniform is either black or purple (it has to be from what the store is selling though so you can get to choose) with of course!!!! a lanyard!!!!

and you know this, because you’re still wearing your slides from home because it isn’t opening time yet

“goddamn it, i forgot to bring my slippers,” jin moans the moment he walks to see you, looking down on your feet that only reminds him he’d be stuck in his cool yet painfully uncomfy sneakers

he’s probably the only co-worker that you’re truly close with, not feeling the urge to sell him just to get a free day

“i told you to get the sneakers that nurses use!!”

hands-down one of the best purchases you’ve ever made

retail’s hard and it’s not exactly the best-paying job!!! thankfully the franchise owner is a bit more generous so that’s why you get slightly-higher hourly pay

“i would if they looked a little more seasoned,” jin snorts and stubbornly crosses his arms, “i might sacrifice my pride and buy some compression socks.”

OOOOOH THOSE ARE GOOD TOO

makes you feel like ur walking on air

but lol no seokjin isn’t ready to buy those just yet

he’ll settle on some blisters and putting salonpas patches because they look cooler that way, thank u very much <3

jin yawns, talking about finding a steam iron somewhere to replace a blowdryer so he could break in his shoes

“you wipe the glass this time.”

oh right he absolutely hates wiping down the glass — even before opening!!! even when there aren’t any grubby kids that would soil it instantly with their equally as grubby hands

you don’t mind it honestly

you might honestly like it

you prefer wiping the glass a hundred times over than steaming clothes

there is nOT a single thought in your head when you spray on the solution to the glass, rag and squeegee tucked between your fingers when-

maybe you should’ve hOLY FUCKING SHIT

it’s not opening!!!! it is nOT nine o’clock in the morning!!!!

you know that the shop you’re working in is pretty fucking famous and it’s located on one of the most populated streets ever BUT THERE’S ALREADY SOMEONE

although the bucket hat seems familiar from a distance and-

oh it’s just yoongi

yoongi?

yoongi’s already here????

yoongi, the guy in question, is an always customer!!

no, not a regular customer — an always customer

he comes every week and maybe even twice within that period

he’s a nice talkative customer who likes asking questions and even occasionally guides the other customers on what to buy and where to find it

he’s yoongi!!! of course that’s expected of him

he’s been going here long since you ever started working here, and jin keeps iNSISTING that he’s been here more frequently since you started like a year ago

but doesn’t he come at eleven in the morning?

“woah, yoongi’s already here? — doesn’t he come at eleven in the morning?”

?!!?!!

“i was just thinking the exact same thing.”

jin bangs the glass with his fist and you automatically wince and frown

you dO like cleaning the glass panes!! you didn’t say you liked cleaning them a second time :(

“YOONGI!”

“YES??”

you push jin’s fist away to wipe at the smudge his hand left

“IT’S NOT OPENING YET!”

“I KNOW!!”

wow they’re uh

they’re really loud

sometimes you forget how seokjin could be since it’s been awhile since you heard him yell

lol no one’s been shoplifting recently so you haven’t been hearing him

a mind-blowing idea is for jin to come outside and talk to him in a normal talking voice, so your ears would stop ringing

“HEY! WHAT IF YOU JUST ENTER EARLY IN?”

“REALLY? IS THAT EVEN ALLOWED??”

"YOONGI, EVERYONE ON THE FLOOR KNOWS YOUR NAME. NAMJOON EVEN GAVE YOU A CUSTOMARY BIRTHDAY GIFT, AND WE DON'T GIVE CUSTOMARY BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO ANY OTHER CUSTOMER!!"

namjoon, who technically should be called mr. kim because no one really thinks to call the franchise owner with their government first name, is actually pretty cool

but he's too busy these days and haven't been visiting because he's too busy tending to his newly-opened coffee shop

as if the money he earns from opening his franchise in a day alone isn’t enough :0

"IF YOU SAY SO?"

you’re the one who hikes up the roll-up door in the slightest, enough for only yoongi to enter and not encourage anyone else to nOT enter when it’s still not opening time!!!!

he only has to crouch a little but he still has to dust his thousand-dollar pants as if he crawled through mud

his cream-colored slacks with a large black hoodie that has a giant bear embroidered on the middle of it and mules

... you don't hate his outfits

pretty cute, actually

it's yoongi!!

you'd never catch him lacking!!!

you don't even have to envision him rocking the shit out a paper bag

one time, he came in the store wearing the WRINKLIEST brown linen jumpsuit that no iron could possibly fix and he still pulled it off

toon-teen-ten!

oh god that’s the sound of the intercom

and the sound of the intercom equates to jungkook

... as in jeon jungkook who’s the floor manager and his constant top one goal for every month is to endearingly annoy seokjin

he’s young and mischievous!! but if you were to ask him, only you and jungkook are the people in this floor he’d actually get drinks with outside the shop

“seokjin come to the lingerie department right now, please.”

you see the thing is :D

“now this is just funny

there’s walkie-talkies for everyone here!! jungkook likes intercoms, and seokjin like yelling!!

“WHY ME AGAIN?? I’VE ALREADY FOLDED-“

“there’s a literal rat and i need yOU to catch it!! you know that i hate rodents!!”

him and jungkook are forever gonna be on this eldest-youngest brother dynamic and while jungkook pouts and shared the extras that he gets, jin is the one who kills the bugs :D

10/10 totally fair

fine then!! he’ll catch that goddamn rat

that leaves you and yoongi. alone.

“why did you come so early this time?”

you ask out of courtesy, genuinely baffled too because you know that yoongi’s a creature of habit

yoongi’s eyes pop out, head fervently shaking no

“i’m typically not the type to do that, no.”

???

is he-

are you-

are you both talking about the same thing

yoongi’s face flushes in embarrassment, his mind just then registering what you were actually saying

“o-oh! it’s because last night, i dreamt of the sweater i saw here last week!!"

oh right

typical :D

"need me to find it for you or do you already know the aisle?"

you align the folded shirts by the corners as you pass, looking at yoongi briefly while he trails behind yoh

“not unless you pulled it out already."

he's hoping that dear god you haven't

the black sweater with the moon aND buildings on it and when you turn on the flash, the windows of said building reflect it right back???

he SHUDDERS just by thinking about it

it’s gonna go with everything!!! an instant boost of serotonin every time he sees it

"for you, yoongi?" you shake your head, a small smile on your face that he only sees every once in a while, "i'd comb through the entire stock room."

wait

that’s sweet :((

“i’ll hold you to that.”

you know what??? you're less cranky when it's only him, and a couple of hundred people less

your smiles aren't for customer-service and you don't have misplaced clothes hanging from your shoulders and your walkie-talkie isn't talking in latin

or when no one’s asking you to reach something from the top shelf

or when you’re on the way to the intercom because a kid got separated from their mother

or when someone’s approaching for a refund for a shirt who has a stain that’s 100% no doubt customer error

his feet immediately move on its own because he’s memorized the outline of this too many times

there it is!!!

the sweater he’s dreamt about is already on his hands, only a handful few left

the piece is considerably more expensive than majority of the items here, so that’s why they’re all spaced-out instead of being clustered altogether

yoongi rarely goes to the dressing room, regardless if it's a full-house or not!!

he could just look at an item and immediately tell that it’s made for him ta know

he's beyond sure that this sweater fits him perfectly, but he may want to be here a little longer

yoongi may have say inside one of the fitting rooms and spent a little time in it just to sit on the chair inside, not fitting the sweater at all

he's gotten his item SO quick and he wished he could've just walked slower or pretended to not know where it was!!!

he wants to spend a little more time here

you don't hate yoongi!!! but sometimes he could just be... yoongi

he's quite talkative and strikes it whenever, making you unguarded

he could be overbearing but like an overbearing kind of nice

yoongi’s nice!! he’s the type to ask a lot of questions sure, but he’s also the type that would point the other customers what to buy and where to find it

he’s the type to find an obvious faulty stitch on a shirt, but he’d just quietly exchange it instead of asking for the manager

he’s the type you wouldn’t want to stand behind in line because it would take a long time for him to finish, but he’s also the same one who buys giftcards with generous amounts for family and friends

yoongi’s kind of cool and that’s cemented on your mind

"what do you got for me?"

he materializes out of nowhere, spooked because you thought he already ringed up and was out of the store already

it just happens to be ten minutes before opening and you’re doing last-minute arrangements on a new spread

well, yoongi most certainly is still here and his attention’s piqued

“we have... a new collection."

you clear your theory, awkwardly gesturing because you’re more than aware that yoongi hasn’t seen this either

“yeah, i know that. but like, what's going on??" he gestures to the displays and racks, squinting his eyes, "what's the theme? what's the material?"

uhm you haven't read the brief about this

you aren't even sURE if there is one!!

doesn't everyone make up something on the spot in retail

or atleast that’s what seokjin tells you

“the theme," you clear your throat, scratching your temple before gesturing towards the full rack, "is everything."

“everything?

yoongi’s eyebrow is raised, not expecting that answer at all

you look back to the new feature, and nOW that you think about it,, there's no cohesion at all

“y-yes. the shop was going for the theme of uhm, everything... all at once — yeah, that's it. everything all at once."

it’s a nice way to put it when not one bit of the new collection goes together

“hmmmm. i like it,” yoongi nods solemnly and tilts his head, “and the material?"

"the material?"

you repeat, eyesight not the best so you can’t really tell anything off the bat or uh aNYTHING really

"t-the material is shirt."

they're all shirts!!! that’s it

yoongi grimaces in disgust, the first time you’ve seen of it

“what?? you can't say that.”

he outsretches his hand to the nearest article, holding it up by the hanger

"this, right here, is satin. see how it shines like silk, but doesn't feel like silk?"

uhm yes

you have a gist of what he’s saying but yes

yoongi picks up a pink button shirt this time, flipping it inside out

"this, is silk charmeuse. look at the inside, is it smooth?"

okay where is he going with this

he urges you to put your hand on the fabric and uhhh you didn't sign up for this???

it looks smooth, sure!! end of discussion

"yea-..."

“it's not. it's rough. it is smooth, but it's dull. silk charmeuse is still silk, but the backing it has is different from the lustrous part."

okay yoongi

you’re starting to feel uncomfortable and it has to do something with the tone he’s using on you

“can't believe you didn't know that!! how about this," he plucks out a shirt with a tiny print at the middle of it, "cotton or polyester and rayon?"

"i don't-"

there’s an itch in your neck that you want to scratch, a tell-tale sign that you just wANT to remove yourself from this situation

“come on!! it's a dead giveaway!!"

:((

why is he being like this?

toon-teen-ten!

“y/n, panty section please. jin almost got bit by a mouse and he needs comforting. two minutes until opening, people!!"

jungkook speaks at the right moment, and jin’s little incident is enough of a reason for you to bolt

yoongi's still looking at you but you can't afford to embarrass yourself further

“bye. happy shopping."

huh?

yoongi’s face falls when you leave as cold as that!! typically when you were going to show him out (when it’s regular shop hours), there’d be a smile :((

there's not even a customer service smile :(((

yoongi goes to the only cashier that's open so far and it happens to be far away from you and a teary seokjin

seokjin's fine he didn't even get bit!! that much he could say

but are you okay? uhhh you kinda went cold on him by the end and he thought he started on a good note

yoongi doesn't visit for another week and you don't find yourself counting the days until you meet him again

you did not have a devil wears prada moment where anne hathaway has an epiphany for fashion knowledge

you just felt belittled at a job that isn’t exactly what you wanted anyways

needed, yes. but wanted? not exactly

you know that basic knowledge about clothes is required in a retail job like this and you have it!! you do!!!!

you’d know more if only there were actual available resources for employees to know!!! nobody besides yoongi asks anyways

you’d know if you have time to yourself and aren’t working two jobs trying to make ends meet and tHEN you could pull up a book or something!!!

you’d know if your life is as lax as yoongi’s and could have the budget to buy new things for yourself every single week

“jin, i need to ask you something.”

he hums as called, looking at you briefly until you get on with it

“do you know the difference between silk and silk charmeuse?"

he shrugs casually while you're sitting inside one of the closed-off fitting rooms to catch a break, sharing a burger because the store’s packed-packed

why did you ask him? it’s too easy

“one's made by worms, and the other's a pokémon."

that,.,., could not possibly be righti* it brings you a laugh and you honestly don’t even try to correct him

it’s 11:15 and you kNOW it’s time to resume your shift, straightening your shirt because atleast one (1) person would hound you when they see a familiar red lanyard

oh you’re hounded alright

“hi! almost thought you were hiding from me for a second.”

yoongi????

you haven’t seen him for a week and you don’t know what to feel in all honesty

"anyways, is this sweater wool or cotton?"

wow

you're quite speechless as he holds up the item

really?

this thing all over again???

why are you even surprised

the only thing that yoongi gets your customer service smile, fishing your hand from inside the sweater to show him

“70% wool."

that's it???

NO GOOD MORNING????

you're mad at him, aren't you?

he knew it :((

he knew something was wrong but he just didn’t know what

he’s gonna fix this!! he will

which is why the very next day, he takes the day off from his work and comes to the store at a time he knows you’d surely be there

you're on cashier duty and you like it actually :D

you have an option to sit and the way you’re just gonna scan pricetags (and occasionally enter the code if it doesn’t work) is really appealing

“good morning!"

you’re about to grab the items from the basket laid on the counter and your eyes could only see the very familiar hand

the same one you’ve seen go through racks and racks

yoongi??

he sets his items one by one, buying himself more time

the first one is the same exact sweater he came to wait for before opening

“you already bought this."

you tell him even before you could hold it back, looking back at him briefly before you scan the tag

“i know. i just wanted to see you."

yoongi threw a bunch of other items (individually) so it would be a longer talk, but you scan each item quickly that he’s grabbing things from the counter

hand sanitizer!!! hair ties!!! keychains!!!! yeah he needs them

“i'm sorry that i tend to spring shit on you most of the time. you don't need to know the difference between silk and silk charmeuse."

you only chuckle then, a meek smile on your face

"it's okay, yoongi.”

“it's not."

... it’s not?

yoongi fidgets, opening and closing his mouth like he’s nervous!!! he’s never had his credit card cancelled but he could only feel that this type of jitterness is more than the former

“can i make it up to you? no lanyards, no baskets, no customer service?? i don't wanna fuck things up with you."

“don't feel obligated-"

“i know i could be a condescending ass who expects people to automatically know fabric and whatnot, but i wanna make it up to you."

alright yoongi’s a really good apology-maker

you mIGHT be even flustered a little

“you're holding the line, yoongi.”

“i cleared my schedule."

“i haven’t!!!!!” - guy in the back

“dinner at my place at 8. i-i promise to make your hard-earned break after your shift worthwhile!!!"

hmmm

maybe that wouldn’t hurt

“okay. just because you're holding the line."

“fine by me."

:))

yoongi transfers all the items he bought, all but one, to his tote bag

he hands back the paper bag to you, scribbling his address on the back of the receipt before he does

he lingers a little while at the counter, the people behind him ALREADY switching lanes to the one seokjin’s just opened beside you

it's the sweater that he has too

yoongi scratches the back of his head, this time being the meek one

“what? m-matching sweaters for our first date. s'cute."

#drabble week #yoongi imagine #yoongi imagines #min yoongi imagines #yoongi oneshots #yoongi oneshot #yoongi drabble #yoongi drabbles #yoongi au #yoongi x reader #yoongi x y/n #yoongi fanfiction #min yoongi fanfiction #yoongi fanfic #min yoongi oneshot #min yoongi scenarios #yoongi headcanon #yoongi fluff #yoongi angst

193 notes · View notes

chibimyumi · 4 years

Photo

Lizzie’s Campania Dinner Dress REDESIGNED

After having redesigned the Notorious Robin Dress of O!Ciel (click here), I thought I’d try my hands on another well-known dress; Lizzie’s dress on the Campania!

As explained in the post linked above, Yana seemed to not have an inkling of historical fashion knowledge at the beginning of the series. As the series became bigger however, she employed a Victorian Era expert and the results are clear.

In this post I will examine to what extent Lizzie’s dinner dress is accurate and break this costume down from the top, and propose how to “correct” these while trying to keep as much of the original design as untouched as possible.

I. Dinner Dress

Hair

Just like I said in the Robin Dress™ REDESIGN post, needless to say, 19th century people would not have worn twin tails. Wearing the hair down was considered ungroomed for women in the 19th century, but young, unmarried girls were allowed to spare a few hairpins.

Unlike O!Ciel who would always try to strive for a more mature look, Lizzie would aim for the opposite.

In the late Victorian era it was normal to have bangs, but it was proper to have it cut well above the eyebrows. So Lizzie’s bangs only need to be trimmed a bit to be period accurate.

The long dangling fringe of Lizzie’s is a tribute to her mother, but alas, that one does need to go... I do not dare fully risk the WRATH of Frances the Formidable however, so in honour to her, I have kept that bang as much as possible. The sides of the bangs were allowed to be longer in order to frame the face better, but the point remains that the face should not be covered.

(I know, I know, two symmetrical half-arsed fringes would have been better, but I promised to try change as little as possible...)

Victorians hardly ever cut their hair, because the longer the hair, the more feminine and desirable a girl/woman was deemed to be. The aesthetic of hair in 1880s was more in the vertical direction instead of horizontal. Hence Lizzie would probably have worn her curls a bit smaller, therewith using up less hair into the width.

The period wherein people strongly favoured a horizontal aesthetic was approximately 200 to 70 years outdated. If we had to justify what type of hair Lizzie’s hairdo was supposed to be historically, I could only say it is probably the 1670s early baroque hairdo. (I mean... that portrait IS fairly similar to Lizzie’s hair, is it not?)

The hair ornament Lizzie wears is not entirely impossible, just very unlikely for the 1880s. I have kept the weird rosette that she wears, and used them to pin up both sides of her hair. I could not find any visual sources of people wearing rosettes in their hair instead of their chest after earning some type of prize, but since there were no regulations regarding how a ribbon must be tied into a bow, the rosettes can stay.

Neckline and Bodice

The design of the original bodice also requires a bit of work. Just like with the Robin Dress, the main problem lies with the silhouette.

In the height of the Victorian Era, the main endeavour was waist reducing, hence the chest area would be accentuated and “streamlined” towards the shoulder, while the seams would detract from the waist optically.

Instead of the straight design of the chest panel, I replaced it with a fan-shaped front piece, of which the lines would achieve this ‘streamline’ effect.

The halterneck-like neckline as in the original design would have been quite unlikely as it would have made the neck stand out, and make the much thinner neck compete with the desired small waist. The rule of thumb for what aesthetic bodices should have was generally open wide top, closed small bottom (V shaped, not O). Usually when there is a halterneck-line, something else that would redirect the eyes towards the larger shoulder-chest area would adorn the bodice too for compensation.

Thus, instead of the rounded halterneck-line, I replaced it with a straight square neckline. Though square-necks were not very popular in Lizzie’s time, they were not unheard of. Miraculously I happened to stumble upon this illustration from 1889 (exactly Kuro’s present day setting), and herein we can see both the short lantern sleeves and the square neckline.

Decoration wise there is nothing inconsistent with 1889 fashion, but as Lizzie is the daughter to an influential Marquis and the dress is supposed to be a dinner dress, it should be a tad gaudier. The elaborateness of Lizzie’s original dress was more alike that of a daytime walking dress. I did not deviate too much from the original manga’s design, I simply added some gold details that were not there yet.

(The anime’s dress had been simplified for animation’s sake, so my redesign is based on the manga’s slightly more elaborate triple panel decoration.)

This choker ribbon necklace is the same as for the Robin Dress. Like I said before, these were worn by people in the 1880s, but they were not standard for fancy night time events. However, as it is technically not historically ‘inaccurate’, it can stay.

Waistline

Just like the Robin Dress, Lizzie’s waistline is the most historically inaccurate part that renders the entire design a period amalgamation.

First of all, I gave the waistline a pointed end and swagged the inner skirt up towards the hips for a dramatic V-shape. The bow-sash worn around the waist was something that was in fashion during the 1780s and 1790s, and was part of the ‘Chemise de la Reine’ look that was named for and popularized by Marie Antoinette.

Fashion trends do always come back every now and then, so a ribbon bow is not necessarily taboo. But the height at which the bow sits on the original dress would guide the waistline towards the hips, which would have gone against the small-waist aesthetics of 1880s, which would have been taboo.

Hence, I removed the sash entirely, and shoved the bow itself to the back (more on this below.)

Skirt

Again, the same problem Yana had with the Robin Dress; the bell-shaped silhouette that would be at least 30 years outdated by 1889, so I simply reduced its volume.

The split panel front however, was common in the 1880s, as such it remains untouched.

The dress code for formal events would require a floor-length hem for dresses, but a dinner party such as the one on the Campania would be semi-formal, and Lizzie who strives for a very youthful look would have been able to get away with a shorter hem. Hence, the skirt length also remains unchanged.

Bustle

“Does this dress make my butt look small?” would have been the question women asked. Late Victorian fashion just LOVED a huge behind, and the bustle was the absolute star of any feminine outfit.

The design of the ornaments on the original dress is actually spot on, except that it would simply lie flat over the skirt, rather than help the skirt get a large bulge.

So for the redesign, I have decided to use the golden bow that sat at the front to draw the attention towards the maximised behind. Underneath I used the original triple row tails, and flanked this decoration with large pleats to produce a dramatic back. For completion’s sake, I have added golden embroideries to the pleats so that the large golden bow will not just sit there as a random piece of ornament.

Shoes

I could find relatively few sources on late 1880s shoe fashion, so my caveat here.

Lizzie’s d’Orsay type of shoes were not standard in the 19th century England, but they were definitely not impossible. 1880s d’Orsay pumps were a bit more closed around the lateral arch, but the technique to make completely open d’Orsays was already available in the 1600s, and wildly popular after the 1830s. As I could not find any sources on when they stopped being popular, I think Lizzie’s shoes would probably have been acceptable.

What I do propose to change is the point of the toe. Only very, very young girls (up to age 4 ish) would wear a rounded nose. Slightly older children and adults would wear pointed toes instead.

The only other thing I propose to change is only a “problem” if I were to be perfectly pedantic and nitpicky; namely the arch of the shoe. Arches of the shoe until the 1910s were mostly straight, and did not have the same arch as our natural feet have. So in order to create the perfect 1889 shoe silhouette, I straightened Lizzie’s shoes too.

Y’all still with me? Good. Now comes the trickiest part, THE UNDERWEAR, a.k.a. Lizzie’s Battle Suit.

II. Battle Suit

Lizzie’s dinner dress was actually fairly historically accurate, earning a personal Chibimyumi rating of 6.6/10 in total (as opposed to Robin Dress’ miserable total rating of 4.1/10). Her Battle Suit however, scores less well, reaching only a 5.4/10.

Chemise

Victorian undergarments were nothing like our contemporary ones. If you have no breasts then it is easy, but if you do... well, a bra is bad enough, right?

Well.... In the Victorian times women wore layers on top of layers, of which the first was the chemise. Contrary to popular belief, people did not wear corsets directly on their skin. Corsets were very hard to wash, thus the chemise served to both protect the corset from getting dirty, as well as absorb the sweat.

Yana did do pretty good research as attested by her not having fallen for this popular misconception. Lizzie does indeed wear a type of chemise underneath her corset, though I would say that the sleeves are too elaborate for the dress she has chosen to wear on top.

Such elaborate sleeves were worn to be combined with smaller sleeves so that the lace can protrude from underneath, giving the entire outfit a little icing on top (like the lace at the chest). Lizzie’s dinner dress has lantern sleeves that would not reveal any of the chemise’s sleeves.

Chemises were washed quite regularly, but lace is a very expensive and delicate material. Hence, in order to minimise wear-and-tear, people would probably have avoided wearing ultra fancy chemises if it cannot be seen anyway. But who knows. Lizzie is a rich kid, she probably has enough lacy chemises at her disposal. Still, just to be perfectly historically accurate, I gave her chemise simpler sleeves.

Corset

Unlike the chemise, corsets were not regularly washed, and thus elaborate lace was very desired.

The large ruffles on the chest of Yana’s design however, are probably a tad too elaborate, and judging from the thickness, they could easily disrupt the smoothness of the outerwear.

1880s corsets were generally not very decorated as their function was valued over anything else. This corset I found dating from 1887 is the most elaborate authentic one I could find, and it indeed strongly resembles the one Lizzie wears. However, as even this one does not have lace protruding as much as Lizzie’s, I have toned the corset down too for the redesign.

In the 1880s, both corsets with and without front closure were worn. However, the pieces as elaborately decorated in the front would not have front closures. Hence I removed the hook and eye closure in the redesign.

The thing that is the least accurate about Lizzie’s corset is the boning structure. What produced a well-shaped waist was not how tight you lace the corset, but the structure of the boning. An unlaced corset of that time would have looked much ‘curvier’ than any tight-laced straight-boned corset.

By the late 1880s, boning techniques were so advanced that they were very soft and flexible, and yet also provided the firmness necessary for the desired look. The straight paneled type of boning drawn by Yana was outdated and strongly advised against.

Finally, the mini-skirt at the bottom of the corset is cute, but I have yet to find one like that in the 1880s. I don’t think that tiny piece of fabric would disrupt the desirable silhouette, but there will be PLENTY layers on top, so I removed it just to be sure.

Skirt

The skirt - or rather, everything that happened UNDER the skirt is a stack of complexities.

The most bottom layer would have been the underwear with trouser-legs, layer 1. Layer 2 is the protruding hem of the chemise, that may either have been long or short. But the chemise and the underwear are the only things that were worn UNDER the corset, hence the frilly-frilly skirt we see Lizzie fight in should have been the chemise, and not the underskirt.

The chemise was never something as wide as the one drawn by Yana, and could therefore not achieve that flare effect. I know it is absolutely gorgeous, and from an artistic point of view I myself would not have done otherwise. But as I am doing historical fashion research and redesign, I shall compromise myself and settle with a narrow skirt. The skirt would probably have been so narrow Lizzie would have trouble fighting. So it would not have surprised me if she decided to make a large split in it, or rolled it up and tucked it under her corset.

The frilly underskirt we see Lizzie wear should be layer 4 rather than 2. If we study Lizzie’s dress, we can see that the frilly part is a separate piece of clothing, unlike what the anime-art suggests.

Underneath this layer, there would have been a bustle (layer 3) that was strapped around the waist, over the corset. Like I explained before, bustles were essential to any Victorian dress. They came in many shapes and sizes, but I have settled with the simplest one.

Should we wish to keep the frilly skirt, then we need to keep in mind that Lizzie would have worn FOUR layers, which would hardly have made it any easier for her to navigate through the water than before. So why bother remove the dress and expose herself at all then? Hence, all layers from layer 2 on will sink with the Campania.

From our 21st century point of view, the Battle Suit looks quite cute, and we would probably just wear it like that. But if we consider down to what layer a real 1889 girl would have to have stripped, and how many somewhat embarrassing contraptions had to be removed first before reaching some level of mobility, we can probably understand how embarrassing it truly must have been.

Well, I had tons of fun doing this research, and I learned a great lot about what corsets really were (and not the inhumane torture devices they are claimed to be). I hope you all also had fun reading this too. (*´▽｀*)ノ

【Related post: Ciel’s notorious Robin Dress™ REDESIGNED】

【Related post: Redesign: O!Ciel and Sebastian in different eras】

MASTERPOST My Art

MASTERPOST Furukawa Era Kuromyu

MASTERPOST Gender in Kuroshitsuji

MASTERPOST Analyses & Info

#Kuroshitsuji #Black Butler #Redesign #design #Campania #Campania Arc #Luxury liner arc #Lizzy #Lizzie #Elizabeth Midford #historic accuracy #Historic fashion accuracy #Historic fashion #fashion

2K notes · View notes