mangodestroyer

[mangodestroyer]

These goofy gestures are what make this scene memorable for me! Don't even remember much about the serious convo, tbh.

Time for a rewatch, I suppose.

I notice everything.

[mangodestroyer]

Yes! Agree with all of this! Those of us who were resourceful BEFORE the advent of chat GPT don't fucking need it for shit!

Okay, okay. I have found ONE useful thing about AI. I struggle with programming due to a ND condition which, as my professor put it, makes it difficult to think linearly. I tend more toward lateral thinking, so writing programs in the correct order is HARD. So... it does make programming a thousand times easier! Idk if it's because I suck at programming, but searching for help online for this kind of thing is genuinely painful. I'm super impressed with how AI can show me the CORRECT methods for the questions I actually asked.

However, I only resorted to it once. I'd much rather learn the principles behind writing programs because that would be much more useful in the long run. I don't think AI will be able to help you if you're doing something much more advanced than an intro programming course and never learned the fundamentals. I mean... you need to write a somewhat competent program in the first place if you want to use it for error checking. And again: I was only error-checking a simple program. I know of skilled programmers who can figure out some LARGE fucking programs on their own in such short amounts of time! Without AI. So... I won't speak on whether or not some experts find it helpful. I'm not a computer science student. I'm majoring in something tech-related for an AS, alongside my non-tech BS. My AS does NOT get that complicated when it comes to programming.

And that's it! That's the only thing that has impressed me about AI. Otherwise, it's just copying and pasting info... often from the first few search results! Also, some people act impressed by the writing. Idk... every sample of AI writing I've seen comes off as telegraphed IMO. Maybe I just didn't see good samples. But then, I've always been good at writing essays. I don't need AI.

I think a lot of what pro-AI people are really wanting is stuff that already exists but they don't know it's out there like

can't format a work email? templates

don't know how to write a resume? templates

writing a thank you card or a condolences card or a wedding invitation? templates templates templates

not sure how to format your citations in MLA or whatever format? citationmachine.net

summary of something you're reading for school/work? cliffnotes.com

recipe based on ingredients in your fridge? whatsintherefrigerator.com

there's a million more like, guys, we don't need AI, we never needed generative AI

[mangodestroyer]

your bed is probably as happy to see you as you are to see it. ‘here comes the warmth slab’ it thinks

[mangodestroyer]

Yes, this is no accident. In fact, I've seen lots of metas over this.

GET THIS: Good Omens is basically Romeo and Juliet except it's more tragic with 6000 years of pinning.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees this.

[mangodestroyer]

I'm an introvert and this seems like a healthy dynamic IMO!

Like, even if they are sometimes in separate spaces and meet for lunch now and then.

Today, Crowley and Aziraphale spent the first day of the new year just existing in the same space together, doing their own things but also checking in once in a while to make sure the other was still there and still feeling happy.

[mangodestroyer]

Sometimes, I have to wonder if my autism is actually that much of an issue.

There are some people I get along with REALLY well. We almost never have misunderstandings, and when we do, it's SO fucking easy to resolve them! In fact, it's so easy to just KNOW what these individuals expect of me. I can joke around with them and everything. They give me space to exist around them. They know I'm a little strange, but it really doesn't bother them.

Then there are people who seem to INSTANTLY hate me. Their communication skills fucking suck and they're always rude. They hold me to insane fucking standards that they don't even come close to meeting themselves. And, not to throw shade, but their social life almost always seems to be a disaster. Trying to make it work with them is often met with pettiness and personal attacks. I must have gotten unlucky because I've met LOTS of people like this on campus. Much more than usual! The only thing that has worked in the past is to become indifferent and not engage. It's hard because I've been socialized to see my neurodiversity as a hindrance and accommodate others so that I don't upset them. "They aren't the problem, you are! Stop blaming other people and stop making excuses! If you weren't so selfish, you wouldn't be having these issues with people!" And it's funny! When I'm "selfish" and feel confident about myself... I have fewer issues with people! It's when I start feeling insecure that people start treating me like I'm horrible! Well, not everyone, but THESE kinds of people!

It's easier to remind myself of all this when I get to spend time with people who actually respect me. Something I didn't expect to learn about the world: not everyone sees my neurotype as a problem. Some people actually DO see positives to me being this way. It wasn't just bs a therapist told me to make me feel better.

[mangodestroyer]

Omfg, I didn't even know it was New Year's!

[mangodestroyer]

Ineffable cookies!

So after I made the first sweaters I felt encouraged to make an entire Good Omens set! I also wanted to redo the sweaters to edit them and switch the colors around.

I had so much fun making these! Did a lot of things I never did before like the wings being more 3D looking. And I played around with layers a lot more. I hope everyone likes them!

Side note: if anyone wants, message me, and I can ship a set. I don’t know anyone who watches the show in person, so otherwise they’re just gonna sit around.

If anyone wants details or anything lmk 😊

[mangodestroyer]

I've heard that lots of us ND individuals like getting into "strange" subcultures. For instance, I've seen an autistic woman say that she's goth because she needs to be scary on the outside to protect herself because she's soft on the inside. And others have said, "I'm weird and people give me a hard time for it, so I might as well dress in a way that repels normal people."

First off, I find this hella relatable. I too have sought out more "unusual" spaces because they tend to be more welcoming and I've been burned so many times trying to befriend "normal" people. This is also what has gotten me into STEM. People in STEM are also more likely to be ND or NTs who are open-minded and have nerdy interests. Sure, there are exceptions, but it's a much more welcoming space in general and we're all there because we like STEM subjects. I feel like being a STEM major/nerd is also a form of masking for me. Like, who cares if I'm a little strange sometimes? I'm studying cool science stuff and am good at math!

Secondly, these statements remind me SO MUCH of Crowley! He always acts like such a baddie, but we all know he's super soft deep down. Poor snek has been traumatized by the world and invented the goth subculture as a result. But let's be real, he still has a side of him that likes to squee over his special interests. A side that only Aziraphale gets to see.

[mangodestroyer]

Right? They're so fun and only take an hour to type up! You don't even have to do much to edit them because the plot is so simple!

me as a writer

[mangodestroyer]

me as a writer

[mangodestroyer]

My spouse, having looked at me scrolling Tumblr: How much of what you look at on the internet is Crowley and Aziraphale kissing?

Me: um... A lot.

So shout out to the artists who make Crowley and Aziraphale kiss (or do, ahem, other things). You've brought so much joy to my life.

[mangodestroyer]

Hey friends. Do this:

This probably took this person 3 seconds to do but it immediately told me that they liked my story enough to come back and read it again and they liked it again the second time.

Your favorite writers Do Not Know that you think about their stories after you read them. I generally assume that my stories make people happy for the few minutes they’re reading and then they never think about it again. To know that that’s not the case and that someone has returned just makes my little heart swell with joy.

I needed this today. If you’re the person who left this comment (or if you’ve ever commented on any of my writing) I love you.

[mangodestroyer]

Definitely espresso truffles!

Aziraphale puts together a fancy chocolate box for Crowley. What do you think he likes? Espresso truffles, raspberry dark chocolate? Creme de menthe?

[mangodestroyer]

I love that I discovered fandom at my age (68). I’m retired after 40+ years of working full time. My kids are grown and my grandkids are young adults. I finally have the time to follow interesting people on sites like this, who broaden my perspectives and stimulate thought. I’ve immersed myself into the world of fan fiction where I’ve discovered extraordinary authors who so generously share their talent and creativity. This is truly a rich and delightful time in my life. I’m so grateful for Good Omens, the show that introduced me to this fandom that means so much to me.

#Never too old for fandom

[mangodestroyer]

After living with a few roommates, I'm beginning to think that living with all*stic people, as someone on the spectrum, is not a good idea.

For the most part, I can find ways to co-exist with them at work and such. But in my own home? NO!! We have very different standards for what makes a place livable. Our brains are wired so differently that our communication styles are completely incompatible. Even if I do try to abide by whatever makes them happy, they will just be more inclined to assign malicious intent to me because they see something "off" with me. I've seen studies on this. NTs, who haven't gotten used to you, can immediately sense that you're different and dislike you as a result. They're less likely to see you as trustworthy and such. Even when they do get to know you, they sometimes never get over it.

I just have to remind myself that they don't understand. To not personalize it if I'm actually trying to make it work, and it just won't. Sure, some of them do actually end up "getting it," but for some, the concept of a*tism is too abstract. It's too different from the way they think and what they're used to, so it doesn't click. And quite frankly, they don't NEED to understand it. It doesn't affect them. It's not like I get NT behavior either. I literally studied them for years, and they still confuse me.

Needless to say, I am now working on getting accommodations for my ne*rotype. Since I am clearly not wired to handle college the way an NT can. And that's not to say I'm worse than them academically. I'm actually doing pretty well in that regard. But unfortunately, the way I am sometimes leads people to believe that I'm stupid. I just struggle with certain skills that come more naturally for NTs. And socially... well, let's just say I should probably be living by myself. Last semester, it's gotten to the point where some people have made me feel incredibly unwelcome and unsafe. It was a huge wake-up call. And tbh, I still feel a little resentful :/

Also, I have gotten lucky and found someone who seems to understand me better than most. I'm not sure if it's because this individual is more open-minded, or if they're ND themselves (they might be). All I know is that communication is SO much easier with them, and they also seem more inclined to view me in a positive light and give me the benefit of the doubt for my shortcomings. I imagine this is what NT/NT communication feels like. This has SERIOUSLY increased my standards for the kinds of people I want to have in my life. I realize now that I have been settling for situations with people where I'm the one putting in a fuck ton of work just for them to be okay with me. WHILE having tons of emotional needs neglected on my end AND taking some ab*se. This however? This was just EASY! I didn't have to do much to prove myself at all! In fact, I could be HUMAN around this person and even have pleasant, friendly conversations with them. And... I now get to do research with them! This is something I have observed with PLENTY of NTs talking to their superiors. Literally, doesn't matter what their skill level is, they can just charm their way into opportunities. Hell, they don't even have to be professional while doing it. Whelp, looks like I got to do the same. For once!

Once you find irl acceptance like that, you can't go back!

[mangodestroyer]

I want to see azi bossing about an archangel and Crowley just