#‘oh well I’ll just re place the order no biggie’

[stylishanachronism]

I just broke doordash so badly I had my concern escalated to the tech team

[experimentfae]

Marshall Lee x fem! reader

Oneshot

♫₊˚⋆｡♪₊°♬˚.⁺

You were at your job sadly that job was the unfortunate retail, at a music shop “hey do you where the flutes are?” Asked a women who weirdly look identical to you’re friend fionna “yeah there best to the drum sticks.” She thanked you headed there. 

You sighed going through your phone to pass the time not realizing someone entered the store. While continued you’re scrolling around you’re favorite app you heard someone come up.

You put your phone and your eyes widen and felt your cheeks become red to see a super hot guy, “hey can I a guitar pick?” Took you a minute but you realized they’re right behind you “o-oh sorry I’m.. let me g-get this for you.” Inside you are feeling embarrassed that you’re stuttering.

“No biggie.” You put the Guitar pick on the scanner “is that all.” He seemed to be in thought it he quickly got out of it “na this is all I need.” “That… um well be 1.30.” You spoke avoiding eye contact. “Here you are and see ya.” He handed the money and head out with his new guitar pick.

You banged your head onto the counter “I completely embarrassed myself, he probably thinks I’m some weirdo now.” You groaned out “um hello.” You looked back up now extremely embarrassed you forgot that chick was still here “Sorry! Um I’ll scan that for you.” You replied just wanting this interaction to be over.

After she payed her flute she left, you sighed you took your phone, beginning to text fionna need to vent what just happened.

[y/n]: Fionna I did something stupid I need you to make me feel better!

[Fionna]: what happened?

[y/n] I embarrassed myself in front of this hot guy, then I embarrassed my self again with some that look like you’re twin but that’s besides the point.

[Fionna]: weird properly saw her before. It’s ok (y/n) that guy will forget eventually and next time you see him you can re introduce yourself.

[y/n]: you’re probably right just also upset is because I didn’t even get to know what his name was. Hopefully I do see him again.

[Fionna]: I’m sure you will (y/n) are you busy this weekend?

[y/n]: Nope my weekend is free.

[Fionna]: Awesome I been wanting to try the new boba shop that opened up, been dying to try one of those.

(Y/n): then I’ll see you tomorrow bye bud lunch break is starting and I’m super hungry.

[fionna]: Bye Bud.

After lunch breaks me more work you finally finished work, you headed home and was thankful the weekend came quicker then you thought.

Next day you and fionna were at the boba shop getting your orders “maybe I should get this one.” Mutters fionna as she looked around the boba options. You already made you’re choice waiting for you’re drink.

You then suddenly see the hot guy again you almost gasped let’s pray that you good maybe even ok at least “hey fionna.” He spoke heading towards her…. Wait what.

“Hey Marshall Lee just getting some boba with (y/n).” She knew him?! You watched as his eyes widen when he looked your way “It’s you from that music shop.” NOOOOO HE REMEMBERS!!!! “I um… I need to use the bathroom!” You yelled speeding away.

Thankfully the place did actually have one, so you went in trying to hide until he left “why the did I do that.” You groaned out feeling frustrated at yourself, you embarrassed yourself again, You immediately beginning texting fionna.

[y/n]: you knew him?!

[Fionna]: Marshall Lee was the guy you were talking about? Small world.

[y/n]: how come you didn’t tell me? Who else do you know?

[Fionna]: well I know this guy named Gary and that’s about it really and I guess, and LSP oh almost forgot Hunter.

[y/n]: Wait isn’t Hunter you’re boyfriend?

[Fionna]: What no! This is about you not about me and if you’re waiting for him to leave he left, so come out of the bathroom.

You let out a sigh of relief and came back out to see fionna with her boba waiting for you. “Done chickening out?” Fionna asked “I’m not chickening put I’m just… needed to genuinely use the bathroom.” “Huh uh.” She replied with a knowing smirk.

“If you’re interested he told me he thought you were cute.” Fionna stated while drinking ther boba “wait really?” You asked with hope in your eyes “yeah.” She simply said like it wasn’t a big deal. You became flustered.

“You know what I should get you guys to officially meet!” Fionna suggested with excitement “I… maybe I would be more prepared.” You replied feeling hopeful this time “yeah, maybe you, me, cake and Marshall Lee can have a hangout.” “Sounds cool.” You agreed feeling a bit of confidence.

“So how about Wednesday?” Fionna suggested “yeah I could do that.” You replied “cool.” You two counties with your day out until night time, you were home now hoping you could be able to face Marshall Lee in person, after all he thinks you’re cute.

Couple days later, Wednesday came and After work you got dressed and waited for fionna to tell you the location.

[y/n]: where’s the location at?

[Fionna]: where at a Marshall Lee place’s he wanted us to hang out to watch the movie me and cake found called ‘heat signature’ .”

[y/n]: I did hear that movie was pretty good alright guess I’ll head over there.

Fionna sent you the location, thankfully it wasn’t that far, you checked to see it was the right apartment and it was, so you knocked on the door making sure you looked good then you see Marshall Lee opening the door.

“(Y/n) you made it, come in.” You wanted to see something but it’s like the words got stuck in your throat so you just walked in. “Alright.” He spoke seating down on his red sofa. “Yes! movie night, oh can you make nachos I always wanted to try those.” Spoke cake in excitement “alright I’ll be back and you guys make yourself comfortable.” Cake and Fiona sat together while Fiona assured for you to sit next to her.

“So got the hots for Marshall Lee.” Stated cake making you blush “it’s obvious isn’t it?” “Yeah.” Cake simply said while eating chips, “don’t worry remover what I said about Marshall Lee he thinks you’re cute.” Reassured Fionna “thank’s fionna.” We then see Marshall Lee back with the nachos.

“Be careful cake I p- cake didn’t wait time and grabbed a nacho and ate the whole chip until you started screaming my a little and immediately grabbed her drink and gulped the whole thing. “What.. the Glob.. was that?!” Yelled cake between breathes this made Marshall Lee laugh “there are jalapeño peppers in there, I tried to warn you.”

Cake could only grunt while the rest of us laugh, “you have a nice, laugh.” You paused you’re laughing to see Marshall Lee was talking to you, “I-um t-thanks.” He smiled “you’re welcome. “Now let’s watch this movie.” He said Turing the light off and starting the movie.

While watching the movie you grabbed the nachos and other snacks you hummer in delight of tasting the food “glad you like it, I’m not much of a chef but… I try.” He spoke “yeah it’s… it’s good.” You agreed making him smile.

“I gotta use the bathroom.” Fionna stated while nudging cake “huh.” Cake looked confused until she seemed to remember something “oh! Um right I’ll come with.” They both got up and left.

You both Continue to watch. “Sir I can’t get a radar it’s like… they be one have a heat signature?!” Spoke one characters you forgot the name of already. “You know they did that to give us alone time.” Spoke Marshall Lee with a knowing smirk.

“That’s explains w-why they both went to the bathroom.” You replied “and I know that you have a thing for me girl it’s apparent.” This comment made you blush like crazy you’re hands instinctively covers you’re face. “wait no I-!“it’s ok no need to shout I think you’re cute, and I wanna get to know you more.”

You slowly uncovers your hands “really?” “Really now when can we hang out again?” He asked with hope making your confidence come through “I… maybe next weekend would be cool to hang.” You’re face no longer you showed you’re small smile to him “cool then let me give you my number.” He text you his and you text him your number.

“Well then cutie can’t wait for next weekend.” You smiled “yeah can’t wait too.” Fionna and Cake came back with smiles “so you gonna date now?!” Cheered Cake “that takes time cake.” You replied “makes sense, I guess.” She replied.

You guys continue to watch the movie but you couldn’t help but continue about your next hangout with Marshall Lee.

<- Back to MasterList or back to Fionna and Cake/ adventure time

[bert-thefrog]

Rivals: Aurora Emery -

Part 2

*tagging @lilyofchoices as requested, let me know if anyone else wants to be tagged*

*previous part here*

Elijah, Danny and I head down to the canteen during Tuesday lunch break, hoping to catch something to eat quickly before we get back to our patients. “Uh Casey?” Elijah pokes me as we stand in line. “What?” I turn round to him and he nods his head to the side. “Someone’s watching you.” He sniggers, picking up his tray and leaving me standing there. I look behind where he just vacated and Aurora ducks her head down, suddenly very interested in the salad before her. Honestly, this is the first time since the gala that she hasn’t power walked in the opposite direction the minute we make eye contact. So that’s progress. Feeling brave I make my way over to where she’s sat, alone. “No entourage today?” I remark, sitting opposite her and spearing pasta into my mouth. “No. I thought I might actually get some peace.” She stares at me pointedly but I ignore the hint, slowly eating in front of her, staring her down. “What do you want?”

“Nothing. I just thought you looked lonely.”

“I’m fine.”

“Suuuuure.” She rolls her eyes at me and it’s then I notice the red rings around her dark eyes. “Wait, have you been crying?” I reach out, brushing her arm softly. “No!” She snaps, wiping her eyes aggressively and all but flying from the table and out the doors. “What did you say to her?” Danny approaches me from behind as I stare after her. “I have absolutely no idea.” But I’m determined to find out.

——

“Dr. Mirani? Have you seen Aurora?” I stop the attending as he passes through the corridor.

“Sure just let me use that magical tracker I have on every intern that means I know exactly where they are in this place is at any given moment.”

“That’s a no isn’t it?”

“Astute observation Valentine.” He rolls his eyes, striding away. I shrug my shoulders, used to him by now as I continue glancing into rooms for Aurora. It’s almost the end of my lunch break and I’m ready to turn round when I reach the end of the corridor and hear quiet snuffling from behind the door to OR 1. “Is someone in here?” I push the door open, there’s no surgery scheduled for the next few hours so the room should be empty. Instead Aurora sits alone, hunched into a corner and sobbing freely. She freezes when she catches me standing in the door, stiffening for a fleeting moment before seeming to collapse even further into herself, crying harder. I freeze wordlessly for a moment, before kneeling down on the ground beside her. “It’s okay.” I murmur, wrapping my arms around her and letting her cry onto my shoulder. We sit like that for a few minutes, until her tears subside to choking sighs. “You ready to talk about it?” I wipe away a stray tear with the pad of my thumb. “I can’t, we need to get back to work.” She rises, offering me her hand so we can leave. “How about we talk tonight then?”

“What do you mean?”

“Come to Donahues with me.”

“I wait.. what?”

“We can talk after our shift.”

“Like a date?”

“No. Like two friends talking.”

“Oh, well. Okay, I guess.” She shakes her head, as though waking from a dream. The two of us re-emerge from the OR and head towards the elevator. “I’ll see you in a bit.” I wave goodbye to her and jog down the corridor as my pager begins to buzz. “Where were you?” Danny asks as I head to my latest patients room. “Not important. Now then, you’re reporting sharp pain down your left side?” I turn to our latest patient, a woman in her forties who looks at us, with a world-weary expression.

———

There’s no sign of Aurora when I walk into Donahues that night, Ethan sits alone at the bar and I nod to him as I pass, taking a seat in a booth facing the door. I’ll give her fifteen minutes. I think to myself, ordering a soda from the bar and settling down to wait. She walks in a few minutes later, glancing around anxiously before spying me. “What do you want to drink?”

“Jack and coke.” She reaches for her purse, trying to hand the money to me, but I’m already at the bar paying for her. “Thanks.” She takes the drink from me awkwardly as I sit back down across from her. We sip our drinks in silence for a little while, content to watch other interns and attendings play pool or darts, all drinking and laughing around our personal little bubble. “I’m a good doctor.” Aurora breaks the silence, swirling her drink awkwardly around the glass and staring at the dark liquid contained. “I know.” I cock my head at her, it almost sounded like she was reassuring herself of the fact, rather than stating it.

“But everyone expects me to be the perfect doctor, to be just like my aunt. I can’t do that. Not yet, maybe not ever. I don’t want to be just like my aunt. I want to be me. To be proud of my own work, not just be known as the great Harper Emery’s niece, following in her footsteps.”

“It must get tiring. To know you’re always being watched, compared.” I prop my head on my hand and take in the bags beneath her eyes, the flakes of dead skin and tiny red dots where she’s bitten her lips hard enough to break the surface. “It does.” She bows her head sadly, playing anxiously with one of the charms on her bracelet. A tiny stethoscope, there’s a tense pause between us, neither sure what to say now. “I’m sorry you know?” She speaks up.

“For what?”

“For not speaking to you for the last two weeks.”

“Eh, no biggie. You didn’t really talk to me before anyway.” I tease her gently and she flashes me a brief smile before looking around awkwardly. “I feel like we’re being watched. Do you want to go somewhere else?” We realize some of her most loyal sycophants are nearby and finish our drinks quickly, grabbing our bags, pushing through the crowd and into the cool night air. “I know a really nice bar. It’s like two subways stops away, c’mon.” Aurora reaches for my hand and pulls me down the sidewalk towards the station. “You wanna go out? We have work tomorrow!” I protest, almost falling onto the pavement in my haste to keep up with her. “I promise we’ll be back home and in bed at a reasonable hour, god I didn’t know you were such a stick in the mud Casey.” She laughs, an real laugh, rich and vibrating, her head thrown back, black hair and white teeth glinting in the lamplight. She turns to me and her smile is so bright and beautiful, I’d do anything to keep it on her face. “Alright, show me this bar.” I squeeze her hand and we set off, I’ve never seen her like this, not even the night of the gala. It’s as though she’s filled with energy, all the words and actions and thoughts she bottles up in Edenbrook, in front of her aunt, it’s all coming out. It’s incredible. She’s incredible.

————

It was not a ‘reasonable hour’ when we stumbled back into my apartment. Aurora is ready to fall over, teetering in her heels as I lead her to my room. “You don’t drink often do you?” I laugh at her as she flops onto my bed, hair fanning out around her.

“How did you guess?”

“You’re so messy.” I laugh, throwing myself on the bed beside her.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Tonight was fun, even if I was only there as your babysitter.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.” She tries to protest but her yawn cuts her off. “Gosh I’m tired.”

“You can sleep in my bed, I’ll take the couch.” I stand up, heading to my drawers and finding her something to wear.

“You could sleep with me.”

“What?” I turn around in surprise and she laughs.

“Not like that, I just.. Friends have sleepovers right?”

“Yeah. Friends have sleepovers.” I chuckle, tossing her a shirt and some shorts, getting changed in the bathroom before I join her in my bed. “Night Casey.” She giggles as I turn out the light, immersing the room in darkness and I smile to myself. “Goodnight Aurora.”

—————

When I wake up the next morning Aurora is attached to me like a limpet, her bronzed arms tight around my waist, my own arm flung round her back at some point in the night. “Aurora wake up, we’ve got to get to work.” I shake her gently and she startles. “Oh my god!” She flings herself out of the bed, falling onto the floor in the process. “Did we? Did you? Ow my head.”

“No we didn’t. Aurora you were drunk.”

“Oh.” A miriage of emotions flit across her face as I get out of bed after her, offering my hand to help her off the ground. Her phone buzzes on the nightstand and her face decides on panic as it’s final expression. “My aunt is going to kill me!”

“Shush. No she won’t it’s fine.” I hand her the phone, wincing at the dozens of messages crowding the screen.

“I’m so dead.” She scrolls through the messages.

“Text her that you’re fine, you slept over st a friends house and you forgot to let her know, meanwhile I’ll go sweetalk Sienna into maybe making you her famous hangover cure.”

“I’m 26 this is ridiculous.” She mutters to herself as I leave the room. She’s right, it is ridiculous, but I think I have a solution.

“Hey guys, has anyone taken Landry’s old room yet?” I wander into the kitchen where my friends are sat eating breakfast, Jackie with her cup of coffee. “No, why?” Elijah looks up from a bowl of coco puffs, spoon hovering halfway to his mouth. “I may of found us a roommate.” I say just as Aurora walks out of my room, talking to her aunt and rubbing the dent forming between her eyebrows. “Her?” Jackie slams her cup down incredulously as Aurora hangs up. “What about me?” Aurora eyes us suspiciously, leaning against the door frame. “I mean, I see no problem with it.” Sienna smiles at our surprise visitor, offering her a mug of coffee. “We can all talk about it later.” I assure both Jackie and Aurora, the two of them eying the other warily.

“Your friends don’t like me and you want me to move in with you?” Aurora shakes her head at me in disbelief as we head out of the apartment.

“Pretty much. I mean it sounds like it’d be a step up from living with your aunt.”

“True.” Aurora purses her lips, considering the offer.

“It’s up to you.” I shrug as we get to the apartment entrance and walk out into the sunshine.

[waqasblog2]

GDPR - Let's all calm down a bit, shall we? - SEO, Content Marketing & Website Design

GDPR is getting to be like Y2K preparations.

It seems everyone is talking about it as if there will be Armageddon on the 25th May unless we all run around burning files and throwing hard drives off cliffs just in case the rozzers find someone's email address on them.

I was at a gin festival recently (great by the way, I'll tell you about it sometime), and people were talking about it at the bar.

Give it a break already!!!

Something more important than GDPR is happening on the 25th May, I'll be bothered about that.

What this article isn't

There is approximately one cubic gazillion of articles claiming to be the ultimate guide to GDPR, and I bet you've read a few and still don't understand them.

So, I'm not going to get into that here. This isn't a comprehensive GDPR marketing guide.

Instead, I thought what might be useful is a “cut through the crap” set of very short, succinct points that will give you some sort of idea about the whole process and what, if anything, you need to do about it.

Mostly, though, I'm hoping to stop a few people destroying their email lists because some guy in a suit said they should.

If I'm not compliant by the 25th May, will I be fined £17 million and sent to rot in jail?

NO!

Let me explain why:

There are consultants currently travelling the country telling everyone, usually on their first PowerPoint slide, that the fines that the ICO (the UK organisation that will implement GDPR) can punish you with are mahoosive; up to 4% of turnover or 17 million quid.

You can imagine that ACME window cleaning Ltd with two employees is positively quaking in its boots at this revelation, but it's nonsense.

In fact, the ICO themselves are getting a little hacked off with it.

I quote, from their own blog:

Myth #1:

The biggest threat to organisations from the GDPR is massive fines.

Fact:

This law is not about fines. It’s about putting the consumer and citizen first. We can’t lose sight of that.

Focusing on big fines makes for great headlines, but thinking that GDPR is about crippling financial punishment misses the point

GDPR gives the ICO more clout to punish people, yes, and it gives them the teeth to act when companies fail to follow the rules, but they're not going to be knocking on your door in the middle of the night threatening to take you to a cash point.

Last year they concluded 17,300 cases. 16 companies got fined. And none were fined the maximum available to the ICO.

The sort of companies that get fined are the ones that systematically or blatantly break the rules.

For example, ignoring people's requests to be removed from mailing lists and continue to email them on a huge scale.

The ICO wants to educate, so rather than throwing fines about willy-nilly, they'll work with the companies to ensure they're doing it right and help them stick to the rules.

Is it illegal to send marketing emails under GDPR?

Seriously, this is just nuts.

I've had more than one person say they're going to cancel their MailChimp account because they won't be able to email people anymore.

Let's make it clear:

But I need their consent, yeah?

Yep. Just like now. The important thing with GDPR is that they need to know exactly what they're signing up to.

You can't imply or assume consent anymore.

Make it clear what they're opting in to

When someone gives you any of their details such as email address, phone number etc., you need to make it really clear what it is they're opting in to and what you'll do with that information.

For example, if someone downloads an e-book from your website, you need to give them the option of also signing in to your mailing list. You can't just assume that because they've downloaded the book that they're also happy to receive your other emails.

To be fair, this has been a grey area for a while, but GDPR now makes it clear.

It's going to affect a lot of websites, for example, those that only let you read the rest of an article after you've signed up, but that's OK, they'll cope.

You probably can't just email them because they've bought from you

It's the same with online shopping.

You can send them transactional emails, that is, emails that are triggered by their purchase such as order confirmation, invoice and dispatch data, but you can't then start bombarding them with marketing emails unless they tick the box saying they're happy to have them.

(Note: This is actually covered by PECR, which is additional regulation, that suggests that you can contact your customers for legitimate reasons. A reason might be you want to offer them something. Just make sure they can opt out, you’ll be fine.)

Again, this is a grey area that's being tidied up, but many shops have been doing this for years, it's no biggie.

You can't have pre-ticked boxes or confusing consent

Some stores are a bit naughty, and right at the bottom of the order form there will be a tick-box with a sentence next to it saying “We will occasionally send you marketing emails, but if you'd rather not be pestered, un-tick this box.”

You can't do that anymore, which is a good thing.

This goes hand-in-hand with tick boxes that aren't especially clear, for example, ones that give multiple reasons or say things like

“By ticking this box, you do not allow us to remove your email address from our lists or maybe email you on a regular basis. If you do not wish us to not email you regarding things like this and such, then dance a merry jig while smoking a peace pipe.”

You must make it easy for people to unsubscribe

It needs to be really simple and completely fool-proof.

Ideally, a link on every single email that says “Unsubscribe” which takes them to a page that says “Sorry to see you go, you're now unsubscribed.”

Maybe give them a question to ask why, but that's it.

Close browser, job done.

Some people grind my gears by taking you to a site which you then have to log in to first (i.e. reset password because I forgot it) and then choose a complex set of tick boxes before being released from their vice-like grip.

One click dude, no dick moves.

How about getting consent for emails again, do I need to do that?

In most cases, no.

I've had a flurry of emails from companies saying “Due to GDPR, we need to get consent to keep sending you emails.”

The only time you'd need to do that is if you got the email through nefarious means in the first place.

For example, if I filled out a basic contact form on your site and then you started emailing me.

That's wrong, it's always been wrong, and now it's even wrongerer.

But if I signed up via your newsletter sign-up form, you do not need to ask me again.

Honestly, you don't.

If you got consent in the past, you have consent now.

Also, there's still a grey area about business to business. It seems you don't need consent anyway for this (there are exceptions, stick to the basics and you'll be OK.)

Also (2), do you use a proper mail client like MailChimp or ActiveCampaign or Aweber?

Well don't worry about it, there's an unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email. When people click this, they're unsubscribed, and they can only get back on the list if they specifically ask.

All cool.

Are there any scenarios when I might have to get consent again?

Other than that, you're probably OK. I'm saying “probably” because I don't know where you got your filthy list from, and I don't want you using this blog as an excuse. If you were bad with data in the past, clean it up.

Should I email everyone to get re-consent anyway? Just to make sure? I'm scared…

Oh please, grow some.

Yes, of course you can. Send out that email.

What's your current open rate? 20%?

And click through rate? 8%?

So, just working this out on the back of a fag packet, if I had a list of 800, I'd end up with 13 left on it when I've gone through this utterly pointless exercise.

Stop it.

So what should I do?

If you're a huge company with lots of employees, go get yourself a consultant, they'll help you in exchange for some dollar.

There are different rules for large businesses, and you might have some work to do, so go do it.

If you're a small business, you need to follow some basic steps:

The first is to check out the ICO website which explains everything in detail, it's all you need.

If someone tells you something is “what you need to do”, then check with the ICO, they're being incredibly pragmatic about it all.

Secondly, don't lose sleep over it.

Thirdly, check your mailing list. This next bit is a bit in-depth, so I've decided to give it a new section.

How to make sure I'm not breaking the law and will, therefore, go to jail or have my house repossessed

If you systematically scraped email addresses from the web, typed them in yourself from the Yellow pages or in some way got your mailing list using nefarious means, then delete them all.

However, if you fall into one of these categories, read on:

Still with me?

Audit your mailing lists

Where they from? Can you split out all the ones that opted in via your sign-up form? Good, do that, tag them or add them to another list.

This is the list of people who absolutely, positively wanted to sign up. Good, we're done. Leave them alone.

Got some others you're not sure about?

OK, put those in another list or tag them “we're not sure” or something, we'll work on these guys next.

Send out an email

The mistake everyone is making here is emailing everyone and saying “you need to sign up again” when they don't.

If they signed up before, that's fine. They gave consent and therefore that consent passes into the GDPR era.

So let's just tackle the ones we're not sure about, and rather than asking them to sign up or not hear from you ever again, let's do it another way. Let's give them an option of opting out.

Create an email something like this:

“Hi Geoff,

By now you've probably heard about GDPR and the new rules regarding email marketing and the correct way of getting consent.

Well, we're sure you were asked nicely if you wanted to receive our emails, but we can't be absolutely certain.

It might be that you downloaded something from us, or we met you at a networking event and you said it was fine, in which case, we're all good.

However, If you don't want to receive any more emails from us, then please click the button below to unsubscribe instantly from our list.

You won't need to do anything else, it's all automatic.

If you don't mind receiving our emails, then do nothing, but remember you can unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks for your time!

Keep this in mind

I'm not a GDPR consultant or a lawyer. This advice comes to you from someone who has read the documentation, but your situation might be unique/different.

However, there's no excuse for many in the industry to use scare tactics to get you to do something and propose knee-jerk reactions that might end up in your losing a significant part of your business.

As with everything, be sceptical of what you're told.

Investigate everything and then do what is right.

What if someone complains

Someone is bound to complain. There's been so much publicity about it, there will be people looking for companies to trip up so they can get the feds on them.

Don't panic.

If you're using a good email system (we recommend: ActiveCampaign) then all unsubscribes are handled automatically, you're safe, but if not, and someone requests to be removed from your lists – do it immediately.

As long as you're on the ball, delete people's data as soon as you're asked and be open about what you do with the data you keep, then you'll be OK.

Is this everything GDPR is about then?

Absolutely not.

GDPR is a huge deal for many companies and it covers vast swathes of regulation, that's for others to deal with.

I just wanted to clear up some misinformation about it that's doing the rounds at the moment and make sure that a bunch of companies that are doing everything right aren't forced to the wall by over-cautious consultants.

If you need more advice, find a good consultant.

There's one who reads this blog, he'll be in touch to tell me his contact details, as soon as he does, I'll pass them on!

This content was originally published here.

[unforgettaeble]

Saudade

the re-do!

saudade:  a feeling of longing, melancholy, or nostalgia for someone or something that has been and will never be again

that gif hurts me 

“Looking back on it all, it’s funny actually.”

“Funny?”

“Yeah, funny. Not ha-ha funny, but the weird, ironic funny.. You and I burned too brightly in the beginning, we were never going to last, I see that now. I just didn’t think we were going to end up here. It’s better this way Yoongi, we would have hurt each other much more than how you’re hurting me now. I’ll just go.”

Watching his shoulders droop as he accepted your decision put a crack into your already weak facade, if you didn’t leave soon he’d witness your complete and utter breakdown. Taking a deep breath, you grabbed your phone and pushed past him, fleeing for the comfort of your best friend’s arms, his whisper following you into the night.

“Good-bye, Y/n.”

                                                      ********

One glance.

One glance was all it took for you to fall deeply, unabashedly in love with the boy known as Min Yoongi. His gentle smile that turned goofy and gummy when happy, his pecan brown eyes that glinted with intelligence as he challenged you in the debate team, all of these things--and more--had you pining for him for a full year.

The devil known as Jung Hoseok, in other words your best friend, saw fit to let slip how you felt about Yoongi one night during a field trip, the blush that colored his cheeks even as his smile widened into the one that you adored was one that you’d never forget; blush pink becoming your favorite color and taking over your wardrobe.

Your penultimate year of school was a blissful one, each day happier than the last. Yoongi waiting by your locker in the mornings never failed to make your heart go pitter-patter in your chest, embarrassment coloring his cheeks as you were absolutely positive he could hear it.

Featherlight kisses brushing your cheeks, nose, eyes, before finally landing on your lips had you melting into his embrace, their power never waning.

The day he called you ecstatic about an audition he’d landed with a company had you screaming into the air, forgetting to put on a matching pair of shoes in your rush to go over and celebrate with your friends, the other five boys in the group making you feel like one of their own the minute Yoongi introduced you.

Nervous glances your way, twitchy fingers and random kisses let you know just how anxious Yoongi was about this audition. Your efforts to calm him and make him happy were rewarded with a fervent kiss, followed with the words you’d waited to hear from him your whole life-- “I love you, Y/n. God, do I love you.”

                                                           **

A weekend excursion to Seoul left you breathless, an overnight stay in a run down motel leading to the best night of your life.

Your moans painted the ceiling of your room, his groans washed over your body, his fingers burned holes into your skin and his tongue licked fire across your flesh as you both climbed towards your peaks, yelling on the way back down.

Gentle caresses across your abdomen, teasing kitten licks to your breasts and the hungry look in his eyes sped up the wait time for round two. Quiet whispers were your background noise as you fell into a dreamless slumber, Yoongi’s raspy voice following you into the depths, a smile evident in the tone.

“How did I ever end up so lucky, Y/n? What did I ever do to deserve you? I hope you know you’re with me for life, can’t get rid of Min Yoongi that easily.”

                                                      **

Tension filled silence followed you home, anxiety that he somehow regretted that night clawing it’s way down your throat to settle into the pit of your stomach. Yoongi did nothing to dispel your fears, absent-mindedly brushing a kiss onto your forehead as he left your car.

You were left to stew over the next few days, your anxiety boiling in your heart like some witches’ brew--a cold bedsheet replacing the eye of newt.

A call in the middle of Calculus the following Tuesday sent you scurrying to the ladies’ room, an apologetic ‘it’s that time of the month’ saving your behind from a trip to the principal’s office.

A panicky hello was all you could muster as you waited with bated breath to hear what emergency made Yoongi call you in the middle of your favorite class, sweaty, clammy palms gripping the hem of your Totoro sweater.

“Y/n, I did it! They’ve accepted me into the company, I’m officially a trainee at Big Hit!

Hey, did you hear me?

Come on, say something, aren’t you proud of me?!”

Anger tainted his melodious voice, his inability to realize you were crying until the first sniffle comical, his hurried sorry’s! making you giggle, relief evident through his sigh.

An afternoon of kisses, tears and laughs as you two reminisced over your relationship, his quiet assurances that nothing has changed except where I live, Y/n. I still love you and I will keep loving you even after I’ve become a relic of kpop days past, you’ll see while you hiccuped and tried not to ruin his favorite jeans with your tears. His words didn't help in the least bit, a sense of dread tinging your happy day with streaks of gray anxiety. 

You knew you were being melodramatic, it wasn’t the end of the world that Yoongi would no longer be at your locker every morning, he was graduating this year--it was bound to happen. Yet the weekend you spent poring the memory over your time in Seoul proved to be a poison, a thorned wedge driving itself between the two of you.

That night was your first fight, a morbid need to see him upset and wanting to placate you, to comfort you fueled your rant. 

Words flew through the air like missiles, your accusations he would find another woman while in Seoul hurting him, yet he refused to fight back. He stood there, calm and steadfast against your barrage of abuse until you’d dared utter the thought that maybe you never loved me and just needed someone to distract you while you waited for what you really wanted.

His mask broke, and a fury you had yet to see in your loving boyfriend came through.

“Okay, say you’re right Y/n! Maybe I never loved you!”

Your hands flew to your mouth, covering it as you crumpled to the floor, a sobbing heap. Heavy steps pounded over to you, his bare knees coming into view as he crouched down to face you.

“You know I didn’t mean that, right? How could you possibly say that when you know damn well I’m head over heels in love with you, Y/n? Your eyes hold a world that I want to get lost in for all eternity, your hands give me sensations I didn’t know existed time and time again.”

His lips ghosted over your face as they collected your tears, murmurs about how he loved you and the things he loved about you reaching the small crack in your heart and effectively putting a bandaid over it, bringing along a sense of shame that you acted so rashly out of fear.

Head tilting back to meet his lips in a gentle embrace, your fingers rose to tangle themselves in his hair, clothes falling off like a bird molting as you made your way to his bed.

Make-up sex was amazing, just like Hoseok had said.

                                                     **

The first few months of being away from Yoongi were lonely but bearable, the two of you spent every moment you could texting, calling each other and Skyping. You got worried and fretted over how tired he looked, his insisting that he was fine adding to the worry.

Your one year anniversary came up, and it was everything you thought it would be. Somehow Yoongi had wrangled some time off and he surprised you at school, whisking you away to take you home, ordering you to put on what he’d brought.

You paused while descending the staircase, the sight of Yoongi in a suit and tie drying your mouth. You gulped and continued on your way, watching as his eyes locked on your satin-clad form and brightened immensely, the grin on his face blinding.

“I’m such a lucky bastard, Y/n. But now I don’t know whether I should show you off or rip that dress off your body and take you right here on the floor.”

You reached a compromise, sliding the zipper down and stepping out of your dress, your lack of underwear making Yoongi’s jaw drop.

You arrived to dinner an hour later than anticipated.

                                                        **

Graduation came and went, your college entrance exam results coming in and making you shriek with joy. You called Yoongi with the good news, sadness dampening your mood as you told Yoongi’s answering machine to call you back, you had big news.

You couldn’t help the bitter tone that crept into your voice as he called you back four hours later. You laughed drily as he asked what was up and replied, “oh no biggie, I just got accepted into the college I wanted because it was closer to you.”

The accusation in your words was clear and Yoongi scoffed.

“What’s wrong? I thought you’d be excited about this.” 

You broke then, tears clogging your throat and making it hard to speak. You explained past the clump in your throat that you were so goddamn excited but you were scared of being closer to him.

“I mean, what if even with me a mere 30 minutes away you decide you want nothing to do with me?”

“Hey, hey Y/n shut up for a second and listen to me. If I haven’t already gotten tired of you, even with the stress of being so far apart with you and trying to manage my schedule, what makes you think I’m not going to want you by my side at all times when you get here?”

Sobs subsiding, you began talking about dorm life and how you’d have to sneak over to his place--the girls at your school wouldn’t keep quiet about seeing up-and-coming rapper Suga sneaking into a room.

Laughter echoed in your room, fingers playing with your hair as you listened to Yoongi get sleepier until his soft snores were all you heard.

                                                     **

Move-in day passed by in a blur of tears and sweat, your parents making you promise to call them at least once a week.

You settled into college surprisingly quickly, the routine helping things feel familiar in a strange place. Yoongi called less, saying their debut had been moved up and they were busier than ever. Yet he still found the time to send you sweet messages throughout the day, raising your mood just when you needed it the most.

Your first semester ended abruptly, affording you the opportunity to visit Yoongi and the rest of the group, something you were eager to do--you hadn’t seen Yoongi since your anniversary and that just wouldn’t do, no sir. 

Reading up on the group’s favorite colors and hobbies, you showed up at the dorms, arms full of gifts, and rang the doorbell with your elbow.

Guided into the building by Yoongi, you were struck again by his pale face and his pecan eyes that spoke volumes. He grabbed the gifts from you and dumped them to the floor, ignoring your protests.

Pulling you into him by the collar of your coat, your lips crashed against each other, heavy pants and mewls filling the entryway. A knock on the wall surprised the two of you and you broke apart, panting as you looked at boy around your age grimacing and gesturing to the two of you to get a room, god some people want to use the front door!

His permed hair looked like an afro and for a moment you wanted to laugh, but reigned it in at the last moment. Walking forward, your friendship with the group named Bangtan Sonyeondan began with a grimace and shouts of glee at your gifts.

                                                      **

The rest of your school year passed by uneventfully, Yoongi keeping up with his small, loving gestures even during their debut. How they had managed to be ready in such a short amount of time baffled you, but you knew Yoongi was behind it all, his drive and passion for music awe inspiring.

Your second anniversary rolled around and you kept it a small affair, the boys had been gaining a bit of attention and you were supposed to keep your relationship a secret from the world. It put you in an ill mood to pretend you weren’t hurt when Yoongi mentioned he had no time for dating, music and Bangtan all he had time for.

Try as you might, you couldn’t hide this from Yoongi, he knew you too well.

“Y/n, talk to me. I know something is bugging me and you know I hate it when you shut me out. Talk to me, please baby girl.”

Heaving a sigh as you slumped down onto your bed, you fiddled with the strings on your torn jeans as you gathered the courage to speak your mind.

“I’mtiredofpretendingwearen’ttogetherYoongiI’mtiredofthis”

“I’m sorry, what was that? You’re tired of what?”

“This. I’m tired of hiding that we’re together. I mean I get that it’s important since you guys just started but it hurts seeing you talk about not having any time for dating or any inclination to do so.”

A sigh.

A very weary, annoyed sigh.

“I’m sorry, Y/n. I really wish it didn’t have to be this way either, but I have to do this if I want to stay in this path. I’m so close to my dream I could taste it, so please, bear with me okay? I promise it will turn out okay.”

You nod and tell him you have to go, the first tear streaking down your cheek as you mumble, “I love you too.”

                                                       **

For the first month after you spoke about your weariness, everything seemed fine. Yoongi still texted you, and he even skyped you sometimes.

And yet, you couldn’t seem to shake the feeling he was starting to feel differently.

At first, it was subtle. Not meeting your eyes when he told you he loved you, talking to the boys when you were connected, even walking away from the screen to answer the door for the pizza man.

You resolved to not be whiny about it, like you had been before. You would simply step up your game by sending him and the boys food while they filmed or renting that movie he has been blabbering about to Namjoon while you overheard through the screen. You pulled him into empty rooms when you visited, ignoring with all your might that he was barely responding to your touch.

What used to be a constant litany of groans, curses and your name, was now a grunt and a smirk. “I love you” become “love you” then a grunt when you said it first.

You felt as if you were being ripped apart from the inside out, the ache in your chest making it hard to breathe. You wouldn’t lie to yourself, it fucking hurt and you were pissed that he was doing this to you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to confront him about it. 

You were scared of what he might say.

So instead you decided to take the easy way out--as if anything about this was easy--and make one last visit, choosing to part with the love of your life on amicable terms.

The dorms had been locked up and dark, a sign they were at the studio. You made your way over to it, repeating in your head what you planned on saying to Yoongi in your head as if memorizing a script. 

The elevator ride up to their floor was an agonizing one, your resolve crumbling once or twice only to strengthen when you remembered how empty his eyes looked when you kissed him. Walking into the studio, you noticed it was bare of any of them, so you settled onto the couch in Yoongi’s studio to wait.

A ding interrupted the stuffy silence, Yoongi’s phone chiming with a message.

From: Ji Hyo, 8:32 PM

Hey you. We still on tonight? I’m surprised you had time, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you :(

You stood up abruptly, the bottom of your stomach dropping out and leaving you feeling like you were a hollow shell. You turned to the door and froze, Yoongi standing between you and the exit.

“Wait, Y/n I can explain--”

“Explain what? That you have no time for your own girlfriend, but you have the time for a date with another woman?!”

He stood motionless, staring you down without an ounce of love in the eyes that once warmed and brightened at the sight of you.

Hurt and betrayal made your lips move of their own accord, your voice thick with the dam you were desperately trying to hold back.

“Looking back on it all, it’s funny actually.”

“Funny?”

“Yeah, funny. Not ha-ha funny, but the weird, ironic funny.. You and I burned too brightly in the beginning, we were never going to last, I see that now. I just didn’t think we were going to end up here. It’s better this way Yoongi, we would have hurt each other much more than how you’re hurting me now. I’ll just go.”

Watching his shoulders droop as he accepted your decision put a crack into your already weak facade, if you didn’t leave soon he’d witness your complete and utter breakdown. Taking a deep breath, you grabbed your phone and pushed past him, fleeing for the comfort of your best friend’s arms, his whisper following you into the night.

“Good-bye, Y/n.”

[argocitycosplay]

I heard nothing but good things about last winter’s Dark X-Mas. This combined with the stellar gust list they were boasting made it a no-brainer to hit Dark X-Fest this summer. With admission at $15 ($13 if you pre-ordered), the only thing to worry about was getting out there. Hudson is a good drive from me, but it ended up being a shorter ride than I expected, and one hour beats the two and and a half to five hour drives I’ve been known to embark on when I hit out of state shows. Still, the hotel was out in the middle of nowhere and I almost drove past it thinking “This can’t be the place”. Seriously, the desolate and solitary hotel looks like something straight up out of a horror movie. You expect to see bodies in the dumpsters out back and creepy semi-transparent children wandering around the lonely stretches of road outside. I parked in the front, right by the sign (Which said nothing about the convention being at the hotel….), near the entrance I had driven in from. This was not the correct entrance. There was another lobby in the BACK of the hotel that would lead to the convention area. I’d end up moving my car later once I’d gotten my bearings.

A pre-ordered pass allowed you to get into the show a half hour early. If you were counting on that however, you were out of luck. The doors were open, but half the vendors and most of the guests weren’t there. The entire show started about a half hour behind it’s posted schedule and that’s a really bad way to kick off the day. I wasn’t pleased. After the poor organization at the last two shows I’d been to this year, I really wasn’t in the mood for more. It would cause them to run a half hour late for most of the day and eventually jettison the Sleepaway Camp panel altogether to catch up (Monster Bash usually runs late like this as well, but that’s because events run long, not because they start late).

The vendor’s room itself was well planned and flowed., set up into two distinct segments. An electric chair  was visible as you wandered in and if you dared to sit down in it the chair would light up and vibrate with a lout buzzing. I found a group of guest in the back but was confused – I could swear there were more. I exited the dealer’s room in search of the movie room and panel room. There was an alcove that opened up past the inflatable Pennywise clown. Before a long hallway, there were doors to the “Chainsaw Room”. All the guests from TCM as well as some makeup guests were there.

Down the hall and guarded by a giant Stay Puft marshmallow man, one room was set aside for movies, and another, with chairs and tables served as the panel room. It was like a small classroom from college, with each row elevated above the other. The guest would sit at the bottom and talk. The room filled up fast, with the tables actually limiting how many people could watch a panel. Fortunately, the attendance was low enough to mostly accommodate the setting, and only a few people ended up sitting on the floor to listen to gusts talk about their work.

Autographs were generally $20-$30, and most people weren’t upcharging for photos. All of this was a nice change from the gouging that’s been pervading the con scene lately. Makeup artist Alan Tuske wouldn’t take any money for autographs (“I’m just here to hang out with the fans!”) and Walking Dead zombie Dusty Horne would only take five dollars if you brought your own piece, then he’d insist on taking photos (“Lets do one normal, and then one scary one!”). Even Alyssa Levine, Zelda from the new Pet Semetary film, was only charging $20 (I’m seeing WAY to many new actors asking for twice that).

Felissa Rose’s line was halfway down the length of the vendors room early in the day. I figured I’d bide my time and by the time I finally got around to her, the line was gone and she was chatting with Paul T. Taylor (The newest Pinhead from Hellraiser Judgement) from the table next to her. As I approached they greeted me and included me in the conversation.

“…and a lot of times, it’s like you get just a side eye,” Felissa was saying.

“Well, that’s the thing,” Paul replied. “One eye is safe. It’s casual, but two eyes is intimate. Looking someone into bot of their eyes creates a connection.” He mimed looking at her with one eye, and then gave her both. She turned to me and looked into both my eyes. I almost immediately felt uncomfortable, but suppressed an urge to turn. Paul was right. This was more intimate, and I hadn’t even realized it.

“That’s exactly it,”Paul explained. “We don’t even realize we’re doing it.” Felissa nodded as Paul pulled out his phone. “Especially since we’re always walking around like this – “he then stared with both eyes at the screen. Felissa laughed and shook.

“Wow,” she said.

“I know,” Paul said with some disbelief. “That was a hell of a pep talk…”

“That was totally better than an energy drink!” Felissa continued to laugh as she greeted me in earnest. I unrolled my Victor Crowley poster. The last time I’d spoken with Felissa it had been right after I went to see the movie during Adam Green’s tour. When we’d chatted about it she was able to tell her assistant about how he’d done it in secret. “It was like Finally! I’d been dying to tell someone and she is one of my best friends and I was about to burst!”. I’d just recently re-watched it in preparation for the con. I still think. it’s the best in all the Hatchet series, and Felissa is the best thing about it, something I told her. Seriously, I want to see more of that character from her.

“Oh my God, when Adam told me what I had to do with her I was just like I can’t!” It really is a horrible character and brilliantly broad comedy. I slipped her the cash fot the autograph and after she handed me change, she stopped me.

“Hang on, I really want to sign something TO you. Grab a photo from the table.” I did and she signed it to me, then insisted on taking photos with me. She hugged me and and told me to come out for karaoke later. I mentioned that if I did, it would be with a different face (and a Jason puppet) She screamed in delight and promised to watch for me. I love Felissa. She’s always one of my favorite guests.

Paul T. Taylor is no slouch either. He gets a lot of hate from certain parts of the Hellraiser fan base who really believe only Doug Bradley can be Pinhead. I’m not one of those people though I’ll readily admit I prefer Doug. So does Paul for that matter.

Paul is fun to talk to – he’s a real fan who’s steeped in the lore, from the movies to the comics (as far as  talking about how much he’d love to see Kirsty as Pinhead, the way the Boom series had done). It was really illuminating to talk to him about how he approached the character as well as how the movie had been reshot at the close of filming. The original ending was actually completely different, and made way more sense than what actually made it to film. I did a re-watch of Judgment when I got home with a whole new appreciation for the film.

One of the nice things about the recent horror cons popping up in Ohio is the familiar faces. With more in the immediate area, I’m far more likely to have friends there to hang out with. I spied Jason and Tina unloading their car as I moved from the front of the hotel to the back where the entrance was. He greeted me and let me know Beetlejuice would be down later. Inside, I rounded a corner and comletely unexpectedly ran into Jen and Mark, in a group with Jennifer and Chris. I haven’t seen these guys in a while and it was good to be able to hang out for a while. Sarah was set up at a vendor’s table and Steve Eggs caught up with me just after I gored up. Randy was there with teh Retro invasion and Lily absolutely need a photo with me. Mark showed up with his wife Erin and the Black Leaf Coven decked out in thier creepy finest. It was cool to actually be able to see Cliff in his new burlap costume. He’d been showing me photos at the screening of Annabelle Comes Home, but in person is a whole different experience.

Mark caught me as I was popping outside and between drags of a cigarette asked when I was getting made up.

“Right now!,” I exclaimed, heading to my car to make the transformation into Freddy Kruger. Freddy wasn’t a capricious choice, I had actually run another poll during the week to see what people wanted to see creeping around Dark X-Fest. It was a much closer result than the previous one. Uncle Frank took an early lead, but ultimately Freddy prevailed.

I actually went into makeup early, because the day was hot. At 92 degrees outside, I was worried about how my Freddy makeup was holding up in the hot car. Even with the windows down, the temperature is enough to melt glue and dry latex. I had my appliance spread out around my had like a dummy head, keeping it streched and preventing pieces from sticking together. Still, there was some separation by the nose. No biggie. I’d planned on doing patchups anyhow. When the photos came back from Free Comic Book Day, I noticed that the beard by the corner of my mouth hadn’t been entirely covered by the chin and latex. I’d resolved to fix that with this application. I flattened my facial hair with beeswax and applied the adhesives. Between repairs, application and coloring with makeup and blood gel, the entire process only took a satisfying forty minuets. I’d be done in time for the Hellraiser panel. There had been paint leftover from fixing up Mr. Freeze for Akron Canton Comic Con last week, so I had used some on my glove to help make the blades look more metal than plastic. I had brought the ripped sweater that opened to reveal Freddy’s chest of souls. To push the absurdity just a touch further I’d be carrying a large puppet Jason with me. He’d actually been built a couple of years prior with this very idea in mind, but it happened to take me this long to break out Freddy again.

I had decided to go hard with the costume this time around since the show was sponsoring  a costume contest. While this isn’t exactly as common in the horror convention scene as it is with comicons, it does seem to be filtering in slowly. A lot of haunters love these kind of shows and are eager for the opportunity to strut thier stuff. With only one winner in the adult and kids categories though, I wasn’t expecting to nab a win, but wanted to make a good showing. To my delight, the trophy went to Mark’s Black Leaf Coven. I love it when good things happen to my friends. But even better was who won the kids/teen division. The previous week I had gushed over a killer Ronald McDonald at Akron Canton Comic Con. It was my absolute favorite costume that day and I was disappointing she didn’t win any awards there. She won the kids/teen division at Dark X-Fast and it absolutely made my day (especially beating out that Michael Myers as a furry…..don’t ask).

As the day was winding down I had finally discovered where the show had been hiding Alan Tuskes (in the back corner of the Chainsaw room, past the vendors). I nipped out to the car and grabbed my folder of Items to be signed. As I was coming in I was greeted by a dude with half his face gone. he was hanging out with a reasonable facimile of Glen from Nightmare on Elm Street who both wanted to chat and take photos. We ran over to where the pro photo ops had been – they were done now so we borrowed thier backdrop to take our own pictures. Freddy fought the baseball bat and gored Glen as amused passerbys watched.

We talked a little about our outfits and upcoming plans. The dude wanted to get a Brain Damage costume going with an articulate Elmier. I mentioned that I loved doing suits were things ride on the shoulder and described how I had gotten Baby Groot and my Borg Tribble to sit on my shoulder using magnets. His eyes went wide.

“I never thought of mounting him with magnets! Dude, this is what I love about cons and talking to other cosplayers. The way other people figure out how to do things a way you’d never come up with yourself!”

Finally I was making my way over to Tuskes. I actually caught him on the way over to the dealers room (which I feel bad about), but he was excited to talk – he’d been watching my exchange with the other guys. He poked my chest of souls with an index finger.

“Is that…?” he inquired knowingly. I nodded in acknowledgement. “Great stuff. That expanding foam stuff for cracks and insulation.” He loved it and waved me to follow him over to his corner. Tuskes looked over my collection of pictures appreciatively. As he came to the Dusk Till Dawn 8×10, he asked if I’d ever heard the story of how the film got made. I admitted I haden’t and he proceeded to spin the yarn about Tarintino’s early days at the video store and how the script originally came to him before he really hit. After True Romance and Resivoir Dogs, the studio were asking if he had anything more. Out of his back pocket came Dusk Till Dawn, but he couldn’t direct it. I’m sure this is a story most peole have heard, but it’s exactly what I love about these kind of shows, hearing the stories of the industry straight from the mouths of those who were there. 

I found myself so busy during the show that I only made it to about half of one film. I should have spent more time in that movie room. It was about ten degrees cooler than the rest of the convention space. Still, it was worth it. I caught both the Hellraiser panel and the Sean Whalen’s talk. I had stuck around so I could see the Sleepaway camp panel next (which never happened) and found my self captivated by his stories – and the image of homer Simpson in a moo-moo on his shirt.

I probably ended up staying later than I intended to, but thats the sing onf a good show.despite the bad start, I really came away from Dark X-Fest feeling like I’d gotten a real convention experiance and had a great time. I’m really digging this show and hope to make it out to the Dark X-Mas show later this year.

  Dark X-Fest 2019 I heard nothing but good things about last winter's Dark X-Mas. This combined with the stellar gust list they were boasting made it a no-brainer to hit Dark X-Fest this summer.

[thethirtysomethingfangirl]

All of the TMI questions? :)

1: What are you wearing?Black yoga pants & a raspberry colored tshirt2: Ever been in love?Twice. 3: Ever had a terrible breakup?Yes. 4: How tall are you?5'75: How much do you weigh?A lot more than I care to admit.6: Any tattoos do you want?I want a black triquetra. Its a matching best friend tatoo with my sis, she has hers already though. Ooops.7: Any piercings that you want?Nope. I just got the standard single earring piercings and that's good enough. Fun fact: years ago I worked at Claires and had to pierce ears (babies were the worst!) It kinda turned me off the whole piercing thing. 8: OTP?Cophine. And Mieleven from Stranger Things is totally adorable.9: Favorite Show?My fave current show is Stranger Things. Of all time, definitely Roseanne. 10: Favorite bands?Blue Oyster Cult, New Order, Matthew Good Band, PINK FLOYD! (I saw Roger Waters in concert 7 years ago and it was epic!)11: Something you miss?Human physical contact. Even something as simple as a hug. I miss that. 12: Favorite song?HARD QUESTION! I'll get back to you on that one. Oh wait I can't anon. Oh well guess you'll never know. LOL.13: How old are you?Same age as Kate McKinnon. (ok I'm like 10 months younger than her)14: Zodiac sign?Sun in Sagittarius, Moon in Virgo, Ascendant in Libra. My main one is Sagittarius.15: Hair Color?Medium brown, turning grey in spots.16: Favorite Quote?"Quick reminder: Your fear of looking stupid is holding you back". - RuPaul17: Favorite singer?Vanessa Paradis18: Favorite color?Purple!19: Loud music or soft?Depends. But loud for me probably would be kinda quiet to some. 20: Where do you go when you're sad?My room21: How long does it take you to shower?Like 15mins.22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?Like 5 mins.23: Ever been in a physical fight?Nope.24: Turn on?Nice eyes 😍😍😍25: Turn off?Predjudice (homophobia, transphobia, racism, etc)26: The reason I joined Tumblr?I don't remember.27: Fears?The biggie: death. I have phobias too. Arachiphobia (spiders), tryphobia (holes and patterns), and phonophobia (phones)I also have agoraphobia but I'm in recovery and am doing pretty good.28: Last thing that made you cry?The Orphan Black finale.29: Last time you cried?See question #28.30: Meaning behind your urlMy first and middle name.31: Last book you read?I don't remember. All I seem to read is fan fictions. 32: Last song you listened to?The Politics of Dancing - Re-Flex33: Last show you watched?Stranger Things34: Last person you talked to?My mom and my friend Angie.35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?Phones (including cellphones) are one of my phobias. (as i mentioned in #27)36: Favorite food?It varies depending on my mood. 37: Place you want to visit?Paris, France and New Orleans.38: Last place you were?Starbucks picking up VIA coffee for my parents39: Do you have a crush?Maaaaaaaaybe. If I knew who you were I'd answer. Too bad anon, it might be you, but now you won't knowwww. 😆40: Last time you kissed someone?It's been at least 2 years.41: Last time you were insulted and what was it?I honestly don't remember. Because it was that insignificant. 42: What color underwear are you wearing?White and blue.43: What color shirt are you wearing?See question #144: What color bottoms are you wearing?See question #145: Wearing any bracelets?No I don't really46: Last sport you played?It was probably back in school... in like 10th grade... which was eegads 17 years ago... so yeah I don't remember.47: Last song you sang?The Politics of Dancing - Re-Flex (sang along horribly in the car lol)48: Last prank call you remember doing?Never made one lol. 49: Last time you hung out with anyone?My sis and her hubby on Halloween.50: Favorite movie?GHOSTBUSTERS!! The 2016 one. Holty kicked me out of the closet 😉

[albertfinn]

HAIR CARE

How to care for hair extensions is and really should be one of the most important steps in your decision to get them. Sounds a bit odd, I know, but think of it this way – would you be happy with extensions that look good for only about a month or so? Of course not!

Taking care of hair extensions is an ongoing process, girlies, the results of which depend on you, your efforts and knowledge as well as your hair stylist. So, before you decide to shell out a serious amount of cash thinking that is all it takes to have gorgeous hair, take a look at these helpful tips on hair extensions maintenance:

1. Brush, Brush, Brush First things come first so I’m going to open this list of advices on how to care for hair extensions with something that ought to be as important as brushing your teeth each morning. Brushing your extensions is a regular upkeep kind of thing, something you should remember to do often, right and with the help of a good tool. Soft bristle brushes, therefore are perfect for that job, helping you detangle your hair without damaging it.(available from Carla Lawson Hair Extensions) As for the technique that ought to ensure long lasting good looks of your extensions, I’ll just say things are much simpler than you thought. Patience and care – that’s all there is to it. Start at the bottom, as you would with your natural hair, detangling that area first before you move up to work on the top sections. Be gentle with your extensions, as pulling will cause serious breakage.

2. Wash Carefully Washing is crucial for the proper maintenance of hair extensions and there are a couple of rules to follow to make sure they continue to look good. First- detangle before shampooing, second – use a good salon professional shampoo (SULPHATE FREE) and third (and maybe the most important of all) – take it slow. Wet your extensions bit by bit to prevent tangling using a downward motion when shampooing and rinse them thoroughly. You can, of course, follow up with a wide-toothed comb in case they start to knot but you must be super-gentle.

3. Condition like a Pro A nice, nourishing leave-in conditioner will be a perfect follow up for your hair-extensions maintenance routine. Spray it on or work it in using the same downward motion, brush out any remaining tangles carefully and voila – your hair extensions are ready to be left to dry. No need to apply a whole lot of nourishing products at once as this could put your extensions at risk of being over-conditioned which normally isn’t a good thing at all as it will make them look dull and limp as well as cause them to get dirty again at a much faster rate, not to mention the extra tangles you’ll have to deal with.

4. Let Them Dry Naturally Easier said than done, especially if we’re talking about non-removable hair pieces, but since this is what hair stylists always suggest when asked to reveal a few secrets on how to care for hair extensions, sticking with the “A stitch in time saves nine” proverb might not be such a bad idea. Pros often stress how detrimental excessive heat is to hair extensions and, since I’m sure you’re using it to style yours, laying off and giving your poor hair a break may be in order. Furthermore, being 30 minutes early when it comes to washing your hair and letting it dry fully will save you at least as much time in the morning as you won’t have to deal with tangles and odd creases resulting of sleeping with semi-wet hair.

5. Blow Dry Carefully In case you’re not into proverbs and believe the only thing an early bird can hope for is a set of gravity-abiding eyelids, you can at least make room in your routine for one cool blow drying tip. Use a low-heat setting to dry your extensions and surrounding hair first then style/dry the rest of your hair as usual. See? It’s quite simple, it won’t make your life complicated and you’ll still get to use your blow dryer with the only difference being the fact that you’re not applying excessive heat to this highly stressed area thus visibly reducing shedding and breakage.(NEVER USE HOT STYLING EQUIPMENT THAT EXCEEDS 200 DEGREES CELSIUS OR 392 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT).

6. Store with Care Your clip-ins, wigs or quick weaves need to be stored with love when unused! Only that way you can rest assured there won’t be any unpleasant surprises next time you decide to put them on. Clean, condition, dry and detangle them first then place them in an air-tight container big enough to accommodate them perfectly. Oh, and keep reading to find out more about hair extensions maintenance and learn how to care for hair extensions like a pro.

7. Tie Back In case your gorgeous locks can’t be removed before sleep or intense physical activity, you can always sweep them back in a ponytail. Make it a low one in case you won’t be doing much more than just sleeping to avoid not only tangles but creases too, or opt for a high pony while exercising to limit their exposure to sweat.

8. Wear a Swimming Cap Taking care of hair extensions in summer needs to include a serious cap-wearing habit as chlorine and salt aren’t your hair’s best friends. I know, I know… A swimming cap isn’t exactly the hottest headwear of the season but hey, the same could be said for a rat’s nest which is exactly the way the hair you paid good money for is going to look if exposed to these elements on daily basis.

9. Be Gentle with Your Hair Harsh pulling, wringing or a habit of knotting your hair tightly with no respect for its texture is a no-go if you want your extensions to last long! Furthermore, this might even damage your real hair, causing breakage and ruining your chances of having beautiful longish hair after the extensions are removed. Treat them well & keep up regular maintenance re-lifts.

10. Tilt Your Hair Back when Washing Can’t remove your extensions and wash them separately? No biggie! I have a few more tips on hair extensions maintenance that ought to help you wash like a pro. Avoid tangling by simply hopping into the shower and tilting your hair back instead of flipping your hair up and washing it over the sink or tub. It is a significant change of habits, I know, but it’s definitely worth it.

11. Visit Your Stylist Regularly Even the best quality extensions need upkeep which means that caring for hair extensions also involves regular trips to the salon for a pro checkup. Your hair can look absolutely gorgeous if you decide to follow the rules and check back with your stylist every 5 to 7 weeks for professional, thorough detangling, styling and re-fitting.

Oh, and don’t worry – caring for hair extensions isn’t as hard and time consuming as this super-long list of tips might make you believe. I just wanted to make sure you know as much as you can about hair extensions so you can care for them correctly and enjoy them for as long as you’d like!