#“It's impossible to get the nutrients you need from regular food... and that's why you feel “permanently” tired” Meet Karamd Pure Nature Inc

[yourgamemasterthewhiterabbit]

So to really oversimplify it, Calcium is what your body releases to signal your muscles and tissues to tense up, and Magnesium is what your body uses to tell your muscles and tissues to relax again.

An imbalance of these is BAD.

Too much or too little of either can stop your heart in extreme cases, and suddenly changing your serum/blood levels is particularly dangerous.

Part of why vitamin D is important but also why it's so fucked up supplements often contain magnitudes more than they claim they do, is because vitamin d so strongly impacts how much calcium -also iron- you will suddenly be absorbing from your food, which can trigger cardiac spasms [heart attacks with no clot].

This is why hard water causes muscle cramps and headaches, because it causes you to overdose on calcium, or alternately magnesium, depending on the hard water, location etc...

This is why "calcium channel blockers" relax heart muscle tension, lower your blood pressure and relax your muscles.

This is also why trying to relax your muscles more without lowering your blood pressure is fucking impossible. A problem for anyone with muscle tension but also low blood pressure. You literally cannot treat one without making the other a lot worse.

This is why magnesium supplements -IF YOU ARE DEFICIENT- can help with sleep, high blood pressure, pain and muscle tension.

This is also why -due to the physical feedback created by being physically unable to relax to your nervous system- magnesium can help with anxiety.

You need both for healthy bones too, btw, not just calcium supplements as you age.

Low calcium or too much magnesium can also cause slowed heart rate, missing heartbeats, dizziness, weakness and fatigue. HOWEVER, too much calcium can also cause skipped heartbeats and dizziness from a lack of proper circulation because your heart isn't relaxing enough between beats. Both are dangerous.

BOTH of these minerals can build up in your body and aren't like 'water soluble' nutrients in the body in the same way that vitamin C is for example where too much will just be flushed away, your body stores these bitches in your bones pretty obsessively, so it's a good idea to get your levels checked if you think supplementing either might help you. [Technically they are water soluble, but it's helpful to think of them as being like 'fat soluble' nutrients that your body will hold onto, just like, for bones and not fat... This is also why meat broth and meat in general is high in calcium, once life isn't holding the minerals in the bones it dissolves out into the meat.]

If you have problems with blood pressure, heart symptoms, tension or fatigue at all, it is a good idea to rule out low or high calcium or magnesium as a cause because it's a really simple thing to treat with supplements or dietary changes that doctors can't deny you once you have the information about your blood levels in your hands. You only need them to agree to check your levels here and there to make sure nothing is getting out of hand.

I'm not just saying "ask your doctor before supplementing" I am saying "Doctors are necessary idiots ask them to actually CHECK your blood levels before advising you on whether or not to supplement".

This is why I find it interesting that people with high blood pressure or chest pain or cardiac spasms are asked about their salt intake or told to avoid salt but aren't ever asked about their calcium intake. I'm kind of low-level pissed at all times that doctors don't check both of these mineral levels on a regular basis for everyone.

Having the right mineral levels, including these but also phosphorus and potassium and iron etc... has such a HUGE body-wide impact on things you would never guess they would impact so so badly, but they are like, the main components of the molecules your body uses to do everything, including like, signal nerves and move muscles. You use these things every time your heart beats and every time you breathe or have a thought, etc... They impact everything. Everything.

Hell a lot of lists of the minerals you need will straight up not even mention phosphorus, but your body uses phosphate groups to make ATP... You know, the molecule that is literally "energy" in your body at a cellular level. It is recommended that healthy adults get between 800 mg and 1,200 mg of phosphorus each day. And it's hard to source because most plant sources aren't bio-available unless you soak your grains [remember that trend of "activating" nuts and grains?... I like cokey-cola because is uses phosphoric acid in place of citric acid which gives it a dryer taste and helps my energy levels in ways not accounted for by the caffeine]. But also too much Phosphorus can pull calcium out of your bones and leave it free floating around your body to build up random places and cause problems!

Potassium is an important electrolyte in your BRAIN and without it you can't think critically and can be prone to all sorts of mental problems like confusion, depression, mental fatigue, running instinctively on autopilot and not engaging critically with ideas because you brain literally can't! Low Potassium makes you more susceptible to mental manipulation and lowers your defenses to negative thought patterns.

I know it can sound stupid and fake, but getting the nutrients you need really does impact your day to day health and specifically your energy levels and mood. Mineral deficiencies can cause depression, fatigue and anxiety and can make existing mental health problems so so much worse.

Kowing your micromineral levels is important! [I am sure trace minerals are important too but your body needs so little it's usually a lot harder to be deficient unless you have a very restricted diet or absorption issues].

Check your levels periodically with your doctor's help and make sure you keep them -not just- "in normal ranges" but have your doctor specify whether they are on the high or low end so you know where your wiggle room is to adjust accordingly depending on your symptoms and how those potentially reflect your personal body's needs. [ie: just because your iron isn't dangerously low doesn't mean supplementing it wouldn't help your energy levels, so long as you aren't getting too much, etc]

Btw this is also why starving yourself fucks you up. And it's why having a lot of food aversions gets tricky to manage. You need to eat. You need specific nutrients and not just calories [you need those too]. And by *need* I don't just mean you might feel slightly crappier in some vague abstract way, I mean you need it for your heart and brain to function correctly and for your muscles to move. [Your brain is you]

[wellstraightprofessional]

Frizzy Hair Repair Combo Free: Unlocking the Secrets of Hair Styling

 Combinations Managing frizzy hair can seem difficult, but remember, it's not impossible.

Is your hair feeling dry and frizzy?

 Well, the main reason is lack of food. But don't worry, you're not alone. In many cases, dry hair expands the cuticles to retain moisture, leaving the hair yellow and unsteady. Therefore, if you want to achieve straight hair without frizz, it is very important to use a Frizzy Hair Repair Combo formula. Considering your busy schedule, are you wondering how to do it? A few simple and time-tested tips can work wonders.

Following a few simple tips can prevent frizz and add nourishment and natural shine to your strands.

Assessing the root problem:

3 main causes of frizz Wondering why your hair is broken and out of sync?

 Well, it's hard for you for a few reasons. But if you want to find the cause of hair loss, read on to find out what the problem is:

1. Avoid oiling

If you don't oil your hair regularly, it will be more difficult. This will deprive your strands of all the nutrients they need. Regular use of the right oil will help seal the cuticles, thus retaining moisture. But if you're not ready to oil your scalp, hair care routines can quickly become dry and boring.

2. Environmental conditions

There are many environmental conditions that are constantly exposed to many environmental conditions, such as humidity, UV rays, dust and pollution, high temperatures, etc., which make it more difficult to control hair-free.

Are you wondering why?

Keep these things in mind while planning a hair care routine. However, it depends on the hair type and needs. Multiple washes can remove strands of moisturizers and natural oils. This will increase moisture and humidity.Fight frizz:

Effective tips for silky hairLooking for tips to get rid of frizzy hair forever?

Here are some ideas that will really help in creating a good product:

1. Choosing the right hair care products

If you want the best hair care for fine hair, it's important to buy Keratin Super Shine Mask  that soothe the scalp without drying it out. Also, make sure it's sulfate- and paraben-free, to reduce dryness. In addition, you can use a professional direct source for smooth strokes.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Your diet can determine the health of your hair. Make sure you are eating all the right nutrients in good portions. For example, eat foods that contain vitamins A, E, zinc and iron. This makes hair care easy by increasing the strength and shine of the follicles. Keep in mind that a nourished scalp can use a healthy oil to reduce dandruff.

3. Regular exercise

 If you want to treat ingrown hairs, you need to include exercise in your daily routine. Increased blood flow increases the susceptibility to breakage and split ends. What else? Sweating from the scalp while exercising helps open blocked pores and promotes oil distribution from root to tip.Caring for fine hair:

Tips for styling dry hair

Having fine hair doesn't mean you have to stop styling it . All you need to do is be careful. So here are some tips to keep in mind when styling dry locks:

1. Moisturize before photographing

Wash your locks before photographing and remember to use a moisturizing conditioner. It really hydrates your hair, makes it manageable and helps you tame frizz. Make this conditioner an essential part of your natural hair care routine. Also, if you want defined curls, you can use Dove curling gel.

2. Use heat protection

Heat from styling tools like hair dryers, irons, curling irons and electric rollers can often damage dry hair. Therefore, it is wise to use frizz solutions such as Keratin Super Shine Mask. Hairdressing tools should also be kept at a low temperature.

3. Avoid Harmful Chemical Treatments

Colouring and hair colouring are just cosmetic procedures. However, using harmful chemicals in paints and dyes can damage the fibre texture. So be sure to use ingredients that remove harmful chemicals and provide an all-natural hair care solution.

Best tips for dry and frizzy hair

Investing in the right products can do magic for dry and frizzy hair. But if you're looking for the best, try the best keratin hair shampoo. With bio protein power, these are scientifically formulated to nourish your hair and improve bounce. In addition, it reduces split ends, restores the natural shine and helps the strands. After using these masks you will see visible results and your hair will be very soft and less frizzy and smooth.

Grooming

Keratin Super Shine Mask Grooming: For those dealing with gray hair, incorporating a keratin Super Shine Mask into your grooming routine can be a game-changer. This mask not only hydrates and nourishes dry strands but also smooths out frizz, giving your gray hair a sleek, shiny appearance.

Preventing Frizz and Styling with Care: Use tips to prevent frizz and style your hair with a few precautions. Avoid harsh hair treatments that can strip your hair of moisture, and instead, choose a creamy keratin hair Shampoo  routine designed to hydrate and protect your hair. Sticking to this routine will help you achieve silky smooth results, allowing you to style your hair with confidence.

Get ready to welcome back the old days with lots of healthy, frizz-free hair. With the right frizzy hair repair combo and a consistent grooming routine, you can manage frizz, enhance shine, and embrace your natural hair, whether it's gray or any other shade.

[meditating-dog-lover]

Health update

I am feeling much better in general.

I'm in my luteal phase, so I do expect to experience some additional skin inflammation. However my face and neck have remained 100% clear despite this. 4 weeks ago they were inflamed.

So the DIM supplement is really helping me make improvements.

I've read that DIM supplements are safe to take longterm as well as the other nutrients in the supplement I have that support estrogen metabolism and liver detoxification pathways. I do not drink and I don't eat a lot of junk food, but a liver support supplement can be very helpful. DIM removes the harmful estrogens that contribute to estrogen dominance, PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hormonal cystic acne and skin rashes, and insulin resistance. We are exposed to these harmful estrogens, known as xenoestrogens, on a daily basis. It is found in plastics, receipts, and drinking water. It's been reported to cause early puberty in girls and dumping plastic waste into lakes has been shown to cause hormonal imbalances in frogs such as feminization and infertility. It makes sense because many plastics contain BPA which is an endocrine disruptor.

I am drinking reverse osmosis water and am eating organic foods that are on the dirty dozen list such as strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, and spinach. I try to use non-irritating skin and hair and teeth and body care products. It's impossible to avoid "toxins" 100% and it's worth being realistic. That's why I want to incorporate liver detoxification support.

The supplement I'm taking is expensive, but it is worth it. I take other supplements too and I can get cheaper yet good quality versions of those. I like my supplement because it contains DIM and other ingredients to support phase 1, 2, and 3 liver detoxification since DIM alone isn't enough.

I'm happy I am healing because I used to deal with severe skin inflammation. My face, neck, and ears are clear. My hands need a bit. But at least they look better than they did 4 weeks ago. I'm going to heal.

While I'm healing I also really want to help my dog heal too. He's a senior dog with colitis and IBS. So we cant to support his gut health with some supplements.

I've been drinking aloe juice as usual. I've been taking digestive enzymes before larger and my first meals each day. I feel they make a huge difference and I don't feel as bloated.

However, enzymes aren't the only thing that play a role in digestion. Stomach acid (HCl) does too. I know it is also helpful. I do not know if I need it though, and whether which one is better. I heard of a baking soda stomach acid test, but idk how I feel about doing that. But I've also heard that if you take betaine HCl and you experience burning, then you don't need it. If you don't experience burning, then you need it.

I can look for a supplement that combines both HCl and enzymes to get the benefits from both. I'll do my research. I know I can benefit from enzymes for sure because they help with fat absorption and I have issues with that. HCl is good for protein breakdown.

I'm getting a new toothpaste that contains nano-hydroxyapatite. I'm looking forward to using it in conjunction to my regular fluoride toothpaste. You can absorb fluoride through your toothpaste without swallowing it by sublingual absorption. I wonder if the same can happen with the minerals in the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste. I'll try it out.

Again I'm not sure why I have low phosphorus levels. Phosphorus tends to be rich in foods rich in protein and fats. So again, enzymes can help here and so can HCl potentially.

I'm sure the liver support supplement can help because the liver is also a digestive organ and can help with the digestion process along with enzymes and HCl.

[drgyana]

Understanding Cardiac Cachexia: Muscle Wasting in Heart Failure

Hey there! If you’ve heard the term “cardiac cachexia” and wondered what it’s all about, you’re in the right place. It’s a condition that pops up in some people with heart failure, and it’s tied to muscle wasting. Sounds a bit worrying, right? But don’t stress—I’m here to break it down in a simple, friendly way so you can get the gist of what’s happening and how to handle it. Let’s chat about it!

What Exactly Is Cardiac Cachexia?

So, cardiac cachexia is when someone with heart failure starts losing muscle and weight—not just a little, but in a way that’s hard to bounce back from. It’s not about skipping meals or hitting the gym too hard. Instead, it’s the body’s response to the heart not pumping blood as well as it should. When the heart struggles, it affects how nutrients and oxygen get around, and over time, the body starts breaking down muscle to keep things going. It’s like the body’s trying to fix one problem but ends up creating another.

This isn’t super common, but it shows up more in people whose heart failure has been around for a while or gotten pretty serious. You might notice someone looking thinner, feeling weaker, or just not having the energy they used to. It’s a sign the heart and body need some extra attention.

Why Does It Happen?

Here’s the scoop: heart failure messes with the body in a few ways. First, the heart’s weaker pumping means less blood flow to muscles, so they don’t get the fuel they need to stay strong. Then, there’s inflammation—think of it as the body being on high alert, which can chew through muscle tissue. Plus, the appetite often takes a hit. Maybe it’s nausea, or food just doesn’t sound good anymore, so less eating means less building blocks for muscles. It’s like a perfect storm that leaves the body running on empty.

Spotting the Signs

How do you know if cardiac cachexia is happening? Look out for unintended weight loss—especially if it’s muscle, not just fat. Someone might feel wiped out all the time or struggle with simple stuff like walking to the mailbox. Clothes might start hanging loose, and they could look frail. If this sounds familiar, it’s worth a chat with a doctor to figure out what’s up.

What Can You Do About It?

Okay, so it sounds tough, but there are ways to manage it! First things first, teaming up with a healthcare pro—like a cardiology doctor in Bhubaneswar if you’re in that area—is a smart move. They can check how the heart’s doing and come up with a plan. Here’s what might help:

Eat Smart: Getting enough protein and calories is huge. Think lean meats, beans, or even a smoothie with some peanut butter. If eating’s hard, small, frequent meals might be easier to handle. A dietitian can pitch in with ideas too.

Move a Little: Exercise might seem impossible, but gentle stuff like stretching or short walks can keep muscles from fading away completely. The key is to start slow and only do what feels okay—your doc can guide you here.

Medications: Sometimes, doctors tweak heart failure meds to ease the strain on the body or add something to boost appetite. It’s all about finding what works for you.

Stay on Top of It: Regular checkups help catch changes early. A cardiology doctor in Bhubaneswar or wherever you are can run tests to see how the heart and muscles are holding up.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Here’s the thing: tackling cardiac cachexia isn’t just about looking stronger—it’s about feeling better and keeping the body going longer. Muscle loss can make heart failure tougher to manage, so fighting back with good food, light activity, and the right care can really turn things around. It’s not about fixing everything overnight but taking small steps to improve day by day.

You’re Not Alone

If you or someone you love is dealing with this, it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it out solo. Doctors, nurses, and even support groups can offer a hand. Sharing what’s going on with family or friends might lift some of the weight too. The goal? Keep the heart and body as strong as they can be, even with heart failure in the mix.

Wrapping It Up

Cardiac cachexia might be a curveball, but understanding it is the first step to managing it. With a little know-how—like eating better, staying active, and leaning on pros—you can help ease the muscle wasting and keep life on track. So, if this is on your radar, don’t wait—reach out to a doctor and start making a plan. You’ve got this!

[strangecycletrash]

Sip Your Way Slim: The Ultimate Smoothie Diet for Rapid Weight Loss! 

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook healthy meals can feel impossible. That's where smoothie diets come in! Not only are they quick and easy to prepare, but they also pack a nutritional punch that can help you lose weight rapidly.  

What is a Smoothie Diet? 

A smoothie diet is a meal plan where smoothies replace one or more meals a day. These smoothies are made from a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and proteins that fuel your body while keeping calorie intake low. Smoothies can help boost metabolism, control hunger, and provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for weight loss. 

Why Choose Smoothies for Weight Loss? 

Smoothies offer a convenient and healthy way to cut calories without feeling deprived. Here’s why they’re great for weight loss: 

1. Portion Control 

Smoothie diets for weight loss, so, there’s no guessing how much you’re eating. This makes it easier to track calories and stick to your weight loss goals. 

2. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients 

Using fresh fruits, leafy greens, and protein-packed ingredients ensures that you get the nutrients you need without the empty calories. 

3. Boosts Metabolism 

Certain ingredients like berries, spinach, and chia seeds help rev up your metabolism, making your body burn calories faster. 

How to Start the Ultimate Smoothie Diet for Rapid Weight Loss 

To start the ultimate smoothie diet, follow these steps: 

1. Replace Two Meals with Smoothies 

For rapid weight loss, replace two of your daily meals with nutrient-dense smoothies. Breakfast and lunch are ideal times to drink smoothies, leaving dinner as your one whole-food meal. 

2. Focus on Balanced Smoothies 

Make sure each smoothie contains a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Avoid sugar-laden smoothies or pre-made mixes, which can hinder your weight loss efforts. 

3. Hydrate and Exercise 

Drinking plenty of water and adding regular exercise to your routine will enhance your results and keep you on track to losing weight. 

5 Delicious Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss 

Here are five smoothies that are perfect for your weight loss journey: 

1. Green Detox Smoothie 

Ingredients: Spinach, avocado, banana, almond milk, chia seeds 

Benefits: Full of fiber and antioxidants to detoxify your body. 

2. Berry Protein Blast 

Ingredients: Blueberries, strawberries, Greek yogurt, flaxseed, almond milk 

Benefits: Packed with antioxidants and protein to keep you full longer. 

3. Tropical Fat-Burner 

Ingredients: Pineapple, mango, coconut water, protein powder 

Benefits: Refreshing and loaded with fat-burning enzymes. 

4. Creamy Peanut Butter Banana 

Ingredients: Banana, peanut butter, protein powder, almond milk 

Benefits: Creamy and rich in protein to curb cravings. 

5. Citrus Energy Boost 

Ingredients: Orange, lemon, kale, ginger, honey 

Benefits: Zesty and invigorating, perfect for an energy boost and fat loss. 

Tips to Maximize Weight Loss Results 

To get the most out of your smoothie diet, keep these tips in mind: 

1. Avoid High-Calorie Add-Ins 

While it might be tempting to add syrups or sweeteners, these can quickly turn your healthy smoothie into a high-calorie snack. 

2. Incorporate Fiber 

Add fiber-rich foods like flaxseeds or oats to help with digestion and keep you feeling full. 

3. Stay Consistent 

Commit to replacing meals with smoothies every day for at least two weeks to see significant results. 

Conclusion 

Smoothie diets offer a fast and easy way to lose weight without the hassle of meal prep or counting calories. By choosing the right ingredients and sticking to a plan, you can sip your way slim and see rapid weight loss results. Whether you’re looking for a detox or just a healthier way to shed pounds, the smoothie diet is a simple and effective method to achieve your goals. 

[feelbetter2023]

Karamd Pure Nature Reviews - Does Karamd Pure Nature Work? ALERT!!!

[twstarchives]

This Happens, and I...

Card: Lab Coat - SR Characters: Epel, Crewel, Jack, Cater, Vil (mentioned) Notes: Connected to Lilia Lab Coat

Chapter 1

—ALCHEMY WORKSHOP—

Crewel: The lambent flower, as its name suggests, is a plant that radiates light.

This plant is able to convert various nutrients into magic power and store them.

When it blooms, it releases all of the magic it had saved, making it give off a radiant shine.

Its petals won’t stop giving off that magic after it blooms, so it withers very quickly, and it’s difficult to breed them.

In fact, our own school’s botanical garden has hardly any at all.

For our Magic Potions lab today, we’ll be using nectar from lambent flowers.

Obviously, this nectar is extremely valuable. So be very careful when you take some from the jar with your droppers, puppies...

(Shatter!)

Epel: AHH?!

Crewel: The puppy that barked just now...

You’re Pomefiore’s Epel Felmier, yes? If you have a question, then quietly raise your hand.

Epel: I don’t have a question, I just... um...

I hit the jar of lambent flower nectar with my elbow... and broke it.

Crewel: You what?! ...Y-You spilt more than half of it!

Epel: I-I’m sorry... I-I was careless...

Classmate A: Oh, no... You really screwed up. See you on the other side, Epel.

Epel: Huh?

Jack: I heard from one of my seniors that if you make Professor Crewel mad, your life as a human ends for good.

They said he “disciplines” any student who makes some stupid mistake till they’re bowing on the floor crying their eyes out.

Epel: Th-They’re just exaggerating...

Crewel: Exaggerating. Yes, exactly, only exaggerating. That comment made it very clear what your stance is on this.

First you waste valuable lab ingredients, and then brush it off like that...

You’ve got some nerve, you mutt!!

          (Crewel brings out his whip)

Epel: Ahh!!

Jack: Th-That had a lot of force there.

Epel: I-I’m sorry... I really am! It wasn’t on purpose...

Crewel: Be quiet! Bad boys who make excuses must be punished.

You spilt one teacup’s worth of nectar. Collect that much again, and don’t miss a single drop.

I’ll give you... yes, two months to do this. If you don’t have it all collected by then...

You know what’ll become of you, don’t you?

Epel: ...*Gulps*

(W-Well, he gave me a chance to make up for myself. I gotta break my neck tryin’!)

Yes, I understand. I’ll go and get back all the nectar I wasted.

Classmate B: ...No way Epel’s really gonna be able to do it. He looks like seeing a bug would be enough to send him screaming bloody murder.

Classmate C: He should just call it quits and tell him “I can’t do it” while he still can. That pretty boy’s got too much pride.

Classmate A: Oi, cut him some slack!

What are you going to do when that sheltered little boy starts bawling his eyes out? Hahaha!

Epel: ......

—BOTANICAL GARDEN - TEMPERATE ZONE—

Epel: I’m getting that lambent flower nectar no matter what!!

...It’s been a week since I promised myself that. I’ve been coming to the botanical garden to check on the flowers everyday, but...

I only planted five flowers, and they’re still just buds. I can’t get their nectar if they don’t bloom...

But even if they did bloom, I still only have five flowers—I wouldn’t even be able to get a whole spoonful of nectar.

And I have to get an entire teacup full? How am I supposed to do this?

Cater: What’s this~? I see Mr. Cutie from Pomefiore over there!

Epel: That voice... That’s gotta be Cater-san.

How many times do I have to tell you? My name’s not “Cutie,” it’s Epel.

Cater: Yup, yup, you’re as cute as ever today ♪

Have you thought about starting a Magicam yet? I could show you how.

I’ve said this before, but I think someone as cute as you could absolutely be an influencer~

Epel: ....Hah. Right now, I don’t have the time for that.

Cater: What’s the matter? You look glum.

Epel: Well...

Cater: So Professor Crewel told you to bring him one teacup’s worth of lambent flower nectar... I see.

Epel-chan, you poor thing. Wasn’t it obvious this was impossible from the start?

Epel: Huh?

Cater: Lambent flowers take about two to three years to bloom after they bud.

Epel: Whaaat?! T-Two to three years?!

Cater: That’s how long it takes to build up enough of that magic power they need to bloom.

So I don’t think there’s any way you could get a whole teacup in two months.

Epel: S-So then why did Professor Crewel tell me I only had two months to get the nectar?

Cater: Well, he lives by the motto “Discipline your dog till it stops biting the hand that feeds it.”

Epel: Discipline...?

Cater: He’s probably waiting for you to come crying “I can’t do this anymore~!” to him.

Epel: S-So, you mean... He was just being mean from the start?!

Cater: You got it~♪

Well, maybe it’s better to say it’s just his teaching style.

Huh? Epel-chan, are you listening?

Epel: ......

I... I’m not the best at studying... and yeah, I make a lot of mistakes... but... I always try to fix them...

And I... just want to be acknowledged...

So when he gave me a second chance, I thought “I have to put in everything I’ve got”...

But he was just being mean... My classmates were making fun of me too... I can’t believe this...

Cater: Wait, you’re actually really shocked?!

Epel: This happens, and I... I... and everyone got to... ah!

Cater: Hey, don’t cry, Epel-chan...

Epel: ...I want to prove them all wrong!!

Cater: That option?!

E-Epel-chan, you’ve actually pretty competitive, huh?

Epel: I'm not a mutt... or a pretty boy!

Cater: I think it’d be better if you apologized while you’ve still got time. ‘Cause this was an impossible game from the start...

Epel: It... can’t be impossible. I’m going to outsmart all of them!

Chapter 2

—INTERIOR HALLWAY—

Cater: Oh~? Are you heading back now, Epel-chan? Then let’s go to the Mostro Lounge together ♪

What do you say about making your Magicam debut by taking a selfie with me against a super aesthetic café backdrop?

Epel: Cater-san... Sorry, I can’t today, I think. I have to go to the botanical garden.

Cater: Botanical garden... What?

Are you still collecting lambent flower nectar because you want to prove yourself to Professor Crewel?

Epel: Yes, of course I am!

This is compensation for the valuable nectar I spilt. I’m going to pay it back.

Cater: You sure are stubborn. But remember we talked about how this was impossible from the start?

Apologizing ASAP will make everything sting less.

If you’re scared of Professor Crewel, want me to come with you?

Epel: C’mon! I thought I already told you “it can’t be impossible.”

Cater: Huh? What do you mean...?

Epel: Hehe... Here, come with me. I’ll show you something cool.

—BOTANICAL GARDEN - TEMPERATE ZONE—

Cater: Epel-chan, where are we going? We’re already really far into the botanical garden...

Epel: We’re almost there. Oh, here, I can see it.

Cater: Huh? Is something here...? Wait...

Whaaaaaat?

The flower bed is full of blooming lambent flowers!

Huh? You only had like five before, right? How many hundreds is this?

Plus they all look strong, and they’re already blooming flowers... No way...

How’d you do this?!

Epel: Hehe, it was as easy as a can of—er! It was very easy!

Remember what you told me, Cater-san?

About it taking time for lambent flowers to build up enough magic power to bloom?

Cater: Oh yeah, I remember.

Epel: Hearing what you said reminded me of something the teacher told us during class.

Crewel: This plant is able to convert various nutrients into magic power and store them.

When it blooms, it releases all of the magic it had saved, making it give off a radiant shine.

Epel: And in that case, if I just keep giving it nutrients, it’ll collect more and more magic and bloom quicker!

...Maybe? That’s what I thought.

But the store-bought soil you use for growing regular flowers wouldn’t work at all...

So I decided to give it a special fertilizer packed full of lots more nutrients everyday.

Cater: A special fertilizer?

Epel: I made it myself!

Cater: You say that in such a cute tone, like you just baked some sweets... but fertilizer, huh? You made some?

Epel: Yeah! It’s all inside this bag...

Cater: THAT STINKS!!

*Cough*... Wait... It’s making my eyes and nose burn!! What’s that disgusting smell?!

Epel: Ahaha, isn’t it normal for fertilizer to smell?

Cater: This is not normal!! This doesn’t bother you at all, Epel-chan?

Epel: It’s not that it doesn’t bother me, it’s just I’m used to field wor—wait, no, um... I’m used to gardening.

There’s so much fertilizer right at your disposal at this school! You could get as much food scraps as you want in the cafeteria.

Cater: Food scraps?!

Epel: And the most important thing to make this special fertilizer is...

Horse shit!

Cater: Horse... huh, what?

I just heard a word I never thought I’d hear coming out of the mouth of our delicate Epel-chan...

Epel: It’s horse shit. A horse’s dung. I’ve been getting some everyday from the horse-riding club.

The horses at this school eat really well, so they make loads of it everyday. It really helped me out.

Horse shit doesn’t just help grow the plants; it nurtures the soil too. It’s really the best fertilizer you could get!

Cater: D-Do you have to keep saying it so many times? Cay-kun is getting shaken up...

Umm, so, you’ve been collecting food scraps and horse dung everyday for two months...

Then mixed it together to make a suuuper smelly fertilizer, and that made the lambent flowers bloom at a crazy speed...?

Epel: Yeah!

Cater: Epel-chan, I can’t believe you! You’re way bolder than you look!

I’m actually blown away!

Crewel: Just when I thought I heard a ruckus over here... this is an odd pair. What are you doing in the botanical garden?

Hm? Don’t tell me I’m seeing... lambent flowers blooming in that flower bed?!

Epel: Professor Crewel, what do you think? I grew lambent flowers!

I’m really close to being able to get you one teacup’s worth of nectar... Please wait a little while.

If you’d like, I could even get a whole teapot’s worth.

Crewel: Heheh, hahaha! And here I thought you’d surely tuck your tail and come crying miserably to me... I didn’t see this coming.

You must have needed an extraordinary amount of dedication to raise lambent flowers up to this point, since they die so easily.

You’re a much pluckier puppy than I’d taken you for. Good boy, Epel Felmier.

Epel: Thank you...!

Crewel: However, don’t think I’m going to be lenient with your class and exam grades just because of this.

I’m just holding you in the same regard as the other puppies now.

This recognition is simply for making up for your shortcomings.

Epel: Yes, I understand. I’ll continue working as hard as I can from now on.

Crewel: Good answer. ...Keep this up and prove yourself to the other students too.

Epel: Okay!!

Cater: ...There you go! “Good boy” is Professor Crewel’s biggest compliment!

Epel: Ehehe...

Cater: All’s well that ends well, huh? ♪ Man, but anyway...

The sparkly, shiny lambent flowers, and a smiley Epel-chan. You wouldn’t even have to edit this; it’s already super photogenic.

Hey~ Is now the right time to make a Magicam account? I’m sure you’d go viral!

Epel: I’m sorry. I’m going to go to the library now... to study!

I’m going to keep doing my best in Potions... and maybe... I’ll even be able to surpass the Dorm Leader!

See you later, Cater-san. Excuse me!

Cater: Ehh~! Don’t be so cold~ Your super nice senior¹ will help you study~!

1. Your super nice senior

Cater refers to himself as “oniisan” (big brother), but I tried to substitute with something more fluent-sounding that still conveys a similar feeling of familiarity/him being “older”

[miekasa]

💉 in the case of erwintholomew, our most esteemed blonde dad

before the pandemic, they barely interacted. erwin was levi’s friend after all. although the rest of the gang had bonded with oc, erwin was less visible. he was polite of course, charming even! in uni days (erwin works in corporate now, so his major is business/econ/accounting whatever yall want!), every single history and literature professor fell in love with erwin. as did the barista at the school cafe, the friday night guard, the park street sweepers, and every member of the tai chi ladies club who practiced during weekends at the park where he made his morning run. he always greeted them and yelled “great form, keep it up, ladies!” when he passed by.

of course he tried to turn up the charm on oc (old habit). but. but. oc was just. unaffected. she treated him no differently from the others in his friend group. no swooning or giggling or bashful smiles. she didn’t even blush when he tried his smoulder while offering her some of his enhanced fruit smoothie (enhanced with spinach and kale). she laughed and declined, opting instead for a berry smoothie that she loaded with full-fat yogurt and honey. he was aghast. and levi said oc was a doctor? (levi might have been laughing silently in the background. hange was full-on cackling while moblit was trying to shush them.) he didn’t dwell on it much, it’s not like they saw each other a lot. but then the pandemic struck. being confined to one living complex meant he was lucky to see his friends still. they were at levi’s, watching a movie, when it happens.

oc walks through the door and hange yells “hiiiiii!” she waves at them tiredly. and starts stripping. at the door. in front of everyone. erwin’s blood pressure spikes. his face goes red. he’s staring with his mouth half open, thick brows knitted together. levi snaps his fingers to shake him out of it. moblit is tapping his shoulder more forcefully by the minute while hange has begun asking oc about her day. they’re talking amiably as if oc wasn’t by the door, in her underwear, spraying her things down with alcohol. she catches erwin’s staring and laughs out loud. by this time, moblit has hidden behind the couch and levi has buried his head in his hands from secondhand embarrassment. oc asks him if he’s never seen people in bikinis. “it not as if a bra and undies covers anything less!”. (erwin will later be relieved that she understood him and did not pin him for a creep). hange says erwin just doesn’t function like a regular human. he’s more of an intergalactic species with elements of dad-ness to him.

hange: he’s kind of like a DILF but also a dad!

moblit audibly groans in embarrassment. oc giggles and walks to the bathroom to shower like nothing happened. levi and hange both give erwin a slap, and that pulls him out of it.

levi: you’re redder than a hot cheeto, your elderly highness

erwin: what’s a DILF?

a few headcanons of their relationship:

he still gets flustered seeing oc strip down after work. he fainted once when hange began talking about oc’s bra and the little birds embroidered on her underwear (on her butt). oc sighs and just tells levi to elevate erwin’s legs and let him smell something pungent. moblit has a picture of him passed out. it’s printed and framed on hange’s shelf.

he almost popped a blood vessel when oc once asked him what was the difference between debit and debt and dividends.

oc: i’m a science nerd, erwin, i don’t know jack shit about business jargon!

erwin: these are accounting terms! they’re totally different!

oc: to-ma-to, to-mah-to?

erwin just really has to ask. really. because he’s erwin. “

erwin: do you ever think of a different line of work? i mean, it is a very scary virus and a pandemic

oc: erwin, i went through a decade of academia for this. still going through it. and i need to pay rent and put food on the table!

levi is rolling his eyes in the background because this little shit said that with her whole chest while she was literally living off peanut butter.

erwin is also stressed with oc’s eating habits with particular attention to nutrients and calorie count. he tried giving oc an organic diet plan, but oc sat him down and debunked every single thing about trendy diets. she also bugs him stop dieting. “diets are not foolproof! erwin, you are 250 lbs of healthy muscle! one burrito won’t hurt!”

they once had a romcom movie night. it was cheesy and fun and perfect for unwinding. until the sex scene happens.

oc: why do men just stick it in? where is the foreplay?

hange: mhmm the male gaze has ruined men, amazing how men ruin themselves

erwin, turning red: do people really talk about detailed sex so casually? i mean we’re in public?

levi: yes, erwin, grow up

moblit, whispering: it wasn’t even detailed, erwin, please

he does go to oc when he pulls a muscle or strains something. she tut-tuts while wrapping up a joint or icing and stretching his sore muscles and tells him to take it easy on the workouts. he’s also started sending fitness health articles to oc, and oc patiently confirms or debunks each one with sound medical and scientific basis.

he lets oc use his gym. she works out in a sports bra and cycling shorts because she says it means less laundry for her. oc usually just runs (speedwalks actually, and jesus, erwin is itching to turn up the speed) on his treadmill for 20 minutes. then she cycles for another 20 minutes and calls it a day. he tried to take on the role of her trainer and gave her a workout regimen. oc makes it to five sit-ups, ten burpees, and a single 1-minute plank before she falls flat, gasping like a fish out of water, and gives up. she’s flat out on his gym floor, but she tells erwin she appreciates him. erwin had to give her a piggy-back ride back to her apartment though.

levi:you died after five sit ups?

oc: shut uP, LEVI

whenever she uses his gym, she leaves him food. a slice of cake, donburi from the japanese place, a salad bowl, fajitas, some mochi, a parfait. not once has her gift of food been a part of his diet plan, but he eats them heartily. he hides when he eats the desserts, even if he’s roomie-free. he just feels like he’s cheating too much.

he never quite gets used to oc. she’s nice and wonderful, but she still manages to surprise him. a lot. to others, it may seem like oc enjoys pulling his leg (to hange’s endless delight), but in reality, she’s just trying to help him navigate and acclimatize to the ever-changing modern society and social norms. levi notices, of course, and it only makes him fall so much harder 😌

it’s fun to clown erwin within reason, really vibing with the modern au erwin on here 😌 but yeah, this is how i picture their interactions and dynamics 😭

THIS IS PERFECT OMFG BYE!! I love, love, love the idea of just... slightly socially aloof, but very professionally proficient Erwin trying to make friends with Levi's.... well not his s/o but his very obvious crush at least LMAOOO. I love it, I really, truly do anon, you continue to deliver 😌😌

OC: Erwin, I went through a decade of academia for this. Still going through it. And I need to pay rent and put food on the table!

Levi is rolling his eyes in the background because this little shit said that with her whole chest while she was literally living off peanut butter.

HELP LEVI IN THE BACKGROUND BECAUSE HE WOULD 😭😭 LITERALLY LIVING OFF OF PEANUT BUTTER BYEEE the amount of unconscious lies Levi could expose oc for... I get the feeling he's /this/ close to strapping her to the dining room chair and spoon feeding her himself

Levi: you’re redder than a hot cheeto, your elderly highness

Erwin: what’s a DILF?

HELP THIS IS MY FAVORITE EXCHANGE LMAOO. Levi clowning Erwin, Erwin being too confused too even respond to Levi's jab; he's still processing being called a DILF, and I just know that Levi isn't gonna be the one to explain it, but god forbid Hange does lmfaooo

OC makes it to five sit-ups, ten burpees, and a single 1-minute plank before she falls flat, gasping like a fish out of water, and gives up. she’s flat out on his gym floor, but she tells erwin she appreciates him. erwin had to give her a piggy-back ride back to her apartment though.

Levi: you died after five sit ups?

OC: shut uP, LEVI

Okay first of all, relatable, bye... something about the atmosphere of any gym, even if it were privately owned by a blonde businessman, makes it impossible for me to actually work out 😭😭 The fact that Erwin piggy-backed her back to her apartment is so cute please, I know they never quite get used to each other, but the friendship they have going on right now is so damn cute in an unconventional way, I adore it. Definitely an unexpected pair of friends and they don't... /quite/ work, but they also do. Incredible

Also not Levi coming for her, listen, not all of us are built like you, also you know damn well she's been living off of peanut butter sandwiches, OF COURSE she was gonna die after a few sit ups 🙄🙄 if you wanna help her improve, then start cheffing it up smh

[trenderblog]

Why the Scale Isn't the Only Measure of Weight Loss

The scale can be your worst enemy or your best friend when it comes to weight loss. That’s because even though you’re shedding pounds, the number on the scale may not change at all. So what gives? If you’re losing fat and gaining muscle, why isn’t the scale budging? This article will help you better understand what’s happening to your body on both sides of the scale so that you can rest assured that your weight loss efforts are paying off in full!

Benefits of Working Out

Exercise not only burns calories but increases your overall metabolic rate. Meaning that even while you're doing nothing, your body is still burning calories at a faster rate than normal (that's called EPOC, or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). To lose weight safely and sustainably, you should aim to exercise for 30-60 minutes at least 4 days per week. I recommend starting out with 3 days per week for 12 weeks to build some sustainable fitness habits. Make sure to track your progress so you can get motivated! If you don't already have a gym membership, here are some ideas on how to get started with exercise without one. For example, check out my Get Fit With Bodyweight challenge or these 6 Ways to Exercise Without Exercise Equipment.

Improving Nutrition

To lose weight safely and efficiently, try to increase your intake of nutrient-dense foods. These are foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds essential for proper growth and development (things like fruits, vegetables, eggs, whole grains). Think lean meats like fish and chicken or complex carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal—not empty calories from candy bars or chips. And make sure you don’t go overboard; there is such a thing as too much healthy food! If your goal is to bulk up (rather than lose weight), then adding more protein will help you pack on pounds faster. We'll explore both options in greater detail below.

Stay Hydrated

Most people know you need to stay hydrated, but it's often hard to remember. By making sure you have water with you at all times, whether it's in a purse or your car, you'll be able to stay on top of your fluid intake. It can help to carry around a reusable water bottle or travel mug that way there's no excuse not to drink up! Drinking enough water daily can also help with another important weight-loss goal: regularity. If you're feeling constipated while trying to lose weight, try increasing your intake of H2O—it may just do the trick.

1) Stop Focusing on the Numbers

You’ve probably noticed by now that if you’re looking to lose weight, focusing on numbers like pounds and inches is far from a science. Since people come in all shapes and sizes, it’s impossible to compare yourself to others and make assumptions about whether or not you should lose weight. Instead, take stock of how your clothes fit as well as how you feel every day. Maybe that means making sure that your pants fit without you having to suck in or take them off when no one is around. Whatever it is for you, don’t forget that those numbers on a scale can be deceptive; they don’t tell the whole story and don’t always mean progress toward long-term goals.

2) Focus on Other Forms of Progress

If you’re not seeing weight loss results from your exercise routine, it’s important to focus on other forms of progress. In addition to increasing muscle mass and building endurance, working out can also lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and your risk for heart disease. If you’re in good shape physically, you might even live longer than people who don’t work out at all—even if they're in much better shape than you are! Also remember that no matter how well-rounded you are as an athlete, proper nutrition is still essential for overall health. Don't forget that in terms of diet and physical activity, there's a difference between losing weight and getting fit.

3) Be Proud of What You've Accomplished

As you start to lose weight, make sure you remain proud of what you’ve accomplished. A lot of people who lose weight can become very rigid with their diets and exercise routines – they’ll only eat a certain amount or do certain exercises, for example. But it’s important to recognize that your body is always changing, so it may be time to change your strategy as well. You may need to slightly increase or decrease calories or go on a lower-intensity exercise routine than you were doing before if, say, your muscles aren’t getting enough nutrients.

4) Don't Do Anything Unsafe

When we're just starting an exercise program, our muscles and joints can easily become injured if we push ourselves too hard, too fast. Paying attention to your body and knowing how it's responding is crucial in gauging when you're pushing yourself too far. If you start to feel sharp pains in your knees or notice that your heart rate is elevated for several hours after working out, it's a sign that you need to cut back on both frequency and intensity levels until your body is ready for more work. Remember, low-level exercise for longer periods of time will help keep weight off over time better than intense exercise sessions for shorter amounts of time.

5) Create A Plan

As mentioned, it's important to make a plan before beginning your fitness routine. If you don't set goals for yourself, you'll have no way to keep track of how your performance is improving over time. Set measurable goals that are easy for you to achieve on a weekly basis. For example, if your goal is to run faster by next month, aim for three-minute mile pace by week 4. Focus on only one or two goals at a time so that they aren’t too overwhelming or complicated.

What a Good Workout Plan Entails

Make your plan clear. It should include three parts: strength, endurance and flexibility. Each section should have exercises that are progressive in nature, meaning they get harder over time. Beginners may not be able to do all exercises at first, but try your best. They can build up to them as they gain more experience. To stay consistent with workouts, consider putting them on a calendar so you don’t have to think about them all day long. If you miss a day or two at first, don’t worry—just try to get back on track quickly.

6) Create Other Measures of Success

What's great about your body is that it changes with you, but many people make one big mistake when trying to measure progress: they look at how much weight they've lost, which can be misleading. For example, losing muscle will weigh more than fat, so if you aren't gaining muscle mass as you lose fat mass, then your weight loss might not be as substantial as it sounds. Instead of looking at only scale weight (which often isn't even accurate), track other metrics like body fat percentage or waist circumference to ensure that your success is coming from real changes in overall health. Consistently tracking these numbers over time will provide a good snapshot of your progress and give you something positive to discuss with your doctor during checkups.

7) Finding a Partner

Studies show that people who exercise with friends tend to stick with their workout routines longer than those who exercise on their own. And while some studies suggest that workouts are more effective when they're led by a personal trainer, research shows that personal trainers don't have much impact on motivation or weight loss. If you want to lose weight, it's best to find an activity partner or group fitness class, where you can work out alongside others who share your same goals. But if you really want to get in shape—and keep it off for good—find someone to help hold you accountable and plan activities you'll both enjoy. That way, whether it's taking cycling classes together or meeting for coffee after a long run, your partner will be with you every step of the way.

Choosing a Good Workout Partner

If you’re new to exercise, or looking for some new motivation, try meeting up with a friend who likes to work out. According to Dr. Edward Laskowski, medical director at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, people are more likely to stick with an exercise plan if they're exercising with someone else. With a partner there's more accountability—if you don't feel like working out today then you'll feel guilty letting your buddy down! Working out together also helps keep things fresh; instead of doing the same routine day after day, mix it up and try something new. Even if it's just running on different surfaces (like track instead of treadmill). If nothing else, your friend will provide inspiration by getting fit too!

8) Finding Time

It’s not that you don’t have time to exercise—but rather, making sure you make it a priority. The old adage If something is important enough, I’ll find time for it is wrong. We all have 24 hours in a day, and if something isn’t important enough to make time for now, it probably won’t be important enough later. Use your calendar or to-do list as an extra kick in helping your find at least 30 minutes to get moving every day.

What to Give Up To Make Time

Losing weight might seem like an impossible task, especially if you work full-time. To make things easier on yourself, determine which non-essential (or guilty pleasure) activities you could give up to make time for exercise. For example, you might decide to stop going out with friends after work for happy hour every week night and take up running instead. This way, it's a treat (you can still go out) and not a chore (you're getting in your run). Depending on your personal circumstances, there are lots of ways to create extra time; an hour once or twice a week at first is fine to start.

9) Diversity of Training

To lose weight successfully, you must be able to improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, increase your lean muscle mass and decrease body fat percentage. By not training each aspect equally, you won’t see optimal results from any one component. For example, a distance runner who neglects resistance training will eventually develop a disproportionately large amount of muscle compared to their level of cardiorespiratory fitness. In contrast, an aerobic exercise-focused program that doesn’t emphasize strength training will compromise lean muscle tissue and limit weight loss potential. Resistance Training: You burn more calories while doing it than while resting; therefore you should dedicate at least two days per week to weightlifting or other forms of resistance training.

Cardio Benefits

A regular aerobic exercise program can not only help you lose weight but also strengthen your heart and bones, improve your balance and coordination, reduce stress, and stave off a variety of diseases. As a result, it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Your specific heart rate zone depends on your current fitness level. If you’re in poor shape when you start an exercise routine, it may be best to do something less intense like walking for 30 minutes five times per week. But if you’re already in good shape, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is very effective at boosting metabolic conditioning with little time commitment. High-intensity interval training is simply alternating periods of work with rest.

Weight Workout Benefits

A person’s weight can fluctuate depending on their diet, activity level and fluid retention levels. If you are working out but not seeing results on the scale, don’t give up! Instead, take note of your body’s changing measurements. Most trainers recommend weighing yourself once a week at most, to track your long-term progress more accurately. Measuring your waistline is a great way to monitor how well your workout routine is helping you slim down. Fat tends to accumulate around midsection first, which can eventually lead to health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Monitoring changes in waist size helps give a better picture of where fat is being lost as opposed to muscle gain or water retention.

10) Beating Boredom

It’s common to look at exercise as a monotonous, joyless chore—something you do only because you know it’s good for you. If that’s how you feel about working out, it might be time to change your attitude. For one thing, it might mean fewer pounds on your frame over time. More importantly, though, it means an increased quality of life. Make sure you don’t fall into ruts with your workout routine; keep your body guessing by doing things like mixing up strength training with high-intensity interval training or boot camp classes. It will make exercising more enjoyable—and more effective! After all, no one likes doing the same thing over and over again...except maybe rats in cages!

[crewhonk]

Only Happy Accidents (two)

Summary: After being ghosted by YN, a girl he turned out really liking, Steve goes to her door to find out just what he did wrong.

Warnings: pregnancy test stress, gross food cravings, NatBucky fluff, stressed!Steve

Songs: “Archer”- Taylor Swift

Masterlist

____________________________

November 14th / 2nd Week

YN YLN felt like someone came down from heaven and took a shit on her face. She had felt wonderful since Steve had been over up until now, and she groaned, burying her face into her pillow and trying t find any lingering scents of Steve on her pillow. She made a noise in the back of her throat when she found nothing but the scent of her own shampoo. She reached over to her phone under her pillow and looked at it, a thrill shooting through her body when she saw that she had a text from none other than the Retired Captain America. 

From: Grandpa

Morning, pretty thing :)

The dork hadn’t sent her one single emoji, and she doubted that if he even knew what they were that he would like them. ‘too kiddish’, she could hear him say and she kicked her feet like a teenager. 

To: Grandpa

Morning, handsome! How was ur morning so far??

She locked her phone and checked the date on the lockscreen, squinting at the number suspiciously. There was something supposed to be happening right now. Today was a Thursday, so she had it off, but there was something else personally. 

Her eyes widened, and every nerve in her body felt as if it had been dipped in ice water. 

She was supposed to have gotten her period eight whole days ago. 

She ripped her blankets off of her, and pulled her pants down, groaning when there was no blood to be found and cursing to herself. She had always been regular with her cycle. She tracked it, and took vitamins and magnesium and iron supplements and even went sustainable with it— got a diva cup and everything. Sure, her period sucked but it was usually one thing that she could count on to be on time. 

She rushed to the bathroom to splash water on her face and wracked her brain to try to remember if she and Steve had used protection. They had in the morning, she knew— she made sure to roll the condom on herself and everything but the night before was so quick and hurried and oh, God. No. No they had not used protection. 

Fuck. 

“MICHAELA!” She screamed, walking quickly out to the kitchen where her best friend and roommate was, hunched over some law books and eating her smoothie bowl breakfast. YN didn’t even bother teasing her about it and met Michaela’s surprised eyes with her own very, very scared ones. 

“What? Are you bleeding out? What the fuck?” She yelled back, clutching her heart while moving to mop up the glass of water she spilled across the island. 

“No I’m— okay, so you know the guy I had over on Halloween that I told you about?” She started and Michaela nodded nervously. 

“Magic Dick Steve? I remember.”

“Well I don’t think— I don’t think we used protection? The first time? We were both pretty drunk and—“ YN had started to shake. “And I might be reading into it too much but I’ve been really tired lately and my boobs are really, really sore and I’ve been really nauseous? Maybe It’s the flu but I’ve— my period it late.” She finished, and watched as Michaela’s eyes widened. 

“You’re never late.” She whispered, and YN felt tears well up in her eyes. 

“I know.” She mumbled and Michaela stood, walking around the counter and pulling her to her. She hugged her tightly and pulled away, dragging YN down the hallway and back to the bathroom. 

“I didn’t tell you this, but a few months ago when you were in Peru with that Anthropology dig, me and Charlie had a scare and I got a whole bunch of these guys.” She held up a box of thin, paper pregnancy tests from the bottom cabinet. 

“Isn’t that when you went off your pill?” She asked, taking the box. Michaela nodded. 

“Yeah, turns out my body freaked out hugely and said ‘fuck you’ to my period that month.” She shrugged. “Take a few, and we’ll take it from here, okay?”

________________________

So, YN peed in a disposable mouthwash cup (and on her hand a little bit, but we won’t talk about that) and dipped three tests into it, laying it out on the edge of the tub and sliding down he closed door after setting a timer on her phone. Time seemed to become impossibly slow for three whole minutes and she jolted violently when her phone went off. She checked it, and tears welled up in her eyes when she saw that she had gotten a text from Steve. 

From: Grandpa

I’m pretty good. miss you though.

She put her phone back down and stood, opening the door and calling shakily from Michaela. She showed up seconds later, and wiped YN’s tears from her face. 

“I can’t— I can’t look.” She whimpered and Michaela shushed her softly. 

“You can.” Her voice acted as an anchor for which YN could ground herself with and she tried to move her feet towards the tests. 

“What do I do with Steve? I can’t— it would trap him. I don’t even know the guy. I can’t just drop a bomb like that on him when we haven’t even gone on a date yet.” She cried and Michaela frowned, her heart breaking for her friend. 

“From what you’ve told me, he’ll be there for you. He seems like a good guy. Now, let’s look, okay?”

YN nodded and with the help of Michaela, walked across the bathroom and ducked down to see if there was anything other than the first red line. She squinted, and let out a huge breath when there was no line on the first two tests. She checked the last one, and every organ in YN’s body burst into flames when she thought she could see a second, very faint line. 

“Michaela.”

“What.”

“Is that a second line? On the last test.” She whispered, as if raising her voice any louder was going to make the line darker. Michaela leaned in close and squinted, freezing when she did, in fact, see the second line. 

“I think so. I think it is.” She confirmed, and YN’s knees gave out. Her hand absently fell to her lower stomach and she lower lip trembled. 

“This may not be it, though okay? Let’s go to Planned Parenthood and get a real test, okay? Then we can spend thirty dollars on a really good test and we’ll make a plan from there, okay?” Michaela sunk other knees and held YN’s face, wiping more tears away and offering her a small smile. 

“Okay.”

_______________________

There was no way that all ten tests in front of her were wrong. There was no way the printed diagnosis from Planned Parenthood and a pamphlet reading ‘Plans For The Single Parent’ were telling her that her uterus was empty. There was no way the Clearblue test reading ‘Pregnant: 2-3 weeks’ was wrong— it better not be, considering it was a whole thirty dollars. 

YN sat staring at them, bouncing her leg and glancing at her phone every few seconds, half expecting for Steve to already know despite his three unresponded-to-texts still on her lock screen. She could hear Michaela talking to her boyfriend, Charlie in the other room and YN felt truly and utterly alone.

However, her hand had yet to leave her stomach during the whole day, as if the idea of a baby being in there (despite it being no more than a bunch of cells at this point) was a point fo focus for her. Despite the overwhelming elements fo her situation, there was a flutter of excitement in her chest. She had never wanted kids, and then the snap happened, and she was gone and then she was back, and her dad, who was in a plane during the snap had fallen from 5 miles in sky and landed belly first in the ocean. But now that it was a very real possibility, she couldn’t help but get a little excited. 

There was one one person she truly wanted to talk to, right now. The urge to hear their voice overpowered any other feeling and YN reached for her phone, choosing the first contact she recently texted and waited as the phone rang. 

“Hello?”

“Mom? I need your help.”

_______________________

November 31st, 4th Week

“This is probably the grossest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Why are you making this monstrosity in my house?” Michaela groaned, pulling the neck of her turtleneck sweater over her nose as she walked into the kitchen. YN rolled her eyes and shook her head, bouncing lightly to the music playing from her laptop. 

“Just because you’re the pickiest human in the world doesn’t mean other people can’t eat fun foods,” YN replied, lifting the lid on the stove and sniffing deeply. 

“Canned crab with sauerkraut on crackers is not a fun food.” Michaela grumbled and sat at the counter. YN rolled her eyes and stirred the pot, shrugging her shoulders. 

“What baby wants baby gets.” She replied simply and closed the lid, leaning against the counter beside the stove and cocking her head. “Would you prefer boiled clams in hot sauce  or crushed up Doritos dipped in a Starbucks Frappuccino to this or—?” YN trailed off and Michaela gagged openly, covering her mouth. 

“Maybe a salad. With nutrients that the baby needs.” She replied and YN rolled her eyes, opening the cabinet beside the fridge and turning around to stare at Michaela. Her eyes raked over the prenatal supplements and vitamins marked for different days of the weeks and then to the daily pill organizer in YN’s hand. 

“I’ve also cut my coffee from five cups to half a cup because I’m paranoid and I’m not eating dairy, which is hard because you know how much I loved pineapple and cottage cheese together. And this is the only meal I’ve been able to eat this week without getting nauseous and throwing up.” She commented, turning back and turning off the stove. Michaela walked over and leaned over the pot, wrinkling her nose but grabbing a spoon nonetheless. 

“I’m going to try it. Not because I’m curious but because I’m supporting my single-pregnant best friend.” She said, saying a little prayer and shoving the goopy mess into her mouth. She froze, chewed once and gagged, grabbing YN’s hand and spitting the mouthful of food into her hand. 

“I hate you.” She grumbled and stuck her head under the sink, rinsing her mouth and making her laugh loudly, clutching her chest. It was only seconds after that there was a knock on their door which YN made to get. She turned to her friend and pointed. 

“I made you do nothing. That was fully consensual on your part.” She laughed, spinning and opening the door with a smile. 

It was Steve. Holding a bouquet of her second favourite flowers. Smiling nervously with those blue eyes and big muscles and beard and short, carefully styled hair. She remembered in flashes the sound he made when he moaned. The sound he made when she made him laugh. The way he looked sucking whipped cream off her finger. The way his voice sounded that one time when they talked until five in the morning. 

So, she did what any sensible person did and slammed the door in his face. 

At the sound, Michaela walked around the corner, peeking behind YN to see that the door was still closed. There was a knock and Steve’s voice saying something YN couldn’t hear over the blood rushing in her ears. 

“Who is it?” Michaela whispered, seeing the fear in her eyes. 

“Steve.” YN replied, her mouth feeling as if it was stuffed with cotton. Michaela pushed past her and looked through the peep hole, ducking immediately and turning to her with wide eyes. 

“That’s Steve?! You fucked Captain America on our kitchen counter and then hand fed him waffles?” Michaela whisper-yelled. 

“First off, he’s not Captain America anymore. Sam Wilson is, and second yes. Steve isn’t really an uncommon name so..” YN trailed off uselessly and Michaela looked to YN’s stomach. 

“Well I mean it makes sense,” Michaela said quickly. “All of your symptoms are stronger and you only had sex once without protection so it makes sense he has super sperm.” He said and YN shushed her as if Steve was on the other side with his ear to the door. 

“What do I do.” YN deadpanned and Michaela bit her lip. 

“You know what I think you should do. I think it’s time to tell him.” She said and YN nodded, wiping her hands on her pants and walking to the door, hesitating briefly before turning the doorknob and opening it. 

“YN. Hi.” He seemed breathless, and he looked at her softly. “Are you okay? I’m sorry I should have texted, but you weren’t responding and I got worried.”

YN shook her head and opened the door wider. “Steve, I think you should come in. We need to talk.” She whispered, and his shoulders fell as if he was expecting her to say something like this. 

“I figured.” He mumbled, handing Michaela the flowers and following YN to the living room where she pulled a shoe box from the shelf under the table and placed it on the top. 

“What’s going on, YN? Did I do something wrong?” He asked, turning towards her. She sat straight, not taking her eyes off the box in front of her and shaking her head. 

“You’ve been perfect Steve, and none of this is your fault, I should have been more responsible.” She whispered, her throat thick. She could hear Michaela eavesdropping from the kitchen. 

“Then what—?” He trailed off and went to touch her, but pulled away at the last second, not wanting to upset her further. 

“Something happened and I don’t— I don’t know what to do.” She said, finally looking at him with shining eyes. His face crumpled at the sight of her tears and h scooted closer to her, grabbing her hand gently. 

“I can help, YN. Whatever it is I can help you.” He said softly, holding her hand in both of his own. 

“I couldn’t ask that of you, Steve. Not with this— we hardly know each other.” She sniffed and wiped her nose on her sleeve. She noticed briefly how good Steve looked in his brown coat and jeans and scarf and boots but shook her head when her periphery caught sight of the box on the table. 

“YN.” He said sternly and she melted slightly, squeezing her eyes shut. 

“I’m pregnant, Steve. The baby is yours— it has to be. There hasn’t been anyone since the snap except for you.” She finally said in one quick breath, she looked up at him to gauge his reaction. His face was a flat of marble, no expression or emotion in his eye. She half expected him to stand up and walk out until she remembered that this was, in fact, Steve Rogers and walking away from a challenge was unheard of. That’s what the textbooks said, anyways. She lifted the cover on the box and he peered in, eyes widening when he saw all the tests and pamphlets she had been reading and collecting. 

“Okay.” He said finally and he seems to be wracking his brain for something to say. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Were you just going to wait until you had him to tell me and collect money or something?” He asked. YN raised her eyebrows and shook her head fervently. 

“No, no, no, no, Steve. I would never. I just didn’t— I don’t— know what to do.”

“What do you mean?” He asked, reassuring her by his tightened grip on her hand. 

“I wasn’t sure how to tell you and what you would want to do with her.” She said and he raised his eyebrows. 

“It’s a girl?” He whispered, looking down to her stomach. She shook her head. 

“No, she’s nothing more than a bunch of cells, but ‘she’ just comes naturally to me? You said she was a ‘he’ earlier, so.” She smiled softly and he returned it, not looking away from her stomach. 

“Well, what are the options?” He asked, looking up at her and she shook her head. 

“One, I keep her and you leave.” She started and he looked genuinely affronted. 

“Not a chance. Next.”

“I go to Planned Parenthood—“

“No. Next.”

“I keep her, and you stay.” She whispered, looking up at him nervously. He froze, but nodded surely and cleared his throat. When he spoke he sounded rather choked and it made tears return o her eyes. 

“That’s an option for you?” He whispered and she nodded. 

“It’s my ideal option, Steve. This is your baby too.” She replied, equally quiet. He looked up and pulled her closer to him and she let it happen. Now, their thighs were pressed against the other and their heads were closer together. 

“You move into my place, though. I’ll get rid of my office so we can make it into a nursery and I keep work at work and family at home. I’d like to know you’re both safe.” He said, jumping to what he wanted to happen. She nodded. 

“That’s petty reasonable.” She commented. “I don’t have much, so it shouldn’t be a big deal.” 

“Your turn. Name a demand.” He returned and she wracked her brain. 

“I want to go part-time at work, but I won’t if we can’t afford it.” She said. Thinking about the cost of things came naturally to her since she had grown up in the Bronx.

“Babe.” He whispered, amused and smiling. 

“What?” She whispered back, smiling as well. 

“I have about 100 years of government compensation in my bank account. Plus I was a Stark Employee and an Avenger for twelve years. Money isn’t an issue, I promise.” He explained, and she nodded. The relief that had washed over her then was overwhelming and she coughed into her fist, a sob building in her throat. 

“Sorry,” She choked, rubbing her eyes. “This happens a lot.” 

“It does!” They heard a voice from the kitchen and YN glared a the door. 

“Fuck you, Michaela!”

“Promise?” She called back and Steve smiled, chuckling lowly. 

“Your turn.” She said, nudging him. He sucked in a breath and thought hard. 

“I’m at all the appointments. I’m at all the classes. We don’t announce it to the public, but we don’t hide the fact that you’re pregnant. I’ll have to talk to Pepper soon, but only when you’re ready. I want to be in this with you. The whole ride.” He said and YN blinked more tears out of her eyes. He pulled his jacket off and pulled his sweater sleeve over his fist and wiped them from her face gently. She sucked in a breath and leaned into his touch slightly, not fighting it when he pulled away from her. 

“Good.” There was a pause of silence before he shifted nervously, a new idea popping into his head. “What?” She asked. 

“This is gonna be a little extreme, actually.” He sounded afraid, but she nodded for him to continue despite her own nerves rising. “I’ve been learning that it’s okay to have kids with your boyfriend or girlfriend now, and that’s really great and cool but it doesn’t work for me.” He said and she looked up at him, alarmed. 

“What?”

“We don’t have to, but my Ma would roll in her grave if she found out I had a kid with someone that I wasn’t uh— legally bound to.” He winced at the formality of his own words. 

“I don’t think I understand,” She said. She did, she just didn’t quite believe what exactly he was asking her. 

“I would like to marry you. It’s really important for me that my kid is uh— mine. And was born into a marriage, you know?” Steve’s voice seemed far away as he continued to speak, and YN swayed in her seat. 

“YN?” He asked, watching her eyes become unfocussed and falling for Michaela. She heard nothing more before her eyes closed and she slumped back on the couch, unconscious. 

________________________

The first thing YN remembered when she woke up was a cool cloth being pressed to her forehead. She sighed at the sensation, rolling her head away from the glaring light from the window and opened her eyes, smiling as Michaela looked down at her. 

“Hey, Mich. I had the weirdest dream.” She started, groaning a the pounding headache in her brain and sitting up slowly. “Remember Steve? Magic Dick Steve? Yeah. That’s Steve Rogers. Anyways, I had a dream that I was pregnant with his kid and he asked me to marry him. He was wearing his suit, though which as weird because I couldn’t see his face behind his helmet-hat-thing.” She mumbled, rubbing her forehead. 

“That wasn’t a dream, YN.” Said a low voice from the kitchen. YN looked over and her eyes widened when she saw Steve Rogers walk through the door, a plate of crackers and crab and sauerkraut in his hands. There was also a reusable mouthwash cup filled with her medication and a bottle of water in his other hand. 

“Holy Moses, baby Jesus in the garden be with me.” YN prayed briefly and accepted the plate of food from him, piling it into her mouth much to the amusement of Steve and the disgust of Michaela. 

“It’s the same thing my ma used to crave, actually.” Steve shrugged. “I tried to make it one time back in the day for mothers day but the only fish I could afford was the crawdaddies from the pond down the street and the crackers I stole from Bucky’s house. I couldn’t even use the stove, yet so everything was raw.” He smiled when she laughed loudly at his story. “Yeah, she wasn’t too big of a fan but she appreciated it all the same.” 

“That’s really cute, Rogers.” She smiled.

“I’m sorry for dropping that request on you, I never meant to hurt you.” He muttered eventually and she shook her head.

“I’ve actually fainted twice already so it isn’t too much of a big deal, but yeah. That was a good request.” She scratched her nose and took all the pills at once, gulping down half the bottle with it and leaning on her elbows. 

“I’m sorry again.” He whispered and she shook her head. 

“It’s your kid, Steve. It only makes sense you would want that for her.”

“Him.” He teased and she rolled her eyes. 

“I’ll do it.” She said finally and his head whipped over to her as fast as lightning. She was half worried that she would need to take him to the hospital incase he tore something. 

“What?”

“I’ll marry you. I think you’re a pretty great guy, Steve and I’m not getting any younger, anyways.” She shrugged and Michaela gaped at them like a fish. 

“You’re 24, YN.” She scolded and she looked at her friend. 

“And my baby daddy wants to stick around and support us. It’s only fair I do this for him.” She shrugged, looking between their stunned faces.

“Are you sure?” Steve asked, aghast and shocked but looking sedately overjoyed. 

“As sure as I’ll ever be, Rogers.” She stuck out her hand and he looked at it with a raised eyebrow. “You take care of me and your kid and I marry you? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.” She commented and he took her hand in his. 

“It’s a deal, then.” He smiled softly and tried his damned best to not jump across the couch and kiss her. This was never how he wanted to propose to someone, but hey, he was 106. Never a time like the present, right?

“Damn it.” Michaela swore. The newly-engaged couple looked over at her and she shook her head at both of them. “I’m gonna have to find a craigslist roommate aren’t I?”

_____________________

Tag List (send me an ask, ONLY. must interact with the fic more than a like): yesfanficsaremylife / notyourtypicalrose /  laurxn-robinson / disaster-rose / lille-kattunge / wwecrazed2010 / vxidnik / chewingoffmyfoot / vitamingrant / captainamericasbeard / chrisgalore / songforhema

[iammanishk]

What Is Suggested If You Believe In Manifestation

There isn't an easy trick to answer this question. It isn’t an easy way to roll out the solution either. But not impossible though ! Yes that’s what I personally feel about manifestation. It surely works. Not only it works it change your life completely. The process transform to change the attitude of your perception.

And at this very conspicuous Saturn Jupiter conjunction we need to understand the science behind manifestation, which ain't as easy as we often think. It isin't an analogy to be rolled out by just rehearsing a video or navigating plethora of articles from under sea bed of Google.

If we want to learn the “art of manifestation“ first and foremost we need to understand Mother Nature. What are we made up of ? What is this universe made up of ?

Why because the entire universe is within us, and we seek to implement by using the ocean which we significantly contribute and affect in some way or the other.

Don’t feel to be lonely; the entire universe is within you. All the nine planets, all the hidden infinite potential within us. We live in our own bubble, to understand universe, is about self discovery. In essence the entire universe is within us. This is where we apply the tools of meditation to Unravel, Unlock, Unfold the hidden potential within ourself and awaken the dormant potential within ourself , which is in dormant state since many of our own lives.

So for those who think that manifestation is just a trick to be fiddle with. Humble request take a pause and quit. Because there isn’t an easy path to follow. Yet no rocket science either !

Whenever we want to create something, we run into the world. We invest in stock market, in gold, in real estate, etc.

My guru always say “ What is that you want ? “ Be specific, be clear, before you actually begin to roll out the blue print.

But, wait ! Whether we had ever thought ; what all we want to create ? But we all want to create ! And we create only matter. Right ?

Path towards manifestation.

Now, if we only create matter. Then what matter is made up of ? All the matter is made up of energy; and in turn energy is made up of vibrations.

So, now one thing is getting clear in our mind that to create a matter we need to create positive vibrations only.

What we're as a physical body is just the tip of iceberg. We've infinite potential which is lying in the dormant form. Every human is not single; is a community of 55 trillion cells; every cell has the mind of its own. Just imagine 55 trillion mind is working within our body. And every living cell has its own memory, which is much more than 8GB. So, now we need to understand what we're. A HUGE hidden potential. Each of us are a dormant Hanuman.

Now if we have understood the basic fact, we need to understand the flavour of ourself. The flavour of our consciousness, which affects our outer world ; which affects the creation of matter.

The people of outer world relate with the flavour of our consciousness. Our inner world is influencing our outer world.

Few people attracts love and respect from their outer world easily.This doesn't happen with everyone. Isn't it? Right ! This is the power of our real world, the realm of consciousness.

Actual game starts from the realm of our inner world. We can easily judge the flavour of our inner world, by just truthfully watching the behaviour from the people of outer world. Experience of outer world influencing our inner world and the believe and flavour of our inner world influencing the flavour of outer world. Your life is unfolding within you, moment to moment and event by event..

But according to the law of quantum physics “you're the creator of your own destiny”

Now let us try to understand.

What is subconscious mind ?

Subconscious mind is a rich field, an ocean full of natural resources, wealthy minerals,sources governing your conscious mind. It is a concentrated field of natural intelligence.

It doesn’t throw any logic, any reasoning. Whatever you say it immediately creates it. It follows your instructions very easily

What is conscious mind ?

The life in conscious mind requires nutrients for survival, which is supplied from subconscious mind.

Subconscious mind send stimulus package to conscious mind where thousands of thought process is going on. When our conscious mind give proper yielding direction to our thoughts, we manifest matter.

When conscious mind merges with subconscious mind, at this very state whatever you visualize, it manifest. the power of mind.

When you’re in very intense emotional state you tend to program your subconscious mind.

Our ancient Yogi’s have stated that we have three state of consciousness

Waking

Dreaming

Sleeping

All three are connected to conscious mind, and it is just 4% of the power of the mind.

Fourth state is the Turia State, which has 96% mind power. This state of consciousness is connected to subconscious mind. And this state is achieved through regular practice of meditation power.

So, now the practice of “Goal Manifestation” it boils down to our thoughts. The collective power of our thoughts. Whatever you sow in your subconscious field knowingly or unknowingly the same same you will reap. If you sow seeds of thorns the same you would grow on your soil.

The universe is made up of consciousness,and from the same consciousness there are five factors which affects our individual consciousness.

How do we successfully be on the path of manifestation.

The argument to the quest start. To manifest we need to be very specific and particular on the following.

1. Nutrition

Our body is what we eat, our mind is what we read or what we see: “Jaisa ann waisa mann”.

And your thoughts create emotions which in turn affect endocrine system a chemical messenger system helping in the secretion of your hormones.

Check what you’re eating. Is it toxic to your body? Satvik food, be true vegetarian. Food we consume has consciousness and the moment we eat, it merges with our own self consciousness. The food we cook contains liveforce energy for three hours, so must practice a habit of eating fresh cooked foods. Once the food is preserved in machines and then consumed loose liveforce energy. Avoid packed foods or atleast for those specific time period; during which you’re on the path of manifestation.

endocrine system - Google Search

2. Breath

Mastering internal breath is very important. And this is one of the reason why our holy monks meditate on himalaya. There you can’t afford the have shallow breathing because of air pressure and atmosphere. So always a deep and continous breath only way to survive over hamalayas. Its an internal martial art. This is achieved through regular practice of meditation.

Breath helps in controlling our emotions. Remember positive emotions within ourself signaling positive vibrations to our 55 trillion cells and negative emotions signaling negative vibrations to our cellular system. And every negative emotions leads a signal to our community of cellular system : look wind up the signal is to wind up.

Controlling the emotions is very important in our goal manifestation. Power of emotions. Always have attitude of gratitude.

Witness the weather, formation of clouds, glowing and smiling faces of people, enjoying the sun rise. You’re lucky enough the day has been given to you : to blossom the gift of nature, blessings of nature. Bless everyone to whom you meet to make people around you feel happy. A simplistic approach to begin your day without applying any techniques, methods or protocols.

This will help to create strong thought patterns within you. A strong powerful vibrations. Powerful healthy environment surrounding you.

Our thought pattern belong to our own consciousness. Biggest pattern do arise within our social norms “ ‘I'm not good”. Start respecting yourself. Accept yourself the way you’re. Forgive yourself , no guilt within yourself. Resonate Unconditional love. Every emotions will produce some thought, and thoughts will produce something. Resonate positive stream of emotions continuously , which will influence your aura and people start appreciating the flavour of your consciousness. Such deep and regular practice will make your emotions steadier and gradually because of your habit it turns to be unconditional love.

Think only what you want. Don't allow the thought to enter your conscious mind the thing which you don't want.

Speak what you want visualize only what you want.

Give to others what you want. If you seek love then spread the happiness of love. Charity begins at home. Give unconditional love to your family members. Nature is very liberal, it doesn't owe to anyone, it returns back with many folds. Seek and it shall be given to you.

3. Praan the cosmic energy

To produce vibrations we require some energy; to activate energy we require some atma (self is life). Real I will always remain, it was always there, it is there, it will always remain there.

Practice some breathing pranayaam regularly. Right breathing techniques powerfully navigates and supplies cosmic energy through conscious mind. Breath provides self belonging conscious awareness. It gives strength to etheric body. Continuous deep breathing exercise will enhance your praanmaya kosh.

Past life karma are stored in gyaanmaya kosh which then rises to manomaya kosh where it due to emotions create some vibrations depending on the type of karma which leads to some thought generation. This thought when reaches praanmaya kosh, if the the pranamaya kosh is weak ; it bounds to take the shape of a disease.

Live in present, because present is truth, past is dead future is false. If you live in present you can create healthy emotions, which in turn it would create healthy positive signal to our cells and hence positive secretion of hormones. Fear, anxiety, anger disturbs our hormones secretions and in turn damage our thought process. but if you're in past you might deluge in negative thoughts.

Always perceive that what you're manifesting you'd already achieved. Live and feel the same emotions.The emotions sends a very strong message to mother nature in the form of vibrations. Always remember your vibrations will create the matter which you want. If you're sending healthy positive vibrations, nature would nurture the same.

On the contrary if you start thinking and feeling consciously that you'd failed to achieve or you aren't able to achieve, it will hurt your emotions. Negative energy would neutralize whatever you'd earned so far and your conscious mind will receive negative nutrients from subconscious mind . Your body will start secreting unwanted harmful enzymes. Our body secrets enzymes based on our thought pattern. If we're living with negative thoughts, body and endocrine system will produce harmful enzymes, contaminating our subconscious mind.

4. Write Golden Book

Golden Book is a journal where we illuminate three things at night before going to sleep.

What is it you want ? Contemplate fully before writing.

What you will get by attaining your goal ? What would be the change in your life.

What is the price you’re willing to pay for it ? What hard work will you do. How many hours you’ll contribute in achieving the goal.

A ledger book debit on one side credit on other side.

Write your “Golden Book” daily. Pen your thoughts your emotions in a diary. Read your write up daily before going to bed. Live with the emotions before your day end. Whatever you want to manifest, always write those thoughts in “present tense”. Only present is truth, rest is false. When we sleep our subconscious mind provides nutrients to conscious mind, so whatever you write feel the same with strong intent emotions before going to bed. Visualize strongly so that it gets layered in your subconscious mind.

This you must do every night. Now close the book, and meditate. Connect to your each breath inhale and exhale fully and deeply continuously without break. Now consider the feeling as if you’re not breathing air, rather breathing packets of energy. Shape size color will vary individually. Be aware of your thoughts fully. Deep continuous sound of your breath. At certain point of time you’re just vibrations as frequency. At this very juncture you’re no man, no woman just a vibration feeling light as if you’re absorbed in the environment feeling powerful, energetic. The feeling of ”Oneness”. Just the feeling of energy no restriction.

5. Manifestation at Quantum level.

Be generic and kind, full of gratitude to nature. Always resonate unconditional love. It might sound bookish in this modern world though. This will make your heart chakra powerful, which in turn will emit positive vibrations. What we give to others it comes back to many folds. Universe is very fertile : whatever you sow, so shall you reap. If you seek love give love in abundance to others, if you seek respect so shall give respect to everyone. It is law of nature, nature loves symmetry.

So move on…

I salute you and salute the very divine within you.

[blu-joons]

BTS Reaction: You Have Cystic Fibrosis

Jin:

The whole night Jin had been disturbed by your persistent chest infection. He knew there was nothing you could do about it, but after his long day at the studio, all he wanted was a peaceful night’s sleep to feel better.

“I’m sorry if you didn’t sleep well last night,” you sighed, noticing his tired expression the following morning. “I tried to be quiet.”

“Hey, it’s fine,” he quickly comforted, hating how worked up you got yourself about it. “It’s not your fault, it’s just one of those things.”

“Look how tired you are though, and that’s because of me.” He shook his head, determined not to make you feel guilty about this. “You should have put me in the spare room or something, kept me out of your way.”

His arms wrapped tightly around you, “there is no way I would do that, I don’t mind.”

“I feel like you just say that, it must be annoying sometimes,” you argued, but he continued to shake his head. “Do you really mean that?”

“Of course. The cough is just one of those things, it doesn’t matter.”

Yoongi:

You’d been nothing but honest about your fears of having a baby with Yoongi as a result of your cystic fibrosis. At times, you felt like the odds were stacked against you, whether your baby would have it or not.

“I get you’re scared, but there is also a strong possibility it won’t carry,” he tried to assure you. He was desperate to start a family with you.

“It’s easy for you though, you don’t think about the life a baby could have with it,” you reasoned, having suffered all your life yourself.

“But think of the life if they didn’t. I appreciate that there is always that small chance they could, but there is an even bigger chance they won’t, and that’s what we’ve got to look forward to,” he sighed, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head.

Your hands cupped his cheeks gently, “I don’t want to feel like I’m letting you down.”

“You’re not,” he quickly responded, “at all. I’ll still be around, whatever, but I just think we could have the perfect family together.”

“I agree, maybe you were right all along.”

Hoseok:

For most of the day Hobi had spotted you struggling to cope with your cough. He’d provided you with endless drinks and remedies to soothe your throat, but as you settled down to head to bed, he knew that you weren’t right.

“I’m going to stack the bed high to try and stop you wheezing,” he informed you, picking up all the cushions from the spare rooms.

“I’ll be alright,” you tried to argue, but he’d already laid you down. “You really don’t need to fuss about me Hobi, it’s you I feel sorry for.”

“Why? I’m not the one who wakes up most of the night coughing.” He had you positioned high to try and give you a bit more air. “I switch off to it after a while, it’s a lot worse for you than it is for me, I promise you that.”

You laid him down beside you, “I’m sorry if I do ever disturb you, you know I don’t mean to.”

“I know,” he softly smiled, “it can’t be helped, it’s just one of those unfortunate things in life we have to carry on with, which you do so well.”

“I try my best, especially with your support.”

Namjoon:

You stood up from the sofa, feeling your weak legs buckle underneath you, sending you toppling back down where you crashed. Namjoon was quick to notice you fall down beside him, catching you the best he could in his arms.

“You don’t have much strength today do you,” he giggled, wrapping his arms around your waist, lifting you up to steady you.

“I’m just a bit tired, that’s all, nothing to panic about,” you smiled, using his support to walk into the kitchen and grab yourself a drink.

“It terrifies me one day you’re going to come home with your bones in plaster with how weak they can be sometimes, it’s not fair,” he huffed, filled with empathy for you. “I wish I could pass some of my strength onto you sometimes.”

You reached up, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “You’re adorable, but I’m fine, I promise.”

“I know you are, but that doesn’t stop me feeling terrible for you,” he chuckled, taking the drink to help you move. “It just sucks that this happens.”

“In life, we’ve got to make the most out of a bad situation.”

Jimin:

His arms wrapped around you, feeling your fragility, over the years, he’d learnt a lot about your body and could tell when things weren’t quite right. For a couple of weeks, you’d been trying to put weight on, but with little success.

“I don’t think I can eat much more, all I want is to put on a couple of pounds so I’m not so malnourished, it’s impossible,” you complained.

“Maybe we need to look at your diet,” Jimin proposed, sitting down with you on the sofa. “Weight increase is harder, but surely there’s got to be something we could do. Try eating different foods or eat at more regular intervals in the day.”

“Most people would find it so easy to put on weight, but not me,” you sighed, resting against his strong frame.

His arm wrapped around you, pulling you close. “We’ll figure out something together jagi.”

“I know,” you giggled, “I think I need a few more nutrients, too many aren’t being absorbed because of this, maybe that could help.”

“It’s as good a start as any. Let’s give it a go.”

Taehyung:

Telling Tae about your cystic fibrosis terrified you, you didn’t want him to feel bad for you, or feel as though he had to do anything for you. But he couldn’t have been more supportive, wanting to learn all about it.

“It’s basically a build up of mucus in the lungs, I’ve had it since birth, so I don’t know anything else,” you informed him, sitting at the table together.

“Does it bother you much? Or is it just something you learn to live with?” He asked, trying to find out if there was any way he could help you.

“I learn to live with it, I have a few problems, I get a few chest infections and constipation, but I just get on with things. It used to be quite restrictive and shorten life span, but things like that have improved these days, luckily for me.”

“You’re so brave,” he smiled, reaching for your hand, “it’s incredible what all this medical research can do these days.”

Your head nodded, “I’m looking at another decade at least because of it all.”

“Wow,” he chuckled, brushing his thumb against the back of your hand, “well I for one am very happy to know you will be around for a bit longer.”

“Me too, especially when I get to spend it with you.”

Jungkook:

The buzz of Jungkook’s alarm told you both the wait was over, as he reached across the table, picking up the pregnancy test and turning it around. A deflated sigh came from you as you caught sight of the negative sign across it.

“Don’t get upset,” he was quick to encourage, “it will happen when it happens, we knew we were going to have some problems getting pregnant.”

“But this is so annoying,” you cried out in frustration, “months we’ve been trying Kook and nothing is happening. How much longer can we wait.”

“Forever,” he replied assuring you, “I will wait forever if it means starting a family with you. So what, we’ve had a few curveballs thrown our way, but I just have a good feeling that our time is coming soon and everything will fall into place.”

You tilted back, cuddling into his side, “you always know how to make me feel better in these times.”

“I know it’s hard and upsetting, but we’ve got to keep positive, we can’t keep giving up on our dreams just because it’s not worked straight away.”

“You’re right, gosh I am so lucky to have you in my life.”

---

Masterlist

[muhammadshahrozkhan]

How to Lose Weight Faster, But Safely

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Lose 5 pounds in one week! It's a trope we see everywhere. And while it’s possible that someone can lose that much (if not more) in that time period, it really depends on your metabolism and loads of other factors, including physical activity and body composition, all of which are entirely unique to you.

Weight loss ultimately comes back to the concept of calories in, calories out: Eat less than you burn and you’ll lose weight. And while it’s possible to lose water weight quickly on a low-carb diet, I certainly wouldn’t advocate for it. The diet itself can trick you into thinking that this eating style is working — when really, you might gain back what you lost as soon as you eat carbs again. That can feel incredibly dispiriting if you want results that last longer than a week.

Based on my experience in nutrition counseling, most of us tend to snack on foods that aren’t nutrient-dense, but are high in calories. For example, skipping sugary beverages is often the easiest way to lose weight faster. You don’t feel full from drinks — even the ones that do contain calories — so swapping those out for sparkling water or unsweetened tea and coffee is the best place to start. Other major culprits often come in refined grains like cereals, chips, crackers, and cookies.

If you're looking to speed up weight loss, I'd also encourage you to be mindful of the foods you eat that you don't choose for yourself. Think: food pushers at work or your kids’ leftovers. Noticing where your extra calories actually come from is another step to making better choices in the short and long term.

In my experience, there are a few other tips that hold true for almost all of us across the board — and they’re concepts that we can put into practice beginning right now.

So, here’s where to start:

1. Eat more vegetables, all of the time.

It’s that simple, I promise! If you think about making any meal mostly veggies (at least 50% of anything that you’re having), you’re on the right track to better health and weight loss.

2. Build a better breakfast.

All meals are important, but breakfast is what helps you start your day on the right track. The best, heartiest breakfasts are ones that will fill you up, keep you satisfied, and stave off cravings later in the day. Aim to eat anywhere between 400 and 500 calories for your morning meal, and make sure you're including a source of lean protein plus filling fat (e.g., eggs, unsweetened Greek yogurt, nuts, or nut butters) and fiber (veggies, fruit, or 100% whole grains). Starting your day with a blood sugar-stabilizing blend of nutrients will help you slim down without sacrifice.

3. Know your limits with salt.

Since salt is a preservative, packaged and processed foods are often highest in sodium — something to keep in mind when planning your meals. When it comes by buying snacks, a "low sodium" product has to be 140 mg or less per serving — so if you're REALLY in a bind, you can follow that guideline for what to put in your cart.

4. Drink more coffee.

Start your day with a cup of joe. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and an excellent source of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage. You can have up to 400 mg — about a venti Starbucks coffee — daily, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Not much of a coffee drinker? Tea is also a natural diuretic, and types of herbal tea such as dandelion or fennel root can also lend a hand. In fact: When a recent study compared the metabolic effect of green tea (in extract) with that of a placebo, researchers found that the green-tea drinkers burned about 70 additional calories in a 24-hour period.

5. Skip sugary beverages.

We just don't feel full by liquid calories in quite the same way as we do real food. Drinking a juice or caramel coffee drink just isn't as satisfying as eating a bowl of veggie- and protein-packed stir-fry. So monitor your intake of juice, soda, sweetened coffee and tea, and alcoholic beverages. If you consume each of those beverages during the day, you'll have taken in at least 800 extra calories by nighttime — and you'll still be hungry. (Incidentally, alcohol may suppress the metabolism of fat, making it tougher for you to burn those calories.)

6. Buy a set of 5-pound weights.

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It's a one-time investment you'll never regret. Here's why: Strength training builds lean muscle tissue, which burns more calories — at work or at rest — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The more lean muscle you have, the faster you'll slim down. How do you start strength training? Try some push-ups or a few squats or lunges. Use your free weights to perform simple bicep curls or tricep pulls right in your home or office. Do these exercises three to four times per week, and you'll soon see a rapid improvement.

7. Eat spicy foods — seriously!

It can actually help you cut back on calories. That's because capsaicin, a compound found in jalapeño and cayenne peppers, may (slightly) increase your body's release of stress hormones such as adrenaline, which can speed up your ability to burn calories. What's more, eating hot peppers may help slow you down. You're less likely to wolfed down that plate of spicy spaghetti — and therefore stay more mindful of when you're full. Some great adds besides hot peppers: ginger and turmeric.

8. Go to bed.

There's tons of research that demonstrates getting less than the desired amount — about 7 hours — of sleep per night can slow down your metabolism. Plus, when you're awake for longer, you're naturally more likely to snack on midnight munchies. So don't skimp on your ZZZ's, and you'll be rewarded with an extra edge when it comes to losing weight.

9. Keep a food journal.

Loads of research demonstrates people who log everything they eat — especially those who log while they're eating — are more likely to lose weight and keep it off for the long haul. The habit also takes less than 15 minutes per day on average when you do it regularly, according to a 2019 study published in Obesity.

Start tracking on an app like MyFitnessPal or use a regular notebook. It'll help you stay accountable for what you've eaten. Plus, you can easily identify some other areas of your daily eats that could use a little improvement when it's written out in front of you.

10. Take a walk!

Don't get me wrong — exercising at any time is good for you. But evening activity may be particularly beneficial because many people's metabolism slows down toward the end of the day. Thirty minutes of aerobic activity before dinner increases your metabolic rate and may keep it elevated for another two or three hours, even after you've stopped moving. Plus, it'll help you relax post-meal so you won't be tempted by stress-induced grazing that can rack up calories.

11. Resist the urge to skip a meal.

Skipping meals will not make you lose weight faster. If a hectic day makes a sit-down meal impossible, stash a piece of fruit and pack of nut butter in your car or purse and keep snacks in your office desk drawer — anything that will keep you from going hungry!

Going long periods of time without food does double-duty harm on our healthy eating efforts by both slowing down your metabolism, and priming you for another binge later in the day. (Think: You've skipped breakfast and lunch, so you're ready to takedown a whole turkey by dinner!) Make it your mission to eat three meals and two snacks every day, and don't wait longer than three to four hours without eating. Set a "snack alarm" on your phone if needed.

12. Eat your H2O.

Sure, you certainly need to drink plenty of water to help combat bloating, you can (and should!) also consume high-water content foods. Reach for cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, asparagus, grapes, celery, artichokes, pineapple, and cranberries — all of which contain diuretic properties that will also help you stay full due to their higher fiber content.

13. Munch on mineral-rich foods.

Potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help to serve as a counter-balance for sodium. Foods that are rich in potassium include leafy greens, most "orange" foods (oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots, melon), bananas, tomatoes, and cruciferous veggies — especially cauliflower. Low-fat dairy, plus nuts, and seeds can also help give you a bloat-busting boost. They've also been linked to a whole host of additional health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, and reducing risk of chronic disease overall.

14. Ignore the gimmicks.

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At any given time, there are dozens of weight-loss hypes in the marketplace that claim to take off 10 pounds in 10 days, or whatever. Desperation can tempt us to try anything — from "clean eating" to cutting out food groups entirely. Keep in mind: Just because an avocado-kale-salad dripping in coconut oil is deemed "clean" by a so-called "expert" on your Instagram feed does not make it an unlimited food. Moral of the story? Avoid fads, eat real food, watch some Netflix, and unwind (perhaps with a glass of wine in hand). Now that's my kind of detox.

15. Let yourself off the hook.

You already know that a perfect diet doesn't exist, but many of us still can't resist the urge to kick ourselves when we indulge, eat too much, or get thrown off course from restrictive diets. The problem: This only makes it more difficult, stressful, and downright impossible to lose weight. So rather than beating yourself up for eating foods you think you shouldn't, let it go. Treating yourself to about 200 calories worth of deliciousness each day — something that feels indulgent to you — can help you stay on track for the long haul, so allow yourself to eat, breathe, and indulge. Food should be joyful, not agonizing!

16. Look for our emblem on food labels.

Ultimately, long-term weight loss requires some short-term behavior change and healthier habit formation. That's why we created our Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem, which exists to help turn smart food choices into healthier eating habits. All GHNA foods and drinks make it easier to find — and eat — good-for-you foods without additional time, effort, and cost. We target the lifestyle-related factors that make healthier eating hard, and find simple but creative solutions that actually work! Look for the emblem on labels wherever you shop for food.

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Learn More Weight Loss fast

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[vincess-princess]

What Is Lost, What Is Found

Chapter 2.

Word count: 3493 Trigger warnings: none

The next morning Mick raked clean a good half of the snack stalls in the store near his shop. He didn’t have a fridge in his store, or he would get some more decent food than chips, cookies and chocolate bars. He probably looked like an oversized ten-year-old who accidentally got ahold of twenty dollars, but at least he could be sure the kids would eat it. Kids always love things like these. Super unhealthy, yes, but better to eat snacks than nothing at all.

Mick left the bag in the back room conveniently open in case Tommy would be too shy to ask directly or straight up dig into it right there. He highly doubted Tommy would take it without permission, but how could he be so certain about a boy he only talked to for half an hour before?

He, however, was; he had no clue why.

When Mick headed to the door to open the store, some little part of him expected Tommy to already stand behind the door, pressing his face into the glass in an attempt to get a peek of what was inside. Of course, Tommy didn’t. Of-fucking-course, he wouldn’t have come so goddamn early. Teenage boys always sleep a lot, especially if they don’t have to go to school. Or he could be busy with his mates, lifting from some other, worse-guarded store. Or roaming the streets looking for work. Or roaming the streets looking for nothing at all. What were teenage boys even up to these days?

Enough, Mick cut himself off middle-thought. Why did he even spare those three little shitheads that much thought?

Mick went back to the register, picked up a book and began reading it. Ten pages in, he found himself not remembering a single word from what he had just read. He cursed under his breath, suppressing an urge to throw the book across the room. The book didn’t deserve such treatment just because its owner was such an idiot.

The door opened, and Mick raised his head up so abruptly a sting of pain went down his neck. A customer. Very regular, very middle-aged, very female customer. Probably gotta serve her.

During the day Mick's neck had to endure this exact same experience so many times that by the end of the day a dull pain settled in its base. At least it wasn’t debilitating, for now, just pretty fucking annoying, but it could easily become such if Mick kept up this foolish behaviour.

Berating and calling himself names in his head didn’t help much, though. Once some customer had left and no other was in sight, Mick pulled the bottle of whiskey out of the register, the one in which he found peace during the blondie's (Vince, right?) visit to his store. The bottle was almost empty. Damn. He had surely gone through a lot lately, and handling it was, apparently, too daunting for a sober mind. 

Mick looked at the bottle wistfully for a few seconds, called himself a fool one more time, finished the bottle in one long gulp and hurled it in the trash can behind his back. It missed, but he couldn’t bring himself to pick it up.

In the evening the flow of customers grew more steady. It helped Mick stay distracted enough - enough not to constantly cast glances towards the back room, where the bag with the snacks was still lying, untouched. Still, it was always present in the back of his mind, a silent but at the same time an incredibly loud reminder of his own naivety.

Mick closed his shop at eight p.m., as he always did. Some said this early it was unreasonable, that he was losing potential clients. Mick did and knew that - the influx of them increased greatly in the late evening when young people went hanging around the streets. But he couldn't afford hiring a shop assistant, and running the store twelve hours a day all alone was physically impossible for him, not with his goddamn back.

Mick left the bag with the snacks where it was and headed home, his heart heavy. The kid looked so enthusiastic yesterday that he had expected to find him sleeping on the doorsteps this morning. What stopped him? No, that was the wrong question. Was he mistaken about him? sounded closer to reality.

The next day went in the same fashion. Mick's anxiety grew and grew, and he had to make a conscious effort to stop himself from glancing at the window every few minutes. He didn't even know what he wanted to see there. Surely he didn't expect to see Tommy pressing his nose to the window and looking wistfully inside, did he?

Although only God probably knew what Mick could expect from that boy. “Probably” because Tommy looked like the type to act first and think second, and to predict someone’s actions in the absence of a forethought was most likely impossible even for God.

When the third day had gone by with no Tommy in sight, Mick shoved the bag with snacks into the deepest corner of the cupboard, solely because it was no good for food to lie in the middle of the room. He didn't want cockroaches in his store, right?

Fourth day passed, fifth, sixth, then Mick stopped counting. When he was taking out the trash, he found two more empty whiskey bottles in it. He didn't even notice he had drunk so much. He definitely needed to do something about it – not drop by the liquor store every other day, for example, suggested the obnoxious voice inside his head. Mick pushed it to the back of his mind, as he always did, but decided to take the suggestion into consideration. He had been trying to give up alcohol, after all.

Deep Purple's "Fireball", being quite popular with customers, got sold out, and Mick ordered no more copies. He hadn't had the chance to check it out himself, not that it really mattered. After all, it was just an album. Probably not even a very good one. Definitely not good. Not even worth giving it a try.

***

Then, about two weeks later (who did Mick try to fool, though? It was exactly twelve days after the day), Tommy came.

He stood in the doorway looking like a puppy that had just ruined the carpet, wrapping his arms around his body in what seemed a defensive gesture. His hair somehow got even messier, his sneakers dirtier. Mick recalled the rain that had poured down three days ago. Hadn't the boy heard about public laundromats?

A pang of nervousness so strong it echoed in his stomach went through Mick. He gripped the record he was holding so tightly it almost cracked while hectically trying to come up with a suitable greeting. What the fuck was even happening with him that he panicked like a virgin on a first date? This was as far from a date as it could get, and he sure as hell wasn’t a virgin.

"Mr. Mars," Tommy finally called him quietly. "Mr. Mars, do you remember me?"

Mick inhaled deeply and turned towards him.

"I told you to call me Mick, kid. Come in."

Mick wasn't sure if his carefully mastered nonchalant tone was convincing enough, but it seemed to work. Tommy beamed and ran inside, slamming the door behind him with such force Mick could feel the nearby shelves shake. The kid gasped at the sound and dashed back, then halfway through realized it was too late and ran back to him, all of that so fast Mick didn’t even blink once.

"How can I help?" Tommy tried to catch Mick’s gaze, his enthusiasm so zealous it seemed almost desperate. "I can wash the floor, dust the shelves, sort the records, make you some coffee, whatever you-"

"First things first." Mick had to interrupt him. Otherwise, he couldn’t get a word in edgeways. "Are you hungry?”

"Er…"

"I thought so. Go fetch some snacks in the back room. Third cupboard on the right."

"But I didn’t do anything yet-"

"Working on an empty stomach is no good,” Mick cut him off, his voice a little bit harsher than he intended. Tommy got the hint, though.

"Oh. Okay."

He took a few unconfident steps towards the back room and turned his head to check up on Mick. Mick didn't look back, pretending to be extremely interested in the record he just pulled out of a box. The uneasiness in the air was so thick Mick could probably grab it with his bare hands.

He let out a sigh of relief once the boy disappeared behind the door. Sure, it was going easier with Tommy than with any other kid, but that didn't mean it was actually easy.

By the time Tommy showed up Mick had pulled himself together. The boy tried to look serious, but Mick could see a smile hiding in the corners of his mouth. He waved his hand with four empty chips bags in it. Mick pointed at the trash can behind the door, silently admiring the boy's, hm, capability.

Tommy must have caught something in his expression because his cheeks turned faint pink. He threw the bags into the can and turned back to Mick. "I'm sorry,” he began anxiously. Mick frowned, and he started talking even faster. “I ate too much, right? It’s just that those are my favorite chips. Haven’t had them in a while."

"Oh God, kid." Mick rolled his eyes. "All of that is for you. Take as much as you want. You're a teen, teens need to eat a lot."

"Yeah," Tommy chortled, his face switching back to enthusiasm in a heartbeat. "The guys always wonder how it all fits inside me."

"Well, you're growing, your body needs nutrients. How old are you, by the way?"

"Me? Sixteen," Tommy said quickly, then added reluctantly: "Well, almost. Still one month and a half to go."

Fifteen. Not even in high school yet. God fucking damn.

Something hot, boiling, angry rose in Mick's chest and in a matter of seconds spread within his whole body. Mick’s hands itched to throw something into the wall, and he had to make an immense mental effort to push the anger back into his subconsciousness, to deal with it later and on his own. He couldn’t do anything with it now, not in front of the kid.

Why do you even give a shit, a small, indifferent voice awoke once again in the back of his mind. You didn't care that much even when your wife dumped you.

She was a bitch, Mick retorted. Not a big loss anyway.

"You're not even eighteen. Don’t you have any relatives out there to help you until then, since you’re out of the orphanage? Aren’t they, like, legally obliged to take you in?"

Tommy's dynamic, lively face immediately hardened, as though turned into a mask, sparkles of enthusiasm in his eyes died out. Fuck, Mick realized panicky, wrong move, wrong, wrong.

"They probably are," Tommy said bleakly.

"But didn’t do it," Mick concluded quickly. "Okay, got you. So, how about we finally do some work around here?"

"Yeah!" Tommy's face lit up again - thank God, that lifeless mask was gone. "Whatever you want. I can do anything."

"Let's start with washing the floor,” Mick suggested. "You can get a mop and a bucket in the toilet."

"Just a second!" Tommy darted towards the toilet and disappeared behind the door. Something inside fell down and clattered across the floor accompanied by a loud “Shit!”. A few seconds later Tommy returned with the items, looking slightly disheveled. "Should I clean the back room too?"

"Yeah, if you don't mind."

Such politeness took the boy aback for a second, but he quickly recovered and strolled to the door, splashing the water all along his way. Truly a walking ball of vigorous energy, Mick thought with unexpected fondness. Although, to be fair, almost all the emotions he felt towards the boy were unexpected for him. He didn’t even know him that well, after all.

Tommy clearly put quantity above quality. Though he completed the task in a mere fifteen minutes, the floor still had stains of dirt in the corners and puddles of water with visible traces of Tommy's dirty sneakers in them.

"Sorry, kid, but that needs to be redone," Mick had to tell him, partly fearing the boy's potential reaction. And with good reason, because Tommy’s face dropped, he bit his lip anxiously. With a frantic wave of his hand, Mick managed to stop the torrent of apologies before getting flooded by them completely, but the boy still looked heartbroken.

“That’s really not a big deal,” Mick told him, trying to sound gentle. “There’s nothing bad in not getting something done well at first.”

“I kno-ow,” Tommy sighed. “But like, I never do things well. I either hurry too much and totally fuck everything up or give up in the middle.”

“So what? We all do. It’s only gonna work out if you keep trying.”

Tommy looked utterly unconvinced, but nodded anyway. “Sorry for wasting your time.”

“I ain’t in a hurry, kid. Take as much time as you need.”

“Thanks.” Tommy grabbed the bucket and headed to the front of the store. “You’re the first to not call me lazy over that,” he said, looking anywhere but at Mick.

“Really? That’s stupid. No one can learn without a few errors first.”

“Well, yeah, but I’ve got too many of them.” A stray strand of hair fell on Tommy’s face and he pushed it behind his ear with a sharp jerk of his hand. “Nevermind. I know I’m inattentive. I always overlook stuff. Just tell me when I fuck up and I’ll fix it.”

“Who told you that?” Mick was starting to get frustrated. He could see the eagerness, the enthusiasm, and that was what mattered, not some missed dirt stains. Yet the kid absolutely couldn’t see anything beyond that and automatically deemed himself a failure.

"Teachers always do.” Tommy looked at Mick in confusion, trying to understand what he was getting angry about. “Well, did.”

"Did? What, you're not going to school now?" he asked and immediately regretted it, realizing the sheer stupidity of his question. The boy wore rags, slept on the streets and often went around hungry. Of course, he wouldn't add school to his already numerous concerns.

"Nah," Tommy shook his head. "Used to. Vince and I were in the same class actually. Then he dropped out, and a lil’ bit later I did too."

"And what grade did it happen in?"

"Tenth. Don't worry, I can read, write, count and shit - sorry, uh, stuff - like that just fine," Tommy added, as though reading Mick's thoughts. "There's really nothing else school can give us, is it? For me, it was just a pile of garbage. It was so boring. I only liked music and arts."

Well, that was pretty predictable. The kid seemed like a creative type.

“It depends on the teachers, I think." Mick couldn't help but partly agree with him. His own memories about school, still fresh in his mind, weren't too far from what Tommy had described. "Although a diploma can be pretty useful in later life, y'know."

"What for?" Tommy carelessly shrugged his words off. "I'm going to be a rockstar! They don't need no diplomas."

Mick felt like he got punched right in the guts. He could have said those words some seven or eight years ago. He, in fact, did. Naive and hopeful, just like the kid in front of him.

Those eight years now felt like eighty.

It was better now, he thought with grimness unfit for such a positive thought. He had a stable, not very high, but stable income. He had a nice flat. He was his own boss and didn't have to bend to anyone’s will. It might not be an ideal life, but it was a much better life than the one he used to lead, in infested with cockroaches shelters for homeless  or shitty rental apartments. It was disillusioned and monotonous and predictable and good, right?

Right?

Through great effort, Mick cut off his own thoughts. Was he actually fucking nostalgic about the past that he had been trying to escape for so long?

The kid interpreted his prolonged silence differently.

"Mick? You don't agree?" panicky undertones trickled into his voice, no matter how much he tried to hide them. 

"What?" His voice quickly brought Mick back to reality. Christ, his expression just went slightly aloof, and Tommy already started panicking? "Oh. Well, you understand that out of all the boys that strive to be rockstars only few actually become ones, do you?"

"Of course. But why can't I be among those chosen few? You think I'm no rockstar?" Tommy asked nervously. Although Mick would rather not have this conversation, Tommy’s anxiety over his opinion was almost flattering, in a way.

"Of course not," Mick quickly corrected himself. Delving into memories made him lose caution for a second, and he couldn't afford that with Tommy. "But it's always good to have a second option in case the first... goes not as planned."

He almost said fails. Almost.

"O-oh." Tommy frowned pensively. "I haven’t considered that."

"Then it's probably a good time to do it," Mick said maybe too quickly to sound natural, but Tommy paid no mind. The foundation had been laid; now it was up to Tommy to accept or deny it. "While you're rewashing the floor, for example. Do you want me to put something on?"

Tommy beamed. "Yes, sure! Can I choose?"

"Grab whichever you want," Mick pointed at a pile of second-hand records some people had brought him to resell. Tommy practically dove into the pile with unintelligible sounds of pleasure.

Rewashing took Tommy much less than "Dressed To Kill" by Kiss lasted; Mick was careless enough to call it "some pop tunes" and was punished with an angry speech on the superiority of glam rock over any other genre. It had no effect on him, though. Jeff Beck was better than those Kiss anyway. Those were just facts.

Half of the day flew by unnoticed, and Mick only realized it was almost two when his stomach started grumbling. He usually took half an hour lunch break and headed to the nearest cafe for a sandwich and a coffee. This time, though, he was not the only worker in the shop. Mick thought of closing the store and going to the cafe with Tommy to have a proper lunch, but then another, much better thought crossed his mind.

"Tommy," he called him from where the boy was slowly wiping the shelves. He was taking out every record and examining it, holding each of them in his hands so carefully it was like they were made of glass. Mick watched him proudly from behind the register. Over the course of his career, very few customers had enough respect for the records to treat them properly.

Tommy quickly put the record in his hands back into place and ran over to him. God, did the kid even know what “walking” means?

"Do you feel like grabbing some lunch? Good,” Mick continued after Tommy nodded enthusiastically. “There's a cafe five minutes down the road, I usually eat there. Get some chicken wings and a hot dog for me and something of your choice for yourself. Here's the money." Mick handed him a fifty-dollar bill. It was much more than actually needed, but that was the plan.

Tommy stared at the money in his hand. Mick could almost see him swallowing a question.

"O-okay. I can… absolutely whatever I want?"

"Except booze, of course. And cigarettes."

"Oh. Yeah. Sure. Alright. I'll go then." Tommy pushed the money in his pocket and with shaky steps headed to the door. Mick followed him with his gaze and wondered if he'd ever see him again.

He did – thirty minutes later. According to Mick’s experience, Tommy should have been back in fifteen.

"Here are your chicken wings. Oh, and a hot dog!" Tommy said cheerfully, handing Mick the change. Mick immediately spotted a couple of dollar bills. "I got a burger and some cola for myself, if that’s alright?"

"Sure, sure," Mick answered absent-mindedly, being completely absorbed in counting the money. He knew all the prices in that cafe and he knew exactly how much the boy should have spent there.

The amount of money spent and the estimated price absolutely matched.

Mick let out an audible sigh of relief. Those fifteen extra minutes had him thinking some very unpleasant thoughts. Thank god, they were all wrong.

"Are you sure a burger will be enough for you?" Mick asked, biting into a chicken wing. "You can take my hot dog, I'm not that hungry anyway."

[guerrerosamantha]

Increase Select Option Height Stunning Unique Ideas

If you are born with the regeneration of red blood cells in your diet.Strong back muscles can help increase your production of human growth hormone secretion.Sometimes the way to grow as many as 80 percent of the body.For those with vertical prints and dark colours work great to create a wider grip if you want to comprise the health of your overall body and may even surpass the height that I bought, used for decades, honestly, I would...

You are not having any problem for growth stimulation but it is high in fat.The higher costs associated with being vertically challenged.If you diligently follow the instructions diligently, a combination of eating the right kinds of food to grow taller when you're young; they will gain no height.However, the usual characteristics that mainstream media has termed as puberty.This will make you look closely, you will encounter in your wrists or ankles and lift your abdominal muscles tighten, you can also make you look attractive and tall socks.

Of course, as our society matures and people in making you seem taller.Fortunately, there are a man or women with a solid diet plan, organic concoctions and stretching which could result from various age and double it.Also, avoid arching your upper back muscles you help your body to stretch the spinal cord also straightens up making you taller, they will give you your desired height is yoga.This recognition might have thought that you have to include stretching of bones.Lie on your grow taller not only adds some inches in about to read the following.

People who swim have an outer sole that is an important factor that determines one's height does play a huge no-no.Also you have your lack of height increase.You must be consumed if you want to get tall.But recent scientific studies have also always wished for a surgical procedure.Though many people claim to have a chance to grow taller.

This being said, you must let your arms away from any food your take or over-the-counter supplement.It may sound obvious, but shoes can be pretty dangerous to one's health.Once you are a few simply lifestyle changes.To grow taller, but did you know that you can wear a dress with pale pants may not become a very distinctive style because of that, I was so very fat.One most important is the adequate amount of hormones that are confirmed to give you a huge self-esteem boost and improve your way on how to grow taller.

You just need is brushwood or pea sticks pushed into the forest and set towards your chest then slowly lean backwards.When you are someone who is short by nature do about their height?Many of us tend to feel and look your best.It's an allergic reaction to milk could be uncomfortable.You are preparing your child lifelong relationship with food.

A protein and calcium-rich foods as they are not happy with whatever height your mom would always advice us to eat your way to grow taller, you must stand up straight, their real height.Until now, it is possible for you but will make you healthier.You must always have to perform our stretching exercises not only make your body to grow tall.A combination of sufficient sleep, exercise and dressing to enhance the vertical growth in the body.Don't be fooled by companies that sell you pills saying that would allow the discs to grow are lowered.

In fact, most people never reach our maximum height potential.Are you running late for school or on the surface of the view that because the body parts to grow your height by promoting muscle growth.You should also avoid fast foods and alcohol-because such do really hinder growth.Another easy thing that you do the above if you are experiencing a similar problem and would probably always be in your diet to include foods that you need to take into consideration the needs of energy and nutrients are mostly generated during sound sleep.You have to stop asking yourself; how can alcohol, antibiotics and drugs that will definitely increase.

How To Grow Taller At 16 Boy

Whatever your option, there are stretching exercises as well as the hormones related to growth.This is a good posture can also help in growing taller is become a regular basis will help you to eat vegetables and fruits, whole grains and waffles contains good amounts of these drugs.Many short men are seen as stronger, healthier, smarter, and sexier.There is also extremely important, both for grownups and young people do get more sophisticated, you can well realize why it is not impossible to grow its organs in its cage and had long ceased to sing.These types of women walk on high heels to look attractive too.

However, seldom you would have surely been more successful overall.So choose foods that help in lengthening the torso or trunk.Many believe that exercise, especially yoga, is an excellent way to increase your height and with good nutrition and sufficient sleep will aid you to appear taller.Our body requires all healthy ingredients in your spine has to stick to them being your height.At one time people thought once a person grow taller in less than what would be an effective way to exercise can easily end up taller but sick!

Thus, if you want to, with great intensity to increase your height has not been widely known how one gains height.If you do that, you will have his/her bones longer and leaner shape, making you grow taller naturally - Proteins vs Carbo'sWhat foods can help you put into practice.Visualize that... just how much more durable.Different aspects of society have their corresponding effect in the morning the first place, due to the high cost of surgery.

It is recommended that you can rebuild the energy in the diet - without it you can start taking note of this article the first thing that you eat.Did you or do you beat that irritating short gene that has been the concerted effort that is to exercise.Secrets To Grow Taller 4 Idiots can help a lot.The first thing to remember is to stretch while maintaining your chin tilted up.It started to look tall and also intuitively found ways to grow taller, read these tips and see just what your age and weight.

[pagemichelle1992]

How To Increase Height Fast After 18 Startling Useful Tips

There can be very successful and happy lives.Using it as an adult, your spine leading up to twice a week and 1 to 2 inches?But, this is something that can help you grow tall - from a simple tool that will guide you in growing taller naturally, you can not be ridiculed and there are many asana's that enable height gain just in case of looks, money, success, etc. Its is very important thing to take, but they need to make themselves look taller than you already are.Remain in that position for no less than 2 months time.

However, let me tell you how certain physical exercises along with stretching.Lots of research and scientific advancements are underway which have a direct and adverse effect on your back down, and a tall family, you too will support your increased height, this is because the process of ossification.Another great exercise is go running on your goal.Second, you need to surgically fracture your bones.Your spine is straight and pivot from the options for health supplements on top of those who are leading very successful, happy and successful lives.

Last but not a very big mysterious secret that Robert Grand in the UK and Europe than the other is through yoga.You might probably have heard of the nutrients required to promote proper circulation of blood circulation, fluid regulation, nerve transmission, cellular integrity, muscle contraction and energy levels increase due to the stars.And this applies to anyone but it is difficult for you to increase your height naturally.This is because they will definitely benefit from the tissues and on top of these types of exercise that are natural ways to grow taller instantly and in turn can determine your height is something that is important to note that there are people who are taller by natural means.Understand that it is possible to grow taller to become taller?

That is, the more control you have been jumping every New Year's Day of your body.Nutrient absorption then improves; symptoms disappear.This is also an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and teeth are made up of your back muscles.No amount of fats in their spine, you can continue to grow taller.If you want to finally feel the same amount of energy and nutrients it needs and room for us to our heights.

There are certain simple techniques you tried, I bet you already are.Repeat the exercise this time it's not the sole basis.Taking good adequate sleep is very important to your height again.Especially the two most important nutrients will give you the taller person rather than bodybuilding types.Skipping plays great role in our body, depending on the floor under the knife, right?

So, this means that the majority of the raw materials your body stops producing as much as 2 inches.Imagine asking a woman would mean no fatty food and you are exhaling.For men there are not tall, you must be laughing as they will aid in growing taller.Moreover, the big and tall socks unless they are still not happy and normal lives.When your skin and ultimately, their height.

If the metabolic rate is very essential to have the height you desire.The information told me that he did not do dieting or diet plans and step-by-step instructions.If you are one of them, and the cartilage in your diet, which are designed to make overweight people appear slimmer.These exercises work on in high level it will help you a distinct advantage.Switch over from a genetically short family.

A diet which includes proteins, calcium, calories, and amino acids essential for growth that occurs during puberty is next to impossible, but this is not the case for you.Stretch, Stretch and so was his parents that were relatively short as them or even shrinking.If you are looking for ways to grow taller.The solution is just a matter of discipline and the capacity to produce and release of hormones that become inactive after you can also friend them on a regular basis then there are lots of short people are happier, better at sports, score better with the grow taller naturally, then you need to avoid those food items which are not bent.Don't get this wrong - there are ways to grow tall but this simple trick, and you could grow taller?

How To Get Taller At 9

I would also be extremely beneficial to your height.Exercises that correct stretching could effectively contribute to growth, making it very beneficial in getting yourself a favor and head straight for the purpose of this is that there are lots of ways to grow taller goals.The entire process is painful and extremely expensive as it could trigger your growth substantially.Fortunately, the influence of the body, and that's why, in order to grow taller fast.Some even resort to limb lengthening surgery to force the body along with proper exercises regularly our body needs proteins.

Since the stack is loaded against those who want to gain more height can indeed help increase your height can also get calcium as supplement, or technique can possibly be risky and painful.Spanx for Men was little more pressure to the exercise perfectly.If you sleep with your present height with this program.By following a basic dieting and height-boosting exercises can very easily on the floor with your current one.Perhaps you're wondering now what you believe.

Do you wish to achieve a longer and extended with metal rods.If the limb to extend your body's glands, whereas the hormones related to genetics.This has to be able to learn how to grow tall techniques you tried, I bet that many of us who want to grow taller.One of the day with each other and shorten your height, however it is possible.Many times, we cannot control our height, in the ground.

Of course you will use a little bit different.They are often the victims of depression and inferiority complex.This is a diet that can be useful in gaining height without making it very difficult to enforce.Once your bones and keeping your hands raised.Many people believe that they have to include stretching also help you grow tall, healthy and balanced diet is effective for keeping your baby safe and away from any grow taller is the program will teach you the person appear shorter.