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[chimini3]

MAKEUP THE BREAK UP

Park Jimin | Chapter 1

SERIES MASTERLIST

Pairing: Park Jimin x OC

Synopsis: What happens when Park Jimin’s biggest what if comes back into his life? His friendly neighbor, childhood best friend, high school lover, and now his makeup artist?! Amidst the 2020 outbreak, the last thing he needed was Seong Areum making his heart skip a beat and fill his stomach with air. What will he do when unspoken words threaten to slip past his tongue? Would he take the chance of ruining a healing past? Or would he let her slip away once more and let himself get lost in the lights?

Warnings: just me not knowing how to write how children act, inaccurate timeline (I’m pretty sure Jimin said the toilet incident happened when he was 5 but in here its when he’s 10), not beta read

Word Count: 7.4k words

The Years I Knew You

[2000]

“Eumi, Aaron! Come here!” My mother called and I cranked my neck from the makeup kit I was applying on my life-size Barbie head.

I walked out of the room I shared with my older brother before looking towards the hallway to the living room, my eyes meeting my older brother’s as he waited for me to catch up with him before we both showed our presence to our mother.

“Yes, Eomma?” I answered as we synchronously peaked our heads out of the doorway to see the guests that sat on the living room couch.

“Aaron, Areum, meet our neighbors the Parks!” My mother smiled widely as we walked towards her to be in a better view for the family.

Two parents who seemed the same age as my parents and two boys who also seemed to be roughly the same age as me though younger than my brother.

“Hello there! These are my two boys, Jimin and JiHyun!” The mother smiled brightly at me and my brother and I sent her a soft smile back before greeting the two boys a smile too.

“The Park’s are going to eat dinner here, so why don’t you four play in your room while we get the food ready.” My mother ushered the four of us to the hallway and my brother led the way to our bedroom as the two boys seemed to have their own conversation from behind me.

“Woah! Dragon Ball comics!”

I turned to the two boys as the younger one of the two had his jaw dropped and both of them looked at my brother’s comic collection wide-eyed.

“Yeah, my dad collected them before and gave them to me!” My brother smiled brightly as the younger boy quickly walked towards my brother and closer to the wooden bookcase with the collection of comics.

I can see the older one glance at me first before also walking towards my brother as they started talking about the comic series.

“You guys like comics?” My seven year old brother asked as he seemed to enjoy the same interest as the boys younger than him.

“Yeah! Appa said he’d let us join Taekwondo when we’re older.” The older one spoke proudly as it was now my brother’s turn to show his adoring wide eyes.

I smiled at the boys standing on one side of the room near the bookshelf as I walked back to my side of the room and sat on the floor to continue my game of Barbie makeup.

I articulately placed the shimmery pinks and purples on the eyelids of my life size barbie head. I treated her as though she was one of my Eomma’s salon customers.

Usually when my brother had school and my Appa had work at the construction site, then I’d accompany my Eomma to the salon she worked at down the street. I’d watch her and her colleagues turn black hair to rainbows like magic, color nails with paint, and the best part was that they would also apply colorful crayons to the eyelids and lips of their client to make them pretty and look like fairies.

I loved the salon, though I rarely go there now as I started going to kindergarten last year.

“Woah, Barb-bee!”

I saw the younger Park before I heard him speak. His hands flew towards the perfectly combed hair of my Barbie head before he flung it around in the air.

I heard myself shriek as I looked in horror at my beautiful Barbie head getting messed up and dented at some areas. I tried to pull the doll away from the younger Park's hands but the struggle only made it worse.

I can hear a yell of ‘stop’ before the younger park finally lets go of my Barbie head doll after flinging it across the room.

I didn’t even make an attempt to walk towards it as I slumped my body further into the carpeted floor. Salty tears slipped past my eyelids as I sat defeated.

“JiHyun! Look what you did! Say sorry to Noona.”

I heard the older Park scold the younger as Aaron picked up the doll and turned his back to obstruct my view of him trying to fix it.

“Say sorry, go on.”

“Sawrey noon-ah.”

His baby teeth showed as he tried to apologize.

I felt one last tear slide down my cheek before wiping it away. The boy only looked a year younger than me so he was probably still learning how to be kind to others in kindergarten, like how I learned it last year. I remember it being very difficult to know when I was in the wrong, especially when I didn’t mean to do things that hurt someone else’s feelings, so I understand that the younger must’ve not meant to do it.

“It’s okay. I forgive you. Just don’t do it again, okay?” I sent a soft smile to the younger Park as his arms went to wrap around my neck. He started leaning his weight on me to stand up from the floor and I almost toppled over from his weight though thankfully the older Park had already helped his younger brother stand up and take most of the weight off me.

“What happened here? We heard screaming.” The Park Ahjumma stood at the door with furrowed brows as the four of us looked towards her.

“Eomma, JiHyun broke Areum ssi’s doll.” The older Park snitched as the woman came inside the room and took the younger Park in her arms.

“I think it's time for JiHyun ssi to eat his dinner.” The woman cooed before walking out the door.

My brother placed a still-dented and broken Barbie head doll on the floor in front of me as he sent me a sad smile.

“Sorry Eumi ah, I tried to fix it. I’ll ask Appa to see how we can fix it, or if he can fix it.” Aaron acted on his idea of fixing the situation quickly as he soon walked out the room in search of our father.

I looked at my wrecked Barbie doll in front of me. Her supposed straight blonde hair was sticking out in different directions, and the small braids that I learned to do on her hair were missing and were replaced with chunks of flesh-colored plastic and holes where the strands should’ve been. Her toy makeup was smudged, and her face had dents where the younger Park’s fingers pressed too hard and when she collided against the brown wood instead of the carpeted floor.

“I’m really sorry about JiHyun. He just turned three so he’s still learning to not touch other people’s stuff.” The older Park that I now know is named Jimin apologized.

“It’s okay, I also just learned about it last year. I understand.” I sent him a smile though a slight frown remained on his lips.

“How old are you?” He asked randomly.

“I’m four! How about you, Jimin?” I smiled as I waved my four fingers at him.

“I’m five. I thought I had to call you noona.” He laughed though I didn’t really understand what he meant by ‘noona’. My name wasn’t noona. I was Areum. Seong Areum.

He must’ve noticed my lack of response as he spoke again with another topic on his tongue.

“I can’t fix your doll, but if you want then you can do your makeup on me.”

He was hesitant at speaking his idea of making the situation better for me though I smiled at his idea and turned to face him as he read my expression and sat down on the carpet beside me.

I turned to the toy vanity table I had and took the glittery pink comb and started to run it through his short black hair. I even had to stand up and squat to properly comb out the top and sides of his head.

Once I thought it was thoroughly combed I started picking out strands from in front of his head and tried to separate them into three parts to twist them together like Eomma taught me to do braids though his hair was too short to twist into the pattern I wanted. His hair was so short in fact that it didn’t even cover his forehead like the bangs I had in front of my forehead. The hair behind his head also wasn’t as long as the hair that reached my shoulders. His hair was weird and not like my Barbie.

“Jimin… I can’t braid your hair.” I frowned as he turned his head to look up at me and his eyes squinted to the point of disappearing because of how big his smile was.

“Of course Areum! I have shorter hair.” He giggled and I couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

[2002]

“Jiminie look! I have a baby sister, like you now!” I smiled brightly as I saw the Park brothers enter my mother’s hospital room.

My father greeted both parents whilst Jimin and JiHyun quickly dodged the adults and walked towards the hospital crib that kept the newest Seong member.

“No, not like me. You have a baby sister now, I have a baby brother.” Jimin corrected me as we both looked at the baby in the crib whilst our parents talked.

“She looks like me in my old pictures!” JiHyun piped up and I was taken by surprise at how much he progressed from the three weeks where I couldn’t see the Park brothers.

“No, she looks like Eumi.” Jimin corrected his brother.

“See how much bigger her eyes are, and she already has a mole on her nose like the mole on Eumi’s nose and Aaron’s chin.” Jimin added and I suddenly felt a sense of unexplainable embarrassment from having moles on my skin. Though Jimin was always an observative one and so he quickly added on what he meant.

“Moles are cute. It makes your face memorable. I like your moles Eumi. I like your face too, it’s very pretty so don’t worry.” Jimin hugged me and I hugged him back.

“Her name is Ahnna. Seong Ahnna. Do you want to hold her?” Aaron came up behind us with little warning as we turned to look at him, though in my peripheral vision, I can see JiHyun losing interest and going over to his parents.

“I am holding her, look.” I smiled as I reached my hand out to hold my baby sister’s hand.

“No, I meant to carry her!” Aaron looked annoyed though took my lack of quick response as a yes and called our father over.

“Appa! Eumi and Jimin want to hold Ahnna!”

The rest of the adults looked towards our direction as our father sent me a soft smile.

“What?! I— Eumi wants to hold Ahnna! I’ll jus—-just watch.” Jimin slowly backed away though one look at the slight frown face and he seemed to have a change of mind.

“Come on Minie! I can’t carry a baby alone!”

Jimin sighed loudly before nodding to me and coming up next to my side on the crib. He’s always like this. For some reason, I always end up getting what I wanted when it involves him.

“You won’t carry her, Eumi. I’ll just lay her on your lap.

My father gestured for both me and Jimin to sit on the sofa beside him. I hesitantly sat down as Jimin sat down beside me, big eyes doubting his participation.

“Jimin, have you carried JiHyun when he was a baby?” My father asked as he stood up and carefully picked up baby Ahnna in his arms.

“Yes, I did when I was two.”

“Well then, this should be easier for you since you’re all grown up now. How old are you now?”

I could see a new confidence arise from Jimin���s face as he turned to me with a small smile.

“I’m seven now. Let’s not worry Eumi. If you can’t carry Ahnna alone then I’ll be here to share the weight with you. We’re strong now because six and seven are bigger than two!” His smile grew to one of his signature smiles. Teethy and made his eyes curve into crescent moons, the one that is so contagious that I can’t help myself but show my toothy smile too.

“Slowly.” My mother warned, though I can see her reach for her phone, though Jimin’s mom already thought ahead and offered to take a picture for her instead.

My father lowered baby Ahnna down to the sofa and onto our laps. I tensed under her weight though my father guided my left hand to support the head. When my father let go it wasn’t as heavy nor scary as I thought. Ahnna was calm as she was wrapped in her pink blanket.

I looked towards Jimin, careful to not move the rest of my body.

“You okay?” Jimin asked as his right hand rested on Ahnna’s foot.

“Yeah.”

My answer was short as I was interrupted by a yawn from the baby. I placed a finger on my lips as I looked at Jimin first before looking at the rest of the people in the room.

“Shhh. Baby Ahnna is sleepy.” I warned them as bright smiles lit up across the adults and Aaron.

I continued to watch Ahnna slowly succumb to sleep as the adults started going back to their conversations though I knew my dad was keeping an eye on me and the baby.

“Jimin.”

“Yes, Areum?” He answered without missing a beat.

“This is so cool! I’m going to be the best older sister I can be!” I smiled as I turned to him.

“You already are!” He smiled back.

The Park’s stayed at the hospital longer than I expected. I was growing more restless and tired these days, so imagine my surprise when I woke up and saw Jimin asleep on the sofa with me. Aaron was nowhere to be seen along with Appa, but JiHyun and Jimin’s parents were still here along with JiHyun who was sitting on his mother’s lap on the other sofa whilst watching the cartoons that played on the TV.

“We can’t support three kids like this.”

I heard my mom sound defeated as I stayed still to not wake up Jimin.

“What are you planning to do?” Jimin’s mother asked.

“Juwon has family in America. We’re thinking that it would be better if he goes out with Aaron since he’s turning ten next year and I’ll be left to focus on taking care of Areum and Ahnna.” My mother explained.

I didn’t fully understand it. I heard America is a place far-far away. One of my classmates, Eunji, is from America. She said her grandpa went there first to work hard for his family in Daegu then their whole family went to America where she was born. However, they all came back to Busan because they missed their home.

If Appa and Aaron are going to America then wouldn’t they miss home too?

I don’t get it.

But I didn’t need to ask any more questions as less than a month after baby Ahnna was born, my parents explained to me and Aaron about the decisions they made.

Appa goes to America first before bringing Aaron with him a month later, after he is finished with Year 4 so that Aaron gets to study abroad. They even proposed the idea of all of us moving to America once everything was settled, but I didn’t want to move. That would mean that I had to leave my friends, my school, my toys, Jimin, and the Parks.

But my parents were left with no choice, they said. Appa was offered this job by his boss since their construction company was going to close and Eomma said that her job at a salon wouldn’t be enough for us.

I cried.

I cried because I was lonely. I felt alone.

Aaron had gone to America and I had the room all to myself but I still didn’t dare to move anything on Aaron’s side of the room. Eomma was busy with Ahnna. Ahnna gets sick often so I was usually left with the Parks, but I didn’t play with Jimin and JiHyun much. Jimin was busy with studying hard, he was one of the smartest students in the school! JiHyun was preoccupied with his Kindergarten activities.

Tonight was a night when Eomma called to say that she was staying with Ahnna at the hospital, so I was going to sleep with the Parks. Thankfully it was a weekend so they wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of preparing all three of us for school.

“Areum, you’ll sleep in Jimin and JiHyun’s room. Is that okay for you?” Jimin’s mom crouched down in front of me as we stood in the hallway in front of Jimin and JiHyun’s room.

I nodded as I hugged my soft brown teddy bear.

“Jimin! JiHyun!” The woman called as she opened the door for me to enter the boy’s room.

It was almost identical to Aaron and my room. Though it wasn’t a surprise as the units in the apartment were all identical, but it still hurts to see such a lively room shared by two siblings and I had no one to share such a spacious room for one me.

“Share JiHyun’s bed ya? Areum will sleep on Jimin’s bed.” The woman’s authoritative voice made the boy's nod synchronously.

Jimin moved his bright blue blanket off his bed and placed it on top of JiHyun’s bed. I walked towards Jimin’s bed and placed my teddy bear on his deep chocolate-colored sheets.

“Here’s an extra blanket we have.” Jimin spoke up whilst going to the drawer and pulling out a striped beige and brown blanket. He placed it neatly folded on the end of the bed before a cheeky smile crept up his lips.

“Wanna play tag?” Jimin smiled at me and although I wanted to rest, there was no way I could say no to his grin.

“You’re it!”

Jimin and JiHyun ran across the room as I chased behind them. My worries slipped to the back of my mind as I tagged JiHyun and immediately ran back towards the corner of the room Jimin was at.

The youngest Park with a determined face came running at us and Jimin and I went in two different directions leaving JiHyun the power on who he’d chased down, and to make it fair he had to chase Jimin around.

“JiHyun! Let’s form an alliance! Go for Areum!” Jimin ran around screaming before tumbling down to the carpet where Jihyun tagged him and ran back to the furthest corner of the room.

“Eumi, here I come!” Jimin warned before going straight in my direction.

It felt like I was running laps like the runners I see on TV by how much energy I exerted in running around the room a good two and a half times. I’m pretty sure Jimin had the power to simply chase the slower JiHyun, but his chase for me was never ending.

“Ohh Areum! I know you’re getting tired!” Jimin taunted, and I couldn’t deny it as I grew breathless the more steps I took. My eyes settled on Jimin's bed and the blanket that lay neatly folded in it. I had one last idea to keep Jimin off my tail.

I ran towards the bed and grabbed the blanket as I simultaneously laid down. I could see Jimin approaching the bed at full speed though I was quick enough to cover my whole body in the striped blanket.

I giggled as I felt him collide with the mattress. An exasperated sigh left him before I felt his hands starting to tickle my sides along with smaller hands that I could only assume was JiHyun.

“Stop cheating!” Jimin tried to pull down the blanket but I held it up securely and sooner than later I could feel Jimin’s body collapse beside me on the mattress and JiHyun whining a ‘no fair’ before walking to his own bed with toys still laid out in it.

We both looked exhausted as I lifted the blanket off me to see him. Sweat laced our skins but it didn’t matter when we had the brightest smiles on our face.

“I know it’s hard for you right now… but I’m always here for you Areum. Me, Eomma, Appa, and JiHyun. We’re always here.” Jimin spoke in a soft tone that made sure I knew it was genuine. A tone I’ve never heard before but it made my whole body wash with a sense of calm and assurance. It was weird, but it felt nice after everything that has happened.

[2005]

A freak accident was what it was.

We were simply playing catch and JiHyun happened to trap both me and Jimin at the end of the hallway. I screamed the idea before I even thought about it and both me and Jimin pushed on the door towards their bathroom.

Was the door stuck? Was something blocking it from opening? Or were we too engulfed in our game to realize that we both pushed on the door yet never twisted the knob? We were children of course we had to act our age, right? I was the first to realize our mistake so I twisted the knob in perfect synchronization as we both pushed at the door. The wood creaked as it violently wide open.

I guess Jimin had looked back to see JiHyun sprinting towards us for a second. Though that second where he pushed against the door and looked back at JiHyun had caused dire consequences.

Perhaps if he was looking at how the door opened then he would’ve stopped pushing against it, but what if he hadn’t stopped quickly enough? He would’ve had to deal with more damage. Though if he had stopped pushing then it was most probably going to be me who launched forward towards the toilet.

Cue our ride to the hospital.

My mother had immediately scolded me for being so careless. They had already told us to stop playing tag inside the house, but it was raining outside and the rush of playing inside had more thrill. What were we supposed to do?

However, I truly did feel awful when I saw Jimin sitting on a hospital bed in the emergency room. The side of his face swollen and his right eye closed from a gash on his eyelid.

I wanted to apologize, it was my idea after all. My thoughts ran wild in my mind and the hectic environment of the emergency room was certainly not helping. I wonder how Jimin felt? If I was overwhelmed from this alone then how did he feel especially with his injury on top of that.

“This really looks like it would need stitches. The gash is pretty deep and we need to make sure that it heals properly so that the eyelid can still do its job.” The attending doctor said and I involuntarily let out a shuddered breath, too loud for the person that was part to blame for the accident happening.

“Areum, go stay at the waiting area.” Jimin spoke as he looked at me with an expression I’ve never seen rest on his face.

Was he angry?

I mean, I’d be angry too if the person who suggested an idea that made me injure myself was still in my sight at the hospital.

Was he in pain?

What if the gash was really deep and it did damage to his eye? Was he going blind? What if it didn’t heal properly? Will he still have both his precious eyes intact? I wouldn’t forgive myself if there were any long lasting scars or defects.

“JiHyun too. It’s very crowded here.” Jimin spoke again as he noticed I hadn’t moved an inch from where I stood at the end of the hospital bed.

I nodded in defeat. Jimin’s Appa walked with me and JiHyun towards the waiting room. We sat down along with other people, it was much quieter and calmer in the waiting room though the thoughts in my mind still ran miles. I can hear JiHyun talking about their taekwondo session and suddenly more thoughts came to my mind.

What if Jimin wouldn’t be able to do taekwondo anymore? What if he couldn’t be their batch’s valedictorian anymore? He worked so hard last year and he’s still managing to achieve top results now. What if I ruined that for him? Would his fellow classmen allow him to be their class president again if he couldn’t see out of his right eye? Will he still have his signature smile with his cheeks rising, jaw stretching, smile lines showing, and perfect crescent eyes—

“Areum? Jimin’s finished, let’s get going now.” Jimin’s father and JiHyun stood over me as I absentmindedly stood up with them.

Was the wait that short or was I so occupied in my head that I hadn’t realized how much time had passed by?

I saw Jimin and Jimin’s mother walk away from the hospital desk and the ride back home in their family sedan was silently deafening. The radio wasn’t even on so all that occupied the silence was the other cars on the road and the blinking of the car signals when we needed to make a turn.

Jimin’s parents hadn’t said anything and if they did then we were out of the conversation. JiHyun was practically falling asleep leaning onto the car window and Jimin had his eyes locked on his window so I never saw the fixed damage to his face.

“Mi Jeong ah! Have dinner at our apartment tonight! You’ve been at the hospital for hours, come eat my Samgyetang!” My mother invited the Parks into our apartment and the Parks politely declined though it was that type of ‘no’ the adults do when they wanted to seem independent of help though always end up saying yes if asked the question twice. It’s like they only say no so that they are persuaded to say yes.

Nevertheless, the Park’s entered our apartment one by one. Jimin still kept his head down though from what I could see, his jaw swelling lessened and had colored his skin a tint of red with a few scratches.

We sat at the dining table as dishes clattered and mouths chewed. I didn’t have much of an appetite and from what I saw Jimin had only sipped soup as he often clenched his fist when he took a bite of chicken.

“Let’s see the damage Jimin ah.” My mother spoke up as Jimin kept his head down.

“Come on Jimin, it's not that bad. The doctor said the swelling and bruising will heal in a few weeks time, and we’ll come back for check ups regularly to check if his eye is healing well. Eight stitches should be barely visible when it’s fully healed.” Jimin’s mother explained with a soft smile.

Jimin lifted up his head and moved his hair around though the side of his face was visible enough to see the extent of his injury. His right eye was swollen and was shut close to show the eight stitches he had.

It looked painful and I couldn’t imagine myself in that pain much less placing him in that pain.

I stood up and excused myself to my room as the adults were now openly chatting and JiHyun had occupied himself in my three year old sister’s presence.

“Areum.”

I heard Jimin close the door of my room though I kept my eyes on the Math homework I had on my desk. Jimin liked Math. I would have asked him to help me on this homework like how I try to help him with History as he despised my favorite subject, but it felt wrong to ask when he was practically walking around with one eye.

“Areum.”

He sounded closer now. Damned his nimble dancing and martial arts coded legs that move in silence.

God, Jimin loved to sing and dance. How would he do both when he only had one eye?

I felt needles behind my eyes and I had to force myself to look up to the ceiling so as to somehow bring the tears back inside my eyes and not drip down on my cheeks. I was aware that it was a weird thing to do. Usually when you feel like crying then you’d keep your head down, but for some reason it felt more right for me to look up. Gravity acts as some source of help as it pushes tears back into me.

I looked back down to my math homework and I could see my fingers trembling.

“Areum, don’t cry.” His voice was ever so soft as he sat on the bed beside my desk.

I forced a glance at his direction and I saw the scratches on the side of his face again. His posture looked sad and weak. His hair is messy and his right eye swollen. He had an ice pack on his hand though he rested it on my bed.

Seeing his state in front of me had forced the tears out of me and he immediately stood up and went to hug me. My homework was long forgotten as I basked in his embrace. I just wanted him to forgive me.

“I’m sorry.” I merely whispered but Jimin only hugged me tighter.

“It’s not your fault, and I’m not that hurt.”

“You— you can’t even see out of your right eye!” I placed space between us to stare back at the stitched eyelids.

“Once it’s healed then it’ll be back to normal, like nothing had ever happened.” He said as if it was that easy. A soft smile graced his features as his right hand went to tuck a few strands of my hair. His fingertips were cold from holding the ice pack but it didn’t bother me.

“Your taekwondo? Can you still do Kendo? Don’t you have your quarterly exams coming? Won’t being class president stress your eye?”

He threw his head back as a chuckle left his lips. It was ironic. He should be the one worried yet he acted like this was a normal occurrence.

“Areum. A scar on my eye won’t stop me from achieving what I want. It’s just like every other injury I’ve had before.” Jimin reassured me though something still nagged at the back of my mind.

“Seriously. Get that frown off your face, it doesn’t look good on you. This is going to heal perfectly fine and I’ll have both of my eyes staring at you by next week.” His tone was light-hearted as he made his left eye widen as he said he’d be keeping an eye on me.

I smiled and his signature smile came back to his face, though only one eye made its crescent shape.

“Your eye better get well soon. I liked your pretty eye smile.”

It was true. Jimin’s eye smiles were the best. Eyes turned into moons and his smile lines and corner dimples would show along with his teeth. It just radiated a different sense of comfort.

“Eye smile?”

“Yeah.” I turned back to face the homework on my desk as Jimin still stood beside me.

“What does that mean?”

“When you smile your eyes smile with you, hence the name ‘eye smile’ obviously.” I shook my head as he chuckled whilst leaning into my desk.

“So sassy.”

“I’m only sassy because no one can help me with my math homework.” I molded my lips into a line as I barely understood the lesson assigned to us.

I always hated when we were assigned to study a topic we haven’t been taught yet to present in class. It makes the teacher’s completely useless, but I can’t argue against the system.

“Are you forgetting that you have this friend that is top of his class and loves Math?” He sounded offended as I looked up at him with a brow raised.

“Yeah, well that friend is currently half blind. He should probably rest and put some ice on his eye.”

Jimin laughed as he went to grab the ice pack from the bed and went back to his position beside me though this time holding an ice pack to his right eye.

“Your friend probably can’t rest when he sees you struggling with Math.” He played along and I could only shake my head.

I took a stool and placed it beside me before I offered him a seat. That was the night that Jimin had taught me all about 2D shapes and the properties of a quadrilateral with one eye, and yet the following morning I still got to lead my team to present and understand the lesson perfectly. I’ll never understand how Jimin does it.

[2010]

“Aish, Jimin ah turn that down!” I scolded as Jimin only sent me a funny teasing face with squinted eyes and puckered lips as he held a microphone in one hand.

“Areumi, stop being a killjoy~~” He sang in his high pitched yet controlled voice as a beat sang from the newly bought karaoke machine.

“Why does Areum get an exception in calling you an honorific, hyung? I’m your brother!” JiHyun whined from his spot on the floor.

“Exactly. You’re my brother, so you have to respect me—“

“Yeah yeah. How is Areum noona exempted from that?” JiHyun cut his older brother off with a repeat of his question.

“Areum is a year younger only, so it isn’t a big deal to me.” Jimin shrugged as he turned back to the television to scroll through the catalog of karaoke songs installed.

“Noona, can I just call you by your name?” JiHyun asked as I took my eyes off the magazine on my lap to look back at the younger boy.

I’ve grown fond of them. I can’t see my life without both of them and their parents. They were a second family to me. Someone I could lean on when troubles arose in our family. Questions like my future in South Korea, Aaron’s future in America, Ahnna’s future. Will we get to go to America and finally spend more time with each other other than the holidays.

I did get to go to America already. Aaron and Appa have a stable life in their studio apartment, though Appa says that we needed to wait a little more to go there, Eomma is growing impatient though. I wouldn’t blame her. We’ve been waiting for eight years, though I wasn’t too elated to leave permanently.

I loved home. I loved our family apartment. I loved school. I loved my friends, and I loved the Parks.

I couldn’t possibly survive without them.

“Yeah sure. You can call me however you like, JiHyun.” I smiled as the younger smiled warmly back at me.

“Could you stop reading that book and sing with me, Eumi!” Jimin whined as I moved my eyes to look up at him. A cute exaggerated pout playing on his lips as I shook my head a ‘no’.

“Ugh! Killjoy!”

I laughed as he turned his back on me sassily before working the remote to keep scrolling through the new released songs.

“What are you reading about anyways? Why is it more important than me?”

I giggled as I heard a genuine pout on his voice though I couldn't confirm it as he kept his back to me.

“What I’m reading about is not as important as you, Jimin.” I reassured with a roll of my eyes that he couldn’t see before continuing.

“I’m just learning English… You are so dher—drah— dramatic.” I spoke the end of my sentence in the English vocabulary I’ve learned, though it was quite difficult to pronounce the longer words.

JiHyun looked back at me with a raise of his brow as Jimin kept his gaze on the television.

“Why English?”

“It’s the universal language first and foremost. It would be great to understand a few English phrases too and Aaron speaks it fluently the last time we saw each other on Christmas. I can tell it felt strange to him to go back to speaking straight Korean.”

JiHyun slowly nodded as his focus on the comic he was holding faltered.

“How is Aaron hyung and Mister Seong?” JiHyun asked.

“They’re doing well. Aaron has a lot of American friends, so it was difficult to understand what they were saying, but I can tell he was enjoying America.”

“Hyung should adjust to you though. He shouldn’t forget to speak his own language just because he’s away.” Jimin spoke sternly. A reaction I didn’t expect from him.

“When is Hyung coming back anyways? It’s been what? Almost ten years? Ahnna is already eight!” JiHyun looked at me expectantly though I didn’t have the answer.

I just shrugged as JiHyun nodded and chewed on his cheek before turning back to close the comic he had in front of him.

“Hyung, pick a song already will you!” JiHyun lightened the air by adding a chuckle as Jimin continued to keep his back to us and scrolled faster through the catalog. I was surprised he hadn’t reached the end yet.

“Ah! Perfect song!” Jimin spoke as he selected the song ‘Only Look At Me’ by Taeyang. A song I frequently hear Jimin hum took our walks towards school.

“Add some dancing too! Let’s see if your after school Just Dance Academy lessons have been worth it.” JiHyun challenged as Jimin turned to face us with a playful smirk and a face that showed that he was ready to give us a performance of a lifetime.

“Eh.” The music started as Jimin looked as though he had channeled his inner soul.

“It’s been on my mind for a while.” Jimin spoke the English with little mistakes and I tried to hide how taken aback I was from hearing him speak English in a setting other than helping with homework.

“Gotta get this off my chest.”

He pointed to his chest before synchronizing his words with how he pointed his hand as if he actually had physically taken something off his chest.

“Before… it’s too late.”

The timbre played before he finished his sentence as the songs melody followed in a lower volume.

Jimin scrunched his face before bringing his free hand back to his chest and bowing down to look at the floor. His face was hidden by his black hair though he kept the microphone close to his lips.

Jimin always had a great voice. It was only enhanced in recent years when he started acknowledging it and properly advancing it through voice practice though in his journey of singing he found dance.

Dance was definitely where Jimin belonged. His body moved with such fluidity, it felt as though he was totally in control of everything. That’s why he had also started going to Just Dance Academy after classes. Sometimes me and JiHyun would tag along too. Their classes would start at five in the afternoon, just giving us enough time to commute to their studio, and end at seven where we would commute back home. His days of dancing and Kendo would alternate throughout the week, though he specifically scheduled two hours of dance in the morning of Saturdays before spending the rest of the weekends at home with us. He claims that weekends were for family though we pushed him to go do what he wants to do as Saturdays are the days where he can go to Dance without being too tired from school.

I can tell Jimin loved to dance. He has loved Kendo and Taekwondo ever since we’ve met. Both him and JiHyun were always so passionate about it, that’s why they had both entered taekwondo and Kendo, but the look in Jimin’s eyes when doing martial arts versus the look he had when dancing was completely different. There was a different type of sparkle. One that I can only assume was filled with passion.

Jimin breathed heavily as he bowed curtsy style when the song stopped and the machine processed his score.

“Bravo! That was incredible Jiminie!” I clapped loudly as he smiled at me with sweat on his forehead and rose tinted cheeks.

Not only did he score relatively high and sang perfectly well without the lyrics’ help, but he also danced a complex mixture of modern and contemporary dance. And despite the occasional heavy breathing, he actually managed to perform like a true performer.

“Ahh! I should’ve recorded that and sent it to Jessica!” JiHyun pulled out his white 2008 Samsung i640 with a teasing glace at his older brother.

Jimin glanced at his brother wide eyed as he walked towards the space on the sofa beside me, kicking his younger brother who sat on the floor below me before he let himself collapse on the sofa.

“Jessica who?” I asked, curiosity sparked by the mention of a name.

“Kim Jessica. Jimin’s crush oooooohhh!” JiHyun teased, as I raised a brow at Jimin to see if it was true, and if it was then why hadn’t I been informed?

“Stop JiHyun. I don’t like her.” Jimin continued to keep his eyes closed whilst leaning on the back pillows of the sofa.

“Yeah right! Just confess hyung. You’re graduating soon anyway.” JiHyun pushed, though it only made the older more irritated as Jimin threw a kick on the back of JiHyun to shut him up.

“Kim Jessica? The girl from Seoul?” I asked as Jessica was actually quite a common name in our middle school.

Jimin opened his eyes to meet mine and his expression was unreadable, though remnants of exhaustion were obvious. Sweat still on his skin though this time he looked at me with furrowed brows that were pushed slightly together and a scrunched forehead.

“Yes Areum, that’s her! Half the guys like her already hyung. Why would you waste your time admiring her from afar when she’s probably entertaining a lot of boys already?” JiHyun asked and this time Jimin sat up on the couch to properly push JiHyun onto the coffee table to shut him up.

“Ow.” JiHyun whined as he faced his older brother with an angry look though it was equally reciprocated as they got into some silent staring competition.

“Eumi yah, it’s already eight in the evening and I have to go to a friend’s dinner party. Get back to the apartment and take care of Ahnna.” Eomma spoke from the Park’s apartment front door with no warning though Jimin’s mother seemed to have expected her to come through.

“Dasom ah, Areumi and Ahnna can sleep over if they’d like. I don’t want you to leave them alone in the apartment late at night.” Jimin’s mother suggested a slight smile took over my lips.

“Oh, I don’t want them to cause trouble—“

“Nonsense Ahjumma! We’d love to have Areumi and Ahnna over! We can watch the Hulk movie before going to bed!” Jimin butted in, losing the staring competition against JiHyun as he assured my mother that they seriously didn’t mind us sleeping over for the night especially since it was a Saturday anyways.

“Okay… Go get a bag with your stuff, Eumi.” My mother agreed as she sent a thankful smile to Jimin’s mother.

“We’ll set up the room to fit all of us!” Jimin stood up as he started to drag JiHyun with him though Mrs.Park stopped the boys.

“Bring your mattresses to the living room. Why don’t you sleep here with the TV and board games.” She suggested, as all it would need to fit two mattresses in the living room would be to move the wooden coffee table and to push the sofa back up against the wall.

Jimin and I connected eyes as the pure excitement of a sleepover overloaded us. As strange as it sounds, in our years of close friendship we barely get to have sleepovers.

Yes, we stayed in each other’s houses and rooms up until ungodly hours playing games, doing homework, and simply having fun in each other’s company but we rarely actually slept in each other’s apartments. Our parents would argue on why it was necessary to sleepover when our apartments were merely five doors apart. We guessed that they didn’t understand the concept of sleepovers.

This was going to be an amazing night!

[vksalonchatt]

Bridal Hair Stylists at VK Salon in Downtown Chattanooga, TN

Downtown Chattanooga, TN, is a vibrant hub of activity, combining historical charm with a modern, bustling atmosphere. As one of the city’s cultural and commercial centers, it offers a rich array of attractions, from scenic parks to thriving local businesses. Amid this dynamic environment, VK Salon stands out as a beacon of beauty and style, offering exceptional services including bridal hair styling, expert hair coloring, and cutting-edge hair care. Whether you’re preparing for your big day or looking for a transformative style, VK Salon is your go-to destination for all things beauty in Downtown Chattanooga.

About Downtown Chattanooga, TN

Downtown Chattanooga is known for its stunning blend of natural beauty and urban appeal. The city’s waterfront is anchored by the Tennessee River, offering breathtaking views and the iconic Walnut Street Bridge—a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Nearby, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Hunter Museum of American Art showcase the area’s vibrant culture and family-friendly atmosphere.

The district’s historic architecture is complemented by trendy shops, restaurants, and local businesses that keep the downtown area lively day and night. From the picturesque Coolidge Park with its vintage carousel to the charming Bluff View Art District, Downtown Chattanooga is an inspiring setting for special occasions like weddings and celebrations.

Expert Bridal Hair Stylists at VK Salon

Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and having a flawless bridal hairstyle is essential to looking and feeling your best. At VK Salon, we specialize in bridal hair styling that enhances your natural beauty while reflecting your unique style.

Our team of experienced stylists is skilled in creating a variety of bridal looks, from elegant updos to romantic curls and everything in between. We work closely with you to ensure your hair complements your dress, makeup, and overall wedding theme. Whether you’re planning a glamorous event at one of Chattanooga’s luxury venues or an intimate ceremony along the riverfront, our bridal hair stylists bring your vision to life with precision and creativity.

VK Salon is also known for its use of high-quality products and advanced techniques to ensure your hair looks stunning and stays in place throughout your special day. With our expertise, you can focus on making memories while we take care of the details.

Contact VK Salon

If you’re in Downtown Chattanooga or the surrounding area and need expert bridal hair styling or other beauty services, VK Salon is here to help. Let us make your wedding day or special event truly unforgettable.

📞 Phone Number: 423-710-0040 🌐 Website: http://www.vksalonchatt.com/ 📍 Google Maps URL: Find Us on Google Maps

With our prime location in Downtown Chattanooga and dedication to delivering exceptional beauty services, VK Salon is your trusted partner for all your styling needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or consultation!

[sharjahcentral]

Discovering the Ultimate Shopping Experience: A Guide to Sharjah Central Mall

If you are a resident or a visitor in Sharjah, you can't miss visiting Sharjah Central Mall, one of the city's largest and most popular shopping destinations. The mall offers a unique shopping experience, with over 200 retail stores and dining options, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, and family-friendly activities.  

Here is your ultimate guide to Sharjah Central Mall:  

Sharjah Central Mall offers a range of shopping options for fashion-conscious shoppers. The mall has a mix of international and regional brands, including Zara, H&M, Nike, and Sephora. The stores are spread over three levels, making them easy to navigate.  

Best in Sharjah Central Mall  

Sharjah Central Mall has everything you need for an ultimate shopping experience, including:  

Fashion and Beauty Brands: The mall has many fashion and beauty brands, from high-end to affordable options. You can find everything from clothing and accessories to makeup and skincare.  

Dining options: Sharjah Central Mall has over 20 dining options, including cafes, fast food chains, and restaurants. You can enjoy a meal with your family or friends at Bhukkad Café, Häagen-Dazs, or McDonald's.  

Seasonal promotions: The mall frequently runs seasonal promotions, including discounts and offers on selected products.  

Entertainment options: The mall has a range of entertainment facilities, including a cinema, arcade games, and a bowling alley.  

Family-friendly activities: Sharjah Central Mall has several family-friendly activities, including a play area for children and a kid's salon.  

Exclusive offers: The mall offers exclusive deals and offers to its shoppers, such as discounts and promotions.  

Parking facilities: The mall has ample parking space, with over 1,800 parking spots for shoppers.  

Dine at your favorite restaurants and cafes at Sharjah Central Mall  

Sharjah Central Mall has various dining options to suit everyone's taste buds. You can enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant or café, including:  

Bhukkad Café: If you are looking for Indian street food, head to Bhukkad Café, where you can enjoy chaat, samosas, and other Indian snacks.  

Häagen-Dazs: If you are a fan of ice cream, you can't miss Häagen-Dazs. The ice cream parlor offers a range of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic mango and raspberry sorbet.  

McDonald's: If you're in the mood for fast food, you can visit McDonald's, which offers a range of burgers, fries, and other fast-food items.  

Food court & ice cream parlors: The mall has a food court with several options, including Pizza Hut, KFC, and Subway. You can also visit the ice cream parlors, such as Baskin Robbins and Cold Stone Creamery.  

What are the Entertainment Options in Sharjah Central Mall?  

Sharjah Central Mall has several entertainment options for shoppers of all ages. You can enjoy a movie at VOX Cinemas, which has 12 screens and screens the latest Hollywood and Bollywood movies. If you're into arcade games, head to Magic Planet, where you can play video games, win prizes, and enjoy other attractions. The mall also has a bowling alley, where you can enjoy a game with friends or family.  

Family-friendly activities  

Sharjah Central Mall has several family-friendly activities to keep children entertained. The mall has a play area for children to enjoy various activities, including climbing, sliding, and jumping. The mall also has a kid's salon where children can get haircuts, manicures, and pedicures.  

Best shopping in Sharjah  

Sharjah Central Mall is one of the best shopping destinations in Sharjah, with a wide range of options for shoppers. The mall has a mix of international and regional brands, making it easy for shoppers to find what they want. Moreover, the mall offers a range of dining options and entertainment facilities, making it a one-stop shop for all your needs.  

Other best malls in Sharjah  

If you're a shopaholic, consider exploring other shopping destinations in Sharjah. City Centre Sharjah is another popular mall in the city, offering a range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Sahara Centre is also a must-visit shopping destination, with over 350 stores, a cinema, and a family entertainment center.  

Sharjah Central Mall offers the ultimate shopping experience for residents and visitors in Sharjah. The mall has everything you need, from fashion and beauty brands to dining options and entertainment facilities. Moreover, the mall offers exclusive deals and promotions to its shoppers, making it a must-visit destination for shopaholics. So, visit Sharjah Central Mall next time you're in Sharjah.  

[techterraceneighborhoodpark]

Tech Terrace Neighborhood Park

Tech Terrace is known to many locals as the “Best Square Mile” in Lubbock and is, by far, one of Lubbock’s most desirable neighborhoods. But what makes Tech Terrace so great? Residents will tell you it’s the people that live in the neighborhood that make the community so great. The close proximity to the Texas Tech University campus and downtown Lubbock, as well as the walkability to nearby shopping, dining, parks and events, are just some of the many perks of residing in Tech Terrace. Don’t just take our word for it though, go ahead and see for yourself! Interested in living in Tech Terrace near Texas Tech? Check out these Tech Terrace rentals.

Tech Terrace’s Location and Makeup

The eclectic Tech Terrace neighborhood runs along the southern border of Texas Tech University. University Avenue, 34th Street, Indiana Avenue, and 19th Street are the boundaries that makeup it’s squared shape mile. Due to Tech Terrace’s closeness to the TTU campus, Health Sciences Center, Covenant Health and law school, the neighborhood draws in a mixture of students, faculty/staff, and area professionals. Many of the homes that make up the Tech Terrace are retro style that were built in the 50s, and have since been renovated in recent years. Roughly half of the residents own while the other half rents, so you can assume the neighborhood is pretty diverse.

Texas Tech students have described the charming and historic Tech Terrace neighborhood as having “good vibes” and both the student and non-student population live in perfect harmony. The Tech Terrace Neighborhood Association can be credited for keeping the neighborhood safe and thriving after all of these years. The Association hosts many of the cities most favored events throughout the year like back to school block parties, holiday home tours, concerts in the park, and organize neighborhood wide cleanups throughout the year.

Things To Do In Tech Terrace

When you walk into the Tech Terrace local businesses, like J&B Coffee and Capital Pizza (the first and only restaurant/bar in the neighborhood) you can really get a true sense of the cozy neighborhood feel and the generosity of the people that live in it. Conveniently, Tech Terrace also has plenty of hair salons, a few clothing shops, and a grocery store to tend to your everyday needs.

For those who love to spend time outdoors, you’re in luck! Tech Terrace has not one but two parks, Wagner Park smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood and Tech Terrace Park just north of there. Packed with sports courts, walking tracks, picnic areas, and more, these parks are the perfect place to throw a football with buddies or cram for your exam. If you have your four-legged furry friend with you, be sure to take them to the dog park at Tech Terrace Park!

Getting Around Tech Terrace

Getting to the TTU campus from Tech Terrace takes roughly only ten-minutes on foot and even faster on your bike, making this neighborhood an ideal choice for anyone attending or working at Texas Tech University. The TTU Student Government also runs the Citibus service that provides free on and off-campus rides. Just flash your Texas Tech ID card to the driver and you’ll be on your way. Check out routes here!

Tech Terrace is the perfect neighborhood for the Texas Tech student who is looking to be close to campus, yet not be in your stereotypical undergrad college party neighborhood – houses around here actually are well-kept and clean. This doesn’t mean that it’s a fun-sucking neighborhood by any means, though! There’s still plenty of fun to be had in Tech Terrace with all of the events they throw throughout the year. We’re just saying that students should remember it’s still a mixed neighborhood filled with students, families, and staff. All of who, collectively, make the neighborhood as special as it.

Here is a local business that supports the community

Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VTFPLEhYhQeMAtkZ7

Freedom Painting Company

Address: 2813 30th St Lubbock, TX 79410

Be sure to check out this attraction too!

[planningjust]

Contour day spa plantation florida

#Contour day spa plantation florida professional

We offer services from hair, nails, body treatments, massages. Let's not forget their state- of-the-art fitness center and fitness classes. Contour Day Spa is an exclusive spa located by the Westfield Broward Mall in Plantation, FL. Contour Day Spa 455 Southwest 78th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33324. Water Therapies, Hair Salon, Body Healing Therapies, Spa Romance for Couples, Botox, Laser Hair Removal, Nutritional Counseling, Acupuncture and even a Chocolate Indulgence Cellulite Treatment. Facial Therapies, Manicures, Pedicures, Cosmetic Enhancements, Holistic and Traditional Massage, Hammam-Turkish Bath, Steam, Sauna. The facility is amazing and offers all the traditional services and much more. 455 SW 78th Ave (Near Westfield Broward Mall) Plantation, FL 33324 (954) 900-9182. Having visited the best spas in the world, she and her family have "created the most creative, romantic and luxurious treatments, combined with the highest standards of professionalism, in an exquisite setting." Specialties include individual, couples and corporate programs. "Wellness Is A Delicate Balance" With over 23 years experiece owning and operating the Contour Day Spa in Plantation Florida, owner Fanit Panofsky has created one of the most beautiful and inspiring spas in the world adjacent to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Using the box provided below, you are encouraged to write your feedback on HomeGoods, and rate the furniture store using the star rating system.ICTV1 Florida Lifestyle Feature Florida New York Montreal Nightclubs Clubs Music Nightclubs Entertainment Djs Neil LondonĬONTOUR SPA - SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO - HOLLYWOOD FL If you find mistakes in the location details or hours for HomeGoods in Plantation, FL, please let us know by making use of the report a problem form. Suggested duration 1-2 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show.

#Contour day spa plantation florida professional

We offer services from hair, nails, body treatments, massages, facials, waxing, professional makeup and many more We also have a boutique and cafe on our premesis. Its so lovely an peaceful inside, its a must do for couples or even on your own to get away for a. Help our site keep the information as accurate as possible. About We are an exclusive spa located by the westfield broward mall in plantation, fl. See 18 tips from 360 visitors to Contour Day Spa. Please peruse the wide range of excellent stores in The Fountains. Residence Inn, Pine Island Park, Contour Day Spa, Market on University and Jacararanda Golf Course. To get detailed information about seasonal hours of business for HomeGoods Plantation, FL, go to the official site or phone the customer care line at 9544760505. 801 South University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324. 455 SW 78th Ave., Plantation 89 for Lavender Body-Smoothing Massage at Contour Day Spa in Plantation (199 Value) 4. In 2022 it covers Xmas Day, Boxing Day, Easter Sunday or Labor Day. national holidays the business times for HomeGoods in Plantation, FL may shift from established times proclaimed above. The total number of HomeGoods locations currently open in Plantation, Florida is 1.Ĭlick on the following page for the entire index of all HomeGoods stores near Plantation. HomeGoods Locations Nearby Plantation, FL In the vicinity you may visit Davie Golf and Country Club, Westfield Broward Mall, Westside Regional Medical Center, Pine Island Ridge Natural Area, Residence Inn, Pine Island Park, Contour Day Spa, Market on University and Jacararanda Golf Course. Headquarters: 455 SW 78th Ave, Plantation, Florida, 33324, United States Phone Number: (954) 472-7733 Website: Revenue: 9 Million. If using GPS navigation devices, enter 801 South University Drive, Plantation, FL 33324. Executive-Business Owner Executive-Ch Contour Day Spa View Fanits Email & Phone (Its Free). Just a 1 minute drive from Southwest 5th Street, Exit 4 (Port Everglades Expressway) of I-595, Southwest 78th Avenue and Southwest 75th Terrace a 3 minute drive from Port Everglades Expressway (I-595), Peters Road and South Pine Island Road or a 12 minute drive time from Fl-84 and Broward Boulevard (Fl-842). Visit HomeGoods right near the intersection of South University Drive and Fl 84, in Plantation, Florida, at The Fountains. Getting Here - South University Drive, Plantation Realtime driving directions to Contour Day Spa, 455 SW 78th Ave, Plantation, based on live traffic updates and road conditions from Waze fellow drivers. Contour's Private Collection Introducing our private collection of hand-selected beauty and fashion products brought to you by Contour Day Spa.

[troublemakerfiction]

06.

Darnell

Pulling up in front of Millz’ house I beeped my horn for her to come out before I changed my mind about going to handle these bitches. I already didn’t feel like going but I know how Millz is, she doesn’t need anybody with her to pull up somewhere and I’ll be damned If Benadryl and whoever the hell she be around, jumps my cousin. I’m only going to make sure nobody does some stupid shit; if extra bitches wanna jump bad they can get this work. I aint slapped a bitch in a minute.

When Millz came outside I chuckled at what she had on. This bitch had on some black and white Nike basketball shorts, with a matching sports bra and some Jordan’s were on her feet. I found it funny because we damn near had on the same thing I just had on leggings instead of shorts. We both had on no makeup, no jewelry with our hair pulled back into buns. When she got in the car she put her seat belt on then looked at me.

“They’re at Lincoln Park, some family cookout or some shit.”

“How do you know?”

“Facebook, and before you say something about it being a lot of them I am not worried about it because it’s her baby father’s cookout and they can’t stand her ass. You know I’m cool with that nigga, he be telling me all the time they hate the bitch. She just doesn’t catch the hint and still comes around.”

“Boat is with her?’

“Yeah, so leggo.” I pulled off and sped down the street. “You really want to pull up on this bitch?”

“Yes because her old ass is petty as fuck for posting that bullshit picture then don’t even get me started on that caption. I was going to let the shit go then I’m getting tagged in shit with this bitch still running her mouth about me like I did something to her. I messaged her and asked what the fuck her problem was this bitch wrote pull up. So now that’s what I’m doing.”

“You know Leah is just mad that nigga Rich be on your bumper so heavy.” I told her. Leah is Trouble’s girlfriend older cousin. I can’t stand her stupid ass either; all she does is run her mouth like she can’t get punched in it.

“Something she and her wack ass cousin got in common, mad at me because their niggas like me or some shit. They better stop worrying about me and step their pussy game up or something.”

Laughing I shook my head. “Just beat her ass and we bouncin’ after that. Hopefully I don’t have to get involved. I will kill one of those bitches.”

“Just get me there and I’ll handle the rest.” The whole ride to Lincoln Park she was blasting Eve. As soon as Double R What came on I knew it was going to have Millz getting hype. That song made you wanna slap a couple of bitches.

When we pulled up to the park I made sure my car was good before we both got out and went walking around looking for their little family picnic. It took us five minutes of walking before we finally spotted them. This brainless bitch was sitting at a table with just Bengay sitting with her. Her baby father wasn’t even over there with them. He was talking to some of his people. One of his cousins spotted us then pointed to where we were, Rich looked at us then came over.

“What y’all doing down this way?”

“What’s good, tell your baby mama to come over here.” Millz told him.

“For what?”

“You’ll see when she comes over here. She knows why I’m here.”

He shrugged then turned around. “Aye Leah!” He shouted her name. When she looked up and saw us right there I swear to God it’s like she saw a ghost. I had to laugh because she was about to get her ass rocked. I’ve never seen her fight, I assumed she could do something because she talks a good game but the fear that flashed in her eyes when she saw Millz told me everything I needed to know. This bitch is weak and has no hands.  “Come here ma!” She and her raggedy ass cousin got up and came over to us.

“What’s good Leah? You told me to pull up, what’s poppin’?” Millz asked her.

“You came down here to fight? My son is around here I’m not doing this with you Millz.”

“You told me to pull up, the fuck you thought I was going to do with that piece of information my nigga? I’m not about this talking bullshit so you got five seconds to put your hands up. I’m slapping you either way but I’m going to be nice and give you an opportunity to defend yourself. Five seconds.” I got to three and backed up some because I already knew she was dead serious about doing it. As soon as I hit five in my head Millz rocked the shit out of her and this bitch went falling to the floor with her mouth bloody as fuck.

Leah didn’t bother getting up to defend herself but for whatever reason Botox decided to get hype and hit Millz from the side. I was about to step in but I think my cousin expected that shit because she hit that bitch so quick if you blinked you would’ve missed it.

Unlike her punk ass cousin this girl was actually trying yo fight Millz back. She wasn’t really doing too good of a job but she was trying, I’ll give her that.

They were fighting for a little while and of course everybody that was in the park was trying to watch and record the shit.

Millz grabbed two handfuls of the girl’s hair and threw her to the ground so hard you could hear that shit. After she hit the ground Millz picked her foot up and kicked the bitch right in the face. “Oh shit Millz damn!” I shouted at her. She went to do it again but I pulled her back. “Alright you made your point, let it go.”

“Stupid bitches, stop poppin shit on the books when you can’t back the shit up.” We walked away from them and went back to my car. When we were inside I looked at her sitting in my passenger seat breathing like a damn dragon.

“Look at you, fat ass can’t even breathe.” I laughed as I pulled away from the park.

“Man shut the fuck up. Let’s go to Checkers I’m hungry.”

“Fine but after that I’m dropping you off. I gotta go change and actually show up to my place of business.”

“Cool with me, I just needed to handle that.” I took Millz to get her food then dropped her off at home before going back to my place and getting myself together. Once I was dressed I left and went to the nail bar I owned.

Forever a Diamond is my baby, I started it five years ago and it’s been doing great since we opened. If you wanted your nails, eyebrows, eyelashes, makeup or waxes slayed then my salon was where you wanted to go. We weren’t cheap at all but if you wanted the best you had to pay for it, and I wasn’t about lower my prices for anybody.

When I first opened I used to work on the salon floor with everybody else and sometimes I still do but nine times out of ten I was doing my clients in my own area. I knew all of my clients on a personal level so it was better for me to be somewhere they could talk to me without everybody being in their business.

As soon as I walked in my salon everybody waved and greeted me. “What’s up y’all,” I told them before waving for my client Gia to follow me back to my station. When we got inside I put my bag down then looked at her. “My bad for being late, I was handling something.”

“It’s no problem.” We both sat down and I started on her nails. I was about to fill her nails in when it was a knock on my door.

“Come in,” When the door opened the girl who worked as a receptionist for me came in. “What’s up Ashley?”

“Xavier is outside waiting on you, he said he wanted to talk to you right now.”

“Ugh, alright. Gia I’ll be right back alright. I’ll take off half for this bullshit.” I got up and walked outside of my nail bar where this nigga was parked and leaning on the side of his car.

“Come here,” He said so I went over to him. “So you out here fighting and shit?”

“What? The fuck are you talking about?”

“I was told that you was out here fighting with Millz and shit. What did I tell you about that fighting in public shit. It’s nothing cute about being out here on that ratchet bullshit.”

“Yo,” I shook my head. He was really pushing it right now. “First of all I didn’t fight, Millz did but if I did so the fuck what? That’s my cousin you damn skippy I’m going to be there to make sure all is good. I don’t say shit about you being out here blowing niggas brains out so don’t come at me for being with my cousin. You’re going to stop talking to me like I’m your child my nigga, I got one daddy and he aint here so correct that shit.” Xavier really knew how to irk the shit out of me.

He’s my man so out of respect I listen to him when he says certain shit but he really knows how to stretch shit. No nigga will be out here checking me like I’m a kid. “Who the fuck you think you talking to Darnell and why the fuck are you even wearing what the fuck you’re wearing. You’re a business owner but you look like a thot.”

I looked down at my outfit then sucked my teeth. He was really reaching, I looked cute. I had on a Miu Miu Floral-print silk-faille mini shorts, a T by Alexander Wang Silk Satin Bralette and a white Pure Color Slim Blazer with Zipper Details and a pair of black heels. My legs were thick as hell and they were on full display but fuck that, it’s nothing wrong with it.

“I don’t look like a thot, I’m grown I can do whatever the fuck it is I want. You’re my man not my dad Xavier, relax with the bullshit.” I wasn’t even dressed inappropriately, he just wanted a reason to bitch because he feels stupid coming his ass all the way down here when I wasn’t even the one getting into a fight. “Is that all you came here for? To question me about some shit that you could’ve just called and asked me.”

“Man go ahead with this back talking bullshit.”

“Back talking? Nigga,” I really had to stop myself and take a deep breath because he was really about to blow my shit. “You need to get your attitude right, so you do that and I’ll talk to you when that shit is handled.”

***

“Hey mama,” I greeted my mother when she opened her front to let me in. I kissed her on the cheek then walked inside. “I don’t smell anything cooking, you’re not cooking?” I looked at her with a sad expression on my face. I thought I was about come over here and chow down.

“No I’m not cooking, it’s my date night with Michael tonight. We do this all the time you know that.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot. I got a lot of stuff on my mind I’m not even thinking straight.”

“What’s wrong with you Darnell?” We walked into the living room and I sat on the couch while she sat right next to me.

“Nothing bad I got into it with Xavier yesterday.”

“About what?”

“He’s getting on my nerves. He talks to me like I’m a child or like I’m supposed to be beneath him or something.”

“I thought you said you liked that he was assertive.”

“He just does too much sometimes. It’s irritating as hell, I’m grown. I don’t need to chastised like a child.”

“I get exactly what you mean. I had the same problem with your father. He was like that, always getting too aggressive with his words. You have to do what I did, talk to him. Let him know you’re not going to tolerate being talked to like that. I do think it’s something you can work through, he’s a good man.”

“I know but he has to do some changing with that attitude and mouth of his. Enough about me, you’re looking mighty fine. Where are y’all going?”

“I don’t know, he said to get dressed so I did.”

“Where is big Mike anyway?”

“I’m right here, how are you doing Darnell.” Michael smiled at me when he came in the living room. I liked Michael for my mother. He was respectful, he loved her to death plus he has his own trucking company so he has his own money.

“I’m fine, what about you?”

“I’m doing well. You know we’re having a bbq for our anniversary next week. You’re coming right?”

“Of course I’ll be there. How long have y’all been married again?”

“Three years, we want to keep it simple and sweet. The bbq was my idea of course.” My mother smiled making a smile break out on my face too. “Of course everybody is invited. Tell your uncle please.”

“I got you,” I kissed her on the cheek then stood up. “Well I need to go get me some food, I’ll see y’all later.” I gave both of them a quick hug before I left the house.

I was about to head home so I could take a nap or something when a text message from Millz came through my phone that I needed to come over because she just got jumped. Immediately I switched my route and headed towards her house. if somebody really had the balls to jump my cousin, it was going to be some problems for real.

Amilia

“I’m going to need for your fine ass to get up and put some clothes. I’m about to head out that way to scoop you.” Trouble said to me on the phone. He insisted on picking me up but I really wasn’t in the mood to go anywhere. I woke up at seven this morning after being up damn near all night so I could go get my hair done, I was tired and lazy as hell right now.

“You can come over here but I don’t feel like going anywhere. It’s Sunday, I have to deal with those bad ass kids tomorrow. I had to get up early as hell to get my hair done; I just wanna kick it here.”

I worked at a day care center about twenty minutes away from my house. I don’t mean to sound like evil witch but I really don’t like kids. They get on my nerves; don’t get me wrong I’m not an abuser of children. I don’t put my hands on the little demons or call them names to their faces but I really can’t stand the constant questions and whining about nothing. I’m not a kid person so I know for a fact having some is nowhere in my future.

Some of them are the sweetest little people you would ever want but the other ones spawns of Satan himself. The only reason I’m working here is because my aunt owns the place and she wanted me here. Plus I’m off by six, paid holiday vacations, and weekends off. Not too bad in my book, plus my aunt is one of the few people I could take orders from without going off.

“Why are you still working there if you don’t like it?”

“It’s a job; I can’t sit around and do nothing.”

“I really gotta get you in touch with my people so you can complain less. I hope your mean ass lets that you don’t like kids shit when we have ours.”

“Nigga please, the last thing I’m doing is having a baby especially not by a nigga with a girlfriend.”

“Here you go,” He sucked his teeth. “I told you I was going to handle it didn’t I?”

“Yeah well I don’t see no effort my nigga. Drop the bitch or drop those dreams you over there having about me.”

This nigga is always acting like him having a girlfriend is not a problem when he’s poppin’ all this shit about being with me. I don’t mind chillin’ with Trouble’s he’s cool as hell and I like him. I like him a lot but I like myself way more so I’m not reducing myself to being second place, especially not to a basic bitch like whatever the fuck his girlfriend’s name is.

“I’m going to handle it, I’m telling you that so shut the fuck and get up. For real, put some clothes on.”

“Nigga, no I’m not going anywhere I’m tired.”

“I will come over there and drag yo ass out the house. I’ll apologize to your mama later but I’ll do the shit and you know it. Stop playing with me and get yo fat ass up man.” He laughed at me.

“Fuck you, you can kiss my fat ass.”

“I would if you would stop playing and shit. Get up man, for real I’m not far away from you. I’m in Patterson right now.”

“Why are you in Patterson?”

“Had to go see somebody, get up Fat Mama. I’ll see you in a minute.”

“Didn’t I tell your big headed ass to stop calling me that?” Instead of answering me he started laughing. He really thought it was funny calling me fat mama. Of course I’m not here for it, that shit is not cute.

“I’m calling you that; I don’t care what you say. Get up.”

“I don’t feel like it man.”

“I’ll take you to get something to eat. You hungry?” When he said eat I sat up in my bed.

“Where?”

“Look now you ready to get up, greedy ass. Where ever you wanna go, just pick a chill place aint nobody dressing up and shit.”

“Shut the fuck up, I like food nigga so what. I’ll see you in a minute fat mama.”

I rolled my eyes. “Alright Trouble whatever.” I ended the call then got up going to my closet. I was going to keep it simple since I was just chillin’ with him. I grabbed a pair of ripped jeans, a white cropped tank top and my green army style jacket.

Since I was already showered for the day because I went out earlier I just threw my clothes on then put on a pair of Adidas. I grabbed my purse and was about to head out of my bedroom when my mother came in. “Who are these girls in front of the house?”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s a group of bitches out there dressed like they’re ready to fight.” Before I could get the ‘what the fuck’ out of my mouth my phone buzzed in my hand. I unlocked it to see Leah sent me a message on Facebook. I went to it and the shit said come outside.

“Oh hell no,” I went over to my window and looked outside. Sure enough this bitch was outside my house with a group of bitches, one of them being Trouble’s little pet. “They got me fucked up.”

“Who is that outside?” My mother asked me again but I ignored her and took my jacket off after dropping my bag on the bed. I walked right past her and out my room going downstairs. Before I could get to the door she moved in front of it.

“Come on, why are you blocking the door?”

“I want to know what’s going on.”

“That’s Leah’s punk ass, I had to beat her ass yesterday for talking shit.”

“Why are you always in something Amil? Damn, you are your father’s child.”

“We’ve established that a long time ago, I need you to move out the way.”

“Call Darnell.”

“For what?”

“You see how many girls there are?”

“I do and I don’t care. Ma if you don’t let me out this door I swear to God you’re going to want to fight me next for pushing you out of my way.” I told my mother.

The fact that this bitch is at my front door with this bullshit has me pissed off. Why do bitches always have to do the most? Just take your L and move on, what’s hard about that? Not a damn thing, but this bitch can’t do that so now she’s about to get that ass beat two days in a row.

“You’re not pushing me, I know that much. You need to go sit down, you’re not going out there until Darnell comes because nobody is jumping you and I’m too old to be out here fighting but I will.”

“You’re 36.” She’s always acting like she’s so old, when she’s only 15 years older than me. It’s like she wants to hurry up and be 40 or something.

“That’s not the point Amil. I need to know why you fought that girl.”

“We fought because she told me to pull up, I did and she got that ass beat. She doesn’t like me because her baby father is always trying to talk to me.”

“These girls always want to fight you over a nigga like you don’t have one of your own. You better not be out here whoring out.”

“First of all I’m not whoring out, my daddy taught me better than that. Second of all I don’t have a boyfriend. We broke up and I’ll explain later but for right now, you need to move so I can slide these bitches. I’m already tight they want to do when I’m about to go eat and I just got my hair done.” I ran my hands through my 28 inch blue ombre hair extensions. I just got this shit installed today and these broads wanna run down. Now I gotta slap them just off GP.

“Girl,” My mother shook her head at me.

“What? I’m dead serious ma move.” I threw my hair up in a bun and looked at her. She just stood in front of the door like she didn’t believe I would push her out of my way. I gave her another look and she still didn’t budge. I shrugged and pushed her out of my way, I didn’t do it hard but enough to get the door opened.

When I walked outside I crossed my arms over my chest smiling. “What’s good Leah?” I sent a head nod her way then looked at Trouble’s bitch. “Bread sticks, what’s up? Why you out here like we didn’t just do this yesterday? You got yo ass beat, makeup isn’t going to help you. I still see that shit.”

This girl had to be the dumbest bird on the planet. She and her cousin are both standing out here with fucked up faces trying to fight me like I’m not the one who did it. That makes no sense. “Y’all really on some other shit, what are you going to do? Jump me?” I started laughing at the thought. When I got my laughing down I let my arms down. “Alright I know y’all planned this, who’s running up first? Come on, I got shit to do.”

Of course little beanstalk ran up first. She ran up and got popped right in her face. One thing I will say is even though the bird can’t beat me she actually tries. She just doesn’t lie down and get her ass beat. I give her a little bit of respect for that, but she still getting that ass thrashed for coming to my door.

We were on the ground and she had a grip on my fresh bundles while I sending shots straight to her face. I don’t even know how long we were fighting; it felt like a good minute. I was landing punch after punch to her face until I felt her finally let go of my hair. I tried to get up but one of them birds snuck me from the side. I guess she thought I was supposed to fall over but that didn’t happen. I looked up to the see the girl coming up to me again and I hopped up and sent my face right to the middle of her face. I know I broke her shit because I heard a crack. I wanted to get the bitch again but somebody lifting me off my feet stopped me.

“Chill Millz,” Hearing Trouble’s voice made me laugh.  I forgot he was even on his way.

“Get off me, go check on your bitch. She’s the one out here trying to jump people.” I snatched away from him then fixed my hair back into a bun.

“Trouble really? The fuck is you even doing here?” His girlfriend shouted at him.

“I could ask you the same thing, the fuck you think you doing? Jumping people Bianca? That’s where you at with it?” He questioned her. I could tell she was pissed off, I laughed at that shit. That’s what he stupid ass gets.

“She snuck me yesterday!”

“No we both know that’s a lie. I don’t have to sneak no bitch. You bold as fuck for even coming over here like you don’t know I can get you touched. Bitch, are you dumb?”

“I don’t give a fuck about who your uncle is, I got people to bitch.”

“That’s your word?”

“Yes that’s my word you wack ass bitch.”

“Wack? I could never be that, that’s your dumb ass over there looking stupid. Get your broke ass outta here.”

“I’m not broke bitch, I got more than you. Working at a fuckin’ day care!”

“My purse cost more than your life. Shut the fuck up. I’m not about to be out counting coins with you. Just because I’m not suckin dicks for tips don’t mean I’m broke hoe.”

“Whatever just know I got somebody for your wack ass.”

“Oh word? That’s how you feel? Alright,” I chuckled then looked at my mother. “You heard that right ma,”

“Yeah I heard it, little girl get your friends and get from in front of my door before I start dialing numbers. You really don’t want that.” My mother said while holding her cell phone in one hand and her other one planted on her hip.

“Trouble you’re going to stand there and not say anything to them about threatening me?” She looked at him like she was ready to cry.

“Bianca, just go home. You came over here; if you got your ass beat so what. Take that shit and move on, you don’t bring that bullshit to somebody’s front door. Especially not this one, you know better. Go home.” She sucked her teeth but walked over to the busted ass car they came over in while Leah and the rest of the broke bitch followed suit. Once they pulled off I looked at Trouble and crossed my arms over my chest.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“This is the bullshit I’m not trying to deal with Trouble.”

“You acting like I set this shit up or something.”

“You didn’t but that’s your bitch, I don’t feel like dealing with the drama. I’m good with that shit, I got enough of my own bull shit to worry about, I don’t need your bitch adding to it.”

“I’m going to handle it.”

“You could’ve done that shit just now, what the fuck is you waiting for?” He was really blowing me at this point. I already got beef with the bitch because her and her dumb ass cousin can’t stay out of my business now we got beef about a nigga I aint even fucking. “I’m not doing this shit man, I’m not. Don’t fuck with me until you’re done with that hoe.”

“That’s how you feel?”

“That’s what the fuck I said I right?” I rolled my eyes then went back in the house closing the door. I went to the kitchen and got me a bottle of water before going to my bedroom. I picked my phone up and sent Darnell a text telling her what happened and to come over.

Thirty minutes went by before she came busting in my bedroom. “What the fuck happened? Who jumped you?”

“Leah came around here with the broke bunch.” I told her the full story and she was fuming by the time I got done.

“I’m slicing that bitch, see I been being fair with these hoes lately but they fuckin’ up. Now she gotta get scarred for that shit, weak ass bitches.”

“Then this nigga Trouble is blowing my shit. Him and his retarded ass girlfriend. I need a drink.”

“Ooh let’s go somewhere.” A big smile formed on Darnell’s face.

“Bitch I gotta work,”

“Oh please, my mother will let your ass miss a week. Let’s go to Miami.”

“Miami?”

“Hell yes Miami, I need a change of scenery. It’ll be fine, come on I need to get my mind off Xavier because he’s irking my damn nerves.”

“It’s probably some fine ass niggas down there.” I smirked.

“Yes bitch, I know that look. We’re going to Miami! Let me book these tickets, we’re taking our asses down there as soon as possible. It’s about to be turn up time for real.” She pulled her phone out and started booking all of our stuff while I went and looked through my closet to figure out what I was going to wear down there. I was ready to go shopping if I needed to too. Nothing was going to keep me from getting my ass out of here for a couple of days. I needed a break from these jealous ass bitches and these hoe ass niggas.

[biofunmy]

$850,000 Homes in California – The New York Times

Cambria | $849,000

An 1865 house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, on a 0.64-acre lot

Believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in San Luis Obispo County, this clapboard cottage is called Music House, after the name of early owners. It is on the east end of Main Street in Cambria, an unincorporated coastal community halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco (about 230 miles each way), and 10 miles south of Hearst Castle. The area has a large quantity of second homes and a notable dearth of chain stores. You can bicycle to Moonstone Beach in less than 15 minutes.

Size: 1,406 square feet

Price per square foot: $604

Indoors: The owners bought the property in 2015 and, working with local contractors and artisans, made improvements to every room. They stripped walls and repainted them in period colors, refinished wood trim, refurbished and rehung old doors they discovered on the property, and updated the plumbing and electrical systems.

The front parlor, which has vintage wood floors, a restored chandelier and walls painted a Victorian eggplant color, connects to a formal dining room with a bead-board ceiling. Beyond the dining room is a kitchen with refinished original cabinetry, butcher-block countertops, tile and bead-board wall surfaces and a farmhouse sink.

A pair of parlor doors with etched-glass panes opens to a main-floor bedroom or study. This room has use of a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a marble sink on a vintage wrought-metal base. Nearby is a laundry area with a stacked washer and dryer. The parlor also leads to a family room that has a trio of large windows facing the street.

A staircase in the family room takes you upstairs, where there are two bedrooms with angled bead-board ceilings, and a bathroom with a skylight and a walk-in shower.

Outdoor space: There is a rocking-chair front porch and two rear patios, one paved in brick and the other in flagstone. The property is terraced and planted with oaks, evergreens and flowering shrubs; a large portion is devoted to native vegetation. A detached garage with a polished concrete floor has a single door but room for two vehicles.

Taxes: $10,613 (estimated)

Contact: Michael Barnes or Leslie Dougherty, Barnes & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, 805-927-1200; sothebysrealty.com

Angels Camp | $850,000

A converted farmhouse with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, on a 16.84-acre lot

Originally part of a sheep farm, this house is in the Sierra foothills, 130 miles east of San Francisco and 75 miles southeast of Sacramento. In 2005, it was bought and renovated by a craftsman and an antiques collector. They passed it along to their daughter, who recently operated it as a short-term rental called La Casa Pavone, or Peacock House.

The home is a mile and a half northeast of Angels Camp, a Gold Rush city in Calaveras County that is best known for its annual frog-jumping competition and has become popular with second-home owners and wine country tourists. Murphys, a village with 17 wineries and tasting rooms, is nine miles northeast.

Size: 1,683 square feet

Price per square foot: $505

Indoors: The main entrance is into a living room with polished wood floors, big windows and a beamed ceiling. All three features continue into the adjacent eat-in kitchen, which has traditional-style brown cabinets, stone countertops, a five-burner GE Monogram gas range and a double farmhouse sink. The ground-floor master bedroom has a sink and claw-foot tub in the main space and, in a private area, a walk-in shower and toilet. There is also a laundry room on this floor.

Upstairs are two additional, A-shaped bedrooms and an area on the landing that could be used as a third sleeping area. The upstairs bathroom off the landing has a claw-foot tub and a pedestal sink.

A root cellar accessible from outside is used to store wine and has a staging area for serving guests.

Outdoor space: The house has a wraparound porch and a raised gravel patio, as well as a large gravel yard with a firepit and log seats next to a barn. The property includes sculpted hedges, a bamboo maze and a small studio building with electricity.

Taxes: $10,625 (estimated)

Contact: Jeff Rasmussen, NextHome Utica Properties, 209-768-9522; jeff-rasmussen.com

Chula Vista | $859,000

A 2004 house with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, on a 0.21-acre corner lot

This home is in Rolling Hills Ranch, one of 23 planned neighborhoods in Chula Vista, which are organized around community centers, with nearby parks and swimming pools. It is on the eastern edge of the city, 18 miles southeast of San Diego and 16 miles northeast of Tijuana, Mexico. (Residents often use the Tijuana International Airport, which is only 14 miles away.) The Otay Ranch Town Center, an outdoor shopping mall that includes restaurants, movie theaters and salons, is about four miles southeast.

Size: 2,825 square feet

Price per square foot: $304

Indoors: A previous owner made a large investment in custom woodwork, adding coffered ceilings, open beams, carved mantels, paneled doors and a curving staircase with turned balusters.

The grand entrance has wide wood floorboards that continue through most of the main floor, and a double-height ceiling. Dutch interior doors open to a living room with a coffered ceiling and arched built-in shelves with mirrored backs. A room that was formerly a fifth bedroom was converted into a den with a wall of built-in bookshelves. It is across from a bathroom with a combined tub and shower.

Running along the back of the main floor is a succession of rooms, including a white eat-in kitchen with natural stone countertops and a farm-style center island. The kitchen flows into a family room with dark ceiling beams and a pink stone fireplace and hearth, and French doors opening to a patio. On the other side of the kitchen is a bedroom with an en suite bathroom that has a combined tub and shower.

Upstairs, the master suite has white-painted floorboards and a bathroom with a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a makeup vanity next to the sink. Two additional bedrooms share a bathroom with a combined tub and shower.

Outdoor space: Double-decker porches supported by columns run along the front of the house (one of the upstairs bedrooms has direct access). A pergola tops part of the rear patio, which has ample space for outdoor entertaining. A community park with a playground is across the street.

Taxes: $10,738 (estimated)

Contact: Amanda Roulier, the Werth Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 619-548-1773; elliman.com

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

Sahred From Source link Real Estate

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[FN] Tender Fitness

A light flutter in my tummy, I always was nervous on first days. Today was the first day to my new gym. I looked over at my gym back with the flyer on sitting on top. I reach over and grab it looking over it again. Tender Fitness, a gym where you can be embracing what you want to be and do so safely. A picture of men, all dressed femininity working out in a class. Not sure how you want to look, our staff is happy to help you find your true self. Low on funds? We have you covered. With our in house work program you can work here, in exchange for classes and credit for new supplies. New member orientation is held every Monday.

I rolled back over looking at it repeatedly pondering how it was going to be, who was going to be there? I have always wanted to be more female vs masculine. I never was a good man. I was gay, not that I didn’t try to date females, it was just not for me. I find them lovely and beautiful but in the I am jealous of them way. I may as well go over there now encase the class fills up fast.

It was only a few years after the fall of one of the worst presidents in American history. Most people were thinking we were on the brink of the purge, or something like that. The people took charge and made the states better again. “Oh no! Brain you will not wonder today.” I say to myself. I always had a bad habit of letting my mind wander and then not do what I wanted to. Almost like talking my self out of it. I got out of bed just in a nightie, and wondered to the closet to change out, looking back at my bad.

I slipped into yoga pants and a crop top tank shirt both pink. My wrist, with a flick of wrist I look at my smartwatch for the notification, “Have a great day honey, I will see you when I get out of work. Sorry again I had to leave early for work and didn’t get to see you off <3. “ It was from my boyfriend. My checks flushed and I sprinted over to my phone on the nightstand. I never failed to send promptly to him. We met together years ago; however, I was still deep in the closet.

“I Love you and know you have to that early morning meeting for the new merger you oversee. I am just getting up and about to head out. Let you know when I get there. <3 <3” One quick picture to show him what I am wearing. I slide my phone into my back pocket and head out to the gym.

I got there with little issues and was just sitting in the parking lot. It was grand building, the cardio machines facing out to the city and street. I could see a wide range of men and some females only later I would find out that was wrong assumption. I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag and phone form the dock on the dash. I placed my keys in the side pocket of the gym bag as I locked the car.

“Welcome to Tender Fitness, is this your first day?” The voice from someone with a clipboard standing by the door. They were wearing short shorts, showing their smooth tan legs, and a light blue tee shirt with a logo for the gym on it. The word staff written under it. I just nodded, with a smile then moved an arm around me and led me to the presentation room. “Name Hun?”

“Oh, I am Tristan. Tristan Williams.”

They looked at their clip board and scribbled on it, looking up at me. “So do you know what you want to work towards or would you like to go through the interview process? IF you do not know you can always answer at a later time.”

“Um just more feminine in shape and looks.” I shrugged my shoulders as I did so.

“Hmmm, okay there are a few things you noted you were interested in. These are not in the orientation. While you are at the orientation, I will draft up the information and dates for the one on one sessions for seeing a therapist and getting a Doctor visit slated after that for operation. This facility works with a highly dedicated team, from all over the world. Are there any days you can not be scheduled for consultation?”

“Just not on the weekends, I am a stay at home um wife I guess.”

“Say no more, that is more common now a days, is your partner here with you today or?”

“No they are at work aggressive merger.”

“Well I will make note, this is joint effort when there is a partner and we want to make sure both of you are include in all the decisions and allow to show progress reports as well. That way you get an extra boost when he?” a pause and a raised eyebrow as they looked at me.

“Yes he.” Flutter in my hear and a light blush on my cheeks I could feel the warmth.

“You must be very happy together.” A smile on their face as I blushed again and nodded. “Ok so we like to provide progress reports to him that way you get that extra push and rush when he gives you praise. We found this helps with those who have lower self-esteem or were hurt in the past.”

“Wow that is actually amazing. Can I text to let him know he can come on over if he gets a chance?”

“Yes please, go head the class is about to start. Then a tour of the facility.” Okay Tristan have a good day and see you after the class.”

With that I noticed I was just outside of where the first class would be. I walked in and saw bout six people in there all a wide range of people. Some were transitioning to the new them, there was a table with markers and name badges. I grabbed one and moved to make I noticed a spot for a name and gender role preference, I put Tristan, and placed it on my chest, and sent a quick text letting him know I was in glass and was he was invited to come over form part of the orientation process.

I walked around for a bit, and then the lights started to dim, we all moved to the center and placed our bags under out chairs and moved out phone out of sight and on vibrate. Then they started the opening speech.

“Welcome to the first step to happiness with yourself, from now on know this is a safe space and that everyone here is here of their own free will. You can be you and embrace who you want to be. For some of you, you know that the world was not and still at time is not the best of places. Here it is different. Here you can follow you heart and be who you want to be. We offer a wide range of services. Some come with membership cost, others can be ran against your insurance while the others will have to be purchased. We offer a cutting edge in house, work program, for those of you who do not make enough money for anything there.” The room was silent and there was just one person on the stage. They were very feminine and if I would not have known would have thought they were born a woman.

“I am Kimberly and I am this facility head. I transitioned long ago in the darker times, not to be confused with the darkest times. I like so many of you now, once had so many questions, from what do I wear, how do I work out now? How do I wear makeup? That was the same for the founder Janet. She made this company and knowing that others would need this. Wanting to know how to do things now differently and offering the service.” Another stunning female was presented on a static shot on a screen. My watch vibrated, I looked at It with a flick of my wrist. “I will be there soon babe; I just finished my meeting it all went well. I love you darling. <3” Like always my hear melted.”

“Some of you may have husbands, wives, or a boyfriend or girlfriend. We believe in providing updates like a progress report, to them. This has showed that you will get a boost in accomplishment and keep striving forward. We also have dedicated spaces for you to work out with each other or with other groups, free of charge with membership.” Images of the different locations were on there and the thought of me and Jeffery working out just made my heart shake and my tummy flutter. A few of the other had the same kina feeling some ever were blushing. “Now we are going to a walk of the place showing you what you will be able to do here.” The lights slowly came back one, and we all stood. “Leave your bags here if you want the room will not be bothered until we come back.

It took my breath away, there was a pool, spa, hair and beauty salon. There was outdoor tracks and courts. Everyone was warm and happy; staff members were around everywhere some were on the program I found out later, they had light pink shirts. There was a shopping section, with a wide range of clothes, shoes and accessories all for gym life. Their brand name made me snicker with I saw it. Gym Bunnies a logo of anthropomorphic bunny with winking lifting a weight. They had a huge shower room, with rain shower heads, to standard, and some hot tubes. No one was excluded here, and sometimes I saw some members showing how to wrap a towel, or how-to best wash hair. The last was the best in my opinion, there was a lounge area, just filled with free to borrow books and magazines. There were rooms along the walls in this room, for classes. Some people were showing others how to wear makeup or helping them plan out something maybe an event.

We started to file back into the room and as I got close my wrist again vibrated, “Just pulling in I will be in the lobby waiting on you babe! <3” I flushed again, I didn’t pay much attention to the last part as they went over popular packages, that they offered. It was not until I was tapped on the shoulder that I registered that the class was over, and it was the person and that was helping me when I got in with Jeffrey.

“I think this is yours.” They said to me with a wink and smile. I blushed deeply and nodded.

“Hey Tristy. How is your day going honey” He said arms wide open for me waiting on my embrace to wrap them around me. He toward a good foot over me, between a dad bod and jock out of practice. I made a small jump into his arms and as I did, he embraced me with his large arms, wrapping around and holding me. Kissing me in the check and neck and small spin.

“Oh honey it was good. This is a really good place and I am glad I am going to be here. I am so happy I got to see you today.” I kissed him square on the lips. His beard ticked me with the light roughness to it. His hand slides up and down my back and grazed my ass in just the most playful of ways.

“Well if you two are ready we can head on to my office and get you set for your wonderful journey here.” Came from the staff member, Jeff set me down and I grabbed my bag he took it from me and interlocked his hand with mine as we followed behind the staff member. I know I was not paying attention, but words escaped my mouth here and there as I did.

submitted by /u/Jilli-Bean86 [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/34JrCPF

[vijay19blr-blog]

Best family hotels in Shimla on the Mall Road

“Accommodation for your next family vacation to Shimla is sorted!”

 Shimla has been a favourite destination for family vacations in India. The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a popular hill resort. With easy accessibility, and developed infrastructure, Shimla is a hassle-free family tourist destination, attracting hundreds of tourists almost through the year. After all, holidays in Shimla are all about mesmerising mountain views, colonial architecture, shopping, and delicious street food on the Mall Road. The best way to experience all this, is to check into one of the hotels in Shimla Mall Road.

 So here is our pick of some of the best family hotels in Shimla Mall Road that you can book on your next family vacation to Shimla:

  1. Hotel Willow Banks

 Surrounded by soaring pines, verdant green valleys and mountains,  Hotel Willow Banks is an ideal place for people looking for a relaxing stay in Shimla. It is a luxurious 4-star hotel centrally located on the Mall Road featuring a rejuvenating spa, salon, gym,  an in-house recreation centre, and a well-equipped banquet hall for business and commercial events.

 The rooms are categorised into Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Premium, each featuring world-class amenities such as wooden flooring, contemporary decor, and amenities as Wi-Fi, LED TV, mini fridge and bathtubs. There is also a private balcony offering spectacular views of the town's skyline and hills.

 The hotel houses two multi-cuisine restaurants namely, Eighteen71, an elegant cookhouse and bar with royal ambience, and Cafe Simla Times, a bistro, bakery and bar.

 Nearby attractions: Himachal State Museum and Himalayan Bird Park are 3 km, Lakkar Bazar is 4 km, Johnnie's Wax Museum and Jakhu Temple are 5 km, and Chadwick Falls is 6km.

 Address: The Mall, Near Tourism Lift, Shimla, 171001

 Willow Banks Shimla hotel price: INR 6500 - INR 15200

  2. Clarkes Hotel

 One of the oldest hotels in town, Clarkes Hotel is known for its luxurious stay and fine ambience.  The hotel is located on the Mall Road near Shimla Heritage Museum and offers mesmerising views of the valley. The hotel provides comfortable accommodation with its 32 rooms divided into superior, deluxe, premier, and suites room category.

 Each room is well-equipped with modern amenities such as LCD TV, safe deposit box, mini-bar and wireless internet access. The dining hall serves amazing Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine and is a fun place for families to enjoy meals together. At The Terrace, one can also enjoy tea or coffee with the view of the surrounding mountains.

 Nearby attractions: The Ridge is only 800 metres, Scandal Point is 1 km, the Viceregal Lodge is 5 km, and Kufri is 19 km from the hotel.

 Address: The Mall Road, Shimla, 171001

 Clarkes Hotel Shimla price: INR 7400 - INR 12700

  3. Hotel Marina

 Hotel Marina is a luxury boutique hotel located amidst the enchanting snow-capped mountains and pine and deodar trees. The hotel is known for its flawless services,  spectacular setting, exquisite designs, and warm hospitality offering a rejuvenating spa, a fitness centre, restaurants, a fun game room, lounge bar, pool table, well-equipped business centres, conference halls and spacious event spaces.

 Located in a charming setting, the hotel offers accommodation in 42 well-furnished AC rooms categorised into deluxe, superior, and executive. All rooms are elegantly-styled offering a picturesque view of the valley. There are also 3 restaurants inside the premises namely, Hill Edge Restaurant, Sixteen 69 Lounge Bar and Open Garden Terrace Restaurant.

 Nearby attractions: Mall Road and Johnnie's Wax Museum are 3 km, The Ridge and Jakhu Temple is 4 km, Summer Hill and Rashtrapati Nivas is 7 km from the hotel.

 Address: The Mall, Shimla , 171001

 Hotel Marina Shimla price: INR 4400 - INR 6000

   4. Wingait Inn (A Heritage Cottage)

 Wingait Inn is a heritage hotel built during the British Raj. It is a beautiful colonial building with palatial architecture featuring a rooftop multi-cuisine restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal along with the view of the mountains.

 It is an ideal place for family vacations offering nine spaciously well-kept rooms with wooden flooring and a sitting area. Each room feature a makeup mirror, wardrobe, balcony, separate sitting area and an en-suite bathroom.

 Nearby attractions: The Ridge, Bantony Castle, and Christ Church are 2 km away, and Tara Devi Temple is 17 km from the property.

 Address: Chaura Maidan, The Mall, Shimla, 171001

 Wingait Inn Shimla hotel price: INR 1900 - INR 2700

  5. Hotel Combermere

 Named after Shimla's first landmark - Combermere Bridge, Hotel Combermere Shimla is located in the very heart of town opposite to the Tourist Lift. It boasts to be the most modern hotel in Shimla offering modern amenities, flawless service and warm hospitality in a graceful 'old world' way.

 The architecture of the hotel is an amalgamation of traditional and modern with ethnic interiors reminding one of the royal style of living, equipped with ultra modern facilities for the convenience of guests. It offers accommodation in 48 well-maintained rooms featuring a TV set, a queen size bed, sitting area, a make-up mirror, centrally heated system, safety locker, and an attached bathroom.

 However it is their elegantly designed restaurants and bar that steal the show. Seventh Heaven and ‘Bar-Be-Que’ are rooftop restaurants offering a lovely view of the town. Cafe Sol serves all type of bakery products along with Italian, Thai, Continental and Mexican cuisines. Cloud Nine and Sol Lounge are well-stocked sophisticated bars inside the hotel premises.

 Nearby attractions: Jakhu Temple is 2 km away whereas Himachal State Museum is 3 km.

 Address: Opposite Tourism Lift, The Mall, Shimla, 171001

 Hotel Combermere Shimla Hotel Price: INR 7400 - INR 13800

  Book one of these hotels in Shimla Mall Road for an amazing holiday experience with your family!

[peckhampeculiar]

Open all hours

Cruson on Camberwell Church Street offers an Ali Baba’s cave of mouth-watering produce and unusual foodstuffs. We meet its legendary proprietor Aris, who has run the Cypriot greengrocer for almost 50 years

Words Garth Cartwright

Photo by John Yabrifa

South-east London is transforming at an incredibly fast pace, so it’s great to see some things stay the same. My favourite example of a local institution that always appears open and offers exemplary produce and service is Cruson, the esteemed greengrocer of Camberwell Church Street.

Just how long Cruson has been operating in Camberwell is something of a mystery: its current proprietor has been offering “open all hours” service for almost 50 years yet Cruson predates him by decades.

Cruson is run by a Cypriot gentleman called Aris. “Just write that down,” he says. “Everyone knows me as Aris.” And what a remarkable business he operates.

Cruson is stuffed full of fresh fruit and vegetables and much else. Both outside and inside, it offers an Ali Baba’s cave of wonderful produce. Alongside all the fresh fruit and vegetables there is a fine selection of fresh olives to choose from and all manner of other tasty delicacies.

Greek sausages, yoghurts, dips and other chilled products sit in a large fridge at the back of the shop. Packets of dried figs and dates and tins of olive oil are sold here too. There are even packets of quail eggs.

The foodstuffs on offer reflect the way south-east London’s ethnic makeup has diversified – all kinds of West Indian flavourings and breads are stocked alongside the dried salted cod popular with the West African community.

There’s the practical stuff greengrocers always keep in stock – tomato sauce and cornflakes and loo rolls and much else. Fresh herbs and tomato plants and such are out front now the weather is good.

The aroma emanating from Cruson is delicious, a bouquet of sweet and spicy fruits and vegetables. Compared to the petrol and diesel-filled air outside, Cruson is a little slice of paradise on Camberwell Church Street.

I’ve been dropping into the shop since 1994 and have never been disappointed. Back then Cruson was part of a larger Cypriot community of shops and cafes and restaurants in the area.  

I mention this to Aris and he nods. “There used to be a lot of Cypriots living and running businesses in south-east London,” he says. “Now I’m about the only one left – the rest have died!”

Paul’s Olive Shop – which operated on the same stretch of Camberwell Church Street as Cruson and specialised in olives and feta cheese – was another favourite of mine. “Yes, Paul died,” says Aris.

“He was a good man. When I opened, Camberwell was full of Cypriot businesses. There were some in Peckham too.”

Aris points at various buildings along the street that are now home to Chinese restaurants and coffee shops among other businesses, marking out where his compatriots used to trade. “It’s now really down to me and Vineyard restaurant,” he says. “And the Greek Orthodox church on the Camberwell New Road.”

Yet rather than getting nostalgic, he says: “I realise that things change because they are meant to change. There used to be a girls’ school behind us in Mary Datchelor House but that’s now an apartment building.”

What makes Cruson’s longevity even more surprising is that it’s a greengrocer. While the rise of the supermarket spelled the demise of many high street grocers, Cruson continues even though it is only a few minutes’ walk from a large Morrisons.  

“Well, they [the supermarkets] do their job at selling food but I don’t try and compete with them. What I sell is natural food. Not the mass produced food. And no plastic! This is very important to my customers that there is no plastic.

“I’m an old-fashioned greengrocer who gets the best produce in and cares about my customers – you can’t say that about supermarkets. People appreciate this.” As if on cue, a man drops in to buy some herbs and Aris introduces him as “one of my oldest customers”.

“I’ve been shopping here for the last 30 years,” the shopper says. “No, longer – 35. This is a great shop, the produce is always fresh and Aris gets really interesting food in. There’s nowhere else like it in south London.”

Intriguingly, when Aris first settled in the UK he worked as a barber, not as a greengrocer. “I left Cyprus when I was young because I wanted to see another country,” he says.

“When I came to London I was trained as a hairdresser and I got a job working in a hairdressing salon on Old Compton Street in Soho. You should have seen Soho then – everyone was there!

“You had all the working girls and all the pop stars and the gangsters and the nightlife. The streets were packed and it was very exciting. I worked from 1960 until 1971 at the hairdresser on Old Compton Street and we had all kinds of people come in.

“We did men and women’s hair. We had famous customers – we had Henry Cooper, the great British heavyweight boxing champion. He used to come in regularly and get a shave. We had The Rolling Stones come in for haircuts – we had everyone.”

The Old Compton Street hairdresser may have serviced the Stones but it was the rise of long-haired rockers that helped put an end to the business. “Our lease ended and the landlord didn’t want to give us an extension,” explains Aris. “But times were difficult because everyone wanted to have long hair so you didn’t get the regular customers coming in like before.”

This is what pushed Aris towards becoming a greengrocer. “Just as I learnt how to be a barber I also learnt how to be a greengrocer,” he says of changing trade.

“This shop already existed when I took over but it was smaller. Back then I lived in Finsbury Park but I shifted down here and I liked Camberwell. Not just because many Cypriots lived here. It was a nice area. All kinds of people. Friendly.”

Aris is constantly busy. If he’s not serving customers he’s putting out stock, sweeping the floor, taking out used cartons for recycling, ordering fresh produce and ensuring he has what people want.

I’m decades younger than he is and I feel exhausted just watching him in action. How does he do it? “Sometimes I get tired, that’s true,” he says. “But this is the job of the greengrocer and I like it.”

Aris is now in his 70s but says that he has no plans to retire. “This is my life. It’s nice to get up each day and go to work and meet people. If I didn’t work here then I’d be lonely, sitting at home. I like to keep busy and I like my customers.

“The people in Camberwell are from all over the world – so I get to meet people from many different nations. I like being with people and knowing how my customers are doing and the things they want. This creates a happy atmosphere. That is nice.”

Are there any downsides to the job? “The worst thing about being a greengrocer is when the weather is bad,” he says. “I have to keep the door open all day and I’m standing here and it is very cold. That is when my job is hard.”

Aris ensures Cruson is open from 8am till 9pm daily. “Yes, [I work] long hours but I have to – it’s how I manage to stay in business,” he says. “Our customers know I’m open and I like to offer good service.”

Considering how much this patch of south-east London has changed in recent years, I wonder what Aris makes of his now fashionable neighbourhood. “Camberwell has a lot more facilities than when I first shifted here,” he says.

“It has lots of nice restaurants and cafes. It has the hospital. It has good public transport. It’s a lot busier than it used to be. I like these developments and I think they make life easier.”

As a veteran shop owner, I wonder if Aris had any tips to share with the area’s new entrepreneurs. He says: “People keep coming back here because they know I have the good food, the tasty food.”

His legions of loyal customers would most certainly concur.

[sweetsuccesssociety]

15 Ideas to Get of The Office During Your Lunch Break

Happy Monday! As you settle down for the start to a fresh week (perhaps with an extra cup of coffee), let’s reflect on how we spend our weekday lunch breaks. Obviously, every company structure varies from the next and each office setting is different—but overall, can we agree there are some consistencies?

Like Consistency #1: We need to give ourselves a lunch break.

Did you know only 1 in 5 Americans take advantage of their standard one-hour lunch breaks? And almost half of those who do take a lunch break, report they eat at their desks! Don’t tell me your excuses. Don’t launch into why you’re too busy to take a lunch, or how important it is for you to work on this project before deadline. It is essential you respect yourself, your mentality, and your health to stand up from your desk and clear your mind from work for a while.

There’s plenty of research that supports why professionals should utilize their one-hour lunch break (like this Forbes article or this one from the Washington Post), but the bottom line line is this: Changing your environment periodically throughout the day boosts your creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to focus, while decreasing stress and anxiety.

But I get it. I really do and I admit I’m sometimes guilty of getting so caught up in the workday’s activities that suddenly it’s 3pm and I haven’t eaten more than a few stale pretzels. Let’s be honest with ourselves though: We need to recognize we are helping our team, our productivity, and our happiness by “changing our environment” for our precious hour-long break.

And the best way to change up your environment and give your mind a mental treat is to get outta that office! Maybe you feel stuck in a lunch routine and want to try something different, or you need to plan ahead to pull yourself away from the screen, or you realize your break consists of still sitting at your desk just scrolling through Instagram. Come on now, we’re better than that! You have one hour all to yourself, so take full advantage of it and get excited.

Here are 15 places to go and things to do that will help you create and appreciate a fulfilling lunch break, ultimately leading to a more successful workday!

Be productive:

1. Take your laptop to a coffee shop. Work on your blog, attend a webinar, take that ecourse you bought 3 months ago. Read some of the posts you’ve pinned or catch up on the day’s news. Get all updated with your non-work-related emails or research that trip you’ve been wanting to go on. Write a little, play a brain game, online shop for that upcoming birthday! I think you get my point—change up the scenery and take that hour for doing whatever the hell you want with your own computer.

2. Go for a workout. Jog around a nearby trail or neighborhood, or look into a monthly membership to a gym within 10 minutes’ drive. If you live nearby and your apartment complex has a gym, hurry your booty over there and squeeze in a 20-minute exercise! Don’t let the prospect of a sweaty afternoon stop you—you can always bring makeup to touch up, deodorant to refresh, even a washcloth to wet and get the sticky sweat off. It’ll get your energy levels up for a productive afternoon! (Although maybe don’t do this right before meetings, just in case you have to catch your breath.)

3. Go for a walk. This is my go-to lunch break solution a few times a week. Explore the nearby area, specifically neighborhoods, trails, or city streets. Create several favorite routes for the comfort of familiarity with the adventure of being outside. Set step goals if you have a fitness tracking device, plug in headphones and get lost in an audiobook or a new album, find exciting nooks in the realm around your office location.

4. Run errands. I know we don’t want to, I know. But think about it. You get out of the office, you don’t have to do anything difficult, and you are productivity. When you get off work, it’s already done. Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? So go fill up your gas tank, return those shoes, mail that thank you card to your aunt, even pick up groceries if you can put them in the fridge at your workplace afterward.

Relax Time:

5. Go to the park. Pack yourself a picnic along with a blanket and book you’ve been meaning to read. Write in a journal at one of the tables. Take a stroll around the perimeter.  Swing on the swings and let out your inner child! Just enjoy being at a park and soaking up the outdoors.

6. Post up in your car (with the windows rolled down for sunshine, if it’s warm enough) and kick the seat back in a nearby comfortable area. Read a book, listen to an audiobook or podcast, watch an episode on your phone, or even take a nap! Bonus points if it’s in the shade (again, when it’s sunny out), and/or near a park.

7. Go home. Unless it’s a commute (heads up: I consider that 20 minutes), go home every now and then and relax for 15 minutes. Make yourself lunch the night before so you can enjoy it right away. If you have a furry friend, give ‘em some love. Watch one episode of a light-heartedly show. Get a little laundry or cleaning done, knowing how happy it’ll make you later.

8. Get a manicure. While as a budgeter I recommend painting your own nails 90% of the time, sometimes it really is just time to cash in that other 10%. Find a nail salon (with good Yelp reviews, of course), make an appointment, and you do you.

Get Social:

9. Go on a lunch date with your significant other. What an awesome way to spend your break, right? My S.O. and I have weekly lunch dates and they seriously brighten our days so much. I can’t recommend this outing enough  Not close to one another’s work places? Find a restaurant halfway. Long distance? Talk on the phone or video chat on a walk, at a park. Don’t have remotely similar lunch schedules, like, ever? Well, that just sucks then, I’m sorry.

10. Call up a friend and makes lunch plans. How often do we say we’re busy to our friends and use it as a reason for not seeing one another more often? Reach out to a friend or 2 and ask whether they’re available for lunch. (If not, switch it to happy hour or brunch plans so you can see still this friend!) Ask about a specific day, and solidify plans so that you both actually follow through. You’ll have a great opportunity to laugh, catch up, vent, and brainstorm, giving you an extra pep in your step for the rest of the afternoon!

11. Invite a coworker to lunch. Is there someone new to the office that could use a casual lunch? What about that girl who sits across from you and you both always laugh together, but have never hung out outside work? Or hey, maybe you have some truly awesome tactics or strategies to explore and want to discuss it in an informal setting with your team or manager? Lunch can turn into a key networking tool! Who knows, your coworkers could even turn into some of your dearest friends. (I know mine have!)

12. Enjoy a conversation with someone on the phone. Whether it’s daily calls to your mom or catch up with your best friend who lives across the country, give someone you care about a call. It’s easy because you can do this almost anywhere—only, please don’t be that person at the store who’s loudly telling an inappropriate story to her sister on the phone.

Out for Food:

13. Go to the market and “make” your lunch. You know those nicer-than-average grocery stores that have mini food markets, like with a salad bar, sandwich station, pre-made dishes? If you haven’t, find your closest Whole Foods. Getting lunch here can be delicious and a good shake-up from what you’re used to. Most of these places have a few tables where you can sit, or you can take it to that park.

14. Go to a favorite restaurant by yourself. Yeah, you heard me. Walk in with your head held high and say, “Table for 1.” Bring a book or journal to keep you company if you’re worried about bordom—especially if it will help keep you distracted from your phone. Tight on money? Search for deals online, order water and a salad, save half to stretch for tomorrow’s lunch, or make sure these favorite restaurants aren’t expensive.

15. Seek out a new restaurant with a great reputation. You know, that restaurant “you’ve been meaning to try out” for 3 years. Or that spot that’s always triggered your curiosity, but just can’t bring yourself to break habits? Step outside your comfort zone and try somewhere new! Don’t know where to start? Jump on Yelp, TripAdvisor, Foursquare (is that still a thing?) or even social media to find a restaurant. (I have an actual addiction to Yelp… just sayin’.)

A few tips…

If you want to do something that doesn’t make it easy to eat (like go on a walk, run errands, work out), bring your lunch with you and eat it before or after your lunch break. Only eat at your desk if—and only if—you still take that full lunch break. Feel weird eating at your desk? Have small snacks throughout the day, so there’s no big meal to feel weird about.

Bring a change of clothes in your bag, particularly if you’re planning to walk or (obviously) work out. But even if you want to picnic at the park but you dress business professional, bring more comfortable clothes for when you’re outside! Don’t want to leave the change of clothes in the office? Leave it in the car and snag ‘em on your way out.

Listen to an audiobook, podcast, new album, YouTube clip, whatever your heart desires! Get caught up in a new story, or educate yourself, learn a new skill, or find inspiration and encouragement. You can do this while taking a walk, relaxing in your car, running errands—really, wherever you can plug in earbuds.

While I encourage you to explore the area around you, I should add that it’s important to be careful and aware of wherever that area is. If your place of work is in a not-so-good part of town, please don’t take my advice and go walking through the neighborhoods or post up in a park. Cool? Cool.

Have a fantastic start to the week! Challenge yourself to mix up your lunch break routine and remember to always take your lunch break!

The post 15 Ideas to Get of The Office During Your Lunch Break appeared first on Sweet Success Society.

from 15 Ideas to Get of The Office During Your Lunch Break

[savannahsbpdadventures]

Y’all mind if I... piss on myself?

I had a pretty good day yesterday.

I awoke at 10 AM after having Internet access all night, thanks to Nana getting drunk off her ass before going to bed and forgetting to shut it off. I could accomplish so much with the Internet on and her not bothering me after 7 PM, when she went to bed.

Mom picked us up at about 11 and we went to go get Cuban sandwiches from an amazing place downtown near the hair salon.

The whole time, my mother and I rolled our eyes at each other whenever Nana did something stupid, or did any typical old people things. My mother and I get along great whenever Nana is around. I guess you could even consider it bonding. If there’s one thing we share, we’re both very annoyed by Nana almost all the time.

Like right now. I’m annoyed at her because she turned off the Internet. I could go into her room and turn it back on, but I’d rather just be mad at her. Especially since she’ll just turn it off again next time she goes in her room. You’re my worst enemy if you get between me and my Internet access. I’ll write about today for tomorrow’s post. But that’s probably going to be the main gist of tomorrow’s post if nothing more interesting happens.

Anyway, I get my hair cut for the first time since 2015. It’s now the shortest it’s been in a very long time. It’s a little shorter than shoulder length, which is a big difference from my usual look, where it’s down to my boobs.

I feel like this new haircut is the first step towards looking better. Even though it can make me look like I’m eight-years-old at times, I can upgrade my makeup and wardrobe so I look like I’m mature. Fashion Nova will help with that. Plus, if I dye my hair the galactic colors I want to dye it, I won’t look eight. Eight-year-olds don’t have dyed hair, that’s why.

After the haircut, we head back to Nana’s place, and I stay for a little bit before I catch the bus to meet my best friend, Paul.

Just to clarify, I have different categories of best friends. There’s my long-distance best friend, Michael, who lives far away for school, but usually lives in my city. Then there’s my high school best friends, Ava and Vanessa. But my all around best friend is Paul.

I met Paul on Facebook. Like me, he also suffers from BPD, and that created an instant bond between us. He is twenty-years-old and lives with his mother and brother. He’s also a trans boy, but his mother always misgenders him and dead names him purposefully, which bothers me. We decided to meet in person for the first time last Saturday. I met him and his mother at the Wendy’s near my place, and I bought lunch for us. After that, his mom drove us to Nana’s condo, where we stayed in my room, because Nana was trying to force him to play the electric piano we have. She also tried feeding him expired food. Nana doesn’t know to check the expiration dates on food anymore, so I have to inspect the fridge every once in a while, to make sure all the foods that went bad are taken out.

This time, we decided to meet at the Dunkin’ Donuts near his place, so we could avoid that whole mess of Nana’s memory loss. Also, so we could get cheap coffee drinks.

This was my first time using the bus to get anywhere from Nana’s place. I’d have her drive me everywhere if she could, but my mother took away her keys so she can’t drive. So, I just use my old student ID to get free bus rides. I’m going to have a hard time getting around once that thing expires. Until then, I have this whole summer to use it. Maybe even the rest of the year.

To get from one place to another using the public transit system, I must put in a lot of effort. My first step is to leave the condo parking lot and stop at the light right outside. The street the condo is on is very wide and busy, and there is no sidewalk on my side of the road for about half a mile. I look both ways and run to the median, where I look both ways again and run to the sidewalk. For half a mile, I walk down the sidewalk, and then I cross the street where the sidewalk begins on the other side of the road. Then I walk another half mile to get to the bus stop. I was supposed to get to the bus stop at about 3:30, but I took 20 minutes longer than I should have, since I am very out of shape. Plus, the buses are always too early, so I missed my bus.

I read an article that says that our general metro area has the worst public transit in the country. We spend far less than many other metro areas of the same size, we’ve made numerous plans to close the gap between us and other metro areas, and we’ve scrapped them all. Thankfully, I only ride the bus to meet friends and not to get to work.

I left at about 4:08, which is eight minutes after I told Paul I’d meet him at Dunkin’. If there’s one thing the county transit system does right, it’s putting wireless Internet on all of their buses. I Facebook messaged him and told him I was going to be running late, which he said was okay.

The reason we chose to meet at Dunkin’ is because he told me there were ninety-nine cent iced coffees there between 3-6 pm. But unfortunately, that was an old announcement, and there were only full priced iced coffees. I had just gotten my allowance the previous day, though, so it didn’t really matter much to me that it was a couple of dollars more. We bought two large iced coffees, and with the receipt, a survey was included that gave us a code for a free donut with the purchase of a medium or large drink. So I filled out the survey, and we bought some large iced teas and a donut.

I love buying things for friends. Luckily I still had about eleven dollars left, so I put that in savings. Soon enough, I’ll have lots of money, and I’ll be able to buy that makeup I want.

I made him a workbook based on all the things my psychologist has been teaching me, since his family can’t afford to send him to therapy. It’s only fair to share with him. Sharing is caring after all.

At about 6:50 I bid Paul adieu and made the mistake of not using the bathroom before I left to catch the bus. All through the ride, I felt the urge to pee get more intense by the minute, and it didn’t help that my mother was sending me water droplet emojis.

Before we got back to the condo, we made a fifteen-minute stop at a hospital, and I had to pee so bad that I just decided to leave the bus and use the bathroom, hoping the bus would still be there upon my return.

It was a long and laborious walk to the women’s restroom. I could only take a few steps at a time before I had to cross my legs so Niagara Falls didn’t spill out of me. A few feet away from the restroom door and that unfortunately started to happen. Time was of the essence at this point, and if I didn’t get to the stall quickly, I probably wouldn’t have had anything left to put in the toilet. I broke into a sprint and wasn’t even able to pull my pants down all the way before the floodgates opened completely.

I walked back onto the bus almost in tears because of the big wet spot on the back of my pants. Everyone who saw that must have known what had happened.

The bus made a stop close enough to the condo, and I decided to make my leave. I walked the mile trek back to the condo, and just decided to go straight to my room.

A BPD thought I had today was that I am too fat for anyone to find me attractive. I corrected it by saying, “There are plenty of fat women who look awesome in clothes, and I could too!”

Those are my thoughts today. Talk to you all tomorrow!