#But at a certain point you pick up on a pattern and a routine. and you can kind of sense when a hyperfixation is going to end

[illdothehotvoice]

Who would win? My Ace Attorney hyperfixation that was supposed to last to at LEAST September 15th or one 30 second video where Mario and Luigi go "Yahoo!"

[rungssparemodelpieces]

Catformers AU

Ultra Magnus

* Ultra Magnus is a very large and older cat, a model cat that other cats should look up to but more often than not, get policed by and does have the tendency to growl and hiss at other cats that become chaotic at the Lost Light shelter. It’s suspected he’s not trying to be malicious but rather trying to get them to be more compliant with the staff and the help they’re offering.

* Magnus RELIES on a schedule; he knows when the shelter opens, when it closes, when food is offered, when vet appointments are made, the works. If anything gets delayed or moved ahead, he gets very upset and let’s you know with a hiss or a grumble but he’s never swatted or bitten any of the caretakers so you know he’s just trying to keep a tight ship.

* This is especially apparent if you’re ever late going to or coming from any obligation, Ultra Magnus lets you know you’re late with low meow before you clock in and carry on with your duties. He’s become the forever cat of the place, kinda like a rule enforcer. There’s often jokes where he’s the one running the place and even has his own little nameplate and matching tag stating he’s the “Lost Light Shelter Rule Enforcer”. Though with him being a permanent resident, he gets moved between employee homes to keep him active and entertained but to also to give the other cats a break from his nagging.

* When you take in Magnus into your home, he gets right to work making sure your house is up to his particular standards. He makes sure to get your attention with meowing or even dragging you to a certain mess to clean it up. He also meows at certain times such as feeding time or signaling when he’s going to bed. You can practically turn off your alarm as he learns your patterns after being around for a while.

* As much as he was a pain during his first stay with you, later stays become much easier as you know what Magnus expects out of you and he actually helped you to develop some routines you use even without him there. Though you’ll never tell anyone, you’ve made his meows your alarm as it helps to wake you up much faster than your previous alert.

* Magnus seems to help you with work as well, in and out of the shelter, either finding lost papers, pointing out missing spots, or waking you if you happen to fall asleep at your desk. Magnus, being a large cat, is also very fluffy and requires daily grooming. It’s after brushing his hair out that he looks even bigger than he is though it comes at the cost of static shocks between the both of you. Magnus also does not partake in catnip.

* Magnus has a certain bed he sleeps in and toys as well, a few favorites being a little green and white cat toy as well as a toy hammer he likes to carry around and sometimes either on purpose or on accident bonk other cats with it. If he comes to your home for a stay and notices things are starting to pile up or you stay in bed more often than not, he does come to cuddle with you before trying to chirp, meow, and pull you out of bed to help encourage you to get motivated to clean up and help yourself.

* When it’s time for Magnus to actually retire and find a forever home, you put your hat into the ring to take him home. If you’re not able to, at least you know you can still wake up to his meows and keep the routine you had together as a reminder of him. If you do get to take him home, you end up syncing up routines and even pick up more of his habits to which guests and family accidentally become the target of when visiting. You made things official by getting him a placard for him, stating he’s the “Enforcer of the (Your name) household”.

[theninthdoor]

virgo season🪻♍ mini tarot reading ࿔*

decks used || the druidcraft tarot, wild uknown animal spirit & the prism oracle. songs || shuffle pick from a random 2000s playlist. when picking a group, use your sun and/or rising signs. (disclaimer: based on current energies. all is alleged and for entertainment purposes only.)

🍊 Mutables | Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces Song: The Fray - How to Save a Life

Cards: page of pentacles reversed, king of pentacles, eight of swords, Tiger (reversed), Flow

So, my dear mutable signs... it seems like this upcoming Virgo season is all about you working on getting your life back together after a period of disruption. In these past few weeks or months, you might have found yourself a little more sensitive, more reactive and easily overwhelmed. Perhaps you were pushed by people or circumnstances to let go of certain habits or routines that were already well set in your life, and that has made you feel out of balance. Going forward, I still see some struggle when it comes to making up for the empty space, plus there might be times when you go from 0 to 100 in a blink of an eye - so having no energy or motivation, and then going straight to being the most proactive and productive person on the planet - and, of course, going from one extreme to another must take a toll on your mental, emotional and physical bodies. With that, I must remind you that self-care is very important here. Don't let yourself stay stuck in situations or patterns that haven't been serving you, because they will only keep adding on to the frustration and unrest, but also please make sure to consciously keep working at a pace that is healthy and sustainable, to make sure you don't burn out. One last thing that came through: making up with friends/family/acquaintances or reuniting after a challenging period of misunderstandings or non-communication. Watch out for how you express youself, and let them speak as well! Whatever has been broken, can be mended, but you also need to take some accountability and be fair. - This might not apply to everyone, but if you were looking for this message/confirmation, here it is.

🩰 Fixed | Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius Song: Sean Kingston - Beautiful Girls

Cards: five of swords reversed, eight of cups reversed, queen of swords, Dragonfly reversed, Love

the song???! 😭

So, for all my beautiful fixed signs (no pun intendend lol): this Virgo season will be all about you stepping back into your power. You're feeling yourself, taking care of yourself, being more social and having more vibrancy in general. There's just so much stuff you can't be bothered with anymore, and letting go of that is finally allowing new, beautiful energy to come into your life. However, that might come easier to some than to others... Even if you're not bothered with those things actively, they might still be hanging out at the back of your mind, popping in every now and then throughout your day. Don't ignore them, alright? But don't dwell on them either. You should be going about these matters with logic and patience, so they can be resolved properly and as soon as possible. I also feel now you're being a little more detached or acting a little colder towards certain people (if not all). You are definitely feeling more comfortable to put yourself out there and be more social, as a said, but there is still some distance that you're keeping between yourself and others. There's an aspect of self-protection here, but also self-love? You're self-protecting out of love for yourself, it feels like. After much trial and error, you have finally decided to give yourself what others haven't been able to. "I can buy myself flowers." I keep getting pulled to that Queen of Swords + the Dragonfly reversed (indicative that the energy is out of balance, which then points towards 'lack of concentration and a busy mind'), and that reminds me of Gemini - so whether that is you or someone you're dealing with this season, that whole energy should be around you in these upcoming weeks.

🍎 Cardinal | Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn Song: Britney Spears - Circus

Cards: death reversed, the tower reversed, five of wands, Lion, Strength

When everything around you is falling apart, people aren't getting along, and it seems like you're having to walk on eggshells to avoid being pulled into conflict, you'll have to take it upon yourself to step into power and either act as a mediator between those conflicting sides, or force it all to be done with. You're tired of chaos, of noise, of people being selfish and reckless, and now you're looking for peace and order, and you know the change has to start with you. However, that doesn't mean you're going to be docile and quiet, neither aggressive or argumentative! We have both the Lion and Strength here, so this is moreso about having patience, determination and (self)control. Besides, some people might come out to poke you, provoke you, trying to get a strong reaction out of you - and sometimes they might get what they want, but here we have a reminder that you must really make an effort to keep it together and lead by example. - "There's only two types of people in the world / The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe." this part of the song in particular, feels relevant here. In general, in this Virgo season I see you taking on more responsibilities, perhaps also packing your schedule with new/more activities and events, or finally waking up after a slow, fruitless period, and deciding to clean up all the mess around you so you can get back to action. The final message that came through is about the Libra Venus transit, and it influencing you to pay more attention to your physical appearance. If you've been thinking about changing your style, haircut, starting or going back to getting your nails done, treating yourself to a spa day, getting a better skincare routine or something along those lines, this is the time to do that.

🌍 relevant transits: ⭒ mercury stations direct in leo on august 26th / shadow period ends on september 11th ⭒ venus enters libra (domicile) on august 29th ⭒ new moon in virgo on september 2nd ⭒ mars enters cancer (fall) on september 4th ⭒ mercury enters virgo (domicile) on september 9th ⭒ partial full moon lunar eclipse in pisces on september 17th

[stbot]

Read five words about Boardgames Kate and now I need her like my life depends on it 😭😭😭

Cont. from this

The leaning tower of pizzas (and assorted other takeout staples) pivots, revealing just a flash of ear, a thick ponytail, and baby hairs gently curling against the back of a neck before the whole thing is wandering away just as suddenly as it appeared.

"I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just got a bit of everything. Pizza, vindaloo, lo mein, knishwiches. Thought I'd just cover all the bases, you know?"

It is… an unusual start to the evening, to be certain, but Yelena is a professional and quickly finds her footing. It carries her in the wake of what is apparently going to be her dinner, with the client who is apparently going to be her company, directly into a sitting room that apparently has a full view of several very famous Midtown landmarks.

Grand Central Terminal is truly quite the sight at night.

"Whatever you prefer is fine," Yelena says. "I really don't mind. I have a generous palate."

The client snorts, "Yeah, that's what the agency said when I asked, which is a way nicer way of putting it than my mom calling me a human garbage disposal," and sets the stack down on the coffee table. She lifts the small box on top and asks, "So, eat first? Or…?"

Yelena shrugs, not that her client can see it, all hunched over the takeout like that. "Sure, if that's what you'd like."

With an ease to the motions, as if she regularly and routinely orders enough food to feed all of Manhattan and half the outer boroughs, the client begins spreading everything out buffet-style.

Yelena takes the opportunity to move further in and observe more of the room — elegant furniture and tasteful decorations, no doubt picked out by a designer who charged an obscene amount of money. When something catches her eye, she moves to the fireplace to examine the framed painting hanging above it.

"Well, they said that after they told me you didn't have any food allergies," the client picks up her own dropped thread of conversation. "Which was after they asked some pretty pointed questions about why I was asking questions about any potential food allergies."

Admittedly, it's a very high quality recreation. The details in the image are impeccable. They've managed to replicate the brushstrokes and canvas texture of the original. Even the line weights and coloring is…

"I think maybe they were worried I was going to try to poison you?" The client muses, sounding uncertain. "Which is crazy because the entire reason why I was asking about food allergies was to make sure I didn't accidentally poison you. I mean, it'd be a terrible way to murder someone. Just announcing how you planned to do it like that."

"Yes, terrible." If Yelena was the kind to be affected by displays of hideous wealth, she might be in some trouble here, in the penthouse home of someone who owns a real Cézanne that last sold at auction for a quarter of a billion dollars.

"Not," the client blurts out in a panic, "that I'm planning on murdering you that way. Or any way! At all! No murder. Promise."

A chatterbox who owns a real Cézanne that last sold at auction for a quarter of a billion dollars.

"No murder," Yelena confirms, tossing a playful smile over her shoulder, "deal."

And it's the first real look she gets at the client. Big, nervous eyes. Handsome features. Her fingers fidget with the lowest button on her shirt, right above where it tucks into perfectly nondescript trousers that Yelena knows from the distinctive seam pattern have a comma in the price tag.

A bit of a mess at first impressions, perhaps, but this client is no different from any of the others.

Yelena turns to face her fully, noting how the client's gaze very obviously begins to trail down her dress, taking in the florals splashed across light blue satin, before darting back towards the spread on the coffee table, almost ashamed to have been looking. As if it were rude. As if they don't both know why Yelena is here in the first place.

"So," Yelena steps closer, slipping her small purse off her shoulder and setting it on the rosewood end table next to the couch, "perhaps instead of talking about all the ways you definitely do not plan to kill me this evening," which gets a flinch and an embarrassed sort of grimace, "we start with names, hmm?"

"Oh, my God." The client rushes forward, hand extended. "I'm Kate. Sorry. That was so rude of me. Hi," she smiles, a bright and earnest thing, "I'm Kate."

And Yelena already knew that, of course — the agency would not send her in completely blind without first thoroughly vetting the client — but it does the trick. Kate's shoulders visibly relax, looking less like they are trying to squeeze together so hard they pop her head right off her neck.

"I'm Svetlana. Lana, if you'd prefer." Yelena shakes her hand. "And it is a pleasure to meet you, Kate."

"The pleasure's all mine."

"We'll see about that," Yelena replies, letting her grasp linger just a moment longer before releasing Kate's hand. "I believe you mentioned something about board games, and I can be quite competitive. May not be very pleasurable for you."

And Kate, to her credit — and to Yelena's slight surprise — just laughs. "Oh, that's just cause you've never seen me play Clue. Yeah, I'm basically the world's greatest detective. Undefeated, not to brag."

"Well, perhaps you can detect us some cutlery?" Yelena takes a seat on the edge of the sofa — leather, plush, very well made — and smiles politely up at Kate with a genuinely curious, "Or would you prefer I eat with my hands?"

"No, no hands," Kate quickly responds, turning away even quicker to leave. "Plates and napkins and cutlery. Coming right up." She hurries out of the room, muttering to herself, "Right, there's actually like, forks here."

…such an unusual start to the evening.

[moonmaiden1996]

Silent Persuit Chapter Four

River’s plan unfolded flawlessly, each encounter crafted to feel accidental, as if the city itself had conspired to place him along your path. He’d settled himself into your surroundings so seamlessly that he became part of the backdrop—an unassuming figure who simply seemed to belong in the coffee shops, bookshops, and stations you frequented. If he had once been a stranger, he was now a familiar one, woven into the rhythm of your life in such a way that his presence no longer registered as unusual.

On mornings when he knew you’d pick up breakfast from the bakery, he’d arrive just minutes before you, idly perusing the selection. As you entered, he’d give a slight nod, lifting his coffee in a friendly, familiar gesture that seemed to say, Good morning. You found yourself nodding back, a smile playing on your lips—a routine so natural it felt like something you’d shared with him for years.

In other places, too, River kept that careful distance. Like that rainy afternoon in the crowded bookshop, where he waited just out of sight, pretending to flip through a novel until he heard your soft footsteps. Then, with timing perfected by practice, he would step back and “accidentally” bump into you. When he turned around, surprised and apologetic, you’d look up, recognise him, and share a quiet laugh, surprised yet somehow reassured by the coincidence.

At the Saturday market, he’d linger near a stand you wouldn't be interested in but one that you would have to pass, glancing up just as you strolled past. His gaze would meet yours for a brief moment, and there it was—that polite nod, a quick exchange of familiarity, like two regulars bound by the same rhythm. Sometimes he’d murmur a simple “hello” as he passed, nothing more, always light and easy, never more than the casual comfort of a familiar face.

Each time you saw him, you felt something shift. At first, you brushed it off, dismissing the encounters as the city’s typical coincidences. But soon, the pattern emerged. You began to expect him in certain places, glancing around out of instinct, almost eager to spot him. The mere thought that he might be there sparked a strange sense of excitement.

Over time, it even began to feel like you were the one always noticing him, starting to watch for him before he’d even appear. The first time you caught yourself doing it, you laughed it off, but the thought lingered: what if you were the one keeping tabs on him? And each time you tried to let it go, there he was again, as if reading your mind, already seated by the window or passing through a door. He was always just a step ahead, so casual and unassuming that you couldn’t bring yourself to question it.

The tipping point came one evening as you stepped off the tube. There he was, just a few steps ahead of you, his presence almost imperceptible, yet somehow reassuring. You hesitated, pausing to let him catch up, and when he did, he gave you a gentle smile—a look that seemed to say, I know you’re tired. Without a word, he walked on, leaving you to continue on your path. But the warmth lingered, deepening the inexplicable connection between you.

And then, as suddenly as he had appeared, he began to retreat. The mornings in the café, the nods exchanged at the market—each occurrence started to thin, a calculated absence that left you noticing his lack of presence. When you didn’t see him, a quiet ache grew, a faint longing to spot him, even just in passing. Without realising it, you began searching for him, missing the silent reassurance of those familiar nods and smiles.

It was an intricate balance he’d crafted, and by the time you noticed, you were already pulled into the fabric he’d woven. River had become part of your world, a piece of the city you hadn’t known you wanted until he was no longer there. And in the stillness he left behind, he knew you’d come to see that he was more than a stranger—he belonged. Soon he would be right where he wanted to be— with you, in every sense of the word. 

xxx

“Why the fuck did you drag me all the way back here?” Lamb groaned as he flopped into his armchair, the fabric creaking under his weight. He let out a rather impressive belch, the sound echoing through the otherwise quiet room. The others had long since gone home, the perfect place to have this meeting, where no one else would overhear. “I’ve got better things to do with my spare time than sit around and converse with you, like taking a shit,” he grunted, lighting another cigarette and staring across at Louisa with a look that suggested he wasn’t remotely interested in whatever she had to say.

“Look at these,” Louisa replied, shoving a series of photographs across the coffee table toward him, the glossy prints catching the light.

“I know you two have grown close, but I think following Cartwright with a camera is a bit overkill. I really can’t be arsed with the issues this is gonna bring up with HR,” he mumbled, barely glancing at the images, his mind already conjuring excuses to avoid the impending drama. He knew what this was, of course he did. But it was something he would much prefect not to bring Lousia into, it would save the headache.

“Just look at the pictures!” Louisa insisted, her voice rising with frustration. “For the past six months, River has been following this woman. Six months, Lamb! At least that was before I picked it up.”

Lamb rolled his eyes, his irritation palpable. “So what, River’s been wandering around London chasing this bird because he can’t figure out how to talk to her? He probably doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. And he’s right—she’s got a decent pair and a nice face, and he’s a lanky piece of piss.”

“God, Lamb, take this seriously! River has been stalking her, and now he’s started dropping himself in places where he can meet her, bump into her. It’s not just some silly crush anymore!” Louisa’s voice shook with urgency as she slammed her palm on the table, making the photographs rattle.

“And?” Lamb leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest defiantly. “Do I look like Cartwright’s caretaker? I’m not getting involved in this mess. It’s not my problem.”

“Do I look like I give a shit? If you won’t do something, I will!” Louisa snapped, rising abruptly from her seat. Her chair scraped against the wooden floor as she stormed out, leaving the door swinging behind her.

Lamb sagged deeper into his chair, exhaustion creeping into his bones like a slow poison. He felt old now, too old for this type of shit. The dim light in the room seemed to mock him, casting shadows that mirrored the weight of his thoughts. He exhaled slowly, letting the smoke curl into the air. “Oh River, River, River. You wanted to be just like the old bastard; well, congratulations, you prick.”

He ran a hand over his face, feeling the stubble that had begun to grey. Lamb glanced at the photographs Louisa had left behind. The first few showed River from a distance, hidden in shadows, a look of determination plastered across his face. In the next, the woman—young, beautiful, and seemingly unaware of the chaos surrounding her—moved through her day. 

“Christ, what a mess,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he contemplated the inevitable storm brewing ahead. River was going to get himself into trouble, just like his grandfather before him, and Lamb was the only one who knew, he supposed he’d have to step up, whether he liked it or not. “Just like old times,” he smirked wearily as he took one last drag of his cigarette. 

I honestly could hold myself back from writing Lamb, he was really daunting to write but I am proud of how he came out.

Please let me know what you think! Next chapter will be heating up as River's fantastic plan is about to be detrailed by a new player then means he has to go to plan b.

As always, comment, like, leave a request. xx

[echos-gal]

Get to know your mutuals!

@orbitalmirror this took one thousand years bc it was sitting in my drafts. i apologize 😔😔😔

What's the origin of your blog title? i think echo is stupid hot. he was my #1 clone crush until he was dethroned in season 2 of the bad batch. by whom? i thought it was obvious 🤓

OTP(s) + Shipname: TECHPHEE. god. Pabu aired, i watched it several times, and i fear i will never ever be normal again. when that novel comes out on august 5th i will be insufferable.

Favorite color: blue! so many nice shades. also many greens, dandelion yellow, light pink, and lavender!!

Favorite game: pokemon sapphire. pokemon leafgreen and animal crossing new horizons are very close behind! i'm a nintendo girl 💕

Song stuck in your head: I Am Ready (from TBB S3) and that's unfortunate bc this song makes me really sad.

Weirdest habit/trait? i think my sister could eviscerate me by answering this question. so i texted her. she says it's the way i eat chips. negative ego boost -10000 HP. on the floor. thousands dead no survivors i will not be eating chips ever again ❌✋😔🚫💔

Hobbies: running, knitting/crocheting, reading, tending to my garden/hydroponic garden!

If you work, what's your profession? i'm the senior research technician at a freshwater science laboratory. a lot of my job is aquatic chemistry 😟

If you could have any job you wish, what would it be? botanist/oceanographer/astrobiologist and science writer! i have a lot of interests and they all involve science.

Something you're good at: fixing and building/assembling things! at my job i have a lot of machinery that needs routine maintenance and it's so much fun to work with my hands. it's like high-stakes legos! in a good way.

Something you're bad at: comforting others. i genuinely never know what to say or how to say it.

Something you love: my cat! she is a calico who squeaks instead of meows.

Something you could talk about for hours off the cuff: well. (gestures at my blog) the bad batch. BUT ALSO SCIENCE! so many areas of science. oceans, space, and botany are the big 3 for me but i love it all.

Something you hate: repetitive noises, and when i am having a conversation but there are one or more conversations i can hear. certain sounds or sound patterns make it really hard for me to focus.

Something you collect: wheat pennies! aka american one cent coins minted between 1909-1958. i think i came across my first WWII penny in high school and i thought it was the coolest shit ever. because it was!!

Something you forget: to put the cadmium coil on the nutrient analyzer when i am supposed to be activating the cadmium coil. that's the whole point. but noooo i go through all the motions and run 2N HCl and then copper solution and then 2N HCl again through the machine and then i realize the coil never got connected and i have to do it all over again. it's akin to going to the grocery story for ingredients to make an elaborate salad and forgetting to buy the fucking lettuce. sometimes i hate my job

What's your love language? i've never really thought about it. probably acts of service. treat me really niceys

Favorite movie/show: must i say it (it's the bad batch)

Favorite food: tofu stir fry or cinnamon rolls! and also really good peaches.

Favorite animal: American toad (Anaxyrus americanus). they are so delightful. i'm sorry Vin... they do commonly eat your beloved earthworms 😔

What were you like as a child? quiet, smart, tomboyish, and curious.

Favorite subject at school? biology!

Least favorite subject: theology (went to catholic school kindergarten through high school)

What's your best character trait? relentless optimism/positivity, which i worked very hard to cultivate over the years!!! also a quick and eager learner

What's your worst character trait? i am a terrible procrastinator. i am also very indecisive/not good with commitment.

If you could change any detail of your life right now, what would it be? i'd like to have my PhD right now thank you. also pick up the lab where i work and move it to my hometown so i can see my family, kind of like when patrick gets everyone to move bikini bottom.

If you could travel in time, who would you like to meet? Rachel Carson or Judy Resnik!

[harri-etvane]

Prompts for sharing a bed: one talking in their sleep and the other listening fondly and gently kissing the other awake

There was only one bed/sharing a bed Prompt list: First time sharing a bed as a couple.

It's so difficult to pick one, these prompts are all so cute 🥹 🥰

Hello love! The sharing a bed prompts were just- too adorable 🥰 I'm sorry this took so long! This is about 500 words and covers the first one. I'm hoping to have something a bit longer for the next one, more of a oneshot sort of thing that I can tag you in when I've finished if you like? I wanted to get this one out there because I've taken too long already! I hope you like it 💕

-------

When Maksym Donets swore to protect, to uphold, to give his life for the President of Ukraine - this was not what he had anticipated his mornings looking like.

Definitely not a complaint though.

He props himself up on his elbow and watches Volodymyr, free hand gently tracing soft patterns on his exposed chest, pausing a moment to lightly press his palm against the thump-thump of his heart; a welcome reminder of something that has, at times, seemed fleeting. He tries not to think too often- of the sound of gunfire in the compound of Bankova Street, of Vova's pale, tense features, his small frame dwarfed by a bulletproof vest, a gun in his hands.

This feels, somehow - a world away from those first few nights.

Vova mutters something in his sleep and Maks smiles.

"You said it was coffee-” the sense of righteous indignation in his words sees the quiet flowering of affection in Maksym's chest. It's such a very Vova thing to say; so terribly precious somehow in its normality. He grumbles on a little longer about coffee before eventually falling silent. They lie there, together, in the slow waking morning, Maksym just happy to watch Vova; this beautiful quietness, the softness of him, not yet dragged away by whatever awful news the day will undoubtedly bring.

A little while later, Maks feels the alarm on his watch vibrate unobtrusively- a reminder that– ah. 5:30am. That means Vova has had at least five and a half hours of mostly uninterrupted sleep. Six would have been better and seven a rare treat; but it's still preferable to the nights where he has two, three hours at the most. For all Maks would rather let him rest, he knows that Vova has a call with America in 45 minutes that he cannot miss and does not want to delegate to anyone else - even Andriy.

This is a simultaneously least favourite, and yet still beloved moment in Maksym's daily routine. He leans forward and gently presses a kiss to the tip of Vova's nose. Nothing doing, save a faint quirk of his lip, even in sleep. He moves on to the roundness of his cheek, lips grazing against the stubble there, the roughness familiar, pleasant even, the clean scent of him.

"Vova–” his own voice now is a sleep-roughened growl, but it doesn't rouse the President who, if anything, seems to cuddle closer to Maks, shuffling deeper into sleep.

"Mmfghn,” is the reply.

"I know–” he peppers a few more kisses along Volodymyr's jawline. “I know it's horribly early, I'm sorry-” there is a tinge of genuine grief to his words momentarily - wishing again that he didn't have to do this, that instead they could wake slowly together, secure in the knowledge that they have nothing to do, nowhere to be, save for with one another. He notices Vova's eyelids flickering in the distinct way they do when he's almost, almost awake. Maks continues his personal endeavour - figuring out exactly how many of Vova's freckles, his frown lines, the little wonderous imperfections he can kiss before he actually opens his eyes.

“M ‘wake-” Volodymyr's voice is a certain low timbre that sends a shiver through Maksym, paused just-so, his lips pressed against Vova's soft, fluttering pulse-point. He noses there for a moment, appreciating the warmth, the rumble of Vova's voice in his throat, the way his hand reaches and begins to rub softly at the back of Maksym's head, sleepily affectionate.

"Morning, love.” He kisses Vova softly again, at his pulse point - moving gently upward to his lips.

"Time 's it?" his voice still has the same low growl that itches at a particular spot in Maksym's brain and he swallows hard. After a moment or two, he manages to form words.

"Half five--"

The resultant groan almost makes Maksym laugh - Vova manages to make his morning churlishness somehow adorable; all ruffled brown hair and big sleepy eyes, a soft pout that he's almost powerless to resist.

"I know. I know I'm a monster for waking you up this early but I can make coffee if that would sweeten it a little?"

Rather than responding, Vova reaches up and cups Maksym's cheek gently, thumb resting on his cheekbone as he drags the other man into another kiss.

[quietlyblooms-gone]

hc + 👗 for a clothes-themed headcanon hc + 💕 for a loved-themed headcanon hc + 🌇 for a headcanon about morning- or evening rituals hc + 🤕 for a pain-themed headcanon

thematic headcanons | @goldcnpeaks wanted to hear me ramble <3

clothes

while chiyo will experiment with different styles ( alternative and light academia aesthetics are likely the most common ), if she's just running errands, working at home, or casually hanging out with friends/family, you will see her dressed comfortably and casually. imagine a large rotation of hoodies, sweatshirts, and graphic tees paired with a smaller rotation of sneakers that are very well-kept. she wears shorts and skirts ( sometimes paired with tights ) a lot more than jeans/sweatpants/leggings bc she finds them more comfortable while still looking nice and put-together. even when she's dressing for comfort, she wants to look good!

other lil details to notice: chiyo accessorizes a ton when she's dressing up, but when she's not? she keeps earrings on, and that's it. she wears rings only if she knows she won't draw that day, and she's still liable to take them off at some point. she owns a bunch of patterned socks, a ton of tights and stockings, and a decent collection of shoes. chiyo also has a handful of different winter coats she'll pick through depending on the outfit she's wearing that day.

bottom line? her closets are bursting bc she enjoys expressing herself through fashion :' )

love

within her own canon, chiyo doesn't believe she's experienced romantic love, and i don't think she has. when she dated kojirou, they were teenagers; she may have been infatuated and loved him as his friend first, but romantic love would have been a very strong way to describe her feelings at the time. from then on, she's never allowed herself to get that close to someone. we know this!

chiyo's understanding of romantic love, then, centers around the example her parents and grandmother give her. her parents are best friends; they tease each other and joke constantly; they're freely affectionate with each other; when they're angry, they eventually talk it out; when one cries, the other holds them; and above all else, they go out of their way for each other. they prioritize the other's happiness over their own. and her grandmother? she is a devoted wife even after her grandfather's passing all that time ago. she visits his grave every week and fondly speaks of him if given the chance, still cooks his favorite foods during holidays, still wears her wedding ring.

chiyo understands that romantic love can manifest and present itself in many ways, but when she finally loves someone, she expresses it the way she's always watched it unfold before her. love is a safe place, a constant warmth that never leaves your bones. love is knowing that someone is waiting for you. always. forever. it's surprisingly idealistic for a woman who is typically kind of... pessimistic and cynical to a certain degree. still, this is the sort of love she hopes to give someone else -- and receive, but again, she understands not everyone loves the same.

morning/evening rituals

mornings are not wasted, but they are not rushed, either. it's different if she has somewhere to be, but if it's a normal work or rest day, chiyo will put something on in the background, be it a show she's seen before or music, and get herself looking presentable. there's a simple skincare routine ( heavy on moisture bc ma'am has dry skin ) that she commits to even if she's exhausted bc self care is important, and once she's dressed, she reads a book or manga while she eats breakfast ( there's gotta be hot coffee!! ). after that, she takes jun for a nice walk, and then she's off to work! at home

i have to note that chiyo doesn't like silence when she's alone. her morning especially feels eerie and off if she doesn't have something playing the whole time.

her evenings suffer bc chiyo often stays up late working. sometimes she works best that way, buuuut she doesn't tend to spend a lot of time on herself or any routine at night bc she's mentally drained at that point. then again! self care is important, so at the very least, she's taking the quickest shower ever and slapping on moisturizer and praying she can tame her hair in the morning.

pain

considering chiyo didn't get any tattoos prior to what she has now, she wasn't fully prepared for the pain :' )) it's one thing to read about what to expect and actually experience it. her tattoos took a lot of sessions i'm sure, and she tried to keep them relatively close to each other bc 1. she didn't want to give herself time to chicken out, and 2. she really just wanted it all done. as you can imagine, a good chunk of chiyo's skin was sensitive and healing up and um. she definitely slipped up on some of the aftercare asdfg a patch or two got a lil infected ( owieee ) and had to be treated and later touched up as a result.

does chiyo love her tattoos now? yup!! but beauty truly is pain :' )

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: Carlson Young

full name: Marianne Mae Fusselman

nickname(s) / goes by: Marnie

pronouns & gender: cis woman, she/her

sexuality: bisexual

birth date: September 22, 1995

birth place: Beaverton, Oregon

arrival to merrock: 2023

housing: She lives with her great-aunt in the rural countryside.

occupation: Barista

work place: Cobblestone Cafe

family: Her great-aunt Mae, parents out-of-state, one younger sister

relationship status: single

PERSONALITY

Marnie is serious — too serious, she knows . She often finds herself preoccupied with uncertainties, concerns, dreams, memories, and life’s bigger questions, mulling over thoughts until they’re smooth as river rocks. She fears vulnerability and, in the past, has evaded being known by others. Now, she’s arrived at a point in her life where she realizes she needs those genuine connections. Once you earn her trust, you will find a pragmatic, direct, and steadfast companion in Marnie. She’s someone who will help you purge your wardrobe and finally donate half your shit to charity, or insist on cooking you a hearty meal with lots of vegetables. At the bottom of it all, she wants to show up for the people she loves and take care of them as best she can. She would love friends with whom she can have a real, good, honest laugh — something she’s been missing for years.

WRITTEN BY: Rain (she/her) est.

BACKGROUND / BIO

Marnie spent a lot of her childhood moving around the country for her father’s job, and thus learned to be highly adaptable; the flip side of that coin is that she has felt unmoored for a long time. She’s fixated on the concept of “home,” and in the process of trying to find it for herself, has bounced around from state to state in her own right ever since she turned 18. She’s always been a very creative person, leaning heavily into writing short stories, plays and films during her high school years. For a long time, she felt that making it as a writer was what her entire life hinged upon. She went to college in Philadelphia and struggled hard through an entire undergraduate degree program in screenwriting just to discover that she just isn’t cut out for keeping pace with the intensely competitive film industry. Once so certain about her identity, she found herself freewheeling, and has spent years picking up odd jobs and temporary gigs, struggling with feelings of purposelessness but unsure about what she should commit to and so afraid of making a wrong choice. A consistent thread throughout her life has been food service, for a few reasons: the jobs are very easy to get and to leave, and she actually really enjoys the work. She steered toward working in coffee shops a few years ago, and takes great pride in her craft as a barista.

Now at the end of her twenties, broke, lonely and growing weary of the patterns her life has taken, she’s come to Merrock to live with her great-aunt Mae, who she lived with for a few years as a child and still remains close to. She seeks clarity and peace, community and companionship, routine and regularity, and work with meaning — at least, she thinks she does. A small part of her, so small she can almost ignore it, worries that even if all of those things are presented to her, she won’t be able to embrace them. But for now, she does her best to brush that aside, and step into her next chapter with an open mind and heart.

[theevilcat]

A child could have mild symptoms of autism, but parents and guardians should still take proactive steps to seek a diagnosis.

When a child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), caregivers can work with professionals to develop appropriate strategies in response. These strategies help children thrive in their environment through appropriate accommodations, therapy, and parent training.

While some children with autism may rarely encounter challenges related to their disorder, others may find that negative experiences increase as they get older. This can lead to unwanted stress, potentially up to the point of a crisis event. In extreme cases, a child could lose opportunities to advance in school or other life areas.

Understanding a child’s needs is important. Individuals in their life should never brush away observations that a child might have a behavior disorder. Instead, they can educate themselves on the signs of ASD and look into the next best actions to take.

Being “On the Spectrum” Can Mean a Wide Variety of Experiences

Autism is described as a spectrum of disorders for a reason. Signs of autism can present differently.

Some individuals will have significant behavior and communication challenges that make the possibility of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis more likely.

In other cases, caregivers may notice occasional “atypical” behaviors but that don’t immediately cause them to seek a full behavioral health evaluation.

In the latter scenario, a child may never have their autism diagnosed or addressed therapeutically. It’s possible that mildly-expressed forms of ASD behavior go completely unnoticed.

But another possibility is that an undiagnosed child or their caregiver will feel frustrated by a lack of explanation for certain behavioral events. They may struggle with socialization, for instance, or they may lack commitment to extracurricular activities.

Ignoring the possibility of an autism diagnosis, especially if a child seems mostly neurotypical, can make it more difficult for them to adjust and have their needs met. For this reason, teachers and caregivers who observe subtle signs of ASD should speak with a mental health professional.

A child’s parents, teachers, and others with a direct role in their life are the best observers when it comes to picking up on a possible autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Only a licensed mental health professional can come to a full, accurate diagnosis, but you don’t have to be a professional to suspect that an ASD diagnosis is possible.

What Are Some Possible Signs of Mild Autism?

ASD encompasses a broad range of behavioral patterns and experiences.

Inconsistency from one ASD case to the next can make it more difficult for caregivers to fully connect the dots.

Even so, there are many common behaviors that could point to a possible ASD diagnosis. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these may include:

Repetitive play or verbal expressiveness (echolalia)

A fixation on certain activities, ideas, or concepts

A reluctance to engage in new experiences or to disrupt routines

Aversion to certain forms of interaction, especially hugging or cuddling

Avoiding eye contact and being difficult to engage in conversation

Missing verbal or physical cues, such as not looking at where someone is pointing

Having difficulty understanding others’ feelings or talking about feelings in general

Reluctance to socialize or a preference for isolation

Trouble expressing their needs or wishes

Unexpected reactions to certain sights, sounds, textures, or smells

Tantrums or explosive aggression with unexpected triggers

Some children with ASD may appear to have a learning disability or other form of behavior disorder. They may also have co-occurring medical challenges, such as gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, trouble sleeping, or seizures. Many individuals with autism may also have mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or an attention deficit disorder.

It is also possible that any of the above behavior signs could be related to something other than autism, such as if a child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This possibility should encourage those in the child’s life to seek a diagnostic assessment from a professional who can advise parents and others how best to address their needs.

Any Form of Autism Can Benefit From a Therapeutic Approach

Unnoticeable signs of autism can be detrimental to a child’s wellbeing when caregivers neglect to investigate further. People with autism can be given strategies and support that can help them work alongside their condition and be successful while still being completely and utterly themselves.

Once you begin talking with professionals about your child’s unique situation and any unexpected behaviors or occurrences, you can begin to understand him or her better. With support from clinicians and the community, you can provide conditions and strategies that encourage your child to have a less stressful, more fulfilling life.

If you think your child or a child in your life might have autism, take the first step toward seeing if they need extra care, attention, and support from you. Seek a diagnosis and support from professionals who use an evidence-based approach to achieve goals that help children thrive.

[wrathfulhydraphenomenon]

How to Avoid Scams When Hiring a Roofer Near You

Introduction

When it involves your own home, the roof is one of several maximum central areas. A sturdy roof protects you from the materials and severely complements your own home's value. However, hiring a roofing contractor can normally believe like navigating a minefield, fairly with the energy for scams lurking round every corner. In this entire ebook, we’ll discover methods to circumvent scams whilst hiring a roof artisan near you.

We'll delve deep into picking out risk-free roofing contractors, awareness their skills, and spotting crimson flags that would suggest a rip-off. So clutch a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get began!

Understanding Roofing Scams What Are Roofing Scams?

Roofing scams can take a considerable number of forms, repeatedly exploiting householders’ vulnerabilities at some point of traumatic instances like storms or harm repairs. These scams may just involve unlicensed contractors, inflated pricing, substandard parts, or maybe no work achieved at all.

Common Types of Roofing Scams Storm Chasers: These scammers repeatedly take place after excessive climate events. Upfront Payment Schemes: Contractors requesting huge deposits devoid of polishing off any paintings. Fake Licenses: Some scammers reward faux credentials to seem to be authentic. Pressure Tactics: High-stress revenues strategies push you to make hasty judgements. How to Avoid Scams When Hiring a Roofer Near You Research Your Options Thoroughly

Before you even you have got hiring a roof repairer, learn could be your first step. Use neighborhood directories and overview sites to assemble a record of conceivable roofing contractors.

https://open.substack.com/pub/kylanaxaqr/p/scheduling-routine-check-ups-with?r=5zbtla&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Local Searches

Utilize search engines like google and yahoo to in finding “roofing contractor close me.” This will yield outcomes valuable on your space, making certain accessibility and ease of communique.

Check Qualifications and Credentials

In many puts, roofing contractors need licenses and insurance coverage to operate legally. Always request evidence of these credentials prior to hiring all people.

Licensing Requirements by using State

| State | Licensing Requirement | |--------------|-----------------------| | California | Required | | Texas | Required | | Florida | Required | | New York | Not Required |

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Online reports can supply perception into the reports others have had with exclusive contractors.

Google Reviews Yelp Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Look for patterns in opinions—each successful and damaging—to gauge reliability.

Identifying Red Flags Unsolicited Offers

Be wary of door-to-door affords from contractors claiming they were within the area operating on different residences.

Why Are Unsolicited Offers Risky?

These deals lack accountability; if one thing goes flawed, monitoring down the contractor could be not easy.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

If a contractor pushes you for a right away choice or attempts to hurry you into signing a contract, take a step lower back.

The Importance of Time in Decision Making

Taking time gua

[real-worldapplicationsofbusin]

A few summers ago, I found myself buried in an Excel sheet filled with sales data from a regional retail chain. As an intern, I expected coffee runs and note-taking, not the responsibility of identifying what products were dragging profits down. Initially overwhelmed, I began playing with filters, pivot tables, and charts. Gradually, patterns emerged. Sales dipped mid-week, certain products performed better near month-end, and oddly, umbrellas sold more in stores that didn’t even see much rainfall. It wasn’t just data, it was insight. And it changed everything for me.

That experience taught me that business analytics isn’t a niche skill reserved for statisticians or coders. It’s a core part of how the world operates. Whether you’re planning a marketing campaign, launching a startup, or optimizing team performance, analytics is quietly shaping every decision. And for students, learning to see the world through this lens is not only empowering but essential.

From Numbers to Narratives

Many people wrongly believe that analytics depends heavily on complex math and coding. Advertising is mostly about sharing stories. The true strength comes from the interpretation or story you produce from the raw data.

Imagine how a small café owner would like to expand her company. She follows the number of visitors each day, when most people come, and which products sell the most. After some time, she sees that her sales jump every second and fourth Friday. Why? The days they meet, a local book club is located nearby. With that in mind, she starts offering book-related discounts on those lunchtime bookings. There you have analytics at work. It doesn’t take software or a PhD—only a little curiosity, seeing what happens, and smart choices will do.

Why Students Can’t Afford to Ignore Analytics

When we focus on big subjects like finance, HR, marketing, and operations, we forget that analytics is connected to these subjects by holding them all together. Knowing about data puts you ahead, whether you want to join a major firm, a non-profit organization or create your own company.

Imagine that in an application process, one explains their ideas with emotions and personal feelings, and the other supports their ideas with hard facts and statistics. Which one can sway you more easily? Due to the emphasis on evidence in our lives, gut feelings aren’t as valued now. Employers choose workers who use their intuition along with proof.

If you’re familiar with Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or Google Analytics, you can address problems more effectively. Now, instead of only pointing out that sales are down, you offer a reason, spot regularities, and offer advice on how to improve.

Analytics Is Everywhere—Even Where You Least Expect

Many people know that tech companies rely on analytics, yet it’s still surprising to realize how deeply analytics is connected to routine choices in all kinds of organizations.

Let’s look at sports teams as an example. Instinct alone is no longer the main factor coaches consider when picking players. Teams consider player performance, their energy levels and how they sleep when assembling their starting squads. Examples of this are seen in music and film, companies such as Spotify and Netflix, use observation of user actions to make custom playlists and suggestions, sometimes greenlighting entire productions based on what they predict viewers like.

In schools, analytics is having a big impact on how children learn. Professors check students’ grades to see who isn’t doing well from the beginning of the semester. These platforms use data from the student to set up quizzes and exercises on the topics that give the student difficulty. It gives you extra lessons that are tailored to your way of learning without you being aware.

The Rise of the “Citizen Analyst”

You don’t need to be an expert in data science to use analytics. It is exciting that many people who are not IT experts can use data now to guide their actions.

For the sake of this example, you’re in a college club putting on a fest. Following your first event, students in a particular department are identified as having the highest engagement based on the received feedback. When you send out your marketing, be sure to schedule it away from their exam weeks. Do that and you’ll likely see an increased turnout. It’s the way data should be used to make effective choices.

Modern society makes tools more accessible now. You don’t have to write code to spot trends in the data. Sites like Canva link to data systems and Excel has changed a lot from being a simple spreadsheet tool. Getting started today is easier than before, since you only need a bit of curiosity and an open mind.

Lessons from Everyday Experiences

Applying analytics to what’s happening in your daily life is sometimes the most effective way to study it. Check what you buy every month and see exactly how much you are spending on food, subscriptions, or random online purchases. There’s a chance that your assumptions were not right after all. Next, create an estimate of how your money will be used next month. It looks like you’ve started with basic analytics.

Once I used this approach myself, I found that I did my best work during 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., but ended up spending these hours scrolling online instead. Following that solution, my work volume grew at a considerable rate. The idea of self-analytics is discussed less often, but it really can help develop discipline and self-understanding.

Data + Curiosity = Game Changer

Analytics boils down to being genuinely interested in learning about something. It means identifying the key questions and finding solutions in the best places. Why are posts made during the workweek attracting more attention? Why do people come to some classes more often than to others? Why is it that some resumes are responded to with follow-up calls?

The most skilled analysts are eager to ask “why” and dive deeper, rather than those with impressive qualifications only. If you can use data and ask questions, you will prove valuable wherever you go.

The Future Belongs to the Data-Savvy

Business analytics is not a short-lived idea; it’s going to shape the future of work. Challenges and chances related to the environment or retaining customers are now addressed using data. Those who work on learning the basics of analytics will discover that they have more knowledge, are more certain of themselves, and are sought-after in every industry.

If you’re not sure how to start, begin with something small. Look at how you normally study. Put together an overview of what you do every day. Run a poll for your class project. Try out tools such as Google Data Studio that have no cost. You won’t transform into a data scientist overnight, but being equipped with the language of logic and insight is the primary goal.

Conclusion

I now see that the internship project was easy in comparison to what’s ahead. At that moment, I saw that data has a great deal of power. I realized that whenever a choice is made, no matter the setting, you can gain insight if you train yourself to see it.

If you’re a student reading this, I want to remind you that business analytics is not just for analysts. People who use it are problem-solvers, storytellers, marketers, and dreamers. With an overwhelming amount of data being shared, it is those who process it into insights who will lay out the future.

Alright, bring up that spreadsheet, hit that chart, and ask yourself one more time what’s happening. You’re not just studying analytics alone. You’re improving your leadership skills.

[kasigaschool]

Morning or Night — What’s the Best Time to Study?

Everyone has their own way of studying. Some individuals adore waking up early & beginning their day with books, whereas others are more alert & concentrated when it is nighttime. The fact of the matter is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It varies depending on what works for you & how your mind & body react to different points in the day. Nevertheless, it is an intriguing question many students pose — When is the best time to study?

Study timing can actually make a huge difference in how well you learn, remember & apply what you’ve learned. Your level of concentration, energy & even mood may vary depending on whether you study during the day or at night. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at both sides to assist you in deciding what best suits you; whether you’re studying for tests or trying to complete homework, having your ideal study time can be a big help in your learning process.

Morning Study — Starting the Day on the Right Foot

To most individuals, mornings are usually quiet, crisp & full of energy. One of the greatest morning study benefits is that your mind will most likely have rested well after a full night’s sleep. This means you’ll be more energetic & focused to absorb new information. Secondly, there are fewer disruptions in the morning — the phone won’t ring, it won’t be visited by anyone & there won’t be noisy places around at this time. It’s the perfect time for focused reading, problem-solving or going over important notes.

Another reason why morning study is good for most students is that it sets you on the right note for the rest of the day. By studying in the morning, you’ve finished the most important work before lunchtime & you’re free to enjoy other activities in the afternoon. Morning light also enhances your mood & keeps you alert naturally. That’s why, for students who tend to feel energetic & productive throughout the day, morning study benefits are difficult to overlook.

Night Study — Peace, Silence & Deep Focus

On the other hand, some students find their minds more focused at night. The world slows down in the evening & there are fewer interruptions. If you’re someone who feels more creative or alert during the nighttime, studying then might be your best choice. For many night owls, the calm & quiet at night helps them think deeply, especially when working on creative subjects or writing tasks.

Another benefit of night studying is that you tend to have longer, uninterrupted hours. There is no need to hurry since there are no classes or day tasks to attend to. You can work at your own pace to revise, re-read & think over what you’ve learned. Just don’t forget that sleep is crucial to memory & brain function. So if you are doing your studying late, be certain you are still getting sufficient sleep. Otherwise, your brain won’t be in a position to remember the information adequately.

So, What’s the Best Time to Study?

The answer varies according to your routine, lifestyle & how your body functions. Some students are early birds by nature & some are night owls. The most important thing is choosing a time when you feel refreshed, alert & ready to learn. It’s also essential to be regular. If you change your study time every day, your brain will not get accustomed to a proper rhythm.

Most of them agree that the best time to study is not the same for each person. It is based on your sleep pattern, energy level & your daily routine. For instance, if you are in school early, morning would be ideal so you could study ahead of time. But if you can concentrate better at night & still you get a good night’s sleep, then nighttime studying will be more appropriate. The trick is to try both, watch yourself & pick what feels natural.

To read more, visit: https://www.kasigaschool.com/blog/best-time-to-study-morning-or-night/

[torontofunctionalmedicinecentre]

What Toronto Functional Medicine Testing Can Reveal About You

If you need additional details about your health status, functional medicine in Toronto can provide insight. By modifying treatment plans, our clinicians aim to tackle the root cause of health issues – and, for this to happen, detailed lab testing may be advised. 

Lab tests are not only meant for extenuating circumstances. Functional lab tests are used by some health providers and their patients to manage chronic conditions. The details from these tests help with tailoring treatments to help alleviate current symptoms, support disease prevention, and adhere to long-term health goals. 

In this blog post, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) explores the following: 

What exactly functional medicine is;

The difference between conventional lab tests and functional medicine testing;

And the types of things functional testing can tell healthcare providers. 

What is functional medicine? 

The main thing to know about the functional medicine model is that individuality is a focus. This is a personalized approach to wellness that recognizes the patient as a unique entity; using this paradigm, practitioners help patients unveil their natural healing potential. The patient’s condition is not compared to other groups and individuals; rather, their biology, medical history, genetics, current symptoms, lifestyle and environmental factors are carefully scrutinized by a practitioner who follows functional medicine (i.e. functional-practising medical professionals or naturopathic doctors). 

For further analysis, lab testing may be used to quantify some aspects of health, such as hormone imbalances, inflammation (oxidative stress levels), nutrient deficiencies, the presence of toxins (i.e. heavy metals), the functioning of your cellular health, and more. In fact, these tests may detect information that some conventional labs cannot pick up! This is why some patients request functional labs for customizing their treatment plan.

What’s the difference between conventional lab tests and functional medicine testing?

There are differences between conventional labs and tests from a functional medicine practitioner:

Conventional tests provide ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers for diagnosing conditions. Routine bloodwork for annual checkups is a general overview, but they may not suffice for tackling specific concerns (i.e. irregular periods). Also, the measurement ranges are based on groups of people. They do not offer details for strategizing a treatment plan. 

Functional tests do not offer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers, and they’re not necessarily used to diagnose patients. These lab results quantify biomarkers, organic acids, and other metabolites, and these are elements that Western labs may not be able to detect. Measurements report what’s going on in the individual patient, not according to certain populations. 

After a medical doctor interprets conventional test results, these results are not always explained in full detail to patients. This is because patient involvement is not emphasized by the modality.  

A functional medicine practitioner takes ample time to explain how to read lab reports and what these results mean for your current and future health. This coincides with the principles of functional medicine, which value collaboration and education to patients.

Overall, the point of functional medicine testing is to help locate the underlying cause of a health issue; the data from these tests can reveal how your body is operating. Some of these tests can be designed to detect patterns, too, such as cortisol levels at different times of the day. Think of these lab tests as tools for disclosing ‘warning signs’; in turn, this can encourage patients to reflect on the big picture of their wellness. 

What you can learn from functional lab tests

Due to the sensitive nature of these tests, functional lab results can motivate people to apply lifestyle modifications now to improve their current health status. Here are examples of what functional medicine tests can disclose: 

Exactly which hormones may be triggering discomforts: Sex, adrenal, and thyroid hormones make up your hormone balance. A comprehensive profile of all hormones is usually offered by functional medicine practices, and it can unveil exactly which hormone requires attention. These details bear weight over the supplements to take, dosages for certain therapies (i.e. hormone optimization programs), etc.

The makeup of your gut bacteria: Whether you have mild digestive issues or chronic constipation, stool can be inspected to analyze your microbiome. The results may reveal which bacteria you need to increase or decrease, types of parasites that are affecting your digestion, and how inflamed your gut is. 

Which and how much pollutants are lurking in your body: If it’s suspected that pollutants, such as BPA, mold, and mercury, are overloaded in the body, these lab tests disclose which substance may be causing issues and how much is in the body. This data can help determine the next action steps, such as dosing chelation therapy. 

Explicit details about food sensitivities and allergies: For taking the guesswork out of food items that you’re allergic or sensitive to, functional medicine testing may be beneficial here. These tests can quantify antibodies from the foods and beverages you’ve consumed, providing a detailed report of how you respond to these items. 

For many patients, validation is needed for relieving chronic symptoms. At the TFMC, we want to make your clinical experience comfortable and informative, while focusing on your individual health needs! Reach out to us to inquire about our lab testing services. 

Suggested reading: How does mold affect the brain? The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre responds

Personalize your clinical experience at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

Inside our functional medicine clinic, we recognize your uniqueness and how education to patients can affect optimal health outcomes. Each patient is given ample time for consultations, and we’re open to answering questions, discussing lab results, teaching you how treatment options work, and giving tips to maximize your long-term health! 

As we adhere to integrative medicine, your comprehensive treatment plan may be drafted with various modalities, including allopathic treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine, holistic nutrition, herbal medicines, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine. Our lab tests are also used to further customize your treatment plan, such as dosing ingredients for IV therapy. 

Inside the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is also our IV Lounge. In here, we offer patients adjunctive intravenous therapy drips to help with general wellness concerns, such as energy production, stamina, and nutrient deficiencies. All of our IV treatments are customized with the functional medicine model; this allows us to apply a personalized approach to your biological needs! When IV drips are amalgamated with healthy lifestyle factors and additional therapies, they may contribute to health improvements. 

What’s the source of your weight gain, muscle weakness, and brain fog? Let’s explore this with our lab services – our functional medicine clinic in Toronto is currently accepting new patients. Request your consultation by clicking here right now.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Bland JS. Functional Medicine Past, Present, and Future. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2022 May;21(2):22-26. PMID: 35698609; PMCID: PMC9173848.

Boyd JC. Defining laboratory reference values and decision limits: populations, intervals, and interpretations. Asian J Androl. 2010 Jan;12(1):83-90. doi: 10.1038/aja.2009.9. PMID: 20111086; PMCID: PMC3739683.

Cabalar I, Le TH, Silber A, O’Hara M, Abdallah B, Parikh M, Busch R. The role of blood testing in prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic diseases: A review. Am J Med Sci. 2024 Oct;368(4):274-286. doi: 10.1016/j.amjms.2024.04.009. Epub 2024 Apr 16. PMID: 38636653.

Wu, J., Dong, M., Rigatto, C., Liu, Y., & Lin, F. (2018). Lab-on-chip technology for chronic disease diagnosis. Npj Digital Medicine, 1(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-017-0014-0

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

[thecurseofclever]

I feel empty.

not the depressive kind because i'm not sad. i just feel nothing.

there's no reason for me to stay up at night but it's the only time where i can just be. i've been told that's just another thing that is a result of my autism. because i mask so hard throughout the day just to fit in with society by the time i come home i have no desire whatsoever to be a person and the only time i get to enjoy that is at night.

& i could be doing so many things right now. there's chores to be done. things i should organise to help my life flow a little better. i could be going to the gym to get this fucking weight off me but...

i just feel defeated & empty.

i've convinced myself it's not gonna get any better from here because there's no logical direction for me to go.

my girlfriend loves me so. to a degree where i don't understand why she wants to be here. we're all wrong for each other in some ways. like she eats and cooks and those were two things that didn't really happen a lot when i was single (hence why i'm fuxking atrocious now). but i'm also too tired to fix it. fixing it would mean straying from the normal routine and that just sounds like such a hassle. fixing it feels like it would mean having a partner who is even a little bit concerned about their image and i don't. i want to be more invested in this relationship and i want her to feel the full happiness and love she deserves but i don't think i can give that to her bc i'm too busy hating myself for not meeting the standards of the world. we're also just so different. im not sure leaving is in the picture tho. we both have a love for each other but something small inside of me still feels like there's so much more to life i should be doing or enjoying. right now i can't. right now i've found myself in a relationship that although happy is not the best for me.

i'm just tired. i don't want to end my life but i also feel so worthless that i can't see it being any different.

so many people want me to socialise or to socialise with me and i don't know how to tell these supposed friends that

(1) if i didn't have to leave my house to work to afford the things i need for my house i would never escape my apartment.

(2) i don't deserve friends. i don't deserve nice clothes. i don't deserve fun adventures.

once you reach a certain weight what is even the point of existing ( i feel that way about myself and people in general) ((i really took the phrase no one cares unless you are pretty or dying to heart)).

i should pick myself up and fix all of this but i'm just so tired & i can't see a point in trying bc based on pattern recognition that's not gonna get me anywhere.

i realise i've said this a bunch but i am so fuxking tired. exhausted. there's nothing for me to do but just exist everyday and im grossed out by that.

i wanted to say so many other things but typing that made it all worse so now i'm gonna go think about how fat people should exist and i should change my life but there's to much resistance anyways....

[speed-seo]

Hot New Online Marketing Ideas to Boost What You Do in 2024

The world of marketing online is constantly evolving, just like all of us! Each new year brings changes as technology marches on, the big platforms update their sites, and we all have to think creatively about new ways to reach customers. It's crazy how fast things move these days! Keeping up is so important if your business wants an edge. When fresh new approaches catch on, paying attention can give you ideas for tweaking what you do, connecting with more folks, and better meeting what people actually want. From what I'm noticing so far, 2024 looks like it'll bring some notable shifts that forward-thinking brands really ought to know about. It seems artificial intelligence may play an even bigger role, especially for creating content and personalizing what people see. And making people feel you understand them will also be key. Video will also likely dominate more and more, with short, snappy clips engaging audiences. In this article, I'll outline the trends experts are predicting may make waves in the year ahead. I'll analyze where each seems to be heading based on reports from folks in the know, expert opinions, and surveys of customers. I'll also share examples of companies doing strategies well. Plus, I'll offer tips to work these ideas into your own marketing plans. By the end, you'll gain insights that can refine what you do online heading into 2024. So let's jump in and explore the technologies and developments that look poised to enhance marketing over the next 12 months! Computers Getting Smarter Means Big Changes for Reaching Customers Online Folks in the know say computers are getting smarter much faster than before. Programs that can learn and think in some ways like humans are already changing how businesses connect with people online. And from what I'm hearing, this trend will really pick up speed next year. Research shows companies worldwide will spend over $15 billion on using artificial intelligence for marketing by 2023. That's double what was spent just 5 years ago! It seems these smart programs can dig through loads of data to spot hidden patterns and insights that help marketers out. Then they take over routine tasks so we have more time to focus on the creative work of connecting with customers. AI tools are helping improve every part of online promotions. Whether it's: - Writing Helpful Articles and Posts: Algorithms can spit out article ideas and rough drafts focused on certain search phrases businesses want found. This gives marketers a starting point to build on and saves them time. - Creating Custom Experiences: AI looks at what info we know about folks to power things recommending products or services people might like. It also predicts which leads are most ready to buy and helps chatbots respond naturally. All through analyzing customer details. - Finding the Right Audiences: Computers detect patterns in how people act online to target ads just right. Then they watch how well ads do and adjust targeting immediately based on results. Using AI Smartly Can Boost Results Online But People Still Matter Research shows putting AI to work in promotions can drive up clicks, sales, and money made. But it takes balance - computers complement what we do, not take our place. Businesses should focus on AI improving what customers see and do, not replacing human interactions. At the end of the day, folks buy from other people. So while programs can crunch numbers and handle routine tasks, we need to ensure marketing still offers that personal human touch. AI helps our creative efforts, it doesn't eliminate the need for compassion and understanding between real live customers and the real live folks trying to serve them. Handling promotions requires both smart tech and smart people skills. Ideas for Adding AI's Smarts to What You Do: - Think about using those platforms first for writing draft articles and blog posts to save time planning topics. But have a person polish anything customers will read. - Put the deep data dive AI can do to work targeting your promotions better. Still involve people to steer strategy and come up with visuals though. - Set up chatbots to handle basic customer questions fast, freeing up folks for more complex customer care. Make sure the bot knows when to pass folks off smoothly to a person for trickier issues. - Try different AI tools to see their strengths and limits. Go slow, maybe pick one or two at first to blend in, not rely too heavily on machines and lose that personal touch. - Quality over quantity is key! It's adding help where it helps most, not replacing people wherever possible. Customers want people, so find the sweet spot between person and program. The most important marketing shift of the next 5 years will be a move from a focus on reach to a focus on understanding people as individuals, and engaging them in an empathetic way. - Azeem Azhar, Entic. Making Each Customer Feel Special Builds Lifelong Loyalty Studies show people today expect companies to know them and cater to them as individuals online. Research by SmarterHQ found a whopping 77% of shoppers remain faithful to brands that personalize their digital experiences. Customizing everything with the customer in mind based on what they do, like, and value is super important for online retailers too. A report from Salesforce discovered 71% of buyers want stores to offer interactions tailored just for them. Key ways businesses can offer customized care include: - Grouping customers into segments predicted by their info. - Adjusting website content for each unique visitor. - Recommending products likely to interest that specific shopper. - Crafting journeys through the site tailored for each customer. - Promotions and deals targeted specifically for that person. It's all about understanding individual shoppers as people and not just names on a list. Showing you know your customers and care about their unique experiences builds serious goodwill and keeps them coming back time after time. Successful Strategies in Action: - The Starbucks app pays attention so it can suggest new drink recipes just for you based on what you've ordered before. - Etsy watches what folks browse and buy, then makes product recommendations very specific to their tastes. - Sephora's virtual makeup tool lets buyers try looks customized to their own complexion in a fun, stress-free way. Ideas to Make Personalization Part of What You Do: - Gather info directly through surveys or website forms to really get to know customers intimately. - Use what you learn about folks and patterns in their choices to predict needs and serve up fitting content. - Experiment sending tailored variations of pages, deals, mobile alerts to find the ideal personal touch. - Keep branding consistent while letting each customer's personality shine through for that special bond. - Be sure people understand and can refuse how their info helps improve service or know what happens to private details. - Employing smart personalization shows customers you care individually about each and every one of them. Image source: Mention Getting Noticed When People Have Less Time Means Standing Out Creatively With how busy we all are, ads and posts have to work extra hard for eyeballs these days. Catchy promotions that spark emotions and get people talking often do best. Reports show video is the way a whole lot of internet traffic will flow real soon too. Short, fun clips perfect for phones are huge on social media right now and capture attention fast. Over 80% of online content will move that way within the next couple years! Brands wanting more reach and reactivity, especially with the young crowd, need modern videos that entertain in just a minute or less. Ditch stock photos and numbers - tell moving stories visually instead. Think way outside the box and don't be afraid to seem a little different. That's what makes lasting impressions when seconds are all anyone has. Creativity and bravery to break conventions will win customers eager for fresh adventures online. So focus big energy on visual content that inspires emotions and invitations to interact. Then sit back and grin as the good buzz takes off! Examples of Viral Campaigns: - Google’s Year in Search video compiles society’s highest searches each year into a moving story tale. - Apple’s Shot on iPhone campaign shares compelling videos captured by everyday folks instead of pros. - Red Bull spreads the word through daredevil sports videos pushing limits. Tips for Videos Folks Can't Wait to Share: - Tell an intriguing story or teach a skill rather than straight product hype. - Leverage what everyday users create by accepting their submissions too. - Post regular videos 2-3 times weekly. Vary the types of clips (product demos, sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes). - Remember most will watch on phones, so go for square or vertical shapes that stream smooth there. - Use brief captions and tags targeting focused fan groups. - Track shares, likes and such to see what themes inspire the most reaction. Then do more of what works! - Keep videos short and snappy, spotlight real people, and share the experiences your brand enables. That sparks excitement better than plain old ads ever could. Listening in on Social Chatter Uncovers Priceless Tips Paying attention to what people say about your brand and others online should be a major part of promotion plans going forward. Staying tuned into social discussions provides a wealth of useful customer and competitor insights. Reports show over 70% of people now turn to social media as their first stop to learn about companies (Source: WordStream). On Twitter alone: - Approximately 762 million tweets are sent every day. - That’s roughly 8,817 tweets per second! - To put it in perspective, a day’s worth of tweets would fill a 10 million-page book. (Source: Internet Live Stats) Clever businesses track what's said through social listening tools to: - Spot new customer groups and untapped markets to reach. - Guide product choices based on wants and wishes discussed. - Check positive or negative feelings toward their brand. - Chime in on conversations to boost involvement. - See what rival companies do that gets attention. - Catch potential public problems before they blow up. Social platforms light up with a treasure trove of clues if you make the effort to sift through noise and truly hear what's being stated. It's the best way to stay constantly clued into what's trending next! Ways to Eavesdrop on Social Chatter: - Watch industry tags, any brand callouts, and customer reviews. - Pull together stats reports to notice recurring themes and patterns - Use handy programs like Keyhole or Sprout Social to arrange all the info gathered. - Assign friendly faces to jump in where helpful in online discussions. - Transform what you learn into plans addressing what shoppers want most. Always be listening is the key to keeping your finger on the social pulse. With patience and tools, you can transform passing comments into action plans catering directly to real human needs. And that's how satisfied customers and raving fans are made! Some Things to Keep Top of Mind Amid the Changing Digital Scene The online promotions world is shifting fast, and it'll be transformed even more in just a couple years. But while new tech tools keep popping up endlessly, homing in on a handful of major milestones will lead you down the best paths: - Personalized touches showing you truly see each customer as a person - not just a profile - will become a basic business practice. - Artificial intelligence can automate grunt work so you focus on human connection points that foster real customer care and caring. - Social platforms like Twitter are bursting with candid discussions that double as market research - so listen in there with care. - Stories told visually and simply on video are how most net traffic will flow, spreading brand tales even further. Keep testing new methods, but always remember -relationships matter most between real live buyers and sellers at the end of the day. If you focus on serving people, the profits will surely follow! 🚀 Buckle up, folks! Here's the inside scoop on the hottest digital marketing trends you simply can't miss! 🔥 The digital landscape continues to shift so rapidly, it can be hard for any of us mere mortals to keep up! But if I've learned anything in my years working with customers, it's that trends come and go - what truly endures are the deep human connections we forge. - As AI handles more routine tasks and data insights get more precise, I believe our role must be bringing heart and soul to each brand-customer encounter. Looking folks in the eye, so to speak, and understanding what truly matters most to them as people. - Video is a powerful way to share experiences, but it starts from a place of empathy. Putting ourselves in another's shoes to craft stories that stir emotion and spark conversations. - And social media offers a virtual town square where real voices connect. But we must listen with care, as neighbors supporting one another, to appreciate each perspective. No matter the changes ahead, when our north star remains serving others, our strategies can only benefit. Technology augments human potential - it does not replace our capacity for compassion. By keeping relationships at the core, the rest may change but customers will stay. Read the full article