#But for $20/hr I’ll fit it in there

[victory-cookies]

my dad is too busy to make his halloweeen costume this year but since he is the boss he feels the need to go all out on a theme appropriate costume so long story short he is paying me $20/hr to sew it for him

[yxstxrdrxxm-a]

SYNOPSIS: Tattooing is a work of art. Though, he definitely saw that it can also be used as more than an art medium itself.

TW/s: yandere behavior, abstract/drabble writing, protective Xiao, he’s a dumbass but its okay, nsfw tws include targeted by the dark web, graphic depictions of violence, near abduction, stalking + sexual harassment. Please proceed with caution.

NOTE FROM HR: Happy Valentine’s Day! It would seem that today just isn't working out for you, is it, miss Ana? Well, never fear! I’m sure our lovely tattoo artist has something to help you with that… Right?

“You’re back.”

That was the first thing that Ana heard from her tattoo artist, Xiao, speak at 1 in the afternoon— a weird time, considering he wasn’t aware she had an appointment booked with him.

“Are you here for a tattoo?” he asked her, making her shake her head. Carrying the food she bought for him, he placed it on the counter, noting the small shift of expression on his face as he caught a whiff of something faintly sweet in the packaging.

“No, but I’m sure you’ve been working for hours on end,” she said, tapping on top of the package. “Here, eat up. I made sure to buy almond tofu for you.”

Now, for those who may be wondering, just how can the reclusive tattoo artist be with a date that’s the clear opposite of his personality?

It was a long story, which started from the very beginning when they matched up in the app.

Xiao isn’t the type to choose anyone on a whim. He has standards, and for him, many others failed to fit those standards. It was also obvious when he saw Ana’s, but instead of scrolling past and ignoring her, he took his time to look into what she wrote. He didn’t want to write her off just yet.

The next thing he knew, he swiped right with her and began to talk to her in the app.

Their conversation topics were all random at first: general get to know questions, their experiences, and even bits of what the two like. The two clicked on what they both liked listening to, which artists they enjoy the most, and even a few preferences for both to tune into. He did suggest a few that lean into crime podcasts, since he tends to listen to them often while he worked on tattooing his clients. Perhaps it was a strange preference, but she didn’t see it that way.

It wasn’t even long until they began to discuss matters in seeing each other in person, and the first time was because of a tattoo appointment she wanted on her arm.

“So, you want this tattoo placed… Here. Am I right?” “Mhm. Do you think you can do it? My friends had said that you were a good tattoo artist, so I wanted to be sure that it’s something you can do.”

The two were sitting at his office as Xiao was looking at the image, examining the tattoo design she wanted him to put on her. The design wasn’t all that complicated, but he knew he could add something to make it pop out easily, and especially with the detailing of her tattoo choice.

“... I can,” he answered, closing the folder as he faced her again. “However, you must pay upfront. I need to get the materials and equipment needed in our next appointment for this type of tattoo on Friday.”

He watched her nod as she handed him the payment, his hand drifting over to grab it and check how much she paid. It was enough for what she wanted, with an additional $20. Raising an eyebrow, he looked over at her and grabbed it, handing it back to his client.

“No need to give me extra,” he told her, sighing. “It’ll be a waste.”

“Oh? Well…”

He could already hear what she planned on telling him. He should take it anyway as she felt bad, or that it’s not right to not tip someone for their services, or—

“... I’ll take it back, then. Thank you again, Xiao. it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

—!

Xiao seemed to be caught off-guard at the turn it took, his eyes widening for a fraction of a second, but it left as quickly as it did. Regaining his composure, he nodded and simply stood up to lead her out of the shop.

“If you need anything from me, you know my number,” he told her, his amber eyes shifting away for a moment. “... And if you want to go on a date, call me.”

It was strange. He’s not used to romance, and Zhongli had all but taught him how. He wanted to say that he had the confidence like that old man has, but he’s still learning. And Gods, he’s unable to even comprehend how social interaction and cues work.

Still, he did hear her laugh and feel a gentle warmth on his shoulder.

It felt nice.

“Of course! For now, I need to go and meet my friends this afternoon. Goodbye, Xiao.”

As the warmth left his shoulder, he finally raised his head to watch the lady exit, his eyes drifting to her while he recalled the expression she wore in front of him.

Such a gentle smile, unwavering and confident. He had always admired those who could do it without a single moment of hesitation, and sometimes, he found himself loathing that he couldn’t do the same. To be able to smile and look onwards, like nothing was bothering them in the first place.

He sighed and raised a hand to sift through his hair. The bitter feeling rising in him was something he disliked, but he couldn’t bring himself to blame it on her.

It was their first meeting, and it was one that Xiao remembered well.

How ironic, considering the next ones were as eventful as the first, if not even more than anything he’s endured.

The second time this happened was when he was on one of the first few dates with Ana. The two were surprisingly able to her friends commenting on how she found someone and kept it a secret from them.

He didn't like to make their relationship known, and there was a good reason why— he hated to have them find out he has someone he tolerated better than others.

Even if it was just a simple drunkard. Or two.

Point is, it happened. While Xiao was dealing with her friends asking him about his occupation, he caught wind of Ana getting involved and being harassed by one of the older men that are obviously wasted. She was trying to tell them to stop bothering her, but it seems they weren't paying much attention and even touched her in areas that can warrant sexual harassment.

“C'mon, pretty girl, why don't—”

“Move. She's my fiance.”

The drunkard looked over at Xiao, his eyes narrowed as he noticed that he was one of the clients he tattooed years ago. He scowled at the sorry state he was in— the man had a job as a republican, but one too many scandals led him jobless.

Hmph. I'm glad I managed to tattoo him with that before then.

“Yours? Pfft, do you have anything that makes her yours, little boy?”

Xiao scoffed.

“That ring she's wearing. I gave that to her.”

Complete and utter lie, he knows Ana had it since the day they met. Though, the ring was placed on her ring finger…

“You're harassing my girl. If you don't move, I'll get security,” he warned, walking closer to Ana to gently hold her hand. “And you wouldn't like getting kicked out again, would you?”

The ex-republican scoffed but he slunk away, and the two watched as the others jeered and called out to the republican figure for what he's done.

How annoying.

“I didn't know you'd say that out of all things.”

Xiao's head whipped towards Ana. It was clear from the way she said it that it was meant to be seen as light-hearted, but from the tense moment they had, he was struggling to process it.

…

He scoffed and let her hand go.

“He won't back out otherwise.”

And he knew he wouldn't. No one would.

“How many people have you tattooed with that mark?”

“I don't know.”

“Oh, but you do. People tell me that the victims went to you to get tattooed and died after a few days!”

“Sounds like a load of bullshit.”

Xiao isn't fond of dealing with people. He didn't even bother hiding that fact, since he disliked meaningless drivel with some of them. What he hates is when they become overconfident with knowing what he didn't.

It was a big deal to them, but to the artist, he found it more of a joke. An impractical, unfunny joke. He'd rather listen to one of his co workers explain it and ruin it than this.

“A load of— listen to me, sir,” he spat, jabbing at his chest. It would've been intimidating if Xiao didn't think it was a bit childish, “I work with the agency. We're trying to figure out what the hell is happening, and if you don't say shit, I'll tell them you're that famed serial killer going on the loose!”

…

“Seriously?”

Xiao sighed.

Such is the way of being an idiot, he thinks. It's no wonder I don't bother tattooing people on a walk-in appointment.

“Wh— are you doubting my credibility?!”

“Not when you're harassing me.”

Watching him get annoyed, he saw the man out, watching as a certain someone came to the shop. Seeing the man storm off, he watched Ana raise her eyebrow at Xiao; a silent question, it seems.

What happened? He can read from her expression. Though, this made Xiao sigh and turn his head to the shop.

Come inside. That is what he was trying to say by his body language.

And she did.

It wasn't long until the two were talking about the incident: Ana had to hear Xiao explain briefly of the accusations he's given, what he replied due to the lack of evidence, and the childish fit that the reporter had to leave.

Still, that looming threat was never something he can let go of, nor he can't stop pondering about. Maybe it's just him, but there have been moments when that came to light.

… Or nearly, anyway.

“I see… Well, they're definitely too nosy for their own good.”

“Mhm,” he answered, cleaning up the pen he used for tattooing. “Anyway, are you here for your appointment?”

“Oh! Yes, I am. I want you to tattoo my arm.”

Retrieving the paper detailing her tattoo, she handed it to him. Examining what it looks, he simply raised an eyebrow.

Granted, the tattoo is simplistic— he can make do with outlining the bird like it was a constellation. It wasn't something he would suck at. However, the bird she chose was a phoenix.

Interesting metaphor. Though, he's simply curious on what drove her to choose such an interesting thing to be on her arm.

“... Hm. Alright. I can do it.”

Placing it down, he began to prepare the tools and lead her to take a seat on the chair. Pulling on the lever, he adjusted it so that she was facing up and he pulled up the arm that she wanted it on.

It wasn't long until the soft thrumming of the tattoo gun echoed as he worked on the tattoo, following each and every step of the stencil down to its smallest details. Sure, Ana and him conversed while he worked, but he remained silent to focus on doing the tattoo.

Silence was a comfortable thing for him, and sometimes, he can see it be a comfortable thing for her, too.

It did take hours until he was done with the tattoo, and although he had half of his mind to add that mark, he added something else that’s tied to him. Right by the wing had 保护 written on it, each line and curve made as accurately as one could with writing a different language.

It was different from the ones he’d do. And he made sure to keep it that way.

“There. It’s done.”

He observed how Ana’s eyes would trail over at the tattoo, moving as she examined it in great detail. He was one of the best tattoo artists she could ever find, but he knew she saw that print on the wing, too.

It was just a relief that she didn’t bother to ask.

“Since it’s your first time getting a tattoo, you can have this,” he added, grabbing a bag full of supplies with an addition he left there for her. “It’ll help when your skin gets irritated with the ink. Others had that happen to them.”

“Really? Well, I’ll use them if that happens.”

“Good.”

His amber eyes flickered from the tattoo gun and towards the bag, catching the gleam of turquoise peeking from inside.

It was convenient that he placed that thing in her bag.

Now, he had an even bigger reason to do what he had to do to those that dare to mess with what’s his.

“I didn’t know you’d come back to stalk her,” the tattoo artist commented coldly, his heels digging into the wound on the reporter’s side. “I’m surprised. Seems like you have the audacity to try again to ‘frame’ me yourself.”

He hardly cared for the amount of blood he spilt. For the tattoo artist, having to make someone be worried in his shop was more than enough to gun for the culprit.

“Tell me. Were you going to abduct her?”

The reporter had the audacity to laugh at his face, the pain sending his mind to overdrive. Scowling, he dug in deeper, feeling his patience wear thin. He hated to delay what could hurt his lo— friend, he had to correct himself. He didn’t want those people to get to her.

“W-What’s it to you? I thought—”

“I’m not involved, but that’s my friend, you garbage.”

With another dig at the wound and his gun loaded, he aimed it at his other leg. He was already sure that she would wind herself in danger because of what he’s done, so he needed to be swift if he wanted to reach Ana.

He can’t risk losing her. Not to those bastards.

“I’ll ask again. Were you going to abduct her, you vile being?”

Much to his displeasure, the reporter laughed again. Although, he can tell that he wasn’t in the right mind. The expression he wore simply reminded him of those bitter memories he had hid all those years ago in his time at Enkanomiya, and he loathed to see it on another person.

Heaven knows what drove him like this, but he had done something immoral. He needed to do this in return.

…

Yes. He needs to. She’ll die if he doesn’t.

“... Hmph. I suppose you’re no talk and bite.”

Click. BANG.

…

Xiao could vaguely hear the gunshot ring as blood began to pour out onto the pavement, but this time, he felt no guilt for his actions. He knew it was bad, but he could hardly care about what’s on his mind.

Turning around, he grabbed his phone and contacted Ana’s number. He needed to be able to speak to her. He needed to.

…

It rang once.

It rang twice.

It rang far more than that. It continued to ring and ring, amping up Xiao’s worry the longer she didn’t take the call.

And after God knows how long, he heard it click.

“Xiao?”

… She’s fine.

“... Did I wake you up?” he asked her on the phone, his voice lowering its usual volume— possibly due to his relief. “I thought you’d be awake.”

“Mm… Almost, but yeah,” he heard her yawn. “I was… Looking for that guy. Then I fell asleep for, uh… an hour or something.”

…

“Has anyone entered the house?”

“... No. I’m fine. I had it locked, like you told me to.”

Good.

“Say, you sound panicked—”

“I’m fine,” he told her, cutting her off. With a sigh, he looked at the body, then at the phone. “Anyway, I’ll… Leave you alone for the night. I have a few things I need to take care of.”

He’d have to ‘clean’ things up. He can’t let her see it.

No one can ever see the crime he's done.

@.throw-letter-away | do not republish or repost my works anywhere | 2024

[nice-bright-colors]

What's your favorite job that you've had?

What place was your favorite to live?

Thanks @heatherannchristie for these questions. Once again, I had to turn back in time to recall those memories. I’ll try to be brief in my answers.

Favorite job: In the last 35 years, I’ve held 10 positions at 5 different companies (not including starting my own business in late 2020). My favorite job was working in the Grocery Dept at Jewel Foods in the burbs of Chicago. We screwed around all the time, sometimes worked overnights, and always found the “damaged” whipped cream cans. Meaning, we would suck out all the nitrous oxide in a few cases of whipped cream, and report the product as damaged. Then hang out inside the dairy cooler until our heads were clear again.

A very close 2nd, was the job as a laborer at UPS (back when it was privately owned). My starting pay as a Teamster was $8.50/hr (1991-93)…and basically got to work out for 4 hours a day. I lost around 65 pounds in the first 3 months, it did wonders for my self-esteem. Although some people thought I was seriously sick, and my own mother thought I was addicted to crack cocaine. My diet included 2 pots of coffee and 2 packs of cigarettes a day, and I was the healthiest of my entire life.

Favorite place to live: in the last 50 years I’ve lived in (2) states, and approximately (8) different locations. Hands down, the favorite place is out here in Colorado. I’m about 13-15 miles away from the Flatirons (small mountains in front of the big 14ers). All of which I can see from where I live. This was the best decision of my life to move here, and only took 23 years after we Honeymooned here.

The runner up was the apartment we had just outside Chicago. The building had 12 units on 3 floors. 5 out of the 6 units on the front half were occupied by people who were already friends, stood up in each other’s weddings, became lifelong friends, or were related to each other. Imagine living the life of the TV show Friends, with (6) different couples. (One couple moved out, but were replaced with others that fit right in).

We would open all the doors and have huge parties with a few hundred people. We constantly sat in the hallway drinking beers after work. Kidnapped home decor from each other. I even stole the food off my friends grill by climbing over the balcony when he wasn’t looking. Ahhhh to live your fullest life in your early/mid 20’s again.

30 years, 7 kids total, countless pets, 1 divorce, and only 1 death…and we still call each other “neighbor”.

Please note, this was a time before advanced cell phones, let alone cameras on phones.

…and I had considerably more hair.

[kxowledge]

Hi, I have a question on your PhD interviews. I've applied to 2 PhDs in Norway and should hear back this month, so I was wondering how the interviews were structured and how long they were? Also how many people were present for each? Thanks and congrats again on getting the position!!

ooh where did you apply? if you don't mind sharing, feel free to send me a private message - I know some people at a couple of other unis and perhaps I can give you more specific info. thank you so much my dear!! I’ll describe below how it was for me, but it might change uni from uni.

The whole process happens at the department level. The first interview was online with the PhD program coordinator (who does the recruiting for all of the department) and my potential supervisor. My proposal was very much tailored towards this one professor and her expertise, but if there is more than one person who would be interested in supervising you, you’d have both participating in the interviews. Fit with the current professors’ expertise is one of the things they explicitly state as extremely important. I found the interview very relaxed – after a brief introduction from them, I talked about myself (the usual storyline of why you’re applying to a PhD). The rest of the questions were about previous experiences doing research, specifically about my bachelor thesis and my ongoing master thesis (but no questions on previous work experience, even though I have been a RA twice and a TA once; though I had rec letters from the people I worked with in those occasions and they may have spoken to them beforehand). Then, the rest of the questions were related to my research proposal (why is this important, more on the research setting I suggested) and which methodologies I’m familiar with. I was expecting way harder questions - I didn’t even get asked why this university specifically and I wish I had shoehorned that in my first answer tbh. Overall, it felt very chill. However! Getting the interview is the most important step! They only interviewed 15 out of around 300 applicants.

It’s actually possible that they will extend an offer already, without a second interview. The latter is more of a step for those that they need to be more sure about for whatever reason, but usually because they want to see that you understand well your intended methodology. The second interview for me consisted of two parts. For the first part, you’re asked to present a paper that they sent two to three days beforehand. This is (likely) something you haven’t seen before but that is (1) relevant to your proposal and (2) in your intended methodology. These are the two points that they really want to see in the interview, based on the feedback they’ve given me and what I know of my friends’ interviews. You’re given 20 minutes to present i.e. walk through how research was conducted, what the findings are, etc. You’re allowed (and expected) to have a PPT. I put a lot of emphasis on those two points during the presentation and I had two extra slides covering how it was relevant to my proposal, which I pulled up when I got asked about it. After your presentation there are 40 minutes of questions, which are on the paper, the methodology, your research, anything really (I got asked about supervising master students’ thesis). It can, however, last longer than 40 minutes. There are going to be 3 to 4 people in the room: your potential supervisor(s), someone expert in the specific methodology, and someone from admin/HR. They care about making the process fair and having different people involved to avoid favoritism, so there will always be at least 3 people in the room (even if, like in my case, my potential supervisor and the expert in the methodology coincide). The questions are very in-depth, so how difficult the interview will feel depends on how comfortable you are with the paper and the methodology. After this, you’re not done yet! For part two, you have three hours to answer to three questions in written form. These are written by your potential supervisor so they really can be anything, but they will be usually related to the paper and your research. There was some overlap with the questions after the presentation for me.

After all of this ordeal, it is not yet done. If they like you, you’ll get “nominated” (i.e. the email I’ve gotten), but this is not yet an offer! There is yet another committee who will decide who will get in and how many positions to fund. Specifically, the candidates are ranked beforehand and you can either have a “secure” spot or more of a “backup” spot. All of this is not transparent I know this from a friend-of-a-friend, but basically it can still happen that even if you got nominated, you don’t get the position. In some cases, the supervisor might help you find other sources of funding (e.g. an “industry” PhD), but that depends on the supervisor’s connections.

I will also say this: as I am not Norwegian, I found several things about the interview process fairly rude. I know the department and the people I’ll be working with and they’re all brilliant & everyone involved in the process has been very friendly when we actually met, but: they were in my opinion rude when it came to “scheduling” the interviews (i.e. you get told: the interview is at this time, hope it suits you); they’ve gotten my name wrong twice (… not my supervisor thankfully); they told me I would hear by the end of the week or at most by Wed the week after and then didn’t write me for a whole other week (whyyyy); they have also ghosted me once again after the email about the nomination when I asked a question. I would be a bit put off by this if I didn’t know the atmosphere that’s there already.

[liesmyth]

OH I love talking about running plans! @halosudne you've Unlocked a Special Interest, I'm afraid.

Current schedule

My current base building schedule is very chill. Mostly easy pace, not many workouts, fully allowing myself to take as many walking breaks as needed. I try to run 5 times a week, though I don't stress if I have to make it 4. My long runs went from 40% of total weekly mileage (back when I was doing, like, 15k to 20k a week) to 30% now that I’m running more.

For example, this week it’s like:

DAY 1 — 7 km easy run (If I can’t sing along to my playlist I’m going too fast) DAY 2 — Workout. 10 min @ tempo pace, 6 km total (1.5 km warmup, 10 min @ tempo pace, easy pace cooldown) DAY 3 — 9 km easy run  (If I can’t sing along to my playlist I’m going too fast) DAY 4 — 6 km easy, including strides (5K easy pace followed by 6x100m strides — short bursts of accelerations until you’re nearly out of breath, hold that pace, gradually slow down. Jog or walk until your breath is even, repeat. Cooldown jog at the end) DAY 5 — Long run, 13 km (Start @ recovery pace; I go by heartrate and vibes. Then gradually increase pace through the run, end up at a slightly faster than easy pace. Just a bit winded.)

This all adds up to 41 / 42 km. Next week I’m aiming for 46-ish, the week after 48 to 50, and then I should be plan ready.

My upcoming plan

I’m base building for the Pete Pfitzinger HM plan level 1. I’ve already done a few of his plans, including the HM level 2 plan, but I would NOT recommend them because they’re so mileage-heavy and pretty tough. Just the level 1 half marathon plan starts at 50 km/week, and peaks at 76 km (31 mpw to 47 mpw, if you believe in freedom). It can be a lot!

However, I DO recommend reading his book if you are interested in the science behind running training plans, because he really lays it out in a very accessible way, and explains the rationale behind his training plans and how to tweak them for any necessities. He also has base training plans that really worked for me.

I have a spreadsheet and everything from the last time I did one of his plans, lol, and my schedule will look a bit like this. As I said... it can be A LOT.

Various plan recs

If you like something lower volume, I recommend the Hal Higdon plans! They’re staples for a reason. Once again, though, I recommend 1) reading the book if you can swing it OR 2) look for information about the plans (r/running is a treasure trove for that!) just so you’re familiar enough with the logic behind the programming to be able to change whatever you need if you miss a few runs or have to scale it down or up.

BAA (the Boston Athletic Association) have a wealth of training plans free on their website.

Also, I trained for my first race ever following the “Garmin Coach” adaptive plan on my Garmin smartwatch – I know this is a long shot BUT if you happen to own a Garmin I really recommend the adaptive plans if you’re struggling to build mileage. The programming changes week by week depending on how you’re proceeding and it’s a neat feature

Time goals etc

I have no idea what kind of time to aim for for my HM, mostly because I really haven’t run seriously for a while so I have no idea what my running fitness baseline is right now. Next week I’m doing a lactate threshold field test to help me figure out where I’m at. I like to do all my easy runs and recovery runs based on heart rate AND my workouts based on goal speed, so that’s a cool data point to have! 

How it works: it’s a time trial run — 20 minutes warmup, then 30 minutes ALL OUT EFFORT RUN. No goal pace, just run at max sustainable effort for those 30 minutes, then cool down for as long as you need. 

It’s a low-tech, no-throwing-up needed alternative to any “max HR” kinda field test, and it’s useful (TO ME) to determine what effort / intensity / time goal I can expect to aim for during my next training cycle. I’ll report back on how that goes :D

(Here’s a more detailed guide, just ignore the part about how you need a chest strap because I respectfully disagree). 

[echodrops]

The Promises I’m Making (2023)

Oop, a little late on this this year, but it was really hard to come up with 50 different promises this year. Some years it is so easy, but this year I just drew a total blank. I think the complete unpredictability of the past two years has left me with the sense that I shouldn’t try to plan for anything--the wild events of the year might just send those plans up in smoke in an instant!

Still, the show must go on! So, 16 years later, I’m still making 50 promises a year. Definitely hoping that this year will be better than the last and I’ll be able to keep quite a few more promises, including some of them that have been rolled over for multiple years--maybe, maybe! Without any more ado, here they are:

2023 Promises

1) Work on the Texas house yard. It’s still never really recovered from the frost that killed everything in 2021 and it looks pretty shabby right now.

2) Get both bedroom floors sanded in the Utah house upstairs.

3) Get the Utah house sprinklers up and working ALL the way for this summer.

4) Actually get the back fence fixed up and the greenery back there trimmed and managed.

4) Put a new sink/vanity in the downstairs bathroom of the Utah house.

5) Related to that, lose at least 20 pounds. 2020-2022 was not kind to me and the stress eating was real.

6) Take my mom on a road trip to one of the U.S. states that she has not been to before.

7) Get back in touch with the allergy specialist to continue working on my allergy/inflammation issues.

8) Go through my closets and donate or throw away clothes that I know I will not wear.

9) Finish at least five books this year.

10) Organize my documents (especially student papers)—my desktop and documents folders give me nightmares just looking at them. 

11) Help Kacchan through her first semester as a teacher! Exciting!!

12) Get a decent paper shredder to shred old mail. 

13) Clean off my back patio/car port area so I can park my car there again.

14) Get the Texas house dishwasher fixed… I’m so tired of washing dishes by hand… How do people do this, oof.

15) 100% complete FF16 babyyyyy!!

16) Talk to an HR rep about my retirement savings so that I can consolidate my retirement accounts. I have been putting this off for like five years now.

17) Do at least one artwork to actually use that new paint program I bought. 

18) Pay my credit debt down by at least $2000. I’m still paying off the hell year but I hope I can make progress on this.

19) Finish making changes to master courses. No more major revisions!

20) See a zone-tailed hawk. This is another rare-but-possible bird for my area.

21) Attend the FFXIV Fanfest in Las Vegas!

22) Update HaaH at least once. Please, Echo???

23) Get the small leak fixed in the side bathroom of the Texas house and have the faucets replaced.

24) Look into the cost of light housekeeping services to give myself a little more time to do things that aren’t work.

25) Catch up with hanging up all the charms/pins I’ve gotten recently on my corkboards; these are just sitting in boxes/bags around the house. D;

26) Use Spotify more often or cancel my Spotify Premium subscription; it’s not worth it if I don’t use it.

27) Get an art display book to preserve my great grandfather’s artworks (which we discovered my now late uncle STOLE from me even though they were willed to me when my grandfather passed away???)

28) Fix the screens on the Texas house.

29) Bird watch at a specific location in Texas. It’s my secret where since I’d rather not share my specific location on social media, but let’s hope I can finally make it to this place!

30) Finally get rid of the dirt pile in the front of the Utah house.

31) Sign NeNe (my puppy) up for the intermediate dog training course.

32) This is super nerdy, but my bro got me the FFXIV cookbook and made me promise to actually use it, so I guess I’d better at least try to make something from it.

33) Take down the remains of the wooden fence posts at the Utah house.

34) Take part in the fitness challenge at work this coming semester.

35) I will remember to take my medicine on time, all the time. Taking them late is messing things up quite a bit.

36) Get a stand for the toaster oven in the break room so we can finally use it!

37) Get my car detailed because the inside really needs to be vacuumed.

38) Go horseback riding on the island. I’ve never ridden on a beach before!

39) Eat healthier. Maybe cutting out snacks is too much to ask, but at least replace some average meals with salads, etc. and overall make an effort to actually eat better. Sometimes the fact that I feel like garbage is my own fault.

40) Wait, I should probably acquire a Playstation 5 so I can actually play my new copy of FF16, lol.

41) Help make sure the new tutoring requirement for the English classes goes over well.

42) Finish decorating the main office. I’ll feel better if my workplace reflects the level of professionalism and school spirit that I envisioned it having this year.

43) Catch every variant of Vivillon in Pokemon Go. I’m currently missing Icy Snow, Marine, Meadow, Monsoon, Ocean, Polar, River, Sandstorm, Savanna, Sun, and Tundra, if anyone would like to be friends!

44) Try to be more comprehensive with giving feedback to students. I’m always good at providing detailed comments on essays, but I’d like to spend more time commenting on smaller assignments too this year.

45) Make sure the retirement party for my coworkers who retired this year goes off without a hitch and honors them well.

46) Take part in more activities on campus; I have a tendency to not attend many events because they’re in the evening when I’m tired, but I should really stay more often.

47) Write some Chainsaw Man fanfic for @mistystarshine!

48) Help my parents tear out the carpet in my old childhood bedroom.

49) Do something to destress (massage, pedicure, something?) at least once per month. I gotta take better care of myself…

50) I will keep my promises! 

Wish me luck!

[leslie-lyman]

I posted 1,583 times in 2022

That's 878 more posts than 2021!

310 posts created (20%)

1,273 posts reblogged (80%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@oonajaeadira

@magpie-to-the-morning

@whataperfectwasteoftime

@radiowallet

@ezrasbirdie

I tagged 1,302 of my posts in 2022

Only 18% of my posts had no tags

#lovely people saying lovely things - 265 posts

#answered asks - 247 posts

#comment reblog - 239 posts

#emma you beautiful tropical fish - 64 posts

#pedro pascal gifs - 60 posts

#samg!inspo - 58 posts

#les loves cat - 35 posts

#ask game - 29 posts

#pedro pascal - 27 posts

#adira my beloved - 26 posts

Longest Tag: 134 characters

#also speaking of beloved talented mutuals who could write circles around so many published authors jess please look in the mirror babe

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Punchbowls & Pincushions (Congressman Marcus Pike x f!reader)

summary: The duly elected representative from Texas’s 27th congressional district has a meeting, takes a walk, and meets a woman.

pairing: Congressman Marcus Pike x f!reader

rating: general audiences for this installment, though this series will be explicit and my blog and its content are only for those 18 and up

warnings: none

word count: 2.7k

a/n: Y’all, I’m excited for this one. This is the first installment of what I hope will be a more relaxed fit-ish series I’ve been thinking about for a long time: an AU in which Marcus Pike decides to turn in his badge and his gun and try a different kind of public service. I’ve just been waiting for the right excuse to finally get this first bit down on paper, so thank you as always to the lovely folks at @writer-wednesday for the photo prompt! Big thank yous also to @ezrasbirdie, @whataperfectwasteoftime, @magpie-to-the-morning, and @the-ginger-hedge-witch for letting me ramble at them about this idea for far too long, and to Birdie for looking this over for me!! ❤️

punchbowl: the Secret Service’s code name for the United States Capitol Building.

pincushion: the Secret Service’s code name for the Rayburn House Office Building, one of three main buildings where members of the House of Representatives and their staffs’ offices are actually located.

Main Masterlist. | Series Masterlist. | Taglist.

———

It’s not going to happen.

The words play on a loop in Marcus’s head as he tries to calmly traverse the halls of the Capitol.

Leonard, I campaigned on this.

I know, Marcus, I’m sorry.

Look, if this is about HR 86 -

It’s a matter of cost, Marcus.

Bullshit. The whole package is $57 billion. You’re telling me $100 million to expand drug treatment courts is the straw that breaks the CBO’s back?

It’s a miracle we got all the things in that we did. It’s gonna be hell trying to get this through the Senate as it is.

And what am I supposed to tell my constituents in the meantime?

To get used to disappointment. Or just blame the Senate. I always do.

See the full post

218 notes - Posted July 14, 2022

#4

Stranger At My Gate - Chapter 10 (Pero Tovar x modern!OFC)

A time-traveling Pero. A modern woman trying her best. A kitchen full of possibility. A helping of Midwestern kindness. A dash of magic. And a whole lot of Christmas spirit.

pairing: Pero Tovar x modern!OFC

rating: E 🚨 [18+ ONLY, minors DNI]

warnings: at the risk of spoiling things, SMUT; unprotected PIV; oral (f receiving); blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Pero having a pain kink; Pero having a lil bit of a breeding kink; ungodly amounts of fluff; one (1) instance of your author taking liberties with language history

word count: 7.3k

a/n: Here we are, folks. This is it. I’ll have more to say at the end of this chapter, and I’d strongly advise you to read all the way to the end. 😉 Also a reminder that going forward, I will only be tagging folks in my writing who have signed up via my official taglist form.

Extra major helpings of thanks and forehead kisses to @whataperfectwasteoftime for looking this over for me and for tolerating me tearing my hair out in her DMs over this chapter. ❤️❤️❤️

Previous chapter.

Masterlist.

———

Ten.

Panic seizes Tessa’s chest, robbing her of breath. A chorus of thoughts rise loud in her head, jumbled and half-formed -

He can’t have gone back

I’m late, I’m too late

So stupid, should have told him before I left

Too late too late too late

There’s no way to tell how old the footprints marking Pero’s path towards the woods might be, but after only a moment of paralysis, Tessa’s off like a shot.

He could have left hours ago, he could already be back in his own time and there would be nothing more that Tessa could do.

But she has to know for sure.

There’s no conscious moment of deciding - one second she isn’t running as fast as she can in the direction of the trees and the next second she is, never mind that it’s well below freezing with the snow coming down with an increasing vengeance. Never mind that she’s still dressed for air travel, in nothing more than jeans and a sweatshirt and cute little ankle boots that are definitely not meant to go trudging through more than half a foot of snow. Her coat’s still in the back seat of her car but she can’t stand to make even the smallest detour for it. Pero may be long gone, but if he isn’t, if there’s a chance she could still stop him and ask him to stay, who knows how long she has. Ten seconds to grab her coat could be the difference.

Pero’s footsteps get more difficult to follow once she hits the tree line, but her Gift is not called intuition for nothing. She can feel some sort of instinctual pull towards the Gate, or maybe it’s towards Pero, aided by the faint ghosts of memories of her childhood spent playing in these woods. She tries to yell Pero’s name, but the freezing air burns in her throat as she attempts to draw enough breath to keep moving as fast as she can.

An eternity somehow fits into the handful of minutes it takes her to make it to the small, perfectly round clearing where the two trees that make up the Gate stand. She’s never been this close to the Gate before, and certainly not when it’s been open. Apart from the slightly unnatural placement of the trees, there’s nothing that gives it away on sight. But it throbs with power, emitting a warped vibration Tessa cannot truly hear but rather feels deep in her bones. Something about it calls to her, as though its magic recognizes the kindred spirit of her Gift. But whatever being or force created the Gate was many times more powerful and ancient than the source of her Gift, and if she looks directly at it for more than a few seconds a vague sense of vertigo starts to make itself known at the edges of her vision.

What small amount of light was left in the day is almost completely gone, the snow on the ground doing little to reflect it back as fat flakes continue to fall. Tessa can’t tell if Pero’s footprints continue across the circle to the Gate. She takes two deep breaths, then opens her mouth to let out the scream she’s felt building since she walked in her front door to find her house cold and empty -

“I’m here, Tessa.”

Her head whips around at the sound of his voice so quickly she hears her neck crack. She squints through the snow and darkness and sure enough, sitting on a fallen log just outside the edge of the clearing, is Pero. Tessa has to make a hasty grab for the nearest tree to keep from collapsing in relief.

“Pero,” she croaks, her voice nothing more than a cracked whisper.

He stands and comes closer. He’s dressed in his original clothes, the hilts of his swords visible over his right shoulder. The only modern item on him is the thick wool coat he’s been using the past few weeks.

Even once he’s close enough to see his features his face is unreadable. Tessa likes to think she’s gotten fairly good at interpreting Pero’s expressions, having learned just how much this man can say without any words at all, but apart from the tightness at the corners of his mouth, it’s like he’s purposefully trying to keep his face as neutral as possible.

Seconds tick by without either of them saying anything. It’s like Tessa’s emotions are all laid out on a roulette wheel - panic, joy, despair, relief, exhaustion - that’s spinning too fast to figure out what she’s actually feeling at this moment. Then the little white ball falls from the track and sticks in the groove of one emotion in particular.

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274 notes - Posted May 15, 2022

#3

Euclidean Geometry

Summary: They make no attempt to define what this is, who they are to each other. All they know is that now they are together.

Pairing: Modern!Pero x Frankie x Jack x f!reader (sort of, this is in the third person, reader is referred to only as she/her)

Rating: E 🚨 absolutely no minors

Word count: 1.4k

Warnings: smut, M/M and M/M/F; some implied D/s dynamics; allusions to the lingering trauma of military service

A/n: I don’t know what this is (other than absurdly self-indulgent nonsense), but this idea hooked its claws into me and this is what resulted. It’s just kind of a series of snapshots, really. No plot, just vibes. There may be more after this, we’ll see.

Masterlist.

———

They don’t meet each other until after their time in the service.

Thank god, Pero tells them. I surely would have otherwise murdered you both long before now.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: three veterans walk into group therapy…

A Delta Force pilot in recovery. A surly Field Artillery officer. A cocky Air Force fighter pilot with a name as ridiculous as his skills in a jet. All here because they are each too full of anger with nowhere to put it.

Talking at therapy turns into talking at a bar after each session. They circle each other, like a pod of killer whales, or maybe like galaxies, pulling closer and closer together over bottles of beer and games of pool.

None of them can say the exact moment it became more. Was it the first time Jack accidentally brushed a hand across the small of Frankie’s back as they walked out of the bar one night, and he felt the shiver that went up the other man’s spine? Was it the night Pero finally spoke about the loss of his first love, his description of William and his death on a desert battlefield making all three men shed silent tears in the privacy of a dark corner booth? Surely it had to have been long before they found themselves in Jack’s bed that first time, letting their bodies say what they could not yet find words for: I want you, I trust you, I know you, I see you.

They make no attempt to define what this is, who they are to each other. All they know is that now they are together.

They each crack the others open, the process of healing as painful and beautiful as filling in their scars with gold.

And then there is her.

The relationship between the three men had not been a closed loop, not at first. There had been times where one of them (Jack, more often than the others) had gone off and for a one- or two- or (never more than) three-night stand with another person. And there had been other times where two or even all three of them had shared a temporary partner. But with her, it clicks, it solidifies. They stop searching for more, for new, for other.

If three’s a crowd, what is four? A square, a shape beautiful in its simple perfection, a shape that can only be composed of equals - each line and each angle taking up equivalent space, none more or less important than any of the others, and each one essential.

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291 notes - Posted July 25, 2022

#2

Waterproof

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x f!reader

Summary: Watched The Bubble. Had a thought. That thought was: I wanna edge Dieter Bravo until he cries and ruins that silly eyeliner.

Rating: 🚨 E for explicit, folks. NO MINORS.

Warnings: edging, obvs; unprotected PIV; dom!reader and sub!Dieter; Dieter Bravo being soft and respectful and having puppy dog eyes that are impossible to resist

Word count: 1.3k

a/n: Yeah I dunno what happened here, either. I intended for this to be a drabble to get this idea out of my head and practice writing some smut, and it ended up being over a thousand words. None of us is immune from this man, it seems. Not beta’d, barely edited. The gif above is an edging joke.

Masterlist.

———

“Do you wanna have sex with me?”

It’s so direct that it catches you off guard.

There’s something in the way he says it, too. There’s no arrogance in his tone. He isn’t smug or suave like you’d expect. He’s a movie star. He’s an Oscar winner. He’s Dieter Bravo, for fuck’s sake. But instead of a smirk and a smoothly delivered pickup line, he’s looking at you over the bar top of the fancy estate chosen to house the cast of ”Cliff Beats 6” with huge brown eyes that are full of hope, not expectation.

It’s a simple enough question.

It’s also a bad idea. You’re hotel staff. He’s the fifth-billed actor on the sixth installment of the 23rd biggest action series of all time.

But he asked so politely. There’s an open earnestness on his face that tells you he doesn’t want you to say no, but he’d respect it if you did. And it all makes you suspect that this man, with his broad shoulders and large hands and soft eyes, may enjoy the same kinds of things you do. That he may make a rather complimentary bed partner. You decide to test your theory.

“That depends, Dieter.” You rest your elbows on the bar top and lean closer to him like you’re about to share a secret. “Would you be a good boy and do exactly what I say?”

His eyes go black. He swallows, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.

It’s a simple enough question. He gives you a simple answer.

“Yes ma’am.”

———

You don’t get to cum until I say you do, Deiter, is that clear?

Crystal.

You got a safeword?

Academy.

Jesus Christ.

You push him down into a fancy armchair covered in embroidered silk in the corner of his suite, a set of rooms that probably costs more per night than you make in a month.

Dieter still has his makeup on from today’s shoot, a not-terribly-subtle dark smudge under each eye, and it enhances the eager puppy look he has going on, almost like he cannot believe his luck. You clamber into his lap and feel him already starting to harden through his sweatpants. An experimental grind of your hips draws a little moan from his throat so you do it again, and again, the soft friction against your clit and the increasing size of his erection making your core start to throb with arousal.

“Please,” he murmurs, “I want - can I - ”

You run your thumb over his bottom lip, stilling your movements.

“Easy, sweet boy. What is it?”

See the full post

360 notes - Posted April 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Rights and Wrongs

summary: “I’m not keeping it, Jack. I knew that before I called him and told him. I don’t know if I want kids, but I do know that I don’t want them now. Not like this. And not with him.”

Or: Whiskey helps you get an abortion.

pairing: Whiskey x f!reader

rating: M

word count: 6.4k

warnings: possible dead dove do not eat; unplanned, unwanted pregnancy; early pregnancy symptoms including vomiting; descriptions of what pregnant people have to go through to get an abortion in the state of Kentucky; abortion clinic protestors and physical and verbal harassment of patients; reader has a medically unnecessary but state-mandated trans-vaginal ultrasound; use of moderate anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia; allusions to past loss and trauma (it’s Jack, I’m assuming know his backstory); not super-explicit description of reader getting a surgical abortion; Jack being a little naive in the way well-meaning straight white dudes often are but also being pro-choice as f*ck

Author’s note:

*Fleabag voice* This is a love story.

Hey there folks. Please read the warnings on this one. I know that pregnancy can be a tough topic for a lot of people to read about. Everything I’ve described here is what you actually have to go through to get an abortion in Kentucky. (Or, well, it was, until two days ago when the Kentucky legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of HB 3, which has resulted in a complete stoppage of all abortions in Kentucky.) If this is not a thing you want to read about, for whatever reason, I respect that completely.

However, if you read this fic and think it might be a good idea to spout some anti-abortion nonsense at me in response, I am going to pre-emptively suggest you kindly shove it up your asshole instead.

Abortion is health care. Abortion is a human right. You will not move me on this. I wrote this fic because I have a lot of anger and fear and frustration that the human right to bodily autonomy is about to be completely gutted in my country. But I also wrote it because abortion is normal. People get abortions every day. And I wanted to write and read a fic where reader gets her happy ending with Jack and an abortion is how it happens.

Additional note: This fic is also a fundraiser! April is when many abortion funds host their biggest annual fundraisers, and you can help! For each note this fic gets between now and the end of April - every like, reblog, and comment, even the ones that are me replying to someone, and hell, I’ll include asks and DMs about this fic too - I’ll donate a dollar to the Kentucky Health Justice Network, a fund providing direct financial and other assistance to people in Kentucky who need abortions.

If this sounds like a journey you’d like to go on with me, then let’s go.

Masterlist.

———

This afternoon has been taken up by two phone calls you never thought you’d have to make.

The first to the Kentucky Women’s Health Clinic. The second to your ex-boyfriend.

The call with the clinic goes well, better and easier and kinder than you’d expected, even if their first available appointment is further out than you’d prefer. The call with Michael goes even more poorly than you’d thought it would.

He hadn’t been your ex for very long; only about two weeks. Your breakup had not been amicable; nearly three years of dating had come to a car wreck of a conclusion when you’d discovered explicit texts and photos of several other women on his phone, going back months. He hadn’t tried to argue with you when you’d confronted him; instead, he’d blamed you for his forays into infidelity. You worked too much. You were too focused on your career. You didn’t devote enough time or effort to your relationship anymore, so no wonder he’d started to look elsewhere. Never mind that this was the first time you were hearing these complaints.

You weren’t heartbroken so much as furious. Furious with him, but also furious with yourself for not seeing the signs and ending things sooner.

And now, calling to tell him about the…situation you find yourself in only leaves you feeling humiliated.

“So this is your ploy, huh?” He says after you’ve explained. “This is how you’re gonna try to get me back?”

Your mouth hangs open, and for a moment all you can do is splutter wordlessly in rage.

See the full post

523 notes - Posted April 15, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[manifesting-mari]

Morning Pages 2/8/2023

I’m working on developing my trust for the bigger energies that hold this world together. To trust that i am part of this divine puzzle and i am safe and protected. The systems of oppression have programed us to believe that we are inherently unsafe. The systems that are in place perpetuate the survival and fear when they are fully capable of supporting the health and safety of all. I am no longer interested in adhering to that prediction of reality. I’m in the business of changing the way we allow ourselves to be treated. This is the healing. We no longer allow the systems to separate us. We no longer look at ourselves at separate. We are one whole

I am looking at that last paragraph through my own experience and also through the experience of the collective. We already are connected, and the 3D world makes us think we are separate. Because we are separate in this dimension. Its part of it. Its part of the experience we signed up for. 

I like what Val said on You Made It Weird. Something like “we are someone, some of the one. And we are awesome, some fo the awe.” the interconnectedness is something that i feel very easily and i definitely need to work on my boundaries on that. How do i protect my container? I need to do David’s class again. Maybe i’ll do that today.

Taking that walk with Jordan last night was really healing. Im grateful for the honesty i feel and I’m grateful for all the feelings that come up around them. The butterflies and the squirmy wormies. Last night i noticed the part of me that was judging him. And like, my judgment was that he was a weirdo, and i like weirdos, i am a weirdo, but then i felt a part fo me that thought “this isnt cool” or like “this isn't smooth” it was interesting, the more i felt into it, i could feel this ungroundedness that i look for in male partner. I look for that in male partners because i am not connected with my root. My sense of safety came from my father and i didnt realize how much i turned to men to feel safe. Its ok for me to express when i feel unsafe. And its ok for the people around me to feel unsafe and let me know. And we share how we feel, not to make it go away necessarily, although that is a symptom of this practice. Us expressing we’re both feeling unsafe allows us to support each other through our feelings of unsafety.

There is a song that came up on this playlist called “I Am Woman” and its really hitting me right now. Its on a root chakra playlist and the lyrics for this song are in red. I wonder what the weather is like today. I know later this week its gonna get close to 60. I might go to the beach on that day and sit out in the sun. When i think of my new job i get mixed emotions, mostly because i really enjoy and value having flexibility with my schedule. But this is only a necessary evil until the wedding work starts. 

Interesting how i use the word evil. I still have a long of negative feelings around work like this. Im wondering what that is. There is a whole lot of judgment around a typical 9-5 job or basically any job that is required to give 40 hours. 40 hours is a whole lot. Id rather work 20 hrs a week. 

I think today is the day to flesh out whatever thing i have in my head. Do a practice run of it and get it launched by March. Work it through in March. Record the classes, and then offer it as a grab and play for april. With “guidance hours”

I feel the part fo me that is scared to start this and that is saying that no one is interested. There are people who are interested. Manifesting Mari’s School for Wayward Adults. This is a school for adults who are in a transitional phase and looking to do something different than the system expects. 5 subjects. Reading, Writing, Science, Math, Arts/Music. 4 weeks. 2 offering times. I feel like im getting caught int he details and i need to get more specific on the person who would be a good fit for this class. I think this course is good for people who are working on self discovery

What was the thing i was trying to figure out. Oh. manifesting for disorganized attachment. The law of attraction is hard for me because there are so many different kinds of options that im open to that i cannot commit. The release and surrender had helped me a lot, but im still trying to integrate and process. 

Im feeling very disconnected. Schuyler’s class really helped. Maybe i need to listen to David’s classes too. I should also reach out to Naomi or Ezra. i just feel so weird. I wonder if i should talk to jordan about shame around body and vices. The shame is not actually mine, is it? Like i dont think im doing a bad thing or guilty of something. But i do feel that little bit of me thats like “I’m a bad person and i am a temptress, a seductress, a siren,and a succubus.” im not bad for smoking. Im not bad for being fat. Im not bad for not being attractive. I am not bad for accidentally hurting someone. I am not bad. I am a conduit for love, honesty, and authenticity. 

I want to get better at speaking my truth and being who i am. I am no longer trying to be someone different and trying to get to this wild point. Well i am. But i know my route will bring me home first. Bring me to myself. Bring me to the pure power of I Am that is the strongest power in this 3D world. You cant change someone who is sure of themselves. I used to be sure that i was a piece of shit. Now im sure im not. Now im sure that i am a loving, kind, and forgiving. I am forgiving with myself and with others to the best that i can. Sometimes being forgiving with myself and others can be a challenge, but i give myself grace and patience and allow myself ot heal on its own time. Healing is not my business. I am in the business of freedom, stability, exploration, and expansion. 

Ok. starting now i am living in the present which is a paradise of abundance. I am tuning into what i know is here. I am being present and tuning into the magick that is here. I  am tuning into th empower that is here. I am tuning into the love that exist and i amplify it. I am tuning into what the universe has and i amplify that which is authentic. I amplify that which i am able to. I am powerful and stronger than i think. I know i am powerful. I know i am strong. I know i am smart and capable. I am intelligent and witty. I am safe and protected. I am supported by the earth and i am supported by the divine. I am supported through love. I am a powerful human. I am a powerful medium. I am a sensitive psychic. I am a strong container and conduit for the divine. I am working for the greatest good for all and for the harm to none.

I am dedicated to connection. I am the heart. I am the bridge between the higher and lower. I am a goddess of this lower realm. I am a co creator with the divine and the universe. I am open and i am ready for my roles. I am brave and i am strong. I have all the tools i need. I give myself space and time. I have patience and trust. 

I am part of this positive change in this world. I am the change that i want to see in this world. I am embodying the practices. I am ready for the next step. 

Im gonna take LSD

[theuniverseawakens347]

Jamal macabre.. ya asked me to do the make up for Ronnin HAY PALIMIRA .. sorry girl!!!

But like I caught you cheating MANY TIMES over text and Instagram and when I ask you about you say “oh nothing” or delete the WHOLE convo except little bits

Bc WHY YOU LIVING W ME CLAIMING ME BUT GOT A BITCH TEXTING AT 2 AM TALKING BOUT SOME “I’m tryna see what it do” then at 8 you gon reply “what that mean” but doing this 🥰…

YOU KNOW WHEN A BITCH FLIRTING AND A MOFO WANA GO DEEPER IN CONVO .. ITS 2 AM BOOTY CALL HRS TF WHERES THE REST OF THE CONVO YOU PICKED N CHOOSE OUT OF IT WHAT TO DELETE CAUSE INWAS ALREADY PRESSING YOU WHY YOU ACTING WEIRD W YA PHONE WHEN I COME INTO THE ROOM.

… then YOU continently delete all convos of women KARA HAY BITCH HE FUCKED YOU WHILE IM IN MEXICO W AJA BUT TELLING ME IM THE ONLY BITCH FOR HIM … ya wonder why i stopped fucking you AGAIN DEC 2018 I ASKED ARE YOU HAPPY WHATS GOING ON .. YOU PROCEEDED FURTHER W ME. … Lee how’s this work for you!?? DANIEL FUCKTARD SELF

“I’m quitting my job don’t know where afraid to move “ -

It’s okay I’ll pick up a second job … ends up getting a dog when I quit and NOT TAKING NO FOR AN ANSWER .. anyways everything works out even if ya gotta struggle 🤷‍♀️🙂

- what tf do you want from me … ya talk about ya 20s the best time of my life … I GOT FUCKING KIDS ALL AROUND ME WHO DONT WANT TO GROW UP AND WHEN I ASK FOR HELP WANT ME TO SHOVE MY HAPPINESS DOWN N BECOME THEIR MISERY … - NO TF THANK YOU BITCH I RATHWR STRUGGLE ON MY PATH N FIND THE LIGHT - JAMAL AINT WRITE SHIT ON MY MIRROR THATS ALL ME STEPPING INTO MY NATAL CHART AND HELPING HIM FIND HIS OWN SO HE COULD STOP USING ME AS A FUCKING EMOTIONAL CRUTCH WHILE I GOT A DAMN TEENAGE AND A DOG I CARE BARELY FEED NOW CAUSE YOU HOS JUST BUGGING …

WHO SAID I SPENT ALL MY MONEY ON WEED!?? TRISTAN A FRIEND SOMETIMES BOO HE ON WHAT IM ON QND HAPPY TIL HE OVER STEPPED AND I HAD TO LET HIM GO BC LACK OF COMMUNICATION CAN RUIN A GOOD THING EVEN IF IM SAYING UR THOUGHTS OUT LOUD .. and Jamal I said to you STRESSED OUT IN FRONT OF SHANYCE “ I DONT WANT TO BE 30 STRUGGLING TO FIGURE IT OUT” and bc I WOULDNT LAY W YOU .. you made it a fucking reality for me .. SAME W YOU DANIEL .. 2021 AROUND MY COMP I ASKED YOU TO HELP ME BABY SIT NEFFI SO SHE NOT HOME ALONE THAT WEEKEND AND YA END UP “how can I steal neffi // get back w cashay” .. YA WALK INTO MY APARTMENT ITS CALM PEACEFUL AND PUT TOGETHER AND YOU AUTOMATICALLY THINK “damn she’s doing better than me ..” I TELL YOU WHAT FOOD IM FEEDING NEFFI $25 FOR FRESH HEALTHY CUT MY TIME FOR COOKING SPEND $50 A MONTH GET A BLOCK THAT LAST W MEASUREMENTS ON WHAT TO FEED HER, SHE LEAN N FIT FOR HER BREED and you think I’m starving her … BITCH YOUR FAT I COOKED WHEN WE LIVED TOGETHER MISTER “I want a Latina gf to flip tortillas on the stove like a real one” .. you cooked ONE TIME and ya don’t know how to take care of urself you just know how to work a job.. but wana take me on dates UR MONEY THINKING THATLL MAKE ME FUCK YOU NO NIGGA .. WE BOTH LIVE IN A 600sq ft apartment TOGETHER PAYING $1500 ON A PLACE YOU TOLD ME WAS MONTH TO MONTH COME TO FIND OUT ITS A FULL YR LEASE AND I ALREADY AIGNED THE DOTTED LINE AND MADE THE ADJUSTMENTS TO LEAVE MY PARENTS HOUSE

3 niggas I lived with and 3 in TOTAL FUCKING FAILED ME. and I did the same thing w each DISTANCE MYSELF TO BETTER MYSELF .. but again

IF I AM TO BE A WARRIOR IN THE SKY LIFE GON GIVE ME PATHS TO BUILD THAT , and I charge that shit to the chin every fucking time. I don’t like it but imma do it thug it out and get somewhere .. BABY STEPPS .. ya want the end result RIGHT AWAY … but tell someone else brick by brick 🫤

Ya need the PSYCHWARD , RUN ME ALL YA MONEY IN A ROOF OVER MY HEAD AND LET ME TEND MY GARDEN OF YAHWEH FUCKING WINGS .. ya miserable and asking me to help you BUT NOT GIVING ME THE PROPER TERRAIN TO GROW IN FULL .. so I’m slow while ur misery growing n you blaming me.

ALSO WHY TF YOU THINK GOD GOTTA SAVE YOU WHEN YOU KEEP MAKING DUMBASS CHOICES TAKING THE EQSY WAY OUT!???

- cows brain circle OROBORUS

[blurredcolour]

This is way unrelated but I need advice. Sorry this is so long but I chose you because you’re older than me and your blog makes me feel whimsically safe :)

So the stitch is that I recently started a new job after leaving my old job due to rumor harassment that made my anxiety so bad that I almost lost my life. However I have been going to therapy to recover from that and move forward. Which is easier said than done since my new job isn’t any better.

2 of my managers give me the worst time and I’ve only been working there for 4 days. They wanted me to be on the job at 5 am and on my way there, I was almost kidnapped. After that I decided to tell them that coming in that early wasn’t possible anymore because it put my safety at risk. They then vaguely threatened me, saying that if I couldn’t come in that early then they might have to terminate me.

Whenever I’m there they give me nasty looks, speak rudely to me, constantly pick on my clothes even though I’m not out of dress code, they get angry at me for me requiring training for some of the tasks they want me to do and then they’re condescending to me about it.

One lady “trained” me for 5 hours and got mad when I wasn’t an expert the next day and when forgot stuff.

I just turned 20 this February. Out of all the women there, im the youngest and they’re so terrible to me for everything I do, and im trying my hardest because I need the money.

What should I do?

I’m honoured that you feel comfortable coming to me with this, and I’m going to do my best to give my advice but I’ll preface it with the fact that most of my working experience has taken place in Canada so laws/rights might be different where you are?

I’m so sorry that things have been so tough for you and I applaud you for taking steps to put yourself first. No amount of money is worth your mental health and I say that as someone who was hurtling towards burnout and then crash landed into a pandemic (which ironically gave me space to heal) so I mean it. It’s not just words to me, I’ve been there, crying the entire 45 minute bus ride into work.

When you were first hired, was the 5 am start time a stated expectation? If it was, you might not have much wiggle room on that. If it is something that was requested after you accepted the position I would definitely try and reopen the discussion framing it around your safety concerns.

You mentioned 2 of the managers being a problem - are there others in a management position whom could perhaps be considered an ally that you might be able to discuss your concerns with?

I know HR always claims they’re there as your advocate but this is kind of a nuclear option so I would not try this unless something egregious happens and you are really determined to stay.

In terms of training, it seems like there are wildly different expectations of retention and progress (and frankly I would consider theirs outrageous - I gave my employees three days and then they got buddies on the floor). I would maybe ask for some clarification about how much they intend to instruct and what they expect you to be able to manage alone and how quickly. This discussion might give you a chance to highlight any teaching style you might benefit from as well.

As for the clothing - if you’re within work code I see it being absolutely no business of theirs to comment on your appearance?! That’s wild to me…I would maybe clarify the next time a comment like that happens and ask “I’m sorry does my outfit not meet the dress code?” Or something like that.

But, honestly if you are getting this vibe after only 4 days I would be seriously concerned that you have found another toxic workplace.

I know up here we have the ability to leave a new position within 30 days with very little notice because it just isn’t the right fit. And it would not be considered bad form or losing a reference. It’s just not the place for you.

This would of course depend on your safety net. You mentioned money as a concern and I would not want you to find yourself without food or shelter as leaving this job would not qualify you for employment assistance.

Please feel free to ask more questions, this got pretty long and rambling. Alternatively, my inbox is always open if you would like. My heart goes out to you but don’t be discouraged - I’m almost at the end of my 30s and only now found a workplace where I’m thinking I could stay here until I can physically no longer work.

[ablogwithoutacause]

DISCLAIMER. I SAID I WOULDN’T POST UNTIL DEC 31, TO MARK A HALFWAY POINT OF OUR YEAR APART. BUT I SIMPLY CANNOT DO THIS. THE INTENTION OF THAT WAS TO GET EVEN WITH YOU FOR NOT WANTING TO DO ANYTHING WITH ME IN THAT GIVEN TIME. BUT THE TRUTH IS, I LOVE YOU. AND IF I LOVE, I WILL DO IT PURELY. AND NOT WITH ULTERIOR MOTIVES. I WANT TO SHOW YOU MY GROWTH FROM AFAR. I’M OKAY WITH NOT HEARING FROM YOU, BUT I’M NOT OKAY WITH YOU NOT KNOWING OF ME. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU. I’M WILLING TO CONTINUE LOVING YOU IN THESE CONDITIONS WETHER YOU TALK TO ME OR NOT. SOY HOMBRE. SOY SENTIMENTAL. Y QUE? NO ME IMPORTA NADA. SOLO ME IMPORTAS TU. SOLO ME IMPORTA QUE ESTÉS BIEN. Y QUE SEPAS QUE ESTOY BIEN. Y QUE NO TENGAS NI UNA GOTA DE DUDA EN QUE VOLVEREMOS A COMPARTIR UN HOGAR EN CUAL EL ALIENTO DE CADA QUIEN NOS ARRUYA A DORMIR JUNTOS COMO DOS KOALAS EN UN EUCALIPTO. TENLO POR SEGURO QUE VOLVEREMOS A CONTAR LAS OVEJAS AL ACOSTARNOS POR LA NOCHE

The date is Tuesday, July 25th. I just got done working a shift at an East Side 7 eleven. Probably the busiest 7 eleven of the east side since it’s on your way to the 95. Minimum wage. I’m on day 16 of my challenge. Visually there are no significant changes… although I am very active. I’m averaging over 10,000 steps a day. I play soccer. Not much of a runner… still haven’t lost enough weight to casually jog at a steady pace for over 5 minutes. But, i jog. I do actual soccer training drills, and actually developed a nice curl on my shot.

I’ve gone to the sauna twice a week since we exchanged lists. I feel amazing. My skin is clear. I’m attractive to myself. I smile at myself. Something i haven’t done in years. I’m consciously aware of being in high vibration moods. I’m starting to hate what is wicked (low vibrational activities).

I’m no longer trusting anyone. My cousin left to Mexico and left me his phone bill as a burden. He promised to pay his bill, but it’s apparent that paisas don’t know how credit and bills work. We can’t just “pay later” and be okay. I’m overdrafted $200 because of that. I have to ask for borrowed money in order to pay for my monthly expenses. Once i finish the contract with the landlord… I’m done. I’m done helping people out. I’m working on myself. I’m saving up. I’m penny pinching on gazelle mode. The 7 eleven gig, and the day job should get me where i need to be slowly but surely.

I’ve been on a financial rut. The moment i decided true changes needed to be done; deep changes from within, i started seeing the positive aspect in life. Yes, the world we’re living in is a difficult one. Yes, it can eat you alive if you don’t fight back with love. Last week I asked a regular at the day job for a evening part time job. They said yeah, they’d try to fit me in. Today my account overdrafted for the first time in close to a decade (teenage years were tough). I took my lunch, and just accepted that good things HAD to come. I was going to make sure good things came my way. I attend the regular, the manager at 7 eleven, and ask for an update on the job. “My swing stocker just quit, when can you start?” She says. “I’ll start today, what time can i start?” “7” she answers.

Perfect. An easy slow paced yet active gig. I have time to get ready after work. And it’s only 20 hrs a week. I’m clocked in before my W4 is even filled up. I pick up the EXACT schedule that guy who quit left behind… MEETING DAYS OFF. Wed/Sun. It doesn’t interfere at all with the day job. I have enough time for a full-night’s rest. It’s perfect. With my account overdrawn… how could i buy dinner or snacks if i don’t have a penny to my name? Not even enough change in my car to buy an Arizona Green Tea. Not to worry… FOOD THAT EXPIRES THE DAY OF IS AVAILABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES. I ate a sandwich and drank a juice for free. Some call it the universe working in our favor. Others call it god’s helping hand. They’re both right. This universe is created by a God. The universe is directly linked to God. Mother nature, the Mercury Gatorades, the once in a blue moon’s… some would say good luck. The one thing they all have in common, is a positive outlook in one’s life. It’s a breath of fresh air. It’s a breeze on a summer day.

Another amazing detail. Every time after i come home from work to my uncle’s house with no AC… the temperature peaks at 95° inside the house… even with window AC units on max 25/8. I get to work IN THE COOLER. AT 35°F. I LOVE THE COLD. i step outside to throw away cardboard, and the feeling of hanging out in that cooler for hours straight during the summer is just amazing. Today was one of the best days since everything went south. Today was proof that if one changes his mindset. If one dresses of a new personality, good things happen. Prayer, manifestation. Is not as mystical or occult as it sounds. Our bodies consist of minerals and water. Minerals which affect our moods, vibrations which travel through liquids, essentially us. When we pray or meditate, the brain enters a specific wavelength that is beneficial to the body. It is unique, because regardless of faith, the brain enters this specific wavelength that benefits your mood. Ask and thou shall receive is what that means. If you live a good life, you’ll have good dreams. A client at the day job told me that. If you live a bad life, all that will be reflected in your dreams. I no longer freak out when people talk about stuff that would give me the hibby jibbies. I listen, and learn. Words aren’t just words. We mean things with them.

My uncles are bilingual. Mexicans who don’t just speak spanish. They speak in parables. In dichos. In phrases. Phrases that make sense when dissected. We’re all living the human experience. We all share more than we think. Same anatomical structure. Same earth. Same basis. The details are different. Yet we are not very different on a larger scale. We all eat, poop, and die. We all at one point doubt the existence of a higher power. As children, as teenagers, as adults. We all want to know why. Yet no one doubts the existence of a devil. Why is that? Because we see all the negativity in this world. This world is not ours. It’s not god’s currently. Satan controls it. Satan influences every tiny thing because it’s currently his. Our goal is to separate ourselves from this current system, and essentially ascend into God’s kingdom. (Spiritually speaking). This can be done on earth, Jesus led by example. Jesus proved that if we live by God’s law, we will be fine. No matter what happens to this “meat car” we are in… our soul our mind, KNOWS that something better will come. The answer I was looking for, the hunger i had to know why God allowed me to undergo such difficult experiences, at a time when i least expected them to… i found the answer. God doesn’t put anyone to the test. If your dad is responsible, i don’t care. If he’s not, i don’t care. Dios no le da alas a los alacranes. My uncles aren’t the only bilinguals on this earth. Another client today said “we gotta find the riches. But not monetary.” As he points to his head. We briefly talked about being a good person and being happy and loving everyone.

No one can convince me your father wasn’t involved in this exodus I’ve had to face. I know he did it with well intentions for you. People use negative/dark power/energy out of love. Someone who uses violence to avenge the disgracing of a female relative… someone who pays eye for an eye… does it out of love. But it is a corrupt form of love. Kind of like i expressed in a previous post in regards to Bradley from Sublime. He claims to pull out his .45 on the sancho that his ruca has found. He’s lashing out because he loves his ruca. This is very common behavior in this world. Remember who this world belongs to? We need to deeply love and trust in our creator and all will be fine.

I love you and miss you greatly.

[verxsyon]

i'm so glad my wage went up to $21/hr.

anyways, it’s not even a day and i still can’t get over the fact that hyv casually dropped all of the (possible) 5* playable characters in the third trailer of sumeru. you can’t do this to me -- 

tighnari: pulling. his design wasn’t my favorite since the official drip marketing and still isn’t, but he’s cute! not only is he a forest watcher, he’s also an amurta researcher, specializing in botany. it’s fitting that he’s dendro; that’s cool to know. 20 pulls away from 50/50 please come home.

al-haitham: pulling. you’re telling me that we’re meeting this man early into the chapter but he’s not gonna be released later on? he’s from the haravatat of the akademiya, which means he studies ancient runes? interesting... he’s hot and smart. his earpieces... he doesn’t have the dendro symbol on his ears.

dehya: pulling. her... just her. her design is one of my favorites. i want to be the ground she walks on so she can actually step on me and i’ll say thank you. idk why but she gives me that wholesome big sister energy like beidou, and i like beidou! she’s a mercenary of the emerites ohoho... good for my royal au.

nilou: skipping. i like her design; she’s very pretty! she has a pretty gameplay, but i'm not interested to pull for her. i wonder about her relevance to the story. instead of becoming a researcher like everyone else, she pursued art and dance. yes girl, follow your dreams. i think she’ll be great friends with yun jin.

nahida: skipping. she’s cute, but easy skip. one main factor is that i don’t play short female characters, so it’s a given that i don’t plan on pulling and/or play klee, qiqi, diona, sayu, and dori. hyv isn’t sly in hiding her identity by calling her mysterious *wink wonk*. what’s this girl up to hmmm...

cyno: pulling. cyno nation, we won. it’s been three years since the manga and he’s finally out of the basement. he looks amazing; had the best glow up hands down (he’s a general ugh sexy). he’s real. he’s not a figment of my imagination. woo, he’s electro. i need more electro characters to build.

bonus

collei: pulling. i feel like a proud mom omg. my daughter’s all grown up now and seems to be doing well! i mean, she’s a trainee under tighnari. ngl i didn’t think she would be playable but i’m so glad that she is. dottore, i don’t care if you’re hot. istg if you come after her, i’m coming after you.

scaramouche: considering. he intrigued me since 1.1. the man who reveals his evil plans, laughs evilly, then dips. however after reading some leaks about him that he might not be the element that everyone’s been anticipating for him to be, i’m not quite so sure. i have too many of these characters already.

[someone-elsa]

Meet Wade Stacks! He's a 25-year-old trans guy from my story Something about us (Wade made his first appearance in Chapter 19). The sim who wins this BC will join the cast of the story as Wade's love interest (surprise!) and is the Mystery woman mentioned in Chapter 23. You can submit a sim even if you're not familiar with the story. And even if you were, you don't need to take the story into account when creating your sim. I'll make sure the sim fits in.

About Wade: he is originally from Desiderata Valley where he grow up with his twin sister Brook and older sister River. Wade is calm and clever and has a dry sense of humour. Now, he is starting his master of science studies in South Swampton University and has just moved in the city. He's about to meet someone special, but who is his SO-to-be? That's something you can have an impact on!

General things - I think I’ll pick seven candidates if I’m lucky enough to receive that many - I’ll write dialogue if I come up with something but this BC will be more gameplay than a story - I’ll follow the BC rules more or less - I have Wicked Whims but I’m not planning to include any racy action but never say never. If there are to be posts with nudity, I’ll tag them with NSFW

In case you’re interested in participating...

1) Create/Pick your sim - We are looking for female sims aged 20 to 30. Otherwise, it's up to you! Widow, single, single-parent... We want a diverse cast of candidates, so be creative! - No occults, though! Sorry! - You can create a new sim, or use existing one or a premade. Maybe don't use someone else's creation unless you've got a permission. It’s ok to use a sim you’ve entered into a BC etc before (as long as they aren’t competing anymore) - Give your sim at least one casual and formal look (more the merrier, and formal can be closer to semi-formal). Style the other looks if you like (At least check they don’t look too ridiculous ;)) - NO Romantic or Out-going traits or Love Aspirations - Give them a negative trait (what counts as negative is up to you!) - They can have skills/reward traits fitting their backstory (no CC traits/aspirations) - Small amount of Maxis Match CC is OK (please no merged files!). This spreadsheet has a list of stuff I frequently use on my sims! - I may change the sims’ looks (skinblend, eyes) to match my style!

2) Introduce your sim - Make a post and introduce your candidate (something like these but less text lol) - No need for super detailed backstory but I'd like to have some pointers - I want to tell more about Wade but what would you like to know? Write a question or two for him in your introduction post! Answered questions so far! - Tag me so I can reblog your post (and/or use tag "something about wade bc") - You can hit me up with an ask or tag me in your post’s replies if I don't like/reblog your post in 24 hrs

- Prepare to send me your sim’s tray files + their CC  (I’ll send you a message when/if I need the files)

DEADLINE for entries is 2.7.2021 09.00(am) EEST Currently the deadline is +48 hrs. I’m not moving the deadline any more.

Can’t wait to see your entries! 😘

And if you have any questions after that wall of text, send an ask!

[findingmypeace]

11/17/2022

I’m feeling a lot better today. I’m positive I don’t have bipolar disorder but it’s amazing at how fast I can go from practically suicidal to okay and back again. I’m beginning to think that losing my job was a blessing in disguise. I was very scared when my boss and I had the conversation about this job not being a right fit. My financial situation is already precarious and going back to not knowing when my next paycheck will be is absolutely terrifying.

But I have to remind myself that I am capable of getting a job. I have 3 interviews today, 1 tomorrow, and a second round interview (as a result of my first interview today) next Wednesday. There are two jobs I’m interested in and one of them is in my hometown and pays more than double what I was making at the job that just ended. I am interested in the job but I am also anxious about it. It’s with people who have intellectual disabilities in addition to a mental illness. I don’t have a lot of experience working with people who have intellectual disabilities. I did share this with them they scheduled the interview but the interviewer said they would get me training and she was more impressed by the fact that i have residential treatment center experience as well as my clinical supervisor experience.

The problem is (and has been many times) that I feel like beggars can’t be choosers. I never feel like I’m in a position where I can just wait for a job to come around that is the ‘right fit’. I have to take the first job offered to me because another job might not come around and I’ll be out of luck. So while the pay at the job I described is amazing I don’t want to end up in position like I did with my most recent job. The interview for that job is today at 3pm. The other job I interviewed for this morning (the one with the 2nd round interview scheduled) I also feel anxious about. Most of it is within in my abilities. I will be a clinical supervisor. But many of the people I will be supervising will be doing play therapy with children. I really don’t have any experience in that. I was honest about that with the interviewer and she said she would get me some training and she would mentor me. It wouldn’t be a deal breaker. This job also pays almost double what I was making at my most recent job.

I think part of the problem is that I don’t think I’m worth that much. My first job paid $5.25/hr and I only worked part time. My paychecks were $200/300 every two weeks. Yes it was almost 20 yrs ago but I still feel like I’m not capable enough to make more than min. wage. I have a masters degree and I’m working on my doctorate. I knew my most recent job wasn’t paying me fairly, especially for a supervisory position but it was more than I’ve ever made in my life so who cares! But I was/am still living paycheck to paycheck. This is part of why maybe it was a blessing in disguise to leave that job. But is the significant raise in pay of those two jobs more enticing than what is a ‘good fit’? It really makes me confused. Do I try something new where they would be willing to train me or is my current lack of training not a good thing? I’m not quite sure what to do.

[feliix]

halloween hookup ↠ lee minho

↠ CEO!Minho x Reader

↠ Genre: Smut, fluff(ish), coworkers 2 lovers

↠ Rating: M (18+)

↠ Word Count: 4.9k

↠ Summary: The details of your company Halloween bash are all a blur once you wake the next morning, well, at least until you notice your boss Lee Minho lying beside you in an unfamiliar bed.

↠ Warnings: unprotected sex, creampie, dirty talk, fingering, nipple play, semi-public sex, nudes (but not the kind you think of lmao), dum/sub themes, mentions of alcohol and drinking. (though this fic does not include sexual intercourse following the consumption of alcohol, please remember to drink responsibly and that consent is not consent if you are under the influence!)

↠ A/N: here’s to spooky season and minho day (even though i’m a day late oopsie). and as always thank you to @jinterlude​ for beta reading ily ♡

The bright morning sun creeps through your curtains, scattering light through your bedroom and grazing your bare skin with its rays. A peaceful way to start your Saturday morning, you muse, snuggling deeper into your bed. As you come to your senses, you notice something is quite off. The room smells stale, your sheets feel slightly more scratchy than usual, and something is weighing down over your waist.

Your eyes snap open, realizing that the object weighing down your waist is in fact, someone's arm. The sheets you’re lying over are not yours, and the odd aroma that’s filling the room can not compare to the sweet scent of your own apartment. As if that isn’t bad enough, you’re not able to identify whose arm is slung over your body, pulling your waist backward against their warm bare chest.

Where am I?

Without waking up the unknown man, you carefully shift your weight to release yourself from his grasp. You take your head into your hands, gently massaging your temples trying to relieve the hangover paging through your brain.

The memories from the previous night are stale in your mind. You rack your brain, trying to come up with some reason as to why you’re here and exactly how you yourself got into this position. You sit up in bed, cautiously wrapping the sheets over your body. It seems like a dream or distant illusion, and you can’t quite piece together how it all went down.

You remember being at the company Halloween bash, you remember having useless small talk with a bunch of your coworkers, playing some stupid game that definitely would have been better if it involved some alcohol, and then it got even lamer, so you left with Minho.

Oh my gosh. You left with Minho. As in your boss, Lee Minho.

Your head whips around your body to look at the sleeping body lying next to you as if you’re expecting to see anyone else placed beside you. The memories of what happened last night come flooding back to you, and it went something like this.

The party was held in your office conference room, which was just big enough to squeeze all 20 people in your department into one space, but small enough where you would bump up against the person next to you if you moved too abruptly. Various types of appetizers and finger foods lined the long meeting table which stretched the entire length of the room. There was also a small end table in the corner topped with various types of soda, a bowl of punch, and some booze that George from IT brought. Not that you would ever drink at an office party, that was way too risky.

A few girls from HR had decided to decorate with some cut out pumpkins they printed off some computer paper and orange streamers that were probably leftover from your last boss's going away party.

After your last boss had left, your company hired Lee Minho, a young business professional from a different location that your company owned. Mr. Lee was a pretty laid back guy compared to your last boss. It was pretty weird having a boss as young as Mr. Lee, but he always made sure to bring some fun into the workplace whenever he could, like this Halloween bash for instance. Not to mention, he was the most attractive boss you'd ever had. All the other female employees seemed to agree, swooning over him with every opportunity that they were given.

Mr. Lee also really enjoyed flirting with his employees, male and female. It was hard to tell if he was being nice or just hitting on you the first time he complimented your outfit. The next time he complimented your blouse you noticed his eyes wandering down to your boobs, and you knew it was not just an innocent compliment, but hey, he was attractive so you were definitely not complaining about it.

The feeling of your phone vibrating in your back pocket of your denim skirt startled you, causing you to jump before fumbling your hands back to reach for the device.

Mr. Lee: I like your cat ears ;)

The sides of your lips lifted into a small smirk before picking your head up to look for Minho across the room. He gave you a small smile and finished his gesture off with a wink before you looked back down, sliding open your phone and responding.

Y/N: thanks! where's your costume? corporate won't let you join in on the fun for once :(

Mr. Lee was dressed in his usual attire, some black dress pants, and a black button-down, but accompanied by a very festive orange and black halloween tie. The slender fit of his shirt made his shoulders look especially broad in comparison to his narrow waist.

Before you could even look up from your phone Minho was standing by your side with a cup of punch in each hand, tilting his head towards one of the glasses to offer it up to you. Nodding your head, you smiled a thank you and took the red cup from his grasp.

You coolly leaned your back against the wall behind you, trying to stay out of the way of all the useless chatter going on between the coworkers surrounding you. Mr. Lee was quick to follow suit, sliding his legs down a little further away from the wall so he could match your height.

"This party is kind of lame," he whispered in your ear, earning him a small grin and soft chuckle from you. Most of the employees at your office were much older than you, so it was hard for you to connect with them. They all had their own families and children, where you had just become financially stable enough to move out of your parent’s house.

"You think anyone will notice if we leave?" You said sarcastically, playing along with his charade, just equally bored of the small talk your coworkers were making around you.

"Yeah, but I think I can get us out of it," he replied smoothly, pushing his back off of the wall and walked towards the conference room door, shooting you a quick wink before he made his exit. You had no idea what Minho had in store to get you out of this party but you sure hope it was good.

Not a minute later, the desk phone in the conference room began to ring. Everyone shot each other questioning glares, slightly confused as to who would be calling the office after hours on a Friday. Minho's secretary sauntered over to the phone before holding her index finger over her lips, signaling everyone around her to be quiet.

"Hello this is Amy," she said, cocking her head to the side and furrowing her brows, trying to understand what the caller was saying at the other end of the line. Her expression quickly changed to a small smile as she looked around the room, eyes landing on you before responding to the caller.

"I'll let her know. Thank you, Mr. Lee," Amy replied before hanging up the phone, "Y/N, Mr. Lee needs help with something and would like for you to meet him in his office as soon as possible."

Trying your hardest not to let a smirk creep onto your face, you nodded your head and placed your unfinished drink down on the table. Curious to see what Minho had in-store to get you out of the party, you made your way out of the conference room and to his office.

Peeking through the office window, you saw Minho seated at his desk on his phone. His legs were crossed with his feet placed upon the surface in front of him. The small lamp on his desk dimly illuminated the room, reflecting some light off of his shiny black shoes. He raised his head, eyes wandering away from his phone as you cracked open the door to his office.

"Mr. Lee, you needed help with something?" You inquired sweetly, giving him a grin while making your way into the room.

"Ah, I've been waiting for you." He joked smiling back at you, "Shut the door behind you." You obliged, carefully wrapping your fingers around the handle and closing the door lightly, sure to not make a sound.

"Is everything alright?" You asked, moving closer to Minho as he swung his legs off the desk and placed his feet on the ground.

"Well I figured we could have our own fun, that party was so lame," he said, holding his hand out for you to take. You hesitated, wondering where this was going but you took his hand in yours, curious to find out. He pulled you in closer so your frame stood between his legs, making your heart jump in your chest.

"What did you have in mind?" You smirked, feeling your body beginning to grow warm with anticipation.

"Hmm," he started, patting his thigh for you to take a seat on, "something not so spooky I suppose."

A knot began to form in your throat, causing you to swallow hard before stuttering out the word "Spooky?" and sitting down on his thigh.

Minho softly chuckled, "I've never seen anyone look so sexy in cat ears before, you were driving me insane in there."

Your breathing hitched as he placed a hand on your thigh, gently stroking your skin up to the hem of your skirt. "Is this okay, baby girl?" His eyebrow raised in question, watching your expression shift into a flustered one. You keened at the pet name, feeling heat rush right to your cheeks. Slowly, you nodded your head in response, unable to trust your voice in a time like this.

"Um, I didn't know you thought about me this way Mr. Lee," you stifled out while uncomfortably shifting around on his lap. Minho caught his bottom lip between his teeth, suppressing a low groan before shifting his body as well, feeling his member harden as he leaned further back into his chair.

"Call me Minho," he smirked, brushing his thumb over your cheek and to your hair, sweeping it over your shoulder.

"O-Okay," you stammered, growing flustered from his sweet yet sensual actions.

"Do you think about me this way, baby girl?" He said smugly, almost as if he knew the response you would be giving him in return.

"Yes, Minho," you unknowingly admitted. The words felt foreign coming out of your mouth, it felt odd calling your boss by his first name. But in some weird way, you liked knowing that he felt more turned on by you compared to the other female coworkers that were desperate for his attention.

"What do you think about, hmm?" Minho hummed, a short smirk fixed on his face. Your eyes widened in embarrassment, choking back a whimper as his hand brushed up past the hem of your skirt. Biting your lip in an attempt to control your breath, his hand wandered higher, pushing your skirt further up to expose your panties.

His long fingers grazed the fabric of the underwear over your core. Letting out a short gasp, you quickly brought your hand up to cover your mouth to muffle the sound. Dragging his fingers along the growing wetness on your panties, Minho kept his eyes locked on your expression.

"I, I think about how nice you always look in your dress clothes," you stuttered, "but I really wonder what you look like under them."

Ending the statement confidently, it seemed as if someone else had taken control of your tongue. Minho raised his eyebrows, smirk still plastered on his face from his prior question. As you felt the bulge in his pants begin to protrude under you, he shifted in his chair once again. He cleared his throat, loosening his tie in the process before speaking up.

"We should go somewhere more private." Minho suggested as he moved you off of his lap. "I don't want to be somewhere that anyone could find us," He finished before pacing towards the hall outside of his office. Following behind him you obliged, walking towards the door and into the corridor. Before you could get very far a faint voice sounded off down the hallway.

"Mr. Lee?" Minho's secretary called out from down the hall.

"Shit," he mumbled under his breath, grabbing your hand and swiftly pulling you into the nearest room to avoid Amy.

The copy room was dark. The small touchscreen on the copy machine and the light that peeked in through the small, rectangular window on the door barely lit the room enough for you to see what was right in front of you.

Breathing heavily, Minho pushed your back up against the door trying to remain out of sight as he followed suit beside you. The feeling of hiding from your coworker with your boss was thrilling, something that was easily so wrong, and definitely against HR policy, excited you.

"Mr. Lee? Are you still here?" Amy called from the hallway outside the copy room door. Minho's startled eyes wandered out the small window on the top of the door to see where his secretary could be.

"Fuck," he let out a deep breath before ducking away from the window.

Minho flipped his body so that he was facing you, placing his arms on either side of your head and his forehead resting on yours. He slowly brought his index finger to your lips, motioning you to stay quiet so you wouldn't be found.

Minho's warm, deep breaths met the skin of your cheeks, his long arm hovered over you, restricting you between his body and the wooden door behind you. The mere inches between your bodies left you craving for his touch yet again. You bit your lip to try and ease your breathing, looking up at Minho through your long eyelashes.

He placed his palm over your lips, trying to silence your deep breaths from the woman pacing around the corridor only a few feet away. His gaze was deep and sultry, it felt as though he was looking straight through you and directly to your thoughts. If only he knew the types of things going through your mind right now – such inappropriate things for an employee to think about their boss.

Tension grew as you stood there, body pressed against Minho’s as you waited for Amy to pass. Being in such close proximity to him was affecting you in ways you would've never imagined. Heat flooded to your core with each deep breath you took; Minho’s seductive stare only furthered your desire.

Without saying a word, Minho removed his hand from your mouth and replaced it with his own. The kiss caught you off guard, causing you to let out a small gasp in return. Minho smiled at your reaction, clearly satisfied with how he was taking you by surprise. His tongue swiped along your bottom lip asking for entrance, in which you easily obliged, slowly parting your lips and allowing him to kiss you even more passionately.

Minho’s knee found its place spreading your thighs apart slowly, teasing you as he rubbed it against your throbbing clit in the process. With slight hesitation, he quickly peeked his head up to the window one more time, making sure that the coast was clear before leaning back down to attach his lips to yours. His hands roamed your body down to the small of your back, pulling you in even closer to him.

Pressing your breasts to his chest, you slid your hand between your two bodies. Your hand found its way down to the bulge in his pants, lightly groping it before earning a moan of approval from him. Instinctively he began to grind into your hand, becoming even needier for your touch.

Minho’s breathing became instantly jagged from the moment you first touched his growing member. Perspiration began to gather at the top of Minho's exposed forehead, the small strands of dark hair framing his face hastily became damp. Your callous touch accompanied with sweet kisses to his lips sent Minho into a state of hunger; his demeanor instantly changed, electrifying the mood of the room.

Minho’s fingertips dragged down your body and to the hem of your blouse, tugging on it slightly before seeking approval to remove it from your body. There’s not enough time to respond before you were fiddling with the tie around his neck, loosening it and slipping it over his head to have better access to the buttons that lined his shirt. Your hands moved swiftly trying to undo each one before Minho's hands reached for his belt, causing you to bring your hands back to your own body.

In an unspoken rhythm, you both discarded your bottoms, leaving Minho standing naked as you wore just your silky black bra. A low moan left his lips as his hand cupped your breast, massaging gently before slipping his thumb underneath the thin fabric to play with your nipple. His touch left goosebumps all over your body, taking the sensation of his calloused fingertips against such a sensitive area.

You threw your head back in pleasure giving Minho access to your neck. Hungrily, he attached his lips just above your collarbone, sucking light marks into your skin. His hands moved to your back, unlatching the clasp of your bra and removing it from your body. The stimulation from both his lips and his fingers left your core aching for more, leaving moisture to accumulate between your thighs.

Without a second to spare, Minho’s hand’s were roaming down your body, parting your legs and dragging his finger down your wet slit. You moaned in response, keening into his touch as sweat began to gather on your brow.

With one quick swipe against your clit you were jumping at the contact. “Minho,” you moaned, “need your fingers inside me.”

A stern look crossed his face, making his seductive expression even more dark and lustful than before. “You have to be quiet,” his voice carried a serious tone as he placed a finger to your lips, “we don’t want Amy coming to look for us again, do we?” His question lingered as he leaned in closer to you, whispering the words softly, before leaving with a small nip to your earlobe causing you to shudder.

“Jump,” Minho ordered, grabbing your ass with each hand as you followed his request, jumping as his strong arms secured themselves around you. Each of your legs rested on each side of his body, gripping him tightly so you wouldn't fall. Minho held his body tightly up against you, taking his time by teasing you and dragging his member along your wet slit ever so slowly.

His hard member slid into you carefully, allowing you time to adjust to his size before pushing himself all the way in. You threw your head back against the wall in pleasure, becoming accustomed to the feeling of his hard shaft stretching out your walls. Slowly, Minho began pumping in and out of you at a slow pace. He was careful not to make too much noise, giving you slow and shallow thrusts before working his way to a faster pace.

He soon attached his lips to yours, moaning into the kiss as you basked in the taste of fruity residue left from the punch he was sipping on earlier. The room was becoming hot and stuffy, the window above you becoming cloudy as your bodies perspired. His movements were fluid and intentional, rocking you against the door as he held you tightly in his grip.

"Hold on," Minho whispered, pulling you off of the wall and walking towards the back of the room. His muscular arms held your body tightly against his, making sure no space was left between you.

Minho pulled out slowly, the sensation of your aching pussy berating your thoughts as he and let go of your legs. Your shaky legs were left to steady themselves on the ground, stumbling to hold onto Minho’s firm chest for support.. Grabbing you by your waist, he quickly turned your body to face the copy machine. In one swift motion you watched him lift open up the top of the machine, letting the beam of light underneath the glass panel illuminate your naked figure. His bare chest was placed flush against your back, standing so close that you could feel his racing heartbeat.

"Bend over," Minho ordered as his hand rested on the small of your back, guiding you to push your chest closer to the copy machine. Following his orders, you pressed your body against the machine, shivering from the cold sensation of the glass panel brushing against your sensitive nipples.

Minho grabbed onto your ass, squeezing it gently as he guided himself back into you. You let out a quiet whine, wrapping your fingers onto the sides of the copy machine to try and stabilize yourself. He returned back to a steady pace, rocking into you with ease while his firm hands caressed your back.

"Fuck Y/N," Minho moaned, "you're taking me so well."

His hand grabbed at your hair harshly, making a makeshift ponytail with his fist, as he pulled your head up. Arching your back, you couldn't help but let out a loud moan in reaction to the new depths Minho was reaching in your dripping core.

"I wanna hear you," Minho grunted between thrusts, his strokes becoming faster and harder. Incapable of using your words, you let out another whine squeezing your eyes shut completely, focused on the sensation of his thick member filling you up and the feeling of his hips hitting your ass with each plunge.

"I'm close," your voice was whiny and weak. Minho picked up his pace, snapping his hips harder into you as one hand left its position on your hip. The loss of contact made you whine, but his hand soon found its place between your legs. His fingers lightly brushed against your swollen clit, the sensation making you see stars. Legs beginning to shake, your grip on the copy machine became firmer, needing to hold onto something in order to steady yourself. The added pleasure from his fingers sent you spiraling, choking you up and causing your eyes to water in bliss.

"Come for me Y/N, I wanna feel you cum all over my cock," he grunted, his voice low and sensual. Moving his hand faster, your clit was rolled between his fingertips. Your orgasm was just out of reach. The satisfaction was just out of reach. But Minho’s tender touch sent you over the edge, relying on the copy machine to hold his unstable body up.

"Minho," you mustered out, riding out your high, pussy throbbing around his dick. He hummed in response, too focused on chasing his own high to form any audible words. The low grunts leaving Minho’s lips became more and more frequent as his thrusts slowed, growing sloppier and careless. But his hands gripped your hips firmly, holding you still as he let out a string of profanities before collapsing onto your back.

Minho rested his head between your shoulder blades, chest heaving as he regained his composure before pulling out of you. Slowly, he stood up, taking a deep breath and admiring your exhausted figure before you followed behind him.

"Wow," was the only word that you could manage, wiping your forehead with the back of your hand as you turned to face him. Minho chuckled in response, smiling gingerly as he picked up your clothes, handing them back to you so that you could get dressed.

After pulling your top over your head your eyes did a quick scan around the room, confirming that you weren't leaving anything behind. If someone were to find an undergarment in here, it would be the talk of the office for at least a week. In the corner of your eye, you spotted a sheet of paper resting on the tray of the copy machine. Raising an eyebrow, you paced back over to the machine and lifted up the sheet.

"Oh. My. God."

You were frozen in place, eyes wide with shock as you look at the image before you. Minho soon whipped his body around, finishing off the buckle of his belt before wandering over to the copy machine.

"I'm so keeping that," Minho said, looking over your shoulder at the picture of your bare breasts printed on the paper gripped harshly in your hands. A smug smirk was plastered on his face as he continued to admire the crude photograph.

"Minho, do you know how this happened?" Your voice was filled with concern, turning your head to face him, sure he was up to something. His eyes were glued on the graphic photo you held in your hands, too zoned out to hear you speak.

"Minho," you repeated more firmly this time, finally gaining his attention back to you from the image, "did you do this?"

A small grin formed on his face, one side of his mouth lifted while he raised his eyebrows. He looked smug...too smug.

"Can't have anyone finding this, now can we?" He chuckled, taking this paper in his own hands and taking one last glance before ripping it into small pieces before tossing the pieces into the recycling bin and extending a hand to you. "I say we go celebrate the occasion with a drink, you in?" Taking his hand in yours, you nodded your head in agreement, following Minho out of the copy room.

"How does a some more punch sound? George brought an extra bottle of juice that I can snag and I’ve got a bottle of vodka at my place with our names on it." Minho spoke, earning a smile from you before walking out the office doors.

Suddenly you feel the mattress shift beside you, pulling you out of your daydream. Minho rolls over to face your direction with his eyes still closed, his mouth slowly opening before taking a deep breath.

"Good morning," he speaks, eyes fluttering open and taking in your disheveled appearance.

"Morning," you manage to mutter out, quickly breaking eye contact, unable to face him from the pure embarrassment filling your system.

"Last night was fun, huh?" He asks, the cheerfulness barely peeking through the groggy tone of his voice. "Last night?" You know exactly what he was talking about, but hope he’s referring to anything except what happened in the copy room.

"Yeah, we came back here to have a drink after we–"

"Oh okay yep! I remember. No need to go into any more details!" You cut him off before he can continue any further, covering your eyes to shield you from his gaze. The flesh on your cheeks are scorching hot with embarrassment.

As you go to stand up from the bed, hoping to quickly gather your things and rush out the door before Minho could mention anything else, his hand reaches for yours. He pulls you in closer to him until your face is near enough to touch; grazing the side of your warm cheeks before speaking again. You lower your head in embarrassment, unsure of what Minho is about to say.

"I really enjoyed our time together last night, I wouldn’t mind having you over again." He brushes the stray hairs away from falling into your eyes, lifting your chin up to meet his gaze afterward. Heart fluttering in response, you catch your lip between your teeth in an attempt to hide the large smile that’s threatening to peek through.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Minho stands up, reaching into the pocket of the pants he wore last night and pulling out a small folded up piece of paper.

"I believe this belongs to you," he curls up the ends of his mouth, biting back a smile while handing it to you. Confused, you unfold the paper revealing a picture of your very own breasts. As if the situation could not get any more embarrassing, Minho stares down at the paper in your hands, admiring your bare chest plastered in black and white, letting out a small chuckle.

As mortified as you are, you figure that the natural instinct to never talk to this man again would not work, seeing that Minho is your boss. Taking a deep breath, you try to find any sort of confidence that could still be left inside you. You look back up at him, cocking your head slightly to the side before reaching your arm out and handing him back the photo.

"Keep it, think of it as a Halloween gift." You say shooting him a smirk, internally crossing your fingers hoping for a good reaction. Minho snickers, taking the paper from your hand and looking at it one last time before folding it back up and holding it tightly in his palm.

"I'll keep it somewhere safe," He gives you a wink and shoves the paper deep into the pocket of his pajama pants.

"Happy Halloween, Minho."

‘Halloween Hookup’ is copyright 2020 @chaangbin​, all rights reserved. Please do not repost on any platform or translate without permission.

[bitchesgetriches]

Hey there! So my work place has quickly become TOXIC and I need to get out now while I can and I’m worried about job stability or another job paying me what this one does. I also don’t think I can work in the same job field due to how competitive it is and it can seriously rock the boat at the job I’m at. Or destroy my chances at another firm.

I make $20 Hr doing HVAC Estimating but I’m looking to make more because it’s not enough and I have two jobs (I was looking for a 3rd) . My old supervisor was fired and I took her position but apparently a year after being fired she filed for wrongful termination, (which I don’t know if I believe) and now they’re implementing some insane rules that feel specifically aimed at me (no one else knew about the rules when I mentioned it to other coworkers to cross reference my information) and when I asked if there’s something I’m doing wrong and could be doing better they said I’m doing just fine and not to worry. Well this morning I got a write up for something that’s been allowed all three years I’ve been here but now they changed the rules without telling anyone so almost everyone is being written up.

I’ve been begging for help for a year and a half and they’ve gotten me none, they joke about termination like it isn’t my livelihood on the line, and when I’ve offered up potential employees to help they didn’t want them in that position because they were a young unmarried woman (his words, and very illegal I know. As well as I fit all of these descriptors) they JUST now offered me help from a male friend of his and I worry it’s my replacement because he doesn’t want a young unmarried woman in this position due to our previous conversation on getting me help (maybe I’m paranoid) . I mentioned I want to go back to school this fall and had been promised when I was hired to have all the time I need to do so but since firing my supervisor and getting me zero help I had to quit school for a year, waiting for help so I can have time to go back. Also kinda unrelated, but when I mentioned how much a month I pay for my young allergy prone dog, he suggested I put her down, and that if I’m smart I’ll do it, and I don’t wanna work for someone who hates dogs like that(weird indicator I know but I feel like it tells me a lot about a person). I’m very worried I won’t be able to find a job that pays this much and I don’t know what to do but every instinct tells me I need to get my ducks in a row and jump ship soon.

All of this was bad, but when I got to the part about him telling you to put your dog down... HELL NO. We do not hold with people who treat beloved pets like part of the fucking furniture. Personally, I don't blame you for viewing this as a sign of shitty character.

Fortunately, we've been talking a lot about toxic jobs and bosses lately. So we have a lot of homework for you to go through. I hope these help:

Bonus Episode: “I Can’t Stand Another Day at My Toxic Workplace! Can I Walk Away Without a New Job Lined Up?”

Are You Working on the Next Fyre Festival?: Identifying a Toxic Workplace

Should You Trust Your Human Resources Department?

How to Quit a Job: Giving Notice with Dignity, Poise, and Tastefully Subtle Shade

Sexual Harassment: How to Identify and Fight It in the Workplace