#Eva The Novice

[evathenovice]

This is very humbling to say that this is my chaos and pain

Hello everyone, I'll make this brief. My friend is in dire need of help. As a teacher, the school she was teaching at has recently shut down and they have refused to pay their staff their paychecks this month and now my friend is behind bills and will be evicted if she doesn't pay by this month's end. If you could please donate or share, anything is welcome and appreciated! Thank you!

Edit: I'll be tagging a few mutuals and people I know so they can share it with others, I hope it's okay with you all being tagged!

@graphite-gotdamn-everywhere @dreamyasra @aidans-husband @zacheridis @cidbirb @niimuue @madllamamomma @wildlymish @poetic-emptiness-fanfic @evathenovice

[technocipher]

Some may wander onto the church's balcony, never once sparing a glance at the rolling rack of plants. "They're just plants. Who cares? Doesn't Eva grow flowers over there?" Sure, there's a scant number of plants growing there. Nothing seems to support much life over there. No signs of any vegetables from those seed packets we give her, either.

(In all likelihood, the developers probably thought that few would notice that section. Fleshing out the balcony with more plants might've been deemed a pointless gesture.)

What many don't realize, however, is that many plants are medicinal! Consider that the next time you pass by the herb pots at the grocery store. Common thyme, for example, is antibacterial! It can also be steeped as a tea for sinus infections, and that's just a small fraction of what it can do!

The central shelf on the rolling rack carries rosemary, along with a plant I could not identify. Just generic, silly nonsense, right?

Wrong! Rosemary is more than just a kitchen spice. It's a fantastic herb for the brain!

It acts as a brain stimulant!

It aids with memory!

It aids blood circulation to the brain!

It aids with treating early onset dementia/Alzheimer's!

It acts as an antidepressant!

It acts as an antiviral!

It aids concentration!

It also has anti-anxiety properties!

Where the revenants are concerned, I'd say that's quite the vital herb! With the help of scavenged alcohol and some sterile jars, bottles, and lids, there's potential for the crafting-- and trading-- of rosemary tinctures! (In the absence of proper sterilization, whatever they can use to rinse would have to do. Above all else, these chosen jars and bottles would need to be airtight enough to prevent oxidization. An oxidized tincture is not desired-- it can lose a lot of those helpful properties!)

If water is still consumed by the revenant population (and if it is, I haven't seen it mentioned)... they can take these tinctures through water. A couple drops or barely a spoonful would go a long way! Some may attempt to slip these under their tongues and get quite the burn for their trouble. At Home Base's bar, there are numerous bottles of blood bead leukocytes. These could possibly handle a small dosage... if our favorite revenants can stand to hold the first sip for ten seconds.

Now, the uppermost shelf of the rack holds some decorative plants... and some parsley, growing out of a generically-labelled tea tin. Parsley? Really?!

Parsley's got quite the high vitamin content, though. I don't know if revenants require the same intake allotment for vitamins like humans have-- I've never seen it mentioned before. But if you factor in the maintenance of the host' body, vitamins are just as important! Whether or not the BOR parasite directly benefits remains to be seen, but for now, we're covering the fun stuff.

What the heck does parsley do, anyways? Well...

It's got stupidly high amounts of Vitamin K, which is not only good for your bones, but also boosts blood production!

It's full of other key vitamins and antioxidants!

It acts as a diuretic!

It also helps to keep your eyes healthy!

In the grand scheme of things, it might not seem like that big of a deal. But it could help boost a revenant's regeneration. Code Vein flip-flops a bit on how regeneration works, especially with gameplay in mind. Could parsley increase the healing amount, or even the number of times it can be tapped into? Quite possibly! It could also be circulated to the shelters, and thus assist blood donors with recuperating quicker. The diuretic properties can also be utilized to help flush status effects quicker. And as for the eye health of revenants far and wide, wouldn't that go a long way? That's a lot less stress on them, isn't it?

Though I cannot identify the other plants on the rack, that doesn't mean that they're lacking in benefits. There are some flowers that can be eaten and be used in medicine. Calendula, for example, is an edible flower that can be used to aid the healing of wounds. Besides, it's such a bright and cheery flower-- why not keep a few blooms just to look, and let them go to seed, while you're at it? (Calendula is very easy to grow-- save those seeds!)

Another one is chrysanthemum, which is another edible flower. Its primary benefit is eye health, and I believe it's even stronger than parsley in this regard. (Do not consume the store-bought ones, as they have been treated with a myriad of extremely harmful chemicals! The best way to avoid this is by growing them yourself. Remember to buy non-neotic seeds; these are better for pollinating insects and keeps you safe, too!)

And if the parts above the soil aren't safe for consumption, remember that the roots can still be used! Roots can have loads of medicinal properties! Some can be edible, while others can be dried and infused into oils! An example.of an edible root is the humble dandelion. Though the entire plant is completely edible, its taproot is a potent liver detoxifier! Should it be roasted and brewed into tea, it tastes just like coffee!

Even if revenants aren't taking these medicines themselves, consider how much it would benefit the human population living in the shelters. If we really gotta split hairs, the medicinal benefits could carry over into blood donations. Entire categories of enhanced blood could be produced by the shelters, and distributed to the revenant-occupied shelters. In times of disease where the latter is concerned, these unique products could be life-saving. Even then, the more positive trading arrangement may improve human and revenant relations-- a massive issue omnipresent within the Gaol of the Mists. This isn't just food and decoration; it's something greater.

Just a little thing that makes life a bit more bearable.

[wild-chaser]

I have been eying some patterns for cardigans, but haven't started anything yet.

At first, I wanted to make the "Novice Cardigan" by PetiteKnit, and even gotten as far as choosing the yarns! My local store had the Isager Yarn that was recommended, so I picked a few combinations and started knitting swatches, and because I couldn't decide which mixes would work well together, I decided to just buy a few colors of each yarn (the pattern calls for Alpaca and Mohair held together) and just see for myself.

The problem was, a few swatches later, I was not one bit closer to settling on a combination. It was not that all of them were great, and I just couldn't decide. The opposite: all of them did not really appeal to me.

That made me realize that I just don't like the look of mohair here. Made everything seem fuzzy and not at all elegant. So after spending plenty of money on the trial-yarn, I have decided to drop the project altogether and started looking for alternative patterns

Then I found the "Eva Cardigan" by PetiteKnit pattern and immediately fell in love. The colors are beautiful, the look of the piece is elegant yet simple, I am all in. The only thing that must have stopped me before was that the "Novice Cardigan" is marked as good for beginners, while "Eva Cardigan" seems way more advanced. But after the fiasco with swatches for "Novice Cardigan", I have decided, fuck this, I can do the more complex one.

I have just now ordered some yarn for swatches. PetiteKnit recommended the "NightSky" color, but on the website the "Marine" color looked even better to me. In the end, I have decided to be on the safe side and order both of them to check for myself (I am very regretful that I do not live near the yarn store that sells this brand anymore, so I need to order everything per post; that was the only reason I struggled with this decision quite a bit).

Now that both of them arrived, my love for "Marine" is confirmed. I can't wait to start knitting the swatch.

...and I will maybe make a hat or something small like this out of the "NightSky" yarn.

[figureskatingfanblog]

Today was the second day of competition at the Coupe de Printemps.

Switzerland won both Junior events, with Damien Eckstein of Switzerland winning the Men's and Leandra Tzimpoukakis winning the Women's. Eva-Lotte Kiibus of Estonia leads the Senior Women's event.

Novice events also took place.

[downwiththeficness]

Shadow and Veil-Chapter Thirty Four

Summary: Eva Moore’s life was a carefully constructed fiction.  Every day, she did exactly what her mother in law, her husband, and his  best friend expected of her. No mistakes. And, that was going pretty  well for Eva right up until a huge complication literally tried to run  her over. Now, she’s faced with trying to keep the pieces of her life  from falling apart while attempting (and failing) to keep her feelings  for her husband’s new business partner at bay.

A/N: This fic is a sister-fic to A Need So Great and A Need Unleashed.  You do not need to have read ANSG or ANU to read this fic, but there  are Easter eggs from those fics in Shadow and Veil for readers with keen  eyes.  This fic is explicit for canon-compliant blood, gore, violence,  and sex. As such, it is intended for an adult audience, only. A/B/O  dynamics come with their own warning. Anyone under the age of 18 should  not interact with this work. I do not consent to reposting this work to  other platforms. Reblog only to Tumblr.  

Word Count: ~4200

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Eva sat on the floor in front of the couch with a local newspaper spread out in front of her. To her right was a cup of freshly brewed coffee. To her left was a Spanish to English translation book that Horacio bought for her at the Embassy. Back and forth she went, reading as much as she could from the articles and looking up what she couldn’t.

This routine started the day Horacio returned to work. Eva usually woke while he was in the shower, meandered downstairs to start the coffee, and sat on the back porch until Horacio stepped out to kiss her goodbye. When the morning paper hit the front step, she would carefully lay it out on the floor and start to work her way through it. Article by article, sometimes word by word.

It was tedious work, but Eva could tell she was making slow, steady progress. Where a few weeks ago it would have taken her until lunchtime to read through the whole paper, now it was only taking until mid morning.

She saved the job listings for last.

Eva knew that she wasn’t going to do well in any job where she had to interact with the public—at least, not for a long time. Though she heard it every day, her speaking skills when it came to Spanish were novice, at best. The jobs available to her were going to be few and far between, but Eva forced herself to be patient.

She circled one or two that were close by on a notepad and folded the paper so that Horacio could read it later. Then, she went upstairs and got dressed. She put on a sensible pair of shoes and tucked a some money into her pocket along with an extra pen in case she needed to fill out an application. With a little pep in her step, Eva locked up the house and made her way down the street.

This was also a kind of routine for her.

Without a car, Eva was forced to walk if she wanted to go out during the day. She found that she didn’t mind. The weather usually was mild and sunny with a nice breeze that carried her block by block. On the first few trips, Eva started small and circled back after five or ten minutes so she didn’t get lost. As she grew more confident in knowing where she was, Eva began to branch out in different directions. By now, she knew where to find the local grocer, the nearest gas station, several small restaurants, and a food stand that seemed to be perpetually overflowing with fruit.

It was late afternoon by the time Eva returned to the house. She trudged up the steps, feeling much less enthusiastic than when she left. Inside, she kicked off her shoes and continued the trudge to the kitchen.  On the way, she tossed the little scrap of paper with the job listings on it into the trash.

No one wanted to hire a woman with no prior experience who couldn’t even speak the language. Eva didn’t blame them. Not really. But, the rejection stung. She was an accomplished accountant, had years of knowledge to bolster her work—years that she couldn’t even use because Eva Carrillo technically didn’t exist less than a month ago.

She didn’t actually need a job, but something inside her cringed at the thought of laying on the couch all day while Horacio went off to work. Eva was a smart, capable woman. Given the chance, she could earn an honest living.

Cold drink in hand, Eva went to the living room and plopped on the couch. While she sipped from the glass, she thought about how she’d been waved off by a first a middle aged man, then an elderly woman. Neither of them thought she was a good fit for dish washing or shelf stocking. Her ego, fragile as it was, felt deeply bruised.

Eva sighed and, needing a distraction from her thoughts, grabbed the remote. She didn’t much care what was on the TV. She just needed noise. The screen flickered and the sound of an argument filtered through static. Words flew back and forth with passion and precision. The image and sound stabilized to show a man and woman standing on opposite sides of a well decorated room.

Tossing the remote aside, Eva settled in to watch. Half an hour later, she had learned with her meager Spanish that the woman’s name was Maria, the man’s name was Sergio, and they were ex-lovers who just happened to cross each other’s path many years later. Their attraction was as strong as ever and it was clear that whatever had torn them apart (Eva thought it had something to do with a bicycle) had been resolved with time.

The problem? Sergio was engaged to be married to Luz.

The exaggerated emotions and the way the actors sometimes repeated what they were saying helped Eva along in comprehending the story line. By the end of the program, she was actually looking forward to watching the next episode. How else was she going to find out which woman Sergio would eventually marry?

A glance at the clock told her that Horacio would be home soon. She clicked off the TV and went upstairs to shower off the grit of the day. While she picked through her clothes to find an outfit, Eva did her best to forget about her disastrous walk around the town. It was only her first run at getting a job and there was no rush.

She was just applying a bit of lip gloss when she heard the front door open and close. Horacio’s distinctive step moved through the lower level of the house and he called out her name.

“Up here!” Eva called back as she gave her hair a final fluff.

Absently, she listened to his steps as he ascended the stairs. Horacio cleared the doorway at nearly the same time Eva stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing his uniform, as he did every day he went to work. The slacks still had the crease from where he ironed them, although there were some wrinkles that hadn’t been there before.

On the first day he’d worn the army green shirt and trousers, Eva struggled to keep the smile off her face. Up until that moment, the fact that Horacio was an officer existed only as an abstract concept. An errant reality. Seeing him dressed in the clothes befitting his rank was an odd experience, but Eva couldn’t quite figure out why.

Walking towards her, Horacio looked very much at home in his government issued uniform—although, it was a wonder that they found anything that fit him. His shoulders pulled at the material, straining the yoke of the shirt. The hem of the short sleeve looked like it was digging into his bicep. Even the meticulously sewn buttons fought to keep their place in the buttonholes.

The unit, she guessed, couldn’t afford custom tailoring.

“How was your day?”

Horacio shrugged, “New recruits came in.” He leaned down to kiss her, “Next couple weeks will be their boot camp.”

Eva could just imagine what that was like with Horacio leading it. Green boys being pushed to their limits by their unrelenting Captain. “Make any of them cry?”

One side of his mouth lifted, “No, but its only the first day.”

He turned and began to unbutton his shirt. Eva sat on the end of the bed and leaned back on her elbows. Horacio liked to get out of his uniform as soon as he got home and Eva absolutely did not mind the show. The button up was thrown into the hamper, leaving him in his undershirt. Eva followed the path of his spine down to where his belt was being pulled through the loops. Head tilting to the side, she considered the firm swell of muscle just below.

Horacio had a nice ass and it was displayed particularly well when he bent over to take off his slacks. A lot of people might overlook it, too distracted by the breadth of his chest and shoulders. Eva thought they were missing out.

He reached behind him and tugged off his undershirt, throwing it in the hamper with the rest of his clothes. Eva sighed. It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair. He was so pretty. All thick muscle and brute strength. Eva could look at him all day and still not be satisfied.

Her fingers curled with the need to touch, but she stayed put. Eva liked the tension that built inside her while she watched him pull on a pair of khakis and select a polo shirt from the closet. She liked knowing that, at any point, she could stand up and stop him. That she could draw him over to the bed and strip him back down to bare skin. And, he would let her—willingly, enthusiastically.

Horacio turned and caught her stare. Eva held his gaze unabashedly, letting him know what she was thinking without words. In an uncharacteristic bout of shyness, he ducked his head and smiled softly. Eva matched that smile with one of her own, a warm affection bubbling in her chest.

“I thought,” he said while he walked towards her, “we might go shopping.”

Her brows lifted, “Yeah?”

A nod, “You were saying a few days ago that you wanted to buy a dining room table.”

Eva was surprised he’d heard her. She’d said it while he was standing near the doorway to the dining room with phone to his ear. About every two or three evenings, he would lean against the jamb for at least an hour while someone at work relayed information to him that—for some reason—could not wait until the following morning.

“It would be nice to eat at the table instead of the living room.”

He sat next to her and picked up one of a pair of shoes he kept for when he wasn’t at work, “It would. And, since we’re out, we can grab dinner.”

She smirked, “Is that a dig at my cooking skills?”

Eva was very, very slowly learning to put meals together. Having never really cooked in Louisiana, her abilities were limited. But, she’d figured out how to fry vegetables together and season meat so that it was tender.

Horacio shook his head, “Just thought it would be nice to go out. There’s a place in the city that’s got good food.”

Happy with the suggestion, Eva nudged Horacio’s shoulder and said, “Is there a dress code? Should I change?”

He looked her over, eyes lingering on the way her skirt draped over her thighs, “No. You’re perfect.”

Her heart gave a little flutter at the honesty in his tone. Horacio complimented her nearly every day, saying that he liked her hair or her eyes or, in more intimate moments, how good it felt to be inside her. Eva hoped that she never got used to it. She hoped that she always had a lump in her throat when he said things like that.

Horacio stood and reached for her hand, “C’mon. The store closes in an hour.”

Eva went with him. She held his hand the whole way to the truck, until she climbed into the passenger’s seat and he closed the door behind her. The ride to the furniture store was short and, when Horacio pulled into the parking lot, Eva wondered if they were in the right place. There was no sign out front, no display windows. Just a plain building painted in a soft yellow with and awning over the door.

She followed Horacio’s confident step across the lot. He held the door open for her and she stepped inside. Looking around, she discovered a quaint little shop with antiques scattered around the front room. Down a sloped ramp was a hallway with a ceiling that was almost totally covered in lights of all kinds. Chandeliers, wall sconces, flush lights, all of which glittered happily at her. When she cast Horacio a look of giddy surprise, he smiled as if he’d known all along that she’d be impressed.

From somewhere in the back, a shop owner sauntered forward. He was a short man in his fifties. His mustache twitched over a cigarette that he tapped into a small, glass ashtray held in his other hand. He greeted Horacio as if he’d known him his whole life. A warm handshake, an affectionate pat on the back.

Eva stood off to the side while the two men exchanged pleasantries. In the meantime, she could peruse the wares. To her left was a rocking chair that had little birds carved into its back. The piece was probably over a decade old, but looked very solid. She reached out and tapped the arm, smiling when it rocked back and forth steadily.

To her right was a large cabinet full of glass knickknacks. She stepped up to it and peered inside. Most of the items were novelty. Little angels, a virgin Mary, farm animals. There was a nice goblet or two in the back and a set of china on the lowest shelf. Eva didn’t think they needed anything that formal at the moment, but made a note to come back for it if they ever decided to entertain a large party.

Horacio got her attention. Then, to the store owner, “Mi esposa, Eva. Eva, Señor Abila.”

Señor Abila looked shocked. He pointed at Eva, “¿Tu esposa?”

“Sí.”

Hands clasped in front of his heart, Señor Abila welcomed Eva to the shop. She replied to him meekly and apologized for her Spanish. He waved her off and simply said, “¿Americano, eh?”

They were led further into the building, past the hallway of lights and into a larger room with sofas, love seats, tables, chairs, and other larger furniture. They were shown a few dining room sets, each a little bit different from the last, but all made of solid wood. Eva guessed that most of them were used, but she could tell that they had been thoroughly cleaned. Some of them had a fresh coat of lacquer.

After getting the tour, Señor Abila stepped away to let them ‘discuss’.

Horacio turned to her, “What do you think?”

Eva considered her options, “I think a setting for six is probably the best fit for the room, don’t you?”

He shrugged, “Maybe.”

The non-committal answer made her pause. Did he actually not have an opinion or did he not agree with her? A niggling anxiety worked its way into the back of her mind.

“Um,” she said, “If you have a preference, we can go with that.”

“No,” he replied lightly, “I don’t have a preference, as long as its a good height.”

Eva’s mouth opened in confusion, “Height?”

He hummed in confirmation, as if she should know exactly why a dining room table needed to be the right height. Moving to a set in a soft, yellowish stain, Eva laid her hand on it, “Is this the right height?”

Horacio glanced at it, then walked over and pulled out a chair. He sat down, looking thoughtful. Eva watched his expression closely, completely unable to discern what he might be thinking. At least, until his hands reached up and grasped her hips. Making a soft sound of surprise, Eva let him guide her in front of him until he pressed her back against the table.

“What are you—oh!” Realization dawned on her with striking clarity. She said his name in an embarrassed hiss while she checked to see if the shop owner was looking.

Horacio was unbothered, “Food isn’t the only thing I’m going to eat at this table. I want to make sure we’re both comfortable.”

Hand covering her face, Eva peeked out from between her fingers at him. Horacio’s eyes sparkled with amusement, mouth pulled tight with the effort it took to restrain his laugh.

He stood, “You’re right, too low. Let’s try this one.”

Eva resisted him as he led her to an oval shaped table with six chairs. The wood was stained dark enough that she almost couldn’t see the grain. Horacio pulled out a chair and sat in it, easing her around so that she stood between him and the table. With a serious look, he said, “You’ll have to sit.”

“I will not!” she shot back lowly.

He rolled his eyes, “Alright. Lean.”

Reluctantly, Eva let him push her back against the table until her hips canted forward to his satisfaction. Shoulders up near her ears, Eva rested her weight on her hands and glanced sidelong at him to gauge his reaction.

Playful eyes met hers, “Mmhmm. This is a good height.”

Licking suddenly dry lips, Eva could only nod. Horacio’s hands on her hips squeezed gently. When he stood, they were so close that she could feel his breath.

“Is this what you want?” she asked, not entirely certain if she was still talking about the table.

“Yes,” he replied easily, “its what I want.”

His mouth pursed, as if he was going to kiss her. And then his eyes cut to the side. Eva followed his gaze to find the shop owner walking towards them with a wide smile. Señor Abila was a man who knew when he’d made a sale.

Eva stepped away again to let Horacio negotiate price and delivery. She wandered around, feeling the fabric of a few sofas and sitting experimentally on a mattress. There was plenty to look at and almost all of it was good quality. This was a place that Eva could see herself returning to time and again—which was probably why Horacio brought her here.

Tucked into a corner, near a large loading door, was a bit of white painted wood that stuck out awkwardly from behind a bed frame. Curious, Eva went over to it and lifted the frame gently to get a better look.

A crib.

The build of it was outdated and the paint was scratched, but the bottom had little rocking feet so that it could tilt back and forth. At the head was a painted rabbit with pink eyes. It was probably built for a baby girl.

Feeling a painful tightness in her chest, Eva set the frame back into place and returned to the men. They were bouncing numbers back and forth in quick succession. Their voices were light and smooth, not a hint of annoyance in their tone. Señor Abila looked as if he were enjoying himself. Horacio, too, if she were being honest.

Eventually, the price was settled and a delivery date of the following weekend was set. Eva thanked Señor Abila for his assistance and he said something to Horacio that made him scoff and roll his eyes.

A short time later, as they pulled out of the parking lot, Eva asked, “How long have you known Señor Abila?”

Horacio pulled onto the street, “Since I was very young. My mother buys all her furniture from him.”

Eva nodded, “Its nice that she has a good relationship with him.”

Laughing, Horacio shook his head, “They do not have a good relationship. If anything, Señor Abila tries to avoid having her come in.”

She was confused, and said so.

“My mother,” Horacio explained, “is not an easy customer. She likes to have things the way she wants.” He paused, smiling to himself, “And, not just when it comes to furniture.”

A woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to fight for it. Eva smiled, “I think I’d like her.”

He pulled to a stop light and looked at her, “I hope you will.”

In all the chaos of the last few weeks, Eva had almost forgotten that she had ‘married’ into an actual family. With real people. Who she would have to meet. And spend time with. And talk to. It was suddenly a very real, and very daunting, task. She glanced at Horacio, hoping he would be patient with her.

The truck took a turn onto a side street and Horacio guided it into a parking lot. Eva got out and rounded the vehicle while she looked at yet another nondescript building. Horacio took her hand, “The entrance is over here.”

He led her to a door that blended in with the stonework. Inside, the hostess greeted him and gestured towards a large archway. Through it was a small, but busy restaurant. Circular tables covered with white table cloths dotted the room. Metal work chandeliers hung from the ceiling, giving the whole room a soft, warm glow.

They were seated off to the side and handed menus. Eva opened hers and took a fortifying breath while she began to translate in her head. The words were, at the same time, both familiar and foreign. She knew what most of the dishes were, but something in her brain kept her from knowing what she might find appetizing.

Resigned, she closed the menu, “How about you pick something out for me?”

Horacio looked at her from over the edge of his menu, “What are you in the mood for?”

She gave a deliberately careless shrug, “Surprise me.”

Though he looked at her a beat or two longer, Horacio didn’t comment on her request. His eyes scanned the menu in his hands for a while before he set it aside. The waitress came and took their drink order, returning with two tumblers of dark liquor.

Eva picked her up and sniffed it. Bourbon. Possibly whiskey. She sipped and struggled to swallow as it burned in her throat. “Wow,” she croaked.

Horacio chuckled, “It takes some getting used to.”

“Uh huh,” was her rasping response, “Do they use that to strip paint?”

He pretended to think about it, “I think they do.”

“It would certainly do the job.”

Setting the glass down, Eva took a deep breath and let it out slowly to regain her bearings, “Is this a place you come to a lot?”

“Yes,” he answered, folding his arms on the table and leaning towards her, “Its one of my favorites.”

Eva made sure to file that tidbit of information away for the future, “Oh?”

He bobbed his head a little, “It opened while I was training and its not far from the office. We do retirement parties here, sometimes.”

She tried to imagine what a retirement party looked like for his unit and, for some reason, there were definitely sparklers on a cake.

“Well, the booze is definitely memorable,” Eva picked up her glass in a kind of mock salute.

The waitress returned and inquired about food. Horacio asked a question or two before telling her what they wanted in soft, rolling sentences that made Eva want to reach over and brush her fingers against his throat.

When they were left alone again, Eva shook away the thought and asked, “How is it? Transitioning back to work after being away so long?”

If she understood it right, Horacio had been in the States for at least eight months, maybe more. She couldn’t imagine how difficult it was to go from living full time away from his home to stepping right back into his old life.

Horacio took some time to think about the question, “I thought it would be more...more. What I was doing in America was so...different. I didn’t have any men to make sure stayed in line and the paperwork was…” His head cocked to the side, “I don’t think there was any paperwork.”

“Are you happy to be back?”

He smiled, “Yes. I missed home.”

Eva felt her lips pull into a small smile of her own, “I’m glad you’re happy.”

His hand reached out and took one of hers, “Once you settle in, I think you’ll be happy, too.”

She was already happy.

Eva didn’t have the words to describe how happy she was. Everything that had plagued her life for the last seven years was gone, left behind. She had a new identity, a new home, a new person to spend her time with. For the first time, Eva had the opportunity to build something that was completely hers.

Their food arrived, sizzling on the plates. Horacio had a mix of meat and vegetables with tortillas and Eva had rice and vegetables served with a half moon of fried dough. She cut into it, letting out steam that was filled with aromatic spices.

God, but it was good.

Eva dug in. Every bite was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned. She didn’t care that her tongue burned a little with the spice or that she was eating more in one sitting than she normally would in an entire day. She ate happily and talked with Horacio between bites.

Somewhere along the way, a thought occurred to her, “We’re doing it backwards.”

His brows raised in question.

Eva almost laughed. It was so ludicrous that, if she weren’t sitting right there as living proof, she would have argued against it.

“Us,” she explained, “We’re doing it backwards.”

“I don’t understand,” he said slowly.

She set down her fork, “Usually you go on a date—several dates—before you get married. Right?”

It took him a long moment to compute, “I—yes?”

Eva turned her shoulders coyly, “So, we’re doing it backwards. We got married and then went on a date.”

His confusion turned into a kind of wry amusement, “I think you’re right.” Then, “I don’t mind.”

She smiled, “Neither do I.”

[lifethroughrainbowglasses]

Eva Evergreen, Semi Magical Witch by Julie Abe

Category: Middle Grade Fantasy

Author: Julie Abe

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

“To show that I deserved this. That I'd fought for this with my blood, sweat, and tears, through the most frightening of storms and against even the most skeptical of mayors or meddlers. To show that someone like me could make her own dreams come true.” ― Julie Abe, Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch

Summary: Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch is about the young witch Eva Evergreen as she embarks on her quest to earn the title of Novice Witch. Eva is the daughter of one of the most powerful witches in the country but possesses only a little bit of magic herself. Despite the sneers from witches above her, she finds herself serving her year in a whimsical town along the coast helping people with her unique skill set. Suddenly a terrifying storm threatens the town and Eva worries her "pinch of magic" isn't enough to stop it.

Justification: Middle-grade fantasy is one of my favorite genres and age categories which is one of the reasons I decided to review it for class, but I also think it's important to review and evaluate books that aren't as well-known within the middle-grade fantasy genre. Students often read Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and are looking for something similar to read and this is the perfect book for those students. Middle-Grade fantasy is a relatively new genre and so many librarians and teachers haven't read and reviewed more recent books. I think it's important to include recent books written by diverse authors as options in curriculums and this book in particular is a great read-alike for students who love Harry Potter, Howl's Moving Castle, or has an interest in Studio Ghibli films.

Writing: Eva Evergreen is well-written and accessible to upper elementary and middle school students. The text is easy to read and whimsical with little spurts of sage advice sprinkled in throughout the text pulling readers of all ages into the story. Abe's description of the world makes the world magical in and of itself. “The scent of ink and freshly printed paper swirled invitingly in the air as I followed my parents into the bookshop.” The air moves and swirls around Eva, and the world reacts to her and her unique magic making her all the more special.

Characterization: I read a lot of middle grades and of all the middle grades I've read, Eva was one of the most wholesome and sweet characters so far. The characters in the story were dynamic and interesting and they felt unique to the world. Everyone had a story and meaning within the story. Ember, Eva's flamefox companion, was brought to life with their actions and reactions. Rin, Davy, and Charlotte were all fully realized and interesting with intriguing backstories of their own. This series has a second book and I'm planning on picking it up partly to know what happens to the side characters as well as Eva.

Theme: Eva Evergreen has a few central messages. The first of which is learning to love ourselves and our unique "pinch of magic." None of us do the same thing in the same way. We all have strengths and weaknesses and part of being human is learning how to make both of those work for us. The second message is the importance of friendship and the joy that relationships with others can bring us. There is so much that we can gain from being kind and friendly to others. That kindness almost always returns to us when it is right.

Abe, J. (2020b). Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

[poorsapadvocate]

Books I read in 2022

All the books I read in 2022, excluding things I read for work (about 5 books and 10 years worth of newspapers), magazines and art books (5-ish) rereads (annual rereads of The Last Unicorn and the Sailor Moon manga, 13 altogether), books I borrowed (1) books I dropped (2), and what I started in December but haven’t finished yet.

My goal this year is to read 12 fiction books, 12 comic books, and 12 nonfiction books (mostly related to research for the novel I’m working on). I’m also hoping to buy at least 12 queer books (preferably by POC) from my local bookstore, talk about them and review them fairly online so publishers can see that they are a good investment, and donate them to my local library once I’m done.

Favorite book was probably Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao. Least favorite was Witchlings by Claribel A. Orgeta, which made me so mad I had to pace around the house. If you are so inclined I put a link to each book down below the cut.

Rosewood Chronicles: Undercover Princess and Princess in Practice by Connie Glynn (Goodreads, Storygraph): Kind-hearted, fairytale-obsessed Lottie Pumpkin is mistaken to be the Crown Princess of Maradova. Her roommate, the actual Crown Princess of Maradova, is having the time of her life. I wanted to read the whole series this year, but despite being written in English the books aren’t published in America yet???

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao (Goodreads, Storygraph): Described as Percy Jackson meets Yugioh, Zack must go on a quest through China to seal the portal to the Chinese underworld and save his mom, aided by the ghost of the first Emperor of China who haunts his VR headset.

Cafe con Lychee by Emery Lee (Goodreads, Storygraph): Asian-American Theo and Puerto Rican Gabi must work together to save their families’ bakeries from gentrification. Enemies to friends to lovers plus coming of age and coming out.

A Little Bit County by Brian D Kennedy (Goodreads, Storygraph): Two gay teenagers work at not-Dollywood and deal with the ups and downs of showbusiness while uncovering a family secret.

In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens (Goodreads, Storygraph): A young prince must band together with a rascally merman in order to return home and save his kingdom from war, all while holding his magic at bay.

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler (Goodreads, Storygraph): Jack must deal with competition both on and off the field as she becomes the school’s new quarterback and falls in love with the head cheerleader.

Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper (Goodreads, Storygraph): Middle-schooler Jake attempts to start his small town’s first Pride. Bureaucracy ensues.

Ghost Hunters Adventurer’s Club: The Secret of the Grand Chateau by “Dr. Cecil H. H. Mills” (Goodreads, Storygraph): The Game Grumps book.

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega (Goodreads, Storygraph): Seven, Valley, and Thorn must face off against a deadly Nightbeast in order to stay witches, but soon discover that there’s something more sinister going on in their own town (it’s magic caste systems, and what’s sinister is that they don’t do anything to buck the system)

Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julia Abe (Goodreads, Storygraph): the Better Witchlings. Eva must earn her rank as Novice Witch before the mysterious Culling strikes, but what can she do when she only as a pinch of magic?

The Tea Dragon Society by K O’Neill (Goodreads, Storygraph): A look into the lives of blacksmith apprentice Greta, forgetful priestess Minette, tea shop owners and former adventurers Hesekiel and Erik, and the pet dragons they harvest tea leaves from. Not a lot of plot, but overflowing with atmosphere and good vibes.

Pokemon Adventures Collector’s Edition 1-3: Contains the Red, Yellow, and Gold arc (about 9 volumes and more than 100 chapters). If you ever wanted the Pokemon anime to go more into the plot, read these.

[gunrunnersarsenal]

i rember the one for fable and that that manual was written from an in universe perspective trainings manual for novice heroes in training ... miss that stuff.... also stuff like the install menu for the old cnc games... all in universe like installing your EVA AI or pre mission briefings and such. "welcome back commander!"

not to sound like a boomer but I miss when video games included manuals with maps and some small trivia about the characters

[aerenlpo]

7 Common Business Legal Challenges in the US | Aeren LPO

Owning a business in the US is equivalent to running a legal minefield. Right from the initial stage, such as choosing the right entity for company registration, legal challenges can plague even the most successful US businesses.

But don’t worry! This post will decode the seven key legal issues that cause organizational complications.

Moreover, the blog will also provide solutions to these issues, so you can detect these dangers and avoid legal landmines. Whether you are an experienced business owner or a novice entrepreneur, read this post to get complete information on how to face the legal challenges of the US market.

Sit back, grab your coffee, leave your worries behind, and get ready to be a legal boss!

How do Legal Issues Impact Business?

Legal factors can devastate business organizations because they influence firm operations, market perceptions, and profitability. Adherence to rules facilitates smoother operations, unlike legal non-compliance, which results in losses, fines, and damage to reputation. 

Laws about employment affect recruitment, dismissals, and organizational policies regarding employees, while laws about intellectual property safeguard copyright.

Apart from the above, contract law also impacts business transactions, providing clarity and enforcement. Thus, legal risk management from virtual assistance for legal support remains a fundamental principle when running a business and sustaining long-term success in investment.

Key Challenges Faced by Business The legal system in the United States has many peculiarities that are essential to consider while managing an enterprise.

Employment Law Compliance: 

One of the biggest challenges is complying with federal, state, and local employment laws, which include wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination laws, and employee benefits laws. For this purpose, you can talk to an employment law attorney frequently, be aware of the changes in laws, and finally, write up and put into practice strict human resource policies and training for all employees. 

Intellectual Property Protection: 

Protecting tangible assets such as trademarks, patents, artistic works, and commercial secrets is important for an organization. As a business owner, you can use IP asset mapping, trademark search, patent search, and protection. 

Contractual Disputes: 

Legal cases based on consumer or business relations, including end customers, suppliers, and distributors, can occur when running a business overseas. Create specialized contracts that must include conflict regulation terms (arbitration or mediation), and keep records for your account in case of any controversy. 

Regulatory Compliance: 

Your business needs to meet statutory requirements, rules and regulations of the environment, and safety measures. Hire an outsourcing legal firm in United States to conduct regular compliance inspections, educate the workers on the need to obey the compliance policies, and seek the help of consultants to help them understand new rules and regulations. 

Data Privacy and Security: 

You must secure your clients and business’s information from cyberattacks and meet the requirements. Therefore, you should employ secure cyber protection mechanisms, design a comprehensive data privacy policy, and undergo complete security assessments.

Litigation Risk: 

There is always a risk of legal action for an organization from employees, customers, and competitors. But with appropriate insurance, you can protect your business. Additionally, you can also develop clear internal protocols to record all business affairs adequately. 

Tax Compliance: 

For international investors, understanding new tax requirements can be tough. In this case, firms can consult with a professional accountant or tax lawyer to learn about tax legislation and maintain a clear and up-to-date account of all their financial activities. This will help avoid missed tax submission deadlines and thus evade fines and penalties.

Conclusion 

The legal system of operating an enterprise in the United States has its complexities, but grasping and managing typical issues can significantly reduce its chances. Employment laws, protection of intellectual property, data privacy, tax compliance—all these perspectives have to be addressed very carefully, and preventive measures have to be taken. Hiring an outsourcing legal firm in United States, knowing the changes in the law, and adopting strict measures help business organizations prevent such drawbacks.

[rrccases2]

Unleashing Creativity with Foam Sheets: A Versatile Crafting Essential

If you're a craft enthusiast or someone looking to explore new creative avenues, foam sheets are likely to become your new best friend. These vibrant, versatile sheets of foam can be used in an array of projects, from simple DIY crafts to intricate artworks. Let's dive into the world of foam sheets and discover their endless possibilities.

What Are Foam Sheets?

Foam sheets are lightweight, flexible sheets made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. They come in various colors, thicknesses, and sizes, making them an ideal material for both novice crafters and seasoned artists. The smooth, spongy texture of foam sheets is perfect for cutting, shaping, and adhering to different surfaces.

Why Use Foam Sheets?

Versatility: Foam sheets can be used for a wide range of projects, including home decor, children's crafts, costumes, and more.

Ease of Use: They are easy to cut, glue, and paint, making them accessible for all age groups.

Durability: Foam sheets are durable and can withstand wear and tear, making your projects long-lasting.

Safety: Unlike some crafting materials, foam sheets are non-toxic and safe for children.

Creative Ideas with Foam Sheets

Home Decor

Wall Art: Create stunning wall art by cutting foam sheets into various shapes and designs. You can layer different colors to add depth and dimension.

Photo Frames: Customize plain photo frames with foam sheet embellishments. Add flowers, geometric shapes, or even a name for a personal touch.

Coasters: Design unique coasters to protect your surfaces. You can cut out patterns, paint them, or even use stamps for decoration.

Kids' Crafts

Educational Tools: Make learning fun by creating foam sheet alphabet letters, numbers, and shapes. These can be used for teaching spelling, math, and geometry.

Animal Masks: Cut out animal shapes and use them as masks for imaginative play. Add elastic bands or strings to fit around the head.

Puppets: Craft finger puppets or hand puppets using foam sheets. Decorate them with googly eyes, yarn for hair, and fabric scraps for clothes.

Holiday Decorations

Christmas Ornaments: Create festive ornaments by cutting foam sheets into stars, snowflakes, or other holiday shapes. Decorate with glitter, paint, and ribbons.

Easter Eggs: Design colorful Easter eggs to hang around the house. Use foam sheets to add 3D elements to your decorations.

Halloween Props: Make spooky decorations like bats, pumpkins, and ghosts. Foam sheets are easy to cut into detailed shapes, making them perfect for intricate designs.

Fashion and Accessories

Jewelry: Design lightweight earrings, necklaces, and bracelets using foam sheets. Cut out your desired shapes and decorate with paint or markers.

Hair Accessories: Create custom headbands, clips, and hair ties. Foam sheets can be cut into flowers, bows, and other fun shapes to adorn your hair.

Costumes: Whether for Halloween or a themed party, foam sheets can help you create impressive costume pieces, such as armor, crowns, and wings.

Tips for Working with Foam Sheets

Cutting: Use sharp scissors or a craft knife for clean edges. For intricate designs, consider using a stencil.

Gluing: Hot glue works well for foam sheets, but you can also use craft glue or double-sided tape for less demanding projects.

Painting: Acrylic paints adhere well to foam sheets. Use thin layers and allow each to dry before applying the next to avoid sogginess.

Storage: Keep your foam sheets flat in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or damage.

Conclusion

Foam sheets are an incredible resource for crafters of all ages and skill levels. Their flexibility, durability, and ease of use open up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you're looking to make simple crafts with your children, decorate your home, or design unique accessories, foam sheets are a fantastic choice. So, grab some foam sheets and start crafting your next masterpiece today!

[clouddiscoveriesn]

Exploring Outdoor Adventures with Cloud Discoveries: The Ultimate Camping Experience

When it comes to outdoor escapades, camping always tops the list for adventure enthusiasts. And what better way to elevate your camping experience than with top-notch equipment from cloud eva Discoveries in Canada? Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, Cloud Discoveries has everything you need to make your outdoor adventure unforgettable.

One essential item for any camping trip is a reliable camping stove with gas. Cloud Discoveries offers a wide range of high-quality camping gas stoves that are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. With features designed for efficiency and durability, these stoves ensure you can cook up a delicious meal no matter where your travels take you.

But camping isn't just about sustenance—it's also about relaxation and recreation. Picture yourself lounging comfortably in the wilderness on an air couch bed, soaking in the breathtaking views around you. Cloud Discoveries provides inflatable air couch beds that are not only incredibly comfortable but also portable and convenient to set up. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring.

Of course, staying hydrated is essential while enjoying the great outdoors. Instead of single-use plastic water balloons, why not opt for environmentally friendly options like reusable water balloons? Cloud Discoveries offers a variety of reusable water balloons that are durable, easy to fill, and fun to use. Plus, you'll be doing your part to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

As you venture into the wilderness, safety should always be a top priority. That's why Cloud Discoveries provides top-of-the-line camping gas equipment that is safe and reliable. Whether you're boiling water for coffee in the morning or cooking up a hearty meal at night, you can trust Cloud Discoveries' camping gas to deliver consistent performance every time.

So, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month-long expedition, make sure to equip yourself with the best gear from Cloud Discoveries. With their wide selection of camping essentials, you'll be ready to embrace the great outdoors and create memories that will last a lifetime.

[gearproguide]

Discover the Best Inshore Fishing Rods of 2023

For anglers passionate about inshore fishing, particularly targeting species like Red Fish, Drum, Trout, and Flounder, having the right rod is crucial. We've compiled a list of the best inshore fishing rods available in 2023, ensuring you have the perfect tool for your next fishing adventure.

St. Croix Rods Mojo Inshore Fishing Rod: This versatile and powerful rod is suitable for both novice and experienced anglers. Made with high-quality SCII graphite, it offers great sensitivity and a Fuji reel seat for an added touch of elegance. The cork-trimmed handle provides a firm grip, even when wet. Its seven size options range from extra light to extra heavy, catering to different fishing styles and preferences.

Ugly Stik GX2 Inshore Fishing Rod: Known for its balance of power and sensitivity, this rod is made from a durable combination of fiberglass and graphite. It features new tuff guides with stainless steel inserts, perfect for braided lines. The Ugly Stik GX2 is available in various actions and lengths, backed by a seven-year warranty.

St. Croix Rods Avid Series Inshore Fishing Rod: This premium rod, crafted from SCII graphite, is both durable and lightweight. Its handle is made from super grade cork for comfortable handling. Featuring high-modulus SCIII graphite, Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology, and Kigan Master Hand zero tangle guides, it ensures smooth retrieves and free-flowing lines. The Fuji DPS reel seats add to the rod's balance, and it comes in various power options.

St. Croix Rods Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod: This rod is designed for a variety of inshore applications. Made with premium SCII carbon and featuring a cork handle, it offers strength and durability. Equipped with Sea Guide Atlas slim aluminum-oxide guides and Sea Guide XDPS reel seats, it provides a sensitive connection and maximizes sensitivity for detecting bites.

Toadfish Inshore Fishing Rod: Ideal for beginners, this rod features a graphite composite carbon fiber build and stainless-steel guides with zirconium inserts. Its ergonomic grip makes it comfortable for prolonged use, and it's available in two sizes, including a 7-foot version.

PENN Mariner II Boat Spinning Fishing Rod: Designed for inshore anglers, this rod features a durable tubular glass blank, stainless-steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, and an EVA triangle foregrip for ergonomic control. It's ideal for long-distance casting and handling bigger catches.

KastKing Estuary Inshore Fishing Rod: This rod features Nano Resin technology for increased tensile strength, making it strong yet sensitive. Its MicroWave Air Guides enhance casting distance, and a G2 Tackle Edge casting seat provides a solid base for the reel.

St. Croix Rods Premier Inshore Fishing Rod: A versatile choice, this rod features premium graphite construction, Kigan Master Hand 3D guides, and a Fuji ECS reel seat. It's available in several weights and is ideal for various fishing scenarios.

PENN Battalion Inshore Fishing Rod: Known for its quality, this rod features SLCII carbon fiber construction, Fuji alconite guides, and an ergonomic composite cork grip. It's available in eight sizes and is suited for catching game fish like bass, tarpon, and redfish.

Ugly Stik Tiger Inshore Fishing Rod: Updated with modern components, this rod maintains its legendary toughness. It's lightweight yet sturdy, featuring a sensitive.

Source:GearPro Guide

[socialspikerworld]

Get Your Pup Paddling: Best kayaks for dogs

Click Here for the Best Kayaks for Dogs Choices https://amzn.to/3PqLtfx 

 Best Kayaks for Dogs 

 Kayaking is one of the top outdoor activities you can share with your dog. Not only is it an enjoyable way to bond, explore nature and get exercise together, but kayaking also provides both of you with physical benefits. When kayaking with dogs there are a few considerations you need to bear in mind before embarking on a trip; firstly ensuring your kayak can accommodate both of you's weight capacities; secondly making sure there is somewhere safe for them to sit while paddling; finally choosing a sturdy kayak so as to prevent accidents from happening while on the water! Are you searching for the ideal kayak to bring on your next expedition with your furry companion? Look no further than Ocean Kayak's recreational plastic kayak, designed for solo and tandem paddling. This spacious seating area allows solo or tandem paddlers to comfortably and efficiently paddle, making this vessel suitable for humans as well as their pets alike. Additionally, its comfortable molded foot rests and thigh pads ensure optimal comfort during use, while a drain plug and storage areas help prevent accidents from taking place. This kayak was specifically designed for anglers and offers multiple storage spaces and a dedicated rod holder. The seat is constructed from comfortable EVA foam material that's claw and puncture resistant; plus its spacious dimensions accommodate both you and your canine when fully loaded up with gear. Furthermore, its steady tracking makes this ideal for beginners as well as experienced kayakers. Sun Dolphin offers another inflatable kayak that's suitable for novice and expert kayakers: its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and store, yet provides enough room for both you and your pet. Furthermore, with a convenient stern carry handle and included paddle included with each unit - plus plenty of vibrant color choices ranging from soothing turquoise/blue hues to fiery orange/red shades - you are sure to find just the perfect choice. Inflatable kayaks make an excellent option for pet owners as they're much more portable than rigid alternatives, plus most feature built-in life jackets to protect your pup while swimming or being on walks. To get their pup used to wearing it, start having them wear it during meals, walks and swimming - gradually increase the stimulus once they become used to it! When purchasing a kayak, make sure that its weight capacity will accommodate both yourself and your dog. Furthermore, remember to factor in any extra gear such as coolers or leashes into this equation before embarking on longer excursions with it. Finally, test the kayak both ways prior to beginning its voyage.

[elliana01]

Eva Ados Shares Great Investments Don't Wait for Ideal Conditions

In the world of finance and investments, Eva Ados is a name that resonates with wisdom and insight. As a seasoned private equity investor, Eva Ados has navigated the complex terrain of financial markets and emerged as a beacon of knowledge for those seeking to make sound investment decisions. One of the key lessons Eva Ados imparts is that great investments don't wait for ideal conditions.

1. Time in the Market Trumps Timing the Market: Eva Ados understands that attempting to time the market perfectly is a nearly impossible feat. Market fluctuations are influenced by a multitude of factors, making it challenging to predict the ideal moment to invest. Instead, Eva Ados advocates for the benefits of time in the market, allowing investments to grow and compound over time.

2. The Power of Compound Returns: Eva Ados is a firm believer in the power of compound returns. By putting capital to work sooner rather than later, investors can take advantage of compounding, where their returns generate further returns. This exponential growth can significantly impact long-term wealth accumulation.

3. Risk Mitigation through Diversification: Eva Ados also underscores the importance of diversification as a risk management strategy. Waiting for ideal conditions can lead to a concentration of investments in one asset class or sector, increasing vulnerability to market fluctuations. Diversifying across a range of assets helps spread risk and can lead to more consistent returns.

4. Investment Education and Informed Decisions: Eva Ados encourages aspiring investors to focus on education and informed decision-making. Instead of waiting, individuals can use the time to learn about different investment opportunities and develop a well-thought-out investment strategy that aligns with their goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion

In the world of private equity investing, Eva Ados's perspective stands as a valuable lesson for both novice and experienced investors. Eva Ados's message is clear: the pursuit of ideal conditions can be a futile endeavor. Great investments are not about perfect timing but about taking informed and strategic steps today. By embracing the philosophy that "time in the market" is more valuable than trying to "time the market," individuals can unlock the potential for financial growth and embark on a journey toward long-term wealth creation. Eva Ados's wisdom reminds us that sometimes, the best time to invest is now.

[figureskatingfanblog]

Today was the final day of competition at the Coupe de Printemps.

Dias Jirenbayev of Kazakhstan won the Senior Men's event, while Eva-Lotte Kiibus of Estonia won the Senior Women's.

Novice events also took place.

[nuuukoooxxxx]

The Top 10 Best fishing poles You Can Buy In 2019

From its practical applications to its potential future developments, it is a field that is worth exploring in greater detail best fishing poles.

Fishing Poles can be one of the most important investments you make when it comes to your angling adventures. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, the right fishing pole can make all the difference in the success of your fishing trips. With so many models and brands available on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is the best. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best fishing poles you can buy in 2019.

1. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod combines the legendary toughness of Ugly Stik with the added sensitivity of graphite. This model is perfect for anglers who want a lightweight, yet strong and reliable fishing pole. It features a clear tip design that provides extra strength and sensitivity, and a cork and EVA handle that provides comfortable, all-day casting.

2. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod

The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod is built with a strong and light 24-ton carbon fiber blank construction. This model is designed with a one-piece solid glass tip, which provides a superior sensitivity and strength. The rod also features a stainless steel hooded reel seat, which provides a secure reel attachment. This fishing pole is offered in a variety of sizes, making it perfect for any angler.

3. St. Croix Mojo Inshore Fishing Rod

The St. Croix Mojo Inshore Fishing Rod is designed with a premium quality SCII graphite material. This model is perfect for anglers who are looking for an extra-sensitive fishing pole. The rod also features stainless steel guides with new black frames, as well as a comfortable cork handle. This model is an excellent choice for any angler who wants a reliable and sensitive rod.

4. Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod

The Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod is designed with a durable graphite composite blank construction. This model is perfect for anglers who are looking for a lightweight, yet strong fishing pole. The rod also features stainless steel hooded reel seats, which provide a secure reel attachment. This model is perfect for any angler who is looking for an affordable, yet reliable rod.

5. St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rods

The St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rods are designed with a combination of high-modulus SCIII graphite and FRS (Fortified Resin System). This model is perfect for anglers who are looking for a lightweight, yet strong and sensitive fishing pole.