#I am not good at making schedules or managing my time efficiently

[aflippedflop]

It's been a while. Huh?

[ninadove]

Nina reads Dracula 🦇

September 20th

I opened today’s entry thinking I knew what to expect, but apparently I did not:

Report from Patrick Hennessey, M. D., M. R. C. S. L. K. Q. C. P. I., etc., etc., to John Seward, M. D.

A bit of humour in the darkest of nights. And what a power move! I love that even minor characters are given such vivid personalities!

With regard to patient, Renfield, there is more to say. He has had another outbreak, which might have had a dreadful ending, but which, as it fortunately happened, was unattended with any unhappy results.

This is what I mean! Look how this man writes. Completely redundant. He has a unique “voice” and I love it!

I went down to see if I could make out any cause for his anger, since he is usually such a well-behaved man, and except his violent fits nothing of the kind had ever occurred.

I’m starting to think every staff member has a death wish.

It was, I am sorry to say, however, only another instance of his cunning, for within half an hour I heard of him again. This time he had broken out through the window of his room, and was running down the avenue. I called to the attendants to follow me, and ran after him, for I feared he was intent on some mischief.

YA THINK?????

Also, what was I saying about safety protocols the other day?

The other fellow jumped down and struck him over the head with the butt-end of his heavy whip. It was a terrible blow; but he did not seem to mind it, but seized him also, and struggled with the three of us, pulling us to and fro as if we were kittens. You know I am no light weight, and the others were both burly men.

IT’S WORKING!!!!! The DYI vampirism is working!!! Mark me down as scared and strangely proud.

The two carriers were at first loud in their threats of actions for damages, and promised to rain all the penalties of the law on us. Their threats were, however, mingled with some sort of indirect apology for the defeat of the two of them by a feeble madman. They said that if it had not been for the way their strength had been spent in carrying and raising the heavy boxes to the cart they would have made short work of him. They gave as another reason for their defeat the extraordinary state of drouth to which they had been reduced by the dusty nature of their occupation and the reprehensible distance from the scene of their labours of any place of public entertainment. I quite understood their drift, and after a stiff glass of grog, or rather more of the same, and with each a sovereign in hand, they made light of the attack, and swore that they would encounter a worse madman any day for the pleasure of meeting so 'bloomin' good a bloke' as your correspondent. I took their names and addresses, in case they might be needed.

Efficient crisis management. Have a sticker 🦇

Now onto the regularly scheduled horrors…

Only resolution and habit can let me make an entry to-night. I am too miserable, too low-spirited, too sick of the world and all in it, including life itself, that I would not care if I heard this moment the flapping of the wings of the angel of death.

About that —

And he has been flapping those grim wings to some purpose of late—Lucy's mother and Arthur's father, and now.... Let me get on with my work.

Oh so it’s official! Arthur’s father has passed! What a month!

Van Helsing was very kind to him. "Come, my child," he said; "come with me. You are sick and weak, and have had much sorrow and much mental pain, as well as that tax on your strength that we know of. You must not be alone; for to be alone is to be full of fears and alarms. Come to the drawing-room, where there is a big fire, and there are two sofas. You shall lie on one, and I on the other, and our sympathy will be comfort to each other, even though we do not speak, and even if we sleep."

That is very sweet.

There was a full moonlight, and I could see that the noise was made by a great bat, which wheeled round—doubtless attracted by the light, although so dim—and every now and again struck the window with its wings.

Hold on hold on hold on. I think Jack might be on to something here.

So far, we’ve seen Dracula target Jonathan and Lucy specifically and relentlessly. Yes, he also attacked the crew of the Demeter, but that was out of necessity (being stuck in the middle of the ocean with no other source of food) rather than choice; and he doesn’t want to feed on Renfield, who is older and “feeble” both physically and mentally.

So he is attracted to the light, metaphorically: to young people who are full of life and love. Because that’s what he lacks. Argh.

It was certainly odd that whenever she got into that lethargic state, with the stertorous breathing, she put the flowers from her; but that when she waked she clutched them close.

🥺😔

"She is dying. It will not be long now. It will be much difference, mark me, whether she dies conscious or in her sleep. Wake that poor boy, and let him come and see the last; he trusts us, and we have promised him." […]

When we came into Lucy's room I could see that Van Helsing had, with his usual forethought, been putting matters straight and making everything look as pleasing as possible. He had even brushed Lucy's hair, so that it lay on the pillow in its usual sunny ripples. When we came into the room she opened her eyes, and seeing him, whispered softly:—

"Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come!" He was stooping to kiss her, when Van Helsing motioned him back. "No," he whispered, "not yet! Hold her hand; it will comfort her more."

Say what you want about Van Helsing (SISTER), he’s showing incredible amounts of compassion in this chapter.

In a sort of sleep-waking, vague, unconscious way she opened her eyes, which were now dull and hard at once, and said in a soft, voluptuous voice, such as I had never heard from her lips:—

"Arthur! Oh, my love, I am so glad you have come! Kiss me!" Arthur bent eagerly over to kiss her; but at that instant Van Helsing, who, like me, had been startled by her voice, swooped upon him, and catching him by the neck with both hands, dragged him back with a fury of strength which I never thought he could have possessed, and actually hurled him almost across the room.

"Not for your life!" he said; "not for your living soul and hers!" And he stood between them like a lion at bay.

The next few entries are going to be fun.

Their eyes met instead of their lips; and so they parted.

Ouch.

"Ah, well, poor girl, there is peace for her at last. It is the end!"

He turned to me, and said with grave solemnity:—

"Not so; alas! not so. It is only the beginning!"

When I asked him what he meant, he only shook his head and answered:—

"We can do nothing as yet. Wait and see."

A heads up would be nice!!!

< Prev 🦇 Next >

[paintingwhiteceilings]

Can you do Male Reader X EXO?

So, its basically when either Male reader or an EXO member is struggling with his homework.

❃EXO and helping with your school/uni work ❃

A/N: Heyyy, I am so sorry this took as long as it did. I had to take some time off of posting on Tumblr as I am about to start my graduation process for my RMA. In a way, it was super cathartic to write this prompt so it became a bit of a mix between school and uni work, I hope you don't mind :')

Regarding male x-readers: I try to keep my prompt as gender-neutral as possible, mostly so anyone can insert themselves regardless of whether they identify as male, female, non-binary, etc. However, I am totally open to doing any LGBTQIA+-specific prompts, so feel free to do so!

Xiumin/Minseok:

✾ Considering this man is rumoured to have a PhD (although not specified in what), you would think that he would be an amazing person to have around when you are struggling through your homework/coursework. However, being smart doesn’t always equate to being able to offer understandable explanations.

✾ His brain skips so many steps when he is tackling a problem or working on an essay. He knows why something is right or wrong, but he can’t really explain how he got to his answers. It comes so naturally to him that he struggles to dissect his thought processes and convey them to someone else.

✾ Ultimately, he will convince you to email your teacher/professor; they can explain it much better than he can, anyway. After having corresponded so often with professors during his own studies, he is more than capable of helping you with formulating your email in such a way that they would agree to help you out.

✾ Still, after having studied as much as he has, he understands the struggle of keeping up with homework/coursework. Considering he got his degrees whilst being an idol, he is incredible at planning his work efficiently. Thus, he instead offers to help you with creating a schedule, giving you a more healthy work-life balance.

Suho/Junmyeon:

✾ Well, considering that he has an MA in Cultural Management and talked at Stanford (plus it has been proven time and time again that Suho is incredibly intelligent), he is one of the best members to go to if you ever struggle with your homework/coursework. He strikes me as someone who, although they are incredibly smart, can explain his inner thoughts very well.

✾ Give him a whiteboard, and he will shine. Don’t ask me why, but I can totally imagine him being one of those people that is convinced that “you have to visualize things. Write it down to have more space in your head to think.” Does that work? Maybe. Is it annoying to be told time and time again to “just draw it”? Yes.

✾ If he isn’t familiar with the topic/class that you are struggling with, he will take time out of his busy schedule to familiarize himself with it. He will find a couple of sources or a handbook so that he can read up on it.

✾ A part of him enjoys studying and learning together, smiling the entire time as you do so. Despite your own stress on why you can’t seem to work through the problem/assignment, you can’t help but return his quiet enthusiasm.

Baekhyun:

✾ Another member who went to university to get his degree (although I can’t find out whether he has a BA or MA, sources are so incredibly vague) and is probably used to studying whilst being unbelievably busy. Furthermore, Suho has said before that although Baekhyun tends to be the mood maker of EXO on camera, Baekhyun is a deep thinker and has many philosophical conversations with him in private. Therefore, I can imagine him being another member who would be good at conveying his thoughts very well, offering you a coherent explanation.

✾ He would be an expert on making studying fun. Instead of having to cram a bunch of facts or read a long dry article for your next class, he would find a way to gamify it, turning it from a long boring study session into a fun competition. Although he might not be a huge help regarding the content of your class, he would help you to keep your motivation while studying.

✾ At the same time, I can totally see Baekyhun being a massive distraction while studying. You will be trying to solve a problem or work on that lengthy essay, and Baekhyun keeps trying to get you to pay attention to him, as he is too restless to sit still and study. He strikes me as someone who tries to convince you to do it tomorrow instead.

Chen/Jongdae:

✾ He has an MA in Media Advertisement so you can bet that he can sell a story. I am pretty sure Media Advertisement falls under either business or communication studies, so he will probably be not too shabby at statistics either. He will, therefore, not only sell you on why studying this particular subject is fun, but he will also be able to help you actually study the contents of most math-based subjects.

✾ Chen probably is too busy to delve deeply into the subject matter that you are trying to grasp, though. He will try, nonetheless, to work through it with you. He will sit next to you as you try to solve equations, and although he might not have mastered the theory himself, he will try to learn it with you, giving you a fresh set of eyes.

✾ I think rather than being incredible at explaining stuff, he would be an amazing person for emotional support. I can see him prioritize calming you down first and having you take a step back from studying to clear your head. He would make sure that you stay hydrated and fed while studying, preparing a bunch of snacks beforehand that he will hand out as a reward for making it through another chapter.

Chanyeol:

✾ Am I tired of repeating myself and saying “This member is smart because they got their degree”? Yes. Am I insanely impressed with most of EXO going to university whilst balancing their studies with a full-time idol career? Yes, and I will never shut up about it. Anyway, yeah Chanyeol went to university bla bla, making him, not just smart, bla  bla, but also hard-working, bla bla. You know the drill.

✾ Regardless of whether Chanyeol is well-studied in the field you are struggling in, nothing will stop him from becoming an expert. He is reading up on it as if his life depended on it, driven by his strong dislike of being bad at something. It doesn't matter whether you tell him it is okay and that you can always ask a fellow student or your teacher/lecturer; he is having none of it.

✾ At this point, he is more frustrated about not grasping a particular part of the theory than you. Even after you two manage to work through your homework/coursework, he will continue to read up on the topic until he fully understands it.

✾ He might be an overachiever and perfectionist who could’ve very well used the time that he spent on a piece of information he will never ever use again more wisely, but if anyone ever needs to know more about that specific theory, he can tell them everything.

D.O./Kyungsoo:

✾ Listen, I love him with every fibre in my body, and I will continue to do so until I turn to dust, but Kyungsoo has admitted, on several occasions, that he is not a big fan of studying. Sure, he got his degree, just like the others, and got his culinary license, indicating that he is more than capable of retaining a ton of information and working through difficult assignments/problems. But, does he enjoy studying? No, not really; he got it over with and seems glad to be done.

✾ So, when you ask him to help you with your homework/coursework, he will remind you, at least seven times, that he isn’t too good at studying and that there are better people to ask for help instead. He will try his best, albeit reluctantly, reminding you continuously to lower your expectations.

✾ In the end, he will try to help out in a different way, either by supplying you with a ton of study snacks or recounting how he worked through tough assignments back when he was in university, with the hope that maybe it works for you as it did for him. He makes sure that you are as comfortable as you can be, convinced he can’t do much more than that.  

Kai/Jongin:

✾ Listen, don’t get me wrong, I adore Kai. However, I have to say that he is not the brightest when it comes to academia (at least compared to the rest of EXO) or, like, his common sense. Yes, he had his moments of genius in New World, and I am sure that when it comes to memorizing dance and lyrics, he is insanely good. However, give him a math problem, and he will cry.

✾ Kai strikes me as someone who was exhilarated to be done with school, not seeing the point of going to university like the rest of his members. When you ask him to help you out with your home/coursework, something inside of him dies as he knows nothing that will be leaving his mouth will be helpful. He is too sweet to say no and will try his hardest to help you with whatever you are struggling with. Nevertheless, he is even more lost than you upon reading your assignment, confused by all the fancy words the assignment seems to be using.  

✾ Nevertheless, Kai would be an amazing person if you need someone to talk to without necessarily needing any advice/answers, just to get your own ideas out of your head. He knows exactly when to nod and say “hmhm”,  aware that you don’t necessarily want to get his input, only needing him to work through your thoughts and ideas on your own.

✾ Honestly, he gets an A for effort for me. Kai is good vibes only, and he would give you a hug for support.

Sehun:

✾ Another one who is glad he finished school and never has to go back. Again, don’t get me wrong, I love Sehun, but you can’t deny that he isn’t the smartest person in the room. As Suho said during EXO Ladder, “I think, they (the beluga whales) have the same IQ as Sehun” after noting they have an IQ of 60-90.

✾ Where Kai still tries to help out, he flat-out refuses. What do you mean you need his help finishing your work? He is so unapologetic about it too and slightly offended; why did you have to remind him about the horror that is school? He left that behind him and under no circumstances will he ever be dragged back in. He is rich, and he needs no degree.

✾ Such a bad influence on you as he tries to keep you from doing your work. “Well, if you are struggling with your homework you might as well take a break and go to the convenience store with me.” Funnily enough, it actually helps to clear your head. Sometimes the best thing to do is to step away and try again with a clearer mind. Sehun maintains that it was his plan all along; you doubt it.

✾ He will end up asking one of his members to assist you with your homework, calling in a favour with, for instance, Suho. They are all down bad for him, so you end up with the best tutors EXO has to offer.

Masterlist

[ros3ybabe]

Life Update After a Few Days: October 18th, 2023 🎀

I’ve been a little busy with school, work, resting, and starting my workout routine back up, so here’s a little update!

I’m getting a tattoo soon! I know the aesthetic of my blog is pink and girly and coquette and I love everything that comes with the aesthetic and the lifestyle but I have an affinity for gothic style/spooky tattoos, so I’m getting a decent sized spider tattoo on my right thigh and I’m super excited! This is the first big ish sized tattoo besides the two small ones I have, and it’s the first tattoo appointment I’ve ever made so I’m really excited. A little anxious, especially for the shading portion of it, but I’m looking forward to how good it’s going to look when it’s finished and how much more confident it’s going to make me!

I’ve started working out at the gym again! My current schedule is three days of weightlifting (pull day, leg day, push day), and two days of just cardio. It feels so nice both mentally and physically to be taking care of myself like this again. I even bought some new workout shorts and gym clothes and I’m feeling better than ever! I’m focusing on improving my mental health right now and working out is doing wonders for me!

I’m working so much right now, but it’s worth it because I need the money for rent, tattoos, gym stuff, groceries, and whatever other necessities and wants pop up. I’m pulling doubles most Saturdays and it’s a little tiresome and energy draining but I’m managing pretty well. I won’t pull doubles every Saturday tho because that drives me straight into burnout and I’m trying to avoid that.

I hit 31 days on Duolingo and I’m at 28 days on Busuu, super proud of myself for keeping up with those two goals for now! I’m still working through the first two lessons of Genki and I’m still using the Kanji app but my studying has been a little bit more spread out because of my busy schedule. I’m trying to learn how to better balance multiple things without hyperfixating on just one and forgetting about everything else. I’ve noticed I tend to do that and that’s not the most productive thing for me.

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I spent a lot of money on stuff from Amazon (and Ulta) and most of it is here already besides the last couple Amazon items coming in today! I love the workout clothes I bought and the fitness/health tracker planner I bought is really interesting. I also got my language tracking bullet journal stuff in the mail so I am super looking forward to starting that up soon. Again, I noticed I tend to hyperfixate on one thing at a time but right now I’m trying to balance all my interests and things I need to do. My current “balance breakup” is: fitness/nutrition, Japanese language study, school/classes and academic success, work/making money, self care (sleep, skincare, reading, journaling, etc), boyfriend time, appointments, and chores/cleaning/housework. Sounds like a lot but there’s 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week. Not everything has to be done in one day and as long as I manage my time efficiently, then I’ll be successful. I also try to take into account my energy levels, daily tasks, possible “curveballs”, and my current physical and mental/emotional well being. Flexibility is a must in my life but I do like having routines and things to stick to, plan and schedule wise.

I’ve been working on some posts ideas for this blog so it’s not just daily updates and stuff, but actual tips, advice, and my current routines and schedules too, to maybe help motivate and inspire you guys! I have some things in mind currently, so hopefully I can find the time to type them up and post them!

Thank you guys for 850+ followers! I never thought my blog could grow like this and I’m super happy it has! This community has given me such a safe and comforting place where I can just be myself without worry. I appreciate all of you so much!! I hope all of you have amazing days, amazing sleep, amazing skin, amazing grades, and that life is going great for all of you!

that’s pretty much all I have to update you on for now. I will be posting a Daily Check In tonight about how today went as well, to help me get back on track with posting!

til next time, lovelies 🩷🤍

[waffliesinyoface]

the akatsuki, ranked by how good of a retail coworker they would be:

Deidara - 6/10. He is not here to work. He is here to go off on wild tangents, and does not give a shit about things like “a professional environment” or “caring about customers”. Bonus points because I could, with little effort, aim him at the more annoying customers and have him Be Himself at them, ensuring they never return. Loses points because I am very easily stressed out by a lot of customers, and he would not care. There is a line, deidara, please at least be slightly helpful. You can talk about Art all you want just get the next customer before we have to deal with the manager. Occasionally just does not show up to work, which is also. Very Stressful.

Sasori - 3/10. Much like Deidara, he also does not really care about this job. He will show up exactly on time and leave exactly on time, regardless of whether or not the person scheduled for the next shift is here. Loses many points because he does not care for coworker chit chat and he also does not do companionable silence well either. Would likely find my habit of coming into work 5 minutes late all the time very annoying. Customers aren’t even here yet, dude. Please stop glaring at me.

Itachi - 7/10. He will regularly show up and actually do his job efficiently and without complaint. Silence feels much less hostile, but also feels like he’s ignoring you. This is because he is, most likely, ignoring you. Has his own insane method of organizing the supplies that is “clearly the most efficient” (read: its the way he likes it, and he has convinced himself that everyone else is Wrong about the way they like things.) Can be made friendly (well. friendlier.) with the cunning application of a caramel mocha frappuccino with extra whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Kisame - 10/10. He is very large and intimidating, but not in a mean way. The kind of coworker you could shoot the shit with. The only coworker on this list who, should someone else call in, you could reliably get to help cover the shift so it’s not just you behind the counter dear god. Notably, he’s not the only one on the list who would be willing to come in, but he’s the only one who is both willing and you would actively want him to come in. Given his introduction to Itachi being “I Hope You Like Shark Facts,” I feel like he would enjoy me spouting off random tangents I remember from college classes. I also feel like he would be willing to weaponize his intimidation skills on Problem Customers. Not like, customers who are just irritating, but specifically the kind of customer who follows girls to their cars after closing shift.

Pein - (Specifically, only Yahiko’s body. We do not need 5 more of him.) 5/10. Has political beliefs and is willing to share them. These political beliefs may or may not lean uncomfortably close to domestic terrorism at times. Very competent when at work and is possibly a department manager. Occasionally cannot be reached at all, and does not give excuses the next day. Whereas Deidara is simply playing hooky because he does not care, maybe you don’t want to know what Pein was doing yesterday. Plausible Deniability, and all that. You have absolutely no idea what his and Konan’s relationship actually is.

Konan - 4/10. She’s like Pein but her range of facial expressions does not begin and end with “Stoic glowering”. Is usually the first person in, and is in charge of ordering supplies and The Schedule. Somehow has perfect make up and hair despite showing up at 6am in the goddamn morning. Is willing to give you the day off if you inform her ahead of time. Unexplained absences will involve her having A Talk with you. You will not enjoy this. Not an actual manager with the power to fire you, but she has Expectations for things and you will do your very best to meet them, is that clear. If you Succeed in Performing to her and Pein’s Expectations™, she might ask you to do “small, non-work related favors” for her. Saying no very quickly stops becoming an option.

Tobi - 1/10. Points for occasionally being entertaining. Loses... so many points because working with him is an actual nightmare. You thought Deidara not actually working was bad, Tobi manages to invent new problems that you have to solve. He will “accidentally” start a fire if left unsupervised. Has somehow not been fired, despite everything. Displeasing Konan runs the risk of having to work the same shift as him. Tobi is willing and able to cover shifts whenever the need might arise. Even when you didn’t call him to ask. Usually, it’s because someone else (*cough* Deidara *cough*) decided to helpfully ask him to cover their shift for you. Tobi is helping! Tobi is not, by any stretch of the imagination, helping.

Hidan - 0/10. Pein and Konan may be slightly scary and probably secretly doing shady things together outside of work, and Tobi might be extremely annoying to work with, but Hidan has absolutely killed someone before. Possibly multiple people. Working alone with him is extremely uncomfortable, because he will talk at you at length. Disagreeing with him runs the risk of him getting shouty and possibly violent with you. Agreeing with him runs the risk of him deciding that he should talk to you more often. Neither of these is a good thing. Will steal your nametag and be ruder than usual to customers while wearing it.

Kakuzu - 4/10. Unpleasant to be around. Large and intimidating but absolutely in a mean way. He does not care if you slack off at work, provided it does not mean more work for him. Does not give a single shit about this job other than it being a paycheck. Will come in to help cover if someone else calls in, but only if you pay for his gas money. And lunch. And the minutes on his phone spent during this phone call. And also $20 just on principle. Will do a perfectly fine job otherwise. Actively checks job postings and possibly his stock portfolio while at work. Is willing to be a buffer against Hidan - not because you feel uncomfortable (unless you’re paying him to be a buffer), but because Hidan is annoying him.

Zetsu - 5/10. He’s... polite? Not very interesting to talk to, but not really uncomfortable to be around. Once gave you what you suspect was a slightly-weed laced brownie. Several months after you’ve left this horrible job, you see him on a news report, having been convicted of several murders. You are extremely glad that you no longer work there.

[hxpel3s5-slxxt]

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧

.

TW: Gang violence

A/n: Not all characters will be dated/developing relationships in the first book/season. You may have to wait until the second book/season if you are waiting for a specific character.

X Table Of Contents

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟸: "𝚂𝚒𝚌𝚔"

《𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚟 》𝙽𝚎𝚡𝚝

"Boss," My secretary looks up at me with a confused look plastered on her face. "I thought you were sick."

Oh right. I chew my lip.

I offer her my best smile. "I ate some soup! I'm all good now!"

She raises a judgmental eyebrow.

A harsh bump on my shoulder makes me look behind me, resulting in me coming face-to-face with my friend, Emma. She examines me from head to toe, her nose scrunched up. She turns to my secretary. "Hina, why is there a liar in my face?" She questions.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out!"

Emma rolls her eyes and hands me a stack of paper. "I'm glad you enjoyed your 24-hour vacation because you have work to do." Soon, my right hand is overflowing with papers covered in letters and numbers. My face resembles that of confusion and an ever-so-sassy Emma scoffs at my dismay, rolling her eyes. "The CEO's wife cheated on him; he filed for divorce. Ever since then, it's like he's been taking his anger out on us." She jots her lip out to form a pout.

"I... thought it was the other way around? Didn't his wife...?" Hinata trails off and looks at Emma incredulously.

I roll my eyes at their loose lips and make my way to the elevator. I press the button to go to the 11th floor and look over the stack of paperwork Emma handed me. My role as a junior operations analyst is to assess the business policies and procedures of an organization. To make sure the business is running as efficiently as possible, I pinpoint areas that require improvement and assist in creating new plans.

It's my responsibility to carry out research, investigate workflows, and make sure the company complies with legal requirements. I collaborate with each department to schedule meetings with managers and carry out internal audits to gauge their workflows. In order to provide insights into corporate operations, I am a key player in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. I support management and senior analysts in spotting patterns, summarizing research, and coming to wise judgments.

I'm pulled out of my calculations by the sound of the elevator alerting me to my stop. I head into the hallway to find my nameplate with the numbers 1105 etched underneath it, just beside my door.

I push my door open and carelessly plop the papers onto my desk. Slumping into my office chair, I swing about, already fatigued.

The phone rings on my desk, and I immediately sit up straight and act professionally. I pick up the phone and hear Hina's chirpy voice ringing through. "Ma'am, you are to pick up line 2. There is a gentleman who says he would like to speak with you."

"Will do! Thank you, Hinata." I hang up the phone, this time pressing 'pickup' followed by the numbers 02.

I introduce myself and my role to the guest then ask how I can be of assistance.

"I know who you are, sweetheart; I need a favor." I recoil at the sound of Hanma's voice, pulling away from my phone. "Hanma?!" I inquire.

"How do you know where I work? Why didn't you just text me? Don't call me at my workplace because you're bored." I chastise.

"Wow, this is some customer service. 1. I have my ways; 2. your phone is off, and even if you did answer, you would still nag me for texting you at work; and 3. while I am bored, I need something."

I upturn my lip at his quips. "What is it?"

"I need you to deliver something to someone once you're done at work."

"That sentence contained no nouns at all. I'm having trouble getting a name, knowing where I'm going, or what I'm dropping off. Already a red flag." I deadpan.

"There's my businesswoman." He chuckles. "But no, sweetheart, you can trust me."

I sigh.

"You owe me."

His laugh reverberates over the phone. "Of course, doll."

As I exit the building, my phone is illuminated by the orange hue of the setting sun. Scrolling down my contacts, I dial Hanma's number and wait for him to pick up.

"Hello?"

"So where am I supposed to be going? Do I walk down the street, or?" I briefly look around for any signs of Hanma.

"A friend of mine is coming to pick you up. Stay where you are." Caught off guard by his sudden serious tone, I hang up and do as I am told.

In less than five minutes, a black Toyota Camry pulls to a stop in front of me. With a text from Hanma telling me what the car looks like, I know that this is the friend he mentioned. Opening the passenger door, I realize there are two men in the car. The driver, brownskinned with black and yellow hair, pushes his glasses up his nose. The passenger, purple haired sporting a jellyfish-like haircut, looks at me as if I just spat on him.

"Can I help you? You're riding in the back." He jots his thumb towards the backseat, gazing down his nose at me as if he is already annoyed by my presence.

"Damn, excuse you." I mumble, slamming the door and sliding into the backseat instead.

I cross my arms and fight the urge to complain to Hanma about his friends' less than welcoming behavior. Sighing heavily, I rest my head against the window as we turn down countless streets. I try my best to remember where we're going just in case things go left.

It isn't long before the car comes to a stop outside an abandoned warehouse. Graffiti and dirt cover what's left of the establishment. I look towards the men.

"Are y'all sure this where we supposed to be?" I gazed out the window with concern.

I get no response as the man in the passenger seat gets out the car. I look to the driver instead. He looks at me, yet gives no response. Irritated, I step out the car, broken glass crunching beneath my feet. I go to the trunk where the purple haired man is located.

He gives me something that is sealed with red string and wrapped in a brown paper bag. I examine the square-shaped object in an attempt to determine what it is.

"Let's go." The man slams the trunk and strides over to the warehouse.

Shortly after the man knocks on the enormous doors, they swing open. A man in a suit flanked by what I could only guess to be bodyguards stood in the center of the room.

The man was overweight, short, and leaned on a cane. The man grins at us, and I'm not sure which sparkled more, the big gold ring on his hand that he extended toward us or the single gold grill on his teeth.

"Haitani! Good ta see ya!" The man bellows.

Though he tried to hide it, the man named Haitani grimaced.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Kosung." One of Kosung's men stalks towards us, and Haitani takes the package out of my hand, giving it to the man.

"Who's the doll?" Kosung motions towards me with the package. "The King's recruiting newbies?" He slightly opens the package, peering through the small hole.

Haitani scoffs. "I sure hope not."

Haitani clears his throat, then all eyes are on him. "I have some toys in the trunk." Haitani uses his head to motion towards the car.

Kosung hands the package to one of his men. "The King sure does act fast, huh? Let's see what you've got."

Haitani grabs my upper arm and drags me out the warehouse. Once the heavy doors close behind us, he spins me around so that I'm facing a small shed hidden far behind the warehouse.

"See that shed over there?" Haitani points, "Go in there and grab anything with the word Bonten on it." He pats my shoulder and starts to walk to the car.

I turn and grab the sleeve of his tux. "So you wanna be rude from jump, then have the nerve to ask me to do something for you? Have you lost your goddamn mind?!" I push his arm.

"Have you lost yours? If you're gonna be sensitive over every little thing, you shouldn't have offered to help in the first place." He glares at me. "Hanma needs to keep his bitches on a leash." He mumbled and continued to walk to the car.

It took everything in me not to grab him by his ugly ass hair and slap the shit out of him. Regardless, I turn and walk to the shed, only to be met with a rusty padlock. I look around for something to break- much less, open- the lock. Hidden in the tall grass, I find a hammer and ready myself. With three good swings, the lock breaks off. With the door dragging on the ground, it takes most of my strength to open it, though just enough for me to squeeze through.

Once inside, I discover a dusty storage area with documents strewn about. Not sure where to look first, I maneuver over to the office desk in the middle of the room. While looking through papers, a particular document catches my eye. The name of the company I'm working for, Gynja Investments, and Bonten are supposed to be completing a deal today.

Organizing the documents on the desk: a stack for Gynja Investments, a stack for Bonten, and a stack for the plans they have created and intend to create together. I fold up the stacks that have to with the company I'm working under, and stuff them into my shoes. I grab Bonten's papers and stuff them into the waistband of my skirt.

Suddenly, my body is thrown forward, and my chest meets the desk. Instantly, what I can only assume is a zip tie, binds my wrists together. As I attempt to scream for help, my assailant gags my mouth with a cloth, tying it.

They yank me up by the zip tie, causing the plastic to dig into my wrists. I scream in pain as I am pushed out of the shed. I scream and kick, but my attempts to make a sound are met with silence and my kicks miss their target. Soon, we come to the back door of the warehouse, only for the doors to be flung open by my assailant, and me to meet the disgusting floor. Looking up, my eyes meet Haitani's- disappointed? disgusted?- expression.

No, it was more like he was bothered with the fact that I got caught and he now has to save me. But by the looks of it, I'm not even sure if he wants to do that. Kosung looks back at me and smiles.

"Haitani! I thought you said it was a pleasure doing business with me?" He turns back to the man in question.

Haitani picks at his ear. "That's the thing, Kosung. The boss thought so too. So while you're worried about my rat, shouldn't you be worried about why one of yours has supposedly been taking millions from Bonten?"

Haitani takes out his phone, seemingly uninterested in what Kosung has to say next.

Kosung's face grows red as he grits his teeth with anger. "Me? Skim Manjiro? Don't make me laugh, bastard! What business do I have skimming a gang that's going to fall within days?!-" The man's sentence is cut off with a blood curdling scream and the sound of a gunshot ringing through the air. Blood splatters from the man's knee as he falls to the ground.

I look back to see a man with a pink mullet and scars adorning each side of his mouth, pointing a smoking gun at Kosung. "Watch your tongue, pig."

I can hardly understand what's going on as shots ring through the air. Trying my best to get to safety, I crawl behind a crate. Screams and gunfire are all that can be heard throughout the warehouse. Just then, a large man gets thrown at the crate in front of me, breaking it and knocking me out in the process.

[moderntradwife]

Sober Mindset 

Sober - to do one’s duty, be moderate, self controlled, thoughtful, and to learn to make wise decisions and judgements 

As wives, we should be sober at all times for our husband, children, and family’s. Through sobriety, we need to consider our husband’s needs, time schedule, and resources. While my Husband has the final say in majority of our marriage, I need to maintain and manage a loving home. 

When I realized I wasn't a good wife to my Husband, I put my foot down and got to work. I made it my mission to to be the best wife and manager of the home. My biggest responsibility is to run our home smoothly and efficiently. I am currently achieving this goal by planning at least 2 weeks ahead. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cleaning 

Dates 

Visiting Friends and Family

Etc…

Obviously, we have a calendar that has all of our events coming up and there is always a notebook opened when there is something in need. I keep tract of how much we have on each product in the house, like toothpaste, body soap, milk… you get the idea. I even have a few meals prepped in the freezer for days that I am too busy too cook or if I am sick. Honestly there is no reason why my Husband shouldn’t come home to meal after a long day of work. It is my job to be the best at serving my Husband and to create an oasis for him. 

Now when my Husband comes home from work, there is a plate of food ready for him. He always kisses me first and ask how my day was. I try my hardest not to complain or give him tasks while he is eating. After a long day, I don’t think he wants to hear complaints or nagging. From there, we spend a while talking about our day and watch a little bit of tv before he is off to take a shower and get ready for bed. During this time, I am preparing his lunch that is sometimes leftovers from dinner or a simple sandwich with fruit, crackers, and a sweet treat. 

There is million ways to have our evening turn sour, but through soberness, I have minimized arguments and tensions between us. We can focus on having a loving marriage without the petty disagreements that most couples have. 

The biggest take away to get from this (I believe) is to not immediately complain to your husbands once he is home. You don’t know how your husband’s day was and you shouldn’t assume. 

[melissamasakari]

Confessions you didn`t notice

Chapter eleven. Martial arts

“Kid, are you ignoring social calls again?” Sam asked reproachfully as she leaned on my fence.

“Has it already started? I signed up yesterday.”

“Almost, and your match is scheduled after lunch. But Arlo was real upset that you didn’t even come to cheer for him. His fight is coming soon; shall we go?”

“Well, since the boss wants to see me, let's run. Wait, how do I look like?”

“Good enough to crush just everyone. But I won’t give in to you, don’t get your hopes up.”

I climbed over the fence to her side and we quickly ran across the field. Oh, here are the standings. Wow, looks like I'm going to have a tough fight today. Sam and I pushed our way closer to the arena.

Qualifiers. First round. Arlo vs Russo. What a competition! Right away, two of the most powerful fighters in the city opened the festival. I watched in fascination as they thrashed, threw each other around and on the mats. Alas, as expected, the butler won the first match. My redhead (Bro? I wish he isn’t!) had only recently recovered from an injury, and he is still nursing his hand, so this is why he has a clink in his armor. For such an experienced fighter as Russo, noticing that was not a problem.

Break.

“Come on, Arlo! Beat him!”I shouted, finally making my way to the first row. Why not? I’m the smallest one here, I can hardly see behind other people’s backs.

“Oh, you’re here! I didn’t notice you in the crowd earlier,” but he clearly perked up. Arlo smiled at me, stood up and began the second round.

This time it turned out much better. It looked like Russo was already tired. Or the support of friends had such a serious impact. Arlo was very dangerously close to losing a couple of times, but managed to level up and even win, albeit with a minimal advantage in points. The third round ended as a loss to Russo. Everything happened so quickly that I almost missed the ending by simply blinking at the wrong time. I greeted my hero with a standing ovation.

“YAY! And you said there was no chance. I KNEW you could do it. How are you?” Where did Sam go?

“Fine. I should go rest on the stands. Let's go to the shade, this heat is killing me.”

“Well, yes, going home is not an option now. All of us are in qualifiers today. Do need some water?”

“Yep. Did you submit your application at the last minute? I haven't seen your name in standings this morning.”

“Remy said, I now have to. Well, I comply. By the way, am I not entitled to your beautiful uniform now?”

“We don’t have any uniform! But you really should order stripes with medical information.”

“Which ones? I didn't pay attention to it.”

“So here it is. On the shoulder,” he pointed to what I thought was just a decoration on the jacket. So, height, weight, date of birth. Oh. Blood type, AB +. I have to remember it; it might come in handy later.

“Our Corps wears badges. I still have mine if it's needed. So I didn’t take a closer look at those stripes. Do I have to sew this on all of my clothes? Will you help me to review Regulations?”

“What do you mean about having your own badges?”

“And I see you still didn’t read my profile careful enough. Don't go off topic. What should I do with these patches?”

“Evening gowns don’t qualify, if that’s what you’re asking. Just add it on your outerwear in a visible place. How much patches should I order for you?”

“Based on the number of jackets I guess it should be four. That’s all I’ve got except my copycat one, I just won’t ruin it. For that one I’ll just put a patch in my pocket. Will it work?”

“Then go see Phyllis and sign the permission. I'll arrange everything. Let's go, Remy is going to have his match soon.”

The fight between Remy and Paulie did not bring any surprises. Even though they are nearly even, the furniture maker was efficiently dispatched two rounds in a row. Flawless victory.

“Well done! So, it turns out that tomorrow we will spar, won’t we”

“That's right, Captain. I try to keep up.” Remy smiled cheerfully and punched Arlo at his open palm.

“Well, kid, you're next. Are you ready?” Sam appeared from somewhere and hugged me from behind by my shoulders.

“Yes. Would you hold my bag for a moment?”

Putting on a calm expression, I slowly walked into the arena. My opponent today is Django. Well, that will hurt. If not physically, then emotionally, for sure. I also knew that he's as bouncy as desert hopper. Looking at me, he somehow immediately shrivelled, but got ready for battle regardless. Seems that I greatly offended him with my refusal.

Signal to start fight sounded.

Breathe deeper!

It was strike, turn, retreat. Step, kick, rebound. Almost like a dance. Another blow, left, right, bend down, strike from bottom to top. I was going well. Distracted by Arlo, who was looking very carefully, I missed a very sensitive blow which Django landed on my belly with a knee. Ouch, that hurts! The stands became agitated. I resisted and didn’t fall down. My opponent was speeding up. Great. I crawled under him, rolled over and kicked him in the back of the leg. Django lost his balance and fell onto the mats. The first round was mine.

Break.

Oh, here came pacifists, what a dubious honor. It's surprising that SHE wasn't here during the first battle. But now she has cheerfully joined the Civil Corps team. What are they whispering about? And why do I so want to show her an obscene gesture? Jealous, or what? What nonsense, they're not dating so I have no need to be jealous.

“Melissa! You can do it!” My redhead shouted and waved his hand at me, smiling encouragingly. Take that, Nora.

I flexed my fists, stretched and stood up. It was time to settle this matter. Django quickly rushed to attack. I missed a couple of blows but broke through his defense on the right. Did he guess who I had in mind when I returned his heart knot? Well, by now, everyone probably had already guessed it, except for Arlo himself. But that doesn't matter right now. Ouch, it hurts so much. He got me again. I should try to go around it on the left. Jump, turn, hit. Wow! I didn’t even know I can do THAT! Django received a powerful kick to the jaw, took a few hesitant steps back and sank down. Didn't I break him any bones?

“Are you alive? Are your teeth intact? Should I call the doctor?”

“It's okay, my princess!” He stroked the bruised area and slowly stood up. “Victory is rightfully yours. Losing to you is a great honor.”

Yell louder, I'm not your princess! I'll kick you for this! Oh, yes, I already did it. Well, okay, I won.

Next is Sam so I need to take my bag from her. While I was going down to my friends, Nora got lost somewhere. Scared? It’s better for me, I don’t really want to stand next to her. My friends met me and immediately hugged me all together. Sam rubbed the top of my head and went to prepare for her fight, after having returned my belongings.

Sam's opponent was Sanwa. I had no doubt at all about her victory, although the hairdresser is very agile for his size. That’s all spectacular. Wow, what a great jump and strike. I wonder if I looked just as cool?

Oh, did she finish with him already?

“Well, little fella, now there’s no escape. Tomorrow at lunch, second round. It will be tough.”

“Do you promise?”

“I guarantee it.”

“In total, it turns out that... The entire Corps team is in the finals? A tournament for our own people?”

“Ha ha, so funny. I didn't expect that.”

“Maybe we can agree on two by two?”

“And we’ll get a scourge of redheads against everyone? No way, kid, we’ve already been through this in the winter.”

“And guys against girls isn’t too fair,” Remy said.

“I would suggest a celebration, but the restaurant seems to be closed today.”

“You knocked him out great. It's like you've been possessed by an imp.”

“Plierimp,” I joked, taking pliers out of my bag and clicking them with a clanking sound.

[blysstastic]

My Five **Realistic** Daily Non-Negotionals

Manifest / Set your intentions and motivations

This isn’t always something I manage to fit into the very beginning of my day, in fact, sometimes this is something I do at the end of my day! For me, this is something that feels calming, almost like meditation; manifesting is something that I can easily squeeze into my busy schedule, it brings me a moment of calm while reminding myself what I’m building toward and the foundation for where I see myself.

2. Drink water & keep yourself hydrated

This is something I always struggle with, however, once I’m feeling the consequences of not doing so I am in absolute agony. Which is why I’m lucky I have friends with set alarms to remind me lol. Just remember: staying hydrated is the key to productivity and efficiency. Without water in your system to keep you going it’s like running on E.

Some tips for staying hydrated

Set👏🏽 alarms👏🏽 always set alarms👏🏽

Politely request from friends or family to remind you from time to time

Fill up a BIGGGG water bottle / jug that’ll last you a few nights (I’m talking like a gallon sized-) and leave a cup on your nightstand. Before you go to sleep drink a cup of water!

Leave reminders on sticky notes where you spend lots of time! Staring at a computer all day? Leave a sticky! Driving and spending lots of time in the car? Leave a sticky!!! Stuck at a desk all day? Leave a sticky on your desk. (I find this very helpful)

3. Feed your soul!

This is something that took me a long time to figure out that I still struggle to internalize but feeding yourself is so important. There is nothing that should stop you from feeding your self. There is no reason good enough to justify not feeding your body. Don’t worry about what you think you must look like to other ppl or what sounds you make while eating; no one is looking, no one cares. The most important thing is that you feed your body until you feel satisfied. If you’re hungry: eat. If you’re not hungry: don’t eat. It’s that simple, I know how hard it can be to internalize that and deprogram that voice in your head telling you that you can’t allow yourself to eat but it really is so, so important to take care of your body so your body can take care of you.

4. Absorb positive energy / content & shed negative energy 🧿

I must admit I’m on social media a lot so I absorb lots of social media content daily. While it’s beneficial to everybody to go offline and touch grass every so often it’s also important to absorb positive content while online. You’ll find once you start blocking out negative energies in your life, especially in your social medias, it will make a huge impact in your mental health and may have influences on your personal / social life as well.

5. Only entertain those who benefit you

Don’t entertain those who do not benefit you. Turning someone away because they no longer serve or benefit you doesn’t make you a bad person and it doesn’t mean you are using them. The word “benefit” doesn’t have to mean financially or socially, it can mean something as simple as making you smile and providing you with positive energies and reinforcements. To “benefit” can simply mean being a comforting shoulder for you to lean on when things are difficult for you. Learn to let go of those who don’t benefit you. Once you do this you will notice your energies start to align.

[mylifeasaserver]

Yet Another Interview

Had you told me a few years ago that I’d be working in a retail job and would pick up a restaurant job on the side I’d have thought you were either straight-up fucking with or mocking me.

Either would be appropriate really, but here we are. 

I show up the traditional 5 minutes early, and am directed to a table.

This place has an all-new management staff, which suits me just fine. The new GM comes out and introduces herself. She tells me she likes to make things as efficient as possible. This pleases me. 

With that in mind, she begins by telling me she pulled my file, and I had been labeled a “difficult” employee. What guarantee does she have that I won’t be difficult now?

I love this question, I really do. It sounds a bit aggressive, but in reality it gives me a chance to explain WHY I was “difficult.” I put that in quotes knowing full good and well that I was frustrating as hell for the previous managers who let bullshit flow freely.

My answer: I was difficult because things that needed addressed weren’t. Example: when I show up at 4PM and the tea expired at 10AM, but was inexplicably left for me to deal with. Now instead of taking care of my customers I’m scrubbing sugar from a tea urn, which is made a bigger problem because I’m the only server on, and it takes roughly 15 minutes to make more sweet tea because it brews slow as shit.

Whether she liked this answer or not remains to be seen. There was a little more boring back-and-forth.

Then she asked about availability. It felt weird telling her that I was available only when the pharmacy didn’t need me.

Fridays, due to massive short-staffing, are apparently mandatory now. We have a dealbreaker. I haven’t had a Friday unscheduled since I started at the new pharmacy. I let her know I’m only looking for 2, maybe 3 days a week. Just whatever my off days are. That might include the odd Friday, but also might not.

I let her know this, because it does no good to say I can work hours I can’t. 

“I’m not sure this will work out” she says, as though I’m desperate for a second job. I just want cash.

“That’s ok. Hey thanks for your time. Maybe it’ll work better in the future.”

And so we parted, and I figured that was the end of it.

Two days later, while not working, I get a phone call. They’re willing to back off their Friday requirement. But they’d like to know my schedule more than 2 weeks in advance. Fair enough. They’re letting me skip orientation.

Now you have to read about restaurant adventures again. Apologies to all 4 of you still reading this. -J

[clangenbriar]

Dawn Colony, Moon 1 - Newleaf

POV ;; Streampaw, Herbalist Apprentice

Streampaw knew the training of a Herbalist and medic was very far off from the training of a warrior. He knew it since before he stepped up to Cicadasplash and asked to train under them last moon at the end of Leafbare. He remembered how nervous he was, yet giddy as the senior tom seemed to beam at him with pride he knew he didn’t deserve, and quickly took them under their wing.

And yet, he wondered if he made the right choice. He was glad he could help Cicadasplash, as they were the lone healer in Dawn Colony for so long, and he did genuinely like learning about all the different plants that grew in the territory. But was just ‘liking’ enough? From his place at the top entrance of the Herb Den, he could see the clan bustle about, finding his littermates among them. Robinpaw was pacing impatiently around their mentor Smalldrift, who was busy eating a squirrel and rolling their eyes as the young dark ginger tom kept pushing to start their training right that moment. Near the warriors den, Primpaw was chuckling along with Brightblaze and Rainpounce, the trio all pretending they couldn’t find Sandkit, who giggled loudly as they hid under fern leaves. Streampaw smiled at all the antics of his brothers, then sighed, he missed training with them. They were always together, ever since they were three kits lost in an empty field before Larkfur found them. And now their schedules didn’t line up as well as they used to. Really, why couldn’t he ever make his mind up on things?

“Oh- mouse whiskers!” groaned a voice, breaking Streampaw’s thoughts. He turned around swiftly, ducking down into the hollow- green eyes immediately fixing on a cluster of fallen dock leaves and his mentor, Cicadasplash, who looked flustered with himself.

“Are you alright?” Streampaw asked, using a paw to shuffle the leaves together so he could pick them up neatly.

“Of course I am,” the dark gray and white ticked tom huffed, “I just wish I wasn’t so clumsy these days. I’m not that old, you know.” He shook his head and gave Streampaw a soft look as they placed the herbs back to their proper place, “Thank you, Stream.”

The smaller white tom felt his fur prickle up bashfully at the pure sincerity of the other, over such a small thing, too. He felt he should tell Cicadasplash about his indecisiveness and insecurity, about wondering if he could ever make a good Herbalist, and opened his mouth to say something, anything-

“Good afternoon, Cicadasplash, Streampaw…”

Mouth half open, then quickly closed, Streampaw looked over as his mother Clovershade entered the den with a limp, one forepaw raised.

“What happened to you paw, Mom?” he asked, leaning in to inspect it, his mentor following suit in a mirrored fashion.

The snow-colored molly smiled, a bit strained from the pain of the sting, yet still amused by the pair, “It’s nothing too serious, just a bee sting on a stroll. I really should have been paying attention to where I stepped.”

“Nonsense, those bees are sly things, they enjoy stinging, I tell you!” Cicadasplash guffawed, giving a nudge to Streampaw and instructing, “Fetch me those blackberry leaves we gathered yesterday, would you?”

Streampaw nodded, going to the farther end of the herb store and plucking the small round leaves. He watched the tom stare at the leaves, then back at him, before saying, “Come, you’ll be taking care of the patient this time, I’ll show you what to do.”

Confusion turned into surprise, Streampaw hadn’t done actual mending yet. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Cicadasplash chuckled, “Here, chew these leaves until their smooth pulp, then apply it her paw.”

Streampaw blinked before beginning to chew the leaves, trying to be as efficient as possible. He didn’t like seeing anyone in pain- no matter how small, much more his beloved adoptive mother. They had a sharp taste, and the scent made him almost sneeze, yet he managed to do the job.

“My, my, look at this, my little Stream a proper Herbalist!” Clovershade cooed as her son applied the poultice to her left forepaw.

“Mo-ther”, Streampaw huffed, embarrassed, scrunching their nose as the taste of blackberry leaves lingered in his mouth. “I’m not a proper Herbalist yet.”

The long-furred she-cat purred, “I’m still very proud.” She flicked her hazel gaze at Cicadasplash, “How did he do?”

“Oh quite alright, just perfect, splendid really,” they nodded, giving the apprentice a cheery smile.

Streampaw smiled back, before quickly asking, “How does your paw feel now, mom?”

“The pains numbed quite a bit, but not all the way. It feels much better than before, and I take I’ll have to be off this paw for the rest of the day, yes?” She was still looking at him, not his mentor and Streampaw faltered for a moment.

“Yes- Yes I think you should. It will soothe your paw.” A desperate look at Cicadasplash, who laughed at his too-serious look.

“He’s right of course, a sign of my superior teachings, yes.”

Both mother and son snorted, the younger rosessted tom rolling his eyes.

Streampaw let a quiet purr out as Clovershade touched the top of his head with her chin, “Thank you, my dear Stream, I feel so much better. I know you’ll be a fine Herbalist.”

Streampaw felt a warm feeling tug at his chest. “How do you know?” He whispered.

“Because you’re kind, and you know how to listen, and I know you have a part of you that wants to prove yourself to everyone.” His mother said gently, then winked at the partially stunned apprentice, whose words escaped him.

With a final hum, Clovershade left, pushing her way up and through the ferns that doored the den. Streampaw watched her go, startling as he felt a tail go over his. He looked up at Cicadasplash, who continued to stare at the entrance before glancing down at them. “I know that you’re not sure about staying as a Herbalist apprentice.”

Streampaw averted their eyes to their paws.

“And that’s okay. You have a kind heart, I know you wanted to become my apprentice because you knew I was struggling to keep up with last Leafbare. If you want to go back to Warrior training now, I won’t be angry. But if you want to stick around more, and learn even more about herbs and healing, I’ll always be happy with that.”

Streampaw sniffled, a wet feeling in their throat as they leaned against their mentor. He thought about it. About going back and training with his littermates. He also thought about the warm feeling after helping his mother, the proud look in Cicadaspash’s eyes, learning the use of plants he’d never thought of before.

“I-I think, I think I’d like to stay. As your apprentice, I mean. I.. I like being it." He shuffled his paws. "Please continue to teach me.”

The old tom purred, “Of course, Streampaw.”

A rustle of fern and foliage, “May I come in?” called a young, nervous voice from above.

“It’s Falcontail!” Streampaw mewed, identifying the slightly raspy voice.

“It quite is Falcontail, yes,” the Herbalist took a step forward, “Yes, come down Falcontail! What ails you today young bird?”

Streampaw heard the voice before seeing the ginger speckled tom stumble down, “I think I’ve eaten the wrong piece of prey.”

Cicadasplash tutted, gesturing to an open nest for the tom-cat to lay in. A quick look at his apprentice sent Streampaw rummaging for chervil.

He knew what to do.

Events Referenced

Streampaw is feeling down

Robinpaw is pestering Smalldrift

Primpaw is having a good day

Rainpounce and Brightblaze are having a conversation

Sandkit is hiding under a bush from Brighblaze, but they can't stop giggling.

Cicadasplash made a mess of the herbs and is panicking

Clovershade has a sorepaw from a bee sting.

Falcontail visits the Herbalist Den.

[joshbouchardblog]

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of my strengths is problem solving. I discovered I am very good at being able to solve a problem or challenge no matter the barriers. whether that be while working or at school or in my everyday life. For example, if I have a lot of homework I am good at making a schedule to make sure everything gets done on time. Or if I'm working and I'm asked to do something that's hard to do, usually I can get it done. I am also good at planning things out to make sure everything I need to do gets done efficiently and well. Another strength of mine is hardworking. I always put 100% effort into anything I have to do.

One of my weaknesses is public speaking. My whole life public speaking and talking in front of people has been one of my weaknesses and I have never liked presentations. Sometimes I have a whole presentation prepared and I forget everything I'm supposed to say when I get up to present. I'm trying to improve this by talking more in class and by being more prepared. Another weakness of mine is Time Management and Procrastination. I usually have a hard time with Time Management by showing up to work and school right on time or a couple minutes before instead of 5-10 minutes before so I can be early. I try to fix that by leaving for school or work a few minutes earlier than usual.

[justinanthonybarone]

Strengths and Weaknesses

I have many different strengths, and also have weaknesses. My weaknesses that I will be going over will help me strive to be a better business owner in the future.

Strengths

-Hard working

-Good social skills

-Strive to be and do better

-Precise

These strengths will help me expand my business and grow it to be successful. I have demonstrated these strengths many different times at my part time job and plan on using these strengths and applying it to my small business that I created. A lot of my job is social skills as I am talking to customers every second of my shift. My hardworking skills also come to good use when I am working and I always try my best at everything I am doing.

Weaknesses

-Working slow so I don’t make any mistakes

-Lazy at times

-Bad multitasker

-Bad time management

These weaknesses are things that I need to work on so my business can be successful. I have found out these weaknesses working at my job that I currently have and trying to change and do better so I am prepared for my future. Some steps I have been doing to improve myself is having better time management and scheduling my days better, and also been working on my laziness and work efficiency. Over this course I will strive to work on these weaknesses and try to become a better business owner so I don’t have to deal with these weaknesses in the future.

Overall, I will try to expand my strengths and weaknesses list so I can become my best self.

[thanatos-drive]

Bad pain night, hoping edibles make it pass.

High rambling.

I remember when I used to work by myself on times where others called off, it became a very common thing for me to run the store by myself, but I wondered what if I could split myself into more me's? Enough to run it efficiently.

At first I thought, I'd get so much done, we would understand what needs to be done and what we can expect from each other. Some clones doing these task, some others. Barring the scenario of how this could be done realisically (am I a Jamie Maddrox kind? am I bending reality?), there would be realistic expectations on how to interact with the world.... customers can't see more me's. There would have to be a front facing one and back facing ones.

I'd assume we would all have the same pool of knowledge but can grow independently, some would need to do research, some would need to work out the kinks of our situation, we can do more, but how, we need to have a schedule, when we can all go out, transport each other.

But then I started thinking more on the division of labor. Who would be doing the awkard things, the gross parts of cleaning? Who would dictate what? Is there a prime me that would cancel the others are or we non dependent (if I die do all the clones die, or do they go on)? We would need project managers, workers, cleaners.

The Project Managers would have to become the project managers, the workers would have to keep being the workers because their skills are becoming specialized.

If some were assigned to do one task would they begin resenting those who don't do others, depending on what they are relegated to do and for how long the clones go on, would some change in appearance? some become stronger, some become deformed (if they are on a desk all day).... if you stick a bunch of introverts in a room, usually one will become the extroverted, woud the environement make them change? Wil those that do the heavy labor become injured? Will there be classess of clones? Would we have fun together?

Would we all have the same biological and social needs? How many of us can be out at the same time? Like wha if one took the bus to a city for a holiday and one hung out locally. Could we collectively feel what one does or would one get jealous of what one did by themselves?

Would the task that we do shape our personalities, would some become better at talking and be more personable? For the overall benefit of the "me" would some need to become the front face permanently? Thining again in Jamie Madrox terms, the clones aren't the same, there are small differences in personalities, some better at some thing than others. Are we different through our nature or our environment?

1 Clone: "Oh I just had such a good day at work". 2 Clone: "Yeah because you were on your ass all day sitting and talking while I did all the hard stuff"

On a long enough timeline they may become extremely different and live different lives.

I feel like we would eventually hate each other, and not work as harmonized because our experiences would set us apart.

Even prior to realizing I wasn't normal I think my self hatred and struggle has always been high, giving it a physical manifestation would only add fuel to the fire.

[omgitsaime]

Sick and tired of being mistreated

Corporate America is a fucking scam. You can slave, and slave, and slave, and it will never be good enough.

And this is not some generic "fuck capitalism" rant, this is coming from someone who was literally screwed out of a job and is more or less being held financially hostage.

I took this retail job with the promise that within six months I would be able to move up to the corporate level and work in something in the field that I got a degree in (communications and marketing).

I have been slaving since march, waking up early, walking and standing for 5-8 hours a day, being told I wasn't doing enough, being told I need to work harder, do better, move faster, more efficiently, and I did! I did so badly! because I wanted nothing more but to finally get a job in something that I studied and am passionate about.

So, come the six month mark, I make an official request to job shadow, and I get told no for "schedule adherence issues." According to them, I was coming in late every single day, which one look at my employee portal will state IS NOT TRUE. In fact, the only time I was "excessively late" was when i first started, but I fixed that right away and had only been late a handful of times since.

But, I couldn't leave yet. I stayed, because I thought maybe I could sway my manager somehow, maybe i could make something work, maybe I could fix it.

Then I found out that unless my manager changed her mind, I was stuck. And anyone who knows my manager knows she won't change her mind. So I kind of gave up. I became more careless, made more mistakes, but I stayed, because I need the money.

Today, the career advisor (who is supposed to help train us to move up in the company) made a surprise visit and had to tell one of my coworkers she wasn't getting the job shadow either.

Now, the thing with my coworker is, not only did she want to move out of the company, but out of all of us, she was the most qualified. She takes the bus and still makes it on time or early, she is a full time employee, she wears multiple hats to the point that our manager told her to DO LESS because she didn't want her (my coworker) to get burnt out, all the customers love her.

She was told today that she wasn't "doing enough" and that she wasn't eligible for the job shadow because she has opened an HR complaint against another coworker who keeps coming to work under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

And then our manager tried to gaslight her on what our career advisor said.

Never, in the history of jobs, has anyone been more qualified for a job, and my coworker still. won't. get. it, because if we aren't under our manager's foot, then she isn't happy, and because our manager isn't happy with her life, then we can't be happy with ours.

That's all it is. No one can be above my manager, no one can be beside my manager, only under, and she won't be happy until we're nothing but braindead slaves who only listen to her, or until we quit, or idk...die?

So, I quit. I maliciously complied until it was time to go home, and now I'm here, feeling like an idiot for even entertaining the idea that a person like her could ever be reasonable, and trying to find out how to print my timesheet to create a formal complaint with HR. Which they probably won't listen to anyways because she's been with the company for 13 years. My coworker isn't as lucky though and is trying to come up with an escape plan as I write this.

This is why people "don't want to work anymore," this is why gen z is so notoriously difficult to work with, because now, we're being gatekept from companies we already work for. It's not like I'm trying to become the CEO of Lockheed Martin with nothing but a high school diploma. I'm trying to become a social media manager for a national retail store that I already am an employee of, and I have the education to back me up.

My coworker has tons of experience in her preferred field of choice, and only took this job for the money, she should be able to thrive in her career, she should be able to leave.

But we're stuck. We're chained to some building that used to be a grocery store, by some manager who has nothing going for her but seniority in retail and a fuckass bob.

I'm sick of this.

I'm sick of being lied to. I'm sick of being treated like an idiot. I'm sick of this life.

Angie Benton go to hell.

[aviola3r3-blog1]

Questions & Answers

Q1: How does the lack of available space in the library impact your ability to focus and complete your academic work efficiently? Answer: Actually, as someone nga galisod pud when it comes to technology needed for our studies. Isa ko sa mga students nga ga go sa e-lib to do my work, so ang impact sa akoa is very lisod, specially if need nimo humanon imong activities then pag abot nimo dadto is puno and daghan ga huwat, so for it is really better to have this kani inyohang initiative which is kanang ma see bitaw daan sa students, makita nila bitaw nga naay vacant kay if ingana bitaw makita nako daan kung naa or wala at least wala ko naka adto dadto para lang e check ky if mo adto dadto tapos wala diay so murag nasayang lang akoang time nga gi anhi ug skwelahan or gi baklay padulong library instead bitaw nga gi adto nako sya sa compshop. Ang isa pa ka problem daana ky if maghulat wala pajud sure nga ikaw sunod ky wala baya silay numbering, so wala ka kabalo kung mag wait nalang baka or ikaw naba sunod. Q2: Can you share a moment where the lack of space in the library affected your ability to complete an important task? How did that make you feel? Answer: Actually frustrated and sad gamay ky I am not only doing academic work sa E-lib, also sa organizational work and then there are times nga walay available laptops sa office didto jud ko ga himo, so naay time nga needed na nako ang mga letters para sa amoang org. then naa pud koy mga requirments needed for my academics. Nag sayo jud ko ato around 9am, pag abot nako dadto ky puno na and daghan students ga hulat and ako ato na time ky gi sapot.

Q3: How would having more control over library space availability impact your peace of mind during study sessions? Answer: Dako and good gyud and impact if ever nga kana naa jud control sa availability ky kato ma manage nako akong time, ma schedule nako kanus a ko mo adtong E-lib o library, and ma set nako nga kani na time mag book ko and then ana nga time ko mag go, so ma fix bitaw tanan nako schedule labi na nga busy pud kyo ko sa amoang org.