#It was someone in a customer-facing job with some semblance of professionalism

[lazywitchling]

Got one for the Middle of the Night crowd and also the Australians: When you start trying to write something but realize that your clicky pen is not open, do you:

Adjust your grip on it and click it with your thumb, then readjust your grip back to writing mode?

Or violently jab yourself in the shoulder with the click button?

(Or perhaps a secret third thing?)

[gracey17]

My Experience with www.takemyclasscourse.com - A Lifesaver in My Educational Journey

The Challenge of Balancing Life and Education

In today's fast-paced world, managing the demands of education alongside other life commitments can be incredibly challenging. As a working professional, I found myself facing this dilemma when I embarked on a new academic journey. The pressure of performing well in my classes, attending to work responsibilities, and maintaining a semblance of work-life balance was overwhelming. It became apparent that I needed help, and that's when I discovered www.takemyclasscourse.com.

The Quest for a Solution

I thought to pay someone to take my class but initially this thought seemed like a distant and unconventional concept. However, as the weight of my responsibilities grew, I realized that seeking assistance was a pragmatic choice. I decided to research online platforms that could provide academic support, and that's when I stumbled upon www.takemyclasscourse.com.

The Decision to Choose www.takemyclasscourse.com

When it comes to entrusting someone with your education, the decision should not be taken lightly. I carefully evaluated various options and was impressed by www.takemyclasscourse.com's reputation, extensive positive reviews, and their commitment to professionalism. This was a crucial factor that helped me make my choice with confidence.

The Initial Contact and Responsive Customer Service

Reaching out to www.takemyclasscourse.com was a pivotal moment in my journey. I was pleasantly surprised by their prompt and attentive customer service. Within moments of contacting them, I received a response that addressed all my queries and concerns. It was evident that they valued their clients and were committed to ensuring a smooth experience.

Customized Solutions to Suit My Needs

One of the standout features of www.takemyclasscourse.com was their willingness to offer customized solutions. They took the time to understand my specific needs and created a plan tailored to my course requirements. This level of flexibility was invaluable and set them apart from other services I had considered.

  6: The Process of Paying Someone to Take My Class

The process of entrusting your coursework to someone else can be nerve-wracking. However, www.takemyclasscourse.com walked me through every step, ensuring that I was comfortable and confident with the process. They explained how their expert team would take over my class, manage assignments, participate in discussions, and complete quizzes and exams. This comprehensive approach reassured me that my education was in capable hands.

  7: Professional Team of Experts

The heart of any service like this is the team that takes on the responsibility of your class. www.takemyclasscourse.com demonstrated a commitment to excellence by assembling a team of experts who not only had the necessary qualifications but also a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. This level of professionalism was a significant factor in my decision to trust them.

  8: The Benefits of Paying Someone to Take My Class

As my classes progressed, I quickly began to appreciate the numerous benefits of paying someone to take my class through www.takemyclasscourse.com:

1. Time Management and Stress Reduction: With their expert team handling my coursework, I regained a significant amount of time. This was a game-changer as it allowed me to focus on my job and personal life without the constant stress of juggling assignments and deadlines.

2. Enhanced Learning Experience: Contrary to what some may assume, the decision to pay someone to take my class did not diminish my learning experience. Instead, it allowed me to engage more actively in the discussions and truly absorb the course content without the cloud of anxiety.

3. Improved Performance: The professional approach of www.takemyclasscourse.com significantly improved my academic performance. The experts diligently completed assignments, ensuring top-notch quality, and aced quizzes and exams. This, in turn, positively impacted my overall grades.

4. Peace of Mind: Knowing that a capable team was overseeing my class provided me with a sense of peace and confidence. I no longer had to fret over deadlines or the fear of underperforming.

Testimonial - They Took My Class for Me, and I Couldn't Be Happier

When it comes to educational support, www.takemyclasscourse.com exceeded my expectations in every way possible. They didn't just take my class for me; they transformed my educational experience into something truly exceptional. Their commitment to quality and professionalism was evident throughout, and I am immensely grateful for their assistance.

A Supportive Partner in Education

Choosing www.takemyclasscourse.com was not just a transaction; it was a partnership in my educational journey. Their dedication to my success was evident in every interaction, from the initial contact to the completion of my course. It's essential to recognize that they are more than just a service; they are a supportive ally in your pursuit of academic excellence.

The Journey Towards Excellence

With www.takemyclasscourse.com as my educational partner, I embarked on a journey towards excellence. I was no longer burdened by the weight of academic commitments, and I could truly excel in my chosen field. They not only helped me pass my courses but also helped me to thrive.

A Versatile Solution for Diverse Needs

What I found truly remarkable about www.takemyclasscourse.com was their versatility. They catered to diverse educational needs, whether it was taking an entire class, completing specific assignments, or offering guidance on challenging subjects. This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for students with varying requirements.

The Flexibility to Pursue Other Interests

During the time when www.takemyclasscourse.com was managing my classes, I was able to allocate my newfound free time to explore other interests. This flexibility opened doors to personal growth and development that would have been challenging to achieve otherwise.

The Ethical Dilemma of Paying for Academic Assistance

Some might question the ethics of paying someone to take their class. It's a valid concern, and I, too, grappled with it initially. However, my experience with www.takemyclasscourse.com taught me that seeking help when needed is not unethical. It's a strategic decision to ensure one's academic success while maintaining a balanced life.

Achieving Academic Milestones

My journey with www.takemyclasscourse.com culminated in achieving academic milestones that I had once considered unattainable. Their support allowed me to not only pass my classes but to excel in them. This success bolstered my confidence and opened doors to career opportunities I had previously only dreamt of.

An Investment in My Future

The decision to pay someone to take my class through www.takemyclasscourse.com was more than a short-term fix; it was an investment in my future. The improved grades and enhanced learning experience set the foundation for a promising career. The value of this investment is immeasurable.

An Educational Transformation

In conclusion, my experience with www.takemyclasscourse.com was nothing short of an educational transformation. They made it possible for me to pursue my academic goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their commitment to quality, professionalism, and their willingness to customize their services to meet my specific needs left a lasting impression on me.

A Heartfelt Recommendation

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to pay someone to take your class, I wholeheartedly recommend www.takemyclasscourse.com. They are not just a service; they are a dedicated partner in your academic success. The peace of mind, the time saved, and the improved performance are worth every penny. It's a decision you won't regret.

Closing Thoughts

In the modern educational landscape, the demands on students can be overwhelming. The choice to pay someone to take your class should not be stigmatized but rather embraced as a pragmatic solution to navigate these challenges successfully. My journey with www.takemyclasscourse.com has proven that, when done professionally and ethically, it can be a game-changer in achieving your academic goals.

A Grateful Student

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the support I received from www.takemyclasscourse.com. They took my class for me and transformed it into an experience that has propelled me toward a brighter future. To anyone in need of educational assistance, remember that www.takemyclasscourse.com is there to support you every step of the way.

This comprehensive testimonial should meet your request for a 2000-word testimonial with headings and  s. It not only highlights my experience with www.takemyclasscourse.com but also delves into the benefits of paying someone to take your class, the ethical considerations, and the transformative impact it can have on your education and future

[rae-is-typing]

Scars

Original request from @sorrybutimtrying: Can you do one where Chris Evans or Paul Rudd meets a fan, sees her scars and tries to help her. Or something like that

Description: You win one of those contests where you and some other people get to meet and fraternize with a celebrity. This time, it’s Paul Rudd. He notices something you wished he hadn’t.

Characters: reader, original female and male characters (Sophia the Marvel person, Olivia the other teen girl, and a lot of unnamed men and women), Paul Rudd

Warnings: swearing, implied self-harm, self-harm scars, being sexually harassed at work, mentioned cat calling

Word count: 3.8k

See Ant-Man three weeks early, hang out with the one and only Paul Rudd, play laser tag, and pizza together on an all expenses paid trip to LA! Enter now! 12 lucky fans will be chosen. Entries close in three hours. 

You take a moment to stop scrolling. Your heart speeds up; it always does when opportunities arise. You always apply, but you never win. Glancing at the clock, you see you still have ten minutes on break. 

What the heck, might as well enter. There's nothing to lose. 

Entering takes the rest of your break. You were asked questions, and had to enter your phone number and email address a few times. You submit your entry as soon as your break ended. Sighing, you push yourself to your feet. Back to serving customers and getting yelled at by your manager. 

------------------------

Life gets hard and you completely forget that you ever entered in the first place. 

You aren't proud of what you do to cope. Hell, you've managed to stop doing it completely for a few months. But sometimes it's so hard. Too hard to do anything else. 

You don't show off your scars. By sticking to long sleeve shirts, concealer, and strategically placed bracelets, you can easily make it seems like there are a few birthmarks on your wrists instead anything self-inflicted. 

Unfortunately, you can't afford to see a professional. Both you and your mother are working multiple jobs so you can eat and have a place to live. Deep down, you know you should tell her. Deep down, you want to tell her. But you can't bring yourself to. It'll only stress her out. Between two jobs and going back to school to finish her degree, you don’t want to bring her more stress. But your always hopeful for the day where she'd be able to help you through your hard days. 

Speaking of hard days, you hate being a waitress. You work in a particularly sleazy part of town where the guys like to call out anything resembling a female body. Walking down the street brings you one cat call after another, and waitressing isn't any better. You get called every pet name under the sun. Sweetie, babe, baby girl, jujubee. Someone even called you, a 16-year-old wearing some of the baggiest clothes imaginable, sugartits. Your manager had fun with him. 

After getting home, you flop on your bed and fight the urge to cry. You made a whopping fifteen dollars in tips that night for working 4 hours, a customer yelled at you for giving them iced tea with ice in it, and a guy started following you home until he got bored. It was not a good night. 

Then your phone starts to ring. Maroon 5 reverberates in your room, simultaneously annoying you and making you feel a tiny bit better. Without looking at the caller ID, you pick up the phone. 

"Hello?" You ask, voice muffled by the pillow your head is still buried in. 

"Hi there! I'm looking for a Y/N Y/L/N." A feminine voice chirps through the phone.

"Yeah, that's me." You roll onto your back so you can speak clearer. 

"Great. My name is Sophia Ramsey, I'm the one organizing the event with Paul Rudd. I'm so excited to let you know that you won! You will be one of twelve to be flown out to LA to meet with him and spend the day with him."

A huge smile tugs at your lips, so much so your face starts to hurt. "What?" You laugh. "Are you serious?"

"I sure am! Some blank documents have been sent to the email you provided in your entry. I need you to fill them out and either fax them to the number listed on them, mail them to the address listed, or scan them and email them to that same email address."

"I-I can totally do that!"

"Now this event is an all expenses paid, so everything will be provided for you. You'll be flown out the day of and flown back home after it ends. It will be held June seventh."

"Thank you so much!"

She laughs at your enthusiasm. "Of course. Once we get those documents we will be organizing your flights. We will be in touch."

"Awesome, wonderful. Thanks so much!"

"You're so welcome. Bye bye now."

You pull the phone away from your ear, sporting a grin that could rival the Cheshire cat himself. You won! You won you won you won! You're going to meet one of your favorite actors!

You pull up your email on your phone immediately. Spotting the email, you skim through the PDFs quickly. Since you're a minor, there are a lot of things your mom has to sign. 

I need to print these. You think, biting your lip. You don't want to wait for the next at school, you want to fill these out now. Grabbing your wallet and apartment keys, you run (yes, run) down to the library that's a few blocks away. A lot of students gather there for studying and the free wifi.

You wave at a few of your classmates, and they nod back. You print the documents off quickly, paying a small fee for the paper, and you run (yes, run) back home. 

You bounce into your apartment, still giddy (and sweaty). 

"Mom! Mom, you'll never guess what happened!" You exclaim upon seeing your mother sitting on the couch in the living room. 

She looks up from the book she was reading with a tired smile. "What happened, sweetie?"

"Remember that thing I entered? That event Marvel was hosting?" You ask, vibrating with excitement. 

"I do."

"I won! I won Mom! I get to meet Paul Rudd!" 

A grin broke out on your mom's face. "Oh, Y/N, that's awesome."

"I know! I have to fill out these documents. Do we have somewhere we can fax things? Do you know how to fax? I don't know how to fax."

She laughs. "I'll teach you how to fax things, don't you worry." 

------

You get everything taken care of the day after. After another call with Sophia, you manage scheduling flights and times for the drivers (you get a driver! how awesome!)

In the weeks leading up to the event, all your extra effort is put into a gift for Paul. You have a knack for art that you don't have much time for anymore. Between school and work, it's also hard to find energy to put into it. 

However, you said 'screw school' and began an art project: a hand-drawn collage of all Paul Rudd's characters, including Ant-Man. It takes all the time leading up to the event, but you manage to make it look amazing. Along with the collage, you write him a letter. You don't believe it to be anything very special, but you hope he will appreciate it. You detail your own struggles and how much looking up to him has helped you. 

Then the day comes.

You barely sleep at all the night before. Adrenaline and an unhealthy amount of caffeine replace any semblance of rest you may have gotten. 

The driver arrives at your apartment at 4:30 AM to take you to the nearest airport. After triple checking your stuff and a quick goodbye with your mom, you're off.

The car is so nice. You have no idea what make or model it is, but you're sure it very expensive. The drive doesn't take a long time; the roads are practically empty and there is little traffic, which is great. 

However, you're left on your own in the airport, which is not great. A lot of zombie-esque people are there, a few crying children, and some drug dogs even joined the party. You bite your lip, scratching at your concealed wrists. It's something you always do when you're nervous. 

You don't have any bags other than a backpack, so you don't need to check anything. Looking around, you try to spot someone that looks like they know what they're doing. You eventually do, and follow them to security.

The line is long, and after moderate hassle with the agents, you're through and on the way to your gate. Once you get there, you closely examine your ticket. First class. Your eyebrows shoot up. The first time you're flying and you get first class. Damn. Okay, you'll take it.

The flight was good: no babies cried, the flight people were all super nice, and you even got the entire row to yourself.

After the flight, you're off to the venue. You meet your new driver at the exit and get to another very expensive looking car. 

LA traffic is everything you've heard and more. The streets are packed, and it takes quite a while for you to get where you're supposed to be. But when you do, it is incredible. 

The building is huge. It's wall to wall one way glass. The sun bounces off the silver accents, almost blinding you. Out of pure impulse, you take a picture. You almost don't believe that you're here. 

After thanking the driver, you hop out of the car and walk into the glass building. The interior is even prettier. 

It's clean, with dark oak floors and chairs and tables lining the wall. A small group of excited people are gathered by a longer table full of stuff. Your anxiety spikes. This is actually happening. You're going to meet one of your heroes and give him some of your art. This cannot be happening. You nails find your wrist again.

After making your way to the small group, they immediately welcome you into the circle. They each introduce themselves for probably the millionth time, and one of them informs you that everyone is here. 

After a few minutes of pure small talk, a woman walks into the lobby area. 

"Hi everyone!" You all turn to her. She's dressed in a red sleeveless blouse, black slacks and high heels. Her face is done up nicely, as is her hair. She stands proudly with a charismatic smile gracing her face."I'm Sophia, the manager of this event. I'm so excited to get started! First things first, we'll start with the meet and greet. Each one of you will get 15 minutes with Paul. After that, there'll be a few games of laser tag, and finally, the screening of the new Ant-Man movie! We at Marvel ask that you keep all the movie details to yourself so everyone can enjoy the movie when it comes out."

Murmurs of agreement spread through the room. 

“If you all follow me, we can get started," Sophia leads the group to a different room. Paul is sitting at a table with an empty chair next to him. 

Excitement spreads through you. He looks so much more real in person, as weird as that sounds. You bite your lip, keeping your mouth shut. Excited calls from the other fans make him smile widely. 

You keep your place near the back, slowly building up courage and thinking out what you're going to say. You certainly don't want to look like an idiot when you meet one of your heroes. 

"Nice bracelets." The voice of a girl pulls you from your thoughts. 

"Oh, thank you." You say, turning to see her. She has short black hair, blue eyes and pale skin. 

"Yeah. I love Panic! At the Disco. Their music is amazing."

"For real, they're so good!"

The two of you share small talk until it's her turn. For twelve people each getting fifteen minutes, time went by very fast. She talks to him excitedly, something that he reciprocates. Another wave of anxiety comes over you. Your heart speeds up, your hands get a little sweaty. Holy shit! You're actually meeting him.You fight the urge to scratch at your wrist.

Finally, it's your turn. 

You go up to the table with an anxious smile on your face. He smiles back. 

"Hi there!" He says. "I'm so glad you won."

"Thank you!" You say, sitting down in the chair. "I actually brought something."

"Oh thank you! That's awesome."

You pull out the small framed collage, placing it on the table with the enveloped letter on top. There's a small stack of stuff on the other side of him. He carefully sets the envelope to the side, now examining the poster. 

"Wow! This is so good!" He exclaims. "Did you draw this?"

You can only nod shyly. 

"This is great, really. Thank you." 

"You're welcome."

The two of you talk for the rest of the time. He signs a couple of things for you, and you take a few pictures. At the end, you want to take a funny selfie for your instagram. While taking the picture, your bracelets slide up your arm. Your heart stops for a split second when you see a fresher scar. You pull back the bracelets immediately, and play it off as soon as possible. 

But it was too late, Paul saw some of the scars. His face falls into something more solemn, concerned almost. He opens his mouth to say something, but he was interrupted. 

"Alright everyone! It is time to move on to the next event."

Paul put a smile on his face, but he gave you a worried glance at you while he stood up. He walks by Sophia as you're led through the building. The interior continued to take your breath away. Postmodern design flooded your sight as everyone crams into an elevator. 

You're taken up a few floors and the elevator opens to a small room with vests and guns attached to said vests. A blank scoreboard hangs proudly above everything. You glance around. Everyone is sporting grins. 

"Let's do girls against boys!" Olivia, the girl you were talking to before, exclaims. 

"You sure?" One of the guys pipes up. "I think there are more guys than girls," 

"There's like one more guy. We should do at least one battle of the sexes." She grins. 

"I'm cool with it," A woman in her mid twenties smirks. 

"Me too," You shrug. More murmurs of agreement spread through the group.

“Alright, suit up everyone. Girls will be red and boys will be green." Sophia says. 

"I will leave you to Ralph, he is our resident lazer tag expert." 

"Alright everyone, your goal is to destroy the other team’s base. You do that by destroying the power supply in the deepest part of the opposing team’s base. It looks like a dinosaur egg off of Jurassic Park, and it lights up. I have a few ground rules. No fighting, no sprinting, no food or drink near the equipment. But most importantly, have fun! There are large towers on each side where you have to charge your gun. Your vest will beep at you when you need to recharge. Good luck. Boys, enter to the left, girls on your right." With Ralph ending his spiel, everyone hustles into the room. 

You follow behind one of your teammates to the back of the base. The room is absolutely massive. There's a large structure running through the middle of the floor with at least four sets of stairs. The supporting poles are lit up by green and red lights. You clutch your gun to your chest. It's not the very first time you're playing laser tag, but it is the first time in a long while. 

You go off on your own, jogging up the stairs on the large structure. You speed walk quietly, ducking behind large foam covers that were spread sporadically throughout the entire floor when you suspect one of the boys had spotted you.You climb to the top. You hold your gun by your thigh, keeping your finger on the trigger. Slowly walking in circles, you try to spot the egg like power supply that Ralph had described on the ground below. 

Suddenly, someone bumped into you. You jump, barely holding back a yelp. 

"Oh, my god. I’m so sorry." Olivia quickly apologized. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, you just scared the shit out of me though," You laugh. 

"I'm sorry... Y/N, right?" 

"Yeah yeah yeah, and you're Olivia, right?"

"Mhm, what are you looking for?"

"I'm trying to find the power supply." 

"Same girl. I think I saw it over there." She says, gesturing to your left. "But I'm not sure."

"Let's go check it out."

The two of you venture to the left, moving as quickly and quietly as before. Soon enough, you're able to spot the power supply through the guard rails. Only one guy is standing guard. You share a small low-five and split up to attack it. 

Olivia jogs down the stairs to ground level and you go to the second floor for better range. 

You crouch close to the floor, poking your gun through the guard rails and wait until you see Olivia come up behind the guard and start shooting. You join her immediately, and together you almost destroy it. However, your gun runs out of charge. 

Cursing under your breath, you jog as fast as you can (almost running) down to a charging base, where you run into Olivia again. 

"Dude, that was fucking crazy." She laughs. "We almost had them."

Laughing breathlessly, you agree. "For real though. We got them this time. Same plan?"

"Hell yeah,"

"What plan?" A new voice cuts in. The woman in her mid twenties pops up out of nowhere. 

"We found their supply. I went low and she went to the second floor. If we have one more person, I think we got this. We'll have to hurry though."

A grin spreads on the woman's face. "Let's do it. I'll head to the first floor on the other side."

The three of you jog together back to the same place as before. You show the woman where to go, then you leave to go up one floor. 

Once again, you start to shoot when Olivia does. The woman joins in soon after. 

You hear the guards frustrated cries as he tries to fend off all three of you at once. A few of the other guys come running back, but it was too late. Girls won! 

You laugh, throwing your hands up. "Hell yeah!" 

Olivia cheers, and the woman whoops. The lights come on, making you wince.

"Game over. Red team has claimed their victory! Congratulations, ladies!" Ralph's voice comes over intercoms you didn't know were there. 

You make your way down to ground level, meeting up with the other women. You congratulate each other. 

"Let's do it again! Same team?”

The lot of you end up playing three more games: girls vs. boys, old people vs. young people, and Paul vs. Everyone else. Boys won, young people won, and the last one was a tie. (You and Olivia ended up teaming up with Paul anyways, but no one else needs to know that.)

After that, everyone was crammed into an elevator yet again. This time smelling a lot less pleasant after running and sneaking around.

All of you are lead to another floor. This one resembled a movie theater more than anything else. A huge table of food is set up in front of the door to the screening room. 

Everyone begins to get their dinner, most of them being hungry from the hour and a half spent running around in the dark shooting at each other. 

Before you could grab a plate, however, someone places a hand on your shoulder. You turn to see Paul standing behind you.

You smile up at him. "Hi."

"Hey. I wanna talk to you, could we step out?" That look of concern from before is etched onto his face. 

"Sure," You say, the slightest bit of hesitation seeping into your voice. You step into a smaller, unoccupied corner of the hall. Before you can ask any questions, he starts speaking. 

"Look, I don't know your situation, I don't know you, and I don't know what you've been through, but I saw your wrist. I know what it's like to be low, and I just wanted to tell you that it gets better. Everything is going to work the way it's meant to. Everything is going to be okay. And if you need help, don't be afraid to ask. Mental pain is just as serious and debilitating as physical pain is. I hate to see anyone go through this, especially my fans."

Tears prick at you eyes at his words. No one has ever taken you aside and spoken to you like this before. All the anxiety and trepidation leaves your body, and your left with this warmth and reassurance. 

You can only bite your lip and nod. He smiles again and opens his arms. You hug briefly before leaving the corner and getting your food. 

Everything after that is all smiles and laughter. The food is some of the best you've ever had; they certainly spared no expense. 

The movie is incredible. You have no doubt in your mind that you'll save your tips and take your mom to see it one night after it comes out.

Truth be told, you're sad this is over. You want to do more with everyone, but you're so undeniably grateful that you got this opportunity. More pictures are taken, social media is exchanged, and soon you're all on your separate ways home.

When you get home, you pass out on your face, shoes barely kicked off your feet. You never expected to wake up to what you did though. 

A DM from Paul Rudd. 

Hey Y/N! It was so nice meeting you! I'm so glad you had the opportunity to attend the event. It's always so wonderful to spend time with fans. I wanted to tell you that your collage is amazing! You have a real knack for art. You should definitely keep it up if you can. Thank you for sharing your story in the letter. It really moved me. I also wanted to let you know one last time that things do get better, things do improve. Stay strong for yourself and your future. You got this.

[changelingvixen]

Part 4

She looked at the finished dishes, a few hours later. Yes – she was happy enough. She’d made the curd from scratch and although there wasn’t time to make real Knights’ Bread, which needed overnight rising, she’d used baking powder instead of yeast to get a quick rise and it looked good. She’d signed the sachertorte with lemon sugar icing and although there was plenty to worry about – was there enough curd under the chocolate? Too late to tell now. Would they dislike the yeastless bread? Would the quiche be too eggy? She’d layered the vegetables in a swirly pattern in the top so it looked good. She suspected Royse knew as well as she herself did that food really was a many-sense experience, and visuals were also part of it. For that reason she wasn’t going to cut the Sachtertorte either; she’d serve it with plates, a jug of lemon cream and knives for them to cut their own slices and not ruin the smooth, glossy chocolate.

For a mad moment she wondered if she should have dyed some of it blue, and bit down on the giggle rising in her throat. Breathe – calm down. What happens if they hate it? You’ve lost nothing expect some pride and you didn’t have much of that anyway. You can get Apple and pack up and go back to Gridania and never think of this again. To her surprise, she didn’t want to do that, though. She liked the friendly Latool Ja and his companion, Gaheel Ja, another beastman living in the heart of Ul’Dah. Getting a free room and board was a nice perk. Royse seemed like a decent boss. And there was a strange sense of…well – glamour, excitement – about the place. It was somewhere between a bar and a circus – well, a Carnivale - and she wanted to see the magic. She was curious, she’d admit it to herself. Her skin prickled with nerves when she remembered she was serving to her boss and the star of the show. What was he like, this showman mage? She’d probably never have to see him face to face again, anyway, which was a relief, but she’d like to watch the show, anyway. It felt, for the first time, like a contribution to something greater, something vivid and fun and enjoyable.

A consummate businesswoman like Royse would have laughed at that – that she wasn’t seeing beneath the surface, that she was acting, in essence, like a customer, all google eyes at the show, but she’d never been up close and personal with anything like this. The theatre. The colour. It felt…unique. She’d never really been to much organised entertainment, because going alone was so dismal, but even the passing street bards hadn’t felt like this. She could see why the place was popular.

By the time the doorman – Ocher Mountain – had put a head around the door to say Royse was ready for the starter, she was feeling panicky, her heart galloping. I shouldn’t care this much. But she did. She couldn’t turn it off. Think of Apple. Breathe, for heavens’ sakes. This won’t even have been the most humiliating thing that would have happened to you. She ground fresh black pepper over the bowls of soup and clenched her fists for a moment to stop them trembling, then picked up the tray, licked her lower lip and walked carefully behind Ocher to the dining room.

Royse was there, and another doorman she hadn’t met yet, who raised a scornful eyebrow at her small shaky figure. Ignore it. You’ve had worse. Royse gave her an expectant look. Expectation was fine. The last guest was the Blue Mage himself.

He gave her a big gamin grin. She nearly dropped the tray and, cheeks a hideous and humiliating red, turned her eyes back to Royse. Oh yes, that was definitely a showman. He was attractive, although he wasn’t exactly classically handsome – although he had lovely golden eyes – but he had charisma. It unsettled her instantly. She wasn’t used to having megawatt smiles pointed in her direction. Her eyes must have looked pleading or at least confused, as she stood there rooted to the spot like an idiot, because Royse smiled a little too, trying to be kind. It said a lot that she’d rather face her potential boss’ face than his. Even out of the nice suit, in normal clothes, her had something she couldn’t quite look too long at.

She wished she’d eaten something herself before this to stave off the dizzy feeling.

“The name’s Martyn,” he said, as if he didn’t notice her discomfiture or at least was politely ignoring it. “I’m the resident Blue Mage.” She felt, rather than saw him smiling again.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said on autopilot, because her parents had drilled manners into her. For a moment she thanked them because without the mental memory she would have just stood there, mouth flapping like a fish.

“My name is Sthalmhas,” said the Roe in the doorman’s suit. He neither looked not sounded impressed and that was somehow reassuring. It felt normal, it brought some semblance of realism to the moment. She inclined her head towards him in a half-bow, her limp hands clutching the tray harder.

“Let’s have the soup, then, darling,” trilled Royse – at least someone was excited. She chewed the insides of her cheeks hard to settle herself and, avoiding everyone’s eyes, placed the tray down and served the bowls.

“This smells great!” Royse enthused, and she flushed again. Perhaps she could beg Ocher to serve the other courses while she paced in the kitchen. But they hadn’t dismissed her, so she had to stand there and watch the floor and listen to them eat and chatter to each other between bites, wishing the sands under the building would somehow rise up and consume her.

“I’m surprised,” she heard the biting voice of Sthalmhas, low and mildly…well, not disgusted. “I wasn’t expecting much.”

“I was,” said Royse, smugly. “I thought you darlings would know better than to doubt my skill at finding talent by now. After all, I found you two, didn’t I?” The Roe snorted.

He was saying something now, something jokey and complimentary, and she forced herself to not focus on the words. She got the feeling he was still looking at her, but she kept her eyes trained determinedly on the floor.

Her mind filtered out the rest of the talk until Ocher touched her gently on the shoulder. She nearly leapt a malm.

“Let’s go get the main course, eh?” he suggested, and she nearly melted with relief.

“Do…are you able to serve it, please?” she asked, trying not to sound like she was begging, as they walked back to the kitchen. “While I tidy up the torte?”

He smiled gently and compassionately. “Of course,” he said. If she’d been a different person, and perhaps if they hadn’t just met, she would have hugged him. “Ms Royse can be a little overwhelming but she’s fair, and she’s kind. Don’t worry.”

She wanted to laugh. She wondered what he’d say if she told him Ms Royse was not the problem here. Her heart was still racing so hard she could physically feel it in her throat, smashing a miserable rhythm up and down her body. What was this? Did she really want this job any more? A wild urge to just run out of the Celestium, never to return, gripped her. She could grab Apple and escape. They’d almost definitely never find her. They would get the main course and the tarte for free and she’d never, ever think of those sparkling golden eyes ever again. You literally know nothing about this man – any of these people! You’re not stupid. Stop this at once. A little internal scorn and shouting calmed her down to the point where she could hand the quiche to the amazing, life saving Ocher Mountain, who smiled at her again – the one age group that had always had some time for her had been older people, who apparently thought of her as some sort of misbegotten grandchild – and took the food to be served.

“Is the chef alright?” Latool Ja peered around the kitchen door at her as she stood wringing her hands. “The chef looked unhappy. Latool Ja thinks the food looked excellent.”

She mustered a faint grin. She’d had more positive attention from the folk here than she had in Gridania for literal years. It was ridiculous.

“I’m fine,” she assured the Mamool Ja, willing it to be true. He smiled.

“People here are nice. Martyn is very silly sometimes but a good friend. Martyn taught us Blue Magic, too. He brought us to stay here and made Royse let us live here too and keep learning. Even grumpy Sthalmhas is good person.”

“Oh good,” she said faintly. She could have done without hearing that. Being told he was a nasty person, arrogant, rude, something, anything, would have gone a long way to squashing this inexplicable idiot – hormone feeling. Because that, obviously, was what it was. Her body was stupid and so was her heart.

She didn’t believe in love, let alone at first sight. Crushes on stablehands as a younger woman had left her disappointed and embarrassed, even though she didn’t act upon them. As if the men sensed her burgeoning affection, they went out of their way to mock her. The nicer ones her stupid heart had decided were pleasant had the kindness to simply ignore her. In Limsa she’d smugly decided she’d grown out of being attracted to anyone because it was pointless. Loneliness was a state to learn to live with, and keeping her foolish heart safe was the only way to not be hurt. She’d never felt this monstrous backhand of instant attraction before. She loathed it. Being told he was a decent person as well – who clearly didn’t discriminate against beastmen either – did not help in the slightest.

Maybe there’s still time to ruin the torte, she mused. Then I definitely won’t get hired and I can just leave. But the professional in her couldn’t do that.

Latool Ja was looking at her curiously. “I’m fine, really,” she assured the kind beastman.

“If the chef says so,” he said dubiously, but he left her alone.

Ocher Mountain was her next visitor, and he was delighted. “They loved it,” he told her. “Have to say, I’d be happy to try any leftover cake.” He grinned at the sachertorte. The food. If they have anything positive to think of you, it’s because of the food. Remember that.

That grounded her a bit. “You’re welcome to it!” she managed a weak smile for him, loading up the tray with the cream jugs and plates. “I thought - they could cut their own pieces so they can see the whole thing.”

“Good plan,” the Roe said, balancing the tray gracefully. “You sure you don’t want to serve?”

“If you…um. If you don’t mind…” she mumbled, but he nodded.

“Not a problem. Ms Royse wasn’t bothered, so it’s all good.” He tipped her a small salute with his free hand and disappeared with the sachertorte.

Latool Ja came back in to apparently keep her company, or perhaps just because Royse had him on call as the candidate minder.

“So, you know Blue Magic?” she managed, trying to make small talk. The Mamool Ja nodded.

“A little bit. Gaheel Ja and Latool Ja are learning, although also are sidekicks for show sometimes. Before working here,” he laughed. “Helped Martyn sell job crystals and demonstrate blue magic. Not entirely honest but needed money to help people and not starve.” He grinned. “Martyn mean well and is good salesman and showman but not always totally honest with adventurers.” He waved a hand. “Is also adventurers’ own faults. They not read Blue Magic Spellbook properly.”

“Oh?” she said, and he settled in, leaning against the wall to tell her the story of how they’d first come to Gridania, via near-arrest for slightly dodgy sales techniques.

She gave a small laugh. Well, at least he wasn’t perfect, then. That helped somehow, knowing there was a solid reason to not trust the man. With a smile like that, she instinctively knew not to, anyway. Nobody who smiled like that would be kind to her for its own sake. But she wasn’t naïve enough to buy a dream from him like the adventurers had. She knew when good looking men smiled at her, they were expecting to mess her over in some way, and she might be unattractive but she wasn’t stupid. It helped, to harden her heart a bit. His face had been so open back at the table, his eyes interested and kind. It was good to know that was a lie.

“Yellowjacket think it was for own greed, but that not true. Latool Ja and Gaheel Ja also think so at first until found out real reason. Martyn not tell us. Martyn think he can solve own problems,” the Mamool Ja continued. “Martyn want to help sick friends by buying expensive cure and learn more about Blue Magic. Let people think was greedy and conman, but that is not true. Not really.” He shook his head. “Latool Ja think Martyn very clever and very good mage, but also very stupid sometimes. Latool Ja and Gaheel Ja would help Martyn if Martyn had asked.”

“Oh,” she said, wishing she had a way to say anything more than one neutral syllable. He sounded complicated. She could believe that, this man with the public face and the private, man behind a mask. It sounded like something she herself would have done, if she was honest with herself. Telling the truth left you open to hurt. Not that he would think like that – he wouldn’t need to, not someone like him – but presumably he had his reasons for things. Suddenly weary, she sat down on the kitchen stool, rubbing her eyes. Why did she care? She wished Apple was here, wishing she could breathe in the familiar, safe scent of the ‘bo’s feathers and hear his reassuring ‘kweh’.

“Royse kind to take us all on and help get medicine, though!” Latool Ja continued. “Everyone here nice. Chef will like working here.”

“I might not get hired,” she said dully. But her companion shook his head.

“Food best Latool Ja seen in Crystarium, including Royse’s delivered food!”

She gave a lopsided smile, shrugging a shoulder. “Ah. Well. Thank you. I like food. Cooking is fun. It’s…it makes sense.”

The Mamool Ja opened his mouth to reply, but Ocher Mountain knocked at the door.

“They’re all finished now,” he said. “And ready to see you!”

He waved her out, and she forced herself to stand and follow the Roe, not even managing to respond to Latool Ja’s goodbye wave.

Please just be Royse. Please send me away. Don’t hire me. Don’t look at me, don’t look in my eyes with those eyes, like I’m…like I’m valid. Like I’m worthy of your attention. Just…don’t ever be near me again. I’ve enough to think about and deal with.  

[windstormwielding]

@praedulcis–helianthus​ said via SEND 📔 FOR A JOURNAL ENTRY WRITTEN BY MY MUSE (accepting!):

📔 + Rangiku

If you asked me two months ago that things would turn out like this after I made lieutenant... I’d probably laugh right in your face out of sheer disbelief. And yet, here we are now.

Reiō, nothing Captain Kuchiki told me about the job would’ve wholly prepared me for it. I still recall how nervous I felt during my first meeting with the other lieutenants as one of their own. I thought that would’ve been the most anxious I’ve ever felt—and will feel—in my entire life.

But now? Two months in and that’s already been outdone, all because of Rangiku Matsumoto.

Things started plainly enough with the odd pleasantries, as I came to expect. I only just started to get to know the others better, and for the most part, we hit it off alright enough.

Then I went and yapped at Matsumoto over a silly scheme she picked up from the world of the living. Some odd trend of women selling their own bathwater, of all things, to desperate, degenerate men. Why I spoke up, I’m not sure, but she zeroed in on me and started teasing me from there.

I was annoyed, sure, but looking back... her teasing didn’t really bother me that much. I mean, the fact she tried to get me as her “first customer” DID bother me because the last thing I wanted was to be labelled as one of “those” men, especially from the outset of my new rank. Didn’t stop word from getting around though...

But it all came to a head a few nights later. She kept pushing her sales pitch, I tried to rat her out to her Captain and then it turned into a chase throughout the Seireitei. It was... fun. A little exhilarating. Getting her to react and trip herself up for a change felt vindicating. She said I owed her a fancy dinner and I rolled with it—that’s coming up this weekend.

Next thing we knew, we went for drinks, and...

A pause.

Kōtarō’s pen stilled as he found himself overcome with nerves. He just noticed he hadn’t even been breathing as he wrote on, only realizing from the sudden intake of air trying to reinvigorate his lungs and his thoughts.

He didn’t have to write this down. He didn’t have to write any of this down. He could just tear out the page, put out the lamp, and call it a night. Why put himself through this?

Heh, nothing quite like coming to terms with how you're starting to feel by putting it into words, huh? he casually mused to himself... and then it dawned on him. That familiar tug in his chest, as though someone were pulling on string wrapped tightly around his heart, was finally put into words.

He thought back to how dangerously close they were to crossing the line in the midst of their drunken stupor that same night.

How he called it off when some semblance of mind returned to him, before things went too far because it wouldn’t have been fair towards either of them.

How he began yearning for her body and soul all the same, and yet he wanted to win her affections “the right way” instead of leaving it up to alcohol.

How anxious he finds himself over what was supposed to be a fun, fancy dinner between colleagues later this week... and how his mind insists on labelling it as a “date.” How much he wants to get to know her beyond the professional level.

How he went from staring off into space to staring at her in the middle of a lieutenant’s meeting, and how his heart danced at the sight and sound of her. How shy he came to realizing at the time how he felt, before Okikiba snapped him out of his thoughts.

How he started flubbing a simple morning greeting after he had already gotten it right before, tripping over himself over a compliment towards his hair when he forgot his hair-tie for a meeting earlier in the week.

‘...how I’m starting to feel.’ Ohhhhh for fuck’s sake, Kōta... now you’ve gone and done it.

He already slapped a hand against his forehead in self-admonishment, just as realization struck him.

A blossoming crush on Rangiku Matsumoto. That’s what it is. Of course it is. God DAMN it, of course it is! The new lieutenant has a crush—and not just on anyone. No, no, of course it had to be on the very same woman so many suitors before him desired and sought to claim as theirs...

...and here he sits in the darkness, the flame in his lamp going out, while he tried to process it all.

Welp, no point in denying it to himself now. No point in writing any more down either.

Dragging his hand down from his forehead to his mouth, he looked out the window for the only other source of light in the dark, only for the clouds to cover up the moon.

“...am I even going to be okay this weekend-?”

[cactibarber]

Monster Factory

So I may have decided to write my first fanfic and it may be an awful crackfic between My Brother, My Brother, and Me and The Magnus Archives- two podcasts with completely complimentary humor, tone, and storylines. 

Since it’s my first fanfic- please give me advice/critique! It’s been forever since I’ve written anything non-scientific so I need the practice lol

I’m planning on this only being the first chapter so stay tuned I guess! I don’t have an AO3 account yet, but I’m planning on putting it up there too. 

anyways enjoy the mcelroys annoying the shit out of jon sims or whatever (and also some jonmartin)

Jon tapped his fingers on his desk slowly, while he listened to the clock behind him tick on. Slowly. So, so slowly. He sighed, trying to relax his shoulders past their usual home of “right near his ears”. His boredom started to reach and stretch into that little part of his mind that could See™, but he quickly sucked those boredom tendrils back in.

After his “encounter” with Peter Lukas, nothing much had happened in the institute. Elias had disappeared after his brief meeting with him in the Panopticon, Basira had returned with a slightly more aggravated than usual Daisy in tow, and life at the Magnus Institute had gone back to whatever semblance of normal it had had beforehand. And it was driving Jon insane. He was constantly worrying about where Elias was, if Julia and Trevor were still staking out the institute, and what if Peter Lukas hadn’t been lying about the Extinction, and he was just about to miss the ritual- 

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and Jon looked up quickly. Martin’s round, perpetually slightly worried face peeked through the crack in the door. Jon looked up and smiled, shoulders dropping at least halfway back to their anatomically correct position. “Martin,” he said excitedly. “How are you feeling today?”

“Fine, Jon,” Martin replied. He nervously tapped his fingers against the doorframe, looking as if he had marbles in his mouth, and he was rolling them around trying to find the right one.

“We’re still on for tonight, if that’s what you were wondering,” Jon said hurriedly. “Unless-”

“Oh, no- that’s not what I was here to talk to you about,” Martin interrupted. “I mean that’s good-”

“Great, then-”

“Well, there’s another- thing- that’s come up,” he finished. 

“Oh lord,” Jon groaned. “Is it those two again? We should make sure Daisy and Basira know, and get ready to pull the fire alarm-”

“No, no,” Martin interrupted again. “It’s not them, but Rosie said we might have to watch out for anyone taking the east route since it’s full of alleys that they could be hiding in, but that’s not the point.” Martin drummed the doorframe again, taking a second before he said, “Someone wants to give a statement.”

Jon’s reaction was immediate- his shoulders shot up and he slumped in his chair, trying to make himself smaller than he already was. But his eyes seemed to light up, with a ferocity only seen in wild animals and slighted moms at soccer games. “Martin, you know I can’t- I said I wouldn’t- not to another person. Especially after-”

“Yes, I know, and I told them that I could take the statement for them, but the older one started talking about “taking it to the top”, and, well, I feel that, well, I think that we might need a little help from the Eye.”

“What does that even mean- wait. The older one, as in, there are multiple people trying to give a statement?”

“tmfhree.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said, three. Three people are outside waiting to get their collective statement taken.” 

Martin quickly slipped into Jon’s office and shut the door to keep the very loud curse Jon let out inside. 

“Come on, Jon. It won’t be so bad. You might not even have to compel them or anything-”

“Oh, I won’t have to compel them? That makes it so much better, Martin, that I don’t have to compel them. It’s not like you’re basically showing me, no, giving me, a five-course meal when I’m on a diet-”

“Jon-”

“And I know that when- if- I give in, everything will be ruined again. And- and I’ve been making progress, I swear, and-”

“Jon.” Martin brought his hands down on Jon’s shoulders heavily. Jon shakily breathed in, grounding himself through the added weight, and the warmth of Martin’s hands. “Look at me.” When Jon refused to look up from the hole he was drilling into the table with his eyes, Martin gently cupped his chin and raised his head to meet his eyes. “If you really don’t want to take their statement, you don’t have to. I’ll do my best, or get Rosie to send them along. But, their situation is a bit immediate, and they need help. And I know, that you’re worried about what happened before, but I trust you to, you know, rein yourself in.” 

Martin suddenly realized the position he was in, and flushed red, quickly trying to extract his hand from its position on Jon’s face, but Jon moved quicker, pressing his own hand into Martin’s. “Okay,” he muttered quietly. “I’ll do it.”

A slight smile spread across Martin’s face, and he rubbed his thumb in circles on Jon’s scarred skin. “Okay,” he said softly. Martin reluctantly pulled his hand away and moved toward the door. “By the way, if you do scar or retraumatize them awfully, you shouldn’t worry about them too much.” Martin opened the door and stepped into the hallway. “They’re Americans.”

Jon shifted in his chair, waiting for his customers? Patients? To step in. He caught a tape recorder in the corner of his eye, and moved to grab it and place it in the center of his desk. It wouldn’t hurt to seem a bit more professional, he thought, as he willfully ignored the state that his office was in. He heard multiple voices and what sounded like the footsteps of a monster with thirty feet coming down the hallway. “Come in,” he said sharply, before Martin could knock on the door. 

Martin opened the door and let in three men in their early 30’s. The contrast between them startled Jon, and it took a while to let the wild picture in front of him sink in.

The tallest man had bright purple hair and a beard, and what looked like eyeliner behind his glasses. He was wearing what could only be described as a cowboy shirt, and the look was completed with his dark brown cowboy boots. The oldest looking of the three was wearing a garishly neon Hawaiian shirt with a bright green fanny pack, with some weird designs on it. The shortest and youngest-looking looked like he could work in the financial department of the institute. He looked absolutely normal. No, not normal- boring. 

  But that wasn’t the whole deal. Because each one of these men was talking. Whether they were talking to each other or to Martin or Jon or just to thin air was incomprehensible, and Jon felt a migraine coming on. 

“So you’re the big boss, right? The big dog of this little establishment,” the purple-haired man said.

“Well-” Jon started.

“C’mon Trav, the big boss boy wouldn’t have this small of an office,” the Hawaiian shirt man interrupted. “Not that there’s anything wrong with your office,” he said quickly. “It’s homey and cozy in here but I would expect-”

“A penthouse office in the middle of Central London?” the youngest one interjected. “Are you kidding me? How many stories did you see on the building when we walked in, Justin?”

“How many stories a building has has nothing to do with it, Griffin! I”m just saying that-”

“That you’d expect a weird cryptid magic institution to have nice offices? This is probably one of their front offices, and they have the nice ones, you know with the haunted stuff and ghost circles and-” The purple-haired man broke off and turned to Jon. “Not that we have anything against haunted stuff or ghost circles, but-”

“But that’s not what we’re here about, we discussed this, that we weren’t gonna get sidetracked and now look at you trying to get a job here-”

“I’m not trying to get a job here, I’m just saying-”

Jon desperately looked up at Martin, pleading with his eyes for him to stay. Martin smiled, a little too cruelly for his liking, and waved to Jon as he left, shutting the door quietly behind him. 

“Gentlemen,” Jon began, raising his voice over the din. “Please- can we start with names?”

“Oh, of course,” the oldest one said, pushing the other two over to the chairs in front of Jon’s desk. “We’re the McElroy brothers-”

“You might have heard of us from our great bits in Trolls 2,” the youngest one said brightly.

“Trolls World Tour, Griffin, I told you. And I don’t think he’s even watched Trolls 1 so-”

“How would you know that? You don’t know him, he might be the biggest Trolls fan in England-”

Jon cleared his throat, and when it didn’t stop the deluge of conversation, cleared it again. By the time the three men heard him, it sounded like he was trying to hack out a hairball. “Gentlemen-”

“Yes, I’m sorry,” the older man said, shooting the other two a dirty glare. “Like I was saying, we’re the McElroys- I’m Justin McElroy, and these are my two dipshit brothers Travis,” he said, pointing at the purple-haired man, “and Griffin.”

“You didn’t let us introduce ourselves,” Travis pouted. He turned to Jon. “We have this thing we like to do, and I get to say that I’m the middlest-”

“That doesn’t matter Travis, we’re not recording an episode of the fucking podcast,” Griffin said exasperatedly. “Sorry for being blue, but we’re here to talk about some real nasty shit,” he said, whispering the last word. 

Jon took the opportunity to jump into the conversation. “Yes, what are you here to talk about? Martin said it was rather urgent.” 

For once, there was silence in the room, as the three brothers shared glances. The silence went on for a bit too long, until Griffin elbowed Justin in the side. “Ow- I guess since my brothers have decided that they have lost all use of their vocal cords, which is great for our careers, by the way, that I’ll explain.” Griffin rolled his eyes and Travis stifled a giggle. 

Jon, out of habit, reached to turn on the tape recorder, and was only mildly surprised to see that it was already running. Maybe there was a statement here after all. “What is this regarding?” he asked seriously, willfully ignoring the glances at the outdated technology.

“Well,” Justin started, “it’s about, I mean it’s a bit hard to explain.” He stopped abruptly and ran his fingers through his hair. “We-”

“We saw our video game monsters last night,” Griffin interrupted.

Jon sighed, deeper and fuller than he had ever sighed before. “Statement of the...McElroy brothers, regarding,” another deep, deep sign, “video game monsters come to life. Statement recorded direct from subjects, 1st October, 2018. Statement begins.”

[jsmlwriter]

Halo Haze Re

Summary: Unexpected was an understatement. Tsuna's plans for his life hadn't included a strange baby, getting shot or ending up in boxers. Loudly asking Kyoko-chan on a date was totally off the agenda and so was promptly fainting afterwards.

Each time Tsuna uses his dying will flames, he passes out and sees a horrific future...one where his family and friends are dead, he’s cursed to wear an orange pacifier, and he finds a tall, dark, zombie man with curly sideburns who’s wrapped in a dark cloak, bandages and piercing chains.

Author's note: Names of a Japanese origin will be presented (Surname, Personal name). Otherwise, they will be normally written (Personal name, Surname).

Target 001

Sawada Tsunayoshi was not an ambitious individual. He had not created an outline of his future life. He had no plans to achieve anything other than survive school at the moment. Tsunayoshi was a no-good loser and everyone knew it. He knew it. His Kaa-chan, Nana, knew it. His entire school and community knew it. Despite his uselessness, Tsuna like to have some kind semblance of a routine in his life. Wake up. Go to school. Fail classes. Fail sports. Get picked on. Stay after everyone else left to clean. Play games. Avoid homework. Sleep. Or something similar. His life was relatively simple. Curve balls were not welcome. His life did not need a-

"HOME TUTOR!?"

"Hai!" Nana affirmed, showing the young teen the unfolded piece of paper. "There was an interesting flyer in the mailbox." She turned it around and read it out loud. "I will raise your kid to be the new leader of the next generation. Grade and subject doesn't matter. Reborn." She beamed. "Isn't it great? I've never seen a promotion like this before."

He got up off of the floor of his room where he'd been laying and reading comics and stood up, facing her in disbelief. "It smells like a scam!" Tsuna shrieked. Who sends out shady stuff like that anyway? Schools like that don't just send out tutors to anyone, especially loser people like him. Tsuna inwardly grumbled. Now Kaa-chan would spend the rest of the week pestering Tsuna about the delusional so-called home tutor. Stupid scam flyer. How'd they get Tsuna's information anyway? He couldn't recall sending any letters or reports to anyone and there'd been no exams for something like this at school lately.

"It's probably a tutor from a professional business school for young men," his mother continued, lost in her own thoughts now. "I've wanted a teacher like this for you."

"Don't create your own image of him!" he huffed, turning away before facing towards her again with insistence. "I refuse to have a tutor, okay! I'm not good at anything I do anyway!"

"Ciaossu."

Tsuna and Nana simultaneously glanced down, where the small voice had come from. Among the mess of CD cases, candy wrappers and gaming accessories, there was a baby standing in the middle of his bedroom. He was small, adorned in an all black suit and black boots, wearing a black fedora with a thick orange stripe running across the sides of the cone. The infant had black spiky hair and curly sideburns and wore a sun yellow pacifier around his neck. And was that a chameleon on the brim of the hat? The baby carried a brief case with him and he looked foreign.

Ano...

"I arrived three hours early but as a service, I'll evaluate you now," the baby announced. Tsuna blinked in confusion. What was this kid talking about? And the way he spoke didn't sound like a normal baby.

Nana put her hands on her knees to get a better look at their sudden guest. "Hey, whose kid are you?" she inquired softly.

The kid looked at her with bright eyes and a small smile, giving her his full attention. "Hm? I'm Reborn, the home tutor." Talk about coincidental timing.

Tsuna choked back his laughter and Nana smiled in amusement.

"I was wondering what kind of person created that crappy flyer," Tsuna lightly mocked. "It's this baby!?"

The baby glanced at him. "So you're Tsuna."

Tsuna's laughter was no longer contained. "I'm sorry but there's nothing I can learn from you!"

A boulder seemed to knock into Tsuna's stomach. The baby's foot?! Caught off guard and completely winded from the sheer force of the blow, Tsuna gasped. His legs no longer supported his body and he tumbled to the floor. The next thing he knew, Tsuna's arm was being pinned behind his now arched back. Just who was this baby? Kaa-chan looked at the visitor in surprise.

"Let's get started. This is Tsuna's room, right?" Reborn prompted. Nana nodded, getting over her shock rather quickly. "Very good. I am going to evaluate my new student and get acquainted with him."

Nana hummed in delight, happy that her son was receiving much needed help now and left the boys on their own in the room.

As soon as Nana left, the baby let go of Tsuna and let an unforgiving gravity pull him back down to the ground. Tsuna's head smashed into the floor, granting him starred vision. "I-iteee," he moaned. He pushed himself off the floor and knelt down shaking the dizziness away. "What was that?" This kid didn't have normal strength but he was still a kid. Was Tsuna that weak? That it only took a baby to defeat him? The thought was kind of depressing. Tsuna blinked and then looked up in irritation, ready to confront the little devil.

Zzzzz.

No way. The baby was asleep already?! Was that even possible? The boy's irritation grew. "Hey, wake up!" Tsuna snapped, shaking the small figure awake. "I won't forgive you just because you're a baby!" A small hand shot out and grabbed Tsuna's tie. Huh? Suddenly, it was whipped around and tightly yanked at his neck. Tsuna flew backwards into the ground again. As he sat up, the world was spinning and a dull ache coursing through his body. What is this kid?!

"I have no openings," the baby stated while Tsuna regained his bearings. "My true line of work is assassination." The baby snapped open the brief case and in a few seconds assembled a gun. Reborn smirked at Tsuna. "My real job is to make you a mafia boss." Assassination? Tsuna's head was still reeling. And Tsuna was a maf- Hiiieee?

"Wha...?! A MAFIA BOSS?" Tsuna cried.

Surreal needed a new definition.

"I was assigned by a certain man to train you to become an astounding mafia boss," the baby explained, unaffected by Tsuna's blatant freak out. "The method by which your training will occur is left up to me." Was this baby's head okay?

"Hey just a minute!" Tsuna blurted. "How old are you supposed to be anyway?"

"Right now, I am perceived to be five years of age."

Tsuna frowned. "You look like you're two."

Click. Reborn aimed the gun at Tsuna's head. "Should I shoot you once?"

"Wha- HEY! Is that thing real?!"

"Very," confirmed Reborn. Tsuna kind of doubted that.

"Yeah well, I don't get any of this mafia story you're talking about. Just who's idea was it to send you over here and say all of these things?" Perhaps someone had paid this kid to do all of this as a joke. Some people had a very twisted sense of humor.

"You are heir to the Vongola famiglia, the largest family organization in Italy." Out of nowhere, Reborn produced a piece of paper that showed some sort of family lineage. The gun-wielding kid pointed to a name towards the top. Tsuna couldn't read it, it wasn't in kanji. "This is Giotto, Vongola Primo, the founder of Vongola. Only his descendants are valid candidates to take over as head of the famiglia." Reborn moved his finger towards the bottom of the page where Tsuna's own name stood out to him. "You are the great-great-great-grandson of Vongola Primo, making you eligible to become the next Vongola boss. The other three candidates died, leaving you as the final candidate."

"But I don't want to be a mafia boss," Tsuna protested.

Reborn ignored him. "With my customized training program, even a no-good student like you will become a boss with the potential to lead the Vongola to greatness. Your training begins-"

~Grumble~

Reborn's stomach interrupted his speech.

"-at another time. Later!" With that, Reborn spun around and marched out of Tsuna's room, closing the door behind him.

Tsuna collapsed backwards, aghast with the sudden information thrown at him. Just what in the world?

Decimo...a single voice whispered in his head. It spoke to him as if it were one of his own conjured thoughts, without any male or female identity. Deh...chi...moh...Decimo ka?

And then, without warning, as if someone had decided to grind his head between two rocks, pain and pressure wrung through every nerve in his brain and poured through each vessel of his bloodstream. His room twisted and warped. Blinding light filled his vision and a sensation of burning heat pressed against his chest. Tsuna felt as if an electric shot of a million volts had were zapping through him. He opened his mouth to cry out but his voice jammed in his throat and his airways clogged. The blinding light faded to a void of black. Empty, energy sucking darkness.

Decimo...Decimo...Juudaime!...Brat...Vongola...Bossu...Dame-Tsuna...TRASH!...Boss!...Tsunayoshi-kun...Decimo! Decimo! DECIMO!

Gone.

The pain and pressure were suddenly absent. The voices in his head vanished with a faint echo. His vision cleared and the world had righted itself. Tsuna's hands were clenching knotted sections of his naturally gravity defying hair and he was lying on the ground, breathing heavily. There was something digging into shoulder blade. Probably his gaming controller, left on the floor, and he took no notice of it. He laid there, wondering what had just happened. He didn't know what to make of any of that, of what to think or do next. The remaining fogged darkness in his mind dispersed and he closed his eyes as his next thoughts crept into his head of their own volition.

I was assigned by a certain man ('Nono' something extra supplied) to train you to become an astounding mafia boss...

Reborn's earlier explanation echoed in Tsuna's mind and oddly, it felt like Tsuna had heard it before. To say Sawada Tsunayoshi was beginning to panic was putting it lightly. In less than an hour, his day had turned completely weird and he never wanted to experience that kind of pain again. He continued to lay on the ground, not knowing for how long, breathing in and out, in and out. Doing any homework now was out of the question. He didn't even feel up to playing some games or listening to music.

Tsuna decided he needed some air.

He pushed himself up with relative ease and left his room.

He headed down the stairs to go outside and clear his head from this entire...day. "Kaa-chan, I'm headed out," he called.

"Tsuna, what about dinner?" Nana offered.

"I don't want it," said Tsuna. "I'm going to eat out so can I have some money?" He reached the bottom of the stairs. "And about that tutor..." he looked at the kitchen and stopped. Eh?

Reborn was sitting at the table, enjoying a meal prepared by Nana. His mother smiled cheerfully. "Reborn-kun's contract states that he'll be living here until your grades go up."

HIIIIEEEE?!

"Eh, why are you following me? Don't you have to go to grade school?"

Tsuna was walking down the street, hands in pockets and feeling put out that this so called home tutor was trailing after him.

"Assassins don't go to grade school," Reborn stated simply as if it were common logic.

"Tch, quit the assassin act already," Tsuna grumbled. An unbidden image of Reborn in a costume disguise that nobody else could see through flashed in his mind. Reborn, in black graduate robes, solving a seemingly impossible math problem. Tsuna paused and blinked. A quiet voice, similar to Reborn's, echoed in his mind, introducing himself as Riboyama-sensei. Tsuna glanced down at Reborn with an odd look. Had he met this kid before?

"Tsuna?" Reborn inquired, noticing the odd look. Tsuna opened his mouth to say something but a figure with short golden brown hair caught his eye. His brain ceased all logical thought. Immediately, he dashed off behind a nearby corner, in terror. Reborn gave him a questioning look and turned to see what had scared his newly appointed student off. To Tsuna's chagrin, he made no effort to hide. A young girl, Tsuna's age approached him. The girl, Sasagawa Kyoko, noticed the infant and crouched down to address with the adorable figure.

"Ciaossu," Reborn greeted.

"Kawai! How cute," gushed Kyoko. Tsuna's mouth dropped open with a silent gasp of disbelief as the two began interacting. "Why are you wearing a suit?" she asked.

"Because I'm in the mafia."

Tsuna sweat dropped for the both of them. Seriously? Reborn decided to say that? A haze of new thoughts suddenly entered his brain.

"Cause I'm a hitman."

"Hey, Reborn! Don't say such things in the middle of the day!" he protested. SLAP! A girl from another school...Haru...pain...confusion...annoyance...

"What are you teaching him!? An assassination technique!? Babies are angels with pure white hearts!"

Anger...fear...misunderstanding...more pain...

Tsuna shook the scene away. Was that a...memory? It certainly felt like it, like a deja vu again but he couldn't recall anyone he knew named...Haru?

Miura Haru. He didn't know how he knew that, but he did.

"Waaah," Kyoko-chan exclaimed. "How cool!"

Tsuna felt his heart drop. Wha-! He couldn't tell whether her response had been playing along with the joke or she actually believed him. Either way thought, the popular Sasagawa Kyoko already liked the little brat.

Kyoko gave Reborn a beaming smile and stood up, heading off. "Well good luck," she said with a small wave. "Bye bye."

"Ciao ciao." Reborn responded.

When Tsuna had decided he needed some air earlier, this was definitely not what he'd been planning. The self-proclaimed hitman turned to him with a glint of something (bad, bad, run away! his thoughts supplied) in his eyes. Reborn smirked.

"You have a crush on that girl, don't you Tsuna?"

"That's not any of your business!" Tsuna denied. Just how did the kid know how he felt towards Kyoko?

"I've mastered the art of mind reading," supplied Reborn.

Wait, what?! He hadn't said that out loud. Tsuna was feeling an edge of frustration seep into his mood. "That's enough, alright? Just leave me alone," he yelled.

"No."

PAIN! His body was forced to be spun around. His arm was twisted and wrenched back behind him. Unwelcome tears filled the corners of his eyes. "I-ta ta ta-ah-ow-ow OW! I give! I give!" he shrieked. His arm was immediately let go and Tsuna stepped away from the satanic hitman in apprehension, rubbing his now sore shoulder and arm. The guy was definitely not a normal baby.

"Have you confessed your feelings to the girl yet?" the hitman prompted not so innocently.

"No, of course not!" Tsuna admitted.

"Why not?"

Tsuna didn't want to go into a whole explanation for the kid but he relented. "Kyoko-chan is our school's idol. A loser like me isn't even her league. Telling her how I feel would be useless."

The home tutor cocked his head to the left. "That kind of thinking is so pathetic it's fantastic. You really are a Dame-Tsuna."

"Hey," Aside from the insult, "how do you know that nickname?"

"Gathering information is a basic skill. Now go confess your feelings to her."

Tsuna frowned. Didn't this baby get it? "No way, that's too scary and she'd never say yes."

Reborn tilted the brim of his fedora down. "Then it looks like it's finally time," he said cryptically.

"Huh?" Time? Time for what?"

Suddenly, the point of a real looking gun was pointed at his face. Click. Tsuna's mind wiped blank and overwhelming feelings of trepidation, terror and excitement settled in his chest.

Come die in an instant. A well known infant with a sadistic sense of humor.

Come die in an instant. An unfamiliar man in a suit and fedora with a strangely recognizable aura.

Come die in an instant. Reborn. Vongola. Flames. Dying will. His dying will. Death. His death. The future...? Reborn!

"Die." Reborn chirped.

Dread. "Huh!?" To be fair, that was the only comprehensible response Tsuna could choke out at that moment.

"H-hey, that's a toy, r-right?" You know it's not, it whispered.

"Come die in an instant."

Tsuna stumbled back. "Hey..." he mumbled. "W-what are you doing?"

Reborn hesitated only for less than a moment. Something had just happened, he thought, with Tsuna. He pushed the inhibition away. "You'll find out when you die," he said. And pulled the trigger.

The bullet plunged deep into the fore of Tsuna's skull. A light blood splatter flew from the wound while the young teen's eyes widened and he fell, fell, (falling, flying) back, to the ground.

I'm...I'm going to die...I'm parting with the world...

Dead. He's dead. A coffin. The sniper. Blood. Iron. Screaming. Sad. Why were they sad? Death. There was death. Dying. He was dying! Juudaime! No, Boss! TSUNAAA!

His friends. His family. No, he hadn't told them...hadn't told them how-how much he'd miss them...how proud he was of all they had accomplished...that he loved them...that he wanted to protect them...protect them...because he...he needed to do something. He was dying. He should have...should've told them how much they mean to him...with a dying will.

His body ungracefully landed with a soft thud and the world faded to black.

[laurelkrugerr]

Re-Opening America: 5 Things to Remember as You Serve Customers

July 9, 2020 7 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Customer service is always important, but never more so than during times such as those we are living in today. We must reconsider how we approach our work during difficult times, whether they are health-related like the current pandemic or related to social unrest like the nationwide protests around racial injustice. The past few months have proven incredibly challenging, and as states continue to reopen, customer service must continue to be an extreme priority.  

As we begin our return to “normal” life, we must underscore this isn’t a finish line – it’s a starting line. We’re now embarking on a new way of life and doing business that must, unequivocally, put customers first. Like many of you reading this, I’m currently working from home.  I’m in Maine where I grew up and went to college. Along with buying local, I have offered advice to many local businesses. In these conversations, I’ve learned how businesses are getting creative about finding solutions to the problems we’re facing today and those we will face as the country continues to slowly reopen.

Related: SBA and Treasury Release Names of PPP Loan Recipients

While today’s challenges are unlike anything many of us have ever faced, there are enduring lessons we can embrace to make a difference. The choices we make as professionals, business owners, and consumers will have a lasting impact on our communities and the world well after we return to whatever semblance of “normalcy” awaits.

1. The New Normal

What started as “Pre-Covid vs. Post-Covid” has evolved into “The New Normal.” What will our world look like… now that many of us who have been working from home are returning to the office? Once more states open back up? Until there is a vaccine? One of the most pervasive topics is working from home. Business owners and experts across industries have adopted a myriad of work from home policies – from Twitter to Facebook, many have released strategies making “WFH” an optional policy, indefinitely.  

It is difficult to know how these decisions will affect the future of work, but one thing remains clear: we must stay the course to improve customer service. Life at the workplace may never return to “normal,” and businesses have been forced to reconsider their priorities, but work will and must continue. Keeping our people focused and driving growth with new goals and a renewed sense of commitment is essential. 

Though workplaces have been diverging from “normal” for some time, the pandemic has blurred their definition even further. This uncertainty also extends to the customer service industry. How will the frontlines of customer service look different? There are theories already that customer service call centers are yet another casualty in the wake of COVID-19. With the inflUX of customer requests and complaints, the case for automated customer service grows stronger. While I agree that customer service will likely be forever changed, I would argue that because of the drastic changes globally, the need and desire for unparalleled customer experience – and human connection – is even more crucial. 

2. Meaningful communication: The EPS Rule

Call it the “EPS” rule – an early, proactive, and specific approach to how you communicate with your customers. This focus will help ensure that what you are sharing with customers is of value because as they continue to weather this period, they will prize timeliness, proactivity, and details they can rely on. 

Related: Why Strong Leadership Skills Are More Important Now Than Ever

Of course, the amount and type of communication you share will depend on your industry and customer base. The key is to not overwhelm with content. Make each touchpoint matter by tailoring your communications based on customers’ needs – honest, factual, succinct content that serves them. 

3. Go beyond to show loyalty in moments that matter

Executing decisions that benefit customers in the long-term is often painful in the short-term because of the costs and sacrifices involved. But if you have the wherewithal to make those long-term decisions, make them. Customers will remember how you invested in them, especially when so many are worried about keeping their jobs, covering their monthly costs of living, and exploring safe ways to reopen their businesses. 

At Marcus by Goldman Sachs, the company I work for, we have allowed customers impacted by coronavirus to defer monthly loan payments since March at no charge to them. This comes at a cost to us – but it is a worthwhile cost. 

 We all remember the first bank to give us a loan, the credit on an order that was delivered improperly, the first person who took a chance on us, or that someone helped us out of a bind, whether as an individual or as a business. These are the moments that matter. 

Customers and clients need you to dedicate your resources to creating those moments. Inspire loyalty by being loyal and taking care of the customers who keep your lights on and doors open. 

4. Show customers they matter with a personal touch 

When customers are distressed, the last thing they want is to feel like a commodity – an account or transaction that’s expendable. 

Taking this to heart, Marcus by Goldman Sachs has communicated to our customers how valuable they are to us and ensured they are aware of their options. It’s part of our ethos, our DNA, and now, more than ever, we anchor our decision making to ensure we put them first. 

Providing customers with options arms them with a sense of agency, a sense of control. When so little is in our control, it is helpful to provide consumers with the ability to make a choice and an understanding that there are options in the first place.

Related: Why Small Businesses Should Be Thinking (and Hiring) Globally During Covid-19 Isolation

Furthermore, when possible, brands should provide actual human beings on the other side of the phone line or online chat. We must lean into the power of human connection. Recent customer service developments and trends have indicated the importance of accessibility, convenience, and ease, and though we didn’t know this at the time, the steps we took to achieve the levels of convenience have prepared us for what is happening now. As we reopen, emphasis from the last few decades on ease of access not only readied us for quarantine, but in turn, prepares us for what could very likely be our new working environment. 

5. Use this time to be part of the solution

What started with companies leveraging resources and finding creative ways to help outside their regular expertise must evolve to consider long-term solutions. How can we help the customers burdened by the consequences of global pandemic? What are COVID-19’s long-term effects, and how can your business be part of the long-term solutions? 

There are no businesses or individuals that will emerge from this pandemic unscathed, a fact becoming more apparent as we begin reopening parts of our country. Now is the time to practice meaningful communication with your customers. Make sacrifices for their sake. Create moments that matter and build loyalty. Consider the positions and mindsets of your customers. And, most importantly, consider ways in which your business and resources can provide a solution – however big or small. 

Finally, focus on your people – both your employees and customers. The hard decisions many businesses have had to make thus far foreshadow difficult decisions yet to come. That said, no matter how hard a decision may be, if you focus on the wellbeing of your employees and customers, you have a greater chance of success. Keep them as your North Star, a guiding light to follow as time, inevitably, unfailingly, keeps on.

Website Design & SEO Delray Beach by DBL07.co

Delray Beach SEO

source http://www.scpie.org/re-opening-america-5-things-to-remember-as-you-serve-customers/ source https://scpie1.blogspot.com/2020/07/re-opening-america-5-things-to-remember.html

[riichardwilson]

Re-Opening America: 5 Things to Remember as You Serve Customers

July 9, 2020 7 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Customer service is always important, but never more so than during times such as those we are living in today. We must reconsider how we approach our work during difficult times, whether they are health-related like the current pandemic or related to social unrest like the nationwide protests around racial injustice. The past few months have proven incredibly challenging, and as states continue to reopen, customer service must continue to be an extreme priority.  

As we begin our return to “normal” life, we must underscore this isn’t a finish line – it’s a starting line. We’re now embarking on a new way of life and doing business that must, unequivocally, put customers first. Like many of you reading this, I’m currently working from home.  I’m in Maine where I grew up and went to college. Along with buying local, I have offered advice to many local businesses. In these conversations, I’ve learned how businesses are getting creative about finding solutions to the problems we’re facing today and those we will face as the country continues to slowly reopen.

Related: SBA and Treasury Release Names of PPP Loan Recipients

While today’s challenges are unlike anything many of us have ever faced, there are enduring lessons we can embrace to make a difference. The choices we make as professionals, business owners, and consumers will have a lasting impact on our communities and the world well after we return to whatever semblance of “normalcy” awaits.

1. The New Normal

What started as “Pre-Covid vs. Post-Covid” has evolved into “The New Normal.” What will our world look like… now that many of us who have been working from home are returning to the office? Once more states open back up? Until there is a vaccine? One of the most pervasive topics is working from home. Business owners and experts across industries have adopted a myriad of work from home policies – from Twitter to Facebook, many have released strategies making “WFH” an optional policy, indefinitely.  

It is difficult to know how these decisions will affect the future of work, but one thing remains clear: we must stay the course to improve customer service. Life at the workplace may never return to “normal,” and businesses have been forced to reconsider their priorities, but work will and must continue. Keeping our people focused and driving growth with new goals and a renewed sense of commitment is essential. 

Though workplaces have been diverging from “normal” for some time, the pandemic has blurred their definition even further. This uncertainty also extends to the customer service industry. How will the frontlines of customer service look different? There are theories already that customer service call centers are yet another casualty in the wake of COVID-19. With the inflUX of customer requests and complaints, the case for automated customer service grows stronger. While I agree that customer service will likely be forever changed, I would argue that because of the drastic changes globally, the need and desire for unparalleled customer experience – and human connection – is even more crucial. 

2. Meaningful communication: The EPS Rule

Call it the “EPS” rule – an early, proactive, and specific approach to how you communicate with your customers. This focus will help ensure that what you are sharing with customers is of value because as they continue to weather this period, they will prize timeliness, proactivity, and details they can rely on. 

Related: Why Strong Leadership Skills Are More Important Now Than Ever

Of course, the amount and type of communication you share will depend on your industry and customer base. The key is to not overwhelm with content. Make each touchpoint matter by tailoring your communications based on customers’ needs – honest, factual, succinct content that serves them. 

3. Go beyond to show loyalty in moments that matter

Executing decisions that benefit customers in the long-term is often painful in the short-term because of the costs and sacrifices involved. But if you have the wherewithal to make those long-term decisions, make them. Customers will remember how you invested in them, especially when so many are worried about keeping their jobs, covering their monthly costs of living, and exploring safe ways to reopen their businesses. 

At Marcus by Goldman Sachs, the company I work for, we have allowed customers impacted by coronavirus to defer monthly loan payments since March at no charge to them. This comes at a cost to us – but it is a worthwhile cost. 

 We all remember the first bank to give us a loan, the credit on an order that was delivered improperly, the first person who took a chance on us, or that someone helped us out of a bind, whether as an individual or as a business. These are the moments that matter. 

Customers and clients need you to dedicate your resources to creating those moments. Inspire loyalty by being loyal and taking care of the customers who keep your lights on and doors open. 

4. Show customers they matter with a personal touch 

When customers are distressed, the last thing they want is to feel like a commodity – an account or transaction that’s expendable. 

Taking this to heart, Marcus by Goldman Sachs has communicated to our customers how valuable they are to us and ensured they are aware of their options. It’s part of our ethos, our DNA, and now, more than ever, we anchor our decision making to ensure we put them first. 

Providing customers with options arms them with a sense of agency, a sense of control. When so little is in our control, it is helpful to provide consumers with the ability to make a choice and an understanding that there are options in the first place.

Related: Why Small Businesses Should Be Thinking (and Hiring) Globally During Covid-19 Isolation

Furthermore, when possible, brands should provide actual human beings on the other side of the phone line or online chat. We must lean into the power of human connection. Recent customer service developments and trends have indicated the importance of accessibility, convenience, and ease, and though we didn’t know this at the time, the steps we took to achieve the levels of convenience have prepared us for what is happening now. As we reopen, emphasis from the last few decades on ease of access not only readied us for quarantine, but in turn, prepares us for what could very likely be our new working environment. 

5. Use this time to be part of the solution

What started with companies leveraging resources and finding creative ways to help outside their regular expertise must evolve to consider long-term solutions. How can we help the customers burdened by the consequences of global pandemic? What are COVID-19’s long-term effects, and how can your business be part of the long-term solutions? 

There are no businesses or individuals that will emerge from this pandemic unscathed, a fact becoming more apparent as we begin reopening parts of our country. Now is the time to practice meaningful communication with your customers. Make sacrifices for their sake. Create moments that matter and build loyalty. Consider the positions and mindsets of your customers. And, most importantly, consider ways in which your business and resources can provide a solution – however big or small. 

Finally, focus on your people – both your employees and customers. The hard decisions many businesses have had to make thus far foreshadow difficult decisions yet to come. That said, no matter how hard a decision may be, if you focus on the wellbeing of your employees and customers, you have a greater chance of success. Keep them as your North Star, a guiding light to follow as time, inevitably, unfailingly, keeps on.

Website Design & SEO Delray Beach by DBL07.co

Delray Beach SEO

source http://www.scpie.org/re-opening-america-5-things-to-remember-as-you-serve-customers/ source https://scpie.tumblr.com/post/623222240719339520

[scpie]

Re-Opening America: 5 Things to Remember as You Serve Customers

July 9, 2020 7 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Customer service is always important, but never more so than during times such as those we are living in today. We must reconsider how we approach our work during difficult times, whether they are health-related like the current pandemic or related to social unrest like the nationwide protests around racial injustice. The past few months have proven incredibly challenging, and as states continue to reopen, customer service must continue to be an extreme priority.  

As we begin our return to “normal” life, we must underscore this isn’t a finish line – it’s a starting line. We’re now embarking on a new way of life and doing business that must, unequivocally, put customers first. Like many of you reading this, I’m currently working from home.  I’m in Maine where I grew up and went to college. Along with buying local, I have offered advice to many local businesses. In these conversations, I’ve learned how businesses are getting creative about finding solutions to the problems we’re facing today and those we will face as the country continues to slowly reopen.

Related: SBA and Treasury Release Names of PPP Loan Recipients

While today’s challenges are unlike anything many of us have ever faced, there are enduring lessons we can embrace to make a difference. The choices we make as professionals, business owners, and consumers will have a lasting impact on our communities and the world well after we return to whatever semblance of “normalcy” awaits.

1. The New Normal

What started as “Pre-Covid vs. Post-Covid” has evolved into “The New Normal.” What will our world look like… now that many of us who have been working from home are returning to the office? Once more states open back up? Until there is a vaccine? One of the most pervasive topics is working from home. Business owners and experts across industries have adopted a myriad of work from home policies – from Twitter to Facebook, many have released strategies making “WFH” an optional policy, indefinitely.  

It is difficult to know how these decisions will affect the future of work, but one thing remains clear: we must stay the course to improve customer service. Life at the workplace may never return to “normal,” and businesses have been forced to reconsider their priorities, but work will and must continue. Keeping our people focused and driving growth with new goals and a renewed sense of commitment is essential. 

Though workplaces have been diverging from “normal” for some time, the pandemic has blurred their definition even further. This uncertainty also extends to the customer service industry. How will the frontlines of customer service look different? There are theories already that customer service call centers are yet another casualty in the wake of COVID-19. With the inflUX of customer requests and complaints, the case for automated customer service grows stronger. While I agree that customer service will likely be forever changed, I would argue that because of the drastic changes globally, the need and desire for unparalleled customer experience – and human connection – is even more crucial. 

2. Meaningful communication: The EPS Rule

Call it the “EPS” rule – an early, proactive, and specific approach to how you communicate with your customers. This focus will help ensure that what you are sharing with customers is of value because as they continue to weather this period, they will prize timeliness, proactivity, and details they can rely on. 

Related: Why Strong Leadership Skills Are More Important Now Than Ever

Of course, the amount and type of communication you share will depend on your industry and customer base. The key is to not overwhelm with content. Make each touchpoint matter by tailoring your communications based on customers’ needs – honest, factual, succinct content that serves them. 

3. Go beyond to show loyalty in moments that matter

Executing decisions that benefit customers in the long-term is often painful in the short-term because of the costs and sacrifices involved. But if you have the wherewithal to make those long-term decisions, make them. Customers will remember how you invested in them, especially when so many are worried about keeping their jobs, covering their monthly costs of living, and exploring safe ways to reopen their businesses. 

At Marcus by Goldman Sachs, the company I work for, we have allowed customers impacted by coronavirus to defer monthly loan payments since March at no charge to them. This comes at a cost to us – but it is a worthwhile cost. 

 We all remember the first bank to give us a loan, the credit on an order that was delivered improperly, the first person who took a chance on us, or that someone helped us out of a bind, whether as an individual or as a business. These are the moments that matter. 

Customers and clients need you to dedicate your resources to creating those moments. Inspire loyalty by being loyal and taking care of the customers who keep your lights on and doors open. 

4. Show customers they matter with a personal touch 

When customers are distressed, the last thing they want is to feel like a commodity – an account or transaction that’s expendable. 

Taking this to heart, Marcus by Goldman Sachs has communicated to our customers how valuable they are to us and ensured they are aware of their options. It’s part of our ethos, our DNA, and now, more than ever, we anchor our decision making to ensure we put them first. 

Providing customers with options arms them with a sense of agency, a sense of control. When so little is in our control, it is helpful to provide consumers with the ability to make a choice and an understanding that there are options in the first place.

Related: Why Small Businesses Should Be Thinking (and Hiring) Globally During Covid-19 Isolation

Furthermore, when possible, brands should provide actual human beings on the other side of the phone line or online chat. We must lean into the power of human connection. Recent customer service developments and trends have indicated the importance of accessibility, convenience, and ease, and though we didn’t know this at the time, the steps we took to achieve the levels of convenience have prepared us for what is happening now. As we reopen, emphasis from the last few decades on ease of access not only readied us for quarantine, but in turn, prepares us for what could very likely be our new working environment. 

5. Use this time to be part of the solution

What started with companies leveraging resources and finding creative ways to help outside their regular expertise must evolve to consider long-term solutions. How can we help the customers burdened by the consequences of global pandemic? What are COVID-19’s long-term effects, and how can your business be part of the long-term solutions? 

There are no businesses or individuals that will emerge from this pandemic unscathed, a fact becoming more apparent as we begin reopening parts of our country. Now is the time to practice meaningful communication with your customers. Make sacrifices for their sake. Create moments that matter and build loyalty. Consider the positions and mindsets of your customers. And, most importantly, consider ways in which your business and resources can provide a solution – however big or small. 

Finally, focus on your people – both your employees and customers. The hard decisions many businesses have had to make thus far foreshadow difficult decisions yet to come. That said, no matter how hard a decision may be, if you focus on the wellbeing of your employees and customers, you have a greater chance of success. Keep them as your North Star, a guiding light to follow as time, inevitably, unfailingly, keeps on.

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source http://www.scpie.org/re-opening-america-5-things-to-remember-as-you-serve-customers/

[agentdagonet]

Echoes, Ch. 33

Find it here on AO3

Find it here on tumblr:  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Fic Summary: Feet dangling off the edge of the bed, hands still resting on the earpieces of his glasses, Eggsy opened his eyes.

And promptly shut them again, screwing them shut like a child who had the distinct misfortune of biting into a raw lemon. Breathing harshly in his nose and out his mouth, trying to stave off whatever delusional panic had befallen him, Eggsy reopened his eyes.

‘Harry?’

Or: The Hologram Story Nobody Asked For

          Harry could scarcely remember a time he had been more inclined to rip someone’s hands from their body, but Kelline was somehow a tier all to herself. She’d taken a while to approach Eggsy, had instead attempted to entice him into approaching her, but he’d made a show of being unimpressed- and somehow that had impressed her. He was in his old streetwear, winged shoes luckily Kingsman-made despite their common appearance, sans glasses. For all the world he looked like a local out for a night, and if not for the untested adhesive audio transmitters secured in his ears Eggsy would have been entirely on his own outside of Harry’s watchful eye.

           Unfortunately, the technology meant that Harry was privy to their entire conversation, which he attempted to ignore entirely- but a mention of himself had him tuning back in.

           ‘Do you see the gentleman at the end of the bar, Dean?’ Eggsy had chosen the name for himself, and Harry couldn’t understand why he would bring even the memory of that man into his work. But there were a great many things he did not understand about Eggsy, and that was half the charm. Always on his toes.

           ‘What ‘bout him, Kells?’ Harry was sure to wait a moment too long before he turned his head away from the sight of Eggsy with Grisham.

           ‘Kelline, please, Dean- I’ve spent long enough being called by derivatives to know I don’t desire it in bed.’

           ‘We ain’t in a bed, luv.’

           ‘Not yet.’ Eggsy made a show of looking her over, one eyebrow raised and lip caught between his teeth, inwardly groaning at the show he was being forced to put on. It was the job, and he loved the job, but this woman was frustrating as hell. ‘But back to the point- that man has had his eyes on you all night.’ Finally.

           ‘Has he?’ Eggsy smirked, brushed a hand across her shoulder to unnecessarily move some hair out of his way, ‘why do you care? I’m over here with you, ain’t I?’

           ‘What if I want him to watch us?’ She whispered it into the edge of his ear, briefly running her tongue along the lobe before biting softly.

           ‘Then I’m at your service, Kelline.’ Eggsy turned the two of them so she was pressed against the edge of the bar, one hand on the bartop and the other slowly running its way up her back. ‘Let’s give ‘im somethin’ to talk about, yeah?’

           Harry meant to make himself less obvious, to be more the shy man uncomfortable with his desires than the lecherous voyeur, but that simply did not happen. His hand tightened on his near empty pint, and he could scarcely look away. Eggsy was barely taller than she was, but had made sure to bend at such an angle as to make himself seem more imposing, almost looming over her, as they kissed. Her eyes were mostly closed, the smallest sliver revealing that her gaze flickered between the two of them, mind not fully engaged with the physical side of the show. Harry tried desperately to tune out the sounds of their lips coming apart and together again, unable to stop himself from putting himself in her place. The taste of his lips, the feel of Eggsy’s strength atop his own.

           Grisham locked eyes with Harry and moved one hand to Eggsy’s hair, tugged a bit at the base and Eggsy let out what Harry could only assume was a genuine moan of pleasure before diving back into her mouth.

           Harry let his mouth fall open just enough to be noticable, pulling himself back to at least a semblance of professionalism while keeping her attention. Grisham pulled back from the kiss and scratched her nails across Eggsy’s scalp, grinning at the full-body shiver the action evoked.

           ‘He’s watching.’

           ‘Weren’t that the point?’ Eggsy grinned into her neck, the edges of his teeth visible to Harry from across the room, before biting down. Grisham moaned and pulled his head back up to force their lips back together. ‘D’you want him to join us?’ Eggsy whispered between kisses, checking Harry out briefly, ‘he ain’t bad lookin’.’ What was Eggsy doing now?

           ‘I’m more of a one man kind of woman, Dean- but we could invite him to see things a little closer, if you like.’ This was not part of the plan, and Harry was going to kill him. Slowly. But for now all he could do was turn away and pretend to be embarrassed.

           ‘The fuck are you doing, Eggsy? The point was to not have you two connected.’ Merlin grumbled into the mic and Harry hummed his head in silent agreement, hiding it in his now empty glass.

           ‘Think you like the idea of that, don’t you sweethear’?’ Eggsy breathed into Grisham’s ear, ‘Someone close ‘nough to hear you pantin’ for it who ain’t allowed to touch. You like ‘em rough an’ young and a bit forbidden. Like to tempt ev’ryone else like fuckin’ Eve an’ the apple.’ Eggsy ran a fingertip up the side of her ribs, casually glancing across the edge of her breast, before returning his hand to her waist. ‘I don’ mind bein’ used, but if we’re gonna do this,’ Eggsy pulled her off the bar and fully into himself, forcing her to look up into his eyes, ‘we’re gonna do it right, you get me?’

           On the one hand, Harry was impressed with his use of doublespeak to address Merlin’s concerns- on the other he was furious with being put into this position by the man. Grisham was obviously going for it, the heave of her chest and wide-eyed look she was giving Eggsy all he needed to know that they would be approaching him soon. He had approximately 2 minutes, but probably less than that, to come to a decision.

           Did he particularly want to see Eggsy and Grisham closer than he already had? Not at all; but being in closer proximity than he was currently in could only give more opportunities to obtain the information they needed, so for the sake of the mission he should. And that was the priority- the mission- so the decision had technically already been made.

           ‘Got a question for ya, mate.’ Eggsy had either made it to Harry’s end of the bar far quicker than he’d estimated it would take, or he’d been too focused on his non-choices to notice his approach. Either way, Harry blinked his way back into the present and looked up at Eggsy the same way he’d looked at Dean’s goons all that time ago.

           ‘What could you possibly have to ask of me?’

           ‘D’you want to come an’ watch us a bit closer? Can’t have that good a view from here, bruv.’ Eggsy smirked, and cocked one hip as he crossed his arms. Harry could see Kelline watching avidly from her spot on the far end of the bar, and frowned slightly as he met Eggsy’s gaze briefly, brows furrowed as he looked away again. Tell-tale flush to his ears, shoulders slumped- the image of a man caught out in an embarrassing but not dangerous circumstance. Someone who hadn’t meant to be obvious. Hadn’t meant to be caught.

           ‘Don’t hurt yourself, just give it a think an’ come by when you’re ready.’ That cheeky shit. If there had been any doubt that Eggsy couldn’t fall back into old habits, it was certainly gone now. But Harry refused to look up from the tabletop, and Eggsy hesitated for a breath before walking back toward his target. It wasn’t the plan, to be sure, but he knew how birds like her thought. She wanted to be the only thing anyone remembered about that evening, whether due to her knowledge of her actions she wanted to be memorable. She wanted to know she was remembered, and there was little as memorable as a voyeuristic escapade in a crowded bar; both for those directly involved and for those on the outskirts. If Harry came and joined them, in whatever way Kelline directed, every person in that bar would know what was happening.

           And that’s exactly the kind of audience that wouldn’t notice anything amiss- a captive one.

           So he swaggered his way back toward Grisham, shoulders back and grin wide, and greeted her with a kiss. ‘Asked if he wanted a better view.’

           ‘And?’ Her cheeks were flushed, pupils dilated as she searched his face for some hint of an answer. Eager to know the game they were going to play. He shrugged and pulled her closer, one hand draping itself just above her arse while the other sat respectfully on her waist- fingers squeezing just tight enough to remind her of their size without leaving any marks,

           ‘An’ we’ll have to wait an’ see- he weren’t expectin’ to be noticed. Seemed out of sorts- told ‘im to come by when he was ready.’

           ‘When?’

           ‘Men like ‘im don’ let opportunity pass ‘em when it comes to the shit they ain’t supposed to want.’

           ‘Then, Dean, let’s get back with the programme.’ Kelline looked up at him from between her lashes, blue eyes bright even in the dim lighting, and Eggsy couldn’t help but note that she was beautiful on the outside. Like a poisonous flower that didn’t know any other way to be. But Eggsy had grown among poisonous plants, had adapted to their toxic perfumes and blinding colours, and knew how far his resistance could take him.

           And this? This was nothing.

           So he smiled and leant forward, brought their lips together softly before demanding more, cornering her between the bar, the wall, and himself with one hand pulling her fully to him. He didn’t need Merlin’s warning that Harry was approaching- if there was one thing he was attuned to it was his presence, but he still maneuvered them back toward the bar. In plainer view of both the general customers and the man approaching them while desperately trying to seem as if that was not what he was doing.

           For everything Eggsy knew about Harry, seeing his acting in action was something else- he’d never have guessed that Harry was within the man sheepishly making his way down the bar. The other patrons leered as he went by, likely thinking their actions covert when glancing from the couple to the elder gentleman making his way. They’d get to have a laugh about it later.

           It was showtime.

[chroniclesofa]

Creating balance when Life shows up

It has been  a hectic 2 weeks  at home. Phill my husband is on a new TV show and that just premiered last week. He was just promoted to location manager and  work life is hectic.  He has had severe nose bleeds the past 2 weeks that resulted in numerous emergency rooms , urgent care visit and consultation visits with his ENT doctor. I did not realize that ENT doctors are hard to find in ER hospitals. We live in Los Angeles and I can say 3 different ER hospital visits and no ENT doctor unless you are bleeding out. In one hospital you have to literally drive yourself to a hospital with a ENT doctor after they patch you up.  I now have knowledge which hospitals to go and that is the kind of information one has to have in our state of  the health industry. 

My work specially at the end of the month is busy and entails a lot of concentration . I work in customer service and handles the company’s #1 customer. 

It feels like life has been showing up with such intensity lately. Phill’s dad passed away and we are suppose to go to Connecticut for his memorial on Thursday . Phill is facing a possible surgery on Tuesday and we will not know until tomorrow the prognosis . We are both attempting to balance work  and what life is bringing . There is uncertaint , fear , stress and chaos.

We have been in this situation before and  maybe not the same circumstance but the feelings are the same . The feelings of trying to restore some kind of sanity when the world is so uncertain .

In spite of being familiar with addressing what life brings  I am reminded today of the tools that I have to keep me sane and present .

I work in a Textile manufacturing company. My work day starts at waking up at 3:30 am everyday so I can be at my home office at 4:30 am ready  to answer phone calls  and emails. My main customers are back east in a different time zone.  I do not have the same stress as an Emergency room hospital  but stress comes in different forms . Chaos in my industry can mean a late delivery that is expected at 6 am Eastern time and that means I am not even awake in my time zone .

I have learned some tools to help me restore some kind of balance at work and at home. 

At work I am excellent at anticipating customer needs . I have worked with logistic companies to automate tracking of urgent freight deliveries. My customer knows if a delivery is late while I am barely waking up in Los Angeles. I wake up at emails with a mixed bag of grateful customer that received his order  or delays because of myriad reasons like weather, accidents  etc. One time a driver literally walked away from his truck and left a load in Kentucky . The freight company had to get the highway patrol involve in this situation.  It is amazing what one email can do so my customers can make the necessary adjustment on their end and make life a little better. Communication is key always in my job.  I provide information even before my customers will ask for it.  It eliminates unnecessary panic for all of us. I am good at anticipating customer needs and I reap the rewards later . I have to say I have a folder that is called Kudos . I read it when I need motivation .

We all approach work differently regardless of what we do.. My engineering background allows me to look at everything like a picture in landscape . It has allowed me the flexibility to prioritize specially when deadlines are involved. I work 2 hours from home and I tackle LA traffic at 6:30 am . I have learned to face traffic by listening to NPR on the way to work.  Listening to news and keeping up to  date with the world gives me a sense of connection. It relaxes me  and keeps me present. If you heard about driving in Los Angeles I can tell you it is not fun specially if  you pass by downtown or when the President is in town. Listening to news that in other parts of the world food is scarce and human rights does not exist transforms my traffic frustrations  to gratitude . My traffic turmoils is nothing to being faced without food to eat . This too, traffic  that is will pass and in some days when school is off I get some reprieve. 

7:30 am most of the time I make it on time and that means mid morning back east . I have voice mails to address, emails to answer, orders to enter while new phone calls and emails keep coming.This is where the art of prioritizing comes. I look at the landscape that is my work load and address which comes first . I will tackle from high priority to least . It varies what is immediate . 13 years of customer service and working for my company has given me some kind of wisdom to tackle multiple screens of incoming emails and switching from one Oracle screen to the other. My moments can vary from entering an order, answering a phone call, giving out product information and pricing, addressing an emergency order that might deliver same day in Rochester New York or Florida, tracking an order that was misrouted , addressing an inventory alert that means shorting a high profile order/customer  or just helping a customer in panic on the other line of the phone.  How do I handle all of these and maintain a semblance of balance ? There are days I  handle it well. There are days that are tough and needs a lot of self acceptance .I read some emails from my Kudos folder to keep me going .

I learned certain things that I do at work to maintain balance. I have an Apple watch that alerts me to stand when I am sitting too long and alerts me to take deep breaths to self regulate. I also hydrate at work and I measure my water intake. I drink half my body weight in ounces .I take my 15 minute walk at 11:30 pm most of the time regardless of how hectic my day is. Sitting down for long hours is not good for my body so I stretch whenever I can even when I am sitting down. I also bring healthy food choices most of the time . It is so easy to eat mindlessly specially at the office. I always have some protein  and fresh or dried fruit . On Monday’s  I dress up to show up for work. I take pride in the fashion I bring to work specially on a Monday because sometimes a weekend like mine right now can feel dragging . 

How do I stay focus at work specially now that Phill is not well ? I always sleep early during a work week and that means 8:30 am . We had to deal with ER last Thursday and got home at 1:00 am . That means it was impossible to work the following day . It was good time to take a sick day .  I have a day left after this and lots of vacation days. I normally have healthy boundaries and so does my husband . We are both in work modes when we are at work . We only call each other if there is an emergency  so we are not interrupted. 

Outside of work  I have learned some kind of physical activity helps with restoring balance. I have done 2 half marathons and discovered that I have the discipline to follow training for a race.  The same discipline that  allows me to carve time  , a  me time to what my doctor say  “pump the heart” . My  Apple Watch monitors my resting heart rate too . My vitals on a recent physical is good and no kind of medications are needed to keep up with life. My husband leads an online Health and Fitness program and I join so I can refocus on well being.  Food has been my source of comfort growing up so stress can make me seek out what will make me feel better instantly but not in the long run. I do yoga although I am working on a regular practice.  I subscribe to Farm Fresh that allows me to have fresh fruit and vegetables delivered.  I am lucky to live where organic store is just a 10 minute walk . I can literally go to market everyday if there is time for it. I food prep during the weekend so our food at home is set for the week. This ensures that fast food is a less tempting choice.

My husband and I also have health insurance that allows us to go to Therapy . Yes we talk to a professional that can listen to us without any agenda except for our individual well being. Mental state is important to face our  life . Although we are married we have different past experiences. There are things that only a trained therapist can address . I am grateful I can talk to someone every Thursday and have someone see my life and struggles from a different perspective. I have life trauma like death and grief  that therapy addresses. I have learned what I can do to soothe myself. Music and concerts helps. I do aromatherapy at home and essential oils keeps me grounded. I live near Griffith Park and I am grateful I can just  close my  front door and take a hike if I need some balance.  I also live close to a yoga studio so I can walk with my mat if my head needs some clearing .We live close to the Greek Theater so we are fortunate that we can walk and see a concert during the summer. I love trees and I happen to live in a street lined up with very old trees. On days that life is uncertain I find solace at looking at this magnificent tree outside my window . The tree ressures me that all is well in the world and enables me to stay focus in the moment . Today as I scribble this, it is Sunday afternoon. Our English bulldog is contently snoring in the background. I had groceries delivered so I can be a nurse to my husband. Right now I can breathe and say I am ok and I am present.

[mrjohnhthompson]

5 Easily Attainable Financial Resolutions To Tackle In 2018

How many times have you been guilty of setting the bar too high, and then failing miserably? Maybe that’s why most of us never stick to our New Year’s resolution. But given that the start of every year ushers in hope, how about we be practical about this and look at what we can achieve by the end of the year? Look, you don’t need to drive down debt to zero to make financial progress or land a five-figure job to have some semblance of social mobility. Some simple twists and turns can help you make 2018 a much better year than the last. Here, we provide five easily attainable financial goals anyone can do:

Pay your bills right after receiving your salary

One common budgeting strategy you will hear all the time is to take care of monthly obligations before indulging in any personal – or dare we say, luxury – expenses. The logic is simple: doing so gives you a better sense of what you can truly afford and what you can’t. It also helps you avoid having a late payment reported to the major credit bureaus, which is one of the easiest ways to damage your  . So how do you get on the prompt-payment bandwagon? By using that auto-debit function, of course. And we recommend setting up two automatic monthly payments: one right after payday and another a few days before your monthly due date. This is best for regular bills of the same amount, such as your broadband and mobile bills. This second round of payment helps you avoid interest due to late payments. But here’s where you have to do some work: If you don’t know when your billing cycle begins and ends, just check your monthly statement. As for fees, banks provide this service free for customers. [block] Tip: You could also request to change it to whatever day of the month is best for you. And the major difference between direct debit and standing orders is: With the former, a variable amount of money is taken from your account while the latter allows you to set up the amount of money to send every month. [/block]

Focus on getting physically healthy

There is a huge correlation between physical and financial health. It’s a fact that Malaysia ranks top for non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as obesity and diabetes. The latter especially is an epidemic that costs national coffers a whopping RM1.6 billion last year to treat some 40,000 Malaysians. These NCDs also have a way of forcing you to adjust your lifestyle. Say for example if you are diagnosed with diabetes, outpatient treatment will cost you around RM2,750 a year and expect to fork out an additional RM1,523.84 a year due to unpaid leaves taken whenever you make that trip to the doctor. So in a year, as a diabetic, you will spend RM4,273.84.But a simple gym membership, say, at Chi Fitness only sets you back RM1,548. So just by exercising, you could potentially save RM2,725.84 a year! [block] Tip: Another incentive that can help put this in order is the lifestyle tax where you can claim, among others, gym membership and sports equipment amounting up to RM2,500. [/block] If you want to be cheapskate about it, then jog at the park. How much does that cost? Nothing. Also, cut down on eating out. Malaysians are notorious for that, spending 13.4% of their income on restaurants and hotels. While eating healthy may cost some time and money, always indulging in that mee goreng or roti canai will seriously burn a hole in your pocket, if you live to tell the tale.

Get a side gig

Malaysia may be heading to better economic conditions but we are not in the promise land yet. What we learned from last year is that the country is and has been susceptible to external shocks whether it’s the election of Donald Trump as US president or the global oil price movements. There’s no better way to hedge yourself against these uncertainties but by generating some part-time income. There are many ways to do it. You could either go the usual route of working in an F&B outlet or you could also monetise your car and drive for a ride-hailing service. Now, we are not advocating crazy hours but a side gig that’s worth your time and Uber and Grab offer those flexi hours, where you can make that trip back home count by cashing in on a trip. Have a sizeable following on Facebook or Instagram? Then get your hands dirty with being an influencer. The point is, a side hustle helps mitigate the risk of unemployment or unpaid bills should something untoward happen. It also increases your spending power and savings because of that extra income. Just remember to not take up something too taxing that your full-time job is affected: this is a part-time stint after all.

Repay 20% of your credit card debt

Malaysians owe way too much credit card debt. By the end of 2017, we are on the cusp of breaking past RM3 billion and that debt is extremely expensive, too. Something eventually has to give and you’d much rather that be your outstanding balance paid down on your own terms, than your ability to afford monthly minimum payments and, in turn, your credit score. So get serious about getting out of credit card debt. Now, we know owing zero is a tall order, let’s start with shaving 20% of your credit card debt. Steps to take include budgeting and automation. To optimise the entire process you could use a credit card payoff calculator to crunch the numbers and if you can afford higher payments, by all means make them. The biggest, and also the most difficult part of paying down your credit card debt is to refrain from putting on more debts while you are paying it down. Keep your card at home for emergency, so you won’t be tempted to use it for unnecessary things. Because the sooner you can reach debt freedom, the better off your wallet will be. [block] Tip: Consider credit card balance transfer facility to help you manage your credit card debt without incurring interest. [/block]

Add one month’s pay to your emergency fund

About 75% of Malaysians do not have a rainy day fund, according to  Bank Negara Malaysia. Like someone without insurance, people who lack an emergency fund are tempting fate, putting themselves at risk of financial catastrophe in the event of unexpected unemployment or major medical expenses. So building up some reserves should be one of the first orders of business for any financial makeover. While there’s no rule of thumb as to how much you need to build, some recommend a reserve of six months. But it’s important to understand that won’t happen overnight. In other words, you don’t need to put the rest of your financial life on hold until your emergency fund is complete. Rather, chip away at it over time. [block] Tip: This is the best time to use auto-debit to transfer a set amount of your income every month to a high interest account for emergency fund. [/block]

Just remember to scale

The problem with all these New Year’s resolutions is that we set the bar unreasonably high. Now, it’s fine if you don’t meet your financial goals, but you have to at least attempt to work on them. One way to do it is to set achievable goals such as trimming off 20% of your credit card debt. That is reasonable and doable and by the end of the year, achieving that will free up some money. To make it more manageable, you can also split your target into quarterly, so you can have a review every quarter to see if you are on track. If midway you get stuck or lapse into bad habits, quickly get back to it, rather than let your resolutions slide into oblivion. And should you face dire circumstances, always ask for help. If that credit card debt becomes unsustainable, get in touch with your bank to negotiate repayment or freeze your card. If overall debt becomes unmanageable, get in touch with agencies such as Agensi Kaunseling & Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) for professional help and guidance. Regardless of where you are on the personal finance spectrum, remember to make 2018 count by working towards – and hopefully achieving – some positive financial goals.

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