#R.E. Lowe

[b-blushes]

i did everything WAOW! (: also watered my garden and dumped a bucket of rainwater into the bog garden. perhaps now i am finally learning.... that thursdays are doable...... OH ALSO had a positive drs appt! nice!

THURSDAY QUEST! once again go to the dr and drop in for errands on the way home if i'm not totally wiped. then do thursday chores which every time i feel are too big to do but in fact are manageable for real and much less intimidating when i just get started. bonus would be round 2 of ordering wedding outfit attempts. and i gotta order groceries which is a wednesday chore but for various reasons i did not do today. LET'S HAVE A NICE DAY! I CAN DO IT....... YOU CAN DO IT....... WE CAN DO IT...............!

[danse--macabre]

unpopular astarion headcanons r.e. mirrors and reflections:

while I love the memes around this, I don't think, unless you had a particularly charismatic tav/durge, the whole party would draw him / contribute to some kind of spell where he could see his reflection. Obviously there's room for difference given how many routes your playthrough can take, but generally: he's not universally loved in the same way Karlach is, he's not the heart of the party, he's mostly clinging to the edge of it (and that's fine!)

I think showing him his reflection would impact him deeply and therefore if it is done at the wrong time/place, he'd actually resent the person who did it. this is because you're making him appear vulnerable.

e.g. if the venue is too public, if the others could see, he'd dislike the fact that others can see a moment of vulnerability

alternatively: if your approval with astarion is too low, he'd automatically distrust it / question your motives. this is someone who simply does not believe that people will be kind unprompted to strangers (because doing so violates his worldview and in some ways makes his abuse feel crueller -- if no one cares, there's a logic to what happened to him, at least)

the more permanent the method, the more effort put in, the more likely he is to have mixed/negative feelings towards it. a sketch is a kindness, but not one that requires a great sacrifice or planning - it's easy to dismiss as a fleeting gesture (while he will keep it, obviously, to look at, because he's not that willing to believe his own bullshit).

in contrast, if a permanent method of showing his reflection was given - e.g. a charmed mirror that casts a spell - I think astarion, with a high approval PC, would feel on some level obligated to pay that 'debt' back. astarion strikes me as someone who distrusts thoughtful, non-flippant gifts because again, he's used to transactional relationships.

I also think it might strike at an insecurity: the knowledge that astarion lacks autonomy/independence to deal with his own issues by himself, and, with some bitterness, is dependent on the PC to help him. if you give astarion an enchanted mirror, he, on some level, feels he is dependent on your magic and your supply of magical items to gain access to an element of his humanity. that doesn't entirely sit comfortably with him.

the "best" way to deal with this? let astarion figure out how to handle this himself. for example: gifting him a 'mirror image' spell scroll or something similar. give him time to study the scroll and he'll find a way to cast that spell himself. mechanically, astarion isn't a wizard, but narratively, his default class is arcane trickster, he has access to magic, I don't think it is really that much of a stretch to believe he could achieve that. in general, I think handing astarion the tools to achieve his own goals by himself will be more appreciated than handing that to him on a plate.

however! counterargument to consider: it may be more valuable in the long run to confront astarion's fear of dependence and the sense of reliance that exists particularly in a tav run, where you the PC have 'saved' him without needing to be saved in return. he needs to realise that the PC isn't expecting anything in return for friendship/romance.

either way, i think showing astarion his reflection is going to be more fraught than one might expect - a generous gift, obviously, he will take (he's been poor and starving enough not to turn it down), but there might be some tension beneath any show of gratitude your receive (or he might feign disinterest, if approval/trust is low enough!)

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: R.E. Seraphin

Whether kicking out raucous, throaty garage jams with Impediments a decade ago, or exploring power-poppier terrain with Talkies and more recently under his own initials, Ray Seraphin tells his stories in the radiance just above the fuzz. Sung low and hoarse, his lyrics blink in and out of reality, propelled by the instruments’ lively buzz and echo. Ruptured by an explosive guitar lead here or punctuated by a tidy, melodic bass riff there, this music doesn’t sit still. It’s familiar but captivating, a potent rock and roll fusion of lo-fi attitude and sweeping hit-record moves. Alex Johnson called his latest release, Fool’s Mate, “dynamic and buoyant… a bright, powerful album with lurid desperation creeping in from the edges.”

Here are 10 of Seraphin’s formative records, books, and movies:

Outrageous Cherry — Out There in the Dark

When I was 17, my bandmate’s partner loaned this CD to me and I held onto it for a number of years before she was able to pry it back. I loved the pairing of Matthew Smith’s arch wordplay and Larry Ray’s mercurial guitar work. They are one of the classic vocalist-guitarist duos to me — up there with Bowie-Ronson, Ferry-Manzanera, Rollins-Ginn. All of their albums are great. Not to sound trite but they really should be better known!

Ralph Bakshi — Wizards

When I was fired from my first job at Arinell’s Pizza, the manager gave me a 1/2 pint of Ancient Age, a CD copy of Butthole Surfers’ Independent Worm Saloon, and a VHS copy of Wizards as my severance package. He proceeded to drink the whiskey with me (at 9am) but, mercifully, stopped short of insisting we watch Wizards together. The film is lifted into classic status by Bakshi’s signature crude and wild animation style despite a fairly ho-hum future-fantasy plot. Still visually arresting.

John Barth — The End of the Road

I was an English literature major in college and, because I fancied myself a Serious Person, I read a lot of books I didn’t understand in my extracurricular time. I’ve read a few of John Barth’s more celebrated, metaphysical works but this early, "realistic" story is the one that stuck with me. There’s a bleakness and ugliness to the book that feels really transgressive — albeit not in an edgy, cornball way. Plus, as someone who probably suffers from some form of executive dysfunction, I somewhat relate to the protagonist Jake’s crisis of self.

The Real Kids — Outta Place

Over the years, my music has largely been referred to as power pop. I chafe against the term a little bit but can't say I’m entirely allergic to it. The Real Kids likely represent my first real interest in the genre. Their self-titled album is their best, most complete work; however, I more frequently listen to their New Rose-era.

Flamin’ Groovies — “Whiskey Woman”

Growing up, the Flamin’ Groovies were the consummate rock group. They represented band-ness to me in a way few others did. In my mind, it’s The Replacements, NRBQ, The Faces, maybe Cheap Trick, and the Flamin’ Groovies. Their early records have this cartoonish, shambolic post-Stones vibe I love — the Roy Loney effect. That said, I was drawn to this somewhat atypical ballad sung by their guitarist, Cyril Jordan. I think this is the song that made me realize you could end a song with something other than a double chorus.

Tommy James — “Ball and Chain”

My record collection did and does consist almost entirely of dollar bin records. I bought this record on a whim at a garage sale and became enamored of James’ weird, Christian bubblegum world. The fuzz guitar (maybe played by Tommy himself?) on this song is absolutely psychotic. Big fan.

Kirsty MacColl — “They Don't Know”

I discovered Stiff Records through a CD box set my mom owned. Initially, I was lured by the rockin’ entries in their catalog: Nick Lowe, Wreckless Eric, Larry Wallis, The Damned, et al. I also adored Rachel Sweet and Kirsty MacColl, though. A perfect song that contains the most affecting use of the word "baby" in the history of pop music.

Thee Headcoatees — Girlsville

I vaguely remember being stoned at a friend’s house when I was 16 and getting introduced to this Headcoatees album. I nicked a riff for one of my first songs, "Pig Out," which I licensed to a vegan pork rind company 10 years later. To this day, I don’t know what song I ripped off and it may not have even been by Thee Headcoatees. But Thee Headcoatees are cool, so here you go!

Flannery O’Connor — Wise Blood

I attribute my interest in American fiction writing to Flannery O’Connor. The atmosphere in her stories is so suffocating and anxiety-inducing — in a good way. I think reading this was the first time I understood the emotional impact great writing can have. I have a slight preference for her short stories now but, keeping in the spirit of this list, Wise Blood was my first, most enduring exposure to her work.

Zero Boys — Vicious Circle

I grew up in Berkeley, home of the Gilman St. Project, and I think a lot of my peers in high school expected me to be into hardcore. The Zero Boys are probably the one the clicked with me the most. They were melodic and seemed still tethered to rock n’ roll. Could be because they cited The Dictators as an influence. I was wearing a Vicious Circle t-shirt the first time I was dumped but I don't hold that against them.

[redbullgivesyouwingedkuriboh]

aaaaaaaand cue the 11 pm rambling.

the thing that fucks me up about seto kaiba is how he just. takes what he thinks he deserves. and how he looks down on those who don’t.

like here’s the similarities between me and kaiba:

- very protective of anyone that we view as needing it

- adopted

- make the best out of our situations

the difference on that last one is how we do it. i do it through ruthless optimism and pushing myself to be better every day. kaiba does it by climbing over people that he perceives to be in his way and using them as metaphorical rungs in the ladder of life.

also: r.e. joey: the reason kaiba hates joey so much is what I said above— joey doesn’t take selfish opportunities and basically does everything he does for the comfort and satisfaction of other people. kaiba was willing to gain what was probably pennies to him in duelist kingdom just to prove his title and the whole reason joey was fighting was for his sister. of course kaiba hates joey— he doesn’t understand why joey is still so low in society with the amount of dueling talent joey has.

kaiba looks at joey and sees what he could have been had he not gotten gozaburu to adopt him and then taken over kaiba corp. i’m not saying he’s right for how he treats joey, but I think it’s a little justified in a fucked up way. like, had kaiba not seized every opportunity, he would still have been in the orphanage when the show started. (idk how orphanages work in japan bear with me) he thinks that joey is too selfless and it’s hurting him. in some ways, that makes joey and kaiba perfect foils: joey, too selfless, and kaiba, too selfish.

so I don’t blame kaiba for not liking joey. I think his treatment of him is unfair and I think it’s kaiba taking his anger and trauma out on the closest available emotional punching bag, but I understand it. (i used to do that a lot to my adoptive parents because i think I saw them as the cause of my situation, even though they never did anything to intentionally hurt me.)

he needs SO MUCH therapy, though. #getkaibatherapy2023 (i do, too, but I acknowledge that and I’m working on my issues.)

I also think Kaiba had to grow up way too fast, which is actually pretty common in adopted kids. we either 1. strike out against our adoptive parents because we’re angry at losing our family or 2. conform so neatly to our new family that we fail to realize that we are separate entities from our parents. obviously those are the two extremes. kaiba is one of those cases that sits at both ends. he systematically destroys his adoptive father while also becoming so much like him that even kaiba doesn’t notice what he’s become.

…

…

I know we make fun of kaiba every time he smiles “oh no, kittens are dying” but there’s nuance to that.

…

…

does kaiba treat smiles as a reward?

I know I used to.

…

…

and if kaiba is anything like me

(which he is)

(I see a lot of myself in him, which scares the hell out of me while simultaneously comforting me because maybe I have a chance, right?)

then the love of his little brother is a privilege that he will never take for granted. in fact, he’s so scared of losing it that mokuba is his one weakness. if someone threatens my family, I come out swinging.

…

anyway, thanks kazuki takahashi for giving this little adoptee someone other than Annie to look up to.

goodnight.

[openintegrative]

Elimination Diets: Find the Foods Behind Your Symptoms

Elimination diets identify food intolerances by removing and reintroducing specific foods.

Divided into two phases: elimination and reintroduction.

Items like gluten, soy, and nuts are often removed first.

Gradual reintroduction helps identify food triggers.

Close monitoring and professional guidance are essential.

Elimination Diets

Elimination diets identify food sensitivities through the process of removing specific foods and gradually reintroducing them.

This method helps to find which foods might cause adverse reactions, particularly for those with chronic digestive issues or unexplained symptoms.

Common Reasons for Elimination Diets

People use elimination diets to address food allergies, intolerances, and chronic conditions. These diets help pinpoint specific foods that may be contributing to symptoms.

Types of Elimination Diets

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): Avoids certain carbohydrates believed to aggravate digestive disorders.

Low FODMAP Diet: Excludes foods high in fermentable carbohydrates that trigger IBS.

Basic Elimination Diet: Removes common allergens, such as gluten, soy, dairy, and eggs.

Autoimmune Protocol (AIP): Eliminates foods that might cause inflammation in autoimmune conditions.

Foods Commonly Eliminated

During the elimination phase, the following foods are often removed:

Gluten

Soy

Nuts

Nightshade vegetables

Dairy

Eggs

The Elimination Phase

This phase typically lasts 2-4 weeks. All suspect foods are removed. A food diary is essential for tracking symptoms like digestive issues, skin reactions, and fatigue.

The Reintroduction Phase

Foods are reintroduced one at a time, spaced out every 3-4 days. This slow process identifies any adverse reactions and determines which foods are safe.

Challenges and Considerations

Elimination diets can be difficult due to the strict removal of certain foods. Nutritional deficiencies may occur if not managed correctly.

Social situations may also present challenges, making professional supervision important.

Benefits and Effectiveness

Elimination diets often result in significant health improvements. Identifying and removing trigger foods reduces symptoms and enhances well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional guidance is necessary in complex health situations or if there is a risk of nutritional imbalance. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and support throughout the diet.

Conclusion

Elimination diets effectively identify food sensitivities. Individuals can discover which foods trigger symptoms and make healthier dietary choices by carefully following the elimination and reintroduction phases.

FAQs

How long should the elimination phase last? Typically, the elimination phase lasts between 2-4 weeks, depending on individual needs.

What should I do if I have a reaction during reintroduction? Stop consuming the food immediately and allow symptoms to subside before trying another food.

Can elimination diets lead to nutritional deficiencies? Yes, they can, if not managed properly. It’s crucial to monitor your diet closely.

Are elimination diets safe for children? Elimination diets can be safe for children with supervision from a healthcare professional.

How do I know if I need an elimination diet? Consider an elimination diet if you experience unexplained symptoms like digestive discomfort or chronic fatigue that might be linked to food sensitivities.

Research

Best, C.H. and McHenry, E.W., 1931. Histamine. Physiological Reviews, 11(4), pp.371-477.

Bachert, 1998. Histamine–a major role in allergy?. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 28(S6), pp.15-19.

Brown, R.E., Stevens, D.R. and Haas, H.L., 2001. The physiology of brain histamine. Progress in Neurobiology, 63(6), pp.637-672.

Colombo, F. M., Cattaneo, P., Confalonieri, E., & Bernardi, C. (2017). Histamine food poisonings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 58(7), 1131–1151. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1242476

Haas, H.L., Sergeeva, O.A. and Selbach, O., 2008. Histamine in the nervous system. Physiological Reviews.

Huang, J.F. and Thurmond, R.L., 2008. The new biology of histamine receptors. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 8(1), pp.21-27.

Hungerford, J. M. (2021). Histamine and Scombrotoxins. Toxicon, 201, 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.08.013

Jutel, M., Akdis, M. and Akdis, C.A., 2009. Histamine, histamine receptors and their role in immune pathology. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 39(12), pp.1786-1800.

Jutel, M., Watanabe, T., Akdis, M., Blaser, K. and Akdis, C.A., 2002. Immune regulation by histamine. Current Opinion in Immunology, 14(6), pp.735-740.

Best, C.H. and McHenry, E.W., 1931. Histamine. Physiological Reviews, 11(4), pp.371-477.

Bachert, 1998. Histamine–a major role in allergy?. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 28(S6), pp.15-19.

Brown, R.E., Stevens, D.R. and Haas, H.L., 2001. The physiology of brain histamine. Progress in Neurobiology, 63(6), pp.637-672.

Busby, E., Bold, J., Fellows, L., & Rostami, K. (2018). Mood Disorders and Gluten: It’s Not All in Your Mind! A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 10(11), 1708. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111708

Colombo, F. M., Cattaneo, P., Confalonieri, E., & Bernardi, C. (2017). Histamine food poisonings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 58(7), 1131–1151. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2016.1242476

Dionne, J., Ford, A.C., Yuan, Y., Chey, W.D., Lacy, B.E., Saito, Y.A., Quigley, E.M.M. and Moayyedi, P., 2018. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Evaluating the Efficacy of a Gluten-Free Diet and a Low FODMAPS Diet in Treating Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology, [online] 113(9), pp.1290–1300. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41395-018-0195-4.

Gundry, S.R. and Buehl, O.B., 2017. The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in" Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain. New York: Harper Wave.

Haas, H.L., Sergeeva, O.A. and Selbach, O., 2008. Histamine in the nervous system. Physiological Reviews.

Huang, J.F. and Thurmond, R.L., 2008. The new biology of histamine receptors. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 8(1), pp.21-27.

I. Spolidoro, G. C., Lisik, D., Nyassi, S., Ioannidou, A., Ali, M. M., Amera, Y. T., Rovner, G., Khaleva, E., Venter, C., Worm, M., Vlieg-Boerstra, B., Sheikh, A., Muraro, A., Roberts, G., & Nwaru, B. I. (2024). Prevalence of tree nut allergy in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy, 79(2), 302-323. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15905

Jutel, M., Akdis, M. and Akdis, C.A., 2009. Histamine, histamine receptors and their role in immune pathology. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 39(12), pp.1786-1800.

Jutel, M., Watanabe, T., Akdis, M., Blaser, K. and Akdis, C.A., 2002. Immune regulation by histamine. Current Opinion in Immunology, 14(6), pp.735-740.

Kovacova-Hanuskova, E., Buday, T., Gavliakova, S., & Plevkova, J. (2015). Histamine, histamine intoxication and intolerance. Allergologia et Immunopathologia, 43(5), 498-506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2015.05.001

Levi, R., Owen, D. and Trzeciakowski, J., 1982. Actions of Histamine on the. Pharmacology of Histamine Receptors, 236.

Lieberman, P., 2011. The basics of histamine biology. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 106(2), pp.S2-S5.

Lionetti, E., Pulvirenti, A., Vallorani, M., Catassi, G., Verma, A. K., Gatti, S., & Catassi, C. (2017). Re-challenge Studies in Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 287133. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00621

Maintz, L. and Novak, N., 2007. Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), pp.1185-1196.

MacGlashan, D. (2003). Histamine: A mediator of inflammation. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 112(4), S53-S59. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(03)01877-3

McWilliam, V., Koplin, J., Lodge, C., Tang, M., Dharmage, S. and Allen, K., 2015. The Prevalence of Tree Nut Allergy: A Systematic Review. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, [online] 15(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-015-0555-8.

Milroy, T. H. (1931). THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE CHEMISTRY OF SKELETAL MUSCULAR CONTRACTION. Physiological Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.1931.11.4.515

Parsons, M.E. and Ganellin, C.R., 2006. Histamine and its receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 147(S1), pp.S127-S135.

Pinto-Sánchez, M. I., Verdu, E. F., Liu, E., Bercik, P., Green, P. H., Murray, J. A., Guandalini, S., & Moayyedi, P. (2016). Gluten Introduction to Infant Feeding and Risk of Celiac Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Pediatrics, 168, 132-143.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.09.032

Rai, K.P., Pradhan, H.R., Sharma, B.K. and Rijal, S.K., 2013. Histamine in foods: Its safety and human health implications. J Food Sci Technol Nepal, 8, pp.1-11.

Reite, O.B., 1972. Comparative physiology of histamine. Physiological Reviews, 52(3), pp.778-819.

Soares-Weiser, K., Takwoingi, Y., Panesar, S. S., Muraro, A., Werfel, T., Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K., Roberts, G., Halken, S., Poulsen, L., Vlieg-Boerstra, B. J., & Sheikh, A. (2014). The diagnosis of food allergy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergy, 69(1), 76-86. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.12333

Taylor, S.L. and Eitenmiller, R.R., 1986. Histamine food poisoning: toxicology and clinical aspects. CRC Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 17(2), pp.91-128.

Teresa, M., Luz, M., & Carmen, M. (2018). Biogenic Amines in Plant-Origin Foods: Are they Frequently Underestimated in Low-Histamine Diets? Foods, 7(12), 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods7120205

Turner, P. J., Patel, N., Ballmer-Weber, B. K., Baumert, J. L., Blom, W. M., Brooke-Taylor, S., Brough, H., Campbell, D. E., Chen, H., Chinthrajah, R. S., Crevel, R. W., Dubois, A. E., Ebisawa, M., Elizur, A., Gerdts, J. D., Gowland, M. H., Houben, G. F., Hourihane, J. O., Knulst, A. C., . . . Remington, B. C. (2022). Peanut Can Be Used as a Reference Allergen for Hazard Characterization in Food Allergen Risk Management: A Rapid Evidence Assessment and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 10(1), 59-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2021.08.008

Wahls, T. L., Chenard, C. A., & Snetselaar, L. G. Review of Two Popular Eating Plans within the Multiple Sclerosis Community: Low Saturated Fat and Modified Paleolithic. Nutrients, 11(2), 352. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11020352

White, M.V., 1990. The role of histamine in allergic diseases. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 86(4), pp.599-605.

[brandonraykirk]

Salena Estep Deed to Nettie Toney (1909)

Salena Estep Deed to Nettie Toney (1909)

Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. For those familiar with the Lincoln County Feud, note description as the “Elisha Vance, Canaan Adkins and John Runyon lands.”

[marlinspirkhall]

R.e. pubs in the uk without decent low (or, not high) sugar non alcoholic options: my go-to is lime and soda, which isn't sugar free (usually) but because it's squash concentrate and soda water it's not super high sugar like coke, or full of artificial sweetener flavour like diet coke.

Also even if they don't have it on a drinks menu, they will (almost) always have it in and will do it if you also.

Thank you, I'll try this out!

[versary]

contemplating looking into seeing a psych in 2023 r.e. some low level eating disorder stuff. it's not, like, life-threatening, but it is super frustrating. and it can't hurt to be proactive, right?

[b-blushes]

r.e. last reblog (which i reblogged it because it was interesting to me not because i do that due to not being able to go to the supermarket :P), who would like to tell me about how you write your grocery list/arrange the procurement of food items i'm interested!!! for me, i physically walk around my kitchen and bathroom with a notebook, opening all the cupboards and looking at what i'm low on (: i like doing my little walkthrough it's nice!

[probably-enjolras]

r.e. disabled les amis headcanons: omg please add yours

yay someone wants to hear mine! some of this will be projection on my part. i’m disabled myself, i need a cane to walk because of a condition called Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) which is very similar to fibromyalgia. i’m also going to include some neurodivergent and mental illness headcanons, but i know some people don’t consider those disabilities, but from my own experience with them, i do, so that’s why i’m adding them!

jean valjean has chronic back pain, specifically a problem with the discs in the upper spine, from his time in prison. gradually gets worse as he gets older because of lack of treatment and him triggering the pain himself by lifting the crashes cart and then marius in the sewers. in my modern aus i like to think he gets an upper back/neck and shoulder brace that he wears, and he’s a bit insecure about it so that’s why he’s always wearing big coats even in aus where he’s not being pursued by javert

javert, marius, and enjolras are autistic. javert has known most of his life but marius wasn’t diagnosed until his late teens due to lack of familial support. enjolras would have been diagnosed as a kid but he’s afab and there’s lack of diagnosis for afab children and he doesn’t get diagnosed until he’s in his 20s after doing his own research.

enjolras, grantaire, courfeyrac, and bossuet have adhd. enjolras and bossuet have more hyperactive traits, enjolras’ manifesting in his need to constantly be doing something and chronic boredom, while bossuet doesn’t display his as physical hyperactivity but more racing thoughts and an inability to slow his mind down. courfeyrac and grantaire have more attention deficit issues. they can’t focus on one topic for a while unless they go into hyperfocus or it’s a hyperfixation. grantaire has a lot of self worth issues because of his adhd because growing up he was seen as a bad student and a bad child because of his attention issues and executive dysfunction. courfeyrac got medicated really early on in childhood. enjolras did too and it becomes a bit of an issue between him and grantaire because grantaire doesn’t start medication until he’s about 24 and enjolras has been on medication for a long time and he’s kinda forgotten about how difficult it can be being unmedicated so he thinks grantaire isn’t trying enough. that changes when the pharmacy won’t refill enjolras’ medicine and he has to go a week without it. it’s a really humbling experience he apologizes to grantaire once he’s back on meds (this is based on personal experience actually… i didn’t start meds until a few months ago and i had a friend who started meds in middle school do what enjolras did and ur sucked)

joly had to get his knee joint replaced through surgery and still can’t walk properly without pain in the area so he walks with a cane. he also has an autoimmune disorder that makes him get sick really easily, as well as chronic fatigue and brain fog that makes it hard to complete daily tasks even when he has a low pain day. he also has very bad anxiety that sometimes manifests in worrying about his health excessively and vigilance about staying healthy because he knows that if he even gets a cold, it will be worse for his body than someone without a chronic illness

cosette and eponine both have c-ptsd from living with the thenardiers, and i have so much to say about this that i’m thinking about making an entirely separate post about it. just know that both of them have trauma responses, with cosette becoming very docile and a chronic people pleaser because she doesn’t want to get in trouble even though she won’t be punished like that anymore, while eponine has become hardened by her trauma and puts up walls so she doesn’t get hurt. she also gets frequent nightmares about her siblings being hurt and wakes up sweaty and almost screaming. gavroche came home late one day and eponine was on the verge of a panic attack even though it had only been half an hour

combeferre is blind in one eye and his other eye is partially damaged so he doesn’t have very good depth perception in what he can see, and he also has very limited color vision

feuilly is deaf and grantaire is HoH. feuilly’s primary form of communication is sign language, though he can lip read but not very well. all the amis know basic signs like how to ask if he wants some water/food, hellos and goodbyes, and how to sign their names. once feuilly becomes close with them, he creates signs specifically for their names, which at least in the american d/Deaf/HoH community is very special. a very close family friend of mine is HoH and he gave me a name sign when i came out as trans (it’s a quick movement of the letters R and Y up in the position where male signs are signed like “father”) grantaire is hard of hearing and has hearing aids. sometimes when he fights with enjolras he just takes out his hearing aids and just lets enjolras keep going until he realizes what’s going on.

this next one is very personal to me and is something i don’t think i’ve ever seen before, but i hc jehan with having schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type). i personally have this disorder and i have found some comfort thinking jehan has it too. they started having mood symptoms first, which started as a depressive episode and then suddenly they felt like they had been shocked into a manic episode. once the mania started they began having delusions of grandeur and the belief that they were a prophet sent to help the world. they began thinking people were after them and they heard voices from “angels” telling them what to do. they started writing poetry as a way to get the voices out of their head and onto paper. it took two years to get a diagnosis and a some very rough nights where they weren’t sleeping and would show up to meetings with delusional ideas, and they were scared. they refused to go to the hospital but needed help, so grantaire took them to the community out reach center that he goes to for alcohol addiction treatment and jehan got a psychiatrist who started them on antipsychotics and a mood stabilizer. i like to think that jehan got better quickly, just because i’ve had this disorder for a very long time and i’ve tried almost every antipsychotic out there and im not really better, so i want them to not have my experience. they were accepting of treatment pretty easily, but they did worry that their poetry wouldn’t be the same afterwards. fortunately, they channeled their frustration into poetry as opposed to writing what they were hearing and even though their poetry changed once they got on medicine, they didn’t lose their ability to write it. they’ve also learned how to have confidence in themself and the revolution without becoming delusional, which did take time because hearing enjolras’ strong ideas, it just felt like too much for a while. but the longer they’ve been stable and connected to reality, the easier it becomes to believe that yes, some things may seem improbable, but they can still happen AND some ideas are delusions and can be differentiated between the improbably ideas

bahorel has hypermobile joints and has to be careful when boxing with grantaire because he has subluxed or even fully dislocated his shoulders, elbows, and finger joints while boxing. jehan bought him some colorful finger braces and has stitched patterns into his knee and elbow braces

that’s enough for now because this is getting really long but yeah. lots of projection on my part (whoops) but what is this blog without me projecting my issues onto les mis characters? is this not what this blog is based on 😂

[dustedmagazine]

No Escape Like Immersion: Alex Johnson’s 2024 Year in Review

The Minneapolis Uranium Club

I’m sure there are people who glide through November, then December, then New Year's day without getting snagged by even a single impulse to summarize. Someone somewhere, who, faced with the rapid approach of 2025, has just shrugged without a second or third intrusive thought about what was and what it meant. Must be nice, I guess. But I can only guess, because I’m at least ten retrospectives in, music-related and otherwise. Let’s stick with the music-related. I’m sorry to report that I haven’t arrived at a grand, unifying theory of my 2024 listening experience. Still, more than in recent years, the albums that stuck with me were immersive, escapist or both. Can’t imagine why.

Cindy Lee’s Diamond Jubilee and Water Damage’s In E were, for very different reasons, easy to sink into and float around in; long records that I came back to when I wanted to change the texture of my surroundings. A low-hassle alternative to painting my walls or hanging new art. Each album is escapist in its own way. In E, to quote Tim Clarke’s review for Dusted, is a record “to which the listener must willingly submit…[a] surrender to the void…under the intense pile-driving weight of volume and distortion.” Once you’ve adjusted to the grinding patterns, a heady, steadying ambience takes hold. It’s a record that leaves you the good kind of sore; the invigorated ache after the runner’s high. Diamond Jubilee, on the other hand, worked for me like a radio station. I loved the way I could let the music fade in and out, tuning back in and turning it up when something leapt to my attention: a high point I remembered, or, often, something I’d missed before. Jonathan Shaw put it well in our mid-year record swap when he mentioned its “strong relations to the dreamlike quality of the surreal.”

Following on from Cindy Lee’s surreality are two records I reviewed, R.E. Seraphin’s Fool’s Mate and Uranium Club’s Infants Under the Bulb. Both excellent guitar records; killer amalgamations of their respective rock and roll lineages — one Petty and Paisley, the other jittery punk funk. Once rocking along though, I encountered strange, precise songs full of ominous imagery; stormy and somatic, desperate and a little blurred. These records inspire immersion of a different, more intensely attentive kind. If I let Diamond Jubilee take me on a sprawling drift along the dial, I escaped into these records like reading great fiction — unable to put down Seraphin’s warped short stories or Uranium Club’s dystopian thriller.

No less compelling was Rosali Middleman’s lovely, burning Bite Down. Like Uranium Club, it unfolds as a kind of narrative. Unlike Uranium Club, you’re not constantly wary of the next lurch, but are pulled along all the same — an evening wander through the woods compared to Uranium Club’s rollercoaster ride. Christian Carey, in his review, wrote of the title track that “biting down is taken here as grasping at what’s real, with which the narrator struggles.” Indeed, a core pleasure of the album is how Middleman seems to be finding her way, exploring the illuminated edges of an otherwise opaque scene as the music is laid out. Here she’s backed by, as Jennifer Kelly has put it, “the rough-cut energy…[and] precision” of Mowed Sound, whose timeless chops are beautifully woven with Rosali’s own infectious, hair-raising guitar playing. It’s a warm album that still shudders on occasion, without any real lulls and with plenty of remarkable, discrete moments — the ripping guitar duet from “Change Is in the Form” or the first ascent of the chorus in “Hills On Fire,” for example. For me, the immersion of Bite Down mirrored, in one important way, that of In E: to listen was to be covered over and propelled forward, first by choice and then by the atmospheric power of the music. I hope 2025 yields as much art worth falling into. I expect it will and I expect that we’ll need it.

Of course, the five records above couldn’t capture everything I dug this past year. What about the poignant, affectionate jangle pop of The Spatulas’ Beehive Mind? Or the righteous anthems-in-miniature from Antenna? Let alone the loose but never shallow songwriting on Jennifer Castle’s masterful Camelot; the raw, intoxicating garage sessions from Workers Comp and Mordecai; and the potent celebrations of guitar from Tidiane Thiam, Chris Forsyth’s BASIC, and Yasmin Williams. Just scratching the surface. I could go on, but I’d rather get back to listening. Whether you find something new in the list below or it stirs up a revisit, many happy jams, vibes, bops, and bangers to you.

Water Damage — In E (12XU)

Cindy Lee — Diamond Jubilee (self released)

R.E. Seraphin — Fool’s Mate (Take A Turn/Safe Suburban Home)

Uranium Club — Infants Under the Bulb (Static Shock)

Rosali — Bite Down(Merge)

The Spatulas — Beehive Mind (Post Present Medium)

Jennifer Castle — Camelot (Paradise of Bachelors)

Mordecai — Seeds from the Furthest Vine (Petty Bunco)

Marcel Wave — Something Looming (Feel It)

Workers Comp — Workers Comp (ever/never)

Amy Rigby — Hang in There With Me (Tapete)

Lee Bagget — Waves for a Begull (Perpetual Doom)

Antenna — Antenna (Urge)

Tidiane Thiam — Africa Yontii (Sahel Sounds)

BASIC — This Is BASIC (No Quarter)

Pissed Jeans — Half Divorced (Sub Pop)

Yasmin Williams — Acadia (Nonesuch)

Yohei — Echo You Know (Perpetual Doom)

Animal Piss, It’s Everywhere — Grace (Sophomore Lounge)

David Nance & Mowed Sound — David Nance & Mowed Sound (Third Man)

[jiandiie]

JIANDIIE  selective  ,  private  ,  mutuals  only  ,  low  activity  blog  ruled  by  kiri  she  /  her  20.  Blog  is  ruled  by     heavy headcanon based  ADA  WONG  from  RESIDENT  EVIL  SERIES  and  is  content  related  such  as  violence  ٫  blood  ,    death    ٫  gore  ,    etc.  I  will  tag  some  content  as  a  warning  but  most  of  it  not  from  the  view  of  the  universe  my  character  is  in.  I  want  to  say  in  advance  ,  I  am  new  to  r.e  and  I  want  to  have  nonetheless  joy  from  exploring  the  characters  ,  relationships  and  possible  experiences  in  the  resident  evil  world.  Therefore,  I  ask  for  your  understanding.

RULES

[unstoppableforcce]

adore you

request: hi! would you be up for doing a Poe Dameron x reader with the song adore you by Harry Styles, like what you wrote with New Rules...

Poe Dameron x pilot! Reader

this is almost sickly sweet I think and I like it a lot so thank you anon for the request, no TROS spoilers or anything, just good old Commander Dameron - r.e.

Walk in your rainbow paradise

He had been shot down. Everything had happened so fast. One second he was up in the sky, cutting through clouds, while all his fighters trailed on his flank. The next, he was spiraling, a vibrant blaster of red shooting from the plush white and colliding with his back engine.

The cargo ship he had been in charge of transporting was now in flames on the side of the largest mountain on the planet. The smoke would surely give him away to whoever had shot him down, but he couldn’t do anything about it, he was barely capable of pulling himself from the wreckage.

His body felt all out of sorts. Blood. There was blood on his finger tips as he reached around to the surging pain at the back of his head. He could barely keep his eyes open.

Then he saw it. Then he saw you.

He swore he had never seen a ship move so fast. From where he was on the ground, the trails coming off your ship as it cut through the clouds just enough to let the sun through...

It looked like a rainbow following behind you, desperate to keep up as you worked with his team, quickly blasting the enemy ships out of the sky.

It was too hard to keep his eyes open.

When he felt his body being tugged onto a stretcher, he managed to peak out through squinted eyes.

The clouds had cleared up, sunlight basking down onto all of his team and the ships parked behind them. Everything sparkled. But you glowed.

Whatever colors your eyes actually were, he couldn’t tell, all he could see where the same rainbows which had followed you to his rescue.

“You’re going to be okay, Commander.” You cooed softly, your accent almost unrecognizable to his still ringing ears.

When his eyes shut again, he swore he was still seeing rainbows.

I get so lost inside your eyes

They transferred you from the base you had been stationed at when you came swooping in to the rescue after his crash. No one owned up to why, but there had been a few closed door meetings between Poe and the General where he pleaded to at least know the name of the pilot who had come to his rescue.

You weren’t on black squadron, but you were around in the weeks following the crash, while Poe was still getting back to his feet.

The first time he properly met you was after having supervised your training run with Rapier squadron, you beating out some of his best guys before he even realized it was you.

He met you at the bottom of your ladder, all prepared to give a hearty welcome speech, to congratulate you on the promotion and subsequent transfer, to make a good first impression. But when you took your helmet off, he lost all of his words on his tongue.

“Yes, Commander?”

You blinked a few times, tossing the helmet aside and wiping away the sweat at your hair line, all completely unaware at the way he was staring.

“Did I do something wrong?”

No. Nothing. Never.

But he couldn’t even get that out. You were sparkling.

“I Uh- I just came over to introduce myself.” He finally managed out, running a shaking hand back through his hair as he tried to recover. “And to thank you, for Nyo.”

“I’m glad to see you’re doing better.” You were sweet, he was going to melt. “Not exactly how I expected to meet the best pilot in the galaxy but-“

Oh no, you had an attitude. He was in trouble. You were just his type.

You don’t have to say you love me

He wanted to spend every free second he had with you. And usually he found a way to do exactly that.

He’d make excuses to get all the pilots to go out in hopes that you would tag along. And you always would. He wouldn’t get his hopes up and think you did it for him, but you were pretty quick to nab the seat next to him once down in the local cantina and he couldn’t deny that made his heart flutter.

Even if you only used the position to better banter with him.

For having come from a pretty isolated outpost, one of the only defensive pilots in Nyo, you fit into the squadrons on D’Qar effortlessly. If Snap made a crude remark, you could give it right back. If Bastian got too playful in his flirtation, you were quick to remind him of his place. And you and Jes together was near deadly. The wit being spewed across the table was all too quick and everything Poe loved being around.

It was comforting, almost grounding. A reminder he was surrounded by the best and the brightest in the air, that they were a fighting family and well-equipt to do just that. Fight.

In a war this hard, sometimes you needed that reminder. Poe certainly did.

That, and he also just liked the have fun with them. And wow. The pilots could drink, you included.

He often found himself carrying Snap back to base, drunkenly laughing and stumbling the whole way. But since you had come around, he was much more amused by being your crutch as you fall over yourself all the way back to your dorm.

You’d laugh, you’d trip, you’d try to take off your shoes in the hall and sometimes even throw them at passing mechanics. And all he could do was laugh and follow, trying to damage control along the way as best he could.

And when you eventually would make it back, and he’d type your room code in for you, (your hands just not cooperating with your drunken mind) you would collapse onto your bed, groaning the entire way down.

He’d toss your shoes aside and laugh as you struggled your way out of your jacket, giggling to yourself the whole time.

And for the brief second that you’d look back up at him with your beautiful eyes and mutter out some form of a “thank you”, he would think a thought he knew was wrong.

That he loved you. That he was in love with you.

But you’d just fall back to the pillows and pass out.

He didn’t need to say it. He didn’t need you to even think it back. He just needed you around. He needed you.

I’d walk through fire for you

There was no fire. That was the problem.

It was freezing on whatever the hell this planet was.

All you knew was that you had to keep quiet and stay hidden until the first order crafts passed by. That meant no fire, no nothing.

Just you and Poe hidden out in a small crevice of the towering mountain, freezing half to death.

“Stop pacing.” He warned.

You had been out there for hours, you knew how orders worked and had no real want to betray them, but at the same time, it had been hours and you just wanted to fly away. First order crafts patrolling the region or not. It was cold.

“Stop pacing.” He warned again from where he sat back in the snow, wearing his puffiest jacket, watching you pace back and forth in a futile attempt for some warmth. “You’re going to drive me crazy.”

“I’m cold.”

“Oh really? I had no idea.” He shot back with a frost bitten attitude. You couldn’t blame him for it, you were almost there yourself.

“I’m just trying to keep warm.”

“You should get back under this blanket-“

“You’re using it.” You kept pacing. Back and forth. Back and forth. And his eyes followed you the whole time.

“We can share-“

“I’m fine with my pacing.”

He scoffed but if he planned to keep arguing, he didn’t actually do it. He just watched you continue back and forth. Back and forth.

Back and forth.

He looked at his receiver, hoping and praying for a way out of the cold.

It was the quick yelp that got him to look back up for you, but you were no where to be found.

He rushed to his feet immediately, trudging as fast as he ever had through the snow until he reached where you had vanished from. And his heart stopped.

You had been atop a frozen body of water, and now you were somewhere deep in the icy water beneath.

And he didn’t even think, he just plunged himself head first into the freezing water, trying to keep his legs on solid ground so he could reach around for you.

He felt a hand and he pulled.

Dragging your now soak and even more frozen body from the water, he kept pulling until he was sure you were entirely clear of the water. Your face was blue, your eyes were shut. He bit off his glove to get his fingertips to your neck, checking for a pulse. You had one, but it was faint.

“You idiot.” He all but screamed, trying to get your soaked coat from your body, trying to warm you up as best as he could. His head was drenched too, water freezing on his face, his curls frozen on his head.

When you opened your eyes, he wanted to kill you.

“I’m cold.” You muttered out, barely conscious.

He laughed, only because he couldn’t cry. Not in front of you.

“You shouldn’t have put your head in, you’ll freeze now.” You added breathlessly.

“You saved my life once, I figured I owed you one.”

Just let me adore you

It wasn’t a big battle, but you had won. You beat the first order, completely ridding at least this section of the galaxy from them, for now.

It wasn’t a big win. But it was a win and that was cause for celebration.

Yet you couldn’t find Poe.

The pilots turned the hanger into a party, but he was no where to be found.

You searched high and low, it wasn’t until you walked past the control center, on your way to the cafeteria, that you spotted him. Perched on the slight bench created by the thick blast proof windowing, he just stared out at the vast night sky.

“Whatcha doing up here, Commander?” You questioned slyly as you made your approach, hands locked behind your back.

He turned, he saw you, and he turned back.

No emotion on his face. Nothing.

“Poe?” You continued, all playfulness washing away as you hesitantly took a seat across from him. “There’s a party happening, you know?”

“Yeah.” That wasn’t the fun loving Yavin boy you had grown so close to in the past few months. It just wasn’t.

“What’s going on?”

He huffed, shaking his head and trying to plaster on a smile, “nothing.”

You didn’t believe him for a second. And he could tell when your stare only got sharper.

“Poe?”

“I just- I guess I’m just having a bit of a day.” He sighed.

“We just won a pretty big battle-“

“We lost fourteen men.”

You nodded. It wasn’t his fault, but it wasn’t worth it to try and tell him that. He blames himself for all of it.

“We lost-“ he choke himself up, shutting his mouth before he spiraled and just shook his head, looking back to the window.

He didn’t expect you to grab his hand. You moved closer to him, grabbing his hand with both of yours and holding it tight.

“You should go to the party, you flew great-“

He tried to pull his hand away, but you wouldn’t let him, you only moved closer.

“Just let me...”

You wrapped an arm over his shoulder and sighed, pulling him into you. He was too tense at first, not adjusting, almost in a permanent flinch. But something snapped, a switch flicked when he got close enough.

And he collapsed. Barreling further into your arms, digging his head into your neck, burrowing in with his hand around your middle.

“You’re the best pilot I know.” You whispered against his forehead before pressing a short kiss there.

You stayed like that for most the night. Just holding him at first, then just talking, but you wouldn’t leave him. You couldn’t.

Like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do

He didn’t know what changed. But after that night, he was warmer and he wouldn’t leave your side when back on base, not if he could help it.

It was just something unspoken between the two of you.

Relationships were generally frowned upon in the navy, and even though this was a rebellion, a resistance, you typically followed the same rules and uniform codes. Even if relationships were the most regularly broken rule, you and Poe still never acted on what was there between you.

You could blame uniform code when Jes asked, but the two of you knew deep down what it was.

This war was bloody, it was brutal, it hurt and it took. It took everything.

And if you did act, you did succumb to the deep gravitational pull holding the two of you together like a moon and a planet, you’d have to know that it couldn’t last.

That one day something would happen. It was dangerous. You couldn’t count on being around the next day, making plans, believing in a future, it just couldn’t happen.

You sat by your ship, it was nearly the dead of night and things had been quiet all week, so most of the base was catching up on sleep. You couldn’t. Something in your heart stopped you before you even hit the pillow. You had to get your head elsewhere, so you stuck it in your ship and got to work on basic upkeep.

Poe stumbled out of his dorm, groggy, awoken by a rough nightmare memory of losing a friend flying next to him. It wasn’t abnormal, but this one hit harder for whatever reason. He had to get up, and heading to the hanger, he found you there.

He didn’t say anything. He couldn’t think of anything to say. But at the same time, he didn’t feel like anything needed to be said.

He sat down next to you and smiled, you did the same.

Setting your wrench down, you sighed and grabbed his hand. He let you, just holding you there for either a minute or an hour, he couldn’t tell, he was lost in your eyes.

“I love you.” He let the words spill from his lips before he even realized he had.

He half expected you to fall back, to flinch, to shout, to give some grand reaction of any sort. But you didn’t.

You just sighed and repeated back to him, “I love you.”

And he realized that this could be enough.

That the war may go on and on, but he could do this. You could make this work. He’ll fly ships until he can’t any more, but this is the only thing that’ll matter. This was his end.

He pressed a gentle kiss to your lips and you smiled back into him, returning the softness.

“I almost didn’t answer that distress call.” You admitted against his lips, pulling back just briefly. “Back on Nyo, I almost let my lieutenant take it.”

“Aren’t you glad you did?” He chuckled, pecking your lips once more.

“I don’t know yet, maybe if you kiss me again-“

He didn’t have to be told twice.

[gloombog]

R.e. the teeth thing with adderall, is it unpleasant enough that is takes away some of the benefit of the meds? Ive been debating getting medicated but I already have teeth anxiety and I dont wanna make it worse

right there with u i have teeth anxiety too )^: it is unpleasant for sure when i start to overthink about the way it feels, but on the other hand adderall helps me break out of rumination and thoughts i get stuck on and focus instead on whatever i'm actually trying to do, so for the most part it's not a huge distraction as long as i'm actually trying to focus on a task.. i think it really starts getting to me when i take a break or finish what i'm doing because then i have no set activity and my mind is just kinda wandering and it tends to wander its little way on over to all the unpleasant stuff (like the teeth thing)

adderall can also make you clench your teeth which i definitely do when i start feeling anxious or frustrated or whatever, so that's another one for the teeth anxiety, but again, if i've got something to do and focus on in front of me it doesn't really come up

i also just want to say i think i am probably a very very bad person to base any of this off of because i take very poor care of myself and it really is essential that you like, eat meals and drink water throughout the day if you're taking any meds but especially a stimulant (suppresses appetite among other things) and i gotta be real with u like. i am bad as hell at that shit especially right now currently These Days.. so i might be experiencing adverse side effects to a much greater degree than someone who's better at eating properly and staying hydrated. and sleeping. i am a very low bar lol

just putting that out there.. i am in no way the picture of health and it's moooostly my fault (or like ok not my ~fault~ but definitely something i could be trying to change) so. if anything i'd say don't worry about it too much and regardless of whether or not u end up going with this particular medication please feed your body good food often and drink lots of water i'm really sorry this answer is so long idk how i do it honestly but i'm cutting myself off here i love u

[the19thduckpotato]

The Ties That Bind Part 5 (MHA fanfic)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

In which there is more Tsukauchi and concerns  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Izuku breathed deeply, rolling over and hugging his pillow, waking up slowly. He sighed softly, opening his eyes and yawning, blinking the sleep away. Mmm... I must have been out for a while... where's All Might? He lifted his head and rolled, looking around.

Toshinori was slumped in the chair, one hand still propping up his head.  He snored softly, his bangs fluttered with his breathing.

Izuku smiled, laying his head back on the pillow. He rested for a bit more, just watching the bangs flutter. The events of the night seemed far away for now. He looked at the hand connected to the machines, and wondered if he could take them off, quickly concluding that, No, that would be a Bad Idea to attempt and wrinkling his nose at the fact that he thought it. Instead, he started wondering when someone would come in to check on him. He imagined some professional, busy nurse he didn't know bustling in and spoiling the quiet of the moment. Ehhh... maybe not worth it. He felt good again, One for All having been able to finish its work. Looking at his still-bandaged ankles, he wiggled them, giggling softly. All better! After a moment, he looked back over to the quietly snoring Toshinori. Waited a minute. Nothing happening. ...I'm bored. He sighed. "Hhhmmhmmm...." Plopped his face in the pillow. Then moved it back to its original position, because pillows are hard to breathe through. ...I wonder if the machine would argue if I got up this time.... He eyed the spot beside Toshinori that he tried to take earlier, and the phone sitting in the chair beside his mentor. There's games on that... but it would totally be wrong to sneak into that just for fun, I'd lose his trust completely. He huffed a disappointed sigh. I still can't believe how cool he was with me knowing the access code, that was... nice. I wonder if he thought I was spying on him? You were though?? Oh. ...That's fair. ...Then I'm very happy that he was okay with me spying on him. Well-- he waffled about the exact word to use. ...Watching? I mean he did unlock it in front of me... a lot... surely, since he knew I was there, it wasn't spying... I just watched. For security purposes, in case of emergencies. He nodded firmly. Yes, emergencies... which does not mean playing WordMoles when you're bored. "...Hrrmph." He made a flat, grumpy face. (Like this. è__é ) ...I'm still moving over there, he decided. It's better than sitting here. And I mean, I can... right? He won't be mad at me... nah. It's just moving, like, two feet. He carefully slipped off the hospital bed, placing his feet gingerly on the floor, feeling, like he always did, a tiny bit like he was taking his first steps. Well, my first steps in a while, anyway. He settled himself beside Toshinori's leg on the floor, eyeing the phone. Nope! Nope. He shook his head. Not gonna do it. He sighed softly, leaning his head lightly against Toshinori's knee, feeling the seam of the fabric press against his cheek. He waited. Bo.o.o.o..o.r..r.e..d.d.d....

With an ungainly snort, Toshi sat up and blinked owlishly.  "Good m-m-yawn-morning, kiddo."  He brushed back unruly blond wisps of hair.  "How ya feeling?" 

”Gyeep!” Izuku gave a tiny squeak, jumping with surprise at Toshinori’s sudden awakening and noise. “G..oo...d—“ he tried to avoid it, but ended up catching the yawn. He blinked and shook his head, then resettled himself, turning and looking up at Toshinori, still leaning on him. “Better! Like, actually completely!” He gave a small, hopeful smile. Pleeeeeease will they let me go now...? I wanna go home. —I! Uh. The dorms! To the dorms. I mean.

Toshi scratched at the back of his head as he yawned again.  "Anyone come by to check on you?" Anyone notice I fell asleep on watch?  Sigh... He got to his feet and peered at Izuku.  "Tell ya what, I'll see if I can find someone and get you discharged already.  Sound good?"  He held a hand out to help Izuku up.

Izuku blinked confusedly, staring off into space for a moment as he realized that he’d have no way of knowing if anyone came to check on him until very recently. The thought freaked him out just a little. “Ah. I have... no idea?” He refocused on Toshi. “Not in the last few minutes, anyway.” Reaching out his hand, he took Toshinori’s and stood up carefully, smiling. Hmm. Bit shaky... I’m gonna have to eat soon. Ooh! Maybe I can talk him into taking me out to eat? He reconsidered quickly. Or maybe not... he seemed pretty shaken up last I saw him... he probably wants to go home. Yeah. Home is better. —I mean the dor.... The corners of his eyes crinkled a tiny bit more, and he gave a small sigh, giving in. Ohh... whatever. Home works.

"All right.  Stay put.  I'll be right back."  Toshi gave an awkward but cheerful wave as he stepped backwards and out the door.

Izuku’s eyes widened, and he stood on his tiptoes and opened his mouth slightly just as Toshinori walked out the door. “heY WAIT! You forgot your... phone....” He sighed. “Aaand... too late.” He plopped down in the chair and picked it up, turning it on the lockscreen just to see the clock and the weather, mumbling, “Well, I hope he doesn’t need this.”

As if prompted by being picked up, the phone began to buzz; All Might began cheerfully bellowing that A phone call is here! ...but at a surprisingly low volume.  Truthful Tsukauchi flashed across the screen as All Might continued to whisper-roar his pre-recorded announcement.

Izuku's eyes widened, and his mouth made itself into a little circle when the phone started ringing, but he didn't squeak again. An amused (and slightly perplexed) smile crossed his face at the change in ringtone, then turned soft when he realized. He must have done it for me, so I wouldn't be startled awake if a call came. He bit his lip and stared at the phone for one more ring. ...Should I answer it? I should, probably. Don't just let the call be lost.... He pressed Answer and held the phone to his ear. wait WHAT DO I SAY Impossibly, a slightly-fake but polite smile appeared on his face, and he adopted a fair imitation of the the Phone Voice and phrases he'd heard his mother use. "Hi, you've reached All Might's phone. Can I take a message?" He could have sworn sweat beads were collecting on his forehead. H e l p  m e . . . .

A stunned pause at the other end. Then:  "...Midoriya?"

Izuku gave a very awkward, panicked laugh. "Ahahahahahh... ...hi?" His eyes flicked back and forth as if searching for help. Alas, the room was as empty as it was a minute ago, with no help in sight. He made a weird croaky nervous noise in his throat. Then hoped very hard that Tsukauchi didn't hear him. Tsuka... OH NO, I didn't even remember his name!! Ackkkjjfhsgsdfsdfsfvs..... His brain reduced to incoherent sounds of chaos, he slid down farther into the chair, scrunching up like a turtle and grimacing, wide-eyed.

Tsukauchi bit back a laugh then cleared his throat.  "Hello Midoriya," he replied cheerfully.  "Is All Might there?"

"Ah!" Izuku perked up, gaining new direction now that he had a question to answer. "No." He paused. "I mean, yes... I mean-- no!" He smacked himself in the forehead, and was sure that one was audible through the phone. He sighed, rolling his eyes at himself. "He just stepped out for a minute." Is he going to wonder why All Might didn't have his phone with him? "And... left his phone. ...Hehheh." Well that doesn't help, now you sound guilty, like you stole it! He's gonna think you stole All Might's phone, that's why he sounded so surpri-- He caught himself, realizing how silly that all sounded, and groaned internally at his brain. Oh, please shut up....

"But he's ok, I trust?"  Tsukauchi found himself more amused by the minute.  I wonder what All Might would think of this.

"Oh! Yeah," Izuku reassured him. "He's fine." I think. He scrunched his nose, realizing that he'd said something that wasn't resolved or answered yet, trying to recall what it was.... Oh right! He leaned back in the chair and swung his legs a bit, more at ease now that he had something to say, and continued brightly, "So what were you calling about?" He tilted his head curiously. "I can tell him later."

Tsukauchi's mind whirred a moment.  Surely he didn't go back to the other room....no.  Not All Might. "His assistant, are you?"  He couldn't stop the chuckle now.  "I admire the effort but I can't speak to you about police matters.  You understand."  A smile colored his voice now.  "Truth be told, I believe I could trust you with the information.  You're a good kid."

"Huh...?" His assistant? Why would I be...? Oh, it was a joke. He continued listening as Tsukauchi finished, then smiled, laughing softly. "Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence." He bit his lip, wondering if he should ask. Should I even be wondering? This isn't my fight, it's not my place to drag it up.... But you were a part of it, his mind whispered. You were the reason. He closed his eyes. Maybe he won't even be able to tell me. So I can ask, and then I'll have done all I can do, and that's... that's the end of it. A nauseous, tense feeling grew in his middle. ...Do I really want to know? "Uhm." It came out soft as a whisper.

"Something's on your mind.  ...last night?"

"Well, I mean." Izuku shrugged, his tone now matter-of-fact. "Yeah." What else? "I don't know if you can tell me... and... it's a little bit hard to remember right now...." I can't seem to connect to it... can't seem to feel what I did before... is this repressing memories? Am I doing that without knowing it? Am I losing that time--? "But..." He gripped a hand tightly around his foot, curled up with knees to his chest. One more shaky breath.... What am I doing? How can I say this, what kind of lack of faith in-- Then, softly.... "...Did they live?" A sick feeling settled in his stomach. Once the words left his mouth, he wished he could take them back.

"All Might didn't tell you?  That's odd..."  His mind whirred again, offering up theories before belated realizing that he didn't answer Izuku. "My apologies!  They are both expected to make a full recovery, one sooner than the other."  He almost added a personal thought then decided against it.  "So don't worry yourself about them.  They got off better than expected."

Tsukauchi's tone held none of the heaviness of death in it. Izuku had let out a tiny sigh of relief by the first syllable, his posture relaxing as he listened to the rest of what Tsukauchi had to say. "That's good," he said softly, a small smile on his face. "Why one sooner than the other?" He kept his tone quiet and calm, hoping that Tsukauchi would take him seriously. "How bad is it, if I may ask?"

"Midoriya--ah, Izuku?  May I call you that?"  His tone reflecting a respect given as well as a respect asked for.

Izuku stiffened a little, making a Nope face. Ahhh... I don't know if I like that. But you're so close to All Might... and if I'm close to him... do I have to let you? How can I say no, that'd be so rude-- He knew the pause of him not answering was telling in itself, though, and it grew longer with every instant he waited. "A-ahh," he started shakily. I don't even know what to call you, that's-- That's perfect! There was the answer to his predicament. "Well what do I call you, sir?" He laughed the question out awkwardly. Okay, maybe not perfect... but maybe I can get out without answering.

"Tsukauchi is fine.  Or if you prefer, Officer Naomasa.  That way we're on a first name basis.  But the 'officer' part has to stay, just so we don't seem too familiar with each other.  That could lead to...ah, complications."  This could also help me explain to you why what happened did, he thought to himself.  "Does that seem fair to you?”

Izuku swallowed nervously, the hand that held the phone shaking a little. "...Officer Naomasa." He tried it out. "I think I could do that, sir." He huffed a bit more breathy, slightly-frightened laughter. "I don't think I could call anyone by just their first name, anyway. It would feel kinda weird." Except Toshinori, you mean. Ohh...  shut up, that doesn't count. And I barely do that even in my head. So.

"All right, Officer Naomasa it is.  Is Izuku all right?" Was he stalling so he didn't have to speak of the night's events, either?  Tsukauchi winced.  It had been a messy and disturbing business.

Izuku froze, not wanting to say yes. Knowing that if he did, Tsukauchi would immediately be able to tell that he was lying. Whether his quirk worked over the phone or not, Izuku was just That Bad At It. I thought I could squeak by... but... oh no, oh no, what do I do?? I can't say no now! Why do I even care?? It's just a name! But it's so personal... only Mom n All Might call me that.... Well, and now I can have one more person who calls me that. His brain did a 180° turn from "not for you, Mister" to "okay, you belong here." Extended family, sort of...? He smiled, liking the idea. "...Okay." His voice was soft and vulnerable, hoping that Tsukauchi would pick up on how big of an allowance that was for him. As if it matters, a nasty thought hissed at him. As if you could allow him something. That's so stupid, he has way more authority than you! It matters because it's my name. I got given it, and I get to choose who uses it. And I choose to let him. Izuku nodded to himself firmly, decided now.

The other end was quiet for a moment.  Then: "Excellent.  Thank you for this honor.  I promise to do everything in my power to be respectful of this knowledge and of our newly forged connection, hero."   Tsukauchi shifted the phone to his other ear.  "Now remind me what you were asking."

Izuku ducked his head shyly, smiling. "Ah. Uhm." He wrinkled his eyebrows in thought, the smile persisting for longer than expected. Wow, I must be really happy, then. Okay. "Oh right!" He sat up straighter, alert, smile disappearing. "What's their condition? The two villains, I mean. Has the hospital told you much, or...?"

"Recovering.  I hope they think upon the error of their ways and become better citizens after this."  Since they got a second chance at life.  Tsukauchi pressed his mouth into a thin line.

I... that's not what I meant, but.... "Thank you." Okay, I guess a runthrough of their injuries was too much to ask, after all, hah. Not that I really wanted one, but... "recovering" isn't much information. Does he not want to tell me? Is it that bad? Nnnhh.... His thoughts turned to anyone else involved in the situation, doing a safety check all round. No civilians, no police hurt after they took the villains, I'm sure... that leaves.... "Did you... did he...." Izuku sighed, making a leap of faith on his new... bond of sorts with Tsukauchi. Boy I hope I can trust you with this request.... "Okay, don't tell him I said this, but... how is he? All Might." Izuku furrowed his eyebrows. "He won't... talk to me. He just kinda... watches. Granted, I haven't been the best listener... okay, I haven't even asked, not properly." He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, suddenly realizing how badly he'd done. "I... I'm kind of afraid to ask. Open wounds, and all that." He curled up again, resting his arm on his knees and his head on his arm. All Might... please be okay.

Tsukauchi sighed, a heavy sound.  A "I dont want to tell you" sound.  A "It's not my place to tell you" sound. A "I dont want to ruin your idol for you" sound. "Izuku, how do I..."  He ran a hand through his hair, looking about for any sign of All Might, somewhat aware of how strange the current situation was.  "Ok, I'm going to take a guess at this.  I've worked with a lot of heroes and I've seen this happen before.  Just...dont take my word for it 100%.  Each case is a little different." How to begin... All Might...forgive me...

A soft, "I'm listening."

"All right.  Let's start with a quick example--just now, when we exchanged permission to use each other's names.  Seems a simple thing.  But now we--or I'd like to think we have--a small bond.  We have a seed of trust we share and we'd welcome the chance to nurture it.   To see if it endures.  The more it grows, the more likely we are to continue to nurture it. "Now you and All Might.  Would you say the two of you share a similar bond of trust?"

"Ahhh, yeah." Izuku furrowed his brows again, puzzled. Is he gonna say that he doesn't wanna tell me? That he wants to nurture the bond of trust he has with All Might? But this won't be bad for him... I just wanna help, and I may not even be able to... do anything.... He shook his head. No, that's not it. He was starting to tell me earlier. He must still be going. He continued listening, hoping he hadn't missed any important bits while he was thinking.

Tsukauchi grinned.  "Yeah.  I'd wager it's more than just a simple name trade.  I wager it's a whole lot more.  And that it's more than just trust. "See, here's the thing, Izuku.  Heroes are admired for what they do for us.  But we take granted what they give up for us.  In order to protect us.  Villains will search for any vulnerability, any crack in a hero's defense, to get an advantage over the hero. "I'm going to ask a difficult question and I dont expect you to answer it.  Just think about it.  Ready?  What would you do if someone threatened your mother?"

"...I don't know." Izuku was quiet, thinking about what he could do. About what he couldn't let himself do. Trying to draw a line. "Take them down fast, I guess." (And ignored the part about not being expected to answer.)

"I don't know--it's a true answer.  It's a position no one ever wants to find themselves in.  How much is too much?  How much do I value this bond I have with this person? "And sometimes, in order to not put others in danger, to not have to make those hard choices, to not be in that awful position... heroes make a difficult choice and cut themselves off from people at large.  Oh, they're still interact with fans and the people they save.  But it can never go beyond that; a hero can't afford to let a bond be the break in their defense. "Multiply that feeling by the thousands and you get All Might.  With me so far?" Tsukauchi bit the side of his lip, treading carefully with his words.  He still valued his own bond with All Might.

"...Yeah." Izuku's voice was down to a half-whisper. "I know All Might did that." He swallowed hard. "And then I came and messed it all up." There was a tinge of humor in his words, but not much. "...I didn't mean for this to happen." His voice was a horrified whisper. "I swear." I wanted the opposite... please, no, I don't want anyone to die because of me! Not even if they're trying to kill me, it's just-- it's not worth it, I-- they're alive, life means so much-- And they're still alive, he reminded himself. No one died. They could have. He knew that. But they didn't. All Might stopped himself. Which is more than I could have done. Izuku squeezed his eyes tight, promising himself that he would never-- could never allow himself to get angry when he fought for his closest loved ones. Never. He shuddered. I'm not allowed. I wouldn't stop.

"Izuku.  Listen." Tsukauchi gave a half smile.  He knew he was one of a fortunate few.  And Izuku moreso than him.  Did he feel a tinge of jealousy?  Hard not to, you were talking about the All Might. "Heroes decide to guard their most precious bonds in the way that they choose.  With All Might being --having been--the most well known hero in the world, he had to take that to extreme measures.  There's certain guidelines even I follow so that I can protect my bond with him." Tsukauchi chuckled softly.  "Sidenote, you understand I'll need to speak with All Might about his phone after this." "But the part I need you to hear is this:  yours is the most precious bond." Tsukauchi paused a moment to let that sink in as he collected the rest of his words.

"Huh?" Izuku accidentally started to answer the side note before Tsukauchi was finished talking. "What, that I answered his pho--?" O-O "...Ah. Hm." ...Are you sure about that? Like... that sounds a little fishy... you've been his best friend for, like... a long time. That is a sweet sentiment, though, thank you. "I... um. Thank you." He ducked his head again shyly. Where was I? I was saying something, gotta keep the moment moving, I don't know how to respond to that, someone come in and save me please.... Izuku’s thoughts turned into an antsy singsong, his fingers tapping nervously. "Should I... not have answered his phone? What if it was an emergency?" He titled his head, changing the subject.

Tsukauchi chuckled as he scanned the hallway for that familiar burst of blond again.  "No, I mean about him keeping his phone with him.  And maybe changing the passcode.  Sorry, Izuku.  There's information on that device you're currently holding that's worth a lot of money in the wrong hands. "I won't mention this call, if that's what's worrying you.  And with him being retired, emergencies aren't quite as common any more (might explain his carelessness...) "At the end of the day, it's still his phone.  I wouldn't be comfortable with someone answering mine without my knowledge.  ...but I'm glad to be having this conversation with you, truth be told.  Fair?"

Izuku scrunched puzzledly. "You don't need a passcode if the phone is already ringing." Do you? Did he? Did I put it in and forget, I THINK I would have remembered.... "And... yeah. Fair." He smiled sadly, a bit disappointed to lose his "phone privileges". That he kind of stole. But maybe I can watch for the passcode again... ...nah. All Might would be watching me. And if Tsukauchi.. er, Officer Naomasa told him not to let me... sigh "You can mention this call if you want to, I mean, I'll probably say that you called. Just... not... all of it." He ducked his head, blushing a little. "If that's okay."

"How about I finish saying my piece before you so readily say thst?" Tsukauchi smirked. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, All Might has been so very careful all these years.  And for those same amount of years, he's been alone.  And letting so very few in.  For their protection. "He...lost someone once."  Sorry, Izuku, I cant say any more than that.  That's definitely out of bounds for me.  "He built his walls.  He--"  No, definitely can't mention that battle, either.  "--events happened and he closed himself off even more.  For his own reasons, of which the most paramount has always been to protect us. "Self imposed isolation is still isolation.  It's a lonely and depressing business.  No one deserves that, especially not the Symbol of Peace.  So Izuku, I have to say, you've had a remarkable effect on him this past year."

Well that just makes me even more curious. Izuku kept his mouth shut, however. There are just some things you don’t ask. He’ll tell me when and if he’s ready to. “Thank you.” He closed his eyes, a tiny smile growing bigger. That’s all I’ve really wanted to do for him. To be there. To be good to him. ...For him. ...Can I still be? Even if my presence pushed him to... this?

"I guess what I'm trying to say is...well..." Tsukauchi's mouth twisted in frustration.  "I'm not excusing what happened, not blindly.  But I understand why it happened.  Your bond is infinitely precious to him and he....reacted." That's putting it so mildly that even mayonnaise is insulted. A pause, heavy.  "Do you....remember it?"

“....A little.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m trying not to now. Just not right now. I’m probably not the one that’s supposed to be freaking out right now, huh.”

There was a tap at the door as Tsukauchi replied on the other end: "Well, no one should be freaking out.  It's over and done with.  If you can't remember, don't force yourself to."

“Uh-hh.” Izuku twisted around to face the door. “Someone’s at the door.”

Toshinori poked his head in.  "Doctor to--"  He covered his mouth to quiet himself as the doctor peeked in as well. Then Toshi frowned in comical confusion:  "...wait a second..." The phone chirped:  "All Might?  Is he there?"

“Yup!” Izuku smiled brightly at Toshinori. “Found him!” He blinked, rethinking. “Well, he found me...” He motioned in the air to illustrate his point, regardless of whether the person he was actually talking to could see it or not.

Toshi squinted, pat his pockets, squinted more, strode across the room, slender fingers  sliding the phone from Izuku's grasp-- "Thank you--" --then motioned to the doctor as he stepped back out of the room to speak with his friend.

Izuku stiffened just the smallest bit at the phone being taken from his hand, making a noise that was a bit startled, a bit betrayed, and a bit annoyed. The mix of which came out sounding rather like petulance. Fortunately, Toshinori didn’t seem to hear it, or at least didn’t seem to react to it as he slipped out the door to talk to Tsukauchi. Leaving Izuku alone. With a strange doctor. “Uhhhh.” He stiffened further, staring at the doctor with wide eyes. “Hhhhhi.”

((TBC))

[bartlettcald]

A Guide To Commercial Real Estate Loans

Isolated incidents should not affect your ability to get a loan. How Can You Repair Your Credit? In most cases, a simple letter or phone call to the credit card company or business that originally gave you the credit can put you on the right track to having that scar removed from your report. It may not even be necessary though, based upon your recent credit patterns! Sometimes theyll require you to pay-off the balance of your debt or send in a letter explaining why you were late with your payment. Dont pay any creditor off without talking to a qualified professional financial advisor or mortgage consultant first! However, if you have a history of recent late payments, youre probably going to have to let time take its course (although there might be trick or two here you can use). There are a million scenarios I could review, but I think its important you walk-away with two key thoughts from this: 1) Your credit can make or break your ability to acquire a loan; and 2) you must know what is on your credit report, your credit score, and begin to examine and, if necessary, repair any credit problems immediately. What Role Does Your Investment History Play? Your investment property loan history or track record will play an important role in whether or not a lender will want to finance your next property. Investment properties, and their respective loans, are often looked upon as a higher credit risk than if you were buying your own home. So, if you have a proven track record of successfully selling or managing investment properties loans, with no late payments, then you are more likely to get your loan approved. The bottom line is that credit or, more accurately, credit history is a major determinant in your ability to finance commercial real estate. Pay close attention to this area of your finances if you intend to be an active investor and manage your credit as you would one of your properties: Actively. If you want to sell your building, you want to be able time it correctly so that you have achieved a full occupancy and are able to sell it before the market cycle turns down. The ideal time to buy is when the market is transitioning from a bear to bull market. Sounds pretty logical, doesn't it? You may not be able to get your hands on a crystal ball, but I've stumbled upon the next best thing! Recently a good friend of mine, Christian, led me to a very useful online resource for commercial investors such as myself. This site is one of the best I've seen for pinpointing and understanding commercial real estate cycles. On the site the company assembles detailed reports on market trends for every major market in the U.S., as well as markets in different parts of the world. Among the offerings on the site: downloadable reports as well an annual market report called Viewpoints; comprehensive commercial valuation and appraisal services; real estate specialty experts in such fields as condominiums, mixed-use developments, malls and complex retails, and much more. I can't do the website justice listing its features here, though. Take a look for yourself. IRR (the company) has recently been cited in news stories by the Associated Press, USA Today, and the New York Times, among others, proof that major sources are definitely paying attention to what the company has to say. I hope you'll find the site every bit as useful as I do. Contact me through the link below and tell me what you think. There are other risks in commercial real estate that you can mitigate through third party insurance policies. The most common form is title insurance. Most real estate professionals recommend that buyers obtain title insurance on any property they purchase and if a loan is involved, the lender will make it a condition of obtaining the loan. The purpose of title insurance is to protect the buyer in the event that problems are found with the title after the close. Even though all sales of real estate include a title search, it is a good idea for the buyer to purchase separate title insurance as an extra measure of protection against mistakes in the search. This extra insurance will help protect the buyer in the event of any undiscovered liens, disputes over property lines, or other matters affecting title. Another common, but important form of insurance for investment property is liability insurance. This provides the investor protection from liability in the event an individual is injured while on the property. This ties in because financing is a big part of owning a self-storage facility. Many questions arise regarding how to get a commercial loan for this commercial real estate that has a rising market and demand. First off, to improve your odds of getting a loan, deal with any maintenance needed at the facility. Do this before you have your assets evaluated, as you may need to take pictures of the photography for the lenders. Also make it clear to lenders that you understand the market and management systems. Although, you do not need experience in owning commercial real estate to own self-storage, it is good to have managerial experience. Before you get a quote from the lender take pictures of the property and the things around it. Also provide all information about the facility that seems relevant, such as how much space is on the property, and what you plan on doing business and price-wise. Another type of commercial real estate funding may be an investment property loan. In this case the property itself will be used to make money, for example, a shopping strip leasing space to tenants or an apartment renting units. Again, if these businesses are start-ups then personal credit becomes extremely important for qualifying. The final type of loan is called a hard money loan that is used for commercial real estate development projects. Older buildings purchased for rehab, new construction, or conversion projects all may fit into this financial mold. Hard money loans are usually designed to avoid early payoff fees as well as other fees associated with early payoffs. Banks set these prepayment fees and enforce them so they do not lose out on making the interest money after spending their time and money toward due diligence for the commercial real estate project. As a businessman you should understand the basic concepts of a loan and the loan structure. Be prepared to show a good credit score or construct a joint venture with a strong borrower. Understanding the individual underwriting criteria for these loans will also help you negotiate terms. You may want to consider a financial consultant or business professional to help you make the best decision on your commercial real estate funding options. That is; they are no longer at the bottom. Moody's says the June reading is 4.2 percent above the recession low that occurred in October 2009. With values 41% lower than they were about 3 years ago while rents have not gone down, this makes now the time to invest in commercial income producing property. If buyers and sellers are in fact coming to terms on pricing, the commercial sector can expect transaction volumes to rise steadily and prices to stabilize in the months to come. Moody's latest report also includes quarter-to-quarter price comparisons for each of the four general property types. In the second quarter, prices for apartment and office properties (income producing properties) increased by 4 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively. Retail and industrial properties (non income producing), though, weren't as fortunate. Retail prices dropped 10.9 percent, while industrial prices declined 2.9 percent. More proof for the investor that this is the time to invest in commercial income producing properties. Distressed properties are lower in value with greater appreciation and and cash flow because the amount financed would be lower yet rents are not. The real key to purchasing distressed income producing commercial real estate is availability of financing. Even though the markets and underwriting is tighter, with many lenders leaving markets of even leaving the business completely, there is many sources available to finance income producing commercial r.e. Programs are even available for down payment assistance. But a buyer must secure financing and understand his financing options before they negotiate with the sellers. The financing options are the key to success of the deal and often can not be added to a previously negotiated deal. Talk to your lender first to understand how you can put the deal together, before you negotiate a deal that does not work with the financing.