#Tender Estimation

[bidkon]

Common Mistakes in Cost Estimation and How to Avoid Them

Thus, cost estimation forms an important part of every construction project process and happens to be its major success determinant. Therefore, the aspect of cost estimation is relevant in budgeting and planning, not allowing the aspect of financial consumption to shoot up. These estimations bring about common mistakes that make a huge discrepancy in the reliable estimate of the costs which are to rise. The learning related to these mistakes and the know-how to avoid them is quite important for construction project management firms, cost consultants, and quantity surveyors. 

Underestimating Project Scope

The most common mistake in estimating cost is when there is an underestimated project scope. This usually happens because of ineffective project planning where the requirements of the project have not been well understood. Poorly estimated scope results in delays, cost overruns, and poor-quality work. Elaborate project planning and discussion with stakeholders should pave the way for capturing all facets of a project. Furthermore, engaging the services of construction project management firms will also substantiate definition of scope accurately, otherwise the scope of a project in terms of tender cost estimation will miss out on several elements.

Ignorance of Market Conditions

Ignorant of Market Conditions. Prices of materials, labour, and equipment are bound to fluctuate for a number of reasons—economic scenarios, changes in source of supply, and fluctuations in demand for material, among others. Ignoring these would lead to serious overruns with variances between estimation and actual cost. In order to minimise these risks, the cost consultant shall ensure keeping abreast with market trends in the price level and shall provide for contingencies with all material prices possibly changing within the estimate. Review and update cost estimates on a regular basis in order to reflect prevailing conditions in the market to ensure that it does not lose its accuracy over time.

Poor Risk Management

Poor risk management is another critical cost estimation predicament. Construction projects are prone to being inherently risky in nature, such as risks from weather, unforeseen site conditions, and regulatory changes. In case they are not properly catered for, they may ultimately lead to high cost overruns. Whatever the case, a quantity surveyor should be able to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment and include appropriate contingencies in his cost estimate. The more the risks are identified early and planned for in advance, the more reliable and resilient the cost estimate that the construction project management firm will establish.

Being Negligent About Indirect Costs

Many estimators only consider direct costs like material and labour costs, and most of the time, they skip indirect costs. Examples of indirect costs are those associated with project management, permits, insurance, and overhead. Ignoring such costs during estimating the same may cause underestimation. Therefore, it should be detailed either through direct or indirect costs. Involvement of professional cost consultants with relevant experience will ensure the fact that necessary costs have been taken on board and the cost estimate is made reliable and accurate.

Conclusion

Accurate prediction of cost is important in construction. Construction project management firms, cost consultants, and quantity surveyors can enhance their estimate reliability by observing principles that prevent the usual mistakes in underestimation of project scope, non-consideration of market conditions, improper risk management, and neglecting indirect costs. Adequate planning, continuous market study, effective risk evaluation, and detailed cost breakdown are the major strategies to be followed to enhance the practices regarding cost estimation. This is apart from assisting in delivering projects on budget; they would also help in the overall efficiency and profitability of construction endeavours.

[artfinderartist]

A tender morning~

Ref below!

[twilight-zoned-out]

Things I noticed about The Great Gatsby that might help put the book in perspective:

-It takes place during Prohibition. Although the book is constantly filled with people drinking, the making and selling of alcohol was technically illegal and had been since 1920.

(Note: this is also why everyone gets mad at Daisy when she wants mint julep when they get to the hotel. Unless they smuggle in alcohol from home, it’s a ridiculous thing to ask.)

-1920′s humor included absurdism and wit, which combined humor and intelligence or ‘sharp’ intelligence. Daisy makes witty comments throughout the book. When she talks about Ferdie in a ridiculous way and Nick continues the conversation as if he thinks she is being serious, they are essentially joking with each other in the conventional way of the period.

-Nick is older than Tom, Daisy, and Jordan. He is not only an outsider in terms of location and wealth, but in terms of a (slightly) older culture looking in on the newer generation. When Nick leaves Jordan with the comment that he is “5 years too old to lie to [himself] and call it honor,” his insult carries extra weight because he is saying she is too young to mature herself enough for a reasonable conversation.

-It takes place after World War I, during a time when the US aggressively pursued an isolationist stance. The US did not want to become involved in any overseas wars. Most of the main characters in the book served in some way during World War I. 

(Note: This story was written before Germany began to loom as a threat in the years before World War II. When Nick calls the deaths at Gatsby’s mansion a Holocaust, it did not have the same connotation it has today.)

[edits made]

[schrodingers-slut]

Tumblr polls are so so helpful for showing how many of y’all refuse to mind your own business and feel entitled to pass judgement on choices ppl make that, at worst, mildly inconvenience you.

[pejasurveying1]

Bill of Quantities Services | Accurate Cost Estimates & Tendering for Construction Projects

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[bidartpro]

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1. A Comprehensive Solution for Contractors:

BidArtPro offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify and optimize every step of the bid management process. From creating detailed project estimates to tracking subcontractor bids, this software is the ultimate companion for contractors looking to stay ahead in a competitive market.

2. User-Friendly Interface for Easy Navigation:

One of the standout features of BidArtPro is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. You can be a tech expert to navigate the software smoothly. BidArtPro ensures that even novice users can quickly get up to speed and start streamlining their projects from day one.

3. Real-Time Collaboration and Communication:

BidArtPro understands the importance of effective communication in construction projects. With its real-time collaboration features, you can effortlessly connect with team members, subcontractors, and clients. This keeps everyone participating in the project informed, reducing the possibility of miscommunications and delays.

4. Accurate Cost Estimation for Precise Bidding:

To provide accurate and detailed project bids, BidArtPro's advanced cost estimation module considers various factors, such as labour, materials, and overhead costs. Say goodbye to underestimating or overestimating costs – BidArtPro helps you strike the perfect balance to win more bids and boost your profitability.

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Bid preparation involves handling numerous documents and files. BidArtPro simplifies this process with its centralized document management system. Easily store, organize, and access all your project-related documents, ensuring you save time searching for crucial information.

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In the construction industry, being on-site is common, and BidArtPro understands this. With its mobile app, you can access your project data, communicate with your team, and manage bids from anywhere. This ensures you take advantage of every opportunity, even while you're not at your desk.

BidArtPro is the ultimate solution for contractors who aim to streamline their project management and bidding processes. With its user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, accurate cost estimation, and powerful analytics, it's no wonder BidArtPro has earned the title of the top construction bid management software of 2023. So, don't wait any longer – elevate your construction business with BidArtPro and watch your projects soar to new heights of success.

[tenderheliotrope]

when i tell you, dear reader, that it continued into today 💀

literally everything went so incredibly wrong this evening, but i did finally manage to get DA2 to run so not all hope is lost

[ckret2]

i am FASCINATED by the little scraps i've heard about bill's uncle. am i allowed to know more about him. and if the answer is no do you have a chapter estimate for when i am

yeah sure, I already made a post on Bill's mom, I've finally got enough material to make a post on Bill's dad.

Bill got his gorgeous eyelashes, warm color scheme, black limbs, and personality from his mom. He got his shape, his brick lines, and his slitted pupil from his dad. His dad's a self-made businessman*! (*His dad got suckered into joining a multi-level marketing scheme and now he makes money by suckering other people into joining the MLM scheme.)

And: his dad has a brother. They're twiiins!

Bill keeps targeting twins. (The Stans, the kids, TBOB says Pyronica's got a twin sister Hydronica...) I imagine Bill's twin obsession is rooted in something close to home.

Because Euclid & Euler's eye split in half mid-development, they have unusually oval-shaped eyes—a common sign of twins. They've been going to an optometrist since they were toddlers to deal with poor eyesight and floaters in their peripheral vision. They've had a mix of surgery, corrective lenses, and medication to narrow their field of view to the area they can see clearly. So when baby Billy said he was seeing "bright white dots" on "the outside of everything," Euclid went aha! He knows exactly what Bill's seeing!

He did not, in fact, know what Bill was seeing.

Bill's parents didn't regularly visit family, but Euler was the one relative they saw most often. He was the first person to snap out of the "haha it sure is funny how Bill can guess when somebody's about to knock on the door" rationalizations to realize that Bill really could see things no one else did.

And since Bill's parents are sort of disasters who think starting a cult is a great get-rich-quick scheme, Euler was one of the most emotionally stable role models in Bill's life. It sure is a good thing that Euler was a constant presence and nothing happened to him during Bill's tender formative years!

"But wait," you say, "you told us that Bill got his shape and slit pupil from his dad. But wouldn't that mean he got genes for a square? And how could he have gotten a slit pupil if that wasn't a genetic trait, but a consequence of an eyeball splitting in half?"

Triangles and slit pupils don't run in Euclid's side of the family. But squares and twins do.

I imagine Bill's twin obsession is rooted in something close to home.

"So Steve exists in your headcanon—?" No. He's a stillbirth his parents pretend doesn't exist. He's a crime Bill committed before he was born. He's the imaginary phantom Bill's parents are searching for when they look at Bill—starting fires, hallucinating, spitting up his medicine—and wonder what he'd be like if he was different. He's a symbol representing a source of unconditional love and support that Bill deserved and needed, but never had. Steve's all those things—but he doesn't and never has existed.

And there at last is my Euclid headcanons post. If y'all are interested & didn't see it, here's my Scalene headcanons post! And some headcanons about shape twins that still basically work post-TBOB, we just know now that Euclideans don't need a line and a polygon to reproduce.

(95% of my headcanons about Bill's dad & uncle are pre-TBOB. The only difference is that I originally designed Euclid & Euler as green trapezoids that had split from a hexagon. Trapezoids so that Bill and his dad could do this, green so that Bill's dad could be the original color Bill was designed as before the Gravity Falls crew made him yellow & so that his family could be money-colored: gold-colored Bill & mom, dollar-bill-colored dad.)

(After TBOB/TINAWDC revealed his dad's a triangle and either red or blue, I decided to make the twins blue-green (because I wanted to keep in that "bill's original color scheme" reference) and finagle it so that Euler could still be a trapezoid; after Pyramid Steve came out, I suddenly had a really good thematic reason to make them blue-green. I'd been playing with the idea of making Bill a shoulda-beena twin, Steve finalized that decision by giving me a physical design that could tie into Bill's extended family.)

[basset-babe]

five times: the first.

pairing: benedict bridgerton x fem!reader

warnings: none but gossip

word count: 3.5k+

a/n: in the ever tasteful art of writing fan fiction, here's me breaking my writer's block and making my debut on bridgerton fanfiction, i give you the first of five times with ben. i absolutely adore the abc men but ben just has a special place in my heart (tbh anthony and colin do too, i just felt like daydreaming abt ben today) i do hope y'all enjoy! ciao!

five times series: the first. the one point five. the second. the third. the three point five. the fourth. at last.

dividers from @heavenlayt thank you!

first time.

"My lady? It is time to wake." Elsie, my lady's maid, knocked on my door, as she entered. "If your ladyship pleases, the hour had struck 6 of the morning." As my eyes adjusted to the soft light hues streaming through the curtains. I sat myself up and replied, "Elsie, good morning. I am now awake, awake enough hopefully."

Elsie ushered in with a pitcher of water and cloths. "Is it really today already?" I huffed as I stood walking to my dressing room. I cleaned myself and slipped on to a new chemise. "My lady, Her Grace has instructed that we make haste. Yes, your presentation to the Queen and the court is today. In a few hours to be exact."

I faced my looking glass as a few other maids came in to assist with my stays and petticoats. This is the day that all my grandmother's lessons and patience comes to fruition. All the hours practice dancing, and of course, the languages I've studied and now do speak fluently, if I do say so myself.

"Tell me honestly, Elsie," I looked back at her as she ties the ribbons of my corset. "Would I ever succeed in... all this?" I flailed my hands gesturing. I fear I might not even find a match for this already seemingly long season. She smiled and said, "You've prepared for this for the longest time. You have become such a fine young lady, miss. Any bachelor is to be blessed in abundance to bask in your presence, in my estimation. My hopes and prayers are always in your welfare, my lady."

As I take my last look in the looking glass, my gown fashioned from ivory silk, its smooth surface shimmering. My hand traced the pearl-beaded neckline and I fixed the puff of my sleeve. With my gloves at hand, I head out my room's door where I am greeted by my grandmother, her cane tapping the hardwood floors. "A tad bit early than I expected, my dear." Her tone joking as I followed suit. I smiled as we went down the manor's foyer. The stairs were adorned with our small family's portraits. "Well, I did try to attire myself with the utmost haste, Grandmama, fully aware of your esteemed patience." I remarked in jest but she laughed amusedly.

Halting in my steps, I found myself drawn to a familiar sight—the wedding portrait of my beloved parents. A soft smile graced my lips as I gazed upon their image, memories of happier times flooding my mind.

Sensing my absence, my grandmother turned back, her keen eyes alighting upon me. With a gentle hum, she adjusted her monocle and approached, offering a comforting pat on my back. "Grandmama," I began, my voice tinged with a wistful longing, "I do hope I make them proud." Her response was a tender reassurance, spoken with unwavering certainty: "I am sure they already are, dearest."

As I stood poised on the threshold, awaiting my turn for presentation, a sense of vulnerability washed over me, akin to that of a damsel in distress. My grandmother, ever the epitome of grace and poise, meticulously adjusted the feathers of my attire, ensuring every detail was impeccably in place. "Breathe," she counseled, her voice a gentle reassurance in the midst of my nerves. "You have done me proud, dearest," Grandmama affirmed, her words a comforting embrace, imbued with pride and unwavering support.

Then the Lord Chamberlain announced, "Miss Y/N Y/L/N presented by her grandmother, the Right Honorable, the Dowager Viscountess Y/L/N."

As the grand doors parted, a hush fell over the room, and I sensed the weight of every gaze upon me, particularly that on my grandmother too, her presence announced by the dignified tap of her cane as she followed behind. Stepping forward with measured grace, I approached the Queen's podium and executed a low curtsy, drawing in a deep breath as I maintained a respectful bow. Despite the murmurs echoing through the court, a moment of stillness enveloped the room as I felt the Queen rise from her seat. With a gentle touch, she lifted my chin, and I straightened, meeting her gaze with a warm smile.

"The paragon that you are, my dear," she uttered with a tender affection, bestowing a kiss upon my forehead in a gesture of approval. A grin spread across my face, the warmth of her words suffusing my being, even as my cheeks protested from the strain of the continuous smile. With a graceful pivot, my grandmother and I retreated with measured steps, executing another respectful curtsy before withdrawing from the Queen's presence.

The once subdued murmurs of the court now crescendoed in my ears, a cacophony of whispers and speculation swirling around us.

"Grandmama... Me? A paragon?" I murmured to her, quite exhilarated by the Queen's words. Yet, my grandmother remained stoically composed, her gaze fixed steadfastly ahead amidst the throng of aristocracy.

It was a rare sight to behold her amidst society's grandeur, for she typically kept to herself. However, she had made an exception, deeming it fitting for me to enter society this season. And indeed, her decision had borne fruit. Every effort she had invested in my preparation had culminated in this moment of recognition and acclaim.

I cast a fleeting glance towards the court and beheld the most gentle of green eyes. He acknowledged me with a subtle nod, prompting me to avert my gaze. I delicately toying with my fingertips as a flush of warmth suffused my cheeks under the weight of his gaze. I thought, "He must be a Bridgerton." As he wore their signature navy blue color and his hair a bit more disarray in his possible attempt to make it look more orderly.

In a moment of amusement, I softly chuckled as I returned my gaze to his warm countenance, which bore a friendly smile. Grandmother moved her cane in front of me as if to rectify my demeanor. Upon realizing my error, my gaze widened in contrition as I cast a sheepish glance her way.

Inwardly, I fortify myself for the impending social engagements with the esteemed members of the court, anticipating the sunset reception that is to ensue after this presentation. "May fortune favor the bold," I silently invoke, summoning courage for the encounters ahead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the Buckingham Palace gardens, guests gathered amidst a scene of opulent splendor. Marble pillars and graceful arches adorned with cascading vines formed the backdrop, while ornate chandeliers and intricately carved ceiling pieces adorned the alabaster walls of the open-air reception area. Underfoot, the smooth marble flooring provided a regal foundation for the soirée, imbuing the atmosphere with an air of timeless grandeur and sophistication.

As refreshments circled the soirée on silver trays, deftly carried by attentive servants, the ton assembled to mingle amidst the lush surroundings of the Buckingham Palace gardens. Bustling mamas engaged in animated chatter, their voices rising above the murmurs of conversation, as astute gentlemen sought out advantageous alliances for their poised debutantes. Amidst the swirl of social intrigue and polite banter, the air crackled with anticipation, each guest poised to seize upon the opportunities of the evening's gathering.

Accompanied by my grandmother, I descended the garden stairs into the sunken garden reception. The ton, resplendent in their finery, turned their heads in unison, their curious gazes alighting upon us like the flicker of candlelight on polished silver. Whispers rippled through the crowd as we traversed the room, each pair of eyes lingering, momentarily entranced by the spectacle of our arrival. Even those engaged in conversation momentarily paused to acknowledge our arrival. "The season's paragon.." They said.

"Your Grace, might we trouble you for some refreshments?" I nodded to the servant approaching with a tray of glasses.

As we delicately sipped our glasses of lemonade, Lady Ledger made her approach, flanked by her cousin Lady Violet Bridgerton, and her daughter, Miss Eloise, who had been presented alongside me earlier in the day. Joining them was her friend, Miss Penelope Featherington, completing their entourage.

"Ah, Viscountess Y/L/N, Lady Y/L/N, are you enjoying the reception?" Lady Ledger inquired with a knowing smile. Lady Bridgerton nodded graciously in acknowledgment, offering a courteous response to both my grandmother and me. "Indeed," Grandmother chimed in, "never underestimate the Queen's knack for transforming the mundane into a marvel of grandeur."

"Shall we take a turn around the room, Lady Y/L/N?" Miss Eloise extended the invitation, linking elbows with Miss Penelope. "Shall we?" I said settling between them, leaving our matriarchs amongst their chatter.

We've taken a few steps far from the soirée back near the refreshment table when Eloise spoke, "Well, Lady Y/L/N, do enlighten us on your thoughts about the presentation and the reception. Speak freely, for I've grown weary of the tiresome cacophony of giggles and idle daydreams from the other ladies this evening. Thankfully, Miss Penelope here has been a better companion throughout."

"I find myself drawn to exploring avenues beyond the confines of the marital sphere at present, even though my mother absolutely opposes to the idea of me having a gap year, then." Penelope sighs and continues, "Despite the absence of prospects thus far, I find myself surprisingly content in my quiet indulgences."

"Honestly, delaying a year in the marriage mart may seem unconventional, but one mustn't rush fate. Patience often leads to the most unexpected and delightful unions." I answered, "Even I opted for a delay of a year, despite not making my debut until this season as per Her Grace's wishes. I must say, I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to indulge myself in my beloved books during that time."

"Do tell, Miss Y/L/N, what literary tomes do you find yourself indulging in?" Eloise asks.

"I dabble in perusing natural history compendiums, particularly finding botanical works to be a favorite pursuit of mine," I paused momentarily, then continued, "Oh, I fear I may inadvertently bore you both with my penchant for the sciences. However, I do find solace in the allure of romances and literature crafted with a delicate balance of wit, social commentary, and the thrill of romantic escapades, albeit confined to the written word."

Further discourse veered towards the discussion of almost radical hobbies and interests amongst the three of us. I found myself increasingly at ease amidst the reception, in the company of these two. "But I do wish these receptions offered more than mere gossip, dance, and music," Penelope remarked.

"Indeed, it can become rather tedious to dance until one's feet ache," I replied, "although, I must confess, I have yet to be invited to partake. I merely entertain the notion of engaging a tutor and mastering the intricacies of these social dances through diligent practice."

"I concur. It might indeed provide a welcome diversion, perhaps enticing one of you to accept an offer to dance, solely for the sake of regaling me with the experience. There is only so much I can endure of our daily routines and chatter," Penelope added with a hint of playful exasperation. "Nothing absolutely changes, honestly."

However, ere long, the moment was upon us as Lady Bridgerton approached alongside a gentleman with tousled brown locks, unmistakably of noble bearing. Penelope and I moved aside as he was introduced. "I would like to introduce you to Lord Morrison."

"Miss Eloise. A pleasure." He bowed.

Lady Bridgerton nodded towards Eloise in agreement as he spoke, "Might I have the honor?"

Penelope and I smiled amidst the gentleman as we glanced over to Eloise who's had a confused smile at the offered hand. "Of what?" She asked, her hands clasped.

We stifled a laugh as her mother said, "A dance, Eloise," Lady Bridgerton, then, led Eloise's hand towards the outstretched one of Lord Morrison's. "Yes, I think you shall, Lord Morrison." She looked at Eloise, "Do recall, a try?"

She cast upon us a gaze brimming with utter annoyance, seemingly beseeching deliverance from a dance destined for doom. "You wished to be entertained," she intimated.

As I discerned my grandmother's cane drawing nearer to Penelope and me, she gracefully inquired, "Are you enjoying your company, dear?" Her tone carried both warmth and concern. "I couldn't help but notice the absence of suitors vying for your attention. Would you care to be introduced?" she offered, her hand holding a glass of wine, likely courtesy of Lady Danbury.

"The night is indeed still young, Your Grace," I respond with a smile. "As you often advise, there's no need to hasten amidst fun."

"Atta girl," my grandmother replies with a twinkle in her eye. "You've made my words your own. Quite the wit, just like your dear old grandmother."

"Not that old, Your Grace." I laughed.

As my grandmother started her lively chatter with Penelope, my gaze wandered, drawn to a familiar mess of brown hair amidst laughter, situated beside Lady Bridgerton. Automatically, I presumed him to be her son, but entirely unsure which one.

Our eyes met, again, even if we are across the room. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored coat and carried an air of warmth that set him apart from the crowd. Intrigued by his steady gaze, I felt a flutter of anticipation in my chest as I continued to chat with Penelope and my grandmother.

"Will you excuse me, Viscountess and Miss Y/N. My mother, she summons me. " Penelope exited as her mother waved her hastily over for an introduction to a baron, it seems.

"May I take a tour of the room again, Grandmama?" I asked.

"Come take the tour with me," Grandmama said. As she walked and her cane struck the marbled pavement, gentlemen adjusted their cravats and smiled my way. "They are all staring again, Your Grace."

"Pay no mind, my dear. Allow them to come to you."

We were soon approached by a nobleman. "Lady Y/L/N. Miss Y/L/N. I am Lord Ibarra," he announced, his tone posh and refined.

"Ah yes, Lord Ibarra," Grandmama replied. "I believe you have been introduced to my granddaughter, Y/N."

"Yes, we met at your estate's Thanksgiving picnic," he confirmed.

"And I believe you had just won a few awards in Madrid," I added with a touch of nostalgia.

"Unfortunately, his advocacies stand in his way of scoundrelship, dearest. Oh well, humbug," she remarked, waving a dismissive hand.

"Well, in that case, I do hope his lordship has found himself new musings," I said with a polite smile.

"Only then would he be able to indulge in new hobbies if he'd been keeping up to date with his dues and no backlogs, wouldn't you, Lord Ibarra?" Grandmama added with a pointed look. Lord Ibarra nodded curtly and took steps back before excusing himself form the encounter.

"He is unfit. Quite poor with money and all the decisions that accompany it. A man of any honor ensures his debts are entirely settled. Let us proceed." Grandmama commented,

We continued our tour of the room. A gentleman dancing nodded with a smile. "He is rather charming."

"He is merely attempting to salvage what little remains of his fortune. Be assured that Mr. Fairfax is well informed of your considerable dowry." Grandmama, yet again, snidely remarked.

"I trust you are acquainted with him as well," I observed, gesturing to a gentleman with a colorful cravat. "Heaven forbid a notorious rake and alleged father of a bastard should captivate you, my dear."

Another gentleman who walked pass and smiled. "Only a seventh son. We shall find you a more suitable match." Grandmama stated.

Then Lady Bridgerton approached with her son in tow. "Ah, what a delightful sight. Violet, dear."

"Viscountess, this is my son, Benedict," Violet introduced with pride.

"Lady Y/L/N. Miss Y/L/N. An honour," Benedict said with a respectful bow. "I have been hoping for the chance to meet you."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, my cheeks flushing, yet again, with a becoming blush. "Mr. Bridgerton," I replied, my voice soft but filled with warmth, "the pleasure is mine."

"Your mother and I have shared many a tea. We are close, are we not?" Grandmama said with a warm smile.

"Indeed, but circumstances have changed now that your granddaughter has entered society, now a lady," Violet remarked, her eyes twinkling.

"About time, a year later than as her father would have wished," Grandmama responded with a sigh.

"Oh, I am deeply sorry for the recent loss of your son and daughter-in-law. I remember them both fondly from our social seasons," Violet said with genuine sympathy.

"Life must move forward after mourning, as it always does. Enough of the sorrow. We must ensure you two become well acquainted," Grandmama said, steering the conversation back to the present.

I smiled as Benedict handed me a glass of lemonade from the servant's tray. "I have not seen you much around the ton recently, Miss Y/N," he commented with a gentle curiosity.

"Ah yes, I have been occupied with managing the estate alongside Her Grace since my parents' passing. Additionally, I have been deeply engrossed in my hobbies and interests," I explained.

"What might those be?" Benedict inquired, his interest piqued.

Grandmama interjected, "Her botanicals. She is utterly devoted to her plants, especially during blooming season. It is quite a passion of hers."

"Miss Y/L/N," Benedict began, his voice carrying a warmth that sparked my curiosity, "I must admit, I never knew that botanicals held such fascination for you."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks at his observation, but his genuine interest put me at ease. "Indeed, Mr. Bridgerton," I replied as my voice tinged with excitement, "Botanicals have always been my greatest passion. There's a certain beauty in the way plants grow and flourish, don't you agree?"

I found myself opening up to him, sharing my knowledge of plants and their intricate ecosystems. With each word I spoke, I sensed his genuine interest, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of connection between us.

"Mr. Bridgerton," I said, my heart swelling with pride, "Your appreciation for botanicals is truly heartening. I would be delighted to share more of my botanical knowledge with you in the future, if you're interested."

His eager nod and warm smile filled me with joy. "I would like that very much, Miss Y/L/N," he replied, his voice sincere. "It would be an honor to explore the wonders of the natural world with you."

"Oh, Benedict, you must tell them of your recent painting," Violet encouraged.

"Mother," He laughs. "Yes, one has reached display at the art gallery on the avenue. It's not much, really," Benedict said with a humble smile.

Grandmama replied, "That is an outstanding accomplishment, Benedict. It seems both of you have a tendency to downplay your achievements! I, for one, am a great supporter of both the sciences and the arts."

"There is always room for refinement in my pursuits. One never truly reaches perfection, wouldn't you agree, Miss Y/N?" I merely nodded in response to his question, my demure demeanor intact as I delicately sipped from my glass.

Benedict began to stand more upright as Lady Danbury approached our group. "Lady Danbury, good evening," he greeted with a respectful nod.

"At ease, Mr. Bridgerton. Miss Y/L/N, you look rather lovely this evening. Is there a reason I've yet to see you on the dance floor?" Lady Danbury inquired, her sharp eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Grandmama replied, "All in good time, Agatha."

Lady Danbury leaned in and replied fleeting, "You poor thing, being kept off the dance floor."

"If only it were not time for us to retire," Grandmother said turning turning to me with intent. "I am anything but weary, Your Grace," I assured Grandmama, my enthusiasm evident.

"Dearest, there is nary a gentleman here who wouldn't take your hand. You must consider this. The most perfect thing for you to do now is not to dance but to leave them all wanting more. If anyone knows how this works, it is I, your grandmother," Grandmama advised, her eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"Perhaps you are right. Let us go," My expression softened with a small smile. My heart sank slightly at the thought of our evening coming to an end so soon, but I knew better than to disobey my grandmother's wishes.

With a nod of gratitude, my grandmother turned to Benedict. "Mr. Bridgerton, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope we shall have the opportunity to see you again soon."

I watched as Mr. Bridgerton returned my grandmother's gracious smile with one of his own. "The pleasure was mine, Viscountess," he said, but his voice tinged with regret. "I look forward to the chance to call upon Miss Y/L/N--"

But before he could say another word, my grandmother had already ushered me away, leaving Mr. Bridgerton standing amidst the bustling garden. As we made our way through the crowd, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at the missed opportunity to spend more time with him. The thought of not having the chance to dance with him weighed heavily on my mind.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was not the end of our story. Despite the missed chance, I held onto the hope that our paths would cross again, and that perhaps, in the not too distant future, I would once again find myself in Mr. Bridgerton's company.

[sayruq]

unicef estimates that a thousand children in Gaza have become amputees since the conflict began in October. “This is the biggest cohort of pediatric amputees in history,” Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a London-based plastic-and-reconstructive surgeon who specializes in pediatric trauma, told me recently. I met him in the waiting room of his plastic-surgery clinic on London’s Harley Street, and we walked to a nearby pub for a glass of water. Abu-Sittah, a fifty-four-year-old British Palestinian with an angular face and tender, deep-set eyes, has treated child survivors of war for the past thirty years in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and elsewhere. Abu-Sittah is the author of “The War Injured Child,” the first medical textbook on the subject, which was published last May. In October and November, he spent forty-three days in Gaza, conducting emergency surgeries with Doctors Without Borders. He shuttled between two hospitals: Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli, which is also known as the Baptist hospital. The casualty rate was so high that, during some intense periods, he didn’t leave the operating room for three days. “It felt like a scene from an American Civil War movie,” he said. In Gaza, Abu-Sittah was performing as many as six amputations a day. “Sometimes you have no other medical option,” he explained. “The Israelis had surrounded the blood bank, so we couldn’t do transfusions. If a limb was bleeding profusely, we had to amputate.” The dearth of basic medical supplies, owing to blockades, also contributed to the number of amputations. Without the ability to irrigate a wound immediately in an operating room, infection and gangrene often set in. “Every war wound is considered dirty,” Karin Huster, a nurse who leads medical teams in Gaza for Doctors Without Borders, told me. “It means that many get a ticket to the operating room.” To mark the gravity of these procedures, and to mourn, Abu-Sittah and other medical staff placed the severed limbs of children in small cardboard boxes. They labelled the boxes with masking tape, on which they wrote a name and body part, and buried them. At the pub, he showed me a photograph he’d taken of one such box, which read, “Salahadin, Foot.” Some wounded children were too young to know their own names, he added, telling the story of an amputee who’d been pulled from rubble as the sole survivor of an attack.

[loves1ckmoth]

MISSIONS HINDERANCE

S1!Sevika x New Hire!Reader

Warnings ♡: Fem reader, sevika helps reader tie up their hair because it's a liability, Silco and Jinx are in the beginning, slightly suggestive, probably ooc idk

Word Count ♡: 991

The interview with Silco went better than you thought. It seemed you answered everything correctly, or at least correct enough. You didn’t grovel at his feet, though the idea lingered every time he stared at you just a little too long.

He sighs, looking up to the rafters of his office. “Jinx. Would you mind getting Sevika?” You freeze up as you hear a thud behind you, blue braids visible at the edges of your vision. How long had she been up there? How long had she been listening? “Are you sure you need her?”

Jinx’s voice is raspy and annoyed. He shoots her a glare and she sighs, conceding. “Fine… I’ll go get the ogre.” You’re left sitting there across from Silco and the air feels tense as you try not to shrink into yourself from his stare. “Your hair is a liability. You know how to put it up, don’t you?” His voice is stern, commanding an answer.

You shake your head in response. Growing up in the lanes had been hard, and since your parents weren’t around anymore due to a mining accident, it wasn’t like you had anyone to teach you. He groans and raises a hand to his face, rubbing his temples. “I’ll have Sevika teach you as well as assign you work. You’re promising enough that I’ll let this slide. Anything else however is something you will have to figure out yourself.”

You nod thankfully and the door behind swings open. Two pairs of boots thud against the ground before Jinx climbs back up to her spot in the rafters. You can feel another presence right behind you. “You called?” A gruff voice speaks. It’s rough, likely from cigar smoke and frequent downtime in the more polluted parts of Zaun.

Silco motions towards you. “She needs her job outlines and I’d like you to teach her how to tie her hair up out of the way.” You hear a groan behind you as Silco motions for you to leave. You stand and turn to face the woman, feeling anxious.

“Come on. I’ll get you set up.” Her metal hand beckons you forward, and you follow behind like a dog. The air feels just as tense when you walk with her as it did in Silco’s office. “He mentioned he was speaking to someone new today but I hadn’t figured it’d be someone like you. I figured much less that you’d cut.”

You feel embarrassed, looking up at her. She’s incredibly tall. You estimate her to be a little over 6 feet. “He said I was promising.” You offer quietly. She laughs but it sounds more like a chuff. “I’m sure he did.” She leads you into a smaller room and thumbs through some file cabinets. She grabs a small folder and tosses it in your direction.

“You’ll be in charge of mapping routes into Piltover. Think you can handle that?” You nod eagerly, happy that it’s one of the easier jobs. Fieldwork would’ve been much worse. “Good.” She sits in a chair, manspreading and sighing softly. “Come here. Sit in front of me.”

The implications make you flush, but you obey. When you get on your knees facing her, she laughs. “Not like that. Turn around.” She’s smiling now, grabbing your hair and collecting it all in one hand once your back is turned. “What? Did you think you’d get some so quickly after getting the job?” She whispers in your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

“No, ma’am.” You say quickly, feeling embarrassed and ashamed. She quirks up an eyebrow and grabs a brush from behind her. “Aren’t you polite… Your hair is long enough that a ponytail won’t work. I guess we could braid you and pull it up into a bun? Yeah, that’d work.”

She murmurs to herself as she works. “Focus on the mirror in front of you. I’m showing you how I do it and after you’ll do it yourself so I know you understand. Got it, girl?” You nod and refocus your gaze on the mirror in front of you. Her hands are soft and tender enough to soothe.

“Wait… Can you show me how to braid again? I couldn’t see it.” You ask as you look up at her. She scowls, probably annoyed at having to do more work. She undoes one of the braids and shows you step by step how she does it. You copy her movements deftly. She uses various rubber bands to tie it back before shoving a pin through the bun to keep the whole thing together.

She settles her hands on your shoulders. “Think you can copy that?” You’re unsure but you take it all down and try yourself. The braids come easy after she shows you step-by-step instructions, but the bun is the harder part. You grumble angrily as the pin meant to hold it all together continually slips out of your fingers and your hair.

She smiles as she watches. She scoots forward and her hands take your hair. “Here. You loop it on its own and tie it down.” She instructs slowly, guiding your hands. “Wrap your braids around it and stick the pin through.” You finally manage to do it, gasping happily when it finally sticks.

She pulls back, getting ready to leave. “I assume Silco will make you start tomorrow. I'll drop off your specific tasks for the day in the morning, and he’ll have you turn them in by the afternoon. You should feel lucky he doesn’t make you do more strenuous work.”

“Thank you, Sevika.” She scoffs, rolling her eyes. “Don’t thank me for doing my job, dollface. Just make sure to do yours.” She says coldly before leaving the room and you. You quickly descend the stairs to the first floor of the Last Drop and out the front door. You hope it won’t be as awkward the next time you work with her.

Thank you all for the love on my last one, I wasn't expecting it to get that much attention, but it made me even more motivated to keep writing. I hope you liked this one ♡♡ Reblogs and likes are the most appreciated ♡

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Bruises

Bruises - or ecchymoses

A discoloration and tenderness of the skin or mucous membranes.

Due to the leakage of blood from an injured blood vessel into the tissues.

Pupura - bruising as the result of a disease condition.

A very small bruise is called a petechia.

These often appear as many tiny red dots clustered together, and could indicate a serious problem.

Pattern of a Bruise

Bruises change colors over time in a predictable pattern, so it is possible to estimate when an injury occurred by the color of the bruise.

Initially, a bruise will be reddish, the color of the blood under the skin.

After one to two days, the red blood cells begin to break down, and the bruise will darken to a blue or purplish color.

This fades to green at about day 6.

Around the 8th or 9th day, the skin over the bruised area will have a brown or yellowish appearance, and it will gradually diminish back to its normal color.

Long periods of standing will cause the blood that collects in a bruise to seep through the tissues.

Bruises are actually made of little pools of blood, so the blood in one place may flow downhill after awhile and appear in another.

For instance, bruising in the back of the abdomen may eventually appear in the groin; bruising in the thigh or the knee will work its way down to the ankle.

The blood under the skin that causes the discoloration of bruising should be totally reabsorbed by the body in 3 weeks or less.

At that time, the skin color should completely return to normal.

Sometimes, a bruise may become solid and increase in size instead of dissolving. This may indicate blood trapped in the tissues, which may be need to be drained. This is referred to as a hematoma.

Less commonly, the body may develop calcium deposits at the injury site in a process called heterotopic ossification.

Treatment

A bruise by itself needs no medical treatment.

It is often recommended that ice packs be applied on and off during the first 24 hours of injury to reduce the bruising.

After that, heat, especially moist heat, is recommended to increase the circulation and the healing of the injured tissues.

Rest, elevation of the affected part, and compression with a bandage will also retard the accumulation of blood.

Rarely, if a bruise is so large that the body cannot completely absorb it or if the site becomes infected, it may have to be surgically removed.

Prevention

Vitamin K promotes normal clotting in the blood, and therefore may help reduce the tendency to bruise easily. Green leafy vegetables, alfalfa, broccoli, seaweed, and fish liver oils are dietary sources of vitamin K.

Other good foods to eat would be those containing bioflavonoids, such as reddish-blue berries. These can assist in strengthening the connective tissue, which will decrease the spread of blood and bruising.

Zinc and vitamin C supplements are also recommended for this.

Sources: 1 2 ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References Writing Realistic Injuries ⚜ On Anatomy ⚜ Fight Scenes Part 1 2

[gingerteawrites]

CARE - Where Zhongli takes care of sick reader

A/N: I've been feeling pretty unwell these past few days, so of course I had to make it a fictional character's problem. I'm also trying to post more often, but finals season is kicking my butt. I'm SO looking forward to winter break.

Content: Zhongli x reader, comfort, fluff.

Banner by: @anitalenia

Zhongli first realized something was off when the smell of his delicious breakfast and tea did not lure you into the kitchen like it usually did on Saturday mornings. After plating the food, he walked into your shared bedroom, quietly pushing the door open. The blinds were still shut, but small rays stubbornly filtered through, casting light over a shapeless form under the sheets.

"My love?" he called out, his deep voice coming as a soft rumble. With you not responding, he moved to sit on his side of the bed, reaching over to place a hand where he estimated your waist was. "Do you want breakfast?"

Your response was a grumble, reluctantly pulling your head out of the shelter of the duvet. He placed a hand on your cheek, ready to coax you out of bed, but his brows furrowed at the uncomfortable warmth radiating from your skin.

"You're burning, love," he moved his hand to your forehead, then down your neck to confirm the sensation. You sighed softly, his cool hands offering slight relief over the large expanse of skin they covered.

"My head hurts..." were the first words you managed to mumble, eyes closing again.

Zhongli, who spent the rest of the weekend nursing you back to health. His sweet words and gentle hands were all he needed to persuade you to let him help, even after your weak protests of being potentially contagious.

Helping you wash up. Making sure you were hydrated. Feeding you lotus and egg soup and even requesting advice from Baizhu. He was as diligent as ever, pushing his worries aside. And instead taking action to ensure you were well.

"Another bite, sweetheart, okay? You need your strength back," He held the spoon up to your lips, voice as soft as ever as he fed you a concoction the doctor recommended.

You felt bad for being so difficult, cursing your body for its weakness and susceptibility to microbes. But Zhongli was quick to dissipate these noxious thoughts, kissing your cheeks with an overwhelming tenderness.

"You can never be a burden to me, Y/N. In sickness and in health, remember? Taking care of you is just another declaration of my love for you." His amber eyes bore into yours. "So let me, okay?"

He had vowed to love you regardless of circumstances, and was firmly committed to upholding that promise. Love was, after all, the most powerful of contracts.

Since his banner is currently on re-run I have been thinking a lot about Zhongli. Hope you enjoyed!

Comments are reblogs are much appreciated(❁´◡`❁)

[pejasurveying1]

The Importance of Quantity Surveying in Construction Projects

Discover how Quantity Surveying ensures cost control, contract compliance, and risk management in construction projects. From budgeting to dispute resolution, learn how expert QS services enhance project efficiency and financial stability. Contact PEJA Surveying today for tailored solutions.

[tenebrous-if]

LINKS:

🜲 Play the Game

Estimated Release: N/A

🜲 FAQ

🜲 Pinterest

🜲 Character Descriptions

🜲 Family Descriptions

🜲 Map of Arvandor

🜲 Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, and Action/Adventure.

🜲 Rating: Tenebrous is an 18+ Fantasy IF set within the mythical world of Arvandor.

The Kingdom of Aetheria, within the world of Arvandor, is a nation ripe with history. King Lysander du Aetheria rose up and led the fledgling Aetherian Army against The Forsaken One— Herald of the Abyssal Uprising— and came out victorious when everyone else had failed. With his victory, Lysander placed Aetheria as one of the key pillars of keeping Arvandor safe; allowing for peace to reign over the continent for centuries.

Peace, however, was never meant to last.

The Order of Netheron, Followers of The Forsaken One, had captured you at the tender age of fifteen, holding you captive for a decade within a tower only labeled as “The Spire”. All due to their wish of resurrecting their fallen deity— something that they believe could only be accomplished by using the blood of King Lysander’s descendants; it was a ritual that didn’t go as planned— one that did bring back their deity, but only for your eyes and ears only; the both of you attached to the other in a way that probably wasn’t intended.

And that’s how you spent the last decade of your life… Growing used to the presence that now appears whenever the time calls for it. It isn’t until your twenty-fifth year that you’re finally found and taken back to Aetheria, to everything you had long thought you’d lost.

Your time in the sun, however, was short-lived as the tidings of an even darker uprising was beginning to grow— one that threatens to demolish everything and everyone.

Can you figure out how to save your home?

🜲 Create your Aetherian Royal:

Name/Nickname

Gender [Male, Female, or Non-Binary]

Appearance

Hobbies

Personality [Mainly involving unique reactions to certain situations— the MC is semi-set in some ways]

🜲 Romance 1 of 4 potential love interests— each offering their own unique experience within the story and how the world at large will react to the burgeoning relationship.

🜲 Bond with your family after being apart for so long. They have missed you a great deal. [The MC is a middle child.]

🜲 Harness the magic that flows through your veins due to the gift of your blood.

🜲 Choose from a variety of skill sets that your MC may be able to acquire. [Note: This means you can choose something to specialize in, instead of having to constantly choose between being a diplomat or warrior. You can instead choose to be a swordsman while also focusing on the art of diplomacy.]

🜲 Build a codex from the various interactions that you can have throughout your story— from places, to people, to old legends that have tested the passage of time within Arvandor.

Astorian/Astoria du Aerilon: The Heir to Aerilon, and the person that was your betrothed from the time you were seven until your disappearance. Astorian/Astoria spent every winter with you, and you every summer with them, in hopes that a union between the both of you would bring your countries together. You remember many things from that time of your life: their warm laugh, brazen attitude, arrogant smirk, and their inability to stay still for long. Meeting them again? It simply proves how much can change in a decade. [Can choose to have been in an almost relationship with them or still rivals.]

William/Wilhelmina du Arvandor: A recent addition to the Holy Order, who has an iron-clad need to help and be of assistance to anyone that may require it. Being a Paladin has been something they’ve strived towards for the last eight years of their life; training being second to nothing. It’s simply a mere coincidence, or the Divine’s Will, that their first major mission was to rid Arvandor of the last dregs of Netheron… A mission that brought them to The Spire, with a small band of warriors, to carry out that very task— wherein they find the Lost Heir of Aetheria. You.

Gabriel/Gabrielle Adair: Being renowned within the arcane arts, having achieved the rank of High Mage within the Aetherian Institute of Magic, it’s of little surprise that the royal family of Aetheria would call on someone with their skill set— if it weren’t for the scandal that still plagues them. You’re not sure what could have been so bad that would force them to retreat within themself like they have, especially if your parents had seen them fit enough to tutor you, but it’s obviously something that weighs heavily upon them. Will it be possible to wrangle out the secrets of their past when you’re still trying to figure out your own gift?

Ilyran/Ilyria Caelestis: The Forsaken One, an individual that’s visible only to your eyes from a ritual gone wrong. There isn’t much you can glean from them, after all you can only take what they say with a grain of salt, but the shadows that lurk within their eyes has nothing to do with the darkness that now lives within them. It’s hard sometimes to look at what they’ve become when you’ve seen what they were in Old Texts, when they weren’t the Forsaken One, weren’t the Divine’s Disgrace… When they were simply Ilyran/Ilyria Caelestis, High Priest/Priestess of the Holy Order.