#also i got a 35’’ leg and it’s still like 2 inches short on me because men don’t have hips i guess

[aspenwritesstuff]

Thank you so much for the tag @propertyoftoru 🥹❤️ It makes me feel so nice that despite my lil hiatus from writing atm you still think of me fondly.

1. Birthday?

August 1st, 1996

2. Favorite color?

Black🖤

3. How tall are you?

5’4”

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Too many. Far too many. Probably 30-40?

5. Favorite song?

Either “Woozy” by Glass Animals or “Streetlight” by Changbin ❤️‍🔥

6. Favorite movie?

Stuck in Love or Princess Mononoke. I also love horror movies though!

7. Who is your ideal partner?

Someone who is patient and compassionate. Someone with goals and dreams that they’re passionate about, who can also support me in mine. Someone who understands me.

8. Do you want children?

Yes! I already have one child, a five year old boy. I want at least one or two more eventually.

9. Have you gotten into trouble with the law?

Yes, but it was SO STUPID. A friend of mine and I silly stringed a friends car as a joke. She pressed charges because it stained the paint. We both got a deferred prosecution and it never went on our records, but we had to pay a big fine. “Criminal mischief,” it was silly string. Silly is in the name. 💀

10. What color socks are you wearing?

Black always.

11. Favorite type of music?

Rap or acoustic indie music.

12. How many pillows do you sleep with?

3. Two under my head, I tuck my arms between them, and one between my knees.

13. What position do you sleep in?

Either on my stomach or my side, always with one leg up making a ‘4’ shape.

14. What don’t you like when you’re sleeping?

Being woken up. 💀 Too much noise is bad, but I also can’t do complete silence.

15. Have you ever tried archery?

Yes! It was fun. I would like to again.

16. Favorite fruit?

Strawberries and honeydew.

17. Are you a good liar?

Yes, but I hate to.

18. Personality type?

INFP-T.

19. Innie or outie?

Innie.

20. Left or right handed?

Right, but I can use my left for most things too.

21. Favorite food?

White rice 🍚

22. Favorite foreign food?

Gyoza.

23. Are you clean or messy?

Clean as a person. I shower every day and have an extensive skincare routine. My surroundings are pretty cluttered though.

24. Most used phrase?

“That tracks,” or, “It do be like that sometimes.”

25. How long does it take you to get ready?

Depends. For work? Maybe 10 minutes. For an outing with friends? Probably 45.

26. Do you talk to yourself?

Yeah, I’m good company.

27. Do you sing to yourself?

Oftentimes, yes.

28. Are you a good singer?

My friends say I am, but I think I’m just OK.

29. Biggest fear?

Abandonment.

30. Are you a gossip?

I like hearing the tea, but hate spilling it.

31. Short or long hair?

My hair is just past my collarbones, so medium?

32. Favorite school subject?

English.

33. Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert at first. Extrovert once you get to know me/I’m comfortable.

34. What makes you nervous?

Deadlines. The phrase, “we need to talk.”

35. Who was your first crush?

My kindergarten best friend Kody. 😂

36. How many piercings do you have?

10. I used to have 11 but took my bellybutton ring out when I was pregnant. (Ears stretched to 1 1/16 of an inch, a secondary ear piercing on my left ear, nipples, both nostrils, septum, jestrum - pretty much a vertical Medusa, labret. )

37. How many tattoos do you have?

6! Planning on more though.

38. How fast can you run?

I don’t. And, if I do? You should be running, too. I am being chased.

39. What color is your hair?

Medium brown for now, but I’ve had almost every color!!! (Including brights.)

40. What color are your eyes?

Blue on the outer edges, green in the middle, gold around my pupil.

41. What makes you angry?

Inequality, my friends or family being hurt.

42. Do you like your name?

Yes! I chose it myself. I’m non-binary.

43. Do you want a boy or a girl as a child?

I used to say since I have a son that I’d like a daughter next. But I’d be happy with either, now. My lil man is fun as heck.

44. What are your strengths?

I’m reliable and loving. I would go to the ends of the earth for the ones I care about.

45. What are your weaknesses?

I struggle to stand up for myself.

46. What color is your bedspread?

Red-violet crushed velvet 😎

47. What color is your room?

Pink 💀😂

Tag game: Get to know me!

Thank you @abiaswreck for the tag! :] 🖤

1. Birthday?

8/11 (me and binnie are birthday twins)

2. Favorite color?

I'll say black but i dont really have a favorite!

3. How tall are you?

5’5 (and 3/4 thank you very much)

4. How many pair of shoes to you own?

somewhere around 14 idk i gave up on counting

5. Favorite song?

for skz probably ssick or easy but not skz probably ohio is for lovers by hawthorne heights

6. Favorite movie?

oh probably either the scream movies or unironically the twilight movies (theyre my childhood comfort movies)

7. Who would be your ideal partner?

Someone who makes me laugh and takes the time to understand me.

8. Do you want children?

I've said no for a really long time but i think if i met the right person and the circumstances were ideal then maybe.

9. Have you gotten in trouble with the law?

Not really other than a few times of being a stupid teenager nothing serious though. Watching my parents screw up a lot when i was young probably had a lot to do with that.

10. What color socks are you wearing?

oh god i hate socks so much. i only wear them when i have to and not a second longer.

11. Favorite type of music?

this is such a cliché but i really do listen to everything. edm, pop, pop punk, metal, sad songs, happy songs, hell on occasion even a tiny bit of country (only carrie underwood lets not get carried away)

12. How many pillows do you sleep with?

2! One horizontal and one vertical. Kinda like a half body pillow i guess? idk i have to be hugging something to fall asleep.

13. What position do you sleep in?

im a diagnosed insomniac so really whatever position my body finally passes out in... there's a lot of tossing and turning most nights.

14. What don’t you like when you’re sleeping?

Bright lights (a tv or any sort of light on an appliance) or dead silence i need a fan or rain or SOMETHING.

15. Have you tried archery?

Yeah actually my grandfather used to take me hunting when i was younger. I never actually killed anything but i got pretty good at hitting cans and targets :]

16. Favorite fruit?

ohhhhh either strawberries or blackberries or pineapple... idk i love fruit so much.

17. Are you a good liar?

I can be when I have to be. I hate lying though it always brings drama and negative energy.

18. What’s your personality type?

INFP-T

19. Innie or outie?

Innie

20. Left or right handed?

Both! but I mostly use my right!

21. Favorite food?

Pineapple pizza (fight me Christopher Bang)

22. Favorite foreign food?

Oh my grandmother makes Jag on special occasions and its one of my favorites. Other than that as of recently ive been eating japchae so much i literally have a craving for it like every other day.

23. Are you clean or messy?

sigh. my room? depression disaster area. Everything else in my life? Severe OCD neat freak (im talking labels, sorted by color and size, the whole nine yards)

24. Most used phrase?

buh. it really has no meaning its just a sound i make about 200 times a day. i also swear like a sailor so if not buh then probably cunt or fuck.

25. How long does it take you to get ready?

Depends on where im going and whos gonna be there. anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes.

26. Do you talk to yourself?

Of course, im the funniest and smartest person i know. (on a real note my hyperactive imagination goes crazy so i spend most days rambling to myself about nonsense.)

27. Do you sing to yourself?

All day everyday like im in a fucking musical or something.

28. Are you a good singer?

Eh. ive been told i am but i think i could be decent if i took lessons.

29. Biggest fear?

Sharks/The ocean (its more a fear of the unknown because what the fuck even lives down there)

30. Are you a gossip?

Absolutely not. I learned my lesson in middle/high school that shit brings nothing but bad vibes and negative energy.

31. Long or short hair?

I wish i could say short because my hair drives me crazy most days but i also hate how i look with short hair so long i suppose.

32. Favorite school subject?

English or Criminal Justice/Forensics

33. Extrovert or introvert?

introvert but situational extrovert (ill be extroverted if theres someone more introverted than me solely because i cannot stand awkward tension) not quite an ambivert but somewhere close to one.

34. What make you nervous?

Groups of super outgoing people. I always get too afraid to talk in fear of ruining the flow of conversation or being talked over.

35. Who was your first crush?

idk probably justin bieber or nick jonas

36. How many piercings do you have?

4. Both of my ears and both of my nipples. i want to get my bellybutton done soon though.

37. How many tattoos do you have?

9 but im hoping to work on my leg sleeve again soon.

38. How fast can you run?

Depends on whos chasing me.

39. What color is your hair?

Brown right now. It was half black half blonde but i wanted to focus on getting my hair healthy for a while.

40. What color are your eyes?

Blue/Green/Gray depends on who you ask and the lighting in the room.

41. What makes you angry?

Not much im a pretty calm person but when im playing video games thats a different story.

42. Do you like your name?

No. My father chose it and i dont speak to him.

43. Do you want a boy to girl as a child?

IF i had a kid i would want a boy 100%. As someone whos mother had 3 babies when i was 16/17/18 i can confidently say little girls are the spawns of the devil and little boys are rays of sunshine.

44. What are your strengths?

Mental fortitude and my empathy for others.

45. What are your weaknesses?

I give second (and third and fourth) chances to people that do not deserve it.

46. What’s the color of your bedspread?

Light gray but i keep lots and lots of blankets around too.

47. What’s the color of your room?

Gray and dark blue.

Tagging for fun! Ignore if you don’t want it do it! Or ignore if you don’t feel comfortable!: @bbyquokka @lino-ppang @alphadisaster @aspenwritesstuff +anyone that wants to do this.

[fingertipsmp3]

The men’s sweatpants I ordered arrived and they’re great but I feel like they fit me weirdly

[bxrningambitions]

All the questions (The two guys)

Kinky Questions, make my muse uncomfortable--go! 

1: Kitchen Counter, Couch, or on top of the dryer?-Any of it really, though I do love the counter for its height possibilities, the couch for its comfort and the dryer for its warmth 2: Your last sexual encounter: Good or Bad and why:-Wonderful, always is with these two 3: A fictional person that you think would be good in bed:-That priest from that show perhaps? Also Takeshi Kovacs and Jopari 4: Something that never fails to make you horny:-Richie’s hands, Rin’s eyes, that look when I’m about to get in trouble, also biting my neck in that spot...thought that is a bit above just horny, isn’t it? 5: Where is one place you would never have sex:-Anywhere kids might pop up. Stepfather’s grave 6: The most awkward moment during a sexual experience was when _ I got too cold and turned into a dragon, mood killer 7: Weirdest thing that ever made you horny:-Hand tattoos and scar tissue 8: What is the best way to sexually bind someone: Handcuffs, Rope, or Other [if other please explain]:-Rope 9: What is the fastest way to make you horny:-Bite my neck or call me little dragon 10: Top or bottom?-Switch 11: We were about to _(have a quiet night in)_ but then _(RIchie came home still in costume)_ [example: we were about to have sex but then his mom walked in] 12: Is one orgasm enough? Are multiple orgasms necessary?- I like multiples, but one will do in a pinch 13: Something that you have hidden in your room that you don’t want anyone to find:-That manuscript 14: Weirdest nickname a significant other has ever called you:Firebutt hated it 15: Two things you like [or dislike] about oral sex:-Touch and taste 16: Weirdest sexual act some has performed [or tried to perform] on/with you:Brazillian blow torch 17: Have you ever tasted yourself? [If no, would you?] [If yes, what did you think?]-I have, I’m alright I guess, sort of sweet 18: Is it ever okay to not use a condom:-Trying to start a family, sure 19: Who was the sexiest teacher you ever had?-Ummmm next question 20: A food that you would like to use during a sexual experience:-Chocolate 21: How big is too big:-15 inches 22: One sexual thing you would never do:-Feet, scat, urine, mummification 23: Biggest turn on:-Them more specific, eyes, voice, arms, muscles, scars. 24: Three spots that drive you insane:-Neck, down there, inner thigh 25: Worst possible time to get horny:-Church 26: Do you like it when your sexual partner moans:-Love it 27: Worst sexual idea you ever had:-Hammock, fell through and got caught up in it, just a lot of naked spinning, not fun. 28: How much fapping is too much fapping:-I have no idea, more than twice a day, might have a problem? 29: Best sexual complement you ever got:-Mix between my oral skills and that thing I do with my tail 30: Bald, landing strip, Jumanji:Bald, why bother with the landing strip, just finish the job 31: Is it good sex if you don’t nut:-Not at all true, as long as all parties involved enjoyed themselves, sometimes, its about taking care of the other person/persons. 32: Fill in the blank: "If they _(Bite my neck, are married to me)_, we are fuckin" 33: What your favorite part of your body:-I like my eyes and my tail 34: Favorite foreplay activities:-Oral, kissing, touching, mostly Richie’s wings and Sev’s short leg 35: Love (>,<, or =) Sex For those of us who don’t remember our math thats “greater than, less than, or equal to]-Greater than  36: What do you wear to bed?-Nightgowns, their shirts or nothing, depends on my mood and what they are wearing 37: When was the first time you masturbated:-No clue, try not to think about any of my first times 38: Do you have any nude/masturbating pictures/video of yourself?-Not into that, but yes I do 39: Have you ever/when was the last time you had sex outside?-Before it got too cold. 40: Have/would you ever have sex outside?-Yes, I have, we love it. 41: Have/would you ever had a threesome?-In a triad, so yes, things have happened... 42: What is one random object you’ve used to masturbate?-there was this interesting phallic looking rolling pin that was made out of marble.... 43: Have/would you ever masturbate at work/school?-No, I work mostly on rooftops, that would be weird 44: Have/would you ever have sex on a plane?-Of course, who hasn’t? 45: What is one song you’d like to have sex to?-I don’t really pay attention to that. 46: What is something nonsexual that makes you horny?-Richie’s hand tattoos, when Rin’s accent gets thicker, when Richie whispers, Little Dragon, things like that. 47: Most attractive celebrity?-Quite partial to Andrew Scott, Joel Kinnamon for some odd reason 48: Do you watch gay/lesbian porn? why/why not?-No, why would I? All I have to do is watch them 49: If a child was born on the occasion of the last time you had sex, how old would that child be right now?-Two hours old? 50: Has anyone ever posted nude pictures of you online?-Yes, but they were removed, both the person and the pictures. 51: What is one thing that NEVER makes you horny?-Being called slave during that is a giant no, I will get up and walk away 52: Do you have stretch marks? (How do you feel about them? Has anyone ever had a problem with them?)-No I do not 53: Do you like giving head? (why/why not)-Love it! Just something about it, the control, the surrender, the taste, the sounds.  54: How do you feel about tattoos on someone you are interested in?-I apparently really like them, really 55: How would you feel about taking someones virginity?-Nope nope nope 56: Is there any food you would NOT recommend using during a sexual encounter?-Cheese? 57: Is there anything you do on Tumblr that you would not like your significant other to see?-wtf is a tumblr? Where did the e go? 58: Do you own any sex toys? (what is it? (how long have you had it?)-I may have a few.....not telling, a long time. It gets a lot of enjoyment and use. 59: Would you give your significant other unrestricted access to your Tumblr for a day?-No idea what that is. 60: Would you be offended if your significant other suggested you get plastic surgery?-Unless it was for my safety, yes I would be 61: Would you rather be a pornstar or a prostitute?-Been both, against my will, never again 62: Do you watch porn?-Nope 63: How small is too small?-An inch or two?

64: Have you ever been called a freak? Why?-Yes I have, don’t mind it, I have a tail, scales, and breathe fire post orgasm, comes with the territory. 65: Who gave you your last kiss? Did it mean anything?-It definitely did, it was from the man that I love dearly and he got me pregnant. I’ll let them figure out which I mean. (But disclaimer, I love and married the other man too <3) 66: Would you switch phones with your significant other for a day?-Why? That is such a controlling move?? Maybe Richie’s so his doesn’t get dropped, broken, or lost for a day. 67: Do you feel comfortable going "commando"?- No unless asked nicely. Or no pants Thursday 68: Would you have a problem with going down on someone if they hadn't shaved their pubic hair?-I would prefer at least trimmed, not really into flossing 69: If you could give yourself head, would you?-Nahhh 70: Booty or Boobs?-Booty, but I do like playing with boobs too 71: If you had a penis, what would you name it?-Bob (In the most basic American accent) 72: Have you ever been on an official date?-Mm, maybe one or two...I am married. 73: Have you ever cheated on someone? (Why?)-No, never why cheat? Just break up 74: If you were a stripper, what would your name be?-Pixie Stick, because I am short and sweet? 75: Have you ever had sex in your parents bed? (Would you?)-....I don’t want to talk about this 76: How would you react if you found out your parents had sex in your bed?-Again just no 77: What was your reaction the first time you saw a penis/vagina-I cried, moving on 78: If you had a penis/vagina for a day, what are five things you would do?-Helicopter dick,write my name in the snow, sex, jack off, that’s all I can think of. 

@guard-and-storyteller

[purplesurveys]

686

1. What previews did you see at the last movie you saw in theaters? I don’t even remember dude. I do remember the last movie I saw in the cinema was Knives Out, but we were too late to see the previews and arrived exactly when the movie started. The movie I saw before that wasssssss Portrait of a Lady on Fire, but that was so long ago I definitely don’t remember the previews that showed beforehand – or if there were any, at all. 2. Have you ever washed your hair with mayonnaise? Ok I love mayonnaise, but that shit goes in my mouth and not anywhere else in my body lmao. 3. How many things are you a fan of on Facebook? I stupidly liked so many pages when I was 14 and new to Facebook...it must be in the hundreds. I think I still like most of them, but I’m just too lazy to unlike each of them. 4. Do you have more friends on Myspace or Facebook? Facebook is a sure winner here because I don’t even have a Myspace.

5. What generation iPod do you have? I don’t know...it’s an iPod from 2008, though. The really thin one that comes with games, and the screen is already colored. 

6. What celebrities share your birthday? James McAvoy and Queen Elizabeth II are the biggest names I think. I Googled to confirm anyway and it turns out I share a birthday with Iggy Pop too. Pretty diverse group lmao. 7. What's your first and last name spelled backwards? Nybor, and that’s all you’re getting now. 8. What song is playing at the moment? No song, just two electric fans whirring loudly here in the first floor, and my sister watching a playthrough of some game she’s into on YouTube. 9. Do you clench your teeth when you're angry? Ugh no. I hate the feeling/texture/sound of grinding my teeth. I find it a little disturbing and I wince when I hear someone doing it in their sleep :/ 10. Have you ever been to a movie that sold out? Yeah, Killing of A Sacred Deer was surprisingly sold out when we watched it. Then again we were in the part of the city where people are more likely to watch films like that, so maybe it’s not that surprising after all. Other movies I remember being sold out was the entire Twilight Saga HAHAHA. I went to 4/5 midnight screenings and the cinema was packed every time.

11. Have you ever been to a midnight movie? ^ Just mentioned it. 12. It's 2010; are you gonna say oh-ten, twenty ten, or two thousand ten? I always say twenty-ten. 13. How many of your classes change next quarter? Next semester? I graduate next semester...hopefully. This virus is really ruining my life plans for 2020, especially as a graduating student who was expecting to graduate by June and get a job by like, September. 14. Do you believe in the paranormal? Only ghosts. 15. How old are the shoes you're wearing? I’m barefoot at the moment. I haven’t been outside in a WHILE, so I haven’t had to wear shoes in a while as well. 16. What's your state's weather usually like this time of year? The Philippines is a relatively tiny country so our weather from the northernmost to southernmost tips are uniform. That being said, March to June is our summer season so the *country’s weather is very humid and excruciatingly hot for now. Temperature usually plays around 34-37C, but the heat index can reach 42C. 17. Do you get those leg cramps in the middle of the night? I used to get them quite often as a kid - it would wake me up at 4 AM and I’d usually be crying by the end; I couldn’t scream because I never wanted to wake everyone up, so I’d just cry until it was over. 18. What movie last made you too scared to go to sleep? Midsommar didn’t make me too scared to sleep, but for a short time it made me terrified of flowers and the color white. 19. Do you have a Twitter account? Sure. 20. Did Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded? Oh he won it? That’s pretty cool. I dunno enough about his presidency other than he seems to be ~hipper than all the other US presidents and is generally more well-loved, but I don’t want to make a stand so hastily. 21. Is your cell phone a qwerty (full keyboard) or no? Yeah, touchscreen qwerty. 22. What was the last website you logged onto (besides the one you're on)? WWE Network!!! Just today they announced that they were gonna give free access to the Network, which means thousands of hours’ worth of pay-per-views, shows, and documentaries. I made a WWE account just for it and I’ve already downed two documentaries this morning. 23. What's your home page? It’s a Google Chrome extension called Momentum. I’m too lazy to describe the features so I’ll just show you what it looks like when I open Chrome/a new tab.

24. Put a line from the song you're listening to right now: I’m not listening to a song rn but I do have everything i wanted by Billie Eilish stuck in my head for a few minutes now. A lyric goes: I had a dream / I got everything I wanted / Not what you’d think / And if I’m being honest, it might’ve been a nightmare / To anyone who might care.

25. Music artists you listen to: Are they a little or a lot older than you? They’re typically close to my age, like maybe 4-10 years older than me. The oldest artist I listen to is probably Beyoncé? 26. What always has to be in the refrigerator? For us, eggs. 27. What was your favorite movie of 2009? The Proposal. 28. What do you want for Christmas? That’s sort of a long way from now, dude. By that time I’d have grown a bit and will probably ask for a vacuum cleaner lmaaaaao. 29. If you could go to three places in the world right now: UPTC, Feliz, and a Starbucks. I just want to be out of my actual village – I don’t even want to go anywhere far after this. 30. How many days until your birthday? I was too lazy to do math but Google says it’s 28 days away. 31. Who are you crushing on right now? (Famous or not, it's your call.) Gabie, Kristen Stewart, and Lee Joo Youngggggg. 32. Do you squish bugs or put them in a glass and let them outside? I squish them especially if they’re being annoying, soz. 33. Do you have split ends? I recently got my hair done, so no.

34. Isn't it ridiculous that movie theaters sell hot dogs and nachos? It is pretty stupid considering they’re messy food and you’ll have to eat them in a really dark room. Where I’m from they allow any kind of food in the theatres, so we aren’t restricted to hotdogs and nachos. My go-to food is Potato Corner french fries, since they’re easy to pick up and would never have a strong smell, or make a noise or a mess. 35. What school subject do you absolutely fail at? I don’t think I ever got past an 85 in chemistry in high school. 36. When you're on a laptop, do you hook up a mouse or use the touchpad? I have a touchpad. I’ve never owned a mouse. 37. When's the next day(s) off you'll get at school? Literally right now until April 14th. It’s a lockdown, dude. 38. If you're learning a language, what year are you in? I’m not. My curriculum doesn’t require me to take language electives. I did take Spanish and Korean in Duolingo in the past out of boredom/curiosity, though. I lasted a few levels into Spanish because of its similarities with Filipino, but they have like a million verb tenses and that’s when it got too much for me. Korean was pretty difficult right from the start. 39. Do you think you're done growing or will you grow a couple more inches? Nah, this is it I think. 40. What's your mom's mom's name? Agnes. 41. Do you replace "and" with an ampersand (&)? No, it looks so informal to me. 42. What do you usually get at school for lunch? I don’t have a usual lunch; it depends on what we have at home, because I typically just bring food from home to school. 43. Have you ever encountered a creepy neighbor? I don’t think so. If I did, my brain probably blocked the memory already. 44. How many texts can your phone's inbox hold before it's too full? As far as I know it doesn’t have a limit and just depends on my phone’s overall capacity.   45. Do you like the foam soap or the liquidy soap? I use a liquidy one, so I’ll go with that. 46. Do you like the automatic sinks or the ones with hot and cold handles? Lmao, first of all our country’s not even rich enough for this question. We just have a basic sink. We get whatever temperature is available and we need to turn a knob to have the water running. 47. What day did/does your birthday fall on this year? It’ll fall on a Tuesday, which suckssss because it’s a weekday and I have weekly Tuesday meetings for this semester. It’s also the first week out of the coronavirus lockdown, and I doubt people will even be paying attention to birthdays by then. 48. Do you tend to lean towards bright colors or more subtle colors? Subtle ones. 49. Do you use British spelling even though you're not British? No. 50. Name the farthest/weirdest/most unique place you've ever been: Farthest: Bali, Indonesia Weirdest: There was this park in Palawan that just didn’t fit with the city’s atmosphere at all lmao. Let me look it up... Baker’s Hill. It had tons of vibrantly-colored figurines, decorations peppered with cheesy pick-up lines, and Valentine’s decor (hearts, streamers, etc) spread all over the place. I couldn’t understand what it was supposed to be and it was a surreal experience overall lol. Most unique: Sagada. It didn’t feel like I was in the Philippines for the 3 days I was there.

[mypetshopworld]

Feng Shui And Pets. Cat, Fish, Dog. Who Is More Powerful For Good Luck?

Why Pets and Feng Shui are a great Combination?

Many Times you can read in magazines that Pets are good for Feng Shui. I always wondered what people understand with Feng Shui and Pets.  As a Feng Shui Consultant, I understand that pets are great enhancers to every household and they keep a house in balance with the yin and yang energy.  Especially if you live on your own. It is believed in the Asian world that cats bring you money luck, ( you can buy the waving lucky cat) dogs bring you health and happiness, and goldfishes are for abundance and wealth. Especially the 9 goldfish 8 red and one black one. There are many paintings in Asia, and many offices keep either the 9 goldfish, the colourful Flowerhorn or the Arrowana that shines gold and red. 

The Four Celestial Animals in Feng Shui 

Feng Shui has the four celestial Animals like the Green Dragon in the east, the Blue Tortoise in the North, the Red Phoenix in the south, and the White Tiger in the West. They have a symbolic meaning according to the landscape and the construction of a building. When someone asks me the question of what is a good pet for me that brings me good luck, I usually say go with your heart. Be grateful that an animal will choose you to care for it. Pets are a great companion and have a lot of health benefits so yes in a way your pet brings you the luck and joy of every days life. Your Pet makes you to the luckiest person in the world.

Feng Shui for Humans, Pet & Co 

This blog is for humans, and I do not promote getting a pet for the sake of Good Luck. Please don’t get me wrong you are lucky when a pet is choosing you, as you can never find a more loyal companion than a pet. Your Pet would be happy sleeping on the oldest rug or just on the floor as long as it is on your side. That is called loyalty. There are enough stories around where your pet is your best friend and will not leave your side when you are in need.

What has the Good Luck in Feng Shui to do with Pets?

Most of my client always ask me, if it is ok for Feng Shui to have a pet. Yes it is, there are only a few rules you have to follow, and that is the most common sense rule to keep your pet and home clean, it is not a mystery in doing so, and I will share a few tips and tricks in making your home beautiful and tidy even if you have a pet or multiple pets. I have grown up with pets all my life, I could not imagine not having a pet. Every Bird who fall out of the nest and the mum abandon it, any injured bat, squirrels, hedgehogs, and so many more we always looked after them until they are ready to be released into the wild again. 

The Power of being compassion and the Heart.

I remember I had a friend she lived in Asia and she took in every stray cat and a stray dog that crossed her way. In the end, she had 19 cats and 12 dogs in an apartment that had around 120 sqm living area.

Every time I went to her home I thought I am on a farm and the smell really made me want to leave immediately. Unfortunately, she would not listen to me, as I guess she could not smell it anymore and get used to it.  She paid for the apartment the same amount as she would settle to rent a small terrace house. My Friend eventually, got herself a house for less of the price of the condo and even she had a lot of dogs and cats the house did not smell so bad as the condo unit before. Get the Pet that suits your living environment. Some of my clients worry when having a pet that their place will look untidy and messy. It does not need too, having a pet is great and just get a pet that suits your living standard. What I mean with that is if you live in a small apartment than get a smaller dog instead of a huge dog like a Doberman or Husky. If you love to have long and distance walks or jogs then get a dog that loves it too.  I have done a lot of consultations for clients who got a pet because a Feng Shui Practioner told them this year is lucky, and your lucky pet is a cat or a dog. So they went out and bought one not thinking that it will be a lifetime commitment.  It took them some time to adjust to it, but in the end, they loved the pet like a family member. You can have a beautiful house or home with a pet. It does not need to be a mess and smelly. Let me show you how?

Good Fortune Feng Shui with two Cats.

I had one client an older lady and one day she called me and said I need to come to her house and collect the Feng Shui Cats.

I told her that I am not a new age Feng Shui Consultant and I do not sell or buy those Feng Shui objects. She told me no, the cats are real, and she doesn’t know what to do with them now as she doesn’t need them now anymore the year of the tiger ( Chinese zodiac signs) is over, and she doesn’t need them anymore. I might have been a bit slow in understanding or getting it, but I ask her what she meant. So here is the explanation. Because it was the year of the tiger, it is said that cats are good money luck for her and her husband, but unfortunately, he died in the year of the tiger. Now the year is over, and she doesn’t need the cats anymore. I could not believe my ears, I ask her did she not bond with the cats and what are the names … she said no need names only for good luck, now I do not need them anymore. Please come and take them. Long story short I found a loving home for the two cats, as my instinct told me that if I don’t get them, they become stray as she would let them go anyway as for her it served her purpose. A Short Note of Importance. I was in a rage and really angry but could not show this to my client. That is also partly why I wanted to write this blog, to make people aware that pets are not objects you buy of the shelf, they do have feelings and they are a loyal companion. A pet does not come with an expiry date; it will stay with you at least 20 years. So be prepared to share your life for over 20 years with your loyal companion your pet. 

Please help me to share this post as people are still in the belief a pet brings good luck yes it lucky for you to have a pet, but a pet need love and commitment and if you are not ready for it then don't get one. If you abandon or return a pet to a shelter you break the heart of that pet, so before you decide to get a pet, think about it and ask yourself if you are prepared to care for your pet the next 20 years and more.  

Who let the Dog out...  Is there an animal in the house?

Over the years I have helped many of my clients to understand and co-habitat their four-legged friends without sacrificing their precious home smelling and looking like pet stall. 

Furniture Coverings for you and your pets that are attractive and look good.

You have lovely furniture, and you love your furniture, but you can not enjoy the beauty of your furniture anymore, because it is covered with the unattractive not matching pet blankets. I know it is necessary to protect your furniture and you love your pets. ( cats, dogs)  Well, you have four options  you can get pet training and train your pet not to jump onto your furniture,  you can buy nice covers that match your furniture, and or buy pet blankets that match your furniture. or you keep it as it is.   How to train my Dog? You can train your dog by yourself or get a professional Dog Trainer.

Adrienne Farricelli, is a  professional CPDT-KA certified dog trainer, and for the last 10 years she has been helping people to eliminate bad behaviours dogs and train well behaved, obedient, loving pets…by showing them how to bring out the ‘hidden intelligence’ inside their dog. Every dog without exception - has a hidden intelligence inside. It’s an untapped resource to help you remove just about any troublesome behaviour. Click Here to find out more about the Dog brain training  

Easy Slip Covers 

Use easy slip over covers for your Chairs, Launch and Sofa, and if you can not get them in colour you want them to have then get the fabric and give them to someone to hem them up.  Best is the non-wrinkle easy wash, with static effect easy dry fabric. In the picture, those are from Walmart  click here to go to Walmart  (Static means the fabric will not attract like a magnet the hairs of your dogs or cats) Tip: Most dry-cleaning shops have small sewing services available like (hemming and minor repair work )for cloth and covers. If you have a sewing machine do it yourself, it is quickly done. ( Ask around in your friend circle someone for sure can do the sewing.) Tip: Choose colours that do not attract the hair of your pet statically. ( Dark colours like black and blue will give you a headache if you have a pet with light colour fur. Tip. Chose dark colour beds or covers for a pet with dark fur, light colours for a lighter fur colour or try to match the tone of your pet. Tip. Keep at least 2 sets of each. As when one set of covers is in the washing, the one will be in use. Match the colour of your pet to the covers or choose a neutral colour for multiple pets. I used a kind of medium blue when I had different colour pets. That suits the dark fur four-legged friends and the lighter fur colour four-legged friends. ( what I want to say with that, you do not see so easily the hairs of your pets) Don’t forget the sets include the arm covers and seat and back covers in the same fabric as the slipcover. It is essential that you add an extra 35 cm or 13.5 inches for the seat and back to allow for shrinkage. Tip. If you are not sure, you can also wash the fabric first and then cut but still with the allowance as you will need it. Change of your Cleaning Routine makes it a daily exercise. When you have pets, you like it or not cleaning daily like the vacuum, and wet mopping is a must. Get yourself a strong and powerful vacuum cleaner that takes on all the hairs from your pet. I use the Kaercher Vacum cleaner wet and dry. ( Kaercher is a great brand) 

It is powerful, and you can see that you used the vacuum cleaner. I put into the container of the Vacum cleaner a piece of tissue with lavender oil, that way my vacuum cleaner smells when I vacuum like lavender oil. You can use any other essential oil, or you can buy the vacuum deodorant. ( just be aware of the essential oils do and don'ts with pets. ) Read my blog Essential Oils for Pets  For Wet Mopping, you can use the Steam Mop. A great way to get rid of all the germs and it is clean.  If you are not consistent in cleaning than you will not enjoy your place the same as your pets. Don’t forget that it is also your home and everyone including you should feel good.

Pet Beds and Furniture that blend in with your furniture and your home.

If your pets are not allowed on the launch and chairs and they have there owned furniture, it is always wise to get something that blends in with your other furniture. Especially with larger dogs, the recommendation is that they have their own pet bed. They usually take over your whole launch, and you properly sit on the edge balancing between falling and not falling. Brain Train your dog to use his dog bed instead of your launch.

Pet Beds and Places to sleep for your Pet. 

No, you are not rude; it is just that you enjoy looking at your pet and your pet wants to be near you, it does not care it is your launch or his bed. Tip. When you buy a pet bed for your dog or cat make sure the covers can be taken off and are washable. If not, then please use covers in pairs so you can wash one and the other is in use. Washing it on a weekly base is essential, and your pets will love the clean and fresh pet bed. On the other hand, it also makes your home look fresh and clean. Avoid using a spray that makes the pet bed smell good but does not make it clean. It can be a one or two-time solution but washing the pet bed cover weekly should be standard.

Pets do enjoy a clean, pleasant smell looking home the same as you do. A clean home is good Feng Shui for you and for your pet. When your pets sleep with you in your bedroom get them a separate bed, it is better for your sleep. Everyone has then a comfortable night. Depends on the size of your pet. When you get them a separate bed at least, you are not falling over them at night or stepping on them. ( fur haven dog beds are inexpensive and come in different sizes and colours) click here There are plenty of beds available what you can move under the bed during the day time. For the night time, you put them into a corner of the room, so that your pet can still see you but you do not drip over it at night.  Murphy Bed Style Dog Bed the perfect solution for limited space.

Lack of space? This Murphy Bed Style Dog Bed is the solution. Opens up for a spot to rest and closes up when nap time is over. Can be used as a shelf for books, lamps or any other décor that will create a customised look in a small space. The Abigail Murphy Dog Bed is the perfect place for your pet to rest. This comfortable bed includes the dog bed cushion to give your pet the perfect rest. Click here to go to Murphy dog bed When not in use, this stylish bed can be folded and stored to blend in with your furniture. 10 yr. Manufacturer’s warranty. Click here to see more furniture beds Those cupboard pet beds raise the bar a bit higher, and it makes look your home fashionable and pet-friendly. It blends perfectly in. I love this cupboard beds ok agree they cost a bit more but they are really practical.  If you are on a budget, you can buy the inexpensive beds from Fur Haven Memory Top Chaise Lounge Quilted Fleece & Print Suede link picture. Click here to go here to fur haven beds

Pet crates blend in with furniture wide variety available. 

Furniture Pet Crates are also a great solution as they do blend in and are like safety heaven for pets where they can get some peace and rest. Read Crate training for dogs 

Crate training for dogs is, and I know there are pro and cons, but until I got one I had the same opinion. Now my dogs love the crates, I always thought of a crate like a cage, but that is entirely a perception. My dogs love their crates, and I find them pretty fashionable. If you want them to blend into your décor, they are a bit pricey, but it is worth it. Click here to go to dog crates 

Why plain floors and Wooden floors rather than carpeting.

A wooden floor or plain floors are much easier to clean than carpets. If you are renting a place, you will have not much choice. I understand that I been there before.  You still can get area rugs to put over the carpet. 

If you have a wooden floor or other plain floors except for carpet, you can use the steam cleaner. I think it is a great invention as it really cleans it perfect it eliminates all germs and dirt. It is eco-friendly as you clean with water only that becomes steam.  The most steamers have different functions like for marvel and tiles, or wooden floors. If you are carpet lover and don’t want to miss your carpets then at least choose the colour of the rug to the fur colour of your pet or at least match it. Don’t use a dark carpet if you have a white or beige colour dog, you are getting crazy with cleaning all the hairs. As once your dog sheds the hair onto your carpet, you are always cleaning. It will eventually annoy you.  Click here to look at some area rugs 

Scratching Posts, Litter Boxes and Pet Smells.

If you have multiple pets like me, you have to be very thorough with eliminating the smell of the litter box from the cats or small dogs and keeping the pet areas clean. The next dilemma is then where to put the litter box. ( it is not always easy to find the right place. ) Check out the Cool and Practical  Bathroom litter boxes what look like a cupboard. Those are a bit costly but are great and make a perfect fit for any home.

Click here to see all the Litterboxes different styles Do not put a litter box into the bathtub. It is not nice, and it will scratch your tub. Believe me, you will have a head cinema if you want to take a bath or not.  Plus it is not sanitary, and it looks terrible. You won't enjoy it, believe me, it is always in the back of your head. If you can not find a place and you do not have a cover by a closed litter box. It is privacy for your pet, and it keeps the smell a bit under control. The only place I would put then the litter box is either the garage or the laundry room. If you have somewhere, an empty closet than use this as the cupboard for the litterbox. I love this cupboard solution, and my one is under the sink it blends in with our bathroom furniture. 

Litter box cupboards and cheaper version

DIY a small bathroom cupboard. If you have a cupboard in your bathroom, you could use then cut a small opening into the closet and attach the cat door to it so the cat or little dog can go in and out. It also seals the smell when the litter box been used. Put an inexpensive cat litter box in there and fill it up with odour free pet-friendly cat litter. This way you can quickly clean it, and everything vanishes from the eyesight. Bathrooms, Toilets and Feng Shui a bad combination.

In Feng, Shui toilets have a terrible reputation, but if the bathroom is kept clean it is ok and time has evolved. In ancient times the toilets been always outside due to the belief that it accumulates bad Energy or bad Chi.  Bathrooms have changed and become a quite nice decorative room in the house. A bathroom needs to keep clean and with a fresh smell.  TIP: Do clean your litter box and change the cat litter on a regular base like cleaning daily. Scratching Posts and Cat Furniture Cats love to scratch to sharpen their claws. They do not care it is your beloved sofa or armchair. They see it as a necessity and use what is convenient for them.  Scratching for cats is healthy, and they mark their territory with it. When your cat is scratching your furniture there are a couple of reasons,

you do not have a scratch pole or tree. They do not like the scratch pole or tree ( use cat mint to make it more attractive), or if you have stray cats, they do not like it, or they are not used to it Scratch trees should have all, sisal posts, play, hiding places etc. Get an eco-friendly scratching post your cats will love it. Spray it with catmint to attract your cat's attention.  Please don’t get it wrong a cat is not scratching your furniture because she likes to make you upset. It is a natural behaviour. There are solutions for cat scratching, I am not talking about declawing.  Declawing a cat is cruel and forbidden in most countries. Click here to see all scratch trees  My cats love this Scratch Sphere it comes with a small toy.

Feng Shui Harmony, Pets and You

In Feng Shui, all is about harmony and creating a warm and inviting space. That will give us humans and our pets a calm and relaxed environment. It means we connect with our environment and we go with the flow not against the flow. What does that mean? We create a space that is in Harmony with us.  If you place the dog bed or cat bed in an area where you have to bump or drip every time you walk past it then this is not in the flow. That is not Feng Shui that is just pure bad furniture placement. ( Interior Design)  It will aggravate you every time you pass there or bump your toe. Choose a place for the Pet Furniture that is suitable and out of the way.

Air purifiers and Pet Smell.

On more thing, I like to mention here as we get too used to it and might not be aware of it anymore.  The Smell of our Pets You should feel good in your home, the critical thing is that you feel good and you are proud to show off your home or invite friends and family over. If the pets have taken over your home and you feel ashamed and uncomfortable to invite friends and family, then it is time to change that. As this is definitely not good Feng Shui. Means you are out of touch with your environment. When you live with pets, you get so used to their smell that you do not smell it anymore. Ask from time to time a family member or friend to come by and tell you if your home smells like pets. I use on a regular base use my essential oil diffuser, and if I use the steamer, I mix in 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil into the water. When the steamer gets hot, the smell evaporates through the home so does the diffuser. 

When you are wondering why some of your friends refuse to come to your home, well the unpleasant smell or odour of your pets might be the reason. Most of the friends are too polite to say something as they do not want to offend you. If it is awful than get yourself a good air purifier, not with the replacement filters, get one that is washable. I use the Philips Air purifier. It also kills mould and airborne germs. I would recommend you to spent a bit more like the cheap ones you can throw away after 6 months. Click here to go to Air Purifiers You can also use for example in winter time for the vaporisers on your heating add one or two drops of essential oils( be careful with your pets as dog and cats are different in absorbing essential oils, and you might hurt them) Read my blog about pets and essential oils. ( a no go is Tea Tree Oil, lemon oil, pine, orange actually all citric oils for cats, ) You can also use some homemade cleaners, and they will take out the pet smell. Invest either in a good steam mop or a good air purifier. If you are able to afford both even better. ( you will love the steam mop)  If you can recommend a good solution to eliminate pet smell, please do so in our comment section. It is always good to have different solutions on hands.  I think I don’t need to mention it, but a big part of a happy Pet owner and a happy Pet is safety.

Keep your pet safe and do not harm your pet.

Also for your safety keep the pet toys cleaned up in an area where you do not constantly drip over it. Dripping and falling toys or chewy bones can easily end up in broken bones or other injuries. Pets are part of the household, but that does not mean the place need to be untidy. Remember when talking about Feng Shui and being in the flow it means being in the flow.  Not dripping and constantly stepping over pet furniture or pet toys. Don't make your life more difficult and cause stress that is not necessary. Stress and frustration get automatically transferred to your pet, and it makes your pets unsettled. Pets are sensitive in picking up your energy vibes, and they start to act accordingly. Happy Pet Owner, Happy Pets.  That goes the same with their beds or crates they need to be in a place where they can see the action but also feel safe and secure. Toxic Cleaners and Chemicals keep them out of the way far away from your pet and of course your kids too.  If you can use only pet-friendly cleaning solutions and natural cleaners. It helps your pets and our environment. If you have children that is the same.  What about smaller pets in cages or aquariums. A Fish tank, Aquarium, Terrarium, Cages or whatever with smaller pets like hamsters, fish, birds, mice, snakes, reptiles and so on. All the environment they live in need to be clean and tidy. That goes the same for the smell. Some of the smaller pets have a strong odour, so they need to be kept clean and tidy.

Fish and Aquarium

Require water, and large fish tanks cannot be placed just anywhere in the home. You have to know the Flying Stars and the areas where the water is ok. General Placement of water in the house. The Bedroom is definitely NO. East Sector, North Sector and the Southeast is ok with water. We talk about a standard size tank. In case the size of a Fish tank is taking over one-third of the room you better consult a Feng Consultant where to place your fish tank. ( you might drown your luck in water)  A Fish tank can be very good Feng Shui if it is clean and the fish are healthy. When you get fish to make sure they do not kill each other immediately. Not all the fish go along with each other. Do the research. For the other smaller pets make sure they live in a natural environment, and the cages or terrariums are big enough for them and are decorated with the objects to keep them happy and busy. Avoid putting the smaller pets into the bedroom of your kids as they might be forgotten, neglected or will keep your kids awake at night. Especially if they are nocturnal.

Feng Shui, Pets and You

Your Pets and you can live in harmony with each other. With a little bit of effort, you can make your home nice and beautiful. It will benefit you and your pets. A harmonic clean and vibrant environment is pleasant and enjoyable for you and your pets. Feng Shui and Pets go well together but not for the benefits of using it for the sake of achieving wealth.

Animals in Feng Shui

For me, nothing is more welcoming as having a home with pets. Pets are known in Feng Shui to symbolise not only good energy, and as the old lady got told the tale is cats are good for financial luck and dogs to help to boost and infuse the energy in a home. Take note that animals are not lucky charms that you get for one year and when the year is over you discharge them.

Pets are for life and will enhance your health and enrich your life. If you want a cat as a lucky charm get the fortune cat from a Chinese store.  Pets are not lucky charms and are for life. Pets are part of our family treat and respect them as they enrich our lives and are a loyal companion through the years you will spend with them.  You are lucky to have pets. Feng Shui and Pets are a great combination.  Do you have some more tips living with pets and how to make a home more environmentally friendly? Please share with us, if you have pets, please write below their names and what kind of pet you have. Got to our Facebook page and post the latest picture you took from your loved pets. All Yours Sylvia and  Melanie Read the full article

[elsaclack]

This is really random but I saw a fic of yours about Amy being sick (I think the prompt was "Amy yells at the Vulture") but I can't find the full piece anywhere. Is it on AO3 anywhere? I love your writing and I completely understand if you just didn't want it out anymore. Just thought I'd ask! :)

i thought it was but i just went and searched my entire work history (including all 70+ chapters of those god-forsaken oneshot collections) and i couldn’t find it anywhere!! i guess i forgot to cross-post it back when i first wrote it, and it got lost when i deleted the original elsaclack. but i just scoured my docs list and found it buried in a random folder so i’ll repost it here and add it to the newest one-shot collection on ao3 :)

fun fact: this was written almost exactly 2 years ago!!! meaning that my writing skills have developed considerably since i actually wrote this. aka please don’t judge me if this seems like a sudden regression haha

also i wanna tag @phil-the-stone-art bc we actually developed the concept of The List together so she’s at least 35% responsible for this fic lmao

under the cut!

Amy Santiago does not get sick, thank you very much. She prides herself on her meticulous nightly hygienic rituals, on the cabinet full of multivitamins and minerals she takes on a daily basis in her bathroom, on the rigorous workout routine and diet she keeps herself on each week to maintain perfect health. She lives her life by a very tight plan (laid out in checklists and carefully organized in color-coded binders) that simply does not afford her any extra time to be sick.

Which is why, when she wakes up one Tuesday morning with a head stuffed full of cotton and violent shivers rolling down her spine, she gets up to start her usual routine in spite of the fact that she feels like she hasn’t actually slept in three weeks. Jake’s still snoring on the other side of the bed, another hour away from getting up to haphazardly dress in whatever flannel he can find lying on her bedroom floor that doesn’t smell too dirty, and he doesn’t even stir at the sound of her shuffling footsteps or running nose.

She drags herself into the bathroom, shuts the door, and flicks the lights on. Her reflection honestly makes her jump back an inch or two; she’s never seen her skin quite so pale, or bruises beneath her eyes quite so dark, or her lips quite so visibly dry and cracked. She reaches out to grip the edges of her sink and realizes that her arms and hands are trembling, and when she leans a bit more weight onto them she notes that her knees are quaking beneath her.

All in all, not a great start to the day.

She presses on, though, ignoring her running nose and congested head and general exhaustion. The shower helps a little, but not much.

When she shuts the water off, she hears Jake moving around in her bedroom, and her heart skips a beat. She hadn’t even realized she’d been in the shower that long. “Jake?” She calls as she wraps a towel around herself. Her voice is coarse and rough.

“Hey,” he knocks lightly at the door. “You okay?”

“Yeah - yeah, could you, um…there’s a binder out on the dining room table, should say something on the cover about that case I was working on last night -” she clears her throat and winces at the sharp pain that responds “- could you grab it and put it in my bag?”

“Sure,” he’s quiet for a moment and Amy’s left to gently rub at her temples with the heels of her hands. “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound awful.”

“I’m…I’m fine.”

But she’s not. Her knees are still quaking and vertigo has suddenly set in and she’s swaying, reaching out to grab the tiled edge of her shower. Her hand slips against the wet surface and she falls forward, shoulder banging painfully into the tiles.

The door swings open and Jake bursts inside in a panic. “Ames? Oh my God!” She suddenly realizes that she’d sunk down to a crouching position upon falling. He kneels next to her, gently pulling her away from the shower and letting her lean heavily into him. Her head falls against his shoulder, forehead pressed to the crook of his neck, and she hears him tut. “You’re burning up, babe,” he says quietly.

“I’m fine,” her voice fails half-way through and she ends up finishing in an unconvincing whisper.

“You’re not going to work today,” he tells her.

“But -”

“You almost fainted just now, Amy. You’re staying home sick today.”

She tries to argue but he pulls her up off the ground, keeping his touch firm and steady should gravity leave her again, and her voice completely dies on the way out of the bathroom. He lets her whisper weak arguments as he steers her gently toward the bed, humming and nodding along as he pulls fresh sweatpants up her legs and eases one of his academy shirts over her head. He pushes back on her good shoulder with just enough force that she lays down and pulls the comforter up to her chin. Her eyelids flutter closed when he presses a kiss against her forehead.

“I’ll tell Captain Holt where you are,” he says quietly. His hand finds hers against the mattress, fingers twisting through hers. “Get some sleep, okay?”

She’s asleep before he even gets out the front door.

A few hours later she’s roused by the sound of her phone vibrating on her bedside table. Sunlight streams in through her window and she squints, disoriented, fumbling around with semi-numb fingers for her phone.

From: Jake PeraltaHow u feelin? Miss u at work. Charles says he’ll bring u goat soup later lol

It hurts to even swallow, and Amy has to work really hard to keep from whining at the splitting headache igniting behind her right eye.

To: Jake PeraltaFeel like garbage. I haev a headache. Im afraid to get out of bed for meds. Miss u too

She waits five minutes for him to respond, and when her phone remains motionless, she closes her eyes and lets it fall against her chest.

Precisely twenty minutes after that, she hears her front door open. It closes again and she hears footsteps crossing her living room and it only just hits her that someone is in her apartment when those footsteps cross the threshold of her bedroom.

“Hey, hey, don’t get out of bed,” Jake says soothingly. Amy falls back against her pillow from her struggling half-sitting up position as Jake drops a plastic grocery bag at the foot of her bed and perches on the edge of the mattress beside her. He replaces her phone back on her bedside table with one hand and smooths his other palm over her forehead (and she only just then realizes that she’s sweating) and grimaces. “You’re still burning up,” he says, running his fingers through her hair just above her forehead.

“I’m fine,” she whispers, and the words slip out between two wet coughs.

He frowns and gently scratches his short nails against her scalp. “I brought Advil,” he says, casting an absent glance over his shoulder at the bag he brought in, “and stuff to make soup. It’s the recipe for Nana’s matzoh ball soup.” She raises her eyebrows beneath his palm and he grins down at her. “Don’t tell Charles, but it’s literally the best soup you’ll ever have and it’ll cure your dumb cold in twenty minutes or less.”

“Promise?”

He leans down and pecks a kiss against her forehead. “Promise,” he says when he leans away. “I’m gonna go make some and bring it in here and you’ll be back on your feet before the end of the day. Peralta Guarantee.” He winks.

She sinks down into the mattress as much as she can when he stands up, opening her eyes only when he comes back in with two Advil tablets and a glass half-full of water. Within minutes she begins hearing pots and pans knock around in her kitchen, and through her cloudy mind she registers that her stomach is rumbling in irritation.

“Alright,” he announces from her doorway. Her eyes split open and he’s carefully balancing the soup bowl on top of her dresser. “I’ll help you sit up, don’t move.”

He pulls her up with one hand and waits until she’s sitting up steadily before hurriedly stacking her pillows up behind her. She breathes a sigh of relief when she leans back, not realizing just how much of a strain sitting up is until that moment. He hurries back to where the soup is still steaming and carefully brings it over to her, the tip of his tongue appearing at the corner of his mouth for how hard he has to concentrate on not spilling any.

He nestles it in her lap, and she smiles, because he looks so proud of himself and he’s really so adorable.

Jake stays with her until she finishes the whole bowl and then he takes her dishes from her and quickly rinses them out in her sink.

“I’ll be back after work to check on you and to finish cleaning that, okay?” He calls from her doorway.

She hums hoarsely and fades out of consciousness.

An hour later, Amy wakes up feeling half-human. Her head and throat still hurt and she still can’t breathe out of her nose, but her brain doesn’t feel quite so fried and her limbs don’t feel quite so weak anymore.

Jake was right - the soup really did help.

Not as much as Nyquil would, but…still.

She kicks the comforter off and moves to sit up, and her phone suddenly falls into her lap from her chest. She pauses, staring at it, trying to remember when it ended up back there. She has no new calls or texts, but when she unlocks the screen, there’s a new note pulled up.

Things i want t odo to jake in bed

Amy feels flames engulf her face that have absolutely nothing to do with her fever. The list has twelve items on it, each one raunchier and riddled with more spelling errors than the last, and by the time she gets to the end of the note she’s covering her face in embarrassment. She’s got just the vaguest memory of typing it (and it’s really more of a dream of a memory than anything else), but none of it will solidify into more than just faint snapshots in her head.

But the more she rereads it, the more heat begins building in her body - heat from the mental images, heat from the germs ravaging her body, heat from the thick comforter still draped over her legs.

She has got to go get some Nyquil.

Santiago Determination blazes through her as she drags herself out of bed, shoulders set and jaw clenched as she pulls one of Jake’s hoodies over her frame and slides her feet into her rarely-worn flip-flops. Part of her feels guilty, knowing that if Jake was the one home sick she’d insist on him texting her anything he needs so that he would stay in bed and recover faster, but she brushes it off as she grabs her purse.

What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right?

She blames her scattered brain on the matzoh ball soup later. She blames her compromised detective skills and her lack of attention to detail and her general disorientation on the soup. Because under normal circumstances, no matter how sick she truly is, she would definitely have noticed the Vulture browsing the low aisles of the bodega around the corner from her house immediately upon walking through the front doors.

But as it is, she doesn’t, which means that he gets a visual on her before she’s even aware of being spotted.

She’s so busy perusing the medicine section toward the back that she doesn’t notice him stalking around the shelves, doesn’t feel him peeking around the Doctor Scholl’s cardboard display, doesn’t hear him mutter at a mother and daughter to get out of his way as he follows her ambling walk down the aisle. She isn’t aware of the danger until he’s basically on top of her.

“Yo, Santiago,” he says, his voice low and curdling. She winces and turns slowly, and he’s leaned against the shelves to her left, leering down at her. A handcart hangs between them; it’s full of at least thirty boxes of condoms, she realizes when she glances down. Her stomach shifts unpleasantly. “You look homeless.”

“Get out of the way,” she whispers hoarsely.

“Aw, what’s the matter? Peralta got you screaming so hard every night you lost your voice?”

Heat bursts through her cheeks and she glances back, meeting the scandalized look on that same mother’s face with an apologetic grimace. “Shut up.” She snaps as fiercely as she can.

He smirks, because her voice only comes in bursts. “Damn, you really let yourself go, didn’t you?” His eyes rove her body and she’s suddenly very keenly aware of the fact that she’s not wearing any underwear beneath her sweatpants. She can feel her face blossoming.

“Whatever.” She turns away quickly and digs her phone out of her purse, cursing when she hears the Vulture following her down the aisle. She dials Jake’s number quickly, and he answers after just two rings.

“Hey, is everything oka-”

“I need you go come to the bodega by my apartment,” she whispers. She can feel her hand trembling again and she curses whatever part of her thought it would be a good idea to do this on her own.

“Wait, what? Why are you -”

“I thought I could walk over here and get what I needed without you, but -” she winces at the sound of the Vulture’s laugh, loud and obnoxious behind her. “But I ran into someone and I need you to come save me.”

“Santiago, look - they do make extra-small condoms! Should I put a whole box in for you and Peralta or is that too many?”

She hears a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. “Is that the Vulture?” He asks quietly.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes. Do not faint.”

“I’m doing my best, but please hurry.”

Amy starts pacing up and down the aisles, doing her best to block the Vulture out. He trails along behind her, alternating between making lewd sexual innuendos about random items on the shelves they pass (“Everything’s a sex toy if you try hard enough,” while pointing out a plastic broom) and insulting her general appearance (“Y’know, you were much sexier before Peralta dragged you down to his level of ugliness. Just make sure your ass doesn’t get as fat as his”). It’s around the time they make it back to the medicine aisle that he turns to making fun of Jake himself.

“I still can’t believe you’re with that loser,” he laughs as Amy finally swipes a bottle of Nyquil off a lower shelf. She stands up slowly, gripping the shelves above her firmly, as a wave of vertigo hits her once again. “You’re hot as shit usually - not right now, obviously - I bet you could sleep with any guy you want.”

She clenches her jaw and tries to calculate how long it’s been since she hung up with Jake.

“I bet the sex is really boring, too,” the Vulture continues. “I bet it’s all missionary and full of, like, eye-contact and shit. I bet he tells you he loves you because you don’t make fun of his tiny weiner.”

“Okay, y’know what?” She snaps, and suddenly her voice is half back. “First of all, there’s nothing wrong with missionary if you do it right. Secondly, you’re full of crap if you really think eye-contact is boring. Third, you’re right, he does tell me he loves me, because he actually loves me, you sexist pig. And fourth, he’s not tiny.”

“Whatever. He’s a joke, just like you, and I bet the sex sucks and you’re both so bad at it that you can’t even tell that it sucks.”

She knows people are staring, but her brain just isn’t functioning right. She yanks her phone out of her purse and quickly scrolls over to her list. “Jake’s the best sex I’ve ever had, okay? In fact, he’s so good that I made a list!” She shoves her phone in his face and scrolls quickly, grinning in manic triumph at the dumbfounded look on his face. “I made a list of all the things I want to do with him because he’s so unbelievably good. You wish you were as good as him.”

He is, for once, speechless. Amy locks her phone and steps back, smug grin on her face. The Vulture’s eyes flicker to something over her shoulder and she sees the spark of recognition in his face; when she turns, she feels her stomach drop down to her toes.

Jake’s standing at the end of the aisle, looking just as dumbstruck as the Vulture. She gasps, and the sound comes out like a ragged squeak. His mouth is hanging open but his brows draw together at the sound.

“Ja- Jake,” she says hoarsely.

This seems to snap him out of his stupor. His mouth snaps closed and he immediately begins striding down the aisle toward her and there’s something new in his eyes - smug and barely-contained glee, maybe - when he throws his arm around her shoulders. “Hi, honey,” he says, laying a kiss against her temple and pulling the bottle of Nyquil from her grasp. “Let’s get you back in bed.”

“Yeah, well, you’re both a couple of losers!” The Vulture shouts after them. Jake twists around and flashes his middle finger at him and grins into Amy’s hair at the sound of his splutters. “I’m buying thirty-five boxes of condoms!”

“You’re amazing.” Jake murmurs once they’re outside of the store. “But next time, just call me instead of trying to go get stuff on your own. I really don’t mind doing it for you. That’s what boyfriends are for.”

She sinks into the passenger’s seat of his car and sighs in relief; her body is already aching from the exertion of just a lap around the bodega. She feels Jake slide in on the driver’s side, feels the engine roar to life beneath her and the air conditioner tickle across her face. The car lurches a little when he puts it in drive and then his free hand finds hers and interlaces their fingers.

“I’m sorry about…that.” She whispers once he’s pulled away from the curb.

“It’s fine, but I really mean it about calling me next time, okay? ‘Specially since you almost fainted this morning and everything, like, what would’ve happened if you’d fallen and hit your head and they took you to the hospital? They would’ve called Manny and it would’ve taken him three hours to get here and -”

“Wait, no, they’d call you,” she interrupts. “Manny’s not my emergency contact anymore. You are.”

He turns his head toward her and stares.

“I changed it two years ago, Peralta. Way before we started dating. I just figured, y’know, since you’re my partner and everything, you’d be able to get there the fastest. And, besides, that’s not even what I was talking about. I meant…the stuff I said to the Vulture. The list.”

“Oh,” he shrugs. “I don’t really care. The guy’s an ass. I could hear him yelling all the way from the front doors. Besides, you weren’t lying.”

He squeezes her hand a few times in quick succession and she snorts. “So you’re…not mad? About any of it?”

“I’m more curious than anything else. Do I get to look at the list, too? Or is that just between you and the Vulture?”

“I can’t stand you.”

She does let him see it once they’re back to her place. He reads each item carefully three times over without ever saying a word, and then stands and grabs his laptop and a notepad off of her dining room table. When she asks what he’s doing, he responds with a muttered “research” and then promptly tells her to finish her soup.

The night passes in a haze that has nothing to do with the cold or the soup or the medicine, and the next morning she wakes to the sounds of Jake’s congested voice explaining through chest-rumbling coughs that neither he nor Amy would be making it into work that day.

[imjustthemechanic]

The French Mistake

Part 1/? - A Visitor Part 2/? - The Kulturhistorisk Museum Heist Part 3/? - Cutscene Part 4/? - The Marvel Cinematic Universe Part 5/? - Breathless Part 6/? - Escape at Last Part 7/? - Fox in Socks Part 8/? - Things Go Wrong Part 9/? - Downey and Out Part 10/? - Road Trip Part 11/? - Temptation Part 12/? - An Awful Reunion Part 13/? - Unreality Intrudes Part 14/? - A Call for Help Part 15/? - Loki’s Guests Part 16/? - Stan Lee Cameo Part 17/? - Reassessment Part 18/? - Midnight Invasion Part 19/? - Elevator Fight Part 20/? - Courage Part 21/? - Unwelcome Back Part 22/? - Darkest Hour Part 23/? - They Are Here Part 24/? - The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Part 25/? - Word of God Part 26/? - Avengers Assembled Part 27/? - The Houston Underground Part 28/? - Houston has a Problem Part 29/? - Onward and Upward Part 30/? - The Chi’Tauri Queen Part 31/? - Through the Wormhole Part 32/? - Prisoners Part 33/? - Arm’s Length Part 34/? - A Moment’s Respite Part 35/? - Ravagers to the Rescue Part 36/? - What Happened to Hiddleston Part 37/? - Haven Part 38/? - Steve Has a Terrible Idea Part 39/? - Can’t Be Choosers Part 40/? - Stan Lee Cameo Redux Part 41/? - Shipjacking Part 42/? - The Gauntlet Thrown Part 43/? - The Queen’s Chamber Part 44/? - The Guardians Part 45/? - The Nest

Not just puppies, she’s got babies.  Amazing how things manage to keep getting worse.

I’m gonna finish this fic because I’ve come this far, but honestly it stopped being what I wanted it to be a long time ago, so I don’t think I’ll put it on AO3.  Once it’s done I need to get on with Natalie Jones and the War of the Necromancers.

The guardian hit the pillar again, and the rib Thor was clinging to was torn free of the ceiling.  Its upper end swung down, and Steve had to reach out and grab the back of Thor’s shirt to keep him from falling.  Evans’ body was muscular but holding the weight of a large man while also keeping himself from falling was a strain.

A moment later, the rib Natasha was holding broke at the other end.  It bent where it attached to the ceiling, and she was left clinging to the end of it as she dangled just inches above the jaws of the guardians.  There was a groaning sound from above.

From somewhere at the far end of the room, or perhaps in the chamber beyond, was a loud crash.  Steve still couldn’t tell what was going on, but he could taste stinging bile in the back of his throat, and knew he was almost certainly going to die here.  He wondered if anybody on Earth would miss him.  Would Stark wonder what had become of him, or just be glad he was gone?  Would Sharon grieve for him as Peggy had done? Who would tell Bucky, when he finally came out of cryo, what had happened, and what would there be to tell him?

One more blow was too much for the pillar to take. The glass came free of the metal housing, fell on the floor, and smashed.  The tesseract bounced out and rolled away, and one of the guardians took off after it like a cat chasing a toy ball.  The other two remained where they were, waiting for their prey to fall into their mouths.  Steve and Thor were now both dangling from a single attachment point fifty feet above the floor, but for whatever reason it as Nat’s rib that broke first, and she dropped towards the snarling alien creatures.

The only thing Steve could think of to do was to let go also, and hope she could get away while they were focused on him – but that would only delay them a little bit, he would have to drop Thor to do it, and it wouldn’t do any of them any good in the long run.  And yet…

From the other end of the room there was a flash of brilliant light.

Steve looked up at it, trying to figure out what it was – and so did the guardians.  By the time they’d turned, however, it had faded, leaving everybody in the dark as the afterimage danced on their retinas.  That cleared a moment later, and Steve saw that there was now a globe of dim light there.  IN the middle of it was Hiddleston, now on his feet and dressed in Loki’s Asgardian garb of black and green leather with golden greaves and helmet.  He strode towards them, his hands held out on each side, the light around him getting brighter.  Had he figured out how to use Loki’s magic?

Then the world flashed before Steve’s eyes, and he found himself lying on his back with the Chi’Tauri queen towering over him.

There was a lot of information to take in stride in a very short time.  Steve was flat on his back on the floor, and he could feel a variety of scrapes and bruises but he felt more awake and alert than he had in days.  Natasha was astride him, using one of the fishhook weapons to block the one the queen was trying to rip him open with.  And Thor was clinging to the armor on the queen’s shoulder.

They were back in their own bodies – Loki must have found the strength to switch back with Hiddleston and had then done the rest of them, as he’d promised.  And despite the fact that this situation was absolutely desperate, Steve’s first thought was for the four actors.  They were now trapped in that room with the tesseract and its ferocious guardians, with no idea what they were doing.

The queen lifted her weapon to try again, and Natasha, thinking fast, caught the hook on it with her own and was lifted off her feet.  Nat had been worried about Johansson being the one who got stabbed because of a lack of training, but it seemed she had actually saved Evans’ life.  Hopefully he’d live long enough to return the favour. With her weight off him, Steve sprang to his feet to fight.

Two sentinels came at him.  Steve looked around, spied a decorative boss on the wall next to the closed doors of the tesseract chamber, and ripped it down to use as a shield.  Weapons fire from the sentinels bounced off it, so they ran to attack him at closer range. He caught the edge of the shield on one fishhook and threw its holder over the railing to the floor.  Then he slid through the legs of the other and hit it with his shield at the base of the spine, damaging some important cybernetics. The alien screamed and crumbled.

No wonder Hemsworth had looked like he was having a good time – Steve had completely forgotten how much fun it was to have super powers.  When he’d first gotten the serum, when he’d been using it for nothing more than to lift motorcycles and do tricks for adoring crowds, there’d been a period when he’d absolutely loved it.  He’d lived most of his life unable to do anything and now it suddenly seemed like there was nothing he couldn’t do.  Despite the deathly serious circumstances, he felt the same thing now. It was good to be back.

With the sentinels taken care of, he turned around and found that the queen had hopped back down to ground level, with Thor and Natasha still clinging to her.  They would be trying to find, or to make, that chink in the armor they needed. Steve ought to join them, but he realized that the doors of the tesseract room were right behind him.  Did he have time to open them and see if the actors were okay?  Loki had his magic, but would he be exhausted again after using it?  Would he care enough to save the humans, or would he take the tesseract and run?

There probably wasn’t time.  The Watcher had said they were saving the universe… and yet, these weren’t random strangers.  These were people Steve and the others had already promised to make things right for. Johansson had a husband and daughter she would want to see again.  Evans had parents, and Hemsworth a wife and children.  Hiddleston must have family, too, though they hadn’t had a chance to meet them, and all these people had friends and neighbours and lives. Hayley Atwell and Bob Downey and Donny Glover would all want to see their friends again.  Leaving them to die was simply not an option.

Steve lifted a leg to kick the door down.

It didn’t budge.

He tried banging on it with a fist.  “Hello!” he called out.  “Guys?  Loki? Can you hear me?”

There was no reply, and then he heard the scream.

It didn’t come from inside the room, it was from below the balcony.  For a moment Steve was worried it was Natasha, but when he looked he realized it was somebody else he’d completely forgotten about.  Musa had joined in the fight, too, but she was now on the floor in a pool of yellow goo, with one leg badly broken.  The queen was looming over her, ignoring Thor and Natasha banging on her armor for now, ready to strike again and rid herself of at least one of these annoying smaller creatures.

Steve vaulted over the railing and landed next to her, but he was already having doubts.  There was fluid – it resembled the banana-flavoured antibiotics the SHIELD people had made him take once, after he was accidentally exposed to a bioweapon, but he supposed it had to be the equivalent of blood – all over the floor, so much of it, it didn’t seem like she could possibly survive.  Even so, she was dragging herself backwards with her arms, while the queen prepared to slice at her again.

Steve jumped between them and brought up his makeshift shield.  It didn’t shed impacts the way the familiar vibranium one would have.  It was the wrong shape and made of the wrong material, so he got a painful jolt to the shoulder, but was able to deflect the blow to the side.  He looked down at Musa, and she rolled over to have better leverage as she crawled away, leaving a trail of slime behind her.  After a few yards, the remains of her broken leg came away entirely, and were left behind.

The queen threw aside the sentinel weapon she’d been using, and instead pulled something out of a scabbard on her thigh. It was a knife as long as Steve was tall, with a serrated edge designed to tear flesh at the same time as cutting it. It was probably a ceremonial weapon, but it could certainly kill.  Steve wound up and threw his makeshift shield at the queen’s face, where it bounced off her helmet and embedded itself in the ceiling, then ran for the other end of the room.  If he could just make her chase him instead of Musa, who was still crawling towards the Leviathan.

In the middle of the room, so far ignored, was what must have bee the queen’s nest – an enormous heap of cushions in various shapes and sizes, but all of them at least the size of human beings.  When Steve got up close, he found that these were made of the same metallic cloth the queen herself was wearing, and there were bones among them – he moved one cushion aside and found a battered skull that looked like it belonged to something similar to the guardians.  Before he’d had time to properly deal with that, the skull fell over, and underneath it was a larva.

It was about five feet long and two feet across, translucent white with veins visible under the skin, six stumpy legs and six bulbous eyes above a dribbling, lipless mouth.  For a moment all Steve could do was stand and stare at it in shock – it had never occurred to him that having a queen meant that the Chi’Tauri might go through a larval stage.  This could hardly be anything else, though, and the fact that it was sleeping in the queen’s nest suggested it might be a juvenile version of her, a thing that would grow up to command a ship and a hive of her own.

Behind him, he heard the queen shriek.  She began scrambling across the floor towards him.

The pile of cushions heaved and a second larva popped up, then a third.  Despite their blobby appearance they were heavy and deceptively strong, and they quickly piled on top of Steve, weighting his chest down and nearly suffocating him with the pillows.  Drool dripped onto his face and chest as their little mouths opened and shut, exposing tongues covered with tiny, glassy spines.  One of them licked Steve’s right arm, and he felt intense pain as it scraped a layer of skin away.  They were, he realized, planning to eat him alive.

One tore the shield out of his hands and tried to nibble on it, then threw it aside when it realized it wasn’t edible. Another ripped at his shirt, tearing it off to get at the flesh underneath.  As a fourth and then a fifth larva joined them, he got a glimpse through the mass of blubbery bodies and saw the adult queen looming over him, raising her serrated knife.

The larva moved aside so their mother could kill their meal for them, but Steve grabbed one by the legs and as the knife came down, he held the creature over him to intercept the blow.  The knife speared the larva, which let out a high-pitched, grating scream that made every hair on Steve’s body stand on end, and went right through it.  The tip of the blade stopped only an inch or so shy of his nose.  The other larvae, terrified, burrowed back into the heap of cushions.

The queen raised the knife again with the larva still stuck on it.  She looked at it, turning it over to inspect as the creature’s legs and mouth twitched, then let it drop to the floor, threw her head back, and screamed.  The sound rolled around the room like a thunderclap, shaking the bones and making the broken glass on the floor dance.  When the queen looked down at Steve again, her eyes had turned dull red.  She’d been angry earlier.  Now she was furious.

Steve fought his way out of the mess of pillows, climbed over the fallen larva, and ran.

The queen was right behind him.  A Sentinel who was in her way got stepped on and died with a crunch.  Furniture was crushed and curtains and pillars torn down.  Steve ran for the door at the far end of the room, the one he’d resisted the urge to zip through on the dinghy.  It was closed, of course, but Steve wasn’t looking for an escape. He was looking for a place to try a trick he’d seen in a music video: he ran straight up the wall as far as he could before gravity got the better of him, then did a flip to land on his feet again.

He’d intended to land on the queen’s arm or leg, to join Thor and Natasha in creating that chink, but instead the queen batted him right out of the air.  He went flying and crashed into the wall, taking out one of the pillars that supported the balcony and hitting his head, hard.

That was something he’d had to learn about the serum once before, too, by having a truck dropped on him – Steve’s body was only almost indestructible.

He’d no sooner managed to get to his feet when the queen grabbed him again, and began beating him against the floor as the Hulk had once done with Loki.  This was too fast and too violent for him to do anything about it.  Blow after blow passed through him, until his ears were ringing and he felt like his bones were rattling around loose inside a bag of skin. He was only dimly aware of Thor plunging one of the fishhook weapons into a joint of the queen’s gauntlet to make her let go, and then carrying him away to a side room.

Thor must have figured out some of the technology in the room, because the door began to close, but then the queen got a hand in and wrenched it back open.

“Why didn’t you zap her?” Natasha demanded.

“I cannot!” Thor said.  “I don’t know how to make the lightning without Mjolnir! Hemsworth never told me!”

If he hadn’t known it would hurt, Steve would have laughed out loud.  Maybe it was because his brain was bruised, but in that moment it seemed hilarious to think that by switching them back to their own bodies, Loki had actually ruined the plan and doomed them all.  It was so gloriously ironic, Steve had to wonder if Loki had done it on purpose.

[olivereliott]

Mt. Shasta As A Convergence

     [Note: 2020 is the tenth year of my blog at Semi-Rad.com, and since I started it, I’ve been fortunate to get to do some pretty wonderful adventures. Throughout this year, I’ll be writing about 12 favorite adventures I’ve had since I started writing about the outdoors, one per month. This is the eleventh in the series. The other stories are here.]

It occurred to me, as Forest’s leg pressed against mine in the dark, a bit over the invisible line between our two sleeping pads, that I had never had a comfortable night in a tent on Mt. Shasta.

This time, in May 2018, was both uncomfortable and funny because of the size difference between my backpack and Forest’s backpack. I had planned on using a nice, roomy ski mountaineering pack, but a shipping snafu at the last minute meant it didn’t arrive in time, so I crammed as much as I could in a 38-liter pack, and left out some things that definitely would have helped. Like an extra foam pad to put under my sleeping pad, an extra pair of socks to change into so my feet wouldn’t freeze in my sleeping bag, a thicker sleeping bag, extra layers, extra food, et cetera. Forest, on the other hand, had a massive backpack, and was never one to shy away from overpacking. His rationale, as a photographer, was basically: I’m packing all these heavy lenses, so I might as well give up on having a light pack. In our many trips together, I have more than once glanced over in shock and awe at something he had apparently carried 10 or more miles into the backcountry: a glass jar of tapenade, a quart of half and half, a pair of bulky leather moccasin slippers that he seemed to be taking everywhere lately, maybe more as a running gag than anything.

As soon as we’d gotten our small but bombproof mountaineering tent set up and anchored in the snow at Lake Helen on Mt. Shasta, we discovered that the tent was designed for two regular-sized 20-inch-wide sleeping pads. We discovered this because Forest had apparently acquired a super-plush 25-inch-wide pad, which was now monster-trucking over mine by almost five inches.

On the way up to our camp at Helen Lake, I had drenched all my baselayers and my socks skinning uphill in the afternoon sun, but hoped they might still have a chance to dry out in the brief couple hours we had at camp before sunset. I wasn’t that lucky, and wriggled into my sleeping bag with a pair of damp ski socks between my knees, hoping to dry them overnight. It was a short night, one of those nights out when you aren’t freezing to death, but just can’t quite manage to get into good sleep because you’re just a bit too cold, all night. And Forest was a bit over the line onto my side of the tent, or, more accurately, my 40 percent portion of the tent.

I had been on Shasta once before, on a fundraising climb in 2009, and I didn’t sleep well then either, for different reasons: Three guys sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder in a “three-person” tent, flatulence (Night 1’s dinner was bean burritos and Night 2 was lentil something-or-other), and nerves, because I had way less of an idea if I was capable of making it to the top of the mountain or not. We’d gotten up just after midnight on our summit day, climbed slowly in rope teams, made it to the summit, and then glissaded down for what felt like hours. It was my first time on a volcano, first time on a rope team, and first summit of Shasta. Before and after, my friend Mitsu kept talking about what a great ski descent it was. At the time, skiing it would have been a big leap for me, skill-wise, and: How would I even navigate up the Avalanche Gulch route in the dark? I mean, our guide had even led us a bit off-route in the dark that morning, to everyone’s surprise, including his. But maybe someday.

—

When I was in fourth grade, my parents told my brother and me that we’d be going to Colorado to learn how to ski. We’d drive out from southwest Iowa over two days, stay in a four-bedroom condominium with three other families, kids sleeping on the floor of the living room, adults in bedrooms, and the kids would take ski lessons for most of the week. I don’t know what drew our families to Steamboat, but I do know that with every adult lift ticket purchased, one kid 12 years old or younger skied for free. I think the first year, I wore sunglasses in lieu of goggles, and had a shoestring running through the sleeves of my jacket to my gloves, which was a pretty idiot-proof way to not lose a glove.

I remember looking out the window of the condo the first evening and seeing the chairlift, wondering how people managed to stay on it on the way down the mountain. If I had asked my brother, he probably would have said something like, You don’t ride it down, moron, you ski down. And I would have said, Oh, yeah.

We learned how to snowplow/pizza, and eventually how to do parallel turns/french fries, going from green to blue on rental skis, collecting less snow inside our jackets and pants as we figured out how to stay upright. I don’t remember specifically now, but I imagine my brother picked it up faster than I did, because he was more natural at pretty much every sport. By the end of the five days, I imagine we thought we were experts, and started being those kids who would go straight down every blue run without a single turn if they could. We came back to Steamboat the next year, and then had one more trip to Winter Park when I was in seventh grade.

I would never have said my family was rich—we seemed to be the last family I knew in the ’80s to get a microwave and an answering machine—but maybe instead of a microwave, my parents wanted to go skiing. And now that I think about it, as an adult out on my own, I went a couple decades without owning a microwave, but I always had a pair of skis in my closet.

One other possibly unintended consequence of those early trips: I left Iowa when I was 23 to live near the Rocky Mountains, and have been unable to escape the gravitational pull of them ever since. I wouldn’t say skiing has ever been my Number One thing, but I think those early ski days planted a seed. When I returned to skiing again in my mid-20s, my favorite part was no longer the whooshing down runs clear-cut through mountainside forests, but the views from the top of all the other peaks, and all the other possibilities for exploring, not just in the winter, but the next summer.

—

I moved to Colorado in 2005 and logged 30 days on the mountain, learning to snowboard behind my friend Nick. In 2008, Nick and I took an AIARE Level 1 avalanche course, and I got a pair of bulky alpine touring bindings for cheap, and mounted them on an old pair of skis my friend Mitsu sold me for $100. I skied a handful of days each year, a few at resorts and a few in the backcountry in the spring, when the snow had consolidated and avalanche danger was less.

In 2017, I started climbing and skiing a volcano every year with Mitsu, first the Southwest Chutes of Mt. Adams, a 35-40-degree line that keeps going and going for 4,000 vertical feed, and then Mt. Hood (I downclimbed a couple hundred feet down the Old Chute route before clicking into my skis, looking at the bergschrund at the bottom and not feeling confident I’d make the consequential turns). I loved the snow climbs, and I loved skiing down instead of walking.

For 2019, I had started to think about Mt. Shasta, and Forest and I were looking for a snowy location for a photo shoot for a book we were writing about camping. Mitsu was in, too. I also invited our friend Abi, who lived in northern California and had been partway up Mt. Shasta three times but never summited, for various reasons. She had a young son at home and hadn’t been getting out as much as she used to, but I figured we’d pace ourselves and she’d be OK. I did forget that the weekend we’d be on Shasta was Mother’s Day weekend, but her husband, Eddie, was up for doing a guys’ weekend with their son in order to help Mom get up a big snowy mountain.

As I strapped my skis to my pack at the Bunny Flat trailhead on Shasta’s southwest flank to walk the first couple miles of trail, I started to realize I was more excited to help Abi finally get to the summit than I was about

taking a shot at skiing the mountain myself. It’s one thing to try something and have to turn back once, but twice, and then three times, it starts to build up. And with a young family, and maybe your friends all starting to have young families and spend less time climbing mountains, it might get to the point where you think you might not get back to try, let alone summit. But I thought our plan was good: take two days, hike up to Lake Helen the first day, camp, and then go for the summit in the morning—a pretty standard itinerary for the Avalanche Gulch route, the most popular route on the peak. Abi wasn’t sure if she’d try to ski down, but I figured she could probably glissade as fast as I could ski, or at least fast enough.

I hadn’t specifically trained for Shasta, besides one day of skinning up a groomed run at Loveland Ski Area, and a last-minute climb and ski of the Cristo Couloir on Colorado’s Quandary Peak, a 14er I thought would be a good test to see if I was ready to ski Shasta. Test results: Fit enough to climb up, not fit enough to ski down and look good doing it, but probably fit enough to ski down without my legs turning to complete Jell-o. As I crammed extra clothing in my ski bag for my flight to California, I thought about the idea of telling nine-year-old me during my first week on skis that you could use them to ski UPHILL. It would have blown my mind—and sounded like the dumbest idea ever.

From our campsite at Helen Lake, which we shared with a dozen or so other climbers, I looked up at the route. Mitsu and Abi melted snow for cooking and drinking water and Forest shot a few photos. We’d been hot on the ski up to the campsite at 10,400 feet, the sun bouncing off all the snow at our feet and up onto our faces, but as soon as the sun went under, the temperature would drop and the soft snow at the campsite would harden to ice overnight.

Mitsu, in a rush to pack and leave Portland, had forgotten his crampons, and thought he might be able to make do with his ski crampons. But he also had a splitting headache, and was drinking a cup of coffee in a desperate hope that maybe the caffeine would help.

I remembered wondering back in 2009 how the hell I’d find my way up the steep snowy slope in the dark, and the answer seemed funny now: we’d leave camp later. We were in decent shape, knew how long it would probably take us to get to the summit, and there were only four of us, climbing unroped. In 2009, I had trained for my Shasta climb by hauling a heavy pack up a steep hike near Denver once a week, figuring that was a good simulation. This time, I had hardly trained at all, except for all the trail running I’d been doing, and I was at least partly counting on knowing how to pace myself, something that had come with a lot of experience—and the lesson from our Shasta guides that going slow and not stopping was way better than going fast and having to stop and catch your breath every couple hundred feet.

The next morning, we got up at 5:00 to stomp around in the cold and make oatmeal and coffee in the dark. One by one, we left camp, figuring we’d be able to keep tabs on each other pretty easily in the wide-open gully. I started on my skis, skinning at a comfortable pace, then eventually popped them off and put crampons on my ski boots. Abi and I kept fairly close to each other all the way up, and Mitsu made it about two-thirds of the way to the top of the gully before throwing in the towel—he didn’t feel good about trying to finish the climb without crampons.

Abi and I made it to the top of Avalanche Gulch, heading around the Red Banks and plopping down in the snow for a break before the final 1,300-foot climb to the summit, less steep but maybe more miserable because of the decreased availability of oxygen higher up. I scanned the sky to the west looking for clouds, checked my phone for the elevation, and tried to estimate how much longer we might be climbing before we hit the summit. Abi, having crushed out 2,500 feet of climbing despite multiple warnings to us that she did not think she was in peak physical condition for something like this, tried to eat some Cheez-Its and updated me on how things were going in regards to menstruation and lactation: “I’m bleeding into my pants and I’m going to need to milk myself when we get down.”

I talked with Abi about apps that help you track your menstrual cycle, which is not something I thought I’d ever discuss with someone on the side of a mountain, and I thought about something my friend Jayson told me once in a discussion about traveling. He had been telling me about walking out of a tent to board a plane at the Nairobi airport, which was under construction at the time. I said something about how it sounded crazy compared to what we consider “normal” air travel, and he told me that he realized that whenever he had anxiety about traveling somewhere new, with all the things you think about, passports, visas, not knowing the language, not knowing how to get around a new country or a city, and generally feeling like a very nervous fish out of water, he’d see a mom juggling all the same stuff he was juggling while traveling, plus a kid or two, and looking like she wasn’t worried at all.We climbed the next thousand feet up Misery Hill, a slope that everyone will tell you feels like it’s never going to end, Abi just behind me, and Forest just behind her, until we arrived at the final rocky crown of the peak, bordered by a steam vent leaking rotten-egg-smelling sulfuric air everywhere.

Abi and I set our packs down in the snow to trudge up the final 300 rocky vertical feet to the summit of Shasta. The snowy climbers’ trail ended a few scrambly moves from the proper summit. I said Abi should go first because it was her first time up there and it was more important, and she said no, you go first because if I watch you do it, the exposure won’t seem so bad. I stood my ground and finally, Abi went for it, stopped to take in the view, and let some tears run down her cheeks. Forest popped his head up from around the corner behind me, and he and I moved up to the summit to take a photo with Abi.

After a few minutes, we picked our way down off the summit and back to our packs. Some guys who had come up just behind us put on their skis on the actual summit, and made a scrappy turn or two down from the top before continuing down. For about half a second, I wondered if I should have tried to ski off the real summit, but the idea flitted away immediately, because I’d gotten what I came for: a supporting role in helping my friend get to the top.

I clicked into my skis, Forest strapped on his splitboard, and we made our way down, stopping every few minutes to make sure Abi was doing OK plunge-stepping and glissading down, until we finally made it back to our tents at Helen Lake.

I’ve always seen Shasta as a sort of slightly more friendly volcanic cousin of Mt. Rainier, at least by each mountain’s trade route—Shasta is a couple hundred feet lower, and the climb is a bit shorter in both mileage and elevation gain. But Shasta is interesting on its own, in both the climbing and skiing, and the many legends about the mountain from UFOs, to Lizard People, to the ancient city of Telos that some claim lies under Shasta. I can’t speak on any of that other stuff, but I can say that I get why people like to tell stories about mountains.

Thanks for reading. These posts are able to continue thanks to the handful of wonderful people who back Semi-Rad on Patreon for as little as $1 a month. If you’d like to join them, click here for more info—you’ll also get access to the Patreon-only posts I write, as well as discounts to my shop and other free stuff.

—Brendan

The post Mt. Shasta As A Convergence appeared first on semi-rad.com.

[rana-capito]

blue, navy blue, i'm as blue as i can be, cause my steady boy said "all of them", one hundred something questiiiions

1: How tall or short do you wish you were?I’d take a couple more inches but like this is fine2: What’s your dream pet? (Real or not)It would be so cool to have a snake…but a dog is also really good…3: Do you have a favorite clothing style?cool jackets are cool…for myself I like target man tshirts4: What was your favorite video game growing up?I had these Magic School Bus computer games that were truly excellent. there was one about whales and dolphins and one about rainforest animals5: What three things/people do you think of most each day:idk…the Majority of my thoughts are either very self-centered or just the song that it’s time to have in my head6: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?fuck idk. warning: occasional stupid bitch 7: What is your opinion on [insert person/thing here]?hmm! vague8: What is your Greek personality type? [Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, or Melancholic]I got sanguine on a quiz I took once and I like that because I like blood9: Are you ticklish?yeah, not Extremely tho10: Are you allergic to anything?guinea pigs, cats, pollen11: What’s your sexuality?i’m Gay12: Do you prefer tea, coffee, or cocoa?Tea13: Are you a cat or dog person?they are both good and i really like both…i’ll say dogs because i’ve been seeing a lot of very good ones lately + the cat allergy14: Would you rather be a vampire, elf, or merperson?VAMPIRE15: Do you have a favorite Youtuber?I watch beckiejbrown a lot and I think she’s cool16: How tall are you?5'7"17: If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?Benjamin..perhaps…but there’s too many bens so I guess I’ll just have to be Larl18: How much do you weigh? [Only ask this if you know the user doesn’t mind!]between 144 and 150 pounds19: Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?eh…nah20: Do you like space or the ocean more?The ocean..has more animals in it21: Are you religious?non22: Pet peeves?when people call frogs venomous or spiders poisonous23: Would you rather be nocturnal or diurnal [opposite of nocturnal]?diurnal…i like Sunshine24: Favorite constellation?i like cassiopeia she’s spiky25: Favorite star?uhhhh I don’t have one26: Do you like ball-jointed dolls?i think they are..flexible?27: Any phobias or fears?MIRRORS IN THE DARK MIRRORS IN THE DARK scary. 28: Do you think global warming is real?yeah lol29: Do you believe in reincarnation?not really30: Favorite movie?hmmm. i liked inglorious basterds a lot but i’m mostly saying that because i can’t think of any movies that have made an especially big impression on me at the moment31: Do you get scared easily?..yes i’m sensitive32: How many pets have you own in your lifetime?1 frog 2 tortoises 4 guinea pigs & a lot of fish33: Blog rate? [You’ll rate the blog of the one who’s asking.]8/10 content is great but posting frequency is too spread out34: What is a color that calms you?green like my room at home35: Where would you like to travel and/or live?I want to go to like..australia. or some other place with cool and weird animals!36: Where were you born?atlanta :P37: What is your eye color?brown38: Introvert or extrovert?IntroVert39: Do you believe in horoscopes and zodiacs?not really but i like to read things about them anyway40: Hugs or kisses?WHY not both41: Who is someone you would like to see/visit right now?clarissa…so far away…an entire TIMEZONE42: Who is someone you love deeply?Antonie Hvan Leeuwenhoek43: Any piercings you want?maybe something extra on my ear?44: Do you like tattoos and piercings?they’re cool45: Do you smoke or have you eiver done so?i neiver have done so46: Talk about your crush, if you have one!sexy. very shapely calves. extremely good at calculus and physics and programming. 47: What is a sound you really hate?when my shoe scrapes on the sidewalk48: A sound you really love?the echoes from the main staircase in the mlc49: Can you do a backflip?no :(50: Can you do the splits?no51: Favorite actor and/or actress?i like..karla souza52: Favorite movie?this has been asked previously and i still don’t have a good answer. 53: How are you feeling right now?cool! kind of tired54: What color would you like your hair to be right now?uhh this color’s good55: When did you feel happiest?jeez idk that’s pretty hard to answer56: Something that calms you down?my green chair in my room at home57: Have any mental disorders? [Only ask this if you know the user doesn’t mind!]i do not58: What does your URL mean?it’s vaguely homestucky59: What three words describe you the most?cool. sexy. innovative.60: Do you believe in evolution?hell yeah61: What makes you unfollow a blog?content that i don’t like or no content for a long time62: What makes you follow a blog?content that i like63: Favorite kind of person:cool person64: Favorite animal(s):guinea pigs. orcas. cane toads. naked mole rats.65: Name three of your favorite blogs.teensplop.blogspot.com is my ultimate favorite blog ever. my favorite tumblrs are of like random people who i follow and i would feel weird @ing them66: Favorite emoticon:girl with carrots67: Favorite meme:bode was pretty good68: What is your MBTI personality type?i think i got infp when i took it69: What is your star sign?capricorn70: Can your dog roll over on command, if you have a dog?i don’t have a dog :(71: What outfit out of all your clothes do you like to wear the most?dark gray vneck from target and my Excellent jeans72: Post a selfie or two?i’ll do that..later73: Do you have platform shoes?no i’m tall74: What is one random but interesting fact about yourself?my blood type is A positive75: Can you do a front flip?into a pool or on a trampoline76: Do you like birds?hell yeah! i wanted to be an ornithologist in 6th grade and if that ended up being my life i would be satisfied and happy77: Do you like to swim?Yeah Put Me In The Water78: Is swimming or ice skating more fun to you?hmm. i guess swimming? ice skating is very fun though. and it has to be the correct context of swimming like the water is clean and i can swoop around in it79: Something you wish didn’t exist:*****es80: Some thing you wish did exist:my huge future muscles81: Piercings you have?one in each earlobe82: Something you really enjoy doing:dancing in a loud bar83: Favorite person to talk to:different people have different good talking qualities but there is a special kind of conversation i can only hold with my sister84: What was your first impression of Tumblr?this sure is The Place For Fanart85: How many followers do you have?15086: Can you run a mile within ten minutes?hmm…i feel like yes but i would be very tired after87: Do your socks always match?almost always yes88: Can you touch your toes and keep your legs straight completely?i used to be able to but no longer89: What are your birthstones?i think turquoise?90: If you were an animal, which one would you be?something sneaky and timid and nocturnal91: If a flower could aesthetically represent you, what kind would it be?it has 5 smooth white petals and a smooth green stem and i was so into it for like some time in second grade92: A store you hate?urban outfitters93: How many cups of coffee can you drink in one day?ideally zero94: Would you rather be able to fly or read minds?fly95: Do you like to wear camo?not particularly96: Winter or summer?summer for sure..i like Sunlight97: How long can you hold your breath for?i don’t feel like testing this rn98: Least favorite person?let’s say johnny rives99: Someone you look up to:my veterinarian cousin is cool100: A store you love?binders is pretty cool101: Favorite type of shoespumas 102: Where do you live?in a College Town103: Are you a vegetarian or vegan? If so, why?no i love MEAT104: What is your favorite mineral or gem?star sapphires are pretty cool?105: Do you drink milk?on occasion106: Do you like bugs?yeah :)107: Do you like spiders?yeah :)108: Something you get paranoid about?people thinking i shouldn’t be in a place109: Can you draw:yeah i think so110: Nosiest question you have ever been asked?nothing comes to mind111: A question you hate being asked?what kind of music do you like?112: Ever been bitten by a spider?maybe…i had this huge itchy leg bump the past few days that i think might have been from that113: Do you like the sound of waves at the beach?yah it’s nice114: Do you prefer cloudy or sunny days?mmm sunny115: Someone you’d like to kiss or cuddle right now:Antonie Hvan Leeuwenhoek116: Favorite cloud type:Ummm ones that are interestingly shaped! not just stratus. everything else is cool117: What color do you wish the sky was?blue is good118: Do you have freckles?yah119: Favorite thing about a person:do people like actually have an answer to this in mind120: Fruits or vegetables?VEGETABLES121: Something you want to do right now:eat dessert122: Is the ocean or sky prettier?mmm sky!123: Sweet or sour foods?sweet…124: Bright or dim lights?uhh depends on the mood125: Do you believe in a certain magical creature?…no?126: Something you hate about Tumblr:some of the discussions on here happen in really weird and negative ways but i’m pretty much never involved so whatever127: Something you love about Tumblr:lots of nice content128: What do you think about the least?i don’t fucking know since i’m not thinking about it129: What would you want written on your tombstone?something about science contributions maybe130: Who would you like to punch in the face right now?i’m not in a really violent mood rn131: What is something you love but also hate about yourself?nothing comes to mind132: Do you smile with your teeth showing for pictures?yeah133: Computer or TV?computer IS tv134: Do you like roller coasters?yeah :D135: Do you get motion sickness or seasickness?sometimes…not recently136: Are your ears lobed or attached?lobed137: Do you believe in karma?eh138: On a scale of 1-10, how attractive would you say you are?this really varies but like in the middle somewhere. not a 1 and not a 10 for sure139: What nicknames do you have/have had?sarah calls me em…that’s it140: Did you have any pretend or imaginary friends?hmm sarah and i had an imaginary little sister named lucille and an imaginary dog named ruby141: Have you ever seen a therapist/shrink?non142: Would you say you are a good or bad influence to others?i try to be a good influence?143: Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts/help?i like…giving ;)144: What makes you angryjohnny rives145: How many languages do you speak fluently?One146: Do you prefer boys, girls, and/or non-binaries?i’m a lesbian147: Are you androgynous?hmm i think i’ve reached that somewhat148: Favorite physical thing about yourself:i like..my feet149: Favorite thing about your personality:i try to…be nice150: Name three people you would like to talk to right now in person.julia clarissa sarah151: If you could go back into time and live in one era, which would you choose?i’m good staying here thank u152: Do you like BuzzFeed?it can be entertaining but i don’t think it’s good153: How did you meet your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner? [If you have one.]introduced by a mutual friend is the most basic explanation154: Do you like to kiss others’ foreheads or hands for platonic reasons?yeah!155: Do you like to play with others’ hair?yah156: What embarrasses you?being in the gym157: Something that makes you nervous/anxious:the gym158: Biggest lie you have ever told:i can’t say it here…it’s illegal159: How many people are you following?130160: How many posts do you have on your blog(s)?4,507161: How many drafts do you have on your blog(s)?2162: How many likes do you have on your blog(s)?27,596 wow163: Last time you cried and why:thursday night and i have no Fucking clue164: Do you have long or short hair?short165: Longest your hair has ever been:i think it got past my boobs in the first semester of 9th grade166: Why do you like, dislike, or have neutral feelings about religon?i don’t really have any religious affiliations at all so. neutral167: Do you really care how the universe and world was created?..yes? like i think it’s cool and stuff168: Do you like to wear makeup?Not like, regularly, but I like doing my 3am editorial looks169: Can you stand on your hands or head for more than thirty seconds?No170: Did you answer the questions you were asked truthfully?mostly. i didn’t think Too Deeply

@shovelthefries

[mssng-lttrs]

thank you so much for tagging me, @studywithbread! a bit late, but i had fun answering!

Rules: Answer these 92 89 statements and tag 20 people

LAST: 1. Drink: water (it’s important to stay hydrated, kids!) 2. Phone call: a call from my great aunt telling me that she was waiting out front 3. Text message: sent - “ohh” (my friend told me that jacob stegosaurus got hacked lmao) received - “good night” (a text from my family group chat) 4. Song you listened to: Trade Mistakes by Panic! at the Disco 5. Time you cried: i honestly don’t remember?? i’m just not a big crier. the last time i cried was also the first time i cried in public. i stayed after class to ask my teacher to input some assignments (this was after the deadline for late work and he didn’t accept any more emails). he went off on me, saying that i should’ve emailed and blah blah blah. i walked out to lunch with my friend who had waited and then started to cry

HAVE YOU: 6. Dated someone twice: no 7. Kissed someone and regretted it: is it lame that i’m sixteen and haven’t even had my first kiss?? 8. Been cheated on: no 9. Lost someone special: um, not in the aspect of friends, but i have lost family members 10. Been depressed: not really 11. Gotten drunk and thrown up: i aM a gOod kiD!! (the answer is no.)

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS: 12-14: yellow, purple (lilac or very dark purple), and black

IN THE LAST YEAR HAVE YOU: 15. Made new friends: yes i have 16. Fallen out of love: i don’t really have any experience with love lmao 17. Laughed until you cried: i don’t think i’ve ever laughed and ended up with tears, but i have laughed until i ran out of breath and ended up just clapping my hands together like a seal 18. Found out someone was talking about you: no, i have not 19. Met someone who changed you: i don’t think i’ve recently met someone with that much impact on my life 20. Found out who your friends are: i think i have 21. Kissed someone on your Facebook list: i honestly don’t even know how to use facebook

GENERAL: 22. How many of your Facebook friends do you know in real life: ^see above 23. Do you have any pets: no, but i really, really, really want a dog!!

HYDRATION REMINDER #1: drink a glass of water! yes, right now!

24. Do you want to change your name: no, i do not. i’m really proud of my name (despite not choosing to disclose it on here) because it has a certain meaning to it 25. What did you do for your last birthday: my last birthday was actually pretty fun! for my sixteenth birthday, i decided to have a party (after not having one since like fourth grade) with a bob ross theme. it was pretty small, i only invited a few friends over, but we had a lot of fun just chilling and painting along to bob ross :) 26. What time did you wake up: i woke up at 7:15 due to my alarm, but then went back to sleep until 8:45 27. What were you doing at midnight last night: falling asleep 28. Name something you can’t wait for: this sunday. i’m part of a teen advisory board at my local library and i came up with this idea for a program. i’ve spent a few months working on putting everything together for this, and it’s going to be on sunday! 29. When was the last time you saw your mom: this morning when she left for work 30. What is one thing you wish you could change in your life: um… i’m not sure, i think i’m pretty okay with my life at the moment 31. What are you listening to right now: Black Mambo by Glass Animals 32. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: i am very shocked that my answer is no 33. Something that is getting on your nerves: my little brother’s temper tantrums 34. Most visited websites: youtube and tumblr

LOST QUESTIONS. I JUST PUT IN RANDOM INFO ABOUT ME 35. Mole/s: i have one below my right eye and a few light ones on my cheeks by my mouth 36. Mark/s: i have a birthmark on the back of my thigh that i can’t see myself unless i sit in front of a mirror and lift up my leg. i also have a scar on my stomach right next to my navel from surgery as a premature baby 37. Childhood dream: my childhood dream was to own and manage my own restaurant and to be a writer. i don’t remember if one came before the other or if they came about at the same time. the restaurant dream has faded away over time, but i still love to write 38. Hair color: black, but the ends have gotten a dark brown from the sun 39. Long or short hair: when i was little, i really did not want to get my hair cut. so, i only ever got it trimmed until two years ago. i decided to actually cut it and donate the hair, because my hair was long enough to do so. my hair ended up a few inches past my shoulders, and i actually really liked it. then i let my hair grow out and back in december i decided to cut it again to donate. this time, it went up to about my collarbones. i don’t really prefer one hair length over the other, though 40. Do you have a crush on someone: no, i do not 41. What do you like about yourself: i like my creativity and my ability to make others laugh 42. Piercings: i only have two, one on each lobe. i love the idea of other piercings (eyebrow bars, septums, snake bites, etc.), but i wouldn’t get them myself 43. Blood type: i have no idea 44. Nickname: in real life, i don’t really have any nicknames. i prefer people to call me by my full name, but i’m fine with people coming up with nicknames that don’t have to do with my actual name. on here, i go by o.a.a (here’s why) 45. Relationship status: single, but i would really like to be in a relationship 46. Zodiac: pisces

HYDRATION REMINDER #2: go and get yourself another glass of water!

47. Pronouns: she/her 48. Favorite TV Show: i don’t watch a lot of tv because we have amazon prime 49. Tattoos: i don’t have any. but, like with piercings, i really like the idea of it. i would want one on my right bicep of a planet, or something related to space, but i don’t think i would ever actually get it (mostly because i am not a fan of needles) 50. Right or left hand: i am right-handed 51. Surgery: i underwent surgeries when i was a baby because i was born two months premature. i don’t remember/have never really asked about the exact purpose of them, though 52. Hair dyed in different color: i have never dyed my hair, not even with a temporary hair dye, hair chalk, or kool aid 53. Sport: what is this sport you speak of?? haha i am a very lazy person, but i do go to the gym with my family 54. Vacation: i think my favorite vacation was during spring break this year. my family and i went on a road trip up to portland, oregon. we stayed there for a couple days. then we went on a day trip to vancouver, washington. after that, we went to san jose to stay at a friend’s. the next day, we went on a day trip to san francisco and the day after we went back home 55. Pair of trainers: i don’t know how to answer this question

MORE GENERAL: 56. Eating: i’m not eating anything at the moment, but i had cereal for breakfast 57. Drinking: i am currently drinking water 58. I’m about to: reblog some gifs of dan and phil probably 59. Waiting for: my mom to come home from work 60. Want: to be able to explore more of the world; go to more museums and bookstores; become a cultured person; be happy in life (and get a dog!!) 61. Get married: i really want to get married sometime in the future 62. Career: i’m planning on becoming a pharmacist as my career (because it’s sensible, financially-speaking) and write on the side/in my spare time (which is the more risky job)

WHICH IS BETTER: 63. Hugs or kisses: hugs 64. Lips or eyes: eyes 65. Shorter or taller: idk? i am a very short person (4’ 11.5”) so everyone’s taller than me. i wish i was at least in the 5’ range, but i don’t particularly mind being a small person 67. Older or younger: i guess older? but i am friends with people that are younger than me

HYDRATION REMINDER #3: yes, drink even more water!

68. Nice arms or nice stomach: nice stomach 69. Sensitive or loud: loud (to balance out my sensitivity) 70. Hook up or relationship: relationship 71. Troublemaker or hesitant: hesitant

HAVE YOU EVER: 72. Kissed a Stranger: no, i’m too shy for that 73. Drank hard liquor: nope 74. Lost glasses/contact lenses: yes, and here’s the story behind it: my mom took us to a party thrown by her boss. they had a home theater, so my brothers and i spent the rest of the time in there. at some point, i took off my glasses and set them down. when we went to leave, i couldn’t find my glasses, anywhere. i never left the room except to go the bathroom, but i didn’t find them. i ended up buying new ones (which look better than the old ones) in december. last week, my mom came home from work with my old glasses. turns out, her boss found them under the seat. 75. Turned someone down: yeah 76. Sex on the first date: I’M ONLY SIXTEEN 77. Broken someone’s heart: sorta (it ties in with turning someone down) 78. Had your heart broken: no 79. Been arrested: nope 80. Cried when someone dies: i know this makes me sound soulless, but i have not cried when my family members died. i did grieve deeply, though 81. Fallen for a friend: the same person who sorta had their heart broken and was turned down by me

DO YOU BELIEVE IN: 82. Yourself: yeah 83. Miracles: yes 84. Love at first sight: i do (this was intentional wording) 85. Santa Claus: as a kid, yes, but not anymore 86. Kiss on the first date: sure if the date went well

OTHER: 87. Current best friend name: alex 88. Eye color: a deep brown 89. Favorite movie: any disney movie or studio ghibli movie (but i do really like ratatouille and spirited away)

HYDRATION REMINDER #4: the very last one now that you’ve gotten to the end of this list! drink another glass! now you’ve at least met half of the daily goal in only the time it took you to read this post!

NOW, TAG 20 PEOPLE:

@philester // @wishes-and-stars // @philscurls // @studywitheva // @hufflepuffwannabe // @tbhstudying // @donthavetobebrave // @h2ostudies // @needacuddle // @dannyhowell // @cosyphan // @scholarc // @permanenthugfromyou // @studie-s // @studybrite // @miepeachy // @saturday-studying // @gradespiration // @studyrelief // @notesworthtea

*it’s all good if you don’t want to answer these! i honestly just went down my following list and tagged whoever came up. sorry in advance if i just come off as a creepy, random follower

[ursafilms]

The Google Earth Murders - Chapters 2 & 3

One Week Earlier - Chapter 2 – The Divorce?

Patricia Davenport sobbed as she slammed the door shut and turned back to her two sons, Tyler and Max. Her husband Roger Davenport stood outside the now locked door of his condo at 131 Riverside Drive. He closed fingers around a key in his right hand, and held a large rolling suitcase in his left.

His jaw dropped from clenched teeth, and Roger raised the hand with the keys in it to knock, but he lost his nerve when he heard the voices of his sons, thick with crying, yelling something at their mother. He didn’t understand what they were saying, but it no longer mattered. He wheeled the suitcase down the hall, and pressed the button for the elevator.

On his way out of the building at 131 Riverside, his home for the past 12 years, he said goodbye to Albert, the gaunt and expressionless doorman.

“Good night, Mister Davenport,” said Alfred, not understanding the gesture of Roger’s ‘good-bye.’

“Good-bye, Albert,” said Roger again, accentuating the ‘good-bye.’ “Have a nice weekend.”

“It’s only Sunday night, Mister Davenport,” said Albert. “We’ll be seeing each other during the week . . . before Friday.”

“Doubtful,” said Roger.

Roger walked to the corner of 86thand Broadway; took the 1 Train downtown to Pennsylvania Station; waited for the stationmaster’s call of the NJ Transit line for Roselle Park; and boarded for the 30-minute ride to the suburb of Newark.

On the train, Roger called his longtime friend, and boss at the advertising agency, The Tip of the Spear, Gary Kaplan. He told Gary the day that mightarrive had indeed arrived. Roger would need the apartment in Colfax Manor, one of the company’s corporate housing properties, in North Jersey in the likely event that Patricia asked him to leave, which she had.

“Do you want me to pick you up at the station?” Asked Gary.

“No thanks. I remember the way to the apartment,” replied Roger.

“Okay, call me back if you have any issues getting inside,” continued Gary. “And you can use either bedroom.”

“Thanks, Gary. I’ll see you in the office tomorrow.”

The conversation paused. Gary cleared his throat.

“You don’t have to come in to work, you know,” said Gary. “I think we can handle the subjective demands of our clients for a day without you. And it’s the week before the Memorial Day Holiday. Won’t be that busy anyhow.”

“Hang on, Gary.”

Roger reached into the side pocket of the rolling suitcase, and pulled out a small bottle of eye-drops. He placed a drop in each eye, both of which were red. He noticed a little girl in the seat across from him. She was staring at Roger, and tugging at her amber curls.

“Allergies,” he explained to her. It satisfied her curiosity, and she returned to staring at her mother, another redhead, her gaze transfixed on the Review section of the Wall Street Journal.

“What allergies?” Said Gary.

“Sorry,” said Roger. “But that comment wasn’t meant for you, and if I don’t come into work tomorrow, I’ll spend the day staring out the window of the apartment and looking at that empty ballfield across the way, and you wouldn’t want that on your mind, would you?”

“Not a chance.” Gary replied. “Come on in, but do NOT mope around the office all day, or I will send you back to New Jersey. Deal?”

“Deal. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Roger hung up his cell phone, and closed his eyes for a moment. He jerked awake when the train hit a rough patch of track. He looked out the window and saw the sign for Westfield. He had fallen asleep and the transit line had now passed four stops beyond Roselle Park.

Just one of those days.

Roger grabbed his suitcase and ran out of the train, just before it pulled out. He need not have rushed. The next northbound one would not arrive for at least an hour, if it arrived on time.

He pulled back his arm to hurl his suitcase across the platform floor, but stopped. He set the luggage down next to a bench in need of a facelift. He dropped onto its uncomfortable surface and waited.

And, of course, the train pulled in 35 minutes behind schedule.

By the time Roger got to the Roselle Park station, the digital clock on his cell phone said 12:03am. The apartment building, fortunately just a ten-minute walk from the train station and through a public baseball field and park, sat on a street named Colfax Manor.

“Manor? That’s rich. Actually, it’s not rich. It’s anything but,” he said as he walked through the park.

Roger, surprised to find the duplex-style apartments of the post-World War II era had been replaced by pine-colored stucco two-story buildings. Their facades greeted him after he breached the baseball field and crossed the street. There were even side alleys between all the units. No shared walls.

He rolled the suitcase up the walkway. Small patches of green were on either side of it, and a healthy looking oak tree grew in what passed for a front yard. He stopped at the front door and found the key to it on his key ring.

“Things could be worse . . . and they will be.”

As a reminder to just that, as he stuck the key in the lock, a fob that also remained on the key ring that read ‘131 Riverside’ flashed in front of his eyes.

He shoved open the door and walked up the steps to the second floor. Roger decided to take the bedroom upstairs. His New York City apartment laid out, as most did, on one single floor. If he had to climb steps upon his arrival at the end of the workday, that is all the better, so as to not remind him of what he had left behind.

He trudged up the steps; found the bedroom; and collapsed on top of the mattress. He fell asleep seconds later.

***

Roger did go into work the next day, Monday. He took the New Jersey Transit Line in and out of Manhattan, and then walked to and from Penn Station to his office and 16th

Street and 9thAvenue. Spring weather had become very pleasant, and the hot summer, while not far off, still remained almost a month away.

That Monday afternoon, just prior to the Memorial Day Holiday, he walked to Gary Kaplan’s office and observed the interior, his boss’ Spartan desk dominated. As per usual, only Gary, the world’s tiniest laptop, and a memo pad the side of a credit card in front of him occupied most of the surface’s workspace. Behind him sat a single bookshelf on a white credenza, which had no function other than to support the empty bookshelf.

Gary, his headset looped over one ear, conversed with someone in German. He noticed Roger leaning up against the doorjamb, which had no door. Gary motioned him in with a single crook of his finger.

Roger sat on the one three-legged stool that Gary would allow in his office. A way of keeping meetings and visits short.

Gary finished his call with a single, ‘Tschus.’

“How goes it, world’s greatest creative director?” Gary asked Roger.

Roger shifted his weight forward, though it had nothing to do with taking a more aggressive posture with his boss. He needed to make sure his legs didn’t fall asleep.

“I’m ready to move back to Manhattan,” he said.

Gary placed both index fingers next to each respective eyebrow.

“I didn’t think Patricia was ready to have you back after less than a few days?” He asked.

She isn’t. The only time I’ve spoken to her is when she needs something for Max and/or Tyler, and it usually involves me schlepping back into the city after I’ve already taken the train out to Roselle Park,” he Answered. “And I won’t keep doing that during the course of our separation, so I have to figure out some way to get an apartment in the city.”

“Alright,” said Gary. “How can I help? I don’t have any available corporate housing in the city right now. I will after the summer, but that’s not doing you any good.”

“But you do have a real estate agent you like?”

“I do. He’s mostly commercial and residential purchase, but I could put the arm on him for a rental. I’d have to call in a chit, but I’d do it for you, world’s greatest creative director.”

Gary reached inside his right pants’ pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He started looking through the contacts. Roger let it go for a moment, but couldn’t contain himself.

“For God’s sake, Gary,” he blurted out. “I’m sitting right across from you. How about you give me his phone number and I call the guy?”

“That’s what I’m doing. I’ll text it to you.”

Roger got off the stool and grabbed the Munchkin-sized memo pad; he took the four-inch pen that was magnetically attached to the pad and shoved it at Gary.

“Either write it down on one of these precious pieces of paper on this pad, or tell me what it is and I’ll write it down.” Laughed Roger. “Gary, you are something. Have you ever used this memo pad for an actual memo, or is it just a prop like everything else in this office?”

“Including me?” Asked Gary.

“Don’t give me a straight line, Kaplan. I haven’t had that many laughs in the past month and I would certainly take the opportunity if presented.”

“Okay. Okay. Here it is.”

Gary scratched out the number along with agent’s name and handed it back to Roger, who tucked it into his pants pocket. He left his boss’ office and walked back to his own.

Chapter 3 – Southern Manhattan

Roger procrastinated calling the real estate agent, but he relented when Patricia phoned him at 6pm that Monday night, just after he’d arrived back at the Roselle Park apartment. She insisted that he attend Tyler’s awards ceremony, this evening at 8pm, for the end of the sports year.

The ceremony, something Roger would have been thrilled to attend, happened to also be an event that Patricia could have let him know about prior to Roger commuting back to Roselle Park that evening. He exhaled after hanging up the phone, and headed out the door to catch one of the last trains to the city.

On the way into Manhattan, Roger pulled the note from his pocket and dialed the number.

An annoyed voice answered the phone. Professional, but annoyed.

“Rick Zeifman.”

“Rick? My name is Roger Davenport. I work for Gary Kaplan at Tip Of The Spear Advertising. He said you might be able to help me find a good temporary rental in Manhattan. At least for the summer.”

“Davenport? I-uh. Oh yes, Gary mentioned something about it to me. You’ve had a little trouble on the home front.”

Roger bit his lower lip and felt a headache coming on. His boss, lovely man, could not keep his mouth shut about anything, especially someone’s personal life. He gripped his cell phone tighter, and pressed it closer to his mouth and ear.

“Yes, leave it to Gary to divulge everything. People could save a lot on email and cell phone services, if they would just tell my boss not to say a word about something. It would immediately go out on the wire services, if there were still wire services.”

“Wire services?”

“How old are you, Mister Zeifman?” Asked Roger.

“Does it matter?” Came a swift reply.

“No, I guess not. Would you like to talk at a more business-like time?”

Silence from the other end of the line and Roger contemplated hanging up when the annoyed voice came back.

“I’ve just sent a few options to your email, which Gary gave to me. Take a look and let me know what you think.”

“Now?” Asked Roger.

Again, silence.

“No, of course not,” said Rick. “Take your time. You know how long decent properties at bargain prices stay on the Manhattan rental market. Oops. There they all go.”

A sharp laugh, like a Chihuahua bark shoved Roger’s ear away from the phone.

“Tomorrow morning at the latest, Roger,” said Rick. “I’m holding onto these as a favor to Gary, but I’m not the only agent with access to these and you are going to have to move fast. The larger of the two is at 90 John Street. If size is a factor, and you’ll have to move in this week.”

“John Street? Isn’t that – “

But Rick Zeifman hung up.

[mypetshopworld]

Feng Shui And Pets. Cat, Fish, Dog. Who Is More Powerful For Good Luck?

Why Pets and Feng Shui are a great Combination?

Many Times you can read in magazines that Pets are good for Feng Shui. I always wondered what people understand with Feng Shui and Pets.  As a Feng Shui Consultant, I understand that pets are great enhancers to every household and they keep a house in balance with the yin and yang energy.  Especially if you live on your own. It is believed in the Asian world that cats bring you money luck, ( you can buy the waving lucky cat) dogs bring you health and happiness, and goldfishes are for abundance and wealth. Especially the 9 goldfish 8 red and one black one. There are many paintings in Asia, and many offices keep either the 9 goldfish, the colourful Flowerhorn or the Arrowana that shines gold and red. 

The Four Celestial Animals in Feng Shui 

Feng Shui has the four celestial Animals like the Green Dragon in the east, the Blue Tortoise in the North, the Red Phoenix in the south, and the White Tiger in the West. They have a symbolic meaning according to the landscape and the construction of a building. When someone asks me the question of what is a good pet for me that brings me good luck, I usually say go with your heart. Be grateful that an animal will choose you to care for it. Pets are a great companion and have a lot of health benefits so yes in a way your pet brings you the luck and joy of every days life. Your Pet makes you to the luckiest person in the world.

Feng Shui for Humans, Pet & Co 

This blog is for humans, and I do not promote getting a pet for the sake of Good Luck. Please don’t get me wrong you are lucky when a pet is choosing you, as you can never find a more loyal companion than a pet. Your Pet would be happy sleeping on the oldest rug or just on the floor as long as it is on your side. That is called loyalty. There are enough stories around where your pet is your best friend and will not leave your side when you are in need.

What has the Good Luck in Feng Shui to do with Pets?

Most of my client always ask me, if it is ok for Feng Shui to have a pet. Yes it is, there are only a few rules you have to follow, and that is the most common sense rule to keep your pet and home clean, it is not a mystery in doing so, and I will share a few tips and tricks in making your home beautiful and tidy even if you have a pet or multiple pets. I have grown up with pets all my life, I could not imagine not having a pet. Every Bird who fall out of the nest and the mum abandon it, any injured bat, squirrels, hedgehogs, and so many more we always looked after them until they are ready to be released into the wild again. 

The Power of being compassion and the Heart.

I remember I had a friend she lived in Asia and she took in every stray cat and a stray dog that crossed her way. In the end, she had 19 cats and 12 dogs in an apartment that had around 120 sqm living area.

Every time I went to her home I thought I am on a farm and the smell really made me want to leave immediately. Unfortunately, she would not listen to me, as I guess she could not smell it anymore and get used to it.  She paid for the apartment the same amount as she would settle to rent a small terrace house. My Friend eventually, got herself a house for less of the price of the condo and even she had a lot of dogs and cats the house did not smell so bad as the condo unit before. Get the Pet that suits your living environment. Some of my clients worry when having a pet that their place will look untidy and messy. It does not need too, having a pet is great and just get a pet that suits your living standard. What I mean with that is if you live in a small apartment than get a smaller dog instead of a huge dog like a Doberman or Husky. If you love to have long and distance walks or jogs then get a dog that loves it too.  I have done a lot of consultations for clients who got a pet because a Feng Shui Practioner told them this year is lucky, and your lucky pet is a cat or a dog. So they went out and bought one not thinking that it will be a lifetime commitment.  It took them some time to adjust to it, but in the end, they loved the pet like a family member. You can have a beautiful house or home with a pet. It does not need to be a mess and smelly. Let me show you how?

Good Fortune Feng Shui with two Cats.

I had one client an older lady and one day she called me and said I need to come to her house and collect the Feng Shui Cats.

I told her that I am not a new age Feng Shui Consultant and I do not sell or buy those Feng Shui objects. She told me no, the cats are real, and she doesn’t know what to do with them now as she doesn’t need them now anymore the year of the tiger ( Chinese zodiac signs) is over, and she doesn’t need them anymore. I might have been a bit slow in understanding or getting it, but I ask her what she meant. So here is the explanation. Because it was the year of the tiger, it is said that cats are good money luck for her and her husband, but unfortunately, he died in the year of the tiger. Now the year is over, and she doesn’t need the cats anymore. I could not believe my ears, I ask her did she not bond with the cats and what are the names … she said no need names only for good luck, now I do not need them anymore. Please come and take them. Long story short I found a loving home for the two cats, as my instinct told me that if I don’t get them, they become stray as she would let them go anyway as for her it served her purpose. A Short Note of Importance. I was in a rage and really angry but could not show this to my client. That is also partly why I wanted to write this blog, to make people aware that pets are not objects you buy of the shelf, they do have feelings and they are a loyal companion. A pet does not come with an expiry date; it will stay with you at least 20 years. So be prepared to share your life for over 20 years with your loyal companion your pet. 

Please help me to share this post as people are still in the belief a pet brings good luck yes it lucky for you to have a pet, but a pet need love and commitment and if you are not ready for it then don't get one. If you abandon or return a pet to a shelter you break the heart of that pet, so before you decide to get a pet, think about it and ask yourself if you are prepared to care for your pet the next 20 years and more.  

Who let the Dog out...  Is there an animal in the house?

Over the years I have helped many of my clients to understand and co-habitat their four-legged friends without sacrificing their precious home smelling and looking like pet stall. 

Furniture Coverings for you and your pets that are attractive and look good.

You have lovely furniture, and you love your furniture, but you can not enjoy the beauty of your furniture anymore, because it is covered with the unattractive not matching pet blankets. I know it is necessary to protect your furniture and you love your pets. ( cats, dogs)  Well, you have four options  you can get pet training and train your pet not to jump onto your furniture,  you can buy nice covers that match your furniture, and or buy pet blankets that match your furniture. or you keep it as it is.   How to train my Dog? You can train your dog by yourself or get a professional Dog Trainer.

Adrienne Farricelli, is a  professional CPDT-KA certified dog trainer, and for the last 10 years she has been helping people to eliminate bad behaviours dogs and train well behaved, obedient, loving pets…by showing them how to bring out the ‘hidden intelligence’ inside their dog. Every dog without exception - has a hidden intelligence inside. It’s an untapped resource to help you remove just about any troublesome behaviour. Click Here to find out more about the Dog brain training  

Easy Slip Covers 

Use easy slip over covers for your Chairs, Launch and Sofa, and if you can not get them in colour you want them to have then get the fabric and give them to someone to hem them up.  Best is the non-wrinkle easy wash, with static effect easy dry fabric. In the picture, those are from Walmart  click here to go to Walmart  (Static means the fabric will not attract like a magnet the hairs of your dogs or cats) Tip: Most dry-cleaning shops have small sewing services available like (hemming and minor repair work )for cloth and covers. If you have a sewing machine do it yourself, it is quickly done. ( Ask around in your friend circle someone for sure can do the sewing.) Tip: Choose colours that do not attract the hair of your pet statically. ( Dark colours like black and blue will give you a headache if you have a pet with light colour fur. Tip. Chose dark colour beds or covers for a pet with dark fur, light colours for a lighter fur colour or try to match the tone of your pet. Tip. Keep at least 2 sets of each. As when one set of covers is in the washing, the one will be in use. Match the colour of your pet to the covers or choose a neutral colour for multiple pets. I used a kind of medium blue when I had different colour pets. That suits the dark fur four-legged friends and the lighter fur colour four-legged friends. ( what I want to say with that, you do not see so easily the hairs of your pets) Don’t forget the sets include the arm covers and seat and back covers in the same fabric as the slipcover. It is essential that you add an extra 35 cm or 13.5 inches for the seat and back to allow for shrinkage. Tip. If you are not sure, you can also wash the fabric first and then cut but still with the allowance as you will need it. Change of your Cleaning Routine makes it a daily exercise. When you have pets, you like it or not cleaning daily like the vacuum, and wet mopping is a must. Get yourself a strong and powerful vacuum cleaner that takes on all the hairs from your pet. I use the Kaercher Vacum cleaner wet and dry. ( Kaercher is a great brand) 

It is powerful, and you can see that you used the vacuum cleaner. I put into the container of the Vacum cleaner a piece of tissue with lavender oil, that way my vacuum cleaner smells when I vacuum like lavender oil. You can use any other essential oil, or you can buy the vacuum deodorant. ( just be aware of the essential oils do and don'ts with pets. ) Read my blog Essential Oils for Pets  For Wet Mopping, you can use the Steam Mop. A great way to get rid of all the germs and it is clean.  If you are not consistent in cleaning than you will not enjoy your place the same as your pets. Don’t forget that it is also your home and everyone including you should feel good.

Pet Beds and Furniture that blend in with your furniture and your home.

If your pets are not allowed on the launch and chairs and they have there owned furniture, it is always wise to get something that blends in with your other furniture. Especially with larger dogs, the recommendation is that they have their own pet bed. They usually take over your whole launch, and you properly sit on the edge balancing between falling and not falling. Brain Train your dog to use his dog bed instead of your launch.

Pet Beds and Places to sleep for your Pet. 

No, you are not rude; it is just that you enjoy looking at your pet and your pet wants to be near you, it does not care it is your launch or his bed. Tip. When you buy a pet bed for your dog or cat make sure the covers can be taken off and are washable. If not, then please use covers in pairs so you can wash one and the other is in use. Washing it on a weekly base is essential, and your pets will love the clean and fresh pet bed. On the other hand, it also makes your home look fresh and clean. Avoid using a spray that makes the pet bed smell good but does not make it clean. It can be a one or two-time solution but washing the pet bed cover weekly should be standard.

Pets do enjoy a clean, pleasant smell looking home the same as you do. A clean home is good Feng Shui for you and for your pet. When your pets sleep with you in your bedroom get them a separate bed, it is better for your sleep. Everyone has then a comfortable night. Depends on the size of your pet. When you get them a separate bed at least, you are not falling over them at night or stepping on them. ( fur haven dog beds are inexpensive and come in different sizes and colours) click here There are plenty of beds available what you can move under the bed during the day time. For the night time, you put them into a corner of the room, so that your pet can still see you but you do not drip over it at night.  Murphy Bed Style Dog Bed the perfect solution for limited space.

Lack of space? This Murphy Bed Style Dog Bed is the solution. Opens up for a spot to rest and closes up when nap time is over. Can be used as a shelf for books, lamps or any other décor that will create a customised look in a small space. The Abigail Murphy Dog Bed is the perfect place for your pet to rest. This comfortable bed includes the dog bed cushion to give your pet the perfect rest. Click here to go to Murphy dog bed When not in use, this stylish bed can be folded and stored to blend in with your furniture. 10 yr. Manufacturer’s warranty. Click here to see more furniture beds Those cupboard pet beds raise the bar a bit higher, and it makes look your home fashionable and pet-friendly. It blends perfectly in. I love this cupboard beds ok agree they cost a bit more but they are really practical.  If you are on a budget, you can buy the inexpensive beds from Fur Haven Memory Top Chaise Lounge Quilted Fleece & Print Suede link picture. Click here to go here to fur haven beds

Pet crates blend in with furniture wide variety available. 

Furniture Pet Crates are also a great solution as they do blend in and are like safety heaven for pets where they can get some peace and rest. Read Crate training for dogs 

Crate training for dogs is, and I know there are pro and cons, but until I got one I had the same opinion. Now my dogs love the crates, I always thought of a crate like a cage, but that is entirely a perception. My dogs love their crates, and I find them pretty fashionable. If you want them to blend into your décor, they are a bit pricey, but it is worth it. Click here to go to dog crates 

Why plain floors and Wooden floors rather than carpeting.

A wooden floor or plain floors are much easier to clean than carpets. If you are renting a place, you will have not much choice. I understand that I been there before.  You still can get area rugs to put over the carpet. 

If you have a wooden floor or other plain floors except for carpet, you can use the steam cleaner. I think it is a great invention as it really cleans it perfect it eliminates all germs and dirt. It is eco-friendly as you clean with water only that becomes steam.  The most steamers have different functions like for marvel and tiles, or wooden floors. If you are carpet lover and don’t want to miss your carpets then at least choose the colour of the rug to the fur colour of your pet or at least match it. Don’t use a dark carpet if you have a white or beige colour dog, you are getting crazy with cleaning all the hairs. As once your dog sheds the hair onto your carpet, you are always cleaning. It will eventually annoy you.  Click here to look at some area rugs 

Scratching Posts, Litter Boxes and Pet Smells.

If you have multiple pets like me, you have to be very thorough with eliminating the smell of the litter box from the cats or small dogs and keeping the pet areas clean. The next dilemma is then where to put the litter box. ( it is not always easy to find the right place. ) Check out the Cool and Practical  Bathroom litter boxes what look like a cupboard. Those are a bit costly but are great and make a perfect fit for any home.

Click here to see all the Litterboxes different styles Do not put a litter box into the bathtub. It is not nice, and it will scratch your tub. Believe me, you will have a head cinema if you want to take a bath or not.  Plus it is not sanitary, and it looks terrible. You won't enjoy it, believe me, it is always in the back of your head. If you can not find a place and you do not have a cover by a closed litter box. It is privacy for your pet, and it keeps the smell a bit under control. The only place I would put then the litter box is either the garage or the laundry room. If you have somewhere, an empty closet than use this as the cupboard for the litterbox. I love this cupboard solution, and my one is under the sink it blends in with our bathroom furniture. 

Litter box cupboards and cheaper version

DIY a small bathroom cupboard. If you have a cupboard in your bathroom, you could use then cut a small opening into the closet and attach the cat door to it so the cat or little dog can go in and out. It also seals the smell when the litter box been used. Put an inexpensive cat litter box in there and fill it up with odour free pet-friendly cat litter. This way you can quickly clean it, and everything vanishes from the eyesight. Bathrooms, Toilets and Feng Shui a bad combination.

In Feng, Shui toilets have a terrible reputation, but if the bathroom is kept clean it is ok and time has evolved. In ancient times the toilets been always outside due to the belief that it accumulates bad Energy or bad Chi.  Bathrooms have changed and become a quite nice decorative room in the house. A bathroom needs to keep clean and with a fresh smell.  TIP: Do clean your litter box and change the cat litter on a regular base like cleaning daily. Scratching Posts and Cat Furniture Cats love to scratch to sharpen their claws. They do not care it is your beloved sofa or armchair. They see it as a necessity and use what is convenient for them.  Scratching for cats is healthy, and they mark their territory with it. When your cat is scratching your furniture there are a couple of reasons,

you do not have a scratch pole or tree. They do not like the scratch pole or tree ( use cat mint to make it more attractive), or if you have stray cats, they do not like it, or they are not used to it Scratch trees should have all, sisal posts, play, hiding places etc. Get an eco-friendly scratching post your cats will love it. Spray it with catmint to attract your cat's attention.  Please don’t get it wrong a cat is not scratching your furniture because she likes to make you upset. It is a natural behaviour. There are solutions for cat scratching, I am not talking about declawing.  Declawing a cat is cruel and forbidden in most countries. Click here to see all scratch trees  My cats love this Scratch Sphere it comes with a small toy.

Feng Shui Harmony, Pets and You

In Feng Shui, all is about harmony and creating a warm and inviting space. That will give us humans and our pets a calm and relaxed environment. It means we connect with our environment and we go with the flow not against the flow. What does that mean? We create a space that is in Harmony with us.  If you place the dog bed or cat bed in an area where you have to bump or drip every time you walk past it then this is not in the flow. That is not Feng Shui that is just pure bad furniture placement. ( Interior Design)  It will aggravate you every time you pass there or bump your toe. Choose a place for the Pet Furniture that is suitable and out of the way.

Air purifiers and Pet Smell.

On more thing, I like to mention here as we get too used to it and might not be aware of it anymore.  The Smell of our Pets You should feel good in your home, the critical thing is that you feel good and you are proud to show off your home or invite friends and family over. If the pets have taken over your home and you feel ashamed and uncomfortable to invite friends and family, then it is time to change that. As this is definitely not good Feng Shui. Means you are out of touch with your environment. When you live with pets, you get so used to their smell that you do not smell it anymore. Ask from time to time a family member or friend to come by and tell you if your home smells like pets. I use on a regular base use my essential oil diffuser, and if I use the steamer, I mix in 1 or 2 drops of lavender oil into the water. When the steamer gets hot, the smell evaporates through the home so does the diffuser. 

When you are wondering why some of your friends refuse to come to your home, well the unpleasant smell or odour of your pets might be the reason. Most of the friends are too polite to say something as they do not want to offend you. If it is awful than get yourself a good air purifier, not with the replacement filters, get one that is washable. I use the Philips Air purifier. It also kills mould and airborne germs. I would recommend you to spent a bit more like the cheap ones you can throw away after 6 months. Click here to go to Air Purifiers You can also use for example in winter time for the vaporisers on your heating add one or two drops of essential oils( be careful with your pets as dog and cats are different in absorbing essential oils, and you might hurt them) Read my blog about pets and essential oils. ( a no go is Tea Tree Oil, lemon oil, pine, orange actually all citric oils for cats, ) You can also use some homemade cleaners, and they will take out the pet smell. Invest either in a good steam mop or a good air purifier. If you are able to afford both even better. ( you will love the steam mop)  If you can recommend a good solution to eliminate pet smell, please do so in our comment section. It is always good to have different solutions on hands.  I think I don’t need to mention it, but a big part of a happy Pet owner and a happy Pet is safety.

Keep your pet safe and do not harm your pet.

Also for your safety keep the pet toys cleaned up in an area where you do not constantly drip over it. Dripping and falling toys or chewy bones can easily end up in broken bones or other injuries. Pets are part of the household, but that does not mean the place need to be untidy. Remember when talking about Feng Shui and being in the flow it means being in the flow.  Not dripping and constantly stepping over pet furniture or pet toys. Don't make your life more difficult and cause stress that is not necessary. Stress and frustration get automatically transferred to your pet, and it makes your pets unsettled. Pets are sensitive in picking up your energy vibes, and they start to act accordingly. Happy Pet Owner, Happy Pets.  That goes the same with their beds or crates they need to be in a place where they can see the action but also feel safe and secure. Toxic Cleaners and Chemicals keep them out of the way far away from your pet and of course your kids too.  If you can use only pet-friendly cleaning solutions and natural cleaners. It helps your pets and our environment. If you have children that is the same.  What about smaller pets in cages or aquariums. A Fish tank, Aquarium, Terrarium, Cages or whatever with smaller pets like hamsters, fish, birds, mice, snakes, reptiles and so on. All the environment they live in need to be clean and tidy. That goes the same for the smell. Some of the smaller pets have a strong odour, so they need to be kept clean and tidy.

Fish and Aquarium

Require water, and large fish tanks cannot be placed just anywhere in the home. You have to know the Flying Stars and the areas where the water is ok. General Placement of water in the house. The Bedroom is definitely NO. East Sector, North Sector and the Southeast is ok with water. We talk about a standard size tank. In case the size of a Fish tank is taking over one-third of the room you better consult a Feng Consultant where to place your fish tank. ( you might drown your luck in water)  A Fish tank can be very good Feng Shui if it is clean and the fish are healthy. When you get fish to make sure they do not kill each other immediately. Not all the fish go along with each other. Do the research. For the other smaller pets make sure they live in a natural environment, and the cages or terrariums are big enough for them and are decorated with the objects to keep them happy and busy. Avoid putting the smaller pets into the bedroom of your kids as they might be forgotten, neglected or will keep your kids awake at night. Especially if they are nocturnal.

Feng Shui, Pets and You

Your Pets and you can live in harmony with each other. With a little bit of effort, you can make your home nice and beautiful. It will benefit you and your pets. A harmonic clean and vibrant environment is pleasant and enjoyable for you and your pets. Feng Shui and Pets go well together but not for the benefits of using it for the sake of achieving wealth.

Animals in Feng Shui

For me, nothing is more welcoming as having a home with pets. Pets are known in Feng Shui to symbolise not only good energy, and as the old lady got told the tale is cats are good for financial luck and dogs to help to boost and infuse the energy in a home. Take note that animals are not lucky charms that you get for one year and when the year is over you discharge them.

Pets are for life and will enhance your health and enrich your life. If you want a cat as a lucky charm get the fortune cat from a Chinese store.  Pets are not lucky charms and are for life. Pets are part of our family treat and respect them as they enrich our lives and are a loyal companion through the years you will spend with them.  You are lucky to have pets. Feng Shui and Pets are a great combination.  Do you have some more tips living with pets and how to make a home more environmentally friendly? Please share with us, if you have pets, please write below their names and what kind of pet you have. Got to our Facebook page and post the latest picture you took from your loved pets. All Yours Sylvia and  Melanie Read the full article

[transssexualheart]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllll

1- what images do you have set for your desktop/cell phone wallpaper?my phone has pictures of my friends and my desktop is still dan avidan i keep forgetting to change it

2- have you ever had a crush on a teacher?no

3- what as your last text message?sent? it was “me too”

4- what do you see yourself doing in ten years?probably dying

5- if you could be anywhere else right now, where would you be?in someone’s arms

6- what was your coolest halloween costume?uhh probably last years even tho it wasn’t that great bc i made it myself and had a styled wig and everything

7- what was your favorite 90s show?i was not alive in the 90s

8- who was your last kiss?still zee

9- have you ever been stood up?no

10- favorite ice cream flavor?strawberry or cotton candy

11- have you ever been to las vegas?no

12- your favorite pair of shoes?probably my pink ones they’re soft and have tiny one inch platforms

13- honestly, have you ever cheated on a significant other?no

14- what is your favorite fruit?watermelon or strawberry

15- have you ever talked to anyone on tumblr that your could see yourself dating/having sex with? if possible?well i mean one of my exes i met over tumblr so it’s not a wild concept to me but currently i’m not like,,, interested in others

16- are you into hookups? short or long term relationships?long term

17- do you smoke? if so, what?no

18- what do you do to get over your anger?rant about it on this blog or sometimes to a friend i guess

19- do you believe in god?idk man

20- does the person you’re in love with know it?yeah

21- favorite position?sleeping

22- what’s your horoscope sign?leo

23- your fears?being abandoned, myself sometimes, everyone secretly hating me, never being loved, etc

24- how many pets do you have? what kind?three, a cat and two fish

25- what never fails to turn you on?uhhhhhh

26- your idea of a perfect first date?idk uh,, get food maybe hold hands a little 

27- what is something most people don’t know about you?idk,, i guess most people don’t know what i look like during a full on breakdown that i’m not trying to disguise

28- what makes you feel the happiest?hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

29- what store do you shop at most often?i dont shop a lot

30- how do you feel about oral? giving and or receiving? never gave or received, both sound good to me tho

31- do you believe in karma?idk

32- are you single?yeah

33- do you think flowers or candy are a better way to apologize? the best way to apologize is to mean it and not expect forgiveness if you really fucked up and to be genuine and honest and if you do those things it shouldn’t really matter whether you choose flowers or candy

34- are you a good swimmer?i mean,, i won’t drown

35- coffee or tea?tea

36- online shopping or shopping in person?i do both

37- would you rather be older or younger than your current age?i’d prefer to keep my age so i don’t fuck up the timeline of my life thank u very much

38- cats or dogs?how can i choose

39- are you a competitive person?i don’t think so

40- do you believe in aliens?yes

41- do you like dancing?don’t really do it much 

42- what kind of music do you listen to?many kinds, mostly anything but country

43- what is your favorite cartoon character?how can i choose just one

44- where are you from?albany

45- eat at home or eat out?eat out

46- how much more social are you when you’re drunk?i’ve never been drunk

47- what was the last thing you bought for yourself?i don’t remember

48- why do you think your followers follow you?idk actually why do u guys follow me

49- how many hours do you sleep at night?it varies, sometimes like ten sometimes none

50- what worries you most about the future?i pretty much rely on the fact that i’ll probably die before it matters but if i don’t die i’ll have no idea what i’m doing

51- if you had a friend that spoke to you the same way you speak to yourself, how long would you be friends?not very, i’m not friends with myself tho so

52- are you happy with yourself?no, never really have been

53- what do you wish you didn’t know?i don’t know

54- what big lesson could people learn from your life?i guess,, not to take people for granted 

55- if you could live in any home on a television series, what would it be?what

56- what’s your favorite website?i visit this hellsite most often i guess

57- what’s the habit your proudest of breaking?the only habit i could think of that i broke was biting my nails

58- what was your most recent trip of over 50 miles?idk how many miles i travel bc i don’t drive

59- what’s the best bargain you’ve ever found at a garage sale or thrift store?idk

60- what do you order when you eat chinese food?sweet and sour chicken and white rice 

61- if you had to be names after one of the fifty states what would it be?no

62- if you had to teach a subject to a class, what would it be?alright so there are three things that i feel like i’m able to do well those three things are draw, write, and play pokemon and i’m a failure at everything else i do so probably an art class or creative writing class

63- favorite kind of chips?i like doritos

64- favorite kind of sandwich?grilled cheese

65- which do you use more often, dictionary or thesaurus?dictionary

66- have you ever been stung by a bee?yeah, only once, and i have a history of not fucking eating for whole days and that was one of those days and i guess the sting just triggered the dehydration and all that and i got really dizzy and my legs gave out and my mom had to carry me home

67- what’s your favorite form of exercise?my what now

68- are you afraid of heights?more afraid of what i’d do to myself than the height itself

69- what’s the most memorable class you’ve ever taken?eight grade science, i had a bunch of friends in that class and we hated the teacher at the time and the shit he did and we were constantly like going insane and here’s the main reason: my mom went to school with that teacher and she managed to find a fuckin. story that he wrote in 11th grade and she showed it to me and my god it was so bad and the main character was such a self insert and i was like “oh my god this is amazing” and you know what i fuckin did? u know what i did? i decided to make c o p i e s of the story so i could bring it into school and show my friends. so i had like ten copies and we gave one to my friend kevin however. we gave it to him DURING science class. so instead of doing his work kevin is sitting back there reading this story and laughing at it and the teacher is like “what are you doing kevin?” and kevin, instead of putting it away and being like “my work”, was like “oh i’m reading your 11th grade story” and at this point i’m like “oh fuck” and then the teacher asked where he got it and he points to me and i’m like “OH FUCK” so he comes over and asks where i got it and i’m like “surprise my mom went to school with you” and he’s like “i haven’t seen this story in years” and guess who’s like “DO U WANT A COPY” and reaches over me and into my backpack to pull out a fuckin copied version :^) anyway that day was wild some girl i never talk to who didn’t even know my dead name let alone my actual name came up to me asking for a copy

70- what’s your favorite breakfast?pancakes or waffles

71- do you like guacamole?no

72- have you ever been in a physical fight?no

73- what/who are you thinking about right now?um

74- do you like cuddling?yes

75- are you holding onto something you need to let go of?can we not have this conversation over tumblr’s ask system thanks

76- have you ever experienced one of your biggest fears?i live with myself every day lmao

77- favorite city you’ve been to?nyc!!

78- would you break the law to save a family member?probably

79- talk about an embarrassing moment?me, as a person

80- are there any causes you strongly believe in?idk

81- what’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?not sure

82- fav day of the week?none

83- do you consider yourself sexually open minded?idk what that means

84- how do you feel about porn?i don’t watch it really, but if that’s your thing then it’s your thing

85- which living celebrity would you like to know?idk

86- who was your hottest ex?it’s hard for me to like,, determine that because my sexual attraction to someone usually isn’t there until i start liking them romantically (in most cases, there’s people i never liked romatically but found attractive or people i found attractive before i liked them but that’s not the case with anyone i actually dated) and it disappears when i don’t like them romantically anymore so ???? also rude question especially considering at least two of my exes follow me here

87- do you want/have kids?don’t have them, might have them but that’s dependent on whether or not my partner is able to take care of kids i’m not gonna have kids if i know that my partner can’t be a good parent to them. also still not sure if i want them myself

88- has anyone ever told you that they wanted to marry you?no

89- do you get easily distracted?hell yeah

90- ass or titties?why… choose…..

91- what is your favorite word?to use in writing, probably “gentle”. to use in speech, probably “fuckin”

92- how do you feel about tattoos?i want a lot, i have two

93- do you have any pets?this was already a question?

94- how tall are you? 5′5

95- how old are you?14

96- 3 physical features you get complimented on a lot?i don’t get complimented on specifics, the most i get it usually like “you look nice today” or sometimes ppl say they like my makeup but that’s not a physical feature of mine

97- is there anything you’re really passionate about?i love,, the jims and the piano

98- do you have trust issues?idk, i don’t let most people see me cry or see me having a breakdown and i only really trust a few people with most stuff and it’s usually because there was something that happened in the past that allowed them to already know stuff like that and they were good about it and i was like “oh, then they’ll be alright about it and i don’t have to explain myself to them because they already know” but?????

99- do you believe in love at first sight?god no, what if they’re a dick?? u can’t judge a book by it’s cover. also i think that now i’ll have to know someone pretty well to start liking them because of past and current events

100- what are some words that you live by? why? i don’t have a specific quote or anything but. if you love someone tell them. i’ve said this before, and i don’t mean specifically romantically in fact in some cases you should keep that to yourself so no one is made uncomfortable but like. tell your mom or your best friend or your dad or your grandma that you love them because they could be gone real soon or you could be gone real soon and they should know that you love them before that happens

thank u for asking

[haunterrr]

Because no one would ask anyways

1: How tall or short do you wish you were? 5'4" - 5'6" 2: What’s your dream pet? (Real or not) A fox 3: Do you have a favorite clothing style? A huge mix of goth and punk styles 4: What was your favorite video game growing up? LOZ OOT or Mario Kart 5: What three things/people do you think of most each day: Ghost, music, story ideas 6: If you had a warning label, what would yours say? Isn't as shy once you get to know. Swears a lot. Like A LOT. 7: What is your opinion on [insert person/thing here]? I have many opinions on many things like most people. This was meant to be sent by random people, but alas no one would actually ask me anything lol 8: What is your Greek personality type? [Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, or Melancholic] Results are in, I'm Melancholic by a landslide 9: Are you ticklish? Yeah, please don't :c 10: Are you allergic to anything? Seasonal allergies is about it. 11: What’s your sexuality? I like people. 12: Do you prefer tea, coffee, or cocoa? Depends on the mood I'm in and what kind each are. Turners Iced Tea, Dunkin Iced Coffee, Hot cocoa is better cold to me 13: Are you a cat or dog person? I like both, but I usually gravitate towards cats 14: Would you rather be a vampire, elf, or merperson? That's a cruel question. Vampire I suppose. 15: Do you have a favorite Youtuber? Not particulary anymore. My interests are too eclectic these days. 16: How tall are you? 5'8" so says the doctor, but I feel like a giant. 17: If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? That's tough... Samantha is an ok name, so I haven't been too unhappy with it. Just too many people with that name. 18: How much do you weigh? I'm actually unsure of this currently. I've been told I look like I lost a lot of weight though. 19: Do you believe in ghosts/spirits? Yes. 20: Do you like space or the ocean more? They both intrigue and terrify me at the same time. I was obsessed with space as a child though. 21: Are you religious? No. 22: Pet peeves? I have misophonia so please do not chew and slurp and crunch food loudly. :c 23: Would you rather be nocturnal or diurnal [opposite of nocturnal]? I'm pretty nocturnal already and always have been. I prefer it. 24: Favorite constellation? Cassiopeia 25: Favorite star? Betelgeuse 26: Do you like ball-jointed dolls? They're kind of cool. Some dolls freak me the hell out. 27: Any phobias or fears? Well I saw final destination 2 in middle school and yeah fuck driving by those big ass trucks. 28: Do you think global warming is real? Yes. 29: Do you believe in reincarnation? It is interesting to think about, but eh. 30: Favorite movie? There are so many good movies out there. Fried Green Tomatoes, Interview with the Vampire, Spirited Away, Girl Interrupted, American Psycho, Dracula, Pride and Prejudice 2005, and more. 31: Do you get scared easily? Not usually, but if I do I try not to let it show. 32: How many pets have you own in your lifetime? At least 16 and I'm not even going to try and count how many god damn fish I had. I shit you not they were all named Bubbles. 33: Blog rate? n/a 34: What is a color that calms you? Green 35: Where would you like to travel and/or live? I want to see so many places. Traveling is in my nature. As for living... somewhere that isn't here. 36: Where were you born? Jacksonville, Florida 37: What is your eye color? Silver blue with bright gold rings around my pupils 38: Introvert or extrovert? Introvert 39: Do you believe in horoscopes and zodiacs? They're just a fun thing to look into 40: Hugs or kisses? Depends on how I'm feeling. I've been told I'm good with both c; 41: Who is someone you would like to see/visit right now? A few musicians I have in mind. It would be cool to just talk to them. Other than that an old friend that lives out in Arizona. 42: Who is someone you love deeply? I'm not sure. 43: Any piercings you want? A few I have in mind right now, but it would be pointless with my current job. 44: Do you like tattoos and piercings? Love, love, love. 45: Do you smoke or have you ever done so? I used to smoke cigs, but I was a broke lady and also I like to smell good. 46: Talk about your crush, if you have one! Oh god. They are person of many talents. Their voice makes me so happy. 47: What is a sound you really hate? Chewing 48: A sound you really love? Page turning and also whispers 49: Can you do a backflip? I wish. I used to be able to when I still did dance. 50: Can you do the splits? Nah. 51: Favorite actor and/or actress? I can't decide right now. 52: Favorite movie? This was already asked... 53: How are you feeling right now? I feel pretty good. I've got some tunes playing, so I'm happy. 54: What color would you like your hair to be right now? Something different. Right now I've got inches of roots and the ends are red. 55: When did you feel happiest? I usually feel happiest at a concert getting lost in the music with the crowd. 56: Something that calms you down? Music or reading 57: Have any mental disorders? Anxiety and depression 58: What does your URL mean? Not much. I was having a hard time finding a url name I liked that wasn't taken. 59: What three words describe you the most? Heart, sad, passionate 60: Do you believe in evolution? Yes 61: What makes you unfollow a blog? Usually too much NSFW content or if their interests change into something I sadly do not care about/ 62: What makes you follow a blog? Similar interests... 63: Favorite kind of person: Passionate, kind, able to make me laugh 64: Favorite animal(s): Fox 65: Name three of your favorite blogs. I like spookyloop, ringrose, and moralvirus 66: Favorite emoticon: idk 67: Favorite meme: I honestly die at memes of Ghost 68: What is your MBTI personality type? INFJ 69: What is your star sign? Sagittarius 70: Can your dog roll over on command, if you have a dog? uhh 71: What outfit out of all your clothes do you like to wear the most? This pretty lacy cardigan kimino that buttons in the front on the chest and goes to my feet, black skinnies, black booties, and my black wide brimmed hat. 72: Post a selfie or two? ehh. they're already on my blog. 73: Do you have platform shoes? Nope. Like I need more height. 74: What is one random but interesting fact about yourself? I don't think I'm all that interesting sooo 75: Can you do a front flip? Probably not 76: Do you like birds? They're okay. Depends on the bird. 77: Do you like to swim? I love it. 78: Is swimming or ice skating more fun to you? swimming 79: Something you wish didn’t exist: Being a slave to the man 80: Some thing you wish did exist: Unlimited money so I can go see my favorite bands... :X 81: Piercings you have? Industrial, stretched lobes, navel 82: Something you really enjoy doing: getting lost in music 83: Favorite person to talk to: Probably an old high school friend. We used to go to a park all the time and sit under the pavillion and just talk about anything and everything. I miss those days 84: What was your first impression of Tumblr? It was a little intense, this was back in 2009/2010. It was hard to get started. 85: How many followers do you have? On this blog 32, on my old one 1500 86: Can you run a mile within ten minutes? Yes, under that actually. 87: Do your socks always match? Usually. Can't go wrong when all you have is black socks 88: Can you touch your toes and keep your legs straight completely? Not anymore 89: What are your birthstones? Topaz 90: If you were an animal, which one would you be? A fox. How many times will I mention this animal lol 91: If a flower could aesthetically represent you, what kind would it be? Yikes, I don't think any represent me. 92: A store you hate? Probably Walmart even though I shop there 93: How many cups of coffee can you drink in one day? My caffeine intake knows no bounds 94: Would you rather be able to fly or read minds? Flying would be pretty fucking cool 95: Do you like to wear camo? Not at all 96: Winter or summer? FALL! 97: How long can you hold your breath for? I don't know. 98: Least favorite person? That bitch ass Trump 99: Someone you look up to: I can't say their name 100: A store you love? I used to love going to the shops down in Southside that weren't chain stores. 101: Favorite type of shoes? Combat boots, booties, high tops 102: Where do you live? Pittsburgh, PA 103: Are you a vegetarian or vegan? No 104: What is your favorite mineral or gem? Emeralds are pretty 105: Do you drink milk? Nope. I don't like it much. 106: Do you like bugs? Depends on the kind. 107: Do you like spiders? They're okay 108: Something you get paranoid about? People not actually liking me and pretending to 109: Can you draw: I used to be decent at it, but after I broke my hand years ago its never been the same 110: Nosiest question you have ever been asked? I guess intimate questions about my body and anything sexual 111: A question you hate being asked? "What's wrong?" my face apparently 112: Ever been bitten by a spider? Yes quite a few times. Not a fan. 113: Do you like the sound of waves at the beach? Its calming 114: Do you prefer cloudy or sunny days? Cloudy. I burn too easily. 115: Someone you’d like to kiss or cuddle right now: :X 116: Favorite cloud type: Cumulonimbus 117: What color do you wish the sky was? I love the night sky... so I think its fine how it is currently. 118: Do you have freckles? Yes. They used to be more prominent as a child though. 119: Favorite thing about a person: Physically: Eyes/mouth Personality: Watching them talk passionately about an interest and their humor 120: Fruits or vegetables? Both. Love me both 121: Something you want to do right now: Find someone to drive and listen to music with and talk about whatever. 122: Is the ocean or sky prettier? I think they compliment each other quite well 123: Sweet or sour foods? For food I prefer savory but for candies I love sour 124: Bright or dim lights? Ah, that's gonna depend. Dim lights are super cozy though 125: Do you believe in a certain magical creature? Not really. 126: Something you hate about Tumblr: How people attack one another and chase people off for simple mistakes 127: Something you love about Tumblr: Finding people with similar interests who share great content 128: What do you think about the least? I guess me getting old cause it freaks me out 129: What would you want written on your tombstone? I'm not sure I will have one, but I'm sure someone else could think of something better I could 130: Who would you like to punch in the face right now? Not anyone in particular 131: What is something you love but also hate about yourself? My daydreaming 132: Do you smile with your teeth showing for pictures? I usually don't like to. I mean my teeth aren't fucked up or anything. I just have a weird smile. 133: Computer or TV? Computer 134: Do you like roller coasters? I love them. I dissociated on one at Six Flags once. It was an interesting experience. 135: Do you get motion sickness or seasickness? Not usually. 136: Are your ears lobed or attached? lobed 137: Do you believe in karma? I don't know if its karma exactly. Its just more cause and effect. 138: On a scale of 1-10, how attractive would you say you are? 4 139: What nicknames do you have/have had? Sam (not a fan), Sammie, Princess (mom), Sweet Pea (dad), Plum (uncle), randoms like to call me Red. I don't have many interesting ones. 140: Did you have any pretend or imaginary friends? I didn't have any growing up. I just day dreamed a lot. 141: Have you ever seen a therapist/shrink? Yes. My childhood one was my favorite. 142: Would you say you are a good or bad influence to others? For the most part good I think? 143: Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts/help? I like to give gifts most. 144: What makes you angry? People that try to control me and take advantage of me. 145: How many languages do you speak fluently? Just one sadly - English. I was decent in Spanish years ago but never kept up with it. Today I helped a deaf man fairly well at work, so I want to pick up ASL again and maybe some other languages. 146: Do you prefer boys, girls, and/or non-binaries? As I stated before. I like people. <3 147: Are you androgynous? I can be. 148: Favorite physical thing about yourself: There is nothing I particularly like. How sad is that? 149: Favorite thing about your personality: My humor I suppose 150: Name three people you would like to talk to right now in person. ******, JT, and Amanda 151: If you could go back into time and live in one era, which would you choose? It was definitely not a healthy era but the Victorian fashion was pretty rad. The OG punks and goths were cool too. 152: Do you like BuzzFeed? not really. 153: How did you meet your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/partner? - 154: Do you like to kiss others’ foreheads or hands for platonic reasons? I'll kiss one friends cheek or top of their head, but usually no one else because I don't think a lot of people like that. 155: Do you like to play with others’ hair? I do. 156: What embarrasses you? Myself, oh also being put on the spot randomly 157: Something that makes you nervous/anxious: A whole hell of a lot of things. 158: Biggest lie you have ever told: "I'm fine." 159: How many people are you following? on this blog 329, my other blog is at 3000 160: How many posts do you have on your blog(s)? 664, other 40k 161: How many drafts do you have on your blog(s)? 0 162: How many likes do you have on your blog(s)? 46, other 15k 163: Last time you cried and why: Today because of a beautiful song 164: Do you have long or short hair? Long. Its nearly to my waist 165: Longest your hair has ever been: As it is right now 166: Why do you like, dislike, or have neutral feelings about religon? Organized religion is bullshit. It causes more problems than it helps in my opinion. 167: Do you really care how the universe and world was created? Its interesting to think about for sure 168: Do you like to wear makeup? I do. 169: Can you stand on your hands or head for more than thirty seconds? Probably not anymore 170: Did you answer the questions you were asked truthfully? Yep

[scarletjedi]

do alllllll of them!

oh gdi pop - cut for length

1:Is there a boy/girl in your life?

My lovely wife :D

2:Think of the last person who hurt you; do you forgive them?

define “hurt” - physically? Of course! I twas an accident and she’s 3. non-physically? yeah, I do.  

3:What do you think of when you hear the word “meow?”

Oh, no, where did you pee!?! (Our cat has been stress-marking)

4:What’s something you really want right now?

Someone else to bring the boxes from my office up to the attic

5:Are you afraid of falling in love?

Already there, luv. It was never the *love* that scared me. 

6:Do you like the beach?

I do! I like to swim, and I’m not bothered by the wildlife. I’m less fond of heat/no shade, but those are manageable. I like the “shore” even better - boardwalk food!

7:Have you ever slept on a couch with someone else?

Yep! Mostly in college, though my wife and I have napped together on the couch a few times. 

8:What’s the background on your cell?

The lock screen is Gimli face-palming from CAA, drawn by the lovely @kooriicolada. My home screen is Legolas laughing from the same pic. 

9:Name the last four beds you were sat on?

Um? I sat on my bed here, my bed at my mother’s house, the bed in the hotel room from my cousin’s wedding, aaaand...my mom’s bed, probably? 

10:Do you like your phone?

I do, mostly. It’s an iPhone 6 and still working, though I should get a new case for it. 

11:Honestly, are things going the way you planned?

I honestly thought I’d be making more money/have a full-time career (thanks for that, economy), but I *did* think I’d be with my forever someone so--yes and no?

12:Who was the last person whose phone number you added to your contacts?

Ha! My cousin on Christmas eve. I laugh because I remembered that! 

13:Would you rather have a poodle or a Rottweiler?

Rottweiler. 

14:Which hurts the most, physical or emotional pain?

Emotional. 

15:Would you rather visit a zoo or an art museum?

Depends on the season. 

16:Are you tired?

At the moment or in general? 

17:How long have you known your 1st phone contact?

12 years. (You do mean “speed dial” yes?)

18:Are they a relative?

Technically? I married her. 

19:Would you ever consider getting back together with any of your exes?

No. We all ended for very good reasons. 

20:When did you last talk to the last person you shared a kiss with?

In person? 5 hours ago. 

21:If you knew you had the right person, would you marry them today?

I’d marry her again in a heartbeat. 

22:Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?

Of course :D

23:How many bracelets do you have on your wrists right now?

0! Because I am working. 

24:Is there a certain quote you live by?

Make Good Art. - Neil Gaiman

25:What’s on your mind?

That I have far too much shit in my office. 

26:Do you have any tattoos?

I have a half sleeve of a dragon against a nebula. The nebula is in color. The dragon is not. 

27:What is your favorite color?

It changes. I’m partial to red at the moment, but it’s also been blue and lie green. 

28:Next time you will kiss someone on the lips?

When she gets home tonight. 

29:Who are you texting?

My wife and my best friend. 

30:Think to the last person you kissed, have you ever kissed them on a couch?

Yes. I don’t think these questions are made for married couples. 

31:Have you ever had the feeling something bad was going to happen and you were right?

Yep. All the time. My favorite are the “So and so is dead” phone calls that I get--I can tell from the ring. 

32:Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?

yep. 

33:Do you think anyone has feelings for you?

I’d hope it’s my wife

34:Has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes?

I hear it all the time. I believe it from my wife. 

35:Say the last person you kissed was kissing someone right in front of you?

that depends entirely on the context of the situation. 

36:Were you single on Valentines Day?

Nope

37:Are you friends with the last person you kissed?

Yep

38:What do your friends call you?

my name, usually. It’s short, and hard to make nicknames from. Or “SJ” or “Jedi” or occasionally “Scarlet” 

39:Has anyone upset you in the last week?

Yep. 

40:Have you ever cried over a text?

Not really? 

41:Where’s your last bruise located?

My leg, I think.  

42:What is it from?

I walked into the coffee table.

43:Last time you wanted to be away from somewhere really bad?

Christmas

44:Who was the last person you were on the phone with?

My mom. 

45:Do you have a favourite pair of shoes?

I’ve a pair of black doc marten boots that I wear nearly every day. They’re the same boots Ray Kowalski wears in Due South. Yeah. I’m that nerd. 

46:Do you wear hats if your having a bad hair day?

Not really. I can’t keep track of them. 

47:Would you ever go bald if it was the style?

Sure. I’ve near-buzzed my hair before. I liked it. 

48:Do you make supper for your family?

I tend to bake rather than cook, and my wife cooks rather than baking. But yeah, we’ve made dinner for the family. 

49:Does your bedroom have a door?

Yep

50:Top 3 web-pages?

By visit? Tumblr, ao3, and youtube

51:Do you know anyone who hates shopping?

*raises hand* Though I hate it less than I used to. 

52:Does anything on your body hurt?

My head. I think i’ve got a weird stress headache thing going on. 

53:Are goodbyes hard for you?

Depends on the situation. I’m a rip off the band-aid sort of person. 

54:What was the last beverage you spilled on yourself?

Coffee. The answer is always coffee. 

55:How is your hair?

Fine, how are you? 

(I need a haircut, but it’s short on my left and longer on my right--say 2 inches vs 6 inches? and my natural blonde)

56:What do you usually do first in the morning?

check my phone. 

57:Do you think two people can last forever?

yeah, i do. 

58:Think back to January 2007, were you single?

Ha! yes! I was. My wife and I started dating that March. (though, to be fair, we were the friends who were practically dating but not officially at that point). 

59:Green or purple grapes?

yes. 

60:When’s the next time you will give someone a BIG hug?

When she gets home from work.

61:Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?

Scotland was lovely. 

62:When will be the next time you text someone?

Probably when I’m done with this meme. 

63:Where will you be 5 hours from now?

sitting on my couch watching tv (or possibly while my wife plays Skyrim), and writing in my notebook. 

64:What were you doing at 8 this morning.

sleeping. 

65:This time last year, can you remember who you liked?

My wife?

66:Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?

My wife. 

67:Did you kiss or hug anyone today?

My wife. I’m sensing a pattern. 

68:What was your last thought before you went to bed last night?

I was thinking about @fialleril‘s double agent vader stuff, particularly the post-vader parts. I’m in love with that AU. 

69:Have you ever tried your hardest and then gotten disappointed in the end?

*looks at stack of rejection letters* Yep. 

70:How many windows are open on your computer?

Browser windows? 1. (11 tabs, tho) 8 total (pages, word, and itunes)

71:How many fingers do you have?

10. 

72:What is your ringtone?

the bobs burgers theme. My mother has the godfather theme. 

73:How old will you be in 5 months?

31. my birthday is St Patrck’s Day. 

74:Where is your Mum right now?

I’m not sure. 5 on a Wednesday? Probably at Ruby Tuesday with my stepfather and their friends for dinner before they go to bingo. 

75:Why aren’t you with the person you were first in love with or almost in love?

I am. I may have dated before her, but I fell in love with her. 

76:Have you held hands with somebody in the past three days?

yep. my wife. 

77:Are you friends with the people you were friends with two years ago?

yep! I’ve only added friends since then. 

78:Do you remember who you had a crush on in year 7?

what’s that in American? 6th grade? I don’t think I had one, yet. Unless you count, like, Luke Skywalker. real people didn’t interest me until 7th grade. 

79:Is there anyone you know with the name Mike?

several. I’m related to a few of them. 

80:Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?

yep. the wife. 

81:How many people have you liked in the past three months?

...i’m not even gonna say it. 

82:Has anyone seen you in your underwear in the last 3 days?

*stares at camera like on the office*

83:Will you talk to the person you like tonight?

*Stares at Camera like Ben Wyatt*

84:You’re drunk and yelling at hot guys/girls out of your car window, you’re with?

I’m not doing that? 

85:If your BF/GF was into drugs would you care?

Oh yes. 

86:What was the most eventful thing that happened last time you went to see a movie?

I SAW ROGUE ONE. That’s an event in and of itself. 

87:Who was your last received call from?

My mom. Unless you count my wife calling so I could find my phone.

88:If someone gave you $1,000 to burn a butterfly over a candle, would you?

It says something about how little money I have that I considered it. COME ON GUYS! COMMISSION ME! I NEED TO PAY OFF MY CREDIT CARD BEFORE MY JOB ENDS.

89:What is something you wish you had more of?

Money and Time. 

90:Have you ever trusted someone too much?

Yep. My consolation is he was terrible in bed. 

91:Do you sleep with your window open?

yep. 

92:Do you get along with girls?

I do! I don’t understand a lot of hyper-femininity (In that, I think its too much work for me/I’m not practiced at it), but I’m cool with them being into it as long as they don’t look down at my boots. 

93:Are you keeping a secret from someone who needs to know the truth?

Not that I can think of. 

94:Does sex mean love?

No, but I’m inclined towards liking it better that way. 

95:You’re locked in a room with the last person you kissed, is that a problem?

Only if I haven’t eaten recently/there isn’t a bathroom. But you mean sexy stuff, don’t you? You saucy minx!

96:Have you ever kissed anyone with a lip ring?

No, but if I play my cards right, my wife might get to (I’ve been thinking about it, but it depends entirely on my job situation). 

97:Did you sleep alone this week?

nope. 

98:Everybody has somebody that makes them happy, do you?

I do!

99:Do you believe in love at first sight?

I don’t think so--i think love, real love, is based on trust. But! I do believe in that moment of “oh, it’s you!” with someone you’ve never met before, and I do believe in soul mates. 

100:Who was the last person that you pinky promise?

Ahh....*shrug* probably the one friend I have from elementary school. We kept that up through college. 

I HOPE YOUR HAPPY POP! I TAG YOU BACK! ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU HAVEN”T YET!