#also may i mention i freaking love burt

[oceanwithinsblog]

OMG YOU GUYS KURT AND BLAINE ARE OFFICIALLY ENGAGED !!!!

i still think the whole 'get back together at the beginning of ep1 s5 to get engaged at the end of said episode' pipeline was WAY too rushed but i can't deny i'm so happy and excited for these cuties !!!! love wins !!!! soulmates exist !!!! gay rights !!!!!

[alphabees-writes]

Glee - S1 E4 (Preggers)

And from this moment onwards, Kurt Hummel proceeded to steal every single damn scene he was in. I’m actually unironically excited for this one. I didn’t think that could still happen! Here goes!

I will always love this Single Ladies scene. I will always love season 1′s Tina/Kurt friendship. Also, Brittany’s here, inexplicably. Did he pay her for this? In Pixie sticks, perhaps? Or Monopoly money?

“Kurt’s Superstar Playlist” is the most adorable name his playlist could possibly have. All we get to see on it are 4 Beyonce songs, and 1 Gwen Stefani - but it’s a cute little insight.

God sometimes I forget how cute Jenna Ushkowitz is and then this scene really slaps me round the face with it huh!!!

WHY are you filming this, Kurt? What are you using this for? I’d love to know. I’d say it’s just to check out his own dancing technique but it’s in black and white… Where are you posting this!!!

I want that swingy-suspended chair thing he has in his room sooooo bad

Ok now the fact that this is being filmed is giving me fic ideas…

BURT HUMMEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BURT F U C K I N G HUMMEL BABIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God the look of fear on all three of their faces when they see Burt??? Don’t you worry kids he’ll come around real soon…

Burt’s approving nod when he yanks on Kurt’s unitard… God I love this man.

The LOOK on Kurt’s FACE when Brittany says he’s on the football team… I can hear his inner monologue like “bitch we may be in the basement but I will make a window to throw you out of”

Kurt just wants to relate to his old man so bad :( Baby boy he’s already so damn proud of you!!! Also that LAUGH.

He really just slapped Tina’s ass! And she completely rolls with it, the absolute champion. Also, the subtitles Netflix provided me with were (smacks bottom) and I just love that.

Oh god it immediately cuts to the WORST scene. Terri learning to give birth. William Schuester trying to help. Just let me perish, RIB?

Shout out to Kendra’s actress for somehow managing to make her character even more despicable than Terri!

Actually the shit she says to Will here is almost valid… All three of them are fucking awful huh!

Seriously why are Kendra and Terri the best actresses on this whole show? It’s the only reason I care about this fake pregnancy arc anymore…

The teacher’s lounge is always either an arid, desolate wasteland, or the only watering hole within 100 miles where all the thirsty ass teachers congregate. Take your pick.

Why does Will pretend to hesitate before going to sit with Ken and Emma? They’re the only people we ever see you talk to dude!!!

Ken with the psychoanalysis, wow. Just hit her right there buddy!

THAT’S HOW SUE C’s IT!!!

Rachel really just EXPECTS every solo… I almost forgot how bad she was when she started. “Maria is MY part!” Not anymore!! Kudos to Lea Michele for managing to make Rachel really sound like she thinks she’s the victim when she really isn’t.

Tina’s face… She was seriously happy. Season 1 Rachel SUCKS for even trying to take this from her. She IS talented. She IS ready!

Everybody else knows it’s a fat load of BS… Kurt lowers his sunglasses to look at her like she’s a bug beneath his shoe. Also, Kurt, why sunglasses? You don’t start getting hangovers ‘til next episode, sweetie!!

“You’re trying to punish me” I think being a total martyr might be one of Rachel’s worst traits early on in the series. I get that performing is her deal, but she can’t even take a second to at least fake being happy for Tina? Unreal.

Everybody else just moving straight on with it is hilarious. They’re all so happy for Tina and don’t give a shit about Rachel’s melodrama, which I’m living for!

I wanna be all “Finn’s an arrogant bastard for assuming Kurt wanted to ask him to prom, grr!!” But then I remember Kurt’s canonically in love with him at this point, so I’ll let him off this time

Kurt’s devious little smile when he asks Finn for a favour… I love one (1) boy!

AHHH THE TRYOUT SCENE. INCREDIBLE. This might honestly be my favourite scene from season 1. It’s definitely up there, anyway.

Cute brotherly Furt moments. Finn putting that helmet on for him. “Red’s your colour!” And they DON’T make Kurt get all giggly about Finn just being nice to him? Kurt just telling him he’s really cool? Pure.

“Rehearsing–” “PRACTICING!”

Finn tells Kurt he’ll be murdered if he uses his music and Kurt comes straight back with that rum chocolate souffle line. This show would be NOTHING without Kurt.

And THIS is what I mean when I say Kurt was a Gryffindor from the get-go. Even now he’s refusing to be anything less than himself for anybody, even the jackasses that harass him every day when he’s on their pitch.

Shut the fuuuuuuuck up, Puck!

“Hi, I’m Kurt Hummel and I’ll be auditioning for the role of kicker.” What did we do to deserve him?

His starting pose… His hips… The footwork… “That was good, right?” His whole ATTITUDE. THE ROYAL WAVE.

As if the TV network would cancel Sue’s news segment for having a few Cheerios in the glee club?

Oh god. Quinn telling Finn she’s pregnant. The fucking cinematography here… The camera work, the audio mixing…

“Think of the mail… Think of the MAIL…”

Did Quinn seriously just say “Ask Jeeves” told her the hot tub could knock her up? I mean, I know she’s lying, but ASK JEEVES? That should’ve tipped Finn off more than anything else…

Damn. Season 1 really had the power to get me shook, laughing, and then crying in the span of 30 seconds? Or maybe it’s just because I can’t stand seeing Diana cry…  

Sandy lets his kettle whistle for far too long, it stresses me out

Sue just… Offers this fired man a job? I know she’s got Figgins by the balls over the stockings commercial, but come on, surely the council would get involved or whatever???

Rachel sucks right now but god damn it Taking Chances gives me chills every time I hear her sing it… And she’s so cute when they tell her she got the lead!!!

If musical stuff is so frowned upon socially here, how are they expecting to get a full cast for Cabaret? Especially if NONE of the other glee kids are interested?

And there’s no funding for the arts but they have a whole ballet studio on school property…?

Sign #12 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: He just straight up tells Rachel that he’s the only person that likes her, which is wrong for so many reasons

He does have a point about Rachel needing to take a step back sometimes though. I hate that she’s so awful sometimes that I have to agree with Schuester.

He’s not HURTING you Rachel, he’s giving a chance to grow to somebody else!

Jenna did a beautiful job with this solo… Tina’s so cute too! I love her singing this sweet song with her goth aesthetic

This scene between Mr Schue and Tina was almost sweet BUT:

Sign #13 That Mr Schuester Is An Asshole: He did NOT need to touch Tina’s shoulders, or get that close, or whisper to comfort her.

Don’t take one for the team, Tina! Take one for YOURSELF!

I’ll let him hugging Finn slide because, wow, Finn’s breaking my heart right now…

However I will not let it slide that he’s seemingly taken him off campus for lunch…???? Dude, take him to your office. This is creepy as all hell even if he has good intentions…

“I got this at the school library. Did you know that you can just… Borrow books from there?” Protect him. Protect him at ALL costs. He was so genuinely inspired by watching Kurt make those goals that he went to a library for the first time in his LIFE oh my goodness

Oh god. The camera panning from a random father and his young son, over to Mr Schue looking at Finn? HE’S NOT YOUR SON MY GUY, HE IS YOUR PUPIL. PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES!!!

Terri and Will are both brushing their teeth with no toothpaste… Freaks…

Have I mentioned how much I adore those little background choir soundbites between scenes? They did so much for this show…

SHUT! UP! PUCK! Drink your fucking character development juice already!!!

Kurt just casually dropping in Sun Tzu’s Art of War… He just knows that. He’s prepared to just drop that in conversation. Son, why are you so ready for combat,

Also the way Kurt commands their attention? They can rag on him all they want but they all know he’s legit…

Look at all these doofuses in their football gear busting a move. Look at Kurt sat at the front just watching, judging, as he was born to do

MIKE! KILLING! IT! I love that they let us see a sneak peek of his moves… Serious HC that Kurt making the football team dance is the first time that Mike really got to show off his skills

Kurt shooing Mr Schue away like that gives me life!!! Sit down old man

“All right boys…”  And they all look so concerned behind him lmao… “Oh– SNEAK ATTACK back to the ring…” Mike’s trying so hard to keep in time. I love him. OH and there’s Matt! Most valid glee club member simply because he never says anything.

“Comb through the hair… SLAP THE BUTT!” And they’re all trying so hard… 10/10

“I’m your best friend,” says Puck, to the boy he has been consistently fucking over for four (4) episodes, and presumably many years prior…

I really do hate Puck for the first part of this season but god damn does he have some lines. “’Sup, MILF?” “Well, CALL the Vatican! We got ourselves another ImMaCuLaTe CoNcEpTiOn!”

I remember the first time I heard the term “Lima Loser” but I didn’t know the show was set in a place called Lima (I would’ve been, like, 9) and I thought it was lime-a-loser. Like he was going to have limes thrown at him. And it was this big, serious threat…

How the FUCK did Terri get into Quinn’s car? Why is that never addressed? Like, ever? Quinn doesn’t even ASK?

Do this many people turn up to American high school sports events irl??? And do they really play the national anthem? That must get old

Why are all these football players 30… I’m so thirsty for realistic casting…

BURT’S HERE TO SEE HIS SON!!! We love a proud dad.

“I TOLD YOU! I TOLD YOU!!!” And now he’s doing high kicks. Kurt’s doing the absolute MOST.

I will never understand the rules of American football… And I mean NEVER.

“Ring on it on three” I love that it has a code name. And they were all too busy being dudebros to call it Single Ladies…

The one dude on the opposite team who starts boogying along is the real MVP

NEVERMIND. BURT BOPPING IN THE STANDS IS THE MVP!!!

“Can I pee first?” Legendary

Burt just going “he’s so little…” In the middle of the silent crowd…

MY BOY NEEDS HIS MUSIC!

BURT’S SO FUCKING PROUD I’M ACTUALLY CRYING??? YOU CAN HEAR HIM SHOUTING “THAT IS MY BOY!!! THAT IS MY SON!!!” THROUGH THE WHOLE CROWD!!!!

I feel like Puck seeing Finn and Quinn kiss and then the crowd going silent as he walks away is meant to make me feel… Bad for him…? But we’ve only ever seen him be mean to Quinn, really. You’ve got to earn those moments!

Ah… The skincare routine. He’s thriving.

Burt! Hummel! Is! Proud! Of! His! Son!

Burt… I’m pretty sure he assumed you wished his mother was alive. As opposed to her corpse being at the big game.

Oh boy here it comes…… Chris looks SO young here. So scared. So vulnerable. The way he slightly stutters… He nailed this scene. So much.

He’s gay!

He knows.

Do they make sensible heels in sizes for three year olds…? Asking for a dad

The raw EMOTION on Kurt’s face. It’s killing me.

This is the starting point… “I’m not in love with the idea, but I love you.” And it only gets better from there…

And he THANKS his SON. He’s sure. He’s so sure, Burt, and you are going to be so proud of him forever.

Finn gives Quinn that blanket his dad gave him when he was a baby… Did she give it back? I fucking hope so…

You tell him, Finn! Puck IS an asshole!

MIKE’S IN GLEE!!! SO IS MATT!!! And Puck’s here I guess, yay… He’s got a season or so of sucking to go before I can get excited about that.

“Regionals” here we come? My guy, let’s get through sectionals first…

Rachel’s big, cruel smile when she thinks she’s going to be handed Tina’s solo. Why would she presume that it’d just get handed to her??? I mean, I know why, but like, why… And she has the audacity to look like she’s been betrayed. Not even slightly, hon! You deserve nothing if not getting one solo is all it takes for you to quit!

This Sue’s corner genuinely gets me through some shit. “There’s not much of a difference between a stadium full of cheering fans and an angry crowd screaming abuse at you - they’re both just making a lot of noise. How you take it is up to you. Convince yourself they’re cheering for you. You do that, and someday, they will.” Hits me hard!

This one was longer. Primarily because of Burt, I will admit, but it can’t be helped. Perhaps it’s the best episode of season 1 because of Burt! Now that’s a break through…

[amyvictoriali]

Hey beautiful reader!

As an impending shelf exam for my 3rd year medical student surgery rotation draws near, I of course decided to procrastinate. 

Some of you may remember I once had a blog named sweetskindreams with my own URL/domain and everything. Well, it was incurring an annual fee and I honestly wasn’t blogging regularly enough to make that worth the money. I also wanted my blog to expand to a lifestyle blog, where it’s not just regarding skincare but also discusses makeup, fashion finds, food, med school woes, relationship updates, etc. As for the decision to opt Tumblr yet again (rather than the more formal Wordpress) - it is because most of my closest friends (cough people who will actually read this cough) are already on Tumblr and can easily be updated via a follow, whereas a formal blog requires a mailing subscription and the idea of my blog posts being e-mailed out to folks seems a bit extra. For how casual I’m treating all of this anyways. 

Intro aside, I wanted to kick off this new lifestyle blog with my recent Spring/Summer 2019 beauty hits and misses. Hopefully this will save you some money if you’ve been eyeing any of these products because there are definitely options I would avoid. 

Let’s start with the MISSES: 

- Touch in Sol No Problem Primer, $18: this was gifted by my roomie, so I really wanted to love it, but I gave it a miss because it still doesn’t beat Benefit’s Pore-fessional (quite frankly, nothing has) for pore minimization purposes and it doesn’t really act well as a primer either. Doesn’t ease foundation application nor prolong anything. It feels silky and nice to apply but I can’t perceive any useful benefits. 

- Too Faced Cooling Matte Pore Perfecting Primer, $34: people need to stop labeling things as “pore minimizing” or “pore perfecting” when they do absolutely nothing for the pores. Similar to Touch in Sol, this primer didn’t do anything special to prime the skin or cover up pores. It does feel cooling, and SMELLS AMAZING like much of Too Faced’s products do (a sweet fig scent), but those are secondary perks that don’t mean anything if the primary function is lacking. I also didn’t enjoy the application, which was hard to spread over the skin and knotted up easily. Hard pass.

- Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, $45: it pains me to put this in the ‘pass’ category but I do so because the effects are not worth the price. Rose petals in the toner make this so beautiful and an addition to my routine I so wanted to incorporate for aesthetics alone, but my skin remained dry only minutes after application. It just can’t justify the hefty price tag.

And now for the FAVS:

- Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, $54: Ugh. I can’t find a better one. Gifted to me on my b-day by my beautiful friend Liz, I treasure this DEARLY. I’ve known since college how effective this primer is, how flawless the application (very sheer liquid form makes it glide easily over your skin), and yet because it’s been on the pricier side I’ve never actually repurchased. To receive it as a gift is definitely a nod to how well my besties know me and I am so thankful for them. I only use this on special occasions/going out. Hoping I can make this last for a good few months. I have yet to find a better primer, although Laura Mercier is a close second.

- Laneige Berry Lip Sleeping Mask, $20: Again gifted by Liz (WHY DID YOU SPEND SO MUCH ON ME THIS YEAR STOP) and IT IS THE BEST LIP BALM I HAVE EVER USED. And I’ve tried everything from Glossier (overrated) to all the usual drugstore brands (Eos, Baby Lips, Burt’s, Nivea). Nothing beats this. Not to mention it smells/tastes delicious. Laneige kills it with their sleeping mask for skin and the lip one does not disappoint either. Keeps my lips hydrated and doesn’t leave them extra dry after (that’s the main issue with all those other chapsticks, they moisturize for a bit but leave you drier than you started off. This does not have that issue, and is the only thing I’ve ever come across that doesn’t leave me more dried out!) looks glossy too and that’s always a bonus :) 

- Missha Magic Cushion Cover, $12 on amazon: ok so... cushion BB creams are my new fav thing. They are so damn easy to apply (literally pat your face for 15 seconds and you have flawless looking coverage) and don’t dry your skin out as much as foundation. Looks super natural too. I can’t rave about these enough. Sure, regular liquid BB creams/tinted moisturizers are also nice and good for summer but those require brushwork or beauty sponge work which both take a couple minutes, whereas the cushions take mere SECONDS. For someone who has to drag her ass to the hospital at 5am, the shorter the routine the better. (AND YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS PRICE TAG! Altho sadly these do only last about a month with daily use) 

- Lastly, I received 2 Drunk Elephant samples for my Sephora B-day gift this year. I’m sure y’all have heard of this brand as it is advertised constantly on instagram and has iconically beautiful packaging in bright, fun colors with minimalist designs. The samples I tried were the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and the Protini Polypeptide cream. Both are ... phenomenal. Very mild scents, free of all the junk that irritates your skin (mineral oils, silicones, alcohols, etc) and just what my currently cystic acne covered skin needed. (Yes, my acne is back, and I am so bummed about it. Definitely a result of me neglecting skin care when I was studying for Step. I ran out of my prescription retinoid for a couple weeks and sure enough these zits came flying back. Recovery has been slow but there is improvement.) The only caveat to Drunk Elephant products are their prices. Full size Jelly cleanser is $32 and Protini cream $68. Decking yourself out in the Drunk Elephant line will definitely hurt your pockets. But omg... I am seriously contemplating trying their whole line now. It’s not just how beautifully the product wears and how effective it is at what it advertises, but the FREAKING PACKAGING. And I don’t just mean the looking pretty part but more importantly the functional design. Go to Sephora and try the already opened samples yourself and you’ll see what I mean. The Jelly Cleanser cap “twists” (but does not come off) and has a little hole in the center that allows you to squeeze out a tiny dollop of product so you can quickly “twist” it back. And their serums are all in little dispenser bottles. You already know how much I love convenience, and DE makes everything as convenient as possible (and so so clean!) 

Hope you enjoyed this review and stay tuned next month for a review of a splurge purchase I made on AmorePacific products. I am especially curious about their Treatment Enzyme Powder to Foam Peels, so will review that later b/c I understand $60 is a lot to drop on something without knowing it will be worth your $. My brother is in Taiwan right now and has been instructed to bring back a hefty haul of sheet masks, eye masks, skin toners/essences/serums galore, so more to come in August. Until then, happy shopping! 

xoxo, Amy

[fanfic-inator795]

I just finished season one of Batman 1966 and here are some random thoughts/comments

It took me about twenty episodes to realize it, but the way they use the Narrator (opening each episode, occasionally making comments or explaining something) in the show is similar to how The Powerpuff Girls uses its narrator. Considering that Craig McCracken was apparently inspired by the 66′ show’s villains (hence why the PPG villains are so silly and over-the-top), it wouldn’t surprise me if was inspired by the 66′ show’s use of a narrator too

I’m not really sure what the point of having Aunt Harriet around is (and yes I know she was in the comics at this time but still), though she does occasionally make me laugh with some of her reactions, plus her interactions with the rest of her family are cute. I’d be curious to see how a modern interpretation could fit her in, or if there could ever be a story where after Dick gets closure from the whole Tony Zucco murdering his parents thing, he learns he still has living family and has to decide whether to live life as a normal kid or continue being Robin. Just something to think about.

I like that the show focuses a bit more on the solving mysteries aspect of Batman. Even when you’re given an answer-reveal right away about the villain or their plan, you’re still interested in seeing how Batman and Robin figure it out. 

I’ve noticed that more often than not, Robin won’t even use the doors when getting out of the Batmobile. He’ll just jump over the door or - on a couple occasions - step onto the seat, over the windshield and across the hood before hopping down. Once an acrobat always an acrobat it would seem ^v^

THE BATMOBILE KEEPS GETTING STOLEN. They only ever activated an anti-theft device once and that was in the first episode. The rest of the time, if a villain wants to, they can just steal it and it’s just hilarious to me how easy that apparently is.

Instead of your standard white gloves, the Penguin wears white gloves with fluff on the tops of them... Idk if that was the style back then or something but it’s adorable...

Whenever Robin gets kidnapped, Batman saves him. But whenever Batman/Bruce gets kidnapped, he has to save himself. I kinda wish Robin would save Batman sometimes, just to switch things up and to make Robin seem like less of a dude-in-distress, showing that he can save the day just as often as Batman. Though, interesting enough, it seems like Robin is slightly better than Batman at solving riddles in this iteration, so... he’s got that going for him at least.

Every villain seems to have their own ‘Harley Quinn’ as it were along with two or three random grunts. The ladies they have with them range from “Don’t care, I’m totally up for evil” to “airhead who’s just sorta going along because the villain is cute”, and their fate is usually getting captured and arrested with the rest of the grunts or suddenly becoming guilty and therefore getting a lighter sentence. ...Also one of them died, but it was sorta her own fault so... yeah. Also, pretty much all of them find Batman super handsome and attractive which gets kiiiinda tiring and problematic after a while... 

It’s honestly a wonder no one in this show hasn’t just built up a tolerance for knock-out gas at this point. Seriously, in this universe, don’t open anything that a stranger gives you or accept flowers/an umbrella. Nine out of ten times it’s just filled with gas. 

Some of the villains’ plans and death traps get surprisingly dark and sorta brutal (along with being kinda clever in a comic book-y sort of way). Like... Way more than I was expecting. And honestly, as silly as the show can be, it can still occasionally be suspenseful. ...Also Adam West fought a tiger in one episode. Like... a LEGIT TIGER. Yeah, I’m sure the tiger was well trained but that don’t mean it still couldn’t have snapped and done some damage if it was agitated enough, so the fact that it was getting so close to the actor and they were making it look like a fairly realistic fight is pretty darn impressive! (also the clip’s on youtube if anyone wants to check it out)

False Face was a stupid villain. Just sayin’. I can see why he never came back. 

Pills can apparently solve everything in this universe. ...Except for surviving in below zero temps. For that you need bat-thermal underwear.

Most of the time Batman is able to get out of a trap using skills and some bat gadgets, but occasionally there are times where he’s only able to escape because of total luck. The biggest example of this is when the Joker has him and Robin in electric chairs, and literally just moments before they’re electrocuted, Gotham has a city-wide power outage and they’re saved. And like, Batman doesn’t even cause the power outage, it just happens! Though when you think about it, as silly as it is that Batman occasionally gets spared because of good luck, it’s sorta more realistic. You can’t have a contingency plan for EVERYTHING, Bruce! Also the moment that I mentioned above doesn’t even match the glory of the “Noble Porpoise” moment from the 1966 movie

I really love the dynamic (heh) between Adam West and Burt Ward. They really do play off each other well ^v^ They could’ve just phoned it in, but instead Adam reads everything like it’s freaking Shakespeare and Burt is just so full of energy. Their scenes are always the best ^v^ Though The Penguin and The Riddler’s scenes are a close second (I still may not like The Riddler as a character, but MAN is Frank Gorshin fun to watch)

Speaking of Riddler, I can’t tell if his riddles are good or bad because I suck at solving ALL riddles, lol

There’s this moment in “The Perfect Crime/Better Luck Next Time” where Catwoman’s got Robin dangling above a tiger’s pit. Robin’s response: “Catwoman... You are NOT a VERY NICE PERSON!” Just... the delivery of that line plus the fact that THAT it was apparently the best insult Robin could come up with... That one moment had me laughing the rest of the day after I saw it. 

So yeah, that’s all I have. Overall while there were a couple of sorta meh episodes, most of this season was very entertaining and fun to watch, and I can’t wait to start watching season two! ^v^

[midfieldfabray]

Breaking Up, part 2 || Fuinn

WHO: Quinn Fabray & Fiona Hudson WHEN: Tuesday, September 26 WHERE: Their favorite Italian restaurant WHAT: An attempt at being friendly that goes horribly wrong. Yay.

FIONA

Fiona spent most of her workday anxiously waiting for it to be 4 PM so she could leave, and spend some time with Quinn. She was feeling excitement, anxiety, and also, a little bit of sadness, but she wasn't going to let that interfere with her work habits. After tidying up her classroom (putting away markers and pencils and books really made her feel so much better), and turning out the lights, she grabbed her bag, her now empty coffee thermos, and headed out to her car.It wasn't long before she was headed straight to the restaurant that her and Quinn had agreed on, one that they'd been to many, many times, as a couple. She hoped what she was wearing was just right for a friendly dinner, but since capris, a nice shirt, her ID and keys still stuck around her neck in her lanyard was what she'd worn the day before, she'd have to do with that. 10 minutes later, she was parked, and headed into the restaurant, an anxiously excited throb in her chest. She got a table for 2 in the corner by the window, ordered her drink, and messed around with a menu she practically knew by heart, waiting for Quinn to arrive.

QUINN

Quinn felt a bit silly for being nervous. She’d seen Fiona plenty since the break-up, but this was different, wasn’t it? It wouldn’t be at ACup, or with Maisie, or at school. It’d be just the two of them. To talk. It was hard not to feel at least a bit nervous about the whole thing, especially when she had to stand in front of her open closet and decide what to wear. She didn’t want to look like she was dressing up for Fiona, but she didn’t want to look like she’d made absolutely no effort, either. So she settled for one of her usual dresses, but a particularly flattering one. She figured it was a good compromise.

The nerves flared up when she walked into the familiar restaurant and saw Fiona sitting at a table, waiting for her. It’d be easy to forget they weren’t together anymore. Everything was perfectly familiar... but different. Fiona was Jessi’s girlfriend now, and Quinn was just her friend. And with that thought in mind, she smiled as she reached  the table and sat on the free chair across from Fiona. “Hey.” She hung her purse from the back of her chair and ordered a glass of red wine. “How was your day?”

FIONA

Fiona looked up at Quinn’s words, and pushed her menu up and away from her as she did so. It was kind of weird, she thought, that everything seemed like it did just 4 or 5 months ago. “Hey back.” She said, and then crossed her legs in front of her. “Same old, same old. Third graders aren’t too fond of American History.” She murmured, and then finally took a look at Quinn, taking her in. Quinn was beautiful, almost unbelievably so, and Fiona just really wanted to hug her, then. She stayed still, though. “How was your day?”September 26, 2017

QUINN

She could imagine her own third grader being one of the ones who wasn’t particularly into American History. There was a distinct lack of princesses and queens in it, and Maisie was all about the royalty at this point in her life. So Quinn smiled and took a sip of her wine when it arrived, shrugging slightly at Fiona’s question. “It was all right. Same old.” She echoed, shooting Fiona a playful look. She’d never been much for small talk, even when they were together, but it seemed a bit more difficult now that they were not. “It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?” Quinn figured honesty would be the best policy. She loved Fiona, and she wanted this to work out - she wanted to be able to be friends and hang out. So acknowledging the weirdness of the moment could only break the ice, right? “Being here together, but not... together.” She moved her glass just so, making it stand exactly on its rightful spot on the table, to kep her hand occupied and stop the urge to reach for Fiona’s. “Maybe we should’ve gone somewhere else.”

FIONA

Fiona tried her best to not talk about the elephant in the room, how weird it was, so she was very thankful when Quinn brought it up. “It’s freaking bizarre.” She admitted, agreeing with her, because truthfully, she didn’t know what to do. “You know, I think it’d be weird anywhere, though. And I think it’s going to be weird, but we can totally handle it because we’re mature adults.” She said, and then put her hands in her lap as she watched Quinn. She felt like she had to stay still. “We have memories in a lot of places. And I don’t want to feel empty and weird when I go to them forever, so we just gotta tackle them head on.” She continued, although if she was being honest, the desire to go hide in the bathroom was strong. “I missed you. It’s very nice to see you.”September 27, 2017

QUINN

Tackle them head on. Quinn nodded, feeling more than a little stiff. That was the weirdest thing of all, if you asked her. Feeling awkward and tense around someone who not so long ago was the person she was most comfortable with in the world. And that... well. She missed that. “I miss you, too.” Was it okay that she hadn’t said it in past tense? She missed Fiona even at that moment when she was sitting right there in front of her. “I hate that we’re awkward around each other.” She knew it’d all been for the best, but she missed... having someone. The last time someone had touched her - not counting Maisie, or Rachel’s dare-kiss - had been the last time she’d been with Fiona while they were still together. It felt a bit like an emptiness in her chest. “I wish going back to being friends was easier.”

FIONA

“Thankfully, Jessi’s understand of the fact that I’m still..dealing with it. It’s hard. It’s..really hard.” She admitted, because while she was happy, and very much so now because of Jessi, it was a sad situation. “It’s supposed to be awkward. Our situation is awkward. All of it, actually.” She continued then, and quietly ordered herself a slice of extra cheese pizza and some garlic bread when the waiter arrived. Then, she sipped her drink. “In our defense, we haven’t actually hung out as friends very often. I doubt that it’s going to get any harder from here.” She said, matter of factly. She still had to fight the urge to stand up and comfort Quinn, because the look on her face was sad enough, but she decided she could do that at the end of the night. “Maisie was the only student to today who offered to read part of the history book out loud.” She said suddenly, as if bringing up Maisie, who was slowly turning into their only mutual crutch, would change the subject. “And then she went on and on about her drum lessons.”September 28, 2017

QUINN

Quinn sighed, something deep and a little sad. Jessi. Jess was... a sensitive topic. Quinn hadn’t been lying when she said she was happy for them, or that they deserved each other. She wasn’t even jealous of Jessi for having Fiona. She was just... she was sad. She wanted what they had, but knew she couldn’t have it - not with a daughter who’d always have to come first. She felt awkward around Jessi, like she had to constantly apologize for any lingering feelings between herself and Fiona. She was extremely thankful when Fiona changed subjects to Mae. 

The smile on Quinn’s face was bright, and genuine. Her extreme extrovert with a love of attention would be the only one to volunteer to read out loud. “Oh, those lessons.” She rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide how happy she was about it. Mae loved her drums and her lessons, and Quinn loved seeing her thrive and do what she loved. Especially after the sadness that came with the break-up. “She loves Rachel. I apologize in advance for any drumming she may decide to do in the middle of class.”

FIONA

“I’m glad she likes it. Believe me, there’s much worse sounds than drumming, even if it’s with pencils on a desk. Besides, it’s only happened a few times. It’s better then constant chatter.”  The thing about everything was, Fiona had no idea where to take their conversation. They’d had years to talk about anything and anything their hearts desired, and it seemed like now that they’d broken up, they couldn’t. Which only hurt slightly, because honestly, Quinn would no doubt always be one of Jessi’s favorite people. Clearing her throat, the blonde drummed her fingers on the table, a nervous habit of hers. “Sookie’s very sweet.”

QUINN

Quinn chuckled, amused at the thought of classroom drumming already having happened ‘a few times’. But the smile faded from her face as soon as Fiona mentioned her cousin. Sookie was... not a welcome presence in her life. Not that she’d discussed her with anyone. “It’s the Georgia charm.” She smiled, hoping it’d look convincing enough, and tried to find a new topic to talk about. Family, but not hers. So... “How’re Burt and Carole?”

FIONA

“Georgia charm is right.” She mused, and stirred her straw around in her glass. She shrugged. “Same old Same old. Still grossly in love. Mom’s coming in to town a few weeks, she’s been meaning to come in ever since..” she paused, “She really misses me, and I’m honestly so excited to see her. She’ll really wants to go to ACup, I think she’s too interested in the gay coffee lifestyle.” She paused to chuckle, and smiled at the waiter as their food arrived. “So if you wanna see her, there’s no doubt she’d pass up some of your coffee. She’d be very happy to see you.”

QUINN

"That's good." Quinn smiled, choosing to ignore where she knew Fiona's comment was going. Carole'd been wanting to come since they broke up, she was sure, but she didn't particularly want to talk about that, so she chose to focus on everything else. "Can you imagine her face when she meets April?" She grinned, just picturing the meeting. Carole was far from stuck-up, but she was still April's polar opposite. "I'd love to have coffee with her. I'll make sure Mae is around so she can see her, too."

FIONA

"She'll probably lose her mind. Thankfully, I've warned her on what to expect." Fiona smiled softly, and tucked some hair behind her ears. "Cool. She misses you guys." The idea of them discussing their families when for years there was such a happy medium, kind of makes her want to jump off a cliff, so she pauses to eat, chewing thoughtfully. Then, she sits up straighter. "I want to ask you a question, if that's okay." She knows very well that if she gives Quinn an option, nothing'll be said, so she just, continues. "Would've you of married me? If I would've proposed?"

QUINN

She didn't want to answer the question. She wanted to leave, actually, or change the subject to something completely different. It wasn't just her usual unwillingness to open up about her feelings. It was that she knew her answer was not what Fiona wants to hear. She knew it'd hurt, in a way, and she never wanted to hurt the woman in front of her. But she was cornered, and she didn't want to lie. 

Would she have married Fiona, if she had proposed? She shook her head, almost as if she was trying to soften the blow by warning Fiona of her answer ahead of time. "No. I don't think I would have." She sighs and reaches for one of Fiona's hands, but thinks better of it and puts it back on her lap. "When you told me you'd been thinking about it, I didn't feel- I didn't wish you'd asked before we broke up. I was just... I think what I felt was fear. That we'd been so close to making a mistake like that."

FIONA

Fiona visibility deflates, and scoots her chair back, as if she wants to be as far away from the blonde as possible. “You..wouldn’t of? You think it would be a..a /mistake?/“ She says softly, and looking at Quinn for a second before avoiding her eyes at all costs. “Oh my god.” She said quieter, shaking her head quickly. “I was in it for the long haul and you just..god, I don’t even know what to say.” She said again, because all she could feel was disbelief.September 29, 2017

QUINN

Quinn just wanted to leave. That was what she’d been trying to do for five months now: leave. Get out of the way and just... not be a part of Fiona’s life anymore, at least outside of a parent/teacher relationship. She knew it’d be hard, but she didn’t know it’d be this hard. They broke up and it broke her heart as much as it did Fiona’s, but instead of getting time and space to try and mend her own heart all she felt she’d been doing is worry about Fiona. Apologize to Fiona. And now, once again, she was sitting here, feeling like this was all somehow her fault.

“Being with you wasn’t a mistake. I loved you.” She loved her now, still, but that was neither here nor there. “I was with you because I wanted to be with you. I was... do you think I didn’t think about marrying you, too? Lord, Fiona, do you think I’d have let you share almost three years of Maisie’s life if I hadn’t been in it for the long haul, too?” She didn’t want to be angry. She didn’t want to be sad. She didn’t want to be anything at all. She wanted to be as unfeeling as most people thought she was. But she wasn’t. She was hurting and exhausted. She needed the pain to end, already.

“I thought we just needed more time. I thought I’d feel... I thought at some point I’d look at you and just know.” She stopped talking for a moment, just to regroup. Talking about herself was never easy, but talking about her feelings was even worse. “I don’t know if I’m just... naive, or an idiot, I don’t know anymore. I don’t even know if you’re supposed to feel more than I felt for you. Maybe that was it and I let the love of my life go when we broke up.” She shrugged just so. It was one of her biggest fears. That there was no magical earth-shattering, life-changing love. Just regular, warm, comfortable and beautiful love like the one she shared with Fiona, and she threw it all away. But it was too late now to think about that. “Getting married when I wasn’t sure would’ve been a mistake. For both of us, Fi.”

FIONA

“I don’t feel the same way,” She admitted quietly, speaking to her hands, instead of the blonde across from her. “I was sure. More than sure that I could’ve spend the rest of my life with you, Quinn..I think the fact that you didn’t feel the same way is telling enough.” 

 She paused, letting out a deep sigh. How was she supposed to be friends with Quinn, now? At this point, she didn’t want it. Sure, she might be making herself feel even worse, but there was no way, not anymore. She felt even worse than she did before. She takes a moment to wipe her eyes, thankful her crying isn’t visible from far away, and what she mostly feels is anger. “For your sake, i hope you find someone who you actually love the same amount that they love you. And for everyone else’s.” She lets out a breath, shaky and slow, and digs into her bag, pulling out a twenty. She throws it on the table, and then zips up her bag. “I’m leaving. See you at conferences.”

QUINN

She didn’t even know how to feel. She'd been telling herself and others she’d be celibate from now on. She knew she couldn’t have a relationship. She knew no partner could ever be the most important person in her life, because that would always be Mae, and she knew that all-encompassing love she felt she needed could only happen if that person was everything to her. She knew being with her would be unfair for the other person. She knew all that. She’d been telling herself that. But hearing it out loud, from Fiona? That was something else.

Quinn watched her go in silence, staring at the money on the table for a handful of seconds until she snapped out of it. With a small smile, she asked for the bill and went through the motions of paying and gathering her things to leave. She felt like she could cry, and she didn’t want to, so she texted April on her way out the door to tell her she was picking up an extra shift tonight. The last thing she needed right now was free time to think.

[spaceorphan18]

Finding Kurt Hummel: Goodbye

Masterpost

3x22: Goodbye

On the flip side of things - we have an episode that a lot of people really don’t like, and I kind of enjoy, actually.  Sure the last ten minutes are super frustrating, and yet, like five minutes are spent with Finchel discussing chair choices for their wedding, but I think it’s nice, and far more entertaining than a lot of what’s been coming before it recently.  It gives all the seniors a moment to shine, and closes up the first half of the show in a way that really does seem adequate for the first half of the show.  

Forever Young

It seems a little weird for a show that’s only been on the air for three years to be this nostalgic about itself.  But the sentimentality, which I realize is only found on TV - as most people are more than happy to leave their high school years behind, seems appropriate for this episode.  It’s not just about the seniors leaving, it’s the fact that the show is really a different show after this, as we move on to what is essentially a mash-up of Glee: The Next Generation and Glee: The College Years.  So, bring on the flash backs of the pilot.  

There’s really no reason for them to be singing this again -- but it’s adorable, and if anything, we get to see how much taller Kurt has grown! And to think, this really is only the half way point of the series. 

So -- even though this episode feels and functions a lot like a series finale (Glee had a handful of episodes that do this from here until the actual series finale), there are some plot lines that don’t have a steadfast resolution -- and one of them is Klaine.  There’s a dangling thread of worry placed over this episode, mostly coming from Blaine’s direction, as every time the word senior is mentioned, he freaks out.  

And dear Kurt, look at him, he just adores Blaine to pieces, and really isn’t worried about their upcoming separation as well.  Which are the seeds, that have been really planted all year when you look for them, of the upcoming breakup we’re gonna get in season 4.  Cause here’s me overly simplifying the situation.  Blaine, at this point, has too little faith that his relationship is going to work out.  Kurt, on the other hand, has too much faith.  They have so, so much growing from this point, so much to learn about love and relationships and growing up, but we’re on the edge here of a lot of messiness that makes their relationship all the more meaningful once we get on the other side of it.  

As for this particular scene itself -- I think Will has some letting go issues he might need to work on as he over romanticizes this particular group, lol.  But no -- it’s a nice moment, and it’s interesting that this kind of set up is going to come back in the actual series finale.  Everyone is wistful because yes, things are going to change, and you never do go back to what you once were. 

Kurt’s Vignette

Kurt:  When I first got to McKinley, I was afraid to make eye contact. I didn't talk about my politics, I didn't share what was in my heart I oh, let's just call the Cadillac pink and be done with it. I was in the closet. And most days, I was also in the Dumpster. But McKinley has made me a stronger, more socially conscious, fashion-forward person. And perhaps I played some small part in making it possible for tadpole gays all over Lima to be themselves in public. Not a bad legacy for someone who once pretended to be in lust with Rachel Berry so I wouldn't have to date Mercedes Jones. Now if can just get through the next few days without turning into a hot mess teary train wreck.

Something that I think is neat about this episode is that each of the seniors get their own little segment and Kurt gets to kick the whole thing off.  As he glides down the hallway (literally -- they have him on a moving track or something), we get his inner monologue about how far he’s coming from when he started high school: he was getting thrown in dumpsters, he was really in the closet, and he was pretending to have a crush on Rachel to get out of dating Mercedes.  And look how far this bb has come.  

I mean, he waves at a basketball player as he walks by, a neat little touch, that Kurt’s much more accepted than he ever was at McKinley.  He’s even grateful for all his luck because he can even inspire those McKinley tadpole gays.  (And how cute that they actually show the tadpoles.) 

Kurt’s sentimentality is interesting to me.  Because right in the moment, I can see where he’s feeling it -- reflective that high school sucked for most of the time he’s been there, but his senior was actually really good.  And I mean, think about it as someone who does not know what’s coming up -- during Kurt’s senior year he’s not getting beaten up, he has a good relationship with his dad, he has a boyfriend, whom he spends a majority of his time with, whom he loves, and whom he has sex with, he has a great group of friends (especially Mercedes and Rachel), and a brother whom he adores, his show choir just won nationals, and he feels he has good future prospects ahead.  In a way -- he’s in a better place then the end of season 2 (but why did that feel more hopeful?).  

Interesting, though, that I think the sentimentality is in the moment.  There’s an interview done by Chris Colfer where when asked about Kurt and future high school reunions Chris stated explicitly that Kurt would be no where to found.  And I do feel that to be generally true.  He’s feeling love for this place because change and growth and optimism, but down the line, I think the moment passes. 

So -- Burt is waiting for Kurt in the auditorium.  And I love the little exchange at the beginning about what Burt can give Kurt as gifts -- because it shows that Burt still doesn’t get his son a lot of the time, but they’re different people than they were, and love each other despite those differences.  

And we get this nice little moment of reflection -- where Burt talks about raising Kurt as a kid, and how it can be hard for a parent when that kid stops being generic kid and starts being themselves.  But the cool thing is they were able to figure it out.  (And how adoring Kurt is -- he loves his dad so much.  I’m not usually one for family stories, but I love this one.) 

So Burt has a unique way of gift giving as we’ll see....  

Oh, the looks on Kurt’s face as he realizes what his dad is doing -- a recreation of the Single Ladies dance, completely with Tina and Brittany.  And it is pretty priceless.  I’m guess they didn’t tell (or show) Chris before filming -- because this seems like pretty genuine laughter from Kurt throughout this whole thing.  

We also get lots of flashbacks to the original Single Ladies dance, as a fun reminder, and a way to show just how much Kurt has come.  But it’s interesting, this is only the half way mark.  We still have a lot more Kurt story, and a lot more growing up for him to do.  

Looking to the Future while Missing the Present

So, next we get our only real Klaine scene in the episode.  And I remember at the time that it felt a little frustrating that we didn’t get, well, more.  And -- I mean after a season of looks and glances and not a whole lot of promise, it’s hard to take.  But -- as I look back at the whole picture, I do understand more of what the writers were going with here.  Because this particular episode is about endings, and changes.  And while Klaine is definitely going to get it’s own change (and more Klaine thoughts in a second), their story isn’t ending - not by a long shot.  In fact, I’d argue we’re right in the middle of it, where the fairy tale is going to turn into a story about growing up and becoming a real couple.  

So -- First of all, we get Kurt talking about how awesome his dad’s gift was -- and Blaine’s reminds him that he, too, got Kurt a gift, which Kurt dismisses.  So, there’s a clue... Blaine wants to then talk about the future, because they haven’t been talking about /that/.  And Kurt’s pretty dismissive about that, too.  But here’s where Kurt’s just not paying attention -- because Blaine is pretty much bracing himself for the fact that his relationship is over.  He’s been incredibly insecure, arguably, since the beginning of the second semester, and considers the end of the relationship inevitable.  (Hence my earlier comment that Blaine doesn’t have enough faith in his own relationship.  There are other Blainey elements in this, too, but that’s for another discussion.) 

Meanwhile, Kurt just doesn’t really get it.  He doesn’t even want to get it.  To him, he’s got his entire future planned out -- they’ll eventually both be in New York, they’ll have careers and eventual marriage (at age 30) and grow old together and live in a home where they’ll bicker like the old married couple that they are.  He has no worries about the state of their relationship.  And /that/ is the problem.  He is kind of blind to the fact that Blaine’s kinda downward spiraling (or I may argue, intentionally ignoring the signs).  

And all those promises he keeps making -- that they’ll be fine, that they’ll be together forever, that Kurt’s always going to love him -- may be a band-aide for the moment, but aren’t going to stop the bad things from happening to his relationship.  Because relationships are hard work, yo, and Kurt’s not putting in the time right now.  And in a way that is understandable.  There are things in life going on that take his attention away like college and moving and it’s nice to cling onto something supposedly stable.  But you know, talk to your boyfriend, Kurt! 

Meanwhile -- something I’d like to address going into season 4.  Both Kurt and Blaine, being characters who are coming from this fairy tale romance stage, throughout the next few seasons have an issue of idealizing the other one.  Blaine holds onto Kurt as this kid whom he saved, and as someone who in turn saved him.  Kurt holds on to Blaine as this picture perfect boyfriend, the white knight he met at the foot of the stairs.  The problem is, despite being fictional characters, Kurt and Blaine are real people and not living in a fairy tale, (though they are in a happily ever after musical, lol, I’m digressing.)  The neat thing is that I think by the time we get to season 6, and get through most of this mess, the two of them like each other for their faults and all -- and I think that’s pretty cool. 

And that’s not to discredit the foundation they have at this point (something that gets them through all those hard times).  They are two kids who genuinely like each other as well as love each other.  They do understand each other, even if they have the worst communication problems.  And their love is very much real, even if some times relying on just love to get them through is a pratfall that befalls on them.  

I also want to give a shout-out to the ‘Never Say Goodbye’ moment.  It’s the one promise Kurt never breaks, and while it is an intentional throwback to another iconic Klaine moment (a Klaine moment about change, interestingly), I kind of love this one.  Glee v.1 might be nearing it’s end, but Klaine is never over. 

All of this reminds me -- I always wanted to write an Old Man Klaine fanfic about Kurt chattering away to some caretaker about Blaine, as Blaine yells about J-Lo in the background, lol. 

I’ll Remember

So. Okay.  We get into what may be my least favorite Kurt solo.  And, it’s partly because I’m just not a fan of the Madonna song (though, ha Madonna seems such a good Kurt choice).  But the context here bugs me a little. 

Kurt dedicates this song to all the men in this room.  And you know what -- seriously? This feels like just another moment for the writers to throw in their commentary on masculinity instead of giving Kurt a real character moment.  Yes, the part of the line that says: it doesn’t matter that we’re gay or straight, it matters that you saw me as the same -- is a poignant piece of writer, especially as Chris cries those pretty tears.  

But the whole thing seems incredibly hollow.  Sure, Finn has made an impact, and that is important.  I’ll even give minor credit to Sam for not being an asshole, and even lesser credit to Mike, even though they have no relationship.  But Artie? Joe? Rory? Really? And then Puck?  Kurt’s never had a good relationship with Puck.  Not to mention the last few episode Puck has bonding with Blaine, and still making vaguely homophobic comments.  So, I don’t buy this moment Glee, I don’t.  

Wait -- does Will count in this? God I hope not. 

Meanwhile -- those in that room who’ve supported him a lot? (Blaine seems really excluded during this) Those are the girls -- Mercedes, Rachel, Tina, Brittany, eventually Santana.  I mean, even he and Quinn have shared some nice background moments.  I can go for giving the whole Glee club a sentimental speech, but singling out the guys? Ug, whatever Glee. 

Okay -- for the song itself.  I may not be a fan of the aesthetics of the actual song, I do think it’s an appropriate choice for Kurt here -- and Chris sounds lovely as he always does on it. 

And I'll remember the love that you gave me Now that I'm standing on my own I'll remember the way that you changed me I'll remember

I like this -- I like the acknowledgement of growing up, and how Kurt’s changed, but he knows he’s a better person because he’s had this group of friends.  It’s a really nice thought.  

Inside I was a child That could not mend a broken wing Outside I looked for a way To teach my heart to sing

OMG! I never knew there was bird analogy in this! What’s our Klaine-bird score now? Lol.  But, yeah, wow Kurt -- feeling broken inside, and how long did it take Kurt to let people in, to let other people help heal him?

No I've never been afraid to cry Now I finally have a reason why I'll remember (I'll remember)

Ha! How very Kurt.  But also -- this is very much Kurt saying goodbye, too (as insinuated by the earlier Klaine scene).  And while it’s sad -- Kurt’s going to look back fondly, and dare I say, pretty okay with moving forward in his life. 

The Pact

Hey Kurt and Finn are talking to each other by the lockers.  I don’t think they’ve had any kind of conversation since The Spanish Teacher.  It’s a little bit a shame they didn’t do more with the brotherly aspect of their relationship. 

So, Rachel bops along to let them know their college letters will be there soon.  (I’m going to skip over the fact that this is not how college acceptance letters work, since most people have replies by January, but whatever, Glee.)  They make a pact to go open them in the choirvroom.  They even pinky swear!

Now that I think about it, this scene is kind of unnecessary narratively, but I’ll take it over the cut yearbook scene where Rachel claims Kurt as her soul mate.  (Ug, don’t get me started.) 

FWIW -- there’s a deleted scene featuring Mike Chang, too - cause he doesn’t really get a vignette in this.  Check it out on youtube, it’s nice. 

And Other Stories

So -- the seniors all take a moment and sing You Give What You Get to the underclassmen.  And, it’s kind of a bittersweet moment as each of them take a moment to say goodbye to their friends.  Like -- all of the friendships/relationships between senior and non-senior are non-verbally touched upon here, and it’s kind of neat. 

Klaine is very much a background entity at this point.  I mean, there’s the cute moment where Kurt mimes reeling in Blaine like a fish, and they dance together a little bit, and kind of half hug and whatnot.  

But then there’s this moment -- and it’s so blink and you’ll miss but I think it’s a little fascinating.  By the end of the song, the seniors have all traded places with the underclassmen, and Kurt and Blaine exchange this look.  It’s this kind of wistful, okay here we go, we have to do this now look.  It’s a little heartbreaking, cause now it’s not just Blaine who’s sad, Kurt’s feeling it a little, too. 

Aaaand then we get Finchel arguing about chairs, lol.  Oh this episode....

I completely forgot that In My Life was a dedication to Finn.  C’mon, writers, stop, it’s a little gratuitous at this point. 

Meanwhile, my god, there are a lot of shared looks between Kurt and Blaine this episode.  I mean, I’ll take them all, but this might be the episode with most shared across the room looks.  And, oh Blaine, he’s just about to lose it.  Kurt’s all smiling and loving at him, though. 

And note, it’s a nice touch that they do the whole Klaine thing when they’re singing this line: 

But of all these friends and lovers There is no one compares with you

So -- this is Quinn’s sequence, which I won’t be talking much about -- just that she considers this group of people friends! And that includes Kurt, who pleasantly waves at her as she passes.  Man, there’s a whole lot of untapped Kurt/Quinn friendship stories to be told. 

Also, things that strike me as kinda weird -- during the Quinn/Puck hook up scene, the Klaine scene plays in the background.  Weird - did they not have other music to put there? Because that’s most definitely Klaine’s theme -- you played it earlier in the episode.  Give it back!

It’s a little weird to me, but not to Glee because Glee logic says it makes sense, that all the seniors are waiting for Puck’s test to see if he passed.  And he did.  And Kurt goes and hugs the teacher, lol.  I wonder if that was a Chris idea.  That feels like a Chris idea. 

Graduation

It’s now time for that graduation photo op! 

So the graduation pecking order is from least important to most important according to Glee logic.  Sorry Mike Chang :/ 

Oh Kurt, and your glorious high kick entrance.  <3 

So this is, like, a spouse moment.  I mean, c’mon, it so is.  Kurt’s a mess, and Blaine hands him a handkerchief, and has him dry his eyes before his moment.  I mean -- yeah.  I love it so much.  

Aww, I love Kurt and his little bow once he graduates.  And Burt’s in the audience being a proud papa.  What a sweet little moment. 

Coda

So -- you know how all throughout season 3 I’ve been whining about the NYADA story line? It’s because of this moment right here -- the moment that Kurt does NOT get into NYADA.  

The thing that really infuriates me about it, the reason they kept giving Kurt all of those highs, that moment with dad when he gets his acceptance letter, that awesome audition sequence, was because knew they were doing this.  And they did this so that Rachel could go to New York by herself. KURT’S ENTIRE COLLEGE STORY LINE WAS SET UP SO THAT RACHEL COULD WIN!!! And that is why I have issues with the writing of Hummelberry during this season (and next).  

Cause I mean yeah, while it’s shody a bit, Kurt is going to get the /better/ story line overall, where he gets to be a complete character and not have everything handed to him.  But yeah - I remember how pissed everyone was at this moment.  And I can still feel it.  Because it’s not just the sting of not getting in.  It’s the sting of feeling like we were set up.  And it is infuriating.  Sorry bb, you’re a sidekick in someone else’s show.  At least the next three seasons do untangle this knot a little. 

So, Rachel gets into NYADA -- and Finn can at least feign his happiness.  Kurt’s a little: well fuck this shit.  Yup, I’m with ya, kiddo. 

The Rachel vignette though is seriously the worst.  Oh no, all my dreams have come true but I shall martyr myself because my boyfriend and my best friend aren’t as wonderful as I am. God, shut up Rachel. 

(I don’t hate Rachel -- but I’m not going to like her for a while.) 

The Unbearable Heaviness of Finchel. 

I am going to take a quick second and talk about Finchel.  Yes, I know this car scene is problematic -- and yes, Finn should not be making choices for Rachel.  I’m totally agreed with that criticism.  But man, there is something vindicating to seeing her actually have to confront an issue she has no control over.  It’s frustrating that Rachel’s good things often times are handed to her by the writers -- so I’m kind of welcoming of this little scene, tbh. 

You know what, now that I think of it, I’m guessing the original ending of the series was the inverse of this scene, where they finally get back together for good.  Huh.  Anyway -- despite the fact that the ten minute Finchel end of this episode is irritating, and kind of dismissive of all the rest of the characters, it is pretty well acted. 

Anyway -- here we are at the end -- and while I’m totally on team group song, I can see why the writers went this way.  Rachel’s saying goodbye and going off to New York, and this chapter of the show has ended.  So, it’s one last goodbye at the train station as everything spins in, well pardon my expression, new directions. 

Idk -- it seemed like a good shot, tbh.  So yeah, while there’s nothing else for Kurt here, except trying his best to be a good friend to Rachel, we leave Kurt here in Lima for, what is probably, a kind of hard summer.  

And so ends season 3, and the show as we know it - for better and worse I suppose.  Because yeah, everything after this is different as the series really won’t be the same one after this.  

So -- goodbye season 3. It’s been fun.  I would say I’m going to miss you, but no.  I really won’t. 

[greaterthannine-blog]

Quarter-Annual Favorites: July, August & September 2017

A Richer Take on "The Favorites"

You probably know the term "favorites" from the plethora YouTubers and beauty bloggers of past and present plastering their half-formulated opinions on a monthly basis. Those dodeca-doses of diluted opinions more often than not have about as much substance as an unfilled cream puff; decadently appealing on the outside, but wholly disappointing in their entirety. 

I believe those sorts of monthly reviews are too time and money consuming to be sustainable. A month just isn't enough time for me to purchase, use and adequately evaluate things I want to use regularly. For me to be thorough, I need more time. Plus, I don't want to scour retailers and internets just for the sake of producing "monthly favorites" content. That's a fuck-ton of cash and I don't want to gain readership based on displaying exorbitant consumerism. That just doesn't feel genuine.

Altogether, those factors considered, I'm going to do Quarter-Annual Favorites! Every quarter or three months of the year, I'll publish a collection my favorite things. A year will be divided into quote-on-quote "seasonal" quarters with the first being January, February & March, followed by April, May & June, then July, August & September, finishing with October, November & December. Since I didn't launch this site until August, I missed the first two quarters, so I'm just jumping right in with the summer one.

Style

Tom Ford Grace Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Brown & Tan: 

If there's an accessory that I love most, that would be sunglasses. I'd been on a hunt for these Tom Ford's when I stumbled upon a pair for sale on my favorite website ever: The Real Real. These sunnies retail for $480 but I copped them for $95. They have been sitting on my face or top of head ever since. 

Printed Scarf: 

While we're also on the topic of the head, I have to mention this lil' cherry & pear print hair scarf that I snatched from my mom's closet (I honestly couldn't find an equivalent for the life of me, so here's a lovely Hermès scarf). This is a perfectly sized small scarf that I either wrap a French-girl-esque manner snugly around my neck with a lil' knot or tie it around my hair to frame a ponytail.

Dr. Martens Valentine Arcadia Shoes:

While I've had these shoes for many months now, I've only been wearing them regularly as of the past couple months. They're leather and have a English school-boy feel, which gives them quality yet quirky character.

Riveted Leather Bracelets: 

I love consignment (and if my love for The Real Real doesn't show that then I don't know what would) and a while back I purchased these genuine black leather studded bracelets (a not-quite-so-similar similar) at a local consignment shop for $12. Adorned with denim rivets, these bracelets are a chic and spunky wrist accessory.

"Tomorrow Will Be Better" Strap iPhone Case: 

I'm a sucker for phone cases, and this one has been horribly useful. The strap on the back has a velcro strip on that allows you to strap the case (and your phone) to almost anything. Because I like to use my phone as an activity tracker, being able to attach my phone to my belts is ingenius.

Miscellaneous

Tod the Succulent: 

In one of my many farmer's market excursions, I purchased a succulent for $1. His name is Tod and he's great. If you want a Tod, please go to your local nursery.

Bonsai Care Set: 

Speaking of plants, I began a grand plant-care experiment by purchasing three bonsai trees. I am determined to keep these high maintenance shrubs thriving and this  has aided in my quest with tools to move soil and trim. 

J. Herbin Roller-ball Fountain Pen & J. Herbin Éclat de Saphir Ink Cartridges: 

The allure of fountain pens is real, but I could never get used to their somewhat scratchy writing. Then I found this J. Herbin roller-ball one that I use with cobalt blue ink. The roller-ball nib makes writing graceful, smooth and scratch free. It's honestly the only pen I've used all summer.

Duck Silver Duct Tape Regular and Mini: 

This is silver duct tape, and not the regular-duct-tape-silver, it's chrome. I've been using it to tape photo prints and paper into my sketchbook and journal to add a dash of reflective dimension to pages.

IMG Fashion Camp: 

I attended this camp at IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, FL and boy was it fan-freaking-tastic. I talked bunches of amazing people in the industry, my favorites of which were Bon Duke, Jimmy Moffat, Ivan Bart, and Brooke Wall as well as IMG WME peeps Rachel Fleitell, Jibran Siddiqui and Peter Knell. I also made some great buddies, Alexandra, Shawn and Ian, at the tennis courts. I'm going to make an entire post or two about this camp and my experience, so keep a look out for it.

Now for the Actual Favorites

I now present to you the first Quarter-Annual Favorites for July, August & September 2017. There are five categories for this first post. If I ever have the time or desire to expand for more than five areas per edition then I will, but for now five non-exclusive categories are the way to go. This quarter's categories are:

Style: which encompasses clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, etc.

Photography & Tech: which is exactly what it seems.

Beauty: which is very self-explanatory for today's day and age.

Media: which includes books, magazines, films, TV shows, podcasts, YouTube, other blogs, websites, you get the gist.

Miscellaneous: which is a complete mishmash of things that don't fall under one of the other categories.

For each thing I mention, I've written lil' tidbits that I recommend you read because information is important and all that snazzy-jazz. Plus, I imagine you want to know why I like these things above others, right?

IMPORTANT:

item links are attached to their names, so to go to that thing's page, just click on the name in this black typeface.

Beauty

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream: 

Brightening, whitening, radiant, glow are the four adjectives plastered all over my top shelf. So, when I laid eyes on this moisturizer I knew it was love at first glance. It smells of citrus-y creamy candy and evened my complexion in a couple weeks. I swear I will never use another moisturizer. Ever. Go buy it.

Glossier Balm Dot Com in Cherry: 

My lips are about as dry as a prune buried for multiple millennia under 50 feet of Sahara Desert sand. So, in short I need some heavy duty moisture for them, even during summer. This Glossier one hydrates without seeping into the face flesh surrounding the lips (which is a real and legitimate problem people) and gives a lil' pop of cherry red tint. It does smell of cherry medicine or Icee, but I can ignore that.

Burt's Bees Lipstick in 502 Suede Splash: 

For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate for very light or "no-makeup makeup." Luckily, there lip colors that aren't matte and are formulated to look like your lip color. This one is my lip color but better, and elegantly fades with time. And it's cheap. Perfecto.

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 55 In Love: 

I love blush. A nice flush of a peachy beige nude suits my skin best and this Chanel blush has been my go-to this summer. It possesses a barely detectable smidge of in-pan shimmer that brings just a tad of definition to the cheeks. The only issues are it's price and it smells of old fancy lady. But then again... It's Chanel.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Nude Bronze Light:

My issue with bronzing and contour is it makes people look like they've smeared sparkly dirt on themselves and have been burnt to a crisp. And for those reasons I've disliked bronzer. That is, until I discovered this Hourglass one. It produces a light sun-kissed shade that hardly looks like a contour. It looks ultra natural; a criteria that makeup must meet for my approval.

Photography & Tech

Olympus 35 RC Point & Shoot Camera:

Out of my two metal-body point & shoot cameras this one works best. It has a nifty-ass manual rangefinder focus which allows you to focus (albeit limitedly) on the subject in frame.

Kodak Professional Ektar Color Negative 100:

 Typically I reach for AgfaPhoto Vista Plus 200 but that has recently become difficult to acquire, so I've branched out a bit. This Kodak is slightly more saturated and the temperature is minutely warmer than the cool-prone Agfa.

Nintendo 3DS XL & Pokémon Moon:

I've been a Pokémon fanatic since I was seven and only recently have I had time to get back into the games. The 3DS I bought two years ago and Pokémon Moon have been a wonderful get-to-know-you-again experience this summer.

Aukey USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapters:

For graduating high school I received a new laptop from my Paw-Paw (grandmother). However, it only has USB-C ports so these adapters have been lifesavers to connect anything to my laptop.

Media

Vivi Magazine October 2017 Issue:

I know that October isn't a month in this quarter of the year, but because this is fashion, this issue was available in August and plus it featured one of my three role models Kiko Mizuhara (who funny enough is a professional model). This is a very vibrant and stylish magazine that I pretty much buy every month. I purchased my copy from Magazine Café and requested in the comment box the October 2017 issue, but you can also order it here.

her. magazine v. 04 spring/summer 2017:

Another favorite magazine!  This mag was created by The New Order founder James Oliver, a native New Zealander. It features Asian women in creative and artistic fields. I love reading about how these ladies started out, made it to where they are now and what they currently do in their craft. Terribly inspirational for a lil' hapa like myself.

Ready Player One by Earnest Cline:

I brought this book with me to IMG Fashion Camp in August. Some good ole science fiction was the perfect escape from the social-media obsessed teenage girl demographic surrounding mefor the week I was down in Florida, and I believe this book lives up to the hype. While it had a fairly predictable plot, it was a very interesting and detailed read. And the protagonist, Wade Watts is the ultimate lovable nerd-geek.

Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew:

If you didn't know, Pokémon is the best thing ever. And accompanying my game-playing revival has been a resurrection of watching Pokémon the series and especially the movies. Getting to sit back and rewatch one of my favorite films (no joke this is one of my Top Ten Favorite Films) has been exceptional, especially since it features Lucario, one of my favorite Pokemon.

The Grand Tour Season 1 (Not Pictured):

Top Gear was one of my all-time favorite TV shows. That is, until the departure of the best and most nincompoop-ish hosts in the world. And now it has become terrible. Fortunately, the three British Stooges have made a deal with Amazon to produce The Grand Tour. It's not quite as good as Top Gear used to be, particularly regarding the weird-ass Celebrity Brain Crash segments. But regardless of it's oddities, it is still hilarious. Go watch it. Now.

Hope that this Quarter-Annual Favorites: July, August & September lives up to some already sky-high standards.

Tell me your quarterly favorites in the comments! I really would love some recommendations and feedback!

And as always,

Thanks for popping by.

Toodles.

Abe