#and friends to cook holiday meals with and friends to go to the grocery store with and friends to fo arts and crafts with

[if-loki-was-a-fox]

ngl, I think it would solve a comical number of my problems to have a properly fleshed out social life

[chilope]

Ask meme for people in their 30s

What was the first piece of furniture you bought?

What proportion of your meals do you cook?

Foaming hand soap or normal hand soap?

Favorite chore?

Least favorite chore?

Most precious thing one of your pets has destroyed?

Any groceries you've been getting into lately?

What cleaning product do you swear by?

What's your emotional support craft?

Youtube, cable TV, or streaming?

What's something you saved up for and then regretted buying?

How many cups can you see from where you're sitting?

Which filter are you most likely to go "eh, it's probably fine" when you find out you need to change it?

How often do you take baths?

Do you go down each aisle when you grocery shop, or only the ones you know you need stuff from?

Where do you go when you need to get out of the house but it's raining?

What's a movie you saw recently that you liked?

Pro or anti tchotchkes?

What's your go-to tape?

What's in your freezer right now?

Last concert you attended?

Favorite grocery store?

Paper bags, plastic bags, or reusable bags?

Do you get your government mandated 8 hours every night?

Favorite old person activity?

Would you rather sit on the porch drinking sweet tea or sit by the lake drinking beers?

Do you prefer Boardgame Night, Build-Your-Own-Pizza Night, or Movie Night with your friends?

Be honest, do you like all of the pictures of their babies that your friends send you?

Go-to holiday card format?

How many pairs of scissors do you own?

Do you still own your first car?

How do you take your morning coffee/tea?

What's something you collect?

What's your commute like?

Aisle at the grocery store you never bother walking down?

Do you keep a daily journal or agenda?

Do you still listen to the same music you listened to in high school?

What's the last filter you changed?

What little treat do you always get when you run errands?

Grocery list or no grocery list?

What's the oldest thing you own?

What's an unjustifiably expensive appliance that you really want?

Favorite book you've read recently?

Honest feelings on Settlers of Catan?

What's something you wish you had more time for?

What kind of stuff do you keep on the door of your refrigerator?

Lamps or overhead lighting?

If you could build your home from scratch, what outrageous feature would you want to build into it?

Do you bring a bag with you everywhere you go?

Pro or anti throw pillows?

How many blankets do you keep in your living room?

Did your relationship with your parents get better when you stopped living with them?

What's worse, the DMV or the Social Security Office?

Do you decorate your house for holidays? Which ones?

Favorite high-effort meal that you make?

Favorite low-effort meal that you make?

Do you tend to bring an appetizer, entree, dessert, or drinks to a potluck?

What kind of bag do you use for your bag full of bags?

If you died and your ghost was stuck in the outfit you're wearing right now for the rest of time, would you be happy with it?

Do you have an opinion on your local weather reporter?

Do you have a favorite brunch spot?

Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale?

Opinion on Bath and Body Works?

Last time you visited a farmer's market?

Anything you're procrastinating on right now?

Do you get your taxes in as soon as possible, at the last minute, or late?

Do you keep any stuffed animals on your bed?

Are your garbage bags scented or unscented?

What are you looking forward to next week?

[rainylana]

Eddie’s the type of guy…

a/n: only one nsfw imagine! enjoy!

• eddie’s the type of guy to make a HUGE deal when he’s sick. he does nothing but complain and gripe.

• eddie’s the type of guy to somehow always accidentally set something on fire.

• eddie’s the type of guy that fake fucks his friends when they bend over to get something.

• eddie’s the type of guy to absolutely HATE being scared, but will watch horror movies and go into haunted houses because he loves the thrill. halloween is his favorite holiday.

• eddie’s the type of guy to leave a handful of change as a tip.

• eddie’s the type of guy that will stand in the candle aisle at the grocery store and pick out his favorite smells. it’s a mix between clean laundry or maple bourbon.

• eddie’s the type of guy that pisses with the door open.

• eddie’s the type of guy that’s not good in serious situations, especially when his friends need advice or help. he just makes jokes the whole time.

• eddie’s the type of guy who can only cook one meal, that being spaghetti, and thinks he’s a master chef.

• eddie’s the type of guy to wave at you when you look back at him in doggy style. he’s got a goofy ass smile on his face.

[strandnreyes]

because you want it

Late December always feels like a zoo for Carlos as he prepares his classroom for winter break, but when an afterwork errand causes him to bump into a handsome paramedic, Carlos’ holiday season takes a turn. As they begin to get to know one another through shared meals and traditions, Carlos finds a whole new reason to feel joyful this season.

“I will make this for you because I love you, because you need it, because you want it.” - Ella Risbridger, In the Kitchen

for @reyesstrand for @tarlos-santa who asked for TK and Carlos cooking together, developing traditions, working together to help someone, or an au. I wrote all of the above !! AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! ily friend 🤍 and thank you to @lightningboltreader for beta’ing

M // 12.5k // alternate universe

As far as evenings go, this one is pretty typical.

There’s a drug store only a mile away from Becker Elementary School and with the way the kids in Carlos’ third grade class have been coughing, picking up a pack of cold and flu medicine for just in case feels more like a necessity than and errand he could put off until his weekly shopping trip on Sunday.

While stopping at CVS isn't often in his nightly routine for when he’s done with work, running some sort of errand before he can go home is. It feels like there’s always something to do—a grocery item he forgot to pick up, a stop at the gym, or a visit to his parent’s house. Carlos doesn’t mind too much. After a day filled with rambunctious ten year olds, peace and quiet seem the only things Carlos would want. While that is true, there are times when the silence of his empty townhouse becomes too much, and these routine stops to prolong his time spent there make him feel a little more connected to the world.

continue on ao3

[vivalas-vega]

will you marry me? // dagger squad x reader

howdy y'all !!! this was a random idea I had well over a year ago that I never actually finished and just found when clearing out my wips and thought it would be a fun little thing to post, so please enjoy the dagger squad and what engagement ring I think they'd pick !!! I didn’t even intend for it to be a recurring thing that the proposals don’t go to plan or are silly but I guess it’s just on brand for them lmao

Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

this man is all about the classics - I mean, look at his bronco... he wanted to get you something simple with a bit of a modern twist. he's also a very sentimental man. he'd play it casual all week leading up to date night but surprise you by taking you to where you had your first date, whether that's a restaurant or a bar or the beach, and after the most perfect evening he'd propose with his mom's ring. because he's bradley and incredibly thoughtful, he'd also want you to have a ring that's only yours and I think he'd surprise you with that one randomly -- maybe after celebrating the engagement in bed that night, or the next morning over breakfast. you end up wearing Carole’s ring on your right hand (sometimes putting it around a necklace of hers Bradley also gifted you when you want to keep it extra safe) and your new ring on your left.

Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

Jake is all flash, but that doesn't mean he lacks substance. he scours your pinterest board for weeks and asks all your closest friends for their input, but at the end of the day he trusts himself to get it right because he knows you like the back of his hand. you deserve only the best, and he wants you to park your pretty butt on the beach when he's flying by and to be able to catch a glare from the rock he put on your finger. he'd either propose in the ice cream aisle at the grocery store (which surprises him as much as you) after watching you hem and haw over which flavor to get and deciding to get all three - or, he'd go all out and plan the perfect vacation to a destination that's been on your bucket list and research the most romantic spot in the whole country and really there's no in between.

Robert 'Bob' Floyd

our sweet man of few, but impactful, words. his ring choice and proposal is no different. he wants to get you something beautiful and unique, but neither one of you are known for being frivolous. he picks something modest that shows how well he knows you and how much he loves you. something about him screams christmas proposal - either at his family's snowy farm early in the morning before anyone has a chance to sweep you up in the festivities or in your shared home before heading to Mav and Penny's holiday dinner. either way, its just the two of you wrapped in your own bubble and you tease that Bob should be writing the proposals for hallmark movies because what he says is so perfect. you'd open a suspiciously wrapped gift you think is the worlds lightest pair of shoes but to your shock you find a ring, and Bob always regrets not setting up a camera to capture the priceless look on your face.

Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Natasha never thought she was one for marrying until she met you, and she'd definitely get you something beautiful and intricate without sacrificing delicacy. she'd plan the perfect evening in and cook your favorite meal, but absolutely ruin your favorite cookies and while she's flustered and panicking over a sheet of what looks like coal you're just laughing and gazing at her with this dumbstruck look that translates to you're such an idiot and I'm so in love with you and when she catches it she can't help herself and it just flies out, really she nearly yells and you're just standing watching her fumble to get the ring out her pocket not realizing you'd already said yes before you even saw it.

Javy 'Coyote' Machado

Much like Jake, he wants to get you something flashy but he was drawn to this one in particular because the band reminded him of airplane wings and he liked the idea of you not only having a token of his love on your hand every day he's on deployment, but one that has a little piece of his second love too. I think he'd definitely plan a big elaborate proposal but Jake's got a big mouth and didn't know you were at the bar and asks if he popped the question, only to see horror on Javy's face and you standing right behind him so he was really forced into it but of course you said yes because it was chaotic and imperfect and everything you could ever want.

Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia

Mickey would definitely want to get you something a little funky - neither one of you are known for being super traditional, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want you to have the perfect ring. true to his nature as soon as it's in his possession he's a little too excited to wait to plan something out and while you're all snuggled up watching star wars for the hundreth time he just blurts out that wants to marry you and when you look at him in shock he thinks he's ruined it and offended you by not doing it properly but once you get your wits about you all you can say is 'of course I'll marry you, you big idiot'

Reuben 'Payback' Fitch

I think Reuben leans more towards the classics as well, but with a little something extra. your relationship has always been sweet and fun and lighthearted, and your proposal is exactly the same. he takes you to the putt putt course you had your first date at and proposes in front of the windmill, and you can't keep it together long enough to say yes because he dropped the ring in the hole and even when he retrieves it your 'yes' is hard to decipher around all your laughing.

[bmv1]

Breaking Down Your Holiday Budget: Where to Spend, Where to Save

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring financial stress if you’re not careful. From gifts and decorations to travel and entertainment, the expenses can quickly add up.

However, with the right approach, you can create a holiday budget that allows you to enjoy the festivities without the burden of debt.

Set a Realistic Budget from the Start

Before diving into holiday spending, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. Take a close look at your overall financial situation, including your income, expenses, and any upcoming bills. Factor in your usual monthly costs, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, and insurance, so you have a clear understanding of your financial limits.

Once you’ve established your financial boundaries, work with a financial advisor Sydney to determine how much you can comfortably allocate to holiday spending. Setting a budget will prevent you from overspending and help you avoid financial stress come January.

Where to Spend: Invest in Meaningful Gifts

When it comes to spending during the holidays, gifts are often the biggest expense. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to show your loved ones you care. Focus on purchasing gifts that are thoughtful and meaningful rather than expensive or extravagant. Personalized items, such as custom jewelry, monogrammed accessories, or handmade gifts, often feel more special than store-bought items and can be purchased within a modest budget.

If you’re worried about overspending on gifts, consider setting a spending limit for each person on your list and stick to it. This will help you avoid the temptation of buying more than you can afford. For bigger family gifts or group presents, consider pooling resources with others to reduce individual costs.

Travel can also be a significant holiday expense. If you plan to travel to visit family or take a vacation, budgeting for airfare, accommodation, and meals is crucial. Early booking can often lead to discounts, so plan ahead to take advantage of lower prices. For a more cost-effective solution, consider staying with friends or family or exploring local travel options rather than flying.

Where to Save: Cut Back on Extras

While it’s important to spend thoughtfully on gifts and travel, there are plenty of areas where you can cut back and still enjoy the season. Here are some tips for saving without missing out on holiday fun:

Decorations

Holiday decorations can be beautiful, but they can also be expensive. Rather than buying all-new decor every year, try reusing items you already own, or make your own decorations. DIY holiday crafts can be a fun, creative way to add festive touches to your home without breaking the bank.

Entertainment

While holiday parties and gatherings are a great way to celebrate, they can also come with added costs, such as catering or buying drinks. Instead of hosting a big, expensive party, consider a potluck-style gathering where guests bring their favorite dishes. You could also opt for low-cost entertainment, such as game nights, movie marathons, or a holiday scavenger hunt.

Dining Out

If dining out is part of your holiday tradition, keep your budget in mind when choosing restaurants. Instead of going to expensive venues for every meal, mix in some home-cooked meals or casual dining experiences. You can still enjoy delicious food and create special moments without the high price tag.

Track Your Spending Throughout the Season

One of the most effective ways to stay on top of your holiday budget is by tracking your spending. This may seem like a small step, but it can have a big impact. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your expenses as you go. By entering your purchases as you make them, you’ll be able to easily see how much you’ve spent in each category and whether you’re staying on track.

If you’re finding that you’re going over budget in one area, like gifts or dining, you can adjust your spending in other areas to make up for it. Consistent tracking ensures that you don’t lose sight of your budget and helps you avoid unnecessary debt after the holiday season.

Consider a Holiday Savings Fund

To avoid financial stress when the holiday season rolls around, start planning ahead by setting up a holiday savings fund. Even a small amount saved each month leading up to the holidays can add up and make a significant difference in your overall budget. Working with a financial advisor Sydney can help you determine a savings plan that works for your lifestyle and goals.

A savings fund will allow you to spread out your holiday expenses and ensure you don’t have to rely on credit cards or loans. This way, you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about paying off debt in the new year.

Creating a holiday budget doesn’t have to mean cutting out all the fun. By spending thoughtfully and saving in areas that don’t compromise your enjoyment, you can have a wonderful holiday season without the financial hangover. Whether it’s investing in meaningful gifts or cutting back on unnecessary extras, staying mindful of your spending will help you end the year on a positive note.

If you need help setting up a realistic budget or managing your finances during the holidays, consulting a financial advisor Sydney can provide you with the expertise and guidance you need. With careful planning, you can ensure a debt-free, stress-free holiday season and set yourself up for a strong financial start to the new year.

[itspbandjellytime]

And All The Girls Dream That They'd be Your Partner (1/?)

Plot: What happens when Yelena Belova and Kate Bishop accidentally bumped into each other on the way to their separate jobs at the end of November?

Ships: Yelena Belova/Kate Bishop

Words: 1.7k words

Notes: Hi everyone I am sorry for not posting on both Tumblr and Wattpad, I have been so burnt out for the past few weeks and my motivation has hit an all time low. So as a treat, here's a Bishova fic. I hope you guys enjoy this fanfic <3

New York City, Somewhere during the last week of November.

Yelena wakes up to the sound of her alarm going off for the second or third time in a row, she has lost count. She sits up straight and groans in annoyance as she stretches her limbs to the point that you can hear her joints pop, Yelena grabs her phone and once her vision clears she notices that it’s already a quarter to ten. She’s late, Yelena is late for work.

“Cука!” Yelena exclaimed as she realises that she’s late for work, Yelena works for Bon Appetite as a Chef and Editor. Yelena loves cooking and it’s her love language, whenever someone tells her that they’re gonna come over for lunch or dinner. Yelena would rush to the grocery store to buy the things she needs so she can make either a meal or some pastries while her friends are over. 

Yelena quickly grabbed her stuff and ran out of her apartment, seconds later she rushes back inside cause she forgot something, her set of kitchen knives. “Damn it, my knives!” She exclaimed as she grabbed her set of kitchen knives that she uses and ran back outside of her apartment.

As she left the building, she started brisk walking, muttering things in Russian looking around as the pace of her walking quickens and quickens as if she’s like Sonic the hedgehog.

Enter Kate Bishop, a personal trainer at a gym in New York. She is also late for work, but she’s riding a bike on her way to the gym. Her heart starts pumping like crazy as she quickly pedals her bike.

“HEY!”

“WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!!”

“The Mayor of New York should ban you from riding bikes!” 

Those were the comments she was getting from every New Yorker she got today, and all Kate did was look behind them and yell “Sorry!” then go on. While biking she was distracted by a piece of gum that stuck to the wheel of her bike and tried to take it off, when all of a sudden she looks up and collides with Yelena. Kate and her bike fall on top of Yelena, they both groan in pain. 

“Oh my God, I am so sorry!” Kate apologises as she gets up from her bike “Watch where you’re going, Jesus.” Yelena barks back, brushing  the dirt off her shoulders and stretching. 

“Excuse me, you watch where you’re going. You were literally running like a damn cheetah.” Kate answers back, Yelena lets out an offended gasp at Kate’s response. “I am sorry, I wasn’t the one who is riding her bike like I am in the Tour de France or something. Watch your tone!” Yelena grumbles, grabbing her bag from Kate and brisk walking away from her cause she doesn’t want to be late for whatever she has going on at work. Kate just stood there and watched Yelena walk away from her sight which made her zone out, she then realises she has to go to work as well “Shit.” Kate mumbled to herself not being time sensitive, she got on her bike and started to bike to the gym she works in.

Meanwhile at the Bon Appetit headquarters, Yelena makes her way to the meeting room dodging people in her way. Yelena opens the door and sees that the meeting has started “Sorry, I was late. New York was very… Let’s say… crowded.” Yelena says, sitting next to Helen. Quentin Quire, who is the CEO of Bon Appetit just side eyes Yelena’s excuse for being late “Yeah… Just don’t do that again, okay Belova? I don’t want us to be rotting in a meeting room that’s colder than Antarctica waiting for people like you, Moving on! It’s the last week of November which means next week is December, and you know what holiday falls on december? Christmas! I know there are people in this room who don’t celebrate Christmas, but still… Christmas.” Quentin says to the group, he turns around and starts to write something on the whiteboard. 

The sound of the whiteboard marker making contact with the whiteboard lowkey starts to bother and annoy Yelena, not to mention the freshly refilled ink is stenching up the room “Eugh.” Yelena quietly gags. “OKAY! I need plans, ideas for videos, the website, anything fire when ready!” Quentin says, snapping his fingers to grab people’s attention. “Belova, you.” Quentin points at Yelena who is jotting down ideas in her notebook, Yelena looks up and looks around the room and points at herself. 

“Me?” She asks, Yelena clears her throat and looks down at the notes “How about we uh… Make a highlight of different dishes and pastries of each holiday tradition on the website? And for the youtube channel, we do videos related to those different dishes and pastries?” Yelena suggested, tapping her pen on the blank page of the notebook she has. Yelena’s suggestion made the room quiet, the silence has never been this loud. Quentin just looks at her and nods in agreement “Okay, does anyone have thoughts on Yelena’s suggestion?” Quentin asks the people in the room, no one is saying a word at this point. 

“No one? Okay, if no one has any ideas left we’re sticking to Yelena’s idea. You are also one of the head chefs so try making some dishes and give it to the head writer and such, now will you excuse me I need to buy tickets for Dazzler’s Eons Tour, you guys should listen to her new album The Suffering Bards Ministry.” Quentin says with a shit eating grin, calling an end to this meeting.

After the meeting, Yelena along with Helen, Bucky, and his boyfriend Sam decided to go out for coffee at a coffee shop near the building. “Quick question, why were you late earlier?” Bucky asks Yelena, grabbing a bite of his Croissant. Yelena rolls her eyes, taking a sip of her coffee. “I overslept through my alarm and then Some girl who thinks she’s Lance Armstrong during Tour de France ran me over with her bike.” Yelena says furrowing her brows, Bucky and Sam look at each other and back at Yelena “Yikes, good thing you didn’t sustain any injuries.” Sam says.

“Yeah my butt just hurts, she fell on top of me.” Yelena mentions.

“Can I just say something?” Helen says, grabbing the attention of Yelena, Bucky, and Sam. “What?” Bucky asks, tilting his head.

“I liked it better when Scott was the CEO of this company.” Helen mentions taking a sip of her coffee, the three agreed to what Helen said “Totally, I am sick and tired of Quentin’s sorry ass being so righteous.” Sam comments, “I get that he’s trying to be a cool and hip CEO for the younger generations but he is failing at that aspect.” Bucky mentions looking around his surroundings “What about you, Lena?”

Yelena nods in agreement “No, I totally agree with everything you’re saying guys. Scott was a better boss and CEO, I’d rather have a cringey guy run the company than some pink mohawk hair dude with a superiority complex.” Yelena says, her phone lights up and it’s an Email from Quentin which made her groan in annoyance “Are you joking me right now? He wants the recipes sent to him within the week!” Yelena complains as she stands up “Now will you excuse me, I have to buy the ingredients I need for the dishes and stuff.” Yelena says, putting her phone back in her bag and leaving the others.

Hours have passed, Kate finally heads home to her apartment where Lucky has been waiting for her “Hey buddy!” Kate crouches down to pet Lucky and scratches his head “I know I missed you too!” Kate giggles and stands up as she walks around her apartment. Kate slumps on the couch letting out a sigh as she looks at her calendar realising it’s the last week of november “Can you believe it? It’s the last week of november and then next week it’s december then christmas is right around the corner.” Kate says to herself as she frowns, Kate is celebrating her first christmas after breaking up with some guy and she doesn’t have plans on visiting her parents this christmas as well. Kate could celebrate Christmas with The Bartons but Clint told Kate beforehand that they’re celebrating the holidays in Florida. 

Kate looks down and sees Lucky infront of her carrying his bowl, which made her smile seeing the dog hold it is cute in her eyes “Looks like we’re spending Christmas together, huh buddy?” Kate says as she stands up from the couch and grabs dog food from the counter for Lucky to have. Kate checks the cabinet and notices she has ran out of food, she only has one pack of ramen left. “Looks like I need to go to the grocery again.” Kate mutters to herself as she cooks the last pack of ramen, once that’s done she heads to the living room and spends her time watching the news all bundled up with Lucky.

Yelena on the other hand, is in her apartment busy with making recipes for Bon Appetit, her kitchen is a mess and so far she has done one out of the ten dishes and pastries she jotted down. “Damn it.” Yelena sighs, wiping the sweat off her forehead as she looks at her flour covered surface, her kitchen knives are all over the place, and the pots and pans piling up the sink from yesterday as well. “I am calling this a day, I will just message Quentin that I made one dish that I haven't tasted yet…” Yelena says to herself, grabbing a clean spoon from the drawer, she tasted the dish she made tonight which is a quiche and shuddered “...That's… Eugh… Doesn't taste good.” Yelena says, throwing the food down the trash.

Yelena starts to clean her workspace up, wash the dishes and place them in the right places. Yelena started to freshen up and took a shower as well, after that she sent the Email to Quentin and headed to bed for another day at work.

[becasbelt]

the beca + cooking character study that ATTACKED my brain that nobody asked for

* * *

Beca Mitchell hated cooking.

At least, that’s what she would like to be put on the official record.

Not all children of divorce are forced to grow up fast. Beca knows this, in a very tangible way. She had friends growing up whose parents were also divorced, and life continued much in the same way for them as it did before their parents separated. Sometimes they’d even joke that life was better now since they got double the gifts on holidays, double the parties for their birthday.

Beca always let them have their moment, didn’t feel the need to shut down what optimism they could find in whatever turbulent custody schedule their parents’ lawyers had worked out. Didn’t feel like shoving her own thoughts about her divorced parents in their faces.

By the time she was 12 years old, Beca could make a few pretty decent casseroles. They weren’t all that complex, mostly just cheese, noodles, and different sauces mixed together in a glass pan. But after about 6 months of living off of PB&Js, Lunchables, and Spaghettios, waiting for her mom to snap out of whatever work-induced daze she’d been in since her dad walked out on them, Beca decided that they needed actual food.

So, she’d rolled up her sleeves and designated herself the man of the household.

Grocery shopping took a while for her to figure out. Beca would walk to the nearest Walmart and stare wide-eyed at all the different aisles, foods, and brands available. Overwhelmed and out of her league.

At first she’d just grab whatever she vaguely recognized and buy it, avoiding eye contact with the cashier and handing over her mom’s credit card before hightailing it out of the store as fast as she could. But eventually she found she actually liked grocery shopping. She’d slip her headphones over her ears and peruse the aisles, wondering what different vegetables and seasonings would taste like in a stir fry or pasta.

By 14, Beca had a pretty solid routine. Saturdays were shopping and laundry days. She’d make a list of all the stuff they needed, ask her mom if she had any meal suggestions (which she didn’t), walk the two miles to Walmart, then haul all the bags she could carry back.

It got easier when she was 16 and could drive. Faster, for one, and she could actually bring home more than four bags at a time.

Every day after school she’d come home, make dinner, wait around until 7:00 to see if her mom would be home to eat with her, and when she inevitably didn’t show, put the food away and go work on her her music until she couldn’t keep her eyes open.

If her mom ever noticed Beca’s efforts in keeping them both fed, she never let on.

Beca kept up that routine until she was 18, until the decision to go to college was made for her by a father who was suddenly interested in being a part of her life again.

The day before leaving for Barden, Beca put together a week’s worth of freezer meals - which, for one person who often forgot to eat, would last more like a month, really. The next morning a taxi picked her up and took her to the airport.

Her mom was already at work by the time she left.

When Beca stepped foot inside her dorm room for the first time, the first thing she noticed was the strangely hostile energy coming off in waves from her roommate. The second thing she noticed was that there was no kitchen. She would be getting all her meals from the cafeteria on the main floor.

The first meal Beca ate from the cafeteria was chicken parmesan. It was bland at best, probably frozen chicken that could be prepared and served en masse.

Beca didn’t lift a finger to make it.

It was perfect.

When Beca moved into the Bella house a year later, with all the rest of the Bellas piling in behind her, her heart sunk at the sight of the large, fancy kitchen just off the living room. She’d spent the last year living off of cafeteria food, energy drinks, and chips, and the thought of meal prepping and grocery shopping again was enough to make her sick.

That sickness lasted all of two seconds before Chloe loudly started to explain to everyone how their kitchen and cooking duties worked. How they would all rotate through who went shopping for food, but for the most part they’d fend for themselves unless someone felt the urge to cook for everyone.

They were adults, after all. They were old enough to look after themselves.

That was enough for Beca to breathe again.

Beca sort of stuck to how things were the year before, eating out often for meals, but mostly just snacking a lot. It was hell on her digestive system, sure, but she had more important things to worry about. Like school and her music and the Bellas.

The rest of the Bellas liked to tease her about it. They would joke that she probably couldn’t even boil water and that’s why she didn’t cook very much. Amy liked to say she was forever trapped in a 12 year old boy’s body; her stomach a bottomless pit that only craved Cheetos and Red Bull.

Beca didn’t mind the teasing, really. She’d just laugh it off and shove more chips in her mouth.

When the other girls cooked for everyone, Beca would thank them politely and enjoy her food, feeling no pressure to return the favor. The most common group cook was Chloe, who always served her Bellas with a smile. Which was awesome, really, except-

Chloe Beale, for all her charm and beauty, was not a great cook.

Her food was fine, for the most part. No worse than the cafeteria food Beca lived off of for a year. Chloe just wasn’t... particularly gifted in the kitchen. Most of the time her noodles were ever so slightly undercooked, her cookies a little overdone, and the girl didn’t know how to use any seasonings besides salt to save her life.

And yet Chloe loved to cook. Not out of necessity or obligation, just out of a genuine enjoyment for hearing things sizzle in a pan, or watching bread rise in the oven. She’d turn on some music and waltz around the kitchen like she was Rachel Ray, not even realizing her sauce was thickening to a worrying degree.

It was, Beca had to admit, one of her favorite sights in the world.

Sometimes Beca would just sit at the counter and watch Chloe prance around, joking and laughing with her, and sometimes she would lend a... secretive hand. If Chloe was distracted with a picture of a dog on her phone, Beca would stir the meat cooking on the stove. When Chloe would get caught up talking with Stacie about a guy in her class, Beca would add a pinch of garlic powder onto the veggies.

No one ever noticed Beca doing it, and the look on Chloe’s face when she discovered how good her food had turned out always made Beca want to do it again.

It wasn’t until they’d all graduated and went their separate ways that Chloe figured out Beca could cook.

The NYC apartment that Chloe, Beca, and Amy called home was about the size of Beca’s bedroom back in her mom’s house. The shower was in the kitchen, the kitchen was in the living room, and the living room doubled as Chloe and Beca’s bedroom.

Their refrigerator oscillated between too cold and too warm, their oven worked seemingly only when the moon was in certain phases, and their microwave took twice as long to heat food up as it should. Most of their food cooked unevenly or had the inexplicable taste of cigarette smoke to it, and if they had anything on the stovetop for more than two minutes the fire alarm would go off.  

It was something close to hell, if Beca was being honest, but Chloe thought their tiny studio apartment was just about the most charming place on earth, which made Beca hate it just a little less.

“You would not believe the day I’ve had.”

Beca smirks from her place by the stove. “I’m sure I won’t,” she drawls, prodding at the chicken cooking in its pan. “Tell me all about it.”

Chloe launches into the chaos that was her day at the animal shelter, and the longer the story goes on, the more Beca starts to understand why she’s home so late. Normally Chloe would get home before Beca and start on dinner, finishing up around when Beca got home so that they could eat together. When Beca had gotten home today, expecting the same, she was instead greeted by an empty apartment and a text from Chloe simply telling her she’d be home late.

Beca had considered going out and getting McDonald’s for all of two seconds before shrugging and starting on dinner herself.

As Chloe finishes up her story, Beca plates food for both of them and settles at the table. Chloe digs in right away, still talking a mile a minute, and pauses after one bite with wide eyes.

“Beca, this is really good,” she says, mouth full of food.

Beca spears a piece of chicken. “It’s just chicken and rice,” she says with a shrug. “Not too complicated.”

“No, but this is, like, really good,” Chloe repeats emphatically. “Like, the chicken isn’t dry and the rice isn’t crunchy and-” she smacks Beca on the arm and Beca yelps. “You’re telling me I’ve lived with you for five years and I never knew you could cook? I thought you were incompetent!”

Beca stifles a laugh. “I guess you don’t know me as well as you thought you did,” she says with a grin.

Chloe laughs delightedly. “Yeah, I’ll say,” she agrees, leaning back in her chair to appraise Beca in a new light. Beca ducks her head at the attention and pushes her food around her plate.

After dinner when Beca is washing dishes, Chloe slides her arms around Beca’s middle from behind and buries her face in Beca’s neck. This is also part of their routine, at the end of each day when Chloe is feeling a little sleepy and affectionate, but today has the added bonus of Chloe murmuring her thanks for dinner into Beca’s skin, warmth and gratitude oozing from the words.

Beca closes her eyes and remembers countless nights waiting around for someone who didn’t care enough to make it home in time for meals, let alone thank Beca for preparing them. She sinks back into Chloe’s embrace and allows herself a moment to enjoy the affection.

She tells Chloe “anytime,” and means it.

And maybe starts to hate cooking a little less.

[choccyhearts]

eddie munson can't cook...

this is a popular headcanon and while i do agree,,,,

as a delusional loser, i'm going to say:

eddie munson can't cook and has never been able to cook until he found his mother's recipe book

while decluttering the trailer for spring cleaning, wayne finds an old box filled with random documents, knick knacks and something left for eddie from his mother

wayne smiles sadly as he holds the old book. it's worn on the corners and the spine is creaky and frail. a few of the pages are weak from water droplets and rips

he calls eddie over and hands him the book

the air leaves eddie's body as he looks at the forgotten thing. small flashes of memories flow through his mind -- thanksgivings, sunday mornings, his 6th birthday. just a handful of the times he saw his mother drag her finger along the pages and occasionally scribble and scratch with her chewed on pen

he blinks slowly as his eyes scan each page, his mother's handwriting sharp and curly but somehow he can read it just fine

when he lies in bed that night he reads the book over and over and over;

potato casserole ...

deviled eggs ...

choclate chip brownies ...

eddie's favorite birthday cake ...

all of those times his mother asked him to close his eyes or leave the room so her secret ingredients wouldn't be revealed echo in his ears. all those " needs extra something"s printed on these pages forever

he decides to not let his mother's cooking die with her

over the course of a month, he saves all of his money up, waiting for the right day to hit the grocery store and stock up

when he gets back from the store, he drops all the bags on the counter. he flicks on the tv to some horror movie and cracks open a beer -- it's not his mother's glass of cheap red wine and soap operas but close enough

he stays in the kitchen all day, sweating from the heat of the stove and oven and from his anxiety shooting through the roof. the most he's ever done before is scrambled eggs and even then, wayne's had to step in before

but he reads his mother's words carefully, slowly. he lets her guide his hands as he stirs and whisks and chops

it's nightfall when he's done. despite snacking on the ingredients and a bag of chips, he's still hungry, excited to chow down

wayne comes in surprised at what his boy's done. eddie sheepishly asks wayne if he wants to try everything. wayne chuckles and sits down at the table

as they go through each dish, eddie's heart twists and thumps. if you could eat a memory, a vision, he was doing just that

while he's proud of himself, he can't help but feel a little disappointed and unsatisfied. everything was a little off. small bits were burnt or a little under cooked, a little too much salt here, too many onions there

wayne tells him to go easy on himself, there's still more time to keep cooking

so eddie keeps cooking.

he starts incorporating it into his daily life. he "buys" other books and cuts recipes out of magazines; if he can do this recipe than he'll have no issue doing this other one

but of course, the best part of cooking is sharing

so he makes snacks for hellfire. bakes his friends' favorite dessert on their birthdays. invites them over some nights just to try whatever new creation he's found or thought up

holidays may not be fruitful with presents but a delicious hot meal is always guaranteed now. when he eats at restaurants or other people's homes he's able to dissect what's in the food and appreciate the time and energy it takes to get made

soon, his mother's recipe book is stuffed with sticky notes of comments or thoughts eddie has; "half the butter for wayne's cholesterol", "exclude the hazelnuts for gareth", "add lemon zest", "sprinkle parmesan on top - fresh"

eddie munson can't cook and has never been able to cook, until he found his mother's recipe book. now, he's the scary, evil metalhead dungeon master who knows how to properly whip meringue and cook a holiday dinner

[ashton-ryder]

👥 Charlie

Send ‘👥‘ for 4 hcs about our muses relationship or about your muse @pxtitxrosx

Charlie and Ashton would often go on grocery store runs, an idea early on to help her overcome her fears bit by bit, sometimes with Jeremiah or JP as well, but Ash promised to always open the invitation to her when he was about to do his. Simply taking their time, strolling through the aisles, letting her dream up of what she could ever want to stock their home with, even though they were both very frugal and thrifty buyers. Usually their grocery list is "whatever's on offer". But if there was ever something too expensive having Charlie put things back on the shelf, Ash would often circle back to grab it into his own basket anyways, exchanging something he didn't really need out. It was really nice, to bond with Charlie this way, and her brothers if they had time to join in on the mini adventure out.

Introducing his mother to the Roses, with them pretty much being his first new friends moving here, his mother immediately took a liking to the three of them, empathetic and honestly, pissed off at the fact of what their mother put them through. She made the effort to always ask about them when she gets on video calls with Ashton, insisting on greeting them and saying hi when she could to the point they were having more conversations than Ash was involved in, especially with Charlie. They shared contacts and Ash left them to their own devices to discuss everything under the sun; recipes, kitchen hacks, life, boys, love lives (both of Charlie's and Ash's, she had to know the hot goss and she knows her own son would not be telling her). Over the years the Ryders and Roses had spent many holidays together, often times Amelia visiting in New York and cooks a whole dinner for them, on rarer times in Minnesota, knowing how busy the brothers were and getting time off would be more complicated. But she just wanted to return the love that the siblings have given to Ash all this time, knowing that they deserve it more than anyone else she knew.

Charlie thinks Ash's style is... cute, boring. There isn't even really a style to it, just shirts, sweaters, jeans, pants, a button up and a tie and suit, Ash packed light when he moved and it was still pretty much everything he had. Charlie refuses to accept that and a few years back began looking at clothes for Ashton, thrifting things from the thrift store, clothes her brother outgrew, sewing and tailoring things despite Ash's insistence that she didn't need to. But she gave him new styles to try out at least. Ashton keeps everything she gave him, (even the sparkly hand sewn yarn cardigan sweater when his mom gave Charlie so much yarn one year) and absolutely wears them as part of his roster, though in bits and pieces. The one time he tried on a full style from Charlie, it garnered a bit too much attention at the campus, his students making fun that he got a date or something dressing so nicely, and random people started hitting on him, too traumatizing that he immediately aborted that and instead wore her recommendations in bits and pieces here and there.

Early on when Ashton was more oblivious of the extent of how far Sada's reach was, he once opened up to Ria, telling her the grievances he's had the moment Sada realized he lived here, and even it took him some time to figure out why the disdain. He should've known better and Ria only had good intentions, asking Sada about it only for it to backfire into his fault for lying to her. One of the nights after, he came back home to his telescope busted and broken into pieces. As punishment. It honestly tore him apart, he sat there alone picking up the glass pieces with his bare hands and cleaning up the mess until Charlie came by to visit and sees him there, no questions asked, coming inside to help him. Ashton spent the next few months scrimping, saving and skipping meals for a new one, but it warmed his heart coming into the diner one day, seeing a small jar, in hopes to help him ease the load.

[frances-baby-houseman]

lol I love it how we're all like, no I won't make you ask these, I will just overshare on my own 😌

Ask meme for people in their 30s 40s

What was the first piece of furniture you bought? A little ikea coffee table with curved legs that I used as a tv stand until it literally collapsed.

What proportion of your meals do you cook? I cook dinner 5ish nights a week, and I make most of the breakfasts and lunches when we're at home. I'm the only cook in the house (my husband does do basic meal stuff like eggs and mac and cheese) so the other nights tend to be takeout.

Foaming hand soap or normal hand soap? foaming or liquid, just not bar.

Favorite chore? folding laundry

Least favorite chore? every other part of laundry (but honestly I hate all chores, they're chores!)

Most precious thing one of your pets has destroyed? no pets!

Any groceries you've been getting into lately? popsicles

What cleaning product do you swear by? folex carpet cleaner

What's your emotional support craft? crochet

Youtube, cable TV, or streaming? my PREFERENCE is cable from the year like 2002, but my reality is cable and every single streaming service.

What's something you saved up for and then regretted buying? honestly I cannot think of anything?

How many cups can you see from where you're sitting? owala water bottle, can of strawberry culture pop, empty mug from my friend's bookstore

Which filter are you most likely to go "eh, it's probably fine" when you find out you need to change it? I don't filter things, I barely chagne the car oil

How often do you take baths? omg never bc I barely fit in our vintage tub but if I could I'd do it weekly

Do you go down each aisle when you grocery shop, or only the ones you know you need stuff from? I exclusively shop at trader joe's, which only has 3 aisles, so yes, but when I am forced to go to a real grocery store, absolutely not.

Where do you go when you need to get out of the house but it's raining? Target or the movies or the gym. gtl if you will.

What's a movie you saw recently that you liked? Hit Man!

Pro or anti tchotchkes? pro! I love little things that show people who you are.

What's your go-to tape? just regular scotch but I also like pink painters tape in the right situation.

What's in your freezer right now? ICE, bc I am southern, and also many popsicles and asian items from trader joe's

Last concert you attended? James Taylor, it was wonderful

Favorite grocery store? Trader Joe's but ideally Publix, where I would go down every aisle, bc they are still reasonable.

Paper bags, plastic bags, or reusable bags? reusable but I sometimes get paper (I have to buy them for $.10) bc I use them for our compost.

Do you get your government mandated 8 hours every night? lollllll

Favorite old person activity? saying "who is that, you know that guy in the thing with the girl who was in that show with julia louis dreyfus"

Would you rather sit on the porch drinking sweet tea or sit by the lake drinking beers? lake with sweet tea

Do you prefer Boardgame Night, Build-Your-Own-Pizza Night, or Movie Night with your friends? movie

Be honest, do you like all of the pictures of their babies that your friends send you? oh yes, who doesn't love a baby

Go-to holiday card format? no holiday cards! we're jews!

How many pairs of scissors do you own? like 3 normal pairs and 2 pairs of kitchen shears

Do you still own your first car? Nope.

How do you take your morning coffee/tea? coffee with whole milk

What's something you collect? I don't really collect anything but I do wish that I did. I just like a lot of junk!

What's your commute like? about 35 min on the expressway including school drop off, but hopefully taking the train next year.

Aisle at the grocery store you never bother walking down? again I only shop at trader joe's, which has 3 aisles and I have them all memorized. Ask me where something is.

Do you keep a daily journal or agenda? daily journal with just a few lines

Do you still listen to the same music you listened to in high school? all the time

What's the last filter you changed? HVAC filter like 2 months ago

What little treat do you always get when you run errands? cute socks at target or a dessert treat

Grocery list or no grocery list? list

What's an unjustifiably expensive appliance that you really want? pebble ice maker

Favorite book you've read recently? Greta & Valdin

Honest feelings on Settlers of Catan? ??

What's something you wish you had more time for? spontaneity

What kind of stuff do you keep on the door of your refrigerator? school stuff and pictures of me as a baby for some reason

Lamps or overhead lighting? lamps

If you could build your home from scratch, what outrageous feature would you want to build into it? a private living room just for myself

Do you bring a bag with you everywhere you go? no, I load up my giant coat pockets in the winter

Pro or anti throw pillows? pro but not super strong feelings here. like, they are good for design and comfort but don't go crazy.

How many blankets do you keep in your living room? 3 in the living room, 4 in the den

Did your relationship with your parents get better when you stopped living with them? lolllll

What's worse, the DMV or the Social Security Office? bureaucracy is bureaucracy

Do you decorate your house for holidays? Which ones? not really, a little for halloween but again, jews.

Favorite high-effort meal that you make? oh god I haven't cooked something really good in ages, but I guess brisket and potato kugel

Favorite low-effort meal that you make? chicken sausage pasta

Do you tend to bring an appetizer, entree, dessert, or drinks to a potluck? dessert or pasta salad

What kind of bag do you use for your bag full of bags? the most structured of the bags

If you died and your ghost was stuck in the outfit you're wearing right now for the rest of time, would you be happy with it? mostly, though these shoes rub a little.

Do you have an opinion on your local weather reporter? Tom Skilling 5 eva

Do you have a favorite brunch spot? I once did! I don't brunch anymore but I do love the french place in my town.

Where are you on the minimalism-maximalism kinsey scale? far on the maximalism.

Opinion on Bath and Body Works? nope.

Last time you visited a farmer's market? saturday. we go most weeks in the summer!

Anything you're procrastinating on right now? oh god just about everything. I'm on question 64 of this stupid survey!

Do you get your taxes in as soon as possible, at the last minute, or late? I used to be early but now my husband has to do them and it's a Whole Thing

Do you keep any stuffed animals on your bed? yes

Are your garbage bags scented or unscented?oh god unscented, I would throw away scented ones

What are you looking forward to next week? getting a new tv! (ours died and the replacement won't be here for a few days... kill me)

[dragoon811]

I am so so tired

What is a rest? What is a good night's sleep? My oldest has a cold and is clingy. My youngest has gone from a kiddo with a good sleep routine and a nighttime cuddle to having the biggest tantrums EVER. I spent THREE hours last night getting her to bed.

I don't know how I stayed calm. I don't.

I say tantrum I mean shrieking "NO! YOU STUPID!" and kicking and hitting and running off and sobbing like she's being murdered and hiding under beds, in closets, etc. Like... please understand. She is a very sweet child. Frilly flannel nightgown with minnie mouse on it. Little wispy hair. Just a full-on nightmare.

And then I had to get the older to sleep. Because it has to be mommy. And she took another HOUR to go to sleep! T__T.

Like...I work full time. I do the grocery shopping. The meal-planning. Wrangling daycare and school. I do most of the cooking. I still have 2 loads of laundry to fold. By time I get the kids to bed? It's too late to vacuum so I pick stuff up by hand and put it in the garbage. I wish I had hardwood - at least I could mop at night. You look crazy, sweeping cheese off of carpet.

I come home and the List wasn't done. Put away laundry? I video'd everything - what it was, where it was. Closets and drawers are labeled. And there is still. laundry. not. put. away. OK. I'll just do it. Litterbox? Floor wasn't swept. Grab the broom and dustpan. Not enough litter put into the box. Do that, too.

Dishes? Hah! A paltry amount. A mountain awaiting wash. And the few that did get washed? Not properly clean.

Fill the diaper bag, make sure there's spare clothes. Wash out the lunch box. Brush hair. Eczema lotion. Style hair. Convince toddler to pick an outfit from the options presented. Meal-prep. School lunches- ensure they're allergy-friendly! School - events, check with teachers, return library books. Holidays! Gotta do valentines. Make sure snow pants are clean and dry. And coats. Don't forget to wash them once a week!

Change sheets. Clean couch cushion covers. Bath time! Let me clean your hair, clean your ears. Trim cats' claws. Play games to learn letters/words/taking turns. Color. Draw. Do Lego and playdoh to strengthen hand muscles.

Playdates/activities. Grocery shopping. Gas in the car. Bills. Clothes for children who seem determined to destroy or outgrow everything. Wear your bra til it falls apart because they're expensive.

Try to reach out to your friends at least once a week so you can TRY to maintain those relationships. It's usually a 5-minute phone call on your drive home because that is the only time you have to yourself.

Be constantly sick. Cry over the price of medicine. Cry over the cost of groceries. Try to find deals. This may mean driving all over town and four different stores.

And all of this dragging two kids and a husband you're taking care of but who would rather play video games for 10 hours and has memory problems. Wonder how much is the illness and how much is incompetence.

Get everything done. Sit...no energy for a book. No energy for a movie or show. No energy to knit or crochet. No energy to write.

Does...does it ever end?

[laidee-flegman]

30 journal prompts for a foodie journal

What's your all-time favourite comfort food, and why does it hold such a special place in your heart?

Describe a memorable meal you've shared with friends or family. What made it so memorable?

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Write about a food you disliked as a child but love now. What changed your mind?

Have you ever tried cooking a dish from a different culture? Describe your experience and whether it turned out well.

What's your go-to midnight snack? Do you have any quirky rituals or habits associated with late-night munching?

Create a fictional dinner party guest list, including three historical figures, three celebrities, and three fictional characters. What would you serve, and what conversations do you imagine taking place?

Write about a food-related adventure you've had, whether it's trying an exotic fruit or participating in a food challenge.

Do you have any food-related traditions in your family? If so, describe them and their significance to you.

Describe the perfect meal for a cosy night in. What dishes would you prepare, and who would you share it with?

Write a letter to your favourite restaurant, expressing your appreciation for their food and service. Bonus points for including a Yelp-style review!

Reflect on a time when you tried a new ingredient or cooking technique. Did it turn out as expected, or was it a culinary disaster?

Write about a memorable meal you've had while traveling. How did the food reflect the culture of the place you were visiting?

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? What would you talk about over the meal?

Describe the most extravagant meal you've ever had. What made it so special, and would you do it again?

Write about a food-related childhood memory that brings a smile to your face.

Do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies? How do they impact your relationship with food, and how do you navigate them?

If you could master any culinary skill overnight, what would it be and why?

Write a short story where food plays a central role, whether it's a quest for the perfect burger or a culinary competition.

Reflect on your favourite holiday food traditions. What makes them special, and how do they bring your family together?

Create a "bucket list" of foods you want to try before you die. Get creative and include both exotic delicacies and homemade comfort foods.

Write about a food-related challenge you've faced, whether it's learning to cook for a large group or sticking to a budget at the grocery store.

Describe the ideal breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a day when you have no responsibilities or obligations. Let your imagination run wild!

Reflect on your relationship with food and how it has evolved over time. Are there any significant milestones or turning points?

Write about a food-related pet peeve or irrational dislike. What is it about that particular food or eating habit that bothers you?

If you could invent a new food or dish, what would it be and what would you name it?

Describe the most memorable food-related conversation you've ever had. What was the topic, and who were you talking to?

Reflect on a time when food brought you comfort during a difficult period in your life. How did it help you cope, and what did you learn from the experience?

Write about a food-related dream or fantasy you've had, whether it's owning your own restaurant or being a contestant on a cooking show.

Reflect on the role food plays in your cultural identity. How does your heritage influence your culinary preferences and traditions?

[hrithisha]

DON'T WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT LOVE.

DON'T WORRY SO MUCH ABOUT WHO'S GOING TO LOVE YOU, OR HOW THEY'RE GOING TO LOVE YOU, OR WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO FIND LOVE.

LOVE IS THE MOST INFINITE AND EFFORTLESS PRESENCE IN THIS WORLD. IT'S FOUND IN THE TINY CREVICES OF HUMAN NATURE- IN THE WAY FLOWERS BLOOM AND IN THE WAY BIRDS ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT. IT'S FOUND IN HOSPITAL ROOMS, GROCERY STORES, IN HOME COOKED MEALS, AND IN THE SMILES OF PASSING STRANGERS. LOVE IS IN THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO, AND IN THE JOKES YOU MAKE, AND IT'S IN THE WAY YOU ALWAYS RETURN HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. LOVE IS 'ARE YOU OKAY,' AND 'GET HOME SAFE,' AND 'DID YOU HAVE ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT.' LOVE IS THE WAY YOUR HEART BEATS EVERY DAY AND HOW YOUR BODY WAKES UP EVERY MORNING AND HOW YOUR SOUL CONTINUES TO EXIST SO FREELY.

FRIEND, YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT LOVE. IT IS ALL AROUND YOU, EVERY DAY, IN EVERY MOMENT. IT CAN REACH YOU AT YOUR BEST AND IT WILL MEET YOU AT YOUR WORST. THERE IS NO FORCE IN THIS WORLD STRONGER THAN LOVE.

THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT LOVE CANNOT FIND YOU.

[doctorguilty]

life journaling but it got long

I did end up going to the Chinese market yesterday and picking up a whole bunch of foods to eat on lunar new year! I feel very excited! Way more food than I'll need for one night so I'll have plenty of leftover to stretch for other meals. I bought a box of veggie springrolls, sweet rice balls, some noodles, tofu, and bok choy to throw together some kind of noodle stir fry with other things I already have at home like I got carrots and leeks already (oops I should have picked up more ginger I realize, gonna make a note the next time I'm at any grocery store), also I've never made whole fish before but I wanted to try doing so since that's traditional, they didn't have carp or catfish like I was looking for but they did have frozen whole mackerel that is pre cooked and pre gutted so it should be easy enough to figure out and find a recipe for (and also share some with Prozac who will be ecstatic about freshly cooked fish)

despite it not being a lucky fish like carp, I did think about the funny this with my Japanese dbd buddy on twitter and how their "mackerel" kept showing up when translating their tweets and being confused until I realized it was translating saba (Japanese word for mackerel) in the context of them saying "survivor" (shortened), I always associate the word survivor with mackerel now, and so I think that can be my lucky fish, after all, I am celebrating a big change in my life and survival of some of the hardest times of my life ;x; silly perhaps but...

idk, this is all very important to me, my big move ending up during the lunar new year is very symbolic to me, especially when christmas and (western) new year means very little to me and come with just loneliness and depression.. and so my family will still do a party for me when I get back as well, even though it'll be around a week after the 22nd. I'd like having a winter holiday to associate with pleasant things, celebrating new opportunity, change for the better on both ends of myself and my family, recovery, moving forward with my relationship and moving in together in the hopefully near future, so this will most definitely be the start of something I'll always celebrate in my life /o\ something to look forward to, rather than the bleak, depression filled void winter is.. and it makes me very happy my family is accepting of that too, accepting that christmas just doesn't mean much to me, and finding something meaningful to celebrate with me instead and associate that date with reunion (where everyone is just.. kinder to me than they used to be 4 years ago.......)

I consider this practice tbh, someday I'll make this kind of dinner to share with my partner, maybe friends as well throughout the years, and I won't be lonely like I've been the last several years.

[itsawritblr]

I'm a professional full-time writer of fiction and nonfiction.

99% of all professional writers are not supported solely by their writing.

Their primary support comes from:

A day job/career A spouse, significant other, or relatives. An inheritance. Alimony (not a lot of these, but one friend of mine had quite a lucrative divorce from her husband who was a doctor, so she's able to live on that as well as her writing).

At best, only 1% earn enough from writing or writing-related activities (signings, selling media rights, school visits). Most conferences and conventions don't pay except for room and meals, and then it's crappy rooms in crappy hotels and fast food.

But that article saying "you can only be a writer if you can afford it," is completely misleading.

The main point, that the majority of writers cannot support themselves by writing alone, is true. What of it? It's not a secret. If a wanna-be writer doesn't know that it's because she or he isn't doing research into writing as a career.

What does the article's author mean by "if you can afford it?"

Anyone can become a published author. All it takes is pen and paper, and later a computer of some sort. That's it.

When I was starting out I had three jobs, 7 days a week. Janitor, bookseller, pizza cook. I was fucking poor, bro. I literally didn't have a day off, except on holidays. I wrote at 3 AM and at 11 PM. Sometimes only a page at a time. But I wrote. And I kept writing. When I managed to be able to afford one FT job, I added more time to write.

And when I was done I queried agents, and was rejected, and rejected, and rejected, so I rewrote, and rewrote, and rewrote, and was rejected, and rejected . . . Yeah, it takes a long fucking time, if you have what agents want. Let's be honest: some people will never write well, or write the kind of books agents and publishers believe will sell.

I finally got an agent, then a publisher, etc. None of this required money. I didn't go to writing conferences or conventions, I didn't take classes, because I was fucking poor, bro.

You don't need money to become a professional writer. All you need is to become a damn good writer.

I do support myself solely by writing. But that's because I live within my means. I split rent in a small but comfortable 2 bedroom apartment with my best friend, who has a good day job. I don't go on vacations far away, I don't own a car, I don't have a microwave or streaming/cable TV, I buy all my clothes and household/kitchen necessities from Goodwill, thrift shops, and dollar stores (I have a very impressive collection of Hawaiian shirts from these places). Because I don't blow money on hair salons, nail salons, makeup and fancy shampoos, I can afford to shop at a very nice grocery store -- I'm vegan, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than eating meat, eggs, etc. -- and take my cats to a very nice vet.

I only attend writers' conventions if they provide free entrance and transportation. Which means I'm not invited much. But that's cool; I'd rather be home writing than schmoozing.

But freelance writing is always feast and famine. My royalty checks only come every 6 months, and they can vary wildly in size, so I have to put money in savings for the famine times. When I'm not earning well my best friend has no problem covering the difference, and I pay back by doing household chores.

I'm happy, comfortable, and enjoy life very much.

So don't sweat about this article. Expect that your writing won't support you, so choose a career or day job that you enjoy, or at least tolerate, and make time to write. The joy of writing really has to be your main motivation. If you write because you want to be Rich and Famous, man, you need to find something else to do, because writing ain't it.

This. So much this.

I’ve been saying this on Ouora for three years. If you want to be a writer it’s hard and you have to money coming in from someplace else.