#and if I’m gonna be able to wfh

[magpie-to-the-morning]

I had a meeting today to discuss the next steps of my ADA request, but they bumped me last minute. Again. 😵‍💫

[le-trash-prince]

I feel like I’ve been able to read so many speculative fiction wlw books in the past few years that I get a little frustrated when ppl complain that wlw relationships are always sidelined in stories. So I’m just gonna make a list of the ones I’ve completed, for posterity. There are so many interesting books out there and all of these deserve more attention.

To reiterate, this is speculative fiction (sci-if/fantasy) where the primary relationship is wlw.

Ash: Chinese and fae influenced retelling of Cinderella (+Huntress, a prequel)

A Restless Truth: historical magical murder mystery set on a Titanic sister-ship. This is the second book in a series but my favorite so far

Burning Roses: European fairy-tale/Chinese legend mashup featuring older ladies

Cinderella is Dead: YA fairy tale dystopia

Crier’s War: human x android enemies to lovers political intrigue

Even Though I Knew the End: supernatural detective noir, super quick and super fun

Gearbreakers: enemies-to-lovers with mecha

In the Vanisher’s Palace: Viet influenced Beauty and the Beast where the Beast is a dragon lady

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom: middle school age mythological fantasy adventure, I wish I had this growing up

Labyrinth Lost: bruja fantasy underworld adventure

Last to Leave the Room: WFH doppleganger horror + toxic coworkers who hate each other (they really don’t)

Legends and Lattes: Simple and sweet DND inspired cafe AU

Once and Future: King Arthur but in space with ladies. Wish this one had been poly

Roots of Chaos series: high fantasy with dragons and so many queers.

Strictly No Heroics: the struggles of villain henchmen

The Abyss Surrounds us/The Edge of the Abyss: kaiju pirates, enemies to lovers

The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy: desi epic fantasy, enemies to lovers

Spear: Arthurian sapphics

Someone You Can Build a Nest In: shapeshifting monster falls for a monster hunter

The Locked Tomb: wlw necromancers in space. Enemies to ???

The Luminous Dead: spelunking thriller set on another planet—this one is fucky everyone should read it

The Memory Librarian: short stories set in Janelle Monae’s android world

The Mimicking of Known Successes: detective noir set on Jupiter—ex-lovers reunited by circumstance

The Red Scholar’s Wake: space pirates, enemies to lovers, human x spaceship

The Salvation Gambit: con-artists breaking out of a sentient prison-world ship

The Space Between Worlds: inter dimensional corporate exploitation, handler x agent mutual pining, this one is so underappreciated

The Witch and the Vampire: YA vampire x vampire hunter

This is How You Lose the Time War: everyone knows this one

We Set the Dark on Fire: YA Latine political intrigue, school rivals to lovers

If you have any others please add, I’m always looking to grow my reading list

[willalove75]

are u ever going to finish ur story? I see u post and u are still active.

Lmao yes, I will

I’ve posted about this before and it’s also pinned on my page but I had a baby so I’m taking a “maternity leave” from writing for a bit. In the 6 weeks since my son has been born I’ve only been able to sit down once to write.

I will come back to my fics, but it’s gonna be a minute. I’m also starting up work again next week since my real maternity leave/disability is ending and it’s gonna be an adjustment with wfh and having the baby to take care of. I am eager to write more but I literally just don’t have enough time to sit down and write at the moment.

In the meantime, I scroll here on the app to keep up with the communities I’m involved in and to have something to do when he’s asleep on me and has me pinned in one place - like he’s doing right now😂

[hesaykise]

Unknown Title?

Well hello once again! It’s been a while since I made a post~ I’ve been super busy with work 😂

I put the title as unknown cause I don’t even know where to begin this post. So bear with me as I put down all my thoughts.

Yeeee so let’s begin~

This job hasn’t been stressful. Which I’m super thankful because I thought I would be in here working my butt off, but I’m just gliding on by for now.

Yall…I’ve been doing some random money affirmations like: “I’m rich.” - “I always get what I desire.” - “Money comes to me out of thin air.” Things of this nature.

Tell me why…1 month into this job, I got 2 paychecks for my first official payday 😭😭. First was my regular paycheck which was higher than the amount of what I was told I was gonna make and the other one was a retrograded stipend. Which is awesome because this extra money really helped me out right now.

I’ve been also manifesting getting a new pc, an ipad, a new desk. So many things off my manifestation list, that I was able to check off because this money came out of thin air!

Whew…now this gets better… I was supposed to receive my pc on Tuesday 6/4…I didn’t want to wait plus no one would be home to receive it for me and put it inside the house. Well it ended up coming on Monday which is a day that my mom does WFH for her job. 😭😭 ALSOOO, the new iPad I ordered was on back order. I was supposed to receive it around June 14th. I kept persisting like “I have it already I don’t have to wait for the original delivery date. It’s coming this week.” Welllll….guess what? It’s coming on Friday and my mom is gonna be home to receive it for me cause she also does WFH on Fridays 😭😭.

Yall…it’s crazy how one thing manifested which then spiraled into other manifestations happening. I can’t make this up. Persist in the new story. Assume that you have it and it will manifest in real life.

I hope you find something that will motivate you in this post. I like to post my manifestation stories because I think that it gives you insight through my mind. Let me also add that I did have doubts that my manifestations would show up at times. This didn’t stop me though, I still had to fight and persist because my subconscious was the biggest enemy I had.

Okie love y’all! I can’t wait to share more manifestations with yall! ♥️🫶🏽

Kise out~

[incomprehensiblelentils]

IT’S NEW CAT BOOK DAY

I’m genuinely so curious abt the mystery animals the blurb talks about 👀 Midnight??

(Also, I’m feeling better! Tested negative once, will test once more before I go back into work but I was able to WFH today without feeling like my head was gonna fall off anyway)

[xxmileikaivanaxx]

I'm a returning fella looking back at old memories, remembering their time in Undertale, and realizing how far things have come and changed since 2019 (seems like forever away now) and looking back at old fancomics I read. Yours was definitely one of my top favorites in terms of presentation, and I was curious how you were doing now (I hope all the fanartists and others are doing fine and well) since your deviantART had been inactive since 2020-2021.

Thanks I appreciate that! 😊 I’m not gonna lie I think I hit a major art block/burnout with art for the last few years. With doing work in the industry, I just struggled to be able to draw anything that made me happy and felt like I wasn’t progressing. And because of the work I did, I wasn’t able to really enjoy it anymore and started to resent it. So I had to make some big career changes and stopped drawing for a long time. I still haven’t really “drawn” properly but the break from it all is slowly inspiring me again. I do want to draw again - I have ideas and it’s nice to see people reignite their passions for Undertale again. And then sharing their ideas and passions in new fandoms. It’s really nice to see 😊 but for now I’m just prioritising my new career paths, my health and fitness with weight lifting, and trying to live a little. Being away from a computer and WFH lifestyles helps a lot I think. But one day I hope to draw again just need a little more time to recharge and find that spark again.

But thank you for your kind words it means a lot! And I appreciate all your support for my old work 😊😊

[restforthe-burdenedsoul]

PMDD (or what I suspect is) got me again! That darn rascal 🤪

No, but really. Why do I forget that almost every month for 2ish weeks I feel like the world is ending and that it’s JUST MY HORMONES.

Anywayyyyyy now that I’m not clouded by darkness, I think I will be okay with this job and my position. Also being mindful that once that darkness lifts, I am extremely euphoric for a day or two before I even out. So I may swing in another direction BUT euphoric me says that I can do this.

I’m excited because another piece of the puzzle clicked into place today. I was able to figure out where things were in the authorization process (which is currently my only barrier to feeling like I understand the job). I was able to see where it was and what needed to be done next. That’s a big breakthru! Still fuzzy on the surrounding steps, but hey! I’m almost there 😊

I think part of my distress was that it was starting to feel like the hospital. Not connecting with “safe” people at work or having a good relationship with my boss and not understanding the financial process.

But, I feel like I’ve really connected with two coworkers. One who goes out of her way every morning to say hi to me (she does this for everyone and it’s so genuine). And the other who’s been checking in with me to make sure I’m doing good. Still don’t have a good view of my boss, but I think that’s just how it’s gonna be. I do really like my coworkers (even if I leave the office drained by social interaction. I think I’d rather this than my WFH job where I literally saw NO ONE for days on end)

I think my feelings will even out with time.

Oh, also one of my coworkers said I’ve been “over the moon” with my performance so far and thanked me for jumping in and helping out with all the chaos. It was a nice reminder of what I was also told at the hospital by the best trainer I had “I think you’re too hard on yourself! You’re doing great”

Its really starting to make sense in my head since processing through my perfectionism this time around. Not sure what’s changed, but I’m seeing more and more just how much I pressure I put on myself for no reason.

[prettyboyfucks]

i need you so badly, all i can think about is my lips wrapped greedily around your cock as you hump my face. I don't deserve your hands on me but if you touch me i might melt under you. I'm so sloppy for you right now and i still have another 3 hours left at work and all i can barely focus :(( - wfh

mmm, fuck, please… i’m so sloppy too, and you’re making it more and more intense. i’m not too far behind you with just under 2 hours left. i’m aching so bad between my thighs. my hands would be all over you, desperately grabbing at your hair, holding the sides of your face, the back of your head. i’m fucking pulsating. i can’t wait for you to be able to relieve those needy feelings later. i love that you’ve gotten so wet for me, even if its torturous. you’re gonna cum so fucking hard n good tonight

[neuroticboyfriend]

ty for the “we don’t have to consider the dui ppl evil monsters forever.” This you can skip I think now if you don’t want a story of why your post is gonna change my life a little bit.

I have a owi from a boss getting drunk as hell with me and I very much went along with the evening for like idk stupid professional relations reasons I guess, and ended up in a ditch etc. I unfortunately received another dui after I was drinking at home in my backyard two years later sorta mid-meltdown, and after an exchange with an equally intoxicated neighbor was chased about 120 ft to my car which I drove to some neighbors (rural area) about 2 min away l, but literally got pulled over by the cops along that stretch as they kinda park-camp there.

My life was ruined. I was not well in jail for 90 days after the second one, as was denied anti-psychotics, sleep aids, and anti-depressants so stuck in a suicide suit and in solitary. I had worked for the state for a decade but no longer could, and I was stuck in the county that had no mental health services for me due to the limits of our CMH. I had to live with friends for two years of probation because I couldn’t drive or work without being able to drive. I did some wfh stuff during Covid (thank god wfh surge saved me tbh) but had to bike 10 miles each way or get a ride a couple times a week for drug tests, support meetings, classes etc for 2 years. I had to borrow money and pay ppl back years later for covering the costs of the drug tests and classes.

I had worked for the state for nearly a decade, graduated with a degree, had an apartment, boyfriend, the whole works: but I had no mental health access for a decade and had essential emergency services trying to toss meds at me, when I would ask to be hospitalized or finally was, and after about 7-8 years I was maladaptive as hell unable to get counseling or med management, drinking with bosses and melting down in my backyard.

I finally got mental health and other services: I have Tourette’s, autism, adhd, and ocd. And a nice helping of the cptsd but idk that one’s pretty managed. I have a bunch of broken teeth from clenching from stress and Tourette’s. The only help I got out of that county was Christian substance abuse services in classes that I had to do for probation for two years. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if I could have gotten the services the judge said I had complete access to.

I have never felt like anyone could be capable of understanding that I’m not a monster and I didn’t want to do anything bad. I understand very well why ppl are so aggressive against drunk driving as I’m in one of the worse states for it and we have some of the strongest laws for it. It’s a felony in Canada and I can’t go there anymore because of it. And it’s been idk 5 years now that I’ve never seen or heard a message like this and it is just so moving.

I’ve been holding myself back so much because I did a bad and I don’t feel like a deserve to like use social services or anything anymore like anything that could burden the state or community. I fell so far like possessions wise, asset wise, materially, professionally, in housing etc. that I need those services frankly. I don’t do things or try to interact with people, I’ve done like 5 years of shame vs regret exercises but it doesn’t matter I just don’t feel like I should get to be part of society and that no one wants me to be anymore. And I think if I saw things like this just once in awhile amongst the regular dui messaging it would be really great.

I do run a smart recovery meeting which is like science backed substance abuse program very much online nowadays but I want to do more but I’m still very in my head about it. I’m gonna try to think about this perspective from time to time. So thank you.

Anon I am telepathically giving the biggest hug ever, and if you dont want a hug then. I'm sending so much support and understanding your way. I'm so happy you found my post, especially since I've gotten a little bit of hell for it. Knowing it comforted just one person makes it worth it.

You're not a monster, and what the state did to you is not okay. It's inhumane, and you didn't deserve a single part of it. It's not even remotely fair that your right to health and safety was so grossly violated. And I'm glad you seem to be doing better than you were. I hope as time goes on, you find more of your place in this world.

I know things will never be the same, and I know how much stands in your way - even though I can't truly conceptualize it. But there will always be more people than you know who see see your humanity. Who want you in this world with us - not just tolerate it. And I think it's really wonderful you run the recovery program. You've probably changed a lot of lives, for the better. That's awesome!

And thank you for trusting your story with me. I've been struggling with some substance abuse lately, and I think getting this ask is gonna get me through another night of not. Fucking up. Sometimes people just need to feel connection, I think. So you changed my life a little bit, too.

[purplesurveys]

1648

What is the color of the last towel you used? It’s a very pale shade of blue.

Are you listening to music right now? If so, whatcha listening to? Nah I just have a vlog on in the background.

Would you rather have a hippo or rhino dropped on you? Damn. I’d be offed either way so what’s the point? Hahaha.

Do you walk a lot? Not at all. My workplace is permanently on a WFH set-up so it keeps me from being able to walk a lot most days; I will say, though, that I get to catch up on my steps every time we have an event. I can get anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 steps when we have to manage one.

If you’re still in school, what number is your locker? What color is it? We never did have numbers on our lockers; you just had to memorize your spot and that was it. As for the colors, I remember having gray and blue ones at different points.

Do you have any super silly nicknames? Not really, but I’ve observed that a number of people have taken it up on their own to nickname me Rob. I’ve never introduced myself as that, never acknowledged that as a nickname, but I’m always some way somehow stuck with it. I hate it but I also can’t be assed to tell them not to call me that.

Have you ever heard of the Japanese snack Yan Yan? Yeah my sister had that as her recess for many years hahahaha. I like the chocolate one but I wouldn’t have it everyday like she did.

Do you watch sports? Which ones, if any? Just wrestling. I’m watching more of it these days as I want to get back in the groove, but then again I think I’m just doing so because it’s Mania season and I always subconsciously go back for Mania season every year anyway lol. Literally this afternoon I watched Mania 36 and kicked myself hard for only doing so today – that Firefly Fun House is my new favorite thing in the world.

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? I can for the most part, but living in the Philippines there’s always gonna be an inherent fear for my safety lol.

Do you like cream soda? I don’t think I’ve tried that kind.

Is there anyone who hates you? Probably not but if there is someone then I’m completely unaware of it.

What color is your cell phone? It’s blue. Wouldn’t be my first option for a phone ever, but it was the only one available at all the stores I stopped by + I didn’t exactly have the luxury to pick a color since my old phone had died on me that same day and needed a new one immediately. How does your hair look right now? It’s wavy in a pretty way since I had just removed my bun, but considering how Satan-like the weather is being it will most likely get frizzy within 30 minutes unless I turn on the aircon soon lol. 

Are you on any medications? I just finished my prescription meds for my dog bite. I had to take them for a one-week period.

What is the last piece of mail you received? How about e-mail? Not counting my work email, the last email I got on my personal account isssss just a promotional email from one of my e-wallets.

Who is your 15th contact in your phone? I’ve got my phone turned off this whole day and I don’t feel like turning it back on.

Name something you like about school. I got to learn about history.

Do you eat meat, or are you a vegetarian? I eat meat.

Have you ever cried in front of a teacher? Yeah. Back in my old school if you get a grade of 77 and below on an exam, you automatically get issued a letter addressed to your parents informing them of your performance - we called it a ‘difficulty letter’ and pretty much subjects you to a walk of shame among the class when you receive one, lmao. Anyway, I got one for a geometry class that I failed and I happened to cry in front of my Actual geometry teacher, who could only look at me guiltily and uneasily at the time hahaha.

Have you ever cried BECAUSE of a teacher? ^ Yeah, I guess that was also technically the case.

Do you do a :) or a (:? :). I haven’t done the opposite version since...like...Grade 7?

Do you have a facebook? Do you go on it often, if you do? Yep and yep.

What is the closest gas station to you? The one I go to is a good 10-minute drive away.

Who did you last see in concert? Does a fanmeet count? I went to Seonho’s show in January; but my last musical concert was Paramore in 2018.

What grade are you in? It’s been three years since I graduated college and I haven’t gone back to school since.

Granny smith or delicious red apples? Pass.

If you could meet one famous person, who would it be? How come? Shotzi Blackheart is the newest person I want to hang out with. I just found out she’s part Filipino which is SO! COOL! TO ME!!! and she doesn’t even come across as a Fil-Am who uses her Filipino blood as a personality trait, like what many of them do. She knows how to eat her fucking balut as she should, she’s actually been to the country, and overall she just seems like such a cool chick I can shoot the shit with.

Are paper clips fun to play with? Well, not really for me...

Can you speak any other language? Filipino.

Do you prefer mechanical pencils or regular pencils? Regular. I always fuck up the mechanical ones.

Do you have a job? What’s your job? I’m a manager at a PR agency, so I’m my clients’ main girl when they need to execute a consumer campaign and everything that comes with it – from media placements/advertorials, to interviews, to events, to PR kits, to press releases, to YouTube brand deals, to photo and video shoots, to product launches.

Do you take advil, tylenol, or ibuprofen? I take paracetamol, if that counts as any of these?

Why is the sky blue? No clue.

Do you enjoy classic rock? Eh, not really.

Have you ever heard of the band Citizen Cope? If not, look them up, they’re really good. I haven’t. The only thing this reminded me of is the movie Citizen Kane lol.

Is your alarm clock set right now? Nope.

What kind of music do you listen to the most? K-pop.

Are you itchy right now? Yeah my right knee and foot are actually kind of asking to get scratched now.

Do you like pine trees, or do think the sap is too annoying? I...dk? I’m never around pine trees.

Mountains or beach? The beach.

What is the closest purple object to you? My wallet.

Are your walls blank or covered with pictures/posters? They’re blank.

Have you ever tried veggie burgers? I don’t think I have.

Do you have anything on your wrists? No.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’ll be 35, which is around the time I should have long been making preps for my trip to Wrestlemania 50, which is something I’ve vowed to achieve since I was 9. Certainly hope I’ll be more than ready to fly out by then.

Do you have a mirror in the room you are in? No.

Have you ever had corn nuts? I’ve never heard of that.

Do you smoke? I don’t.

[honoredsage]

Goodbye 2022

Less than 4 hours and 2022 is over. 

Honestly, looking back at this year, there’s really nothing much to say about 2022. The major changes that happened was mainly work related. The pandemic wasn’t over but people are started to live with it. At work, we’re almost back to normal with only one day of WFH (which I hope stays). A number of my officemates resigned and a couple of new officemates. 

Elections here in the country took place this year. The results were horrendous and I initially wanted to go out of this country because of it. Those feelings have died down but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still living in a shit country. We may discuss all the systemic failures of the education system and government and why those results happened in the first place, but I stand by my point that at some point people are accountable for their own actions. That elections just proved that at this point, it’s every man for himself. 

As for my personal life, it’s nothing that grand. Basically half the year was me recovering from that horrendous ending of 2021, which I’d say I have recovered.  This year, I got to finally meet in person the two new friends my podcast team had met through our podcast. One of my orgmate in college became my officemate. Towards the end of the year, I also got closer with another orgmate in college as she’s also working and staying near my area. If ever you’re reading this, shout out to you as I still appreciate that gift you gave me. 

I technically learned how to drive this year too but I haven’t been the family driver since then. I still consider it as a small achievement though.

Stayed consistent with my workout which is nice.

I almost forgot but the happiest moment of 2022 for me was witnessing live the championship of the UP MBT at UAAP Season 84. It was like witnessing a movie or anime with how UP won that title. They lost in the finals the following season but no one’s gonna take away that memory from me. That shot by JD Cagulangan looked like some scripted shit. 

Another big event that I almost forgot is that our new house was finished early this year. Thanks to my parents since they’re the one who spent for it. It’s a MASSIVE improvement from our old house. 

So I think that’s it for 2022. Survived it. 

I would like to thank God for letting me survive the year. I would like to thank my parents and all my friends who stayed with me. I love ya’ll. 

Well as for 2023...

Let me have a mini-flashback earlier this week. We were just two in the office on the last work day and she was asking me some deep questions regarding my mental health. 

Some questions here and there and then she hit me with the question, “What makes you happy?”

I was itching to answer that she makes me happy, because it’s true. She makes me happy and I’m happy when we’re together. For some reason though, I wasn’t able to answer the question. In hindsight, I actually think it’s better that I didn’t answer that because I don’t want her to think that she’s my source of happiness and that my world revolves around her because that’s not the case. I just answered in jest that winning the lottery would make me happy (Which funnily enough, I bought some tickets yesterday since the prize was swelling up because no one has been winning it for a long time. Two people won yesterday. I was not one of them. F.) If my memory serves me right, I wasn’t able to answer her properly. I just added to my answer the Houston Rockets, which was true. I like when they win. I think she followed it up with the questions about my plans for next year that will make me happy, or at least, contribute to my happiness. 

Until now I have been thinking about that question. What makes me happy? It’s not that I’m sad all the time. I do get sad a lot of times but it’s a lie if I said I live a sad life. I do want some things to happen, though maybe most of them is outside my control. I do want her, but I don’t control her feelings for me. I want the Rockets, and all my other teams to win a championship, but I don’t control them. I do want to win the lottery, but that’s pure luck. 

So what about the other things? I guess I just need to learn how to turn my satisfaction into happiness. That’s where I am right now. I am satisfied. Work is fine. Money’s not a problem. We have a great home. I have a great friends. My health is fine. Working out has been consistent. I can buy stuff I want. 

I am contented at worst and that should make me happy. 

Thinking about it deeper, memories and experiences are what makes me happy. Memories and experiences with my friends and people special to me, my achievements, events on things that I care about. Those are the things that makes my heart flutter. 

I told myself I won’t be expecting or wishing for anything this new year but that would be hypocritical of me because I know damn too well that myself can’t do that. 

I guess I just pray that God grants me that wishes of my heart this year, unlikely as they may be. May I get to make more memories and experiences that will make me happy. 

That’s a tough act to do, but as you all know I am

Hopelessly hopeful

[thatveganwhiterose]

As someone who also works 40+ hours a week and has for years, some things that have helped me:

- I’m gonna start by saying that I have the IMMENSE privilege to work from home since I now don’t live in the same state my current work is in.

- If you are able to work from home or do any sort of WFH hybrid, take advantage of any downtime it gives you. Do chores in between tasks. If you are away from your computer, make sure you have any work related apps on your phone as much as you can so you can check on things like messages or emails when away from it.

- Make a schedule, use to-do lists. They can be hard to make if you aren’t used to them but they help immensely. Be it for the day, the week, or the month. Blocking out time for meetings or projects can really help.

- If you have to go into the office only: See what home tasks you can schedule. Meal prep where you can. Consider chores you need to do daily (like washing dishes) versus less than than daily (washing clothing). Plan/schedule them out.

- Take breaks as frequently as you can at work. Depending on the job, you may be able to get away with more than you think. Take that five minutes to get up from a desk to walk around and stretch (offices love ergonomic bullshit like the 20-20-20 rule; use those to your advantage!).

- Take advantage of “going to the bathroom”, even if that means going into a stall just to calm down or deep breath or something. Walk leisurely. Try not to run or rush when walking at work so you aren’t giving yourself more unnecessary stress.

- Chit chat with coworkers. You don’t have to befriend anyone or spill any tea or tell them anything intimate about your life. But connecting with others can sometimes help with lessening stress depending how it’s done.

This capitalist hellscape sucks anon. A lot of it is about adapting to your specific work environment. I also recommend not befriending management and only doing the work given to you. (If there is very real promise or chance of promotion or moving around, then do whatever work may be required there but outside of it: don’t give them anymore than what is needed to do the job.)

I hate to really ask this out of embarrassment but, how does anyone handle working 40 hours? I'm going to be soon and I worry that its going to affect me negatively mentally.

No need to be embarrassed - 40 hours too much and it will have a negative impact. You shouldn't have to adapt to this, but you will get used to it once you've done it for a few weeks. If your workplace has a union, now is the time to sign up and get involved. If I were you I'd be looking for sideways moves or promotions that would lead to reduced hours. Apply for everything, even things you've not qualified for - you'd be surprised what they'll consider you for. Failing that, apply for other jobs with other companies who offer better hours, if you're keen on the actual company you work for now and don't want to leave, you could try to use that offer as leverage to get your hours reduced. Grin and bear it until you can find something that offers a better work life balance, that's really all you can do.

[music-for-them-asses]

So my job made me return to the office this week. The thing is, someone somewhere screwed up my transfer request, so my ID badge wouldn't work and there was zero equipment at my desk. However this has worked in my favor because my manager had to request monitors for me and IT is taking their sweet, sweet time setting them up, so I got to WFH the rest of the week. HR is still reviewing my request, but I'm basically assuming they're gonna deny it at this point. Other folks are sharing their frustrations and horror stories on our company intranet and it's truly appalling the callousness of a company who makes big talk about caring for their employees. They're not allowing anyone to change their "assignment," even if they live with immunocompromised family members who can't get the vaccine. Considering the covid rates in Texas, it should be criminal.

That and I got assigned to be a "coach" for a class of new hires without being asked first. It's gonna be three weeks of assisting people over the phone, which is my personal nightmare. I'm sick of my actual work, and now corporate is going to ruin my mental and possibly physical health for no good goddamn reason. I've been so stressed and anxious I haven't been able to do much outside of work. I can't quit until November because I theoretically have trips planned (if Delta doesn't ruin them first) and I don't have another job lined up. That, and having to retreat inside from the public is really putting a strain on my sanity.

Long story short: My work is making me physically ill but I'm stuck here for the foreseeable future and I'm stressed the fuck out

[mizumelona]

set me up | atsumu x reader

SYNOPSIS: You’re an ambitious career woman, who’s got everything…except a significant other. Your mom, sick of you showing up to family functions alone, sets you up on a series of (terrible) blind dates. You make these dates meet you at your favorite restaurant, Onigiri Miya, but for some reason the owner’s jerk of a twin brother always happens to be there exactly when things crash and burn.

NOTE: The MSBY boys have arrived!! I hope yall enjoy this update!

MASTERLIST

PREV | WFH 2 - THE VOLLEYBUDDIES | NEXT

TAGLIST: @awkwardali6106​ @kasandrafaye​ @veggytaled​ @svtbitch​ @stinkyobeymerat​ @hollypastl​ @differentballooncollection​ @o51oc​ @sunboikyo00 @justxanotherxshipper​ @kaisemieita @rizamendoza808 @tomo-uwu​ @sugardaddykenma​ @celinafeng @ravioliplease​ @thatpersonwithissues​ @humanbobjeanpants​ @suteorra​

~

“You want the usual [y/n]?” Osamu called from behind the counter.

“Sure…” You were still preoccupied with the table of people staring at you expectantly. They were all wearing black sweats except for one guy with glasses who was in a suit. Taking a closer look, you recognized the logo to be the same as the one on the sweater you were currently returning to Atsumu. You’d been awkwardly standing staring at them while they stared at you for what felt like a solid minute.

“Oh [y/n]! Didja just get here?”, Atsumu stepped out of the bathroom, breaking the awkward silence.

Before you could say anything, the glasses guy spoke up. “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend Atsumu.”

WHAT? Where did this misunderstanding come from? Sure you had his sweater, but agh!!!

“I’m not his girlfriend”, you quickly shut it down.

“Riiiight.” This time a dude with spikey gray hair piped in. “So, how long have you and Tsum Tsum been together”

“I just told you we aren’t together”

“I get it. I get it.” Spikey hair guy winked.

You let out an exasperated sigh. “I don’t think you do”

“Wow so cute! Atsumu’s so lucky.” A guy with bright orange hair chimed in. “Your secret’s safe with us [y/n]”

What the heck? Did they all have selective hearing?

“There is no secret! Atsumu, tell them!”, You turned to Atsumu, raising your eyebrows.

“What can I say? I can’t help being this charmin’”, Atsumu held up his hands innocently.

“Oh shut up lemon head”, you sharply snapped.

The whole restaurant burst out laughing at that. Even the guy in a mask who'd been pretty quiet was chuckling. You quickly went around and did some introductions.

“If you aren’t dating, how do you know each other?”, the glasses guy, Akaashi, asked.

“A series of unfortunate encounters.” You cringed recalling the past few weeks.

“‘Tsumu crashed her blind dates”, Osamu called from the prep station where he was rolling onigiri.

“Why am I not surprised”, the guy with the mask, Sakusa spoke up.

“Yeah. Blondie over here has been wreaking havoc on my life.”

“I dunno what you’re talking about”, Atsumu said with a scoff.

“So, how do you know him?”, You turned the question around. You had a pretty good guess, but you didn’t want to let Atsumu know that you’d been stalking him online.

“Oh. We’re Tsum Tsum’s teammates, except Akaashi here who’s my friend from high school”, Bokuto answered.

“Yeah, we’re volleyball players for the MSBY Black Jackals”, Hinata said proudly.

“Wow! That’s pretty cool”, you tried to act surprised.

“You probably didn’t know, but I’m kinda a big deal. I’m even on tv.” Leave it to Atsumu to turn this into an opportunity to stoke his ego. You rolled your eyes.

“Lucky you ‘Tsumu, thanks to that all your lame moments are recorded on the internet.” You could count on Osamu to have a good clapback.

“Lame moments? Like what?”

Atsumu’s face went tense.

“You should’ve seen it,” Bokuto said excitedly. “A few weeks ago we were walking into a meet and greet and ‘Tsum ‘Tsum had the craziest fall. It was hilarious”

“Ah! Wait no-“, Atsumu tried to stop his teammates, but it was too late.

“Oh, the one where he tripped off the stage?”, Akaashi asked.

“And twirled in the air”, Hinata excitedly added.

“And ended up hanging there by his pants because the waistband got caught on the edge of the stage” Bokuto barely got the words out between his loud guffaws.

“It was awesome!” Hinata shouted.

“It was terrible.” Sakusa corrected him.

“There’s no way that happened!” You cackled.

“It totally did!” Hinata exclaimed.

“They got the whole thing on camera too. You should watch it [y/n]!” Bokuto added.

Atsumu’s eyes got wide. “No, she shouldn’t!” Atsumu desperately interjected.

“Here lemme pull it up,” Bokuto said. He frowned, “Aw man my cell service is really weak.”

Atsumu sighed in relief and lazily grinned “Well that’s a real shame-“

“I have it saved on my phone”, Osamu tossed his phone to Hinata, who caught it.

“‘Samu!”

You all gathered around and watched the video. It was every bit as glorious and embarrassing as it Atsumu’s teammates described it as. By the end, you were wheezing.

You turned to Atsumu, “Can’t help being charming huh?”

“Aghhh!” He slumped over the table and buried his face in his arms.

“Wow you’re actually kinda cute when you aren’t being an asshole”

“Aww she called you cute”

“I’m pretty sure that was a roast Hinata”

~

After spending some time chatting and eating, everyone packed up and got ready to leave.

“You’re pretty funny [y/n]. We should hang out more often”, Bokuto grinned at you.

“You guys are pretty funny too”

“Oh [y/n]! You should come to our game tonight! We each get some extra tickets!” Hinata’s eyes lit up as he made his suggestion.

“Oh, I don’t know about that”

“It’ll be super fun!”, Bokuto followed up.

“And its an exhibition match, so there’ll only be three sets. It won’t drag on too long.” Akaashi added.

“It sounds cool, but it’d be kinda weird to go by myself-“

“You could hang out with me at my onigiri booth if ya like,” Osamu said with a shrug.

Well if they wanted you to come that badly…

“Thanks Osamu. Okay sure! I’ll come.”

“Yay!” Bokuto and Hinata cheered. Akaashi smiled. Sakusa sighed.

As the volleyball boys filed out of the restaurant, Atsumu called out to you

“Hey can I have your number to send the ticket link to?”

“Oh sure,” He handed you his phone and you quickly typed your number into it. You handed it back to him.

“Just watch [y/n]. Tonight I’ll show ya just how cool I can be.” Atsumu had a determined look on his face.

“You’re awfully confident”

“Meet me at the back of the stadium when I win. There’s no way you’re gonna be able to say I’m not charmin’ after you see me play.”

“Whatever you say.” You chuckled.

“Well, I gotta go then. See ya later [y/n]!” Atsumu smiled at his phone, tucking it in his bag, and turned to dash after his teammates.

Wait. Did you really just give him your number?

~

Sendai Stadium. FRIDAY 7:05PM

You’d pulled up a chair next to Osamu’s onigiri cart. You were both watching as the players made their way onto the court.

Tonight, Atsumu’s team, the MSBY Black Jackals, were up against the Eastern Japan Paper Mills Raijin. The players from the Black Jackals that you met earlier were being announced on court one by one.

“Number 13. Atsumu Miya!!!”

Atsumu jogged onto the court beaming. He surveyed the crowd until his eyes locked with yours then he shot a playful wink in your direction.

After some setup, it seemed like the game was about to start. Someone tossed Atsumu the ball, and he started walking toward the back of the court.

“He’s about to serve.” Osamu filled you in.

“Oh…”

Atsumu turned and faced the court. Atsumu’s face turned serious. He raised his hand and clenched his fist. The crowd instantly snapped into silence. Hah??? What was that? Did he really just silence the crowd? Talk about fucking extra (and maybe a little hot).

Atsumu took a deep breath and tossed the ball into the air. He loped forward then leaped, sweeping his harm back. Looking up at the ball, he broke into a smile. It was a fun and childlike grin, the kind you couldn’t help but smile back at. He swung his hand forward making contact with the ball with a bang that echoed throughout the stadium. It shot across the net and slammed into the opponent's side of the court.

Woah.

He turned to look at you again. You were still stunned with amazement. He smirked in your direction and jogged to pick up the ball again.

Osamu turned to you with a chuckle. “When it comes to volleyball, ‘Tsumu’s not bad huh?”

As much as you wanted to make some kind of snarky comment, there was no hiding the fact that was probably the coolest thing you’d seen recently, maybe ever.

“…yeah”

And it didn’t stop there. He fired ace after ace, and even after his service streak was broken he didn’t stop pulling out smooth moves that captured your attention. At one point he went full-on limbo and got under an impossibly low ball while leaning back and tossed it perfectly to Bokuto, who slammed it down.

He lifted his shirt to wipe his sweat, revealing his midriff. You bit your lip. Okay. Fine. He was kind of hot, but you weren’t about to tell him that.

Soon, the Black Jackals had taken the first set. 25-18.

The second set was a much closer fight. 24-23. It was the Black Jackals match point on Atsumu’s serve. (Your favorite kind of point). He started his usual service route, silencing the crowd and tossing the ball into the air, but when he jumped something looked a little off. He didn’t smile at the ball like he usually did, and when his hand finally made contact it was a little awkward. The ball flew right into the net.

“Ugh.” Osamu frowned.

24-24

“Come on Atsumu…”, you muttered under your breath. He looked visibly disappointed.

A service ace from the opposing team.

24-25

The tables had been turned. The opposing team’s match point started. Hinata returned the serve and got the ball into the air. Atsumu tossed the ball to Sakusa who smashed it, but the opposing team managed to get it back in the air. The opposing team sent an attack flying back. It bounced off the blocker's hands and flew toward the back of Atsumu’s side of the court.

“A block out!”

Atsumu dove for the ball, but it was too late. It bounced just out of his reach. That dejected look on his face deepened.

As the final set started, the Black Jackals just couldn’t seem to grasp back the momentum. Any time they were about to catch up with the opponents in terms of points, the opponents would pull ahead again.

7-10

Atsumu set to Bokuto but failed to clear a path. The ball was met with a wall and crashed back to the court.

15-18

Atsumu dove for the ball again but couldn’t save it

21-24

Matchpoint. Atsumu’s serve again. He looked unstable as he launched himself up and slammed his hand into the ball. It flew over the net and kept flying.

The referee blew his whistle. “Out!”

Final Score. 1-2. MSBY Black Jackals Lose.

~

Atsumu told you to meet him behind the stadium when he won. Technically, he hadn’t won, but there’s no way you could just leave like this. It’s not like you were especially close to him, but you just couldn’t. He definitely didn’t need your help, and honestly it would be hypocritical for you, the queen of cynical perfectionism, to pat him on the back and tell him that losing is okay. Despite that here you were. You just wanted to talk to him.

You spotted him crouched at the bottom of the stairs leading to the back entrance. Cautiously, you called out to him, “Hey.”

He turned to look at you. He looked even more depressed than when he walked off the court. “What’re you doin’ here? I told you to come when I won”

“I…I didn’t want to leave you hanging.”

“Hah. Are you here to tell me being a loser is okay? Gimme a break. I don’t want your pity party”

You folded your arms and lifted your chin. “Who said I was here to cheer you up? Today, you’re a fucking loser.” He flinched.

“I know!” He buried his head back in his knees. “You don’t hafta rub it in.” His voice was muffled by his sweats.

“You’re a loser today, but”, You walked up to him and crouched down to his level, “this loss will pave the way for many more victories.”

He scoffed. “You don’t get it [y/n]! I wanna win today and the next time. I wanna win every time. Losers should just quit!”

“A competitive spirit like that is awesome. Nothing is more motivating, but Atsumu, that kinda energy is only useful if it’s powering you forward, not making you sulk and feel like you’re better off quitting. Am I wrong?” 

He lifted his face out of his sweats to look at you. “…”

You reached out your hand. “C’mon let’s get out of here”

“I don’t need your help”

You smiled, knowing just what to say. “I know you don’t. This”, you took his hand in yours, “is me being selfish.”

He couldn’t help but crack a small grin at that. “Can’t argue with that can I?”

He gripped your hand back. You both stood up and started walking away from the stadium.

“You might be a loser, but I thought you looked really cool when I first saw you serve earlier”

“Wow [y/n] was that a genuine compliment?”

“…but I silencing the crowd was too extra don’t you think?”

“Hah. I don’t need any pigs interruptin’ me, and I’ve heard people think it looks hot.”

“Hot? Says who?”

Just like that you two were back to your usual bickering. You almost didn’t notice that he was still holding your hand.

[pirakeet]

Just a muddled up rant about flash and misdirected resources. You’re allowed to like the new layout. I hate trying to enforce echo chambers but can you like, not come at me if you like the layout because it’s not even about that, bar I wish there was SBD.

Sorry, I just have nobody to talk to about this and needed to get it out.

Remember when you had 3 years warning to convert to HTML and instead you did nothing and then worked on semi-converting a HTML layout to a HTML layout?

Corporations be like “Yeah, but different TEAMS” but then “Sarah, you know how you don’t know flash, yeah can you work on converting this from Flash to HTML? Sorry, we’d outsource but we’re using all that money on expanding into merch.. also still work on implementing the new layout so it coincides with merch. Also, have you spoken to Sharon about the new Premium users target?”

Meanwhile the group known as “Tony P” out there smashing that ban button.

While I’m on this apparent stream of consciousness, still love how Neopets is the only game I know of that requires a monthly subscription to be able to search prices accurately. 

You had 3 years for a 12-18 month job.. you haven’t even converted pet pages.

We have a new layout with no access to SBD 

You had an influx in revenue from covid for a website that can utilise WFH, outsourcing, contractors.

Instead you did this.

I’m not even gonna fucking tag this because I don’t feel like the bullshit “tHeY hAd To ChAnGe It FoR MoBiLe”. They did, it UI needed to be rebuilt from the ground up THAT HAS NOTHING TO WITH FLASH - CONVERT FLASH ELEMENTS TO HTML - IMPLEMENT INTO NEW HTML UI -conversion needed to be prioritised.

[meltwonu]

im not sure if im remembering correctly but what i wanted to say was im really proud of you!! after seeing you update all the lists, its just wow youve done so much and you didnt even start too long ago either - i remember being of the many few that transferred from an ask that prompted you to becone a writing blog and to see it grow just makes me feel proud of you - THaNK yOu for deciding to share all of this with us! ✨🌸💕

+ “i really dont know if i remembered correctly but i am proud of you nonetheless from seeing your masterlist grow from a few to all this with a successful handful of series!! and remembering things like how your schedules changes and such! i was always excited to read something on a certain day because i genuinely enjoyed it”

This is so sweet omg I’m gonna cry 😭😭💕💕 Thank you so much!! 

Yeah, honestly, when I started this blog up I didn’t really expect much from it? I kinda just wanted to use it as an outlet for the ideas I’d have for YEARS and with having to wfh I had a lot of extra time and thought “hey why not, I have some drafts from years ago I never posted.” and I am beyond thankful to every single one of you that read and like my fics 😭💕 It keeps me going and keeps me excited to keep writing! I love interacting with yall!! 💕💕 And I love seeing that some of yall are as filthy as I am 🥰😏

Honestly, I stopped writing a long while back because I burnt myself out writing for groups I didn't really care for and thats what ultimately kinda killed my drive for writing fic, even when they were just short blurbs and stuff, ykwim? I also didn’t really interact with my readers or anything so it seemed more just like work than it did a hobby. I felt like ppl only cared abt getting content out of me and I felt pressured to write things I didn’t want to but now I don’t feel that! And it’s easier for me to write now that I’ve strictly only written for SVT(and bts soon rly) because I know them the best too 🥺💕

And yes omg, my schedule went thru soooo many changes 🤣 I just was having such a hard time figuring out what worked best for me and what schedule allowed me to have enough time for me to rest in between too! I actually rly like the schedule I have now so I’m trying to keep it, even with my new incoming series too so it’s gonna take some finessing but I’ll figure it out hehe~ 🥰

Thank you, as always, to all of my readers 💕 I know this year was far from perfect, but I hope my writings and I have been able to provide even just a little happiness~ 💕