#and like its a clean house w safe people in a safe neighborhood not too far from her job

[isa-ah]

man on top of having to get ourselves ready to move we have to help our youngest roomie find a place to go and with literally a week left to sign a lease and move her stuff shes still being highly picky about where she goes, who she lives with, how much rent is, etc. like im sorry queen but you are no longer in a situation where you get to take your time to find your forever home, you are going to be sleeping in your car in 7 days if you dont Pick Smtn.

[keeponshouting]

After Infection

This is a rewrite and hopefully eventual completion of a massive multiverse mash-up of my OCs with a couple belonging to @whenromancesmoked and a few others from back in the day. I have absolutely no idea if anyone else is going to be interested in reading this (ok, I know a few people who will probably read it) but psh. I’m having fun and want to share.

Note: This is also a George Romero tribute of sorts. Like I started it for giggles because my PB for one of the characters was in the Dawn of the Dead remake and it just snowballed, which I guess means I should throw a WARNING: ZOMBIES sign up here or something. Anyway!

After Infection: Dawn of the Dead

It had seemed like a good idea at the time – or, well, more accurately, it had seemed like the right thing to do. There was a request from fellow hunters in a small town a few hours’ drive south and things had been quiet lately back home so Nate had figured that they could spare the time and energy. Besides, Dennis had been going pretty stir crazy for a while. Even if it was a hunt, it would be a good excuse to get out on the road for a while, a sort of vacation.

It had not turned out even remotely like a vacation.

They had been a little too late to the original party but apparently just in time for things to get much, much worse. Nate had brought a variety of tools just in case but he had primarily been prepared for an infestation of what locals called “hell rats,” a creature that was pretty common in the south and usually pretty easy to handle if you found their nests quickly enough. Sure they were venomous but as long as you were careful… He had not been expecting an infestation of zombies.

“The lot looks pretty clear right now.” Dennis is hunched over at the door, using the peephole to take a quick survey of the goings on outside their hotel room while Nate brews a second pot of coffee to get him through whatever the morning brings. After all, as long as decent coffee is available, he might as well take advantage of it. Lord knows he might have to go without for a while and God help his poor boyfriend’s patience if that happens.

When Dennis stands up straight again, his head is just about even with the top of the doorframe and he yawns as he leans back against the door, arms crossed over his chest. “So, come up with any plans yet or are we still waiting for the caffeine to kick in?”

Nate snorts into his cup and foregoes actually taking a drink for the moment in order to respond. “You ask that like I have any idea what sort of plan to use here. I’ve met exactly zero hunters who’ve actually had to handle zombies in the past decade at least. I honestly don’t think they’ve ever been a problem this far north before.”

“Well, there sure are a lot around here for something that’s never been a problem.”

“Some forms of infection can spread at an exponential rate in populated areas.” He drains a good half of the coffee in hand. “Our best bet is probably just to find out if there are any other non-infected people anywhere around here.”

Dennis flops across the bed, face down, with a muffled grunt.

Nate just silently continues drinking as the percolator finally finishes beside him and he very seriously considers making a third pot, just in case.

---

Zombies – shambling, groaning, flesh-eating, nearly Hollywood perfect zombies. For fuck’s sake. This should have been such an easy fucking job and now there are zombies.

Viktor strings together another line of curses, voice little more than a low growl, as he chambers another cartridge. Beside him, a terrified little girl whimpers. He simply scowls, sets Glock number one aside, lights a cigarette, and pulls out number two. “Zatraceně zasraný vědci.” Leaning over toward the window, he catches sight of a proper target and empties the last bullet into the back of its skull. What a fucking cliché.

This was supposed to be simple. They had agreed on that fact the moment that the specifications of the job had crossed the table. It should have been routine, easy money. Three towns, three targets, each plan the same; get rid of the scientist, call their employer, and let the clean-up crew come in and deal with the rest. The first two hits had gone off without a hitch. So, of course, it just figures that last one would have to be so much more complicated than it should have been.

“I—I—I w-want m-m-my d-da—daddy.”

Viktor’s jaw clenches as he exhales – slow and even, two thin streams of smoke – as he reloads the gun in hand and wills himself to remain calm. His patience is wearing thin at this point, though. He had not planned for going into this as usual and coming out as a babysitter. The target’s five-year-old daughter was not supposed to be in the house at the time of the hit. She only stayed with him on the weekends. What an absolutely brilliant turn of events that this was apparently the first Monday that she had ever spent with her father.

Dropping his half-smoked cigarette on the floor, he shoves himself up to his feet. He had lost contact with Miguel some time earlier, likely as a result of the scientist’s neighbor backing into an electric pole at full speed after one of the zombies had rushed her car. The impact had cut power to the entire neighborhood and he can only assume that it must be the cause of the interference. With long-range communication down, that leaves only one alternative: he needs to get within the functional range of their radios. Unfortunately, the hit had been planned for the late evening and he had only been able to make it as far as a vacant apartment building a couple blocks away before night had started to set. From here, short-wave does him about as much good as a water pistol.

“Come on.” Viktor has already reached the door and taken quick stock of the corridor beyond by the time he bothers to look back. Unsurprisingly, his unwanted charge remains unmoved, still curled up as small as she can possibly make herself, which is pretty damned small.

“A-are you g-g-gonna take me b-back to da-daddy?”

God give him strength but that stuttering is getting real old real quick. “Ne.” He swings the door open as quietly as possible and waits for a moment, listening for any movement outside, before carefully stepping out and making his way to the stairwell. With the knowledge that their escape route is currently free of hostiles, he takes a deep, centering breath and heads back to where he began.

“Look, holčička.” He crouches down in front of the child and tries to sound as reasonable as possible. Given his current level of frustration, he thinks that he is doing a fairly decent job. Miguel, however, would likely disagree. “Either you just come with me and go wherever I go, quietly and without complaint, or I leave you here. Your choice.” Yeah, Miguel would definitely disagree.

From the way that the little girl’s eyes go so much wider than he would have ever imagined possible, he feels safe in assuming that she disagrees as well and, five minutes later, they are creeping down an alleyway with more stealth than Viktor ever would have expected of a kindergartener.

---

What was taking so long?

That is the question that had led Alex out of the band’s bus and that was the question that he now wants to keep from crossing anyone else’s minds. This is all way too fucked up, like the should not be real kind of fucked up. None of this should be happening.

On the ground, backed up against the flat tire of the car that their driver had originally gone to help, Alex kicks hard into the jaw of what may have once been a perfectly lovely young woman and sends her sprawling backward where she lands on top of the monster still gnawing on the corpse of a man who should have still been living and breathing and driving their goddamn bus. Alex’s hand gropes around behind him for anything even remotely useful as a weapon and lands on the tire-iron just in time to smash it into the face of the dead woman once more lunging in his direction. Another strike as she tries to get up and he cringes and almost loses his lunch at the feeling of her skull cracking open and her brain splattering across the pavement. Hell, he really might have lost it if not for the howl coming at him far too fast. This time, he opts not to look as the hears the wet crunch and just leaps to his feet and starts running back toward relative safety.

“Alex?”

Oh fuck. “Stay on the bus, Val!”

“Don’t you fucking tell me what to do, Niccols! What the fuck is going—”

Alex fails to hear the rest as he spins around to slam the tire-iron as hard as he can into something else behind him. This time it gets yanked right out of his hand as the body drops and he scrambles back onto the bus, practically picking up a protesting Val in order to get her out of the way of the door that he immediately slams closed. He lets her go as he collapses into the driver’s seat, wide-eyed and hands shaking, and it takes him a moment to register the sound of his dog whimpering by his knee, let alone that of his own name. When the world comes back into focus, though, Val is staring at him in horror. It takes him another moment to realize why.

“Alex? What the fuck happened?” Whether she sounds more panicked or angry, Alex is far too dazed to tell. Her hands reach for his face, his shoulders, moving down to check every inch. “Are you okay?”

Taking a deep breath, he raises a hand to wipe at his face. No. No he is not okay. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Val does not look like she believes him at all. “Is that��Fuck. That—That’s blood! Why the fuck are you covered in blood?”

Breathe, Alex. Always a good plan to breathe. “Shh. Don’t…” Never mind. Telling her to keep it quiet is pointless. Everybody else will have heard it already.

He shoves himself back to his feet, legs weak and wobbly, and stumbles as he makes his way through the curtain that separates the cabin from the rest of the bus. It is instantly evident that the rest of the band did, in fact, hear all of that. All three of them are already staring at him before he even properly steps into view. He is pretty sure that Sasha is the one choke out an “on shit” and it is definitely Macy whose response comes out as barely a squeak.

“Blood?” On his feet now, Macy rushes in to cling to Alex’s shirt, bodily fluids not withstanding. “None of it’s yours, right? You’re not hurt? You’re okay?”

Again, Alex reminds himself to breathe, turning just enough so that he can see where Val still stands in the doorway, Parker lying on the floor a foot or so behind her, his ears back and expression scared. For her part, Val is gripping the doorway so tightly that Alex can only assume that she is trying very hard not move and crowd him any further.

“None of it’s mine.” He looks at the faces around him, all of them staring, all confused and various degrees of frightened. It brings everything right back into focus. “We need to—” It takes a deep breath in and a slow breath out to get his thoughts back in line. “Everybody grab a bag, pack food, necessities, just—just whatever.” Stepping a little closer to Val, just near enough to pull one of her hands down from the wall and give it a quick squeeze. “We gotta get outta here.”

---

Nate leans out of the passenger side window just far enough to level his sights on one of the creatures that already looks less human and fires. One shot, between the eyes, and it hits the ground and disappears beneath the feet of its companions. He hears a quiet gagging sound come from the driver’s seat and finds himself feeling a bit queasy in turn. They are both going to need to make some real changes to their perspective re: what constitutes a monster and they need to make those changes really quickly because as of right now, it is going to be really difficult to get out of this mess without completely rewiring their conscience.

“Um, Nate?”

With barely a glance spared toward Dennis, Nate focuses himself on reloading. “Yeah?”

“How many, uh—how many of them are back there?”

The question gives him pause but Nate squints to get a count anyway. “About a dozen in view. Why?”

“Because we need to, uh—we have to stop for a minute.”

Nate drops back into his seat so quickly that he nearly smacks his head off the door. “We what?”

Not even bothering to look at him, Dennis simply peels one shaking hand off of the steering wheel to point at something ahead. “We have to stop.”

Nate has to squint but he starts moving the moment that he sees exactly what Dennis is looking at. “I’ve got the door.”

It was rather obvious even from a single glance at a decent distance that the man up ahead, standing stock still in his torn slacks and a blood, rolled shirt-sleeves, was staring straight past the car speeding toward him and cursing the sight of the ever-growing number of zombies trailing behind. Dennis hits the gas and is slamming the breaks in what feels like no time.

Nate shoves the back door open and feels like there is really no room for argument when he shouts to the man to get in but he has been wrong before and apparently he is right now. Instead of heading straight for them, the guy curses in a language that they are now close enough for Nate to tell is definitely not English and turns away.

“Hey!” Dennis spins in his seat to look behind them, which Nate is sure that he immediately regrets. “What the hell? What’s he doing?”

“I don’t know. He’s just—” And that is when the stranger pulls his gun, takes out three approaching zombies in relatively rapid succession, and finally turns to sprint back toward the car. “—getting a little girl.”

The child is practically flung into the back seat and their new passenger wastes no time slamming the door behind himself and snapping, “Go. Now.”

Dennis really does not need to be told and floors it the second he knows the door is closed.

“Take a left onto Carver,” the man continues, his tone speaking volumes regarding how unwilling he would be to hear any question or protest. “Follow signs for the mall plaza.” He leans out the window to pick off a few more of the monsters before Nate’s slightly incredulous look catches his attention and his scowl is honestly pretty terrifying. “You’ll be out of gas before the edge of town so, under the assumption that you wish to live—”

Nate’s eyes narrow in suspicion but Dennis has absolutely no qualms against following the orders of anyone with a plan right now and practically takes the aforementioned turn on two wheels when he nearly misses it.

---

“Are you sure you can hotwire this piece of shit?”

“It’s not a piece of shit, it’s a fucking classic.”

Val rolls her eyes at that as she continues trying to calm the utterly panicked Macy currently clinging to her so tightly that he might as well just climb into her goddamn skin. “Fine. Can you really hotwire this ‘fucking classic’?”

Two seconds later, the engine revs up as Alex sits back in the driver’s seat with a trin and a waggle of his stupid eyebrows. Sasha squeals in relief and flings her arms around him from her place in the back seat, as he laughs. “My mechanical genius is wasted on this red wire green wire bullshit.”

He pops the trunk just as something begins to stir inside of the nearby diner and Val shoves Sasha aside to squeeze Macy in so that she can help Nico load their bags at record speed. By the time she flings herself into the front passenger seat, there are already zombies starting to stumble out of the woodwork. Fuck seatbelts. “Gun it!”

Alex hits the gas and they peel out of the parking lot just as the diner’s doors give way.

He had tried to explain what had happened while they packed. It had felt impossible for Val to actually wrap her mind around it at first but once she had seen the mess outside? She had practically dragged Alex and Macy off in search of the nearest source of potential transportation. They needed to find something quickly and it needed to be something fast and she needed to not think about how painfully familiar the blood and gore looked, though she had only ever seen anything like it in her nightmares. When Alex had needed to stop and vomit into the nearest garbage can, she had a feeling that she understood why and a little pocket of rage flared to life in her chest – not because he had to stop but because he never should have been the one to wind up with someone else’s blood on his hands.

“Where are we going?” Macy is the one to finally ask, almost inaudible from where he has curled up against Sasha now, and Val catches his eye in the rearview mirror before she looks toward Alex.

Alex, however, is entirely too focused on driving to really think but so much and instead catches her eye before clearing his throat. “Nick?”

In the back, Nico turns away from the horrors outside of his window. “What?”

“How do you defend yourself against a zombie invasion?”

“Wha—Zombies aren’t exactly my specialty here.”

“No,” Alex agrees, “but zombies are supposed to be a helluva lot dumber than, say, Reavers, right? You know Reavers.”

“So?”

“So how would you defend yourself against an invasion of retarded Reavers?”

The drummer just stares at him for a moment with an expression that plainly says that he may consider that to be the dumbest question that he has ever heard. Eventually, thought, there is an answer. “I’d find the most well-stocked, easily-fortifiable location I could think of and hope I could wait out the attack or find some other way to get through them.”

There is silence in the car and then Alex shrugs. “All right. So, where’s the most well-stocked and easily-fortifiable location we can think of?

Five minutes later, they find themselves screeching into the parking lot of the local mall. The location almost seems somehow normal, given the situation at hand. In fact, were it not for the shrieking horde behind them or the knowledge that Alex is currently doing seventy into a public lot, it might almost feel a little reminiscent of home. Val almost finds it funny, really. What’s funnier to her than coming to a mall for safety, however, is the fact that they were obviously not the only ones with that idea, as they are definitely not the only ones pulling into the place with a bunch of undead goons straggling along behind them.

---

“Miguel.”

There is a burst of static in his ear as Viktor leans out to empty his 22 into the crowd of creatures still chasing behind the car that had picked him up on the highway. Once within range, he takes out a couple of the ones latching on to the other car that had pulled in to the lot at about the same time, too. When his magazine clicks empty, he makes a snap decision to save his 20 for later and drops back into the seat to reload. The driver glances at him in the rearview, looking a little bit frightened, while the original passenger only eyes him for a moment before leaning out of the other side with a freshly loaded shotgun. His fellow gunner might not be terribly trusting but at least Viktor can respect that. Besides, who needs trust? The guy’s a fairly good shot.

“Zatratím tě, Miguel!” The little girl still curled up beside him whimpers. He can hear it over the gunfire, the static, all of the goddamned zombies. It is grating on his very last nerve. “Odpovídáš mě!”

He could hope for no better response than to lean back out just in time to watch as a line of four hostiles drops one by one.

“En ingles, ’mano.” Another line of undead hit the ground as the line sputters out then clears up again, leaving room for easily the most welcome voice he has ever known. “Now where the Hell have you been?”

Viktor nearly laughs. “We can trade stories later, miláčku. Right now, I need cover fire while I try to get these people into the posraný mall.”

“Going shopping?”

“Sklapni. We try the mall or they come to your shop.”

“How many?”

Viktor glances toward the other vehicle still circling around the parking lot with them. “Eight plus me.”

“Well, if they dropped you—”

“Miguel.”

“Sí, sí, the mall sounds like a plan. There’s a garage off to your right. No good angle for me to shoot the lock off but I can keep the number of uglies down while you get in.”

“Děkuji.”

“That means thank you, sí?”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Sí.”

The line bursts back into static with a laugh.

---

As it turns out, the garage door does not, in fact, require a shot to the lock. It rolls up just enough for the two cars to through before Dennis’s little hatchback even hits the ramp. On the other side, a young woman motions for them to hurry while two men in security uniforms stand to either side of the entrance to help keep the monsters at bay, though it appears that this Miguel guy really only needs the most basic of assistance. His precision is honestly kind of terrifying and Dennis is just as glad not to see any more examples of it as he swerves off to one side so that the other car has room. Nate and their scarier passenger are both out before he even has the damned thing in park, seeing to it that nothing gets in the way of girl at the door to slam the thing shut.

“We saw you on the security cameras,” of the security guards explains as he climbs up to try and jam the gears.

The other car’s driver takes a moment to collect himself, then grabs a wrench and makes his way over to the ladder. “Here. Let me have a look at that.”

“Figured we couldn’t just leave you out there.” The guard climbs down to let the driver up. “Then Shannon said she thought you were headed this way.”

“Thanks.” Dennis finally climbs out only to stretch over the top of his car.

The woman now known as Shannon simply smiles. “No problem. Mercy for your fellow man or something like that.” She laughs and shrugs, looking slightly flustered, though that is probably to be expected, all things considered. “Anyway, come on. Let’s get you all inside. We’ve got food, clothes, relatively comfortable furniture… We’ll get you poor things all cleaned up and sorted out in no time.”

There is a general rumble of agreement as the little group follows her to the door that leads into the connected store, allowing themselves to be ushered toward where another girl is waiting somewhat impatiently. That is, they all follow along aside from one man, anyway, who simply mutters something into his headset before switching it off and making his way back over to the hatchback. Shannon looks back, confused, as does Nate, though he looks more suspicious about it.

Dennis just sighs. “The little girl.” Then he ducks through the doorway and drags Nate away after the rest.

---

“Come on, holčička.” Viktor crouches down beside the open car door with a sigh as the child remains curled up in the center of the back seat. Children. How did anyone actually deal with children, let alone have them by choice?

The little girl simply whimpers and mumbles, “There are monsters out there.”

Well, at least the stuttering has stopped and he supposes he can concede that she has a fair point. “The monsters are outside, not with us.”

Before he can receive a response or think of anything more convincing to say, there is someone else coming up behind him, bending down to look the child in the eye with a painfully sympathetic and all too sugarcoated smile. He might be able to handle the sight of it at any other time but right now, with everything that he has just been through and the way that she has the gall to place one of her hands on his shoulder as if—God, he would really like to wipe that smile off of her face.

“Hi, there,” she says, voice floating in a way that speaks plainly of a familiarity with appeasing people under the age of seven. “I’m Shannon. What’s your name?”

Caught slightly off-guard, the child squeaks. “Um. I—I’m—” The little girl shoots a quick glance toward Viktor then, almost as if asking permission to speak with this new stranger before she finally answers. “I’m Amanda.”

Shannon’s smile becomes even brighter, even sweeter, if that is even possible, and Viktor has to dig his nails into his palms to keep himself from taking out her kneecaps when she leans even further over him, hand squeezing his shoulder. “Amanda? Well, that’s a pretty name! Are you hungry, Amanda?”

The little girl nods.

“Well, we’ve got all sorts of food inside. We’ve got toys, too, and games and books and all sorts of neat stuff.”

“And—and no monsters?”

Shannon laughs. “And no monsters.”

Still curled up in the seat, Amanda chews worriedly at her lip for a moment longer, eyes flashing back and forth between the two adults still there in the door. Shannon keeps smiling, encouraging. Viktor just stays crouched there with a clenched jaw and a headache starting to build behind his eyes. When the girl finally moves, though, it does not go entirely as expected. Rather than reaching for Shannon’s offered hand, she instead launches herself forward to wrap her little arms tight around Viktor’s neck and duck her head in under his chin, completely unaware of the rather undignified look of surprise that he is entirely unable to keep off of his face. Unhelpfully, all Shannon does in response is giggle.

[nancypullen]

Delightful December

Oh my goodness, this month started so perfectly. We had *S*N*O*W*!  It didn’t stick except for a few patches here and there, but rooftops were white and the sight of those flakes drifting down is just plain soothing.  Actually, I guess the snow arrived on November 30th, but I’m giving December the credit.  I sat at my desk, with a kitty at my feet and Aretha Franklin providing the soundtrack, and created all sorts of winter inspired nonsense.

I wonder how long that will stay up before YouTube yanks the music?  Other than getting excited about the beautiful precipitation we’ve been doing a whole lot of nothing. I cook, we eat, I clean up.  Repeat.  I’ve got the house decorated for Christmas.  The tree is glittering and there are little vignettes here and there.  I’ll have to throw up some photos.  I should be wrapping gifts because I have so much to mail this year.  I need to get things out next week just for my peace of mind. I haven’t written a single card or an annual holiday letter yet because I’ve been cranking out postcards to Georgia voters.

You can tell by the last 25 cards my handwriting had slipped into serial killer scrawl.  Mickey would come shuffling into the room asking questions and expecting meals and I’d say, “Can’t talk, I’m saving democracy!”  If the last four years have taught him anything it’s the effectiveness of groups of women working toward a goal.  Come on, Georgia, don’t let me down.

Know what never lets me down? LOBSTER.  And I had some last Thursday.  Once a month a food truck parks in our neighborhood, last month it was Music City Brisket (delicious!), this month it was Cousins Lobster. Holy moley, it was perfect.  Here’s a snap of my Connecticut roll.  It’s warm and drenched in butter versus the Maine roll that’s cold and has been tossed with mayo and sometimes even has celery and onion added.  The Connecticut is just pure lobster and a buttery grilled roll.  This would be my death row meal.

I’m gazing at that photo like it’s a picture of my lost love.  In the background you can see a glimpse of a dish of lobster tots.  That’s crispy tater tots topped with lobster meat, creamy cilantro lime sauce, and pico de gallo.  HEAVEN!  I don’t know who came up with that dish but they deserve the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their contribution to society.  Probably a statue somewhere too.

Other than stuffing the mailbox with postcards and stuffing my mouth with lobster I haven’t been doing much.  I need to get busy and make a few food gifts for neighbors and I really need to get started on those Christmas cards.   We received our first card on November 30th!  Overachiever!   Anywho, I’m feeling jolly and things will get done, they always do.  We’re not going into any stores so we’ve been getting a crazy amount of deliveries but at least the shopping is over - that’s always the hardest part.  What do you get people who don’t really need much, and who aren’t going anywhere or doing anything?

Just an idea.  Everyone uses it, right? I’ll come back tomorrow and share a few pics of our holiday decor and maybe a recipe or two.  But now I’m off to soak in a tub with a new book and then I think we’ll pop some popcorn and watch the new SNL.  Livin’ life in the fast lane, folks. Hope you’re feeling the joy of the season. Even though its crazy this year, the music, the lights, the cards from friends, finding just the right gift for someone - that’s all the same, and it’s wonderful.  Grab some wonderful for yourself.

Stay safe, stay well, stay jolly! XOXO- Nancy

[freebooter4ever]

color/scent association, tagged by @s-k-y-w-a-l-k-e-r

under the cut because im longwinded af

red/orange: I’m combining these because there is a particular shade of burnt red that is unconsciously my favorite color, over half my clothes feature this color (the other half are pink), and it’s because it’s the shade of my grandparent’s carpet. Both my grandparents favorite color is red and they bought the house in the 60′s, though that doesn’t excuse them for picking this truly hideous carpet color. But it was my favorite place, my favorite smell in the world growing up. Taking my micro-machines down the river of hot lava stairs safe inside the micro-machine floating aircraft carrier was a memorable pastime. The light through the front windows faded parts of the deep red carpet to a bright bright orange, so it really was like fire (and the orange matched their truly god awful scratchy orange couch that felt like sitting on a burlap sack). My grandparents loved this ugly carpet so much they kept it for 55 years and when I asked her what she would miss the most when moving out of her house, my grandma answered the carpet because no one makes carpet in that shade of red anymore.

yellow: I feel like lemon is the too easy answer here, but I really love that JR Watkins lemon hand soap. I’d never tried it until I lived in Nick’s sister’s house so now I kinda associate the smell with that time - clean, bright, airy, plus bonus dog, in a 1950′s brick house with a crumbling two story staircase climb to the entrance that was like a death trap when covered in ice. The tiny kitchen there was like the social center of the house, so many roommates and we all ended up there at various times and ALL hours of the day (Sarah was ALWAYS baking and half of it was for fundraising for her dance company and the other half was always Kale Chips which was the most disgusting snack yet I pretended to love it for her sake) - I met Nick at 3am on thanksgiving day after I finally came home from work to find a stranger sitting on the kitchen floor eating pie. The second place I have seen this lemon hand soap is my favorite organic cafe near ohiopyle where I’d stop and get mayo free coleslaw every time I drove out to the country to sit and write by the river rapids - which also reminds me of Nick because of him being a ‘dirtbag’ river guide for a good chunk of his life in PA.

green:  Freshly cut grass, which seems like an easy answer, but after living away from the pacific northwest for a time I’ve come to realize that the pine tree forests smell VASTLY different than any other forests. I miss it desperately. One of those things where you grow up thinking it’s normal, and everybody lives perpetually surrounded by the smell of pine needles until you move away for ten years and discover that nope, its not. Kind of like how I thought floating bridges were the norm and was shocked to discover seattle was one of the only places to have them.

blue: Chlorine in the neighborhood pools my friends and I practically lived in all summer during grade school.

purple: i actually can’t think of anything for purple...

pink: Lavender, which seems backwards since it’s not purple but I heavily associate pink with clothes, and all my clothes smell as much like lavender as I can get. My grandma on my mom’s side grew up in 1930′s Oklahoma farm country during the dustbowl, and her dad was a pest control man (there’s a photo of her as a teen here on this blog somewhere where she’s in her dad’s truck - the ugliest photo of her I’ve ever seen and the only one where my mom claims I actually look like my beautiful grandmother) - anyway, to keep bugs out of their own house my grandma and her mother used to sew little lavender satchels and hide them in the drawers. They used the prettiest scraps of fabric, and even edged them with lace sometimes. Much much later my grandma gave a few to me to put in my clothes drawers and my tiny child brain decided they were Much Too Pretty to be used in drawers so I repurposed them into doll pillows. But the ones she gave me were pink satin with white lace and always smelled like lavender. There’s other reasons lavender and pink became kind of a sacred smell for me after the Hell Year but I’m not gonna get into that lol.

brown: Those huge wood pilings on the side of docks - specifically the ones used near the ferries that travel to and from Whidbey Island. This is a distinct smell, but it’s not unique and I’ve smelled it in other areas but the Mukilteo Ferry will always be the original for me. The smell and color associated with such things like The Center For Wooden Boats which I grew up around thanks to my mom while also being NOT ALLOWED to sail for reasons my mother never explained (she knew how to sail, my grandpa lives on a sailboat down in the carribean for fucks sake)(when i told nick about that i thought nick would understand i was saying i never wanted to leave family behind like that, not that he’d take it as life advice), and also associated with that one specific railroad bridge that crosses the lake sammamish bicycle thoroughfare which Sanjeev used to live along that I think must have been built out of the same type of old weathered wood and I spent many days running past it, also also associated with the Edgewater where my cousin got married on the same day as the local Hemp Festival so the smell of ocean and old wood was mixed with the smell of marijuana, and tons of high hippies were cavorting through the streets in front of the hotel and the Myrtle Edwards Park (my mom’s favorite park - my dad’s side of the family only liked this park because it was within walking distance of the Old Spaghetti Factory) and the entire wedding party walked from the church at Holy Names Academy down to the hotel for the reception, and we all got mixed up in the revelers. And I was walking with grandma and grandpa and at least five different people stopped to declare how splendid my grandpa’s fancy pale blue suit looked. This was before pot was legal in washington, btw.

black: whatever the fuck the smell of all the collective music events Naeem threw was...so - alcohol? smoke? sweat? weird air? I don’t even know, but I’m nostalgic as heck for it. Half the time the parties were just a black void for dancing but you sure could smell it. It’s not exactly a smell I can describe but it’s one I recognize. Cramped dark rooms, weird paintings on the wall - naked people / black light owl / hipster wallpaper, shitty beat up flooring, crowds of people half who feel familiar, quirky lighting, racks of bicycles hung from the ceiling in one instance, fog and a long artificially elongated room in another, music videos that rarely make sense but are good for something to stare at instead of making conversation (dancing monkeys?), an underground art deco bank vault door, disco balls, brick houses with narrow wooden decks behind alleys to cool off on, snow, and THAT SMELL.

tagging @aboutthatmelancholystorm ,  @lollki , @revolverwaffle bc i saw you online for a min old friend, and @lieblinggs

[edenfalling]

[Fic] Random fragments that I will never finish

[tozier-boy]

Is there somewhere

Chapter one: Colors

Summary: Richie didn’t belong in boring, old fashioned, small Derry, that was for sure. Richie Tozier wore leather jackets and ripped jeans. Richie Tozier had his ear pierced and he painted his nails black. Richie Tozier wore combat boots and let his curls grow wild and messy. Richie Tozier always had headphones around his neck and sometimes he wore eyeliner. Richie Tozier smoked weed on the school ground and told teachers to shut the fuck up. Richie Tozier was tall and skinny and he wore bands tank tops. Richie Tozier was the reason why Eddie had started biting his lower lip way more frequently than he did before. 

Hey everyone! I know I still have my Hogwarts AU in progress, but this idea came to my mind and I just had to write it down. 

I’m not tagging anyone because there will be smut in this (there is already, kind of), so I don’t want to make uncomfortable anyone who’s not okay with that.  If you want to be tagged/added to the tag list, just say so :D 

(Each chapter will be named after one of Halsey’s songs, just in case you will be wanting to listen to something)

Any kind of feedback is appreciated and my ask and DM are always open!

“If- if my mom finds out you’re here…” Eddie was breathless. Richie Tozier was kissing his neck and fucking him relentlessly, holding his hips and breathing hot against his neck. “Oh god.”

“As much as I like your mom, Eds, you gotta stop talking about her.” Richie panted, squeezing Eddie’s hip and bringing his other hand to cup the boy’s face, stroking his bottom lip with his thumb. “Fuck, you feel amazing.”

Eddie clutched Richie’s shoulders as he felt getting closer and closer to his climax, moaning high and desperate like he never imagined he would have. “Harder, faster!” He pleaded, digging his nails into Richie’s back and dragging them down. “Oh yes! Right there!” His voice had turned a few octaves up and his hips had started stuttering in the attempt of meeting Richie’s thrusts.

The boy’s dark, chocolate curls were falling on Eddie’s face and their eyes were locked together as they panted into each other’s mouths. Eddie knew his eyes were open wide, because he didn’t want to miss the look on Richie’s face, the way he was looking at him. His heart was about to burst, he could feel it, because, as Richie came inside him with a loud cry of Eddie’s name, Eddie knew he was utterly, completely, deeply in love.

Five months earlier

“I just don’t see what’s the appeal, you know? A bunch of sweaty, drunk teenagers grinding against each other? It sounds like a punishment, not a party.” Eddie was putting his books back in his locker, while gesturing dismissively at Bill’s attempts to convince him to go.

Eddie wasn’t kidding when he said that he didn’t see any appeal in a party. He was 17, and he had only been at one party.

It had been more than enough.

After only three hours someone had thrown up on his new shoes and Mike had accidentally spilled beer on his favorite shirt. He had been grounded for three weeks and, to be honest, he wasn’t looking forward to it again.

“But  A-A-Audra’s going to be t-t-there!” Bill protested, resting the back of his head against the lockers.

“How is this going to convince me to go to a stupid party? She’s your crush, not mine.” He pointed out, raising his eyebrows. “Besides, I have a test on Monday. I have to study, and you should too.” He added, adjusting the strap of his backpack on his shoulder.

“I’ll g-g-give you 50 b-bucks.” Bill said, very seriously.

“I’m not an escort, Bill.” Eddie chuckled, closing his locker. Behind its door was standing Richie Tozier, and Eddie nearly had a heart attack.

“Jesus, Tozier! You scared the shit out of me!” Eddie gasped, putting his hand on his chest and feeling how hard his heart was beating.

“I thought the palpitations were a side effect of your crush on me.” Richie said, wiggling his eyebrows. Eddie snorted and rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, you wish.”

Richie pouted dramatically, but Eddie knew he was just mocking him. Richie and him had never been friends. Not just acquaintances, either, but they weren’t friends. They teased each other in the hallways, they bickered when they were in the same room, but they weren’t friends.

They couldn’t have been. They lived on two different planets.

Eddie was, alongside Stanley Uris, one of the best students of the Derry High School. His grades were perfect, teachers adored him and he was never late for school. He joined two clubs for extra credits and he would have killed for a scholarship at Harvard. He knew what he wanted, and he had his goals clear in his mind: graduate from high school, go to college, take medicine and become a nurse in New York.  He liked having a plan, it made him feel safe and focused.

Richie, on the quite contrary, was a living train wreck. He wasn’t stupid, oh, not at all. Eddie knew he was extremely fucking smart. In fact, Richie managed to get straight A’s with a upsettingly small amount of studying. He was always late, and when he wasn’t late he wasn’t at school at all. The first time he saw him, during their 9th grade, Eddie thought Richie didn’t belong in Derry at all.

Richie had just moved there from California, and that immediately lighted a spark of curiosity in the small town of Derry.

Who were these people? Why did they move from California? Can we trust them?

Richie didn’t belong in boring, old fashioned, small Derry, that was for sure.

Richie Tozier wore leather jackets and ripped jeans. Richie Tozier had his ear pierced and he painted his nails black. Richie Tozier wore combat boots and let his curls grow wild and messy. Richie Tozier always had headphones around his neck and sometimes he wore eyeliner. Richie Tozier smoked weed on the school ground and told teachers to shut the fuck up. Richie Tozier was tall and skinny and he wore bands tank tops. Richie Tozier was the reason why Eddie had started biting his lower lip way more frequently than he did before.

Everyone at school was impressed when he first came around. He was different from the people of Derry. He was different from the cardigans and the polo shirts, from the shirts tucked in the jeans and the brushed hair.

Eddie didn’t even know boys could paint their nails the first time he saw Richie.

“Are you coming to the party, Eds?” He asked, checking with his fingers if the cigarette he had tucked behind his ear was still there.

“Don’t call me that, for fuck’s sake.” Eddie hissed, glaring at him. “And no, I’d rather lick a gas station’ toilet clean.”

“What a vivid image.” Richie laughed, and Eddie wondered if he knew he wasn’t joking at all. “Come on, it’s gonna be lit. Bev knows how to throw a party.”

Beverly Marsh was the only person Richie really talked to. They were similar under many aspects, so anyone could have seen why they clicked together.

Eddie was still wondering why Richie bothered talking to him at all, since they were different under all the aspects.

“I’m sure she does.” Eddie said simply, and Bill huffed beside him.

“But this one’s different. We’re going to the quarry for a bone fire.” Eddie didn’t know that. He thought it was going to be a lame house party with fifty teenagers squeezed together behind four walls. A bone fire did sound nice. Nicer than a house party, anyway. He would have had room to breathe fresh air, and sitting in front of a creaking fire with his friends was a nice prospective.

Eddie glanced up at Richie, who towered over him, being the lanky motherfucker he was. “I’m going to give it a long, hard thought.”He said, and Bill almost squeaked by his side. He knew him far too well not to know he had basically said yes.

Richie’s lips curved into a crooked smirk, as their eyes were still fixed on each other. “Maybe I’ll see you later, then.” Richie said lowly, and Eddie tilted his chin up.

“Maybe you will.”

“S-S-Seriously, Eddie, w-what’s going on b-b-between you and R-Richie Tozier?” Bill asked. He was currently lying on his stomach on Eddie’s bed, flicking through the pages of a comic book distractedly as Eddie chose what to wear at the bone fire.

“What are you talking about?” Eddie frowned, looking at his friend through the mirror. “Nothing’s going on.”

“It m-most certainly l-l-looks like s-something’s g-g-going on.” Bill giggled, and Eddie turned towards him with his hands on his hips.

“Something like what?”

“Something like a b-b-big, f-fat, mutual c-crush.” Bill said, wiggling his eyebrow, and Eddie’s cheeks heated up.

“Shut the f-“

“Eddie bear? Where are you going?” Sonia Kaspbrak had opened the door to her son’s room without knocking, making the two boys jump in surprise. “Isn’t it a bit late to go out?”

“Eddie’s c-c-coming to mine. We’re g-gonna study and watch a m-movie, mrs K.” Bill said quickly, smiling up at the woman.

“And you can’t do that here?” She questioned, and Bill’s smile only grew faker and wider.

“I’ve g-got a new DVD.”

“Very well, but no sleepovers. You’ve got to be home by 11.30.” Sonia said, pointing her finger at Eddie.

“Sure, ma.” Eddie stood on his tiptoes and kissed his mother’s cheek, grinning sweetly.

There was no other way but lying, Eddie knew it far too well. His overprotective, manipulative, controlling mother would have never let him go to a party, let alone one with a bone fire involved.

Especially if she knew Richie Tozier was going to be there as well.

Ever since the Tozier family had moved in their neighborhood, Sonia Kaspbrak had been sulking about it. She didn’t like Maggie Tozier one bit, because “she smiled way too much” and “no woman was supposed to wear skirts that didn’t reach the knees”, but truth was Sonia was extremely jealous. She never had a valid reason to smile, while Maggie Tozier was cheerful most of the time. Plus, Maggie was a beautiful woman. She was tall and slender, had round hips and beautiful curly hair  that framed a regular face and pretty, big hazel eyes. Eddie knew every single man in town fancied her and that every single woman in town desperately tried to find her flaws.

Derry was not the kind of town where a woman could have been happy about another woman’s beauty. In Derry, women despised each other.

She didn’t trust the fact that they came to Derry all in a sudden and that no one knew why. She started speculating about the reason with Eddie’s aunt, and every theory was more ridiculous than the last.

Then, Sonia had to complain about mr Tozier and his “way too loud new car”. Mr Tozier was a dentist, which Eddie always found curious, considering that Richie’s front teeth were slightly too big and they were usually resting upon his lower lip.

Eddie always thought it was cute, because those teeth, along with the freckles on Richie’s nose and cheeks, made him look younger.

But most of all, Sonia Kaspbrak despised the loud, foul-mouthed, vulgar, punk Tozier boy more than anything else in the world and she didn’t want him anywhere near her beloved, well mannered son.

“Don’t eat candies or chips or you’ll get a stomachache!” Sonia reminded Eddie as the boys were running down the stairs.

“Yes ma!” Eddie called back, before the front door slammed shut.

It wasn’t terrible, Eddie considered. The bone fire had been lighted up and it was burning high, there were a lot of students around it, mostly from the 12th and 11th grade and Eddie wasn’t hating it. He had a can of soda in his hand, while Bill had decided to go for a bottle of ice cold beer. There was music, nice music, and Eddie couldn’t deny that Beverly Marsh had a pretty fucking great idea.

“This is n-n-nice, isn’t it?”  Bill said, glancing around the crowd, desperately trying to spot Audra.

“I’m not hating it.” Eddie conceded, and Bill smiled.

“Hey guys.” Both of the boys turned their heads to look at Stan, who was holding a can identical to Eddie’s. “Didn’t think you would have come.” He said with a tentative smile that was entirely directed at Bill.

“I didn’t think that either.” Eddie shrugged, sighing as Bill ignored completely Stan’s glances, too busy to try to gain Audra’s attention.

Eddie was well aware of the crush Stan had on Bill. Everyone was well aware of that. Bill was a handsome boy: he was tall, he had ginger-ish hair and a charming smile. Eddie could see why Stan liked him so much. Bill, though, despite his stutter, was more outgoing, while Stan tended to hide behind his books, like an admirer from afar.

“Well, I’m glad you decided to come. It was a bit awkward without actual people to talk to.” He said, pressing his lips into a thin line.

“Yeah, me too.” Another voice said from behind them. Eddie twirled on his heels to find Richie standing in front of him. He was wearing a black tank top and a denim jacket with some pins on it, black and ripped skinny jeans and his combat boots. Eddie found himself staring for a couple of seconds.

“You smell weird.” Eddie said, well aware that, mixed to Richie’s cologne, was the smell of weed.

“That’s what I told your mom last night.”

“You’re fucking disgusting.”

“That’s not what you said last night.” He winked.

Stan rolled his eyes. “I’m not following. Were you with Eddie or with his mom last night?” He said flatly, not really asking a question.

“Maybe both.” Richie laughed. Eddie shrugged past him, shouldering him but not too hard, and walked away. The last thing he needed was to hear to Richie’s awful mom jokes.

He just didn’t understand. Richie was a real fucking trashmouth, but he seemed particularly keen on addressing his annoying jokes toward Eddie. Sure, he was friends with Beverly, but he never heard him being so loud around her. He leaned his back against a tree, taking a deep breath away from the crowd. His mind ran back to what Bill had said.

What’s going on between you and Richie Tozier?

Eddie had no idea. He truly, honestly had no idea of what was going on.

He didn’t know why Richie bothered talking to him, he didn’t know why he bothered answering. He didn’t know why his heart beat a little faster whenever he heard Richie’s voice near him, and he was too afraid to asking himself why.

Nothing was going on between Richie Tozier and him.

It wasn’t that great, after all. It was just like a regular party, but outside. There were people grinding in rhythm with the music, people making out and people way too drunk to function. Bill had finally managed to talk to Audra, and they were currently kissing against a tree. Eddie’s eyes immediately went for Stan, who was sitting with his head down and Mike Hanlon’s arm thrown around his shoulders. Eddie knew Mike, he was in the football team and he was probably one of the kindest person he had ever had the pleasure of knowing. If Stan was with Mike, he knew he was in good hands.

“Are you cold?” It was almost time for Eddie to go. Last thing he wanted, was to piss his mother off and being grounded for a month. He looked to his left, where Richie had sat down. They were in front of the bone fire, but the air had cooled down and gave Eddie goose bumps down his arms.

“I’m fine.” Eddie shrugged, looking back at the fire. Two seconds later, Richie’s warm denim jacket was around his shoulders.

“There you go.”

“I said I was fine.”

“Your body says otherwise.” Richie ran his index finger over Eddie’s arm, which only caused more goose bumps. He swallowed hard, gripping the grass under him as he looked up at Richie’s chocolate brown eyes.

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have,  but thank you.” He said, wrapping Richie’s way-too-big jacket around himself. They looked into each other’s eyes for a couple of seconds, and Eddie felt his stomach knotting and then filling with something that fluttered. With the fire’s light hitting his face, Eddie could clearly see every single one of Richie’s freckles. He could admire the way his curls fell on his forehead and the way his front teeth rested on his lower lip when he wasn’t thinking about hiding them. Eddie knew he wasn’t supposed to think about another boy’s freckles, eyes,  hair and mouth, but when it came to Richie he just couldn’t help but wonder. He had so many questions he wanted to ask, and yet he was afraid of the answers. It was like looking at an unsolved mystery, and it fascinated Eddie beyond any measure.

“Anytime.” Richie replied softly, and his lips curved into a relaxed smile that made Eddie wonder if that was a perfectly normal thing to do.

He was even about to ask him that, when some girl screamed.

“The cops are here!”

Eddie didn’t even have the time to think or react. Before he could even look at what was going on, he was being pulled on his feet by a warm hand firmly holding his and then he was running. The woods that surrounded the quarry were not a place you would have wanted to find yourself lost in at night, but Richie seemed to know what he was doing and where he was going as he held Eddie’s hand and dragged him away. Eddie heard the music being shut down and then voices, loud voices and sirens.

He felt like he couldn’t breathe, but the last thing he wanted was being dragged back home by the police. He wasn’t even drunk, he hadn’t touch a single drop of alcohol, but she wouldn’t have cared. He had lied, and that would have been a reason valid enough for him to be locked home for god knows how long.

“Rich! Stop!” He panted, planting his heels to the ground once they were far away enough. He leaned his back against a tree and tried to catch his breath.

He hoped that his friends managed to ran away as well.

“Are you okay?” Richie asked as he tried to catch his breath. Eddie nodded, panting, and looked up at the taller boy with wide eyes.

“Thank you…” He breathed, and Richie chuckled.

“This is the second time you thank me tonight.” He pointed out, resting a hand beside Eddie’s head as he looked down at him. They were really close. They were really close and they were alone in the dark woods, and Eddie shouldn’t have felt as comfortable as he did.

“Well, you deserve it.” Eddie bit his lower lip as he looked in his eyes, then looked back down at the ground with a blush on his cheeks. “I was supposed to be home five minutes ago. Shit, my mom’s going to kill me…”

“Well, we better get going then, am I right?” Eddie nodded slowly, watching as Richie took a step back from him. “Come on.” He offered Eddie his hand, and the smaller boy frowned a little. “It’s mad dark in here, I don’t want to lose you in a wood.”

“Are you just looking for an excuse to hold my hand, Tozier?” Eddie teased, thanking the darkness that was hiding his blush as he slipped his hand into Richie’s.

“Shut up and follow me, Kaspbrak.”  

[2020laxteentour]

En Route…

I am so excited to be given the opportunity to tour with this wonderful group.  This will be my first visit to LA. I’m prepared to give back and taking in so much information to share. -Pamela G.

I am extremely excited to be able to be a part of this apart of this L.A. WECCAAN. Like my brother it too has been a dream of mine to be able to travel to L.A. and see it in all its glory. I’ve seen depicted in games and movies for many years but never had the chance to experience it in my life. I expect to be introduced by the true culture and experience of California as a whole through this trip, and further understand the world we live in today. Thank you for this experience. -Bobby H.

Although I have never been to Los Angeles, I have been to California (Mainly just in the city of Sacramento) when I was a child. On the trip, I am most excited about the service-learning project that we will be participating in and getting to see Los Angles for the first time....and I get to get out of the house from self-quarantining for months! I hope as a group we all stay safe and healthy while still enjoying the trip. -Marcus R.

I am an uprising junior at UCLA, so I have been to Los Angeles before and I absolutely love it! There are so many people from diverse backgrounds, so many different foods, so much history, so much to explore and such an energetic atmosphere. In spite of this year's circumstances, I know that this tour will be a great one and a wonderful learning opportunity for me as well as others. I look forward to talking about UCLA and volunteering to make a positive impact. I am glad this tour was finally able to happen! -Kristen L.

I have never been to Los Angeles or anywhere on the west coast, but have always wanted to visit California. On this tour I expect to meet new people, make new connections, experience and see new things to go home and encourage others to get out and see. -Bascia P.

This is my first time ever to Los Angeles. I expect to get a different view of another city than where I stay in Tampa. I expect to get to know more about LA county and to see more of the world. I want this to be a learning adventure. -Zion M.

Being this is my first time going to Los Angeles I look forward to being able to explore the city and see the different landmarks within the city. I’m ready to do community service so that I could help benefit another person or community. I also look forward to trying an In-N-Out burger. -Roderick T.

This is my first service tour. This is my son’s 4th, I decided to tag along for the experience thus go around. I mean, it is LA. ☺️   Day one upon arrival, flight was great. Landing to 71 degree weather has made this experience even better. ✈️Mike picked my son and I up from the airport, took us the grab a bite from a local restaurant “Habit”. Then on to Randy’s DONUTS, which are awesome by the way. It’s great to breathe this fresh cloudless air. See the locals in action. Can’t wait for day 2. -Toquetta C.

I'm excited to be back in LA. I haven't been here in a few years so it'll be interesting to be back, especially to see the modifications made due to the ongoing pandemic. I arrived earlier today and it's definitely cooler than I expected, but it's always great to be in sunny California. -Malachi W.

This is my first time in L.A. and I'm really excited to see the architecture because of how the area is affected by earthquakes. -Essence H.

This is my first time on the west coast and to Los Angeles. My expectations for this trip is to explore California and the cultures that come with it. -Jordan B.

I’ve been to Los Angeles a few times before. But this time I expect to get an even more well rounded view of the city. -Noah W.

This was my first time actually flying on airplane. It was a pretty fun experience because I never been to LA ( Los Angeles). I want to tour and achieve the goal the group came here for. -Amareon M.

I have travelled to LA twice before, so this makes my third visit to the City of Angels. Understanding the climate we’re currently in, I expect things to be different than before. However, looking past that, I expect young people to be excited, engaged, and exposed to new possibilities and horizons. -Mark G.

This is my first time to LA, and the west coast. I am very excited, on this trip unlike other trips I have a few expectations. I am looking forward of course to touring places I have only seen on TV or heard in songs like Beverly Hills, seeing the Hollywood sign and seeing the Hollywood walk of fame. However, I expect a different vibe and feelings when we visit Nipsey Hussle's store and neighborhood. I am looking forward for Dr. Mike to give us the history, and link a lot of social injustice, and racial disparities. I'm looking forward to really seeing how this weekend and week will unfold while COVID impact surrounds us. -Rania A.

I have traveled to California before but I was too young to remember. I expect to make some great memories with my family and friends. -TeShania B.

I was born in Los Angeles, so coming to this west coast paradise feels like a long-overdue homecoming. My intention for this trip is to connect with the young people on this tour and the communities that we will be visiting. I believe these are unique times, unchartered territory, but what gives us purpose through the chaos is service to a cause greater than ourselves. My intention in this tour is to serve those around me. -Giovan B.

Just reached the hotel and it's my 2nd visit to California but my 1st to spend time in L.A. My plans is to sow great seeds while gain knowledge of the services I will be rendering. Make more connections and continue blessing communities worldwide. -Tia J.

I have not been to Los Angeles before. I expect to have a little fun. -Jamil B.

Let me start by saying that I'm super excited for this experience, this will be my first year touring and I am going into this bright eyed and with an open mind. Some things that I am looking to glean from this experience is cultural knowledge, fellowship, and to pour my heart of service out to another community outside of the one that I reside in. I have not traveled to the west coast in about 5 years, so I'm anxious to get back and visit the beauty on this side of the world. -Patrice C.

SECOND VISIT--AUGUST 21ST-23RD

I took a semester of classes at Aiken technical college in Aiken South Carolina. I am from Aiken and this is my first time being in California and my first time being on a plane. I have been on many tours in the past with WeCCAAN and I expect to a lot of volunteer work for the surrounding community! -Javon B.  (PART II)

I'm a college freshman from Atlanta, GA. This is my first time in Los Angeles and I'm excited to breathe in the culture and life that the city brings. I hope that I gain a sense of what a city on the other side of the country looks like. -Kasamba A. (PART II)

I am super excited to finally be able to come on a service trip again. I have never been to California and I am very excited to see all the sites but also super excited to partake in the amazing service opportunities we are afforded. I am excited to meet new people and enjoy a new city for a few hours as well. -Sierra W. (PART II)

I’m from a small town (Soperton, Ga). This is my first time in LA and I’m looking forward to seeing the different cultures of the west coast and how they differ from the east coast. I’m excited about volunteering and doing some clean up in communities other than my hometown. -Markesia B. (PART II)

I am 23 Years years of age!  I’m currently living in North Augusta, South Carolina. I’ve also have lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina for about half of my life as well. This will be my very first time visiting the city of Los Angeles and I am extremely excited! I expect to experience many great things while I’m in here in LA. I’m a huge fan of the beaches, colleges, and restaurants here! There are some other landmarks I hope I get to see here as well. I also expect a great cultural experience! As I am a huge geek for new cultural experiences and I connect more with a place after I discover its true nature! I know my time here is gonna be Great! #WeCan! -Demarcus D. (PART II)

I’m 25 years old and currently attend Greenville Technical College for Architectural Technology. I’m from Barnwell, SC and this is my first time in LA.  I’m hoping to learn about the culture and to learn about many of the places listed on our tour.  I would be able to take this learning experience as an advantage to learn about Los Angeles.  I’ve served as an volunteer in 2012 in New Orleans, we met some families that were impacted by the hurricane and was able to get some homes back on track and to revamp their community that they called home.  Looking forward to see what Los Angeles will bring! -Joy F. (PART II)

I am 26 years old, applying for a PhD for next fall in Epidemiology, and I am from Atlanta, Ga. I have been to California before but not LA. I look forward to seeing the colleges and volunteering.  I have volunteered with WeCCAAN previously. -Sha’Bria J. (PART II)

26 currently in the masters program at Georgia State University. I’ve been flown to Los Angeles a few times. I’m excited to see what those trip has in store. -Alicia C. (PART II)

[textmeexo]

Wrong Number Series Part 19

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! YOU GUYS DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH I’VE WORKED ON THIS OMG!!!!! OKOK FIRST, I would like to give a huuuge thanks to my friend Ambar and also Bambi for proof reading because of my impeccable grammar wow you guys are dah best in the west!!!! 

I really hope you guys enjoy this story!!! Word of advice IF YOU HAVEN’T READ WNS SINCE THE BEGINNING THEN I SUGGEST YOU START THERE! ALSO DON’T SKIP AHEAD!!! I reference part 16 and this is a continuation from where story 3 left off! Thank you guys for sticking with me for a whole year and for those that are new I hope we can have many great times together! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND HAPPY READING!!! ^^^^^^^^^^

Word Count: 6442

Scenario: A member (to be revealed) texts you thinking it another member - Suggested

I found myself reluctantly warming up the stew I cooked last night. There was so much left over, I decided I’d give some to the bothersome stranger and save myself a couple bucks. It didn't come out as appetizing as it could have seeing that I cooked it while I was rather distracted but he should be grateful I'm taking him anything at all. I hope he likes it, I quickly shake the intrusive thought away as I continued stirring. Why would I think that? I couldn’t care less if he likes it or not. Though admittedly, I couldn’t help but hope that my stew helps speed up his recovery. Focused on the stew, I picture what his reaction would be like. Knowing him, he’ll probably text me afterwards complaining that it was “too simple” or “not prepared properly”. Despite that negative thought, a smile densely crept onto my face. Quickly catching myself, I placed my cold hands on my cheeks and gave a harsh tap. I have to get ahold of myself if I’m going to be making a personal delivery to this guy. Don’t be like this. This is no time to act foolish, I scolded myself. With a renewed disposition, I poured the stew in a clean container and headed out.

 Upon arriving at the pharmacy, I quickly realized I had no clue which medicine to buy for him. Should I ask him or just buy whichever? If I get the wrong medicine, he’ll probably make me come back for a different kind, I wouldn't put that past him. Well, better safe than sorry. I whipped out my phone after debating and asked him his preference.

Whatever works for headaches and fatigue. And something for fevers too please!

 Headache, fatigue, and fever. He must be having a hard time on his own, not that I care. He doesn't sound picky but I grabbed two different medications just in case. As I’m walking to the snack aisle, my phone suddenly vibrates in my pocket.

 What about food?

 If I tell him I'm bringing my homemade stew he might get the wrong idea. Or he'll complain. Either way, I'd rather just let him find the stew on his counter without having to talk to him about it. I wonder if he'll reimburse me for all this, it's only fair. I should bring it up.

 Of course, I'll leave the money on the kitchen counter.

 Did I just…? I cannot believe I just asked a sick person to pay me back. The slight guilt is settling in when another text comes in.

 When you arrive just give the people at the front gate your name, they'll let you through.

 Doesn’t he live in a dorm? What kind of dorms have a front gate?

 We just say that so people won't go looking for our house. Anyway, I'll leave the front door unlocked so just come in and the kitchen will be through the second door on your left. Leave everything on the counter and leave.

 Sounds simple enough. I should probably buy something to defend myself with in case the worst happens. I find a case of pepper spray and place it in my basket along with the medicine and some chocolate I added for myself. Then a thought suddenly hit me. If I don't see him, how is he going to explain to me how he knows my name?

 I'll text it to you obviously. Unless you changed your mind and want to stay and chat with me? 😏

 Oh, duh. I’m not thinking straight; it must be nerves. I just want to get this over with as soon as possible and go home.

 I'm going to sleep so don't be noisy and text me when you leave. And don't touch anything!

 Ugh, how annoying. How does he manage to be rude to someone that’s doing him such a big favor? I can't believe this jerk actually got me to go through with this. At least now I don't feel so bad about bringing him my half-assed stew. Rolling my eyes, I put my phone in my pocket and headed to the checkout register.

  I typed in the address he sent me as I settled in my car. It doesn’t seem to be too far away from here. I followed the GPS directions and before I knew it, I was in a neighborhood I could only dream to live in. No way, is this thing broken? I thought to myself and rechecked the address. I typed it in correctly. Why is it taking me to this neighborhood? The houses just kept getting nicer and bigger the more I drove and I started feeling somewhat embarrassed driving my car through here, not that it’s a bad car but compared to these houses I feel as if I’m driving a trash can with wheels. Perhaps he gave me the wrong address. I kept driving until I arrived to the last house on the block.

 "Destination, arrived." The monotonous GPS voice stated.

 Is this the right house? Though I could hardly even see the house due to the tall stone wall blocking it, I caught a preview through the entrance gate and it was stunning.

 "Hello, Miss. Are you lost?" A guard asked, walking up to my stopped car.

 "Oh, hello! I think I might be, I'm looking for this address." I said showing him the text the stranger sent me with his address.

 "This is it, but nobody's allowed in without permission. I’m sorry you traveled all the way here.” He informed seriously. “Please drive back safely.” He started to walk away as I searched for my next words.

 "Wait!" I shouted. The guard turned back, a slightly irritated look on his face. "Um, you see, I have to get in there. It’s important!"

 "I really hate sasaengs." I’m sure I heard him mumble under his breath. "Why don't you be a good fan and let these boys rest!” He exclaimed back at me. Fan? So that means… he wasn't lying, this guy is actually an idol.

 “W-well I was ordered to bring food and medicine by someone who lives here. My names Y/n." I explained, hoping the stranger actually gave the guard my name.

 “Oh!” He seemed to suddenly recall something. “Yes, I was told you were coming! I apologize!” He deeply bowed before hurrying to his station and opening the wide gates. “Please leave your car by the tree on your right, Miss!” He smiled widely, his sudden shift in character took me by surprise.

 “O-okay, right, thank you!" I spoke from my window and drove through the open gates. It seems like he has to deal with unwelcome people coming here often, it must be taxing.

 I parked my car in front of the large tree, as instructed, and shut off the engine. How could someone so ill-mannered live in such a beautiful house? Do all idols get homes like this? Is this why he’s so full of himself? I promptly put those thoughts on the back-burner and concentrated on getting this over with as quickly as possible. Taking a second to mentally prepare myself, I closed my eyes and took a calming breath then gathered everything I bought and headed towards the entrance.

 Standing in front of the door, I took the pepper spray out of the plastic bag before cautiously turning the door knob. The front door was unlocked, as promised, and opened with ease. As I walked in, I couldn’t help but tighten my grip on the spray before my jaw dropped at the sight in front of me. Everything looked so…expensive. It’s no wonder he told me not to touch anything. I was afraid even breathing would ruin its beauty. For such a large house, it was rather warm and comforting yet highly intimidating.

 Looking around, I could tell there wasn’t a single soul in sight. I wonder where he is right now? I scanned the entrance once more. There was a door followed by a dark hallway to my right, a grand staircase straight ahead and two more doors on my left. My eyes locked on the second door and I’m immediately reminded of my mission. That must be the kitchen. There’s nowhere to put my shoes…do I just walk in like this? Quickly shutting the door behind me, I took gentle steps toward the kitchen, afraid of leaving shoe stains on the shiny floor. Last thing I need is him complaining about me dirtying up his perfect home.

 I opened the kitchen door and marveled in it’s magnificence as I set the plastic bag filled with medicine and my homemade stew on the counter. This kitchen looks as though it’s never been touched. The fridge is nearly empty besides a couple of energy drinks. I took the stew out of the bag and stored it in the empty fridge then continued examining the kitchen. Oh, he actually left me money. There, on the opposite side of the counter, was a wad of cash. Is he trying to show off? I picked it up, rolling my eyes. There’s no way over-the-counter medicine would cost this much. It would be wrong to take so much money and for such a simple task, I think as I set it back down next to his medicine. How could someone with this much money not have his fridge stocked with food? I sighed, feeling frustrated for some odd reason. Whatever the reason, I did my part, the rest is not my problem. I walked out of the kitchen, quietly shutting the door behind me and began carefully walking back towards the entrance when suddenly, *CRASH*!

  I jumped at the thundering sound of something breaking. Standing there, as the sound bounced off the walls throughout the large entrance, I shakingly took the pepper spray out of my pocket expecting someone to emerge from the dark hallway but… no one came. That’s odd. The stranger had said he was home alone. Could he have dropped something? Oh no, what if he fainted again?! What do I do? I instinctively took a step toward the direction of the sound but quickly stopped myself. I don’t know what I could be walking into. If I check, I could possibly be risking my life... however, if I leave... I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something bad actually happened to him. Damn it.

 Heart pounding, I cautiously made my way down the dark hallway where the sound seemed to originate from; the only light coming from the slightly ajar door at the end. Taking the lightest steps, I cautiously peeked inside.

 There was nothing but an empty bed with blankets piled on top. I gently pushed the door open a tad more and immediately spotted the source of the sound. What looked like a once-luxurious glass vase was now shattered into multiple pieces on the bedroom floor. But more importantly, kneeling right next to it was the back of a slim, dark-haired man in sweats and a t-shirt. That must be him. I stood in the doorway and watched as he repeatedly tried to pick himself up, falling lower and lower with each failed attempt. Even from my distance, I could clearly see that his ears were red and sweat was beading down his long neck. He finally gave up - or more so his body gave out - and just sat there, holding himself up with both hands. I watched his back unsteadily rise up and down as he gradually caught his breath.

 My heart ached for reasons beyond my knowledge and I couldn’t stand and watch any longer. My legs moved before my mind could catch up and before I realized it, I was standing right behind him.

 “Um, are you okay?”  I asked. Obviously, he wasn’t but those were the first words that I managed to say amidst my panic. He kept his head down without responding. “Sorry for barging in here like this. I was just about to leave but heard something break and got kinda worried.” He didn’t move. Maybe he felt too weak to say anything?

 “Listen, I can’t just leave you here like this, it goes against my morals.” I said jokingly, feeling anxious considering he wasn’t reacting at all. I extended my hand toward his face, regrettably hidden by his hair. “Let me help you to your bed at least, before I go.” I waited for a couple seconds with my hand extended when he suddenly spoke.

 “Don’t go…” He mumbled toward the ground, at least, that’s what I think he said.

 “Huh?” I replied, dumbfounded. Did I hear him correctly? He spoke so softly I could hardly make out what he said but…what else could he have said?

 He suddenly raised his hand and I immediately reached to take hold of it only to have him weakly push it aside. Slowly, he stood himself up on wobbly legs and made his way to the bed. He swayed as he walked and I instinctively wanted to reach out and steady him but resisted the urge and watched from close behind. Even though he didn’t stand up straight, I could tell he was tall. But why was he looking away from me? It’s almost as if he was intentionally hiding his face. He landed on the bed face down with a grunt and weakly pulled the pile of blankets over his body.

 I stood there awkwardly, with nothing to do but stare at him with worry. Can I really go home after seeing him like this? He said his members won't be home all day, can he manage all by himself? I shouldn't even be here, he has no choice but to manage alone.

 “Um, excuse me…” I called out to him but he still doesn’t reply. “I left your medicine on the kitchen counter and put the food in the refrigerator.” I paused. He was facing the opposite direction yet I could still hear his faint breathing getting steadily slower in the quiet house. Did he fall asleep already? “I’ll just get going then… good luck!”

 I awkwardly tiptoed my way out and softly closed his bedroom door. I stood in the pitch black hallway for a minute, gathering my crowded thoughts. Is it really okay to leave like this? I recalled watching how much he struggled just to stand up and my heart ached again. He was sweating so much and his ears looked as though steam would come out of them at any second, yet he covered himself with so many blankets. His fever might spike, if it hasn’t already. I don’t think medicine alone will help him. On top of that, what did he really say before standing up? I thought I heard him tell me not to go but… that doesn’t make any sense. There were so many thoughts running through my mind, I was starting to feel a headache coming.

 Why am I doing this? I sharply asked myself as my feet led me back into the kitchen. I searched around and found a random rag; taking it to the sink, I soaked then wrung it out. Hurrying back to his room, I gently pushed the door open. He’s still in the same position, breathing steadier and deeper than before. Tiptoeing over to him, I could see sweat continuing to run down his neck. He has most of his face buried in his pillow, how am I supposed to get this cloth on his forehead? I tapped his broad shoulder hoping to wake him up but he seemed to be out cold so I opted for gently placing it on the nape of his neck instead.

 His body was absolutely buried under blankets. No wonder his fever’s so high. Idiot. Would it be inappropriate for me to remove some? In the state he’s in, he won't even notice if I do. He’ll thank me for it later; I began to rid him of all but one blanket, before folding the rest and placing them at the foot of the bed. Okay, I’ve done enough, I told myself feeling foolish for caring so much to begin with. I took one last look at his sleeping figure and smiled in satisfaction knowing that my small improvements will aid in his recovery.

 I finally leave the bedroom and make my way back to the entrance. Why did I go through all that trouble for him? Did I suddenly develop a soft spot for the sick or something? I don't know what came over me just now, maybe it was a spell cast by the broken vase. I laughed in ridicule at myself. I wonder how he managed to knock it over. He must have tried to get up or something and somehow broke it on his own way down. I don’t think he’ll be able to clean it up anytime soon in his condition. He might actually hurt himself if it's just left on the floor. After somehow convincing myself, I’m - once again - in his kitchen. There must be something in here to put the broken glass in.

 “Ah-hah!” I resounded when I spotted the plastic bag from the convenience store, this is perfect. I quickly dumped all the stuff I bought onto the counter and rushed back to his room. I peeked and found him still sound asleep then snuck in and quietly, began to pick up the shattered glass. The vase looked like it was worth more than my car, what a pity it’s now reduced to pieces.

 Suddenly, I felt an overwhelming sense of deja vu. My dream! My hands stopped moving as I remembered the recurring dream I've had for the past two nights. The dark hallway, the broken vase, the stranger. It was all too similar. Was that some sort of prophetic dream? No, that’s silly, this was probably just a freaky coincidence… right? It had to be. A strong urge to see the stranger’s face suddenly came over me. I looked back at his sleeping figure and could no longer help but wonder what I had been refusing to let myself even think all this time. Who is he? He wasn't lying about being an idol, I know that now. I don’t normally care much for celebrities but… one peek wouldn't hurt, right? This may be my only chance to confirm his identity and finally be able to put a face to the mystery messenger.

 I cautiously stood up and made my way to his bedside. How do I do this discreetly? Slightly leaned forward, I tried to distinguish his ears and part of his cheek since that was the only part of his face not buried in his pillow. Who could this be? There is no way for me to know from just this. Feeling frustrated, I hovered forward a little more and accidentally bumped the bed with my knee. Ouch!

 “Mmm?” He moaned into the pillow and began to shuffle.

 Shit shit shit! I tried to straighten myself up but to my dismay, my clumsy feet betrayed me and sent me slipping into my doom.

 “Agh!” I yelped as I landed on top of him. “Oh God! I’m so sorry! I-I slipped!” I quickly apologized, lifting myself, utterly mortified. I felt an intense stare on me and looked up. He looked confused but more than that he looked perfectly familiar. As soon as my eyes reached his, my body completely froze. What the hell?!!! Am I seeing right? Wait. What the hell?! This is… no, it can’t possibly be. This doesn’t feel real, it’s almost as if I’m staring at a picture. I can’t move. I must have slipped and knocked myself out and now I’m dreaming, right? No, this is definitely real. At least blink, goddammit! I fought with myself for who knows how long before he finally spoke.

 “Surprised?” He smirked weakly. I continued to stare at him as my brain gradually registered who I was looking at, unable to will myself to look away.

 “You’re heavy” He croaked. This is impossible. How could he be the one behind those texts?

 “Why…?” I finally managed to breath out in the midst of my confusion.

 “I don’t know, maybe because you eat? Really, get off me, I'm too weak.” He groaned. I finally managed to rip my gaze from his face and looked down. My arms must have given out considering I was, once again, laying on his torso.

 “S-sorry!” I stuttered finally standing myself up on shaky legs. “I’m just- it’s because- you…” I couldn’t get my thoughts together enough to form a proper sentence.

 “You’re more surprised than I imagined you’d be.” He chuckled as he feebly lifted himself into a sitting position, removing the damp cloth from his forehead. “Still, it’s entertaining.”

 This…this jerk! I thought I felt a connection with him the day we met at the fan meet but he’s been laughing at me this whole time. I texted him all about how I felt that day. It was all entertainment to him. I feel so stupid! I wanted to get angry and run away but my legs wouldn’t listen to me. All I could do was stand there like an idiot while he watched in amusement. I suddenly felt something wet run down my cheek but I couldn’t even bother wiping it away.

 Sehun’s eyes suddenly grew wide and he immediately jumped out of bed.

 “Wait. No, no, no, please don’t cry!” He begged apologetically, standing up in front of me not knowing what to do. “I was just joking! I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” It looked like he was about to wipe away my tears when startlingly, his knees buckled and he lands on the side of the bed. Seeing him look as though he was about to faint snapped me out of my self-pity.

 “You… shouldn’t stand up so quickly in your condition.” I muttered looking away and wiping at my involuntary tears, feeling embarrassed that I cried in front of him. “Lay down. Since you made me bring it all the way here, make sure you take the medicine.” I went on, trying to control my spiraling thoughts. After all this, why am I still helping him? Is it because he’s Oh Sehun? Or because he’s the stranger who’s kept me company these past few days? “You look a little less feverish than earlier but take them anyway.” I continued, detached. “And eat, I brought you stew so that should help.”

 “Um, thank you…” He replied shyly, I could feel him staring at me but I couldn't bring myself to look back. “I didn’t expect you to do this much. Uh, I’m really grateful…I owe you one.” I glanced up at his words and saw him try to smile the same cocky smile from a couple days ago, the same smile from my dream, but the strength it took was apparent on his face and he closed his eyes instead.

 I watched him as he furrowed his eyebrows and raised the damp cloth back on his forehead. He looked noticeably paler than he did at the fan signing. Just looking at his face felt surreal. Most girls would kill to be in my position; heck, I would've killed to be in my position. Yet, I wanted nothing more than to leave.

 “Don’t worry about it…” I responded feeling undesirably flustered as I fidgeted with the bottom of my shirt. Then, taking a deep breath for the sake of my nerves, I continued, “Anyway, the stuff you asked for is in the kitchen so I’ll just get going now.” I hastily turned around and walked toward the door, desperate to leave.

 “Don’t go!” He suddenly called out. I stopped in my tracks. Why would he say that? Does he want me to stay and continue making a fool of myself? Or… does he sincerely want me to stay? At once, a part of my dream came to light, the reason I had been running. Everything else in that dream happened already, all I have left to do is run. Run away from this place. Run away from him. My legs began to move again when I heard a heavy thud. I turned around and found him on his knees again, this time looking up at me.

 “I fell.” He stated with a weak smile looking slightly embarrassed. Did he just try to come after me? Why? I ran over to him and helped him sit back on his bed.

 “I told you not to get up too quickly!” I scolded.

 “Well, why did you keep walking?” He asked. Is he pouting?

 “What?” I responded, thrown aback by his sudden question.

 “I asked you not to go but you kept walking.” He said, annoyed. “I was going to run after you but that didn’t go as planned, obviously.”

 “Why would you run after me?” I asked, unable to understand. It doesn’t make any sense, why does nothing make sense with this guy?

 “I told you, I… don’t want you to go.” Sehun answered, honestly.

 I still couldn’t completely comprehend why he wouldn’t want me to leave yet my face began to flush and I felt the need to run away clawing at me. Perhaps I’m just a coward but situations like this have always completely unnerved me. However, for the first time in my life, my desire to stay greatly overpowered my impulse to run. I took a deep, centering breath and began walking toward the door.

 “H-Hey, wait!” Sehun yelled after me, upset.

 “I’ll be right back.” I called back and could feel his confused eyes follow me as I walked out of his room.

 Making my way to the kitchen, I tried not think too much and instead hurriedly opened several cupboards until I found one filled with cups. I filled a cup with water then grabbed the strongest of the two medications I bought before heading back to Sehun's room. This time, stopping in front of his bedroom door instead of barging in like the first two times, I knocked before I heard his voice ring out.

 “Oh, now you knock!” Sehun complained from the other side of the door. “Come in!” He chimed, chuckling as I opened the door and awkwardly let myself in.

 “Sorry for barging in your room so much.” I apologized, slightly embarrassed by my continuous poor manners.

 “At least you knocked this time.” He said still chuckling sweetly, causing my face to grow hot.

 “Um, I brought your medicine since you can’t seem to get out of bed without falling over.” I said trying to distract him and myself from my flushed face. As I was about to set it down on his bedside table, he reached out and took the glass and medicine from my hands. His fingertips grazed my hand and I gasped at their warmth.

 “You’re so hot!” I blurted.

 “Pfft, no need for flattery.” He said, cockily flipping his short bangs to the side. Not having time to feel annoyed, my hand automatically found it’s way to his forehead making his eyes widened in surprise.

 “You’re burning up!” I exclaimed. How high is this guys fever?! I looked at him and realized his cheeks were flushed and he was sweating again. He stared at me with wide eyes as I took the now warm rag from him and speedily made my way to the kitchen to put some cool moisture back into it. I happened to find another cloth and quickly returned with both in hand.

 “There’s a bathroom with a working sink right there, ya know?” He cleverly pointed out as I walked back into the room.

 “Oh, that’s convenient.” I murmured, more worried about getting these cool cloths on him than the distance I was walking. “Here, put this one on your forehead and this one on your neck.” I said handing him the damp cloths.

 “Okay, thanks.” He naturally obeyed.

 “Here.” I took the medicine jar from his hand and handed him a single pill. “It says on the label to take one every 4-6 hours so you should set an alarm to remind you. I think every 4 hours would be better, since you might die if you wait.”

 “Don’t sugar coat it, I’m dying today, aren’t I?” He said feigning anguish.

 “You should’ve died yesterday. Consider it a miracle if you see another day.” I jested.

 “Ah, I’ll be sure to give thanks tonight then.” He replied, gratefully clasping his hands together before we both couldn’t hold back our grins anymore and let out our giggles. I didn’t realize what I had been doing until now. I’m helping him again. Why am I joking around with him so calmly? I wasn’t even supposed to meet him today, I should've been home by now watching T.V. or staring at my ceiling. My thoughts continued as I watched him raise the pill to his lips.

 “Wait, shouldn't I eat something before taking this?” He paused, looking at me waiting for an answer.

 “Oh… w-when was your last meal?” I asked dumbfounded after being snapped out of my thoughts.

 “Hmm… yesterday? Yeah, I haven't left my room since Suho left yesterday so maybe around… 8 am?” He recalled slowly. It’s 2 pm right now! So he hasn’t eaten in 30 hours?!

 “You were right, you probably wouldn't have survived if I didn’t bring you food and meds.” I admitted matter-of-factly, trying to hide my genuine shock.

 “Told you.” he spoke triumphantly. I glowered my eyes at him and walked toward the door.

 “Wait, where are you going now?” I heard him call out displeased, but I ignored his words and kept walking.

 The stew I brought from home was chilled by now after being in the fridge so I grabbed a clean pot, turned on the stove, and began warming some of it up. His kitchen was so spacious, I could only imagine how amazing it’d be to cook in, I wish I could do that everyday. Wait what? Why would I think such an absurd thing? I’ve really let my guard down since I discovered who the stranger was. Now that I have a moment to stop and think, my mind became clustered again.

 I feel like I’m in a dream. How did Oh Sehun end up texting me out of all people? And why would he continue to text me the way he did? I never pinned him as the sadistic type. Everything is starting to make sense now. He must have accidentally texted me thinking it was Junmyeon’s number. And I actually did make him miss practice that day so I understand why he was so mad at me. EXO’s schedule is vigrous from what I’ve heard then adding an extra 3 hours of practice to his already unfair schedule and during a comeback no less. Of course he got so sick, he overworked himself. It all really is my fault. I had no right to think so badly of him. The guilt was so overwhelming tears started forming in my eyes. The stew boiled as if mimicking my feelings and I quickly shut off the stove. There’s no way I can make this up to him, I wouldn’t blame him if he resents me for what I put him through.

 I knocked on Sehun’s door but heard no answer. Pushing the slightly open door, I walked in with a bowl of hot stew in my hands. He was still in a sitting position but his head now hung to the side. He fell asleep again. How could someone fall asleep in that position? He looks so peaceful, I thought to myself as I placed the stew on his bedside table. Not sure whether to let him rest or wake him up, I just stood there examining him. His breathing is steadier and his cold sweats seem to have stopped. The damp cloth was slowly sliding off his forehead and I reached out and caught it just in time.

 “Mm?” Sehun opened his eyes sleepily and took in his surroundings. He noticed me hovering in front of him with the cloth in-between my hand and his face, then smirked.

 “W-what are you looking at?!” I stuttered defensively as I let the rag drop and stumbled away from him. I felt my face growing hot again, damn it. Why does he keep making me blush?

 “Me?! You’re the one who looked like you were about to sneak a kiss or something.” He sassed, obviously enjoying himself.

 “Y-you wish!” I exclaimed, my face now burning. Did I really look like that? Or is he trying to embarrass me on purpose? He smiled satisfied and picked up the rag that fell in his lap, placing it back on his forehead.

 “Shut up and eat!” I ordered embarrassed, pointing towards the bowl beside him.

 “What’s this?” He said, examining it with a doubtful eye.

 “Oh, it’s stew…” I answered, not wanting to mention that it’s my homemade stew.

 “Stew? Where’d you get it?” He asked, swirling the spoon around and checking it ingredients. It’s hard to read his expression right now.

 “Um, well actually I…made it…” I admitted hesitantly. A look of surprise and maybe even confusion filled his face.

 “You made this? For me?” He asked puzzled, pointing to himself.

 “Pfft, you wish!” I replied slightly amused by his reaction. “I made too much last night and thought I’d get rid of some.” I affirmed.

 “Oh.” He muttered, seemingly disappointed. “Well, thanks for your selfless consideration.” He retorted. Slowly, he raised the spoon to his lips and took a mouthful. I thought I saw his eyes momentarily widen before he started downing the stew. Before I knew it, he was wiping the side of his lips with his hand and setting the cleared bowl to the side. He must have been so hungry.

 “Did you… like it?” I accidentally asked aloud. Why am I worried about whether he liked it or not?

 “It was decent.” He approved. I didn’t know anyone else was going to eat it when I made it last night so I didn’t try my best. I wanted to explain that to him but, I really shouldn’t care so much. Shaking away my thoughts, I grabbed the empty bowl.

 “Care for seconds?” I offered kindly.

 “Please, I’m starving.” He accepted, patting his belly as if to show there’s room for more. After yet another trip to the kitchen, I quickly returned with a full bowl and handed it to Sehun. He ate it almost as quickly as the last.

 “Ah, that hit the spot.” He proclaimed, satisfied.

 “I’m glad you liked it!” I said, grinning uncontrollably. His unexpected reaction sends butterflies down my stomach.

 “Who said I liked it?” He teased.

 “You didn’t have to say it.” I replied pointing at a food spot on his face.

 “Well, I guess it wasn’t bad.” He refused to admit he liked it as he wiped his mouth. How stubborn.

 “Sure, sure.” I said rolling my eyes, taking the bowl from him. “There’s plenty more in the fridge for later.”

 “Thanks, I’ll let you know when I’m hungry again.” He smiled brightly. Did he expect me to stay longer? I couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

 “Okay, well time for your medicine!” I quickly changed the subject before my red cheeks gave me away and handed him the glass of water and a pill.

 “Thanks.” Sehun said before swallowing the pill and gulping down the water. Exhaling in relief, he closed his eyes and leans his head against the headboard. “Finally.” he sighed. I watched him and guilt filled my heart.

 “Sorry…” I barely managed to whisper through the knot in my throat.

 “Huh?” He opened his eyes and looked at me attentively. I stared back into his eyes and the sincere warmth in them pushed me over the edge and tears began to fall. “W-what? Why are you crying again?!” Sehun looked at me with worry and confusion.

 I tried my hardest to hold back the tears and pull myself together but the guilt was eating at me. I thought his threatening to ruin my peaceful life with that SNS post was such a horrible thing to do, but now I can see that it was all a bluff. He wouldn’t do something so cruel. All he really wanted was to get a little payback. I was the only one causing real harm here. He’s being so lenient about it as if his whole week hasn’t been hell because of me. As if I’m not the reason he can’t even get out of bed right now. Why isn’t he being a jerk like I thought he was? Why doesn’t he kick me out of his house or put me in my place? He shouldn’t want to see my face after everything I’ve said and caused. My thoughts ate away at each other as Sehun watched me.

 “Y/n, tell me what’s wrong?” He finally asked and the sound of my name coming so delicately from his lips sent more unexpected butterflies to my stomach. My mind suddenly went blank and all I could think about was the electricity radiating from him. Should I be allowed to feel this? How can there be this… connection from two people who supposedly hate each other? He suddenly reached out to me but I automatically evaded his touch. He drew back his hand and looked up at me, the expression on his face was unclear. We stared at each other for a while, my mind filled with remorse, his eyes flooded with concern. I thought I would melt if I looked at him any longer.

 “Um, I should go.” I finally spoke, breaking eye contact and wiping my loose tears away.

 “Y/n, is everything okay?” Sehun continued to carefully observe me.

 “I have to go.” I said, suddenly feeling my impulse growing stronger, making me want to run as far from Sehun as possible. I need to get out of here, I told myself.

 “Wait, Y/n!” Sehun hollered as I turned and mindlessly walked to the door. “Don’t go, please!” He called out to me and I heard his bed shuffle. Not looking back, I picked up the pace and ran out to the hallway, through the front door and to my car. Why am I running? I thought to myself as my phone started vibrating in my pocket.

TAAAAH-DAAAAAAH!!!!! MYSTERY MAN OFFICIALLY REVEEEEEALED!!! :DDDDDD I hope those of you who guessed someone else aren’t too disappointed! :PPPPP I really hope you guys enjoyed reading this series, it’s been my absolute favorite thing to do on this blog 100000%!!!! Let me know what you guys thought and if you want me to continue it or leave it like it is!!!!!! :DDDDDDDDDDDDDD To be honest though I’m probably going to continue it LOL!!!! AAGGGGHHH!!!! OK BYE THANK YOU FOR READIIIING!!! ^^^^^^^^^^ - Eomma^^

[tripstations]

Cockle fishing and mud baths — locals show you the real Thailand

Bangkok (CNN) — With its talcum powder-soft, white sand beaches, turquoise sea and exquisite food, Thailand is at the top of many a holiday wishlist.

The fourth most popular holiday destination in the world, the country received a record 38.3 million tourists in 2018 and collected $62 billion in tourism revenue.

Thailand is holiday heaven.

Andrew Watson/Getty Images

But how many of those visitors get the authentic experience of daily life in the country?

In 2012 Somsak Boonsam established Local Alike, a company which promotes “community-based tourism.” Via its online platform, Local Alike offers tourists the chance to leave the resorts and visit over 100 communities, from hill tribes to fishing villages.

His aim is to address the current inequality by generating employment and funneling tourism dollars “to the people who need it most,” while giving tourists the chance to “have new experiences and make personal connections with local people.”

CNN set out to visit three Local Alike community guides and hear their stories.

Spirit of the slum

Tour guide Chan Kaithong.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

Chan Kaithong lives in Bangkok’s largest slum. Near the city’s port, but just a stone’s throw from luxury shopping malls and hotels, the Khlong Toei district is home to 100,000 people.

The slum has a terrible reputation. A project sponsored by the United Nations Drug Control Programme in 2000 reported that Khlong Toei is “likely the most developed drug market in Bangkok.” Kaithong says many “external” Bangkok residents are too scared to enter and taxi drivers sometimes refuse to ferry passengers in.

But, she says, the drug problem has vastly improved since the government installed CCTV and started arresting sellers and providing treatment for addicts.

In Khlong Toei, some elderly residents volunteer as street sweepers to help keep their neighborhood clean.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

Kaithong has spent her whole life living in the district. Like all the other houses in the 1970s, her one-room childhood home was made of wood. Fires were a frequent hazard, she says, and since then, most wooden houses have been replaced by brick and cement constructions — each measuring a tiny 20 feet by 13 feet.

Despite their straitened circumstances, many of Khlong Toei’s residents are hard-working, says Kaithong. While showing tourists around the slum’s ramshackle alleyways, she takes them to visit carpenters who buy cheap pallets from the port and upcycle them to make wooden furniture. Visitors also eat lunch at a local restaurant and try their hand at making flower garlands — one of the slum’s cottage industries. “It’s perfectly safe for tourists in the daytime,” she says.

Kaithong says she loves her community and applauds the spirit of residents who are striving for a better life. Some have managed to break the cycle of poverty by sending their children to university, while others volunteer to clean the streets.

“I’m very proud of where I come from.”

Warms the cockles

Uncle Sorn.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

Technically, Sorn Phuengsai — known to everyone as Uncle Sorn — lives within Bangkok’s boundary, but his village feels so far removed from the crowded, noisy city, that you would never guess. Three miles from the sea, his house in Santor lies on a network of saltwater canals lined by mangrove trees and fishermen’s homes. There are no streets here — all travel is by boat.

At the age of 76, Uncle Sorn is stooped and moves slowly, but he holds down two jobs — as a cockle and prawn farmer, and a tour guide.

Uncle Sorn’s farm is on the outskirts of Bangkok but it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

Uncle Sorn says that although he rebuilt the house, he has lived on the same plot of land for his whole life. The youngest of seven children, he was adopted by his aunt who was single and childless. On leaving school at 12 he went to work, helping his aunt to run her salt farm.

Uncle Sorn explains that the ridges on a cockle’s shell reveal its age. The shell gains one ridge a month, so this cockle has just celebrated its first birthday.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

The pair filled the ponds at the back of the house with seawater, waited for the water to evaporate, and mined the salt left behind. “It was very dry and dusty,” Sorn recalls. “When I was young, my face was always dirty.”

When the profits from salt farming dried up, Sorn reinvented his business as a prawn and cockle farm which, he says, was “much more successful.” It’s hard work though — Sorn collects small cockles from the sea, transfers them to his ponds, waits 8 months for them to grow and then scoops them out of the water by hand, to sell to traders. He has to keep a constant lookout for predatory snails which try to prize their way into cockles’ tightly sealed shells and eat them.

Tourists have no problem catching cockles, but most of the prawns get away.

Local Alike

Tourists — who visit for the day to relax, enjoy a seafood lunch and try their hand at shellfish farming — have no problem catching the cockles, which swim free in the water, but the prawns are another matter: “They are so fast,” says Uncle Sorn. “And they jump!”

Mud, mud, glorious mud

Thaksin Minman (left) and Fud Himma (right) demonstrate the mud beauty treatment.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

When Thaksin Minman was 40, his wife died. With four children to raise, and desperate for money, the former motorcycle taxi operator resorted to dealing drugs.

Shunned by the local community in Baan Laem, a fishing village on the east coast of southern Thailand, Minman hit rock bottom when he was arrested. A policeman admonished him, saying that by selling drugs to teenagers, he was destroying the future of the country.

“Those words changed my life forever,” he says.

Minman decided to clean up his act by pursuing a tourism venture, but friends and relatives just laughed at him. “Nobody believed in me,” he says.

In 2012, his luck changed when he met Fud Himma — who jumped on board without hesitation. As business partners the two men complement each other — Minman is excitable and candid; Himma is quieter and more self-contained. “He’s better than me in every way,” says Minman, “but he never disagrees with me. He’s my moral support.”

The pair’s mission is to lift the whole community out of poverty. To do that, they have devoted themselves to sustainable living.

Untangling fishing nets.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

The first step was to persuade locals to stop chopping down mangrove trees for use in construction. The mangroves are a breeding ground for crabs — the village’s main source of income — and they bring in tourists. They also asked the fishing boats to donate a pregnant crab or two from each haul, explains Himma.

The crabs are kept in a tank — safe from fishing nets — until they are ready to spawn. Visiting tourists then help return the crabs to the sea, and also plant mangrove cuttings.

Buoyed by the success of this project, Minman started casting around for new ideas. Three years ago, he was struck by one — literally.

“After planting mangroves, I took tourists to wash in the sea,” he says. Rather than getting clean, the group scooped up mud from the sea floor and threw it at each other. Wading into battle, Minman offered his face as a target. “When I washed the mud off later, I noticed how soft my skin felt,” he says.

This pregnant crab — with a cluster of eggs underneath — is about to be returned to the sea.

Sarah Lazarus/CNN

Laboratory analysis revealed that the creamy, gray-blue mud is rich in minerals, including silicon, that benefit skin and hair. The “natural spa experience,” that Minman and Himma now offer, has proved so popular that they have launched their own line of mud-based beauty products, including soap, a face mask and a hair treatment.

As tourists have flocked to Baan Laem, homestays have cropped up around the village, transforming the fortunes of locals. Minman says he feels immensely proud of his achievements — “nobody ignores me anymore.”

The post Cockle fishing and mud baths — locals show you the real Thailand appeared first on Tripstations.

from Tripstations http://bit.ly/2Fky8SH via IFTTT

[ianmkeenan]

Growing Marijuana Safely

Growing Marijuana Safely:

Watch out for these people

Maintain a low profile

Secure your Location

Reduce your risk of harm

Remember to look up

Anyone planning to grow marijuana should make safety their top priority. Ensuring that your plants are safe means keeping them protected from any source of danger. However, in many places, growing marijuana is still illegal, so safety also includes preventing theft, nosy neighbors who squeal, wanderers, nature lovers, and the police. Safety can also refer to your liberty or physical safety while indoor growing as well as your health while participating in horticultural activities. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to lower all of the risks associated with growing marijuana.

Watch out for these people

The biggest problem with growing marijuana is the likelihood of getting caught. In fact, there are many cases where growers have been busted by nosy neighbors or passersbys. Even bad weather can expose a grow when floods wash up evidence of a hidden outdoor garden. You can’t prevent everything, but you should be mindful of these risks:

Watch out for these people - Image powered by Cannabisprogrower.com

Neighbors

Nosy neighbors have the highest chance of discovering your plants. Even if it is legal, they might still associate it with crime and alert the authorities. So, be cautious when choosing your garden’s location.

Police

Some growers are lucky to live in a place where marijuana is legal, so they don’t need to worry about the police. But for most of us, a crucial part of growing is ensuring that cops don’t notice. Luckily, most police officers are after big-time growers. So, if you stick to growing only a couple of plants, you can lower your chances of getting caught.

Thieves

These people are likely your worse human threat. Thieves like to reap all the benefits of months of hard work. What’s worse, they tend to harvest buds way too early, leaving nothing for the grower. Most of the time, these people purposely go into the woods to look for hidden marijuana crops.

Wanderers and Nature Lovers

Most people who like to wander or explore the woods are nature lovers such as hikers, cyclists, hunters, and campers. Often, they like to linger in a favorite spot and keep it clean. Unfortunately, most of them see marijuana as a threat and tend to remove the plants. To avoid these nature fanatics, pick a location that is hard to reach and surrounded by bushes.

Maintain a low profile

One of the best ways to keep your marijuana safe from theft and the authorities is to focus on ensuring no one knows it is there. Try your best to keep prying eyes away from your plants and what you are doing. When growing in your home, try to blend in. Use a neighborhood app like NextDoor to see what your neighbors are gossiping about. Follow the rules of no smell, no tell and no sell. If you do these things, you are way less likely to have your grow discovered.

Maintain a low profile - Image powered by Leafly.com

Control the Smell

For many growers, the smell is the number one security concern. The odor of marijuana is particular, and nearly every strain is pungent. While many people are “outed” because of the smell, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Some people can easily detect the aroma, but there are some who cannot. Plus, when you mask it with other powerful-smelling herbs such as basil, cilantro or mint, they are even less likely to notice it. The extra plants also help a marijuana garden look less like an area full of weed and more like an ordinary garden. You can also grow your plants in a greenhouse or shed to keep control of the smell.

If you are growing indoors, you can control the smell by keeping your grow area well-contained. Don’t let the breeze carry the marijuana odor throughout your entire apartment block. If you’re growing a lot of plants using HPS bulbs, use an exhaust fan that has a carbon filter. The fan will essentially filter out all the weed scents and only allow clean, filtered air to get outside the room. The exhaust fan is also perfect for removing hot air in a grow room so that the temperatures won’t get out of hand.

For guerilla or wilderness growing (as well as backyard grows), consider the direction of the wind. In most places there are prevailing winds that blow from a predictable direction most of the time---in North America, winds are generally from the southeast in summer. Take these winds, which change direction with the seasons, into consideration.

Don’t plant where the wind will send the smell directly into populated areas. Remember to keep your plants away from hiking trails, recreation areas, or places that are frequented by humans because as soon as the flowering begins, the plants will start to smell. You have a couple of months before the smell will become a problem, but beginning in early spring, try to be sure the winds will be in your favor even in late autumn when prevailing winds usually start reversing direction to blow from the northwest.

Keep Quiet

Not telling anyone seems like a simple task, but it is a sad fact that many people get caught simply because they like to talk about growing marijuana. (Tip: If you must talk about it, join an online forum and share anonymously.) Keeping your mouth shut isn’t easy, especially when you’re enthusiastic and proud of your progress. If you tell one person, then you’ve practically told all their friends, too. Before too long, everyone knows you’re growing weed. Then, all it takes is for someone who doesn’t like you to call the police and snitch on you. Even your good friends can become your enemies. It’s better to keep your weed growing hobby to yourself. Save your pride for after the harvest.

Keeping quiet also means literally keeping quiet when you’re growing indoors. The sounds of a grow room building project can bring nosy neighbors to your door. Fans are typically a major culprit, so try and soundproof your grow room or use quiet fans if possible. Avoid putting the fans on the floor since it will create some vibrations and noise. It’s better to hang them using rubber rings.

Since blowing the warm air out of the room also makes some noise, minimize it by using an insulated hose.

Even your power usage can indicate potentially questionable behavior. Use low-energy lights to keep your power company from getting concerned or construct a soundproof gas generator using a ventilated dog house, spray foam insulation and an ultra-quiet 3500-watt generator in your garage. It’s definitely a project, but if you are successful, your indoor grow is way less likely to be discovered by the authorities or your neighbors.

Be Discrete

It’s hard to be discrete when you sell marijuana, and that’s one big reason why selling is a bad idea. However, being discrete also means being conscious of your surroundings and how much of a disruption you are making. If you’re growing inside your home, then you’ll need to carry in pots, soil bags, light bulbs, and other material to construct your grow room. When you do that, don’t look suspicious; carry the soil bags in cardboard boxes if possible.

You’ll also want to take some preventative measure while growing to ensure your house doesn’t look suspicious – especially when growing during the winter. A warm grow room in a cold environment can cause foggy windows due to condensation. You can prevent this by using opaque film. When used correctly the fog will stick to the film and not the windows.

Attic grow rooms can also cause a problem since the heat in the grow room tends to cause any snow on the roof to melt way quicker than anyone else’s. If not careful, your house may be the only house on the street without snow on its roof. To prevent this, insulate the roof well and turn off the lights to help control the heat. Also monitor your roof, comparing it to your neighbors ever so often.

If you’re growing outside on land other than your own, try not to get into a routine. Don’t go to your garden at the same time every single day. If you are growing in the wilderness, try not to leave a trail. This will likely be difficult because, in a natural environment, any place that is visited regularly is going to be marked with visible trails. However, the easiest way to prevent detection is to establish several---more than three---routes between a well-traveled trail or road and your growing location. Use existing game trails whenever possible to avoid creating new paths that could be noticed by someone who knows the area intimately. A multitude of trails makes any one of them harder to detect.

When planning your growing location, scout out a location before growing, so you know how busy it is at different times of the day. Use a backpack or other non-suspicious bag to carry your supplies (don’t use a black sports bag that resembles a body bag). You should also blend in, especially if you’re visiting your plants at night. For instance, I like to walk my dog every night, and people likely think I’m just out walking my dogs. Your reason for being outside could be for running, mountain biking, or hiking. Dress the part.

Secure your Location

When growing outdoors, where you grow can make a big difference in the overall security of your site. Even if growing marijuana is legal where you live, marijuana remains a highly steal-able commodity. Your backyard isn’t even safe since there will always be "reapers'' who are willing to reap what you and your hard work have sown.

Secure your Location - Image powered by America.aljazeera.com

Here are some ways to minimize your risk of detection and potential theft.

Fencing

Sometimes a simple fence can keep people from prying in your backyard, but it can also make people more suspicious, depending on the neighborhood. When using fencing, it is important to blend in. Use friendly, common fencing so that your house doesn’t look like a fortress. You can also have double fencing, but again, make it look natural. A mean-looking dog that barks loudly at visitors works, as well.

Security Cameras

Like fences, security cameras can be useful, but they can also raise suspicion, so be mindful of your neighborhood. If you are the only house on your street with obvious security cameras, it is bound to cause suspicion.

However, we live in a fairly technologically advanced society. This means if you want security cameras, you have options besides the big, bulky, boxy things that are obviously cameras. You can get cameras that are smaller than the size of your finger and plant those around your place. Make sure you hide them well. Security cameras don’t work that well when people know that they’re there, Heisenberg uncertainty principle and all that.

Booby Traps

While this is an idea, it is not actually a good idea. Some for-profit growers use hooks, "punji boards'' made from nail-filled planks, and other painful booby traps to discourage thieves, but honestly, no amount of marijuana is worth harming someone, no matter how questionable that person's genetics or upbringing may be. Besides, trying to protect your plants using violent, hurtful methods that are guaranteed to bring police officers to the site is a poor strategy to start with. Even worse if your victim happens to be a cop, because then you will be actively hunted by vengeful police officers who stick together better than Crips or Bloods, and you'll remain prosecutable for it until the end of your life.

Select a Good Location

If you start off with a secure grow site where people are less likely to wander, you will have less work to keep thieves out. Rangers at Yellowstone and other parks generally concur that backpackers and hikers rarely venture more than 200 yards off the trail and being just 300 yards from a trail is almost a guarantee that you won't see another person.

Sometimes you can even plant right next to a highway in a forest, and none of the drivers will notice because they are so busy driving, and the ones that do are not going to stop to go look. As long as you can get water to your crops and it is secure, it is a potential location.

Many seasoned pot growers will tell you, “some people can't see the forest for the trees,” meaning, when someone finds themselves in an unfamiliar environment, they will often undergo a kind of sensory overload, unable to consciously register all that is present or happening around them. The "busier'' or more complex an environment, the less any person's brain is able to take in, and the effect of overstimulation of the visual cortex is amplified when an observer is in unfamiliar surroundings. You can use this to your advantage by planting or transplanting in places where other vegetation helps to clutter the visual landscape and make it difficult for the eye to discern specific shapes.

Consider your Safety

No matter how much you love your plants, your ultimate safety is what is most important – and in some cases, this means not going to jail. Sometimes it is best not to grow near where you live. That way, if the plants are discovered, you can always say “it wasn’t me.” If that excuse doesn't seem plausible enough, come up with one that does. You’ll need to have a reason to explain why you are standing next to a bunch of marijuana plants if caught. Being able to say, I just stumbled on it, is better than nothing.

Reduce your risk of harm

Sometimes the dangers involved with growing marijuana are related to you rather than your plants. If not careful, growers could be arrested or even die. Here are some ways to grow less risky.

Reduce your risk of harm - Image powered by Usatoday.com

Know the Law

You should have a good idea of the federal and local laws before you grow. Many people know that growing marijuana is illegal in most countries, but there are some US states (as well as Canada) that allow legal growing.

You should know if you reside in an area that will cause you to lose your job, home, or be arrested for many years for merely growing cannabis. Sometimes there are simple things you can do (such as grow somewhere else) to minimize your risks. Other times, the number of plants could make a difference between a warning and many years in jail.

Reduce Indoor Hazards

While indoor growing provides more protection when it comes to security, it also has more risks when it comes to safety. Fires are a significant concern since improper wiring of the lights and fans can lead to a short circuit. This is especially likely when the electricity is set up by amateurs who mess with the cupboard circuit.

Although you likely won’t hire an electrician, (remember, tell no one), if you can do so discretely, it may be in your best interest. Otherwise, avoid messing with the circuit board or using terminal blocks and make sure to cut all cables to the correct size. Buy only reputable brands and always place equipment away from a water tap or tank to avoid accidents. Keep in mind, fires caused by an indoor marijuana garden aren’t going to be paid for by insurance.

Your gardening products can also cause a health risk if you are not careful. Some of them contain chemicals that can damage both you and your plants. For example, pH Down has nitric or phosphoric acid, which lowers the pH of water, but it can also cause serious eye damage.

Also, most fertilizers can be extremely irritating to the eyes, mouth, or open sores. To prevent harm, always read the instructions and learn what to do in case of accidents. For the most part, it’s just a matter of common sense. For example, using protective gear like gloves or goggles minimizes the chances of injury.

Water damage is another potential concern since a water tank could overflow – especially when you grow hydroponically. In addition, a constantly damp room can cause the floor to rot and the cement to get porous. In a worst-case scenario, molds may grow and wreak havoc to the crop or to the grower’s health.

The best way to reduce the risk of water-related problems is to waterproof the grow room’s floor and walls. This creates a moisture-free room that makes tending to the plants a lot easier. Also, don’t forget to turn off the tap to avoid any flooding. Better yet, place the water tank in the shower to lower the risk.

Remember to look up

[oselatra]

Little Rock, cut low

The capital city lands on a ranking of the worst cities in the country.

Did you hear that Little Rock is one of the "50 worst cities to live in"? That's what a list USA Today published last month said. The capital city is "the worst city to live in in the state and one of the worst in the country," said the report, which was compiled by the website 24/7 Wall Street. The article placed Little Rock at No. 19, between Compton, Calif. (No. 20), and Gary, Ind. (No. 18). Detroit was atop the list — or on the bottom, from the city's perspective — and Fort Smith was ranked 50th worst, but only because Las Vegas, the previous No. 50, pointed out a data error that got it removed from the list.

The technical term for these rankings in the world of statistical analysis is "bullshit." Those who make the rankings use imprecise data, or data imprecisely, to cynically manipulate people's insecurities about the places they live. And the ploy often works. These meaningless numerical concoctions grab the attention of the public and, sometimes, elected leaders.

So it went in Little Rock, where news of our city's ignominy didn't make it here until last week, when the Arkansas Times published an online squib on the rankings. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette followed with an online article that included a humdrum defense from Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola: "I invite 24/7 Wall Street to come down and experience for themselves our downtown renaissance, generous and welcoming people, natural beauty and comfortable way of life. In the meantime, we'll continue working tirelessly to build an even better Little Rock."

On arkansasonline.com, the Democrat-Gazette's website, many commenters appeared to confuse the capital city with the bleakest version of Gotham City. From a commenter named Slak: "Napalm followed by bulldozers would clear out most of the violence and property crime. There's nothing of value; burn out the filth, clean up the debris, get a fresh start." Perhaps in response to Stodola's statement, CartoonDude said, "It is terribly irresponsible to suggest people come visit your downtown without warning them to always travel in a group, avoid alleys, and NEVER be downtown after dark." Hawk1945 wrote, "We will not even go to Little Rock if at all possible, because of violent crime."

Did you know Wally Hall, the Democrat-Gazette's longtime sports editor and columnist, occasionally offers trenchant social commentary, too? In a brief note last week, he said it was hard to argue with Little Rock's selection based on the "crime number and jobs" the article quoted (it didn't quote anything about jobs), but that USA Today obviously didn't take into account the Arkansas River Trail, Dickey-Stephens Park or restaurants like Corky's or Doe's.

"Little Rock tends to live better, for a lot of us, than its data indicates," John Brummett, the daily paper's centrist political columnist, wrote in another column. But he also said, "The city and others like it — where significant minority populations have been abandoned, isolated and neglected — deserve to be judged with appropriate harshness."

Others pointed out that Little Rock has often scored high in other similar rankings. After all, Movehub.com put it at No. 86 in its global ranking of "hipster cities," which it determined by counting the number of vegan eateries, coffee shops, tattoo studios, vintage boutiques and record stores per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, one publication you may have actually heard of, U.S. News and World Report, had Little Rock as the 38th best city in the country last year.

After the recent media flurry around the USA Today article, Resonance, a consulting company that owns the website bestcities.org, tweeted at the Little Rock Convention and Visitor's Bureau that its best "small" cities ranking — "citing many more data points than many 'other' studies" — found Little Rock to be a great place to live. And, oh, by the way, Resonance would love to provide consulting services to the LRCVB, like it has for Visit Fayetteville, Destination Cleveland and Travel Portland. On the Resonance list, Little Rock was No. 23, between Wichita, Kan. (No. 22), and Greenville, S.C. (24). Honolulu was No. 1.

Leading with Honolulu, a large city with all the requisite cultural amenities and known for its beaches, at least passes the eye test. The No. 1 city in which to reside in the "best" city rankings from 24/7 Wall Street? Carmel, Ind., a well-to-do suburb where my sister-in-law and her family live in a lovely house in a lovely neighborhood that looks remarkably similar to many other lovely houses and lovely neighborhoods nearby. It has nice parks and a new downtown with all sorts of New Urbanist flourishes, but its proximity to Indianapolis is the main thing it has going for it.

University of Delaware Professor Joel Best, the author of "Damned Lies and Statistics: Untangling Numbers from the Media, Politicians, and Activists," said the first time he became aware of city rankings was when he was living in Fresno, Calif., in 1984, and a geographer ranked Fresno last among 277 cities considered in a "Places Rated Almanac."

Best remembers that The Fresno Bee newspaper "got very excited" over the low ranking, in part because Bakersfield, Calif., near Fresno and widely seen, according to Best, as "a terrible place," was ranked higher.

"There was a powerful feeling something was amiss," he said, laughing.

The trend of ranking cities coincided with the rise of the personal computer and spreadsheet software. Anyone with those tools could assemble an index aimed at ranking various criteria. "It became a game of figuring out what statistics were available and cobbling them in some sort of ranking ... and predictably you get a lot of [media] coverage from cities that do well," Best said.

The internet made such lists ubiquitous. Turns out readers can't get enough of rankings coated in a veneer of math. Legacy media organizations, like U.S. News and World Report and Time's Money magazine, seem to promote their best cities and colleges lists ahead of everything else they publish — surely because that's what generates the most traffic and, in turn, advertising revenue. That appears to be the same business model for 24/7 Wall Street, the Delaware-based website behind the worst cities list in which Little Rock figured. It churns out more than two dozen stories a day, including many that rank things, and has syndication arrangements with Yahoo! Finance, The Huffington Post, USA Today and more. Everything the website publishes is transparently designed to generate maximum traffic to sell advertising against.  

Then there are sites, like WalletHub, that compile endless "studies" on cities they distribute to media in a marketing-as-content strategy in hopes that people will read a story about the fattest cities in America (this year: Little Rock/North Little Rock) and remember the name "WalletHub" when they're looking for a site to help with personal finance.

The connective tissue among the endless city rankings? "They're absolutely meaningless," according to Best, who's spent much of his career writing about innumeracy — the mathematical equivalent of illiteracy — and how statistics are misused and misunderstood. Like U.S. News' and other groups' best colleges lists, the city rankings fit into a category Best calls "magical numbers."

"[W]e often turn to statistics for their magical ability to clarify, to turn uncertainty into confidence, to transform fuzziness into facts," Best writes in his book "More Damned Lies and Statistics: How Numbers Confuse Public Issues." "These statistics don't even need to be particularly good numbers. We seem to believe that any number is better than no number, and we sometimes seize upon whatever figures are available to reduce our confusion."

24/7 Wall Street explains that its methodology includes statistics that measure crime, demography, economy, education, environment, health, housing, infrastructure and leisure. It's impossible to truly dissect how the website arrives at its rankings because, unlike its peers, it doesn't explain how it weights individual categories. (After responding quickly to a question about methodology, 24/7 Wall Street Editor-In-Chief Douglas McIntyre didn't respond to a follow-up about how categories weighted.) But even if we could see how the website determines its scores, it wouldn't lend any authority to its conclusion because there aren't datasets that comprehensively track any of its chosen categories. The data 24/7 Wall Street and all other list makers are using is a proxy for what they claim to measure, and it's often a bad proxy.

Take the "leisure" category in the 24/7 Wall Street list. Part of the scoring claims to quantify the number of leisure activities nearby, but outside, a city. To account for that it adds up the number of zoos, nature parks, ski resorts and golf courses in the counties surrounding a city. That conception of how leisure time works might make sense for large cities that constitute most if not all of a county, but in a mid-size city like Little Rock, few of us would travel outside Pulaski County to do any of those things (because, sadly, the I.Q. Zoo in Hot Springs is closed and Garland County is not immediately adjacent to Pulaski County). And why the seemingly arbitrary choice to track ski resorts and not beaches or lakes? Probably because the data on recreational bodies of water is messy or not readily available.

Even harder numbers like crime rates aren't that great for determining how safe a city is. Crime isn't uniformly distributed. In Little Rock, what most of us would think of as violent crime is concentrated in the south and southwest parts of the city. In an interview, Mayor Stodola told the Times that about 60 percent of the violent crimes Little Rock reports are for misdemeanor theft of items valued at less than $1,000. For instance, in Stifft Station, where I live, it's highly likely that, if I leave something valuable in my car and don't lock it, someone is going to steal it. But it's highly unlikely I'm going to be robbed or hit by stray gunfire.

"We're like any urban city in the country; we have our challenges," Stodola told me. "But we also have our wonderful things we're very, very proud of and we continue to work on all of them."

The mayor has said he won't seek re-election. So far, four candidates have filed to run to replace him: former Little Rock School District Superintendent Baker Kurrus, state Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock), Little Rock banker Frank Scott and LRSD employee Vincent Tolliver.  

Only Scott publically weighed in on the rankings, tweeting that as a Little Rock native it hurt him to see Little Rock place on the worst cities list. But, he said, a change was going to come: "I wouldn't be running for Mayor of #LittleRock if I didn't believe in what's possible for our city, and the path we can take to unite each corner, strengthen our infrastructure, create safer communities, and make basic quality of life essential for families and neighbors."

And maybe that's the ultimate takeaway from these endless rankings: They may not add up to anything, but, especially in an election year, there's nothing wrong with getting provoked to debate all the ways in which Little Rock could be better.  

Little Rock, cut low

[additionallysad]

Making A Concrete Coffee Table Top https://ift.tt/2IzVEdg

Hey, good news! I finally have a place to put my feet up in the beach house living room. Or, as Sherry would state this good news: we finally have a coffee table!

And it was a DIY that was SO MUCH CHEAPER than the high end alternative, so three cheers for that. Oh and people who follow our InstaStories know we’ve switched out the rug in here for this rug since taking these pics, so there will be a post all about that (and the other dining room tweak we’ve made) coming up in a week or two. But back to the coffee table.

We’ve actually had the table base for a while, but it’s been completely topless for months. We scored this wooden octagonal table base from a neighbor who had planned on adding a top to it at some point, but after months of doing nothing with it she put it on our neighborhood buy/sell board for a whopping $7. After paying 700 pretty pennies for it, it remained topless in our garage for several months before moving to the beach house last fall (see below)… where it remained – still topless – until last month.

Our grand scheme was to get a stone top custom cut for it. Marble would look great, but we also considered more durable options like quartz. But quotes from two different stone yards – even for remnant pieces – came back between $700 – $900. I KNOW. They were MUCH higher than we expected, partially because of the size (it’s 38″ at its widest, which makes it deeper than a standard countertop by a fair amount) and the octagonal shape.

So we quickly shifted from “buying a stone top for it” to “DIYing a stone-like top for it” – and after weighing all sorts of solutions (faux stone laminate, a wood top we painted white or even tried to “marble”, etc) we landed a white concrete top that would give us a nice chunky stone look, but at a much cheaper cost. Unfortunately, the project kept getting nudged behind bigger tasks like installing the kitchen and building bunk beds. Hence why I was forced to uncomfortably prop my feet up on this edge of this puppy each time we visited. Feel bad for me, please.

We feared that a solid poured concrete slab would (a) be very heavy and (2) be very prone to cracking or breaking – especially without adding lots of extra support under the table top. Plus little kid heads + a solid hunk of concrete sounded worrisome. So instead we decided to create a wood top and then cover the wood with Ardex Feather Finish, which is a thin concrete material that we used years ago to give our laminate kitchen counters the appearance of solid concrete.

Making The Wood Coffee Table Top

We picked up a 4 x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood because we wanted something sturdy enough to span the tabletop without sagging. To mark my cuts, I simply flipped the table over on top of the plywood and traced the edges with a pen. Don’t worry, I’ll show you how I made it overhang the table’s edge in a moment.

Using my circular saw outside, I trimmed off the edges to get an octagon that perfectly fit the top of our table base. No overhang. Yet.

Next I cut 8 pieces of 1 x 2″ whitewood to create a border around my cut plywood. After summoning some of my 8th-grade geometry, I determined that I needed to cut each one at a 22.5-degree angle to fit them around the octagon. But surprise-surprise, my miter saw was one step ahead of me and already had that as a preset angle.

Then, with the plywood laid on top of the base with the edges flush, I started nailing each of my 1 x 2″ pieces around the edges (into the plywood, not the table base). I put wood glue on it before I nailed, which help things hold for the long haul. Adding this border did a few helpful things:

It made the wood top slightly larger than the base, giving it a nice overhang

It made the wood top look twice as thick as it really is, without adding much more weight to it

It helped keep the top in place by making it almost like a snug shoebox top. I still screwed it to the base from underneath just to be safe.

Once it was all nailed in, I used wood putty to fill in all of my gaps and nail holes. This probably wasn’t a super critical step (I was going to coat this with a skim coat of concrete, after all) but I discovered the table isn’t a perfect octagon, so some of my corners weren’t as tight as I’d hoped. This shot is from before I sanded the excess wood filler off:

Applying The Concrete Finish

We haven’t used Ardex Feather Finish since our first project with it: our old kitchen’s laminate counters (here’s the tutorial for applying it and then sealing them to be food safe). While we decided the application was awesome for a quick makeover, they did get a little oil-stained around the stove since we used food-safe sealer as opposed to some of the more heavier duty sealers. No worries, we just added a cutting board to cover the small splatters – and we loved the imperfections and movement that was created in the application process. Definitely a whole lot better than the old plastic-y counters the house came with. Overall: we’d definitely recommend this method for a kitchen counter update – especially if you use a stronger sealer.

For the coffee table we decided to use the white Ardex instead of the standard gray color, so we tracked down a 10 pound bag online for $40. The dry Ardex mix just combines with water, so to apply it all you really need are some mixing/measuring buckets and various sized trowels to apply and smooth it. Oh, and sandpaper and a power sander (this is the one we have).

The bag suggested a 2 to 1 mix of Ardex powder to water, but I read our old post and reminded myself that I had liked a bit more water than that – it helped keep the mix looser and easier to spread. So I started by measuring one small batch at a time (I think I needed about twice this much to complete one coat).

I mixed them together using a small trowel, making sure to getting any remaining powder mixed in. I aimed for a thick pancake batter consistency – like it would sorta hold to my trowel for a moment before dripping off on its own.

Then I just scooped everything onto my table and started spreading it smooth, using larger trowels on the top and smaller ones on the edges. Note: whatever surface you’re doing this on should be sanded enough to be rough. Our plywood was already slightly textured, so I could skip this step, but if you’re doing it on the top of a piece of furniture, be sure to take a pass with low-grit sandpaper first (like 60-80 grit).

Ardex takes more than one coat (we did two this time) so my first pass was really about coverage, not smoothness. I was worried about sanding too much off during the next step, especially on the edges and corners, so I threw caution to the wind and really laid it on thick around the edge.

I gave it several hours to dry and then came back to start smoothing. The first thing I did (and my favorite part) was to use a putty knife to scrape all of the stalactites that dripped down the bottom edge. It was so satisfying and it gave us a really clean edge on the bottom.

Then I took some low-grit sandpaper (80) and went to town on the rest of the top with my palm sander. Since I knew another coat was coming after this one, I wasn’t concerned about getting it flawlessly smooth. I mostly wanted to eliminate any hard ridges that would catch clumps of Ardex during my next application.

This is what the top looked like after I sanded the first coat. Obviously, you can see lots of my trowel marks as well as little pockets where the Ardex didn’t spread completely smoothly. It’s a bit rougher than we wanted for the final product, but it was fine for a first coat.

The second coat went on in pretty much the exact same method – except I did mix the Ardex a bit thinner and I took a bit more care getting a smoother application since this would be the top one that’s seen by everyone. Plus, when I sanded it, I moved from my initial low-grit (80) sandpaper down to 120 then 220, so that the finished table was super smooth. I didn’t remember to snap any photos of the coffee table after we sanded the second coat, but took lots of them once it was sealed and finished, so if we skip ahead for a second, here’s the finished result:

Sealing The Concrete

There are lots of products out there for sealing concrete. As I mentioned, we used food safe eco-sealer on our kitchen counters, which we think might be the reason tiny little grease spatters sunk in next to the stove – but since we’re not planning to prepare food on this table, we went with something heavier duty for a nice super-durable finish this time. Our final choice? This “Wet-Look” Sealer by Behr. Sherry suggested something high-gloss, which would really mimic that glossy stone look, and we were both really happy with how it turned out. Almost a mirror-like shine – which you can sort of see in the photo above.

I just used a small foam roller to apply a thin coat along the top and all of the sides. Once it had dried for a few hours, we did a second coat (and later a third coat, just to be safe). I barely made a dent in the 1 gallon container (it was the smallest one they sold) but at least I have some on hand to do a touch-up sealing coat every year or two, just to be safe.

Once it was all fully dry, we brought it in and let it cure for a week before putting any objects on it (not that it needs that long – we just weren’t at the beach house for a week). And BOY DOES IT FEEL GOOD TO HAVE A COFFEE TABLE!

The white top breaks up the darker rug and couch nicely, and also helps tie together some of the other bright white accents like the bookshelf and the curtains.

It’s hard to tell from these photos, but although the concrete is super glossy and chunky, it still has imperfections, which is definitely part of the charm. Instead of looking like a big block of shiny plastic, it gives off that raw concrete vibe – even in the glossy white color. This next picture probably best shows a few light trowel marks. It all feels smooth to the touch, but when you look closely they’re definitely there. Again, this is some of the “interest” that we expected from the Ardex process (or at least my version of it – ha!) and for us it takes the place of the movement we would’ve gotten from a stone like marble.

Sherry and I have also discussed everything from staining the wood base a little bit darker (especially to disguise the light edges) to painting the while base a glossy white to emphasize the interesting shape of the legs. But for now I’ve argued that we should just kick up our feet and enjoy having a place to actually kick up our feet. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?

And don’t even get me started on the other furniture adjustments we’re thinking about in this room. Actually since we took these photos we’ve painted and recovered two armchairs for that wall on the right, so there’s a lot more comfy seating in here now (although we’re thinking about a few other adjustments before calling it done). But that’s a topic for another day!

P.S. Do you get our free weekly emails? We love sending bonus details, design tips, random style thoughts, and other house-related stuff. Click here to get them delivered right to your inbox. And thanks to everyone who is on the list already – Sherry loves putting them together for you each week. 

*This post contains affiliate links*

The post Making A Concrete Coffee Table Top appeared first on Young House Love.

[profoundgardenertree-blog]

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"Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

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whats the cheepest car on insurance for a 17 year old and how much

Is it worth the effort to compare auto insurance companies?

I have been with the same auto insurance agency my whole adult life. When my husband and I got married, he switched over and started using the same agency I have always used. Our insurance rates seem to continually increase, though, and so recently I have been wondering if we should start looking around for a better premium. I would definitely love to save some money on our auto insurance, but I dont know if its worth the time and energy it would take to shop around. Is it worth the effort to compare insurance companies? If so, how do I begin my search?""

Why does Allstate keep increasing my insurance rate?

I am 26 years old, in California. I have had Allstate for almost 2 years now, and every 6 months my rate increases. It went up $200+, and I have not had any tickets/accidents/claims, and I have not moved. When I asked them about this, they just said they are adjusting their rates due to zip code. Seems like bologna to me. Has anyone else had this problem? Which insurer do you recommend?""

What Cars Have the Best Car Insurance Rates?

What Cars Have the Best Car Insurance Rates?

Car Insurance for a friend?

I have a friend (single mom of 2) and she needs to get cheap car insurance on her ford explore. She let it lapse for 6 months and now her loan company wants to repo her car, even though she has made every car payment. (she leases her car)...(kinda like rent to own) She got a quote from my agent, but it was going to be way too much for her. I am guessing since she still owes on the car she has to have full coverage. And can only afford less than $100.00 a month on it. She is a renter, she is going to school, and has bad credit. Are there any companies out there that she can get a good deal or at least get coverage for 6 months and re-apply with a better company?? The only one I have found out there was the general.com. And they seem to be ok...but I don't know what other options she has. Thanks for reading this!! 10 points to the best answer!!""

How much would the insurance cost on a 2002 Lamborghini Murcielago VT ?

full coverage

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

Question about state health insurance in georgia?

Im moving from Massachusetts to Georgia in march. My work doesn't offer insurance so we are on commonwealth care. Its state insurance. Im trying to find out if there is state insurance in ga as well iv got children and need insurance for them. Im not sure if the job im taking will offer some but in the mean time I need something. Can someone tell me if they have state health insurance or some type of low cost for low income? Thanks.

""I want to trade my car in. I have no GAP Insurance, where can I get it?

I got a used 2007 Dodge Caliber SXT rom Drivetime (rip off) in March of this year. I knew nothing about financing a car or anything. Now I want to trade the car in at a new lot for a ...show more

Why is Auto Insurance in Quebec cheaper? And how do I go abouts changing my insurance to Quebec?

I've been told insurance in Quebec is much cheaper. I know a few friends that live there can I change my license address to Quebec then seek insurance over there? Im getting sick of paying 400+ in Ottawa.

Insurance claims car was stolen but police report doesn't?

my car was hit about 5 months ago and the police report was filed. i received my copy of the police report and it doesn't state the car was stolen. now my insurance company is claiming, 5 months later, that the car that hit me was stolen. can this happen? how do i know the insurance company isn't making this up so that they wont pay me back for my deductible? thanks!""

Can I get an auto loan with a permit? and If a car is under my name can my moo give me insurance if I live?

Can I get an auto loan with a permit? and If a car is under my name can my moo give me insurance if I live with her with the same address?

I am looking for a company that will help me sign up for dentical and healthy family insurance as a provider?

Can anyone help me sign up for dentical. I would like to provide service to dentical and healthy family patients in my area. I am a dentist in northern california. I am looking for a reputed company that will help me with this process. I really want to help the children in my community.

Cheap car to insure mpg above 25?

Looking for a car that you may have had experience with that is cheap to insure, with decent mpg. I was looking at '95 and '97 civics because they are older and I thought might be cheaper to insure and get pretty good mileage from what Ive heard. Mainly looking 4 doors not too shabby low insurance and decent mileage. Thanks in advance for responses everyone""

How much would a 16 year old male pay for insurance on a trans am?

i'm looking into buying a trans am for my first car i would like to get any year from 1970-1981 or 1993-2002 models, Im thinking if i were to get a second gen (1970-1981) i will be paying more because it might be considered a classic , so i might be left with getting a 4th gen. I was just wondering what i would be paying roughly in Ontario Canada. Also i herd there is such a thing as a multi car discount if i am added onto say my mothers insurance plan. could someone shed a little light on my situation? And also would it go up if i get one with the ws6 package?""

What is cheaper to run on daily bassis Toyota Celica or Honda Civic Type-R?

I would like to maybe buy a Celica 190 I'm still deciding between this and the Type-R. I'd like to know does the Type-R cost a lot to run or is the Celica cheaper? I do about 100 miles a week would this kind of mileage be too expensive for any of the two cars? I'd also like to know what the average service charges are when it's due one. Also are they quick? I'm 34 so insurance is not too bad for me but I just would like to know from other owners of these cars what the real cost of these great machines are.Cheers

Does anyone know an affordable doctor in phx/ glendale area?

I have no insurance, does any one no where there is a good doctor who's cash prices are affordable?""

""Can any one say best insurance site,which dealing with better travel insurance policies of different companies?

I want to know benefits of insurance policies of different companies before buy travel insurance policy

Car Insurance for a 17 year old ? Rough price needed.?

Hi, My son is 17 in a couple of months, need a rough guess on how much insurance will be on a low groupage car (peugeot 106 1.0 etc). He'll be provisional but will have his mother on the insurance also. We're in Teesside so not out in the sticks but not a city postcode. Any rough ideas will be great. Thanks.""

Would a 2001 jetta VR6 be expensive for insurance?

Would it be expensive for insurance, im 17 almost 18 male car costs around 6000""

Where Do I Find Quotes For Non-Owners Auto Insurance?

I Need It Cheap, Fast, And In Denver,CO.!!!!!!!!!!!!""

Will the healthcare reform change the age limit on children on parents insurance?

I'm 25 and one of the great things about the affordable care act was that I was allowed on my parents insurance until I'm 26... Will this change? I'm still in school and there is no way I can afford insurance on my own!!!

Will auto insurance be cheaper If i'm on my parent's plan?

I'm 17. I graduated college early, so i'm now a sophomore in college. I have a job, where I make generally $600 a month. Not much but i'll be graduating soon so I can deal ...show more""

Jeep Wrangler: Insurance coverage costs?

I am a girl beginning driver, turning 17. I live in a rural area. I want a 1999 Jeep Wrangler SE. I am part of my family's plan. Does anybody have a price about what would cost a month/year? Thanks.""

""I am a legal alien about to stay in an American residence, do i need to be on the car insurance?""

I am about to study abroad in America and live with an American in her house. Do I need to be on her car insurance even though I will not be driving the car, and do not have an American driving license?""

Do i need to be on my parents insurance?

I am 16 and am going to get my license in a week. I have my permit already. I am going to a California DMV. My parents would like to know if I have to be on there insurance before i take my test. Also what I would have to bring besides my permit and my slip of completion of driving school. If you can please help no dumb answers.

Can I buy motorcycle inssurance and not have parents know about it?

I'm 22 I live in my own apartment but my parents pay car insurance can I get a seperate insurance for a motorcycle and not have my parents know about it, also my friend who rides said bike insurance can be very cheap I just want minimum coverage how much would it be, thx!""

How much would car insurance cost for a 19 year old with a v6 chrysler 300 2012?

Please help me!

Does affordable FAMILY Health insurance in California even exist? :( Desperate!?

Hello: My husband and I are in the process of moving on in our life and figuring out the next step. Rather than moving ahead now and planning later I would rather plan now then move ahead. I feel that its not smart to start trying for a baby until we know if its going to be possible to afford health insurance. Right now we are both working fulltime but my work is not family friendly when it comes to health insurance. Currently to add my spouse and a child to my insurance whether its PPO or HMO its over $1,200 for us 3!!! When looking outside of my employer at what is out there its over $800! We make about $4,000 a month but after rent, car payments, cell phones, car insurance, bills, groceries, and gas we are left with only about $800 a month to live off of. And that is not nearly enough for a baby with daycare and health insurance!! We obviously dont qualify for state funding or and government assistance. I am just wondering if anything exists out there for people like us! :( Unfortunately it seems things would be easier if we both worked at a low income job or not worked at all!! Please help, I want a good future for us all and dont want to depend on government funding!!""

Car insurance for a 17 year old?

what is the cheapest car insurance company for a 17 year old. (people with recent experience would be very help full) also what car would be cheapest to insure. (would an old car e.g 1980s early 90s be cheaper than a newer car) i am looking at third party insurance and not comprehensive

Got my first speeding ticket. How much will my insurance go up?

I was on my way to work and I got clocked at 65 mph in a 50 mph zone. I haven't told my parents and I am scared for when they find out. It's my first speeding ticket and even the first time I had ever been pulled over. The ticket was for $103.33. I paid for it and it is all taken care of I think. I was driving my mom's new car. My brother has had a lot of traffic tickets on the same insurance too, but not the same car. So how much do you think the insurance is going to go up? Or do you think it is going to go up at all?""

How much does it cost to put car insurance on a bugatti?

How much does it cost to put car insurance on a bugatti?

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

I am 30 and just got my UK licence and want to buy a car. Any tricks to getting cheap insurance?

I have had my NZ drivers licence since I was 16 and many years of no-claims. However, I haven't owned a car or insurance policy in the UK. Any tops for not having to pay very high premiums? I would love to get a sports car, but it's looking very expensive. (Would it be worth registering in girlfriends name and being a named driver?)""

Car insurance on a rental car?

I know that when renting a car if you have car insurance you are also covered for the rental. However I also heard that the time the car is out of commission may not be covered and you may still want the liability insurance through the car rental place. Is there any truth in this?

Is my insurance rate going to go up? High Point Auto Insurance?

Long story short, I received a speeding ticket today. It will be a 2-point ticket. I called my insurance provider and they said yes, my insurance will go up but she couldn't tell me by how much. She also didn't sound like she knew what she was talking about. This is my first moving violation in 8 years, so I was wondering if anyone with High Point had any experience with this so I can weigh my options between pleading guilty and fighting the ticket for a dismissal. NYC is a non plea bargain jurisdiction so plea bargaining is not an option. I am not asking for exact answers, I am asking whether there has been anyone in my position, with a relatively clean record, has experienced an increase in their insurance rate, and if so, if it was a substantial increase.""

Do you need car insurance in order to buy a car?

I just want to buy the vehicle for now until i am ready for the car insurance. How would I be able to transport it to my place and store it?

Insurance on a streetbike?

so i live in southern california 19 years old 3 years car driving experience 0 licensed with a motorcycle valid motorcycle permit 3 accidents on my record 2 including totaling cars... i was wondering if any1 happens ot have close oto the same things and know what i should expect iwth MINIMUM insurance no comp or collision or anything just basic liability.. but i do want max medical payments

Best places to buy gap insurance and extended warranty for new cars?

either online or in the real world, where is the best place to purchase gap insurance and extended warranty on a new car? i would like to get rate quotes from different places and choose from the best ones. i hear the ones the dealerships offer are too expensive and give them a chance to adujst the overall price of the car in their favor?""

UK: Are there any other cheap car insurance companies besides Tesco?

I am sick of Tesco, but they seem to be substantially cheaper than any where else!""

""Okay, Passed my driving test last week and just about to get insured. One problem though, when I was taking?""

lessons with my instructor I accidently hit the curb and my instructor had to make a claim. She told me it was all sorted it out although she had to say write my name down to her insurance company saying it was my fault. The question im asking is will this have any effect on my license or make my insurance cost more. p.s I took my test in England. Desperate to get an answer, cant find one anywhere else xxx""

DIFFRENT CAR INSURANCE rates?

me my uncle and my aunt have 4 vehicles in our household. we have a chevy avalanche or , toyota 4 runner limited edition o3, toyota corola s 10, and a harley bike 07. do this vehicles like have diffrent rates each under one insurance plan? its under USAA btw. (the numbers are the year models of car)""

Do you need insurance in florida to drive with a learners permit? with a liscence?

In florida do teens need insurance to drive their parents cars with a learners permit? once you get a liscence can you drive their car without being included on the insurance as long as theyre in the car? the car has insurance im just not listed on the policy

What is the cheapest car insurance for a 18 year old girl with a honda prelude? (what about will it cost)?

What is the cheapest car insurance for a 18 year old girl with a honda prelude? (what about will it cost)?

Best car for cheap car insurance England?

i'm looking for an affordable car for my first one i'm a 19 year old female, i''ve checked a 2001 ford ka 1.3 and it was the second cheapest one for insurance which was 1500 the only thing putting me off is my friend had one and she said it guzzled petrol :P which i think she means it wasted petrol, the cheapest was a fiat 500 the insurance was 1300 but i really can't afford one so just want a cheap run around until i've saved up enough to buy a new one, does anyone know any affordable cars max price 1500 with cheap insurance thanks!! oh and if anyone has had a ford ka do you recommend one?""

Low Insurance Car For Teen Boy?

I am turning 16 in a couple of months and I need to know what USED vehicles would be best for low insurance. Nothing lower than 1998 and nothing higher than 2007. Please give me some suggestions. NO ugly cars either...

Can one ask a car insurance company to not file a claim?

If one had an accident and it is their fault, can they ask their insurance company to not file a claim and you take care of the collision damage to the other car? If the other person calls their insurance company, who in turn contacts your, is your insurance company obligated to file the claim because they now know?""

I got rear ended and the guy who hit me is pressuring me - should i get insurance involved?

The person in front of me was tail gating the person ahead of him so I was trying to keep distance and my brakes were on/off. The guy behind me crashed into me from behind. There was minor damage to my car - deep scratches that need a paint job and the left bumper that almost came off. He had a dent in his hood. He was very apologetic claiming it was his fault. He was willing to pay for all the damages and felt very bad about the situation. He said that if insurance gets involved, the higher our rates would go up but said it was all up to me in what I wanted to do. We exchanged information and was willing to fix my car as soon as possible. He called me and did his research in which we would get my car fixed. My back is hurting badly now and I'm going to get it checked now. He just called me up asking if he can meet up again to take pictures of my car. Thing is why would he want to take better pictures of my car? Don't you have to go show the people? I just got off the phone w. him and he said that I have minor damages compared to his dent in the hood. He believes that because I suddenly braked, he braked as well causing his hood to slide under my back.... He pretty much made it seem like what he did was very minor. I didn't meet up w. him b/c my parents drove another car to take me to the Dr. and got upset and was suspicious and accused me of illegal fraud? I killed him back w. kindness and he was being nice saying he wanted to fix my car ASAP. He really scared me last night and I'm feeling pressure b/c he wants to fix it NOW. IS HE POSSIBLY TRYING TO TURN THIS THING AROUND NOW??""

Hello im a 18 year old male and am looking for car insurance?

the car i am looking to insure is a 1.3 tdci vauxhall corsa excite 75ps 61 plate the cheapest ive been quoted on moneysupermarket.com is 3118 but went on lv and was quoted 1620.60 fully comp and only one on policy and me as the policy holder does anyone else know where the cheapest car insurance is

Do red light camera infractions hurt your insurance?

on the ticket it reads: this infraction will not be a part of your driving record and will be processed as a parking infraction. I live in Seattle, WA.""

How much would car insurance typically cost for a first time driver with a used car?

I'm almost 18 and will hopefully be driving soon and I was wondering how much I would pay for car insurance for a used car? I'm not looking for a normal teen car, I'm looking more for a very child friendly safe vehicle for me and my son. Generally what am I looking at price wise either per/month or yearly for insurance?""

Acura RSX or Toyota Celica. only have 8 grand to spend

which will have cheaper insurance, is faster, can be modified more""

Why are insurance group 1 cars so expensive?

Looking at insuring a car - in the UK we have insurance groups for cars, I can look at an Astra in group 16 and second hand I can see decent ones for 500-1000, but when I look at the shittiest cars known to man, the ones in group 1 - they are all 5000-7000 minimum SECOND HAND. Why the hell is this? If I wanted to be ****** in the *** financially, I'd rather it be with the insurance because at least I'd have a decent bloody car.""

Need cheap no-name insurance companies for motorcycle insurance?

Well, i live in Florida where motorcycle insurance is not required at all. But I need comprehensive insurance at least (and maybe liability too) so that I wont have to cry over a stolen bike after a week of purchase. I'm buying this bike in cash (2008 ninja 250R) and still big insurance companies like progressive and geico will charge me a thousand bucks a year for liability and comprehensive coverages alone. So, I need to know the names of some small insurance companies who wont use their big and flashy names to jack up their prices. please help. I dont wanna pay 1000 bucks a year for a 3500 dollar bike. Thanks.""

Nineteen and no insurance?

so i have a Q im 19 and i have no health insurance i live in chicago IL and i was wondering is their any help that i can receive from like the goverment that will offer my health insurance ??

Supplemental health insurance provider?

Does anybody have supplemental health insurance? Do you know of a good provider? I have never heard of it, my Mom was telling me about it. I looked and I found some places that said quotes for supplemental health insurance. but when I filled out the info it seemed like it gave me a quote for regular health insurance plan not supplemental health insurance. My health insurance I have through work has a high deductible so i am always paying out of pocket for I have not met my deductible.""

How much does it cost to go for an eye exam in new jersey without insurance?

I want to get my eyes checked and have no insurance.I was wondering how much it would cost? Is lenscrafters good or more expensive? pearl vision?

Why do you have to have full coverage on certain cars?

I have only liability right now on a 2000 ford. I am trying to figure out how much my insurance will go up, and if I have to get full coverage or not. Also what is the longest you can have a car loan? I really would like a Nissan Murano maybe around 12,000-15,000 at the abs. maximum. What do you think my monthly payments would look like? Thank you for any advice.""

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

Tip cheap car insurance quotes ma

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/infinity-insurance-agent-login-nicholas-kim/"

[unlikelydreamlandcreation-blog]

Is insurance needed with a permit?

"Is insurance needed with a permit?

Im 17 with my drivers permit. Do i need insurance or does the insurance that my parents who are driving with me have cover it? I live in California

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://averageinsurancecost.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

Insurance... please help?

Someone I know is 76 years old and is working as an employee at a small business. Can the owner of the small business get insurance to cover him? If not, any other suggestions?""

How much would car insurance be under my dad's policy? Or by itself under my name?

I'll be 21 in September and I'm getting a car really soon. I just have no clue how much the premium is going to cost me. I'm getting an older car. 100,000+ miles. So my question is, if I insure my car under my dad's policy and put it as one of those cars that is occasionally/rarely used , how much would a premium cost? If I decided to not join my dad's insurance and just get my own, how much would it cost? I'm not looking for sure good insurance because I'm a very safe driver- but I'm also not looking for crappy shady insurance either. Thanks!""

Do you need car insurance in order to buy a car?

I just want to buy the vehicle for now until i am ready for the car insurance. How would I be able to transport it to my place and store it?

""I was driving my husbands car, I was not on his insurance yet. A car hit us while sitting at a stop sign?""

I was driving my husbands car, I was not on his insurance yet (married two weeks before). A car hit us while sitting at a stop sign. The at fault driver's insurance company is ...show more""

How can I tax my car without insurance?

I am planning on selling my car, which doesn't have tax or insurance as I haven't passed my driving test yet. I have some interest in the car but as it isn't taxed, people ...show more""

Will my car insurance rates go up if i crashed a car as a valet?

backed into another car as a valet. My company has insurance. The insurance exchanged was my bosses, and the other 2 parties involved (car I was in and the car that was hit). My license number was taken down and I received a traffic ticket. Oh well. My real concern is does MY insurance ever find out about this? Or is it all on the company's insurance?""

Does this sound like a Fair price for Obamacare insurance in California?

Monthly Premium $321 Deductible $2000 Co-pay $45 Specialty care Copay $65 Generic Med $25 Max out of Pocket $6400 FYI my brother has his own general practice, he said on average he charges people without insurance abot $60-70 for an office visit (cash,check,credit card or invoice)""

How much will insurance be for me per month for a used nissan 350z yr 2003-2004?(full coverage)?

I am 19yrs old and this will be my first car. My credit score is 662 and I work full time earning 9$ an hr for 2 yrs now. Will insurance be a lot for me? How much averagly? 200? 300? 400$? I need to know before I buy it from the dealer... thanks!

Who has best affordable health insurance?

Looking for health and dental insurance for 1 + spouse in Texas.

Who pays for the home insurance when you let your house?

I ask this question on behalf of my friend, who lives in Malaysia. He wants to know what the law in England will be in this case. My friend is gonna let his house to another, so that he can have some income. A question arises: They need to buy a home insurance in case there is an accident like fire. Apparently in Malaysia, a homeowner doesn't have to buy insurance for his house. So in this case, who should pay for the home insurance, the homeowner or the tenant? I mean, the rental period is 2 years, and the insurance, if paid, will cover for 2 years only.""

Auto Insurance??

I was just wondering what people thought is a good price to pay monthly for auto insurance? I went to Progressive.com and saw they have different plans available...I went with one that looked like it had a bunch of things and was around 94ish dollars a month...couple of questions though What is the average you think I should pay? (No traffic violations in the last x amt of years, not since 98, fyi) Also, do you think its worth it for more fuller coverage if I'm going to actually own the car outright and not make payments? Is it worth it to select the rental insurance as one of the options? I don't know anything about what I should get, any help is appareciated!""

How much would insurance be on a Pontiac Grand Prix GT or Grand AM GT for a 16 year old boy?

I'm getting my license soon and was wondering how much insurance rates would be for a 16 yr old boy with a Pontiac Grand Prix GT or Grand AM GT

Car Insurance Renewal?

Dear Mates I have been driving for a year,The car that I have got is Micra 1 litre. Just received a letter from my current Insurance Provider. Letter says that my car insurance is 1807 for this year, if I pays Monthly. Which is about 300 more than last year. Even this year, I have got 1 year No Claim Bonus. What you guys think, is that OK or is it too much on this car? How much do you pays at the moment? Many Thanks""

How much is car insurance?

How much can I expect car insurance to cost? I am taking drivers ed soon (which I have heard lowers the insurance price) and I also get pretty good grades (which I also hear lowers the insurance price). I would be driving a used car. Any ideas on how much insurance would cost me?

How much would insurance cost with a 2000 mustang convertible? HELP PLEASE!?

I'm a 16 yer old, and I have insurance with geico. I want to buy a 2000 ford mustang covertable. I was wonder if anyone knew about how much my familys insurance would go up. I realize I can call geico but my dad won't let me, ha. So any ideas? Thanks!""

Dad wont pay for insurance?

I went to school today to get my parking permit and I needed a couple of things including a copy of my insurance and my registration. The problem was that my name wasn't written on the insurance card but Im still insured under my dads name. I told him about it and he called the school, after that he called me and told me not to talk to the people that were in charge of giving out the permits because my name wasn't under the policy it was just that car that was under it and who ever drove it was covered. He also said that he doesn't want to pay 1400 to add me on the insurance even though he makes 6000 a mont, and the last thing i want to do is park my car in the neighborhood next to the school if i did that there would be no point in getting a car. I need help what should i do this is stressing me out!""

Anyone know where my husband can get dental work done with no insurance?

he is in a huge amount of pain and nothing is working anymore he has even went as far as rinsing his mouth out with peroxide! [ i know right!] but any how we don't have dental insurance and i was wondering is there anywhere he can go like a free clinic or something? we live in East bay California any help would be great thanks! no rude comments please

What do you need to insure a car?

I bought a car from a friend. Do I only need a logbook when calling the DVLA, just wondering if I need anything else to get the car insured.""

Does my parents insurance still cover me?

I'm 19(turning 20 on Dec 1) & I live in California(southern CA) Not in school right now, still looking into trade schools will attend school in spring '11. My parents have health insurance but since I was 18 it stopped covering for me. Insurance covers almost all costs though sometimes we have to pay a small percentage. Now this new bill has passed & I was wondering if it will cover me? Or should I apply for Medicaid? Currently looking for my 3rd job. Previous jobs did not give me health insurance. Thanks""

Ford Mustang for a 21 years girl?????

Hi I'm thinking of getting Ford Mustang 2007 but Im a 21 years old girl.. so you think how much the insurance would be?? cuz my friend told me since its a sport car. it might be around $200 a month :(

How much is Allstate Car Insurance for and 18 year old in North Carolina?

Live in North Carolina have a Honda Accord

my friend wreak my car and he has full coverage with geico but does his insurance cover my car to. he wants ?

my friend wreak my car and he has full coverage with geico but does his insurance cover my car to. he wants to pay for it without calling his insurance cause he wants to pay cash it has been over a month. nothing has been done to fix my car. He did give me his car to use till this is settled but can i contact his insurance to see if i can get a claim to have my car fixed as soon as possible. called and they said that no information can be released without insured consent. in Yahoo! Answers

Is there any Insurance for?

Is there any insurance that does cover cosmetic surgrey? Or Social Security? If you don't know then don't comment :) 10 pts!

How do the candidates expect to make everyone buy health insurance?

Health insurance costs are extraordinary, Hillary and OBama want to force people to buy health insurance (and subsidize the costs for some) but they fail to address the reasons health insurance is so expensive. Medical malpractice insurance costs doctors more than most people make a year, and Insurance companies answer to their stockholders before their customers are two of the main reasons it is so expensive. It seems that insurance companies are the ONLY winners in the field of medicine. The democrat solutions to the health care crisis only masks the problem.""

How much does a teeth cleaning cost w/o insurance?

I got a mailer coupon from a dentist that says they only charge $46 for a regular cleaning & $29 for an exam & x-ray so total $75. I live in Las Vegas. Seems kinda a cheap gimmick? But what is the average price for exam/x-ray/teeth cleaning w/o insurance?

Is insurance needed with a permit?

Im 17 with my drivers permit. Do i need insurance or does the insurance that my parents who are driving with me have cover it? I live in California

Self Drive Hire car insurance?

Is therer any insurance company out there will insure under 21 on self drive hire cars?

How much would nyc car insurance be for a 19 year old insuring only himself? ?

How much would nyc car insurance be for a 19 year old insuring only himself? ?

What is cheaper in car insurance...?

An old fiat punto or a new fiat punto

What would be the cheapest Car Insurance for a 20 year old? HELP!!?

so i'm 20, & i've had my licence for a year now & been driving around in my dads cars. but he just recently got a letter from his car insurance asking if he will add me on to it!.. will it be cheaper if i was added on to his or if i had one of my own?? because i go to school full time & work part time! & would the insurance go down when i turn 21?""

Why is driving without insurance wrong?

if you are responsible for an accident, can't you still be made to pay up by law?""

""Being sued by an insurance company, can my wages be garnished?""

I was in a severe accident last year in which the damage done exceeded my coverage. Now, a year later, the other insurance company is suing me. Now, the odd thing about this is, the accident was in NJ, I now live in PA, and they cannot seem to find me. They've called my old jobs in NJ looking for me, but haven't found me here in PA. What's even odder is, the attorney hunting me down is from MY insurance company, which I now again have in PA, and that particular accident never even showed up on my driving record when I insured my vehicle here. I'm assuming it has something to do with crossing state lines, but it's very odd. My big question is, when they judge against me, can my wages be garnished here in Pennsylvania? Can they garnish wages in that scenario? And also, is anyone familiar with the crossing state lines aspect of this and why they cannot seem to find me? I would like to just file for bankruptcy so my wages cannot be garnished, but up to or over a thousand dollars is a hit I cannot take. Any help is greatly appreciated.""

Chevy camaro insurance?

How much is the chevy camaro insurance a month please answer asap it's important bc my daddy said it's time fa me to starting looking at cars so I can hv one my senior year

Do I need car insurance the moment I get my provisional license (CA)?

I'll be going out for my provisional drivers license tomorrow, and I was wondering whether I need car insurance if I do get my provisional license. My parents are planning to allow me to get my provisional license, but won't add me to their policy until a year down the road. Am I allowed to drive alone with my provisional license as long as the car I'm driving is insured by my parents? (California)""

""If i crashed my motorcycle, would my dad get penalized on his insurance?""

Quite recently I bought a motorcycle (Kawasaki 650r) and in order to save money on my motorcycle insurance, I insured my dad as the primary driver on it (had his license accident free for 40 years). Im still on the policy and everything, but if i were to crash and total my bike, god forbid, would my dad get penalized on his insurance?""

How much does credit affect the amount paid for car insurance?

How much does credit affect the amount paid for car insurance?

Do you find women only car insurance sexist?

Personally I do. For a start their buisiness is based around the idea that women are safer drivers even though what gender you are does not affect your driving, also all of the TV adverts for this insurance have sexist comments in them. If it had been the other way round and these car insurances were exclusive to men there would have been protests and accusations of sexism but because typically women are the victims of sexism it has gone unnoticed.""

What is the best way to shop and compare for disability insurance? 30 year term life insurance?

We want to buy a house and since stated income loans are no longer available, a friend has offered to cosign for us to help us get the loan we need. We want to be sure that no accident will keep me from being able to pay the mortgage so that we all can sleep soundly. Thanks for any advice!""

""Low cost health insurance, where can I find some?

I am able to squeeze 150 dollars out of our family budget for a monthly health insurance. I would like to be able to choose a doctor. I live in Florida. I'd like any help and ...show more

Wtever happened to insurance rates going down when you turn 25.?

My record has 1 ticket in the last 5 years and I'm still taking it in the pooper.

When do I get the prepaid home owners insurance back?

I prepaid 1 year home owners insurance at closing on my home. I have also been paying monthly as part of my escrow payments for home owners insurance. What happens to the prepaid years worth of insurance payments? Do they always just need a buffer of 1 year and I get it back only when I sell the house or can it get applied to my second year and allow me to lower my escrow payments?

Average cost Motorcycle Insurance?

Hello, Does anyone know the average cost for motorcycle insurance in Arizona?""

How long does a stolen car have to be gone for the insurance to pay for you for it?

My neighbor told me the other day that their car was stolen on New Years. It was found yesterday at an apartment complex down the street. It left me wondering how long your car has to be gone before the insurance will pay you the value of the car? I assume they will pay for a rental car but you can't assume that your car will be found right away and if it is gone for a long time (3 weeks or more) will they pay for a rental that long?

When you get a license do you need insurance? Or is that only when you own a car?

Hi, I live in New York State. When I turn 17, I plan on taking drivers. ed. and getting my license (i think it's normally 18 years old for licenses, but if you take classes you can get it at 17). Do my parents have to pay insurance for me once I get my license? Or is that only if I own a car? Thanks P.S. Extra question - what is the usual/average rates for 17 year old drivers with good grades (i just need a estimation no specific numbers necessary) thanks""

Are 2 door cars higher insurance? even if it is a hatchback?

the car im planning to get is two door, a hatchback and is a 5-seater. how much higher is insurance?""

""If I report an auto insurance claim under my comprehensive, does it count against me?

Not sure whether to report an damage to my vehicle. I estimate the cost to be about $ 500.00 +. My deductable is $ 500.00. Any info will help :)

Personal Health Care Insurance ?

I'm 20 years old and I don't have any Health Care Insurance at all. My current job does NOT offer insurance. I've been working for this company for over a year. I just want to get insurance for myself. Can anyone recommend a good and affordable insurance agency ? Thanks :-) !

Best/cheapest car w/ durability and power?

I'm going to buy a car in the near future, but I'm just having some trouble finding a good one. Here is a list of what I'm looking for: -0-60 in less than 7 seconds -Over 20 MPG -Easy to work with -A few aftermarket parts -Manual -CHEAP INSURANCE!!! Optional: -Not a convertible -RWD preferred. -DURABLE Thanks for your replies!""

What is the cheapest in car insurance to got with in europe?

Me and a friend have just got to the uk and plan on going traveling thru Europe in it Who is the cheapest company to go thru ?

Car insurance help please?

so i stoped by at state farm agency last week and got a quote, she told told me to call her the next day if i wanted it. So i called and told her that i want it. They havent sent me my card in the mail yet. Last night i was in my neighborhood coming back home and this guy opened his door and hit the front of my car. The cop asked for my license and proof of insurance, i gave him the license and told him that i havent got the insurance card yet. He is giving me till tonight to provide it but when i called state farm they told me that i am not insured and that i have to call on Monday to talk to that same lady that i talked to when i got i. I dont know what to do, i have nevr been in a situation like this before. Please help""

How to get insurance coverage when between jobs?

My wife had her own health insurance with her previous employer, and I have my own with my employer. We do not have kids. She started a new job, but probation period for benefits is 3 months. She worked for a dental office of 5 employees, so I don't think COBRA is an option for her plus it's really expensive. Is it possible to add her to my work insurance plan for only 3 months mid calendar year?""

Is insurance needed with a permit?

Im 17 with my drivers permit. Do i need insurance or does the insurance that my parents who are driving with me have cover it? I live in California

Car insurance?? please help. I am 17 and have been told that I cannot pay car insurance monthly!! ??

I am really worried now as I simply cannot afford the lowest quote of 1600 all in one go. My car is a citroen ax 1.0 if that helps? Are there any other 17 year olds out there who do pay car insurance monthly if so how??

What do you think America can do to make more health insurance affordable?

What do you think America can do to make more health insurance affordable?

Car insurance quotes?

im just snooping around through car insurance websites figuring out which 1 is the cheapest for my ride...so imade a quote or did a quote at a car insurance website which it said how much ima pay each month but ididnt want car insurance yet..so my question is when imade that quote do ihave to each month which the website said NOW? or is it just telling when isign up for that company thats how much ima pay?...(iwant car insurance but looking for the cheapest so imade that quote in accident)

How much will my insurance go up with 2 points on my record with allstate? im 21 yrs old.?

How much will my insurance go up with 2 points on my record with allstate? im 21 yrs old.?

Need alot of work done but no insurance any good dental insurance?

Iam self employed and need my wisdom teeth removed and also need braces but i have no insurance is there a good dental insurance out there so i dont have a huge debt?

What car ins is the cheapest? in california...?

What car ins is the cheapest? in california...?

What is the cheapest car insurance premium quote?

That you know of , for an 18 year old male driving a group 1 car. Thanks.""

Honda CBR 600 insurance...should i get collision?

I just bought a 1995 CBR F3. My first bike I got last year was a klr250, rode it since last summer all year (no car for me), even rode in the snow for the hell of it. For the KLR250, my insurance was 200 a year all minimum with only like 500 for comprehensive. For the CBR, my insurance im looking at is going to be 200 a year without anything, only the minimum liability. I like the fact of how cheap it is, but even though I have great experience with motorcycling, should I just go ahead and get bare minimum insurance? Bike cost me 1800 dollars, awesome condition. valves all good, just putting in a manual CCT this week. Its cheaper than the KLR (i got it for 2k), but i dont know why im feeling i need so much more coverage this time. Maybe cause the bike is CLEAAAAN. What yall think?""

Motorcycle insurance question?

I recently had an accident on my 2003 Harley Davidson. It is essentially totaled. How much on average will my insurance cover. I have relatively good insurance. Just wondering what you thought.

About how much will Car Insurance for me cost?

I am a male. I am 16 almost 17. I am about to buy a car, I am looking for one now. About how much will it cost for a normal sized car? Not a sport car. Also I was told that my insurance can be lowered with my grades? I have straight A's.""

""Roughly, how much would it cost to insure a 17 year old for a motorcycle?""

Hey, I'm sixteen, and live in Birmingham, England. I'm thinking of buying a geared, 125cc motorbike for when I am seventeen. I have looked around for insurance quotes, but none are straight forward, and as I don't have a bike yet, I can't get a very accurate one. I understand the only way to get a quote is to simply ask an insurance dealer, but I just wanted a simple, rough figure to get a price range for my self. If anyone can give me any information on price or how to get insurance, that would be greatly received. Thanks if anyone can help.""

How MUCH do you think I'd be paying for car insurance?

I'm an 18 year old female turning 19 on Oct 18th. I'm hoping to buy an 8- cylinder mustang GT ranging from the years 2000-2004, and I have taken driving classes with a high pass rate, I live in northern Virginia. How much do you think my car insurance would end up being? just asking for personal estimates!""

What is the point of a health insurance plan if you never met your deductible?

I am 22 and applying for my first health insurance. I do not need much medical services, and want a low affordable premium. However, when I look at sites such as Blue Cross, it seems that low premiums go with high deductibles. I don't think I would ever meet the yearly deductible, and thus, cannot get any health services covered. So what is the point of such a plan? Thanks.""

Second Owner of a Car = Insurance? (FL)?

This is for the state of Florida. Yes, I could have looked it up, but there are too many answers to get a straight one. Scenario: Say a parent owns a car. They pay insurance. There's an 18-year-old who still has their permit but wants to get a license. They should become a second owner of their parent's car. However, there's word going around that there would be a second insurance? 1) How will the second insurance work? 2) Do you LEGALLY HAVE to have insurance? I'm not sure what else to ask, but, if someone could shed some light on how this has to be done, just let me know. Thanks.""

Can I get car car insurance?

Ok So Last night I got pulled over in my car but I didn't have any insurance so they impounded the car and I was selling it tomorrow so I was wondering if I can get insurance on it and just drive it home and when I get the money for the car I will go look for a new car and transfer the insurance to that one I don't have a hard plate

Is it illegal to drive without insurance?

I got my G1, and you allowed to drive with an adult in the car. But i don't yet have insurance but my mom does, if she has insurance can i still drive the car? She wont let me because i don't have my own insurance yet. Is it legal for me to drive?""

Cost of insurance for 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Sorry I have been asking so many questions about cars lately :) I am leaning towards getting a Toyota Camry because they are so reliable but I have always loved eclipse spyders. I found a 2003 eclipse that is absolutely beautiful and I would be so excited to drive it. I am just wondering what the insurance would cost on it for me. I am 21 years old, live in Arizona, and I have no accidents or violations. I am just looking for a ballpark estimate of what an insurance company would charge me. Thanks!""

Health insurance when a baby is born?

Ok me and my fiance are expecting a child sometime in June, now if we are not married by then can i still cover the hospital costs with my insurance or do we have to be married first. Also does anybody know any good (low cost) family insurance that you can pay on per month and be fully covered?""

Why is insurance cheaper on american cars than asian cars?

I have a friend who was in accident a while back and the end result is his insurance doubled, and he can only afford to buy an american car rather than asian or german. Why is that in canada insurance cheaper on the american cars? Thank you""

Can anyone help me regarding a huge fine for driving without insurance.?

Man, Im screwed. A few years ago I let my insurance lapse on my vehichle and didnt hand the license plates in. Failure to do so means an instant 150 dollar fine for the first month and 7$ a day afterwards. Ok, I was being a complete jackass at that time in my life and figured I would deal with it when the time comes. Well, its that time. I finally got my license back and went to buy a cheap used car. The dealer told me he cant get me plates for it cause I have a violation due to a fine for driving uninsured. The fine is off the charts, $4,455.00. Has anyone ever gotten the MVA to reduce this fee or waive it. I havent tried yet. They offer payment plans at 20% down and the rest must be paid within 2 years. I dont want to do anything illegal per say but just wanted to know if anyone has any ideas. I know, im a jackalope for letting this happen. anyone, let me know""

Would a 2001 jetta VR6 be expensive for insurance?

Would it be expensive for insurance, im 17 almost 18 male car costs around 6000""

Life Insurance?

What is the best life insurance?

Unemployment Insurance for Teenagers?

The business I have worked at for 3 years has just announced they are shutting their doors at the end of the month. I am only 17 but have been told that I am still able to apply for unemployment benefits...which I know next to nothing about. Basically, I've only worked 10-20 hours a week for a wage slightly above minimum. It's just been a part time job for me since I'm a student and involved in several sports and challenging classes. However, I'm still trying to save money for college, so...what do I actually get when I file for unemployment and am hunting for a job? Anything? Sorry if this question sounds ditzy...I don't know much about the workforce.""

Why is it that girls can get cheap insurance?

i passed my test a year now payed a grand for my insurance at first then had to another one as it ran out and had gone down to 400. my bf has been driving for 4 years now and his insurance on his car is 2 grand just for fun he put into see how much it would cost to me to drive his car and came up as a grand lol he was really peed off lol his car is a 1.8 t and mine is a 1l corsa 53 plate and for fun again he went ot see how much i was for him on my car it was a grand lol. how come girls can get it soooooo cheap. so next year am getting my golf gti mk4. am sick of having my slow corsa.

Why can't small businesses in each state group together to get better and more affordable health insurance?

Who regulates this? The insurance companies? The large companies? It doesn't make sense that this cannot be done.

Is insurance needed with a permit?

Im 17 with my drivers permit. Do i need insurance or does the insurance that my parents who are driving with me have cover it? I live in California

Car insurance check for air bags?

So im planning on getting either Allstate or Farmers Insurance, I'm wondering if they will check for air bags when they look at my car.""

How Much is Car insurance policy for an 02 PT Cruiser?

Ok So I am getting my liscense soon and i was wondering how much a policy is for an 02 PT i am also on honor roll and passing drivers ed and was wondering how much it would be for a driver 17 (me) and a driver over 25 with no claims

Is someone else covered under my car insurance to drive MY car?

A guy I'm dating will ask to use my car from time to time because he has trouble with his, but I'm hesitant because even though he has his own car and own car insurance, I don't think he's covered under my insurance to drive MY car. Does anyone know exactly how this works??? I have Nationwide, if that makes a difference............""

Is she paying to much for auto insurance?

my aunt is 35 got a license a year ago has no accidents and she pays 200$ a month for minimum coverage for a 1999 Plymouth breeze. this is in new york....it's some local insurance company oh she has no credit..? i can just imagine how much I'll be paying after i get my license this summer at 18!

Estimate wrx sti insurance?

20 year old male, perfect driving record, state of florida and for either a 2006 or 07 if that even matters""

Do i need insurance if im driving my dads car?

Hello. I was wondering if i need insurance if my dad is teaching me to drive while i got provisional license with the L plates on the front and back of the car? When i pass my test i will get my own car.

Where can i get health insurance to cover accutane in nyc?

where can i get health insurance to cover accutane in nyc?

SR22 insurance?

does anybody know of a low cost company that offers SR22 insurance for a good price. I got to many traffic citations and lost my licence in iowa and they are requireing me to get SR22 to get my licence back.

How much do you pay for insurance?

what car do u have and how much do you pay, also what insurance sompany do u have ? just want to know""

""I'm being low balled by an insurance claims adjuster for damage to my car, now what?

I had a claim against a guys insurance company for damage he caused. They came out today and did an evaluation and now the insurance estimator is saying that the vehicle needs to be totaled and that I will be offered some low ball figure because my car has prior damage which was only cosmetic and minor nothing structural at all. I know that the vehicle will be worth more than they are going to offer. But I just want a fair price for the car. They suggested that it might take some back and forth negotiations and I need to know how to prepare for that and succeed at getting something fair? Are there any angles or cards that I can play that should give me some leverage against their claims adjuster? Your help is appreciated and thank you for your answer!

Affordable health insurance?

my company offers helath insurance for $300.00 a week. If I signed up for this I would end up bringing home 250.00 to support my family. IMPOSSIBLE! Where can I go to find more affordable helth insurance on my own for my family. I live in Massachusetts so it can not be a limited benifit plan. Any websites or phone numbers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Insurance on a 2007-2009 Honda Civic SI coupe?

I am 18 years old and I have had my license for just over a year with a clean record (no tickets, crash, etc.), I was wondering how much full coverage insurance would be on 2007-2009 Honda Civic Si coupe, the insurance will be under my father as primary and me as either secondary or occasional, my father has a clean 15 year driving record. How much will insurance be monthly?""

Best car insurance for college students?

I need to know what the cheapeast car insurance is... ....

Does vehicle modifications raise insurance?

Things like new Wheels, body kits, engine swaps and etc. Would modifications raise insurance?""

Do I still have Health Insurance?

I am 20 years old. Undergraduate student who got married. Blue Cross Blue shield. I was added to my mom's policy years go. I am just verifying. basically as long as I am UNDER 26 years old if I am not mistaken, I should have the insurance right? I mean I can use it and all without any problems. My spouse does not have an insurance policy, but rather uses the university one which all of the students for this particular college pay for.""

Why is my car insurance so high?

Just finished paying a year of car insurance at like 125 a month. Just got my new bill for the year. They want 195 atleast first month. Are there cheaper car insurance companies out there?

Is my pregnancy covered under my mother's insurance?

I just got married this past year and just found out that I am pregnant. My husband and I are freaking out because I am still under my mother's insurance. I am only 24 and supposed to be covered until I am 26. I am also a student. So question is: Is my pregnancy covered under my mother's insurance? If I am covered then for how long? till the baby gets here? Is the baby covered? If I am not covered then how can I get covered?

How much do most people pay per month for life insurance?

How much do most people pay per month for life insurance?

Is it a law in New Hampshire that you must have car insurance?

I recently bought a car that i know own 100% (i am not leasing). Is it a NH state law that i HAVE to have car insurance? Any sources would be very helpful.

Cost to insure 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R?

I'm 18 years old, female, live in Virginia... not sure what else you need to know for an insurance quote, but about how much would it cost to insure? Let me know if you need more info. By the way- I've heard many, many times this bike is great for beginners- is this true? What are your recommendations?""

I have no health insurance for my 5 month old?

Ok so my 5 month old hasn't gotten we shots because I came back to NYC from CA due to my mother being sick but I don't planned to live here so I don't want to reopen a Medicaid case out here is there anywhere i could go or something i could do? Plz help

How will I get medical insurance now?

I am 20 years old, sophomore college student at CSUEB. My father just got fired from his job of 7 years due to minor, policy reason. Anyway, because i'm a full time student, I have basically no time to work. I WAS part of my father's health insurance benefits and now, it's gone. So in case I get sick from now on, I won't get admitted into a doctor by just paying the $20 copay visit...instead, i'd have to pay the whole no-insurance amount... I do have temporary insurance at my college but I DON'T like at school..i live about 20-30 mins away. So, in case I get severely sick (worse than fever or cold), I won't get treated until I get enough money to pay for hospital/clinic bills. Anyone know a solution?""

Would i need goods carrying vehicle insurance?

If i was to transport mechanical tools or a regular basis in a vauxhall combo van, would i need to get goods carrying vehicle insurance instead of normal car insurance? I'am a bit new to this so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks""

How too lower car insurance?

this is a extension to my previous question. Im 17 years old and want too buy a 2008 honda civic EX. I would like too start making payments on the car before i head off too college next year. So i need to convince my parents that it wont increase there insurance rates. My dad owns a 1976 jetta and i thought he could put me down as the driver of the jetta and put him as the driver of the 2008 civic so the insurance rates wont go up. is that a good idea ? Any other ideas how i can lower insurance rates? thanks

Car insurance help and rules?

Okay so I am 18 years old living on my own completely dependent. Now if I put my dad as a secondary owner to my car so I still have possession of it and got on his insurance would it be cheaper? Or would it have to be his car. I live in Oregon by the way. And also could I get better rates if say I got on my grandma's insurance? Is that possible considering she isn't my guardian or anything and I don't live with her? Because she has the best credit known to man and I know that affects your rates. If you have have any tip on how I can stop paying 250 a month on my 94 Accord which is 4 door (yes I'm getting very raped by American Family) I would appreciate it.

Is insurance needed with a permit?

Im 17 with my drivers permit. Do i need insurance or does the insurance that my parents who are driving with me have cover it? I live in California

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/does-any-one-knows-time-requirement-exist-you-have-notify-noena"

[margueritex97-blog]

( Unofficial White House Blog).

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - UNITED STATE Attorney General Jeff Procedure will not point out on Tuesday if White Residence representatives contacted his division concerning its testimonial of AT&T Inc's (T.N) recommended acquisition of your time Detector (TWX.N ), which one professional said the Compensation Team could sue to block out as quickly as Wednesday. In 1894, he coordinated an appointment from 79 senators that worked with nine countries. If CPAs presently need to obtain fingerprinted after passing their condition board test, why create them acquire their hands dirty two times, so to speak.

The obscurity in the most current review coming from the Head of state at the medical care meeting creates our company strongly believe that there is actually a crack in his placement, and also he will utilize the price requirement risk to draw out deals from the field, while certainly not going after a cost negotiating guideline. Here our experts are actually mosting likely to have a look at two totally free templates for service meeting minutes that will definitely assist maintain those palm composed notes managed. Consequently, political conferences lead many people to reverse their very own parties, switch commitments, tergiversate and problem to the opposite camp i.e. the celebration, which is actually administering the conference. Today's dainty ladies locate an increasing number of shops committed to meeting the requirements of the quick statured. This is likewise a method to switch the thoughts out, clean 'aerials', fine-tune the senses. That possesses 3 entrances, four angle high rises and also two turrets standing 40m (133ft) high designed from rotating upright strips of reddish sandstone and white marble. The decluttering will definitely go into a new stage following month with the odds to have a spring tidy in the course of my full week's leave (around but extra-diet-4U.info one more retro festivity ...) and I possess additional plans around that side of things too. George M. Moore, a past senior IAEA expert, pointed out in a post in the Publication from the Atomic Experts last month that numerous experts believe this's just a concern of time prior to a dirty explosive or one more kind of contaminated dispersal gadget" is used.wordpress.com/2014/11/999375_548519581879450_1310999206_n.jpg" width="254" /> A small accommodation appointment space could be actually all that is actually demanded if your conference just consists of a little variety of guests. The White House observes structure as a possible huge project maker but authorities possess pointed out the federal authorities could certainly not shoulder the entire concern. Near the end from your e-mail, ensure to ask the client for a follow-up meeting at a time that comes for you each. Subsequently, they were invited to the White Property to meet Head of state George W. Bush and also be actually recognized for their accomplishment. Until our team make Ceremony Meeting a real PRAISE service, up until the neighborhood leadership stops addressing this like yet another Sunday School training class in the technique they designate subjects, this will not occur. The white colored trendline drained the September 8, September 20, and also October 26 highs is available in near $1.1745 today. One more lots from cleaning was stuck safely and securely in the device, and also I devoted the next two hours up a ladder scouring the ceiling well-maintained of mould (given that our company possess an artex roof in the restroom as well as the mould adores this!) plus cleaning the wall surfaces, ceramic tiles and home furniture.

[2traveldads-blog]

After spending a few days diggin’ on the incredible nature of Puerto Rico’s east coast, we relocated to San Juan, the capital.  Wow!  What a city!  From the historic forts and Old San Juan to the vibrant district of Condado, visiting San Juan was a blast! It’s hard to pick what we enjoyed the most about exploring San Juan, so I’ll just share how we did it and what the highlights were.

On top of San Juan being warm and beautifully set on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s also home to one of the coolest National Park sites I’ve ever visited.  I really kicked myself for not bringing the whole family with me, especially since we’ve all enjoyed St Augustine and the Castillo de San Marcos, but it’s just one of the reasons I know we’ll be returning together soon.  Just see what I mean…

DONATIONS OPTION:  with the devastation that hit the Island of Puerto Rico, now more than ever they need to support of their fellow Americans and tourist.  In addition to planning future travels to Puerto Rico, please consider the good a donation to reputable foundation, such as Direct Relief, can do.  Direct Relief puts 99.4% of its funds into its support efforts.

Getting to San Juan, Puerto Rico

Visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico is on so many people’s bucket lists.  For thoese living in or already visiting the USA it’s a pretty easy destination to get to.  No passport is required for US citizens or if you’re traveling from within the USA.  The currency is the US Dollar.  The primary language is Spanish but it seemed that EVERYBODY spoke English.

Direct flights to San Juan are available from all major East Coast cities, with the shortest ones coming from Miami, Orlando and Atlanta.  If you’re traveling from the West Coast, you’ll find some of the best flights stopping over in Houston, Chicago, or New York.  For those in the Midwest looking to get to their tropical dream, MSP or O’Hare both offer direct flights as so many other major airports.

Tip:  some cruise lines now have San Juan as a port of call.  The historic areas are very easy to get to and you could catch the highlights in just one day if you really wanted to.

Biking San Juan, Puerto Rico

We LOVE LOVE LOVE biking when we’re traveling.  Daytona Beach was a thrilling challenge.  Victoria BC was a beautiful adventure.  San Juan, Puerto Rico was idyllic.  With bikes provided by San Juan Bike Rentals, we headed out from our home base at the Condado Plaza Hilton and were immediately on the clearly painted bike path. There’s nothing like having blatantly designated riding zones to make you feel right at home biking in a new city.

After crossing Laguna Condado we immediately were riding down our own biking promenade, cruising past Luis Munoz Rivera Park and then through the neighborhood on the way to Viejo San Juan.  We could choose to take the high road eventually leading down below the Old San Juan historic district or take the low road towards the Malecon and piers.  We opted to stop at Castillo San Cristobal at the eastern end of Viejo San Juan and do a bit of exploring at the fort prior to riding bikes down to the Malecon and parking.

Our paths were clear and easy nearly the whole 3.5 mile ride with ample opportunities to stop if we wanted.  Our experience with the drivers was also great, with being given a wide berth when we blended with traffic and having clear crossing areas at intersections.  I can’t say that will always be the case, but it was ideal for us.  Really, biking San Juan was one of our favorite activities and clearly was our best transportation option during our visit.

Tip:  make sure you always have plenty of water while biking, particularly when it’s as hot and humid as San Juan.  Also, if you’re renting bikes, be sure to get a lock and cable so you can park your bike in safety.

Note:  while helmets are not required/citable at this time, the law may change in the near future to require bikers to wear helmets at all times.  In any case, safety first.

Exploring Viejo San Juan

My traveling companion, Maureen, had a wonderful phrase she kept using: “Meet me in Old San Juan.”  Every time she said it I thought of Humphry Bogart or Frank Sinatra strolling the cobblestone streets of some movie I saw once upon a time.  And Old San Juan was just like I pictured and wanted it to be.  Each building, tightly built onto the next, was colorful with all kinds of balconies. The narrow side streets had vegetation growing out of cracks in building facades.  The street lamps cast an orange glow at nights.  A lone musician sat in a small square playing an accordion.  It’s a dream.  It’s a movie set, I swear.

Calle San Sebastian was quietly hopping with some dimly lit bars and cafes.  The San Juan Gate with its bronze art depicting 16th century ceremonial arrivals loomed over the plaza at the edge of the city wall.  In the day time the light filtered between the balconies and overgrown nispero and banyan trees.

Key sites to visit in Old San Juan

You could invest days and wander street by street and chat it up with every wonderful person you meet, or if you’re pressed for time, here’s what you need to experience:

Callejon Hospital – this pedestrian street is full of cats that are clean, healthy and fed thanks to the donations of visitors to the Callejon.

Cathedral Square – directly up from the San Juan gate, it has the 16th century cathedral that dignitaries would visit immediately upon arrival in San Juan to give thanks for their safe passage. It’s the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. The square also has some fascinating art and a handful of night spots for a beverage or tapas.

Walking the southern city wall – the city wall stretches from the Malecon to the San Juan Gate. At night it’s gorgeous and mysterious. During the day the huge trees and flowers are complimented by the perfect blue waters below.  And the Paseo de la Princessa is great for strolling too.

Casa Blanca – built in 1521 this was Ponce de Leon’s house while governor of Puerto Rico. It has a small admission charge to enter the museum areas, or you can explore the grounds and gardens on your own.

And then of course, visiting San Juan National Historic Site, which was epic.

Tip:  Calle del Cristo has a kinds of shops for both souvenirs and Puerto Rican fashion/handicrafts. The prices are the prices.  This isn’t a place to bargain.  Puerto Rico isn’t a place to bargain or haggle.

Visiting San Juan National Historic Site

And this is why the National Park Service’s slogan is “Find Your Park.”  For somebody who’s not totally into nature but is crazy for history and just plain old beautiful sights, visiting San Juan National Historic Site will cement their love for National Parks.  Encompassing several castillos (forts), an historic district, cemetery, city wall and shoreline hiking trail, it’s an unforgettable place.

Castillo San Cristobal is the first one you encounter upon entering Old San Juan. Exploring the castillo and wandering through the tunnels and bastions, you could spend all day just here.  We actually visited Castillo San Cristobal twice to get to fully explore it.

The next site is Castillo San Filipe del Morro, aka “El Morro.”  Surprisingly larger than San Cristobal, El Morro contains green fields, lookout towers, a chapel, barracks, a lighthouse and more.  Truly unique to the many forts we’ve visited, El Morro is colorful and a photographer’s dream with unusual architecture and iguanas everywhere.

The last aspect of San Juan National Historic Site that’s a must-do is hiking the Paseo del Morro.  This level hiking trail connects the northern entrance of Castillo San Filipe del Morro to the San Juan gate. The views of Bahia de San Juan and the city wall, including a peek-a-boo view of El Cañuelo across the harbor entrance, make for a relaxing and impressive stroll through history.

Tip:  try to hike the Paseo del Morro as early in the day as possible so that you can do it in the shade.  In the afternoon the trail is completely unsheltered and you’re not supposed to swim in the harbor (we got in trouble).

Also, don’t forget to bring your National Parks Passport!  You can get a stamp at either of the castillos and they also have a Junior Ranger program for kids to participate in.

Kayking on Laguna Condado

With the waves that roll in from the Atlantic being so strong, it can be tricky to find perfect spots to get on the water when you’re visiting San Juan.  Laguna Condado is an interesting spot to go either kayaking or Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP).  Located between Playa Condado and the larger part of San Juan proper, a good portion of the lagoon is towered over by hotels and condominiums.  Another segment is lined with mangroves, just like the Florida coast, and still another part has sandy beach.  

Tip: we got our kayaks from VIP Adventures next to the Condado Plaza Hilton. Centrally located to be able to paddle either direction around the lagoon.

A coolest bit of Laguna Condado is actually at the mouth where it is fed by the Atlantic Ocean.  Here there are breakers to calm the rolling waves but they’re still pretty big. The coolest sight though is the small castillo at the mouth, Fortin San Geronimo.  This fort belongs to the City of San Juan vs being a part of the National Parks Service, and as of summer 2017 was inaccessible by the public, but you can paddle around the lagoon-facing side and check it out.

Wildlife to watch for while kayaking in San Juan’s Laguna Condado includes pelicans, manatees, egrets, urchins, sea stars and more.  The combination of cityscape, history and nature is amazing.

The Food Scene of San Juan

We hadn’t considered how visiting San Juan would shape the way we thought of Puerto Rican food, but boy did it ever.  Tapas. Tapas. Tapas.  And mofongo.  I’m sure that there are plenty of other wonderful aspects of Puerto Rican cuisine, particularly if you venture into some of the street food and carts down on the Malecon, but we stuck with dim, vintage hangouts in Old San Juan.  Some of our favorite tapas finds to try are:

mofongitos (plantain balls)

bacalao (fish stew)

chorizos (cured sausages)

We really enjoyed one spot in particular, SanSe Marisqueria Bar de Tapas on Calle San Sebastian.  With good beverage prices and a really comprehensive, traditional Puerto Rican tapas menu, we actually popped in here twice.  And as a side note, the art within SanSe was strongly in an LGBT motif with a small but mixed crowd.  It was great to feel so welcome and at home… and full of great food.  

But there was more food to discover!

Eight courses of heaven: Pikayo

Although Pikayo is located within the Condado Plaza Hilton, it is its own independent restaurant.  The atmosphere is high class and yet the dress code allowed for us to come in from a day on the town still wearing shorts.  The service was top notch and subtly impressive.  A nice touch of service was when selecting a wine, the lead server brought us both his preferred selection and what we’d requested (because he was truly more knowledgeable about the dining experience in store).

Note:  just because we were welcomed in wearing resort-wear, Pikayo is exceptionally upscale and warrants tasteful, cocktail attire.

The food.  Something we’re always cautious of when it comes to modern restaurants is the need to incorporate “fusion”.  Visiting San Juan we wanted solidly Puerto Rican food and Pikayo provided exactly that AND seamless fusion in the menu.  Puerto Rican food has become a fantastic combination of tradition elements and latin flavors influenced by cooking methods and ingredients from around the world.  Pikayo reflected the island’s cuisine perfectly with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and fascinating techniques.  Example:  sous vide octopus served with delicate beads of olive oil and local microgreens. Amazing.

The art and private dining space reflected this same perfect fusion, including photography by the chef himself.  Seriously, Pikayo showed us exactly what Puerto Rican cuisine has become at the highest level.  We’d be thrilled to get to dine there again.

Note: Pikayo is open for dinner and private events only and you MUST have a reservation.  The full experience is unforgettable and will set a new standard in what you expect when you dine while traveling.  Not recommended with children.

Where to stay:  Condado Plaza Hilton

We’ve talked before about what makes an ideal hotel for a family or just grown-up vacation, and the Condado Plaza Hilton delivered on it while visiting San Juan.  On property we had three different pools at our disposal, a water slide, beach access on the lagoon, hot tubs, gym, restaurants, bars… Everything.  

We were able to kayak from the lagoon side of the Condado Plaza Hotel as well as easily ride directly out onto the bike routes of San Juan.  We were also able to walk eastward down Calle Condado to find more tapas and beverages beyond the hotel when we wanted.  

Our room had an unobstructed view looking across the aqua colored Atlantic which we enjoyed each morning from our balcony.  There was an enormous bathroom stocked with top of the line products, and then a wonderfully comfortable bed made the room complete.

We dined at Cafe Caribbe for both breakfast and lunch and each was delicious with both traditional Puerto Rican standards as well as comfort foods that sometimes you just need while traveling.  The lobby bar, Moon Bar, was fun on a Friday night, being much more chill than some of the other night spots in the neighborhood.  Also, Pikayo that we dined at, was there in the Condado Plaza Hilton.  Everything about this hotel rocked our stay while visiting San Juan.  Totally ideal on this trip and would be too when we return as a family.

Tip: if you book at the Condado Plaza Hilton request an ocean view room at the west end of that tower for both the best view and easiest pool access, as there’s an elevator at the end of the building that gets you to the pool and beach much faster than the main elevators.

Visiting San Juan was such a treat and I cannot wait to return.  The fun, the history and the food made for a great time exploring.  We did it in three days, but if you wanted to add to your itinerary with activities such as snorkeling, hiking in El Yunque National Forest (the rainforest jungle) or diving into rum history, you could easily add another few days or a week.

Ready to plot and plan an adventure in San Juan, or maybe consider booking a cruise with Old San Juan as a port of call?  Go for it!  And be sure to pin this for later when you’re finalizing your plans.

Exploring San Juan, Puerto Rico: from strolling Old Town to kayaking the lagoon After spending a few days diggin’ on the incredible nature of Puerto Rico’s east coast, we relocated to San Juan, the capital.