#and then they’re in the hospital going to eat sushi and the restaurant changed the recipe and it sucks now | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

adminbryantsaki · 4 years ago

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I love you, baby.

(Hello. I’m here with @impalawrites contributing to her #nohappyendings collab. I picked Shouta Aizawa and Hizashi Yamada. I hope you enjoy my story. I don’t own Shouta Aizawa/Eraserhead or Hizashi Yamada/ Present Mic. Horikoshi Kohei does. If this isn't your cup of tea, blend of spices, or brew of coffee, move on)

TW: gun-shot wound, blood, married couple arguing, one person leaving for unknown amount of time.

WC: 3,005

Hizashi came home from another long day of work. He was tired and stressed out. He looked around the apartment for his husband who he thought would be home by now but he couldn’t find him anywhere. The man flopped onto the couch and texted him.

“Hey, I just got home, where are you? You said that you’d be home before I was. I hope you’re ok.”

He sent the text and turned the tv on to the news to see the reporter telling the story of a villain with a bullet quirk holding hostages in a nearby strip mall. Hizashi’s eyes widened and he sat up. He picked up the device laying on his chest and looked at the screen anxiously waiting for a response from his husband.

After what seemed like forever of the voice hero pacing the living room floor, staring at his phone screen and the television waiting for a sign that Aizawa was ok. His phone buzzed and he immediately looked at his phone. It was a message from Aizawa.

“I’m sorry I’m didn’t respond. There’s a villain holding people hostage in one of the stores in a strip mall. I managed to tie them up and I’m waiting for the police to come take them away. Do you want me to pick up dinner?”

Hizashi let out a sigh of relief and pulled up the keyboard to send a response.

“I’m glad you’re alive. I saw the whole thing on the news. They’re actually showing you on the roof of one of the buildings. What’s wrong with your side? Why are you holding it? DID YOU GET SHOT?”

Hizashi sent the text and looked back at the television as they were showing Aizawa sitting on the roof holding his left side. He still had his goggles and part of his scarf was gone. He had some cuts on his face and some were over his chest too. Hizashi growled deep in his chest and called his husband.

“Hello?”

“Either scarf-swing yourself to the hospital or get your ass off the roof and get into one of the ambulances to get yourself patched up. I’ll see you when you get home. Bring home fried chicken with all the sides or you’re sleeping on the couch.” The voice hero spoke in an annoyed tone.

“I’ll go to the hospital if you’ll come give me a ride home.” He spoke and looked at the camera of the news reporter who was still filming the scene.

“Fine. I’ll drive us by the restaurant and you can buy dinner. I’m not leaving until I see you getting into one of the ambulances.” Hizashi spoke as his eyes were glued to the screen.

“I’m going, I’m going.” Shouta spoke before he made his way off the roof and walked over to the ambulance and told them quietly that he had a bullet wound. The EMTs helped him into an ambulance and closed the doors behind him.

“I’m in an ambulance now. I have to hang up so they can stop the bleeding.” Shouta said into the receiver. Hizashi’s hand flew to his mouth to cover the glass-shattering sobs that he wanted to let out as he was angry that his husband was injured yet again. He didn’t know how much more he could take of watching his loved ones come so close to dying on almost a daily basis. The blonde pulled himself together and grabbed his car keys before going to wait for Aizawa at the hospital.

Hizashi waited in his car for a few moments before entering the hospital and showing his hero license to the nurse behind the desk. The nurse told him that Eraserhead was in surgery and told him that he could wait until a doctor came out.

A couple hours pass and a person wearing scrubs comes out and walks over to Hizashi.

“Are you here for Eraserhead?” They ask. The blonde looks up and nods.

“Is he alright?”

“Yes. We managed to get the bullet out. It was a tough procedure as the bullet was close to his lung and almost punctured it. He has a few broken ribs and he pulled some of his shoulder muscles. He’s lucky to be alive. He is in recovery right now. He’s still asleep but you can go back to be with him when he wakes up.” The doctor says before leading him to the room where Aizawa was sleeping off the rest of the anesthesia. Hizashi sat in the single dull blue colored chair that was in the corner and scrolled through his phone as he waited for his spouse to wake up.

About ten minutes pass before Aizawa arouses and looks over to where Hizashi was sitting in the chair.

“Hey.” He spoke weakly. The blonde looked over to him and smiled.

“Hey, I’m glad to see you’re ok. The doctor said that they got the bullet out.” Hizashi responded. He put a hand on Aizawa’s thigh and smiled softly as the doctor came in.

“Mr. Aizawa. You are very lucky this time. The bullet we removed from your body was close to your lung and it could’ve collapsed your lung. You need to be more careful when going up against villains.” The doctor spoke. Aizawa nodded.

“We’re going to keep you overnight to make sure there’s no complications then you should be able to go home tomorrow. Get plenty of rest.” The doctor said before leaving the room. Aizawa looked to his husband and held his hand.

“We can get the fried chicken tomorrow, love.” He spoke as he ran his thumb across the back of Hizashi’s hand. This made the blonde look at his partner and force a smile onto his face.

He knew that he needed a break from Aizawa for a while when he got him home safely. He didn’t know where he would go but he knew that he would need to get away.

“Do you want me to go home and get some of your things?” Hizashi asked.

“Just my sleeping bag and a change of clothes. You should go home and rest, ‘Zashi.” Aizawa spoke. Hizashi nodded and kissed his head.

“I’ll be back soon.” The blonde spoke before he got up and left the room. He exited the hospital and got back into his car. He took a deep breath and choked back the sobs that he wanted to let out. This was one of the setbacks due to his quirk. He had to be in control of the volume of his voice when he cried as it could cause injury to others around him. He covered his mouth with his hands and let the tears fall from his face.

He soon recovered and wiped his tears away before putting the key into the ignition and driving home. He re-entered the house and was greeted by their cat, Sushi.

“I’m sorry that I’m late to give you dinner, Sushi. Shouta isn’t coming home tonight but he will tomorrow. I’ll get you fed then I have to get a couple things for Aizawa and get them to him.” The man spoke as he went to the fridge and got out the can of cat food. He put some into the dish which the cat gratefully ate. Hizashi went to the shared bedroom to retrieve the yellow sleeping bag that he had bought for Aizawa just after they graduated. There were a lot of memories that attached to the item. He rolled it up and set it on the bed before going to his dresser and pulling out one of his many black t-shirts and a pair of his black sweats along with some socks and underwear. He put the change of clothes into his gym bag and carried the sleeping bag out to his car. He said goodbye to Sushi and got back into his car and drove back to the hospital. He arrived back at the room where Aizawa was resting with the small T.V. playing some background noise. He knocked on the door quietly before entering. Aizawa woke up and greeted him.

“I have your stuff here. Do you want your sleeping bag?” Hizashi asked as he set the gym bag on at the foot of the bed.

“Sure. I’m glad you came back.” Aizawa spoke. The blonde gave him the sleeping bag and helped him get comfortable.

“Can I climb in and hold you for a bit?” Hizashi asked.

“Sure. Just come in on my right side. The other side is sore.” He said with a slight chuckle. The blonde climbed into the gurney and cuddled into his husband’s side. He rested his head on his chest and listened to the beeping of the heart monitor. He let his eyes close and soon he had passed out from the long day he had.

He awoke the next morning as Aizawa was eating his breakfast.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well? You passed out pretty fast once you got comfortable.” He spoke.

“Morning. I slept ok.” Hizashi responded as he sat up and looked at the food on the tray. He snuck a small piece of his grilled fish from his plate as the doctor came in and gave Aizawa the ok to go home. Hizashi slid off the bed and helped Aizawa get changed. A nurse brought a wheelchair up to the room which the dark-haired man was about to refuse but he was reminded by Hizashi that he was not to over work his body for the next few weeks. Aizawa grumbled and sat down in the wheelchair with his sleeping bag over his legs and the gym bag in his lap. His left arm was in a sling and he rested it on the bag sitting in his lap. Hizashi pushed the wheelchair to his car and helped him into his vehicle. The blonde got in on the driver’s side and drove out of the hospital parking lot.

“We’re still going to get the fried chicken, right?” Aizawa asked as he sorted through the plastic bag of his belongings that the hospital put together.

“Yes. Thank you for reminding me.” Hizashi spoke and drove to the local KFC. He went to the drive thru and looked at the menu. Aizawa pulled out his debt card.

“You said that I’d pay for it.” Aizawa said. Hizashi nodded and picked out what they would get for dinner. He then gave the order and drove to the window. He gave the person Aizawa’s card to pay for the food. They gave the card back and the drive thru person said that the food would be a few minutes and told them to drive around and park in one of the parking spots near the door.

Hizashi drove to the spot and waited. There was tension that was building between the two of them that would surely snap by the time that they got back to the house. Aizawa was about the say something but a person came out of the restaurant with their food. Hizashi rolled down his window and received the food. He made sure the order was right before the server left and rolled his window up again. Aizawa held their dinner in his lap as Hizashi turned the car on again and drove back to the house. They were silent the whole way home as the tension kept building between them. Hizashi parked and they both got out of the car. Hizashi unlocked the door to the house and carried the food inside. He went to the kitchen and got plates out. Aizawa sat down on the couch where Sushi meowed at him and curled up on his lap. Hizashi brought out the plates and gave him one. the blonde sat down next to his husband and ate in silence.

Aizawa set his plate to the side and looked to his husband.

“What is going on? You typically aren’t this quiet when you’re around me. What did I do?” He asked. Hizashi finished his chicken before setting the plate aside and looking at Aizawa.

“You went and got yourself injured again. I am tired of seeing you get beaten up in such a brutal manner that you are laid up for weeks at a time. Do you not remember how you got the scar under your eye? You got your face slammed into concrete which shattered your orbital floor. I remember sitting there next to your bed while you were resting after the reconstruction surgery. I was worried out of my mind that you weren’t going to wake up. I know that you don’t like being in hospitals but you needed to rest and not immediately go to the school. That’s what sick days are for.” Hizashi spoke. His husband waited until he was done speaking.

“I know what sick days are but I needed to go and do my job. I don’t like lazing around doing nothing. I did get my sleep though after I gave the announcements to my class. I know I need to let my body rest. You aren’t the one getting countless calls from other pros that they want to team up with you because your quirk can make their job easier. You weren’t the one that stopped that villain’s bullets from hurting innocent civilians trying to have a nice day out as a family.” Aizawa said.

“Didn’t you hear the doctor? You are seriously lucky today. That bullet almost pierced and collapsed your lung. You could’ve died today.” Hizashi said. There were tears forming in his eyes.

“I heard him and I am grateful to be alive. I will take a week or so off so I can rest up.” Aizawa responded.

“Good. I’m glad that you’re going to let yourself rest. You need it.” Hizashi responded before returning to his meal. The rest of the night was enjoyed in silence, besides the background of the T.V. playing a show they both enjoyed.

As it got late, both of the heroes decided to turn in for the night. Hizashi putting the dirty plates into the dishwasher before getting himself ready for bed and helping his partner get comfortable in his sleeping bag. The blonde laid in bed next to him and waited for Aizawa to fall asleep. Around 2 in the morning, the voice hero snuck out of the bed and went to his closet. He pulled out a duffel bag that held his belongings and changed into his civilian clothes. He left a note on the pillow next to Aizawa before heading to the front door. Sushi meowed at him and sat down while looking up at him.

“I can’t stay right now, Sushi. I need to take some time for myself. I don’t know when I’ll be back but I do plan on coming back. In the mean time I need you to keep an eye out for Aizawa and make sure he gets enough rest. I’ll miss the both of you.” Hizashi spoke before opening the front door and leaving the house for who knows how long.

The next morning Aizawa woke up alone. He saw the note and took it from the pillow and opened it to read its contents.

‘Shouta,

When you read this, I will be long gone from here. I don’t know how to tell you this but in the form of a letter. I need a break from you. The past few months of watching you get injured and almost dying in several occasions has been too much for me. I will be coming back. I don’t know when yet. But I will. I love you so much Shouta. I will call you when I’m ready to talk.

With love,

Hizashi.’

Shouta couldn’t believe what he was reading. His eyes widened and he would heat his heartbeat pound in his ears. He found his phone and tried calling Hizashi. No answer. He called over and over with no response. Little did he know that Hizashi was driving out to a cabin that he had bought years ago. He never told Aizawa about it. This was his safe haven from him. He would have little cell service but he would be alone to recuperate. Aizawa yelled out in frustration and laid on the bed sobbing. He felt horrible that he was the cause for his husband’s stress. He called Nemuri to come help him while he healed. He laid on the bed crushed and saddened by Hizashi leaving him. He knew that he would come back but he didn’t know when he would and that hurt him. His mind raced with the ideas of where Hizashi could’ve gone. He called the radio station and the school but he wasn’t at either of them. Aizawa broke down sobbing as Nemuri walked into the room and hugged him.

Hizashi arrived at the cabin and parked in front the building. He stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. He walked away from them and into the woods a bit. He finally could release the screams of anger, sadness,and frustration without hurting anyone. Especially those he loved. He finally could release his anger, sadness, and frustration without the risk of hurting anyone or having to use Aizawa’s quirk to help him. Hizashi put his noise cancelling headphones on and let out all the pent-up screams that he had been suppressing for too long.

He was finally able to relax and not worry about the well-being of Aizawa. Should he go back? That was up to him. He might go back one day. He might not. Who knows?

The end.

Tag: @arvandus @i-panic-at-the-disco

#no happy endings #bnha #bnha erasermic #admin writes #no happy endings collab #bnha present mic #bnha eraserhead

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depressedkakashihatake-fics · 4 years ago

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Please, Join Us

Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai

3351 words

Prompt: Mask

edited by: @mireleth

Another plate of sushi was set down in front of him and Kakashi couldn’t help but question his life choices.

The challenges that Gai could come up with were always unique, and they certainly tested their abilities. He would never forget the time that Gai challenged him to do handstands on a pole to see who could stay up longer, only to have his hand slip. Gai had come crashing down on his pole so hard that he ended up curled into himself clutching his stomach and vomiting all over the grass.

But this challenge was just asking for trouble. One of them was going to end up violently ill if they pushed themselves too far, and that person was likely to be Gai.

The taijutsu master rarely knew when he had reached his limit, and in fact had become the shinobi he was now specifically by pushing those limits. But there was nothing to be gained by stuffing themselves full of sushi until they vomited. No muscle to be gained, or new jutsu to come out of the challenge with. Just a lot of pain and suffering that they would end up complaining about for days.

Unfortunately, he had already accepted the challenge, and Gai wasn’t going to let him back out now. He was just going to have to win and leave a little extra ryo for the owner as an apology for the mess Gai was likely to make.

“This will be a grand challenge!” Gai’s voice boomed, catching the attention of everyone in the small restaurant. In the past Kakashi would have been embarrassed, but he had long since gotten used to Gai’s loud personality.

In fact, it had become a voice Kakashi started to associate with security. Hearing that loud confident voice told him that he was safe, so he couldn’t help but smile a little whenever Gai had something to say.

Still, he wasn’t so sure about this challenge.

“You sure we’re going to be able to eat all of this?” he asked. “It’s a lot of food. We might make ourselves sick.”

“Are you conceding the match, Rival?” Gai gave him an unimpressed look. “That is not like you.”

“I didn’t say anything about giving you the win,” Kakashi huffed. “I just don’t want to say nothing when I know this is going to end with you losing your dinner all over the floor.”

Gai’s hands came down hard on the table, producing a loud ‘smack’ that made at least three nearby patrons jump. “I can eat all of this food on my own, no problem!” he declared with pride. “Just you watch, Rival! I’ll win our challenge and have room left for some dango.”

“Mmm, whatever you say, Gai.” This was going to end in disaster. There was no way around it.

Except.

Seeing a familiar trio in the corner of his right eye, Kakashi turned his attention towards the entrance of the small restaurant where Gai’s students were staring in at their sensei and whispering to each other.

This was the escape he needed from the disaster waiting to happen in front of him. Gai could never ignore his students. He adored them too much.

“Hey,” jabbing Gai in the side with his elbow, Kakashi smiled when his friend glared at him, “I think your hatchlings want to join us.”

A soft look crossed over Gai’s face, his eyes scanning over to the door where Neji, Tenten and Lee were looking in on them.

“Do you think…” There was a worried look in his eyes when he looked back at Kakashi. As if he was afraid that Kakashi would tell him that the kids weren’t allowed to join them, which wasn’t very likely.

What use would it be to turn them away when he needed an excuse to avoid the challenge Gai had chosen for them tonight?

Still, Kakashi couldn’t let Gai in on his plans. It would only make him more determined to go through with the challenge even with his students present, and that would just end in complete embarrassment for one of them. So he had to put on an act.

Leaning back in his seat, he tilted his head up towards the ceiling and sighed, a long dramatic show of mock annoyance. “I guess they can join,” he grumbled under his breath, thankful that his mask was hiding the small upward quirk of his lips. “But you’ll have to feed them. They’re going to be sad if they see all of this food sitting out in front of us and they can’t have any.”

For the first time since they sat down, Gai seemed to actually be thinking through his next course of action. It was a nice change of pace from the excited rival that had declared he would eat more sushi than Kakashi and ordered one of every platter on the menu. Not that Kakashi didn’t love that man just as much. It was just that sometimes Gai could get a little too excited about their challenges, and it usually resulted in awkward situations.

Hopefully his students had come with an appetite.

“Well, call them over,” Kakashi insisted, glancing back over at Gai. “Before they think we don’t want them here and run off.”

With permission given, Gai held up a hand and waved his students over, laughing when Tenten and Lee each grabbed one of Neji’s hands and dragged him behind them towards the table.

Apparently someone was not in agreement with the rest of his team about what they wanted to do. No wonder the three of them had been standing there talking amongst themselves. Neji was probably trying to convince Lee and Tenten to turn around and leave before Gai saw them.

Too bad for him. He was just going to have to get used to being constantly embarrassed and dragged into things he didn’t want to be a part of. It was just something that came with knowing Maito Gai.

“Gai-sensei!” As soon as they were at the table, Lee slammed his hands down on the table and looked directly at his Sensei with excitement in his eyes. “Are you two about to have one of your legendary challenges?”

Legendary? What was Gai teaching this kid?

“We were about to.” Gai nodded his head in agreement. “But since you three are here…”

Kakashi could already see the response building in Lee’s mind. The demand to see his sensei competing against his great rival for another victory in their never ending competition.

If he got those words out, Kakashi was done for. Gai’s drive to go through with the competition would be renewed and there would be no stopping him with Lee cheering him on.

He had to put a stop to this, and fast.

“Tenten and Neji look hungry to me.” He leveled the pair with a look that told them to go along with what he was saying or suffer the consequences. A threat that only seemed to work on Neji, because Tenten just gave him an unimpressed look in return. “I think it would be a better use of our money to feed your hatchlings, don’t you, Gai?”

Tenten’s mouth was open and already starting to form a retort when the nickname that Kakashi had used for her and her teammates hit her, and from the look on her face Kakashi could tell it was like a ton of bricks had just smacked her across the face.

“Dinner would be nice,” Neji interjected just as Lee was about to respond. “We were trying to find a place to eat when you saw Gai-sensei and said we should stop and say hello, is that not correct, Lee?”

“I-it is.” Casting his eyes downwards, Lee began to twiddle his thumbs as he stood there in front of his sensei. “I just thought… if Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei were going to have one of their challenges, it would be interesting to see it in action.”

There was a slight ping of guilt deep down inside of his chest when he saw the sad look in Lee’s eyes, but he had made his decision. He was going to convince Gai to postpone their current challenge, no matter what.

“I am actually a little hungry,” Tenten spoke up, beaming when Kakashi, Gai and Lee all looked at her. “I hope you don’t mind, Sensei. You can have another challenge anytime, right?”

“Well,” Gai glanced over his way, a fond smile pulling at his lips when Kakashi gave him a simple nod of his head, “I guess it wouldn’t do any harm to postpone our challenge for tonight. We can even plan for our challenge to take place where my students can watch us, huh Kakashi?”

Not a perfect scenario, but he’d take it.

“That sounds like a good compromise, Turtle.” His eyes twinkled playfully when Gai reached over and poked his cheek. “Perhaps I’ll beat you at a game of Janken.” All three of the kids groaned in unison. Apparently they had already picked up Gai’s hatred of the game. “Fine, fine. If it’s a real challenge you want then…”

Resting his index finger against his chin, Kakashi allowed himself to look as though he was thinking through a variety of options of things that they could do, even though he had already settled on the answer he was going to go with.

It was always more fun to make people wait for whatever answer he was going to give them.

After a few seconds had passed, he closed his eyes and smiled over at the kids standing in front of him. “How about this. Since you won’t get to see us taking part in an eating competition tonight, we’ll have a spar tomorrow. Nothing too strenuous”—they had actually been banned from going all out against each other in spars by Lord Third after they hospitalized each other for a week following the last one—“but you can see us in action. No sharingan, no gates.” He glared over at Gai. “Just two senseis competing to see who’s stronger. Does that sound like a fair trade-off?”

“It would be a grand battle!” Lee threw his arms up into the air, fire burning in his eyes. “Gai-Sensei will no doubt come out on top!”

“I doubt it will be that easy.” There was a reason he liked Tenten. She was level headed and seemed smart enough to see that he could stand his own against Gai in a fight. “I’m sure Kakashi-Sensei will get at least one good hit before Gai-Sensei face plants him in the ground.” Scratch that. She was no longer his favourite.

“They are both elite jonin,” Neji reminded his teammates. “I’m certain that while Gai-Sensei would win in taijutsu hands down, that Kakashi-Sensei has his own skills that would do him well in the spar.”

At least not everyone was against him.

Feeling Gai’s hand on his shoulder, Kakashi tried his best not to look like he was pouting when he glanced over at him. For anyone else it might have worked too, but one kind smile from Gai told him he had been caught in the act.

It was one of the things that made Gai a great teacher and friend. He always seemed to know what was on other people’s minds, even when they tried to hide their emotions from him.

“It will be a great battle for both of us,” he beamed, giving Kakashi’s shoulder a supportive squeeze before turning his attention back to his students. “Sit down, you three. We shouldn’t leave the food sitting for too long.”

With permission to join officially given, Gai’s hatchling’s took their seats across from the pair and picked up the extra chopsticks and plates that the waiter had brought them ‘just in case’, unwilling to believe that Kakashi and Gai would be eating all of that food by themselves.

Kakashi would have to thank him for it later. It was always awkward having to ask for extra plates and chopsticks when they ended up with unexpected guests. Even if Gai’s hatchlings weren’t going to judge them quite as hard as Asuma and Kurenai whenever they interrupted one of their challenges.

“Everyone dig in.” Gai’s voice boomed with pride, his hands already moving to fill his own plate with a selection of sushi. “Make sure you eat enough to last you until tomorrow. After our spar my rival and I will make sure we have a full day of training planned out for you.”

Kakashi couldn’t recall when exactly he had agreed to help Gai train his students, though he guessed it was payback for getting to skip out of this little challenge of theirs. Gai never skipped out on a challenge without something in return, and the morning spar was more for the kids than themselves. They both knew how it would end anyways.

Picking up his own chopsticks, he maneuvered them in his hands so that he could use them and began to fill his own plate of sushi, barely listening to the conversation going on around him between Gai and the kids. He picked up on enough of it to know that they were already discussing tomorrow’s training and he couldn’t help but smile when he heard all of them pitching in ideas.

Most people who looked at the team figured that Gai made all of their training plans with enthusiastic support from Lee and begrudging acceptance from Tenten and Neji. But sitting here listening to all four of them left no question in Kakashi’s mind that Tenten and Neji were just as invested in their training as their teammate. Perhaps a little less enthusiastic about some of it, but no less part of the conversation.

It was a bit difficult to admit, but he had gotten so entangled in the conversation going on around him, that he might have forgotten one important step he needed to take before trying to eat his food.

Which led to his current situation.

Sushi smeared all over his mask, and all of Team Gai looking at him with varying degrees of amusement and disgust.

Disgust was mostly on Neji’s face, and really he couldn’t blame the kid. He knew he must look like a huge idiot right now. One of Konoha’s top shinobi with sushi rice and salmon smashed into his mask.

“Rival, I think you might have—” Gai snickered when Kakashi glared at him. A silent warning not to finish his sentence.

Not wanting to give anyone else the chance to say anything more about his mistake, Kakashi reached up and carefully pulled his mask off of his face with a huff. He didn’t even bother to care that all three of Gai’s students were looking at him. All that mattered at that moment was getting his mask off and eating some sushi.

“Whoa, are those…” It took an incredible amount of restraint to stop himself from biting down on Tenten’s finger when she poked it into his mouth without warning. “You have fangs?”

“Fangs?” Both Lee and Neji appeared at Tenten’s side, peering into his mouth where Tenten’s fingers were currently busy exploring the teeth in question. It was actually starting to get a little awkward, and he was certain that if Gai hadn’t stepped in then and there Tenten would have lost a finger.

He would have felt bad for it, but it would have happened nonetheless when he snapped his mouth shut to hide his teeth from view. It’s what had happened to Obito the one time he dared to stuff his finger into Kakashi’s mouth to get a better look at the pronounced canines in question.

Ok, it might not have been a mistake when he bit Obito’s fingers.

He most definitely did it on purpose that time, but he didn’t want to do the same thing to Tenten. She didn’t deserve that for being curious.

“I think it’s best if you three give my Rival some space.” Gai’s voice broke through the tension, and without a second thought his students did as they were told and backed off. “He’s not that fond of people getting into his personal space.”

“S-sorry,” Tenten lowered her eyes, “I didn’t mean to. I was just… people always talk about your face like it’s some big mystery.”

“It’s just a normal face,” Neji huffed, acting as if he hadn’t just been one of the people standing two inches away from Kakashi five seconds ago. “The fangs must be from a bloodline family. Like the Inuzuka.”

His fingers itched to reach up and return the mask to his face, even if there was sushi smeared on it. It was better than listening to comments about his fangs. The exact thing he always tried to avoid. He didn’t though. Not because he wanted to give the kids another chance to be a bit more respectful.

It was just a bit hard to put his mask back on when Gai had placed a hand over his. His way of telling Kakashi to leave the mask off.

“Perhaps one day he’ll answer your questions about it,” Gai offered, smiling when Kakashi glared over at him. “For today however, how about we ignore it. Hmm? We should all focus on eating our dinner.”

Feeling Gai’s fingers curling around his hand, Kakashi returned the gesture and returned his attention to the food in front of him. He knew that the kids probably had a lot of questions. There wasn’t a lot known about Kakashi by many people and he liked it that way, but it often led to people wanting to fill in the blanks where they could.

He doubted that they would be satisfied with his own Inuzuka blood as an explanation, and it wasn’t like he could tell them much more. He had never met his mom, and no one had ever been willing to talk to him about her no matter how much he asked during the short period of time when he was a teenager that he’d actually wanted to find out more.

He didn’t have the answers that they wanted, so it was best for everyone if they simply didn’t ask.

“Besides” —glancing back over at Gai, Kakashi raised an eyebrow when he saw the other man smiling at him— “there’s nothing normal about that face. I may not remember it tomorrow, but it’s still the most handsome face I’ll ever see.”

Kakashi was known to be a level headed, calm and focused man. There were few things that could get under his skin and get any sort of reaction out of him. Unfortunately for him, one of the few things that did manage to do it was Maito Gai complimenting him in any way.

Maybe it was because Gai’s compliments were genuine and not based on some sort of praise that made Kakashi seem like more than he was. Perhaps it was just because he always had a genuine look of love in his eyes whenever he complimented Kakashi. Whether the compliment was about his skills as a shinobi, his cooking, or even his looks, it always managed to get the same reaction.

And today, that reaction resulted in him burying his face deep into Gai’s shoulder in a poor attempt to hide the blush that was creeping up his face, hoping desperately that he had managed to hide it before Lee, Tenten and Neji saw what Gai’s words had done to him.

Judging by the way Tenten was giggling and Lee was asking his teammates “What’s wrong with Kakashi-Sensei?” he could only assume he had failed.

So much for being one of Konoha’s best shinobi.

He couldn’t even hide his embarrassment from a few genin.

At least he got to feel Gai’s fingers moving up into his hair and settling in the short silver strands, sending shivers down his spine. He’d just have to take that as his ‘win’ for the night, since Gai had successfully made sure he wouldn’t be seen as cool in his students’ eyes ever again.

#Hatake Kakashi #Maito Gai #Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai #Kakagai #Kkg Week #Kakagai Week #Kakagaiweek #Kakagai week 2020 #Fluff #Team Gai #Rcok Lee #Tenten #Hyuga Neji #Kakashi loves his boyfriends team #Don't ask him why he can't explain #he just does #also #FANGS!!!!

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surveys-at-your-service · 4 years ago

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Survey #369

“so close, no matter how far / couldn’t be much more from the heart / forever trusting who we are / and nothing else matters”

What are three emotions you experience regularly? Sadness, shame, and stress. Is there someone right now whom you really wish would care for you? -___- Does your job allow visible tattoos? I don’t have a job, but quite honestly, I probably wouldn't take a job that didn't. I just love tattoos a lot and plan on having many, and ignorance and old-fashioned bullshit isn't gonna stop me. Do you know anyone that’s transgender? Yes. Do you think dress codes are unfair? In some places, like schools, yes. Are in a relationship? Tell me about it. I'm not. How is your road rage? I don't have road rage. By god does my sister, though. Favorite cosmetic brands? I don't wear makeup nearly enough to have a preference. The beach or the pool? The pool. I hate the feeling of sand, plus the salty wind and heat. Manga or anime? Anime. Favorites for manga? I've never read any. It's tempting to read Deadman Wonderland since it continues off the very short anime, but I just don't want to. Manga isn't my style. Favorites for anime? Fullmetal Alchemist (including Brotherhood), Ginga Densetsu Weed, and Deadman Wonderland. Favorite academic subject? English. A card game that you’re good at? I'm not exceptionally good at any. Do you eat breakfast? Pretty much always. A popular book you haven’t read yet? To Kill A Mockingbird, to name one I feel like everyone had to read in school. Do you like sweaters? I'm an oversized hoodie person, really. I don't like the look of zippers. Do you like sushi? Never tried it, never will. Do you wear prescription glasses? Yes. I badly need a new pair, because I can't see for shit. Generally, are you more likely to blame others or yourself for problems you experience? Myself. What is one thing about your life that you don’t ever see changing, even if you might wish it would? I have a feeling I'll always have some degree of social anxiety. I'm sure there are other things just not coming to me. At what point in your life have you been the most social or had the most friendships? And at which point have you been the least social? I had the most friends in my childhood years, probably. Or high school when I actually had a friend group. I'm sure I was most social as a kid in elementary school, not dealing with my social anxiety. I've been the least social like... now, honestly. I go essentially nowhere and have very few friends. Do you prefer to have a few close friends or a bunch of random acquaintances? Which would describe what you have now? I want close friends. I have like... two or so close friends and a handful of acquaintances. I don't know which I have "more" of when you consider the actual level of friendship/"quality" I guess. Do you journal? Generally, what do you write about? Do you find it helpful to get your thoughts out that way, or do you prefer another form of self-expression? I don't actually journal, but you could consider these surveys my "journal." I guess it's kinda why I do them so frequently? Like it lets me get stuff that's going on out, so I find it kinda therapeutic versus keeping all my thoughts jumbled up in my head. Have you ever been somewhere and REALLY didn't like a food that you were expected to eat? How did you deal with this? Are you someone who is likely to suck it up and be polite or refuse and save your taste buds? To start off, I am VERY bad at sucking it up and eating something I don't like. My gag reflex is very strong, and I'm also extremely sensitive to textures I don't like, so my reactions are just very involuntary. I can try to subdue my expression when I dislike something, buuut that's extremely difficult. But anyway, yes, I've been to places where I definitely disliked the food, especially this one occasion where we went to a local Southern cooking restaurant that literally ASSUMED you want the staple foods and sweet tea, none of which I enjoy. While everyone else was eating, I just very awkwardly sat there doing nothing and pretty much panicking over looking rude. Thank god, Ashley's father-in-law noticed and called over the waiter for me to actually order something, the way it should be. I was very thankful but still felt bad. What is one way in which you compare yourself to others? In this comparison, do you regard yourself as better or worse off than the people to whom you usually do the comparing? I am very bad and comparing successes with others, but only in ways that demeans me. Like I look at others and am just like, "Why aren't I there yet?" It always leads to anger and disgust of myself. What is something you’ve been particularly grateful for lately? I've thought a lot lately about how thankful I am to have my mom. She does so very much for me, and I don't think I could absolutely ever repay her in full. I wish I could. She's a damn superhero. What kind of change or opportunity would be the biggest help in your life right now? I was initially going to say getting a job, but thinking about it, getting to my goal weight might be an even greater help. It would help my leg pain, not having to carry as much around, I'm sure my hyperhidrosis wouldn't be as bad (I hope), and it would MASSIVELY affect my happiness. Like I cannot tell you how negatively my weight has damaged my self-esteem, confidence, and peace with myself. Is there one emotion that you experience more often than any other? Is there an emotion you rarely ever experience? I'd say I experience stress more than anything. I'm always thinking of something that's causing a ruckus in my life. A rare emotion for me is uhhhh jealousy, even though I've dealt with it more lately. What is one illness you are afraid of having? Do you know anyone who has faced this illness? The disease that I think scares me more than any is Alzheimer's/dementia. I just... cannot possibly imagine. How do you tend to behave when you’re sick? What kinds of things do you like people to do for you, if anything, to help you feel better? I'm very mopey and tired, and I can be a bit more irritable. I really, really appreciate help with things like chores when I'm not feeling well. When was the last time you did something you were proud of? Were other people proud of you as well? Does it matter to you whether or not other people care about your accomplishments, or is your own satisfaction enough? It's a very small thing, but I weaned down from having two cans of soda a day to just one. Mom is proud of me for it, which I appreciate a lot. Admittedly, it does kinda matter to me that those who know it's a big deal to me see and care about my accomplishments. I'm bad about needing external validation. What is your least favorite thing about the season you’re currently experiencing? Are you okay with most types of weather, or are you only happy under certain conditions? Ugh, the heat. Spring and summer are miserable to me because I veeery much love the chilly weather and no damn humidity. Have you made any changes to your style or “look” lately? How often do you change your appearance, hairstyle, fashion, etc? Or is it a pretty constant thing? No; my style is pretty constant. What was the last thing you felt hopeful about? Do you think there’s a good chance of whatever-it-is working out in your favor, or not so much? Getting a job at the tattoo parlor. I'm fearful that they won't be open to the position I'd like, so I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high. We'll find out in two days. Have you ever “recovered” from anything? What does “recovery” mean or look like to you? Yes, a traumatic breakup. I'd say recovery is just healing as much as possible from something, be it physical or emotional. What are some ways your childhood differed from those of others around you? Do you think this difference was harmful or advantageous in the long run? My dad was an alcoholic, if that qualifies. That definitely isn't a *normal* thing for someone's childhood. I think it was harmful, honestly, especially because I've had more than a few nightmares about my dad drunk. When was the last time you did something out in nature? Do you notice a dip in your mood when you don’t get enough of the Great Outdoors? Oh jeez... Probably not since Sara and I went catfishing with my dad. I wandered around with her some as she ventured for toads, haha. I don't really notice a dip in my mood, just because I'm so used to being indoors. I do prefer getting some time with nature, it's just hard and uncomfortable with how easy I sweat, and my knees sure do cuss me the fuck out in the form of a billion cracks if I walk much (by my standards...). What did you dream about last night? I had two dreams, but I only remember one, in which a giant green tree python was eating me backwards so I was conscious through it all. No hard feelings, I still want one as a pet, haha. They're GORGEOUS snakes and no, absolutely cannot eat you even if it tried its damnedest. What were your childhood dreams? To be a paleontologist, then a vet. What are your dreams now? If we're talking career-wise, to be a nature and wildlife photographer that gets to travel a lot. What are some Halloween costumes you would like to wear in the future? I've mentioned that #1 on my list is Ms. Oogie Boogie, then uhhhh... wow, I'm surprised I'm blanking, because I know there are lots I've thought of. Were you born with hair on your head? Yes. Would you rather have a home birth or hospital birth? I'm not having kids, but holy mother of fuck I'd have my baby at a hospital with a goddamn epidural. I do NOT know how some people can do it naturally, bigass props to them. Do you currently live in the house you grew up in? No. If not, what do you miss about it?^ It was just in general a nice house, the best one we've lived in. We had a pretty big yard too, so lots of room to play around as kids. What’s your favorite type of yogurt? I'm not a big yogurt person, really. What were your high school’s team colors? Red and white. Who were your best friends in high school? Hannia, Girt, Maria, Megan, Dennis, Dakota... What would be the best surprise you could receive right now? A tarantula. *puppy eyes emoji* Were there any subjects in school that were really easy for you? If so, what? English courses were very easy for me, and I was pretty good with science. Did you ever skip a grade or get held back a grade? Not like, a whole grade, but I surpassed Writing I in my last college endeavor and started out in Writing II instead. What’s your favorite rock band? Oh brother, you can't ask me this. Who’s your favorite country singer? I consistently like Tim McGraw a bit. How many drawers does your dresser have? My dresser is unnecessarily big. There's like five or six. Have you ever taken a picture at the perfect moment? Yes. One of my favorite pictures I've taken was at Ashley's gender reveal for Emerson; even she didn't know. When her husband pulled the fog thing and it was pink, her expression was just priceless. Was your first car used or new? I haven't had my first personal car. How did you discover your favorite band? By going through my mom's CDs when I was getting into rock music. Ozzy was the first truly metal and not rock band that I ventured into. What was the last big decision you made? BIG decision... I don't know. Probably dropping out of college. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for? I love window shopping for pets online, haha. What was the last thing you changed your mind about? A political stance. Who was the last friend you saw, and what did you do together? Oh yikes, it's been more than a while... It may have been Girt? In which case we probably watched TV or played board games together. Who tends to show up in your dreams? Do you ever wonder if you appear in anyone else’s dreams? Jason just loves to show up in my dreams more than anyone else. I don't really wonder that, no. What is something you wish you could say to someone who is no longer in your life, or something you wish they could know? I wish I could tell Bryar (Jason's friend I got in a fight with) I misunderstood something he said to me ("martyr" has two different definitions, and I somehow didn't know the modern one at the time) that made me seem like an absolute, attention-seeking bitch. It's so fucking embarrassing to look back on, because I agreed with him because I thought he meant it as I would die for my beliefs, which is true. What worries you most about your future? Whether or not I'll ever be in the physical shape I want to be in again. Or if I'll have a stable job. What is something you do to feel better when you’re scared? Find distractions, like funny YouTube videos. I also engage in deep breathing and grounding methods. What is the strangest book you have ever read? How did you find out about it? Oh my god, in elementary school, we read a book where everything a boy touched turned to chocolate. Weird book. Do you prefer to watch movies or tv alone or with other people? Is there anything you refuse to watch alone? Other people, definitely. I like having someone to talk to and comment on what we're watching. There's nothing I won't watch alone. What was the subject of the last video you watched? It was a let's play.

#survey #surveys #questions #lyrics: ''nothing else matters'' by metallica

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hopeaterart · 4 years ago

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The shittiest family reunion in the history of ever: chapter 6

This was supposed to be the chapter where Holly kicks Polnareff’s ass, but I changed plans at the last second. I also sprinkled in some soft Jotaro/Kakyoin content because this fic is nothing if not self-indulgent. And including Bandanaboi’s ‘Jotaro is accidentally a banchou’ idea.

Jotaro quickly made his way out of the classroom, making his way through the sea of students with Kakyoin not far behind him, holding hands and making sure that he wouldn’t lose the redhead. Kakyoin simply followed him, visibly uncomfortable with all the attention he had gained as ‘the new transfer student with red hair’.

Jotaro slowed down as they came outside, slowing down so Kakyoin could stand next to him and getting his phone out. The redhead stood close, reading the text messages between the taller boy and his mother. “What’s Kitahara?” He asked, turning his head toward Jotaro.

He shrugged, putting his phone back in his back pocket. “She’s talking about a family sushi restaurant. It’s not right next to our street, but you can easily walk there. And beside their sushi, they also make ramen, kaisendon, udon, and kare raisu. I don’t eat the kare raisu I think it tastes like shit, but the sushis are good, the rest is okay, and apparently I have a ‘difficult palate’.” He then did air quotes to emphasize his point, and Kakyoin snorted.

“Oi, Kujo!” The two boys turned toward the voice, seeing a bunch of other students come toward them, all looking like delinquents.

Jotaro groaned, and Kakyoin turned toward him. “You know them?”

“Yeah. They’re a bunch of punks I helped win a fight once, and now they won’t leave me alone. Come on, let’s go-” Jotaro had the time to grab Kakyoin’s hand and turn away, the redhead in tow, before a guy with way two many ear piercings was next to Kakyoin with a hand on Jotaro’s shoulder.

“How ya doin’, Kujo?” He asked. Kakyoin heard Jotaro take a deep breath, his shoulders rising with it, followed by a hiss of ‘five-foot rule, Sugawara’, and the boy’s hand shot off his shoulder, taking a few steps back as Jotaro turned his head toward the group.

“What.” He finally said, and a small girl with bleach blond walked up. The face-mask covering the lower part of her face, the dark eyeshadow around her eyes and the very long-skirt reminded Kakyoin of old-style sukebans. “The punks from Karasuno are starting to act up again. What do we do?”

Jotaro narrowed his eyes. “Are they harassing anyone from school? And is Noguchi back on his bullshit?”

“No, and no.” The small girl answered.

“Then don’t do anything. If they come anywhere near the school, you guys can handle it. If Noguchi comes back with re-enforcement, don’t try anything and come get me as fast as possible. Got it, Sakurai?”

The girl groaned. “It’d be easier to ‘get you’ if you actually gave one of us your phone number!”

“Fuck off!”

“Hum, excuse me?” Kakyoin suddenly said, gaining the attention of the small group. “I’m currently living with Jotaro-san. If you have a message you want to relay to him, I could probably help.” He then got out his own phone, pointing at it as if to emphasize his point.

The group looked at him as if he had grown a second head. “And who are you supposed to be?” A guy with a pompadour and bandage over one of his eyes asked, and Kakyoin nearly dropped his phone in surprise.

It was the guy he had puppeted the nurse to stab in the eye on his first day, back when he was being mind-controlled.

“... Kakyoin Noriaki. I’m new.” He finally answered in a small voice, looking to the ground as he felt shame well up. He looked up at Jotaro as he felt the taller boy squeeze his hand.

“If any of you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave Kakyoin-kun out of this shit.” He hissed, looming over the group of teenagers. The only one who didn’t back down was the diminutive blond (Sakurai, her name was Sakurai), who simply nodded and got her notebook out, turning toward the redhead.

“Alright, but I still need to be able to contact you fast. Kakyoin?” The redhead raised his head, and after exchanging numbers with Sakurai, the two boys parted way with the group of thugs.

Jotaro pulled his hat over his face. “Yare yare daze...”

Kakyoin looked up at him, lifting an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you were in a gang.”

“I’m not.”

“They seemed pretty convinced you were in charge.”

“If I don’t help them beat up the delinquents from the other schools, they always end up coming after me. If I help them, they both leave me alone, and I get to punch out assholes.” Jotaro explained, Kakyoin nodding slowly.

“What’s the deal with this Noguchi person?” He asked, tilting his head. Jotaro groaned.

“My bully until I snapped in 2nd grade and started beating up people. We regularly had fist fights until 9th grade, and then he asked his parents to put him in a different school because I ended up putting a teacher in the hospital for being a creep. He still tries to harass me sometimes, and ” Kakyoin blinked in surprise.

“You put a teacher in the hospital?”

“I put several teachers in the hospital. Some of them are still recovering.” Jotaro told him, shrugging nonchalantly. “I hate people who try to use the weak for their own gain. My dad made sure to teach me that.”

“Alright, so we’ll have the usual family-size plate of sushi, with a bowl of ramen on the side for my brother.” Holly told the waitress, who nodded before walking off. Holly turned toward Jotaro. “Maybe you could-”

“No.”

“You didn’t even let me finish!”

“I’m not going to pay for that one time I ordered kare raisu. It tasted like shit anyway.”

“It’s basic decency and not going against the law!”

“It was bad and they should feel bad for serving it!”

“So... uh... Kujo-san.” Kakyoin started, turning toward Sadao and trying to avoid the argument. “You’re a musician?”

Sadao blinked. “Uh... yeah. Pianist and song writer, but I can also play the guitar and drums.”

“Are you a solo artist?”

“No, me and my group have been together for... over twenty years, now that I think about it.”

“Uh.” Joey noted, joining the conversation. “You’ve been with your group for longer than you’ve been married to my sister.”

“Your group has also stayed together for longer than the Beatles.” Kakyoin noted, and Sadao laughed nervously.

“Yes, well... we’re practically partners in crime at this point. And we take breaks when we need to.” He noted. “We... used to be pretty infamous in our first few years. Shoko’s change from teen idol to jazz singer did ripples, and Yuichi and Kaede did not know how to stay out of trouble. Add to that our difficulties with agents...”

“What difficulties with agents?” Jotaro asked his father, turning toward him with a confused expression. “They all- all three of them- you guys always end up with cocaine addicts for agents, somehow!”

“Jotaro, being addicted to drugs isn’t a moral failing on their part.” Holly told her son, and Sadao nodded in agreement.

“No, but treating us like producing music is the only thing we’re good at is.” Sadao hissed. “Personally, I couldn’t be happier to never see these fuckers ever again.”

“You’re... surprisingly amoral.” Kakyoin noted, and the shorter man shrugged.

“I’ve been told that.” The discussion ended as their sushi and ramen was brought to the table, everyone thanking the waiter (Joey slightly behind the other four) before they started digging in.

“Anyway, Jotaro.” Holly piped up, turning toward her son. “Anything new happening at school?” The teenager shook his head between stuffing two sushis in his mouth.

“Any girlfriend?” Joey asked teasingly. Jotaro rolled his eyes. “A boyfriend, then?”

Jotaro shook his head, swallowing his bite. “I don’t. I’m not...”

“Jotaro, I’m sure we told you before, but your father and I don’t care whether or not you like boys instead of girls-”

“It’s not that.” The teen cut his mother off, shaking his head. “Can we talk about it at home? When we’re not in public?”

“Of course.” Holly reassured him, and the group resumed with eating their food, this time in silence.

About half-way through the dinner, a man with tall with hair and blue eyes approached them. “Excusez-moi,” He started, “j’ai besoin d’aide avec le menu, et je me demandais si vous pouviez m’aider?” Everyone looked at each other with confusion in their eyes, trying to decipher what the strange man had just said.

Holly finally took the reins. “Sorry, I didn’t understand... do you speak English?”

“Right! My apologies, mademoiselle, I didn’t realize.” The man excused himself with a smile that was just forced enough to put Kakyoin on edge. “I was asking if you could help me with the menu?”

“Literally the only good thing this restaurant serves is sushi, how difficult can it be read the menu- what?” Jotaro turned toward Kakyoin, who had put a hand on his shoulder. The redhead shook his head, a frown on his face.

“I have a bad feeling about this guy, like I saw him back when I... wasn’t myself. Just stay back, and be ready to call out your Stand.” The redhead muttered to him. Jotaro’s eyes widened, before nodding gravely as his mother invented the stranger to sit down at their table.

“My my, what a lovely little group we have here!” The man started. “Family, I suppose?”

“Why, yes! Well, beside Kakyoin-kun, he’s my son’s friend.” Holly declared cheerfully as said friend grabbed a napkin, cutting a strip of it with a knife he got out from his pocket. She blinked. “Kakyoin-kun, what are you doing?”

The redhead blinked, before smiling awkwardly. “Don’t worry, Ho- Seiko-san,” he remembered in the nick of time she liked to be called a different name in public. “Just making some origami.”

“Alright! Tell me when you’re finished, please?” Holly asked, and Kakyoin nodded. He quickly folded the paper, the discussions between the rst of the table’s occupants fading to background noises. If this guy really is on Dio’s side, then he won’t resist...

“Aaaaand ta-da~” Kakyoin exclaimed, showing off the small origami star to everyone at the table. Impressed sounds came up for everyone, Holly taking the star and passing it around.

“You did this with a napkin?” Sadao asked as the star ended up in his hand, an inquisitive expression on his face. Kakyoin nodded, and the older man flashed him a surprisingly cute smile. “You’ve got some talent, then.” The teenager blushed at the praise, but quickly snapped out of it as the paper was passed to the stranger. Moment of truth.

“Indeed, this is impressive!” He started, slowly lifting the little paper star to his neck. “You know... I know someone with a mark shaped just like that on the back of his neck...”

Called it.

“STAND BACK, HE’S AN ENEMY STAND USER!” Kakyoin yelled, summoning Hierophant in a shower of watery green sparkles. Jotaro and Joey followed suit, the purple warrior appearing in a burst of stardust and a being with multiple fanged mouth in what looked like a sound’s wavelength.

At the same time, a strange knight-like being shimmered into existence next to the stranger, who clapped as if he was congratulating Kakyoin. “Bravo! How did you guess I was after them?”

The redhead’s mouth turned into a snarl, a watery hiss coming from Hierophant. “With DIO parading around naked every chances he gets, it’s kind of hard not to notice the literal tattoo on his ne-”

“Birth mark.” Joey suddenly said, his head turned toward Kakyoin with his eyes round like saucers. “It’s a birthmark, it’s not his, and we’re gonna have to talk about that later.”

“Oh? Awfully bold of you to assume there’s gonna be a later, Monsieur Joestar.” The stranger mocked Joey. A growl built up in the taller man’s throat, echoed and amplified by his Stand’s.

“Alright, alright, everyone calm down.” Holly called out, getting up and gesturing with her hands. “Let’s not fight inside of the restaurant. Causing a scene is the last thing we want. Kakyoin-kun?” She turned toward the redhead with an unusual harsh expression. When she saw the redhead flinch back in surprise, it softened. “We’ll talk about this... Dio person later, alright?”

“... Alright.”

“As for you,” the only woman in their group turned backtoward the stranger, glaring.”What is your name?”

“Why, it’s Jean-Pierre Polnareff!” He answered.

Holly nodded, a forced smile appearing on her face as she folded her hands, slowly making her way to Polnareff. “Well then, Polnareff-san, I am Holly Kujo. And I-” She suddenly cracked her knuckles, yellow light and darks vines wrapping around her hands and forearms. “Will be your opponent.”

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latoyajkelson70506 · 4 years ago

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Controversy Continues Over SF Restaurant Serving $200 Meals in Private Domes

Last month, California governor Gavin Newsom announced the mandatory closure (or re-closure) of all indoor restaurant dining rooms throughout the state. After investigating its options, Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Hashiri announced that it had purchased three miniature geodesic domes so it could provide a "unique outdoor multi-course dining experience." At the time, the domes seemed like a novel means of providing increased privacy safety for diners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A few days ago, after a brief hiatus, Hashiri was allowed to start seating customers in its three outdoor geodesic domes again after the staff cut the plastic sides off to bring them into compliance with current public health requirements. Slicing several feet of soft PVC from the Garden Igloos seems to be a satisfactory resolution—at least for now—after two straight weeks of controversy that started when they were assembled on a San Francisco sidewalk.

Hashiri general manager Kenichiro Matsuura told the San Francisco Chronicle that he had previously attempted outdoor dining (pre-plastic bubbles) but it hadn't worked out, due to the restaurant's location in the Mid-Market section of the city. "We wanted to continue offering the fine-dining experience—and safety and peace,” Matsuura said. (The restaurant also offers a swanky to-go menu, including a $500 Ultimate Trifecta Bento box and a $160 takeaway Wagyu Sukiyaki kit, but it is best known for its five-course Kaiseki and Omakase tasting menu.) “Mint Plaza is a phenomenal space, it’s just sometimes the crowd is not too favorable,” he said. In an interview with ABC7, he again emphasized that "it's not the safest neighborhood."

The entire Bay Area has an estimated 35,000 people who are unsheltered or experiencing homelessness and, at the beginning of the pandemic, there were more than 8,000 unhoused individuals in San Francisco alone. In mid-March, when the city issued its first stay-at-home order, homeless residents were encouraged to "find shelter and government agencies to provide it” but that was easier to type than it was to do. The Guardian reports that shelters stopped taking new residents due to concerns of overcrowding or inadequate social distancing, and more than 1,000 people put their names on a futile-sounding waitlist to get a bed.

In April, the city's Board of Supervisors unanimously passed emergency legislation directing the city to secure more than 8,000 hotel rooms to accommodate all of the unhoused people in the city, but the order was denied by Mayor London Breed. It eventually acquired 2,733 hotel rooms for vulnerable individuals but, as of this writing, only 1,935 of them are actually occupied. As a result of the pair of public health crises that the city is enduring—the pandemic and widespread homelessness—the number of unhoused people has increased, as have the number of tents and other makeshift structures that comprise a homeless encampment near Hashiri.

"This is a difficult and upsetting issue," Laurie Thomas, the Executive Director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, told VICE in an email. "In San Francisco there are areas in the city where there are real concerns about negative street behavior and cleanliness and how that affects both workers and customers of restaurants relying on outside dining [...] Our restaurants have a strong desire to provide a safe and welcoming outdoor dining experience, especially without the ability to open for indoor dining, and this is so critical to their ability to stay in business and keep staff employed."

It's easy to sympathize with just about everyone in this scenario. The pandemic has caused an ever-increasing number of challenges for restaurant owners, who are doing whatever it takes to keep their doors open for another day, while the essential workers who prep to-go orders and serve outdoor customers are doing so at great risk to their own health and safety. But still: the optics of serving a $200-per-person tasting menu to customers sitting in plastic bubbles a few hundred yards from people who are struggling for basic human necessities...well, they're not great.

"I think what really gets people going about the dome is that it’s a perfect symbol of the complete inadequacy of our social safety net: In a queer reversal, the dome is a shield against, not for, the ones who need sheltering the most," the Chronicle's restaurant critic Soleil Ho wrote. "An unhoused person’s tent is erected in a desire for opaqueness and privacy, a space of one’s own, whereas the fine dining dome invites the onlooker’s gaze as a bombastic spectacle [...] for the housed, being seen eating on the street or in a park is a premium experience, especially now."

Last week, the city's Public Health Department paid Hashiri a surprise visit, and ordered them to remove the domes over concerns that they "may not allow for adequate air flow." According to current regulations, outdoor dining enclosures are required to be open on the sides; the soft structures each have two windows and a door that can be opened, but those features were deemed insufficient.

Matsuura said that he has received hate mail about the domes and he has been accused of making discriminatory comments about the city's most desperate residents, so he believes that someone reported him to the city (though, perhaps the Health Department just saw some of the nationwide media coverage of Hashiri's sidewalk igloos). Regardless, he still says that the domes are there to keep his customers safe… from interacting with the people living on those same streets. "There are people who come by and spit, yell, stick their hands in people’s food, discharging fecal matter right by where people are trying to eat,” he said. “It’s really sad, and it’s really hard for us to operate around that.”

The criticism that Hashiri has faced is similar to what the organizers of a pop-up restaurant in Toronto encountered when they set up their own heated glass domes last year. The Dinner with a View experience, complete with a three-course gourmet meal prepped by a Top Chef winner, was assembled under the Gardiner Expressway, just over a mile from the site of a homeless encampment that had been cleared out by the city.

Advocates for the unhoused said that the meal and its location just further emphasized the ever-increasing gap between the Haves and the Have Nots. More than 300 demonstrators showed up to protest outside the event, and the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP) served a free 'counter-meal' that it called Dinner with a View of the Rich.

"On the one hand you have homeless people whose tents were demolished and who were evicted with nowhere else to go," OCAP wrote. "On the other hand you have people with sufficient disposable income to splurge over $550 on a single meal and who’re facing the possibility of their luxurious dining spectacle being tainted [...] Do they deserve to be mocked for their obliviousness to the suffering around them? Absolutely."

Back in San Francisco, Hashiri is not the only Mid-Market restaurant to express concern about the safety of its patrons, or about the city's ineffective attempts at addressing the social and economic conditions that have contributed to the homelessness crisis. Last month, a group of residents and businesses in the neighborhood sued the city for negligence, alleging that homeless encampments, criminal activity, and unsanitary conditions combined to make Mid-Market a dangerous area.

"The City has created and perpetuated these conditions through its pattern and practice of tacitly treating Mid-Market as a ‘containment zone’ that bears the brunt of San Francisco’s homelessness issues, and its failure to take action to address these issues," the lawsuit said. Two of the restaurants that are among the plaintiffs, Montesacro Pinseria and Souvla, said that if the situation doesn't improve, they could be forced to move to a new neighborhood, or to close their doors for good.

"We are deeply concerned that property owners have taken to suing the city to 'remove tents' without anywhere for [those experiencing homelessness] to go. Worse, these lawsuits would have the courts decide the fate of people who have no seat at the table where 'justice' is being served," Jennifer Friedenbach, the executive director of San Francisco's Coalition on Homelessness, told VICE.

"These situations can be resolved by working collaboratively with the unhoused person to address the issues, while pressing the city, state and federal government to ensure there are dignified housing options available. If the restaurant owner can afford to sue, they can afford to hire someone to advocate successfully for solutions."

Laurie Thomas is also working on behalf of restaurants, sharing their concerns and working toward positive changes and respectful solutions for all involved. Last week, she was among the hospitality and small business leaders who sent a letter to Mayor London Breed, the President of the Board of Supervisors, and the co-chairs of the City's Economic Recovery Task Force.

"We are writing today because we are gravely concerned about the condition of our streets. We are devastated to see so many unsheltered neighbors struggling each day in unfathomable and treacherous conditions," their letter read. "These conditions will prohibit businesses of all sizes from reopening. More companies will leave San Francisco for safer and cleaner places to operate [...] Additionally, with outdoor dining and shopping options being the primary avenues for businesses to survive, the intersection between the unfortunate conditions on our streets and this new heavy reliance on public spaces for commerce will result in disastrous outcomes."

The letter also made a number of recommendations that "should be prioritized" by city officials, including additional housing options, making mental health and substance abuse resources available to those experiencing homelessness, and establishing a 24-hour crisis response team that can respond to "urgent mental health and/or drug induced episodes."

Meanwhile at Hashiri, the DIY-ed, now open-sided domes are back out on the sidewalk. "Signed, sealed and delivered," the restaurant wrote on Facebook. "With small modifications we are back in business."

via VICE US - Munchies VICE US - Munchies via Mom's Kitchen Recipe Network Mom's Kitchen Recipe Network

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pera-mitu · 5 years ago

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Answering Questions

So..what have I done?

Driven 100 mph - I haven’t, I’m a very good doobie when it comes to driving. Helps that I’m terrified of cars. Ridden in a helicopter - Nope, and I have 0 plans to. Things are scary as fuck if I’m honest. I’d rather not put my trust in a metal tin can that can drop out of the sky. Gone zip lining - Yeah! A few times. My family used to always go to a place in New Hampshire where you’d zipline down a mountain. My highschool also had a zipline for gym class. Been to an NFL game - I’m an ffblogger, do I look like a I enjoy sports ball? Been to Canada - A few times, but never for more than a few hours. My family used to love going up there and going “moose hunting” which was basically just us driving around for hours until we saw a moose. Visited Florida- So, so many times. So many times. It’s a problem. Visited Mexico - Once when I was an infant. Apparently I got sunscreen in my eye and my family had to go back to the cruise ship to wash it out. Visited Las Vegas - No, I had the chance but it’s not really for me. Eaten alone at a restaurant - Often actually. A lot of people find it weird, but it’s the most peaceful thing you can do. Just you, a good book, and a nice warm meal. I used to go to a breakfast place every Friday before work and eat by myself. Ability to read music - Kinda? I know I have in the past, but the instruments I play don’t generally use sheet music. Ridden a motorcycle - Only up and down my neighborhood with my dad. I never really got the appeal. Snowmobile though, that’s my shit. Ridden a horse - A few times, nothing really to write home about. They go bounce. Stayed in a hospital - Only when I was really young and needed surgery. Donated blood - Nope, did you know gay people can’t donate blood. Fun fact. Been snow skiing - Snowboarding but yeah, mountain fast. Been to Disney World - This is gonna sound awful considering I live in the North East. Yeah, I’ve been 100 times. August this year will make 101. Disney Land - Nope but I really want too. Slept outside - Yeah I’ve been camping a lot, and my friends and I would do little camping playdates were we’d sleep in the backyard. Driven a stick shift - Nope, but that also ties into the whole afraid of cars thing. Ridden in an 18 wheeler - Nope. People ride in those? Ridden in a police car? - I have, but for nothing fun. Cop gave me a ride while my mom and dad were in an ambulance. Driven a boat - Not in a long time. But considering I live less than a mile from the ocean. Yeah I’ve had my nautical experience. I actually learned to drive a boat before a car. I was licensed at 14 to drive a boat. Eaten Escargot - I have but truth be told I was way to drunk to remember. That was the same day I dropped my phone in a toilet at EPCOT center. Good times, good times. Been on a cruise - I’ve been on 7 or 8, I love them but they’re a bit too expensive for me. Run out of gas - Nope, but I don’t drive enough. Been on TV - Believe it or not, I was on Slime Time back when I was a youngin. I got slimed on Nickolodeon. Other than that, I have a few published videos that were broadcasted on my towns public access channel. Eaten Sushi - Sushi is bomb. Once I’m out of this quarantine I should get sushi. Seen a UFO - I have, I was in Boston going to the airport. And I saw a strange 3 pronged object floating above the prudential center. Like way above it. It had blinking lights that constantly changed patterns. No idea what it was. Been Bungie jumping - Hahahaha, no. Been stuck in the house for days - I’ve been on quarantine for 2 weeks now. And my works closing down for another 2. So yup it’s not very fun.

Tagged By: @vylette-elakha

Tagging: @wildname @cashew-qq @draenei-tales @cahli-tia @thorcatte

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purplesurveys · 6 years ago

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358

In the last year, have you...

Moved: No, I’ve lived in the same house for about a decade. Started a new job: Nope, and I don’t exactly plan to do so until after I graduate. Traveled to another country: Nah, not this year. Traveled to another continent: Most definitely not lmao, if ^ that’s already a no. Eaten sushi: So many times, my dude. Gab and I had sushi for our anniversary.

Been drunk: Yep. As recently as last Saturday. Been high: Never plan to. Been to the dentist: At the start of the year I think. We always get our teeth checked once a year. Bought a new car: Nah, still using my usual one and I never want to trade it for something else, at least while I’m still in college. Had a broken heart: Uh, sure. It sounds cheesy but yeah I’ve felt hurt here and there. Spent over $1,000 in one day: I’ve never even held that much money. Maybe my parents did this, but I haven’t. Kissed a stranger: As a demisexual, the prospect is terrifying. Haven’t done this. Finished a jigsaw puzzle: I don’t think I got to play with puzzles this year. Cooked or baked something from scratch: Yes!!! I’m glad to say I baked something this year! Angela, Hans, Rap, and I spontaneously decided to bake chocolate chip cookies when classes got suspended halfway through the day because of an incoming typhoon. Started a new relationship: No, still in the same relationship as I’ve been in in the last two years. Broken up with someone: Nope. Been broken up with: Nope. Been in the same relationship you were in last year: There we go. Explored a large city: I guess, in the few moments that I had the time. Been to a wedding: No but my mom was invited to a couple this year. I miss going to weddings :( Been to a funeral: Thankfully not. Been to a baby shower: I don’t think so, not this year. Held a baby: Earlier in the year. Angela’s mom (who works as a pediatrician) threw a party and some of her patients and their kids were invited, and one of the kids was a really chubby baby girl that I couldn’t help but hold. Seen a therapist: No, I’ve been putting it off for the longest time. Bought new furniture: My mom’s in charge of that, not me, so no. Made new friends: Sure, you always meet some new people in college. This year it was most notably new recruits in my org, like Tina and Kezhia. Called in sick to work/school: Haven’t we all... Deleted a social media account: I didn’t delete, just deactivate. I’m doing a massive social media detox this Christmas break because everyone’s happy and family-centric posts make me sicker this time of the year. Started a new hobby: Coloring came to me as an impulse hobby last month as Christmas had been approaching, and while I feel sad about flushing so much money in one go over coloring books and supplies, I’m still happy I made an active effort to look out for myself this year. This hobby’s a blassssssst so far. Met a famous person: I don’t think so, if I remember correctly haha. I was like 10 feet away from Paramore but I was too scared to volunteer myself for Misery Business. Went to a concert: I DID!!! I saw Paramore for the second time!!!!!! August 23rd. BEST night of my life, even if I went alone. I don’t know if I ever reported that here but the experience was amaaaaaazing. Best band ever. Traveled via train: The railway system in the Philippines is shit. No way am I voluntarily riding a train. Traveled via airplane: Yes, I went to Bataan over the Holy Week. Been on a road trip: Yes, my dad loves doing road trips so whenever he’s home, we do 1-3 of them. I also did a road trip with just Gab and I when we went to Nasugbu for my birthday. Donated to charity: Not really for charity since they’re sometimes sketchy, but I regularly give money and food to homeless people who knock on my window when I’m stuck in traffic. Been to a country club: Yeah, a few months ago. Went swimming: Many times. The weather this year was not exactly the most convenient, so we went to a LOT of beaches to cool down. Went surfing: Nah, I’m too afraid to try. My sister and parents have had a few lessons but my balance is mostly off haha. Went hiking: NOOOOOOOO UGH I miss hiking! I wish I’d get to do it next year. Had a gym membership: I don’t think I need one, so no I’ve never tried to apply for a membership. Had an argument with a friend: I mean, just with Gabie. I never had an argument with any of my other friends. Had a family reunion: Yeah...dad’s side. It was huge, we rented out a small hotel for it cos literally everyone from my paternal grandmother’s side was there. I was mostly stoked about the food and the couple of dogs that my relatives brought. Went for a walk in a park: This country doesn’t prioritize and maintain their parks, a damn shame. We go for walks at the mall - that’s more of the culture here. Been in the hospital: If I remember correctly, no. Attended a professional sporting event: No. The UAAP (our version of the NCAA) season this year was CRRRRAZY good though, but I never got to get tickets because acads consumed me throughout the semester. Earned a new degree or diploma: I’m in the process of getting one, but no I didn’t earn it this year. Been to a museum: I went back to Pinto this year with Aya, Laurice, Jo, Jum, and Luisa then had a drink atop Antipolo after. Been to an art gallery: Numerous ones with Gab. They pop up every now and then at the mall and we always go through them. Went camping: I was way too busy this year. Went fishing: I don’t like doing that :c Struggled with an eating disorder: No, I’ve never been diagnosed with such a disorder. Been in credit card debt: I don’t even have a credit card. Had new neighbors move in next door: Nope, the houses on either side of ours have long been uninhabited. Gotten drunk at a work party: At an org party, sure. Dyed your hair: Nope. But Gabie did, she had the ends of her hair dyed like a weird blondeish a few months ago. My sister also got brown dye delivered to the house a couple of days ago, so I should be expecting her look to change soon too. Gotten a manicure: Not a big fan of getting my nails painted. Been to a casino: I wouldn’t be allowed to get inside even if I wanted to haha. The one time I smoothly went inside was in 2016 when I was on my cruise trip. The only things I remember is that it the place was filled with flashing lights and everything was super colorful. Voted in an election: No elections happened this year. But we will have our midterm elections in 2019 and I intend to vote then. Shopped at a bookstore: SO MANY TIMESSSSS. Call 2018 the year I got obsessed with school supplies, cos I definitely went overboard with buying pad paper, highlighters, post-its, and, pens. Dined at a fancy restaurant: Many times with Gab. Sat in a sauna: I hate saunas and can’t comprehend how my mom enjoys it so damn much. It’s hot enough in Manila, why salivate at the thought of saunas??? R u ok??? Had a panic attack: Hahaha, I remember so many occasions. Attended a religious service: My family is Catholic, I get dragged to church every week. Been pulled over for speeding: I don’t think speeding is a thing here. People drive like death and I’ve never actually heard of someone getting pulled over for this reason. Stayed awake all night: It happens. Borrowed money from a friend or family member: Gabie lent me a thousand bucks (relax, that’s like $20). I was so short of money last week but I still had a bunch of Santa babies to give gifts to, so I went into a panic until she stepped in and lent me money. Lent money to a friend or family member: I give Gab money sometimes since she commutes from her dorm to my school, but I don’t ask for it back unless I really need the money. Been to an amusement park: LOL pass. I hate amusement parks. Gotten a new pet: No, I still have the same dumb dog. Had strep throat: My throat hurt like a bitch a few months ago. Had food poisoning: I don’t think so. Had the stomach flu: Sure. Binge-watched a show on Netflix: Friends and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Shoveled snow: We don’t get snowwwww. Mowed a lawn: We don’t have a lawn. Bought a new computer: Nope, still have my same trusty laptop. Bought a new phone: My dad got me an iPhone 8 early in the year.

Worked out using a fitness tracker: I don’t work out. Eaten an entire pizza by yourself: Hehe. Felt an earthquake: I don’t think there were any recognizable ones this year. Taken out a loan: I’m a clueless 20 year old and I don’t know what this means, but I’m guessing no. Been prescribed antibiotics: Nope. Sold something on eBay: I don’t use eBay. Painted a room in your house: My control freak of a mom would never let us get away with that.

#survey #surveys

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sinrau · 5 years ago

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People in their 20s, 30s and 40s account for a growing proportion of the cases in many places, raising fears that asymptomatic young people are helping to fuel the virus’s spread.

Swimmers at the beach on Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The median age of Floridians testing positive for the coronavirus has dropped from 65 in March to 35 now, officials said. Credit…Saul Martinez for The New York Times

By Julie Bosman and Sarah Mervosh

Published June 25, 2020Updated June 27, 2020

CHICAGO — Younger people are making up a growing percentage of new coronavirus cases in cities and states where the virus is now surging, a trend that has alarmed public health officials and prompted renewed pleas for masks and social distancing.

In Arizona, where drive-up sites are overwhelmed by people seeking coronavirus tests, people ages 20 to 44 account for nearly half of all cases. In Florida, which breaks records for new cases nearly every day, the median age of residents testing positive for the virus has dropped to 35, down from 65 in March.

And in Texas, where the governor paused the reopening process on Thursday as hospitals grow increasingly crowded, young people now account for the majority of new cases in several urban centers. In Cameron County, which includes Brownsville and the tourist town of South Padre Island, people under 40 make up more than half of newly reported cases.

“What is clear is that the proportion of people who are younger appears to have dramatically changed,” said Joseph McCormick, a professor of epidemiology at UTHealth School of Public Health in Brownsville. “It’s really quite disturbing.”

The pattern is drawing notice from mayors, governors and public health officials, and comes as a worrisome sign for cities and institutions as they look to the fall. The rise in cases among younger people could complicate the plans of leaders who are eager to open schools and universities, resume athletic events and return to normal life and a fully functioning economy.

The increases could reflect a simple reality: Since many states have reopened bars, restaurants and offices, the coronavirus has been allowed to spread more widely across communities, including to more young people. But people in their 20s and 30s are also more likely to go out socializing, experts say, raising concerns that asymptomatic young people are helping to spread the virus to more vulnerable Americans at a time when cases are surging dangerously in the South and the West.

Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on Thursday that younger people have helped fuel the increase in known coronavirus infections — and that in the past, many of those infections went undiagnosed.

“Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually were 10 other infections,” he said.

No single answer fully accounts for the surge of cases among young people, who are less likely to be hospitalized or die from the coronavirus than older people.

“Is it the governor’s reopening? Is it Memorial Day? Is it the George Floyd demonstrations? Is it going to the beach?” said Eric Boerwinkle, dean of the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston. “We don’t really know, but it is probably all of those things that are contributing.”

The United States recorded 36,975 new cases on Wednesday, a new high point in daily cases as the country confronted a new stage of the crisis two months after the previous high in late April. The resurgence is most immediately threatening states that reopened relatively early in the South and the West. Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas all reported their highest single-day totals this week, as did Montana and Utah, and cases were rising in 29 states on Thursday.

Adriana Carter, 21, is among the newly infected.

For many weeks this spring, she said, she took steps to limit her exposure, eating many of her meals at her apartment in San Marcos, Texas, and wearing a mask when going in and out of stores. At the one Black Lives Matter protest she attended, most people were in masks.

But after a particularly long week of juggling online summer classes and her job at an eye clinic, Ms. Carter took a risk one Saturday night in early June and met a friend at the Square, a popular bar district downtown. Though they were careful to avoid the most crowded spots, they chose not to wear masks as they sipped drinks inside and endured the hot Texas weather.

Days later, her friend woke up feeling ill. Both tested positive for the virus.

“We were told we could go out to bars,” she said, adding that she had been careful to quarantine since she learned that she had been exposed. “It’s very unusual for anyone in their 20s to stay at home all the time — not giving any excuses or anything, but I just think we are all just trying to do the best we can.”

The new cases among young people may appear to be a departure from the early days of the pandemic when infections in nursing homes were spiraling out of control, and the virus appeared at higher rates among older people in New York City.

Experts cautioned that the seemingly new prevalence among young people may be, in part, a reflection of more widely available testing. But the growing numbers of people hospitalized in states like North Carolina and Texas also suggest increased transmission of the virus.

Even now, people younger than 50 are being hospitalized at a far lower rate than people older than that, according to C.D.C. data.

While the effect of the coronavirus on younger people “may not be highly associated with hospitalization and death,” Dr. Redfield said, “they do act as a transmission connector for individuals that could in fact be at a higher risk.”

In Florida, which has emerged as a particularly concerning hot spot, reopened bars have been a source of contagion among young people. The state shut down the Knight’s Pub, a popular bar near the University of Central Florida in Orlando, after 28 patrons and 13 employees were infected.

In Miami-Dade County, the number of known coronavirus cases among 18- to 34-year-olds increased fivefold in a month, to more than 1,000, Mayor Carlos Gimenez said this week.

“They’re thinking they’re invincible,” he said, adding that many of the infected have no symptoms.

They are at higher risk, though, if they are overweight or have diabetes or other medical conditions, he said. About a third of the coronavirus patients at the public Jackson Health System were from that age group, and about half had a high body mass index, Mr. Gimenez said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis described “a real explosion in new cases” among younger people. “Part of that is just natural,” he said. “You kind of go and you want to be doing things. You want to be out and about. The folks who are older and would be more vulnerable are being a bit more careful.”

In fact, some experts believe that a decision by older people to stay home and exercise caution to avoid the virus may, in part, help explain why young people appear to be an increasing portion of new cases.

People waited in their cars at a drive-through coronavirus testing site at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston on Thursday.Credit…Callaghan O’Hare for The New York Times

In Dallas County, people between the ages of 18 and 40 have made up 52 percent of newly reported cases since the beginning of June, a jump from the 38 percent that young people represented in March, according to county data.

At the same time, older people have begun to represent a smaller portion of the total number of people who test positive for the virus. In June, people over 65 have made up 8 percent of new confirmed cases in Dallas County, down from 16 percent in March.

The situation is particularly unsettling in Hays County, home to Texas State University in San Marcos. Coronavirus cases have surged since the beginning of June, to 2,100 this week, from 371 at the start of the month. People in their 20s now make up more than half of all known cases, officials said.

In Arizona, rising infections have set many people on edge, including some residents in their 20s and 30s.

In the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, Ian Bartczak, who is 31, said he did not feel comfortable dining out at restaurants and was dismayed to see crowds of young people squeezing onto patios and bars on a commercial strip near his home.

“It goes back to, what is a want and what is a need?” said Mr. Bartczak, who works for an education technology company. “Did you have to go to a big swimming party or El Hefe nightclub with your friends?”

His point of view has created awkwardness with some friends, he said. He has turned down invitations to go out for sushi, and been puzzled by friends who chose to visit casinos.

“It’s affected some of my relationships because I won’t see them or get kind of angry,” he said. “How are you not willing to help the old lady behind you who could have a poor immune system? Or help lower our cases so we can increase our economy?”

In Phoenix, Michael Donoghue, an investment analyst who is 33, said he felt comfortable going out — carefully — since he is single and healthy, lives alone and takes care to avoid close contact with people who might be at risk, like his 91-year-old grandmother.

Only once since restrictions were lifted in that state has he felt uncomfortable while out, he said. A bar he visited with friends in Scottsdale was crowded.

“It just felt like, should we be doing this right now?” he said.

The resurgence of the virus has echoes of its earliest days in the United States, as places like California and Washington State, which saw some of the country’s first outbreaks, were seeing new upticks.

In King County, Wash., which includes Seattle, people in their 20s and 30s make up about 45 percent of new coronavirus cases — a number that was 25 percent in March, according to Dr. Judith A. Malmgren, an epidemiologist in Seattle.

She believes the real percentage is even larger than what is being measured because younger people are less likely to be symptomatic. That said, she warned that the risk of infecting other people was serious.

“Just because you’re in an age group that is less likely to die from coronavirus,” she said, “does not mean that you live alone.”

Julie Bosman reported from Chicago, and Sarah Mervosh from Pittsburgh. Patricia Mazzei contributed reporting from Miami, and Mitch Smith from Chicago.

#IFTTT #WordPress

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easyfoodnetwork · 5 years ago

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The Path to Survival Is Even More Complicated for Immigrant-Owned Mom-and-Pop Restaurants

Outside Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle in Chinatown, New York City.

Mom-and-pop diners and family-run takeout spots are especially vulnerable to the challenges ahead set by COVID-19

Restaurant owner Eric Sansangasakun saw the novel coronavirus coming from thousands of miles away, and even then, he still wasn’t prepared for how much damage it would bring.

Like many other Asian immigrants in the United States, Sansangasakun — who co-owns Thai and sushi restaurant Gindi Thai in Burbank, California, with his brother, his sister-in-law, and a friend from Bangkok — still has loved ones back in Asia. Since January, he had been monitoring the spread of the virus across China, Taiwan, Japan, and his home country of Thailand. He was confident that the United States would know how to address the COVID-19 crisis when it came to our shores. “By the time it gets to the U.S., it should be handled in a more structural way. We would be ready to tackle that,” he remembers thinking. “That was not the case.”

Instead, like hundreds of thousands of restaurant operators across the country, Sansangasakun and his business partners suddenly had their livelihoods upended when, one by one, cities and states shut down bars and restricted restaurants to takeout and delivery only. Virtually overnight, the industry’s already notoriously thin margins shrank to a razor’s edge, leaving independent restaurants — the mom-and-pop diners, the immigrant-owned takeout spots, the family-run neighborhood mainstays — especially vulnerable, without deep pockets and access to outside funding at the ready.

Caught between the bodily risk of coronavirus exposure on one end, and on the other, the threat of losing the culmination of a lifetime of labor and sacrifice, independent restaurant owners face an impossible choice: to close or to stay open?

I. The dilemma

Several restaurant owners describe the choice between staying open or closing as a balancing act, a constantly shifting calculus that they have to assess on a weekly or even daily basis. There are multiple considerations to juggle, including, first and foremost, health risks.

“If I could choose, I would just stay at home. That’s the safest place that reduces the risk of getting the virus,” says Sansangasakun. “But I have to strike a balance between safety and the practicality of having to run the business. You can stay home for two months, and then after that, there’s no business to go back to.”

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

Liz Yee, who, with her family, owns and operates the mainstay Kam Hing Coffee Shop and the newer Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle in Manhattan’s Chinatown, says she’s primarily concerned with the health of her parents and sister, all of whom have underlying conditions that could put them at higher risk of becoming critically ill if they contract COVID-19. Yee is aware that if any of them get the virus, “they’re not coming back from it,” so they’ve had to take extra precautions, like letting her father do all the prep work in the basement so that he doesn’t have to interact with people, and sanitizing carefully before having contact with each other.

The family has closed Kam Hing, as well as another store in Brooklyn, so that they can focus on Tonii’s without worrying about increasing the risk of exposure. But they stopped short of being able to reduce the risk entirely by closing all of their businesses. “If we gave up all three stores … we wouldn’t be able to afford to open back up anymore,” says Yee. “This one store is trying to help sustain the other ones.”

Restaurant owners also have to weigh the risks for their employees against those workers’ need to earn a living. Shahista Jiwani, whose family temporarily shuttered one of four locations of Chinese Dhaba, their Indian-Chinese fusion restaurant in the Atlanta area, says that her parents, Nadir and Mubarak — both nearing 60 themselves — worry about their staff’s health, in addition to their own. (Per Jiwani, Chinese Dhaba will continue to offer only takeout and delivery in order “to maintain the safety of our employees, as well as the general public,” even as Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp reopened dine-in service statewide on April 27.)

“At the same time, there are a lot of people that do live paycheck to paycheck. It’s very difficult to come to a sweet spot of [generating] revenue and [keeping] the businesses afloat, while at the same time caring for our workers’ health, but also their financial well-being,” says Jiwani. “It’s really hard to have a black-and-white answer to this.”

II. The business of staying open

There’s one black-and-white truth underlying this ever-changing equation: Even if money stops coming in, outgoing expenses do not. There’s rent, utilities, insurance, outstanding bills — not to mention all the fresh food that would go to waste if it were to go unused. So some restaurants keep their doors open, hoping to generate any measure of cash flow while adjusting to a new world ruled by takeout and delivery.

For some restaurants that previously relied heavily on dine-in income, the loss in revenue is significant. Gindi Thai — which Sansangasakun says was positioned to be slightly more upscale when it opened in 2006 — has seen a 70 percent drop in revenue over the past month, even with all the aggressive promotions and discounts put into place to attract more takeout and delivery customers. In order to make ends meet, Gindi Thai had to furlough much of its staff, although Sansangasakun says that he’s urging employees to get free meals from the restaurant if they don’t have anything to eat. “We may not have enough cash to go around at this time, but we have a lot of food.”

Ham Hung, a 35-year-old restaurant in Los Angeles’s Koreatown, has seen a similar percentage decrease. “Takeout and delivery is only like 30 percent of your income,” explains owner Sam Oh, who took over the restaurant after his father retired in 1998. Oh has lost the steady income of at least a few thousand dollars a month from catering corporate lunches for companies like Netflix because office workers are largely working from home. As a result, Oh says, he has had to cut costs elsewhere, starting with his staff. He has only kept on a couple of workers, “not because we are busy, but … so they can take something home to their families.” Still, he says, he can only afford to pay them minimum wage — without the tips they’d usually make from dine-in — on reduced hours. Most of the time, Oh is alone in the restaurant, working for 12 to 13 hours at a time.

“It kind of gets to you,” he admits. But still, he says he “never had a second doubt” about staying open. “We’ve been doing this since ’85. We went through the riots, and we went through the earthquakes. So how bad can it be, right?”

Other family-owned restaurants, meanwhile, have seen surprisingly robust sales, at least for a pandemic. With Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, Yee says that orders have actually increased, between new delivery orders (the restaurant previously only offered takeout and dine-in) and the their participation in an initiative, called Welcome to Chinatown, in which donations are used to purchase and deliver meals for frontline workers at New York City’s hospitals. Tonii’s is also benefiting from being one of the few remaining businesses left open on their block, according to Yee; she says she often serves regular customers, including elderly Chinatown residents who live by themselves or can’t cook on their own.

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

Oriental Inn, a Chinese restaurant in Indianapolis, is also seeing good sales one month out from the end of dine-in service, in some cases even exceeding pre-pandemic revenue on busier days. According to Chris Chang — whose grandfather opened the restaurant more than 30 years ago, after immigrating to the U.S. from China with his family — this is likely because the majority of nearby restaurants have closed, driving some customers to travel 40 minutes or more for Oriental Inn’s takeout. “We are fortunate that people are getting sick of cooking at home,” says Chang.

But not everyone is so eager to patronize these restaurants, in a time when racist attacks against Asian Americans are on the rise as politicians commonly refer to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus.” Chang has brushed off a few phone calls to the restaurant that mentioned “Wuhan bat.” In Chinatown, Yee recalls a bizarre incident in which someone tried to blockade her restaurant’s front door with a police barricade. In Burbank, Gindi Thai was broken into last week, with the thief damaging the door and taking cash from the register. As the economy worsens, Sansangasakun predicts, “there will be more crimes like this.”

III. The business of closing (and reopening)

After the mid-March shutdown, things had been going well at Suwanna Tangchitsumran’s Thai restaurant Pochana in Queens, New York. Takeout orders were up; they were able to maintain nearly the same number of staff as before; employees trusted each other to limit potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (Tangchitsumran even personally drove workers between Elmhurst, where most of them live, and the restaurant in Astoria, so that they didn’t have to commute on the subway).

But Tangchitsumran was starting to have trouble with her suppliers, according to her daughter, Natt Garunrangseewong (a journalist at Eater’s sister site The Verge). Pochana’s regular suppliers were closing or running out of supplies quickly, meaning that Tangchitsumran had to bounce from one limited supplier to the next, while also picking up and dropping off the staff, and while handling the takeout boom. “At the time, my stepdad was in Thailand for a funeral,” explains Garunrangseewong, on behalf of her mother. “So she was kind of running the show all by herself, and it was beginning to get difficult.”

At the same time, Tangchitsumran says, she noticed that the lines out the door of Elmhurst Hospital were getting longer and longer every time she drove past on her way to work. And then, on March 25, the New York Times published a report on the “apocalyptic” surge in COVID-19 cases at the hospital; two days later, news broke of the COVID-19-related death of a Thai chef in New York. This, in combination with everything else, proved to be a breaking point.

“The community back in Queens just felt very fraught and scared, and they were worried about their health,” says Garunrangseewong. Within days, they decided to shut down Pochana. Now, a month later, Pochana has newly reopened for takeout and delivery, with a pared-down menu based on which supplies the family is able to source.

IV. The aid

For restaurants facing plummeting revenue and bills that still need to be paid, the avenues for financial assistance are fairly limited. Some restaurants are seeking help from industry relief funds, although many of those funds have been overwhelmed by so many applications that they’ve stopped accepting new ones. Others, like Pochana, have sought aid directly from friends and strangers on social media, with crowdfunded donations — at least $6,000 as of April 3 — going toward employees (some of whom are undocumented or are international students, and aren’t eligible for unemployment benefits), expenses, and efforts to supply health care workers with personal protective equipment and meals. (“I want to make sure that our frontline workers are being supported, because they’re not being supported by the government,” says Tangchitsumran, translated by her daughter Garunrangseewong.)

But donations can only go so far. As many restaurant owners have stated, rent remains one of the biggest hurdles to survival, with landlords across the country offering a wide range of responses. “Particularly generous landlords might abate rent altogether or give a rent reduction, knowing they will never be repaid in full. Some landlords are choosing to simply not respond, leaving owners to figure out whether or not to pay rent,” Tove Danovich reports for Eater.

Other landlords, such as Pochana’s and Gindi Thai’s, are offering deferment plans, telling owners that they can pay them back in full later. While that momentary relief is welcome, it doesn’t completely alleviate the burden, but merely delays it. “Some landlords would expect that all the rent be paid, but for the people that run the operation, you have a big missing chunk of income, and I don’t know when you can recover that,” says Sansangasakun, emphasizing that small businesses need the understanding and the cooperation of landlords and suppliers in order to survive. “I would hope to see the landlords be willing to spare us and absorb some of the pain that we have seen, too.”

But merely hoping that individual landlords will operate in good faith isn’t enough, say Garunrangseewong and Tangchitsumran: “If there were more official regulations around how businesses and landlords are supposed to interact during this time, it would really give [restaurants] more leverage on hopefully trying to keep [their] businesses open and running.”

The government, as a whole, has not yet addressed this critical need. As Danovich reports, some states “have put a moratorium on residential evictions and encouraged landlords to allow tenants to defer rent; in most cases, this does not apply to commercial businesses.” Meanwhile, restaurant owners have found little in the federal government’s coronavirus stimulus package that can help them with rent; terms for loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) require that the bulk of the funds be spent on labor, leaving little left over for rent. Given that a majority of restaurant’s operating costs are non-payroll, the math just doesn’t make sense.

Small, independent restaurants are also less likely to have prior lending relationships with big banks, or the scale to be able to apply for larger loan amounts — both of which, some business owners allege, major banks prioritized when processing PPP loan applications. Immigrant owners and independent operators may also lack the resources — ready access to lawyers or accountants, for example — to even know how to apply in time.

“Obviously, my parents don’t speak and read government English,” says Garunrangseewong, who helped translate and walk her parents through the application process. “I really can’t imagine how other immigrant-run businesses are doing the same thing if they don’t have kids who happen to read English well … or access to lawyers or someone who can help them navigate.”

But even after surpassing any barriers to applying in the first place, receiving funds is still not a given. The initial $349 billion earmarked for small-business loans ran out less than two weeks after applications opened, with only 9 percent of the loans going to food services (an industry that employs 14 percent of all small-business workers in the U.S.). Thanks to a rule that allowed restaurants and hotels with 500 or fewer employees per location (not per company) to apply, some of those limited funds went to large restaurant chains, like Shake Shack ($10 million), Ruth’s Chris Steak House ($20 million), Sweetgreen ($10 million), Kura Sushi ($6 million), Potbelly ($10 million), J. Alexander’s ($15 million), Fogo de Chão ($20 million), and Fiesta Restaurant Group, the owner of Taco Cabana ($10 million); amid an onslaught of criticism, many of those chains returned the millions they received in PPP loans.

The problem is not strictly that big chains are taking up all the oxygen in the room; chains, after all, are made up of smaller units, each of which employs workers who also need to make a living. The real issue is that businesses of all kinds are forced to compete against each other in the zero-sum game that Congress has created by providing inadequate funds to support everyone who has suffered in this pandemic. Those who emerge with the greatest aid, as is the case more often than not in the U.S., tend to be the supplicants with the most capital, and the relationships and influence that that capital entails. Meanwhile, smaller, independent businesses without fame or reach — more often than not, owned by women and people of color — fight for scraps. (Among the independent owners interviewed for this story, two were approved for PPP loans by late April; another received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan grant of $6,000.)

“It’s kind of crazy, because they always make money,” says Yee of the major chains that were approved for small-business loans. “They’re always around. They have a name for themselves already. For small shops like us, it’s hard. Without government help, if it dies out, you’re not gonna have it anymore.”

More funds have been made available; on April 21, the Senate approved a $484 billion relief package, which includes $310 billion to replenish the PPP — although, as Ryan Sutton writes for Eater, there still appears to be little in the new bill addressing the restaurant industry’s specific needs, among them measures that would better ensure the short- and long-term survival of an industry that is said to be “too big to fail.”

V. The legacy

While the industry writ large may be too big to fail, is there a chance that local mom-and-pop restaurants are not? Many seem to think so — as Kim Severson and David Yaffe-Bellany write for the New York Times, “large chains and well-funded restaurant groups have the resources to ride out a protracted shutdown, but the independent restaurants that make up about two-thirds of the American dining landscape — noodle shops, diners and that charming urban restaurant that always had a line out the door — may not survive.” (President Donald Trump’s prediction, by the way, is that restaurants will “all come back. It may not be the same restaurant, it may not be the same ownership, but they’ll all be back.”)

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

Independent, immigrant-owned restaurants have long been woven into the fabric of America dining. For decades, restaurants have served as a “vital lifeline” and source of employment for immigrants from China and other countries, proving a way for new arrivals to survive in a nation that can be hostile to immigrants and anyone perceived as foreign. “It’s for my kids,” one owner of a Chinese restaurant told Hannah Yoon, reporting for The Outline. “Their education and their future. I don’t think about mine.”

But there are other things at stake, too: family legacies, culinary lineages, serving their own communities. “If I were to get into a business … to make money, I wouldn’t be doing restaurants, trust me,” says Oh. For him, it’s as much about pride, continuing a legacy that dates back decades. “This is the typical food we’ve been selling since my father, and I want to keep on doing that as long as I still work.”

What comes after, though, is uncertain, even while Oh is confident that family-owned restaurants like Ham Hung will stick around for a while. For so many immigrant parents, the goal of working 12-hour shifts in restaurants every day is so the next generation won’t have to. “I don’t want to give them a burden,” says Oh. “I went through that so hard with my parents. I don’t want to pass that on to my kids.”

The pandemic has only highlighted the sacrifices that mom-and-pop restaurant owners have made — and continue to make — for their children. “I’m in a comfortable situation where I’m not worried about where my paycheck is coming from. And the only reason I’m in this situation is because my parents … worked so hard for my brother and I to be in a situation where we wouldn’t be affected by something like this,” says Jiwani, comparing her tech job in San Francisco to the risk and uncertainty that her parents face at their restaurants in Atlanta. “It’s twisted and ironic … they worked so hard to give us the education to bring us, professionally, to where we are today. And I’m reaping the benefits of that, and they aren’t.”

But right now, there are still sacrifices to be made, battles to be fought for the survival of independent restaurants. Sansangasakun, along with his co-owners, had to take out personal loans to cover Gindi Thai’s expenses for the month. But he says they’re not giving up yet, having already gone through what once seemed like insurmountable obstacles to open the restaurant that he likens to his “kid,” with all the work and care that he and his business partners have put into it over the years.

“We are fighters. As a group of immigrants that came here 20 years ago, when we started the business, everything was harder for immigrants to do: to navigate the bureaucracy, to get started in a new country,” he says. “We’ll continue to fight this. Whatever comes out, we will come out not regretting the decisions that we have made.”

Gary He is a photojournalist in New York City.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2SGsv7U https://ift.tt/2zcxcjh

Outside Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle in Chinatown, New York City.

Mom-and-pop diners and family-run takeout spots are especially vulnerable to the challenges ahead set by COVID-19

Restaurant owner Eric Sansangasakun saw the novel coronavirus coming from thousands of miles away, and even then, he still wasn’t prepared for how much damage it would bring.

I. The dilemma

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

II. The business of staying open

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

III. The business of closing (and reopening)

IV. The aid

V. The legacy

Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle, New York City

Gary He is a photojournalist in New York City.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2SGsv7U via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dqHz1J

#Blogger #cooking #Eater #food #recipes

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dvbermingham · 5 years ago

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Chapter 14: Tako

He shrieked when he saw me. I get it. I’ve been shrieked at before. A unexpected pulpy man lying on the couch, totally understandable. The shriek was loud and dramatic and he feigned like he was going to run, almost like he was acting, like he was on camera.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“I guess Vicky didn’t call you.”

“No Vicky didn’t call me. Vicky never calls me.”

“I’m Lou.”

“Oh well Hi Lou. A friend of Vicky’s, I presume? Not just some derelict she found on the street? It wouldn’t be the first time, you know.”

“We just met, so I don’t know why. She said she liked how I danced.”

He scanned me up and down. “This happened to you dancing?”

“No, afterwards. Backroom scuffle. I’m a bodyguard. It’s not usually so hazardous. Mostly you just stand around looking big, bluffing. Sometimes people call that bluff.”

“You might want to go to the hospital.”

“That’s what I hear.”

Hadrian shrugged and went about his business, treating me like a piece of furniture or a sleeping dog, something that should be left alone unless it bothers you first. That was fine by me. My body ached, my mind ached, but the pain had worn off just enough from the pills that there was now room for that sweet, sweet shame. Sham for having lost my Matzu, shame for having failed, shame for losing the tuna and the limo, but mostly the tuna, the dread of having to call Stella and file a missing body report. Stella would have to reach out to Alfonso and maybe if I was lucky Matzu was alive and would take me back. Otherwise it was back to the temp agency, waiting for someone to ignore my references and just hire me out of desperation. I supposed there was a case to be made that we had been ambushed and overpowered by a gang so large that no bodyguard in the world could have prevailed. I mean, no one knew how many drinks I’d had, or the depths of the dance trance that consumed me just moments previous to being held up at gunpoint.

Then I got to reflecting. Always something I try to avoid in the moment. It’s what got me into so much trouble in my former careers. But lying out with nothing but a puke bucket by my side doesn’t leave a lot else to do. For me reflecting came in the form of wondering whether Takuto’s death and Matzu’s disappearance were connected. And whether there was a fight for New York sushi territory happening behind the scenes. Whether this was the beginning or the end or somewhere in the middle. And whether somebody caught in the middle could be held responsible, could be given another chance.

Maybe I could call it quits right then and there, I thought. No, I certainly couldn’t. Even though I had only known Matzu for one night, his disappearance would always be an unanswered question, a terrifying void in my life. I could never move on unless I figured out what had happened to him.

Hadrian popped his head in from the other room. “I’m ordering lunch, you want anything?”

“Just get me whatever you’re having.”

“You’re buying.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Cheaper than a hospital bed, pal.”

Twenty minutes later we were eating shawarma from the Lebanese place across the street. Fantastic stuff, greasy and spicy, just what my bludgeoned and hungover body needed. At my age, you don’t really think you’ll ever experience a new style of meat-sweats in your lifetime, so when they come, you savor them. Hadrian had an accent I couldn’t place but didn’t want to ask about. Possibly Rhode Island. He wore very tight clothes that looked coordinated, like he studied fashion magazines or had a thing for mannequin displays. He was a confessor, I could tell right away. Like he hadn’t talked to anyone in a few days and seeing as I was just laying on the couch I should do just fine as a fresh set of ears. Fine by me — it helped me feel useful. Useful, exactly! Hadrian said he knew exactly what I was talking about. Cleaning is the best way to feel useful. He said he always felt he had all this potential built up and if he didn’t use it somehow, even if it wasn’t ideal, you might never get around to using it and you’ll die wondering if you completely missed your calling. He didn’t want to clean houses and apartments for a living, he wanted to be a chef. Not a restaurant chef but a TV chef, like Emeril Lagasse, his hero. To him, Emeril was a hero, a legend. He found his calling, the most important thing in life, and on top of that, he found managed to figure out a way to broadcast it every day to the entire world. There was nothing better, he said, than showing the world over and over again how great your life is, how your biggest concern is maybe not adding enough garlic to your damn tomatoes. It’s almost a better feeling than your life actually being great.

Alas, he said, the television and culinary worlds required some schooling and he didn’t have the money to go back. He had a degree in media and broadcasting, but no clue about the kitchen world. Cleaning was the easiest job he could get that paid the best and still left him feeling energized at the end of the day. All in all, that wasn’t a bad setup. He’d leave apartments tidy and smelling fancy, go out for an early happy hour when the bars were almost empty and he’d sit at the bar and listen to the regulars and the bartender talk, and watch intently s the bartender pretend to have a task in front of her at any given time, sometimes real tasks and other times just moving things from one place to another and back again trying to appear busy but always engaged with the regulars who never had anything new to say because they spent all their free time in the bar seeking fresh ears and if none were available then old ears would do just fine. Hadrian liked to watch for the bartender’s micro-reactions, little smirks, eye-rolls, anything subconscious that showed her true feelings. Bartenders are dishonest people, he said. It’s a job and part of the job of bartender is to listen to what your customers have to say, make them feel welcome, cheer them up and keep their minds from wandering, or help their minds safely wander out of their daily rut, whatever they’re in the mood for, and always keeping a keen sense of balance and vibe, similar to the balance and vibe you create when cleaning apartments, a balance that makes people feel like someone is taking care of things around them so they won’t have to worry. But underneath the bartender’s facade are the tiny little minuscule reactions they can’t hide, or are too tired to hide, and that’s what Hadrian looks for, those bartenders who keep that balance in the bar but on the inside they’re wavering. I was done with my pita by that point, was mopping up my cracked, misshapen lips while Hadrian had barely taken a bite, was just holding his shawarma while he talked, the bread filling with sauce and grease from the lamb and starting to drip and crack apart, which is a pet-peeve of mine, two people not eating at the same pace.

He could tell I was losing interest and/or consciousness on account of his story or possibly the aforementioned meat-sweats and of course the swelling so he changed the subject and started talking about Vicky and watched me perk right up. Must have been obvious I guess. Like the television host he dreamed of becoming, he felt my energy and launched into some gossip. About Gwen the little genius who is most certainly destined to be a singer or voice actor. About her life as a model for sculptors in Gowanus. About how she lost her husband the year before, he thinks from a motorcycle related crash but wasn’t sure. They were about the same age, had been together since forever. “She didn’t tell me at first,” he said, “I thought they just got divorced. There were remnants of him all over the apartment that she didn’t take down. I started asking whether she wanted me to take down the pictures and whatnot but she said no, that she wanted to keep them up for Gwen. She seemed fine, keeping everything together. She kept bartending, kept going to school, kept herself and Gwen in a routine that would get them through the tough times. Creatures of habit, right? Why do people hate on routine so much, you know?”

Then he said, “So what do you do again? Wrestler?”

“Bodyguard.”

“Of course, right. Who do you guard?”

“I work for a chef. Maybe he can get you a TV show.”

“What’s his name?”

“Thing is…he might be dead. I’m not sure.”

“Well, where does he work? If there’s a vacancy maybe they need an apprentice.”

“It’s a sushi place on the east side. I’ll find the name for you.”

“I thought we weren’t supposed to eat sushi anymore.”

“Why?”

“It’s poisonous I think. The fish have turned poisonous from over-fishing. Like, in rebellion, maybe? Does nature rebel like that? I think plagues are sort of like that. Or maybe it was that the fish was always poisonous and we didn’t realize it. We just thought it was too fancy not to eat it, and we all ignored that it was poisoning us all along. I think that was it. Or something like that. I heard it somewhere.”

“First I’ve heard of it.”

“Oh, I think I remember. There was an article, I can’t remember where. It said rogue sushi chefs were poisoning their own fish to try to make it less popular. As like a backlash against popularizing sushi. A cultural thing. Stopping foreigners from eating their sushi.”

“Foreigners? Like, Americans?”

“Yeah.”

“In New York?”

“Yeah.”

I considered the number of times I felt sick after eating at FishySmell, and wondered if it had anything to do with the rumor. A wave of blood filled with nervous little blood cells rushed to my skull all screaming at once a word I couldn’t understand.

“How Brooklyn, right? Try to keep it out of the mainstream as long as possible. Ha, get it. Mainstream. Like, the opposite of underground. No wait…underwater! HA!”

Hadrian asked if I was okay, must have sensed something was wrong, but I couldn’t get the words out, my legs and hands were cramping, my meat-sweats were transitioning to anxiety sweats. The shawarma was turning on me. It felt like all my energy was being sucked out of my body.

“Maybe you should lie down.”

“I think I need to go actually.”

He laughed. “Go where? You can barely open your eyes.”

Tears filled my eyes. I felt my chin wiggle, trying to hold back the flood. “I lost him. Two in a week! I’m a bodyguard and I lost my body, twice. Do you have any idea what that means for a guy like me? For him? A young guy, an up-and-coming chef, probably dead. And on top of it I lost a very expensive tuna loin which was meant to be distributed to the chefs of New York. Now there’s going to be a tuna shortage and its all my fault!”

“Tuna loin, eh?”

I tried to talk through my sniffles. “It was entrusted to us by the head of nationwide sushi-syndicate who might also be criminals, I don’t know. It was worth a lot of money.”

“High quality tuna loin? Like, as in, something a chef would be very happy to receive?”

“Yea, sitting in a hot car all night.”

“Was it wrapped up?”

“Yeah.”

“Great. Come on, let’s go get it.”

“Really?”

"I don’t have anything going on.”

“I don’t think you don’t want to get involved. This is a dangerous situation. Look what they did to my face!”

“How do I know you didn’t look a lot like that before you got beat up?”

I cried some more.

“Well regardless of how ugly you were, you can’t go outside with a face looking like a crushed up turtle. All lumpy and gooey and stuff.”

“Don’t say turtle, please.”

“Listen, I’m going to be honest with you because I don’t have a lot of patience and I just like to say things I believe are true even if they’re not: If your friend is dead, he’s dead, and there’s nothing you can do. So what’s the rush? I’d be more concerned about that rotting tuna in the back seat of your car. If we can get that to some chefs, maybe get on their good side, a little introduction, we could get your job back. And an apprenticeship for me…”

“You think he’s dead?” I asked.

The phone rang. It was Vicky. She said she was running late and had to go straight to work instead of stopping home first. “She says she’s sorry. But to just hang tight, she’ll be home before we know it.”

We decided we would go see if the tuna was still there, if the car was still there, swing by my apartment to get a few things, and come straight back. He made us coffee and we waited until Gwen came home. He helped her get her homework started and then told her to be a good girl while the two adults went for a little ride.

Before we stepped out the door, I stopped and said, “We can’t leave her alone. Her mom won’t be back for hours.”

“It’s fine, she knows the neighbors.”

“Are you sure?”

“I do it all the time.”

“I’d really feel more comfortable if she came with us. I mean, what if something happens to her.”

“She’s in a kid proof apartment, in a building filled with adults. It’s more dangerous bringing her with us. I mean, need I remind you of the hideousness of your face and how that all happened?” “Listen, I’m not going to be fighting anyone or saving anyone or sticking up to anyone in the next few hours. I just need some first-aid, a fresh change of clothes, and some bearings. If anyone comes for me, I’ll surrender. They won’t hurt a hipster and a little girl sitting in whatever car you own. Can’t be anything special. They’re sushi people. They’re classier than that. We take a little drive into the city, check out some tuna, head to my apartment, pack a bag, and come right back here. Sound good?”

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officetime02-blog · 6 years ago

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Top 4 Most Common Challenges of the FODMAP Diet (and how to overcome them)

The FODMAP Diet is a lot of things:

It’s effective

It’s enlightening

It’s backed by research

One thing it’s NOT--at least according to most people--is easy.

Most of us get really excited when we learn there’s a safe way to control IBS symptoms with diet. But then we dig a little deeper…

...and suddenly we’re confused and overwhelmed.

It’s true that the FODMAP Diet has its challenges. I promise they get easier over time, but I’d rather help you shorten that learning curve instead of figuring things out on your own.

To do that, I surveyed members of the Calm Belly Kitchen community asking, “What is your biggest struggle when it comes to the FODMAP Diet?”

With over 100 responses, the same things kept coming up again and again. They’re also the same struggles I’ve seen working with IBS sufferers since 2015.

Today, I’m revealing the top 4 most common challenges that come with the FODMAP Diet along with my best tips to overcome them. These tips haven’t just worked for me--They’ve helped hundreds of clients and community members to improve their symptoms faster, and without the struggle.

I'm guessing you’ve experienced at least one of these challenges, so let’s get started!

>>> Ready to dive into the FODMAP Diet yourself? Click to sign up our FREE live training on September 12th: The 3-Step Process To Take Control of IBS.

Onion and Garlic Are In Everything

Well, maybe not everything, but it seems like they're in everything! Especially if you're eating out or you're not preparing the food yourself.

The easiest solution for replacing garlic is to drizzle garlic infused oil over your food to get that familiar flavor. The reason garlic infused oil is low FODMAP is because it not fat soluble. In other words, the FODMAPs in garlic cannot cross over into fats, only into water-based liquids.

So, if you put garlic in a soup and simmer it, then you take out the garlic, that soup still contains FODMAPs from the garlic.

As far as replacing onion, you can use the green parts of leeks or scallions (the white parts contain the bulk of the FODMAPs). Leeks have amazing oniony flavor--I think they’re tastier than actual onions.

Check out my Ultimate Guide to Flavor without onion and garlic for tons more ideas to create flavorful meals without those two ingredients.

Eating Out

Even though I’m not listing these common struggles with the FODMAP Diet in any particular order, if I were, this would be number one.

And sure you could stay in your house preparing every single meal, but in reality that’s just not practical (or fun). In light of that, here are my top 3 tips for handling restaurant meals when you’re on the FODMAP Diet:

1. Research menus online

Just about every restaurant has their menu on the web, so you probably tried this strategy already...but stick with me. I have a ninja tip that can take your menu research to the next level.

This tip works best at restaurants that serve a specific cuisine--Greek, sushi, Italian, Chinese...you get the picture. The majority of these restaurants serve the same classic dishes. You’ll always find California Rolls at a sushi restaurant or Orange Chicken at a Chinese restaurant, for example.

Here’s what you do: Let's say you're going to a traditional Italian restaurant. Pick out two or three classic dishes--perhaps Chicken Marsala or Chicken Picada--that you think could work, and google the recipes. Pick the best two or three results and take a look. Reading recipes will give you an idea of the common ingredients that are typically included in each dish.

With this method, you know if something is definitely not going to work for you, or if it looks like it could be modified. That way you have some options ready, and you know the questions you're going to ask when you get to the restaurant.

2. Eat at Chain Restaurants

If you’re not a fan of chains, give me a minute to explain…

Most chain restaurants do a lot of training for their staff around dealing with customers with food allergies and food sensitivities. They make sure their managers and staff take food intolerances seriously and know how to work with you to find something that you can eat. They make it part of their corporate culture because their restaurants thrive on word of mouth.

In other words, they don't want to have their reputation ruined because they sent someone to the hospital with a deathly peanut allergy.

When I say chain restaurants, the best options are usually sit-down restaurants like Maggiano's or Cheesecake Factory or TGIF Fridays because they still do a lot of the food prep on sight and have the ability to make modifications.

3. Make the server your ally

This last tip is the easiest to do, and it all comes down to this basic truth: People like to play the hero.

Most servers enjoy interacting with customers and welcome an opportunity to go above and beyond. They get your gratitude, which feels good, and most people are happy to tip for extra-helpful service (As a former waitress in college, I definitely recommend it!).

So don’t hesitate to ask them questions about the menu, or to explain that you can’t eat certain foods. Ask them to check with the kitchen about ingredients, or ask them to suggest something you can modify.

Of course, there’s always the possibility of running into a bad mooder of a server, but that’s the exception--especially when you treat them as an ally rather than an adversary.

Portion Control

Knowing how much of any food you can or should eat is a very common cause for confusion--and with good reason. Let me explain…

If you're using the Monash FODMAP app, you can look up the low-FODMAP serving size for any food in their database. Where it gets tricky is knowing if you can eat MORE than a single serving.

Luckily, there’s no need to be hungry on the FODMAP Diet.

Most importantly, you should know that there are many foods you can eat freely (provided you’re not eating to the point of feeling uncomfortably stuffed, which is another way to trigger symptoms).

Let’s look at rice, for example. One serving of white rice is listed at 1 cup cooked, or 190 grams. But if you’re really hungry, it’s perfectly okay to eat more than 1 cup of rice because there is no “upper limit” for rice.

What do I mean by “upper limit”?

Some foods cross over into the high-FODMAP zone when you eat larger amounts. These upper limits are noted in the fine print below the serving size information on the Monash app. Rice doesn’t have an upper limit, so you can eat it according to your appetite.

The foods to be most aware of when it comes to upper limits are fruits and vegetables. Take a look at eggplant, for example. Servings anywhere from 1 cup to 2 ½ cups fall into the low to moderate FODMAP range. But if you eat 3 ½ cups in one sitting, that amount of eggplant is high in FODMAPs. In this case, the high-FODMAP serving amount of 3 ½ cups would be the upper limit.

Keep in mind that these serving sizes are meant as a starting point. If you find that you feel better with smaller amounts of certain foods, that’s okay. Everyone has unique tolerance levels, and you learn those through eating and tracking how you feel.

Inconsistent Symptoms

Has this happened to you?

You eat a specific food several times with no problems, and then one day you’re having symptoms and you’re almost positive that same food is to blame.

The most common reason this happens is because there are so many different factors that affect your digestive system on any given day. Makes sense, right?

Think about how stress affects your belly--you might feel like your gut is doing backflips. What about the effects of not getting enough sleep, or skipping out on your exercise routine?

The hormonal changes women have throughout the month influence the gut, sometimes significantly--constipation might be worse at the start of your period, for example.

All of these factors can come into play, as well as the other foods you ate that day, or even the day (or days) before. Multiple meals and foods over the course of a couple days can slowly build up the FODMAP levels in your gut and trigger symptoms.

It’s common to want to blame the most recent thing we ate, but it’s usually a combination of factors.

Luckily, there is a way to deal with inconsistent symptoms without driving yourself crazy. First, practice listening to your body. Pay attention to how you feel, especially in the way those non-food factors like stress are affecting you.

The best way to figure out what foods are truly triggering symptoms is with a journal. Don't just write down what you eat but take note of your stress level and energy, or where you are in your cycle if that has an impact on your belly. Make sure to record when any little symptoms pop up so you can look back and try to identify the cause or causes.

Conclusion

The FODMAP Diet comes with challenges, but it’s more than worth it for what you get in the end: control over how your belly feels and knowledge about your unique symptom triggers so you don’t have to live at the mercy of IBS.

Whether you struggle with cooking, eating out, portion size, or inconsistent symptoms, you don’t have to overcome these challenges alone. Learning from each others’ stories helps us find new answers to old problems--without spending hours sifting through generic or outdated info online.

Don't forget to sign up for the free workshop: The 3-Step Process To Take Control of IBS.

Source: https://calmbellykitchen.com/blog/common-challenges-of-the-fodmap-diet

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delcat177 · 8 years ago

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Emote thingy! Tagged by @evrengreywrites

✍ Tattoos: I got Mr. Saturn here on my ankle, he needs a refresh. I still need to get Mom’s memorial tattoo done, and I still want a Tenda somewhere where he’ll normally be covered up on my back (he’s shy) and a Kirby on my other ankle. Probably others someday. I used to want to get a single dot of ink and refer to it as my dead pixel, but I think the joke’s dead now. 😷 Surgeries: I had a small cyst removed from my forehead as a little kid (local anesthetic), had a retinal detachment repaired somewhere between 15-17, wisdom teeth out in my early 20′s, and last September I finally got my walking papers on my hysterectomy. 🏥 Broken bones: No, and while I appreciate that, it also kinda drives me nuts because I worry that I write them wrong. 🔫 Shot a gun: I think I shot my sister’s BB gun as a kid at the target we had for it, but that’s it. I only like guns in fiction. Slingshots are pretty fun, though. 😕 Quit a job: If volunteer work counts, I skipped town on volunteering at Goodwill after they had me spend two hours moving stickers from one side of a batch of candles to a slightly different place on the batch of candles and realized I was not making a positive change in the world. I don’t think they noticed I was gone. ✈️ Flown on a plane: Sooo many times now. I’m fine in the air, but I still cling to the seat for dear life on takeoff and landing. 🚙💨 Driven 100mph/160.934 kph: No, and hopefully never will. 🚁 Rode in a helicopter: No, but I’d like to. I think. ⛑ Gone zip lining: No, and maybe? 🍼 Watched someone give birth: Not yet, I should watch a video or something at some point but I think my heart would give out. 🏈 Been to an NFL game: No interest. 🍁 Been to Canada: Multiple times. One of them was even fun because it wasn’t a trip to Grandma’s! 🚑 Ridden in an ambulance: No and no interest, knock on wood 🏦 Visited Washington D.C: Nah 🌞 Visited Florida: Have been and will go again (Didneyworl) 🗻 Visited Colorado: I’d like to see the Badlands someday. 🎉 Visited Mexico: Nope 🎲 Visited Vegas: Oh dear God I’d die 🍔 Eaten alone at a restaurant: Um, yeah? Is this uncommon? 🎤 Sang karaoke: At a house party, if that counts. 🐶 Had a pet(s): Sooooooo many. 🎿 Been downhill skiing: I actually used to ski a lot (Michigan) but it was cross-country more often than downhill. Hills were involved occasionally, though. 🎼 Ability to read music: I have tried to learn piano multiple times and I absolutely cannot read music at all. This is a hindrance to playing the piano. 🚵 Rode a motorcycle: I don’t think I’d feel safe on one. 🏇 Rode a horse: It’s been a long time, but it’s enjoyable. They’re good large dogs. 🏥 Stayed in a hospital: One night, after the hysterectomy. I had been afraid I would have a bad experience with it, but aside from now being totally unsure about whether the bald, intense nurse I remember standing by my bed with a tray of instruments most of the night being real or not (proooobably not), it was fine. I was. I was on a lotta drugs. 💉 Donated blood: I’ve been turned away a good half-dozen times for low iron and managed to donate once, which promptly wiped me out for a week. I JUST WANT TO HELP... 🏕 Slept outside: Does camping count? 🚗 Driven a stick shift: Why does stick shift even still exist it’s so unnecessary. I think I might have once or twice and hated it. 🚓 Rode in a Police Car: No, and no interest |D 😇 Grandkids: Jegus I’m 29 years old slow down 🚤 Driven a boat: My father let me take the wheel/pedal when we were waaaaay out on the lake on fishing trips and then take it back when we got closer to shore. Paddleboats are more fun, though. 🐌 Eaten Escargot: I’d like to try, but at the same time, I wouldn’t. 👽 Seen a UFO: I see flying shit I can’t identify all the time. My eyesight is poor. (In the conventional sense, no.) 🚢 Been on a Cruise: No, and I’m torn between thinking it’d be nice and going “poop bags tho”. ⛽️ Run out of Gas: No, when I drove I was meticulous about topping off because it was rural Michigan and before cell phones were a thing. 🍣 Eat Sushi: WHENEVER I CAN. Not a lot of raw fish because of OCD paranoia (see also escargot), but I’m trying to branch out. Last time I found out surf clams are delicious! (Yes, this was absolutely because of Don’t Starve: Shipwrecked, because I am impressionable fiction gives me courage to try new things.) 👻 Seen a Ghost : In the conventional sense, I’ve never seen anything out of the ordinary, ghostlike or otherwise. However, I have heard and felt and experienced shit that...well, more things on Heaven and Earth, Horatio. There’s plenty of stuff we haven’t explained with science yet, I’m waiting on answers.

I tag @qglas, @kittlesandbugs, @minecraftcactus, @titleknown, @melancthe, @newageretrovirus and anyone else who wants to fill this one out 8V

#about me #del in a nutshell #experience memes #ask memes #food tag #yes i got the moxie up to eat raw clams because i made wilson do it #this should say a lot about me tbh

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holisticpassport · 8 years ago

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The Path to Perth.

I’m actually being semi decent about posting weekly updates! It helps when the events that are happening are positive because I want to share as opposed to dreading writing about negative things that I don’t want to remind myself about. Let’s start with work!

I started work at Five66 Café on Flinders Street (the main street downtown across from the central train station). It’s a cute little café ran by an Indian family that’s conveniently located in front of a tour group departure meetup point, so I meet people from all over the world every shift! The 6am wakeup time was brutal the first week but my body is finally used to it… too used to it because now I wake up every day at 6am instead of just the 3 days I need to. Oh well. I kind of do a bit of everything there, but focus on the coffees. I was doing a pretty crap job my first day, but woman I work with took the time to show me how to properly froth milk for each type of coffee so I feel much better about it now. Only thing is the pay is SO low. Like illegally low that I can make the same amount of money in half the time at my waitress job. I work hard and put in the hours if I feel valued as an employee, and making $13 an hour (when the minimum is supposed to be $20), I’m not sure I can stay at it for very long-- will be searching for something else. My waitress gig is going well though. Feel like I can handle the fast paced work now, and I love the girls I work with! Wish I could get more hours there. They’re closed this week for renovations, but I’m getting some cocktail training today so that should be fun.

Life at the hostel is pretty good. The staff are getting to know me, the social vibe is awesome, there’s always stuff to do every night at the basement bar, a movie room to chill out in, and all of my roomies have been quiet and respectful. I was on a top bunk for a week right next to the door, so every time it opened the light from the hall would wake me up. I haven’t been getting a lot of deep sleep. I’ve felt it too because I’m on the verge of being sick, but that’s also because I haven’t been eating healthy, started drinking again because I’m in that social vibe, and being really active. I’ll work on getting my health back in check this week.

Over the weekend, I worked Wednesday through Sunday 10-12 hours each day and the military guy I met at the pub crawl came back to town so we could attend White Night together (a cultural/art festival that goes from 7am to 7pm with the whole downtown area participating). I certainly regretted staying out until 4am with work at 7am, but still had a lot of fun. And as far as the guy goes, nothing could come from it because he was moving to Cairns (hella far North), but people come into your life for a reason. A friend of mine said the people we meet are mirrors; they show the most present/relevant part of ourselves right now. I think I met him because I’ve finally begun to enjoy who I am and in turn found someone who equally enjoyed those parts about me that I used to think were crazy like being obsessed with Harry Potter, eating raw cookie dough, and aspiring to live a life like Alexander Supertramp (aka Into the Wild guy). If nothing else, I have memories of Spanish dancing, making a pact to make the next 10 years of our lives the best yet, and 5am tram rides talking about politics, open relationships, and playing guitar for each other. White Night consisted of going back to the creepy hospital bar (which I finally learned is called The Croft Institute), watching a live swing band and dancers perform, eating drunken sushi, and observing a light show on the walls of Finders Station.

On Monday night, the hostel was hosting bingo karaoke (karaoke songs on the sheets and when he plays them, if you knew the lyrics you could sing it to get a free shot). Well you all know me and singing…. So that was a fun night. But went to bed at midnight because I had an early rise for some adventures the next day at 8am with a group of 4 other people to the Grampians National Park. It’s about a three-hour drive west of Melbourne, and it was the most perfect temperature, clear day we could have asked for. We stopped off at Boruka viewing cliff, The Balconies, and McKenzie Waterfalls. This was by far the most beautiful place I’ve probably ever seen in my life. I wish we could have stayed for a sunset. I will hopefully get back there again before I leave AU.

Speaking of leaving AU, because I’m embracing this whole living week by week thing, my mind is swirling with ideas of where to go next and what to ultimately do. I’m really aiming for farm work (as I made a connection with a girl on that trip), and can make the money I need in order to be able to go back to Europe this summer. I also don’t want to stay at this café job which will cut my money down in half, and I can’t afford to stay at this hostel anymore. So need to make some moves! I could wait it out another month and do the prawn ship thing, but I don’t know if that offer is still on the table.

On Wednesday I went out to Leonard’s House of Love (no, it’s not what you think). It’s a quirky hipster dive bar off a main street with cheap beers, and I chatted with a girl from work after cocktail training. We talked everything and anything (I’m sensing a common theme with politics when I start drinking… I must be passionate about it or something). Then I went to my old host’s house for dinner to see the kids again since I didn’t them before I moved out, and it was lovely.

**Update 2 days later** I quit the café because it was already bumming me out and the pay just wasn’t worth it. In doing so, it gave me the whole week off because of renovations at the restaurant. I had some time to organize my bags, get rid of stuff, grab a coffee/go for a swim with a friend, and really think about my next moves. Because I’ve done so much in and around the surrounding area of Melbourne except Wilsons Prom, I feel like I’ve seen what I wanted to and gotten what I needed out of my time here. There’s just been a gnawing feeling that it’s time to move on and begin elsewhere. I thought about going up to Sydney to see some friends, do some sight-seeing and try to find farm work up there. I was about to book a flight/care rental, but intuition said that specific place wasn’t right. But I did still need to go somewhere else. I woke up this morning and received an offer for farm work in Shepparton, but the pay was even more abysmal than the café! Then I ran across a posting on a Facebook page for people new Melbourne, and there was a hippy bus leaving on Tuesday for a 4 week trip to Perth (Western Australia). My stomach began fluttering with butterflies and I knew that was it. I wrote to them to see if they had any more seats available, they did, and I booked my spot. I’ve really been embracing the impulsive Aries side of me because the battle with the practical Taurus side of me was getting old and everyone has an opinion, but in the end it’s my life. A lot of people don’t listen to their intuition and just TRUST that everything is going to work out how it’s supposed to. I don’t think I’ve ever been genuinely happier in my life now that I’m past all the bullshit and it’s because I’ve put an emphasis on relying upon myself for happiness; my newest motto is “if you aren’t absolutely obsessed with your life, then change it”. Ironically I’m financially the poorest I’ve ever been, but money is just money. Some are enslaved by it and others believe our government is going to fall apart any second so it wont matter anyway (Or just wishful thinking so I don’t have to pay back student loans. It’s good to dream.) Today, I’m buying a tent and sleeping bag, selling a ton of clothes, and also getting ready for my final trip tomorrow… to Wilsons Prom!

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aparoxysm · 8 years ago

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all super detailed questions about Sally ✿♥‿♥✿

( @requicms , @sammrps --- koda, may and brandon are mentioned in this and you dont have to read because its HELLA LONG, but yeah. )

1. What’s their full name? Why was that chosen? Does it mean anything?

Every once and a while I’ll stumble across a name and be like “WOW why don’t people use this name more??? i love it??” and at the time, Sally was one of them. I knew most people always associated it with Nightmare Before Christmas/Blink 182 and I wanted to defy that with a character. I chose Redmayne because I’m a piece of shit and she’s got red hair so sue me hahahahaha. I wish I’d chosen something else now tbh.

But Sally does mean “a sudden charge out of a besieged place against the enemy; a sortie.” which I think is unexpectedly more than accurate.

2. Do they have any titles? How did they get them?

Weak But Skilled, City Mouse, Control Freak, Daddy’s Girl, The Fashionista, The Fighting Narcissist, Ice Queen, Idle Rich, Insufferable Genius, Iron Lady,Lonely Rich Kid, The Prima Donna, Rich Bitch, Schemer, Socialite, Spoiled Brat.

3. Did they have a good childhood? What are fond memories they have of it? What’s a bad memory?

In the grand scheme of things, Sally’s childhood was perfect. She grew up getting whatever it is she wanted, especially out of fear that since she’s adopted, if she didn’t, she would use her power to resent them for not being her biological parents. If there is anything that runs in their family, it is shallowness and insecurity. Good memories involve visiting holiday homes, travelling, going to broadway and fashion shows. Bad memories involve the first time she learned she was allergic to cats, swelling up to the size of twenty balloons and being hospitalized for a week, and her dad’s having to take time off.

4. What is their relationship with their parents? What’s a good and bad memory with them? Did they know both parents?

On the over all, Sally has good relationships with both her adoptive parents. Jacob is a primadonna, a total diva, a socielite and a fashionista. She’s learned all of her high class, spoiled brat, fashion queen, superior antics from him. He likes to think he’s taught her everything there is to know about being a powerful woman among stupid men. She idolizes him

Peter, on the other hand, is far more reclusive and down to earth. He’s taught her the improtance of fairness, honesty and goodness. He was the one who always comforted her about her lonliness, the one who encouraged her to let herself be open to the idea of friendship with Kitty, he’s the one who’s always been there for a real piece of sound advice from the heart, rather than the head.

As for her birth parents, she’s met her mother, and they are nothing alike. She hasn’t yet gone to look for her father, but I hope to explore that soon.

5. Do they have any siblings? What’s their names? What is their relationship with them? Has their relationship changed since they were kids to adults?

I think that she does and she doesn’t know it yet. I have in mind a half brother, from her father’s side. A Dane Dehaan, a real Jerk With A Heart Of Gold type character. Someone who is comfortably wealthy but doesn’t see eye-to-eye with his father’s success. And I think that they would connect on a level of being kept out in the cold. I’d love to explore the idea more, but for now, it’s just that.

6. What were they like at school? Did they enjoy it? Did they finish? What level of higher education did they reach? What subjects did they enjoy? Which did they hate?

She was ever studious and typically the person everyone hated because she reminded the teacher that there was assigned homework. She graduated with flying colours, then went on to Uni and got accepted into an amazingly prestigeous program that allowed her to study in France and finish her degree. I forget what it was called, but I reasearched the school and their degrees. It was a combination of Fashion and Science and how the two enterlocked, very Sally. Fibre science I think or something. She loved all of her subjects, she’s such a nerd. She especially liked writing essays though, anything with writing and she was getting 100%. I think she only hated the practical side of things, like she is okay at sewing but I don’t see her being amazing at it. I think she likes the theory of textiles and likes telling people how to make them.

7. Did they have lots of friends as a child? Did they keep any of their childhood friends into adulthood?

NOpe! Nic was headcanoned as her childhood friend since preschool, since her and his parents crossed over a lot with the town’s reputation. Jacob and Blanca were best of friends for many years so they pushed Sally and Nic to be the same, which they did, so there was that.

Otherwise in high school her only friend was Kitty. And after school, Koda. That was it basically. 3 Friends LOL. Now after all of that, she’s adding Brandon into the mix. She’s so picky with the people she shares herself with, I’m amazed she even has a handful.

8. Did they have pets as a child? Do they have pets as an adult? Do they like animals?

Yes, her sweet little handbag dog, Amé. She was a birthday present a couple of years ago. She doesn’t really like animals no, they make her squeamish, but Amé is very quiet and gentlenatured, the perfect companion for Sally. She often is sleeping on Sally’s bed, her own doggy bed, or the couch. She’s kind of a quiet company for Sally, whom she sometimes talks to when she needs to vent her feelings. The only time Amé acts up is around people she doesn’t know, she gets way too excited and Sally hates it. She only likes when Amé is calm.

9. Do animals like them? Do they get on well with animals?

HAHA nope. Sally with a big dog would be her Worst Nightmare™.

10. Do they like children? Do children like them? Do they have or want any children? What would they be like as a parent? Or as a godparent/babysitter/ect?

She does and she doesn’t like children. Like with her dog, when they’re quiet and they behave, she loves them. The moment they throw a tantrum or are loud or messy, she has to tell herself to chill out or else she’ll have a melt down. I feel like children hate her, even when she tries to like them and goes out of her characteristic way to be nice. Theyre just like “NO” and shes like “ok listen here u little twit if you dont appreciate what i am doing for you ---”

So I think as a parent she would be very controlling. Too controlling and her partner would have to encourage her to ease up sometimes, that her children arent projects to be completely controlled, that making mistakes is part of learning and growing up. And that would be so hard for Sally to let happen. She was such a good behaved child and she let her parents condition every aspect of her (well, mostly Jacob), so not doing the same would just make no sense to her.

She would be the most spoiling and scary-when-mad godparent/babysitter/etc.

11. Do they have any special diet requirements? Are they a vegetarian? Vegan? Have any allergies?

For the longest time she was vegetarian and didn’t drink alcohol AT all. Now, with character development, she’s gone vegan but allowed herself to drink on special occasions. She does, however, have an immense allergy to cat hair and some medications.

12. What is their favourite food?

Sushi!!! (And her biggest guilty pleasure; macaroons. Dont let her near them she will eat them all uncontrollably. And feel ashamed every time.)

13. What is their least favourite food?

Meat.

14. Do they have any specific memories of food/a restaurant/meal?

Luis’ restauraunt ha ha ha. No but her and Nic used to always go for seafood, and she would break her vegetarian rules for him and eat shrimp. Now, I think she just enjoys going for green juices with May, and sushi train with Kitty. Also, take away will always remind her of Koda. And coffee dates, of Brandon. I feel like she has a scheduled day of the week for each other these hahaha.

15. Are they good at cooking? Do they enjoy it? What do others think of their cooking?

HAHAHAHA. Sally can’t cook, and she’d never really been interested in learning. Having a live-in housemaid kind of stopped her from learning to do anything domestic. She can’t cook, doesn’t know how to do laundry, and never got her driver’s lisence. She is a failure of a human in those aspects.

16. Do they collect anything? What do they do with it? Where do they keep it?

Sally used to love doing crafts, and she would make cards every year for birthdays and holidays. So I imagine she still collects craft things for that, but never does it anymore because she’s too busy. They just kind of lay on her desk or in their craft box, never getting used.

Of course, she also collects shoes and clothes. Duh.

17. Do they like to take photos? What do they like to take photos of? Selfies? What do they do with their photos?

Not really, she’s never had an eye for photography, and she hasn’t really had the chance to understand how a proper DSLR works. Mostly I think because she doesn’t really like being in photos. I imagine Kitty would always be like “!!!” when she’s photographed at a social event, showing off the print and Sally is just lowkey trying not to snatch it and burn it (but also look at it a lot in secret first to notice all her shallow imperfections). If anything, I think she would take photos of her parents on vacations, or of Kitty because she’d be constantly thrown her phone like “TAKE A PHOTO OF ME WITH THESE DOLPHINS!! HERE, TAKE A PHOTO OF ME LOOKING HOT BY THE POOL!!! OH MY GOD, LET ME GO STAND OVER THERE, YOU CAN TAKE A PHOTO!!” but also she would force Sally to be in some as well.

18. What’s their favourite genre of: books, music, tv shows, films, video games and anything else

Books: factual.Music: quiet, indie.Tv Shows: soap opera, dramatic not comical.Films: black and white, foreign with subtitles, romance, dark and philosophical themes.Video games; none.

19. What’s their least favourite genres?

Books: teen, sci-fi.Music: loud, obnoxious, rap, nsfw content.Tv Shows: comedic, ones that dont really follow a story line.Films: action.Video games; all.

20. Do they like musicals? Music in general? What do they do when they’re favourite song comes?

Okay she loves classic musicals. Like she is a big Les Misérables fan which is annoying because I hate it. I think she also LOVED the Lion King broadway show, Hairspray, Pracilla and like. Wicked obviously.

21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper?

Oh she has a temper alright. But at the same time, sometimes, she can have incredible patiences. Like if she knows it’s worth waiting for (Kitty’s soberity, Koda’s health regeneration, Brandon’s ability to let her in) she’ll be a as patient as a saint. But she does lose her temper a lot, and she just goes full on control freak mode. She becomes impossible to deal with, so you kind of just need to let her ride it out.

22. What are their favourite insults to use? What do they insult people for? Or do they prefer to bitch behind someone’s back?

You’re impossible. / You’re insufferable. / I hate you. / Excuse me? / etc.

She will insult people for just about any reason she sees fit.

23. Do they have a good memory? Short term or long term? Are they good with names? Or faces?

Annoyingly good memory. She’ll remember something you said on Tuesday the 14th of April, 1982.

24. What is their sleeping pattern like? Do they snore? What do they like to sleep on? A soft or hard mattress?

She’s that impossible creature that sleeps on a bed of 100 pillows, with her hands neatly folded over her sternum, hair laid out like sleeping beauty. She sleeps on pastel silk sheets, the hardest matress you’ll probably ever feel, and she goes to bed at exactly 9.30 pm every night and wakes at 6am every day without fail.

25. What do they find funny? Do they have a good sense of humour? Are they funny themselves?

When people think they’re better or smarter than her. She’s got a shit sense of humour though, she isn’t used to being the one making the jokes. She’s not really that funny tbh. Nor does she usually find other people’s sense of humour worth her time. So if she laughs at things you say, you’ve made it.

26. How do they act when they’re happy? Do they sing? Dance? Hum? Or do they hide their emotions?

She cannot sing to save her life, so I think she talks to herself a lot. But the upbeat, chipper kind of way, that you’d notice because you can’t ignore it. I think she also does random acts of kindness, and that is super uncharacteristic, so you would definitely notice that too.

27. What makes them sad? Do they cry regularly? Do they cry openly or hide it? What are they like they are sad?

The fact she’s lonely, the fact that her birth mother doesn’t want anything to do with her, the fact that she can’t have everything she wants at the drop of a hat, the fact that she doesn’t know how to make friends or feel normal like everyone else. And yeah, she’s got a lot of pent up emotion and doesn’t really know how to deal with being sad or disappointed. So I think mostly, she’ll go into her closet, shut the door and cry. She wont cry in front of someone else if she can help it. She’s too private about herself, she’d never let someone see she’s fallen from her perch.

28. What is their biggest fear? What in general scares them? How do they act when they’re scared?

That she’ll always feel how lonely she feels right now. Or that she’ll never have what everyone else has; friendship, family and a partner.

29. What do they do when they find out someone else’s fear? Do they tease them? Or get very over protective?

I think it shocks her because to find out a persons fear, you need to be let in close to look at them, and she’s never expecting to be liked enough to be given that privilage. So she mostly falls silent, and just quietly thinks about it for a long time. Then, yeah, she gets protective and starts culling ways to help people achieve their goals rather than bring them down. Once she cares, she’s feircely supportive.

30. Do they exercise? Regularly? Or only when forced? What do they act like pre-work out and post-work out?

She goes for a 6.30 am run every day aside from Sundays and Mondays. Then she does yoga and pilates some other days, and has a very strict diet to keep the weight off. She was a bit chunkier in high school and the memory still horrifies her, even though it was just baby fat.

31. Do they drink? What are they like drunk? What are they like hungover? How do they act when other people are drunk or hungover? Kind or teasing?

Only on special occasions, like public events and holidays. I don’t think she’s ever been drunk before to be honest, but if she were to get drunk, just think of the scene where Kat Stratford drinks and starts dancing like a looney on the table, making a fool of herself. Yeah. Probably Sally lbh. Also, she’d get into political wars with everything, including a tree or chair.

32. What do they dress like? What sorta shops do they buy clothes from? Do they wear the fashion that they like? What do they wear to sleep? Do they wear makeup? What’s their hair like?

She wears a lot of Chanel the most, Prada shoes and handbags, and Gucci accessories. She wears lots of pasels, whites, creams, nudes, pinks, rosegolds, gold and browns. All the material is wears is high quality, and to sleep, she wears a pink silk nighty. She wears mineral cruelty free make up, and it’s all soft golds, browns, coppers and rose golds as well. She usually wears her hair up for work, down at home, and in a braid when she’s by herself or around someone she feels comfortable with. It’s her “chilled out” hair style, believe it or not.

33. What underwear do they wear? Boxers or briefs? Lacey? Comfy granny panties?

Pinks and whites, probably lacey tbh, and probably very expensive. She’s very much into haute couture so I can’t imagine her settling for non descript bonds or something. She probably has the most beautiful underwear sets that never go to any sexual use LOL.

34. What is their body type? How tall are they? Do they like their body?

She is short af. Hence why she likes to wear heels so often, even though she wears flats a lot, there’s no in between. While she’s skinny, I imagine she has lean thighs, like the kind people who run a lot get, and she hates it. She loves to run, and hates that it gives her “man calves and thighs”. It makes her hips look a little too big for her liking. She hates her body.

35. What’s their guilty pleasure? What is their totally unguilty pleasure?

Guilty: Macaroons. They go against her no-sugar diet, but she loves them too much to say no. Unguilty: acting superior towards everyone.

36. What are they good at? What hobbies do they like? Can they sing?

She is good at debating and organizing. She likes to plan events and organize everything from the guest list, to the menu, to the decorations. She also likes craft, and planning outfits. She can’t sing. AT all.

37. Do they like to read? Are they a fast or slow reader? Do they like poetry? Fictional or non fiction?

She loves reading, she always has. She likes to read books to learn, not for fictional pleasure. She’s a really, really fast reader. She can finish books in one sitting (which makes me so jealous). She does like poetry, but often the really ambiguous kind from authors not a lot of people are familiar with. Non fiction, 100%.

38. What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had?

She wishes she could relax and dance silly like Kitty, just to make people smile and to feel true freedom. She wishes she could speak more languages (even though she can speak 5 and write 3). She wishes she could be normal, and she admires people for their adaptability and empathy.

39. Do they like letters? Or prefer emails/messaging?

Oh the romantic in her loves them, but the old fashioned prude in her loves them too. She sends lots of letters, but also uses emails for work a lot. She likes all of them.

40. Do they like energy drinks? Coffee? Sugary food? Or can they naturally stay awake and alert?

Energy drinks? No. Coffee? Yes. Sugary foods? No. She is hyped up on her own sense of crazy so she doesn’t really need any of these.

41. What’s their sexuality? What do they find attractive? Physically and mentally? What do they like/need in a relationship?

Heterosexual.

Things she finds attractive; good wit, chivalry, sense and reason, sensible people, smart people, business savvy people, a good suit, cleanshaven and expensive cologne, wealth and passion.

What she wants in a relationship; romance, support, devotion.

What she needs in a relationship; respect of privacy, trust, honesty.

42. What are their goals? What would they sacrifice anything for? What is their secret ambition?

Her goals lay in the fashion industry, she wants to work in a BIG and well known company, where she can boss people around and choose looks for approaching seasons. She likes to buy for companies, rather than design. She likes being the one who chooses what’s hot and what’s not.

She would sacrifice her dream of having a family if it meant getting the career of her dreams.

Personal goals include getting married and having children.

Her secret ambition is to finally be okay with who she is as a person, and stop trying to live to her expectation of what everyone else thinks is right and just.

43. Are they religious? What do they think of religion? What do they think of religious people? What do they think of non religious people?

Yes, she’s a Christian. She goes through phases of practicing, she used to a lot more when she was younger, but now she likes to practice quietly and in privacy. She thinks non religious people are missing out.

44. What is their favourite season? Type of weather? Are they good in the cold or the heat? What weather do they complain in the most?

Spring, because florals! But also autumn, because autumn colours are so her colours. She likes the filler seasons because she doesn’t like extreme heat or cold. Her perfect weather is no wind, but a slight chill in the air. She doesn’t do well with ice and snow OR heat and sunburn. She complains about the cold the most I think.

45. How do other people see them? Is it similar to how they see themselves?

They usually see her as stuck up, bossy, annoying, spoiled, narcassistic, and controlling. And tbh it’s not much different to how she sees herself, becuse she does acknowledge all of those traits in herself. But it kind of makes her sad too, because rather than trying to prove people wrong, she puts up a guard. If that’s what they think? Then good for them, they’re missing out, they’ll never get to see how much love she actually has to give, or how supportive, loyal and caring she can be.

46. Do they make a good first impression? Does their first impression reflect them accurately? How do they introduce themselves?

HA, no way. People hate her on sight generally. Usually she introduces herself with a look of really not wanting to be there. She’s very snobby, so you’ll be able to tell instantly if she likes you or not. Other than that, when she knows it’s in her best interest not to be rude, she’s fake. She’s so shiny plastic fake, that it’s usually easy to see through as well.

47. How do they act in a formal occasion? What do they think of black tie wear? Do they enjoy fancy parties and love to chit chat or loathe the whole event?

Shiny plastic fake, as put just before. She adores formal occasions and events, she loves black tie events, but she loves white tie more. Being invited to prestigious events makes Sally believe she’s worth something, even though she knows that without all the wealth and notoriety, these people are basically nothing. She likes the entrepreneurial air of fancy parties, the networking, the gossip. She likes feeling included in something that really couldn’t care less if she turned up or not. :/

48. Do they enjoy any parties? If so what kind? Do they organise the party or just turn up? How do they act? What if they didn’t want to go but were dragged along by a friend?

Yes, the big, fancy, corperate types. You won’t catch her at a bar, club or house party though to save her life. Not unless Kitty literally bound and dragged her there. She likes to organize any formal event she can, if she can get her name on the commitee list, she will put 110% towards making sure it’s a big success.

If she’s being dragged to a party, Sally normally sits uncomfortably and turns down every drink/food offered to her. She complains the whole time, looks upset and unsettled, and asks when she can go home all night. Probably leaving of her own accord once Kitty gets too drunk. (with or without her).

49. What is their most valued object? Are they sentimental? Is there something they have to take everywhere with them?

Her day planner, it has her life inside it, and she relies so heavily upon it I’m not sure what she’d do without it. It goes everywhere with her yes, along with her phone because of her calendar. She’s always got something on in the next five minutes, whether it’s actually something important or “bathroom break”.

She’s very sentimental though. She remembers her first pair of shoes she bought herself, the first Chanel dress her father gave her, the necklace she got for her birthday, the complimentary pack she got from her first fashion show as a somebody, the shrivelled balloon from the first birthday party Kitty ever threw for her, etc. Those things stay with her forever, and she keeps them very dear to her cold, stony heart.

50. If they could only take one bag of stuff somewhere with them: what would they pack? What do they consider their essentials?

Her day planner. Facial and body clenses. A hair brush/comb. Her phone. A smart pair of flats. Her passport and another form of ID. Hand cream. A travel sized perfume. Hand sanitizer and a packet of sanitizer wipes. An echo bottle of water. A good quality sweater in case she gets cold. Asprin and an epipen.

#ch: sally #fuck me this is long #holy christ i love (and hate) you hahahaha #cathasmuse

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