#anyway fellow aussie offering support in this trying time

[gottagho-st]

was about to say this post is very aussie coded…

then i realised who it was and knew (literally read your pinned post earlier tonight and got all giddy lmfao)

fuck you timezones fuck you shitty wifi fuck you broken discord

[kingsmakers]

So 2018 has been a rollercoaster but I have to say, it’s been one of the best years of my life. I started a new job, wrote and delivered a reading at my best friend’s wedding, got published for the first time, moved into an even bigger and better house, travelled interstate and internationally, got my first tattoo...safe to say, I’ve accomplished heaps! There are a bunch of people who’ve contributed to my life for the better this year:

@skyqueengriffin my writing soulmate. Honestly girl, where would I be without you? We constantly push each other to do our best and I don’t think I’d have finished Nanowrimo without your support. It means so much to have someone who’s truly enthusiastic about my stories and characters, and who I can also chat about real-life stuff with. I can’t wait to see what 2019 has to offer us (fingers crossed I can come see you!)

@yourpalmoony I know we don’t chat heaps on this platform but I’m gonna tag you anyway. I’m glad that we’ve managed to keep in contact. I feel so comfortable chatting to you about anything, and I’m still super proud of how much you’ve done with your writing this year. I miss seeing you on my dash as often, but I’m also so grateful we still have places where we can chat.

@fraysquake my fellow Aussie angst queen! I’m so happy we’ve had the opportunity to catch up in person twice this year. Living in Sydney and closer to Melbourne means I hope we definitely manage to do that a bit! I love exchanging spoilers and talking about our devious plans for our poor characters. I can’t wait to see what new adventures 2019 will bring both of us!

@susiesamurai again I know you aren’t around on Tumblr a lot lately, but I’m glad we still chat! I honestly love that we can talk about anything and everything and that no matter how long it’s been since we last talked, we can just launch into conversation. I’m hoping that 2019 is a super positive year for you, I know things have been rough for you and I want you to know that I think of you a lot and care about you heaps.

@missjanuarylily you are such a blessing. You’ve been having a tough time and I hope things improve for you soon. You are so inclusive and always accepting of everyone, trying to make sure people feel welcome here, and I appreciate that so much. When it feels like people don’t care about my content or stories, you’re always there to convince me otherwise. Thank you so much for being you.

@have-fun-storming-the-kastle I still find it amusing that we were chatting before the Tumblr days and here we are again, egging each other on with sly “do it” motivation whenever the other has motivation for a new plot bunny or story idea. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can convince each other to do in the new year!

@emiliachrstine my fellow Marvel addict. I’m also so glad that you’ve joined in on ocappreciation, I can’t imagine the blog without you now! Your edits are always something to aspire to and you’re one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. I’m looking forward to fangirling over your content and writing in 2019 and beyond.

@nellie--crain we haven’t been talking a whole heap lately but I miss our chats and crossovers so much! I hope that you’ve been doing better, and that 2019 has nothing but good things in store for you. I definitely need to pop into messenger and talk to you again soon, we have some awesome brotps.

Shoutout to: @chantelroyal, @feralcherry, @kisaageckos, @musiciatee, @gcldnsyren, @jamezvaldes, @drbobbimorse, @huntsthemoon, @itscapokaybye, @cptainsrogers, @twofacedharveydent, @missecharlotte, @httpscoot, @cassercole, @whindsor, @angelsanarchy, @god-dammit-barb, @recklessyouthinme

I’m so sorry if I missed anyone I’m horrible and usually do, so please just call me out if I missed you. I hope all of you have a spectacular new year and that 2019 has so much love and positivity in store for you! Thank you for being such a big part of my 2018 (and the years before that).

[lunaschild2016]

Rebels Of Darkness (Suicide Squad Fic)

This is a story I have been dabbling with but since I know one of our fellow Jai-hard fans is also big on the Digger love...I dedicate this to you @sporadichologramblizzard-ed17414

Rated M: (Violence, Language, Sexual content) Supernatural, Angst, Smut, Comedy

Chapter 1

I gasped as I felt the funnel of death and fear coming from Gotham. Normally I wouldn’t give a shit about that cesspool, but I also felt that he was there. 

Cursing I threw on clothes, strapped on my knife holsters, gun holsters and then threw on my bomber jacket.

“Fucking Rick.” I muttered as I closed my eyes, focused on him and his essence and then folded space to him.

I saw his pinprick of light in the method I used to travel and sighed at the chaos swirling around him. Katana was there, so that was something. When I arrived I didn’t let my presence register, staying in whatever you called my cloaked state. I looked over their surroundings and who his other companions. Interesting choices. But it was a task force developed by Waller and that woman was certainly off her rocker.

I let my less than amused voice ring out without appearing. “Well, this place as certainly gone to shit.”

The three guys with Rick startle. One crouches but pulls a boomerang from somewhere and looks around wild eyed. One apparently has guns on his arm and is aiming for the general vicinity of my voice. The other with the tattoos looks dead at me but just tilts his head.

“Who are you?” He says with a heavy Hispanic accent.

Rick sighs and shakes his head with a growl and Katana moves to his side with her lips curling into a smile. “Fucking Ember!” He growls out.

I appear with a bit of a smirk and tilt my head. “Funny Rick. I said the same thing about you not even five minutes ago. Want to tell me what the fuck you got yourself into now?”

Katana bows respectfully to me and I return it. She moves to stand beside me causing Rick to growl at her now. “Traitor. I see how it is. Ember, I thought I told you that you couldn’t contact me.”

I shrug and take out a knife; starting to spin it in my hand as if bored. Really I am trying to cool my temper and reach out my senses. I see the guy with the boomerang eye my knife with a smirk but then eyeing me with something else in his eyes. He even moves closer.

The one with the gun on his arm looks to Rick. “Yo, Flagg. You want to introduce your girlfriend here?”

Rick’s eyebrow shoots into his hairline. “That ‘ain't my girlfriend dumbass.”

The one that had the boomerang apparently has decided I am not a threat and is looking me over appraisingly. “Well that’s good love. How about I buy us a beer later then?” He gives me cheeky grin with his gold tooth flashing.

Rick tenses as he breaks for a second but then breaks into a lunge and pushes him against that wall with his gun pointed at him. I roll my eyes and walk forward to stop him from doing something stupid. “Watch it Harkness. That’s my fucking sister you’re mind fucking there.”

I can’t help my laugh as I twitch my fingers and make Rick separate from the handsome Aussie.

“He offered to buy me a beer. Sounds like a better offer than I’ve had in awhile. Relax brother. We have bigger fish to fry here. Like why the fuck you ignored my warning about that evil bitch you seem to have gotten yourself mixed up with.”

My brother frowned at me and lowered his gun when I let my hold on him go. “You warned me alright. But I needed in to protect you, Ember.”

Any amusement I was feeling drained away at once. “Yeah? How is that working out for you? Seems to me like now she has you by your fucking balls. Literally big bro.”

Katana lays a hand on my arm. “We need to make sure she doesn’t tag you Ember. What she has done to these others…”

I can’t help the bellow of rage that escapes me as I see the images of what she has done and said. The walls start shaking with lights flicking off as cars start to explode. Tiles start to fly off the walls.

The girl with the bat gives me a wicked little grin. “I like her. Can I keep her?”

Rick scowls at her and then me. “No! Ember you need to go. They have surveillance cameras all over this place. They get wind of you and I can’t help you anymore than I can help June.”

We stare at each other for a while but I am interrupted by the Aussie moving to tower over me. His face is serious as he looks at me and I see something stirring inside of those grief crazed eyes. Something that reaches into me and calls to me. “He’s right Sheila. You don’t want to be caught up with this mess.”

I tilt my head and move closer to him, as if drawn to him. Rick interrupts my thoughts. “Ember, please?”

I break away my gaze and look to my brother. “If you so much as get one scratch because of this shit Rick; I will hunt the bitch down and gut her.” My chest is heaving as I make my promise.

Amusement and then annoyance passes over his face. “You don’t talk about superiors like that, Soldier.” He tries to use his CO voice on me.

I can hear snorts from the others and the Aussie bristles for some reason beside me. I scoff and roll my eyes.

“In case you don’t remember I ain’t a soldier anymore. That shipped sailed when I was left as bait and became what I am. They wanted a monster Rick, they got one. Oh and also, they kind of think I am dead. So there is that.” I finish with a shrug.

Rick comes towards me and nods. “We need to keep it that way, Sis.”

I feel his need to keep me safe and save his girl. I huffed with annoyance. “Alright Rick. I am not going to argue. For once. But I am going to help where I can.” I turn to the tatted up guy and open myself to him.

‘Diablo, use this when the time comes. You will know it when that time is, you will come to me and I will help where I can.’ I speak into his mind and in his pocket I place a stone I created that will do a one time folding of space. He will need that soon. I see his eyes flash with fire at my command and I know he will follow through.

I turn to Deadeye and I send him flashes. Flashes of his daughter and her feelings of pure love for her father. His is drowning and this will help. I also send a promise that he will see her again even if I have to break him out of his shit to do it.

The girl Harley is a tough one. I know what I can give her that would mean more than anything but I debate if I should. ‘Never give up Harley. You have never known the meaning of it before.’ I walk over and hold out something that only she can see.

Her eyes widen and the calculated craziness cracks to reveal the raw heart underneath. “Puddin” she whispers and takes the choker from me.

The last is George. There is so much I want and need to do for him but I settle for something a bit cheeky. I materialize a six pack for him and hold it out. “I got the first round for you.”

His smile tells me this was the right choice, for now. I can also tell he expects this not to be our last encounter. He would be right.

I look to Katana. “I can’t free him Katana. But I can give you this.” I open myself to connect to just his soul and let the two of them have a few words. I have to support her for a few moments after, letting her resume her composure.

I sigh and look to Rick. “Rick, when you see June again and she is safe, call me. I will come and see what can be done for her. If you get rid of Enchantress…..I will still need to see June. Remember what happened to me. It awoke something I already had and it could do the same to June.”

I see his face fall slightly but then he nods to me. “Edwards is with the other one. You don’t have to worry about running into him.”

I frown at the mention of my ex. “I’m not worried about running into him. He thinks I am dead remember. Kind of puts a damper in romance. Besides I knew he was fucking that nurse on base. If all that shit hadn’t happened I would have called things off anyways.”

Rick’s face flashes with anger. Apparently he hadn’t known about the nurse. “Son of a bitch. I will…”

I laugh and cut him off. “Moot point big brother. Alright, I guess I better get out of here. Don’t count on me not showing up again after this mess happens.”

“Yo, little sister.” Deadeye calls to me and holds my eyes. I can see a little less pain than there was before. “You take care. Keep your head down. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing you soon though.”

I give a wicked grin. “That feeling would be correct.” I look to my brother. “I don’t make idle threats, Rick. You know that. She pulls anymore shit, if she hurts you…”

Rick sighs and nods. “Well she is most likely dead so there is that.”

I shrug with a feral grin. “Let’s hope for her fucking sake she is. Would probably be a lot more pleasant than if I get to her.”

Harley grins. “Seriously, can I keep you?”

I wink at her before I prepare myself and reach out to fold space. At the last minute I connect to George. ‘See you soon Digger.’

[autumnricefield]

Life After JET

I thought I might make a little post about my life post-JET Programme, as I know when I was nearing my time to come home I was very anxious and unsure about what the future held. Perhaps some current JETs feel the same way?

So here it goes.

When I got back to Australia, it was weird. I had reverse culture shock and I was shocked at the fact that I had reverse culture shock (haha!). I had only been away from my home country for a year. I barely even experienced culture shock in Japan... and now I was feeling full blown reverse culture shock? What the hell?

Don’t get me wrong... it was amazing to see my friends, family and especially my partner again. But also...a lot had changed since I had been away. New friends had come into the friendship circle. New connections. New faces. New stories. New memories that I wasn’t apart of. People had heard about me, now I was meeting them for the first time. They were all nice, but they had experienced things with my friends, that I hadn’t. It was strange. I didn’t fit in. I became withdrawn. I was afraid to leave the house. I couldn’t get out my car for fear of seeing people and not knowing what to say. I grew anxious and depressed. All I had known was JET and no one could relate. They were growing bored of my stories. I could tell. My anxiety only grew bigger as the months rolled by.

On top of this - I was unemployed. Not having a job can be nice and relaxing...until you run out of money, or your energy dries up because you’re not being productive. Finding a job proved harder than I anticipated. I thought “Hey! I’ve got amazing skills! I’m a qualified teacher! I speak a second language! I spent a year working overseas! I’m ready to work!” and the job market said “Hey! Where’s your connections? Where’s your Aussie work experience? Where’s your 10+ years of experience in the field of education?” Damn.

So yeah. Life post-JET was not looking good. 

But I didn’t give up. Luckily, I have an amazing fellow who stays by my side no matter what. Pays our rent. Pays for food. Loves me despite my mental anguish and emotional instability. And in the end, we moved house. We moved into town. We actually moved into the house we lived in 3 years ago. Our little town cottage where we shared beautiful memories 3 years ago. It became summer. I went outside more. I made a veggie garden. I went swimming with friends. I went and had beers with my partner after he finished work. I cooked all the time and kept the house immaculate. My mood changed. And eventually, the work situation changed.

First, I got a new student. I started tutoring Japanese again. It felt great. I could teach what I was passionate about and inspire this student to be passionate about Japan too. Then, I got a call back from a little primary school. They wanted me to teach Japanese to the whole school - from scratch! So that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve taught there three times, and now I’m applying for a permanent position there. I’ve also been getting interest from other schools. So I’ve been contacting them. My confidence is coming back. My motivation is slowly awakening again. For the first time in 8 months, I feel like I’m in a positive position. Positive enough to write this piece anyway. I’ve still got a long way to go, but every journey begins with a single step, and I’ve taken that step (plus a couple more!). 

I suppose the point I’m trying to make in the article is that you might feel awful when you get home. You might feel alone, isolated, hopeless, unexperienced, worthless or lost. However, you are none of these things. The fact that you feel these things means you’re about to do something crazy amazing. You just need the motivation, the support, the opportunity and maybe a little luck. I needed all of these things before I could get anywhere. 

My advice to you, upcoming returnees, is that you need to: 1) Take some time to yourself. Take as much time as you need to adjust to being home. Slowly meet up with all your friends and family and catch up with all the details. The sooner you’re on the same page as everyone, the better you’ll feel. Then there won’t be any shocks later on. 2) Go back to your old job if you can or just work anywhere as soon as you can. I really regret not taking my old job back when I got the offer. I was too proud. I thought I could get a better job straight away...but I couldn’t. Don’t be like me. Take anything as soon as you can, keep being productive, keep busy, keep connected. It is so important for your mental state. Believe me. 3) Finally, stay in contact with the JETs you left behind. They are your connection to the amazing experience you had. I love the friends I made in Akita and I message them often. They help you keep the memories alive. What you experience on JET was not some dream. It was real. It should stay real in your life. 

I didn’t mean for this post to get so long, but I guess I had some pent up feelings about my post-JET experience that needed to be expressed. This isn’t meant to be some scary warning to returnees, because as we like to say on JET “everyones experience is different” and the same goes for returning. You may find that none of this applies to you. You may find that all of this applies to you. In the end, what I hope you take from this is that time keeps moving forward. If you’re having a bad time now, chances are in 6 months, you will be fine. Or, if you’re like me, it’ll take 8 months. Or it’ll take longer. The point is, it can’t last forever. I look back at myself 6 months ago and I feel sick. That person was on the brink of losing herself. I am so thankful that I am not that person anymore. I didn’t do anything drastic though...I just kept moving forward, keeping up with time. That’s really all you can do. 

I wish all the returnees the best! You guys still have 4 months till you have to return (or 1 month if you’re an April arrival!). Make the most of your time in Japan. Be happy. Be brave. You’re going to be fine. 

[lalorrunningclub]

O’Keefe Ekiden Relay Marathon Pt 2

Leg 3 by Gary Murphy

Axedale to Knowsley:

9.5 km (hardest leg with incline, just gradual in places for first 6km and then some declines)

Standing in Axedale park, under the shade of the trees lining the banks of the Campaspe river, at the start of leg three, the air has a chill to it. But the beautiful morning sun filtering through said trees, is enough to keep the cold at bay. But who has time to feel the cold anyway, when the excitement, adrenaline, and anticipation keeps your mind and senses occupied.

Watching the first walkers and runners passing our Ekiden relay changeover point, only serving to heighten the thrill of being part of this amazing team of runners covering the full marathon distance. Effortless, the front runners float by, when staring at the tunnel, from where these athletes have been emerging from, seems to have worked.

Like a light on the front of a locomotive, it came bursting out of the tunnel at full steam. Thundering under the McIvor Hwy at an express pace. It was the Ciaran Carberry special, and it was on a mission. Delivery of the 'Champions IGA' relay sash it's primary objective. This train was not stopping at the station either. Completing his leg and passing on the sash, and the responsibility for a safe and expeditious delivery of the valuable cargo to the next link in the chain.

Pulling out of the station was easy, the claps, cheers, and well wishers from other teams and supporters, turbo charged the pace for the first 200 metres. Crossing a small footbridge to a roadway that pointed straight towards the sky. A short moderate climb out of a little valley that the Campaspe river was nestled into. Passing a fellow runner, then him passing back by, with words of encouragement along the way. This event was very friendly with nearly everyone encouraging and acknowledging a wave or high five.

Passing the derelict quarry hotel, and then on to the O’Keefe Rail Trail proper now, the course flattens out. We cross the McIvor hwy. Bemused traffic controllers doing a good job of keeping us safe. Into the quintessential Aussie bushland now, and a meandering track leading through the bush, trying to keep a runner ahead in sight. Checking the Garmin for pace and happy with the reading on the dial, at just over 4:30 pace. A little bit slower than target, but satisfied as we have started a long slow climb.

The meandering track opens up into the actual physical rail trail, and visions of the trains pulling their load up this incline come to mind, subconsciously breathing a little bit harder with the burden of many carriages. The only load being carried today however, is the hopes, expectations, and energy of fellow team mates. So thinking of them we throw a little of that fuel on the fire in an attempt to pick up the pace as we approach the 6km mark, and the start of a decline into Knowsley, the next changeover point.

Spotting the rooftops of the homes in the little village of Knowsley, the completion of the leg is within sight. Runners ahead give something to chase, so we throw the last of the coals onto the fire. Gaining a little bit of ground, the changeover comes into view quickly, dominated by a team of LRC supporters it is a very welcome sight, and Narelle is front and centre, ready to take delivery of the sash. Breathing heavily it is handed over and a grunt of encouragement is offered, a high five on Nelle’s back as she leaves Knowsley bounding like a gazelle. Looking focused and determined, the sash is in good hands.

Other teams that we were running against offer their congratulations and encouragement. The vibe of the event is amazing, and the organising of the event, and volunteers are outstanding. The travelling LRC teams going from changeover to changeover was a real buzz. Those guys have set the standard. Super proud of the team highlands team who had buckets of fun. And super proud to have been a part of the LRC team. Winning our division was just a bonus. The camaraderie and fun, the main enjoyment for the day.

Leg 4 by Narelle Celic

Knowsley to Moorabbee Foreshore Road

3.3 km (flat with slight undulations)

It all really started for me the night before as I was stressing about what time I should leave the house to be at Heathcote. I had to collect my bib and get to my leg by a time that wasn't too early, or too late (which would have been way worse .

I was relieved when I received a message from Vula the night before, with an estimate of times that the runners would be at each leg. She mentioned that each leg had toilets and that if we left home around 6.30am we would be there by 8am.

I started to feel more relaxed. I will admit that I did mention to Zak, that if there are toilets we could go and pitch a tent for the night. Needless to say, he was not impressed and also reassured me he will get me there on time.

Race morning, was a quick up and out the door (kids not impressed). We had a foggy drive up the highway, arrived in Heathcote, collected our bibs from John, met up with Paul, Vula and Olivia before heading out to our spots.

I got to my spot, there were a few other teams around waiting but didn't seem like many so I was a little concerned about not being in the right spot but then luckily a lady who had obviously done this leg last year said we head off from the church so I quickly got myself up there then some on the marathoners came through.

I was doing my activations waiting for Ciaran, as I thought he had the leg before me, and I was surprised to see Chantell, Ashish, Ciaran and Kate turn up at my post to me know that Gary should be coming really soon. I was a little shocked when I saw Ciaran and I panicked a little as I wasn't aware of the change of plan. However, sure enough it wasn't long before Gary ran around the corner and I was off running my fastest 400m, and fastest 1km. However, that didn't last long, and I had to reset my pace if I was going to get there at all.

Finally, I could see the white tent where Vula would be waiting, I could see it getting closer but felt like forever. I saw my kids waiting and Vula jumping around, also waiting. I handed her the sash and she was off. That was it… my leg was over I had done my best.

It was also great driving to each leg after mine and seeing the next runner off, Unfortunately I missed running with Paul and the team over the finish line as the kids decided to be painfully slow.

It really was a great day out, beautiful weather, great atmosphere, awesome company, and true team spirit. Love the LRC community (FAMILY)!

If you want to experience team spirit and team bonding put a relay on your bucket-list.

Leg 5 – Vula Sheens

Morrabbee Foreshore Rd to Derrinal Station

4.3km (mainly flat but good downhill section)

The day began early after the alarm started at 5.30am and the anxiety of not reaching our changeover spots kicked in. My daughter Olivia and I had Leg 5 and 6 respectively, so it meant the whole family were involved in the relay effort. Being closer to the finish legs we had some time to get to Heathcote. We set off relatively quickly once all the family had finished breakfast.

We arrived at Heathcote at around 8.10am where we met up with some of the LRC 5 and 10km runners. Narelle and Paul where there also, they were also part of the Lunatic team.

Within a few minutes of arriving and a quick pit stop I check my Strava and noticed Josh had already completed his Leg 1 in a smashing time! Again, the anxiety of not reaching our designated spot was heightened, so our team members Narelle and Paul, along with Sally (who had the pleasure to sit with my kids in the back seat), quickly departed for our respective start points.

Now reaching Leg 5, there was only one other Ekiden Relay change over person at the transition point. I had worked out the approximate times of when each of our members would arrive the night before and I still had over an hour to spare. I had the opportunity to talk to Sally and get to know a little more about her journey. The hour passed quickly. By 9.15am a second relay team member had arrived, so by then the three of us had begun our light warm up jog on the trail course, followed by drills and strides. They were doing theirs, so I thought I would join in and do mine as well. We chatted amongst ourselves between the other team runners while we were waiting! I was aware that one of the teams was an all-male team and the second a mixed team!

Cut it down now, it had reached 9.45am and I see Zac and his kids arrive. I wasn’t expecting to see them at the change-over point, so it was an exciting and pleasant surprise to see other LRC Cheer squad arrive. At this point I started to jump up and down and yell out “less then 15minutes to go and Narelle would be here”! Ash, Ciaran, Chantell and Kate had arrived within a few minutes, so the moving LRC Cheer squad had all arrived. Within a matter of 5 minutes, I saw 2 male teams change over and then the third team changed over which was a mixed team. I knew we were in second place at this stage! Narelle arrived a few minutes later, seeing her get closer to the changeover spot, I was ready to rock and roll. I could see Narelle had run hard by the look on her face and it was my turn to do the same for the team. My leg started off with a 200m incline and I’d started too fast to maintain that pace after a sprint start. I wasn’t on the track so I had to back off and get into a rhythm. I ran the entire 4.3km with no one in sight until the last 1km, but I knew this would be the case. It was an odd experience to be running a race on a trail, in isolation, as fast as I could. I had a little chuckle to myself. Leg 5 was an interesting change in scenery as it was broken down by the Lake at around the 3km. Once I passed the Lake the course started its incline to the finish and although my lungs were feeling it by now, my thoughts were with my team members and I still had to push through it to the end. Around the 3.5km I got into sight of the mixed team member ahead, I caught up 500m but just not enough to pass him.

I finally got to the changeover where I could see the moving LRC cheer squad and Olivia was ready in position. I put the sash into her hand and she took off like a rabbit. I could see in her eyes that she was looking and feeling happy and relaxed. I was definitely so spent at this point that I couldn’t continue to follow Olivia on her leg as we had arranged. I didn’t see her turn around as I expected, so I knew she was in the race zone as I have seen her many times at Cross Country events. At this point I asked Ciaran to follow on behind her just in case as she was in an isolated trail track with no one in sight. Turns out she absolutely loved the run experience, and as a mum I was very proud that she was independent and had overcome her nerves. The first thing she said to me when I finally reach her was “I did it and I loved it so much, can I do it again?”

The relay was a great event. We were blessed with warm weather for short distances and we had a positive outing experience for a small local country event!

The highlight was also cheering the other members at the finish point while we are waiting for Paul to come through with the sash so we could run the last 500m as a team together.