#best athletic socks in Florida

[oliviasfashion]

Unveiling the Secrets to Choosing the Ideal Running Socks

Clocking in at under an ounce, a vital component of running gear ensures you step forward on the right foot, quite literally.

[sunshinesfm]

" and you're a jokester. lovely. " the blonde replied somewhat sarcastically toward the other. " sorry, i was just distracted thinking about some work things. " she listened to what he was saying about needing help being pointed in the right direction for fashion. it was entirely up her alley so she could give her best advice as much as she could. " no, sandals. no socks. no athletic shorts and t-shirts either i'm guessing then, right? looks like you're going to need some khaki's. with a belt. that screams fancy enough. oh! and don't forget the button up shirt. it'll make you look dressed up just enough but not to the point where it's tooooo much. " she responded simply as if it came so easily to her. " what about loafers for shoes? they're easy to slip on and they're not exactly sandals either. "

alyssa nodded her head at his question and waited for his response for what he said. " do you have any idea what any of that is, or? should i just google it for you or something so you have an actual visual?" florida weather was certainly way too hot. her hair now had to be up and off of her shoulders or else she'd be in her own pile of sweat pretty soon. " you've come to the right person. luckily enough for you i'm a fashion designer. so you could say i've got good advice when it comes to this stuff. "

winslow scoffs, his emotional support beach ball finally falling on the sand with an empathic thump. now he’s wasted some poor soul’s sandcastle and his best line about high heels. then again, he wasn’t planning on chucking half his salary towards stilettos for the nutcracker jr. “the glasses affect your hearing? jeez, i thought that only applied age sixty upwards,” he says, chuckling. “just wanted to know if you could point me in the right direction fashion-wise. got tix to my niece’s concert downtown and two days before the thing i’m told it’s classical. instrumental. no socks and sandals-al.”

his eyebrows engage in a sort of insouciant wiggling that would get him catapulted out the concert venue. “get it?” whatever her reaction, he wipes a beaded necklace of sweat from his forehead and shrugs. the thought of wearing anything with sleeves below his elbows in this weather, whatever service it would do to the sighted people of florida, makes his mind feel he’s back in tchaikovsky 101. the how to play the cannon section specifically. “ah, well, if you got no idea what to do, no need to get wise-wise with me.”

[myselfariana]

[teacupfulofstarshine]

you're the pink in my cheeks (i'm a little bit soft)

summary: "and i know we'll never grow old together / cause you'll never grow old to me / you're the pink in my cheeks / and i love that it means i'm a little bit soft / you're the pink in my cheeks / and i love that it means i'm a little bit soft"

- "monster," marceline (adventure time)

(OR: 5.4k of soft domestic lesbian!analogical, featuring lesbian!moceit, trans male!remus, trans female!roman, and Gay Shenanigans)

a/n: huge thank you to dandie for beta'ing this fic!

i just wanted to write wlw is that so wrong of me? no. no it is not.

CW: alcohol mentions, a few sex jokes, swearing, one implied instance of potential sexual activity (although it doesn't go any farther than making out; if you want to skip that part, skip the section that starts with "Did you get the right kind of popcorn?")

word count: ~5.4k

read it on ao3!!

“I think I may be going insane,” Logan says, squinting at her laptop screen. Virginia, hanging upside-down in the armchair, looks up from her phone and blinks.

“And why is that?”

“Because I am starting to agree with Rosie’s anti-Florida agenda.”

“I didn’t realize that there was an anti-Florida agenda.”

“Rosie has one, and I have always thought it facetious. However, if this laboratory does not start sending me my requested samples and information in a timely manner, I will be forced to concede that Rosie may have . . . a point.”

“You, agreeing with a lit major? I never thought I’d see the day,” Virginia teases. Logan initially resists the urge to stick her tongue out or flip Virginia off, because that would be childish, but then she remembers that Virginia does not care about her childishness, so she sticks her tongue out. Virginia snorts with laughter, and Logan feels warm, fizzy pop-rocks bursting in her chest.

Her phone buzzes next to her, and she picks it up. There’s a new message blinking for her attention on the screen.

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

a, b, or c

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

. . . What?

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

*rolls eyes*

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

i need you to make a selection, logan. a, b, or c.

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

I am confused. What am I selecting between?

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

wouldn’t you like to know, weather boy

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

Yes. I would like to know. That is why I asked you.

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

Also, I am not a meteorologist. Or a boy.

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

it’s a meme, i’m sure v will be happy to show you the og. but first: make a choice

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

Option B, I suppose?

[from: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

vodka it is!

[to: snesbian (snake lesbian)]

Wait, what?

Her phone buzzes again, another text thread lighting up, and Logan abandons the now-fruitless conversation with Jan to see that her wife has texted.

[from: soda poppy]

y is jan fillin a thermos with vodka and sayin u gave her the go ahead? >:(

[to: soda poppy]

I am unsure. She texted me asking me to make a choice between “a, b, and c” with no context given. When I eventually selected “b,” she excitedly mentioned vodka and logged off.

[from: soda poppy]

her an remy r going 2 a pta meeting tonight an i guess they’re goin drunk

[to: soda poppy]

Is that a . . . normal occurrence?

[from: soda poppy]

sadly yeah

[to: soda poppy]

Wait, is she even allowed to attend PTA meetings? You two don’t have any children?

[from: soda poppy]

she’s on the school board so she has the right 2 attend. idk if she’s supposed to or not but its never stopped her b4

“Everythin’ good over there?” Virginia asks.

“I believe I may have just enabled Jan to attend a PTA meeting drunk.” Virginia snorts, swiping at her phone.

“Good for her, honestly. The only reason she and Poppy live in that neighborhood is so that Jan can flaunt her wife in front of all the capital-s Straight people, because she’s a petty fuckin’ bitch.”

“That is a strange word choice for your best friend.”

“I hate Jan, she’s a bitch,” Virginia says, smirking fondly at her phone. Logan knows her girlfriend well enough to know that this statement is disingenuous, so she stands up, stretching her arms above her head, and leans down to drop a kiss onto Virginia’s forehead.

*~*~*~*~*

Logan blinks awake slowly, feeling for the position of her limbs. She’s on her left side, left arm tucked up under her pillow to cradle her head, wrapped in the thick comforter of their bed. Her right arm is slung across Virginia’s body, and her girlfriend is pressed up against her, head tucked right under Logan’s chin and face nestled into her neck and chest. Virginia breathes, slow and deep and even, and Logan hums, huffing out a soft exhale.

She carefully wiggles out of bed, tucking the comforter around Virginia’s curled-up form. Virginia grumbles when the cool morning air slips against her skin, because she is a foolish woman who insists upon sleeping in short shorts and a spaghetti-strap tank top no matter the current weather patterns. Logan wraps her up, making sure that she’s shifted into the middle of the warm divot of body heat, and Virginia settles in, asleep again in a heartbeat.

Logan turns to the corner chair, where her early-morning outfit is already laid out: athletic leggings, a sports bra, a moisture-wicking quarter zip jacket. She changes quietly, lights off, and tugs on a pair of ankle socks before slinking into the bathroom. Once the door is shut, she flicks on the soft lights over the vanity and carefully undoes her sleep braid. Normally, Virginia does Logan’s hair, because Logan is not good at dealing with her wavy, tangled, curly mess, but she won’t wake up her girlfriend for that. She can, at bare minimum, pull her hair up into a high ponytail for running purposes.

They live in a small town only a short walk (and even shorter bike ride) from the beach, full of little two-story brightly-colored beach cottages. Logan steps off her front porch, pulls out her phone, and quickly shoots a text.

[to: ginny <3]

I am headed to the beach for my weekly run. I will likely return before you wake up, but in case I do not: I will be back before 9 AM.

[to: ginny <3]

I love you <3

Logan kicks up the kickstand on her bike, runs her fingers over the glossy dark-blue paint flecked with white and silver and gold to mimic stars, and swings one leg over the bike seat. She carefully pedals out into the narrow road and heads for the beach. The cool early-morning air whips past her face, and she chances a glance up at the dark-blue-turning-light-blue-grey sky and smiles.

She’s always been an early-morning morning person, anyway.

*~*~*~*~*

Logan’s sneakers dig into the hard-packed wet sand along the water’s edge as she runs. Seagulls scatter in front of her, and the podcast Virginia recommended hums in her ear. The sun creeps up, up, up onto the horizon, coloring the blue-grey into streaks of brilliant pink and orange and gold, light reflecting off the water in resplendent diamond sparkles.

Logan runs half a mile down the beach, turns around, runs back to where she started and then runs half a mile in the other direction before turning around and running back to her starting point. By the time she’s bent over, hands on her knees, huffing out breath while her legs burn pleasantly, the sun has emerged fully from the ocean, and Logan is beginning to wish she had worn a visor.

She takes a moment to appreciate the sensory experiences of being on a nearly-abandoned beach: the scent of salt water, the sound of waves crashing against sand, the errant cries of gulls squabbling over fish. Their little beach is not nearly pristine enough for a tourist attraction, and too far north along the Atlantic coast to be warm year-round. Still, Logan loves it, and cannot imagine living anywhere else.

She hunts along the water’s edge as she walks, briefly, a cool-down before the bike ride home. She finds a few things worth photographing, a few crabs to shoo back into the ocean, and a few things worth gathering: an intact clam shell whose smooth curve runs unbroken from the heel of her palm to the tip of her index finger when she lays it flat in her hand, a light gray rock worn smooth by the waves that turns dark-gray-almost-black when wet, a small spiral shell that she thinks may have broken off of the top of a snail shell. Logan wraps all three things carefully in a small handkerchief from the little bag she keeps in her bike basket, pulling out her phone to note the time (8:37 AM) and the message notification flashing at her.

[from: ginny<3]

dunno why you insist on being a morning person. stop by the dunkin on your way back and get us breakfast?

[to: ginny<3]

You had Dunkin for breakfast three times this week. You should consume something healthy.

[from: ginny <3]

>:( >:( >:( >:(

[from: ginny <3]

counterpoint: you bringing me dunkin is better than me not eating breakfast at all. which is the alternative because i do not want to get up and prepare anything

[to: ginny <3]

Your womanly wiles will not work on me in regards to Dunkin breakfast.

[from: ginny <3]

bitch (affectionate)

[to: ginny <3]

Would you like me to make you breakfast on my return, beloved?

[from: ginny <3]

. . .

[from: ginny <3]

will you make me an omelette? with all the cheesy goo an shit?

[to: ginny <3]

I will make you an omelette with some degree of “cheese goo.”

Logan slides her phone into her pocket, huffing out a laugh at her girlfriend’s behavior, and hops onto her bike again.

*~*~*~*~*

“Your omelettes are always so much better than mine,” Virginia says, moaning as she sinks her teeth into an enormous bite of egg and cheese. Logan, calmly dicing bell peppers to mix into her own omelette, smiles.

“All food tastes better when it is prepared by someone who is not you.”

“You’ve clearly never had anything the twins have cooked.” Virginia takes another bite, pops a multivitamin into her mouth, and chases it down with a gulp of milk. “Besides, it tastes better because you made it.”

“I am not the most accomplished chef in the world, certainly, but I am glad you enjoy my cooking.”

Virginia laughs softly. “Lo, I like your food because it’s prepared by someone who loves me. I can taste the love in everything you make for me.”

Logan turns back to her peppers to hide her blush. “Love is not a measurable ingredient when cooking.” Virginia laughs again, louder this time; when Logan sets the knife down, she hears Virginia’s chair scrape out behind her as she stands, feels her arms wrap around her waist, feels the cool skin of her face press into her neck.

“Love you.”

*~*~*~*~*

“Stressful day at work?” Logan asks, hearing the door slam.

Virginia kicks off her flats, sending them flying into the wall with a clatter. Logan sets down her crochet project and moves toward the entrance of their house, where Virginia is shrugging off her rainjacket to reveal a mint-green Peter Pan-collared blouse and dark gray dress pants. “The stressiest.”

Logan takes the jacket and shakes it out on the tiled entranceway before hanging it on the hook. “I am sorry, beloved.”

“Lots of assessments, lots of parents who don’t understand why I’m assessing their kid, lots of parents insisting that there’s nothing wrong with their kid, or that there’s no way their kid could possibly have the deficits that I’m seeing. Like, I wouldn’t make this shit up, you know? Literally, let me help your child. You came to me, remember? I’m not in the habit of imposing myself onto people.”

“That sounds very stressful,” Logan says. She tries to picture a life where she spends all her time interacting with people she doesn’t know on a regular basis instead of her little corner of the university biochemistry lab where she only has to interact with three or four known people and her immediate supervisor, mostly by email. It sends icy fingers skittering down her spine.

“It is, I hate it. I mean, Kitty’s my supervisor until I get my C’s, so if I have problems I can consult with her, but like . . . why are people the way that they are.”

Logan stretches up and presses a gentle kiss to Virginia’s cheek. “I love you, Ginny.”

Virginia exhales and folds herself around Logan, draping her body over her girlfriend and going limp and boneless. “I don’t wanna be a real person for the rest of the night.”

“That can be arranged.”

“But it’s my night to make dinner.”

“I do not mind switching and having you make dinner tomorrow,” Logan says. “This is an acceptable deviation from the routine.” Virginia pushes her face into Logan’s neck, and Logan nuzzles the side of her head, and she sighs like the entire world has lifted off her chest.

*~*~*~*~*

(This is how it starts:

Logan, taking a class on British literature in her sophomore year because she needs to meet her core requirements. Logan, meeting Rosie, disagreeing with her on almost every single point she raises in class, hating when they’re paired up for their midterm project but earning the best grade in the class overall. Logan, seeing a text from Rosie about how her housemate needs people to participate in a research study for extra credit. Logan, making the long trek down to the health sciences building and seeing Virginia for the first time, thinking that she’s pretty and not knowing that she’ll be thinking that for the rest of her life.)

*~*~*~*~*

“Hello, gorgeous,” Virginia hums.

“Are you talking to me or to the mint plant?” Logan says, aggressively stabbing her pointer finger against the Delete key. It clacks loudly, and she mutters an insult under her breath. “I am going to set myself on fire. I swear to god, I am.”

“Obviously the mint plant,” Virginia says, turning and dropping a kiss on Logan’s head. “You okay, honey?” Logan grumbles more and shoves the laptop away from her with a disgruntled noise. Virginia moves the laptop away and leans over to kiss her forehead.

“I am trying to politely word an email whose essence boils down to, ‘If you do not send me my fucking samples in a timely manner, I am going to be forced to commit an Atrocity the likes of which this earth has never seen’,” Logan says.

Virginia laughs so hard that she sits down on the tiled kitchen floor, wiping tears from her eyes. “You are so funny,” she wheezes. Logan feels her irritation fade a little under the brightness of her girlfriend’s joy. “Let me see the email, I’m good at professional bullshitting.”

*~*~*~*~*

“Braid my hair!” Rosie says, throwing herself down onto the couch. Logan lifts her laptop up just in time to keep Rosie’s head from slamming into the keyboard.

“Ginny is your best bet for braids, Rosie. I have limited experience.”

“It doesn’t have to be fancy, It just has to be off my neck.”

Logan saves her document and sets her laptop on the coffee table, poking at Rosie’s ribs until she slides onto the floor and settles cross-legged between Logan’s thighs. “A comb and some hair-ties would be appreciated.”

“REMUS!” Rosie shouts.

“WHAT?”

“BRING ME A BRUSH AND SOME HAIR BANDS!”

“GET YOUR OWN!”

“I’m going to kill that man,” Rosie mutters, rolling to her feet. There are suspicious muffled thumping noises from the other room for a few minutes before Rosie emerges, victorious, hair somehow even messier than it was in the first place.

“You are the single loudest person I have ever met,” Logan sighs, taking the comb and the hair ties and beginning to drag it through Rosie’s curls. Rosie winces, just a little, at the pull of the comb, and Logan tries to be more gentle.

“Thank you!”

“I did not say that was a compliment.

“Hey!”

*~*~*~*~*

Logan tugs her sweatshirt sleeves down from where she’d rolled them up previously, shivering a little. Part of her wishes that she had worn leggings instead of capris as she drags the folding chair a little closer to the bonfire, toes dragging through the still-sun-warmed sand. The speaker set up on the food table blasts some sort of current pop music, and Rosie and Poppy dance around each other, chanting the lyrics at each other. They are both very loud and very off-key and, Logan suspects, fairly drunk as well. Remus is in the ocean (definitely buzzed, potentially naked) and Jan is standing at the edge of the ocean, watching to make sure he stays alive.

“Hey,” someone says, low and rumbling in her ear. Logan does not flinch (just barely) and turns to see Virginia, holding a plastic cup with a poorly-drawn sketch of the state of Virginia on it. Her hair is starting to come loose from its messy bun, and her sweater sleeves keep sliding down over her wrists and nearly dunking into her drink, and her breath smells sweet and alcoholic. When she lifts her hand to Logan’s cheek, her fingers are cool, and Logan shivers.

“How’s my girl?” Virginia asks.

“Cold,” Logan answers honestly. Virginia laughs, tipping her head back and exposing the long strip of her neck. Logan wants to lick it.

“You’re adorable,” Virginia says, leaning in and pressing her mouth against Logan’s ear. Her breath is warm and slightly damp. “So pretty, my Logan, and so smart. I bet you know exactly what chemical compounds are making the flames turn that color, hmmm?”

Logan can feel her face burning hotter than the bonfire, but Virginia just sits languidly in her lap, feet propped up on the armrest. Her toes are painted pale purple, and the glitter sparkles in the firelight.

“How many drinks have you had?” Logan asks.

“Enough to feel all tingly,” Virginia says, swirling whatever’s in her cup. “How many have you had?”

“None,” Logan answers honestly. Virginia leans her head against Logan’s shoulder, and her wispy frizz tickled Logan’s nose. She sneezes, and Virginia giggles in the high-pitched, superficial way she only giggles when she gets really, really drunk.

“You sound so cute when you sneeze.”

“I do not.”

“Of course you do,” and now Virginia is looking at her, eyes glowing warm in the firelight. “You sound cute when you do anything. You’re cute when you exist. You’re cute no matter what. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

Logan hates the taste of alcohol, but she leans in and kisses Virginia anyway.

*~*~*~*~*

“Lo.”

“Hmmm?”

“Pick a color.”

“What?”

“I’m painting my toes again. Pick a color for me.”

Logan flops over onto her stomach, staring at the neat row of creme polishes sitting on their ottoman. Virginia’s bare feet are propped up in front of them, spread apart awkwardly with neon lemon gel toe spreaders, and she studies the nail polish like she’s trying to determine which vial isn’t poisoned.

“I like that one,” she says finally, pointing to a pale pink polish the color of the flowers Virginia brought her on their first date. Virginia hums, picking the bottle up and tilting it critically in the light.

“Not the one I would have picked, but I said you could pick, so I guess we’re doing it.”

Virginia tosses some bottles of toppers (or “tacos” as she calls them, slang from one of the YouTubers she likes) onto the bed while she paints her toes, and Logan sifts through them to settle on a blue-yellow iridescent one.

“I do not know how you can get behind wearing something called a Unicorn Skin,” Logan says. Virginia just shrugs and plucks the bottle from her hand. Their fingers overlap - Logan’s warm from where they’ve been tucked under her body, Virginia’s cool from where they’ve been gripping the glass bottle. Impulsively, Logan lifts Virginia’s fingers and kisses the tips.

“You’re going to smear the polish,” Virginia mutters, even though she painted her fingers earlier today and they’ve been dry for a while. She doesn’t bother to yank her fingers away, either, so Logan kisses them again.

*~*~*~*~*

“Logan!”

Logan is fully aware that the only thing keeping Poppy from crashing into her like a floral-sundress-covered cannonball is the casserole dish in her hands. She counts her blessings and steps aside to let Poppy in.

“Where’s Jan?”

“Getting something from the car! It’s my turn to drive us home, so she brought something to drink.”

Jan primly kicks the passenger side door shut with her heeled ankle boots, a bottle of wine grasped by the neck in each hand.

“I hope you do not intend to drink both of those in their entirety tonight,” Logan says. Jan rolls her eyes and offers one of the bottles to her.

“This one is a gift for you and Ginia. The other one is for me.”

“None for Poppy?”

“Poppy is the designated driver, so she will not be drinking. And I know she already told you that.” Logan rolls her eyes, and Jan flips her off. “Are you going to invite me in or not?”

“What are you, a vampire?” Virginia shouts from the kitchen.

“Only one of us dresses like the undead, darling, and it isn’t me,” Jan calls back, stepping into the house. “Are the twins here yet?”

“They cannot attend. Remus has orchestra practice and Rosie is teaching a dance class. You already knew both of these facts, because you are in the group text.”

“I am not.”

“You responded to a message in the group thread fifteen minutes ago.”

“That was the NSA agent assigned to monitor me.”

“You are a liar.”

“What else is new?”

*~*~*~*~*

groupchat name: be gay do crime

soda poppy: hey every1! DONUT 4get to make ur bakesale goodies and drop them off at r house by 7 am on fri!

lo tide: Please use normal words. I am begging you.

snesbian (snake lesbian): then beg.

lo tide: I do not recall asking for your opinion.

snesbian (snake lesbian): and yet i give it to you anyway. am i not generous

virgin: if you don’t stop making fun of my gf i swear to god

virgin: also remus if you don’t stop changing my name i’m gonna end you

virgin has changed their name to gin(ny) and tonic!

gin(ny) and tonic: much better anyway

violets are blue rosie is me: i believe you meant anygay

gin(ny) and tonic: i said what i fucking said

ace attorney irl: you changed your name :(

gin(ny) and tonic: every day the Lord regrets giving all of us mod powers in this chat

snesbian (snake lesbian): i have no such regrets

lo tide: Can we circle back to the bake sale, please?

soda poppy: Whatchu wanna kno???

lo tide: I assume it is school related?

soda poppy: yep!

soda poppy: fundraising 4 this year’s art club field trip! since im the faculty advisor im in charge of approving and setting up 4 the fundraisers

lo tide: I see. And why, exactly, is it our responsibility to make things for this fundraiser? Should it not be the students’ responsibility?

soda poppy: they r makin stuff 4 it but also i gotta make sure some of the stuff will b edible yknow

lo tide: I see.

gin(ny) and tonic: listen i know that jan is like. a professional pastry chef an shit. but i’m not making anything fancy like a cheesecake or smthn

gin(ny) and tonic: i’m making like. fuckin brownies

snesbian (snake lesbian): smh don’t you care about the Children at all?

gin(ny) and tonic: no. they’re not my kids

ace attorney irl: i will make cookies

soda poppy: u cannot make them inappropriate shapes

ace attorney irl: :(

violets are blue rosie is me: do not worry, i will make sure they are an appropriate shape

violets are blue rosie is me: i’ll make cupcakes!

lo tide: I believe I have a recipe for lemon squares that I can make. Will lemon squares be sufficient?

soda poppy: yeah! just keep ur stuff free of common allergens like tree nuts

gin(ny) and tonic: so my plan to just yeet you a bag of reese’s peanut butter cups and call it a contribution is out then

*~*~*~*~*

Virginia throws a box of brownie mix into the cart and dusts her hands off. “There. Done.”

Logan raises an eyebrow.

“Don’t give me that look, we have the rest of the ingredients at home. We have tap water, we have oil, we have eggs, we don’t need anything else. What do we need for your lemon thingies?”

“Lemons, presumably.”

“You’re a comedian,” Logan deadpans. Virginia flips her off, and then leans in to kiss her cheek. “I do need lemons, though. Lemons, more eggs . . . I have a list in my phone.”

“What phone?” Virginia says, dangling Logan’s galaxy-patterned case above her head. “I think you’re too short for this, Lo.”

“Give me my phone,” Logan says, rolling her eyes. Virginia wiggles it above her head, laughing.

“Maybe you should give me something in return.”

“Like what?”

Virginia grins. “Like a kiss, perhaps?”

Logan rolls her eyes again, but she leans in and kisses Virginia gently, swiping her phone back when Virginia lowers her hand to cup her face. “Thank you for paying the toll, sweetheart.”

“You are ridiculous,” Logan says. It doesn’t stop her from gently kissing Virginia’s cheek before pushing the cart down the aisle again.

*~*~*~*~*

groupchat name: be gay do crime

lo tide: What time did you want us to drop off the baked goods, Poppy?

soda poppy: if ur gonna b in the area, u can just drop them off at my house!

ace attorney irl: i made some of the shapes inappropriate but those ones r 4 u and jan

soda poppy: what did u make 4 the bake sale?

ace attorney irl: . . .

soda poppy: what did u make 4 the children, remus.

ace attorney irl: nothin’ too crazy! jan had some normal summer shapes - suns, flip flops, etc. etc. used those

soda poppy: :D thx remus!

ace attorney irl: made some fishies too! but the octopi are just for u an jan.

ace attorney irl: i . . . may have painted dicks on them

soda poppy: well at least u warned me right

*~*~*~*~*

“Did you get the right kind of popcorn?” Logan asks.

“If by ‘the right kind’ you mean ‘your favorite kind,’ then yes, I did,” Virginia says, coming into the living room with a large yellow bowl full of fluffy popcorn. “What are we watching tonight? It’s your turn to pick, isn’t it?”

“Gay fish,” Logan says.

Virginia sets the popcorn on the coffee table and blinks at her. “That is . . . quite the description of Finding Nemo, sweetheart.”

“Not Finding Nemo, Ginny. Luca. It’s new, and it’s not explicitly gay, but there is a very obvious queer reading. I thought we could watch it together.”

“Anything with you sounds wonderful.”

“Sap,” Logan mutters. She leans in to kiss Virginia’s cheek, but Virginia turns at the last moment and presses their lips together.

“Are you sure you want to watch a movie?” she says. “We could just make out instead, if you want.” She pushes gently on Logan’s stomach, guiding her to lay on her back on the couch. Virginia lays on top of her, gently sliding a hand to rest warm and heavy on her stomach. She leans forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Logan’s neck, and then her jaw, and then rubbing their noses together.

“Tonight is movie night,” Logan says. Virginia presses their mouths together, and Logan hums, gently pressing up into the kiss. “We should be watching a movie.”

“Are you sure?” Virginia says. “I think we should pursue this avenue a little further.”

Logan squirms a little. “I - I would not - um - no, thank you.”

Virginia’s eyes, which were hazing over with something, clear as she blinks. “Okay, sweetheart.” She leans back, sits up, pulls Logan into a sitting position. “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay,” she says. “I just - I am not in the mood for that tonight. If that is okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” Virginia says. She holds out a hand, and Logan takes it. Virginia kisses the back of it before settling herself on the couch. “I am so proud of you for expressing a boundary and telling me you were uncomfortable. I know that expressing boundaries is something that we’re both working on, and you did a wonderful job. Tell me what you want, Lo. Please?”

“I would like a kiss,” Logan says. “Just one. And then I would like to cuddle, and - and I would like us to watch Luca together. Is that acceptable?”

Virgil nods. “Of course, love. Come here, hmmm?” Logan settles next to her, and Virginia gently cups her cheek and presses their mouths together. “I love you, Logan. So much. Of course we can watch Luca now.”

Virginia lays an arm along the top of the couch, allowing Logan to cuddle up against her and rest her head on her chest. “I love you,” Logan says softly.

“I love you too, sweetpea.”

*~*~*~*~*

Logan rolls over, yawning, and feels a small weight displace itself from her thighs. She blinks awake slowly, lifting her head and pushing her curtain of curls aside to reveal a black cat mewing at her grumpily before settling into a sushi roll beside her.

“Did I wake you? I am sorry, Galileo . . .”

Galileo settles against her, purring softly, while the ash-grey cat at the foot of the bed pads slowly up to curl on Virginia’s back. “That’s your favorite spot, isn’t it, Andromeda?” The cat emits a soft “mrrrp” before settling back down to sleep. Logan yawns, smiles, and gently strokes her hears. “What should we do, girls? Shall we stay awake and be productive members of society?”

Neither cat responds, and Logan looks at Virginia. She’s haloed in the morning light, eyes tightly shut, mouth hanging open, drool leaking into a puddle on the pillow. She snores a little - one, two, three snorts before settling back into a deep sleep.

“No,” Logan decides, “we shall not.” She lays back down, gently nudging Galileo a few inches over so that she can snuggle up to Virginia. Galileo stretches out, pressing a paw directly into Logan’s cheek. Logan shoves her, and she resettles onto Logan’s feet with an indignant noise.

“You can sleep by my face when you do not kick my face,” Logan mutters, curling into her love.

*~*~*~*~*

groupchat name: be gay do crime

soda poppy: r u all comin 2 the bake sale 2morrow?!

lo tide: I was under the impression that we were only providing the baked goods. Is it not for the students at the school?

soda poppy: we got waaaayyyy more stuff than we thought so we r havin a 2nd bakesale 2morrow 4 parents an stuff!

soda poppy: we r gonna need sum help with setup though . . .

lo tide: Poppy, please do not even -

soda poppy: 🥺🥺🥺 p l e a s e

lo tide: Poppy.

snesbian (snake lesbian): logan

lo tide: If I agree to stop and pick up coffee for everyone, will that motivate you all to turn out?

violets are blue rosie is me: i’m always a slut for free coffee

lo tide: I’m sorry, where did I say that this would be free?

violets are blue rosie is me: D:<

ace attorney irl: eh i’m down for it. where you swingin’ by?

soda poppy: there’s a panera p close 2 where the bake sale is!!! it’s gonna b at the morning girl’s basketball game

lo tide: Does anyone have any issues with Panera coffee?

violets are blue rosie is me: nah. large iced coffee, add three ounces of half and half, two pumps of sugar syrup, two pumps of vanilla, and caramel drizzle.

ace attorney irl: complicated bitch much?

violets are blue rosie is me: why must the cain instinct betray me like this

ace attorney irl: the cain instinct started when we stole each other’s genders in the womb

violets are blue rosie is me: this is true this is true but you’re still a bitch

ace attorney irl: large hazelnut coffee, two sugars, please

snesbian (snake lesbian): large dark roast, black

soda poppy: medium decaf coffee, two ounces of almond milk, and two pumps of sugar syrup!

gin(ny) and tonic: large caramel latte

lo tide: You . . . are going to ride in the car with me to pick up the coffee, we can order our own coffees. I do not need your order, love.

lo tide: But I appreciate the information <3 <3

*~*~*~*~*

“We come bearing gifts,” Virginia announces loudly. “And by gifts, I mean we bought a baker’s dozen of cinnamon crunch bagels for everybody.”

“Well, there are twelve cinnamon crunch bagels and one plain bagel, bagged separately, for me,” Logan corrects, expertly balancing two coffee trays with a bagel container. “Also, we made more brownies.”

Poppy looks up from where she’s instructing two high-schoolers on how to hang a sign properly and grins, waving brightly. Jan is leaning on the table, hand on her head, sipping at a water bottle.

“Vodka or whiskey?” Logan asks dryly, handing over Jan’s black coffee. Jan blinks at her, flips her off, and drains a long swig from her cup.

“Water. Partied a little too hard with Remy last night, and now I’m hungover as shit.”

“We suspected as much, which is why we brought you an extra coffee.”

“Lifesaver,” Jan says, knocking back another long drag of coffee before taking a sip of her water bottle. (Logan suspects the bottle is actually Poppy’s, due to the sun-shiney stickers plastered all over it.) “You and Poppy both. But if you tell anyone that, I’ll gut you like a fish."

“No, you won’t,” Logan says, turning to hand Rosie and Remus their respective drinks. “You never do.”

Jan flips her off, but Virginia comes up behind her and leans her forehead against her shoulder. Logan turns, kissing her forehead, and smiles.

Life is good today, she thinks. Life is good.

(screen names!

virgin -> gin(ny) and tonic; ginny <3 = virginia (virgil)

lo tide = logan

snesbian (snake lesbian) = jan (janus)

soda poppy = poppy (patton)

ace attorney irl = remus

violets are blue rosie is me = rosie (roman) (thanks to @rosesisupposes for letting me borrow your screen name for this!)

[tohidulislam2129-blog]

Tampa Bay Lightning - Detroit Red Wings

The Lightning head to Detroit in the wake of winning out and about in Boston yesterday. The group should battle a genuine aftereffect impact in the event that they need abstain from dropping focuses against the most noticeably awful group in the NHL. In almost every manner, this is a great snare game.

The Lightning beat probably the best group in the NHL in the Bruins the previous evening. The game, which was a potential future season finisher arrangement see, gained out of power as far as genuineness with different line fights. Consuming that kind of physical and enthusiastic vitality will unavoidably prompt an adrenaline dump after the game.

To aggravate the looming headache, the Red Wings are horrendous. It is hard to discover inspiration against such a powerless rival on an ordinary day. In any case, on a day quickly following what occurred in Boston? It appears to be practically sure that the Lightning will battle to find a workable pace game speed today around evening time. What's more, for no reason in particular, the time changed the previous evening meaning the group's typical routine will probably be disturbed.

Indeed, a great group should at present figure out how to win against an awful group regardless of the conditions. Be that as it may, as far as trap game notice signs, this one is setting off all the alerts. So prepare your headache fixes. We're going to require them. About Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are an expert ice hockey group situated in Tampa, Florida. They contend in the National Hockey League (NHL) as an individual from the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The club has won one Stanley Cup title in their history, in 2003–04. The group is frequently alluded to as the Bolts, and the moniker was utilized on the previous third shirts. The Lightning plays home games in Amalie Arena in Tampa.

The proprietor of the Lightning is Jeffrey Vinik, while Julien BriseBois fills in as senior supervisor. The group is presently instructed by Jon Cooper, who has driven the group since 2013.

In the late 1980s, the NHL declared it would extend. Two adversary bunches from the Tampa Bay Area chose to offer for an establishment: a St. Petersburg-based gathering fronted by future Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes proprietors Peter Karmanos and Jim Rutherford, and a Tampa-based gathering fronted by two Hall of Famers—Phil Esposito and his sibling Tony. One of the Esposito gathering's key patrons, the Pritzker family, pulled out a couple of months before the offer, to be supplanted by a consortium of Japanese organizations headed by Kokusai Green, a fairway and resort administrator. On paper, it resembled the Karmanos/Rutherford bunch had the more steady offer; be that as it may, it needed to pay just $29 million preceding beginning play, while the Espositos were one of only a handful scarcely any gatherings ready to pay the alliance's $50 million development expense up front.[4] The Esposito gathering would win the extension establishment on December 6, 1990,[5] and name the group the Lightning, after Tampa Bay's status as the "Lightning Capital of North America."

In the wake of being granted the establishment, Phil Esposito introduced himself as president and head supervisor, while Tony became boss scout. Terry Crisp, who played for the Philadelphia Flyers when they won two Stanley Cups in the mid-1970s and instructed the Calgary Flames to a Stanley Cup in 1989, was tapped as the principal lead trainer. Phil Esposito additionally procured previous colleagues from the Boston Bruins of the 1970s, including previous linemate Wayne Cashman as an associate mentor and previous Bruin coach John "Cold" Forristal as the group's mentor. The debut group photograph has him flanked by Cashman and player Ken Hodge, Jr., child of his other Bruins' linemate.

The Lightning knocked some people's socks off in the pre-season when Manon Rheaume turned into the principal lady to play in a NHL game, which additionally made her the main lady to play in any of the significant expert North American games associations. She played for the Lightning against the St. Louis Blues, and halted seven of nine shots.[6][7]

The Lightning played their first ordinary season game on October 7, 1992 in Tampa's little 11,000-seat Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. They stunned the meeting Chicago Blackhawks 7–3 with four objectives by little-known Chris Kontos. The group shot to the highest point of the Campbell Conference's Norris Division inside a month, behind Kontos' underlying torrid scoring pace and a breakout season by forward Brian Bradley. Be that as it may, it clasped under the strain of the absolute longest excursions in the NHL—their closest division rival, the Blues, were more than 1,000 miles away—and completed in last spot with a record of 23–54–7 for 53 focuses. This was, at that point, outstanding amongst other ever showings by a NHL development group. Bradley's 42 objectives gave Tampa Bay fans positive thinking for the following season; it would be a group record until the 2006–07 season.

The accompanying season saw the Lightning movement toward the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, just as move into the Florida Suncoast Dome (a structure initially intended for baseball) in St. Petersburg, which was reconfigured for hockey and renamed the "ThunderDome."[8] The group obtained goaltender Daren Puppa, left wing objective scorer Petr Klima, and veteran forward Denis Savard. While Puppa's play brought about a noteworthy improvement in objectives permitted (from 332 to 251), Savard was long over the hill and Klima's scoring was counterbalanced by his guarded slips. The Lightning completed rearward in the Atlantic Division in 1993–94 with a record of 30–43–11 for 71 focuses. Another frustrating season followed in the lockout-abbreviated 1994–95 season with a record of 17–28–3 for 37 focuses. About  Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are an expert ice hockey group situated in Detroit. They contend in the National Hockey League (NHL) as an individual from the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference,[3] and are one of the Original Six groups of the league.[4] Founded in 1926, the group was known as the Detroit Cougars until 1930. For the 1930–31 and 1931–32 seasons the group was known as the Detroit Falcons, and in 1932 changed their name to the Red Wings.[5]

Starting at 2020, the Red Wings have won the most Stanley Cup titles of any NHL establishment situated in the United States (11)[6] and are third generally speaking in complete Stanley Cup titles, behind the Montreal Canadiens (24) and Toronto Maple Leafs (13). The Wings played their home games at Joe Louis Arena from 1979 until 2017, subsequent to playing for a long time in Olympia Stadium. They moved into the new Little Caesars Arena starting with the 2017–18 season. The Red Wings are one of the most famous and fruitful establishments in the NHL; fans and sports analysts allude to the Detroit territory as "Hockeytown", which has been an enrolled trademark possessed by the establishment since 1996.[7]

Between the 1931–32 and 1965–66 seasons, the Red Wings missed the end of the season games just multiple times. Between the 1966–67 and 1982–83 seasons, the Red Wings made the end of the season games just multiple times. In any case, from there on, from 1983–84 to 2015–16, they made the end of the season games multiple times in 32 seasons, including 25-directly from 1990–91 to 2015–16 (not including the dropped 2004–05 season), in 2006 this turned into the longest dynamic dash of postseason appearances in all of North American elite athletics and completed tied for the third longest streak in NHL history. Since 1983–84, the Red Wings have counted six normal season in front of the pack completes and have won the Stanley Cup multiple times (1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008).

Following the 1926 Stanley Cup end of the season games, during which the Western Hockey League (WHL) was broadly answered to be nearly folding,[8] the NHL held a gathering on April 17 to consider applications for development establishments, at which it was accounted for that five unique gatherings looked for a group for Detroit.[9] During an ensuing gathering on May 15, the association affirmed an establishment to the Townsend-Seyburn gathering of Detroit and named Charles A. Hughes as governor.[10] Frank and Lester Patrick, the proprietors of the WHL, made an arrangement to offer the class' players to the NHL and stop alliance tasks. The new Detroit establishment bought the players of the WHL's Victoria Cougars, who had won the Stanley Cup in 1925 and had made the Finals the past winter, to play for the group. The new Detroit establishment likewise embraced the Cougars' moniker out of appreciation for the collapsed franchise.[11]

Since no field in Detroit was prepared at that point, the Cougars played their first season at the Border Cities Arena in Windsor, Ontario.[12][13] For the 1927–28 season, the Cougars moved into the new Detroit Olympia, which would be their home arena until December 15, 1979.[14] This was likewise the principal season behind the seat for Jack Adams, who might be the substance of the establishment for the following 36 years as either mentor or general manager.[15]

The Cougars made the Stanley Cup end of the season games without precedent for 1929 with Carson Cooper driving the group in scoring.[12][16] The Cougars were outscored 7–2 in the two-game arrangement with the Toronto Maple Leafs.[17] In 1930, the Cougars were renamed the Falcons, yet their troubles proceeded, as they normally completed close to the base of the standings, despite the fact that they made the end of the season games again in 1932.[18][19][20][21]

In 1932, the NHL let grain vendor James E. Norris, who had made two past fruitless offers to purchase a NHL group, buy the Falcons. Norris' first demonstration was to pick another name for the group—the Red Wings. Prior in the century, Norris had been an individual from the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA), a multi-sport club whose winged-wheel seal got from its cycling roots, and whose hockey group won the main Stanley Cup in 1893. Norris concluded that a red form of the MAAA "Winged Wheelers" logo was ideal for a group playing in the "Engine City" and on October 5, 1932, the club was renamed the Red Wings.[22] Norris likewise put mentor Jack Adams on a one-year probation for the 1932–33 NHL season.[23] Adams figured out how to pass his trial period by driving the renamed establishment to its first-since forever season finisher arrangement triumph, over the Montreal Maroons.[24] The group at that point lost in the semi-finals to the New York Rangers.[25] visit my website.

[windcityptwyo]

Snowshoe Basics

I signed up to do a 72-hour adventure race in Florida in February. This is very exciting, especially since I am training in Wyoming, for a race in a warm, humid climate. Oh well, what’s a girl to do when she likes to challenge herself with athletic endeavors. As I thought about some fun ways to train, snowshoeing kept rising to the top of the list.  

During the winter season, it’s important to keep exercising—even though it’s cold. Snowshoeing allows you to relax and take in the sights, or power through and get a good cardio workout in.  Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to get out and explore the beautifully snow-blanketed landscape that abounds in Wyoming. Casper has an amazing system of groomed, partially groomed and ungroomed trails so you can snowshoe to your heart’s content.

Like running, snowshoeing can be enjoyed in solitude or as a group activity. People of all ages can enjoy the sport together—the learning curve of snowshoeing is much less steep than that of skiing or snowboarding.

Here are the basics for your first-time snowshoeing:

Snowshoes: Before you go out and have fun on the trails, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right snowshoes. There are different types of snowshoes depending on the terrain - Recreational, Backcountry, and Racing. Recreational shoes are best for families and beginners. Backcountry shoes are built for just that, and work for people who blaze their own trails. Racing shoes are for those athletes looking to diversify their winter training on snowshoe trails.  Rental snowshoes are inexpensive and easy to find, and there’s no expert training needed to start — just put one foot in front of the other.

Wear suitable boots and socks: The good news is that snowshoes adjust to fit pretty much any type of boot or shoe. So, your main concern is to wear something that keeps your feet comfortably warm and dry. Insulated, waterproof winter boots with thick soles and rubber or leather uppers are ideal, but sturdy waterproof leather hiking boots can also work. Wool or synthetic socks that wick sweat is a must—carry an extra pair in case yours get soaked.

Dress in (non-cotton) layers: As always when exercising outdoors, dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to suit your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton because it can get soaked and chill you, and instead choose synthetics or wool styles because they wick moisture and retain warmth even when wet. Note: Cross-country ski clothing is designed for aerobic winter activity, and can do double-duty as snowshoe clothing.

Base layer: Choose a lightweight or mid-weight base layer based on the temperature forecast and your activity level. A zippered top lets you vent as you heat up and zip up for warmth during rest stops.

Mid layer: Soft-shell jackets and pants make good insulating mid-layers because they retain heat when wet, move freely and breathe as you exercise. Polyester fleece mid-layers can also work in a pinch.

Outer layer: For your outer layer, choose a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants to help keep you dry, and fend off wind. Pit zips are a good idea for added ventilation because you’ll be working up a sweat and you don’t want to overheat.

Hat and gloves/mittens:  Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn. A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat during cold, blustery days; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. You can also combine waterproof/breathable shells with wool liners or light fleece gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need, but have a backup waterproof pair with you, just in case.

Bring adjustable poles with snow baskets (optional, but recommended)

Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from UV rays, which are more intense when reflected off of snow, and can cause both sunburns and snow blindness.

Gaiters keep snow out of your boots. For deep powder, you need a high style with waterproof/breathable fabric.

Snowshoe Trail Etiquette

To ensure all winter sports enthusiasts have a great time, here are a few snowshoeing tips. When you are snowshoeing:

Do your research before choosing a trail or heading into the backcountry to ensure you’re prepared. Trails may have restrictions on certain winter sports, uses, and pets. Additionally, backcountry areas may have seasonal closures or safety restrictions.

Follow Leave No Trace principles whether on a trail or in the backcountry. If you bring it in, pack it out.

It’s okay to go off-trail when snowshoeing. Just be mindful to choose areas with ample snowfall and avoid areas where plants are peeking out of the snow to preserve vegetation.

Avoid stepping on ski or machine-made tracks with your snowshoes. Instead, walk next to the tracks or break your own trail.

The faster hiker always has the right of way. Step to the side if faster hikers are behind you.  Allow the downhill hiker/skier proceed first.

Consider and understand your limits.

In relation to planning ahead, there is nothing wrong with a half-hour hike – planned 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back. Shorter hikes are great, especially if you are trying out new snowshoes or are unsure of your endurance level.

By starting slowly and planning for short routes, you can build up your level of adventure once you gain confidence and ability. It’s important to listen to your body and plan your snowshoeing adventure in accordance with any injuries or illnesses as well.

Hydration is not just for summer sports.

While hydration is a keyword connected to many summer activities, and while most hikers would never head out on an adventure without a bottle of water, the same consideration is not given to winter activities and it should be.

Just because you don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, that doesn’t mean your body isn’t using and losing water. Cold, dry air will work to dehydrate you more quickly and you will still sweat under your layers, even if you don’t feel hot.

Understand that the work of movement under the weight of extra clothing, and with snowshoes strapped to you, means you will sweat, despite the cold. Forget the fact that you don’t feel hot. Understand that sweat is often trapped under layers or and it will evaporate quickly in the cold so you may not be aware of it.

[handsonptcheyenne]

Snowshoe Basics

I signed up to do a 72-hour adventure race in Florida in February. This is very exciting, especially since I am training in Wyoming, for a race in a warm, humid climate. Oh well, what’s a girl to do when she likes to challenge herself with athletic endeavors. As I thought about some fun ways to train, snowshoeing kept rising to the top of the list.  

During the winter season, it’s important to keep exercising—even though it’s cold. Snowshoeing allows you to relax and take in the sights, or power through and get a good cardio workout in.  Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to get out and explore the beautifully snow-blanketed landscape that abounds in Wyoming. Casper has an amazing system of groomed, partially groomed and ungroomed trails so you can snowshoe to your heart’s content.

Like running, snowshoeing can be enjoyed in solitude or as a group activity. People of all ages can enjoy the sport together—the learning curve of snowshoeing is much less steep than that of skiing or snowboarding.

Here are the basics for your first-time snowshoeing:

Snowshoes: Before you go out and have fun on the trails, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right snowshoes. There are different types of snowshoes depending on the terrain - Recreational, Backcountry, and Racing. Recreational shoes are best for families and beginners. Backcountry shoes are built for just that, and work for people who blaze their own trails. Racing shoes are for those athletes looking to diversify their winter training on snowshoe trails.  Rental snowshoes are inexpensive and easy to find, and there’s no expert training needed to start — just put one foot in front of the other.

Wear suitable boots and socks: The good news is that snowshoes adjust to fit pretty much any type of boot or shoe. So, your main concern is to wear something that keeps your feet comfortably warm and dry. Insulated, waterproof winter boots with thick soles and rubber or leather uppers are ideal, but sturdy waterproof leather hiking boots can also work. Wool or synthetic socks that wick sweat is a must—carry an extra pair in case yours get soaked.

Dress in (non-cotton) layers: As always when exercising outdoors, dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to suit your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton because it can get soaked and chill you, and instead choose synthetics or wool styles because they wick moisture and retain warmth even when wet. Note: Cross-country ski clothing is designed for aerobic winter activity, and can do double-duty as snowshoe clothing.

Base layer: Choose a lightweight or mid-weight base layer based on the temperature forecast and your activity level. A zippered top lets you vent as you heat up and zip up for warmth during rest stops.

Mid layer: Soft-shell jackets and pants make good insulating mid-layers because they retain heat when wet, move freely and breathe as you exercise. Polyester fleece mid-layers can also work in a pinch.

Outer layer: For your outer layer, choose a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants to help keep you dry, and fend off wind. Pit zips are a good idea for added ventilation because you’ll be working up a sweat and you don’t want to overheat.

Hat and gloves/mittens:  Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn. A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat during cold, blustery days; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. You can also combine waterproof/breathable shells with wool liners or light fleece gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need, but have a backup waterproof pair with you, just in case.

Bring adjustable poles with snow baskets (optional, but recommended)

Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from UV rays, which are more intense when reflected off of snow, and can cause both sunburns and snow blindness.

Gaiters keep snow out of your boots. For deep powder, you need a high style with waterproof/breathable fabric.

Snowshoe Trail Etiquette

To ensure all winter sports enthusiasts have a great time, here are a few snowshoeing tips. When you are snowshoeing:

Do your research before choosing a trail or heading into the backcountry to ensure you’re prepared. Trails may have restrictions on certain winter sports, uses, and pets. Additionally, backcountry areas may have seasonal closures or safety restrictions.

Follow Leave No Trace principles whether on a trail or in the backcountry. If you bring it in, pack it out.

It’s okay to go off-trail when snowshoeing. Just be mindful to choose areas with ample snowfall and avoid areas where plants are peeking out of the snow to preserve vegetation.

Avoid stepping on ski or machine-made tracks with your snowshoes. Instead, walk next to the tracks or break your own trail.

The faster hiker always has the right of way. Step to the side if faster hikers are behind you.  Allow the downhill hiker/skier proceed first.

Consider and understand your limits.

In relation to planning ahead, there is nothing wrong with a half-hour hike – planned 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back. Shorter hikes are great, especially if you are trying out new snowshoes or are unsure of your endurance level.

By starting slowly and planning for short routes, you can build up your level of adventure once you gain confidence and ability. It’s important to listen to your body and plan your snowshoeing adventure in accordance with any injuries or illnesses as well.

Hydration is not just for summer sports.

While hydration is a keyword connected to many summer activities, and while most hikers would never head out on an adventure without a bottle of water, the same consideration is not given to winter activities and it should be.

Just because you don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, that doesn’t mean your body isn’t using and losing water. Cold, dry air will work to dehydrate you more quickly and you will still sweat under your layers, even if you don’t feel hot.

Understand that the work of movement under the weight of extra clothing, and with snowshoes strapped to you, means you will sweat, despite the cold. Forget the fact that you don’t feel hot. Understand that sweat is often trapped under layers or and it will evaporate quickly in the cold so you may not be aware of it.

[highcountrypt]

Snowshoe Basics

I signed up to do a 72-hour adventure race in Florida in February. This is very exciting, especially since I am training in Wyoming, for a race in a warm, humid climate. Oh well, what’s a girl to do when she likes to challenge herself with athletic endeavors. As I thought about some fun ways to train, snowshoeing kept rising to the top of the list.  

During the winter season, it’s important to keep exercising—even though it’s cold. Snowshoeing allows you to relax and take in the sights, or power through and get a good cardio workout in.  Snowshoeing is one of the simplest ways to get out and explore the beautifully snow-blanketed landscape that abounds in Wyoming. Casper has an amazing system of groomed, partially groomed and ungroomed trails so you can snowshoe to your heart’s content.

Like running, snowshoeing can be enjoyed in solitude or as a group activity. People of all ages can enjoy the sport together—the learning curve of snowshoeing is much less steep than that of skiing or snowboarding.

Here are the basics for your first-time snowshoeing:

Snowshoes: Before you go out and have fun on the trails, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right snowshoes. There are different types of snowshoes depending on the terrain - Recreational, Backcountry, and Racing. Recreational shoes are best for families and beginners. Backcountry shoes are built for just that, and work for people who blaze their own trails. Racing shoes are for those athletes looking to diversify their winter training on snowshoe trails.  Rental snowshoes are inexpensive and easy to find, and there’s no expert training needed to start — just put one foot in front of the other.

Wear suitable boots and socks: The good news is that snowshoes adjust to fit pretty much any type of boot or shoe. So, your main concern is to wear something that keeps your feet comfortably warm and dry. Insulated, waterproof winter boots with thick soles and rubber or leather uppers are ideal, but sturdy waterproof leather hiking boots can also work. Wool or synthetic socks that wick sweat is a must—carry an extra pair in case yours get soaked.

Dress in (non-cotton) layers: As always when exercising outdoors, dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to suit your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton because it can get soaked and chill you, and instead choose synthetics or wool styles because they wick moisture and retain warmth even when wet. Note: Cross-country ski clothing is designed for aerobic winter activity, and can do double-duty as snowshoe clothing.

Base layer: Choose a lightweight or mid-weight base layer based on the temperature forecast and your activity level. A zippered top lets you vent as you heat up and zip up for warmth during rest stops.

Mid layer: Soft-shell jackets and pants make good insulating mid-layers because they retain heat when wet, move freely and breathe as you exercise. Polyester fleece mid-layers can also work in a pinch.

Outer layer: For your outer layer, choose a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants to help keep you dry, and fend off wind. Pit zips are a good idea for added ventilation because you’ll be working up a sweat and you don’t want to overheat.

Hat and gloves/mittens:  Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn. A wool or synthetic hat, headband or balaclava retains heat during cold, blustery days; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days. Waterproof ski gloves or mittens are a must to keep your hands dry and warm. You can also combine waterproof/breathable shells with wool liners or light fleece gloves. In milder conditions, glove liners may be all you need, but have a backup waterproof pair with you, just in case.

Bring adjustable poles with snow baskets (optional, but recommended)

Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from UV rays, which are more intense when reflected off of snow, and can cause both sunburns and snow blindness.

Gaiters keep snow out of your boots. For deep powder, you need a high style with waterproof/breathable fabric.

Snowshoe Trail Etiquette

To ensure all winter sports enthusiasts have a great time, here are a few snowshoeing tips. When you are snowshoeing:

Do your research before choosing a trail or heading into the backcountry to ensure you’re prepared. Trails may have restrictions on certain winter sports, uses, and pets. Additionally, backcountry areas may have seasonal closures or safety restrictions.

Follow Leave No Trace principles whether on a trail or in the backcountry. If you bring it in, pack it out.

It’s okay to go off-trail when snowshoeing. Just be mindful to choose areas with ample snowfall and avoid areas where plants are peeking out of the snow to preserve vegetation.

Avoid stepping on ski or machine-made tracks with your snowshoes. Instead, walk next to the tracks or break your own trail.

The faster hiker always has the right of way. Step to the side if faster hikers are behind you.  Allow the downhill hiker/skier proceed first.

Consider and understand your limits.

In relation to planning ahead, there is nothing wrong with a half-hour hike – planned 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back. Shorter hikes are great, especially if you are trying out new snowshoes or are unsure of your endurance level.

By starting slowly and planning for short routes, you can build up your level of adventure once you gain confidence and ability. It’s important to listen to your body and plan your snowshoeing adventure in accordance with any injuries or illnesses as well.

Hydration is not just for summer sports.

While hydration is a keyword connected to many summer activities, and while most hikers would never head out on an adventure without a bottle of water, the same consideration is not given to winter activities and it should be.

Just because you don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, that doesn’t mean your body isn’t using and losing water. Cold, dry air will work to dehydrate you more quickly and you will still sweat under your layers, even if you don’t feel hot.

Understand that the work of movement under the weight of extra clothing, and with snowshoes strapped to you, means you will sweat, despite the cold. Forget the fact that you don’t feel hot. Understand that sweat is often trapped under layers or and it will evaporate quickly in the cold so you may not be aware of it.

[musingsofazumbamind]

9 Tips for 9 Days Out: The Road to #zincon2019

Treat these 9 tips with a caveat of “if you want to”... these all have purpose for me but may not be the right “to do list” for you.

1. Do they know you’re leaving?

Tell or remind colleagues at work and your boss which days you will be gone

Call your bank and credit card companies, who may already know from your purchasing habits that you will be taking a trip but the clarity is important. You really did buy that costume including the bow and arrow set on the same day you bought a flight to Orlando.

Remind your significant other, children and dog that you will be going away for a few days and it’s important!

2. Fill a bunch of buckets now!

Give 200% in your classes, they are going to miss you while you are gone!

Remember and specifically pay into the Love Language of your significant other or most needy friend. Are they Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch or Acts of Service? 

Get in the pool with the kids! Do the fancy box braids now! Try the science experiment that came as a gift for Christmas. Treat the kids as a priority before you prepare for ZinCon, especially if you are a parent who “never does this”.

3. Consider your transportation.

Flight, train, bus all set?

Need an app to get around Orlando, like Lyft or Uber? Download it now.

Take a look at who is helping you get from the airport to the hotel. I suggest Mike or Patrizio, they also take you to a grocery store before the hotel, their contact information is in the files of the Official ZinCon Group on Facebook. (Did you already join the official Zincon Facebook group?!?!)

Take a look at who is dropping you at the airport and bringing you back home, sore and exhausted. Consider how you might remind them gently now that they are doing this, and think of how you will thank them when the time comes.

Will your transportation accommodate you buying food at a grocery store, or will you buy fresh items from the Walgreens across the street or the Publix about a mile away?

4. This week is the time to print!

Tickets or itinerary for flight

Confirmation for the hotel or other fun you will be having in Orlando

When the registration email comes, print your barcode and session handouts

Make a copy of your ID or passport for the front pocket of your checked luggage, just in case it gets lost

Pre-Convention or Post-Convention party tickets

5. Let’s talk about our health…

Refill necessary prescriptions

Bringing your c-pap machine to sleep (or other necessary medical devices)? Replace the tubes and face mask cover now.

Something aching? Call your doctor or nurse on call to ask questions. Questions over the phone are free!

Make necessary appointments, especially if you need to make them for medicine refills

6. Make THE LIST and start packing. You will need at least one, large, functional and wheeled piece of luggage.

With printed #zincon itinerary in hand, treat each segment of the day as a reminder of what you will need. Each session, masterclass, training or party will need:

A dry outfit meant for movement (I have 9 segments not including Fitness Concert and Theme Party, so I pack 9 outfits and buy 1 outfit at the Zumbawear store)

Socks (if I pack this way for my particular schedule I end up having 10 pairs)

Underwear (if I pack this way for my particular schedule I end up with 12)

Appropriate shoes (I pack 2 different fitness shoes for session, 1 functional sandal/between sessions shoe, 1 nice but comfortable pair of dressy sandals for the afterparty

Accessories (i.e. soca sessions ask you to bring a bandana or flag; #jamjunkies like bringing highlighters to the sessions; Theme Night will need all the layers and fun items for your costume)

A way to carry small items, especially at the Fitness Concert where backpacks are not permitted. I use a hip belt for running that fits along my waistline. Some folks have a wrist pouch for just their room key. Or yes, invest in a fanny pack that you only use 1 night a year!

Having the play-by-play of what those 4-5 days will include will give you a sense of space in your luggage. You may want to leave room to purchase those daily outfits or shoes at Convention, especially if your costume (including a wig or wings or crossbow that takes up space) can be thrown out or left in the room. I always leave space for the one outfit I will buy and wear at Convention.

I know folks who hand wash some of their belongings and drip dry them at night to make room in their luggage. Maybe ask your roommates if they mind you doing this as it takes up space.

Leave room for what you know you need to purchase. Things like:

Souvenirs for your people and/or pets

Clothing or items from the Zumbawear store. Not just for yourself-- some folks might send you on a specific mission to buy what comes out that week! You may want to check the outlet store for giveaway items for folks in your classes. 

If you aren’t comfortable traveling with a certain something, just know it will cost at least 50% more in Florida. (I ALWAYS pack my sunscreen but some folks don’t like doing that for fear it might explode in flight. My favorite brand costs $24 in the hotel store, so it just makes sense to bring it for me.)

Many folks like ZJ Ria from Michigan and ZJ Court from Arizona pack each segment in its own gallon sized Ziploc bag and mark it with the day and session where it will be worn.

I always make my carry-on the “One Happy Day in Florida Bag”. It holds my small purse with a credit card, medicine, makeup, ID, a swimsuit, fitness shoes, socks, underwear, reading material and my phone and phone charger and I ALWAYS wear Zumbawear on the plane. It’s a conversation starter for sure! I feel like I could purchase, or have help from Home Office, for anything not packed in that bag.

7. Outside of your daily packing for Zincon itself, take a look at what you need to THRIVE. I pretend I’m living in my normal day for that.

Vitamins & meds

Water Bottle

Deodorant, light-smelling body spray, body wipes

Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Hair brush, comb

Flat iron, bobby pins

Makeup

Sunscreen, hat if you want more coverage from the sun

Fiber, tums, ibuprofen

Functional shoes like running sneakers or athletic sandals for wearing between sessions

Shoe inserts or toe separators, whatever brace your ankle needs while you sleep (if you use them, definitely keep using them at Convention!)

Backpack (if you use the one we all get in our free swag, be sure to label it very specifically as yours--bandana on the loop, giant tassels, loud key chains)

One sweatshirt or light jacket -- the OCCC is the coldest building in all of Florida, especially when you’re sweaty!

Notebook & pen or some other organizational system like your ipad or a binder and markers

Pajamas

Something from home to help you sleep. Melatonin? Your diffuser? A pic of your family? A stuffed animal? A symbol of your faith for stillness and meditation? Every day will be exhausting in the best way, and although your body will say “SLEEP” your brain may still be racing.

Swimsuit

Sunglasses

Chargers and devices, I especially like wearing a Fitbit at Convention but I have actually forgotten the charging brick. The step counts are insane! Get ready!

One non-athletic outfit. At some point a sundress or a t-shirt and shorts will feel really nice!

*Note* If you are heading to a club at any point, maybe the pre- or post-convention party, consider non-athletic wear especially where you feel confident and comfortable. Many clubs will not allow you in if you are wearing Zumbawear.

8. Consider all your plug items or devices. Ask yourself the following questions:

If I LOVE to take pictures, which device will do that and does it have the space for 1,000 pictures? If not, start deleting and backing up as necessary.

Do I need batteries for what I’m bringing and do I have those batteries? Think of your white noise machine, your electric toothbrush, your portable hair crimper…

Is this something I need to THRIVE for only 4-5 days of a fitness convention? 

Is a roommate already bringing something on this required list? Some roommates plan each “required” item--one friend brings the blender, one the K-cup coffee maker, one the mega box of K-cups and one the flat irons.

*Note* You can look online to see what your hotel includes. Some already have small coffee makers, hair dryers, a fridge, toiletries and irons.

9. And now, time to recover! Wait, what?

Convention is a whirlwind, a neon-filled Disney for the happiest and most passionate fitness instructors in the world. What will you need to start each day, end each night, with positive intentions?

Foam roller

Essential oils

Ice packs

Yoga mat

Emu oil, Biofreeze, Tiger Balm, Icy Hot or other topical creams

STRETCH now, especially your neck, and get it ready for looking upward at tall stages or getting “Apeshit” in the Beyonce session. Stretch each night at Zincon before bed and again in the morning if you can. There are also mindfulness or yoga opportunities in the mornings before sessions start--check your badge for the location.

ICE and be smart now, because whatever aches today will ache exponentially in Florida.

FINISH what’s hanging, like your Theme Night costume, the puzzle on your coffee table, the giant project for work or those haircuts for your kids. The less on that reality To Do List, the more open your brain will feel for Zincon.

REST and RESET now, as you can, because learning, loving, hugging, smiling, listening, moving and feeling all deplete your emotional and physical stores. But also, learning, loving, hugging, smiling, listening, moving and feeling will refill your quality of instruction and energy for the rest of the year. It’s absolutely worth it!!

See you soon, #zinmembers!!

[tonkiable]

Army of two masks gallery

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. Masks are based on instructions from University of Florida Health, two layers of tightly woven cotton fabric. Justin Farrer, a parachute rigger from the 19th Special Forces Group cuts fabric masks to protect Utah National Guard Soldiers during the Covid-19 Pandemic Apon Camp Williams. This article first appeared last year.CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah - Spc. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on. Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. More information will be provided about these discussions in 2021 after Senior Leader decisions are made the Army noted. Additionally, the AUB discussed additional clothing articles, including items for new and expecting mothers. Form, fit, and function evaluations are expected to occur in Q3 of FY21. Prototypes of the APFU-M are in development and the Army is working with the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps on their respective past maternity uniform efforts in order to expedite pattern development. These include an Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform-Female (IHWCU-F), which is expected to be added to the clothing bag in Q4 FY21 and available for purchase in Q2 FY22 a Hot Weather Combat Boot-Improved (HW ACB-I), expected to transition to DLA Troop Support for new contracting action in Q2 of FY21 and available for purchase by FY24 Black Athletic Socks, estimated to be available in the clothing bag in Q2 of FY22 and the Army Physical Fitness Uniform-Maternity (APFU-M). Leaders were asked to use their “best judgment” regarding the color cloth and design of face masks, while soldiers were instructed to replace items that became soiled, damaged or difficult to breathe through.īeyond the face masks, the AUB also received updates on the implementation status of four other uniform changes from the 151st AUB, which took place in June 2020. Any fabrics used for face coverings are required to be subdued and conform to the uniform. The guidelines also stated that the soldiers may not wear masks that have “PRINTED WORDING, PROFANITY, RACIST, DEMEANING OR DEROGATORY LOGOS, SCRIPT OR IMAGERY.” Moreover, soldiers are not allowed to cut up clothing materials such as the Army Combat Uniforms to use for face masks as those materials may have been treated with chemicals. THE ITEM MUST ALSO BE SECURED OR FASTENED TO THE FACE IN A MANNER THAT ALLOWS THE SOLDIER TO BREATHE WHILE ALSO PREVENTING DISEASE EXPOSURE OR CONTAMINATION.” TO PROTECT THE FACIAL AREA, THE CLOTH ITEM MUST COVER THE MOUTH AND NOSE AND EXTEND TO THE CHIN OR BELOW AS WELL AS TO THE SIDES OF THE FACE. Army guidelines for face coverings stated, “SOLDIERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR THE NECK GAITER AND OTHER CLOTH ITEMS, SUCH AS BANDANAS AND SCARVES, AS FACE MASKS. Whereas it can normally take 18 to 24 months for the DLA to make an item available for order once the technical description, design and components are approved and slated-the CCFC, from inception to issuance, is slated to take less than a year. The Army noted that the CCFC was designed, developed and produced along an expedited timeline.

[withawildheart]

Main Muses & Their Fashion Sense

Zara has always been a fashion forward individual. Growing up, she was very familiar with fashion designer names and having the best thing at the time. Seeing her in last year’s designs? Never. Jeans are a very rare thing in her closet but when she does wear them, they are $200 pairs. Normally, she is in dresses or blouses with skirts or slacks, in prints and patterns that a normal person couldn’t pull off but everything that Zara wears looks like it belongs on her. She always believed in leaving the house looking her very best even on her worst days. She’s a big shoe person and tried to get a second closet built in her house with Bully just for her shoes but he told her that was ridiculous and he needed his own space too. As a fashion designer, she wears a lot of her own designs, keeps her makeup to a minimal and her jewelry as well. She always has her wedding ring on and isn’t afraid to rock a statement necklace from time to time. The only time she wears more “comfortable” things like sweatpants and her husband’s shirt is in the house on days when she has nothing to do which is quite rare for the mother of four.

The fun part about Caterina is the fact she grew up with MUCH more money than Zara did but you would have never known because she’s such a down to earth kind of gal. Rina is the time to wear jeans and a cute t-shirt with some fun saying or showing off her feminist views especially in high school. She wasn’t afraid to wear skirts with a pair of sandals and a cute shirt from time to time but she liked to be comfortable and relatable. So it wasn’t shocking to see her in a pair of leggings and her Uggs in the fall or wearing sweatpants to school in the middle of spring. When she moved to Hawaii, she moved to more sundresses or tank tops with shirts, a very relaxed style. Heels were never much of her thing but when she did dress up once in a blue moon, she did have fun because she knew it was only for a few hours. Jewelry was never much of thing for her either and she was another one who kept her makeup to a minimal. After high school, she played around with her hair a bit to get away from her family’s name and their expectations. 

Ruby was always my girl who kept it simple. She as a huge nerd so she definitely wore a shit ton of graphic tees with different shows / movies / videogames on them with a pair of shorts. Yes, she’s the type to wear shorts when it’s 50 degrees outside but she was used to the cold before moving down to Florida and even when she moved to NYC with Boone for college, she still felt like it didn’t always get as cold as her hometown used to. Otherwise, she’s in a pair of ripped jeans and boots. She LOVES her boots, most of the time she has them on. She’s a very simple girl, wears eyeliner almost every day and when it comes to her hair, she didn’t start trying something new until college when she went blonde for a year before back to black then red then so forth.... She loves going to thrift shops because she’s literally a starving artist and an elementary school art teacher so finding good deals is a plus always. She probably has been wearing some of the same pairs of jeans for five years but she loves that worn feeling.

Natalie has always been a very cute person when it comes to her outfits. She was the girl who liked wearing dresses and cardigans together with thigh high socks and a pair of boots in high school. Or she would wear cute tee shirts with a pair of jeans. She was never too worried about fashion until she got older because college is when she really spread her wings. Hats have always been a thing for her, she loves a good hat. She loves bracelets and necklaces too, but is a very natural makeup person (she always keeps it simple). These days, she does wear a lot of business casual because of her job, going for nice blouses and slacks or nice dresses, spending more money on her clothes since she can actually afford some designers. She thinks her husband is hotter than her when it comes to his outfits these days but Natalie can really pull off that messy hair, sundress with sandals look on a summer day. As for her hair, she kept it one way for long, went for bangs during her LA days then cut it short in the last few months and keeps it at the length because it makes her feel more mature in a good way. And oh, when she’s home, she’s all about comfort so tiny athletic shorts or just a big tee shirt. She also loves to get to dress up once in a blue moon.

The most experimental one out of my main group of muses, Jayme has had every color hair in the world it seems like. A lot of her fashion development is her attempt at finding herself after her huge breakup and growing on in the midst of it. She cut all her hair off, dressed as a boy and didn’t care about girly shit for a good year or two. Eventually, she allowed herself to evolve from that but she didn’t really start getting into fashion heavily until her mentor wouldn’t speak to her on the street for looking like a gangbanger. Good times. Jayme likes to rock a sweatsuit then turn around and look drop dead gorgeous in a dress. The running joke between her closest friends is she always has her tits out (she likes to push the envelope with see-through tops sometimes). She always keeps her nails done, likes to play with makeup a bit and she loves her diamonds. Jewelry has been a big thing for her for years now. It’s always a wild guess what Jayme might leave the house in these days but she tries to look sharp as she has gotten more into the public eye.

[jetandivy09]

Wear Classic Shoes With Shorts and Top

Boys give priority to the brand when buying anything. Especially when it comes to buying footwear, it can never happen that they compromise with the brand. They get satisfaction only by wearing branded pairs of shoes. Buy shoes online for boys in ST. Augustine at affordable prices. Well, people say that you can tell a lot about a person by his shoes.

Thanks to the effortlessly cool style and versatility of shorts that can be worn for countless occasions. Instead of choosing what type of shoes to wear, you have to consider whether the shoes will match the style of the shorts you choose or not. While this adaptability makes shorts an easy choice of clothes, they can be incredibly difficult to match with shoes. In short, there is a lot that can go wrong when adding new shoes with shorts. It is necessary to choose the right style of shoes to create a stylish appearance and to avoid any unsightly clashes of shorts and shoes, follow a combination of these shorts and shoes.

Sneaker combination with boy shorts

Want to experiment with street style in a fashion-forward way? Sneakers are one of the best and ultimate choices in shoes. It does not affect your sense of style, as it is casual and comfortable. There is definitely a separate space in everyone's wardrobe for trendy shoes. Sneakers' partnership with shorts gives a cool aesthetic look that is perfect for the summer.

For a casual daytime look, you might want to pair your sneakers with a fitting T-shirt, or else you can try a sneaker with a shirt and chino shorts for a more formal occasion. If you want a sporty look, you can also try sneakers with boys athletic shorts and tops in Florida.

Brogues, For Classic Look

Brogues are a timeless item for men's fashion statement. Not only do they give a clean and stylish look, but they can add a unique touch to any outfit for their different styling. Brogues usually come in two styles: the Oxford with enclosed lacing and the Derby with open lacing.

They are further classified by the different styles and features. Designs include the quarter brogue, half brogue, and full brogue. When styling an outfit, you should remember that a smart and classic shoe will match up with just smart and classic shorts.

Wearing brogues with tailored shorts will create a look that’s perfect for a smart-casual combination. You have to balance it with a classic colored shirt to look a little more luxurious. Just remember to wear the socks and grab a pair of classic sunglasses.

Shorts with a navy print short sleeve shirt will introduce additional style for off-duty routine. To complement your look, complete your outfit with brogues.

[junker-town]

Western Illinois, Year 22, 2028-2029

The Leathernecks embark on Year 22 with three new starters.

Welcome back to our simulated dynasty with the Western Illinois Leathernecks in College Hoops 2K8. You can find a full explanation of this project + spoiler-free links to previous seasons here. Check out the introduction to this series from early April for full context. As a reminder, we simulate every game in this series and only control the recruiting and coaching strategies.

Before we get to Year 22, here’s a recap of everything that happened last season:

Coming off a historically dominant national championship run the previous season for our third title in program history, the Leathernecks entered the new year trying to go back-to-back for the first time. We returned four starters but lost standout wing Wilky Henry to the NBA. We begin the new season ranked No. 18 in the preseason polls.

We went 5-5 in the non-conference schedule before sweeping Summit League play once again. We then captured the Summit League tournament title to lock in our automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. We enter the NCAA tournament as a No. 9 seed at 26-5 on the year.

We beat No. 8 seed Michigan, 87-65, in the first round. Our season came to an end in the round of 32 against No. 1 seed Xavier, who beat us 90-60.

We recruited for four open scholarships. We landed our highest-rated recruit ever and first ever All-American with 6’6 power forward J.J. Bracy, who is ranked No. 24 overall and No. 2 at his position. We also got commitments from four-star point guard Alexis Willingham, No. 2 ranked center Dick Copeland, and four-star shooting guard Skip Clemmons. Our recruiting class ranked No. 5 in America, our best finish yet.

Here’s a look at our roster for Year 22:

We start the year ranked No. 19 in the preseason polls. We’ve rarely been ranked preseason, so this is encouraging especially considering what we lost. Star power forward Allen Cunningham has graduated after one of the best careers in program history. Point guard Tron Whaley and center Pat Giddens have also moved on to the NBA.

This is going to feel like a completely new team even as we return two starters. Let’s meet the lineup. Click on the player’s name to reveal their full ratings.

PG Jamie Burke, redshirt junior, 89 overall: The 6’2 guard enters the starting lineup after backing up Tron the last two years. Burke is the team’s best passer with a 94 rating and has A grades in both speed and quickness. He’s subpar for a shooter (75 rating from behind the arc) but we’ve enjoyed his aggressive drives as a spark plug off the bench. Can he step up his game as he takes over as a starter? Former No. 71 overall recruit.

SG Mathew Alloway, redshirt junior, 91 overall: Alloway has been a starter since his freshman year. Now a junior, we’re depending on him to turn into a star. The 6’7 guard can do it all, blessed with the ideal shoot-dribble-pass skill set for the position while also being a very good defender. The only downside is that his release leads him to often turn three-point attempts into long twos. Alloway feels like our most versatile player. It’s possible we could move him to point guard if we get desperate in the NCAA tournament. Former Mr. Basketball out of Minnesota and No. 31 overall recruit. Projected first round draft pick.

SF Wilbur Ager, redshirt senior, 94 overall: Can Ager take the same senior year jump that Wilky Henry once used to become a Leathernecks legend? Our NCAA tournament hopes are counting on it. Ager is our lone senior after a dependable career on the wing the last few seasons. While not an elite three-point shooter (76 rating), his skill set is solid across the board. He’s also one of the smartest players on the team with A- grades in awareness on both ends of the floor. Former No. 110 overall recruit out of Chicago.

PF LF Neal, redshirt junior, 90 overall: Neal enters the starting up after backing up Allen Cunningham the last two years. The 6’10 big man is super skinny at 207 pounds, but he’s one of the best pure athletes we’ve had. Neal grades out as an A+ in vertical leaping and has A- grades in rebounding on both ends. Will he give us enough shooting at the four? Former No. 137 overall recruit.

C Kevin Brazzle, redshirt junior, 91 overall: The massive 7’2 center was projected as a first round draft pick after his sophomore year, but chose to come back for one more season. Now a projected top pick in the NBA draft, Brazzle enters the starting lineup for the first time hoping to etch his name into the long list of great centers at Western Illinois. Brazzle is fast (A grade in speed) for someone his size, and also has good awareness on both ends. A+ grade in defensive rebounding. Former No. 127 overall recruit.

We’ll have four players off the bench this year. Redshirt sophomore center Artie Snipes is the first 300-pounder in program history and will be our sixth man backing up both front court spots. 6’10 small forward Jitim Dupree, 6-foot sniper Koko Reeves, and 6’2 shooting guard Edwin Wolfe make up the rest of the rotation.

We also welcome four new incoming freshman to the program from last year’s recruiting class. This is our best recruiting haul ever, ranking No. 5 in America. All four players will redshirt.

PF J.J. Bracy, 81 overall with C potential. Former No. 24 overall recruit and No. 2 at his position. Bracy is both the highest rated recruit and highest rated freshman in program history, per reader Evan’s Leathernecks Recruiting Database. Only 6’6 but already has a B grade in three-point shooting.

C Dick Copeland, 75 overall with A potential. Former No. 114 overall recruit and No. 2 center. Highest potential rating in program history. Only 6’8. We’re hoping both of our front court guys will grow.

PG Alexis Willingham, 76 overall with C potential: Former No. 68 overall recruit has already grown an inch to 6’3. Projects as an excellent three-point shooter. Should be able to play either guard spot.

SG Skip Clemmons, 75 overall with C potential. Former No. 38 overall recruit can also swing to small forward without losing any points on his overall rating.

Recruiting

With only one senior, we have only one scholarship to recruit for this year. We need either another wing to eventually join the timeline of last year’s recruiting class. Because we only have one scholarship to recruit for, we can really swing for the fences. After surveying the class, I decide to use my visits on the following players:

SG Joseph O’Hara, No. 1 overall player

SF Lavell Radziejewski, No. 41 overall player, No. 7 at his position

Why not go hard after the No. 1 overall recruit? This is the year to do it. Radziejewski looks really good too as a 6’6 wing who hit 42 percent of his threes, so he’s a perfect backup plan. I also load up my target lists with other potential options if I miss on both.

We also have a recruit to create this year for the winner of last year’s bracket contest: reader Justin. I asked him describe the type of player he wanted and this is what he sent me:

I’d be a 6-7 shooting guard (if you can go taller at SG, I give you the power to do so) with deep range and slashing skills, with above average rebounding and probably subpar defense. A skewed version of Reggie Miller. We’re going with jersey number 10, curly short hair, mustache, left and right wristbands, and ankle socks. And if you can choose city, make it Chicago, Illinois.

Done and done. We’ll do another bracket contest for this season. Read to the end of this post for details.

We start the year as a 98 overall. Browsing the top-25 poll, I don’t see any team rated higher than us. We’re now in a position where it feels like we can compete for a title ever year, regardless of who graduates or leaves for the pros. Let’s go!

Regular season opener: @ Illinois

We open the new season with our rivals in Champaign once again. Illinois actually made the tournament last season and look even more formidable this year. We need to prove we still run this state.

Win, 88-78! That’s how you start a season. I love what Alloway and Ager did on the wings, and look at Brazzle fulfilling his destiny as the next great Leathernecks center. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Next up we have No. 15 Florida. The Gators have been sick in this simulation, so I can only assume this will be tough as heck. Let’s go.

Win, 93-88! Hell yeah. Ager was huge, finishing with 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting and consistently forcing his way to the free throw line. That’s exactly what we need out of him. Brazzle (26 points) was also tremendous again. This dude is aggressive offensively at 7’2. I don’t see how anyone is going to stop him given how few good centers there typically are around the country.

2-0! We’re up to No. 16 in the polls.

Now we have Charlotte, another consistently good program in this sim. I scheduled this game thinking we had a created player, Ben Remis, on this team, but he apparently turned pro early because he’s no longer on the roster. This will be another tough one regardless.

Loss, 71-49. Woof. Offense just totally fell apart. A big goose egg for Ager. Brazzle and Snipes were good in the middle and pretty much everyone else had an off night. We drop out of the polls. Onward.

We have some bad news on the recruiting front: Radziejewski, who we eventually offered, is in position to commit to LSU. I offer O’Hara but we haven’t been able to make any progress with him yet. With the early signing period now beginning, I’ve started to scour what’s left for backup plans. It just doesn’t feel like landing O’Hara is realistic as the top overall recruit in the country.

Next up: No. 6 George Washington. GW is loaded this year, and starts former created player Steven Frye in the middle. No easy games on the schedule this year, apparently.

Loss, 89-81. Nice effort but we fall short. I love what Dupree did off the bench with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Another good game for Ager and another double-double for Brazzle. We need more out of our starting backcourt. Frye had 16 points for GW. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re around deep in the NCAA tournament.

We face No. 7 North Carolina in Chapel Hill next. We streamed this game on Twitch. As a reminder, I’m not controlling Western Illinois, we’re just watching a simulated game.

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Loss, 108-103. At least that was fun? The first half was neck-and-neck (no pun intended), but similarly to our NCAA tournament loss to Xavier last year, the Heels smacked us out of halftime. I switched to a full court press defense that got us back into the game, but we just couldn’t get enough stops to win. I’ve never seen a team shoot as well from three as North Carolina did in this one. Pretty encouraging loss, I think, given that a) UNC is one of the best teams in the country, b) we can’t reasonably expect our opponents to shoot that well against us again.

Next up: Clemson. The Tigers are great every year in this simulation, as well.

Loss, 76-58. Just a terrible offensive game — we’re not going to beat anyone shooting 3-of-14 from deep. Brazzle is trucking but he needs more help. That 2-0 start seems so long ago. Fortunately, we have our two early conference games this week, and we win both easily.

Back on the recruiting front, we still have so much ground to make up on O’Hare, the No. 1 overall recruit in the country, despite being his only offer. It just feels like I’m drawing dead on this one. I decide to rescind the offer and instead extend a scholarship to another All-American shooting guard: 6’2 Albert Jagla of Plano, Texas. He’s rated as the No. 17 overall recruit in the country and would be our high-rated recruit yet if we can land him.

Back on the court, we have a game against Syracuse. It’s been four straight non-con losses for us. Can we finally get a dub?

Win, 72-57. Brazzle and Ager carried us again. I really like what Snipes has been giving us at backup center as well. We needed that one.

Now we have St. John’s. This is another winnable game that we have to have.

Win, 81-66. Look at those four starters in double-figures. Nice to see Alloway get hot from behind the arc to finish with 16 points while also making an impact on defense with four stocks. Alloway bringing his A game feels absolutely necessary for our NCAA tournament chances. Good to see Neal have a nice outing at power forward as well, I feel like he’s been something of a forgotten man so far.

Next up is No. 6 USC. This is going to be a real test. I’m happy we had the opportunity to get our confidence up the last couple weeks, but this is what the opposition is going to look like in the tournament. Let’s get it.

Win, 79-66. Alloway goes bonkers: 25 points on 5-of-7 shooting from three. Another double-double for Brazzle to go with six stocks. That is a feel good win, especially when Ager’s minutes were so limited because of foul trouble.

Back on the recruiting front: it’s going to be tight for Jagla. We’re at 100 percent interest with his top offer, but Missouri is closing fast, and Jagla appears to be waiting for an LSU offer that hasn’t come yet. I think we should be in position to land Jagla as long as the Tigers don’t offer.

Next we have South Florida. USF is a bubble team this year, but they have talent, most notably our created player from this past season: 7-foot freshman center Rudolpho Butt Jr. Can we make it four straight non-con wins in a row?

Loss, 96-85. Might have been the best game of Brazzle’s career and we still take the L. Tough. We need more out of Ager, who played 37 minutes and finished with one (1) point. Not gonna cut it. I am glad to see Alloway is getting hot, at least. Butt finished with 15 points starting at center as a true freshman. I just know he’s going to be an all-timer.

Last non-conference opponent is Arkansas.

Win, 74-63. Burke goes off for his best game of the season with 17 points and seven assists. Alloway and Brazzle continue to provide consistent offensive punch. I’ll also give a shoutout to the bench for all scoring at least five points in the victory.

We finish 6-5 in non-conference play this year, which is pretty good given the gauntlet we faced. I still think we’ll likely have to win the Summit League conference tournament to get into the big dance. We’ve gone undefeated in conference play the last four seasons, so let’s keep it rolling. Can we sweep the Summit again?

Yup. We go unbeaten against conference opponents yet again for a perfect 18-0 mark in the league. Let’s take a look at this year’s statistical leaders:

Brazzle with a huge year: 22.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He wasn’t super efficient as a scorer and doesn’t have three-point range, but I think having an aggressive 7’2 center should serve us well in tournament time. Alloway was above 40 percent from three-point range once again and I like the bench production out of Dupree and Snipes.

Let’s lock up the auto-bid in the Summit League tournament.

Summit League tournament

First up we have Oakland.

Win, 77-43. Brazzle pops off for 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the floor. Alloway adds 13 and Dupree adds 10. Next up is North Dakota State.

Win, 97-69. 27 for Brazzle, 13 for Ager, 12 for Alloway, and 14 for Snipes and 13 for Koko Reeves off the bench. Now we have Fort Wayne in the title game.

Win, 98-49! That scoring distribution is exactly what we’re going to need in the dance. I’m happy to have the auto-bid, but still a bit concerned about how our non-con slate will affect our seeding.

Either way, happy to be in again. Let’s do this.

2028 NCAA tournament

Well, shit. The committee jobbed us again. We’re a No. 11 seed with a first round matchup against No. 6 UConn.

UConn has been consistently excellent throughout this sim, recruiting and developing as well as any program in the country. They’ve won national titles. They’ve knocked us out in the Elite Eight before in Year 18. It’s going to be a heavyweight matchup and I can’t believe we’re having it in the first round.

Here’s a look at UConn’s roster. Notice that their head coach is VCU’s coach from 2007 — that’s Anthony Grant. Here’s how the two teams matchup.

Both teams rated as a 100 overall in a 6-11 matchup in the first round? Sheesh.

Make no mistake: we’re loaded this year. Honestly, this roster feels like it’s probably in the 90th percentile of the best rosters I’ve ever had at Western.

Ager joins the hallowed 96 Club. Alloway as a 94 overall two guard with size and shooting ability is huge for us. Brazzle is 7’2 — have I mentioned that yet? Burke and Neal will need to prove themselves, but they have the talent to do it. I like what we have on the bench with a monster center (Snipes), a big wing who can kind of shoot (Dupree), and a pint-sized gunner who is our best three-point shooter (Reeves).

Our prize if we beat UConn? A likely date with No. 3 seed Maryland. Yes, Maryland also looks to have a stacked roster and they’ve also been very good throughout this sim.

We’re streaming Western Illinois vs. UConn on Sunday, September 13 at 8:30 p.m. on Twitch. But before that, we have to announce the annual bracket contest.

Join our bracket contest!

We’ve been running a bracket contest for the last few seasons, and it’s been a ton of fun. We’re opening it up to anyone who wants to enter as long as you turn in your bracket before we stream our first NCAA tournament game on Sunday, September 13 at 8:30 p.m. on Twitch.

This is everything you need to know:

How does scoring work?

We use a standard scoring format. You get one point for correctly guessing the winner in a first round game, two points for correctly a winner in a round of 32 game, four points for correctly guessing a winner in a Sweet 16 game, eight points for correctly guessing a winner in an Elite Eight game, 16 points for correctly guessing a winner in the Final Four, and 32 points for correctly guessing the national champion.

Can I see the rosters for the other teams?

Yes. You can find the rosters for every team on the right side of the bracket in the East and West regionals here. You can find the rosters for every team on the left side of the bracket for the South and Midwest regionals here. Just arrow over to scroll through the rosters.

How do I enter?

1. Click this link to open the interactive bracket.

2. After opening, in the top left select File > Make a Copy

3. Make your picks

4. In the top left, select File and either “Share” and share with sean@hoopsinsight.com or “Email as attachment” and email as an Excel file (not PDF please!) to sean@hoopsinsight.com

Once your picks are entered, you can track scoring with Sean’s Blog Team app that works on desktop and mobile.

What does the winner get?

The winner gets to create themselves or a character as a five-star recruit ahead of next season. We won’t go after the created recruits at Western Illinois to preserve the integrity of the game, but we’ll follow the career of your character throughout our series.

Please enter the bracket contest and join us on Thursday, because it’s going to be really fun. Here’s how you can watch Western Illinois vs. Michigan in the NCAA tournament on Sunday, September 13 at 8:30 p.m. on Twitch.

No. 11 seed Western Illinois vs. No. 6 seed UConn, first round, 2029 NCAA tournament

Game: No. 11 seed Western Illinois vs. No. 6 seed UConn, first round, 2029 NCAA tournament

How to watch: My Twitch channel. You don’t need to sign up for anything to watch, but you do need to register for an account to comment. Do it, it’s fun.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Twitch.

Tip-off time: 8:30 p.m. ET

If we win: We’ll face the winner of No. 3 seed Maryland vs. No. 14 seed Samford in the round of 32 immediately following the first round game.

I’ll see you Sunday. Go ‘Necks.

[myselfariana]

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