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[quitealotofsodapop]

MvA assorted headcanons

General:

So many years together has made the core monsters inseperable. If something affects one member, it affects the group.

All. The. Monsters. Are. Family.

It takes Susan a while to understand inside jokes and past incidents because of being the most recent addition.

There are Other anomalous creatures kept in Area 5X, but they are either non-sentient and/or are too dangerous to be kept around the more human-friendly monster group.

Area 5X is so gotdang big because they were expecting a lot more kaijus like Insecto to crop up. Sadly not many have surfaced to justify the space.

There’s a hangar in Area 5X full of wrecked UFOs. Some are spacecraft wreckage while others are stuff like weird meteors (Susan’s is in there), and at least one alien creature that got crystallised upon entering Earth’s atmosphere.

There’s significant difference in staff employed at different points throughout the past 50 years. There are far more women on the Area 5X worksheet than back in the 50s, and the guards are generally more sympathetic towards the monsters. Many modern staff members have been reprimanded or let go for failing to uphold secrecy, or for unnecessary cruelty towards the monsters.

Budget cuts were a legitmate concern up until the Battle of Golden Gate Bridge. The facility was far more barebones and sterile before the government had to formally recognise Area 5X’s importance. There have been a lot of redecorating at the facilty since the fat checks started coming in.

Putting individual characters under read due to length.

Susan:

Enjoys many hobbies considered stereotypically feminine; baking, sewing, cosmetics, etc...

Grandparents and extended family are farmers or are atleast connected to the business. Modesto is the agricultural centre of California after all. Her parents were the first of their generation to go against the mold and seek out white-collar careers.

Studied cosmetology in school and was working at a beauty salon to save up for her and Derek’s wedding.

Is very athletic and grew up doing a number of physical extracurriculars like cheerleading, dodgeball, and roller-derby.

Grew up being teased for being the shortest kid in her class/family. They still tease her for it.

Greatly fears causing collateral damage and/or harm to others through her size.

Has issues with anxiety, worsened only by her new job as “savior of earth”. She wishes for a confidant to tell her worries to.

Married life with Derek was doomed to fail. Susan had a plan in place for what came after the marriage, and focusing 100% on Derek’s career was not it. There’s also the line from Derek’s mother about Susan being “the weatherman’s wife”, implying that she was to be the homemaker and not have a career of her own. It’s possible that Susan was planning to settle down and have kids with Derek, but the lack of control she had in moving to Fresno implied that more was going on.

Is currently “taking a break” from love and dating, despite gaining many new admirers.

Tries her best to return to Modesto to visit her family and friends whenever possible, though work often keeps her away for weeks at a time.

If she retains her height-shifting abilities as in the series; Susan goes through really bad “growing” pains.

Link:

Was frozen in his relative late-teens during a cold snap. Got shifted around until he ended up somewhere in Greenland before being discovered by modern humans. Post-thaw he went a bit wild, swimming frantically back south to try and find his old enviroment.

Was one of many scrappy youngsters in his troop, with a number of adoptive parents. The strongest ruled the troop, and Link was fairly weak in comparision to the leaders. He had gotten into a fight the day of his freezing (over something silly in hindsight) and swam away to sulk. When he didn’t return after the cold snap - the troop accepted that he had likely died out on his own.

Likes to freak out humans by making up weird biology facts about his species and ones he’s fought against - like joking about laying eggs or having his tail dettach and regrow like a lizard. However there’s some things he has to ask about, because he doesn’t have medical knowledge or words to describe something.

A lot of his macho behavior came from imitating the guards who kept watch on him. 1950s violent military alpha males aren't a very good role model for someone who doesnt know what societal norms are yet. Link was a lot more insufferable back in the day but chilled out as he began interacting with other walks of life.

Has a high paternal instinct and immediately becomes softer around kids and smaller animals.

Has body language similar to a cat/alligator. Slaps his tail when angry or in deep thought. And yes; Link purrs/rumbles when happy.

Loves monster movies - especially the ones where the monsters “win”. He cried when he saw “Beauty and the Beast” and then immediately booed loudly when the Beast turned human.

Does Not Trust doctors or scientists due to bad past experiences. Will only go to Dr Cockroach and Monger if he ever gets hurt/ill. Gets stressed fast if he has to be in a waiting room or doctors office.

Link had no idea what gender indentities or orientations were until recently - he did come from a pre-human civilization that really didnt mind/care about the schemantics. It took him some time to wrap his head around it. He identifies himself as bisexual after much thought and many hours alone on the computer.

Don't press him about his body. He's built different from humans and cis people. He will punch anyone who doesnt respect his or anyone elses identity.

Has been in love before. It didn’t end well.

Will occasionally wear clothes, but finds it a challenge to find anything that fits him. Will give any shoes he finds to Dr Cockroach and BOB to eat.

The best driver/pilot out of all the monsters.

Dr Cockroach:

True name is Jaques-Yves Herbert. Prefers to just go by "Dr Cockroach" because he dislikes the association with his birth family.

Picks up human languages very easily, although not as quickly as he can understand animals.

Parents were a mixed scientist couple. His father was an aggressive “Strong British Man” that would beat him son down for not following orders or for not meeting his standards for a man. Dr C turned down both chances to attend his parents funerals.

This man isn’t straight. He probably uses old-fashioned slang when asked about romance such as; “I am Uranian” or “I wear a green carnation”. It took Susan a few times to realise what he meant, as she is used to a more open minded enviroment.

Got the idea of transforming into a cockroach from reading Franz Kafkas “The Metamorphosis” as a child. He sympathized with Gregor’s abusive situation, and began considering the possibilties of how one could survive better as a creature like a cockroach.

Studied in biology and entomology in the Uk before moving to the states to follow engineering. Obtained his degree in Dance as a “side gig” in University.

Has been barred from free access to the coffee maker/machine due to overnighters. Once stayed awake so long that he forgot the letter “R”.

Owned a terrarium of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches throughout college. He mourned each of them when his roommate’s iguana got into the tank.

Was a "beatnik" back in the day and still kinda is. Embraces and encourages modern counterculture as he himself was not given such acceptance in his youth. He has however shamefully eaten his old Lenny Bruce album.

Hasn’t actually aged physically since his transformation. He attributes this to the fact that certain athropods can’t age physically beyond maturity. Link is very jealous.

Has obtained more degrees while in captivity, as Monger allowed him access to research and learning materials. He has however had his allowances revoked for previous escape attempts/doomsday devices.

Does still enjoy human food, but the cockroach instinct of "eat detritus" tends to overrule his eating choices. Can’t cook either.

Ironically a terrible driver. The damages from previous drives has made Monger restrict him from operating even a razor scooter.

BOB:

Pretty much considers himself human. Was created by them, raised by one (Monger), and talks like one. Gets sad when he's reminded that no other humans are blue blobs like him.

Absorbed some dna from the scientists present at his "birth", leading to his eye, speech, and omnivorous diet.

Doesnt actually need to breathe (as he can just absorb oxygen through his mass) but the fact that humans Do means that BOB thinks he has to as well.

Shares some physical characteristics with tomatoes/nightshade plants, as he is technically half tomato. He refuses to eat tomatos for this very reason, considering it cannibalism.

Attracts garden pests looking for a tomato plant. This unwittingly makes BOB a pretty good bug zapper.

Still retains his "mental broadcast" ability from "BOB's Big Break" although at a more subtle level. He tends to parrot the things he accidentally "eavesdropped" on.

Is empathetic, and can tell when others aren't doing ok emotionally. Will flop down on someone who’s really sad to comfort them. No brain, only heart.

Best cook out of the monsters. If he doesn’t forget what he’s making at least.

"Whats a gender? Can I eat it?"

Insectosaurus:

Core body is that of a Japanese Silkmoth, although she ended up being spliced with other animals present on the island during her initial mutation; namely ants and ground squirrels.

Eats over a literal ton of mulberry leaves per day. Also enjoys oranges.

Secretly wishes to be more humanoid.

Was only able to pupate and transform due to physical trauma. It seems that her transformation was like a “power-up” that required her to be in geniune distress for it to activate.

First language is Japanese. She learned it from the intial recovery team, and later developed an understanding of English from years in Area 5X.

Goes into torpor in cold weather. Pretty much impossible to wake her up for missions during Winter, as she needs to “rev up” before becoming mobile.

Still very much Link’s best friend. Still enjoys sports, chicks, and beer.

Monger:

Full name is; Warren Rex Monger.

Is very protective of the monsters and will defend them to the death.

Pretty much raised BOB (as seen when BOB was a baby blob in “Night of the Living Carrots”), and considers him his “freaky gelatinous son”.

Has a reputation of being a “control-freak” due to his aggressive overseeing of the monsters’ containment. This toughness is partly because of incidents that occured without his knowledge. Lets just say some scientists have been wedgied/fired for running experiments on the monsters without Monger’s approval.

Has a very “Ron Swanson” emotional response and view of the world. Crying is acceptable only at funerals and at the Grand Canyon (if he hadn’t lost his tear ducts in the war).

Has been married multiple times. Will not confirm or deny if he is currently seeing anyone.

Invisible Man/TiM:

Legit got out but no one at Area 5X is sure how. He suffered a geniune medical emergency and disappeared after surgery. The other monsters were informed that he died from complications to deter them from getting escape ideas.

Is able to be detected in Infrared light. Dr Cockroach managed to rig up goggles to view TiM in case of injury and to foil pranks.

Was a scientist working on an invisibility potion for the military and used himself as a guinea pig. Hasn’t actually been able to replicate his results since - thinks the effect may have been caused by a genetic abnormality.

Dr Cockroach and him are massive rivals. Both actually met eachother pre-transformation through a CalTech expedition. This makes the pair one of few people that have seen the others human face.

Is 100% naked. Was forced to wear clothing once this was discovered.

A massive prankster and a cynic. Him and Link were a force to be reckoned with.

Has revisted the facility multiple times and has started a number of ghost stories.

Any additions are welcome! I proably have alot more to dump about. Might make one of the alien characters from the series

[peachy-lo-deactivated]

2021, shortened down to just 1 minute long. So much has happened this year. I had Covid. I moved into my apartment. Got serious about my health and lost a lot of weight. Went to Savannah for my birthday. Got sick. Lost my job. Spend the 4th at my grandparents off the coast of Georgia. Was unemployed. Got a waitressing job. Spend Labor Day with my best friend and family on the island. Decided to finally go to cosmetology school. Lost a good friend to Covid. Got a job as an assistant and salon manager. Went to Nashville. Best friend came for thanksgiving. I've been getting sick again. Lost my childhood cat. Going to have to move back in with my parents because the money isn't coming in like it used to. Might have to sell my car. My heart is broken. I'm tired. I'm lonely. I'm just falling apart. This year has taught me so many beautiful things but im ready to leave a lot of this behind me.

I need a break. I need a breather. Im detoxing from everything, and in order to keep my mental sanity I've blocked every website on my phone and I'll be off of tumblr and pretty much every social media platform until the new year.

Stay safe y'a filthy animals. Merry Christmas bastards and happy New Year.

[justjessame]

Starting Over Chapter 31

“Are you SURE I don’t look fu-” my eyes went wide and I shot Bryn a look of utter horror, but she was happily playing on my bed and ignoring her mother and me at my vanity.  “Ridiculous?”  I finished with a hushed murmur as Connie held in a laugh that I hoped would crack her damn rib.  How dare she saddle me with a goddaughter who not only parroted my potty mouth, but would shake down my ass for cash to fund her fucking swear jar?  Little mafia princess to be, I’m telling you.  

Connie was still working on my first layer, the makeup I’d managed on my own, thank you very much - but she was handling the hair.  And my hair was giving her enough of a battle that she was utilizing every damn trick she’d learned in cosmetology school.  “Hedy Lamarr,” she muttered, eyes on my laptop where the dark haired woman’s photo was blown up to show the curls that she was trying to imitate with my own lighter strands.  “She wasn’t ONLY a bombshell, she was a genius.”  

I smirked, “I know.”  I’d picked her from a few of the famous faces we’d set aside after Bucky and I’d spent more time together, the longer we’d talked and the more I learned about him - his hint of geekiness hidden under a huge layer of sexiness - had made Miss Lamarr the obvious choice in the end.  That and her style seemed simpler.  I had doubts now, as Connie was forcing my non-parted hair into a middle part and then worked my natural waves into actual curls.  “Bucky,” I held back a groan as she tugged at my head, “he’s fascinated with -”

“You,” Connie murmured, her own smirk creeping onto her face.  “And he’s a geek, isn’t he?”  She shook her head when I glanced up.  “What?  Hot guys are into the weirdest stuff, Brooke, they always have been.”  She shrugged.  “Joey likes period dramas more than me and he gets more invested in them,” I raised an eyebrow and she snorted.  “I swear he threw popcorn at the screen and hissed during ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when Elizabeth was acting like she was falling for Wickham.”  I giggled.  “He’s a mess, but he’s MY mess, so I put up with it.”  

“Back to my issue,” I tried to shove the image of Joey Amoruso hissing and spitting at a movie screen with Victorian characters dancing and falling in love far out of my head so I could focus on the problem at hand.  “Am I couldn’t to look stupid?”  

Connie stood back, taking in my hair and makeup, I was wearing my robe over the matching underwear set that I’d ordered to go under the dress that I would put on after I made sure that dinner was ready and waiting for Bucky.  The nylons, with their razor sharp lines were on and perfectly straight, thanks to my best friend, hooked into a garter belt that I wasn’t any more certain of than the rest of the get up that had sounded much better when I first considered the idea.  

“You are going to look so many things, Brookie, but stupid is NOT one of them.”  

Connie and Bryn were long gone by the time Bucky called to tell me he was on his way.  He’d texted during the day, while he was waiting for his appointment with Raynor, when he went in search of boxes for the move, while he contemplated if he wanted to move everything in one go or take trips - not that there was all that much, but he worried about overwhelming any driver.  

By the time I knew he was on his way, I’d ordered our dinner from Romeo’s.  The same thing we’d had our first dinner together.  I set the scene the best I could, with candles around the living room and I had my phone set up to start playing a playlist of the greatest and most romantic songs from when he left in 1943 and when he would have come back in 1945, had everything gone the way they should have.  

I had a decision to make - should I wait downstairs, in the living room or should I wait out of sight upstairs and come down once he was inside?  I wasn’t planning on screaming “surprise” or “boo”, but I did want to have the greatest impact with the least amount of damage - it took me longer than I care to admit to decide.  

His knock, which I answered with a loud “come in” from upstairs, was followed by him opening the door.  I listened as he had help from his driver with his boxes and bags, then once I heard him thank the man and say goodnight, I finally stepped onto the top step.

“Brooke?”  He turned away from the door that he had just closed and locked and looked up, his eyes finding the toes of my heels first, then as if his gaze could scald its way up my body I felt every inch as it rose higher.  

I’d contemplated, when I first thought of this asinine idea, getting a dress like what I imagined Dot had worn to Coney Island.  Something simple and casual.  Then, when I sat with Connie and Mertle I realized that - if I’d been with Bucky when he’d gone off to the unknowns of war and he came home to me safe and sound, I’d want his welcome to be something MORE.  Which is why I chose something less casual, less simple.  A little MORE than what Dot had worn to Coney when he spent all his and Steve’s money trying to win her that bear.  

With that in mind, I’d found a dress that was a bit more form fitting than most - black with a lacy bodice and cap sleeves.  The heels were surprisingly easy to find to match the dress, rounded toes, stacked heel, lacy looking leather.  Bucky’s visual tour was taking forever, and I was feeling more and more self conscious the longer it took.  My makeup, once he made it to my face, was the red lip that was so fashionable then and now, the dramatic eye and of course the soft curls framing it all courtesy of the great Hedy Lamarr.  I swallowed as his eyes finally met mine.  

“Welcome home, Bucky.”  If I doubted how he’d receive my gift, how he’d take seeing me cosplay his past, I soon learned that it was all for naught.  He took the stairs two at a time to reach me, then his arms were wrapped around me, careful of the dress as he stared down at me.  “You approve?”  It came out in a rush of breath, but I wanted to be sure.  

“You did all this for me?”  He was staring at me like he’d never seen me before and I nodded, biting my lip without care for the crimson stain.  “Why?”  It wasn’t a question of how dare I, but why would I think to?  

“Because, Bucky Barnes, I wanted to welcome you home, finally.”  And that seemed to unlock something in him, his smile grew and his lips met mine and I knew that he DEFINITELY approved.  

I managed to get him down to the living room, where we lit all those candles and I started the playlist and found out that James Buchanan Barnes LOVES to dance.  He held me and gave me a masterclass in just how little my dad and all the boys I ever had the misfortune to take a turn around a dance floor with over the years knew about the study.  And he looked at peace.  He looked even happier when our food arrived from Romeo’s, shaking his head when I tried to convince him that we could eat it in the living room.

“In that dress?”  He pulled me into the dining room, where I’d placed more candles and after depositing the boxes with our food, he lit them and held out my chair.  “You look too beautiful to sit on the floor, Brooke.”  

“I could always just take it off,” I offered, as he shot me a look over the open box.  “We don’t have plates, Buck.”  I laughed, getting up to grab some, but he pulled me back down.  

“Brooklyn born and raised,” he was smirking, using my own words against me.  “Did you forget how to eat a slice, already?”  

I shook my head, but sat back and realized that this was our life now.  Playful and silly, but also sexy and hot - wow.  Watching him take a slice, folding it properly, but wait for me to take my own before he took the first bite I thought that we’d made a good choice rushing headfirst into everything.  

Eating Romeo’s pizza over the box by candlelight in our dining room, with the sounds of my 1940s playlist softly playing from the living room Bucky told me about his visit with Raynor.  

“I told her about us,” I bit my lip and his smile grew.  “About moving in with you, well about our plans -” my eyebrow arched and he licked some errant grease and sauce off his lip.  “What?  I had to pack first, so it was still a plan - technically.”  

I shook my head and leaned forward.  “Did you get a gold star?”  This was the most important part, wasn’t it?  My eyes were narrowed, waiting for confirmation.  “Well, Sergeant Barnes?”  

“Raynor is very pleased with my progress, Miss Ashley,” he told me in the most professional voice I’d ever heard him use.  “She thinks that the interpersonal relationship I’m developing with you - the ease in which we seem to be able to communicate with one another and the way we both seem to fit into one another’s life makes her feel that I’m making a real effort to grow as a person.”  His brow had grown furrowed as he continued his speech while my teeth were digging so deeply into my lip that I wondered when I’d taste blood.  “The fact that you and I are even discussion cohabitation is leaps and bounds beyond what she imaged for my progress - especially since I’m not finished -”

I had to stop him, because I was going to crack a rib from the urge to laugh at his tone, or throw something from irritation at his ‘doctor’s’.  “I think I get the gist, Buck.”  His eyes seemed to flash when they zeroed in on mine.  “Let’s put away the leftovers and -”

“And finish welcoming me home?”  He bit his lip and from flashing eyes to darkening, my stomach clenched.  “I think I like that plan, Brooke.”  And I preferred the way his voice had returned to normal, deep and - Bucky. 

[unfortunately-inlove]

What would I say if I reached out to you?

I don’t, because I’m scared that it will cause you undue distress or it will crush me into a million pieces again if you react with hostility. And I think waiting for you to see the message and answer it (or not answer it) would give me a stroke tbh. But if I did, what would I say? Would I keep it short and to the point?

“Dear (redacted), please don’t feel pressured to respond to this message if you don’t want to. I don’t want to cause you distress and if hearing from me is upsetting, you don’t need to reply. If you don’t answer I won’t reach out again. I just wanted to say that I think of you often. I wish that we were at peace with each other and that we could simply live on the social media edges of each other’s lives. I hope you love the life you have now. I hope you’re able to remember most of our memories fondly. Be well.”

Or would I tell her everything in one, huge message?

“Hey, it’s me. Don’t feel pressured to respond if you don’t want to. If you don’t answer I won’t reach out again.

I wanted you to know that I think about you often. And I’ve thought a lot about talking to you, but I haven’t up til now because I didn’t want to cause undue pain or distress. I did unblock you on everything just in case you ever wanted to talk to me, though.

I want you to know that I am still so sorry for what I did. I shouldn’t have told Austin. There’s no excuse I can give that ever would make it okay. You know it was never my intention to out you to your father or to school though, and I never wanted to harm you. I was overcome with emotion at the time because I was concerned for your soul because you were becoming wiccan. And Austin saw me crying and he and James and I took a walk, and it came out as one of the reasons I was worried.

I only say all of that as an explanation but not an excuse. I’m older, and less of an idiot, and have more self control. We were both subject to a certain level of religious indoctrination and intolerance and that heavily influenced my actions, of course. But I wasn’t a kid, I was 17 and I shouldn’t have said anything that wasn’t mine to say. Regardless of the beliefs pumped into me from school (and other influences, of course.) Again, just an explanation of my actions but not an excuse. I wish that James had talked to me first before he told you what I did so I could have told you myself instead. I wonder if that would have changed anything, though.

But it took me a long time to realize that that event was just the final nail in the coffin of our friendship, I think. There were a lot of things that I didn’t even remember had happened until we weren’t friends anymore.

You kissed me. New Year’s Eve. Did you have a crush on me? Or did you just kiss me to kiss a woman? You had me and Julianne watch porn with you, on your porch when we were kids. I saw a woman put a lightbulb in her vagina. Your physical boundaries with me were odd, and I never realized it because I loved you and didn’t think anything negative of you. You had me spoon you, when you were cold. Was that platonic?

Towards the end of our friendship (the last year or so) I always got the vibe that you thought I was stupid, or at least not as intelligent as you. I remember confronting you about it once on the phone, and you apologizing and saying it was “a part of you that you didn’t like.” The funny thing is, I actually can’t remember a single instance of you talking down to me. But I remember talking to you about those instances on the phone, so I know they happened. This is how I found out that my brain represses memories that make me upset. That’s why I didn’t talk to you about most of these things; I forgot that they happened. I literally forgot that you kissed me. You were my first kiss, technically.

The things that happened after we split caused me to basically want to kill myself 24/7. You dating Austin when you knew that I loved him. I thought you did it to spite me. Did you really like him? I cried in the school bathroom for hours when he asked you to prom with cooked he had decorated himself.

I also saw the text your mom sent you, on the bus ride to kings island for our senior trip. The one where she told you to ditch me at the trip with a laughing emoji. That really broke my heart. Your mom was like family to me. Did you tell her the truth of what happened? Did her opinion of me change so intensely because of the truth or did you tell her something else?

Talking to your dad in the parking lot before our senior prom. He called me Miss Claire, as he always did, said long time no see, and asked me about my new car. I told him I bought it for 400 dollars from a friend, and he was shook and said that’s what he paid for his first car back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Did you tell him we weren’t friends anymore? Did he know?

Honestly, I feel a little bit like you experimented on me from childhood into our teens as you were discovering your sexuality. But I did it to you too in a completely different way. You gave me a sexuality crisis for a long time, haha. So it’s a little unnerving because I had completely forgotten it but I can hardly blame you. But as we got older it just felt like you didn’t like me as much anymore or saw me as an equal.

My life is better now. I went to a lot of therapy and stopped wanting to die. I went to college, dropped out of college, and enrolled in cosmetology school. I made new friends and resparked old ones. Honestly the best thing that came out of our relationship exploding was that I reconnected with two of my best friends from grant county and I see them often now. Courtney comes to spend the night at least 3x a month, except when she goes home for the summer. I joined several dnd groups. I met what I’m pretty sure is the love of my life and we’ve been together for almost two years now, and he’s proposing to me on our 2 year anniversary. Copy cat died in august of 2020. I got two kittens named Winter and Tobi Tangerine. I also fixed my relationship with James too, though we’re not as close as we used to be. I got older. I got less stupid. I tried to make less regrets and keep my mouth shut more. I stopped getting involved in other people’s shit and it’s benefitted me greatly.

Speaking of getting involved in other people’s shit, I did kind of lose my mind after we imploded and I did a lot of stuff to people and poked my nose where it didn’t belong. I anonymously texted Maci’s dad to tell him she regularly drove over 90 in a 55 with her feet on the dash and that I was worried for her safety. She found out because I had to ask trace for his dads number and he ratted me out and she was rightfully pissed at me for being a nosy jackass. She also told me and Becca about how bad she wanted to punch Kelsey in the face, so I told Kelsey she said that and they were both mad at me. I don’t think I would have done this stuff normally but I wasn’t in a good frame of mind and thought I was helping when I really was just ruining the friendships I had left. I figured that out later in therapy tho.

I hope you’re doing well at college. I look at you and your moms Facebook page maybe 2x a year or so, and just think about everything all over again. I saw you got a boyfriend a while ago, and I wish I could have heard you excitedly tell me about it. I wish that if our friendship did end, it would have ended peacefully with us just texting each other less and less until we simply coexisted peacefully on the edges of each’s others lives, occasionally liking each other’s Facebook post. Rather than going out in an explosion of bad decisions and bad feelings.

I hope you’re well. I hope you love the life you have now. I hope you’re at peace with who you are. I hope you’ve forgiven me. It’s ok if you haven’t. I just hope you have.”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #280

“this is the place in our mind with a crooked crown / we came to execute its own perfect shutdown”

Do you have a strong local accent? No. Do you prefer green or red grapes? Red, but either is fine so long as they’re crisp. Can you stand on your hands unassisted? pffff Who was the last person to knock/ring at your door? Pizza guy. How old were you when you last went trick or treating? No idea. Have you ever been bobbing for apples? ”No. That’s a gross game lol you’re dipping your head and mouth into water other people are dipping their head and mouth into.” <<<< This. What’s your most expensive piece of clothing? No clue. What’s the last thing you took a picture of? Guys I actually took a selfie bc for once in my goddamn life, I felt really pretty with the makeup Summer did on me. She's working towards a degree in cosmetology and is so talented with it. What’s the last thing you drew a picture of? A meerkat pup. Have you ever been on a pogo stick? Omg, yes. I got one for I think Christmas one year as a kid and I got SO into it. I learned how to do it really well. Can you down a pint (of anything) in one? Probably not without throwing up. Have you ever been banned from a public place? No. Have you ever been in a newspaper? A couple times, I think. I know once in elementary school for when I was in chorus; we went somewhere for a small Christmas show. Then I believe I was in it for another school thing? Idr. What football team do you support? I don’t care for football or sports in general. What did you want to be when you grew up? My phases included paleontologist, vet, movie director, author, game designer, aaaand I know I’m forgetting one. But my current and long-term goal has been to become a photographer. Being an artist as a free time “job” has always been an aspiration, too. Have you ever tie-dyed your own clothes? In school, yeah. How often do you buy new clothes? Very rarely. Usually just around Christmas or my birthday from gift cards I get. Are you reliable? In some ways yes, in other ways no. Are you proud of yourself? No. If you could ask your future self one question what would it be? If she’s ended up happy. Do you hold grudges? Nah. Do you decorate the outside of your house for Christmas? Mom does pretty much last minute, but only sometimes when looking at the past few years. Can you solve sudoku puzzles? Sure, they’re fun. What’s the most unusual conversation you've ever had? Who knows. Are you much of a gambler? Not at all. I don’t fuck around with money, especially when just $5 makes you feel great. Have you ever been to Disneyland? I’ve been to Disney World. Do you sing in the shower? Very rarely. Almost never now that I don’t play music while I’m in there. As a child did you ever suck your thumb or fingers? I mean probably? I do know I loved my pacifier and was SO upset when Mom’s doctor or someone playfully told me I was gonna have to give it up because my upcoming baby sister would want to steal it, and guess what? Nicole never fucking used a pacifier so I was tilted lmao. What time do you usually go to bed? Lol BRO it can be as early as 7 PM on bad depression days to as late as like, 2-3 AM. I’d say the average time is like… 9:30. What's your favorite animal? MEERKATS hngggggggggggggggg Have you ever been in marching band? No. Do you have any enemies? No? At least I don’t consider anyone to be. Have you ever been a cheerleader? As a kid, Mom wanted me to so I could do something with my sisters, who were actually interested in cheerleading. She certainly didn’t force me to or anything, I just agreed to it despite not being into it. We were with this Christian sports group for a long time doing various sports all the while being taught lessons in Christlikeness. I’ve actually got warm memories of it Did you ever date anyone on the football team? No. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No, not that I’m against the idea tho. The plushy would just have to be very special to me and also comfortable to hold. How many consecutive days have you ever missed of school? I missed an entire week when I learned about Mom’s cancer. I could barely function. With how much school stressed me, I would NOT have managed. Have you ever been pregnant? No, not in my to-do list. When was the last time you wanted to speak out, but couldn’t? I’m sure it was recently over Facebook; most times, I keep my mouth shut over political things on there that might get me fired up because I’m afraid of confrontation. Are fingerless gloves awesome? I love them. Wore them daily in high school. I still have some of my favorites, though I’m doubtful they still fit my hands… Would you rather be cannibalistic or die in the wilderness? Okay so I’m gonna actually go kinda in-detail, so the squeamish be warned. Realistically, I think I’d choose to die. ESPECIALLY if I was the one expected to kill another person; then, there’s no question. I wouldn’t be able to do it either if I knew the person. If it was some stranger someone else killed and cooked, I don’t know with absolute certainty; starvation really can make animals out of people. I do know for sure I’d vomit. I far more heavily lean into still preferring to die, because I just believe some things aren’t worth living after they’ve been committed. I’d hate myself. I’d rather die feeling clean of conscience. Would you survive on a deserted island? Hell no. Have you dyed your hair eccentric colors in the past? Yeah, I want to do it far more often… What size drink do you usually get at fast food restaurants? Medium, sometimes small. What do you think is the best thing in life? Love, both platonic and romantic. Have you ever sold anything online either on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, etc.? If not, what is your website of choice like any of the above for buying things? We sold our previous dog over Craigslist, and I sold my iguana there as well. I know Mom has used eBay and Amazon, but idk for what. Have you ever seen an animal give birth? Have you ever had a pet give birth before? I’ve seen old pet cats give birth many times. What is something you want to try to accomplish within the next year? I want a job that I’m content with and can mentally handle. Oh, and I REALLY want to make strong progress on recovering from the muscle atrophy in my legs. What’s the most unusual kind of pizza you’ve ever tried? I have no clue; I’m not that adventurous with pizza or food in general. If you were given the chance to decorate an entire house the way you wanted, with no limit to cost, how would you decorate it? GOTHIC AS A MOTHERFUCKER WELCOME TO THE GOTDAMN ADDAMS FAMILY. What’s one of your favorite things to touch/feel? My cat. :’) How often do you wear tights? Ew, never. Has there ever been anything you’ve become interested in much later than other people? I guess Instagram, but only as a viewer. I don’t have a personal one, just for my photography that I only rarely post. Have you ever had a veggie burger? Yeah, during my vegetarian streak. Burger King’s really aren’t that bad so long as the patty is made well. Do you like candles? Yeah, sure. When was the last time you wore a sports bra? Forever ago when I was doing Wii Fit. Where did you get the shirt you’re currently wearing? I think Hot Topic? It’s an oversized Umbreon shirt. Who last messaged you on Facebook? My friend Summer when we were planning our lil witch photoshoot w/ friends. Who last walked you home? lol you don’t just have someone “walk you home” here. Bundles of homes are way too far and in-between for reasonable walking distance. Did you make any new friends lately? If so, what are their names and how did you meet them? Not really recently, no. Would you rather see your favorite band/artist in concert with 2 other people or have a free $20,000 shopping spree to Walmart? Seeing Ozzy with my mom would be a DREAM, but to be realistic, I’d take the shopping spree pretty damn quickly. $20k? That would do WONDERS for us, especially as we’re about to move into a new place. When was the last time you threw up and why did you? A long time ago when I started a new medication. Do you want revenge on the person who has hurt you the most? … I’m gonna be REAL honest. For the most part, no. But ngl there are times I’m like “I’m gonna work on getting back in shape and become H O T” like a petty bitch lmao this is embarrassing to admit. Has anyone ever claimed that you saved their life? Yes. Did you ever have that near-drowning experience? No. Have you ever performed on stage? For dance, yes, but I never did a solo. Are you a jealous person? Not jealous (usually), but I’ve come to realize I’m a pretty envious piece of shit. Morning person or night person? I’m in my best mood in the morning because I have the “it’s a fresh start” ideology. Then I repeat exactly what I did the day before. :^) Have you ever written a poem for someone? Numerous times. Do you meditate? No, but I wish I could without it only causing more stress. Do you like cranberries that they serve for Thanksgiving? EW I hate cranberries. What don't you understand that frustrates you? Finances. Do you plan on going to college? I’ve tried college three times and dropped out each time. I’m done trying with school. Do you believe the governments hide technology and information from the public? AbsoFUCKINGlutely. Which is your favorite Pokemon? Ninetales! What horror fiction character scares you the most? What’s the name of the villain in the Scream series? Ghostface? I don’t feel like looking it up, but he TERRIFIED me as a kid, and I still think he’s mega creepy. Were you part of the Brownies/Cubs/Scouts/Guides etc? I was in Girl Scouts. Have you ever invented a fairly unique meal or drink? No. Do you have any family secrets? Don’t think so. Do you often read your horoscope? Never. They’re bullshit. Have you ever had a proper Tarot reading? No; also bullshit. Have you ever milked a cow? No. Do you love or hate rollercoasters? They’ve always scared me because I’m afraid of throwing up. Now with how dizzy I get, I absolutely refuse to try one because I WILL faint with all the movement. What’s your favorite sportswear brand? idc Who’s your favorite superhero? Does Deadpool count? Who’s your favorite villain/baddie? If we’re still in the comics/superhero universe, the Joker. Have you ever won a giant-sized cuddly toy from a fair? No. What would you say is your favorite album of all time? Black Rain by Ozzy Osbourne. I fucking adore it; it was my introduction to metal, and still after all this time, every track S L A P S. I deadass played that CD so much that it scratches at a few points. Do you dislike hairy people? lol fuck this question. I’m guessing you’re asking if I find them attractive and not as if people I “dislike” them, but in both cases, it’s no. We’re mammals, who the fuck cares how hairy you are. Do you like your own name? I actually do really like my name. My first one, anyway. Would you ever sign a Prenuptial agreement? NOPE. Want one? You’re gonna have to find someone else willing to, my man. How long has your longest ever phone call been? No less than two hours, but I know more. I have three instances in particular where I talked with either friends or Jason for SO long. Could you ever have an affair with a married person? Hell no. What is your family Christmas like? Nicole comes here so she and I open presents with Mom, then we spend the day at my older sister’s to be with the kids. We also try to squeeze visiting Dad in there the same day, but sometimes it has to be a different one. If you met a genie who offered you three wishes, what would you wish for? (more wishes does not count) Just three is hard… but #1 is indisputably world peace, and then uhhhh the end of poverty and maybe the cure for cancer. I’d have a super hard time picking a third; so many things matter to me. Have you ever had your national flag painted on your face? No, not in my plans. Do you have any strange body things? Well, define “strange,” I guess? Nothing like, really strange. What fairy tale character would you most associate with? Can I be Snow White and attract cute critters like moths to a flame? Also I would 100% take a Good apple. If a loved one was to serenade you, what song would you most like them to sing? It would depend on the person and our bond, really. Is there a cherished song between us? What is our relationship like? There’s no umbrella song I can think of. Is your dad an embarrassing dancer? GUYS!!!!!!!!!!! My sister’s wedding, okay? Father/daughter dance? He actually has MOVES and it was incredible man, never gonna forget that. What if any unusual objects have you swallowed? Nothing, I think. If you were stinking rich, would you only go to places other rich people went? Hell naw, man. There are plenty of great, affordable places in all categories. I could be a millionaire and you’d still see my ass in McDonald’s ordering a burger and fries lmao. Have you ever owned a slinky? My sisters and I had multiple as kids; those were d o p e. Teenage parents, good, bad, or indifferent? An AWFUL idea. A teenager is physically, most likely financially, and mentally unprepared to raise a child properly. It can seriously affect the kid, and of course the parent. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever broken? I’m unsure. Pirate downloads, good or bad? It’s bad… yet plenty (myself included) have/do do it. Democracy, good or bad? Good. It’s very important to me that rule should come from the people’s majority versus a small coalition of rich guys. While the majority is not always right, it seems like the best option to me. Communism, good or bad? Okay so to be totally honest I actually don’t entirely understand what communism outlines. Like I just read multiple definitions and small articles and I’m still kinda like “????”, though judging by the countries listed as those governed by communism, I would guess it’s bad? Have you ever been electrocuted? On an electric fence, but it wasn’t too bad. Have you ever been hit on by someone of the same gender? Yeah. The war in Iraq, good or bad? Get the fuck out of it. To start with, I’m a pretty fierce pacifist, and just… killing and killing and killing for YEARS is so goddamn pointless and is just a massacre. The war in Afganistan, good or bad? jfc ^ Have you ever appeared on YouTube? LET’S NEVER TALK ABOUT THIS lmfao Have you ever eaten anything prepared by a celebrity chef? No,, but that’d be dope. Have you ever been on radio? No. Do you prefer male or female singers voices? ”Their gender doesn’t matter, but their talent does.” <<<< Do you have a list of things to do before your ‘x’ years old? Goals should not be judged by age. I’m bad at this and have to remind myself of it a lot. A goal is a goal regardless of a number. Celebrate for *you*. Are you proud, comfortable or ashamed of your body? Very very much ashamed. Do you know html? Super poorly. Have you ever flown first class? lol hunny What are better, violins or pianos? Violins. How old is your oldest blanket? As old as me. My baby blanket is stored somewhere. Do you take enough vacations? lol hell no. I’ve maybe gone on three vacations in my entire life. Have you ever been sick on your birthday? Yup. Then one time I was recovering from a wicked stomach virus but went to Olive Garden anyway lol. I was fine though, and it’s actually a sweet memory because Jason (he worked there at the time) got the staff to do the whole “happy birthday” thing. I got a bombin’ brownie. Who is your favorite person? Sara and my mom. What do you do to stay healthy? lol you assume I’m healthy. What is your favorite form of exercise? Swimming. Do you like going to church? I never did. As a kid, I would cry when/if Mom decided we were going to mass after Sunday school lmao. It’s always been boring and too long to me, even when I was religious. Have you ever fallen asleep during a sermon? Probably as a kid. Do you like to pray for others? No. I don’t believe anyone hears them or will intervene somehow if I ask anyway. Have you ever witnessed a miracle? No. I don’t think I believe in those anyway. Have you ever been the recipient of a miracle? Definitely not. How did you or whoever come up with the name(s) for your pet(s)? I thought “Roman” was a majestic name for a male cat, and Venus has the coloration that the planet does. Who did you last walk a dog with? Sara and I walked Buster the last time I was there. It was windy as SHIT so we didn’t get far because my ass was absolutely freezing, all the while Sara was used to it. Ride bikes with? Wow, good question. I haven’t ridden a bike in many, many years. Hold hands with? My friend Summer did yesterday when she was trying to reassure me of something. For what reason did you last high five someone? Ryder and Aubree each caught Pokemon in Pokemon GO. :’’’’) I was watching them in the car while my sister/their mom was doing something at work, and they wanted to play it; they’ve come to learn that between my phone and DS, I’m the Pokemon provider, lol. I was the proudest fucking aunt ever bc they did SO GOOD after getting the hang of throwing the ball like Y’ALL. When Ash came back to the car, I gave ‘em each high fives before getting back in. What color and type is your vehicle? Don’t have my own car. Looking to upgrade or add any time soon? I doubt I’ll have my own soon. What animal do you have the most possessions *of*, or featuring? Like, décor or stuffed animals, things like that? Not the actual living creature? Easily meerkats, holy shit do I have a collection. What do you use to wash your dishes? Gain soap. Last thing you measured? Uhhh idk. Last thing you weighed? Myself. Last song you danced to? *shrug* What do you remember from your dream last night? I just remember it was a nightmare about Dad being angry. How old were you when you got your first credit card? Lol I don’t have one. Do you talk to your parent(s) [almost] every day? Mom, yes. Dad, no, because we don’t live together. What does your shampoo and conditioner smell like? I just started using a Dove brand shampoo targeting dandruff, so I don’t think it has a specific smell. I don’t use conditioner, just adds grease to your hair, plus mine is short anyway. Last person to tell you that you smell good? Idk. Last person you told that they smell good? I also don’t know. If you smoke marijuana, what is your preferred or typical method? I’ve never touched it. Last person you ran into unexpectedly? Ummm idr. How many plants can you see right now? There’re none in my room. Last compliment you received on your appearance? HA On your character/personality? That I was a loving sister. Do you remain friends with anyone you met at your first job? N/A Who have you hugged in the past month? My mom, Summer, sisters, niece and nephew, Dad… Newest musical discovery? 3TEETH is great. Like, I'm obsessed. Their cover of “Pumped Up Kicks” snagged my attention, despite actually being iffy about it at first. Guess what I’m listening to this minute lmao. Last thing you cleaned? A cup. What exactly do you carry around all your stuff in? A purse. What do you carry around, typically? Phone, keys, wallet, hand sanitizer, and my iPod are items of note. Where is your newest scar? It’s on the palm of my left hand from Roman playing with me. Where is your oldest scar? Idk. Last thing you disposed of? The milk carton. What was the last picture someone sent you? Mom sent me a gif from Hocus Pocus to fit the witch photoshoot Summer, her friend, and I did. Did you hear a siren today? No. What do you typically drink? I would rather not pretend I tend to drink soda lmao Last bad news you heard? My aunt’s brother committed suicide a couple days ago. Last good news you heard? I don’t really know. How far away is the closest cinema from your house? It’s like, 15-ish minutes away. Have you ever been to the emergency room? Many times. Are you one of those people who can’t go without their morning coffee? Y’all know me and coffee. But in place, I have my morning Mountain Dew, rip in fucking pieces. Have you ever worn fake eyelashes? No, though I’m honestly curious what I’d look like. Do you know the story of how your parents met? If so, tell me? They were coworkers; that’s all I know. What is your favorite Chinese food? I love pork fried rice. Do you live far from your parents? I live with my Mom. I live around 20 minutes or so away from Dad. What was the last hot food you ate? I’m assuming you mean spicy as opposed to just hot as in temperature. In that case, probably hot wings. Have you ever seen a meteor shower? No. Describe your current position: I’m lying down in bed, just kinda perked up by my two pillows. Have you used a microwave today? Yes; I had a Jimmy Dean breakfast bowl. Do you prefer going out for coffee or brewing your own? N/A Have you consumed caffeine today? If so, in what form? yikes- Do you know anyone who follows a raw vegan diet and lifestyle? Not that I know of. Have you killed a bug this week? Yes; we’re dealing with a lovely mix of gnats and fleas. What was the first food you learned how to cook? Scrambled eggs. Or maybe pancakes with Mom’s assistance. Idr. Do you have a Bachelor’s degree? If so, what in? No. How many email accounts do you have? Two. Can you go see a doctor alone or do you like to take someone with you? I like my mom to be with me. How long is your average shower? 15 minutes, maybe? It depends on the routine I feel like doing. When’s the last time you had a headache? Yesterday. What woke you up this morning? I think I woke up naturally? A rare occasion nowadays. Who was the last person you cried in front of? Summer, yesterday.

[sailinghawaiianstyle]

The Empty Nest.......

The absolute hardest thing for both Eric and me but especially for me was coming to the realization that the nest had become empty. When Kristen came home for spring break, with no chance to return to her beloved Verde Valley School to finish her senior year, enjoy the senior traditions and of course graduate, went house hunting and found an absolute knock out steal of a deal, a beautiful large 2 story home in Kona. Rande, Chucho, Sasha, Kristen and Koen decided to make it home and quickly moved in. We were not quite prepared that this empty nest could and/or would become a permanent arrangement so quickly but life has a way of pitching curve balls. I think I am still not accepting the fact that all my girls are grown and living their own very successful lives. This was the catalyst for Eric and I to realize that our dream of living aboard and becoming full time cruisers was actually going to be a reality.

KaiFe:

Falicia has FINALLY given up the exhausting work of serving in the restaurant business and has taken her next step toward working in education as she had always dreamed, ever since she was a young senior at Verde Valley School. "I am going to come back here some day as a teacher mom" she told me long ago. Now she is serving in the admin. office at Kona Pacific Charter School and wears many hats there at Kona's finest Waldorf school. Our little bolt of lightening, her son, Kai skipped first grade at his last Waldorf school up Hamakua Coast and will be entering second grade, right there where mama administers every day. He is a sharp little boy and can easily read at 4th grade level. He can do algebra problems in his head and solves most mathematical riddles before any of the rest of us can. He keeps his teachers hopping so they decided best if he skipped at least one grade. They packed up their truck and moved back to Honaunau not far from their home where Kai was born. These two are quite the team and words cannot explain how fun it is to watch them learn and grow together. They are the real beach buns of the family and on their spare time they are found exploring the island and her many hidden secrets. Kai has become quite the swimmer and is dying to put on a bc and regulator so he can breathe underwater like the fish. We look forward to teaching them both how to scuba dive in the near future.

FamVela:

Rande, Chucho and Sasha are living and loving their new home which they share with Kristen and Koen. Chucho has created a marvelously scrumptious garden which feeds them fresh food daily while he also works full time in construction and is waiting for the come back of Kona Brewing Co. Where he has earned employee of the month several times. I'd you ever make it to Kona Brew Co. you want Chucho as your server. Rande has become quite the entertainer opening their home to friends and family dinners. Their cat, Big Boy rescued two little pinkie rat babies who were only a few hours old and brough them to Ms. Rande. She and Sasha, being the animal lovers they are, nursed them, love them and kept them alive. Now they are thriving bouncing little baby rats who are so attached to these girls that all they want to do is play with them and won't stand still until they do. Rande and Sasha were giving feedings every 4 hours for weeks until Nibbles and Squeaks became old enough to eat formula on their own. Sasha Enjoyed her 8th grade year at Hawaii Technical Academy and, well, this year, will be learning from home like most of the kids on the islands. Sasha is quite the popular girl and the house is always busy with her friends around playing in the pool, yard and of course video games. Sasha is the champ and I don't know anyone who has defeated her yet!!

KrisKo

Kristen and Koen are precious to watch. They are so in love and devoted to each other. We have given them the name KrisKo because they truly have become one. Their graduation from high school this year was........unusual. it was at the height of the Covid scare and most people were afraid to leave their homes so we had 2 drive by graduation get togethers. They were both buried under their leis and even though it was not what they were expecting for their high school graduation. They handled it well. Their outlook together is always like, "well, that happened, okay, next!!!" Their bright outlook on life inspires EVERYONE they come into contact with. Kriaten graduated from VVS with her IB diploma so when she starts college she already has her first year of credits behind her so she received a nice jump start on that. She and Koen are planning to attend U of H Palamanui Campus in Kona and begin their education. Kristen is not sure exactly where she wants to make her career, she is things cosmetology lately and Koen wants to work in marine biology. They live in the right place for both of those venues plus Koen works very hard in his families business of providing and maintaining purified water filling stations throughout the island. They are both working their tails off and doing a great job of making their way in the world.

Eric and I feel very blessed and relaxed to know that the kids are all doing so well. We sleep well at night knowing the family is still stuck together, supporting one another and caring for each other in these trying times. The island of Hawaii is pretty much cut off from the world right now but no deaths from the virus so they are all making the very best of this situation which is anything but. Please enjoy these pictures of this bunch of kids that we miss terribly. We think of them constantly and thank heaven for whatsapp!!!

[duggardata]

All The Data:  Josie + Kelton

The Couple—

Josie Kellyn (Bates) Balka  (b. August 4, 1999)

Parents   Gil + Kelly Jo Bates

Child #   10 of 19

Hometown   Rocky Top, TN

Early Education   ATI/IBLP and Abeka Homeschooling

Higher Education   A.A.S. or Certificate in Cosmetology (2018), Crown School of Trades & Technology  (Powell, TN)

Credentials   Licensed Cosmetologist  (TN; 2018—)

Occupation   Stylist at R&Co. Salon  (Knoxville, TN; 2018—)

Kelton Edward Balka  (b. July 4, 1995)

Parents   Michael + Kristy Balka  (Note—Kristy died in childbirth on April 14, 2009.)

Child #   1 of 5

Hometown   _____, SC; Knoxville, TN

Early Education   High School Diploma (2013), Temple Baptist Academy (Powell, TN)  (Note—During high school, Kelton was involved in national–level Bible Quiz.); Abeka Homeschooling  (to 2009, His Mother’s Death)

Higher Education   B.S. in Finance (2017), Pensacola Christian College  (Pensacola, FL)  (See Also Bringing Up Bates (8–10–17), “One Cap, Two Gowns?” and Bates Family Live Chat (8–10–17), ~8:15) 

Credentials   Licensed Plumber  (TN; 2014—)

Occupation   Plumber, The Plumbing Authority  (Knoxville, TN; 2014—)  (Note—The Plumbing Authority is Kelton’s uncle’s business.  See Bates Family Live Chat (8–10–17), ~8:15.)

The Relationship—

First Meeting   2014

Location   “[Kelton’s] Sister’s Piano Recital”

Details   Josie + Kelton met at a piano recital at which Josie and Ariana Balka both played.  (Erin Bates was Ariana Balka’s piano teacher.)

1st Pre–Courtship   Summer 2015—c. December 2015

Location  “A Church Service”

Details   Kelton approached Josie again “at a church service.”  They got to talking and really hit it off.  That summer, they got to know each other and became increasingly close.

Break–Up   In Fall 2015, Kelton returned to college in Florida.  They kept in touch but, at the end of Fall Semester 2015, Josie broke it off with him. Gil + Kelly encouraged the break up, believing Josie was too young for a serious boyfriend.  (See Bringing Up Bates (4–12–18), “Another Beautiful Season of Blessings.”)

2nd Pre–Courtship   c. Christmas 2016  (Duggar Data uses 12–25–16.)

Location   Balka Family Home; Knoxville, TN

Details   In October 2016, Josie was one of several Bateses who tagged along with Tori to Florida to visit Bobby.  (Tori + Bobby’s courtship began during their visit.)  Josie + Kelton reconnected during the trip and started talking again.  While Kelton was home in Tennessee for Christmas Break, their pre–courtship resumed:  They met up in–person at the Balka Home, discussed their feelings, and agreed to “move toward a relationship.”

Announced   August 10, 2017 on the Bates Family Live Chat (8–10–17), Before Bringing Up Bates (8–10–17), “One Cap, Two Gowns?”  (+228ish Days)

Courtship   January 11, 2018  (Thursday)

Location   Emert’s Cove Covered Bridge; Sevierville, TN

Timing   Per Bringing Up Bates (6–7–18), “A Heavenly Honeymoon and A Courtship Countdown,” Josie + Kelton’s courtship started exactly 2 Days after his parents’ 25th Anniversary.  Michael + Kristy Balka’s wedding day was January 9, 1993.  So...  Josie + Kelton’s courtship must’ve begun on January 11, 2018.

Details   Kelton + Josie spent the whole day together in Gatlinburg, TN, doing activities including the sky lift and ice skating.  Afterwards, Kelton took Josie to the bridge, which he had decorated in advance with string lights.  Kelton made a big speech, ending with:  “I love you Josie.  Can I have your heart?”  Josie said ‘yes.’  (See Bringing Up Bates (6–7–18), “A Heavenly Honeymoon and A Courtship Countdown.”)

Announced   January 24, 2018 by UpTV  (See Also)  (+13 Days)

Featured On   Bringing Up Bates (6–7–18), “A Heavenly Honeymoon and A Courtship Countdown”

Engagement   June 19, 2018  (Tuesday)

Location   Tower Arch Viewpoint at Arches National Park; Moab, UT

Timing   A now–deleted Instagram Post by Josie + Kelton’s engagement photographer strongly suggested a proposal date of June 20, 2018.  But, on the couple’s wedding website, Kelton clarified that it actually occurred on June 19, 2018.

Details   Kelton surprised Josie with a cross–country scavenger hunt.  At each ‘stop,’ he presented her with a charm for a charm bracelet.  The last stop was Arches National Park—a place Josie had always wanted to see—and that’s where Kelton proposed.

Announced   June 22, 2018 by In Touch  (Exclusive; +3 Days)

Featured On   Bringing Up Bates (9–27–18), “A Monumental Proposal”

Wedding   October 5, 2018, 4:00 PM  (Friday)

Location   Cove Lake State Park; Caryville, TN

Officiants   Gil Bates  (Bride’s Father), Mike Fox  (Dean of Crown College)

MOH   Alyssa (Bates) Webster  (Bride’s Sister)

Best Man   Bobby Smith  (Groom’s Friend / Bride’s Brother–In–Law)

Announced   October 5, 2018 by Us Weekly  (Exclusive; Same Day)

Featured On   Bringing Up Bates (2–14–19), “A Bride, A Groom, and A Love That’s True”

Honeymoon   The Cove at Atlantis (Resort); Paradise Island, The Bahamas  (w/ Excursion to Eleuthera Island)

The Quiver—

Willow Kristy Balka  (b. July 19, 2019)

Pregnancy Announced   February 13, 2019 by In Touch  (Exclusive; 117 Days Along)

Sex & Name Revealed   March 28, 2019 by Hollywood Life  (Exclusive; 160 Days Along)

Due Date   July 25, 2019  (See Also)  (Note—Initially, it might have been July 31, 2019 but was adjusted, mid–pregnancy.)

Birthdate & Time   July 19, 2019, 2:23 AM  (6 Days Early)

Weight & Length   6 Pounds, 10 Ounces; 19 Inches

Birth Announced   July 19, 2019 by People  (Exclusive; Same Day)

Birth Details   Josie had a “long, hard labor,” lasting 36 Hours.  Kelton described it as “a terrifying and shocking process.”  The Bates Family’s go–to photographer, Taryn Yager, attended and photographed the birth.

Featured On   N/A  (Not Yet Televised)

... that’s “All The Data” we have, so far!

[primary-colour-hair]

Academy Director, Educator, Assessor, Master Colourist, Hairdresser & Photographer, these are some of the accolades of SRH & Master Craftsman Loretta O’Connell who has been a State Registered Hairdresser for over 15 years and a qualified stylist for 30 years. Despite living & working overseas for half of her career she actively maintains her Wella Master Colour Expert status and State Registered Hairdresser & Master Craftsman status. She is an advocate for continuing education, mandatory licensing & registration for the hairdressing & barbering industry.

During her extensive career she has grown her skills & knowledge internationally working as a stylist & educator in Bermuda for over 7 years and is currently The Education & Academy Director at the prestigious ARROJO Academy & ARROJO Cosmetology schools owned by celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo in NYC where she has lived for over 10 years.

ARROJO Cosmetology School recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary early 2019 and Loretta shared these snippets & photos with us.

Congratulations on 10 years of ARROJO Cosmetology School, how was the party?

Thanks! The party was amazing, it was a full house of staff, graduates, students, friends and hairstylists past, present & future. The energy was fantastic and the graduate presentation was inspiring; for many of them it was their first time presenting on stage so there was lot of love in the room for them. Nick gave a speech and got several key staff up on the stage to say a few words including me.

Tell us, how did you manage to get such a great job in NYC?

I always wanted to live in New York City since I first visited in 1995. I did tons of research and visited several times a year while living in Bermuda (1996-2003) and spoke to many salon owners, product companies and educators to gather knowledge and find the best companies around. Nick’s name kept coming up and everyone had such good things to say about him and the brand so I applied.

Timing is everything and he was already very focused on education as part of the brand and was looking to start a Cosmetology School where students could come to learn their craft and become licensed (qualified) I had teaching experience and my eagerness came across in my lengthy application and supporting documentation, plus we both come from the North of England and have a similar background so it seemed like a good fit for both. 

I owe my greatest success to Nick for taking a chance on me to create and grow his school & education culture and trusting me to run with it, thankfully it worked out very well for both of us!

Did you write the programs for the school?

I got the school licensed & accredited, wrote all of the Cosmetology & Barbering fundamental & advanced curriculums in cutting, colouring, styling & American Wave, hired & trained all of the staff and created all of the systems. As this was a first for the brand I had to research outside sources & organisations to build myself a team of mentors to guide, help and support me as I am responsible for every aspect of the school to the outside sources that allow the school to open & operate. Nick has a very clear vision on where he wants his school to go, how it should run and standards to uphold so it gave me a blueprint to work from. It was and continues to be the biggest learning experience of my life and I am amazed at the snippets of information I have filed away over the last 10 years.

What do you love most about New York?

I love the vibrancy & energy generated by NYC plus it is the epic centre of fashion, beauty and creativity so there is no better place to be involved in the hair industry than here. I am also a photographer so it is the perfect backdrop for capturing inspiring shots and wandering aimlessly during weekends.

Bermuda, wow how was that?

It was an amazing experience. I made some of my best friends there who are still great friends today. Hairdressing is completely different there due to the semi tropical climate and intense heat. Products react differently in high humidity so less is more, most colour services are colour correction due to the sun and the first question I asked my clients was “do you ride a bike?” (moped) as the hair needed to be either short enough to sit under the helmet or long enough to tie up, no in-between lengths! I learned to work with different hair types & textures and the true meaning of running out of colour when there was none to be found on the island! 

10 years is quite an achievement, looking back how was it?

I cannot believe it has been 10 years as at times it still feels brand new but then I look at how much the school has grown and the successes of the graduates and I can’t imagine it ever not being there. I have learned so much about topics I had no idea I needed to know about.

The graduates are my proudest moments and every day I am thankful for the amazing students who have come through the doors and trusted us for their education. I see many graduates daily as they are now part of the ARROJO Studio team (ARROJO Studio has 3 salons in NYC offering professional services for over 18 years) and to see them progress from assistant to stylist and eventually educator is truly a testament to an intense fundamentals education and working immersed in a strong education culture with structure, growth & opportunity

It didn’t happen by chance though and my strong education background meant I knew there had to be rules, regulations and discipline to create a structure for progression, growth, accountability & success. Maintaining standardization as the team & facilities grown ensures I have to continuously find new ways to connect with my team, inspire & educate them and provide opportunities for growth while holding them accountable professionally.

The school started off with a team of 2 including me and is now a 2 school facility with over 20 full time talented, enthusiastic staff & access and support from over 100 licensed stylists in 3 salons. We are proud to offer employment to so many staff in a variety of roles, have 3 fantastic salons to offer consideration for employment options to high achieving graduates plus a network of over 500+ salons as a career option for graduates depending upon what they are looking for.

You won an Award recently, tell us about that?

I was awarded the Women Making Waves Award for my contribution to the industry and my photograph is displayed in the ARROJO Tribeca Heroes Hallway alongside Nick’s industry Heroes & Mentors such as Vidal Sassoon, Horst Rechelbacher, Vivienne Mackinder, Annie Humphries and more, it is a huge honour and I am eternally grateful for the amazing opportunities my career has allowed me and proud to play such a pivotal role at ARROJO. 

How different is American hairdressing education than British?

American hairdressers need a license to practice and work towards a final state board written & practical exam upon graduation whereas British hairdressers work towards a qualification through continuous assessment.

Every state has different requirements for topics taught, guided learning hours to be clocked and criteria for completion. In New York a Cosmetology student must clock 1000 hours of learning (8 months) covering 13 different topics and pass a written & practical exam to obtain a license to work as a hairdresser. A salon is not allowed to employ anyone to touch the hair without a license therefore even shampoo assistants need to be licensed.

I worked in a local, well-known salon from the age of 16 and went to college for 2 years when I was training and felt like a “real hairdresser” when I was qualified. I then worked as an assistant for a further 12 months before being full time on the salon floor by the age of 19. I worked there for a total of 10 years and am ever Thankful for aspiring to work at quality salons that value ongoing training. 

I believe that the status of being qualified (or licensed) gives a stylist a level of quality to continually aspire to meet and exceed which is why I believe in mandatory registration to uphold & maintain standards and for quality assurance.

What is next for the ARROJO Brand?

ARROJO has been around as a brand for almost 20 years and is well known & respected throughout North America as an education brand, product company, quality brand salon and for extensive skills in razor cutting. Since I joined the team over 10 years ago the number of salons has tripled from 1 to 3, the team has more than doubled in size, there are 3 product lines within the brand and plans for growth across all aspects. Safe to say there is never a dull moment, always something happening and always opportunity for growth.

And what is next for you?

I am working on training up a team of Directors to manage all aspects of running 2 schools and expanding the team to meet the demands of a growing school facility with teaching & support team to allow me to focus on other educational aspects of the brand. 

The Advanced Education market is changing with the popularity of online education plus ARROJO now has multiple distributors who service the 500+ ARROJO Ambassador accounts across the USA to provide product & education. Currently the ARROJO Studio salon staff education team travel to multiple states on a weekly basis to teach InSalon classes & events, we are in the process of also growing an Art team from our Ambassador Salons to offer more opportunities, more local education and brand growth while maintaining quality and standards.

Personally I am also growing my photography brand to supply images to independent consumers and local businesses.  

www.picturethisphotographynyc.com

Thanks for chatting today Loretta, Congrats again, here’s to the next 10 years!  

[homesinnewyorkforsale-blog]

Homes for Sale in Salisbury NY

If you are planning to buy a home in New York, consider Salisbury among your top options. It is one of the best places to buy a home in the city and has just about everything you need to live a good life.

Salisbury is a small city in New York with a population of 12,154. Compared with the surrounding counties, it is less family-centric, with just about 37.15% of the households occupied by married families with children.

Salisbury also offers a generally urban feel, with lots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for recreation. Public schools in Salisbury are also among the best in NY.

Diversity

One of the best things about Salisbury is its diversity. More than half of the people living in the area are white, while the rest consists of Asian and Hispanic residents.

Since around 93.7% of Salisbury residents are natives of the United States, most of the people in the neighborhood speak the English language. Just around 30% of the people in Salisbury speak non-English languages.

Schools

If you are moving to Salisbury with your children, their education won’t be a problem. Schools in the area are among the most highly rated in NY. The largest universities in Salisbury are Hunter Business School, Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute, and Brittany Beauty School.

In 2015, universities in Hempstead Town (Northeast) PUMA, NY started offering 1,020 degrees. Majority of the student population of Hempstead are females, having only 155 male students and 865 female students.

Most of the students in the area are white, although there are also a few black or African American and Latinos. The three most popular courses in Salisbury are General Cosmetology and Computer Installation & Repair Technology.

Attractions

Nassau County, the county where Salisbury is located, is one of the richest in NY when it comes to tourist attractions. Aside from the sporting goods stores, computer shops and wholesale stores that this community is known for, Salisbury also has a wealth of attractions that make it a magnet for people from other communities.

Among the most popular attractions in and around Nassau are the Bethpage Air Show, Council Rock, Gold Coast International Film Festival, Governor’s Comedy Club, Hofstra University Arboretum, Locust Valley Cemetery, Long Beach International Film Festival Miracle Mile, Jones Beach Theater, Nunley’s Happyland, NYCB Theater at Westbury, Oyster Bay History Walk, Stepping Stones Light, and the Waterfront Center.

If you love to go shopping, some of the malls you can visit in the county are Green Acres Mall, Broadway Commons, Mall at The Source, Roosevelt Field, and Westfield Sunrise. If you love going to parks or visiting museums, you will also never run out of parks and museums to visit near Salisbury. It has easy access to the African American Museum of Nassau County, Nassau County Museum of Art, Hempstead Harbor, and the Hempstead Lake State Park.

Homes in Salisbury NY

Most of the people living in Salisbury own the homes they live in. Salisbury has a homeownership rate of 90.9%. Its percentage of owner-occupation is higher than the national average of 63.6%.

Homes in Salisbury NY have a median value of $428,000, which is relatively lower than the county median home value of $479,400. If you are planning to own a home in the area, you will never run out of options. Real estate listings in Salisbury NY include condos, townhomes, and single family homes, so whether you are single or married and moving with your children, you will definitely find a home in Salisbury that suits your needs and taste.

If you are interested to buy a property in Salisbury NY, contact a real estate agent you can trust. Call Ana Valdivia at 516-313-5197 and start looking for homes for sale in Salisbury NY today!

In case you cannot view this video here, please click the link below to view Homes for Sale in Salisbury NY on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJH77KIFUmg&list=PLJkIERPQdZ2SfZMINMHyte4sVIoqo70Y1&index=2&t=0s

[ibibli]

Exploring the Wonders of Cosmetology

The art and science of enhancing and embellishing hair, skin, and nails is known as cosmetology. It is the study and use of cosmetic procedures to make people appear good as its goal. It has various branches for face, hair, body, and general health care and beauty therapy. Let us explore the branches and programs of cosmetology in this blog.

What are the Programs Involved in Cosmetology?

Hairstyling Program

Hair is the most essential accessory that can be donned according to the occasion you are involved in. It can make or mar the personality, thus, is an important part of cosmetology. Training in cutting techniques, scalp and hair care, the most recent haircut trends, and many other skills related to professional hairstyling are all covered in the hairstyling program.

Nail Care Program

All types of diseases are most observed through the nails. It serves as a biological function indicator. A few steps are implemented to maintain healthy nails, such as avoiding nail-biting, cutting nails straight across with only a slight rounding at the tip, using a fine-textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags, and keeping nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nails. The nail care programme in cosmetology includes in-depth lessons on all these steps in protecting nail health. 

Wig Care Program

For many of us, wigs are an essential component of existence. By keeping all the insecurities hidden, confidence is boosted through wigs. Whether you have chosen a synthetic or real human hair wig, you'll need to clean it frequently with shampoo and conditioner made specifically for wigs. Your human hair wig needs regular maintenance to stay tidy, lustrous, and in good shape. Although wigs are identical to your hair in some ways, you must take certain additional procedures to ensure that it lasts as long as possible and continues to look beautiful. Therefore, this topic is covered in cosmetology classes where students are taught how to properly care for wigs, which are generally more delicate than genuine hair.

Makeup Artistry Program

Makeup is indeed a crucial part of everybody's life. It hides all our insecurities and works to enhance our confidence. Makeup is an art that can only be mastered through pure creativity and devotion. It is not a knack. This is why this part of the beauty industry is highly sought after when pursuing cosmetology. Most of the Beauty School Long Island train their students to get hands-on experience and enhance their skills.

Conclusion

Besides these skills, cosmetology students learn sales techniques, which are very helpful in generating more business and raising awareness among those considering cosmetic processes. Additionally, these students receive comprehensive guidance regarding health and safety regulations. These health and safety regulations are vital in educating aspiring cosmetologists about the dangers of handling delicate body parts, including skin, hair, and nails. Many of the mistakes in these procedures can damage the patient's health and destroy their self-confidence and appearance. If you are looking for Cosmetology Schools Long Island, opt for IBBI cosmetology programs, as they are a comprehensive design of all the beauty industry-related programs concerning hair, skin, and nails.

[meghannsohlin-blog]

Moving To Corpus Christi Texas

Originally inhabited by Karankawa and other Native American peoples, it was founded as a trading post in 1839 by Colonel Henry L. Kinney and named in 1846 after the bay. It was the scene of Mexican War operations and American Civil War blockade skirmishes. The arrival of railroads in 1881–1909 stimulated a land boom. The exploitation of gas (1923), the development of a deep water port (1926), and the discovery of the Saxtet oil field (1939) laid the economic foundation for a modern city.

The port, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, handles bulk cargoes, including grain, cotton, ores, petroleum, and raw materials. The city’s economy also embraces petrochemicals, aluminum, glass, agriculture, the seafood industry, and tourism. Resort facilities, mostly fishing and water sports, are based on the bay and the coastal barrier islands, including the Padre Island National Seashore, stretching 113 miles (182 km) southward almost to Brownsville.

The huge Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (1941) and an army depot also contribute to the economy. The city is the home of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (1947) and Del Mar (community) College (1935). Other cultural institutions include the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, the Art Museum of South Texas (with a building designed by architect Philip Johnson), and numerous small theatres and galleries. The city hosts several musical and cultural festivals throughout the year. Inc. 1852. Pop. (2000) city, 277,454; Corpus Christi Metro Area, 403,280; (2010) 305,215; Corpus Christi Metro Area, 428,185.

Spanish authorities dispatched an expedition to the area in 1689 under Alonso De León , but the Corpus Christi Bay area remained unknown and unexplored until 1747, when Joaquín de Orobio y Basterra led an expedition down the Nueces River, reaching the bay on February 26. After Orobio's return, José de Escandón , governor and captain general of Nuevo Santander , proposed founding a settlement at the mouth of the Nueces called Villa de Vedoya.

During the great cattle boom of the 1870s Corpus Christi emerged as an important shipping point for cattle from the South Texas plains, and in the 1880s packing houses, stockyards, and markets for hides, tallow, and other cattle by-products flourished.

Located on the South Texas coast, Corpus Christi has earned its fair share of nicknames like the Texas Riviera” or the Sparkling City by the Sea.” But its best known denomer is The Real Windy City” because our Gulf winds create more of an uproar than that Lake-Michigan-locked metropolis up north.

The prestige of a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi degree is known worldwide. According to the preface, it does focuses less on the history than on the people, "presenting in plain narrative form, a recountal of the days when Corpus Christi was young, of the trials and tribulations that fell to the lot of her residents in the war periods, and finally to emerge as a fast growing a progressive city of the Southland" (p. v).

The Padre Island National Seashore is home to the largest Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle nesting ground in the U.S. From April to July, volunteers scout the shoreline for nests so the eggs can be brought to the National Seashore incubation facility for protected care until they hatch and it's time to go back to the sea.

Prospective students looking to rent an apartment in Corpus Christi will find that there are plenty of higher education institutions nearby, including Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi , Del Mar College, and several vocational schools, including Southern Careers Institute and Vogue Cosmetology School, among others.

The downtown area, of which the museum district is a part, is home to skyscrapers such as One Shoreline Plaza , company offices, various shops, a popular center of marinas, and Mirador de la Flor Downtown also is home of the Texas Surf Museum, which explores the history of surfing and focuses on surf culture along Texas' 367-mile (591 km) coast, as well as K Space Contemporary, a nonprofit art organization promoting and presenting local, regional, and national contemporary art.

From the city's neighborhoods and school systems to the employment options and recreational activities available within the city, you'll find it all in this guide so that you can go into your move with the knowledge that is needed to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Corpus Christi is home to several popular attractions for both visitors and residents. The city's North Beach is the setting for the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum, offering daily tours seven days a week. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History focuses on the history of South Texas and the region's place in the world. Also located in the city's museum district are the Asian Cultures Museum and Educational Center and the Harbor Playhouse, a long-running community theatre with a history of quality local productions.

 The city's Heritage Park features eleven Victorian homes including the Cultural Center, which operates in the 100-year-old Galván House. The Corpus Christi Municipal Marina, one of the city's prime focal points, is on Corpus Christi Bay protected from the Gulf of Mexico by sandy barrier islands off the Texas Coast.

A number of professional sports teams call Corpus Christi home. Minor League Baseball has a Class-AA franchise in the city, the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Texas League. The Hooks, who hosted the 2007 Texas League All Star Game, are affiliated with Major League Baseball's Houston Astros.

The city is also home to the Corpus Christi Rayz of the Central Hockey League. The Rayz play their home games at Corpus Christi's new American Bank Center. Another American Bank Center resident is the local Arena Football team, the Corpus Christi Sharks. The Sharks are a 2007 expansion team belonging to the Af2 (arenafootball2) League.

Two additional teams reside in the neighboring community of Robstown, Texas (20 miles to the west). The Coastal Bend Aviators are an independent minor league baseball team belonging to the American Association and the Corpus Christi Hammerheads are a professional indoor football team who play in the Intense Football League (IFL).

Corpus Christi Being a coastal city has always had a lure to it, but in the last decade we are seeing a large increase in family’s relocating to the city according to many Long Distance Moving Companies. 

[keepingupwithfundies]

Bringing Up Bates Season 7 Episode 26: Just a Little Off the Top, Please.

Due to some life stuff, I got behind on BuB recaps so here I am starting to catch up! 

-T 

Josie has graduated from cosmetology school and has accepted a position at a local salon. Her family has been serving as her models and Trace refused to let her do his hair until she got a job. The time has come and he is nervous she will take off too much.  Trace is having a running commentary as she does about how short or long to go in different areas. Trace tells her he will be in a rodeo for a weekend doing his trick riding. He asks about Kelton and Josie says its going good and Josie is ready for engagement. Gil says he thinks she is young but Kelly says she is mature and she knows what she wants. Trace is pleased with the haircut and Josie gets him to say it was the best.

Bobby and Tori are at the Git’n Go Deli ordering food for dinner. Tori says she is so hungry and they are waiting for her parents. Kelly says they are moving shortly after graduation to Nashville. Tori hates moving and she is hopeful her family will help. Zach jokes that they keep coming and marrying the girls and taking them away- Carlin will go to Nashville and Katie to “a tropical island or something.”  Bobby will be a school chaplain and Tori will help him. Gil is sad but excited for them. Tori mentions babysitters and Kelly asked if she misses an announcement. No news yet, Tori says.

At Erin and Chad’s, Erin is at the piano with Carson and Brooklyn preparing for Everly to arrive. Chad comes home and is happy to see them all together. Chad reads them a Bible story. Gil says kids are like a sponge and they will soak it up. Erin says Carson likes reading and it is special. They all pray together for the delivery and for Everly.

At the main house, Gil decided to make a shuffleboard court at the concrete outside. Zach and Whitney and their kids arrive and the guys are trying to figure out how to design the shuffleboard court and the little kids play wiffle ball with Trace. Erin is running the bases and Kelly tells her not to go into labor.  The guys working on the shuffleboard get jealous and want to join in the wiffle ball game instead. Zach is up and they want Erin to walk him and she does.  Gil cuts up a log to make the tools for the game. They complete the shuffleboard court and they have a game but they’re going to have to get real discs, Kelly says. The wooden ones didn’t slide very well. Gil says it was fine but they have ideas to improve it. Kelly says it was just a fun day. Gil says that was real family life, enjoying the simple things.