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partyrightrentals · 2 years
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How can a bounce house provide sensory input for a child with Autism?
There is no doubt that if you have children, you know how much they love to jump on furniture regardless of whether they are autistic or not. The activity serves an essential purpose for children with autism when it comes to playing on the couch. Children with autism enjoy jumping because it is soothing, providing sensory input through a repetitive bouncing action, which is enjoyable.
 Locating an outlet
If your child with autism bounces on the couch all the time and releases pent-up energy, your child might be doing something else. This is because a child with autism needs a lot of input into their bodies. The body's input through its joints and muscles is called proprioceptive input. As a result of the push, pull, lifting, or jumping, the body receives this input in varying ways through various activity types. 
 Jump Reasons
To find a solution to your child's constant jumping, you need to understand the root cause of the problem. Sometimes, it could be because your child enjoys repetition. Then, it's just a matter of finding a place where he can jump that will allow her to bounce around. It is vital to fit in a few sessions of the repetition-craving child's solution throughout the day, regardless of the solution you choose for them. If you want to get out all your child's energy from the day, you might place one of the sessions an hour or two before bedtime. 
 When you can figure out the input your child craves and a safe way to deliver that input, you may notice your child acting and feeling calmer, along with an increased awareness of her surroundings. When his needs are met, he will be much more satisfied, improving her mood and yours since he can relax more. As a result, his attention span will probably lengthen, and you may be able to enjoy activities with him that were previously impossible.
 Inflatable Bounce Houses
There is no doubt that furniture is not cheap. If your child jumps on the couch all the time, you will notice some wear and tear before long - and a sagging couch does not offer a great deal of comfort. However, if your child has autism and is on a bouncy couch, there are plenty of other bouncy solutions to fulfill her sensory needs, similar to how a bouncy couch can. An inflatable bounce house rental Brockton from party rentals Brockton is the best option if you have a child, who has a skill set and needs a lot more space to play than a mountain of pillows, an exercise ball, or a mattress, can provide.
 PartyRightRentals inflatable rentals east Bridgewater can provide more rooms than the combined size of a pillow fort, couch, and mattress. It is a great idea to have bounce house rentals Pembroke MA for your little ones who love to jump, as this provides a safe and fun environment for them to do so. Alternatively, if your child is suffering from Autism and he love to bounce every day, you can purchase a small bounce house for them. In addition to lasting for years, bounce house rental Brockton does not suffer from the same wear and tear as furniture. 
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acadiana-funjumps · 10 days
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Water Slide Rentals Broussard LA
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Water slide rentals in Broussard, LA, have become a popular choice for kids and adults looking to add excitement to their gatherings. With Louisiana's hot and humid climate, water slides offer a fun and refreshing way to cool down during the warm months. These inflatable attractions come in various sizes, styles, and themes, making them suitable for all events, from children's birthday parties to family reunions and community festivals. The convenience of renting a water slide means hosts can provide a thrilling activity without the hassle of purchasing, storing, and maintaining a large piece of equipment.
There is something for everyone when it comes to water slide rentals in Broussard. Options range from small, single-lane slides perfect for younger children to larger, multi-lane slides that accommodate teenagers and adults. Some slides feature additional elements like splash pools, tunnels, or climbing walls, enhancing the overall experience and keeping guests entertained for hours. The various designs also allow event organizers to choose a water slide that fits their specific theme, whether a tropical luau, a pirate adventure, or a jungle safari. This versatility makes water slides a versatile option for all kinds of occasions.
Safety is a crucial consideration when choosing a water slide rental. Reputable rental companies in Broussard ensure their equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to meet safety standards. They also provide detailed instructions on how to set up and use the slides correctly to prevent accidents. Some companies even offer setup and takedown services so hosts can focus on enjoying the event rather than worrying about the logistics. Water slide rentals often include safety features such as secure anchor points, safety nets, and padded landings, providing peace of mind for parents and hosts.
Another advantage of renting a water slide in Broussard is the convenience and ease of the process. Most rental companies offer online booking systems, making it simple to select the desired slide, choose the rental date, and arrange for delivery. Many companies also provide flexible rental periods, allowing hosts to rent a water slide for a few hours, an entire day, or even a weekend, depending on the needs of their event. This flexibility ensures guests can enjoy the water slide for as long as they want without feeling rushed.
In addition to being a source of entertainment, water slide rentals can also encourage physical activity among guests. In an era where screen time often dominates children's leisure activities, a water slide provides a fun way to get kids moving. Climbing, sliding, and splashing around on the water slide can help improve coordination, balance, and overall fitness. Moreover, the competitive spirit that often accompanies racing down the slides adds an element of excitement, keeping participants engaged and active throughout the event.
Water slide rentals in Broussard are also an excellent way to unite people. The thrill of sliding down a water slide creates a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement among guests. Whether it's children laughing and playing together or adults joining in on the fun, water slides foster a lively and inclusive atmosphere. This social aspect makes water slides ideal for events that aim to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds among family members, friends, and neighbors.
Choosing a water slide rental in Broussard also means accessing various complementary services. Many rental companies offer packages that include additional items such as inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, and concession machines. These add-ons can help create a complete party experience, catering to guests of all ages and interests. For example, a combination of a water slide and a bounce house can provide diverse activities, keeping kids entertained and active throughout the day. Meanwhile, concession machines like popcorn or snow cone makers can add a festive touch and offer tasty treats to guests.
Another essential factor to consider when renting a water slide in Broussard is the space available at the event location. Water slides come in different sizes, so choosing one that fits comfortably within the designated area is essential. Rental companies typically provide information about the dimensions of each slide and the space required for safe setup and operation. It's also crucial to ensure that the surface where the slide will be placed is flat, clean, and free of obstacles. Proper placement ensures the participants' safety and maximizes the enjoyment of the water slide experience.
The affordability of water slide rentals in Broussard makes them an attractive option for event planners on a budget. Renting a water slide is often more cost-effective than other entertainment options, such as hiring performers or renting a venue with a pool. Additionally, the inclusive nature of water slides means that a single rental can provide entertainment for many guests, making it a cost-effective way to enhance the overall event experience. Some rental companies also offer discounts for multiple items or extended rental periods, providing further savings for hosts looking to make the most of their budget.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, planning the water slide rental in advance is advisable. This includes booking the rental early, especially during peak seasons when demand for water slides is high. It's also important to discuss any specific requirements or preferences with the rental company, such as the desired theme, slide size, or setup location. Clear communication helps ensure the rental company meets the host's expectations and provides a water slide that perfectly complements the event.
Water slide rentals in Broussard, LA, offer a fun and refreshing way to entertain guests at various events. With a wide range of options, hosts can find the perfect water slide to suit their theme, space, and budget. The convenience, safety, and physical activity that water slides provide make them ideal for summer gatherings, family reunions, birthday parties, and more. By renting a water slide, hosts can create an unforgettable experience that will leave guests talking about the event long after the final splash.
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Acadiana FunJumps is your go-to source for water slide rentals in Broussard, LA. It offers a wide selection of thrilling and safe inflatables perfect for any event. From towering slides that provide an adrenaline rush to smaller, kid-friendly options, its water slides cater to all ages, making them a hit at birthdays, family gatherings, and community events. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Acadiana FunJumps ensures each rental is clean, well-maintained, and set up professionally, turning your celebration into a splash-filled success.
Contact: Acadiana FunJumps 3136 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503, United States 6X32+JR Lafayette, Louisiana, USA (337) 981–5867 https://www.funjumps.com/water-slide-rentals-broussard-la/
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jamielea81 · 5 years
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Just a Simple Lie
Chapter 6
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Description: Having worked on small independent films for the better part of a decade, your friend tells you about an opening for a script supervisor with a large studio. Wanting to advance your career, you apply and get an interview. The only downside, they prefer to hire crew who are married. It’s just a simple lie, right?
Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader
Warnings: Cursing and some fluff
A/N: This fic is simply for fun. I know nothing about the personal lives of the two actors in this series and mean no harm. I am also totally guessing regarding the studio talk. Comments, reblogs, and likes are always welcome.
Word Count: 4,625
Catch up with Chapter 5
**
Laying in the guestroom of Chris Evans’ rental is one of the few places you’d never pictured yourself being. The décor was very hotel chic which made sense since it was rented out by a private owner with lots of turnaround. Best to keep things neutral rather than themed. The bed was soft and the linens were plush so you could not complain.
It was such a weird feeling to be in his space but not be with him. He was essentially somewhere in the condo and you were here. In a room. Doing your own thing. Or resting, or whatever. He had insisted. Who were you to complain about more sleep? Wasn’t like you could work. Chris confiscated your well used script and laptop once he gave you a brief tour of the place.
“If you’re in such a hurry to get back to work, you have to get better. No sense in tiring yourself out and being sick longer. That’s just more missed days.”
Damn him and his common sense.
You put your phone on the dresser that was located across the room from you before snuggling back on the bed. Out of sight out of mind.
Apparently, you did manage to sleep as your eyes slowly opened to a dark room. It felt colder although you aren’t sure if the temperature in the condo has dropped due to the setting sun or this mystery virus sending a chill to your bones. Either way you’re cold and you realized your error of not packing a sweatshirt. The sweater you had on was warm, but it was thin and not as cozy as you would have liked.
Getting out of bed, you ran your hands through your hair to tame it as best as you could. You shrugged on your coat that you left on the bench in front of the bed and made your way out of the room.
The TV was on ESPN or the like in the distance as you heard a list of scores for some sport or another. If you were being honest, your brain wasn’t all the way there, so you really didn’t care.
“Oh, hey,” Chris said, sitting up from is half laid down position on the couch. His eyebrows and forehead scrunched low in confusion. “You going somewhere?”
“I’m just kind of cold. Should have packed a sweatshirt or two,” you said, taking a seat at the end of the couch, your hands going into your pockets.
Chris gets up from his spot on the couch, walking to the hallway to check the temperature. “It’s seventy-two in here. Want me to bump it up?” he calls out.
“Seventy-two? Would have guessed it’s sixty.” You shake your head even though he can’t actually see you. “No. No, it’s fine.”
He comes back in the room stopping in front of you. Chris’ hand reaches down, hesitant at first, until his palm touches your cheek. Damnit if your breath doesn’t catch in your throat. He removes it quickly, touching your forehead with the back side of the same hand.
“You’re a…,” he licked his lips, taking a deep breath in. “You’re a little warm,” he said withdrawing his hand. “You need a sweatshirt! I’ll grab you one,” he shouted, practically running away.
Chris Evans was going to be the death of you. The two of you are friends but you can’t help but let your mind wander to that space that says maybe there’s something more. But this is your whole life. This is your career. You’re finally making enough money that you can actually put some away. You no longer have to sling beers to make ends meet. It’s a real adult job and now that you’re in your early thirties, it feels like what you need to do. So, what you need to do is stay focused. Besides, this whole feeling could be the fever talking.
Chris is suddenly in front of you again, apparently you had zoned out and didn’t hear him come back in the room.
“Red or blue?” he asked, holding a sweatshirt of each color in his hands.
“Can I see something in green. Perhaps a hooded number.”
“I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” he chuckled, throwing the blue one at you.
Tugging off your coat, you slip the sweatshirt over your head while you assume Chris is returning the red one to his room. It’s warm and cozy and smells a little like him. Not that you’ve smelt him. You’ve just picked up on his cologne when he’s near you. Yeah, not weird at all.
Tucking your hands inside the sleeves to keep warm, you lift your feet onto the couch in a half laying half sitting position. Chris stops in front of you and gives you a small smile.
“What?” you asked.
“Looks nice on you,” he replied innocently enough.
Think about your fake fiancé, Y/N.
“Well then, I may just keep it,” you shrugged.
He plopped himself down one cushion away from you on the couch, his body bouncing a bit when he landed. “Well, duh. You got your germs all over it.”
**
Clanging noises from the kitchen woke you. Apparently, you had fallen asleep again, you just weren’t sure how long you were asleep. You eased your body off the couch and padded your way into the kitchen.
“Hello sleepy head,” Chris greeted you before turning back to the stove. “I made you some soup. Had to call my ma to get the recipe.”
How is this guy single?
“You called your mother for a soup recipe?” you asked, reaching into the refrigerator for a bottle of water.
“Course! You’re sick. Soup always makes me feel bettah.”
“What did you tell your ma?” you asked in the best accent you could muster.
“I told my ma that my friend was sick and I wanted to make her soup,” he said, shrugging his shoulders.
“Do you tell your mother everything?”
“I do. So, watch yourself Y/L/N,” he replied with eyebrows raised, giving the pot another stir. “Go relax. I’ll bring you a bowl in a few minutes.”  
“Thanks,” you mumbled, walking back into the living room and taking a seat on the couch.
**
Dinner actually ended up being quite good. Chris knew what he was doing in the kitchen, much to your surprise. You ended up eating two bowls of soup. Skipping lunch and sleeping all day apparently amped up your appetite. The warm broth helped warm your body, even if it was only temporary.
You tried your best to stay awake to visit with Chris. He was telling you stories about his family and from what you could remember, they sounded like a close-knit group. But this darn virus was keeping your energy level at zero. When you had dozed off on him twice, Chris ordered you to bed and you willingly went without complaint. You kept the sweatshirt on. Strictly for the warmth of course.
**
Knocking on the bedroom door woke you the next morning.
“Come in,” your groggy voice called. You were honestly too tired to get out of bed despite all the sleep you managed to get yesterday and overnight.
Chris walked in, sticking close to the door. “How are you feelin’?”
“I’ll live.”
He chuckled at your response.
“What?” you asked, voice coming out a little whiny.
“Just sound so cute,” he shrugged his shoulders. Your mouth dropped open. In shock? In protest? You weren’t sure. “You’re so stuffed up.”
He wasn’t wrong, but still. Cute? Pfft.
“Well, yeah. I’m sick.”
Damn. I really am stuffed up.
“Which is why I called you out for the day,” he said, walking over to the window and opening the blinds.
“Chris…”
“Y/N…”
“I can’t miss again. They’re going to fire me.” You were full on whining now.
“They’re not gonna fire you,” he said crossing his arms over his chest. “They don’t want sick people there especially since you interact with a lot of key people. I already called Monica and she’s fine. Just rest today. I’m sure you’ll feel better tomorrow if you do.”
“Fine,” you conceded. “But I want my script back. At least let me take pictures of my notes to send to Monica. You need all the help you can get,” you sassed.
“Smaht-ass. I do just fine on my own.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” you sighed. “Will you please get me my script? I promise to stay in bed while you’re gone.”
“Tuck that bottom lip away missy. I’ll get your damn script. You want breakfast too?”
You gave him a small smile. “I could eat.”
**
Chris came home in a grumpy mood and you had no idea how to cheer him up. If he was one of your friends back home, you’d be out for drinks, but you were sick. Not to mention, with the amount of cold medicine you were taking, mixing alcohol probably wasn’t a good idea.
After the initial door slam, you came out of your temporary room to see Chris sprawled out on the couch, leaving zero room for you. It was his house, what were you going to say? You took a seat on an upholstered chair across from him, crisscrossing your legs.
When he didn’t say anything after a few minutes, you started. “Bad day of filming?”
He let out a loud breath and ran his open palm down his face. “You could say that.”
“What happened?” you couldn’t help but ask. “Unless you don’t want to talk about it.”
“Can we just watch some TV for a bit?”
“Of course,” you replied. You got up from the chair, grabbing a throw pillow from the couch and dropping it on the ground. You eased yourself on it, grinding your butt into it to get comfortable.
“What are you doing?” Chris sighed out.
“We’re watching TV. I’m just getting comfy.”
“Get up here!” he said, sitting up straighter with one bent leg still on the cushion.
You pulled yourself up and settled into the couch, your legs curling up sideways. Your foot touched his and he pulled back.
“Sorry!” you squeaked.
Chris muted the TV and faced you. “No, I’m sorry. Keanu said something to me today and it’s botherin’ me.”
“What did he say?” you asked softly.
“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Chris licked his lips. “He thinks we’re too close. Said I’m too close to you and it’s not right.”
“What does that even mean?” you asked.
You honestly were dumb founded. What a weird thing to say to someone. What did too close mean anyway? You and Chris were friends and co-workers. You were the script supervisor so you worked closely with him daily.
Chris groaned. “I don’t know.” He shook his head. “It’s cause you’re engaged.”
“That’s ridiculous.” The fingers of your right hand automatically finding the engagement ring. “I’m allowed to have friends. You’re allowed to be friends with non-single women.”
“Damn right I am,” he said more confidently.
“We’re adults. We’d know if we were crossing lines. Clearly we aren’t.” Chris nodded in agreement. “What brought that on?”
“Monica asked where you were staying. I told her my place and since Keanu was right there, he heard and brought it up to me as we were wrapping for the day.”
“I’m sorry,” you sighed out. “If I thought this would have caused problems, I would have made Monica deal with my sick ass.”
“Are you kidding? I’m not worried about his opinion. It just bothers me that he thinks he has a right to interject.”
“Still…I don’t want to cause problems. Maybe I should just head back to the hotel.” You stood up and started to walk to your room. Chris jumped to his feet and was quickly right behind you.
“No. No. No. We aren’t doing that. There’s nothing wrong with you staying here,” he said to the back of your head.
You picked up your bag and put it on the bed. “Chris, it’s probably for the best. I was going back to my room tomorrow anyway.”
You grabbed the change of clothes you stored in the dresser bringing them over to the bed. Chris placed his hand over yours, stopping you from folding up the shirt.
“Just stay. Going is only going to prove his point.”
He was right. Leaving is pretty much admitting you staying there is wrong.
You grabbed on to his hand that was pressing down on yours and turned to face him. “Okay.”
He gave you a gentle smile. “Let’s go watch a movie.”
You nodded your head and followed him back out into the living room.
**
Back on set the next few days, Monica avoided you as much as she could. She’d text you from ten feet away to ask a question, despite sharing a room with her at night. It was insane, but if it made her feel better, you’d put up with it. You were feeling 80% better. It was just that stuffy nose that didn’t want to leave your body.
Being around Keanu felt odd all of a sudden. You tried to act as you normally would, sharing a small joke or an anecdote about something you read, but it was hard to feel at ease. Now that you knew he was watching you, you didn’t know how to act around Chris. So, you did what you probably shouldn’t do. You avoided him. Of course, you couldn’t avoid him completely since you were working with him, but when he would find you on set, you brushed him off.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, catching you while on break.
“Better,” you answered simply enough.
“Good,” he nodded. “Good. I’m glad.”
“Yep.”
This wasn’t going to work. The last thing you needed was the studio catching wind that something funny was going on. But Chris was your friend. Becoming one of your good friends over the last month. There needed to be a middle ground.
A week later you were feeling pretty damn guilty for keeping any conversations with Chris on the professional side. If he found you to chat, you made sure someone else was with you. Often pulling Monica or David into the conversation whether they liked it or not.
Y/N: Can we talk?
Chris: Now you want to talk? Should we text Monica to see if she wants to join us?
Yeah, you deserved that.
Y/N: I’ll bring cookies.
Chris: Where? And only because you’re bringing cookies. None of that sugar cookie crap either.
You decided on the coffee shop you been frequenting since coming to town, making a quick stop at a bakery along the way to pick up a couple of chocolate chip cookies for Chris. You picked out a two-seater table away from a group of college students that seemed to be studying.
Winter made it easier for Chris to blend in, but it was never hard for you to spot him. Not with that smile that always seemed to be on display when he saw you. Dark gray wool coat with the collar popped up, red scarf wrapped around his neck twice, and black shades on his face, he thought he was in disguise. You waved him over as soon as he walked through the door. He quirked his mouth at you, knowing he was easily spied. He held up his finger indicating he was going to grab a drink. You placed the package of cookies in front of the open seat so that they were the first thing he would see.
Chris walked over a few minutes later, removing the coat but keeping the scarf in place.
“Your cookies, sir.”
“I accept your bribery. For now.”
“Thank you. It’s my, “I’m sorry I’ve been an ass” apology,” you replied.
Chris gave you a frown, bringing his to go cup to his lips and taking a hesitant sip.
“I wouldn’t say ass, but…” You took a sip of your own beverage, waiting for him to continue. “Why have you been avoiding me? Did I do something wrong because if I’m being honest, I miss my friend.”
Now you really did feel like an ass. The last thing you wanted to do was make him feel like he did anything wrong.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just…Keanu’s comment really got to me. This is my first film with Stone Lite and if this goes well, my contract gets extended. If Keanu thinks we’re being unprofessional, who knows who else thinks that,” you replied, running your hand through your hair.
Chris nodded his head, a sullen look on his face. “I honestly don’t think they’re going to drop your contract because you and I are close friends.”
You debated about telling him your secret. He probably didn’t know about the studio’s unofficial hiring practices. But would he keep it to himself or would you find yourself without a job? You weren’t sure if this lie was something that was easily forgivable. It was starting to feel like not just a simple lie anymore. You shook your head out of your thoughts and attempted a smile.
“You probably right. I’m just being paranoid,” you said, deciding to keep your secret to yourself. “But maybe we keep our hangouts a little more private?”
Chris chuckled. “That sounds worse!”
You gasped but then chuckled, nodding your head in agreement. “Okay. Okay,” you said between laughs. “Not private, but maybe we dial down our friendship when we’re working. I mean obviously Keanu has a problem with it.”
“I don’t think we are doing anything wrong, but for your sake, I’ll keep our hangouts to myself. Does that work?” he asked, picking up his cup and taking a sip.
You gave him a genuine smile and nodded your head. “Thanks, Chris.
**
Chris and you did dial back a bit on the joking and hanging out on set. Most of your interactions were with other people around. It seemed to do the trick as Keanu and Chris seemed to ease back into their friendly banter and not another word was spoken over the next two weeks.
The small touches that the two of you generally exchanged were now absent and a part of you was missing it. Chris would laugh at something you would say and rest his hand on your forearm or shoulder. Now he’d shove his hand in his pocket or behind his back. When you’d discuss the script with him between takes, his hand rested on the small of your back. Now he’d cross his arms over his chest and leaned in. It was different, but respectful.
Chris no longer came to your cubical unless it were to discuss a scene that would be shot the next day. You missed your impromptu lunches spent at your desk. When the two of you did hangout, it was spent at coffee shops further away from the studio and your hotel. Uber and Lyft became your go to mode of transportation. Since Keanu and Chris lived in the same building for this film, you didn’t go back to Chris’ place much to your disappointment. Sometimes just watching a movie on a comfy couch was a lot better than doing so on your cheap hotel bed alone.
**
Filming was breaking for three nights and most of the crew were going home for the weekend. You were a tad bit excited to have the room all to yourself. You planned to do some sight seeing with your free time. Gastown, Chinatown, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park despite it being winter were on your list.
Filming wrapped early in the afternoon and those not leaving until the next morning decided going out for dinner was something that should be done as a large group. You reluctantly let Monica drag you with her and two others in a Lyft headed across town to a restaurant that also served as a video game arcade. Your mind instantly went to an arcade with kids running around the space with sticky fingers, but you were pleasantly surprised to see it was an adult’s only atmosphere. Rather than ticket dispensing nonsense games, there were classic arcade machines such as Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Mortal Combat, and Super Mario Bros.
You weren’t drinking and no amount of peer pressure was going to make you budge. David bought you a drink and you quickly offered it to Lydia, one of the stylists. You grabbed a non-alcoholic drink called raspberry fizz from the bar. It looked like a fancy drink without the regret. The last thing you needed to do was drunkenly talk about your sex life again.
Chris mentioned he was coming tonight as his flight wasn’t until seven the next morning, but you hadn’t spotted him yet. Keanu was staying in town over the short break; his girlfriend Alexandra had already arrived in town for a visit. He had mentioned they wouldn’t be joining the group for dinner, but they would be by for a drink later.
Everyone sat down to order, deciding that game playing could wait until after dinner. Twenty minutes in to appetizers and conversation, Chris walked in with Maggie. They sat together at the far end of the table from you, where the only available seats were located. They looked cozy sitting close together, sharing whispers, and laughs. A small pang of jealous hit your heart. It was unexpected and for a moment you regretted not having an actual drink. He hadn’t mentioned anything between the two of them to you, but you knew of her crush on him. Besides, the two of you never really discussed your love lives besides the initial questions about Travis when you and Chris first started to get to know each other. Chris saw you starring in his direction and gave you a wave. You gave him a small smile and nodded your head before turning away. Next to you, Lydia’s in a conversation with Tim, one of the other actors, and you do your best to join in.
Your co-workers are drunk and with Chris wrapped up conversation with others, not to mention Maggie by his side most of the night, you’re ready to go back to the hotel. You bring up the Uber app on your phone and request a car. You look for David and find him in an intense game of air hockey. After he scores a point, you pull him into a side hug to say goodnight.
“You taking off already? I owe you another drink.”
“Give it to Monica. I’m good for the night. Say hi to the wife for me,” you replied as you backed away.
“Will do! See you next week,” David called a little too loudly. You were sure it was because the large number of beers he had already consumed.  
You found your coat still hanging from the back of your chair at the table. You slipped it on and waved goodbye to Monica who only lifted her glass to you. You’re half way through the door when someone grasped your mitten covered wrist. Turning around, you were met with the blue eyes of Chris.
“Where are you goin’? Don’t talk to me all night and now you’re sneaking off?”
You allow him to pull you back into the warmth of the restaurant, checking your phone for the car with your free hand. Surprisingly Maggie isn’t next to him. You’re pretty sure it’s the first time she hasn’t been all night.
“I’m not sneakin’ off. You were busy,” you shrug a shoulder.
Chris stops pulling you once you reach your groups table, sitting down and starring up at you as you stand.
“Take a seat. Please.” You sigh but do as he asked. “I wasn’t busy. Always have time for you. Besides, I wanted to say goodbye since I won’t see you for a few days.”
“You looked pretty busy with Maggie tonight. Didn’t realize you guys were so close.” You couldn’t help yourself. You sounded pretty damn jealous and you would be over analyzing your words all night.
Chris scrunches up his whole face and blinks slowly once and then again. “With Maggie? She’s just a friend. Barely a friend. She needed a ride.”
“Well, Maggie thinks you’re hot. So…” You weren’t even drinking tonight so you had no excuse for your loose lips.
“That’s nice. But she’s a kid,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Not interested.”
“Okay then!” you replied a little too loudly. You take a peek at your phone and see that your car is here. You stand up quickly and hug him while he’s still seated. “My car is here. Gotta go!” Before he can even hug you back, your feet are moving. “Have a good few days back home!”
Chris texted as soon as you got into the car.
Chris: Well, goodbye to you too.
Chris: 😢😡
Y/N: I’m sorry! My Uber was here.
Chris: Trust me, there’s nothing going on with Maggie.
Y/N: It’s not my business. I’m sorry I brought it up.
Y/N: Safe travels!
Chris: Quit being a weirdo
Y/N: It’s all I know
Chris: That’s true. I don’t know what I was thinking.
Chris: Text me when you get back to your room.
Y/N: I will
**
The three days you had off were over far too quickly, although you did manage to hit the three tourist spots on your list. You also found a great Chinese restaurant that you wanted to eat at again a couple of more times before you wrapped in three weeks.
This week you were on night shoots again. The studio had rented out a book store and restaurant in a smaller town outside of Vancouver. Even though these were mainly interior scenes, both businesses needed to be closed in order to film.
Chris had wanted to grab coffee earlier in the day, but you and Monica had to be at the studio to meet with Hugh and his assistant to go over the two scenes filming tonight. Chris had been pretty quiet during his time off; you were pretty sure he was feeling guilty for his lack contact.
Monica and you had arrived early at the location to get situated and to match up the script with the interior of the restaurant. You were helping with wrangling the ten or so extras when Chris arrived already dressed for his scene.
“Welcome back to Canada,” you said walking up to him, Chris giving you a big grin. “Did you have a nice trip back home?”
“Always a good time when I’m home sweetheart. How about you?”
“Yep. Checked out Gastown and a couple of other places. It was nice to explore.”
“How’d Travis like it? First time here for him, right?” Chris asked.
You gave him a questioning look. “Travis wasn’t here.”
His eyebrows raised high on his head. “He wasn’t here? I thought that’s why you weren’t going home because he was comin’ here.”
“No, ah, he was working,” you quickly said.
Fuck! Why hadn’t I thought of that. Oh yeah, because you don’t actually have a freaking fiancé!
“He never visited you on set in LA, hasn’t visited here, you didn’t go home. Don’t you miss him?”
“Of course, I do, Chris,” you sighed. “It’s just hard when we’re both working. But, uh, he’s coming to visit for a couple of days next week.”
Why did I say that?!
Chris slapped a hand down on your shoulder. “That’s great! Look forward to meeting him.”
You gave him a smile and pointed back to the group of extras with your thumb before turning away from him. Grabbing your phone out of your back pocket, you quickly typed out a text to Travis as you walked away.
Y/N: I need a favor.
Chapter 7
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savenysublets · 3 years
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Bali Tours And Great Things To Do In Bali
When traveling to Bali for a vacation, it is by no means a case of what are you going to search out to do on your trip, however moderately what number of weeks vacation can you're taking to take pleasure in all that Bali has to offer. Many people think of beaches and white sand when considering of Bali and associate is a being primarily a beach holiday. Although there are various resorts alongside the beachfront to calm down at, this is solely a small part of all the Bali tours and activities obtainable. There are very few motels and resorts in Bali that won't have both in house excursions of Bali or be capable of organize some tour via an unbiased tour company for you to take pleasure in.
With so many activities accessible it's difficult to pick the best to advocate, but based mostly on the recognition of the next these appear to be the most exciting issues to do when considering one of many many Bali excursions out there.
Really useful Bali Water Activities
Bali Marine Walk
Have you ever always needed to experience the ocean ground, the backyard below water that's teaming with marine life full of brilliant colors and gorgeous fish, however had been afraid to dive or are not a particularly nice swimmer? Then this is a should so that you can try out whenever you go to Bali. This can be a revolutionary diving system you could experience even in the event you can’t swim; all you want to be able to do is stroll. The concept behind it is very easy; an open ended helmet permits the wearer to walk on the ocean bed by just putting it over their head. There is an inbuilt defogging mechanism that stops the entrance “window” from changing into steamed up. There is a hose which is related to the scuba tanks allowing free movement whereas enjoying with the fish and feeding them from your hand. This is really a should do exercise when visiting Bali. Marine walk have their own boat that will take you to Lembongan Island the place you'll be able to enjoy a day exploring the depths of the ocean.
White Water Rafting
Bali Journey Rafting presents a five star service that is renowned as the safest household rafting company in Bali. Age will not be an element with this firm, children from as younger as five have been rafting down the Ayung River. The experience is exhilarating and the views are breathtaking. The tour is on a stretch of river 8 kilometers lengthy and includes 27 class II and class III rapids wandering by means of unspoiled rain forests, towering gorges and sculptured rice fields. All of the guides are professionally trained and have tons of experience to pilot the rafts by some dramatic drops, waterfalls and rivers making your white water experience safe however awesome.
The entire trip will last roughly one and a half hours, depending on how fast the river is flowing. At the finish of the adventure there are sizzling showers and altering rooms so that you can refresh in, followed by a hot gourmand buffet at a private restaurant with views of majestic mountains and rice fields. The unique amenities and having the longest course on the island has attracted Hollywood celebrities like Claudia Schiffer, Jean-Claude Van Damme and David Copperfield. Entry is pretty straightforward, only an hour’s drive from the majority of the resorts within the south of Bali.
Waterbom Park
Waterbom Park is positioned within the resort village of Kuta; it's a large 4 hectares in measurement with tropical vegetation making up the amazing landscape. World class water slides are situated throughout the park and are clearly the main attraction, however are many other recreational services located inside the large grounds. You've gotten the choice of dong some wall climbing, water volley ball, bungee leaping, and getting blasted with the water blaster. For the more relaxing tourist, the park affords a spa, many swimming swimming pools to loosen up in, the Wantilan Restaurant has a swim up bar facility, or simply watching the youngsters benefit from the Kiddies Park. This park is run by an Australian concern and the security requirements are exceptionally high. There's a strict upkeep regime as well as supervision from certified lifeguards which are consistently on obligation allowing mother and father to let their youngsters splash away with none worries.
Really helpful Inland Actions
Bali Quad Discovery Tours
One of many oldest mountain villages of Bali, Payangan, is residence to Bali Quad and buggy discovery tours. The amenities are solely 15 kilometers south of Kintamani on the slopes of mount Batur near Ayung river valley. The tour is thru very isolated countryside, the place you will not come throughout other vacationers while driving your individual 4 wheel quad bike. The groups are restricted to 6 with a view to not make too much of a disruption to the locals and to ensure that guides are in a position to give personal help. Teams are divided based on talent degree, not essentially age, but if you want to have your personal group composed of people of all ability ranges then that can be organized. The one requirement that is needed is that you just be in good physical form as the terrain may be very demanding.
Kintamani Volcano Tour
It is a extremely popular tour in Bali as it wanders by many alternative areas of the Bali countryside permitting you to experience the range of Balinese culture and finally ends up with you standing on the edge of the crater of mount Batur. Some of the locations and activities which might be visited and skilled on the way is the well-known Barong Dance situated in Batubulan, the village of Celuk renowned for its silver and goldsmiths, the proficient village of Mas with their exquisite wood carvings, the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud that is overflowing with cultural actions and beautiful artwork.
Elephant Safari Park Tour
The Elephant Safari Park situated in Taro, Tegallalang is a must do for all visitors that come to Bali as it's the solely full elephant safari expertise on the planet. The distinctive park is the house to the only Mammoth Skeleton in South East Asia and is acclaimed because the world’s finest elephant park that's set in a picturesque tropical setting. In between using, sightseeing, hand feeding, touching them, taking photographs with them, you may learn about their ancestry and diversity on the huge historical and graphic shows that the park has. The parks services additionally embody a reception and data center, a complete museum with many elephant memorabilia.
Overlooking a powerful lake is the restaurant that is ready to hold over 200 folks and has a implausible worldwide menu making it superb not only for a go to, however is a perfect location to carry a wedding or other event. The present store has an incredible array of elephant themed objects that embrace work, ivory (be careful when buying this, make it possible for it won't be confiscated at your individual nations airport), wood and carvings, clothes and lots of other souvenirs.
Although the park could be very tourist orientated the principle objective of the park is the safety of those elephants which have all been rescued because of the deforestation that's taking place in Southern and Central Sumatra and this park has turn into a sanctuary for this endangered and guarded species. Elephants are very clever creatures and at certain times of the day there are displays of the elephant’s capabilities together with portray. The park is great for every type of vacationers and might be a highlight of your Bali excursions.
As a visitor it is possible for you to to the touch and hand feed the elephants, watch as they playfully bath within the large lakes, have private photographs taken with you riding on the elephants, witness the intelligence of these giant however mild creatures and find out about their historical past, facts about them and the issues for his or her future. The park also presents mini rides for the youngsters.
Bali Paragliding Adventure
Bali has a mountain chain that stretches across the island giving paragliding lovers spectacular views and quite a lot of totally different places to launch from. The preferred locations are , Timbis, Gunung Payung, Mount Batur and Candi Dasa.
Timbis
Bali’s hottest flight zone and training heart is located here, close to the spectacular Bali Cliff resort. The rugged cliffs, white seashores, clear blue seas, Hindu temples and crashing waves over the coral reefs make this the perfect spot to learn to paraglide. There are amenities for food and drinks in the event you prefer just to chill out and watch the more adventurous vacationers bounce off the cliffs. After your flight there are Balinese employees who will pack your cover away simply as you want it.
Gunung Payung
East of Timbus, maybe 15 minutes drive, Gunung Payung offers a launch area for the more skilled paraglider as at excessive tide there isn't any bottom landing and you will have to soar and steer your way eastward to avoid crashing in the water.
Mount Batur. Mount Batur is an energetic smoldering volcano with 4 craters at an elevation of 1,717m which last erupted in 2000. There is no such thing as a better place to get your coronary heart pumping before takeoff, and in case you are fortunate enough not to get bombarded with showering lava, the view is breathtaking. Mount Batur is positioned in Kintamani, north of Ubud.
Candi Dasa
Candi Dasa has a small take off space and therefore high landing is not attainable, the site is a 250m excessive ridge. The thermals are awesome right here and it is usually attainable to reach cloud base, 600-750 meters. The walk to take off from the black sand backside landing seashore is 20-Half-hour relying on how match you're. There are Balinese porters if you want assistance.
There are a lot of trusted Bali automotive rental as well as tour service who will capable of drive visitors or vacationers to these fascinating spots.
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gaycrouton · 6 years
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Prompt for ya if you're interested: Mulder and Scully have to awkwardly explain to their growing daughter what they were doing "making each other cry to God while wrestling one another naked" ;)
Bahahahaha, this is my first attempt EVER at writing about their child, so I hope this works.@MonikaFileFan
Mortification didn’t even begin to cover what Scully was feeling right now. One second Mulder was thrusting into her, sending her into her third orgasm of the night; then the next, he was tossing her off of him, desperately wrapping them in a sheet while yelling, “Close your eyes sweetie!”
Scully’s head whipped around, hoping she wasn’t about to see what her gut knew she would. No such luck. At the door was their daughter, bright blue eyes shining in the moonlight, trying to absorb and understand the scene going on in front of her. The scene of her riding the life out of Mulder, as loud as she was naked. Scully scrambled to help Mulder in covering them as she pleaded, “Close the door, honey. We’ll be out in a second, okay?” Her red ringlets bobbed around her head as she nodded, grabbing the knob of the door and shutting it lightly.
“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,” Mulder repeated, jumping out of bed with his erection dying against his leg. “How long do you think she was standing there?” he whined as he grabbed a pair of boxers, almost falling over with the force he slid them up his legs with.
Scully was no better, almost falling out of bed with the sheets wrapped around her legs. “I don’t know, I didn’t even notice her.”
“Well, I know why we weren’t able to hear the door open,” he teased. She was always vocal in bed, but she thought she’d toned it down significantly since the home expanded to three.
“Don’t you blame this on me, I wasn’t the one banging the headboard against the wall earlier!” she responded before trying to take control of her soaring adrenaline while wiping in between her legs with her forgotten shirt. “It’s both of our faults. We need to stick together.”
“What if we just say we were wrestling?” Mulder asked in a desperate hushed tone, slipping on the t-shirt she’d ripped off less than an hour ago.
“We can’t lie to her. Besides, what if she wants to wrestle with some kid later and suddenly strips off all her clothes and starts to hump them?” she rushed, getting tangled in the robe she was trying to shove herself into.
“Fuck,” he cried. “I have to go make sure she’s alright.”
She ran towards him and grabbed his arm before he had a chance to open the door, “Wait!” Mulder stopped and looked at her, that kicked puppy expression taking up residence on his face ever since this happened. “We have to be calm, cool, and collected. We can’t make her feel bad or let her see our embarrassment. I don’t want this to taint her view of sexuality and cause her to think sex is something to be ashamed of.”
“Scully, she’s four years old. Besides, will she even remember this?” he almost pleaded, as if she could predict the future and tell him if his daughter will always be haunted by the sight of his hairy ass-crack.
“Mulder, I don’t know! I hope not, but there’s more of a chance she’ll remember if we allow this to be the first time she sees us distressed. I don’t want her to associate naked bodies with her parents being upset, leading her to be ashamed of her own body because she thinks there’s something wrong with-” she was spiraling in her rambling, trying to remember every sexuality class she took in med school but only succeeding in stressing herself out more.
“Oh god, will this impact the rest of her life?” Mulder interrupted with a cry, his face set in panic.
A soft knock at the door interrupted her response. “Mommy, Daddy, you okay?” Katie’s asked, her little voice laced with concern.
Mulder whipped open the door to reveal their daughter standing innocently at the door, her chubby fingers playing with the bow on the top of her nightdress. “Hi sweetie, yeah we’re okay, everything’s okay,” if Scully wasn’t in the same boat as him, she would have been amused by how high and rushed Mulder’s voice was. “Baby, what woke you up?”
“Can we talk at the table?” she requested politely. They both nodded in mortification and followed the wide-awake toddler down the hall with heavy steps.
They had a longstanding tradition in their home of discussing things at their dining room table. If Katie had a question about something she learned at preschool that she didn’t understand, if she was curious about why the leaves on the tree weren’t orange in April, when she wanted to know how Santa managed to find time to star in so many movies when he should be making toys; it didn’t matter, they talked about it at the table. Even more recently, it was where they had to chastise her for different misbehaviors. However, as they sat across from the little girl with the floral nightie, hands authoritatively clasped in front of her, Scully couldn’t help but feel like they were the ones about to get reprimanded. The girl who wasn’t even four feet tall yet somehow had mastered the gravitas of A.D Skinner. Was that what he taught her when he babysat?
For a second she thought maybe she hadn’t really seen. Maybe she all the sudden decided she wanted to talk about something that happened at school at two in the morning. “Sweetie, w-”
“What were you guys doin’?” she asked, bright eyes bouncing between the two blushing adults. Of course they wouldn’t be that lucky.
Scully always knew this conversation was coming, it was inevitable. She’d even made the promise to herself that she wouldn’t make it nearly as awkward for her own daughter as her mother had made it for her. “When a man and a woman love each other very much-” She still shuddered at the memory. The diagrams and the cautionary tales left her traumatized for weeks after. She couldn’t even look at a boy without thinking of the words tumescence or fornication or syphilis.
However, in all of her imaginings of this event, Katie was starting to hit puberty, a time where these questions started to be asked as her body started to change and people who used to annoy her suddenly became interesting. Never did she think the conversation would happen when she had barely only started preschool. Especially not like this.
“Um-” Scully began, sending a resentful glare to Mulder who was looking at her with that same bright-eyed curiosity as Katie. As if he didn’t know damn well what they were doing in that bedroom. “Parents have certain activities they like to do with each other in their private time.”
“Activ-tivities?” She perked up, attaching to the familiar concept she knew, even though it had more syllables than her vocabulary was used to. “Like playing soccer?”
“Yes, like that. Except it’s an activity I only do with Daddy in our bedroom.” It was times like this where she swore she was telepathically connected to Mulder. She wasn’t even looking at him, but she could hear him internally adding “and our office, and every room in this house, and in all those rental cars, and-”
“Your activity is sitting on daddy?” Scully’d smile if she wasn’t dying inside.
“Um-,” Mulder started, trying to ease some of the burden off of Scully. “It’s an activity that only mommies and daddies do called ‘making love’.” Scully reached out and squeezed Mulder’s hand, as if to congratulate him on good phrasing.
The praise may have come to soon, because fat tears started rolling down her cheeks as her bottom lip pouted out. Scully jumped up and ran around to kneel next to her chair, wrapping the tiny girl in her arms. “Katie-bear, what’s wrong?”
“You g-g-uys n-never ma-make love to m-me,” she cried between gasps for breath, devastated she was being excluded from this activity. Mulder stood up, probably beating himself up now, and mirrored Scully’s position on her other side. She turned to him and, with eyes Scully knew were piercing Mulder’s heart, eyes she’s used on him herself, and whimpered, “I l-love you b-b-both.”
“We love you too, Kaite,” he started.
“More than anything in the world,” Scully added, stroking her silky hair.
“When I said ‘making love’, thats a different type of love.”
“D-difwent?” she repeated, traces of her baby talk still evident, always managing on tugging their heart strings.
“Yeah, that’s the type of love that can make babies,” he elaborated. Scully stopped suddenly to shoot him a look over their daughter’s lap, to which he shrugged with a look of panic on his face.
“There are just certain ways that mommies and daddies touch each other. You know how we’re married right?” Scully asked. When she nodded, she added, “Do you know what that means?”
“You’re husban’ and wife and you have matching wr-rings. Like best friend bwacelets,” she declared seriously.
“Exactly. So, because we’re married, we touch each other in special ways-”
“It’s like a secret handshake. You know how we have our secret handshake?” he asked, holding out his hand. Katie smiled and threw her small, chubby hand in his direction. They touched front and back a few times before making fist and touching them together top and bottom. Finishing off by pulling them back and feigning an explosion. Mulder exaggerated his explosion noise ridiculously, causing Katie to giggle and squeal.  When she settled down he continued, “You only ever do that handshake with me right?”
“Duh, Daddy, it’s ours,” she emphasized. As if doing it with someone else would be the world’s biggest insult.
Mulder smiled at his daughter’s sincerity and Scully felt her own smile growing. It always touched her heart to see how deeply his relationship with his daughter meant to Mulder. “Exactly. Just like I will only ever do that handshake with you, I will only ever make love to mommy.”
Understanding dawned in the depths of blue and she started nodding, haphazardly raising her fist to clear away her tear tracks. Mulder and Scully simultaneously grabbed for the chairs nearest to them. Now that the crisis was evaded, their joints desperately screamed at them to get out of their kneeling postures. “Do you always have to pray during it too?”
“What do you mean baby?” Scully asked, raising her hand to cup a rosy cheek in her hand, wiping away the remaining wetness with the pad of her thumb.
“You were screaming ‘oh god’.” And she was eternally now too.
This time Mulder couldn’t help himself and he had to bring a hand up to cover his mouth, which was no doubt plastered with a shit eating grin. “Yes. I do. I always think it’s important to say my prayers before I go to bed,” Scully managed to say straight-faced.
“Even when you’re making love?” she asked, playing with the silk fabric of Scully’s robe.
“Especially then,” Mulder deadpanned.
She nodded again, absorbing this information. “Do you have any other questions about what you saw, honey?” Scully asked before placing a kiss to the crown of her head, taking a moment to smell her hair.
“No, I got it now. Thank you,” she smiled.
Mulder mimicked the motion of wiping sweat off his brow, but she knew the gesture wasn’t all that far from the truth. “Okay, well it’s time to get you to bed, little girl. It’s way passed your bedtime,” he said in a sing-songy voice, scooping her up in his arms.
She squealed in delight and clung to Mulder’s shirt, resting her head against his shoulder like a doll. Scully stood up, relieved all of this was settled, and followed them into the room decorated like the sky. Scully grabbed the comforter of the rocketship bed Mulder had made and pulled them back, so he could ease the now sleepy toddler into her cocoon.
Mulder was about to lean down to press a kiss to her forehead when, in a small sleepy voice, she yawned, “Your lucky Mommy’s a doctor.”
They both laughed at the inherent truth in that statement from years of proof. “She didn’t sit on me that hard honey,” he laughed, earning a playful pinch from Scully.
“No, not for that,” Katie sighed, burrowing into bed.
“Then what for, baby?” Scully asked.
“Somethin’s wrong with your pwivate parts Daddy, they don’ look like Mommy’s and mine,” she said seriously, looking in his face, mimicking the same look Scully had given him countless times over the years. “But don’ worry Daddy,” she comforted, freeing one hand to rub it clumsily over the skin of his cheek.  “Mommy’ll cut it off and you’ll be good as new.” Neither of them could help the laughter that escaped that time.
That was a discussion for a later day.
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Wow this coping mechanism is not working in the slightest. 
Usually when I’m feeling particularly depressed and suicidal I sort of try and convince myself that the quiet domestic life I want is a possibility, but instead I’m currently convincing myself that it’s not.
Basically my datemate made an offhand comment about how they don’t expect to ever own a cat, which I immediately was like “If you won’t have a cat in your home this might not work” to which they then clarified, they like cats, but they never imagined being able to have one with the housing market as it is, essentially the never imagined a landlord allowing it. 
Which jumped off this whole thing about how I’ve always imagined owning a house, and they’ve imagined renting, so I started looking up stuff here, and honestly the rental market vs. the housing market is incredible exploitative as I already knew, but the reality is even if we can pay, we will have a hard time getting mortgage because ireland switched up it’s regulations after 2008, which is a problem we would not have in Canada.
So I thought, you know I really don’t want to live in Canada, but like it might be better, and so I decided to look up because datemate wants to do their MA in music therapy and become music therapist could they transfer that qualification to canada.
The answer is no.
In Canada you have to do a BA in music therapy so instead of being a qualified professional they’d need to do another BA. 
So now I’m having a crisis over a career that doesn’t even fucking exist yet, because I need to put my hand on some kind of future and I feel like the closer I get to it the farther it seems, and how the hell am I supposed to live when I will always be useless and misreable.
(if you know datemate IRL i.e. you’re that one person, don’t tell them this thank)
I should not be planning our future like this it’d probably be creepy, like we’ve talked a bit about some of those things, but I don’t know how they’d feel that I’m literally mapping out income levels.
Which to be fair I’m always doing because it’s how I justify my continued existence, but in the context of a relationship it becomes different.
Oh and as for my earnings, co-op has taught me that I will not.
like I might eventually be able to make money as a professor, but really, if I’m honest, I am already running a deficit energy wise as a student and I’m not qualified to be an adult or work I can essentially hope I will make some money with self-employed stuff, because I will break myself like I did in High school, I have not grown to draw limits, and I don’t think I can, nor could my limits ever be employable. And I can’t have my quiet domestic life if I’m bouncing in and out of psychotic episodes. so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 
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yaachtynoboat711 · 6 years
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At First Glance Ch. 3: Keep the Family Close
A/N: Remember when I said in 2.2 that there’d be a 2.3? I lied. This is going to be the second to the last chapter of the At First Glance series. There will a few one-shots stemming, but no more chapters after Chapter 4. Can’t believe I’m almost done. Also, Yaa and Khalida are used interchangeably. Now with the formalities out of the way, this comes just in time for one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving!!! This particular chapter has been in my archives since forever ago lol. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends, beautiful people!
Warning(s): Fluff, slight hints of angst, language, Yaa the Librarian has returned.
Translations: Marraine= Grandma (Creole);Rainy—>Parraine=grandpa (Creole); aibnatu=daughter (Arabic)
Word Count:
(Ch. 1)(Ch.2.1)(Ch. 2.2)
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Tuesday, November 26, 2013, Darrow, Louisiana, 11:23 p.m.
Thanksgiving is a holiday of family, food, and the unofficial beginning of the holiday season. This was no different for the St. Pierre-Daniels family. Their first granddaughter, Yaa, was bringing her new boyfriend Winston down to Louisiana to meet the entire family. God rest his unsuspecting soul.
The couple’s flights arrived in New Orleans at around 8:30 that evening and getting the rental car took an unnecessary hour and an act of Congress, making their actual departure of New Orleans closer to 10. Their hour-long trip provided Yaa to give her boyfriend a recap on their past conversations of her family.
“One last time: Rainey expects you to help out on the ranch, Aunt Rhonda has a thing for Caribbean men and she’s been pushing my buttons since 2011, so that means we actually may fight. My cousins Dom, Erica, Whitney, Delonte, and I are the Turn Up Krewe, so don’t be surprised when we pass by the Quarter and we all turning up, and finally whatever you do, DO NOT, Winston Christopher, EVER refer to New Orleans as Nawlins, cuz that ain’t it, y’eardme?”, Yaa pleaded. Her New Orleans accent was dancing with her normal accent.
“Why not?”, Winston asked as he now had to keep himself from slipping up.
“Because, that’s not we pronounce it here. Some duckass clown from outta town more than likely and got even mo’ duckasses saying it.”
“Noted. I’m nervous, K.”.
“For what?”
“I mean, what if they don’t like me?”
“First of all, you’re the first boyfriend to actually make it to visiting the entire family...at the house. Second, Carrie wouldn’t have asked for you by name to come down. If Carrie wants to see you, she must want to get to know you, which is an honor. Thirdly, the family haze ain’t that bad. It may be worse for the fellas because, you know, the matriarchy, but you should be fine.”
“Wow, no pressure. That’s cool.”, Winston said sarcastically. Yaa took his large hands into her small ones and began rubbing them.
“Be yourself. It attracted me to you ,right? If it was good enough for me, it’s good enough for them loud ass folks I call my family, y’eardme?”
The remainder of the car ride was filled with laughter and some good ol’ NOLA Bounce music.
Finally, they turned onto a street where they were met with a massive mansion lit by lanterns. She’d alluded to the family home being a mansion, but Winston wasn’t prepared for the colossal antebellum structure before him. She rang the bell and was let in. After finding a good spot to park, Winston opened his girlfriend’s door and they got their luggage from the back seat. Winston rang the bell and a young, petite woman about Yaa’s age opened the door.
“May I help y--AAAAHHHHHHHH KEEDYYYYY! Y’ALL KEEDY HERE WITH HER MAN!” She ran and hugged Yaa. “WHITNEY, BITCH, WAZZAM?!”, Yaa asked now in her full accent. Winston looked visibly terrified as he walked into the house.
“Guess who decided to pass by Darrow for da holiday?”, Whitney announced into the living area as the three walked into the grand foyer. The family members in the house turned around and began to get up to greet their baby and her boyfriend.
“Keedy, cher, you look good! How’s our favorite lawyer doing? And who’s this nice chocolate King behind you? Is this the subject of Mama’s curiosity?”, her Aunt Rhonda inquired as she half-hugged her niece and made her way to Winston.
“I’m tired as hell from the flight and yes, this is Winston. Winston, this is my umi’s older sister, Rhonda. Aunt Rhonda, my boyfriend, Winston Duke.”
“Winston Duke? That has a little Caribbean weight to it, don’t you think? Where you from, dear?”
“I was raised in upstate New York, but I’m…” he switched into his accent “...originally from Tobago.” Yaa was shook and a little turned on. He knew what he was doing. Aunt Rhonda and Yaa were probably going to scrap by the end of the week.
“T&T, eh? Mama didn’t tell us you were from the Islands, Winston.”
“She didn’t tell yo thirsty ass, Ma!”, Delonte yelled from the next room. The entire room sans Aunt Rhonda erupted into laughter and the couple moved to the kitchen.
The kitchen was filled with the smells of cajun and pre-Thanksgiving cuisine, not to mention the aunts and uncles that prepared the feast were standing around the large island conversing. When Yaa and Winston came in, they all got up and hugged the two. So far, so good, the family was very receptive of Winston. He kept his accent, which was a bonus for originality. After the introductory conversation, Uncle Pat asked the all-important question, “So, Winston, I’m sure you’ve heard this question a million times, but how did you get the pleasure of meeting my niece?”
“It’s fine, I don’t mind telling everyone how my life how my life has been changed.” Yaa rolled her eyes and huffed in dramatic annoyance at her boyfriend’s cheesy answer. “ANYWAYS, we met at the Black Yale benefit a month ago... today actually. Her friend Tanisha introduced us, but we saw each other before the formal introduction. She looked like an angel in her costume and I, a total duckass.” Everyone stared at Winston for his proper usage of the term. “The moment I saw her, I knew she was special. It was like Heaven put an arrow over her head as the indication that she was the one. I almost didn’t go to the Benefit this year, but I’m glad I did.” The aunts awed as they realized their niece was in love with someone that was in love with her. Winston gripped Yaa by her waist and kissed her temple. She looked up at him with a side eye. “You’re pushing it,Duke.”, she whispered.
After saying hey to damn near everyone in the house, Yaa went looking for her parents. “Aunt Heather, where’s Deej and Mustapha?”, Yaa asked her aunt.
“You didn’t see them in the back dining room?”, her aunt replied.
“I haven’t been to the back yet. Is Carrie in the Room?”
“Yes. Matter of fact, I just went back there to tell her and Daddy you’re here. She’s ready when you are. Nice to meet you and welcome to the family, Winston.”
The couple traveled to the back dining parlor, aka the actual dining room where everyone ate. Sitting at the table where Yaa’s parents Khadijah and Mustapha, along with her twin sister Farrah,her boyfriend Avery, and their younger brother Jahlil. With parents’ backs to the door, a surprise was inevitable.
“Farrah, have you heard from Khali? It’s after midnight and I’m getting worried. I want to meet this young man she’s been talking about.”, Khadijah asked.
“I texted her a few moments ago, but you can definitely ask her.”, Farrah nodded her head in the direction of the doorway. When Khadijah turned around, she fell to ground, overcome with emotion. Mustapha shot up and hugged his first-born (Yaa was an hour older). “Babycakes!”, he exclaimed as he kissed the top of Yaa’s head. “Baba!”, she replied. Yaa was in heaven as she was in the embrace of her favorite man. Khadijah joined in the lovefest as they had not seen Yaa since after celebrating her passing the bar exam in late May. Jahlil cleared his throat to break up the lovefest. “Uh...Umi, Baba, we have someone here.”, his said pointing to an innocent looking Winston. The trio separated and Yaa stood proudly next to her man. “Family, I’d like for y’all to meet my boyfriend, Winston Duke. Winston, these are my parents, Drs. Khadijah and Mustapha Abdullah, my twin sister Farrah, her lame ass boyfriend Avery, and my ugly ass baby brother, Jahlil.”, Yaa announced. Winston nodded his head at everyone. Mustapha, who proudly stood at 6’5” as well, walked up to Winston with a sincere look in his eyes as he gave him a nice sturdy handshake, which led into a hug.
“So, Mr.Duke, man to man, what are your intentions with my aibnatu?”, Mustapha’s gaze fixed on Winston’s face. Though he didn’t know Arabic, Winston understood the context clear as day. He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts.
“No offense, Dr. Mustapha, but I intend to make Khalida happier than you have made Dr. Khadijah. I know it’s only been a month of us knowing each other, but this is the woman God intended for me to be with. Period. You and Dr. Khadijah have created and reared a woman of grace, class, and uniqueness. So, my intentions with your daughter is to make her the happiest woman this side of the Universe.”
The room went quiet. Mustapha and Khadijah looked at each other. Khadijah smiled and looked at Winston. “Well, son, I think I speak on behalf of the family that there is no offense taken. We teach our children to do and be better than us. I’m so elated that you’ve found happiness with Khali.”,Khadijah sat extending her arms to Winston to embrace him. “Mother is waiting for you all by the way. Go on and go to the Room.” “Yes ma’am.”, the young couple said in unison.
The two walked through a labyrinth of turns and secret doorways until they reached a red door at the end of a secret hallway beneath the back staircase. Yaa knocked on the door three times. A raspy yet kind voice answered, “It’s open, cher!”. Yaa opened the door, took her shoes off, and instructed Winston to do the same. The dark room was lit with massive candles surrounding the altar in a corner of the vast room. Relics, more candles and skulls littered the altar’s table. Carrie sat on her knees facing a much bigger altar that covered a majority of the wall. She turned around and extended her out to her granddaughter to help her up. “My first grandgirl! How was your trip down here?”, Carried asked.
“Long and tiring. It’s always the drive that gets me.”, Yaa replied. Carrie craned her neck up at Winston’s figure as she wrapped her arm around his waist. “Welcome to the family, my son. I’ve heard great things about you and I hope you the same with me. Please, have a seat.”
Carrie pulled three chairs into a triangle and re-adjusted her turban. “So, Winston, I’m sure you’re aware that I’ve been expecting you since you met my baby. I wanted to see for myself and see if you’re the one the Universe has ordained for her.” She took his massive hands into her small hands and looked into his soul. She held her hand to his heart and began shaking her head as if she was having a conversation with his heart. She smiled.
“It’s apparent that you love Khalida.”, Carrie began, “I mean, hell, she’s my joy and we have a strong soul tie. You two have a stronger soul tie than I’ve ever felt between two people than any of these knuckle-headed ass men that have married my babies. You two are without a doubt soulmates. However, your journey, like many, won’t be easy.”
Winston sat up in his seat. “What do you mean, Mother Carrie?”, he inquired with worry. His furrowed brow matched his tone.
“Well, you two are going to separate at some point. But don’t worry; you’ll get back together. The foundation of your friendship will and shall be constant. You’ll have to see each other happy with someone else to realize how much you mean to each other.I mean, I’m confident that you already do, but it’s easier said than done. But don’t worry; there will also be many more signs during your separation that will aid in your reunion. I’ve never seen anything like you two. This is nothing but the work of Oshun. I prayed that at least one of my babies would be blessed by Oshun and my prayers have once again been answered.”
Winston was visibly uneasy and overwhelmed by Carrie’s words. “But why separate? I don’t understand. We’re already long-distance as it is.”, Winston wondered.
“Because, my dear, you have to let go of the things you love the most to really understand their true value. Now, you two are tired I’m sure so go on to the room.”, Carrie instructed basically pushing them out of the Room.
When they returned to the remainder of the house, the living room was empty but the grandkids’ floor was jumping. With 21 grandkids, it’s only but so much turn up that can occur. The hallway was filled with muffled sounds of laughter, chatter, and music throughout the many rooms.
The hallway was filled with muffled sounds of laughter, chatter, and music throughout the many rooms. Because she was the first girl, Yaa was fortunate to have a room to herself at the very end of the hall. Winston looked in amazement at the beauty of the house as he toted their luggage to the end of the hall. “This room is..this whole house is...wow.”, Winston struggled to put into words everything he’d experienced since being at the house. From the vast columns that supported the house’s exterior to the smaller ones on the inside, the remodeled interior of the former plantation was indeed a wonder to behold.
Yaa’s room wasn’t as big as the other shared rooms, but it was definitely spacious enough. The dark hardwood floors and window treatments perfectly juxtaposed the off-white walls and neutral-toned furniture. Her room was the only room on the floor that kept with the modern farmhouse interior of the house.
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By the time Winston got the bags in the room and got himself comfortable, his girlfriend emerged from the bathroom in her pajama shorts and her NFL ex-boyfriend’s Saints t-shirt. “Well don’t you look at peace”, Winston commented as he examined his girlfriend with a smirk on his face. She began playing music on her iPod dock and folding the comforter to the foot of the bed.
“Wins, I worked a half day, flew for hours, suffered through airport bullshit, and still had to drive to get here. I’m not snapping on you at all, it’s just a relief to finally take my fucking bra off. It’s waaay past time for me to do so.”, Yaa responded. There was a knock at the door. “Who is it?”, Yaa asked. “Bitch, it’s me.”, Erica responded semi-annoyed. Before Yaa could respond, the barn doors slid apart. Her cousins Delonte, Erica, and Whitney practically ran into her room and onto her tall bed just like old times. The trio climbed on the bed ever so awake, as though it wasn’t almost 2AM. “Where’s your man, girl?”, Delonte inquired. Yaa pointed to the bathroom door. Winston had the shower on. “Tay, I really wish you could’ve seen the look on yo momma’s face when Wins broke out in his accent.”, Whitney said holding back laughter. Delonte shook his head, “Bitch, I felt her thirst from the den. You ain’t gotta tell me shit.”, Delonte said in an embarrassed tone, “But enough about my wild ass Rhonda, let’s talk about how Ms. Khalida over here got her groove back. Looks like you got yourself a good one. ESPECIALLY if Marraine asked for him by name.” Yaa’s other cousins turned to her looking awaiting her response. Yaa threw a pillow at Delonte, “Shut the fuck up.” A beat. “Nah, but for real, he’s an amazing guy. He’s sweet,observant, cultured, funny, well-versed, intelligent, and just a good time overall. He done fucked around and softened a thug.”, Yaa failed to keep the grin she had from forming.
The three cousins looked at each other in disbelief. Their super hard, mean, and physical embodient of “Knuck if you buck” cousin was in love. Granted, she felt something for her previous boyfriends, but nothing came close to how Winston made her feel. She was glowing with joy and bliss. She was so enamored with her thoughts that she didn’t realize Winston and more cousins had come in her room. “Ooohhh, our lil triple OG for a cousin done caught feelings.”, her oldest cousin Daniel proclaimed,causing her other cousins to snickered. “Daniel, if you don’t get yo ugly, pea head ass out my goddamn room, nigga. I ain’t that soft. Get the fuck on!”, Yaa barked. Daniel swiftly did as his younger cousin told him.
Everyone conversed for another hour until Yaa kicked them out. Winston and Yaa were finally alone and cuddling each other to sleep. Yaa was almost there until Winston began striking up another conversation.
“Pumpkin?”, Winston called softly.
“Why aren’t you sleep?”, Yaa replied half-sleep and slightly irritated. Her back faced Winston’s face.
“Aren’t you worried about what your grandmother said this evening?”
Her eyes flew open. “I mean,yes and no.”
“Explain.”
“Nigga it is...3:54 in the goddamn morning and you asking me shit like it’s 4PM? This ain’t Oprah.” A beat and and drawn out sigh. “Look, I don’t think anyone wants to break up a great relationship. It concerns me like I’m sure it does you, but you gotta trust the process. Carrie and even her and my Rainy. However, unlike them…” she finally turned around gazing into Winston’s eyes, “...we had this detected early. I’d rather the plane’s malfunctions be detected before take-off and assessed on the ground than while we’re 10,000 plus feet in the air. But like she said, our bond as friends will help us along with other signs. I don’t want to let go either because I just got a hold to you.” They both snickered. “But I have to come to grips with the fact that this is going to help us. You gotta fight for who and what you believe in.”
Winston pondered on her words. He loved that she always knew what to say and how to say it.
“Well until you said it like that, I--”
“--You get it! Now goodnight.” She kissed his nose and placed his arms around her waist before she turned around and went to sleep.
Thanksgiving Day
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“...and it is in this that we all say asé.”, Rainey prayed. The family responded back with scattered “asé’s” around the dining rooms. It was finally time to eat. After Rainey gave thanks to the ancestors through libations and prayer, everyone practically ran into the kitchen for the food. A handful of family members grabbed the various dishes and brought them to the main dining room.
The silence of the room was interrupted by the consistent and almost rhythmic clinking of silverware to the plates. Winston occasionally moaned in pleasure for his newfound love of Cajun-style fried turkey and fried catfish. The family laughed as their newest addition’s initiation was off to a great start.
Waiting to reach a reasonable pause, Rainey finally struck conversation. “Keedy, have you heard anything from your dissertation committee? It’s almost graduation time, you know?”, everyone at the table looked to Yaa for her answer,Winston included. “Yeah, babe. Who was that you were on the phone with on our way back from the orchard? Dr. Stoudemire,I think?”, Winston said coaxing her eyes to meet his.
She took a nice sip of wine and finally met his gaze. She crept one of her hands into both of his large,slender chocolate hands. You can do this, sis. She finally opened her mouth to speak, “Yeah. That was her and I’m sorry…”, her voice trailed off as she choked on her words, now softer than Janet Jackson in a confessional. The family looked to her to finish her sentence. “Pumpkin, what are you sorry for? Talk to me.”, Winston whispered.
“I-I’m sorry that...you all...uh...are gonna have to ask ‘which one?’ everytime you hear Dr. Abdullah because it’s now three of us at the table.”, Yaa said tried to contain her laughter. A natural-born actress. Despite the groans of those who were suckered into her act, almost everyone else celebrated the newest doctor at the table. Yaa hugged Winston’s neck as he whispered, “You play all day.”, into her ear.
“So that’s it? That’s all you had to say? So much for the surprise failure from Little Miss Perfect.”, Aunt Rhonda groaned. The table chatter quickly subsided as everyone else at the table looked at Aunt Rhonda, Yaa, and Carrie. Yaa’s aunts and uncles shook their heads as they knew Carrie, their niece, or a mix of two were about to cut the fuck up. “Ma, please don’t do this today...or ever. Just be happy for Keedy.”, Delonte pleaded. “Nah, fuck that. She always doin’ shit and never falling. Perfect life, perfect career, Hell, she even got the perfect man. Knowing her, he’s prolly not even really her boyfriend. How you go from that trash ass Quincy to Winston without missing a beat? What was the prayer,Dr. Keedy?”, Rhonda spat with such vitriol and sarcasm.
Yaa continued eating her shrimp etouffee and sipping the last of her wine as her aunt vented her frustrations at her. Yaa waited patiently for her to end.
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“Well, Rhonda, since you want to act like a fucking child, I’m going to address as such. I’m human, so I’m not perfect, and you should have more common sense to understand that. Second, I don’t understand why you’ve had a problem with me since 2011. Now,I’ve allowed you to hurl all of your verbal punches at me for this long, and now tonight is the night.”, Yaa pointed her fork across the table towards Rhonda, “Woman to child: stop it. Grow the fuck up. As for us in this family, we don’t acknowledge that bastard’s name or presence. You understand me? In closing, as for my Winston, he is mine. Period. The prayer? I saw Uncle Wes’s new boyfriend and I said to the ancestors, ‘I see what y’all are doing for Unc, and I just ask that y’all slide me the same.’ Someone pass me the Pinot noir.”
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Everyone covered their mouths in disbelief. Leave it to Aunt Janice to summarize the thoughts of the room. She,too, poured herself a glass of Rosé as she said, “Rhonda, we tried to warn you. That gal is Momma in a younger body. You knew better to touch the hot stove and now you burned yourself. Do what Tay said and just be happy for the baby. She done worked hard to get this doctorate a whole semester early.” In fairness, if Rhonda was going to bring up Quincy, then by the laws of pettiness, Yaa was obligated to bring up Rhonda’s ex-husband and Delonte’s dad Uncle Wes, who came out earlier in the year.
Khalida excused herself from the table and ran upstairs to her room, Winston trailing behind her after giving a fifteen-minute head start. Knock, knock. “I wanna be left alone.”, she said choking on her words. “It’s me, Pumpkin. We can talk through this locked door if that’s what you prefer. I just wanna see if you’re ok.”, Winston said loud enough for her to hear through the door. A few moments passed before Winston the unlocking of the doors. He walked in and walked onto the balcony where she had just finished rolling up. “I’m sorry about what happened back there, Pumpkin.”, he began, “I just came up here to make sure you were ok.” He pulled a loc out of her face and cautiously wiped the cold stray tears from her eyes. She kept her silence as she continued to cry and smoke her blunt. “There’s nothing you should be apologizing for, baby love.”, she spoke barely above a whisper and sniffled. Pulling the last of her blunt, she walked into the warmth of her room, motioning for him to follow suit. Eyes low, she looked into his concerned eyes and smiled. “I should be the one apologizing. I came out of myself in front of the whole family and you.” Winston shook his head no. He pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her light brown locs. They held each other for what seemed like eternity. “You know, the family was expressing their shock for your read down there. They weren’t ready for that.”, Winston chuckled. Khalida answered, “Well,shit. Wait till I tell them I’m going with you to Tobago for Carnival instead of Mardi Gras next year.”
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Adventures in Parenting: One Shot - Birthday Twins
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With Tumblr holding my original writing blog @beccaheartschrisevans captive (aka flagged as explicit), I have made a secondary writing blog and may end up closing the other all together. In the meantime, I am reposting all of my stories on my new blog.
Pairing: Chris Evans x Nikki Evans (OFC)
Rating: G
Warnings: n/a
Summary: Baby Rachel's grand arrival!
Disclaimer: This work of fiction is not to be reposted, used or translated without my permission.
Chris & Nikki One Shots & Shorts Masterlist | Chris & Nikki Masterlist
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Birthday Twins
June 13, 2017
Lisa Evans watched the clock as it struck midnight; it was officially Chris's birthday. Exactly 36 years ago, she'd been in the hospital having her second baby and now that baby was at the hospital with his wife preparing to have their third baby. She wished she could be at the hospital with them, but Nikki's mom, Pam, had gone and Lisa had stayed at the house with the boys, who were both sleeping.
Two days past her due date, Nikki had started experiencing some contractions earlier that afternoon, but they hadn't been close enough to bother Chris at the studio. They had increased slightly by the time he'd gotten home, but it still hadn't been enough to keep them from their normal routine of eating dinner as a family, taking the dogs for a walk and getting the boys put to bed.
Once the toddlers had been in bed, Lisa had joined Chris, Nikki and Pam in the living room. She and Pam had sat on the couch while Chris had massaged Nikki's back and neck while she'd bounced on a yoga ball. Her contractions had increased since dinner, but still not to the point where she had needed to go to the hospital. Therefore, she had done everything she could to help the process.
Things had gotten exciting around ten. They'd all just decided to try and get some sleep, when Nikki's water had broken. What had followed had been organized chaos. Chris had helped Nikki out to the car while Pam had followed with the hospital bag. Once they'd left, Lisa had sent a text to the family members back in Massachusetts to let them know what was going on.
Now, two hours later, Lisa was sitting in the living room doing a puzzle that she'd found in the hall closet of Chris and Nikki's Georgia rental home. She was too excited to go to sleep, she'd been the same way with all of her grandchildren. Of course, this was the first she was at home and not in the delivery room or pacing in the waiting room.
The first photo came to Lisa a quarter after midnight, showing a screaming baby resting in Nikki's arms post birth. A second photo followed with a closer look at the baby's face. It was more than love at first sight for Lisa as her heart swelled at the images of the baby girl.
It was roughly an hour before Chris called to talk to her. He sounded exhausted, but excited as he gushed about Rachel, his baby girl. He confirmed that she'd arrived shortly after midnight, meaning that father and daughter shared a birthday. She had a full head of blondish hair and weighed 7.5 pounds and was 19.5 inches long. He also assured his mom that baby Rachel was perfect and healthy and that Nikki was doing good, too.
They talked for a few more minutes before hanging up. Lisa took a minute or two to put the puzzle pieces back into the box before she made her way to the guest room to get some sleep, knowing that she'd have two rambunctious toddlers to deal with in a few hours.
-----
Later that morning, Lisa came out of the guestroom to find Pam in the kitchen drinking coffee. Nikki's mom revealed that she'd gotten back to the house about 1:30 and had gotten enough sleep. She then encouraged Lisa to head to the hospital to see Chris, Nikki and baby Rachel, explaining that Chris intended to come back to the house to get the boys around ten to take them to meet their baby sister.
Returning to the guestroom, Lisa showered quickly and got dressed. Before she left the house, she gave both of her grandsons kisses on the top of their heads as they ate pancakes. On her way to the hospital, she stopped to buy a bouquet of flowers for Nikki at a nearby grocery store.
Arriving at the hospital, she sent Chris a text, letting him know she was on her way up and found him waiting for her when she arrived at the birthing center. He led her back to Nikki's room and her heart skipped a beat when she saw her daughter-in-love holding her newest grandbaby.
It wasn't until she'd been holding the baby for a good twenty minutes that she remembered it was her own baby's birthday. Looking up at her son, she said, "Happy birthday, my sweet boy."
Both Chris and Nikki blinked at her and then looked at each other. Surprised smiles spread across their faces and revealed that in the exhaustion and excitement of having Rachel, they'd both completely forgotten that it was Chris's birthday, too.
"Thanks, ma," Chris said, chuckling. He shook his head. "I can't believe we forgot."
"You've been a bit busy," Lisa said, glancing down at her perfect grandbaby. Said baby chose that moment to yawn and slowly begin the process of opening her eyes post nap. Grandma and granddaughter were soon looking at each other for a blissful thirty seconds before Rachel began to wail. Lisa handed her back to Nikki and then sat down in the chair near the bed.
She stayed with Nikki and Rachel, who fell asleep again as soon as her belly was full, while Chris went back to the house to pick up Pam and the boys. When he returned, he was carrying a toddler in each arm and brought them over to Nikki's bed so they could see their baby sister for the first time.
Three-year-old Josh was curious about the baby and wanted to hold her while two-year-old Aiden just wanted to snuggle with Nikki. While Nikki and Aiden snuggled, Josh joined Lisa in her chair and she helped him hold baby Rachel while Chris and Pam took photos of them.
With help of an understanding nurse, they arranged the family of five on Nikki's hospital bed for their first family photos. Chris sat on the edge of the bed with Aiden in his lap with Nikki held Rachel in her arms with Josh planted on the bed between her and Chris. The baby slept through it all, even with her brothers wiggling around and making lots of noise.
They attempted a photo of the three siblings, but by then all three kids had had enough. Neither boy wanted to sit still and, as a result, Rachel woke up crying. In a twist of fate, Chris was recording a video when the crying happened and both Aiden and Josh covered their ears with their hands simultaneously with Josh then shouting, "someone turn it off!"
That video was the first thing that Chris shared with the public via his Twitter account with the hashtags: #andthentherewerethree #wereoutnumbered #lettheadventurebegin. He supplemented that with a second tweet; sharing the best photo of the five of them where, instead of looking at the camera, all of their eyes were focused on baby Rachel. It hadn't been a posed photo, the baby had let out a funny sounding squeak just before the photo had been taken and mom, dad and her brothers had all glanced at her with amused looks on their faces.
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Want to find me off tumblr? I’m @beccatheycallme on twitter. I also post my stories on AO3.
My tag list is always open, just let me know if you’d like to be added!
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partyrightrentals · 2 years
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Bounce Houses for Rent: Best 5 in 1 Combo Bounce House Rental Services to choose from
Do you want to add excitement to your child's next birthday party? Then consider renting a 5 in 1 combo bounce house! A 5 in 1 combo bounce house is a great way to keep kids entertained at a birthday party, block party, or any other event. Plus, it's a great way to burn off some extra energy! Bounce houses come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common - they're a lot of fun! If you're not sure which bounce house to choose, then consider a combo bounce house. A 5 in 1 combo bounce house is a great option because it typically comes with various features, such as a slide, a basketball hoop, and a climbing wall. Plus, it usually accommodates a larger group of kids than a traditional bounce house.
 Why should you rent a bounce house?
Bounce houses are great for all events, from kids' birthday parties to corporate functions. They're a unique way to entertain guests of all ages, and they're sure to make your event one to remember. Here are just a few reasons why you should rent a bounce house from the best bounce house places in Massachusetts for your next event:
  They're     great for all ages. Whether you're hosting a     kids' birthday party or a corporate function, bounce houses are a fun     addition for guests of all ages.
They're     unique. A module bounce house will     make your event stand out from the rest.
They're     affordable. Renting a 5 in 1 combo bounce     house is more affordable than you might think, especially when you     compare it to other entertainment options. 
They're     easy to set up and take down. Unlike     other types of entertainment, bounce houses can be set up and taken down     relatively quickly and easily, so you won't have to worry about spending     hours setting up or taking down equipment.
They     provide endless entertainment value. Once     guests are inside a bounce house, they will have a blast bouncing around     and playing games. And since they can stay inflated for days at a time,     you'll get plenty of use out of them before having to deflate and store     them away.
 Best place to find the best 5-in-1 combo rental services in Massachusetts
When finding the best inflatable rentals MA, you will want to look no further than PartyRightRentals MA. They are the leading provider of high-quality bounce house rentals, round table tent house rental, dunk tank rental Massachusetts, tent rental bridgewater MA and have a wide selection of options. Whether you need a small inflatable for a birthday party or a large one for a corporate event, they have you covered.
 In addition to its extensive selection, PartyRightRentalsl MA also offers competitive pricing and top-notch customer service. Their team can answer any questions and help you select the perfect inflatable for your event. They even offer delivery and setup services so you can relax and enjoy your party without worrying about anything.
 If you're looking for the best possible value for your money, there's no better place to turn than PartyRightRentals MA. Their combination of quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service makes them the clear choice when renting an inflatable in Massachusetts.
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paketwisatabahari · 3 years
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Bali Tour Service And Great Things To Do In Bali
When touring to Bali for a vacation, it's never a case of what are you going to seek out to do in your vacation, however somewhat how many weeks vacation can you're taking to take pleasure in all that Bali has to supply. Many individuals consider beaches and white sand when pondering of Bali and associate is a being mainly a seashore holiday. Though there are a lot of resorts alongside the beachfront to chill out at, this is solely a small a part of all of the Bali tours and actions obtainable. There are only a few lodges and resorts in Bali that won't have both in house excursions of Bali or have the ability to prepare some tour via an impartial tour company so that you can enjoy.
With so many activities obtainable it's tough to choose the very best to advocate, however primarily based on the popularity of the next these appear to be essentially the most thrilling things to do when considering one of the many Bali tours obtainable.
Beneficial Bali Water Activities
Bali Marine Walk
Have you ever always wanted to experience the ocean flooring, the backyard below water that is teaming with marine life filled with shiny colors and gorgeous fish, however were afraid to dive or are not a very nice swimmer? Then this is a should so that you can check out while you go to Bali. This is a revolutionary diving system that you would be able to experience even if you happen to can’t swim; all you want to be able to do is stroll. The concept behind it is vitally easy; an open ended helmet allows the wearer to walk on the ocean mattress by simply putting it over their head. There may be an inbuilt defogging mechanism that forestalls the entrance “window” from changing into steamed up. There's a hose which is related to the scuba tanks allowing free movement whereas enjoying with the fish and feeding them out of your hand. This is actually a must do exercise when visiting Bali. Marine walk have their very own boat that may take you to Lembongan Island where you possibly can take pleasure in a day exploring the depths of the ocean.
White Water Rafting
Bali Journey Rafting gives a five star service that's renowned as the safest household rafting company in Bali. Age is just not a factor with this company, youngsters from as younger as 5 have been rafting down the Ayung River. The expertise is exhilarating and the views are breathtaking. The tour is on a stretch of river 8 kilometers lengthy and consists of 27 class II and sophistication III rapids wandering via unspoiled rain forests, towering gorges and sculptured rice fields. All of the guides are professionally skilled and have tons of expertise to pilot the rafts by some dramatic drops, waterfalls and rivers making your white water expertise secure but superior.
The entire journey will last roughly one and a half hours, depending on how fast the river is flowing. At the finish of the journey there are hot showers and altering rooms so that you can refresh in, followed by a hot connoisseur buffet at a private restaurant with views of majestic mountains and rice fields. The distinctive facilities and having the longest course on the island has attracted Hollywood celebrities like Claudia Schiffer, Jean-Claude Van Damme and David Copperfield. Entry is fairly straightforward, only an hour’s drive from nearly all of the resorts in the south of Bali.
Waterbom Park
Waterbom Park is located in the resort village of Kuta; it is a large 4 hectares in size with tropical vegetation making up the amazing landscape. World class water slides are located throughout the park and are obviously the primary attraction, however are many other recreational amenities situated inside the huge grounds. You could have the option of dong some wall climbing, water volley ball, bungee jumping, and getting blasted with the water blaster. For the extra relaxing tourist, the park provides a spa, many swimming pools to relax in, the Wantilan Restaurant has a swim up bar facility, or just watching the kids enjoy the Kiddies Park. This park is run by an Australian concern and the security requirements are exceptionally high. There is a strict maintenance regime in addition to supervision from certified lifeguards which are continuously on responsibility allowing mother and father to let their children splash away with none worries.
Inland Activities References
Bali Quad Discovery Tour
One of the oldest mountain villages of Bali, Payangan, is dwelling to Bali Quad and buggy discovery tours. The services are only 15 kilometers south of Kintamani on the slopes of mount Batur near Ayung river valley. The tour is thru very remoted countryside, the place you will not come across other vacationers whereas driving your personal 4 wheel quad bike. The groups are restricted to six in order to not make too much of a disruption to the locals and to ensure that guides are able to give personal help. Teams are divided in keeping with skill degree, not necessarily age, however if you wish to have your personal group composed of individuals of all talent ranges then that can be arranged. The one requirement that is wanted is that you just be in good bodily shape because the terrain might be very demanding.
Kintamani Volcano Tour
This can be a highly regarded tour in Bali because it wanders through many alternative areas of the Bali countryside permitting you to experience the diversity of Balinese culture and ends up with you standing on the sting of the crater of mount Batur. Among the locations and activities which might be visited and skilled on the way in which is the famous Barong Dance situated in Batubulan, the village of Celuk famend for its silver and goldsmiths, the gifted village of Mas with their exquisite wood carvings, the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud that is overflowing with cultural activities and beautiful paintings.
Elephant Safari Park Tour
The Elephant Safari Park located in Taro, Tegallalang is a must do for all visitors that come to Bali as it's the only complete elephant safari experience on the earth. The unique park is the house to the only Mammoth Skeleton in South East Asia and is acclaimed as the world’s best elephant park that's set in a picturesque tropical setting. In between using, sightseeing, hand feeding, touching them, taking pictures with them, you may study their ancestry and diversity on the large historic and graphic displays that the park has. The parks services also embody a reception and information middle, a comprehensive museum with many elephant memorabilia.
Overlooking a formidable lake is the restaurant that is able to maintain over 200 people and has a implausible worldwide menu making it supreme not only for a visit, however is a perfect location to hold a marriage or different event. The gift store has an unimaginable array of elephant themed objects that include paintings, ivory (watch out when shopping for this, make sure that it will not be confiscated at your individual countries airport), wood and carvings, clothes and lots of different souvenirs.
Although the park may be very tourist oriented the principle objective of the park is the safety of these elephants that have all been rescued because of the deforestation that's occurring in Southern and Central Sumatra and this park has turn into a sanctuary for this endangered and guarded species. Elephants are very clever creatures and at certain instances of the day there are displays of the elephant’s capabilities including painting. The park is nice for every type of vacationers and will probably be a spotlight of your Bali tours.
As a visitor you will be able to the touch and hand feed the elephants, watch as they playfully bathtub in the massive lakes, have personal photographs taken with you using on the elephants, witness the intelligence of these large but gentle creatures and find out about their historical past, details about them and the issues for his or her future. The park additionally offers mini rides for the children.
Bali Paragliding Adventure
Bali has a mountain chain that stretches throughout the island giving paragliding lovers spectacular views and quite a lot of completely different places to launch from. The most well-liked locations are , Timbis, Gunung Payung, Mount Batur and Candi Dasa.
Timbis
Bali’s most popular flight zone and coaching center is located right here, close to the spectacular Bali Cliff resort. The rugged cliffs, white seashores, clear blue seas, Hindu temples and crashing waves over the coral reefs make this the right spot to learn how to paraglide. There are facilities for meals and drinks for those who favor just to chill out and watch the extra adventurous vacationers bounce off the cliffs. After your flight there are Balinese workers who will pack your canopy away simply as you need it.
Gunung Payung
East of Timbus, perhaps quarter-hour drive, Gunung Payung offers a launch area for the more skilled paraglider as at excessive tide there isn't any backside landing and you will have to soar and steer your manner eastward to keep away from crashing within the water.
Mount Batur. Mount Batur is an lively smoldering volcano with 4 craters at an elevation of 1,717m which last erupted in 2000. There is no such thing as a better place to get your coronary heart pumping earlier than takeoff, and if you're fortunate sufficient not to get bombarded with showering lava, the view is breathtaking. Mount Batur is positioned in Kintamani, north of Ubud.
Candi Dasa
Candi Dasa has a small take off space and subsequently prime landing just isn't doable, the location is a 250m high ridge. The thermals are awesome right here and it's often potential to achieve cloud base, 600-750 meters. The stroll to take off from the black sand bottom touchdown seaside is 20-30 minutes depending on how fit you're. There are Balinese porters should you want assistance.
There are many trusted Bali automotive rental as well as tour service who will in a position to drive visitors or vacationers to these interesting spots.
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ceslatoil · 8 years
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Pass the Salt
I came up with this story for @fiddleford-appreciation-month after hearing a few people wanted to see more interactions between Fiddleford and his Wife. Enjoy :)
           “Pa, quit sticking yer head out the window before you get hit by a bus.”
           Embarrassed, Fiddleford McGucket suppressed the canine instinct that had come over him and sat back down in the rental car at his son’s command. He couldn’t help it. Though he had regained a great many of his memories, McGucket could not recall the last time he’d ever been to the beach, and as they were traveling down the road towards their seaside destination, he was overcome with excitement. It was a lovely, golden spring day, and the ocean was still and shining as they drove past. There was still a chill in the spring air that would forbid swimming in its waters, but it was beautiful to him all the same.
           Tate, however, had formed his mouth into a solemn gash across his already stony face. He was concentrating on the road, which, thankfully, wasn’t too congested with traffic since it was still the off season, but it’s hard to drive when so much is weighing on the mind.
           “It was awful nice of yer Ma to invite me to Easter dinner,” said McGucket, still bouncing up and down in his seat. He was currently fiddling with the potted lilies he had brought for the occasion. He couldn’t remember if his ex-wife enjoyed flowers or not, but lilies always seemed to brighten up the rooms in his new mansion. How could anyone dislike lilies?
           “Now Pa,” said Tate, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he chose his next words carefully, “I should warn ya before we go in, Mom remarried a couple of years back now—you sure you’re gonna be fine with that?”
           “Aw, Tater Tot,” said McGucket, flashing his snaggletooth smile at his gloomy son, “I don’t mind none; I remarried loads of times after she called it quits on me.”
           “Pa,” said Tate, rolling his eyes as they drew nearer to a secluded house by the beach, “being married to your beard ain’t really being married at all.”
           “I know that,” said the old man playfully, “Why’d ya think yer Ma and me split up in the first place?”
           “Pa!”
           “Tate!”
           “Look—I’m glad you’re in a good mood,” said Tate, who turned up the lane towards the beach house with growing trepidation, “But I still want you to brace yourself, for your own sake.”
           “Yikes, yer makin’ it sound like some big, scary musclehead’s gonna beat me up the second I walk in the door,” said McGucket, who’s knees began to bounce together out of nervous habit. “Is that what yer tellin’ me? That yer Ma got hitched to some muscle-bound lug and he’s gonna beat me up?”
           “I can promise you this, Pa,” said Tate, who in spite of himself was beginning to crack a hesitant, friendly smile as they finally pulled up to the house, “Ma doesn’t have a giant muscle-bound lug who’s going to beat you up.”
           The beach house was painted a cheerful, sunny yellow with sea foam green shutters lining the windows, and a comfortable porch with wicker patio furniture on the deck. Sitting on one of these wicker chairs was a woman, though her hair had turned gray and her face still lined with faint wrinkles, she had a youthful quality about her, from the way she smiled at both Fiddleford and Tate when they got out of the car, to the way she jumped down from the porch and practically tackled Tate into a bear hug.
           “Baby Tate,” she cried; if she’d had the strength she would have picked him up and twirled him around like a baby doll, “So glad you could make it!” When she broke away, she shot McGucket a beaming smile, and grabbed him by the hand, shaking it firmly.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you too, Fiddleford,” she said with a wink, “I’ve heard tons from Tate, and from the Missis of course. Carla McCorkle.”
McGucket squinted at Carla for a moment, as if trying to read very fine print from a long distance, but, after spotting the ring on Carla’s left hand and the sheepish grimace on Tate’s face, the truth hit him all at once and he let out a barking laugh.
“So you’re the big guy who’s gonna beat me up,” said McGucket, now shaking Carla’s hand in earnest.
“Tate, what stories have you been telling your father,” Carla chastised the younger McGucket man, “It’s not nice to fib on Easter, you know!”
“I ain’t told him nothing,” said Tate defensively.
“Well, let’s get you two inside,” said Carla, waving her hand theatrically towards the beach house. “It’s been chilly all week, and dinner should be ready in about an hour. I’ve got some wine and cheese set up in the living room, you two make yourselves comfy while I get your bags.”
 The living room was airy and comfortable, and on the glass coffee table stood a tray of different cheeses, fruits and bread. McGucket grabbed a few handfuls of everything, but a look from Tate told him not to stuff the snacks into his face like he had wanted to initially. It was difficult to control his hunger, the smell of chicken frying wafted in temptingly from the kitchen, and the scent of cinnamon and apple was detected as well. Even if he was a little nervous about meeting his ex wife again after all these years, the promise of good, filling food always makes things a little easier to face.
A fluffy, white cat crept into the room; its wide, squashed in face kept it from achieving true beauty. McGucket knelt down and held out his hand to the tiny creature; she took one look and swatted her paw at him, grazing his hand with her claws.
“Ouch!”
“Lovelace doesn’t take kindly to strangers,” said a voice behind McGucket; he turned to see a woman, her graying brown hair shaggy as always as she scowled at him in that old familiar way he was starting to remember. She wore a dirty apron over her outfit, a heather gray sweater and brown corduroy pants, her arms crossed over her chest as she examined McGucket from across the room, pursing her lips as she did so.
McGucket’s ex-wife was a quiet, secretive sort of person, to the point where I, the narrator, hardly know much about her. I don’t, for example, have a clear idea what her face looks like, having only ever seen a rough sketch of a thirty-year-old photograph of her in Stanford Pines’ third journal. I don’t quite know what her voice sounded like, what perfume she liked to wear, what sort of jokes made her laugh (or, for that matter, if any jokes made her laugh at all), and, I’m embarrassed to admit, I don’t even have a record of her full name. I only know that she was once Mrs. McGucket, and now she’s a Mrs. McCorkle. However, since that name applies to two completely different women in this tale, I have elected to call Mrs. McCorkle-Who-Was-Once-Mrs.-McGucket the much less trying to type “Trudy” instead.
“Well, howdy,” said McGucket, giving his ex a smile she couldn’t return. He got up to scoop her into a tight hug. She had gone stiff in his arms, so he let go early.
“You, ah… you look nice. Pretty house,” said McGucket awkwardly. Trudy said nothing, and merely turned her attention to her son.
“How was the drive,” she asked quietly.
“Easy enough,” said Tate, who shared his mother’s dislike of talking too much. Silence filled the room like heavy smog, and the three McGuckets simply stared at each other, unable to really say anything at all. It was to everyone’s immense relief when Carla came back in holding the potted Easter lilies in her arms.
“Fiddleford, did you bring these?” she asked happily, “They’re beautiful!”
“I grew ‘em in the garden,” said McGucket, the grin returning to his face as he took the lilies from her, “sprouted up once it started getting warmer again. I reckon you’d like to have them!”
He offered the flowers to Trudy, whose scowl only got deeper.
“Lilies,” she explained, “are highly toxic to cats.”
“Oh,” said McGucket, who hadn’t realized this at all. “I’m sorry! Didn’t know ya had a cat when we came to visit! I apologize.”
“You should,” said Trudy, eyeing the flowers resentfully as she bent down to pet her cat, “Even just the pollen could cause Lovelace immense harm if she were to breathe it in or ingest it. Though I guess with all the money you’ve made off of your death robots, I could just send the vet bills to you.”
“Trudy,” hissed Carla, who knew to cut her wife off quickly when she went into these sort of moods, “It was a simple mistake. We’ll just keep the flowers outside; Lovelace is an indoor cat, she won’t even see them.”
Trudy gave them each an unreadable expression.
“I have to get back to fixing dinner,” she said, turning away from them as she did so. “It’ll be up in about an hour.”
With that, she was gone.
 The first five minutes into dinner, no one said a word. Tate was never a very talkative person to begin with, and both Carla and Fidds tucked into their dishes in earnest. Trudy, for her part, only picked at her plate, staring dully at her ex husband as he consumed the meal she’d prepared.
“So,” said Fidds, still chewing on a fried chicken leg, “How’d you two meet?”
“Oh, it was actually just a few years back,” said Carla brightly; she grabbed Trudy’s hand and squeezed it gently as she spoke. “I was in a production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf off Broadway—I played Martha, just the most fascinatingly devious role—and one night after curtain call, I get back to my dressing room and find a bouquet of roses from a mysterious admirer!”
“What can I say,” Trudy shrugged, a phantom of a smile briefly appearing on her gloomy face, “I always had an eye out for the great performers.”
“Oh? Since when,” said McGucket, puzzled.
“Since always,” huffed Trudy petulantly.
Carla coughed uncomfortably before continuing her story.
“Anyway,” she said, picking at her salad nervously, “I kept getting roses night after night, until one matinee performance I catch her in the act! I ask her out right then and there, I tell her, ‘no way in heck am I accepting roses from a complete stranger,’ and then, one thing lead to another, and here we are today!”
Trudy blushed; she took Carla’s hand and gave it a quick, affectionate smooch.
“And she’s quite a sweetheart when you prod her out of her shell a bit,” said Carla brightly.
“Well ain’t that just lovely,” said Fiddleford, raising his chicken leg in a sort of toast to the happy couple, “I think I should probably start going to plays if I ever wanna meet somebody as special as you!”
Trudy apparently did laugh at this, a cruel, mirthless laugh that sounded like an icicle through the throat.
“…Why’s that funny,” said McGucket quietly.
“…Nothing,” mumbled Trudy, who began to guzzle down her glass of wine.
Tate spoke up, “This salad is fantastic mom, where did you—”
“No, why is that funny,” Fiddleford insisted, his voice uncharacteristically aggressive.
Trudy finished her glass of blood-red wine in one gulp.
“You at a play,” she said disdainfully, “Come on Fiddleford, don’t kid yourself, theater is for the sophisticated and the refined, you’d stick out like a farm hand shopping at Barney’s.”
Fiddleford glared at her from across the table, a look she returned with tundra-like cruelty. He looked down miserably at his plate, unsure if he could enjoy another bite.
“Now, really Trudy,” chastised Carla, “You’ve been married to me long enough to know that sort of snobbery should have no place in the fine arts. Theater should be accessible to everyone, charging the sort of money they do for tickets nowadays is just robbing the common people one of the greatest joys in life.”
Carla patted Fiddleford on the arm affectionately. “You and Tate should come see a show with us while you’re here! I’ve got some good tickets to see Kinky Boots, and I think you’d get a huge kick out of that show.”
“I ain’t much for singing and dancing,” mumbled Tate, who was giving his mother an icy glare.
“Tate, d’you mind passing the salt for me,” said McGucket, not looking up from his plate. Tate took the saltshaker from the middle of the table and handed it to his father, who began to sprinkle it onto his chicken absentmindedly as Carla continued to chatter absentmindedly about other musicals.
“You’re going to over season the chicken,” snapped Trudy suddenly. Ugly silence fell across the table like a crashed jet engine.
Slowly, Fiddleford spoke up, “well dear, you’ll forgive me I hope, but you hardly used any spice when frying up this bird. It just tastes like plain flour, I just thought I’d liven him up with a little salt.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my chicken!” Trudy gritted her teeth together as if she’d like nothing better than to sink them into her ex’s throat, severing an artery.
“Just as there ain’t nothing wrong with me putting a little salt on him. You never were much good at putting spice on things, sweetheart,” said McGucket, sprinkling even more salt onto his plate.
“You’re lucky I even let you eat at all, you filthy bum!��� Trudy was standing now; she slammed her fists onto the table violently, rattling the silver wear and glasses upon impact.
“Now really,” said Carla, mortified. “We don’t need to argue like children over dinner—”
“Well,” said McGucket, his voice trembling, “I guess I definitely had worse dinners than this, I did spend thirty years living out on the streets; I don’t know if’n ya ever had to eat garbage out of the can before, it’s really an unforgettable taste!”
“You’re the one who left,” Trudy snarled.
“You told me to go,” McGucket retorted. Faintly, he remembered a difficult conversation in the back of his mind: Think about what sounds better: spending time with your best friend working on a subject you both love, or staying in the suburbs playing house with a wife you have nothing in common with but your son?
“Did I tell you to not write or call for months on end,” Trudy gesticulated wildly at her Ex as she spoke, “Did I tell you not to visit your son?”
“Mom, leave me out of it!” cried Tate, slamming his fist on the table as well.
“Oh,” Trudy continued, not paying a bit of mind to her son at all, “I guess I’m the one who made you send that robot after me when I served you the divorce papers because I was just so done with your—”
“You left me to die on the street!”
Fiddleford had never said this out loud, hadn’t even dared to think it, but had kept this thought buried away in his heart for a long time, hoping it would rot away into nothing. Tate drank from his cup deeply, a guilty glint in his eyes as silence fell over the table again.
Trudy took Carla’s glass of wine and hurled the contents into Fiddleford’s face. He sat there, dripping wet with wine that stained his beard like blood.
“Trudy,” cried Carla, horrified.
“Get out,” hissed Trudy at her ex husband, “Get the hell out of my house right now!”
McGucket scrambled out of the dining room and ran into the night, his eyes stinging from the mixture of wine and tears as he ran.
 We like stories because, like magic wardrobes and hidden portals, they take us to a version of reality we want to exist. A place where the lines between gentle, good hearted people and nasty, cruel people are thick and easy to see, where morals can be cut up and fed to us in easy to digest little bites, where all is well and right by the end, wickedness is defeated and kindness is rewarded as it deserves.
In this story, however, there is no wickedness to be defeated, as nobody in this story is truly wicked. Yes, Trudy McCorkle was cold and hostile to McGucket, and she wasn’t without her own small burden of blame, but she had her reasons and resentments that lead to her unhappiness with her ex-husband, something he would come to agree with in time. Forgiveness is a long process that takes a different amount of time for everyone, and Trudy’s time simply hadn’t arrived.
Fiddleford turned over these angry, mixed up thoughts as he fell into a fitful slumber on the shores of Glass Shard Beach. The moon was as gibbous and milky as a blinded eye in the sky above; it seemed to stare down coldly at Fiddleford as he tried to sleep. He didn’t know why he’d thought visiting his ex-wife was a good idea. He should have just stayed home and not bothered people who didn’t want him in their lives again.
“Pa!”
Tate was running towards him from further down the beach.
“There you are,” said Tate, panting as he sat down next to his father, who had curled into a tight ball in the sand. “Come on, Dad, let’s get out of here.”
“No, it’s fine,” said Fiddleford, obviously not fine at all, “I’ll just stay here in the dirt. You Ma’d be happier if I stayed out of her way.”
“I don’t give a crap about what’d make her happy right now,” snapped Tate, “That was—that was inexcusable. I told her that she ought to be thanking you for saving everyone last year, and that she was acting like a jackass.”
“Tate,” cried Fiddleford, popping out of the sand at this, “Don’t go saying such things to your mother!”
“But she—”
“What we’re arguing about ain’t something we should be dragging you into,” said Fiddleford, “and I’m sorry if that ever got taken out on you, Tater Tot.” He gave his son a hug, squeezing him tight.
“Pa, really, I’m a grown man.”
“Hush, you ain’t too old for hugs.”
“Anyway,” said Tate, pulling away from his dad, “Just… look, Carla’s real upset how everything went down. She wants to make it up for what happened. Did… did you wanna go see a play with us?”
“… You sure I won’t embarrass ya none,” Fiddleford asked quietly.
“I think we got all the embarrassment out of the way tonight,” said Tate, who, alongside his father began to walk down the beach towards the boardwalk. “Come on—if we move now, Carla says we can rush into the theater.”
Real life is often chaotic; but there is some comfort in getting to spend a moment away from that chaos, especially if it’s with the people you care about.
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charllieeldridge · 5 years
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21 Things To Do in Koh Phangan, Thailand
With all of the things to do in Koh Phangan, it’s nothing short of paradisiacal. Its golden beaches and turquoise water are rivaled in beauty only by its own towering palms and lush jungle. The island sits in the Gulf of Thailand and thrums with energy 24/7. There are numerous incredible places to visit in Thailand, but make sure you put this island on your list.
From the bustling streets lined with food stalls to the serenity of secret beaches, there is an endless list of things to do in Koh Phangan, but here are my top 21.
1. Experience The Full Moon Party
Ok, so my first one isn’t unique, but the rest are!
Let’s start with the most obvious and popular thing to do in Koh Phangan. The majority of people who go to Koh Phangan do so for the Full Moon Party. The party takes place on Haad Rin Beach every month and brings in around 30,000 party-goers. To get the full experience, cover yourself in UV paint, drink alcohol from a bucket, and party until sunrise. If you’re into parties, this is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Thailand.
Where: Haad Rin Beach
When: Every full moon
How: Stay in one of the many accommodations near Haad Rin Beach and then walk to the party with the other neon ravers
Cost: The party is free so just budget for however much alcohol and paint you want to buy
2. Go Diving at Sail Rock
Sail Rock is without a doubt the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. The rock is about an hour’s boat ride from Koh Phangan and suitable for divers of all levels. Star players at this dive site include manta rays, barracuda and whale sharks.
Where: Sail Rock, situated between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
When: Year-round but the best diving conditions are from April – October
How: Book a diving tour from one of the reputable dive schools on the island
Cost: 2000 – 2500 Baht ($70-80USD)
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Bangkok – Top 13 Awesome Things You Won’t Want to Miss
3. Gorge on Thai Food in The Thong Sala Night Market
The energy in the Thong Sala Night Market alone makes it one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. But, that’s not why you go. From steaming bowls of pad thai to fresh falafel slathered in hummus, the night market is a foodie paradise. There are so many incredible foods to try in Thailand, with markets usually offering the best.
Where: Thong Sala ($4 in a cab from Haad Rin)
When: Every night
How: Just rock up with an empty stomach and order anything that takes your fancy
Cost: 150 Baht ($5) for dinner and a beer
4. Hike Up Khao Ra (one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan)
I bet you didn’t think you’d be hiking on this party island, did you? If you’ve done your packing properly and have what you need to hike in comfort, this trip is well worth doing. The round trip up and down takes around 3 hours depending on your pace and it is a pretty easy climb – you don’t need a guide.
While the path is well-maintained, it’s not marked very well. There are a few intersections where you’ll be unsure of which way to go, but after about 100m, you’ll see a sign…you might have to backtrack a couple of times. Click here for more details.
Where: In the North of the island
When: Either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat
How: Start at Khao Ra Retreat and Guesthouse and follow the path from there
Cost: Free
5. Get Wet at Challenge Phangan
Have you ever watched Total Wipeout on TV and wished you could do it? Well, since this is one of the things to do in Koh Phangan, you can! This water-based obstacle course is so much fun and will have you in stitches as you bounce, flip, and faceplant into the water. Grab some friends and enjoy. Click here to learn more.
Where:90/22 Moo 1, Bantai, Koh Phangan
When: Every day 10am – 6pm
How: Hop in a cab, they’ll know where to go
Cost: 500 Baht ($15)
6. Go To The Half Moon Party
If you aren’t going to be in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party but still want some UV rave action, this will sort you out. The Half Moon Party takes place in a huge open-air venue and has three music stages: psytrance, house and hip-hop. The festival doesn’t book big names and has a maximum capacity of around 4,000, making it much more low-key than the Full Moon Party.
Where: In the forest, north of Baan Tai
When: One week before and one week after the Full Moon Party (every half moon)
How: Every taxi on the island will know how to get there
Cost: 1,500 Baht ($45) at the door
7. Enjoy The Sunset From Secret Mountain
Sitting atop a steep hill is Secret Mountain, a local restaurant with unparalleled views. People tend to head up here in the late afternoon to eat and drink while they watch the sun set over the horizon. From way up there, you get panoramic vistas over the island and you can even see the Ang Thong Islands rising up out of the water. This is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan at the end of the day.
Where: 42/3 Baan Nai Suan, Moo 2. Click here for more.
When: Every day just before sunset
How: Either drive to the top of the hill or hike if you’re feeling energetic
Cost: 50 Baht ($1.50) to use the pool, 500 Baht ($15) for food and drinks
8. Eat Some Israeli Food at Paprika
Israeli food might not be the first thing you want to eat when you get to Thailand, but if you need a break from pad thai, Paprika has some of the finest culinary offerings on the island. The food is fresh, delicious, and cheap; and the portion sizes are more than sufficient even for a big eater like myself.
Where: Moo 6, Haad Rin
When: Every day 11am-11pm
How: Walk there from your accommodation in Haad Rin or get a cab
Cost: 300 Baht ($10) for food and drinks
9. Explore The Ang Thong National Park
If you want adventure and activity, put Ang Thong National Park at the top of your list of things to do in Koh Phangan. The park comprises huge green islands that loom dramatically over the water. Housing secret caves that can be explored by kayak or simply by swimming, the park makes for a seriously cool experience.
Where: In the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
When: Year-round or April – October for the best weather conditions
How: Boat tour
Cost: 1800 Baht ($55) for a speedboat tour
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Chiang Mai – A List of The Top 17 Best, 21 awesome things to do in Chiang Rai and Things To Do in Pai. If you’re heading to other islands, don’t miss the awesome things to do in Koh Lipe. There are so many amazing places to visit in Thailand
10. Kayak Around The Island
If you are the kind of person who likes to explore solo, as opposed to in a tour group, then grab yourself a kayak and start paddling. Most beaches have kayaks for hire but find out what the currents at that beach are like before you commit.
Wok Tum to Koh Ma along the west coast generally has calm water as well as pristine hidden beaches to which you can paddle. Always heed the advice of locals before setting off, and ensure you have proper safety equipment on board (life jacket, water, etc.)
Where: Anywhere, but Wok Tum to Koh Ma is a good bet.
When: Whenever you want
How: Go to the beach and hire a kayak
Cost: 150 Baht ($5) per hour
See Also: Cost Of Living in Thailand – A Guide For Expats, Travellers & Digital Nomads
11. Trek to Bottle Beach
Conde Nast Traveller called this beach the best in Koh Phangan and I have to say I agree. The trek through the jungle is challenging and you will seriously regret it if you don’t lather yourself in bug spray beforehand, but it will all be worth it when you get there.
Altogether, it will take you about an hour and a half to complete the trek from Coconut Beach to Bottle Beach. This was probably one of my favourite things to do in Koh Phangan!
Where: The island’s North Coast
When: Year-round but avoid November as this is when the rain is heaviest
How: Go to Chalok Lam and then carry on to Coconut Beach. From there just follow the path all the way to Bottle Beach.
Cost: Free
  ☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Thailand – The Ultimate Travel Guide
12. Learn How To Cook Thai Food
Want to impress your friends at your next dinner party? Learn to make Thai food. Seriously, it works. Have a look at this highly-rated Thai cooking class run by a local woman. You’ll visit the market to source the ingredients you’ll be cooking with, then learn how to make traditional Thai dishes. Best of all, you get to eat everything you make at the end.
Where: Meet at Pantip Market, Thong Sala 
When: Check the schedule
How: Check availability and sign up here
Cost: $53 for a half-day class
13. Hire a Motorbike and Explore The Island
Most people who hire motorbikes on Koh Phangan will live to tell the tale. However, there are some idiots who think wearing a helmet is uncool and speeding around corners is fun. These people get injured. Do not be one of these people.
If you’re safe and you drive sensibly, hiring a motorbike will be one of the best things you do in Koh Phangan. It gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure and stop whenever you see something interesting. Speaking of renting a motorbike, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a popular, beautiful journey you won’t want to miss. 
Where: There are rental places all over the island
When: Year-round
How: Hiring a motorbike is easy but you may need to hand over your passport as a deposit. Make sure you take photos of the bike before you ride it in case they try to blame you for any dings the vehicle already had. Don’t ride without insurance either.
Cost: 150 Baht/$5 per day
14. Detox at The Yoga Retreat
After running around the island, taking in all the things to do in Koh Phangan, a detox is very much in order. The Yoga Retreat is hidden away in the jungle and offers retreats ranging from a week to a whole month. During your retreat, you will spend hours meditating, doing yoga, and feasting on vegan cuisine. If you don’t have time for a full-blown retreat, the Yoga Retreat also offers drop-in yoga classes.
Where: In the jungle, ten minutes from Haad Salad Beach
When: Every day
How: Taxis are your best option
Cost: 300 Baht/ $9 for a drop in class
☞ SEE ALSO: Top 10 Foods To Try in Thailand
15. Relax in The Baan Tai Herbal Sauna
If you went a bit too hard at the Full Moon Party, you can get all of those toxins out of your body by sweating for an hour or two in the herbal sauna. They also do massages here if you want a bit of extra pampering.
While most think the only things to do in Koh Phangan involve partying to some degree, Koh Phangan also offers tons of ways to relax and is actually a popular place for retreats.
Where: Wat Pho Temple, Baan Tai
When: Every day from 2pm-9pm
How: Taxi
Cost: 100 Baht/ $3
16. Feast On Seafood at Milky Bay
Where better to feast on seafood than on a tropical island? Situated on the edge of a white sand beach and boasting a pool looking out over the sea, this is the very definition of food with a view. Milky Bay is perfect for peaceful dining in the glorious sunshine, and is one of the best restaurants on the island.
Where: Baan Tai
When: Every day
How: Taxi
Cost: 500 Baht/$15 for food and a drink
17. Get a Massage
What better way to nurse your post-Full Moon Party hangover than by being kneaded like dough by a deceptively strong Thai woman? Prepare yourself, these massages are hardcore and at points, you feel like you’re being folded up like origami. But, the pain is worth it for the light and limber feeling you get afterward.
This isn’t just one of the top things to do in Koh Phangan, it’s one of the best things to do in Thailand in general! Don’t leave without getting one.
Where: All over the island
When: Anytime
How: No need to book for most places, just walk in
Cost: 300-1500 Baht/$10-45 for an hour depending on the quality of the establishment (street masseurs will charge a lot less than those in proper salons)
☞ See Also: Ayutthaya Historical Park – The Ultimate Travel Guide
18. Meditate With Phra Olarn
Experiencing mindfulness and connecting with yourself on a deeper level can really make a difference to the state of your mental health. Phra Olarn uses special breathing techniques and walking meditation to enhance wellness and peace of mind. Whether you’ve meditated before or not, this is definitely worth trying out.
Where: Wat Samai Kongkha
When: Every day
How: Taxi or walk from Salad Beach
Cost: 30,000 Baht/$930 for a 7 day mindfulness retreat
19. Sunbathe On Thong Nai Pan Beach
Thong Nai Pan is exactly what you would expect a beach on a Thai island to look like. Pearly white sand, lush, swaying palms, and turquoise water that glimmers under endless sunshine. Grab yourself an ice-cold drink and while away the hours as you get your tan on.
Where: On the Northeast Coast
When: Every day
How: Stay in Panburi Village and go from there
Cost: Free
20. Snorkel At Mae Haad Beach
Snorkelling is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Koh Phangan. There’s a lot going on in the water around the island and lucky snorkellers will have the chance to admire tropical fish, coral, rays and other marine wildlife.
Where: North Coast
When: During daylight hours, every day
How: Either bring your own snorkel gear or hire it on the island
Cost: 100 baht/$3 per hour
21. Take a Day Trip To Koh Tao
Think you’ve done all the things to do in Koh Phangan? Hop in a boat and head off to neighbouring Koh Tao (Turtle Island). Although it may be smaller and quieter than Koh Phangan, there are numerous things to do in Koh Tao to keep you busy…it’s also a great spot for chilling out.
Koh Tao offers some world-class scuba diving, and affordable PADI certifications. If you’re into diving, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan.
Where: North of Koh Phangan
When: Year-round
How: There are boats that leave regularly throughout the day from Haad Rin and Thong Sala piers
Cost: 400 Baht/ $12
Bonus! See The Waterfalls
Tired of the gorgeous sea? Koh Phangan is home to numerous cascading waterfalls, but make sure you check out Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, and Than Sadet, which is an important site for Thai people due to the inscriptions left on the rocks by King Rama VI.
Ready for Koh Phangan?
Touching down in Thailand for the first time is an experience unlike any other. From the second you leave the airport in Bangkok, you are swept up in a cacophony of color and noise. It is exciting and new but also a little overwhelming. Koh Phangan offers some respite from the 24/7 chaos of the capital.
Koh Phangan may be buzzing with energy, but it also has peaceful enclaves where you can escape the world for a moment. It offers a mixture of natural beauty and adventure opportunities and combines serenity with adrenaline. It’s a curious and unique place that you’ll just have to discover for yourself to truly understand.
Some images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock. Check them out for royalty-free images and videos.
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For Koh Phangan, Thailand
✓ There are so many adventurous things to do in Koh Phangan. It’s important to make sure you have adequate travel insurance before embarking on any trip, but especially one where you’ll be partaking in outdoor activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, hiking, etc.. World Nomads covers almost all adventurous activities that you can think of. Click here to get a free quote and learn more about this popular travel insurance.
✓ We recommend purchasing eco-friendly products for your stay in Koh Phangan. We’re personally trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastic that we use, and encourage you to do the same during your travels.
To avoid purchasing plastic water bottles while in Koh Phangan, consider buying a water bottle with a built-in filter such as LifeStraw or GrayL, or get yourself a Steri-Pen. In terms of utensils, this bamboo set is great for picnics on the beach, while these glass or metal straws are perfect for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, bring your own. 
✓ There are numerous affordable places to stay in Koh Phangan. Goats On The Road uses and recommends Booking.com due to their excellent prices, and cancellation options. We also frequently use Airbnb when we want to book a short-term apartment. Click here to search for accommodation in Koh Phangan on Booking.com, and click here to sign up with Airbnb (you’ll receive a free $35 credit!).
Top Hotels, Hostels & B&B’s in Koh Phangan
Budget
Mad Monkey Koh Phangan – rated “Superb” 9.3/10. If you are looking for the best social atmosphere on the island hosted by the largest, most experienced hostel chain in Southeast Asia, look no further than Mad Monkey Koh Phangan. Located walking distance to Thong Sala pier and the night market, you can easily get to the hostel. The property is slightly hidden in a small pocket giving privacy and the ability for the hostel to create a friendly social atmosphere. All rooms have air conditioning and a personal locker. The largest dorm is 8 beds while most are 4. Dorm rooms go for about 250THB ($7.88USD) while privates are around 750THB ($23.66USD)
Moonstone Studio – rated “Superb” 9.1/10. If you’re looking to stay on the gorgeous Haad Rin Beach (which is also the venue for the Full Moon Party), then check out this accommodation. Just a 3 minute walk brings you the beach, while the property itself is surrounded by palm trees and offers sea views. The studios offer guests a refrigerator and a kettle, plus the rooms have air-conditioning, a TV and a balcony. If you want to be in the action, this is a good bet. Studios go for around $35/night in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this accommodation.
Alcove Bungalow – rated “Superb” 9.0/10. This property is located on the west coast of Koh Phangan. Although it’s in a bit more secluded area, there are bicycles and motorbikes for rent, day trips can be arranged, and you’ll find water sports like snorkelling and SUP. There’s also an onsite restaurant serving Thai and French cuisine. The bungalows here are tastefully decorated and offer air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Double bungalows go for around $35/night in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this accommodation.
Midrange
Castaway Beach Bungalows – rated “Superb” 9.2/10. If you’re looking for a chilled out place to stay, which is located right on the sand, then check out these beach bungalows! The wooden bungalows offer amazing views, 4-poster bed, a fridge, a balcony and a hammock. Next door you’ll find a funky beach bar – great for meeting other travellers. Double bungalows start from $60/night in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this bungalow.
Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort – rated “Superb” 9.0/10. Located just 8 kilometers from Haad Rin Beach, this property offers affordable luxury. There’s an outdoor infinity pool and an onsite restaurant serving up Thai and Burmese food. Each of the rooms are uniquely designed and offer private balconies, air-conditioning and a minibar. Deluxe Double Rooms start at around $45 – $60/night in the high season. Click here to learn more and book this accommodation.
Top End
Panviman Koh Phangan – rated “Superb” 9.1/10. This place is something out of a dream! For around $100/night, you can enjoy this luxurious retreat overlooking Thong Nai Pan. There’s a spa, infinity pool and 2 beachfront restaurants. The modern, superior double rooms offer a sea view, private balcony, air-conditioning and much more. Double rooms start at around $100/night. Click here to learn more and book this accommodation.
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lewishamledger · 6 years
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Words by Colin Richardson; Photo by Lima Charlie
Eight years ago, all 12 of Lewisham’s public libraries were run by the council. These days, only three remain in the control of the authority, the rest being run largely by volunteers. It’s a remarkable and sometimes bitter story of spending cuts, job losses, public protests and community spirit.
In 2010, the newly elected Tory-LibDem coalition government instituted a policy of austerity. A programme of massive spending cuts was set in motion, with local authorities being hit hard.
Lewisham Council, the 32nd most deprived borough of England’s 326 local authorities, has lost 60 per cent of its government funding since then. In 2011, the council proposed cuts of more than £1 million to its library service. Five libraries were marked for closure.
The response from the librarians, their union, Unison, and many local people was to mount a series of public protests. After several months, the council decided to hand the threatened libraries to a number of voluntary organisations. The libraries stayed open, but many librarians lost their jobs and the process left a bad taste in the mouths of many.
In the intervening years another four libraries passed out of the council’s hands and into community control. Not a single library in the borough has been closed, whereas getting on for 500 have been closed in the rest of the country. In these harsh times, Lewisham has, at least as far as library provision is concerned, fared better than most boroughs. Or, depending on how you look at it, not as badly.
The crisis, though, is not over yet. The council has to cut another £30 million from its budget in the next three years and it is currently consulting on a proposal to cut its spending on its three remaining libraries by almost half a million pounds.
So how do community libraries work? Look no further than Forest Hill Library, which became a community library in 2016. It is housed in a Grade 2 listed late Victorian building on Dartmouth Road. When they heard that the library was marked for closure, the Forest Hill Traders Association (FHTA) and the Forest Hill Society (FHS) got together to see if they could save it.
They quickly realised that they would need some financial backing. Enter stage left, V22, an art organisation that owns Louise House, next-door to the library, which it has renovated and converted into artists’ studios. They proved to be the ideal partner.
Lewisham council accepted the bid from the new partnership, and then the hard work began. A crowdfunding campaign raised £10,000 in eight weeks. A derelict shop on Dartmouth Road was done up and turned into a second-hand book and vinyl store, Leave and Groove, the profits from which help fund the library. There were donations of no-longer-needed computers from Alleyn School. Local people gave their time and skills for free to help things along.
Meanwhile, the upper floor of the library was converted into studios, all of which are now occupied, the rental income contributing to the upkeep of the building. And a new group, The Friends of Forest Hill Library, was set up to raise funds and encourage local involvement.
The moving spirit behind much of this activity is general manager Simon Higgs, who also looks after Manor House Library in Lee, another V22 project. He is one of only three paid staff at Forest Hill, the other two being assistant manager Stephen Bruce and the cleaner, who has worked there for 25 years. Simon is extremely proud of the library.
‘We are open more staffed hours than any library in Lewisham, including the main library,’ he says. ‘We only close on bank holidays and over Christmas. Other than that, we have only had to close three times in the past two years, for only a few hours on each occasion.’ Their monthly visitor numbers have varied from 10,000 to 14,000, settling consistently at around 11,000 in recent months.
‘Most people aren’t coming here to borrow books,’ says Simon. ‘Book borrowing is going down, and that’s a national trend. But more and more people are coming to libraries, and they’re coming to libraries for other services.
“Many organisations offering free legal advice have closed down and there’s only one Job Centre in the whole of Lewisham. People don’t know where to go, so they’re going and asking questions at the police stations, they’re going to post offices, they’re going to their doctors’ surgeries, and all those people send them to the libraries – go and ask at the library. We’ve ended up becoming a kind of frontline service.”
The library’s volunteers spend a lot of their time helping people to find sources of information and advice. ‘We now get people coming in who have been told they’ve got to claim benefits online and they’ve never been on a computer in their lives,’ says Simon. ‘They don’t know where to start, they haven’t got an email address. So we set them up an email address, show them how it works, and they can come in again and log in.
“As far as filling in forms goes, we show them where the forms are and open them up for them, but they have to fill it in themselves. Half the time, they don’t even know how to navigate to the next page. So even though we can’t help them fill in the form, we still have to sit with them and hold their hands just for going to the next page.”
Retired teacher Jenny Bright has been a volunteer at the library since April. She works two four-hour afternoon shifts a week and hosts the Thursday afternoon ‘Baby Bounce’ in the spacious children’s library room. A boisterous session for children around the age of two, it aims to get them interested in books through music and play.
‘Volunteering at the library is very rewarding,’ says Jenny, ‘as you are supporting, guiding and helping many people from all walks of life. Plus, you meet and work with interesting people and if you are retired this is helpful. It is like being in a big happy family.’
The enquiries she deals with are ‘mainly to do with the computer and IT help, photocopying, printing documents, signing up new members with a library card, and reserving books for people from other libraries.’ She finds that library users are ‘full of praise for the library and what we the volunteers do, as without the volunteers the library would not be open as much as it is now.”
Isabella Roache finished an MA in September and is volunteering while she looks for a job. She does two or three shifts a week and finds it rewarding: ‘there is a real sense that you’re helping people, even with something small like finding a book,’ she says.
‘I’m pleasantly surprised that so many people still use libraries, and I think people are really grateful it exists because it serves so many functions – reading, computers, classes, child-friendly groups and so on. It’s a shame it’s only community-run because it’s in such frequent use and open seven days a week, but the public nevertheless use it a great deal and are appreciative that it’s been kept open.’
As well as the bouncing babies, the children’s room has hosted numerous activities. For example, The Philosophy Foundation, which occupies one of the upstairs studios, has run philosophy sessions for children. And over the summer, the library participates in the annual Reading Challenge, signing children up to read six books during the holidays. ‘We outstrip all the other community libraries by a couple of hundred children,’ says Simon. ‘We do have a lot of children using the library.”
Next to the children’s room, at the back of the library, is a large space that used to house the DVDs and teen fiction (which is have been moved out front). It is a community room that can be hired out for one-off or regular events. A weekly origami class and Lively Minds, a monthly discussion group for people aged 50 or over, are among the regular activities on offer at present.
Forest Hill library offers free WiFi and, for a small charge, printing and photocopying services. It costs nothing to join – you just need to get a Lewisham Library Card, which entitles you to use all the borough’s libraries. Application forms for the card are available at libraries and on the council website.
It’s taken a huge amount of effort and commitment to keep Forest Hill library open and so well-used. Simon Higgs pays tribute to the ‘fantastic local community’ and the dedication of all the volunteers. He praises Stephen Bruce for being ‘so enthusiastic, so happy to help people’.
Given the invidious choices forced upon local authorities by the huge reductions in government funding over the past eight years, keeping all of Lewisham’s libraries open is an impressive achievement. Libraries are an essential public service. But we can’t go on relying on volunteers forever.
If you are interested in volunteering at Forest Hill Library, please phone 020 8244 0634 or email [email protected]. For general enquiries or to book the community room, phone or email [email protected]  
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kern30mollerup-blog · 6 years
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The Autistic Child At Seaworld: Making The Most Of Your Day
Finding a rental car coupon is an easy process. You just need to take the time to look around. By obtaining a discount on your rental car you will be able to minimize the overall amount that your trip costs. In this day and age, who isn't looking to save a little bit of money? Invitations can range from a phone call to a printed invitation, but generally, fun invitations are sent out. If you've selected a particular theme, you may want the invitations to tie in to it. Remember to include all necessary contact information and baby registry information on the invitations. Now in Bali there are some exciting and fascinating, world renowned dive sites: Nusa Dua, Sanur, Padang Bay, Gili Tapekong, Tulamben, Amed, Nusa Penida and Lembongan and Menjangan Island.
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Easter Egg #1: Inside this cave is a Banjo-Kazooie cartridge with eyes on it. It will bounce around the area, and can be killed with attacks. Killing it will make it drop the Ice Key, which unlocks a large safe in Hailfire Peaks. The baby shower is usually held about six weeks before the baby's due date. However, some mothers are electing to have the party after the baby is born, especially if they choose not to find out the baby's sex beforehand. Just be sure to allow yourself plenty of time for planning. Showers can be held on either weekends or during the week - there really is no hard and fast rule. Just try to make the time and day convenient for everyone including any out-of-town guests. As for the time, consider the needs of people who must travel to attend. Also be sure to keep in mind the mother-to-be's schedule (naps, doctor appointments, etc.). Turn off unused appliance - turn off and unplug home appliance that are not used. This is because running appliances emits heat. The more appliances are on, the more heat your house will have to accumulate. So if you have 3 televisions, now is the time to use only one. If you have a dishwasher, try not to wash the plates until the evening. Evening air is cooler and this can offset the heat that your dishwasher emits. You won't only feel cool if you use this technique, you'll also save energy. An alternative to nursery child care is to use child minders. Child minders look after babies and children in their own homes. On average they care for about 3-5 children. As well as being registered with ma rừng lữ quán ở đà lạt have to be have a police check and the local authority also inspect their homes on a regular basis for safety. They can be a good option and your child will be just as happy and safe as in a nursery. I have found child minders to be more flexible, when the need arises, than nurseries, but that is just my personal view. You can obtain a current list of registered child minders from your local council. Look at speaking your new language outside the classroom as an adventure. After all, you didn't sign up for language lessons to just speak it in a classroom, but to use it in the real world.
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