#but these are ones that i consistently list

[vinocean22]

20 Things Spanking Fetishists Have in Common

Sweet Tea

Spankos are soulmates. The fetish hardwires our hearts and minds in remarkably consistent ways that aren’t usually apparent to others, so it’s always a bit magical when we chat. “Holy shit, you get me.” I still find it shocking how much we have in common. Can you relate to this list?

1. We’ve been like this for a very long time.

“I’m a lifelong spanko.” This is common in our community and not all that surprising, as most fetishes are formed during childhood. The vast majority of spankos I’ve met have either been this way for as long as they can remember, or can pinpoint a specific age in childhood when they became preoccupied with thoughts of the act. I can’t personally remember any point in my life when spanking didn’t fascinate me and captivate my attention.

2. It’s not a choice.

For many people, spanking is a kink. They enjoy it and find it sexy, but don’t necessarily consider it a requirement for a good time. For those with the fetish, however, spanking is a need rather than an option. Some of us can appreciate and enjoy other BDSM-related activities like bondage or wax play or needles, but spanking is central to our sexuality. This thing lies at the core of our soul and we couldn’t get rid of it if we tried.

We looked up the word ‘spanking’ in the dictionary as kids, not once but multiple times. This also applied to related words like ‘paddle’, ‘switch’, ‘flog’, ‘discipline’, or ‘punish’. We knew their meanings, of course, but the act of reading the definitions was exciting—arousing, even—though we may have been too young to conceptualize the feeling as sexual. If we studied a foreign language, we sat in class and wondered in the back of our minds, “But what’s the word for ‘spanking’?”

(Is this common with other fetishes? Did foot fetishists look up the words ‘foot’, ‘high heel’, ‘stocking’, etc. at the library, bashfully looking around to make sure no one else would notice? I wonder…)

4. We have, uhhh, ‘issues’ with being around it.

Non-spankos can talk about spanking like it’s nothing, but that’s not the case for people with a fetish for it. We may turn bright red when the topic comes up in conversation or feel the need to leave the room when spankings happen in movies or TV shows. For some, this is because the idea triggers intense arousal, even more so than if straight-up intercourse were playing onscreen. For others, it’s simply too intimate and embarrassing to think about unless we’re by ourselves or discussing it in the context of a sexual encounter. When I was a kid and friends publicly proclaimed, “My mom spanked me yesterday!” I felt absolutely mortified. “How can anyone talk about THAT so casually?”

5. We think about it a looooooot.

Some researcher folks have claimed we all think about sex an average of 18-35 times a day. The fetishists I know think about spanking at least this often if not more, frequently daydreaming about the smacking of butts. A fetish is, by definition, a meticulous obsession. We live and breathe it, and never run out of things to say when chatting with other spankos. We want to meet people like us and TALK about it in detail, even if we never end up playing together. It’s our favorite means of connection.

6. Our fetish has caused us hardship.

“Do you feel like your fetish is a curse?” I’ve seen this asked quite a bit on spanko forums. Most of us had to navigate a number of challenges while growing up with this thing. We felt shame, embarrassment, and isolation after realizing how different we were, and may have worried we were crazy. Our relationships with non-spankos have likely been riddled with intimacy problems because we can’t relate to each other sexually. No matter how kinky or open-minded our partners are, they’re unlikely to understand us unless they have the fetish too. As a result, many spankos become pickier over time, ultimately refusing to date those outside of their orientation. “I’d rather be single than with someone I can’t share this with.” Until we find our people, it’s a lonely world.

7. Spanking takes priority over sex.

Every spanko I’ve ever met has put spanking at the forefront of the itinerary. It’s satisfying in its own right for a lot of folks, whether or not other sexy stuff occurs before or afterward. Some spankos identify as asexual, eschewing intercourse entirely because it doesn’t interest them in the same way discipline does. Others are extremely sexual people who focus on spanking as the main course or frequently indulge as an extended form of foreplay. This is an example of why we might experience difficulty finding balance with non-spanko partners. By the time they’re ready to move onto something else, we’re just getting in the zone.

8. It’s on our mind when we orgasm.

One of the first times I had sex with another spanko, I was blown away by the level of telepathy between us. I closed my eyes and fantasized as he licked my clit. He suddenly paused and smiled. “You’re thinking about having your pants pulled down, aren’t you?” I mean fuck, of course I was, but how did he know?! With a bit more experience in the community, I realized many if not all spankos think about it while they’re getting off. The moment thoughts of discipline enter my mind I’m aroused, but I cool off just as quickly if my focus is drawn elsewhere. If I didn’t think about spanking, I’m not sure I’d ever climax.

9. Most of us have tried switching at least once.

Some spankos like to give and receive in equal share, but many have a preference toward being spanker or spankee. I’ve noticed, though, that even the most stubborn of us who proclaim, “I don’t switch!” have tried a taste of the other side out of curiosity at some point. It makes sense to want to learn all angles of the equation. I’m in favor of the idea that everyone benefits from switching. Understanding what our partners experience makes us all better lovers.

10. We want spankings to feel as ‘real’ as possible.

Often, spankees want to cry. We want to be held down and ‘made’ to take it until our spanker is done, no matter what we say or do. This makes the experience feel more real, as if we’re truly being punished by an authority figure and have no choice in the matter. Once trust has been established, some spankees will afford their partners blanket consent and opt not to use safewords. (I don’t recommend this route with anyone you wouldn’t trust with your life. There are oodles of legitimately fucked up people out there masking their abusive tendencies as BDSM. Vet your spankers well, ladies and gents.) This all exists to enhance the pleasure of the fantasy, but isn’t an invitation to violate limits. We want our spankers to be perceptive, taking us just far enough to inspire tears and provide release, but not so far as to genuinely break or traumatize us. Finding this balance is an art form that requires empathy, intelligence, communication, and skill.

11. We all have our preferences.

What implements do you like? What are your favorite positions? What kinds of spankings are your favorite to give? Bruises or no bruises? How long do you like to go for? What kinds of behavior would earn a spanking from you? These are the sexy deets we discuss when we chat, and our answers say a lot about our personalities. It’s rare for a spanko not to have feelings about such things. More often than not, we have specific reasons for liking what we like.

12. We enjoy associated activities.

To state the obvious: spankos love butts. LOOOOOOOOVE them. Naturally, we tend to enjoy other ass-focused activities in conjunction with spanking, like anal play, doggy-style sex, enemas, thermometers, and between-the-cheeks ‘inspections’. Many of us also dig other punishment-related activities traditionally associated with spanking, like corner time or writing lines. “I will not behave like such a sassy little brat. I will not behave like such a sassy little brat…”

13. For us, spanking is its own category.

I’ve noticed a desire in the spanko community to distinguish what we like from the greater umbrella of BDSM. Clearly, spanking incorporates elements of discipline, D/s, and sadomasochism. However, what most of us mean when we mention our fetish is far more specific. We’re not talking whips, dungeons, or shibari. We’re talking traditional, domestic bare-bottom OTK punishment with hands, paddles, belts, wooden spoons, bath brushes, and other goodies found in the home. It’s a comforting, parental, for-your-own-good type of vibe wherein we call our partners Mommy, Daddy, or other titles that convey nurturing familiarity. Very different than, say, having a cold ‘master-slave’ dynamic in a relationship, which tends to be a bit too much for our taste.

14. We love every stage of the process.

A non-spanko might solely imagine the physical slapping of cheeks when we refer to our love of spanking, but that's not the long and short of the matter. Spankos adore the entire arc of the narrative. The misbehavior that led to the spanking. The threats and anticipation. Getting into position. The warm-up and removal of each layer of clothing, all the way until the spankee’s bottom is bared. The swats, first with hands, then a variety of implements. The communication surrounding lecturing and admonishment. The catharsis of tears. The slow tenderness and beauty of aftercare. The closeness the ritual inspires. The intimate drama of this entire process is deeply satisfying.

15. We distinguish between different kinds of spankings.

What is the purpose of the spanking being given? Punishment? Maintenance? Stress relief? Eroticism? This detail is important to us, for it influences the style in which the spanker spanks. Sexual spankings often involve caressing of nether-regions and start off somewhat softly, building in strength at a comfortable pace throughout a drawn-out warm-up period. Punishment spankings embody an entirely different space. They are meant to be intense, painful, and challenging to endure.

16. We watch a lot of the same porn.

My closest spanko friends and I send each other links to videos every so often. “Have you seen this one?” A lot of the time the answer is yes, for we’re drawn to the same spankers, spankees, and couples who create our favorite content. Spanking vids with a glitzier, more porny atmosphere tend to be lower on the ladder than amateur, traditionally domestic ones. Again, we want it all to feel as real as possible. The “we shot this at home while punishing actual misbehavior” setup provides more satisfaction.

17. We don’t usually watch our porn with non-spankos.

Back when I used to date vanilla and guys would ask, “What kind of porn do you watch?” I would lie and pretend porn wasn’t my thing. This is because I knew that what I watch would likely bore them. A clip with fifteen straight minutes of nothing but spanking, sans sex, would likely make a lot of people’s eyes roll back into their sockets. “So monotonous!” Once I started dating spankos, however, I found much joy in sharing, knowing we could relish each and every moment together.

18. We all want a house out in the boonies.

Ask a spanko about their goals for the future and many will answer, “I want to buy land.” This is because our activity of choice is LOUD and has the potential to disturb nearby neighbors. Nothing ruins a good time like a visit from the fuzz. The begging, screaming, and crying… they are cleansing to our souls and we wish to do them freely. It’s countryside living for us, boy howdy.

19. We’re very romantic people.

It comes as no surprise that many spankos are traditionalists. We often relish old-timey acts of devotion like marriage, opening doors, buying flowers, and cooking for our partners. Many are monogamous and like to wait to have sex until deep bonds of commitment are set in stone. Spanking is an extension of this attitude toward intimacy. We’re so deeply devoted to our partners that we refuse to turn our backs on their misbehavior, laziness, procrastination, or feelings of guilt. Instead we stay, face them, and do what must be done to help them deal with their problems, following up with plenty of aftercare involving sweetness and reassurance. Squeeee.

20. We speak the same love language.

For partners with a consensual domestic discipline dynamic, spanking is an act of love. It’s an intimate ritual centering on a potent giving and receiving of attention. A means of setting aside time to converse and communicate about the challenges of relationships and everyday affairs. A tool for strengthening the bond and balancing the energy between spanker and spankee. A way of helping one another feel “right” and “natural” in a world that so often feels like it’s tumbling off its axis. In nonconsensual or manipulative contexts, spanking is abuse. Between those of us who crave it from one other, it’s the highest form of affection.

Granted, these are solely my thoughts based on my own observations and experiences.

Anything to add, spankos?

Reach out, I'd love to hear you : https://www.the-rose-moon.com/post/20-things-spanking-fetishists-have-in-common

[biancadoes1]

FAVE ANON HERE 🩶

I would like to start by saying how amazing it was to see Lukey Newts out and about last night looking 🔥 and rocking those emotional support curls 🥵. To be honest it was more than enough to make me look past anything else. Oh the curls 😍

But I do know that last night was a shock to the system for many. We went from not seeing Luke and Antonia interact with each other at all since the end of July to ALOT last night. They were popping everywhere. I saw so many extreme reactions and to be honest, we gotta be better guys. This is why I think it’s important to take a step back and look at everything as a big picture and use a few different lenses I listed below (and make sure you stick around for #4 because it’s the most important):

1. Seeing them last night doesnt negate everything that happened the last 7 months. Where have they been? Why hasn’t she posted him? Why did they spend the holidays apart? Why did he clean his SEO? So many questions with answers that don’t add up to a serious relationship.

2. This was not a relationship hard launch. If there was a launch plan, I 100% believe he would’ve “soft launched” in a way with pap pics getting caught on a date and in a natural setting. Or even something subtle on social media. They know how the fans perceive her and their “relationship” and they would not have just dropped a bombshell on eveyone. To top it off, out of all his SM posts today - none of them include any sight or mention of her. So what was the point of HL-ing?

3. I wanna start this one by saying I don’t think anyone in this situation should receive any hate for how we decided to perceive and accept things BUT I’m ngl I’m gonna have a lot of thoughts if L&A are together and those thoughts aren’t just aimed at Luke. Everyone has been complicit in the narrative that brought us here - Luke, Nic, Shondaland, Ryan, etc. They know what discussed online and they knew back in August how people were interpreting things so they’ve had months to set the record straight and launch any relationships. Polin is the B-ton moneymaker and that’s because of the fans. I refuse to believe all these people would be complicit in stringing along and alienating the fans. (And for the record - no matter how this plays out I will remain a fan of both because I love them both and I love Polin.)

4. MOST IMPORTANTLY:

Why are we so quick to jump to this relationship but we denounce Nic and Jake? You can say because Jake is gay (yes I believe this) but truly we have NO PROOF of that. He hasn’t said it. She hasn’t said it. We’re going fully off context clues. For all we know he could be bi, pan, or as straight as they come and they could be in the most blissfully happy relationship in the world. (Not true IMO but my point is that we don’t know anything beyond what is shown to us.) So let’s review the following:

Nic & Jake: have been to non professional events together and posted online with friends, have posted each other on Instagram, comment on each others posts, attend professional events together, and have been papped on “dates”

Luke & Antonia: caught kissing over a year ago, attended some professional events together, haven’t been seen together in 7 months, and like all insta posts in a suspiciously fast and consistent manner.

If you were to ask me I’d say Nic and Jake are the ones in a real relationship (if i knew nothing about the outside factors). So if we are willing to sit here and give Nic and Jake the benefit of the doubt and say it’s not real and wait it out then we should be able to do the same now with Luke and Antonia until we get more concrete evidence. Because truly last night was nothing different than what has been presented to us by Nic and Jake. The only difference is the internalized feelings and people have surrounding Antonia and her existence.

I stand by what I’ve always said - until Nic or Luke (or an official source on their behalf) say “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” those terms do not apply.

What this fandom has taught me is that if I’m ever wrongfully accused of a crime, I do not want 95% of you on my jury because you all jump to conclusions so fast and don’t do any critical thinking.

Next time something happens and you find yourself about to spiral, take a tip from a wise friend of mine and give it 24 hours because I PROMISE you things will become clearer. 😉

And also congrats to Bridgerton S3 for being the Top Streamed Show of 2024. Nic and Luke did that and I’m so proud. 💛

And also - Luke and those curls man. 🥵🥵🥵

Fave anon has blessed us with her words once more.

Please take note.

[asksonicverse]

You dont need to answer but I just wanted to tell you I adore Paradox being like "I hate all of them except" and then listing everyone except like 2 guys, honey you don't hate *all* of them you expressly don't hate *most of them*

Extremely charming characterization i adore it

[Creator Special number 2!]

So glad someone noticed that, I was originally going to have him name EVERYONE except Boost but then I was like “nah, Mania is just too annoying for Paradox to tolerate him”

And thanks! I’m trying to be… consistent with my characterization of each of them and stay in line with canon but like… URGH sometimes I want to deviate so bad just to indulge but I resist!

Needless to say tho, prism is probably going to get more affectionate later on. Rewatched Sonic Prime again and bro is a cutie patootie!

Headcanons… headcanons… hmm

Well, starting with the obvious, Paradox goes to therapy as I’ve mentioned which I think is hilarious. He and Lance are the only Shadows who really have their shit together which is why I think Sonadow works well for them? (we stan healthy relationships guys)

I do head canon that Eight doesn’t like being touched really at all anymore. After the metal virus, he grew so used to the fact that he couldn’t touch anyone that it sorta just stuck. He does it to save people, but not anything more. :(

And while I’m a sucker for the Trans Sonic HC I decided not to implement it in this particular AU!

I really want to include Captain Sonic and Shadow, but I haven’t played nor watched a serious play through of the game. (I’ve only really listened to a bit of the Snapcube dub..)

can someone tell me if Shadow is a Barista or a Mechanic in that game btw?? I google it, nothing pops up. I could’ve sworn there was something about a mechanic.

Uhh I LOVE Sonic Frontiers, fire game. If I include that one, it’ll ALSO be Sonamy since I’m pretty sure that game takes place before SA2 in canon?

I’m trying to keep the Sonics and Shadows balanced but I’d love to add Generations Shadow and Sonic. Just thinking of names already I get “Doom” for Shadow and “Emerald” for Sonic. (Referencing the fake emerald from their interaction in the shadow story)

Unfortunately I haven’t seen the Archie comics or Sonic Underground so I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

Someone also asked about if I’d ever include different AU’s: maybe if those AU creators gave me permission I’d be down to do a collab for a few asks or something!

Nope!

I dunno I just..! … how do I do? I’m fast. And you’re slow. That’s how I did it. /ref

Ahahah just kidding! But I am very fast. A few years ago I convinced myself I was a “slow drawer” because I was in a discord server with someone I looked up to (and holy cheese they could draw out fully articulate sketches in like 30 seconds!)

So I got insecure and taught myself to draw really fast. So now I just.. zoom! This does have a terrible draw back where I will very frequently forget smaller details.

Like if you look at half the posts, Shadow is missing his eyeliner and other markings frequently.

THIS IS JUST HILARIOUS TO ME YOU GUYS. PLEASE—

I’ve gotten SO many asks in my box about using Maria to calm the Shadows down or trying to give Shadows “Maria plushies”

Imagine you’re having a bad day and you get a plushie of your dead sibling thrown at you??? LMFAOOOO

I CANT I CANT I CANT PUT THEM THROUGH THAT 💔 Also I see every single ask.

“Do you all like Latinas” and “sonic which shadow is the hottest/shadow which sonic is the hottest” have all been engraved in my brain

Was joking with a friend on how that second question would come out LMFAOO

Previous | Next

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

You mentioned how ace's dream was like a vague fanfiction addressing some fun fandom theories and ideas but I think whats the best part about it was how the progression up to that point made sense. Theyve dropped so many moments showing ace caring dearly for yuu to the point where this dream as fanservicey like that it was it feels natural for ace to have such a dream if that makes sense WAAGH I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

What did you think of the dream though ms raven? The dream made me wail so badly ough hes finally cried too m sure hes been through a lot 🥹 seeing cater talk to ace so sincerly it hits me so hard in the feels im so glad hes finally got to cry (a little anyways)

Ace’s dream felt like fanfiction, but at least it felt natural or like everything up to this point was leading up to this being his wish. I unfortunately cannot say that for several other dreams. Certainly ones definitely felt egregious or contrived. Some were largely fanservice (Savanaclaw Rook, dorm leader Cater, delinquent Deuce) or just excuses to make new cards (merform twins), even if it didn’t make complete sense for the character to wish for it.

dgjswvizjsowk I know you’re probably expecting me to comment on Ace in his own darn dream, but I actually have a lot more to say about Cater. Ace’s motivations + butting heads with the rescue squad were what I expected them to be (though I give him props for being the only character so far to resist waking up right away). More on my precursory thoughts in this post (but based the exact wording of your ask. I’d be tired to guess you’ve already read it 😅)! But CATER????? TELL ME WHY HE WAS THE GOAT THIS UPDATE 😭

Cater does SO much???? First he suggests the third years help Trey cook BBQ so the darkness is distracted while the others can isolate Ace and try to wake him. When that attempt fails, Cater pretends to agree with Leona’s proposal to leave Ace behind to bait Deuce to come after him to play as his support. Cater sitting down to have a heart-to-heart convo with Ace??? And then mercilessly using his UM to gang up on Ace and beat him up??? 😭 Him reminding Ace about his courage facing off against OB Riddle… Cater confessing he wanted to run, but being encouraged to join the fight because aaaaah his kouhai looked so cool and dashing!! Thanking Ace??? Finally verbalizing some of his feelings???!?!?!?!???! CATER PULLING ACE OUT OF THE DARK????? MY GOD… OTL ThE biG BRoTHER EnERGGY WaS SO DTRONgGGGGGggGGGGG

And he kept this up even into Trey’s dream???????? Where Cater once again does a TON. He volunteers to investigate since makes the most sense (he is a Heartslabyul student so it’s not shady to be in the dorm and his UM is useful for combat). Cater also the third years with him into the kitchen to have a look around. Him saying he’s impressed with Silver’s will and how he would’ve given up so much sooner if he were him???? Dropping interesting lore about Trey??? Cater admitting that he has always been a spectator and now realizes he should have done more than just watch events unfold???

CATER CONSISTeNTLY puTTING hIMSELF AnD THE THirD YEARS IN hARm’s WAy FiRST… StRAtEGIzING… mAnIPULATING… AND ACTUAL SELF-REFLECTION AnD SINCERiTY????

Cater got to shine SO much this update, especially in Ace’s dream. He really came off like a big brother figure to Ace. A little mean, but also able to be so very vulnerable with him. Him not wanting to give up on Ace even though he later says if he were Silver, he’d have given up on everyone a while ago… MAN. CaTER cARES SO muCHHHHHhhh 😭 This might actually bump him up a little in my tier list… I didn’t like him much before 💦

[millionthcephalophore]

Okay. A few things here. This is still bad! Buuuuut I would encourage people to read some full articles and get some context on Torres’ work to see exactly HOW these missteps could be justified and why they may have happened.

Portrait of Ross in LA is by farrrr Torres’ most famous candy portrait but it is not the only one! Plenty of them are frequently displayed in a line like the Smithsonian’s installation, is that less effective? Maybe. But it’s not out of line with his work. Nor is the plaques listing of an “ideal weight” or the exhibition’s listed concerns.

Gonzalez-Torres made a lot of work about AIDS and he made it exceptionally well. However, it was not his only artistic concern. This exhibition focuses on his innovations in portraiture and his lateral thinking about the genre. It would be absolutely disingenuous and sinister for the exhibit not to mention AIDS, but if I’m going to be a little honest I don’t have a problem with an exhibition placing its focus elsewhere. He was a brilliant artist and deserves recognition for all of his ideas, not just those related to his suffering.

The work is displayed and plaqued in a way that’s consistent with his other work and doesn’t go against the works’ certificate (basically it’s artist-stipulated display instructions). So from a curatorial standpoint it IS the same piece.

According to the curators a separate piece of wall text near the piece DOES further contextualize it reading, in part, “Gonzalez-Torres cared for his partner Ross Laycock, named in the candy work’s title, who died from HIV/AIDS in 1991. So there are some mentions of AIDS throughout the exhibit. I still think that this is not enough contextualization, but again, I see how it happened.

The display’s main problem is that its supremely fucking out of touch.

Portrait of Ross in LA means something to people, its more than just a portrait its a symbol, its a memorial, its grown past the artist and become something for an entire community that has frequently been robbed of the ability to openly mourn. I’ve gotten the privilege of seeing it in person a few times and it commands a reverence like nothing else I’ve ever seen. I keep the wrappers from my visit just to remind myself of that experience of twisting brilliant inadequate grief that it evoked in me. I keep the wrappers because it felt morally wrong to throw them away.

You have to treat Portrait of Ross in LA with fucking respect.

The conditions for respect have already been outlined, like several articles point out, we’ve already been here. The Art Institute did basically the same thing a few years ago and it was made clear by public outcry that caring for this piece and its significance means including a proper wall label. Its being respected by museum goers not already familiar with the piece is contingent on that wall label, people are less likely to read the other wall text.

SO. All in all I think that the curatorial decisions made here were pretty standard and I’d need to actually see the exhibit to make a ruling on their potential erasure of AIDS and Gonzalez-Torres’ sexuality within the exhibit as a whole. BUT the display also shows an ignorance of the work’s significance and a disregard for prior discourse/ meaning making surrounding it. It feels a bit like a slap in the face.

Anyways here’s another article with some more comments made by the curators if anyone wants more context:

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/felix-gonzalez-torres-national-portrait-gallery-untitled-portrait-of-ross-in-la-controversy-1234731113/

the david zwirner gallery and the felix gonzalez torres foundation in the smithsonian removed the descriptive plaque for portrait of ross in la by felix gonzalez-torres. the old plaque explained portrait for ross' origins as the artist's partner's aids related death, and replaced it with a plaque with absolutely no information about the piece itself, who ross was, or who gonzalez-torres was either. portrait of ross was also reeranged to lay on the floor long ways instead of in a pile as it typically is situated, and the plaque outside the exhibition FOR GONZALEZ-TORRES omits his sexuality, as well as his aids related death. i'm in utter disbelief

[littjara-mirrorlake]

Nonexhaustive list of creatures I don't think should be able to get compleated

Because it's been 2 years since MOM but I'm still critiquing the biology in it anyway

Spirits and other immaterial beings I firmly believe, and this was fairly consistent in canon until MOM, that Phyrexian oil works on two fronts: physical and mnemonic. That's it. The oil can convert tissues or metal that it physically touches, and it is a vehicle of information transfer that can bend minds toward whatever ideology is contained in it--i.e. the will of Yawgmoth or Elesh Norn. Canon used to be very specific that Phyrexian oil can convert metal to flesh and vice versa. Nothing in there about spiritual creatures--or the fabric of funeral shrouds, for that matter.

Elementals Similar reasoning. Elementals are made of neither metal nor flesh, and should not be able to get converted.

Aetherborn, Kaldheim changelings Listed together because I believe they are extremely similar subtypes of the same creature. Aetherborn are made of aether, and changelings are thought to be made of the stuff of the Cosmos--Kaldheim's local equivalent of the Blind Eternities. Just as Phyrexian oil is largely incompatible with the retention of the aether soul in a creature that is compleated, I can't imagine that it plays well with the physiology of a mostly-or-completely aether creature. There's a chance this was actually confirmed or hinted at in Consuming Aetherborn, though it's likely they weren't literally drinking Phyrexian oil. There are no Kaldheim changelings in MOM so at least I don't have that to pick on.

Cosmos monsters, eldrazi Like aetherborn and changelings, I am listing these together because I believe they are analogous, just on different scales (the planar/interrealm scale vs. the Multiversal scale). They are eldritch plane-eaters that exist in the space between realms/planes, which is commonly known as the Blind Eternities. Like aetherborn and changelings they are not truly physical beings but projections of the Eternities. They should not be able to get affected by Phyrexian oil.

Most gods Similar logic to those above, but with a significant exception. Gods that I think can get compleated are those 1) heavily influenced by mortal belief (Theros) or 2) those who are basically mortals but with magical augmentation (Kaldheim). These are affected by the mnemonic and physical axes of action of the Phyrexian oil, respectively. This is one thing that I actually think MOM did right in portraying Phyrexia's approach to Theros, though it would've also been wild and surprisingly plausible to see a Yawgmoth Resurrected.

I'm withholding judgement on Capenna angels, because I don't know (and haven't speculated) enough about the actual biology of how their bodies produce and retain Halo, but this also does strike me as odd. I had always thought that Halo was some kind of angelic essence that could be extracted from the bodies of angels, and it "running out" doesn't make the most sense to me.

And then there are random, seemingly completely regular creatures that can resist--and enjoy consuming--Phyrexian oil. I have no explanation for this, but they seem to be having a pretty good time. Maybe Yargle is immaterial-spirit enough to resist it?

[tumblebagel]

FOR ALL TRANS PEOPLE IN FLORIDA

Hi. I've been meaning to make a post like this for quite a long time now. As a person who's been trans in this state for... a while, I felt like I could be helpful by posting my catalogue of knowledge.

I also need to apologize in advance. I need to give you the facts and the current policies before I can give you the hope that you're looking for. I promise, there is hope. I swear it. But being well informed is my first priority for you right now, because it's the only thing I can do to make sure that you, the reader, stay safe. Okay?

Do me a favor and take a deep breath before you hit “Keep Reading,” alright?

The Facts.

Florida's bathroom laws are fucked. If you hear the term "Safety in Private Spaces Act" that is the exact law fucking trans people over. It was passed in 2023, and people are not afraid to use it. It only DIRECTLY applies to public state-owned buildings. If you attempt to enter a bathroom that does not match your sex, and you are at:

A public school

A state owned library

A state owned govt building (city hall, etc.)

Then you can, and likely WILL be arrested.

If you are in ANY restroom on the aforementioned properties, and are presenting as gender nonconforming, OR you're presenting as a gender that doesn't match the restroom you entered, you may still face harassment, and the police being contact anyways, although they won't have grounds for arrest. It's very much a lose-lose situation.

As someone who's worked at a public library in Florida for the past 5 years now, you can take all of the information above as a first hand reference.

While the "Safety in Private Spaces Act" is only DIRECTLY targeted at state owned & public buildings, private property needs to be taken at a case-by-case basis. People can still call the police, and if you're not certain that the people who own the location will defend you, it can be quite risky. Here's a list of common stores & restaurants and stuff that have protection policies in place for trans people using the restroom there (AKA, the GOOD ones).

Target

Starbucks

Barnes & Noble

Chipotle

Sears

Whole Foods

There's also this site: https://www.refugerestrooms.org where you plug in your address, and it lets you know if there are safe restrooms nearby. I believe it also has an app? I've heard some concerns about how often it's updated, but a resource is a resource.

You can also look for businesses with "family restrooms" which people might give you a weird look if you leave one alone, but more often than not they'll just assume whatever happened was simply too embarrassing for a public stall. Disney property is also surprisingly quite good at those with their "companion restrooms" you'll sometimes see.

On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, I've made plenty of use of shiiiiiiiiiiiiiitty gas stations in my day. As in gas stations so tiny and run down in the middle of nowhere that they simply CANNOT AFFORD a second stall. It ain't hygienic by any stretch of the imagination, but neither is the back of a police cruiser.

Last resort, and I mean LAST resort, is personal bathrooms in the houses of allies. If you have a trusted support group, and their addresses, congratulations, consider that your gender-neutral bathroom map. They're almost assuredly not convenient, but some days they're the ONLY comfortable places to go.

Trans people are twice as likely to get a UTI in their life as cis people, simply from trying not to use a restroom. So first and foremost, please please please stay safe out there.

Second order of note is HRT.

I feel the need to very explicitly say DIY HORMONES CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. You need consistent bloodwork done to make sure your body is handling the treatment properly. In addition, improper dosage can lead to a bunch of awful symptoms, including tolerance to the medication. Please, work with a physician who can make sure you stay safe, don't do DIY unless it's your absolute last resort.

ITS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE, that if you're a minor, you cannot begin gender affirming care in Florida, and if you are caught with it, Florida authorities have grounds to revoke your parents' custody. That is shit. I know that is shit. I was very recently a minor tearing my hair out trying to get HRT. While I'm now legally considered """an adult""", I still very very very much feel that pain. Comments are open if you'd like to scream a bit.

For people over 18, there are a bunch of additional restrictions in place for setting up care. First of all, with the informed consent model, you need to sign all of the paperwork *in-person* with the prescribing physician, which completely cuts out any Telehealth options. You'll also be pretty hard pressed to FIND a clinic willing to prescribe it.

I can't personally recommend Plume. I was on a several month long waiting list, only to have my appointment cancelled because a bill went into effect the week before I was supposed to go sign the informed consent paperwork. That being said, I know too many trans people here who LOVE Plume to denounce it. The pricing and services it offers sounds almost too good. The organization has helped a lot of people, so the most I can say is:

1: Do your research.

2: Don't feel tied down if it doesn't work out.

If you want to know how I, personally, started my care, I think it's now time to switch over from the Facts to the Hope.

The Hope.

Planned Parenthood.

I made my first appointment in South Carolina to try and circumvent that law that cancelled my Plume appointment. You'll want to do your research on what Planned Parenthood location you're going to, because not all of them provide the same services. That being said... worse case scenario... South Carolina really ain't too far away, as long as you've got a free weekend for a road trip there and back.

I'm getting off track, Planned Parenthood is amazing. The people there are REALLY nice. My physician very much has an "OH MY GOD YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT" energy about her.

I scheduled my first appointment just a week out, though timing may vary now that a lot more pressure is being put on them. Hours after my first appointment I had both estradiol and spironolactone physically in my hands, and the biggest dorky grin on my face.

In terms of access, this is probably one of the BEST options at your disposal. Please be sure to do some research beforehand about appointment costs, and medication costs, especially since insurance REALLY isn't going to want to cover it.

Once you're ready, mentally and financially, the power to get GAHT is in your hands.

Also, now when I take their post-appointment survey, I can say "yes, I would recommend this location to someone else" :D

A lot of public universities have been implementing more gender neutral bathrooms, and can potentially even provide you a map of where they are on campus if you ask.

Name change forms are also easily accessible for most schools if you ask, both for social recognition with teachers, and digital changes in academic portals and websites.

While LGBTQ+ oppression hasn’t gone down, neither has our fighting. You’ll see more pride pins and flags than ever, especially in the cities.

If you need mental/emotional help or support, I can't recommend anyone more than the Trevor Project:

https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Their help hotline is entirely confidential. Life as a trans person is hella stressful, and living in Florida can make that a lot worse. Whatever you're going through right now, I can tell you that there are people ready and willing to accept you and care for you.

I've also gotten glowing reviews from my sibling about the Orlando Youth Alliance. If you're a trans minor in Florida, you may not be able to get HRT... but you can occasionally get a trip to Disney World.

https://orlandoyouthalliance.org

Lastly, if you're out and about in Florida, and you see a girl in a black-grey hoodie, a big chunky heart necklace, and 1/2 peach colored hair dye, feel free to go up to her and tell her "I like your shoelaces," and you can get a free hug, no questions asked.

Keeping Tabs.

I'm gonna do my best to keep updating this post as much as I can. I've assuredly forgotten something. News details and policy updates will be my main focus. If you think of something important you'd like me to add, please don't hesitate to let me know

[dreamyyesenia]

Always Keep Simming - Writing Scientific Papers and Planning Adventures

With the support of her family (especially her cats), Aileen Blackburn was motivated and spent night after night writing on her paper on cloning. Whenever she started to worry and needed to talk about the millions of thoughts and ideas in her head, her husband Colin was there to listen, to encourage her, to make her laugh. The cats never left her side. By the end of the first half of summer, the paper was finished. But Aileen wasn’t quite ready to send it in just yet. This would be the riskiest move of her entire career. As summer vacation was approaching anyway, Aileen and Colin decided to take some time off to go on an adventure with the kids. One more big adventure before a new chapter would start... 🏝️

-

Note:

The next posts will cover the Blackburn’s vacation time and there’s less storytelling, just having a good time. Mostly I was working on Aileen and Colin’s bucket lists which consisted of adventures in Sulani and Tomarang! I had a lot of fun and (as always) took 1 mill shots of sunsets and sunrises. Oh and Gavin and Gemma will age up! I can’t wait for you guys to see their teen pictures (I‘m obsessed 😭)

[polifandom]

by polifandom and mysweetcreature on ao3

Arcadia; the one where Gale and John form an unlikely pair in the zombie apocalypse.

Chapter 1 - Seven Nation Army

[...] Gale Cleven is alone in the way he moves between state lines with nothing but a backpack of food, medical supplies and a box of bullets. He is alone in the way he hides when he hears a voice, and shoots when he hears a gun. He is alone in the way he can’t recall what his voice sounds like, for it hasn’t been used even to himself in a long time.

Gale Cleven is alone in the way he is – the way he roams the earth with no one to remember him by, and no one for him to think of. It’s like poetry, really; roaming with nowhere to go, searching for nothing to find. Living in a way that’s not even being alive. A foot in front of the other, but no road to look back to. A son without a mother, not a thing to pursue. Surviving the end of the earth, when you have barely lived the beginning. Not a soul to hold onto, a life without a meaning. It’s poetry in the way that is consistent in its hypocrisy. It’s poetry in the way it’s fate, for the lone boy to survive the apocalypse. [...]

Arcadia, the clegan zombie apocalypse au, is out now on ao3! [click here to read]

<3 check my tag and @xmysweetcreaturex for more arcadia content!

author's notes beneath the cut!

ok so, i just can't believe this is finally able to be seen by more pair of eyes than mine's and taty's. i truly, truly believe this story has been the peak of my writing style in my life so far, and i have so much love for it that i can hardly put it in words...

writing gale's pov and figuring him out in this fic has been a wild ride, and i hope you guys like this complex lil fella as much as we do! this has truly been a labor of love, and we have poured so much time and enery and endless phone calls into this story, and my one true hope is that you fall in love with it too 𖹭

alright im done with the melancholy, go read!

<3 tag list: @wayrad @jjubilee-fluff @feyd-meowtha @wwasted @ignalina-c0re @bucksbluescarf @alienoresimagines @blixabargelds @mangokittokatsu @thegrandpineapple @sleepr-agent420 @amiserableseriesofevents @trashbag-baby666 @swifty-fox (please lmk if you do not wish to be tagged moving forward!) <3

[peoplesrazor]

This is weird, Lily. You bringing this up again is weird. You are being weird. Did you run out of stuff to complain about? Ant and Sai are just sharing space in your mind rent free, sitting on the couch, eating popcorn and watching anime aren't they?

Oh well, I did the long one, might as well do these post, as well.

About this first post. I don't know from pokemon, but I do know that you were complaining about variety. Ant was saying, here, do this and there will be variety. Your response was and remains "not like that!!"

About their media diets consisting of bad anime based on the villain list. Yes, those famous Les Misérables, Paradise Lost, and Frankenstein anime. Not going to lie, Les Misérables has an anime version. Paradise Lost has a sort of adaptation that is a stand alone movie for a series that had nothing to do with Milton's work. Both are consider to be good from what I've seen. Frankenstein only has a short anime that is not well done, but it's based on the Marvel comic and not directly on Shelley's work.

But I'm willing to bet not a lot of people know that. I had to look it up. Also, clearly, they meant the original works. You really going to stomp your feet about Ant wanting you to be more clear on your terms, then not consider they might mean the original works?

As for this post:

Maybe anon needs to look up "Donkey Kong," so they can understand he was the villain first.

And Lily? What movie?

Video game. It was a video game. Like a big cabinet. Found in arcades? Considered the most advanced and complicated of it's time? First game where you had to jump like that?

Not sure what movies and phones have to do with this conversation.

[angelaness]

✧･ﾟ *growth spiral* ✧･ﾟ

(or: how i’m learning to stop lying to myself & start living in the mess)

Confessions of a Former wannabe Inspo Girly (Or: Why I’m Burning My Rulebook & Building a Messier, Meaner Growth Plan.

Let’s start with a confession:

I’ve been a fraud.

Two years ago, I ran this blog like a the it girls, or at least I thought I did. I reposted blogs that wrote about 5 AM wake-ups! 10-page journals! Hustle porn! I preached discipline like I had a PhD in perfection. Then I ghosted you. Why?

Burnout sucker-punched me.

Anxiety became my alarm clock. I’d scroll my own posts and sob, “Why can’t I be her anymore?” I’d screenshot motivational quotes like they were lifelines, then binge Netflix until my eyeballs screamed.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever:

- Felt like a hypocrite for preaching routines you don’t follow

- Chased dopamine hits from “inspo” instead of taking action

- Ghosted your own goals so hard you’d block yourself if you could

And if you don't believe me, here's proof of your 'how to be self-discipline' girly was feeling just a while back :

Marry me @bloomzone💍 🧎🏾‍♀️

If this is you.. First of all, yikes 🥲 #iwastheretoo. Secondly, welcome. Let’s get messy and raw.

THE REBOOT (OR: HOW I’M MURDERING MY INNER HYPE BOT)

No more 21-day fixes. No more performative glow-ups. I’m building #angelaness — a progress plan for cynics, crash-and-burners, and chronic self-saboteurs. Here’s the blueprint:

1. The “Micro-Grit” Rebellion

- Daily: Post ONE thing I did (even “cried, ate cereal for dinner, survived”).

- Weekly: Screenshot my Notes app rants (raw, unedited).

- Monthly: Film a 60-second clip answering: *“What lie did I sell myself this month?”

2. The Accountability Trapdoor

Skip a day? I owe you a “Fumble Playlist”

— 3 songs for my current vibe (Mitski meltdowns, Beyoncé bounce-backs, Phoebe Bridgers wallowing).

3. Discipline = Showing Up (Not “Succeeding”)

- Post a half-assed haiku? Counts. Ghost? Doesn’t.

-The “5-4-3-2-1” Reset: When paralyzed, do ONE thing from this list:

- 5 deep breaths

- 4-word mood check

- 3-minute dance party

- 2 replies to followers

- 1 tiny win

4. The No-Deletion Pact

I’m keeping my old posts up — not as cringe, but as receipts. Growth isn’t deleting your past; it’s cackling at it while moving forward.

WHY THIS WON’T BE ANOTHER FAILED REBOOT

Science Fact: Your brain clings to quick fixes (thanks, dopamine!). But I’m weaponizing neuroplasticity — rewiring my mind to crave consistency over chaos. How?

- Shame-Busting: Posting my lows defangs imposter syndrome.

- Loss Aversion Hack: If I skip 3 days, I donate $2 to flat Earth documentaries (yikes).

- Identity Shift: I’m not a “guru” — I’m a relapse researcher. Setbacks? Nah, this is just data.

CALL TO ARMS FOR THE STUCK, THE SELF-SABOTEURS, THE “I’LL START MONDAY” CREW

If you’re done with toxic positivity and ready to:

- Trade inspo porn for imperfect action

- Turn shame into a community meme

- Laugh at your own chaos while growing anyway

Your #angelaness Starter Kit:

- Comment one confession (anonymous = chill).

- Steal the “5-4-3-2-1” Reset and tag me in your chaos. I wanna know I'm not alone TT.

- Send a song for the Fumble Playlist when you feel like a fraud.

Let’s build a rebellion where progress isn’t pretty — it’s possible. No before-and-afters. No gatekeeping. Just messy humans saying, "Same. Now what?”

Growth isn’t a straight line — it’s a spiral. We keep circling back, but each time, we dig deeper. This is me clawing through the dirt.

[max1461]

In general Africa is the only place in which states have semi-consistently demonstrated that international law means anything; it's been talked about before by I think @friendshapedhole, but one of the reasons that so many of the people tried at the ICC have been African (while the list of indictments is much more global) is that African states have basically been more willing than any others to actually allow major political figures to be tried.

Kind of fascinating that the last bastion of the rules based international order is mostly in Latam and Africa. The Hague group consists of 9 states that aim to actually enforce ICC / ICJ rulings and UN resolutions regarding Israel.

Belize, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Republic of Colombia, Republic of Cuba, Republic of Honduras, Malaysia, Republic of Namibia, Republic of Senegal and Republic of South Africa.

[theheartcollecter]

GHOUL

Chapter 3: Hologram

Warnings: Cannibalism, blood, mentions of hate-fucking, mentions of death, fighting (lmk if I missed any)

A/n: I mention her mask in this chapter, please refer to this for a visual. I also mention different types of Kagune in this chapter, so please use this post as a reference.

After the hybrids had digested the idea that ghouls, like wraiths, eat humans they didn’t show up to visit me for a few days. Occasionally Johnny would bring me my meals, which consisted of raw pig and the blood or some other animal. Regular foods and drinks tasted like ash to Ghouls, the few things that didn’t were simple liquids like black coffee or water. I started to get overwhelmed with boredom, my feet had stop hurting and I was ready to hunt again. Hm, hunting. I haven’t done that in a while, usually Ghouls hunt every month, they are able to control their desires for just that amount of time. Of course, there are the frenzied ones who kill over 5 humans each month, complete waste in my mind. One-Eyed Ghouls, like me, are mainly cannibals. You get far more nutrients from Ghouls, and since One-Eyed Ghouls already have human blood running through their veins, the thought of it doesn’t appeal to them as much as regular Ghouls.

A knock sounded at my door, when it opened I was surprised to see John come in. My red eyes swirled with excitement, the only reason John would visit was because he had good news, or at least, that’s what I hoped. “How you doing, love?” He asked as he sat down in the creaky chair again. “Good,” I said smiling, it was the truth after all. Sitting around all day was boring, but I’d take it over being tortured again. “Bored in here.” He chuckled, taking out a thick cigar. “Mm, ‘bout that, how’d you like to be apart of the team?” I tilted my head, brows furrowing. “The team? What would I do?” He lit the cigar with a puff of fire from his mouth, my eyes widen like a child at the trick. He grinned, crossing his legs. “Well, we could use ya’ on our team, train ya’ and you’d help us fight against Ghouls and learn more about ‘em.” He took a long drag from the cigar, blue eyes watching me. I thought for a second, weighing my choices in my mind. I had fought Ghouls before, hell, it was a routine by now. Perhaps I was a bit shabby, I could use some training to get back into shape. “Alright. But one condition,” John grinned, “Wot is it?” I gave him a stern look, “I want out of this hospital room, no more being locked in here.” “Done.” With that he got up, handing me thick files. “I’ll be back soon ‘nd have ya’ stuff packed.” I nodded up at him, watching him walk out and shut the door. I opened the files, immediately recognizing the faces inside.

Simon, John, Kyle, and Johnny. Their photos had been taken and below each one listed weights, heights, date of birth and more. I skimmed over the files, learning some new things about them, like Johnny who not only looks like a wolf, but can turn into one. I’m not too much younger than the men, although Ghouls don’t age too much.

A couple of hours later I am given some causal clothes to change into. When John comes back, Johnny is hot on his trail. “Oh lass, it’s gonna be so much fun! Yer gonna love the barracks!” He puts his shoulder around me, a big dumb smile on his face. I roll my eyes but don’t push him away. I look to John who’s shaking his head at the younger wolf. “Cmon sweetheart.” Sweetheart. That’s a new one, it warms my cheeks, in a dumb humanly way. I let the men lead me out of the hospital room, down a couple of halls and outside.

Outside there are more people than I expected, mainly hybrids, but I can smell the faint human smell every now and then. Still, no trace of any Ghouls.

When we get to the barracks Ghost and Kyle and nowhere to be found. We walk past four rooms before reaching mine, one filled with paintings and drawings on the wall, another half the room is taken up by a office desk, one is bare except a skeleton drawing next to the bed, and the other looks surprisingly homely. The hybrids show me to my room, the walls are bare, there is a small twin bed in the corner, a closet, and my own bathroom. “D’ya like it?” Johnny asks, tail hitting the wall. I giggle when he whines and grabs the fluffy thing. “Yes. Thank you.” I walk into the room, setting the few things I have down on the bed. “We will train tomorrow, so rest up.” John gives me a wink before closing the door.

I take out the bag with my belongings, inside is my phone, and…my mask. Ghouls typically wear masks when hunting, I haven’t seen it in so long. I touch the black leather, run my fingers along the fake teeth. Seeing it again makes me feel alive, suddenly aware of how long it’s been since I last used my Kagune.

I sleep well, although by now my body has healed fully and has no need for it. I open my closet, surprised to see it stocked with clothes in my size. I pick out a black tank top along with shorts, if I’m training I’ll need to be able to move easily and efficiently. I brush my hair, the white color now growing on me, I no longer look in the mirror and grieve what I used to look like before. Being a Ghoul takes away almost everything human about you, but no need to dwell on those things now. I braid my hair to keep it out of my face. Someone knocks on my door, “G’morning, It’s John, you ready?” The sound is muffled by the door, I open it and peak out to see a smiling John. “Good morning,” I tuck a strand of hair behind my face, “I’ll be out soon, just need to grab something.” I turn towards my bed, grabbing my mask, clenching the leather in my hands before putting it back down again. I’m not ready yet, I’m afraid to put it on yet don’t trust myself without it.

John takes me through the military base, where I get multiple stares from hybrids and humans alike. Mostly for my appearance, but also because I’m a woman. When we get to the training room it’s empty expect for Simon, Johnny, and Kyle. Kyle is sweaty and gulping down water while watching Simon and Johnny…spar? To be honest it looks more like hate-fucking. Simon has Johnny on his stomach pinned to the mat growling something to him and Johnny is grinning from ear to ear as he struggles under the wraith. The sight makes me feel a bit embarrassed, like I just walked in on the three, but John quickly brings attention to us. “Alright boys that’s enough.” Simon looks up at me before grumbling and getting up, Johnny looks way too excited to see me. He gets up and sprints to hug me, sweat and all. “Ugh, Johnny!” I protest, but the wolf doesn’t care. “Good ta’ see ya lass!” He finally lets me go, his eyes lingering on my exposed legs for far too long. John tells me to follow him over to a big area enclosed in glass, we go to the door and John’s types in something on the panel. “Would you rather fight Ghouls or other hybrids?” He asks, eyes still glued to the screen. “What?” I question, looking down at the panel, John typed in ‘Ghouls’ pictures of hologram Ghouls fighting come up on the screen. “Ghouls then.” He says before clicking a few buttons and then door opens in front of us. “Alright, do your best, show us what you got.” His hand comes up to my back, pushing me inside. “Wait, what?!” I stumble inside as the doors close, banging on the door for John to let me out. The hybrids line up outside and watch me, I snarl. What the fuck is this about? A countdown begins, I look around me, standing in the middle of the platform.

When the countdown gets to one i watch as a hologram Ghoul forms, Kagune and all, comes rushing towards me. My eyes widen as I barely dodge the Ghoul, my instincts kicking in. The whites of my left eye disappear as black overtakes them and my Kagune, also called Rinkaku, comes out from my back, ripping the my tank top. I should’ve brought my mask, because the look on the hybrids faces is horrifying. I dash around the Ghoul, the hologram is sloppy but not too unrealistic. The Ghoul has Ukaku, a defensive type of Kagune, it blocks all my head on attacks. I will tire myself out if I keep this up, thought it’s unlikely this hologram is capable of afflicting any real damage. I run up the side of the wall, before pushing off it and stabbing the hologram Ghoul in the back, ripping the ghoul into two. The hologram disappears, and as I catch my breath I look over to see the hybrids all staring at me in wonder. Johnny starts clapping and i wipe the sweat off my forehead as I chuckled.

(Please lmk if you want to be added or removed from tag list) Tag list: @sleepisfortheweakpooh @sugarrush-blush

[theambitiouswoman]

i struggle with somewhat crippling anxiety.

i’m freshly 18, a senior in high school, working part time & going to school full time. my schedule usually consists of school from 8:30 - 4, then work after. i’ve been struggling with anxiety since the covid 19 quarantine, and it’s gotten somewhat better throughout the four years since but i still feel like the piece of me that was able to exist in a state of constant contentment is lost. i feel this pressure inside of me to be better, do better, self improve, be productive, overachieve, be noticed, be pefect and it’s draining me. i plan sometimes, to workout, to eat healthier, wake up earlier, so many to do lists that i never get through. i bed rot on my free days because the to do lists feels so overwhelming sometimes. i feel behind. sometimes even just showering, just taking care of myself is such an overwhelming task and i can’t seem to let it go. i don’t know how to just be anymore. i want to take care of myself but it feels like too much needs to be done.

i know i ranted a bit but do you have any advice?

(i do own a planner, a journal, a white board calendar & i have a gym membership as well with access to free workout classes. i think my struggle is taking the first step.)

You’re not alone in this—many people feel stuck in the loop of wanting to improve but feeling too overwhelmed to start. That pressure is exhausting, so let’s break it down into something lighter.

Right now, everything feels like too much at once. Instead of thinking, “I need to get my life together”, focus on one tiny step at a time. Life isn’t about the end goal—it’s about what you do in the moment.

Instead of “I need to work out”, say “I’ll put on my workout clothes and stretch for 5 minutes.”

Instead of “I need to eat healthier”, say “I’ll drink one glass of water when I wake up.”

Instead of “I need to be productive”, say “I’ll do one small task, and that’s enough.”

You don’t have to finish the list—just start. This rewires your mind.

Set a 5 minute timer—starting is the hardest part.

Roll a dice to pick a random task and remove decision fatigue.

Pick a song and complete a small task before it ends.

That peaceful version of you isn’t gone—she just needs a safe space. Romanticize small moments. Feel the warm water in the shower. Enjoy your food. Be present. You are the main character of your life.

Try sitting in stillness for 2 minutes—no phone, no pressure. Do one “nothing” activity without guilt.

Brush your teeth Drink water Eat something Move (even if just stretching) One self-care act (shower, skincare, etc.)

If you do just one or two, you’re still taking care of yourself. Some days will be better than others—that’s okay. You are already enough. Even when you rest. Even when you struggle. Shift from “I have so much to do” to “I’ll do one small thing, and that’s enough.”

[turtleblogatlast]

Something I like about Leo is that he’s honestly really chill? It’s easy to remember the moments where he’s being obnoxious or excitable but I feel like most of the time he’s incredibly “go with the flow” and has an overall affable demeanor.

[mirensiart]

Adding twilight to my very exclusive list of "men I would marry despite me being a lesbian"