#but that's also more of an issue of why the fuck taxes exist in LO to begin with

[genericpuff]

what led me into the taxes thing to begin with tho was remembering that one scene where Hades is explaining to Persephone why he never got married, and he happens to mention Demeter-

-and knowing what we know now about Hades being a billionaire scumbag with a flower nymph fetish who has a history of targeting young and inexperienced women, now all I can think is that Hades wasn't into Demeter because she actually had her own integrity and didn't fall for any of his manipulative bullshit, but he saw it as being a "contrarian" and "argumentative".

Like fr, think of all the times guys will describe their ex-girlfriends or the women in their lives as "crazy" or "stuck up", and how that's become such a massive red flag to so many women, especially those who might be interested in a guy or on their first or second date with him. This isn't to discount the experiences of men who have been in legitimately awful relationships with terrible people, but those experiences are unfortunately often co-opted by the scumbag "alpha males" who see any amount of independence or integrity from a woman that opposes their own ego and "doesn't fit" their idealized version of what a woman "should be" as being "stuck up" and "crazy" and "argumentative". And so within the umbrella of the "not all men" debate, oftentimes women do have to be a little bit sus for their own safety and well-being when they're on a first date with a guy and he immediately starts talking about how "crazy" his ex was, because was she really? Or did he just wear her down into an unhealthier, burnt out, emotionally fatigued version of what she used to be from all the long-term manipulation and abuse?

It's funny how Rachel says this as if it's just some ironic meme when Demeter not paying taxes is canon. It was established in the original pilot episodes. You would know Demeter isn't paying taxes, Rachel, because you wrote her that way-

But... that also just begs the question of why Demeter is having to convince Zeus of all people that taxes aren't mandatory? Who are they paying taxes to? Why is Demeter saying this as if Zeus is also getting swindled out of his tax money? Why do taxes exist in Lore Olympus???

Beyond that though, the reason I even found that tweet was because it was shared on the PomegraNET website, which actually has a lot of sources on stuff Rachel has said, and that includes her apparently "not approving" of people comparing Demeter to Mother Gothel... ma'am, you literally wrote her that way-

This is the exact same as Rachel / Rachel's Discord mods (?) allegedly taking issue with people calling Apollo "Asspollo" and insulting the character for being, well, an awful person, because it was "offensive". Even though again, it bears repeating, SHE WROTE HIM THAT WAY. WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO PROTECT THE FEELINGS AND CREATIVE INTEGRITY OF THE SERIAL R*PIST CHARACTER WHO YOU WENT OUT OF YOUR WAY TO TURN INTO A SERIAL R*PIST-

[alt-rap-blog]

Joyner Lucas’s Take on Hip Hop By: Aaron

The Hip Hop music industry was originally composed of four different aspects that included: “deejaying, or “turntabling”; rapping, also known as “MCing” or “rhyming”; graffiti painting, also known as “graf” or “writing”; and “B-boying,” which encompasses hip-hop dance, style, and attitude, along with the sort of virile body language” (Light & Tate, 2019). Hip Hop is a music genre that was initially created during the 1900’s, but it ultimately gained popularity during the 1950’s and 60’s. Hip Hop was created within inner cities, specifically the Bronx, New York. (Collins, n.d.) The majority of the hip hop music that exists today has drifted away from previous generations that consisted of intellectual melodic rhymes. The new generation values music that consists of mumble rap and the use of ridiculous adlibs (Linley, 2018). Artists like the Migos and Future, are a few of the main offenders, compared to artists like J.cole and Kendrick Lamar, who value the characteristics of older rap. Much of the music being created in today's generation often times sounds the same and consists of the same content being rapped about: gang violence, guns, drugs, money and women. Some artists, on the other hand, actually use hip hop as a platform to address socio economic issues that exist in society rather, than advocating for drug use and gang violence. Rap Artist, Joyner Lucas, continues to produce alternate media that challenges typical hip hop norms and traditions by addressing social, economic, and political issues.

- Rapper Future blowing smoke. 

- Gang culture being depicted in rap videos. (Rapper LA capone, dead) 

Joyner Lucas, also known as Gary Maurice Lucas Jr., began rapping at the early age of 10 years old.

He was born into an African American family and attended the South High Community School in Worcester Massachusetts. Joyner Lucas valued the ideologies of popular and legendary MC’s such as Eminem, Method Man, and Nas, which help sheds insight into his creative and controversial style of rap (Heightline, 2019).

Joyner Lucas strays away from mainstream forms of hip hop and uses his platform to independently challenge socioeconomic and political issues in a creative and unique way, that is not seen in current trending music. Joyner Lucas’ music is described as “lyrically complex and multi layered” that “addresses the culture of conflict and division that has ravaged America.” (Taylor, 2019). Joyner Lucas first became popular after releasing a song based off of the true story regarding a teenager named Ross Gnocchi (Leggett, 2018). In this music video and song, we see how artist Joyner Lucas takes a more antagonistic role by addressing senseless gang violence rather than its advocation.

Rapper YNW melly, currently facing capital punishment for double homicide. Famous for hit singles ‘ Virtual Balenciaga’ as well as ‘Murder On My Mind’ 

Constantly in popular/trending rap music is the advocation for killing one another. Time and time again we hear mainstream rappers discussing the war zone like communities that they live in. Joyner Lucas takes an alternative perspective to address the cold heartedness of gang violence. Lucas continues to use his creative artistic talents to challenge controversial topics. Rather than conforming to the mass appeal of rap music that typically consists of mumble rap, Lucas continues to actively address issues within our society. In one of his songs released prior to Ross Gnocchi which addressed gang violence, “I’m sorry,” sheds insight into the issue of suicide by portraying a man suffering from depression who eventually takes his life. In this controversial music video, Joyner Lucas addresses a variety mental health issues that exist in our society. The song begins with the protagonists discussing his insecurities, unhappiness, and past experiences that have affected his psychological thinking process. Lucas creatively addresses the ideas of insecurity that exists within all of us, only to further portray the devastating aftermath that occurs when one takes their life. Lucas challenges the typical ideologies of basic rap music by turning real life issues that exist in our society and addresses them in a way not seen by other hip hop artists. More recently, a homosexual 15 year old boy killed himself after being bullied by a series of different people.

Photo of Nigel Shelby, 15, Who killed himself after being bullied for his homosexuality.

This indicates the real issues that exist in society and a real life example of someone who took their own life due to the overarching theme of this song (Harris, 2019). Joyner Lucas attempts to address bullying and a series of different mental health issues that continue to affect our society not addressed by other rap artists. What's more than safe to say is that Joyner Lucas is creating non traditional rap music that challenges and antagonizes traditional rap music. Another example of how Joyner Lucas creates alternate media in the hip hop industry is through his lyrical capability. Lucas curses when necessary, but his lyrics posses rhythm and meaning. For example, mainstream hip hop music typically consists of depicting violence with the use of intense slang and demeaning language. In an album titled  ‘Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved, Vol.2,’ by popular hip hop artist Lil Durk, the lyrics to one of his songs on the album titled ‘Time Out (Feet. Doodie Lo)’ are as followed:

“ Think his ass hot, put that fan on him (Gah)

Get his ass killed, put some bands on him (B***h)

Free the real n****s out that can, homie (Let's get it)

I know some real n****s, I can't speak on 'em (Yeah)

I know where you hang, where you hide out (Where you hide out)

We are not the same, n***a, you won't ride out (B***h)

Pull up with that flame, bang, then that fire out

Them shells hit yo f****n' torso, then it's time out”

Here, we see the demeaning language that typically consists within the trending hip hop industry.  The lyrics that consists within Joyner Lucas’s song “I’m Sorry” are extremely different compared to mainstream hip hop.

“I made up my mind, I'm going out like Robin Williams

I guess I'm not the Ordinary People of John Legend

And I've been suicidal since the day I was nine, shit

Okay, the day I was nine

I've been tired of being bullied, cuz, stay out the fire

Grandma told me I should take it one day at a time

And damn it, look at me now, fuck

Fuck, pens runnin' out

Shit, fu- *sigh*

*scrapping paper*

Look, just know it's a new day

But if you reading this

Then it's probably too late! *gunshot*

During the course of this song, one is able to fully connect with the protagonist due to Joyner Lucas’ lyrical capability. His ability to make us relate and feel empathy to the protagonist who is on the verge of committing suicide is what makes Joyner Lucas’s music so special. Many of us have found ourselves in a dark place at some point of our lives, whether or not it involved  contemplating suicide, Joyner Lucas captures the feelings and emotions all of us have felt at one point of our lives and created a song referencing these daily battles.

Another song by Joyner Lucas that portrays controversial and alternative media production within the rap industry is the song titled “I’m Not Racist.” This song, sheds insight into the growing issue of race and class that continues to cripple American society. The song also takes the perspective of both a white male as well as an African American male. The song is titled “I’m Not Racist,” but consists of real life stereotypes, prejudice, as well as examples. Both perspectives help shed insight into the stereotypes that one race feels towards the other and why. CNN described the song as “The conversation about racism no one wants to have” (2018). The song was built solely off the foundations of the segregation of how white and black individuals view this country. How they feel towards each other is just one of the many ideas pondered throughout this video. Both perspectives offer insight into the preconceptions they have of one another based off of their experiences. This alternative style of production captured real life feelings that are often times suppressed by both parties. Something that isn’t typical within mainstream rap is being able to tackle a variety of different social issues in a way that is meaningful and positive. Part of the controversy surrounding this song is the fact that MC Joyner Lucas never took a bias when producing this music video. You have two stereotypical representations of race that serve as a medium in terms of helping one another understand each others story. The content being discussed is shocking as throughout the music video both parties take on the ideas of racial references and societal oppression from one another's perspectives. The overall arching theme of this song and music video is to help both races understand the reasoning for why both parties feel the way they do. Within the opening scene of the music video and beginning seconds of the song, the representation of the white race starts by saying

“I don't have pity for you black niggas, that's the way I feel

Screamin' "Black Lives Matter"

All the black guys rather be deadbeats than pay your bills

and I work my ass off and I pay my taxes for what?

So you can keep livin' off free government assistance?

You motherfuckas needa get your damn priorities straight

Wait, it's like you're proud to be fake

But you lazy as fuck and you'd rather sell drugs

Than get a job and be straight, and then you turn around and complain

About the poverty rate? Fuck outta my face!

Black lives matter was a movement created by African American activists to battle the growing tensions between the police community and African Americans. One of the reasons as to why this statement is so controversial is due to the fact that soon after the black lives matter movement was created, other groups created a similar slogan, “ All lives matter,” to further counteract this social movement. These two social protests clash with the ideologies of both races which is further explored throughout the music video. Here, we see as the white male states that he’s “tired of working his ass off and paying taxes for what? So African Americans can keep living off free government assistance?” As mentioned before, part of the controversy regarding this song is to help both parties understand one another's perspectives. The African American representative begins to respond by explaining his point of view. Further fueling the controversy regarding this song as both sides begin to shed insight into how they feel towards the other race and why.

I don't really like you white motherfuckers, that's just where I'm at

Screaming "All Lives Matter"

Is a protest to my protest, what kind of shit is that?

It's hard to elevate when this country's ran by whites

Judging me by my skin color and my blackness

Tryna find a job but ain't nobody call me back yet

Now I gotta sell drugs to put food in my cabinet

You crackers ain't slick, this is all a part of your tactics

Don't talk about no motherfucking taxes, when I ain't making no dough

Here, one can see exactly how controversial the content being produced by Joyner Lucas is and the foundations as to why this is an alternative media production. Joyner Lucas took two ideologies from two different races and was capable of portraying it in a way that helps shed insight into some of the preconceptions that exists today.  Although the song references key issues, the overall purpose was to help understand the racial tensions that exists and why.  One thing mentioned by both parties was the social movements such as “Black lives matter” & “All lives matter.” Within the opening scene of this song and music video, one will quickly understand why caucasian individuals discredit the social movement of black lives matter. As the song progresses, the audience soon learns of the counter argument offered by the black representative. Joyner Lucas’s production in hip hop is alternative as it aims to tackle societal issues through a creative artistic lens.

Overall, Joyner Lucas is one of the few hip hop artist in this generation to bring back the old school style of rap. Not only is his style of rap unique but it tackles a series of different social and political issues that antagonizes the way we look at traditional rap music in this generation. Asides from the fact that Joyner Lucas is capable of painting a perfect story with his lyrical capability, he differs from traditional rap music by using his platform as a social activist. Surely, Joyner Lucas is rapping, but his style differentiates from trending artists such as Lil uzi vert, Migos, Future, and Young thug, whose music typically consists of drug use, splurging of money, women, murder, and much more.

The media attention that Joyner Lucas receives also differentiates from those within his industry. Most recently he advocated that social activist such as Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur should be praised highly rather than president Donald Trump and former sensation R Kelly; who still is yet to be apprehended by the judicial system. Joyner Lucas’s music is an alternative media production because it differs from the characteristics of typical rap and actually helps spread awareness about a series of issues. In one of his most recent songs titled ‘Devils Work’ one sees exactly how meaningful the content being produced is. The real up to date issues being reported in our current events are being discussed in ways that haven't been seen before. One could compare Joyner Lucas to sensational MC Eminem but even that would be selling this alternate hip hop artist short.

References

Collins. (n.d.). Hip Hop. Harper Collins Publisher. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/hip-hop

Harris, J. (2018). Ninth-Grader Commits Suicide After He Was Bullied for Being Gay. Retrieved from https://blackamericaweb.com/2019/04/24/ninth-grader-commits-suicide-after-he-was-bullied-for-being-gay/

Heightline. (2019). Joyner Lucas Wiki, Net Worth, Ethnicity and Other Interesting Facts. Retrieved from https://heightline.com/joyner-lucas-net-worth-ethnicity-facts/

Leggett, C. (2018). The Incredible Story of Teenager Who Was Befriended to be Murdered. Retrieved from https://www.providr.com/ross-capicchioni-shotgun/

Light, A. & Tate, G. (2019). Hip Hop: Music and Cultural Movement. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/art/hip-hop

Linly, Z. (2018). Is Today’s Hip Hop Trash or Are We Just Getting Old?. The Root. Retrieved from https://www.theroot.com/is-today-s-hip-hop-trash-or-are-we-just-getting-old-sp-1822560290

Taylor, L. (2019). Joyner Lucas is Rap's Greatest Hope. Retrieved from https://www.tremr.com/Lewis-Edwards/joyner-lucas-is-raps-greatest-hope

[notyetjaded1]

1-117 :) please answer all of them

omg. 

don’t mind me as i just use this as an excuse not to stare at my own face until i go to sleep

previously asked questions here & here! 

1: Let’s start with a tricky one; what is the real reason you are confused right now?

Oooooh. The state of the world and politics and equality issues, figuring out my life purpose and real abilities, why I always have the inspiration to film at the most inopportune moments, and fucking taxes, man. 

2: Do you ever get “good morning” texts from anyone?

Actually…yes! Sometimes! People are super cute.

4: Do you find it easy to trust others?

Fuck no. Not in the slightest. And yet here I am, sharing my life on social media and video. Constantly. Weird. 

5: What were you doing at 11PM last night?

Sleeping. Because I’m secretly 80 years old. Don’t judge me. 

6: You’re drunk and lost walking down the road; who is with you?

No one. Because I don’t get drunk outside of definitely safe spaces. Because I’m paranoid af and, as we just discerned, do not trust people. 8: Are you close with your dad?Relatively, yeah! :D9: I bet you kissed someone last night, right?Lol, nope, sadly not. Been a little while now, actually? When did I film that Q&A…? 11: You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life - what is it?Water. Because I’d like to survive as a semi-healthy human being. And water is fucking good. 12: Do you like hickeys?Giving or receiving? Giving, fuck yes. Again, I’m a literal vampire who likes biting people far more than I should. Receiving. Ehhhhh. It’s a weird mix of, hey, I like the aesthetic of bruises and all that other pseudo-grunge bullshit and, hey, I don’t like the idea of other people having their physical mark on me. So. Yay. 13: What time do you go to bed?Fuck me, too late. I say as I try to get in bed between 9 pm and 11 pm because I have to be awake at 4:45 am to get ready for work and I know that I am constantly tired. It used to be closer to bewteen like 11 pm and 1 am in my college days and I fucking miss it because I used to be so much more productive, fuck. 14: Is there someone who continuously lets you down?

Kind of? Yeah, I feel like there are people that I have high hopes and expectations for and yet…they never seem to be able to live up to them. Because there’s a horrid mismatch between their goals and the steps they think they need to take to achieve them. Vague. I know. And yet. But at the same time, when there’s evidence to suggest I shouldn’t trust someone with certain things, I do tend to lower my expectations so they can’t let me down, so there’s that. 15: Can you text as quickly with one hand as you do both?Nope, not at all! I am very right handed. 16: Do you always answer your texts?hahaha, no, I’m the worst. I try to get to them within a certain amount of time. But like. I really am the worst with social interactions. I apologize in advance for being a shit human being. 17: Do you hate the person you fell the hardest for?Nope. Because I have no idea who that would be. 20: What was your last thought before you went to bed last night?How many times have I now seen/watched Jack play Undertale and how the fuck does his screaming help me fall asleep?? 21: Is anyone else in the room with you?Not at the moment! 22: Do you believe what goes around comes around?Not in the karma kind of way; at least not really. Like, self-fulfilling prophecies, sure. You create your own expectations and then either that makes them happen or it makes you on the look out for it. But I do think if you behave a certain way, it’s bound to bite you in the ass. 23: Were you happier four months ago than you are now?Not in the slightest. Four months ago fucking sucked, man. All of the family stuff going on + existential crises (literally, could not function, was so anxious) about school + do I/don’t I continue youtube, and all the world bullshit? Yeah, no. 2016? Was not a good time in my life. 25: In the past week, have you cried?I’m not even kidding, I was about a breath away from crying when I saw snow in Denmark. I’m emotional, okay. 26: What colour is the shirt you are wearing?Currently? Surprisingly enough, navy blue. 27: Do people ever call you by your last name?Nope! Thankfully not! 28: Is anyone ignoring you right now?LMFAO probably. 29: Do you have a best friend?One best friend? Nah. Really close friends who I adore and appreciate. Absolutely. 30: Would it be hard seeing someone else kiss the last person you kissed?…yes because I’m secretly a very jealous and insecure person. 31: Who was your last call/text message from?@dreams–die–today!33: Have you ever kissed someone older than you?Yup. 3 of the…4?? people. 34: How old will the last person you kissed be on his/her next birthday?Um. Hm. twenty…six…? seven…..? we talked about it and I literally have the worst memory. Sorry. 35: How many more days until your birthday?191. Apparently. 36: Do you have any summer plans yet?Hopefully start a new job!! But we shall see! 

37: Do you have any good friends of the opposite sex?Very much so. :) 38: Are you keeping anything from your best friend(s) now?Not necessarily keeping things? Like. Not secrets really. They just never really came up? 39: Do you have a secret that you’ve never told anyone?Anyone? Not that I can really think of? 40: Have you ever regretted kissing someone?Nope, can’t say I have. 41: Do you think age matters in relationships?I mean, yes, to the extent of legality, consent, maturity, and power hierarchies. 42: Are you available?In…what…way? Emotionally? No? Schedule wise? There is nothing on my calendar for 10pm on a Tuesday night? 43: How many people have you had real, strong feelings for since high school ended?Real, strong feelings in what way??? 44: If you had to get a piercing (not ears), what would you get?I spent my entire middle and high school life wanting lip piercings. Hardcore wannabe emo kid right here. 45: Do you believe exes can be friends?Absolutely. I think if things ended well and consensually and whatnot, you do you. :) 46: Do you regret anything?LMFAO YES. 47: Honestly, what’s on your mind right now?Literally too much. Should I be on YouTube, video ideas (anxiety v depression, inspiration v self-criticism, etc.), school, suicide prevention job opportunities, research, clinical work, social mishaps, etc. etc. etc. my mind is a joyous place to live. that’s a lie. 48: Did you ever lose a best friend?Not like…passing away kind of lose, but I have had best friends that I am no longer friends with. 49: Was your last kiss a mistake?Nah, I enjoyed myself. 50: Why aren’t you pursuing the person you like?Because…I don’t actually want a relationship? Plus define like? Plus again, that social anxiety thing. 51: Has the last person you kissed ever seen you cry?I…don’t…think so?52: Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed?Literally messaging them right now. 53: What was the last thing you ate?I had some green juice thing? Hello, yes I am from LA, how could you tell? 54: Did you get any compliments today?YES BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE ON TUMBLR MAKE MY HEART SING. 55: Where are you going on your next vacation?Las Vegas, I think? For Backstreet Boys! 56: Do you own anything from other countries?My brother just brought home wine from Israel, does that count? 57: Are most of your friend guys or girls?I think I have a pretty good/even mix of both! 58: Where have you lived most of your life?Los Angeles. Or the surrounding cities. For all my life. 59: When was the last time you took a long drive?Vegas, a few months ago. :) 60: Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?Once. I was in elementary school. Nothing happened. And then never again after that. 61: Have you ever TPd someone’s house?Nope! That would be quite rude! 62: Who do you text the most?Lately?? I actually don’t know?? 63: What was the last movie you saw?Moonlight! 64: What’s preventing your current boyfriend/girlfriend from going back to their ex?The fact that they don’t exist?? 65: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2011?….one? I think one? Was that 2011……? Fuck, I should ask. I literally don’t recall. 66: Is the last person you kissed younger than you?Nope, they’re not! 67: Do you curse around your parents?Yes, because I literally cannot help it. Don’t let me around small children. 68: Are you happy with where you live?Sure, relatively. Especially lately since there’s been actual rain! 69: Picture of yourself?http://shaynainshambles.tumblr.com/tagged/my-face70: Are you a monogamous person or do you believe in open-ended relationships?I think both. Which is weird. I like the intimacy of monogamous relationships and I’m a very jealous person? But also like…I like open-ended relationships because intimacy with many people, please yes. 71: Have you ever been dumped?I actually have not. 73: Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren’t seriously involved with?Um. Yes? Again, that 2/4 people being fwb thing. 74: When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?the other because I’m a socially awkward fucking mess. 75: What part of a person’s body do you find most attractive?I like hair. Also collar bones. Also arms. Also smile and eyes. And everything. People are just very pretty. 76: Who was the last person you talked to last night before you went to bed?@dreams–die–today, I think?? 77: Had sex with someone you knew less than an hour?Nope! 78: Had sex with someone you didn’t know their name?Nope!! 79: What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?Jack-motherfucking-septiceye. You all. Literally, you all. getting asks and comments and building a community of human beings. helping people. psychology/inspiring mental health awareness and advocacy and integration. etc. etc.  etc. 81: Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?I feel like that has happened more recently than ever before or ever imagined…82: Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?About never, actually? 83: Do you miss your last sweetie?Um….what? 84: Last time you slow danced with someone?lmfao 85: Have you ever ‘dated’ someone you’ve never met?I…think…so…? technically…? briefly??? Idk. I literally don’t know. 86: How can I win your heart?Oh, let me count the ways…figure it out ;p 87: What is your astrological sign?Leo! 88: What were you doing last night at 12 AM?Sleeping…89: Do you cook?I mean, if I had to, I could learn, but nope. I can steam vegetables, I am set! 90: Have you ever gotten back in touch with an old flame after a time of more than 3 months of no communication?Technically? I often do not talk to my “old flame” for months at a time, but that’s pretty much the usual for us. 92: Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?I really prefer the multiple close relationship thing. Idk, about dating. Dating is weird. But. Yeah, I think time and making sure you enjoy each other’s company is good before just like…committing.93: What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?I don’t really. I really am finding myself far more interested in people after I start getting to know them as human beings. Like, physical attraction is great and yes, absolutely a thing. but if I’m interested in them any more than something pretty, I get invested based who they are, etc.? The more you know. 94: Name four things that you wish you had!Money, self-confidence, a supportive and engaged community, the ability to be successfully mindful and productive when I want to be. 95: Are you a player?In what way……? 96: Have you ever kissed 2 people in one day?I….don’t think I have? 97: Are you a tease?Tad bit. Maybe. yes. sorry not sorry. I kind of love it. It’s fun to be flirty and tease and shit, man. 98: Ever meet anyone you met on Tumblr?Not yet! 99: Have you ever been deeply in love with someone?Not like…happily ever after kind of idea of love. But I do deeply care about people. 100: Anybody on Tumblr that you’d go on a date with?Absolutely. Ya’ll are fucking lovely. 101: Hugs or Kisses?Mmmmm. Do kisses with hugging involved count? 102: Are you too shy to ask someone out?Very much so. Hello. 103: The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?Hair. 104: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you babe?Can be? I think it’s just a term of endearment. Which I’ve started doing, so who am I to comment. 105: If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was in relationship, would you go for it?No??? That’s not okay?? Unless there was consent from all parties involved being like…yes, I am aware and in full, enthusiastic support of this. 106: Do you flirt a lot?Hello, as I’ve said, flirting is my horrible way of connecting with people and stress relief. I’m sorry. If it does bother anyone at all or make them uncomfortable at any point, please do tell me and I will not do it. 107: Your last kiss?happened?? at some point?? 108: Have you kissed more than 5 people since the start of 2012?Nope, have not. 109: Have you kissed anyone in the past month?Yes? I think it was less than a month ago? 110: If you could kiss anyone who would it be?@51centurywoman and/or @thelootqueen because ya’ll are fucking incredible ;p 111: Do you know who you’ll kiss next?Uh. I have an assumption but who knows? 112: Does someone like you currently?Apparently?????????????????113: Do you currently have feelings for anyone?I have many feelings for people constantly. 114: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?Serious flings. 115: Ever made out with just a friend?Glowing endorsement for fwb currently, yes. 116: Are you happier single or in a relationship?I’m honestly not that reliant on relationship status? I really like having people i can have fun with and be intimate with and just like..enjoy and have them enjoy. that makes me beyond happy. 117: Your own question that you want me to answer. Just write it.Opening the floor to you folks: any other questions? also, what kind of content do you like to see/hear? Also, tell me something positive that happened to you today! Let’s take a moment to focus on the good. :) 

[sunkissis]

This post is for you brave souls who are looking to move abroad for longer than 90 days, applying for a long stay tourist visa in the European Union. It’s a complicated, frustrating, expensive, stressful and exhausting endeavor but I believe it’s totally worth it.

  I began researching how to apply for a visa close to three years ago. It has always been my dream that our family could actually immerse ourselves in the French culture and travel throughout Europe. I was curious of what it would take to live abroad for a year. I found the French embassy website and printed a list of the paperwork. Then I created an Excel spreadsheet of we needed to complete and put together a timeline and a budget. If you live in Southern California, Arizona, Colorado, Southern Nevada, and New Mexico you and all family members (six years old and older) must be present at the General Consulate in Los Angeles, California.

Here’s where it gets tricky, when applying for a long stay tourist visa, you can’t schedule your appointment any earlier than three months before your departure date. So it leaves a tight window to purchase airline tickets, show proof of income, proof of where you will reside in France and work out all the logistics of moving. Our window kept getting moved due to issues with his company. Initially they wanted him to apply for a work visa (called an Intra-Company Transfer/ICT) so that added additional paperwork and we had to work with an advisor from his company office in Paris. However, if you are self employed, you just would need to state that you will work remotely from home, you need to show a business plan and a letter from clients that will continue working with you while you are abroad. Sounds easy, right?

I am hyper-organized and tend to over-plan for things but even with all my preparation and knowledge of what is needed to apply for a long stay visa, I still paid professionals to assist us during the process. This is something I couldn’t leave to chance. Like in my early twenties, I used to file my own taxes. Back then we were renting, had the simplest W-2s and barely got a $600 refund every year. Now we are homeowners with an actual financial portfolio and a kid, I pay a CPA and leave it in her capable hands.

I found our visa consultant Stephen on his blog An American in Paris and hit him up with all the questions. He gave me a list of recommendations and encouraged me to secure housing before making our visa appointment. Little did I know how difficult finding an apartment in Paris would be. Stephen gave me a list of things to complete that gave me the sweats.

Lizzie Tip:  Be sure to make copies of everything a minimum of two for each document!

Official copies of birth certificates/also need to be translated in French (obviously make several copies)

I already had our birth certificates but mine looked different since I was born in Santa Monica, it didn’t have the official Los Angeles county raised seal. That meant I had to go to the registrar recorder office to order a new it and wait and wait and wait. It was no fun standing in line for an hour and a half but luckily, while I was paying for my birth certificate, I mentioned to the clerk that I was applying for a visa and I showed her my marriage license just to check if the one I had was the proper version. Turns out it wasn’t and she printed the correct one for me. It was a victorious day! I listened to my homegirl Edith Piaf on my headphones and daydreamed being in Paris while waiting in that hellish long line.

Official copy of Marriage license/translated into French

If you want to drive abroad you will need an International drivers license. I got mine from AAA for $20. One of the easiest items to get.

Passports (no less than a year before expiration, at least two blank pages and in good shape)

Visa photos (at least 6 each) Olivia and I needed to re-take our photos because our hair was covering our ears. Bummer, I liked our first ones better!

  Proof of medical insurance coverage (No deductible, minimum of 50,000 euros of coverage, must indicate “valid outside of the USA or “valid worldwide” and show coverage dates for one year) We bought our policy through our current medical United Healthcare Global Plan. They email you a letter to bring to the appointment. Antz company benefits aren’t valid in France past 90 days.

Proof of financial means (Three months of bank statements, pay stubs and tax returns) Or a big sack of cash!

Statement of Purpose (an official statement of what you plan to do while in Paris). In our case, we are not allowed to apply for work while abroad so we stated we were there for our daughter to attend school and immerse ourselves in the French culture (and eat pastries). Fingers crossed that is enough. Most people apply for studying so they show their university admission letter.

Letter of intention not to work while in Paris (also translated into French). This is strange because Antz will be working while in Paris but he is considered a US remote worker, so he is allowed to work but not conduct any business in Paris. This emoji best sums up what I just wrote.

Submit the completed visa application online. What I found frustrating is there is no way to edit existing online applications so I had to re-submit a new application every time I needed to make a change or correction. This meant that I filled out 3 applications, printed them, signed them and scanned them to send to our advisor in France EIGHT SEPARATE TIMES!! That’s 72 pieces of paper. LAME! The online application is in English but it will print in French so make sure you check for corrections before you finish.

A few years ago I attempted to fill out the visa application and I ended up with so many blank spaces because I didn’t have most of the info and I didn’t have approval from his company yet. I totally broke down and cried with frustration. They ask you to show proof of financial means for the year. To me that translates to “You better be fucking rich.” I have discovered they have a minimum of 13,000 euros per person for the year. They also ask for the address of where you will be staying in Paris on the application, so you have to secure an apartment BEFORE you get your visa. How can you do this to people?

In our case, we don’t have a lease for a rental yet so we got an attestation d’hébergement (a letter stating someone will be hosting you during your stay) from the woman I was planning to exchange with last year. She also had to give us a copy of her passport. This was a total pain because I had to find an English sample of what to write for the attestation and then translate it into French for her. Also, the first copy of her passport she sent me was too dark to use so I had to bug her again for a better quality upload. She’s super cool about everything and quickly got back to me but make sure all your documents are pristine. It’s super tedious and frustrating but every time I checked something off my things to do list, I felt amazing! Although the find a place to live box is still unchecked.

So what if I had no idea how to fill out the French OFII Residency form? Big deal that I had to white-out all of our birth dates on all SIX forms (three originals, three copies) because the French write their dates with the Day/Month/Year. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like not having enough money or a solid plan get in the way of my dream! You will become really good friends with Google Translate.

Our final step was sort of ridiculous, getting our police clearance reports. I’m sure the French consulate wants to be sure no one with a criminal record isn’t planning to set up shop in France. We went to the police department in downtown LA and as soon as we found parking, I realized I forgot our passports at home. We tried again later that evening because the hours were 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Lucky us, we get there at 7:00 pm and they guy said the commanding office had already left for the day and they needed to sign our reports. We could either have it mailed to us or pick it up the next day. Since we were a week from our visa appointment, I didn’t want to risk mailing it, so we said we would come back the next day. Then they guy was like, Oh! we are closed on Fridays. So we had to return on Monday morning. This time I called to be sure it wouldn’t be any drama and they said the  best time to come would be 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. I guess third time’s a charm because we finally got them! Why is everything a hoop to jump through?

We were ecstatic to finally get our clearance reports. The woman who took this photo asked if we were tourists.

You need to show confirmation of your plane tickets. Yep, buy your plane tickets before you get your visas!

We also had to get an official letter from Antz company’s legal department. (which is required if you are working remotely)

Our visa appointment is tomorrow freaking morning! I just finished putting together our folder this afternoon. It took me over a year to complete everything.

I must admit, I feel pretty confident we will get our visas tomorrow. I have an lucky charm named Olivia who happens to speak French and is too adorable for words.

  In the beginning of this process I got comfortable reaching out to people who have lived abroad. I emailed Jordan from Oh Happy Day (she has a great guide to moving to Paris ) with a long list of questions which she kindly answered and gave me excellent advice; dress up for the visa appointment, it’s cheaper to pay for extra luggage on the airplane than ship boxes and get a letter from your employer saying you will be employed during the time you will spend abroad. It is important to reach out to other expats because I needed info but also, I needed to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Knowing that it’s possible without corporate sponsorship, or being a millionaire made it more realistic. This has become a full-time job for me. Prepare yourself to be on the phone during the middle of the night talking to France. Seriously, our visa advisor requested Antz high school diploma. It was at his sister’s house and he hadn’t seen it for 25 YEARS!! Then we had to get it translated into French only to end up no longer needing it for our appointment. We had to reschedule our visa appointment FOUR times. I could make a killing turning this into a business but the stress isn’t worth it. I am taking stress/anxiety meds and I am still breaking out in hives. Yet, every meltdown, every tear and every headache will be worth it.

  Let me be honest, money matters, this is not the path for someone who makes less than $50k a year. I am just on the cusp of shelling out the major Euros. We still need to pay a real estate agent to rent our house in LA and put down a serious deposit to rent a place in Paris. Here is a breakdown on what we have spent on documents.

$45 for our official birth certificates and marriage license

$96 in photos (AAA charges $8 per photo and was our least expensive option)

$280 to renew our passports

$2568 for international medical insurance policy

$120 in printer ink (for the hundreds of copies!)

$66 for Antz and I to renew our driver licenses

$66 for our police clearance reports (they only accept cash)

$450 for our documents to be translated into French

$325  for Stephen our initial visa consultant

$1300 for our French visa advisor

$375/99 euros per person for the visa application fees (the euro has gone up $50 since my last post!)

Countless hours of gathering and preparing everything, I’m not even including my cell phone bill for the long distance calls.

Total – $3,123 (although I’m sure it’s higher, I’m forgetting something!)

You have to submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the French Consulate to send your passports back along with the visas (fingers crossed). However, the visas are not yet officially complete until after you arrive in France. You must register at your local Mairie (which is similar to a city hall), take an X-Ray for your health exam, submit your forms with the OPII office (French immigration) and pay another fee of 241 euros.

One of the downsides of our move is we can’t take our 11 year old cat Lola with us. She is an indoor/outdoor cat and I know she wouldn’t do well confined inside an apartment all day. Plus, we have so many travel plans and we don’t have confirmed long term housing, it’s not possible to bring her to France as sad as that makes us. I do have info for anyone who may want to bring their cat abroad. Just email me for more details. Lola will be staying in our house, we discussed it and she’s cool with it.

I began writing this post on February 18, 2016 at 3 am. I have updated it over the last two years and it’s insane how much we have overcome to get where we are. Just do it!

Consulate General of France

10390 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 115 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Monday – Friday from 8:45 am to 12 noon. By appointment only

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Applying for a Long Stay Tourist Visa This post is for you brave souls who are looking to move abroad for longer than 90 days, applying for a long stay tourist visa in the European Union.