#but tomorrow is like super big for me it’s an accumulation of everything i’ve done my entire college career

[bitchdafuqyousay]

cried for about an hour earlier n i’m about to start crying again this is like…. genuinely so upsetting to me n there’s nothing i can do about it

[kyidyl]

Kyidyl Does Archaeology - Part 3

(As before, parts 1 & 2 can be found via the KyidylCL tag.)

THE PITS

So, we’ve got the info about the site and we’ve got the prep work done, so what next? Digging! But archaeologists don’t just randomly dig, we dig in very precise ways. There’s, generally speaking, two ways to make a hole for an archaeologist (and this *doesn’t* apply to burials.  Burials are done differently.): a pit and a trench.  A pit is usually a specific size and meant to uncover a small area.  A trench is a long area that takes a cross section of a specific area and is meant for exposing lots of area.  When you’re doing a whole settlement often a trench is used because of the volume.  We’re doing a mixture, and we started with two 5ftx5ft pits (~1.5 meters for the non-americans in the crowd.  Good rule of thumb for ft --> meters is that 3ft = 1 yard = 1 meter, approximately.  It’s not exact but if you’re trying to imagine how big something is, it’s a good way of thinking about it.).  

Pit one only had 1 interesting thing and I don’t have any pictures of it really so I’m just gonna tell you about it real quick.  In pit 1 we found a feature, which is a spot where the dirt is a different color in an unnatural shape because humans did something.  This particular feature was a post hole from a palisade wall.  That’s interesting for two reasons: 1, the natives didn’t build palisades until they came into conflict with the colonizers. It isn’t that they didn’t need defenses previous to that, it’s that the people they were defending against didn’t have horses or guns.  Once the colonizers arrived, they started copying their method of defense.  2, palisade walls are made of large trees.  To cut them down they were first burned in the place where the cut was made to make cutting them easier.  And this means CHARCOAL.  

Archaeologists love charcoal.  We can date that shit really easily.  And this particular charcoal was sent out for dating.  Came back as 1700s, which makes sense for this area.  It took the colonizers a bit longer to push up into the mountains, so the dates for contact and treaties and that kind of thing are later than official first contact in the 1400s.  So that’s the latest date we have for the site.  

Now, pit 2.  Pit 2 was, and still is, the most interesting pit on the site so far (we’ve opened a number of others, but it’s...lots of plow scars and jumbled artefacts.).  Archaeologists, as I’ve mentioned, dig this kind of stuff in layers.  So for our site (and I know a few of you following me are also archs, so I need you to know this was the site director’s choice not mine. >.<), we have a sod layer, layer 2 - the plow layer, and layer 3 the layer below the plow layer.  General rule of thumb, at least the way I was taught is that you do it in increments or when the dirt changes color, whichever comes first.  So layer 2 for us is pretty thick.  Here’s what the pit looked like at the end of day 1 after we’d gotten the sod off and started bringing it down evenly: 

The bucket is covering the test pit that’s at the center of it.  The string is the boundaries of the pit, but also we attach what’s called a datum to it.  A datum is a known spot above sea level that you use to make measurements as to how deep something is.  It’s basically a string with a line level and you stretch it out until the line level reads, well, level...and then you use a ruler from there down to whatever depth you’re measuring.  So when we find like...arrowheads and points and stuff (and this pit had several) we record where they were by saying “_____ inches BD”, or “below datum”.  

Anyway, you can see already where there are some rocks and differences in color of the dirt.  It’s honestly not all that interesting but I figured you guys might like to see the progression.  This is that same pit about 2-3 working days later, and this is where it started to get interesting: 

Some of the difference in color there is because some soil is freshly exposed and some isn’t.  The pit in the middle is the remains of the test pit.  The lighter dirt at the bottom is sub-soil for this area, so it’s where the plow zone ends.  The rocks may or may not have been added by people, so we record them just in case.  How you deal with rocks depends entirely on where you are digging.  In Florida, where I went to school, rocks are important because 99% of what they’ve got there is sand and shell.  So if you find rocks they were probably put there by people.  Here? Sometimes it’s just part of the ground and sometimes it’s people.  It really depends on how far down you find them.  This is about midway through the pit so it could go either way.  So we do what’s called “pedestaling” where we dig around them and let them sit on a pedestal of dirt.  You’ll see that in a lot of pics going forward.  The reason that we’ve dug those upper corners differently is because we were starting to see soil color changes and we were investigating them separately.  Good thing too, because they both turned out to be part of a large fire pit feature.  Next slide! 

So here you can see that the dirt in those two areas that we’ve dug is a distinctly different color - it’s reddish.  Reddish dirt is a sign that the dirt has been heated, so we’re following the red dirt here.  The digging changes from going in layers to following these features.  And we’re really methodical about it so that we don’t remove too much or too little and lose the line of the feature.  Here we were lucky, all the dirt inside those features was full of tiny specs of charcoal.  And, in the upper left up there - which was my feature to dig - there were huge chunks of charcoal.  Also a really nice piece of pottery.  Well, I mean, comparatively.  It’s still just a large sherd that I accidentally snapped in two while removing but like it counts.  The square in the lower leftish is ust from like the foam I’d been sitting on.  Getting into a pit - rather than digging it from the sides - is something you do NOT do without permission and a lot of care.  Here, the ground is really solid so I wasn’t going to ruin anything by getting in there and the pit was getting too deep to effectively dig from the side, so I spent a lot of time in weird positions on the flat parts of this pit.  So, anyway, here’s a close up of the feature so you can see what I mean about the charcoal: 

Charcoal is very, very black so when you’re digging it stands out bc nothing else is that dark or that bright.  Everything else is covered in dirt. But you can see it there in the top half - it’s those dark flecks and blobs.  There was a ton of it, and when I say a ton, I mean we got I think almost 300g just that DAY.  And y’all know how light charcoal is.  This was the stuff we sent in for c14 testing along with the palisade charcoal and it came back, if I’m remembering right, mid-1300s.  That’s a period called the late woodland. It matches up with the pottery and points we were finding, but I’ll get to that when I start in on the finds.  

Now, I thought you might need some help with this next image so I brought it into procreate and drew on it.  I know it looks like it came before the previous stage, but it didn’t.  What happened is that we brought the whole pit down deeper to expose the edge of the large features.  We also found a post hole in the process! 

So I’ve marked the layers of dirt in the side wall for you so you can see what I mean when I’m talking about them.  I’ve also marked out the bottom of the pit bc this angle made it a little hard to see.  In the upper right you can clearly see the darker dirt of the post hole.  A post hole is exactly what the name implies - someone dug a hole, stuck a post in it, and later the post was removed and filled with moar different dirt and now it’s a different color but in a distinctly unnatural shape.  You can also see that we’ve long ago dug deeper than the test pit.  The area I’ve marked “bridge” is an area of soil that didn’t have charcoal in it between the two pits that did.  There was charcoal throughout that area - hence the blue boundary - but for the features themselves we were following the red dirt.  And if that feature on the right looks deep to you it’s because it *is*.  I dug it out and followed the charcoal and it went *under* the bridge.  

Now you guys probably don’t realize this, but this is like...stupid deep to be finding this kind of stuff.  We’re like 3ft below the surface here and still going down deeper.  Around here the rate of topsoil accumulation is like...an inch every 600 years or so.  The charcoal coming out of this pit is only 700 years old and it’s 3ft below the surface.  So we’re likely looking at a hole that was dug by the natives for their own use.  The thing that was confusing us was that we didn’t see the feature even start until we were almost at the bottom of the test pit so like...8 inches or so down.  (about 16cm.  1inch is approx 2cm.) But then I was looking through some of my earlier images of the pit and I noticed this: 

(north is the same direction in both pics)

The rocks, the ones that could be either nature or people, approximately outlined the areas we’d found the fire pits.  This is why you document shit.  Even though this is still pretty deep to be finding this kind of thing, it at least makes more sense in the context of very disturbed site.  So there might have been more evidence higher up, but it’s in the plow layer so we’ll never know.  So what was the feature? Well, the two features were actually one feature (and you’ll have to wait till tomorrow’s post to find out how I know that.), and I think that might have been one of these: 

(image credit)

Or something similar anyway, but I have to do more research about native cooking methods in this area of the country.  But it would fit with the two holes and a bridge of dirt with no charcoal that we saw while digging.  

Anyway I know this post is super long but I swear we’re almost done.  When we finally finished digging the damned thing it looked like this: 

(here I’m standing on the north side of the pit, so the top is the bottom in the other pics.) 

We think that this might actually be part of another feature so it’s a little...ah...yeah it’s just weird.  Those rocks were definitely from people, so maybe they were lining the bottom of the pit or something.  If I could draw your attention to the black crud in the wall to the right of the pedestaled rocks, I’m gonna tell you one last story about this pit.  That is a burned like...conglomerate of crud.  It isn’t charcoal (charcoal is fuel for the fire, not what they were using the fire to make).  Here’s what it looked like close up: 

(aw yis macro lense)

See those circles? Those are *seeds*.  I sent it to a former prof of mine who is an ethnobotanist for ID and she says she thinks it’s chenopodium AKA goosefoot, which was a staple food for the natives for a long time.  One variety still is: quinoa.  So basically, what we think we’re looking at is a 700 year old cooking accident.  Or, as my professor put it: 

So forgive the length, and I hope you all enjoyed this installment.  =D 

[naturecpw]

The Six Morning Routines that Will Make You Happier, Healthier and More Productive

Start your morning off right with these simple but effective routines.

Scott Young

 Of all the different things you can try to improve your productivity, a morning routine is one of the most effective. There are a few reasons why morning routines are so useful. The first is obvious to anyone who has ever procrastinated, just getting started is often the hardest part. If you can start out with the right momentum towards your goals, you’ll avoid wrestling with yourself in the morning to get started. The second is that the morning, particularly before the workday officially begins, is a quiet time with fewer social obligations. For many of us, the rest of the day can present a chaotic, ever-changing blast of responsibilities, urgent errands and unexpected interruptions. The morning, in contrast, is often the most consistent part of your day. Morning routines also set the tone for your upcoming day. Do you want your workday to begin quiet and contemplative? With vigorous exercise? Silent meditation? Creative and productive? Your morning habit can push you along a current which will carry throughout the morning and allow you to maximize whatever aspect of your personality you want to be most important. In this article, I’d like to explore a few different morning routines you can try. But first, let’s talk about what comes before the morning ritual: sleep. When Should You Wake Up? How Much Sleep Should You Get?

When you talk about productivity, there seems to be two camps. Some argue in favor of waking up extremely early to maximize those early-morning hours. Others say getting enough sleep needs to be the priority. If you can’t go to bed by 8pm, you should wake up only after you’ve gotten 7-8 hours of sleep.

I believe the scientific case is fairly clear: when it comes to productivity, getting enough sleep is essential.

A lack of sleep causes enormous cognitive declines, it impacts your ability to form memories, and may even increase the risk of certain diseases (including cancer). Research indicates that 7-8 hours per day is a nearly universal requirement, so those who claim to get by on four or six hours per night might be kidding themselves.

Worse, the cognitive impairment of a lack of sleep can accumulate, even if you think it has leveled off. Any morning routine you develop needs to accommodate your sleeping rhythms.

Key Lesson: Your morning routine should allow you enough sleep. Pick a time you can wake up consistently and also get 7-8 hours of sleep on a normal night.

Creating the Perfect Morning Routine

I’ve experimented with a ton of different morning routines. Waking up super early, waking up without an alarm, exercise, learning, work and many others.

In all these different experiments, I’ve found that there isn’t one perfect routine that will make you rich, ripped and happy overnight. Instead, there’s different routines for different purposes, and so I tend to think about my routines as trying to match my most important goals of that moment.

If I’m really focusing on health and fitness, starting with exercise or putting in the time to eat a healthy breakfast might go first. If I’m working like crazy, getting straight to work on my most important tasks may be better than cluttering up my morning with different tasks. Different goals, different routines.

Therefore, instead of suggesting one routine, I want to suggest six. These different routines have all served me during different parts of my life, and so you can see which feels like the best fit for you.

The Six Key Morning Routines

1. Exercise and Energy

This routine is simple: right when you wake up you go and exercise. Before eating breakfast, checking your phone and emails or watching some television—go out and move.

I’ve done this before with running, swimming and even just push-ups. 
The first benefit of this is that it puts fitness in that all-important first slot of the day. If you’ve struggled with staying on a regular exercise schedule in the past, this can be a good way to make sure it is a priority.

Second, this habit can wake you up. Exercise can keep you alert and mentally functioning at your prime, when a coffee may only be able to slightly prolong your later-day crash.

Recommended for: If you struggle with grogginess, you’ve had a hard time fitting exercise into your schedule and if you want to make fitness your top priority.

2. Meditation and Stillness

Contrary to the first one, this starts with daily meditation. I’ve done this before with 30-minute meditation periods.

It’s important to do seated meditation and not do so lying down in your bed, or you’ll be likely to fall back asleep. I sit on the floor, not a chair, which is not terribly uncomfortable, but also a position that requires enough muscle tension that I’m unlikely to fall asleep.

I’ve found this helpful because it tends to leave me calm and focused. Useful if you expect to have stressful days ahead to start yourself off with a quiet mind.

I also find that one of the challenges of grogginess is keeping your eyes open. Meditation allows your mind to wake up without strain so by the time you hear the final gong you’re fully awake.

Recommended for: If you want to be calm and less anxious in your day, if you’ve wanted to make meditation a priority but haven’t had time, as an alternative if you don’t like exercise first thing in the morning.

3. Get to Work!

The key to productivity is just doing the work. This routine underscores this by making getting some work done your first priority, so that your first break is the chance to eat breakfast, shower, shave and do the normal routine you’d do in the morning.

I did this during the MIT Challenge. I even have old schedules I wrote on paper which had “6:55 – Wake Up,” “7:00 – Start studying,” written on them. I’d wake up, and in five minutes I’d be doing practice questions, listening to the next lecture or working on a programming assignment. Only after I did 30-60 minutes of this would I take a break to “get ready” to start my day.

This works because it not only maximizes your time, it shifts your productivity much earlier. You finish much earlier in the day and can enjoy a less cluttered evening without guilt that you’re slacking.

The second benefit is that you get to take a break when you need it. Too many people take their break before starting, so that when they have to work they can’t take a pause for fear of not having enough time to finish.

Recommended for: If you have important goals and projects that take a lot of time. If you expect to be working a lot and you’re worried you won’t have time to do everything.

4. Learning First

When I was planning my year-long trip to learn four different languages, the early morning was the only time my roommate (who went with me on the trip) and I had to do some pre-travel practice. 

Therefore, we woke up at 6am each day and did a half-hour of Pimsleur lessons before he got ready to go to work and I got up to start my day.

In other times I’ve done learning goals where I’ve read books, watched lectures, practiced skills or studied first thing. This is often useful for the same reason it’s useful for meditation and exercise: it puts something you struggle to schedule first thing in your day, so you won’t forget it.

Recommended for: When you want to work on an important learning goal but never find time.

5. Plan Your Day

Mental rehearsal is a key strategy elite athletes use to ensure performance. By imagining each movement vividly, they can perform better under pressure when the big event comes.

You can exploit a similar impact by planning out your day in the morning. Don’t just jot down some to-do items, but actually imagine working on them. What will be the complications? Where will you have gaps in your schedule that need filling? What will you need to focus on?

Doing this planning first thing in the morning can be a good way to prime your day for success.

Recommended for: If you have a hectic, busy schedule. If you want to focus your mind on work and productivity, but can’t start working right away.

6. Make Your Bed

Making your bed, brushing your teeth, showering, shaving, doing makeup, pressing your clothes and more are all little tasks that can put you in good form for the rest of your day. Such morning routines were pretty much expected a generation or two ago, but nowadays many people skip out on some of these steps as the culture has become looser.

An advantage of this more traditional routine is that in putting your house and appearance in order, you put your mind in order as well. As one admiral William H. McRaven put it, “if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”

This approach can be taken on its own, or it can be synced up with one of the other two—say fifteen minutes for some key preparation activities followed by exercise, work or study.

Recommended for: Creating a sense of order and dignity in your day. Giving you a foundation of meticulousness and conscientiousness to approach your later tasks.

Add an Evening Routine

Morning routines are great for managing the first part of your day, but they also depend crucially on an evening routine to complement them. If you do decide to aim for an early rising schedule, you need an early-to-sleep routine to match it. Similarly, if you plan to work or learn first thing in the morning, you should plan out your day the night before so you know what to work on.

A good evening routine should minimize blue light (a good rule is to have no screens after 9pm), so that the melatonin circuit that controls your circadian rhythm can start to adjust for better sleep.

I often like to plan out my day ahead of time and either read a book or listen to an audiobook with the lights out for 20-30 minutes before sleeping to make it easier to doze off.

Matched to your goals a good routine is the foundation for success. It can help you become more productive, healthier and happier by tweaking at one of the most consistent and important points in the day.

More from Scott Young

Easily Distracted? Use Orienting Tasks While Learning.

Lesson #2: The most effective learning tactic (as found by a comprehensive study)

Lesson One: What most people get wrong about effective     learning

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-six-morning-routines-that-will-make-you-happier-healthier-and-more-productive?utm_source=pocket-newtab

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[etraytin]

Quarantine, Days 174-175

September 1-2

My computer is even more kaput than usual, which is why I didn't post last night and also why I am using my son's laptop to post with tonight. He has not only this very nice laptop we got him for Christmas, but the school has also issued him a Chromebook for virtual learning, making him about 1000% more technologically up to date than I am. He has magnanimously declared that he wants me to get a new laptop very soon so we can play Minecraft together and have a house, since he has been living in various abandoned houses since he joined his multiplayer server. I said it sounded suspiciously like he wanted me to play Minecraft with him so he could live in my house, same as real life. He thought that was pretty funny. 

I was bummed I couldn't post last night because something very nice happened to me yesterday. I was down to literally my last two tablespoons of kitten formula, when the mail carrier arrived and dropped off a new can of formula, sent by somebody from Tumblr who read my post the other night and sent me one from my fostering wishlist. It was literally just in the nick of time, and it made my day. Made Audiva's day too, since she is still deeply stubbornly refusing to try wet food on a plate, and made the other kittens day too because they will eat wet food but still love to get a hit from the bottle. I got another can of formula today as well, and it was amazing! It is so nice to not have to stress out about whether the kitten is going to learn to eat before I run out of food it will eat already. So thank you so, so, so much to the kind people who sent those to me! 

Not a lot else happened yesterday, I spent a large portion of the day doing laundry, trying to catch up on the massive pile that accumulated in the hallway. Our laundry area is just a little closet in the side of the living room, so it sometimes happens that if we get too many clean clothes and do not fold them, the pile tips over and falls on the floor. Or the kiddo digs through the pile in such a way that it winds up all over the floor. In any case, it's on the floor, stuff gets stepped on, it's hard to know what is clean or dirty. The problem is exacerbated during kitten times, when I am too tired to deal with things, or when one of us is away and the other one is carrying the household. It was pretty bad this time, so I just called a do-over, washed everything, and folded it as soon as it came out of the dryer. I also went through and put a bunch of stuff in the donations bag so we have a slightly more manageable number of clothes as well. 

The kiddo had a day of ups and downs, he won back and lost his electronics privileges in a matter of hours because he cannot stay off the multiplayer server, so that's not super great. To keep him busy, I gave him my last big moving box, which I finally unpacked a mere two years after our move (it had some clothes in it I'd completely forgot I owned! Many of which are now being donated!) He spent a fair amount of the day in the box, cutting out windows and listening to his new clock radio. It's a bummer when he loses his electronics because he hates it, but it's nice to see him stretching his brain and finding alternative things to do as well. I got creative with boxes too; I finally pulled out my Dremel and assembled the nebulizer box I've been collecting pieces for. Now it is fully ready for next time I need to give a sick kitten or cat inhalant medicine! We had several of these at my rescue back in Florida, and they are great.

I made us sushi for supper and we watched several episodes of The Good Place together before bed. For a quiet day, I guess we actually got a lot done. 

Today was a little busier, I did more laundry, fed the kittens more, tried to organize a little more. MIL is doing better and my husband hopes to come home this weekend, so I have a deadline for all my self-imposed goals now! We also spent the evening trapping cats because a friend of mine has a sick kitten and couldn't go out tonight. So the kiddo and I got fast food for dinner and ate it while traveling down to our first trapping site, which was in an affluent neighborhood full of big samey houses with fenced backyards. When I'm driving the truck I feel more self-conscious about going into neighborhoods like this than into bad neighborhoods, where nobody wrinkles up their nose at a noisy old truck. But the truck survived another night, good job, truck! We caught one cat at that site, then went to the fish market to try and fill our quota. There are lots of cats at the fish market, but we only managed to catch one more that was not tagged. We left at the right time, though,because it started to rain really hard just ten minutes or so after we got home. 

Tomorrow the kiddo gets his electronics back, with the caveat that all electronics must be used in the living room or master bedroom, not in his own room or the kitten room until further notice. We'll see how that works out. I'm also going to have a very unpleasant afternoon at the dentist getting a crown put on, so wish me luck there. Two hour appointment is never something you want to hear from the dentist's receptionist. I will probably be in a very unpleasant mood by tomorrow night, so I will try to enjoy tonight's good mood while it lasts. 

[prettywordsyouleft]

The Only Choice

Summary: As the son of the opposition, you had been raised to hate Kim Jongdae. You had never expected to actually marry him one day though.

Pairing: Kim Jongdae x reader

Genre: arranged marriage au / enemies to lovers au

A/N: thank you @trishmarieco for requesting this! I admittedly had a few ideas for how this could go, and in the end this is the idea that won. I’m hopeful you enjoy it!

Word count: 6553

Your marriage was the event of the year. Not only was it glamorous in every way, boasting a large A-list of affluent attendees and the most expensive designer labelled clothing, you had all the press lined up just trying to catch a glimpse of what they could write or snap photos of that would end up on the front page of every newspaper and magazine cover tomorrow morning. Everything had gone so well, from the I do’s to the reception speeches. Everyone who was anyone would have tales to share about this wedding for weeks on end. You were the faces of the merger between two super companies that shook the entire nation by storm.

By morning, everyone would be talking positively about how your parents had gained the upper hand by joining forces with Kim Industries. There would be no opposition worth fighting now, as they had single-handedly taken that away with your union to the youngest Kim son, Jongdae. Everything was so picture perfect that no one would be talking about how long at war your family had been with the Kim’s anymore. Instead of the headlines wondering who would take out the top spot for the most innovative design of the year, they would now proclaim how much money this marriage has accumulated for both families so far, and how stocks will continue to soar.

In theory, this was the best move for everyone. Even you had to admit it was a well-played card no one had ever considered until three months ago. But your life wasn’t theory based. You had to live it, and well, the last person you wanted to be married to was Kim Jongdae.

From when you were born until that fateful moment three months ago, the only thing you had heard from your father was how much he hated the CEO of Kim Industries. You had grown up with the belief their family was your rival in every way, and you had been a pawn in continuing this trend, competing against Jongdae your entire life. You went to the same schools, you studied at the same university upon graduation, and you shared similar skills in sport. You were on par with him in every way, and now he was your husband. Any other girl would kill for your spot with the handsome man. You half hoped they would just so you could escape this newly made hell. There was no way you were a perfect match for Jongdae and even he had voiced multiple times now that you would never be his first choice as a wife. Yet just as you had, he had put on the best performance of his life at your side tonight. Actually, since the beginning of this scheme, Jongdae had done his part exceptionally well in fooling the nation that you had both fallen madly in love with each other, enabling your parents to push their decades of a feud aside to support your blossoming love. They would merge the companies together instead of battling it out in every aspect. The media had eaten it up and even those in the circles around you had stopped being suspicious of this being a plan all along. It was so well executed that had you not been aware of how fake and awkward the intimacy between you was all along, you would believe that in the pictures snapped of you on all your outlandishly public dates were coming from real passion and not perfect acting.

How long should you both have to act though? The elders in this scheme had gotten what they wanted. The attention of the nation and complete control of the industry. Money would pile up so much that you wouldn’t know what to do with it. You didn’t care for money, for fame, for stability in business anymore though. You held the same dream as most people – to marry for love, to raise children that bore yours and your husband’s resemblance and live the rest of your time on Earth happy and fulfilled by what you could achieve as a person. The scheme had robbed you of such pleasures. The idea of having children with Jongdae was laughable, considering how being physically close to him made you tense and irritable. You might now be his wife, but there was no inclination for you to consummate this marriage. Your parents had sold you off to the highest bidder, however, they had no say on what you did or didn’t do with your womb. You would draw the line there indefinitely.

Besides, Jongdae seemed to share the same thought process. “Ah good, this suite has two bedrooms. I’ll take the master and you have the spare. There’s no way I’m sharing with you.”

“Why do you get the master?” you asked, heading towards the door of the largest room in the plush hotel suite you had just arrived at. Jongdae blocked you from entering. “Move, today has been the most stressful and exhausting day of my life and I want to rest.”

“So do I, and I said I would have this room first,” he mentioned pettily, folding his arms firmly across his chest.

“You’re an adult, there is no such thing as calling shotgun between respectable human beings.” You rolled your eyes. “Ah, I made a mistake, where would I find anything worthy of respect within you?”

“I’ve had more than enough of you today, wife.”

“Don’t insult me with that title,” you spat and Jongdae smirked. “We are merely the receipt of a transaction made by our parents. There’s no need to believe in anything we uttered today.”

“At least we can agree there,” Jongdae said and then smiled firmly. “But because you took my last name, and this hotel belongs to my family, you’ll just have to toddle on off that way to the other bedroom.”

Before you could refute anything, Jongdae was firmly enclosed behind the door of the bedroom, locking it for effect. You groaned and stomped over to the spare room, and threw yourself down on the bed in frustration.

Just how on earth could you get used to being married to your enemy?

You blinked several times, trying to decipher what your father had just said to you. He had called you into his office, almost bouncing off the walls with excitement. He was always like this when something big was happening at work and you had been waiting in anticipation for what he had to say. As someone working your way up the ranks within the company your father owned on your own merits, you had a great deal of interest in how things were run. One day it would be yours to oversee, after all.

But what he had just spoken of had you seriously reconsidering everything you had been working towards. “What did you just say?”

“Kim Industries and our company will become one in just over three month’s time. And you will be the reason we can do so!” he told you again, smiling generously.

“H-how? I’m only a mere member of staff here-”

“Y/N, you know you’re expected for greater things than that office job, right? You are barely tolerated by the other staff there because they don’t want to get fired if they upset you. It’s time for you to play within the big leagues where you belong. And I’ve found you the best partner to do so.”

The information he had given you about your role stung, but you were too confused by what your father was talking about to really allow it to settle within your mind. “W-who?”

“Kim Jongdae, of course.” Your father rounded his large oak desk and came over to the plush chair across from where you sat. He grinned again. It was unfathomable; you had only ever seen this man scowl in disgust at mentioning such a name. Had you stepped into another universe when you came into this room? Or perhaps you had fallen ill. They were much more plausible options than the spectacle before you.

“Dad, are you feeling well?” you asked weakly and he chuckled.

“Never been better, baby girl! Why hadn’t I thought of this earlier when we started looking at suitors for you, I’m not sure. But I’m glad we have now! This is perfect.”

“Suitors? For me?” Your mind was reeling. You were a smart woman, and your brain was already lining up his words effortlessly inside your brain. But you wanted to refuse them immensely. This was your sworn enemy he was talking of! It all sounded nonsensical and your head began to pound with the effort.

“You can’t expect to remain single for the rest of your life. You knew your mother and I were looking at marriage for you this year. And now we’ll have one.”

“Dad,” you said weakly, your eyes wide with fear. “Can you hear yourself? You just said Kim Jongdae is a perfect match for me. We’ve hated each other since kindergarten. You were the happiest person on the planet when I accidentally lobbied a tennis ball right into his face and he sported a bruised eye for two weeks. Surely, you’ve gone mad.”

“Maybe I have, but there’s no better acquisition for this company than Kim Industries.”

“So you’ll sell me off to the highest buyer, is that what this is?!”

“Y/N, can’t you see the good in this?! Business wise this is the best thing that could happen to us. Your life would be set for the rest of your days!”

“My life was already set. And what about what I want? I don’t want to marry Jongdae. Heck, I’d rather marry a monkey before I marry him!”

“From what I read about him before, he’s actually a monkey in the zodiac sign, so maybe you can marry both.”

“This isn’t time for joking around,” you huffed and the smile faltered from your father’s face. Instead, it was replaced by a look you knew all too well, his business face. You shook your head incredulously. “I won’t marry him. Everyone knows how much we hate the Kim’s. Don’t you think the reporters will see right through this scheme of yours? And it is so unlikely that your opposition would even agree-”

“We’ve been in discussions all week long about it. For the first time in thirty-seven years, we actually agreed on something. Isn’t it wonderful?”

“Nightmarish,” you corrected.

“Y/N, I know you feel vindicated. I am sure you want to fight this completely. But the adults have agreed here and you will be married with or without your say in it. I must say, it would be far easier for you to just go along with the plan. Refusing this will only make you miserable.”

You stared at the man you had believed to be fair and honest your entire life. Whilst he was being honest with you right now about what he wanted, you felt as if you didn’t know your father at all anymore.

Despite your constant refusal, plans were made and expectations were high of your first performance. You had always been a filial daughter and your public image was a positive one. If you played up now, there would be a lot of damage to your career. More than you’d like to endure. Your goals as a businesswoman relied on your reputation to remain intact.

Even if everything surrounding you was putting you to the greatest test yet.

“Do you honestly believe anyone is going to see this as fact?” you scoffed as your mother flitted around you, smoothing out your outfit. You rolled your eyes at her efforts, soon swatting her away. The buzzing in your head was more than enough to deal with, let alone her hovering. “Everyone in this nation knows Jongdae and I are rivals. No one will believe we are in love.”

“On this first outing together, of course not sweetie,” your mother agreed, smiling at you through the reflection of the mirror. “It will spark curiosity for what you are both doing together though, and that’s what we need. For people to show interest.”

“This all seems ridiculous, why can’t you just merge the companies without needing a marriage to do so?!”

“Enemies don’t just join hands without a sacrifice in between,” the older woman said with a sigh, her eyes for the first time showing signs of sympathy. Towards the daughter she had raised so lovingly to be bold and courageous. The emotions dispersed quickly and you could see now that she viewed you as a necessary evil for the greater good.

You still couldn’t accept this was what you needed to do with your life.

“Well, are you ready for the next two hours of being completely sickened to your stomach?” Jongdae greeted with a forced smile and you swallowed roughly as he sat down at the table in the middle of the bustling restaurant. You had hoped for something more natural for your first date, but the longer you sat across from Jongdae in such a public setting, you realised it was a good idea. That way, you could both sabotage this plan from going any further.

“In your company, anything is possible.”

“I’m surprised you turned up, I heard you were throwing the biggest toddler tantrum over this,” he mused as he picked up the menu casually, and you rolled your eyes dramatically. “What did Daddy promise you today? A new pony? A shopping spree? A trip to Paris?”

“This is why I really didn’t want to sit here tonight. You have no idea about what excites me. Further, I wasn’t bribed to come here, I know that new sports car out there though was the prize for you turning up,” you mentioned sweetly and Jongdae grunted, not denying your claim either. For a moment, you both focused on perusing the menu and ordering with smiles on your faces when the server came over to your table.

Once your meals were in front of you both, you looked quickly over at Jongdae as he cut his steak into small bite-sized portions. It irked you that he had chosen the same meal as you had. Taking a deep breath, you squared your shoulders. “Want to break free?”

“Why? The food here is delicious,” he said, his hands moving too quickly for you to keep up. The plate that was in front of you that you had barely touched was soon whisked away and replaced with his one, the cut steak now mocking you much like his gaze was. Jongdae smiled in pleasure. “Look, I even helped you and your juvenile self out by cutting it nice and small. Try not to choke on my efforts.”

You could think of many things to choke and your eyes narrowed on his neck for a split second. What kind of game was he playing at? Looking around yourself, you became aware of the further attention your table now held, the women at a table nearby all swooning at how Jongdae had cut up your meat for you. It irked you greatly; you didn’t need help with such a thing. Your hands that had fallen to your lap when he moved suddenly before now clenched up in fists.

“So you have no interest in stopping this ludicrous plan. You actually want to marry me?”

Jongdae’s gaze snapped to yours. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“So we can agree neither of us wants this. So, why don’t we-”

“All the same, my goal isn’t our parents,” he mentioned airily as he cut his steak neatly. He smiled down at his efforts. “It’s to see just how far I can push you.”

“What?”

“I don’t need to worry about the wedding, Y/N. We won’t make it that far because you find the idea of being near me so impossible to endure. I am rather relaxed about this all.”

“You’re bluffing,” you stated and Jongdae arched an eyebrow at you. You blinked a couple of times. “Are you challenging me?”

“Why would I need to? You won’t cope with any of this. You’re barely eating a meal with me. The press will need more than that; they’ll need physical interaction and adoration from us both. You cannot act in my presence so how will you even stand a chance, hm?”

“Are you done yet?” You folded your arms across your chest and smirked. Jongdae shrugged as he continued to eat. “Your lack of faith in my abilities is truly tragic.”

“Says the one who can’t even share a simple meal with me without fussing,” he pointed out and you glanced down at the food you hadn’t touched yet. You speared a piece of the meat he had cut for you and smiled.

You wouldn’t allow him to gloat for long. It would be him running to his father to cancel the wedding first.

Over the next month, you met with Jongdae often. You had been on a variety of dates, each one more intense than the previous one. When Jongdae had first grabbed your hand as you strolled in a park together, you had to resist the knee-jerk reaction to shove him off for touching you without permission to do so. On the next date, it was you pushing his boundaries by snuggling into his side as you watched the ballet. He had taken it too far on the last date by pecking your hand as he dropped you off at work after sharing sushi for lunch. It left you fuming and you were determined to end him today. You couldn’t take any more of being in his company.

And the longer your museum date progressed, the further convinced you were to end this fake relationship. His smarminess had reached an all-time high and every gentle touch along the small of your back grated you further. When you got back into his car, you wound down your window and glanced out irritably. “You’re feisty today, Y/N.”

“Wouldn’t you be too if you were stuck with the most obnoxious person on Earth?” you muttered and Jongdae chuckled.

“Well, do I seem feisty to you? Since the same could be said about you.”

You spotted a familiar sighting from what you had gotten used to on these dates and smiled to yourself, your idea would finally come into fruition today. Turning to Jongdae, you grabbed at his face hurriedly. He jerked back at your advance “What are you doing?!”

“Are you afraid?” you wondered, knowing you had the most opportune angle for a perfect photo. Leaning in so close that your lips were almost flush with his, you tilted your head to the side. With you up this close, Jongdae froze. You smirked triumphantly. “Seems like you are.”

“Are you attempting to kiss me right now? Because you’ve missed my actual lips.”

“I don’t need to kiss you for this to be snapped as one.”

Jongdae’s eyes were dark when you pulled back and sat in your seat with ease. He rushed to wind up the window before continuing. “Was that meant to scare me off?”

“I’m over this game with you, let’s just give up.”

“You just gave the press more than we ever have. It was you who leaned over and fake kissed me. I’m impressed; you’ve clearly wasted so many years watching all those silly dramas on TV to think of pretending to kiss someone.”

“I guess I have put you in a bind, Kim Jongdae,” you agreed, still content with your decision. He had been the one pointing to various sculptures and paintings proclaiming they all looked better than you did. He had even joked about marrying a plump statue over you since you lacked in the chest department. With how much he wanted to escape you, he sure hadn’t done anything about it yet. You had seen the fear in his dark gaze though, and it made you feel at ease. He would end this tonight with his parents.

Instead, he rang to plan your next date. You blinked. “Our what?”

“Did you really think I would be put out, Y/N? You surprised me, I’ll give you that.”

“You don’t want to marry me, Jongdae!”

“You’re not my first choice for a wife, you’re right.”

“So then end it.”

“And be the one who has to deal with both our parents? No thanks.”

You groaned unattractively. “You coward.”

“At least if I was to ever think of using kissing as a publicity stunt, I’d go through with the actual thing.”

“Don’t you dare think of doing such a thing!” you hissed and his hearty laughter filled the receiver. You hung up on him, frustrated that he was holding out just to see you crumble.

Dates continued in the same masochistic manner, both not wanting to be at the other’s side but unable to not be there either. Jongdae hadn’t kissed you, thank goodness, but he had definitely increased his skinship and it was making you very uncomfortable. Your skin would burn from where he held you and you constantly felt on edge whenever you were with him, wondering what he’d do next. You had been so confident with the fake kiss scene in the car, but it had gotten you nowhere. You were already in your final fitting for your custom made wedding dress and a cocktail dress for the reception. Everything you tried to stop seemed to roll ahead with everyone not listening to you. Eventually, you were left standing in a dress that was far too beautiful for such an event. Something as gorgeous as this should only be worn when you could walk down the aisle to someone you actually loved.

“Oh the groom is here!” the designer crooned and tried to usher you behind the large velvet curtain so your dress would be unseen to him. You rushed behind there, panting heavily as you dropped the yards of gorgeous fabric back down so you could balance yourself. Then you frowned. Why had you done such a thing? The jinx of seeing the dress before the wedding might work in your favour. You went to move out again but flinched when someone joined you behind the curtain instead.

“What are you doing?!” you whispered sternly and Jongdae merely eyed you from head to toe. You blushed, not understanding why he was paying so much attention to you right now. A small part of you hoped he liked what he saw. You squashed the mindless thought immediately.

“Don’t stress, I’m only meant to not see the dress if we’re hoping for a positive union, right? I thought of all people you would have stood proudly before me to put as many omens on this gorgeous gown as you could.”

You couldn’t help but bite your lip when he used the word gorgeous. Was your mind weak today because of the magical feeling of being in such a dress? Clearing your throat, you placed your hands on your waist. “All the same, I find it hard enough to be in this dress, let alone be with you whilst I’m in it.”

“Call it a rehearsal.” Jongdae continued to look at the details intently. “You’ll have to do the real thing very soon.”

“Don’t remind me.”

He smirked when his gaze finally lifted up to your face. “We need to rehearse a lot of things for this to be the best performance of our life, right?”

“Because we’re totally going through with this,” you refuted weakly and Jongdae chuckled.

“You look every part of a blushing bride. I think you’re ready to marry me more than you admit.”

“Honestly,” you said dryly and turned away from the mischief within his gaze.

This was your first mistake. Before you realised it, his arms had slipped through yours still poised on your hips and you snapped your face towards his right as his lips found yours. Your eyes grew wide and you didn’t know what to do for a moment.

Jongdae pulled away and licked at his lips. “There, we even practised that.”

“You had no need to kiss me! We’re not in public at all and you have zero permission to do such a thing to me!”

“What about at our wedding?” he wondered, his gaze lingering over the detailed bodice of the dress. “Should I just kiss you on the cheek and call it a day?”

“If we get married.”

Jongdae sighed. “When.”

And it really had happened. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, you both ran out of time and excuses. You had tried to run away pathetically the night before the wedding, yet you were there bright and early for your salon appointment. Somehow you had lost your voice that you had been so loudly using in the beginning of this scheme. Now, you just sat there and did everything that was asked of you.

And when Jongdae was signalled to kiss you, it felt like it went on forever. With your eyes closed, and focusing just on kissing him back, you felt the build up in the back of your throat. Every sensation in your body was awakened with the kiss and it took you immense effort not to ball your hands up in fists as you locked lips with Jongdae for too long. When he pulled away and smiled at you generously, you were stunned. He looked so happy to finally have you as his wife and for a moment you almost believed he truly felt that way.

Almost.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t that hard to get used to living with your husband. Maybe it was because your newlywed home that your parents had organised was just so large that you didn’t have much reason to cross paths. You had your own chambers and he had his. Of course, you couldn’t avoid him most days. After all, there were endless interviews, events, and work to do. But at least when at home, you could relax a little bit.

Most of the time.

“Eat with me.”

You looked up from your computer and rolled your eyes, going back to the project you were in charge of. Although you weren’t happy with how you had gotten to this point in your career, having more of a voice in the workplace actually fulfilled you more than you had expected. You really liked going to work these days.

“Y/N,” he whined and you continued to ignore him. Jongdae stepped over to your desk and sighed heavily. “I don’t want to eat another meal alone.”

“So eat with one of the in-house helpers.”

“I’ve been doing that for two weeks now!”

You smiled. “Then you’re not eating alone. They are people, just like you and I.”

“They have no idea about the new spring collection launch I’m working on. You do.”

“So you don’t want to eat with me, you want to pick my brain,” you concluded, finally looking up from your computer. You bridged your fingers together on your desk and smiled again. “Oh dear, what to do? I have no interest in sharing my plans with you to steal.”

“Why would I steal something we’re both working on?”

He had you there and you groaned. Glancing down at the proposal again, you relented. You had questions for him yourself that you could get to over dinner.

And this trend continued. Most nights you shared dinner whilst discussing plans and changes that were needed for your first project to run smoothly. You had to admit, majoring from the same degree in business administration meant you did have a balanced work ethic together. It became more evident to you when you were at work, seeking him out after meetings to discuss the happenings together. Everyone surrounding you claimed your marital harmony at home had to be the spark behind this amazing collaboration.

You just knew how his mind worked in a business setting and yours complimented his. That was all.

But you had to admit, some days it felt like the lines were blurring. You would smile at him without any forced nature behind it, and when one of his projects took a major production stumble, you had genuinely been supportive for Jongdae. He had worked so hard and you knew how important it was to him to succeed.

When the launch was finally released and sold out within a day, you had rushed into his office, positively beaming. “We did it!”

“It’s all sold out, already?!” he asked excitedly and you nodded earnestly, Jongdae rounding his table so fast and hugging you tightly. You clung to him for a moment, your elation clouding your mind. And when you finally realised where you were, you didn’t get much chance to pull away, Jongdae’s mouth crashing down on yours.

You could have pushed him off, reminding him that this was a marriage of convenience. But the spark of arousal was instantaneous and you leaned into the heated embrace, Jongdae spinning you around and pressing you up against his desk as his lips hungrily explored your neck, his hand slipping down your body and hiking one of your legs up around him. You moaned in pleasure and then a knock on the door broke the spell immediately.

You stared back at Jongdae, wondering just how such an embrace had occurred between you. And why it didn’t feel as bad as you had thought it always would.

You were on edge with each other respectively for a week after the office incident and your mind wouldn’t stop taking you back to that moment in time frequently. Why had he kissed you? His grip on your body felt like he wanted to have you. Yet you were someone he had always claimed he’d never crave in that way. You were so confused that you went into his study after work, too wound up and needing answers.

“Y/N,” he said tenderly and you blinked, wondering why your name sounded so good falling from his lips. He smiled weakly. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Oh.” Jongdae nodded softly and closed the lid on his laptop. “What’s wrong?”

“Why did you kiss me last week? Why did you have to take me in your arms like that and, and…” you trailed off, feeling your cheeks grow hot. “We don’t have that kind of relationship. We hate each other.”

Jongdae was silent for a moment, staring at nothing in particular. You were irked by his lack of a response until he gazed back at you. The power within his umber eyes almost made you lose your footing. “I don’t hate you.”

“What?”

“I’ve never hated you,” he mentioned and you gaped at your husband.

“Yes, we’ve always hated each other for as long as I can remember.”

“No, you hated me. You’ve always hated me. I never understood why.”

You shook your head slowly. “Because our families are rivals.”

“Is that it? I can’t hate someone because my parents are competitive towards their opposition.”

“You can too; you were competitive towards everything I did!”

Jongdae nodded. “Some things yeah, because you rubbed me the wrong way. But never because I hated you. Don’t confuse competitive with hatred, it’s two very different emotions.”

You looked around the room, trying to decipher what he was planning now. There had to be a catch, he was never this honest with you outside of work. Was there a hidden camera somewhere? Recording you so he could catch something to hold over you in the future? You were decidedly cautious but listened to his words all the same.

“Look at you, even now you’re uncomfortable with me.”

“Can you blame me? We went from being enemies to a married couple who now share a department in the office. I don’t know what to think of you.”

“Without what your parents have influenced you to do, what do you think of me?” You blinked rapidly. Jongdae sighed heavily. “Have you ever once thought of me as someone with the same goals as you? As someone who matches you as opposed to being someone you need to outdo?”

You didn’t answer, your mind racing to figure out what he meant.

Jongdae groaned. “I have. I noticed your ambitions. I realised how level-headed you are in a situation of crisis. You’re intelligent. You treat everyone as equals, apart from me, of course. You have compassion for bettering this world we live in. It touches me knowing you’re such an amazing person.”

“I made you think all those things?” you asked and he nodded. You didn’t buy it entirely. “Then why did you always tease me? Why did you make things harder for me every step along the way?”

“You wouldn’t allow me to be anything but your rival, so I admit, I played the role well. I told you I was excellent at acting, you just never wanted to believe me.”

“So you’ve been actively seeking out my company and not because you want to annoy me?” Jongdae nodded again. You shook your head. “Unbelievable.”

“Can I tell you my biggest secret yet?” he asked and you eyed him warily. He gestured to the chair you held the back of for support. “You might want to sit down.”

“This doesn’t sound safe.”

Jongdae leaned back in his own seat and took a steadying breath. “It wasn’t our parents.”

“What wasn’t our parents?” He raised an eyebrow at you and your eyes widened. “This whole thing?!”

“I’ll admit I didn’t want to marry you in the beginning. When I realised just how talented you were with business strategies during university, I knew I wanted to work with you. I was certain we could create something amazing together. When I loosely mentioned it to my Father, he laughed in my face. That your parents wouldn’t dream of letting you work with me and that he wouldn’t allow me to approach you either. There was too much of a risk if we simply combined our talents together.”

You nodded slowly, agreeing that despite your differences, you had a formidable balance in the workplace that had led to great success already. Your mind wandered back to the passionate moment in his office last week and you narrowed your gaze on his. “Then how did we end up like this?”

“In every transaction weighed with a lot of risks, giving the opponent something worthy to hold onto in case it sours is the best option, don’t you agree? You cannot have something without giving back just as much.”

“That is usual etiquette,” you mentioned and then sighed. “If your father had me as his daughter in law, my Dad couldn’t act rash and overtake your company.”

“Exactly, so I suggested it to him in a way that made him unable to refute it. And by the time it was murmured into your father’s ears, he felt as if he had come up with the idea himself. Our parents agreed with it and thus, everything else you already know about.”

You raised your hand in objection. “Wait, you got a brand new car. Why should I believe you actually wanted to marry me?”

“I had to make it seem like I didn’t actually want to marry you. I needed them to think I was against it in every way possible but for the sake of good business I would be bribed.”

“You played your own parents?” you uttered and Jongdae grimaced.

“It wasn’t that cruel. Besides, they didn’t want to listen to your objections and forced you into this. I figure they are just as guilty as I am for imposing this on you.”

“I just… this is all so much to take on,” you admitted and Jongdae smiled weakly. You then stared at him. “Wait, I’m confused. You said you didn’t want to marry me in the beginning, but then you actually did want to marry me. You claimed I wasn’t your first choice every time I argued with you. Who is your first choice? Why would you go this far just for harmony in making more money? We’re rich enough not to have joined as business partners, Jongdae.”

He didn’t answer, rubbing at his neck awkwardly instead. Your eyebrows shot up and you leaned forward in your seat. “You wanted to marry me?!”

“Well, did you not hear all the things I complimented you over?” he answered meekly, diverting his gaze. “I didn’t have a first choice. You were my only choice.”

“I was what?”

“I didn’t want to marry anyone else. Okay so I wasn’t completely sure from the beginning, but as we started dating and you kept trying to outdo me, I found you really adorable. I didn’t want to end it. And then when I saw you in your dress…” He smiled to himself and you were certain he was revisiting the day behind the velvet curtain in the dressmaker’s studio. “I knew then.”

“Knew what?”

“That I loved you,” he confessed. “That I had loved you for some time too.”

“You really mean that?” you questioned, feeling yourself grow anxious. “I’m asking you if you honestly believe you love me.”

“Being your husband is something I’m happy to be. I love you, Y/N.”

You shifted across to Jongdae faster than your mind was working and kissed him passionately, surprising you both. He pulled you onto his lap and held you close, his mouth hotly exploring yours. The kiss melded from one into the next until you were utterly breathless. When you finally pulled back, you stared into his eyes carefully. Had they always been this warm? Had Jongdae always been looking at you like this? It made you feel so feeble to think whilst you had followed the trend of your parents, Jongdae had given you the chance to be yourself in his eyes. He didn’t judge you as part of the opposition. He searched for ways to separate you from the feud. You felt guilty for only coming to realise his strengths recently. Although, when you looked back over the years, there had been reason for your jealousy – Jongdae was a talented person.

And he was your husband now.

“Do you kiss everyone who admits they love you like that?” he teased and you grinned, shrugging lightly. “Hey! You can’t act like that to me. Not after how much I’ve done to get us to this point.”

“Which is what?”

“You not looking at me like an enemy,” he answered and you nodded softly. “To actually see me apart from our families, and to work alongside me on the first project at work. You don’t know how happy I am right now.”

“Do you think you could show me how much?” you wondered airily and Jongdae smirked, suddenly hoisting you up as he stood up.

“Are you sure you want to challenge me with this? I mean, you tried to take me on in the past and look where we ended up. We’re married and you didn’t want that.”

You kissed his lips before slinging your arms around his neck and smiled down at him. “Well, this is something I might be able to excel in. Let’s see who can outdo who now.”

_________________

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[noona-clock]

Holiday Rumors

Genre: Office!AU/Fluff

Pairing: Junmyeon x You

By Admin B

Author’s Note: This takes place in the Rumors universe. See masterlist for links.

Usually, you were not the type to leave your Christmas shopping until the last minute. You liked to plan things out, and you also liked to get things done as quickly as possible - especially if there was a deadline.

But having a five-month-old tends to throw a wrench in your plans. A wonderful, adorable wrench, of course. But still a wrench. Not that you were comparing your daughter to a tool! You hadn’t planned on having her, that is true, but she was still the best thing which had ever happened to you.

...Well... Second best. Junmyeon still held that top spot. He was also partially responsible for your daughter’s existence, so he still had the right to take precedence.

But I digress! We were talking about Christmas shopping!

It was currently the weekend before the Big Day, and you’d realized you still had quite a few presents to buy. You hadn’t particularly wanted to leave your daughter because you left her all during the week when you went to work, but... if you didn’t get your shopping done now, you would most likely have to wait until after Christmas, and... well, what’s the point in that?

So Junmyeon had insisted you go, assuring you that he would be just fine being a single parent for an afternoon. He had ordered all of his gifts online and had been living a carefree life for a couple of weeks now. 

Lucky.

You knew you could also just online shop, but 1) it was too close to Christmas to risk it, and 2) there was just something about actually shopping in a store. Call you old-fashioned, but you liked to go out and shop. Just like you liked to read actual books instead of e-books.

You’d just spent the past few hours going from store to store, picking out gifts for Junmyeon and Simon and your family and your daughter (and maybe a couple for yourself, but not too many because you had refused your husband’s offer to take his credit card, and you still made far less money than he did which was fine because you loved your job, and you would much rather stay an editor but anyway). You had eaten lunch at one of your favorite cafes in the city, but by the time you were officially done, your stomach was starting to let you know it was getting empty again.

When you arrived back at your townhouse, you somehow managed to grab hold of all of the bags you’d accumulated before slowly making your way up the stairs and only slightly struggling to get the front door unlocked and open.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, let me help you.”

Of course, the first thing you heard was Junmyeon’s voice, tinged with panic when he saw how much you were carrying.

He had always been helpful and thoughtful and little overprotective. You’d learned this when you’d broken and dislocated many bones in your body after your bus accident very early on in your relationship. But he had reached a whole new level after you’d gotten pregnant, and apparently, he was still weaning himself off that - even after five months.

But you weren’t going to complain or insist you could do it yourself because -- well, you had at least ten shopping bags. You could certainly use some help.

Junmyeon took as many as he could, promising he wouldn’t peek inside as he took them upstairs to your bedroom. You set the remaining bags by the foot of the stairs, a smile lighting up your face as you headed into the living room where your daughter was lying on her playmat, kicking at the little toys hanging from the arch going from one side to the other.

“Hello, my angel,” you greeted, gently sliding her out toward you and helping her sit up. “Hello.”

Your daughter’s lips pulled into an adorable, gummy smile, and she gurgled with delight when she saw you. She reached out her chubby little arms, and you picked her up.

“Oh, I missed you,” you told her before blowing some soft raspberries on her cheeks. “Yes, mommy missed you so much.”

The soft thud of Junmyeon’s footsteps caused you to turn around, and your smile grew even brighter as he sauntered over to the two of you. He slid an arm across your back, leaning in and planting a long, playful kiss on your cheek.

“We missed you, too,” he murmured as you turned to give him a real kiss. “You got all of your shopping done?”

You hummed, pursing your lips for yet another kiss.

“Now all you gotta do is wrap them.”

“Oh, I will leave that for tomorrow,” you told him. “Future me can worry about wrapping. Right now, I just want to sit on the couch and watch a movie and relax.”

“How about some hot cocoa? Popcorn?” Junmyeon suggested, raising his eyebrows invitingly.

“Perfection.”

As your husband darted off to the kitchen to prepare your snacks for the movie, you carefully kicked your shoes off and perched on the couch. Your daughter was still babbling and smiling and grabbing your hair, trying to put it in her mouth. You kissed her and tickled her and teased her, your heart soaring with every shriek of laughter.

“You know she’s a total mommy’s girl, right?” Junmyeon asked from the kitchen, the smell of fresh popcorn beginning to waft through the air.

“What?” you chuckled. “No, she’s not.”

“She is,” he insisted. “She doesn’t smile or laugh quite like that with me.”

Your brow furrowed slightly, the corners of your lips turning down. “Well. Now that you can feed her, she’ll love you even more than she already does.”

To be honest, though, you’d been more than overjoyed when you’d found out you were having a girl. You’d always wanted a daughter, a chance to have a special bond and teach her all about being a girl - hopefully, that included makeup and fashion since those were fairly large hobbies of yours, but if not, you wouldn’t mind terribly.

Still, you wouldn’t say your daughter was a mommy’s girl.

“It’s all right,” Junmyeon assured you as he brought in two mugs of hot cocoa and set them on the coffee table. He then leaned over and kissed your ear before whispering, “I already have a daddy’s girl.”

“Oh my god,” you blushed. He was right, but did he have to say it out loud?! “You are lucky she has absolutely no idea what you’re saying.”

“I know,” he smirked. “I have to take advantage of it while I still can. Another year, and she’ll be starting to repeat everything we say.”

“I’ll have to start reading some books about George Washington to you, huh?” you cooed, nuzzling your daughter’s chipmunk cheeks. 

The one thing you’d desperately wanted your child to inherit from her dad was his cheeks, and you’d nearly cried with joy when you saw how plump they were.

Once the popcorn had finished, Junmyeon poured it into a bowl and carried it over, letting out a soft sigh as he plopped next to you on the couch.

“What shall we watch?” he asked, grabbing the remote while you stood to put your daughter back on her playmat.

“Hmm... how about... Elf?” You’d had an exhausting, somewhat stressful afternoon trying to find all the right presents, so you felt like watching something to help you escape. Take your mind off things by making you laugh.

Junmyeon immediately searched for the movie, finding it easily and selecting it. 

As the opening music started playing, you scurried back to the couch, cuddling up when he lifted his arm for you, and picking up some kernels of popcorn.

“I really did miss you,” your husband murmured as he rubbed your shoulder and pressed a kiss to your temple.

“I know, I’m sorry,” you frowned, leaning your head back just a bit to look up at him. “I hardly ever go this late without getting all my shopping done.”

“Hey, it’s okay. We’ve got a lot going on these days. Viola told me how busy you guys have been - more than you’ve let on.”

The eyebrow he raised at you forced a very innocent, angelic smile onto your lips.

“It’s fine! I’ve gotten all my projects done, I’ve never skipped a meal, your daughter has never skipped a meal. And now I have all of my presents, so it’s all good. I’ve got it.”

Junmyeon simply let out a little sigh before pressing a kiss to your forehead this time. “You know you didn’t even need to buy me anything, right? I don’t need any presents.”

“Yes, you do,” you chuckled.

“I do not,” he insisted. “Everything I need is --”

“Right here,” you finished for him.

“Well, it’s true! I have you, I have our baby, I have my job and this place... What more do I need?”

You thought about the super nice smartwatch you’d purchased for him, and a sly little grin tugged at your lips. “You’ll find out the answer to that when you open your presents in a few days.”

“Is it... another baby?” he asked hopefully.

“No,” you replied with some firmness. You were not ready to be pregnant again. The two of you had just started... well, you know. It had taken you this long to feel physically and emotionally ready for it again. You didn’t want to go back to square one again so soon! “Maybe next Christmas.”

“Okay, I can work with that.”

You simply let out a soft chuckle before cuddling back into him, reaching for your mug and sipping the rich, smooth hot chocolate. 

As you began to let yourself get lost in the world of Buddy the Elf, you couldn’t help but think... Junmyeon was right. You’d gotten to a point in your life where you didn’t really need any presents. You had everything you needed to make you truly happy; everything else was just icing on the gingerbread cookie.

Plus, this was probably the last Christmas you would have before the holiday shifted to be about Santa Claus and magic and hiding toys in the closet and leaving out milk and cookies. Everyone had told you your life would change after having a kid, and they’d been completely right.

It was the best change in the world, of course, and knowing you were going through it with Junmyeon? You wouldn’t have chosen anything different for the world.

Later that night -- much, much later -- you woke up suddenly, seemingly for no reason. 

You and Junmyeon had managed to get to bed at a decent time; your daughter had passed out after her bath around 9pm, a change to her usual schedule that you desperately hoped would continue.

And you had pretty much fallen asleep as soon as your head had hit your pillow.

(Another reason why you wanted to wait to have another baby? You didn’t really have a choice. You fell asleep way more easily than you ever had in your life, and the times you could actually spare the energy to try and make a baby were few and far between.)

But your body was so used to waking up a few times a night, apparently, that you still did - even if your daughter wasn’t crying.

You instinctively reached out to your husband’s side of the bed, planning to snuggle up and go back to bed. But your arm landed on the sheets with a soft thump.

You lifted your head, blinking the sleep from your eyes to make sure you weren’t making things up. But, no. Junmyeon wasn’t there. And, from the sound of it (or lack thereof), he wasn’t in the bathroom, either.

So you quietly rolled out of bed, stepping into your slippers and shuffling toward the door, grabbing your fuzzy robe on your way out.

The door to your closet/makeup room/the nursery (yeah, the two of you were already planning on finding a bigger space, as sad as it would be to leave this townhouse of your dreams) was wide open, and you heard no sounds coming from in there, either.

You tiptoed down the stairs, your confusion growing when it seemed like it was silent down here, too.

But when you reached the bottom, you saw... probably the sweetest, most heartwarming sight your eyes had ever beheld.

Junmyeon was standing in front of the Christmas tree, holding your baby girl and swaying and bouncing gently from side to side. Her tiny little hand was grasping one of his fingers as she stared at the lights. Junmyeon placed a few kisses on her cheek, murmuring softly against her skin.

“Isn’t it pretty?” he asked, his voice just barely above a whisper. “It’s a Christmas tree. You’ll probably be a little more excited next year, though.”

A smile pulled at your lips as you shuffled up behind your husband, sliding a hand around his waist and placing your chin on his shoulder once he stopped moving around.

“Hey,” he greeted quietly. “Did I wake you?”

“No,” you assured him. “Was she crying?”

“Just a little. You were completely out, so I brought her down here in case she got too loud.”

You simply let out a little sigh, pressing your face quickly into Junmyeon’s neck. “I love you,” you murmured.

“Because I wanted to let you sleep,” he chuckled.

“No,” you scolded gently. “I love you because you’re better than the best husband I could’ve ever asked for. Better than the best father to our girl I could’ve ever imagined.”

Apparently, seeing him standing in front of the Christmas tree with your daughter had brought out your sappy, sentimental side. And maybe the fact it was the middle of the night and you were extremely sleepy.

“See? This is why I don’t need any presents,” Junmyeon replied. “You love me. Our daughter loves me. I’m lucky enough with just that. My life isn’t missing one single thing.”

You let out a tired but very happy hum, squeezing your husband slightly and placing a kiss on his shoulder.

He was right. Christmas had never been about the presents, of course; it had always been about love and joy and being together. But now you honestly felt like you really did have all the gifts you needed. You didn’t need to unwrap anything come Christmas morning because everything you needed - everything you wanted - was right here.

(But you were still super excited to give Junmyeon his smartwatch. He was going to love it.)

[lovemesomesurveys]

So far, how has summer been treating you? Blah. I really don’t like summer, it’s just hot and miserable and adds to/intensifies my already crappiness. It’s just not a good time. The only good thing are the times I’m able to go to the beach. When was the last time you had a slushie? I have no idea. It’s been quite awhile. Is there someone you miss right now? There’s a few people I’ll always miss.  How many pairs of sunglasses do you own? Zero. Do you prefer sticky notes or cork boards? I have a bulletin board and marker board. I use my marker all the time to put appointment card reminders and write important dates on and stuff. 

What was the last movie you watched online? Like through something like Netflix? It was a Marvel movie I think, but I forget which one. It was awhile ago. Is there much drama going on in your life at the moment? Not drama, just other shit. Are you graduating this year? I graduated college in 2015. Do you feel like doing something radically different with your hair? I just need to get it dyed again and trimmed. I’ve also been considering possibly getting bangs again, but I don’t know. Are you in a relationship? No. Did you ever think your cell was vibrating when it wasn’t? That’s probably happened before. The last person who added you on Facebook, did you accept or decline? I think it was some random person, in which case I declined.  Are you at all interested in America’s Next Top Model? I’ve watched a few seasons here and there. I watched the last 2 most recent ones, and I’d watch a new season if they decided to make another. What did you last take a picture of? My doggo. Would you like to learn another language? I’d like to be fluent in Spanish. I should start practicing it again. What type of earphones/headphones do you own? I just have the Apple ones that you get when you get a new phone. I really want to get a pair of Beats.  Your portable musical device (mp3, iPod, etc): How old is it? I use my phone for music, which is only less than a year old.  Do you own a pet that most would consider different? No. Have you ever wanted to travel to Germany? Sure. When was the last time you used scissors? I don’t recall. What’s your favorite kind of perfume/cologne? I like fruity/sweet ones, but also ones with patchouli. As for colognes, I love cedar wood and sandalwood.  Is there a movie coming out that you would like to see soon? I want to see that movie, Don’t Let Go that just came out, but I’m really looking forward to seeing It Chapter 2. Do you love buying shoes? I’m not super big into shoes, but my thing is shirts.  Do you bother making your bed everyday? It’s always made because I sleep on top of the comforter and just use a throw blanket.  Have you had your wisdom teeth removed yet? Yeah. Have you ever been drunk and regretted it? Yeppp. Do you like to do anything artistic? Coloring is about as artistic as it gets for me. What did you last cook for yourself? Ramen. Has anyone ever called you a “pipe dreamer”? No. Who was the last person to text you? My brother. Think back to your last kiss, did you enjoy it? Yeah. Are you even slightly addicted to applying lipgloss or lipchap? Nope. Do you ever make fun of your own country? Certain things sometimes. What Internet browser do you use? Chrome. Do you consider yourself to be spoiled? You could say that. I just hate that term cause I feel like it has such a negative connotation to it. What song are you listening to right now? XO TOUR Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert.  Are you comfortable giving random hugs? No. I’m not one to initiate a hug except for with my mom. Or my doggo, ha. Who did you last argue with? More like bickering, but probably with my dad. Do you ever have conversations with your pets? Yep.  Have you ever listened to the band Rammstein? I’ve heard of ‘em, but no I don’t think I’ve heard their stuff.  Do you have any plans for tomorrow? My mom’s birthday is coming up, so my brother and I are going to go get her presents. Who is your celebrity love? Alexander Skarsgard, duh. Are you more a Twitter person or a Facebook person? Twitter. Have you ever lost a best friend? Yeah, a few. Do you own an exercise ball? It’s not mine, but I think we have one in the garage. Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii? We don’t have a PS3, but we have a PS2 & 4, and I like to use the PS4 to watch DVDs or watch Netflix and Hulu.  Are you messy or organized? A bit of both. I didn’t use to be messy, but my room has gotten a bit cluttered. Well, it’s not really what I’d consider messy, though... I just have too much stuff.  What band / artist would you love to see live in concert? I’m sad I never got to see Linkin Park in concert with Chester. :(  Are your nails painted right now? Nope. What was the craziest color you’ve ever dyed your hair? Red. Do you consider yourself to be a daredevil? Ha, no. Does it snow where you live? No. :( Do you have any significant scars? I have a ton of scars. I don’t know if they’re “significant” or not, but yeah. Who last had their arm around you? My mom. Are you feeling deprived of anything? Yes. Have you ever been obsessed with working out? Nope. What color is the shirt you’re wearing currently? Black. Are you talking to anyone on an IM right now? No. What did you think of the movie Avatar? I really liked it. I can’t believe it’s taken so long for the 2nd one to come out. I think we still have another couple years. Do you collect anything? Giraffe stuffed animals and knickknacks and key chains.  Have you ever feared the future? I do fear the future. What was your highest mark this year in school? Can you walk in 4+ inch heels? No. Is your significant other shorter, taller or the same height as you? I’m single. Is there a friend you would trust with your life? I trust my family with my life. Have you ever been purposely ditched? It felt that way. Do you live in a relatively safe area? My city isn’t the safest, but my neighborhood is. What was the last alcoholic beverage you had? I think it was a rum and Coke, but it was 6 years ago so I don’t really recall. Is there someone you know who is obsessed with Call of Duty? No. Is that even still a big thing now? Have you ever looked into the mirror and hated who you saw? I think that anytime I look in the mirror. I avoid looking in the mirror as much as possible. Is there a piece of jewellry you always wear? No. I haven’t worn any jewelry in like 4 years. When was the last time you saw your significant other? Sigh. What was the longest conversation you’ve had with a person? Several hours. How many purses do you own? 8, but 1 is a mini backpack I use as a purse sometimes and another is a fanny pack. Is there something you should be doing right now? Nah. Do you wish on 11:11? No. What’s your opinion on the Gulf oil spill? Is it hot in the room you’re in right now? Ugh, it’s a bit warm. Can summer please be over?? Are you one of those people who are always rearranging the furniture? I never do that, and if I wanted to I’d need someone else to do it for me. My room is small, so there’s not much rearranging that could be done anyway. Do you listen to any music that’s really old? I like a variety of music from different decades, going back to like the 50s.  Are you a fan of the LA Lakers? I don’t care for sports. When the last time you were upset and weren’t exactly sure why? I feel that way a lot. I mean, usually there’s a reason, like an accumulation of ongoing things, or something in specific, and then there’s the depression, but sometimes in the moment I’m not sure what in particular is making me upset. I guess though it’s like I said, it’s just everything.  Have you ever been somewhere tropical? No, but I’d love to go. Would you consider yourself to be a chocoholic? Not even a little. I’m really not big on chocolate. I’ll have times where I want something and then I’ll have it and be good for awhile. I haven’t had any chocolate in quite awhile, actually. Have you ever heard of Channing Tatum’s website Post The Love? Nope. Do you know anyone who’s currently pregnant? Someone on my Facebook. Are you a fan of mix CDs? I used to make them all the time back in the day.  Has anyone ever given you their business card? Yeah. What is your dream job/career? I don’t have one.  Do you have a friend who’s naturally a redhead? No, but I have a cousin who is. Have you ever had a one night stand? No. What time is it now? 7PM.

[crazedlunatic]

When You Knew

Anon: Eric realizes that he wants to marry Alec? I think I remember reading he didn’t want to get married but I know that they do so I am interested in the evolution of that

“So we’ve been married for three years now and it is time for you to tell me.” Alec said, going to up the admissions desk at the ER.

Eric, who was about to get off and trying to finish his paperwork, glanced up to see Alec smiling. “Tell you… what exactly?” Eric asked suspiciously, looking up from the paperwork he was filling out.

“You know. When you knew you were going to marry me.”

Kurt’s Blaine’s friend David, who was there as well but talking to the registrar, pulled a face.

“Oh, don’t you even dare, David. Digimon marathons?” Alec snapped.

“Okay, that’s rude.” David scoffed.

“Plus… are you ever going to marry the mother of your toddler and unborn child? Eric wants to know.”

“Alec!” Eric hissed and then added, “Well… I am curious.”

“Talk to her about that one.” David shrugged and walked off.

“I’m serious. You’re being all secretive about it and it’s getting annoying now. You didn’t just propose to shut me up, did you?” Alec asked as David’s ‘girlfriend?’ walked up to Eric. “Please tell me we’re not married so I would quit asking if we were going to get married.”

“Friendly advice.” She chirped. “Answer the question and if it’s a stupid answer, make one up. Can I go home, Eric?”

“I guess so but if you see the Chief in the breakroom, you may want to ask her.” Eric shrugged. “Have a good night.”

“Can David leave too?”

Eric rolled his eyes.

“Hey, I don’t like walking to the apartment by myself.”

“It’s… not even a whole block down, Marcy.”

“Don’t make a pregnant woman cry.” Marcy stuck out her lower lip.

“Fine.” Eric sighed. “Please tell me you don’t use that pout with David. You’re not even going to wait for him to hand his patients off before you leave, are you?”

“I’m a big girl. I can walk home by myself.” Marcy gave him a look. “I just know how to work you to get what I want.”

“You literally just said… whatever. See you tomorrow.”

“Oh? Do you know why he proposed to me?” Alec asked, looking at Marcy.

“Probably your money.” Marcy shrugged.

“Uhm… he has a lot more than I do?”

“Something else superficial? Your looks?”

“Bye, Marcy.” Eric gave her an annoyed look.

“It’s so much quicker when he makes you leave.” Marcy whispered to Alec before walking out with one of the other nurses.

“I married you so I wouldn’t have to marry one of those.” Eric sighed.

“Uh, no. Finish your hand offs and we are going to enjoy our third anniversary and you are going to tell me why you wanted to marry me.” Alec gave him a look.

“Fine. Go sit in the break room. Someone had a gnarly stomach bug yesterday and three people have already left sick.” Eric sighed again.

Alec kissed his cheek and walked towards the breakroom.

…

“Telllll me.”

“Oh my God.”

“No. No more being shy, Eric. Tell me now and if you don’t have a good reason, make a better one up.” Alec literally sat down on his lap so he could not move.

“How much caffeine have you had today, Alec?”

“The same amount Kurt and I always have when we’re hiding away from our studios… so, a lot. It’s just so annoying to listen to them all the time. You can’t turn in sketches with mustard on them. Do they not know they’re giving that to the main designer? Their boss?”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Your butt is bony.”

“Well then you better talk fast so I’ll get up, I guess.”

“Get what up?” Eric asked mischievously.

“Yeah, no sex unless you tell me a satisfactory answer. Sorry.”

“I don’t know. I mean… it was kind of little, stupid stuff and when you put it all together… I just knew I was being dumb trying to not marry you.” Eric said somewhat lamely, shrugging.

“Like what?”

“Mainly when we were up at the alter with the officiant. I was going to run off, but you were actually on time for once.” Eric grinned.

“Eric.” Alec shot him a look.

“I mean it really is a bunch of stupid, little stuff that just accumulated into a big boom moment, you know?”

“If it was that important, it wasn’t really stupid or little.”

“I don’t know. You’ve, like, known since we first got together and it took me a lot longer to jump on the marriage train.” Eric bit his lip.

“That’s okay. I just want to know. So, tell me some of the little stuff.”

“Well… remember our first date in Ohio? We had the dinner reservations at the place you heard about… and my car window on the passenger side was leaking because it was raining, we missed the ferry by five minutes so we had to wait another hour. Meanwhile, it’s still raining and you’re getting all wet and cold. Then on the ferry you got super seasick. It was supposed to be a half our ferry ride but end up, like, an hour and fifteen minutes… and you were so nauseous you couldn’t even eat your food. I felt so bad because it was our first time seeing each other in three weeks and you had been so excited to go and I completely ruined it.”

“I forgot about that.” Alec smiled. “It’s okay. When I ate the food the next morning, it was mazing.”

“Oh, I’m not even done!” Eric said as Alec moved off his lap to sit next to him on the couch.

“What else?”

“We were five minutes late to the ferry ride back and had to wait an extra hour again but it was even longer than that. Still raining so you’re still getting wet. So, then I was freaking out because we got lost and Siri kept taking us the wrong way so you had to use the Maps on your phone. You’re horrible about that still, by the way… And when we got back to your place you were just acting like you hadn’t had the worst night of your life and you told me that I could pick the next place for our Ohio adventures… and I think I kind of knew I wanted all of the adventures to be with you.”

“You’re so sweet.” Alec pouted a bit.

“Also, the first time we actually slept through the night in a bed together… When I went on vacation with you and your family the summer after I graduated. I remember thinking that I wanted to wake up next to you every day and how happy that would make me. And then one time when you were staying with me, I was studying and you were asleep. So I’m halfway into this study guide about burn treatment and you just randomly rolled over, draped your arm around my lower stomach, and sleepily told me that you wished you could fly... and then you started snoring and it was the most hilarious thing. I think I kind of knew then too.”

“… I had drank that night, hadn’t I? I was really hoping that had been a dream but I only snore when I’m drunk or sick.” Alec groaned.

“I never let you drink too much. You’re a lightweight anyway. A drink and a half in I’ll hear the hiccup giggle and take it away.” Eric laughed. “Oh God. And then how you anthropomorphize things. I think it was when we had first moved in together here in New York City and I was putting the new tea packets in the little drawer since we’d been running low... You came in like a lunatic and hysterically told me I had to move the old ones to the front because you didn’t want to ruin the their hopes and dreams of being our cups of tea.” Eric laughed. “You still do that. Give things human characteristics and empathize for people much more than they deserve… except my mother, that is.”

“I’ve done it since I was little.” Alec said and then frowned. “Well, not the thing with your mom… but pretty much ever since I met her and she said I was jail bait. Is that it?”

“There is a bigger one but it’s kind of depressing.” Eric said.

“What?”

“When your dad was at war and those bombs went off and they couldn’t find him and you were just broken. Like… the only other time I’d seen you like that was when in freshman year I got drunk and… you know. And you didn’t call me. When I asked why you said you hadn’t even thought to and I… just knew that I had to make sure you knew you could call me. I knew that I always had to be there to protect you and take care of you to make sure you never feel like you can’t call me again… and so you know you always have one person that will answer no matter what… That was the big one.”

Tears filled Alec’s eyes and he let out a deep breath.

“You’ve always meant so much to me and it was stupid to not want to be married because I feel like by the time you started at CCAD, we pretty much already were married since you followed me there… and the more time we passed and the longer I would go without seeing you… I just knew my quality of life was so much better with you in it and suddenly getting legally married didn’t seem so scary anymore. The possibility of losing you was what was scary because I knew you wanted it so bad… almost as scary as the way I had felt before your dad was able to contact you and your mom. It just seemed silly…”

Alec sniffled, wiping his eyes.

“When did you know you wanted to marry me?”

“Two things, same day.” Alec sniffed. “On our first date you didn’t take me to a place that served burgers.”

“Your mom actually gave me that hint.” Eric said— suddenly feeling very thankful he’d took the advice.

“I figured because she was so smug when I told her about the date.” Alec laughed.

“The other thing?”

“When you kissed me… you had been so flustered when you finally got up the courage to ask me out but it was like once we got away from my house on the way to the restaurant everything was super calm and you were just you…The way you’d been before you started to like me when were just friends…”

“No, seriously. I don’t know why but all the nerves just went away. Honestly, I’d been a nervous wreck until then.” Eric gasped. “It was so weird.”

“But,” Alec said. “You kissed me and I just knew that nobody would ever make me feel like that again. Nobody could make me feel that way again…. And then you pulled away and said it had never felt like that before even though you’d been head over heels with Adam… I just knew it was bigger than a crush or a first date… I knew we were meant to be.”

“Seriously? No other ah-ha moment?” Eric looked doubtful.

“No. I just knew and always have.” Alec said. “Obviously I tried to play that down because I didn’t want to seem clingy… and honestly, if I hadn’t already felt that way before you got drunk and slept with Adam I probably would have ended it but I knew I could never feel this way for anybody else. Almost like it was fate that we moved back here when we did. That sounds lame but… it’s true.”

“I’m so glad we stayed together… I know you don’t bake or cook much but your peanut butter cookies are so good and I still want to make how you make them so round?”

“Not telling.” Alec singsonged. “I did tell your brother, though… so he could make some and impress his now wife. See? When I bake and cook, it’s life changing. Too risky to do it too often.”

[bekkathyst]

Lots of Announcements / Updates

Okay, I meant to make this post yesterday but this is literally the first time I’ve gotten to sit down a computer since the weekend. 

If you currently have an unshipped order with us, please read this. Also please read if you’re interested in what’s happening with the shop this week! 

-Mystery Boxes: 

So, as written in the post announcing the return of mystery boxes, the listings for each mystery box, and in the various posts I’ve made about it since, mystery boxes take two weeks to ship. This is because they are assembled to order AND each component of the box is labeled and very carefully wrapped. This takes quite some time. They were taken down from the shop last Sunday, meaning after this weekend everyone should have their email shipping notifications with their tracking numbers. If we are a day or two late (which we are working night and day to try to make sure we’re not) we deeply apologize, but it is because things are currently super hectic. We are working around the clock to make sure that we get everything done as fast as humanly possible! 

But if do end up being a date or two late with your box, you will get something added to your package to hopefully make up for the inconvenience/wait. :) 

-Other Shop Orders: 

Since we’ve been having all these sales directly on tumblr, there are just a small handful of shop orders that aren’t the older mystery boxes. They will be shipped out tomorrow! 

-Giveaways: 

Since orders are more time sensitive, giveaways tend to get pushed to the side, but I will be shipping all of them out before the weekend! 

-Mineral Lots / Auctions:

All the mineral lots and auctions from this weekend will start getting shipped tomorrow, and we will gradually do them probably until early-mid next week. It’s always our goal to get orders out in less than a week (other than the mystery boxes), however when we do a huge sale like this, it can take a little longer. But of course, we work as fast as we can while still making sure things are accurate and safe when they embark on their journey to your doorstep! 

-General:

As the current situation stands, we have about 200 total orders that need to be shipped out. Any patience or understanding that you extend to us at this time is so seriously appreciated- I am not sure I can express it in words! 

~

Now, some other things. I am currently really behind on messages and, once again, emails. I was at a point where I was catching up daily, but I’ve fallen behind. There is such an accumulation of huge things happening right now that my regular daily routine got thrown out the window. I have to go to two different warehouses tomorrow (one for crystals, one for shipping supplies) which will involve a total of 5 or 6 hours of being in the car, and I will try to use that to catch up on communications! If I take too long to respond to you, please do not be afraid to give me a poke. 

As far as this week’s shop update goes, I have been working super intensely on jewelry! This Friday will be a jewelry shop update. I have dozens on top of dozens of pieces that are going to be listed. I will also be re-listing some of our best selling crystals that are currently sold out in the shop. Just a few, since we are trying to downsize our inventory for a move. 

Okay, if you read this whole long jumbled mess, THANK YOU! Seriously. It’s been kind of a struggle to not have a giant freak out about all the things that I have to catch up on, but I think writing it all out like this helps both me and you guys. So thank you for reading, understanding, and supporting the shop! 

I am also planning another big giveaway to go up soon, to thank you guys for sticking with me. :) (I’m just not sure if I want to start it before or after the move- we will see what works best!) 

[usa-to-austria]

August 2017

Wow, what a month. I arrived in Austria the 8th and it’s been nothing but smiles and memories since. My host mom Andrea, host dad Immo and their daughters greeted me at the airport as well as Kat, the inbound in district 7090 last year, and her mom and my counselor Barbara. Not gonna lie i cried a bit when i saw Kat. Once we got home i got comfortable and unpacked a bit, napped a bit and ate a bit. The rest of the week was full of sightseeing and downing all the AMAZING chocolate i could get my hands on.

Language camp started the 13th. Before i start to describe my time at language camp i just want to say that words won’t do it justice. I had the most beautiful and once-in-a-lifetime experience at language camp that i would trade anything just to go back with everyone. Once i arrived i lugged all my bags to my room and sat in a room with all the other girls. Naturally i had a big smile on my face and immediately started talking with, my now best friend, Sam and eventually got around to talking to everyone else. The weeks were full of 6 hours of German a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner obviously, as well as swimming and daily trips to the grocery store (because the cooked meals weren’t so great). After a few days i started to accumulate some really great friends, Sam and Valentina from Florida, Abby from montana, Jacob and Emily from Canada, Lucas from Arizona, G from indiana, Sara and Oliver from California Árni from Iceland and a bunch more! Every day during our free time we’d either go to a turkish place that makes the BEST kebabs, go swimming in the lake or spend all our money at the grocery store. During the weekend there we went on a trip to a salt mine and had some traditional Austrian dance classes that were super fun. I really miss everyone, but there is another rotary weekend soon, September 15th-17th, and i can’t wait to see everyone again.

In the Salzburg area here there are a few other exchange students, there’s Jacob from Canada, Árni from Iceland and Lily from Australia. Since language camp we’ve hung out a lot, the four of us explore the shops within the city and spend too much money at mcdonalds and suck in all the free wifi there. Tomorrow we all plan on going to a park and have a little picnic together before school starts on Monday. At the music and arts school i will be attending, Árni and Lily will also be attending, so i already have some friends there!

Now to update you on all the important documents i need to get done here, at language camp i payed for my health insurance, school bus pass and train pass. Last night i received my health insurance card and next week my host mom said we’ll tackle the whole visa mumbo jumbo since we have all the required documents now. And today i’ve just gotten back from the mall where i’ve finally gotten a SIM card for my phone, where i pay 10 euros a month for. Since language camp i’ve really started to get a grip on German, and to make sure i keep excelling in the language my host mom, who impressively speaks 5 languages, will practice german with me for 30 minutes a day as well as introducing new words to me throughout the day. I am so very thankful to have the family i have here and i feel i will really immerse myself in the language and within a few months will be able to do everything like read the menu at a restaurant or answer the cashier when they ask if i want a bag or not without any help.

This has been the best, most thrilling month of my life and i can’t wait to see what the rest of this year brings me

-Becca Holz

[brainrattlers]

I Hope I Can Handle It (Pt 1/?)

Summary: Sequel to “Think You Can Handle It?” - F/Reader is in a long-distance relationship with her man.  Traveling for the holidays!

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x F/reader

Words:  2894

Warnings: Fluff fluff fluff. Little bit of implied sexy times. Also I curse, and we know Sebastian does too. I can’t think of much else here.

A/N: Soooo I’m writing a sequel? to Think You Can Handle It?… and rather than bombard you with a big wall of text, I’m putting this one into chapters. My timeline is all off on this, it was supposed to be out around Christmas, but if I can work it right… we’ll end up at Valentine’s Day. (queue the “ooOOOOooh!”)  Y/F/N= Your Friend’s Name

The promise that you made Sebastian that fateful Saturday night stayed true. The two of you continued talking, every day.  Yes, some days it was a handful of texts, some days it was phone calls that lasted hours. Photos sent back and forth of what was going on any given day.  Skype chats watching movies on TV together. And the plans… oh, the plans that were being made.

You were nervous, but so excited.  Sebastian suggested you come visit him for the holidays.  It was a pretty overwhelming thought, really.  Two whole weeks in New York City. Traveling somewhere new.  Getting to physically touch Seb again. The first time you’d not been with your family on Christmas.  And then it really hit you.

Meeting Sebastian’s family.

Your phone started ringing, with the familiar ringtone of the song you first danced to under the stars the night of your first kiss. The phone’s screen lit up with the epic bedhead photo.  A smile lit up on your face as you answered the phone.

“Hey baby girl, what’s up?”

“Oh Seb, you are the one calling me, I should be asking you that question.  Well, minus the babygirl part.”  

Sebastian chuckled.  “S’been a long day.  Super tired.”

You could hear it in his voice.  It was fairly late in his time zone. You also knew it was cardio day at the gym, which would make anyone exhausted.

“Aww, I’m sorry babe.  I have news though… finally got my flight booked.  I can’t believe I’m going to be there in a few days!”  You could feel the smile growing on Sebastian’s face, even though it was over the phone, no video or anything. “I just need to figure out then what I’m doing once on the ground. Taxi? Uber?”

“No no, I’m picking you up. I mean we may Uber back, but I’m going to be the first person you see once you get to the baggage claim.”

After you shared your flight details, you talked about the day, eating dinner “together” while on the phone. A few ideas of things to do while there were thrown around, and finally the question of “so how is Christmas working anyway?” came up.

You were nervous. Meeting the family is huge, as first impressions are not something you can “fix” if it goes wrong. Sebastian assured you it would be okay, that he’d be there the whole time, would be your knight in shining armor.

“You mean, knight in shining ARM…or?”

Sebastian audibly groaned.

“And this is just one of the reasons I am crazy about you.  I hate to say it though, I’m getting pretty tired, and I’m meeting Don in the morning at 7:30 to go over a few things before we work out. Talk tomorrow?”

“Of course babe. Sleep well, sweet dreams.”

Packing. It was your least favorite thing to do, and weren’t really sure how much to pack.  Sebastian convinced you (maybe rather easily) that you weren’t staying at a hotel, but rather his apartment, so you didn’t need to pack clothes for every day… there was this thing known as a washer and dryer you could use.  Regardless, despite him knowing you as a totally casual dresser, you felt it important to wear something sort of dressy for Christmas day with the family.

And with Seb, his day to day clothing options would go from 0 to 60 in the drop of a hat.  It was nothing for him to be in workout sweats one minute, and dressed to the nines in a tux that would kill all the ladies the next.  You wanted to be able to keep up with him… other than something requiring a formal ball gown.

Finally picking out several tops and bottoms, some jeans and tees, you threw them in your suitcase, but then another odd realization hit you.

“Oh shit. Pajamas. Do I go the comfy route? Do I wear something sexy? Do I even own anything sexy to sleep in?”

It’d been awhile since you were planning out clothing because of a guy, minus the weekend with Sebastian.  You took a deep breath in, shaking your head, and let it out slowly as you grabbed a couple pairs of pajama shorts and pants, as well as a few tank tops, and threw them in the bag as well.

“You can handle this.”

After moving your suitcase from the bed, you crawled in, telling yourself the sooner you sleep, the sooner your flight is.  Your eyes closed, and you were out, until you weren’t. The alarm on your phone was blaring, and fingers fumbled along the nightstand to reach for it.  With the alarm silenced, you squinted with one eye at the screen, clearing off notifications that accumulated overnight, stopping to read a couple texts.

“Two more days, can’t wait!”

“Hey sunshine. I can’t believe you’re getting ready to ditch me for two weeks. Grab lunch before you head out?”

Tapping the second message, you punched out a response of “Yes please. I need to get my head out of panic mode. Thoughts creeping in about how I’m meeting his mother.” As soon as you hit send you freaked out a bit, hoping that went to Y/F/N rather than Sebastian.  That wouldn’t have been awkward at all.  After realizing you were in the clear, you texted Seb back as well.

“Getting packed.  I hope I’ve got the right clothes for the occasions.”

“You’re lovely in whatever you wear. Or aren’t wearing.”

“SEBASTIAN!” You sent along a shocked emoji, along with a laughing one, feigning your embarrassment.  He knew better though. He knew just as well as you do that despite blushing, you always loved it and it made you smile.

“Yeah yeah baby girl.  I’ll call you tonight after I get back from this opening I said I’d go to.  I hope you have a good day! *heart emoji*”

“You too, sweetie. *kissy lips emoji* Enjoy the opening!”

Y/F/N texted back a time and place, not surprisingly, Mama J’s.

While you had originally helped out Mama J when she needed some extra staff after her husband had passed, and she returned the favor so many times over by helping Sebastian with your first date, Sebastian’s Instagram post talking about Mama J’s was all the help her little business needed to be kicked into high gear.  Even if the restaurant was packed with a waitlist, you were always a VIP in her eyes and was seated immediately, although most of the time you told her it was okay and would wait. Today was no different, and luckily for both Y/F/N and you, there was no rush as you both had the day off.  Mama J insisted you be seated, but you stuck to your guns.

“Mama J, the new customers should be your VIPs, not me!  We’re really not in a hurry and don’t want to tie up a table when you can be wowing everyone else.  Besides, you know I love watching the customers. It helps me figure out how we’re going to set up the new location!”

She beamed at that statement. Because business was booming, money was coming in more readily, and Mama J had dreamed of opening a larger location to accommodate more customers.  You had promised you’d help out as much as you could, and through your contacts, had found a handful of new sites to look at.  Shooing her off, she ran back to the kitchen to get a few more orders ready to be sent out, and barking out orders to her staff.  Mama J, although the sweetest woman in the world, could be a drill sergeant when necessary.  The good thing was that she respected her small staff, and in turn, despite the urgency she conveyed, they respected her back.  Finding such a crew is tough to do these days.

Once a table opened up for you after waiting along with the others, you and Y/F/N sat down, and Mama J gave you the eye.  Silently, both of you nodded at Mama J, and she rushed off to the kitchen to prepare your lunches.  It wasn’t like the two of you ate there every week, if not more often, and she knew what you wanted or ANYTHING like that.  You both laughed and continued your conversation from earlier.

“I’m super excited for the trip, but seriously I’m running into mini-panic attacks.  This morning I legitimately freaked out realizing I had to figure out pajamas. Or like… presents. Not only do I have to get Seb something, but I feel like I need to get his mother and stepfather something.  Couple all this with the fact I’m going to a city I’ve never been. Just ARGGHHH!”  You rested your head in your hands, taking a deep breath.

“But… Sebastian.  You, girl, are going to see your man.  Sebastian freaking Stan.  You know if I weren’t your best friend, I’d totally be bashing you for freaking out that you’re going to see him.” Y/F/N chuckled. “Seriously though, it’s going to be fine. You know he’s just going to be showing you all the fun stuff in the city, and you’ll spend a day at the in-laws, and you’re going to just have fun.  You always freak out right before trips.”  You choked on your water at the mention of in-laws.

“I know, but,” you were still trying to clear your throat, “ugh. I just want everything to be as perfect as possible.  I’m not sure I can handle this.”

Y/F/N smirked.  Mama J was coming back with your food, interrupting your conversation.

“Child, you know you’ve got this.  Don’t you go letting me down, that boy is head-over-heels about you. You two are beautiful together.  Just be you, and everyone will love you.”

You sighed at Mama J’s statement, but knew she was right.  First impressions are huge, but the fact of the matter was that the only one you REALLY needed to impress was Sebastian, and that means the hard part is done.  You know his mother just wants him to be happy, and if he’s happy, you’re golden.

“Thanks Mama J, you’re the voice of reason I need sometimes.” She smiled and patted your head, before she skipped back to the kitchen.

While enjoying lunch, Y/F/N came up with a good question.

“So what ARE you getting Sebastian for Christmas?  You know it is just a few days away.”

You cringed.  It is so difficult picking out Christmas gifts so early on in a relationship.  Getting something expensive and extravagant is always appealing, but you don’t want to scare off the other person, or make them feel bad if they went the other route of something small and sentimental.  On that note, when you’re not with that person physically all the time, having never been to their home… sometimes figuring out likes and dislikes is a bit more difficult.  You talk all the time, and Sebastian will mention things he likes, but when you’ve got a multi-film deal, you probably have money enough to just buy whatever you want.  Not that you saw Sebastian as the type to just blow his money.  He always seems quite conservative, except for when it comes to clothes.  Those sweatpants he was wearing in the video for Fox NY 5? Easily $100+.  He certainly did make them look good… of course he makes most anything look good while working out.  Your mind started to wander, thinking about some of the latest videos of him working out with Don.  The dopey grin, glazed over eyes, and slight hum that came from you was indeed a cue to Y/F/N that you were spacing out.

“Hey chica, I asked you, what are you getting Sebastian?”

“Oh hey, um, sorry.  I’m not sure yet. I’m hoping if we get a chance to go shopping, he can drop some hints.  I mean, seriously what do you get a guy that is bankrolled by Marvel?”  Y/F/N thought about it for a moment, and felt sympathy.

“You’re right, but you always pick out the best presents, I think you’ll be okay.”

Finishing lunch, you thanked Mama J, promising to keep in touch during your trip.  She still wanted to make sure that Sebastian was being nothing but a gentleman with you. Typical Mama J.  Hugging everyone before you left, you headed out to some local shops to see if you could find anything local to bring with you to give Sebastian and his family a taste of your life.  You had wished you could just bring Mama J with you.  She was like your security blanket at times. Stopping in the candy shop you had issues keeping Sebastian out of when you first took him to Mama J’s, you picked up a few of your favorite homemade items.  You could at least check a few things in your bag.  The idea hit you to get some tomato soup from Mama J to surprise Sebastian with.  Mama J was awesome and canned a few to-go jars (not on the menu, and were sealed so they didn’t need refrigeration).  That might have to be one of your first meals with Seb though once off the plane.   

It was a quick afternoon after the shopping.  Figuring out the best way to pack your suitcase without smashing glass jars of soup or the small packets of candy, your phone blooped with your expected nightly interruption.  You hadn’t realized just how late it was, but the sun had set, and you knew it was even later for him still.  Opening the app, you saw Sebastian’s smiling face.

“Hey baby girl, how was your day?”  Despite being tired, his grin continued.

“Pretty good, finishing up packing. Had lunch at Mama J’s with Y/F/N. Did some Christmas shopping.  Extremely tired though. How was the opening?”

“Lots of people, not enough food, and man am I glad to be getting out of this suit.”

He must have been getting undressed AS he was on the phone with you, seeing him drop out of the camera’s view, coming back with his hair a bit more mussed, and no shirt on, at least that you could see of his shoulders. All you could think of was kissing those collar bones when you had the chance.  You smirked.

“I wish I had seen you IN the suit first… you know how much I enjoy you in suits…” You giggled as he rolled his eyes at you.  Much to your dismay, he threw on a tshirt and hoodie.  Your dirty thoughts would just have to wait.

“So, how about an episode of Stranger Things? We’re on what, episode 6?”  The picture on the screen moved around, finally with a final bounce as you could tell Sebastian had just sat down in his favorite chair. You sat down in your own chair, propping your phone up on the table next to you, then grabbing the TV remote to start up Netflix.  It was always a bit of a game to try to get the episode to start at the same time so one of you wasn’t too far ahead/behind of the other.

“1.. 2… 3!”

You both hit the play button simultaneously. You told Seb to hold tight while you ran to the kitchen to get something for dinner.  

“Bring me back something, will ya?” Sebastian hollered through the tiny phone speaker. You laughed, coming back with a bowl of grapes to munch on. The both of you focused on the show, but gasped, laughed, and finally talked about the episode together.  Sebastian had started to yawn about ¾ of the way through the episode, so it wasn’t super surprising when you didn’t talk a lot after the episode.  You did feel like you needed to confess something though.

“Hey Sebby?” you mumbled, but enough for him to hear, “Can we maybe go shopping one day? I need to find some things to bring back for Y/F/N and Mama J… and a few other presents, too.” You hoped he wouldn’t catch on that you needed to get him something still.

“Sure, I’ll take you to the best stores in the city, babe. I think that is part of the NYC experience. I hate to say it though, but I’m exhausted. Another early morning with Don, and then I realized I need to clean up the place, I have a VIP coming over day after tomorrow!”  He swung the phone around, showing you the living room, looking a little disheveled.  Typical bachelor… cleaning up because a girl was coming over.  You smiled and nodded.

“Sounds good, I need to get a few things ready for tomorrow.. And then…”

Sebastian interrupted.

“31 hours until you’re here!”

“You’re keeping that close of track?”

“You better believe I am!  The best damn handler in all the land will be here!”

You smiled, and blew Sebastian a kiss. “Night, babe.”

“G’night babygirl.”

(Part 2)

Tagging: @dawn121, @sceaterian

[weholyperfectioncollectorme-blog]

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How much would insurance cost?

how much would insurance cost like humana or something like that for me and my child?

Why does it cost so much to add a spouse to your insurance?

Its time for my boyfriend to renew his insurance at work, so i was looking threw the booklet they sent him, and i cant believe it cost so much to add a spouse to your plan.. i thought if anything maybe it would double, but in most cases it triples! like one option is $17 per pay period for just him, but if you add a spouse it goes up to $62  and one is $25 for just him, and $92 if he adds a spouse, why is it so much? it would be cheaper if the spouse got there own plan, so whats the point? i would think there would be a discount of some sort for more than one person but its actually the opposite? why is this?

""I'm looking for an honest, good life insurance company. Anyone with experiences on this?""

Single mother with mortgage, a older teen and young adult, good health so far? I am looking to cover anything that would have to be paid in the event of my death.""

How much should the car insurance premium be like after 2 years?

How much should the car insurance premium be like after 2 years?

Teen Drivers Insurance?

Ok so I am a Teen Driver and I am about to get licensed...I need Car insurance...any one know the average in TX? Thanks

How much will a used SlugBug Convertible cost me in the state of Ohio?

I turn 16 in January 2011 and I want the car by August 2011 so in about a year and a couple months from now! How much with the car cost me to pay all up front or how much will it cost me monthly if that sounds better! How much will insurance be per month? How about Gas? All answers are appreciated and Im willing to buy 2003 to 2010 but the price range for the actual car has to be no more then 5 to 6k ? I also want to know if you think Im going to have to get a loan. . . thanks everyone!

Whats the best insurance for my 2 month old Maltese/Yorkshire terrier puppy?

hes about 2.5 months old and hes half maltese have yorkshire terrier ...does anyone have any idea on what would be the best insurance suited for him?>

Medi-Cal california insurance question?

A girlfriend of mine is applying for Medi-CAL for herself and her 6 yr old (they both need minor dental work). When applying, they docs ask for her Ex's information and whereabouts.We think he gone onto unemployment and she wondering if the state will go after him for the dental bill. Anyone know for sure? Best answer gets ten points!""

What auto insurance coverage is mandatory in the state of Florida?

I know (PIP)- Personal Injury Protection and (PDL) property damage liability is required and I thin uninsured motorist coverage is required but I'm not sure about bodily injury liabilty

Should I go through insurance?

Hi, Recently, I parked my car at my apartment parking complex and someone had scraped my rear bumper. I'd like to get it fixed...but I'm not sure if I should go through my insurance or not. I have a 250 deductible for uninsured damage which I think applies here under my policy. Will the rates go up if I go through my insurance company for stuff like this? Because if so, I'll just shell it out of my own pocket. I'm not sure which way to go here. Thanks for helping me out.""

Where i can get very cheapest motorcycle insurance?

i bay a motorcycle and my dad don't agree to give some money for my insurence

Motorcycle Insurance!?!?

Im so confused right now. In the past 2 months i have been doing my homework on buying a new 2011 CBR600RR. I have been quoting progressive which is who i have my car insurance with. I have been getting around 150$ a month for full coverage. I was about to buy the bike today and whenever i quoted the insurance it was around 230$. I thought i had made a mistake but everything was the same... what the heck happend?

Why is Esurance so cheap? Are they a good company?

I'm in NY, and apparently insurance is way more expensive here for whatever reason. Well everyone in my family has gone to Esurance to get a quote, and it's WAY cheaper there. I mean we're talking $100-200 less a month. Progressive wants $300 a month for me and my mom on the same plan... which is about the same as other quotes I've got. Esurance wants $140. I can't help but wonder if it's a big scam or something.""

How much is car insurance for a 18 yr old?

Hi, this is probably going to sound stupid but just out of curiousity how much would car insurance be for an 18 yr old female driving an Nissan primera ( saloon) As a first car? Or any car for that matter? It's manual transmission, I have no clue about car insurance! As you probably can tell so how much would it cost on average?? Thanks!""

What is the difference between being forced to buy auto insurance and being forced to buy health insurance?

From my understanding: People have to buy health insurance so that if people get sick/injured, other people won't have to pay for them. Medical bills are very expensive so that's why people have it. And if a patient doesn't pay their medical bills due to not being able to afford it they will be treated anyway because of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. The health insurance companies will compensate for this by raising insurances rates of the insured. Having car insurance is so that if a driver causes an accident that driver's insurance can pay for the victim's damages. But if an uninsured driver hits an insured driver, the auto insurance company is allowed to raise the insured driver's rates. The reason for this is because the insurance company has to pay for their insured driver's car because there is no on else to pay up, and sometimes even they raise rates because they believe the insured driver is purposely putting themselves in situations to cause accidents. And it is a fact that unless a person lives in a major US city such as New York City, driving a car is a necessity. You need a car to be able to function in a non-metro environment without a car. The only time a person should have their driving privilege taken away unless they hurt someone. So the point is if another person doesn't pay into either health or auto insurance. The people who do pay lose. Because their rates increase. I don't see any significant punishment for people who do without either insurance. Because I know illegal immigrants pull stunts like these all the time. So I just don't see how their different.""

How much would insuracne cost on a 2010 Chevy Camareo for a 17 year old?

What are some nice cars that arnt sports cars? Insurance costs alot for a 17 year old with a sports car

My car was wrecked and the insurance company paid to have it fixed. Now they have found something they missed?

After paying out around 12,000 to fix my car (body damage only, but new car so everything came from factory) we found out there is something else that needs to be fixed and because the car is so new and they don't make parts for it, whole transmission needs to be replaced, even though nothing it actually wrong with it. Now insurance wants to total my car. I have gap coverage and want to know my options if i would like to keep my car and have transmission fixed myself. At first insurance told me they would pay off car, I keep it and get settlement money, then they told me no settlement money, but I would get to keep car with salvage title and it would be paid off, now they are saying they r trying to make sure I can keep it at minimal cost to me . The lien holder says if the insurance pays it off, they (lien holder) will not allow me to keep the car. If the insurance pays for it, isn't it their option to allow me to keep the car or not? What are my options?""

Insurance change after marriage?

i am american and i got married in canada. my husband does not have insurance and i am covered under my mothers insurance. since i got married in canada will they see here in the us that i am married or will they know and i wont be covered anymore? i have not changed my last name to my husbands. if i still keep using my mothers insurance could i get into trouble if they found out i was married?

What other types of insurance should I get?

So far I'm going to get family health insurance, life insurance, and Car insurance. I'm going to have kids. Anything else I should have? We rarely have natural disasters where I'm from.""

Can you have car insurance without owning a car?

my 20 year old is in another state going to college, can he get car insurance on his brother's car?""

Cant afford my car and insurance?

I am 19 years old and I financed a 2005 jetta and paid close to 12,500 for my car. Yes I got ripped off.. I pay $333.65 a month for the car and $165.00 for insurance. I am completely out and cant afford this car anymore. What do I do? If i stop paying for it will they take it imminently? I need help. If the bank takes it back they sell it they will come after me for the difference. But i dont have anything they could take. what do i do.. I have made 2 payments of $333.65. Im in california, so will they garnish my wages?""

What company do you have your home owner's insurance with?

Buying house and need to get some home owner's insurance, need a few places to get quotes from.""

WHO HAS THE CHEAPEST CAR INSURANCE (FULL COVERAGE) AND THAT'S NOT GEICO?

I just had geico and I would like to change car insurances. Whose rates generally have lower down payments and monthly?

Insurance settlement in Arizona?

I hit rear-ended a guy at about 5MPH back in July. He was in a pickup, I was in my civic. About $800 worth of damage to both vehicles. He complained of no injuries at the scene. I find out he got an attorney and filed a claim against my insurance. My insurance says they are still waiting to get a demand letter. Question: I only have $100,000 in coverage. Is there any chance he could get more than this?""

How much it cost for normal birth delivery in california without insurance?

How much it cost for normal birth delivery in california without insurance?

Why do I need title insurance?

I'm buying a piece of property, the lender says I have to get title insurance, why?""

2013 mustang v6 insurance?

I'm 16 years old my dad took me to look at a 2013 mustang v6 the other day I just want to know the avg. rates for it I live in Katy Texas 16 years old Male Don't have a driving record but I had my permit for 10 months I think I will be under their insurance Don't say I should just get a **** car and wait for a mustang.

Why does it cost so much to add a spouse to your insurance?

Its time for my boyfriend to renew his insurance at work, so i was looking threw the booklet they sent him, and i cant believe it cost so much to add a spouse to your plan.. i thought if anything maybe it would double, but in most cases it triples! like one option is $17 per pay period for just him, but if you add a spouse it goes up to $62  and one is $25 for just him, and $92 if he adds a spouse, why is it so much? it would be cheaper if the spouse got there own plan, so whats the point? i would think there would be a discount of some sort for more than one person but its actually the opposite? why is this?

How much does a No Proof of Insurance ticket cost in Arkansas?

How much does a No Proof of Insurance ticket cost in Arkansas?

Why do i need car insurnace?

give me 7 reasons why i need car insurance

Need insurance and sr22 for suspended license?

A friend of mine lost his license for driving without insurance. He needs to get insurance and provide an sr22 to get his license back. We live in Ohio and are having a hard time finding any kind of affordable insurance plans. Any ideas? What is a good price for min. state coverage, anyways? Thanks for the help.""

If my insurance pays off what i owe on my car would it be on my name?

or would if be on my car agency name? i was hit by a 73 male no insurance and well all i have now is for my insurance to cover it and to fix my car is about $7,500 and its a total loss so my mom was told and estimate of what the car might be worth is between 5,000 and 6,000 i have and 2004 Hyundai Elentra. I still owe the agency a year of payment so is the check going to be under my name or the agency. im hoping under my name this way im able to buy a car- cash and keep paying my agency what i owe. bc it sucks to still pay off money even if the 6,000 for the agency and i still have to pay monthly if its not enough to cover the whole amount i owe. HELP""

Car insurance rates/prices?

This is my first time buying a used car, just about to get my license as I'm researching the difference insurance companies out there, I'm 22, living in Colorado Springs. Which one is the best? What are the different prices/rates they charge so I'll know what to save up?""

What is the cheapest auto insurance you have found for Louisiana?

We by far are one of the highest rated states in the US. I am looking for ways to save money and I am sure this is a good way. What company works for you?

""Help,new driver needs insurance!?""

So, I am a new driver and I just bought a '94 Acura legend. I have looked at some quotes for insurance and nearly had a stroke! Does anyone know of insurance that isn't too high or offers discounts for new drivers. Living in MA if that helps.""

Do home/auto insurance companies play favorites with their customers when they pay out claims? ?

This is probably going to come off as a little dumb, but I can't think of another way to phrase it. I'm 25 y/o, a new homeowner, and I already have filed a homeowners claim for water damage. I have had the easiest time in the world with my insurance company paying for repairs, and it actually really suprised me how easy it was. After I filed the claim, I looked around online, and I saw where people were having nightmare problems with their insurance company for the same type of damage I'm claiming. My parents have been with this insurance company for 25+ years. The policy is mine alone, but I have the same agent that they have. I've also been on my parents' car insurance since I turned 16. My parents and I have all been pretty-much accident/claim free, and they always pay their bills on time. Here's my question. When this insurance company was analyzing my claim, did they take into account my parents' longterm business, or are they considering me independent from my parents? I'm asking, because I've heard of companies that drop their clients after one water-damage claim, and I'm a little worried they'll drop me""

CAR INSURANCE FOR FEMALES?

CAN ANYONE SUGGEST CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES

""Auto Insurance, im swtiching companies but im worried about lienholder. Help?

i have Capital One as my auto lienholder and as of right now allstate as my insurance. I was sent a letter by allstate that they are going to cancel my policy as of 12/17 for ...show more

Should I get Term Life Insurance at a young age?

I am currently 30 years old and in excellent health but since I am getting ready to start a family, I want to be prepared for the future of my loved ones. After reading about different life insurance options, I am deciding to go with Term Life Insurance for 20 years. Is it true that Term Life Insurance premiums don't change throughout the life of the term? If so, shouldn't I sign-up now while my annual payment will be low and locked in at this rate? My employer offers a very small life insurance benefit that I am already a part of but I want more just in case. While I am asking, are there any circumstances where a payout won't be made if I were to die under a term life insurance plan? Is it guaranteed? What if I (God forbid) get Cancer or have a heart attack? Thanks in advance!""

16 Year old Illinois Insurance Rates?

Im 16 now, and i may be buying a truck soon. Its a 1994 Ford f-150. Im trying to find where the cheapest rates are. I only want liability insurance because im short on $$$$$. Im not doing so hot in school so that will raise my rates a bit, but what would be my best bet and finding insurance?""

Insurance buys non-OEM parts and voids car's warranty?

I have a new 2011 GM vehicle in Texas and was getting an insurance quote from GMAC. Part of their pitch to convince me choose them was that in an insurance claim, they will buy genuine GM OEM parts for my car, and that other insurance companies will go for cheaper aftermarket or non-OEM parts and they told me that will void my car's warranty. Is that true?""

""Coverage characteristics of usaa auto insurance, allstate home insurance, tricare health insurance, aflac disa?""

need to find coverage characteristics on coverage characteristics of usaa auto insurance, allstate home insurance, tricare health insurance, aflac disability insurance, prudential life insurance......need help quick , coverage characteristics on all the above ASAP""

How much should aircraft rental insurance cost for an average small plane?

Just doing some budgeting / planning and wondering what rental insurance runs on small planes? Also, should I get that during my flight training or just once I'm out on my own? The FBO insurance only covers their own planes, not a multi-million dollar jet you bump into as far as I know. I would most likely be renting a Piper Archer II from the 70s, probably a $80,000 plane.""

How much would insurance be a month for a 1988 ford mustang gt for a 16 year old driver in ny?

hi i want a 1988 ford mustang gt 5.0 and i am 16 years old. i was wondering how much the insurance would cost a month. im in new york and plz no answers like alot or anything like that just an estimate. pl answer and thankyou

Do insurance companies insure themselves?

My wife and I were wondering this this morning. If an insurance office is broken in to/has a fire/etc, do they cover themselves?""

Car insurance...?

Ok I have 2 choices here! I have only been driving 6 months so I have 0 no claims. I have just been bought a car and to add it on my insurance policy it costs 60 on top on the 45 I pay a month..(105 a month) for 5 more months til i get my 1 year no claims or for 70 a month I cant start again with a different company . what to do? ....

How much would a 2005 Honda Civic Coupe be worth?

I probably totalled my car. What is the estimated value of the car? How much do you think my insurance company will give me for a new one? Is there a site I can go to?

Insurance with 6 points?

Hi, I would like to get a car because I'm nearly 17 and I have 6 points on my license for letting someone ride my moped in an empty car park. Does anyone know where I could get insurance, so far I have been quoted 6500""

How does Progressive compare your insurance rates with top companies?

How is that possible? I've applied for Progressive quotes before (and wasn't impressed at all), but how are they able to do that? Insurance companies all have complex formulas that are used to calculate rates using several factors, including driving history, location, credit, household drivers, vehicles, etc. Unless they have robots online that steal competitors' bandwidth and automatically fill out the forms, it doesn't seem possible. If that was the case, you would think other companies would block Progressive from abusing their servers. Any ideas?""

Cheapest and best flood insurance?

I live in Az and was told my townhome was is in a flood zone and I need flood insurance. How much does this cost and wheres the cheapest place to get it. Another guy in the unit next to me said his mortgage company forced the insurance on his loan and it was 2,500 a year so his mortgage went up 300 a month!! thats seems like an insane amount? Please help.""

My car was rear-ended but I don't have car insurance?

Someone rear ended my car today. My insurance has been expired for a while now but I still called the insurance company and they filed a claim for me. When I mentioned that my insurance had expired, the lady who filed the claim said that the adjuster will call me on Monday and give me the details. Though the accident wasn't my fault, I am worried about not having insurance at the time. Also, nobody was injured in the accident but my back bumper had a very minor scratch. Was what I did wrong? And should I be worried about anything?""

Can geico really save you 15 or more on car insurance ?

Can geico really save you 15 or more on car insurance ?

What kind of cars cost the least amount of money to insure?

I am a teenage driver and I am looking to get my first car. What kind of cars have lower insurance rates, and are still reliable? I plan on getting a used car from around 2006-2008.""

Why does it cost so much to add a spouse to your insurance?

Its time for my boyfriend to renew his insurance at work, so i was looking threw the booklet they sent him, and i cant believe it cost so much to add a spouse to your plan.. i thought if anything maybe it would double, but in most cases it triples! like one option is $17 per pay period for just him, but if you add a spouse it goes up to $62  and one is $25 for just him, and $92 if he adds a spouse, why is it so much? it would be cheaper if the spouse got there own plan, so whats the point? i would think there would be a discount of some sort for more than one person but its actually the opposite? why is this?

Who do you trust more? An Insurance company? or Obama?

The right wingers will chose blindly! But think about this! Prior to the Affordable Healthcare Act, how many times in a row, year after year, did your health insurance coverage go up. For me, it was every year for as long as I remember. Never did my insurance premium go down. But for some reason, everyone is up in arms because a few people, a small percentage have rate increases. But they also get more coverage, better policies, and some can get insurance for the first time.""

Do you have health insurance?

if so, how much is it per month? How old are you? What kind of deducatable do you have? feel free to answer also if you do not have insurance? also, do you support obamacare?""

Is it necessary to keep a copy of my car registration and auto insurance in my wallet?

I have a copy of my auto insurance information and car registration in my car already in the glove box. But is it necessary to keep a copy on my wallet just in case? Just curious my mom keeps telling me to keep it in my wallet but I never needed to take it out in my life. I got pulled over once and I just took out the registration in my glove box and it was fine.

How much is a 16 year old guys car insurance for every month ?

How much is a 16 year old guys car insurance for every month ?

Fake insurance??

Hello my friend want to register his car under fake insurance. He wonder wat will happen if he go register it with that fake insurance?

How do i report insurance fraud?

for the last year i have worked for one of sacramento's mortage realestate companys. during that time i have witnessed my boss committing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of insurance fraud, filing false police reports , theft, vandalism . who do i report this to and is there a reward ?""

Advice onCar insurance?

which cart insurance is best for two 19 year Olds? I have never had insurance of my own and I have never gotten a ticket or been in an accident. My boyfriend will be 20 next month and he has had insurance but not recently. We are on a fixed income and would prefer to only spend around 150 per month. Any advice on insurance for a 2000 4x4 2 door Ford explorer? It's a 6 cylinder engine..automatic transmission.

Why should we pay CAR insurance?

I know it is made to protect us from being sue, I understand this. BUT if we are MADE to pay insurance to drive a car then the Car insurance companies should be MADE to include Car replacement as a STANDARD pack for both Full and Liability coverage(Why should I lose my car because of a BAD driver) If your car is totaled and you are still making payments then you lose a car. If you paid off your car and it is totaled, you lose a car. Lastly, we who pay insurance and don't have an accident in six months(or one year)should be given a choice of a lower premium, cash returned or a loan.""

""Health Insurance questions, help?

I just got a job as a firefighter in my local town in Mass. Im only 21 y/o and still on my mothers insurance Do you recommend I stay with her's or pursue my own? She is an LPN so her benefits are ok but nothing amazing....blue cross Advice? PRices of FF health insurance? Thanks!

Is there a cheap auto insurance i can get while i have my learners permit?

Its like you have to have insurance to buy a car, but you have to have the car to take the drivers test. So im really confused, and i need to know if theres protection for me while i have my learners permit?""

Which type of motorcycle will have the cheapest insurance for a begginer (or any specific bikes)?

also It would be helpful if you could tell me some bikes that have low cost to operate over their lifespan...

Car insurance in NY for a 21 year old? Please Help?

I would like to purchase a used car in NY. Im curious to know if I need to purchase the car before I get insurance or can I buy the insurance then decide what car I want. Im actually not sure what car I would like to get right now, but in NY you cannot register a car without car insurance. Also, I would like to know which insurance companies will give me the lowest quote for my age and despite me driving for years with a permit, I just recently got my driver's license. I haven't established any credit yet, because I know they look at that too but I do live on my own and im gainfully employed. Whoever gives the best answer gets 10 points. Thank You""

Car Insurance for a 2007-08 Mustang?

Can anyone give me an estimate on about how much a 17-18 year olds car insurance would be if they were to drive a 07-08 ford mustang please.

""What's the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Ontario, Canada?""

I could only find ONE motorcycle insurance thing called Kingsway and its $156 a month for a Kawasaki 125 Eliminator, which is BLOODY EXPENSIVE. So are there more motorcycle insurance things..... that are cheaper????!!! I'm 21. Thanx.""

""How are your health insurance plans, if you have individual insurance?""

I was asking about those who have health insurance, what are your companies like. Do you like your health companies, are the insurance plans good.""

Can AAA raise my Homeowners insurance rate by $300 for the next 3 years?

My property was stolen from the backseat of my car. AAA is saying if they pay out more than $750 (including my co-pay) then my Homeowners insurance will be raised by $300 for the next 3 years and it will be a point on my property. Is this right/legal??

Whom has the cheapest car insurance?

asking for my sister's boyfriend as his just went up very high in price and he is not too happy about it and looking for another ..thanks..

Confused about insurance...?

forgive me, its my first time..but im confused. My new apartment says i need liability insurance to move in...i already have renter's insurance.......are they basically the same thing?""

Whys my insurance suddenly so high?

right ive just turned 17 and yes i know blah blah blah but what ive been doing is on gocompare just looking for possible cars on ebay then checking the insurance to find the cheapest ones. now iv managed to go from over three grand to cars which were about 1800 but then today every single car iv check was over 3k even cars yesterday quoted 1800 i also noticed that elephant and admiral used to be the cheapest by thousands but now they dont cover me and when i went to admiral direct they quoted 4k i havent changed any details any ideas why this is :)

Can a health insurance company abroad outside the USA look up my health insurance information ?

If I provide them with my insurance policy and other info can they look up my health insurance information?

Health insurance transplant patients affordable?

affordable prescription meds. for transplanted patients plus affordable health insurance for same.

Do some states require car insurance before a drivers license?

I'm 20. The reason I don't have a drivers license yet is because my mom tells me that in order to even have a drivers license, you also have to be on some kind of insurance--which is expensive. so is this true or can I acquire a license without insurance, just to have one? I live in Georgia by the way. Tried to look it up myself but couldn't really find an answer. thanks.""

Car insurance for total loss?

I got a car accident due to bad weather and got a total loss. No one is involved in the accident. I`ve got a full coverage insurance at that time. The insurance company is cancelled a contract with me after a claim (accident) I issued, which I found it through insurance agency. The insurance company said that they did not know the previous accident record on my driver license. Then they cancelled the contract. Can I possibly claim a complain with my insurance company? I terribly need any car since I use a car for my job. The insurance company said they will not give me any money either a car. What should I do? Thank you""

Question re: insurance premiums and taxes?

I've read that health insurance premiums can be itemized deductions. Any others? What about accident insurance I pay for out of my pocket? I pay for both accident and sickness premiums to the same company and pay for all my policies out of my pocket. Any help is appreciated.

How much would my Motorcycle Insurance be?

Basically I'm getting my A1 licence (so I can only drive 125cc and 11kW max). I'd be a new driver. I'm just really looking for ballpark figures as to what the monthly insurance costs would be of (for example) an Aprilia RS125 or a Honda CBR125R that's 5 years old??

Why does it cost so much to add a spouse to your insurance?

Its time for my boyfriend to renew his insurance at work, so i was looking threw the booklet they sent him, and i cant believe it cost so much to add a spouse to your plan.. i thought if anything maybe it would double, but in most cases it triples! like one option is $17 per pay period for just him, but if you add a spouse it goes up to $62  and one is $25 for just him, and $92 if he adds a spouse, why is it so much? it would be cheaper if the spouse got there own plan, so whats the point? i would think there would be a discount of some sort for more than one person but its actually the opposite? why is this?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/employer-health-insurance-affordable-justin-garrett/"

[terrancedkennedy]

Dollar and Rates Bounce Imminent?

The dollar's slaughter has been well telegraphed, as US rates have marched lower due to a combination of persistently low inflation and as some market participants deem potential recessionary conditions imminent. What if I was to tell you that the opposite could be imminent? Would you be interested in reading further? In the past, we have also documented on Macro Man in a commodity catch-up post that the markedly strong move in copper and other base metals in the past has usually hinted at strong economic growth and inflation. These two factors being at odds for what seems like an eternity (in trading terms) leads to my belief that we will eventually hit a make or break moment will the divergence between these two correlated asset classes will mean revert. Let's get into it. So I am claiming that we probably have a significant bounce in the dollar in the making... A few drivers that can potentially make this bounce happen: 1) The big one to me is the break of correlation between inflation/inflationary products. Using copper as a proxy, we can see that the returns of the two products show a clear correlation - obviously, this makes sense vis-à-vis economic intuition; the R-squared is a bit low as copper is naturally more volatile compared to breakevens. We have seen a huge run-up in copper but breakevens have sputtered. I see this correlation maintaining and the gap between the two closing.  If we have a rise in breakeven inflation going into year-end, then that means there would be a corresponding move in rates, and thus a notable bounce in the dollar as well.

2) That transitions us to point number two - rates. I'm specifically looking at fed funds futures where we are pricing in a tad more than a 25bps hike by January of 2019. Whatever outcome materializes in the US economy, it seems to me that the fed funds curve is too flat and investors are being too cautious. Like I said, whatever the outcome may be, PnL is path dependent - you will undoubtedly have rhetoric, communication, and expectations to shift (at the very least during pockets of time from now till 2019) where we see both a drop in fed fund futures across the curve as well as a steepening of the fed funds curve. That occurrence should coincide with a dollar bounce. 3) Okay, we've talked about inflation and rates from a correlation perspective. What about the fundamentals? Inflation has been stubbornly low, but there are signs of an uptick bubbling below the surface.

Wage growth has been tepid but a couple indicators show continued increases overall. 

Average weekly hours worked has also spiked. Even if wages fail to materially increase, the increase in hours worked should lead to extra total wage income. The magnitude of the increase will be amplified by years of QE. Again, like most markets, corresponding moves aren't always immediately and 1 to 1 in nature. It can take a bit before the market comes to an epiphany - that "Ah ha!" moment.

4) The US economy and the global economy seems to be doing okay. Everything seems safe-ish.  Looking at some very basic metrics such as GDP and unemployment here. The growth has continued from then till now, and we are still on track for additional growth. I get it. We expected an explosion of growth after Trump and that hasn't really happened, but things are not worse than they were two years ago! Yet rates and USD in real terms have round-tripped back where we were two years ago.

5) Another trigger would come from the rest of the world. With FX these last few years being a game of lemmings where countries deviate little from the lead of the United States. It might be time to wonder if we are due for a pick-up of catalysts and rhetoric from other countries concerning the strength of their currencies, as well as disappointments from other central banks regarding their hawkish policies.

Europe and China need to be the main culprits. With that said, many in the rest of the world are involved as well. First China: they recently got rid of the deposit requirement for FX forwards - something they implemented two years ago to slow the devaluation of RMB. This should make it less expensive for companies and investors to buy dollars while selling the yuan. And guess what? The dollar is cheaper now. Although the change itself is mostly symbolic and not necessarily a force to be reckoned with, it can potentially serve as a canary in the coal mine for future attempts to stem RMB appreciation. Europe growth has been very strong - and the FX market has responded accordingly. This is a bit of a question mark for me - interest rate futures' pricing is hovering around record lows for a ECB rate hike by June 2018. If we get some convergence there, that would mean Euro sells off a bit - helping dollar bounce - but in terms of the intricacies of the ECB at this point in time? *Shrug* Now the rest of the world. The most dollar sensitive countries are obviously in EM. Many of the Asian countries have already shown signs of intervention against their strengthening currencies as they start to accumulate reserves, specifically in dollars. Exhibits below for your entertainment:

Eventually, dollar shorts should notice. Again, I've noticed in the past that these trades in these currencies often preceded moves in US rates. Canary number two for the aviary, anyone? By the way, shout out to fellow contributor Shawn who shared an article articulating what is beginning to transpire across the world - you can read all about it via the link below. https://www.cfr.org/blog/few-words-dollar

6) The Donald and the Fed are changing quickly. Stanley Fischer is gone. Uber-liberal Brainard will probably follow. Who's Trump going to nominate? Probably Republican-type candidates - guess what? They are usually more likely to be hawkish than dovish.

To me, that in itself is compelling thought. What can potentially make it more compelling? Well, the Donald seems to have started working well with Democrats as of late. Let's project that further - if they can manage to pull together a deal for tax reform, even if it's not super impactful, it will be symbolic. 

It will symbolize that Donald can get things done - I would think the rates markets would immediately do a 180 and return to the post-election regime. Yes, I am projecting here, but think about the risk reward of your positioning at this point. Should the rates go higher or lower? Should dollar go higher or lower?  

If he does pass through tax reform. What's next? Tariffs? Additional government spending? Again, just projecting here...Inflation?!?! *Gasp*

7) Lucky number 7. I'm big on sentiment - from the eye test, I think people are pretty close to limit short USD at this point. Just a hunch.

Hey! It's free blog okay? Take it or leave it! :)

Are there catalysts?

I hate catalysts. 

It's been a lonnnnngggg post, please bear with me a little bit longer. A lot of what I have detailed are projections - but that's macro trading to me - you have to anticipate in order to correctly speculate. Maybe that's why I'm often a little bit early on these things. Hmmmm.

But often your returns and risk-reward decay swiftly if you wait for a clear catalyst to materialize. So... in my opinion, proceeding with some caution is probably better than proceeding before it's too late.

General House Cleaning:

Stocks short - Yeah threw in the towel like Mcgregor on August 29th. Geopolitic risk is definitely subsiding. Let me explain.

It's not that there can't be another crazy development tomorrow. But the market is just not ready to go down just yet - traders should know what I'm talking about. My Ah ha! moment was when North Korea launched their "hydrogen bomb". 

Along with the hurricane, the market was confronted with a copious amount of "bad" news.  Equities gapped down, but by the end of the day, it actually covered the gap and closed higher!

Disgusting, I know. But looks like the indexers and VIX carry monkeys will get to make money for a while longer.

EM equities - this has been an impressive move. I believe this is a multi-year trend when I detailed it long ago.

With that in mind, it has run up a lot. If the dollar does bounce, we are probably going to get a shake out of the weak hands and late comers to the trade. Cocoa and sugar - both bottoming nicely. I still maintain sugar might be a tad too early. Cocoa looks really good and I strongly believe it can rip. I even did some work to do a seasonality adjustment. Below is the inverse inventory on a seasonally adjusted basis vs price. Please excuse the poorly drawn arrows.

Anyways, have a good week guys.

[itsworn]

We Visit The 400-Car Property For Sale In Canada, It’s Wonderland.

For Sale: Wonderland.

Mike Hall’s 400-car collection and all the land it sits on can be yours if you dare to dream the same dream.

I’m sitting in my rental car outside of JP’s Diner in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, because JP very reasonably doesn’t open his doors before 7 AM. There’s a chill in the air as winter gives way to spring here in BC’s interior, with snow still visible on the mountains that ring the town. I’d driven up here before dawn from Kelowna, with Okanogan Lake’s 85 miles of shoreline my near constant companion just off the right shoulder, the sun creeping through the morning mist that until only a few moments ago shrouded the valley’s rocky peaks.

My contemplation of Canada’s weather patterns is broken by the sudden screech of tires and the insistent thumping of lumpy cam. A voice calls out to me from the entrance to the parking lot, a hearty ‘hey, is that you?’ emanating from the driver’s seat of a burgundy ’68 Chevelle SS. I look over at the clump of blonde dreads hanging out the window of the straight-piped muscle machine and smile. Mike’s here, and he’s now laying twenty feet of rubber on his way to the parking spot beside me.

I couldn’t have asked for a more accurate introduction to the barely contained ball of cerebro-kinetic energy that is Mike Hall. Now contemplating the other side of 60, Hall has barely slowed down in any area of his life. Alternately known ‘the Rusty Rasta,’ and ‘the Rasta Blasta,’ he still scales the cliff faces he’s been climbing since he was a teen, leading his team as they blast away dangerous chunks of rock before they can flatten tourists and locals on highways and rail lines below. With explosives. Lots of explosives. He still drives his 396 Chevelle SS with his foot flat to the floor,  and he’s still buying automobiles by the bushel.

This last character trait is a bit of an issue, you see, because Mike’s in the middle of trying to unload western Canada’s largest treasure trove of cars, trucks, and parts. Spread across three yards (and the contents of one museum) are well more than 350 of Hall’s personally-selected vintage machines, a gamut of rides that ranges from 40s-era domestics and European imports, to blistering 60s muscle, to a penchant for Sunbeam Alpines (of which he owns five).

The catch? He’s keen on selling everything, all at once, including the land and the buildings that sit on it, rather than wasting his time trying to deal the vehicles piecemeal to hundreds of potential online tirekickers. The asking price is a cool $1.4 million Canadian (just over $1 million in Yankee bucks), and it’s been nine months since the listing went live. I didn’t have a million of anything, really, but I did have a camera, and I was determined to walk it through the gates of Mike’s Northwestern wonderland before they closed forever.

It’s our first meeting in person after a few weeks of phone calls, and after shaking hands and waiting for the rest of Mike’s crew to join us, we walk into the diner and pick a table near the middle of the establishment. Plopping down beside Mike at breakfast is Felix, who confirms the Hall has done little to temper his habit in the face of the impending divestment. Along with his partner, Olivier, seated to my left, the two have traveled all the way to B.C. from Switzerland, where Felix’s custom car shop (Cars and Bikes Schaffhausen) is based. They have spent the last five days taking a serious inventory of Mike’s properties and vehicles with an eye towards buying the entire kit and caboodle.

‘Mike, how many cars did you buy even during the short time that we have been here?’ Felix asks, cajoling his new friend. At first, Hall denies having expanded the collection, but before long Felix, bright-eyed and quick to laugh behind his wild beard, has reminded him of the at least four cars Mike picked up, sight-unseen, over the phone while the duo were in earshot.

‘I’ve actually bought about 40 cars, total, since I first listed everything last year,’ Hall finally admits. ‘It’s the same old story: if I see something I want, I buy it and cart it home, no questions asked.’

It’s this take-no-prisoners approach to automotive accumulation that has landed Mike in his current predicament: what to do with so many projects, and a finite amount of time to get them all done. We’re not talking about mid-life malaise, either, although that has played no small part in Hall reconsidering his approach to car collecting. ‘A friend of mine who was in a similar situation – he spent his inheritance on a car collection – died at 65, and his wife sold everything off at pennies on the dollar. It really made me think that if I drop dead tomorrow, I don’t want to be that guy. My own wife would curse me for leaving her with that burden.’

More immediately, it’s largely about the fact that the man spends the vast majority of his time out on the road with his rock scaling business, leaving him few spare moments to restore any of the vehicles he has dragged home.

‘It’s all I ever did, since I was 18 – hang on ropes, blow shit up,’ he told me over a plate of eggs and hash browns. ‘Try not to fall – a four letter word, only happens once,’ he said, with the gallows chuckle of anyone who’s ever had to square away the realities of a dangerous job with the confidence and competence required to get it done, day in, day out.

The entire time we’re talking – shooting the breeze with Felix and Ollie about the classic car market in Switzerland (Mustangs, Camaros, and Mopars, although Felix just finished a $100k C-body restoration for a client), pointing out the framed photos on the wall of the diner of cars that Mike himself brought back to life – Hall is showing me pictures of recent acquisitions and projects-in-progress on his phone. ‘I’ve got ADD,’ he tells me, ‘so it’s easy for me to get distracted.’

That unrestrained enthusiasm for everything (especially if it’s got four wheels) shines through in the comprehensive nature of what Mike’s ended up collecting over the years. When I ask him what he thinks he has the most of, his buddy Avery, who has also joined us for breakfast, chimes in with a resounding ‘JUNK!’ There’s a roar of laughter from the group, who by now are standing in JB’s parking lot getting ready to make the 15 minute drive up to Mike’s.

By the time we get to the yard, however, my rental car panting and foaming at the mouth trying to keep up with Hall’s SS, I can easily see that Avery’s crack simply isn’t true. From the road, row upon row of Mopars, Fords, Buicks, and Oldsmobiles gleam alongside the White Post Auto Museum that abuts the most recent location for Hall’s armada, but that’s not our first stop. Instead, Mike wheels his Chevelle up the dirt path that leads up behind the museum, past two rows of shops, and into a yard framed by shipping containers on the left, and a garage on the right.

‘Welcome to the overflow yard,’ Mike says to me with an expansive sweep of his arms. This is where his latest acquisitions stop to catch their breath before being sorted and moved to a more permanent resting place, and in a word, it’s glorious. My eye darts from the late-60’s Cutlass hardtop to the pair of 67 Dodge Charger 383s sitting side-by-each, to the patina-ed Ford pickup with the bullet hole in the windshield. There’s a mid-50s two-door Chevy wagon facing off against a Pontiac of similar vintage, cuddled up to a three-door, late-60s three-door Suburban and a two-door former GMC ambulance with an air conditioner carved into the side. In short, it’s a (somewhat) moveable feast for the eyes, sitting proud in the B.C. mud.

‘It started with Novas,’ he tells me as we walk through the muddy puddles that separate the machines. ‘My first car was a ’51 International, but really it was the next one, my ’61 Alpine that got things started for me. After I ran that into the side of a mountain at about a hundred miles an hour – it had a V6 Capri motor in it – I ended up buying six or seven little 62-65 Novas, and eventually a ’67 with an L79 that I traded for my Chevelle.’  The SS has its own unique back-story, of course. ‘I sold the car to a buddy, but regretted it and bought it back 15 years later. Turns out he’d never processed the paperwork, so it was titled in my name that entire time. Technically, I’ve owned it for almost 25 years now.’

I asked him when, exactly, the tipping point occurred: the moment in time where ‘six or seven Novas’ became a living, breathing car collection? ‘Probably when it had grown to 30 cars and I had to move it the first time, then it was 60 and I had to move it the second time, then it was 200 and I came home and the gate on my farm was locked and my wife put her foot down and said “get this shit off my farm,” and then it was almost 400 and I’m like “what the fuck have I done?”‘ he replies, laughing.

We maneuver through the overflow and into the body shop, where Mike’s working on restoring a Plymouth Sport Satellite ragtop with a big block – one of the growing numbers of Mopars that he’s added to the fleet in recent years. I ask him how he decides what to buy. ‘My tastes have changed as I’ve evolved over the years, but I still like all kinds of cars,’ he says to me, pointing out the firewall tag on the car that’s hanging, rotisserie-style, awaiting paint. ‘I’ve got 59 through 61 Buick Invicta bubbletops, 60 and 61 Olds bubbletops, just picked up a 61 Cadillac bubbletop. I just love the design, that back window, man, that skinny little back B-pillar, you roll the windows down and there’s eight feet of air. Super cool!’

The Mopar angle has lead him to some interesting places, with a number of low-production Dodges and Plymouths now haunting the grounds. ‘I’ve got another one of these Sport Satellite rags, a numbers-matching 60 Road Runner 383 four-speed, two 70 Super B’s, a 70 Coronet wagon, a ’67 Formula S, a few Demons, and a Duster 340 four-speed Go-Wing car, although that one’s just a shell,’ he tells me as we walk down the dirt road from the overflow paddock to the museum. He wants to take me inside and show me some of his finished projects, which are mixed in on the floor with cars belonging to the White Post’s owners, Vance and Keri Tierney. I see an Alpine, Chevs, rods, a Model T, but the real show-stopper is a 1946 Mercury Ute – probably the only one in the country, and perhaps the only example left in North America. Originally built in Canada as a coupe, and shipped Down Under to be finished, at the time the pickup bed at the back of the Ute was the largest automotive stamping in the world. Most were Fords, but somehow, this one’s a Merc, and I’ll never see another one in my lifetime.

This Canada-by-way-of-Australia-only specimen is one of over a dozen Canuck-specific cars in the collection. Right outside the museum’s side-door is the highway-facing lot that houses the attention-grabbers in the collection, the cars that cause people to pull over, pull in, and start kicking tires. Mixed in with the Dodge and Plymouth crew are Javelins, AMXs, and a gang of Pontiac Beaumont Sport Deluxes, with the latter never having been offered south of the border. Sprouted from the forehead of the Acadian – Canada’s maple-coated Chevy II – Beaumonts were intended to tickle the premium fancies of the moderately well-to-do, becoming their own model line in 1966 and even offering big block power in Sport Deluxe trim (which also featured full consoles and bucket seats), making them kissing cousins to the Chevelle SS. The full-size Pontiac Parisienne (Canada’s B-platform, top-of-line sedan with vague links to both the Bonneville and the Chevrolet Caprice, only…different) is also represented.

Mike’s all-encompassing automotive tastes are reflected everywhere you look: a 1976 Ford Courier pickup sits in a line of retired American iron, a two-door 59 Chevy Brookwood wagon juts its fins out in a row of Invictas, a 66 Mercury Comet Caliente poses beside a Galaxie 500 fastback. At the back, along a fence, sits a wide array of trucks – a ’26 Chevrolet, an Austin panel, and wreckers from the 50s, 60s, and 70s – nestled behind a gathering of Alpines, panel vans, and a single Opel GT.

To describe each and every vehicle that I’m seeing would require an encyclopedic knowledge of the automotive landscape, but not only does Mike instantly identify, without exception, the make, model, and options offered by each of the cars in the yard, he also has their complete back-stories readily available to him via some fantastical mental Rolodex that has tracked the provenance of every purchase he’s ever made for the past four decades. The fount of knowledge and insight that pours from his mouth, without hesitation, is overwhelming as he gives me a guided tour through his ensemble of classic metal. This is no accidental accumulation, nor the tortured self-made prison popularized by a hundred Discovery Channel hoarders, but the conscious realization of a passion that has consumed most of the man’s life.

‘Every car in the yard I thought, ‘I’m going to restore that one day,’ Mike says as we pile into his Chevelle for a quick trip down the road to the field that holds the remainder – or is that motherlode? – of his collection. ‘And then you wake up one morning and you’re 60 fucking years old and you realize, ‘I’m not going to live long enough.’ You’ve have to be 300 to get it done, and you still might not make it.’

After a full-throttle run down the road, where Hall demonstrates the vibration the SS has picked up above 4,000 rpm in third and fourth gear – ‘I think it’s the driveshaft, at this point’ – we arrive at the gate to the last piece of his empire. Consisting of a restoration shop, a small house, and about 200 more cars sitting in the field just a short walk downhill from driveway, it’s where a mix of the less-common, but still solid pieces of his collection live.

‘I’m not really a car restorer, I’m just learning with these projects,’ he tells me on a quick tour of the shop.’ ‘I like buying them, but I’m going to pick easier ones to do from now on. Some of the cars I’ve done in the past should have been crushed, they were in such a sorry state when we started. But I didn’t know that, and I pushed through and restored them anyway – like that Challenger up on the wall of the diner. It was a 318 car, and we did a 340, and I lost 10k on it after I sold it. I had 400 hours of sheet metal work getting the rust out of it, and there was just no money to be made afterward.’

By now we’re picking our way down the hill – the one that made Mike quit smoking several years ago, he tells me – and I’m getting a full view of the field ahead. It’s the kind of eclectic mix you’ll never find in a salvage yard, because it takes heart, not an accountants beady eye, to gather these vehicles together and then take care of them for close to 40 years. My own peepers pick out a pair of FJ40 Land Cruisers, a Studebaker Lark Wagonaire and sedan, a mid-size Mercedes-Benz and of course another Alpine. Old drag cars, their livery faded but still boastful, sit beside a clump of Corvairs, GM pickups, and even a Simca. I’m blown away, but somehow not surprised when Mike reveals yet another piece of Canadian history – a Meteor Ranchero – that counts only 299 original brothers and sisters, with who knows how few remaining.

It’s the automotive equivalent of ‘Field of Dreams,’ only instead of corn, Iowa, and Kevin Costner, we’ve got mountains, metal, and a far more engaging leading man. I stand there in the spring silence for a few moments, gazing out at the cars carefully organized in front of me. Their doting caretaker stands beside me in a rare still moment of his own, a man whose mind is never far from this hallowed ground no matter how far his work takes him into the interior of Canada’s western-most province. For those few, fleeting seconds, I feel like I’ve tapped into that same, calming peace Mike finds here among his treasures.

We drive back to the main yard, the Chevy’s exhaust roaring and the tires squealing away from every stop. There’s more than one kind of Zen to be had out here amongst these machines, and I’m perfectly willing to accept big block bluster as an equally-restorative form of automotive therapy. On the way, Mike reflects on the magnitude of what he has to offer buyers like Felix and Ollie.

‘It’s a pretty tough sell,’ he admits. ‘Someone’s got to be as stupid as me, or as crazy as me to actually see the potential. If you picked 30 cars, restored them, you could sell the other 350 or so to fund the projects. There are a couple of huge shop buildings sitting on the land here in pieces, that could be put up to add another half a million or so to the property’s value.’

‘One guy can’t do all of this,’ he continues, a realization that he’s had for quite some time. ‘You need a team. Someone who can figure out what to part out, someone who can go online and connect with buyers. I don’t part anything – if I buy something for the shell, 30 years later, it’s still the same shell. If I buy it compete, 30 years later it’s still complete, save for a few four-doors that I’m willing to strip.’ It’s not boasting if it’s true, and I’ve just seen how much effort Hall has put into keeping his cars together, intact, and safe from the tin worm while in his care.

The truth is, there aren’t very many individuals like Mike left in the world. The stream of stories about big yards run by equally out-sized personalities has slowed to a trickle, and will eventually dry up completely as land values continue to climb and the number of people with the savvy and resources to maintain these sprawling collections dwindles away. With big-buck auctions brainwashing the masses into believing the only worthwhile classic is a 100-point restoration that doubles as a stand-in for your 401k, interest in drivers or complete, restorable cars as anything other than parts donors is at an all-time low.

Hall knows it, too. We say our good-byes just outside the overflow yard, and as I thanked him profusely for his time and generosity – I’d just been given a half-day guided tour through automotive history – he tells me how as part of the surge in attention his sale had gotten, he had been interviewed by Carol Ott on the CBC Radio 1’s stalwart ‘As It Happens.’

‘She asked me, Mike, how are you going to feel when they’re all gone,’ he says. ‘I’m sitting there in the shop looking out at all those cars, and I just started to cry.’ He pauses. ‘I realized it was like her asking me ‘how would you feel if we killed your kids right in front of you?’

For a moment his face loses the mischievous spark that’s been in his eyes ever since we met that morning. Then, almost as quickly, it’s back, and he smiles, laughs, shakes my hand again. He turns on his heel and walks back to the yard. After all, there are things to do, parts to order, phone calls to make – and children to take care of.

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