#but you know what? they changed that in 2015!

[andhumanslovedstories]

I am not closely following the election results tonight, but I am occasionally seeing flashes of them out of the corner of my eye. The most obvious sign that things aren’t going well right now is the complete lack of celebrating on my dash. I know what tumblr looks like when it’s happy. Maybe I’ll go to bed tonight and see something different in the morning. I hope to god that is the case. But I’m thinking about the way I’m thinking right now, and I want to get some stuff down before the future kicks in.

In 2016 I was in a period of my life I affectionately refer to as as my fuckup era. I wasn’t even fucking up really. More just chilling out and falling short of the vague expectations I’d had about what I was supposed to be doing after I graduated college. While my friends from college rented apartments in the city and got jobs that didn’t supply you with a uniform shirt, I lived at home and worked as a barista at a fancy movie theater. That’s a real job you can do for almost five years. I didn’t have a clue what the back half of my twenties should look like. The only long term plan I had in my life was moving out west with my best friend, and my plan for finding a job once I was out there was basically to cross my fingers and hope.

Those days weren’t bad on the whole, but it felt like I was not actually living a life so much as I was goofing off in the waiting room. Sometimes that felt embarrassing, sometimes it felt fun, and sometimes it felt like I was completely pointless to the world.

On 2016’s Election Day, I went to bed early. After watching the votes come in, I needed the night to be over. I woke in a world that felt different than it had been the night before—not just in the actuality of who would be president but down to its foundations. I realized for the first time how much hope I’d had in human nature because now I didn’t feel it anymore. It’s almost silly when I think about it—so many horrible things had already happened that year, people had done horrible things as long as there have been people, and I didn’t think I was naive to that—but something clicked into place that morning.

It felt the same way my world had changed a year earlier, in 2015 during my last semester of college. My college victory lap felt like a prolonged downward spiral. Very early in the morning on a Monday, after pulling an all-nighter and overwhelmed by self-loathing that I could not just motivate myself to work on a paper that had been my only thought all weekend, I self-harmed for the first time in a way that was impossible to pretend it was anything else. Earlier that weekend, I’d tried staving off the urges drawing or writing on my arm, something that did (and does) usually work. I’d written this quote in silver sharpie on my forearm: “Good is not a thing you are. It's a thing you do.”

I picked that quote from the Ms. Marvel comics and liked the words so much, I thought that I wouldn’t be willing to purposefully mess it up by hurting myself there. Didn’t work. They just made me feel more ashamed of myself as I did it.

That was the worst I had ever felt. Then, on the Friday of that week, a friend of mine was senselessly, brutally murdered.

It doesn’t feel now like there was ever a time before her death. My memoir class is now where I wrote about her. My favorite professor is now the one who held me as I cried. My final thesis, the culmination of my history degree, never got finished and certainly never got polished. I turned it what I had and got an A minus. Sometimes I think of rereading that paper to see if that’s the grade it actually deserved. We hadn’t been the closest friends, but my name was still on the email admin sent to professors, listing students who might be emotionally affected by this tragic event. Grace’s murder hangs over every memory I have with her and everything she ever touched. It feels like its own type of obliteration to leave her reduced to her death.

Grace wanted to be a lawyer because she believed in justice and also liked arguing. She could be rude when she wasn’t interested in what you were saying. When you caught her attention, you felt like the most fascinating person in the room. She was so proud of being Jewish. I watched her become proud of being gay. She was so universally friendly that it took me a year to realize that she actually liked specifically me. She had a somewhat silly laugh and an astonishingly luminous smile.

I thought less of the world and the people in it because of how she died. Trump’s election in 2016 felt like that.

After he won, I left stasis. From November through December, I thought harder about my future than I ever had before. Who did I want to be? What did I most value? What did I think was worth protecting? What work wouldn’t kill me to do? At one point, in presumably a fit of madness, I thought, “what if I got into politics.” Epiphany eventually hit me. By the time of Trump’s inauguration, I was already enrolled at community college, getting my pre-reqs for nursing school.

Now it’s election night again, eight years later. I live on the west coast with my best friend, in a house that we bought together. I work as a nurse in a hospital in a city where there are homeless encampments off every highway and someone begging for change on every corner. Meanwhile, there’s Palestine. Meanwhile there’s Sudan. Meanwhile refugees drown in the sea and border patrol shoots jugs of water. Even hurricanes have human cruelty now.

I don’t think people are inherently good or the universe inherently kind. But I am very good at tricking myself into thinking it for a little while, and when I do, I can remember the a specific feeling from Friday of my senior year, from that morning in November— how fucking hard the disappointment hit me because I had expected people to be better than this. It makes me want to be better than that.

I believe, and hope that I always will, that we can make a better world. I don’t know what it looks like, but I think I will see it in my lifetime. Those of us who can believe such things owe a bit of that naïveté to the world—not to excuse atrocities or think them impossible but to believe that we can stop them at all. You have to have a couple people sprinkled around who are genuinely shocked when people do bad things. It’s not that the pessimists are wrong, but you need the occasional counterbalance. I want to be a reasonable cynic’s pleasant surprise.

Every shift, I interact with people at their lowest and worst. I see the direct pipeline from pain to anger to violence, and how fragile that pipeline can be. So many situations can be changed by things as small as a warm blanket or a kind word. Violence can be quite easy to avert. Crises can be quite simply to resolve. Even when I know that whatever I do that shift will not change the circumstances of a person’s life, I think that what I do that shift still matters.

I’m lying in bed, writing this post instead of looking at the news. I wonder how tonight will change me. Been thinking about what I’ll do if Trump wins. Been thinking about how whatever I think I need to do under Trump will still need to be done if Harris clutches out a victory. I guess this is a pessimist’s optimism: to a degree the election doesn’t matter. Good is not a thing you are. It is a thing you do. Our better world will always take a lot of work.

But please god please, why can’t it be just a little easier to do it?

[lovemyromance]

"All fated mates end up together and it's happily ever after."

Yeah that doesn't hold true if the author herself writes that Rhys & Tamlin's parents didn't have luck with their mating bond. She couldn't written them as just an unhappy marriage, arranged marriage (like LoA & Beron, Mor & Eris almost)... but she made them MATES.

Doesn't matter if they're abusive. If fate was ALL that mattered - SJM wouldn't have even included that little tidbit.

Why create a universe where all mates get together and then show us not one but two instances of mates being together and being miserable?

If fate is right every time - then there would be ZERO instances of a mating bond gone wrong. Abusive people wouldn't deserve partners - point blank.

Like you're telling me mates are so rare and a perfect pairing of souls - but fate decided to deal such a gift out to a BAD PERSON? What's more - Fate decided to PUNISH a good person by pairing them up with an abuser?

That's what you're oh so great romantic standard of fated mates love implies??? That's fucked. I'm sorry - I'm not afraid to say that's a CRAZY message to send.

What's more / SJM wrote that not all mates pairings work out in the same conversation about Feyre questioning Elain & Lucien's mating bond.

Regardless of what you want to believe about Elucien - that is a damning factor.

Their entire idea of Elucien depends on the fact that they are mates. If they weren't revealed to be mates already - nobody would have read their already limited interactions and come to the conclusion that "yeah ... these guys are giving 'mates'".

Don't tell me I'm wrong. We have been given nothing about their relationship or compatibility during interactions to show us this couple has chemistry and would fit well together.

You can sit here and pull out a screenshot from 2015, you can sit here and fantasize about Lucien clicking with the kind of social butterfly Elain was at age 13 (bc yeah people never change from their preeeten selves) ....

But nothing on the page - not even a wayward thought about the couple from her sisters or friends and family - has done anything to suggest this couple is compatible. In fact, MULTIPLE characters have done the opposite. They have questioned their bond and pointed out how uncomfortable Elain & Lucien are around each other.

Just because Lucien allegedly "fucks like fire" whateva that means and SJM said once they'd like nature together (btw she also said Tamlin was her favorite just the year before) ... doesn't mean even SJM is planning for them to be together.

Not when everything she has done SINCE they've been declared mates has been against Elucien. The only saving grace of the Elucien ship has always been "but they're mates!"

And even that shit went up in flames the moment SJM said sometimes mates don't work out.

If that wasn't enough - SJM continued to write this couple to have the most uncomfortable stiff interactions for the next 3 books.

She continued to have OTHER characters even witness their reluctance to be near each other.

She continued to go on talk shows, give her stamp of approval interviews that all talked about when fate pairs you with the wrong person, about wanting to explore a rejected mating bond.

There has been so much evidence against Elucien that I'm convinced even the people that cling to the "but they're mates " excuse know they're on a sinking lifeboat.

Literally WHO ELSE could the rejected mates theory be about if not the ONLY unacceptable mating bond we have in the series??

Why would it NOT be about Elain & Lucien is the real question.

"Because Lucien isn't abusive"

Ok... and yall the same people who think the rejected mating bond is about helion & LoA... don't tell me you think that Helion is abusive now...

Face the facts! It's not too late to take the clown makeup off folks

[st-playhouse-story-blog]

Introduce new AU (Stranger things or ST:))

Greetings, my dear visitor, if you are reading this, you are interested in what I have to tell here.

Well, yes, this is my own fnaf AU, inspired by the old Affinity AU from 2015-2016 by artist Mobox87, and the first four fnaf games.

Warning you that all characters are inspired by the old original designs from 2015-2016, in which I added a few of my own changes (a few because I am very attached to these old designs, also this is a tribute to the old AU Mobox and herself, no matter what kind of person she turned out to be).

Anyways, let's get started;)

Sooooo....

The time setting for AU takes place in 1985, around the time when Freddy Fazbear's Pizza was just starting its popularity in the small town of Hurricane, Utah. The place quickly gained popularity among kids thanks to its delicious pizza and singing, animatronic animals on stage that were adored by all kids. They're brought joy and laughter into children's lives, making it a place filled with daily frivolity and joy.

One of the security guards at the establishment with an ever-smiling face and angelic blue eyes, Vincent Bishop, became a close friend and companion to many children since their very first visit. This was largely due to his kind and understanding gaze, which made him a trustworthy and friendly figure for all the children. The man never hesitated to extend a helping hand to kids and did his best to see their faces light up with the same smile. He repaired broken arcade machines, assisted children who got lost inside, and even encouraged shy kids to gather the bravery to make new friends.

He had a special love and care for his beloved daughter, Brandy Bishop, who also adored visiting her dad at work, albeit not frequently...

Of all the animatronic performers, Brandy's favorite was Bonnie, the purple rabbit with a guitar in hands. The rabbit had captured girl's heart so much that she drew him everywhere — at home, at school, and even in the pizza place itself.

One day, she even attempted to speak with him...

Knowing of daughter's profound affection for the purple bunny mascot, Vincent gifted her a plush version of Bonnie on her 6th birthday. From that day, Brandy was inseparable from the plush toy and couldn't part with him even for a moment.

The girl's love for the purple animatronic bunny reached the point where any outfit her mom, Renata Bishop, sewed for her was either purple or adorned with images of the bunny.

Renata love her daughter so much and willing any of her wishes. However, she also knew when to be strict if Brandy misbehaved or took her makeup or dresses without permission.

The young girl always wants to be as beautiful as her mother.

Due to Rena taking on too much work and struggling to keep up with orders, they're rarely visited Freddy Fazbear's Pizza place together, despite Brandy's constant requests to go there...

One of the pizza joint's frequent visitors was Bart Bishop, Brandy's freckled, red-haired cousin.

Bart absolutely love this place and often hanging out along with his pals to see their favorite mascot, Foxy the Pirate, enjoy the pizza, play arcade games, and spend time with his unc, Vincent, who just happened to be his dad's younger brother.

Bart was a die-hard fan of Foxy's shows and never missed a single performance when visiting the establishment. He loved repeating each and every one of the sly fox-pirate's catchphrases and even emulated some of his habits.

He had an unwavering affinity for all things pirate-related.

Vincent was warm and responsive to Bart just like he do with all other kids. However, he could be stern when Bart misbehaved in the pizzeria, threatening to tell his dad, Scott Bishop, if he acted up.

Scott was the manager of the establishment and often swamped with paperwork and sorts of other administrative tasks. He is very concerned about losing his position, which he took immense pride in, and thus, often took on an excessive workload to preserve his reputation and maintain his standing in the eyes of his boss. As a result, he spent very little time with his own son due to his hectic schedule...

After the death of Margaret, his late wife, Scott was overwhelmed with grief and struggled with depression for some time, but he eventually managed to pick himself back up and refocus on his career and aspirations. However, his focus on work often meant that he overlooked his own son, almost forgetting about him at times. In an attempt to make amends, Scott allows Barty to visit the restaurant almost daily, where he can enjoy free pizza and other free activities, leaving him under the watchful eye of Vincent.

....

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Indeed, everything is splendid.

Everyone is happy, everyone feels just fine.

Isn't this what happiness is all about: having the people you love and cherish healthy and joyful, right?…

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Well, I really hope that you will like it here and you will love this family just as much......

[unnonexistence]

i am just going to have to get used to ambiguously-defined variables and bad documentation, aren't i

[coddda]

I wish we could have met in some other way.

Lawlight Week Day 2: Soulmates

If you saw me repost and re-edit this several times uh No you didn't </3

Still frames/Individual gifs:

If you know what every frame is from you get a free cookie. by the way

[leoisstillalive]

absolutely life changing stuff that i can and WILL be normal about.

marc doing vale's corkscrew move ON VALE (haha pun intended) and valentino lovehating it more than anything

[sparrowsworkshop]

Thank Primus. She's finally in recharge. If you rouse her...by the Allspark, the lieutenant will be very displeased. I recommend stepping lightly. ~ First reveal of a Transformers OC I've been dreaming up for a couple years now! ✨ Who is this little sparkling, you ask? And what is she doing on Earth in the midst of the Decepticon rampage following the crash of the Alchemor? Both you and Bumblebee can find out in a future fic of mine! I hope to start publishing it before the year's end. Stay tuned ;) ~

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow, and each road leads you where you wanna go

And if you're faced with a choice and you have to choose, I hope you choose the one that means the most to you

And if one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile…. -"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts Reblogs are okay! But DO NOT REPOST

[pickapea]

my absolutely biggest online pet peeve is US centric people projecting their rich sorority girl bully stereotype of nurses onto everyone else, as if nurses aren't working class and mostly immigrants of colour everywhere else. and when did it become cool to hate on underpaid and exploited workers anyway

[sheliesshattered]

the number of times that I've been actively researching a scientific topic in preparation for writing a sci-fi story that incorporates that topic

and then brand new info on that topic is released into the scientific community. while I'm in the midst of reading up on it

is too damn high, and honestly starting to get a little spooky

[jattendschaton]

Genuinely, where are ML people congregating these days. None of the Discord servers I'm in are super active anymore and I barely see people in them posting about new episodes/specials and definitely not as they're airing. Where is the new episode camaraderie

There used to be so many active Discord servers and groups on Tumblr/Instagram who talked about where to find links for whatever was coming out and livestreamed episodes themselves and went crazy while watching them all together and I can't tell if this is something that has gone by the wayside fandom-wide or if I am a loser who just isn't invited to be part of these things

[silverislander]

have discovered a new enemy while doing research for the honours essay. why are you pretending to understand psychology and BLATANTLY misinterpreting actual terms and concepts in order to tear down a movie aimed at teenage girls, my good bitch. i'm going to start biting

[thatrandombystander]

Just got back from watching a production of Les Mis and yeah man to love another person really is to see the face of God 😭😭😭

[crunchycrystals]

watching the "ian misses the old smosh" sketch and killing everyone in the comments with my mind

[thetimecrystal]

four different people apologixed for not knowing where my url came frrom so i feel the need to share the song. the moment.

[palms-upturned]

Needed to listen to some music while I did the dishes and for some reason picked “von” from the zankyou no terror soundtrack and jesus god. Experiencing emotions that don’t exist.

[hardygalwrites]

Originally posted to FFN on the 9th of January, 2017

Simply archiving a writing challenge I did back in 2016 up to 2017 and featuring my favourite writing pieces from each week of the challenge here on Tumblr :]

← Week 21 (BB) – Week 23 (BB) →

Cartoon: Transformers Prime / Robots in Disguise 2015

Characters: Smokescreen, Knock Out, and Bumblebee, with appearances from numerous other characters (even ones not featured in the cartoons)

Synopsis: An Autobot Elite Guard rookie, a Decepticon medic turned Autobot, and an Autobot scout turned warrior turned street cop - three very different bots with a wide range of stories to tell. And we are going to spend the next year exploring said stories through daily-written drabbles, be they angsty, humorous, gut-punching, or just plain odd! Who doesn’t love a challenge? (2016 to 2017)

—

Short Stuff

Bumblebee tapped his comm. "I'm almost to the building, Blue. See anyone from up there?"

::Nnnnnope,:: Bluestreak replied. ::The place looks kinda deserted- Oh! I see you!::

"What?" Bumblebee spun around and began searching the surrounding slopes for the Autobot sniper. "Slag! But if you can see me-!"

::Relax, there's no one up here but me, and there's no one down there but you. Your position is not compromised, don't worry.:: Bluestreak paused, then chuckled. ::Aw, you look even smaller than usual from up here.::

Bumblebee groaned. "Oh, c'mon Blue, please don't start that again."

::Sorry, 'Bee. Small frames invite teasing.::

Ain't That a B**ch?

"Hey, team. I can't hear you, but I'm pretty sure you can hear me, so let's cut to the chase... There is no extraction plan. And I'm sorry, but... I just don't think Shockwave is about to let me get out of here easily.

"I sent out the transmission. I still don't know if it'll help us, which... might make this whole thing seem a bit pointless. It's okay, though. It's not the first time I've sacrificed myself because someone said 'hopefully it'll help'. It's not ideal, but when the odds are stacked against us, that's all we can really do..."

Not Dead Yet

Bumblebee was dazed and injured when he finally reached the scrapyard gateway. He barely registered the arrival of his frantic teammates, not until Strongarm and Drift picked him up off the ground.

Strongarm's frantic voice reached his audio receptors. "Bumblebee, what happened?"

"...as much as I would love to tear you into so many little pieces, we both know that your life is not the worst thing you have to lose. But your team..."

"I have to... warn..." Bumblebee rasped, snapped out of the memory. "He's back... He's coming back...!"

With that, Bumblebee's system failed him and he fell into stasis.