#fast food vouchers

[shehzadsays]

food vouchers fast food vouchers sale on food in pakistan different brand sale on food

[ajarofpickledtears]

imagine buying something or signing a contract without reading all conditions and then getting mad about something in the fine print ahdjfjahdjw

[cherriesformatt]

first mother’s day || matt sturniolo

summary: little blurb about celebrating your first Mother’s Day it’s Matt and your daughter

warnings: none just fluff

world count: 759

a/n: just a little part to the pregnancy series 🤭 since it’s mother’s day tomorrow. I didn’t prof read yet

I woke up because first of all I did not hear white noise from the camera monitor and also didn’t feel Matt’s presence next to me. I slept whole night and that was surprising because we came here and Noa was in the room next to us. We traveled to Boston to see Marylou.

I stretched in bed and opened my eyes. I looked at the monitor and Noa’s crib was empty so she must have woke up already. I looked at the clock and it was 10.

“What the fuck?” I stood up from the bed.

I usually was up like at 6 to feed her and get her ready for the day. I opened the doors and smell of bagels and coffee filled my nose.

I was wearing Matt’s tee and pajama pants and I grabbed my glasses before I left my room.

I went downstairs into the kitchen and I gasped.

“Happy First Mother’s Day baby!” Matt yelled at me and I was literally stunned.

“Happy Mother’s Day y/n!!!!” The rest of the family was also there.

There were flowers everywhere. Kitchen was filled with all my and their mom’s favorite food and snacks. There were gift bags and I looked at my little girl. She was all happy in her chair. She was wearing a dress and she had a little bow in her hair. He dressed her up so cute. She squinted when she saw me.

“What is this all? Oh my god guys… you didn’t have to… come here my beautiful baby” I picked her up and kissed her head few times.

“Well…I wanted to do something special for you” he kissed my head.

“Thank you guys…and Happy Mother’s Day” I looked at them and than Marylou and came to give her big hug.

“Oh honey it’s all about you today” She said giving me a big smile.

“Oh no if it wasn’t about you then I wouldn’t have all of this” I smiled and kissed Noa’a cheek.

“Look at you baby….dada picked up such a beautiful outfit for you” I said to my daughter.

“Well… it was Mom and actually she got that outfit from Justin” He said scratching his neck.

“Of course… Matt wouldn’t put her in all pink but uncle Justin got her” Justin smiled and I laughed.

“You’re so cheesy Justin” I said and Noa wanted to go to her grandma so I let Marylou take her.

“I slept till now it’s a miracle” I said to Matt.

“I was hoping you will…” He said and gave me a quick kiss.

We talked and have the breakfast all together as we watched Noa play with Trever on the floor. She was 9 months now and she was so independent already. I had tears in my eyes every time I thought about her growing so fast. I was such a mother.

“Okay so we let mom already open her presents but those are all for you” Matt said when I was sipping my juice sitting at the island when he was cleaning.

“Matt you literally didn’t have to get me anything I am happy we can be here and spend time as family” I said taking the bags.

“I need to make my baby momma happy” he said and I just made a face at him.

“Don’t ever say that” I laughed and opened the gifts.

One of them was a designer bag from Matt and matching shoes from Nick and Chris. Cards and charms to my bracelet from their parents. I also got spa day voucher from Justin.

“You all are impossible spending money on my like that! It’s… thank you” I said and just came and gave Matt a big hug.

“I love you so so so much thank you for making me a mom” I closed my eyes when my head rested on his chest.

“See… that’s a crazy thing to say as well” he said and I laughed.

“But I love you too… and it was all Noa don’t look at me” He hugged me tight to him.

“They all also said we should go out tonight and they will watch Noa for us” he smiled.

“Are you inviting me for a date?” I smiled back.

“Yes… it’s a date” he said.

“Let me think about it” I said just to fuck with him a little.

“I hate you” he said and i stand on my toes to kiss his lips.

He kissed me back and than I smiled even more. It was all perfect today.

[drawing-prompt-s]

GoFundMe: Getting the kitten to the vet...

for a rabies shot, FIV testing, and a possible upper respiratory infection!

So someone sent in the last $305 I needed while I was asleep. I'm transferring it to my account now which means I'm a) shutting off the GFM as soon as the transfers process and b) taking in the kitten as soon as the money becomes available to me - so likely by Friday I'll take her in, or Saturday or Monday (they do half days Saturday, and are closed Monday).

GoFundMe Link Paypal Link

Venmo Link Cashapp Link

Multiple payment options available because I am typically asked for alternatives to GFM and PP.

$350 / $350

-------------

INFORMATION + VIDEO UNDER THE CUT!

From the GoFundMe description:

Hello!

So, unplanned, there is a new kitten in the house as of Feb. 22, 2024. (Not Jolene's, she is fixed). When at my friend's house - where I will be moving in a few months - we found out that a cat that comes to visit often is not only owned, but a mom. However, the neighbor doesn't want the kittens, so he always puts them outside and leaves them there. I could no, in my right mind, leave the kitten outside by a trashcan and under a tire in February of all months, so I brought her home.

So far I have treated her for hookworms, given her the vaccines I can do myself, and looked into getting a spay voucher from one of the local shelters. The kitten is roughly 3 months old.

However, current concerns are that she may have an upper respiratory infection (and there is always the concern that she could be FIV+). She has an inflamed eye with a regular and concerning amount of discharge and has for a few days. I have also caught her sneezing and she has started coughing on more than a few occasions. She also has a few other signs of sickness - anemia, the runs, and some blood spotted in it. If it is a URI, I need to catch it as fast as possible because I also have Jolene, my 3 year old cat. She absolutely also needs FIV testing and a rabies shot because of that, and because where we are moving there are other cats.

Jolene and the kitten have both been getting along well. The kitten loves to follow her around and Jolene acts more like the disgruntled big sister (don't let her fool you, I have caught them playing regularly - she just needs her alone adult time too).

I have already altered a bit of my projected finances and removed money from my savings to care for the kitten and help her. But there is only so far that can go as I also need to be able to afford gas, food, and furniture for the upcoming move (I'm going to start buying things soon so I can put it together and move my stuff prior to the official move date). I was trying to put off a full vet visit until sending the kitten in for a spay, but with her eye and the possibility of infection spreading to other cats, it can no longer wait.

I am shutting off this GFM as soon as I reach the goal. The vet said to budget for a little more than $300, between the base cost of a visit, FIV testing, rabies, and potential treatment for an Upper Respiratory Infection- assuming it's nothing too major. And I added a little more to what I am expecting because GFM does take a fee from donations.

If the kitten does end up being FIV+ we do have rehoming options available or I will find someone better suited to handle an FIV+ cat (either already having one of their own or a home with no pets).

I tried to take a video of the eye, but as you can imagine, a 3 month old kitten isn't the most keen on staying still, haha.

-------------

Let me add in the breakdown as well, now that I think about it:

Base cost for my vet to see a new cat (even as a pre-established client with other cats treated there): $100

FIV testing: $40

Rabies (and other vaccines I may be missing I was unable to do myself): $35 - $45

And the vet recommended budgeting about $100 for medications depending on what they find (if she still has worms, if she has other parasites due to being outside untreated, if she has a URI like the current concern is): $100

The rest is tax, the % upcharge for using a card, and to negate the fees that GFM with-drawls from each donation.

[strawheart-pirate]

What they do for their sick s/o who can’t leave the ship

Sanji, Nami, Law, Penguin & Shachi, Kid, Killer

CW: SFW. This is just fluff. no drugs, no alcohol, no smokes, just soup and pampering. Comfort. They go above and beyond for you.

Scenario: After weeks at sea, you finally reached an island, but you were unable to leave the ship. You had the flu, and because it came with a cough, fever and chills, you were not allowed to leave your bed. Your s/o went on the island to get some goods, and maybe they have a surprise for you.

Read part 1 here: Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, Franky, Brook

Sanji

- Since Sanji is a good listener and observer, he knew exactly what you needed. - Although he didn't want to leave your side, he had to gather a few things that would help you overcome your sickness. It took him only a short time to gather everything and he was back sooner than you expected. - He prepared a nice stew with only the best and freshest veggies and wrapped some small gifts. Not long after, he wheeled a small service cart next to your bed. It was packed with the small gifts, flowers in a vase and a steaming stew full of veggies. - “Sanji, it smells delicious.” – “I made you a very rich stew. We’ll get you back on your feet in no time with my special care.” You smiled at him. He insisted on feeding you, even though you were perfectly capable of holding the spoon with your own hands. You sulked at first but seeing him so happy made you enjoy it. - After your meal you unwrapped the little gifts. It was a few souvenirs and the one thing you’d been talking about for weeks. “Thank you, Sanji.” – “Anything for you. Now tell me. Do you want me to give you a massage, or do you want to watch a movie, or how can I help you?” - “This may sound strange, but can you read to me or tell me a story while I try to sleep?” – “Of course, just make yourself comfortable. Shall I tell you stories of the North Blue?” Sanji sat down on the bed beside you, and you made yourself comfortable and laid your head on his lap. - You fell asleep listening to Sanji’s smooth voice.

Nami

- Would boss the whole crew around to make you feel better and recover faster. Sanji would get most of her wrath, and he’d be ordered to cook you a soup and whatever you want. - Hits Luffy when he tries to steal your food away and is in a very bad mood because she wanted to enjoy the island together with you. - You would send her off to the island to give everyone a break (but make sure not to phrase it like that!). She would be gone for the whole day. - When she returns, she’ll apologize (but only to you) for being so stressed, but she’s just worried. She’d tell you about how she got nearly everything for free and show you all the new clothes and accessories. - In the end, she’d hand you a small box. She got you a little souvenir with the name of the island on it and added a voucher to it. “For later. We could take the shark submerge and visit an island of your choice...” She said with a soft smile, and you were once again amazed at how generous Nami could be. “Thank you Nami, you’re the best. I’m looking forward to our little trip.” You hugged her show your gratitude. - You spent the evening watching a movie until you fell asleep on her shoulder.

Trafalgar Law

- Your captain was very strict about the bed rest he prescribed you, so no island for you. Not even a glimpse of it. - Though he acted serious and cold towards you, his heart ached when you begged him to go. But it was for your own good that he was this persistent. - He made sure to have Bepo watch over you, knowing that you loved the bear and that he would be able to comfort you. - As he went about his duties on the island, his mind wandered off to you frequently and he thought hard about he could get you to lighten your mood and make up for not being able to visit the island. - He returned to the Polar Tang with a small bag in his hand. As he entered the room, you were fast asleep. He placed the paper bag on your nightstand and was about to leave quietly, when you shifted. - The smell of your favorite pastry woke you up and you saw Law before he could leave the room. “Law?” He slowly turned around. “I came to check on you, but you were asleep and-“ You interrupted him as you saw the paper bag on the nightstand. “Is that what I think it is?” Your eyes sparkled with excitement as you grabbed the bag and looked inside. “You went to a bakery for me?” You flashed him a smile and he looked away feeling caught. “Don’t read too much into it…” he muttered. You took his hand and smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Law.”  Law only squeezed your hand a little as an answer. “I have to go to set the new course.” He mumbled and left the room. - You just giggled at how flustered he was. As you ate your favorite pastry, you smiled thinking about how Law really went out of his way to treat you.

Penguin & Shachi

- They sat on either side of your bed and cried as if you were going to die. But you weren’t, and no matter how many times you told them, that you were going to get better, they still cried. The trash was full of wet tissues, and as much as you liked them, you needed a break. - So, you sent them off to the island to do whatever they wanted. - They were determined to find you something, anything that would help you and keep you from dying. They were not that good at cooking, so they needed to help you in another way. - When they came across a beauty shop, they went in. They took notes on how to do nails, how to give proper massages and how to do face masks and compressions. They left the shop with a large bag full of creams, oils, and tools. - Once they returned, Shachi prepared the tub for you with your favorite bubble bath and your rubber ducky, and washed your hair while you soaked in the tub. Meanwhile Penguin set up the room ready for your surprise. When you came back into the room, you noticed all the candles, cosmetics, and the incense sticks. It smelled nice. - “What’s this all about?” – “We can’t help your immune system, but we can help you relax.” Penguin explained and soon you found yourself being pampered by the men. Their hands were not as skilled as the professionals with the utensils or the movements, but they managed it quite well. And you really enjoyed it. - If you ask them to do your nails, they will make a competition out of it. - You had the most precious spa day with these guys and your weakened body really enjoyed their pampering.

Eustass Kid

- Kid was angry. Not at you, but the fact that you couldn’t get out of bed because of that damn flu really pissed him off. You tried to calm him down and told him, that you were okay (you weren’t okay, but he needed to calm down, so you swallowed your own sadness), but he wouldn’t listen. - “If I can’t kill the fucking flu, I’ll at least burn this fucking island to the ground.” He said and left. You were left alone in your bed, hoping for the best. - Kid left the ship alongside Killer. “Do you know how to kill the flu?” - “Give it some time and they will be fine. Some soup or medicine can ease the symptoms.” - With that in mind, Kid wandered around with an angry expression on his face. The people who came across him hid behind walls or changed their direction, no one wanted to be the one facing his wrath. Finally, Kid found what he was looking for. - “You!” He broke down the door and scattered inside. “You're caring for a sick one, I saw it from outside.” He had an angry scowl on his face, a vein was ticking, and his voice was demanding. The woman at the stove nodded hesitantly. - “I need that soup and whatever you have, that makes a sick person feel better. Now.” He commanded with a twisted smile. The frightened woman hurried up and placed a soup, some herbs, and creams in a bag. “Well done.” He said and left for the ship. - “The soup is good.” You smiled at him and took another spoonful of it. “That’s good, otherwise I’d tear this city apart.” You saw that he was restless and tense. “Tell you what, come here.” You moved to one side of the bed, and he sat down beside you, putting an arm around you. “Can you show me your little trick?” You asked and he smirked and was about to give a cocky answer, but you had already placed some screws and small metal parts in his palm before you continued to eat your soup. So, he let it slide and activated his powers. First, he locked the door, no need for an audience, and then he stacked the parts and formed little butterflies with them. You watched in awe as he let them fly across the room. - You set down the now empty bowl. “Thank you.” You said and played with one of the little metal creatures as Kid watched the scene with a confident smile.

Killer

- He has a plan. He knows how to deal with a sick Captain Kid, and he definitely knows what you need. - Grabbing his list, he went to the island and was determined to be back soon. But then Kid caused some trouble on the island, and he had to deescalate the whole situation. He came back with everything on his list, an angry captain, and a sour mood. - He went into the kitchen and started to prepare everything for you. If anyone entered the kitchen, he would take his anger out on them, so everyone avoided going near the kitchen, no matter how hungry they were. - You woke up when a now calm Killer entered the room with a hot meal, some meds, and a bottle of water. “Hey, sorry if I woke you up.” You gave him a tired smile and a delicious smell entered your nose. “It’s okay. Did you cook?” – “Yeah, hope it helps you get better.” You sat up and he placed the food on your lap. It tasted good and you hummed appreciatively. “Thank you. It’s delicious.” – “I’m glad you like it. I also bought some meds, just in case.” He said placing the meds on your nightstand. - After the meal, Killer sat down beside you and you curled up against him. You mumbled a small 'thank you' and quickly fell asleep while Killer watched over you.

All content unless otherwise stated belongs to: ©Strawheart-pirate. Please do not copy / modify / translate / repost my writing, banners or art on other platforms. Comments, reblogs or likes are highly appreciated!

[aetherdoesthings]

Heyyyy!!! ( ≧∀≦)ノ!!!! I was on tiktok, and now I have an idea. Can we get a Nami and Robin one where you're being rung up, and then the person would ask, "Will you be paying with cash or card?" "Wife" and then we move to let them pay. I think with the way way you write for them it would be perfect.

heyyy!!! (ツ ) ! so the thing is i deleted tiktok from my phone bc it got too addicting, but that sounds like such a funny idea i wanted to write it out.

forethoughts: there's a scenario for the two of them, and in each scenario the question will be asked and reader will answer 'wife'.

notes: modern setting, gn!reader

Nami

“I can’t believe you decided to eat at a McDonald’s, out of all places.” Nami let out a scoff.

“What’s wrong with that?” You frown.

“They’re shrinking their food and raising their prices, that’s what’s wrong!”

“But it’s still good.” You look at your girlfriend with those puppy eyes you knew she couldn’t say no to.

“Fine.” Nami rolled her eyes, digging into her purse as she pulled out her wallet.

“Alright, so that’s going to be $20.75. Will you be paying with cash or card?” The cashier presses a few buttons on the register, looking at you with a blank and bored look.

You smiled happily, stepping to the side as you grabbed Nami’s arm. “Wife.”

“What-”

“Hi.” Nami smiled sweetly at the cashier. “Here’s two vouchers, each takes ten dollars off any meal. And seventy five cents.”

Of course Nami wasn’t willing to spend more than a dollar at all at some fast food restaurant, even for you.

The cashier took it, putting it into the system. The moment Nami had the ticket to your meal in her hand, she said a quick thanks to the cashier before dragging you away.

“How do you even have a voucher for McDonald’s?” You asked her, perplexed.

“I have a voucher for everything, dear.” Nami smirked at you.

“How?”

“That’s a secret, dear.” Nami winked at you, planting a kiss on your forehead. “And I have vouchers for every fast food chain, since I know you like it so much for some reason. Really, if you want some good food, I’ll take you to a really nice restaurant, sweetie.”

“You’d pay for that but not for McDonald’s?”

“Certainly not!”

You stared at her with a confused look. Accepting Nami’s logic, you intertwined fingers with her, waiting for your dinner to be made.

Robin

“Why can’t I have both?” You whined, frowning at your girlfriend.

“Because it’s late, and you just had dinner. You don’t have enough space to fit two ice cream cones into your mouth.” Robin calmly explained.

“I promise I’ll finish both!” “Y/N.”

You frowned, as you walked up to the cashier, ordering one vanilla ice cream.

“Alright, that’ll be $4. Will you be paying with cash or card?”

You smile, a thought creeping to your mind. “Wife.”

“What do you mean by-”

You grab Robin’s arm, dragging her to face the cashier as you step to the side. She flashed you a dangerous look, before smiling at the cashier, paying with cash. When the cashier turns around to make the ice cream, Robin stares at you, a playful smirk on her face.

“I thought you brought your wallet with you, sweetheart.” Robin said.

“I did.”

“And you’re making me pay?”

“Mhm!” “Just because I didn’t let you eat two ice cream cones?”

You smile at Robin.

Robin returned the smile, but her eyes told you that once you got back home, she would make you regret your decision.

“One vanilla ice cream.” The cashier handed Robin your ice cream. Robin gave the cashier a quick thanks, before taking your hand and leading you back to the car. She gave you your cone, watching you eat the ice cream quickly before it could melt. You savored the dessert Robin bought for you, because you knew the moment your car pulled up to your house, you were at Robin’s full mercy.

[thornsent]

the poll is for attention but I'm curious what of this curiosities people would be drawn to... applying for apartments is really expensive when you're on an extremely fixed income due to disability and my partner and I really desperately need our own place!! things are really rough, please help us afford applications and down payments!!

vnm0 alumirust csh4pp $doppelgougar pypl alumirust@gmail.com

more info below the cut VVV

my girlfriend & I are both disabled queers currently unemployed while we try to apply for SS(D)I benefits. the state we live in blessedly has a temporary disability program but it's only $200/month, meaning we have very little income to work off of and our food stamps can only go so far for each of us. we're also in the midst of a housing crisis while we try to find an apartment on my section 8 voucher. we're living off of my girlfriend's savings while she was still able to work, but that's running out (and fast considering the car repairs she had to make and our unstable food situation as of late) and I'm really worried about being able to pay for applications and down payments. they're like $50/person here and the down payments would eat through our savings basically immediately, I'm genuinely terrified we're going to run out of money without a place to go and end up having to live out of her car.

[fuck-customers]

I fucking hate working with customers. Work in a fast food/cafe hybrid that's usually only manned by 1-2 people.

Considering the nature of the place it's not unusual to have to multitask, in the sense that while I'm taking a customers order I occasionally have to also be 1) making coffees 2) plating cakes 3) ringing up vouchers 4) bagging orders 5) restocking the section nearby the register, and so on and so forth, lest I fall behind and get swamped with orders.

Most people seem to understand this when they see I'm alone, but the few people who get haughty/bitchy when they're not getting my complete undivided attention never fail to piss me off. Prime example from a couple days ago, this woman approaches my register while I'm in the middle of a relatively big coffee order, so as opposed to making her wait I shuffle over to the register (coffee machine is right beside it) and go about the usual 'hi how can I help you' bullshit while still fixing shots and mixing the various syrups.

She raises an eyebrow at first, then starts her order. The moment I take my eyes away from her general direction to get a coffee wand for another shot, she pauses until I look back; my immediate reaction is 'Oh for fucks sake, it's one of these people'. Rinse and repeat this immature silent treatment until finally she says something like, 'You know, if you're too busy to look at me maybe you shouldn't have asked for my order'.

Like bitch are you serious? I'm clearly listening to you considering I've got down all your stupid items and their bullshit modifications thus far. You're really so childish you can't handle a worker doin their job not giving you undivided attention?

Asked her if she wanted to finish her order now or wait until I was done with the current one, to which she just said to cancel it because 'my attitude ruined her experience too much'. Fuck you, I hope you don't come back; and if you do I hope I'm in the middle of another order so we can do this dance again.

Posted by admin Rodney.

[chronicallycouchbound]

Unhoused Solidarity In Action

This is a non-exhaustive list of resources you might have access to, or know of, that can be used to aid unhoused community members directly. Many of these focus on direct mutual aid as individuals but can be helpful to consider when in community organizing settings. - What do you (or someone you know) have access to, that you can provide to the community? - Can they be accessed, used, or provided: regularly, occasionally, only in emergencies, weekly, daily, sporadically, consistently, etc.? - Consider seasonal needs (winter coats don’t help us when it’s 90 degrees out!) - Remember to practice active, informed consent with individuals and ask if these would be helpful! Don’t take it personally if your offer isn’t helpful to someone, it might help someone else. - These should be realistic and not compromise your safety or well-being. Remember to prioritize safety over comfort.

Housing

- Consider your relationship with this person (generally, don’t offer complete strangers into your home)

- Location matters a lot. Unhoused people often need to be near “hubs”/cities, close to resources and systems of care.

- Some people can’t live in hotels, couch surf, or any of these options without losing their housing vouchers, and in some cases health insurance or other assistance programs. Legal definitions of homelessness (used by voucher programs) usually don’t include people living in hotels/motels, or couch surfing (including most of these options). Check with the individual to see if this might be helpful.

Extra bedrooms

Campers, trailers

Couches

Apartments

Land/yards to camp on, park at, etc.

Donate funds or points for a hotel room

Shelters

Floor space

Safe parking lots to sleep in your car in (sleeping in your car is considered legal homelessness in most places)

Time

- Emotional capacity and minimizing the risk of burnout are important here especially

Do outreach with a community org

File for grants

Provide education materials

Share knowledge regarding resources

Emotional support - build genuine connections with your local unhoused neighbors

Reach out to companies for donations

Create or add to lists of resources, open bathrooms, etc.

Transportation

- One of the biggest barriers to accessing existing resources is transportation (also mailing addresses, internet access, and active phone service)

Personal car, ride-sharing/carpooling

Bus tickets/passes

Old/not frequently used bikes

Taxi services/vouchers

Uber/Lift gift cards

Carpooling

Coordinate rides for people

Food

- A lot of unhoused people prefer “comfort foods” to “health foods” - Ask about dietary restrictions, the cooking ability of the unhoused person, the cooking equipment, etc. - Soft foods are frequently more accessible to us as dental issues are very common - 100$ in fast food is significantly less than 100$ in homemade food

Can cook hot meals

Can pay for meals

Knows someone (person, business) who can supply food

Inviting people over for a meal

Gifting food (be sure to be considerate of dietary restrictions, cooking ability, equipment needed to cook, etc.)

Have a community dunkin gift card

Make or add to a fruit tree map (fallingfruit.org, community gardens, federal university campuses)

Money

- Money should be freely given, with no strings attached - Ask what form works best for them— cash apps/virtual, physical cash, gift cards, quarters, etc.

It is best to provide cash donations directly to impacted individuals (or organizations) with no strings attached

Provide relevant, local chain store gift cards (Grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants)

Coordinate fundraisers

Apply for grants

Supplies

- Ask individuals what they need most!

Purchase and donate supplies directly to individuals or organizations

Reach out to businesses

Donate old phones or computers

Add someone to your family phone plan

Donate professional clothes for interviews

Donate an outfit you would actually wear

Talents, Trades, Skills

Your hobbies might be helpful! Crochet is extremely trendy right now (easy to learn, you could make hats/scarves for community members)!

Professional ties/experience Examples: You’re a cosmetologist who can do free haircuts for an hour each week, or you’re a graphic designer who can create a website for an organization for free, or you’re a nurse who can provide wound care to encampments

Community gardens

Connect with and partner with non-profits or community-based organizations in your area (or help start one if there’s none!)

Allow people to use you as a reference for job interviews

Bathrooms

- Not just toilets, but showers and mirrors are important too

Ask businesses to pledge to have open, public, accessible, and free restrooms

Your personal restroom

Make a list of local public restrooms

Free gym memberships or add someone to a gym plan

Services

- In order to access most services, you need most, if not all, of the following: transportation, identification, important paperwork, printing/faxing access, mailing addresses, internet access, active phone service, free time during business hours, and emotional and mental ability (and capacity) to complete everything required (forms, applications, phone calls, interviews, annual reviews, verifications) in a timely manner (usually on a strict deadline)

Case management experience you can volunteer

Peer support for service navigation (great option for people with prior lived experience)

Advocacy within services

Offer to provide a P.O. box or use your address to receive mail

Housing skills

Allow someone to use your library card for books, computers, the internet, etc. (most libraries won’t allow unhoused people to get a library card)

Volunteer at a shelter

Allow someone to use your home wifi, printer, phone number, mailbox, email, etc.

Fundraising

- If you can’t donate your own personal funds, fundraising is a great way to help out

Community mutual aid asks (in person or online)

Art walks

Skate competition

Concerts

Tip jar

Gift basket raffle

Clothing and food drive

Game tourney

Live streams

Start a GoFundMe for individuals/orgs

I strongly encourage you to look over the matching slides I created for this workshop: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VDngImsMByUFmKX611zAJ43a0UcYIfMBxrbh_g1IJvc/edit

As a disclaimer: I have been homeless/unhoused for over half of my life. My experiences of homelessness have included while being a infant, toddler, young child, preteen, teenager, and young adult. I am 24 years old. My most recent experience of being unhoused was last year, and I am currently precariously housed (meaning: at high risk of losing housing again). My experiences of homelessness have included sleeping outside in a tent, sleeping on park benches and under freeways, walking around all night to avoid hypothermia and freezing to death (something that has happened to several of my friends), couch surfing, sleeping in cars, squatting, sleeping in motels, living in a shelter, and institutionalized. I have been homeless with family a few times during early childhood and again when I was 15. All of my other experiences of homelessness have been on my own starting at age 9 or 10, and the last time I lived with a parent I was 16. I have been homeless in both rural and urban areas. I have been homeless in New England/Northeast United States as well as the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to this, I have many contributing factors to my experience, including being disabled, a person of color, trans, queer, a survivor of child abuse and CSA, being trafficked, and a drug user and a SWer, amongst other marginalized experiences.

That being said: my experience of being unhoused/homeless is not the universal experience. While I know many people of all different demographics who I’ve met on the streets, I cannot speak to every single person’s experiences. I especially cannot speak to experiences outside of the United States, aside from what I hear secondhand.

This is meant to serve as a general guide to accompany a workshop I created, and might not be helpful for everyone. If it’s not helpful, I hope it inspires others to offer creative solutions. I’m always working on expanding this list. Thank you for reading.

[battleangel]

💉💊🗑️Addicted To Trash🗑️💊💉

Food scraps take up the most landfill space in the US. Think about that for a moment & process it. As much food insecurity as there is in the US. As many people that die from poverty & from hunger.

The millions of children that face an empty refrigerator & empty pantry every day after school. That don't have money for lunch and don't have access to a free lunch or lunch voucher program.

The parents that skip meals multiple days in a row so that their children can eat.

The sugar sandwiches, cereal with water, knocking on neighbors doors begging for food.

All so Americans that have more than they'll ever need can throw out more than they can ever eat while millions are food insecure and starve within the same country.

Buy loose fruits & vegetables at a local food market, buy food with minimal packaging, only purchase groceries & food items that you actually need & will use & avoid delivery, take out, fast food, fast casual, eating at a sit down restaurant, coffee & donut shops.

Per Google: Food waste accounts for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps are the number one item sent to landfills in the United States.

Food waste accounts for 22% of municipal waste in the U.S.

We discard more food than any other country, even as the number of people experiencing food insecurity grows.

Food waste, which includes everything from meat and fish to fruit and vegetables, can take anywhere between one month and a year to decompose.

However, food decomposition can take longer in a landfill while releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Americans are addicted & brainwashed. You can literally go days and even weeks as an American during hotter months without encountering air that hasnt been artificially cooled. Brainwashed!  Im 42 and my grandparents in rural Georgia that I visited and stayed with for a month every year as a kid didnt have air conditioning. Yet todays modern American life claims it isnt possible yet I did it for a month every year in my youth.

Per Google: Air conditioning, heating & refrigerators are the biggest wasters of energy in American households. The cooling industry is important, but it is also incredibly polluting – accounting for around 10% of global CO2 emissions. That is three times the amount produced by aviation and shipping combined. And as temperatures around the world continue to rise due to climate change, the demand for cooling will increase too.

The average American sets their AC to 68 to 72 degrees which is fucking absurd and ridiculous.

Set air conditioning to 78 to 80 when you are home and 80 when you are asleep and not home. 

I set my AC over the summer even during the current heat wave to 80 — I dont have central air in my 1 bedroom apartment, I have wall units in my living room & bedroom.

Use fans, wear light/minimal clothing or go naked inside your home (Ive done this) and drink 64+ ounces of water a day.

The average American keeps thermostat during winter at 72 to 80 degrees which is fucking absurd.

Per Google: Heat and air contributing to nearly half of a home’s energy usage. Today, 90% of American households have air-conditioning. America is addicted to home heating and cooling, consuming more energy for air-conditioning than the rest of the world combined.

Keep thermostat during cold months at 68 degrees. Layer clothing and wear blankets inside. 

Per Google: In the same report, the I.E.A. predicted that worldwide energy use by air-conditioners would triple by 2050, “requiring new electricity capacity the equivalent to the combined electricity capacity of the United States, the E.U. and Japan today.” 

The number of global cooling devices is estimated to increase from 3.6 billion to 9.5 billion by 2050, according to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the IEA.

Without radical changes to the cooling industry, HFC emissions are projected to contribute warming equivalent to 20% of CO2 output in 2050, the UNEP report warns.

However, some say that refrigeration could be the number one way to reduce carbon emissions. 

Per Google: Much of the world’s recent growth in cooling capability has been an adaptive response to global warming. The problem is self-perpetuating, because the electricity that refrigerators and air-conditioners run on is mostly generated by burning fossil fuels. 

Part of the problem with refrigerants, however, is that much of the harm they cause is after we as consumers have finished using them. It occurs out of sight, and so largely out of mind.

Roughly 90% of refrigerant emissions occur at equipment’s end of life, according to Project Drawdown, a nonprofit that analyses climate solutions.

The most common HFC found in domestic fridges is HFC-134a, which has a global warming potential 3,400 times that of carbon dioxide. A typical fridge can contain between 0.05kg and 0.25kg of refrigerant, which if it leaks into the environment, the resulting emissions would be equivalent to driving 675km-3,427km (420-2,130 miles) in an average family-sized car.

Refrigerators are responsible for about 4% of a home's emissions, or 89 kg of CO2 per year.

The correlation between growth in efficiency and growth in consumption is not accidental.

Similarly to air conditioning & heating, if you've noticed a trend, just setting the temperature a few degrees higher/lower can make an extremely significant difference in terms of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions & your contributions to climate change.

Do people care enough to change their respective thermostats just a few degrees?

Set your refrigerator to between 35 and 38°F, and your freezer to between 0 and 5°F.

A refrigerator that's 10°F colder can use up to 25% more energy.

Ironically, as climate change progresses further, our home heating and cooling needs will continue to increase in order to insulate us from extreme weather.

"Ironically" or by design?

Home heating is the single largest source of power consumption in the home, and air-conditioning is the third.

Further, air conditioning in the U.S. accounts for 5% of total energy consumption annually, and releases approximately 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air.

When we asked Americans whether they program or adjust their home thermostats before they leave the house, an overwhelming majority (73%) said they do not.

The solution to so much environmental damage caused by Americans ridiculously blasting their central AC & heat is right in front of their faces and is blindingly obvious yet the mindless ecocide continues.

Why? Because you don't want to be slightly unfuckingcomfortable?

Layered clothing + blankets & lower setting central heat = Winter

Lighter minimal clothing + fans + higher setting central air = Summer

It IS that easy.

I do it every summer & winter in my 1 bedroom apartment.

Why don't 73% of Americans?

Because they don't fucking feel like it, that's why.

Avoid disposable products & avoid single use products.

Avoid ordering delivery & takeout & avoid buying food & drinks at restaurants, fast casual, fast food as it produces single use containers, cups, straws, utensils, napkins.

Avoid food packaging.

If you buy prepackaged snacks, consider making them yourselves — homemade granola bars, pop tarts, trail mix recipes, etc. can easily be found on Pinterest.

•Replace plastic water bottles with water filter + stainless steel thermos bottle. •Buy items with less packaging. •Purchase reusable containers. •Minimalism — buy needs only, not wants. •Repair instead of replace items. •Buy refurbished tech & electronic devices. •Go paperless - paper accounts for 40% of landfills in the US - 40 fucking percent!

Makeup wipes take 100 years to decompose.

Stop using make up wipes & use water, soap & a face towel instead.

Clothes can take up to 40 years to decompose!

Stop buying new clothes.

Buy used clothes only when needed from thrift shops, consignment shops, Goodwill, online thrift shops, Depop, Mercari, Poshmark.

The micro mininskirt I am wearing now is from Wet Seal and I got it when I was 17 over 25 years ago.

Outside of a missing button, it is good as new and I wear it all the time.

Stop with fast fashion.

Stop buying Shein, Fashion Nova, Romwe, Zaful. Stop going to the mall. Stop buying Forever 21 and H&M. Stop going to department stores. Stop buying Macys. Stop shopping at outlets. Stop buying from Nordstrom Rack. Stop buying clothes on Wish & Amazon.

Use and reuse the clothes you already have.

When they are no longer wearable, buy used clothes only — never new — from a thrift shop, consigment store, Goodwill or Depop, Poshmark or Mercari.

Stop buying new clothes!

Batteries can contaminate soil indefinitely -- use rechargeable batteries.

Sanitary pads are made of plastic & can take up to 800 years to decompose. 800 years!

Replace sanitary pads with period underwear (I use Proof) with ob tampons without applicators (what I do) or period cups with a stem to remove & insert (boil & sterilize after each cycle) or menstrual discs.

Pads & plastic tampon applicators have toxins, chemicals & pesticides that have been proven to cause excessive menstrual bleeding (heavy periods since 11 stopped when I switched from Always pads & Tampax tampons with plastic applicators to Proof Period Underwear & ob tampons without applicators), uterine cancer, fibroids, tumors & other reproductive issues.

Washer machines are also a problem.

Dryer sheets arent biodegradable — stop using them.

Doing laundry in a washer machine releases microplastics into the environment which ends up endangering, harming & killing oceanic creatures and polluting the ocean.

Handwash clothes when you can.

Do not own a washer and dryer as you will be encouraged to wash laundry more due to it conveniently being located inside your home.

Instead, opt for a living space without a washer and dryer (like my 1 bedroom apartment that Ive lived in for 10 years).

Limit trips to the laundromat to once a month or once every other month. Rewear clothing.

You dont have to “throw away clothes as dirty” after one use.

If it isnt stained or smelling, rewear it repeatedly.

Only go to the laundromat when you are out of clean clothes to wear.

I go about once a month to every two months.

If you already have a washer and dryer in your home, limit your use of them as much as possible.

Disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose.

500 fucking years.

Use cloth diapers.

Per Google: Yard waste is one of the top ten waste items in US landfills.

Per Google:

By weight, grass is the biggest component of yard waste, averaging half of all yard waste.

Leaves and brush each provide one quarter.

Either dont have a yard & dont live in a house as living in a house is itself wasteful, a climate change driver & overconsuming energy to simply even heat & cool such a large space.

Or if for some bizarre reason you feel you "need" a house or if you already own a house with a yard, do the following per junkloggers.com: When you mow, “grasscycle” by leaving grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging then. The clippings will return nutrients to the soil instead of taking up space in landfills. Donate healthy plants that you want to replace to community gardens, parks and schools. Using recycled materials such as compost and recycled hardwood mulch help remove yard waste from landfills and reduces the “footprint” of your own landscape.

Follow the 5 Rs: •Refuse: Maximalism, consumerism, materialism & overconsumption, FOMO, sales & clearances, shiny new toy syndrome, shopping to impress others, trends, advertising that has intentional hypnotic messaging, includes brainwashing tactics, seductive messaging, endless repetition, psyops elements, psychological warfare to buy what they are advertising & selling. •Reuse: What you already have. •Reduce: What you buy & use therefore you will have less to throw away and recycle. •Repurpose: Fix broken glasses like I did, dont buy a new pair. I just bought a glasses repair kit for a few dollars versus wasting money on a new frame, new lenses & the fuel that would have been wasted to deliver the new pair of glasses to me. Repurpose gift bags & use reusable grocery bags as totes. Reuse junk mail and newspaper as gift wrap. •Recycle: Aluminum is indefinitely repurposable but takes 800 years to biodegrade. Wash out containers, check recycling numbers, separate items.  Recycling uses oil!

Keep in mind that Exxon and the oil industry relentlessly promoted recycling before it became ubiquitious because oil is needed to recyle.

Recycling uses a huge amount of energy and is itself a contributor to climate change.

Its important to do all five Rs.

Dont just mindlessly buy use throw away recycle like big oil and capitalism endlessly brainwash you to do. All those times that you threw trash away as a kid in school, did you ever think where it was going? All those times your dad took the trash out and left it by the curb when you were young, did you ever think about where that trash was going? Did you ever think about landfills? Oceanic pollution & waste? Air pollution & air quality? Non biodegradable waste? Greenhouse gas emissions? Methane gas emissions? Landfills burning? Mountains of trash? Ofcourse not. If youre American, it was, out of sight out of mind. Im 42. When I was in school playing sports, it was throw out the empty plastic Gatorade bottle and back to softball practice. Back to track practice. Throw away trash, return lunch tray, on to my next class. Mindless. Brainwashed. Addicted to trash. Air quality near landfills is also poor and can be hazardous to humans and wildlife. The unwelcome sights, sounds, and smells of landfills make life unpleasant for nearby residents and reduce the land’s purpose. Overfull landfills may require clearing arable land and forests to create more room. Mindless. Brainwashed. Addicted to trash.

A plastic straw takes 400 years to decompose.

Did you ever think about that on your birthday at the McDonalds playground as a child as you sipped on your Hi-C Orange from your plastic straw?

Programmed.

Plastic wrap takes 1000 years to decompose.

Do you think about the amount of plastic used to wrap bottled water, packaged items, consumer goods? Or do you buy, consume, use, throw away?

Mind controlled.

Ziploc bags take 1000 years to decompose. Did you think about that as a kid in the cafeteria when you removed the PB&J sandwich that your mother made for you every day?

Brainwashed.

Stop vacationing - airplanes, cruises & automobiles are enormous drivers of climate change. Stay local - go to a library, state fair, amusement park, carnival, museum, science center, have a staycation - movie marathon at home etc, take a local class - dancing, pottery, painting, etc., visit local farms & parks.

Deprogram yourself from the belief that you need to take annual vacations, summer trips, tropical vacations, exotic vacations or that you “need to get away” —

Get away from what? 

Zombified.

Avoid driving as much as you can. Automobiles and the fossil fuels to drive them are a huge contributor to climate change. Wherever possible, do not drive and use as minimal gas as you can. Walk, ride your bike or a scooter, skateboard, roller skate or rollerblade or take public transportation where available if you have to use a car try to carpool or rideshare. Question if you really have to go wherever youre driving and is it worth the additional contributions youre making to climate change. 

Can you recreate wherever youre going at home? Can you watch the sporting event on TV, stream the concert, watch the movie when it releases to VOD? Do you need to meet up in person or can you do a video call on Twitch or Whatsapp if they are not a walkable distance from you? Can you cook instead of eating out? Can you take an online class vs driving to the class? Can you walk to a local food market vs driving to a grocery chain or big box retail store?

If you dont need to drive where youre going, dont drive.

There are millions of cars on the roads in America every day contributing endlessly to climate change so if you dont have to contribute dont and minimize your contributions as much as possible. If you can sell or donate your car then do so. If you live in an area with minimal public transportation, then drive it as little as possible. 

Stop going out to just go out or socialize or be seen as its pointless & unnecessary. 

Do your hair yourself and/or cut your hair off (I shave my head bald every 3 to 6 months) & stop driving to the hair salon.

Shave your eyebrows (what I do) and stop driving to the nail salon to get eyebrows waxed or threaded or stop shaping your eyebrows.

Stop painting your nails (what I do) or paint them yourself and stop driving to the nail salon.

Stop buying new stuff and stop driving to the mall.

Stop eating out and stop driving to restaurants.

Stop getting massages and stop going to massage parlors.

Go paperless wherever you can and stop going to the post office.

Stop going to bars and nightclubs, its pointless & a waste of time.

Eliminate bars, nightclubs, shopping malls, restaurants, movie theaters, hair salons, nail salons, massage parlors, post office, grocery stores, big box retail from your life and that should minimize the driving you do.

Dont have children.

By far, human beings are the biggest contributors to climate change so why would you ever willingly produce one (or more than one) given the amount of ecological destruction & climate change humans have already caused?

If everyone avoided having children, we could voluntarily make ourselves go extinct and save planet earth vs the current trajectory of the earth being inhabitable within 100 years and then humanity colonizing Mars and then other planets then destroying those planets in a few thousand years then moving on to the next.

Wash rinse repeat. Stop the cycle.

People are financially rewarded for ecocidal practices so this wont stop so we need to voluntarily stop ourselves and stop reproducing and stop endlessly propagating our species — human — that has been responsible for over 75k animal species going extinct, the destruction of the ozone layer, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, endless landfills, deforestation, oceanic & air pollution, etc. 

Leather shoes & rubber leather soles take 50 to 80 years to decompose.

Buy flats and wear them until they are unusable. Once that occurs, buy new flats.

You should only be doing this once every few years like I am.

If you stand at work, buy high quality sneakers and only replace when they are breaking down.

I havent bought shoes in over five years & sneakers in over ten years.

Cut hair off like I do and stop using any hair products.

I shave my head bald every 3 months and do not do any hair maintenance. I dont use shampoo, conditioner, grease, oil, moisturizer, hair wraps, brushes, etc and as you can see my hair is perfectly fine.

Buy refurbished tech & electronic devices.

Dont ever buy new.

Look up cobalt mines in Congo and how the materials to make batteries for cell phones, EVs, TVs etc (cobalt) is causing a genocide in Congo as it is the only country that has this mineral so Apple, Samsung, Tesla etc desperately need it for their devices.

Look up the warlords fighting over these mines and the civilians being murdered as a result.

Look up the conditions of the cobalt mines — they employ women and children, no protective gear is issued despite them working in underground mines, no labor laws so they are working 12 to 16 plus hour shifts up to seven days a week exposed to dangerous conditions, toxins, chemicals with no protective gear, clothing or eyewear, they are worked like absolute slaves and are dying in these mines.

They are literally dying for your pink iPhone.

Fuck IKEA. Stop buying furniture to impress people who don't give a fuck if you live or die much less what your fucking furniture looks like.

Per Google: Most furniture is made of non biodegradable & non recyclable materials like treated wood that can't be recycled.

It takes treated wood years to decompose, and any synthetic fabrics from covers or cushions also take a long time to break down.

A polyurethane seat cushion will take up to 1,000 years to decompose.

Only replace furniture if it is broken beyond the point of repair.

In ten years of living in my 1 bedroom apartment, I have only purchased furniture once.

Dont purchase furniture to impress people, for entertaining purposes, to keep up with your social circle, to flex.

Brainwashed. Mindless. Addicted to trash. Consumerist.

Overconsumption. Materialistic. Out of sight, out of mind.

Who cares if we destroy earth, we're colonizing Mars.

An 80 year human life is worth more than 75k extinct animal species and is worth thousands of tons of plastic that will take hundreds of years to break down in landfills and 6 football fields worth of forests being destroyed via deforestation.

Speciesism is cool as long as its humans being valued among all other species on the planet and even the planet itself.

Ecocide is cool. Environmental damage is whatever.

The destruction of the environment is just part of my brat girl summer.

Has anyone seen MaXXXine?

Who are the greys, Reptilians, minders & keepers?

[ladycook8]

A good friend of mine is a fat lady with a huge wide ass and when she went to the amusement park with her kid, she was disappointed that they said that she was too fat for the ride. So the amusement park gave her and her kid a thing called a fast pass which means that they didn't have to wait in any lines that day so it wouldn't be that big of a deal if the mom got rejected from a ride based on her wide obese ass. So if you need an excuse to pack on 10 lb a month for the next several months, you might not have to wait in any lines at the amusement park this fall. And I wonder what would happen if you were too fat to go on any rides at all. Would they just give you a food voucher to keep you satisfied so you didn't write a bad yelp review?

[1000-directions]

Good stuff 5-6-24

Work went really fast today

I used a meal voucher I had to get a free breakfast sandwich and coffee!

My partner invited me over after work because they wanted more cuddle time 🥺 we ordered food and watched a movie and we are about to go to bed!

[lexical-lushes]

A Shared Meal

She's leaned up against a boarded-over doorway when I see her, head tipped back to look up at the slice of clean blue sky visible between the crowded rooftops.

In the distance, I hear the chirps and barks of a HEMA announcement speaker, the bustle of the distribution pop-up.

Normally I wouldn't hang out near one of those. Normally her white labcoat, blue shirt, and prominent ID card would be enough to make me avoid her, too - she's not part of a patrol, she doesn't have orders to treat me like a threat if I approach… but she's still one of them.

My boots scuff the pavement as I step closer - we're up on an island, the floodwaters a few blocks away yet - and she looks down to find the source of the noise.

Her face flickers with concern seeing me - a young girl in an oversized coat and baggy pants with tired eyes…

I stop in the middle of the narrow street and stare.

For a second, she must think I'm human; she moves to extend a hand towards me, a half-eaten protein bar with a crumpled wrapper held in her fingers. But the way my dark eyes ignore it must have tripped some memory of training.

She goes a little stiff. Her hand drops, the offer rescinded. In the distance, a siren chirps once, twice, goes quiet.

She swallows. Finally, she finds her words;

"Uhm. H-hi. Do, do you… live around here?"

I shrug. "I live wherever'll take me."

She chews on that a second before shifting, letting her back slide down the wall, lowering herself closer to my level, eyes starting to brim with concern.

"Are you… are you okay? I haven't- I mean, you're, pretty small, aren't you?"

Another shrug. I shove my hands into my oversized pockets, look down and kick at a loose clump of asphalt.

"I'm hungry. There used to be people that donated blood for us here. You made them stop."

Frowning, the HEMA worker chews her lip for a second before summoning a justification; she stammers even as she says it, though, so it's obvious she's less certain about the party line.

"Unregulated donation clinics are a public health hazard… you, you should register with HEMA if you want… if you want meal vouchers. We can give you food. Blood."

"People were feeding me /before/. Now they're not. I haven't eaten in…"

I count my fingers.

"…two weeks."

"Why don't you just register?" she asks, almost pleadingly. I can recognize the way she looks at me; I'm just a kid, even if I am infected. A lot of people feel like that when they see me. The good ones, at least.

"Why would I trust you?" I counter.

"Everyone has to do it your way, but you can hardly even keep the /humans/ fed down here. I had… friends, people that registered and then had to report to the Upper City. I don't see them anymore. Your blood isn't /safe/."

My tone is even, but my eyes are sharp.

I'm not entirely sure why I came this way, why I decided to try talking to her. It's a pointless argument, it's a needless risk.

Well.

There's my answer, I suppose. Risks. Vampires like risks, even mundane ones like this. They call to us from the back of our mind, like sirens.

Her frown deepens, and with a sigh, she slips all the way down to sit on the step she'd been having her lunch break on.

"…we're trying to help," she offers, defeated. She can't argue with an angry little girl.

I say nothing, just sit down next to her.

"What's your name?" she asks.

I tell her, simply. My name, at least, not the human one I've half-forgotten by now. I don't like that one. I don't like the faces I remember using it.

She shares her own, sighs deeply, and shoves her half-eaten protein bar into a pocket. I catch a glimpse of her sidearm under her lab coat.

"I'm sorry you're so hungry," she murmurs. "We'll be out of this district in… about a month. I'm sure the clinics will come back."

A month is too long. I don't bother saying so, and she must know it herself. Vampire metabolisms are fast; we can keep going right up until we can't, and she must have been taught as much about us to recognize I'm near my limit.

We spend a long minute in silence, just sitting next to each other.

She seems to make her mind up about something.

Reaching back into her pockets, she pulls out a plastic pouch filled with something dark and red, a barcode and other information printed across one side.

"Here."

Cautiously, I reach out to take the bloodbag, feeling its weight, the liquid heft and slight squish of it.

"We- it's for the unit's vampire," she explains. "For emergencies. I'm not supposed to…"

I can feel my eyes twitch, fight the instinct to let them dilate. I swallow. Two weeks is a long time without a meal. Without anything to dull the constant, gnawing hunger.

My fangs pierce the thick plastic skin and she winces, turning away while I drink. Squeamish, apparently.

Her voice is small and defeated.

"Just… don't tell anyone, okay? Our little secret. But I really should open a file for you… it's not registry, just, it'll make it easier if you ever do-"

My stinger pierces through the piece of paper she'd pulled out of her labcoat and started to fill in, the twisting length of muscle and sinew attached to it pulsing gently in front of her face.

She whimpers.

I drop the empty bloodbag, wipe my mouth with the back of one hand, suck the little smear of blood off. I keep my dark, dark eyes on her the entire time; whites obscured by my black irises, red pupils wide and staring and catching the light like a glow.

"Don't bother," I say, as gentle as I can.

I slowly retract my tentacle; with a twist, it crumples and shreds the form she'd started. A moment later and there's no trace of my stinger, the appendage disappearing back under my oversized coat.

"…thank you for the meal. I won't tell anyone. I should leave."

I get up. I start to walk away. She stands back up as well, moves to take a step after me, stops.

"If you have to mention me to your superiors, just tell them I'm leaving the district," I say. "Staying this close to a HEMA checkpoint was… a bad idea. I'll find somewhere else that'll take care of me. I'm good at that."

By the next day, I'll have figured out somewhere else to go. Found someone sympathetic to me with a boat, found some other district to hide in.

My boots scuff the pavement as I disappear around the bend. The HEMA worker just watches me go, looking sad.

[bcolfanfic]

If you don’t mind me asking how much did you spend on your thorpe’s abott trip?

no i don’t mind at all! i am NOT rich by any means to be extremely clear. i’m a full time law student and currently not working. i’m actually super stressed about money atm. i just choose to invest in my niche hobbies whereas other people might chose to invest in clothes/a bigger apartment/idk kitchen appliances lol.

i don’t remember exactly how much my we happy few ticket 506 was but i thinkkkk 350 pounds? so about 450 usd. which yeah like. youch that was some money lol. but i got to meet hang out with actors i love and go to a whole list of places i wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. and i had a discount code as a patreon member but was in such a rush i forgot to use it!

it was worth it to me. worth it enough to do again in april when they next one is 😅. and this time i won’t have to pay for my flights myself bc of british airways voucher!

i booked my flights as separate round trips INSERTHOMECITY-JFK (new york) and JFK-LHR (london). and total i think it came to around 600 almost 700? which was over 1k cheaper than my study abroad round trip to get to amsterdam! and why i was so flabbergasted when british airways gave me over 900 dollars in reimbursement for the overbooked flight debacle when my whole trip didn’t even cost that haha.

when i got to london i booked the national express shuttle to get to cambridge for about $45. i could’ve taken the tube and gotten there in about the same amount of time but i knew i was going to be exhausted and not wanting to think about public transportation in a new country. when i went back to london the night before my flight i did use the tube and had no issues w it!

i split a hotel with my friends and paid $250 total for my share, which was cheaper than it would’ve been to make my own arrangements.

i admittedly spent more than i planned on in souvenirs lol i think i got at least one thing from every base/museum we went to. ballpark i think i spent maybe just under $125 on ✨stuff✨.

food wise there was a grocery store right across from my hotel. the first day we ate lunch at the little food stand at thorpe abbotts and the second day we packed lunch. got coffee and a little pastry from gregs (like british dunkin) for breakfast each day, dinner at the RAF pub the first night and fast food dinner on my own when i had to get back to london from cambridge. so didn’t spend a ton on food tbh.

i hope this was comprehensive enough 😅 but i’m an open book haha if you have any other questions hmu (:

[iminthetunnels]

hello health queen can you share any strategies to eat healthily on a low budget…. i love produce but it feels like a luxury these days. do you grow your own fruits and veggies? thank you 🤩

i’ve been meaning to build a raised garden bed/look at facebook market place for untreated wood. but i’ve been very busy. have not started a produce garden, well on my way to. an herbal garden tho.

the trick is…. i steal LMAO. oh i have 6 avocados? i’m abt to say i only have 2. oh a bag of organic zucchini? how abt i put in that it’s non organic. idc what anyone says abt how unethical this is or how horrible it is. i have to do what i have to do, and so do u!! i also go to the health department and get farmers market vouchers to pick up fresh produce from the farmers market, i get tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, all with farmers market vouchers. i also have EBT, which does help but they’ve cut my balance by -100 so it’s been an even more struggle.

when i get donations from my amazing friends, i’ll stock up on meat and freeze it, i’ve done this 3 times and we have meat to use, im very thankful for that.

i budget everything, like i’ll go in to sprouts and budget out how much everything will be, i have a costco card that my ex husband got me, so i can buy bulk produce from there too. i freeze some of my fruits too.

it works out best for me because it’s just me and my son, and i can go a couple hours without eating/fasting. produce used to be the cheapest thing to buy, now organic blueberry’s are $6… ass.. and these stores are still making bank.

oh i also go to food banks whenever i can!!! there isn’t much :( but i sure do try :(

i need to get in touch with more churches and organizations.

i’m sorry i couldn’t be much help :(

[edgessunflower]

Love language prompts

Receiving gifts

Flowers every morning just because

Getting something the other wanted

Always getting trinkets while on a road to show how thoughtful you are

Sending care packages

Making and taking a care package when the other is sick

Creating a playlist with songs they like/ remind you of them

Getting the other's favorite merch from a show, band, and or movie

Winning the other a prize at a carnival

Making or getting delivery of the other's favorite food

Surprising the other on an anniversary or birthday with a road trip

Putting a snack or token in their bag without the other knowing

Having their favorite candy in a drawer for each month

Buying the other new clothes

Giving an odd gift to correspond with a random holiday

Sending them to a spa to be pampered with a voucher/ gift card

Baking them their favorite sweets with their family recipe

Setting up a treasure hunt with trinkets and gifts that they'll like

Making homemade gifts for each other

Dropping off a gift and card to the other at work

Making a journal full of memories the two of you shared

Taking the other to their favorite place

Putting quotes and pictures in a frame

Words of affirmation

"You are my home"

"Thank you for always saying the right thing"

"I love your smile"

"How did I get lucky to have you?"

"Thank you for making me a better person"

"I am so grateful for you"

"You helped me handle life, thank you for that"

"With you, I am home"

"No one is like you"

"I couldn't do this without you"

"Out of everyone in this world, I found you"

"Hey, you are so wonderful"

"You are beautiful inside and out"

"The world wouldn't be the same without you"

"My life and dream wouldn't be complete without you in it"

"I am always here with and for you"

"We could never show how much you mean to us"

"There's so much I can say how much you mean to me but it wouldn't be enough"

"You're the best surprise of my life"

"My life feels fulfilled with you"

"I'm so proud of who you've become"

"What we share is something so special and fragile"

"For as long as I exist, you will always be loved"

"You have the sweetest soul I have ever seen"

"I feel seen and heard when you're around"

"Meeting you changed everything"

"Thank you for building a life with me"

"You set such a good example for our kids"

"I built you a home in my heart"

"Our kids will always know unconditional love because of you"

"My life is full of color with you in it from the moment I met you"

"You are perfect to me, flaws and all"

"Being in your arms makes me feel safe"

"Our lives have only changed for the better with you in it"

"It's okay to ask or need help"

"No one could ever measure up to you"

"You're my backbone and rock, I couldn't do so much without you with me"

"Don't be afraid of falling, I'll always catch you"

"We can't truly show how much love we both have for you"

"I need you"

"You bring out the best in me"

"Home isn't just the house, it's you"

"The person I wanted by my side is you and no one else"

"Our memories no matter how small are the things I treasure most"

"My heart still flutters and spins when I'm around you"

"Keep going, you're doing great"

"Thank you for being in my life"

"I trust you"

"Everyone around you always has the most wonderful things to say about you"

"You can always count on me"

"Remember, that you are always enough"

"They can't stop talking about you"

"My heart will always lead back to you"

"Home, love, and family is what I have with you and never had with anybody else"

"It was never your fault"

"We'll figure it out together"

"You're my life and everything more"

"Let me help you with everything"

"I'm going to love you more than anyone ever has"

"My heart beats so fast when you're with me"

"The world could stop but all I would think about is you"

"Life could have put anyone in front of me but you came when I wasn't even expecting it"

"At the end of the day, I want and will share everything with you no matter what"

"I love you"

Physical touch

Neck kisses

Shoulder rubs

High fives

Back pats

Tickle fights

Foot rub

Playing footsie

Hand holding

Cuddling on the couch

Slow dancing in the living room

Bear hugs

Playing with the other's hair

Taking a shower/bath together

Resting your head on each other's shoulders

Hugs from behind

Welcome home kisses

Rubbing lotion on the other

Bandaging and cleaning the other's wounds

Always pressing your bodies together while sleeping

Dying the other's hair

Having a skin care routine together

Putting sunblock on the other's back

Styling the other's hair

Random touches on the other's arm or leg

Tracing each other's scars

Popping the other's back

Butterfly kisses

Temple massages

Cutting the other's hair

Secret handshake

Hand kisses

Play wrestling

Back rubs

Foreheads pressed together

Tracing the other's tattoos

Running your fingers along the other's stretch marks

Holding hands at every opportunity

Initiating intimacy

Goodbye kisses before work

Arm around the other's waist

Shoulders touching while walking by each other

Hand to forehead to see if the other is sick

Touching each other's faces

Face kisses

Caresses along each other's bodies

Spine kisses

Laying between the other's thighs

Giving the other a mani/pedicure

Washing each other's bodies

Shaving the other's legs

Carrying the other to bed

Fingertips kisses

Washing each other's hair

Hummingbird kisses

Quality time

Taking the other out to lunch for their break from work

Going to a movie theater to watch a movie together

Playing boardgames the entire afternoon

Setting a date night every week with different activities

Watching a show or movie together

Having a picnic at the park

Going to the store and getting groceries together

Baking and handing the sweets out around town

Planning your future with a list or board

Dancing throughout the house

Window shopping at the mall together

Snuggling on the couch with tea when neither can sleep

Focusing on the other as they speak about anything

Calling the other when you can't meet each other in person

Stopping when the other wants to talk

Helping the other fall back asleep after a nightmare

Driving around while listening to music

Taking a road trip

Learning to play instruments

Dinner with each other's families

Exercising together

Having a trip to the museum

Making breakfast in the morning together before work

Just laying in bed sleeping in together

Reading books to each other

Painting together

Going to the beach for the day

Having your own one on one book club

Making a Starbucks run together

Taking the dogs for a walk

Looking after one's younger siblings/ nephews and nieces together for the day

Acts of service

Doing laundry and dishes

Putting the kids to bed

Taking the other's car to a car wash

Giving the other a massage

Making breakfast

Watering the plants

Taking the kids school

Cleaning the house

Brushing and grooming the dog

Running errands so the other can rest

Sending them flowers at work

Paying for dinner on a night out

Vacuuming the house

Making them their favorite meal when they're sick

Asking "How can I make it better?"

Going with the other for their doctor appointments

Putting up holiday decorations

Taking care of the other after they had surgery

Carrying their bags

Organizing a bookshelf

Helping them manage tasks throughout the day

Driving them home/ to work

Bringing them their favorite food when they're craving

Making the other tea when they can't sleep

Fixing broken items in the other's home

Spending the whole day with the kids so the other can have the day to themselves

Writing love letters to each other

Responding when the other asks for a favor

Offering to getting the other something from the store

Giving the other a bubble bath after a long day

Asking "How can I help?"

Leaving notes for each other