#how to increase laptop performance

[naqati]

How to Increase Laptop Speed ?

Are you tired of your slow and laggy laptop? Do you want to boost its speed without having to buy a new one? In this blog post, we'll discuss some simple settings and updates you can make to your laptop to increase its speed.

Are you tired of your slow and laggy laptop? Do you want to boost its speed without having to buy a new one? In this blog post, we’ll discuss some simple settings and updates you can make to your laptop to increase its speed. If your laptop is running slow, there are several things you can do to boost its speed. From adjusting settings to installing updates, here are some tips to help you…

[abbyromanoff]

hello! can you write dom g!p student natasha x sub fem teacher reader?

DELICATE

PAIRINGS: Natasha Romanoff x reader

WORD COUNT: 3356

WARNINGS: smut, professor x student, cheating, mentions of Wanda x R, dark fic, mommy (N), degrading, praising, dubcon, recording, nat has a dick, breeding, mentions of belly bulges, mentions of guns and killing, veryyyy dark!Nat, somnophillia, Nat kinda babying R, threatening, think that’s all :)

Kinktober masterlist!!

NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO STEAL, COPY, OR REBLOG MY WORK AS THEIR OWN!!

Your pen collided with the paper stacked upon others, a black line of ink following your every thread. Your lip was held by your teeth tightly while the computer's blazing glow shined through the dark room, being the only source of light as you found yourself too tired to reach out to the lamp across the room.

It was past midnight and you were well over your scheduled time but you had to grade these papers, the students were depending on them and you were lacking this month. You promised beforehand that they’d all see their results in a week or two but it passed that limit, and no matter how many times you apologized you still felt a nagging guilt when you were reminded of how aggravating it was for you to hear such things from your professors.

A sudden vibrate came from your phone and, even if you were in a deep focus, you were able to tear your eyes away for a fleeting moment to read the text coming from none other than Wanda, one of your students. The two of you shared a more intimate relationship than normal, but neither of you could stop yourselves. She was so beautiful and so intelligent, she always strived to receive the highest performance and often times found herself staying with you to complete work. Even in the silence, there was a sense of comfort and you wanted nothing more than to see how far this feeling could go, but she was your student and you were her professor, you thought there was nothing you could do.

That was until her lips landed on yours one afternoon when everyone had disappeared, leaving the two of you alone with no one to stop either of you. That night she went home with you, bringing you to multiple orgasms before you woke up next to her, lucky enough to realize it was a Saturday and you didn’t need to come into work. You left after a shared breakfast and peck to the lips that lasted longer than it should’ve. And then, your relationship started to blossom as you shared contacts and met up on occasion, careful enough to make sure no one could recognize the two of you.

Wands <3: Hello, my love! I hope work is going well and you’re not stressing yourself out too much. I just wanted to say goodnight since I finally finished my essay for Professor Rodgers, I was also thinking maybe we could see each other sometime this weekend. You know, to get our minds off the stress of papers and essays and assignments, all that boring stuff. Anyways, goodnight, and I hope you get home safely, I’ll hopefully see you soon!

The well-written paragraph almost seemed to release the tension that had been brewing inside of you, instead replacing it with a warm fuzzy sensation that had you blushing a deep red. You started to type out a well-thought-out response until you heard a small creaking. You assumed it was just due to the old pipes that you sent multiple requests in to be fixed and shrugged it off. That was until it continued.

“Hello? Anyone there?” You set your phone down and stood up, the laptop light now dimming the longer it was left unattended. It stopped for a moment and you started to believe it was all in your head, that was until you heard a loud, booming sound playing through what you guessed was a speaker. The projector suddenly lit up and was embraced with a video of you and Wanda on a coffee date at the cafe two blocks down, you gulped fearfully. You looked all around you, your heartbeat suddenly increasing its pace when you found nothing but a looming shadow in the corner.

“Who the fuck are you?” The video continued to play and that’s when you heard a deep moan, one that sounded all too familiar. You whipped your head around only to see a recording of Wanda going down on you while your hand laced through her hair, the other resting on your breasts as you helped her bring you to an orgasm.

“What the fuck?” Came your small whisper, confusion settling in and overpowering the fear you held.

“Mm, I remember that day very well.” Hands suddenly found themselves placed on your shoulders, making you jump at the contact before a chuckle left the unknown figure.

“Don’t be scared, love, I don’t bite. Well, unless you wanted me to, and after seeing that video I’m starting to think you’d very much enjoy that.” A lingering touch was planted on your hip as they turned you to face them, your eyes widening as you met the redhead’s green eyes in return.

“Hey, Professor.” You were suddenly very aware of the limited distance shared between you two and tried backing up discreetly, only to hear a clicking on her tongue in return.

“What do you want from me? How did you get those videos?” You asked timidly, feeling yourself now very much exposed with your opened buttons adorning your blouse. You noticed her staring at your chest as well, eyeing the black lace that made its way to the surface ever-so-swiftly.

“So many questions and so little of answers to give, what a shame.” She gave you a faux pout before biting her lip hungrily, palms rubbing at your sides softly as she seemed to be soaking in your curves.

“I’ve known about your relationship with Wanda for quite some time now and, my-oh-my, am I disappointed in you.” She stated, and without knowing why, you let your head fall in shame. “Don’t hide on me now, love, you seemed so confident when you were moaning her name, why so shy all of the sudden, hm?” You felt tears starting to form and sniffled, resulting in a mocking tone from the younger woman.

“Awh, don’t cry, you should know I don’t like cry babies.” She wrapped her arms tightly around your figure and brought you even closer to her body which radiated a strong perfume she wore. You couldn’t stop your head from leaning onto her chest as she ran her fingers through your soft locks that appeared messy from your state.

“You’ve been working so hard, haven’t you? Such a dumb baby, stressing yourself out so much, why don’t you have yourself a little break, yeah?” You nodded, a small sense of comfort forming in your brain at her words. She led you to where you sat at your desk and had you relax in her lap, kissing the top of your forehead while shushing your cries softly.

“Don’t be scared, baby, Mommy just wants to spend some time with her sweet angel.” A part of you wanted to scream and interrogate her on how she found such private moments of you, but the other part of you wanted to stay in her strong yet soft arms. You didn’t know if it was the tiredness or the overwhelming stress you found yourself sinking further into her hold.

“I think I know what could get you feeling so much better.” You felt the pads of her fingertips teasing your inner thighs through the tight pants you wore. Suddenly being very aware of the situation you were in, you started to whine, trying to form words but feeling too tired to speak.

“Shh, trust Mommy, okay? You’ve been working so, so hard lately, you deserve some of Mommy’s love, don’t you think?” She was your student, always hidden in the back as her eyes strayed towards you instead of your writing and words, this was wrong. Although, you couldn’t quite say that when knowing you did the same with another redhead. Shit. Wanda.

“N-no, we can’t, Nat-” You tried regaining your composure but your words seemed to come out bubbly and drawn out, your mind becoming too foggy as you were in desperate need of sleep.

“It’s Mommy to you, Professor. C’mon, you can’t tell me you don’t want this, you’ve practically been begging me to fuck you all year.” She remembered vividly whenever you’d bend over to direct a student in front of her, your ass being displayed generously to her eyes. Or whenever you’d help her even if she lied when saying she needed it, and the pet names that rolled off your tongue sent her in a spiral, she even convinced herself it meant more than you intended it to. She was so delusional, thinking that everything you did was purposeful and that you only saw Wanda as a way to replace your love for Natasha, even though that was far from the truth.

“You don’t know how badly I despise that asshole for taking you away from me, but it’s okay now, we’ll be together soon enough, I promise.” You shook your head but she held it firmly in her palm, bringing you as close as possible to her chest while forcing the quietness in you.

“I dreamt of the day you’d finally admit your love for me and let me show you how badly I want you, but then she got in the way and ruined everything. Not to worry though, I know you’ll end things with her before I end her myself.” She grinned as you tensed in her hold, only to stroke your cheek softly while her eyes deemed into yours. She could feel herself growing impossibly harder the more she held back, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to for much longer.

“You need to get some sleep, little one. You’ve been working such long hours, such a hard little worker you are. C’mon, get some rest and Mommy will take care of you.” You denied it again and again, knowing you were going to lose as your eyes started to close on you. They felt heavy, unbelievably heavy, at that.

“You know you’re not going to win this one. Just give in, Mommy would never hurt her precious baby.” Your mind was turning foggy with the way she spoke so gently along with the way she held you as if she never wanted to let go, you knew you were a goner.

“That’s it, don’t worry, just rest now, love.” She smiled to herself when seeing your eyes fully close, no matter how much she loved them she’d rather see them closed over while she fucked you into unconsciousness.

She set your body on the wooden desk after clearing the stacks of papers and ruined pens. Her hands came to spread your thighs instantly, growing more and more desperate the longer she waited. Her cock was practically drooling at the sight of you as she reached beneath the barrier of her pants and boxers to cup herself, shuddering in pleasure as she welcomed the bliss that followed.

“Such a perfect slut, already so compliant for Mommy.” Your belt was thrown as she pulled down your pants until she was greeted with the wet patch forming on your panties. You looked so adorable like this, she just had to keep it in her memories forever.

Grabbing her phone she took a few quick images that she knew she’d spend hours jerking off to the rest of the semester. That’s when a thought came to her. Setting up her phone against your laptop she pressed the red record button and smiled at the thought, turning back to you where she continued to remove the little amount of clothing you had on. Joining the pile of fabrics were your blouse and soon after your bralette that she spent an extra moment admiring.

She quickly did the same to herself as she stood stark-naked in front of you, your body only being covered by the little undergarment left.

“Look at how precious my angel is, so fucking perfect.” She grasped the phone in her hand as she directed the camera towards you, letting the lack of audience watch as she stroked her length over your covered cunt.

“This has been a fantasy of mine for some time now, sweetheart. Mommy’s so happy you’ve been so obedient, I knew you would.” She found herself coming to a quick release as spurts of her cum splashed your body before she aimed toward your breasts, moaning lowly as she painted your perky nipples white.

She set the electronic back down before leaning in and pressing a kiss against your dry lips, frowning as you shuffled slightly in your sleep. Her cock was aching to be inside of you by now, a throbbing redness appearing on her tip as she teased herself against your clit. That only seemed to edge her further until she finally let herself break and prodded at your hole, using your wetness as a form of lube. She was shocked to see you nearly dripping even when you tried to deny ever wanting this, ‘such a dumb whore’, she thought.

“Oh, yes, you feel so fucking amazing! Even better than I knew you would be.” She moaned dryly and thrusted her hips slightly, feeling yourself take her deeper and deeper until her pelvis bone was pressing into yours.

It was like you were made for her as you wrapped around her perfectly, and in her mind, you two were meant to be. She tried to erase the thought of Wanda from her mind, of the lude acts you two shared when you thought no one knew, but it only angered her further.

She knew you loved her, that’s what she convinced herself of at least. All the touches, the whispered words, they were meant for her and for a reason. Wanda did nothing to deserve your love, but Nat had been watching over you and keeping you from harm, only you never knew. And if you did, you’d most likely freak, but she didn’t want you to be scared, especially not of her.

“I’ll kill that bitch if she ever comes near you again, I fucking promise, baby.” The way you were sucking her in, your walls trapping her in place, this was all the proof she needed. There was no doubt in her mind that you’d spend the rest of your life with her. After all, she got whatever it was that she wanted.

“Oh, look who’s waking up.” Your eyes fluttered open as a whimper tumbled from your lips instantly. She smiled in your direction before grasping your chin in her fingertips, turning your head to face the camera still pointing towards the two of you.

“You look so cute, can’t wait to fill that pretty mouth with my cock.” You were slowly coming to your senses when you felt your back scratching against the desk as her hips continued to slap against yours, creating a loud clapping that echoed across the large room.

“Nat- ah!” You wanted to tell her to stop, that you’d report her for such horrid acts, but you couldn’t. The fact that it was so wrong made it feel even better, that seemed to be an occasional occurrence with you.

“Tell me you want me to stop, tell Mommy you don’t want it.” She was aching to hear it, to hear you beg her for less, knowing you wanted more.

“Please- please stop! I can’t take it!” She covered your mouth with her hand when your pleads came out, shushing you with that soft yet raspy voice of hers.

“Shh, don’t want anyone to hear ‘ya now. How do you think they’d react seeing a professor getting used by their student like a pathetic slut?” Your breath was coming to a regular, your heart finally returning to a normal beat as you accepted your fate. But something about the way her cock teased that spot deep inside of you that had you squirming made it all the better.

“You want Mommy to play with your clit? Yeah? Awh, all you have to do is ask, sweetie.” She spoke when your hand came to rub your swollen bud in a hurry, moan after moan leaving your mouth in response. She slapped your palm away and replaced it with her own, using her thumb to rub harshly and she smirked when hearing your juices spraying against her fingers.

“Oh my, baby, look at that!” Your mouth went slack as you squirted on her length, basking in the sweet pleasure she brought you.

“M-mommy! Mommy- please-“ She chuckled dryly at your babbled words.

“Yeah? You need something? Or are you too dumbed down to speak?” You bit your lip, eyes rolling to the back of your head.

“My brainless little doll, you like it when Mommy fucks that nice spot?” Your nods were rapid even if you had barely any knowledge of what she said.

“I’m gonna cum in this dirty little cunt, and you’re gonna take all of it like a good girl, alright?” There was no time to agree as you felt a warm liquid starting to fill you up, your walls being painted white while she pressed down on your stomach lightly, smirking when she felt a small bulge.

“God, you’re gonna be the best Mommy ever, you’ll look so fucking sexy all round and full. It’ll be a constant reminder of how you let your student use you like a worn-out whore.” The video ended and Wanda stared at her phone with tears ready to spill. Nat had sent her a file to which she thought would be notes from class, she never really liked the redhead but she was able to get used to her annoying antics. But now, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to step foot in that class or look at you the same. She knew you were asleep during the first half, but you accepted her request in the end. Would she forgive you? How would she ever be able to go on another date knowing her classmate was fucking you not too long ago.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door and, while being hesitant to open it, Wanda eventually gave in but what greeted her was not you ready to meet up like she asked. No, it was someone else. Someone who held a loaded gun in her hand.

“I wasn’t lying when I said I’d kill you if you ever look at them again.” The woman stated, laughing at the fear in the girl's eyes.

“So, I’ll give you some hope. You remove all contact you have with Y/N right now, then you pack up your bags and leave in less than twenty-four hours, got that?” When she nodded, Nat continued. “Then, you’re going to go as far as you can, somewhere that I’ll never have to see you again or I might just have to shoot your little brains out, Wands.” She twirled the gun in her hand as if it was a joke, a silly old laugh between two friends, but it was anything but.

“Well, I would say I hope to see you around but I guess you’ll be leaving now.” She gave an exaggerated pout and stuck her foot in the door when Wanda tried to close it in a hurry.

“If I come back here tomorrow and I see you’re still here, you won’t be the only blood splattered on the wall.” She whispered, thankful no one was nearby to hear her threatening words.

“Well, bye now!” She left with a smile planted on her face, knowing there was no chance of you and Wanda anymore. You were hers entirely, every part of you belonged to her and it would continue to stay that way.

Wanda closed her door with widened eyes, turning to face the body lying on her bed who seemed to have just woken from a nap.

“What’s wrong, baby?” You asked, walking towards her as she refused to even look at you.

“I- uhm, I need to go.” She left before you could say a word, leaving the two of you with pieces of your heart damaged while Nat’s was perfectly healed, all while she was the one holding you at night.

[bubbleebubz]

Save me Professor- part 1

Word count: 2,006.

Pt.2

15+++

~warnings- eventual smutt! pantie stealing (consentual), pet names (is that a warning?), suggestive content, w3t dreams, mental health issues, bad dreams (fire and death)

Y/N had just been kicked out of her mother's house after her mom has a schizophrenic break and moves to Flordia leaving her to fend for herself. Her professor can't bare seeing Y/N in such a state, and offers her to stay in his guest bedroom, can they be roomates without his dark desires taking control?

"P-please don't stop sir" his hands hot on her body. His large hands getting closer and closer to where she needs them most.

"What do you want, baby? Tell me" His breath hot on her neck.

"Please professor Reid" she moans out in need.

"Y/N... Y/N... Y/N wake up"

What?

My eyes snap open, being awoken back into the cruel reality of my life.

I sit up at my desk and look around.

The class is empty.

I look up, "oh my God, I'm so sorry professor Reid, I must have fallen asleep." I say hastily gathering all my things causing my pencil case to fall off my desk.

I lean over to pick it up, as does he. "Y/N, it's ok, but are you alright?" He asks, crouching down next to me.

I look into his eyes anxiously. Nodding. "Why would you think otherwise Sir?" I ask shyly, trying to avoid his intimidating eye contact.

"Look at me sweetheart" He says, making my thighs clench and insides throb.

I follow his orders and look into his eyes.

My mouth going dry.

"What's the matter?" He asks. "Your the best in this class and never lose focus like this, let alone fall asleep." He explains his worry.

"I. I uhm, my mom kicked me out last night. She has schizophrenia and she now decided to move to Flordia. So I have no where to stay. So I was up all night, studying to keep my mind off of things." I say, my eyes beginning to water.

I blink them away and look over to the window, not being able to look him in the eyes.

"Oh sweet girl" He says, and hugs me.

I hug him back as tight as I can. The comforting feeling unusual to me.

"I'm sorry, I know this isn't your problem and there are other students who have much bigger more important issues, i really didn't mean to fall asleep." I say into his chest.

"Don't apologise Y/N" He says sternly.

"You didn't do anything wrong, did you know that the average female needs atleast 7 hours of sleep, and if they don't get that, their stress and anxiety levels increase and the lack of sleep reduces your physical and cognitive performance." He says pulling away. I smile at his rambling and nod while wiping my tears away.

"Where are you staying now?" He asks, standing up and looking down at me.

I look up at him anxiously to respond.

"I don't know." I whisper out, looking away, feeling the tears starting again.

"How would you like to stay with me? Until you figure things out ofcourse." He asks cautiously.

I look up at him shocked.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

He nods.

"Ofcourse, you are my favorite student after all." He chuckles out.

He Whips the falling tears as they spill down my cheek as I look up at him. I lean into his touch.

"Is that alright, love?" He asks, I nod.

"Use your words" He says.

"Yes sir, I'd love to." I say shyly.

"Excellent, let's get going now shall we? Do you have your things or?" He asks, as he walks to his desk, gathering his belongings.

"I was only able to grab my school uniform, school books, laptop, chargers and bathroom stuff, that's all I could fit in my backpack." I say.

He nods.

He signals me to follow him, I get up and walk behind him to his black sports car.

I get into the front seat and place my bag infront of me on the floor.

"Seat belt" He says, starting the car.

I put the seat belt on and shiver from the cool fall air.

"Good girl" I blush hard.

I lean my head against the cold window, watching the passing trees go by. My eyes begin to get heavy as I doze off.

I'm awoken this time ruthlessly.

"Y/N are you ok?" He groans, shaking me awake. There was fire everywhere.

"What happened?" I ask, beginning to hyperventilate.

I look back at him but his eyes are shut, his face bloody and chard.

I scream and scream and scream.

"Y/N wake up, it's ok wake up, we are here" he says lightly shaking me awake once again.

I wake up sobbing and lean to cling to him in a tight hug.

"Shh s'okay, I'm here, it's ok" He says holding the back of my head and rubbing my back.

"What was the nightmare about baby?" He asks soothingly.

"We got into a car accident, and you died." I whimper out, my voice hoarse from all the crying.

"Oh honey, it's ok, I'm alright see. I'm alive." He says placing my hand over his heart. I calm down and look around seeing we are at a nice sized house, with vines down the front and sides of it, it looked like a cottage from a fairytale. My eyes light up at the sight.

"Woah" I say amazed.

He chuckles.

"Follow me" He says, taking my bag for me.

"Thanks" I say shyly, realizing this is my professor and not some high-school crush.

He was just being nice and caring. That's all.

I follow him into his house and smile at the decor, it matched him perfectly, the furniture old and dark, and the scent of his house was exquisite, like a pumpkin vanilla.

"You can stay in the guest bedroom over here" he says, guiding me down the hall way. "My room is next door here" he says pointing to another door. "And the bathroom is over here" he says.

I nod a thank you.

"I'll let you get settled, I'll be in the kitchen if you need me" He says giving me a caring smile putting his hand on my lower back while leaving down the hall.

I enter the room, observing my surroundings, there was a double bed with an beatiful oak bed frame, on the left side of the room in the middle of the wall, and a window straight ahead, to the right there was a desk, and to the left of the desk was an old white chair.

It was very basic, not in a bad way.

I unpack my bag, putting my limited clothes (being only my school uniforms) in the dresser. And placing the singular Grumpy Care Bear on my bed for comfort.

I exit my new bedroom and go to the kitchen.

"Hey Professor" I say shyly. Sitting down on one of the chairs set at the island.

"Please call me Spencer" He chuckles out.

I blush lightly, enough for him to notice and smirk.

"Ok Spenerrr" I say goofily out of anxiety.

Causing him to smile again.

"Whatcha doing?" I ask boredly.

"Cooking dinner, I hope you like chicken vermicelli noodles" He says with a chuckle.

"I have no clue what that is but it smells good so I probably will!" I say giggling.

"Why are you still in your school clothes its-" He pauses checking his watch "8 PM on a Friday" He asks.

"I didn't manage to fit any of my actual clothes in my bag, so I just have my school uniforms." I say with a sad chuckle. "But it's ok, they aren't that unc-" "nuh uh, I'll be right back" He says cutting me off before leaving the kitchen and stove unattended. "Uh Spence you kinda forgot about the fooood" I call out and walk around the island to the stove, stirring the food in the frying pan. Still having no idea what I'm doing, causing me to burn myself slightly.

"Ow" I say blankly, running my finger under cool water.

I look over to see him leaning against the wall chuckling while holding a t-shirt and sweatpants.

"It's not funny, I don't know how to cook" I whine out in a giggle.

He shakes his head in a laugh.

"Here, wear these" He says handing me his clothes. I reluctantly take them. "Thank you very much sir, you have no idea how much I appreciate you doing all this for me" I say sadly. "Don't mention it, your not that unbearable" He says, causing me to roll my eyes and playfully punch his shoulder.

His eyes widen, "oh yeah?" He says jokingly and picks me up as if I weigh nothing (I most definitely don't weigh nothing) and carries me over his shoulder.

"HEY SPENCER PUT ME DOWN" I giggle out and hit his back, causing him to slap my ass making me yelp "ah ah ah" He says placing me down in the bathroom. "Change your clothes then give them to me so I can wash them" He says smiling before shutting the door.

I sigh out with a smile before undressing, taking everything off.

My smile drops when I realize I have to go commando in my professors sweatpants and braless in his t-shirt.

I put the clothing on, it fitting loosely.

I fold my dirty clothes, making sure my bra and panties were hidden to the best of my abilities.

I exit the bathroom and begin to go to the kitchen, but he isn't there, the food is plated and set on the island but he is missing, "Spence?" I call out.

"BOO" He says, grabbing my waist causing me to scream and drop my clothes. "GODDAMIT" I say absolutely terrified making him laugh even harder. " s'not funny" i whine out.

Both of us bending over to pick up my clothes, I freeze when I see him picking up my panties.

"Hmm, lacey blue, so innocent yet so naughty Y/N" I blush really hard, I go to grab my underwear from his hand but he snatches them away, putting them into his pocket and picks up the rest of my clothes.

I stand in the middle of the kitchen, my jaw on the floor. "Spe-" "ah. I'm confiscating those. For reasons I don't need to say!" He says. "But those are my only-" "we can buy you new ones, any ones you'd like." He says, before walking into the laundry room to place my dirty clothes into the washing machine.

"Common, let's eat." He says, walking over to the island and pulling out a chair for me, before sitting next to me.

I take a bite out of the food and moan out in happiness.

"Do you like it?" He asks with a chuckle.

"Mhmm" I say, taking another bite.

I look over awkwardly.

"I-i like food.." I say shyly.

"I can see that, it's cute" He says, making me blush.

After dinner I help clean up.

"I'll do the dishes, you put the leftovers away?" I say. And he nods.

I wash the dishes by hand, but after washing only 2 cups I get ancy and put some music on the TV, Reflections by The Neighborhood starts playing and I start to sing along while doing the dishes.

Swaying my hips to the music.

I hear footsteps behind me and freeze the music pausing too.

"Y'know. You look really good in my clothes sweetheart." He whispers in my ear, causing me to shudder. His hands around my waist.

"Wanna know what you'd look even better in?" He asks seductively.

"W-what?" I whisper out, not daring to turn around.

"In bed! Because it's bedtime!" He says picking me up again.

"But the dishes! There is only one left!" I whine out, kicking my feet, as he holds me bridal style.

"I can do it, sweets" He says sweetly causing me to smile at the pet name.

God he was going to be the death of me.

NO HE IS YOUR PROFESSOR, but he doesn't seem to mind.

He places me in my bed.

Grabbing my care bear and chuckling.

"What.." I say embarrassed.

"Nothing, just pictured you as a hello kitty girl" He chuckles.

"I love hello kitty too, but I had to chose, and Grumpy was the softest one so.." I say realizing I'm rambling.

He hands me the bear and nods.

"Goodnight Y/N" He says, putting the blankets over me and kissing my forehead. I blush.

"Goodnight Spence" I say kissing his cheek.

I fall asleep easily.

[jaegeraether]

Sunsets and footballers (Part 20)

Lucy Bronze x Reader (20)

Masterlist (other parts here)

YFN had just received an email from the company she now worked for, Lumos. She tried to research the company and the first thing that popped up was a popular charity, followed by several other companies sharing the same name. Eventually she found her company which had nothing beyond a basic internet site and new social media accounts, so she knew they were being honest when they said they were brand new and starting up.

The salary they’d offered her was already high, with the promise of increase based on performance, both hers and Lumos’. The amount of money they were putting into the business and expenses were also much higher than she expected. Someone really wanted this to work.

She looked over at Lucy who was making her own sandcastles and smiled. Once the email had come through, Lucy had insisted she read it and took her time to mull it over. YFN loved that she was doing anything she could to let her make a future in the country, and especially around her profession. That was her Lucy. Always three steps ahead.

She took her phone out to film a little snippet of her as she made her giant sandcastle. She couldn’t help the smile on her face looking at how happy she was. Lucy’s big kid was shining through. She looked up and saw YFN filming her and grinned, gesturing to her sandcastle as if to show it off. YFN ended the video and put it away, looking at Lucy sitting in the sand, a leg either side of her creation. She was wearing black shorts, her whole body tanned from Spain, abs shining with the sunscreen YFN put on her, regardless of the clouds. Her heart felt full just watching her.

“Admiring the view?” Lucy grinned.

YFN felt her face reddening, though she didn’t know why. She wasn’t ashamed to look. She nodded, pressing her lips together to hide a cheeky smile.

“Can you send me that video, little one?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She sent the video and went back to the email on her laptop. The email was promising, and she found herself excited at everything she read.

Her phone rang and she looked at the number, Lumos. She answered it, putting it on speaker, knowing Lucy would be interested.

“YFN speaking.”

“Hi YFN, it’s Joe, how are you?” She sounded lovely, like a mum.

“Hi Joe, lovely to hear from you again. I’m great, just at the beach soaking in all of the sunshine the UK has to offer.”

She laughed. “I dare say it’s nothing compared to what you’re used to in Australia. I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.”

“No, not at all. I was expecting this today, I’m free to chat.” She smiled at Lucy who gave her a supportive thumbs up.

“Excellent. Okay, well I thought we’d just go through the basics of what we’re hoping to accomplish as a company, our goals and along those lines. If you have the email open, we’ll just run through it together. Also, how’s the work Visa coming along?”

“Perfect, I have it open now. I’ve also spoken to my Visa agent and he’s confident they’ll have it approved by tonight. They’re happy with the contract and 6-month minimum guarantee that you’ve sent through.”

“Outstanding, that’s what we want to hear! Just send that through as soon as you receive it, or if you need any other information. Fingers crossed! Okay, let’s get started. So firstly, as you know, I’ve wanted to start this company for quite a period of time. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances in and around the industry, and we’re not seeing the movement in female football that we’ve wanted, so Lumos is a plan to change that. Now, the World Cup has been brilliant for progress, and we plan to latch onto that and keep the momentum building. Over the past year and especially the past few months, I and my friends in the industry have put our feelers out, gotten some feedback and have established interest by a lot of the players. Now, I understand it will start slow, but we’re willing to put the work in and definitely also put the funding into it.”

Lucy looked impressed, nodding as she was talking.

“That sounds fantastic, Joe..”

“I’m glad you agree! To be quite honest with you, YFN, you’ve been the lynchpin I’ve been looking for. I’ve been looking for someone with your experience and after reading your columns and seeing the interviews you’ve conducted, I’m beyond impressed. The research you put into your work, and the way you speak and ask questions to your interviewee’s are smart, and incredibly respectful. I can see that’s important to you, and it’s very important to me. We shouldn’t be asking the same boring questions, or we’ll get the same media trained answers.”

“Oh I completely agree. I was a bit worried at first that this job would encourage me to ask those simple and sometimes far too personal questions, so I’m really happy to hear you say that because people don’t realise that we can go beyond the norm of interviewing, and still remain just like that. Respectful. Not only that, but players will be more willing to open up, accept interviews, and request us if they’re comfortable around us. They’ll also want to use us to get their messages across and I know that if we do this right, the momentum will build and more players will be using us to fulfil their media duties.”

“Outstanding, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear! We’re so, so lucky that you happened to meet Katie so she could recommend you to us. We’ve been looking for you for quite a while.”

YFN was a little embarrassed, she didn’t know how to accept compliments and blushed. Lucy reached over and squeezed her leg in support. “Thanks Joe, that’s lovely to hear. I hope I can live up to your expectations, and I’m excited to get started! It’s a blank slate which means so much opportunity for the company.”

“100% agree. Any chance you’ve found our website and social media accounts?”

“I did just before you called..”

Joe laughed again. “Of course, you have. Straight into work! Excellent. We’re going to get along so well, I already know it. Our IT guy is Noel, and his contact details are in the email. Right now I’ve asked him to make the accounts all bare minimum, as I imagine you’ll want to create a theme to follow..”

“Yes! Absolutely, so I plan on organising a meeting with the whole team for Monday, I just wanted to make sure you were happy with that first..”

“Yes, please! And just for the future, this is your team, your baby. Anything involving the creation of this, meetings, team logistics, etc, all of that is yours. Obviously I’ll still like to be kept up to date with the progress and the plans, but to be completely fair with you, YFN, I run several businesses so I’m quite busy. This company is still in its start-up stages, so I’ll have much more time for it, and I do have a soft spot, this is always going to be one of my priorities, however I just wanted to make sure we’re on the same page with this.”

“That’s perfect, I’ll send you through weekly updates and expenses, planning, coverage and everything we change or create along the way. I appreciate the honesty and the communication also, I think until we establish that solid footing, you and I will have to be in a lot of contact to ensure we’re achieving the expected goals, and keeping everything in budget.”

“You don’t know how much this is music to my ears.”

YFN laughed, feeling positive and happy with the plan thus-far. Joe seemed perfect, offering her everything and having the blind faith in her to start up the business almost from the ground, up. “I think we’re starting at a good time, though. We’re catching the start of the seasons, so it gives us time to iron out any issues before the finals for both the WSL and the Conti Cup. A good timeline will be for us to have full coverage by Round 5 on the Conti Cup, and January for WSL, covering both through to the Final. Then we should be fully prepped and running smoothly for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.”

“That’s a very respectable timeline and exactly my thoughts. January will be perfect if we can have full coverage by then.”

“I think it’s achievable, I’ll have a better idea after I research a bit more and talk to the team. I’m sure everyone’s keen to get started! Also, it’ll be quite a heavy work period as we start up, and then when we finally start to get footing, we’ll be expanding to make sure we have the people to cover all games and the email also says you’re hoping for international team and coverage of the other leagues in Europe?”

“Yes,” Joe sounded a litte sheepish. “I know, I know, it’s quite a high expectation, but we’ll get there eventually. Let’s start with the WSL and Continental Cup. Definitely want to be all over the UEFA Women’s Champions League, that’s the first major goal. From there, you and I can talk about expanding to cover Tier 2. Then, depending on the timeline, we want to cover Tier 3 and Tier 4 so we can encourage grassroots and young girls upcoming through the leagues. Then we want Liga F, Serie A, Feminine, etc, also following the national teams, NWSL in the US, A-Leagues in Australia and onwards.”

“Very large goals! That’s great, a lot to look forward to and to aim for. We’ll make sure to split the goals up to feel more achievable for the team, but I think if they know the long-term goal, it’ll make everyone determined and ready to settle down into the job.”

“That’s exactly what we want. The team building and team trust in each other is vital to make this business a success. Anything you need, let me know and we’ll work through it together, that includes extra positions or professionals. I imagine a recruiter may become useful if you become inundated with the logistics.”

YFN nodded, even though she couldn’t see her. She was taking notes eagerly, excited by the conversation as she responded, a little distracted as she typed. “I’ll definitely let you know if we need anything to help us expand..”

“I heard you’re meeting some of the players, also?”

YFN stopped typing and tilted her head. Lucy groaned. She looked over at Lucy who had a frown on her face, gesturing to the phone. “Um… Joe I have Lucy close by who wants to say something I think?”

Joe was aware that YFN was dating Lucy. YFN had made sure she’d told Joe, fearing a conflict of interest, especially with the need to visit Spain. Joe had had the opposite reaction. She thought it was great that YFN was so involved in the industry, knowing that dating Lucy made her closer with the inner circle of football than just being part of a media group. As for Spain, she’d encouraged her to go, offering to pay for flights and knowing that the more she was involved with Barcelona, the easier it would be to expand into Liga F and onwards. She was particularly interested in Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati as they had so much influence in the sport. Joe’s ambition was multi-faceted, but positive on all fronts. She wanted to encourage the young female footballers of tomorrow, give women strong rolemodels to idolise, and to bring much needed attention to all of women’s football in general, all around the world. Popular footballers like Lucy, Alexia, Aitana, could help expedite their growth and influence.

“Of course! I assumed she was there with you and then Lucy’s post confirmed it.” She laughed.

Lucy’s post? She looked at a now cheeky looking Lucy as she passed her the phone and stole Lucy’s to check on said “post”. She’d posted the video of her building sandcastles on the beach and grinning at the camera, but more importantly, she’d posted a selfie Lucy had taken of the two of them, YFN sat in-between her legs and being pulled back by Lucy who was kissing her cheek as she smiled. Her mouth dropped open. Hard launch. She looked at the caption.

“Happy place with my happy little Australian” *red heart*

She’d tagged her and YFN looked at the phone in Lucy’s hand, unsure how it hadn’t blown up from all of the notifications it must have had. Lucy winked at her as she moved next to her, resting her hand on her thigh and stroking her thumb there.

“Hey Joe, it’s Lucy.. funny you should mention that, I actually hadn’t told YFN that just yet..”

“Hi Lucy… oh, I’m sorry! I’d heard a few little whispers from a few friends..”

Lucy laughed. “That’s okay, she had to find out eventually.” She looked at YFN who looked curiously at her gorgeously tanned athlete. She couldn’t help reaching out and playing with a few strands of Lucy’s hair that were wildly playing in the wind. “I might as well tell you both.. YFN said a while ago that one of the first things she’d want to do is to have a get-together with a few players to ask them what they want, their likes and dislikes and to start building those relationships.” YFN’s fingers stroked down the side of Lucy’s face from around her temple, down to her jaw as she watched her speak. Lucy leant into her as she did. “So a few of the girls and I made a few phone calls to get some players together for dinner tonight.”

YFN’s fingers paused on her jaw, her eyes softening and heart filling. How did she get so lucky?

“That’s fantastic! A very strong start to everything! Relationship building is the most important thing for us, we want to build and maintain those special relationships with all of the players, so this dinner tonight is going to be the perfect start for that. I speak for our whole company when I say a big thank you to you, Lucy. This is just… beyond the start I was expecting.”

“You’re welcome, and to be fair, I know a lot of the players are excited for this. As you said, word has been spreading for a while now and heating up in the last few months so we’re all excited to see this come to life. The girls I’ve spoken to have been so under represented and misrepresented for so long that they’re excited for this to happen. YFN’s going to have a lot of work, but I know she’s going be the most amazing asset for you and create magic, like she does with everything else.”

YFN’s hand dropped and she looked at Lucy with an embarrassed but thankful expression. Lucy touched that little dimple, her eyes unable to leave it. She handed the phone back to YFN who was almost crying. So much work. She wondered how busy she would be in 13 days when she needed to head to Spain. Joe was aware of it, of course, and immediately approved, reminding her that she didn’t need her permission.

They spoke for a little while longer, talking about the email and the team members they had. The call ended and YFN folded up her little note taking book, pulling the band over it. Lucy’s mouth on hers was surprising, but not unwelcome. She kissed back eagerly, tilting her head and their tongues meeting. It grew a little bit more desperate as their hands tangled in each other’s hair, and Lucy pulled her on top, straddling her in a sitting position. YFN groaned into her mouth at the feel of Lucy’s body against hers. Then her phone rang again.

She jumped, assuming it was Joe calling back and looked at the phone.

“Nan calling. Baby bro calling.”

“Oh shit, Joe really distracted me.” She answered the phone on loudspeaker, sliding off of Lucy, noticing her confused expression. “Hi Nan, hey bro.”

Lucy understood and settled herself behind YFN, legs either side of her and pulled her back to lean on her body. She pulled a blanket around them.

“Hello!”

“Hey sis.”

They changed to Facetime and it was impossible for them to not see Lucy. YFN’s nan adjusted her glasses to better see and her brother looked surprised and unbelieving.

“Oh shit, you weren’t joking.” He choked.

Lucy laughed. “Hi! It’s nice to finally meet you both. I’ve heard so much about you two.”

“Oh, YFN, she’s stunning.” Her nan said, making her choke out a little of the water she was sipping. Lucy and her brother laughed as she coughed the water out of her lungs.

“It’s not just about looks, nan!”

“No, but it certainly helps, doesn’t it?” She laughed.

YFN could feel Lucy’s whole body vibrating as she laughed behind her. She rolled her eyes knowing that Lucy loved compliments.

“Oh and I saw the photos online, very nice!”

Her nan was far past retired, she was a pensioner who spent most of her time playing games on the iPad YFN had bought her, and looking through Instagram and Facebook she’d installed on there for her. She had no idea how to use them and only had a few friends and followers, but that’s all she needed. After that, Lucy took out her phone and followed them both, making sure it was okay first and warning them about random follows that would ultimately pop up.

They spoke for a while, Lucy immediately loved by both, of course. Everybody loved Lucy. Lucy and her brother clicked surprisingly well, perhaps even better than YFN did with him, though she suspected a part of it was his idolisation of athletes and Lucy was nothing if not an athlete. She felt Lucy’s abs against her back, her strong biceps cradled around her own arms and she held her and laughed with her family like this wasn’t the first time they’d all spoken. God, that woman.

By the end of the phone call, Lucy had already managed to convince them both to come over and watch a game, offering to pay for their flights and accommodation. YFN made a mental note to argue with her about that later, or pay before Lucy could. Somehow she’d even convinced her nan who had always said she was too old for flying, Lucy managing to sweet talk her about first class and how much room and food you got. She was excited at the prospect of seeing them both. She’d seen her nan only a few weeks before, but the distance was cruel. Also, she hadn’t seen her brother in 8 months as he was living in Japan, exploring and doing god knows what.

They ended the phone call after a good period, both agreeing to come and watch England play at some point in the near future. She was excited at the thought of seeing her family soon and wriggled back into Lucy to show her happiness.

When the call disappeared from the screen, she saw the notifications and groaned nervously. She opened the post.

*Lucy Bronze MBE tagged you in a post*

*Caitlin Foord liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Caitlin Foord commented on a post you’re tagged in.*

*Jordan Nobbs liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Jordan Nobbs commented on a post you’re tagged in.*

*Alexia Putellas liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Ruesha Littlejohn liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Millie Bright liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Ridley liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Ridley commented on a post you’re tagged in.*

*Leah Williamson liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Mariona Caldentey liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Katie McCabe liked a post you’re tagged in.*

*Katie McCabe commented on a post you’re tagged in.*

She didn’t finish reading the notifications before she cleared them and put her phone away. She’d look later. Right now, she was with Lucy, and she was more than aware that she only had her for one more day. Lucy hummed her approval and kissed her temple.

“Busy third date, hm?”

“Cute lunch, majestic sandcastle, exciting work call, successful first meeting with my family… I’d call that a brilliant third date.”

Lucy nodded against her. “It’s getting late, little one. We need to go; I want us to get unpacked and showered before we go out for dinner.”

“Okay…”

“What’s on your mind? I can hear you thinking.” Lucy nuzzled behind her ear.

“I was just thinking about how I need to say goodbye to you in a day..”

“Don’t think about that.” She whispered. “Let’s enjoy it.”

“I am. My heart is starting to feel sad already though..” She turned slightly to look at Lucy. “Also, just out of curiosity, are we going to not have sex tonight, or just be quiet so Jordan doesn’t hear us?”

Lucy’s head fell back as she laughed. It was one of YFN’s favourite sounds. “Oh, we’re having sex tonight. As for the noise… I’m going to make sure you’re thinking about it for the next 13 days so… good luck staying quiet.”

[gougarfem]

how was the process of getting a dumbphone!

oh my god this is something i'm so excited to talk about, sorry it took me so many months to respond!

getting a dumbphone improved my quality of life so so much. i knew my screentime was high, but didn't realise it was a genuine psychological addiction until i quit. the first few days were extremely rough. time seemed to pass about ten times slower, and i was forced to fill the hours with various hobbies and activities. i know we all love to tell people to touch grass, but i really did have to connect with nature and it did wonders for my mental health.

i think for the first three days i was constantly restless and horribly irritable, looked around for my phone every few minutes, felt intense boredom and even cried a few times lol. your addiction may not be as extreme as mine was and this varies from person to person. however, after about a week i realised i remembered everything i'd done each day, because it was filled with intentional activities and little moments of peace rather than a blur of scrolling. i also wasn't on adhd meds yet, which is something i'll talk about in another post.

not having everything at your fingertips is uncomfortable, but (and it's a cliche) you really start to appreciate the world around you more. i looked forward to spending time with my family, because it filled time and i wasn't half-involved in my phone the entire time. i use an mp3 player to listen to music, and uploading music to it is a meaningful and interesting activity, rather than just shuffling a playlist. i listen to whole albums instead of being flooded with dopamine from spotify firing recommended songs at me. i appreciate music more, i make CDs for friends, i have to be intentional in discovering new artists and music. if i'm having an interesting conversation online, i look forward to going home and logging onto my laptop to continue it. i don't spend my commute, time in class, or time with friends texting somebody else. everything feels more intentional, spaced out, and interesting, even the things i do online.

i also found i stopped performing in every activity i did. i stopped thinking about whether i could post it to instagram or instantly send a picture in a discord server. i started picking up new hobbies for myself, not for an online audience, and living in the moment more. this is really important in the modern age, although again uncomfortable.

the best part was how my connections with others increased through having a dumbphone. i started calling friends rather than messaging on five platforms at once, and they started reciprocating. my message threads are continuous, coherent conversations, rather than sending memes. people realised they have to intentionally reach out to me, and i lost relationships with people who weren't interested in that, but strengthened connections with people who did put in the effort (many of whom i barely talked to in the past). i give people my phone number, not my social media handle, and they actually start conversations with me rather than hitting follow. i get to hear my friends' voices when they have drama to share and realise it takes me forever to type on my flip phone keyboard. again, everything is intentional, takes time, and richer than when i had a smartphone.

i genuinely would recommend it to absolutely everyone (i've kind of become like a crossfit guy in telling people to get a dumbphone lol). i won't pretend it's easy, and most people make excuses - for the first few months of having a dumbphone, i was bedbound or in hospital, and truly relied on online connections to pass time and communicate. it still hugely improved my life. however, no matter your situation there are always, always better options than scrolling an app, and you deserve to pass your time in a memorable way. i think most people don't realise they're addicted/reliant on smartphones, and the idea of quitting is horribly uncomfortable, but at least for me, the benefits were worth it.

i'm happy to answer any questions, i literally could talk about this topic for hours (even if it's stuff like "how would i use x app" "how would i replace x smartphone function").

ditch your smartphone babe, u deserve better <33

[ms-demeanor]

So i do have trouble running anything in my lap, but it is old and very basic but I can't really get a new one, how do i learn how to change its RAM, battery and anything that could make it perform better?

So I actually have a post that's a basic explainer on this kind of stuff, but here's my specific steps for figuring out if your computer can take more RAM, what kind of RAM it takes, and if/how you can install it.

If you're in a hurry or this entire thing looks intimidating, scroll down to the section with the pink text for a quick and dirty way to find what you're looking for that I don't wholly endorse because there are sometimes errors with this process.

This is literally my job, so while this guide won't cover all contingencies it is the basic process that I do every time I need to source upgrades for a computer.

How to Find RAM for your computer:

Step One: Identify the model of your computer. This is usually visible in a sticker with a barcode on the back of the tower or on the bottom of a laptop. If you aren't sure, you can search "how to find model number of [Samsung laptop][HP desktop][etc.]" I'm going to use a Lenovo M710e as my example here, because it was the computer I had to find RAM for yesterday.

So, the ThinkCentre M710e is the product line and the model/product number is 10UR001JUS. The product number gives us the information about the specific configuration of that computer when it was sold, while the product line gives us the general information about configurations that were produced as part of this line. So for example, all M710e desktops will accept the same RAM technology, but the 10UR001JUS specifically came with 2x4GB RAM modules while another line might have come with 1x8GB RAM installed.

GENERALLY SPEAKING it is better for you to work from your product ID/product number/model number and not from the product line.

Step Two: Find out what memory technology your computer uses, what's installed, and what the max your computer will accept is. Most manufacturers will have spec sheets, so if you search the part/product number you will likely see a link from the manufacturer for the specifications of that device. Here's the one for this computer:

So this tells me that the computer has 8GB total memory in 2 modules of DDR4 RAM with a speed of 2400 Mhz. When I am shopping for RAM the important numbers here are DDR4 and 2400. BUT this does not tell me how much RAM the computer can take or what the physical format of that RAM is, so I need to look a little more, which I do by searching "[model number] specifications," which brings me to a Newegg page that has more information about the specs:

This shows me that the computer has 8GB of DDR4 2400 RAM installed in 2 slots. It shows that the computer only has two slots, and it shows me that the maximum RAM for the computer is 32GB. What this means is that if I want to upgrade the RAM I would need to remove a module from at least one of the slots.

RAM tends to come in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB modules. If I wanted to increase the RAM in this computer for the least amount of money possible, I would add one 8GB module, and that would help the computer a lot, taking it from 8GB to 12GB. BUT if I wanted a higher performance for just a little bit more money, I'd replace both 4GB modules with 8GB modules. RAM is happier and works better when the modules in the computer match, so what I'd do is look for 2 8GB modules that are faster than 2400mhz.

Step Three: because I'm me and I was the one who initially ordered this computer five years ago and I have RAM upgrades for this model in my order history, this is where I would stop. But if it was for a computer that I wasn't familiar with, this is where I would check my work. I do this by going to the Crucial Memory tool:

I'd click on "upgrade my computer" and I'd use the "upgrade finder" option.

If you are searching for a RAM upgrade on the computer that you are currently using, you can use the Crucial Scanner tool which will read the specifications of your system and take you to recommended upgrades that Crucial thinks are compatible with your system. I do not 100% endorse doing this, and if you do use this option I recommend checking Crucial's work because I've ordered RAM on Crucial's recommendation in the past and then found that it was incompatible when we went to install.

But, like I said, I use the upgrade finder option. There are a TON of computers listed in this, so once you go through manufacturer (lenovo, in this example) and product line (for crucial, "product line" here means "thinkcentre") I'll use ctrl+F with "M710e" to find the actual product, because scrolling though this bullshit is for chumps:

That takes you to a page with what should be your computer's specs and recommendations for product upgrades:

As I scroll through, looking for 16GB upgrades, I notice that all the RAM listed is 288 pin, which is the correct size for this computer. RAM tends to come in two physical formats for consumers, Desktop RAM and Laptop RAM. Desktop RAM is longer, Laptop RAM is shorter. There are some more complicated layers to that, but what it means is that I need to match the RAM in my search to the format the computer uses.

So let's say that I want to upgrade my computer here and I decide that I want to go with the 3200 speed. So instead of buying from Crucial (which you could do if you wanted to) I decide to shop around. If I search for "16GB DDR4-3200" on Amazon here's what I get:

One of those is 288 pin and will fit in desktops, the other is 260 pin and will fit in laptops or very small form factor desktops. You need to make sure, either by checking the specifications from the manufacturer or on a ram compatibility site or PC part picker, that you are getting the correct physical format in addition to the correct size/technology/speed.

Step Four: Shop around. I prefer not to buy from Amazon when I can help it, and I like seeing what deals I can get. You *do* have the option of clicking "where to buy" on Crucial and there are usually several choices of where to get that specific Crucial part number, but I want to see if there are more generic options, or options from other brands I like.

A newegg search shows me an A-tech 16GB kit with the specs I'm looking for, but at a higher price than Crucial. Poking around a few places doesn't show me any better deals than Crucial, so I go back over to the crucial site, click on "where to buy" for the product I want, and choose to get it from B&H because it's not amazon and I've got an account there.

Step Five: Figure out how to put the RAM inside of your computer. The easiest way to do this is usually to check IFixIt.com, a website designed to show people how to fix their computers.

IFixIt has guides for some types of ThinkCentres but not an M710e. I can check out the M72e, because that's a pretty similar model, but then it turns out the page is a stub. So I search "how to upgrade RAM in Lenovo M710e" and I found the user manual, which has an diagram of the internal parts of the computer, an exploded view of where everything goes, and a section on replacing RAM modules.

Replacing RAM on most desktops is pretty simple, and if you haven't done it and this set of diagrams doesn't give you much information, I really recommend watching some videos from Paul's Hardware that show you how to handle computer components and identify what parts of a computer you're looking at.

Replacing RAM on laptops is usually a bit more complicated than on desktops. But sometimes it's even easier (one of my computers just had a little door on the bottom where you could add RAM if you needed to). Regardless, the principles are the same - there is a slot on the motherboard for you to put RAM in. Watch videos or look at tutorials for how to open up various kinds of computers and see if you're comfortable replicating those steps.

SOME CAVEATS:

Sometimes you can't add or replace RAM. Sometimes RAM is soldered directly on the motherboard. That should be noted somewhere in the manufacturer specifications.

Sometimes computers are more of a pain in the ass to upgrade than they're worth. Most ultra-slim laptops are difficult to get into and most all-in-ones are a *nightmare* to get into. Watch videos of people working on computers similar to yours before you buy anything to figure out if you're even going to be able to get into the damned thing.

On older laptops replacing the battery is very easy, on newer ones it's getting more difficult. Use the same process of identifying your computer model number to look up compatible batteries, then look up how to replace batteries. Sometimes they're just inaccessible and difficult to get at, and sometimes you literally don't even need tools besides your thumbs.

Anyway. That was kind of a lot. I hope it made sense. Check out the linked post at the beginning for tips on performance improvements outside of hardware upgrades, and good luck.

[ac3may]

“Stop beating around the bush!” ~ Rachel Daly x Reader

Was in a Daly mood and wrote a little something, requests are sparking lots of ideas so keep them coming!💙

Prompt: "Stop beating around the bush!"

Words: 2.1k

Masterlist

Getting your first England senior team call up you had never been more excited! You thought that it was a feeling that would fade, but the pride you feel to be one of the lucky ones selected only ever increases, even after eight years. 

Arrival day at camp had to be one of your favourite moments, the anticipation of seeing everyone again. Hanging out like kids at summer camp never got old especially when your two best friends were scheduled to join you! 

After your contract ran out the previous summer, your show-stopping performance in the Euros had clubs across the globe, but specifically in Europe, fighting for you. Eventually, Barcelona won out and you relocated to Spanish soil for the foreseeable future. What you hadn’t accounted for was one of your closest friends making her return from the USA the same month you moved.

You, Millie, and Rachel had been a trio for as long as many people remember. Ever since you made your respective debuts in 2016 you’ve all been attached at the hip. Just the best of friends right?

Wrong. They were your best friends and you wouldn’t trade them for the world.

But you have been in love with Rachel since the moment you walked into your hotel room on your first camp to find her belting Céline Dion at the top of her lungs. You hadn’t ever admitted your more-than-platonic feelings to the girl herself, but your Chelsea counterpart was certainly aware. Millie had been the person to hold you tight after a couple too many drinks had you sobbing on the bathroom floor, wailing about why Rachel didn’t love you.

No matter how much you pretended that night didn’t happen Millie has never let go of what she heard. Sly looks, subtle nudges and occasional desperate begging all a part of her attempts to get you to admit your feelings. 

Despite Covid having taken away your tradition of rooming with Rachel each England camp one that continued strong was the movie night the two of you exclusively shared every first night. 

A knock at the door indicates your best friend's arrival. Shaking your head from your Daly-consuming thoughts you compose yourself with a breath before opening it wide. The way Rachel saunters in so casually you could assume she lived there too. Greeting you with a smile, “sorry! I would’ve been here sooner but I couldn’t get Tooney to stop nattering!” She announces kicking off her sliders before gracefully belly-flopping onto the king-sized bed. 

“I bet!” You say chuckling at the thought, perching on the edge of the mattress, “I was looking through Netflix and I couldn’t find anything good, I was thinking maybe Disney?”

Nodding in absent-minded agreement, still lying belly down, Rachel turns to you over her shoulder, “what are you doing all the way over there?” She asks sulkily, a grin breaking out on your face as she reaches out to you. Wrapping her fingers around your wrist she pulls you forcefully face-down into the duvet, the abrupt movement shocking you briefly before you’re both rolling about in fits of laughter. 

“Stop it! Stop it!” Rachel’s squeals are accompanied by her hands pushing at yours as she fights to stop you from tickling her. With a final giggle, you finally ease your movements watching enamoured as Rachel’s body relaxes and she drops onto your pillows less than elegantly, panting out breaths. 

Relaxing against the headboard, shoulder to shoulder with the Aston Villa player you huff with frustration. “Come on Rach! Pick something already!” You insist, eyes trained on the page of movies she’d been scrolling through for the past ten minutes. 

With an exasperated sigh, she throws her hands in the air dramatically, “I can’t decide!” She declares, “you choose!” Despite rolling your eyes at the antics you’re quick to snatch your laptop back from her, immediately scrolling to the animated movie section. 

“Let’s do a classic,” you decide, cursor moving across the thumbnails of the Walt Disney animated movies. “Okay…” you hum gently as your eyes settle, “Beauty and the Beast? Tarzan? Orrrrrr, Tangled?” 

Turning your head to look at Rachel she chooses the same moment to move her gaze from the screen to you. You freeze. Your faces are so close you can feel the light tickles of her breath against your skin, you can’t bring yourself to pull away as you analyse her bright blue irises, somehow missing the way her eyes flicker across your face and land on your lips.

Clearing your throat harshly you manage to break the moment, ignoring it entirely as you raise your eyebrows to question her film choice. Shaking her head, the blonde directs her attention solely to the screen between you two, “Tangled,” she mutters with a decisive nod of her head. Nodding yours in return, confused by her unusual cold attitude, you press play.

Shifting your body again you try and find a comfortable position, a task which is becoming increasingly difficult as Rachel is very intentionally avoiding all physical contact. Usually, she’s begging to cuddle up for film nights and is always dragging you to squash together on the sofa or share a beanbag. You can help but wonder what you had done to cause the sudden shift, had you been too obvious?

“Can you stop squirming?” The mutter lacks the playful infliction you’re used to and you freeze immediately, unsure of how to tackle your next move. 

You eventually huff out, “sorry," with a roll of your eyes, giving up on watching the princess and criminal duo, rolling onto your back and picking up your phone instead. After five or so minutes of tension-filled silence, Rachel finally resolves to flick her eyes from where they’d been locked on the screen to glance at you. The disappointment which floods her at your clear lack of interest in the tradition is indescribable.  

Unable to manage the fear, confusion and upset whirling within her Rachel channels them all into annoyance, snapping at you abruptly, “you chose this film you know!” She reminds.

“Like you even care!” With a side-eye glance at her you can’t help the impulsive response that escapes you, finally fed up with her sudden mood change. 

“What does that mean?” Rachel is hesitant but with her hothead winning out she can’t help but get defensive, sitting up from her lounging position to confront you properly.

“You’ve been in a mood with me since the minute I touched the laptop! You’re the one who told me to pick a film! I thought Tangled was your favourite?!” All your frustrations release at that moment as you slam your phone into the bedsheets and push into a sitting position, turning to face her too. 

Seemingly taken back the blonde can’t even hold eye contact with you as she mutters, “it- it is!” She’s surprised and flattered you’d remembered such a mundane thing. Seeing the way she’d obviously made you question yourself guilt consumed her. She’d been so distracted trying to protect herself she had lacked any and all consideration for you. 

“Come on Rach!” Unimpressed at the minimal response and more desperate than ever to find out the cause of your best friend's troubles, you yell. “Stop beating around the bush! Just tell me what’s going on already!”

Watching the way her fingers pick at the skin around her nails nervously your eyes immediately soften. Reaching out you gently entwine her digits with yours, adding a whispered, “please,” to the end of your outburst.

Finally allowing herself to meet your eyes for the first time since the movie began you’re given an exclusive look at the fear swimming in them. You desperately want to bundle the woman into your arms and protect her from everything. But determined to avoid anything which will close her off again you simply squeeze her hand with an encouraging nod. “It’s- I, I don’t want to make it weird.” Her words are barely a whisper, a harsh contrast to the loud voices you’d been exchanging previously. 

You smile at her gently, “Rach we’re besties remember? It’s been eight years! If you haven’t scared me off yet I doubt this will.” You can’t help the nervous chuckle that escapes at the words, despite wanting to ease her mind you’re concerned with what would possibly be serious enough for this much hesitancy. 

Rachel nods to herself in some form of self-support before dropping eye contact and whispering a sentence which is completely inaudible to you. Squinting as if it would help you hear you ask, “what?” She speaks a little louder the second time but it’s still too much of a mumble to be understood. “I can’t hear you, Rach,” you stroke your thumb lightly across the back of her hand, still in yours. 

 With a roll of eyes and obvious frustration, the abrupt blurting of words shocks you as she repeats herself a third time.

“I LOVE YOU!”

It's like you’re brain malfunctions at the words, your tongue tripping as you stumble over any possible response until finally, you manage to compose yourself enough for a single word. “What?” 

Your eyes are wide and you practically forget Rachel is in the room, you drop her hands and instead move to pinch your own arm, convinced this is some kind of fantasy. “I told you it would make things weird!” 

Immediately you’re snapped back to reality, the distress in Rachel’s voice feeling too much for you to bare but when you meet her eyes again and see the tears brimming your heart truly breaks and you’re aching to reassure her. “No, no, no Rach! Not at all!” You grab at her hand, holding tightly, “I love you too!” You declare joyfully, the words bursting from you, “I have for years.”  Your final admittance is vulnerable and has Rachel meeting your eyes again. 

“Huh?” Her confusion is evident, “you didn’t say anything!” She accuses, there’s disbelief but no anger in her words. You can’t help the broad grin which has been permanently on your face since her announcement. 

“You didn’t either!” Laughter joins your words.

“I didn’t know!” She declares, pointing a heavy finger into your chest accusatorially causing you to wince with a chuckle. “That’s why I was late, it wasn’t Ella, I told Millie that over Christmas I admitted to myself I liked you and she was trying to convince me to tell you.”

“Of course, she was,” you roll your eyes, “explains why she wasn’t begging to join movie night for once though!” You laugh, Rachel joins you in laughter as you register the rest of her words.

Breaking the melodic sounds abruptly, “Hey! You better more than like me Daly! I haven’t pined after you for years to just be a mindless crush!” The obvious teasing in your tone has Rachel reciprocating your energy as she rolls her eyes. 

“I can’t believe you thought you could accuse me of not saying when you’ve been hiding it so much longer! I didn’t realise how lovable I was!” She teases, fanning herself with her hand in feign-flattery. 

Swatting her lightly, ever the competitive pair, your response is immediate, “well at least we know who makes the better actress! You were falling all over yourself the moment were within inches of each other!” Rachel simply shakes her head at you, an adoring smile settling on her face. With the reality of the situation finally hitting you you’re able to analyse exactly why Rachel had been acting the way she had all night, it was her defences rising due to the fear of being hurt. 

“How close were we?” Rachel asks, acting innocent but you could sense the ulterior motive. 

Choosing to play her game you hum lightly in response, leaving an obvious gap between you. “I don’t remember, how about you show me?”

Watching her smile morph into a smirk you feel as though your heart physically grows within your chest, all the positive emotions swirling inside desperate to burst. Shifting her weight Rachel kneels on the bed, leaning closer to you, nerves evident in her heavy breaths. “About her-”

Lacking the patience for her slow movements the blonde never finishes her sentence as you crash your lips together. Hers warm and soft. After all these years the moment was everything you had dreamed it to be and more. 

Pulling back mere centimetres was too much, soft breath tickling beneath your nose as you admired each other. Your hands settle on her hips, and pulling her closer she decides to place a knee on either side of your body, straddling you.

You gasp as she settles on your lap, eyes falling closed briefly. You hear the defender’s giggle and then her lips are enclosing over yours again. Sparks ignited in the both of you the kiss becoming heavier as you grew in confidence. A hand reaches up to tangle in your hair, one of yours reaching to cup her face tentatively. 

So absorbed in each other neither of you notice when the heavy wood of the hotel door opens, it's only when the loud northern voice of your best friend makes itself know that your bubble bursts, “Finally! I was beginning to think I’d be stuck in the middle of your pining forever!”

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2024: #15

15. AUSTRIA Kaleen - "We will rave" 25th place

Decade Ranking: 50/153 [Above Systur, below Lesley Roy]

WHEN THE DARKNESS HITS AND WE CAN'T BE SAVED

WIRAM WI DAM DAM DA WE WILL RAVE

Fucking AMAZING chorus. At this stage of the ranking, I don't really give too many shits about the flaws in the product. And that's for the best because Holy Hell Kaleen that was NOOOOOOOT GOOOOOOOD (objectively). Fortunately it was still very entertaining (also objectively?), so.

Also at this point, you may expect some real emotional investment from my part and Kaleen is clear example of that too. SHE, more than anyone else, was the uncrowned queen of Millennial Monroehood this year. Not only did she provide a fucking BANGER from the time I was a middleschooler, she also SERVED:

LOOKS

PERSONALITY

POISE

JE NE SAIS QUOI

ATTITUDE

and also NONE OF THE VOCALS. 😍 😍 😍

And this comes on top of her song being leaked two months in advance off Marvin Dietmann's laptop, and becoming a viral hit among millennial eurotwitter BEFORE its full release ♥ (and I fully buy into the conspiracy theory that the leak was intentional to build hype.)

But yeah, this performance was heavily flawed, I won't deny that. "We will rave" is a great song and it's only 15th on my ranking, that's how far south that went.

It is equal parts comical and tragic that Marvin Dietmann arranged for his PARTNER (I assumed "business partner" at first, but apparently also partner in a domestic sense? Yeah I'm as surprised as you are that he likes the clam.) to be cast for Eurovision and then failed to provide staging for her that capitalized on her strengths.

Kaleen is a professional dancer and dance instructor.

She runs Marvin's Dance School FOR HIM, FOR A LIVING.

The leak showed a vibrant dance choreography that allowed her to (barely) provide passable vocals.

She's a natural born performer of the ~rhythmic arts~

So what does Marvin do?

HE REDUCES HER DANCE ROUTINE TO THE TYPE OF TARD DANCE ANYONE CAN EXECUTE.

HAS HER WALK AROUND THE STAGE. NOT DANCE. WALK.

AND HAD HER DANCERS SHIMMY HER AROUND IN LIEU OF A DANCE BREAK.

ALL SO THAT SHE CAN DELIVER THE BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE... WHICH IS... WORSE THAN IN THE DEMO BECAUSE UM HELLO EARTH-TO-MARVIN:

YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS A DANCER, AND NOT A SINGER.

And all of that, I mean I'm sorry, is fucking hilarious, foremost. I know the live was "bad" but god it was really good at being bad. Casting your girlfriend and then FAILING to take her skillset (anything involving movement) into account is so uproariously funny to me. The staging was not bad on paper (it tried to increase momentum via the lasers and looks good if you mute), but it featured a slow, aenemic choreography that couldn't keep up with the music's light speed pace. That same dichotomy killed Halo, killed Edgar and almost killed "We Will Rave" too. This is the choreo you'd give to someone who cannot dance either due to being a block of wood (Dons) or old (Meri Bas.).

Even Firefighter, which is a fucking abortive attempt at a "dance song", had more tempo and life and let Nutsa (who is NOT a dancer) perform a break by herself. Christ Marvin.

(Granted it may be the outfit that forced Kaleen to perform a pantomime rather than a dance, but if that's the case... change the outfit? If those boots restrict your mobility, then don't wear them AT ALL, you know?)

However, as much as my appreciation for the live is based on irony and schadenfreude, I also just really love the song that much. "We will rave" is the best written girlbanger of this year - catchy, infectuous, smoking hot, and a wonderful throwback to the good Flemish techno of the early aughts. It's such a fucking banger in the style of Milk Inc, Lasgo, X Session, Touch of Joy, 2Fabiola, etc.

The prechorus and lyrics are delectable, and Kaleen is, despite her vocal inaccuracies, a charming hostess and style icon. Her personality is the saving grace of this live performance and the reason why I still embrace it in the face of its many mistakes. As disrespectful as Marvin's choreography was, she was flawless in its execution. SHE is what turns "We Will Rave" into a ride. The choreo and the results both did her dirty, but eh. Someone had to finish near the bottom. This year, that was Austria.

Now SAVOUR this last ever instance of them being fun in Eurovision because they'll only send salvaduncans from hereonout. If Eurovision isn't cancelled first, of course.

THE RANKING

[syrips]

oc/pc ask game!!

i love these and im like WAIT i can make my own!!

disclaimer, these may contain stuff weird, suggestive, and/or potentially dark so feel free to make your own version if u want but yea here u go

sections: Personal, Aesthetic, Music, Pleasure, Pain

Personal

🧼 Soap - Does OC have good hygiene? What is their routine or methods?

💰 Money Bag - Would OC donate the change in their purchase to a charity that a company claims is benefiting those in need?

💸 Money With Wings - Would OC commit tax evasion?

🐛 Bug - If OC was a worm, would anyone love them? How would others treat them?

🎮 Video Game - What would OC's gamertag/username be?

🔗 Link - What tags, blogs, pages, discord servers, and/or subreddits would OC follow on social media?

👀 Eyes - What would be in OC's search history?

✍🏽 Writing Hand - Your OC is given five seconds to edit/alter/adjust something about themselves (or their story). What do they try to change?

📈 Chart Increasing - What company/nobility/etc. would sponsor OC?

🎯 Direct Hit - Is OC "Wanted" in any village, kingdom, etc.? Dead or alive? What is the reward for them?

Aesthetic

🎨 Artist Palette - If OC was a color (or palette), what color would they be? Would others assign them the same color?

💻 Laptop Computer - What theme would OC's device, book, belongings, etc. be? What would their background, parchment, decorations be?

👔 Necktie - Does OC dress Modestly? Skimpy? Classy? etc. Do they have a dynamic, loud, quiet, etc. style?

👑 Crown - What textures are part of OC's clothes? Fluffy? Spiky? Leathery? Puffy? Feathery? What about shiny, silky, lacy, etc.?

👕 T-Shirt - Does OC prefer to wear vibrant colors or muted colors?

🐬 Dolphin - Would OC be a JJBA character?

💄 Lipstick - Does OC enjoy fashion? Would they enjoy styling others?

🎭 Performing Arts - If others wanted to join a cult devoted to OC, what choices would OC (or you) have in the style, theme, design?

🧣 Scarf - How often does OC change their style? Daily? Weekly? Seasonally? etc.

🧵 Thread - Does OC mend their clothes (or have them mended)? Does their clothes have tears, patches, alterations? How do their clothes get worn out or damaged overtime?

📖 Open Book - Share a moodboard you associate/made for OC!

🛒 Shopping Cart - OC suddenly has a lot of money. What is most likely the cause of this? What do they spend it on?

👒 Floppy Hat - Share a (sourced) picrew you made for OC!

Music

🎼 Musical Score - Share an OC playlist you associate/made for OC!

🎧 Headphone - Does OC have a large or small range of music they listen to?

🎤 Microphone - Share a (sourced) quote, lyric, poem, etc. of something that you associate to OC.

🎸 Guitar - Someone hands OC a guitar and tells them to play Wonderwall. What do they do?

🎶 Musical Notes - A Bard is inspired by OC and makes a song about them. What instruments, sounds, melodies, etc. may OC's theme song have? What would the mood of the piece be?

Pleasure

👂🏽 Ear - What sounds does OC enjoy? If OC likes ASMR, which types of ASMR?

🎲 Game Die - What would OC's favorite (pc/console/mobile/etc.) game be?

💠 Diamond With A Dot - What is something OC indulges in, publicly vs. privately?

✨ Sparkles - What is OC's comfort activity?

💋 Kiss Mark - Is OC promiscuous? Do they have a lot of lovers, partners, and/or friends with benefits?

😏 Smirking Face - How freaky is OC? What does OC do that they believe is freaky?

🥄 Spoon - What is OC's guilty pleasure food/treats?

🎓 Graduation Cap - OC is giving a motivational speech. What do they say? Who are they saying it to?

🧻 Roll Of Paper - OC is plotting an elaborate, mischievous prank. What is their plan and who is their target?

🥰 Smiling Face With Hearts - What do you love about OC? What events, art, work do you love to put OC in?

🤗 Hugging Face - How does OC make others happy? What do they wish they could do, or plan to do for others?

Pain

👩🏽‍⚖️ Woman Judge - Why don't some people like OC? What did they do?

🚩 Triangular Flag - Is OC uncomfortable with any topic, trigger, item, or event?

🧱 Brick - What is/would OC be traumatized by?

💢 Anger Symbol - What is OC's pet peeve?

💀 Skull - Is OC cursed? Haunted? Possessed? Fated to tragedy?

🩹 Adhesive Bandage - What is OC's worst type of pain to experience?

🔮 Crystal Ball - OC has witnessed a dark omen. What is the omen, superstition, or message that is witnessed?

🪓 Axe - What tragic/dark events, art, work, do you love (or love to hate) to put OC in?

😈 Smiling Face With Horns - How does OC make others sad/suffer? What do they wish they could do, or plan to do to others?

[knightyoomyoui]

TWICE x M Reader - “Cry For Me”: PART 2

Surpriseee! Yeah, I know. I thought this would take a longer time to be published because I was about to move this to the Set 6 line up but it all ends up being... NOPE! Well, fortunately as I said in my announcement; despite of my phone got broken I was able to save my whole plot outline for the CFM series Part 1-7 on the MS word of my laptop. I honestly forgot that I actually made it in my laptop and thought I did it instead on the phone that's why I got saddened a lot when I realized it at first. So yeah, thanks to what I did I was able to atleast continue follow to the Set 5 lineup and work on this next. Another good news too, MY PHONE IS HAS FINALLY BEEN REPAIRED! I'm still saving up to buy a new one tho but hey, atleast my OG device where I usually write is back. I mostly my laptop rather on editing my work. So now that my phone is back... that means ALL OF MY SAVED PLOT OUTLINES FOR MY FUTURE ENTRIES ARE BACK. Now I can finally write for my next works and chapters for my TWICE ships and 1% Of Chances books respectively. Anyways, have fun reading! To be honest, I feel like this one increases the buildup for the next parts, especially the ending. A bit dark but I know I can somehow come up with darker ideas. Just wait and see. PREVIOUSLY ON "CRY FOR ME" PART 1...

"I felt betrayed so much...", Tzuyu finally speaks, Nayeon just attentively listened to what she has to say. She started wiping the tears from her face with her own handkerchief. "I thought seeing him sometimes with his acts that makes me suspicious of him was just me overthinking because, like he said, I am the only woman he loves but I never even knew that he really does hiding a dark secret from me," she sighed heavily as she felt her heart ache with every skips between on its beat her senses numbing at how her body feels lifeless at the immense despair she's experiencing. "YN is an asshole, Tzuyu; I'm warning you right now to stay away from him," Nayeon cautioned. "And as you said, we might not know... maybe he has other girls out there that he's keeping with him at the same time as you," she said, referring to the part where she acquired that Tzuyu had already noticed some strange and suspicious behaviors from you that made it appear as if you were hiding something from her.

"To be sure, starting today, I suggest we keep a watch on him at all times," Nayeon says before helping Tzuyu rise up by offering her free hand to the heartbroken lady. Nayeon swayed several strands of hair that blocks off her face to make Tzuyu seem presentable and prepared to greet the customers entering the business where she works and continue performing her job properly again. Before she lets go of the Taiwanese woman, Nayeon said one last thing to her before they parted ways. "So Tzuyu, are you in with me?" Nayeon said, folding her arms, awaiting the younger's response to her invitation to assist her in carrying out the vengeance plot she had for you.

Tzuyu then looked at Nayeon as she lifted her available hand to instigate a handshake. She stared at the hand for a few more seconds before coming up with the finalized answer she made up in her mind from rewinding everything Nayeon has told her about you being a goddamn cheater and a two-timer to her and to your ex-wife Jeongyeon.

"So, what happened?"

Jeongyeon was sipping her hot machiatto coffee on the mug she's holding when she heard Nayeon's question coming from the kitchen, preparing their breakfast for today. "It went... good." Jeongyeon said, quitely paused in the middle as she recalled her first meetup with you after the breakup they had. "He agreed for a closure and there, we had it." "Was he sincere?" Jeongyeon stared deeply for a few seconds on her drink, processing Nayeon's question. She remembered how there was none of a trace that you even acknowledged your wrong doing to her still but the hug as you told her how thankful you were that she won't go away because you can't make it happen that you gave her was contradicting her thoughts. She also can feel that warmth of your embrace. It may not gave the same feeling as the both of you would share before but it kind of gives her assurance that although you won't speak it for your own, it's giving her the hint that you still think and care for her otherwise. But then, she disregarded again that theory. You cheated. How the hell would make her convinced that you are what she's guessing. If you did think fo her, why did you betrayed her trust? If you did care for her, why would you break her heart and leave her without any sign of regret and guilt from you? "I... I... don't know." Jeongyeon concluded. It was too confusing and complicated to her yet. "Why do you say so?" Nayeon exits the kitchen, bringing two plates placed with freshly made sandwich each for them with her and place it on the table. "How does he responded to it anyway?" "He asked me first if I'm sure with what I'm doing. I said yes. He accepted, got surprised again because he... he knew what happened to us before." Jeongyeon gulped, fiddling her fingers on the handle of the cup as Nayeon listened to her.

"He's aware." Nayeon nodded. Jeongyeon looked at her. "Did he apologized?" Jeongyeon only bowed her head, sighed and shook her head gently. Nayeon's lips twitched in disappointment. "So, let me guess; he did accepted your closure... because he's good with the idea that you and him should remain friends. That's it?"

"Yeah." "That selfish prick." Nayeon huffed in the air. "He still won't admit it huh." Jeongyeon continued sipping on her coffee before taking a first bite on her food. While doing so, Nayeon took the chance to ask again. "What keeps you from being sure?" Heat all over Jeongyeon's body increased as the replay of you hugging her unexpectedly once again reoccured in her mind. It's as if she's in sync again with what that yesterday's her who received that felt while being entrapped in your arms again. A culmination of all the stories, memories, and experiences gathered into one done purely with the love that was once keeping you and Jeongyeon apart. Her arms suddenly moved by itself, hands began caressing each other's opposite skin as she tries to prevent it from disturbing her. "Jeongyeon?" "B-before I go he..." Jeongyeon catched her head with her hands grasping at both sides, feeling stressed because of what you're doing to her again. "He catched up to say thank you again then he hugged me." Nayeon stared at her friend for a while, monitoring her expression and reaction about it. She can tell that it brings back the familiar things that were once given and shared with her by none other than you who became her first and only man, confidently thinking at first that you were the right person she would love to spend the rest of her life to be with. Troubled. That's what it got her from deciding whether your actions and words are true. But then again, it got her thinking that at some point it makes her feeling stupid for herself asking her friend if you were sincere. You betrayed her. How could she even figure out if can you be trusted again at whatever the hell you do in front of her if you destroyed that very valuable thing that cannot or almost impossible to fix within a person's value. Now she made sure she won't ask her again about it. She can speak something about it, but then again... it's pretty understandable for Jeongyeon now to feel this way. "I know I hated how he could just do that to me but when he did it, I sensed something on him. My urge to let go was held back, Nay. It was like... a glimpse at least, that he... he still has something in there that belongs to me." Jeongyeon began slightly choking on her breath, head bobbed as she sniffed on her tiny tears slowly escaping in her eyes. Nayeon didn't hesitated to stood up and approach her poor friend to comfort her with a caress to the back and a pat to the head. "It's okay, Jeongyeon. I can't blame you if you're still feeling this way. I know it's still hard to move on and you're trying." "But just to let you know always, I'm here to help this time okay?" Jeongyeon nodded. "I will help you back up again, Jeong. Trust me." Nayeon kissed the crown of Jeongyeon's head before giving a last squeeze on the pityful lady before she returned to her seat and continue eating her sandwich. It went silent for a moment as both took time to enjoy their precious meal as respect for the blessing presented in front of them. After emptying their respective drink and food, Jeongyeon took the turn to collect the plates and mug as Nayeon opened her phone. "By the way, how was your meetup with her too?" Nayeon heard it. To be fair, she answered it too. "A success, if I must say. She was trying to be in denial as I expected. Thankfully, I'm prepared. Showed her everything I got to prove my statements are true." "Oh...", Jeongyeon reacted. "Well, so what does she said then?" "She believed, and she agreed to my proposal." Nayeon smirked as she glanced at Jeongyeon standing beside her while holding the dishes. "So, Tzuyu? Are you in with me?", Nayeon said, folding her arms, awaiting the younger's response to her invitation to assist her in carrying out the vengeance plot she had for you. Tzuyu then looked at Nayeon as she lifted her hand to instigate a handshake. She stared at the hand for a few more seconds before coming up with a finalized answer she made up in her mind after rewinding Nayeon has told her about you being a goddamn cheater and a two timer to her and to your ex-wife Jeongyeon. Nayeon felt a touch on her available hand. The sight is very clear and what a glorious thing to see for her as it only means one thing for her: accomplishment. Tzuyu's hand grasped Nayeon's hand, accepting the handshake to seal the deal. "If... that's what everything you say abut him being all true. That his love and everything he showed to me was fake and I'm just nothing but a mistress I've never wanted to... I- I accept your offer Miss Nayeon. I'll help you get back on him for what he did to your friend while I get mine... for me."

Nayeon grinned widely at Tzuyu's answer. She thanked her after and assured her that they will get this done someday until they achieve what it matters the most for them: your endless suffering. They exchanged numbers before Nayeon bought another one in the store in the store as she leaves the mall, her first plan now crossed out in the list. "So yeah, as of now she's on the standby; waiting for me to send a signal for our next move." Jeongyeon remained silent as she nodded. "What's her name by the way?" "It's Chou Tzuyu. She's a Taiwanese. Works as a saleslady in a famous luxurious designer clothing store, and I'm telling you..." Nayeon halted to chuckle in amazement and impressed at the next thing she has in mind. "What?" "She's a very gorgeous looking young lady. So pure, kind and innocent. Your husband surely does pick so well on women with the likes of you and now her but too bad, he fooled that girl and even hurt her also with you.". Nayeon clicked her tongue in dismay. Jeongyeon became even more intrigued at this Tzuyu girl regarding her friend's description.

"W-wait, what do you mean "fooled"?" "She doesn't know it also, Jeong. I don't why I didn't hesitated to atleast doubt first if she's telling the truth, but the way how I saw her face when she looked at your wedding picture with YN and how she just shambles down in front of me. Those were enough for me to realize that she... she is a victim here too, Jeong." "Seeing her broke down when I had to tell her that she's being cheated. It was like I saw you in her, and it breaks my heart immediately." Nayeon looked at Jeongyeon and showed a tightlipped expression. "I'll introduce her to you someday, Can't wait for you and her to meet." Nayeon smiled at Jeongyeon before retuning her gaze at her phone, allowing Jeongyeon to place the dishes on the sink as her head were filled of many new informations she learned all caused by your intoxicating sin. MEANWHILE... "I got to go now, okay? Have a nice day on your work today, babe." You kissed Tzuyu's cheek as both of them reached the front of the store. Tzuyu fakely smiled at your greeting, but being the oblivious you are; you didn't notice it. "You too. Bye." You waved your hand at her one last time which she also did before she quickly entered the store, her back now facing your sight. Tzuyu on the other hand, had her emotion shifted into a serious one as her fists began clenched tightly in uplifting rage that is cursing into her. You pulled out your phone and glanced through it as you stepped into one of the steps of the moving escalator. A message popped out of the screen which caused you to be excited and grin heavily because of the person who sent this to you. You drove away with your black sedan and head through your scheduled destination. A peek of the place caught your eyes from the window. You turned the steering wheel to the left as you finally arrived; parking your car on one of the available spots in the parking lot. After hopping out and start walking through the entrance door, you opened it and entered the place, on what is called to be a gym where there's some men and women busily doing also what you also came here for today: to work out. However, unlike them though; you have another reason in mind that encourages you to come here and establish yourself to become a regular and a "special" customer. Beng the only person who has a VIP like pass in this place, you shamelessly walked through the counter and pose yourself there while waiting for that particular woman locked in your gaze who is helping a customer to arrange herself to a perfect position to use an exercise machine. Now that she finished and received a thankful remark, she was about to return to the cashier when she caught your presence there, a smirk crept up in her eyes immediately. You had to watch this woman walk towards you, weren't sure if the way everything she does as it feels like it was all in slow motion when she comes in contact of your attention are either intentional or not. The way her hips sway, strong legs switching movements, her hair bounces as she combs sexily, bending her upper body where those perfectly built stoned abs get flexed and ofcourse those huge rounded chest of hers being barely hidden by her grey Calvin Klein sports bra that only compresses and instead forms a hypnotizing cleavage that you find it diffult to ignore. "You're finally here, YN." She slapped your chest before taking out her jacket and place it on her chair. She comes up to you and gave you a peck in the lips. Her hand caressed your chest as she greeted you with her seducive low pitched voice. "Good morning, hotshot. Ready for our intense workout today?" "When I have ever not if I'll do it with you, Momo?" You fixed some disarranged strands of hair in her bangs before pinched her peachy cheeks. "That's great to hear." She giggled. She took your hand and pulled it with her as she made you follow her around. "Come on, let's get started. The usual first then I have some new sets prepared for us." "Okay." You nodded. As you and her placed the tumbler and some other belongings that both of you will definitely need throughout the workout, you came up to her and wrap your arms around her waist. "Hey, I'm sorry if I never got to visit you for days, okay? Work has been requiring me a lot." You apologized to her. She did that adorable pouty look very close to your face as she sulked. "Now that you reminded me of that, yes I do felt lonely not seeing you around here" She glared away from you. "But, it's all okay now. Atleast you're sorry." She wrapped her arms around your neck. "Are you taking care of your health?" "Yup. I'm still doing a bit of cardios and endurance at home. Jogging outside, if I may include." You enumerated. "And oh, I also organized my meal plan again. Got some new additions." "Well, that's good. You're listening and . Keep it that way." She patted your head like a good boy. "Ofcourse I do, you know I'm still doing it all just to make us finally official, right?" You sniggered. Momo laughed. "You really want me to be all yours, huh?" "You have no idea." You shook your head. Momo pressed her body against yours, her face leaned closer on your ears as she whispers. "Say, what if we complete our session today... you can finally get the answer you've been waiting for." You got taken aback at what she said. Mouth went agaped as you got stunned for a while before proceeding to reply. "S-sure! What are we waiting for then? Can we start now?" You motivatedly said. Momo lets go from you and sets up the timer in her phone as she chuckles. "Easy there, tiger. Don't rush me around. I'm your coach, remember? Do you want me to reconsider-" "N-no! No. I'm sorry. I'll behave." You frantically waved your hands to gesture her to stop saying the next words you're afraid to hear. Thankfully, Momo listened as she's just only messing around with you. She stood on her own position beside you after. "Alright, ready? We'll do the stretches first. 8 counts. Left and right." After 3 hours of working out together with Momo, you two decided to continue your rest outside of the gym after you and her were both contented enough with the amount of cold temperature to help ease each other's exhaustion and body heat from the intense exercises you've gone through. You and her are now sitting behind the trunk of your car, your towel wrapped around your neck and your head placed atop of Momo's shoulder whose back is leaned behind her foldable chair. Drinking a cold water in your tumbler, you cleansed your throat before proceeding to talk to Momo. "I'm all ears, Momoring." "Eh?" You shrugged and laughed softly. "You know what I mean." "Ahh" she dumbfoundedly reacted. "Oh yeah... the answer." "Mmmhmm."

"But I'm not rushing you, okay? I just want to tell you because I thought-" You got silenced when Momo pushed her index finger on your lips. "Don't worry, YN. I'm not, okay? Actually... I've been thinking about it for days now and I had it prepared to do it... today." Momo dragged her fingers to your chin as she cupped and played it with. "And I thought... after everything that you've done and showed to me. You know I do have feelings for you too, YN and... the more I've been seeing you a lot as I reflect myself how I feel so comfortable, complete and happy when I'm with you, I thought... why don't I just turn it up, you know?" "So yeah... YN...", Momo looked down and smiled, blush forming in her cheks before looking up at you as her eyes twinkled. "You passed. I would really like to have you as my boyfriend." "Woah? Y-you are?", Your separated yourself away from Momo in shock. Momo nodded and just giggled at your actions. With pure happiness, you pulled Momo for a grateful hug which she accepted immediately. "Thnak you, Momo. Seriously." You kissed Momo in the lips after. "I love you." "You're welcome, YN. I love you too." *click* Unbeknownst to you and Momo, one of the cars parked near in the gym has a person inside of it that has been spying both of you earlier way since you entered the gym hours ago. After clicking on her camera for the nth time, she looked at the image she captured, and oh boy what a great shot she just took, A perfect formula for your sudden destruction. Her wicked smiled crept up in her lips. "Gotcha." She dialed someone on the phone before putting it in front of her ear. "Hello, Tzu. Let's meet tomorrow. I'll show you something." "What did you see, N-Nayeon unnie?" Tzuyu replied to the caller she sent to track you down. Back at the store earlier, when she reached the backroom where all of employee's locker are placed, she pulls out her phone and called Nayeon to inform her of your departure. Nayeon who is waiting outside the mall, saw you exit and silently followed you before saying goodbye to Tzuyu as she confirms her target on you. That's where it led her being here in front of the place where you secretly go to meet your other sidegirl, who is the owner of the gym you've been visiting recently named Hirai Momo. "I can't tell you yet, Tzu. I think it's best for you to see the truth in your own eyes but I only have one word to answer you: positive." She quickly pressed the end button, not even waiting any longer for her comment. All that Nayeon has in mind now is to face her tomorrow and send this to her directly. She woke up her car again and drives away back to her home to rest, leaving you and Momo to sepnd little more time to rest before also leaving together with her, as she invites you to stay with her for a while in her own house. "I figured it's been a while you've been here so... that's why I brought you here." Momo said before knocking on the door twice. "Yeah, I've missed being in here. Your house looks great. I presume what I'll see inside would be the same as always.", you smiled. The door then opens, you saw it reveals a woman sporting a brown curvy long hair, face presenting a breathtaking beauty, wearing a purple t-shirt and a jogging pants. Your eyes were fixated even more when the woman stares back at you cluelessly. You were indeed right at what you just said. It was undeniable that she even looked more beautiful today from the last time you saw her. "Momo-chan! O-oh... YN? Hi..." the squirrel looking girl said with her high pitched squeaky voice before her tone lowered when she catched your apperarance standing beside her cousin. "Hi, Sana. Long time no see." You smirked as you bounced your eyebrows that made the Japanese girl gulp and tense up in shyness. Meanwhile, Jeongyeon was walking on her way through your company building with her phone on her hand. It was open and it has your message on her agreeing that you'll meet with her there to spend time and catch up with her too. She decided to do it today so as of now she's about to visit you in your workplace today.

Entering the building, greeting the guards kindly; she made her way through the concierge area where the receptionists are always present to help the concerns of everyone who comes in here. "Uhh, hi miss." "Hello, maam. How can I help you?", the receptionist glanced at Jeongyeon first before typing back on her computer. "Can I ask if the name YN LN here today?" "Do you have an appointment with him, maam?" "N-no, he's my friend and I just want to request if you could atleast reach out to him for me. Tell her that a certain name of Yoo Jeongyeon wants to visit her."

"Okay, one moment maam please.", the lady nodded. "Thank you."

After waiting for a while, the receptionsit speaks again. "Sorry maam but Mr. LN is on the leave for today. He'll be resuming his work tomorrow though, you can come here again for him if you may so." "Oh... is that so." Jeongyeon reacted understandably. "Sorry, I didn't knew he's on a dayoff today. We just actually met again yesterday after few months of being away." She explained.

"Anyways, thank you for the help miss."

"You're welcome maam. Happy to serve." The lady and Jeongyeon bowed at each other before she leaves the building with a mix of disappointment, relief and sadness consuming her inside. "Tomorrow it is, I guess." She said before entering her car again and drive back home. Later that night, you just picked up Tzuyu in the clothing store and ate together with her on the mall for dinner. You are currently driving her to her home and you noticed that Tzuyu seemed silent and emotionless, so you assumed hat she's just tired or she's just lonely about something. To find out, an idea developed in your mind. Arriving in front of her house, you escorted her out of the car. "Thanks." She was about to come to the doorway when you interrupted her. "Tzu, are you okay?" You asked worriedly. "I'm fine. I'm just tired." You looked at the house and noticed that the lights are off. It's only 9PM in the night so far and it's weird if her parents are already asleep. "Are you parents' not at home?" "It's their anniversary today, they'll spend a vacation in Jeju for 3 days."She answered, explaining the reason. "Ahh..." You nodded. "Tzu, since your parents aren't home and you're alone. Do you want me to say for tonight and you know... help you rest with something?" "What do you have in mind, YN?" You stepped closer to Tzuyu and slowly nuzzle your face inches away to the crook of neck. Your lips began in contact with her smooth creamy skin. Tzuyu finally understood what you're referring at and to be honest, she isn't impressed at all. Instead of being aroused, she's just getting irritated and annoyed more and more. Tzuyu groaned and gritted her teeth as your hand became even more active, slowly touching her thigh up to her plump ass traced by her pencil shirt as your lips crawls down even more dangerously to the middle of her chest. "S-stop." Tzuyu isn't letting this go further now. She gently pushed you away from her which made you stare at her in curiousity. "I appreciate the concern, YN but I'll be fine. I just want an alone time for now and all I want to do so far is to sleep. I'm super tired." "A-are you sure, Tzu?" She just nodded. "O-oh, okay. If you don't feel well, I'm just one call away okay?" "Okay." "Alright, goodnight babe. Love you." You kissed her on the cheeks which she only grimaced. You entered your car and closed the door. Before driving away, you peeked at the rolled down window to say one last thing to her. "Rest well, okay?" Tzuyu just nodded. Again. You finally made your way exit. Tzuyu didn't even need to watch your car disappear on her sight from the distance as she quickly opens the door and enter her house. After changing her clothes and cleaning up, she lays down on her bed with her posture sideways. Then, she recalled what exactly happened that leads to her mood being completely ruined.

Nayeon arrived at the mall and invited Tzuyu to eat with her for lunch at one of the restaurants during her break. After they gave their orders to the waiter, Tzuyu spoke again for their conversation to proceed. "You followed him?" "Yeah. He went into this gym located in Hongdae." Nayeon nodded. "Did he say something to you before he left you?" "Nothing much. He just said he has to go now. He didn't told me where he'll be going or what's his purpose of." Tzuyu answered.

"Makes sense that he won't. Why would a cheating bitch would take down his guard if it'll risk his dark secret to be exposed, right?" Nayeon raised her eyebrows and created a sour face. "Y-you said it's positive, what did you see when you were there?" Tzuyu nervously asked and waited for Nayeon to inform her what she got. Nayeon opens her bag and takes out her camera. She turns it on and scrolls down on the gallery and paused at the exceptional picture that when she shows it toher, it won't need any further explanations to spill in addition. "I must say, he did kept you out from it. Although, having an eyes is useless when your mind is blind... and that what he is." Nayeon then gave the camera to Tzuyu and watched her look at it horribly. "I know it's not the perfect thing you want to see, but I have to remind to you again Tzuyu. You agreed to help me, I'm just doing to favor in return. This is one of my ways. I'm going to open your eyes and see the reality. Especially... when the truth is right there to set you free." In the middle of the night, sounds of helpless, broken and grieving screams and cries can be heard in the Chou residence. Despite of the exhausted eyes, Tzuyu's tears still pours out from her eyes one after the another until she finally burst out in loud sobs. She pounded the bed, raked her hair aggressively and threw all her pillows with her clenched fists in all anger, rage and devastation. She remained suffering inside the darkness as the image of you and Momo kissing outside of the gym earlier continues to intensify the pain in her heart and mind while her vengeful state becomes intensified.

[fekramarketing]

Boost Sales: Responsive Web Design & Ecommerce App Development 

In the fast-paced world of online retail, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just offering great products and services. Your digital presence plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers. Two key elements that can significantly boost your sales are responsive web design and ecommerce app development. By focusing on these aspects, you can enhance the user experience, improve accessibility, and ultimately drive more conversions. In this article, we'll explore how responsive web design and ecommerce app development can transform your online business and lead to increased sales. 

1. The Importance of Responsive Web Design 

Responsive web design is a design approach that ensures your website looks and functions well across all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, having a responsive website is no longer optional—it's essential. 

Why Responsive Web Design Matters: 

Enhanced User Experience: A responsive website automatically adjusts to fit the screen size of the device being used. This means that whether your customers are browsing on a smartphone or a large desktop monitor, they will have a seamless and enjoyable experience. A positive user experience is crucial for keeping visitors on your site and encouraging them to explore your products or services further. 

Improved SEO Performance: Search engines like Google prioritize websites that offer a good user experience across all devices. Responsive web design is a key factor in achieving higher search engine rankings. By ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, you can improve your visibility in search results, attract more organic traffic, and increase your chances of converting visitors into customers. 

Increased Conversion Rates: A website that is difficult to navigate on mobile devices can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. On the other hand, a responsive design makes it easy for users to find what they're looking for, whether it's product information, contact details, or checkout options. This ease of use can significantly increase your conversion rates and boost sales. 

2. The Role of Ecommerce App Development in Boosting Sales 

While a responsive website is essential, having a dedicated ecommerce app can take your online business to the next level. Ecommerce app development focuses on creating a mobile application specifically designed for online shopping, offering a more personalized and streamlined experience for your customers. 

Benefits of Ecommerce App Development: 

Personalized Shopping Experience: Ecommerce apps allow you to offer a more personalized shopping experience by leveraging user data. Features such as personalized product recommendations, tailored promotions, and saved shopping carts can make your customers feel valued and encourage repeat purchases. 

Faster and More Convenient Shopping: Apps are generally faster and more responsive than mobile websites, providing a smoother shopping experience. With features like one-click purchasing, push notifications, and offline access, ecommerce apps make it easier and more convenient for customers to shop, leading to increased sales. 

Loyalty Programs and Rewards: Ecommerce apps can be integrated with loyalty programs, offering customers rewards for making purchases, referring friends, or engaging with your brand. These incentives can encourage users to return to your app, fostering customer loyalty and boosting long-term sales. 

Direct Communication with Customers: Push notifications allow you to communicate directly with your customers, informing them about new products, special offers, and upcoming sales. This direct line of communication can drive immediate engagement and encourage impulse buying, resulting in higher sales. 

3. Combining Responsive Web Design and Ecommerce App Development 

To maximize the impact of your online presence, it's important to combine the strengths of both responsive web design and ecommerce app development. Here's how you can integrate these strategies to boost your sales: 

Consistent Branding Across Platforms: Ensure that your brand’s look and feel is consistent across your responsive website and ecommerce app. This consistency helps build brand recognition and trust, making it easier for customers to navigate between your website and app. 

Seamless Integration of Features: Features that work well on your responsive website should also be available on your app, and vice versa. For example, if your website offers a wish list or shopping cart, these should be seamlessly integrated into your app so that customers can access them from any device. 

Data-Driven Insights: Use data from both your responsive website and ecommerce app to gain insights into customer behavior. By analyzing this data, you can optimize your marketing strategies, product offerings, and user experience to better meet the needs of your customers and drive sales. 

Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Leverage the data collected from your ecommerce app to create targeted marketing campaigns. For example, you can send personalized offers to customers who have abandoned their carts, or promote new products to users based on their previous purchases. These targeted campaigns can significantly increase your sales and customer retention rates. 

4. Implementing Best Practices for Success 

To fully benefit from responsive web design and ecommerce app development, it's important to follow best practices during the implementation process: 

Prioritize Mobile Users: Given the growing number of mobile shoppers, prioritize the mobile experience when designing your website and app. Ensure that your website loads quickly on mobile devices and that your app is easy to navigate, with intuitive controls and clear calls to action. 

Focus on Speed and Performance: Both your responsive website and ecommerce app should be optimized for speed and performance. A slow-loading site or app can frustrate users and lead to lost sales. Regularly test and optimize your digital platforms to ensure they perform well under different conditions. 

Invest in Quality Development: Work with experienced developers who understand the nuances of both responsive web design and ecommerce app development. Investing in quality development ensures that your digital platforms are robust, secure, and capable of handling high traffic volumes. 

Keep User Experience at the Forefront: Always keep the user experience in mind when designing your website and app. Consider how users will interact with your platforms and what features will make their shopping experience easier and more enjoyable. 

Conclusion 

Responsive web design and ecommerce app development are powerful tools that can significantly boost your online sales. By creating a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience across all devices, you can attract more customers, increase conversions, and build long-term loyalty. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing digital presence, investing in these strategies is essential for staying competitive in today's ecommerce landscape. Start optimizing your website and developing your ecommerce app today to unlock new opportunities for growth and success. 

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Researchers improve magnets for computing

As demand rises for increased data storage and faster-performing computers, researchers are creating a new generation of materials to meet consumers' expectations. "How can we design new materials so that they can store data with less volume, less cost and using less power?" asked Srinivasa Singamaneni, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at El Paso The answer may be in a new type of magnet discovered by Singamaneni and UTEP physicists. The material is described in npj 2D Materials and Applications. "Many researchers are exploring quantum magnets to revolutionize the future of computational power," Singamaneni said. "Lots of tools use traditional magnets—laptops, speakers, headsets, MRI scanners—and these magnets can be replaced by quantum magnets one day."

Read more.

[iammiracl3]

7 Visualization Techniques To Help You Achieve Your Goals

Introduction

Visualization is the practice of communicating your brain telling it what to  concentrate on in a clear and specific way. By constantly visualizing your  dreams, you  lead your mind for success, attract opportunities, and take inspired action towards your asked goals .Visualization, also called imagery, can not only help you reach materialistic goals, but helps to reduce stress as well. It's used among healthcare professionals , athletes and even business tycoons as an effective stress management tool. 

Here are 7 most  important and unique techniques of visualization which can help you transfigure your life and to achieve your goals- 

 1. Vision board

 A vision board is a collage of pictures and words portraying a person's wishes or intentions, aimed to serve as  stimulant or motivation. To make a vision board all you need is a glue stick, some pictures or cut outs, a white board and a pair of scissors. Vision board can also be digital as you can make them on your cellphone or laptop. You'll need to identify what do you want to achieve for your future and write it down, after choosing the specific goals you need to make strategies to achieve your ambitions.  Once you're done you'll need to collect images and  quotations that resembles with your goals or whatever you want to manifest after that you have to stick them beautifully on your vision board which will help you to flash back  your dreams, goals, intentions and strategies.  Using a vision board you can manifest your personal as well as professional goals in your life. Place your vision board at a place where you can see it very frequently. 

How does the vision board works? 

 We all know that it does not seems true that we can achieve anything just by looking at it or thinking about it so what's the need of a vision board?  Vision boards are useful because they keep reminding you about the strategies you have made for your  pretensions and acts as motivational force for the asked   conduct.  By looking at the vision board you get a clarity about which direction you have to go to achieve your goals and it constantly remind you about your priorities.  A vision board guides and motivates you to take necessary  conduct towards your  dreams and you can also use power of visualization with your continuous efforts and will power to increase the chances of achieving the goals you want to achieve.

2. Creating triggers for your subconscious mind

 The process of triggering the subconscious mind is a bit typical but once you learn it will be easy for you to do it in a routine basis. In order to perform that your visualization must work and you need to reprogramme your subconscious mind, you can expose yourself with a sensory input like a subliminal music or messages which can help you to connect with the results you want to achieve for your goals. You need to perform this atleast everyday for a period of time until your brain start accepting that the vision you're having towards your goal is true. The channelization of subconscious mind is very crucial in order to achieve your goals in your life. It boosts the process of visualization and brings concrete results slowly and steadily.

3. Use your all five senses

If we've a clear vision of an end result we feel extremely motivated towards it. Whenever you  fantasize something using all your senses it's extremely powerful. Most of us  incontinently recall a past memory after hearing a song or smelling some fragrance. Choose your goals that you want to manifest and accomplish and with your all five senses try to  envision that how will you feel if you achieve those  goals. With each visual coming to your mind close your eyes and try to feel it as real as possible.   Try to hear the sound which is coming from your surroundings while you're  imaging your dream. Think about what are you wearing?, how is the temperature? Is there anything you can smell? Who are the people around you? By doing and engaging all your senses in this manner you'll  fully submerge your brain into the situation which will enhance your capacities to visualize.

4. Incorporate mental rehearsal

We can ameliorate and enhance the visualization process by doing mental rehearsal . whenever we  fantasize something ,our mind creates an image of our asked  things, these images activates a neural path in our brain as if that thing is actually  occurring, in other words brain cannot  separate between a real and an imaginary thing this process is Known as "internal stimulation theory".  Mental rehearsal involves rehearsing an asked outgrowth in the mind, and this practice helps to strengthen the neural pathways associated with the asked behavior. Mental rehearsal has been shown to enrich physical performance, similar as in sports, by enhancing motor skills and reducing anxiety. Both visualization and mental rehearsal can also be used to upgrade cognitive performance, as in academics and business. Imaging success in a specific task or work can help to increase  motivation, reduce anxiety, and enrich focus and attention. 

5. Draw your goals

For further effective visualization you can draw your goals on a board or sheet using colors or sketches this creative visualization technique makes your goal planning process more interesting and captivating. You can also use digital mediums to draw your art work which resembles with your  thing. Once you're done with your  delineations and artwork put it at a place where you can look at it and visualize that how you can turn your artwork into real things.

6. Meditation

When we combine visualization with meditation the results are incredibly good. Visualization meditation is a type of contemplation where we  produce a  internal image in our mind in order to attain inner peace. All you need to do is to  fantasize a place where you feel relaxed and calm, it could be any destination. You can also imagine about a specific colour or light or  passing any positive emotions. This type of meditation brings  internal clarity, emotional regulation and makes the process of visualization more meaningful and cultivates focus for specific goals. 

7. Practice affirmations

Rehearsing affirmation while visualising something helps you to manifest the  effects you want in your future by focusing on your thoughts and  feelings in a powerful way. Set a clear intention, find a quiet space so that you can  concentrate on your thoughts,  fantasize your dreams and affirm those feelings which are associated with your dream or desire, keep doing this process until you manifest your asked  results. For  illustration you can affirm 

" I deserve to have everything my heart desires and it's coming  fluently and effortlessly into my world now”

Conclusion - If you want to live a purposeful and meaningful life with all your dreams coming true you need to use the power of visualization on a daily basis with your true emotions. If you follow above 7 visualization techniques as mentioned above you will surely observe visible changes which will not only bring you prosperity but a peaceful life also so keep practicing and keep achieving, Universe is always there for you.

[lovejustforaday]

2023 Year End List - #1

夢之駭客 Dream Hacker - Otay:onii

Main Genres: Post-Industrial, Experimental

A decent sampling of: Neoclassical Darkwave, Electroacoustic, Glitch, Industrial Techno, Drone

Brace yourself, cause from here on out this is mostly just gonna be me fanboying and gushing uncontrollably.

Back in 2021, I had championed the Chinese American singer/songwriter/composer/producer/performance artist Lane Shi Otayonii a.k.a. Otay:onii for her experimental record Ming Ming on that year's roundup, describing her potential to become "one of the greatest producers of the decade". But who is this enigmatic artist?

Lane Shi divides her time and energy between creating and touring with her hardcore noise rock band Elizabeth Colour Wheel, and performing studio black magic with her solo project under the Otay:onii name.

She is also an artist who regularly alternates her base of operations between two worlds, residing at different times in New York City and Shanghai. The duality of her identity as a Chinese American is a narrative thread that appears many times throughout the artist's work, informing some of the thematic elements of her records.

According to a really great interview she did with the YouTuber Heinos, the moniker 'Otayonii' itself is actually a name that was given to the artist when she met a Seneca First Nations man, who asked if he could call her by the name for 'wolf' in his ancestral language. She liked the sound and what it represented, and so decided to own her new given title.

Musically, Otay:onii is primarily a post-industrial project, but Lane Shi regularly incorporates aspects of darkwave, glitch, drone, traditional Chinese music, and electroacoustic music into her work. Her signature sound is equal parts atmospheric, lovecraftian, primordial, playful, and frenetic. She's kinda like if an ancient vengeful demi-god reemerged from the bowels of the Earth, and learned how to download and play around with studio software on a laptop.

As a vocalist, Lane Shi possesses a contralto range, and falls under one of my favourite niche categories of woman singers I like to call "force-of-nature belters", along with the likes of Tanya Tagaq and Björk. She has a trademark lower register that I would describe as a witch's snarl, a gentler middle register, as well as a higher register that she usually reserves for piercing battle cries and wailing like a banshee.

Her 2018 debut Nag was a comparatively more minimalist, grayscale undertaking, heavy on the more ambient and gothic tones of her sound. A genuinely solid first effort, if a bit less memorable than later records, barring the deliciously dreary eponymous song which is still among her very best.

2021's Ming Ming was an upgrade in all respects. Pulling major influences from Chinese folk music and folklore, I described the record in my previous Otay:onii review as a "true Pandora's Box . . . like the story of a mortal who attempts to enter the realm of the gods". Lots of ominous industrial cyber-magic, with a rare few moments that could have perhaps been edited down or omitted altogether to increase the force of its impact.

So, what to make of her latest then?

Dream Hacker is an exorcism. An inferno of ancient eternal flames envelops this absolutely bonkers and surreal listening experience. Each song carries powerful buildups in intensity combined with impossibly elegant structural competence. Far and away one of the most visceral and transcendent records I have ever beheld. This gets into your bloodstream, like an innate, raw instinct towards entropy.

Otay:onii's work has never sounded quite this immediate, energetic, and dynamic, thanks to the incorporation of avant-garde industrial techno beats that gives the whole project a mighty propulsion. Even during its quieter moments, you as the listener are never far from being engulfed in its unruly fire and brimstone. So many little leftfield moments that made me audibly go "what the fuck?" upon my first listen, too.

To me, this is album of the year not just because it poses the best collection of songs from an artist in 2023 (which, to be clear, it does), but also because it forms the most cohesive and fully realized project of the year. Every moment of this record feels intentional, meticulously crafted, and designed to fit accordingly into a larger entity. This is almost a living, breathing organism unto itself.

Lane Shi described how much of the inspiration for Dream Hacker came to her in a dream, or as she sees it, an "astral projection". Within this dream, she says she witnessed stones being thrown by a child until two of them overlapped, followed by a great light which emerged from the center of the overlap. The imagery was profound enough that she ended up naming most of the tracks after different aspects of what she saw in the dream.

The album starts with humble beginnings. "You Do/Rub" is a two-parter, opening with the haunting, softly swirling piano ballad melancholy of "You Do". The lyrics are deeply cutting and vulnerable, as the artist ponders her shaky relationship with her father as a daughter of the generation where China had implemented the one child policy, breeding stigma against female offspring in the more conservative rural communities. Lane Shi wields her voice like a delicate blade, gracefully and artfully interrogating her father's worldview. The progression of the piano's melody suggests a kind of resolution in ambiguity, resisting rigid, narrow-minded answers to multidimensional questions.

Then quite abruptly, "Rub" completely overtakes and drowns out the serenity of the softer piano song, like a sudden onset computer virus infection. What becomes of this part two is honestly one of the most immaculate timbral frequencies I've ever heard. A glitchy, droning wall of madness forms in dark, ominous, tempestuous clouds all across the sky. Warm colours are sucked out of existence by a black hole, leaving only greyish pale blues. The soul is washed with abrasion until all that's left is the ability to observe. Sound design on this is fucking unreal, as though Lane Shi Otayonii is wiping clean of our universe, leaving only a empty slate to form the basis for her own new sonic domain, wherein she is god of all things.

"Light Burst" is the combustion spark of a rebirth of all things that comes immediately after. Lane Shi let's out a shrill cry of tremendous power and agony amidst the grinding dust and debris of an incredibly dense and intricate industrial techno concoction, built upon her long standing love affair with minor second chord progressions. This track does not relent, adding more and more layers to its already colossal tower of babel proportions until, just as suddenly as it came into existence, it vanishes without a trace of detection.

"Two Rocks A Bird" oscillates like an electron creating new electromagnetic waves. Sound particles split into atoms that dance in a mindless frenzy. Even as a regular Arca fan, I don't think I was ready to comprehend something like this the first time I heard it. Subverted all of my expectations. I think the artist may have invented a few completely new sound textures on this track. A highly reactive new form of industrial music.

After deliberating with all of the sheer fucking brilliance to be found on this project, I eventually concluded that "Overlap" was my favourite off of the record. Like the best song on her last LP "Blackheart Breakables", this is an epic midpoint that just continues to build and build, feeding endlessly like a malignant being that cannot be stopped. Hand drum beat patterns are mutated, modulated, and mutilated by industrial electroacoustic mechanisms, while a synthesized flute echos a most forlorn and sinister melody.

Lane Shi takes on the shape of a skillful pyromancer, testing her newfound powers by conjuring a sea of flames that I visualize with my mind's eye as something similar to the Darvaza Gas Crater. Alternatively, I imagine thousand year old stains of bloodshed on the tombs of a ransacked temple, or the ancient terracotta soldiers of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum brought to life for the purpose of ushering a new war. "Overlap" is just something else, man. My other pick for song of the year.

"Ritualware" opens with a rare calm, dreams swirling on the outskirts of a newborn world that has not reached its zenith. The spacious void bursts to life with a single, literal drop (another brilliant production choice), creating ripples in space-time that give way to a trumpeting sawtooth synths' cacophonous symphony.

"Good Fool" brings things to a stirringly harmonious denouement. The light of the last candle is blown out, and a creeping dusk sets in. Petals of sound float along the wind and promptly dissipate, as everything reaches an uncanny stillness. A hushed, rapid-fire breakdown of bass drums, hand drums, and gongs occurs as the final closing act of the record.

I know I've already said this like a dozen times before about a dozen different artists, but it really needs to be said here - more people should know about Otay:onii. No one I've discovered has been doing anything as consistently exciting, challenging, and infectious as this project in the last few years. As it stands right now, the artist is criminally unknown and criminally underappreciated.

Dream Hacker is the rare ambitious record that dares to be so challenging and not only lives up to all of its potential, but manages to make the old formula of doing things look incredibly obsolete by comparison. Not many avant-garde music albums are this ridiculously fun to listen to, let alone manage to capture sonic worlds that are this truly sublime.

I've probably listened to this at least 40 times in the last year, and I plan on at least doubling that number in the following year. This is not just my album of the year; it is my top album of the 2020s as a decade so far, and already one of my favourites of all time. This record sets my soul ablaze and I simply can't get enough of it. Otay:onii is my new religion, and Dream Hacker is the scripture.

10/10

Highlights: "Overlap", "You Do/Rub", "Light Burst", "Two Rocks A Bird", "Ritualware", "Good Fool"

[nunuslab24]

Understanding The World of Quantum Computers

Imagine a computer so powerful that it could solve problems in seconds that would take our current machines millions of years. No, it's not science fiction—it's the exciting world of quantum computing, where bits become qubits and the impossible becomes possible. Let's dive into this technological marvel that might one day be as common as your smartphone!

A quantum computer is a supercomputer that exploits quantum mechanical phenomena or in other words, a quantum computer uses tiny particles to perform complex calculations. Unlike regular computers, quantum computers use qubits instead of bits!

A qubit means that it is either neither 0 or 1, think of it as a wave; it can go up and down at any given moment! This ability to be in multiple states simultaneously is known as superposition. At the same time, a bit in a classical computer is like a simple switch that can be either off (0) or on (1), a qubit can be both off and on simultaneously, providing an incredible amount of computational power. But how do they really work?

How Quantum Computers Actually Work

Superposition: As mentioned, qubits can exist in multiple states at once. This allows quantum computers to process a vast amount of information simultaneously.

Entanglement: This is a phenomenon where qubits become intertwined, so the state of one qubit can depend on another, no matter how far apart they are. This can massively increase computational power.

Quantum Gates: Similarto logic gates (a device that acts as a building block for digital circuits) in classical computers, quantum gates manipulate qubits. but because of superposition and entanglement, quantum gates can perform complex operations much faster than classical gates (smartphones, tablets, etc).

What Do Quantum Computers Look Like?

Unlike the sleek laptops and smartphones we use today, quantum computers look very different. They are usually large (5ft wide & 20ft long), complex machines housed in specialized laboratories. A typical quantum computer setup includes:

Cryogenic Systems: Quantum computers need extremely low temperatures to function, often close to absolute zero (kelvin or -273.15 degrees Celsius or -460 degrees Fahrenheit). This requires sophisticated cooling systems.

Quantum Processor: The heart of a quantum computer, where qubits are manipulated.

Control Systems: These are used to manage and operate the quantum processor, often involving complex electronics and software.

In other words, quantum computers are not something you can slip into your pocket or place on your desk. They currently require a highly controlled environment and are far from being household items.

Why Does This Matter?

The potential of quantum computers is amazing. Here are a few areas where they could make a significant impact:

Cryptography: Quantum computers could break current encryption methods, making our data vulnerable. However, they could also create unbreakable encryption.

Drug (Health) Discovery: They can simulate molecular structures much more efficiently than classical computers, speeding up the process of drug discovery and development.

Optimization: Quantum computers can solve complex optimization problems that are currently unsolvable, impacting industries from logistics to finance.

Pros and Cons of Quantum Computers:

Pros:

Speed: Quantum computers can solve problems in seconds that would take classical computers millions of years.

Power: Their ability to handle complex calculations could revolutionize fields like cryptography, material science, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Innovation: They could lead to new discoveries and advancements in technology that we can’t even imagine yet.

Cons:

Complexity: Quantum computers are incredibly complex and difficult to build and maintain.

Cost: The technology is expensive and currently out of reach for most organizations.

Security Risks: The potential to break current encryption methods poses a significant security threat.

Will We Ever Have Quantum Computers in Our Homes?

Given their current state, quantum computers are unlikely to become household items anytime soon. The technology is still in its infancy, and the machines are expensive and complex. However, as research progresses and technology advances, it’s possible that we could see more accessible forms of quantum computing in the future.

For now, the most practical application for everyday users will likely come through cloud-based quantum computing services provided by tech companies. This means you could potentially access the power of a quantum computer over the internet, without having to own one.

Quantum computers represent a leap forward in computing technology, with the potential to transform numerous fields and solve problems that are currently intractable. However, they also come with significant challenges and risks. As this technology develops, it will be crucial to balance its immense potential with the necessary safeguards to ensure it benefits humanity as a whole.