#i looked for my HR. went ‘94 really

[john-marshall]

i just looked at my bare wrist and somehow observed that my heart rate is 94. i was thinking that that was wrong because my HR usually sits around 125 if i’m sitting up but based on the vibe i get from my pulse it actually might be 90s

[lilypixels]

...............all of them.....?

It took me an hr to do this....🥲💀

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

Teacupsss

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

Lollipops

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

Uhhh cotton candy

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

Probably quiet and smart lol I did my school work and was friendly with everyone so I was a favorite and heard all the nice things 🙈

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups?

I kinda like bottles more but like the glass ones with the caps that could slice your fingers-

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

I’m for all but sports lol

7. earbuds or headphones?

Earbuds

8. movies or tv shows?

Shows cause I’m the type to watch an hr long episode vs hr long movie idk why but I’m rarely in mood for them

12. name of your favorite playlist?

Drop the beat (ie songs that are upbeat and I like most)

13. lanyard or key ring?

Hmm...I guess lanyard?

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

Skittles or twizzlers

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?

I had lots I had to read in school but only ever finished a handful lol my favorite I think was maybe Macbeth? I would say Odyssey but I don’t think we read the full thing cause I remember being disappointed about something like that...

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

Sitting with my legs bent up in seat with me in some way

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?

Converse and some nice but cheap sneakers from Walmart

18. ideal weather?

Not too hot, not too cold, mild like before/after a rain (most the time), idc if it’s raining or sunny but as long as temp is comfortable I’m fine

19. sleeping position?

On my side most often

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

Phone and notebook

21. obsession from childhood?

Oh gosh uhhh I guess my like of dolls maybe? Or obsession with anything ✨unexplained✨ like ghosts, aliens, cryptids, etc

22. role model?

Kim Namjoon lol just kidding (sorta)

23. strange habits?

Ok I know I have some and my friends would be more than happy to point them all out but hm let me think...idk if these count as habits but I’ll never place a mirror facing a bed (this is more superstitious I guess than habit,,,) I can’t stand my food touching, if I have a tray like in cafeteria I have a certain spot for everything and uh my mind just went blank-

24. favorite crystal?

Moonstone, lapis lazuli, and I feel obligated to say garnet cause it’s my birthstone

25. first song you remember hearing?

Circle of Life maybe who knows xD

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

Walk or clean,,I’m more active and about with warm/nice weather

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

...stay inside where it’s warm

28. five songs to describe you?

Not this again😭 uhhh idk you tell me ajdbd

29. best way to bond with you?

Indulge me when I go off about things I like or learn 😔✊ I know I’ll talk your ear off and I’m sorry but know I don’t often talk about these things with people so once I start it’s hard to stop,,and it makes me really happy when people do listen to me about these things and send me related items every so often or even look into it themselves to learn more 🥺

30. places that you find sacred?

For some reason this feels like a trick question...um cemeteries and anything with ages of history I guess

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

Oof do I really have a true outfit?? I have shoes for this which are just black platform sneakers I call stomping shoes

32. top five favorite vines?

I never,,,watched these,,,

33. most used phrase in your phone?

“Yes”...?

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

State Farm and McDonald’s, always

35. average time you fall asleep?

10-11...usually...

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

Uhhh that one with the ginger dude (I think it was someone’s yearbook photo??) I don’t remember much else about the meme but it was on ifunny, or whatever the app was, a lot

37. suitcase or duffel bag?

Suitcase

38. lemonade or tea?

Easy, tea

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

...neither

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

Dude these questions really testing my brain power here- for senior prank someone put cereal in some bathroom sinks I think

41. last person you texted?

My mom

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

I’m gonna say jacket since I wear those often

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

Hoodie or cardigan

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

Fantasy

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

Usually whatever shirt I’m wearing that day and some pj/lounge pants 🤷

47. favorite type of cheese?

Mozzarella

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

I-what kind of question is this? How does one even answer this?

49. what saying or quote do you live by?

What comes around goes around lol (yes I’m a heavy believer of karma)

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

Lol who knows, probably something dumb me and my siblings were doing or something we watched cause there’s been plenty times of that xD

51. current stresses?

Homework vs free time e-e

52. favorite font?

I like the gothic looking ones but it’s usually not practical to use so idk

53. what is the current state of your hands?

My hands...? They’re fine ??

54. what did you learn from your first job?

How to care for babies and little kids, how to put on a diaper lol

56. favorite tradition?

I can’t remember a particular one off hand but I’m trying to start few new ones like decorating cookies for Halloween uwu

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

Uhhhhh like personally or...? Cause we’ve overcome homelessness before, um finishing assignments idk😭 oh maybe bullying?? That’s all I can think of since I still struggle with a lot,,

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

Alright let’s do thisss: creativity (mostly in writing sense), I can bake/cook, I have amazing organization skills and many work places have used that lol (bonus is I don’t mind, I actually really enjoy it, very peaceful), surprisingly good balance all things considered, I’m a quick learner

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

“I’m too tired for this.”

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

Good question good question🤔 I don’t think I’d last in any of them/have a terrible side character role so 💀

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?

“Life’s too short to hold grudges.”

62. seven characters you relate to?

Dude this is gonna get embarrassing I can feel it🤠

Itaru, Iori, Sogo, Belle, Simeon (obey me), Nozaki (he’s clueless about romance irl and doesn’t know when someone has a crush on him yet can write romance well enough and yeah it’s me lol), and uhh Swindler/Ordinary Person in Akudama Drive (still can’t believe no one really has names in that anime but the way she gets wrapped in everything felt like something that’d happen to me lol)

63. five songs that would play in your club?

Like nightclub...? I’m skipping this ajdbd

64. favorite website from your childhood?

Probably the Barbie site, me and my sister played all the dress up games almost daily istg

65. any permanent scars?

Appendectomy scars and then looks like I have one on a toe but it’s possible it still might heal...

66. favorite flower(s)?

Nightshade, foxglove, baby’s breath, bellflowers, roses

67. good luck charms?

I don’t think I have any...

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

Lemon

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

Let me think...I read something once about flowers having ears(?) but like not ear ears just something about having a part that picks up sound waves

70. left or right handed?

Right

71. least favorite pattern?

Lolll animal print I think

72. worst subject?

Physics...the worst science

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

6...?

75. when did you lose your first tooth?

I don’t remember, it probably happened when i was 6. I do remember losing one of my front teeth during my birthday one year and I was happy since the tooth had been loose for some time xD

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

Chips I guess or just like fried in skillet

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?

A succulent probably

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

Neither ew

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?

They are both about equally terrible

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

Earth

81. fireflies or lightning bugs?

Fireflies

82. pc or console?

I am on pc side now

83. writing or drawing?

Writing

84. podcasts or talk radio?

Podcasts I guess

84. barbie or polly pocket?

Barbie

85. fairy tales or mythology?

Mythology, it’s too fun and chaotic lol

86. cookies or cupcakes?

Hm...cupcakes

87. your greatest fear?

Uh,,,I don’t have many fears but I guess one would be falling from a great height? So I would get scared of crossing a bridge and it collapsing or riding a plane and it falling easily

88. your greatest wish?

World peace🥲

89. who would you put before everyone else?

My mom maybe...?

90. luckiest mistake?

I honestly don’t remember but something I do remember is I out semicolon instead of period and turned out to be correct grammar lol

91. boxes or bags?

Boxes

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

Sunlight or fairy lights, I don’t require much either way and prefer more natural lighting

93. nicknames?

Lassie, twinkle toes, Ash, poody butt (by 3 yr old I sometimes watch and play with lol he means it affectionately; I call him monkey butt and it’s catching on slowly instead)

94. favorite season?

Starting to be fall just a little more but I like transition times most

95. favorite app on your phone?

Let’s go with twitter

96. desktop background?

It is a moriarty and gang pic

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

2: mine and my moms

98. favorite historical era?

Ooo tough one but I’ll say renaissance as some of the coolest things came from that time

[malaikoftaa]

bye i have to do this because i read @blognotfound ‘s but whatever i’m bored anyways

1. think of the last person who said i love you, do you think they meant it?my brother lolol probably not

2. would you date an 18yr old at the age you are now? uh no

3. when was the last you were aggravated and happy at the same time? yesterday

4. would you ever smile at a stranger? yes i would

5. is there someone mad bc you’re dating or talking to the person you are? i’m single as hell so no

6. have you heard a song that reminds you of someone today? nah

7. what exactly are you wearing right now? running shorts and a shirt from my temple

8. how often do you listen to music? the real question is : when do i not listen to music?

9. do you wear jeans or sweats more? sweats

10. do you think your life will change dramatically before 2014? it... has??

11. are you a social or antisocial person? it depends on how well i know you

12. have you ever kissed someone who’s name begins with the letter a? nope

13. what about the letter r? nope

14. can you drive a stick shift? ahahahahhahahaha funny joke no

15. do you care if people talk badly about you? not really

16. are you going out of town soon? nope

17. when was the last time you cried? yesterday because i’m dramatic asf

18. have you ever told someone you loved them? platonically yeah

19. if you could change your eye color, would you? mm maybe a few shades lighter than it is

20. is there a boy who you would absolutely everything for? yes my guy bsf

21. name something you dislike about the say you’re having. my mom’s listening to despacito yikes

22. is it cute when guys kiss you on the forehead? yeahhh

23. are you dating the last person you talked to? no because that would be incest and uhm ew

24. what are you sitting on rn? my bed

25. does anybody regularly tell you they love you? platonically yes

26. have you ever wanted someone you couldn’t have? yes

27. who was the last person you talked to before you went to bed last night? my best friend

28. do you get a lot of colds? nah

29. where is the shirt you’re wearing from? my temple

30. does anyone hate you? lol yeah

31. do you have empty alcohol bottles hidden in your room? no because i’m 13

32. do you like watching scary movies? yeah

33. do you wanna get your tongue pierced? ouch no

34. if you had to delete one year of your life completely, which would it be? 2017

35. did you have a dream last night? yeah i went to chick fil a with margot robbie and we talked about leonardo dicaprio :)

36. when was the last time you told someone you love them? uh 2 days back

37. do you think you’ll be married in 5 years? uh please no

38. do you think someone has feelings for you? idk man

39. do you think someone is thinking of you rn? maybe?

40. did you have a good day yesterday? it was alright

41. think back 2 months ago. were you in a relationship? nope

42. in the next 48 hrs, will you hang out with a girl? my mom yeah

43. has anyone told you they don’t ever wanna lose you? yeah

44. what’s the best part about school? lunch 👅

45. do you have any pictures on your facebook? i don’t even have fb in the first place

46. do you ever pass notes to your friends in school? yeah during tests because they all ask me for answers smh

47. do you replay things that happen in your head? omg yeah things from like 4 years back

48. were you single last summer? yes i was

49. is anything in your life like it was 2 years ago? not really no

50. what are you supposed to be doing rn? reading a book

51. do you hate the last guy you had a conversation with? it depends

52. are you nice to everyone? lol nope

53. have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to? yeah yikes

54. did you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months and not cheat? yeah because i’m a nice person

55. are you good at hiding your feelings? depends

56. do you think you like someone? leonardo dicaprio yeah

57. have you ever kissed someone who’s name starts with j? nope

58. do you prefer to be friends with girls or boys? both

59. has anyone of your friends ever seen you cry? yeah because i got reallyyyyyy shitty period cramps in class once

60. do you hate anyone? depends on how you define hate

61. how’s your heart? alright

62. is there something that happened in your past that you hate talking about? yes way too many

63. have you ever cried over a guy? no

64. who is probably talking a load of crap about you rn? uh my ex bsf who lives across the road isn’t that great

65. are your toenails painted pink? nope

66. will your next kiss be a mistake? uh that’d also be my first so idk maybe? i hope not tho

67. do girls love it when their bfs cry? uh no

68. have your pants ever fallen down in public? my kilt has while playing field hockey but i was wearing shorts underneath so its fine

69. who was the last person you were on the phone with? my bestfriend

70. how do you look rn? nasty

71. do you have someone you can be your complete self around? yeah most people unless you’re a total psycho

72. can you commit to one person? yeah

73. do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell everything to? yeah

74. have you ever felt replaced? so so so many times

75. did you wake up cranky? nope

76. are you a jealous person? sometimes

77. are relationships ever worth it? haven’t been in one but i mean they should be worth it

78. anyone you’re giving up on? lolz my brother

79. currently wanting to see anyone? @kalenahaimm​ GET YOUR ASS OUTTA JAPAN AND BACK IN NJ PLEASE

80. name something you have to do tomorrow. uh eat?

81. last person you cried in front of? my mom

82. is there someone you’ll never forget? yep

83. do you think the person you have feelings for is protective of you? no cuz he don’t know me he’s a celebrity

84. if the person you wish to be with were with you, what would you be doing rn? eating :)

85. are you over your past? nope

86. have you ever liked one of your best friends of the opposite sex? uhh yeah that was a disaster

87. is there anyone you can tell EVERYTHING to? yeah

88. if your fist true love knocked on your door with an apology and presents would you accept? no because that’d mean he stalked me al; the way from ohio to nj and that’s weird 

89. so the last person you kissed just happens to arrive at your door at 3am, do you let them in? a ghost. sure.

90. have you ever liked someone who your friends hates? yeah

91. will you be in a relationship in 2 months? doubt it

92. is there anyone you know with the name michael? my neighbor

93. have you ever kissed a matthew? nope

94. were you in a relationship in january? how was it going? nope

95. were you happy with the person you liked in march? i don’t think i liked anyone in march?

96. is the last person you texted attractive? yes she’s pretty

97. who do you have texts from? my 2 bsfs, my cousin, and a family friend

98. if the person you like says they like someone else, what would you say? “that’s great”

99. have you ever kissed someone older than you? nope

100. who’s in your pfp with you? uhh no one

101. ever kissed under fireworks? nope y’all really be making me feel single asf huh

102. has anybody ever given you butterflies? duh

[sheeple]

The intern | 7: Game night and date talk

GIFS NOT MINE. THIS IS ALL FICTION. Genre(s): intern!au / fluff / mild angst Group(s): NCT / Red Velvet Pairing(s): Moon Taeil x fem!reader Summary: The new Elysion Publishings intern is the youngest they ever had. It’s not a problem until she grabs the attention of the IT guy. Warning(s): Age-gap of five years [Masterlist] [Mini masterlist]

My eyes scan across the houses, searching for a number 22 and a red brick house. The phone in my hand vibrates and I see that Mark’s calling. 

“Are you almost here?”, he asks the moment I pick up. 

“Hi to you too. I guess? I am kinda lost, so if you would be so nice to walk out the door or so, then I know where I need to be.”

Mark chuckles as I hear him shuffle around the house, a door opens and he stands outside. “Found you”, he says as I hear his voice behind me. 

I turn around and laugh. All this time, it was just under my nose. Or better said, behind my back.

We hug each other short and Mark lets me in, instructing me to slide off my shoes and hang my jacket on the coatrack.

“Lucas, this is (Y/n). (Y/n), this is Yukhei but he goes by Lucas”, says Mark as soon as we enter the living room at the tall boy on the couch, a controller in his hands. 

He pauses the game he’s playing and stands up, engulfing me into a comforting hug. It’s the kind of hug you would never refuse. His long arms wrap perfectly around your body and he would press your face in his chest. That kind of hug, the brotherly one.

I smile and hug him back, wrapping my arms around his back and give him a little pat. 

“So I heard you were all in when Mark told you I would be here too?” Lucas grins at me and I roll my eyes. Of course, the idiot told him.

“Mark just wouldn’t shut up about you, so I wanted to see for myself how wonderful the one and only Wong Yukhei himself was”, I answer while taking a seat on Mark’s couch.

“That’s not true!”, yells Mark from the kitchen, “I wouldn’t talk all the time about him. I talked about Hyuck too.”

Oh yeah, Lee Donghyuck, the other dork of the trio. I saw a couple of pictures of him on Mark’s Insta but other than that, I haven’t seen him yet. He’s pretty. A bright smile that resembles the sun, fluffy, dirty blond hair.

“How did the two of you even met. Because I don’t see any possibility that Mark approached you himself.”

I laugh loudly, throwing my head back and running a hand through my hair. 

“She works with my cousin, Wendy. She set us up for that date a while back”, says Mark as he walks back into the living room within his hands a tray with three glasses, a bottle coke, and bows with chips and watermelon slices. 

He lets himself fall on the other side of me, so I am sandwiched between the two boys. 

Lucas leans slightly back, his eyes big. “Wendy noona?! Does that mean you’re... like twenty-four or so?”

I chuckle at the panic in his eyes. “No”, I shake my head, “I’m just an intern there. If I’m right, I am as old as both of you, born in 1999.”

He sighs deeply, a wave of relief washes over his face before that permanent grin returns. “So, you two went on a date? How did it go?”

“As you see, pretty well. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sitting here.” 

“But”, continues Mark with a chuckle, “we’re better off as friends. It was too awkward if it would be a relationship. And also, she likes someone else.”

“I do not!”, I protest while giving Mark a shove against his shoulder. 

“You so do. When I got your snap this morning, you weren’t in your apartment. So, I checked the map and did some stalking, you were at that IT guy’s place.” 

Mark grins as he sees the panic in my eyes before turning to Lucas. “She wouldn’t stop rambling about some guy at the office who works in the IT department. What was his name again? Taeyong?”

I groan and let my head fall back onto the backrest of the couch. “Taeil, not Taeyong. And I didn’t talk all the time about him.” 

Mark tuts his lips. “Not how it went, but okay, I’ll let it slide. This time.”

Lucas nudges me. “You have a crush? Cute!”, he exclaims, capping his hands enthusiastic together. “Tell me more about him.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Are we really gonna talk about boys?” 

Lucas nods as Mark gives me a glass filled with coke. I thank him with a slight smile before sipping, licking my lips.

“Okay, so. A couple of weeks ago I pissed off Wendy. At the time, I was at the IT guy’s desk to fix some problem on my Mac and he helped me hide from the angry Wendy that stormed towards us. Since then we kinda hang out together”, I shrug.

“How old is he?”, questions Lucas, his eyes filled with interest. 

“Ehm... let me think. He’s born in ‘94, so that makes him twenty-five?” 

Lucas and Mark both gasp. “He’s so old, (Y/n)!” 

“I know! You don’t have to tell me that.” I chew on my bottom lip while looking down. I lace my hands in my hair, gripping it tightly. 

“Are... are you okay?”, asks Mark concerned as he lays a hand on my shoulder. Lucas raises his eyebrows while leaning closer, waiting for me to speak.

“I─”, I let out a sigh, “honestly, no. I’m not okay. I am scared. There is this unfamiliar feeling inside my chest and I don’t know how to act upon it. I never felt this way in my life before and it’s stressing me out. It feels like I can spontaneously burst like every minute.”

“What do you mean you never felt like this? Did you never had a crush on someone or a boyfriend before?”

I shake rapidly my head. I was too busy with school and getting good grades. Of course, I had liked some guys in the past but not in a romantical way. The guys from my school were too... childlike and immature for my taste.

“I was too occupied with not disappointing my parents. Also, there’s no way any guy ever saw me more than a friend.” I let out a dry chuckle. “Can we please stop talking about this. I came here to game, not to cry and talk about my feelings.”

I grab a hand full of chips and throw it at Mark and Lucas. Lucas screeches and hides away, almost falling off the couch. We all laugh as Mark grabs the controllers of his Switch, giving me one and picking a game.

Wendy sprints towards me as she sees me walking into the office Monday morning, grabbing both my arms before dragging me away towards the toilet. 

“Spill it. You so were at his house!”, she almost screams in my face as Wendy takes place on top of the sink. 

“There’s no point in denying that, right?”, I question with a slight blush on my face and Wendy shakes her head. 

“Okay, fine. I stayed at his place. BUT that’s only because he had some alcohol and wouldn’t let me drive him home and then go home with the metro. It was ‘too dangerous’ according to him. It was not even midnight yet.”

I pace around the bathroom as I rant. “I also couldn’t let him go home alone, that wouldn’t be responsible of me. I slept on the couch, by the way”, I quickly add as I see Wendy’s face twist in pure joy. 

“So you guys didn’t do...”, she trails off with a smug look while doing the sign. 

I scrunch my nose in disgust. “Ew, what the... no! We didn’t do the devil’s tango!”

Wendy coos at my word choice and pinches my cheeks. I swat her hands away and turn around. 

“So, what did you two do?”, she questions. Wendy leans forward and looks at me with interest.

“That evening? Nothing? We were tired from all the walking around and chatting with his friends that we went straight to bed. The next day he joined me in grocery shopping.”

She sighs dreamily. “Sounds like such a nice date.” She flutters her lashes and folds her hands together, pushing them against her face.

As I want to snap back, a door of a toilet stall gets pushed open and a familiar face walks in. 

My face heats up as Wendy greets Seulgi. She’s one of Wendy’s friends who works at HR. Seulgi is also the reason that Wendy applied for a job at Ely.

“You know”, says Seulgi with a soft smile as she washes her hands, “he sounds like a really sweet guy, Moon Taeil.” She whispers the last part as she doesn’t want anyone other to hear it.

“How... no offence but how do you know?” My eyes are blown wide as the two girls snicker. 

“Wendy loves to rant about how cute the two of you are and how one of you has to square the fuck up.”

I groan and look at Wendy. She shrugs. “I was only stating facts.”

“Can I ask a question before I go forward with my day?”

I nod as Seulgi grabs both of my hands. “Why aren’t the two of you already dating? I bet you guys would look good together.”

I lick my lips. “Can I be totally honest with the two of you?”, I ask and they both nod at the same time. 

“I am scared of relationships. To be more precise, I’m scared of falling in love with someone and only to leave to go home. I just...”

“You don’t want anyone to lose someone dear to you”, adds Wendy as she slides off the sink and grabs one of my hands. “Don’t worry. I’ve seen the look in his eyes. He will never leave you, even if you’re on the other side of the world.”

I sniff, looking up to push away the tears in my eyes. 

“Are you crying? Come here, you big baby.” Wendy engulfs me in a hug and Seulgi joins soon after. 

“There’s also another thing...”, I say quietly as the let me go. “I’ve never been in a relationship.”

“YOU WHAT?!”

[mysticsandwich]

what was it, around may of 2014, I sold my truck and all of my camera equipment, probably for way less than what it was worth. I bought a bunch of random hiking and backpacking/camping gear and a bus ticket from orlando all the way across the country to spokane washington. I had decided to volunteer on a vineyard/family farm thru wwoof, worldwild organic orginzation of farmers. you basically work like 4-8hrs a day and in exchange you get some form of housing and food. I’d be staying in a tent and get 3 meals a day. I really didnt know what to expect except I was ready for some kind of adventure and was miserable where I was. I had no idea what I was doing and about $3k in my bank account. I was an emotional mess, duh. I rode the bus for 94 hours, it was insane. I barley slept, the bus stopped about every 1-2 hrs for bathroom breaks and stretch/snack stops. I remember leaving atlanta around 12am, the random girl next to me kept falling asleep on my shoulder and waking me up. I didn’t get off of the bus until Chicago. I had an 8hr layover to the next bus. I bought a pack of menthol american spirits and walked around downtown chicago for like 6-7 hours. it was great, besides the exhaustion. it was the first time I had really walked around the heart of a real big city in my adult life. I got on the next bus and endured another 45hrs or so of bus riding to spokane washington. god I was beat. I got picked up by leah, the woman who kind of ran the whole wwoofing operation her husband and her ran. She picked me up from the greyhound station in spokane around noon, her firstborn son, henry was in the back of her truck asleep, I think he was two years old or so. She is very chatty and friendly. she hugged me upon meeting me and was very welcoming. after almost 4 straight days on buses with strangers it was very nice. she chatted as we drove out of spokane northwest to the small town of hunters,wa. after an hr and a half we arrived at a small gas station, the first store in about 30 miles. her dad owned the store/small mechanics garage all the locals got their trucks and equipment fixed at. I met her mom who ran the shop part of the store and dad who ran the store and mechanics garage. then we headed to the farm. we arrived and i met john, leahs husband. john and leah were 30 and 29 at the time, respectively. they had a house on an absolutely gorgeous 45 acre piece of land overlooking the Columbia river, a huge river that flows from canada all the way to Oregon. the property was amazing, small mountains or hills overlooking a sharp 200-300 foot drop to the wide river. they showed me my tent spot, right on a cliff below their house overlooking their house. it was amazing and gorgeous. i set up my tent and unpacked my backpack. i had to be back at the house around 7pm for dinner. i arrived and john was cooking while leah cleaned up. henry was just running around the garden that was their backyard. their entire house they built themselves. it looked like a house, kind of slumped and lopsided but normal enough. but they built it from bales of hay, wrapped in chicken wire, with spackle on the wire to look like normal walls. hardly any wood, mostly built of hay. it was very cheap to build, john did all of the wiring and plumbing hisself and hay has absolutely amazing insulating capabilities, so it was never too hot in the summer and never too cold in the winter. amazing. the first night there dinner was salad hand picked from their garden, we all just chatted and got to know eachother. I slept in my tent like a baby, the first nights sleep in like 4 days not on a bus in a seat constantly being woken up, with the sound of the nature and river below. the next day was the first day of work and learning the farm. most of the work I did there wsa trimming grape vines with john. leah would go to the gas station/country store her parents own and work, so in the morning i’d scramble up the hill to the house and john would make breakfast for me him and henry then we’d head out the vineyard. most of the work we did while I was there was trim vines. you have to snip off the weakest vines and keep the strongest ones to get the most grapes. so everyday me john and henry would go out to the vineyard, it was 10 acres big, not very big but big for two guys and a baby. me and john would each get a row of vines, we’d go down a trim and leapfrog each other, trimming all the extra vines off. henry would sleep in a stroller or waddles around john, sometimes coming to me to hangout. me and john would usually work at the same pace once I go the process down, and we’d talk the whole day till about lunch or 1pm. then go back to the house, he’d make lunch and then we’d get a break for about 2hrs. I’d usually go down to the river or take a nap in my hammock. then we’d meet around 3pm and work on another farm project, maybe fixinga a drain or a fence, etc. then leah would come home and we’d all make dinner. these people were so kind and just took me in and included me in their lives and family and farm, gave me good advice, etc. they told me of their adventures from their earyl 20′s. they both went to new zealand and traveled and worked for about 2 years. leah was a white water raft guide and john worked on bikes. they did that and hiked thru new Zealand. they went bak to america and saved money, then hitchhiked down the entirety of south america for a year. then decided to return to leahs parents hometown and start eh vineyard. amazing people, very warm and kind and hardworking. i was so lost at this point in my life and they gave m a good goal of how I wanted to be or at least were very positive role models. so went about 2 months, working with john mostly, hanging with leahs family, meeting their friends, working hard, learning about growing wine grapes, learning alfalfa farming, hitchiking to town, reading a lot. then late june hit, and john and leah got 3 more WWOOFers. 3 girls from rhode island, culinary students on a summer road trip, wwoofing to see where organic food comes from. two were very pretty and all 3 were very nice. they set up thier tent and I became their tour guide, showing them how all the work was done, how the farm and house worked. they liked to drink and party, were all older than me. we had a good time, though my work ethic kind of went ot shit, distracted by a bunch of girls haha. it was nice to be the only guy around them. they were there for about 3 weeks and then were heading to another farm in northern california. they invited me to go with them. I loved the farm in spokane..but 3 college girls when you’re 19...duh. so they left and I said my sad goodbyes to john and leah and hit the road with 3 college girls. we stopped all over down the west coast of the country. we all went skinny dipping in a pool in portland, one tried to sleep with me and I was too stupid to realize it. huge regret. story for another time. we finally reached pescadaro, CA. an absolutely beautiful little coastal town. the farm was owned by an absolute lunatic who thought he could talk to aliens and grew a a LOT of illegal weed. all we did for about a week was smoke weed and hangout with crazy vagrants the farm owner brought in, the absolute opposite of john and leahs farm. I liked the 3 girls but I missed john and leah a lot then. I was supposed to go visit my bestfrind, Gabe, in texas at some point that summer and after a week at this sketchy “farm” I decided to leave. the girls, katie, becca and kristen were awesome and i was pretty much in love with katie, but it was time to go. so they drove me to san fransisco and I got on a greyhound bus around midnight around the end of july and headed for texas. before I left the farm in pescadaro the head “farmhand” there gave me about 2 ounced of weed as a parting gift. being 19 and dumb I took it. I put the damn thing in my backpack and got on the greyhound. I slept from san fran to LA and from La to around new mexico. more bus riding, yay. I got to el paso, tx.

-----

{2oz weed story]

[lockdownuk]

Lockdown Diary Part 4

A personal account during the lockdown in the UK due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

23/03/2020 8:30pm Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, gives a live address to the nation to, effectively, put the country on lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, Covid-19.

Many of us have been self-isolating for days but this latest development within the UK in reaction to the pandemic feels very serious and very scary. I decided to keep a simple diary and where better but online.

Day91: I can’t post photos to the sister photo diary and it’s fucking me off. Using this as a place holder- last successful pic was 21/06/2020.

Day 92: Still awaiting Tumblr re: day 91′s entry. Meanwhile looking at other blog/diary sites. Very warm today, like it was throughout May. Boris announced a further relaxation in lockdown measures which includes reducing the 2m distancing instruction which paves the way for pubs, restaurants and other places to open on 4th  . It looks like the Ship will open 6th July, George on the 4th. I await to see the measures put in place before deciding whther it’s a goer.

Day93: Typing on day 94 - I received an email from Deryn from RCI HR concerning placement online module attendance, thanking me for my participation. I was somewhat confused. Was this a mistake or was I erroneously not icluded in the initial communications? I fired off an email to HR and WhatsApp’d Jim. He replied that I should take it up with HR.

I am worried by this. Furlough ends this week and I know not what the fuck is going on.

Day 94: Had a few beers last night, ‘cos I was feeling deflated over work. Finished Homecoming S2, which was very good, and cancelled Amazon Prime before the free trial ends tomorrow. Got up @midday but haven’t done jack shit today as my right ankle is playing up - it was twinging last night - apart from press ups. No word back from RCI but there was a notification that the email from Deryn was attempted to be recalled. Had a spat in Co-Op wth two lads who were ignoring the one way system and social-distancing. It makes my blood boil and I had to say something which ended up making my blood boil even more…especially as one of them asked me to ‘crack on’. It’s a pretty cool response actually, since I had them bang to rights but, at the time, I thought I was going to bust a blood vessel. I walked away having told him to not speak to me like that again and that he was a fucking arsehole! Didn’t make me feel any better though. Fog’s chatting later so I’m going to have a few beers right now (just gone 8pm) - I feel like throwing caution to the wind for some reason (probably work more than anything else).

Day 95: Typing on Day 96. I had a lot of beers with Fog the night before last and felt like shit all day yesterday. Still managed to drag myself up to Foggy’s and have socially distanced beers in his garden with Noel and Lord Irish of Michael.

Day 96: Feeling like shit. Third day of no walking ‘cos my ankle is a little sore although I did walk back from Foggy’s last night.

Day 97: Two walks and my usual stair climb today. Felt good to get back to routine. Plus, no booze yesterday, even tho’ it was a Saturday, feel better for it. I heard from Sue Cockings from HR on Friday, btw, still furloughed until further notice.

Day 98: I discovered, yesterday, that today is actually day 99 of lockdown since it actually begun on the Sunday evening that Boris Johnson announced the measures being in place - I mistakenly thought it began on the Monday. Tumblr still haven’t got back to me regarding reviewing why this blog is deemed ‘sensitive’ and I can’t add any more pics. While I am typing, Northampton are beating Exeter 0-2 at Wembley in the L2 play-off final. It’s funny that their fans can’t be there to see it. Football, in general, on its return after lockdown, without fans in attendance, is shit - like watching women’s football - too many empty seats.

Day 100: I have decided to number the days correctly (See prev’ entry). It’s a good time as I had to export , delete and recreate this blog on Tumblr since they have been non-forthcoming in my request for info as to why they deemed it ‘sensitive’. So, this is a restart, altrough seemless to the reader. On top of all that, I am writing this on Day 101! After restarting the blog diary I forgot to add the day’s entry! Bumped into Roger on my second walk, at the top of Basset Ford Place. We chatted for an hour or so. It was really good to see him and talk. We’ve made a promise to interact more...it seems both he and I allow ourselves to get down in the dumps (easy in self-isolation) and, as such, we shall try to reach out as and when. He suggested a walk together every now and then.

Day 101: I heard back from a charitable services company that Barry Haddon (who, coincidentally, I spoke with today) told me about (Auriga)and answered their email questions. BNarry rates them and told me they got him some decent results like he no longer has to pay Council Tax. I tweeted Chris Hawkes on Radio 6 this morning...he was asking for examples of sames names (’cos he had Dave Gorman on) so I told him about The Redlion and the ad the ‘other’ Tim put in the ET. He read it out! I created a photo album of 101 pics I’ve taken in lockdown and put it on FB including the Oundle Chatter group. The comments were great. My right eyesight is worrying, I cannot make out close up detail i.e. reading is blurred. I am going to start doing 10 press ups after each exercise i.e. three times a day. I decided that during my second walk so today I’ve done 20. Lastly, I have new neighbours I do believe. Hmmm.

Day 102: Emailed dad and Rita to have a rant about what dad thought of the Leicester lockdown and to share a link to my 101 photo album. Had a long Messenger chat with Rog.

Day 103: Typing this on day 104. Dad called when I was out ona  walk so we skyped when I got back. He looks really well! Advided me on how to cutt some branches that are hanging low (I asked him in the email yesterday). I then borrowed a saw, secateurs and green bin from Karen. I walked a long way today. My second walk was 9km.I then had loads of beers! The Co-Op car park seems to be the venue for youngsters to hang out. I was gone 2am before they finished partying. I (re)watched Steve Jobs. Wow....just wow. What a film and what a man!

Day 104: It was gone 1:30pm when I got up feeling the worse for wear. A chilli, chorizo and cheese omelette really sorted me out but no beer tonight. How my Saturday frame of mind has changed from just a few years ago. Elliot and Camilla dropped off a jar of japaenos (that Mil had WhatsApp’d me about) and, among other things, we chatted about a photo Tracie Garrett circulated featuring Ell, me her and a few others who met up to have a drink at The Haycock for Ron Gambling. In it was Cath and someone called Ross (who I don’t remember) who have both passed since the pic (July ‘99). I feel strangely saddened by it all. The pic itself is such a reminder of days past - it conjours up shit loads of different feelings.

Day 105: A few beers again last night so another late one (5ish) but up before noon. Finished watching a series called Condor. Pretty good - bit of a messy ending that is the norm with telly nowadays in that it is a little bit of a cliffhanger.

Day 106: The Ship reopened today. I left a nice message on the Virtual Pub group page wishing them the best plus said thanks to Rach. I think it will be the end of the laugh we’ve had on the virtual site now. I expect to go through a bit of a miserabel time with people now venturing out down the pubs.We were once all united in lockdown - that will no longer be the case. Met Rog for a walk - did over 7km oncluding through Barnwell Picnic Park - I don’t remember it being that pretty. defo going to go there again. Got an email from RCI asking for all furlough workers to join a Zoom meeting tomorrow with Paul (MD) and Deryn (HR). Ominous! Went shopping in Asda and Farm Foods. £100 with NO BOOZE!

Day 107: The zoom call today didn’t tell me much other than we are being furloughed still, until further notice. It was susggested that we have a zoom meeting every 2 weeks and that RCI recognise we’ve be left out in the cold somewhat. I appreciate that very much.There were 30 of us on the call plus Paul and Deryn were in the office since they had to make peopel redundant today. Mark was in the office earlier to take receivership of the IT kits from those that left.

Day 108: I am well on the way to doing 1,000,000 steps in theree months (July, August & September) but at what cost. I’ve done well over 11,000 steps each day in July (actually, a lot of days in June as well) apart from one (8k) and I am feeling it. My right leg/ankle is sore! Day 109: I had another mention by Chris Hawkins on Radio 6. He asked for Brian May moments - apparently when he met Brian May he was so starstruck that all he could say was ‘thank you for the music’. I tweeted my story of telling Felicity Kendall to have a good life. Today, both my walks have resulted in me getting fucking soaked. Hanna S2 is on Amazon Prime. Time for yet another free trial (number 4 or 5).

Day 110: I have walked 144,448 steps in 10 days, well on the way to a million steps in three months. The Heist of the Century - an Argentinian film based on true events - watched it last night (well, over two nights, actually). A real life Ocean’s Eleven (but with 6). Brilliant film, brilliat story. I had issues signing up to another Amazon Prime free trial last night so I set up another gmail a/c just now and I think I’m in. I used Danny’s Gmail (which I created over 15 years ago!) and it didn’t like it - I think I must have used it before. I reckon I have probably had loads more free trials than I care to remember. Anyway, off to watch me some Hanna!

Day 111: Very tired as I type. Bed at around 5am, up at 13:30, normal exercises, cleaning kitchen cupbaords and I’m done in. It’s 10:30pm now, just cracked open a beer and about to watch a new Netflix film “The Old Guard”. I would continue with Hanna but Amazon Prime keeps fucking erroring. I will try to go to bed before it gets light (which seems to be my w/e norm nowadays!

Day 112: I have got into the habit of eating dinner far too late. It’s 10:30pm as I type and I am just about to have something eat. I’m not sure why I feel it’s wrong to eat so late but I do, I shall be trying to address it. Late night again last night (gone 4:30am) so today was a lazy day. Only on ewalk but it was 10km and I get up the above 11,000 steps needed for the 1m challenge. My stair climb, at around 9pm, fucking killed.

Day 113: Boring Monday.

Finished watching The Old Guard on Netflix. A Highlander-esque affair with Charlize Theron kicking ass like she did in Atomic Blonde. It was OK. Haven’t manage to lick the late night eating. It’s 10:05pm and tea’s still cooking.

Day 114: I have been looking at planning persmissions on the ENDC site for questions posed on the Oundle Chatter group on FB. There’s going to be two sites with 130 new houses on each and it’s causing concern. And so it should - the planning docs are very revealing. Objections are dismissed in such an off-hand way. It’s really quite insulting. I was awfully down today, during my first walk. I mean, really despondant (too difficult to describe here), which is a lower version of the norm - it’s been a good couple of weeks since anyone’s even asked how I am! A week since that post on my main blog. But, I powered through and am back to the usual depth! I ate at @9:30 pm tonight. Told ya!

Day 115: I am typing this on Day 116 - I ended up hainga  couple of beers last night and forgot to post. I had the most ridiculous toing and froing on FB and Messenger with Rachel (Harris) - it was piss funny. She is the first person in days, actually weeks, who has asked how I am! I watched ep3 of Hanna S2. Absolutely superb. She kills Marissa! Did not see that fucker coming...mind blown! Day 116: I have finally finished the thorough clean of the kitchen. Fucking drama. I am typing at just gone 10pm, about to eat (curry I made yesterday). It’s been a strange day, timings wise, last night’s drinking meant I wasn’t up until just gone noon which obviously didn’t help. I had a call from DSM group - I applied for an IT tech role, they want to see me tomorrow (Friday) for an interview (in Sibson). Interesting! (Although the contact, Helen, hasn’t sent the promised email!)

Day 117: Despite not getting a confirmation email, I attended the interview at DSM. It went OK (I was there for 90 mins). I went booze shopping in Tesco’s afterwards. Spoke to dad today also - he and Rita are well, as usual! I am feeling really knackered and achy today. I do hope it’s not anything to worry about.

Day 118: Up at 1pm. 9.79 km walk. Cooking meatballs, drinking beer, listening to The Blaze about to watch Deepwater Horizon. All good today!

Day 119: Similar to yesterday, up late, bloody long walk, watching Saving Private Ryan (which I started last night).

Day 120: Typing on day 121. Received an email from someone that works at the BBC for Shaun Keaveny’s show - they want me to do small claims court on August 5th. I’m becoming obsessed with getting my steps in - my second walk was extended to round Barnwell Country Park - over 17.5k steps - not the most I’ve done in one day but, for example, most in one day last month (June) was 14.7k. More importantly, I am finding that I can walk further (and for longer) and not have a hypo; not a great deal further, but over an hour.

[yamamuragaku]

Tamaki Yotsuba [Monster] RabbitChat

“Give me candy or I’ll play a prank on you–”

Part 1-5

Part 1: Trick or Treat!

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, good work!

It’ll be October soon. What comes to mind when you think of October?

Tamaki: Hey

Tamaki: That of course

Tsumugi: That!

Tamaki: Halloween!

Tsumugi: Halloween!

Tamaki:

Tsumugi:

Tsumugi: I wanted to tell you, you received a job related to Halloween!

It’s a “Halloween Parade” where idols dressed in monster-ish costumes hijack a prepared venue!

Tamaki: It sounds really fun

Tamaki: Is there candy?

Tsumugi: Of course. Like during Valentine’s, everyone will produce Halloween sweets according to their specifications!

Tamaki: Yay! I will make pumpkin-flavored Ousama Pudding

Tsumugi: T-Tamaki-san, isn’t that now being sold at convenience stores >< lol

Tsumugi: It’s fine if you freely think about it freely.

Tamaki: Eh——

Tamaki: Mm——

Tamaki: I should think about it

Tsumugi: Yes! It’s okay because there’s still time.

Tsumugi: A lot of idols are participating in the Halloween Parade, but among them, Re:vale and TRIGGER are there too!

The main personalities will be Re:vale.

Tsumugi: Everyone will be wearing matching monster-ish costumes, so please look forward to it!

Tamaki: You seem like you’re looking forward to it too, manager

Tsumugi: I am! Halloween is somehow really exciting!

Tamaki: Hey

Tamaki: Won’t it be hard for Yama-san to wear a monster-ish costume lolol

Tsumugi: In the end, he decided to wear it which was a relief lol

Tamaki: That’s because manager threatened Yama-san lol

You said you had to ask the boss to calculate the budget lol

Tsumugi: T-that’s true but I wasn’t really trying to threaten him ><

Tamaki: Not funny

Tamaki: Then I’ll threaten manager too-

Tsumugi: Eh?!

Tamaki: Trick or Treat

Tamaki: Give me candy or I’ll play a prank on you–

Tamaki:

Tsumugi: How about 2 pumpkin flavor Ousama Puddings?!

Tamaki: Okay, let’s shake hands

Tsumugi: Please eat it together with Sougo-san!

Tamaki:

Part 2: Tamaki’s Halloween

Tamaki: Manager

Tamaki: Are you there?

Tsumugi: Good work, Tamaki-san.

I’m here! What happened?

Tamaki: Are we having a Halloween party at the agency?

Tsumugi: I want to! Last year was a kerfuffle so we couldn’t particularly do anything..

Tamaki: Hey-. Let’s cosplay and eat sweets

Tsumugi: Sounds good! I’ll check everyone’s schedules for a day we can meet later.

Tamaki: Yay

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, you sure treasure events!

Tamaki: That’s because the facility had such a policy

Tsumugi: Is that so….

Tamaki: How about you, manager?

Tsumugi: I don’t particularly recall what I did for Halloween….

It was fun since a lot of shops sold various candies! or that was my impression ><

Tamaki: Really, what a waste—-

Tsumugi: Indeed… ><

So I can prepare for the party, there are various things I’d like to ask you..

Option 1

Tsumugi: Besides candy, is there anything else you’d like to eat for Halloween?

Tamaki: Halloween limited Ousama Pudding.

Because Ousama Pudding isn’t candy, it’s Ousama Pudding

Option 2

Tsumugi: Are there any costumes you’d like to try, Tamaki-san?

Tamaki: A guy in my class told me I’d look good as a werewolf

Besides, isn’t walking around town in a costume a pain in the ass? What’s so fun about it

Option 3

Tsumugi: Do you have any memorable moments of Halloween, Tamaki-san?

Tamaki: I got a small set of sweets at the facility every year

Iorin probably liked it so he went there too

Tamaki: Let’s have the party early Before the parade

Tsumugi: That’s quite early…! I thought you’d certainly want to do it on the 31st.

Tamaki: Because the day of the parade is Ryuu-aniki’s birthday

Tamaki: Isn’t it better to finish it before that, and afterwards go all out on TNS Strengthening Month

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san…! You’re right. Let’s hold the Halloween party early, and focus on TNS Strengthening Month!

We are always indebted to TRIGGER after all.

Tamaki: What does Ryuu-aniki like?

Tamaki: Even if I ask Yama-san and Mikkii who’re around his age, I probably can’t depend on them

Tsumugi: You can’t depend on them…? lol

Tamaki: Because they’re not erotic

Tsumugi: Because of that?!

Tamaki: Yama-san isn’t erotic, but perverted

Tamaki: But Mikkii is not like that

Tsumugi: D-difficult, isn’t it….

Tamaki: We have to think of something Ryuu-aniki would like

Earlier when I massaged Yama-san’s shoulder, he cried, so it’d be good if massaging his shoulders makes him happy-

Tsumugi: A shoulder massage coupon seems just like your thing, Tamaki-san!

Part 3: Food Samples Battle

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, good work.

Thank you for the Halloween Parade sample & food tasting meeting earlier!

Tsumugi: It’s good that you happily participated, Tamaki-san!

Tamaki: Manager, ty ty

Tamaki: It was so— fun I’ve never seen so much people making sweets outside class

Tsumugi: It looked like you were having fun with Nagi-san!

What happened?

Tamaki: I decided on pumpkin pudding

Tsumugi: So you did!

Tamaki: But-

Tsumugi: Yes!

Tamaki: Nagicchi smugly said, “Why don’t you try giving up pudding occasionally?”

Tsumugi: A passionate battle between men…!

Tamaki: Even though I tried making a snack that looked like monster

Tsumugi: C-certainly scattering pumpkin seeds on top of a muffin makes it look like a monster….

Tamaki: Also it was so scary how the muffin over-expanded and cracked…

Tsumugi: I think the professionals will make it cute for the finished product! ><

Tamaki: Oh-

Tamaki: Because if Nagicchi’s fans see that they’ll be surprised lol

Tsumugi: I think that way, the taste will match and it’ll be really good though…!

Option 1

Tsumugi: Whose sweets were delicious?

Tamaki: Hm——-

Rikkun’s donuts. It was good that there was cream inside and that they were shaped like a cat

Option 2

Tsumugi: The sweets Tamaki-san made were also wonderful!

Tamaki: They lose to Ousama Pudding but nothing can win against it-

Option 3

Tsumugi: I want the fans to eat them deliciously!

Tamaki: Oh-

It’d be good if they feel like I did when I first met Ousama Pudding

Tamaki: By the way, aren't the sales from the sweets we produced being donated

Tsumugi: Yes.

It’d be good if I could help the children around the world even a little….

Tamaki: You can do it

Tamaki: Someone like me lived this far

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san….

Tamaki: That’s why I don’t give up Everyone will get worried

Tsumugi: Yeah…. Thank you! I shouldn’t give up!

Tamaki:

Tamaki: We’re naming the snacks we made today

Tsumugi: Yes, please let me know when you decide!

Tamaki: I decided

Tsumugi: So quick…!

Tamaki: I decided on

Tamaki: Happy-Making Pumpkin-sama Pudding

Tamaki: No good?

Tsumugi: How wonderful, it’s just like you, Tamaki-san. I’m happy…!

Tamaki: Yay

Tamaki:

Tsumugi:

Part 4: Noisy Party

Tamaki: Good work manager

Tamaki: Let’s have another party Tomorrow is fine

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, good work!

The Halloween party today was fun!

Tamaki: Are we doing it tomorrow?

Tamaki:

Tsumugi: U-unfortunately tomorrow might be difficult..

But we’ll have a Christmas party in 2 months!

Tamaki: Too long———-

Tsumugi: L-long? I think it’s scary that a year passes by in a flash..

Tamaki: Soo-chan said that too Why do only Yama-san and Mikkii understand!

Tamaki: It’s so far away— I want to grow up soon

Tsumugi: You want to become an adult?

Tamaki: Yeah-

Tamaki: Because I think I wasn’t able to protect Aya because I’m a child

Tsumugi: That’s….

Tamaki: Ah, Rikkun and the others have decided to defeat that old man so you don’t have to worry, manager

Tamaki: I put on a costume to defeat that old man

Tsumugi: You dressed as Dracula to defeat him…?

Tamaki: Soo-chan said I looked cool

Tsumugi: Of course, you look cool!

Tamaki: Hmhmph

Option 1

Tsumugi: Were there any other good costumes?

Tamaki: Soo-chan’s jiangshi wasn’t good… (1)

Because his white face was scary, and the costume from Nagicchi’s acquaintance was really all-out

Option 2

Tsumugi: What was your funniest memory from today?

Tamaki: It was funny when Rikkun who was wearing a bloody lab coat chased around Iorin in a devilish costume, saying, “Let me give you an injection—” lol

And Iorin got mad at Rikkun for running around lol

Option 3

Tsumugi: Let’s have a Halloween party again next year!

Tamaki: I’m looking forward to that old man, Nagicchi’s acquaintance’s costumes again

Also all-you-can-eat pudding

Tamaki: The parade is soon

Tsumugi: Yes, and Tsunashi-san’s birthday too!

Tamaki: Have you decided what to do for Ryuu-aniki?

Tsumugi: I heard they are going to celebrate before the weekend, so I plan to make some sweets, and give them to Anesagi-san!

Tamaki: Oh-

Tamaki: Ryuu-aniki also eats sweets

Tsumugi: Doesn’t he look like he doesn’t eat them? It seems like he’s into making sweets lately.

Tamaki: He somehow looks like he only eats expensive fish and meat

Tamaki: When I went to his house before, he made some really tasty things for me so he’s good at cooking

Tsumugi: Certainly he might have such an image!

Tamaki: Soo-chan was also worried about what to do. He looked after us during the Shuffle Unit so he doesn’t want to give him anything rude yadda yadda

Tsumugi: It seems like Sougo-san spends his time being worried lol

Tamaki: Soo-chan blew his top when Yama-san said he’ll send red boxers

Tsumugi: I think I’d be angry too…lol

Tamaki: Is a coupon for upgrading a shoulder massage no good?

Tamaki: Or a coupon for muscle training together

Tsumugi: Did you consult with Sougo-san?

Tamaki: I asked He mumbled, “Is Tsunashi-san your father or something…? Well I think he’d be pleased though…”

Tsumugi: Umm,,

Tsumugi: I imagine Tsunashi-san would be happy with anything we gave him heartfeltly….

Tamaki: How about a coupon for a public bathhouse?

Tsumugi: I think Tsunashi-san will be pleased…!

Tamaki: Yay it’s decided-

Tsumugi: But, where did you get the coupons?

Tamaki: Rikkun won them in a lottery Rikkun’s lack of desire sensor is the best

Tsumugi: A lottery…! Please think of something beside a coupon!

Tamaki: Tch

Part 5: Halloween Parade

Tsumugi: Tamaki-san, good work on today’s parade as well as Tsunashi-san’s surprise celebration!

Tamaki: Good work-

Tamaki: Did I look good?

Tsumugi: Of course! Everyone looked good.

You were so fluffy and cute!

Tamaki: Gakkun looked embarrassed

Tsumugi: TRIGGER doesn’t usually wear these costumes, don’t they…. All the groups had a unifying concept, so it couldn’t be changed ><

Tamaki: Tenten got so mad at Gakkun for looking embarrassed

Tamaki: Ryuu-aniki was happy to wear it

Tsumugi: It must’ve been curious! lol

Tamaki: It’s good that Ryuu-aniki is easy to understand. Tenten is an iron mask Gakkun still has a grudge towards me over udon and soba

Tsumugi: Udon…how nostalgic ><

Tamaki: However Gakkun as the MC was hot

Tsumugi: Yeah! He showed a lot of member love.

Tamaki: It’s not easy to say, I love you, that is

Tamaki: As expected of Gakkun

Tsumugi: That’s because Gaku-san is a passionate person…!

Option 1

Tsumugi: It was a wonderful surprise!

Tamaki: Ryuu-aniki cried, so while Gakkun and Tenten were hugging him

I remember what Yama-san did during the celebration. Yama-san cried a little lol

Option 2

Tsumugi: Did you give him the present?

Tamaki: I handed it over in the dressing room. Bath house coupons and a massage coupon

I said let’s go to the bath house again

Option 3

Tsumugi: How was the parade?

Tamaki: The fans had a lot of fun at my robot dance

That’s not the only thing I can do

Tamaki: Also Yukirin’s costume today looked so good

Tsumugi: Momo-san and Yuki-san were very cute walking in the front while holding hands….

As expected of Re:vale, they look good in any costume!

Tamaki: Those 2 sure get along

Tsumugi: During stand-by, those two shouted at you to come over…!

Tamaki: Earlier they also made me play a board game, but I like those kinds of games

Tamaki: When I mentioned smart phone games, Yukirin said he doesn’t really play them

Tsumugi: It’s probably more popular among teens, smart phone game culture!

Tamaki: Really?

Tamaki: Momorin plays them. Like competing for score

Tsumugi: You became gaming friends?

Tamaki: Since you can know when scores are updated on the timeline. We’re not supposed to do it together though

Tsumugi: As expected of Tamaki-san, your communication skill is high.

Tamaki: I don’t really get it but does that mean I’m strong?

Tsumugi: Yes! lol

Tamaki:

Tamaki: Later we took pictures with an app that swapped everyone’s faces

Tsumugi: !?!?

Tsumugi: You can do such a thing?!

Tamaki: You didn’t know, manager? So slow

Tsumugi: Interesting! lol

Tamaki: Iorin and Rikkun also swapped faces

Tsumugi: Ah cute!

Tamaki: Manager, try it with boss

Tamaki: It’ll be funny lol

Tsumugi: Ehh?! Then you try it with Sougo-san!

Tamaki: I did but it was normal somehow…felt like that guy was here

Tsumugi: R-really?

Tamaki: I wanted to do it with Mikkii, Nagicchi and Yama-san but Yama-san hated it and ran away so we’ll definitely do it next time

Tsumugi: I’m looking forward to it! lol

Tamaki:

Screenshots courtesy of rabbit-library.

(1) A jiangshi is a Chinese zombie.

[programaticallydelicious]

What’s the opposite of a hardcore game?

So I’m sure you can think of a couple of “hardcore” games off the top of your head. Dark Souls and Bloodborne are probably near the top for a lot of you. What defines those is an argument for someone else, and has been made a multitude of times.

I’m here to talk about their opposite. A lot of people, when asked what the opposite of a “hardcore” game is, would immediately jump to “Casual”. Something like Bejeweled, or Angry Birds. That...isn’t exactly correct. Casual games are targeted at people who can’t sink a great deal of time into a game in one sitting, A few minutes here, a few there, maybe an entire hour sometime. And with how the “casual” market is mixing in paid mechanics on mobile, there’s an argument to be had for them being an entirely different form of hardcore.

But I digress.

What is the opposite of a “hardcore” game? Is it an easy game? Maybe, maybe not. Is it a simple one? Not necessarily. Is it forgiving? Potentially. The opposite of a hardcore game is one that gives the reins to the player, and lets them control their own experience. I, personally, have never been one for hardcore games in the way the term gets bandied about. I don’t like games punishing me for my poor reaction time and variable coordination.

I like games that let me choose how to proceed. And to give a good idea of what I mean, I’m going to go through my steam library (not all 800+ games of it, just the ones with at least 60hrs of playtime), and explain exactly what they did that ensured they weren’t hardcore.

1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (751 hrs)

Unsurprising, and easy to explain. Bethesda games, in general, give the player as much control as possible. Want to do the main quest? Have at it, nothing can stop you and if something does, just pull up the console and nuke it to death with the kill or disable commands. Don’t like something? Modding can fix it. Want something you don’t or can’t have? Modding can fix it. Want to shoot something? You can! Stab them? Sure! Want to pretend quests don’t exist and live as a hermit in the woods? I’ve done it!

I think you get the picture.

2. Fallout 4 (663 hrs)

Do you need to ask? Look above, I explained it there. Also, the VATS system is actually surprisingly cool to play with, and I really, really enjoy waltzing around overleveled in tricked out power armor as everything the bad guys throw at me winds up just plinking off and maybe killing them for me.

3. EVE Online (500 hrs (logged on Steam, at any rate))

This can’t be right, can it? The MMO known mostly for having a learning curve so steep it‘s a cliff with an overhang? Not hardcore? I’ve gotta be high!

No, it isn’t hardcore. EVE gives the player a fantastic amount of control over their experience. You can pick what skills to learn, what kinds of ships to fly, whether to produce, raid, lead, gather, trade, or mission run. Personally, I racked up most of these hours about ten years ago when I was doing a lot of asteroid mining on a second screen while working on stuff in college. It was slow, relaxing, and impressively predictable overall.

4. Starbound (214 hrs)

I have a love-hate relationship with this one. I racked up most of that playtime in the early beta, when the mechanics were wonky and unbalanced and the playstyle was still being worked on. I can’t enjoy this game anymore, because all I want to do is find a pretty planet and build a base I like on it. But the prettiest planets are pretty good at killing you, and the best materials to build with are rare, in places good at killing you, or incredibly expensive. I could build safely on a barren world, but...it’s a barren world.

5. Terraria (166 hrs)

I love this game, I really do. But I can’t play it with other people. I like having a safe home, and while you can make safe homes in hardcore mode, they’re a pain in the butt to design properly and the allowances you need to make to keep things out are less than appealing to me. Meaning I end up running two worlds with my character as a raider, and that gets...tedious after a while.

I once built an entire village for all of the NPCs in the game (there were fewer at the time), only to watch them die over and over because someone went to hell and killed the wall of flesh.

6. Space Engineers (143 hrs)

Do I really need to explain this one? I made a bunch of voxel spaceships, in space. Was fun, and neat, but last time I poked my head in it was still lacking in things to do long-term. Too much control, not enough content, basically.

7. NieR:Automata™ (126 hrs)

This can’t be right, can it? After all, it’s a twitchy action-RPG with a philosophical bent that feels like the illegitimate bastard lovechild that Nietzsche and Goethe abandoned in the dark forest at midnight on a new moon. (In short, it’s that impossible thing known as an object made purely of edge)

But it is. The game has a massive variety of potential play-styles and difficulties, from “all but literally does everything for you” to, well, bullet hell. And the chip system lets you suit all sorts of preferences (the taunt/crit build is OP as all hell, but I ran with a berserker build that boosted speed and healed me on damaging or killing enemies). The game is as punishing as you allow it to be, and Platinum Games did a fantastic job of that.

8. Subnautica (110 hrs)

I’ve beaten this one multiple times. It actually gives you a lot of control in terms of where and how to build, and how you go about progressing. But the truly great bit of control the game gives you is that it never forces you to progress. You move through it exactly as far as you want to, and it does a great job of getting you to want to.

Sadly, it has two things that really break that. Two enemies, specifically. Warpers, and crabsquids. Warpers can be avoided, are localized, and can become a non-issue by progressing far enough.

Crabsquids are seething gelatinous bundles of undiluted killjoy who prevent me from safely building in my favorite biomes.

9. Stardew Valley (94 hrs)

I really think this one is self explanatory. If it isn’t, it will be as soon as you play it.

10. ARK: Survival Evolved (93 hrs)

This game doesn’t belong on this list. Too much of the time listed was spent fighting the mechanics/trying to get things to work, as opposed to playing the game. It’s neither hardcore nor its opposite.

11. Plague Inc: Evolved (63 hrs)

My favorite thing to do in this game is running the neurax worm. The Christmas scenario in particular is great. This game is an RTS with short playtimes, immediate feedback on choices, and fantastic levels of replayability. Combine that with their scenario editor, difficulty settings, and the huge variety of things you can play as, it makes it as my favorite non-RPG on Steam.

Some non-Steam mentions that are self-explanatory: Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda: BotW (I enjoy the other games too, but they don’t qualify for this), Age of Empires II (I abused the shit out of a bug in the scenario editor), Pharaoh/Caesar III, and the number one timesink of any game I’ve ever played: Minecraft.

In summary: The opposite of a hardcore game is one that gives the player enough leeway to make their own decisions. Not necessarily by giving them multiple choices or paths, but allowing them to proceed at their own pace, potentially with their own choices of mechanics and/or difficulty. And most importantly, it doesn’t punish the player for those choices.

[kellexplainsitall]

Monday: 3 stroller miles easy in a.m. + 6 miles at 7:53 pace when Tim got home

Tuesday: 9 easy with group

Wednesday: 10 with Rebuck, a few hill sprints

Thursday: 65 spin

Friday: 9 easy

Saturday: 9 easy

Sunday: 2 mile warmup + half marathon in 1:34:05 + 1 mile cooldown

Laps

LapDistanceTimePaceGAPHR  11.00 mi7:147:14 /mi7:09 /mi168 bpm  21.00 mi7:047:04 /mi7:06 /mi176 bpm  31.00 mi7:087:08 /mi7:04 /mi181 bpm  41.00 mi7:007:00 /mi6:58 /mi185 bpm  51.00 mi7:167:16 /mi7:12 /mi188 bpm  61.00 mi7:047:04 /mi7:03 /mi187 bpm  71.00 mi7:027:02 /mi6:59 /mi191 bpm  81.00 mi7:067:06 /mi7:06 /mi193 bpm  91.00 mi6:596:59 /mi7:02 /mi193 bpm 101.00 mi7:217:21 /mi7:21 /mi195 bpm 111.00 mi7:217:21 /mi7:21 /mi195 bpm 121.00 mi7:507:50 /mi7:51 /mi192 bpm 131.00 mi6:566:56 /mi6:55 /mi207 bpm 140.09 mi35s6:26 /mi6:26 /mi210 bpm

Ahh. So the half was technically a PR, but I cost myself at least a minute with WALKING BREAKS. It was 94% humidity and I was struggling after the 9 mile mark. The first 9 miles went so well. I felt so strong and in control. I was gradually passing people and never felt like I was going too hard. However, around mile 9 and change, I had the sudden urge for a quick walk break. I just felt like I could not breathe. So, for miles 10, 11 and 12, I took a few walk breaks. They were never super long, just to let myself catch my breath. For the last mile, I just went balls out and ran my fastest mile of the day. It's hard to not be disappointed. I am still stuck in the 1:34 time. It's the third time in a row I have run 1:34. I also wore my Sauconys and those will not be my marathon shoe. The ball and plantar of my right foot are still sore. I was 10th woman and fifth in age group.

Laps

I did have the best cheerleaders! I saw Tim and Keegan a handful of times. Keegan was really well-behaved even if he doesn't really recognize mom when she runs by! Poor buddy had a rough week. On Tuesday, he fell off the slide and bruised his right eye. On Thursday, he stood up too quickly and a chair landed on him. Daycare had to call me each time to tell me. He looks so beat up.

Our weekend was nice and quiet. We watched a lot of football and went to the park. I grew tomatoes this year with free plants left out by various neighbors and I am getting such a good haul. I don't even like plain tomatoes. But Keegan loves them! He really enjoys going outside and picking them with me and then eating them.

I am still going to therapy either weekly or biweekly, and I am so glad it is something I have committed to. I feel a lot better in general about life and things. Part of that is definitely the medication but I think therapy is a great counterpart.

Keegan had his second haircut yesterday! He looks so grown up. He was very nervous when we first went in but once we sat down, he was shy but behaved. He looks so handsome.

[seema-inthesky]

I got a job :)

I got a training program just like I prayed for.

My prayers were answered.

It all started on 20th of April when I got a call saying that I can go to this medical center to have six months training with minimum wage and full time work, it may seem ridiculous, but I was happy, I was satisfied, it's what I wished and prayed for, because in all my 12 interviews I did, all was a failure due my lack of experience. So I thought this is my chances, the doors of life are finally opening.

So on 21st I went to the center, the staff were nice "I see everyone as a nice person until they prove me otherwise" there was an other doctor in the same position as me, but the only down side is that I had in mind that I would do a real training, like going in a rotations, like every month or something I would be trained in different department, and if I am good enough and lucky enough I would be hired as a full time Doctor, but boy was I wrong, it's very silly of me actually, I know how bad the world is, I know how opportoinitist the people is, and everyone knows how private medical center only care about money.

Anyway, what happened was that I was stationed in the covid-19 swabs, no rotations, no training, no nothing, all the training I got was from a younger doctor than me on how to do swabs, she did a bad job at it too, I was so disappointed in what reality had for me , I mean it wasn't bad at the beginning, I had my rest I had my breaks, but somehow later on I was on my foot for 6-8 hours leaning in for swabs for almost 20% of what others doctors at the same center were erning, I mean what do they have and I don't?

But I kept praying, I kept talking to Allah asking for the best, cause I know my own abilitys, I know my own worth, I know I can do much more,

And on 4th of May, with only 20 minutes to my shift, with my eyes barely kept open due lack of sleep in morning shifts in Ramadan, exactly at 13:39 I received an email stating that I can go the following day to go sign my contract of Clinical Masters in Family Medicine.

I was so lost of words my mind kept flying, my heart was beating out of my chest my hands were trembling, what contract? What sign, why there isnt my name anywhere, is this some kind of sick joke, or stupid mistake that this was sent by mistake? Or was I really accepted, should I call my sisters? Should I text them? Or should I ask my BFF? Should I call the University just to be clear? But I ended up just sending a reply asking whether I got accepted or not...

A thousand thoughts came to mind, I couldnt set, I couldn't stand up, and there was travelers to be swabbed, I actually did one swab with out protective gloves just because my mind wasn't really functioning, of course I washed my hands fully throughly afterwards, and wore gloves for the next person.

At 13:56, I got an email titled " Acceptance letter"

And this is when the doors of haven opened up for me, I knew my prayers were answered.

I have never ever felt so grateful for a moment like this, I was overwhelmed overjoyed with gratitude.

You can see that in my previous ranting that I was depressed, I was hopfull and hopeless, you can picture of sort of a place I was in, but because of Ramadan, because of the holy atmosphere, I really felt certain that Allah would only do what best of me, I was certain that I only got this dream to come true because I had complete faith in Allah plan for me, and I was consistently reassured by my dreams

Alhumdullah is all I can say, All praise to the Mighty one, All thankfulness is to the Great One.

All since that day I keep remembering that moment, the letter, the gratefullness I felt, the best feeling ever since the day I was born, I feel so amazing, I feel like the world is smiling at me again, I feel the world is finally in synchronize with my inner self, I beginning to climb the stairs that I stared at the first step for a full year.

I brought a journal at November 2020, just to keep my life a little more organized, to keep in check of what is happening, every month I would started with being hopeful and ending it with feeling disappointed, but it helped, not wanting to feel disappointed I started to attend online courses, to update my resume, I started to go to hospitals and give them my C.V to the HR, until end of January I accidentally ran into the owner of one of the medical centers who offered a job right there on the spot for a training position (( it was a failure too, ended up with the owner choosing one doctor out of 6 training doctors and dismissing us in a very very rude way)) at that time I was applying to the Masters program, and the owner knew about it, it's basically the reason I was dismissed so quickly, I cried so much, I didn't expect to be so sad about it, it was way too far for me, I wasn't getting paid, the workload was no joke, but I was so disappointed in my self for believeing in people, for believing that I finally got my chance, that I had so much confident that I was a valuable asset that I wouldn't be so rudely dissmessed, but after a while I realized how lucky I am for not continuing there.

You see, Allah has a plan for every one of us, every fall, every rise, evry left and right turns, its impossible to be left in the fall without having a rise

"""Chapter 94 Solace سورة الشرح - Al-Inshirah: Verse 5

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا

So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: View more verses"""

What Quran is saying here that by default, that with every hardship comes with along is a solution.

You see If I hadn't went to that first medical center, in my masters interview, I wouldn't have that much faith in my self, I would have thought that I am failure that after 9 interviews no one was willing to take me, I would have felt to much pressure that the Master program interview is my last resort ( which in a way it is) but having at that time a place were I can see my self working, wearing my lap coat, carrying my stethoscope is enough a push to have a little faith in myself, and with my humble experience in my 12 interviews is the first and biggest thing you could have in an interview " Confidence", you should make them sorry for not having you, but that alone is hard to achieve if you are desperate for a job.

But things do work out, have faith and everything will be fine.

Look at me after a year of unemployment, after 12 interviews, after so many tears, I got my Ted talk moment, I got where I want to be.

Yours who's currently over the moon with happiness

seema actually in the sky.

[the-ladyguinevere]

Part 2

50: Why aren’t you pursuing the person you like?

Usually because they're monogamous, straight, or too far away.

51: Has the last person you kissed ever seen you cry?

Yes

52: Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed?

I'm spooning them right now, so yes.

53: What was the last thing you ate?

A delicious chicken burrito

54: Did you get any compliments today?

Uhhhhhh I don't think so?

55: Where are you going on your next vacation?

Too poor to know.

56: Do you own anything from other countries?

Knick knacks, mostly.

57: Are most of your friend guys or girls?

Girls and enbies.

58: Where have you lived most of your life?

Unfortunately Kentucky.

59: When was the last time you took a long drive?

I used to drive on the highway when I was stressed. I'd just circle around the city, basically, until I felt better, blaring music at full volume at 3AM. So probably 2 and a half years? Last year if you count 1.5 hrs

60: Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?

No, but I have played Strip Cards Against Humanity twice

61: Have you ever TPd someone’s house?

No

62: Who do you text the most?

No one that has a Tumblr to tag

63: What was the last movie you saw?

BLACK PANTHER

64: What’s preventing your current boyfriend/girlfriend from going back to their ex?

Incompatibility and/or metamours

65: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2011?

1

66: Is the last person you kissed younger than you?

Why are all of these questions targeted towards single straight people who apparently kiss someone and then never talk again??????

67: Do you curse around your parents?

As a power move only

68: Are you happy with where you live?

No, fuck this hell hole

69: Picture of yourself?

See separate post.

70: Are you a monogamous person or do you believe in open-ended relationships?

I am polyamorous and have no defined primary or secondary relationships.

71: Have you ever been dumped?

Yes, as recently as 2017.

72: What do you most like about making out?

The all of it

73: Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren’t seriously involved with?

Yes.

74: When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?

It depends on the individual. If it's me, I usually do a 'lil sexy smile and say "Can I kiss you?" Because consent is both mandatory and sexy.

75: What part of a person’s body do you find most attractive?

The all of it???

76: Who was the last person you talked to last night before you went to bed?

Probably my partner.

77: Had sex with someone you knew less than an hour?

Absolutely.

78: Had sex with someone you didn’t know their name?

Not at this point.

79: What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?

Small things that are well timed.

80: Would you get involved with someone if they had a child already?

Yes.

81: Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?

Not that I can remember.

82: Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?

Not really. I crush on people often, and I just don't want to make people uncomfortable.

83: Do you miss your last sweetie?

I'll just assume you mean the last relationship that ended, in which case yes.

84: Last time you slow danced with someone?

I don't really dance.

85: Have you ever ‘dated’ someone you’ve never met?

Yes.

86: How can I win your heart?

Be passionate about basically anything. Talk to me about that passion. Talk to me about aliens or religion or whatever at 3AM in the dark. Don't be a terf/swerf. Don't be a cis dude.

87: What is your astrological sign?

Virgo

88: What were you doing last night at 12 AM?

Sleeeeeeeppppppiiinnnngggg

89: Do you cook?

I love to cook!

90: Have you ever gotten back in touch with an old flame after a time of more than 3 months of no communication?

No, I wish.

91: If you’re single right now, do you wish you were in a relationship?

I am not single.

92: Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?

I don't do monogamy, and I make that clear before date #1.

93: What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?

I don't have a specific type? I just find like most people attractive physically if I find them attractive mentally.

94: Name four things that you wish you had!

A delicious burrito

A lot of money

A sense of purpose

A better question

95: Are you a player?

Shitty question, moving on.

96: Have you ever kissed 2 people in one day?

Bitch I've kissed two people AT THE SAME TIME

97: Are you a tease?

Hell yes

[bugclub]

All the asks

1. Last kisschristmas or something 2. Last phone calllast ignored phone call this morning, last actual phone call yesterday3. Last text message1 hr ago i texted emilio and he did not respond….4. Last song you listened to305 to my city drake5. Last time you criedfew weeks agoHAVE YOU EVER:

6. Dated someone twiceumm not really7. Been cheated onnot that i know of 8. Self harmedyes9. Lost someone specialyes10. Been depressedyes11. Been drunk and threw upyesTHIS YEAR HAVE YOU:

12. had sexno13. How many people have you had sex with this year?0 😂15. Made a new friendno17. Laughed until you criedyes18. Met someone who changed youno 😂19. Found out who your true friends werebig time20. Found out someone was talking about younot yet 26. What did you do for your last Birthdayi think me and emilio went to chicago or something27. What time did you wake up today9:43 am29. Name something you CANNOT wait formoving into my apartment bih!!!30. Last time you saw your all of your siblings at the same timetoday but i only have one 31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your lifewish i was less insecure, its been so bad lately 😫32. What are you listening to right nowbroad city33. When is the last time you had sex?last month34. Who’s getting on your nerves right nowooh girl! 35. Most visited webpageapp would be tumblr but webpage would be my bank account 36. Favorite colourpink37. Nicknamesi dont even know 38. Relationship Statussingle and chilling39. Zodiac signaries sun libra moon40. Male or femalegirl but this ask stupid41. Primary schoolhums??42. Secondary Schooljohn young??43. High school/collegemishawaka??44. Eye colorbrown46. Height5'447. Do you have a crush on someonelil peep48. What do you like about yourselfmy rhymes49. Piercingstechnically my septum should still be pierced 50. Tattoosi have the moth, 3 hearts, coffin & teardrop, right back at it again, an love letter, a rose, two ants, a tiny smiley face, a broken heart, a mess of like 10 stick n pokes from when i was 15, and…i think that’s everything for now51. Righty or leftyrightyFIRSTS:

53. First piercingi pierced my nose when i was like 1854. First best frienddamn probably… shayleigh 💖55. First hookupoml… i was 17 56. First BestfriendSHAYLEIGHS FINE ASSRIGHT NOW:

59. Eatingnothing but tori gave me gum earlier shoutout my girl60. Drinkingbong water61. I’m about tomake soup with emilio for dinner 62. Listening toalways sunny now63. Waiting formy mf move in date!!!YOUR FUTURE:

64. Want kids?idk tbh65. Get married?idk tbh66. Careerdate richWHICH IS BETTER:

67. Lips or eyeseyes ig68. Hugs or kissesdamn near hugs69. Shorter or tallertaller70. Older or Youngerolder71. Romantic or spontaneousdamn near neither 72. Nice stomach or nice armsidk 73. Sensitive or loudidk i don’t think im loud if that’s the question74. Hook-up or relationshipugh no thank uHAVE YOU EVER:

76. Kissed a strangerno..dont think so77. Drank hard liquoroh yeah78. Lost glasses/contactsno79. Had sexyes80. Broken someone’s heartmaaaybe82. Been arrestedno83. Turned someone downyes84. Cried when someone diedyes85. Fallen for a friendyes 😆DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

86. Yourselfprobably87. Miraclesyes88. Love at first sightyes89. Heavenyes90. Santa Clausewho91. Kiss on the first datesure92. Angelsyes93. How would you label yourself?cool and sexy94. Someone You Pray Everyday Formy haters95. Did you sing todayof course96. Who From All Your Ex’s have You Cared The Most Aboutemilio 😁97. If you could go back in time, how far would you go?probably just 1997 and try this shit again98. Out Of Everything In The World What Do You Wish Forkreayshawn to find her lost cat 99. Are you afraid of falling in love?no100. Do you like the way you look?yes

[jxkewxrd]

200 Things About Me

200: My crush’s name is: John. (Fischer) @fxscher
199: I was born in: 1999
198: I am really: fucking fun 
197: My cellphone company is: Verizon
196: My eye color is: Brown
195: My shoe size is: depends on brand. Nike: 15 Adidas: 14 
194: My ring size is: idfk lol
193: My height is: 6’ 2’’
192: I am allergic to: poison ivy 
191: My 1st car was: 2001 toyota camery
190: My 1st job was: Dishwasher at a Buffett Restaurant 
189: Last book you read: The Soloist 
188: My bed is: comfortable 
187: My pet: my dog, Harlee
186: My best friend: @fxscher also my boyfriend
185: My favorite shampoo is: well my mom does hair so idk
184: Xbox or ps3: Xbox all the way
183: Piggy banks are: overrated 
182: In my pockets: are black holes
181: On my calendar: blank months
180: Marriage is: a huge goal of mine and im so excited for it
179: Spongebob can: run me over in his boat and i would thank him 
178: My mom: is the best in the world even tho we have many disagreements. Love her
177: The last three songs I bought were? None bitch tf i have spotify premium 
176: Last YouTube video watched: uhm for sure the music video for camp rock “we cant back down” 
175: How many cousins do you have? Bitch i don’t know, a lot
174: Do you have any siblings? Twin brother. Little brother. Little sister. 
173: Are your parents divorced? Nope
172: Are you taller than your mom? For sure
171: Do you play an instrument? Do i look like a band/orchestra kid lmaoo
170: What did you do yesterday? I don’t even remember what I did 20 min ago stop

[ I Believe In ]
169: Love at first sight: of course
168: Luck: yes
167: Fate: yes
166: Yourself: uh yes bitch
165: Aliens: universe is too small to not believe
164: Heaven: YES
163: Hell: Eh
162: God: OF COURSE 
161: Horoscopes: yes
160: Soul mates: yes
159: Ghosts: yes
158: Gay Marriage: im gay so yes hoe
157: War: uh yeah 
156: Orbs: yes
155: Magic: yes duh

[ This or That ]
154: Hugs or Kisses: both bitch
153: Drunk or High: why not BOTH 
152: Phone or Online: online
151: Red heads or Black haired: neither lmao
150: Blondes or Brunettes: brunettes but im gay so
149: Hot or cold: bitch. Hot for sure but christmas isnt christmas without cold weather 
148: Summer or winter: summer
147: Autumn or Spring: here in ohio we call it “fall”
146: Chocolate or vanilla: vanilla 
145: Night or Day: both
144: Oranges or Apples: apples
143: Curly or Straight hair: dont care
142: McDonalds or Burger King: mcdicks bitch
141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: is that racist😉 jk but forsure white chocolate 
140: Mac or PC: MAC
139: Flip flops or high heals: neither lmao
138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: how and RICH AND SWEET fuck the sterotype 
137: Coke or Pepsi: COKE-aine 
136: Hillary or Obama: obama lol
135: Burried or cremated: uhm idk idrc i lowkey wanna be cremated and thrown in the ground with some tree seeds 
134: Singing or Dancing: both
133: Coach or Chanel: chanel
132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: who are they
131: Small town or Big city: big city
130: Wal-Mart or Target: target
129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: neither
128: Manicure or Pedicure: idk
127: East Coast or West Coast: west coast for sure 
126: Your Birthday or Christmas: dont care enough
125: Chocolate or Flowers: flowers i dont need to be happy AND fat
124: Disney or Six Flags: havent been to either
123: Yankees or Red Sox: this is tumblr we dont care about sports on here

[ Here’s What I Think About ]
122: War: i dont care #MakeAmericaGreatAgain
121: George Bush: fuck u
120: Gay Marriage: yes bitch we do what we want
119: The presidential election: i love donald trump
118: Abortion: under certain circumstances should it be okay. If you’re doing it bc you fucked up, that child doesnt deserve to not have a life because of your poor choices sorry
117: MySpace: dumb
116: Reality TV: love it
115: Parents: love them but back tf off
114: Back stabbers: i’ll fucking ruin your life 
113: Ebay: what
112: Facebook: hi
111: Work: love my job so much
110: My Neighbors: ok this bitch who lives next to us is psycho and wants to literally BE my mom i feel like im in an LMN movie sometimes
109: Gas Prices: fucking really dude like go back to the way they were before the hurricanes 
108: Designer Clothes: LOVE LOVE LOVE
107: College: I love it so much can’g wait to graduate 
106: Sports: dumb
105: My family: love them
104: The future: ony God knows, he has a plan for me

[ Last time I ]
103: Hugged someone: idfk
102: Last time you ate: like 2 hrs ago
101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: today
100: Cried in front of someone: months
99: Went to a movie theater: months
98: Took a vacation: June
97: Swam in a pool: August 
96: Changed a diaper: never
95: Got my nails done: never
94: Went to a wedding: years ago
93: Broke a bone: never
92: Got a peircing: never
91: Broke the law: idk today i guess when i went 60 in a 35
90: Texted: hour ago

[ MISC ]
89: Who makes you laugh the most: my dog bruh and my boyfriend and sometimes cece😉
88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: my dog and my mom
87: The last movie I saw: Norma Rae
86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: a future with my boyfriend
85: The thing im not looking forward to: being poor when im out of college
84: People call me: gay
83: The most difficult thing to do is: ignore the negativity 
82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: nope
81: My zodiac sign is: taurus
80: The first person i talked to today was: john
79: First time you had a crush: bitch i used to be heartless 
78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: john or gabby 
77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: lost brain cells thinking about this
76: Right now I am talking to: no one
75: What are you going to do when you grow up: own my own coffee franchise or ya know get rocognized for something dumb and get famous 
74: I have/will get a job: yes i work at subway
73: Tomorrow: i work
72: Today: i worked
71: Next Summer: im gonna work
70: Next Weekend: im gonna work
69: I have these pets: dog
68: The worst sound in the world: dfc
67: The person that makes me cry the most is: not one person has made me cry in 5 years
66: People that make you happy: my boy
65: Last time I cried: like 5 min ago bc tears of happiness thru music
64: My friends are: the best i’ll ever have
63: My computer is: if only i had one
62: My School: Mount St. Joseph University 
61: My Car: needs a little work
60: I lose all respect for people who: are rude af
59: The movie I cried at was: too many
58: Your hair color is: brown
57: TV shows you watch: usually pretty little liars
56: Favorite web site: 😉
55: Your dream vacation: sicily, italy 
54: The worst pain I was ever in was: when i wanted to kill myself for like 5 years
53: How do you like your steak cooked: idk 
52: My room is: simple, classy n cozy
51: My favorite celebrity is: like really idk
50: Where would you like to be: sleeping
49: Do you want children: maybe
48: Ever been in love: yes
47: Who’s your best friend: my bf and gabby and cece
46: More guy friends or girl friends: girl
45: One thing that makes you feel great is: eating healthy and drinking coffee
44: One person that you wish you could see right now: my boy
43: Do you have a 5 year plan: no
42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: ya
41: Have you pre-named your children: ya
40: Last person I got mad at: the person who accused my bf of sexual assault 
39: I would like to move to: a beach
38: I wish I was a professional: in BUSINESS

[ My Favorites ]
37: Candy: ew
36: Vehicle: blacked out range rover
35: President: Donald Trump
34: State visited: Florida
33: Cellphone provider: verizon
32: Athlete:dc
31: Actor: dc
30: Actress: dc
29: Singer: Cardi B, Post Malone, Halsey, Migos god damn so many
28: Band: dc
27: Clothing store: anything name brand
26: Grocery store: kroger hoe
25: TV show: pretty little liars
24: Movie: the hunger games movies
23: Website: hmm
22: Animal: idk
21: Theme park: kings island
20: Holiday: halloween/xmas
19: Sport to watch: nope
18: Sport to play: volleyball
17: Magazine: idk
16: Book: Looking for Alaska
15: Day of the week: saturday
14: Beach: yes yes yes yes, santa rosa 
13: Concert attended: lana del ey
12: Thing to cook: anything 
11: Food: i love all food fwm
10: Restaurant: skyline
9: Radio station: idk
8: Yankee candle scent: anything seasonal
7: Perfume: idk
6: Flower: idk
5: Color: blue
4: Talk show host: i dont know do i look 50
3: Comedian: idk
2: Dog breed: german shepard 
1: Did you answer all these truthfully? Yes bitch

[auburnfamilynews]

I really want to start this in some cliché way like, ‘What a decade it’s been for Auburn baseball!’ and I would be completely justified with that. Auburn started the 201Xs with an SEC Western Division Championship, the only one of those in the decade, and hosting their first regional since 1999 and the only one we have seen in these past 10 seasons (though Butch and the Boys got jobbed out of one two years ago). Following that was one of the most desolate stretches of baseball Auburn has seen. From 2011-16, Auburn would make one NCAA tournament appearance and win a single game, go through two coaches, going through one of those after fall practicing and forcing a first- time head coach to learn the players while actually playing real, meaningful games. October 21st, 2015 was the lowest point, but the 22nd is where you would see the line level out and begin to move back up. Butch Thompson was that first-time coach and began the March to Omaha. A ton of great players have graced the turf at Plainsman Park and I have witnessed or listened to most of the games during that time so here are the ones that I feel would be on my All-Decade team for the Auburn Tigers.

OUTFIELD AND DESIGNATED HITTER

LF: Jonah Todd (2017)

CF: Anfernee Grier (2014-16)

RF: Trent Mummy (2010)

DH: Kevin Patterson (2010-11)

Center Field - Anfernee Grier

There are going to be a ton of Honorable Mentions for this, so settle down all you new fans to Auburn baseball. Let’s start with one that I know people are asking, “Who?” Trent Mummy was the Tigers Right Fielder in the magical 2010 and finished in second for the batting title with a robust .366 average and was 3rd on the team in Home Runs with 17, despite missing half the games that season due to injury. Also, in Trent’s corner and a bit of a personal note, my buddies and I select a player each year that we believe will win the Dong Championship (Most Home Runs) and my brother selected Trent in the 2010 season. During one game that year, Trent showed bunt, pulled it back, and proceeded to crush one over K Korner for a 3 run bomb. I don’t think I have ever seen my brother freak out like that and never let us forget about the time he saw “The coolest thing he’s ever seen” (Love ya Will). Back to the list, Center Field was probably the toughest position to fill and you will see why when we get to Left Field. Anfernee Grier is the choice here because he was and still is an all-world talent, unbelieve range in the outfield who helped account for 364 Put Outs in his Auburn career and finished in the field with a .966 Field Percentage. As good as he was in the field, he was just as good at the dish, with a .323 BA over his career and 14 bombs and 35 stolen bases. His senior season was by far his best. A .366 BA, 41 RBIs, 12 HRs, a Slugging Percentage of .576 and matched his sophomore season with 3 triples. To Grier’s right hand side, I would put the man that took over Center for him in the 2017 season, Jonah Todd in Left Field. Todd was a Junior College transfer out of Marion Military Academy and all he did was fill the shoes of Grier and become a guy that Auburn fans would grow to love in just 63 games. Todd was everything you want in a ball player, gritty, tough and loved the game. As a lead off man at the dish, all Todd did was lead the team in BA with a .376 and was second in the SEC for the year. Think he beefed it up against non conference foes? Nope, Todd excelled in conference play batting .404. Oh and his 91 hits, were the most by an Auburn Tiger since a guy named Hunter Morris played. Todd was a Second Team All-SEC performer and also was named as an SEC All-Defensive team selection with only one error in the 17 season. Todd went from undrafted out of JC to a 6th round pick of the Angels in the 2017 draft and is still in the game today. At DH, I decided to go old school again and pick up Kevin Patterson. KP’s best season was his Junior year of 2010 where he was named the First Team All-SEC DH, batting .315 with six doubles, two triples, 16 bombs and 33 RBIs on the year. He was able to tally a .782 slugging percentage and popped up the BA to .407 against SEC competion.

Honorable Mention: Judd Ward in Left, Creede Simpson and Jay Estes in Center, Steven Williams in Right, Edouard Julien at DH

INFIELD

1B: Hunter Morris (2010)

2B: Casey McElroy (2010-11)

SS: Will Holland (2017-19)

3B: Demek Tomscha (2013-14)

C: Ryan Jenkins (2010)

US PRESSWIRE

First Base - Hunter Morris

Alright, let’s get to the slam dunk of the All-Decade team. The SEC Player of the Year in 2010, first Auburn player to win the award since Tim Hudson did it in 1997, Hunter Morris. Morris led the Conference in Slugging Percentage (.767), in hits (94), in home runs (20) and in total bases (1818), was second in runs scored (60), third in RBIs (67) and was fifth in Batting Average (.398) through the regular season. When it was all said and done, Morris would have a BA of .386 and 23 Home Runs on the year in 2010. Morris would be receiving soft tosses from a guy he knew well in Casey McElroy at second base. Though Ryan Bliss made a major push this past season and Luke Jarvis before him, I have to give the nod to C-Mac based only on work at the plate. McElroy batted .325 on that 2010 team while driving home 9 bombs and 43 RBIs. His Junior year was even more impressive at the dish, with a BA of .372 and driving in another 9 Home Runs despite the 2011 year being the first year of the ‘dead bat’ era. He was that dangerous back half of the lineup guy that teams hate to have to face. Casey’s Double Play partner would be none other than Will Holland. I really don’t need to introduce you to the Dutchman but that won’t stop me. Holland finished his Auburn career with a .256 BA, 24 dingers, 102 RBIs and was named Second Team All-SEC and First Team All-South Region by ABCA in his sophomore season. Though he didn’t have the offensive season he had hoped for in 2019, he was the unquestioned leader of the team outside of Tanner Burns and was one of the key cogs that helped the Tigers get back to Omaha in 2019. At Third Base is one of the lone bright spots from the dark years of 2011-16 on the field for the Tigers in Demek Tomscha, who carries the banner for other Tigers like Garrett Cooper, Ryan Tella, ‘Macho Man’ Patrick Savage and Daniel Robert just to name a few, who gave Tiger fans hope, even when the rest of the SEC had caught up with the Tigers in the early days of the baseball facilities race, a race that Auburn is slowly moving in to. Back to Tomascha, the Big Iowan had a career .293 BA with 12 Homers and had a fielding percentage of .955 at the hot corner while having only 18 errors in 165 attempts. Tomschas senior year was his best though, .313 BA with 5 HRs and 29 RBIs. Behind the dish is Ryan Jenkins. The man that wouldn’t be on this list if it weren’t for an injury earlier in his career, Jenks was given an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA and was allowed to play on the 2010 team. He took advantage, being named to the Second team All-SEC with a .365 BA (tied for 3rd best on the ‘10 team) and a robust .404 average against SEC teams. Though Jenkins was spelled by Tony Caldwell, he was the leadership glue, along with Morris, that got the 2010 team to the SEC Western Division title.

Honorable Mention: 1B – Garrett Cooper and Daniel Robert, 2B - Ryan Bliss and Luke Jarvis, 3B Dan Gamache and Josh Anthony, C – Blake Austin

PITCHING

Friday Starter: Casey Mize(2016-18)

Saturday Starter: Keegan Thompson (2014-15, 17)

Sunday Starter: Tanner Burns (2018-19)

Mid-week Starter: Grant Dayton (2010)

Relief: Cole Lipscomb (2014-17)

Relief: Andrew Mitchell (2016-18)

Relief: Austin Hubbard (2010)

Closer: Cody Greenhill (2018-19)

Todd J. Van Emst

Midweek Starter - Grant Dayton

One thing I believe we will all agree on is that the pitching in the back half of the decade has been head and shoulders above the first half. No offense to the likes of John Luke Jacobs, Corey Luckie and Slade Smith who all had solid careers in the first half but when you have six of the eight spots come from guys that hit their stride from 2015 on, that says something. The headliner is without question, Auburn’s first and only top draft pick Casey Mize. We will quickly hit the highlights of his masterful career. 2.95 ERA, 324 Ks, a WHIP of 0.44 and a 20-13 record that included 5 Complete Games (a rarity in college ball) that also included a no-no in his junior year (one batter away from a perfecto). Saturday’s Starter is the man that trained Casey on how to pitch Friday Nights, Keegan Thompson. Thompson was the backbone of the pitching staff through a disjointed career that involved a redshirt season due to an arm injury. For his career, Thompson posted a 2.46 ERA with a 19-10 record that included 4 complete games (two each in his Freshman and Sophomore season) and teams batted only .207 against him. He was drafted by the Cubs in the 3rd round and was the highest pitcher taken from Auburn, at the time, since Steven Register back in 2004. That takes us to the Sunday starter in the person of Tanner Burns. Burns is an absolute bulldog that gets after it in a big way. Last year, Burns was named a 3rd team All American by Perfect Game and so far in his career boasts a 2.92 ERA with an 11-8 with one complete game while only allowing teams to bat .222 against him. Burns will be the unquestioned Friday Night starter for the 2020 version of the Auburn Tigers who look to get back to Omaha for the second year in a row. For the midweek starter, because this is my list and I want an insane midweek starter, I will take Grant Dayton. Looking at only his 2010 stats, Dayton posted a 4.36 ERA with an 8-3 record while allowing teams to bat .269 against the Tigers 2010 Friday night starter. The thing to remember about the four pitchers above, each one of them started on Friday night’s and faced the best of the best in the SEC and in Dayton’s case, faced them in the BB-Core ‘live bat’ days.

That brings us to the relievers, headlined by Cole Lipscomb. Lipscomb was a starter for the Tigers until Casey Mize emerged as the dominate force he turned out to be. For his career, Lipscomb held a 3.55 ERA with a 14-7 record while holding teams to a .234 BAA. In his senior year, Lipscomb was an over powering matchup, as he was able to give the Tigers the long relief they needed to finish out games. You always need that ‘do anything you need him to guy’ in the pen and that guy was Andrew Mitchell. Need him to start 10 games in his freshman year? You got it, and he would go 4-4 in them. Need a reliable arm to give you a few outs to get you to Lipscomb? Mitchell’s your guy. Pitching staff needs a Sunday starter and you gotta have some solid innings? Yup, Andrew Mitchell. While his stats won’t blow you away, a 4.95 ERA and an 11-10 career record and a .256 BAA, I will take guys like Mitchell any day of the week to get me out of a sticky inning any day. After that inning though, who do you go to? If this was before 2018, the answer is Austin Hubbard. In 2010, Hubbard had a year to remember. In the live bat era, Hubbard post a 2.44 ERA with a 6-2 record and held opponents to a .239 BAA. However, I said before 2018, Hubbard would be my closer, after it though, is only one man.

The closer for the All-Decade team is Cody Greenhill. Twenty is the monster. The man teams hate to see in the 9th. The hard throwing righty from Russellville currently has a 2.87 ERA with an 8-6 record to his name with 17 saves (just 5 away from Austin Hubbard’s 22 in 4 years) in just 2 seasons. Greenhill has also shown he can go for a while to get the save, as The Bull has only gone 1 inning or less in 10 of his 49 career appearances.

Honorable Mention (from most recent to oldest): Elliott Anderson, Davis Daniel, Calvin Coker, Corey Herndon, Trey Cochran-Gill, Dillon Ortman, Rocky McCord, Corey Luckie, Jon Luke Jacobs, Sean Ray

There you have it. I’ve made my case for the All-Decade team for the Auburn Tigers. Who do you have? Did I miss someone or do you think one of the honorable mentions is more deserving? Make your case below and let the debate begin!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/12/20/21031069/all-decade-team-auburn-baseball

[hammeraction07-blog]

The BN Top Cubs Prospect List: 11 Arms Who Just Missed

We are ranking the top 20 prospects in the Chicago Cubs farm system as the 2019 season opens up. A state of the farm system, an introduction, and prospect number 21 are here, prospects 20 through 16 are here, prospects 15 through 11 are here, and now we’re gonna look at a big group of guys who just missed.

This familiar thing happened to me every time I began the BN Prospect List over the last few weeks. I reach this one particular spot, this one certain group of names, think about it for a few minutes, and then close my browser and walk away from the computer. How in the hell will I ever rank these 11 guys?

And so I’m here to tell you: I’m not going to. I’m stopping the prospect list at 20 names this year, principally because I cannot credibly stand behind any conceivable order of the following dudes. Every time I attempt it, the order has no correlation to the one before it. They have left me a broken man.

So let’s pause the unveiling of the top 20, and get into a discussion of these 11 dudes.

At various times over the winter, you have read me, Brett, Luke, Michael, Jesse Rogers all tell you about the increased depth in the farm system. We’ve told you that pitching is coming. It’s always met with the same understandable skepticism. The Cubs have earned that.

Today’s 11 guys are very much not likely to be the game changers that convince anyone that Jason McLeod and Co. can draft and develop pitching. But because of the sheer amount of them, I feel pretty darn good that one of them will stick as a big leaguer. Maybe a couple. Relievers are weird; sometimes it just inexplicably clicks. I mean, we all lived the Blake Parker experience, for one example that just kind of happened. And the reason it will click is probably due to something they don’t even possess in their arsenal yet.

So, here you go: 11 arms that could have been just outside the top 20 if I had ranked them. Cowardly, you’ll find them today in alphabetical order. They are somewhere between my 22nd and 50th best Cubs prospects.

Trevor Clifton. Age: 23-286. 2018 numbers (AA/AAA): 126 IP, 106 H, 3.43 ERA, 101 K / 52 BB, 8 HR-A.

A great bounce back season following a very disappointing 2017, Clifton was extremely consistent, allowing 3-or-fewer earned runs in his first 21 starts (and 24 of his 26). I just don’t see it as likely that Clifton’s secondaries allow him to start consistently in the Majors. His curveball is probably best as an early count freeze-pitch, and neither his slider or change has quite made it to big league quality. But I do think there’s some hope for him. On the right day Clifton’s two seamer gets extremely nasty arm-side run, and I think his short-arm delivery would play up if he just faced hitters once. Clifton will be a minor league free agent next November if he’s not added to the 40-man roster between now and then.

Oscar De La Cruz. Age: 23-354. 2018 numbers (AA): 77.1 IP, 76 H, 5.24 ERA, 31 BB, 73 K, 8 HR-A.

Somehow it’s 2019 and Oscar De La Cruz has still not pitched 80 innings in a season. Given some full rotations in Iowa and Tennessee, it’s probably most likely that De La Cruz returns from his suspension as a reliever, and there’s a chance that produces a jump in stuff that vaults him back near the top of this grouping. But until then, I’m going to be skeptical, as it has long seemed to me that De La Cruz’ best attribute has long been simply existing as a decent pitching prospect in a system bereft of them. Once reinstated, he’ll be again eating a 40-man spot, so development must begin speeding up.

Tom Hatch. Age: 24-145. 2018 numbers (AA): 143.2 IP, 127 H, 3.82 ERA, 61 BB, 117 K, 16 HR-A.

If there’s a guy likely to prove me wrong and make it as a starter in the bigs, your best bet is probably Hatch. He’s made 52 starts in 2 seasons pitching in the Cubs minors, he has really good spin rate on his fastball, and he made progress as the Double-A season went along. His final 8 starts: 44.1 IP, 33 H, 3.05 ERA, 17 BB, 47 K. Still, I just can’t quite get there with Hatch, as his platoon split (683 OPS vRHH, 867 vLHH) and his mid-inning stuff suggest he might be best in relief. Hatch will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft after the season, so the Cubs will want to feel very solid on their internal projections of him by November.

Erick Leal. Age: 23-341. 2018 numbers (A+): 63.2 IP, 35 H, 1.41 ERA, 17 BB, 61 K, 2 HR-A.

It’s worth celebrating at every turn what an amazing 2018 season Erick Leal – the return for Tony Freakin’ Campana – had in coming back from Tommy John surgery. Those are cartoon numbers, and then he mostly continued it in the Arizona Fall League, and even made three starts in the Venezuelan Winter League. Leal’s stuff is right on the fringe, but his curveball seemed the best it ever has last year, and his changeup was always solid. The upper-level test this year will tell us a lot. He is also a minor league free agent at season’s end.

(Photo by Larry Kave/Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

Dillon Maples. Age: 26-288. 2018 numbers (AAA/MLB): 44 IP, 29 H, 3.89 ERA, 44 BB, 84 K, 3 HR-A.

On May 11, brought into a 5-0 game in Omaha, Maples walked four of the 5 batters he faced, nearly blew the game. Four days later, he lost a game with three hits allowed in an inning (a rarity for Maples). Six days after that, Maples just barely survived another save. The wheels were falling off. And then in his next outing, on May 25, Maples threw only sliders. And for about a month, that’s about all he did – something like 80+% sliders, with just a few rogue fastballs and curves mixed in. The results: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 20 K, 7 BB. I think that’s the formula that will allow Maples to succeed, but that’s walking the tightrope of not then over-grooving the pitch that got you to the league in the first place. I think if it’s going to happen for Maples and the Cubs, we’re entering now-or-never territory, and he really needs to control his upper-90s fastball to do it. Obviously his potential as a reliever is significant.

Alec Mills. Age: 27-083. 2018 numbers (AAA/MLB): 142.2 IP, 132 H, 4.73 ERA, 48 BB, 131 K, 11 HR-A.

Well, last year sure was strange. Mills has always seemed to be one of those “Whole > Sum of Parts” guys, his stuff always talked down. A “pitchability” guy. And then you throw him in short relief in the bigs, and his changeup looks other-worldly, his slider looks close to plus. It really took me off guard. And given that Mills has one option year remaining, I’d really suggest they use him exclusively in the bullpen this year, really explore if he’ll continue to play up in that role. However, I must say I don’t expect it: I expect him in the AAA rotation, bounced between various roles, and possibly out of the organization in 2020.

James Norwood. Age: 25-059. 2018 numbers (AA/AAA/MLB): 61.1 IP, 50 H, 2.79 ERA, 29 BB, 67 K, 3 HR-A.

I have a feeling that for the rest of James Norwood’s career, I’m going to remember the five changeups he threw his debut inning. The split-changes, as I’ll call them, were good enough to send me into a “whoa I’ve slept on Norwood for years” panic. And then in researching him in this process, I began to wonder the same:

Norwood has always sort of existed under the radar, not quite enough K’s to turn your head, a few too many walks to get you really interested. But I think that ignores the fact that he’s really close to getting it. By the way: if there’s one dude in the system I’d love to spend the winter at Driveline, it’s this guy.

Duncan Robinson. Age: 25-078. 2018 numbers (AA/AAA): 141.2 IP, 151 H, 3.11 ERA, 25 BB, 119 K, 9 HR-A.

Given how often he’s been talked about, and his presence in big league camp, I think we could surmise that Robinson might just be the Cubs favorite of these 11 arms, at least as the starters go. You can understand why. Over five starts between May 31 and June 25, Robinson pitched 29 innings, struck out 30 and didn’t walk a soul. He’s the guy a pitching coach points his other pupils to and says “why can’t you be more like that guy?” Robinson has got by in the minors by keeping balls in the park, using his downhill plane and good fastball control. However, his stuff isn’t quite big league quality, and so I’m skeptical this skill will be sustainable in the bigs. The good news is Robinson saw a lot of improvement in his third pitch last year, a slider that seems to tunnel well off his fastball. If he can get that pitch to come a little further, I might be convinced there’s a swingman in there.

Michael Rucker. Age: 24-300. 2018 numbers (AA): 132.2 IP, 111 H, 3.73 ERA, 38 BB, 118 K, 18 HR-A.

Sort of a microcosm for this entire group, Rucker is a guy that had a lot of low minors success and is consistently very, very solid. He has a good slider that, on the right day, can look nasty. He pitches in the low 90s. He commands the zone well. There’s just no sizzle here. He’s got the platoon split (618 OPS vRHH, 743 vLHH), as his changeup is the weakest of his offerings. His body is maxed out, and so hoping for anything besides maybe 94-95 in the bullpen is unlikely. He will also be Rule 5 eligible in November, and he’s a guy I could absolutely see going in that draft if he’s not protected.

Matt Swarmer. Age: 25-149. 2018 numbers (A+/AA): 128.2 IP, 113 H, 3.22 ERA, 21 BB, 135 K, 10 HR-A.

There were versions of the Top 20 that had Matt Swarmer in there. He’s on the cusp behind an amazing season that anointed him the Cubs’ minor league Pitcher of the Year. Swarmer added about 2 ticks to his fastball, often topping at 94 mph, and didn’t sacrifice any of his plus command. After a brief adjustment when he received a midseason promotion to AA, this was Swarmer in his final 11 starts in Tennessee: 61.1 IP, 51 H, 3.38 ERA, 9 BB, 60 K. This is a funky pitcher, he seems to be made entirely of arms and legs, throws extremely over the top, and right-handed hitters don’t have a chance against his slider. But lefties do, and he’s now 25-and-a-half years old. Does he have one more jump in him?

Duane Underwood. Age: 24-216. 2018 numbers (AAA/MLB): 123.1 IP, 129 H, 4.45 ERA, 40 BB, 108 K, 9 HR-A.

I know none of us will look back fondly on the Chris Gimenez era, but I’ll forever insist that Gimenez made a really positive difference in Underwood. Early-season Underwood, with Gimenez behind the dish, was the best I’ve seen the former second-round pick. He trusted his stuff inside the zone and began to sequence his pitches in more non-traditional ways. In his first seven starts, Underwood’s numbers were: 34.1 IP, 27 H, 2.62 ERA, 7 BB, 30 K. But when summer hit, the hard contact that has followed Underwood around continued, as seen by the .350 BABIP over his next 15 starts. In late August he was moved to the bullpen, presumably to ascertain if he’d be a September call-up candidate. He wasn’t. This is Underwood’s last option season, the Cubs’ final chance to get something out of an asset they’ve touted for a long time. I think it’s time to let him fling it 96-97 in the bullpen, and see if indeed something clicks.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/03/04/the-bn-top-cubs-prospect-list-11-arms-who-just-missed/

[moonprizmz]

Stolen from @ambulantics​ <3 (she said to do them in her tags, but also these are fun and I do what I want)

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

My emotions have been all over the place lately and I have to start applying for classes soon and have no clue which ones to pick and AHHHHHHHHH

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

Nopw

3: If your significant other smoked pot, would you care?

Not really, just don’t do it around me please.

4: Do you find it easy to trust others?

Sorta, depends

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

Watching anime (NGE specifically)

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

Pird most likely

7: What would you do if you found out you had been cheated on?

I honestly don’t know. I’d probably be devastated though

8: Are you close with your dad?

Yeah sorta, but I don’t get to see him as much as I would like for reasons

9: I bet you kissed someone last night, right?

No

10: What are you listening to?

Lion Heart - SNSD

11: You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life - what is it?

Chai Tea Lattes!!!!

12: Do you like hickeys?

Never had one but the idea is kinda hot

13: What time do you go to bed?

between 3-6am (it’s summer vacation here and I don’t go out ever)

14: Is there someone who continuously lets you down?

Not really

15: Can you text as quickly with one hand as you do both?

Probably not

16: Do you always answer your texts?

Generally yeah

17: Do you hate the person you fell the hardest for?

No

18: When was the last time you talked to one of your best friends?

Texting her right now but in person/over the phone, I think last week

19: Is there someone that makes you happy every time you see them?

Yeah

20: What was your last thought before you went to bed last night?

I need to stop sleeping at 6 am

21: Is anyone else in the room with you?

Nope

22: Do you believe what goes around comes around?

Yeah

23: Were you happier four months ago than you are now?

Yeah

24: Is there someone you wish you could fix things with?

Yeah

25: In the past week, have you cried?

lololololol yup

26: What colour is the shirt you are wearing?

Gray

27: Do people ever call you by your last name?

No 

28: Is anyone ignoring you right now?

Maybe

29: Do you have a best friend?

Yeeeee

30: Would it be hard seeing someone else kiss the last person you kissed?

Yeah

31: Who was your last call/text message from?

My mom/Pird

32: Are you mad at anyone?

Kinda?

33: Have you ever kissed someone older than you?

If a month older counts then yeah sure

34: How old will the last person you kissed be on his/her next birthday?

20

35: How many more days until your birthday?

I don’t feel like doing the math but my bday is in Feb.

36: Do you have any summer plans yet?

Maybe Little Tokyo/626 Night Market with fam, but other than that no. Oh and finally taking my fucking driving test (and hopefully passing first try)

37: Do you have any good friends of the opposite sex?

Yeah

38: Are you keeping anything from your best friend(s) now?

Yeah

39: Do you have a secret that you’ve never told anyone?

I don’t think so, at least not the big ones

40: Have you ever regretted kissing someone?

Yeah

41: Do you think age matters in relationships?

If you’re underage and even barely legal, yes, otherwise no just proceed with caution

42: Are you available?

Emotionally, no

43: How many people have you had real, strong feelings for since high school ended?

One

44: If you had to get a piercing (not ears), what would you get?

Naval

45: Do you believe exes can be friends?

It’d be nice

46: Do you regret anything?

Yeeee

47: Honestly, what’s on your mind right now?

School and people

48: Did you ever lose a best friend?

It feels like it

49: Was your last kiss a mistake?

No

50: Why aren’t you pursuing the person you like?

Because it wouldn’t be right

51: Has the last person you kissed ever seen you cry?

Yeah

52: Do you still talk with the person you LAST kissed?

Not right now

53: What was the last thing you ate?

Pasta salad

54: Did you get any compliments today?

No

55: Where are you going on your next vacation?

Probably Philippines 

56: Do you own anything from other countries?

Yeeee (still crying from all the money spent in Japan)

57: Are most of your friend guys or girls?

Uh I think it’s pretty even

58: Where have you lived most of your life?

SoCal

59: When was the last time you took a long drive?

Last weekend I think? (I actually drove for like 2 hrs not straight, but still I drove)

60: Have you ever played Spin the Bottle?

No (but like I always wanted to secretly, but only amongst close/trusted friends)

61: Have you ever TPd someone’s house?

Yeah

62: Who do you text the most?

PIRD

63: What was the last movie you saw?

Wonder Woman

64: What’s preventing your current boyfriend/girlfriend from going back to their ex?

I’m single

65: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have in 2011?

0 (not counting the “middle school bf” I had at the time, that wasn’t a real relationship)

66: Is the last person you kissed younger than you?

No

67: Do you curse around your parents?

No

68: Are you happy with where you live?

Not really

69: Picture of yourself?

I posted prom pics of me last year you are welcome to look for

70: Are you a monogamous person or do you believe in open-ended relationships?

Monogamy, I personally don’t think I could be in an open relationship

71: Have you ever been dumped?

Yeah I guess? But it was more along the lines of talking it out and then ending

72: What do you most like about making out?

Being physically close and intimate with a person I’m connected too

73: Have you ever casually made out with someone who you weren’t seriously involved with?

Once? In middle school but it was more the guy caught me by surprise and tried to eat my face for 5 secs before I pulled away all grossed out

74: When you kiss someone for the first time, is it usually you who initiates it or the other?

The other

75: What part of a person’s body do you find most attractive?

Hair and if they have more toned arms

76: Who was the last person you talked to last night before you went to bed?

Pird

77: Had sex with someone you knew less than an hour?

Never had sex

78: Had sex with someone you didn’t know their name?

See above

79: What makes your heart flutter and brings a big cheesy smile to your face?

Kpop idols when they’re trying their best to speak English/the language of the country they’re performing in that isn’t their own

80: Would you get involved with someone if they had a child already?

Not at the moment since I’m still pretty young, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it when I’m older

81: Has someone who had a crush on you ever confessed to you?

Yeah

82: Do you tell a lot of people when you have a crush?

Not really

83: Do you miss your last sweetie?

Yeah

84: Last time you slow danced with someone?

Prom last year

85: Have you ever ‘dated’ someone you’ve never met?

No

86: How can I win your heart?

Be a generally good person that can make me laugh and I can chill with and has something they’re passionate about

87: What is your astrological sign?

Aquarius

88: What were you doing last night at 12 AM?

Anime

89: Do you cook?

lololololol (I could probably follow a fairly easy recipe though)

90: Have you ever gotten back in touch with an old flame after a time of more than 3 months of no communication?

No

91: If you’re single right now, do you wish you were in a relationship?

Kinda

92: Do you prefer to date various people or do you pretty much fall into monogamous relationships quickly?

Not super experienced, but I think I’m too awkward/uncomfortable with dating around so probably monogamy

93: What physical traits do you look for in a potential interest?

I’m not really super specific or picky, but taller than me (doesn’t have to be by a lot) and maybe have nice hair

94: Name four things that you wish you had!

MONEY, a driver’s license, more freedom/independence, a clear purpose in life (whoops, got too deep?)

95: Are you a player?

No

96: Have you ever kissed 2 people in one day?

Yeah

97: Are you a tease?

I guess?

98: Ever meet anyone you met on Tumblr?

No

99: Have you ever been deeply in love with someone?

Yeah

100: Anybody on Tumblr that you’d go on a date with?

Idk

101: Hugs or Kisses?

Both

102: Are you too shy to ask someone out?

Yes

103: The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?

Hair

104: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you babe?

Yeah

105: If a sexy person was pursuing you, but you knew he/she was in relationship, would you go for it?

No

106: Do you flirt a lot?

Not really? I don’t think so? 

107: Your last kiss?

2 months ago

108: Have you kissed more than 5 people since the start of 2012?

No

109: Have you kissed anyone in the past month?

No

110: If you could kiss anyone who would it be?

Won’t say

111: Do you know who you’ll kiss next?

Nope

112: Does someone like you currently?

Probably not

113: Do you currently have feelings for anyone?

It’s confusing

114: Do you like to be in serious relationships or just flings?

Serious relationship (never had a fling, but I’m pretty sure it’s not for me)

115: Ever made out with just a friend?

No? (it was an ambiguous time)

116: Are you happier single or in a relationship?

I think in a relationship, but I’m trying really hard to learn to be happy with just me

117: Your own question that you want me to answer. Just write it.

Would you like to be able to actually start/finish all these art projects you said you would do and have them turn out actually nice? Heck yesssss