#i had to buy compression socks

[tenderglow]

Buying necessities when ur trying to save money hurts 🥹

[sweaterkittensahoy]

So, this week I ordered a new couch pillow because I had a husband pillow full of shredded memory foam, and the thing needs to be opened and shifted around about once a week with the way I use it so it doesn't shape up weird and actually fuck up my back when I bought it to NOT fuck up my back.

I now have a wedge pillow, made of one piece of foam. And I ordered a book cushion from etsy, and I just wanna say to anyone who has thought "that adaptive thing seems like it would be useful, but I'm not disabled, so maybe it's not for me?"

It's for you. Trust me. My back hurt because I was slouching weird on the couch. I got a husband pillow. It helped a lot. But, it turns out, what I need is one giant piece of memory foam, not a bunch of tiny bits.

And the book cushion? Books are heavy sometimes. Being able to rest it higher in my lap so it's easier to read and hold? Better for my body.

Also, do you wake up with pain in the mornings? Try a contour pillow and a knee pillow.

Get those extra-strong treaded soles to wear with your heels because you wobble otherwise.

Wear compression gloves when you type. Get those orthopedic shoes because you can walk longer distances in more comfort. Buy the bra that actually supports the weight of your boobs. Get a lapdesk for your computer. Use a neck pillow even at home to keep your neck straight. Wear socks to bed. Listen to audiobooks. Read large print books.

You see something that you think will work for you and improve how you feel? Use it! Let's fucking normalize adaptative shit for everyone!

[miya-rin]

here are some small atsumu boyfriend headcanons

cant cook alone, he needs you there otherwise he refuses. its not even that hes bad at it he’s actually really good he just likes to have your company with him at all possible times

he buys you those matching blanket hoodies and will not take his off no matter what, its so cute to see this big buff volleyball player absolutely just drowning in a fluffy hoodie with avocados all over it

however, as cute as he may seem, hes still a little shit at heart. if you suggest a film for him to watch - with or without you - he will purposely not watch it until you either let it go or force him to, he has a whole list on his notes app titled “DO NOT ENGAGE!!!” just so he knows what ones to avoid the little fucker

he always has cold hands and feet and he puts them on you when you least expect it, mostly when you’re peacefully cuddling him

lovesss late night drives <333 every saturday night you both drive around the city listening to his specially curated playlist with a take away; its his favourite way to wind down after a stressful day

ass guy 100%, he cant keep his hands off of you for shit. he likes to hold both sides of your hips as he tries to squeeze past you just to get a feel (¬_¬)

like sakusa, i believe he also had braces growing up, when he was around 11-14 but it is a very sensitive subject for him as he used to get picked on for having them because osamu didnt :((

walks around the house in either a compression top (for obvious reasons) or grey joggers that rest justtt below his v-line (for obvious reasons)

he is always stocked up on toilet paper for some odd reason, like a weird amount of toilet paper and he wont tell you why??? he hardly even goes through it, its just there for months on end

he does that thing where he leans agains the door frame with his arm above his head instead of actually walking inside because he thinks it looks hot. which it does

has a collection of “really wacky and cool” socks (in his words) and every holiday you get him another pair to add to his collection

if you insult him for whatever reason or pull his hair please be prepared for him to moan, he literally thinks its the funniest shit ever

all my haikyuu boyfriend headcanons!

thankyou for reading! i hope you enjoyed it!<3

[mouwrites]

Hi could you do a Stan , Kyle ,Kenny , Craig, and Tweek x reader (separate) who has POTS and H-EDS , I just can’t find any representation in any fics, thank you and I hope you have a wonderful day

Of course!! I'm always more than happy to give y'all some representation! (and as always please let me know if I've written anything incorrectly,, I'm always trying to learn more! plus I never want to hurt you guys qwq)

South Park - Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Craig, and Tweek With a Reader Who Has POTS and H-EDS

Tweek

This poor soul spends every waking minute worrying about you

No matter how many times you try to tell him that you can handle yourself, he's never convinced

Standing up? He's at your side in a millisecond, even if he was across the room before

"Are you dizzy? Are you okay?"

His hands are under your armpits, ready to stabilize you, before you can even respond

And he's so so gentle with you, and even scolds you for not being gentle with yourself

"Hey hey hey! Take it easy!!"

When he first found out about your conditions, he pulled several all-nighters in a row researching everything about them

He has a little notebook filled with notes on the disorders

Sometimes he'll whip out a fact that even you didn't even know

He made a point to memorize everything, mainly because he was worried that if he forgot something you'd somehow die because of it :(

Honestly he's almost as affected by it as you are; he makes himself sick with worry

Over time he might get better, but in any case you can always comfort him by just taking it easy

And cuddling him while you do :)

Craig

When you first told him about your conditions, he was just like "what."

You explained it to him, of course, but he didn't bother to do any research beyond that

He figures that you know yourself and you can take care of yourself

But at the same time he's conscious about the things you can struggle with (only because you told him)

Like, when you stand up, he keeps his eye on you for a while

Or when you hit something on accident, even lightly, he asks if you're okay

And he checks the spot later for bruising/swelling/etc

"Lemme look at that spot on your leg that hit the table earlier."

He's not prone to worrying too much, but when he does worry he asks for your thoughts too

Especially if he wants to take you to the hospital

Because ultimately he trusts you to know yourself, and he's not going to go against your wishes

Unless you're like, clearly in need of emergency services

Then he's calling the ambulance no matter what you say

But overall he's pretty normal about it, he'll only make a big deal when he's worried

Stan

He definitely asks you a lot of questions about your conditions

He's not only curious, he wants to know how to help you

And even when he's well educated, he'll keep asking questions

"How are you feeling today? Is it worse or better than usual?"

They are not always... intelligent questions

But he's just trying to figure out how he can help you in the moment

Because that's always his goal; if you need his help, he wants to be there

But he'll back off (reluctantly) if you tell him to

He'll ask "are you sure" at least three times first though 💀

He's definitely a worrier, and helping you quells his anxiety just a bit

Either way he's keeping an eye on you

And he's buying you cute compression socks (if you use them)

He'll be over the moon if you actually wear them, not only because he likes knowing you're just a bit more comfortable + safe, but because he feels like he's helping :)

Kyle

He already knew what your conditions were when you told him (vaguely, at least)

But he decided to research them more in-depth when he realized that someone he cared about had them

His first search was: "how to help a loved one with POTS/H-EDS"

(he totally blushed while typing in "loved one")

But after that he dove deep into the more technical side,, like medical journals and stuff

He probably subscribes to a journal that specifically focuses on your conditions,, just so he can keep up-to-date on any new information

He does all this without telling you though, of course

He'll admit it if you somehow manage to find out about this, but he's going to try hard to make sure you don't find out

He doesn't want you thinking he's obsessed or whatever

But he low-key is

Even if you don't find out, you'll be seriously suspicious

Because he'll just whip out the most hyper-specific fact or bring up a new study

"You know they did a study on how [x] affects [y symptom], and they found that [x] can actually help. Maybe you can try it, or something."

He feels good when his knowledge actually helps you, though he also tries not to be a smart alec about it

Because, no matter how much research he does, he'll never know what you know from experience

(rare "Kyle being humble" moment spotted 🤯)

Kenny

I honestly don't think he'd take you all that seriously at first

Like, to him, if it doesn't affect your personality it isn't important

When you first told him he probably said something like:

"Damn babygirl, you still fine asf though.."

Only partially ironically 💀 (also, he uses "babygirl" as a gender-neutral term)

It's only when he actually sees you being affected by it that he gets worried

He totally freaks out the first time, and after that he sits down with you and makes you actually explain things to him

He tries to commit them to memory, but he's not going to remember everything

And he's pretty self-aware about that, so he just tries to be careful around you

Not "walking on eggshells" careful, just "no roughhousing/rough play"

And he always double-checks whenever you switch gears in terms of physical activity

"Doing okay? Need to sit down?"

He'll hold your hand and sit with you whenever you do need to sit down :)

And he'll talk casually; he always feels better when you're sitting

Mainly because he knows that's the only way you can't hurt yourself... just sitting doing nothing

Thank you for this request! And thanks so much for reading, take care duckies <33

(divider by saradika)

[seat-safety-switch]

We have bred, in our darkest laboratories, a genetically-modified strain of ultra-caterpillars whose entire purpose for existence is to produce carbon-fibre-bolstered thread for our new line of hard-wearing socks. It’s hell on their little buttholes, but they gladly bear it if it means you don’t immediately rip a hole in the big toe getting ready for work in the morning.

For years, I slaved away at a job I hated in order to afford the socks I needed to go to that job. My dried-out heels and rough, proletarian carpet would shred those suckers after only a few weeks of operation. Buying more expensive socks didn't work: they were just the same crappy material with a more expensive badge on the package.

In times long past, socks really lasted. They were extremely expensive, so much so that it made sense to repair them. If it cost me like a week's wages, I'd probably have learned to darn socks too. Sixteen bucks, at most? Not worth it.

One fateful day, I went to work with slightly mismatched socks. Heel holes on both of their mates, but the unholed ones ended up in the wash. At the end of my rope, I had done my laundry in the dark, not wanting to switch the lights on and consume valuable power that could pay for more socks instead. In that darkness I had matched a dark blue sock with a slightly less dark blue sock, with a different collar pattern. Disaster. All day long, I hid my feet under my desk to conceal the sin from view, but the roving pack of sales guys could smell it on me. They laughed at me, with their fascist haircuts and their tailored suits and their matching socks. Well, who's laughing now?

This day, I sit atop an empire. Our pitch: unbreakable socks. They wear like stone. Better than stone, really, because stone isn't compressed to several thousand PSI and woven into a corrugated laminate capable of withstanding indirect small-calibre fire. Of course, all this comes at a price. They cost about $25 a pair. Oh, and the next weakest link in the chain is your shoes. These babies will rip through a pair of athletic trainers in about two weeks, less if you sweat a lot. That's Bob Reebok's problem. While you're over there, asking them to fix it, see if their socks match. I bet they don't.

[hmshermitcraft]

Tw // sh (picking and stuff)

The reason Etho covers 90% of himself is not a confidence thing, oh no! It is a "I will pick and pick and pick until I have no skin left" thing. Etho's plenty confident! He looks great and he knows it!! Etho is also plenty self aware and he knows that he literally cannot help himself.

It's not even a conscious thing, he does it without thinking and only realizes when he draws blood and nobody wants that!!

Before he had a simple medical mask and cotton gloves with lil grippies on em and he'd wear long sleeves and generally be ok. When he met the hermits he was me with the expected level of "what's up with the gloves and the mask there mon frére?" And they were very nice about it!

Cleo, resident seamstress, made him a whole bunch of new masks, some plain, some with funny faces on them, some with cute patterns, the works! And they're soft and much more breathable than anything he has previously!

Bdubs got him better gloves for working and handling redstone and terrain, and big warm ones for winter. He even got some actual mining gloves too, which cut down on blisters which cut down on picking (sneaky win).

Grian got him thin covers for his arms during the summer, Beef keeps buying him new compression socks, Joel got him lots of chapstick with lots of fun flavors for when he wants to try going maskless.

And at the end of every month, Joe repaints his nails, long and sharp and dangerous things that Etho fights to keep.

-s (who is having a Very Rough Time. i wanna keep my nails dammit!!!)

It's a fun compromise for something Etho used to be ashamed of. Before it did feel a bit like he was hiding and he didn't want to. It sucked being so covered up all the time, but picking the fluff from his shirt was better than tearing off another scab before it healed.

Now, though, he feels like this is part of his fashion. He can accessorise, he can mix and match. It's not a necessity but something he can have fun with and use as another means to express himself.

It makes it more special that so many of the items are gifts from the hermits. It just shows they accept him and his weird quirks. He fits perfectly with the rest of them.

[clatterbane]

My new gear, y'all! Ain't it lovely.

I am not going to model it even on here, because there are too many damn weirdos around. No free pics showing the stump at all from me. (Though, I might be able to get a pretty lucrative side business going--if the whole idea didn't creep me right the fuck out so bad. Even as the sorta dykey middle-aged nerd that I am.)

But, the appointment did turn out pretty well!

(Again, with the aid of sometimes wonky autotranslate.)

So yeah, they did seem to think that most of what I actually need at this point is to build up stamina up on my feet again. Which is pretty much my take on it too. With the rehab part to start once they get the initial custom leg fabricated.

In the meantime, they did send me home with silicone liners in a couple of sizes to get used to wearing. At no point did I roll the things onto my arm; that was one of the funky translations. You do get them on by turning them inside out and then rolling them on like the thickest, most unwieldy compression sock or nylon stocking/tights you can imagine.

Besides the getting accustomed to wearing them part, evidently they just don't use the fabric "stump shrinker" compression socks at all locally. (Which are standard a lot of other places.) The two specialist staff I was dealing with today had no idea what that was when I asked about it, even after I pulled up pics in case it might be a communication thing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

(Complete sidenote: Looks like I will have to measure myself and buy some out of pocket after all! The things are useful for helping keep a lid on nerve pain, besides "just" the compression overnight and when you're letting your leg breathe out of a liner.)

Nope, they're putting people straight into the sweaty silicone liner sleeves, generally within a few days after surgery. And entirely relying on that for compression. After this amount of time, my stump has indeed already atrophied a lot and there hasn't been any swelling for quite a long while. But, I never got fitted with any compression anything before we left the UK. And they wanted to give my leg at least a few weeks of regular compression before even starring to fit the first socket for the aftermarket leg.

Putting the smaller size liner on at first did almost have me throwing up in the floor. Not in small part because they had me try it RIGHT AFTER one of them had been hands-on examining the stump and purposely trying to trigger the nerve pain! 🤬 (For which I have been totally unmedicated since 2021, I might add. Which is unusual.) They did not seem to consider that this might not be ideal. (!)

Yeah, extremely tight kinda thick silicone did not feel great after that. The nerve pain was already VERY ANGRY when it went on. And I really couldn't keep a straight face.

The one size up was tolerable then, so they sent both with me. I figure the tighter one will probably be fine other than sensory badness when the damaged nerves are not in full Hulk Mode.

I am apparently supposed to work up to wearing the things for 3-4 hours straight, two periods a day.

I did not much like the apparent lack of understanding of how nerve pain works, or the perceived pressure to white knuckle through it. Or, you know, just not have any. Much less coming from people whose whole job is working with amputees. (Just try chopping somebody's limb off without doing significant nerve damage in the process...)

Again, there may have been some communication issues thrown in too. But the (pretty direct) message I was hearing was "How do you expect to use a prosthesis, if you're gonna be such a whiny baby about a liner sleeve?"

But, we'll see. I am really hoping that's not an indication of what to expect, moving forward through this whole process.

I may also end up needing to just ask who I need to talk to, in order to get back on some meds. AFAICT, that is the team that's supposed to handle all of this stuff.

I don't particularly want to live with Lyrica side effects again, but it did help some with the other neuropathy besides the directly sliced nerve bullshit. Even more in combination with the Tramadol, but good fucking luck with that here from experience to date. I am just about willing to deal with the dumb and tired, if it means the difference between excruciating nerve pain on the daily and not.

At any rate, next stop after they decide my stump is compressed enough is apparently a socket fitting. Where hopefully I will be able to discuss options more with a prosthetist.

Today they were also pushing pretty hard toward a suspension (attachment) system that I don't think I particularly want from listening to actual amputees with experience of different types. I want to know what models of ankle and foot they're proposing to give me.

And of course I also want to make damned sure that they don't just automatically default to the horrible uncanny "flesh" tone components that apparently some older people in particular do want.

Today they brought out an example leg very much like what this prosthetist is also using for demonstration purposes here--and I was seriously creeped out enough that I resisted looking at or touching the thing. (They ended up handing it to me, whether I wanted anything to do with it or not.)

It's not the fact that it is a prosthetic leg that gives me the willies, at all. It is totally the uncanny mannequin parts effect. And I would really prefer to be able to use whatever leg and foot that I do end up with.

[themultifandomgal]

Amazing! Please may I request one for Will Halstead where the reader is out with some friends and doesn't feel well so calls Will to come get her and when he gets there, he goes all doctor on her. Like he starts checking her pulse, feeling around her throat to make sure she's okay and her friends thinks his concern is so cute!! Thanks!

Will Halstead- Doctor Mode

Having low blood pressure (hypotension) sucks. I know one way to control my blood pressure is not drinking to much alcohol and make sure I drink plenty of water. I do this everyday and most of the time I keep my blood pressure up. But I still want to feel ‘normal’ and go out with friends and drink, just can’t get drunk.

Tonight I'm out with my friends at Mollys drinking. My friends are tipsy, on their 3rd or 4th drink at this point. Although they keep buying me drinks I'm not finishing any. If anything I’ve only had maybe 2 full drinks. I know I’ve not eaten enough or drank enough today as I start feeling lightheaded and dizzy. I then begin struggling to listen to the conversation at hand. So I decided it's time to fit me go home. I take out my phone and phone my boyfriend Will

“Hey baby everything ok?” he asks

“Erm yeah just not feeling good. Can you come and get me?”

“Yeah of course, what’s wrong though?”

“Think it might be my blood pressure”

“Ok. Stay sitting down. Get a drink of water and something to eat if you can”

“Ok”

“I’ll see you in about 10 minutes”

“Ok see you soon” I end the call and turn myself to face Stella behind the bar

"YN you ok? You look a little off?" my friend Emma asks. I don’t reply just speak to Stella

"Erm can I get a water please?" I ask

"Yeah course" she replies from behind the bar quickly handing me a drink “need a anything else?”

“Have you got anything salty?”

“Salted peanuts will that do?”

“Yeah that would be great” Stella hands me a bowl of salted peanuts

“What’s going on?” Herrmann asks seeing that something is going on

“I think my blood pressure is low”

“Brett!” Herrmann waves Sylvie over to me

“What’s up?” she asks

“YN said her blood pressure is low”

“I’ll be fine. Wills on his way”

“Ok well I’ll sit here to make sure you really are ok. Now you need to eat up”

I manage to drink a glass of water and eat my bowl of peanuts before Will arrives

"YN? Hey baby. How you feeling?"

"Feel lightheaded and nauseous" Will checks my pulse first. I notice his brought my blood pressure machine with him

"Can I have your arm?" He asks. I give him a little nod and hold my arm out for him. He wraps the pressure cuff around my arm and Will turns the machine on

"Is she ok?" Emma asks nervously

"Let's just see what this tells us then we will know more" a few moments later the machine beeps “81/52. Babe your really low. You need some salty foods”

“I had some peanuts. Stella have me them”

“Got any more?” Will asks looking at Stella who nods grabbing more peanuts “and another glass of water?” again Stella nods grabbing some water handing them over to Will “can you eat all of these and drink this before we go home. You can put your compression soaks on”

“Ok” I breathe out

“Will she be ok?” Emma asks again

“Yeah. Just low blood pressure. She been drinking?”

“Yeah we all have” Will sighs

“Alcohol can lower her blood pressure. Sure one or two are fine but not more than that”

“Is this our fault?” another one of my friends asks looking like she about to have a breakdown

“No, no this is no one’s fault. YN knew she had to stop drinking and go home. She knew she needed something salty and some water. Don’t worry” Will tries to calm my friends down while I continue to eat and drink.

Once we arrive home Will takes my blood pressure again and it seems a little better. I put on my compression socks and relax for the rest of the evening, falling asleep in the safe arms of Will.

[that-disabled-princess]

Six Sentence Saturday/Sunday

Time? Don't know her I'm in love with her but right now I am choosing to ignore her. Happy Saturday/Sunday depending on where you are!

So I've had this outline sitting in a doc for literal years--where Simon is melting during a heat wave, so Baz buys a really good AC... and then gets jealous because the AC can cool Simon down and he isn't getting his Simon snuggles. The idea was inspired by this fic, where Simon gets jealous of a heated blanket. I pulled it out today thinking it would be good for @carryon-disability-week! POTSie Simon struggling with heat... oh, yeah. Weather sure is something when you have POTS, huh? (I am currently lying down on the floor wearing my compression socks and with gatorade and salted popcorn as I type this LOL. These next few months are gonna be fun.)

Anyway, here are some sentences I wrote this evening!

“‘M so hot,” [Simon] moans. / “Mmm.” Too hot for my movements to be anything but lazy, I draw my arms in and slide my hands up to squeeze his tits. “Damn right.”

It’s been unbearably hot this past week, and with his specific disability, Simon has virtually been dying. He’s been so dizzy with the heat that he’ll sometimes use one of his crutches around the flat to keep himself steady.

When I come out of the bedroom to see Simon sprawled out in front of the AC for the fifth day in a row, I pout so hard that it catches Simon’s attention.

“I never thought I’d miss you sweating through my clothes,” I mutter.

Simon absolutely uses forearm crutches. They are a wonder for balance. Sometimes when I'm home alone on bad balance days, I use mine around the house haha.

Tagging @bazzybelle @wellbelesbian @hushed-chorus @artsyunderstudy @iamamythologicalcreature @valeffelees @stitchyqueer @run-for-chamo-miles @imagineacoolusername @cutestkilla @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @youarenevertooold @hoothalcyon @tea-brigade @j-nipper-95 and whoever else I'm missing 💖💖

[pleastrop]

I can't afford both rn so i have to choose between finally buying compression socks or compression gloves, this is the hardest thing i had to do in my entire life

[wilbursprincess]

Tommy Helping Wilbur With His POTS Headcannons

Warnings: Medical stuff, fainting, stuff like that

While Wilbur doesn't actually have POTS, my lovely fandom friend has this as a headcannon and I find it so sweet! Both of us have chronic illnesses too, and while I personally don't have POTS, I can relate to some of the symptoms my illness shares with it.

Headcannons below cut :) Enjoy!

~Just like Wilbur carries around candy for Tommy’s low blood sugar, Tommy always has salt packets with him for Wilbur.

~Tommy’s kitchen cupboards are packed with Hula Hoops, which is Wilbur’s favorite salty snack. (As a slut for Hula Hoops, you know I had to add my own headcannon lol)

~Since POTS can make you dizzy, Tommy’s always sure to make sure anywhere they go will have places to sit, and always makes sure Wilbur doesn’t stand too long.

~If Wilbur feels like he’s about to faint, Tommy will literally throw himself on the ground under him to cushion the fall. Massive little brother energy.

~Tommy always buying Wilbur compression socks in various ridiculous prints to wear at his gigs. Some fan favorites were the Pop Cat faces and the ones covered in eggplants.

~In a similar fashion, since drinking plenty of water can help POTS symptoms, Tommy also buys Wilbur reusuable water bottles to try and encourage him to drink more, often covered in silly stickers from their friends’ merch collections. 

~Despite him being loud and annoying sometimes, you couldn’t ask for a better friend to look after your POTS symptoms.

~Even if the friend in question is practically a child.

[lokislittlesigyn]

This past weekend I had .. A truly lovely experience. One that will stick with me forever, I believe.

Story time.

About a month ago I got an unexpected message that Tom Hiddleston would be at NYCC. I'd never heard of NYCC before - though I live within driving distance of NYC. I visited last year to see a Broadway play and visit the Loki figure at Madame Tussauds. But more, in 2019, my parents surprised me with tickets to see Betrayal on Broadway.

When we went to the show, I hoped to give Tom a letter, thanking him for the impact his work has had on my life, and get some art autographed. After the show - which was breathtaking and fantastic and funny and heartbreaking - I stood outside in the bitter cold and watched as Tom stayed outside for 2 hours talking to and autographing things for his fans. I distinctly remember saying his name and him looking me right in the eye - I asked if he'd take my letter. His response? "Of course I will." those words also stuck with me. spoken surely, as though kindness was deserved without question.

I got an autograph from him that day on my Playbill - they didn't allow non-Betrayal works to be signed. But I wanted, very badly, to see him again. Namely for a hug ... And to get that art signed.

In the spring of 2020 I heard about a drivable convention Tom was slated to be at. Tickets to see him were hundreds of dollars, but I was willing to pay.

Then the pandemic hit. Everything was cancelled.

Fast forward to last month. My birthday is coming up and I have no idea what to ask for, I have a steady job and I'm trying to give myself permission to buy fun things so I actually feel something when I get a paycheck. ive legit been getting money and just feeling nothing when it goes into my account. :')

And I did it. I bought a pass. An autograph pass, since the photo passes only allowed a few seconds with the individual - I wanted to talk even for a moment, not stand awkwardly while I try to make myself give a natural smile.

I'll spare you the details of the convention itself - it was huge, and while it was exciting, that wasn't the main draw. Tom was. I finished an art piece and had it printed, and took it with me to give to him. I also wrote a message on the back of it, so there was no risk of the message being lost (I don't know if he actually got my first letter. There's really no way to tell!). That message is private, but the art is not.

It took over two hours to get through the line. As someone with joint and sensory issues, this was .. Quite an experience. if i hadnt had my compression socks on i honestly dont think i would have made it. also i really need to look into what ADA passes they have because there is an ADA line and i continuously tell myself im not disabled enough for that but maybe i am, idk

But I got through the line and went around the corner where they had a curtained-off area, and there he was.

My first thought? "Oh, you're real."

its always surprising to see him in person.

But as happened before, the nervousness and excitement and heart beating out of my chest gave way to a quiet calm.

He took the piece I brought to be signed, and signed it. And I spoke up.

"I made this for you, if that's okay." And I handed him the above artwork.

He took it. Looked at it. "You're very talented."

I thanked him.

And he looked at me again.

Now, it's relevant to mention I am autistic. Eye contact is extremely difficult for me. It feels unsafe, exposed, scary. I can literally get physically unsettled if I look at someone's eyes too long. This man is the only person - not even my mother and father feel safe to look in the eye - that I can not just stand to look in the eye, but actually feel ... peaceful. i think it's because he has lokis eyes.

"Thank you. Have a good rest of your weekend."

He smiled at me, and I smiled back. I thanked him again.

It's a small interaction. It was in the last event on the last day of the con - this man was probably exhausted, and rightly so. I also want to be clear, I don't have any sort of parasocial feelings toward Tom, or even romantic/etc. feelings. Tom is his own person, with his own life and experiences, and I don't feel anything toward him other than a general fondness and gratitude. More importantly, he is married, a husband and a father, and that is so important to remember.

I'm simply grateful to him. Out of hundreds, possibly thousands of people over the weekend, he took a bit of time to look at the art, and say something kind, and to look at me and smile.

Photos weren't allowed in the area, or I would have wanted one. Likewise, there were tables between the attendees and him - I would've asked for a hug otherwise. But I don't regret the weekend, for all its ups and downs. I got to give Tom a present, and I know I'll see him again someday.

And maybe next time, I'll get that hug.

[ladyiristheenchantress]

Car and Motorcycle Spells and Superstitions

Vroom Vroom, if you know or dont know hello! I am a motorcycle driver (2022 Venom x18R) and my loving husband is currently in school for automotive mechanics, loves tinkering on his car (2001 BMW-Z3), and overall we make a great team!

Today, both Mr. Iris and I wanted to share spells and superstitions we use to not only keep our things running but also protected

Motorcycles:

We believe in the use of a guardian bell, the superstition goes that there are ghosts and evil spirits that get into our bikes and ruin them, a guardian bell wards off from crashes, break downs, and other damage that is caused by these spirits. The bells trap them inside and the ringing drives them mad so they fall off and wander around aimlessly

Some chapters and churches (especially in the south) host a 'blessing of the bikes' ceremony before the first events of the year, its a non-denominational blessing where people of all sorts get together and bless their bikes for safety

Riding with your gear pegs down can be an invitation for spirits to hop on the back of your bike, if you are in a funeral motorcade its an invitation for the deceased to enjoy a last ride, but I dont reccomened keeping them up on your daily ride

In world war 2 messangers would ride green bikes which made them targets, and after the war there were so many of these green bikes that people would buy and then break down it became bad luck to ride a green bike

Never ride a dead mans bike, its said that their spirit will come down and knock you on your ass

Its bad luck to drop a helmet with the common saying “As goes your helmet, so goes your head.”, but its also a safety thing. Helmets shouldnt be dropped because of the compression and foam inside of them which lessens their ability to protect you in a crash

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.

Always stop to help fellow bikers, you dont know when you will need it

Iris's Motorcycle Ward:

First, bless your bike in as many ways as you want, then create a sigil of luck using the number wheel system, instead of drawing that sigil and place it on your bike take those numbers (i.e "protect this bike" becomes 12478) and either draw them in bike cleaner OR get decals to hide around

Cars:

You might notice how nascar drivers have their own good luck charm, whether its a photo of their partner, a lucky coin, or a blue sock, we can replicate supersitions of our favorite driver (congrats to Landon Cassill)

If a bird poops on your car its a sign that you may recieve good news or riches

Holding your breath under a tunnel or by a cemetery was started because people believe that restless spirits might come out and enter your body, or mess up your car.

Some people say to ward your car from future accidents, its best to scratch or dent it when you first get it because it keeps accidents away

do a ritual (kiss your mirror, slap your visor) when you pass a yellow light because it wards away cops

Pick up your feet when you pass over a bridge or railroad, its said that if you dont you wont find your future spouse because you "already crossed the threshold"

You may hear "a bmw is the most expensive car youll own" or "Id rather push a chevy then drive a ford" when you observe these phrases take note of your own car, and find good luck phrases to support your car

Avoid places with a lot of accidents, not only is it good luck, but there may be a lot of accidents for a reason like blind turns or strange speed limits

Mr. Iris's green light spell:

On all of our vehicles we put a spell on the cars computer (CAN and ECU's), we enchanted our car or bikes by holding the dash, then chanting or visualizing our energy connecting to the CAN, we ask that the computers energy predict green lights and take the energy of our car to prevent red lights. We have had a very good success rate! Other spells we love:

Another one we do is an 'anti-cop' spell, on a bike sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and feel like the speed limit is a suggestion, so to protect us we not only keep a sigil patch on the inside of our helmets and we also keep a blue fuse in our pockets as a ward from getting caught

When Mr. Iris has a race or car show he uses a significant date to help win (Go 917), plus he also creates a chant to "hype up the cars engine" there are ofc other superstitions like these so really pick what you like!

Thank you all! I hope you enjoy!

Tip Jar

[thus-spoke-lo]

Stopped at the medical supply store to buy more compression socks for me and compression gloves for Mr. Lo. Sales guy asked if we had prescriptions/medical necessity and we’re both like nah we just have carpal tunnel/leg swelling and also we just really like the feeling of compression.

He’s like “Ah, you’re on the spectrum too then! My people!”

Hey look buddy I just came here to buy socks, not to be called out.

[dearbisexual]

oh fuck yes!!! i told dad i was thinking about buying a dvd player with my xmas money and he just gave me one he had in his closet. it's missing the remote but it has buttons on it and if it becomes an issue, i can look for a replacement remote online, this is awesome cos the dvd players i was lookin at were all like $30

he also gave me two pairs of compression socks that he says are too small/tight for him to wear so im going to try wearing them at work and see if they help my feet :3

[beenovel]

sorry to hear about your diagnosis! here are some arthritis tips from a fellow chronic pain haver:

find a painkiller that works for you. i usually use naproxen 250/500. ask your doctor for specialized anti-inflammatory ones. don't be afraid to take them! they are literally made to help you!

heat packs are your Best Friend. literally treasure them cherish them etc. i have a nice electric one and a rubber hot water bottle just in case.

compression bandages!!!!!! i can't afford them so i use cheap crepe ones. also compression ankle and knee support (i felt the worst pain in my knees and i already had knee and ankle compression sleeves from previous incidents, so i just used those). look into buying compression gloves if it hurts more in your hands!

wear warm clothes! jackets hoodies socks! changing seasons are a Bitch to deal with. i live in a relatively warm area and i still had thin sweaters on in summer.

try keeping up some exercise. bob and brad on youtube are a pretty reliable resource for easy physiotherapy.

sit in different positions! after my diagnosis i basically abandoned my study desk and now use a laptop table and a bean bag lap desk.

don't be afraid to ask for help! - chronic pain anon (psst i'm actually one of your mutuals >:))))) best of luck though!!!!)

Nonnie how could you taunt me with "I'm actually one of your moots" like you're my new favorite person what. Also THANK YOU I LOVE YOU SM. I haven't actually been diagnosed yet, I get testing done on the 23rd so rn it's just extreme joint pain (the doc is thinking rheumatoid arthritis bc it runs in the family).

I have a heating pad my mom got me that's the size of my entire torso and it's my life's blood. Sometimes it's literally the only way I can sleep. I also have a smaller microwave like rice pack that I normally use on my hands and shoulders but have started to use on my knees.

Thank you so so much for all the tips, I've been absolutely drowning in articles on reducing joint pain for the last day and have been stressed