#i hope you like my queue because i need a break for a few weeks

[soaps-mohawk]

I'm going to be honest

I'm having a genuinely hard time making this post. I've been fighting with it for a couple weeks now, but I think it's time I finally make it.

I'm not having fun on this blog anymore.

It sounds bad, but honestly, it kind of is.

I think a lot of it started from the very beginning with the precedence and expectations I put on myself. I've always tried to respond to every comment I get. Even from the beginning. It's just a polite thing to do since those who leave comments took the time to write out what they think of my fic, even if it's just a keysmash. I've always felt the need to thank those who leave comments or reblog my writing or (now that tumblr has it) replied to my fics. It worked fine before because none of my fics were particularly popular. Even my most popular fic (at that time) didn't get as much attention as CRCB has. I've never had a "big blog" before, nor a fic as popular as CRCB has gotten.

It was fine at first, responding to everyone, engaging with everyone. I was riding that high of omg so many people are reading and enjoying my fic! I've never had anything quite like this before.

Now...it just feels more like a chore. I set this precedence on this blog that I respond to everyone and I know a lot of people have said that they're surprised I responded to them and to everyone, and now I'm getting why a lot of writers don't. I'm exhausted. I feel like I've just been robotically saying the same thing over and over trying to respond to people now. I used to love seeing asks in my inbox and reblogs and replies but now? All I feel is dread because I have to respond to all of those.

Turning anon off was a big help. It lessened the sheer volume of asks I was getting a day. And while I do feel bad for all of my anons who prefer to stay anons, with everything that happened (the multiple incidents) with anon that kind of started to suck the joy out of everything. That paired with the obsessive need to constantly have my inbox cleared and make sure everyone gets a response...I can understand now too why big blogs will have 200+ asks in their inbox. It's hard and it's exhausting and I'm burning out.

First it was the fic that was burning me out. Things have gone on far longer than I planned and I just wasn't prepared for this fic to go on and for a while there it was dragging. I'll admit that. If I could go back, I'd speed up a few things, but it's done, it's posted there's no going back. I kind of hoped I would have the mental capacity to upload more than once a week too, but I just couldn't. I still can't.

I've come to dread posting chapters because I know I'm going to have to reply and respond to everyone. The only thing keeping me posting is the fact that we're in the part of the story I've been excited about since the beginning and also because I keep leaving everyone on cliffhangers and I love torturing y'all with all of them.

So that being said, this is in no way to shame anyone for interacting with me, anyone leaving comments or replies or sending asks. Don't feel bad about doing it please. I appreciate all of you that have engaged with me and it really means so much to me. Honestly, earlier this year, if I didn't have this fic and everyone on this blog, I might not have made it to now. It's been a really rough year and it's still going to be into next year. It's just getting to the point where I need a break.

I've needed a break for a long time. I thought taking days off the blog would help, and it did for a couple of weeks, but now even on the days I'm supposed to be on the blog and engaging, I just find myself queueing stuff up and just being offline most of the day still.

I'm tired. That's the best reason I can give. I'm tired and burned out on life and I'm tired and burned out on this blog.

So...I think I need a break. I need to not keep responding to every single reply and reblog every chapter. I need to not force myself to answer every ask right away, no matter how much I want to. I feel bad, but I know everyone would rather have me here and enjoying the blog than forcing myself to interact to the point where I'm dreading it and just robotically repeating myself over and over with every reply and answer and comment.

I won't be pausing the fic, I won't be not uploading. I'll still be posting chapters, I just might not be interacting as much as I have been. It's just putting such a mental strain on me still, even with anon off, even with days off. And with things getting busier for me, it's going to be too much to try and deal with irl stuff and write and try to be super active on the blog. There's going to come a point where I have to sacrifice the writing or the blog and I'd rather sacrifice the blog to keep myself sane, and also to keep trying to finally get this fic done. I love this fic, don't get me wrong, but I'm just burning out.

I'm already burned out in a lot of ways.

I was planning kinktober this year but honestly I'm considering not doing it because I know interaction is going to be insane and it's going to be a lot to keep up on. Plus trying to write that many fics is hard and I'm not sure I have the ability to do it. I have a few done but now I'm just like...is that something I want to do on top of irl stuff and CRCB.

There's just no joy in it anymore. It's not anyone's fault but mine. I put the pressure on myself, I held myself to that standard for this long despite the fact I knew it was draining me. I've tried to push through when I should have prioritized myself. I feel so guilty not responding to everyone. I feel so guilty being a day or two late responding to everyone.

I want to be here and interacting and responding to things but I just can't bring myself to anymore. It's no one's fault, and this is not a drag on anyone, or an attempt to make anyone feel bad or guilty for interacting or sending asks or anything. I'm just airing out the truth and saying what I need to say because I feel like I've been so robotic and lifeless with my responses these last couple weeks and I feel like I need to explain why. It's nothing anyone has done. It's my fault. It's 100% my fault.

Things have just gotten to be too much and it's my fault for forcing myself to be so active. The social battery has dropped into the negatives. I'm not a social person. I can only handle so much interaction and I've pushed so far beyond that, that things have gotten to this point. I want to be here and I want to have fun and I want to use this as an escape but I just don't feel that way about it anymore. It's a chore for me, a job, something I feel like I have to do and it's my fault that I feel that way. It's my own standards and expectations I set on myself, and my expectations on what I think my followers want and deserve and now I feel like I've gone on too long like this that I can't change things without hurting anyone's feelings. I don't want people to think I'm ignoring them in favor of others because I know there's writers out there that do that. They only respond to a certain group and ignore others that comment and reblog. I don't want to make anyone feel like I'm doing that to them and that's now led me to here.

I'm forcing it and I'm tired.

It's been hard these last few weeks. The life has just been draining and draining continuously. The joy and the love I have for this blog and my followers and the interactions and the fic. The last anon bullshit that happened was just kind of the last nail in the coffin so to speak. The straw that broke the camel's back. Things stopped being fun. It made me feel bad (and not in the guilty way, though that was a part of it) and I'm honestly just over it. I'm over the blog, I'm over interacting, I'm over life at this point. August is a hard month for me and every year it seems to get worse and worse. A lot of it is unrelated to anything online and I was going to make a post about it but honestly I just don't want to. Those that know, know. Those that don't...it doesn't matter.

I'm getting annoyed by the blog, I'm getting annoyed every time I look in my notifications and see an ask or a reply or a comment. I'm getting annoyed by some of my followers and that's not fair to you. Everyone always talks about how nice and kind and patient I am when I'm really not. I'm not the person I present myself to be on this blog, the way I mask myself so I can present myself as being a normal, kind human being. The mask is coming off because I'm so tired I can't keep it up anymore. It's happening here and it's happening in real life. I'm tired and I'm frustrated and I'm angry at a lot of things and the last thing I want is to start taking it out on my followers. You don't deserve that, especially when it's not your fault, it's nothing any of you have done. It's all me.

It's not you, it's me.

So for the sake of not burning this whole thing to the ground, I'm going to take a break. I'm not replying to everyone, I'm not responding to every reblog, I won't reply to every ask I get right away, if at all because sometimes I just don't have anything to say in response and I need to learn that's okay. It's nothing against you. It's not aimed at anyone specifically, I'm just trying to put myself first and stop things from escalating. I need a break and I'm going to do something selfish and I'm going to take it.

Don't apologize because it's not your fault. Don't apologize because you think you might have contributed to this because you didn't. It is no one's fault but my own.

I'm the one that needs to apologize to all of you because I've just not been myself because I've been forcing myself to be someone I'm not. I've been very unfair to a lot of people over the last seven months that this blog has been active and I've held a precedent that is not sustainable in the long run and made everyone believe that I was capable of maintaining that kind of interaction when I'm not.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've been putting everyone through this. I'm sorry I've been so detached and robotic and ingenuine. I'm sorry I led everyone to believe I'm someone I'm not. I'm sorry I've dragged this on this long that it's gotten to the point that I have to make this post.

I considered just disappearing but that wouldn't be fair to you either. I don't want to put you through that, so I'm pouring all of my thoughts out and making you read through this fucking novel of a post. If you've made it this far, then congrats I guess. Gold metals to you who bothered reading this far.

Anyway, all of that aside, I'll still be posting chapters. I'll have them scheduled and I'll probably come on and add links places to keep things current. I'll respond and reply and answer asks when I feel like it. You don't have to stop sending them, but just don't expect them to be responded to right away anymore. I'll probably still be here reblogging things I want and doing things when I feel like it.

I just need a few weeks to myself. Time I don't have to care about the blog at all and keeping up with it. Anon will remain off for the sake of keeping asshole trolls away, and also so I don't open tumblr and have 200 asks in my inbox after a week. Sorry to my anons but it's just the way it needs to be right now. Maybe once this break is over and I've dealt with irl stuff, I'll consider putting it back on. I just can't after everything I dealt with recently on anon.

It'll be the same on Ao3, for those that follow here and read there. Comments will probably sit for a while. They won't be answered right away anymore unless I get the energy to burn through them. Even then I won't try to answer them all at once like I did this last weekend.

I'll try to reblog something every day so y'all know I'm alright. I don't want y'all to panic and it's not fair to put you through that, especially those that might not see this or bother reading it. Those that follow simply for the fic and nothing else. I'm here, I'm just not...here.

This week's chapter is in the queue to be posted tomorrow as usual. Chapters will still come out as planned since I'm not stopping writing, just taking a break from the blog itself.

Thank you those of you who stuck through to the end here. I appreciate all of you so much. You have no idea. I'm sorry I let things get to this point and I'm sorry to anyone that I've gotten rude or snappy with because I couldn't be selfish and put myself first. I'm sorry to anyone that got a robotic, repeated response to something they were probably excited to share. I'm sorry I've been so unfair to everyone and I hope you can forgive me.

Take care and I'll talk to everyone when I have the energy to.

[idontplaytrack]

You're the best of me

Janis ‘Imi’ike x Regina George

Warnings: fluff, mentions to age regression + Regina & Janis’ past

Part 2 of ‘Save Me(I’m fine)’

“I wish we could re-write the end There's a couple of things we left unsaid

You were in my arms, the world disappeared But tell me now through the tears

If I were to die, would you lay next to me? If these are my last words then baby, you're the best of me.”

“Hey, you!” Janis smiled brightly at the sight of the blonde.

“Hi, babe.” Regina mirrors the artist’s smile, pulling her in by the waist to give her a kiss.

“Hi, Janis.” Gretchen and Karen greet in unison. Gretchen arranged the books and things in her locker and shut the door. “How was your weekend?” Gretchen asked as they all began walking toward their homerooms. “Uh, not too interesting. We went to the mall, but then she got back pain again so Sunday was just…chill.”

“Oh. Is it any better?”

“I can walk around now.” Regina shrugged, “Which is great because otherwise I’d be home and stuck to my bed.”

“Did you take the pills though? They help right?” Karen glanced at the blonde.

“I did.” Regina answered, brows raised for a beat, “They barely take the edge off honestly. But I get by.”

“Don’t you have the one that’s very strong?” Gretchen asked, confused.

“I feel too out of it with that one. Hate how I feel all nauseous and groggy.”

The first half of the day went by in a breeze. Why? Regina and Janis were both looking forward to each class because they were counting down to the ones where they got to see each other. Funny how they used to dread those because of what happened, but things were different now. But so great. They were back to how they were meant to be like. Best friends— more than that, actually.

When lunch rolled around, Regina immediately made a beeline for the lunch queue. She was feeling pretty hungry, now that her pain’s been at bay for the last few hours thanks to her medication. Janis was right behind her, then Karen and Gretchen. Damian spotted them standing together in line and squinted at them.

“What are you looking at?” Janis laughs as she walked up to Damian and set her tray down.

“At you, standing right behind Regina.” Damian stabs his food with the fork, eating a mouthful.

“I told you, we talked everything out.” Janis explained, “We’re fine now.”

“Really? You were serious.”

“Dude, come on. I’ve no use lying to you.” Janis sighs, “Seriously. We’re— fine���”

“M’kay.” Damian shrugs, brow raised in suspicion. “But I mean, she hurt you terribly, my friend.”

“Sure. It’s happened already and nothing’s going to change that fact, but we grew up. We really just talked about every single thing that went wrong, why it bothered me so much, or why she did what she did…you know? Most importantly, she apologised and I know she’s not going to do that again.”

“If you say so.” Damian nodded, still a little unconvinced but he wasn’t going to complain, seeing how happy she was now.

“Damian. I’m okay.” Janis assured, “More than okay. She doesn’t hate my guts anymore, and I don’t hate her.”

“I heard you.” Damian shrugs, “Just trying to process it all. Also— I have not hung out with you at all after school for the last two weeks.”

“Art.” Janis answered simply, shoving a mouthful of mashed potatoes into her mouth to avoid the question. “You…wanna hang out today? How about we go grab a drink or something at our usual place after school?”

“I would love that. Though I hope you’re not stressing yourself out with the artwork. You need to chill out sometimes and take a break, girl.”

“Well, I do my best.” Janis shrugs, “Sometimes I just…forget to eat.”

“Or drink, or sleep. Or even just stand up and walk around a little.” Damian teased. “Janis, seriously. You worry me sometimes.”

“You love me.” Janis guffaws.

“I do. Which is why I’m worried about you sometimes. Take care of yourself.”

“It’s not that easy, you know.”

“I know that, hun. That’s what I’m here for. Talk to me, don’t just keep things to yourself if you need to talk about it.”

“And I appreciate you so much for that. But some days are just gonna be harder no matter what.”

Janis had to admit, it was hard as shit trying to keep a secret like that from Damian. A secret like being in a relationship with someone who hated her guts. She could never really let him know the details of the conversation they had yet, of course. She didn’t feel ready to— it was a major thing despite the fact that Damian was her best friend. Not that she didn’t trust him, she did. She really, really did. The past two weeks have just been a whirlwind. Janis needed to absolutely calm down before she took the next steps.

Meanwhile, Regina spent the last three minutes staring at her keyboard before sending these:

————

School let out at 2:50, Janis and Damian went to hang out as established. Their whole way to their usual coffee house, Janis was having an internal debate on whether or not to tell Damian. While waiting for their drinks and snacks, Janis played with her phone in her hand. Then, she decided to do something about that burning question. Janis texted Regina to ask if she could tell Damian about them.

Once they were settled in at their table, Janis cleared her throat, “Hey, Damian?”

“What’s up?” He asks, taking a sip of his drink.

“So, about Regina, and me…” Janis began, “Two weeks ago, we talked everything out because somehow I was at her house— for a completely unexpected, unrelated reason. But anyway, we worked through the middle school stuff and got back into contact. And um, last week, we decided to start going out. Because really we’ve had feelings for each other since back then and we’ve finally both come to terms with our sexuality and such.”

Damian was looking right at her, but then his expression was indescribable. “Uh…” Was all that came out of his mouth.

“Please don’t be mad.”

“I’m not mad.” Came a strained reply from her best friend, “Really. Just processing what you said.”

The pair sat in silence for roughly two minutes before Damian broke it, “First of all, good for you. Finally off the market.”

Janis chuckles in relief.

“Second, I’m very happy you and Regina are on good terms now— obviously. But I have some questions.”

Janis nodded, “Of course. Ask away.”

“How did you end up at her house?”

“Gretchen called and said Regina wanted me there, turns out she wanted to talk.” Janis answered. That wasn’t the full truth— the reason for her initial visit wasn’t because Regina wanted to talk, it was because Regina was regressed. That was something way more personal so Janis wasn’t going to just share that on a whim. “I was scared…hesitant but I’m glad I went because things are so much better now.”

Damian hums, “Okay. Will you tell me though if anything happens, please? I just— want you to be safe, Janis. You know me, I know what went down. So I’m still going to be protective of you for awhile. Until I see that I can fully trust her with you.”

“That’s fair.” Janis nods, “Speaking of, I’m seeing her at five later.”

“Well, have a good time.” Damian smiled. “I’m happy you’re happy, yeah?”

“I know, and thanks for being cool with it.”

“Only because I trust you.” Damian laughs.

————

Right before the best friends got up to leave, Janis gets a call from Regina. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“Um, I feel a lil funny.” The laugh that came from the other girl was almost childlike. There was some yelling in the background— probably June getting mad at Kylie or their Dad.

“Okay, well, I’m on my way. Just stay in your room.” Janis furrowed her brows together in thought, “Lock the door.”

“Is she okay?”

“Sure hope so.” Janis shoves her phone into her pocket.

Janis made her way to the blonde’s house immediately after saying goodbye to Damian. Once she got there, the house was already quiet. June lets her in, shocked but happy to see her. “Is everything alright?” It was about 4:45 in the afternoon.

“Yeah, but Kylie got suspended for hitting someone so there was a little bit of yelling going on. But we figured it out, the other kid started it. We’re good now. You’re here for Regina?”

Janis nodded, brows raised briefly, “Yep.”

“She’s up in her room.”

“Sure. Thanks.” With that, Janis quietly trudged upstairs. Knocking on the bedroom door, she was swiftly let inside.

“They’re fine, Reg.” Janis assured, “It’s just something that happened at school. They worked it out.”

Regina shrugs, sitting at her desk. Janis asks, walking over, “So…what are we doing?”

“I’m colouring.” Regina answered simply, back facing Janis.

Janis drags an ottoman to the desk and sat down with her like that. “Hey.” Janis tapped her arm to get attention.

Regina glanced at the artist, not saying anything.

“How’re you feeling?” Janis asks, her palm purposefully on Regina’s lower back.

“It hurts. A little.” Regina seems to catch her drift.

“Did you take Advil?”

“No.”

Janis chewed on her lower lip, worried, “Anything?”

“Red box. Tylenol?” Regina squints, putting the yellow colour pencil down.

“Okay, that’s good.” Janis licked her lips, eyes panning over to look at what Regina was colouring. Janis just watched, keeping her hand on Regina’s back, gliding it up and down calmingly.

“Reg. Do you want a snack?” Janis asked after a few minutes.

“Yes, please.”

“Alright.” Janis stood up, pressing a kiss to the top of Regina’s head, “I’ll be right back.” Janis made her way to the kitchen, where she grabbed a melamine plate from the cupboard with a bit of a struggle. It was a little strange for the Georges to even have a melamine plate since neither Kylie nor Regina used those anymore— usually. So she figured it must’ve been Regina’s. For instances where she was regressed. Yeah, it was hers. It was a Barbie plate. Setting that down on the counter, Janis went over to the pantry to grab the bag of Goldfish crackers. They only had Cheddar flavoured ones this time, unfortunately. Then, Janis found herself rummaging through the fridge for some fruit. She settles on some strawberries, Regina’s favourite. Janis washed them and placed them on the plate too. Finally, she grabs two water bottles quickly before shutting the fridge and heading back upstairs.

“Here.” Janis set the plate down, opening a bottle of water for her too.

Regina chuckles, “Thanks, jellybean.”

“You’re welcome.” Janis smiled, sitting down on the ottoman again after handing Regina the bottle. After that, they sit in relative silence again. It was a comfortable one, though. Janis was glad it felt that way, that it felt like what she knew. They shared the snacks, and Janis asked her a question every now and then, that was related to her current activity or other fun, simple things. Janis certainly wasn’t going to talk about school and other ‘grown up’ responsibilities while Regina was regressed. Regina regresses for a reason— she wants to destress, she wants to focus less on her current ‘big’ life and find some escape and comfort at an age where she felt that way. Where she felt safe, and thoroughly happy, and worry-free. 

“Jan?”

“Yep?”

“Can you stay with me tonight?” Regina asked hesitantly.

“Of course I can.” Janis agreed in a heartbeat, “I'll stay over tonight.”

Regina beamed, “Yay, thanks. Do you wanna watch a movie?”

“Sure, yeah. You don’t want to colour anymore?” “Nope.” Regina decided then headed over to her bed, but not before pulling Janis up. Janis took the snack plate over and put it down in between the both of them while Regina looked through Disney+ for what to watch. Her choice? Beauty and the Beast. Janis expected it— it was Regina’s favourite. She just hasn’t seen it in awhile, so a wave of nostalgia hit her pretty hard. The taller girl snuggled against Janis soon after. Janis didn’t even question it even though she was a little shocked by the sudden affection. Janis took a peek at her, snickering to herself. “What?” Regina asked, similarly wanting to laugh.

“Nothing, just looking to make sure you’re fine.” Janis lied poorly. Not that Regina could tell right now. “I’m okay.” Regina laughs, amused, “Watch the movie. I just wanna snuggle.”

“I am, I am.” Janis exhales, grabbing a strawberry from the plate, “We can snuggle all night if that’s what you want.”

“Really?” She gasped softly.

“Yes, Reg, Really.”

Nothing’s changed after all. They were back to how they were, and who they were— their masks have been shed since the long overdue conversation and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

🏷️Tag list:

@ashecampos @auliisflower @cheesysoup-arlo @frogs00 @ludoesartandstuff @reneesghostinthelivingroom @pda128

💭A/N:

I know, this took awhile. I’m sorryyyy😬 here it is, though. Hope you enjoyed 🫶🏼✨

[lonely-north-star]

jewelry maker mammon x retail worker mc pt 2

hi guys, two people asked for part two and now I'm here. Did not expect people to find enjoyment in this.

Part one above, not sure how to shorten it on mobile. Once again, this is me projecting onto my MC because I'm not suffering alone. Anyway, more craft store silliness !!

-Mammon attends the hiring event, dressed in a button down shirt and his hair combed. It's his Lucky Interview Outfit™

-He's kinda nervous because he really would like to work here and doesn't want to blow his chance

-The store manager recognizes him, and Mammon can't tell if this is good or bad

-Good because he's already got him laughing, and it helps brush over the fact that there's a few gaps in his resume

-The manager admits he had hoped to see Mammon there and it's good to put a name to a face

-Asks Mammon what he wants to work as, which Mammon kinda shrugs at, saying he's pretty flexible, but reminds him he's already good with the beads

-Says they'll label him as a floor person and put him anywhere as needed

-His first day is filled with training which he finds extremely boring until MC comes in to the break room

-She stops in her tracks and is stunned to see him there, before she recovers and smiles at him

"You're gonna work here now?"

"Nah, they just gave me a vest and name badge for nothing."

-She huffs and side eyes him as she grabs her equipment, rolling her eyes when she puts her bag away. Turns around, handing him a yellow star sticker

"For your badge."

-Suddenly he's even more eager to finish training and get to work

-His first days, he works short shifts during her hours and trains on the register (because everyone needs to know they claim)

-MC falls short of shaking him, sternly telling him to ask questions, no, she will not get mad. Yes, she may look irritated but she always looks like that. She'd rather you ask.

-They let him take over on his third day and he has great interactions with every customer

-He gets two credit card applications immediately. Had to walkie for help because he knew the script, but not the process (because no one ever gets them)

-The manager group chat receives a single photo of his tally sheet from the store manager because "Five sign ups! Three protection plans! Where has this cashier been my whole career? 🔥"

-He quickly becomes a favorite because of how good his numbers are

-No one knows how he does it but as long as higher ups aren't breathing down their neck everyone is happy

-It's because he's extremely motivated by the sticker rewards MC gives out. They're scented

-He might be good at the register but he hates staying up there when it's slow because he feels trapped. He can only recover the queue line so much guys

-Will beg to go on the floor if he's met the goal for the week and there's another person scheduled. Or will work to make the goal first and then beg to switch places

-On Fridays he works mornings in order to do jewelry repacks (Repacks are boxes of mixed products that get sent to us that we have to sort into other boxes by department. These things are like 12 x 10 x 20 inches maybe?)

-They are PACKED with products. The strung beads specifically come wrapped in bubble wrap or sealed bags by the SKU. Same goes for other products like findings, wire, and string. You spend a lot of time ripping open the package, pulling it out, scanning it, and then putting it on the shelf

-But see, Mammon knows these aisles better than the back of his hand. He doesn't need the scanner

-He'll unwrap handfuls at a time of strung beads and immediately start putting them out. Anything that goes in the next aisle he doesn't touch because he will not be walking back and forth, he's going to gather it all up and do it at once

-He spends barely an hour on each box, and once he's done, he admires any of the new items that came in. As a treat.

-Replen manager comes to check on him and she's stunned to find him done. She buys him a pastry from across the street as a reward

-He does help out with other repacks, but it takes him longer since he's not as familiar with the aisles

-Despises craft paint with a burning passion. Do NOT put him in that aisle or he will throw a fit. Threatens to quit (wouldn't actually)

-Gets frustrated easily with that aisle because the paint tubes fall over too often. And his hands are too big to reach for the one that fell over, and he'll end up knocking more over because the shelves are too close together

-Has trouble folding T-shirts. MC has shown him multiple times but he can't stay consistent with it

-One time she found him kneeling on the floor trying to fold a shirt. Has not let him fold since

-Now if they're working together, she folds them and he puts them away. It's efficient.

-After three weeks, he's gotten pretty good with memorizing the store and product locations. He has come to this conclusion.

Hell: Craft paint, T-Shirts, Open Stock Paintbrushes

Heaven: Jewelry <3, Kids Beads, Seasonal, Yarn

Neutral: Fine Arts, Ribbon (Thin Ice), Stickers, Fabric, Floral, Baking (Hates the baking pans specifically though), Wood, Frames, the rest of the store basically

-He likes making things look neat (actually likes the way MC looks pleased when he drags her over to show it off)

-If they're working together, he might get slightly distracted and trail after her to chat. She only allows it if it's slow.

-If someone needs help she'll shoo him away/send him off. He'll come right back after he's done though

-Otherwise she's walking through the aisles recovering with him and doing returns, handing him stuff and pointing to where it goes as he rambles about a new commission he made. Or the newest beads they got in stock.

"Says B 23."

"And they said they we're gettin' it for their partner-"

"There. Next to the red gift bags."

"-but how do ya not know their favorite color?! C'mon! That's like the first thing ya learn!"

"What's yours?"

"Blue. Or gold. And yellow, when gold ain't an option, because yellow is a lot more common. But none of that neon crap! Nah, like.. like.. I'll show ya when we reach the bead aisle! Anyway, they came back all-"

-'Yellow.' She thinks. Fitting, for someone who brightens her day so much. She shakes the thought away.

-She won't admit it but she does enjoy it. It makes the time pass faster.

"Did you know the beads go on sale Sunday? And we get paid this Friday. Are you gonna buy any?"

"...Are ya messin' with me?"

"Why would I be?"

"I'm going to buy so many things."

-MC starts to dread Sunday, and knows she's gonna have to reign him in. Oh boy.

-

hahaha pt 3 is in the works, i think. Because I had more ideas, but this got long again. Rest of this is me rambling.

Anyway, today I worked on repacks for Research™. And because I didn't wanna hear people asking if things are in the back. NO. I DID IT ALL TODAY !! EVERY LAST BIT !! (for t shirts and jewelry at least)

Took me four hours to do three jewelry boxes, though I did stop multiple times to help customers and go fulfill online orders. And unlike Mammon, I did need a scanner for some of it.

T shirts I did five boxes and took ten minutes a box since I didn't need the scanner except a handful of times. So it definitely varies on what department you're doing how long you'll take and how familiar you are with the aisle. For reference, it took my coworker 3.5 hours to do two boxes of jewelry.

Edit:

HERE'S PT 3 LOLOL

[eljeebee]

📩 Simblr question of the day: Do you have a process for making your simblr posts?

- an anon ask contribution for @simblr-question-of-the-day (Hi squat!)

I decided to do a separate post, just like what @changingplumbob did a question ago!

Since I mostly do story posts, here is my workflow:

a.) I draft the next story updates. Nothing serious, nothing deep. Just a rough draft that I want to happen. I have drafts in my laptop,

as well as in my phone [spoilers? lol]

Sometimes just one paragraph, or two, as long as I get the gist of it. This draft will be the basis when it comes to shooting the scenes.

b.) Before taking the scenes, I make sure that I have the poses and some specific clothes that I want and need. When it comes to clothing, it's rare that I use specific clothes on some scenes, because I have tons of CC in my mod folder, but I download it in advance. Some of it are already download in advance (that is not yet needed now, but is used far in the future)

b.1.) Sometimes, when I need a certain portrait of a character for a scene that is from a different save file, I make sure I do that first before I load the main save.

b.2.) When I need a certain build for the scenes, I have to build it myself. This is evident with the Strauds' nightclub and the Beau-Asvang's penthouse. It took me weeks to finish these. This is tedious for me, so some updates gets delayed, especially when I feel overwhelmed or bored.

c.) After that, I shoot the scenes. I base my scenes on the draft. This is another tedious part for me, especially if it involves a lot of characters. Sometimes, it has to be in a certain time of day. I don't mess time in that save, because I fear I'll mess up the calendar, so I rely in the fast forward function. The only thing that I mess with it is the weather. It can take me a whole IRL day, or a few days to finish this step.

d.) After taking the scenes, I choose which shots are the best, then delete the rest. I don't edit the photos because the reshade preset I use was made to skip editing it, but will only edit if necessary. No resizing is done (sorry if I'm lazy ;-;).

e.) In this step, the draft that was written before will be finalized once the scenes are done. Most of the time, the drafts get changed, because I change the parts of the story based on the scenes I took. The whole essence or message of the story doesn't change, only the flow and how I structured it will be modified. The finalized script is written in MS Word. A tip for everyone: type the tags you're going to use for the post in the document, so all you have to do is to copy the tags and paste it here in the text editor!

f.) Next, I'll upload the scenes and the script here in my Tumblr drafts. Sometimes, I break the scenes in separate posts, but sometimes I post it in one, depending on the story and the flow.

g.) Finally, I either: queue the posts, or I post it myself. I post the posts that has the "previous | next" links myself, because I want to quickly add the links as soon as I post it. I only queue on some posts, namely Beneath, and New Beginnings.

Again, this is my workflow when it comes to story posts! Gameplay posts like The Life of the Hatcher only get captioned based on the shots, and is not as heavily planned as the DLU (Davis Legacy Universe).

If you've reached the end of the post, thanks for reading! I hope you find this helpful!

[pokemonunderdogtournament]

Hey everyone!

Assessing the amount of work it would take me to cover the queue until I know for sure I'll be done moving*, I think I need to modify the number of daily posts and when they post.

Until the end of October (not including the next 7 days, which are already in the queue), we will switch to 8 posts a day, and posting will shift to a every-30 minutes schedule from 8:00 - 11:30 AM.

This will give me a substantially larger window to handle queueing and will reduce the number of posts I need to queue from 500 to 400, which will likely save me 5-10 hours of time, which is extremely helpful given I am already working on a quite tight schedule with an uncooperative brain. 😅

Unfortunately, I think this also means that certain tournament themes that require some thought or sorting from me will probably not debut until much later.

(I think this is the biggest downside for me, personally, but I simply do not have the ability to sort these with everything else going on. If someone is particularly inclined to try to undertake this themselves, see below the cut**)

I would prefer for there not to be a lapse in poll posting because these polls are already a week long and we have much to get through.

After October 31, I expect for posting to resume as it is currently (10 posts a day, 8-5)

*Yes, I am taking almost two months to move 😭 Unfortunately I am working around a full-time work schedule, and there is a lot to move over a distance that is short enough that it is not worth renting a moving truck but long enough that I couldn't possibly move everything all at once, my lifestyle requirements aside. I hope to be done by at least mid October at latest, though if this is the case, it will also provide me with a necessary window to build the queue back up as we head into November.

**First, it would have to be done in the upcoming week. After that, I will have difficulty incorporating it into the schedule. If you do not have time between now and noon PST Saturday 9, then please disregard this, though ideally it would be done in the next few days, again for ease of scheduling. Second, it will require a lot of data entry-like work. This is tedious and boring. I will outline exactly what you need to do for this portion, so there shouldn't be any confusion. I do enjoy this type of thing when I have time, but I know any people don't. Third, we would have to discuss how to break these up into sub-tournaments, it is not immediately clear. This is the most logically complex part, I think... You'll also need access to spreadsheet viewing/editing software like Google Sheets or Excel. Doesn't matter too much. Anyway if this somehow still appeals to you, you can DM me at any of the following blogs: @birbs-in-space, @ljuerlav, @pokemon-tournament-directory

[ms0milk]

no new hymn this weekend (next ch's worth the wait) but i took a screenshot while i was formatting last week because i thought it might be cool to talk about the process of publishing a chapter!

there's plenty of steps besides writing to make it all aesthetically pleasing First! 1) While I'm writing, i have to prioritize making the first paragraph or two really enticing (i call it the "preview") since that's what'll be seen above the post break

2) i have to source the title font (alphabetic and numeric fonts have different sources and need to be coded separately boo), 3) before any of that i have to actually pick a title, a quote from the chapter, write a blurb for the masterlist, and 4) my favorite and most dreaded step: editing the header image!

I love the way clothing texture looks in paintings so for each chapter I use a different piece with the color and vibe that chapter is going for, and edit a few variations to test out above the draft. finding a suitable and detailed enough painting scan from 300+yrs ago is not easy :,)

4) I gotta type out my taglist right before hitting post or else some folks don't get notified! + i need to add the new tag requestors

5) review the chapter for any cws and make the content summary simultaneously as vague and as interesting as possible! 6) fill the navi bar with new links and queue up the whole thing for the middle of the night since I live in seoul and most of my readers live in more western time zones :)

this project has really kept me afloat for the past year+ I'm so grateful it's gotten so much sustained interaction! each chapter gets well over 100 notes which might not seem like much, i never could have imagined anything like it. each reader that joins me on this journey is so precious to me, thank you. i will keep working hard and i hope you all continue to love this story as much as I do, all the way until the end

[spaceorphan18]

I'm just thinking out loud about things, please don't mind me.

I have a tendency to only blog about my life when it's going badly, and I mean it makes sense - in that sometimes you want to have a space to kind of think out loud and let it out. I'm sure most sane people journal or talk to a bff. I vent to an audience of strangers on the internet. Because I'm weird like that.

But, here's the thing, I'm not doing badly this time! Really, this is the sanest I've felt in a long time, and it's probably due to the fact that I've actually let myself rest (and got one part of my living space picked up). But I do have a lot of things on my mind, so this is me just kind of word vomiting about things kind of as an update as to where my life is at.

On Health: I think the tricky thing this year has been more my physical health than the mental. I'm mentally in a much better place than I was a year ago, and that's great. Now I have to get the physical side back in shape. I've had to run through different kinds of medication lately, and I think things might be straightened out? Also, I was sick most of last week, which didn't help. But I feel decent now - and I'm really hoping it'll stay that way, because I'm just so tired of not feeling well.

On Work: Work as been a lot. We fired the woman who was giving us problems - for anyone who wondered how that whole thing turned out. There's a lot of change happening, and some drama - which I've been grateful I have not been a part of. It's a lot. It's always a lot a lot a lot, but it's not Indiana. As hard and stressful as things can get here... it's not Indiana.

On Glee Things: Now that I'm kind of in a better mental space about it -- I think it'll be best if I just take a step back from any kind of community related thing. I think the thing I keep coming back to me is that Glee is just a part of me now. It's been with me for so long that it's very personal and between the weird up rising of fans who really are only seeing things in Black and White and the obtuse-ness of K and J's podcast sometimes I just can't with it anymore.

The tournament is going to play out quickly and then I'm done with that. Yes, I'm still writing. Yes, I'll still say my thoughts about the things Darren said. No, I'm never really going to go anywhere.

But I don't really want to be a part of the large fandom anymore.

That said -- I think what else has been bothering me is the fact that I miss so many people. The community that I was a part of just doesn't seem to be there anymore. And, I mean, I get it -- lots of people move on. Lots of people are busy. And there are a few of you that have been around and aren't going anywhere, either, and I do see you! But sometimes I wonder if I've come full circle in that I'm talking into an empty void again.

On X-Men things: Meanwhile, guys. I have a lot of thoughts. Marvel has always had a yo-yo effect on me, and I just have gone down the rabbit hole again. It's making me happy, and breaking my heart in the best possible way, and still making me happy. I apologize up front, because there are going to be a lot of X-Men things coming. (As usual, i'll tag it all)

On Reading: Idk, I just want to read more. I have a huge pile of things to read. And I just want to be more consistent about it.

On taking a freakin' break: My vacation is two weeks away. I'm going to take the pressure off myself and just let myself have a break, because I think that's what I really need.

Thankfully, it's spring, and this is my absolute favorite time of year as it gets warmer out.

Don't be a stranger, guys, I do love talking to all of you.

(And eventually, i'll get that queue going again.)

<3 <3

[foxwayart]

State of personal affairs (IMPORTANT)

(TL;DR will be towards the bottom for those who don’t wanna read my ramblings, but I’d prefer you did since this is important.) Hey everyone, hope you’re all doing well, I’ll cut to the point by saying that I am not. For the past… We’ll say couple of months I’ve been on something of a mental health spiral, and it hasn’t really gotten any better save for my time at the Con. Which was a nice, but very brief reprieve. The whys of this dip in my well being are pretty varied, and some of it I’m not really able to talk about, whether for personal reasons or respect for others. But to put it broadly, work has been stressful, home has been stressful, my health has been stressful, everything has been stressful, and as it stands I don’t think I can keep up with things right now. So I’m taking a small break from working on commissions, and allowing myself a bit more breathing room when it comes to my streams (which is to say the next few streams may be much smaller scale, more chill chatting streams.)  

Now before any of you who commissioned me recently panic: With my current comms I will still be updating you guys, just at a slower rate than normal, I don’t intend to leave you guys in the lurch. But if by the time I’m done with them I still feel this bad, I probably won’t reopen my queue like I’ve been doing nonstop for the past while now. At least if I can financially help it… Streams like I said are gonna be a bit more lax. I’ll probably finish Pinkie Tower, but after that? I dunno, chatting and maybe some light doodling. Dunno how this will affect Sinner’s Saturday since some kind of income would be nice, but this week we’re definitely doing something different, just have to figure out what.  And yes, I still owe you guys that Discord movie night, we’ll be doing that soon. As for how long this time off is gonna be? No clue, it might only be a few days honestly, but the longest I’m giving myself is two weeks cause I just can’t afford any longer than that. And speaking of “affording”, it’s time for literally my least favourite part of the job. The shilling™️. I probably won’t really be making much if any money during this period, so if you ever wanted to support my work with a nice tip. Now would be the time. You have no idea how much even a small tip of a few dollars can help.https://ko-fi.com/foxweyman I’m not gonna sugar coat this folks. I make peanuts on my work. That’s no one’s fault, it's just the nature of being both a small artist and streamer, it’s something I’ve come to peace with as a fact of my career choices. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t stress me out. Part of why I can never usually take breaks at all is because I literally can’t afford to.

I have rent to pay, phone bills, internet, electricity bills, hormone pills, pet expenses including; food, potential vet visits, toys, poo bags, cat litter, etc. I have to have money saved up incase of an emergency whether personal or work related (computer parts need replacing, tablet needs replacing etc), then there's house expenses; food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies; replacing anything we need etc. It’s a lot, even with our packed house.

The only reason I'm able to go to Furnal Equinox or Canfurence is because I start saving up money month after month after month as a treat to myself, and even when there I tend to bring my work so I can get my commission queue done faster and reopen them again as soon as the con is done.

I’ve been told to raise my prices but let’s be honest, I’m not at the level where I can charge hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for pieces, and while this may be a pessimistic view of my work, I probably won’t be able to any time soon. Same with stream goals, I don’t feel like there’s much I can offer right now that would be worth $500 goals or something.

I’d open a merch shop or something but that would be even more stressful upkeep, and again let’s be real. My reach isn’t big enough for that and you can only sell the same merch to the same customer base for so long.

I apologize if it seems like I’m ragging on about the money, but of all the things I’m dealing with it’s the easiest to talk about because it’s something I think at least a few of you can relate to. That and the more personal troubles cut a bit deeper and I’m not sure I even really wanna talk about them because I don’t like dragging you guys down with me. We’ve made an awesome little community and I don’t need to be hurting you with my problems. Is that the healthiest way of looking at it? No probably not but there it is.

Above all that though I just want some more time to myself and the people I care about, not fretting every second that “I could be working” or “I could be monetizing this”, instead of focusing on improving my mental health so I can be a better creator for you guys, and a better person for me. I wanna draw for myself again,even if it’s just low stakes doodles or barely cohesive comic pages, or hell even just to work on my poor draftwomanship .I wanna let myself play some games and not think “Oh I have to stream this”,  every time I do. I wanna be able to go out with my loved ones and not constantly be thinking “WHY AM I NOT WORKING ON COMMISSIONS???”

So TL;DR taking a light break, not sure how long exactly, will keep current customers in the loop, streams aren’t going anywhere but may be a bit different, please tip to the ko-fi so I can stay afloat during this time https://ko-fi.com/foxweyman

For those that read through, thank you so much, it means the world that you care enough about my mental health to drudge through my ravings. You’re truly the best part of this job. A wonderful community that I can just chat and be honest with, I can laugh and joke with you all without fear or anxiety. That’s exceedingly rare these days and I couldn’t be more appreciative of you lot.

That in mind, this took awhile to write, my hands are hurting, and I wanna go lie down, maybe allow myself a good cry. Thanks everyone. <3

- Blaire,“Drfoxweyman” 

[sstormyskyess]

hello everyone!! i'm just here to let y'all know that i'm gonna be taking a break for a little while, not sure how long but i'll be back!! so if you have anything to send me i'll likely not see it until i'm back 💜 any posts i'll be reblogging are from my queue

i've been feeling pretty bad about my writing for a few weeks and that mixing with no motivation for classwork has all added up to a very sad storm

i don't wanna divulge in much because i feel like it'll sound like i'm being ungrateful for the support i've gotten on my writing, but i've been thinking about stuff and it's making me feel very self-conscious so i just need to distance myself from everything writing related for a bit

i'll definitely be missing y'all the whole time i'm gone and i hope to be back soon 💜 love you guys so so much!!

[cazort]

Ugh. Awful day. Six months ago my wife and I bought a washing machine and chose to buy a Speed Queen, which was much more expensive than most other brands, because it had a top-notch reputation and long warranty and we just didn't want to have to deal with breakdowns. This was a tough choice that we did not make lightly. Buying a house was a huge financial burden and my finances are now tighter than they've been in years, and the amount of money at stake matters. We were hoping to buy stability and leave us with one fewer thing to worry about during a stressful life transition.

Well a few days ago, it broke after 6 months, which is irritating enough, but the company has been hellish to deal with. They keep over-promising and under-delivering. Tuesday they said a local service company would reach out to schedule an appointment within 48 hours. Over 72 hours went by with no call. I called again today and the system said the wait time was 1 hour 6 minutes. This is literally the longest wait time I have ever had from any company. I put my number in the queue and they called me back...1 hour 50 minutes later.

The rep was barely helpful. She did not seem to understand the gravity or magnitude of the situation and spoke as if what happened to me was business-as-usual, rather than a rare, once-in-a-blue moon occurence that the company wanted to bend over backwards to fix. She tried calling the contractor and couldn't reach them. She did switch the ticket to a different contractor, who called me back later that afternoon, so now I have an appointment set up for next Thursday.

But I'm upset. I'm upset that I paid over twice the price for what I thought would be a premium product unlikely to break, and with a commitment to outstanding service, and instead I got a company that provides the longest hold times I have ever seen in my life, repeatedly makes promises it fails to deliver on, and reps that have no authority to escalate the issue or do anything to right the situation.

And I still don't know what is going to happen on Thursday. Will the contractor show up? Will they be able to fix it then and there, or will I have to wait days or weeks for a replacement part? Am I going to need to drag our laundry to the laundromat and incur additional costs doing so?

I have already filed a BBB complaint. I would like a partial rebate of the price I paid, because the value I have received is not worth what I paid for. I also am talking about my experience online.

Speed Queen has a top-tier reputation. They are a brand mainly used by laundromats, supposedly made to handle a heavy volume of use and last for many years. But the way they have treated me as a customer makes me feel like I've been cheated and would have done better buying a cheaper brand available at any box store.

I'm a reasonable person. I don't expect top-tier service if I buy a cheap, low-end product. I can even forgive mediocre service. But paying premium prices and then getting unspeakably bad service is just unconscionable to me.

If they had told me it might take a week to get contacted, I would be annoyed but it wouldn't be as bad as saying I would expect a call in a certain time frame and then have that call not come. And I might feel better if they did what most companies do, which is to at least apologize profusely and tell me they are really concerned with what is going on and escalate the situation. Like earlier this week I called my bank about something they messed up and the woman was like "Yeah you are right, the interface is actually really bad. I get why you are upset. We really need to improve that."

Like sometimes that's literally all it takes. Someone saying "Wow, we really messed up. I'm really sorry that sucks so much."

But no I didn't even get that.

And of course if this happens to me I'm gonna talk about it everywhere. So right now I am warning people about Speed Queen. They may have an amazing reputation but my experience with them so far has been awful.

[zombies-aliens]

Man. I'm down bad rn. I'm attached to a fucking girl bruh. It's so. Fucking. Dumb. I don't even wanna get into it. I'm so tired of worrying over nothing meanwhile she's probably not even worried an ounce about me. And why tf would she I'm literally ONE DUDE while she has an ABUNDANCE OF FRIENDS. I have close to zero she's got like the whole damn community at work in her corner who tf do I got again? If I leave nobody cares. Okay okay they'll pretend to miss me, then in a couple minutes I swear to God they'll be laughing it up with friends I promise you!! And boom just like that I'm forgotten and I'll eventually forget them too. Bc they got friends they got people to make them forget and feel better. Good for them unfortunately I don't have that luxury. I'm a lone wolf that feels like an outcast everytime I'm around people. Like look man I know it everyone knows it I ain't shit. It's the sad truth. How can I not see it. I'm a lame. It's the sad truth. Whatever. I'm attached to that person bc they are the only friend I talk to on a daily basis consistently. My dumbass went and got attached because there's literally no one else I do this with. There's nobody else who really made me think I'm actually friends with me back instead of it feeling like I'm their friends and I'm hoping to God they're still friends with me the next day. Oh but they check on me and ask if I'm okay bruh how dumb do you think I am you think I don't know words are just words? Words don't mean jack shit man. All I know is I'm attached, I care way more to an unhealthy extent apparently, and I don't know what else to do but to ghost once I move away to another state. They'll never find me again we'll never see each other and yeah I know it must come off as a shocker for them... maybe?... but as I said they'll be laughing it up with friends in a few minutes I'm not kidding too. They won't miss me that much if at fucking all they do. They'll probably all go drinking the same night and there you go. Fun times restablished. Matter fact fun times were never impacted by me anyway. So idk when I leave to another state and I'm about to leave the store I'm idk bc I know it's proper to put in a two weeks notice but fuck that store I'll tell them in a week they can kiss my ass they don't love me anyway. All I will say is thank you T for hiring me. But idc anymore. When I get the call that's it's time to go (sounds grim but it's a job position I'm in a queue for basically. Its already mine just a matter of time but hopefully it's very soon. Like even next week would be perfect. Just take me away from my attachment man) I'm probably delete her from my snap without notice. Maybe with notice. Still figuring it out. Might say "hey im so so sorry this was fun but its been bad for me.. I need to move on. Everythings okay. None of this is your fault. ooo 🫂

And I think I'll wait a month max before I do it. Bc say I get let go for whatever reason and I go back home where they're at. Now that would be painful for me. Awkward for everybody. But even still they wouldn't give a fuck. They probably think, "idiot"

I'm only doing this because I don't wanna be attached anymore. It's a one sided attachment and I'm tired of how I overthink and it's happening because of this attachment. So I have to break it off from me to fucking get a breath of fresh air.

[fragileswift1313]

Bing!

Kia ora, friends!

I think I may need to preface this for those not necessarily keeping up with tech news, so a few weeks ago at this point, Microsoft announced it was releasing ‘The New Bing’, powered by a version of ChatGPT, which is an update to their search engine that competes with Google. Now, if you’re not familiar with ChatGPT, that’s a whole other topic that is well outside of the scope of this post (or even this publication!), but this article from The Verge might be able to give you some context. This new version of Bing is pretty cool and I’ve played around with it a bit, and I wanted to share with you all some of the stuff I’ve gotten out of it.

So on a whim a recently, I decided to ask Bing to write me a poem. To be honest I was kind of shocked, because it’s so good, it feels like magic. I had a particular person in mind when I asked for this, and it just fits so well with how I really feel. Of course I can’t claim any kind of credit for this, a robot wrote it, but I felt like I desperately needed to share it with the world because it’s so fucking good.

The prompt was ‘heartbreak, hatred and loss’, and the following is what it gave me:

You broke my heart into pieces You filled my soul with hatred You took away all my reasons To live, to love, to create Now I'm left with nothing but pain Nothing but memories of you Nothing but scars that remain Of the love that was never true I wish I could forget you forever I wish I could erase you from my mind I wish I could find a new lover Who would be gentle and kind But you haunt me like a ghost You linger in my dreams You are the one I loved the most And the one who made me scream So how can I move on from this loss? How can I heal this wound? How can I bear this cross? That weighs me down like a tomb Maybe someday I'll find peace Maybe someday I'll forgive Maybe someday I'll release The hatred that makes me live But until then, I'll write these words To express what's in my heart To let go of these hurts And make a new start.

After reading that, I decided to give Bing the same prompt but with a “happy ending,” and it wrote this:

You broke my heart into pieces You filled my soul with hatred You took away all my reasons To live, to love, to create But then I met someone new Someone who made me smile Someone who saw me through The darkness and the trial He showed me how to love again He healed my broken heart He gave me hope and joy and pain And a brand new start Now I'm grateful for what you did You made me stronger and wiser You helped me find my true love's bid And become a better person So thank you for breaking my heart Thank you for making me hate Thank you for taking apart My life, my love, my fate Because of you, I found the one Who loves me more than you ever did Who makes me happy and makes me fun Who is my partner and my friend.

These honestly gave me goosebumps when I read them. A machine wrote this. I mean I guess technically not just one machine but many, but it’s still bizarre to me that AI technology finally feels like it has arrived. It’s not perfect of course, and you may have heard about some of the bizarre things Bing was saying before Microsoft put some additional chains on it, but it’s still really fucking cool.

As far as I’m aware, Microsoft is currently taking requests for access to this, but if you have a Microsoft account and a device that can run their Edge browser (there is also a dedicated Bing app on the iOS apps store), you can head to bing dot com and reserve your place in the queue. I think this is really cool; it remionds me of the first time I got to interact with Siri on a family member’s iPhone 4s, how magic that was to finally see a voice assistant that worked. I’m really excited about the future of this technology, y’all!

Thanks so much for reading! As always, if you have comments/questions/suggestions, you can hit me up at the links at the bottom of the page. I also have a personal Tumblr page where I mostly just Taylorpost (the term I invented for endlessly reblogging GIFs of Taylor Swift) and reblog stuff that I like? And, there’s that email address there now too!

Thanks again, everyone. I’ll talk to you all again soon. Ka kite anō au i a koe. 💚

Socials etc | Twitter | Mastodon | Cohost | Substack | itch.io | Letterboxd | Instagram | Carrd | Email

[comphy-and-cozy]

Hi hello long time reader here, love your work & I am paitently awaiting any more of it to be released. Also love ur smoking with Andrei one & the Connor McDavid ones especially

hiiii thank you so much 🥺 I’m so glad you like those because they tend to be less popular and they deserve love too!!! I’m definitely not opposed to writing more Connor, I just assume most people don’t want to read about him

I have quite a few things in my wip queue that I’m working on - I just needed a little break after writing the behemoth that was the mystery of love essentially two times, but I’m hopeful to have something done in the next few weeks! 🫶🏼

[burnmywholelifedown]

Hi it’s your Santa Swiftie here!!! I’m so excited to get to make you something for the holiday season, but first, I need some info/get to know you better!

Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do on your free time?

Do you have a favorite word?

What's your top 5 Taylor Swift albums?

Favorite Taylor swift mv? Favorite photoshoot?

Pick 13 Taylor songs you like!

What kind of music you like besides Taylor?

If you had to pick 5 songs to describe yourself which ones would you choose?

Who were your most listened artists on Spotify?

I know this is a lot lol, so take your time to answer it all! I hope you have a great week and a lovely December! 🎄🧑🏻‍🎄🎁❄️🎅🏻

hey there!! I'm so excited 😊 Thank you so much for your patience while I was getting over my illness! My blog runs on a queue but I don't use a queue tag so I'm sure that didn't help your concern that messages weren't going through. I'm finally feeling better and able to answer all your questions. One thing you should know about me is that I don't pick favorites so you're going to get some lists lol.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do on your free time?

I do have hobbies! Like many Taylor fans I love to write songs. It's such a fun creative outlet. I also am an avid reader. I read a lot of classics back in the day (and almost became an English major) but after college I've been reading more romance and fantasy books. I haven't been brave enough to venture into Brandon Sanderson territory but we'll get there. I needed to give my brain a bit of a break after all the reading for school.

Do you have a favorite word?

Oh my gosh thank you for this! A word I have loved since middle school is ephemeral. I think it just sounds so soft almost like it's fading away. And it's about such an angsty concept. For my Latin class we wrote a tradgedy called Ephemora. It was the most fun thing ever.

What's your top 5 Taylor Swift albums?

Mkay this question is so unbelievably rude. Right after Midnights came out?? How the heck am I supposed to rank albums at a time like this??? For you I shall do my best:

In no particular order - folkmore, midnights, Speak Now, Red TV, reputation

But debut is a close 6

Favorite Taylor swift mv?

OOTW, IKYWT, Cardigan, Blank Space, Love Story, ATW short film of course

Favorite photoshoot?

If we're going to talk album photoshoots I'm obsessed with the midnights, RED TV, rep and Lover ones.

Here are a few more I really enjoyed:

EW 2019

Glamour UK 2015

Fashion Magazine 2015

Glamour UK 2013

People Magazine 2010

USA Today Newspaper 2010

Pick 13 Taylor songs you like!

Cold As You

Illicit affairs

Cardigan

Ivy

Mastermind

YOYOK

TTDS

DBATC

Dress

Wonderland

The Moment I Knew

Enchanted

Breathe

What kind of music you like besides Taylor?

I tend to listen to singer-songwriters that write acoustic-esque pop. Oh and I also listen to some musicals. I was mostly a theatre kid because I loved classical theatre like Shakespeare but I fell in love with some musicals along the way as well.

If you had to pick 5 songs to describe yourself which ones would you choose?

Damn this is a tough one. I'm really bad at limitations so you're getting more than 5:

Why am I like this? - Orla Gartland

Colorado - Reneé Rapp

Pity Party - Cate

The List - Maisie Peters

Personal Best - Maisie Peters

Girls - girl in red

Kintsugi - Gabrielle Aplin

mirrorball - Taylor Swift

homecoming queen? Kelsea Ballerini

Walk In The Park - Kelsea Ballerini

Being Alive - Company OBC

Growing Sideways - Noah Kahan

Hold The Girl - Rina Sawayama

Who were your most listened artists on Spotify?

I know we're supposed to get videos for the people that we listened to the most but I don't know how to access those so in no particular order here are some artists I listened to this year: Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, Maisie Peters, Reneé Rapp, Gabrielle Aplin, Kelsea Ballerini, Conan Gray, Demi Lovato (love their new album!!), Halsey, Rosie Darling, Gracie Abrams, Cate, Abby Holiday, Lizzy McAlpine, Griff, P!nk, James Bay

I hope all this info helps 😊

[manila-custard]

Weekly Goal Review #01

9.17.23

It’s not really the end of the day/week yet but I’m updating this because I’m going to be working pretty late tonight. 

It’s the end of Week 37 of 2023 so it’s time for a Weekly Goal Review. 

Studying Goals for the Week 

Really busy week work-wise so not a lot of time for personal studying. I can’t completely write off the week, I did make it through a chunk of Pan : The Great God’s Modern Return. 

I did also start a writing practice challenge. I collect tarot cards and oracle decks and I’ve picked a deck to use as daily writing prompts! I’ll keep you all updated with if this works and keeps me writing. 

Enrichment Goals for the Week 

I need to find a way to read more often, there are so many cool books and I can’t find the time to read all of them. Movies too. I like audiobooks but I always reach for YouTube vids to listen to first and I need to break that habit. 

Planning Goals for the Week 

Started that Commonplace book! I’ve written in it everyday so far since receiving it. 

I like the Bento and the 1-3-5 Method conceptually but I’m not sure they work well for my brain yet. 

Working on wrapping my head around my business plan for the next few weeks. It’s very chaotic at work right now. Did narrow my goals down slightly though!

Blog Maintenance

Added a lot, ALOT of stuff to the queue for this blog. 

I need to figure out how to take more aesthetic photos. I just don’t reach for my phone very often so I’m not usually thinking about it. Or everything is messy. 

Next Week 

I’ll be traveling for work so I’ll probably be pretty tired, but I’m hoping that in transit I can listen to more books and take cool photos!

Weekly Goal Setting #01

9.11.23

Alright let’s kick this off. 

It’s Week 37 of 2023. I have a lot to do for my job for this week, so this might be a bit ambitious. But I’m a firm believer in not beating myself up over not reaching goals (especially self-imposed goals) so it’s not a problem if I don’t get to all of these things. 

Studying Goals for the Week

Read a chapter of Pan : The Great God’s Modern Return by Paul Robichaud 

Read a chapter of Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome. By Lindsay C. Watson

Reach 75% through the Metamorphoses by Ovid, translated by Stephanie McCarter (audiobook)

Finish The Art of the Occult by S. Elizabeth

Log notes in Obsidian 

Enrichment Goals for the Week 

Take a deliberate day off 

Go/do/try something new!

Watch Demon Hunter Makaryudo (1998)

Watch The Curse of Kazuo Umezu (1990)

Watch Sleep Has Her House (2017)

Finish Grendel by John Gardner (audiobook)

Start Brutes by Dizz Tate (audiobook)

Play some Baldur’s Gate III

Eat/drink something pumpkin spice and/or bask in the early autumn vibes

Planning Goals of the Week 

Experiment with combining the Bento method with the 1-3-5 method

Start a Commonplace Book and evaluate the notes made in Obsidian

Weekly Set-up Ritual (Monday)

> Prepare the Hobonichi Weeks  > Review Work Schedule  > Review Enrichment/Life Maintenance Schedule 

Weekly Reflection Ritual (Sunday)

> Go through and mark achieved goals in Hobonichi Weeks > Reflect/Journal on what worked/what didn’t  > Go through Life Maintenance book and mark completed habits

Blog Maintenance 

Make Weekly Goals Post 

Make Weekly Wrap Up Post 

Take some Aesthetic Images for Weekly Wrap Up Post

[roscoe-me-and-this-fuckin-kid]

PLEASE, for the love of all that is good, leave Ryan Ross out of whatever the fuck is going on with Panic! At the Disco right now

He hasn’t been a member for over 11 years now and isn’t involved with ANY of this shit. I’ve heard the claim that OTHER people have made on his behalf WITHOUT his permission and it is absolutely not your fucking right to do so. If Ryan wants to speak out bout it then let HIM speak out but to throw his name in and say he’s a victim when he hasn’t said jackshit about what’s going on is FUCKED UP. LEAVE THE MAN ALONE.