#i miss 5 am pearl sm

[whimsicalmists]

god forbid women have hobbies

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

heyy ari!!

i hope you're having a splendid and enjoyable day today. wanted to ask a very important question‼️

what are your five current favorite songs and/or artists?

very curious to see your favs!!

- 🍒

HI 🍒 ANON !! it’s nice to meet u!! this is a great question…. i’m gonna b honest though when it comes to music i. kinda live under a rock? 😭 i didn’t even start thinking abt my favorite artists until a couple years ago… so that’s. a thing.

i can never keep track of my favorite songs but i do have a couple artists i love that come to mind!! :33 so!! in no particular order……

1/ yorushika

actually i lied yorushika is in fact my number one always and forever if yorushika has a million fans i’m one of them if yorushika has one fan that’s me if yorushika has no fans that means i am no longer on this earth. yorushika is a jpop/jrock band consisting of n-buna (songwriter/musician) and suis (vocalist) and they mean the whole galaxy to me their lyrics are so insanely good i use them for writing inspo all the time and in general they’re just?? so good??? their songs always feel so bittersweet and nostalgic and the instrumentals are soo incredible…. this is my favorite band of all time they fr changed my life i highly recommend checking out any of their songs/albums bc they have literally never missed. I Fucking Love Yorushika.

my favorite songs of theirs are blooming in that summer / hachigatsu, bou, tsukiakari / replicant !! :3 i have a million other favs but i’ll leave it at that..

2/ the front bottoms

i love these guys so bad i do….. i actually know literally nothing abt the band itself but i adore their songs and just. how scratchy and cool the vocalist’s voice is!! idk i’m not good at explaining it i just love their songs sm!! :’3 they have a very specific vibe to them that i can’t pinpoint but it does make me feel like a rabid dog so there’s that <33 if u have any form of daddy issues i’m sure u’ll love them (they’re also EXTREMELY stsg coded hello…)

my favorite songs of theirs are be nice to me / father / funny you should ask !! :3

3/ mitski

we all saw it coming let’s be real i don’t know a single queer jjk fan who doesn’t love mitski we literally owe her everything? jokes aside it actually took me some time to warm up to her songs, at first i only loved her lyrics but eventually i saw The Light. her songs have this specific melancholic vibe that i’ve never found in anything else and i eat it up every single time ….. i adore her instrumentals and her voice and obv her lyrics !! i resonate a lot with them AND i associate them w lots of jjk characters (especially sugu wbk he’s a mitski girlie).. i just really love her !! she’s Mother always and forever :)

my favorite songs of hers are goodbye, my danish sweetheart / a pearl / i’m your man !! :33

4/ ricky montgomery

RICKYYY MY ANGEL ON THIS EARTH i love him so bad. :( he makes me happy. his songs are so comfy so cozy so lovely i just adore them……. they’re very winter-y but also very summer-y i just love them a lot!! and i think his interactions w the jjk/sk8 fandoms are so funny he’s my emotional support artist i think i would probably kill if he asked me to

my favorite songs of his are cabo / california / line without a hook !! :3

5/ beabadobee

what can i even say abt her…. she’s my goddess i think. beabadobee is like mitski in that her songs just have this specific Vibe that nothing else has and it makes me yearn so bad… sooo nostalgic and vibrant i just think she’s so ridiculously good !!! her songs never fail to make me lose it entirely i listen to them often while writing too !!! they’re soooo catchy and wonderful <333

my favorite songs of hers are don’t get the deal / apple cider / cologne !! :3

[hayleyb100]

Light My Way, Part 3

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 - Part 10 - Part 11 the end

⚠️ WARNING! ⚠️

-It is a twisted story of Pokemon Sun and Moon, and a crossover of Pokemon SM and SWSH.  -It features Hau and Kabu as the main characters. -Extremely angsty. -Everything is headcanon. -It isn’t spoiler-free.

Kabu was an ambitious man when he first came to Galar.

As his father was a craftsman for katana, he naturally became close to Fire-type pokemon, and He was determined to reach the top with them. His parents were also supportive of him and gave any help necessary. True to his ardor to reach the top, he became Gym Leader of Motorstocke Gym. But his ambitious dream tumbled to pieces over time. Kabu thought with his youth, vigor, and passion, he can burn down all the enemies in his way, but with time, his loss count stacked.

Too much until he was weeded out of the Gym Leader position.

Kabu felt lost. The only dream that motivated him to come to another region away from the parents was to become strong. But now that he was thrown out, he was too embarrassed to see them again after all their support. He hid the fact that he was thrown out to his parents. To continue to lie to his parents that he is doing well, Kabu started working for any job that he can lay his hand on to stay in Galar, but a young man wore out quickly with his wings to reach his dream snapped.

He became severely depressed that he lost all the wills for pokemon battles. He was busy maintaining his life in a foreign region and handling people's backbiting, that he forgot the purpose of why he even has to go on living like he is doing. Despite his distressed economic situations, he got drunk day after day to escape from the sad reality, but nothing helped. He started to disbelieve in himself and his potentials.

That's when his father reached him. As usual, Kabu lied that he is doing well. But his father quietly told him.

"If you are having a hard time there, always remember that you have home to return to. And even if the whole world turns cold back on you, remember you have your mother and I believe in you."

those simple but honest words woke up Kabu by far. That little fact where he has somewhere to return to gave him so much relief and consolation. After he hung up, he wept alone in his room for a long time. He felt refreshed than ever. He immediately cut off his drinking habit and started training hard with his pokemons again. He shed his old habits and mind set of power and started working on his tactics too. His passion burnt further with the fantastic match against Leon. With his efforts, he became the Gym Leader once again, and he was praised as one of the top Gym Leaders of the Galar who turned over a new leaf.

After getting back on track, Kabu dreamed of visiting Hoenn again to see his parents as a proud son. But his Gym Leader work kept him occupied that he just couldn't find the right time. His fear of losing his position again restrained him from going back to Hoenn to relax. He stayed in Galar to train and keep himself on edge. Days turned to months, and months turned to years. He rarely visited Hoenn and kept postponing his visit to his parents.

...Until it was too late.

When many years of peaceful days passed, Kabu received a call saying his parents passed away. As they were devoted to each other, they left on the same day together. He left the Hoenn at last to bid a final farewell. Unbearable heartache from regret devoured Kabu as he faced two portraits. He tried to stay as a strong Gym Leader to be the proud son as well, but he ended up not doing the basic duty of the child: Sharing his life with parents. He felt as if his bones were shattering, but he didn't just lie there crying. The flame of love that his father and mother passed on kept him firm. And all those years of hardship he went through taught him weeping and sitting down doesn't help.

After the funeral for 7 weeks, Kabu thought carefully about what to do in the airplane back to Galar. All his life he's been working hard to pursue his dream of becoming a great pokemon trainer, but upon his parents' death, questions started to brim in his mind.

So what was I stacking all this power for?

What was I burning for?

Was it just to show off?

Was it just for an honor?

Was it to become a proud son? But considering that, I ended up not able to pay the love back.

Kabu felt so much guilt of only receiving love from his parents and not repaying them with the love they deserve. And with Gym Leader work and the turmoil during his youth kept him busy, he never started a family either. It felt as if when he looked back, he had nothing to turn to. As he kept thinking in the airplane back to Galar, one thought came up in his mind.

'That's right. The least I can do to make sure my parent's love doesn't go to waste is to pass it down. I can pass down the love to who needs it the most as a legacy.'

Kabu resolved that moment. But considering people around him, there wasn't an appropriate person for him to do that. Most Gym Leaders were young of course, but they were all so mature and had a loving family. He knew it would be a hard and rough way, but there was one more option: Fostering. He was determined to help the one who is in the most need, like when Kabu was going through a hard time.

A week after Kabu returned to Galar, a video call from his great friend came. It was the most welcoming call Kabu had since the friend didn't contact him for quite a long while.

"Nanu, glad to hear from you. How have you been?"

"So-so."

Nanu was Kahuna of Alola who Kabu befriended during Nanu's trip to Galar. Professor Kukui of the same region wanted to start a Pokemon League in their place, so he was traveling around different regions to get an idea of how to run one along with other Kahunas who will be the Elite Four. Nanu grumbled in annoyance but still followed Kukui as Kahuna. At least Nanu gained one thing in Galar: A good friend called Kabu. They were about the same age and had the same interest which was pokemon, so they came close through pokemon battles and a glass of beer. Even after Nanu went back to his region, they constantly got in touch to babble old man's chat. But since quite a while ago, there was no call from Nanu whatsoever, so Kabu got a little worried. Well, until now that is.

"I heard that your parents passed away. I deeply sympathize. Sorry to hear."

"Thank you for the worries, but I'm alright now. I had plenty of times to think it over, so I have calmed down. However, I was more worried about you, honestly. What happened over 8 months? Were you busy building the League?"

"Well..."

Nanu scratched the back of his head and wore an awkward expression. Kabu was puzzled, as it wasn't the kind of expression that Nanu would normally wear.

"The plan to build the League was... abolished. For good, I guess."

Kabu was caught so off guard that he was stunned for a few moments. He couldn't believe that such a passionate professor like Kukui would throw a towel at his ambitious plan so easily.

"I... Wh... Did something bad happen?"

"Yeah... Bad. Very... Bad."

Nanu inhaled looking frazzled.

"It's actually the reason why I couldn't call for that long. Something bad happened in Alola."

"...Is it alright for me to ask why?"

Nanu seemed as if he knew the question was coming, but he sighed deeply.

"Kahuna of Melemele Island passed away."

Kabu gasped. He was shocked, as Hala was the most energetic Kahunas of all.

"His grandson has gone missing and his daughter-in-law died in an accident... His heart just gave out. After losing his mentor, Kukui was devastated and discarded whatever he was doing. The League, his research... Everything."

The Fire-type Gym Leader was lost for words. He didn't know where to start consoling.

"I... I am sorry."

"Hey, you're the one to hear sorry at the moment, right? Don't sweat it. I wasn't damaged as much as Kukui... Or the grandson."

The last words just pricked up Kabu's ears.

"Did you find him?!"

"Yeah... But in the worst condition."

Nanu shook his head as he told Kabu an unbelievable story of how the grandson of Hala was discovered in cold sleep.

Kabu couldn't imagine how ravaged the little boy was when he found out he was left alone in the world. That's when his instinct screamed him to go see that boy.

"Nanu, if it isn't too much of trouble... Would it be alright if I meet the boy?"

"Umm... Not without a purpose. He isn't fond of strangers now, you know."

"I know. But I need to."

Kabu inhaled deeply.

"I would love to foster him."

Nanu kept shaking his head saying the boy would be tough to foster as he was abandoned by the foster family twice and he isn't in good health. But Kabu insisted and pleaded, saying he will take good care of him. Nanu signed and approved, as he knew Kabu was pretty stubborn when he made up his mind and he was someone trustworthy.

In an airplane to Alola, Kabu studied the psychology of an adopted child, how to care for them, and what to expect and do. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt the poor boy yet again due to lack of preparation. Nanu took him to the hospital, and he had a fateful encounter.

The boy was sitting on the bed quietly. Kabu was surprised at his lovely olive green hair like Oddish leaves and two round eyes like Deerling. But it tore his heart to see such an enchanting boy wasting away in sorrow. When Nanu called the boy, he looked back, and Kabu's eyes met a pair of eyes that looked like the night sky.

As soon as Kabu saw the eyes that looked like 2 black pearls, Kabu made up his mind. He wouldn't temporarily foster him. He will raise him as his own. He said he would foster him because he had to be careful with these things, but his mind was already inclined onto adoption instead of fostering.

This is the boy.

Kabu thought.

This is the child to pass down the love I've got.

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Also saw you're doing requests so yay!!. Any chance of jercy bakery au? Love your work sm hope you have a great day ☺☺

My Darling Anon how dare you make me fall more in love with Jercy???????? I squealed when i saw this and then promptly started writing even though i should be studying for my (ironically) Greek Mythology test.

i hope you love it because if i fail at least i know it’ll be worth it :) Also this was honestly supposed to be a quick drabble and it somehow ended up as 1,5K+ words so??? #isanyonesurprisedthough

Masterlist

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

Jason Grace smiled as the birds beside his head chirped and then swiped his phone to cut off the amusing sound. His fiery friend, and co-worker thought it was hilarious to steal his phone and change his alarm tone every few weeks. Usually it was something inane and silly like a cartoon laugh track or just a repeating “It’s time to get up BakerBoi” that gets increasingly louder. He had arrived to work with a scowl on his face only to see the shit-eating grin of Leo Valdez waiting at the door.

Now Jason stumbles out of bed, letting his limbs loosen as he pads softly to the bathroom, feeling cool tile and a winter breeze on his exposed skin. He loves mornings like this, when the world isn’t quite awake, and the sky hasn’t decided what colour it wants to be for the day. He knows in is baker’s bones that it’ll be cold and rainy, but he has time for a morning jog before the world starts crying.

“Good morning boss,” A bright eyed, fidgeting Leo greets as he steps into the bakery.

Jason had been there at seven thirty, pulling down the café chairs and cleaning the counters. He already had a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and about three different types of muffins in the oven. The bread was waiting for the busy hands of Leo and Hazel who somehow always seemed to make heavenly fluffed, soft rolls and the deliciously crusty baguettes. Hazel jokes that it’s the New Orleans blood that flows through her veins. They’re all half inclined to agree.

“Morning Valdez, I like the alarm this week.” He tosses a grin over his shoulder before going back to his icing ritual. Mix, taste, mix, ice.

“I figured you would old man. Even though i much prefer my ASMR food audio from last week. What’s the specialty today?”

“We need to get beignets out and the pain au chocolats before the breakfast crowd. Also the fruit stuffed pastry twists and the honey bread have to be prepped before we open so we can bring them out hot in time for the brunch crowd. Specialty today is a new thing I’ve been working on. Blue blondie doughnuts with Oreo cream filling and sugar glaze.”

“Gods boss, you tryna give people heart failure?”

“Just trying to insert some sweetness into the world,” He winked.

Before Leo could give an undoubted snarky reply a bubbly head of dark brown curls and glittering eyes popped around the door.

“Goooood morning everyone,”

Jason couldn’t help the smile that graced his face at her cheeriness, “Hello Miss Levesque, glad to see a prettier face around here,”

Leo made a strangled noise of indignation from the other side of the kitchen but didn’t get the chance to voice his offense before the last member of their little group walked in.

“Ah there you are Miss McLean, I do wonder how you arrive with Hazel and still manage to get in after her.”

She gave him an exasperated look, “I have to say goodbye to my girlfriend before I come in Boss. You’re the one who banned couple calls in the bakery.”

“Well maybe if we didn’t have to hear you and Annabeth explicitly planning your night’s activities I wouldn’t have had to do that.”

Piper just rolled her eyes and went to grab her apron and a cloth to wipe down the tables.

"Everyone ready?" He asked, from the door of the kitchen an hour later.

"Ready for the storm boss," They all yelled back, as they did each morning.

"Then let's roll like thunder," He grinned, flinging the doors to Ambrosia Bakery open.

"Oh thank the heavens, I could smell the goodness from here and it was a struggle to keep the drool in," One Reyna Avila Ramirez Arellano breathed in deep.

"Good morning my favourite customer," Leo smirked from behind the counter.

"Jason tell your bread boy to stand down before I make him,"

"Is that an invitation?" Dark eyebrows wiggled in amusement.

"That is a threat," She growled.

"Well mark me down as scared and h—"

"Valdez I swear if you finish that sentence I'm putting you on wash-up duty for the next week."

A faint "you got it boss" followed Jason into the kitchen, where he allowed himself to smile. It was an ongoing amusement that Leo flirted with Reyna and in return she came up with increasingly terrifying threats.

"Jason, your sister is here to see you" Hazel said, gently shoving him out the way so she could take over rolling the pastry.

"Get the doughnuts ready for the fryer I'll be back soon, thank you!"

He maneuvered around a blushing Leo who had icing on his nose and a suspicious lipstick stain on his cheek, finally making his way to the confectioners stand.

"What's up loser?" He said by way of greeting.

"Hey you're only allowed to call me that if you come baring nice things." Thalia Grace frowned.

"I am nice things," He pouted.

"Not even on your best day." She snorted, "I want to know if you're coming to the gala this weekend. I need a date to steal extra bread-sticks for me."

"Why can't I just make you bread-sticks and we can sit in your lounge and watch bad reality TV?" He groaned

"Because I have to show face or the sponsors aren't going to sponsor. Besides you need a night out. You're gonna start smelling like bread if you don't take a break."

"It's insulting that you think I wouldn't want to smell like breadsticks."

She laughed at, that ruffling his hair, "Just be ready by seven. You better be wearing a suit."

And with that his sister had grabbed her daily croissant and cappuccino and vanished into the drizzling day.

Before he could make it back to his safe haven beside the ovens and marbled counter-tops a flash of black hair caught his eye.

Turning around he couldn't contain the grin that tugged at his lips; standing by the counter already staring intently at the newest creation was Jason's favourite customer.

"Hello Percy Jackson,"

"Jason," A dazzling smile revealed pearl white teeth and the tiniest dimple on a cheek the color of rich toffee.

"I see you've already found Neptune's Tridoughnut,"

A bright laugh escaped a wickedly beautiful mouth, "Oh I love that. How'd you come up with that one?"

Jason smiled softly, debating whether to tell the owner of the 5-Oceans Conservation Company that he was the muse behind all of his latest creations, hence the variations of green and blue.

Instead, as he did every time Percy asked, he lied, "My sister went to an opening ceremony for a new exhibit at the Education center all about Mythology so I thought I’d offer my services and well, they were a hit."

Piper who was walking past at that exact moment coughed something that sounded suspiciously like "Liar" but with a pointed glare she disappeared behind the counter.

"That sounds great. Guess I'll have to recruit you for all my functions," He winked, a small smirk playing at his lips.

Jason cursed his pale cheeks and hoped the blush he now sported wasn't too noticeable, "What can I get you besides a specialty doughnut?"

"Can I get one banana and walnut muffin, a dozen chic chips, and I'm gonna go see mom this afternoon so maybe a couple of caramel pastry twists and some blueberry muffins?"

"Sure. I guess Estelle is off her carrot cake faze?" He laughed, remembering how Percy had to stop at the bakery twice a week to grab carrot and pecan mini cakes just for his little sister.

"Ugh she's onto wanting fruit in absolutely everything now so my mom has been frantically buying boxes of peaches, strawberries and apples to cut up and send with her for lunch at school." Green eyes rolled in fake annoyance.

"Well if she likes fruit things maybe she should try the raspberry and orange pastry twists?" He pointed to a display stand piled with various pastries coloured by blackberry jam, apricot pieces, kiwi slices and mango syrup.

"I could kiss you right now!" Percy exclaimed rushing towards the display, unaware that the baker was frozen to the spot.

I could kiss you, could kiss you, kiss you, kiss...

Jason's brain had short-circuited, his neurons too busy having a dance party with his hormones to process the world.

I could kiss you.

A lazy, unconscious smile took over his face as he stood there in the middle of his bakery, arms slack, head lolled, and eyes crinkled.

"Jason?" A faraway voice called.

"Jason? Hello?"

And suddenly a hand was waving in front of his vision trying to get his attention.

He pulled himself out of his reverie, blinking back into existence, "Right yes the pastries"

"Didn’t get enough sleep last night?" Percy teased, slugging him softly in the shoulder.

He snorted at the implication, "Unfortunately I'm a bit of a grandfather. Sleep early, rise early."

"Oh guess you like morning activities then,"

He sputtered, head snapping up to stare into twinkling eyes, "N-no, I just meant—"

"I'm kidding Mr BakerMan," That brilliant, bright laugh again, "I know you're a homebody. Your sister likes to tell me how boring you are."

He huffed at that, "We'll see if she gets her pear tarts this weekend."

"Speaking of this weekend," A sly grin played at Percy's mouth, "Are you coming to the gala?"

"Yea," He sighed, "Thalia says she needs me to steal bread-sticks ."

Sea green eyes widened before Percy burst out laughing. In a matter of moments tears were streaming down his face.

If Jason wasn't so smitten with that gorgeous smile and those mischievous eyes he may have been inclined to laugh too. But Percy Jackson was a vision he half believed only his dreams could conjure.

When the laughter had mostly seized Percy wiped his eyes and managed to gasp, "That sounds exactly like something Thalia would ask. When we worked on the marine life project together she always stole the mints from every CEO’s office because she said they had enough money to buy a mint factory, they could afford to replace a single bowl."

"Yep, her life goal is to end capitalism. I swear if it wasn't for Annabeth, Thalia would be walking into office buildings with a sack like some reverse Santa Claus where she steals the office supplies and fruit bowls."

"Well I can't wait to see you stuffing your pockets with bread-sticks on Saturday so I guess I'll see you then," He gave another dazzling smile.

"Yea, and say hello to little Estelle for me. Tell me how she likes the pastries."

"Don't worry I'm sure I'll be back soon with a long list of request."

"Can't wait." He grinned.

Percy chuckled, "Me neither, see you Friday." And then he was gone.

Oh gods, Jason thought, how am I ever gonna survive Percy in a suit?

***

Spoiler alert past-Jason: you didn't.

[itscarlawthac]

PLE Adventure

This is a blog entry to help PLE takers studying for the boards.

It is in the mindset. That powerful thinking that you will pass and so does your whole batch. I was very lucky to pass the PLE September 2019 together with my batchmates. We got that elusive 100%, we were ranked 1st together with Cebu Institute of Medicine and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. It was that idea of “No One Being Left Behind” and that mantra at the beginning of your review, will help each one of you. You will pull each other up, push each other to their limits and together you will all emerge victorious because you were in it to win it, TOGETHER.

First things first. How will you go about the studying process? Of course, you need a plan. My plan was of course is getting a slot from Topnotch Medical Review coz everyone is saying that they are the best. They have the highest percentile of passers. Plus, my boyfriend also suggested that to me. Knowing how he does not like studying and yet he passed, speaks volumes haha so choose well. You may opt to study on your own (I have batchmates who did), go with your medical school’s review (we had a refresher but I did not go) or other review centers (UST and Cracking the Boards). But for me, why risk it? This is not the NMAT where I could risk getting a low score (I studied by myself). This is it. It is now or never. Failure is not an option for me. I have been very lucky for every major examination I took (MaSci entrance exam, UPCAT, ACET, USTET, DLSUET, PLM CAT, NMAT) I have always passed. And for this exam, I could not rely on luck alone. I need a solid strategy and Topnotch did strategize well for all of us.

I enrolled in Topnotch and realized that there are a lot of good teachers out there. Different strategies being used in different medical schools. Different materials for studying. Different learning styles and teaching styles. I was amazed. My 2 day surgery lecture by Dr. Loubomir Antonio was enough to cram all 2 years of medschool surgery! The Anatomy lectures of Dr. Vibar were so helpful and organized! Biochemistry became easier and understandable because of THE Ronibats! And my favorite was Ian De Vera’s pedia lecture. The teachers were so good and they imported only the best from different schools. Listen and don’t take the lectures for granted even if you hear poor reviews from other classes! Attend and show up! They are high yield!

I rented a condo at San Juan together with 3 roomies from UERM (recommended by my college friend). They were so dedicated in studying so I was motivated! We did not chat much but instead focused on studying. I think that also helped because less distraction. I walk for 5 minutes to go to the lecture proper. We start at around 8am per session and usually finish by 7pm or depending on the schedule. The schedule was very flexible so you cannot really plot a definite plan. 

MY ROUTINE (Lecture Days): Wake up at 5am, fast shower, fast breakfast + prepare food for class, walk to the lecture place (arrive an hour before so that I can get good seats) then take morning coffee courtesy of topnotch, LECTURE, go home/grocery, dinner, answer 1 chapter of Robbins Pathology (3 hours), re-read lecture for the day til around 2am x repeat til cramming fest. aka PEARLS.

MY ROUTINE (Rest Days): Wake up at 10am, shower, STUDY, eat while STUDYING, sleep at 4am then repeat. Just read and read and read. That is all that is asked of you during these months. You focus and study so that you won’t be that person who won’t be happy at the wee hours of the morning when they release the list of passers. You study so you will have a face to show to your alma mater. So that you can attend the Thanksgiving mass. So that you can have your face placed in a tarpaulin. You study, and you study hard and smart.

Quality Time: Sometimes, I do go on study dates because my boyfriend would surprise me by coming all the way from Manila during weekdays! We go to Rob Mag or to the nearby cafe to study. He would then bring me back to the condo and he will be on duty the next day. That’s how we maintained our relationship for almost 2 months. He was preparing for his Residency In Service Exam while I prepare for the boards. *see my IG stories for my board dates hihi* My parents were very supportive as well. They visited me every week and we would go to different churches (Sta Clara, St Jude, Manaoag) and eat at Rob Mag or SM Sta Mesa whenever I need unwinding aka near breakdown. Because I swear there were moments where I would literally just cry and sulk. They would go to my condo ASAP whenever this would happen and for that I am very thankful to have the most supportive parents and boyfriend. Whenever I am in LP, my bestie would also join me to study. 

My resources: Topnotch reviewers (read it around 2-3x first reading for highlighting and fast reading, 2nd during the lecture, third reading for focused review), Robbins Review of Pathology (answer then check the rationale at the back), USMLE (to fully grasp the correlation between the anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology per system it is discussed in such a way that you would understand it better), IM Platinum (fast checking), Surgery Platinum, Legal Med Question Bank (during mini breaks), FM Platinum, PLM OB transes (best transes!).

At about a week before the actual exam, I went home to Las Pinas to focus so everyday I would go out and study at the nearby Starbs (which is my go to place here in LP). I would start at 10am until 8pm then continue cramming at home. By this time I am already reading the Pearls Handout and Q&As. My clerkship group would hold Q&A nights where anyone would ask questions and anyone could answer. It was our way to support each other and to check on what we might have missed that seemed important to others.

Topnotch would also coach you on how to properly answer the questions plus feed you and give you motivation. They won’t give you leakages but they promise to take care of you so that you won’t think of anything else but to study. 

Board Exam things to bring: your Notice of Admission, Mongol pencils, Stabilo/Staedtler eraser, Ballpoint pen, snacks aka empanada and candies and water, reviewers (for peace of mind when you check answers haha I know it’s not healthy but well...), clear envelope (1 big, 1 small -- trust me!), fan, paracetamol.

So there you have it, my sort of guide and story telling of my boards experience. If you want to ask me for specifics, you can message me here! Remember that this is the last hurdle before you reach your dreams (although residency is so tough!). Pass the boards and you will have the freedom to do as you desire. May it be pursuing residency, work as Doctor to the Barrio, go moonlighting, or starting a family, when you get that MD after your name for real, you can be anyone you want.

That’s it for now. I’ll go on duty in a few hours. Keep safe. Wear masks.

[kpopinformant]

FANDOM MASTERLIST

 FANDOM NAMES AND COLOURS: A Masterlist

GROUP NAME = FANDOM NAME / FANDOM COLOUR

N/A = Not Available

1TYM: Hip-Hop Village / Black

100%: Perfection /  N/A

2NE1: Blackjack (Korea) or Blackjack Nolza (Japan) / Hot Pink

1NB: N/A / N/A

24K: 24U / N/A

2AM: I Am / Metallic Grey

2PM: Hottest / Metallic Grey

4MINUTE: 4NIA / Pearl Purple

4TEN: N/A / N/A

14U: Only U / N/A

8EIGHT: Sweet Voice / N/A

5URPRISE: N/A / N/A

9MUSES: MINE / Silver & Purple

A PINK: Pink Panda / Pink

AOA: Elvis / N/A

ALPHABAT: ALPHA / N/A

APEACE: Hana-one / N/A

AA: W / N/A

ASTRO: Aroha / Space Violet & Vivid Plum 

A.C.E: Choice / N/A

A-JAX: A-LIGHT / N/A

AILEE: Aileeans / N/A

APRIL: FINEAPPLE / N/A

A-PRINCE: A-Land / N/A

AST’1: Eunice / Pearl Purple

AFTER SCHOOL: Play Girlz & Play Boyz / Yellow

B.A.P: Baby / Spring Green

BIGBANG: V.I.P / Black & Yellow

B1A4: BANA / Pastel Apple Lime Green

BABY V.O.X: Baby Angels / Pearl Baby Pink

B2ST: B2UTY / Dark Grey

B.I.G: Beginning / N/A

BATTLE: Battle Destiny / Pearl Gold

BABY VOX RE.V: Second Wing / Pink

BAEK JI YOUNG: N/A / Red

BERRY GOOD: Very Berry / N/A 

BIG STAR: Only One / N/A

BESTIE: BESTiny / N/A

BLACK PEARL: N/A / Pearl Black

BLACK BEAT: Soul Black / Pearl Black 

BLOCK-B: BBC / Black & Yellow Stripes

BoA: Jumping BoA (Korea) or SOUL (Japan) / Pearl Yellow

BLADY: Hi Ade / N/A

BOYS REPUBLIC: Royal Family / N/A

BgA: Kpoopers / Silver & Gold

BLACKPINK: BLINK / N/A 

BLACK6IX: N/A / N/A

BP RANIA: A1ST (A first) / N/A

BRAVE GIRLS: FEARLESS / N/A

BOYFRIEND: Bestfriend / N/A

BIGFLO: Wave / N/A

B.O.M: Bloomer / N/A

BUZZ: Buzz’s Happy People / Blue

BTS: A.R.M.Y / N/A

BLANC7: PRISM / N/A

BYUL: N/A / Purple

BROWN EYED GIRLS: Everlasting / Yellow & Black

BTOB: Melody / Sky Blue

BULLDOK: Hotdok / N/A

C.N. BLUE: Boice / Blue

C-REAL: C-REALing / N/A

C-CLOWN: Crown / Pearl Forest Green

CHAOS: ChaoNyx / N/A

CHI CHI: Shy Girl & Shy Boy / N/A

CHAKRA: Goddess / Purple

CLC: Cheshire / N/A

CHOCOLAT: Chocolatier / N/A

COSMIC GIRLS (WJSN): Ujung / Airforce Blue, Vivid Tangerine & Timerwolf

CHAE YEON: N/A / Apricot

CO-ED SCHOOL: Classmates / N/A

CODE-V: V-intage / N/A

CLICK B: NIZI / Green

CROSS GENE: CandY / N/A 

CSJH THE GRACE: Shapley / Pearl Pink

CRAYON POP: Popjusshi & Popgirl / Apple Green

DALMATIAN / DMNT: Dalmate / N/A 

DAL SHABET: Darling / N/A

DIA: AID / N/A

DRUG RESTAURANT (JJY BAND): Jungbrahimovic / N/A

D-UNIT: Unique / N/A

DGNA (THE BOSS): Master / Pearl Terracotta

DREAMCATCHER: N/A / N/A

DAVICHI: Girls High / N/A

DAY6: My Day / N/A

DBSK/TVXQ: Cassiopeia (Korea) & Big East (Japan) / Pearl Red

DNT (DRAGON N TIGER): DAY / Chocolate

DIVA: N/A / Pearl Purple

EPIK HIGH: High Skool / Black

ERU: Hi Eru / Pearl Green

EXID: L.E.G.O / N/A

ELECTROBOYZ: Teamelectro / N/A

EVOL: Voller / N/A

EXO: EXO-L / Grey

EUN JI WON: G-CREW / Silver

F.CUZ: For U; Runway (Korea) & F.antasia (Japan) & F1 (China) / Twinkle Light Silver

F(X): N/A / Pearl Light Periwinkle

F.I.X: Polaris / N/A

FLY TO THE SKY: Fly High / Sky Blue

F.T. ISLAND: Primadonna / Yellow

FIESTAR: Let★s / N/A

FIN. K.L: Pinky / Red 

G.O.D: Fan God / Sky Blue

G-DRAGON & DARA (DARAGON): Appler / N/A

GAVY NJ: Happiness / N/A

G.NA: G.Ni / N/A

GIRLS’ GENERATION (SNSD): S❤NE / Pastel Rose

GOT7: I Got7 / N/A

GFRIEND: BUDDY / N/A

GIRLS’ DAY: DAI5Y / N/A

GREAT GUYS: N/A / N/A

GUGUDAN: Dan-jjakn / N/A

GONG YOO: Yoo & I / N/A

GP BASIC: Spade / Purple

HELLO VENUS: Hello Cupid / Lime Green

HISTORY: Storia / N/A

HIGHLIGHT: LIGHT / Dark Grey

HYUNA: A-ing / N/A

H.O.T: Club H.O.T. (fans referred to as White Angels) / White

HITT: Hitter / N/A

HALO: HALOVE / N/A

HOTSHOT: Hotple / N/A

HEO YOUNG SAENG: Y.E.S / N/A

INFINITE: Inspirit / Pearl Metal Gold

IU: IUNA / N/A 

IN2IT: IN2U / N/A

IKON: iKONIC / Orange-Red

ISAK N JIYEON: N/A / Pearl White

IMFACT: IF / N/A

I THE TRI-TOPS: TriStar / N/A

INX: N/A / N/A

IVY: Ivynus / Lime Green

JAY PARK: Jay Effect (fans referred to as Jay Walkers) / N/A

JANG NARA: Fly Nara Love / Pearl Blue

JJCC: Key / N/A 

JESSI: Jebbies / N/A

JANG GEUN SEUK: Eels / N/A

J-WALK: Police / Yellow

JJ PROJECT: JOYOUS / N/A

JESSICA JUNG: Golden Stars / Gold

JEWELRY: Jewel Box / Pearl Blue

JUNIEL: Banila / N/A

JINUSEAN: N/A / Red

JYJ: N/A / Pearl Red

JBJ: Joyful / Dolly Yellow & Cornflower Blue

JO SUNG MO: Sungmo Maria / Transparent

KIM HYUN JOONG: Henecia / N/A

KIM HYUNG JUN: Junus (Korea) & Jjunaway (Japan) / N/A

KIM BUM: Bummies / N/A

KIM JONG KOOK: Papitus / N/A

KIM KYU JONG: ThanKYU / N/A

KIM SO EUN: Angels / N/A

KIM CHUNGHA: N/A /  Pantone 374c, Pantone 332c & Pantone 358c

KARA: Kamilia / Pearl Peach

K.A.R.D: Hidden Kard / N/A

KNK: Tinkerbell / Twinkle Silver & Rose Gold

KCM: N/A / Pearl Emerald Green

KOYOTE: Little Ssun / Pearl Blue

KINO: Leaf / N/A

LC9:  Love Beat / N/A

LABOUM: Latte / N/A

LEDAPPLE: L.E.D.A. / Pearl Teal

LADIES CODE: Lavely / N/A

LOVELYZ: Lovelinus / Pinkish-Purple

LEE MIN HO: Minoz / N/A

LEE SOO YOUNG: Crystal / Pink

LEE HYORI: HyoRish / Red

LEE SEUNG GI: Airen / Pearl Mint

LUNAFLY: Lukie / N/A

L.A.U (LU:KUS): AndU / N/A

LAYSHA: N/A / N/A

M.I.B.: Busterz / N/A

MBLAQ: A+ / Pearl Chocolate

MAP6: MAPSI / N/A

MVP: Victory / N/A

MC THE MAX:  N/A / Ivory

MC MONG: Dream-kids / Pearl Peach 

MARMELLO:  MARMALADE / N/A

M.FECT: Mfectable / N/A

M. PEROR: Kingdom / N/A

M.I.L.K: Milky Way / Pink

MONSTA X: Mon bebe / N/A

MAMAMOO: Moomoo / N/A

MONSTER: N/A / Black

MR.MR: Miso / N/A

MISS A: Say A / N/A

MADTOWN: MADPEOPLE / N/A

MOON CHILD: N/A / Ivory

MYNAME: MYgirl / N/A

N-SONIC: Super Sonic / N/A 

N-TRAIN: Eternal / N/A

NCT: NCTzen / N/A

NU’EST: L.O. Ʌ .E / N/A

N.FLYING: N.Fia / N/A

NRG: Cheonjae Ilwoo / Pink

OUTSIDER: Presto / N/A

ONE WAY: One Love / N/A

OH  MY GIRL:  Miracle / N/A

PARK HYO SHIN: Soul Tree / Green

PARK SHIN HYE: Star Angel / N/A

PAPAYA: N/A / Pink

PARAN: Blue Ciel / Pearl Sapphire Sky Blue

PENTAGON: Universe / UniNavy

PSY: PSYcho / Black

PRISTIN: HIgh / N/A

RAINBOW: Rain-nous / All 7 colours of the rainbow

RAIN: Clouds / Silver

RAINZ:  Rainzer /  Lilac Breeze & Aqua Sky

ROMEO: Juliet / N/A

ROYAL PIRATES: Royal Treasure / N/A

RANIA: A1ST / N/A

RED VELVET:  ReVeLuv / Coral Pink

SE7EN: Lucky 7 / Lime Green

SECRET: Secret Time / White

SEEYA: SeeYa With You / Pearl Light Pink

SECHS KIES: DSF or  YellKies / Yellow

SONAMOO: SolBangOol  / Pearl Sapphire Green

SEVENTEEN:  Carat / Rose Quartz and Serenity

SG WANNABE: Love Room / Pearl Gold 

S#ARP: N/A / Red

S.E.S.: Friend / Pearl Purple

SHU-I: Was-i / Purple

SHINHWA: Shinhwa Changjo / Orange

SEVEN O’CLOCK: ROSE / N/A

SHINEE: Shawol / Pearl Aqua Green

SHE’Z: Holic / N/A

SISTAR: Star 1 / Fuschia

SM THE BALLAD:  Balladears / N/A

SF9:  Fantasy / N/A

SHINVI: Linos / Pearl Teal

SPEED: Deeps / N/A

SNUPER: Swing / N/A

SS501: Triple S/ Pearl Light Green

SMASH: smaSHE (Korea) & Smile (Japan) / N/A

SPICA: Mercury / N/A

SON DAM BI: DBLV / N/A

SAMUEL:  Garnet / Rhodolite & Garnet

SUNNY HILL: H:LLËR / Sunshine Yellow

SUPER JUNIOR: E.L.F / Pearl Sapphire Blue

SUGAR: Sugar Island / Apricot

SUPERNOVA: Tinkerbell / Pearl

T-ARA: QUEENS (Korea) & Sweet Treasure (Japan) / Pearl Ivory

T-MAX: Mighty Max / Midnight Blue

TWICE: Once / Apricot & Neon Magenta

TEEN TOP: Angel / Pearl Light Lavender

TRAX: TRAXIAN / Pearl Cobalt Blue

TWO-X: Doubling / N/A

TASTY: 2Wings / N/A

TAHITI: N/A / Black Pearl

TINY-G: Mini-Me / N/A

THEEASTLIGHT.: Sunnies /  N/A 

TEI: Tenia / Pearl Blue

TRITOPS: Tristar / N/A

TOPPDOGG: ToppKlass / N/A 

U-KISS: Kiss Me / Pearl Fuschia

UP10TION: HONEY10 / N/A

UNIQ: UNICORN / N/A 

VIXX: Starlight / N/A

VAV: Vampz / N/A

V.O.S: Soulmate / Pearl Burgundy

VICTON: ALICE  / Blue Atoll & Blazing Yellow

WONDER GIRLS: Wonderful / Pearl Burgandy

WINNER: INNERCIRCLE / Nebula Blue

WANNA ONE: WANNABLE / N/A

X-5: Xenia / N/A

YOUNHA: YounHapia / Light Pink 

ZE:A: ZE:As / Pearl Gold 

  I spent far too long on this. If there are anymore to add, please feel free to do so, if any are wrong please let me know too x

IF YOU’D LIKE A PARTICULAR GROUP OR IDOL DONE, REQUESTS ARE OPEN! ALSO LET ME KNOW IF YOU’D LIKE MORE INFORMATION SUCH AS FACTS ON INDIVIDUALS.

All information is from online, if any information is wrong please let me know. Information can be found on websites such as ALLKPOP, KPROFILE, NOWKPOP, and KOREABOO. Some information is also from interviews which members took park in.

[rabexxpaulson]

The First Fight (Foxxay).

A/N: This AMAZING prompt was sent by an anon! Thank you so so much for sending me this, darling! I really hope it is the way you expected it hihi I had some difficulties to write it, due to my love for Foxxay and the fact I didn’t want them to fight sudusgdsgd but I think I managed to do a descent work at least lmao okay, here it is! I really really hope you guys like it, please give me feedbacck, it’s what means the most! xoxo

It had been only two months since the Headmistress had confessed her feelings for the swamp Witch and, despite all her previous fears, she was now happily dating Misty; Cordelia had literally nothing to complain about her relationship; The Cajun was amazing in any way, always being the sweetest and most loving girl; But, despite all the giggles and kisses they both shared for the past 60 days, something had been crawling the Supreme’s mind, something that had made itself an excuse from the perfect relationship. Every week the couple would plan to go out, but it would always happen the same thing: Misty would just not be ready on time, or claim she felt bad and didn’t want to go out; The Headmistress knew her lover well enough to know when she was lying, and this was definitely the case. 

It was another Friday night and, as always, Cordelia was getting ready to have dinner out with the Cajun; After checking herself on the mirror for the 5th time she sighed, hoping this time the two would actually go out. The Supreme loved Misty, that was for sure, and after thinking too much about what could have been happening, she came with the only thing her mind could think of: She was the problem. After spending the last years being treated like garbage from her ex-husband, the witch had gotten insecure; When the Cajun had reciprocated her feelings she couldn’t help but be scared of going trough the same path again, even though she was completely sure it would be a hundred percent worse if it actually ended up happening one more time, seeing how much she loved the Swamp Witch; Anyways, Cordelia decided to give herself and Misty a try, knowing she could never get enough of the curled blonde and, for the scared she was, Misty was worth it.

As the Headmistress knocked on the Cajun’s room she was greeted with a smiling Misty opening the door;

“Hey Dee!” The Cajun spoke excitedly.

“Hi Mist” The Headmistress gave the younger woman a sad smile, realizing they would probably stay home again due to the other woman’s casual clothes. “Um, are you ready to go?”

“Um, Delia, about that...” The Cajun glanced at the floor, her palms starting to sweat all over as she played with her rings. “Can we stay home? I, I don’t feel like goin’ out...”

It was enough for Cordelia; She had been dying inside all day for this dinner and, once again, the Swamp Witch just didn’t “feel like going out”; It was always the same thing for the last 8 weeks, and all the insecure thoughts the Headmistress had became too loud for being, once again, ignored.

Without saying any words, and with eyes already teary, the Supreme left the room, heading straight to her own and shutting the door as she passed by. Misty felt her stomach tightening itself; Of course she had to mess this up, she always did. When Cordelia came to her and confessed her feelings she should have already expected it not to last. How could it, though? The Supreme and some Swamp Rat.

With a heavy breath and biting her lip harshly in order to stop the tears, Misty hesitantly made her way to her lover’s room, being greeted with loud sobs when she stopped by the door.

“D-Delia...?” The Cajun waited for an answer, but was returned with anything besides silence; Shakily, she opened the door, being rewarded with a view that broke her heart: Cordelia was laying in bed, her back facing the sealing and her hands below her head, covering her wet cheeks and red eyes. Gently, Misty shut the door and walked towards the bed, carefully sitting besides the Headmistress. “Dee...” The Cajun softly caressed the older witch’s arms, which caused her to sit up and stare into the Cajun’s eyes.

Since both witches had started dating they didn’t have any fights; Misty had always been scared of hurting people, and now having Cordelia in such a special way made her get even more afraid; She couldn’t handle seeing her beloved Miss Cordelia hurt, and just thinking about being the reason of it was enough to completely tear her heart apart.

“Why c-cant we go out?” The Headmistress asked as she wiped her tears away, eventually calming herself down.

“I told ya Delia, I don’t feel like goin’ out...”

“Misty...” The Supreme took a long breath, pondering if she should continue or not; Cordelia was never a fan of fights, and never in her life she thought she would have to put herself into that position, not when it came to her beloved Swamp Witch. “Sometimes when we like someone, we do things we’re not a great fan of just for making the other person happy... like, like listening to Stevie all day”

“What?!” Huge, blue eyes met brown ones; The words hit the Cajun like a stone; She loved the Headmistress more than anything in her life, and having the witch herself assuming she didn’t just got into a place that had never been touched before; Misty felt like someone was actually taking her Delia away, and an unfamiliar feeling followed all the way trough her head, making it hard to ponder things. “Are ya saying I don’t love ya?” The Swamp Witch’s voice sounded cracked but still firm, which caused the older woman to feel an even bigger tightening at her own heart.

“I never said that, Misty” The Supreme kept staring into blue eyes.

“But ya thought” The younger witch answered quietly before getting up from bed and starting to head to her own room once again, being stopped by the Headmistress soft hand pulling her arm.

“We need to talk” Cordelia took a deep breath before continuing, which gave enough time for the Cajun to sit on the mattress again. “Misty, I didn’t mean it”

“Yeah” Misty bucked her shoulders, never looking into chocolate eyes.

“You have no right to be mad at me!” The Swamp Witch’s careless answer got straight into the Headmistress’ nerves, making it impossible for her to hold what she had been wanting to say any longer.

“I do, Delia!” Misty exclaimed, her eyes now encountering with the Supreme’s ones, which caused the Headmistress to realize they were now teary. “I am in love with ya, I love ya and I try to show ya everyday and ya just simply say I don’t like ya!?” That was it, it was officially happening: Misty was fighting with the love of her life, the person she cared the most; Her head was blank, unable to think straight as all the thoughts of loosing her beloved Cordelia came to her mind.

“Well, maybe I have a reason to think like that?!” The Headmistress’ eyes were teary once again, and she couldn’t help but notice her extremely fast heartbeat; She loved the Cajun, and being on this situation was being extremely painful, but she just couldn’t handle all the thoughts she was having anymore, she needed an answer. Misty just kept staring at the older woman, her cheeks now all wet from her tears as she just waited for Cordelia to continue. “Ever since we started dating you just w-wont go out with me” The Headmistress’ voice was shaking, on a tone considerably calmer now. “I can’t stop t-thinking you... you’re ashamed o-of me” The Supreme felt her tears coming strongly as she stared at her lap.

When the words hit the Cajun she couldn’t help but shiver; She saw herself on the older witch’s words, and she knew exactly how her lover was feeling.

“Delia, babe” The Swamp Witch softly hugged the other woman, being greeted with gently arms wrapping around herself instantly. “How could I be ashamed of bein’ with such an awesome woman?” The Cajun softly stroke her lover’s locks, carefully pulling apart and staring at chocolate pearls.

“You never w-want to go out with me...” The Headmistress answered quietly, glancing at her lap and at blue oceans again.

“Dee...” The Swamp Witch took a long breath, shutting her teary eyes a bit and opening them back as she gained the courage to proceed. “I, I always say I don’t wanna go because I... I’m actually scared”. Misty felt familiar hands holding hers, while caressing it. “I’m just a Swamp Rat and ya... ya’re the Supreme” The curled blonde stared at her lap while biting her lip, her tears coming unstoppable. “I don’t feel good abou’ the way people are gonna look at us... like ya’re makin’ a mistake for bein’ with me”

“Mist...” Cordelia cursed herself internally; Darned insecurities, always making herself feel like trash, even blind to the World.

“I’m just so insecure cause ya’re real’ amazing an’ I’m just... me”

“Babygirl...” The older witch lifted her lover’s face gently, wiping her tears away. “I’m so sorry” Cordelia kissed the younger woman’s forehead, soon staring into blue eyes again. “Don’t you ever feel insecure about yourself, you’re no less than anyone... I am the luckiest woman alive for having you”

“Do ya really mean that?” The Cajun asked shyly.

“Of course I do, lovepants” The Supreme gently cupped the younger witch’s face, caressing it softly. “I’m so sorry for saying you didn’t like me”

“I’m sorry for not goin’ out with ya, Dee” Misty stroke the other woman’s hair. “I should have told ya how I felt instead of keep giving ya excuses”

“It’s okay Mist, I’m glad you said it now”

“I got so scared when ya got mad...” Misty felt hear tears coming once again. “I couldn’t stop thinking ya wouldn’t want me anymore”.

Cordelia gave her lover a sad smile before kissing her, feeling her favorite plump, pink lips against her own.

“I won’t let you go so easily... nothing would ever make me leave you” The Headmistress whispered as soon as they pulled apart, their foreheads still touching. “I love you Misty, more than any other thing in this World”.

“I’m glad ya won’t, cause I never wanna go Delia... I love ya”. Without wasting any time the Cajun reconnected their lips, feeling her lover smile trough the kiss and smiling as an answer; Softly, she pulled apart, a grin stamped on her face. “Well, I’d better get ready, we have a restaurant to go”. Misty smiled and left the room quickly, hearing her lover giggling from the room and feeling the butterflies all over; Cordelia was right, she didn’t have to feel insecure; They loved each other, and as long as they did nothing could ever pull them apart.

[valtharr]

I am so sick of people shitting on others for being excited about this game. So it doesn’t meet your standards for graphics, fine. So it doesn’t contain all Pokémon in the NatDex, fine. Then don’t buy it.

See, my first mainline Pokémon game was Crystal. I then went back and played both Red and Yellow. Then Ruby and Sapphire got released and I got hyped, but when I played Ruby, I was already somewhat disappointed because they got rid of a bunch of features I loved. Still played it, still enjoyed it. Played FireRed, enjoyed it. Emerald, enjoyed it. 

Then came DP and honestly...I can’t remember how much I played Pearl, but it wasn’t much. Tried again with Platinum, and I remember getting farther than in Pearl, but still didn’t play through it. Played through HeartGold, because I love Johto. Got White (you know, which for some people is the pinnacle of the series?) and...I think I got the first badge, and I quit. Didn’t even try playing B2W2.

I thought I was done with the series, but what brought me back in? X&Y. The games so many people decry as the worst ones there are. I played through Y, I loved it. I loved it enough that it got me back in the series. Hell, it got me back into the TCG! Also played ORAS.

I got Moon, and hell, it might be aong my favorite Pokémon games for the story and characters alone. USUM butchered the story somewhat, but made up for that with a lot of side-activities and postgame. Also really enjoyed Let’s Go.

Like, all those recent games are the ones most people seem to decry as the worst of the worst - XY, SM, USUM, LGPE - I genuinely enjoyed! And I wasn’t “forcing myself to like them” or anything. Like, as I said above, I actually did quite the series at some point because the games didn’t grab me anymore for some reason. But Gen 6 onwards suddenly did grab me again. And I look at SWSH, and I get excited.

There’s no National Dex? I don’t give a shit! In all the years I’ve played Pokémon, I used the ability to trade with a previous generation, like, twice. One time was basically just to sequence break (I traded a Pokémon that knew Surf from Crystal to Red before I had the HM in Red) and for the other one, I basically did it just because I could, and wouldn’t have missed it if I couldn’t.

The graphics? Honestly, they don’t bother me. Could they be nicer? I guess. But...yeah, I honestly can’t say anything besides “I don’t care.”

The Wild Area? Sounds exciting! Dynamaxing? Sounds cool! The new online features? Sound nice! The new Pokémon? Look great!

If you don’t like the graphics, or that the NatDex is missing, or whatever, fine. No, really, if these games don’t tick your boxes for “games I would buy”, I understand. But for me - me personally - there’s more about the games I’m excited about than there’s stuff I’m bummed about. And if the games don’t meet my standards, if they bore me, well, it might go the way it did back with Gen 4/5. Maybe these will be the games that make me drop Pokémon for good, who knows? But so far, they don’t look like it, and I won’t forego games that I’m excited about because they’re missing a feature I wouldn’t have used anyway, or because the graphics could be nicer than they are.

Pictured: me not buying a game