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amidsunandsea · 5 years ago

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a zine?

A zine, or in this case a fanzine, is an unofficial self-published publication containing fanart, fanfiction, or original articles from a group of contributors. Zines are produced by enthusiastic fans who want to share their love of a particular piece of media to other fans.

Zines can be exclusively PDFs or can include physical copies and/or merchandise. Zines can either be free or purchased depending on the group. If a zine is being sold, it is usually to donate the proceeds to a charity (non-profit) or to gain monetary profit for the contributors (for-profit).

For a zine with physical copies and/or merchandise, it is usually not free. At the very least, all proceeds will be used to pay for production and shipping expenses and reimburse the contributors by giving them a free copy of the zine and/or merchandise.

Because Amid Sun and Sea is a non-profit zine, contributors and mods will not gain any monetary profit. The mod team will also not donate the proceeds to a charity to comply with Chinese copyright laws.

How do you join a zine as a contributor?

The mod team will post a contributor application form where applicants can send in samples that meet the zine's listed requirements and showcase the potential contributor's skill. The team will then send out acceptance/rejection emails to those who applied. Some zines are "invite-only," meaning the mods will only accept individuals who they have privately contacted. This zine and most others will use the open application system.

The Amid Sun and Sea team will choose contributors by their skill level and not by their popularity (i.e. follower count). Everyone has an equal chance of being accepted.

Do contributors work alone or do they collaborate with other contributors?

It is up to the contributors’ discretion. Usually, some contributors choose to work independently while some choose to collaborate. For example, an artist and writer will collaborate so that a fanfiction or article in the zine has a matching illustration.

This zine will only allow writer/artist collaborations. Merch artists will not be able to collaborate nor will artist/artist or writer/writer collabs be allowed.

Are portrayals of genderbending/cisswapping okay for this zine?

The team prefers to keep characters true to their canon portrayals. If canon has shown the characters to be fluid in their gender expression, then the contributors are certainly free to choose which form they would like to use. Otherwise, if it was not portrayed in canon, then it is not allowed as the team wishes to avoid any hurtful stereotypes when it comes to genderbending/cisswapping.

If there is any confusion about these terms or this rule, the team is open to providing clarification and would certainly welcome any further information.

Artists

Can I sign up to be a merch artist and/or writer as well?

You can apply for multiple roles, but you will only be accepted for one role. For example, if you apply as an artist and merch artist, the team will only accept you as an artist or a merch artist. You cannot have multiple roles when accepted.

What will I draw for the zine?

The primary theme is modern summer activities. Artwork will feature various Scum Villain characters enjoying a fun summer.

The team does not have a prepared list of topics for contributors to adhere to, but there will be a claims list for regular artists and writers to fill out when they have decided on a topic so that there is no repetition. Merch artists do not have claims since a format will be assigned to them.

Contributors can choose to work independently or collaborate with another contributor. This zine will only allow writer/artist collaborations. Merch artists will not be able to collaborate nor will artist/artist or writer/writer collabs be allowed.

Merch Artist

What is a merch artist?

A merch artist is an artist focused on creating artwork for the merchandise. They will not be contributing to content in the zine.

Can I sign up to be a zine artist and/or writer as well?

What will I be making for the zine’s merchandise?

Stickers, charms, prints, and postcards are the most likely merch formats the mod team will use, especially stickers and charms based on the interest check results. However, these are not the final formats and the team may change which formats to include.

The primary theme is summer, but since the merchandise is separate from the zine, merch artists have more leeway because they are not constrained to the zine’s A4 format.

Do I pay for the production cost of the merchandise myself?

No, the moderators will cover the production costs during the pre-order phase. Merch artists will receive instructions and specifications, though, of their assigned merch.

Writer

What will I be writing for the zine?

Writers accepted in the zine can write fics or articles with summer as the primary theme. For articles, this can mean either writing about the best summer food and drink, travel destination, entertainment, or other topics you can think of.

Can I sign up to be an artist as well?

You can apply for multiple roles, but you will only be accepted for one role. If you apply as an artist and writer, the team will only accept you as an artist or a writer. You cannot have multiple roles when accepted.

Schedule

How do check-ins work?

Emails will be sent at the start of each check-in with a form to check progress levels. There will also be an announcement in the Discord server and on all social media. Please contact the team if you can’t complete or need an extension.

What if I miss a deadline?

As long as you feel like you can still complete your piece by the posting date, that is fine. There is no penalty for missing a deadline. If a deadline is missed, a moderator will contact you to get an update on your progress. If needed, the moderators can grant an extension on your work.

What are extensions and how do we obtain them?

Extensions are if you need extra time beyond the check-in dates and/or the final deadline. To get one, all you need to do is contact the team. The duration of the extension will depend on your circumstances.

18+ PDF Zine

What will the NSFW zine version be called?

The 18+ zine will be called Bottoms Up, Thot Time.

Will minors be able to contribute to the 18+ zine?

Minors are not allowed to contribute to the 18+ zine. All applicants for the 18+ zine must be 18 or older. If any minor is found to be lying about their age to be contributors in the 18+ zine, they will be kicked from the server and banned from the zine. The mods have taken several precautions to prevent any minors from accessing NSFW content on the Discord server.

How will minors be prevented from purchasing the 18+ zine?

Buyers must be 18 or older to purchase the 18+ zine. Unfortunately, the team cannot prevent nor verify if minors have purchased the pin-up bundle, especially if they use an adult’s credit card information. The team strongly discourages minors from buying the 18+ zine, and the team is not liable for a minor purchasing it without parental consent.

Will the 18+ zine have writing?

Yes, the 18+ zine will contain writing and artwork. The writing can be fics or articles.

How NSFW is the 18+ zine?

Graphic sexual situations can be in this bundle along with saucy pin-ups of characters. Various states of nudity for the pin-ups are allowed.

Visual Novel

What is a visual novel?

A visual novel is an interactive narrative-focused game using static or sprite-based visuals. Think of it as a Choose Your Own Adventure book! It is not necessarily a dating sim or otome game.

What does sprite, background, and CG mean?

A sprite is artwork of a character, usually from the waist-up, that is shown above the text box as they speak. There are usually a few versions of character sprites to show different emotions or poses.

A background is the environmental illustration shown behind the sprites to indicate the setting.

A CG is a special fullscreen illustration for important events in the visual novel, which is a much splashier effect than the usual background and standing sprite. Is a character making a daring rescue? Is a character confessing their undying love for the player? A CG will most certainly be used for these scenarios.

Is the Amid Sun and Sea visual novel SFW or NSFW and what will it be about?

The VN is SFW and the story is still in the planning stages. The team’s game designer is also a writer and will develop a short story for the VN when the creation phase begins in earnest. It will be a relatively small-scale project because the zine's creation process is estimated to be 6 months long. While that is ample time for a zine, it is not enough time for a large, sprawling VN.

What program is the game designer using to make the VN?

The game designer will be using Visual Novel Maker to create the VN.

Which characters will be in the visual novel?

Only 5 characters—Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe, Shang Qinghua, Liu Qingge, and Mobei-jun—will be in the VN. The VN will be in Shen Qingqiu’s POV.

What is expected of the Visual Novel artists?

Shen Qingqiu will be drawn from the bust up while the other four characters will be drawn from the waist up.

Currently, there will be 2-3 background artists and 4 character artists accepted for the VN. One character artist will draw Shen Qingqiu and one other character while the other three artists will draw one character each. Character artists may also need to draw a variety of expressions for their character(s). Background artists only need to draw one background.

Because the amount of needed assets for the visual novel may change as the game designer begins working on it in earnest, the numbers may be subject to change. The mod team will keep any changes within a reasonable margin.

Teasers and Previews

If chosen, can contributors share teasers outside of the Discord server?

The moderators ask contributors to not share teasers of their work outside of the Discord server. The team will announce when contributors can post previews and excerpts when the event nears its end. Usually, contributors are allowed to show cropped pieces of their artwork or a small excerpt of writing during pre-orders. When all pre-orders have been shipped out, the full piece can be shown.

Can I sell artwork that I created for the zine?

The team asks that you do not sell artwork you created for the zine, especially before the zine is up for sale. However, artists are free to do whatever they want to do with their zine piece only after all zine pre-orders are shipped and any leftover stock is cleared out.

Merchandise

Stickers, charms, prints, and postcards are the most likely merch formats this zine will use, especially stickers and charms based on interest check results. However, these are not the final formats and the team may change which formats to include. Further details will be announced when applicants are chosen.

Shipping and Packaging

The mod team will ship the zines and merchandise from the United States via USPS and will have tracking for all domestic and international orders. Weight will affect the price of shipping. Further details will be announced when the zine and merchandise are in production and better estimates can be given.

Contact

Email 📧: [email protected]

Tumblr 💻: amidsunandsea.tumblr.com

Twitter 🐦: @AmidSunandSea

Instagram 📷: @amidsunandsea

#svsss #svssszine #faq #shen qingqiu #luo binghe #Shang Qinghua #Mobei Jun #liu qingge #mxtx #zine #bingqiu #moshang #bingjiu #qijiu #liushen

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moonawrites · 6 years ago

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Football, Calculus and Cappuccinos: Ch. 2

At eighteen years old, James Potter is a rising football star navigating the politics of professional football, the pitfalls of sudden fame, the fallout from choosing his dream over his father’s company… and a serious crush on the red headed new barista at his favourite coffee shop. (Jily, AU)

FFN | AO3 | Chapter 1

Chapter 2: Why are you staring at me?

James Potter’s legs are aching.

He always gives his best during training. But lately, Samuel Aguado watches him constantly, so James can’t just do well. He needs to be perfect. Aguado, who was a midfielder at Real Madrid when he retired from play ten years ago, is a Spanish football legend in his own right. But that’s not why his opinion matters to James. Now, Aguado is Chelsea’s manager, and that means James’ future with the team lays primarily in his hands.

And though Wednesday training is always the toughest – every movement from the week of training and matches before weighs down on James’ tired muscles – this particular Wednesday is worse. With the match against Arsenal only three days away, the pressure is that much higher: the better he does now, the better shot he’ll have at playing a significant amount of time on Saturday. James has to work twice as hard to impress Aguado and earn play time.

It’ the second last training day before the match, so they’ve mostly been doing exercises to perfect plays and refine tactics, working on getting more comfortable with Aguado’s new preferred formation. But the morning training session had also included one of James’ most hated training exercises: the beep test. Aguado, of course, had watched.

The beep test involves running twenty meter distances again and again in increasingly short amounts of time, until you miss the time limit, or you simply can’t run anymore – it’s one way Aguado likes to evaluate his squad’s fitness and endurance. It’s effective, and James gets it – but it’s a massive energy suck, and always leaves him exhausted. And this time, he had something to prove.

Everyone knows James is fast. But James knows Aguado has been worried that at eighteen, he doesn’t have the stamina some of the more experienced players have. With a score of 17.5 on the test that morning (impressive even by professional football standards), he has put that worry soundly to bed. In fact, he had been the last one running. At the time, James was too exhausted to care, his legs all but giving out underneath him. But looking back on it, it gives him a thrill. He loves doing better than the first team players at anything, even the damn beep test. Each time he does, he hopes Aguado gets the message: You see? I can play with them. I belong here.

So far, the afternoon session has been excellent, too. James has scored a few goals, including a spectacular goal off a corner kick during a six vs. six exercise that Aguado had loved. Williams had taken the corner and sent the ball right to him, and James had taken control with a header to Jones. He’d moved up in time to receive the ball as Jones volleyed it back, juggling the ball from his left foot to his thigh. Then he’d made a clean shot directly past the goalkeeper’s outstretched arms. Excellent ball control, and a perfectly angled, impossibly fast shot that no one could have stopped: it was a perfect moment.

Since that moment, James has felt an extra hit of adrenaline zipping through his system – whether it’s from the usual thrill of playing good football, or the new thrill of Aguado’s praise and appreciative claps on the back hardly matters. All the extra effort has paid off, but now nearing the end of the day, James is reaching the limits of his stamina. Even after taking a nap before his afternoon training, James’ legs are aching. He feels tired to his bones.

But the day isn’t over yet. After going through several drills, they are closing the session with another mock match, nine vs. nine this time. And Aguado is still watching, so James needs to keep playing, and he needs to be perfect.

James begs his legs for five more minutes of cooperation and zeroes in on the ball as Jordi Price, one of their midfielders, throws it back into play. All at once, James forgets the aches and every other thing around him.

Michael Coleman, Chelsea’s star forward and one of James’ long-time idols, has possession now. He weaves through the midfield with an effortless ease that James can’t help but envy.

James and Coleman are playing on opposite sides in this exercise, which is for the best. Though he is fine playing anywhere in the attacking zone, James is at his best playing left winger – and so, unfortunately, is Coleman. When they play on the same side, James has to play right wing or move back to the midfield. Playing a different position is a little bit tougher, but James is a versatile player and good enough to manage that just fine. It’s Coleman’s personal distaste for him that makes it tricky. James had been disheartened to find that one of his heroes was just a self-absorbed, unprofessional arsehole with a particular dislike for him, but he has come to terms with that fact now. He can’t care about who likes him anymore, he has bigger goals to worry about.

“Potter, Hussain, move up!” Aguado yells from the sidelines. “The transition between attack and defense needs to happen faster.”

James follows his instructions, running up closer to the action. “Stay there, keep to the outside!” Aguado calls, and James slows. He doesn’t take his eye of the ball for a moment, keeping track of every player around him.

Coleman gets through the wall in their midfield and makes a stellar cross (damn it, he’s so fucking good, James can almost forget what a jerk he is) to Miller, who is in a good spot to shoot from.

Miller takes the shot, and it comes off the post. James isn’t surprised – he’s noticed that Miller never gets it in from the right, this close to the goalpost. It’s a fine angle, it’s just not his.

Anderson, a defender on his side, takes possession of the ball as it ricochets off the post and heads it towards Williams, who starts a run back towards the halfway line with it.

James feels a thrum in his veins as he moves up ahead of Williams. He’s aware of where every player is and where they’re moving, as though he’s watching pieces on a chessboard. Responding to their movements, adjusting his own position accordingly – it feels as natural to him as walking.

Williams passes the ball to him.

James weaves through midfielders and defenders, the ball moving with him like an extension of his own feet.

In his periphery, he sees Amar Hussain on his left - an attacking midfielder and their captain. One of his icons who has turned out to be as incredible off the pitch as he is on it.

James doesn’t take his eyes off the goal in front of him. It’s too heavily defended right now for him to risk losing the ball for, but he surges forward as if to shoot… and so quickly it takes the others a moment to spot what he’s done, he’s passed the ball behind him, back to Amar.

As Amar rushes forward in the brief moment of disorientation James has won them, James makes to position himself at the bottom left of the penalty box, his sweet spot for scoring. There’s a clear line from Amar to him, and then from him to the goal. He’d seen the move play out in his head just before he put it motion – it’s perfectly executed so far, it’s a sure thing if Amar completes the final pass just right, and James knows that he will.

It all happens in a split second. Amar kicks the ball at exactly the right moment. The defenders move for it, realizing a second too late that James is going to take the shot, not Amar. Coleman sees it, and he’s closing in on his right, but James is faster.

James gets there first as he knew he would. He’s going to take a perfect shot and watch it sore past their reserve goalkeeper’s head.

The ball is at his feet, he’s surging forward, his blood singing in anticipation – and then Coleman lunges straight at him.

James feels an elbow ram into his ribs with excruciating force – they’re both moving so fast – and he’s on the ground before he even feels the pain, landing awkwardly on his left shoulder. Only after James is down does Coleman touch the ball, kicking it with a force that sends it all the way back across the halfway line.

From the ground, James blinks up at him in shock. Coleman’s expression is vicious and satisfied, though by the sound of the whistle blowing and his teammates shouting around him, everyone else knows what James knows: if this was a real match, that would be a red card. Coleman hadn’t been going for the ball, he had been going for James.

There’s a commotion around him that James can’t keep track of. He wants to cuss the bastard out – it had been a perfect play, a perfect chance that he had created and would have delivered on. It would have been a perfect moment, Aguado would have been so impressed. But no sound escapes him as he sits up slowly, dazed and in pain, his ribs on fire and his shoulder aching.

Aguado and a medic are at his side in an instant, Amar is kneeling down next to him, and Coleman is strolling off the pitch like nothing has happened. James had initially interpreted Coleman’s dislike as aloofness and a general attitude of superiority, an international celebrity who just has no time for an academy player, but now he feels like it’s personal. He had been disappointed to discover someone he looked up to was just a shit person severely lacking in sportsmanship off camera, but now he’s furious.

James wants to leap to his feet and knock Coleman to the ground, repay him for his little stunt with a sound punch to the face. Thankfully, he’s in too much pain to act on an impulse that would be sure to knock him off Saturday’s lineup. Instead, a new panic settles over him: what if he’s really injured? What if he can’t play on Saturday? If this causes an injury that would have him miss the match, he might kill Coleman on the spot. He waits, anger and anxiety coursing through him in turns, as the medic assesses the damage.

“There’s going to be some bruising. Keep some ice on it,” the medic says after a long moment, handing him an ice pack. James nods, holding it in place under his shirt as he sits up. “You’ll need to go in for a massage after training, I’ll leave special instructions for your shoulder with Alina,” he says. Alina is one of the team’s best masseuses. She’s excellent for speeding up recovery.

“I’m okay to play though, right?” James asks anxiously.

“After some rest, yes,” the medic assures him.

James lets out a relieved breath and nods – he can stay calm now. A bruise he can handle. With a bruise, he can bite his tongue and swallow down his anger. “Thank you.”

Chest heaving with exertion form the session, James picks himself up of the ground. He takes the bottle of water Amar passes him and takes a drink, squeezing it with unnecessary force, as though he can take his fury out on the harmless piece of plastic.

“What just happened, Potter?” Aguado demands. James can’t quite hold back the flash of anger on his face as he turns to the manager. Why is he asking him, as though he had done something wrong? But the constant reminders to keep his temper in check are loud in his mind right now.

James is constantly, acutely aware of the position he’s in – a youth team player being given the opportunity to play a match like this, even as a sub, is colossal. He can’t show up to the incredible opportunities the first team manager presents him with and then cuss him and his star player out.

“A bad tackle,” is all he says through gritted teeth, already walking off the pitch. “It’s nothing.”

A foul like this against a teammate in training is despicable behaviour, and Coleman will probably get a warning from Aguado and Amar – but James knows that their star player, such a key member of their squad, will not likely face any real consequences. Not unless James makes it a formal complaint, and he won’t do that. Whatever Coleman’s problem is, James wants no part in it, he doesn’t want the hassle, and he certainly doesn’t want to jeopardize their chances on Saturday.

Amar claps him on his good shoulder. “You did well, Potter. Quick thinking with that back pass.”

James only nods in thanks. It’s true, but in the moment it just feels like consolation, and it makes him feel small. Some of the other players pat him on the back as they walk past. He can feel Aguado’s eyes on him for a moment longer, then sees him walk towards Coleman in his peripheral, calling it a day and sending the rest of the team off the pitch.

Some days, James stays behind for additional one on one technical and physical training. But today, he’s at his end mentally and physically. Even the thought of just walking back to the dressing room and driving home makes him want to drop to the ground right there and sleep. Or cry. He’s so tired.

x.x.x.x.x

As James is leaving the massage room an hour later – feeling much better about mostly everything after the magic that has been worked on his body – he comes face to face with Samuel Aguado waiting outside in a crisp suit. Off the pitch, Aguado always wears a suit. James halts, wondering what this is about, and waits for the manager to speak.

“How do those legs feel?” Aguado asks.

“Better now. Still sore, though,” James admits.

Aguado frowns, and motions for James to walk with him. “I don’t want you overexerting yourself. Go in for an ice bath before you leave today. And take Friday morning to rest – just forty-five minutes at the gym and ninety with the squad in the afternoon.”

James nods, falling into step beside him. “Got it.”

“You did well today. Deliver like that off a corner on Saturday, and I’ll take you out for drinks.”

James grins. “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

They’re approaching Aguado’s office now, and James’ heart rate picks up. He wouldn’t talk to James about his place on the team without his agent present, but Aguado’s office means private feedback. It means face time with the first team manager that an academy player can only dream of. It might mean a telling off for what happened with Coleman, but James can’t imagine how anyone could possibly blame that on him.

“I need to see more aggression from you,” Aguado says as they walk. “You’re young and some of these players are your heroes. Forget that. They’re your peers now, and I need that temper.”

“Yes sir,” James says, a little surprised. His temper is verging on notorious, his style usually calculated and sleek and… appropriately aggressive, if required. James has picked up some cards playing with the academy and U-23s. He’s strategic about it though, and knows where to draw the line. Still, usually, he’s being told to keep his temper in check.

Inside his office, Aguado bypasses his desk and motions instead to a seat at a glass table by the window. James takes it, and Aguado sits across from him. The walls are decorated with pictures of Aguado holding every trophy James could ever dream of winning.

“The fact is, you may be an inexperienced kid, but when you play, it’s hard to tell. Don’t get pushed around. You had a scoring opportunity, and you lost it. You didn’t try to get Coleman out of the way and you assumed he’d do the same.” James nods. It’s true – he does sometimes have a hard time playing the same way with his icons as he does with the youth and U-23 teams. “What happened with Coleman today, I don’t want to see a repeat of that ever again.”

James swallows. “Yes sir,” he says again. God, he can hardly speak around him.

“Bring me that temper on Saturday, James. That fire I see when you play with the U-23s. It’s not just about the skill, I know you have that. I need to know you can hold your own against men with a decade of experience on you and who you may have looked up to. I need to see tackles, I need to see you fight back.”

“I’ll come ready to eat them alive,” James says with a nervous laugh. He has been working hard to stay constantly calm, collected – he wants to sigh in relief, hearing that Aguado wants him to respond.

Aguado nods, satisfied. “Come prepared to play, too. You will not be spending ninety minutes on the bench.”

James can’t stop his smile, only barely keeps his ass planted firmly in his seat instead of jumping up in excitement. “You’re saying I’m…?”

“Definitely playing? Yes. How long depends on how the match goes. But I’m giving you an opportunity to show us how you play when the stakes are high.”

James isn’t entirely sure how to respond. All he can manage around his racing heart is, “Wow… thank you, Sir.” Get it together, idiot.

“You’re fast, James, and you have a goal scoring intuition I haven’t seen in a player your age in a very long time. Now I don’t expect that you’ll score in your first match of this caliber – your job on Saturday is to do what you need to do to support the team, be where they need you to be. We have a very experienced squad, they’ve all played hundreds of matches like this. You just need to follow their ques.”

James frowns. “Are you telling me not to try to score?”

“No. I’m telling you not to beat yourself up for it if you don’t. You’re always hard on yourself, and that’s a good thing. But I want you to remember that it’s a different pace of play than academy or U-23 matches, you won’t be the best man on the pitch here.”

Ah. So Aguado is worried about James feeling stressed. Ha! As if a few kind words could alleviate that, even if they are from the one person whose opinion matters most. James is drowning in stress, all but choking on it. “I know that.”

“It’s also a different pace of play than the other matches you’ve played with the first team. It’s not a friendly. It’s not a low-pressure league game against a team we can handle easily – those got you acclimated to playing with this squad. But this is the Champion’s League, it’s the quarter finals, and it’s Arsenal.”

James leans forward excitedly, unable to control the grin on his face, even as Aguado stays perfectly neutral. “It’s the match.”

“Yes. What I’m saying is, a good performance from you in this match may not be the same as the usual good performance from you, and that’s fine. Play for the squad, help them, follow their lead. That’s what I’m looking for.”

James settles back down, commanding himself to calm the hell down. “Right.”

“However – your speed and intuition and technical skill might take them by surprise. They’re not expecting an academy player being tested in a match like this, but they also don’t know just how good you are. We do. You have a knack for creating chances no one else sees, you get through defenders like they’re not there, and when you run up with the ball, no one can keep pace with you. If the opportunity is there –”

“Or if I create it,” James cuts in.

Aguado pauses, the hint of a rare smile on his tanned face. “Yes. Then take it.”

“Sirius tells me you met a girl.”

James glances up from the salad he’s cutting and frowns at his mother. He’d been ready to fall asleep after training, and he’s still standing on aching, exhausted legs. But it’s Wednesday night, so he’s home for dinner at Euphemia’s request. As usual, her dark hair is atop her head in an elegant twist, and when she looks up from her task of putting the food into serving dishes, her warm brown eyes carry a hint of humour and mischief.

“What girl?” he asks casually. He knows what girl. James loves his mother with all his heart, but he knows this conversation is going nowhere good. Euphemia has a vested interest in James’ personal life, and wastes no opportunity to make fun of him. It’s quite rude, as she is his mother and should only ever dote on him and take his side, but Euphemia doesn’t feel that same sense of loyalty.

“The redhead,” she says. Of course, she knows that he knows what girl.

“So? Sirius met her too.”

“Sirius tells me you made a fool of yourself.”

“Why do you listen to what Sirius says?”

Euphemia fixes James with an accusing look. “Because he texts me more than you do. Honestly honey, would it kill you to call?”

“I see you several times a week, mother.”

“Yes well, so does Sirius. He still texts me.”

“Yes well, I am here helping with dinner and Sirius is off in some poor girl’s– ” at Euphemia’s horrified expression (honestly, as if she doesn’t know), James redirects “–well, he’s not here, at any rate.”

“Don’t deflect. I want to know about the redhead.”

James sighs. Euphemia will not be distracted, he knows this from experience. “I hardly know anything about her! I only met her once, briefly.”

“Well what do you know about her?”

“She works at The Rabbit Hole,” James says with a noncommittal shrug.

“That’s all?”

“Yes.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Yes mum, she’s a pretty girl that I met one time.” He looks at her pointedly and adds, “Because she made my coffee.”

“Sirius tells me she’s coming to your match on Saturday.”

Sirius needs a talking to. “Is that relevant?”

“Of course it is, darling. Did you invite her?”

James laughs. “No, I told you I just met her! She just happens to be going with her friends.”

“You know, girls love a football player.”

“Not Lily.”

Euphemia points her ladle accusingly at her son. “So you know her name and that she doesn’t like football players?”

James winces. “Yes. I suppose.”

“I didn’t raise a liar.”

“Yes you did. I lie all the time.”

“Like to Lily, about being a football player?”

James puts his knife down and picks up his phone. “I’m disinviting Sirius from dinner, hope you don’t mind.”

“Put that phone down. I need one boy here who tells me the truth.”

“How much do you already know, mother?” Now James points his phone at her accusingly.

“Well… all of it,” she admits, not looking the least bit ashamed of her trickery.

James is affronted. Honestly, this woman is his mother! “And you’ve been acting all innocent. No wonder I turned out to be a pathological liar! You made me this way.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, James.” James mutinously cuts up the rest of the tomatoes. He thinks the conversation is over for a moment, but then, after some silence: “You haven’t had a girlfriend in ages.”

“Oh my God.”

“Why would you lie to a pretty girl the moment you met her?”

“I don’t know, why did you raise a liar?”

“Don’t sass me. I don’t care if you’ve moved out, I’ll still send you to your room.”

“Sorry. Also, I only broke up with Cecilia like two months ago.”

“She doesn’t count.”

“Why not?”

“Because I didn’t like her. Can’t you date a nice girl?”

James rolls his eyes. “No. Nice girls want my time and energy, and I have neither.”

Euphemia frowns at her son. “You have no sense of romance.”

“No. But I have potential, backed up by drive and ambition. Isn’t that better?”

“Drive and ambition won’t give me grandchildren in five years.”

“I’m eighteen!” James balks, staring wide eyed at his mother.

“You’re nineteen in less than two months. Twenty-four is a perfectly decent age to have children.”

“You assume someone will actually want to procreate with him.” This from Sirius, who has let himself in and is strolling casually into the kitchen. James gives the traitor a dirty look as he walks over to Euphemia and kisses her cheek.

“A valid point,” Euphemia sighs, patting Sirius’ cheek. “If only he’d stop lying to every pretty girl he meets.”

James glares at them. Individually, they’re both a lot. But together, they are far too much. “I hate both of you, and I’m never coming to dinner again.”

“If you win on Saturday, I’m inviting Lily to the celebration party,” Sirius says happily, seamlessly picking up on and easing into their conversation. He completely ignores James’ idle threat, already picking at Euphemia’s food.

“You will not.”

“Also, if you lose, I’m inviting her to the pity party. You can cry on her shoulder.”

“I’m removing your name from my Instagram bio.”

“Don’t you dare, James Potter!”

“His name is in your Instagram bio?” his mother asks, swatting Sirius’ hand away from another dish.

“Sirius wants people to know that he’s my best friend, just in case they get too attached to one of my teammates.” He grins rather maliciously at Sirius. “I’m going to remove your name and start tagging Mateo in memes instead. He’s going to be in so many stories.”

“You wouldn’t!” Sirius looks horrified. Mateo Aris is one of James’ academy teammates, the one he would consider his closest friend on the team. Though no one new could ever compare to the friendship he has with Sirius – one that they have been building on since primary school – Sirius is comically jealous of the new addition to James’ life.

“Sometimes, I worry about how codependent you two are,” Euphemia says.

“Do you really?” James snorts. “Or do you actually enjoy Sirius telling you the details of my every interaction?”

“I don’t tell her about all your interactions. Only the PG ones,” Sirius says with a suggestive wiggle of his brows. James groans.

“There are others?” Euphemia demands, turning on Sirius.

“Please. You let two hormonal teenagers get their own flat,” Sirius says, rolling his eyes.

James can’t believe he has to witness this conversation. “Oh my God.”

Thankfully, the doorbell rings then, and James drops the knife onto the granite countertop. He’s already halfway out of the kitchen before either of them can say another word, desperate to get away from this conversation. “That’ll be Remus and Peter,” he says over his shoulder. “My only true friends, besides Mateo.”

“You’re rude,” Sirius calls after him.

James takes his time walking to the door to let his friends in. Remus, in a very Remus fashion, has brought a chocolate cake which he is quite excited to eat, until he remembers that he can’t. (Fucking football. It’s probably not even worth it.)

James is deliberately slow as he makes his way back to the kitchen with them. He asks Remus about the train ride over from Cambridge (“The same as usual?”) and how school is going (“I need a break.”). He asks Peter about his job at Sleakeazy (“Really good!” – this in a high-pitched voice, because he’s lying. James knows he hates it, but is too polite to say so because it’s his father’s company and James had gotten him the job.). All this in hopes that Sirius and his mother will have moved on to a new conversation when he returns.

As soon as James returns to the kitchen with Remus and Peter, Euphemia says, “Hello, boys. Remus dear, are James and Sirius having sex at their flat?”

Remus very nearly drops the cake, but he manages to steady himself in time and places it on the counter. He glances between his friends (James: mortified, exasperated. Sirius: amused, as always.), then stares at Euphemia, who waits expectantly. He looks rather uncomfortable, unsure of what he’s walked into. “I don’t… um. You mean like, with… with each other?”

James can see how Remus may have misinterpreted his mother’s wording. He can see that the abrupt and inappropriate question has made Remus flustered, it’s all very understandable - but he still yells at the mental image and covers his face with his hands.

Euphemia sighs and ignores James’ dramatics. “Sex of any kind.”

“Uh, well… if I had to venture a guess…”

“You don’t,” James assures him.

“I would guess yes, they are. Not with each other, though.” A pause. “That I know of.”

Damn him, Remus is a traitor too. Peter, who has just stood quiet and wide eyed the entire time, is evidently his only trustworthy friend.

“Absolutely not with each other,” James confirms.

“Why do you looks so bothered?” Sirius demands. “You should be so lucky!”

“I honestly don’t know what this conversation is or how we got here. Please end it now, I want to eat dinner and then never see any of you again.”

x.x.x.x.x

Thankfully, as the boys help set the table and then sit down to eat, the conversation shifts away from what James does in his bedroom to talk of the upcoming match. This turns out to be only slightly more bearable – James is already so nervous, if he hadn’t exhausted himself in training that afternoon, he wouldn’t be able to stomach any food. As it is, he needs to refuel enough that he piles an obscene amount of food onto his plate.

“Aguado told me to show up expecting to play,” James is telling them now. He’d skipped over the incident with Coleman, which he’d all but forgotten about after leaving Aguado’s office. (It would only worry his mother and get Sirius worked up. The last thing anybody needs is one of Sirius’ Twitter rants.) Despite the nerves, James can barely contain his excitement.

“Aren’t you a sub for this match?” Remus asks.

James nods. “But he’s guaranteeing me some play time. I think I’ve done well enough for him to trust that I’ll at the very least not screw them up, and he wants to test me under high stakes.”

“That’s huge, James! This the best. Now Lily is definitely going to see you play,” Sirius says, a wide grin taking over his face. James rolls his eyes, but he can’t help smiling. Sirius looks almost more excited than he feels.

“I’m proud of you, honey,” his mother says, that warm smile lighting up her face. James’ heart swells. Maybe it makes him a mama’s boy, he doesn’t care – he lives to make Euphemia proud. Her smile falters a little, a question appearing in here eyes. James knows where it’s going, and wants her to stop, but he doesn’t speak soon enough and she asks it. “Have you told your father yet?”

A dense sort of silence falls over the table as his friends all stop eating. James determinedly keeps cutting his chicken, if a little aggressively. “You know I haven’t.”

Of course he hasn’t. And why should he have? Fleamont Potter is not interested in his son’s achievements, not if they involve football.

“You should invite him,” his mother urges.

“Why? He won’t come.”

“He might.”

“He won’t.” Now James stops eating too, glaring at his mother. Why did she have to ruin a perfectly good evening with this?

“You should invite him anyways. You haven’t even spoken to him since Christmas, James. He’s your father.”

“Exactly. Saturday is the biggest chance I’ve ever been given, I can’t think about anything else. Least of all the father I haven’t seen in over a month and why he didn’t come or, on the off chance that he does, the fact that he’s watching me. I don’t want him there, mum.”

Euphemia sighs, and gives a tired nod. “Alright, honey. It’s your decision. I just wish you two would try to fix things.”

The Potters have always been a tight knit family, and James has always been close to both of his parents. Being their only child, born late enough in life to have been a happy shock, they have always doted on him. James has never wanted for his parents’ love and support, has never wanted something they didn’t give him. Until a year ago, when James had definitively made the decision to pursue football and give up a future at his father’s company, they had both supported his every dream.

Now, he can count the number of conversations he’s had with his father in the past year on one hand, and none have been particularly pleasant. It’s a sore spot for him, but seeing how upset Euphemia is now reminds him of how hard the rift has been on her, too. Her husband and her son not speaking has thoroughly upended her blissful life, and he knows she misses the three of them and Sirius spending proper time together.

James sighs heavily. Only for her. “Alright I… I’ll think about it, mum.”

Euphemia smiles. “That’s all I ask.”

In her two weeks of working at The Rabbit Hole, Lily Evans has not had to deal with a lineup alone. Customers come and go throughout the day, but rarely are there more at once than she can manage. Her first Friday and Saturday evening shifts had been busy as people tried to find a bar (any bar), but that was an anticipated crowd and she’d had help. Unfortunately, today there seems to be some sort of event going on nearby, and the trickle of crowd leaving has resulted in a larger than usual lineup on what should have been a quiet Thursday morning. Lily is overwhelmed.

Almost two weeks into the job, she has figured out the cash register and knows how to use all the equipment and appliances. She (technically) knows how to make all the drinks (poorly), too. But she is still new enough that things take her a little bit longer than the other employees. Time that self-important Londoners pretend they don’t have, as an excuse to be rude.

So far this morning, Lily has been yelled at on three separate occasions, and has barely stopped herself from spitting in their drinks. And if one more person snaps at her for being too slow or too clumsy or not good enough at making some stupid drink, she’s afraid she’ll lose her cool and cuss them out – or worse, start crying. She had come in to work already tired from a long night of schoolwork, anticipating a quiet shift. Now, she can hardly contain her scowl as she hears the door open again, signalling another addition to the too long lineup.

“What is the matter with you, have you never made a smoothie before?” The current jerk in front of her snaps as she fumbles with the blender. He’s a forty-something year old man with mean little eyes (as most of the rude customers are), wearing a pristine suit and too much gel in his hair. Lily’s shoulders stiffen, but she tries to force a smile. She’s still new and she needs this job, she reminds herself. She can’t yell at customers.

“Sorry, it’ll just be a minute,” she says through gritted teeth. Hair Gel huffs an annoyed sigh and screws up his brutish face, making a point of showing his irritation.

It’s barely been another twenty seconds when he quite loudly says, “Hurry the hell up! God, who hired you?” Lily stops what she’s doing and looks up at him – this may just be the worst customer to come in today. The customers nearby shift uncomfortably, their eyes anywhere but on her.

“Excuse me?” Lily says, stunned at his behaviour.

“I said, who hired you? I have someplace to be,” he snaps, doubling down on his rudeness. That’s about as much as Lily can take. She imagines dumping the smoothie on his greasy hair. Her fingers twitch towards the plastic cup, but she stops herself, deciding a few choice words will have to do – but she doesn’t get the chance to speak.

“Shouldn’t have stopped for a smoothie if you were in such a hurry, then,” a curt voice says from near the back of the line. Lily’s eyes snap towards James at the same time as Hair Gel’s. He’s alone today, dressed in dark jeans and a blue hoodie under his coat. His hair is still messy in that careless, charming way that she’d admired last week, but it’s damp today. Lily notes the bag slung over his shoulder and concludes that he must have come from the gym. God, did he have to be attractive and nice and a healthy, productive human being?

The truth is, she would have been grateful for anyone who stood up for her in that moment, but it’s the fact that it’s James that brings the smile to her face. She’s relieved to see a familiar and friendly face, and she’s elated that it’s his in particular. Lily would be hard pressed to admit it to anyone, but James’ face has scarcely left her mind since she met him last Thursday.

“Mind your own business,” Hair Gel yells back, and Lily remembers where she is.

“Mind your manners first, you dick.” Hair Gel looks positively scandalized by the language, sputtering angrily, but James only steps out of line and stalks towards him. “Can’t you see she’s working alone?”

“That’s not my problem,” Hair Gel says, his face red.

“And where you need to be isn’t her problem, but you still felt it necessary to make it known that you’re too busy to be a decent human being.”

Hair Gel looks like his head might blow right off his shoulders in an explosion of steam. He looks completely beside himself – evidently, he has never been spoken to like this by a young person before. “This is unacceptable! I want to speak to the manager.”

“She’s in Prague. What are you gonna do, tell on me?” James challenges. Hair Gel just looks completely stunned, now (finally) at a loss for words. Behind him, Lily puts the lid on his finished drink. “Your smoothie’s done, you berk. I thought you had someplace to be?”

Hair Gel whips around to face Lily, who pushes the now finished drink towards him, not bothering to suppress her amused grin. He grabs the drink with unnecessary force, the contents squeezing out of the straw hole at the top, then turns back around to stare furiously at James. James only raises his eyebrows. “Well? Get on with it, you’re holding up the line. These people have someplace to be.” That earns him a few appreciative chuckles from the customers in line.

Looking affronted and muttering furiously about disrespectful youths, and obviously trying to convey with his aggressive walk just how angry and disrespected he feels, Hair Gel finally storms out the door. Lily lets out a relieved breath. “Thank you.”

“No problem. That just really riled me up, I feel like I could literally eat someone alive right now.” James drops his bag to the floor as Lily laughs, and shrugs out of his coat. He settles onto one of the stools at the bar, and in a move that Lily finds unbearably adorable, he swivels to face the remaining customers.

x.x.x.x.x

James sits at the bar, scrolling through his phone while Lily works through the lineup. He’s here alone this morning – Sirius has schoolwork to catch up on, and knowing their weekend will be occupied by James’ match and the aftermath that follows, he’ll likely be spending the rest of his day cooped up at the flat. Though he appreciates the lack of ranting about the trek over, James rather misses Sirius’ company during their Thursday Ritual, and has promised to bring back coffee and donuts.

The rest of the line moves faster, and without incident – possibly because, though he doesn’t bother Lily while she works, James does look up to glare at anyone who starts to get testy with her. Given her swift retribution for Sirius’ behaviour, he’s sure she can handle herself. But today she seems a little overwhelmed, and he doesn’t have to worry about a job if he snaps at someone. Besides, he’s not entirely pleased that these people have interrupted what he expected to be a quiet Thursday morning.

It’s about twenty minutes later when the lineup finally ends, and James finally orders his cappuccino and a double chocolate donut – a rare treat that he feels he deserves, seeing as he’s already worked out today and it’s Thursday morning.

“Genevieve seriously needs to hire more people,” Lily sighs, leaning against the counter once she slides his drink across to him.

“You can be rude back to them, you know. She won’t care. She’ll probably even encourage it.” He takes a sip of the drink. It’s better than last week’s sad attempt. Next week it might even be good, and that’s something to look forward to.

“I just started. I think I need to work here a while longer before I can start cussing out customers. Establish myself as good and sane before the outbursts of rage, you know?”

James chuckles. “Solid strategy. I guess I’ll just have to do it for you in the meantime.”

Lily smiles at him. “You didn’t have to do that. I was going to dump the smoothie on his head.”

“You were not. Establish your sanity before outbursts of rage? You said that literally three seconds ago.”

“Well, I thought it. And I deliberately put in twice as much kale as I should have, and some broccoli when he wasn’t looking. I bet it tastes like shit,” Lily admits proudly, which earns her a surprised, appreciative laugh from James.

“So besides that, how do you like working here?”

“It’s nice. Free coffee and pastries is never a bad thing. And usually it’s relatively quiet, so I actually get some studying done in between customers. As far as shitty part-time jobs go, it’s pretty ideal.”

“What are you studying?” James asks with genuine interest.

“Bioengineering at Imperial.”

James raises an eyebrow, impressed. “Wow. So you’re like… really smart, then.” It’s almost unfair, really, for someone to be so pretty and smart. There should be a rule against it. It’s a good thing for him, though, because a crush doesn’t matter if someone is out of your league.

Lily grins and shrugs modestly. She’s nonchalant, but James knows Imperial is the best uni there is for engineering. He’s not trying to flatter her, he already knows she has to be incredibly smart to be studying there. “I like to think I am, but we’ll see at the end of term,” she says. “What about you?”

“Me? No, I’m not that smart,” he jokes.

Lily laughs. “I mean, are you a student too?”

“Oh, no. I took the year to figure out what I want to do.” It’s sort of true. He had given himself the year to see if he could really do the football thing. And it had been a pretty good year, all things considered.

“And did you?”

“Yes, I think so.” Lily waits expectantly for him to continue. Of course the natural expectation is that he’ll tell her what he’s decided, and it’s a good time to casually mention he’s decided to be a professional football player. But then she’ll remember all the nonsense he said last week, and realize he’s an idiot, and ask him to never speak to her again, please and thank you. She’s going to be an engineer, she’s far too smart to put up with a fool like him. And James rather likes talking to her. If she’ll never speak to him again after Saturday anyways, why not just enjoy talking to her today?

When he doesn’t continue, Lily takes the hint and drops it. “Well, good for you. It’s smart to take your time figuring things out.”

“I know! That’s what I tell everyone. Like what if I gave into the pressure and decided to just study accounting or something, and then a year later I’m miserable and out £9,000 and have to start over?”

“Excellent point. You don’t strike me as the accounting type.”

“Okay. Sirius and I always order in from this one Chinese place because they have the best dumplings in London and we’re too lazy to walk fifteen minutes to get there, right?”

Lily smiles in amusement, obviously not sure where James is going with the sudden change of topic but nodding along anyways. “Right, of course. Go on.”

“And the delivery guy, his name is Ben and his dad owns the place, so he has to work there on the weekends. He always takes forever. It takes him like forty minutes even when Rick, the guy on the phone, says it’ll be no more than thirty. Even though, as I said, the place is fifteen minutes away!”

“Fucking Ben,” Lily sighs sympathetically.

“What is he even doing, right? How could it possibly take that long? It’s like four minutes away on a bike! Ben has a fucking bike, Lily.”

“He has a bike and it takes him forty minutes to make a four-minute ride? Get it together, Ben!” James smiles at Lily’s mock exasperation.

“One time I ordered before I got home, because you know, I was just that hungry. And I’m driving up the street, and I see Ben standing by his bike two blocks from our flat, smoking weed.”

“No! On the job?” Lily slaps the bar. “Come on, Ben!”

“I know! So now we know that Ben takes forever because he stops to smoke weed on the way. Worst delivery guy ever, right?”

“Among the worst, definitely.”

“And do you know what, Lily?”

Lily grins, sensing that he’s coming to the end of his story now. “What?”

“I still tip him generously, because saying ‘keep the change!’ is easier than having to count it. So yeah, you’re right. I could never be an accountant.”

Lily stares at him for a moment, as if to determine how serious he is (completely). And then she bursts out laughing.

x.x.x.x.x

James is good company. The way he talks to Lily – as though they’re good friends – makes her forget that she actually only met him last week.

They go from talking about his aversion to counting change (“I mean I guess I could if it really came down to it, but the effort!”) to arguing about the real best Chinese food in London (Lily maintains it’s the cleverly named “Chinese Food” near her flat and James is prepared to die – his actual words – defending Ben’s father’s place, Lee’s Garden), to discussing their favourite Kingdom of Ashes movie (“The third one,” James insists. “It’s when they really lean into just how bad they are, and sort of embrace it, you know?”).

Lily had mentioned that she watched the adaptations of Genevieve Wallace’s books for the first time on the weekend, after James had mentioned he loves them. As soon as she’d said it, Lily wished she could take it back – how weird is it to tell a guy you just met that you wasted hours watching four movies just because he mentioned liking them? But James had grinned enthusiastically, and now here they are, discussing the morality of a fictional war between dwarves and giants.

“The dwarves had no right to march into foreign lands like that,” he’s saying now, his face animated. He leans forward and talks with his hands when he’s excited, like right now.

“They were taking back what was rightfully theirs!”

“Um, no!” James is evidently very passionate about these books. “They lost it in battle. They made that law themselves and used it to their advantage on several occasions. They can’t just change it when they lose. They uprooted innocent people!”

“Yes, but their lands were sacred, it’s different than the ones they took over. Their ties to the land are stronger.”

“Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re on the dwarves’ side in this,” he sighs, dismayed. “I guess all people have their flaws after all.”

Lily’s lips twitch. The hidden compliment in there does not escape her notice, and it makes her stomach flutter a little. “I feel like maybe you take these books a little too seriously.”

“I feel like maybe you don’t take them seriously enough, Lily.”

Lily laughs again. She’s laughed a lot this morning. “You sit here and think about what a nerd you are, I’m gonna go make another round.”

“I am not a nerd. I’m very cool, as you already know.”

Lily pats his arm as she walks out from behind the bar and towards one of the customers sitting at a nearby table. There’s a few lounging about with their coffees, laptops out or reading books off the shelves. Lily smiles as she offers them refills and asks if there’s anything else she can get them – it’s easy to be friendly now, her mood significantly lifted since the morning.

She glances up at James, sipping on a smoothie, as she writes another order down. He’s probably the main reason for her cheery mood, and as silly as she feels, she knows that when he gets up to go, the rest of her shift is going to feel longer and duller than if he’d never come in at all. She’s in the process of reminding herself of how busy she is – she hardly has time to sleep in between school and work, and she wants to start doing some proper research as soon as possible, which means she needs to impress her professors and can’t get distracted by charming boys with messy hair – when he glances up from his phone and catches her looking. It’s too late for her to look away, but once again, he alleviates the awkwardness by giving her an easy smile and turning back to his phone. He has such a nice smile. Lily holds back a sigh and starts over. No time for charming boys with messy hair and really nice smiles.

But when she gets back behind the counter to serve another customer who has just walked in, it’s not very long at all before she realizes all her efforts are for nothing.

“Have a nice day!” she says with exaggerated cheer as she hands the customer his coffee. He calls a hurried “You too!” over his shoulder and leaves the shop as Lily walks back towards James, the artificial smile shifting to a real one.

James looks thoughtful. “I’m guessing like, middle management, tech related job at a midrange company, has two kids. One of them is probably named George.”

“How do you figure that?” They’ve been playing this game all morning, taking turns putting stories to the customers. James has even gone over to some of the ones who’ve stayed in to confirm their suspicions – and been startlingly accurate about a couple of them. (She doesn’t know anybody else with the nerve to ask an elderly man if he’d had a secret love affair with a married woman in Paris during his youth. She doesn’t know anybody else who could respond with a casual “Well that’s too bad, Frank. You’ve still got time,” when the elderly man had been appropriately shocked at the false accusation.)

“He’s a thirty-something with bags under his eyes who ordered an extra-large coffee and no food at noon,” James explains about their current subject. “Young and tired and evidently busy enough to be fighting for something, probably a promotion. Too drained to not have kids. He was wearing fitted clothes, a plaid shirt and a skinny tie. Average style. But his shoes and belt don’t match, so he’s faking it to fit in. Which makes me think it’s a growing company in a field interesting to younger people. As for George… I dunno, that’s just a hunch.”

Lily shakes her head, looking up from her phone. “Unbelievable. I just googled the name of the company on his ID card, it’s a growing, midrange online hosting company.”

James lets out a triumphant whoop, and grins at her. “I told you I’m an excellent judge of character. I’m winning by like five points now, by the way.”

“You’re an excellent judge of people’s outward appearance, not character. Also, you’re keeping track?”

“Of course I am! I don’t play games to lose.” James glances at the time on his phone. “I should head out and let you get back to your job now. It’s lunchtime, you’ll probably be busy soon.”

Lily nods, hoping her disappointment isn’t too obvious. His phone dings and James smiles slightly as he reads the text, picking it up to reply – it’s probably one of his seven gorgeous girlfriends or something – and Lily can’t look away. He’s so nice, and so nice to look at. He’s so unlike anybody she’s ever met. His hair has dried now, and though she’d spotted him trying to flatten it a couple of times, it’s still chaotic. It suits him, she thinks.

x.x.x.x.x

When James looks up from replying to Sirius’ text (complaining about homework, as usual), Lily is watching him, her eyes travelling up his face and to his hair. They stay there for a long while. James shifts nervously under her scrutiny, suddenly aware of what a mess his hair must be after his shower at the gym. He pushes his glasses up his nose and she follows the movement with her eyes. God, she’s so fit, and she was so cool and calm while he’d rambled on for ages (about dwarves! And fucking Ben! God, he’s an idiot.), and she’s not at all shy about checking him out, and that just makes her even more attractive. He’s so distracted by her looking at him, he’s forgotten what they were talking about.

“What?” He finally asks, the nerves taking over.

Lily blinks at him, as though he’d just pulled her out of a deep thought. “What?”

“Why are you staring at me?”

“Did you come here from the gym?” she asks, then clamps her mouth shut, her cheeks turning pink. She takes a step back from the bar.

James’ lips twitch. So perhaps she’s a little bit nervous, too. What an exciting thought. “Er, yes?”

“Only because… well, your hair was damp and um, you had the bag so…” she trails off, the pink of her cheeks deepening. Lily quickly turns around and starts rearranging the teas, just like she’d done last week.

“You’re very perceptive.”

“You’re very… healthy.”

James’ can’t help the chuckle that escapes him. “Thank you.”

Lily groans. “Oh my God. What am I rambling about? You’re a customer.” She turns back around to face him, still red. “I’m sorry. It’s not my business where you came from or how healthy you are.”

James thinks they’re probably friends now, after spending an hour chatting about dwarves and extramarital affairs. But maybe she’s just polite? He gives her a playful smile anyways. “Do you comment on all of your customers’ health? Or are you just trying to flirt with me?”

“Oh my God.” She covers her face with her hands. Her nails are painted a vibrant yellow.

“It’s very nice of you to notice. I do work hard on my health, you know,” he continues. Lily groans, but drops her hands, a smile tugging at her lips now.

“Any chance you’ll let this go soon?”

“Can you also comment on how muscular and fit I am?”

“I can’t tell through the hoodie. I’ll just imagine you’re hiding your flab under there.”

James raises an eyebrow. “You’re imagining me under my hoodie?”

“Well I am now!” Lily huffs, throwing him a glare. If she had been starting to calm down, it’s all gone now, her face is burning.

James laughs, a happy sound. “What do I look like?”

“Not flabby,” she says crossly.

“I can confirm your suspicions, if you want,” James says, his smile suggestive. Lily’s eyes widen just slightly, and James realizes what he’s saying. Has he just offered to strip for her? Or… something else? Now she’ll think he’s a liar and a fool and a pervert. She could report him for harassment, and he would deserve it. She could have him arrested, and it would probably be for the best and they would all be better off.

James swallows, and starts pushing up the sleeves of his hoodie. It’s cold outside, but it suddenly feels very hot inside. She follows the movement with her eyes, and he freezes halfway. He’s getting ready to apologize, but then she licks her lips, and he can’t take his eyes off them now. He wants to kiss her. The thought is sudden, but once it’s there, it’s loud and persistent. He wants to kiss her so bad.

Suddenly, the door opens behind them. Lily jumps back from the bar, startled, at the same time that James jumps at the sound and almost falls off the stool. He grips the edge of the bar to steady himself, and Lily clears her throat. “I should get back to work,” she says quickly, moving towards the register as the customer walks in.

“Right. Of course.” James gets up and picks his coat and gym bag up off the floor. God, he’s such an idiot. “I’m so sorry. That was… I didn’t mean to… that was inappropriate.” He’s rambling again. He’s trying to avoid looking at her again. (Just in case he jumps over the bar to kiss her. He wouldn’t put it past himself, that would be quite on brand for him.)

“James?” He looks up. Is that the first time she’s said his name? The sound of it on her lips makes his heart stutter. Lily’s face is flushed. “I’ll see you on Saturday?”

He smiles at her, forcing a calm he doesn’t feel, and nods. “See you, Lily.”

Heart thundering in his ears, blood thrumming through his veins, James turns around and gets the hell out of there, feeling like he’s just played a full ninety minutes.

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ubwfc · 5 years ago

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Gloucestershire 1s V Bristol 2s 1-0

We arrived perfectly on time at the Gloucestershire grounds, only to see that the men’s cup match was still stuck on 0-0 and being played on the pitch we were supposed to play on. Kat managed to find a passageway to a public field where we were able to warm up, only to find out that the men’s match had gone on to extra time. To everyone’s delight, dogs were running around everywhere and two of them took a heightened interest in football, with Jess and Liv having some fun dribbling around them. We didn’t want to tire ourselves out so we proceeded to go watch the men play for a bit, seeing a beautiful goal (which was led a lot by the wind), meaning that penalties were not going to happen and meaning we could finally get in the zone. A little chat in the changing rooms before got everyone focused (and a bit scared), but the sun was out, and we managed to secure “the good side” so things were looking up.

Initially Gloucester were dominating the game, pressing high and getting the ball dangerously close to the goal. They got a first corner very early on and took a shot from far out, but luckily nothing came from it. After a little bit, Bristol finally get their head in the game (I definitely felt those intense Troy-like emotions in this match). We start attacking, pushing that high defending line of Gloucestershire back, with our midfielders sending off Emma on a few sprints towards the goal to show Gloucestershire that they can’t allow any mistakes. Quickly Destiny, former or maybe even current Bristol city gal (thanks for telling us Dean, btw, didn’t scare us at all), is moved to the defending line, with no less than 2 people always making sure none of those long balls can get passed to find Emma.

The goalie would use any opportunity to play only a few meters behind the defenders: taking free kicks from near the half line and always catching Emma off guard when she did manage to get passed the rapid Destiny. The cockiness of the goalkeeper became too much for her own good: Foot on foot between the goalkeeper and Emma from a bicycle kick from Jess had the ball bounce off in favour of Emma – she shoots at the goal. Unfortunately, a Gloucestershire player had managed to get to the goal line and get their head on the ball, which meant the score unfortunately stayed 0-0.

Bristol is pressing well, constantly finding Lizzie and Simone, who were doing bits running up and down those lines, creating major goal opportunities and unsettling Gloucestershire. Ella plays a free kick, which became dangerous for the Gloucestershire players with Jess having space to take a shot from outside the box. Unfortunately, the reminiscent of storm Ciara was not in our favour and carries Jess’ ball wide. Gloucestershire didn’t cease to challenge Bristol with many attempts at sending players and have shots at the goal. Unstoppable Ellen, though, manages to catch anything and everything coming her way (despite her paralysed thumb).

A Bristol corner becomes extremely risky for the Gloucestershire side, but Jess goes down – “pathetic” shouts Gloucestershire player. Calm down. It’s a head injury. Jess gets her own back, megs a player (lovely), the ball finds Emma NOT OFFSIDE BUT CALLED OFFSIDE - the lino, who plays for Gloucestershire, says it’s offside?? What?? A?? Shock?? Referee admits he didn’t see it. THAT is pathetic. Simone went off for a bit but comes back on for Emma. Lizzie is taken down which should have been a pen!! Then Chloe is taken down. Gloucestershire are starting to feel the pressure. A lot of fouls, foul mouths and foul throws in this team (EMBARASSING, learn how to throw).

In a struggle for the ball, a Gloucestershire player mistakes Ellen’s head for the ball, studding her right in the face and causing her mouth to bleed rivers of blood. She receives a yellow card initially, but her mouthing back at the referee sees her sent off the pitch with NO APOLOGY to Ellen and still DENYING that she kicked her face (most people know what a ball and what a face feels like). Gloucestershire 10 men. Swansea firsts turn up for their cup match to play after ours. Who knew they would be supporting us (“go on Bristol"). Simone plays a beauty of a ball down the wing which Rosie manages to get her foot on, crosses it in but it’s cleared out for a corner. Chloe is doing bits on the left wing, with her feet doing some incredible movements that has Gloucester players all over the place.

Lino Ella watches in awe as Camilla clears pretty much anything that is going via the middle even if it is with her nose (anything will do). Lizzie is on top form, loving it up front as a striker. She is running all over the place, confusing even poor Destiny when she comes running out of nowhere. This girl does not get tired (not that anyone’s complaining). Lizzie and Rosie are linking up well, but the keeper is just a step ahead every time. Lizzie manages to take a shot, but it goes wide. Gloucestershire are having issues getting past our solid wall of defenders. Tegan and Kat are clearing any ball that manages to get past Liv and Ellie (which are not many to be fair). Gloucestershire are relying heavily on two players that can only manage to dribble from one side of the pitch to the next but cannot find a clear path towards the goal. One of them takes quite a lot of long-distance shots, but in vain. Bristol is looking very close to a goal and a clean sheet.

Jess is loving the overhead kicks, sending multiple towards Lizzie. A Gloucestershire ball through the middle finds Kat’s head but Ellen can’t keep hold. Gloucestershire corner. It’s high and out, but a Gloucestershire player is down with a cramp FIVE YARDS FROM THE LINE and continues to lie there for another TWENTY-NINE MINUTES (at least) by the feel of it. They are the queens of time wasters. A Gloucestershire corner has too much weight on and Ellie sees it out for a goal kick, however, the ref gives Gloucestershire a corner (???). Just to our luck, this is when they somehow manage to get a weak foot on the ball and into the net. 1-0 Gloucestershire. Definitely did not see that coming, as we were dominating by miles. Very frustrating, but Bristol keep their heads high and get back into it straight away. Liv and Camilla are playing some lovely one twos around the opposition. Glos are still relying on their wide shots, one after the other, with no chance even coming close with Ellen holding them all safely.

Emma takes the wing for a bit, making long sprints down the line and manages to have a shot – unfortunately blocked by one of the gigantic defenders. Ellie, the cheerleader, at the back is shouting “go Emma we love you Emma yes Emma” whenever she’s making a run (much appreciated Ellie). Dean rearranges one more time with two strikers at the top for the last 15 minutes. Everyone is pressing high and desperate to get that well-deserved goal. Tegan is sweeping left, right and centre and Liv is making some lovely sliding tackles (teach me?), and playing up the wing, creating some amazing chances. Jess is playing some incredible balls out to Rosie on the wing, who crosses them in, but the keeper has them every time. Bristol’s football is top notch and beautiful to watch, but we just can’t get through before the whistle is finally blown. Full time 1-0 Gloucestershire.

Squad: Ellen Brown Liv Rae Tegan Trowbridge Katharine Biggs Ellie May Haines Ella Salusbury Camilla Sameur Jessica Mortimer Lizzie Moisan Emma Thill Simone Yumeng Lin Chloe Doobay Rosie McGahan Player of the match: Tegan Trowbridge - for ‘having a good solid game’ thanks great description Dean

Dick of the day: the Gloucestershire player that sliced Ellen’s mouth open and didn’t apologise. Your red card was well deserved

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passnmove · 7 years ago

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Is VAR a solution or a problem?

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”

American writer William Arthur Ward there with a quote that, for me, perfectly encapsulates the fear of change in society. Unfortunately he died in 1994, so now we have to settle for the likes of Matthew Upson and Lee Dixon.

One of the biggest criticisms to the concept of introducing video assistant referees (VAR) in football was that it would eliminate the talking points brought about by good old fashioned poor decision making. Perhaps if you need controversial decisions in football so that you ‘have something to talk about down the pub’, really you just need more interesting friends.

However, if the trial of VAR at the Confederations Cup provided anything, it was to give those people lashings of that which they hold so dear to their hearts.

Those of us who welcome progress were delighted to see the introduction of the new VAR system at the two-week long Community Shield that is the Confederations Cup. Gone would be the days of failing to see blatant offsides, dodgy penalty decisions and players being allowed to elbow one another in the jaw and only get a booking… ah.

The general idea that on-field referees need video assistance to make the big calls they just aren’t certain about is an exciting one. It is perfectly understandable that officials get big calls wrong from time to time, but it is not acceptable that the game, until now, has refused to help them with the technology available.

The notion that those mistakes ‘add to the flavour of the game’ is no more valid in football than it is in tennis, rugby or cricket, and there is no denying those sports have advanced positively from the introduction of video assistance.

For those unsure (referees included), the VAR system has been set up like so. Referees can decide whether they want help from VAR, while other officials, including the video ones, can also suggest that he uses the technology if they think he’s missed something critical. If he decides to do so, he can trust the VAR's decision or can go and view the footage himself on a screen at the side of the pitch.

As ever with football, the problem is not the concept, it is the execution.

The ITV commentators and pundits were practically giddy in their criticism of the VAR system last night after referee Milorad Mazic utilised it, taking two minutes to discuss with the officials in the video room, then going over to the side of the pitch to view the incident himself, and somehow determining that Gonzalo Jara’s physical assault of Timo Werner was worthy of only a yellow card.

I was as bemused as anyone and – like Werner – my jaw hit the floor. It was to some surprise though that the commentators, and later the pundits, and thereafter a large amount of people on Twitter suggested that it showed a fault in the VAR system, rather than just a dopey referee.

It was of course not the first controversial usage of VAR in the tournament, but as with Mazic’s bizarre behaviour, it didn’t seem that any of those incidents were actually the fault of the VAR, rather just bad refereeing from the on-field official.

When Mexico played New Zealand in the group stage there was a significant delay late in the game after a melee between the players. Despite more examples of raised hands than Glastonbury, the referee decided to hand out a booking to one player, then stopped the game again and handed out two more. Whether that was down to him or the officials in his ear, it was all round bad management of the game. In that instance you have to trust what the video referees are telling you or just decide it’s not worth investigating. To take that long to come to a decision, and then still decide to restart and stop the game again to make two more bookings is simply poor officiating and incompetent use of the technology you’ve been given.

Then there was the case of mistaken identity in the Germany Cameroon game. The referee watched a replay, determined it was a red and sent off the wrong player. The video didn’t change the number on the player’s back. That was just another example of an official not paying attention, whether it was one in the video room or the on-field referee.

People have also pointed to the incident in the semi-final between Chile and Portugal when Jose Fonte appeared to foul Francisco Silva in the box. The referee did not award a penalty or ask to see the incident again. How that can be blamed on VAR is beyond me. That is a referee refusing to use the technology, so the same decision would have been made even if it wasn’t available.

This is where the ‘talking point’ criticism of VAR falls down. While it is there to help the referee, he can still choose not to use it and to ignore those in the VAR room. It will continue to create talking points, just hopefully lessen the monumental errors that currently occur.

The thing that tickled me most about the non-red card in the final was Upson, for some reason, deciding that Mazic would have sent Jara off if he hadn’t had use of the technology, despite the fact that he actually gave a throw in and nothing more initially, then only went to the VAR when alerted by other officials. Had it not been for the technology, Jara would have got away scot-free. That he was then only punished by a free-kick and a yellow card is presumably just because Mazic understands the rules of the game to be that deliberately elbowing someone in the jaw is the same as lifting your shirt in celebration of a goal.

According to FIFA’s head referee, Massimo Busacca, in the 12 games of the group stages, six "game-changing decisions" were made using VAR, with another 29 "major incidents". That is far too many. As correctly pointed out by the likes of Luis Garcia and Danny Higginbotham, the only time VAR should be used is in game-changing decisions. When that has occurred, there have been some very beneficial outcomes.

Pepe scored for Portugal in their opening game with Mexico and the goal would normally have stood, but the referee ruled it out correctly for offside after consulting with VAR.

Eduardo Vargas of Chile also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside against Cameroon. He later scored a goal in the same game, which again went to the VAR system, and was correctly allowed. These incidents cannot be simply whitewashed over just because there were other instances where the technology was used badly. Again, that’s human error.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino rather optimistically stated on the eve of the Confederations Cup Final “Nothing is standing in the way of using VARs [at the World Cup], as far as I’m concerned. So far it has been successful. We are learning, we are improving, we are continuing the tests.“ ITV mocked those claims as they asserted the VAR system as ‘a shambles’.

In fact if anyone can sort out a GIF of Infantino hitting an ITV-headed man with a clothesline at WrestleMania that’d be smashing.

It is the use of the technology and the execution of the system that needs improving, rather than the system itself. Blaming the concept of the VAR for the errors of on-field referees is like slamming your car into a wall and blaming your sat-nav. Just because the technology is there, doesn’t mean you are allowed to abandon common sense altogether, as popular an option as that seems to be these days.

Most people appreciate how difficult it is to referee a game of football, especially a high profile one. It also isn’t easy embracing new rules and regulations, and as I understand it, officials at the Confederations Cup were given very little training in how to use VAR before the competition. That needs to be improved in future, as does the explanation to fans as to how it works. There’s been too much confusion as to who has what say, which leads to people justifying their fear of change and demanding we go backwards to a time we all understood, however bad it may have been.

It is also important that in future we are able to hear what the officials are saying to each other. It happens in other sports and is invaluable in at least clearing up the mysteries of decisions like last night. Who decided it was only a yellow, what justification did they use and why? It also eliminates the 2-3 minutes of commentators complaining that they have to fill the silence, as if that isn’t the whole point of them anyway.

On a sidenote, how much does Clive Tyldesley hate football? His introduction of the second half of last night’s game was practically begging people to do and watch anything else, making the Confederations Cup Final sound as enticing as a ‘politician special’ episode of Love Island. Can’t wait for next year’s World Cup when he tells us that we’re wasting our lives and the end is nigh as we watch Burkina Faso draw 1-1 with Paraguay.

Referees get criticised far too often and far too readily, and the whole point of VAR is to give them the help they need. This kind of assistance should only go to reduce the criticism that comes their way, not increase it, but if you’re given a tool like this and still go on to make terrible decisions as Mazic did, you’re really not helping yourself. If we’re sky-diving and I hand you a parachute, then you choose to open it 3 metres from the ground, it’s mostly your fault that you now look like the villain from Who Framed Roger Rabbit after the steamroller’s had a go at him.

The almighty mess-ups with VAR at the Confederations Cup and the widespread scepticism it has created should probably ensure that FIFA pull it from their plans at the Russia 2018 World Cup. It has become a sideshow already and the likes of ITV will bore us to death (more so than usual) with their constant nit-picking at it next summer, so until the furore has blown over and FIFA have ironed out the many kinks in the system as it is, I would be inclined to put it away for the time being.

However, one thing Infantino is right about is that VAR is inevitable, and it should be, but as with everything in life, it can only work if it is backed up by human competence. Like many things these days, it would be a shame if we fail to progress because of a lack of trust in the competence of people to simply not make stupid decisions.

VAR means Brexit Breakfast VAR!

#Football #Soccer #VAR #Infantino #FIFA #confederations cup

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junker-town · 6 years ago

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3 things we learned from Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool

The Premier League has a real title race.

The Premier League has no more unbeaten teams, and it now has a title race. Manchester City defeated Liverpool 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, pulling within four points of the Reds, who still sit on top of the table, and ending their undefeated run.

While it took a long time for either team to get a decent shot — and the game finished with a surprisingly low 14 in total — there was no lack of entertainment in this match, with the tempo very high from the start. Sadio Mane had the first big chance in the 18th minute, off a through ball from Mohamed Salah, and it resulted in a mad scramble. He hit the post on his first attempt, then had his second cleared off the line by John Stones.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED Watch #MCILIV on NBCSN or stream: https://t.co/vlU3YdmQDh pic.twitter.com/9W4xek2W9b

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2019

Does that look to you like it crossed the line? This is how close it was.

I mean... pic.twitter.com/nW2ZRAEfHQ

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2019

Vincent Kompany was lucky not to be sent off in the 31st minute for a very hard tackle on Mohamed Salah, for which he only received a yellow card. Kompany also spit some profane insults Salah’s way for staying down and grabbing his leg in pain.

Liverpool might have had the better of the first half hour, but it was Manchester City who found the breakthrough in the 40th minute. Bernardo Silva set up the goal with a fantastic run and chip to the near post for Sergio Aguero, who got the better of Dejan Lovren and hit a scorching finish past Allison Becker at the near post.

AGUEROOOOOO! The Etihad goes wild! Watch more: https://t.co/vlU3YdmQDh pic.twitter.com/6pk752BP0S

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2019

Another piece of questionable officiating went the other way in the 52nd minute, when City were denied a penalty. Andy Robertson appeared to pull down Raheem Sterling in the box, but Anthony Taylor gave nothing.

In the 64th minute, Liverpool found a gorgeous equalizer through Roberto Firmino. Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t get credit for the setup on the box score, but he should. His sensational diagonal created the chance, and Robertson tapped the ball into the path of Firmino to grab the assist.

Roberto Firmino with a diving header! pic.twitter.com/8GNDtvDSf3

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2019

But Liverpool couldn’t get a hold of the game after the goal, and City stormed right back in front through Leroy Sane in the 72nd minute. Sterling played a precise pass into his path, and the German left winger placed a perfect shot past Allison at the far post.

InSane! What a game this has been! Watch more: https://t.co/vlU3YdmQDh pic.twitter.com/1XGwGwqBNE

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 3, 2019

The final 20 minutes of the match were wide open, with both teams breaking quickly into space in an attempt to find another goal. City were denied a third goal by Allison in the 82nd minute, who made an impressive diving stretch to stop Aguero from rounding him and tapping into an empty net. Liverpool pushed hard for an equalizer in the dying minutes, putting City under plenty of pressure, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

3 things we learned

We are so blessed to get to watch these teams

It’s almost a shame that only one of City or Liverpool can win the Premier League title. They both play with amazing precision despite their ridiculously high tempos, both look capable of scoring 100 goals and racking up 100 points this season, and both have fantastic defenses despite their high-octane styles. They’d both be worthy title winners in any season. This could be an all-time great title race.

Liverpool are still pretty strong title favorites

While this game reinvigorated the title race, the Reds are still in a good spot.

I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something: the last team to blow a halfway lead as big as Liverpool's this season were Newcastle in 1995-96. Some analysis of the PL at the stage for @unibet https://t.co/olss8knLKn

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) December 28, 2018

A four-point gap can be erased in just two weeks, but a four-point lead is still a lot for a team as good as Liverpool. They’re not going to drop many more points this season if they stay healthy. They just got their hardest match out of the way.

Sergio Aguero was the best player on the pitch

Every year, there are rumors that Aguero could be sold, mostly because of his recurring injuries. But when he’s fit, he’s the best striker in the Premier League. He has been for the entirety of his time at City. And he was up for the big match on Thursday — he scored the opening goal, and he put pressure on the Liverpool back line for the entire 90 minutes.

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crbrickey · 5 years ago

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No Complaints November...

Boy, this was a tall task. I can now see why most people do no shave November, zero effort. But to be honest, I love that I did this and I learned a lot. So lets look at what I learned and how I did.

First thing I learned was right out of the gates of my challenge. This was going to be hard. Right now in our society there is a lot to complain about. So I would be forced to basically ignore the world if I wanted to accomplish this. This is an even worse idea, isolation leads to more problems than answers. Isolation was not an option. How do I avoid complaining?

You can’t. Its just the truth. Human nature is going to make bad things happen to you and in that instant- it happens. You re going to be in a bad state and you will probably complain. Honesty, you will complain. So does this mean I failed? No, I don't believe I did, and here’s why.

The first day I made the challenge Ku started their season playing Duke. If you follow college basketball, you will recall Ku lost by 2. Here is where I usually complain the easiest. But I didn't this time. Right away, without even getting angry I was already looking on the bright side. I took into consideration that Ku turns the ball over 30 times to an alleged top 5 team. That sounds bad and it was, but we only lost by 2. So its easily conceivable to believe if they kept their turnovers down just by 5, that could be a 10 point difference. (actually it could be a 30 point difference if you assume your opponent made 5 3 pointers on those 5 possessions. Sooooo, you could make 5 3 pointers and therefor it would be a 30 point difference but not likely). Obviously my 10 point is a conservative adjustment. With that in mind, Ku then would win by 8 instead of losing by 2. A lot of math, I hope everybody kept up. Anyways, the point of this is, I looked on the bright side. I know that Coach Self and the boys will improve and in the future this will become a victory. I was super pumped that they played so bad, yet they had a chance to win. With improvement this team will be very good and will have a chance to go far.

Hey Casey, this is so not relevant to real life problems. I could argue-- to me, sports are life. But, I get your point. How does this apply to every day life? People will tell you, including me- always look on the bright side, thats what I did in the example above. Its right, it really is. With that said, I discovered something better to avoid letting complaining ruining your day. I implemented my new “teaching moment” strategy. You’re not a teacher Casey- so how do you teach? Well, I let the internet teach me. Let me explain.

On our 2nd weekend of C&C Deliveries(Postmates lol), we ran into a hiccup. Our first delivery on Saturday sent us to Dave and Busters. You can tell Dave and Busters is new to Wichita by the fact that everyone and their dog and cat were at Dave and Busters. The parking lot was worse than parking at Wichita State. The only people that could park were the handicapped, its moments like these where I take pride in my disability. The sharks were circling and we were parking. Anywho, 20 minutes later, Cory finally gets to the front to make an order. I know it was 20 minutes because my auto start had shut off. After placing an order, our Postmates card was declined. Oh my gosh, what are we going to do? We can't pay for the food. So, we did what we had to. Cancelled the order. Rush was pissed. Thankfully, I came up with my teaching moment. I said listen man, there's nothing we can do from the past, but lets research this so it doesn't happen to us again. Yet, Cory was still pissed. Complaining there was no customer service so nothing to learn. I said dude, we live in a time where the world is at our fingertips. google it. Sure enough, many a people have had the problem, and there was an easy solution. Finally, I got Rush off the ledge, so after our hour in the penalty box(you get penalized for cancelling orders) we were back at work and actually had our most successful night to date.

That right there, is all the proof I need. The teaching moments method works. If I allowed ourselves to just complain, we would have clocked out for the night and probably forever. Instead, I did the method, calmed everybody down, learn how to fix this problem, and saved a bad night that turned into a great night. Every time you avoid wallowing/complaining is a victory. If you can learn from it, its 10x even more rewarding. So here is my method: step 1. allow no more than 5 seconds to complain. Say your curse words and move on. If you just stay in this step, nothing will change and your day will be ruined. Step 2. Identify the problem. In this case, our card was denied. Pretty simple but I assure you every time you want to complain, its because something simple went wrong. You just have to figure out what it is. Step 3. Figure out how to solve the problem. Like I said, with today’s smart phones, the world is at your fingertips. If you have no one right by you to help you figure it out, don’t be afraid to google it, or bing it-- whichever you may prefer. Step 4. Implement what you learned. Matter of fact, later that night, the problem arose again but this time, Rush knew what to do. When he fixed it, it still got the food paid for, the smile on his face was priceless. Yes, thats an added bonus to my method. It could lead to greater feelings of euphoria at later times.

Since I first tried this method, I have used it many other times and it really is a miracle work. To be honest, the last month and a half, I feel like I have been happier than I had been in a while. (maybe I haven’t, I'd have to ask my caregivers, but I feel happy and thats all that really matters). For me, it has been the biggest secret to life I have discovered. Before I leave I do want to reiterate, not every time you want to complain, will it be a teaching moment. I.e. Ku losing. I can’t change that, lol. So in those instances do look for the bright side, it works too. But, if you can learn from something bad happening, do it. It will pay off long term as you go on with life.

Well, there you have it, my new secret to life. Teaching moments. What started as a joke towards my sister is now my life motto. It really is weird how life plays out sometimes. You know me, I cannot end my blog without a sports update, I am so excited to announce that the Ku Jayhawks mens team is the only power conference team to win 300 games this decade. Way to go guys! Rock chalk Jayhawks! I will be back next week with a blog but after that, the rest of the decade (mind blowing) will probably only be my Monday Random Thoughts. Everybody have a great weekend, see ya next week.

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aretia · 5 years ago

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Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

If you like many others in the United States are reeling under credit card debts and facing non-stop calls from the credit card company and its debt collectors, contact an experienced Provo Utah bankruptcy lawyer.

There are three categories of loan agreements, but lenders in each category will be most eager to lend money to someone with good credit. Credit is extended to a borrower either through a revolving agreement, a charge agreement, or an installment agreement. In a revolving agreement, the holder pays some or all of the outstanding balance each month. Whatever remains is rolled over to the next bill. Most credit cards, department store cards, and gas cards are revolving agreements. In a charge agreement, the holder promises to pay the full balance each month. This agreement does not involve interest payments because no balance is carried forward. American Express cards are probably the best known in this category. In an installment agreement, the borrower agrees to pay a specific amount each month until the debt is repaid. This is traditionally the way auto loans and furniture and appliance sales are financed.

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About two-thirds of card-holding Americans carry a balance on their card each month and pay interest on that debt. Yet many of these same people get an offer for a card with no annual fee and they jump at the chance, without considering whether the interest rate is high. They could pay far more in interest charges than what they save on annual fees.

Then there are people who choose a card primarily to get free airplane tickets, bonus points toward trips or cars, cash rebates, the logo of a favorite organization or sports team on the card, or other “rewards.” They can end up paying more in fees or interest than the value of their “freebies.” This doesn’t include cases in which people buy items they might not otherwise buy just to rack up more points or miles on their card.

In general, if you expect to pay your credit card bill in full each month, your best bet is a card with no annual fee and the kinds of rebates or rewards you expect to use the most. If you don’t expect to pay your card balance most months, go for a card with a low interest rate and the right mix of rebates or rewards to justify any fees.

Misunderstanding card offers

It’s easy to assume too much or read too little when sorting through solicitations. At first glance, every offer may look like a good deal. But there are differences and potential dangers, depending on how you plan to use your card.

Interest rates

A low interest rate prominently featured in a mailing or advertisement actually may be a short-term “teaser” rate that, as noted in the fine print, may increase dramatically after six months or so. That low introductory rate also may only apply to balances you transfer to your card from other loans or cards you have, and not to any new purchases you put on the card. Be aware that an interest rate advertised as “fixed” still can be changed with advance notice to card holders. And if your card company does raise your rate for any reason, that new rate usually will apply to any outstanding balance plus new purchases.

Interest calculations

Consumers who routinely carry a balance on their credit card should pay closer attention to how their interest is calculated. Perhaps the most common and the most advantageous method for consumers is the “average daily balance” approach, where you’d have a 15 to 30-day “grace period” to pay before facing charges on the daily average for that period. However, a few cards have much costlier calculation methods, including the “two-cycle” system. Under that method, if you pay in full one month but only pay part of the bill the next month, you’ll be charged interest for both months instead of just one.

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“Pre-approved” offers

This doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a card. It means that a “pre-screening” indicates you may meet the income, employment, and other criteria the card company might want in a customer. You still must apply for the card and await the results of a credit check. Also, you’re not guaranteed the credit limit stated in your offer.

Before you sign up for a credit card, carefully review the solicitation and the application. By law, key terms must be disclosed; they’re usually described in a separate box somewhere on the application form. If after reviewing these documents you don’t understand something, call the card issuer and ask for an explanation.

Not shopping around for the best deal

It’s a big mistake to assume that interest rates, credit limits, grace periods, and other card features are pretty much the same no matter which card you choose. You can shop for good deals nationwide, for free, by checking the listings of cards and toll-free phone numbers that appear regularly in major consumer and financial publications.

Having too many credit cards

There are good reasons to have more than one card, especially if your credit limit isn’t high enough on one card to suit your needs. You don’t want to be traveling and discover you can’t charge a hotel room, car rental, or airline ticket because you’d exceed your credit limit. Even so, most experts agree that two or three general-purpose cards and a few (if any) cards issued by stores or oil companies should be enough for the average family.

What’s wrong with too many cards? One, they make overspending too tempting. And two, they become part of your credit history. Your record will show the number of cards you own, the total amount you’re eligible to borrow on your cards, the number of times you’ve applied for cards, plus your rejections. This can haunt you the next time you apply for a loan you really need–perhaps a mortgage or a car loan.

Getting too deep in debt

Each year millions of people drown in debt–from mortgages, home equity loans, auto loans, credit cards, and other borrowings. Many people bring on their own troubles–they can’t control their spending or manage their finances wisely. But many others are responsible people who became overwhelmed by expenses or reduced income triggered by a serious illness, a job loss, or some other unforeseen event.

If you’ve got a serious debt problem, there may be corrective steps you can take involving your credit cards. For example, you can reduce your expenses by paying off the balance on your highest-rate loans first-usually your credit cards–even if you have higher balances on other loans. Also, you can pay for future purchases using a debit card, which deducts funds directly from your bank account.

There also are reliable credit counselors you can turn to for help at little or no cost. Unfortunately, there also are scams masquerading as “credit repair clinics” and other companies that charge big fees for unfulfilled promises or services you can perform on your own.

If you are deep in credit card debt, an experienced Provo Utah bankruptcy lawyer can be the person who can help you get rid of your credit card debt. Running up fees and penalties that could easily have been avoided Pay your credit card bill late–even by one day–and you may face interest charges on the outstanding balance plus your purchases. Pay with a check that bounces or exceeds your credit limit, and you could pay $20 to $30 in penalties. Become a habitual offender and your card company could significantly raise the interest rate on your card. These problems can be avoided simply by keeping better financial records and being aware of your card’s fees explained in the fine print. And make sure your payment arrives at the card company by the due date; having it postmarked by that date won’t suffice.

Cash Withdrawals

Many consumers also use their credit cards to get quick cash at an automated teller machine (ATM) or teller window, or they use one of the blank checks or “convenience checks” that card companies send to customers. In many cases these “cash advances” carry sizable up-front fees–often 2% of the amount advanced and not less than $2–a higher interest rate than regular card charges, and no grace period before interest begins accumulating. You may be better off writing a check, using a debit card, or charging purchases rather than trying to pay in cash.

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

It’s tempting, especially during the holiday shopping season, to take advantage of an offer from your card company to skip a payment or two. You also might like the idea of paying back only the minimum required each month or even reducing your minimum payment. But these aren’t really good deals, especially if you can afford to pay off all or much of your card balance.

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When you pay only the minimum on your credit card bill, you’re simply taking more time to pay off your debt. That means more money in interest charges– perhaps thousands of dollars and a debt that takes 10 or 20 years longer to pay than necessary. Your card company also may begin to see you as more of a risk and decide to substantially increase your interest rate.

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Card issuers are required to give you notice (typically at least 15 days) before increasing your interest rate, lowering your credit limit, adding fees and penalties, reducing or eliminating your grace period, or cutting back on bonus programs. But if you don’t monitor your monthly billings or other mailings from your card company., you could end up paying more for a credit card that offers you less–and not even realize it.

So, to avoid paying a higher interest rate than you expected, to avoid penalties for actions that in the past were allowed, or to make sure you still get the services and bonuses you want, read that junk mail! This also gives you the opportunity to negotiate a better deal from your existing card company or to shop around for a new card.

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Many people don’t check their monthly statements for over billings. And even those consumers who do spot a problem don’t resolve it the right way. For example, in the case of a simple overcharge, the Fair Credit Billing Act allows you to withhold payment on a disputed amount until the situation is resolved. But to be fully protected, you must report the problem to your card company in writing within 60 days of the postmark of the bill.

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Many consumers try to cut costs by transferring the balance on one card to a new card offering a super-low introductory interest rate, but some later find out they’re paying about the same money or more. That can happen if you don’t pay down the transferred balance before the low rate expires–usually within six months– or if the transferred balance is subject to hefty cash advance fees or other charges. So, look before you leap from one card to another.

If you don’t use a card anymore, cancel it out. Why? As previously noted, too many cards on your credit record could prompt a lender to reject your application for a mortgage or some other loan. Also, even if you don’t find the card of much value, a thief who takes it from your home or wallet can use it fast!

Once you decide to cancel a card, take the following precautions. First, send a letter to the card issuer stating that you have decided to stop the card. This clarifies, for your credit records, that the card was closed by you and not by the card issuer because of any problems you may have created. Also, cut up your old card and dispose of it in such a way that a thief rummaging through your trash can’t piece it together and get your account number and expiration date– it’s all he needs to go on a shopping spree over the phone.

Before you sign up for a credit card, you should be careful. However, if you have one, use it carefully. If you unable to make you credit card payments, speak to an experienced Provo Utah bankruptcy lawyer to know your options.

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

When you need help with a bankruptcy case; whether it is a chapter 7 bankruptcy, a chapter 13 bankruptcy, a chapter 11 bankruptcy, a chapter 9 bankruptcy or a chapter 12 bankruptcy, please call Ascent Law LLC (801) 676-5506 for your Free Consultation. We want to help you.

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

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Source: https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

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asafeatherwould · 5 years ago

Text

Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

youtube

Misunderstanding card offers

Interest rates

Interest calculations

youtube

“Pre-approved” offers

Not shopping around for the best deal

Having too many credit cards

Getting too deep in debt

Cash Withdrawals

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

youtube

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

Recent Posts

How Do I Find Probate Documents?

Family Lawyer Morgan Utah

Separation Agreements In Divorce

Retirement Accounts

Facebook Posts In Custody Cases

Rights Of Probate Creditors In Utah

Source: https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

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advertphoto · 5 years ago

Text

Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

youtube

Misunderstanding card offers

Interest rates

Interest calculations

youtube

“Pre-approved” offers

Not shopping around for the best deal

Having too many credit cards

Getting too deep in debt

Cash Withdrawals

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

youtube

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

Recent Posts

How Do I Find Probate Documents?

Family Lawyer Morgan Utah

Separation Agreements In Divorce

Retirement Accounts

Facebook Posts In Custody Cases

Rights Of Probate Creditors In Utah

Source: https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

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melissawalker01 · 5 years ago

Text

Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

youtube

Misunderstanding card offers

Interest rates

Interest calculations

youtube

“Pre-approved” offers

Not shopping around for the best deal

Having too many credit cards

Getting too deep in debt

Cash Withdrawals

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

youtube

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

Recent Posts

How Do I Find Probate Documents?

Family Lawyer Morgan Utah

Separation Agreements In Divorce

Retirement Accounts

Facebook Posts In Custody Cases

Rights Of Probate Creditors In Utah

from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/ from Divorce Lawyer Nelson Farms Utah https://divorcelawyernelsonfarmsutah.tumblr.com/post/189056724060

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gonnagoandrunwiththehorses · 5 years ago

Text

Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

youtube

Misunderstanding card offers

Interest rates

Interest calculations

youtube

“Pre-approved” offers

Not shopping around for the best deal

Having too many credit cards

Getting too deep in debt

Cash Withdrawals

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

youtube

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

Recent Posts

How Do I Find Probate Documents?

Family Lawyer Morgan Utah

Separation Agreements In Divorce

Retirement Accounts

Facebook Posts In Custody Cases

Rights Of Probate Creditors In Utah

Source: https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

0 notes

michaeljames1221 · 5 years ago

Text

Bankruptcy Lawyer Provo Utah

youtube

Misunderstanding card offers

Interest rates

Interest calculations

youtube

“Pre-approved” offers

Not shopping around for the best deal

Having too many credit cards

Getting too deep in debt

Cash Withdrawals

Skipping a payment or paying less than you can afford

youtube

Not closely reviewing the notices sent by your card company

Not correcting errors in your monthly billings

Closing out a card for the wrong reasons, or in the wrong way

Provo Utah Bankruptcy Lawyer Free Consultation

Ascent Law LLC 8833 S. Redwood Road, Suite C West Jordan, Utah 84088 United States Telephone: (801) 676-5506

Ascent Law LLC

4.9 stars – based on 67 reviews

Recent Posts

How Do I Find Probate Documents?

Family Lawyer Morgan Utah

Separation Agreements In Divorce

Retirement Accounts

Facebook Posts In Custody Cases

Rights Of Probate Creditors In Utah

from Michael Anderson https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

from Criminal Defense Lawyer West Jordan Utah https://criminaldefenselawyerwestjordanutah.wordpress.com/2019/11/14/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

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elizabethcariasa · 5 years ago

Text

10 avoidable tax filing errors

Millions of us file taxes every year. And millions of us, even those who get refunds, dread it.

Why? We worry that we'll make a mistake.

That's a legitimate concern. Despite lawmakers' perpetual promises to make our tax lives easier, they somehow seem to screw up that political pledge. Yes, I am looking at you Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), with your new forms and confusing tax breaks even when they provide some relief. Thanks, Congress!

But sometimes, we filers have to bear some of the blame. We make things worse by making easily avoidable mistakes when we fill out our 1040s.

Here are 10 common errors you can dodge by taking a little care when you file your tax return.

1. Missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers: This nine-digit number was not intended to be our universal identifier, but, for better and in this age of identity theft often for worse, that's what the Social Security number has become.

There's been some talk about changing that for tax filing, but until that happens, you've got to include it on your annual return. The IRS won't process a 1040 without it. This identity number requirement extends to you as the primary filer, as well as the Social Security numbers for your spouse and any dependents.

These numerals are crucial because so many tax-related transactions, from income statements to investment earnings to retirement plan contributions and distributions, are keyed to this number.

A Social Security number also is critical when claiming several tax credits, such as the child tax and additional child tax credits, as well as ones for educational expenses and dependent care costs.

At best, a missing Social Security number will slow down the processing of your return. At worst, it could cost you valuable tax benefits. So be sure to enter on your 1040 each person's number exactly as it's printed on the Social Security card.

A quick note here for filers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number to file. It your ITIN is expired, go ahead and file using the expired number. The IRS will process that return and treat it as a return filed on time. However, the IRS won't allow tax breaks claimed on these returns. Once you renew your ITIN, the IRS will process your return normally.

2. Misspelled or different names: Most of the information on your tax return is numerical, but words — specifically names — are important, too. Spell all names listed on a tax return exactly as listed on your Social Security card, as well as the ID cards of your spouse if you're filing jointly and those of any dependents.

What's the big deal if you've gone by a middle or nickname all your life and enter that on your Form 1040? Plenty.

The tax agency warns that each Social Security number on a tax return should appear exactly as printed on the Social Security card. When the names of a taxpayer, his or her spouse or their children don't match the number that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has on record, the IRS processing machine likely will kick out or slow down the tax return.

Name issues often are a problem for the newly married. Many folks still change their surnames when they marry, whether the "I do's" are exchanged by a bride and groom or spouses in same-sex marriages.

In these cases, if you didn't alert the SSA of your name change after your wedding, your new name on your 1040 or other tax statements could cause a problem when you file your first joint tax return. Get in touch with the SSA ASAP to reconcile this.

The same issue also arises when marital bliss doesn't last and ex-spouses change names after a divorce. Again, make sure Uncle Sam's appropriate agencies know that, too.

Finally, remember to also let the IRS know when you move, even if you didn't change your name a part of a major lifestyle modification. That update will help ensure that your filing goes smoothly.

3. Improperly claiming a dependent: Having a dependent's tax ID number (see #1) generally means that you know that person can be claimed on your return. Or maybe not.

Sometimes determining just who is your tax dependent, be it a child or qualifying relative, can be messy. There are lots of rules about relationships and support earned or provided and who lives for how long in your house.

The confusion often leads to an innocent mistake as to who is eligible to be listed as your tax dependent. Other times, though, folks knowing claim a person as dependent to get the added exemption amount or to claim the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Faking dependents is not a good idea. This is willful disregard of the tax laws and your responsibility to meet them. Such intentional tax violations could lead to tough penalties, sometimes of the criminal nature, on top of the unpaid tax and interest added to it that you thought you were escaping with your fake dependent ploy.

Think the IRS might be too busy to catch your suddenly larger family? Think again. The IRS knows that filers sometimes add people, either real or imaginary or even pets, on their returns. That's why tax examiners look at who has and hasn't been listed before on your returns.

4. Using the wrong filing status: Every year, some taxpayers claim the wrong filing status. This innocent error could be costly, as each filing option could make a difference in your ultimate tax bill. And it's a selection that can be different from year to year as your tax and personal situation change.

Take, for example, your first tax return filing since your divorce (and item #2 name change). You might think you now should file as single. But since you have primary custody of your dependent children (see #3), your more advantageous filing status is head of household. In fact, you could be a head of household taxpayer even if you've never married and don't have kids, but are providing the bulk of support for someone else.

Check out all five filing status options. If you're unsure about which you should select, use the IRS' Interactive Tax Assistant. This online tool can help your sort out your correct current filing status.

5. Figuring credits or deductions: Here's a non-news flash. The tax code is complicated, despite (or, say code critics, because of) tweaks made by the TCJA. That means there still are lots of mistakes to be made as you look for tax-saving credits and deductions. This search has its own errors obstacle course.

The EITC mentioned in mistake #3 is notable here. Plus, taxpayers also are still getting used to the new (again, thanks TCJA) additional dependent claim.

Even folks whose returns seem simple could run into trouble. Take, for example, older filers — that's age 65 or older in the IRS' eyes — or filers who have vision issues. These folks typically qualify for a higher standard deduction. It's automatic as long as you check the correct box(es) on your return. To ensure that this isn't overlooked is one of the reasons the IRS created the new 1040-SR for these files.

Again, you might want to use the Interactive Tax Assistant to help determine if you're eligible for certain tax credits or deductions.

6. Overlooking additional income: Did you have a side hustle this year? If so, as an independent contractor you probably received a Form 1099-MISC detailing the extra gig earnings.

What about savings and investment accounts? For these, you should have received Form 1099-INT and Form 1099 DIV statements.

In these 1099 situations, the IRS knows precisely how much extra money, either as wages or unearned investment income, you made because it got copies of those forms, too.

If you forget to include any of these earnings on your return, IRS examiners will let you know you that it knows and that you owe taxes on that money, too. And depending on when your oversight is discovered, you also could owe penalties and interest on the unreported earnings.

7. Math miscalculations: As we've already seen in many of the filing errors listed far, the IRS is all about the numbers. So it's no surprise that the most common mistakes made on tax returns, year after year, is bad math.

Arithmetic errors range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex tax items, like the credits and deductions mentioned in mistake #5. Figuring things like the EITC or the taxable portion of a retirement account distribution, for example, is more difficult and, not surprisingly, produces more math errors.

In processing 2017 tax year returns during the 2018 fiscal year, the IRS sent almost 2 million notices to taxpayers regarding math errors examiners found on their filings for that year, according to the IRS 2018 Data Book. But, notes the IRS, since a notice could address more than one type of math error, the total number of math mistakes made by filers on their 2017 returns came to more than 2.4 million.

The bulk of the mathematical mistakes, as the chart above from the latest Data Book shows, are basic tax calculation and other tax computation errors. This includes mistakes associated with the calculation and assessment of income taxes, as well as other taxes, such as self-employment, household employment and alternative minimum taxes.

Considering that most of us use tax software, in large part because it does the math for us, that's bit alarming. But it also underscores why that adage garbage in/garbage out is so apt when it comes to tax returns.

The wrong number on one tax form's line produces a wrong calculation that gets transferred to another form, automatically with software. That math error then is exponentially compounded. So pay close attention when you enter your numerical data into your tax return.

One piece of good news in this area is that a recent tax law change has eliminated one previous common math error. The figuring of exemptions and the amounts to claim, which accounted for 19.5 percent of math mistakes on 2017 returns, was eliminated when the TCJA took effect beginning with the 2018 tax year.

8. Entering incorrect bank account numbers: The IRS has for years encouraged us to file electronically and have our refunds (some of y'all can explain these mythical refunds to me, OK?) directly deposited into a financial account.

That's easy for you and the IRS, unless you enter the wrong account number and accompanying routing number. These numbers usually are found on your paper check, like the example image below.

But in some cases, especially as financial institutions expand their digital options, routing numbers could be different. Our bank uses a routing sequence that's different from that on the handful of paper checks we have. So double check with your financial institution as to what numbers to put on your tax return.

Previously, a bad account or routing number meant potential total loss of your tax refund. Unlike paper check refunds that were replaced with another printed U.S. Treasury check, the errant direct tax deposit was, in many cases, finders keepers for the owner of the account where the direct tax deposit ended up.

The good news is that the Taxpayer First Act requires the IRS to work out a way to deal with direct deposits mistakenly sent to wrong accounts. The IRS issued on Dec. 23, 2019, a proposed rule on how it plans to deal with wrongly delivered electronic refunds. That's good, but it'll still be a hassle. Your best defense is to double check your account numbers so that your refund goes to the accounts you choose.

You noticed the plural accounts in the prior sentence, right? You have the option to subdivide your directly deposited tax refund into as many as three accounts. That's a good financial move for many, sending some of the refund to savings, a bit to an IRA and the rest to checking for immediate access. To accomplish this split, just file Form 8888 along with your individual return.

But remember, the more numbers you enter on a tax form, the more chances you have to enter them incorrectly. So again, double check all these account and routing numbers to ensure that your refund doesn't end up in someone else's account or is sent back to the IRS.

9. Not signing your tax return: A tax return that's unsigned gets the same treatment as ones missing Social Security numbers. A return lacking a signature — or signatures; when married couples file a joint return, both spouses must sign the 1040 — isn't valid and the IRS won't process it. There are some possible exceptions for members of the armed forces or other taxpayers who have a valid power of attorney.

The easiest way to avoid this oversight is to file electronically and digitally sign it before sending it to the IRS. Your tax software, either the package you bought or the one you're using on Free File, will walk you through the e-signature process.

If, however, you're still mailing your return, don't be in such a hurry to be done with the job that you stuff your 1040 in the envelope sans signature.

10. Missing the deadline: It's still early in the tax season, so missing the April 15 filing deadline isn't an imminent error. But the longer you put off filing, the possibility that you'll make this mistake increases. And it could be your biggest one.

Not filing and paying any tax you owe by the annual filing deadline will mean that you'll face added penalty and interest charges. And those just keep adding up until you do file and pay.

You can get six more months to file by sending the IRS Form 4868. But that extended Oct. 15 is just to get all your forms done. You still must send by the April deadline any tax you owe with your extension request. If you don't, the clock starts on those accruing late-filing or non-filing penalties.

Nobody wants to pay Uncle Sam a penny more than necessary, so don't make the mistake of missing the filing deadline.

Sorry if this mistakes list means you have to spend a bit more time messing with your taxes.

But a preview of what to avoid and then a review of your 1040 before you hit send to e-file it or drop it in the snail mail box can literally pay off in the final IRS handling of your return.

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Source: https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/bankruptcy-lawyer-provo-utah/

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