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fig-newtons-official · 3 years ago

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Floki and Ivar Peace Out and Do Their Own Thing Pt. 2

Sorry this took forever. These past couple of weeks have been… something. I hope that this turned out alright! I know where I want them to end up, it’s just a matter of making sure I don’t get too impatient and rush the story lol. The next section will take some actual research. If you want to be tagged, let me know!

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Naturally, Ivar knew that his mother would never allow him to leave. He also knew that it would be difficult to deceive Aslaug, given her prophetic dreams. Ivar puzzled over what he could say to convince her long enough for them to be able to leave Kattegat without her interference. Eventually, he and Floki came up with a story: Floki was working on an apparatus to help Ivar stand and walk like any other man and Ivar would have to be around Floki for most of the day to ensure that this imaginary mechanism was working properly.

They decided that leaving sooner was better than later. Floki agreed to gather most of the supplies needed for the journey. The only person that would have thought to question Floki was Ragnar, who was currently too preoccupied with preparing for his return to Wessex to notice any strangeness - other than Floki’s regular level of strangeness, anyway. The only thing that Ivar would need to bring were his own clothes, armor, and a weapon. He knew that taking a horse would be too suspicious, so he’d have to crawl. As long as he wore the heavier items like the armor, the rest wouldn’t be too cumbersome.

When he returned home, Aslaug was waiting for him in the mead hall, seated at the long wooden table. She took a sip from her goblet as she stared at him thoughtfully, the ghost of a smile on her lips. He knew that speaking to her was going to be unavoidable, so he Ivar pulled himself into the chair next to her. As he was doing so, she asked, “Where were you all day?”

“Floki is going to make me walk.” He replied. He had learned how to lie from the best, but unfortunately, the best was right in front of him.

Aslaug watched him carefully as she said, “Oh, is that so?”

“He’s making some sort of mechanism that will help me stand and move about like any other man. I don’t know all the technicalities, but it entails a lot of measuring, weighing.” Ivar explained coolly. He then shrugged, “Despite my insistence on having it done this evening, it’s unfortunately going to be a long project. It will take a lot of time and effort from both of us.”

Aslaug chuckled, taking another sip of her drink, “No one ever accused you of being a patient boy, Ivar.”

Ivar shrugged again, “You’re the one that raised me to be this way.”

Abruptly, she frowned, “I had a dream last night. It was about you.”

Ivar made sure that his dread wouldn’t show on his face. He was worried that his mother’s gift might tip her off to his and Floki’s plans. However, this was his one chance to go and be his own man. He wasn’t about to let some damned premonition keep him from that.

“Oh?” He asked, keeping his earlier cool. “Was it something nice?”

“I saw a beastly creature with a blue face. It could have been a man, but was too large. It was charging you like an animal and…” Aslaug began to blink quickly. She sighed and looked up to the ceiling, letting out a shaky breath. “And you couldn’t get away.”

Ivar furrowed his brow. A man with a blue face? “An ice giant.” He whispered, recalling tales that Floki had told him as a child.

“I’m afraid so.” Aslaug said with a small sniff. She pretended to scratch her cheek, but Ivar could see that his mother was crying.

“What could that mean?” Ivar asked.

“I’m not sure. But I fear that it may have something to do with whatever you and Floki are working on.”

Oh no. Ivar continued to act unfazed, even though he was beginning to feel dread creeping up on him. “I know what your dreams mean, mother. But that begs the question of what an ice giant want with a cripple and an old man?”

Aslaug finished off whatever was in her goblet and sniffed again. “I am not sure. I know only what the gods show me. And what they’ve shown me is that you’re in danger.”

Oh shit. “Why would I be in danger?” Ivar asked, leaning forward to gently touch his mother’s hand. “Kattegat is the safest place for me. Nothing can touch me here. You know this.”

Aslaug wrapped her thin, elegant fingers around his. “Yes, I do know this. So I need you to promise me that you’ll continue to do this. Tell me that you’ll continue to stay where it is safe.”

Ivar stared into Aslaug’s eyes. He was shocked to see that she was pleading with him. She was normally far too proud for such a display of vulnerability. She was truly afraid for him and it began to make him afraid for himself as well.

But even so, he promised, “I promise to stay safe.”

He could promise to stay safe, but not to stay. Technically, he wouldn’t be breaking any promises. Knowing that didn’t stop him from feeling strangely. He wondered if he was experiencing what his brother Ubbe called ‘guilt.’

She stared into his eyes for a moment longer, then nodded with a small smile.

Ivar excused himself to his room, claiming to be tired from all of his ‘work’ with Floki. Once he was in his room, he gathered what he needed. He sought to sneak out to Floki’s cabin under the cover of darkness after everyone else was asleep.

Ivar waited until the noises of his home eventually died down. Most of the servants finished their late night chores and had gone to bed. He could faintly hear one of the slave girls in one of his brother’s rooms. He guessed Hvitserk.

He slowly opened his window and threw his only bag out of it. He heard it land with a soft thud. He then crawled to the door, checked to make sure that no one was coming, then started down the hallway towards the mead hall.

As he approached the hall, Ivar peaked around the corner. Ubbe was slumped over the table, his head cradled in one hand, snoring. He looked like he’d been in the middle of studying a map before dozing off. Or he had drank too much. Either way, it was inconvenient. Shit. Of all nights for him to do this, it had to be this one.

Ivar slowly dragged himself past the table, peeking over at Ubbe to make sure that he’d stay asleep. Luckily, he was snoring so loudly that it was covering the unavoidable sounds of Ivar’s crawling.

Just as Ivar got close to his chair, Ubbe suddenly snorted with such gusto that he sounded like an angered boar, causing Ivar to jump. Ubbe snorted again and his eyes snapped open, having been woken up by his own snoring. He looked around in confusion, possibly wondering why he was at the table instead of his bed. Ivar froze, not even breathing, just watching his brother.

Ubbe grumbled and groggily wiped his eyes. He began to stand and pushed his chair back, bumping into Ivar. He turned around to see him on the floor. They stared at each other. Or, Ubbe tried to meet Ivar’s gaze, but his eyelids were so heavy that he could barely keep them open.

“You should get to bed, Ubbe.” Ivar said quietly.

“So should you.” Ubbe rasped, wiping his eyes again. He yawned. “What are you doing up?”

“Thought I’d stretch my legs and take a late night stroll.” Ivar quipped.

Ubbe grunted. “I’m too tired to say something clever.”

“You must be tired all the time then.” Ivar said, tilting his head and smiling.

Ubbe grunted again. “This is the worst possible dream.” He walked towards his room without another word.

Ivar breathed out a sigh of relief. He was fortunate to have caught Ubbe when he was too exhausted to be suspicious. Perhaps the gods were on his side, after all.

He found his bag outside of his window and made it to Floki’s cabin with no more interruptions. The boat was already prepared. Floki chided Ivar, asking what had taken so long. Ivar could only shake his head. As they set sail, he couldn’t help thinking about what his mother had told him about her dream.

@youbloodymadgenius @biobiopsy @prepare4trouble @artemiseamoon

#ivar the boneless #floki the boat builder #aslaug #ubbe ragnarsson #ivar ragnarsson

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bettercaremarket · 4 years ago

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How Can Incontinence Affect Your Life?

Urinary incontinence is an involuntary loss of urine, a distressing condition that can have a major impact on your quality of life. People suffering from urinary incontinence deal with inconvenience, discomfort, and often embarrassment. They feel shy or awkward to mention the urine leakages. This often leads to social isolation and withdrawal, and consequently has a negative impact on their overall quality of life.

Living with incontinence should not be a burden. There are many things you can do to prevent incontinence from being scary or encumbrance. Start by ensuring you know the things to do to regain bladder control and enjoy your day again.

You are not alone!

If you suffer from incontinence, know you are not alone! In Australia, an estimated 3.85 million men and women have urinary incontinence, yet up to 70% of people with urinary leakage don't seek advice and treatment for their problem.

Whether you simply leak a few drops when sneezing or laughing, have a sudden urge to urinate but don’t make the toilet in time, or leak most of the time, urinary incontinence affects people in different ways.

Why does incontinence occur?

Incontinence is not just a problem for older people. There are many causes of urinary incontinence, the most known being pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and obesity.

Continence problems can also be affected by chronic health conditions such as a neurological condition, multiple sclerosis, stroke and Parkinson’s Disease. While women are twice as likely as men to experience urinary incontinence, incontinence isn't an unavoidable part of getting older.

Incontinence occurs due to problems with muscles and nerves that help to hold or release urine. During urination, bladder muscles tighten to move the urine stored there into the urethra. The sphincter muscles around the urethra relax simultaneously so that urine can leave the body. When these muscles relax without warning or the sphincter muscles aren't strong enough to retain urine, incontinence will occur. Damage to these muscles may also result in leakage as there's less pressure than usual.

Take charge of urinary incontinence

The upside is that there are things you can do to manage urinary incontinence and regain bladder control. In this way, you can prevent it from making everyday life a misery.

Talk to your GP

Maybe there are medical factors that can cause or worsen your incontinence: uncontrolled diabetes, bladder infections, constipation, certain medication or menopausal changes. Just to name a few. Your GP can take care of this by identifying and treating these issues.

Plan forward

A crucial aspect of living with urinary incontinence is to plan ahead, as this will make things easier and less stressful. Successful planning starts with assessing your specific situation and then working out strategies to deal with the most likely scenarios.

· Tips to cope better

While you're treating urinary incontinence, there are many simple tips that can help you cope better in various situations at work, while socialising or doing some physical activity:

· Bladder training: schedule times to go to the toilet about every two to three hours. This technique, called timed voiding, is important as it helps to keep the bladder empty. Don’t wait until your bladder feels full!

- When you intend to leave home or work, use the toilet, even if you don’t think you need to. Go before leaving home, when arriving to your destination or before travelling in a car/bus in order to prevent accidents.

- When you're in the bathroom, take your time. When you have finished urinating, relax for a while and then urinate again. Double voiding ensures you empty your bladder completely.

- Toilet alert. When out shopping, dining in a restaurant, find out where the toilets are located. This is especially important if you're going to an unfamiliar public area.

Watch what you drink: some fluids may worsen urinary incontinence. Limit caffeinated or acidic beverages like coffee, tea and carbonated drinks, sugar-filled cordial with preservatives and cut down your alcohol intake. It is, however, important to keep well hydrated, so try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Watch what you eat: have a more fibre-rich diet. This will help smooth bowel movement and less stress on your pelvic floor. If you notice that certain foods make your urinary incontinence worse, cut them out of your diet if possible.

Loose the extra weight. There's a strong link between obesity and incontinence. Extra abdominal fat increases pressure on the abdomen and pushes down on the bladder. If you're overweight, follow a sensible eating and exercise plan to lose weight. Research has found that obese women who lose just 10% of their body mass, reduce the risk of incontinence episodes by 50%.

Stop smoking. With some studies showing that smokers have more frequent and severe urine leaks, it might be yet another good reason to stop smoking. This is especially true if you tend to cough during smoking, as it may exacerbate leakage.

Practise strict hygiene: avoid odour by washing frequently, regularly changing pads and using a deodoriser. Also remember to regularly wash soiled clothing and underwear. Use skin body lotion or a skin barrier cream to protect your skin from incontinence associated dermatitis or diapers’ rash.

Sufficient back-up: always make sure you have back-up incontinence supplies whenever you go out. These could include spare pads, underwear, skin care tissues , deodorised bags, incontinence pull up pants, deodoriser, and a plastic bag to dispose of pads, soiled underwear or clothing.

Social outings

Planning ahead and being prepared can ensure that you enjoy social activities and outings. Here are some tips:

If you're going to a show or movie with friends, always try to sit on the edge of the row of seats, not in the middle, so that you can get out easily if you need to go to the toilet.

Go to the toilet before the show or movie starts.

Manage urine leakage by wearing disposable pads and keeping extra ones in your handbag.

When eating out in a restaurant, try to get a table near the toilets, and choose a seat that makes it easy for you to move in and out.

Coping at work

Limit coffee breaks: avoid drinking coffee several times a day, as caffeine-rich beverages may make you urinate more. Also remember to time your beverage breaks, and don’t swig a cup of tea or coffee just before going into an important meeting.

Prompt your toilet visits: set an alarm to remind you to go to the toilet every 90 minutes or every two hours, whether you feel the urge or not. Timed urination helps you to have better control, instead of letting urges determine your toilet habits.

Remember your medication: if your GP has given you medication for urinary incontinence, take it as prescribed, keep some at work and if necessary, set a reminder so that you don’t forget to take it when you’re busy.

Have a supply of incontinence products: find out about the various incontinence products such as absorbent pads or disposable underwear, odour-eliminating products and skin care wipes that you can store in a desk drawer or cupboard.

Exercise

Don’t let urinary incontinence dominate your life. If you've always been active and enjoy exercise, don’t stop completely even if it results in leakage.

Work out which exercises make you leak more and try to modify or swop them with others that won’t. For example, instead of jogging, you could walk, or instead of doing a strenuous cardio workout, you could try aqua aerobics.

· You may find that you can do an exercise activity for a certain period before you start leaking.

· Go to the toilet before you start exercising.

· Consider wearing a more absorbent continence pad during exercise. If you only leak when coughing, sneezing or exercising, you may try an incontinence pull up pants

Conclusion

Urinary incontinence is a very common condition, impacting an estimated 3.8 million people in Australia. While incontinence as such may not be a life-threatening condition, it is an unpleasant journey as it affects the person’s quality of life.

People stay at home and avoid social contacts due to embarrassment and stigma that surrounds the condition. Luckily there are quite a few tips and tricks that can help you living a better life. Many of the impacts on your daily life can be prevented by understanding what it is and finding a solution that is right for you.

There is a large range of products in the market that can help you manage urinary incontinence with ease. This will make your journey hopefully a little less stressful.

#incontinence #incontinence pads #urinary incontinence #incontinence australia #incontinence products

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seriousdating · 4 years ago

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Online Dating Safety And Security Tips To Successful Dating

Dating solutions have been around for decades, however it's only remained in the past 6 or 7 years that they've really taken off online. Here are a couple of suggestions we've cobbled with each other that should assist you safely browse what is, for many, new on the internet surface.

Remaining Confidential for Some Time

A lot of on the internet dating services use a double-blind system to enable members to exchange document in between each various other. This enables members to connect, however without knowing each other's e-mail addresses or various other identifying personal information. It's ideal to use the dating solution's internal, protected messaging system until you feel as though you know the individual to some extent. This makes sure that when you do encounter the unavoidable creep online, you continue to be confidential and secure.

Be Realistic

Royal Prince (or Princess) Enchanting may quite possibly indeed be awaiting you on the internet, however you ought to also set your assumptions just a little reduced. Most of your dates will certainly turn out to be duds. That's just the data! So it assists prepare on your own if you bear in mind that entering into the online dating process. Do not think that every person who shows passion in you is worth your time. And don't get disenchanted if your very first date decides they do not want a second. It's very easy to think they are denying you directly, however it's for the best. Nevertheless, you're seeking an excellent, mutual match, not a person to swoon over. (But hey, if you find somebody to swoon over, that's awesome too!).

Being practical additionally indicates establishing practical assumptions about location. The Internet allows us to search for as well as communicate with individuals from around the globe, despite their proximity to us. Regrettably, that makes an actual dating connection tough when you need to translate it into the real world. So if you're not going to fly to Paris to satisfy Mr. Frenchie, after that do not search for anybody outside of your regional community. Remember, that 50 mile drive for the initial day may appear like immaterial, however envision doing that several times a week if points got serious. It can (and also has actually) been done, yet recognize what you're getting yourself right into ahead of time.

Use Common Sense.

It's amusing I need to create those words, but they are just so vital. We often seem like we've made an "instant connection" online with somebody we have actually only simply met. Several of that sensation is a result of the disinhibition that belongs of being anonymous on the Internet today. So go gradually with new get in touches with as well as get to know the individual by means of messaging and emails initially. Then proceed to call if you still feel risk-free, drew in, and interested. Ultimately, setup a first date when the time is right.

Don't agree to do something just because it sounds like fun or exciting if it's really not you. The point of online dating isn't to reinvent yourself or to try out every little thing new under the sun. It's to locate someone you're most suitable with, which indicates being on your own. So while it may appear enchanting to agree to fly off to the Bahamas on a moment's notice with somebody you barely recognize, it isn't great sound judgment to do so. Keep your wits as well as instincts concerning you.

Continue Slowly and also Listen to Your Impulse.

As I created above, you require to take things slowly, even when it appears or feels right quickly, or the various other person is pressuring you right into satisfying more quickly than you fit with. Take points at your speed. If the various other person is a good suit for you, then they will not only understand your rate, yet will typically mirror it! Always talk with the various other individual by telephone at the very least once prior to consenting to meet for your very first day. Request an image (if they really did not supply one in their profile) so that you can be assured of fulfilling the appropriate individual. Be on the lookout for incongruities in their history or any type of tales they inform you of their life, background, or maturing. Ask insightful concerns of the various other individual to ensure they match what and that they state they remain in their account.

Don't feel the requirement to hand out your telephone number if you're not comfortable doing so. Instead, request theirs and remember to put in the code for blocking caller ID before making the phone call. There's no need to be paranoid concerning your personal privacy, but at the very same time, it is a good idea to take basic safety measures that will certainly guarantee you continue to be risk-free until you are completely comfy. Some people likewise utilize a cellular phone or even a public pay phone to guarantee their possible suit can not obtain their house phone number. Do what feels best and right for you.

Keep in mind, you do not need to fulfill every person you interact with online. Some individuals will clearly not be ideal for you as well as you can politely say so prior to ever before proceeding to a telephone call or very first date. On the internet dating encourages you to make choices that are best for you. So do not hesitate to make those choices, also if you are normally unuse to doing so.

First Dates Ought To Remain In Public.

This is a no-brainer, but in some cases, even the evident needs to be claimed. Never ever accept meet at the various other individual's location or to select them up. Accept satisfy in a public location. The majority of people locate a restaurant is perfect, as it offers you both another thing to concentrate on every so often to break up the unpleasant moments. It also makes sure that both parties are on their finest habits, while still enabling you the opportunity to see how your match behaves in a public situation. Be a sharp observer during that initial date, and do not consume alcohol way too much (if you consume in all). The purpose of a first day is to not just see if there is a common tourist attraction, however to learn more about the various other person in their own words and also see just how they interact their purposes non-verbally. By taking note of all of these signs and information, you will learn a lot more concerning your suit.

If you need to take a trip to another area on the day, always take your very own automobile or transportation. Constantly arrange for back-up transportation (e.g., a buddy) if you have actually relied upon mass transit for a conference. Allow a good friend or two recognize that you'll be out on a date as well as preferably, have your mobile phone with you whatsoever times, on and charged. (If you don't have a mobile phone, ask to obtain a pal's for the night, or acquire a low-cost pay-as-go kind from your local Wal-Mart or Best Buy). You hope these are mainly unneeded precautions, however far better secure than sorry.

Be on the Lookout for Warning.

Not everyone has comparable morals or overviews on life as you do. Some folks can do a pretty good work at concealing their real program, even if you have actually complied with most of these tips. First days (as well as 2nd dates and also third dates) are for individuals to be on their best actions, so you may not always see the "true self" behind the individual you're sitting across from. In some cases, though, individuals can't be on their good behavior for that long as well as indicators start to appear. Search for:.

* Avoids answering directly to inquiries, especially those about problems that are important to you. It's okay if people joke about their response, however at some point they require to get around to answering the inquiry or describe why they feel unpleasant doing so.

* Demeaning or rude remarks regarding you or other individuals. How your match treats others can be a telling sign right into their future habits.

* Inconsistent information concerning any kind of basics, specifically anything within their profile. This particularly includes marriage condition, youngsters, work, where they are living, yet additionally points such as age, look, education and learning, occupation or such.

* Is nothing like the means they define themselves in their on-line profile.

* Literally improper or undesirable habits (e.g., touching, kissing).

* Presses rapidly to satisfy in person.

* Avoids phone contact.

Be Sexually Liable.

Unavoidably, some on the internet dating is mosting likely to bring about a sexual connection. This is not the time to start being shy. Know your partners' sex-related history by asking direct, frank concerns concerning the number of companions he or she has been with, whether protection was always utilized, just how well they recognized the people (was it mostly major partnerships or simply one night flings?), and whether they have any type of recognized venereal diseases. Yes, it's challenging to discuss these type of points, however it is essential to do so prior to your first night in bed. When in doubt, absolutely use a condom.

Long-Distance Internet dating.

If you have actually decided to date long-distance, make a note of it in your profile. Given that travel is usually expensive for many people, be sensible about your ability to see the various other individual. Ensure you feel totally comfortable with the various other person before making your first journey to see them. Preferably, make all of your travel plans on your own and also set up to stay at a hotel. Obtain a rental car if you require to navigate community with your day. Stay clear of making days at your hotel's dining establishment or having your suit meet you at your resort. Just after you have actually fulfilled and feel totally comfy ought to you share such info with the various other individual. While a few of this may appear a little bit foolish initially, you require to secure on your own up until you are specific the other individual is genuine and also you are comfortable with them.

Bear in mind, you're the only individual you have to response to at the end of the day. If you do not feel comfortable in any type of particular situation, that does not suggest you're an enemy or you're not all set for dating. It simply indicates that you're not comfortable with the other person in this circumstance. You don't need to apologize for requiring to leave a day or anytime you feel you remain in a harmful situation. Your safety and security ought to always be something that gets on your mind throughout the whole dating process. Relax your guard when you have actually met the person in person and also feel totally comfy with that they are and also just how they relate to you and also those around you.

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thosewhoharvest · 5 years ago

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Self-Sufficiency in the Time of Pandemic

With the current path that we as a planet are on, the facts are becoming increasingly obvious: times are going to get tough, in many ways. Climate Change warning flags, such as rising temperatures, more numerous and intense natural disasters and struggling ecosystems; and problems particular to the human population, such as resource depletion and the current COVID-19 outbreak we are currently facing; make it pretty clear that from here on out, humankind needs to be resourceful in order to survive.

We are busy going through something unprecedented in human history – there have been pandemics and widespread outbreaks before, but never has the world seen such a huge human population, nevermind one which is so interlinked across the globe. When you think about it, getting anxious during these times is only a natural and somewhat necessary response. But once one’s head begins to clear and the reality of the global situation sets in, the important questions begin to emerge: How am I going to look after myself and those I care about?

The measures we should all be taking to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus in time for healthcare systems to cope – physical distancing, washing our hands, and isolation, are all symptomatic responses to the current crisis. Don’t get me wrong, they are extremely important to how the pandemic unfolds, but I believe we should also be looking further down the line into the future. The world as we know it is changing before our very eyes, at a pace which is frighteningly tangible, and this pandemic is showing us a few key points, which can now no longer be denied:

We live in a global society – whether we like it, or not. This means that we ultimately need to work together, and respect our place in the collective human species, taking the rights of others to heart.

We are painfully dependent on ageing systems which are designed with profit as the key component, not necessarily human or planet welfare. Capitalism has engulfed all spheres of our society, to the point where the very things we need in order to survive – food, water, shelter and medicine, are turned into mechanisms through which we, as “consumers” can be drained for financial gain.

Our international leadership is largely inadequate and, whether on purpose or due to bureaucratic red tape, slow to act and respond in our time of need. Many countries have seen their governments refuse to react to the pandemic sufficiently, meaning that it wasn’t contained when it should and could have been, and as a result things have gotten much worse.

There are good (as in, really really good) everyday people out there who are willing to put their lives at risk to help others. Cashiers, paramedics, janitors, farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and many other overlooked professions are in fact the real heroes in this situation – and not the CEOs, directors or owners of companies. Without those who keep our society running through the day-to-day necessities, things would begin to crumble real fast.

Pandemics can affect everyone, regardless of their demographic. whether directly or indirectly, when something like this happens, it affects you – regardless of who you are. Stock markets and currencies are beginning to crash, companies are closing down, borders have been shut, and lockdowns are taking place. Things like these have far-reaching effects, which can be felt everywhere.

That being said, the planet can feel them too – just a few weeks of decreased human activity can lead to huge environmental improvements such as less pollution, returning wildlife and cleaner waters. This is just a little “sneak peak” at what is possible if we change our ways and try to live more harmoniously with nature.

Once this particular chapter of history subsides, how do we protect ourselves – personally, and on communal and global levels from similar things in the future? Ultimately, they are unavoidable and bound to happen again, be it in a different way or form. Once we accept that there are elements we cannot control, we can begin to look at what can be done to minimise our own suffering, and that of those in the same boat as us, at the hands of such disasters.

Look After Yourself: Strengthen That Immune System

This virus might subside, but chances are that it will be back, or another will take its place soon enough. So you need to fortify your body’s natural defences in order to give them the best chance of fending off such things. This boils down to one thing: keep healthy. Organic fruit and vegetables bring none of the poisons or chemicals that conventional produce carry with them, and often contain more vitamins and antioxidants. In particular, things like garlic, chillies, ginger, broccoli and citrus fruit are great turbo-chargers of the immune system. The fresher your food, the more nutrients it contains, and the better it is for you – so avoid canned or prepackaged produce where possible.

Local is Lekker

In South Africa, we have a saying that “Local is Lekker” – it essentially means that what comes from nearby is great; and it couldn’t be more on point or relevant than right now. By choosing things from local suppliers, businesses, farms, and organisations, you are not only decreasing reliance on the transportation system, but also “voting” with your coin against multinational corporations. Of course, the more local you can get, the better – ultimately, you should aim to be growing as much of your own food as possible. For some, this may mean growing a basil plant on their balcony, for others, perhaps a bed of tomatoes and garlic in their garden. Do what you can, with what you have. We recently began offering food garden design, consultation and establishing services, so if you are interested, please do contact us. Otherwise, support your local farmer and get to know where your food is coming from – it is a great step in not only learning how it’s grown, but also in becoming aware of what you are eating and how it reaches you. We deliver weekly boxes of our fresh organic produce to people nearby every week. Read more about or boxes, or order here.

Water is Life

Without water, we’re in trouble – just ask any Capetonian about the struggle. Having narrowly missed day zero, we can all attest to the importance of this liquid in our lives. Ensuring that you have a good supply or reserve of clean, drinkable water is of utmost importance. Setting up rainwater and dew harvesting can be done extremely easily and fairly cheaply – whether using small tanks to catch rainwater from gutters, catching your bathing water to water your garden.

Take Shelter

If you are among the lucky who have a good roof over their heads, take a moment to appreciate it, and consider how you can improve your dwelling. If there were to be a nearby disaster such as a flood or fire, how would it hold up, or perhaps instead, what is the contingency plan? If you are looking to set up a home somewhere, how can you construct it in such a way that it requires as little new resources as possible, and makes use of what is around? Small changes, such as using natural building materials, simple designs or even just taking note of the prevailing wind can have rather big impacts on a home, and are often overlooked.

Avoid Blackout

Technology plays a huge role in our lives – beyond communication and business, we rely on it to keep our food cold, light up our homes, drive our vehicles and make our stuff. All it takes is a little “Stage 2 Load-shedding” from your friendly neighbourhood power supplier to remind you how dependent we are on it. Although going entirely off-grid is becoming cheaper at a rapid rate, it is still largely out of the financial question for most people. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t take certain smaller measures in order to reduce your reliance on the grid. Depending on your financial position, you can take various steps – install a solar geyser to get electricity-free hot water on tap, buy or make simple solar lamps to light up your house (it’s really easy – look it up), sell your fridge and replace it with a gas alternative, or even just put together a little solar oven (we made one out of an old window and some planks – it cooks brownies like a charm!).

Wash Your Hands

Keeping things clean is a must. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that stockpiling toilet paper and hand sanitiser is necessary. Firstly, that just creates a shortage (do you see the self-fulfilling prophecy here?) and secondly, if worst came to worst and all the toilet paper in the world were to run out, you could use water like the entire continent of Asia is still largely doing after centuries). What is important is finding a way to maintain good hygiene and prevent illnesses from coming into your home and body. The good news is that soap, hand sanitiser, shampoo, and even general house cleaners are really easy to make with very simple, cheap and biodegradable ingredients. Good friends of ours, Guerrilla House, hold frequent soap-making workshops in Cape Town, and there is a plethora of online resources which can teach you how it’s done.

All these steps, however small they may be, add up and create a ripple effect, which although may seem immeasurable, can grow into a huge wave, given the right tide. So my advice is this: prepare yourself. Don’t freak out about the toilet paper, and don’t panic in general. But take time to think about how you can reduce not only your financial and environmental footprints, but also your reliance and dependence on the systems that surround you. And when you do need to depend on them, do it consciously and with full understanding and awareness of the implications it has. Be selective about how you “vote” with your spending – support those near to you, both geographically and socially speaking, and in so doing help build the network of interdependence we all need in order to survive. Because if the governments of the world aren’t going to look after all of us, then we will do it ourselves.

– Nevau, one of those who harvest

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aliceslantern · 5 years ago

Text

Beyond this Existence: Atonement, chapter 6

Ansem always had a penchant for strays, so it's not at all surprising when he takes in the orphaned child Ienzo. The boy's presence changes everything, far more than Even is willing to admit. Ienzo's brilliance seems promising, but the arrival of a young Xehanort pushes the apprentices onto a dark, cruel, inhumane path which will affect the future of the World. And even once it's all over with--once Xehanort is dead--they still must pick up the pieces, forgive one another, find a way to atone for their atrocities, and struggle to accept the humanity which has been thrust upon them.

Or: Even's journey from BBS through post-KH3 Chapter summary: Vexen returns to Radiant Garden and becomes Even again, but relationships at the castle remain tense and awkward. A new arrival further mixes things up.

Read it on FF.net/on AO3

---

He finds the boy outside, his eyes turned skyward. He looks exhausted; Vexen’s able to get uncomfortably close before Ienzo notices his presence. The boy’s head snaps down.

They hold eye contact for a very long time.

“Even,” he gasps.

He smiles. Sweat is crawling all along his body, pain in his chest; but he tries to remain composed. “Oh, little one. It is good to see you.”

“This was your doing," he says. “You… you could’ve told me, you know.” A wry smile.

“I’m a coward. What else can I say? The thought of speaking to you again was more than I could bear. This was the only way I could begin to atone.”

Vexen can see the weight of exhaustion within him. He’s positive the poor boy hasn’t rested a whit more than was necessary to remain alive. “I suppose you know you were successful,” he says softly. “Xehanort is dead. It’s over.”

Vexen’s feeling faint now. “Is that so,” he says.

“Even?” Ienzo asks. “Are you alright?”

He collapses before he can say anything more.

When he wakes, he’s in his own bed in his old quarters, not the med bay. His fever has broken, leaving him covered in a thin, unpleasant film of sweat. His body feels odd to him, achy. And while he feels a faint throb of remorse, it’s not nearly as strong as after the first reformation. He forces himself to his feet, wincing at the pain in his head.

All of a sudden he feels old; his joints ache in a disorienting way. He knows he’s nearing fifty (or, depending on just how long he’s been hiding, has passed it), but for the first time it’s a tangible number.

Even forces himself to his feet and lurches over to the mirror over the dresser. He’s breathing hard. He looks terrible--flushed, sweaty, his hair disgustingly greasy--but this doesn’t matter.

His eyes are green, not gold. The piece of Xehanort’s heart inside of him has perished. He knows this almost instinctively.

It truly is over.

Perhaps for this reason, he sinks to his knees and sobs.

---

Just because Xehanort is dead and Even is human again, that doesn’t mean there’s time for leisure. He’s weak and underweight from his weeks of hiding, but he tries not to spend undue time in bed unless it’s unavoidable. He stumbles through interpersonal contact--reunions, conversations--in a numb haze.

The castle is exactly the same, but it’s gone through hell. Everything is either filthy, or broken, or misplaced, or some combination therein. His own human clothing, when he roots through the drawers, has been eaten by moths and mice alike. And seeing that Ienzo has co-opted his lab coats for himself--in the moment he needed them far more--he spends more time in those early days sewing than anything. It feels good to make something with his hands.

His lab is desolate, desecrated, fragile glass doors broken, supplies stolen, missing, or compromised. He spends days cleaning and reorganizing. It doesn't seem to do much good.

They've been left another replica by one of the true vessels. It was its user's desire that it go to Naminé. With Kairi presumed dead, it was a logical fallacy to figure out how to seek her heart; he and Ienzo spend hours in circular discussion, but neither of them can come up with anything good. The best they can do is prepare the replica for implantation, and wait. Ansem, quietly, is nearby, as he seeks to apologize to the girl. Apparently he wasn't the only one who suffered a great deal of moral degradation. This is actually a comfort to Even, because as the days pass, his remorse again goes heavier. He lacks composure; often he gives in to fallacies of weakness, breaking down almost distantly when he has moments to himself.

It doesn't take long for Naminé to arrive. It occurs to Even that not everything about the heart is possible to understand. When she wakes, the three of them are there. It will always give him a thrill, to see the replica go from a genderless, colorless sort of mannequin to a realized human being.

She sits up. Slowly. She seems a bit dizzy. Ienzo tries to assuage her, but it's Ansem who speaks first. "My dear girl," he says. "I am truly sorry for what we've all put you through. I realize we have not made your existence easy; that, in fact, I have made it something of a hell. I hope that, with this new chance, you can find peace. And if there's anything--any small thing--we can do to assist you, let me know at once."

Naminé seems to struggle with her words. Even takes her vitals, notes with a distant pleasure how stable they are; she's taken to this body like glue, exactly as easy as Roxas and Xion did theirs. "Where's Roxas?" She asks.

"At Destiny Islands, waiting for you," Ienzo says gently. "Riku has arrived to bring you there, should you desire it."

Her blue eyes gleam. "Yes. That's what I want." She looks slowly at each of them, but it's Ienzo's eyes she seeks (she's had the smallest amount of trauma with him) when she asks, "Kairi… where is she?"

"We're not sure," Ienzo says. "Sora is seeking her… I'm sure he will find her, if he's determined enough."

Even has known Ienzo for years. He knows when he is lying. Zexion was better at it. Despite Ienzo's trepidation, Naminé nods. "Then I should wait for her," she says. "I can just… go?"

"Of course," Ienzo says gently. "I can escort you, if you like."

She shakes her head. "That's okay," she says. "Thanks."

"It's the least we can do." Ienzo gives her a gummiphone, a brief tutorial on how to use it. "So you can be in contact with your friends."

"My friends." She smiles. "He's just outside?"

"Yes. He'll be waiting."

They all watch her go. There are a few moments of awkward silence. Ansem faces Ienzo. "You've done well, my boy," he says gently, and though Ienzo nods, Even can see his eyes on the floor. "You should get some rest. You look exhausted."

"There's still so much to be done," Ienzo says. "The computer must be tidied up--I'm afraid the committee and Sark have--"

Even touches his shoulder, feeling the boy flinch just the slightest at the unanticipated touch. "You've worked so hard. I know human exhaustion is still unfamiliar to you, but your body is more fallible than a Nobody's. You need rest, fluid, and dare I say it, a few square meals." He tries to smile. "Please sleep, Ienzo. You are no longer so alone."

Even wonders if he's imagining it, or if Ienzo's eyes are watering. "I… will try," he says softly. "Please don't hesitate to wake me if you need anything."

"I'd much rather see you healthy," Ansem says. "Go, my boy. It's alright."

They watch him go. And then it's the two of them.

"Well," Even says. "I do have some affairs to attend to. I should like to write a report about Naminé's implantation."

"...Certainly."

Even takes a few steps, then hears Ansem's voice:

"Even?"

"Yes, Master?"

"How are you faring?"

He meets Ansem's rusty eyes. There's still something missing from them. "Healthy enough," he says. "Realizing I am old, as well as a fool. I've no idea where to begin unraveling what I've done."

"You're not the only one," Ansem says. He shakes his head.

"What is it you've done?" Even asks, incredulous.

Ansem chuckles darkly. "More than sit limply in the realm of darkness, I'm afraid."

"...I see." His heart is beating hard--anxiety, and repulsion. "If it's… all the same, I should like to take my leave."

"Of course. You needn't my permission anymore."

He scoffs a little. "I wasn't asking for it."

---

Even doesn't feel quite right; he doesn't feel at home here, and neither, he suspects, do the others. For the most part, they avoid one another aside from the lightest and most superficial greetings. Even knows he needs to confront them, for any number of reasons--their mistreatment of the boy Ienzo, the atrocities they committed in the Organization, the fact that they threw Ansem into the darkness--but he does not feel able. He doesn't feel able to do much at all, actually.

He can feel the basement in his periphery, its suffering, his own follies like a magnet--

Even finds it difficult to consistently keep down foods, to sleep. He knows it is likely stress, and he sees the numbers when he draws his own blood. But how to alleviate any of this pain? How to begin? How to start to atone?

With the weight of his own burgeoning humanity, he feels nearly incapacitated. He tries to write, to create reports detailing all that happened--if so to organize his own thoughts--but often he finds himself staring into space. For the first time he despises his awareness, his intelligence, because Even is acutely aware he is becoming depressed.

Nobodies’ minds largely reject mental illness, mostly to ensure survival of the body. But as a human, it’s all coming back, the repercussions. And if the mental health situation was bad for Radiant Garden before, now it’s completely desolate.

Worsened by facts of the Fall.

Ienzo brings him tidings of it, quietly--the young man went to visit with the restoration committee, to see if there was any more news worth passing on. He’d left his lab coat at the castle. Without apprentice or Organization garb, the boy looks downright strange in civilian clothing. His teal eyes are empty, and drawn from exhaustion. “Even,” he says in an odd voice. “Have you several moments?”

“...Of course. Ienzo? Are you alright? You look ill.”

“Leon was… catching me up on town affairs,” he says slowly. “I knew this world fell, and was restored, but to hear the stories of it…” He swallows thickly and won’t make eye contact. Even gestures for him to sit on one of the stools in the lab; he does, heavily. “He… was kind enough to insist that it was not our fault. But we planted the seeds. Even. ”

“...I know.”

Slowly, Ienzo nods.

“I’m sure what you feel must be overwhelming,” Even says softly. “You’re no longer used to emotion, how it physically impacts the body. But don’t let it weigh so heavily, Ienzo. You were a child--mentally ill and manipulated. This has nothing to do with you.”

“I should have known better. And that doesn’t begin to touch what I did after.”

He doesn’t know what to say, where to even begin. “Child--”

He swallows, blinking quickly. “I… I have something I must attend to.”

Even should’ve followed him, tried harder--but he can’t.

---

In strange moments, he finds himself thinking of Demyx. Not quite with fondness, or even concern, but curiosity and a sort of worry. If Xehanort’s heart had been purged from Even, it should have been purged from the boy as well--meaning he’s lost his means to travel. Yet, he worries. What if a piece of Xehanort remains? The others worry about it too, to a smaller degree; they talk about it in hushed voices. Easier to discuss this than the emotional rot.

It turns out he doesn’t have to worry long.

In a moment ripped clean from the past, Dilan approaches him in his quarters. “Have you a moment?”

“That depends.”

“There’s something I think you’ll want to see.”

Dilan brings him not to the med bay, but rather to one of the empty apprentice rooms--one of the ones that, had they been graduated, would likely have belonged to Isa or Lea. Even sees the black heap on the bed. “We found him about half an hour ago,” Dilan says. “He was asking for you.”

Even approaches Demyx slowly. He’s unconscious, shuddering--no doubt in the throes of a fever like Even was.

“Why has it taken so long?” Dilan asks.

“Dilan, I know it’s been a while since we’ve been researchers, but I trust you did not forget about relativity.” If Demyx has been shuffling from world to world--each with its own different time signature--it makes sense that, to him at least, this is only happening now. To his body, Xehanort has only just been defeated. “I know what this is. The part of Xehanort’s heart that’s been instilled in him is dying.” He rolls up the boy’s sleeve, begins taking his vitals, wondering all the while if his were anything like this. Racing heart, fever, low blood pressure. “Would you do me a favor and get the boy some blankets?”

“Will he--” Dilan hesitates, and his lip curls. “What will become of him?”

“I’ve no idea.”

“But this means he is--”

“Unable to leave Radiant Garden, yes.” Even looks at him. “Please. Sooner rather than later. He is very unwell.” As gently as he can, he eases off Demyx’s boots, his ragged and muddy coat. No doubt as soon as the pain started, the boy sought him for help--he knew no one else to turn to. He settles the boy onto his side, a precaution in case he should vomit, and covers him.

Dilan watches this with a sort of morbid fascination. “He really did help you?” he asks, incredulous. “He really… turned against the new Organization?”

“In his own way. I’ve no idea why--but I’m grateful.”

“I should tell the others.” He shakes his head. “Do you remember the boy’s name, from the old life?”

Even frowns. “You know, I don’t,” he says. “I’m afraid I never paid much attention to the neophytes.”

“Very well. I’m sure he’ll tell us when he wakes.” With a scowl, Dilan leaves.

Even brushes a strand of hair out of his own eyes and looks back towards the boy. “You couldn’t bear to let me have a moment of peace, could you?”

Almost as if in response, Demyx shudders more intensely and curls in on himself.

Even sighs. “Very well. My work is cut out for me, I see.” He takes a pen light out of his pocket, pulls the boy’s eyelid back. Unpleasant, yes, but he has to know. The boy doesn’t react hardly at all. Even notes with relief that the small sliver of iris he can see is Demyx’s natural teal. “Get some rest,” he murmurs. “Goodness knows you’ll need it.”

It isn’t long before the cavalry comes. Ienzo and Ansem, in tandem, like nothing’s changed. Ienzo’s expression is stricken; morbidly fascinated. “...He’s not a vessel?”

"I don't believe so. I've already checked his eyes. Not gold. Look." He demonstrates for them.

He hesitates. “Do you think he’s trustworthy?”

"I do not believe he'd cause any harm to us," Even says. "He was rather helpful with the replicas." "The boy holds no ill will. We did not speak much, admittedly, but he seemed all too happy to get a move in edgewise," Ansem says. "I believe he was merely swayed. And we can sway him back to us, if need be." "I'll monitor him, but he should be up and about before long." Even shakes his head. "Nasty business. At least it's all over now." He takes the coat. "I'll put this filthy thing in the wash with mine. Best to hold onto. Just in case." If he’s learned anything, it’s that nothing is impossible.

Ansem follows him out the door, but Ienzo remains, an odd, unreadable look on his face. “...This is what you went through?” he asks softly.

Even looks over his shoulder. “Oh, yes,” he says. “Much the same. It’s just us that went through it this way. He’ll be human before long.”

Ansem nods. “I suppose you and he only have fragments of a heart, rather than a whole one, like the others.”

“...I presume.”

“What does that… feel like?”

Even stares at him. “I’m still puzzling that one out, I’m afraid.”

Ansem nods slowly. Like the rest of them, the clothing he’s bought is secondhand; gone were the days of pristine, professional garb based on their status. Back to patching, darning, mending. He looks more like someone’s grizzled grandfather than a former king.

Even’s sure he himself doesn’t look much better. “I should like to draft a report about this,” he says. “Unless there’s something else you need.”

“We should figure out what to do with the young man,” Ansem says.

Even shrugs. “Demyx is an adult. As… eccentric as he is, he’s capable of deciding his own fate. Nor is he an amnesiac. Once he is well, he can leave.”

Ansem sighs. “Should he have nowhere else to go?”

Even scowls. “You and your strays,” he spits. “All that’s done is get us in trouble.”

The little readability in Ansem’s expression is quickly replaced by indifference. “You’re a different man, Even.”

“Well, what did you expect of me? It’s been twelve years, multiple transfigurations of the self. I’m no longer so amenable, and for that I apologize.” He feels his nostrils flare.

Ansem smiles darkly. “No, you’ve hardened.”

“I would not have survived the alternative.”

The words fall, heavily. Ansem crosses his arms. “...Quite. Well, I’ve my own work to do.”

Even launders both cloaks, revulsion making his skin prickle. Demyx, when he checks, is still unconscious, though his fever has broken. He’ll wake soon. He’ll likely have many annoying questions. Perhaps Ienzo can field that for him--the boy seems to have more patience now that he’s human.

Even, on the other hand, has less.

---

Demyx’s presence does shift things. To Even’s annoyance, the boy truly doesn’t have anywhere else to go. It’s as though he’s puncturing a hole in their insular world, forcing them to confront things they wouldn’t have otherwise. He’s quieter, less effervescent than he used to be. For the most part, he seems unsure of what to do with himself. This is perhaps the sole thing, aside from their reformation, he and Even have in common.

He examines the young man one last time. Aside from being too thin, he’s otherwise healthy. “Now, tell me, what was the process like for you? I’m still trying to understand it. We were the last two Nobodies whose reformation didn’t necessitate some sort of murder-suicide. It goes against almost everything we’ve learned so far.”

Demyx hesitates, flinching a little. “Painful,” he admits in a low voice.

When he says no more, Even scowls. “I seem to recall a time when I could not get you to shut up. Now, when there’s actually matters of interest, suddenly you become as taciturn as Aeleus.”

Demyx drops his eyes. Even feels his frustration building. Truly, along with anger and guilt, this is all he really feels.

“I’m trying to understand so that I can help you,” Even says slowly.

The boy takes a moment to gather himself. Gone is Demyx’s quick, though nonsensical, tongue. Even wonders if there’s some deeper change, if his sense of self has shifted like Ienzo’s. Of course it would impact the younger members all the harder. Even himself dimly remembers those days (a lot longer ago than he would like to admit), when the struggle to find oneself was a constant. “It just started hurting at one point,” he says.

Even jots that down. “Your heart?”

“Yes. Well, I guess not technically. And then the pain just got worse, and I felt like I was dying, and then I tried to open a corridor to find you, but it took a few tries. I passed out and then when I woke up it was gone.”

That all tracks with Even’s own process. “Yes. Yes, my experience was similar. Did you experience weakness, feverishness, and delirium as well?” He shrugs. “Well I did have dreams--but they’ve stopped.”

Dreams? All Even can recall is darkness. “What kind of dreams?” he prompts, the words nearly coming of their own accord. The curiosity, the desire to know more.

“I… I don’t know. This place I don’t quite remember. Something about Keyblades.” “...Fascinating,” Even mumbles. “I wonder if you were seeing some of Xehanort’s memories.” “...Maybe,” Demyx says, flinching a little.

“But if that fragment had bound to you so tightly, I’m surprised it let go as easily as it did. Perhaps Xehanort willed it when he passed.” If only he had other vessels to interview--

Then again, what kind of fool wants that?

Even looks into his eyes again. Still teal. No visible indication of anything remaining. Then again… if Demyx is dreaming… perhaps it might be good that he’s still here. “I have a favor to ask of you.” He hands the boy a notebook. “Keep track of your dreams to see if anything like that happens again. I will as well. Maybe we can divine some meaning from them.”

He sighs. “Homework?”

This is so typical. Of course he wouldn’t have changed as much as Ienzo.

“This is for the advancement of important scientific research!” Even snaps. “Don’t you see what we can learn?” He shut his eyes tightly, a headache beginning to throb. “Why did it have to be you?”

The boy glares at him. “Good question. I’m gonna go now.”

For several moments Even sits, his head reeling. There’s no need to be nasty to the boy, but yet it rose from him almost involuntarily. More like Vexen than Even. Though much too emotionally soft to be Vexen. He’s crammed somewhere between the two.

I’m too old to be dealing with this.

Before long, though, Demyx is back, this time with Aeleus. Something’s shifted. His eyes are wide, watery, and his breathing sounds wheezy, labored--

A sound of nightmares and hours spent consoling Ienzo--

“My powers,” he says quickly. “Where are they?”

Of course nobody else told him. He guides the trembling boy over to a chair. “It’s our biology,” he explains. “Now that we’re human, we’ve no need for our weapons, our powers.”

“...Our powers are gone?” he asks, his eyes dull.

“In all probability--yes. It’s unusual for humans to have abilities as specific and powerful as we did.” Nobody power is tied to the will, an expression of the self in the absence of a heart--though doubtless Demyx won’t understand this explanation.

“Can I get it back?” “I never thought you cared about fighting.” “This isn’t about fighting,” he says desperately. “Without my sitar, I--” Even’s lip curls. “Oh. That. I’m not certain what I could do for you, Demyx.”

He says nothing, but his eyes are wide, horrified. But really what can Even do? Give the boy false hope? What would that achieve?

“You could have a look in the marketplace. You might find something there that might help you make noise. Now if that is all you’re concerned about, I have work I need to tend to.”

With a quick, pained breath, Demyx leaves. For a moment, Even sits with his head over his notes, trying to conclude. Slowly, like honey, he feels something seeping into him.

There was absolutely no reason to be so short with Demyx. Not when the boy has assisted him.

He groans a little and stands, pacing slowly. After a moment, he holds his palm out, calling gently towards his shield. Sure enough, he feels nothing. It’s gone back to sleep inside of him, no longer needed.

It will only be prudent, to follow up with the others. For his reports.

Dilan and Aeleus both answer in the negative when he asks. And while he knows what Ienzo will say--well, it never hurts to be thorough.

The young man is camped at the computer, where he’s more or less lived these past few days, combing through the disaster that is now their archives. The committee saw fit to completely overtake the computer, and whatever codes it’s been fed to try and decrypt things has it working poorly. Ienzo was never particularly interested in computer science; what does the boy need to know?

“Have you a moment?” he asks.

Ienzo does not even look up, still pulling things this way and that. “Of course. Whatever is the matter?”

"You no longer have any of your Nobody abilities, correct?"

He looks up, squinting. “That is correct. Why is it you ask? You haven't either, have you?" "I have tried, and I cannot," Even says. "I wanted to make sure. He found out." "Who? Demyx?" Even nods. "I wonder if my tone might have been too sharp. He did look rather distressed. But what is it I'm to do? I'm not a miracle worker. And if I'm being honest, I'm quite content with how silent things are around here." "Strictly speaking, there is nothing we can do. Aside from have patience. Oh, that reminds me. I was supposed to have dropped off those clothes. My memory has not been great lately." "You've had a lot on your mind," Even says gently. "I suspect we all have. I'll be glad to not see another one of those infernal cloaks. So drab. So… cult-like."

Ienzo looks back at the screen. "Master Ansem said essentially the same thing. I suppose I should take care of it now." His expression is grim, unhappy. Even’s glad that he’s not the only one feeling negatively about this. "I shall walk with you." The decay has only seemed to grow more noticeable. Water damage and erosion abounds, and everything is full of filth. The heavy carpets, once beautifully embroidered, are threadbare. For some reason Even feels the need to chat, to engage. The boy looks so wilted. "It's a shame. Things here were once so beautiful. If the committee were not so busy we could use their assistance. This place is a shell of what it once was." “You have to admit it feels rather significant.” Ienzo and his metaphors. The boy never did give up reading. "Too on the nose, for my tastes.” He shakes his head. "We're not shells of who we once were. We've changed and adapted. You most of all. I miss being so pliable." But Ienzo does not receive this as a compliment. “So I’ve heard,” he says darkly. “I assure you it is not as easy as it looks.” He wishes Ienzo would tell him about it. “My apologies.” Ienzo hesitates. “If only times were simpler," he says. "I feel as if I've no time to look after myself--what with Sora's disappearance and Demyx's arrival." "Sora's disappeared?" He knew of Kairi’s death--but he figured the fool would be back by now. Ienzo smiles tiredly, and explains in a few clipped sentences that Sora sought to find her heart. Despite the gummiphone, everyone has lost track of him. Even blinks. “How curious. I wonder if there’s any of his data somewhere?” "Sora's? I do not know. I'm not sure how his friends would feel if he were a replica, though." Even sighs. "I've tried to recreate Sora's heart, and we know what happened with that," he says. "As proud as I am of Xion's sentience and personhood, unfortunately his heart is so special that it seems to be a moot option. Best not to give them hope." It’s the hesitation that tells him everything he needs to know. "I thought I'd taught you better," Even says. "You should have heard Riku's voice." "I'm surprised you feel so strongly about him, not when you have such poor memories of him." Riku was nothing but a thorn in their side at Castle Oblivion--defying the odds, resisting all attempts at control. But Ienzo’s reaction is completely inexplicable--he flushes and raises his voice. "That was your replica, might I remind you," Ienzo snaps. Even raises an eyebrow. "The Riku replica? What about it?" He stops cold. “Never mind.” There’s something going on here. “Boy, tell me,” he says sharply. Ienzo’s tensed; his hands hover near his throat (in a flash, Even remembers the bruises, the scars). “Ienzo?” Even prompts. The boy gasps, a pained sound; fear floods his eyes. “Oh, Ienzo.”

"If you must know," Ienzo forces out between breaths, "Axel had the Riku replica kill Zexion." "He did?" Even laughs, despite himself. "Axel killed Vexen." And yet somehow the bastard became a guardian of light. Such brutality. But he has no time to think about such things; Ienzo’s distress is clearly the priority. “How is it you’re feeling?” His voice brings back a gut-punch of memory. “I don’t understand. I don’t understand what it is I’m feeling.” He tries to soften. “Intense, paralyzing panic?” he offers. “Yes--perhaps--” He’s breathing like it hurts. "You should sit down and focus on modulating your breathing," Even says. He helps the boy down to the floor. Aside from his size, it’s almost exactly like all those times before. "It's alright. This is a normal reaction to recalling something traumatic-" "Believe me, I know," Ienzo hisses. "I am perfectly aware of what this is." His eyes belie the opposite.

"Count to ten," Even says. "Deep, steady breaths." Even sees him struggle to bring himself back under control. The wild, barely-contained agony he saw when he first reformed is back, flooding Ienzo’s every breath. He feels his heart begin to ache, dully. “Why is it you do not feel that way?” Ienzo asks. "Perhaps my heart is not quite as developed as yours," Even says. "Perhaps it is that I have not processed it all, yet." Yes, that’s it. No wonder he feels so scrambled. "I do not wish to speak of it at the moment," Ienzo says thickly. He pulls away from Even’s touch. "I must… I must go." By the time he can find the courage to say it, the boy’s long gone. “...Wait… Let me help you…” Perhaps it’s because of Ienzo’s panic attack, but Even finds himself remembering that moment with utter clarity. Begging for mercy, for his life. Being struck, twice, pinned down like one of his own experiments. Then a fire within, so bright and hot and not at all instant. Again, he cannot keep down his dinner. This will not do. Even tries to rest, because he can feel his body crying out for it--but despite what he told the boy, he can’t respect his own weakness. He dresses, flinching as his fingers brush the scars (he still has not seen himself fully in a mirror, and he surely doesn’t plan on it any time soon), and begins walking. He has any amount of things to do, but he cannot bring himself to go to the labs. So he walks, noting the autumn chill. He’s forgotten how frigid Radiant Garden can be in the fall and winter; normally he would not mind, but he no longer has Vexen’s immunity to the cold. “Even? Is that you?” He pauses; but it’s only Aeleus. “On a round?” The man shrugs. He’s wearing no uniform, carrying an old flashlight. “I… was feeling restless. Were you as well?” “...Quite.” “Would you mind if I… joined you?” Even immediately tries to reject the invitation, but finds himself saying instead, “Not at all.” So they walk, for a long time in pure silence. It doesn’t feel awkward, but it’s not comfortable, either. “You’re… alright?” Aeleus asks slowly. Even blinks. “I…” He begins. “I know,” Aeleus says. Their footsteps seem almost deafening in the darkness. The night is so calm, Even notes; with darkness withering, it’s cool as silk. “Tell me something, Aeleus.” He chuckles. “That depends.” “You… do you also feel as though you are in between?” He mulls it over. The flashlight casts strange shadows over his features. “Yes and no,” he says at last. This makes Even laugh as well. “I feel as if… I’m meant to be here,” Aeleus says. “In this place, at this time. I will do what is needed, what is asked of me, humbly. And be pleased my fate is not worse.” “...That so,” Even says softly. “I wish to… find my own ways of atoning,” Aeleus says. “Mostly… I would like to be here for Master Ansem, for Ienzo.” “...Have you spoken to him? Ansem.” “Only for a few moments,” he says. “I cannot find the right words to apologize.” The night seems suffocatingly silent. “You were there, that night?” “I… yes.” He looks at his hand, clenches it into a fist. “It was as though something came over me… enabling all the most evil pieces of myself. To give that final shove… was easier than I want to admit. But it’s his eyes I remember most.” Even cannot catch his breath. “It wasn’t betrayal, not like you think. He… he looked at me, and I could tell he knew, knew what we'd done. He said…” Aeleus exhales heavily. Even touches his shoulder, feels the tension there. “You don’t have to tell me.” ““I thought you were stronger than this.”” “That’s what he said?” “...Yes.” Even gives Aeleus space, silence. He admits slowly, “I was going to run.” “With Ienzo?” “Yes.” He digests this. “I wonder what would have happened.”

---

There’s no point in thinking about what might have happened. Because it didn’t. Even isn’t naive enough to believe fate steered him on this path; he’s done this all to himself, to the boy, and to the others as well. The guilt cuts him like a knife. Where to begin? The question cycles in his mind over and over again. As he composes his reports, sitting there, alone, like nothing has changed and yet everything has changed. Where has the time gone? They’ve all suffered and aged, but have they grown at all, the way he told Ienzo they have? Himself, especially? How can he begin to erase his sins? Can he plan while his heart feels like it’s rotting?

#beyond this existence: atonement #even (kingdom hearts)#ienzo #ansem the wise #aeleus #demyx #dilan #beyond this existence #vexen

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angelsiribanust-blog · 5 years ago

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BARANGAY 471: Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan

I went to Barangay 471, last December 18, 2019, to conduct a “Kwentuhan” regarding their disaster risk reduction management plan.Barangay 471 is composed of the streets of Antonio, Austurias, Rosario, Navarra, Juaning, Santander and A. Mendoza. We can’t avoid calamities and hazards therefore being prepared is a must and by doing that we will be able to minimize the impact of the disasters. Barangay 471 aims to educate the people within the community and let them be aware of the impacts of the natural calamities that may occur.

There are a lot of storms that hit the barangay including Ondoy, Pedring, Quiel, Sendong and etc. However, Ondoy had the biggest damage among the calamities.

photo obtained from rappler.com

The barangay is alert when calamities are coming, they ensure that they have an early warning system in the area. They stay alert and standby for the announcement of the news, NDRRM and PAGASA as well as the announcement of higher for earthquake, storms, and floods there are megaphones, two- way radio, de-clogging materials and flood level indicator. Additionally, for fire, there are fire extinguishers, first aid kits and BP apparatus.

There are adverse effects of calamities on humans, it could affect you mentally, financially, emotionally and physically. You may lose your home, possessions and even your loved ones. According to the executive officer of the barangay, Roberto S. Cruz, they have put awareness posters around the area on what to do if there are calamities. One of the biggest functions of their barangay is to have a procurement plan, every barangay member should know the number of beneficiaries and also the number of supplies for the needs of the victim. The people responsible for the implementation of this are the chairman of the barangay, the disaster coordinating council chairman, the Kagawads and the Sangguniang Kabataan, as well as the barangay tanod’s. Barangay 471 uses the Brgy Patrol tricycle as a means of transportation that will be used during disaster operations. They’re divided into teams: warning service team, rescue and evacuation service team, Disaster relief and supply service team, medical service team, fire brigade team, damage control team, security service team, transportation and communication team. All teams shall develop and execute their plans accordingly.

During the disasters the barangay officials are on full alert and ready to assist. Moreover, the safest place during disasters are the barangay hall and the UST football field.

photo obtained from flickr.com

There are a lot of activities that the barangay implements for the preparation to incoming calamities. Since dengue is timely and relevant and could cause death the barangay organized an activity called ABKD (Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue) the aim of this activity is to educate people in the community on how to prevent getting dengue. In light with this, every 4 o’clock the barangay officials should conduct a search and destroy; search for the location that the mosquitos could possibly live. They also have posters regarding earthquake drills and fire safety tips.

There are a lot of issues that the community face. The mentioned issues are unavoidable and unpredictable since it is naturally occurring. Thus the government could help in addressing the said issues by providing seminars or activities as well as drills to help people be educated and prepared so that the casualties would be lessened. Moreover, after the disaster, the government should provide all of the needs like access to evacuation centers, water, clothing, relief foods and other necessary things that would help the people and community for its fast recovery. Barangay 471 also posted emergency hotlines accessible for all residents of the community.

Philippines have been experiencing a lot of calamities in a year, a lot of possessions have been damaged and a lot of families have been affected. Being prepared in terms of disaster is essential with that being said the Philippines is prepared when there are calamities but not fully equipped with the materials needed.

After the kwentuhan with Kuya Roberto we proceed to our community walk, he has shown us the barangay and we’ve encountered some hazards.

Interview with executive officer Robert S. Cruz

loose electrical wires

properly placed garbage

poor drainage maintenance

wooden lamppost

With this activity, I have realized that natural phenomena could occur anytime thus the participation of everyone in the community is essential to help save lives and minimize the damaged infrastructure.

Angel Antonette T. Siriban

L-EDU-3

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themillenialnextdoor · 6 years ago

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How to Develop Emergency Situation Cash

Unavoidable and unanticipated things can take place anytime. And life constantly provides us surprises, leaving us with expenditures that we normally didn't prepare for. Illness, mishaps and other kind of injuries can come and your spending plan might not suffice. Such incidents can produce financial obligations and you can not recuperate quickly from it. It is for this factor that emergency situation cash is actually required from time to time.

Reserve for emergency situations

Emergency situation cash or fund is cash that you reserve not as a financial investment or cost savings however for emergency situation functions. It isn't loan for groceries and other requirements however strictly for emergency situations. Developing an emergency situation fund is constantly crucial specifically in bad times. What matters is you set the cash aside regularly then gets it just genuine emergency situation usage. The success of your emergency situation fund depends more on regularly conserving your cash and leaving it there unless there's an emergency situation.

3 Months worth of emergency funds

It is a good idea that your emergency situation cash includes about 3 months' worth of living costs. It does not suggest that your emergency situation loan need to amount to your income for 3 months, however, you need to make certain that the cash you put away for this function suffices to adequately manage whatever emergency situation that might show up. It is way simple to determine the quantity that needs to go to your emergency situation cash. What you require suffices total up to cover the lease of your house, to spend on your costs and your automobile, to acquire food and cover other expenditures for a regular month. Professionals based the three-month guideline from the truth that bulk of short-term incapacitating illness requirement nearly 3 months to recover and recuperate.

Lock your emergency situation cash up

You must ensure that your emergency situation loan is a liquid financial investment that's extremely available. Naturally, there's constantly a danger that if you do not have that self-discipline, you can quickly get your loan for impulse shopping, holiday journeys and for purchasing some required devices. Due to the fact that of this, you require to lock your emergency situation cash up and conceal the secret.

Liquid account

The very best thing that you can do to protect your emergency situation loan is to put it in a really liquid account like cash market account or cost savings account. Loan Market Funds. The most popular alternative is cash market account. This is a liquid financial investment that is brief term and can be accessed through shared funds and a number of banks. These banks and shared funds likewise supply money type liquidity. Putting your emergency situation loan in a loan market account will offer you a small rate of return that's above the typical cost savings account rate of a bank. Cost Savings Account or Certificate of Deposit. Another alternative that you can potentially do to your emergency situation cash is to put it in a cost savings account or some other possessions which can be liquidated quickly without taking a loss. There are great deals of CD's that would fulfill this requirement and can be thought about as an alternative. Putting a part or all of your emergency situation loan into a CD or certificate of deposit will provide you a greater rate of interest. When your certificate has actually currently grown and the interest has actually been collected, you have the option to move it into a cost savings account or you can put them once again in a shorter-term certificate. Keep in mind that the longer the regard to your CD, the greater its rate will be. You have to make sure that you didn't lock up your emergency situation loan for too long, due to the fact that you may beat its function of having simple gain access to.

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The BEST Place To Save Your Emergency Fund

For more information about emergency funds and certificate of deposits, contact;

Crescent Bank & Trust https://www.cbtno.com/ New Orleans, LA (Main Office) 1100 Poydras Street Suite 100 New Orleans, Louisiana 70163 Tel: (504) 556-5950

#emergency funds #certificate of deposit

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ilausticstrownyma-blog · 6 years ago

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Re-Homing A Rescue Dog

Ensure that your pet dog comprehends where his safe location is so that he can go there whenever he requires to. If you're utilizing a pet cage, it can be a great concept to feed your pet dog in the cage too, so that he associates the cage with the favorable experience of being fed. Do not attempt shutting the door of the dog crate till the canine has actually pertained to see it as his own area.

Pets normally find out things extremely rapidly, so with some persistence and calm determination, you ought to see the outcomes of any training carried out eventually.

Making your house prepared for your rescue pet dog. Investing a long time getting ready for your pet dog's arrival can assist him to settle as rapidly as possible, and can make life a lot much easier for you too. It's unavoidable that you and your brand-new family pet will feel anxious when you get a house on the very first day, so make life simple on your own with some forward preparation.

When presenting your brand-new rescue canine to your feline, it can be an excellent concept to keep the canine on the lead, even if being in the lounge. That method, the feline can approach the pet and present itself in its own time, while you keep complete control of the pet. Constantly ensure that a feline has a safe area to get away to if the intros do not go completely.

A home complete of over-excited kids, or visitors dropping in to see the brand-new addition, can be frustrating for a pet dog. Discuss that there will be plenty of time to get to understand the brand-new canine as soon as he's had time to settle in.

With the sensory overload that features getting in a brand-new house for the very first time, your canine might not be especially responsive and might not wish to be rubbed or managed. On the other hand, he might be hugely over-excited and attempt to tear around your home. Let the pet address his own rate, however, attempt to manage the environment so that he settles as rapidly as possible.

Develop day-to-day regimens. Pet dogs are animals of practice, and like things to follow a regimen. Attempt to stroll the pet dog at the very same times each day, and keep mealtimes routine too.

Housetraining. Tune into when the canine is attempting to inform you that he requires to go outside-- he might grumble, or sit by the door. A dog crate can assist with housetraining too, as pet dogs do not like to soil their sleeping location so he will find out rapidly to go prior to bedtime and to enhance his control, to permit him to last till early morning.

If you do have any mishaps, prevent cleansing items which contain ammonia as these can really motivate your canine to pee because of the location once again.

With some forward preparation and plenty of perseverance and mild, favorable handling, a rescue pet dog can be every bit as fulfilling as any other pet dog, if not more so! If you're thinking about bringing a brand-new pet into your life, why not think about embracing a rescue pet?

With this in mind, ask your veterinary group whether they would be pleased for you to pop in for a totally free intro-- simply a chance for your pet to go to the practice and be spoiled by the personnel-- not taken a look at, prodded and poked! In a perfect world, your canine must have checked out the veterinarians on a number of celebrations for an excellent indulging and possibly a reward prior to any more 'useful' checkouts are needed. A lot of caring veterinary groups will be pleased to require with this as they understand how crucial it is for canines to feel comfy coming into the veterinarians-- especially rescue pets who might have had previous bad experiences.

Not everybody likes the concept of utilizing a pet dog cage, however, when utilized sensitively and properly, dog crates can be an effective tool in training your pet to be a well balanced and pleased family pet. The majority of pet dogs really like their cages and see them as their own 'den'.

With other canines, it can be an excellent concept to have the very first conference happen outdoors, preferably, take them on a walk where there is more area for each animal to feel safe in. Let the pet dogs present themselves, however, keep a close eye on them, in case you require to step in. Up until the brand-new pet dog is completely settled, ensure that mealtimes are carefully monitored, and do not leave your rescue pet dog alone with your other pet dogs.

As soon as you get home, take the canine out of the cars and truck, put him on the lead and enable him to walk the garden briefly, to go to the toilet and to get his bearings. Bring him into the home, and reveal him his bed and food and water bowls.

It's essential that your pet dog sees you as a service provider of enjoyable, so play easily and enthusiastically with him. Be sure to let your pet dog understand that you manage when and how play time goes, this is crucial for training a well-mannered pet dog. Take this extremely gradually, and permit the canine to get utilized to you touching all parts of his body, consisting of ears, feet, tail, head, and muzzle.

By selecting a rescue canine, you are conserving the life of an animal who relies on people for care and shelter. You are providing a clean slate and a brand-new house, and in return, you will be provided genuine love. By following the basic actions in this guide, you can make the procedure of rehoming your pet as smooth and worry-free as possible for the both of you.

Just feed a snack on the very first night, whilst your pet calms down. Do not attempt to fuss the canine excessive, and merely let him unwind, whilst you sit silently or set about your regimen.

Family pet insurance coverage ought to be next on your list and the last things you require to purchase prior to you bring your brand-new pet dog house are a collar and lead, an abundant supply of poop bags, and maybe a couple of pet dog toys. Rubber 'Kongs' is excellent for pets, as they are practically unbreakable and can be filled with yummy deals with to keep your pet dog captivated.

We're all knowledgeable about the motto 'A canine is for life, not simply for Christmas', and we understand that behind that motto lies the regrettable truth that lots of people do not understand that bringing a brand-new pet dog into their house takes a substantial quantity of preparation, determination, and perseverance. For those embracing a rescue pet dog, the difficulties can be much higher, and it's essential for brand-new owners to do whatever they can to make sure that their rescue pet dog adapts well to its brand-new and caring house as rapidly as possible.

Whilst the huge bulk of these pets are much-loved members of their households, it is a sobering truth that thousands of pet dogs discover themselves in pet dog pounds and rescue centers each year. The Dog's Trust Annual Dog Survey for 2015 discovered that there are approximately around 110,000 pet dogs requiring rehoming at any one time.

How to manage intros when bringing a brand-new canine into your house. Describe to your kids that they must sit calmly on the couch and wait for the pet dog to approach them. This will permit the pet dog to method thoroughly and to evaluate these brand-new and curious animals on his own terms.

What to get out of the canine on arrival. Ideally, you will currently have actually invested a long time with your brand-new canine as a lot of rescue centers will ask you to visit them numerous times prior to launching a pet into your care. Typically, you'll likewise be asked to take your canine for a couple of strolls, to learn more about him and to be 100% sure that you are ideal for each other. Even with all of this mindful preparation, your brand-new canine might still be terrified by the rehoming procedure, and might even be travel-sick on the journey house

It's simple to cut a rescue pet dog some slack at the start, informing yourself that he is simply settling in. By permitting bad routines, such as leaping up, pulling on the lead, or utilizing his mouth when playing, you might be doing more damage than great. These habits quickly end up being established, and it is much more difficult to train bad habits out of a pet dog than to train etiquette in.

Constructing a bond with your canine. It can be appealing to attempt to hurry the procedure of bonding with your pet dog, by continuously rubbing him or perhaps selecting him up. To a pet, all of this can be rather challenging. It's far much better to take things gradually and enable the pet dog to come to you-- simply by hanging out in the very same space together, sitting silently and speaking carefully, the canine will quickly pertain to understand there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of.

If you do have adequate time to provide to a rescue canine, the next factor to consider needs to be what type of pet is ideal for you. Do not be scared to take your time when selecting a rescue pet dog, and if you do not believe there are any appropriate pets when you check out the rescue center, do not be lured to settle for something inappropriate, in the hope that you can 'repair' the problems. It's far kinder, to the pet and to your household, to stroll away and wait for the best pet for you.

Bottom line to think about prior to rehoming a pet dog. When a brand-new pet dog comes into your life, whether rescue or not, it's actually crucial that you can offer him your complete attention at all times. Rescue pets, in specific, can be extremely anxious in their brand-new environment, and a hectic family with no regimen can be frightening for some pets.

The rescue center needs to be able to encourage you on what food your brand-new pet dog has actually been consuming, and it's a great concept to stick with that for a week or 2 at least, to prevent any upset stomachs. Do not go overboard, however, as it's simple to overfeed pet dogs.

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homecarefranchise · 2 years ago

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Reasons to Start a Home Care Franchise

The home care region has been on an upward trajectory for the past several years, and the growing old of the Baby Boomer era is anticipated to result in rising demand for home care franchises.

Between a thriving market, the ability to enhance your community and build a commercial enterprise you could consider in, there are various motivations for beginning a home care franchise.

Below are five reasons to get commenced as a domestic care franchise owner:

1. Home Care Franchises Have a Positive Impact at the Community

Home care franchise owners convey a far-wanted service to their groups and alternate the lives of endless people and their families.

Among BrightStar Care franchisees, there are innumerable examples of approaches owners have made a fantastic impact on their groups.

For instance, North Carolina-based multi-unit proprietor Rampi Hijazin helped her clients and their households prepare for and get through Hurricane Florence, ensuring care turned into introduced regardless of the catastrophe. Michael Tamberino, a Maryland franchisee, witnessed his caregiving workforce assist revive a purchaser who had long past into cardiac arrest, giving the client beyond regular time to spend along with her circle of relatives and cherished ones.

While there are challenges to operating any commercial enterprise, the rewards of proudly owning a domestic care franchise pass beyond what many other business principles can provide.

2. You Can Define Your Own Business Culture

One of the principal motives people lose their motivation at work is due to the fact their values don’t align with the ones of their enterprise.[i] There unavoidably comes a factor while that misalignment causes them to make a desire:

Do I try to push for alternate in my corporation’s values?

Do I discover some other employer that I sense assured will proportion my values?

Do I take the entrepreneurial path and create a enterprise lifestyle of my personal?

BrightStar Care proprietor Pat Luers observed himself dealing with this example previous to figuring out to open his own home care franchise. The former salesman and marketer had grown weary of the manner the corporations he labored at handled their employees. Pat felt there was a disconnect between the selections made by way of upper management and their efficacy to the agency and the people liable for sporting them out.

As a end result, he decided to end up a enterprise proprietor and constructed a home care agency that revolves round a vital mission - providing peace of thoughts to the ones in his care by using supplying extraordinary home fitness care offerings.

Learn extra approximately Pat’s technique to owning a task-pushed home care franchise.

3. The Home Care Franchise Industry is Thriving

The domestic fitness care market in the U.S. Is expected to grow from $103 billion in 2018 to $173 billion through 2026.[ii] This growth is supported by both demographic forces and adjustments in how fitness care is being introduced.

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bluerozzawesome · 4 years ago

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9 Questions To Ask When Looking For a Diesel Generator For Sale

Versatile generators have constantly expanded in prominence over the previous decade or somewhere in the vicinity, however particularly over the most recent couple of years. These machines are extraordinary resources for have available when a crisis strikes to hold you back from abandoning power.

Fortunately for you, we've assembled a rundown of the main nine inquiries to pose to when searching for a diesel generator sale available to be purchased to make sure you get your cash's worth!

1. Is it the Right Size?

At the point when you're considering how to pick a diesel generator service, you'll need to sort out where you need to put it first.

Generators come taking all things together in various shapes and sizes depending not the particular machine you pick. There's no sense in taking a gander at machines on the off chance that you don't realize which will fit in your spot and which will not. Realizing the correct size will permit you to limit the pursuit field and settle on the choice a lot simpler.

Measure the entirety of the measurements and remember that as you start your pursuit.

2. Standby Vs Portable Generator

Then, you should investigate what kind of generator you'd like and if backup versus compact generators. Both of these work in a very much like design yet with a key distinction.

A reserve generator is introduced set up and doesn't at any point move. It's consistently fit to be utilized paying little mind to the circumstance. A convenient generator is frequently put away in a different area and brought out when it's required. The two of them offer extraordinary force sources yet have diverse maintenance.

3. How Efficient is the Unit?

New versus utilized generators isn't as large of an inquiry as how productive the unit is. The mechanics of the machine is a higher priority than whether it has been utilized before to decide whether you'll get your cash's worth.

You need a generator that will utilize its fuel as productively as could be expected. A few machines will expect you to utilize an excessive lot of fuel absent a lot of yield of force, this will wind up setting you back significantly more over the long haul. Checking for productivity and yield limit is a significant advance in tracking down the correct generator.

4. Will it Produce Enough Power?

As you're checking proficiency, you can likewise check how much force it will actually want to put out while being run.

It's useful to know how much force you'll require in a crisis circumstance to run the things that are totally vital. That way you can coordinate with that need with machines that will just meet those necessities. This guarantees that you're not left choosing what gets power and what doesn't in a crisis.

5. What Kind of Fuel is Needed?

One of the greatest central consideration in how effective a generator is and how much force it will create is the thing that sort of fuel it employments.

The kinds of fuel all have their advantages and disadvantages, it's up to you and your particular circumstance to conclude which is ideal. In any case, it's critical to investigate all choices prior to settling on your choice.

It's additionally essential to remember whether you'll have the option to keep that fuel in stock and all set on account of a crisis. Having a generator for crisis readiness doesn't do a lot of good on the off chance that you don't have the fuel it should run too.

6. How Loud Will it Be?

Regardless of which sort of generator you choose to get, it will make some commotion. They all do when they're being used, it's simply an unavoidable truth.

Yet, a few generators have added innovation that makes them somewhat calmer than others. Contingent upon where you're utilizing the machine, you may have to look all the more carefully into the commotion levels.

7. Are There Remote Capabilities?

Contingent upon where you're expecting to utilize a generator, it very well may be a smart thought to check whether there are any additional administration capacities that would be useful. Most remarkably would be a distant working framework.

In the event that your generator is for a business, almost certainly, you will not be available at the business when the crisis strikes. Having the option to turn on and access your generator from any place you are is a distinct advantage for monitoring things.

8. What Kind of Maintenance is Required?

Generators are a venture and something that shouldn't be messed with. That implies that customary maintenance ought to be performed to keep it in the most ideal working request.

Each generator has its own novel requirements all things considered, which is the reason it's imperative to comprehend prior to focusing on a particular machine. Fortunately, most don't need much more than normal assessments and once in a while beginning it up to ensure it's running and prepared for you when you need it.

9. Would I be able to Add On to This Unit?

Everybody realizes that things don't remain something similar for long. There are consistently things changing and moving to address new issues. This incorporates power supplies, which can change after some time to coordinate with your home or business circumstance.

While looking for a compact generator, it's savvy to look forward and comprehend if a similar unit could be added to meet a developing need. There are numerous designs you can use with generators, so it's useful to understand what's accessible and feasible for your machine.

Tracking down the Best Diesel Generator available to be purchased

Everybody has perceived how things can change rapidly in our reality. No one can tell what's coming straight away and being however set up as conceivable seems to be consistently a smart thought.

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michaelandy101-blog · 4 years ago

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Save Time With Agile E-mail Advertising: All the pieces You Want To Know

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Save Time With Agile E-mail Advertising: All the pieces You Want To Know

“Hey, would you mind sending a follow-up email?”

You are already barely maintaining together with your workload once you get the dreaded, last-minute electronic mail request.

With all the things else in your plate, you now must pause to get that second electronic mail out the door, after which play catch-up with all the things else in your plate…

Sound acquainted?

We all know you are continuously being requested to ship extra emails with much less assets.

And typically, it is unavoidable. When your small business’ and subscribers’ wants change, you have to be capable of adapt rapidly to remain related or danger your electronic mail marketing program struggling.

However that does not imply it needs to be so tough.

Enter agile email marketing.

Right here, let’s break down what agile electronic mail marketing means, why it issues, and the way you should utilize it to scale and ship simpler emails sooner — with out breaking a sweat.

What’s agile electronic mail marketing, anyway?

Agile electronic mail marketing is a strategy to be versatile and adapt to alter by specializing in information and your subscribers’ wants whereas utilizing a modular course of so you possibly can ship efficient emails sooner.

Earlier than diving deeper into agile electronic mail marketing, we first have to say the agile methodology.

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The agile methodology is a challenge administration course of that began in software program improvement, giving groups the flexibleness to adapt and reply to modifications rapidly. This manner, groups may continuously enhance and innovate, staying on high of their customers’ wants and beating their competitors to market.

There are lots of methods this agility is feasible, however the three issues we stock over into agile electronic mail marketing are:

Specializing in buyer wants

Making data-driven selections

Collaborating throughout groups

So whereas agile electronic mail marketing does not require utilizing the agile methodology, it takes its essence to create a extra environment friendly strategy to ship emails.

In different phrases, agile electronic mail marketing helps you prioritize your emails, will get all stakeholders on the identical web page, and maximizes your groups and assets to streamline your manufacturing course of. With teamwork and a transparent understanding of objectives, you will not bat an eye fixed at last-minute electronic mail sends or altering priorities.

Sound too good to be true?

Agile electronic mail marketing does require a shift in mindset — as a substitute of planning the large campaigns you are used to, you will must plan for iterative change in a test-and-learn setting.

For instance, as a substitute of mapping out and creating all of the emails in your total welcome or onboarding journey, begin small with solely the primary electronic mail. Do some A/B testing to determine what your viewers is most receptive to, optimize, and use what you study to proceed constructing out the remainder of your nurture journey — one electronic mail at a time.

Your objective is progress, not perfection. However don’t be concerned, this shift is not all or nothing. Even the smallest steps towards altering how you consider emails and the workflow to grow to be agile can have big payoffs, as I am going to clarify subsequent.

Why Being Agile is Crucial to Success

Positive, electronic mail professionals might seem to be magicians, however emails aren’t executed with the wave of a wand. There’s loads that goes on below the hood. 52% of marketers spend two weeks or more to finish a single electronic mail from conception to hitting the ship button.

Supply: Litmus’ 2020 State of Email Workflows

To not point out, 55% of entrepreneurs are juggling at the least six emails at a time. So it is by no means “just” another electronic mail.

The standard electronic mail marketing course of makes use of linear and interdependent steps. You’ll be able to’t transfer ahead with out finishing the step earlier than. For instance, you should write copy earlier than creating imagery, or have design executed earlier than coding the e-mail.

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Have a look at that course of! It is no surprise it might take a very long time to create and ship an electronic mail.

However this tempo can damage your electronic mail marketing program — or worse, your model fame. Issues can change right away … Suppose pure disasters, a well being disaster, the socio-political local weather, guidelines and rules, and so forth. If you cannot adapt, your electronic mail marketing campaign might fall flat and even offend and switch away your subscribers.

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Empathy is essential, and being agile retains you attuned to your subscribers’ wants so you possibly can pivot at a second’s discover — and hold your clients for the long-haul. This additionally offers your work function.

You understand you are all the time delivering the best worth work as a substitute of falling into the lure of the sunk price fallacy: persevering with work that is not related or value it anymore merely due to what you have already invested in it. Your work is not about you, it is about your subscribers!

Even when you’re in no rush, in case your competitor is simply in the future forward of you, that may put you at a major drawback. An agile electronic mail marketing workflow offers you better velocity to market which might be simply the sting you want for marketing campaign success.

How you can Make Your E-mail Workflow Agile

So how do you go from a linear electronic mail workflow to an agile one?

You will first want to begin together with your viewers and put them on the middle of your campaigns, make data-driven selections, and collaborate throughout roles and groups.

With these tenets in thoughts, you possibly can start constructing a brand new workflow that enables many elements of your electronic mail marketing course of to be both automated or executed in tandem, as proven on this agile electronic mail workflow chart:

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Prepared? Let’s dive into how one can go agile.

1. Get your staff and instruments in place.

Essential to the success of agile electronic mail marketing is your folks and your instruments. With out this robust basis, you will extra possible face challenges with adoption.

Make an evaluation of the talents and instruments wanted so you already know who to faucet to hitch you and how one can get emails executed collectively.

Cross-Staff Collaboration

One of many cornerstones of agile electronic mail marketing is cross-team collaboration, which suggests benefiting from all kinds of present roles and expertise already inside your organization to create and ship emails.

That is proper: You do not have to rent new folks or have a big, devoted electronic mail staff. As a substitute, by leveraging different folks’s strengths and, if wanted, operating by means of electronic mail marketing greatest practices to hone their craft particularly for electronic mail, you possibly can work effectively as a staff. Be sure you talk your wants and get everybody on board, first!

The talents you want will rely in your electronic mail marketing program, however the primary ones to think about are:

Technique

Copywriting

Design

Improvement

Operations

Evaluation

In a single situation, as an example, you would possibly wish to pull folks out of your content material and web site groups to assist with copywriting, design, and improvement.

Instruments and Expertise

The second a part of an agile electronic mail marketing basis is the instruments.

Make an evaluation of your present expertise and evaluation the remainder of the agile electronic mail workflow steps beneath to see the place your gaps are. Do you’ve gotten what you should ship emails, simplify and automate steps in your course of, and collaborate successfully throughout groups?

On the very least, you want an electronic mail marketing instrument and a collaboration instrument.

2. Align on electronic mail technique.

Together with your staff and instruments in place, you should be certain that everybody — together with reviewers and approvers — is on the identical web page, setting your staff up for achievement as you all work towards a standard objective.

A strong technique ensures copy, design, and improvement are aligned. With out alignment, there might be miscommunication and confusion. And this may gradual you down or throw your electronic mail off monitor, leading to much more work and time wasted. Not agile in any respect.

If placing collectively an electronic mail marketing transient stresses you out, know that it does not must be difficult or intensive. So long as you’ve gotten these fundamentals, you are golden:

Outline your electronic mail’s function, objective, and viewers.

Outline your content material technique for getting opens and clicks.

Outline the hierarchy of your electronic mail’s copy and pictures.

Bear in mind the important thing to being agile is your subscribers. When their wants intersect with your small business’ wants, you get… magic.

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In the event you discover that your electronic mail does not meet your subscribers’ wants, contemplate altering your electronic mail — or not sending it in any respect.

Steady enchancment is crucial to being agile, and you’ll re-center your electronic mail round your subscribers by studying from the previous and current to tell your future technique.

You’ll be able to extract insights from trade information or your electronic mail marketing instruments to establish design enchancment alternatives or enhance segmentation, focusing on, and personalization.

Now that everybody’s expectations are set and in sync, electronic mail manufacturing can start.

three. Write, design, and construct on the identical time.

The time it takes to jot down, design, and construct an electronic mail provides up in a linear course of. Once they’re every executed in tandem, it is like reducing manufacturing time by over 50%.

The key? Standardized electronic mail design and a visible electronic mail editor.

Creating each electronic mail from scratch is a large waste of time. And if you wish to guarantee model consistency and scale back errors, standardized emails are the way in which to go.

There are a number of methods of doing this, so as of complexity:

Snippets: reusable traces of code for generally used components like HTML buttons or hyperlinks so you do not have to code the identical factor time and again.

Partials: reusable traces of code for globally-used content material blocks like your header and footer so any updates made to them are mechanically utilized throughout each electronic mail.

Templates: reusable coded emails with a set structure on which to easily add or exchange copy, pictures, and hyperlinks.

Design techniques: a set of reusable electronic mail elements with a information on how they are often blended and matched to create extra versatile — but nonetheless standardized — electronic mail designs.

This does not imply it’s a must to accept boring, ho-hum designs. You’ll be able to nonetheless be artistic in your imagery and in how totally different reusable elements come collectively to create an electronic mail.

Standardized electronic mail design and improvement not solely frees up your time for innovation, but additionally units the stage for having the ability to write, design, and construct on the identical time inside a visible electronic mail editor.

As soon as a template has been defined for your email, then you have already got the specs for the copy that must be written and the pictures that should be created. Then, it is a matter of plugging them into your electronic mail template.

Loaded together with your electronic mail snippets, partials, and/or template, a visible electronic mail editor instrument can then empower everybody to work on their a part of the manufacturing course of on the identical time and collaborate alongside the way in which.

Pictures might be created primarily based on the content material define in your electronic mail marketing transient from step two, whereas the copy is being written. Copy may even be written inside your visible electronic mail editor to assist guarantee it will match contained in the design, making copy edits a breeze.

Even when you do not have a visible electronic mail editor, improvement can start with placeholder pictures and textual content. With everybody on the identical web page on technique, there is not any want to attend for design and replica first.

four. Accumulate suggestions in a single place.

With electronic mail technique alignment throughout all stakeholders, the evaluation course of must be much less painful. Nonetheless, juggling suggestions might be tough coming from totally different folks throughout totally different instruments. What if there are contradicting feedback? Otherwise you miss an vital piece of suggestions altogether?

This time-saving tip is straightforward: Consolidate everybody’s suggestions in a single place.

Cease sending particular person screenshots or check emails. Share one electronic mail check with stakeholders in a single location so everybody’s collaborating collectively.

First, you will must seize the URL within the “view in browser” or “view online” hyperlink of your electronic mail. You can too create a web-based model of your electronic mail to share. The vital factor is that you’ve an electronic mail the place folks can check hyperlinks and interactive components.

Then, decide a single spot — not an electronic mail thread — to share your electronic mail for suggestions. This might be as a part of a gaggle message in your communication instrument or as a single activity in your challenge administration instrument.

You could possibly accumulate suggestions in those self same locations. Otherwise you would possibly discover it sooner and simpler to create a separate spreadsheet to trace suggestions, conversations on particular feedback, in addition to progress on implementing suggestions.

The important thing factor is that each one reviewers and approvers are collectively and may see one another’s suggestions.

There are additionally instruments made particularly for collaboration the place you can’t solely share a stay model of your electronic mail, but additionally go away suggestions instantly on it, examine off when modifications are made, and monitor approvals.

5. Analyze & share insights.

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After your electronic mail is shipped, see the way it’s performing so you possibly can evolve to fulfill your subscribers’ wants. Within the agile methodology world, you would possibly contemplate this the top of a dash, working in small increments to enhance the success of your emails.

The electronic mail marketing metrics you must have a look at relies on your objective. Your electronic mail marketing instruments will present at the least the fundamentals — opens, clicks, and unsubscribes — and will even present deeper engagement-level metrics like how lengthy somebody spent studying your electronic mail (learn price) or how many individuals shared your electronic mail (ahead price).

In the event you’re tempted to skip this step, do not.

E-mail evaluation tends to be what folks skip in the event that they’re brief on time. Onto the following electronic mail, proper? In the long term, although, this hurts your electronic mail marketing program.

It could be laborious to consider, however analyzing your emails will truly prevent time. It is what makes agile electronic mail marketing work within the first place. In the event you keep in mind, I discussed that being agile depends on information, whether or not that is inside (e.g. electronic mail efficiency) or exterior (e.g. the information).

Information is how one can hold a pulse in your subscribers’ preferences, and the way these preferences would possibly change over time.

It offers you the facility to say no to the emails that do not matter. In any other case, you are capturing at the hours of darkness and losing time on emails your subscribers do not care about. And this impacts your organization’s model fame, and backside line.

Remaining Ideas on Going Agile

Bear in mind, even attaining some agility in your electronic mail workflow has its rewards, like giving your staff a while again or having the ability to rapidly flex to your subscribers.

Whereas there’s nothing mistaken with the linear electronic mail marketing course of —finishing one step at a time — you will not be capable of transfer as quick in at present’s ever-changing setting. To rise above your competitors and make sure you all the time meet your subscribers the place they’re, you want velocity and effectivity. That is the place agile electronic mail marketing is available in.

Be sure you have the best staff and instruments in place with everybody on the identical web page on technique. Then you definately might be off and operating to create nice emails very quickly.

So the following time somebody asks when you can ship simply another electronic mail, you possibly can confidently say ‘No’ (as a result of it is not the best match in your subscribers), or embrace it with open arms (as a result of it is the best match in your subscribers). Both means, it will not be your workflow holding you again.

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