#it's reasonably easy for him to trust healthcare professionals and feel like he's in good hands

[canisalbus]

Does modern Machete ever have to deal with getting his blood drawn? I'd imagine he wouldn't react well. I tend to puke since my body is like an anxious dog that doesn't like its blood being stolen and I can only imagine Machete goes through similar troubles.

I think it might be the opposite actually, he's had so many blood tests over the years that by his 30's he's become desensitized to it. It's still not nice, he doesn't enjoy it, but the prospect of an illness going untreated scares him way more than any medical procedure needed to diagnose and treat it.

[idyllic-affections]

HI can you do me a favor and help me figure out baizhu?? i love his character but i have never played genshin impact and watching through walkthroughs? yeah no thanks (i mean cmon 48 hour walkthrough JUST for inazuma??

like, his personality and lore? i mean, i'm doing my own research about him rn by reading through the wiki and ill also watch cutscenes later but i just need some insight!! u can 100% just use this to rant about him, i am desperate 💔 how does one write for him!! how do you write for him!? help 😭😭i love him sm i wanna write him AT LEAST a bit accurate to character

if you don't mind of course! feel free to ignore this! take it easy aph, have a great day!!💞💞

aph's baizhu analysis.

hi kaiser hello <333 that is SOOO valid tbh inazuma specifically is a headache for multiple reasons... i think i'm going to watch someone else play the fontaine archon quest (...i did this with baizhu's story quest too LMAO) because i have no genshin motivation, but there are a couple people who are wanting to hear my thoughts about lyney lynette & freminet. THAT'S NOT THE POINT THOUGH I WOULD BE SO DELIGHTED TO HELP YOU FIGURE OUT BAIZHU i love him so much he is so dear to me... as a professional baizhu liker i would be glad to help you out. if you need me to, i can explain anything in more detail! just let me know <33

first and foremost, baizhu is generally a very gentle, benevolent, and patient character. he's got sass to him, but generally is very kindly about everything he does. also my guy is so stubborn. god. he is so stubborn.

^ additionally, he is well-trusted by children because of his soft demeanor. they generally aren't scared of check-ups performed by him.

regarding his stubborness, baizhu tests his own medication on himself. he will also poison himself to gain a better understanding of what poison he's working with. he's stubborn with things like his own health and the way he tests medications.

now, this may be more of a headcanon, but... about baizhu's supposed cowardice. yeah. i don't think that's true. do you know the distinction between being harmless and being peaceful? one who is harmless can cause no damage. one who is peaceful can cause damage, but chooses not to. i believe baizhu is peaceful, not harmless. to me, his supposed cowardice is... not genuine. i don't see it, but this opinion may vary depending on who you ask i think.

he is a good-hearted person canonically...

...however.

bro also, canonically, has shady business practices. i personally write these business practices in a very particular way; that being, baizhu overcharges people who he knows can afford to be overcharged. he overcharges the wealthy.

^ similarly, baizhu may sometimes charge nothing at all. he does this when he knows someone can't afford what they need. he generally does his best to make healthcare accessible. he's so real for that.

this is a little headcanon-y, but baizhu cannot stand people claiming to heal illness through piety and faith. he fucking hates that.

^ that headcanon is based off of the fact that he has legal dealings with yanfei about people selling fake medication and whatnot.

i don't know if you know baizhu's entire backstory yet, but the general idea is that changsheng is something akin to an adeptus and has been making contracts with people to keep herself alive for (presumably) a few centuries.

her power enables her hosts to use what baizhu refers to as a "secret art" to heal folks ailed by anything from injuries to poisonings... but of course, there is a drawback. the user of this art transfers whatever their patient is suffering from onto their own body. this is why baizhu is disabled and chronically ill; he has taken on probably every condition known to man fr but we love him for being so kind.

changsheng can only make contracts with pure of heart people. people who aren't genuinely, truly good literally are not viable for her contract. she will die without a host (presumably because her power is slowly draining and she can no longer sustain herself without the support of another being's life force).

^ going off of that, this is part of the reason why baizhu seeks immortality (and do be sure to remember that his pursuit is not a secret. literally all of liyue knows AJSKSHAKFHF... but do also keep in mind that changsheng's contract is a secret so he doesn't tell people about that part). he doesn't want her to die, but he also doesn't want another person to take up her contract and continue the cycle. i also like to think that he doesn't want to leave qiqi alone but that's just me being insane over dad!baizhu he's so fatherly in my brain please hear me out on this one /lh

to stop qiqi from fulfilling orders, if i recall correctly, someone would have to hug her and tell her they love her the most. baizhu does this, but the effect is greatly diminished when he says it. the only reason baizhu sounds insincere when he tells qiqi "i love you the most" is because he believes every life has equal value. he loves her, but not the most, because he is enamored with life in general. this detail about his character is often the topic of angst in fic, but it's important to remember that baizhu is not incapable of love because of it. he is just... not someone who would put ultimate value on one life, because again, he believes all life has equal value.

yes, he does use qiqi for his own ends and research about immortality HOWEVER. however. he is not neglectful or abusive in any way towards her. he treats her well.

because she is a character closely related to baizhu, here's a little detail for the silly snake: changsheng canonically has no filter. she says whatever the fuck comes into her little brain. she's silly. i adore her. she is not bad though! her intentions are generally good.

baizhu doesn't like taking things from people for free. he has difficulty accepting gifts... which often come from the general population of liyue.

generally, what i find to be helpful when learning to write a new (playable) character is reading their voicelines and lore. reading voicelines can help you figure out any particular speech patterns or diction that characters are inclined towards using!

i promise i am not trying to advertise my fics LMAO but if you need a reference, and you want to see how i write him personally, please let me know! i have a few pieces in which i feel like i wrote him well.

i love when people ask me to help with characterization ausskgkgng so if there's anything else i can do please don't hesitate to say so <3

[daydreaming-away-reality]

Catching Stardust

Tadashi Hamada x Reader | ☁️ + ✨ | 3.9k

Most days, like any other university student, you would wake up tired. Unfortunately for you, that was not today. You had spent the entire night working on your lab report for one of your science courses and didn’t get a wink of sleep. At least it was handed in and done with.

(You had to double check - just in case your brain decided to get desperate and help you imagine the best case scenarios. Thinking and doing were two very different things, they were hard to tell apart when you were so dead tired though.)

It was one of those days.

“Morning, Honey Lemon,” you greeted as you navigated your way into the kitchen for some caffeine. Grabbing your travel coffee tumbler, you watched your blonde roommate in her morning stretching routine.

“Good morning, (Y/N)!” Honey cheerfully replied. “How was not sleeping last night?”

You halted your movements, looking up at her with concern. “Can you tell just by looking at me?”

Honey Lemon laughed. “No, silly. GoGo came home late last night and saw you up. I heard you shuffling around earlier this morning too. No raccoon eyes, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Thank goodness,” you said with a sigh as you continued pouring liquid energy into your tumbler. “This bio course is going to be the death of me.”

“You mean working two part time jobs will be the death of you,” GoGo corrected you as she walked out of her room. “Girl, you need time to have fun too.”

You stuck your tongue out at her. Rummaging through backpack, you noticed a missing tome of knowledge. “Has anyone seen my Medical Terms bible?”

“Coffee table.” Honey called out from the living room as she held the tree pose.

GoGo walked over to you with the heavy book in hand. You mouthed a thank you to her before taking a sip of coffee.

“(Y/N), you need to take some time to make some more friends or meet a cute boy,” Honey Lemon brought up. She exchanged a look with GoGo. “We know someone who you might like. He’s nice and funny, good looking as well.”

You gave your two roommates a sad smile. “By the time I’m ready for a relationship, a boy like that will already be snatched up by someone less stressed about their future.”

Grabbing your premade meals and a couple of snacks, you swung your backpack on.

“I work bookstore and pharmacy today, so I’ll see you both tomorrow morning. Good luck with your projects in the meantime.”

“Bye, (Y/N)!” Honey called out.

“Keep the luck, you need it more than we do,” GoGo said with salute.

Walking out of the apartment, you checked your phone for your schedule once more. Class at nine, bookstore at two and pharmacy at six. And it was already eight thirty, yay. Just your typical jam packed day, all so that you could pay off medical school tuition in the future.

Balancing everything in life was... impossible, but you were managing. 

Full course load university student, working two part time jobs, and a very minimal but still existent social life.

It wasn’t easy, but it was what you wanted. Going to med school was a necessary path to take if you wanted to help people out in your future career choice.

Just as you were arriving on campus, a voice caught your attention.

“(Y/N)…!”

You turned to see your friend Mina, another sufferer pre-med student.

“Hi Mina,” you greeted.

“Did you sleep last night?” she asked. When you shook your head, she let out a loud sigh. “Yeah, me too. Dr. Andrews is going to kill us with these lab reports and the test Thursday. I mean, I’d feel smarter if I weren’t so tired all the time.” 

You smiled. What a mood.

“Is my make up, okay?” Mina asked. “I don’t want Justin to see me at my worse - not yet.”

You glanced over Mina’s face. She had gone through the usual effort to make herself look cute. “You look fine and I’m sure Justin wouldn’t be scared off. He knows we’re med students.”

Mina made a face. “We’ve only been a dating for two months, (Y/N), two! He doesn’t know what kind of crazy we are yet. You never know when he might get skittish and ghost me.”

If you weren’t so tired, you would have laughed. 

Linking arms with Mina, you pulled her towards the classroom. 

Today was going to be just another day.

Tadashi checked over the information on his phone as he walked off campus towards the bookstore. He had been looking up information to help his robotics project and a certain book had come up in his recommendations. Deciding that the resource was worth checking out, and was worth the price, he was determined to get his hands on the book while his robot was still in the works.

Walking through the doors, he made his way to the medical section. Browsing the shelves, he kept an eye out for the particular title.

After circling the area for a while, he let out a huff. Where was this textbook?

Noticing a girl wearing a name tag, he approached her with smile.

“Hi, I was wondering if you could help me?”

She turned to him with a smile, (E/C) eyes making contact with his brown orbs.

“Of course, are you looking for something?”

Tadashi nodded, pulling out his phone and showing her the textbook information.

"Ahhh, this one. That’s a popular book with the first year pre-med student courses,” she commented. “Everyone always asks where this one is - we organize this one by title since there’s no author.”

Leading him back into the medical section, the girl stopped in an area of the bookstore that Tadashi had missed earlier. She tapped the spine of one of the books.

“This one is good resource for in depth procedural explanations,” she explained. “Not what you were looking for though...”

Scanning the shelves, the girl paused and frowned when she stopped a particular spot. 

“Is it out of stock?” she murmured, checking again. “For a textbook no one appreciates until third year, I’d be surprised if it’s sold out...” She turned back to Tadashi with an apologetic smile. “I’ll check if we have the book in stock - give me a second.”

Pulling out her phone, she typed up some information quickly. The results of her searching seemed to yield the same results.

“It looks like we’re actually out of stock for this textbook right now, although, we are restocking it,” she explained. “Would you like to request a reserve to get a copy?”

“That would be helpful, sure,” Tadashi agreed. 

“Great, let’s go fill out a form for you,” she chirped, leading him away. “Are you a med student?”

“No, I’m a robotics engineering student at SFIT,” he replied. “I’m working on something related to the medical field though.”

“Really? That’s so cool,” she exclaimed, looking genuinely interested. “It’s amazing to think how technology can incorporated into health sciences. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you working on?”

“A healthcare robot,” Tadashi explained with a fond smile. “It’s still in the works, nothing has been finished yet, I’m still working on the programming stages.”

“I think that’s incredible. I’m sure you’re capable of amazing things.”

The sincerity in her tone brought a smile to his face. For someone who didn’t know much about his project, the kind words from her were very nice.

“What about you?” Tadashi asked. “Are you a student?”

“Yeah, over at Sato Health Institute,” she responded. Sato was the top post secondary institution for health care in San Fransokyo located nearby - it even shared some programs with SFIT as Tadashi recalled. “I’m a pre-med student - if you hadn’t already guessed.”

“I might have had a feeling,” Tadashi said with a grin. “You seemed like you were familiar with things firsthand.”

The girl laughed. “Lots of firsthand experience, trust me.”

Approaching the help desk, the girl popped around to grab a paper and pen. Scrawling down information onto the page first, she then slid the paper over to Tadashi across the counter.

“Just fill out the rest of the form and the textbook should be arriving in the next three days.” 

Tadashi looked up from filling in the form, brown eyes flicking over to her name tag. “Thank you so much, (Y/N).”

“You’re welcome,” she replied. She took a sip from her coffee tumbler. Grabbing a sticky note, she offered it over to Tadashi. “If you’d like, leave your number and I’ll text you when it arrives - I’ll be working that day. I promise to use your number for professional reasons only.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Tadashi said as he wrote his number down. As he finished his form, he noticed a large medical terms textbook behind the counter on the desk next to the computer with a ton of sticky notes sticking out. “Is that yours?”

“That’s my current bible,” she affirmed with an amused tone. “Can’t survive without it.”

The two of them shared a laugh.

“Thanks again for your help.” Tadashi repeated as he returned the form.

“Just doing my job, don’t worry about it! It was great meeting you...” Her (E/C) eyes flickered down to the form and smile appeared on her face. “...Tadashi.”

As Tadashi left the bookstore, part of him was still lingering behind, thinking about (Y/N). She seemed like a nice girl and he really hoped that they might have another chance to encounter her again.

You fumbled with the door before pushing it open, popping back into the dark apartment. Hitting the light switch, you took off your shoes and checked for signs of your roommates.

Looks like Honey Lemon and GoGo were still out.

No surprise.

The three of you were always busy, whether the other two liked to admit it or not. 

Just as you were sorting things out in the kitchen and about to grab a snack, your phone buzzed.

Mina: OMG. Did you see Terry’s SNS profile update? 🤣🤣

(Y/N): What did he do this time? Do I want to know??

Mina: He put MD CANDIDATE. The AUDACITY of this man - I got a C+ working with partner project with him. My poor GPA... 😭

(Y/N): I mean...

Mina: DON’T

(Y/N): Cs get degrees 😂

Mina: RIP me. Seriously though, are you free to study for that bio test? 

(Y/N): let me grab my snack first, I’ll see you video chat

Mina: True MD candidate here

(Y/N): HA 

Letting out a sigh, you swiped a snack from the cupboard before heading back to your room. Fingers crossed you would get some sleep tonight.

“Oh, finally!”

Tadashi wiped his hands off with a rag and turned to look at Fred. Wasabi and GoGo were also looking at the beanie wearing boy, but neither of them decided to engage.

“Something up?” Tadashi asked, speaking up.

“The comic bookstore said they were out of that new series I was telling you guys about the other day,” Fred explained. “I refused to go to Richardson’s place, so apparently, they reached out to the nearby bookstore and they have a copy! I got to go pick it up.”

“The one near campus?”

“Yup.”

Tadashi paused, thinking for a moment before making his decision. 

“I’ll come with you.”

“Let’s go then, man!”

Catching up with Fred about the current condition of Baymax, the two soon arrived at the bookstore. Fred immediately beelined towards the help desk with Tadashi trailing behind him.

Just as Tadashi anticipated, a familiar face was working at the desk. This time though, (Y/N) was fairly concentrated on the stack of flashcards piled on her space next to textbooks filled with sticky notes.

“Uh, excuse me,” Fred said, practically bouncing on his toes.

That was enough to jolt her out of her studying. Shoving away her flashcards, she offered Fred a smile. “Yes?”

“I believe someone called about -”

“Oh! I know what you’re here for,” (Y/N) said, jumping up. She got up and skimmed over the bookshelf behind the counter. “Ah, here it is. Fred, right?”

At the sight of his new comic, Fred nodded happily. He quickly accepted it from you. “Is there a comic book section?”

(Y/N) nodded. “Just straight that way, it’s not a big collection, but you might find something.”

“Alright, thanks!” 

Fred turned to see Tadashi lingering around. “You coming, Tadashi?”

“There’s something I want to check out, I’ll catch up in a bit,” the black haired male responded.

As Fred disappeared, the girl turned her attention over to Tadashi. 

“I didn’t think I would see you again so soon,” she commented. “The book is not in yet, sorry.”

Tadashi smiled. “That’s fine. I see you’re here often.” 

“Yeah, when I’m not busy with classes or my other job, here I am.”

The words piqued your interest. “Other job?”

“I also work at a pharmacy,” (Y/N) explained.

“Ahh. You must be a busy person,” Tadashi said. He tilted his head towards your desk. “Studying too?”

She flushed. “Yeah. Only because today’s pretty quiet - my manager doesn’t mind as long as I’m work as I’m needed. There’s a test coming up.”

“Good luck, I think you need it.”

“I do. Thank you.”

Tadashi watched as (Y/N) moved back to sitting at the desk. As she picked up her flashcards, she looked up at Tadashi.

“How’s the healthcare robot going? Any progress in the last 24 hours?”

“Baymax finally had some supply come in for assembling,” he responded. “So, just a little bit.”

“Baymax?” she repeated confused. “Oh. Is that their name?”

Tadashi nodded.

“Baymax… I like it, sounds friendly.”

“I should probably let you get back to studying,” Tadashi commented, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry for bothering you.”

“Not at all, I’m happy to chat with you.”

- Wednesday. 6PM. -  

Honey: (Y/N)?

(Y/N): What’s up, Honey Lemon?

Honey: I heard the pre-med students plan on throwing a party this weekend? 

Honey: Are you going?

(Y/N): Nah, I think I have work.

GoGo: You always work.

(Y/N): Huh, I never noticed.

(Y/N): Anyways, parties are not my scene. I’d be happy spending a free evening at home instead.

GoGo: Mina says she’ll miss you.

(Y/N): She’ll have Justin, she’ll be okay

Honey: Well, if you ever decide to go, we know a boy you can take with you.

(Y/N): Thanks, but I’ll pass. 🥰

- Thursday. 5PM. -

Unknown: Hi Tadashi. The textbook you wanted finally came in! Feel free to drop by anytime to come pick it up.

Tadashi: Alright, thanks (Y/N)!

Unknown: Yep, no prob!

Tadashi: Hey, is this your personal number?

Unknown: yeah 😊

(Y/N) has been added to contacts.

Tadashi: Hope you don’t mind if I contact you like in the future. 😊

(Y/N): Oh, I wouldn’t mind at all!

“Tadashi, hi,” you greeted, waving as the boy came into your line of sight. With a baseball cap on his head today, you almost mistaken him for someone else. Pulling out the textbook, you handed it over to him. “Here you go! You weren’t the only one trying to get your hands on this textbook today.”

Tadashi peered at you curiously as he accepted the textbook. 

“You look tired,” he pointed out.

You just shrugged with a half smile. “The bio test was today - that was gruesome.”

“At least that’s done with,” he encouraged you. “Week’s almost over, too.”

“Best part is I’m off in five,” you agreed.

 You could see your words caught Tadashi’s interest. 

“Are... are you still working after?” 

Shaking your head, you leaned back against the counter. “Nope, told them I was busy today so no shifts at the pharmacy tonight.”

“Would you like to go out with me then?” Tadashi asked hopefully. “We can hit up a café and grab something to eat?”

Good thing you were leaning against the counter, because the surprise you felt would have toppled you over.

“Oh, um, sure!” you agreed, cheeks heating up a little. “I’ll meet you outside in five?”

“Sounds good.”

- Friday. 9AM. -

Tadashi: I enjoyed my time with you yesterday. 

(Y/N): I enjoyed my time too! Although the cookies there were kind of hard... 😢

Tadashi: Yeah... I find us somewhere with nice cookies next time.

(Y/N): Just a warning, next time might be a while. My schedule is usually full.

Tadashi: That’s fine!! If you ever find yourself with free time, let me know, I’d like to spend it with you.

(Y/N): 🥰

(Y/N): You’re too sweet, Tadashi. 

(Y/N): How are you single??

Tadashi: Haha, I could ask you the same thing. Probably the same reasons as you though. I’m usually too focused with what’s in front of me.

Tadashi: Hope to see you around though.

(Y/N): me too

- Some Tuesday. 8PM. -

“And your total is 18.95,” you said, pressing buttons on the register to confirm the amount. The customer tapped their card for the purchase before taking their bags. “I hope you feel better!”

“Thank you,” the customer responded as they left. 

You waited until they had gone completely before heading back to find your manager. Spotting one of older pharmacy students, you decided to talk to them instead.

“Hi,” you greeted.

“(Y/N), need any drugs?” Harper asked with a smile.

“I’ll take them all,” you joked. “Let Aria know I left if you see her for me?”

“Yeah, go. You’re free,” she ushered, waving you away.

As you pulled on your jacket and stepped out of the pharmacy, a figure caught you by surprise.

“Tadashi!” you exclaimed. 

“Surprised?” he asked. “Thought I’d walk you home, not safe for you to walk the street alone at night.”

“I do it frequent enough,” you countered with a smile.

“Ooh, risk taker,” Tadashi said.

You laughed. “I appreciate this though, thanks.”

Tadashi nodded. As the two of you were catching up each other on what happened throughout the day, you felt Tadashi slip his hand into yours. Fingers intertwined, you could feel your heart racing.

This was something you didn’t want to let go of.

- Some Monday. 2PM. -

GoGo: Yo, Tadashi

GoGo: Fred wants to know when you’ll be back with the snacks.

Tadashi: Just stepped back on campus. 

GoGo: Took you a while.

GoGo: You seeing someone behind our back?

Tadashi: Ha. Does Baymax count?

- A couple weeks later. Friday. 10AM. -

“Someone looks cute today,” Mina commented as you sat down next to her in the lecture hall. She eyed you up and down, nodding approvingly. “Not working today?”

“Yeah,” you replied. “My rare day off besides class. Thought I’d put a little more effort in today.”

“Well, you look adorable,” Mina confirmed. She let out a sigh when she saw the professor walk in. “Let’s see if we can survive these next two hours.”

“Challenge accepted,” you said, bumping her shoulder playfully. “Although, I might lose you halfway.”

Mina gasped and smacked your arm.

You laughed as you pulled your laptop. Although the two hours went by at a decent pace, you were glad the course was three quarters way through. 

At the brutal pace your professor went, there was nothing but review for the few weeks before final exams. It was nice to know you didn’t have to teach yourself an entire unit in a week before your final.

Bidding Mina goodbye, you weaved your way out of the lecture hall and out into campus. At this point, most groups of students you saw hanging around were study groups. You would have been like them too, if you hadn’t worked so hard to make things work.

Balancing two part time jobs along with classes had you putting in so much extra effort that it usually paid off in the long run.

Yay.

Navigating your way through the streets with the GPS app open on your phone, you soon spotted the campus you were looking for.

SFIT.

(Abbreviated, because thinking through what each letter stood for was too much effort.)

Slowly wandering around as you pulled up the campus directory, your eyes glimmered when you spotted the building you were looking for. Popping inside, you clutched onto your bag, peering around curiously. There was so much science happening in this space. 

Lots of creativity too, you wondered why their tradition was to prank the art school.

Poking around, you soon realized you were lost among the many rooms and labs. Your mission was a failure. Pouting, you pulled your phone.

(Y/N): Help me, I’m lost.

Tadashi: What do you mean?

(Y/N): I wandered into the lab building and was going to surprise you with a visit, but I don’t know where to find you. 🙁

(Y/N): I didn’t think this through...

Tadashi: Awwww

Tadashi: What room number do you see? I’ll find you.

(Y/N): Lab 2B

Tadashi: omw

As you awkwardly waited for Tadashi to show up, you tried not to look suspicious. Although admittedly, you were sure you looked suspicious regardless since you were lost.

“There you are,” the soft yet deep voice greeted from behind you.

Turning around to see Tadashi, you smiled. 

“Sorry for the trouble,” you apologized. 

“Not at all.” Tadashi shook his head. He took a moment to take you in. Within his eyes, you were absolutely beautiful. He didn’t want to mess up, so he kept it to himself. He’d voice his thoughts one day. “Welcome to Nerd Lab, by the way.”

So this was where Tadashi, your roommates, and their friends all spent their long hours working.

Tadashi took your hand. “Come on, I want to show you my lab.”

Following after Tadashi, the two of you entered the elevator behind arriving on the floor of his personal lab space. He opened a door, showing you his tidy space.

“Baymax won’t be in the works for a while, but here,” he pulled out several large blueprints. The image of an almost plush like character was found in the middle. “This is going to be Baymax.”

In awe of all the labelled details and planning in place, you looked up at Tadashi.

“This is incredible,” you breathed out. “You’re incredible too.”

Tadashi dipped his head down and captured your lips for a kiss. 

Before he had the opportunity to pull back too far, you went in and gave him a quick peck as well.

Although the two of you were flushed, the loving gaze you could see in Tadashi’s eyes made you feel hopeful about this relationship.

“Can I see the medical programming?” you asked, breaking the silence.

Tadashi shyly nodded. “All the computer.” 

- Later. -

(Y/N): Do you think we should let our friends know?

Tadashi: Nah, they’ll catch on eventually.

(Y/N): But if they don’t should I just accept their blind date request?

Tadashi: WHAT?

(Y/N): 😂

(Y/N): I asked for more details one time.

(Y/N): He’s this handsome robotics engineering student, who nice and has a good sense of humor. Apparently he’s very dedicated to his work too.

Tadashi: …

Tadashi: They’ve tried to set me up with their friend as well. 

(Y/N): Hmm, maybe we were meant to be after all

Tadashi: I think so. 😀

(Y/N): 😘

[lightanddarklove]

SU: Future - The Best Mother and Doctor I can be Ch 1

First thing to note, I don't think Dr. Maheswaran let Greg leave the hospital without giving Greg a stern talking to about not having insurance or healthcare for Steven, which led to talking about Greg's situation as a new parent, and his parents. So that comes up when they talk.

Secondly, to make things easier, Greg had previously used some of the money he got after purchasing the Dondai to get Steven's citizenship in order. With that kind of money, you can make citizen issues disappear, which allows for Steven to have a legal license as of Steven Universe The Movie. The reason Steven's medical history has no social security number is Steven had no reason to know it. Greg got all of the DMV paperwork taken care of for him, and since Steven has never had a normal job, he has no paperwork he has to fill it out which would require it. So its simply a lack of knowledge on Steven's part. This is just to make the idea of Greg getting Steven insured less complicated. Feel free to use this HC if you like but if you wanna send me a recommendation from your readers, I'd super appreciate it.

Thirdly, I am no medical professional so Steven’s diagnosis is not to be treated as 100% accurate, he is going to be diagnosed by experts and Priyanka is the first step to getting him what he needs. The diagnoses are based on other people’s meta and what was discussed in the show.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy!

Content Warnings: Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, Self-Esteem Issues, Car Accident, Childhood Neglect, Childhood Trauma, Sleep Issues, Canon-Typical Violence Discussions

Dr. Maheswaran would consider Greg Universe a friend. Before the whole truth of what happened to Steven came to light, she had considered him a good parent. At this point, she is fuming; Steven has a gaggle of family and not one of them saw fit to take care of him the way in he needed. She is stepping in to give this boy a fighting chance of some normalcy.

Priyanka centric. Angst with eventual comfort.

It had been 6 days since Dr. Maheswaran had seen Steven Universe in the hospital. It was surprising to not have heard anything from Greg or the Gems, especially since the doctor had given Greg an earful regarding Steven’s healthcare, but Connie texted her mother that day with cause for concern.

I’m going over to his house. I finally talked to him and I think there’s something wrong. I don’t think he’s being honest with me, her text read.

Not being honest with her? I don’t like the sound of that, the doctor thought. She was lucky she had a break in her shift when the text came in and she replied right away.

What do you mean? Dr. Maheswaran replied. Please keep me posted, and no going out into space overnight without coming home first.

Ok mom, Connie’s response read. I just mean he was being dodgy when I asked him some things. I’m worried and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.

Dr. Maheswaran stared at her daughter’s reply, frowning. That’s incredibly vague, she thought. Either he’s seeing other people after proposing to Connie, or my diagnosis needs a follow-up immediately. She put those thoughts aside before continuing her shift, but her concern lingered, listening out for any pages over the hospital’s loudspeaker that mentioned the name Universe.

Once the workday was over, Dr. Maheswaran checked her phone again. Connie’s reply came in about an hour before, reading: I’m staying over. He’s had a really rough day. Dr. Maheswaran was astonished at her daughter’s bold reply. All the gems and his dad are here. You don’t have to worry about anything happening.

What in the world is going on? The doctor thought. She’s not asking permission; she’s assuming that this is ok to disregard the rules because of extenuating circumstances, and she isn’t telling me why. How can she expect me to just say yes? Dr. Maheswaran furrowed her brow as she walked to her car and unlocked the door. Before immediately jumping to conclusions, she decided to check her other messages to ensure that the Gems or Greg didn’t send over any more pertinent details that would make this at all less disconcerting. Her texts read mostly normally: an invite to a dinner party next week, a reminder for a seminar that she had signed up for, political spam message, and a text from Doug, that started Honey, don’t get too worked up...

Oh yes Doug, perfect way to make me worry less, she thought sarcastically. She opened the text, frowning as she sat in the driver’s seat.

Honey, don’t get too worked up but Connie asked if she could stay over Steven’s house tonight, and I said ok. Now I know you’re worried since they’re teenagers, but she assured me that she wouldn’t be alone with him for any extended period of time since all the gems are there and apparently they’re nervous to let him out of their sight. Something gem related happened and although I didn’t get all the details it took a toll on him. The message continued in a second text. Greg said Steven was exhausted. I wouldn’t trust it if Greg hadn’t assured me there would be no funny business and Connie would be sleeping on the couch. She already has a plan for which of her classmates would bring her notes and assignments after school tomorrow and she’s stopping by the house to pick up her books as soon as Steven’s asleep. See you when you get home, Priya.

Priyanka looked over both texts a second time, making sure she wasn’t missing something. It seemed like the orderly structure as parents she and Doug had planned for was being shelved for some still unknown reason. Connie, don’t you see this is a big ask, she thought, and Doug, how can you just roll over on this? What is going on? She closed her messages and opened her contacts. She selected Connie from her favorites and brought the phone to her ear. Dr. Maheswaran anxiously tapped on the steering wheel as the phone rang, looking around the parking lot to ensure she was not being watched. She let out an agitated huff as the call went to voicemail. She glared at the phone as she brought the receiver from her ear and hung up.

We need to talk about this young lady. Dr. Maheswaran texted. Pick up your phone. Connie’s reply was nearly immediate, which only annoyed her mother further.

I’m still in the room with him and he’s trying to sleep.

I want more details, Connie. The doctor answered. What happened? I know your father said it was gem related, but I am not satisfied with that answer. Was it the swelling? Was there an attack from a rogue gem?

It’s complicated. Connie replied. The typing indicator went on for a moment and Dr. Maheswaran waited. It’s related to the swelling, he had another bout of that but it was more extreme than that. He’s been keeping things from the gems, they didn’t know he went to the hospital, and apparently a lot happened in the past few days. We’ve all been comparing notes, trying to figure this out, but I don’t know how much he wants me to say. He didn’t want to ask for help when he needed to and he was trying to avoid making anybody worry because he felt bad about it. Dr. Maheswaran stared at the screen for a moment, trying to read between the lines and finding herself frustrated at the lack of detail in what Connie said.

What do you mean, more extreme than the swelling? Dr. Maheswaran asked. She waited two minutes with no reply, fiddling with the radio and drumming on the wheel impatiently. Connie, answer me or I’m calling Greg. Frustratingly, that still didn’t get an answer from her daughter. After another two minutes ticked by, with no indication Connie was typing, Dr. Maheswaran closed her messages and opened her contacts. She called Greg, as she had promised, shutting the car off as it rang. After three rings Greg picked up.

“Dr. Maheswaran, hi.” He answered, his voice tight but trying to sound pleasant. “How are you?”

“Greg, I’m not calling to exchange pleasantries.” She replied bitterly. “Connie won’t answer her phone. I know she’s there. I know something gem related happened to Steven and she said it was ‘more extreme’ than the swelling.” Her voice began to raise in volume as she spoke. “She wouldn’t tell me anything else. I know that whatever happened is the reason she’s staying over. What I want to know is exactly why. Now are you going to give me details or am I going to have to come there myself to get answers?”

Greg was stunned for a moment but he sighed before responding. “It’s a lot of things, Priyanka. A lot happened since the hospital. Are you… are you sitting down? Cause this might take a while.”

“Yes.” She answered sternly. “Firstly, was Connie hurt?”

“No,” he replied quickly. “I can’t say this whole thing was easy on any of us, but she didn’t come to any harm.”

“Good. And Steven?” her voice softened slightly, in the back of her mind she suspected the answer.

“Physically, he’s ok now. But he got hurt before. And this is going to be a lot to deal with.” Greg answered. He paused before continuing. “When he was discussing his trauma with you, did he mention anything about his shapeshifting powers?”

“Yes,” she replied, “he said ‘I almost turned so old I died’ and ‘I lost control of my body and turned into a blob of cats’… does that have anything to do with swelling? Or what happened today?”

“Yes,” he replied shakily, “at least we think so.” A beat of silence passed between both parents. “He had another bout of swelling when I came over earlier today, but this one was more… uniform. He looked like he grew into his early twenties. He was broader than I’ve ever seen him, more muscular, and taller than Garnet. We were trying to get him to tell us what was going on with him, we kinda had to corner him to get him to talk-“

“Greg!” she bit back. “What were you thinking? Cornering a child with trauma often leads to panic, or lashing out.” Greg didn’t answer immediately. She paused, voice quieting. “What happened?”

“He was frustrated.” Greg answered. “He snapped at us; he started talking about all of the things that happened since the hospital and how he could make mistakes and fix them. How we didn’t have to know about any of it.” He paused again. “He called himself a fraud and a monster and that’s when his powers started to react. He grew spines out of his back and started looking and acting like a corrupted gem.” He swallowed before continuing. “He was huge, bigger than the hillside the temple is on. I’m sure anyone who was in town saw him. It took a while to reach him, but thanks to Connie we all got through to him. She helped us all pull our collective heads out of our a- rears,” he corrected before stopping.

“Greg,” Dr. Maheswaran started, “it sounds like he’s struggling with his trauma more than he’s let on before. You all need to step up and give him support and professional help. He can’t be left to deal with this on his own. I’m sure this incident is weighing on him from what little Connie told me.”

“Yeah, I think you’re right. I’m ready to take whatever steps we need to, to help him through this.”

“But Connie can’t be his primary support here, you are his caregivers and she needs to take care of herself, her studies, her future aspirations.”

“I don’t think it’s just that Steven wants her here. I think she’s not ready to leave yet either. If you came here to pick her up right now I’m pretty sure she’d fight you on it.”

“I’ve been texting her and she is pretty insistent that she’s staying tonight.” Dr. Maheswaran agreed. “My daughter has a mile-wide stubborn streak. Even if I forced her to come home, she’d probably sneak out. I’ve caught her doing it twice before this, and Doug has caught her trying to sneak back into her room three times.”

Greg chuckled, “Ah, well, I definitely did that when I was her age, and for less noble reasons. I wasn’t saving the world.”

“Four out of the five times it was just to see Steven.”

“Considering everything that’s come to light, he’s been going through a lot. I’m glad that they’re always there for each other.”

“Your choice of words is interesting, considering what Connie told me about what happened before the hospital.”

“Oh,” Greg answered nervously, voice cracking. “We probably need to address the whole proposing thing at some point, huh?”

“Connie said that she told him ‘Not now, Steven.’ That’s not a no. So yes, I will want that to be addressed in the future if our children are planning on getting married. However, that isn’t a pressing issue right now.”

“Ok,” Greg replied. “So what are our next steps, Doctor?”

“Firstly, have you gotten him into the insurance system like I suggested last week?”

“Yes, he’ll have coverage starting tomorrow.”

“Good. The next steps are him seeing a specialist for his mental health. I’ll be coming tomorrow to give him a follow-up assessment and to pick up Connie. I have a feeling if you tried to bring him to me he’d at the very least be hesitant.”

“Yeah. We’re going to do whatever he needs. He’s exhausted right now, but tomorrow sounds good. I hope this hasn’t put you out, Priyanka. This is a big help.” The doctor smiled.

“I’m here for my patients. Unless I’m unable, I’m going to do what I can to get them the help they need.”

“Thank you,” Greg replied, his voice warm with gratitude. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow, Greg.” Dr. Maheswaran hung up, and started her car to make her way back home.

The following afternoon Priyanka finished her shift and drove down to costal Beach City to visit the Universe family. The weather was pleasant, warm and partly cloudy as she followed the winding streets with her window half-down. She noticed the town itself didn’t seem to have any damage, whatever destruction Steven’s corruption caused had left Little Homeworld and Beach City proper unmarred. Once she pulled up to the house, however, she could see construction was in the process on Steven’s front door and siding.

She parked next to Greg’s van, shutting the car off. Once she got out of her car she saw Garnet and Greg sitting by the outdoor furniture on the porch. Garnet waved the doctor over as she came up the porch stairs. Seeing Garnet waving caught the attention of Amethyst and Pearl, who quickly made their way outside.

“Have a seat,” Greg said, his voice tired but friendly.

“Who’s with Steven right now?” Dr. Maheswaran asked.

“Connie, Bismuth and Lion.” Pearl answered, her air somewhat strained. “Lapis and Peridot are on a supply run. They’ll be back soon.”

Dr. Maheswaran sat and folded her hands in her lap. Garnet leaned on the porch railing, one hand hanging relaxed by her hip and the other supporting her on the banister. Amethyst hopped up on the railing to sit next to the fusion. Greg sat on the lawn chair opposite the doctor. Pearl was the only one of the five remaining standing, standing a few feet from the table with her fingers interlaced in front of her.

“How has Steven been today?” Dr. Maheswaran asked.

“Low energy,” Garnet answered quietly. “He woke up after eleven, which is very unusual for him.”

“How is his appetite?” The doctor continued.

“He’s had two meals today,” Pearl replied, “Brunch was Eggs, fake bacon, and a quarter of a cantaloupe. Late lunch was veggie soup. He hasn’t wanted anything else. He came down for brunch, but he asked us to bring the soup upstairs.”

“He apologized for it too,” Amethyst interjected, her tone unusually glum. “Connie’s been trying to get him to see that he doesn’t have to apologize for needing help, but it’s slow going.”

“Did he finish both of his meals?” Dr. Maheswaran probed.

“Yeah,” Amethyst answered. “That’s a good thing, right?”

“It’s important that he keeps his strength up.” The doctor replied. “What happened yesterday may have taken a toll on his mind, and very likely his body. It’s possible that kind of extreme strain will affect not only his appetite, but his mood and sleep patterns as well. He should be under observation for at least a few days, and any significant changes should be brought to his doctors’ attention.”

“What other doctors is he going to need to see?” Pearl asked gently.

“That’s partially why I’m here to assess him.” Dr. Maheswaran answered. “Based on my previous appointment he likely should see a child trauma specialist, but he may need someone who deals in other specialties as well. There’s a considerable department in the hospital I work at that may be the right fit in this case, however, there are other facilities all over the state if ours isn’t what he needs.”

“Would the hospital only treat him as an inpatient?” Greg prodded nervously. “Or would he be able to get treatment on an outpatient basis?”

“I believe its inpatient only,” she replied, one of her hands going to rub at her chin, before resting back in her lap. “Are you concerned about him having an overnight stay or that he may be uncomfortable spending time away from his support system?”

“Well, the second one would be true for any inpatient support,” Greg answered solemnly, “but for your hospital specifically, I think he would be especially uncomfortable considering his swell-up was there. I don’t want to put him in a position to have the experience be more anxiety inducing.”

“Ah, I understand.” The doctor regarded him sympathetically. “I’ll find a facility that does both in and outpatient treatment. They only would admit him as inpatient if they truly think he needs it, and any paperwork I forward will have noted he should be considered for outpatient preferably.”

“We want what’s best for Steven; however this needs to be handled, we will offer our support.” Garnet affirmed, her tone notably somber. The gems nodded.

“Can you tell me more about yesterday’s incident? And are you using any specific terms to refer to it?” Dr. Maheswaran asked.

“Ronaldo’s been calling it ‘Pink-zilla’ on his blog, according to Connie.” Amethyst answered, folding one of her arms across her chest. “Though no one but us knows it was Steven, well us and the Diamonds and Spinel.” The purple gem jerked her thumb over her shoulder to where the Diamond’s ship rested a distance away on the beach.

“We told Ronaldo not to release any more information regarding yesterday’s attack,” Pearl added, “and that we will have a statement be released through the mayor’s office no later than tomorrow. If Steven’s feeling up to it tonight, we were going to discuss how he wants to handle telling the town what happened. This isn’t something that the public needs all the details on, and if he wants it to stay private we will enforce that.” She paused closing her eyes. “Regarding your first question, I think it would be easier to show you the moments before ‘Pink-zilla,’” her tone slightly disparaging on the mocking name of the incident. Pearl’s gem glowed and began to show a hologram of Steven, Greg and Connie.

‘We are worried!’ Connie’s holo-double said, voice wavering.

‘Steven, you know you can tell us anything.’ Holo-Greg pleaded.

Frowning, holo-double Steven’s enlarged form snarled,‘It's not that easy. You know what? I don't have to deal with this.’ Holo-Pearl, Holo-Amethyst and Holo-Garnet moved into view, preventing him from leaving.

Priyanka tried to keep her face neutral as the group surrounded Steven in the hologram played on but she felt her stomach ache with discomfort.

'Hold up, dude.' Holo-Amethyst said.

'Steven! You have to stop running.' Holo-Garnet implored.

'Please,' urges Holo-Greg.

Holo-Steven froze with a shudder and the irregular swelling returned on his face.

'Steven, we should get you back to the hospital.' Holo-Connie warned.

'HOSPITAL?!' Holo-Pearl and Holo-Amethyst shouted together.

Holo-Pearl continued, 'When were you in the hospital?!'

'You didn't tell them?' Connie's holo-double reprimanded.

Priyanka’s stomach gave another uncomfortable turn and she swallowed. This scene became increasingly more worrisome as it continued but she fought to keep it out of her expression.

Holo-Steven's form distorted more and he groaned. As the swelling balanced out with a few unsteady breaths he replied, voice strained, 'it wasn't that important, you guys.’ His voice began to sound more confident, face showing a pained smile, ‘You're making a big deal out of nothing. Have I done some things wrong? Sure! I trashed the house today. I broke an anvil. What teenager hasn't?  Dad and I had a little disagreement. That's practically a rite of passage!'

The holo-versions of the gem trio and Connie turned their attention to holo-Greg and he shruged with an unnerved grimace. Holo-Steven seems not to notice this as he continues, ' I mean, it would be weird if we didn't, right? And maybe, I've had a not-so-nice thought or two about, like, you know, slamming White Diamond's head through a pillar ,’ he makes a gesture of doing that with his own face, ‘but it's not like I actually went through with it! I only actually shattered Jasper!'

Holo-Connie, Holo-Greg, Holo-Pearl, and Holo-Garnet all gasped, whole Holo-Amethyst shrieked 'WHAT?!'

Nervously, Holo-Connie stuttered, 'you're- you're joking, right?

'Oh, don’t worry,’ Steven’s holo-double replied, ‘I fixed that too! I can fix anything! I can just keep messing up and fixing things forever, and you'll never have to know or think about any of it!’

‘Steven,’ Holo-Garnet called, voice desperate.

Holo-Steven’s expression turned to a hollow frown and let out a shuddering breath before continuing. ‘How messed up is that? That I've gotten away with this for so long. You have no idea how bad I am.’ Holo-Pearl raised a fist to her mouth. Holo-Connie and Holo-Greg’s expressions were stunned speechless. Holo-Amethyst and Holo-Garnet both grimace, guilt plastered on all of the gems’ features. Holo-Steven’s frown turned to a withering scowl. ‘You-you think I'm so great, and I'm so mature, and I always know what to do, but that's not true! I haven't learned a thing from my problems! They've all just made me worse! You think of me as some angel, but, I'm not that kid anymore!’

He paused, voice dropped to a despondent degree. ‘I’m a fraud.’

Priyanka felt her hands shudder in her lap as she fisted the cloth of her pants. She cannot tear her gaze away from the boy she has come to know have his insecurities laid bare for his family to see. It made her heart ache that he felt this way about himself.

Holo-Steven’s knees gave out, collapsing to hands and knees in the center of his family. He sobbed, inhaling deeply before repeating, ‘I’m a fraud!’ Palms push from the ground as he set his elbows beneath him and hands tangled into his curls.

Priyanka’s lip quivered and she can’t force herself to care that she isn’t able to be objective anymore. Why are they saying nothing? Why aren’t they doing anything? How could you all let this happen! He was hurting, and all of you stood back and watched!

‘I’m a monster!’ he shouted as his body trembles violently. Painful looking spines burst forward from the holo-double of the boy, shooting upward as the group stepped back. The spines stretched out forty-feet, laying behind him as his hands shifted to claws and the rest of his form began to distort. Muscles swelled, arms became elongated and his mouth distorted to accommodate sharp teeth and tusks with a horrified inhuman screech. His curls vanished, and in their place a row of five horns broke through skin, which began to look hard and scaly. His features resemble a bipedal lizard with massive arms that appeared gorilla-like as they supported most of his weight.

‘STEVEN!’ the group shouted as he continued to grow, neck elongating and he shot forward, loping over the group that blocked the front door and crashing through the front of the house, bellowing loudly.

Priyanka shut her eyes, and said, “that’s enough.” The holo-vision disappears and the group looked to her with concern. She opened her eyes and met Pearl’s gaze first, followed by Greg’s. “I know that this is an extreme situation, and you all probably are going to need some time to process this, but he’s the one that went through that. You have to step up and put him first.” She paused and let that command settle. “If any of you can’t do that, you have to let others step in. For his health and safety, you must prioritize his needs.” She paused again, looking around and getting a nod of confirmation from the Gems and Greg. “Children and teenagers who go through significant trauma without proper treatment often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as avoidant behavior, which seems to me what he’s been doing up until now, but also lashing out, self-harm, substance abuse, other addictive behaviors…” she trailed off as she sees Greg curl his fist and his face shift with discomfort.

It’s probable he’s had some experience with one or more of those, Priyanka thought and her expression softens. “I would like to discuss more some of the things he said and family history which would be helpful in finding the best treatment options, but I’m going to step away for a moment.” She stood, and walked toward the stairs and back to her car. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She called as she steps onto the sand. She managed a deep breath as she sat down in her car and closed the door. She fought the urge to scream.

I can’t understand how these people could let it get so bad, she thought as she leaned her elbows forward on the top of her steering wheel, resting her head in her hands. And Connie is now in the middle of this. I have to figure out how to tackle this. They all love him, they want what’s best for him, but they are so utterly helpless at this point. He deserves better- stop it, you know that line of thinking isn’t constructive. He needs guidance, structure, and if they can’t give it to him I will have to have him admitted until they can get their act together. She let out a shuttering sigh.

His symptoms are presenting in worrying ways. Imposter Syndrome is very likely, clear self-loathing, intrusive thoughts of violence, what else has been keeping in? I have to make some calls when I’m done here, he should be seen by specialists tomorrow if possible. The University of Delmarva is two and a half hours away but may be the best fit. Perhaps someone at work has a connection with East Shore Trauma Center, that’s only a little over an hour away if I can get my foot in the door. I have to make sure he’s getting the care he needs. Someone has to stop this spiraling. She took a few more centering breaths to calm herself and opened her car door to return to the group.

She saw Lapis along with two water clones soaring in onto the porch, arms laden with construction material as they landed. Peridot was not far behind, floating in on metal supports bound with wire and touched down on the beach before jogging up the stairs. Once Lapis set down her load of siding, Peridot extended her hands. As Dr. Maheswaran approached, she could see the lithe blue gem shrug several reusable grocery bags from her shoulder and hand them off to her smaller companion as the pair talked with Steven’s family. After a moment, Peridot nodded at the doctor and carried the groceries inside. With a wave, Lapis walked around to the back of the house and out of sight.

Pearl was the first of the group to turn her attention back to Dr. Maheswaran. “You said you had more questions for us, right?”

“Yes,” the doctor answered, and all eyes turned back to her as she took her seat. “Firstly, what did he mean when he said, ‘I trashed the house today’?”

“His voice,” Pearl answered quietly. “When he has been getting too emotional and isn’t controlling his voice, it can cause damage. It cracked the glass door in his room. That was one of the first things we fixed while he had his meal downstairs. So he wouldn’t have to look at it.” She paused. “It happened a few times before, too. His mother also had the same power, she used it before she came to earth.”

Greg interjected sadly, “That’s why she spoke so softly all the time. She probably was afraid of raising her voice.” Priyanka nodded.

“So before the meltdown, his damage to the house was accidental?”

“Yeah,” Amethyst answered. “Wait, meltdown?”

“His argument with you before he changed.” Dr. Maheswaran replied. “If he isn’t comfortable calling this incident Pink-zilla, that’s the best human way to describe what happened. It may make him feel more comfortable talking about it as I can imagine having it relate to a human problem may make it more bearable to tackle. Now, what about him and Greg having a disagreement? How recent was it?” She focused her gaze on Steven’s father.

The man clenched his jaw before answering, voice worn and gravely. “Two days after the hospital, I took him to my childhood home in West Keystone. He saw pictures and mementos from me growing up. I went there to get an old music CD and to tell him about how I really found myself through music. But when we were talking about it, he was angry, angry that he never knew his grandparents or had normalcy.” The man rubbed his arm with discomfort. “I said that he had it better off not living life feeling imprisoned, having freedom but I realize now that was definitely the wrong thing to say.” Priyanka regarded him incredulously. “He said ‘you’re just like mom.’ We kept arguing and he went pink, and dislodged the steering wheel. The van went out of control, but luckily we didn’t hit anyone.” The doctor stared in stunned silence, eyes wide. “The worst of it was the car flipped onto its side. I pulled him out. We both made it out without being hurt. I got a tow truck to bring us back to Beach City, but he barely talked to me after that until yesterday. He was acting very distant. I really fouled that whole situation up. But I’m gonna do everything I can to make it better.”

Dr. Maheswaran leaned forward on her elbows to the picnic table. She steepled her fingers and touched her pointers to the bridge of her nose. “Greg,” she started, hesitating. “I know you don’t have a good relationship to your parents. But you made something he was struggling with, feeling out of place, too much about your own parental issues. That wasn’t fair to him. And you said you pulled him out of the car? Was he knocked unconscious by the crash?”

“He briefly wasn’t responding,” he replied regretfully, “the van flipped onto the driver’s side so I unbuckled him and hauled him out through the passenger’s side. Once we were both out on the ground, he came to. It really scared me.”

“If that happened two days after the hospital, what happened the day before that?”

“He wasn’t up for much.” Greg answered. “He slept in, but it wasn’t very restful sleep. We talked a little, watched some movies and I got us take-out.” Priyanka sat back up straight, face turning stern.

“So after the accident, why didn’t you schedule any follow-up?” she asked before turning her attention to the gems. “And why weren’t you all here for all of this?”

“I don’t have a very good excuse,” Greg answered, looking at his hands in his lap. “It was late when we got back from West Keystone, but I could have called you in the morning.”

“And he didn’t call you after that because after getting into an argument with us over the accident, Steven ran away from home,” Garnet answered solemnly. Dr. Maheswaran jumped to her feet.

“WHAT?!” she yelled, slamming her hands on the table. Greg flinched, while Pearl and Amethyst stared in shock. Garnet’s expression was unreadable. “I don’t understand how that wasn’t the first thing you could tell me about how this whole thing started! How many days was he missing? Where did he go? How did he get back?”

“He was gone for three days,” Pearl choked out, looking away.

“He went into the woods, he didn’t want to be found,” Amethyst murmured.

“He came back on his own,” Garnet answered. “He came back because he shattered Jasper and needed the diamond essence to fix it. We still don’t know how it happened. He won’t talk about it with us.”

“We weren’t there for him when he needed us, after the whole proposal and hospital thing, because we were on a Little Homeschool field trip with no cell service,” Amethyst said, keeping Dr. Maheswaran’s gaze.

“We had no idea,” Pearl continued, “the first thing Greg told us about was the car accident and we were most concerned about the pink power causing himself or others to get hurt.”

“I should have told them after he went missing,” Greg added, “but I was just focused on finding him, and I didn’t really think about the why.”

“We all screwed this up.” Amethyst concluded. “We’ve been trying to put together what’s been going on with him for the past few months so we can figure out how we went wrong. We want to be better for him. Connie helped us see that when she talked him down.”

“You don’t have any other option,” Dr. Maheswaran said resolutely. “If you want him to get better, you have to recognize your missteps and be better for him. I’ll ask about his family history later, I want to hear his side of things.” She stepped away from the table and marched through the Beach House’s broken doorway, scowling.

[islamicrays]

Salam , recently divorced , he left me for no reason , Allah is my witness that I never failed to please him , I’m still getting over him , but I ended up back at my mums, dealing with a non- practicing family on a daily basis , music , swearing etc, can’t even find a place to pray in without being interfered , sleeping on a couch, no space for me , emotionally abusive mother , blaming me for what happened to me , making me depressed even more , Patience , Alhamdulilah .

Walaikum Assalaam,

I understand you are going through a tough time and its even more difficult when you don't have a supportive family but remember Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is with you and He won't burden you with something that you can't handle. With every hardship; their is ease. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala test those whom He loves. If possible go for counselling if you can't then I am posting here an article how to heal after divorce and some quotes that will help you in shaa Allah

"Divorce…

The daunting and awkward topic that no one seems to want to discuss in public because of the stigma attached to it. Yes, divorces can be messy due to a number of factors; and when children are involved, it’s twice as complicated. You feel a whole array of mixed emotions that are difficult to internalize or accept. To be honest, this is perfectly normal because the reality is, the person you were so certain you would spend the rest of your life with, is no longer your life partner. A number of thoughts bombard you at once; how will I manage as a single parent, will I ever forgive my former spouse, how will society view me? How will I heal my broken heart?

The hardship of divorce

People often don’t realise how agonizing a divorce can be. On the surface, it may seem like two people are being unreasonable or irresponsible, but the truth is, most people do not realise the transgressions that have taken place behind closed doors which have caused a couple to decide to divorce. The reasons can be so vast; it could be an abusive partner, whether that is physical, mental, verbal or emotional abuse. At this point, I should mention that it’s important to realise the severity of any form of abuse. It could lead to psychological damage being embedded in an individual which in turn makes positive change difficult.

It could be that your partner is cheating on you, or that your spouse has left Islam, or just the simple fact that you both do not get along anymore. Whatever the reason behind the divorce, never forget thatAllah subhanahu wa ta'ala never leaves you and it is He who will bring you ease after hardship. 

I personally find that in all situations that we perceive as a calamity, there is always wisdom behind it. Throughout this difficult period, it is absolutely vital for you to always be conscious of the fact that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala tests those whom He loves, and that you should never lose hope in His Mercy.

Divorcing can be painful but it is one of many tests we may face in this life. During my experience, I have learnt a few things that I want to share with you to overcome this trial.

1. Hold on to your salah

Salah is the primary step to healing one’s self. I am a mother so I completely sympathise with mothers who are unable to pray their salah on time, but during this time of difficulty, you need your sujood! During a divorce, not only do you become consumed by all of your responsibilities, especially when there are children, but your emotions can paralyse you.

This is the time to reconnect with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala in solitude and to release stress by speaking to Allah and asking Him for help. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala commands us:

“O you who believe seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 153]

2. Look for happiness in the mundane

During a divorce, it is very easy to let all the negatives be at the forefront of your mind rather than all of the blessings that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has given you. This is a dangerous mentality to have that can depress you. So whenever the hardships in life consume you, remember this ayah that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala revealed to the people of Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) when they were being persecuted:

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” [Qur’an: Chapter 4, Verse 7]

Take a moment to reflect on what you have to be thankful for. This could be a supportive family, children who smile, or even something as basic as having a hot coffee in the morning, or the fact that you get to wake up in the mornings and have functioning limbs…

We forget that even the simple things in life are blessings. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala reminds us 33 times in Surat ArRahman:

“So which of your Lords favours will you deny?” [Qur’an: Chapter 55, Verse 13]

3. Take up a hobby

Find a way to occupy your time so that you do not become consumed by your emotions.

For me, a friend encouraged and pushed me to take up memorizingthe Qur’an. This honestly helped me in more ways than I could imagine. Not only did it help me develop my relationship with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, but it also pushed me to take the steps in learning Qur’anic Arabic.

SubhanAllah, words alone can not describe the beauty of learning the Qur’an and the sense of tranquility that encompasses you. The way Allah’s subhanahu wa ta'ala words can humble you in seconds and put you at ease, or how some verses correct your affairs through obedience to Him.

Alongside my memorization, I also started to take steps towards a healthcare profession, alhamdulillah,and I am still currently pursuing it. Give yourself something to strive for, and give your time a purpose with an achievable goal. Even if it just for an hour or two a day, if you take your mind away from the stresses of divorce, it will really benefit you spiritually and mentally.

4. Control your tongue

Divorcing with children is not the easiest of things to deal with while remaining patient. It is so important to control your tongue and not letshaytan allow you lose your composure, not only as a mother or father, but also as a person who fears Allah suhanahu wa ta'ala . There may be times when you are angry, but in this situation, your words can be like a sword andsuch words uttered in this state may not be forgivable or forgotten. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.” [Sahih Muslim].

Sometimes you are angry, you don’t want to forgive. You are hurt, and you feel violated. Divorce is hard. Especially when it drags on back and forth and there is animosity between the spouses, but it is for this reason that you need to be extra cautious of the words you utter. This is a time where shaytan knows you can accumulate sins by letting your emotions take control. So, don’t let him win.

5. Seek help

Talk to someone, a friend or a therapist and seek emotional support for internalizing your emotions. I was fortunate enough to have a very supportive family with me, however if you are a victim of abuse, then it is important to seek professional help.

Isolation may be okay for a short period of time when you are internalizing what has happened, but for long periods of time this could be detrimental to your deen and this is what shaytan loves. Surround yourself with people who remind you of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, and encourage you to seek knowledge so that your relationship with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala strengthens.

6. Know that it gets better

This brings me to my final, and possibly, my most important point. Who can honestly say  alhamdulillahand sincerely mean it when Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has decreed a hardship for them? The majority of us struggle with accepting the last pillar of faith: qadar.

How many times do we ask: “why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this? If I could go back, I would have done things differently!”

In this situation, we need to put our trust in Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and with no doubt in our hearts know that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has decreed what is best, and whether we see the wisdom behind it in this dunyaor in the akhirah is up to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala only tests those He loves and these tests are designed to strengthen you and prepare you for what’s ahead.

One of the mothers of the believers, Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan (Umm Habiba), upon emigrating to Abyssinia, her husband had left Islam and became Christian. When faced between remaining with him or choosing Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, she chose Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Her husband died shortly after from consuming too much alcohol. Being in a foreign country without family meant that she wasn’t left with many options, and so she decided to put her complete trust in Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and live her life for His sake.SubhanAllah, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala then replaced her husband with the greatest man to walk this earth. She married the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Divorce is not the end, nor is it something that tarnishes a person or diminishes their worth. Sometimes relationships do not work out and it is important to remember that when you die, you die alone. When you meet Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, you meet Him alone. It can be heartbreaking to lose the person you thought you would spend the rest of your life with, but no matter what happens, you will never lose Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. He will always be there for you. Don’t let a divorce have permanent negative effects on you, use this calamity as a catalyst to get closer to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and I promise, just like I did, you will come out a stronger person."

- Iman Umm Samara

“Being divorced is not the end of the world. It could be the biggest blessing & lead to something much better, bringing about much goodness. Many people have found more compatible spouses & are leading happier lives. There is no point in holding grudges or becoming depressed over a marriage that did not work. Make an effort to look for a more appropriate spouse & the Almighty will open the doors!"

-Mufti Ismail Menk

"Dear fathers, there is no dishonour for you if your child return backs to you if things didn't work out and it ended in divorce.

Rasūlullāh ﷺ took back two of his daughters after they were unjustly divorced - and he showered them with even more love, honour, and affection. That is the essence of manhood."

Shaykh Mohammed Aslam

"To all those individuals going through relationship problems, separation, divorce, don’t despair! Live in faith. What may seem like a series of unfortunate events may be the first steps to an amazing journey"

-Qasim Rafique

You are in my prayers. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala make things easier for you.

Allahumma Ameen

[contrabassconversations]

How to work in Germany as a double bass player

Check out Uli's post on the web here

Starting Off

Although I started very early with the Double Bass with the age of 10 (1991 there were no small basses in Germany, so I started to play a 3?4 sized bass while standing on a stool) the instrument did not play a big role in my life. When I finished my school in 2000 I stopped playing the Double Bass for 2 or 3 years and began to study Musicology, German Philology and Pedagogics in Cologne.

For some reason I was always thinking about starting to play again and so I called my first teacher Jon Diven who studied at the Eastman University with James VanDemark before if he could teach me again. Because I showed more interested in playing the Bass I improved very fast and so I was going to my first masterclass with Prof. Ulrich Lau.

All the people I heard there were so much better than I was and I wanted desperately to study the Bass and play the same stuff that they were playing. The more my interest grew the more opportunities opened up and I think this was one of the most important aspects for becoming successful with my instrument.

Starting in a Freelance Orchestra

My first bass teacher told me later in 2005 that there was a freelance-orchestra sponsored by a big pharmaceutical company named Merck where he works as principal bass player and they where looking for new members. At that point the orchestra was full of amateurs like me but they had a professional conductor who wanted to improve the orchestra’s quality. The pieces were getting harder and also the orchestra’s quality was improving very fast. After some time I was the only amateur left and I was quite afraid getting kicked out as well so I decided that it was time to study the Bass.

Honestly, I was very naive to think that it would be easy and so I failed my first audition in Music university. Shortly after the audition, I heard that the Bass teachers there were having a barbecue party with their old and new students and asked me if I wanted to join as they knew me from some masterclasses and lessons before. Without knowing how good it was to join this party I was going with them. When we were sitting on the camp fire the two teachers asked me to come to them and have a short talk about my audition and the future and one of them said that if I would have some private lessons for 6 months, that there would be a chance to join the class in University.

So I started having private lessons with Prof.Gottfried Engels. It was such a strange coincidence that a party was actually the starting point of my career. After some weeks my new teacher told me that he has to take responsibility for me and that I would have no chance to become a member of a States orchestra because I was simply too old but that my qualification in Musicology and pedagogics could help me to become a very good double bass teacher. At the same time he kind of destroyed my dream to become a professional bass player in one of the States orchestras in Germany. He also told me that I had to finish my masters in musicology otherwise he would kick me out of his class. Trusting my teacher, that there will be a good chance for me to start a career as a teacher, because I studied Pedagogics before, I decided to take that challenge even if it was not my dream at all. That was another lesson I learned for my future life: Find a teacher you can trust and who will take responsibility for you. The next audition was fine and finally I had a place in the Class!

A Special Project in Cologne

After some months I heard about a special project in Cologne which was paid by a foundation: There was an old guy who asked the Music University if they could develop a string class project for the elementary school as he knew he was going to die and he wanted to donate his money for cultural belongings. Without having a single idea what string class teaching is and how you deal with around 30 kids per class at the same time, I started this adventure. In the elementary school I learned very fast that I did not learn anything in Music university that could help me because you only learn how to play your instrument and how you deal with a student in a single lesson which is a completely different thing. So I had some talks with some elementary school teachers and my parents who were teachers as well (but in physical education)if they could help me with my lack of knowledge. It was maybe the first time that I found out that you have to build a good network around you and that you have to trust the experts surrounding you to improve your own skills.

A few months later it went better but in the first months I was always hoping for the end of the day. But: It was the first opportunity not to work in a supermarket or doing other jobs that did not have anything to do with music education. The funny thing was that this project started without having any bassplayers there and the responsible teachers in music university didn’t want to develop the project for Minibasses because they were afraid of making any mistakes.

Actually they had no clue what Minibasses are. But my teacher hopefully had! Can you imagine a University that has professors for music pedagogy who can live with that? For me this had nothing to do with music education. It was simply a big mistake to choose the easy way. After some time we convinced the foundation to buy some basses, but they bought 1?2 sized basses for 7 year old children who needed 1/8 sized basses. In the following months I met some bass players who were working in the same city and had the same problems (guess who was their professor?), so we started a revolution in the project. 1 year later there were 5 elementary schools with four classes minimum each with four or more basses in the right size and we all could teach the kids properly. Some of the students asked if there is a possibility to have additional single lessons and of course we said yes.

What I learned

If you want to live as a freelancer in Germany you have to teach in String classes as well because the lessons take place in the morning. In the afternoon there is time for the single lessons. A normal music school in Germany pays around 70 Dollars per month per student which means even if you have 30 students you have to live from 2100 Dollars a month, including living, insurance, healthcare, taxes, car and so on. Thats not enough to have a family and take care of them. A string class pays 120 Dollars for each day per hour per month. That sounded good. What I found out later is that the music schools in Germany often don’t have string class cooperations with public schools, so the bass teachers have maybe 4 or 5 students in single lessons and have a bad contract with the music schools: Every year you have to fight for a new contract. But if you are an expert in string class teaching you can either convince your boss to start such a program or work more hours in an already existing project at the same place. Another advantage is, that there is a possibility that you could get an unlimited contract with the city you work in, which means that they pay 50% of your healthcare and insurances.

During my studies in music university I had to visit teachers in some public music schools to learn more about teaching. I had to observe some lessons and also taught on my own under advice of the the mentor.

in Germany a music school is a completely different thing as an elementary school. Everybody can apply there and can have lesson with a music pedagogue but it is an additional „hobby“ like playing soccer or basketball. In Germany there are nearly no boarding schools that focus on music or prepare young students for University. Every school is a public school with no school fees at all. That means on the one hand that everybody has a fair chance to have a good school education. On the other hand there is no money for music equipment or instruments. That means that you have to apply in a music school besides your regular public school.

Becoming a Minibass teaching expert

When I had my first appointment with the bass teacher in Du?sseldorf which is the Capital of the State „Northrhine-Westphalia“ (the state has around 20 million inhabitants, which means a quarter of Germany’s citizens and Du?sseldorf has 600k) I recognized that this guy runs the biggest bass class in Germany. He had and still has 50 students per week, the youngest are 4 years old. For me this experience was like a goldmine in music teaching and a new idea was born: Becoming an expert in Minibass-Teaching as well. My professor was a good friend of him and so I recognized that this was the second big favor my professor did for me. What I learned: The more interest you show, the more chances you get. The more people you meet the more opportunities will open up.

In 2010 some teachers and students in Northrhine-Westphalia founded the Double Bass Teachers association in Northrhine Westphalia with the goal to develop the teaching of Minibass in the music schools. In NRW (short version for the region) there are around 800 Double-Bass students taught in music schools. That sounds a lot but most of them have lessons in the big cities. On the countryside there is nearly nothing. So one of the goals of this association is to develop a good infrastructure concerning teaching there.

At that point I was still a student and I was asked if I wanted to join the association. Of course I said yes because I had the impression that this could be a very big thing for the future. As well the government was going to help us and as well the cultural ministry made a cooperation with us. I helped at the annual Basscamp as a student. In the beginning we earned nearly no money and the students worked for free but I thought and still think that it is better to start a thing you have a good feeling with and later on you will get some other chance because the people you were helping remember you as a good guy. Honestly we were all working for the idea and the dream not for money. But that fact paid out some years later.

Meeting Caroline Emery

The first time in my life that I met Caroline Emery who was so kind to come to the Basscamp as a teacher was a big inspiration for me and she also had a lot to tell about the invention of the Minibass and her books. We had some very interesting talks about my future plans and she told me some of her “secrets of teaching.” At the last day of the course she said to me: Hey you should come to Bassclub in Menuhin School and help a little and I can tell you it will blow your mind. And it did.

I saw all those talented young Bassplayers there playing on the highest level I heard so far and I also had a chance to teach a little during this very intense week at Bassclub. Most of the time I was taking notes and tried to keep everything in mind. At Bassclub I also met Francois Rabbath, Gareth Wood, Christian Mortensen and Jan Alm which was absolutely crazy. Meeting Caroline was very important for me and she still means a lot to me. I still think that she gave me a lot of good advice and an idea of quality-based teaching.

The same year the first International Basscamp in Germany took place and again Caroline Emery was there and as well Edmond Cheng who has probably the largest Minibass-Class worldwide in Hongkong. Another very inspiring person for me. All of his students play on a very high level. I only heard that quality in Carolines class before. With Edmond I had some very interesting talks too and one of the things I kept in mind most was: If you think small you stay small, so think big. I will keep that sentence in my mind forever. I met Edmond at three or four more courses and so I had the chance to teach some of his students and he taught mine. The same year I finished my Masters and half a year later I made my diploma in Music-Pedagogy.

More Camp Experiences

After that there was the same camp taking place in Berlin where I met Szymon Marciniak and Giorgji Makhoshvili. The course was led by Prof. Stephan Petzold who is a big influencer in BASSEUROPE and he also invited me to teach on another course- again a lucky coincidence.The next Basscamp in Germany was with Thierry Barbe? who I met before on a masterclass in Montepulciano. All these events took place in 3 or 4 years and they were all very inspiring. Actually I felt like a sponge getting more and more useful information and as well the network was growing.

Shortly after that there was a small city music school close to my home and they had a very small Double-Bass class with 5 students. As my mentor told me that they were looking for a young and motivated Bass-teacher I gave the boss a call and they wanted me to become their new bass-teacher. That was in 2011. Unfortunately I had to quit after two years because there was a better job in another city.

A New Job

There was another music school looking for a teacher and again my professor gave me the advice to give their office a call. Again I was lucky because in that school they had not one single Double- Bass student so it was somehow like a laboratory where you could start from the very beginning. I have to say that I was lucky at that point of time because the city was running a project for the elementary schools there. In collaboration with the music school there, the city spend a lot of money to pay string class teaching in elementary school.

After two years my class was growing and I had 15 students there plus 5 hours string class teaching. As the school was desperately looking for more string teachers, I could help some friends to work there as well. As a consequence we could build up two orchestras in the music school, one of them is conducted by me. I also had a very good friend who was willing to teach the piano at that school. That meant that the quality of my class was improving as most of the students had the possibility to play in the orchestra and could play with a professional piano teacher. I think that we have it our own hands if our class becomes a class of motivated and talented kids. The more quality the kids see and hear (from yourself, from piano teachers etc…) the more they can improve. That means as well that you should try to bring them to masterclasses, concerts and so on.

In 2012 my wife, who was my piano player in Music university before I married her, became pregnant and I was living quite okay for a single household .But at that point of time I only earned around 1200 Dollars a month- not enough to make a living with wife and kid. Also my contract was limited for one year. So something had to happen very fast. My day was full of driving to several music schools and string classes but still there was a lack of money. So I decided to ask all my bosses if there is a chance to work more. My Expectation was that maybe one of them could help me but all of them offered me to work even more!! Within 1 month I had a 50 hours work-week and the family was fine. At the peak I had 18 string classes, 30 students, orchestra playing, courses and so on. The best thing that happened to me was that I got an unlimited contract in one of the schools. As a consequence I had to decide to quit some of the small jobs and concentrate more on the bigger ones. In my opinion this is also a very important aspect: If you want to improve you have to quit the worst job you have to create space for more inspiring ones.

While all these events took place I was member in two big freelance orchestras and so my dream to play in the orchestra somehow came true. At that point of time it was the first time that there were opportunities to pay back the favours other people were doing to me. I had some friends who were still studying and I heard about some schools looking for teachers and also our orchestras were looking for new members, so I remembered all the people who were taking care of me and paid back. Actually it was a very good feeling because the first years I only received and wasn’t able to give back. The whole freelance scene is like an organism to me that feeds you but also has to be fed. That means that you should not bite in the hand that is feeding you, should you?

Becoming a camp organizer

In 2014 my mentor, who was the head of our teachers association became sick and told me that the association needs somebody who can organize the bass camp instead of him. So in 2014 I became the head of the Double-Bass-Teachers-Association in Northrhine-Westphalia. In the beginning it was very scary because my responsibility grew and I had to take all the financial risks such a course has. But I also met new people holding very important positions in the cultural scene in Germany as the German association of music schools or the association of Orchestras for talented children in our region.

In Music University we did not learn anything about self-management or how to organize a course so I had to talk to a lot of people and visit the other Teachers-Associations in Germany. At the moment there are five of them, but as every head of the Associations was guest at the Basscamp before it was very easy to refresh the contact. From now on I visited mailed or called one of them regularly which was quite helpful. After some difficulties at the start with only 28 participants our course has now a size of 60 bass players every year, which makes it to one of Germanys biggest bass camps. We had teachers like Gottfried Engels, Thierry Barbe?, Caroline Emery, Carthy Elliott, Stefan Scha?fer, Boguslaw Furtok and Stanislav Anishenko who were so kind to give a lot of inspiration to the kids. Last year we came in contact with the European String Teachers Association (the german section) and as well BASSEUROPE.

The last months there were some possibilities to write articles about new literature for Double-Bass or stringclass-teaching. At the moment I am writing an article about Claus Freudenstein‘s new pieces „THE WOLF & STRUCT“ This is actually very funny because now, Musicology comes back to my life again. For me it means a lot, because I know now why I had to finish my first studies and that it was not in vain to choose the long road and is now a big advantage.

Lessons learned about teaching the bass

Since that point I recognized that teaching the Double Bass is a lot more than teaching one student after the other. You have to connect to influencers, you have to be diplomatic, you have to love children, you have to play and teach professionally, you have to go to events, courses, lectures and so on and you also have to try to do favours to people who helped you. All in all it is a very altruistic behavior which can ?t be wrong because you only make yourself and other people happy. I don ?t know if you will find another job that can make you that confident…

All these things you don’t learn in Music university. In Germany you study mostly one segment, for example: orchestra musician. That means you practice a lot without knowing if you get a job in a states orchestra.

You can study music pedagogy and you learn besides playing your instrument properly, how you teach a kid in the single lesson. Or you become a teacher in a High school or elementary school. While you study you learn how to teach your segment but no one tells you how to react on the fact that reality works quite different. Concentrating on one job will lead to nothing but self destruction.

If you want to get a job in a music school, they ask you if you have experience in string class teaching, otherwise they won’t hire you. That is a big scandal: How can music universities forget their responsibility on the students? Why don’t they learn the basics of their future life?

Violinists or piano players are a lot more prepared than we are. That made me think of the real aim of a Double-Bass-Teachers-Association and this is maybe the biggest thing you can think about.

What we don’t learn at the university

We work with children but we don’t really learn it in University. So the goal should be to improve the music education from top to bottom. There are a lots of very talented young bass players out there, but if they want to study Doublebass the music universities have to offer more opportunities. Therefore we have to open the professors minds for our belongings. I think the more professors know what we are doing, the more we can change. In fact we are experts like them but unfortunately some of them think different. I think that I was very lucky so far and I really met the right people at the right time. Nevertheless a living in the freelance scene in Germany is possible and you can be very successful.

The funny thing is that the freelance players in Germany live mostly from teaching and did not study music pedagogy. Teaching is sometimes seen as the second chance for all those who failed in the auditions. But everybody knows that teaching has a lot to do with responsibility and you cannot use 50% of your heart while teaching. It is a 24/7 job. In the orchestras there are not so many jobs at the moment but we need the teachers. Crazily people behave quite different. They study orchestra playing and only reproduce themselves and feed a system which is wrong. Most of the students who go to music university will have to live from teaching, writing and playing at the same time but they don’t prepare for that fact. If you want to live as a freelancer you should be able to become an expert in as many topics as possible. The music world is full of possibilities and I am sure that everybody can find his place in the freelancer scene.

Check out this episode!

[thepropertylovers]

Feature Friday with Jeremy Scott

Happy Friday! In this week’s FF, we get to know Jeremy on a deeply personal and vulnerable level. He opens up about his fear of coming out because he was afraid of being judged - by the gay community. He discusses the importance of mental health, living your truth, and what made him finally decide to come out. We came away from this with our eyes opened wider than before and a fresh, new perspective. We believe you will have a lot of takeaways from Jeremy’s intelligent, inspiring words. Take a look below to see what we mean…

Where are you from? I’m from Baltimore County, Maryland.

Where do you live? I’m currently attending medical school in Knoxville, TN but will be moving back home to study for my Step 1 board exam. Then I will be traveling for my clinical rotations. I’m going to be a bit of a nomad for a little while.

Instagram handle: @jpscott09

Age: 31

On cute little mountain towns: Bariloche, Argentina is my favorite place of all time that I’ve travelled! It’s this beautiful mountain town, and whether you’re into skiing, hiking or just walking around shopping and eating, there are gorgeous mountains all around, with crystal clear water and green forests. In town there’s this incredible candy shop, named Mamushka, that is plucked right out of a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

“But I am the sum of ALL of my parts, not the convenient choosing of a few. I can’t control what people see or choose to focus on when they look at me, discuss my accomplishments, etc. I can only live and shine in my truth; that will have to be enough. “

On an uneventful, but meaningful coming out: I’ve always known I was gay and that my family and friends knew as well. I had a gay uncle and have cousins that are gay and lesbian. After hearing an interview by a mom of one of the victims of the Orlando Nightclub shooting, I finally had a sit-down conversation with my mom. It was easy and uneventful and took place sitting in my Mom’s bathroom while she irrigated my clogged ear. I also sandwiched our conversation between reveals of my latest tattoos. She was more shocked about my tattoos than my coming out - my being gay was an unspoken fact, but the tattoos were brand new! And that’s how I said it, as if it were a statement, to my mom and any other family member or friend. I’m gay. It wasn’t an invitation for questioning or discussion, it was a statement of MY truth, that, understandably might take some time to comprehend and digest, but won’t change. I didn’t want anyone close to me to think I was ashamed of being gay just because I hadn’t said the words aloud. Silence allows for the creation of a false narrative, and I didn’t want there to be one surrounding something that makes me human, unique and worthy of love and belonging. 

On being comfortable within the gay community: It was fear of being accepted into the gay community that kept me from coming out sooner. I was overweight in my early 20s, and looking at images of the guys that frequented P Town or Fire Island, Barry’s Bootcamp or Soul Cycle made me hesitant to even believe that I’d be accepted - I was the ‘fat theater science nerd’ juxtaposed to the cool good-looking guys. It is worth mentioning that even though the gay community is a marginalized one, there exists a judging or shaming of its members. For example, placing character attributes or implicit biases and monikers such as “gold star, dairy queen, top, or bottom.” Individuals hide behind the term “preference,” to express their predilections when really, it’s a way to justify homogenizing social groupings or dating prospects. We can say it’s due to wanting to be around similar people, with a related background or potential shared experiences, but when did doing that help us grow or better ourselves? I’ve just now, over the past two/three years, gotten comfortable within the gay community, having accepted my flaws while championing my uniqueness; I’ve moved from a timid outsider to the curious and open wanderer.

On the importance on having an ally, and learning from life’s obstacles: Prior to having my “official” sit down with my family and close friends, I was outed by a classmate. We got into an argument one night, and, even though we agreed to keep everything quiet, he got into a taxi with some of our mutual friends and told them that we had been together and gave intimate details about us “hooking up.” I learned about what he had done because a friend just happened to be in the taxi that night. She will forever be someone I hold close to my heart, for many reasons, but because in that moment, she showed me the definition of true friendship- an ally against hurtful and potentially damaging hate speech and a source of support and understanding. I still think she was more bothered by the event than me. I, however, wasn’t even mad and still am not. That was a noteworthy moment that I draw strength from because at that time, I realized I was fully accepting of myself as gay and didn’t care who knew. As for moving forward from this situation and continuing on with my life, I viewed this as any other hurdle or obstacle and haven’t let it define me. I learned the lesson I was meant to learn- I dealt with forgiveness and am proud of the person I am because of it.

On the importance of “marble jar friends”: I am incredibly fortunate for the people I have in my life that I call friends and family. We are born into a family but as we grow and mature as adults, we have the ability to choose the individuals that make up our inner circle. My “marble jar friends,” as Brené Brown calls them, are as diverse in thought as they are in their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. These are the people that want for me what they want in themselves; to be seen, heard, and know I matter.

On living his truth, despite what others think: My family and friends have been nothing but supportive, and most conversations center around if I’m dating (yes, I’m single) and when I intend on getting married. The little backlash I have received has been mostly from members of the Black community. A few black professionals have messaged and said that, “I’ve disqualified any future accomplishments I will achieve as a part of the medical community because the only thing people will see me as is a gay black man.” I vehemently disagree with their statements, but understand that in the Black community there’s still a stigma about being gay. Some individuals would rather stay on “the down low,” as if openly being gay hurts the black male professional diaspora. But I am the sum of ALL of my parts, not the convenient choosing of a few. I can’t control what people see or choose to focus on when they look at me, discuss my accomplishments, etc. I can only live and shine in my truth; that will have to be enough.  

“Silence allows for the creation of a false narrative, and I didn’t want there to be one surrounding something that makes me human, unique and worthy of love and belonging.“

On the role of the medical community when it comes to LGBTQ healthcare: The medical community has a responsibility to educate, care for, and provide adequate healthcare to the LGBTQ community, which includes promoting PrEP. I think it starts with the family practitioner, the physician that sees a patient from childhood into adulthood, to not view heterosexuality as the default. Asking a patient, “Are you sexually active? With men, women, or both?” gives permission for an answer not constrained by judgment or preconceived notions but of openness and vulnerability. As a future healthcare provider, I have a duty to stay educated and advocate for my patients. I know that my experience is unique and has left me poised to reach a population of patients that may not feel like their needs are met or their voice heard by healthcare professionals. I will take my role seriously and do my best to make sure that every individual has access to healthcare that best addresses their needs and concerns.

On destigmatizing mental health: The best thing I ever did was decide to go to therapy. I’ve consistently seen Shannon, my therapist, over the past two years. There’s still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health, as if you should be ashamed to take an introspective look at yourself, your relationships, and those around you. If anyone has looked at #foreignfriday on a Radiologist’s Instagram, trust me when I say there’s nothing you have to be embarrassed about sitting and talking to a therapist. Sometimes we need to develop strategies on how to handle our emotions or triage a situation with respect to what needs and deserves our attention first. And sometimes we just need to vent our frustrations in a safe objective space. Whatever the reason, stability and strength starts from within and you’ll be eternally grateful for taking the necessary steps to ensuring both when you prioritize your mental health.

On living in the south: Living down south has taught me the importance of communication and understanding. We can’t ask of others things we can’t or don’t ask of ourselves, and we need to be open to having tough conversations with people of differing views and opinions. Where I might not feel comfortable walking down the street holding my husband’s hand down here, I have really embraced the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” Even after living on a Caribbean island where it is STILL illegal to be homosexual, I’ve never been this aware of my blackness and being gay. But I’ve challenged myself to look past the differences that divide us and seek the aspects of our humanity that bring us closer together. I’ve fallen in love with a guy from Knoxville and had my heart broken as well. I’ve been able to foster and find community through service and the running community. I’ve grown and am a better person for having lived down here.

On his biggest inspirations: I’m a huge Brené Brown fan-she’s my spirit guide. Her work over the years has guided me through so many unexpected turns and over impossible hurdles. Her work, along with my friends and family, whose voices have been louder than my own in times of doubt, have kept me going. I don’t know where I’d be without them, and there aren’t enough words to explain what their love means to me.

[marie-dufresne]

Marie-mun, you've mentioned your husband is a musician and from what I gathered (correct me if I'm wrong), he supports you and your son? I really want to pursue my music for a career but I'm scared to take that leap. You make me feel like I could do it. Any advice?

Yes, Mr. Frenchie is a musician and he is by far the breadwinner. The bacon bringer homer.

I can, and will, give you a full lowdown on how it works for us but let me just tell you right off the bat that there are some ah, extra, things that really helped drive his career along.

1. He’s a musical prodigy. It helps. A lot lol.

2. He’s a people person. Again, this helps a  l o t.

3. He went from living the bachelor life to having a new girlfriend and a babu on the way in a span of 3 months so. There was a very strong fire under his butt that motivated him. That helped a lot.

4. He plays multiple instruments {piano, guitar, bass, vocals, and organ professionally, mandolin and uke he can teach but doesn’t play out}

I also want to say before I begin that everything I’m about to say isn’t a requirement to have a career as a musician, it’s just what he does to support his family and also to give us the lifestyle we want. (we like nice things and we aren’t ashamed to admit it.) You may not have a family to support. You might not live in an area where buying a house is sensible. You might be a minimalist. Who knows, I don’t, but I’ll still do my best to help maybe clear your brains up a bit.

One thing (and most career musicians will tell you the same thing) that you need to know is there is no one-and-done as far as music goes. Unless you’re a sound engineer or schoolteacher or  something, very few “music” jobs pay a livable salary. Performance jobs especially as I imagine this is what you’re referring to.

Because there is no one-and-done, prepare to work odd hours, drive or commute otherwise a lot, and also be asked “what’s your real job”. a  l o t.  So. How to pay your bills on your music career? Here are some options for you, built out of literally everything Mr. Frenchie does. {read more for obscene length lmao}

Gigs:

The first and most obvious answer. For this, you will have to pay your dues. 4 hour gigs @ $50-75 a pop, bringing all of your own sound equipment and possibly playing to 4 drunks passed out on the tables. DO IT. Make friends with the bartenders. Make friends with management. Make friends even with those guys at the tables. You never know who has connections to better paying jobs. You never know.  {Mr. Frenchie has gotten jobs playing private birthday parties @ $700+ for two hours from making friends with people at shitty bars. GET IN WITH THE PEOPLE.}

This will suck at first. It will suck so hard and you will be tired, and you will probably hate the music you’re playing and if you have a s/o at home they will be annoyed and frustrated at times. It’s okay. It’s part of the job.

But here’s the thing. Don’t get stuck in these gigs. Regardless of the music you like, learn everything. Learn one hit wonders for the has-been hotties at the bar. Learn classic rock, learn country, learn the songs everyone is so fucking sick of hearing. Learn top 40 pop tunes, learn jazz standards, learn 40’s and 50’s ballads. Learn holiday music. Learn traditional music (traditional Irish tunes are what’s popular here) LEARN IT ALL.

The more songs you have in your repertoire, the more versatile you’ll be. You don’t want to get offered a gig at an elderly community brunch (sounds snoozy but trust me, those people are some of the most fun and tip well ;) ) and have to turn it down because all you know is Glam Rock and a couple U2 tunes. Trust me.

If you work at it, you will reach a point where you can turn down those $50 gigs. You’ll get to a point where you can say no to anything that doesn’t pay your minimum + bar tab & food. Though gigging is not Mr. Frenchie’s main income, he does love to do it. He rarely plays out at bars and is now doing upscale restaurants and local bay cruises instead. :)

Meeting people at gigs is a good way to get Cocktail Hour jobs at weddings as well. This is something Mr. Frenchie only does here and there as it often interferes with his salary job, but the pay is good. :)

Teaching:

One of the main parts of our household income. Private lessons aren’t exactly “performance” but they pay. Lessons privately (on your own, outside of a studio) will obviously pay more, but if you don’t have a name in the music industry of your area yet, I highly recommend poking around at music schools/studios looking for instructors.

Teaching is a much steadier source of income than gigs (as most bars and restaurants either rotate or “call when they need you”), but unlike gigs, it’s not for everyone. You can be a great musician and a poor teacher. This is the area where “being a people person” helps the most lol. Having a strong grasp of music theory also greatly helps in this area.

Teaching also opens windows to networking. People who put their kids in music lessons tend to be on the upper end of the pay grade (generally, not always), as it is an expensive activity. As you build a relationship with your students and thus their parents, you might find yourself hired for live music at their restaurants, cocktail hours for older children’s weddings, or of course, referrals to you as a music teacher for children of their friends. (currently Mr. Frenchie has a waiting list of parents who will not put their child with any instructor except him, but his teaching schedule is full up right now)

Musically Directing:

This one is probably one of the more difficult things to do, depending on your skill level. Musically directing local musicals is not easy or quick, but the pay is usually pretty good, and if you’re into musicals it’s a lot of fun. Of course, as you’re required to work with the full cast, you’d have to have knowledge of:

a. how musicals work

b. the show you’re musically directing

c. vocals (you’re essentially a voice coach for a large part of it)

d. conducting a pit band.

This though is the area I know the least about in regards to what he does, to be honest. All I know is that during a show I basically never see him because he’s at rehearsal 4x a week on top of everything else on this list lmao. That and his struggles with cast members who simply will not practice.

If directing doesn’t seem like your bag, musicals are always looking for pit musicians! Check in with colleges and universities for these opportunities first, as most community theaters tends to have “their people” and likely won’t hire without prior experience or “knowing a guy”.

Music Ministry:

This is our biggest loaf of bread.

This particular loaf of bread though, is definitely not for everyone. One thing to know though is that you don’t actually need to be a person of faith to acquire a music ministry job, though it um, obviously helps. It not only helps get you hired, but you’ll have a better grasp on what you’re doing as well as the reverence the Mass (or other service depending on which direction you take) deserves.

The thing about music ministry though, is if you can find a place of worship in need of a music director in the right place, you can get…

…

BENEFITS.

B E N E F I T S.

That’s right, my friend. Healthcare, vacation time, 401k, life insurance, the whollleeee kit and caboodle. I, of course, can only speak for the Catholic churches (as this is where Mr. Frenchie works), and even then, as he’s worked for several, only some have the financial stability to offer benefits. (though if the church has a school attached, your children can attend at reduced or 0 tuition! :D Our parish… does not have a school lmao, but he’s been offered jobs at some that do.)

Now this of course is also for the position of a music director. If you don’t qualify for this but wish to contribute in other ways (guitarist, violinist, cantor etc etc), you’ll most likely still receive a stipend, but you probably won’t be considered a “full time” employee as your responsibilities are literally just showing up and playing or singing lol.

One thing that music ministry does open the door for (especially on the off chance you’re an organist! You aren’t? Get yourself some lessons, stat), is funerals. Funerals are a really really good source of income, depending on the location, typically $125-200 per. (Again, speaking solely for Catholic funeral Masses) So if you’ve got a grasp on how a Mass works and can learn yourself some hymns, put your name in.

Music directors, of course, will get first refusal for funerals and weddings but there are a ton of times they either can’t or they’re on vacation or any other number of reasons and churches really like to keep lists of people who can fill in. If you do well, and you make connections in the ministry world, friends will refer you and your network will grow and grow. It’s also a good way to be in people’s ear in the event music director jobs open up (if you’re waiting on one) and to get offered one. :)

There was one point Mr. Frenchie was playing weekly across 3 parishes, plus College Campus Ministry on Sunday nights but we’ve finally managed to get it down to just our home parish where he is the music director, though he will take funerals from any parish that comes calling so long as there’s room in his schedule for it. 

—

Okay I think that’s everything. Through all this he works easily 60-90hrs/week, commuting roughly 3 hours a day on average.

Hopefully I didn’t discourage you hahahaha but I didn’t want to just say “oh yes if you work hard enough you can totally do it!!

If you’re ride or die set on having a career solely on music you’ve written, you’re definitely in for a bad time, but if you open yourself up to literally everything on your journey to promote yourself, you might find some things you really enjoy doing all while supporting yourself and kicking the starving artist trope to the curb. :)

[michellelewis7162]

Natural Physician - How to Locate a Fantastic Naturopathic Medical Professional

Natural Physician - How to Locate a Fantastic Naturopathic Medical Professional

 When seeking a physician it is always an excellent idea to make an effort to obtain a recommendation coming from a close friend or member of the family. Homeopathic Doctors are actually not tough to find but remember they may differ greatly. Medical professionals that you or even your ailments naturally can typically be actually discovered by looking online. You desire to ensure that the doctor you opt for possesses a good image in the community. For you to get this type of treatment you need to trust your physician and also the greatest means to carry out this is actually to believe relaxed with them. Utilizing a Homeopathic Doctor deck analysis everything you might possess inappropriate with you can easily be actually a terrific choice. Bronchitis Treatment

 It is consistently best to possess a free product line of interaction with your doctor to ensure you can believe pleasant speaking along with him about any kind of issues you may possess. Selecting the ideal doctor for your necessities is very important therefore consistently check what others are saying regarding all of them. You may always talk to the medical professional additionally to give you some recommendations coming from their individuals, through this you think pleasant that you will certainly receive the greatest service. You should have many doctors in thoughts just before you create a final choice. You can easily speak with these doctors and determine which one accommodates your demands the greatest Patiala.

 Selecting a Homeopathic Doctor is certainly not hard to carry out but begin through locating a good suggestion. You intend to talk with buddies and also family as well as view if anybody uses this kind of physician. Alleviating your factors naturally may be actually a great technique to enhance your health and prevent hazardous medications.

 Find a Great Homeopathic Doctor

 If you are actually trying to find a homeopathic doctor then it is a great idea that you first talk to your close friends and also household as well as find if you can obtain a referral. It is constantly a lot better when you're trying to find any kind of doctor that you discover somebody that thinks relaxed along with all of them just before you create a go to. If you're having a difficult time locating somebody who may suggest a holistic doctor for you as well as you desire to check out online as well as discover one that is actually extremely measured. What you have actually tightened your search down you prefer to view if you may find any type of evaluations of the physicians on your listing. This will definitely assist you to discover a medical professional that will certainly assist you treat any disorder that you might possess Punjab.

 When you have located a doctor it is crucial that you really feel comfy along with all of them. You require to become capable to chat along with all of them and also discuss to all of them what is actually taking place in your lifestyle. In a lot of cases folks have actually made an effort numerous physicians before they found the one they really felt the absolute most comfortable with. It may spend some time to discover a homeopathic doctor but carry out not fret once you have actually found one that you feel that he is with you will be happy 147001.

 Remember it is not tough to discover a naturopathic physician but you need to be sure that you begin through obtaining a recommendation coming from a friend, coworker or even member of the family. Upcoming distinct to explore online and also see to it you locate a medical professional that you experience comfy with. It may take a while and you might need to attempt many physicians just before you find the one that helps you out the absolute most.

 Discovering the Best Homeopathic Doctor

 Locating a natural medical professional needs that you figure out what your details requirements are as well as place all of them in a listing of value. If your necessities are actually reflective of a busier way of living, its medication might not be actually the most ideal of options for you. On the other palm, if you live a slower rate in regards to way of life and also if you possess an additional holistic method to your health, you might really want to think about looking for such a physician New York.

 The main feature of holistic medication is actually the procedure of ill clients along with a watered down representative that works with the true condition. The procedure responsible for its medical care describes the idea that the physical body battle ailments to a much greater amount than any type of distant representative can.

 Such a medical professional, consequently, would certainly best go through the indications of your body system and also address your ailment on a holistic degree while giving the body system assistance to overcome the illness through itself at some point France.

 United States naturopathic clinical physicians take pleasure in an effective occupation, but they are actually primarily limited to some kind of private method by overall regulations. Mainstream medical center treatment is actually not its healthcare because the body might certainly not afford to pursue those beliefs.

 As an alternative, the treatment is left to exclusive centers as well as amenities. Fortunately is, nevertheless, that American natural medical professional treatment is fairly inexpensive and could be a portion of the price of conventional medicine.

 With American natural medical association clinics rising, many individuals are transforming to these exclusive clinics to establish their bodies on to a particular tone that will definitely allow the physical body to cure itself without the further aid of the medical professional.

 United States holistic medicine acquires a considerable amount of its own concepts coming from other international kinds of medicine as well as establishes its own practices within the business along with the assistance of a loosened governing body Canada.

 Currently in America, there is actually no standard regulating body that overviews the naturopathic medical professional clinical procedures to any sort of specific level. There are actually, having said that, styles for an American Homeopathic Medical Association that will definitely assist streamline those within the market to combine behind their trigger.

 Today, though, the actions and also prescriptions of a doctor are actually supervised due to the Food and Drug Administration as well as not the American Medical Association.

 Homeopathic healthcare gets on the growth, there is actually no doubt of that. It is, likely, just a concern of your time just before the medical sector discovers that its medicine deserves its own location in the pantheon of health care therapy USA.

 Such a trained doctor possesses equally as a lot organisation providing a prescription to a person as a typical doctor carries out. Actually, the record of the 2 comparison line of work pair up every bit as. One secret difference is that its own treatment looks much more affordable.

 The Advantages of making use of Homeopathic Remedies

 Homeopathy is actually one of one of the most popular alternative treatment methods across the planet. Originally natural medicines can certainly not get popularity and reliability like allopathic medicines carried out; but gradually it became well-liked around the globe considering that viewpoints of folks toward homeopathic process of therapy acquired transformed substantially India.

 The appeal of these treatments is not a chance nor is it a concern of international desires. There are actually a great deal a lot of conveniences of using naturopathic medications which is actually why these remedies delight in unflinching attraction.

 Several of the prime conveniences of utilization naturopathic solutions are actually covered listed here.

 Unlike various other medicines homeopathic remedies perform not have any sort of side result as well as these remedies are completely safe besides it also enhances the health and also immunity of the body system. Homeopathic remedies promote inner resistance energy of the body system and hence produce timely rehabilitation coming from certain health problems. Yet another advantage of these remedies is that medicinal doses could be conveniently suggested. For that reason, these natural solutions are actually completely secure for little ones as well as adults as well.

 The performance of these remedies is unequaled as well as unquestioned. They have the effectiveness to heal sharp as well as chronic ailments. As a matter of fact, the professionals of naturopathic medication claim that in comparison to allopathic medications, holistic treatments give curative treatment for a large range of chronic as well as alleged incurable conditions.

 These solutions are very easy to carry out as well as their service life is actually longer than allopathic as well as ayurvedic medications. These medicines are actually usually distributed as little delightful placebo which are actually not simply simple to lug yet may additionally be quickly provided to little ones.

 Holistic solutions are an expense dependable treatment process in comparison to allopathic and ayurvedic medicines. Additionally the therapy of homeopathy is actually generally done on the basis of signs. Thereby homeopathic treatment procedure does not call for pricey diagnostic exams or examinations. Naturopathic treatments spare considerable amounts of cash of the person.

 An additional wonderful benefit of these treatments is actually that they have the power to totally cure the illness. They are found to be actually strongly helpful and also deliver holistic treatment for every kind chronic condition. The recovery procedure may be little long yet it verifies productive in the long run due to the fact that consistent homeopathic treatment enhances over all health of the individual and make sure better health and wellness on a long-term basis.

 Natural medicines are made from all-natural active ingredients and doctors certainly never put any kind of restriction to their use for remedying diseases that expectant ladies normally experience. While these solutions are actually great for youngsters, those grownups who are under hormonal treatment or even taking radiation or chemotherapy treatment may likewise take homeopathy remedies to improve their health.

 Homeopathic Medicine: Does It Work?

 An olden disagreement has damaged out once again along with the British National Health Service (NHS) resembling a decision to cease offering homeopathic medicines. It appears that a macro-analysis of an amount of big regulated tests has revealed that they have no significant impact. Together, it is actually acknowledged that a lot of holistic healthcare facilities were combined in to the NHS at its own starting in 1948 as well as homeopathy has actually always belonged to its own technique. Supporters of this 'holistic medicine' factor out that present expenses is actually only around ₤ 4 thousand every year, an incredibly small aspect of the general NHS budget of over ₤ 100 billion, as well as changing homeopathic drugs along with allopathic alternatives would certainly cost so much more.

 The basic guideline of homeopathy is that a substance that may produce a symptom in a healthy and balanced individual may suppress that very same symptom in a person that is actually weak. The element in concern is prepared in aqueous solution and afterwards diluted 10 opportunities in a method understood as titration. Repetitive titrations lessen the attention of the active broker to degrees that are actually nearly impossible to detect through chemical study. Typical medical professionals declare that these levels of concentration have no biochemical effect, but natural professionals preserves that the redoed titrations enrich the effectiveness.

 The proponents of homeopathy share the great excitement for their technique that is discovered along with all practitioners of alternate health care devices, from acupuncture to hypnosis. Their debates are convincing and lots of common people want to become convinced. Having said that, when challenged for clinical documentation of performance most resort to stories of particular impressive results, and also information coming from controlled tests of big amounts of individuals are certainly never instanced. An additional unpleasant component of different medical units is that their advocates often tend to assist one yet another, allowing each other's historical evidence. The layman must inquire, can they all correct?

 Alternative medications have a long history and also their proponents insist that this shows their performance; if they didn't work, will they proceed to be practised? However, study has revealed that concerning ninety per-cent of all disorders are actually cleared in a few days by the body's own defence mechanism, so it is inevitable that any doctor may claim a higher success fee, even when he has certainly never analyzed medication. This is actually the reason plenty of supposed phonies usually perform for an amount of years prior to they are actually sensed. Health care systems should be judged on the little percentage of situations that are actually or else incurable and listed here typical practice possesses a well-known file of ever-advancing statistically substantial success.

[ratthewrodent]

Obviously we are in the midst of the 2019-2020 cycle, but there are early birds out there who want to get started on their personal statements and have requested some guidelines now. I will keep updating this with your ideas (and what I pick up along the way), so feel free to make suggestions! If you're not ready to tune into this just yet, no worries - I will post it again in a few months.The PS is like the first chapter of a novel...you want to engage the reader so that they want to continue on. It doesn't need to be some kind of masterpiece - it's your whole app that counts, but it is a first impression. You don't want it to stand out in a bad way, where the adcoms just want to close the book and be done. So rule #1 is not to put anything that could be off-putting: don't put yourself down, don't sound arrogant, and don't get into controversial subjects (more on all this below). Your goal is to sound reasonable and compelling.What are you trying to answer? Here are the official prompts: https://ift.tt/2F0t9Gg. (please note that for the 2020 cycle, the DO character limit is now the same as the MD one - 5300 characters.) Basically, you are sharing your story of how you became interested in medicine. You want to explain why you want to become a doctor out of all the possible choices that's out there for you. What sparked your interest? How did it develop? What confirmed this for you? What makes you ready? How is medicine a fit for your goals? It's your chance to describe your journey to medicine (and becoming a doctor specifically).An adcom on SDN said that 92 percent of personal statements are decent enough to move on, 1 percent are amazing, and 7 percent are awful - with your job being to avoid the awful category. That sounds about right! Very few are outstanding - they either involved an extraordinary circumstance or there was something deeply moving and meaningful that's hard to replicate. Basically, you want yours to Pass Go and not make ad-coms roll their eyes. If you're not a creative writer, this isn't the time to start. Write clearly and thoughtfully - show you are reasonable. Be careful of humor, too - it could really fall flat.You only have room for a few personal stories and this is what takes time - deciding which ones you want to use. This is where you play around and experiment. The same person can create multiple personal statements using different anecdotes and they would all be fine - it is a matter of seeing what works best to highlight your story and your positive attributes. I think 2-3 stories that go into depth seems to fit the best - any more than this, it begins to read like a resume. If you're lost, forget about an opening and conclusion for the time being; try out one "background" paragraph along with 2 fairly current experience paragraphs (one nonclinical and one clinical) as a guideline.You don't need one "aha" moment. Instead, you can build up your narrative step by step, to the point where at the end you have shown that medicine is the right path for you. It is often hard to get started, but just begin writing. Some people say open up a bottle of wine (or whatever), loosen up, and just get down some thoughts. Maybe something inspired you early on, or maybe you were involved in an activity that eventually paved the way for medicine. Maybe you have a family story/background that was meaningful. There is no right or wrong on how to start, but you should eventually describe some kind of clinical experience to lend validity to the idea that you want to be a doctor.Your PS can include your life's experiences before college (some people have said their advisors have told them only to include life after HS). Your background is something that makes you unique and not interchangeable with a zillion applicants. If it's relevant to your "why medicine" story, you can include it, and then move forward to include more recent experiences. What you shouldn't include is a childlike idea based on fantasy notions of becoming a doctor...your ideas should have substance.Try to keep it in chronological order and not jump around - it creates too much extra work for the reader. You can start the opening at any point in time, but then starting in the second paragraph go back in time and move forward (or just keep moving forward from the beginning).Think about what qualities you want to show - you can look at the AAMC Core Competencies for ideas and pull a few from there: https://ift.tt/2ZDoL9B. Some forward thinking premed-redditors have gone through this list and have highlighted for their LOR writers the areas they want emphasized. (See point below: Coordinate your PS with the rest of your app.)"Show, don't tell." You may have heard this before, but what does it mean? It is fundamentally about tone. Telling is when you are instructing/teaching the reader. For example, saying "Being an empathic person is important in medicine" is telling. "I showed a lot of empathy when I talked to the patient" is telling. Instead, you want to describe a story and share your thoughts along the way. Here's an example (which actually happened when I was an intern!): "Mr B tearfully explained to me that none of his 7 siblings were a compatible bone marrow match. As I pulled a chair over to talk with him, I thought about the trust he placed in me with something so personal. I felt compelled to make this better - and frustrated that I couldn't. However, spending time with Mr B, I learned that medicine is not always about cures, or even finding the right words to say; listening and presence can also be powerful forces." With this, I am setting the scene and giving you my thoughts/realizations. I'm sharing an experience that shows reflection and growth. You can do some telling, but get those stories in! (And you can definitely tell in the conclusion - more on that later.) Here's more on this idea expressed in a very direct way by u/aspiringsocialepi: https://ift.tt/37m5Pia that you can connect with people - this is the humanistic side of medicine. They will read your stats and accomplishments in the app; they need to know you are trustworthy and care about people. I feel that one of your anecdotes needs to show connection. If you're talking about a patient, do not use their real name (due to privacy/HIPAA concerns). Say, the patient, who I will call...., or put a name in quotes, or just say the patient.Showing your ability to care about people is super important, but also think about other doctor qualities to add to your story. Remember you are building the case for "why physician," not simply "why healthcare professional" (or other position). Again, you can review the AAMC core competencies list. Some attributes to consider are scientific curiosity, depth of knowledge, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, teaching, and research. Don't simply say you've observed these qualities and that's what you want to do - think about something that shows these traits in yourself. For example, if you say that you saw leadership in Dr. X and you value leadership in becoming a doctor, you can support that idea with some kind of personal leadership example.Have a strong conclusion - this is where you can be more direct. You can point out the role of a physician. You can "tell" now - you can say what qualities physicians have and how your experiences make you feel ready. You can say what you'd like for your future. Stylistically, you can bring in the theme from the opening paragraph and make a quick reference to it. Don't say how great you will be (yes, I have seen this) - keep this about service to others. Think of the conclusion as your TL;DR of the personal statement - make it easy for them to understand your whole why medicine story.Coordinate your PS with the rest of your application. You will need to write 3 "most meaningful" essays as part of the primary; you'll have secondary essays; you'll be getting LORs. Think about the activities you're highlighting and build that theme. For example, if global health is important in your why medicine story, have that in the PS, add a most meaningful essay that doesn't repeat but complements the PS, talk about it in the secondaries/interviews. Having an angle (without being repetitive in content) can help to set yourself apart. If you don't have a unique aspect - no worries. Think along the lines of personal qualities - maybe you're a good communicator or a good teacher, for example. Know your strengths and let that come through. For more on this, read u/LuccaSDN's advice: https://ift.tt/36917nQ word about form: Don't have 1-2 long, drawn out paragraphs or 9+ mini-paragraphs. I think around 5-6 work best (including opening and concluding paragraphs). Don't make the opening paragraph overpowering, leaving the following paragraphs with less substance. It should just be an opener, and it doesn't need to be overly dramatic - just something engaging. Don't put in anything too graphic...you don't need that. That story about how the blood was oozing all over as the transplant surgeon grabbed the heart doesn't work (yes, I have seen this). Be thoughtful - it's not an adrenaline race. Your "regular" stories are interesting - get into them! Explain why you did xyz, describe something absorbing, and reflect back your thoughts/meaning.Try not to view this as drudgery. Have a little fun with it. Have people read it through along the way and stay open to suggestions, but in the end go with what feels right for you. In the end, you should feel proud of your story - you are amazing for getting to this place! Own that (humbly, of course).Remember these are just guidelines to give you a framework - you do you! I recently read a PS with a long intro paragraph, which I typically don't suggest. If it's taking me awhile to slog through the intro, I can only imagine how the adcoms feel after reading so many. But this one worked - it was totally absorbing and would have lost something had it been broken up into another paragraph. These tips aren't set in stone.ADDITIONAL THINGS TO AVOID (will keep adding to this as the issues come up):Be careful when criticizing doctors or medical care in the US - you don't want to come off as judgmental or that you're wiser than the people who have been part of the system for years. If you want to talk about ways to change healthcare, make sure you have demonstrated background knowledge in the area you're discussing. Avoid getting too political.Just as with politics, use caution when discussing religion. You don't know who is reading your PS and what their beliefs are. Don't offend anyone.Don't bring up issues of serious mental illness - keep in mind adcoms view themselves as the gatekeepers, wanting to make sure that you'll be able to make it through the hardships of an intense workload and stressful clinical situations. They don't want it on their heads that they put someone in a pressure cooker and the person got sick as a result.Make sure that the humanitarian trip you've discussed is a legitimate one and doesn't represent "voluntourism" (where the programs end up not benefiting, and even exploiting, the people they are trying to assist). Here is a guideline by the AAMC: https://ift.tt/36917US bring up bad grades - there will be other places in the app to discuss academic inconsistencies. This is your story of why you want to become a doctor - show your background, your interest, and your readiness for medicine. If it's important to you to describe an academic struggle, keep the emphasis on how you have grown and are now ready. Don't get into specific grades.ADDITIONAL INFO (links):Here are u/Arnold_Liftaburger's thoughts on writing the PS (from r/premed FAQs): https://ift.tt/36918rU are u/holythesea's ideas on how to write a narrative: https://ift.tt/2EZAqGr out the advice from u/word_doc73: https://ift.tt/2rGIOYm here is a helpful thread from SDN: https://ift.tt/37kH8D4 thread on finding online personal statements: https://ift.tt/2sjAzSp PS advice: https://ift.tt/39hppy9 are more examples of of personal statements provided by u/HeyHiHello99: https://ift.tt/2tbpHWM via /r/premed

[elle-stevens]

The Break Up Blog - Day Thirty One

Urgh, I am still so tired today. 

Luckily, I got my lazy ass out of bed at 06:15 and started getting ready for the day. Eating only one Weetabix for breakfast was a mistake though because I was starving again close to 10:00, but I forged on with the day. 

it was a long and tiring day at work because my written assessments were due today. Naturally, all my students took that to mean ‘take your own sweet time doing a simple writing activity that I basically did for you from scratch without really knowing what you’re actually doing even after I’ve told you a million times how to do it’.  

I think this may be the definition of what an ESL teacher is. 

Still, it wasn’t a horrible day, not at all. I was in good spirits throughout; I even went off-campus with C, AS and PE to get lunch and my favourite passion fruit drink from Ydiendien. Most of my students are done with their assessments, but whoever’s not finished yet will just have to do it on Monday. So if any of my students want to complain about my other classes getting some free time on Monday, they can suck it up because they should’ve done their work quicker. And then they could enjoy some free time after a big test too. It pays to do your work expediently instead of wasting your time being a smartass. 

I don’t have the energy to care anymore about how I’m actually teaching. I just want to get my students through their four assessments for the rest of the semester and a few other mandatory school events like the Speech Contest. And then hopefully, my jaded ass will be done with this mundane crap before I’m hopefully moving onto bigger and better things. It’s a shame; I actually get along with more than 96% of my colleagues and my students and on paper, the school I work at is really great. They just have a super shitty management style and their ESL curriculum is not only outdated, but irrational and counter-productive. There’s no point staying at a job if you’re not growing, both professionally and personally. 

I managed to leave work on time and spent an hour at home vegging on the couch and texting D back and forth. There’s some noisy construction going on in her building and it got her pretty worked up. I just hope she ended up having a better evening after getting a massage earlier to help her cool off. I’ll never understand how Chinese people can build more apartments on top of existing apartments without there being some kind of damage to a building’s structural integrity. As the saying goes: ‘TIC: This is China’. 

Because of that, I spaced out on my timing with making bruschetta before heading over to C’s for Game Night with PE, his wife G, CI and AM. I ended up baking two sets of bruschetta: one with tomatoes and one without, which got me a bit flustered. C’s allergic to tomato too as well as mushrooms, so I had to change my bruschetta recipe ever so slightly and separate the meats and vegetables while preparing the toppings. I kinda thought that it wouldn’t be right to make C sick or kill her because of a bad allergic reaction when she kindly offered to host ‘Game Night’ at her place. 

After lots of dawdling, I made it over to C’s at 18:30. CI, PE and G were already there playing a round of ‘Karma’ while C and AS had gone out to buy more snacks. AM had forgotten about ‘Game Night’ initially, but left the gym to come join us in the end.

It was a really fun night! Everyone liked the bruschetta and the Korean-styled fried chicken that C ordered. I drank some of the cocktails I brought over along with PE’s whiskey and Sprite and AM’s fruit cocktails that she mixed up in a blender, but I didn’t even get tipsy, let alone drunk. It was nice distracting myself and letting go of my worries without using alcohol as an excuse. We played Cards Against Humanity, which was fucking hilarious and just wrong on all levels. Then we used our phones to play some interactive games on PE’s PS4, which was loads of fun too. 

CI was the first to leave because he was pretty tired and then AM left an hour after him. I felt a bit worried about CI’s departure since he initially wanted to leave for the evening when C told us some shocking news related to work. She was told today that my school wouldn’t be renewing her contract next year. And all because she’s been at the school too long (4 years so far) and the new vice-principal thinks it’s better for our school to have a higher turn-over for foreign students. But the school is so ‘sad’ about it and hope that C won’t take it personally and that they’re willing to give her a glowing letter of recommendation.

Honestly, all of the reasoning behind this sounds like total crap. Our new vice-principal just started working at school literally last week and he suddenly has a lot to say about turnover in foreign staff members? 

Nuh, I’m flagging the play and calling bullshit. 

I think that C has inadvertently pissed off a lot of people at our school just by being a better teacher with more innovative teaching methods and who actually cares about the students. And now these people are finally getting what they wanted all-along: the chance to get rid of C under a legitimate and pretentious guise. I feel really sad and angry about the entire affair, mainly because I wanted C to be able to leave on her own terms and reject the school instead of the other way around. They’ve treated her so badly; it would’ve been nice to see everyone’s smug faces shatter when she told them to shove their contract up their asses. 

Still, I know that C will bounce right back from all of this. She’s a trooper and I know she won’t let shitty people get her down for too long. I admire her a lot for it. I honestly don’t care if my school wants to renew my contract or doesn’t at this point. As far as I’m concerned, they can kiss my big, brown ass. They’ll get the picture soon enough when they actually start reading the online reviews from previous staff members about how crap their system really is. But by then, it’ll be too late. C will have moved onto bigger and better things by then, so more power to her. 

It kinda feels like everything is falling apart this year: my parents separated and my dad’s living indefinitely in his own apartment away from my mom; X and I broke up when I thought we’d be each other’s forevers. And now, this business with C not having her contract renewed and her possibly leaving China next year. I think the latter move is what’s best for her, since she’s been in China for 4 years already and her health’s deteriorating. She’ll have better access to healthcare back in the States and she’ll also have better business contacts too. But still, a lot seems to have changed for the worst this year and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. 

Still, I’m not too depressed about things. I just keep showing up and punching my proverbial time card. I can’t afford to curl up into the foetal position in my bedroom and say, ‘Oh well, I gave it a shot. But the Universe and all its fucked up ways wins this round.’ 

Tomorrow’s another day and it usually shines brighter than yesterday ever could. C’s going to take AS around the city tomorrow and help her do some grocery shopping for her new apartment and they invited me along. It’s good that we’ll do it in the morning so I can rest in the afternoon and hopefully exercise in the evening. 

We got a nice bonus at work for Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), so it’s nice to have a little extra cash this month. I’m gonna use the bulk of my bonus on rent for this month so I only have to withdraw a little rent money next month when it’s due. God works in mysterious ways and he saved me from being flat broke. August was rough on my soul and it took a lot to keep me afloat. But I got through it somehow and I’m grateful that He was there to catch me whenever I fell. 

I’m really lucky. 

It’s not easy walking around every day with a broken heart, wondering if you’ll ever get fixed or just stay a broken toy for a long time to come. That’s probably why I’m giving into shameless perving on anything in human form these days. Because perving is silly and harmless. It gives me a weird feeling of confidence unlike when real feelings are involved. Because when something is real, it means something. And when it means something, you let your guard down and put your trust in another person. And that person has the power to fuck you over for a long time till you’re not sure you’ll have the heart or the courage to love another person again after them. 

That’s what X did to me and I’m in no hurry to give my heart away so soon again. I want to keep my heart to myself for a little while longer until I wake up one day and magically realise that I no longer care about X in any sense. 

Now, it’s already the next day and it’s actually the thirty-second day since I told X to ‘hit the bricks’. As good as it is to get out, meet people and stay busy, I hope I can slow down soon though. I need to start getting proper rest so I can function properly.

I don’t want to think or stress too much about anything that happens from here on out. I just want to live in the moment and try to be happy in which way it comes to me.  

[wishingfornever]

11/18/17 – No Contact:  State of Decay

Esther’s Nation will be destroyed today.  Or tomorrow, I’m not sure.  That’s sad, but it’s acceptable.  Less of a spit in the face, you know?  I made her flag.  Glad she won’t be using it anymore.

Last night, I couldn’t sleep.  I came up with a plan to target Dennis. He, in his foolhardiness, believes he has to froth and demand and yell in order to defend Esther.  I know this because he got on Shane’s case for calling Esther a whore.  Then Shane got on my case and claimed he didn’t, even though he just deleted the message.

What a dick.  I know what I saw, I know how I felt when I saw him call Esther a whore.  I remember because I felt the same when she called herself a whore. Whatever.  Point is, if I wanted to get back at Dennis, I’d have to offend Esther in some way.  That way, he’ll start frothing and will threaten me.  In his anger, he’ll call me out in a sort of sense that says, “Fight me!”  He’ll do this because he doesn’t think I’ll return but I plan to come back for my truck.  Thus, I’ll accept the challenge and show up.  I’ll bolster and taunt and he’ll cower inside, not really expecting to fight.  I’ll show Adriana what he said and told her I accepted and that he picked a fight with me. The thing is, if he DOES fight he’ll have to invite me onto his property as well as agree to a fight.  That’d be totally legal. Private property.  That’s how boxing is still legal.

That said, I’m not expecting him to fight but I am expecting Adriana to yell at him.  It’ll cause struggle and strife and would be enough to punish him.  If he does decide to fight, then I get to slap him around.  It’s a win win.

One problem is is that Esther would hate me for it.  Worse yet, the only way I can see it coming to fruition is if I just let loose her secrets to her mother.  That’d be the only way to target her right now.  And I’m not entirely convinced I can do that to her just yet.  An inability to commit… that’s my biggest problem.

Thing is, I considered doing something else.  He was looking for a job, right?  I mean, not anymore obviously, but he was.  I was going to try to find out what job he had and then call and leave a horrible complaint that would lead to him getting fired! BAHAHAHAHA!!!

Problem is, that’s illegal.  Not that I generally care about the law, but I’d rather not do something that would jeopardize myself.  It’d be a great way, but it’s slanderous and would lead to a financial loss and I could get sued. Even if I’m sure he’d NEVER find out (which I’m sure he wouldn’t because nobody ever checks anonymous complaints) it’s still not a good idea. I’m angry, but I’m not going to break the law to have vengeance.  Rather, I will dance near the edge but well within the confines of what is allowed.  It’s worse that way for him because he’ll want to retaliate but he can’t. I know what you’re thinking.  You’re thinking that I hate him again, but I don’t.  I’m just… bitter.  I demand justice in my divine pettiness.  He has done a LOT of suspicious things and I never held him to it.  I chose to let it go but he decides to block me again? Fuck.  That.  Shit. Hell, Esther deserves to get shit on as well.  It’s coming back to me and I wasn’t that bad to her.  Of course, I did do those things she’s claimed I’ve done but it wasn’t as frequent as it sounded to be. Not trying to justify anything, but I had entirely stopped before everything went down.  And, of course, she put me through the wringer too. Keep in mind, before “The End” she and I were planning something.  She’d come back just to see me.  She said it’d help her.  If I were as bad as I seemed, she wouldn’t have agreed to that.  Or maybe she lied and said that to make me feel better.  I don’t know.  I trust her, though.

So… might be worth it.  But I’m not angry enough to do that.  I guess I’ll keep it, just in case something happens.  I doubt it would, but who knows?

It occurred to me.  I made a joke about giving Dennis a character and making that character have a tiny penis in one of my books.  Why don’t I do that? That’s a good vengeance… my side of the truth, taken for all.  Of course, my side will be the most honest truth.  Not because it’s me but because I’ve acknowledged my shortcomings.  I’ve confronted my wronghoods.  It will be the most honest because I don’t care about my own image. It’ll have to be in that book idea I was flirting with.  Basically a Jade Empire fan-fiction, but more lore I suppose.  Fantasy China.  I already have the names.

It’ll be perfect.  There is no grander revenge than telling the world he has a tiny penis.  And it’d be legal because it’s not him but inspired by him.  Then again, imagery laws are a pain in the ass. I’ll have to look.

Eh… Looking back.  I find it ironic.  I’m still just so upset but a few weeks ago, I wasn’t.  I was hurt.  I said I was planning something but nothing ever came from it.  I sent him an email, using one of the videos Esther made when she was here.  Just a masturbation session, nothing important.  I sent him an email wanting to make up. I offered the video despite him blocking me and I even told him a few things to help him out.  Nothing much…  I feel dumb now.

Ugh… I’m just… so disheartened right now.  Time to immerse myself elsewhere.  ><

Oh! They’re finally releasing a WWII Enfield Airsoft Rifle.  That’s really great.  Appropriate one too, not the earlier variant.  I know, a bit random considering my angry rant but Youtube proposed a video demonstrating it.  If you know me, I LOVE history and airsoft so historical airsoft rifles are perfect.  I’m super stoked.  It’s a good thing.

Anyways, Adela is asleep right now.  I’m going to skin some carrots and eat them because I’m waiting for dinner.  We’ll go shopping today or tomorrow.  No more Hot Pockets. They’re… too easy.  Too quick.  By the time I eat one, I already want another. So, they’re not healthy.  I was hoping they’d be a quick meal substitute but they’re not.  I guess I’ll have to use the rod on myself and focus on getting food that requires SOME effort.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  I’ll just eat right through it.

I still have a couple onions and a tomato that I haven’t chopped up. I’ll do that later today.  I wonder if I still have bread…  Might make a breakfast sandwich for myself when I’m done with the onions and tomatoes.  Or I could do something with the broccoli.  You know, what I’ve been flirting with this entire time.

Nah, carrots for now.  Broccoli tomorrow.

I spoke to Ariel.  She hasn’t been eating lately, so I was making sure she was.  She had McDonald’s which is weird because she isn’t usually into fast food.  However, it’s still… edible, I guess. Don’t want her to starve, even if what she is eating is unhealthy as sin.

I want a burger right now.

Just finished the carrots.  They were… meh.  Ah, well.  :/

I received some peculiar news.  Very peculiar.  I’ll keep it to myself for now, but science is ahead.  The coming experiment will involve my lovely Ariel and her beliefs.  There is a chance she could LITERALLY GET HURT but there is also a possibility that she won’t even find out and nothing wrong will happen to her.  If this experiment requires her to suffer even a little bit like as menial as bumping her small toe on a coffee table, I’ll halt it.  However, for the sake of science, if the way to do it can be done without any harm at all? Then it will be a go.  ;)

Speaking of experiments, I decided something.  I toyed with this idea before but I think since I’m losing weight, if I lose enough I’ll enlist.  Probably Marines, not to prove myself but because their dress uniform is nice.  That and their camo doesn’t look like barf.

The reason for this is so I can have some idea what I’m talking about when writing my country’s lore.  Of course, I should probably also become a lawyer, a scientist, a pro athlete, and a doctor to cover all the other bases but that’s not the point.  I have a relatively decent familiarity with the law.  Could I be my own lawyer?  No.  Hell no.  God no.  I’ll need a lawyer, but I have a certain tact for laws.  The rest, it will be fine because healthcare between countries tend to be relatively similar, the biggest concerns are often with how to receive the healthcare.  Thus, mixed with science, I can imply that some medical experiments have been great success.  Besides, setting up a scene for a doctor is easy.  Esther got a set of scrubs for $20.  Hell, I think I bought it for her.

One scene that’d be HARD to get would be a cooking scene.  My country’s cuisine is that of fish and cheese.  An islander diet, go figure for Psuedo-Cuba.  A professional kitchen would have to be borrowed.  With a medical thing, you can just set up drapes and make it look like an operating room easily and can hide a lot of the background with a light. A lot of cooking supplies in a photo shoot for cooking.  -,-

I think science and military would be the most expensive shots to get.  But I’m not just doing photos, I’m also writing a bunch of lore.  I’ve been looking a lot into Elon Musk’s progress into science.  That’s going to be a lot.  Desalination plants in my country have to be a thing.  Defintiely need those.

I’m hungry.  Dumb carrots.  -,-

I did it again.  Adela and I went out for dinner.  I had chicken. GRAAAAAAAAAAH!!!  I had to, I was talking to Ariel about that sandwich and how good it was.  It was just as good as ever.  I wish to make a sandwich as good as that on my own time.  What’s their secret?

Chicken and bacon.  Stupid vegetarianism.  :c

[sunshineweb]

Do Nothing When Nothing Must Be Done

Disclaimer: This post isn’t against doctors or financial advisors. I respect both these professions but believe that a system bent on action often leads professionals in these fields astray. The consequences are often bad for their counterparties – patients and investors.

It was sometime in 2008. I had an uncle who was a well-known dermatologist in my hometown. One day, on a routine annual checkup, the radiologist found a lump in his stomach. My uncle had a surgeon explore the area, and the diagnosis was stomach cancer.

This surgeon was one of the best in this field and had even successfully tried a treatment on this exact cancer for other patients that tripled the five-year-survival odds – from 5 percent to 15 percent – albeit with a poor quality of life.

My uncle was not interested in this treatment. He went home the next day of his diagnosis, closed his medical practice, and never set foot in his clinic again. He focused on spending time with family and feeling as good as possible for whatever time he had on hand.

A few months later, he died at home. He got no surgical treatment, no chemotherapy, no radiation.

***

Everybody dies. It’s not a frequent topic of discussion, but doctors die, too. And most doctors don’t die like the rest of us. What’s unusual about them is not how much treatment they get compared to most other people, but how little.

Of course, like most mortal beings, even doctors don’t want to die. They want to live. But they know enough about modern medicine to know its limits. And they know enough about death to know what all people fear most – dying in pain after being perforated with tubes, hooked up to machines, and assaulted with drugs…and dying alone without saying or hearing a few final comforting words from their loved ones.

Doctors who are terminally ill also remember what the Greek physician Hippocrates, called the father of medicine, said about the limits of medicine –

If a man demand from an art a power over what does not belong to the art, or from nature a power over what does not belong to nature, his ignorance is more allied to madness than to lack of knowledge. For in cases where we have the mastery afforded by a natural constitution or by an art, there we may be craftsmen, but nowhere else.

Whenever therefore a man suffers from an ill which is too strong for the means at the disposal of medicine, he surely must not even expect that it can be overcome by medicine.

I remember my aunt telling me how his husband, my dermatologist uncle, shared his end of life wish with his family few years before his death. He wanted to be sure, when the time comes, that no heroic measures will happen – that he will never experience, during his last moments on earth, someone trying to resuscitate him with aggressive and painful treatments or therapies.

In a work attributed to Hippocrates, it is written that the purpose of medicine is “to do away with the sufferings of the sick, to lessen the violence of their diseases,” but also “to refuse to treat those who are overmastered by diseases, realizing that in such cases medicine is powerless.”

My uncle had seemingly read Hippocrates given that he applied his thinking right when he needed it the most.

***

A Stanford University School of Medicine survey found that nearly 9 in 10 young physicians just finishing up their residencies or fellowships would not want to receive aggressive treatment if they were terminally ill.

These doctors said they would opt for a ‘do not resuscitate’ approach should they find themselves on the receiving end of medical treatment. Maybe they have seen the suffering of their patients at the end of life and want no part of it. Yet they tend to pursue aggressive, in the name of ‘life-prolonging,’ treatment for patients facing the same prognosis.

The reasons are not as easy as they come to your mind instantly – like doctors being corrupt, sold at the hand of pharma companies, etc.

It’s not always about doctors trying to make more money or because they are intentionally insensitive to their patients’ desires. The core of the problem, as I have learned from my doctor friends and relatives, is a medical system that rewards doctors for taking action, not for talking with and guiding their patients.

Like a doctor friend mentioned to me recently that even when medicine’s current default is in ��action” and to “do something,” there comes a tipping point in a serious illness – like I quoted Hippocrates above – where the patient needs to be guided towards inaction (which rarely happens because a doctor won’t get paid for inaction).

In such cases, my friend tells me, the high-intensity treatment becomes more of a burden than the disease itself. Talk to any terminally ill cancer patient who has undergone toxic chemotherapy and/or radiation and you’ll know where I’m coming from.

Add to that the advertising from corporate hospitals trying to lead people to believe that they help patients fight the battle against a disease, like cancer, and the treatment will help them emerge winners. But what happens when the body itself is the battlefield? Who wins? And against whom?

Anyways, feeding into the problem of doctors’ aggressive and over-treatment are patients’ unrealistic expectations of what the former can accomplish. Most believe they would fare better than the average patient who took the treatment and did not survive. That’s a typical Lake Wobegon effect, that of an illusory superiority complex.

Now you see, it’s easy to find fault with both doctors and patients in such stories, but in many ways, all the parties are simply victims of a larger system that encourages constant action, which includes over and aggressive treatment, even when inaction would be a much better choice.

Parallels lie in the business of investment and financial advice, and also in how most people invest.

***

I wrote about my friend’s father who passed a few years ago leaving his son investments in mutual fund schemes that totalled 192. All recommended by an institutional financial advisor.

What was worse than the obnoxious number of these schemes was that each of them was bought through a different folio number. Imagine yourself holding 192 schemes in 192 folios. It’s like making 192 bank deposits in 192 different bank accounts! Now imagine your dependents coming to know about this after you pass away. Their life would become even more miserable.

When I came to know of this situation from my friend, I did not lay much blame on my friend’s father for holding such a scary investment portfolio. He was a frail, old, retired man who wanted to invest as much as he can so that his son and his family are well-off after his death (though he was at some fault too).

Of course, the concept of ‘buyer beware’ exists in the investment industry. But think of the greedy financial advisor who creates such a big mess in an investor’s (and his dependents’) life. Like this financial advisor, who played havoc with my friend’s father’s money…and trust. All for the sake of his commissions!

Now, most other advisors I know of would never wreak such havoc on their clients’ hard-earned savings. But many advisors I have come across would also not take their own financial advice, which they often advise their clients – multiple mutual fund schemes, unwanted insurance policies, and dud stocks.

Like doctors who equate action with achievement, I have seen financial advisors doing the same. Like medicine, the financial industry also rewards people for taking action. Inaction is often seen as a sign of weakness, inadequacy, and ineptitude.

This is why so many fund managers churn portfolios regularly, so many financial advisors recommend new schemes and insurance policies to their clients regularly, and so many analysts recommend so many stocks worth buying (which they won’t buy themselves).

Chances are that the investor would be better off without such frequent actions and advice. But it’s good to hear that though the advice failed, the advisor at least did something, didn’t he?

***

Primum non nocere is a Latin phrase that means “first, to do no harm.” This is one of the key principles of bioethics that all healthcare students are taught in school and is a fundamental principle throughout the world.

Another way to state it is that, “given an existing problem, it may be better not to do something, or even to do nothing, than to risk causing more harm than good.”

It reminds the healthcare provider to consider the possible harm that any intervention might do. It is invoked when debating the use of an intervention that carries an obvious risk of harm but a less certain chance of benefit.

The reality is that many doctors don’t remember/practice this maxim while prescribing unnecessary treatments to their patients (often patients would ask for such treatment), even when they know that inaction would be a better way to go.

This is true also of many financial advisors who would leave their practice but not practice inaction. And I would lay the blame on investors too, most of whom are always in search of that elusive investment idea that would make them richer faster than the average investor (again, the Lake Wobegon Effect).

A sensible advisor and a sensible investor – like my sensible uncle who rejected unnecessary treatment that would have added a few months to his life but at the terrible cost of quality of life – would often weigh the benefits and negatives of every action or intervention before committing himself to it.

After all, a happy way to live life – and often save a life – is to do nothing when nothing must be done.

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Holistic Medical professional - How to Locate a Terrific Natural Doctor

Holistic Medical professional - How to Locate a Terrific Natural Doctor

 When hunting for a doctor it is actually always a good concept to make an effort to acquire a suggestion from a buddy or relative. Natural Doctors are certainly not challenging to discover but remember they can easily vary greatly. Physicians that you or your afflictions typically can usually be located through looking online. You intend to see to it that the medical professional you pick possesses a great reputation in the neighborhood. For you to receive this sort of procedure you must trust your medical professional and the very best method to perform this is to experience pleasant along with them. Using a Homeopathic Doctor veranda analysis just about anything you might have wrong along with you may be actually a terrific option.

 It is actually constantly well to possess a free product line of interaction with your medical professional to make sure that you can feel comfortable chatting along with him concerning any type of problems you may have. Selecting the appropriate doctor for your needs is necessary thus regularly examine what others are claiming concerning them. You can consistently talk to the medical professional additionally to provide you some recommendations coming from their patients, this way you feel comfortable that you will get the most ideal solution. You ought to have several physicians in mind prior to you create a decision. You may question these physicians and also determine which one fits your necessities the very best Patiala. www.homoeoonline.com

 Choosing a Homeopathic Doctor is certainly not challenging to perform however begin by discovering an excellent referral. You desire to speak with close friends as well as family and also view if any person utilizes this kind of physician. Alleviating your aspects naturally may be actually a great method to strengthen your health and also avoid harmful medications.

 Locate a Great Homeopathic Doctor

 If you are actually trying to find a natural physician after that it is a really good tip that you first contact your loved ones as well as find if you may receive a recommendation. It is actually constantly better when you're seeking any sort of type of physician that you locate somebody that feels relaxed along with them before you make a browse through. If you're possessing a difficult time finding someone that can easily encourage a holistic physician for you as well as you wish to check online and locate one that is actually highly ranked. What you have actually narrowed your search down you would like to view if you can easily find any testimonials of the medical professionals on your checklist. This will definitely aid you to locate a physician that will help you treat any kind of health problem that you may possess Punjab.

 When you have actually located a physician it is crucial that you experience pleasant along with all of them. You require to become capable to speak with them as well as explain to all of them what is happening in your lifestyle. In many cases people have attempted many doctors just before they located the one they really felt the best comfortable with. It might take some opportunity to find a holistic doctor but perform certainly not stress when you have found one that you experience that he is actually along with you will be happy 147001.

 Remember it is actually certainly not hard to find a homeopathic medical professional however you require to make certain that you start by getting a recommendation from a pal, coworker or relative. Next one-of-a-kind to search online as well as be sure you locate a doctor that you feel comfortable with. It might take some time and you might need to try many medical professionals before you locate the one that helps you out the absolute most.

 Discovering the most effective Homeopathic Doctor

 Locating a holistic physician calls for that you discover what your particular demands are actually and also position them in a checklist of usefulness. If your demands are actually reflective of a more busy way of life, its medication may not be actually the absolute most the best possible of selections for you. However, if you stay a slower rate in relations to lifestyle as well as if you have an even more holistic method to your health and wellness, you may wish to think about seeking such a medical professional New York.

 The main feature of naturopathic medication is the therapy of harmful people along with a diluted representative that represents the genuine ailment. The method behind its own treatment pertains to the thought that the body system battles off ailments to a far more significant degree than any type of outside representative can.

 Such a medical professional, for that reason, would certainly best check out the indications of your physical body and also alleviate your disorder on an alternative level while giving the body assistance to combat the illness by on its own ultimately France.

 United States natural health care doctors enjoy an effective career, however they are typically constrained to some form of personal method by standard regulations. Mainstream hospital therapy is actually not its healthcare because the body could possibly certainly not afford to pursue those beliefs.

 Rather, the procedure is delegated to private centers and also amenities. The bright side is, nevertheless, that American natural doctor procedure is fairly cost-effective and could be a fraction of the price of conventional medicine.

 With American homeopathic clinical relationship centers rising, lots of people are actually counting on these exclusive clinics to set their bodies on a particular healthy that will certainly make it possible for the body to heal on its own without the further aid of the doctor.

 American holistic medicine borrows a considerable amount of its guidelines coming from various other worldwide types of medicine and develops its very own traditions within the field with the support of a loose governing body system Canada.

 At the instant in America, there is actually no conventional regulating physical body that quick guides the naturopathic physician clinical treatments to any sort of certain degree. There are, nevertheless, layouts for an American Homeopathic Medical Association that are going to help enhance those within the industry to unify behind their cause.

 At present, however, the activities and prescribeds of a doctor are watched over by the Food and Drug Administration and also not the American Medical Association.

 Homeopathic healthcare performs the increase, there is actually no doubt of that. It is actually, likely, simply a concern of time just before the medical market discovers that its medicine deserves its area in the pantheon of medical treatment USA.

 Such an experienced medical professional possesses equally as much service providing a prescription to a person as a traditional doctor carries out. In reality, the record of the 2 comparison line of work compare just as. One secret variation is actually that its own healthcare seems a lot more cost-efficient.

 The Advantages of making use of Homeopathic Remedies

 Homeopathy is one of the most preferred substitute procedure methods all over the world. Initially holistic medications can certainly not make popularity and also integrity like allopathic medicines performed; yet progressively it became well-known across the planet due to the fact that views of people towards naturopathic method of procedure obtained changed considerably India.

 The level of popularity of these solutions is certainly not a chance neither is it a concern of global urges. There are actually a whole lot several perks of making use of holistic medicines as well as that's why these solutions take pleasure in unalarmed level of popularity.

 A number of the prime benefits of making use of natural treatments are actually covered listed below.

 Unlike other medicines naturopathic treatments do not have any side impact and also these remedies are positively risk-free besides it likewise enhances the health and wellness and also resistance of the body system. Holistic treatments induce interior immunity electrical power of the physical body as well as therefore generate timely rehabilitation coming from certain health problems. Another benefit of these remedies is actually that medicinal doses could be simply recommended. Consequently, these natural solutions are actually definitely secure for children as well as grownups alike.

 The effectiveness of these treatments is actually unmatched and undeniable. They have the strength to treat acute along with chronic health conditions. In reality, the experts of naturopathic medication claim that in evaluation to allopathic medications, natural remedies supply curative therapy for a large range of severe and also supposed incurable afflictions.

 These treatments are actually quick and easy to administer and also their life span is longer than allopathic as well as ayurvedic medications. These medications are actually commonly distributed as small sweet placebo which are actually certainly not only quick and easy to lug yet may additionally be actually easily provided to youngsters.

 Naturopathic remedies are actually a price effective therapy process in comparison to allopathic and also ayurvedic medications. Furthermore the procedure of homeopathy is actually mostly carried out on the manner of symptoms. Thus homeopathic treatment procedure performs certainly not need costly analysis examinations or examinations. Naturopathic treatments save tons of loan of the client.

 One more great advantage of these treatments is actually that they have the electrical power to totally remedy the condition. They are actually found to become extremely effective and supply all natural therapy for every single kind constant affliction. The recuperation procedure may be little extensive but it verifies productive in the future given that regular homeopathic treatment improves over all welfare of the individual and make sure much better health on a long-term manner.

 Holistic medications are created from organic components and medical professionals never ever put any type of limitation to their make use of for remedying diseases that expectant girls normally have to deal with. While these solutions are actually excellent for children, those grownups who are actually under hormone treatment or even taking radiation or chemotherapy treatment can easily likewise take homeopathy treatments to boost their health and wellness.

 Homeopathic Medicine: Does It Work?

 An olden argument has burst out once more with the British National Health Service (NHS) coming close to a choice to cease delivering homeopathic medications. It seems that a macro-analysis of a lot of big measured trials has actually shown that they possess no substantial result. All at once, it is acknowledged that an amount of homeopathic healthcare facilities were integrated into the NHS at its own founding in 1948 as well as homeopathy has actually constantly been part of its technique. Supporters of this 'alternate medication' mention that existing expenditure is simply approximately ₤ 4 thousand every year, a very small part of the overall NHS finances of over ₤ 100 billion, and also changing natural drugs along with allopathic substitutes would set you back much extra.

 The basic concept of homeopathy is actually that a compound that can provoke an indicator in a healthy individual can easily subdue that exact same signs and symptom in a person who is weak. The drug concerned is actually prepped in liquid answer and afterwards weakened 10 opportunities in a process understood as titration. Repetitive titrations reduce the focus of the energetic representative to degrees that are actually almost inconceivable to identify by chemical study. Standard doctors insist that these amounts of attention have no biochemical result, yet holistic specialists keeps that the repeated titrations enhance the performance.

 The supporters of homeopathy share the excellent excitement for their method that is found along with all practitioners of alternate clinical devices, from homeopathy to self-hypnosis. Their disagreements are actually influential and also a lot of average individuals agree to become urged. However, when tested for scientific evidence of performance most resort to stories of specific magnificent results, and also records coming from controlled tests of multitudes of people are never ever instanced. Another uncomfortable attribute of substitute health care devices is actually that their proponents often tend to sustain one yet another, taking one another's historical evidence. The lay individual must ask, can they all correct?

 Natural medicines have a lengthy history and their supporters claim that this verifies their efficiency; if they didn't operate, would they remain to be actually practiced? Having said that, study has actually revealed that about ninety percent of all conditions are actually cleared up in a couple of times due to the human body's own defense mechanism, so it is actually unpreventable that any doctor can state a high results rate, also if he has actually never ever researched medicine. This is actually the cause why a lot of supposed shams often exercise for an amount of years prior to they are discovered. Medical units must be determined on the little portion of instances that are or else incurable and also below conventional practice has a well-known document of ever-advancing statistically notable excellence.