#post inspired by a cool little metal turtle i just found at work

[mildmayfoxe]

the thing about trinkets is i always want them to have an interesting provenance. like if i find a cool little object at work that’s cheating. it should come from a mysterious box at a garage sale that i have to dig through for approx twenty minutes before i unearth a little treasure and pay twenty five cents for it. if i find a stone jaguar statuette prominently displayed at the antiques store that’s too easy. i should have to work for it. it should be hidden in a secret compartment in a drawer of a six thousand dollar secretary and the proprietor should look at me knowingly and say “ah, you found it” and then give me a really good deal for being such a little genius

[the-resurrection-3d]

Progress checkpoint. Was inspired by @beksboys's post from a few days ago, but I'm still turning over how to actually approach the idea of mastermind (Alberto's version)-- I think I want to try a huge one-sentence story that covers a lot of time, but how exactly to do that, uh, well, uh [runs away]

So here's not that. I think it's cute anyway.

The day before D-Day, I take stock of my arsenal: my little metal stick with a tiny, toothless mouth; one of Bruno’s old glasses; the magic, singing lady machine that doesn’t sing for me anymore. Okay, first we plant the stick here, I tell the turtle, drawing the metal stick in the sand with my wooden stick, scratching zig-zags to represent the seaweed because obviously, being a slow land turtle, he can’t go down there with me and see the field where this war will take place, a very unfair, VERY uneven war between two minds, two differing lifestyles, two opposed ideologies — did I use that word right? Whatever, who cares. The point is that I’m the hunter here and he—not, not the turtle, HIM, the green boy, the only other kid sea monster I’ve ever seen—he’s my target.

And future best friend! But right now, target.

The light is pretty good right there, I tell the turtle. He’ll see it shining and his curiosity will overcome him. Then, he’ll look around for more shiny things, and he’ll see this—!

I pick up Bruno’s glass, the one I found with half a cigarette and that gross orange stuff he liked so much stained along the bottom, found amongst old papers and screws and an empty cig cartoon in the box of the toy airplane he’d brought back for me one Christmas.

I’ve cleaned it out, of course. Both so I can use it for drinks and so I can use it for this. Because, as I tell the turtle, if it’s all clear, he’ll do the natural thing and hold it up to his face to look through. And he’ll look around with it and then he’ll see…

I push the singing lady machine up to the edge of my drawing of the battlefield.

And then I’ll spring my trap! He’ll be so impressed by all my cool human stuff he’ll have to follow me up here! Go on, tell me I’m a genius. Oh, what was that? And really buff? Thank you, I say, flexing my arms for him. I’ve been working out, you know, just here and there, nothing too serious.

The turtle tells me nothing, but his silence speaks volumes—I read that phrase once in one of Bruno’s magazines, and it didn’t make sense at the time, but now maybe it kinda does, because the silence of the island, of distant birdcalls and of the gentle lapping of the ocean at the edge of my war plans, sometimes it gets so thick it settles in my stomach like when you want to throw up but you can’t.

Bruno always said I talked like I couldn’t stand to even hear myself think. He said sometimes—to himself, not to me, but he was drinking that orange stuff that night and a sailor friend, a human one, had landed his boat on the island’s shore and my dad had gone down to see him when he thought I was asleep, I was hiding behind one of the rocks when I heard him say it was like I was sent to terrorize him, because I liked to talk and he liked it nice and quiet.

Terrorize. Haven’t found that one in a magazine yet. But I think I can guess what it meant.

Whatever. He’s an idiot. Did it ever occur to him I talked a lot because I wanted him to talk back? Oh no, my awesome son who finds tons of cool human stuff and knows how to do sick air tricks wants to hang out with me, my life is so terrible.

Whatever.

And what if it doesn’t work? I tell the turtle, echoing his question back to him. Well, Bruno Jr., in case you forgot, I’m a genius, so it’ll definitely work. And if it doesn’t, he’s a friggin’ moron–my stuff is awesome. Even if some of it is broken. And he doesn’t look like he has any friends either, so he has to be my friend. I just gotta set it up so he thinks he’s choosing to be my friend.

That was in one of Bruno’s magazines: arrange meetings with her, seem mysterious, but never seem too invested. She can’t know you’re chasing her; she has to chase you.

And something about wearing cologne, which I don’t have, but I guess I could try rubbing some flowers along my neck and see if the smell sticks.

Signor Turtle is slowly walking away. I think he might be hungry.

You're right, Private, I say, grabbing my stuff up from the dirt. Even genius can't work on an empty stomach. We'll break for dinner and meet back up here in o-nine-thousand hours. You're gonna have to stay here as a lookout, though -- no, it's not YOU, it's-- well, okay it is you, because you can't swim, but -- hey! Hey!

Come back! I call to Private Turtle, except not Private Turtle because I've demoted him back down to just Turtle, I call to the turtle as it scurries away that it's not you, it's the battle, we can't all be on the frontlines.

Which is fine, because I didn't need him anyway, and I wasn't planning on it but he looks so bored sometimes it makes me sad, and all he does all say is sloooowwwly walk around and slooooowwly eat and he has no friends to hang out with so all he does is just kinda wander around slooowwwwly filling the days with staring off and eating grass until he goes to sleep. It's sad.

That's what I've declared this war on. No one will fight it -- no one seems to even think it's worth fighting because they all just give up and run away, even when they're the ones who brought me here in the first place.

He said it was time I became a man but he said it like he knew I was going to die. Ha! I didn't! And I won't, even when I kinda want to.

The sun is setting, which makes the sky looks like it's bleeding all down its face. One more sleep until I put my plan into action and either change my life and my target's life forever or mess it up and I just spin around, pick a direction, and start swimming until either Bruno finds me or something big eats me.

Or I could kidnap him. Target, I mean. Yeah, I think I'll just make that the contingency plan.

Currently just free writing in Alberto's pov, not sure how far with it I should go.... maybe talk about his rivalry with Guilia? Hmm

[ilovereadingandilovebreathing]

Ch. 4: Finding Family (College AU)

A/N: Wow I’m writing something. Wow it’s not an ask prompt: it’s a random part of the college AU! I just reblogged the Chicken Nugget the Caterpillar post and got inspired. Take Virgil being nurturing. And don’t let my disdain for Henry David Thoreau ruin your opinion of him! *Random note: a college English survey course is one that dips into a bunch of different authors and works within a single subsection of literature, like American or British. A crisp, sunny afternoon found Virgil in the middle of campus; he reclined with his legs bent against a metal outdoor table, his eyes scanning over the words of Walden, for better or for worse, for his American Literature survey course.* As Virgil rolled his eyes at another one of Thoreau’s self-proclaimed epiphanies, he jumped, suddenly feeling the hairs on his left arm shifting. His gaze snapped down, and he gasped audibly at the bright green creature inching its way toward his hand. “Where the hell did you come from, little guy?” Virgil slowly laid down his book and tenderly poked at the little being with the very tip of his right index finger. The little bug froze, and Virgil giggled. “Sorry I scared you.”

Virgil sighed and leaned his head back, soaking Florida sunshine with a deep inhale. For fear of all types of cancer, he usually stayed inside, but today was Friday. Campus was virtually empty; the air was calm and clear, the sky reflecting this tranquility, and Virgil simply found himself drawn to the small gathering of tables and chairs that were guarded by thick bushes. He supposed that must have been where the caterpillar creeped over from. Virgil peered back at his arm, still finding the insect in the same spot, and he quirked a brow. “I really did spook you, huh?” Guilt tugged at him a bit, but he had an idea. “Patton has been a little sad lately.” Virgil mused to himself and the little one. “Roman, too. They’d love you. Maybe...” Virgil slipped his phone from his pocket and Googled types of green caterpillars in Florida and what butterflies they changed into. “Hmmm....green’s a pretty popular color with you guys, huh? Well, they all look great, so whatever you turn into will be cool.” Virgil eyed his clock and turned off his phone, carefully rising and stretching before bending over for his bag. “We can head home, now, little dude. Pat should be back, and I’m sure he’ll love to see you.” Virgil muttered random thoughts to his new companion as they trekked back to Virgil’s apartment, and just as he pulled up to the door and pulled out his keys, the little bug’s grip came lose, and it fell toward the unforgiving concrete. Virgil yelped in surprise and knelt after it, relieved to see it landed on the welcome mat and not the hard slab, but his breath was labored and eyes intense as he slowly straightened back up. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, little guy, oh my gosh-“ “Virgil?” Virgil’s head snapped up, and he clenched his jaw when he absorbed Logan staring at him, brows quirked and hair mussed. Logan napping was unusual, but the thought escaped Virgil when he realized the question asked for more than just identification. “Yeah, uh-“ “Are you alright? Who are you talking to? Are you having an attack?” “No, no, I’m fine....god this is embarrassing.” Logan stepped aside. “Oh, thanks.” “You do live here, after all,” Logan commented, no hint of jest in his voice. “R-right...” Virgil scooted inside, keeping his hand cupped gingerly over the being on his arm. “Are you injured?” Logan peered at his domed fingers. “I...no, but...it might be.” His voice trailed off, and he peeked under his hand before fully revealing his charge. “Ah, a caterpillar. Judging from the bright green hue interspersed with the black and yellow accents, I would assume it will grow to be a swallowtail butterfly.” “Seriously?” Virgil started in awe. “I saw those at the botanical gardens. They’re gorgeous and fun to draw.” “Indeed. You said it might be injured?” “Yeah....” Virgil laughed nervously. “It fell off my arm when I tried to get my keys out. That’s why you heard me talking to myself.” “Oh, I see. Caterpillar’s bodies tend to allow them to be pretty resilient, and if it fell on the doormat, it should be alright.” “Caterpillar?!” Virgil jumped a bit when Patton padded into the room, his eyes a little watery and his steps a little stiff. “Where?!” “Here, Pat.” Virgil extended his arm, and his roommate gasped and inched toward the tiny creature. “Hi, little guy!” Patron whispered and waved, prompting a chuckle from Virgil. “Where’d you find it?” “It found me, actually. I was reading for Am. Lit. over in the Little Grove, and it decided to use my arm like a walking trail.” “So cute! You’re chosen!!” “Chosen? Like the Chosen One?” The final member of the rooming quartet shuffled into the room, stretching and yawning after a heavy nap. “Sure! The Butterfly Whisperer!” “Butterfly?” Roman looked around slowly. “Where? And how did you capture it humanely?” “It’s still a caterpillar, Ro.” Virgil pointed his arm toward Roman. “It found me on campus.” “Well, hello, there, little one.” Roman cooed softly. “Do we have a name for this button-sized beastie?” “No, not really.” Virgil shrugged. “Then, I dub thee: Carterpillar.” “But what if it is female?” Logan interjected. “Katiepillar!” “Kathypillar!” Patton giggled, and Roman shot him fingers guns. “Good one.” “I like ‘Swallow,’ since Logan said it will grow into a Swallowtail.” Virgil piped up quietly. “Swallow...I like it! Very YA Fantasy.” Roman mused, a hand on his chin for show. “Me, too! It’s cute!” Patton fluttered around the stagnant creature, checking it out at all angles. “Yes, you can hold it, Pat.” Virgil rolled his eyes affectionately and carefully plucked the bug off of himself and placed it in Patton’s eagerly awaiting palms. “Ooo thank you!” Patton danced a little, being sure to keep his hands as still as possible. “It’s so cute! Can we keep it? And raise it into a butterfly?!” “I imagine so. I can look into online resources on butterfly rearing.” Logan pulled out his phone and began searching, muttering to himself about making sure they could obtain the proper host plants for their new charge. “I have a tank!” Patton exclaimed, and the others turned to him. “You do?” Virgil asked. “I....had a pet turtle.” Patton blushed. “I’ve been wanting to get a new one, but I just...haven’t quite gotten over Franklin....or had the money to properly care for one.” “That’s...fair.” Roman raised his brows quickly. “We can leave it on the coffee table or the breakfast bar.” “I’ll get it! Here, Ro.” Patton slowly handed the insect off to Roman and headed for his room. “It is a rather lovely creature, isn’t it?” Roman mused softly, drawing his hands to his face. “Amazing that something like this should exist naturally.” “Indeed. The wonders of the natural world are endless.” Logan sighed softly, traces of a fond smile pulling at his lips. “Would you like to hold it, Logan?” “I would prefer not to, honestly. I can observe him quite well from here.” “Okay.” Roman shrugged and went back to bug-gazing. “Amazing that the anti-social butterfly should bring us this little gem.” “It’s because of that, Caprincious.” Virgil rolled his eyes. “Gimme my bug baby back.” He twitched his fingers in Roman’s direction. “Or put it in Patton’s tank.” Logan gestured toward the approaching youth who placed the tank on the kitchen counter. “Let’s get some sticks and leaves and stuff first.” After outfitting Swallow’s new home, the quartet stood back and admired their handiwork, but Roman’s face soon fell. “Why is it just sitting there? Surely it would want to explore.” “It is likely making sure it is safe first.” Logan commented. “It has been transferred between unfamiliar, moving bodies, after all. Let’s give it some space.” The other three nodded in agreement and scattered to their respective afternoon activities. A little while later, Virgil slipped into the kitchen for a snack and smiled; Swallow had inched its way up a thick stick Roman had found (or...broken off of a tree...) for it. Virgil laughed under his breath and whispered, “Just takes a bit, huh? I relate, little guy. It’s...a lot to take in at first, but once you get settled here, it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else.” “AWWW, VIRGIIILLLL!” Virgil jumped and Patton sat up from his reclining spot on the couch, an English text in one hand. Virgil tried to smile in return and shrank into his hoodie, shuffling back toward his room. “Don’t worry, buddy.” Patton murmured toward Swallow. “You’ll both grow into yourselves one day. I just know it.” The young man hummed happily at the thought and was just settling in when a quiet chuckle made him jump. “Are you talking to Swallow, Pat?” Patton peeked over the back of the couch to find Roman standing outside of his door. “I heard voices and you yelling...or squealing.” “Virgil was being all soft and sweet with Swallow, and I couldn’t contain myself.” Patton gushed, giggling at the recent memory. “We both know well that he is a softie, no matter how hard he tries to seem.” “Shut up!” Virgil yelled from beyond his half-open door. “Virgil!” “Get used to it, Swallow.” Roman stage-whispered conspiratorially. “It’s always loud around here.” “Because we’re a family!” Patton cut in, smiling brightly. “Yes,” Roman mused, gazing at Patton fondly. “I suppose we are. We even have a pet.” Patton giggled and disappeared behind the couch again, missing the brief, misty-eyed longing on Roman’s face before he schooled his expression and padded back toward his room. “Chinese for dinner?” Roman asked over his shoulder. “We just had Chinese.” Virgil quipped from his room. “I like Chinese, but I like a lot of food!” Patton called back. “I have a coupon for the sandwich shop on Main.” Logan added from his room. “Perfect.” All three replied simultaneously. “Yup. Just like a family.” Roman thought before falling into his bed with a sigh. “Please let it stay this way.” Angst on the horizon? Who knows! I don’t. Hope you enjoyed!

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #188

“don’t you try to hide with those angel eyes.”

Would you rather take a walk in the cold rain, or in the blistering heat? Ha, the rain, any day. What is your favorite card game? Magic: The Gathering. If it were revealed that religion in its entirety did not actually exist, would your outlook on life be any different? No. If you had the chance to slip through a portal, despite being aware of any of effects and/or consequences, would you do it? No. Which parent was more strict when you were growing up? Mom. Worst facial hair, in your opinion: The pedo mustache. You know the one I'm talking about. Have you ever eaten dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets? Yes, I like, demanded we get those instead of regular as a kid lol. McDonalds, do you like it or does it disgust you? I honestly don't see why people hate it?? Do you like the state you live in? No. Did you ever own a Tamagotchi? I believe so. What do you hope you grow out of? The laziness I have with chores oops. What is the healthiest and unhealthiest thing you do on a regular basis? Healthiest, drink at least one bottle of water... even though I know that's nowhere near where I'm supposed to be lmao. Unhealthiest, drink soda. What is the most embarrassing thing you own? Ummmm idk. What is the strangest habit you have? I have to go use the bathroom literally right before I lay down for bed. Doesn't matter if I did ten minutes ago, I /have/ to go again because if I feel even a damn drop in my bladder, I can't sleep. What movie made you cry the most? The Notebook, probably. Titanic really got me, too. What was one of the happiest moments of your childhood? Getting my dog. What’s your favorite vacation memory from when you were a child? Watching the fireworks above the castle at Disney World. What impression do you try to give when you first meet someone? I try to be very polite. Who or what inspires you to be a better person? Mark. What’s the TLDR description of your last relationship? I didn't like him like that. If you found out your current life has been just a dream, would you choose to wake up? (You don’t know if your real life would be better or worse.) No. Well... do I ever wake up? If I was going to at some point, then I would, as I'd just be hurting myself by living in a word I would only leave. What dumb thing did you believe for a really long time? I'm not even remotely kidding, I didn't put together what "PMS" stood for and thought it was about mood swings 'n shit *during* your period until a few months ago. Where would you like to retire? I'm not thinking of that yet. What brings you the most joy in life? Talking/being with Sara. How many windows are on the upstairs part of your house? We don't have an upstairs. Do you own many hats? I have a Carolina Hurricanes one somewhere from going to a game with Dad, maybe two actually, but idr where they are or if I even still have them. When was the last time you were kept off school/work etc because of snow? I haven't been in school in a long time and I'm unemployed. Have you ever taken an underwater picture? No. Ever been on a ride and hated every second? Not seriously. I went on one I was terrified of (one of those circles that goes waaay up and then abruptly drops you) just to step out of my comfort zone, but I didn't hate it. Scared tho. What were an average day’s tasks at your favorite job you’ve had so far? I most certainly don't have a favorite. Does your car have a backup camera? I don't have my own car, but Mom's doesn't. Are you working on any goals? Yeah, not going well. :') Do you enjoy reading? Not particularly... I kinda just stopped enjoying it, but I also associate it with the hospital because that and coloring was all I ever did. The only thing I really *enjoy* reading is our RP because I'm so deeply invested in our characters, but even then, I procrastinate reading long posts. I'm genuinely trying to start reading again, though... I used to adore it. Are you interested in politics? No, though I should care. Did/Do you enjoy high school? Not usually 'cuz I was a depressed shit. Have you ever watched The Golden Girls? YES Ma and I love that shit. Did you ever like the Ninja Turtles? No. Ever been in a meaningless relationship? Tyler, yes. Does anything on your body hurt right now? Not at this very instant. Know anyone on birth control? Most girls I know + myself. Would you go swimming right now if you could? Yeah, that'd be nice. How long was your longest relationship? Over 3 1/2 years. What are you looking forward to in the next 3 months? My birthday. Have you ever gone frog hunting? No. Who’s the last person to seriously hurt you? Mom. Do you like getting dirty? NO. Are you a very flirty person? No. Who was your favorite babysitter? "Uncle" Donny. Do you swear? I think I make that pretty obvious. Are you gullible? Not usually. What is the last dream you remember? (describe) A nightmare with Dad that I don't really remember the details of. What is something that you fear will happen to you in the future? (Also why) I'll develop Alzheimer's. "Why" is obvious. Thankfully, it doesn't run in my family at all. Describe the best day that you can remember? First day at Sara's. Describe your worst day? The night of the breakup. What are some of your favorite songs right now? The SYN remix of Slipknot's "Psychosocial," "Incense and Iron" by Powerwolf, the "Closer" cover by Asking Alexandria, "Sex Metal Barbie" by In This Moment... I really have a lot rn. Do you ever have reoccurring nightmares? Describe? I've had four nightmares with my dad, all with horrible themes. I guess you could call that "reoccurring." Name a fictional place you would like to go? Take. Me. To. Azeroth bitch. Stormheim in specific, or Feralas. What criminal (dead or alive) would you like to sit down and talk to and why? None. If you read books, what are you reading now? I'm very, very slowly reading The Fault in Our Stars. Do you think that forgiveness is mandatory to move on from something? No. I still don't know if I forgive Jason, yet I'm over it. Do you believe in the death penalty? In extreme cases, yup. Some people have no right to life following some crimes. What is something you want to do but are scared of actually doing it? Ride a rollercoaster. Name three things you would buy if you had the money to buy them? A PS4, drawing tablet, another tat. Are you in a relationship right now? If so, do you think it’s a healthy one? Definitely! (Follow up) If it’s unhealthy, what makes it that way? N/A Would you ever date someone long distance? I am now. Name a person that you can’t stand and tell us why? My former best friend for a plethora of reasons. What group do you hate the most on Tumblr and why? SJWs. I'll stay away from "why" because I have extremely strong feelings and don't wanna offend anyone. What is the meanest thing you have ever done to someone, and why? Messaged Jason before leaving for the ER, directly blaming him. I mean the cause was what he did, but like... you don't fucking contact someone telling them "hey I'm off to the ER because I'm suicidal because of you." I don't care what I feel about him now, that was fucked up. Have you ever sent anon hate to someone? Nope. If you could write a book, what would it be about? I actually think it'd be pretty cool to create some sorta novel series involving all the RP stories, like divide the books into each mob's story... If you could make one rule that everyone had to follow, what would it be? Don't exhibit violence. If you could star in a movie, what kind of movie would it be? ONE W/ TIM BURTON. In your opinion what is something horrible everyone should try once? ?????????????????????????????? What is the hardest lesson that you have ever learned? Someone can fall out of love with you. What mistake do you keep making over and over again? Jumping to conclusions. If you could have a video of one event in your life, what would the video be? The moment Sara and I met. What is the most illegal thing you have ever done? Pirated a computer game I desperately wanted to play afsjjwoeuqowe I'm glad I don't have it anymore, that guilt. People in the past were buried with things that were important to them, what would you be buried with? The pebble from Holly Hill. What is something you are against, but find yourself doing anyway? Being sarcastic as hell when I'm mad. What was the last photo that you took? A leaf, I think. What are your favorite lyrics from a song? Probably "a bloody war behind my eyes; I'll come all right on the other side." Have you ever hit someone? Who and why? Nicole when we were little for making me mad over something I don't remember. What do you think they should teach in school that they don’t? Basic adult skills. What’s your favorite language? German. It sounds so powerful to me, especially in metal ajsfoawoejaw. What’s the most vivid dream you’ve ever had? I don't remember. Who’s your favorite celebrity? Korean Jesus. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Rebel's Market rip. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? No, far from on my to-do list. I don't support them in the very least. How many tattoos do you have? Six. If you don't have any, have you ever thought of getting one? N/A When's the last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Like, '16 on a sandwich. Are you a good cook? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Do you know how to pump your own gas? No. What do you think about the most? The future. What do you do most when you are bored? Watch YouTube. Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Chicken. What kind of books do you like to read? Fantasy. How far away from your birthplace do you live now? Like, <10 minutes. Ever been stung by a jelly fish? No. Could you cope with the paparazzi if you were famous? FUCK NO SOMEONE WOULD GET KNOCKED OUT. Do you wear foundation? Veeeeery rarely. Would you ever adopt? If I actually wanted kids, sure. Are you sexually active? No. Last person you sang happy birthday to? Sara. <3 Was the last jacket you wore yours? No. Last thing you won? Uhhhh good question. What level of brightness do you usually keep your phone at? A bit above the middle. Have you ever attended a religious or private school? Well, I went to Sunday school. How many cars does your household own? One. What's your favorite meat? Ummmm pork or chicken. What's the best amusement park you've ever visited? Well, Disney World. How old were you when you got your first car? I still don't have one lol. Do you know anyone who's gotten pregnant over the age of 40? I don't think so? Who does most of the grocery shopping in your home? Mom. Are you listening to music right now? If so, what's the theme of the lyrics? "Adrenalize" by In This Moment. Sex, like it seems most of their songs are about lmao. What movie/game/etc. helps you calm down? Shadow of the Colossus. What does your room smell like? Dog, probably. Do you like to organize? Not particularly. What song is your aesthetic? "She" by Dodie is so Soft and Good. Do you believe in auras? Maybe? Idk. What do you wish you hated, but actually like? Blood On The Dance Floor. I've never really looked into the concrete facts, but I know supposedly they've been sexually involved with those underage. I like a good number of their songs, though. Is there someone you have mixed feelings towards? I'm sure there's someone. Do you prefer space or the ocean? Spaaaaace. What form of government do you like the most? (capitalism, socialism, etc.) Honestly? I don't know actually what they are and I don't care enough to research. What do you think our purpose is in the universe? Hell if I know. Is there a song you can’t handle listening to, even though you like it? "Stairway to Heaven." What ex do you miss the most, if you have one? I most miss who Jason was, not who he became at all. But it doesn't matter, I have someone way more important now. What is your favorite thing to learn about? Meerkats. What country’s history do you find the most interesting? Idk. What breakup was the hardest, if you had one? lol y'all know Do you have someone where you can’t decide if you like them romantically or just as a friend? Not anymore. Do you have any strange interests? RP. What is a topic you are uncomfortable with discussing with most people? Sex. What is something you dislike about the dating world? People don't seem to take love seriously. What gives you confidence? Feeling knowledgeable on the subject. Have you ever dated someone with very different sexual tastes than you? No. Well, not that I know of. I've only been sexual with one. Have you ever said anything you regretted while drunk? No. Has anyone ever been extremely jealous of you? Do you know why? Idk. What was the angriest your parents ever were at you? Dad, idk. Mom, probably when I said "fuck you." That was a night. Or when she tried to kick me out of the car for some argument I can't remember. What was the longest you stayed in your own home for? Weeks, I'm sure. Right now, what is your number one desire? Get a job. Do you feel as though someone ‘won’ in your last break up? No. Whatever happened to the first person you ever loved? I haven't spoke a word to him in almost two years, idk and idc really. Are you currently healthy? In some ways, but no in most. What is something most people are turned on by but you’re not? Extremely muscular men, like wrestlers. Has anyone in your life changed drastically (for better or worse) since you met them? How? Not that I can think of. What song reminds you of good times from high school? "All Signs Point to Lauderdale" by AD2R ironically lmao. Have you ever inherited something? What and from who? No. Who is the last baby that you held? Keegan. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names? No. Last time you saw fireworks? Long time ago. Do you have a black dog? Teddy has some black on him. Do you have a top price where ethics and morality are no longer an issue? No. Well, I guess it depends. What is the greatest physical challenge that you have accomplished? Losing ~60 lbs. Have you ever played naked Twister? No. If tattoos didn't hurt and you could get anything, what would it be? The #1 tat I want is dA's NukeRooster's painting "Denialism" (I got her permission), but I'm going to have to go to an extreme professional, and it's gonna be priiiiiiiceeeeeeey. Have you ever been ghosted before? No. Did you ever get caught watching porn? No, because I've never watched it. Were you ever the bully? No. What's the worst prank someone has ever done to you? Idk.

[pyxyystyxx]

ATLA Highlights

Okay so things I really feel are underappreciated in ATLA are as follows: 

{[(This is a long post so read under the cut)]}

Season One

-When Sokka implies that being an optimist makes you a liar (as a cynic/realist I found this hilarious)

-When Sokka gets his ass handed to him by the Kyoshi warriors and is super sexist but then realizes he’s wrong and apologizes all in one episode (that's growth and we love to see it)

-Zuko breaking into a fortress undetected (sneaking back out not so much but kudos for trying lol)

-Katara being a thief (seriously though stealing from pirates is cool)

-Katara fighting Master Pakku  (seriously he’s a master and she’s been bending for how long? like two weeks? fucking amazing)

-Zuko diving in after the turtle seals because obviously they have to come up for air somewhere (but dude, how long can they hold their breath for? you’re working under the assumption that you can hold your breath as long as they can? in freezing cold water? in something that doesn’t help keep out the water or the cold? while moving? he, in this moment establishes that he is a bad ass (and persistent) motherfucker)

-Zuko dragging all of Aang’s dead weight a couple of miles through a blizzard (presumably while still soaking wet from his trip through ice cold fucker water)

-Zhao being killed by a vindictive La is everything honestly (why Zuko tried to save him is beyond me (I suppose that this established that he is a compassionate person despite his intentions and words))

Season Two

-The hippie nomads were funny (and very irritating)

-King Bumi (everything about him)

-Toph (enough said)

-The entire Zuko Alone episode (my poor angry baby)

-Foo Foo Cuddlypoops

-Wan Shi Tong’s library is what I imagine The Library of Alexandria to look like in this world

-Sokka continues to impress with his strategist mentality in The Drill

-The City of Walls and Secrets is a horrifying episode that I somehow manage to forget every time and very much regret rediscovering

-The entire Tales of Ba Sing Se episode

-Katara and Toph having a spa day is so wholesome (and the fact that they put those snobby noble girls in their place is just an added bonus)

-Iroh coaching those boys on how to face consequences like an upstanding citizen (and how to run away from the consequences when the consequence can crush you like a soda can) | Iroh teaching the would-be-robber how to properly mug someone is hilarious (also good on him for wanting to pursue a career as a masseur | Iroh being knowledgeable on flowers and spreading that knowledge to others, and singing to the fussy baby is sweet | Lu Ten’s birthday segment always make me cry (and if you tell me you don’t cry at that scene I will call you a liar, don’t at me)

-Sokka being surprisingly good at Haiku poems (yay for bonus character depth)

-Aang letting wild animals loose in the city is fucking hilarious (the fact that all the domestic animals ended up in his makeshift zoo just adds to that)

-Zuko’s (valid if not somewhat awful) attempt at dating (Iroh why did you do that to his hair, why?!)

-Momo bonding with the pygmy pumas after freeing them is so wholesome (and the pygmy pumas leading Momo to Appa’s footprint was amazing too)

-Zuko freeing Appa

-(yay for the Earth King finding a spine)

-(of all the godforsaken food combinations why banana and onion juice, that sounds like a pregnancy craving if I ever heard one)

-The catacomb scene with Katara and Zuko (was the beginning of my descent into shipper hell)

-You were this 👌 close Zuko, why did you do that? (what happened to Azula always lies)

Season Three

-Aang going to school like a normal twelve year old (why would you make up words to an anthem you don’t know? instead of just not talking which is far less noticeable that getting it wrong? (also getting into fights on your second day is bad Aang (but Katara and Sokka pretending to be his parents is funny, I wonder if it was awkward for them? I imagine it was)))

-Katara continuing to be a bad ass motherfucker in The Painted Lady

-Sokka in Sokka’s Master was monumental for Sokka’s character growth, I really don’t feel the need to add anything to it, the episode speaks for itself

-The Beach is (for me at least) the cringiest fucking episode like jfc how did this get past everyone (the writers had to get this past editing, producers, directors, animation department, and the sound department, and for some reason no one saw anything wrong with any of it (”I don’t hate you”, “I don’t hate you too” and then they kiss, like for fuck’s sake man how?!))

-(also Zuko, jealousy is an ugly look on everyone, you’re not exempt from that)

-(sparky sparky boom man, really Sokka, that’s what you’re going with?)

-The Puppetmaster was another horrifying episode (cool but horrifying, like thanks I hate it)

-(I’m going to reiterate the point that all of us having been making for years... why the fuck are the adults letting children fight their battles? who does that? like ‘oh I’m fourteen and ready to fight in a war that I am wholly unprepared for’ like I don’t fucking think so, go sit your ass down in a corner somewhere and color or something)

-(Aang kissing people when you think you might die is cliche)

-(Zuko breaking up with someone in a letter is the modern equivalent of breaking up over text (which is a shitty thing to do))

-Toph inventing metal bending is the most bad ass thing I’ve ever seen

-(hooray Zuko, for standing up for yourself to your father though, I’m proud of you)

-(Iroh breaking out of a max security prison is fucking bad ass)

-Zuko making that speech to the frog was priceless honestly (he’s so awkward it’s adorable)

-Toph being the only pragmatic person in the group

-(”why am I so bad at being good?!”)

-(pettiness isn’t a good look on anyone Katara (says the pettiest person on the planet))

-The Firebending Masters was a very cool (du du tssss) episode (like visually speaking)

-(you should probably plan things out a little more than that Sokka)

-Sokka and Zuko being awkward turtle ducklings

-(that scene with Zuko in the cooler, when he looks up and exhales fire and smirks? I was dead, big sexy)

-Suki being a bad ass motherfucker

-(Shout out to Mai and Ty Lee for standing up to Azula, but being imprisoned doesn’t sound fun)

-The Southern Raiders episode (my shipper heart melts a little every time I watch it)

-The Ember Island Players (*side eye* *cringe* yikes)

-(Aang, kissing people when they don't give you explicit permission or when they say they're confused is... wait for it... shitty (I'm gonna be nice and not call it r@pist behavior even though I could))

-Everyone (except for Aang) being realistic about what it is they’re doing (or about to be doing rather)

-(glue bending? really Aang? also thanks for fucking off to nowhere in the middle of a war Aang, that’s super helpful)

-June and her shirshu Nyla are fucking amazing (also June, among a few others, should have tipped me off to the fact that I wasn’t straight, but small me was super oblivious)

-The Order of the White Lotus (enough said)

-(time for you to grow the fuck up Aang, even your past lives agree)

-Iroh and Zuko’s tearful reunion is so heartwarming

-Lion Turtles are fucking amazing and I want like eight of them

-Azula’s descent into madness is both revealing and sad

-Sokka, Suki, and Toph on the airship is amazing (airship slice!)

-The Agni Kai between Azula and Zuko is one of the greatest fucking scenes in cinematographic history, the graphics are truly awe inspiring (no I will not be taking any criticism at this time nor is this open to debate)

-The scene on the airship with Sokka and Toph is honestly so gut wrenching | like when they fall and Sokka breaks his leg and he catches Toph with one arm while on his back looks so painful | and when he throws his boomerang and sword but then more fire benders come rushing out and Toph starts slipping and they’re both crying (like goddamn it would be less painful to just rip my heart out and stomp on it)

-Aang in the avatar state is (visually speaking) really awesome

-When Zuko dives in front of the lightning to save Katara (him shouting no like that kills me) | The fact that Katara immediately tries to rush to Zuko (even though Azula was standing right there also kills me)

-Katara defeating Azula (who is at her most powerful, along with every other fire bender) proves that she truly is a master and in a league all her own

-Azula after her defeat was heart wrenching to watch (what did Ozai do to you Azula?)

-(Katara crying over Zuko as she heals him)

-Aang defeating Ozai by taking his bending away is amazing (seriously, spirit bending is cool)

Honorable Mentions:

-Aang and his dedication to mastering earth bending and also him learning spirit bending

-Katara learning to stand up for what she believes is right | Katara learning to forgive (those who deserve it) | Katara mastering her element in less than a year | Katara being a beacon of hope to everyone around her | Katara allowing herself to be human and make mistakes

-(Katara and character growth)

-Sokka unlearning his misogynistic bullshit | Sokka becoming a humble and thoughtful young man, but never losing his sense of humor | Sokka learning to apologize and forgive

-(Sokka and character growth)

-Toph inventing metal bending (it’s worth mentioning twice) | Toph learning when to apologize | Toph learning it’s okay to be vulnerable

-(Toph and character growth)

-Zuko learning to stand up for himself (to his father and Azula) | Zuko unlearning his biases | Zuko learning to own up to misdeeds and apologize | Zuko learning to forgive (himself) | Zuko learning to accept help from others | Zuko learning it’s okay to be vulnerable | Zuko learning how to love people again (starting with his uncle and the small group of kids he helped end the war with)

-(Zuko and character growth across the whole fucking board)

-(Mai and Ty Lee for learning to stand up to Azula, and for what they believe in)

-(Ty Lee joining the Kyoshi Warriors)

Dishonorable Mentions: 

-Azula for being a monster (even if I really (heavily) blame Ozai)

-Ozai for being the shittiest dad in the whole world (though admittedly his father was worse for wanting him kill his own son (then again the fact that he was absolutely and without hesitation willing to do so makes him even worse so never mind))

-(Zuko what on earth made you pick Mai as someone you wanted to date? who told you that was a good idea? cause they lied)

-Aang, when someone says they’re confused that is not the time to kiss them, I don’t care that he’s only twelve that is a shitty move (and you’re not allowed to be upset when you’re rejected either (that makes you even shittier))

-Also Aang had absolutely no character growth or development whatsoever in this series (don’t at me, I love Aang, but he didn’t grow as a person, like at all) | Aang on a consistent basis runs away from things that are difficult or that upset him | Aang thinks he’s entitled to people (no, just because you’re the avatar doesn’t mean anyone owes you their affection, attention, or their time) | Aang never learned how to face his demons head on (him learning spirit bending was just a cop out so Aang could stay this “perfect and pure child” with all his innocence and naiveté in tact), but that’s not how the real world works (sometimes you have to do hard things that you don’t like or agree with, life isn’t always fair.)

TL;DR

Avatar: The Last Airbender was a staple of my childhood that I love dearly. And though there are faults (personally for me they were faults, this won’t be the case for everyone obviously), it was a key foundation of my sense of self, like I’m sure it was for so many others.

[whatson-northwales]

Over the last decade, its dawned on me that we have been living in a society addicted to plastics. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but on the Beaches of Anglesey whilst out running or doing our water sports its increasingly obvious that more and more plastic is being washed up on our shores. Each day we see the tide roll in and then out again, bringing with it a new wave of flotsam that has been discarded to the deeps. This is the story of single use plastics.

So what are single use plastics you may ask? Well put simply, plastic packaging that gets used once in its life cycle and then is discarded. Examples of this are, plastic bottles, plastic straws, plastic cotton wool buds, plastic lighters and plastic tooth picks to name but a few. They get used once, then chucked into landfill or the oceans. Most of the emphasis has been on ocean related plastics found on the foreshores of late, but this is only half the story. The rest end up in landfill sites across the world. Plastics can last upto 600 years until they finally degrade down into such small particulate size, that we can’t see them anymore. But they never really degrade down totally, they move into particulate form and then they enter our fresh water systems first and then us through our drinking waters thereafter.

The life spans of single use plastics.

Whether we are scuba diving, spear fishing or swimming on Anglesey, we notice the plastic waste on our outings more and more. Some plastics are deposited on the foreshore but most is below the low tide region, where most beach goers don’t actually see it. Some times on the receding tide line, a line of small particulate plastics is left in a wave crest like pattern all the way down the beach in multiple waves. Those particulate plastics are symptomatic of a far greater problem and those beaches are part of a bigger network of beaches all suffering the same fate.

A typical scene all along the welsh coast after a spring tide. Heartbreaking.

With a fast food style, fast consumer society, the demand for super fast, super cheap plastic goods from foreign countries got the better of us.. we succumbed to the capitalistic culture that served us, oh-so-well. Then the plastic hangover kicked in. Its like waking up thirty years later after a bad night out and seeing the results of your tequila filed antics.  Yes plastics have made our lives a lot easier – you have to struggle to think of any house hold products without plastic in right? But what where the consequences ? maybe its time for a change in our ethos..

The result of our post consumerism ways. A plastic filled hangover from hell.

With the BBC popularising the plastics global problem on the most recent amazing documentary on the blue planet 2, I think the whole globe finally got the understanding that we are in a whole world of bother with our plastics mess. But there have been amazing ambassadors on the internet who have been doing their piece long before the BBC piped up. Patagonia have been doing an amazing job with their ethical companies for the pst 20 years. And their ambassadors like Liz Clarke from Swell voyage have played a pivotal role. Along with a host of very popular bloggers such as Lessplastic, Paredownhome,  Treadingmyownpath, goingzerowaste and more.

We have seen the vast ocean gyres of plastic floating around the pacific and the sandal filled beaches of the pacific Oceana, and the garbage filled slums and waterways of India that are beyond shocking. It seems the whole world has suffered the same fate from our addiction to the black gold.  Whilst studying this in oceanography at university almost ten years ago now, back then there did not seem to be an imminent threat to nature, but maybe there was all along and the world of technology just hadn’t caught up yet to spread the word.

The Large ocean gyres that run our beautiful oceanic conveyor belt.

With the increase of connectedness of our society through the medium of social media in this age, word travels almost instantaneously. Images are shared in a heart beat and videos go viral. This wonderfully blessed time that we live with this thing called the internet can be most amazing. We can rally support for people in need in minutes with Gofund me pages at the click of a mouse, we can raise awareness to a causes that we feel are important to our communities and we can show real time video and images of events unfolding there and then. This is true empowerment.

The power is firmly back in our hands, ironically it always was we just never realised it. But remember we are the people who must take action, don’t wait for your councils, authorities or governments to jump at the task- they won’t, unless it serves them in the next elections. Take back the power and vote with your feet and your pound. What do I mean by this?, when you walk on a beach, take a back pack with you and pick up anything plastic you see, as little an effort as this can make an differnece- make it a habit. Blog it and show the world what your doing and share the good deed. It may inspire another to do the same. Call this your beach tax.

Locally organised beach cleans are now all over Facebook. This one by the amazing surfersagainssewage

When you are purchasing house hold goods make sure they are in line with the same ethics. Make sure they are plastic free (if you can) opt for bamboo alternatives, choose metals over plastics and natural fibres over plastic materials. There are a whole world of options out there now to choose from. If you want a more detailed idea there are many really cool blogs out there which help you navigate your way to becoming zero waste and plastic free. This is not a fassionble trend, this is a cultural shift in ethos.

Shopping in true plastic free style. This is advanced level but how amazing is it?!

Some amazing blogs that I have been reading and odin my home work on are myplasticfreelife , goingzerowaste and here is a guide to some other great bloggers on zero waste here  

So what changes can we make to our daily rituals and habits to make a difference to Mother Nature? Start small. The disposable coffee cups you drink are not as disposable as you may think- in fact they are not at all and have a plastic lined inner which can’t be separated and recycled. Opt for a bamboo refillable one instead or a metal SIGG coffee flask that your favourer coffee shop can fill up for you.

Next ditch the plastic straws. Opt for paper ones in pubs and restaurants and for the home purchase bamboo straws or stainless steel ones. I can’t tell you how many plastic straws we see on the shores of Anglesey. its shocking.

A basic zero waste bathroom set up! How easy is that?

Lastly cotton wool buds, again these litter the foreshores of every beach in the land after being flushed down the toilet. It doesn’t need to be this way. Buy the Bamboo alternative, easy hey? .. and thats how it all begins. I’m constantly getting schooled in this new cultural shift also, so I’m not the guru here merely a pupil, but a keen one! I’ve had an eco coffee cup for a while, I don’t buy disposable coffee cups and I stay away from single use plastics as best I can, its a process. Start with an eco shopping bag and move from there.

Top offenders in our flight against pollution in our oceans

Image by : The Fast Company

Its kind of fun and In some ways I treat it as a new adventure in our shopping styles. Plus I really like all these small independent retailers I’m finding along the path who create these new organic, wholesome products. Im done with the big industrial firms, they are a thing of the past. Independents who make products with love, not harming our planet along the way are the future.

Its a bit of an adventure finding all the new ways to learn to shop without plastic..

  There have been great initiatives started and run by outstanding people and teams of volunteers in our community of Anglesey pushing for a ” Plastics free status ” Sian from Psyched paddleboarding and Surfers against sewage teams have been rallying to push for this initiative that would see local business backing the plan and scale back on their use of single use plastics, this would mean the use of plastic straws, bottles and disposable cups would be a thing of the past. Plans to push for a plastic free high street, as well as water refill points across the Island of Anglesey / Yuns Mon are to be made available to visitors purchasing single use plastic water bottles. So lets push not only for a plastic free Anglesey but a Plastics free north Wales too!

Sian Sykes in her natural element!

Sian is currently on her own plastics free adventure raising awareness of this topic by paddle boarding around the whole of Wales self supported. This 60 day plus adventure has taken here through the waterways of Wales all the way to the Bristol Channel where she currently is at time of writing moving back north. You cam follow her adventure at her facebooked here. Business is as usual with Psyched Paddleboarding though still so book now for your summer trips with her and her trusted team.

As an oceanographer I have traveled the globe working out at sea, been any seen many beautiful ports around the world. They all have the same conundrum. Plastic waste. Looking back now, I just though it was the norm- of course it was wasn’t, it was terrible and we always did a clean up and tried to recycle wherever we could. But back them we didn’t really have the means to make a solid change via eco products. But those times have now changed. We now do.

The effects on wildlife are the main priority amongst all of this though and that should be pressed. We are not amphibious and do not have gills. it is their home not ours that we are systematically destroying by our addiction to plastics. The prey that fall to these oceanic mobile plastics are vast. From Gulls to turtles to fish to whales. I could go on. So this is not limited to litter problem this is a full blown biological catastrophe for our aquatic cousins. So time is of the essence if we wish to have an ecosystem left to protect!

Top 10 Plastic free products :

1. Bamboo coffee cups

2. Steel straws

3. Bamboo straws

4. Glass water bottles

5. Bamboo cutlery

6. Steel lunch boxes

7. Eco shopping bags

8. Eco bamboo iPhone protective case

9. Bamboo Combs and Brushes

10. Bamboo charcoal infused tooth brushes

This is why we have set up our whatson plastics free online store. We wanted to learn what the eco options where ourselfs. So we set about learning and then thought, we have a website why not set up a amazon store with all the products we could find and share them with you guys. That way we can educate ourself and create a more balanced life in line with Mother Nature.

We hope it gives you some ideas and inspiration to step away from plastics piece by piece. we will be adding to it with the more and more products we test ourselves and we will only promote items that we feel that have a positive impact on you and the planet. Over the past five years both myself and my girlfriend have undergone a huge transformation in our shopping styles, diets and lifestyle to become more balanced. Maybe your the same.

We want to create a buzz around this new movement and get behind it all we can. Our plan is to create a massively reduced reliance on plastics. We will donate 10% of any profits we receive through the affiliate links on amazon to a local related plastic cause or charity- maybe you can help with that? Ideas are always welcome. Drop us a comment below. Also if you have any ideas for the store we would love to hear from your s we will be continually updating the items in there.

In the future we will roll out a full E- commerce store, but thats work in progress. For now know that our minds are on helping create an understanding on the issue, then solutions to the problems we face. A thousand mile journey is said to begin with the first step. So lets begin. Together. Nick

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A Plastic free Anglesey Over the last decade, its dawned on me that we have been living in a society addicted to plastics.