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xtruss · 3 years ago

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The Nomad Guide Who Decodes The Sahara's Secrets

— Image credit: Anthony Ham

— By Anthony Ham | 7th September 2021

Azima Ag Mohamed Ali was born and raised in the desert but came to Timbuktu to share the stories of the Sahara with travellers.

As the sun neared the horizon, before the day's final call to prayer, Azima Ag Mohamed Ali began his nightly walk through the sandy streets of Timbuktu in Mali. Along the way, first one, then a second friend fell into step alongside him. The greetings continued long after the friends met, with soft handshakes slipping together and apart, as each asked, over and again, after the health of their friends and families. This call-and-response carried deep into the conversation, as unhurried as their pace.

Swathed in voluminous robes of indigo, they passed through the streets of Timbuktu and continued out into the sand dunes, just beyond the city's western outskirts. Finally free of the city, they sat down in the sand and brewed a pot of tea as the heat drained from the day.

"The first tea is always strong like death," Ag Mohamed Ali said. "The second is mild like life. And the third", he smiled, "is sweet like love. You must drink all three."

Like many Tuareg, the once-nomadic people of the Sahara Desert, Ag Mohamed Ali was born out in the desert, far beyond Timbuktu. His birth certificate states that he was born in 1970, but it is an estimate used only for official documents. No-one really knows for sure. "I think I am much older than that," he said.

As a child in the Sahara, danger was never more than one big sandstorm away: "One day, when I was a small boy, I went to find water on my camel. On my way back to the camp, there was a sandstorm," he said. "The sky was black and I couldn't even see my hand. There was no warning, maybe five minutes at the most. I sat down and waited for the storm to end. It lasted maybe three hours. Then I went back to the camp. But then we had to go and find my father because he had gone to look for me."

Ag Mohamed Ali was a teenager when he first saw the city that would later become his home. "I couldn't believe the lights!" he remembered. Members of his family still live a semi-nomadic existence out in the desert. But when he became an adult, drought and the need to earn a living drove Ag Mohamed Ali into Timbuktu, where he set up a business as a guide for tourists who wanted to explore the Sahara.

His heart remained in the desert even when he had to be in the city. He refused to get a fixed-line telephone lest he come to depend upon it and never be able to leave. When he had no clients, he would escape to the desert, spending months at a time camping out, drinking tea with friends and sleeping under the stars. Whenever he had to be in town, the nightly foray into the dunes just outside the city was his escape.

As Ag Mohamed Ali travelled between desert and town, he bridged geographic spaces and spanned the ages, moving between a time of ancient desert traditions and the demands of modern life. Before tourists stopped coming to the Sahara , he was a tour guide; but among his own people, he remains a keeper of traditions and a teller of stories. And passing on those stories has become an obsession.

Now a dusty and ramshackle city, Timbuktu once stood at the confluence of some of Africa's most lucrative trade routes (Credit: John Elk/Getty Images)

"My children were born in the desert, as is our custom," he said. "We live in Timbuktu and I want them to go to school, not like me." Ag Mohamed Ali can speak seven languages though he never learned to read or write. "But one day I will also take them to the desert for a long time, so that they can learn about the desert and know it well, so they don't lose the connection."

By the 16th Century, more people – 100,000 – lived in Timbuktu than lived in London

It has been nearly a decade since Ag Mohamed Ali has been able to show the beauty of the region to travellers. Rebellions and conflict across the Sahel and Sahara have stopped the flow of tourists, causing great hardship to the peoples of the desert, especially guides like Ag Mohamed Ali. His stories now ring like echoes of the halcyon days of Saharan travel. Even confronted with such difficulties, Ag Mohamed Ali looks forward to the day when travellers can return.

For Ag Mohamed Ali and his children, the Sahara and Timbuktu is home. For the outside world, these places have come to represent the outer reaches of the known world.

In the Middle Ages, Timbuktu stood at the confluence of some of Africa's most lucrative trade routes. It was where the great salt caravans of the Sahara met the trade that coursed along the Niger River. Salt, gold, ivory and luxury European goods like linen, perfumes and glass all passed through a city that was, at the time, one of the richest on Earth. By the 16th Century, more people – 100,000 – lived in Timbuktu than lived in London. The city had nearly 200 schools and a university that drew scholars from as far away as Granada and Baghdad. It was known for its libraries of priceless manuscripts.

Ag Mohamed Ali initiated travellers into Timbuktu's secrets. He took them to the private family libraries that still held manuscripts from Timbuktu's golden age – biographies of the Prophet Muhammad on pages of gold leaf and scientific treatises from the great Islamic scholars of the day. He showed them the Dyingerey Ber Mosque, where no-one has dared to open an ancient palm-wood door since the 12th Century; when the door opens, a local legend warns, evil will escape into the world.

As he shared the stories of Timbuktu with visitors, Ag Mohamed Ali came to understand the outside world's obsession with the city. He watched as tourists tried to reconcile Timbuktu's storied past with the modern sand-blown streets and ramshackle mud dwellings. He took them to the markets where camels still arrived bearing slabs of salt from the deep-Saharan mines of Taoudenni. And he hurried them to shelter as the harmattan, a red desert wind, turned the sky dark in a blizzard of sand.

For outsiders, the Sahara and Timbuktu have come to represent the outer reaches of the known world (Credit: Anthony Ham)

As a guide, Ag Mohamed Ali made friends from around the world, and he visited some in Europe. It was, to him, an alien world, just as Timbuktu remains for many around the globe. "The first time I was in Europe," he said, "and I saw water just lying on the ground, I thought 'these people are crazy'." And everything moved at a speed that was unthinkable in the Sahara. "In the desert we have infinite time but no water," he said. "In Europe, you have plenty of water but no time."

And yet, even so far from the desert, Ag Mohamed Ali found a connection: "The first time I saw the ocean in Barcelona, I cried because it is like the desert. You cannot see its end."

Ag Mohamed Ali's travels also helped him understand the appeal of Timbuktu, because Paris and Barcelona were as unbelievable to him as Timbuktu is to much of the rest of the world. He went to a football match at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium. "In the one place there were more people than in all Timbuktu," he remembered. He would later found a Timbuktu chapter of the FC Barcelona fan club.

When travellers wanted to see more of the Sahara, Ag Mohamed Ali took them to deep-desert Araouane, a sand-drowned town 270km north of Timbuktu. To get to Araouane, travellers must cross the Taganet sand sheet, which stretches, uninterrupted, to the far horizon. For the last 100km, there isn't a single tree.

Araouane itself has the appearance of a shipwreck. A number of its buildings have disappeared beneath the sands. Many of the houses that remain, even a mosque, lie half-submerged by the dunes that envelope the town. For weeks on end, the wind blows without respite, and sounds like ocean waves breaking on the shore. Women carry water from the well, leaning into the wind. Without the wells, life would be impossible here; sometimes it doesn't rain in Araouane for decades. Sand is everywhere, and nothing of any value, save for a single, forlorn wild date tree, can grow here.

In the deep-desert town of Araouane, many of the buildings have disappeared beneath the surrounding dunes (Credit: Anthony Ham)

"Before, to show that you were strong, you were a nomad," Ag Mohamed Ali said, when asked why people would live in such a place. "Now, to show you are strong, you stay in one place, you become sedentary. That is why the people of Araouane stay here. It is to show that Araouane exists."

And yet, for the tourists who visited there was undoubtedly more to it than that. There was something here that produced a sensation akin to exhilaration. It was the awe of vast skies and big horizons. It was the intimacy of lantern light flickering on mud ceilings as Ag Mohamed Ali told stories of salt caravans lost in sandstorms, stories that told of the uncanny ability of desert guides to find their way home in a world devoid of landmarks; sometimes they did this by tasting the sand or assessing its colour. It was the sand ridges perfectly sculpted by ceaseless winds, or the runic patterns written by wind on sand. And in the delicious remoteness lay an austere, end-of-the-world beauty.

Even as conflicts across North and West Africa have prevented visitors from coming to Timbuktu and Araouane for now, Ag Mohamed Ali wouldn't change where he lives for anything. "When I am in the desert, I feel like a free man. I feel safe and I am never afraid. Here I can think. Here I can see everything. It is who I am. I never want to leave. It is my home."

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nancypullen · 3 years ago

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IT'S AUGUST!

You guys, we're just a short walk to the "ber" months! If this month zips by like the last couple, we'll be smack dab in September before we know it! I love that. I 'm not wishing my life away, but I sure am wishing this summer away. With Tennessee still at a 30-something percent vaccination rate, we haven't really gone anywhere or done anything. No baseball games, no festivals, no fun. Sure, we're vaccinated but that shot is meant to keep us from severe COVID, hospitalization, and death. I don't want it at all. I've got friends who had it, never ended up in the hospital, but months later are still battling symptoms. No thanks. Soooo, on Saturday night we got real fancy and picked up a sack of Taco Bell and went to the drive-in to see Jungle Cruise. The movie was bad, but the company was excellent and the nachos were delicious. No regrets.

What can I say? I'm a cheap date. Before I forget- I've had some questions about the refrigerator pickles. Yes, they were a success. When the first jar was ready for the frig I had the mister taste one and critique the flavor. He said there wasn't enough of a vinegar bite. I added an extra tablespoon of vinegar to each jar and after that he deemed them perfect. In fact, he's enjoyed them so much that he's mowed through the whole batch (4 jars). Today I'll be picking and pickling some more. After that I may pull up the cucumber plants. They're starting to look like they've lived a good life. Besides, IT'S AUGUST. We're nearly finished with summer! Can I get an amen? The bell peppers still have plenty of production time, I've had a pretty good crop and there are still lots of baby peppers on the plants. I'll give them a stay of execution for now. I've been at my desk making cards again. No special occasions, just nonsense.

Today I plan to make one for someone special who is battling health issues and maybe a couple of back-to-school cards for teacher friends. It would be kinder just to send them haz-mat suits. That's it, you're all caught up on the fast-paced life we're living - drive-ins, pickles, and paper crafts. In about three weeks we'll mask up and FLY to Baltimore. This will be the first time I've been on a plane since February of 2020. Holy cow! Eighteen months feels like a lifetime. Anyway, we've got a meeting with a builder, we plan to visit a couple more towns that we missed the first time we went exploring, and hopefully, HOPEFULLY make a final decision of some sort - even if it's just agreeing on a spot. We've had zoom meetings with the builder and have been going over floorplans and options - I'm still not convinced it's our wisest choice. I'd love a sparkling new home with hand-picked finishes, but there are a lot of hidden costs. We built this house in 1999 and it was all pretty straight forward and we knew exactly what we were getting for our sale price. This time around everything is an "option". Oh, you want a light above the kitchen island? That's another $800. What's that, you want steps to the front porch? We can do that for $1800. Every extra window is $500 or more, and (surprise!) most rooms only have one. The optional stone fireplace is $7,000. They don't sound like much one at a time, but added together it's a bundle. Buying finishes through the builder is very convenient, but far more costly. The same granite or quartz kitchen counters the builder will install are a thousand dollars more than Lowe's or Home Depot - the very same granite! And you know darn well that the builder is buying them at a contractor's price. The catch is that you must have a countertop in order to close. So if you have them install a basic laminate and choose to replace it with granite of your choosing, then you're paying the new installers extra to remove and haul away the laminate that you didn't want in the first place. Ugh. We've also remembered that we are not HOA people. The neighborhood we are considering is really lovely - it sits on a golf course (we don't golf) and has a community pool, fitness center, etc. Of course, there's a fee for all of that. That fee also includes trash pickup and lawn maintenance. Mickey would never mow again! He likes that. BUT, and for me this is a big but, they control every shrub or tree you might want to plant. No trees with a trunk diameter over 12 inches. They also hit you for $650 every January for maintenance of water and sewer. They're on public sewer and water, so I'm not sure what that covers. Of course, we can always purchase a lot elsewhere and build on that, but odds are that would entail having a well and septic put in and I am not a fan of that at all. The allure of building is that we could control the timeline (pretty much). If we broke ground in September or October could list our house in the spring and make our move. That gives us time to book a moving company and have a schedule that doesn't create panic. Our other options are to keep scouring real estate and jump on a house that meets our needs, list our house, close on our house and the new house in a timely manner, cross our fingers we can hire a reputable moving company on short notice, and drive to Maryland with two cats...or...list our house, close, hire a moving company, drive to Maryland with two cats, put everything in storage, rent a place until we find what we love, then hire movers again to get everything from storage to the new place. I'll be honest, the worst part of both scenarios is the idea of driving with two cats. They may have to be drugged. I'm currently liking this house in Ocean Pines. It's a little wonky-looking, but the interior and the lot are appealing (that dappled shade is perfect for hydrangeas!). I'm crazy about that screened room. https://www.homesnap.com/homes/for_sale/MD/Ocean-Pines/p_(21,21266)/c_38.381705,-75.146285/z_12/m_7,107492455 I've

already decorated it in my mind. It's 5 miles from the beach, the community has 5 pools ( 1 indoor), tennis courts, pickleball courts, walking trails, playgrounds, etc. No hidden fees. Every Saturday there's a farmer's market, and everything we'd need from a good hospital to Home Goods is nearby. The biggest drawback is that it's two hours from the grandgirl. Two hours is much better than our current eleven hours but that's definitely not the easy drop-in we'd hoped for. Arrgh! They'll just have to move. Ha! Alright, I've dumped my brain out on here and I'll leave you to pick through the mess and make sense of it. I have to run out to mail a box, then I'll feed the mister, fold some laundry, and make a couple cards. That's kind of a terrific Tuesday. No complaints from me. Besides, we're now just 89 days from Halloween! The stores have had fake pumpkins out since mid-July, they know the way to my heart. One more reason not to buy a lot outside of a neighborhood- no trick-or-treaters! Can you imagine if this was to be my last official Halloween? Tragedy! Gotta' run. Stay safe. stay well, and be kind to each other. XOXO, Nancy

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maverick-guy · 4 years ago

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2012’s successor, quarantine life, the Philippine government, and everything else in between

To begin with, 2020 seemed dreamlike �� this year was somewhat a clash of heavenly entities and hellish forces. The universe was not kind to us this time. Doing activities and routines outside were put to a halt, but with humans' confinement in their houses, it made our situation worse. 2020 has been a fast yet long year, and we may all feel that time now is linear.

Allow me to borrow a line from the 1972 film Grease: This is the life of illusion, wrapped up in trouble, laced with confusion.

Most would agree that the words above sum up the year 2020. An unfortunate series of events have taken place – from the Australian Bushfire crisis, the Iran-US conflict to earthquakes in Mindanao and the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas – and these events have transpired in the first quarter of 2020. It seems like a frightening state to begin the year.

Afterwards, life was starting to be okay. People were adjusting with initial solutions to problems and ready to start anew, but coronavirus emerged. Reports say the first local coronavirus case struck in January – and due to a rise in positive cases, collective fear transpired in March, thus declaring coronavirus as a pandemic.

During the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March, changes were relatively minimal since people could continue their businesses at home. But some of which lost their jobs resorted to starting food businesses or grieve because of said situation.

It's funny yet disturbing to witness that the government officials thought of matters that are supposed to be "important", but negate the needs of ordinary citizens. There were also debates about the enforcement of travel ban during the first quarter of 2020, but to our disdain, it was never taken seriously. In the end, we suffered a lot from their gambit during people exclaiming for assistance.

People get nervous each time the government transitions to the loosened GCQ. Businesses, travel, and movement imposed some restrictions, but there's the liberty of people to go out and do [unimportant] stuff. Some boomers also mentioned that this pandemic is a divine intervention, telling us to step up our faith and keep praying until we see the hope of day. So weird to think of.

As time passes by, everyone has set and bat their eyes on social media. With boredom and temporary pleasure, the rose of TikTok dance challenges has become a trend, along with experimenting DIY recipes and snacks. The creation of support and humorous Facebook groups has also been a craze, helping us cope while in quarantine by sharing memes, tips, tricks, tutorials, and advice according to members' inquiries and concerns.

Though these temporary distractions made us somewhat feel on edge, social hurdles increased such as unemployment rates. A few lucky corporate employees are compelled to the transition to work from home; and for students to continue their education online. Some were not ready for this sudden change of lifestyle as they may lack the resources and mental capacity to keep moving forward. Along with financial issues inflating, hopes and dreams feel deteriorated.

2020 did not feel the need to stop, as it delivered more than we ever expected. There is the shutdown of ABS-CBN, the demise of George Floyd, hence advocating the socio-political movement #BlackLivesMatter, and the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, as it being unconstitutional inflicted dangerous implications towards the society.

Throughout the ber months, people thought of celebrating the holidays is something we all looked forward to, yet another shooting incident caused by the police emerged. Jonel Nuezca, an off-duty police officer, shot his two unarmed neighbors, Sonya and Frank Gregorio, due to a heated discussion over right of way and the use of a boga. The untimely shooting incident emerged on social media, along with netizens expressing their protest with the acronym A.C.A.B (All Cops Are Bastards), and the hashtags #StopTheKillingsPH, #JusticeForSonyaGregorio, among others. These phenomena struck us of the social realities we ought to face.

Not to mention some of the heart-breaking deaths of celebrities this year: NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, actress and singer Naya Rivera, and YouTube vlogger Lloyd Cafe Cadena, made us feel disposable. Netizens can’t help but spit these words with spite: GRABE KA, 2020!

Once a new year has come, people always claimed that it would be their breakthrough. 2020 was the most anticipated year for redemption, but unexpected turnovers left us clueless on what’s in store for us in the following days, dominating anxiety and resentment. It is then claimed that this pandemic may change our lives forever.

People could go all night, overthinking about the simplest and pettiest stuff. With chaos going on, the utmost priority should be safety, security, and survival. One's daily routine felt timid, hence the desire to feel free again. People are now forcing themselves to perform their duties and just call it a day.

No one gets ready for a pandemic. There may be warnings beforehand, but it isn’t the ordinary citizens’ fault – it’s the government’s accountability to look after. As much as possible, I do not want to sound overly political, but the government’s incompetence affects the rise of numerous COVID cases each day – why plenty of Filipinos still suffer and plenty of then-employees remained jobless.

It’s a good thing that searching for new ways to thrive is an innate feature we acquire. However, I also do not want to glorify our resiliency, as being a Filipino is commonly construed as “resilient people.” If there comes a similar situation in the future, people should use their “resiliency” to stay at their homes, and be careful at the very least. But one thing that needs to be changed is the decision-making and planning of our government officials. The birth of our chaos came from them, so it shall end from them.

We are close to bidding farewell to 2020, yet the glimmer of hope seems far away to be achieved. Ambiguity lingers as we ask ourselves “What does 2021 have in store for us?” Are there people still looking forward for more pains and unfavorable events and perceive them as a leeway to unlock the tool of growth and our power to keep moving forward? Are we still going to settle for the bare minimum and keep our “resiliency” intact?

With all these points elaborated, this now begs the question: did the world really end in 2012? Or these unfortunate events are just unusual to us and we are, more or less, capable of taking action to undermine our demons?

#blog #thoughts #opinion #reflection #quarantine

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saomarathesavage-archived · 5 years ago

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Never Write A Horror Story in Phone Texts, The Noatak Horror (part 4/Final)

Story under readmore for length, titles are not official just sarcastic placeholders

(Phone call to Elisi’s phone from Nadia twelve hours later)

Elisi: Yeah?

Nadia: Hi, it’s me. Just checking in.

Elisi: (not in the mood for nonsense) What’s your plan?

Nadia: Well, first of all, how are you recovering?

Elisi: Recovered. But now I’m worried.

Nadia: Is everything okay at the house?

Elisi: No. We’re basically stuck here. The frograt statues have been spotted closer and closer to the house, and I’m spying small minkholes everywhere. And I’m sure now they’re not dug by minks. More neighbors have been attacked or have seen even bigger frograts slinking around. Some are fleeing the area best they can, either going to the village proper or heading south towards the borough seat. The only way out of here is by plane, which can only leave one at a time due to the rough air space. So now I have a village with people in panic, desperately trying not to alert anyone on the internet or otherwise, and trigger happy neighbors on public land who heard about blood-drained Mr. Warren. So...

Nadia: I see. I’m really sorry. If everything was okay with the gyre tunnels...

Elisi: True, wouldn’t be a problem. The tunnels are infested. I can’t even get word further south that something might be wrong.

Nadia: Let me handle that, then. So, other than the distress, your family is okay?

Elisi: My family and the villagers? Yeah, physically, we’re all okay.

Nadia: Alright, good to hear. So, the plan.

Elisi: Yes, please.

Nadia: The Evlakeel thrive in cold climates and temperatures. Putting her somewhere warm will slow her down and possibly kill her. So, the plan is to try and teleport her somewhere warmer than Alaska.

Elisi: That’s a lot of places. Plus, if she survives, you’re basically making her someone else’s problem.

Nadia: Not if I kill her.

Elisi: Whoa. ....you serious?

Nadia: (chuckles) You think I shouldn’t, after you yelling at me this morning?

Elisi: I mean, yes, completely in favor of it, it’s just... that doesn’t sound like you. You couldn’t even kill Gunmar at Killahead.

Nadia: (sighs a “not this shit again” sigh) The point of Killahead was exile, not death. Even the Sword of Daylight couldn’t kill Gunmar. We had to put him in a bridge because killing him wasn’t possible.

Elisi: Right.

Nadia: It’s different this time. Saomara has a clear weakness. And I don’t think there’s anywhere in Alaska we can lure her to that’s warm enough to slow her down.

Elisi: Also right.

Nadia: So, my plan is to teleport her closer to the equator. Any children born in her new location couldn’t survive at all, and she’ll succumb to it. Then, we’ll be able to slay her.

Elisi: Okay, then, that’s a good enough plan. Where exactly are you taking her so we can warn anyone close by what’s about to happen?

Nadia: Arcadia.

Elisi: ...

Nadia: I’ve contacted the Trollhunter and told him of what’s about to happen. He’s ready to help.

Elisi: I would have said like Hawaii or a volcano troll’s layer where it’s... y’know... hotter?

Nadia: Like you said, wherever I take her she will become another area’s problem. I thought it was best to take her to the deadliest presence would guarantee her blight won’t spread.

Elisi: Um. You’ve met the Trollhunter, right?

Nadia: Yes.

Elisi: Jim Lake?

Nadia: Junior.

Elisi: Fifteen year old human kid.

Nadia: Sixteen.

Elisi: I’m gonna be honest. I have zero faith in the kid to be able to handle this.

Nadia: He’s a great Trollhunter, Elisi. He has a good heart, a foot in both worlds, and he’s been proven capable various times he’s answered the call.

Elisi: Alright, I’m still too tired to argue. But, I’ll come along to help. I get the feeling you’ll need all the help you can get.

Nadia: Yes.

Elisi: And Alora? Heard from her?

Nadia: Not for twelve hours. She was texting all through our phone conversation. I want to teleport her out of that nest first, but if Saomara or her whelps are touching her, they’re going to get teleported too. I’ve texted her to send a signal when she’s ready to go, but... nothing.

Elisi: Alright. I say do it. Find a secluded, secure spot and use the spell to call her to you.

Nadia: Already on it. I have to say, the Anchorage Trollmarket is oddly charming and everyone here is completely ready to accommodate.

Elisi: Wait... where are you, right now?

Nadia: Anchorage Trollmarket.

Elisi: When...? HOW?!

Nadia: Six hours ago. Gyre. I’ve told the elder to close the tunnels from Noatak, so they don’t use those to come further south.

Elisi: I don’t even--

Nadia: (happy chirp) I said I’d handle it.

Elisi: Still, I don’t know if that will stop them. The hatchlings are all digging tunnels around the gyre routes.

Nadia: At least we’ve cut off the path of least resistance. And once Alaska gets the Midnight Sun, the hatchlings should be dying in droves. Wait, do you get Midnight Sun in your area?

Elisi: Yeah, later in the month. It’s a good point. Okay, so you’ve got a spot set up for the teleport.

Nadia: Yes. I’m going to do it right now. I have swordsmen waiting outside the door should I bring Saomara or any hatchlings with me.

Elisi: Okay. I’ll leave you to it. Give me a call back when you’re done, alright?

Nadia: Will do. Talk to you soon.

Elisi: Good luck, Nadia. I’ll be waiting for your call.

(They hang up)

(Ten minutes later, Nadia sends a photo to Elisi’s phone. It’s a selfie shot of her and a very mauled and bloody Alora barely hanging on to consciousness but smiling and giving a peace sign with her only surviving arm. She’s just a head, one arm and torso; everything else has been ripped off and eaten.)

Nadia: (texts afterward) All went well. No incident. Alora’s being taken to a bone mender to rest. I’m exhausted but I’ll call you in a second.

(Call from Elisi’s phone to Nadia’s the second after the photo and text.)

Elisi: WHAT IN THE FUCK HAPPENED TO HER?!

Nadia: Calm down, she’ll be fine and regenerating once she gets some rest.

Elisi: NO! YOU DON’T GET IT! WE SHOULDN’T HAVE LEFT HER FOR SO LONG! WHAT IF SHE GAVE UP WANTING TO LIVE AFTER EVERYTHING THAT MONSTER DID TO HER?! SHE WOULD HAVE DIED! SHE WOULD HAVE ACTUALLY, PERMANENTLY DIED!

Nadia: (doesn’t answer)

Elisi: (sighs as she tries to calm down) Listen, I... I don’t blame you. You were just doing as she told you. It’s just... we really could have lost her.

Nadia: Elisi, she’s okay now. She’ll recover in time. Let’s focus on the one that did this to her.

Elisi: (growls) Oh, you bet I’m doing that right now...

Nadia: If the hatchlings are digging tunnels all over the reserve, that nest could be anywhere. Alora’s asleep now, so she won’t be able to tell us where.

Elisi: I’m not worried about that at all. We get her to come to us.

Nadia: How?

Elisi: She found us in the tunnels when the gyre crashed. Those massive amounts of hatchlings gave away our position to her. All we have to do is wait in a good spot and signal to the hoard where we are, and she’ll come running. It’s not a perfect plan, but it’s better than attempting to hunt her down.

Nadia: I agree. The Trollmarket here does have a lot of research material for me to work with. Once I knew what I was looking for, information on the Evlakeel was easy to gather. So, they are ambush hunters, and also are smart enough to spot and craft traps. Until Alora wakes up, I can’t figure out how smart Saomara truly is. If we set a trap, she may recognize it and act accordingly.

Elisi: What I’m hearing is, we need more time to figure out what to do.

Nadia: On my end, yes. The teleportation spell took a lot out of me, so I need to recover my magic. Alora will be asleep for a while, so she won’t be much help. Where are you right now? At home?

Elisi: Yes.

Nadia: Okay. If you want, you can start exterminations, attempt to take a census on the hatchlings, locate the nest, or help your town. You don’t have to stand around and wait for us, just don’t do anything rash.

Elisi: Okay. I’ll start figuring out how to take this plague down a notch or two. You two rest up. Call or text if you need anything at all.

Nadia: Eh-heh. That reminded me. Alora cussed me out saying that my calling her phone got her found out when she was hiding in the tunnels. Which was how she got caught and taken to the nest. Maybe put your phone on vibrate?

Elisi: Duly noted. When she wakes up, ask her what happened and how I might have wound up outside.

Nadia: Alright. I’ll go rest and take care of Alora. Be careful out there, Elisi.

Elisi: I know the entire reserve. I’ll be alright. Again, lemme know if anything happens or comes up.

Nadia: The same for you. Take care, sister.

Elisi: You as well, sister. Rest up. Talk to you soon.

Nadia: Talk to you soon.

(They both hang up)

(Text from Elisi’s phone to Nadia’s phone six hours later.)

Elisi: I can’t stay awake. Fol is keeping guard. I’ll call again in a few hours.

Nadia: Okay. Stay safe, sister. I’ll update you when you call.

(Elisi’s phone calls Nadia’s phone six hours from the text.)

Elisi: Hey, how are you?

Nadia: Refreshed. Alora’s awake too, fully regenerated but her legs aren’t working yet. (pause) ...she wants to talk to you, is that alright?

Elisi: Yeah, put her on.

Alora: (once the phone is passed to her) Sup nerd? You alive?

Elisi: (sigh of relief) I honest to God thought we lost you.

Alora: I’ll admit, I felt like given up the fifth time I was being eaten alive, but I got over it. Mostly out of spite. Man, this troll is a huge bitch.

Elisi: You got it to talk, I heard?

Alora: I just got done talking to Nadia about it, but yeah. Her name is Saomara. She fell into an icy river escaping trolls hunting her, and somehow got frozen in a glacier in the process. Thawed out and clawed out last year, based on her timeline. Swam here across the Berring Straight and dug herself a home in Alaska. And hibernated until now.

Elisi: Until now?

Alora: Yeah. Normally they just hibernate in the summer after laying eggs, but she was tired. ...her words, not mine.

Elisi: I honestly can’t believe this thing can talk.

Alora: You and me both. Imagine me being pulled into its nest and eaten. I wake up and I’m eaten again. I wake up, and she’s all (speaks in First Tongue: “You don’t die, do you?”) and I didn’t answer at first. Like, what in the actual fuck, First Tongue, who even SPEAKS that anymore?! Then I answer in English, “Eh, I don’t feel like it.” She must have understood me, because she got pissed and ate me again.

Elisi: Hmm... had she said anything else?

Alora: Well, I asked her what her plan was. And she just said “Live as I always have.” So, she doesn’t plan on leaving. Probably not until everything in your park is dead. THEN she’ll leave and do it all over again somewhere else.

Elisi: Well, we’ve learned that her species will die in warmer climates. The plan is to bring her to us via a distraction, and teleport her to Arcadia. Myself, Nadia and the Trollhunter can kill her easily there.

Alora: I was also telling Nadia that this plan sucks balls.

Elisi: I know the Trollhunter is inexperienced, but in this case...

Alora: No, he’s not the problem. You’re not teleporting this bitch ANYWHERE!

Elisi: Why not?

Alora: She’s faster than she looks. You may not remember, but she chased me through nearly half a mile of tunnels and caught up to me pretty damn fast. I had to hide us in one of the tunnels she dug after our gyre crashed, and she was zipping back and forth trying to find us.

Elisi: Oh yeah, how did I make it out alive and you didn’t?

Alora: So, in that tunnel was a way out. I had to climb and push you out first. Then my fucking phone fucking rang and gave my fucking position away and that bitch climbed right through and pulled me out.

Nadia: (off to the side) I said I was sorry.

Alora: It worked out. I got us some useful info.

Elisi: Anything else at all? You were down there for two days.

Alora: So, this bitch doesn’t give one flying fuck about any of her hatchlings. Not a one. That’s why so many of them are dead. They just walk into sunlight without knowing any better. Don’t develop hunting skills. She doesn’t do anything for them. I really thought, how is it these things didn’t go extinct on their own?

Elisi: They’re basically the embodiment of Darwinism. Survival of the fittest. The smartest. The ones that learned from the others are the ones who grow up and breed the next generation.

Alora: Pretty much, yeah. There’s some bigger ones down here, and some bigger than those, and a couple are bigger than those. And mama cares about THEM very, very much. If I even looked at one of them funny, she’d bite something off of me. And that happened A LOT. Eventually, I managed to make a knife and throw it at one of those bigger ones and mortally wounded it. Oh, she got piiiiiiiissed!

Elisi: And she ate you?

Alora: Worse. She sicced the bigger ones on me. All of them ripped me apart. When enough of me came back to text Nadia, she started realizing that I was calling for help all this time. She ate my hands, which included my phone.

Elisi: Well, that sounded like it sucked.

Alora: So, where was I? Oh yeah, so because she doesn’t care about her hatchlings, they won’t be coming with her. So, if she leaves the area, you’re gonna be mopping up the leftovers for at least a year.

Elisi: I can live with that. The source of them is gone, so eventually the rest will die off.

Alora: The bigger ones are also kinda her bodyguards at this point. We’ll have to kill those regardless, but they’re easier to kill than she is.

Elisi: That’s good.

Alora: But, she’s smart enough to sniff out traps. And set some of her own. So, yeah, coming back to the topic, teleporting her is gonna be harder to do. Next to impossible.

Elisi: So what’s your better idea, then?

Alora: I’m trying to get Nadia to approve it, but simply, it’s this. We teleport US instead. Nadia will teleport us to different parts of the gyre tunnels, and lure her to us. We’ll keep her running through the gyre tunnels until we reach Arcadia, and then we strike.

Elisi: You just said yourself she’s smart enough to see through traps. What makes you think she won’t understand what we’re doing?

Alora: Maybe she will. So, we give her a reason to chase us. We kill the bigger whelps, or the grown whelps. She’ll be so blinded with rage, all she’ll want to do is kill us no matter where we go.

Elisi: I’m still not completely sold on this idea.

Alora: She won’t drop eggs while chasing us, so there’s no reason to worry about whelps spreading through the Pacific Northwest. (pauses) I’m looking over the books and stuff Nadia found here, and jeez, these things are the duckbill platypus of the troll world. Like, why do you exist? Why does every inch of your weird self exist? Why?

Elisi: It really feels like she may know what we’re doing and stop chasing us.

Alora: I’m as skeptical as you are, but it’s either we try to teleport her out and fail. Or we teleport ourselves safe distances away and lure her down the tunnels gradually. Both have huge risks. If we try teleporting her, and Nadia fails, we’ve lost our only chance to do so.

Elisi: What about the teleport spell Nadia used to get you out of trouble? We can’t just take a gyre to Arcadia, find a secure, secluded spot in Trollmarket and say her name to teleport her to us.

Alora: You really think this bitch is so stupid to give me her real name after finding out I couldn’t die and was able to talk to her? You think they DIDN’T have rites of passage back then? Do you really want to take the chance of us believing without the shadow of a doubt that SAOMARA is her real name?

Elisi: You do have a point. But this is the safer option for us with the best guarantee.

Alora: And if it doesn’t work, what’s the plan then?

Elisi: (is silent)

Alora: Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Elisi: The other problem with this plan of yours is that it sounds like you want to be there. I heard you can’t walk yet.

Alora: Yeah, it’ll be a couple of days until I can. So, you’re gonna have to carry me.

Elisi: (groans)

Alora: Also, that bitch ate my phone. Someone needs to buy me a new one.

Nadia: (off to the side) I’ll get it for you.

Elisi: And how much does the Trollhunter know about this plan?

Alora: Nadia is texting him after this to go over it with him.

Nadia: No, I’m not.

Alora: Oh, yes you are.

Nadia: We’re throwing a vengeful brood mother right on his doorstep. One that we can barely handle ourselves. Why would he--

Alora: Tell him this is a call.

Nadia: I’m going to text him, not--

Alora: A TROLLHUNTER’S call. Tell him after this.

Nadia: (is quiet)

Elisi: You’re really serious about this.

Alora: This is the only plan I can think of that will work the best.

Elisi: Me carrying your butt through the tunnels?

Alora: We’ll be teleporting.

Nadia: I can’t teleport all of us that fast.

Alora: Find a way. Find something.

Nadia: (is quiet)

Elisi: That’s... pretty much what this is riding on. IF Nadia can even do it.

Nadia: ...there is a way. First, I need a map of the tunnels. The latest one.

Alora: (barks at some nearby trolls in Troll to get a map).

Elisi: Alright. Listen, I need to check on my own extermination teams and be sure the village is still alright. You both work the kinks out of this plan and call me back later.

Alora: Roger wilco.

Elisi: Hand the phone back to Nadia so I can say goodbye.

Alora: Alright. Later, nerd.

Nadia: (once she gets her phone back) We’ll call once we come up with a better plan.

Elisi: Sure. If I come up with something, I’ll text. You two get some rest.

Nadia: I know we don’t have time.

Elisi: Yeah.

Nadia: So, we’ll try to make this quick.

Elisi: Yep. Same here. You two rest up, we’ll talk later.

Nadia: Okay. Talk to you soon, sister.

Elisi: Talk to you soon.

(They both hang up)

(Call from Nadia’s phone to Elisi’s an hour later)

Nadia: Hello?

Elisi: I’m here.

Nadia: First, how is everyone?

Elisi: Scared. The sun is going down. The hatchlings are scratching around the house trying to get in. There’s casualties of ill-prepared people going against these things... Either we finish this now, or wait for summer when they hibernate and try to snuff them out then.

Nadia: Either way, time is of the essence. If we wait for summer, she’ll dig her nest anywhere and we won’t find her until she wakes up. I’m ready to start Alora’s plan.

Elisi: You have a teleportation method? For a place you’ve never been to?

Nadia: Yes. So, the gyre tunnels in Noatak have tracks, yes?

Elisi: Laid those out myself, yes.

Nadia: Well, you put markers on them detailing where on the surface you are. And there’s similar markers the gyre itself is propelled towards when traveling from point A to point B, after setting the coordinants.

Elisi: (sarcastically) Great, you just taught me how a gyre works. Learn something new every--

Nadia: I can teleport off of those.

Elisi: ...

Nadia: There’s just enough of an electromagnetic wave signature for me to see and teleport to it. So, I’ve made a map of twenty two that I can teleport all of us to that is short enough to make Saomara follow us, and is the shortest amount of teleports that I can do.

Elisi: ...

Nadia: Elisi, we can do this. And we’re ready to go right now. Just give the word, and Alora and I will be at your location, ready to start.

Elisi: ...(chuckles) I honestly can’t think of a better plan. But I strongly don’t think this will work.

Nadia: It is our best shot at stopping this while we can. Besides, we have our three best immortals taking point, right? So what’s the worst that can happen?

Elisi: That this fails, the three of us are food supply for almost a million hungry mouths, and by the time they go to sleep in the summer, everyone and thing in the preserve is dead.

Nadia: So, no pressure?

Elisi: None. (sighs a tired sigh) Alright, let’s do this. Is Jim up to speed on this?

Nadia: He sounded nervous on the phone, but he’s ready. I’ve already given word to close down the gyre tunnels so we don’t get any unwanted surprises.

Elisi: Okay. I’m ready when you are.

Nadia: I’ll text him that we’re about to start. We’ll be at your location in five minutes, and down the gyre tunnels shortly afterward.

Elisi: Let’s do this.

Nadia: See you soon, sister.

Elisi: See you soon.

(They both hang up)

(Texting from Nadia’s phone to Jim Lake Jr.’s phone.)

Elisi: Jim, this is Elisi, Nadia’s sister. We haven’t met, but I’ll be the one giving you updates. Nadia will be busy hurrying to teleport points.

Jim: Alright, I’m ready when you guys are.

Elisi: Okay, here’s the skinny: We’ll be teleporting along 22 points on the gyre tunnels. Each time we teleport, I’ll let you know with the corresponding number, counting down from 22 to 1, so you know when to be ready.

Jim: Got it. Where are you now?

Elisi: At point 22. Next text will be the next teleport point. Be on guard, Trollhunter. She’s coming.

Jim: Good to know. :) (he is silently panicking on the inside)

(Five minutes later, Alora uses a music app to blast Rob Zombie’s “Superbeast.” This is the distraction.)

(Texts sent from Nadia’s phone to Jim’s phone, sent by Elisi)

Elisi: 21

(Two minutes later)

Elisi: 20

(Two minutes later)

Elisi: 19

(Three minutes later)

Elisi: 18

Elisi: Dammit, she’s onto us, one moment

(Five minutes later)

Elisi: 17

(Six minutes later)

Elisi: 16 16 16

Jim: What’s going on?!

Elisi: Killed a whelp. Pbly won’t have time to tx.

(Four minutes later)

Elisi: 15

(Fifteen minutes later)

Jim: Nadia? Elisi?

Elisi: 14. Dragging her back.

(Two minutes later)

Elisi: 13

(One minute later)

Elisi: 12

Elisi: Nadia is tired, we’re hoofing it.

Jim: Be careful!

(Half an hour later)

Elisi: Back on track. 11

Elisi: 10

Elisi: 9

Jim: Guys?

Elisi: Gotta go fast!

Eisi: 8

Elisi: Almost there, get rdy!

Elisi: 7

(Ten minutes later)

Elisi: 6

(Two minutes later)

Elisi: 5

(Ten minutes later)

Jim: Guys?!

Elisi: Nadia is too tired to keep teleporting. We’re running. Almost there.

Jim: No, I need that countdown guys!

Elisi: 3

Jim: askdjfoiahgaihg

Elisi: 2

(Five minutes later)

Elisi: 1

(Two minutes later)

Elisi: Knock knock

(Video filmed from Nadia’s phone. Saomara is in Trollmarket’s dungeon on the rocky ground, pinned with several spears and surrounded by burning torches and bright crystals. There’s several stone eggs and stone hatchling bodies under her. Saomara is conscious and glaring at the phone.)

Nadia: Okay, making a record for later. It’s May 21, the last living Evlakeel is secured and detained in Heartstone Trollmarket. Killing it has proven more difficult than thought, seeing as Arcadia is in the middle of a cold snap. We’re waiting for summer weather in a few days, or finding a suitable place to exile her.

Saomara: (raspy, growling voice) Who are you talking to, witch?

Nadia: (pauses, then chuckles) This device I’m holding does more than call people. I’m saving my words into it so others can hear it later. For all time. You’re living history, my friend.

Saomara: I’m not your friend. Release me.

Nadia: I won’t. Not after you called me a witch. Listen to me, exile is a likely fate for you and whatever is left of your brood.

Saomara: (growls)

Nadia: We could kill you in a few days when the weather gets warmer. And California is known for it’s warm sunny days.

Saomara: (growls louder)

Nadia: We could also find a nice sunny spot to leave you, that should kill you right away.

Saomara: What is stopping you?

Nadai: Well... you. You’ve been a surprisingly tough opponent. Our Trollhunter is in the hospital now, my sister Alora is dead yet again, and whatever you left behind in Alaska is terrorizing my other sister’s family. You’ve spread us all pretty thin, so all that’s left is me.

Saomara: Think you so tough?

Nadia: Well, where are you right now?

Saomara: (snarls and tries to get up. She’s also in one of Nadia’s protection circles, which keeps her from leaving while Nadia is present)

Nadia: I’d advise you to get some sleep. Take solace in knowing that you live for longer until we decide what to do with you.

Saomara: The possibility of life, this is what you promise me.

Nadia: Maybe if you answer some of my questions.

Saomara: (growls again) I will not fall for your fake promises. I’m sure there’s many books about me, and my kind.

Nadia: There are. But it’s a shame. I was really hoping to learn more about you from you.

Saomara: I have nothing to say to you, witch.

Nadia: (pauses, then lowers the phone to turn it off) ... (in a sickly sweet voice to the phone) Please excuse me.

(Text sent from Alora’s phone to Nadia’s.)

Alora: (sends a picture of a living hatchling next to the “Welcome To Arcadia” sign)

Nadia: Oh no!

Alora: Yeah

Nadia: I’ll deal with the problem as soon as I can!

Alora: Sure, but I get the feeling this won’t be like Alaska. Once that summer weather sets in, they’ll drop like flies no matter where they are here.

Nadia: Still, I can’t take that chance!

Alora: Get ready for more of those frograt statues!

Nadia: Ugh! I can’t believe that name stuck!

Alora: I’m thinking of painting them myself and memeing the crap out of them on the internet.

Nadia: How’s your legs?

Alora: Great! Physical therapy is coming along swell. Should be out of here in a week.

Nadia: Okay, so I have until then to solve the frograt problem.

Alora: HA

Nadia: The name stuck, shut up!

Alora: (laughing while crying emoji)

Nadia: Anyway, you get well soon, I’ll deal with this myself.

Alora: And what’s the verdict on mama?

Nadia: We’re waiting for warmer weather, when she’ll be at her weakest. And then give her a formal execution. Also, Alaska should be seeing the polar sun soon, and when it does the remaining hatchlings in Naotak will have nowhere to hide above ground. Things should return to normal in a few weeks.

Alora: Admit it, you wanna keep one of these little fuzzballs.

Nadia: Absolutely not! They eat everything they find! They’re all too dangerous to leave alive!

Alora: Teasing. Do what you have to do. I’m just really really happy that everything worked out.

Nadia: Yeah. Best case scenario. Thank you, Alora.

Alora: Heh. Sister’s help each other. It’s only natural.

Nadia: Shouldn’t you be getting some rest?

Alora: I guess. Nothing on TV. I’m bored.

Nadia: I need to go take a census of these frograts and keep them in one area. Not sure how long I’ll be.

Alora: Take your time. Just lemme know when you’re done. I’ll snag a wheelchair and we’ll get burgers.

Nadia: Sounds good to me. Rest well, sister.

Alora: Take it easy yourself, Nadia.

Nadia: Bye.

Alora: Later gater. (winky emoji)

#Shard sisters #The Naotak Horror

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yournotsoperfectmommy · 3 years ago

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August: Month's Appreciation

I am really sorry for the late update/post. (I know where in the middle of September now)

Please understand! Hahaha lol.

Its official! BER month na. Hello, September na nga!

Pero, syempre, di natin kakalimutan si August.

August has been a super busy month. maybe because it is the last month before BER month comes or its just a really a lot.

Superfriend is so great to be with us giving strength and guidance sa lahat ng nangyare.

We started the month ng palabas ang pera, thought I think of it as a small progress sa pag rerenovate ng room dahil nasira and bintana at namimilit ng ma-pagawa/ maayos.

It only took a day para ma-install yung bago but the whole process took almost a week.

What keep me sane this month is yung palabas labas namin.

Our labas/lakad this month due to:

(yes mostly my view sa mga lakad lol)

And, yeah, we decided to also have a new haircut..

...as the kids were officially enrolled!!

Juskooo! Kulang nalang pakalbo ako since for sure ma chachallenge ako at dalawa na sila. Pero at the same time, I'm excited for them. Hihi. So support lang!!

We end our month with Mommy & Daddy me time again. Sana magtuloy tuloy ang patuloy na pag unawa. Hahahaha.

Well, everything seems okay this September. I am looking forward for more! Hello?! BER months is here! I will continue to pray for guidance, strength and wisdom.

Laging mag ingat!!!

Riri xoxo

Ps.

Here's my fave photo for this Month mwhehe

Feeling lang poewz.

#appreciate

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kuyarexdelsdiaries · 3 years ago

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A WORD FROM KRD (September 2021)

Madlang peeps, for this month's A Word from KRD, I just want to share these 2 legitimate sellers that have a proven selling track record on the Shopee platform all these years:

-PlayBookstore based in Pasay City. This seller has chosen by some known technology companies as official authorized resellers such as Western Digital (makers of SanDisk portable storage devices and WD portable HDD drives), A4Tech, Kingston, among others. This is where you can buy legitimate and original products (they have a certification where the company is licensed to sell and distribute these original products online). Thanks to them, I was able to buy SanDisk flash drive and a 32GB memory card, also from SanDisk which both are sold and distributed by PlayBookstore. Other sellers offer you fake SanDisk products that can end up wasted for months of use, but these original SanDisk products have a global warranty of up to 7 years even if your SanDisk memory cards and flash drives are protected from corrupted files and format errors. (Buyers can choose between Shopee Express, J&T, or GoGo as preferred shipping options for the seller)

-The Mint Garage, a specialty shop which began in Antipolo City since last year, has a wide array of imported comic books and various music discs for comics and music lovers. In a span of 5 months, I already have close to 50 CD's and some video discs that are a boost to my AV library (excluding existing ones which are already in my library for more than 10 years). Thanks to Wacks Cagampan, the online shop has new titles each month for comic lovers out there. The seller is also accomodating since they rated the buyer's rating afterwards and sends photos of actual products before shipping out. (J&T Express provides shipment for these items from the seller)

Here's a recommendation that I did so far...

Nowadays, devices are scattered, even the fake ones are surfaced on physical and online stores and they are just "too good to be true". Fake devices like smartphones and tablets made by cheaper companies in China (a.k.a. China-made phones), and even counterfeit storage devices can contribute damage to our business and our lives. Now, to prove if your device is GENUINE or FAKE, a mobile app is now available for your convinience. Just like a fake money detector that detects if your money is real or fake using a UV lamp as a reader, the FAKE DEVICE TEST app (available on Google Play) will test your device and storage for authenticity.

The FAKE DEVICE TEST app will check your device' OS, the storage capacity (both internal and external), RAM capacity, and device specs in real time. Like this sample one from MyPhone MyG1 device which is GENUINE since it appears to be the correct OS version (Android 9) according to the app's home screen. The device' internal storage is OK and the external SD is also PASSED since it is a genuine SanDisk memory card that is inserted in the device. With this app, you can now prove all these if the device and storage you bought is GENUINE or FAKE. You'll better be safe if you own a genuine unit, than sorry if you buy fake ones. GENUINE smartphones and tablets will guarantee longer run in its usage if you will purchase these in physical stores and authorized distributors or official stores online. E-Commerce archrivals Lazada and Shopee assures that they only sell legitimate and original ones that sellers currently offer to buyers online in various platforms across Asia. Sellers who are selling fake goods and counterfeit ones are suspended or banned by these platforms as a whole after sending anonymous reports from buyers and users, and they will face imprisonment for violating Intellectual Property Rights law, and consumer welfare law. Through LazMall and Shopee Mall, all original products are fulfilled by legitimate sellers and/or through their dedicated warehouses nationwide for the continuous 24/7 fulfillment of orders by buyers. These platforms will give either 100% authenticity or money-back guarantee for unfulfilled products.

Since every month has a double-digit sale (like the archrivals which have their major sale coming up), savings will be big for buyers in terms of ordering discounted products by sellers. All year round (except 1.1), the archrival e-commerce platforms are a generating revenue for the sellers and warehouses to boost campaigns.

And now that the BER months are here (JMC, MC, and others), KRD is finding new ways to continue our 10-year journey. Our FB page went inactive for months but we worked out to get active again. We just deactivated our twitter handle for now as a preventive measure.

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cornerstoneeldridge · 5 years ago

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Pastor Scott’s Perspective December 2019

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Everybody gets anxious about something at some time in their lives. Some people live much of their lives at some level of anxiety. According to the American Psychological Association, 12% of millennials have an officially diagnosed anxiety disorder—which is nearly double the percentage of baby boomers. Other studies have found that 30 percent of working millennials are classified with general anxiety, and a 2014 American College Health Association (ACHA) assessment found that 61 percent of college students experience frequent anxiety. With such staggering numbers, millennials undoubtedly experience a great deal of stress, and subsequently, difficulty properly managing it.

Anxiety can take many forms and have many triggers, but it ultimately usually boils down to feeling worried or nervous about the future or feeling looming uncertainty in general.

What are we instructed to do when we are anxious? Pray and give thanks. So… how does one give thanks when one is feeling anxious? (I am talking here about “ordinary” anxiety common to us all, not about true anxiety disorders, which are more complicated.)

I am generally not an anxious person, but recently I have been experiencing some anxiety about my upcoming surgery (I’m writing this November 21, with my surgery scheduled for November 26).

Hip replacement surgery is a low-risk surgery, and I’m confident of a good outcome and strong recovery, just as Beth had. But every surgery has some risks, and my anxiety increased when my surgery was postponed (originally scheduled for Novem-ber 14) due to an abnormal EKG showing the possibility of Ischemia. I was caught off guard by that because my overall health is very good (except for my hip). What was the problem? How serious was it? Would this problem need to be corrected before I could have surgery? My pain was getting worse – how long would it be now before I could have the surgery? This was clearly not a life-or-death crisis by any means – as some of you have had – but it did cause some anxiety nonetheless.

I went to the TTI conference on November 7-11 not knowing how or when this would be resolved. While there, Beth and I attended an optional prayer session with some of the TTI staff and international leaders. I requested prayer for Zion and for myself. Two of the international leaders prayed for me. Moses, the SE Asia leader from Myanmar, prayed fervently for me and Zion.

And David, the leader from NE India, also prayed for my healing. Let me say a word about David. He was raised Hindu but became a Christian after his wife was healed in the name of Jesus. He began preaching the Gospel, he was arrested and beaten badly by Hindu radicals – and was hospitalized for four months. He got out of the hospital, continued to preach Christ, was arrested and beaten badly again – spending another four months in the hospital to recover. He got out of the hospital and resumed his preaching – but I guess his persecutors gave up beating him since it wasn’t stopping him. 4,000 churches have started under David’s ministry of making disciples who make disciples and planting churches that plant churches. 4,000! Not American style churches with paid pastors and church buildings. Rather, house churches of 20 or so disciples led by a disciple-making church-planter trained by TTI who in turn trains others to make disciples and plant churches. Spiritual Multiplication.

I was humbled to be prayed for by such a spiritual giant.

My echocardiogram and stress test took place on November 13, shortly after returning from the TTI conference. As part of the treadmill stress test, they placed me in a machine that came over my head and chest – very close – so that it feels like you’re in a tunnel (though it wasn’t). The machine takes pictures of the heart for 15-17 minutes from all different angles while you keep still. Could be a little anxiety-producing. So I prayed. And I meditated on Psalm 23. The LORD is my Shepherd…

I affirmed the truth – and gave thanks -- that I am secure in the love and care of Jesus Christ who is more powerful than anything that could come against me or cause anxiety.

While I was meditating on Psalm 23 – with my eyes closed – in my mind’s eye I saw a picture of Jesus standing on the other side of the machine – looking down at me – and telling me that everything was going to be ok. I would not call it a vision in the biblical sense – more just like a mental image of Jesus speaking words of assurance and comfort to me. Whatever it was, his Presence was very powerful and was indeed greatly comforting. His Presence gave me a sense of peace (though my blood pressure was higher than normal right before and during the treadmill test).

At the end of that day, I received the good news that my echocardiogram was normal. And then Friday afternoon I received the stress test results with the glad news: “You’re good to go for surgery – no issues.”

I don’t know the explanation for the abnormal EKG. Either it showed something that wasn’t there – or if there was a problem, God healed me at the TTI conference. Either way, my heart is healthy and ready for surgery.

What did I learn about giving thanks in the midst of anxiety? These truths enabled me to give thanks when I was feeling anxious:

1) I am secure in the love and care of Jesus, my Good Shepherd.

2) God is Sovereign over all – including all of my life circumstances.

3) Jesus has already defeat-ed Death and all evil powers that could come against me or threaten my well-being now or ever.

4) My future is secure – and my eternity is secure – because I belong to Jesus and He is Victor over death.

5) My eternal salvation is secure because my eternal security is based on the finished work of Je-sus Christ and the sure promises of God’s Word – not on my performance.

6) Because my eternal destiny is certain – the hope of glory – therefore nothing that happens in this earthly life can threaten my eternal well-being. Death is the greatest threat to our future well-being, and Death is a Defeated Foe.

7) The Cross of Jesus proves His love for me, and the Resurrection of Jesus proves His invincible power over Death and all other foes, and therefore I can rest secure in the knowledge of his unfailing love and sovereign control.

Anxiety is rooted in insecurity and uncertainty. The Gospel offers us the security of being accepted and loved by God on the basis of the merits of Jesus Christ – security not dependent on our up and down performance – a security that cannot be lost. And the Gospel offers us the certainty of the hope of glory because Christ lives in us and has conquered death. And the Gospel offers us the security of being loved by the Sovereign King of the universe – nothing can thwart His good and loving purposes for us.

It is by meditating on these Gospel truths that we can give thanks even when we are anxious.

The best is yet to come.

#anxiety #prayer #thanksgiving #thankfulheart #prayandgivethanks #thebestisyettocome #pastorscott

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imyourfckingpanda · 5 years ago

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*flex ko lang, sayang naman eh*

Someone told me that I'm very expressive. If that is true, then there is no need for me to fear how I'll narrate my story.

I remember the time when I was in 10th grade. My classmates had chatters about where they will pursue their senior high school. I listened to their conversation. She will go to UST while her friends chose to go to UE, FEU and DLS-AU. As for me, I'm careless to chose which school I go next. But I am eyeing for UST that time since it is my father and my late aunt's alma mater. I heard a couple of classmates talking about PUP. "What and where is PUP?" This sounds ignorant, but I believe that was the first time I heard of PUP. Upon hearing it's free, I asked my classmates the details needes for the application. One night, while the prime time drama, a commercial flashed before me. It is an invitation for aspiring film and television students to study the craft under the wing of ABS-CBN. I'm interested. Everyone who knows me know I want to be a filmmaker. Plus, maybe it is a stepping-stone to be one of UAAP's courtside reporters. So of course, I did the application and test. Alas, I was accepted in three schools: Music, Arts, and Design in UST, Media Arts in ABS-CBN, and Humanities and Social Sciences in PUP. The dilemma came after.

At the first few months of 2017, JHS completion is fast approaching. With the school year coming to an end, new gates will open as a grade 11. Which school should I choose though? I asked for opinions from family and peers. UST was outvoted since the school is golden, leaving ABS-CBN and PUP as my options. They are both free, they are both promising. Most of my family members want me in ABS-CBN, but I man up and braved my way to end in PUP.

Why HUMSS? Well as far as I can remember, I chose the strand to pursue psychology. But PUP is magical, it awakened my senses and gave me wings like an eaglet being thought to fly. And I met my bread and butter, creative writing.

In the month of November 2017, I noticed a poster posted by a group. They are inviting students to join the screening to be one of the writers. I tagged all my friends who were former writers from their school's publication. They even insisted me to join and I applied as feature writer. The next month, a friend tagged me on a post. There I saw my name under the news writers. Finally, I am a member of the PUP Campus Journalists.

Being a writer was a challenge. I had no experience in journalistic writing, unlike my classmates who used to compete in press-cons. There are times I want to quit, that I'll only stain and tarnished the name of the publication. But my friends don't want me to five up. So I made effort to get better and even find resources and materials for my training. Eventually, I myself noticed that I scribed better. Not too long, I open my own blog.

After the 11th grade, I am usually waking up early to ride the jeepneys every morning to go to our office. I watch the broad-com students profusely sweating and fidgeting in anxiety as they defend the first part of their thesis. I also attend free seminars regarding the media and its industry. I even got a part in some productions.

The summer of 2018 was also the time to prepare for the college admission tests. I downloaded reviewers in the form of PDFs and pledge to spare my time to review. Of course I did, but not all the time. As we went back to school as 12th graders, all of us were excited to have our applications finished as early as possible. I applied to three universities: DLSU, UP and PUP.

The ber-months were the worst months of the year 2018. I was often absent in school to attend appointments regarding our immigration, I even did miss my chance to compete on an essay writing contest on a university level. On September, our immigration was status was finally approved. Everyone was in relief except for me, who was weeping upon being hit by the realization, "I won't finish my studies in PUP".

Fast-forward to December, I often go home late as I spend my remaining days going to distant places with classmates or bonding eith my friends and colleagues on our office. I remember how I wish the night won't end as I dance to the 80's music and sing on the karaoke during my first and last party in the Communication Management Office (CMO). How I am saddened by the fact that it was the last time I'll see the faces of my seniors friends. But the world doesn't work that way. Right after the Christmas Day, my parents and I flew to America.

What makes my first days in America special is how my aunt does anything she can to avoid me feeling homesick (which I still feel every once in a while). Some told me it is natural that I feel that way while some wants me to go back. I often project a smile. Why, because I find myself ridiculous trying to make the world see I am contented even when I am not.

After a month since our arrival, I started to go to school. The high schools in America is so vast and exclusive compared to the Philippines. I am too fortunate that Westmoor High School was dominated by Filipino and Filipino-American students. Some kakabayans are welcoming and alluring, but some Filipinos are simply full of crap.

After four months of catching up, I am now officially recognized as a high school graduate.

If there is one thing I learned in my journey as a high school student, it would be the fact that there is no such thing as a "dead end". Not because you end up there, means you'll end up there forever. It's either you or someone will make a move to open up a new path in your adventure.

Frankly, I am not certain with what will happen now that I considered a high school graduate and an adult. But in this game of chess, my next move would surely open a brand new opportunity.

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itheclumsymillentialblr · 6 years ago

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How I regretfully lost my first girlfriend, the first person I truly loved.

I love/loved her so much, but its my fault why we are over.

Just like how most couples meet, we met online thru a dating app. I admit I kept in contact with her during that time because I’ve got nothing else to do, until I asked her if she wanted to go out with me. I think asking her out was our first disagreement because I was bothered with her curfew, but in the end I was the one who adjusted because she is a super cute human being.

On our first date I took her at Wagging Tails cafe at maginhawa street Quezon City. The first thing I noticed about her was the visible scar in her chest, I still find it kinda cute though. We shared each others thoughts during that day, I was happy when she smiles every-time I try to pull something funny.

Ever since that day I committed myself into pursuing her, because she’s a catch.

II.

Weeks and months after she was fully confident around me. I knew most of her secrets, her thoughts at work, her past which she did not deserve, and that made me fall into her more. We pursued what we have and I can already tell she was falling in love with me, I can see it through her actions.

III.

She did something she’s not supposed to do and I caught her. It really bothered my why she did what she did. “Can I still trust her?”,“is she gonna do it again?”. But that was the day that she admitted that she loved me. I forgave her and I said I love you back. Why shouldn’t I say it back she was my perfect little angel, until I destroyed everything.

IV.

Despite not having a label after admitting that we love each other already. We had a lot of struggles during that stage. Her work hours was one of the toughest because she goes out of work very late and it shortens our dating hours. I complied either way, for quite sometime. I loved her so I drifted apart/sacrificed some of my friends, I didn’t regret it at that time. As a couple our biggest struggle was being cyber-bullied/harassed by toy collector fanatics. Although its was my fault they fired at us, what they did was too far and below-the-belt. We were both bothered by that incident but being together solves everything.

One evening during ber months 2018. She admitted she’s having mental issues. I was mad at first because the process of explaining what she’s going through is making me a punching bag for her. But I reconciled with her that night and I promised her to always be there when she needs help. Apparently I failed that part.

VI.

The day she made it official and I get to personally meet some of her family members. I still can’t feel my face remembering that day. I mean-- I finally have a girlfriend after existing 23 years in God’s Grace, and God provided me a beautiful little angel that I did not deserve.

VII.

She’s experiencing a loss and I tried my best to cheer her up, at some point she did. That was a good month for us. Little do I know I’m gonna fuck things up for us, for her.

I really don’t know what gotten into me but at some point my temper shortened and I get annoyed so easily. It bothered her. But I did something that made her have doubt about me.

VIII

One night after a video call. She messaged me about a girl I added on facebook. Annoyed, I told her that was nothing. I wasn’t able to go back to sleep that night which resulted me staying home not being able to work. I bombarded her with text messages to make her feel bad about that matter.

I realized it was wrong and I am very sorry for it.

IX.

After that I kept messing things up, until we had that talk and told me she needed some space because I changed. I obliged, said my I love you and let her rest. I wasn’t expecting her to contact me the day after but she did. She regret having a heavy discussion with me. She gave me her another chance. Unfortunately I fucked it up again because I’m a piece of trash that doesn’t do good things in life.

Our last date. It was a rough start for me that day, because I didn’t get a heads up from the office that work is canceled so my mind is ticked off. She’s not doing well on that day also because she’s experiencing pain through her lower abdomen. I’ve made a comment about that I have regret saying ever since. She kept silent about it until the day after tomorrow.

XI.

The day we(she) broke up(with me). I thought it was gonna be another normal day for me, for us. She woke me up so I won’t be late, I made my deposit for the hotel for our LU trip that not gonna happen anymore. And I’m gonna go to Eastwood to spent time with you. But then before my office shift is about to end she sent me a text message saying she wanna talk about something later. I already knew what it was, I felt it. Upon meeting her and saying the reason why she wanted it over I was falling apart. I am losing her for the things that I did. Unintentional or intentional it was my fault. I haven’t been the same since. I wandered and met a friend thinking it could help, it didn’t I lost everything that day.

XII.

I have been begging her to come back to me but all the things I said made her drift away from me even more. I have been drinking re-connecting with old friends, trying a lot of new shit thinking it could mask up the pain that I caused I didn’t I will never be the same without her and I am responsible for that. You were the best thing that happened to me. Even if it was unintentional how could I push you away.

XIII.

It was a Sunday morning I lack sleep and drunk as fuck. I lost my 3-year-old crappy iPhone the night before due to drinking. She was one of the few people to know first, But I told her even more. I told her that I realized it now, the way I took you for granted, how I prioritized my temper rather than her well-being. I told her I lost an angel and the most beautiful girl in Antipolo. I heard her crying on the other end of the line but I didn’t mention it to her because she’s just one emotional and kind human being that I unintentionally took her granted.

We talked for almost an hour. I told her the things I mentioned above, I asked her if what if we didn’t broke up and she gave me one last final chance and I’ve been good? I’ve said some inappropriate stuff too, but what if—just what if we didn’t break up and things became better.

XIV.

I fucked up again. This time a lot.

It was very late and I was still outside, doing some intoxicating things with a stranger who is going through the same pain as I am. I was sad because I didn’t get to meet my ex after almost weeks of talking online. I wanna apologize to her with all the additional things that I’ve said in the process of me trying to fix it.

It’s not an excuse but I let the alcohol control the words that are coming right out of my mouth. As I wonder the streets of cubao just thinking about her. I became the selfish person she says that I am. I begged her to come back to me to let me fix it, or else I’ll “end myself”. After going back to my normal state I immediately realized how selfish I was how she was right all the time. How could I do this her, she already experienced enough pain and I even hurt her more. There is no excuse to what I did, once again I unintentionally scarred the most beautiful angel I know.

The morning after was the worst. Once again, just when I was making amends to my sins to her I further pushed her away.

She told me she was moved by the things I've said on our call after the night I lost my phone. She told me she saw or heard rather the man she fell in love with by realizing my mistakes. She saw the light in me again.

But because of being too pushy and being stupid she drifted away from me even further.

I am just so sorry.

K.J.D.P.

I don’t know if you will read this or not. But if you are, I understand if you don’t wanna see me anymore or at least for a while. I messed things up again, I took you for granted again, I became insensitive. I wasn’t aware you have your own problems too. I just wanted you to know I am so sorry for everything.

I know you are furious and angry to me as of the moment, I don’t know when. But someday, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me and start over again. I hope the light you saw on me when I called you after my other phone was lost will go shine in your eyes again one day.

I didn’t mean to throw everything away, I promise starting today I’ll be a better individual. I just hope you can witness my transition.

*Photo not mine*

Months or years from now, I am still hoping we’ll have another shot. You did promise to give what we had another shot if the timing is right in the future.

In the mean time love yourself and focus on your career, that’s what you keep on telling me after everything.

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jobsearchtips02 · 4 years ago

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Jared Kushner ‘absolutely’ sending out kids back to in-person school

White House senior consultant Jared Kushner, the other half of Ivanka Trump, informed ” Face the Country” host Margaret Brennan on Sunday he would “absolutely” send his kids back to in-person classes.

” Based on the data I’ve seen, I do not believe that’s a danger,” Kushner said, including “this infection effects different people in different ways.”

Schools have ended up being the current political flashpoint of the coronavirus pandemic as the president has actually consistently advised for the resuming of schools to in-person instruction.

The school gone to by the Kushner kids, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School, will utilize distance learning but provide in-person opportunities for “outdoor education and community structure.”

Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories

White Home senior advisor Jared Kushner, who is married to very first daughter Ivanka Trump, said Sunday that he would “absolutely” be sending their children back for in-person classes and has no concerns about doing so.

Kushner said his kids’s school would not be open for in-person instruction five days per week but said he wanted it was. Kushner and Trump’s kids participate in The Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School in Washington, DC, The New York Times formerly reported.

” Students in Grades 1-8 will primarily use range knowing for academic instruction, with routine in-person chances for outdoor education and neighborhood building, under the school’s guidance and led by Milton educators,” according to a plan released by the school earlier in August

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) August 16, 2020

According to the plan, school officials have not decided whether students in Pre-K or Kindergarten would be able to return for any on-campus instruction “based upon distinct guidance for that age group from local health authorities.”

Schools have become one of the most recent political fights of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the president for months advocating that schools resume for in-person knowing. While kids generally have a lower threat of the most extreme signs of COVID-19, children have fallen seriously ill or passed away from the virus They can likewise function as asymptomatic carriers and run the risk of infecting more vulnerable populations.

Some schools that have actually already opened for in-person guideline have experienced break outs and have actually been forced to briefly close. The Cherokee County School District in Georgia, for instance, opened schools for in-person instruction and did not need face masks. It has currently closed 2 high schools and positioned 1,200 students and staff and under quarantine due to outbreaks.

” The president has taken a really aggressive approach, not just in the hot area however likewise in what we call the ’em ber cities’ to press the various steps we can take, like using a mask, social distancing, utilizing best practice,” Kushner said Sunday.

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from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/jared-kushner-absolutely-sending-out-kids-back-to-in-person-school/

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phgq · 5 years ago

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Gov’t to continue ‘successful’ programs in 2020: Andanar

#PHnews: Gov’t to continue ‘successful’ programs in 2020: Andanar

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration will continue to implement its “successful” policies and programs next year to further boost the Philippine economy and improve the lives of all Filipinos, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday.

Andanar assured the public that the government would welcome 2020 with a decisive leadership to serve the people better.

“As the year 2019 ends, we at the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) enjoins every Filipino to look forward to a prosperous and blessed 2020,” Andanar said in a statement.

“For the incoming year 2020, the government will continue to deliver its successful programs and services, start new initiatives to further address the necessities of the citizenry, and make more achievements in all aspects of governance.”

He made the vow as he highlighted the current administration’s accomplishments this year that helped address the plight of every Filipino.

Andanar noted that in 2019, the government has achieved "milestones and results that fulfill the President's desired legacy of a comfortable life for every Filipino.”

One of the government's accomplishments is the "successful" result of its anti-narcotics campaign, he said.

Duterte's war on illegal drugs has resulted in the arrest of about 220,728 drug offenders and deaths of some 5,552 drug suspects since it was waged in 2016 until November 30 this year.

About 220,728 people who have links to rampant narcotics trade have also turned themselves in and joined the government's recovery and wellness program.

The communication secretary likewise noted that under the Duterte administration, crime incidence in the country has significantly declined. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 307,091 crime cases from January to August this year.

The PNP also said in September that crime volume nationwide dropped during the "ber" months since Duterte assumed office in 2016.

Andanar also said the government has made breakthroughs in addressing armed conflict and insurgency.

The President, who scrapped the peace talks with the communists through Proclamation 360 signed on Nov. 23, 2017, expressed openness this month to resume the negotiations with the communist movement.

Andanar also said the current administration has lowered the incidence of poverty through social and health services.

The poverty rate in the country fell to 16.5 percent or 17.6 million Filipinos in 2018, down by 6.6 percentage points from 23.3 percent or 23.5 million Filipinos recorded in 2015.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia on December 11 said it is "possible and quite reasonable" that poverty incidence would further drop to "10 (percent) to 12 percent" by 2022.

Andanar also took note of the country's sustained economic growth this year, following the continued implementation of the ambitious "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program, as well as other business-related policies.

The government is targeting the completion of about 38 of its 100 key infrastructure projects by the end of Duterte's term in 2022.

Some 22 of 100 flagship infrastructure projects were already "partially operational or substantially completed," while the remaining 40 percent would be completed "beyond 2020."

Andanar added that the government has shown good governance and political will by being "tough" on corruption.

The President's firing spree has so far led to the expulsion of more than 100 public officials and employees involved in corrupt activities.

Andanar promised that his office would continue fulfilling its mandate to raise public awareness of the Duterte government's initiatives and achievements.

"Trust also that the PCOO, to complement the administration's work, will strive harder to continue to communicate these noteworthy services and programs by the government to keep the public informed and involved," he said.

"May the coming 2020 be filled with achievements, progress, and prosperity for all of us. As we face new challenges ahead, let us remain steadfast in setting and achieving our goals, while keeping in mind how we can be of service to others. Again, we wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!" he added. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t to continue ‘successful’ programs in 2020: Andanar." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089588 (accessed December 27, 2019 at 09:37PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Gov’t to continue ‘successful’ programs in 2020: Andanar." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089588 (archived).

#Philippines #News #Filipino #Pinoy #Tourism #Politics #Culture #Editorial #Environment #Society #History

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sagarsamy · 6 years ago

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We live in a society, where we waste half of our time in comparison and rest in jealousy. As a result, we forget to focus on OURSELF. I also used to do these things, but believe me, it gives only negative vibes, which you willingly or unwillingly multiply into others. The day I left these all, I found an unbelievable change in Myself. My friends who used to say Why you take everything so negative. Now they say, We are getting positive vibes from you, boosted the confidence, true motivation and so on. These all could be possible because I believed in ME, changed myself and left all the gathering from where I used to get negative vibes.

Let me share how grateful this year was…

First month of the year

The first month of the year which starts with New Year celebrations and my birthday celebration on 6th January. In this month, I got a chance to visit and meet many high profiles of Pakistan. I participated into Ambassador Program of my university, and after clearing all stages, I was one of the Ambassador amongst 125 others for the year 2016-17. Well due to some financial issues I couldn’t take part in any national or international trip but then in 2018, I got a chance to visit Islamabad. It was 10 days trip, which included visits of President House, Prime Minister Secretariat, GHQ, NAB Headquarter and Supreme Court of Pakistan amongst many others. So that’s how my year 2018 officially kicked off.

Feb to May

From Feb to May, I became busy in working on thesis. I chose “Impact of Facebook on University Students in Karachi” as my research topic. And finally, in May, I accomplished it after clearing all the levels from beginning to end. After passing viva and submitting thesis to the university, I was unofficially graduated.

June & July

June and July known for vacations, so I did many hangouts with friends, and also helped my mates for their thesis film. Even I worked as a supporting role in one of the film. In the same month, I went into trauma because my cellphone got snatched. It might seem nothing for Karachites but as it happened for the very first time in the last ten years. So, I went into deep depression and lost 10 KG of my weight. Well, with friends and family support I overcome it soon.

Vlogging in August

Then in August, I officially entered into the field of vlogging and decided to travel outside Karachi. So, with the group of friends, I planned a trip for Mithi. It was a 3 days trip where we went to Mithi, Tharparker and from there we explored the architecture site of Jainism temples and went to mountain area of Nagar Parker. Only few of us could climb the mountain and I was one of them. The view from the 600 ft. of mountain was so breathtaking.

In the same month, I planned for another trip. This time it was Balochistan. Even a month isn’t enough to explore the whole Balochistan but I tried my best to promote the positive image of Balochistan. In this trip, we first went to Lasbela, Balochistan and from there we went to Hingol National Park, Nani Mandir and Kund Malir. We returned back to Lasbela to explore the agricultural site and natural picnic spot of Lasbela.

A Trip To Balochistan

September & October

September and October were bit busiest, I participated in seminars, workshops, and meetings with different clients. After taking two short courses, I appeared and cleared test of Basics of Reporting & Basics of Editing conducted by CEJ in collaboration with British High Commission. After this, I participated in the IMPACT program of School of Leadership (SOL), which changed the entire perspective of my life. I felt so positive and boosted after this 4 days program of SOL. As I love to do socializing, so I got new many friends from CEJ and SOL.

November – The Convocation Month

Well, it’s time for November. I’d love to call it Convocation Month. Yes, it was 17th November when I officially graduated and made my family proud.

After graduation, I got a chance of picnic at Turtle beach and French beach. So, on 24th November I went to Turtle Beach to be a part of MAX program by SOL, where Umair Jaliawala and Waqar Ali interacted with the participants and engaged them into different activities. So, they can stretch themselves and come out from their comfort zone. On 27th Nov, again got a chance to visit a beach, but this time it was beyond. This time we did underwater diving, snorkelling and saw the marine life with our dive masks at French beach in Karachi. In the same month, I became the Global Peace Ambassador from Pakistan for the next two years.

Last month December

December, last month of the year. In this month I got a laptop from university and planned for the last trip of 2018. This time it was Ber Sharif village, which is approximately 35 KM away from Larkana.

Travelling is now the part of blood and would love to continue this even in next year (InnShahAllah). So, the year started with travelling and is going to end on the travelling. That’s the beauty of 2018.

Last but not least, if you have a will to do something, you can definitely do it. No one can stop you doing this. Keep following your passion, be down to earth, socialize with others and learn new things from people’s experience.

Goodbye 2018, and excited to welcome 2019 with more positive energy. And looking forward to many new, exciting and adventurous things. I also would like to share an idea for 2019,

Start your year with an empty jar and fill it with notes of good things that happened to you.

Wish you a Happy New Year!

Year in Review – Believe in yourself to see wonders and miracles We live in a society, where we waste half of our time in comparison and rest in jealousy.

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