#st pete vibes

[jessajaguarbeauty]

🎶 Get ready to travel back to the 80s for a night of nostalgia and glam with the Ybor City Sirens at The Potion Portal in St. Pete, FL 🌟

LAST DAY for $15 presale, so don't miss out! 🎉 Tickets on Eventbrite, use code JESSA! Email Yborcitysirens@gmail.com with any questions or issues 😘

[silk-swan]

[premasindycardreams]

[redacted redacted redacted]

callum ilott | friday | st. petersburg 2025

[mikaylathenerd5]

Little Champs, Big Hearts

Masterlist ৹ Join My Taglist

Pairing: Roman Reigns (Joe) x Isla Navarro (black oc)

Summary: Isla Navarro and her cousin Camila are in the bleachers, cheering on Isla’s 8-year-old twin cousins, Marco (the quarterback) and Mateo (the wide receiver), at their first youth football game. But Joe, aka WWE’s Tribal Chief, can’t make it due to his hectic schedule—leaving the boys heartbroken. Can Marco and Mateo pull off a win without their “Uncle Joe” cheering them on?

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 3.2k

The St. Petersburg sky smoldered with the tender blaze of dusk—pinks and oranges melting into the horizon like a child’s watercolor left to bleed unchecked. Isla stood on the sidelines of the youth football field, her cybersecurity-specialist instincts—a relentless churn of code and vigilance—hushed beneath a heavier rhythm. Her phone, a constant tether to WWE’s digital maze, lay dormant in her jeans pocket. Tonight wasn’t about thwarting breaches or tracing rogue signals; it was about two eight-year-old boys in helmets too big for their heads—her twin cousins, Mateo and Marco—stepping onto the turf for their first game. The air was thick with the sharp scent of clipped grass, the faint bite of sweat, and a whisper of salt from the nearby bay. She breathed it deep, rooting herself to this fragile, fleeting moment.

Beside her, Camila—the twins’ 27-year-old sister—bounced on the balls of her sneakers, her dark hair catching the fading light like a crown of chaos. “Isla, look at them,” she said, her voice a live wire braided with pride and mischief. “My little gridiron gods. Marco’s out there plotting like he’s channeling Tom Brady, and Mateo’s probably dreaming up a touchdown dance that’ll land him face-first in the dirt. This is our night, cuz—we’re making memories.��

Isla’s lips curved, but the smile felt brittle against the tightness coiling in her chest. “You’re way too hyped, Cam. Did you raid the espresso machine on the way here?”

Camila’s grin flashed, bold and unrepentant. “Nope, this is pure, uncut Camila spice—100% organic. I’m the unofficial cheer captain tonight—watch me turn these bleachers into a full-on fiesta.” She threw her head back and bellowed, “LET’S GO, TWINS! St. Pete’s finest, right here!” The shout ricocheted across the field, sparking laughter from a knot of parents nearby, and Isla felt a flicker of warmth pierce the knot she’d been nursing since dawn. Camila was a storm—wild, loud, and theirs.

Her gaze drifted to the field, where the twins painted a study in contrasts. Marco lingered near the bench, his quarterback stance rigid, small hands tugging at his helmet strap as if it could steady the world tilting beneath him. His seriousness—too heavy for an eight-year-old—echoed the weight she’d carried as a kid, always the fixer, the steady hand when chaos loomed. It clawed at something raw inside her, a pang she couldn’t shake. Mateo, meanwhile, flopped onto the grass a few yards away, his wide receiver spirit spilling out as he giggled, trying to balance his helmet on his nose like a circus act gone delightfully awry. The sight tugged a reluctant laugh from her throat, but it faded into the dusk, quick as a shadow.

Camila nudged her shoulder, her sharp eyes catching Isla’s drift. “You’re brooding over Marco, aren’t you? He’s got that ‘world’s collapsing’ vibe again.”

Isla sighed, her breath snagging on a confession she hadn’t meant to voice. “Joe’s not here. He wanted to be—he swore he’d make it—but Orlando’s a trek, and WWE doesn’t bend for little league dreams. Marco’s carrying it like a bruise.”

Camila’s grin softened, her usual spark dimming into something tender, almost fragile. “Joe’s their big shot, huh? The guy’s basically their Superman—cape optional. But you’re ours, Isla—you’ve got this locked down like always. I’ll bring the noise; you bring the soul. Deal?”

“Deal,” Isla murmured, squeezing Camila’s arm before stepping onto the field. The grass crunched under her sneakers, damp from an earlier drizzle, as she knelt beside Marco. His small frame seemed swallowed by his pads, but his eyes—dark pools swirling with storm clouds—locked onto hers with a weight that stole her breath and pressed against her ribs.

“Hey, QB,” she said, her voice soft but steady, like she was coaxing a crashed server back online. “What’s spinning in that big brain of yours?”

Marco’s gaze dropped, his fingers tracing jagged lines in the dirt, each stroke a silent plea. “Joe’s not coming,” he whispered, the words brittle as autumn leaves, cracking underfoot. “He said he’d be here, Isla. He said he’d yell my name so loud I’d hear it over the crowd, over everything. What if I mess up without him? What if I throw it wrong and everyone laughs, and he’s not here to say it’s okay?”

The crack in his voice sliced her open, raw and deep. Joe—her Joe, the man who’d crashed into their lives with a wrestler’s swagger and a heart softer than she’d ever dared hope—had become the twins’ anchor. She could see him now, clear as day: last summer in her backyard, kneeling in the grass with Marco, his big hands guiding the boy’s grip on a football. “Like this, QB—feel the laces, then let it rip,” he’d said, his laugh booming when Marco’s wobbly throw smacked into his chest. Another day, he’d shown Marco a fake handoff, grinning as the boy faked him out so slickly Joe toppled into the dirt, howling with pride. “You got me, kid—gonna be a pro someday!” he’d said, dusting off his jeans. He’d chased Mateo too, scooping him up mid-sprint until they both collapsed in a heap, breathless and tangled in laughter. Now, trapped in Orlando’s spotlight, his absence was a hollow, and Marco’s small shoulders sagged under it like a weight he couldn’t shed.

Isla’s throat burned, but she swallowed it down, resting her hands on his pads to anchor him—and herself. “Listen to me, Marco,” she said, her voice low but fierce, a lifeline thrown into the dark. “Joe loves you—so much he’d tear through walls if he could. He’s probably pacing some sweaty locker room right now, cursing the miles between us, wishing he could see you sling that first pass. Remember that fake handoff he taught you, when you tricked him so good he fell over laughing? That’s him, right there with you—every step, every throw. He’s not in the stands, but he’s in here.” She tapped his chest, right over his heart. “You don’t need him yelling to know he’s proud—you’ve got that fire in you, that quiet strength I see every day. You’re the leader out there, the one who keeps it together. Play like you’re showing him what he’s missing, like you’re proving you’re as tough as he thinks you are. Can you do that for him? For me?”

Marco’s eyes shimmered, a tear slipping free to streak down his cheek, but he swiped it away with a grubby hand and nodded, a spark flaring in his gaze. “I’ll do it for him,” he said, his voice small but steady. “And for you. I promise.”

She pulled him into a fierce hug, his helmet jabbing her chin, and pressed her forehead to his. “You already make him proud, Marco. Every single day—you’re braver than you know.” She held him until his trembling eased, until his small frame stilled against her, then ruffled his hair as he pulled back, tugging his helmet straight. He jogged to his team, cleats kicking up tiny clumps of earth, and Isla stood, brushing damp grass from her knees, her heart a tangled mess of love and ache.

The game kicked off with a snap that wobbled like a drunk duck, but Marco seized it, his voice—small but sharp—cutting through the chaos as he barked plays with a focus that swelled Isla’s chest. Mateo darted downfield, snagged a shaky pass, and spun into a twirl that ended with him flat on his back, grinning like a fool who’d won the lottery. The crowd erupted, and Camila leapt up, screaming, “THAT’S MY BABY BRO! Mateo, you’re a legend—Marco, hit him again!” She spun to Isla, eyes wild. “I’m gonna lose my voice, and I’d do it twice. These kids are my whole damn heart.”

Isla gripped her hand, her own heart thudding against her ribs. “Mine too, Cam.”

As the first half unfolded, Camila’s energy spilled beyond the twins. She leaned over the bleacher rail, catching the eye of a guy a few rows down—tall, scruffy, in a faded Bucs cap. “Hey, you!” she called, her voice a playful lilt. “You see that pass? My brother’s got an arm—think you could keep up?” The guy grinned, tipping his cap, and she laughed, tossing her hair. “Don’t get cocky—I’d smoke you in a sprint.”

Another dad—broad-shouldered, sipping a soda—chimed in, “She’s not wrong. You’ve got spirit, lady.” Camila winked, leaning closer. “Spirit and style, handsome. Stick around—I might need a backup cheerleader.” The flirtation danced through the stands, light and teasing, and Isla shook her head, smirking. Camila was a force—on and off the field.

The scoreboard flickered to a 7-7 tie by halftime, the crowd buzzing with restless energy. Isla lingered on the sidelines, her fingers brushing her phone as she typed a quick text to Joe—Marco’s killing it, Mateo’s a circus, we miss you—when the air shifted. A shadow fell, broad and familiar, and a deep voice rolled over her like a tide. “They’re looking good out there, aren’t they?”

Her breath snagged, a glitch in her system. She didn’t turn—not yet—letting the sound of him sink in, warm and rough-edged, a tether she’d know blind. Slowly, she pivoted, and there he was: Joe, still in his WWE travel gear—black hoodie, faded jeans—his dark hair pulled back, that smile breaking across his face like sunlight piercing a storm. “Joe,” she gasped, and then she was moving, crashing into his arms. He caught her, lifting her off the ground with an ease that made her heart stutter, and she buried her face in his chest, breathing in road dust, sweat, and him.

“You’re here,” she choked out, her voice thick with tears she hadn’t known were waiting. “How?”

“Show wrapped early,” he said, setting her down but keeping her close, his hands framing her waist. “Drove like hell from Orlando—broke every speed limit I could. No way I was missing their first game, not with you here holding it all together.” He tilted her face up, his thumb brushing her cheek, and kissed her—slow and deep, a vow pressed into her lips. Her knees buckled, and she clung to his hoodie, the world shrinking to the heat of his breath and the steady thud of his heart against her palms.

Camila’s voice sliced through the haze. “Well, hot damn! The big man arrives!” She threw her arms out, grinning like a ringleader. “Joe, you’re late, but you’re forgiven ‘cause you just turned Isla into a rom-com heroine. Get over here—my vocal cords need a break!”

Joe chuckled, a rumble that vibrated through Isla, and clapped Camila on the shoulder. “You’re a force, Cam. What’d I miss?”

“Marco’s throwing lasers, Mateo’s inventing new moves, and I’m the MVP of the stands,” she said, tossing her hair with a flourish. “Oh, and I’ve got half the dads up there eating out of my hand—catch up, big guy.”

The whistle blew for the second half, and Joe planted himself beside Isla, his presence a steady hum against her side. “MARCO! LET IT FLY!” he roared, his voice shaking the bleachers. Marco’s head snapped up, and a grin—bright and unshackled—broke across his face, banishing the shadows that had clung to him. Mateo flailed his arms, nearly tripping over his own feet, and Joe hollered, “MATEO, YOU’RE THE MAN!” The twins fed off it, their strides lengthening, their eyes blazing with something fierce and new.

The game tightened, the score seesawing as the minutes bled away. Isla’s nails dug into her palms, her breath hitching with every snap. Then it happened—Marco dropped back, his small frame taut with focus, and launched a spiral that sliced through the air like a comet trailing fire. Mateo, weaving downfield, stretched his arms, the ball kissing his fingertips before he tucked it tight. He stumbled, giggled, then bolted, dodging a defender with a wild, zigzagging leap that landed him in the end zone, grass-stained and triumphant. The crowd exploded, a tidal wave of sound, and Joe swept Isla into his arms, spinning her as laughter tore from his chest. “That’s our boys!” he said, his voice raw and breaking with pride. She clung to him, tears spilling hot down her cheeks, the joy too vast to hold.

The final whistle shrieked—14-10, a victory—and the field dissolved into pandemonium. Marco and Mateo sprinted straight for Joe, who dropped to his knees as they slammed into him, a tangle of sweaty limbs and helmets. “You came!” Marco sobbed, burying his face in Joe’s chest, his small hands fisting the hoodie. Mateo latched onto Joe’s arm, chanting, “You saw my touchdown! You saw it!”

Joe folded them into a bear hug, his voice thick as he pressed his forehead to theirs. “I saw it all, buddies. You’re unreal—I’m so proud I could burst.” He pulled back, ruffling their damp hair, and looked up at Isla over their heads, his eyes glistening with something that made her chest ache. She stepped closer, her hand finding his shoulder, and he reached up to cover it with his own, anchoring her there in the storm of it all.

Camila swooped in, her voice hoarse but fierce. “My little champs! I knew you’d crush it—didn’t I say so?” She ruffled their hair, then smirked at Joe. “You’re on uncle duty now, mister—I’m stealing a nap before I crash. Isla, keep him in line.”

Joe stood, pulling Isla against his side, his arm a warm weight across her shoulders. “How about a sleepover at our place?” he said, glancing at the twins. “Give Cam a break, let these champs celebrate.”

Mateo’s eyes lit up. “Yes! Can we watch Spider-Man?”

Marco nodded, quieter but eager. “And stay up late?”

Isla laughed, leaning into Joe. “Sure thing. Let’s make it a night.”

Camila grinned, clapping Joe on the back. “You’re a saint. I’ll swing by tomorrow—don’t let them con you into too much candy.” She hugged the twins, whispering something that made them giggle, then waved as she headed to her car, throwing a playful wink at the Bucs-cap guy as she passed.

The drive to Isla’s condo was a symphony of chatter, the twins’ voices tumbling over each other in the backseat of Joe’s SUV. “I threw it so far!” Marco said, his hands mimicking the arc. “And I ran like—zoom!” Mateo added, kicking his legs against the seat. Isla leaned her head on Joe’s shoulder, her hand resting on his thigh, the hum of the engine blending with the warmth of his presence. He glanced down, his free hand covering hers, and the look in his eyes—soft, steady—made her heart skip.

Her condo was a sleek sanctuary on the edge of downtown St. Pete—floor-to-ceiling windows framing the glittering skyline, soft grays offset by pops of teal that screamed her style. The twins barreled through the door, shedding cleats and pads in a trail of chaos. “Whoa, your TV’s huge!” Mateo said, flopping onto the couch. Marco lingered by the kitchen counter, eyeing the bowl of apples like a strategist plotting his next move.

“Shower first, champs,” Isla said, pointing down the hall. “You smell like a locker room.”

Joe chuckled, nudging them toward the bathroom. “Go on, listen to your cousin. I’ll handle snacks.”

By the time the twins emerged—scrubbed clean, in mismatched pajamas from Isla’s stash of guest clothes—the living room was a fortress of blankets and pillows. Joe had raided the pantry, setting out popcorn, apple slices, and a sneaky stash of gummy worms he’d smuggled from his gym bag. “Don’t tell Isla about these,” he whispered, winking at the twins, though Isla caught it and rolled her eyes with a grin.

They settled in for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the twins sprawled across the couch, Isla tucked against Joe’s side, his arm draped over her shoulders. She nestled closer, her legs curled under her, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her arm as the movie flickered across the screen. Mateo whooped when Miles Morales swung through the city, his small fist pumping the air. “That’s me—flying down the field!” he said, and Joe laughed, deep and warm, the sound rumbling through Isla’s chest.

“More like tumbling,” Marco teased, but his eyes sparkled, glued to the action. Isla watched them, her heart swelling—their energy, their joy, the way Joe’s presence seemed to stitch them all together. She tipped her head back, catching his gaze, and he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering until her breath hitched. “Love this,” he murmured, low enough for just her, and she squeezed his hand, her fingers lacing through his.

Halfway through, Mateo’s head lolled onto Marco’s shoulder, his soft snores blending with the movie’s soundtrack. Marco stifled a yawn, his eyes heavy but stubborn, fighting sleep like it was a fourth-quarter defense. Isla smiled, brushing a hand through his hair. “You’re fading, QB.”

“Alright, heroes,” Joe said, pausing the film. “Time for bed.”

The twins groaned but followed him to the guest room, a cozy nook with twin beds draped in navy comforters. Isla lingered in the doorway as Joe knelt between the beds, tucking Mateo in first. “You were a rocket out there today,” he said, ruffling his hair. “Dream big, okay?”

Mateo grinned sleepily. “I’m gonna score ten touchdowns next time.”

“That’s my guy.” Joe moved to Marco, pulling the blanket up to his chin. “And you, QB—those throws were fire. I’m proud of you.”

Marco’s smile was shy but real. “Thanks, Joe.”

As Joe stood to leave, Mateo’s voice piped up, small but curious. “Joe, are you and Isla gonna get married? ‘Cause then you’d be our cousin for real, forever.”

Marco nodded, clutching his blanket. “Yeah, are you?”

Joe froze, then sank back onto the edge of Marco’s bed, his expression softening into something so tender it made Isla’s heart clench. He glanced at her in the doorway, his eyes holding hers for a beat—warm, unguarded—then turned back to the twins. “You two wanna know something?” he said, his voice low and warm, like he was sharing a secret just for them. “Your cousin Isla—she’s my best buddy in the whole world. She makes me happy every day, like when you score a touchdown or catch a big pass. I love her a ton, and yeah, I wanna marry her someday ‘cause I wanna keep her with me always. But you know what? We’re already a team—you, me, Isla, Camila. Like the Avengers, but cooler. I’m not going anywhere, okay? You’re my little champs, and that’s forever.”

Mateo’s grin spread wide, his eyes half-closed. “Good. I like you being our cousin.”

Marco’s voice was quieter, but steady. “Me too.”

Isla’s throat tightened, tears pricking as she leaned against the doorframe, overwhelmed by the simplicity of it—Joe’s words, so honest and clear, wrapping the twins in a promise they could grasp. He leaned down, kissing Mateo’s forehead, then Marco’s, and stood, crossing to Isla. His hand found hers, squeezing gently, and he pressed a soft kiss to her lips, right there in the dim light. “Love you,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.

“Love you too,” she whispered, her voice barely holding.

They flicked off the light, leaving the twins to drift into dreams, and slipped back to the living room. Isla curled into Joe on the couch, her head on his chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm under her cheek. The St. Petersburg skyline glittered beyond the windows, a mosaic of light and shadow, and she traced the lines of his hand, memorizing the moment. The twins’ triumph, Joe’s race to their side, Camila’s fire—it was a messy, beautiful thread, binding them tight. This was her heart laid bare—loud, chaotic, and stitched with love she’d never trade.

Hey, lovelies—thanks for diving into Isla, Joe, and the twins’ little world with me! This story’s close to my heart—those messy, beautiful family moments that make you laugh, cry, and hold on tight. Did Marco’s nerves hit you in the feels? Did Joe’s surprise make you swoon? Or maybe Camila’s chaos had you giggling—I wanna know! Drop a comment with your favorite part, tell me about your own family game-night heroes, or just yell about how much you love these goofballs. Reblog if it tugged your heartstrings (or if you’d fight for a sleepover with Joe too). Let’s keep the love going—your thoughts mean everything to me! 💙

[utilitycaster]

EXU Divergence playlist

I made this a few weeks ago and forgot to post!

Change on the Rise - Avi Kaplan

Full Moon - The Black Ghosts

If I Had a Hammer - Pete Seeger

The Beast and Dragon, Adored - Spoon

Skeleton Key - Dessa

Meet Me in the Woods - Lord Huron

Your Protector - Fleet Foxes

The Lion's Roar - First Aid Kit

Woke Up New - The Mountain Goats

Fast Slow Disco - St. Vincent

Snakes and Ladders - Basia Bulat

Don't Carry it All - The Decemberists

General arc thereof: first and last songs are very much thematic to the work overall and apply I think throughout. Songs 2-6 cover the party (Nia, Garen, Crokas, Fiedra, Erro if there was any doubt). Songs 7-8 cover the middle two episodes and to an extent the NPCs of Torm's Hill as well as some of the PCs during that part of the story; open to interpretation, and also works for the quieter parts of episode 4. Song 9 is a post-break up song that works very well actually for the complicated vibe of Divergence-era Vasselheim. Song 10 is about the gods leaving and particularly the final scenes. Song 11 serves also as sort of an overall thematic point about the nature of Divergence - whether the gods among themselves, or the gods and mortals - as well as a nod to the metanarrative.

I made the playlist mostly pre-episode 4, and following that I decided to stick more with vibes than anything literal - I really did think about throwing something on there for the Asmodeus fight but really it's just Change on the Rise (reprise) more than like, a metal song about the devil.

[ladybutterfly]

Pete: "Edie, that thing tried to kill us..." -sighs watching her pet the dangerous plant- -St. Cloud turns & starts telling Edith about the plant-

silly scene edit because I loved the image of Edith vibing in the background with Pei while Pete & Billy are talking with St. Cloud ~

(also I just really love St. Cloud trying to impress Edith...)

Edith/edit ~ Mine

[floridakilo]

no shower bc bathroom was full of roaches and bloodstains so im covered in concert sweat and motel grime vending machine coffee in hand…would be a vibe if not for thee fact i still got 3+ more hours of driving ahead of me and i cant even go chill in tampa/st pete bc i got work tonight at 4…hello…

[winnerkirkwood]

Hiii, hope you're doing well!! I was wondering if you could maybe explain p2p gate and pretty much the whole McLaughlin-Newgarden/bus bros falling out to me since I'm only recently getting into IndyCar and I want to be caught up with the lord before the 500. Or if you know of someone else's explanation that may I help if really appreciate it! Have a great day! <3

yeah no problem! i know it's pretty confusing learning about indycar stuff at first

@champagnepodiums has a great breakdown of the bus bros falling out here, but tldr scott and josef were friends/teammates who created a youtube series together. it did really well and got very popular. eventually the vibes during episodes got pretty weird, and josef and scott decided that they wanted to stop the series, and announced it in this january.

push to pass is a boost, and it can only be used at certain times during the race (not on starts/restarts) and for a certain number of seconds. During long beach, indycar realized that team penske had a way of blocking their race controls override switch, meaning that team penske had access to push to pass during starts and restarts during st. pete (1st race of the season). Josef had used 9 seconds of push to pass, and scott had used 1.5 seconds during st pete. They both were disqualified. josef had won and scott got third, so it was pretty major disqualifications.

this is were it kind of gets into he-said she-said, we don't know the full story of what happened territory. the team said that they didn't know about push to pass being active, and that it was an error from testing. Scott put out a statement saying that he was unaware that push to pass was active, and that he had not meant to use it. josef hosted a press conference where he said that his crew knew that push to pass was active and he had meant to use it, but he thought that there was a rule change and that using push to pass during restarts was allowed. all of the stories contradict each other, and how much you believe each person is kind of up to you.

people from team penske have been suspended for the indy 500, including tim cindric who is both team principal and works with josef newgarden.

[brianjamesphoto]

Photographing actor Jonathan Stoddard in studio was a blast. Check out the IG (@ brianjamesphoto) for a little BTS video to get an idea of the fun.

Jonathan was in Florida shooting a film and we connected to make some new photos for his book. He came to my studio here in St. Pete with a few outfits and we put together some lighting and set ideas. The collaborative process between the two of us was a breeze, as Jonathan has also done a lot of photography work in his past. Sometimes I feel that helps having experience on both sides of the lens. It was cool to just vibe and make images that fit both of our styles. I believe we hit a solid mix of commercial meets fashion, and edgy meets approachable. Very happy with the results.

Thank you Jonathan for being as cool as you look.

[thousandyearphantombunker]

if the human RWBY characters were faunus

Rubes is a dog faunus. Not a wolf but a domestic dog idk which breed tho. A husky? or St Benard or a Great Pyrenees (they fight fucking bears)

Weiss is either a penguin or swan to me. Maybe a shark if you were into the Great Weiss Shark au like I was (still kind of am). Winter and the rest of her family would obviously be the same type of faunus

Yang is also a dog like Ruby! That's if tai is the parent they take after- that or she's a raven- Or if I was going only on vibes maybe a bear. Lion or tiger maybe?

Jaune is a rabbit. Fight me he's a rabbit. He has like 7 sisters and loves pumpkin pete and was the white rabbit in the girl who fell through the well, his steed was a jackalope. He's a bun bun. Bunny boi.

Nora is a sugar glider or squirrel.

Pyrrha is a pigeon or olm or idk shark. I wanted something with magnetoreception but I'm settling on making her a horse faunus or maybe an ant? An owl? I never really vibes with her being Achilles () so maybe athena's animal association can work better? Or something graceful. Maybe an elk or deer because they are powerful and elegant? I have no fucking clue

Ren is a snake or a cool bug to me. Idk why maybe it's the green he gives off reptile and insect vibes

Qrow is a crow faunus obviously. And Raven is a raven.

Glynda is a butterfly or something fairy like. Maybe a dragonfly? Glynda in the og wizard of Oz was a fey!

Ironwood is a snow leopard or idk maybe I'll make him the pigeon instead of Pyrrha. An Ironwood who uses his tail as a blanky vs War pigeon Ironwood. Either way the image is hilarious

Oscar is a lamb or goat

Ozpin is a cat. I'm not explaining myself.

Cinder is a mouse

Mercury is a falcon or hummingbird or something that's fast and flies

Emerald is a mantis

Neo is a monkey or a type of bird that can mimic people

Roman is a donkey or a wolf (big bad wolf and the founders of Rome where in legend raised by a wolf) a Halloweeny animal. Not a bat proably a cat. An alley cat? I'm really into him being a wolf though

Watts is a weasel

Hazel is a badger or ox.

Salem is obviously a spider

I'm not doing everyone but Robyn Hill is a fox.

[airslinger1]

Planning to Be Out All Day at July Events? Prep Your HVAC for Comfort When You Return

Planning to Be Out All Day at July Events? Prep Your HVAC for Comfort When You Return

Tampa Bay families know how to celebrate summer. July brings an exciting lineup of outdoor events—from the sweet treats of the Tampa Bay Ice Cream Festival and the fun vibes at Gulfport GeckoFest to the fireworks of Fourth of July celebrations, dance nights, local fairs, and family-friendly community days.

But after a long day under the blazing Florida sun, the last thing you want is to come home to a hot, stuffy house. Without proper HVAC prep, your return could feel more like a heatwave than a cool-down.

If you’re planning to be out all day at July’s many events in Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough County, here’s how to get your HVAC system ready in advance—so you can return to true comfort.

☀️ Summer Events That Will Keep You Busy (and Sweaty)

Here are just a few events that will have families out and about this July:

Fourth of July Festivities (Clearwater, St. Pete, Tampa)

Red, White & BOOM Festival (Pasco)

St. Pete Cupcake Contest

Pasco 4‑H Summer Day Camps

Youth Pride & Family Day

Weekend Swing Jams & Dance Parties

Hillsborough County Fair

Propagation 101 Workshops & Mosquitofish Giveaway

With these and dozens more on the calendar, it’s safe to say your AC will be on its own for hours. So give it the support it needs.

✅ HVAC Prep Checklist: What to Do Before You Head Out

1. Set Your Thermostat Efficiently

Don’t turn your system off while you’re out—it will only work harder (and cost more) when you get back. Instead:

Set the thermostat 3–5°F higher while you're away.

Use a programmable or smart thermostat to begin cooling before you return.

Avoid drastic changes that shock the system.

Example: If you like 74°F when home, set it to 78°F during the day and schedule it to return to 74°F 30–45 minutes before you get back.

2. Close Curtains and Blinds

Blocking direct sunlight reduces indoor heat gain by up to 30%.

Use blackout curtains in sun-facing rooms.

Close blinds in unused rooms for maximum cooling efficiency.

3. Seal Doors and Windows

Warm air sneaks in through gaps and leaks. Before leaving:

Check weather stripping around doors.

Use draft stoppers or door snakes at the base of doors.

Seal small window gaps with removable caulking.

4. Clean or Replace Air Filters

July is peak allergy and dust season in Florida, especially after outdoor activities. Dirty filters make your AC work harder, reducing airflow and indoor air quality.

Replace filters every 30–60 days, or sooner if:

You have pets.

You've recently been gardening or attended outdoor nature events (like Propagation 101).

Your HVAC system is running constantly.

5. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Before the big July rush:

Book a professional AC check-up.

Ensure coils, refrigerant levels, and drain lines are all in top shape.

Prevent emergency breakdowns during a busy weekend or after a full festival day.

📍 Need help? Reach out to local experts:

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6. Clear Your Outdoor Unit

Your condenser unit needs room to breathe while you’re out and it’s running all day. Before leaving:

Clear any grass, leaves, or debris.

Trim nearby bushes to give 2 feet of clearance.

Make sure there’s nothing blocking airflow.

🧊 Bonus Tips for Returning to a Cool Home

Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for quick cooling when you walk in.

Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air—make sure they spin counterclockwise in summer.

Keep chilled drinks ready in the fridge to hydrate after long outdoor hours.

🔧 Watch for Signs Your System Needs Service Before July

Don’t wait for a breakdown to act. If you notice:

Unusual noises

Warm air blowing from vents

Uneven cooling across rooms

Moisture around your unit

A musty or burning smell

…it’s time to call an expert. Especially before events like Red, White & BOOM, Cupcake Contests, or county fairs, when HVAC appointments fill up quickly.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Prep Now, Party Later

Whether you're dancing under the stars at the Independence Day Dinner & Dance, volunteering at the Pasco County Alliance Breakfast, or watching your kids enjoy 4-H Summer Camps, July is all about celebrating. But coming home should feel like a reward—not a heat trap.

Take an hour today to prep your HVAC system—and ensure that your house stays as cool as your summer plans.

Need AC help today? Call 📞 Call +1 727 815 3334 https://airslinger.com a local  your trusted air conditioning companies in Pinellas County or Pasco County Florida and beat the heat before it beats you!

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[cdrecre]

The Best Commercial Real Estate for Business Owners in St. Petersburg

When you think of St. Petersburg, Florida, beaches, art walks, and waterfront cafés probably come to mind. But here's the twist—this sunny slice of paradise isn't just for tourists and retirees. It's become a magnet for entrepreneurs, startups, and seasoned business owners looking to stake their claim in a thriving market.

With a business-friendly climate, a rapidly growing population, and a vibrant downtown scene, commercial real estate in St. Petersburg has become some of the most sought-after properties on Florida’s west coast.

Downtown St. Pete: Where Culture and Commerce Collide

If you're dreaming of foot traffic, skyline views, and walkable blocks packed with energy, look no further than Downtown St. Petersburg. This area is booming with new construction, office towers, and mixed-use spaces that blend retail, restaurants, and professional services under one trendy roof.

Great for: Law firms, tech startups, creative agencies

Perks: Close to transit, high visibility, modern amenities

Downtown’s eclectic vibe offers a unique blend of history and innovation—perfect for businesses wanting both charm and edge.

Warehouse Arts District: Creativity Meets Commerce

Now, if you’re the kind of business that thrives off of bold ideas and a touch of grit, the Warehouse Arts District is your stomping ground. This revitalized neighborhood is full of flexible commercial spaces—think old factories turned into trendy showrooms or co-working hubs.

Great for: Artists, event planners, specialty retail

Vibe: Industrial chic meets urban cool

Added bonus: Lower lease rates compared to downtown

With the city's support for the arts and creative industries, this district is quickly becoming a hub for out-of-the-box businesses.

Midtown & Grand Central: Underrated Yet Unmissable

Don’t overlook Midtown St. Pete and the Grand Central District—they’re the rising stars of the commercial real estate scene. With ongoing redevelopment and a growing buzz among locals, these neighborhoods offer affordable opportunities with room to grow.

Great for: Restaurants, health and wellness centers, boutique shops

What’s brewing: New housing projects, community revitalization efforts

Best part: Less competition, more upside potential

Business owners who get in now could ride the wave as these areas continue to evolve into prime commercial hotspots.

Gateway Area: Built for Business

Need a little more elbow room? The Gateway District is a no-brainer for companies looking for scalability and easy highway access. Located near I-275 and the Howard Frankland Bridge, it’s a commercial powerhouse with office parks, tech campuses, and logistics facilities.

Ideal for: Corporate offices, call centers, distribution hubs

Highlights: Ample parking, spacious layouts, proximity to Tampa Bay

Why it works: Practical, professional, and primed for growth

If convenience and connectivity are top priorities, Gateway’s got you covered.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the ideal commercial real estate in St. Petersburg isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it depends on your vision, industry, and budget. Whether you're a bold entrepreneur launching your first venture or a seasoned pro expanding your footprint, St. Pete offers a variety of options.

From artsy enclaves to sleek business corridors, this city has space that doesn’t just fit your business—it fuels it.

Would you be open to taking action? Now is the time to establish your presence in Florida’s fastest-growing business haven.

Source: https://cdrecre.com/commercial-space/the-best-commercial-real-estate-for-business-owners-in-st-petersburg/

[tampabaycontests]

Win passes for St Pete Country Festival

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[fflickerfade]

The Ex Files

A retrospective, of sorts, exploring past relationships and reflecting on their true impact. I aimed for total accountability, heartfelt memories, and some humor. Please enjoy.

TW;SA

Kevin/Kim (Sept 2011 - Sept 2016)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

My first official relationship. We met on Reddit in a local R4R sub. We both enjoyed nature, Zen Buddhism, indie music, and a host of other things that made for a fast and deep connection. There were ten years between us (18 & 28) but it was never an issue in the slightest; they taught me a lot about life, and I believe I offered a wellspring of optimism that was greatly appreciated. It was seamless. We both felt out-of-place and like we didn't really belong in the present, and we expressed that through our art and various crafts. We traveled all across the state together and explored a mutual love of the outdoors by camping, kayaking, and occasionally fucking out in the wild. I bought us a 30-year-old RV, which we planned to live in full-time and travel the country camp-hosting in various state & national parks & forests. (The thing was a clunker though, and we made it as far as south-central Georgia before it shit the bed for good.) We did end up taking a singular camp-hosting gig for the summer before admitting defeat and returning to St. Pete with our tails between our legs. After that, we moved out of their parents' house where we'd spent two wonderful years together and into our first apartment. Kim began her transition at this time -- I supported her wholeheartedly and loved her to pieces. I never allowed myself to admit how much it hurt to lose "Kevin", though.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

We did begin to grow apart throughout her transition, and I felt somewhat stifled. This being my first relationship, I wanted to see "what else was out there". We opened the relationship, and I fucked around and ended up falling hard for a different jackass on this list. Takeaway: I am actually capable of being wholly loved, and the relationship's demise will likely always be my fault due to my wandering eye.

Alex (Aug 2014-June 2016)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

He was a neighbor in our first apartment complex. He like... emitted low self-esteem and softness, and I was really attracted to that. He was a little bit of an incel and generally unkind to women. We drank together a shit ton, partied too hard, and fell into a super dysfunctional romance. He liked that he could indulge in his romantic impulses with me without any deeper expectations; to some extent I liked being treated like shit and having my budding alcoholism fully supported.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

I ended this for the same reason (or really, person) as Kim. Alex wanted more of the romance over time... perhaps he genuinely did develop real & deep feelings for me over time. I'm sure he was crushed when Kim and I left him. He allowed me to shed the "good girl" complex that had plagued me entering adulthood, and ushered in the shameless hedonism that followed for years to come.

Riley (2014-2015)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

A coworker with an incredibly chill vibe and a compatible mind. He had an air of determination and self-assuredness that was really captivating. I loved talking with him and spending stolen moments together. He was different than anyone else I'd known up to that point, and he was direct in communicating what he liked about me and to what extent he wanted us to be friends. A healthy boundary-setter, I suppose.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

Once again, I started getting more serious and more wrapped-up in the person to come. (I think his on-again/off-again thing with his girl had picked back up, as well.) Riley did teach me that I valued having someone to just hang with and find a comfortable level of vulnerability & intimacy with, without it becoming an end-all-be-all thing.

James (late 2015-mid 2018)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

This was the one. As in, Thee One. I met him at work and became positively obsessed with him. His sense of humor, the way he navigated his sense of self through others around him, his shitty attitude that revealed a longing for more; for better. I had to have him in whatever regard I could get him. I still vividly remember our first date: one of the English bars in South Pasadena, where we talked both in a booth and at the bar (?) and shared our stories with one another, the attraction was there, and we ended up at his place. He was very intelligent and knew it, was deeply unhappy with himself and his surroundings, and liked me juuust enough to keep me hooked. I wanted everything with him -- to this day, he is still the only man I've envisioned having biological children with, the white picket fence, the whole nine yards. He was an alcoholic and a narcissist, but I had it BAD. My world began and ended with him. I asked Kim to please leave my life, I stopped associating with Alex, I no longer cared to know or see most other people that were not him... my every waking moment not spent at work was spent with him or to further my ability to see him again. Eventually I moved him in with me at the Tyrone apartment. This sparked a slow but positive change in him, and he began to focus on piecing a career together again. I was frustrated with retail, but couldn't make heads or tails of the world around me outside of him in order to get my footing anywhere else. We continued to drink too much and get into reckless bullshit together. It became apparent over time that our relationship was very one-sided, and he verbally admitted more than once that he wasn't "in" love with me & felt guilty for the ways he took advantage of my love. Not valuing myself in the slightest, I didn't care. I just had to be with him. Things gradually got worse. I started gaining weight, and we stopped being physically intimate. I would catch him talking with his friends on the phone (loudly & closely enough for me to definitely overhear) about how he wasn't attracted to me and wanted out. It was humiliating. Again, it wasn't enough to end things. The drinking and the resentment began to ramp up. Things were going badly enough that I finally did take action, quit my shitty job, and went back to school at this time -- positives that I centered around him, because of the way he spoke about wanting to be with someone more accomplished. He started stepping out -- he half-assedly attempted to cover his tracks, but it was clear that he began dating again while we were still sharing a bed and a one-bedroom apartment. When I confronted him about this, he would deny it but once again remind me that he wasn't happy and wanted to leave. Things escalated, I couldn't stand it anymore, and I got... violent, which is not part of my personality. It was a terrible few months until he finally left and rented a room from a stranger. It was another terrible few months, because he would reach out to me when he was in-between girlfriends and was bored. He knew I would always be available to him, would always pick up the phone, would always be pathetically ecstatic to fill any downtime.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

He met his now-wife. That's what finally ended the madness & the degrading bullshit. The more serious they got, the more he finally left me alone so I could possibly attempt to start healing. It took years, and in some ways I believe I am still healing from that relationship. I had wrapped so much of my personhood up in him that -- without him -- I had no self-esteem, no sense of direction, no clue who I was and what I liked or needed. All of that had been dictated by him for years. All events that transpired after this have been part of an earnest attempt at reclaiming what I had lost.

[Now, we get into the fun (and horrifying) stuff.]

Nathan (May 2018-Nov 2018)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

We met at our neighborhood bar, Abbey Road. I was there, drinking alone and trying to absorb -- as if through osmosis -- some vibes from those around me less rank than my own. I had half a beer left and needed to use the bathroom, so I turned to the stranger next to me and asked if he could watch my drink. He had his shoulder-length blond hair in a headband and a quiet but firm demeanor... something told me I could trust him. He agreed to. I left and came back, pleasantly surprised that he was actively guarding my drink. I took a chance on drinking the rest, doubting that he had spiked it but still reasonably paranoid. We got to talking the rest of the night, enough time passed that I became sure that he hadn't messed with it, and we ended up going back to his place shortly before final call to smoke a bowl and watch Planet Earth. He was such a chill guy and he made me feel safe during a time in my life when I was so proactively endangering myself. We ended up linking several times and I would often end up crashing at his place. He worked in a behavioral health facility, and had a kind heart. I liked him, but we never made anything more of it.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

I was out of control by this time, truthfully, and his firm demeanor didn't really allow for my brand of asinine horseshit. Leading up to me being banned from Abbey, we had started to catch each other less and less, and frankly he respected himself too much to get wrapped up in whatever I was doing. He reminded me that there was a world in which I could live without chaos -- and showed me the reality that I simply didn't care to pursue that.

Aidan (late 2016-early 2017)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

We met back in the glory days of OkCupid (back when it was easier to infuse your actual personality into your profile) during the brief period when James and I had broken up. Aidan was cool as fuck -- punk and poetic with a killer sense of humor that I really jived with. We went on a couple of dates, mostly at his stomping grounds: a kava bar, Bula On The Beach (and later, its city counterpart in Central St. Pete). He was gorgeous, had striking green eyes and a soft voice. His friends quietly revealed to me that he'd been gushing about me to them, and expressed their excitement at how great we seemed together. I was comfortable with him, and it felt like Something(TM).

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

Getting back together with James was one of the greatest mistakes of my life. I really liked Aidan, but could not break free from the pull of my sick relationship with James. Aidan was very hurt, and (UNDERSTANDABLY) did not speak to me for a year or so after I shrewdly tossed him aside. After things finally ended with James for good, I spent too much time reminiscing about Aidan and awkwardly -- embarassingly -- tried to rekindle things & pick up where we left off... but he had already moved on. We hung out a few more times and went to see Hozier together when he came to town, but it was clear that we would not be together going forward. Disappointed and hurt, this was somehow the first time I'd realized that you can't treat people like shit and still expect things to work out in your favor. When you harm other people, they have every right to resent and avoid you.

Warren (off and on late 2016-mid 2020)

[This one is painful for me to recount. I'm also struggling to decide if this belongs here or further along timeline-wise, but it shares a thread with my takeaway on Aidan -- so here goes.]

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

Warren was... a toy to me. That's as bluntly as I can put it. We met at work. He was younger, gave off a very intense energy despite being extremely quiet and outwardly chill, and had great taste in music. He would steal glances at me in a way that betrayed his interest, and I was curious to give him a try. We started talking, stealing away for little lunch dates during our shifts, and I grew to like him. He was remarkably wise for someone so young and saw the world in a complex way similar to myself [a fellow Aquarian]. We could talk about absolutely anything and understood each other deeply. He was always down for adventures and became my go-to co-explorer around the city. He was a safe sounding board for my chaos, and I always felt like I took advantage of him in this way; he made it easy for me to seek reassurance and attention from him.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

I split off from him literally any time someone who held even the slightest bit more allure came into my sight. I abandoned him many times over, and always expected him to be there when I was done. And he was. Faithfully. Over the years, he grew resentful of this and started becoming all too comfortable with calling me out on my bullshit. Warranted, to an extent, but it was unsettling how much he seemed to relish in verbally accosting me. I didn't understand why someone that hurt by my actions would continue welcoming me back... a sadomasochistic dynamic definitely crept into our relationship by this time. Amidst the other relationships listed here, I'd hit up Warren any time I'd get drunk and vulnerable and he'd be there.

I was in bad shape, had started blacking out nightly, and wasn't remembering much of what happened during my late-night escapades. I would be aghast to wake up in the mornings, pussy sore with a used condom in the trash, and have no recollection of the sex. This became so common and deeply disturbing that I begged him to please stop having sex with me, because if I wasn't conscious at the time, then I wasn't really consenting. He would smirk and brush it off. Then he continued doing it, along with violating my body in other ways that I very much remembered because they'd be in the daytime when I was sober. It got to be too much, I broke it off for good, and blocked his number.

Cut to a few months later. There were two open units directly adjacent to mine in my apartment complex. One day, a UHaul truck pulls up out front, and who hops out? The ex I haven't spoken a word to in half a year, who I would've been very content to have never laid eyes on again. Moving. In. I panicked so badly. I lost control. I went on a bender that I didn't pull myself out of for many months after, when I'd long moved and resettled in Illinois. The handful of months between when he moved in and when I left were some of the darkest of my life. We became intertwined again during that time, and it resulted in injuries -- both physical and psychological -- that I don't have the stomach to recount here. The takeaway? I guess it finally laid my nonsense to rest. I would never, ever again take advantage of someone the way I did him, knowing that it opens the door to them inflicting worse damage back onto you, perhaps justifiably.

Austin (June/July 2019)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

"My little Canadian". How we connected is lost to time, but this was a random dude on facebook who I started talking to and cosplayed some bizarre long-distance relationship with. He was an addict from North Battleford, Saskatchewan who had an endearingly weird sense of humor and no boundaries. We would text and video chat at length, and I suppose he gave me some kind of attention and approval that I wasn't receiving IRL.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

He was mentally unstable, and I quickly got tired of the whiplash between when he would viciously insult me/my body/my personality and then act like everything was good and normal again. This interaction was probably the one that taught me that LDRs would never be valid, in my eyes.

Tim (late 2018?-July 2019)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

As with Austin: I don't recall how we began speaking, but it was also through facebook. He would send me dick pics and videos of him jerking off at work, which I enjoyed and encouraged. He would request certain pictures and videos from me, I would oblige (mostly for fun or out of boredom/just wanting approval), and he would pay me for them. We also remained friendly, would talk about our lives and partners, shared music, etc. It was a decent arrangement while it lasted.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

It ended shortly after I met Ricky for reasons I'll get into later. Once that relationship ended, we never got back into the swing of things. My time knowing Tim set an unusual precedent in my life of enjoying a relationship that blurred the lines of friendship and prostitution with no real material consequences.

Cody (May-June 2019)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

Yet another facebook dude -- this time, however, I remember exactly how I found him. He ran a meme page called sadboi.exe and I was hooked. Very cute, a little trashy, very e-boy-coded. We flirted for a bit while I was regaining my footing self-esteem-wise and it gave me a mostly harmless but still objectively unhealthy outlet for unresolved feelings.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

He was talking to other girls and got bored with me. I was also ramping up on my psycho bullshit again and knew I was being annoying. I'm mostly including him because I believe he was a spiritual predecessor to Andy -- Cody lived in Illinois as well, and it was the first time I'd really stopped to consider: "Would I move halfway across the country to be with someone if the situation felt right?"

Shay (June 2019)

[Understand that I am panting like a horny cartoon wolf and fighting to keep myself from imploding while writing this one.]

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

To this day, Shay is one of the most attractive human beings I've ever laid eyes on. He was a student on my college campus, and I would positively die every time he walked through the doors of my bookstore. He had swagger and unparalleled confidence as he moved; gorgeous sandy-brown hair that fell perfectly around his face; eyes so penetrating that my heart would stop when we interacted; and an unintentional flirtation in his voice that was as intimidating as it was inviting. [As I write this now, I'm wondering for the very first time: did I actually want to fuck him, or did I really just want to BE him? Much to consider.] He lived on a boat harbored out at the beach, and had the air of a well-off sailboat dude who really understands and lives life differently than the rest of us landlubbers. The stars aligned one night when I was drunk and brazen enough to shoot my shot, I DM'd him on instagram with a link to Liz Phair's song "Flower" and the message "spitroast me [skull emoji]". It worked. We chatted back and forth for the next week, and by the following weekend, we had made plans for him to come over so I could "help him with his pre-calc homework". I was so fucking geeked leading up to that night, I couldn't keep my head straight. I spent the evening before he arrived excitedly chatting with my neighbor-friends and getting white-girl wasted on white zin. He arrived, I invited him in, and after distractedly muttering a few pleasantries, he ripped my clothes off and led me to my own bed like he owned the place. Between the headrush of what was happening, being physically intimate with this (THIS) man, and the wine -- I couldn't even tell what direction was up. He flipped me around on my bed so many times, trying positions that I would say were impossible if we weren't actively doing them, and he freely explored my body in a way that nobody else had ever had the confidence to. The thing is? He never penetrated me. He got off with me blowing him (for which he expressed shockingly sincere gratitude??), and once we cleaned up and caught our breath... he legitimately walked over to the backpack that he'd brought, got out his laptop and textbook, and immediately tried to get my help with his pre-calculus. I was taken aback, having assumed that was part of the ruse that we all come up with when making plans to hook up. He was serious, and seemed a little irritated himself when I blathered about how long it'd been since I took that subject and how I was rusty... in reality, I was fucking drunk and had just performed bedroom acrobatics, and couldn't even begin to focus on math. He left shortly thereafter, and we never hung out again.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

It was a one-time thing, despite my best efforts. I did try to make the spitroast happen, but it simply never materialized. He always had way more going on in his life that he would never divulge. I eventually got to the point where I no longer nearly passed out (from the blood rush to my pussy) anytime I saw him. All said and done: I will always be grateful for the self-esteem boost that fucking him gave me. If I could hook THAT, I could essentially expect to hook literally anyone I wanted if I just embodied real confidence. For better or worse, that was my takeaway.

Ricky (July 2019-Dec 2019)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

The Meet-Cute. I was feeling myself extra hard one day, exploring downtown with a fresh haircut and a killer outfit. I stopped in at one of my favorite bars and was enjoying a drink out on the patio alone when he approached me. He gave me some brief background on why he was asking (I didn't care), but was there someplace nearby that I would recommend to grab a bite? I pointed over my shoulder to the Mexican restaurant the next block over, he thanked me and left, and I returned to my beer and people-watching. He reappeared minutes later, offering to share his food with me. Both touched and amused, I invited him to sit down and we started talking. He met my energy, which was unusual and refreshing. He was funny, and seemed incredibly smart with a wealth of knowledge and an ability to keep up conversationally with my 5D headass. We spent the rest of the afternoon together, then the evening, and then the night. I violated my own newly-formed boundaries every step of the way because I was having so much fun, which set an unfortunate precedent for the rest of the relationship. He was a shorter guy, and absolutely overcompensated by being a literal animal in the bedroom. This gave me immediate insight into the way he felt like I was his property and his plaything, which I was too stupid and careless to heed from the jump.

Things were really cool at first. We spent a ton of time together, which was fine for the month or so between semesters at school, and we talked constantly. We would bar/brewery-hop, visit art galleries, go to poetry readings, and share our passions with ease.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

It's difficult for me to even think of him nowadays without spitting and cursing his name, calling him a "sniveling little shitweasel". Things went south after my classes restarted, as I was in my final semester taking 15 credits and he demanded just as much of my time and attention as before. He was deeply insecure and jealous, and made that my problem. Any (and I mean ANY) free time I had was owed to him, in his eyes. I stopped being allowed to do things on my own & I wasn't able to hang out with my friends without him getting shitty about it (or worse, him showing up uninvited and unannounced to spoil things and "reclaim" me). Every other word out of his mouth was an accusation of me cheating, despite the fact that I never once came remotely close to doing so. We would get in very public fights. It was exhausting. I made the mistake of taking him with me to visit my dad that Thanksgiving, where he insisted on fucking me and seemed proud when he made me bleed on the sheets of the guest bed. I held on out of stupidity and insecurity until he started aggressively insisting that we move in together & that I meet his family. I'd had enough and did NOT want to become any further intertwined with this person. I ended things. He acted like a pissy little shitbaby and kept whining and moaning about how "used" he felt. This relationship taught me that I could not -- under any circumstance -- EVER deal with a jealous partner again, and to be wary of jumping into anything with both feet.

Derek (off and on Dec 2019-Apr 2020)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

The Situationship. Having recently graduated and being newly single after the shitstorm that was Ricky, I was feeling directionless in life and started drinking heavily again. The girls at Abbey Road had seemingly forgotten about banning me the year before, and I found myself spending more and more time there. This is where I met Derek. That night is pretty hazy in my memory, but I recall sitting next to one another at the bar, making small talk, buying another round before last call, walking outside and spilling my full beer on the ground, him laughing, and us heading back to my place. He stayed over, told me in the morning that he'd had a lot of fun, and -- according to a memory I recently dug up -- we saw each other for the next four days straight. We had fun, the sex was great, and we were instantly surprisingly comfortable with each other. He had a sweetness about him but was clear from the jump that he wasn't looking for anything serious, and I was down with that at first. Over the following weeks, though, I began to enjoy his company a little too much and started to catch feelings. It got very frustrating very fast and I lost control.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

Our on-again/off-again ordeal finally ended for good when I told him I couldn't handle it anymore, after having had my heart mangled by Jon (story soon to come). What we were doing made me feel hollow. I wanted love, he wasn't ready or willing to provide that then, and I needed to finally live in a way that felt right to me; that felt a little more like self-respect. He understood, and we parted ways but remained friends. He still messages me to check in every so often, and I finally got a confession out of him in the year of our Lord 2025 that he did in fact want a relationship back then. We would probably be giving it a try now, if there wasn't half a continent between us.

Zack (Jan 2020-May 2020)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

This is the connection I'm most ashamed of. He was my upstairs neighbor Jenna's live-in boyfriend. We'd hung out as a group, being silly, and somewhere along the line Jenna revealed that Zack had asked her if they could have a threesome with me. I was surprised and played that off (as it sounded potentially messy and I was struggling with Derek at the time), but a seed was planted. This guy wanted me. The first night we hooked up was the night of my first date with Jon; I had a lot of pent-up energy that I needed to release (I'll explain why shortly), and Zack happened to be home alone. He invited me upstairs and I blew him on their couch. He liked it, I was satiated, and we vowed to not speak of it to anyone. We linked a few times after that, usually when I was wrecked and feeling extra dysfunctional. His dick was satisfactory and I secretly liked sneaking around and feeling far more like a whore than ever before; I certainly enjoyed doing these things with zero emotions, just bros bein' pals and helping each other out.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

All the while, Jenna (correctly) suspected that Zack was cheating and asked me to be on-the-lookout for any funny business while she was gone at work. He did in fact have other girls over and had been cheating long before I got involved with him. I dutifully reported on the other girls and neglected to mention my own treachery. Jenna and I ended up having a heart-to-heart a few months later, and I finally admitted what I'd done. When confronted, Zack first tried to say I was lying, then pulled the "She's a crazy nympho" card to discredit and blame me. Jenna never forgave me or spoke to me again, understandably. I'm leaving out the fact that he was a registered sex offender on house arrest. This was an awful situation that showed me just how far I'd go to try to fill the void with sex & that I was not unwilling to play the role of a mistress.

Jon (Jan 2020-Mar 2020)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

Jon... was the culmination of everything I'd dealt with between James and that moment, I think. It was certainly the first time I'd wanted something real again. We met on Tinder. He was very charming, devilishly handsome, hilarious, respectful, and seemed to check just about every other box of mine. He was a fantastic communicator. Also liked to talk all day every day, but would never get shitty if I took a while to respond and was super supportive about literally anything I had going on. He respected the fact that I was my own person. We texted back and forth for a few weeks leading up to our first date. We decided on a bar downtown (Red Rooster?), I suited up in my best outfit with hair & makeup on fleek, and I headed eastward. When we met up, he was visibly nervous (adorably so). I felt at ease enough to gently command the conversation and help him relax. Being close to him, even without touching, was electrifying. After a few drinks, we headed downstairs where they were doing Disney karaoke. We stood by for a while in the crowded room, neither of us feeling up for joining, and there was a moment where I tried to get my balance and placed my hand in the center of his back. He later explained that this was the most intense sensation he could remember feeling; I remember it being the moment I realized I wanted him for as long as I could have him. Later on, he drove me home. I was fully prepared to take him inside and hook up, but he claimed to be a little more old-fashioned and didn't want to ruin what had been a fantastic date. He gave me a hug and was on his way.

(This is the moment that my first encounter with Zack occurred. I wanted Jon so badly, was honestly confused and very frustrated by his insistence on being "decent" and "normal", and immediately went and blew someone else while thinking of him. Unhinged behavior that has unfortunately not left me to this day.)

Jon and I never went on another proper date. He instead started coming over to my place and would bring takeout, smoke hella weed, fuck me, then sleep. I guess that was his idea of familiarity.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

Things became increasingly unpleasant when he came over. He would criticize my drinking literally while he was rolling and smoking a blunt. He thoughtlessly recounted traumatic and violent stories from earlier in his life that were very disturbing, triggered me, and then he looked down on me and told me I was "broken" for getting upset. Things were already fizzling out by the time the Covid lockdown hit and he became preoccupied with other things. My desperation to keep it going was objectively pathetic. He was not kind by the end. I spiraled anyway. TAKEAWAY: I can be so fucking blind to obvious signs when I want, need something to work out. Jon insisted that I view relationships as they really are rather than through rose-colored glasses, and that's been a really tough lesson to internalize as a dreamer.

Cristian (off and on late-2019 thru early 2020)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

Cristian was a sweet guy who would come into my bookstore and chat with me, bringing me little gifts now and then, just to make me smile. He was younger, tall, slender, shy and a little awkward, but all-in-all would be a force to be reckoned with once he came into himself. Great taste in music, and definitely had a romantic side. I didn't want to hurt him (knowing what kind of full-tilt chaos I was dealing with in my life), so I did my best to indulge his interest while keeping him at arm's length. We went on one date and had a nice conversation, refraining from hooking up until weeks later. It was his first time, and he got attached. My life was a mess and I couldn't handle it (plus, his cock was enormous and quite literally impossible for me to handle in any of my orifices), so I pulled away and we remained friendly. Flash forward to a few months later: the Covid lockdowns hit, we start talking and hanging out more often (as I desperately needed the company), and things went sideways.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

I was in a very vulnerable and dark place by this point. He would (apologetically, but nevertheless) start to get clingy and handsy and insistent, and I found myself deeply uncomfortable but allowing it to happen most of the time. He was my source of toilet paper, after all, and I otherwise just didn't have the heart to tell him no. He eventually took notice of my issue and backed way off. We remained friends until I moved to Illinois, and didn't really speak until 2025 when he reached out to fully & formally apologize for his actions. Water under the bridge, by then, and all was forgiven. The takeaway: This interaction did make me wary of "friendships" from there on out and I find myself questioning others' motivations far more than I ever did prior, since I felt so taken advantage of & for once didn't feel like I actually did him any harm.

Andy (April 2020-June 2024)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

The Escape Pod. In light of the lockdowns, being furloughed from work, and just generally losing the plot of normal life: this is when I got into folk punk. I joined a handful of facebook groups (most of them shitposting), and started talking to a couple of guys in the scene. Andy was one of these. We hit it off immediately and, like those who came before him, we talked constantly by text, phone, and video chat. I'd never really known anyone from the rural Midwest, and his life seemed different and funny. He similarly had nothing going on and had unemployment money burning a hole in his pocket, so he flew to see me for a week. We managed to have fun, despite the circumstances; drank a ton together without anything problematic transpiring; and afterwards mutually agreed that we'd like to make it a long-term thing. When the question arose as to who would relocate where, I firmly insisted that I'd move to Illinois sight-unseen. This was my chance to finally get the fuck out of fascist-ass Florida and leave behind all of the trauma that I've recounted above. He was cool with that, since his family all lives here -- so I started making plans, booked the rental truck, packed, and was gone when my lease ended in August. I experienced major culture shock, but did my best while starting from zero yet again. Andy took care of me as best he could throughout all of this. We drank a fuck-ton, but actually still got out and did a lot of fun things during our first two years together. Throughout the relationship, we did care for and mutually support each other as we clawed our way out of awful dead-end jobs and made enough money combined for us to experience a bit of comfort for the first time in our respective lives.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

It upsets me to say that I never loved him. Not deeply, not passionately. The little things that I tried to brush off over the years just piled up, and I developed some underlying disdain for him that I drank to bury away. The sex was always incredible (even when he was much heavier), but that ceased to act as a bandage for the seeping, festering wound that was our relationship by the end. The chronic health issues I'd developed in early 2022 made a huge impact on things, as well -- I was physically unable to contribute as much around the house (but did so financially), he had to pick up the slack in addition to his physically-demanding job, and it caused an irreparable rift. Coupled with the facts that he stopped drinking (and I didn't), got on medication and started hitting the gym (and I didn't), and wanted sex even more than before (when I physically couldn't) -- the relationship was doomed. We dragged it out far past its natural expiration date.

Nth (name withheld by request) (early 2025)

What was this person to me? What place did they hold in my life?

Beautiful, messy little boy. He was a coworker who I always felt drawn to; wild at heart, whip-smart, funny as fuck, and an all-around joy to know. He was one of the only people in that workplace that I felt I could connect with on a personal level, and one of the very few who consistently cared to be considerate of my health issues (which meant the world, after it'd become such a point of contention with Andy). It was only after I was furloughed from that job that Nth and I started talking, then talking more, and evermore. It started off swimmingly: we both agreed that we'd like to explore the limits of friendship with each other (since we shared a mutual hatred of boundaries and societal norms) and we shifted into this liminal space where nobody but us really existed. As I am wont to do, we were eventually talking all day every day, into the night, deeply exploring our shared psyche.

Why did it end, and what takeaway(s) was I left with?

It turned sexual (virtually, that is) and went from 0-120 in about two seconds flat. It was a thrill, as neither of us were previously aware of the mutual and very intense attraction, and we were both primed to take it way beyond reason. The issue was that he's happily married, had a baby due a month from the time this transpired (big oopsie on my part for forgetting this fact), and that I was unfortunately catching feelings. With the nature of our connection, he accurately called me out on the latter when I'd been denying it even to myself, and it yanked me out of the fun with a disorienting jolt. I had a come-to-Jesus meeting with myself, began to examine why I would let devastating aspects of previous relationships unfold once more, and embarked on writing this.

The final takeaway? I don't want to keep making ugly, destructive mistakes in relationships anymore. I know that I want love, and devotion -- I've experienced it now and again, sure, but I want to find a way to finally keep it. I deeply desire something real. As I navigate relationships going forward, I'm going to have to regularly assess whether a connection just feels thrilling & fulfilling in the moment or if it actually aligns with where I see my life going. It's a crossroads, of sorts: I can either choose to spend the remainder of my life being a non-committal sidepiece, or finally allow myself to believe in forever and bravely seek it out.

[essobservices]

How Soft Washing Protects Your Home’s Exterior

Let’s be real—keeping your home’s exterior clean and looking fresh can feel like a never-ending task. Between the Florida humidity, pollen, algae, and those surprise storms that leave behind a layer of grime, your siding, roof, and walkways take a beating year-round. That’s where soft washing comes in—a smart, safe, and super effective way to protect your biggest investment: your home.

What Is Soft Washing, Anyway?

If you’re picturing someone blasting your siding with a pressure washer, think again. Soft washing is a gentler cleaning method that uses low-pressure water combined with eco-friendly cleaning solutions to break down and wash away mold, mildew, algae, dirt, and other nasty buildup. It’s designed to clean without damaging delicate surfaces like vinyl, stucco, wood, and even shingles.

And yes, it’s different from pressure washing. While pressure washing uses high-force water jets (great for hard concrete), soft washing is safer for your home's exterior materials. Think of it as giving your home a spa day instead of a bootcamp.

Why Your Home Needs It—Especially in Florida

Living in sunny St. Pete has its perks: gorgeous weather, beachy vibes, and year-round greenery. But it also means high humidity and heat—perfect conditions for mold and algae to thrive. You’ve probably seen those dark streaks on roofs or green patches on siding. That’s not just dirt—it’s organic growth eating away at your exterior. Yikes.

That’s why Soft Washing Services in St. Petersburg, FL are in such high demand. The climate here practically begs for routine soft washing to keep homes looking sharp and structurally sound.

Protecting More Than Just Curb Appeal

Sure, soft washing will instantly boost your home’s curb appeal (hello, clean and shiny exterior!). But the benefits go deeper than looks:

Prevents Long-Term Damage: Mold, algae, and mildew aren’t just ugly—they can cause real damage over time. Algae can eat through your roof shingles, and mold can break down siding and wood surfaces.

Extends the Life of Your Paint and Materials: When buildup is removed regularly, your paint and finishes last longer, saving you from expensive repaints or replacements down the road.

Improves Health and Air Quality: Mold spores and mildew don’t just stay outside—they can creep into your home through vents and cracks, affecting your indoor air quality. A clean exterior helps keep the interior healthier, too.

Increases Property Value: Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to maintain your home's worth, a sparkling clean exterior makes a powerful first impression.

How Often Should You Soft Wash?

Most homeowners benefit from a professional soft wash once a year, but it really depends on your surroundings. If your home is shaded by trees, near the water, or just prone to heavy pollen and debris, you might need it more often. Professionals offering Soft Washing Services in St. Petersburg, FL can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the best schedule.

Why Hire a Pro?

It might be tempting to grab a hose and a bottle of cleaner from the hardware store, but trust us—this is one job better left to the experts. Professional soft washing services use the right balance of pressure and cleaning solutions, and they know how to handle tricky spots without causing damage. Plus, they’re insured, trained, and usually faster than the DIY route.

Wrap-Up: A Clean Home is a Protected Home

When you think about it, soft washing is more than just cleaning—it’s preventive maintenance. It protects your home’s exterior surfaces, boosts its appearance, and helps you avoid costly repairs later on. If you’re ready to give your home a refresh and keep it looking its best, check out professional Soft Washing Services in St. Petersburg, FL. Your siding, roof, and even your neighbors will thank you.

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426 ISLEBAY DRIVE Listing Site: https://ift.tt/PFv8hZC Property Site:… https://ift.tt/LiJd6Vo 426 ISLEBAY DRIVE Listing Site: https://ift.tt/PFv8hZC Property Site: https://ift.tt/Dpfos94 426 ISLEBAY DRIVE APOLLO BEACH, FL 33572 $869,000, 3 bed, 2.00 bath, 1,977 SF, MLS# TB8374977 Easy Breezy Waterfront Living in Mirabay! Kick back and relax at 426 Islebay Drive, a coastal-chic 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom getaway tucked inside the gated, golf-cart-friendly community of Mirabay in sunny Apollo Beach. Built in 2004 by Morrison Homes, this Key Largo floor plan delivers just under 2,000 square feet of open, airy living — perfect for soaking in the Florida lifestyle. Start your mornings or wind down in the evenings on the inviting front porch, where the sea breeze sets the tone. Inside, you’ll find a light-filled, open layout with high ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a laid-back vibe throughout. The kitchen is ready for anything — whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or weekend entertaining — complete with stainless steel appliances, a wine fridge, and a bar fridge to keep your drinks chilled. The primary suite is your own little escape, with tranquil water views and a spacious private bath. Two extra bedrooms give you plenty of flexibility for guests, hobbies, or a home office setup. Step through the french doors to your private backyard retreat — think: heated pool and spa, screened lanai, outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, and a lush privacy hedge that makes it feel like your own secret spot. And if you’re into boating, you’ll love the private dock with a 10,000-lb boat lift and easy access to the open bay. You’re just a short stroll from the clubhouse and all the Mirabay amenities — including a resort-style pool and café, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, and more. Cruise around the neighborhood by golf cart, stop to chat with friendly neighbors, or take in those Florida sunsets by the water. With easy access to shopping, dining, top-rated schools, and major highways to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota — this slice of paradise is more than a home… it’s a lifestyle. 2 full bath For more information, please contact: Shawna Calvert Align Right Realty shawna@relocatingtoparadise.com You can also text 173054 to 46835 Search All Listings: https://ift.tt/KMxqGyT AGENT SOCIAL ——————– Website: https://ift.tt/RFdvHVQ Showcase: https://ift.tt/n2cUBmL Facebook: https://ift.tt/Q2oXaLP Instagram: https://ift.tt/BEAk5WD Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShawnaCalvert LinkedIn: https://ift.tt/MIKOJF5 Pinterest: https://ift.tt/W7bAcvQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Shawnainparadise COMPANY SOCIAL ——————– Website: https://ift.tt/bFjlNup Facebook: https://ift.tt/rFcZM7t Twitter: https://twitter.com/alignrightrealt?lang=en LinkedIn: https://ift.tt/DhRsW9J YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgtjS8PQiLXLMC3yIDqSnw via Shawna Calvert Realtor Align Right Realty https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCidsEJ85xGsZJnZiWvhpqXA April 17, 2025 at 03:25AM via Shawna Calvert Realtor Align Right Realty https://ift.tt/PvEg03J April 17, 2025 at 04:41AM