#that is NOT proper technique nor safety practices

[smidgen-of-hotboy]

@one-joe-spoopy you asked a few days ago about Miasma in my monster hunter au. It has taken me two days, but I've reached a point where I'm content enough to share my thoughts finally (and @esquemeencanta I haven't forgotten you Jove <3)

This is the tale behind Juno losing his original eye to Miasma. Sometime after this encounter he gets a new enchanted magical eye from Ramses O'Flaherty, finds out he's a changeling actually named Jack Takano, and after that shit storm, Juno gouges the magical eye out himself (almost dies trying). The continuation picking up with Hunter Steel and Hunter Glass is in the back of my mind. I've been fried trying to think of how Juno fights a monster he knows next to nothing about, and how he's supposed to do it alone (because ya know- he's stubborn like that)

! Obligatory guts, gore, blood, and violence and angst warning !

Juno works for the Hyperion Monster Hunter Association. He's brought Rita along with him and together they've been doing pretty well. Falco reached out a handful of times but after enough missed calls caught on that Juno wasn't going to come back to HCPD. By then, Juno had made a name for himself as a hunter in Hyperion. He was seeked out for personal jobs often enough that he didn't need to rely on the job postings from the HMHA. Sometimes though he still takes a posting.

There had been a few postings for a series of disruptions in the valleys down south of Hyperion City for a few months. Other Hunters had taken up the jobs and died trying to hunt down whatever monster was out there. Reports from the Cerberus Province were coming in:

Puddles of black gunk have been forming overnight. Anything that steps in it immediately sinks to the bottom. It is unclear if there even is a bottom to these pools.

Vehicles are being broken into and stripped for parts.

Earthquakes are being recorded, rumbling every few hours like clock work. This area is not known for experiencing earthquakes.

Other monsters have been found dead, disembowled and drained of their blood.

Juno takes the latest job request and gets Rita to look over some survey maps taken of the area. She finds that where the monster carcasses are turning up, there was a puddle of gunk there previously. She says she may be able to find out more if Juno can collect a sample. He obliges and returns to her a day later with a small jar full of gunk. His hands smell like burnt tar.

Rita runs a few tests on the jar of gunk and she finds that it has a mostly liquid state, but when disturbed it solidifies. A non-newtonian liquid. Like water mixed with cornstarch. It oozes slowly but seizes up when jostled. Rita makes a comment that she can't stand the smell, "it must taste pretty bad too. Don't know why any monsters would be getting so close to it." Juno unscrews the jar and sticks his finger in it. Rita watches horrified from her computer at their office as Juno proceeds to sniff the gunk (bad idea), and lick it (super disgusting idea).

Juno finds that even though the gunk smells bad, it tastes... okay. Little bit of a burnt wood taste to it, but nothing awful. It's almost sweet. Kind of savory. He goes around asking other hunters at the HMHA to try it and many refuse. The ones that do all come to the same conclusion as him: a little burnt, kind of sweet and savory.

One Hunter boldly takes the jar from Juno and spills it out over a table. Nothing happens at first as it slowly spreads out, but soon enough it's like the gunk has a mind of its own. It begins to almost crawl. It "oozes" across the table. Juno slams the jar back over it, the other hunter tries to frantically scoop it back into one mass. They eventually get it in a cup and back into the glass jar. Rita is not impressed when she hears about their sheer stupidity.

Juno brings the jar home and shows it to Ben. This whole time Ben has been hearing about the ooze from Juno and listening to his calls with Rita, but hasn't actually seen it. He looks at it in the jar and takes a good whiff ("Juno what the hell... you licked this? Gross... will I lick it? Yeah sure- when I'm dead! Put that lid back on or so help me.") Ben asks Juno what happens when it's introduced to heat. He says he isn't sure but according to Rita,

"In theory, it should just solidify. Non-Newtonian fluids cannot withstand extreme heat. The liquidity part evaporates. Just leaving the solid-ity part."

"I'm impressed. You listened to her."

Juno frowns. "I always listen to Rita."

"That's not what I meant. I meant: you listened to her, and you even sound like her now."

"... haha, very funny Benten... do you want to help me find out what happens when you introduce this stuff to fire or not though?"

Ben and Juno are both extremely smart in their own ways. They are also both extremely dumb in the same way. Ben lights the stove, Juno holds the jar with a pair of tongs, and they watch with bated breath as the gunk tries to hop out of the jar as it gets hotter. Eventually it stops moving altogether. And sure enough, when Juno removes it from the stove and lets it cool, it's solid.

Ben asks Juno what he's going to do and Juno simply says he's going on a Hunt.

"You can't be serious? Juno- this is dangerous. You're going to literally be playing with fire."

"I can handle it."

"Juno- I'm serious. Take this seriously."

"I am."

"Then you'll listen to me when I say, it'll make me feel a whole lot better if you take someone with you."

"You know that's not how this works Benten-"

"A Kanagawa hunter would be more than willing to work with you. Hell- what's her name Big Eyes would probably kill to work with you again."

"BENZAITEN! Enough! This is my job alright? I don't tell you how your recitals should be going or what stretches you need to be doing! You don't get to boss me around about how my Hunts go. End of discussion."

"Juno-"

"No. We're done. I'm going to bed, and tomorrow, I'm going on my hunt."

Juno goes to bed without saying goodnight. He wakes up and leaves for the office without eating or saying good morning. Ben calls but he doesn't answer. He calls Rita and Rita relays the message "just tell him I'll be waiting at home and- good luck."

Juno takes with him his pistol, shotgun, a flask of vodka, canisters of gasoline, a box of matches (Ben's brand), and an empty glass milk jar. He drives out to the valleys between HC and the CP to the largest black pool and starts pouring gasoline into and around it. He brought five of them with him. Rita said that his plan was dangerous. ("maybe we can get a hold of Ms. Cassandra and find out if-" "I'm not bringing Cass into this. This is my hunt. I'm doing it my way.") She made him agree that if she didnt hear back from Juno in an hour, she would call Juno, and if he failed to pick up she'd ask for assistance ("I ain't takin no as an answer Mista Steel." "You and Benzaiten worry too much." "Sorry Boss, but you're important to us.")

Juno stands back as he strikes a match and tosses it into the gas. He watches the pool erupt in flame. The ground trembles underneath him. Juno falls backwards. Something rises out of the pool... a monster.

Covered in black gunk, reeking of burnt tar, a monster on fire towers over him. She hisses and squeals. She would be beautiful if half her face wasn't torn off and the other half on fire. Black tentacles rise with her. She has a maw full of razor sharp teeth that go around and around in rings. In that moment, Juno knew he was fucked and would likely die. But if theres one thing being a Steel had prepared him for, its to not go down without a fight.

Juno brings around his shotgun and fires. He lands two bullets that lodge themselves in the monster. She hisses and growls, lunging at him. Her hands are sharp talons. They dig into his shoulders and drag him through the ground. Forgotten is the flask and jar. She rises again towering over him. He takes aim and fires another shot that embeds itself in her shoulder. She howls, a tentacle comes slicing through the air. He rolls out of the way in time and continues rolling as more trail after him.

He remembers the flask when it falls out of his coat. He takes hold of it and unscrews the cap, gulping a mouthful and holding it in his cheeks. With shaking hands he reaches for another match and lights it. He turns and spits the vodka into the flame, lighting a trail of flames that follows a tentacle of black tar. It spreads and the monster catches fire, screeching, leaving Juno time to unholster his pistol. He takes aim and fires off a few more rounds at her, slowly limping his way back where he dropped his shotgun and the milk jar. Finally, one of his bullets lands at her core. The monsters screeching turns to silent wailing.

Her size has shrunk as most of her body has caught fire, the rest is riddled with silver bullets. She clutches two appendages over her chest where the last bullet struck. Frantically trying to dig it out. She slowly tries to slip away as Juno grabs his jar and makes the dumbest decision he could've ever done: he runs towards her. He holsters his pistol, unscrews the jar and keeps the lid in one hand. The monster musters what remaining strength she has as both of the appendages over her chest shoot out. Two things happen at once:

One. Everything comes down to a singular point of pain. Juno feels it as his eye gets scooped out and he just about blacks out.

Two. He successfully scoops the monsters core inside the jar. The lid comes down on it, and monster screams as she shrinks to fit inside her small prison.

Juno has just enough strength left in him to screw the lid on. He blacks out shortly after.

(Ben calls Juno and then calls Rita when he can't reach him. He insist she call him right then and there because "something is wrong. I know it. Rita- listen to me. Call it' call it twin intuition, alright." Intrigued by this Rita calls Juno and when he doesn't answer her she calls in Cassandra.

Cass says she isn't in the mood to save Steel’s sorry ass. Ben takes Rita's comms from her to speak to Cass directly, "You owe me Kanagawa. I'm calling in your favor to me. And if you don't uphold our deal Cassandra, I will make your family's life hell." Rita has always liked Benten. That day she understood what Juno means by "Ben strikes the fear of Benzaiten into you".

Cass rides out to the valleys on her motorbike and finds a giant gaping hole in the ground. Beside it- Juno Steel. Cass turns him over carefully removing the milk jar. She sees his fucked up face and hauls him inside his truck. She tosses his shotgun in the backseat and straps the jar in next to her as she floors it back to Hyperion City. When Ben meets her at the hospital she apologizes and says she still owes Ben his favor, she shouldn't have brushed Rita off so quickly. All Ben does is tell her to leave. Rita promises to give her a call when Juno comes around.)

Juno wakes up in the hospital. He panics unable to see out of one eye. He tries to sit up and falls back groaning and grunting in pain. Something shifts next to him and he turns his head. It's Benzaiten. Bathed in golden light.

"Do you remember what Ma used to say, whenever she found us fighting? Fighting over the Andromeda costumes and Turbo toys?"

"Benten-" Juno wheezes and coughs. Ben turns and fills a glass with water. He carefully hands it over to Juno without a word.

"Ma used to say that we shouldn't fight. She didn't want us to fight because when it came down to it, there was only us in the world. She said- if we wanted to get flattened, we go and lie down in the road, but we aren't supposed to do that to each other." Ben smiles. At least Juno thinks he sees him smile. The sun glares behind him creating the perfect halo. An angel. Juno's angel.

"Ma said that when she was gone, we would have to rely on each other, and that meant we couldn't fight. We need someone else so that when we're not tough enough, they can be." He takes a shaking breath. Juno sips his water and parts his lips. Ben shakes his head and holds a hand up. "Save it, I'm not done.

"Ma said a lot of things before she died. She wanted nothing but the best for us Juno. She wanted us to look out for each other, wanted us to fight the big mean world together, and she wanted us to live. I know you never believed her. I know you don't believe her now- but she was ours. She was- Ma. And you're my brother. Ma is gone. Annie is gone. Oldtown is dying. Sasha left. Mick can hardly take care of himself. And you're all I have left Juno... I need you Juno. I need you to be alive for me because I can't be tough enough for this world. I want you alive... why can't you want that for yourself."

Benzaiten stands from the chair he's in and walks around Junos hospital bed. In proper light Juno can see the bags under his eyes and the tears streaking down his cheeks. He takes the glass from Juno's shaking hands and sets it aside. He pulls Juno against him and half folds his body over, half shields his twin.

The same mouth. Same hands. Juno broke his nose when they were still kids. Ben broke his ankle a year ago. Their noses are different. The way they walk has changed. But the one thing that no one could take away was their matching gaze. Their matching eyes.

(Ben leaves the hospital to visit Rita. She welcomed him inside her home without a second thought. She opens a window and sits down at her breakfast table while Ben takes a cigarette from his pocket and lights it. He takes a long draw and holds the smoke in his lungs for a long moment. He exhales slowly. His tears have long since dried. He thought he cried himself out at Ma's funeral. He was wrong.)

Juno goes back out to the site in the valleys a few weeks later with Cass. She took the jar and kept it to herself. When she saw Juno in the hospital she asked about it. He just said to turn it over to Rita and she'd take care of it from there (to this day Rita still has it in her personal office at home. The monster watches her work. She finds it easier to work when she has something to explain her thought process to and the monster is frequently subjected to that. When she's not home Rita keeps it locked up inside a safe next to emergency bac up shrimp crunchies.)

Cass and Juno explore the gaping hole together. (Cass pulled her weight as a Kanagawa and had the site quarantined off from other hunters and the public). They find a whole underground network of chambers and lab equipment. Journals and notes. Juno flips through a few pages and together this is what they piece together:

Doctor Miasma was a human doctor. She learned about fae medicine and was desperate to get her hands on it by any means possible. In order to get any though she needed to cross over. So. She did. She forcibly opened her own portals and exchanged parts of herself, constantly replacing whatever she lost. Her arms, her legs, half her face. Eventually she gave up the last thing she had to offer: her humanity.

Miasma awoke a monster in the fae wilds. She used intimidation to force them to open a portal for her to cross back home. She created her underground lab and stocked it with soup. She ran experiments on herself. With practice she honed her hunting skills and had her first taste of fae blood.

Shortly thereafter Miasma lost more than her body and humanity. She lost her memories. She lost her name. She forgot her title, forgot her research, and simply became a monster that consumed.

Some part of her must have remembered something though. She broke cars and stole parts from them trying to build a machine to harness magic and open portals. Even after giving up everything, Miasma was still trying to get back to the fae realm

Cass finds the rotting corpses of dead monsters. Their blood not yet drained.

Juno's seen enough and with Cass' help climbs out of the hole.

"Cass- you write the report."

"Huh? Why? This was your Hunt. I don't need the credit or the money."

"And I don't want the attention it's going to bring. Write it. If you have questions call Rita."

(Cass swears this will be the last nice thing she does for Juno. She writes the report and hands it over to the HMHA. The senior hunters of the association are confused why she's handing in the paperwork. She shrugs and tells them "Steel doesn't want to handle the guts." The Kanagawas come in and clean everything out. Cecil does a live stream special walking through "the lab of a monster". Juno reads the newspaper in the kitchen while Ben makes them breakfast. Life carries on.)

[missbaphomet]

I hear "safe sane and consensual" is repeated in kink/BDSM. I can see how people determine safety (proper use of equipment/techniques) and consent, but how do people determine what's considered "sane"?

This varies from person to person, but I believe the general consensus is that "sane" refers to what any reasonable person would consider, and I have also seen people specify it refers to mental wellness/competence. For example, most people would not consider nullification under SSC, but it can fall under RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink). So long as both parties are in a stable mindset and are informed of the risks, are making reasonable and responsible attempts to negate the risks (ie seeing a plastic surgeon, following proper aftercare procedures regarding cosmetic surgeries, abstaining from strenuous activity for the appropriate amount of time, etc) and are consenting, then it is considered responsible kink practice.

However, something like organizing a cnc scene with someone you have never met and have not vetted would not be safe nor sane, as it's a blatant disregard for personal safety and you would be taking unnecessary risks (physical and mental safety, veneral diseases, violent crimes both sexual and non).

What isn't completely covered by SSC (edge play such as blood play, knife play, and other kinks with some degree of inherent risk that cannot be adequately negated by the nature of the play) should be covered by the addition of RACK.

My rule of thumb is that sane is subjective, but you CAN NOT have a scenario that lacks any of the other letters that is considered play. If you lack ANY of the other letters it is a crime.

[australbricksblogs]

How to Improve Your Bricklaying Technique

Bricklaying is a time-honoured skill that can be useful in construction projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings. So if you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, mastering bricklaying can greatly improve the quality and durability of your work. To keep you guided, we’ve come up with some practical tips that top brick manufacturers recommend for strong, attractive builds for you!

Steps for Proper Bricklaying Achieving a stable brick structure requires more than just stacking bricks. Proper bricklaying involves steps that ensure each brick is placed correctly and securely. To help you through the process, here are the fundamental steps:

Preparing the Workspace Before you begin bricklaying, prepare a clean, level surface for a solid foundation for your work. A flat base will help prevent misalignment and ensure the bricks bond securely. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including a trowel, level, hammer, measuring tape, and quality bricks and mortar.

For the mortar, mix it to the right consistency (neither too wet nor too dry) so it forms a strong adhesion between bricks. Additionally, safety should always be a priority, so wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles to avoid injuries.

To source high-quality materials, consider working with trusted brick suppliers in Australia who can provide the right bricks and mortar for your project.

Laying Bricks: Step-by-Step To begin, start with a strong corner so it properly aligns throughout the wall. Set the first brick carefully to create a solid foundation for the rest of the structure. Use the "butter" technique by applying mortar to the base and sides of each brick for better adhesion and stability.

Maintaining consistent mortar joints is also important. Keeping the spacing and joint width uniform can result in a professional finish. Also, using a bricklayer's level throughout the process is a good idea to ensure your wall remains straight and level.

Lastly, lay only a few bricks at a time. Working in small sections allows for greater precision and proper alignment. For high-quality bricks, consider sourcing materials from reliable Australian brick manufacturers who can provide the right bricks for your project.

Common Bricklaying Challenges and Solutions Here are common challenges you may encounter during your process and quick solutions to overcome them:

Uneven mortar consistency. If the mortar is too thick, it will be difficult to spread, while if it's too thin, it won’t bond properly. It is best that you adjust the mix by adding water or mortar mix as needed to achieve the right consistency.

Alignment issues. One way to fix this is to frequently check your work with a level and make small adjustments to each brick.

Mortar can dry too fast. Work in smaller sections and moisten the bricks and mortar often, especially if you're working in hot weather.

Partnering with a reliable brick company can also ensure you use quality materials that perform well under various conditions.

Choose Austral Bricks for Quality Materials Improving your bricklaying technique takes practice, precision, and the right materials. By following the proper steps, you can achieve durable and visually appealing results. Remember, the quality of your bricks can also affect your project's craftsmanship.

To ensure you use quality bricks for your project, source them from reputable brick manufacturers like Austral Bricks. We have been leading the way in brick manufacturing design and products for over 100 years. For more information, visit our website today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) If you have more questions about bricks or bricklaying, here's a quick compilation of frequently asked questions:

How do temperature and humidity affect bricklaying and mortar setting? Environmental factors can play a big role in bricklaying. In hot weather, mortar can dry too quickly, weakening its bond. Meanwhile, mortar may freeze in cold weather before it sets, causing it to lose strength.

How are bricks manufactured? Bricks are manufactured by shaping clay or other materials into moulds and then firing them at high temperatures in a kiln. This process hardens the bricks, giving them strength and durability, which are important for bricklaying.

[haircarecetres-blog]

Keratin Hair Extensions Are Great for Your Hair | Wig Shop | Hair Care Centre

When it comes to styling, hair extensions have repeatedly shown themselves to be an excellent choice.

wig shop

Women adore hair extensions most for three reasons: they’re stylish, flexible, and approximate genuine hair. Despite this, there are still individuals today who believe that having hair extensions that are properly crafted, reasonably priced, and long-lasting is just a dream.

To be completely honest, this is not the case! One of the most well-liked hair extension types to attempt is keratin hair extensions if you want a terrific extension installation that completely fits you.

We are prepared for you because our keratin bonds are pre-tipped. Cut the bond to style your hair.

This technique produces hair that resembles your own hair in appearance organically. The bonds are minute and invisible.

Because keratin hair extensions naturally move and are flexible in all directions, most women favour them. To achieve a truly natural look, use keratin extensions!

The protein keratin, which also makes up your interior organs and glands, is responsible for the creation of your hair, skin, and nails.

Compared to other skin cells your body makes, keratin is a protein that is considerably less likely to tear or scratch. Animal feathers, horns, and wool can be used to make keratin, which is a component of hair cosmetics.

Some people think keratin treatments, products, and supplements can help hair look stronger and healthier.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may not have investigated the effectiveness and safety of keratin supplements before you take them. Establishing a protective barrier over them and giving cell membranes strength so they don’t break easily, gives your body’s cells strength and protection. By serving as a moisturizer and sealing moisture into your skin so it doesn’t evaporate rapidly, keratin also aids in maintaining the proper balance of water in your body. Your hair gains flexibility from keratin, giving you those wonderful waves or curls we all adore!

What are the advantages of having keratin hair extensions?

It’s challenging to make an effort to men minimize the appeal of keratin hair extensions. It’s interesting to debate, but it’s pointless. It’s undoubtedly one of the top options among the three most popular installation methods, including tape-ins, microbeads, and of course, fusions, according to thousands of women who have tried the experience and fallen in love with it. Not only that, but practically everyone has heard of “fusions,” making it one of the most advertised and discussed products. Thus, one of the extension businesses with the best regulation is the keratin fusions market.

Keratin hairs are extremely durable; therefore, they can last for quite a while after being put.

It uses premium keratin hair that, with the right upkeep and care, can last up to four months! Up to three reapplications of keratin extensions are permitted. Of course, how well you care for your extensions will have a big impact on how good your appearance is. Your extensions’ lifespan will be significantly increased by consistent, gentle brushing, appropriate shampooing with conditioner, and trained salon staff.

Keratin Hair Extensions are completely worry-free in terms of safety. When properly cared for and installed, neither your hair nor your scalp suffers any harm.

Last but not least, fusions have the benefit of producing results that are realistic and natural. They may be dressed to meet any dress code and are excellent for daily styling in a variety of styles.

Compared to other available extensions, they seem more natural, are quite safe, and are gentle on your hair.

Maintenance keratin hair extensions

When it comes to caring, Keratin Hair Extensions aren’t very challenging. After your installation, your stylist will go over a number of critical processes with you. The majority of the time, you may take care of your locks the same way you would take care of your natural hair, but there are a few limitations due to the nature of the keratin connection. What you should know is as follows.

If at all, swimming should only be taken in moderation. Your keratin linkages may become weakened by the chlorine and salt in the sea, allowing those extensions to fall out.

Conditioners and oily, creamy products are not your friends because they might make your roots overly slippery, which could cause the keratin connections to slip.

Three to five months is the typical length of time that keratin fusion extensions usually last. While you have your fusions in, your hair will grow, and for this reason, it is important that you re-visit the salon every month for your stylist to remove any bonds that have slipped and set them closer to the scalp.

It’s best for you to wash hair extensions at least twice a week. When you wash your hair, be gentle near your roots to avoid disturbing the fusions, and don’t be heavy-handed with conditioner.

Keratin fusion extensions typically last three to five months, so only use a specialized detangler brush on your extensions. It is crucial that you return to the salon every month so your stylist may take out any bonds that have slid and put them closer to the scalp since while you have your fusions in, your hair will grow.

How much do keratin hair extensions cost?

Keratin hair extensions can range widely in price. It depends on how many strands you want to add, the hair’s quality, and the salon. One would require approximately 100 strands or 50 grammes of hair for an average volume of hair and any hair solution. A hair salon that specialised in hair extensions will starts from 85 inr per stand for good hair and expert installation. Be careful because many salons that do not primarily concentrate in hair extensions sell subpar hair extensions, most often from China, as premium goods.

Fusions are a fantastic option for adding hair extensions, however some clients find them to be a little troublesome due to the care requirements and high costs at many salons.

Similarly, installing fusions can take anywhere between 3 and 5 hours, which is fairly long and may be problematic for some.

Of course, many people believe that the benefits of fusions greatly outweigh the costs associated with obtaining such a lovely style.

Extensions are easily removed thanks to the application of a specialized bond remover.

The keratin is broken down by an alcohol-based solution, allowing the bonds to release without harming the hair.

We won’t be shocked if after reading this post you decide you want to try keratin hair extensions if you haven’t before.

Don’t hesitate for clients who are prepared to take the initial step! We are confident that you won’t regret contacting Hair Care Centre hair extensions Bangalore for your consultation right away.

[mbroofingblackburn]

From Safety To Timely Service, Key Enquiries You Need To Make While Hiring

Chimneys are of prime importance to the house. From trapping the soot filled gas to pushing them out through the narrow hollow vent chimneys serves a great purpose. 

In view of this it won’t be wrong to say that finding the best Chimney Services Blackburn is an extremely daunting task. It is because neither is it convenient to clean the chimneys again and again nor is it easy to find a good service provider.

So, we need to do the one job with proper dedication so that other jobs do not pile up on each other. The first job being finding the best Chimney Services Blackburn.

While choosing the best Chimney Services Blackburn you need to look for a few things like the experience, the technique used, the labor strength, the age of the laborers engaged and of course the safety of the laborers.

You need to check all these before hiring a Chimney Services Blackburn. Do not settle a deal with a company that engages young kids to clean chimneys. Doing so, you will be favoring child labour passively. 

Safety is of paramount importance. Be it young or old, everyone needs to be safe while doing their job. No person should be intentionally exposed to hazards at workplaces. Even if companies are doing it at their expense, we as customers should do whatever it takes from our side to prevent it from happening.

Apart from this do check their grievance redressal system. Check how well they handle customer queries and how soon they deliver the solution to it. A successful business runs with its client base and a happy client base is only possible if their queries are handled well from time to time. 

Another criteria that may work in your favour is checking the number of years the company is in service in that particular area. While hiring newbies is not a bad practice, there are several advantages to hiring experienced ones. THe first and the foremost benefit is they can provide able guidance on the services which newbies might not. 

If you are someone who is eagerly looking for Chimney Services Blackburn, contact us. We, at MB Roofing services, have the best staff, are properly equipped and follow all safety measures. We assure you no hassle service. Do visit us at our registered office and we would love to hear your requirements. Upon request we will also provide you a free quote.

[drsamuelbride]

Seven Common Tennis Mistakes and How to Avoid Them by Dr Samuel Bride

Tennis is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun, but it's easy to make some of the common mistakes that can ruin your game. In this blog post, we'll go over seven of the most common tennis mistakes and how you can avoid them. Read on to up your tennis game with the best tips offered by Dr. Samuel Bride, the pro tennis player!

The mistakes to avoid when playing

1.      Not warming up before playing: Warming up before playing is essential in order to avoid injury and to get your muscles loose and ready for action. A good warm-up should last for at least 10 minutes and include some light stretching and cardio.

2.      Playing without a plan or strategy: Every match should have a game plan. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your opponent's strengths and weaknesses? Having a plan will help you take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses and play to your strengths.

3.      Not using the correct equipment: Using the correct equipment is important for both safety reasons and performance reasons. Make sure you have a racket that is the right size and weight for you, and that the strings are neither too loose nor too tight.

4.      Poor footwork: Good footwork is essential in tennis. You need to be able to move quickly around the court in order to reach the ball.

5.      Lack of practice: Like with anything, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you'll become at the game.

6.      Playing in bad weather conditions: Playing in hot weather can be dangerous, as you can easily become dehydrated. Playing in cold weather can also be hazardous, as you're more likely to pull a muscle. Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out to play.

7.      Being too aggressive or passive: Striking a balance between being too aggressive and too passive is important. If you're too aggressive, you may make lots of unforced errors. If you're too passive, your opponent will take control of the match.

How to boost your tennis playing skills

In order to boost your tennis playing skills, there are a few things you can do.

●       First, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment. Invest in a good-quality racket that is suited to your level of play. You should also get a comfortable pair of shoes that offer good support and traction.

●       In addition, be sure to practice regularly. Set aside some time each week to work on your strokes and footwork. You can also take some lessons from a certified instructor to help improve your technique.

●       Finally, don’t forget to warm up before you play. A few minutes of light exercise will help to increase your flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. By following these simple tips, you can quickly boost your tennis playing skills.

Conclusion:

Tennis is a great sport, but there are some common mistakes that people make when playing. Be sure to warm up before playing, create a game plan, use the correct equipment, practice regularly, check the weather conditions, and find a balance between being aggressive and passive. By avoiding these mistakes, you'll be sure to improve your tennis game!

[beforedawnworld]

durmstrang institute (written in cyrillic as дурмстранг) is one of the three great wizarding schools of europe, and it is the one most shrouded in secrecy. the requirements of students and staff in attendance placed on them by the school are known only to other durmstrang staff and student, both current and former. they do not share their experiences with other wixen from other magical schools, as there is a superstition among alumni that to do so would only damage the skills they learned there. tucked in the ural mountains of russia, pushed up against the arctic circle, the four-story tall castle is unplottable and cannot be found on any maps. it is known for its emphasis on the dark arts in its curriculum and in recent times has developed a reputation for producing dark wixen, most famously the dark wizard gellert grindelwald.

acceptance

durmstrang accepts students from around europe aged eleven up, including those as far west as iceland and as far south as bulgaria. as long as a student seeking acceptance to the school does not live in an area covered by the other two wizarding schools of europe, hogwarts and beauxbatons, there is a possibility durmstrang would offer them acceptance. it is never a certainty, however, as despite this wide geographic region, the school is rather selective in who is allowed to attend. first and perhaps most infamously, the student must not be a muggleborn. they must come from a family that has not spoken against the dark arts nor acted to limit education on the dark arts. the path to admittance can and has been smoothed by generous donations from the family members of those seeking acceptance, though such students have been known to get teased relentlessly at school upon arrival.

education

unlike many other magical schools, including hogwarts and ilvermorny, it is not the lighter magics such as charms and transfiguration at the core of the curriculum of durmstrang. while such subjects are indeed taught, their importance and standing in lessons is strongly undercut by the pervasive flow of the dark arts through the various programs offered. a student of durmstrang is far more likely to know how to transfigure another wixen than an object and can likely think of several… unconventional applications for a well-cast aguamenti.

as a nod to their founder, all durmstrang classes are offered in bulgarian, however the true lingua franca of this school is russian. for those unfamiliar with these languages upon their arrival at durmstrang, an eight-week intensive course in the cyrillic alphabet, as well as the russian and bulgarian languages is required for any first-year or transfer not demonstrating adequate levels of language proficiency. however, because durmstrang accepts students from an incredibly broad geographic area, professors also offer classes in their home languages, resulting in lessons being conducted in polish, romanian, and other languages. this has resulted in nearly every durmstrang student speaking a minimum of four languages, depending on their professors, their courses, as well as the origins of their fellow pupils. translation spells do not work on campus and no class is taught in english.

core classes

core subjects are mandatory up until fourth year with the exception of dark arts, which is mandatory through the student's entire time at durmstrang.

the dark arts

the core that runs through durmstrang. to any durmstrang professor or alumni worth their magic, there is no “dark” and “light” magic, it is all simply magic and like a tool, it matters only in how it is used. durmstrang has chosen to focus on what other schools would refer to as the dark arts, which is defined by the administration as: “the interaction and manipulation of organic matter through magical means via internal manipulation of magical pathways”. this seven-year course grounds students in the basics of such an approach, moving into simple spells and manipulation, both with and without a conduit such as a wand or a staff. unusual applications of more conventional “light” magic is discussed, as well as dark spell development, the definition of a curse and how to create a cursed object, and applications of jinxes, hexes and curses in practical, applicable settings.

zagovory

the study of verbal enchantments. students learn the precise pronunciations and necessary circumstances this method of magic requires and begin practice with a set of knives. as they advance through their lessons, they will eventually be required to gather a full set of teeth through their own, non-magical means in order to fuel the enchantments. the strength of the enchantment, as well as how long it lasts, depends on how much power the caster can produce, which is why a full set of teeth is crucial to actually advance in this style of magic, making the collection of those teeth what distinguishes advanced students from beginners.

magic of the body

“it is from the body that your spell must originate. the wand, if you choose to use it, is nothing more than the way it escapes. it all comes from within you.” - durmstrang headmaster katayeva leonidovna. this seven-year course examines how energy moves through the body, how circumstances can hinder that flow, and where magical energy and various kinds of magic originate within the wixen’s body. one of the slower courses offered at durmstrang, it is a basic building block in how durmstrang students and teachers understand magic. as the course continues, it builds on itself until nonverbal, wandless magic can be produced by any graduating student purely by the manipulation of the magical energies inside of them.

potioneering

students examine what a potion is, how one is made, brewing a potion with proper safety precautions, as well as the development of a potion recipe and the history of potioneering. a strong believer in the hands-on approach, durmstrang students are given access to a cauldron almost immediately and are allowed to access it whenever they wish, as long as they prove they can be responsible and follow all guidelines. as a student advances, potions will become more complex with more and more complicated effects on the body. the class is divided in half, with the first half being a lesson and the latter half being an opportunity to discuss what was applied in class. exams are given at the end of each week.

organic transfiguration

a study on the history of transfiguration, the dangers and benefits of organic transfiguration, as well as in-depth practical study of the subject. students may use plants, non-sentient magical beings, or themselves as subjects for practice. the idea behind organic transfiguration, as they teach it at durmstrang, is a simple one: you must reshape the internal magical paths of a living being to resemble something else. this results in students needing a good basic knowledge of anatomy, both human, plant, and animal, which is also offered in this course.

greenskeeping

the durmstrang version of herbology. this is the study of keeping plants alive and healthy in order to be able to harvest needed materials from them. students will interact with both magical and mundane plants, both poisonous and safe and learn how to best look after them all, as well as how to monitor their health and how to produce the best yield when needed. repotting strategies, health issues, and applications of all plants for a variety of measures and situations will be discussed. students are strongly advised to have thick gloves and warm clothing for this course.

ancient and modern runes

a study of runic meanings and their history, alongside potential divination techniques and uses for runes in academic, professional, and personal settings. runic linkings and charging will also be discussed at higher levels of the course. translation of runic texts and artifacts will also make up a portion of this course in order to gain a greater appreciation for the history of runic magic. fluency in runes, both in divination and as a form of writing, is a must in order to succeed in this course and will be taught but not elaborated on. students are strongly encouraged to seek out additional help if they are having problems reaching consistent divination successes or having problems reading the runes.

lower division electives

magical law

a study of magical law across many wizarding countries in europe and asia. laws involving regulation and condemnation of the dark arts will be examined closely and broken down to further facilitate student understanding. other laws, including travel laws, artifact laws, and laws regulating interactions with non-magical populations will also be covered in this class. students will be expected to familiarize themself with one law covering dark magic regulation from their home country and present it, arguing either for or against it.

use of magical creatures

the examination of magical creatures, including their diets, mating habits, and life stages as well as how these creatures can be used by wixen kind. proper care for these creatures will be emphasized, as well as examining unconventional uses that may not have been obvious upon first examination. students will be trained to find these atypical uses and capitalize on them as well. laws around magical creature care, movement, and reproduction will also be examined.

non-magical studies

the study of the non-magical world, including what the americans would refer to as “no-majs” and their societies, cultures, and laws. also present will be lessons on the development of the nature world, the existence and categorization of non-magical creatures, and non-magical ways of understanding internal processes and systems.. this class is only available upon request of ten or more students. to make this request, please contact the auxiliary headmaster.

homeopathy

the study of medicinal plants and animals, the development of modern medical practice, and introductions to modern healthcare with the opportunity for limited practical applications. medical spells and plants will be at the center of this course with lecture material supplemented by field excursions and guest speakers. for a student gleaned to have a great aptitude for this field, medical texts as well as great opportunities for practical applications may be available. not recommended for those below third year.

whisperings

similar to the hogwarts study of charms, whisperings is the opportunity for students to expand into a field similar to zagovory with a return to spoken magic designed to produce an effect. unlike zagovory, whisperings are used to accomplish a task, whether that be extinguishing a fire, moving an object, or polishing a shoe. students will learn both the traditional method of whisperings, which does not use a wand, staff, or other conduit, as well as the more modern method, which combines limited conduit movements with shortened words to produce a similar effect to the traditional method.

inorganic transfiguration

a study of the more popular part of transfiguration in schools such as ilvermorny and hogwarts, this class examines how to turn inorganic objects into other inorganic objects, as well as how to turn inorganic things into organic ones. durmstrang considers this a more difficult form of transfiguration as there is no flow of magic in the starting object and, in some cases, a student must imbue it with magic in order to bring about the change into an organic object. as such, this course can only be attended by those recommended for it via a letter of recommendation.

conjuration

one accio can bring an object flying across the room. conjuration teaches that but at a far greater level. as this course serves as the foundation for future studies in conjuration, it is primarily theoretical, with examination of several texts written about the subject, including an introduction to the subject, an examination of how conjuration works, traditional methods of conjuring, before moving into more modern ways of taking a great many things from there and moving them to here. towards the end of the course, students will have the ability to put their learning into practice with limited conjurations from around the castle.

sailing

a traditional and dearly beloved pastime of durmstrang students, this course teaches students how to sail without the use of magic. one of only two recreational classes offered at durmstrang, this course will discuss how to plot a course, navigate using the stars, operate rigging, steer a ship, and cast an anchor. hopefully, students will become proficient before the annual great sailing competition, a time when mastery of the water and of offensive magicks come together to prove just who is the best student at durmstrang.

flight

a popular mode of transportation among the greater european magical community, this course teaches students how to fly, including how to summon and maintain a broom, get off the ground, hover, move up and down, and how to land. after several accidents in the past, students are expressly forbidden from using magic on brooms until they have demonstrated sufficient mastery of how to control one via completion of a mastery course.

upper division electives

advanced whisperings

students interested in furthering their studies into whisperings at last have an opportunity with the addition of the advanced whisperings class, added less than a decade ago. there is a greater focus on non-traditional methods of whispering and students are encouraged to examine and explore how different conduits impact their success in whispering. traditional whispering methods will be further expanded upon by examining how many words and sounds are needed to properly whisper without it failing entirely. lessons will be supplemented with historical sources and lectures from experts in the field.

advanced conjuration

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. after a firm grasp of the history and methods have been proven, alongside an ability to successfully conjure objects from around the castle, students now have the ability to experiment further with practical, hands-on work in conjuring. students are expected to demonstrate mastery of both traditional conjuring methods via a summoning circle as well as more modern means that do away with the ritual. the final portion of this course will involve the conjuring of organic material with a human subject capping off the class.

resurrection studies

a class focused on the history, legends, and practical potentials of the resurrection of the dead. students will begin by examining popular stories and traditional tales of wixen returning from the dead, analyzing similarities between these stories to see what, if anything, is the truth. from these individual observations, students will then present them to the class and as a group, the class will pick a few options and attempt to succeed in this most elusive of goals via experiments conducted on plant life and deceased magical creatures. durmstrang would like to remind its student body there has not been a success in this course yet and there is no reward for succeeding.

alchemical studies

a magical field as old as magic itself, students will be instructed and taught in this ancient form of transfiguration and the traditional study of the elements of nature (earth, fire, water, and air). students will learn the history of this subject, the successes and the many, many failures that have plagued this study, before trying their own hand at it, turning ore into a refined metal, conducting the elements to obey one’s whim, as well as attempting the impossible: turning lead into gold.

advanced flight

once one has mastered the basics of broom flight, that is when the fun can truly begin. this course teaches advanced techniques on a broom, including offensive and defensive moves for airborne combat. popular trick moves, including those most commonly found in quidditch matches are also taught in this course. at the end, there will be a demonstration of learning presented to student peers and faculty of durmstrang.

experimental potions

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. for those interested in going beyond what the books teach about potions, this is the perfect course. students will learn how individual ingredients affect the outcome of a potion, how to make a potion reliably explode, and what boundaries are currently being pushed in the field of potioneering today. students will be required to attempt to create their own potions and their own recipes, as well as modify existing potion recipes to produce an entirely different effect. several course will take place with the students blindfolded, in order to teach them how to brew a potion from touch, smell, and sound alone.

advanced homeopathy

letter of recommendation required for entry into this course. for those students that demonstrated exception skill and talent in the field of homeopathy, this course is the next logical step for them and serves much more as an apprenticeship to a working mediwix than an actual class. students gain extensive hands-on experience in this subject, as well as an above average knowledge of the theoreticals behind it. students are almost guaranteed a place alongside the healthcare workers they have worked under upon successful completion of this course and upon graduation from durmstrang.

examinations

at the end of each year exams are sat in every subject with the exams that that determine placement and job opportunities coming fourth and seventh year. fourth rank oral guidance exams, or f.r.o.g's, are sat in forth year with the seventh year exams known simply as crowns, as they crown off the student's time and determine what jobs they can perform. certifications and final exams all in one.

grading

much like the non-magical russian academic grading system, grades for durmstrang are on a scale from one to five, with five being the highest and one being the lowest. 

5 (“excellent”) - shows highest distinction and excellent knowledge of the subject. equivalent to an outstanding and is a passing grade.

4 (“good”) - shows good knowledge of a subject. equivalent to an exceeds expectations and is a passing grade.

3 (“satisfactory”) - shows a credible or passing grade. equivalent to an acceptable and is a passing grade.

2 (“unsatisfactory”) - shows a limited knowledge of a subject and is below average. equivalent to a poor or dreadful and is a failing grade.

1 (“very poor”) - shows a complete failure. equivalent to a troll and is a failing grade.

extracurricular activities

while all students at durmstrang are strongly encouraged to participate and interact with their fellow students as much as possible, student involvement in extracurricular clubs is intended to advance their academics and complement their learning. therefore, most of the clubs found at durmstrang tend to be more academic in nature, or at least tangentially related. however, as is the case with many rules, there are exceptions to this.

choir

for a school with such a focus on spoken magics, is it any surprise that durmstrang is particularly proud of their choir? any student can join and will sing both modern wixen hits from around the world as well as traditional songs from russia, bulgaria, and other countries prominently represented in the student population of durmstrang. perhaps most exciting is the opportunity to learn traditional magical songs that the wixen of the past used in casting their spells. a true hit among the students, especially with the incredible contrast between their sopranos and the baritones and basses, who are the three most common vocal types in the durmstrang choir and are trained to provide a maximum amount of contrast between their voices.

conduit performance

a form of performance unique to durmstrang, conduit performance allows students the ability to become more comfortable with magical conduits outside of an academic setting. a student will choose a wand or a staff and will work with others in their performance group to learn how to use that conduit in art as an extension of their body. there are semesterly performances by this club to demonstrate what they can do, and the most popular are always routines that combine partial movement with particularly powerful use of a staff.

dark arts club

one of two school-required clubs, every student is a member of the dark arts club and as such, receives more exposure and experience with this style of magic in an informal, out-of-classroom setting among their peers. this is where students will discuss lessons, work on homework, and experiment with material learned in their lessons. however, as this is a school-required club, it meets daily for only forty-five minutes.

debate club

it is an odd idea for a school such as durmstrang, but the administration understands that there is only so far magic can take an individual and that sometimes battles must be fought in courtrooms, offices, and private buildings. this is why they offer the ability for students to practice arguing each other into submission. the topics are all chosen by the students and each debate is judged by the students as well. depending on their successes, they might advance to the next level of the club or stay to learn more about communication techniques they had not previously been aware of. there’s often a fair amount of yelling in the halls of durmstrang, but few rooms are louder than the one where the debate club meets.

duelling club

the world has entered uncertain times, but durmstrang has been expecting such an event for centuries and would even claim that this all is nothing new. any student of durmstrang is expected to hold their own in magical combat and duelling club is how this expectation is met. one of two clubs required by the school, every student in durmstrang is a member of the duelling club and as such, receives consistent, focused training in offensive and defensive dark magicks. this has led to a healthy environment of competition among students and it is believed that this school-sponsored fight club is the reason there are fewer fights between students outside of the duelling ring.

homeopathy club

a place for the truly gifted in the art of homeopathy, as well as those interested in learning more about the subject to meet, practice, and discuss their lessons in this truly crucial practice. there is almost always a steady stream of students seeking medical attention that don’t want to risk the wrath of the staff at a school like durmstrang, and this club is a place for the next generation of healers and mediwix of durmstrang to become even more familiar with healing and its many challenges. there is a joke among students of durmstrang that every friend group should have someone in homeopathy club in it as it is a near-certainty that their skills will be needed.

quidditch

a durmstrang student intends to win, in all aspects of their life, and nowhere is this more clear than among the quidditch players of their school. durmstrang has six quidditch teams, all selected from the greater student body, with the captain of each team being voted on by the team members. students are expected to have a natural aptitude towards flying, a remarkable level of fearlessness, and the willingness to win a game at all costs, which makes a durmstrang quidditch match a bloody affair, often resulting in many injuries. it is, of course, a favorite of the students and most dream of joining one of the teams.

rune reading club

one doesn’t learn an entirely new alphabet, each symbol with its own greater meaning, only to use it just in class. this is the thinking of the students in rune-reading club. these students often have a proficiency with languages or a particularly mischievous streak. students in this club are infamous for swapping their classmates’ notes for ones written solely in runes, if they don’t simply hex a student, resulting in that student seeing nothing but runes no matter what language they are attempting to read.

sailing

a classic pastime for the students of durmstrang. sailing has a long history in the school and much of this club’s time is spent preparing to win the great sailing competition, which occurs each year in the sub-arctic sea near durmstrang. students will customize their boats, practice racing, and engage in mock naval battles in preparation for the big day.

[beguines]

It is worth considering at this point the important contrast, not always appreciated by commentators, between various incorporations of silence into planned liturgy on the one hand, and Quaker "silent worship" on the other. The latter is only imprecisely described as "silent;" words may be spoken in all the various moods characteristic of liturgical worship (the indicatives of praise, affirmation of faith, the giving of testimony; the optatives of prayer; the imperatives of exhortation or command; and so forth). Such a practice of silence is reducible to neither a technique (for achieving some end external to itself) nor to a stably identifiable sign (of something that could perhaps equally well be verbalized).

By contrast, where silence is incorporated into a larger structure of liurgical worship – the taking of risks being "bracketed, for safety's sake, by the highly structured program" of ritual, and silence being treated, for example, more as a symbol of risk than as the actual taking of a risk – there is frequent adversion to the need to control, delimit, or plan what the silence can mean or how it can be used. Thus, for example, in Bonhoeffer's discussion of silent worship in Life Together, the concern is mainly to show that a proper keeping of silence is oriented to the word, rather than vice versa. "Mystical" silence – which Bonhoeffer understands as the "desire to get beyond the Word" – is rejected; silence "in the end . . . means nothing other than waiting for God's word and coming from God's word with a blessing." Silence is needed "mainly before and after hearing the Word." Silence is accorded a preparatory and auxiliary function to the acts of collective worship to which the "ministry of the Word" is central.

I would argue that this "bracketing" of silence in interpretation and practice – with interpretations that define its function (symbolic, psychological, or otherwise) in relation to another desired end – will miss part of the significance of the practices of silence thus interpreted, significance that might be grasped by making "silence" the organizing focus in relation to which words are weighed or judged.

Rachel Muers, Keeping God's Silence: Towards a Theological Ethics of Communication

[saeyoungs606]

Quarantine with the Dangerous Fellows

This is one I wrote when the COVID-19 first started, and it’s reposted from Wattpad and AO3. Obviously situations have worsened greatly, and I hope that all of you are being safe and smart. This is just my take on how I thought the boys would comfort you/interact with you during these difficult times. Make sure to keep updated with the latest info on the virus by using verified sources, such as the official CDC website. 

Also, the irony of this because this is a zombie apocalypse game 

~~~~

Eugene

Originally, he was extremely nervous about staying with you during the virus. He didn’t want to catch it nor give it you, and staying in the confined space seemed to be a sure way to pass it between you two.

However, as time passed, he realized that he couldn’t just hide away in the spare room in your apartment for however many weeks you would have to be together. (Plus, you may or may not have bribed him with some of his favorite snacks ;) )

Speaking of food, the two of you would eat all day, every day, leading a month’s supply of food to be eaten in about two weeks. Oops?

Anyone who knows Eugene can tell that he gets bored very easily and must be entertained at all times. Thus being said, your daily activities varied greatly. You binge-watched your favorite shows and anime, played board games, listened to music, played video games, and did anything that would satisfy your boredom.

A small incident where a certain blondie had a nightmare about his family and friends may or may not have resulted in the two of you sharing a bed. 0-0

Luckily, he had somehow thought to have brought his piano with him, so you often were blessed with seeing him perform something for you. He even had time to write a few songs in your dedication, and they absolutely melted your heart.

Awestruck from his performance for you, you immediately forced, ahem, influenced him to teach you how to play piano so that you could write him a song as well.

Eugene would be fairly well off during quarantine. He never liked to leave the house much anyway, unless he was visiting friends--which, by the way, you two video-called nearly every day--so the quarantine life was pretty similar to his normal one. 

Harry

This precious little bean would have absolutely insisted that you stay at his house after he heard that there was a virus outbreak. Plus, he knew that you lived alone and wanted to make sure that you were safe. 

He was not at all worried about the virus, but knew that you would be. Whenever you would begin fretting about things, he would immediately notice and take you into his arms, whispering little reassurances until you were more stable.

The two of you spent most of your time tending to a small, indoor garden that Harry had in his bedroom window. You always smiled when you saw Harry’s ecstatic face as he watched the sunlight glow on the little sprouts. (What an absolute sweetie T-T)

This boy would practice all of the safety precautions recommended by the health departments at! all!! times!!! He didn’t want you getting sick, of course, but he was also a very clean person normally, so it came as second nature to him.

He also had a complete surplus of medical supplies and medicines, so if you ever needed anything of that nature, you were sure to get the proper ailment and several cuddles to go along with it. 

Harry was honestly okay with living alone with you for a while, but he also missed physically going outside. He found himself missing the sun and the stars, so you always left the curtains open and often liked to lay on his living room floor, imagining that the two of you were lying in the soft grass.

Lawrence

When you asked if you could stay with him in self quarantine, this brunet was absolutely d e l i g h t e d . Lawrence adored the thought of being able to take care of you for an extended amount of time, and it would also eliminate the chances of you hanging out with anyone other than him. (Two birds with one stone, am I right?)

You both usually read your favorite books together, with some of his favorite authors being Dean Koontz and Stephen King.

He was very skilled in the cooking area, so you would often find yourself learning new techniques and recipes by watching him. After a while, he noticed your interest in his cuisine and insisted upon physically teaching you how to prepare your favorite dishes.

Lawrence also made a habit of baking sweets for you. When you woke up each morning, he had prepared some new pastry or tart for you to try, and you were sure to have a very delicious dessert after every meal.

Every time the two of you retired for the night or woke up to the sun in your eyes, expect a very, VERY long cuddle session. Being as possessive as he is, Lawrence finds himself wanting to hold and kiss you all the time. He just wants to feel that it’s you right next to him, and to assure himself that he isn’t living in part of his imagination.

One of Lawrence’s biggest fears during this time is that you will decide to leave him. Of course, the quarantine must be over at some point, but he resent the thought of that day arriving. When you leave, you will no longer be under his watchful yet caring eye, and that might mean that you will fall for someone else.

The latter being said, you can expect to have several issues trying to return home when the virus has finally run it’s course. (Y i k e s . Jumin bad ending 2, anyone??)

Zion

Out of everyone in the group, Zion would definitely be the most reluctant to allow you to stay with him. Not because he doesn’t like you, but because he’s... well, Zion. (lol, you get me?)

He would tease you for asking to stay with him constantly, making fun of how you were “afraid of something that wasn’t even living.” (We all know he really wants you to be there, though-)

Actually, scratch that, he would tease you for pretty much everything. You didn’t want to stay in your room because you were lonely? Scaredy-cat. You freaked out because you saw a bug on the bathroom counter? Wimp.

However, Zion knew when to stop with his nonsense. If he ever saw that you just weren’t in the mood, he would definitely ask about it. And if you ever told him that “it’s nothing” or “don’t worry, I’m fine”, he would get pretty angry and insist that you “stop with that lying bullshit”.

When together, the two of you were typically extremely competitive, so you usually played various games with one another. However, you could also find you two having a competition over who can do the most push-ups or laps around the house.

Despite his demeanor, Zion would actually be very worried about the chances of you both getting sick. He only tires to hide it with his “tough-guy” routine, but his nerves are fairly obvious to you.

Ethan

Despite being a man of few words, Ethan quickly agreed to take you in as the virus progressed. He really enjoys being around you and was very happy to spend a few weeks with you.

You both loved to do puzzles together. It was a very calming activity, and you were luckily able to do so since your grandparents had always given you a plethora of puzzles for every holiday known to man. Not that you were complaining, it became a shared hobby of the two of you.

He would also occasionally teach you how to repair certain objects and adored creating little knick-knacks for you out of random things he found throughout the house. For instance, he made a small cat out of a block of wood and some thread, and you thought it was the cutest thing ever. (Isn’t it, though?)

Ethan, being the sleepy fellow he is, also took several long naps through the course of a day. Although you found how long he slept a bit concerning at first, you were quick to join him on his midday slumbers on the couch.

Something he greatly enjoyed was when you talked. When you told him about your day, or about what your favorite things were. He loved getting to know you and hearing your voice, despite his own silence. He would often sit on the couch with your head in his lap, twirling his fingers through your hair as you reminisced about past events.

Honestly, Ethan would not be that concerned about the raging pandemic. He had you right there with him, and that’s all he had to worry about. Plus, he was typically a very chill person, so being distraught over something such as a sickness as not very characteristic of him. 

[ranwing]

KADAM FIC: LEARNING TO FLY (10/?)

Title: Learning to Fly Series: A New Direction (was Season Four Remix) Pairing(s), Characters(s): Kadam, Kurt Hummel, Adam Crawford, Burt Hummel, Rachel Berry, Santana Lopez, Carmen Tibideaux, Cassandra July, Artie Abrams, Tina Cohen-Chang, Elliot “Starchild” Gilbert, Dani, Adam’s Apples, Original Characters Rating: PG13 (rating may change) Genre(s): canon divergence. Parts: 10/? Summary: As another school year starts at NYADA, Kurt seemed to have it all. The respect of his teachers, a group of wonderful friends and best of all, getting to live with the man that he’d come to love. So of course the universe would throw a few curve balls in his direction.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine

On AO3

Back when he was still in school, Adam’s teachers had lectured him about the rigors of a touring company and he’d been amply warned about the sense of isolation that could come with being on the road. With a faculty made up of professional actors, singers and dancers, they had the experience to justify this warning. And he was finding, much to his frustration, just how correct they were. Sleeping in hotel rooms, living out of a suitcase and eating way too much fast food made it difficult to maintain the routines that kept him healthy and centered and feeling well. All the little rituals that he had developed over the years, like baking when he felt stressed or sitting by the window with a cup of tea to relax, were no longer options and already the pressures were starting to wear on him.

Maybe he’d been naive, but he hadn’t expected it to be so difficult at this stage. He’d never been a fussy sleeper and didn’t consider himself to be high maintenance. But he missed having his own space and waking up next to the man he loved. He missed the two of them cooking in his tiny kitchen or sitting in the living room working on his writing while Kurt was studying. It seemed like he just didn’t have any time to decompress and since he only really had his castmates to socialize with, never really could escape the show. As much as he personally liked his friends in the cast, he still felt very much adrift at times.

Maintaining a proper sleep schedule when one was in unfamiliar surroundings or sitting in a bus traveling to their next destination wasn’t easy and Adam wasn’t terribly surprised that he was still wide awake after midnight. Niall was seated in the pair of seats across from him, stretched out as much as physically possible and snoring away, his eyes covered with a pink sleep mask that obviously was stolen from his wife. Most of the others were either sleeping or at least resting as best they were able.

Well, if he couldn’t sleep, he might as well get something constructive done. There were a number of emails he hadn’t answered yet. A note from his sister, finally having resolved the horse welfare seizure in the courts after months of hard work. A reminder from his parents that they were finally taking their overdue holiday to Spain if he needed to reach them. A reminder from Mr. Tillman about the upcoming auditions for the Shakespeare company summer season.

Adam sighed tiredly. He wanted very much to call Kurt, just to hear his voice. That alone would ease the knot of loneliness that seemed to permanently settle in his chest. But it was so late, and he didn’t want to disturb Kurt’s rest. He knew that Kurt would not be upset at all upset being awakened if he saw that Adam really needed to speak with him, but he had so much to deal with that Adam didn’t want to be yet another burden for Kurt to have to carry.

Even though he got along well with the rest of the cast, especially Niall, he was often reminded of how alone he was and far from the people that he wanted to be with. His parents and sister were across the pond and Kurt was in New York while he was sitting on a bus traveling from Boston to Richmond. They’d left Boston directly after their final performance so that they’d arrive in Virginia early in the morning. The plan was to give them two days to rest while the crew got the sets, props and lighting set up before a set of rehearsals to get accustomed to the new theater began. Previews for the local media would be staged just five days after their arrival with the official opening night scheduled two days later, leaving very little real down time. This was going to be their pattern for the duration of the tour.

He thought that he’d be better prepared but apparently one truly had to experience this kind of challenge to understand it. There would be good days and not such good ones. There would be days when he missed Kurt so much that the ache would be felt physically and other days when the both of them were so busy that they barely even had the time to focus on their separation.

If there was one good thing about not being able to sleep on the bus was that he could take advantage of the WIFI. He really should be working on his play since he has promised the rewrites would be done by the time the tour concluded but he just didn’t have the mental energy to focus on it. Instead he found himself cuing up the YouTube channel for Elliot’s cabaret group to watch the Valentine’s Day performance.

While he enjoyed most of the acts, especially Rachel and Santana who were so perfectly matched together, it was Kurt that he wanted to see. And his lover didn’t disappoint. Besides looking so breathtakingly gorgeous, he performed with elegance and passion, creating a character that was so different from himself yet still managed to portray Kurt’s own nature so beautifully.

He wished that he could have been there, but after watching Kurt’s set for the third time he had to wonder if his lover would have given such a performance if he had. Despite the clear sense of abandon, there was something about Kurt’s performance that was so refined and mature that expressed clear expediential growth since Adam left New York. Maybe their time apart was to Kurt’s benefit, he considered. Had he been coddling Kurt too much and preventing him from maturing in the way that he deserved to be?

He sighed to himself, watching as Kurt spun about a stripper pole on his screen looking like some otherworldly tempter. He’d never wanted to be the one to hold Kurt back, nor did he want to be pushing Kurt to do things that he didn’t want to. Kurt deserved the chance to develop on his own and seemed to be having a marvelous time doing so. Maybe being away from him was best for Kurt at this point, giving him room to find who he was both as a performer and a person without his well-meaning interference.

He couldn’t help from remembering something his Aunt Magda had told him once when he was visiting her country cottage as a child for an early spring weekend. A champion hobby gardener, she took advantage of her young nephew’s free labor and he’d wondered why she was taking young plants out of her hothouse when it was still so chilly out.

“It hardens them, pet,” she explained patiently, smiling as she handed him pots of seedlings to place down by the path. “Going into the cold makes them stronger so they’ll be able to survive if the weather turns.”

Adam looked at the plants in his hands, feeling a bit sorry for the poor things. He didn’t want to be outside when it was this cool and he couldn’t imagine how such young plants wouldn’t freeze.

Aunt Magda laughed warmly. “They’re not going to be out all the time,” she assured him, ruffling his hair playfully. “Not until it gets warmer. We’ll put them back in the hothouse before supper and they’ll spend the night all toasty warm. Then tomorrow we’ll put them outside again until they’re used to it.

“Now, when we’re done here we’ll go back inside so you can wash up. I’ve got some fresh biscuits for your tea.”

Adam smiled to himself at the memory, remembering how relieved he’d been that the poor baby plants weren’t going to be left to freeze but the lesson his dear aunt taught him seemed to fit his situation now. Both he and Kurt were those young plants, just starting to emerge from the safety of their school hothouse. Adam was a bit further along and could be expected to survive in the cold world, but Kurt was still a tender seedling. He needed the opportunity to strengthen. To harden as his aunt had phrased it before he could find his place in the world.

Being on his own would likely do Kurt far more good than harm, Adam considered as he watched Kurt dancing for a clearly appreciative audience. He would get the chance that Adam did, to explore and grow and discover himself as a performer. And without Adam there tempted to guide him or protect him from struggle or failure, Kurt would harden. He would strengthen and grow and be prepared to face the world outside of NYADA.

This was important for the both of them, Adam considered. They could both come out of the experience stronger both as individuals and as a couple. They just needed to endure the next few short months. Then he would be returning home and see just what sort of remarkable flower Kurt had blossomed into.

* * *

Kurt grunted as he was driven backwards, sweat streaming down his face beneath the protection of the fencing mask. Mr. Hansen was taking no mercy as he put on display every flaw in Kurt’s technique. He would have some pretty spectacular bruises by the time they were done from being struck by the heavy wooden sword, but he knew better than to complain about the rough treatment. As far as Mr. Hansen was concerned, getting hit would be his fault for not blocking the blows.

At least the fencing mask would protect him from a potential black eye.

Mr. Hansen finally called a stop when he’d driven Kurt back to the edge of the practice area, giving him a chance to recover. He pulled off his own mask, offering his student a reassuring smile. “That was much better, Kurt,” he assured his student. “You managed to block me most of the time.”

“Didn’t feel like it,” Kurt complained ruefully, rubbing a sore spot on his shoulder that he knew was a blooming bruise.

“Trust me, you did,” Mr. Hansen assured him. “I wasn’t holding back that much and you were able to anticipate what I might be doing. If you’re able to do that in a free flow fight, you’re going to have no trouble following some pretty complicated fight choreography.”

He looked to the rest of the class, all of which looked like they’d been put through the wringer while their teacher looked fresh as a slightly sweaty daisy. Mr. Hansen might be pushing forty but his endurance was to be respected with the way he ran his students around the room.

“I think that you’re all about ready to finally get your hands on some live steel,” he proposed, placing the wooden swords in their storage stand. He reached for two swords and swung them so that the light reflected off their lengths. He handed the first, a broadsword, to one of the other boys and the second, a katana-styled sword, to Kurt. “They don’t have edges, but you still need to be careful.

“Now you’ll notice that the feel is completely different from wood,” Mr. Hansen advised as his students gave the swords tentative swings. “These actually have some serious weight that will affect how you need to handle them. Even without an edge, you can seriously hurt someone if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Kurt frowned as he hefted the blade with both hands and tried to give it a controlled swing. Unlike the wooden practice sword which was designed to allow for slashing or thrusting motions, this sword felt like it was primarily for swinging blows. He needed both arms to control the movement.

“In our next class, we’ll be working with several different styles of blades and you’ll learn to control them all before we move on to actual combat. Remember our primary rule…”

“Safety first, safety last, safety always!” the entire class recited dutifully.

The teacher chuckled as he retrieved the weapons. “Hit the showers people,” he ordered. “I’ll see you next week.”

Kurt handed him back the sword before heading over to where he left his athletic bag, musing that the next few sessions would likely be very interesting. He was looking forward to working with actual stage weapons. His growing proficiency at stage combat would certainly help his prospects when he auditioned for the Shakespeare festival. Wiping his face and grabbing a sip of water, he sat down on a bench to rest for a moment. Grateful that this was his last class for the day, he had time to cool down, shower and grab an early dinner before he was due at rehearsal.

“Hey Kurt?”

He looked up to see Dale standing over him. The other student had been a casual sparring partner since they’d started in stage combat and had playfully flirted with him from time to time but had kept things light and respectful. In all honestly, Kurt was just shallow enough to get a bit of a kick out of a good-looking guy finding him attractive and asking him to make muscles. The past few weeks he’d been a bit more forward in his compliments, though not enough to bother Kurt. Yet.

“You were pretty amazing holding your own with Mr. Hansen,” Dale complimented. “He totally kicked my ass last time.”

Kurt nodded in acknowledgment of his compliment. “Thanks. I felt like mine was getting kicked around a bit today.”

“No, you were doing okay.” The dark-haired man sat down next to him, a trifle close for Kurt’s comfort. “I was wondering if you’re free before rehearsals tonight,” he said enquiringly. “There’s this new Thai place that opened down on Fifth. I thought maybe we could check it out.”

Kurt mentally sighed, recognizing that the invitation was for a lot more than a casual dinner between friends and wishing that Dale hadn’t gone there. Not that Dale wasn’t good looking, with his thick dark hair and wide grin, but he just wasn’t interested. Dale had flirted with him many times before in class, but this felt different from his usual teasing. Kurt generally liked the other man and wanted to maintain a pleasant working relationship with his classmates, so he needed to make a few things clear.

“No, but thanks for the offer,” he said carefully, offering a friendly smile. “I’m going to relax a little bit before rehearsal. It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, come on Kurt,” Dale urged, smiling enticingly. “You have to eat. This will give us a chance to hang out a little bit. Get to know each other a little more outside of class.”

Kurt sighed, knowing that he would have to be a bit blunter. “Look, I appreciate the invite but I think that I’m just going to grab something in the cafeteria and take advantage of my break to give Adam a call.”

Dale cocked his head. “So… you two are still together? Even with him away?” he asked, a bit too smoothly to be believed.

Kurt felt his gaze narrow in annoyance. It wasn’t exactly a secret and he wasn’t aware of any rumors floating around about their relationship being in trouble. His friends would have alerted him. “Yes, we are,” he confirmed. “Quite happily so.”

“And he’d be upset if you just went out to dinner with a friend?” Dale demanded, a bit of challenge in his voice. “You don’t strike me as the type to be bossed around by a boyfriend when he’s not around. I always thought you were your own man.”

After having dealt with Blaine for so long, Kurt could easily recognize when someone was trying to manipulate him, and he was not going to fall for it. It felt a bit too much like Sebastian’s old “I don’t mind if you don’t mind” game that he’d tried while he and Blaine were still a couple. Blaine might have been tempted when deprived of his boyfriend’s attention for more than five minutes, but Kurt wasn’t that needy.

“No, he doesn’t mind at all because he trusts me. Like I trust him. I just get the feeling that friendship isn’t exactly what you’re after so let me make it clear that I’m not interested.”

“Oh, come on Kurt. I’m not looking for anything serious,” Dale purred, inching closer into Kurt’s personal space. “Your man is away and I’m sure that you’ve got to be lonely. This would just be two friends scratching an itch together.”

“No thanks,” Kurt said firmly. “I am more than capable of scratching my own itch.”

Dale just shrugged, apparently not offended at Kurt’s refusal. “Okay, I get it,” he acquiesced. “I didn’t mean to push too hard. It’s just… you are really hot so you can’t blame me for trying.”

Kurt sighed, knowing that he would have to let this go. He and Dale would be working together a lot and it didn’t pay to make an enemy over a bit of aggressive flirting. He would just chalk it up to a misunderstanding and leave it at that.

“It’s okay,” he finally said. If he could forgive Mercedes for smashing his car window, he could get past Dale’s pushy behavior. He probably should just be complimented that he had that effect on some people.

“Cool,” Dale exclaimed agreeably, switching from assertive suitor to pleasant acquaintance now that Kurt had reaffirmed his boundaries. “Don’t want to lose my favorite sparring partner after all.”

Kurt nodded, getting up and slipping into his NYADA warmup jacket and tugging a dark blue beanie onto his head that felt like a security blanket. “Well, I’m going to head out. I’ll see you at rehearsals tonight.”

“You got it,” Dale said agreeably, moving to retrieve his own belongings before heading to the showers. “Catch you later…”

Kurt couldn’t help from breathing a sigh of relief that he was able to resolve this little matter neatly. He didn’t want to make enemies over something like this and it was fortunate that Dale was smart enough to accept Kurt’s refusal without getting offended.  And in all truth, it was flattering to have someone wanting him like that. Best to just take it as a compliment.

Returning to his room, he stripped down to his briefs and tossed his dirty clothes into his hamper, making a mental note that he needed to do laundry over the weekend or risk his room smelling like Finn’s used to. The beanie was placed in a place of honor on Kurt’s dresser where he could enjoy having something of Adam’s in plain sight. Kurt grabbed his robe off its hook on the back of the door and slipped it on, finding comfort in the warm fabric and pushed his feet into the flip flops that he always wore to the showers. He’d wash up, get something to eat and would be ready in plenty of time for rehearsals.

But first… He got out his phone and checked his messages, seeing that Adam had texted him a few times while he was in class.

Arrived in Richmond, safe and sound, his boyfriend assured him. Am at the hotel and plan to fall flat on my face for a few hours.

Kurt smiled, seeing that the note was a few hours old. Hopefully Adam had gotten plenty of rest because he could imagine just how draining the long drive was. Going to his map, he exchanged pins to mark Adam’s new location and to indicate that the run in Boston was concluded. Still a long way to go, but now he had evidence that their separation was indeed finite and would at some point come to an end.

Hoping that Adam was rested and awake, he checked the second message and saw that Adam would be going out to dinner and would try to check in after Kurt got back from rehearsals.

“Oh…” Kurt bit back a sigh of disappointment, knowing that he had no right to be upset. He and Adam often found that they rarely were able to plan times when they could talk to one another and were dependent on chance when both might be free. Usually it in the afternoons after Kurt’s last class and before rehearsals when he was able to catch Adam before was due to be at the theater or late in the night after Adam’s performance. That wasn’t Adam’s doing and his boyfriend would not have known that Kurt had a few hours to himself before making his plans.

He dialed Adam’s phone number and wasn’t surprised when it went directly to voice mail.

“Hi babe,” he greeted with as much cheer as he could manage. “Hope that you’re out having a good time. When you get back, give me a call. I’ll be up late. Love you.”

His eyes stung a bit as he hung up, feeling rather alone and depressed but quickly shook himself out of it. Resolutely picking up his bath supplies, he headed down to the showers to clean up. He needed to keep his mind on what he needed to do that evening, and not crying over his absent partner. He was going to get through this.

* * *

“This is so nice of you, but you really didn’t need to go so out of your way,” Adam insisted as they drove to the restaurant where their diner reservations were made.

Carole turned to the young man seated in the back seat of their car with a wide smile. “Don’t be silly, sweetheart,” she insisted. “There was no way that we were going to miss seeing you now that you’re close by.”

“Well, close being a relative term,” Burt teased, not taking his eyes off the road as he drove. “It’s not a bad drive and it gives us an excuse to get out of Washington for a little bit.”

“One of Burt’s staffers recommended this restaurant and we thought it would be a nice break for you,” Carole proposed. “I’m always worried that you boys aren’t eating right.”

“Prepare to be mothered,” Burt warned, laughing. “She’s been itching to take care of someone since Finn moved out and it’ll be nice for her to have someone to focus on besides me.”

Adam couldn’t help from smiling, his heart clenching when he realized that he felt the same kind of need. He missed his family and he only got to see them a few times a year at best. And he missed Kurt. Seeing the elder Hummels made him feel a bit less disconnected to those that he loved, and he was grateful that Kurt’s family had embraced him the way that they did.

“We’ve really been looking forward to seeing your show,” Carole informed him. “Especially after reading the reviews from Boston. We were so happy to see that the play was well received.”

“We all were relieved,” Adam admitted. “I mean, we thought that it’s a great play and everyone’s put in so much work, but it was still a relief that the critics saw that. I really hope that you like it. I’ve made sure that you’ve got the best seats in the house.”

Burt grunted in approval. “It sounds like a great show,” he assured Adam. “And maybe a little media attention about having a Congressman attending on opening night might goose attendance just a bit.”

Adam pursed his mouth thoughtfully. “I doubt the producers would mind that at all.”

The restaurant where their dinner reservations was casual enough to be comfortable, but the young chef there had a reputation for putting a modern and healthy spin on traditional southern recipes.  It was early enough that there wasn’t a long wait for their table where their smiling waitress took their drink orders and left a basket of warm cornbread with honey butter for them to enjoy. Carole passed the basket around the table, taking the small pleasure that only a mother would understand about seeing the men in her life eating well.

“You’ll have to guide me,” Adam requested politely as he looked over the menu. “I’m not familiar with a lot of dishes like this.”

“I’m sure it’s all good,” Burt claimed, swallowing a bit of cornbread.

Deciding to be adventurous and not to go with the safe and familiar option of fried chicken, Adam placed his order and turned his focus on the older couple. “I really do appreciate this,” he insisted. “And admittedly, I kind of needed to see some familiar faces.”

“Life on the road not to your liking?” Burt asked sympathetically.

“It’s really not bad for the most part,” Adam assured him, not wanting to complain. “Actually, it’s been quite an interesting experience so far. The rest of the cast is fantastic and a really bunch of nice fellows. And I really can’t say enough about the director and the rest of the production team. The play is really amazing, and I can’t wait for you to see it.”

Carole smile warmly, glad that Adam had positive things to say about his experience.

“But..,” Burt prodded knowingly.

Adam sighed. “I can’t lie. Being away from Kurt is hard. Harder than even I expected,” he admitted. “We talk as often as we can, but I miss our life together. I miss our friends and having my own place. The novelty of hotels wore off pretty quickly. I’ve rather resigned myself that the rest of the tour is going to be something of a slog.”

“Well, then I’m very glad that we’re going to be close by for the next few weeks,” Carole pronounced.

“What’s your schedule like?” Burt asked after taking a sip of water. “Is it the usual theater schedule?”

“Yes, we have shows five nights a week and matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays. Mondays are our free days.”

“So you have off Sunday afternoons after the matinee?” Burt confirmed.

The Englishman nodded. “I don’t have to be at the theater until Tuesday morning for our run through before the evening performance,” Adam explained. “They wanted to make sure that we had adequate downtime, so we don’t burn out before the end of the tour.”

“That’s perfect,” Carole pronounced. “That will give us plenty of them to sightsee and have fun before I need to get you back in time for work.”

Adam swallowed the bite of bread he’d just taken and blinked in confusion. “Pardon? I mean…”

“You didn’t think we’d just run in to see you in the show,” Burt admonished teasingly. “If it’s all right with you, the plan will be that we pick you up after the Sunday matinee. You’ll spend the night at our place and on Monday, Carole can take you sightseeing around D.C. while I’m at work and we can all have dinner together.”

Carole nodded happily. “We’ve got plenty of space in our apartment, so you’ll have your own room and can get some real rest. And I’m sure some home cooking will be a nice change from eating out so much.”

Burt couldn’t help from laughing at the dumfounded expression on the younger man’s face. “I wasn’t lying that Carole planned to mother you. I hope that’s okay.”

Adam looked to the smiling woman, then back to Kurt’s father. “That’s… that’s very generous of you,” he said softly. “I really do appreciate the offer. But Richmond is so out of your way, and…”

“Nonsense,” Carole snorted indignantly. “You might as well come willingly because I have no qualms about badgering you until you give in.”

“I’d just go along with her,” Burt advised, with a wry glint in his eyes that reminded Adam so much of Kurt. “She’s been making plans to play tour guide to you since we got your tour dates.”

Adam couldn’t help from smiling. Niall would probably be pleased to have some privacy for a night or two. “Well, I suppose that I can’t turn down a lady’s generosity for a weekend.”

Carole laughed. “A weekend, he thinks. Burt, that’s so adorable.”

“Adam, I think that you’d better resign yourself to be our guest for the next few weekends,” her husband advised wryly. “If she can’t have Finn or Kurt, you’re next in line.”

“Adam, believe me, this is no trouble at all for us,” Carole promised. “We can do all kinds of touristy things around Washington and Burt’s even going to arrange a special tour for you at the Capital. This way you get a real break and a chance to really relax. I’m so looking forward to spending some time with you.”

It had always been something of a relief to Adam that the Hummels had accepted him as Kurt’s partner, but this display of generosity went well beyond what he rightly could have expected from them. It was more how he might have expected them to treat a son-in-law. To his shock, he realized that was exactly how they did see him.

It would be a nice break for both himself and Niall, who would probably be thrilled to have the occasional night with the hotel room to himself. As well as they got along, bit of privacy would be very much appreciated on both their parts.

Humbled and grateful for how the Hummels had accepted him into their family, Adam smiled warmly at the both of them. “That sounds like a splendid plan.  Thank you both so much,” he said sincerely.

Their waitress returned with their entrees and placed a plate of shrimp and grits in front of Adam. The dish was unfamiliar but still looked, and smelled, very appetizing. Maybe this was how he needed to embrace all of these strange, new experiences with a bit more openness. Accept the good and the bad and look forward to all the kinds if encounters that he could learn from.

Sitting at a table with parents that were not his own but had embraced him was such a moment where the strange melded with the ordinary. The Hummels were quite unlike his folks in many ways, but he felt completely at ease in their presence. He felt a very familiar warmth from Carole’s smile and concern, reminded of how his own mum worried over him. And Burt’s quiet concern did remind him much of how his father would watch out for him. He hadn’t known just how much he’d needed a bit of family kindness until that moment. It was definitely the kind of balm to ease his sore heart.

He had urged Kurt to take advantage of their time apart to try new thing and it was clear that he needed to do the same if he was going to be a man worthy of Kurt’s effort. There would be moments where he was unmoored from everything familiar and comforting and he would learn to not just weather those instances but embrace them. Kurt’s strength had always astounded him, and now he would learn to be strong as well.

When he was deposited back at his hotel with hugs and words of support and caring, Adam felt better about things than he had since they’d left Boston. Their room was empty, Niall having left a note that he and the lads were going out for drinks and to do a bit of exploring. Glad to have a bit of privacy, Adam checked his phone and found a voice mail that Kurt had left a few hours earlier. Listening to his lover’s voice brought a smile to his face.

Ringing up his lover, he felt himself smiling in relief when the younger man promptly answered the phone. “Hello darling,” Adam greeted happily. “Did I wake you?”

“Hi honey! No, rehearsal ran a bit long and I went out for coffee with some of the guys. I just got in about an hour ago,” Kurt admitted. Adam could detect the weariness in the younger man’s voice but he knew from experience that Kurt had a few hours of work ahead of him before he’d retire for the night.

“This is late for you all,” Adam noted.

“We’re working on the big numbers right now, so rehearsals take longer than usual,” Kurt explained, yawning a little. “Did you have a good time tonight?”

Adam smiled, realizing that Kurt’s family hadn’t informed him of their plans at abduction.

“Very much so, and you’re going to laugh when I tell you about my evening.”

Over the phone he heard Kurt settling down, shoving books out of his way so he could get comfortable. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me all about it.”

They had quite a good laugh together.

* * *

Elliot turned to tap Kurt on the shoulder to get his attention. “I’m going to get something to drink,” he yelled over the pounding music.

Kurt nodded that he’d heard, and Elliot watched as the younger man said something to the man he’d been dancing with about taking a break, leaving him with a charming smile and no promise of anything further that night. It wasn’t hard to catch the look of disappointment on Kurt’s erstwhile partner, and Elliot quickly moved to place himself between Kurt and the man he was leaving behind least the other man think of pressing his attentions further.

Elliot couldn’t blame him, if he was being totally honest with himself. He might think of Kurt as a good friend, but he wasn’t blind. Kurt was gorgeous and those tight jeans he was wearing left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Watching Kurt losing himself in classic dance tunes like Frankie Goes to Hollywood and seeing the sweat dampening his shirt so that it clung to his toned muscles was certainly engaging and it wasn’t a surprise that he had garnered the attention of quite a few of the men that night. And when the two of them danced together, they were the envy of most of the men in the club. Like Elliot, Kurt was a natural showman and didn’t mind putting on a display.

Watching the younger man walk ahead of him, his hips moving in time to the music brought a smile to Elliot’s face. It might have taken a bit of cajoling and badgering, but he’d finally gotten Kurt to agree to a gay boys’ night out. With all of Kurt’s commitments, finding free time had not been easy and what little free time Kurt had was usually spent with their larger group of friends. The last thing that Elliot wanted was to be yet another person making demands on what little time to rest that Kurt had.

Elliot knew that he was more fortunate than most that he got along as well as he did with his roommates and genuinely enjoyed socializing with them. Dani was his best girl and Neil was one of the coolest guys he’d ever met and never minded hanging out at gay clubs with him, even enjoying being hit on occasionally. But sometimes a gay boy just needed another gay boy to hang out with. Having a friend who could appreciate their shared experiences and challenges was something that most people didn’t really appreciate until they didn’t have it.

But as the night went on, it became clear just how much Kurt had needed this time to decompress. Elliot knew how much he needed to let off some steam and just enjoy himself without worrying about entertaining others. Since Dani started dating Santana, Elliot had plenty of exposure to Kurt’s friends and he could easily see that Kurt would benefit from some time away from them. It was good that his entire social life didn’t circle around them every waking minute.

It had been an enjoyable night of kitting several of the more notable gay spots in Manhattan. They started off at the Monster Bar, enjoying the quiet ambience and the chance to catch up and enjoy a drink in the sophisticated setting. They strolled over to the Stonewall Inn; Kurt posing for a selfie in front of the historical landmark and posting it to his Instagram account. After grabbing a late supper, they made their way to the Highline Ballroom to get their dance on.

Watching the stress start to ease from Kurt’s face, Elliot was glad to see him finally letting go of some of the pressure he’d clearly been under the past few weeks. It had been a lot of fun to watch him dive head first into the greater gay culture of New York City in a way that he hadn’t had the opportunity to do before and Elliot was glad that he’d promised Adam to watch out for Kurt and drag him away from his textbooks for an evening.

“I’m so glad we came out tonight,” Kurt sighed happily as he sipped his rum and cola, leaning against Elliot casually and resting his head against the taller man’s shoulder. “I needed this.”

Elliot grinned brightly. “I could tell. You were seriously wound up.” He took a gulp of his seltzer. “I thought that I was going to have to resort to kidnapping.”

“Well, thank you for not giving up on me,” Kurt insisted. He raised his glass in toast. “Here’s to three-day weekends and a well-needed break from classes and rehearsals.”

“Cheers,” Elliot toasted back, his blue eyes twinkling with good spirits. He always like going out to clubs with friends, even if he wasn’t looking to get laid. Sometimes he just needed the chance to decompress and work off some stress by dancing. Kurt and Adam had sometimes gone out to clubs together, but it was good that he was seeing that it was perfectly fine for him to hang out and dance even if his boyfriend wasn’t around. Adam trusted Kurt and wouldn’t begrudge him the chance to bask in the admiring stares of other men since Kurt had absolutely zero interest in reciprocating. And to be honest, Elliot thought that that Kurt could benefit from seeing that other men did appreciate what he was showing.

He didn’t mind playing wingman for Kurt and watching out for him while he danced and had a few drinks. Most of the men who asked Kurt to dance seemed nice enough and were respectful of his boundaries, accepting that he was just looking to dance and enjoying himself for the evening. Elliot was able to deflect those who didn’t seem to know when to back off, letting Kurt have a good time without having to deal with jerks. Not that Elliot blamed them, because a man would have to be devoid of a sex drive or just plain stupid to not think that Kurt was amazing and wanting to get with him. He wanted Kurt to have the opportunity to enjoy himself without the aggravation of putting off overly determined suitors.

It was nearly three in the morning before the two of them stumbled into an all-night eatery to refuel, and in Kurt’s case, sober up a bit before calling it quits for the night. The diner was crowded with late night partygoers looking for coffee and sustenance. After hours of dancing, they all but crawled into their booth. Both of them were starving and tired, their feet sore and Kurt needed some carbs to soak up the remains of the alcohol he’d been consuming. He wasn’t drunk, and Elliot was glad that Kurt had the good sense to keep his drinking under control and hadn’t had to police him all night. He was just happily buzzed and relaxed enough that the whole world felt fantastic and even his aches and pains were wonderful.

“Well, you sure look like you had a good time,” Elliot teased, taking in to the sight of Kurt looking like a slightly rumpled, slightly tipsy and totally adorable sleepy kitten.

“I’m going to feel it later on,” Kurt complained playfully as he sipped his coffee. The dose of caffeine seemed to be perking him up a bit. “I’m so glad that I don’t have plans until evening today, because I don’t think I’ll be coherent enough to actually get anything done without screwing it up.”

Elliot nodded understandingly. At that moment, the only thing he’d probably manage was to fall face first into bed. “What do you have lined up?” he asked as the waitress placed their meals in front of them. French toast with a side of bacon for Kurt, and huevos ranchero for him.

“Just a night with the others at the loft. Something about a ‘worst movies’ film festival. We all need a break from our classwork,” Kurt yawned, pouring a generous portion of syrup over his food. He took a bite, closing his eyes and making a low moan in his throat. “This is so good…”

Elliot chuckled and gave him a little nudge with his foot. “Knock it off, or you’re going to get everyone in here all hot and bothered, Sally.”

Kurt laughed at the film reference, looking at his friend with eyes that were just a little too bright to be completely sober just yet. “What about you,” he asked. “Anything exciting to do today?”

“Going to relax today, but I’ll head to Jersey tomorrow to see my folks,” Elliot admitted. “I’ve been putting it off for a while, so I’ll do brunch with mom and dinner with my dad. That way I’ll be able to keep the peace between them for the next few weeks.”

“I can’t imagine having folks separated like that,” Kurt mused. “I mean, I lost my mom when I was young, so it’s just been Dad and me for a long time. I don’t know how it would be if they divorced and I had to split time between them. Or worse, feeling like I had to choose between them. Do your parents really hate each other that much?”

“I wouldn’t say that hate is the right word,” Elliot explained. “But they find a way to fight over everything. Me especially, at times. Personally, I think that they just enjoy trying to get a rise out of one another.”

Kurt winced reflexively. “But they must have cared about each other at one point,” he insisted. “I mean, they got married and they had you.”

“I know, but love doesn’t always last forever,” Elliot said sagely. “No one starts a marriage expecting it to end at some point, but it does happen. I mean, we’ve all had relationships that didn’t last.”

“Oh, that’s definitely true,” Kurt snorted. He was very cognizant of that fact of life.

Elliot cocked his head curiously. “That guy you were with before Adam. You don’t talk much about him,” he prodded gently.

Kurt sighed, his good mood fading slightly at the mention of his ex. He stabbed a piece of his French toast and chewed it thoughtfully before answering.

“Things weren’t good between us for a long time. A lot longer than I’d wanted to admit,” he admitted. “There were things that when I look back, I realize were wrong even before we got together as a couple. But I was in love and I really wanted to make it work. I was willing to put up with a lot for us to stay together as a couple, and it took a long time before it reached a point where I just couldn’t keep overlooking everything that he was doing. I didn’t realize that I was losing myself in the process. It was only after I ended things with Blaine that I started to understand just how much I had sacrificed to keep our relationship going and it wasn’t good for me.”

Kurt looked down at the table, suddenly embarrassed by what he was revealing. “When he told me that he’d been with someone else, I just felt like my whole world was ripped out from under my feet. After everything that I’d done… all the chances for myself that I gave up for him…”

Elliot nodded understandingly. “I get it. I’ve had my share of shitty relationships and been screwed around on. And no matter how good your reasons are for getting out, you can’t help from feeling like some kind of failure for it not working out.”

Kurt nodded in agreement. “I felt like absolute garbage for quite a while afterwards. That I wasn’t enough of man to keep Blaine from cheating on me. It didn’t help that pretty much everyone around us saw him as the handsome, desirable one and I should just feel lucky that he wanted to be with me at all.”

Elliot’s eyes softened in sympathy. “Kurt, you don’t really believe that, do you?” he asked gently. Kurt was such an amazing man and he hated the idea of his friend having such a low opinion of his worth.

“Not anymore,” Kurt assured him, offering a smile. “I’m not going to lie… it did take a while. I was a real mess for a couple of weeks and I didn’t see myself having anything to offer anyone. But then I got into NYADA, and I was starting to see that just maybe I was worth more than what being with Blaine gave me. Then I met Adam, but I’d already figured by that point that was I’m better off alone than being in a relationship that’s not good for me. Having Adam was kind of just the icing on the cake.”

Elliot nodded approvingly. “That’s good, Kurt. I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize just how much damage you’re doing to yourself by staying in a bad relationship,” he confided. “And you’re right… being single is definitely better than being treated badly by someone that says he loves you.

“I mean, I love Adam,” Kurt insisted. “I really do. The difference is how he treats me compared to Blaine was really shocking because I didn’t know that a relationship could really be like that.  It took me a long time to be able to put what happened with Blaine behind me and learn to really trust again. To be able to open myself up, which is the hardest thing for me. I was just so tired of being hurt all the time by people that were supposed to care about me.”

Elliot didn’t say anything, seeing that Kurt really needed to unload these concerns. Whether it was because he really trusted Elliot as a friend, or just because he had a few drinks in him, he seemed willing to talk and Elliot wanted to give him the space to do so.

Kurt’s expression softened as his memories drifted back to the early days of his relationship with Adam. “I know that you don’t know Adam so well, but he was so amazing those first months,” Kurt insisted. “He was so patient with me and put up with a lot of my bullshit because I had so many trust issues. I didn’t feel pressured or pushed to do things before I was ready because he’d get impatient. He just let me know that he loved me and let me work things out in my own time. He supported me and let me see that I deserve so much more than I’d been willing to settle for. And when I freaked out over things, he didn’t get offended and he let me understand that I deserve to be loved and treated well.

“The same goes for how my friends and I get along,” he pointed out. “I love Rachel and we’ve been friends for a long time now, but there was a point when I was really ready to cut ties with her altogether.”

The older man sipped at his tea thoughtfully. “She can be a handful,” he acknowledged tactfully. “To be honest, that doesn’t surprise me.” He’d seen Rachel’s type many times before. People who were so focused on their own ambitions that they were willing to sacrifice anyone around them to facilitate their advancement. Thankfully, he didn’t see her unless they were all hanging out as a group. While he couldn’t claim to know her that well, he didn’t think that he liked her very much personally. Still, he was sure that she had to have some good points for Kurt to be her friend.

“It wasn’t easy between the two of us, because we were rivals as much as friends a lot of the time. And her competitiveness can be difficult to deal with,” Kurt mused, remembering all the times that Rachel would run roughshod over those she claimed as friends in her pursuit of a solo or role or romantic partner.

“We went through some really rough times, but unlike Blaine, Rachel proved that she can change for the better,” Kurt insisted. “By point that I was ready to call it quits, I was meeting new people at NYADA and I realized that I could be better off without her. I deserved friends that cared about me and supported me, and I wasn’t afraid of being alone. I made it clear where my limits were and showed her that I wasn’t going to be stepped on her for convenience any longer.”

“And she stepped up,” Elliot granted.

Kurt nodded, a fond smile touching his features. “She really did,” he said with a sense of quiet satisfaction. “For all her faults, Rachel really does care and when push came to shove, she’s been there for me.”

Elliot grinned over the rim of his mug. “I’m glad, Kurt,” he stated. “I know that it’s hard to push away people that aren’t good for you, but it’s good that you learned to stand up for yourself. That’s not easy to do with someone that you care about.”

Kurt’s eyes dimmed. “No, it definitely isn’t,” he acknowledged. “But I was surprised that I found myself so willing to do so. Not just with Rachel. Most of my old friends from Lima… things got really weird for a time and I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the effort to keep those friendships.”

Elliot watched the younger man carefully, seeing both regret and resolve there. He had no doubt that if Kurt had truly believed that the friendships were no longer salvageable that he would have walked away from them. That he hadn’t revealed a great deal about Kurt’s character and his loyalty to those he cared about than anything else. That level of loyalty was a rare thing and something to be admired, but he knew from personal experience that it wasn’t always appreciated or reciprocated by those it was directed towards.

“I’ve been there,” Elliot assured him. “I had some friends in high school that ended up being total douchebags after we graduated so I cut ties with them. Life is just too short. I mean, all friendships go through rough spots, but it shouldn’t feel like work all the time. Or that you’re the one constantly bending over backwards to make things happen.”

Kurt nodded understandingly. “I went for a long time without any real friends,” he admitted softly. “And once I had some, it felt like I was in a constant battle with them. We were always competing for solos or attention, so it probably wasn’t the healthiest start to relationships.”

Elliot just laughed. “Par for the course with theater students,” he confirmed with a grin.

Kurt chuckled, looking down at his plate ruefully. “I guess that we’re still working on finding the balance between friendship and healthy competition. I mean, there are things for me that are deal breakers, but I’m still learning when and where to draw that line.”

“Don’t feel bad about that. There’s a pretty broad range between cutting everyone out of your life and being a total doormat,” Elliot advised. “It doesn’t make you an asshole for standing up for yourself when you get pushed too far.”

There was a clear look of relief on the younger man’s face at that assurance. “Thanks,” he said sincerely. “I think I needed to hear that.”

“Yeah, you kind of did,” Elliot chuckled, finishing his breakfast. “Sometimes it’s good to hear that it’s okay to expect your friends to treat you the way you treat them. Or give yourself permission to raise a fuss if they don’t. Your real friends will come around and respect your boundaries.”

Kurt pursed his lips thoughtfully as he considered Elliot’s advice, absorbing it and seeing that the older man was right. He did no one any good by giving in all the time. All it did was build resentment in him and feed into the inclination of others to keep taking whatever he was able to give. Letting Rachel, Sam and the others know where his lines were and that he would not stand to have his limits breached went a long way in smoothing over a lot of the hurt feelings and resentments he’d been harboring for way too long. Or deciding that keeping contact was no longer worth the aggravation, as he had with Blaine.

“Now, on to more pleasant subject for conversation,” Elliot pronounced. “I did have an ulterior motive for inviting you out tonight.”

Kurt grinned impishly. “Oh? Do tell…”

Elliot added a dash more hot sauce to his eggs. “Your school musical…”

Kurt couldn’t help laughing because his friend had been pestering for details for weeks now.

“You saw the announcement,” he reminded Elliot. Even the professional industry publications had taken notice of NYADA’s ambitious project and listed it as one of the major theatrical events of the season to keep an eye on.

“I know, but you guys totally wreaked aspirations for most of the senior class at NYU,” Elliot warned. “That was a totally ballsy move to stage something that huge. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about it.”

Kurt chuckled and shook his head. “And have Madam Tibideaux find out that I spilled the beans? Sorry, but I value my life.”

When the waitress stopped by their table with a fresh pot of coffee, Kurt happily accepted a refill. “What about you?” he asked, adding milk and sugar to his drink. “Aren’t you planning to be in NYU’s show.”

Elliot shrugged. “Actually, I wasn’t planning to this year.”

“But wouldn’t that help your prospects after graduation?” Kurt asked.

“Normally I’d say yes, but they’re doing ‘On The Town’ and after last year I just can’t bring myself to be in another musical like that,” the older man sighed. “Besides, I’m not a fan of the professor directing. He’s a real ball-buster and I’ll bet that half the cast quits before opening night.”

Kurt couldn’t help from wincing. “Why would they have him directing then? I’m sure there have to be better options.”

Elliot nodded. “There are, but if NYADA manages to pull off your show the way I expect that you will, whatever we do is going to fall flat. No one who really values their reputation wants to be seen in comparison.”

“But it would still be a chance for you to get yourself seen,” Kurt argued gently. “I mean, agents and producers will see the show and…”

“Yeah, seen in a production that doesn’t speak to anything about who I am as a performer. I can understand why you love traditional theater, Kurt, but if I had to face doing endless revivals of classic musicals that are so old that they can be carbon dated, I know I’d be miserable.”

Kurt nodded understandingly. While he might love the grind and the routine, Elliot needed something where his own creative juices could find an outlet. The older man would probably make a serious go of being a rock star if that was where his ambitions lay, but he enjoyed acting as much as he did singing.

“So what are you going to do?” Kurt questioned.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking the past few weeks. I know that taking the more conventional theater approach is the logical thing to do, but it just wouldn’t work for me. There are some independent theater groups that are doing some really interesting things,” Elliot answered, a happier glint in his eyes. “Not as crazy as the Hellfire Circus, but not your usual stuff.

“Some of them are doing unorthodox takes on familiar shows or doing stuff that’s really new and exciting,” he explained. “Since it’s not on Broadway for mass-market consumption, they’re able to be a lot more experimental and I think something like that might be a good fit for me. It’ll give me a chance to try lots of new stuff to see what really rocks my boat.”

Kurt nodded, thinking that his friend just might be on to something. “That sounds like it can be really exciting.”

“I’ve lined up auditions lined up with the Attic Theater here in New York and I’ll be flying out to audition with the Steppenwolf and Magic Theater companies over the next few weeks,” Elliot confided. “I’ve seen a lot of their productions and really like what they do. It’ll really give me the chance to do the kind of work that will let me push myself creatively and maybe make a living at it.”

“That’s fantastic,” Kurt insisted, grinning at his friend. “They’d be idiots not to snatch you right up.”

“Thanks. I really needed to hear that I’m doing the right thing,” Elliot sighed. “I figure that I can do that for a year or two before really deciding how I want to focus my career. And it’ll put my folks at ease because I’ve been getting a lot of flak from the both of them.”

Not for the first time, Kurt was thankful that he understood his own aspirations as a performer and what he hoped for in his career. Elliot was one of the most talented and charismatic people he’d ever met, and he understood what it was like to feel like you were not fitting in. Or that your dreams didn’t mesh with what others thought you should pursue. Elliot needed to find a niche that suited his inclinations and allowed him the freedom to grow.

“I’m serious… I’m really happy for you,” Kurt insisted. “I think that you’ll really do great with any of them, though you’ll have to excuse me if I hope the Attic Theater offers you a chance that you can’t refuse. I’d love for you to be based in New York for a bit longer.”

“Hey, they don’t call working actors ‘gypsies’ for no reason,” Elliot reminded his friend with a smile. “We might end up roaming all over the place, but our homes are where we have our friends.”

Kurt nodded with a soft smile on his face, thinking about his own wandering “gypsy” who was following his dreams and remembered his conversation with Adam’s mother. They hadn’t chosen careers that were stable or stationary, and it was a good thing that he was seeing that now. He would be prepared with it was his turn to flee the nest and see where his fortunes took him, and he would be even more confident that he and Adam would be able to weather whatever life and fate threw at them.

In the meantime, he had his friends and his studies. That was enough.

* * *

Rachel winced as the student costumer accidently stuck her with a pin while taking in the bodice of her dress.

“I’m sorry,” the young man exclaimed, checking the spot where she’d been inadvertently stabbed though Rachel thought that he was probably more concerned about getting blood on the shift than actually injuring her. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” she assured him, pushing down any annoyance she was feeling and settling so he could get back to work. The sophomore working on her costume was one of the many underclassmen working on the mass of costumes needed for the ensemble players, leaving the more senior students free to work on the major players. She knew that he had several people to get through that afternoon and didn’t have the luxury of taking his time or chitchatting. That was saved for the leads, whose costumes were their priority. The costumes for the ensemble just needed to fit well enough and look appropriate for their scenes.

In another corner of the room, Rachel could see the student playing Eponine having her fitting done. Kimberly Larkin was well known to the entire school; a senior with what everyone claimed was a once in a generation voice that earned accolades whenever she performed. Known to be as talented an actress as she was a singer, she was laughing and joking with the student costumer and seemed to be having a good time as minute adjustments were made so that her costume would be perfect. Professor Menkes came over to check her student’s work and offered her own suggestions.

The student working on Rachel’s costume finished and sat back with sigh. “Okay, that should do it,” he pronounced. Rachel looked down and saw that her hem was neatly asymmetrical and would look suitably ragged from the audience.

She had two basic costumes for the show, a basic shift and bodice that would be adjusted with various caps and shawls for the various group scenes she was involved in and her prostitute costume. Normally she would have enjoyed the chance to play dress up and see what the costumers had come up with, but it was hard to take pleasure in it when her jealousy was starting to rear its ugly head.

Rachel knew that she had no cause to be upset about anything. She had the opportunity to perform in what was one of the most anticipated events of the theater season. It was a chance to be seen and show that she could defy her reputation and be a solid member of a larger cast. She had, for the most part, truly enjoyed herself. She had classmates that she was friendly with in the cast and the larger musical numbers sounded absolutely amazing. And there were several seniors that didn’t have many more solo lines than she did. She could rightly be very proud of the role she was playing.

But seeing someone else playing the role that she knew she could do well… that had eaten at her more than she wanted to admit. As she changed back into her street clothes, she thought back to what Madam Tibideaux had asked of her so long ago; having to watch other actresses playing the parts she wanted while she was in a supportive part and thinking that it should be here in that role. She was sure that she would be able to handle it, but could not deny that she was jealous.

It was clear just how selfish and naive she had been. She thought of Kurt and Tina and Mercedes and how ruthlessly she’d defended her domination of New Directions. It was no wonder that they’d thought she was such a bitch and that no one wanted to be her friend. She’d more than deserved the distain they’d shown her.

Sitting down to pull on her shoes, she thought back to high school and even her early days at NYADA. She had been so focused on cementing her place as NYADA’s brightest star that she didn’t notice that she was repeating the same pattern that she’d followed at McKinley, though with drastically different results. There was no Mr. Shuster to protect her from her own impulses and acquiesce to her demands, least she storm out for the umpteenth time. Her classmates now were not willing to step aside for her. She had nearly lost everything because she was so stupid and stubborn and refused to acknowledge what everyone was trying to tell her.

She needed to get beyond this, Rachel told herself firmly. Yes, she would make an astonishing Eponine and one day, she would be the one in the starring role. She knew that there were more than a few people that fully expected her to flake out and start throwing a diva tantrum and six month ago, she couldn’t guarantee that she wouldn’t have. But in a room full of her classmates? She managed to keep herself under control.

But that didn’t change the fact that was really, really wanted that part. She wanted to be a star and one day she would be. Her participation in this show would be about proving herself. Rachel knew what she needed to do so it was time to tell her ego to take a back seat for once and just focus on her job. She needed to do this for herself if for no other reason. Because if she gave in to her impulses now, no one at NYADA would trust her with a role again and that could have career-long repercussions.

When she emerged from the changing room, she saw that the boys had started to trail in for their own fittings. Now Kurt was standing on the block, patiently allowing the student to adjust the fitting of his townsman costume. He was chatting with Jamie, who was wearing his prisoner rags, and looked totally at ease. She knew that he was easily as ambitious as she was and had no idea how he was managing being an understudy. She knew that if it was her in that spot that she would not be able to help imagining all kinds of ways to engineer an “unfortunate (though not too serious) accident” that would allow her to assume the role that she should have had in the first place.

Kurt spotted her and waved her over. “Hey Rach… you already finished?” he asked.

She nodded, making sure to stay out of the costumer’s way while he took in Kurt’s pants. “All done,” she confirmed. “And they look really good.”

“I can’t wait for dress rehearsals to start,” Jamie chimed in. “It feels like we’ve been working on this forever.”

“I can’t wait to see the sets,” Kurt insisted, turning so that his fitter could see how the alterations looked from all angles. “With a stage as big as we’re going to have, they’re going to be able to do something pretty spectacular.”

“Well, we’ve only got a few weeks until we go into tech,” Rachel reminded. “We’re getting into the home stretch.”

Kurt nodded, getting a delighted expression on his face. “This is going to be so amazing,” he insisted. “We’ve dreamed about being in a production like this. With this group on a stage like that… this is the next best thing to a real professional show.”

“Speaking of professional shows, are you going to do the Shakespear company again?” Rachel asked curiously. “You were so good that they’d be idiots not to ask you back.”

Kurt nodded. “Thankfully I don’t have to audition until we’re done with Les Miz, so I’ll have some time to recover and prepare a bit.”

“What are you guys doing this year?” Jamie asked curiously.

“A Midnight’s Summer Dream for the comedy and Troilus and Cressida for the tragedy,” he answered.

“Oh, those sound like fun,” Rachel said approvingly. “Are you reading for Puck?”

Kurt nodded with a smile. “Definitely. And for Troilus I’ll read Patroclus and Paris. I think I’ve got a pretty good chance of getting at least one of them.”

“After last season, I think you’ll have your pick of whatever roles you want,” Rachel insisted.

His alterations finished, Kurt stepped down from the block and turned to Rachel. “Why don’t you send in your CV?” he asked. “They’re always looking for new talent and it’ll be a lot of fun.”

Rachel felt her heart beat just a bit faster in surprise. “Are you sure you want me there?” she asked frankly. She wouldn’t totally blame him if he wanted to keep her as far away as possible from the place where he’d found his first professional success. Not with the way she’d used every other opportunity to upstage him.

He nodded emphatically. “Sure! I’m asking Tina also. I’d like to have some more friends there and it would be a great line in your CV.”

“I’d hug you, except I don’t want to get us both stuck full of pins,” she proclaimed, smiling so widely that she felt like her face might split. She couldn’t believe how generous he was being, giving his approval to her step into a place that he had already gained a level of respect. “I just… I don’t want to intrude on your space.”

Kurt just snorted and handwaved away her concern. “Don’t be silly,” he admonished gently. “I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t want you there. It’ll be a good experience for all of us.”

Rachel could not have felt more gratitude for anyone else’s show of open-handedness. Kurt had no reason to make that offer outside of the desire to help his friends get a leg up into their profession. It was something that had their situations been reversed that she couldn’t honestly claim that she would have done the same since her ego would have demanded protecting.

Kurt had always been more caring and willing to share with his friends. Even at his worst, he would never have sought to take advantage of someone else’s opportunities. He had no ulterior motives and no reason beyond wanting to share his good fortune to issue this invitation to her, especially given her past behavior.

This was another test, she realized. Not that she thought that Kurt meant it as such, but it was a test nevertheless. Kurt had a right to expect her to support him and too often in the past she failed to do so. She was determined to prove once and for all that she wasn’t that greedy, selfish, insecure child any longer.

“I love you so much,” she sighed. “How about I take you out for dinner tonight? So I can pick your brain about auditioning since I really need help there?”

“Can we make it tomorrow?” Kurt asked. “I’ve got a rehearsal session this afternoon and I wanted to call Adam tonight.”

She smiled brightly. “Sure.”

Unable to resist, she reached out to hug him and ignored the pin that suddenly stuck into her arm. So much had happened over the past year, good and bad. But she could look back and see how far she’d come from the child who’d been so convinced that missing out on her dream role meant that her life was over. She was proud of who she was becoming and wanted to see just how far she could go.

One thing was clear, though. She no longer wanted to do it alone. She wanted her friends with her so they could share and celebrate one another’s successes. That would make all the hard work worthwhile.

***

Adam arrived at the theater with the rest of the cast in plenty of time to prepare, feeling the gentle sizzle of excitement that came with an opening night. It didn’t matter that they had already completed a successful run in Boston. A new theater meant a new audience and a new chance to introduce their play.

He’d stopped by the box office to make sure that the tickets for Kurt’s family were set aside before heading to the dressing room that he shared with Niall and Ifan. Niall was already seated at his table and digging into a box of chocolates that had been waiting for him.

“Have one,” he offered, holding the box out to Adam, who took what he hoped would be a cream-filled bonbon and popped it into his mouth.

“From Cynthia?” he asked, nodding his head towards the small vase of flowers at Niall’s table.

His friend nodded, grinning happily. “She wants to make a big deal each time we open in a new city. But then, she’s not the only one.”

Chewing on the chocolate that turned out to be filled with an orange cream, Adam went to his own area and wasn’t surprised to see several flower arrangements waiting for him. One was from the Hummels, wishing him well and expressed their excitement over seeing him perform. Another from his family, least he think they were forgetting about him.

It was the third bouquet that was most dear to him; a small arrangement of white roses and lavender that looked as lovely as it smelled and left him with a sense of calm and peace. He didn’t need to read the card to know that it was from Kurt and would express nothing but love and regret that he could not be there to offer his affection in person.

Suddenly all of the fears about the weeks of separation facing them and whatever uncertainties faced them didn’t matter. Adam knew what he was working for and that was the day that they would be together again. Knowing that Kurt would be supporting him and working just as hard left Adam secure that they would survive this time. They would continue to grow and thrive, becoming stronger as individuals and as a couple.

In the meantime... he sat down at his dressing table to start the lengthy preparations for that night’s performance.

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Microblading is a two-session procedure. The sessions should be spaced six to eight weeks apart. The first session includes a consultation and the application of a numbing agent to ensure comfort. Then, the microblading artist will sketch out the shape desired. Then, the pigment will be applied to the skin. Be sure to go here for more details!

Microblading usually lasts about two years, though this varies depending on your lifestyle and other factors. Some people may need a touch up every 12 months, while others may require it every 18 months. You should remember that too much touch ups can cause the pigments to fade faster and affect the results. Hence, it is important to give the brows some time to fade naturally before touching up with them.

After your microblading procedure, it is advisable to follow strict hygiene guidelines. It is important to avoid using makeup or any skincare products in the affected area for the next six to eight weeks. Also, you should avoid direct sunlight, tanning, and facial scrubs for at least 4 weeks. These practices help your brows retain the pigment longer.

Microblading is not a safe procedure for women who are pregnant. It is important to consult with your dermatologist or aesthetician before undergoing this procedure. Some of the chemicals used in microblading have not been thoroughly tested for their effects on a developing fetus. Also, there are numbing creams that can be applied to the face to help reduce the discomfort.

The microblading technique at https://www.lipblush-sandiego.com/ involves the use of a manual tool called a microblade, which is composed of many very fine needles. The microblade is used to draw individual hairs and implant pigment in the skin.

[sounmashnews]

[ad_1] Vladimir Putin doesn't need, nor can he conceive, of Ukraine as a part of the European world order. Proof of this has not solely been his continuous rhetorical doubting of Ukraine’s proper to nation standing, however his unlawful and criminally aggressive warfare whose strategic finish is Ukraine’s destruction, for it to stop to exist as a functioning nation and tradition. There will be little doubt that Putin has employed genocidal actions to succeed in this strategic finish. For this, he, and the whole nation of Russia have to be condemned, regulated to pariah standing and compelled into worldwide isolation. And but, Henry Kissinger’s newest pronouncement on the current Davos World Economic that Ukraine cede land to an imperial Russia, and French President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to pursue such a tactic, strongly suggests that isn't for the aim of a simply peace, however for the promulgation of an outdated European order based mostly on the idea that historic empires are the premise for peace, European safety and stability. Ukraine’s aspiration to affirm its nationhood is an inconvenient fact for these nonetheless attempting to argue for a world order framed within the language of “empires” and that solely developed empires can present world stability. Ukraine’s freedom and democratic rhetoric coupled with its prowess on the battlefield straight challenges these imperial assumptions of those purveyors of an previous world. What is unlucky is the straightforward undeniable fact that Kissinger continues to be listened to as a result of there but stays a black gap for what a brand new safety framework may appear like. Western democracies should not react to Russia’s propaganda and egocentric geo-political manuevers, however should conceive of an strategy that finally transcends a Putin-led Russia. This ought to be performed not for the aim of humiliating Russia, however to chasten it for its habits. If the civilized world, however particularly its values, comparable to human dignity, the rule of regulation, the predominance of free and aggressive markets, are to be realized, Putin’s Russia have to be remoted. It is simply the blind who thinks that Russia shares its values or desires to pursue mutual targets. The legal actions of Russia in opposition to Ukraine makes its standing inside Europe’s safety framework and worldwide institutional constructions unacceptable. For how can legal habits be rewarded, as instructed by Kissinger, by those that aspire to the rules of the rule of regulation? It merely doesn’t make any sense. Because of Russia’s morally unacceptable and morally reprehensible crimes in Ukraine, its participation in worldwide our bodies have to be suspended, if not, finally be terminated. The questions dealing with western leaders are fairly easy: can regular relations exist after Russia’s genocidal habits in Ukraine? Second, ought to a return to pre-war realities even be contemplated? There will be little doubt that the framework and assumptions of western relations with Russia have to be modified. For if a safe, secure and long-term relationship is to be re-established, Russia have to be held accountable for its legal actions and genocidal practices in Ukraine. There will be no order, nor a justifiable pursuit of peace if a technique of accountability is just not established and pursued. This signifies that Russia have to be subjected to worldwide legal courts, not just for its aggressive warfare in contravention of worldwide regulation, however for its a number of warfare crimes dedicated in opposition to the Ukrainian folks. Genocidal habits on European soil, can't be allowed to face. Lack of motion by the world’s democracies will solely be perceived by Russia as weak spot and a scarcity of resolve to each shield and struggle for elementary human and nationwide rights. At the identical time, it could undermine the help for Ukraine in its trigger for resistance in opposition to Russia’s authoritarian and imperial ambitions.

Ukrainian investigators started documenting Russian warfare crimes from the outset of Moscow’s invasion on February 24. Any potential for European peace and safety have to be based mostly on a stable and uncompromising pursuit of the affirmation of worldwide rule of regulation and the demand for nationwide accountability inside this framework. The pursuit of peace should happen throughout the context of nationwide and particular person justice. For Ukraine to cede land to Moscow is a preposterous notion. Facts are details, and any decision to Russia’s warfare on Ukraine should, any longer, be seen via the prism of genocide and unprovoked legal acts dedicated in opposition to a definite tradition and its folks. “Normal” relations with a perpetrator of genocide are untenable. It can be like doing “business” with the Nazis within the midst of its “extermination” of Europe’s Jews. Has the civilized world realized nothing from current European historical past, or has it forgotten these classes? Have we turn out to be so blind that we can not settle for the truth that such various approaches to the dignity of human life and the pre-eminence of the rule of regulation can coexist? Those proposing any “solution” to the current state of affairs have to be required to current a case that solutions this one elementary query: can the worldwide order settle for Russia’s genocidal habits in Ukraine as a foundation for regular relations? There will be no civilized order, not to mention safety, that denies Russia’s habits in Ukraine and the necessity for it to be held accountable. No civilized nation which purports to help the primacy of worldwide regulation and elementary human rights can, in good conscience, help the normalization of relations with Russia. The Russian Federation’s warfare in opposition to Ukraine  is a results of deliberate choices to not comply with worldwide norms of civil habits. In its unlawful aggression, Russia has revealed that it neither shares, nor are knowledgeable by the values, which have ruled worldwide order for over half a century. As a society, the entire of the Russian nation has proven that it's each philosophically and psychologically unreasonable and an irrational associate does nothing to contribute to European safety and stability. It has, as an alternative, proven itself to be a pariah. Based on its actions, and will thus be handled as such. Its isolation affirmed by the worldwide group. Russian “values” are a verifiable illness within the worldwide physique politic. Moscow’s isolation can be a type of quarantine which might not solely restrict its results on the worldwide physique politic, however would act at limiting its unfold. Isolating Russia would sign its rejection by the world order. It would drive it right into a nationwide reflection of itself – particularly its people- who, should come to phrases with the crimes dedicated by its political management. And, just like the Germans, probably lead the Russian folks in direction of a nationwide repentance – a deliberate and aware act of admitting remorse and expressing regret for the perpetration of such heinous crimes performed of their identify. A Western secular thoughts wouldn’t absolutely perceive the which means and the relevance of repentance, however the Russian thoughts does. Suggesting such a pursuit is just not an act of pressured humiliation. Kissinger’s pronouncement at Davos that Ukraine should cede elements of its territory to placate and forestall Russia’s humiliation doesn't assure the cessation of its hostilities in opposition to Ukraine or every other nation that needs to interrupt away from Moscow’s imperial orbit, neither is it a precursor for peace. For Ukraine, such a transfer is unacceptable as a result of higher than anybody else, it understands Russia. It mustn't even be coerced to contemplate such a “solution” contemplating the catastrophic losses that it has endured on account of Russia’s army aggression. Kissinger’s proposal

reveals his complete disrespect for Ukraine’s aspiration for nationwide sovereignty and its need to turn out to be a contemporary democratic nation. In its very formulation, it assumes Russia’s supposed “right” to find out the destiny of a nation throughout the outdated notion of its “sphere of influence”. It assumes the validity of the Russian Empire and neglects to just accept the very fact of Ukrainian nationwide sovereignty. Even worse, it primarily denies that Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine via genocidal actions. Russia doesn't have the best to dictate that Ukraine turn out to be and exist as a impartial buffer state. Ukraine has the best to resolve who its safety companions ought to be. The resolution to the warfare, or at the very least its place to begin, should start with Russia’s worldwide isolation and never with some whimsical response that “rewards” its genocidal and geopolitical playing tendency. Western safety and stability, together with Russia’s, will solely be assured on the reaffirmation of a world order based mostly on the proclamation and pursuit of a rules-based order. Russia’s warfare with Ukraine is the reason for destabilization. The results of its personal actions, can not, and shouldn't be rewarded. Western democratic nations should not react to Russia’s conceited methods with worry and thus enable Putin to sue for peace on the Kremlin’s personal phrases and throughout the framework they counsel. Ukraine can't be pressured to just accept peace with out justice. This won't result in a simply resolution, nor contribute to the long-term safety of its folks or the remainder of the European continent. This is each a transformational and transitional time, requiring visionary considering and management which can not search ‘solutions’ that assume an expired and now not legitimate world view based mostly on the prominence of empire considering. However, solely in establishing a secure safety framework based mostly on confirmed idealistic rules comparable to human dignity, the respect for the sovereignty and the independence of nation-states, inside an accountable framework impressed by the rule of regulation, will a sound and safe basis be rebuilt to make sure a real peace. This will take time, effort, ingenuity and sacrifice by Ukraine’s Western companions, however it will be price it for a brand new associate that has suffered genocide, destruction, and a large dislocation of its residents, because it fights for its freedom and people in Europe who wish to proceed to reside in liberty. [ad_2] Source link

[chainsaw-training-ipswich]

Handling a Chainsaw

Like in most progressive countries in the world, the use of a mechanized piece of equipment whose handling is not naturally fitting for use by anybody, a special professional training school is set up. The equipment is a chainsaw.

 These training places have professional users and tutors who will handle the teaching of the many safe and practical handling techniques to the enrolled students.  These students all want to learn how to handle and use a chainsaw professionally.

 Certificates

 Since this is a specialized chainsaw safety training course Ipswich, successful students who pass muster in the many areas of the training are all awarded certifications of their achievements that are recognized by the government and many companies.

 Most often, these are virtual passports to some lucrative jobs as tree arborists or loggers and work for the companies that sponsored these training in the first place.

 Main goals  

 The main reason for these training centers for handling chainsaws is to teach people the basics in handling a potentially dangerous piece of equipment, especially so that these are mechanized and can inflict injuries.

 Once students are adept in handling the mechanics and the machine itself, it is hoped that with natural dexterity and trained reflexes, further use can have them avoid accidents and mishaps that can happen with a running machine.

 Powerful machines like chainsaws, even the smaller and lighter models, can cause some risky and dangerous accidents due to some lapses of the operator.

 The course

 This course is specifically developed for the forest industry (and some other related industries) where chainsaws are in extensive use. The operational syllabus of the machine calls for actual demonstrations, lectures, and practical exercises.

 The exercises are programmed to escalate into more and more difficult machine execution as the student becomes more confident and skillful with each lesson.

 All of the lessons are programmed within a set number of days after which the student-participants are going to graduate, complete with formal certificates of accomplishments.

 Safety procedures

 In all of the lessons and the actual activities in the training proper, the main over-riding theme is safety for the student-operator and to those around him.

 The course is littered with many set modules, both actual and physical, that emphasizes to the participants the value of safe working procedures. The lessons also incorporate the actual working set pieces that are assessed evaluated accordingly.

 The participants are educated on the various safe working procedures in their real settings and the total and complete hands-on handling of the equipment.

 This basic training does NOT, however, qualify participants to produce bucking cuts on steep terrain nor to fall on trees and the like. These are more advanced lessons in the advance skills training that can be taken up in other training sessions.

 Completion  

 After completion of the training, the student is expected to be able to identify related occupational health and safety relations.

 He must also be able to perform essential chainsaw maintenance, correcting the chain filing procedures and safe cutting techniques.

 The student must be able to identify bucking and limbing hazards and complete basic chainsaw bucking cuts on level terrain in forestry operations and in other similar activities.

[jessicalynnhepner]

Chapter 5—Breaking the Cycle: The Substance-Dependent Client as Parent/Caregiver

Many adults with substance abuse disorders were abused or neglected during childhood. Although most do not abuse their own children, they are at increased risk of doing so (Kaufman and Zigler, 1987). When children who are victims of maltreatment become adults, they tend to repeat a dysfunctional cycle and often lack mature characteristics: the ability to trust, to make healthy partner choices, to manage stress constructively, and to nurture themselves and others (Magura and Laudet, 1996). In addition, substance-abusing women report higher rates of childhood sexual abuse than non-substance-abusing women, and these women report increased episodes of abuse from their adult partners as well. Domestic violence is a reality in many of these families (Browne and Finkelhor, 1986; CSAT, 1997b; Ryan and Popour, 1983). Research shows that childhood maltreatment has developmental, behavioral, and emotional consequences that continue into adolescence and adulthood. Researchers are now examining childhood abuse and neglect as an indicator of the potential for substance abuse (Feig, 1998; Felitti et al., 1998; Whitfield, 1998). For example, one study (Felitti et al., 1998) found that medical patients with adverse childhood experiences (i.e., traumas) had a higher incidence of health disorders, including problems with alcohol (7.4 times that of control patients) and problems with illicit substance use (from 4.7 to 10.3 times that of the controls).

Sheridan proposes a model of intergenerational substance abuse, family functioning, and abuse and neglect that reflects both the direct and indirect relationship between parental substance abuse and family dynamics, child and adult maltreatment, and second-generation substance abuse. She indicates that unless effective intervention occurs, there is an increased likelihood that these patterns will be repeated in the next generation ( Sheridan, 1995). Parental substance abuse presents not only a risk for intergenerational transmission of substance abuse disorders but also substantial risk for repetition of problematic parent-child interactions, including abuse and neglect (McMahon and Luthar, 1998). These studies indicate increased risk factors, and counselors should not assume that their clients with histories of child abuse are mistreating their own children. The family system may function well enough when stress is low. Substance-abusing parents are already severely hindered in their ability to provide a safe and nurturing home to their children (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 1999); increased stressors such as loss of jobs, poverty, and illness will only exacerbate the situation.

Go to: Who Abuses and Why Nearly one fourth of physical abuse and more than half of sexual abuse of children occur at the hands of adults who are not the victims' birth parents. They may be other relatives, caregivers, or partners. The likelihood of this kind of abuse is far greater when parents are using substances and, consequently, cannot provide adequate care for and supervision of their children (Reid et al., 1999). However, because most child abuse occurs within families, the discussion here will focus on parents. Providers should also note that most child sexual abuse is committed by males (Finkelhor, 1994).Research on parenting styles and attitudes of abusing parents indicates several distinct characteristics shared by parents who abuse their children. These include seeing child rearing as difficult and not enjoyable, using more controlling disciplinary techniques, not encouraging the development of autonomy in children while maintaining high standards of achievement, and promoting an isolated lifestyle for themselves and their children (Briere and Elliott, 1994). Observational studies indicate that abusing parents are less supportive, affectionate, playful, and responsive to their children and are more controlling, interfering, and hostile; they have fewer pleasant interactions with their children (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Abusive parents tend to "parentify" their children, expecting them to take on the role of caretaker. Because they do not have sufficient knowledge of child development, their expectations of their children's behavior are often too high, leading them to adopt inappropriate disciplinary practices (Wegsheider, 1981). In fact, most abusing parents do not help their children adapt to the major developmental tasks, such as regulating their sleep habits, preparing them to separate from their parents, enabling them to explore their environment safely and with appropriate limits, and making choices and becoming more independent (Levy and Rutter, 1992; Mayes et al., 1997; Rodning et al., 1989). Nor do these families successfully resolve issues of attachment, emotional regulation, autonomy, peer competence, or school and work competence (Cicchetti and Lynch, 1993).Damaged Parents: An Anatomy of Child Neglect (Polansky et al., 1981) summarizes the characteristics of abusing parents identified by researchers in several different studies: The prevalence of poverty, substance dependence, mental illness, and large numbers of children per family Feelings of inadequacy and self-reproach, often related to early negative experiences Depression, difficulty putting sadness and needs into words, and anxiety discharged into activity Serious arrest in development, a sense of incompleteness resulting from a failure to internalize a separate identity (manifested by clinging to children), the presence of other abusive and unfulfilling relationships, and an inability to tolerate being alone A fear of taking responsibility and making decisions Severe difficulties in verbal communication Difficulty in seeking or obtaining pleasure Extreme narcissism, gross immaturity, dependency, and an impaired ability to empathize with a child's needs The Polansky study cautions against overgeneralizing neglectful or abusive parents. Also, it is important to remember that poverty may be a common characteristic because poorer parents are more likely than affluent parents to be involved in public systems, which are mandated to report abuse cases. (Affluent parents tend to access private systems in which reporting is not required.) Nonetheless, the development failures above can signal to a counselor both a potential risk for child abuse and the possible effects of maltreatment in a parent's past.At the same time, certain resiliency factors have helped many children avoid the cycle of abuse. These include being able to fantasize about another

time or place, being able to read and learn about a better time and place, realizing that they are not responsible for the abuse directed at them, and having an adult in their life for a considerable period of time who sees them in a positive way. Resiliencies can be grouped in the following seven categories (Wolin and Wolin, 1995): Insight begins with a sense that life in the troubled family is strange. Such insight can eventually protect the child from a tendency to internalize family troubles and feel guilty. Independence is the child separating herself from the troubled family. Relationships fulfill needs that troubled families cannot meet. Initiative is the desire to overcome feelings of helplessness that a child can succumb to in the troubled family. Creativity is the ability to take pain and transform it into something artistic and worthwhile. Humor allows the child to make the tragic into something comic and laugh at his emotional suffering. Morality is developing a set of principles that differentiates bad from good both inside and outside the family. Traditional models of parenting may serve as a useful context for understanding how a client views his own parents and the implications for repeating their behavior. The three major types of parenting styles have been described as authoritative, permissive, and authoritarian (Baumrind, 1971). The authoritative parent maintains reasonably close supervision, sets consistent standards, and keeps track of children without being overly directive. A permissive parent allows children to do as they please and sets few limits or guidelines, which may result in safety problems; this is often a neglectful parent. The authoritarian parent is directive and rigid and relies on punishment as a major disciplinary method; within this model, this is often an abusive parent. However, parents typically combine these styles when interacting with their children, and the effectiveness of the approach used depends largely on the family's culture, community, and environment.Paradigms from developmental literature can also be useful in understanding the effects of environmental disturbances on the maltreated child. Belsky's ecological model, for example, contains four levels of analysis: (1) individual development, (2) family systems, (3) community, and (4) culture, all of which interact with each other and influence whether or not maltreatment will take place (Belsky, 1993). As this model shows, alcohol and drug counselors must understand the broader context of the forces that influence clients and their families. In turn, the counselor can help clients sort through those forces--family, neighborhood, community, or culture--to gain a better understanding about what is and is not good within their environment. Causes and Context of Parental AbuseWhile most research has focused on repeat offenders, there is some knowledge and speculation about how certain dynamics and behaviors are integrated to shape an abusive personality. A common pattern of parent-child relationships is characterized by a high demand for the child to perform in order to gratify the parents and by the use of severe physical punishment to ensure the child's proper behavior (Pollock and Steele, 1972). Abusive parents also may be highly vulnerable to criticism, disinterest, or abandonment by their spouses or significant others, or to anything else that might reduce their already low self-esteem. These types of events produce a crisis of unmet needs in the parents who then expect the child to provide gratification. Unable to meet these parental expectations, the child is punished excessively (Pollock and Steele, 1972).This pattern of overly aggressive and demanding behavior is often rooted in the parent's own childhood. Many abusive parents report that they were raised in a similar way, and these

types of childhood experiences provide "lasting imprints" that are reflected in the way the adults feel about themselves and their children. More recently Dutton, in The Psychological Profile of the Batterer, has identified characteristics such as the presence of a "shaming father" and the need for children to be excessively mature as factors that contribute to the personality of the batterer (Dutton, 1995).

Go to: Role of the Counselor Alcohol and drug counselors can play an important role in helping to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect that often plagues their clients. Many times, parents who were victims of abuse or neglect as children express strong concern and anxiety about the possibility that their children may be abused. By working closely and empathically with a substance abuser, the counselor has the opportunity to break the cycle.To help determine whether a substance-dependent client is at risk for child abuse, the treatment providers should become familiar with the client's childhood--her parents' style of child rearing, family dynamics, possible traumas, and other events that may serve as a predictor for child abuse or neglect. At the same time, the counselor also needs to learn about the client's current family life, particularly parenting behaviors that provide some clues as to whether the client's children are at risk.This information--along with the counselor's awareness of a broad range of parenting situations, cultural backgrounds, systems, social supports, and treatment options--will enable the counselor to better assist clients and their children. Although counselors can play an important role in breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, they cannot do this alone. They are only one part of the continuum of care that is needed to break this cycle. For this reason, treatment providers will need to reach out and work with child welfare systems, school systems, child guidance clinics, health care providers, and others so that parents who abuse substances get the help they need and do not abuse or neglect their own children.While women with substance abuse disorders have often been the focus of interventions, breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect also means including fathers who are at risk for neglecting or abusing their children, as well as significant others and family members who may share caretaking responsibilities. The recommendations offered in this section apply to all clients responsible for the welfare of children. Learning About the Client's ChildhoodA client's childhood can offer information that can be useful in understanding the nature of current family relationships. There are important issues that can be explored tactfully, without necessarily using specific psychology or health care vocabulary. Asking questions about these concerns in a respectful manner helps develop a good relationship between the client and counselor. Although a counselor cannot change the past, she can help the client find the strategies to improve her current situation and the strength to recover. Many of the questions that follow may be asked during assessment, but they can also be rephrased and asked again in treatment. These questions are merely guidelines that should be modified to fit the needs of each particular client. What do you know about the circumstances around your birth? What was your infancy or early childhood like? How did your parents describe you and those times? What was your relationship with your mother or father like? Tell me about any special times with them. Did anyone in your family (including aunts, uncles, cousins) use alcohol or drugs? Do you personally feel that they had an alcohol or drug problem? Did any family member ever undergo treatment for alcohol or drug use? Who raised you as a young child? Who was important to you when you were growing up? Did you have any serious medical problems when you were growing up? Were you ever in the hospital? How were you disciplined when you did something wrong? How did your mother, father, grandparent, or other caregivers reward you? Were your parents involved and interested in your life and activities? Did it feel like they knew what you needed and what was important to you? How did your parents show you their

attention, affection, and appreciation? (These questions will help to identify patterns of neglect.) As a child, did you like school? Were there any specific school issues regarding attendance, grades, or behavior? Did you graduate from high school? Did your family move a lot as a child? Did you go to several schools because of frequent moving? How well did you get along with your peers and teachers? What was the relationship between your parents like? Were they divorced or separated while you were growing up? Was there ever violence involved when they were upset with each other? How old were you when you started having sex? How many times have you become pregnant or impregnated someone else? How did you handle each pregnancy? Did you keep the child? Was a child protective services (CPS) agency ever involved in your life? Were you ever taken out of the home? Did you ever have a caseworker? Did anyone in your family ever have trouble with the police? Do you remember any particularly frightening experiences as a child? Did anyone in your family ever have an emotional problem, like depression? As a child, what did you do for fun? What do you do for fun now? Did you attend church regularly as a child? Did spirituality or faith play a significant role in some other way as you were growing up? How do you get along with your own children now? Could you describe any special times with them? These interviews should not be hurried. The counselor should make sure that the client is comfortable and that the meeting area is quiet and peaceful. Some questions or topics may need to be reserved for a later time when the counselor has developed a more trusting relationship with the client. (Besharov, in Recognizing Child Abuse: A Guide for the Concerned, provides guidelines for interviewing parents who are at risk or are suspected of maltreating their children that can be adapted by treatment providers [Besharov, 1990].) (See also DePanfilis and Salus, 1992.) Learning About the Client's Current Home LifeIn treating a client with children, the counselor will naturally learn how much of an impact parenting is having on the client's substance abuse. In the best of situations, parenting is stressful. For those whose own parents were not good models, it can be particularly difficult.Parents who abuse substances are not a homogeneous group. They have a range of experiences and a range of parenting skills (Howard, 1995; Tyler et al., 1997). Some of these parents have been abused and neglected during childhood. Others may not have been abused or neglected but have been raised by parents who did not have adequate parenting skills. Both groups have been exposed to poor models of parenting.Counselors are treating individuals with serious addictions that interfere with their normal daily activities and mental states. Taking illicit drugs requires parents to focus their energies on procurement. Parental priorities are not their focus; rather, the parents are focused on a need to care for themselves. Although the majority of these parents express feelings of caring and concern for their children, the addiction supersedes all other concerns. When under the influence of mind-altering drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, parents are unable to foster whatever nurturing and sensitive parenting behaviors they may have.By having clients describe their current home life, the counselor can gain additional insights into their degree of risk for child abuse or neglect. Treatment providers should learn about clients' current supports (i.e., family, teachers, counselors), as well as whether they are having financial problems, living in substandard housing, or unable to pay rent or provide medical care for their children. Some specific questions that can be asked include the following: Who are the people or groups that give you

support? Do you have any special friends? Do you belong to a church, temple, or other religious or community organization? What type of social activities do you enjoy? How often? Have you been involved in the legal system? When? Have you ever been on probation? Who else lives with you at your home? Who else spends time there? Describe a typical week. What is your routine each day? On weekends? Describe your children's schedules. What do you do with them each day? On holidays? Are your children receiving ongoing medical care? Are their immunizations current? Through these and other questions, the counselor should get a sense of whether clients are at risk of neglecting or abusing their children. Socioeconomic and Cultural DifferencesIt is important that counselors not mistake class and cultural differences for child abuse or neglect. Many practitioners may not appreciate the limitations imposed by poverty and cannot distinguish between neglectful practices and those that are caused by lack of money and education. (Family problems of poverty may require referrals for cash assistance or concrete services for heat, clothing, or food.) For example, in some communities it is not uncommon for preteens to babysit infants. A seemingly disorganized house does not necessarily reflect uncaring parents. It is also important for counselors not to overreact to cases of social deprivation in poor families. While poverty may expose the parents to more risks for child abuse, most poor families do not abuse or neglect their children (

Go to: Clues That the Client May Be Endangering Children In certain treatment settings, such as day treatment centers with child-care services, the counselor may have the opportunity to meet the client's children. Such direct observation can be beneficial in several ways. First, the counselor can see firsthand how the client relates to his children: How does the client react to his children's behavior? How does he respond to his children's emotional needs? Do his children make eye contact with him? How does he respond to the children's crying? How does he praise and discipline his children? Are his expectations age-appropriate? With this information, the counselor can assess the client's parenting style. Some warning signs that these children are in danger of abuse may be obvious, such as a parent hitting a child. Other behavioral signs may include a child's yelling, screaming, not being able to sit still, flinching easily, or attaching indiscriminately to others. Regression to an earlier developmental stage is not uncommon. For example, a child who had been toilet trained or able to separate well from the parent may suddenly be wetting her pants or clinging to her parent. The counselor should be mindful, however, that these behaviors might indicate developmental problems, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Whatever the case, the child should be referred to a health professional.The counselor will also have an opportunity to check for any signs that could result from physical abuse or neglect. The counselor can see if the children are underweight for their age or if they are unkempt. The counselor can observe whether the child has any exposed bruises, cuts, or obvious fractures. The counselor can then ask the client to explain why the child is underweight or injured. If the client's explanation is suspicious and the story does not fit the child's physical status or injury, then the counselor would have cause to report this to a CPS agency (see Chapter 6).In most treatment settings the counselor does not have the opportunity to meet the client's children. Over time, however, the counselor will learn more and more about the client. In an unguarded moment, the client may begin describing parenting behavior that is not appropriate. The client may also share something in group or via writing exercises. Figure 5-1 lists some examples of poor parenting behavior that could lead to child abuse or neglect. 📷 BoxFigure 5-1: Behavioral Clues That Suggest Possible Child Abuse or Neglect. Name calling, verbal abuse, negative or belittling labeling of the child Stories that suggest children are living in unsafe conditions (e.g., spoiled food, (more...)In situations where poor parenting is indicated but the client does not appear to be abusing or consciously neglecting the child, the treatment provider will need to direct the client toward those agencies and services that can help her become a better parent. At the same time, the counselor can talk about and reinforce good parenting practices.

Go to: Incorporating Treatment Strategies for Child Abusers Breaking the cycle of abusive parenting means understanding the background of the parent within the context of the family, neighborhood, and culture. When parents who abuse substances recall their own childhood, they often report deprivation in many areas--emotional, social, physical, and economic. If these parents recall histories of severe neglect or abuse during childhood and adolescence, the counselor can assume that most have missed out on opportunities to form healthy, trusting relationships with their caregivers and have not experienced a model of parenting that included a consistent, nurturing environment with appropriate roles and boundaries. The first thing substance-abusing parents typically need to focus on is how to build positive relationships with their children. Because many clients' parenting skills and styles reflect what they have experienced, they will be at an increased risk of parenting inappropriately, and some within this group will abuse or neglect their children. Most of these parents want to do the best for their kids--they just don't know how. Therapists should support their clients' desire to become better parents and assist them in identifying parenting support programs.Just as counselors can expect that substance-abusing parents often will deny their substance abuse, they can also expect parents to deny neglecting or abusing their children. The challenge for the counselor is to help parents understand that their parenting behaviors may not be appropriate and that these behaviors can negatively influence their children's future development, especially their ability to trust others and to develop self-esteem and pride about their lives. When parents lack a reference point--that is, good parenting models--they will need help in Recognizing the importance of appropriate parenting behaviors Seeking help to become better parents Identifying others who can support them over time as they parent their growing children Understanding how current abuse of substances affects responsible parenting At the same time, the counselor must not forget to articulate the positive aspects of the clients' experiences. Focusing on the negative or risk factors only results in shame and futility and is counterproductive. Increasing clients' self-esteem and self-efficacy (their effectiveness and ability to take responsibility) is a primary step to their understanding of the child-rearing role. Thus, it is important for the counselor to praise clients when they act according to appropriate parenting behavior--and point out that this shows they do have the qualities of a good parent within them. This will develop a trusting and helpful relationship with these clients. It will also help them break the cycle of shame by offering some strategies of hope.Indeed, there is evidence suggesting that substance-abusing parents are aware that their parenting strategies may be counterproductive and worthy of change (Hawley and Disney, 1992; Levy and Rutter, 1992) and that they are highly concerned about the well-being of their children ( Grossman and Schottenfeld, 1992; Tunving and Nilsson, 1985). The counselor's relationship with clients also provides a positive model for the client of what constitutes a helping relationship. Consciously or unconsciously, clients may adopt techniques they experienced as significant in their own therapy when interacting with their own children--reflective listening, setting appropriate boundaries, treating others with respect, and providing encouragement and positive reinforcements, among others. What Abusing Parents Should LearnTo raise a child in a nonabusive and nonneglectful manner, it is important that parents have the basic knowledge and skills needed, including the following: Realistic knowledge about child development Parenting

skills An understanding of the impact of child abuse on a person Good relationships with spouse and other adults Other personal development and social skills development Treatment programs should establish guidelines on how to deal with these issues if they arise during counseling and know when to refer clients for appropriate types of intervention and support, such as child development and parenting specialists. Additionally, there are many types of support groups available for parents and children involved in abusive relationships. Parents Anonymous, for example, is intended to help adults who abuse children. Parents Anonymous also targets families who have been involved in incest and attempts to keep these families intact or reintegrate families that have been divided because of incest. Alateen, another 12-Step group, is designed for older children whose parents are alcohol dependent and who may be at risk for abuse. Realistic knowledge about child developmentParents should understand the stages of child development and the expectations reasonable for children at specific ages. (An organization in Washington, D.C., called "Zero to Three" [see Appendix E] develops materials, including posters and wall charts, for parents and child care practitioners that define and explain key stages in the development of children from birth to age 3.) Abusive parents often believe that very young children (i.e., 2- or 3-year-olds), can stop crying on command, take care of themselves, and respond maturely to the caregiver's needs (Peterson et al., 1996). Parenting skillsAt-risk or abusive parents probably need help in basic child-rearing skills, such as how to use effective disciplinary behavior, how to reward, and how to effect desired responses. An understanding of the impact of child abuse on a personA number of resources are available that can help clients learn about the consequences of child abuse. "Choices" is avideotape produced by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention that features interviews with parents who were victims of child abuse. The Public Broadcasting Service has produced several special programs on child development that are available on video. A book of therapeutic stories, such as Once Upon a Time: Therapeutic Stories To Heal Abused Children (Davis et al., 1990), which can help heal the damage of abuse, can be read to children or given to parents to read. If adults at risk for abusing children were also victims, they should understand why they were abused (e.g., their own parents did not know about child development stages) if they are not to become abusers themselves. Good relationships with spouse and other adultsA mother's satisfaction with her spouse and her sense of support from friends and from the community contribute greatly toward a positive attitude about parenting. Strengthening these relationships helps to increase the possibility of improved maternal caregiver behavior (Belsky, 1984) and may prove helpful for fathers as well. Developing interpersonal skills is an issue that can be addressed in therapy and also in marriage counseling. Other personal development and social skills developmentThese include stress management, assertiveness training, and the development of self-confidence. Learning such skills as managing stress and knowing how to deal with anger may lower the risks of abusing a child. Selecting the Most Effective Treatment ProgramData suggest that interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of substance abuse, child neglect, and maltreatment are more successful when they are family centered (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Critical services that may need to be provided for parents who abuse substances include Access to physical necessities, such as food, housing, and transportation Medical care Counseling on substance abuse prevention Training on parenting and

child development Training in child care techniques (bathing, holding, packing a diaper bag, giving medication, etc.) Social services, social support, psychological assessment, and mental health care Family planning services Child care Family therapy and health education Life skills training in such areas as financial management, assertiveness training, stress management, coping skills, home management, anger management, conflict resolution, and communication skills Educational and vocational assessment and counseling Training in language and literacy Planned, continuing care after program completion If clients are to receive appropriate help, it is essential that the treatment match their current abilities to function rationally and to be good parents. Other factors, such as clients' social class, culture, and resources, must also be considered. By addressing these issues, counselors can place clients in community-based treatment programs that address their clients' particular needs. For example, it is important in family therapy to plan what will be discussed when children are involved. The family therapist will understand the developmental needs of the children and, when appropriate, will provide information to the children about the nature of substance abuse, dependency, and treatment. The recovery process of clients can also be addressed.Parenting classes and support around parenting, recovery, and parent-child relationships can be explored. This can be based on the licensing and credentials of the counselor. Usually in early recovery, family education and counseling around recovery is helpful. Later in recovery, more in-depth family therapy may be called for, and a systems approach can be taken. However, when domestic violence is occurring, a systems approach is counterindicated. When a CPS agency is involved, a team approach that coordinates treatment plans is essential. See TIP 25, Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence (CSAT, 1997b) for more on this issue.Clients with children will fall into two general categories: those with custody and those without. At intake, the treatment provider should find out which situation pertains to a client. To give appropriate guidance for both groups, the counselor should learn the following about the client: Current substance abuse (and means of procurement) Substance abuse by a significant other who may be involved in child abuse or neglect allegations Treatment plan to reduce substance abuse History of deprived childhood History of child abuse and neglect History of involvement with CPS agencies or court system History of out-of-home placement Attitudes about parenting, knowledge about child development, and awareness that parenting tasks change depending on the age of the child Standardized screening measures are available to provide a second source of information on clients' attitudes toward parenting and potentially problematic areas: The Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) discussed in Chapter 2 has an adult version completed by the parent about her relationship with her child as well as a child version completed by the child about his parent. The Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI), also discussed in Chapter 2, is another instrument that can help clinicians explore their clients' potential problem areas in parenting. Treating parents with custodyStudies show that the overwhelming majority of minor children affected by parental substance abuse remain in the custody of their parents (Feig, 1998). When dealing with parents who have custody of their children and who have reported a past history of deprivation, neglect, or abuse, the counselor will need to determine the safety of the children and the support available to the client. Some clients may not have custody of their biological children but are living

with or dating someone who does and therefore has a caregiver role. At intake, the counselor should make clear to a client that she is concerned about the client both as a person with a substance abuse disorder and as a parent with certain responsibilities. The counselor needs to state from the beginning that both the client's and the children's safety are of utmost importance. To understand the situation better, the counselor will need the following information: The children's daily schedule and the adults involved in their care or supervision The children's current health status The client's involvement with other agencies, such as family preservation, back-to-work, and job training programs The role of a significant other in the care of the children, his attitude toward the children, and any previous history of abusive or neglectful behavior toward children Previous or ongoing involvement with CPS agencies, the reasons for involvement, current child protective system plan, and outcomes from previous involvement with CPS agencies Once this information is obtained, the counselor should determine the client's daily and weekly activities. This is important in understanding the stresses and tasks required of the parent. For example, a client is likely to relapse or escalate drug use if she senses failure or experiences frustration. Therefore, the counselor must help the client to prioritize her responsibilities and tasks, and recognize the need to identify supportive help when possible.One approach that the counselor may want to consider is to place emphasis on safety. The two words "safety first" can be used to guide all discussions about a client's approach to her daily tasks. By prioritizing tasks based on the parent's and children's safety, the counselor can focus clients on immediate action in a way that is positive and nonaccusatory. By framing the discussion this way, the counselor can help parents understand that it is a safe strategy to stay away from drugs; it is a safe strategy to make sure their children are in the care of a clean and sober adult; it is a safe strategy to make sure that their children attend Head Start or school; it is a safe strategy to keep children's immunizations up to date (Rubin, 1998).Over time, the counselor will become familiar with a parent's treatment attendance record, the results of random urine toxicology drug screens, and the children's activities and can thus get a sense of the stress and risk factors in the client's life that might lead to abusive or neglectful behavior. The counselor also will learn about the parent's ability to organize a daily schedule for his family and himself, follow through on responsibilities, and acknowledge when these responsibilities may be too daunting. When a crisis in a client's life seems imminent, the counselor will be better prepared to help the client reexamine his priorities and consider, once again, a plan that will provide safety for the children and for him. Treating parents without custodyCounselors will often treat clients who do not have custody of their children. This group of parents presents some issues that are different from those parents who do have custody. The counselor's initial major concern is not about the safety of the children. Instead, it is about the safety of her clients, addicted parents who need to focus on being sober and on reuniting with their children in a timely manner. The counselor should learn about The CPS agency's plan for family reunification and the schedule to complete this effort The specific requirements for family reunification, such as the time allowed clients to begin abstinence from or reduction of substance abuse, the visitation schedule with court-appointed caregivers, and completion of parenting classes Age, health, and general

developmental needs of each child Client's history of loss of custody of children and outcomes Client's history of drug or alcohol treatment and outcomes Client's current drug use, health status, income, and housing situation Client's history of childhood deprivation, neglect, or abuse With the recently legislated fast-track adoption laws and the requirement that courts establish more rigid time lines for family reunification, treatment providers must help the parent to prioritize the tasks that should be done for a successful outcome. For example, the client who acknowledges he must change his substance-abusing behavior to become reunited with his children is setting a priority toward successful family reunification. The counselor must then help the client proceed with this goal, recognizing that as time goes by other issues will need to be addressed and be included in the tasks that are required for family reunification, such as improving his parenting skills, finding appropriate housing, learning about financial planning assistance, and searching for work.For family reunification to occur, it is critical that the alcohol and drug counselor collaborate with the CPS agency professional to develop a realistic plan for family reunification. Together, they must ensure that the parent is not overwhelmed with too many tasks at one time. Moreover, the counselor must carefully consider the timing of referrals to the appropriate professionals or community-based programs so that the court timeline for family reunification is taken into account. Treatment SettingsMost substance abuse treatment settings do not have the resources to handle both substance abuse and ongoing child abuse concerns. Interagency networks and agreements can be most effective in these cases. Such cooperative arrangements should include a unified system of case management and clinical review. Following are a few selected programs in the United States that have incorporated both issues under one roof, which can serve as models for creative program development in other communities. The recent study, No Safe Haven: Children of Substance-Abusing Parents, (Reid et al., 1999) also reviews some examples of innovative combined services. Residential programs for womenResidential treatment programs can be exceptionally productive because of the way many women deal with the world. Research suggests that a woman develops in the context of relationships, rather than as an isolated individual (Surrey, 1985). In this model, where relationship and identity develop in synchrony, a woman's role as mother is intrinsic to her personal growth and serves as a motivation to facilitate treatment. Depriving her of children and other personal relationships can be detrimental to recovery. Parental Awareness and Responsibility (PAR) VillageLocated in Largo, Florida, this program admits cocaine-dependent women into a therapeutic community with children younger than 10 years of age. As many as 14 women live in separate residences with their children.Begun in 1990, PAR Village was originally a research project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to answer the basic question, "Will women stay in treatment longer as a result of keeping their children with them while in treatment for their substance abuse problem?" Women were randomly assigned to one of two treatment programs: one with their children and one without. Results showed that women who entered treatment with their children stayed longer, completed treatment more often, and had more positive outcomes (especially in retaining or regaining custody of their children) than their control group counterparts. As a result, PAR applied for continued funding through CSAT to allow the program to continue its successful treatment models (Coletti et al., 1997).While

in treatment, both control and experimental groups were provided with group and individual counseling, educational and vocational training, parenting and life skills training, medical services, substance abuse education, and relapse prevention. In the original NIDA study, results indicated that positive outcomes increased when women came to treatment with their children. The experimental group had significantly longer lengths of stay. In fact, at 6 months, 65 percent of women with their children were still in treatment, compared to 18 percent of the control group. Posttreatment custody also improved. Half of the women who came to treatment with their children retained or regained custody of their children at the 6-month posttreatment followup, compared to none of the control group. The SpringThis long-term residential program in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is designed for female substance abusers who have children. This intensive and structured treatment program incorporates psychological, social, educational, vocational, and spiritual aspects of treatment and provides support services for the residents' children and adjunctive family treatment. Each resident shares a private room with her children. The children attend school or day care, and mothers go to classes. Children receive testing and counseling, and mothers care for their children. The comprehensive residential program consists of a broad range of activities, including 12-Step meetings, classes, and therapy groups. Village South Families in Transition (FIT)This residential program for women in Miami, Florida, is funded by CSAT and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. The program allows residents to bring up to five children, from newborns to age 12, to live onsite for 18 months. The FIT program also provides services to adult significant others and nonresidential children. The program includes an onsite child care center, primary health care and support services, drug intervention and prevention services for mothers and children, and counseling on job and life skills, parenting, and mother-child relations. There are family visits and weekend visits, and partners and other family members are involved. If a mother relapses and has to leave, the village can maintain joint custody of the children, and the mother can regain custody later. Day treatmentAlthough residential treatment centers have many advantages, parents may find this type of facility disruptive for family members, especially for older children who would have to change schools, lose contact with friends, and have less access to extended family. For many parents, intensive, family-oriented outpatient and day treatment programs are a more feasible alternative. Family Rehabilitation Program (FRP)Launched in 1990 by the New York City Human Resources Administration-Child Welfare Administration, this program targets mothers with newborns exposed to drugs (often cocaine) identified by the child protective system. It attempts to prevent the need for foster care of newborns and enable the families to provide for the long-term development of infants and other children. The primary client is the substance-abusing mother, who is offered both substance abuse treatment and intensive social services aimed at preserving the family unit. Services are provided through contracts with community-based volunteer groups selected to provide culturally sensitive services, including home-based visits. Unlike many family preservation programs, which are limited to 60-day interventions, FRP clients participate in services for about 1 year (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Project ConnectThis project is an effort to respond to the needs of both parents and children. It is a collaborative effort between a State department of child welfare, a

private nonprofit agency, a school of social work, and a number of substance abuse treatment and health care agencies. Its goals are threefold: to reduce the risk of child maltreatment, to keep families affected by substance abuse together, and to increase the capacity of the local service system to respond effectively to the needs of these families. Funded by a grant from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, Project Connect is administered by the Rhode Island Center for Children-at-Risk in Providence and operates under contract from the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families (Olsen, 1995). Families receive services for about 10 months in this program. Project SAFE (Substance and Alcohol Free Environment)Begun in the mid-1980s by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, this program focuses on poor urban minority women with children. In this program, caseworkers identify women who have been accused of child neglect or abuse and have screened as high risk for substance abuse. Project SAFE takes a proactive approach by intensively recruiting women into the program. Once clients are in the program, the outreach caseworker calls clients daily, offers transportation, and helps to arrange child care throughout intensive outpatient treatment (Boundy, 1998). (For additional information on Project SAFE, see Chapter 7.) Relational Psychotherapy Mother's Group (RPMG)RPMG is a weekly parenting group offered along with substance abuse treatment. RPMG concurrently addresses mothers' unmet psychosocial needs and parenting deficits using a nonjudgmental and supportive therapeutic stance, emphasizing interpersonal relationships with adults and children, and employing a guided-discovery approach to exploring parenting and interpersonal deficits. During a 3-year pilot study, RPMG was tested as an adjunct to standard treatment offered in methadone clinics in New Haven, Connecticut. Compared to mothers receiving standard treatment alone, mothers receiving the supplemental RPMG were at lower risk for maltreating their children, reported higher levels of involvement with their children, and greater parental satisfaction overall. At 6-month followup, in addition to sustaining their gains, the RPMG mothers were less likely to use opiates than comparison mothers. Children of RPMG mothers also showed healthier levels of psychosocial adjustment than children of comparison mothers (see Luthar and Suchman, 1999 and in press). Incarcerated parents and parents in transition from incarcerationTypically, substance abuse treatment programs in jail or prison settings will limit the presence of children. However, some criminal justice and social service professionals believe that children should have the opportunity to visit their parents in jail. Children typically want to see and talk to their fathers and mothers. Two programs in New Mexico provide such family services. Project IMPACT, at both the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas and the New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility in Grants, reviews parenting skills of inmate fathers and mothers and provides education programs, counseling, and family visits. The program eases transition back into daily family life and provides community services to inmates' children and spouses during their incarceration. A second program in New Mexico, Comienzos, which means "beginnings," is an education program at the Bernalillo County Detention Center that provides education on parenting, family violence, and related topics. In these cases, professionals found they could motivate parents to become involved in the substance abuse treatment programs while in jail if they had contact with their children. The

California Department of Corrections and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs support a prison-based program called Forever Free from Drugs and Crime. Forever Free participants live in a separate 240-bed facility and receive treatment 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Counseling, relapse prevention, and problemsolving and parenting classes are part of the curriculum. For more information, call the California Department of Corrections Office of Substance Abuse Programs at 916-327-3707. For more information on substance abuse disorders and criminal offenders, see TIP 30, Continuity of Offender Treatment for Substance Use Disorders From Institution to Community (CSAT, 1998b).

Go to: Organizational Roles and The Need for Collaboration In treating adults with substance abuse disorders who are suspected of abusing or neglecting their children or who are already involved in the CPS system, counselors must communicate and collaborate with representatives from CPS agencies, all while keeping the best interests and confidentiality of clients and their families in mind. Counselors also must understand the role of juvenile, family, and criminal courts in prosecuting cases of child abuse and neglect. Every system attempts to accomplish a specific set of goals to help further the well-being of clients and family members. However, the philosophies and processes used may be very different, and the potential for conflict (expressed or unexpressed) among agency representatives is great. It is important to find ways to collaborate with other agencies in a manner that builds and maintains trust--while continuing to adhere to Federal confidentiality laws. Figure 5-2 presents some suggestions for ways in which professionals from the child welfare and treatment fields can collaborate more closely. 📷 BoxFigure 5-2: Strategies for Collaboration. Program planning and administration Provide joint training for substance abuse treatment staff and CPS agency workers Develop team staffing approaches Provide joint funding (more...) Core Functions of a Child Protection System: The Center for the Future of Children (Schene, 1998, p. 36). Respond to reports of child abuse and neglect, identify children who are experiencing or at risk of maltreatment. Assess what is happening with those children and their families--the safety of the children, the risk of continued maltreatment, the resources and needs of the parents and extended families, and their willingness and motivation to receive help. Assemble the resources and services needed to support the family and protect the children. Provide settings for alternative or substitute care for children who cannot safely remain at home. Evaluate progress of the case during service provision and assess the need for continuing child protective services. Role of Treatment ProvidersThe main focus of the treatment provider is to provide interventions and support to help clients with their substance abuse and dependence issues and recover from the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual harm that their substance abuse has caused themselves and others. However, once child abuse or neglect is known or suspected, legal constraints take precedence because counselors are mandated to report cases to CPS agencies. It is not the role of the treatment provider to investigate child abuse; once the report is made, the provider's clinical attention should shift back to and remain with the client.It is important for counselors to let clients know from the beginning that counselors must report suspected abuse and neglect because the law requires them to do so. However, the accompanying message to the client should be that even if a report is made, the counselor will continue to work with the client, providing treatment and support. (Counselors should emphasize that it is in a client's best interest to address abuse issues before a child is harmed and before a client has jeopardized her parental rights.) For clients who have been reported, an extra measure of support may be necessary. For example, although counselors' large caseloads would preclude them from routinely accompanying clients to court, exceptions could be made for some clients.Even when accompanying clients to court is not possible, the counselor can create strategies to address the upcoming court date and related issues in treatment. For example, clients who abuse their children often have their own abuse histories and may have painful memories

of having to appear in court as children to be placed in foster care. Discussing such memories with clients may prove valuable to the treatment process. Helping clients understand the court system and procedures may also strengthen the therapeutic bond. The role of the alcohol and drug counselor often involves teaching clients self-advocacy and communications skills--that is, helping them learn to approach various systems in ways that will produce fruitful results that meet their individual needs. Role of CPS AgenciesEvery State has a CPS system to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect to determine whether the child in question is in danger and to intervene if necessary. The CPS agency initiates a comprehensive assessment of a child's safety and well-being in the family. The assessment can involve interviews with the child, the parents, and other family members; visits to the home to evaluate the environment and family dynamics; contacts with schools and other service providers who are or have been involved with the family; and testing to assess the child's health and development (see Kropenske and Howard, 1994). CPS investigations, foster care placement, and adoption services are different aspects of child welfare services, but these functions are organized and titled differently in various States and municipalities; in smaller (i.e., local) jurisdictions, roles and responsibilities may often overlap.If the CPS agency determines that a child is (or is at risk of being) neglected or abused, it can initiate family preservation services to remedy the problems (see Figure 5-3). The CPS worker is responsible for developing a service plan to help the family improve in those areas the assessment found lacking. The service plan can cover housing, day care, transportation, clothing, food stamps, parenting training, individual or group counseling (including substance abuse treatment), and teaching the parent basic household skills. These services may be provided while the child remains in the home if the child's safety can be assured, or the child may be removed to foster care while services are provided. 📷 FigureFigure 5-3: Overview of Steps Through the Child Protective Services and Child Welfare Systems.When it is determined that a child is not safe in the home, the CPS agency has the authority to remove a child temporarily and place the child in another living situation, such as foster care or with relatives (i.e., kinship care). Relatively few children are actually removed from their homes (in 1996, children placed in foster care represented 16 percent of CPS cases), and most of those removed are returned to the parents' custody fairly quickly once their safety has been assured (DHHS, 1999; Goerge et al., 1996).Children who are placed in out-of-home arrangements must wait for the legal system's procedures to take place before a final plan of family reunification or other permanent placement is completed. This plan generally focuses on reuniting the family while ensuring the child's safety and may include substance abuse treatment for parents, as well as other services. The plan and progress toward it are reviewed periodically by the court, and it must be demonstrated to the judge that efforts are being made toward the achievement of the planned goals. Recent Federal legislation mandates that permanency plans be determined quickly and that a permanency hearing be held within 12 months of adjudication of the abuse or neglect. If the child remains in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months, the jurisdiction must start the process of terminating parental rights and developing a plan for adoption or kinship care for the child.CPS agencies are required to investigate all reports of child abuse or neglect within a short time--generally a week. Unlike other public

service agencies, they cannot generate a waiting list when service needs outstrip resources. With increasing reports of maltreatment in recent years, backlogs of uninvestigated cases have grown, and CPS agency caseloads have soared. Many workers are assigned more than 50 families even though standards developed by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) call for caseloads of no more than 12 to 17 families (CWLA, 1989; Daro and McCurdy, 1991; Reid et al., 1999). Role of the CourtsThe juvenile or family court judge has several placement options, which vary slightly by State. These are reunification with parents, adoption, or guardianship (often with a relative). Children aged 16 and above might enter an independent living program. After reasonable efforts are made at reunifying the child with the family within the timeframe stipulated by law, the court can terminate parental rights and free the child for adoption. Juvenile and family courts have heavy caseloads, and judges sometimes hear a new case every 15 minutes (General Accounting Office, 1999).Some child abuse perpetrators are charged in the criminal court, which is generally more crowded and slower than the family court system. In some cases, families may be involved with both courts. In those cases, the juvenile or family court judge may decide to delay a decision about a child placement case until the criminal court acts.To make the courts more responsive to families' needs, the Center for Innovative Courtrooms has begun to establish juvenile and family courts that offer a whole range of services. The Center's court in Brooklyn, for example, offers drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration, as well as welfare, domestic violence services, general equivalency diploma programs, and other services to prepare offenders to become productive citizens.In Hawaii, the West Hawaii Counseling and Supportive Living Project has been designed to assist individuals and families in providing safe and nurturing homes for children. A core team of professionals consists of a clinical social worker, a substance abuse treatment professional, a clinical nurse specialist, a service coordinator, and an agency director. They are the primary service providers who conduct a service needs assessment, provide service coordination, and make referrals to other programs and providers in the community. The goal is to provide families and children with individualized treatment planning and services that are flexible and are delivered in a manner that respects the family and their cultural heritage. The target clientele includes Families threatened by their own inability to cope with the current stress in their lives Pregnant women and mothers with children at risk of child abuse or neglect due to mental health or substance abuse factors Families who require service assessment or counseling to provide a safe, drug-free environment for their children Pregnant women and mothers with children seeking a recovery program that may include a supportive living environment Pregnant women, mothers, parents, or adults with caretaking responsibilities for children Parents whose children may be temporarily living outside the home Parents whose parental rights have been terminated and who no longer have custody of their children Role of the CommunityThe effects of substance abuse and child abuse are felt by the entire community. Thus planners, policymakers, and administrators are developing collaborative community responses that involve community education and prevention efforts, as well as pooling community resources that support clients' treatment. For example, over the past decade, community leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico, focused on the growing problem of homeless and "throwaway" youths. Local schools, churches, and neighborhood associations joined

together to provide physical space and staff for emerging service programs. Outreach teams were created to work on the streets with youths, and clean and sober drop-in centers and shelters were established. In Connecticut, the Department of Children and Families is facilitating connection among social workers, schools, and hospitals. San Antonio, Texas, has created the Alamo Area Prevention and Treatment Providers (AAPTP) Association. This is a consortium of prevention and treatment providers whose mission is to (1) promote accessible and comprehensive prevention, intervention, and treatment services to individuals and families in the surrounding counties; (2) implement a seamless continuum of care that includes prevention, intervention, and treatment services; and (3) facilitate access to care through advocacy, positive community relations, and ongoing systems development. Importance of CollaborationBecause of the chronic and relapsing nature of substance abuse disorders, ensuring a child's ongoing safety in a home with a substance abuser, or working toward reunification of a family in that home, can be extremely difficult. Even when the parent seeks help or is ordered by the court to seek help, the parent's treatment needs and the family functioning issues related to child safety are rarely addressed simultaneously (CWLA, 1992; Young et al., 1998). The intertwined problems of substance abuse disorder and child abuse require that systems collaborate if they are to break the intergenerational cycle that has resulted in so much damage to society. However, historically, there have been barriers to such collaboration. Different perspectives on dependencyAlcohol and drug counselors and CPS workers are both involved with clients with substance abuse disorders, but generally their perspectives on addiction are quite different (see DHHS, 1999). This difference is at the heart of the conflicts that historically have characterized relationships between these two groups of professionals and prevented closer cooperation. Much of the substance abuse treatment community views the alcohol- or drug-using parent who neglects or abuses a child as having a chronic and often progressive disease that cannot be cured but can be treated. However, much of the rest of society, including some CPS workers and judges, view this parent as having made an irresponsible choice that has endangered a child. In addition, the CPS worker may perceive the counselor as willing to overlook unsafe situations for children to avoid alienating the parent and disrupting treatment. The treatment provider, however, may see the CPS agency worker as unwilling to give the parent's treatment a chance to work. Different clients, different goalsAnother barrier to collaboration between the two fields is that the organizations have different clients and different goals. Although the CPS agency worker will seek to ensure the child's safety, the alcohol and drug counselor is focused on treating the parent. Different timeframesFor the treatment provider, relapse is an expected part of recovery from a condition that has taken years to develop and will take years to resolve. CPS agency workers and the courts are accustomed to working within shorter and more well-defined time frames (usually 18 months) because of their desire to prevent children from remaining for long periods in out-of-home placements and to ensure that permanency plans are made for the child.A related factor is the overburdened public system and the frustration that professionals in both fields often experience, not only within their own agencies but also in dealing with other systems. For example, CPS agency workers who refer parents to a substance abuse treatment program often find that the program has a long waiting list and that no help is immediately

available. Similarly, alcohol and drug counselors who report suspected child maltreatment often complain that their reports go unheeded or are dismissed for lack of evidence in a system where workers have time to focus attention on only the most egregious cases (Reid et al., 1999). https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-5breaking-cycle-substance.html

[thesafepesticide]

How to Get Rid of Computer Mites in Your Laptop (Fast and Easy) So, you need to get rid of computer mites in your laptop? Who wants to type on a disgusting keyboard with tiny white bugs crawling all over it? In this article, we’ll cover these topics:

What bug is crawling around on your laptop computer

How to get rid of bugs in your laptop’s screen, keyboard, and components

How to prevent bugs from infesting your laptop

And more

Sound good? Let’s get rid of the insects in your computer!

What’s that bug in my laptop?

The most common laptop bugs that you may spot crawling out are mites. These will be all over the keyboard key, touchpad, and USB/peripheral ports. They look like tiny white bugs that are nearly microscopic. They may have a teardrop-shaped body with tiny legs. Sometimes antennae. You’ll see them crawling out of your computer, especially when you’re using it and it starts to heat up and force them to be active and forage for food. That’s all they care about. Bugs that are found in electronics:

Spider mites

Bird mites

Dust mites

Aphids

Ants

Bed bugs

Booklice

Thunderbugs

Baby roaches

You may have any of these or even a combination of bugs.

They don’t only live in your laptop though. So if you have a bug problem, it’s critical that you take care of

it quickly before they find another place to start depositing eggs.

Where do the bugs come from?

Mite problem? See how to get rid of them from your laptop.

They come from all over the place, especially the room where your laptop resides. They have to come from somewhere, right? Where the bugs are commonly found:

Laptop internals

Laptop screen

Computer towers

LED or LCD TVs

Desktop displays

Portable room heaters

Central air vents

Radiators

Refrigerators

Appliances

Household plants

Fabrics (bed, closet, drawers, clothing, etc.)

Any other material that generates heat with hiding places

Why do you have bugs in the first place?

The most common reason is that your laptop provides a suitable environment. Heat and light. The light comes from the laptop screen and internal LEDs. The heat comes from the dispersion of the internal parts generating energy and converting the inefficiencies to heat.

All bugs need a food source. There’s either a constant supply of food from an external source outside of your laptop nearby or something inside the computer.

Perhaps crumbs, food, finger grease, etc. There could also be bugs inside that other species are eating or cannibalizing. Think about it: No food means no bugs. Food source means bugs. They need to be eating SOMETHING to sustain their colony. Whether this comes from outside or inside your computer, that’s up to you to find out and eliminate to get rid of the bugs.

How to get rid of mites in your laptop

Here are some methods to get rid of laptop mites.

Here are some DIY home remedies you can try to flush them out of your computer permanently.

There’s no single approach to get rid of computer mites as it depends on what bug you have.

Thankfully, most mite problems are relatively easy to fix. Opt for the all-natural techniques when possible, as you’ll be touching your laptop’s keyboard all day and you don’t want harmful residues on your fingers. Scan through this list of options to remove the insects from your laptop.

Use a bug bomb

Bug bombs can be an effective way to kill all the mites and bugs currently inside your laptop or screen. Since it uses gas, this gas permeates all possible crevices and gets into your device to kill and eradicate any possible bugs in there. It’s also nice because you don’t have to take it apart to kill them. These can be bought for cheap. You can buy bug bombs at hardware stores. These are those tiny aerosol spheres that release a bunch of airborne pesticides. It’s like fumigating your laptop.

Build a bug bomb trap

These bombs work best when the area has limited space for the aerosol to drift. So a closed environment to concentrate on the laptop mouse is ideal. Get a bug bomb and a large cardboard box. Drill a few vent holes in the box. Put the laptop and bug bomb into the box, but separate them as the chemical reaction does get hot. And we all know that electronics and heat are not to be mixed together. Activate the bug bomb and let it do work. Then close up the cardboard box and place it somewhere out of the home, but shielded from the outdoor elements (basement, garage, patio, etc.). After that’s done, remove the used bug bomb. You’ll want to extract the excess poisons stuck on the internals of your computer by releasing any lingering poisons still in the box. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label. The vent holes you drilled should allow any excess to escape. But to be sure, consult the product directions to see how long it takes before it’s safe to open the box.

Use mothballs

Mothballs are effective at killing any mite eggs that could be deposited in your laptop waiting to hatch.

The warmth from the electronic components (CPU, GPU, RAM, mobo, etc.) offer a suitable temperature that attracts some bugs to your computer, which is why many people find these small white mites crawling around their keyboard or laptop screen.

The same effect can be seen with bugs crawling all over your phone screen. As with any other chemical approach, be sure to READ THE PRODUCT LABEL. Adhere to all safety protocols. They override this article.

How to use mothballs to kill bugs in your laptop

The process to do this is easy, but it does take a long time. It’s like delayed fumigation for mites. Depending on your setup, your workflow will vary. The general process is something like this: Get a sock and fill it up with mothballs. Get a cardboard box and put both the sock and your pest infested laptop together into the box. Seal up the box and drill a few ventilation holes. Place it in a secure place outside your house, but safe from the outdoors. Leave it alone for 2 weeks undisturbed. After two weeks have passed, take the box outdoors and air it out by opening it. Be sure to use protective equipment, as mothballs in an enclosed space WILL RELEASE TOXIC FUMES.

This means you need an N99 mask, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Let it sit and air out for an hour or so. Always follow the product label, as each mothball manufacturer may have different application directions.

Suffocate them with CO2

You can suffocate them with CO2 as they’ll have no oxygen to breathe. Professionals use a CO2 canister, but the rest of us have no access to these containers, nor are we willing to spend that much just to clean out a pest problem in our computer. So, enter dry ice! That white, misty thing that you see at the store. Dry ice will release CO2 over time. Some people put their computer inside a plastic bag (like a large trash bag) and drop a piece of dry ice in there.

CO2 replaces oxygen to kill bugs

The bag then expands and fills up with CO2 over time. The CO2 then suffocates the bugs and eventually kills them. Mites, aphids, ants, and whatever other bugs hiding inside your laptop stand no chance. There are a few caveats to this:

If you’re not careful, you can seriously damage or brick your laptop. Dry ice can freeze plastic and crack your screen. Never put the ice directly in contact with the laptop. The point isn’t to freeze the computer or make it cold.

You’re just trying to fill up the bag with carbon dioxide. That’s it. So keep the dry ice and the computer apart from each other in the bag- as far as possible. Proceed at your own risk. Do your due diligence. Use common sense

Most bags aren’t airtight.

Any source of porous openings in the bag will allow for air exchange. This adds new oxygen into the bag, making it less effective and allows the bugs to breathe. You’ll need a heavy-duty trash bag and some way to seal it up so the gasses can’t escape.

As you know, dry ice is extremely cold and needs to be handled carefully. You can seriously hurt yourself if you’re not careful. See how to properly handle it. This is critical as dry ice is extremely cold.

Clean out your laptop

As obvious as it seems, you can actually just clean the internal components of your laptop to get rid of the pest infestation. This means taking it apart by removing the screws, back panel, and slowly going through all the electronic components with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.

Of course, if you have no idea what you’re doing, you may end up doing more damage. You need to use anti-static gloves, mats, and protective equipment.

You also need a no static work surface. Any static discharge can short your mobo or the other connectors to the fan, power supply, HDD, RAM, GPU, CPU, etc. This is why you need to never pick up static by using the proper precautions. Don’t do this if you have no idea what you’re doing. Your laptop should be fully drained of battery power, disconnected from any power source, and all peripherals (USB, SD cards, etc.) removed. Failure to take precautions can result in electric shock or other harm. Do NOT proceed unless you know what you’re doing and have the necessary equipment. Also, be sure to read up on disabling a laptop before you start. Each laptop has a different layout and it’s not practical (and pretty impossible) for me to list all the steps for every single model.

How to clean your laptop from bugs

The workflow varies depending on your specific laptop, but usually, you disassemble the back panel, then use a scrub to clean the parts paired with compressed air. But the general workflow to clean it out is this:

Step up your protective workstation and put on your equipment

Dismantle the rear plate by unscrewing it

Place the screws into a cup or something to hold them

Remove the rear panel

Use a cotton swab with pure rubbing alcohol and start scrubbing the internal components where you notice pests, eggs, or dead bugs

Remove the parts one at a time and clean under them or where you notice pest activity

Replace each part as you clean or else you’ll end up with a whole bunch of parts and screws that you don’t’ know how to

Repeat the process until no more pests are visible

Reassemble the laptop

If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t do it. You may end up bricking your device and you should probably resort to another method on here or take it to a pro.

Take it to a professional

A professional can disassemble your laptop and clean it out for you. They know what they’re doing and many are backed by insurance in case they screw up your computer. The average tech charges around $50 here per cleaning, which is very worth it considering that doing it yourself may cost you more in labor, time, energy, and maybe even equipment if you have none. You can call around your local area and check their prices. Tell them what pest you have and see if they can leave some pest repellent for you inside the computer to keep bugs out. You can also ask for some tips for future reference to keep bugs out of your laptop.

Do nothing and starve the bugs

The mites in your computer are feeding on something. They don’t just hang around there for no reason. They’re eating something while hiding out inside the computer for warmth or shelter. As soon as they’re done eating the food source, they’ll have to migrate or perish. Everything from computer mites to bed bugs to ants needs food. Even dust mites feed on microscopic fungus and bacteria that require a source- usually your food crumbs, finger oils, or drinks you spilled that now harbor a ton of mold and fungus on the internal parts. They can be eating anything from crumbs that fell through your keyboard cracks to sugar from spilled drinks. Even the grease and oils on your fingertips can be a source of food for them. Or maybe some bug crawled in and now other bugs are feeding off of that bug. Who knows?

Stop the food source

The thing to keep in mind is to not continually feed them food. If you eat at your laptop, you may be constantly resupplying them with a nutritious food source unintentionally. Consider eating somewhere else, or cleaning your laptop of any food grease, oils, or crumbs. As for warmth and shelter, they may be attracted to the heat stemming from your laptop’s internals. This really can’t be avoided, unless you don’t use your laptop for an extended period of time. Then the heat-less environment may just have them drift away. But then again, what if they’re just there for the shelter? The nooks and endless crannies of your computer? Then what? Eventually, their food source depletes and they need to leave. Unless you keep resupplying them with whatever they’re eating. You’ll need to assess the situation and act accordingly. Ask yourself:

Are you somehow providing them with a stable food supply without knowing it?

Are they coming out to eat something nearby your laptop, then going back in?

Or are you dealing with mites, ants, aphids, bed bugs, or some other pets?

It’s important to know the exact pest first so you know how to get rid of them.

Relocate your computer

Consider relocating your laptop to another part of your room. This will help eliminate the possibility of pests that come into your computer because of the heat provided. Once you move your computer to another location, all the bugs that constantly enter and leave your computer will be disturbed, and this may help get rid of them. Usually, bugs start settling because of favorable conditions. But if you mess it up, this may just get them to go away. This works best for bed bugs as your room is probably infested with them. Get rid of the bed bug problem first or else they’ll just infest your laptop again.

Use compressed air

You can buy compressed air canisters at electronic retailers. These cans are just filled with regular air that’s sealed up under pressure. Use this to blow out the internal components through the ports, such as the USB port, power outlet, HDMI, and more. You can also use it if you open up your laptop and blow out areas where bugs are hiding from sight. Perfect for getting under components that you can’t reach. This will also remove any dead bugs that are in your laptop, which may remove food sources for other pests that could be eating on those bugs

Check for bugs around your room

Bugs in your laptop mean bugs in your room or house. If you get rid of the pests around your room, then you won’t have bugs in your laptop. Make sense? Find out what bug you’re dealing with, then research ways to get rid of it. After all, killing all of the bugs in your laptop doesn’t do anything because the little pest will just find a way back to your laptop. The most common bugs found in electronics are:

Mites

Aphids

Spider mites

Ants

Or you can do a search on the site. You need to ensure that they’re not just coming into your computer from your room. Otherwise, it’s pointless to get rid of the ones inside your computer because they’ll just come back. This means you need to check your bed, closet, and drawers for bed bugs.

Look for small red spiders on your carpet and walls, as they may be common spider mites.

See if your room has any household ants.

Check your carpet for carpet beetles.

Check under your gaming desk for dust mites.

Do you have houseplants? Check for aphids in your home.

Don’t assume they’re just in your laptop, because they had to get there from somewhere, right? This is actually one of the most effective ways to get rid of computer mites.

Use heat

You can use a heat treatment to kill bugs in your laptop. Only the most resilient ones will be comfortable staying in 90-100F heat. The drawback to using this method is that it can harm your computer by reducing the usable life and diminishing the battery. Heat and electronics don’t go together. But if you’re desperate enough, or you’re running an old machine that you don’t care about, you can use software that runs up your system specs to generate heat. Some of these are PassMark and HeavyLoad. The point is to run the program until your computer heats up and drives the bugs out. When they come out, kill them with an alcohol spray or just squish them. Get a temperature monitor to make sure you don’t overheat your device. Most laptops can take extreme temps for a short period of time before shutting off. You don’t want it to automatically shut down due to overheating, but rather, keep the temperature stable right below the threshold. Do some research and see the recommended temps for your laptop. Then run the program to achieve this temperature to get rid of the bugs hiding your laptop.

Vacuum your laptop

You can use a shop vac with a hose attachment and suck out any pests that are wedged between your keys on your keyboard or in your USB ports. Just position the vacuum on the keyboard and run it over the keys. Any bugs that are on the keys or between them will get sucked up. You may have to press on the keys with the hose to dislodge them. You can also plug the vacuum hose right up to the ports and suck out any bugs hiding there- the more powerful the vacuum you can get is best.

Use a hairdryer

A hairdryer can generate a lot of heat and kill bugs. Some people run this over their keyboard as the warm air will blow into the crevices and kill the pests hiding there. Be careful not to damage your computer as the heat can be extremely hot when placed so close to the computer. Never place the tip of the hairdryer outlet against the computer directly. Always leave a small space for air to escape. The point is to blow hot air directly into the computer through the keys. This will make the bugs scatter and as they escape, you can kill them. The sun will also help evaporate any trapped liquids that are contributing to the moisture levels in your computer. Be safe while doing this as it can seriously damage your laptop if you’re not careful, not to mention pose a threat to yourself. Never let the temperature rise above the recommended operating temperatures of your keyboard. This is effective for bugs in your computer like ants, aphids, and spider mites.

Use UV from sunlight

Here’s a unique one: just put your device outdoors in the bright sun. Open the lid and put it in direct sunlight. The bugs hiding in there may become disturbed from the UV and escape. Leave it outdoors for a few hours. Watch out for rain, bird poop, and other elements. Keep watch on your device so it doesn’t get destroyed by some outdoor creature or element. Do this on a sunny day with no clouds from noon to dusk. Check the temps and monitor closely. UV light can harm paint and colors, so be aware of that.

Clean under the keys

Most laptops allow you to pry the keys out. You can use a putty knife or buy an actual tool to remove them. You pop them out like this:

After the keys are out, soak them in a jar filled with disinfectant. You can dilute vinegar or rubbing alcohol (70%). This will slowly eat up all the grease, crumbs, and food particles stuck on your keys. Let them soak and get a cotton swab to clean under the keys. If you have a membrane keyboard, you can clean around the mounts with the swab. Soak the tip of the swab in a solution of rubbing alcohol and clean around the keyboard. Pure rubbing alcohol should be safe for electronics, but you shouldn’t be pouring the stuff into the keyboard. Be safe and use common sense. You can also use compressed air to blow out any loose dust or food particles before you swab. Since the keyboard collects a bunch of gunk over time, it’s possible the computer mites are eating this stuff. Keep it clean to get rid of the pests in your laptop.

Build a trap

You can make a repellent box by placing the laptop inside a box filled with baited traps. There are many mite traps, ant traps, and bed bug traps on the market depending on what bug’s in your computer. The point is to buy the trap, place the laptop and trap together in a closed environment. This will lure the bugs out of the computer and into the trap. You can use baited traps or repellents. Repellents may just force the pests to come out of the computer and you can kill them while they’re around the box. Or you can use the traps to catch the bugs when they come out to eat the bait. Either way, it’s a passive approach that’s worth a try if you don’t know what else to do.

Use sticky traps

You can buy sticky traps to catch flying pests like aphids, even though it’s rare to have aphids inside your laptop. These traps can be placed around the perimeter of your computer. When the aphids come out, they’ll stick to the traps if they walk over it. You can line your entire laptop with the strips and place them inside a container. Some traps also have sweet-scented baits to lure the aphids out of hiding and right into the trap.

What are computer mites?

Computer mites are common and extremely alarming.

Computer mites aren’t actually classified as any type of mite. They’re just mites that happen to find conditions in your computer or laptop preferable for breeding. These are computer loving mites that make their way into your computer through the many ports, vents, and through the keyboard and nest in the internal components. Since the environment produces heat, a stable food supply, and traps moisture (especially if you spill a drink), this is perfect for mites to infest. No wonder why you have mites on your laptop. They may make their way into your screen, touchpad, keys, or any other part of the computer. The most popular mite is none other than the mold mite.

What are mold mites?

Mold mites are one of the most popular computer loving mites and commonly found in laptops. They’re harmless to humans and are closely similar to ticks. They can’t fly, but they’re extremely small and tiny so they’re hard to see. If you don’t know anything about mites, they look like any other computer mite from the naked eye’s perspective. They eat fungus and any other bacterial growth, which sadly is all over your laptop’s keyboard. They’re also moisture seeking mikes and thrive in damp and humid areas. This means your laptop can be a perfect environment for mold mites because they can eat the food, grease, and oils from your skin which grows mold on your laptop. They can also use the moisture in the room if it’s humid enough. Thus, both of these factors make your computer a favorable place for these computer mites. Humidity can also stem from spilled liquids as the trapped beverage can stay in the computer and keep it humid for an extended period of time. For example, if you spill water between the keys and it makes its way into the vents on your GPU, this may trap the water and slowly evaporate over time. This provides both humidity and heat for the mites, ants, aphids, spiders, and even roach nymphs to live inside your laptop.

Other common mites found in laptops

Computer mites are an overall category of mites commonly found inside computers and laptops. These can be any of the following mites:

Dust mites

Household spider mites

Mold mites

Bird mites

They’re part of the family Acaridae, which are common mites found in homes. They’re attracted to heat and light just like most other household pests. And your computer or laptop provides a perfect environment for food, shelter, and warmth. They tend to be found where bed bugs are also found.

Do you have bugs in your laptop screen?

Bugs in the laptop screen are common and nothing special. These bugs are found in all electronics that have a source of heat. They typically wander in there and get caught because they can’t escape. There are small crevices around the screen which allow entry, but once inside, they’re too dumb to get back out. This is reality. Most bugs caught in your screen will be there forever, unless you disassemble the screen and remove it. There’s no other option. Unless you want to wait for the off chance that it’ll suddenly find it sway back out. I wouldn’t wait on that.

Bugs in LED or LCD screens

Bugs that crawl on LCD/LED screens get in through the vent holes on the edges. They get in and stay there. If you’re handy and have replaced a laptop screen before, you can easily disable the screen and remove it from your laptop display. Unsure what you’re doing? You should take it to a professional to do so. It’s easy to permanently damage the display. The LCD module usually has a screen bezel that separates a plastic film and the actual LCD component. This makes it easy to remove the pest. But if not, then the top polarizer may be stuck under a metal captive arrangement. This makes it difficult to remove. You’ll have to do a teardown to take it out. This ain’t an easy task. Bugs that get into your screen are attracted to the heat and light.

Don’t squish them

Whatever you do, do NOT squish it. The bug splatters and leaves a nasty stain on the inside. This will then really screw up your display. Take it to a pro or remove it yourself you know how. The most common bugs that get stuck inside screens are thunder bugs, mites, and ants.

They could also be originating from within your computer also. This is why you need to keep the internals clean- see the rest of the post above for cleaning tips to get the bugs out and get rid of them.

Here’s a video demonstrating the process of a typical screen replacement:

How to keep bugs away from your laptop for good

Here are some ways you can prevent pests from infesting your computer.

Don’t eat while you use your laptop

Clean up any dust, crumbs, or spilled drinks completely

Regularly clean your keyboard and touchpad

Check your laptop’s ports and vents for bugs regularly

Don’t store your laptop in a dusty area if you don’t plan on using it for a long time

Don’t put your laptop on the carpet- keep it elevated

Keep your room clean

Sure, they seem basic. But they work. Hygiene is key to keeping bugs out of your room and computer.

Further reading

Here are some references you can check out:

Tiny bugs crawling out of my Macbook

Computer Loving Mites – What’s That Bug?

Did you get rid of the mites in your laptop?

Be patient and keep up a cleaning routine for your computer.

By now, you should understand the basics of what bug is in your laptop and how to get rid of it. Everything from mites, ants, spiders, and bed bugs can be eradicated with patience and persistence. Found this page useful? Let me know. Or if you have any other questions, post ‘em below in the comments. Keep sharing How to Get Rid of Computer Mites in Your Laptop (Fast and Easy) with your friends and family for good cause. Read More: https://thesafepesticide.com/how-to-get-rid-of-computer-mites-in-your-laptop/?feed_id=138&_unique_id=61137423d9e11