#the client that took us the longest was extremely satisfied with us

[tjerra14]

Me: [works for 9.5 hours, then does some pre-work on the new fish tank (washing and adding 20kg of substrate, hauling 150+ litres of water with a 10l bucket)]

Also me: why am I so tired

[squarecarousel]

Interview with Caitlin Alexander

Well folks, we're nearly at the end of our Square Carousel journey, and there are just two interviews left – both with two of our longest-standing members! Today, we reconnect with Caitlin Alexander, who has been with the Square Carousel Collective from its very beginning almost 10 years ago. Although we've featured an interview with her here in the past, it's been so long that we are due for an update! When she's not freelancing or performing her duties as an SC admin extraordinaire, Caitlin works tirelessly on her craft, creating prints, products, hand lettered posters, and artwork that embrace the earthy beauty of nature. With a strong focus on environmentalism and a sense of community, her artwork exudes a warmth and complexity that draws the viewer in and invites them to stay a while. Read on for her gems of wisdom!

Make Earth Cool Again

Q: Comparing your early work from your first few years after college to your most recent pieces, you've kept a lot of the textural, playful essence of your style while refining certain elements. Has your process changed much since those early days, and if so, what do you now do differently? 

 A: Such a great question straight out of the gate! My process has changed quite a bit since I graduated in 2011 (almost a decade ago... yikes!). In college, part of my crafted identity as a brand-new illustrator was my traditional use of gouache paint. I actually, in all honestly, was kind of a snob about it, because so many people in our department worked solely digitally. I felt that digital painting was a crutch, which I suppose can be true in some cases, and possibly even more-so when you're applying that to college students, but I certainly had no ground to stand on. In reality, my snobbery kept me from learning critical tools, as I never took Photoshop or Illustrator classes, aside from the one that was required for graduation. This hindered my work a great deal outside of college, given that illustration is so often paired with graphic design, and editing work for clients was so much more difficult traditionally. In 2013, I got a job designing t-shirts, and lied to the company, saying I knew how to use Illustrator. Luckily it was remote, so I was able to teach myself without anyone hovering over me, but that was so foolish, looking back, given the expensive education I got at SCAD should have been my opportunity to learn those things. I introduced digital work more and more over the years, and by 2016 or so, I was primarily a digital artist. Gouache will always have a place in my heart, and I will still break out the tubes occasionally, but working digitally has allowed me to grow so much more as an illustrator, with the ability to edit, paint with more detail, and having more control over color and layering. 

Q: Of all the projects you've done in your professional career, which would you say is closest to your heart? 

 A: Probably the picture book I worked on a couple of years ago, titled "Cool For You." I had a lot of creative freedom for that project, and the subject matter of climate change is personally very important to me. Working with the author, Marianna, was really wonderful, as well. 

Cool For You book cover

Q: The Southwest influence on your work is pretty significant, and I think it's safe to assume you appreciate the majesty of the landscape in your region of the country. However, if you had to live in another state, which would you choose and why? 

 A: Funny you ask that, because I've actually considered moving from Texas to Colorado lately! The culture there is still very western, but I appreciate the liberal point of view (Texas has been grating on me lately, even living in Austin), and the landscape is even more stunning out there! I'd be close to so many inspiring National Parks. Plus, summers wouldn't be 8 months of the year and over 100 degrees for half of it! 

Travel West postcard (1 of 6)

Q: TV shows or movies? 

 A: Lately, Jordan and I have been watching New Girl on repeat. I'm not usually one to watch a show or movie over and over again, but I think we really just needed something light and fun, since life has been so very stressful over the last year.

Q: What's your favorite subject to draw? 

 A: This one is hard! I'm torn between people and landscapes. People are more fun and comfortable for me, and I could knock out a bunch of them quickly. Landscapes are always intimidating, and I'm nervous the whole time, feeling like I can't remember how I did it the time before. It's so strange, because it always ends up fine! But since I feel that way, the payoff is so much greater when I feel satisfied with the final result. 

Q: What would a perfect day look like for you? A: I probably would have answered this totally differently pre-COVID, but in this current world we live in, I would absolutely love to have what used to be a normal, uneventful weekend day for me: Jordan and I would sleep in a little, see an early afternoon movie at the Alamo Drafthouse where we'd eat lunch, then spend the rest of the afternoon browsing used book stores and estate sales, and then meet our friends at the neighborhood coffeehouse for dinner and Trivia Night. I will be so happy to have that again. 

Cover art for East Side Magazine

Book Lover Ladies series- The Book Clubbers

Q: What have you learned from your years at Square Carousel, whether organizing behind the scenes or as a contributor? 

 A: Oooof!! So SO many things! Wow... well, I'll go with the most obvious first: as a member, I learned how to continue to make portfolio-worthy work, even without jobs coming in. That was definitely the most valuable thing about Square Carousel, in my opinion, and hopefully what everyone else got out of it, as well. It can be so hard for fresh graduates to keep up that momentum, and the group saved many of us from becoming stagnant. In terms of running the group... it's been rewarding, but honestly very difficult throughout the years. There have been many ups and downs, and finding the right balance between structure and patience can be extremely challenging. I'm super proud of Elizabeth and myself (OG members!) for keeping it running through the messes-- we've been through some shit together! My major takeaway is the importance of diligence. Projects, businesses, organizations-- they all need at least a couple of people who just keep chugging along, always maintaining the structure (schedule and accountability) and balance (rules and lighthearted encouragement). 

Moth magnets

Q: As the readers are aware, Square Carousel drawing to a close soon. Do you have any plans for what you'll do with the extra time you'll have after our tri-weekly challenges end? 

 A: You know, I actually haven't thought about this too much yet. It's probably because I'll just fill it with more self-imposed projects and deadlines, since I was able to bring that skill I learned in Square Carousel into the rest of my career a while ago. (Or more real jobs! That would be ideal!) I'll miss the community though, and hope to find a way to keep that aspect of freelance life alive. Instagram friends, anyone? 

Q: What's your quirkiest habit? 

 A: Jordan told me recently that he found it weird and endearing that I joke-sing to my cats in the kitchen about really stupid stuff... so probably that! Official Cat Lady© status achieved.

Caitlin and Buster Keaton the Kitten

Q: What advice would you give to a newbie illustrator just starting out today? 

 A: I'd give them the hard advice that our professors didn't really give us in school: there is no way this is going to work out for you if you're not incredibly committed to pursuing it. Now, don't get me wrong-- I'm not telling anyone to have an unhealthy work/life balance because I think that's a toxic sentiment. But you have to keep illustrating and illustrating and illustrating, and arguably more importantly, keep networking and networking and networking. You're going to be rejected or ghosted more often than not, but if you really want it to work out, you're going to keep doing it anyway. And taking critiques if industry folks offer them, to grow and become better. Don't become stagnant in those critical building years.

Caitlin’s studio

Q: Anything else you would like the readers to know? 

A: Yes – thank you so much for supporting Square Carousel through our amazing ten years of challenges! We really appreciate everyone who has kept up with us, checking out the illustrations for each prompt and reading our posts and interviews. Y'all are wonderful, and we hope you'll continue to find us, wherever each of us fly from here! And on that sweet note, we say goodbye for now! Check out Caitlin’s website for more, and follow her on Instagram for new art when it drops.

Join us next time for our final interview!

[purplerose244]

Of Koi and Kindness

Hello everyone, here’s a fic for the Ninjago Secret Santa hosted by @coco-jaguar! Thank you so much for you work and dedication, I had a lot of fun like every year, it’s one of my favorite events 😍

This is my present for @ookamihanta, one of my favorite artists in this fandom! An absolute pleasure writing about your OCs, I hope I gave them justice! I love your art and I hope you spent the best Christmas! 😊😊

Here we go, enjoy! ^ ^

(These characters do not belong to me, they belong to ookamihanta for Sunny and Chiru, and the Ninjago crew for Ronin)

“Chi, I don’t wanna be that person… but it’s been one full hour since you started trying, so I’ll be that person.” Sunny sighed, shaking her head at her friend’s apparently unbreakable concentration over the target. “You’ve tried enough. It’s time to go. Come on.” There were many other ways she could had spent that snowy night. Stuck in front of a shooting gallery with a very mediocre thrower didn’t really come first on her list.

Chiru pouted, holding the ball in his hand for dear life.

“But this is the one! I can feel it!” That guy could have a future as a writer. ‘But this is the one I can feel it’, a biography by sore loser Chiru. He squeezed his eyes, eyeing the cans that were his targets. “I just… have to… aim…”

Sunny shook her head.

“Cupcake, there’s a Cafe with a special menu for smoothies just waiting for my order, please? I’m dying for a strawberry and banana right now.” And for a warm place to stay in in general, her coat was warm enough but her cheeks were starting to hurt. Winter festivals were fun, especially in the center of Ninjago City. But only there someone could find a shop for antiquity – apparently in possession of a very flawed heater –, that for some reason decided to set up a very attractive looking shooting gallery with koi fishes as prices. Just what she needed with Chiru and his newborn burning desire to have a koi fish.

When the fist sneeze came out Selene gulped nearby, her big blue concerned eyes all over her. Her cat grabbed her pants, almost climbing the girl by herself. Sunny picked her up, leaving her snuggling around her neck like a black fur collar. She was fluffy and warm, the perfect scarf. Sunny scratched her head to thank her, earning a satisfied purr.

Chiru grunted, throwing the ball again. It got the cans, but not enough to make them fall over. The man at the stand, sitting on a chair with his feet on the counter, snickered. He had a big hat slightly inclined over his face, partially hiding his eyepatch.

“Not like I wanna interrupt the stream of money… I really don’t, keep going.”

“I’m gonna get the fish, you just wait old man!”

“Feel free to try as much as you want kid, you don’t hear me complaining.” The man looked at the teens, smirking. “And it’s Ronin. Wanna know an old man, spend like two minutes with one of the ninja. That geezer master can come from everywhere.”

Sunny’s eyebrows went up.

“That Ronin? Aren’t you supposed to be in jail? Or with the heroes?… or both?” That name sparked too many controversial big newspapers titles.

“Not today, today I got these koi fishes from an old client and discovered that for Christmas kids don’t want fishes… but dragons. ” He shrugged, bring his hands behind his neck. “It’s a sad time of the year for pet marketing. Alas this is the only productive method I came with to earn some money and try to get rid of these little things at the same time. They call me many, many, many unhappy names, but lazy isn’t one of them.” Looking at the robot arm and the variety of mechanical components of his body, it seemed a sincere statement.

Aaand another ball thrown pointlessly got stuck into one of the items hung on the wall – some kind of trophy with a blade on top of it, how bizarre. Chiru growled, dropping his head on the counter, the red and blue locks of his white hair falling flat on the surface.

“This game is rigged!”

Sunny smiled sympathetically at him. She turned to Ronin.

“Can’t I just buy one? You said you just want money and for the koi fishes to be gone.”

“I mean yeah. Although, first, that defeats the economy purpose. Statistically I gain more by his tries than his victories. Then second… of course, I wouldn’t have half the fun I’m having right now.” The ball slipped from the trophy and fell down, Chiru growled louder in response. “Aha, see? I haven’t had this profitable entertainment since fire boy tried to negotiate with me for an aeroblade!” Ronin shook his head, getting more comfortable into his position. “Wanna try too, kid? To avenge his fall or some hero baloney?”

Sunny frowned, looking at her friend still dulling over the counter. After all, it was a Christmas present like another, and he really wanted a koi fish. But she had another plan in mind for the execution. She took Selene off her neck – shivering – and placed her down, then scooted closer to the guy, a hand on her hip.

“How about a deal instead?”

Ronin arched an eyebrow.

“I’m listening.” She leaned her elbow on the counter, offering a hand. “Arm-wrestling? Please sweetheart, I’ve been in Ninjago long enough to recognize an elemental master when I see one. Not gonna fall for the old ‘I’m totally not magical’ trick.”

Sunny smiled brightly at him.

“Elemental master of Moonlight to be precise, nice to meet you. With my good friend master of Blood right here.” Chiru waved without getting his head off the counter. “And I wasn’t going to use my powers, don’t worry.”

“How can I trust you?”

“Well… I’m not you?”

The man snorted, pondering for a moment with the face of someone who just really wanted to forget for a moment about working in a freezer-like shop as a living – or maybe it was just her. Ronin looked at the guy dulling all over his counter and shrugged, getting up and grasping her hand. It was the rough hold of someone who’s been through a lot.

“Why not. Bring it on, kid.”

“Gladly.”

They looked at each other for a moment, her calm expression and his sly smile. Then, on an imaginary bell somehow replaced by Selene’s determinate meow, they both started to push through their hold, trying to make the other fall back. Ronin grunted, holding on as Sunny’s hand trembled for the effort, putting more strength. They stayed in the middle long enough for the both of them to silently pant – and for the defeated with white hair to take a little peak. Then finally Sunny’s blue-polished snails clenched strongly around her rival’s hand, slowly and with an unbearable pace pushing him against the counter.

As soon as he lost the man exhaled the longest breath, looking at her in disbelief.

“You gotta leave half of a dignity, girl. Please tell me you used your powers.”

“It was a power, yes… it’s called workout.” Ronin widened his eyes then started laughing. Sunny giggled too, while Selene jumped skillfully over the counter happily watching her. “But it was a nice challenge, I thought all the strength you had was in the robot arm, not this one. And I’m pretty sure I would had noticed a hero slash public enemy walking around a gym.”

“Pff, I would never do something this fancy, I just need to compensate for what I do for money.” Ronin shrugged, pointing at his treasures for sale. “If you run away as much as I did you end up putting some muscles without really trying. Well, Moony, a deal is a deal I guess.” He looked a little grumpy, the kind you pretend to be just to playfully make things a little less too easy. He opened the fishbowl with all the koi fishes, pointing at it. “Alright kid, which one?”

Chiru finally got up from his gloomy position, wearing a very annoyed look. He slowly put his black mask over the mouth, then pointed at Sunny, who blinked in confusion.

“Didn’t need help. Could’ve done on my own.” His muttering against the cloth sounded extremely sheepish. And his pouty voice and freckled cheeks reddening said otherwise.

Sunny snickered.

“You’re welcome, cupcake.” The colorful koi fishes were swimming rapidly in the little container, scooting a little further when the master of moon peaked at them closely. White, red and black, so color so bright over the scales. “They are so beautiful… Selene don’t you dare!” The black cat stopped the paw in midair and looked annoyed at her master, even while obediently complying. “Well, which one do you like the most?”

Chiru took the mask down. He hummed and looked over as well, still squinting his eyes.

“I don’t know…”

“Is anyone looking at you?”

“Of course they are, I look like a beacon of light!” He grinned, blowing a lock of hair with superiority. Then his eyes widened and he suddenly squished his nose against the glass. “Wait a second, why is that spot so slow?”

Ronin frowned. Sunny shrugged.

“He has bad eyesight, he means the fish.”

“Oh, well, I think the little guy or gal has a lame fin, don’t know if it happened during the fishing or the transport. It can’t help it I guess.” Those big eyes were definitely ahead of him, since Ronin immediately frowned. “You want this one?” The guy nodded convinced. “Well alright, it’s your choice.” Ronin took a plastic bag and a little net, making sure to properly seal the bag with the little koi fish inside. “Here you go kid.” Chiru looked in awe at the fish being extended towards him. He slowly took it with his left hand, never taking his eyes off. The coat he was wearing barely hid his missing right arm, the stump was leaving half sleeve empty. Moving it right now, it kinda looked like a fin. The same fin that was still making it swim. No matter what happened.

Slowly a sweet smile appeared over his face.

Sunny’s eyes softened. Selene immediately rushed to get to the same spot around the girl’s neck, purring softly. The elemental master of Moonlight then turned to the man, leaving on the counter a handful of coins in front of a very confused expression.

“Why…?”

“I kinda played at your shooting gallery, so I’ll pay it as a shot.” She smiled at him. “Thank you, you didn’t have to just agree with my little game.”

“… ah, you kids are so corny.” The man rolled his eyes and took the money, a big smirk on his face. “Get out of here and get yourselves a nice Christmas I guess. At least until this city will be under attack again.” He went to get busy over his merchandise as the teens got out, muttering something about strong female elemental masters always getting the best over him.

The streets were covered in white wonder, it had been since a few days already. The roads and the buildings all together looked created a winter wonderland, with different areas set up for ice-skating and random stands selling hot cocoa. The decorations were bright and colorful, from the big neon signs of the different shops to the Christmas lights climbing every single corner. Walking along the main street many citizens were just wandering around, cute families getting closer to each other with big smiles, nice couples holding hands running towards the closest warm place. It was a rare sight in such a chaotic place.

Sunny sniffed the air, the coffee scent already present. Just one of her favorite Cafe, with a big selection of smoothies in the menu. Just when she eyed the wolf shaped sign of the place, with the irreplaceable O&H signature, Chiru cut her off, suddenly entering some kind of bakery nearby. Sunny froze, a little startled, looking through the shopping window. The guy looked very impatient as he ordered, struggling to hold that new package and the fish with one hand.

When Chiru finally got out he looked at Sunny, still pouting a little. Then he slowly gave her the little pink box of what seemed to be a strawberry shortcake.

“I could’ve got them without help, really! But… thank you.” He blushed, more for the embarrassment than the cold – so there was no backup excuse for that. And even though it was one extremely cute reaction, the master of Moonlight decided that seeing him frowning for an hour over a game was teasingly enough. So she smiled thankfully, taking the present, slowly starting to walk again with the master of Blood by her side.

“So, how are you going to call it?”

“… I don’t know if it’s male of female, I would like to know first. Until then… Nemo I think.” Chiru shrugged. “Too obvious?”

Sunny giggled, scratching her cat’s chin.

“You’re telling me? She’s Selene because of the moon goddess, I can’t exactly judge.” A big bang made them both tremble, but the shiver turned into excitement as a bright green firework exploded into the night sky. “Would you look at that…” Selene meowed, a little concerned, snuggling closer to her neck. After a few more bangs she was already getting used to it, her tail twirling just a little harshly after every single boom.

Chiru held Nemo as close as he could, looking at the show just like all the people that had decided to just stop and watch. Like there was time for beautiful things. Like there was no rush when there was enjoyment. He looked at his friend, smiling.

“Merry Christmas, Sunny.”

Sunny turned to him beaming. Another explosion of light reflected sparkles of purple into her soft cyan irises, adding just another shade of beauty.

“Merry Christmas, Chiru.”

[lastfrontierh]

Cat & Heli Skiing

Cookson hosts clients in a personal assortment of Pacific Domes, which embrace eating and club-house tents, whereas providing exploration of the slopes through snow-cat and helicopter. As properly as difficult yourself with some of the world’s longest couloirs and highest vertical cliff faces, you’re capable of experience the tradition of the native Inuit folks. Exclusive access Heli skiing can be arranged for small teams per week, so you can benefit from the mountains with just your folks or family. One day of skiing won’t at all times satisfy your desire to shred the slopes from an aerial view. This unique 4 day package offers skiing and using opportunities of greater than 750,000 acres of prime heli terrain.

We were also provided the prospect to purchase extra runs on the finish of our day, an opportunity I was unhappy to move up due to scheduling conflicts. I would extremely advocate planning to squeeze in a quantity of more runs in case your snow was as good as ours. They fitted every of us with a transponder, in order that in case of an avalanche or being separated from the group, a rescue team may find us.

According to the extent of the friends, different routes are possible. A short break earlier than the helicopter picks us up again in the direction of the Mt Fortin. Regular and incredible slopes enable us to reach the Val Vény the place we are able to taste the local italian plates. Depending on the situations and on your ski stage the information will resolve which route you will ski down. In each case, that it's the glacier of Boveire, about Folats, or Corbassière this descent will go away with you an unforgettable reminiscence.

He is proud new dad and spends his off season along with his wife happening toddler sized adventures, when he isn't mountain biking or searching. Get off the beaten observe skiing in Asahidake on certainly one of Hokkaido’s highest mountains and the Diasetu Mountain Range. Arguably Asahidake has a few of Heli skiing the deepest snow in Japan and therefore has some unimaginable powder and is taken into account a backcountry ski paradise. Enjoy a non-public guiding expertise off-piste, exploring Asahidake’s huge expanse of wild terrain, as nicely as in the future of personal heli-skiing.

If you love to ski or snowboard, there's nothing like Alaska helicopter skiing or heli boarding. If you’ve by no means tried helicopter skiing or heli boarding earlier than, you’re in for the expertise and thrill of your lifetime. We’ll get you entry to usually inaccessible areas to search out the most effective snow and terrain that Alaska, or the planet for that matter has to offer.

The magnificence and versatility of this terrain in Revelstoke is that it may possibly accommodate all talents, so if you are new to the backcountry, then you probably can still take part. Canada is claimed to be the heli-skiing capital of the world, which is sensible as its discovered that 95% of heli-skiing is done in British Columbia. Firstly the snow is powdery, deep and there is lots of it, but additionally Canada has some superior mountains with endless backcountry. Canada has now created the most effective infrastructure for heli-skiers, with many mountain lodges inbuilt obscure places, to cater for those after a big day on the big mountain.

Jorge was skilled, friendly, knowledgeable of the realm we were traveling by way of and was a fantastic travel partner. He took care of my journey arrangements in Bariloche, booked my room for me earlier than and after the journey, and even picked me up on the airport. The subsequent year, I returned for a volcano ski trip with Jorge. We have been lucky sufficient to ski from the summit of four volcanoes. In the last decade, I even have traveled with him a minimal of eight times.

Global Rescue Mobile Apps are designed for operation on the present variations of Android and iOS operating techniques. Availability of services is subject to your gear compatibility, connectivity and signal in your location. There isn't any assure that every one features and functionality shall be out there in your location. Use and availability of the Mobile Apps are topic to your service provider’s plan and could additionally be topic to extra charges from your supplier. The obtain and use of a Global Rescue Mobile App is topic to the phrases of your Member Services Agreement and the relevant End User License Agreement . ©2022 Global Rescue LLC. TotalCare and the TotalCare emblem are service marks of Global Rescue LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Expect glaciers, bowls and powder fields to mess around in every day. Take a half-day or single day trip and keep in the in style resort of Baqueira –Beret for good high quality but inexpensive dining and a vibrant ambiance. For extra epic off-piste powder riding, head slightly additional down the valley to St Foy, which is a small resort with more freeride than pistes. In a area that receives metres (40-60 feet) of snowfall every winter, Selkirk Tangierswill blow you away with unbelievable powder conditions. Click the arrow under to experience heli-skiing with Telluride Helitrax. Highly qualified guides and workers ensure consideration to element and security.

[girlmeetsstrong]

HANNAH EDEN: DROPPING THE PAST & CREATING A FUTURE

In a perfect world, success comes easy without any bumps in the road. However, the world isn’t perfect and adversity is ultimately what shapes people into who they become. For Elite Reebok trainer, Hannah Eden, it took growing up with a dark streak, an international move, and a good friend to set her on the right path. We get up close and personal with Hannah, creator of PumpFit, as she shares her life story, her passion for fitness and her truths about success.

The Dark Streak

I was born and raised in England, and I was born with an extremely dark streak within me. This darkness was inside of me for reasons I don’t know... and I’m still trying to figure it out.

I have a great, loving family who have always supported and loved me throughout everything, but for some reason a demon still lived inside me. It was very angry and very self destructive, which lead to me making really bad negative decisions. Even after moving to the US, this demon was still there. I was extremely unhappy. I didn’t move the the US by choice, but was dragged here kicking and screaming. At the time, I was a bratty teenager and I hated my parents for the longest time.

Moving To The US & Getting A Second Chance

After a while, I grew up and had this epiphany like, “Holy shit - you’ve been given another chance to start again, no one needs to know anything - you can move forward from here and create your own future and write your own story!” So I did.

After I finished high school in Massachusetts, I moved to Florida. However, when I got to there, I was still super lost. I fell into that Miami party lifestyle and while I was happier, I was still making self destructive decisions and doing things that I definitely don’t suggest anyone does.

I started bartending and worked around the clock, making way too much money and having too much free time on my hands. During my bartending days, I met a friend that is still a dear friend of mine, and he kept talking about this thing called CrossFit. At the time, I was this girl that was severely underweight, loved to go out seven days a week, didn’t sleep, didn’t eat and was like, “What the hell is CrossFit?”

He had this crazy idea to invest in a CrossFit gym, so I gave it a chance because I wanted to support him. As a result, I ended up falling in love with CrossFit. When I started, I weighed like 105 pounds and I’m almost 5’10”. I found I had a lot of health issues I was unaware of.

Healing Through CrossFit

I found that CrossFit was something I really enjoyed, and then like two, four, six months in, I realized that  dark streak had gone away. This was my therapy. CrossFit, exercise, fitness - whatever you want to call it - this was my release. This allowed me to push my dark side out and be who I really am supposed to be - because I know I’m happy, I know I love my family, I know I have good intentions, and I know I have good morals.

I finished school, I graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Photography and I was an honor student. At this point, I had another epiphany; “You have a life to live and you’ve only got one. It’s very fragile, you probably almost lost it a few times and now, but you have this great opportunity to make the most out of it.” So I did.

Embracing Passion

After graduating, I learned that photography wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. I was really into this CrossFit thing. I was given the opportunity to take the CrossFit Level 1 course, which would certify me as a CrossFit coach. I passed my Level 1, and started coaching a class similar to boot camp. After I first started the boot camp, I decided I really wanted to start coaching CrossFit.

I learned a lot about the sport during this time, but after a while, I realized that I still preferred the boot camp.

The Creation Of PumpFit

That’s how PumpFit came around. PumpFit is all about time-based workouts. There is no rep scheme to hit;  it’s here is a minute, you do as many reps as you can do in that minute. You may be in the same class as someone that is an elite athlete, or a person struggling with obesity, or the same class as a 72 year old person. Everyone in that class is getting the most out of it and they are feeling good, they leave the gym feeling like super satisfied and super proud.

I used to do the class inside the CrossFit gym, but I realized that I was onto something when a large percentage of the gym stopped doing CrossFit and started doing PumpFit. For most, if you do CrossFit, you don’t do anything else. So I was like, “Dang, I must be doing something right here!”

From there I was trying to find my feet developing this brand. I was still bartending, so I used to drive straight from my bartending shift at like 7am straight to Nikki Beach in Miami, and host what I called Nikki Fit Sundays. Finally, a year goes by and I’m still doing this stuff, but I’m not getting paid for it. I never really understood the feeling of passion until that moment. I realized this is what I’m supposed to be doing, this is my dream and I would wake up every day doing it for free. I don’t sleep at night, I bend over backwards to make sure that my clients are my friends and I invest in them just as much as I have invested in myself.

Luckily, I had a very good opportunity to build a business. At one point, PumpFit grew so big that we had the problem of being too large. It started to dominate the CrossFit gym, so we realized we needed to separate ourselves.

On December 1st, 2016, we moved into our own location, and now we have a gym that is booming! It’s actually extremely overwhelming of how successful it’s been. Now, we’re considering ways to grow the brand.

The Raw Truth About Success

I think people like just assume that there is going to be a handbook or manual on how to be successful. A question people always ask is, “What is success to you?” Success to me is waking up every day, being happy with what you are doing - even if you’re doing it for free - and being able to do your passion for the rest of your life. It’s not money, it’s not a status, it’s not Facebook followers, Instagram followers, likes and what not. That’s not real - that just comes along with exposure. We were all born as human beings and how you choose to determine  your future is going to establish where you go.

Written by Katie Ferraro

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Image credits: Hannah Eden

[argaliaofficial]

@sangwoosers alright here is that general overview of jace post i promised u!!

i didnt intend to get this long but i wanted to write a backstory rundown again because each time i keep adding new insights that really helps me flesh out my characts i hope its not too daunting--

i also included more simple trivia bits at the bottom too

alright so jace, birthname jacques viorel eden, was originally a member of nobility, and also a fandom oc (for tales of vesperia lol) however recently i’ve been thinking of working out my own original universe to squish him into (hence the lack of proper names for places/people in this draft cuz im still in the world building process lol)

thankfully, his backstory pretty much works for the setting i am thinking about. he was born the youngest of 7, to a mother who wanted nothing to do with him because he wasn’t a cute girl she could project her lost dreams onto, and a father, who while a nice man, was always so busy with work he hardly had time for his children. his siblings too were less than nice as well, and that is mostly due to his eldest brother, gabriel. gabe was nothing but a vicious bully to whoever his younger siblings were, and by the time jacques came along, he pretty much had the other brothers tormenting jacques for their own amusement.

he had two older sisters, as well, but only one of them, annabelle, ever paid attention to him. she was a kind sister, always watching after him and making sure he was alright due to the fact that jacques had a weak immune system and got sick often.

he was very very young (bought 5 years old) when his father was accused of conspiring against the monarchy. jacques, of course, had no clue what was happening; he had woken up extremely early in morning to a very serious anna telling him to gather a few valuables and get dressed. due to their relation with their father, the council (currently the powerhead due to the lack of an emperor/empress at the time) saw fit to punish the entire family, and any generation that came after them. 

the scorn from the citizens, and the burning of the brand on his hand made the walk though town to the edge of the city borders terrifying. and then the trek through the wilderness?

his father didn’t survive. being the older man he was, he was the one to fall behind when a pack of vicious wolves attacked the family

from there, it seemed as if everything continued to grow worse. jacques’s mother fell into a deep state of depression, and with no access to their vast wealth before, food and housing was scarce- especially for a family that had just been branded public enemy #1

they eventually managed to skip over to a new continent as refugees, and from there, they were given a very basic, tiny home to live in. his mother’s depression only grew worse, and soon, she was having a series of flings with a married man

of course, when he found out she was knocked up, he wanted nothing to do with her. for 9 months she carried the child, only to give birth to another boy. this was the final nail in the coffin, and a few weeks later, jacques found her dead, having committed suicide. 

The father of his step son took the baby in, but left the other children to their own devices. from there. everyone just went their own way.

anna took care of jacques the best she could, managing to save up some money to get him a bow and cloak for one of his birthdays. it was also around here where he started trying to learn about medicine and healing magic in hopes of being able to get a job in the field to help out

anna, in the meantime while jacques studied, eventually married a man in hopes of getting them some sort of financial stability and a roof over their head. he was by all means a monster, however, abusing both her and jacques in more than one way.

one day, when he was about 14 years old, he tried to stand up to anna’s husband. this went over about as well as could be expected, jacques was so severely beaten he was bed bound for a week. because of this, he eventually ran off, terrified to stay, and terrified to return. eventually, he managed to crawl into a new town, on the brink of dehydration and starving. from there, he bounced around, trying to make something of himself. he continued studying healing artes on his downtime, and continued practicing archery. he also took up offensive magic after he got fairly proficient at healing, thinking having multiple skills would be useful, and that if he got strong enough he could return to his sister and get her out of that hellish home. it wasn’t easy, having grown up frail and sickly, but he persevered. he was going to make up for abandoning his sister, he would make his step brother pay for the shit he had put them through

those plans unraveled when he stumbled upon  a secret base for a notorious assassin’s guild. there’s something terrifying about being dragged to the dungeons to be interrogated by the leader of the guild. something terrifying about your life on the line, as the guild could not risk outsiders revealing the location. jacques didn’t want to die. he still had to return to his sister- his last family member. quickly, he tried to sell his skills. a guild of assassins could surely use a healer, and he was a fairly competent one. he could also use a bow and arrow, and was a fast learner. he could pick up any other trade they needed him to.

it took a few days, but he was accepted under strict surveillance until he could be proven trust worthy. from then on, he would need to create an alias and discard his past. there was no room for that as a newfound assassin.

in a sense, jacques eden had died, and jace had taken his place. jace was supposed to be nothing like jacques. jace was supposed to be cold, calculating, detached.

he couldn’t help but feel bitter, though. his entire life had been in shambles since he was a small child, and now he had to throw away his family name for good. 

one day, a new kid was brought into the guild. he called himself zelvene, or zelv, for short. he was a kid more damaged and fucked up than jace was himself. and jace had been partnered with him.

the two did not get along at all. zelv was a rambunctious nut, and jace was mr. killjoy. it was like that for the longest time before a mutual sort of stolckholm syndrome kicked in, and they became sorta friends- to the point where they are weirdly protective of each other, but still banter like they hate each other.

zelv eventually became privy to jace’s past, and jace became privy to zelv’s. it helped them understand each other, and in turn, helped them to care for each other. it was strange for both of them- having someone care. jace had known it with anna, but it had been so long since he had seen her that he had almost forgotten what it was like.

the two, being the damaged insomniacs that they were, would spend late nights talking about getting revenge. zelv said he’d already gotten his when he killed his parents and burnt the house down, and he told jace he’d help him carry out whatever plan he could come up with to get his vengeance. 

and one day, it appeared that the perfect opportunity would present itself. a client came in one night, asking for a hit to be put on a man named faris clemens- a rising knight in the very city jace had been unjustly exiled from. the details about why they wanted faris dead were uncertain, but it didnt matter. an excuse to go back and deal a heavy blow to that shit hole of a capital... maybe get to ruin a few other things while he was there-

he jumped on the job immediately, and zelv was fine with it himself. if all went well, they would be able to do satisfying damage to the city.

he sadly could never return to anna anymore. not with how mightily he had fallen down a dark path, but if he could do this, and then kill his brother-in-law, and leave anna a fair sum of money to get herself a stable home while she found a job to support herself...

well, maybe that would make him feel a bit better with himself.

and there ya go. backstory rundown lol. now for the easier to get thru trivia shit lol

by the start of the story he is 23 years old

his astrological sign is gemini and his birthday is march 14

he really really likes coffee

he clung to studying nobility customs and aesthetics, wanting to cling onto what bit of family tradition he could remember

he’s a moody piece of shit and extremely sentimental

he lowkey loves cuddles and affection and could snuggle for hours if given the chance

he’s highkey paranoid tho and that interferes with a lot of personal shit like that

if you wanna ask anything else about him feel free! i hope you enjoyed reading this :)

[baxtonme]

New RAM 2500 and 3500 American Pickups Left-Hand Drive Conversions in Queensland

2020 RAM 2500 and 3500 American Pickups in Australia: What You Need to Know

They’re among the most-talked-about heavy-duty pickups in the United States, and among the most coveted extreme towing vehicles in Australia. Sure, you won’t see many of them on the roads – these imports aren’t your average Aussie workhorse, but there’s no denying that this pickup is a head-turner. We asked automotive industry expert Ann Anderson of vehicle importers Maracoonda Automotive just what’s so special about the 2020 Ram 2500-3500 and walked away wanting one of them even more than ever before. Here’s the lowdown.

The Ram 2500 and 3500 A Peep Under the Hood

We’ve already commented on the new Ram trucks’..fantastic looks. The sleek exterior has those wild-child, don’t-mess-with-me looks that will excite admiration wherever they go. But these pickups aren’t just good-lookers – it’s what’s inside them, both under the hood and in the passenger cabin, that matters most. 

“If I said 6.7 litre engine, you’re already getting part of the picture,” says Anderson, a veteran importer of American FORD & RAM Pickup vehicles. “If that doesn’t mean much to you, let’s just say we’re talking powerful – very powerful indeed. Chevy and GMC haven’t come up with anything that can hold a candle to that Cummins engine. Into tech specs? That’s 1000 lb-ft or 1355.81 Nm of torque under the hood, and despite all that, it’s quiet. It purrs rather than roars.”

The tame beast that’s under the hood of the new RAM Pickup vehicles may not be nippy for town-driving, but it’s built for power and heavy hauling to help with all the legal requirements of towing. “That’s what Maracoonda specialises in,” says Anderson. “Your family sedan just isn’t made for heavy hauling, but this beauty is at its best with a heavy load behind it.”

You need to satisfy the legal requirements for payload & towing. Incorrect information regarding these aspects can lead to significant problems should you be inspected by the Road Transit Authorities. Incorrect weights can lead to several different scenarios from:

You must leave your vehicle on the side of the road until you have been able to correct the issues

Insurance cancellations [a disaster in an accident]

Fines and loss of points

Luxury Interior Turns the Longest Load Trips Into a Pleasure

Anderson lets us take a peep into the cab of one of Maracoonda Automotive’s newly-imported 2020 RAM Pickup vehicles. It has been converted to right-hand drive by her company, but you’d never say it hadn’t been made that way. And as for the cabin itself, it’s roomy and tastefully designed in a style that yells “luxury” as loudly as the Cummins engine is quiet. 

The Longhorn crew cab we’re looking at even features real wood trim – not something you’ll see often these days. Just enough to tell us that we’re looking at something rather special. The Black and Cattle Tan Leather upholstered seats match the overall picture to perfection, and despite this being a four-door pickup, there’s no shortage of leg-room. 

We were somewhat surprised by the massive centre console until Anderson explained that it’s designed to hold your electronic devises. However, there’s more than the obvious to this interior. 

“The windows are fitted with acoustic glass, and there’s an active noise cancellation system that will ensure you get the quietest ride imaginable. That’s especially important on long road trips. Sure, we can tolerate a bit of road and engine noise if we’re just going a few kilometres, but on long roads, you won’t even have to deal with that. It just whispers along,” says Anderson.

Read: Queensland Left-Hand Drive Conversion New Ram 2500 American Pickup Trucks Import

Packed With High-Tech Gadgetry – If You Want it

Even if we don’t touch on the infotainment options and just look at the driver-assistance and safety features, it’s obvious that RAM has put thought into the best uses for the latest tech.

“Front and rear parking sensors come as standard,” says Anderson, “but RAM offers a package of additional features if you want them. You can get an automated emergency braking system, a forward collision warning feature, blind-spot monitoring systems, and adaptive cruise control. It’s up to you if you want them included which is great for those drivers who prefer to be minimalistic with tech.”

American RAM Pickups in Australia: Converted for Compliance

If we hadn’t known that a vehicle imported from the US would have a left-hand drive, we’d never had known it had been converted for Australian compliance. We asked Ann about the conversion, and she assures us that every step of what looks like a factory-floor job took place at Maracoonda Automotive. 

“We don’t like outsourcing,” Ann says. “It takes away control over the job, and if we want it to be perfect, we need to know every little thing that was done, how it was achieved, and the qualifications of the people who did the work.”

“I think that’s one of the things that makes Maracoonda Automotive stand out from the crowd, why clients come back for more and one of the reasons why we’ve been successful in this business for decades now. As for this beauty, she’ll give many years of motoring pleasure, and it’s our pleasure knowing that its buyer is going to have a fantastic motoring experience.”

For more information visit Maracoonda Automotive | American Pickup Truck Imports Queensland website or call Ann and her team of experts on 07 5496 7773.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

New RAM 2500 and 3500 American Pickups Left-Hand Drive Conversions in Queensland was originally published on Baxton

[cubroofing]

Cub Roofing Offers Metal Roof Inspection In London

London, Ontario based roofing company Cub Roofing is pleased to announce that they are offering metal roof inspections to those who want to ensure their roofs are in good shape. The company looks forward to working with every customer that reaches out to them.

Metal roofing is known for being quite sturdy and long lasting. With regular inspection and maintenance, one can rest assured that they will have a strong metal roof over their head for years to come. The company specialises in roof installation and repair, and they actively apply the knowledge they have gained from years in the field to carry out a thorough inspection of their clients’ roofs every time their services are requested. Cub Roofing is a London, Ontario based team of experienced, well equipped roofers that have the knowledge and skill needed to provide quality roofing installations, replacements, and repairs in both the residential and commercial sectors. Roof replacement will become necessary at some point in a roof’s lifespan. As Cub Roofing says, “Even the longest-lifetime roofs will suffer from destructive damages that require an accurate inspection and estimates.” The highly trained, well equipped, and experienced professionals at Cub Roofing provide thorough inspections of roofs across London and, if necessary, can tear it off and have it replaced within a very short space of time. The company has the equipment needed to ensure that this is accomplished within the deadline they agree upon with the client. Read more about metal roof inspections in London and the company’s services at the following link: Metal Roof Inspection London. In less extreme cases of roof degradation, it may only be necessary to repair the roof instead of replacing it completely. “Roofs are built to last,” observes Cub Roofing. “Many manufacturers create them with the finest materials and techniques to preserve their lifespan and durability. However, roofs can receive damages from unexpected hail storms or sudden wind surges that uproot some parts of your roof.” Once a roof is damaged, it is important to get in touch with a professional so they can repair it immediately and prevent any further damage. The company also provides roofing services to commercial entities. “We’re no stranger to commercial flat roofing procedures and materials,” they say. “If you need to repair, replace, or install a brand new EPDM, TPO, or PVC roof, you can call us. We’ll give you the precise estimates, start the project on our appointed day, and finish it within the deadline—guaranteed.” Cub Roofing brings some of the best workmanship in the industry to every project they take on. The company fully guarantees that every visit from their highly qualified roofing specialists will end in the resolution of whatever problem the roof may have, and even lead to the lifespan and performance of the roof being improved. Every one of their contractors are highly trained and well equipped, with labor insurance and workman’s compensation. They undergo yearly examinations to determine if they are fit to work, and they take refresher courses regularly to maintain the high standards of service Cub Roofing is known for. “We aim to please. If you’re not satisfied with the results, we can take a second or even third look and make sure we resolve all the issues your roof has before the service ends. We adapt and create solutions and never back down from solving a fresh and challenging problem,” says the company. This commitment to pleasing their customers has been noted by many London residents. “Bella and her team replaced our roof and did a fantastic job,” says a customer review featured on the company’s website. “They took their time to clean up all of the debris from the ground once the project was done. I would highly recommend them and would definitely use them again for any roofing related needs.” Another customer left a 5-Star Google review that says, “I cannot express how great this roofing company was! From the very start to the end, we got exactly what we wanted for roof colour and style. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a really good roofing company here in London, Ontario.” London, Ontario residents in need of a highly qualified roofing contractor can find exactly what they are looking for at Cub Roofing. They may reach out to Bella Reynolds for further details as well, or find out more here: Roofing London Ontario.

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[kaikahuna]

A Payment Due // Self Para

TW: Forced prostitution, allusion to forced sex

Cloud nine had a new occupant in Kai, who strutted about the Tower gleefully as though nothing could possibly bring him down. Occasionally his face would flush with red when he thought back to his date with Zephyr and how well it went. He was already eagerly anticipating the next day when he would get to see the escort again and was already listing excuses for the two to spend any time they could together.

The elevator doors opened to the 4th floor and the lobby was completely still, devoid of sound. His footsteps echoed about the floor and all he wanted to do was check on Caspian and fall into his bed, but to his equal surprise and dread, a peacekeeper stood tall in front of his door. “Ugh, great. What the hell do you want?” The peacekeeper rolled his eyes and grabbed Kai by his shoulder, setting aside any attempt to be gentle. “Your presence has been requested and I’m to escort you immediately to your audience.”

Vomit. That’s all he could focus on as his dinner suddenly wished to be a part of the world it had just left. He managed to choke it down as it rushed up his throat, hands trembling and a sweat already broken out on the bridge of his nose. This was it, he thought. He was forced to move back into the elevator, his legs unresponsive to the messages his brain was screaming out. He vision began to blur and all the numbers on the wall meshed together like some weird, generic alphabet soup. He could only pant as he was lead into a part of the Tower meant exclusively for sponsors, an area he was unfamiliar with. Only lights above each apartment door lit the way, but the peacekeeper seemed to know exactly where they were headed. They came to a halt near the end of the hallway in front of a door numbered 713. Wincing as he was yanked by his hair, he was thrown through the door. “You aren’t allowed to leave until your client is satisfied.” With only that, Kai was trapped inside. 

He stood up, extremely terrified for what awaited him inside the apartment. It didn’t take him long to realize it felt like floor beneath him was moving past him. Not exactly, but the clear glass floors had a sort of stream running through them, sprawling through what looked like the rest of the room. As he walked, he took notice of the ocean blue walls and door frames decorated all around with synthetic seashells he had seen all the time in district themed stores around the Capitol. The living room furniture was sea foam green, emphasized by pillows shaped like fish and a net-like carpet that covered the entire area. Just as he began to panic about what he had walked into, the most horrifying sight yet appeared to him in seven portraits that hung in succession across the furthest wall. Mags, Tidus, Finnick, Annie, Marina, River, and lastly, himself. Hand-painted portraits made by an unknown artist were on display, seemingly in honor of all the victors from Four. Before he had long to dwell on his own picture and how the artist hadn’t quite gotten his chin right, the click of a heel sounded behind him.

“Evening, Kai,” whispered a woman clad in a cerulean blue faux fur and a dress that sparkled like glitter. She wasn’t elderly like the one he had encountered on his Victory Tour in One, but instead no more than five or so years older than he was. “I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve seen of my decor so far! If it isn’t painfully obvious, I have a great love for all of District Four and all victors like yourself. But never before have I had the audacity to request one of you in person, despite always having the financial credentials. You Kai, you’re special.” She began to circle around the man, sending a chill up his spine. He bit his lip, refusing to speak for fear of enticing her more than he apparently already did. “Your performance in the Games was phenomenal, baby, just phenomenal. It’s always been a dream of mine to travel to Four and visit you all in the victor’s village, you watery bunch. All of you are so incredible.” She traced her longest finger across his chest, leaving him further paralyzed. Was she just going to compliment him to whole time? If this was it, perhaps it wouldn’t be as awful as he had anticipated. But he had a strong feeling the weirdness had only just begun.

The lights lowered and the woman shed her coat in front of the fire activated with the push of a button. The sound of ocean waves played on speakers from the high ceilings. The woman sat on the net carpet beside the fire and gestured for Kai to accompany her. “The Summerstream family has long been investing in Four’s tributes, even long since the district failed to produce career tributes. I take it you recognize this name, as it purchases nearly everything you benefit from. It is for that reason, Kai, that I feel in need of redeeming my family’s investments. Your grandfather, rest his soul, is no longer with us. River, in my humble opinion, is a bit too old and daddy-ish for my tastes. This is why it falls upon you to carry to burden of paying back to Ms. Cecilia what she deserves.”

A hand ran up and down his groin, the uncontrollable trembling returning for another round with Kai’s nerves. As the woman grew closer and closer, until she was nearly atop of him, he knew there was no persuading her otherwise. He thought of Caspian, Zephyr, Marina, Electra, Clio, and even his late grandfather. But none of them could save him, not really. He could only let his mind travel, distracted by them, to avoid facing the reality clad in sparkles that pinned him down onto the glass floor, the rushing sound of water unwelcome to his ear for the first time in his life.