#we know glenn has many strong food opinions that come and go

[billpottsismygf]

Glenn's wife producing a pseudoscientific anti-GMO documentary is not all that surprising, but it seems odd that she's still so proud of it

[carl-grimxz]

Confused Feelings- Part 4

Carl Grimes x Reader

Part 4

Summary: The group move into the farm and plan to settle in and relax for the night, but when something happens that puts them in danger, Y/N’s feelings are seriously put into perspective.

Word Count: 3,654

Warnings: Possibly near death???

A/N: Things get serious in this one guys, real talk... emotions are heightened and this was a fun one to write! I’m glad to see a few people are liking this series, I may have to carry on doing even more in the future, depending on how these next couple go!!! Enjoy :D

It was dark now which made it hard to know exactly what the farm looked like, but it seemed cool. I’m just happy that we’re gonna be relatively safe for the night. Especially with that fence up.

It was a small farm, well… it looked more like a large-ish house that happened to have a field and stables. Somehow I have a good feeling about this place though. We all walked up the steps and through the porch that appeared to run the length of the house and entered through the white painted front door.

Before long, we had lit some torches and had enough light to see more clearly. We had entered into a large living room, complete with couches, a bookshelf, an old TV that obviously wouldn’t work and other usual stuff that you’d find in a room like this. I looked around and realised most of the ground floor was open plan. An average sized kitchen right off of the living area.

“Looks pretty decent” Michonne acknowledged.

We were all exhausted and so didn’t say much before we moved straight to settling in. Very quickly, Carol had some canned food ready to eat and we were all sat around on the couches eating. Well, actually there’s too many of us to all fit on the couches so Carl, Rosita, Sasha, Glenn and I sat on the floor to eat. We didn’t mind though. The atmosphere was really relaxing.

There was quiet conversation as we ate, and I decided to see what Carl thought of this place so far. I always value his opinion.

“So…” I spoke up, nudging him “You like it here?”

He glanced at me and then back to his can to load some more tomatoes in his mouth.

“Well I mean, we’ve been here less than an hour…” He smirked

I rolled my eyes. He knew what I meant.

“…But yeah. I like it so far.” He smiled. “I get a good feeling about this place”.

“Yeah. Me too.”

Rick cut in, addressing the whole group. 

“I know it’s been tough recently…” He sighed. We all felt that. “Really tough. But I’m proud of every single one of you for staying strong and pushing through. It’s hard, I get it. But I want you to know that we will make it. We’re a family. We always will be”.

Everyone was deep in thought. No doubt thinking over everything we’ve had to endure to get here. Carl turned to me and gave me a knowing smile. I returned it.

“Your dad’s right” It was near a whisper that left my mouth.

“I know”, he nodded his head in thought.

Our eyes were back on Rick. 

“I think this could be the place. The one we’ve been looking for. Somewhere we can call home and not only survive… but thrive” Rick had a grin on his face. Almost getting emotional over what could be.

“It can be”, Michonne added. She always supported him, it was very sweet.

“Amen to that” Abraham cheered, lifting his glass of wine that they were pleased to find in the kitchen.

All of a sudden there was a low grumble that could be heard. It was faint, but there was no doubt on anyones minds what it could be. 

Walkers.

We looked around at each other. Slight panic in our faces, we were caught off gaurd, trying to decide our next move. The mood had changed in an instant.

“That’s outside” Carol directed at Rick “Doesn’t sound that far away!”

Rick rushed to the undrawn windows and peaked outside. A faint look of fear emerged on his face.

“Oh my god” Glenn gasped, standing at another window. “There’s loads of them! Where did they come from?”

Carl and I exchanged glances. I could tell he was slightly scared and so was I. He seemed to edge closer to me, making me feel a little better. We all had our weapons drawn.

“We’re gonna have to face them head on. Can’t let them get too close”, Rick acknowledged while pacing.

He marched towards Carl and I.

“Tyreese has got Judith-“

“Dad don’t tell us to stay in here. We’re gonna help fight!” Carl looked at me for support. We’ve always wanted Rick to trust us more with this kind of thing. I nodded quickly, knowing we didn’t have much time for persuasion.

Rick looked between the both of us, reading our faces. I could tell he was trying to make up his mind.

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes” I answered matter of factly, while checking how many bullets I had in my gun.

Now Carl nodded.

“Ok c’mon then”

Rick led us all outside. The walkers got louder once they saw us, close to tearing down the fences.

“Stay in formation. Don’t let them get too close and use knives if you can. We don’t wanna draw any more in”, we all starting to spread out when Rick grabbed our attention again “Hey… Be careful.”

With that we all headed towards the snarling monsters. I thought I’d be a lot more afraid than I actually feel. What with what happened before. But now I’m here and it matters. I know I’ll be ok. 

I looked at Carl as we strode towards them and he nodded. That was all I needed.

There were loads of them. At least thirty. This would be tough but we can manage.

I lost sight of everyone else. Even Carl. I knew they were there, fighting the fight with me. But I was focused on the task at hand.

I neared a walker and raised my arm at the ready, knife in hand. At this point I grew weary realising that the thing coming towards me was actually extremely tall. Much taller than me. It would be hard to get its head while it’s still upright, so I thought quickly. I took a slight run up and kicked its right knee cap. With a struggle it fell to the floor and began crawling at me instead, hands fighting to grab me. Without a second thought I plunged my knife in and out of it’s skull with force and it ceased all movement instantly. 

I had managed to kill a good three or four when I heard gunshots and a struggle to my left. There weren’t many walkers left at this point and I thought it was going quite well. That is until I saw what the commotion was about.

At the other end of the field. There was Carl, underneath a walker. 

He was struggling to keep it from sinking its teeth into his flesh. Carl had both hands holding the walker up and I couldn’t see his gun or knife. The others were busy with their own walkers and couldn’t help, but I had already made the decision.

I started running as fast as my legs could carry me, like this was the only thing that mattered. It was. I was panicking, more than I ever have before. Even above the time that it was me in Carls position. That was nothing compared to how I felt right now. If his hands slip… If he loses strength for even a split second… he’d be gone. I couldn’t bare it.

“Hang on!” I screamed at the top of my lungs 

In my hurry I run straight into another walker of my own. No time for this. No time for knives. I knew Rick would judge me for using my gun but being quiet was not my highest priority. I sent a bullet straight through the walkers skull and pushed it away as it fell towards me. 

I tripped slightly, either over my own feet or the walker. I fought not to fall, trying to be quick, and remained upright still trying to get to Carl as fast as I could. I should have stayed by his side. Idiot. Why did he have to be so far away?

“Hang on Carl!” I became fearful, shooting another walker that was nearing him. Nearly there. 

I was so close now.

I see the walkers teeth. They sink into Carls shirt right at his neck. 

“CARL!!” I screamed a gut-wrenching scream in complete and utter horror.

I wasn’t quick enough.

He still fought with the thing that had proved just too strong for him. He was bit. He must have been. I could feel myself falling apart. Legs turning to jelly as I neared him.

Carl pushed back with all his might, only making the monster more aggressive. My heart was pounding in my chest and in my throat, everywhere. It felt like it was being ripped from my body. Struggling to fight back tears, I carried on. I had to get to him.

I was there. 

At great force from the speed at which I was travelling I kicked the monster off of him. Taking all of my anger out on it. Off of the boy that I now knew for sure meant more to me than anything. It rolled over unwillingly, attempting to get back up. All of the other walkers were dead now. In the corner of my eyes I could see everyone make their way over, trying to work out what was happening from behind me.  I was overcome by a rage that I had never felt before.

I wasn’t going to let this thing get back up. One shot in the chest, and another and another, continually until Sasha tried to pull me back, I fought her off to send one final bullet through the centre of the beasts head. Tears were now streaming down my face.

I escaped Sashas arms, ignoring her completely. I stumbled and fell to the floor, landing beside Carl.

“It bit you!” I cried in disbelief as I pulled at his shirt collar trying to examine him as he laid there.

“No Y/N, I’m fine!” His eyes were wide grabbing at my wrists, restraining me “I’m ok! It didn’t get me! It just got my shirt” He tried desperately to calm me, out of breath himself from trying to fight the thing off. 

He’s ok? He wasn’t bit.

“You’re ok?” I whimpered as if I needed him to say it again, to convince me. I was so sure that he was gone. I was truly sobbing now. Everyone was silent as they observed, and Carl had a look on his face that I had never seen before. He was shocked by my reaction.

“Yes” he exhaled, relieved, still attempting to calm me. “Yeah, I’m fine!” He sat up slightly and his arms traveled up to grip my shoulders. My eyes scanned over his body for any sign of a bite. No blood. Nothing, except a scratch across his face. He will be ok.

“Oh my-“ I spluttered, not even able to get my words out. I have never cried this hard. Ever. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t even breath. He was so close to being gone forever.

He pulled me into his chest hard and I clung to him for dear life, scared to let go. He held me firmly, as close to him as physically possible and my face sank into his neck.

“Carl I-“ I still struggled to get any words out while I bawled, tears soaking the flannel covering his shoulder. My chin trembled as if I was a child. 

“It’s ok. I’m right here, I’m alright”. Carl spoke tenderly attempting to pacify me.

-

I honestly didn’t remember much of what took place next. I know we made our way inside, but it was all a bit of a blur. Something had come over me out there. When I thought I’d lost him… something in me broke. Now it was like my mind was working double time to try and fix the pieces back together again.

But now I know… It took almost losing Carl to realise.

I’m already in love with him.

All this time I’ve spent trying to suppress my feelings before they got too strong. It was pointless, because it’s too late. They already exist, and I can’t do anything about them. He never leaves my mind, he’s always there. Carl Grimes is my one steady force, my one stability in a world filled with chaos and death and darkness. I so desperately need him in my life. I can’t believe I’m only now realising it… But I’m still afraid. Too afraid.

Nobody even mentioned my outburst of emotion that took place outside. I think they found it easier on all of us to carry on as normal. Most of the group were in the living area downstairs as they talked about what to do next, with the dead walkers and the damaged fence, that kind of thing. I sensed that they were trying to give Carl and I some space after it all. I hadn’t left his side.

We were in one of the spare bedrooms upstairs. There were quite a few bedrooms actually, enough to fit us all at least. Carol was seeing to the scratch on his cheek that he had obtained from the fight. They were sat on the bed, while I was in a chair in the corner of the room, watching her tend to the wound.

I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.  In all honesty I felt like a coward right now. At this point everyone must know how I feel about him, including Carl, but I’m sat here now too frightened to even sit with him. 

“Ok”, Carol stood up still looking at Carl, “I’ve cleaned it and it’s not so bad. I don’t think you need anything on it, just leave it to heal and it’ll be fine Carl”, she smiled at him.

“Thanks” I couldn’t see his face. He had his back to me.

“No problem, I’m just glad you’re ok” Carol walked towards the door a little. “I’ll um… give you two some space… some time to talk” She looked at me now, smiling only slightly, and giving me a knowing look. Like she felt for me or something. Then she was gone, closing the door gently behind her.

Carl turned around to face me, hoping for me to say something I think. His face was expressionless, but my heart sank a little to see the scratch on his face that ran a couple of inches down from his cheek bone.

I anxiously stood up and closed the gap between us, taking a seat on the bed next to him. We exchanged looks of sadness, and my hand went up to rest on his injured cheek carefully. He looked me in the eyes while I examined the space under my fingers, being careful not to touch the actual scratch itself. I didn’t want to hurt him.

“Does it hurt?” I asked quietly as my hand went back down to my lap.

“No it’s fine. I can barely feel it” It sounded like he was trying hard to convince me, not wanting me to worry.

I nodded. “Carl I’m so glad you’re ok” my voice trembled and I could feel my whole face battling to let out more tears. I composed myself and managed to fight them back down, before they escaped. 

“I know, me too” he nodded and leant over to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear. I looked him straight in the eyes, trying desperately to work out what he was thinking… what he was feeling. We hadn’t spoken at all since coming back inside.

“Y/N I can’t…” He sighed “We have to stop this. I can’t do it anymore” Carl sighed again and dropped his head down in his hands briefly in frustration.

“What?” I couldn’t say it.

“We both know…” He urged me to help him out but I couldn’t. I just can’t say it out loud.

I shook my head, avoiding eye contact all together.

Carl took hold of both of my hands and so I had to look at him.

“You know it, and so do I.” He was starting to sound desperate in his attempts to get me to admit to him what he clearly already knows. He put my hands down and gathered his thoughts. “There is something- I don’t know what but me and you… We aren’t just friends and you know it. I know it isn’t all just in my head”. 

Carl wanted me to confess, but I couldn’t give him what he wanted.

“Y/N say something. Tell me you feel the same way.” He looked at me earnestly, waiting.

It broke my heart. I wish I could give in but right now my fear of the possibility of losing him somewhere along the line is greater than my hankering to be with him. It hurts but I can’t.

I picked up his left hand and gave it a tight squeeze with the both of mine. I smiled looking into his beautiful blue eyes and a couple of tears finally broke loose. “I’m sorry” I said, and I meant it.

“Carl I’m sorry… but I just… I can’t” It took everything in me to tear myself away from him but I did. I let go of his hand, stood up and left the room.

As soon as I had shut the door behind me, I stood still for a second and let out a silent sob. I had my hands to my mouth so nobody would hear, and all the tears that I had been holding in for the past few minutes came pouring out, like a dam that had burst it’s banks. I saw Sasha watching from the bottom of the stairs but I couldn’t face anyone, not even her. Not right now. I wiped away the tears and moved across the hallway to another random bedroom and shut myself inside. I wanted to be alone.

-

I only cried for a few more minutes before I willed myself to pull it together. I don’t usually cry much but I’ve been doing an awful lot of it today. It hurt though, wanting something so bad but not being able to allow myself to have it. Besides, being with him  will only cause me more pain in the long term.

As I lay on the bed stuck in my own thoughts, I hear a door open and shut, and then footsteps going downstairs. That must be Carl. I’m glad he didn’t come after me. I wouldn’t know what else to say to him. 

-

Around a half hour later and I heard more footsteps coming up the stairs… and then a knock at the door. I’m nervous to find out who it is.

“Y/N it’s me” 

Sasha. 

“Can I come in please?”

I decided maybe it wouldn’t be the worst idea to speak to Sasha. She’s my friend and if I’m honest, I could really use one of those right now. I get up and let her in. I immediately notice the enquiring look upon her face. There’s a hint of pity too, like she’s worried for me. She has sad eyes as she focuses on mine.

“Hey, sorry I just… I’m really tired” I don’t know why I bother, she always seems to see right through me.

“Yeah I figured” She smiled empathetically. 

“Listen if you wanna be alone that’s fine, I’ll leave but… I can stay and we can talk if you want?” She’s always been so kind to me.

“Come in” I shut the door behind her and we sat together on the bed.

She spoke up, “You’ve been crying haven’t you” It wasn’t a question, she knew I had. 

“You mean since out there?” I pointed behind me to the window “Yeah a little”. There was a tiny hint of sarcasm in my voice. I figured I might as well make a joke out of it, or I’ll likely start crying again. This hasn’t been an easy night.

She sighed “Wanna tell me why?” She cares about me I know but she’s always asking me questions about how I feel. It’s exhausting.

“You know why” I spoke softer with a more serious tone now.

“I don’t. I mean I’m gonna hazard a guess and say that it has something to do with Carl but that’s all I got.”

I didn’t say anything.

“He looked really upset when he came downstairs Y/N. He told everyone he was fine and that you went to sleep cause you were tired, but there’s more to it than that.” She pressed.

“You should have been a detective before, not a firefighter” I chuckled, although I didn’t actually find any of it funny. In fact it breaks my heart to know I’ve hurt him. I never wanted that. He even covered for me telling them I was tired and went to bed early. He was far too sweet for this world.

“I’m serious! Cut the bullshit and tell me what’s wrong. You’re not ok. Now tell me the truth.” Sasha sounded frustrated now. I don’t blame her honestly.

“Ok fine” I sighed. “He told me- well he hinted that he liked me… as more than a friend-“

“Well that’s great, what’s wrong with tha-” 

“No it’s not. I don’t… want that”

“Y/N who are you trying to kid?!” She stood up looking in shock.

“Urghh, fine I like him Sasha, but I don’t want to like him like that. I can’t be with him in that way” I laid down, rolling over to face the wall.

I let out a sigh.

She did something I didn’t expect. Sasha leant over and kissed me on the head. “I just care about you.” She sighed too, headed for the door.

“I know. I care about you too Sasha, but I’m tired of talking about it now” I really do care about her. “Goodnight”

“Goodnight Y/N”

[tabloidtoc]

National Examiner, May 18

Cover: Olivia Newton-John secrets she hid from the world 

Page 2: The secrets behind Star Wars 

Page 4: Shocking mug shots of the stars 

Page 6: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are donating their blood to science in hopes of discovering a Hank-ccine so the star can help save the world from coranavirus 

Page 7: How to keep your marriage going strong 

Page 8: Potful of other uses for coffee 

Page 9: How to avoid those quarantine pounds 

Page 10: If you’re on your way to get groceries in Winter Park, Florida you may find yourself laughing -- a local mom has been drawing funny chalk cartoons about social distancing on the sidewalk 

Page 11: Your Health 

Page 12: They’re Famous and Best Pals Too -- Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams, The Rock and Kevin Hart, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce, Guy Fieri and Matthew McConaughey, Julia Roberts and George Clooney 

Page 13: Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga, Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence, 50 Cent and Bette Midler 

Page 14: Dear Tony -- Church Should Be a Place for Spiritual Healing, Tony predicts families becoming much stronger supportive units as we come out of COVID-19 along with a greater respect for teachers and medical professionals and other service workers 

Page 15: Being stuck indoors while a disease rages outside is stressful but it can also give rise to creative ideas like the enduring and beloved board game Candy Land which was dreamed up more than 70 years ago during the polio epidemic 

Page 16: First hubby James Dougherty remembers the Marilyn Monroe only I knew -- why happy days with Norma Jean Baker had to end 

Page 18: Men who shave their chest hair for the sake of fashion may want to reconsider -- a furry front is a sign on super intelligence 

Page 19: Things Your Pets Should Never Eat -- chocolate, grapes, coffee, garlic, raisins, avocados, macadamia nuts, xylitol sweetener, lily plants, Tylenol

Page 20: Cover Story -- Olivia Newton-John’s secret wild life exposed -- squeaky-clean star recalls rock star days of drugs, destruction and exorcism 

Page 22: It’s a landmark birthday for any teen so when Emily Banta turned 18 she was bummed she would have to spend it social distancing instead of partying with her pals but surprise -- the Missouri gal got her big blowout with a drive-by birthday celebration 

Page 24: Prince Louis turns two 

Page 25: Next time you loan your car to a friend or family member consider this: you may also be giving them a license to snoop

Page 26: The Good Doctor -- getting a second opinion should be a first priority, since March of last year UPS has been conducting a trial program called Flight Forward using autonomous drone deliveries of critical medical samples including blood or tissue between two branches of a hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, located 150 yards apart 

Page 27: Simple plan shows you how to remember everything 

Page 28: Loretta Lynn tells all -- the Patsy Cline only I knew -- how the Coal Miner’s daughter found a sister in the country legend 

Page 30: Tough times led Tony Bennett to the top -- he left his heart in San Francisco but never forgot where he came from 

Page 32: The hilarious wit and wisdom of The Golden Girls -- Betty White, Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan 

Page 34: Tired All the Time? Simple lifesaving tests hold key to putting more pep in your step 

Page 40: Tony’s Mystic World -- do you have psychic power? 

Page 43: Joy Behar wants to set the record straight about all the yakety-yak that’s been going around about her saying goodbye to The View -- it’s not going to happen, the loneliness of the coronavirus quarantine is actually agreeing with Glenn Close for now 

Page 44: Eyes on the Stars -- Prince Charles and wife Camilla Duchess of Cornwall show their appreciation for hospital staffers at their Scottish home, Ringo Star, life imitated art for Halle Berry while shooting the movie Bruised -- for her role as an MMA fighter she trained with UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko and wound up getting injured during a filmed face-off, Kate Hudson lives only a hop skip and a jump away from mother Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell but she’s considering a move to be even closer to her mom, pregnant Katy Perry says her pregnancy has given her a hankering for different types of food and her no. 1 craving is avocado toast with Tabasco, Marianne Faithfull is on the road to recovery after being hospitalized in England for three weeks as she suffered from coronavirus

Page 45: Tony Bennett takes part in a New Jersey charity telethon, Joan Collins salutes U.K. medical workers, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are expecting their first child together, Tom Brady who left the New England Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off on the wrong foot in his new hometown -- he was working out in a public park that was off-limits during the coronavirus shutdown and was asked to leave, The Price Is Right announcer George Gray suffered three massive heart attacks, Kristin Cavallari revealed she’s split from husband of seven years Jay Cutler 

Page 46: On average women are getting mansplained more than once a day -- Mansplaining refers to the infuriating habit shared by many men who talk down to women and over-explain things the women already know and usually know better 

Page 47: Motorcycles of the Stars -- Jay Leno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Orlando Bloom, Pink, Tom Cruise, Justin Timberlake, Keanu Reeves, Bradley Cooper 

[lalka-laski]

Where is your favorite place to get fries? Now this is my kinda question! I have a serious soft spot for curly fries, and Arby's in particular are bomb. And can't forget the cheese dipping sauce!

What is the most recent article of clothing you’ve purchased? A whole bunch of random shit from Amazon, most of which I'm returning. Yes I know, it's bad for the environment. It's a bad habit I'm trying to break.

Have you ever paid for anything with a check? I have before but it's very rare. I don't even know where my checkbook is currently.

Do you know anyone who was raised by their grandparents? No one that I'm that close with

Have you ever made your own pie from scratch? Nope. That sounds like my nightmare actually. I love to cook but despise baking!

Who was the last person you had an in-depth conversation with? Glenn, probably.

Are there any waterfalls nearby? I live about an hour's drive from Niagara Falls. There are several other parks nearby with mini falls, but of course nothing beats a literal world wonder!

What was the last food item you ate? Cheddar, broccoli & potato soup

What are your earliest memories of going to see a doctor? I remember my pediatrician very vividly. I definitely overstayed my welcome at that office ha...

Can you hear traffic right now? Nope

Have you ever pulled a muscle? Yep

What did you do last weekend? This past weekend I celebrated one of my closest friend's bachelorette parties. It was a lot of fun 'till my anxiety kicked in and I spiraled out of control. Thank God for understanding, caring friends who encouraged me to go home where I'd feel safer and calmer, and for my supportive fiance for making the drive to come get me. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by such pure love.

What is your favorite gaming console? None

Are you talking to anyone via instant messaging right now? Mhm, Glenn

Have you kissed someone today? I gave Glenn a kiss on the head when I left for work this morning

What is your favorite condiment? Mayonnaise. Bonus points for fun flavored ones like sriracha or garlic aioli.

Do you have a strong opinion for or against Justin Bieber? I am entirely too old and too removed from the popular music scene to have any kind of opinion on him. He's fine, I guess?

Have you used a telephone today? Yep, my work landline and my cellphone of course

Do you prefer coffee or tea? I love 'em both!

Have you taken a painkiller today? Nope but I wanted to

How many theaters does the closest movie theater from your house have? Uhh I have no clue. I'm not a movie goer.

Do you always have a stock of alcohol in your house? We have a random assortment of seltzers and beers

Have you ever had a pumpkin latte and if so, did you like it? Yeah. They're fine but not my favorite.

Have you had a nap today? I freaking WISH

Is there an antique store in your town or city? Mhm

Have you ever been to a baby shower? Yep. I hate the cheesy games but overall I find them fun!

Do you have a hyphenated name or know anyone with one? (eg. Carter-Brown) Nope. I briefly considered it but have decided to just change my last name altogether.

What would you wear if you were being taken out to dinner tonight? Well I'd actually prefer not to leave the house tonight. As soon as I get home from work, my ass is staying in jammies! We are gonna order Grubhub though. I'm thinking Taco Bell!

What were the last shoes you wore? Flip flops, always

Do you know anyone who has been to rehab? Yes. And I'm really proud of anyone who has made that choice for themselves.

Have you ever had a mojito? I honestly don't think so? I've had precanned cocktail versions of them but not an actual one.

Do you take your Christmas decorations down before or after New Years? We're superstitious and take them down before January 6th, lest the hobgoblins come get us!

What is the first thing you do when you get online? Facebook, usually. Although I'm considering deleting

How many romantic relationships have you been in so far? Uhh only 3 "real" and long-term ones. I was more of a casual fling kinda girl before settling down with Glenn.

Have you ever been camping in the wilderness? Not quite. Just on campgrounds, so that hardly counts.

Do you have any money on you right now? Maybe a dollar and some change.

Would you consider yourself to be a picky eater? I'm one of the least picky eaters I've ever known. There are only a handful of foods I dislike and even those I try to be flexible about.

Have you made a large purchase today? Nope. And I'm hoping not to make any for a long time.

What was the last candy you ate? Sour gummy worms

How often do you eat Subway? Bleh, never. We have Wegmans and Dibella's for REAL subs. You can keep your hot dog bun bread!

Have you ever lived in a house with a pool in the yard? The house I grew up in

What color is your toothbrush? Gold

Do you have gluten intolerance or anyone who does? I know a few people who do

Have you ever cried while watching a movie? L O L. It's rare if I DON'T cry.

First thing that catches your eye when you look out the nearest window? I can't see out this window.

Have you ever had a migraine? Honestly no. I've had killer headaches although I know those aren't the same thing.

Do you have a gym membership? Yes but I admittedly don't use it

Have you locked your front door today? Mhm

Have you ever slept in a car overnight? I don't think so

Have you washed the dishes today? Yeah, I washed my soup container and spoon after lunch.

Have you ever fainted? Nope but I've come dangerously close I think

Have you been awake before sunrise today? Sadly yes

When was the last time you went to the bank? Uhh it's been ages

Do you avoid conflict as much as possible? I try to

Have you ever used a leaf blower? Nope. I can't imagine that'd go over well...

[thewalkingdead-obsessed]

Season 2 Rewatch

This is pretty hefty so if you actually read it... bless you!! Lots of spoilers and thoughts ahead!!

2x1 What Lies Ahead

-We see the kids really being kids in this episode. Between Carl and Sophia asking to go to the Grand Canyon, Sophia being scared and going with her gut to run (twice) even when it wasn’t the best thing to do, Carl thinking he’s old enough for responsibilities, and what have you. Even though this world doesn’t seem to be “meant” for kids, I love seeing their youth coming forward regardless.

-Speaking of Sophia, her going missing was one of the saddest parts of the season, maybe even the entire show. Her going missing and everyone putting all their energy toward looking for her develops so many different plots and characters arcs, as well at shoved the show in an entirely different direction. First off, there is Carol, who would not be the Carol we know today without this unfortunate event. We see a change in Daryl as well, who begins to show more emotions, and start working with Rick and the others as a team. This also brings up some moral issues, between Dale not wanting anyone to argue over anyone giving up on Sophia (via convo with T-Dog), and Shane wondering those exact same things but on the opposite side. Sophia going missing also brings us to Otis, who then brings us to the farm.

-I really hate the dynamics between Andrea and Dale. I think this is where they really screwed up her character. They turned her into a black sheep, relating more to Shane, when deep down I feel like her character would have been better less angsty and more powerful from the get go. She wants to leave with Shane, after he has a conversation with Lori that she overheard, and I think they should have either made them both leave and we catch up with the later, or never have that happen/have them connect.

-The scene where Rick begs for a sign, and then gets it in the form of a deer with his son, is so beautifully done. Carl was just being a child, appreciating nature, and then getting shot, is so heart wrenching. But it brings is back to the beginning of the episode. It started by examining youth, and ends with the two kids on the show getting hurt/going missing.

 2x2 Bloodletting

-The flashback to Lori talking to her friend right before Shane told her about Rick getting shot really solidifies, to me at least, that Rick and Lori’s marriage was over before any of this began. Shane and her seem to have an immediate connection after he tells her, and she seems emotionless when she tells Carl.

-When Rick gets Carl to the Greene farm, we see this expression from Rick that we don’t get often in the show. Only when it comes to the lives of his family, does Rick break down and practically beg people to help him.

-I love the introduction to the Greene family, everyone is moving so fast and incredibly willing to help.

-Seeing Shane really stabilize Rick in this situation is something that is confusing, in a good way to the audience. It’s hard to tell whether Shane is a good or a bad guy because his actions are so back and forth. Sometime the antagonist isn’t always a horrible person.

-The parallels between Rick and Carl getting shot is really interesting. I think the main difference is the reaction from Lori.

-I have such a hard time watching any of the Shane and Otis high school scenes, they’re so hectic and leave you on the edge of your seat (esp if you’re already expecting what is happening).

-One thing that confuses me in this episode is the conversation between T-Dog and Dale, where T-Dog is suffering from an infection and is out of his. He refers to the both as weak, and live bait. They touch on it again a few episodes later, but even then it still leaves me confused. I don’t really understand the point of the conversation I guess.

-I’m glad Carol stood her ground and decided not to leave the highway, and I’m especially glad other people backed her up.

-We see our first glimpse of what Hershel thinks of the walkers and the “disease” they have is.

 2x3 Save the Last One

-I get so mad everytime I watch the scene with Otis and Shane, but honestly… could you blame him? We’re so quick to judge, but if it was Rick in that situation, I’m not sure what would have happened. I’m not sure that Rick would have done the same thing, BUT I think Carl may not have lived if that was the case.

-While everyone seems to be losing hope that Sophia is alive, oddly enough Daryl is the only one who’s really holding out for her and Carol. I think Carol realizes he’s the only one who still really believes. The foreshadowing of him saying something like for all we know she could be held up in a farmhouse somewhere is wild.

-Carl waking up and talking about the deer was so sweet. I think that was everything that Rick needed to keep going, even when Lori was wondering if she wanted to Carl to make it and live in a world like this.

-When Shane comes back right in time, you can tell he’s messed up from what happened between him and Otis. I believe this was the final point where there was no going back for Shane.

 2x4 Cherokee Rose

-I think it’s important to note that we still saw a funeral for Otis, even without his body. Burials/funerals are a key part of the show. I think they represent the difference between life and death. Even in death they choose to give life to these characters. Burials are important because in a show that is surrounded by death, there is a distinct different made when someone is of important to the group when they die.

-The scene where Hershel and Rick talk with a beautiful view on screen reminds me a lot of the Maggie and Sasha conversations later on.

-Seeing Maggie’s reaction to the well walker’s death was something that was interesting because it shows that there are some people who are numb to gore and death at this point, and some that aren’t.

-Shout out to Maggie for initiating doing it with Glenn ;) Love me a strong woman.

-I like when Rick gives Carl his hat and says it’s like a club for those who got shot and survived. It was about time Rick put his uniform away, but the hat is a nice reminder of his roots.

 2x5 Chupacabra

-I love the use of flashbacks, and the one in the beginning of this episode is especially one of my favorites. Seeing Carol, Carol, and Sophia together, the bombing of the city, and how close Shane and Lori were puts a lot of thing into perspective.

-Shane wanted to call of the search for Sophia, and thought Rick was being too nice by still looking, but Rick still has his humanity left. Shane is only worried about survival, Carl, and Lori at this point.

-Daryl’s scenes alone in the woods are of the most confusing to me. I really like his hallucinations of Merle because we really get to see Daryl’s strength, and insecurities, but I wonder the use of this. Was it to get Daryl to really assimilate with the group, to tell us more about him and his relationship with his brother, all of the above, or more? I feel like the dialogue between him and Merle is super specific (especially homophobic) and I think it’s something worth analyzing deeper.

-I LOVE the scene where Carol brings Daryl food. Daryl is still very much an outsider, but I know that Carol wants to validate him and let him know he’s just as worthy as anyone else. Daryl want’s to think he can do it all on his own, but this is the beginning of him warming up to having a family for the first time in his life.

 2x6 Secrets

-The relationship between Dale and Glenn warms my heart, and it’s way better than Andrea and Dale’s. I understand why they didn’t make them an item (like the comics), but a nice wholesome relationship would have been good, rather than turning Andrea into one of the most annoying characters (when she could have been the most badass).

-The two main secrets: Lori’s pregnant and there are walkers in the barn, really set up much of the rest of the season. With the walkers, it gives us a chance to realize the people are the priority, not the dead. It’s about getting the Greene family and the Atlanta group on the same page, even if it doesn’t happen in the most civil way. With Lori being pregnant and coming clean about Shane to Rick, it brings a huge separation between Lori and Rick, as well as Shane and Rick. I don’t think Rick is the same after this.

 2x7 Pretty Much Dead Already

-When Glenn tells the group about the walkers in the barn, it reminds us that Glenn will always choose family over anything else (Maggie not quite being family yet).

-I found it really interesting that Carl said he’s not going to leave until they find Sophia, which I think sways Rick (and Carl’s opinion is always swaying Rick, think season three when Carl says Michonne is one of them).

-Once Shane figures out Lori is pregnant, I think he becomes more determined than ever to win her over again.

-The barn and walker scene is definitely one of the saddest in the entire show. When Sophia comes out and Rich has to kill her, you can tell no one is the same after this. Up until this point, everyone’s main focus (besides Shane) was to find Sophia. I don’t think anyone dealt with the reality of how they might find her. Especially after an incredibly brutal and emotional experience for the Greene family, who saw the walkers as human, seeing Sophia walk out slowly was a horrific moment. Daryl holding back Carol is something that gives me goosebumps, because he was still holding out hope, maybe even more than her. This wasn’t easy for anyone, and I think it shook the entire group.

 2x8 Nebraska

-When Shane calls Rick out for being delusional, I think it hits him hard. He realizes that he did put everyone in danger, as a leader, making them look for a child that was most likely dead. All of Rick’s guilt comes out, I think even from when he was in a coma and couldn’t save his family. He is happy Shane did, but I also believe he carries a lot of pain for not being there for his family when they needed him. I’m sure he felt replaced, even though they all thought he was dead. Rick has taken the role of the leader and that’s a huge burden that we’re finally seeing him struggle with. He’s a good person with morals, and I think that’s what makes things so hard for him, since many people are beginning to let go of the rules and moral codes they had before the apocalypse.

-What happens in the bar is really telling of these emotions because Rick kills the living for the first time, perhaps and overcompensation for not being as “tough” as he thought he should have been this whole time.

-Everything revolving around Daryl in the episode is very sad because he’s starting to retreat a little and close off after opening up. He’s taking this hard. All the talk of Sophia is depressing because a lot of people think it has no meaning (but it does in character development!!).

 2x9 Triggerfinger

-Glenn’s struggle with being in love is something I find so interesting because him and Maggie are the first “new” relationship introduced in the show (all the other one’s are pre-existing). He’s never been in love before this which adds on to the emotions because of the nature of the world they’re in. He wants to live for her, which he thinks is bad at this point.

-The confrontation between Daryl and Carol is so strange. Their whole relationship is. I think because they both dealt with a similar kind of loss (losing someone and not knowing if they’re alive) and then both being abused (carol by Ed and Daryl by Merle and his father), they are working things out emotionally, through each other.

-Beth being in shock and suicidal is the first real development of her character, and I like that they take the time to focus on people being so incredibly upset about death. It’s so normalized, but the fact that she focuses on it is important.

-Rick proved again that he is a good guy, by saving Randall (this isn’t my favorite plot in the show, but the focus on human life is interesting and reminds me a lot of the future Morgan story).

-The conversation between Rick and Lori bugs me a lot because he basically tell Rick he’s going to need to kill Shane, because Shane is dangerous and wants the baby, Carl, and her to himself (BUT THEN SHE GOES AND PULLS SOME BULLSHIT LATER ON).

 2x10 18 Miles Out

-Something interesting to note about where Rick and Shane bring Randall is the vehicles in the lot. There is a fire truck and school bus. These same kinds of vehicles become important in the story later. In seasons 3 and 4, school buses can be seen multiple times. Michonne uses one as cover, TF brings the Woodbury people back in a school bus, and I believe they’re used again to attempt to escape the Governor’s second attack. In season 5, Abraham’s group has a fire truck that is highlighted (and then lost, but not without hints to it in other spots in the show).

-The two dead cops in the area they were going to leave Randall reminded me a lot of pre-apocalypse Rick and Shane.

-The Rick and Shane fight is some nice action after a slow-ish season action wise.

-Beth wanting to die is very sad, but I think Andrea was sort of right when she said that Beth made her choice after she attempted, she didn’t want to die when it came down to it. This changed Beth, for the better.

-The field walker is one of my favorite scenes in the entire show. It’s just walking, through a field. But it’s so beautiful and well done.

 2x11 Judge, Jury, Executioner

-Daryl beating Randall seems more so a release of aggression over anything. And after Randall tells what his group did to those girls, I think it just motivated Daryl’s anger more. We’re finally hearing about groups that aren’t a tight knit family, sometimes awful people band together.

-This episode also made me think “where the hell is T-Dog?”. He’s such an underutilized character and should be more than just a pawn to help and save people.

-I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the same episode that Hershel gives Glenn his watch, is the same episode that Dale dies (thinking back to Dale’s time speech in season 1).

-When the whole group gets together to talk about what they’re going to do about Randall, you really see the weight the world has put on these people. In season 1, many of them probably wouldn’t even have thought about killing someone living. A season later, everyone is torn and broken. The rules are starting to change, but Dale is still fighting for them. I, personally, don’t think either side is wrong in this situation. I see the case for people wanting him dead, and I see the case for people wanting him to live. Dale has always been a metaphor for morality, and even today I think he lives on in the group.

-You can see Carl changing as a young boy, growing up in a world like his is now. He thinks Randall should die, and that terrifies Rick.

-Dale’s death is so sad. Rick wants to put him out of his suffering, but it’s so hard for him especially after the confrontation earlier. He feels guilty. He feels guilty if he’s bad, but he also feels guilty if he’s good. There is not easy choice. Daryl ends up having to put Dale down, which is definitely the first step in Rick and Daryl’s brother-like relationship.

 2x12 Better Angels

-During Dale’s funeral, Rick’s speech is huge in his growth. He wants to do things the best he can, and he realizes the important Dale had on the group. He doesn’t want to be “broken” so he wants to prove him wrong, and lead better.

-Poor Carl, he’s learning (much different than he would have in a weird without walkers) that every action has a consequence.

-Love the budding friendship between Daryl and Rick, I feel like this episode really starts it.

-Here Lori goes, all conflicted fucking things up again. When she talks to Shane in this episode, I think this pushes him over the edge. She looks at him lovingly, and thanks him for all he did. She says it must be hard for him not knowing who’s baby it is. This gives Shane the last bit of hope he needs to take over. I truly believe Lori was in love with Shane, more than she ever wanted to admit.

-Shane’s elaborate plan was sort of brilliant, but Rick knows him well, and knew pretty quickly what was happening. At any point he could have killed Shane, but he pushed it off as long as possible because he did love his friend. When he killed Shane, it also solidified what Jenner had told him about everyone being infected.

 2x13 Beside the Dying Fire

-It was so cool to see how a herd is formed. The herd travelled far together, and as we see later in the show, herds really control where people can go.

-I’m glad we got to see the RV save Rick and Carl, it went out in glory.

-The farm/herd scene is so badass, I love seeing everyone fighting. We can see improvements in characters taking on walkers, very dramatically, in this episode, which is nice because this season wasn’t incredibly walker heavy.

-Everyone getting separated, but getting back together where they lost Sophia was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The highway was what brought them to the farm in the first place, and now they’re back.

-Poor Andrea. Although she was left behind, we really got to see how badass her character could be on her own. And then she meets Michonne (a twist I looooooooooved).

-I feel so bad for Rick as he talks to the group after everything happened. Not only does he have to admit he killed his best friend, he has to take charge in a way he never thought he would have to. He also tells them about what Jenner told him, he had to bear that incredibly grim news to his family after keeping it on for so long. I don’t blame him for becoming cold in season 3.

-I hate how Lori reacted to Rick telling her he killed Shane. Days before, she was the one who told him Shane was a threat and needed to go. Now that she realized she was really in love with him, she resented Rick for it. I believe that Rick and Lori loved each other, but by default at that point. After Lori’s reaction, you could tell Rick was done with her.

 Overall, season 2 was filled with massive amounts of character development and taught us a lot about morality and the characters views on the world. They were left at an incredibly vulnerable state, realizing that nowhere is really safe. On to season 3!!

[topinforma]

New Post has been published on Mortgage News

New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2nQobSz

In his first budget, Trump to struggling seniors: You’ll be on your own

When people talk about retirement, they often muse about traveling the world, playing golf or visiting with grandchildren.

But the truth is many seniors won’t spend “golden” retirement years like they are on a long vacation. Instead they will be working because they can’t afford to retire. Or they’ll fret about finding or keeping a job to supplement their Social Security check.

Their days won’t be spent in leisure. They’ll struggle to pay for health care costs. They’ll rely on government programs or nonprofits for meals, energy assistance or to help with legal woes.

But President Trump’s first budget sends a stark message to the most needy seniors: “You’re on your own.”

Here are some of the proposed cuts that will affect seniors. — Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program, which “helps a whole lot of old people pay for heat in the winter,” Slate’s Jordan Weissmann writes.

Trump’s budget guts the EPA and help for poor seniors. It’s a perfect symbol of his administration

— The elimination of the Energy Department’s weatherization assistance program. “It has provided states with grants that have helped insulate the homes of about 7 million families,” reported The Post’s Steven Mufson and Tracy Jan.

If you’re a poor person in America, Trump’s budget is not for you

— Elimination of the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which provides job training to low-income job seekers ages 55 and older.

“The administration estimates that it would save $434 million by cutting the program,” reported The Post’s Jonnelle Marte. “In the budget proposal, the administration criticized the program as ‘ineffective’ and said that one-third of the participants do not finish.” Even so, that still leaves a lot of seniors getting help.

Labor Dept. cuts target job training programs for seniors

— Meals on Wheels. There was some confusion about whether the funding for Meals on Wheels would be eliminated. The Community Development Block Grant program is a target for cuts and some funding for Meals on Wheels comes through this program. However a large portion of federal funds for Meals on Wheels comes through the Older Americans Act, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living, according to a statement from Meals on Wheels America.

“The Trump administration has proposed a 17.9 percent cut in funding for HHS, but it has provided no detail on whether that would also impact the Administration for Community Living, which funds nutrition programs for the elderly,” reported The Post’s Glenn Kessler wrote in fact checking the outrage about possible cuts to Meals on Wheels.

Still, there’s reason to be concerned about cuts to the program. “The nationwide Meals on Wheels network, comprised of 5,000, local, community-based programs, receives 35 percent of its total funding for the provision of home-delivered meals from the federal government through the Older Americans Act,” the organization said.

— The elimination of the HHS office of community services, which includes an energy assistance program for low-income families, including seniors.

Trump’s budget framework points to big cuts in programs for seniors

— The elimination of Legal Services Corporation, a nonprofit that provides legal aid to low-income Americans.

Trump budget would gut legal aid for veterans, domestic abuse victims and disaster survivors

The American Bar Association said in a statement is was outraged about the proposed cut, writing that some of the worthy services the nonprofit provides include protecting seniors from scams.

In a letter to Trump, Nancy LeaMond AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer wrote: “As the budget process proceeds, we would encourage the administration to reconsider the proposed cuts to important programs, including NIH’s health care research, LIHEAP energy assistance programs, community service employment for older workers, housing and legal assistance to the poor and elderly, and transit and transportation programs serving the disabled and elderly.”

I want to hear from you. What do you think of the cuts? Send your comments to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state. Your voice is important.

Live chat this week Join me on Thurs. March 23 at noon (ET) for a live discussion about your money. To participate in the discussion click this link.

Stay informed about your money. Read and share the Color of Money columns.

Retirement rants & raves This newsletter is your opportunity to talk about your retirement. It’s your chance to rant and rave (or both) about any retirement issue. Send your comments to colorofmoney@washpost.com. Please include your name, city and state. In the subject line put “Retirement Rants & Raves.”

Claudia Ruddy of Florida shared how downsizing has shaped her and her husband’s early retirement. They didn’t have children but lived in a five-bedroom home in St. Petersburg. They had a lawn, cleaning and pool service.

“We agreed in our 50s we would move upon retirement to a small, pool-less house in a beach community with the goal of reducing our expenses to travel as much as possible,” she wrote. “We expected to work until 66.

But plans change. Her husband was laid off at 60. They moved to a modest two-bedroom home in Ormond by the Sea.

“The location does not require flood insurance and our property tax decreased by almost two-thirds,” she said. “Instead of the monthly $188 and $210 bills for sewer, water and electricity, we pay $100 for electricity and $30 for water. (Admittedly we do now have the task of pumping the septic tank every two years.) We still pay someone to cut the grass, but I can clean the whole house in a couple hours. I do miss the pool, but being able to walk to the beach is great. We found we could live nicely (traveling the U.S. every couple months and Europe for a month once a year) on a combination of part-time work and our pensions. No doubt having children or having strong ties to the more expensive area would make moving harder for many people, but it has certainly worked for us. We joke we should send my husband’s former employer a thank-you letter.”

Mark Dziewit of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., wanted to shared his thoughts on a Fidelity Investments retirement IQ test that I wrote about in last week’s newsletter.

On the question on how much some financial experts recommend people save by the time they retire, he wrote, “I don’t know (or care) how much so called experts say one should save as a multiple of your last year’s income. I do know that if I have a sum of money and I assume a 3 percent real annual return less my withdrawals, I can play with the variables to know what is needed to achieve a certain level of ‘income.’”

On the question about the average monthly Social Security benefit benefit paid in 2016, he wrote, “I know it’s not much. It only matters in the context that this ‘not much’ amount is what many of my fellow citizens will need to live on. Not good for them, not good for the country.”

“I think this test was not very useful,” Dziewit said. “However, for some it could get them thinking. So much info from experts is simplistic or just wrong. Thank you for this opportunity to ‘rant.’”

Let me remind you of all the questions for the retirement IQ test. 1. Roughly how much do many financial experts recommend people save by the time they retire? a. About 2-3 times the amount of your last full year income b. About 4-5 times the amount of your last full year income c. About 6-7 times the amount of your last full year income d. About 8-9 times the amount of your last full year income e. About 10-12 times the amount of your last full year income

2. Stock markets go up and down. How often over the past 35 years do you think the market has had a positive annual return? a. The annual return was positive fewer than 12 out of 35 years b. The annual return was positive about 12 out of 35 years c. The annual return was positive about 18 out of 35 years d. The annual return was positive about 26 out of 35 years e. The annual return was positive more than 26 out of 35 years

3. If you were able to set aside $50 each month for retirement, how much would that end up becoming 25 years from now, including interest if it grew at the historical stock market average? a. About $15,000 b. About $30,000 c. About $40,000 d. About $60,000 e. More than $60,000

4. Given the current average life expectancy, if you were to retire at age 65, about how long would you need your retirement savings to last? a. 12 years (or until you are 77) b. 17 years (or until you are 82) c. 22 years (or until you are 87) d. 27 years (or until you are 92) e. 35 years (or until you are 100)

5. Approximately how much was the average monthly Social Security benefit paid in 2016 to a retired worker? a. About $500 b. About $900 c. About $1,300 d. About $1,700 e. About $2,100

6. About what percentage of your savings do many financial experts recommend you withdraw annually in retirement? a. 1-3% b. 4-6% c. 7-9% d. 10-12% e. 13-15%

7. Which of the following do you think is the single biggest expense for most people in retirement? a. Housing b. Health care c. Taxes d. Food e. Discretionary expenses

8. About how much will a couple retiring at age 65 spend on out-of-pocket costs for health care over the course of retirement? a. $50,000 b. $100,000 c. $170,000 d, $260,000 e. $350,000

Click here to see the correct answers.

[Send your questions: Join Michelle Singletary Thursday at noon for a weekly financial chat]

Newsletter comments policy Please note it is my personal policy to identify readers who respond to questions I ask in my newsletters. I find it encourages thoughtful and civil conversation. I want my newsletters to be a safe place to express your opinion. On sensitive matters or upon request, I’m happy to include a first name and last initial. But I prefer not to post anonymous comments (I do make exceptions when I’m asking questions that might reveal sensitive information or cause conflict.)

Have a question about your finances? Michelle Singletary has a weekly live chat every Thursday at noon where she discusses financial dilemmas with readers. You can also write to Michelle directly by sending an email to michelle.singletary@washpost.com. Personal responses may not be possible, and comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer’s name, unless otherwise requested. To read more Color of Money columns, go here.

[lalka-laski]

If money was no object, would you change your wardrobe? No doubt about it. I actually have a keen eye for style & can coordinate outfits really well. I used to do it for houuuurs on Polyvore (is that still a site?). But alas, I don’t have the money to dress to my heart’s desire. 

How do you/did you get to school? From elementary school through high school, I rode the bus, Then in college, I walked.

Have you ever been in trouble for something you honestly didn’t do? I’m sure at some point. I grew up with two sisters so that’s bound to happen. 

Is the idea of having a secret admirer creepy or romantic? I’m more inclined to say it’s creepy however, Glenn actually was admiring me for years before I even knew who he was. But he never acted on that attraction so does that count as a secret admirer? 

What was the last song you sung out loud? One’s not coming to mind

Have you ever had to have a pet put down? UGH WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME THINK ABOUT THIS

Were you excited to learn to drive, or scared? I still haven’t learned because I’m too scared.

What was the last book you read? I’m in the middle of Daisy Jones & The Six right now and I’m completely hooked! Tons of people have recommended it to me & I’m beating myself up that it took me this long. 

Did you enjoy it, or were you glad to be finished? Oh I’m loving every minute of it. I even brought it with me to work today hoping I could sneak a few pages, maybe a few chapters in.

Do you ever wonder what other people are thinking when they stare at you? Those are the thoughts that constantly torture me. 

Have you ever gone out of your way to get someone’s attention? I was a teenage girl at one point. Let’s be real.

When was the last time you felt incredibly tired? Yesterday was BRUTAL. I only got 3-4 hours sleep tops and I am absolutely not the type of person who can function without rest. Last night I got a little more sleep but I’m hyped on caffeine so I hardly notice. 

What candy cane flavor is your favorite? I’ve never put much thought into it. The fruity ones like Starburst & Jolly Rancher are really good, I gotta admit.

In your opinion, who doesn’t deserve to be famous? A huge majority of Hollywood. Too many to list.

Do you get angry when fast food restaurants mess up your order? I get a little bummed but ONLY because it seems like *I* am the only person whose order gets messed up or forgotten. Even my sister has noticed that it seems to always happen to me. And I don’t have complicated orders by any means! So it bums me out but it doesn’t actually make me angry. And I would NEVER stage a complaint. I’d go hungry before I go Karen. 

Have you ever had a ridiculous hair cut? Yeah. After my last breakup I cut my hair collarbone length hoping I’d give off some Jennifer Lawrence vibes. I was not Jennifer Lawrence. I was fucking Lord Farquaad. 

What was your favorite elective class in high school? High school was too long ago for me to remember but my guess is it was some type of creative writing. 

Did you ever wish you could be homeschooled? Uh, no.  Was it hard for you to get up this morning? I moaned & groaned like usual but it surprisingly wasn’t as hard as most mornings. 

Have you ever had a dream so realistic you could’ve sworn it happened? Those terrify me. It’s extra unnerving because I have a hard time distinguishing between real and imagined memories as it is. 

When was the last time you colored with crayons or colored pencils? I did a lot of coloring at the beginning of quarantine. None since though. 

Can you remember the first survey you filled out? Oh God, no clue. It was back in the Myspace days, I know that much... 

Do you have any mental disorders? WHERE. DO. I. BEGIN. 

Do you feel comfortable talking about these disorders, if you have them? Well anyone who’s spent 15 seconds with me knows I have anxiety, so I can’t even hide that if I tried. And I’m pretty open about my other diagnoses if/when they come up in conversation.

Where did you go on your last field trip? I guess Senior Trip my senior year of high school? I don’t recall taking any field trips in college. 

Are you able to agree to disagree? Or do you have to have the last word? I don’t like confrontation so I try to shut things down as quickly as possible. I’m ok with someone having the last word. But that likely stems from my lack of confidence. I tend to second-guess myself in arguments, even if I’m well-versed on the topic at hand. 

Do you think you make a good first impression? I make great first, even second, impressions. I think it’s when people start to truly know me that things unravel. 

Do other people’s first impressions stick with you? OH YES. I should be more understanding and forgiving but if someone rubs me the wrong way right off the bat, I can’t shake it. Bad energy is bad energy! 

Are your friends who you thought they were when you first met? Not all of them. Some for the better, some for worse. 

How have you changed in the past year? If we examine where I was this day last year, I’ve made considerable progress with my mental and physical health. But that progress took a nosedive during quarantine. Ok, maybe not a nosedive. I’m still an improved version of myself from last year and I should celebrate that. 

How about in the past five years? 2020 Elizabeth is living 2015 Elizabeth’s wildest dreams!!!! I am leagues ahead of where I was then. 

What do you do when you feel like giving up on something? I hate to say it but I usually just give up. I’m not much of a fighter. 

Have you ever had to give up on someone? Many a time. 

Would you rather break up with someone, or them break up with you? Um well, my self-esteem is easily shattered enough as it is so I do NOT handle breakups well. But breaking someone’s heart is an equally awful feeling so

Is there a cover song you like better than the original version? Blackbird by David Gray. 

Do you think it’s okay to like a cover more than an original? Of course it is. It’s a commonly accepted opinion that Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” is better than the original. There are plenty other examples I’m sure but that came to mind first.

Do you still watch any cartoons? You mean from childhood? I honestly don’t but I should. That could be really soothing. 

Are you just too lazy to recycle? Guilty as charged

Think of the last person you talked to–do you love him/her? In person? No. Via text? Yes. 

Do you fit your zodiac sign? I’m a Cancer to a fault. 

What is one of your weak points? Hyper-sensitivity (see above^) 

What is one of your strong points? Empathy 

Are you calm in emergency situations? FAR FAR FROM IT. 

When was the last time you cursed at someone? As far as cursing directly AT somebody out of anger or something, I don’t remember. 

Are you afraid of losing someone you love? That’s my biggest fear

Who are you most attached to? Glenn

What do you depend on other people for? Providing a rational response to my irrational emotions, calming me down, soothing my anxiety. 

Are you good at reading other people’s body language? I don’t know actually? 

Do you like facial hair? How about chest hair? I love both. Glenn doesn’t believe that I’m attracted to his chest hair (actually, all his body hair) but I find it incredibly sexy. 

If you have a favorite number, how did you choose it? I don’t really have one. I guess either 7 or 13 because those are my birthdate numbers? 

What goes through your mind when someone breaks up with you? Well I have an inferiority complex so breakups just confirm all the pre-existing thoughts I have about myself. 

What goes through your mind when someone asks you out? This is gonna sound funny considering my previous response but my usual reaction to getting asked out is fear. Ever since the first time a boy asked me out, I found it more scary and nerve-wracking than flattering. 

Do you match your shoes with your outfit? Sort of? 

Do you style your hair daily? Hell nope

Who was the last person to compliment your appearance? What’d they say? Glenn called me pretty last night but I’m not sure that really counts because he’s my boyfriend and isn’t that his job? Is there any movie you just can’t stand to watch? Most movies. They’re just not my thing.

What do you think of pornography? Most porn I watch isn’t actual intercourse. But I love bondage so I like roleplay vids and stuff like that. 

What hair products do you use regularly? Daily I just use shampoo and conditioner, and then purple toning shampoo once-twice a week and hairspray on days I curl my hair. Lately I’ve been trying out a texturizing/volumizing spray but most of the time I forget ‘till it’s too late. 

Does it bother you when people use extremely bad grammar? Nah. Language skills vary wildly and are often informed by a person’s culture, family, or socioeconomic background. It’s classist & racist to judge a person’s intelligence or abilities on his/her grammar.  Do you have a hard time talking about sex with the opposite gender? Not at all. I might even be TOO comfortable with it. 

Do you feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor/nurse? Female, for sure. My pediatrician was a male & he was wonderful but I prefer only females for any type of medical situation now. Oh, except for my dentist. But that’s only because I think he’s hot :P

Have you ever had major surgery? Not really. I had my tonsils out when I was a kid but that’s pretty run-of-the-mill I think? 

Could you go a month without speaking? Uh maybe?

Is there any food you don’t like that a lot of others do? Well I don’t eat any type of meat or fish so, I guess that. 

Have you ever followed a trend? If so, what was it? Lots of them as a tween/teen. It’s par for the course at that age. 

Have you ever started a trend, even a small one? Likely not. I hold no sway anywhere lol

What was the last thing you bragged about? I’m not much of a bragger. At least I don’t think?