#which is so good cos I can get snacks and go to the creek !!!!!

[yakultii]

28 December

[gay-dorito-dust]

Maybe some fluff with Hobie when the main trop is that they are soulmates?

I honestly had no idea where I was going with this, it’s all over the place.

What’s a soulmate?

It’s a…it’s like a best friend but more.

It’s the one person who knows you better then anyone else, it’s someone who makes you a better person. Actually they don’t make you a better person, you do that yourself, because they inspire you.

A soulmate Is someone who you can carry with you forever. It’s the one person who knew you and accepted you, believed in you before anybody else did. Or when no one else would, and no matter what happens you will always love them; Nothing can ever change that. - Dawson’s Creek (never watched it but have heard the ‘what’s a soulmate?’ Clip more times then I can count.’

The term soulmates had been so firmly interchangeable with romantic connotations that many often forget that being soulmates with someone doesn’t necessarily mean that it was remotely romantic in the first place.

You can be soulmates with that one friend who’s stood by you through thick and thin, a family member, or a co-worker that you get along with very well, so much so that you might as well be the same person.

With that out of the way, let’s move onto yours and Hobie’s relationship.

To begin with, you and Hobie both thought that the idea of soulmates wasn’t something you’d fully put your faith into as to believe that you and someone else were tethered to one another, expected to love one another against your better judgment.

What if your soulmate was a twat? A down right godawful human being? What then? Are you still expected to love them even though everything they’ve ever done was morally and ethically wrong?

Fanfics, romance books and movies never bother to divulge into these topics, which is why you never truly trusted the so called ‘fairy tale ending.’

Soulmates didn’t exist, and even if they did, in what right mind would you have in ever wanting one?

‘What would you do if you found out you had a soulmate?’ You remember telling Hobie one day as you were both hanging out on a rooftop somewhere just a little ways of the pub you always relegated to at the weekends, or whenever Hobie and his band had a gig there.

‘I’d tell them that they’re full of shit and shouldn’t be believing in fairy tales, for they’ll always lie to you.’ Hobie replied, looking over at you from over his beloved guitar that he was previously tuning before laying it carefully down by his side. His actions made you chuckle as you sat up to stretch your arms over your head, grunting. ‘yeah, if you ever had a soulmate it’d be your damn guitar with how careful you are with it.’

Hobie gives you a good shove in the arm, ‘oh fuck off, what about you then?’

‘Hmm?’ You hummed.

‘What would you do if you found your soulmate?’ He echoed your question and for the first time, you didn’t know how to respond because if you had it your way, you’d would’ve wanted Hobie as your soulmate because in your eyes there was no one better then Hobie Brown. For Hobie was the best friend that always believed in you when you and seemingly everybody else you have ever met in your life have long since given up on you. But not Hobie, never Hobie.

Even during the times where you wanted him to leave you alone, he would always come back a good hour or two after with your favourite snacks in tow before he sits himself down next to you and offer to listen to what’s been eating away at you. When asked why, Hobie would look at you as though you grew a second head -even though you were quite certain in your friendship that Hobie wouldn’t give two shits if you were to grow a second head- before responding with; ‘you’re my mate and I need to be on the look out for you, even if you don’t want me to, I will, because there ain’t no way I’m letting you sit this one out on your own; we’re sitting out problems out together from now on.’ Hobie then proceeds to tuck you tightly into his side. ‘So don’t go hiding shit form me from now on, yeah?’

From then on you never once hide anything from Hobie; until one morning you found a tattoo or a marking of sorts in the shape of a electric guitar just on the inside of your wrist; Now this wasn’t just any old guitar, you knew the shape and model of the guitar like the back of your hand and from that morning onwards, you had been keeping your soulmate tattoo/mark covered by wearing long sleeved shirts or hoodies because you know if you were to conceal it in any other way and Hobie caught wind. You’d be fucked on a multitude of levels.

What you didn’t know what that Hobie was in the same predicament as you in regards of having a random tattoo/mark he doesn’t remember getting suddenly appearing on his body. He knew what it meant the moment he saw it, and ever since he’s been trying to find a seamless way to integrate it into a conversation with you that wouldn’t seem too out of left field. Hobie knows he’s a confident bloke but to drop this type of thing on you unexpectedly as though it was nothing, wasn’t the way he wanted to go about things you both adamantly shitted on previously.

Hobie also has a sneaking suspicion that this was why you had brought up the topic of soulmates when you did; because you also had a mark of your own. Ever since you’ve both been tucked away on the rooftop, he’s noticed how every so often you would subconsciously pull down the fabric of your hoodie/long sleeved shirt as though you were trying to hide something. but even with all your attempts of hiding your Mark, Hobie could often sometimes see glimpses of the neck of the guitar practically wink at him knowingly.

‘I dunno,’ you shrugged, ‘what can I do in that situation? I can’t say that I love them because I’m fated to them-‘

‘Why not?’ Hobie interjected.

You shrug again, ‘I want to at least get to know the person outside of the whole being my soulmate before I start saying anything in regards to liking them, never mind loving them.’ Once again Hobie caught you pulling down the fabric of your sleeve out of the corner of his eye before casting his eyes back to you.

‘What if your soulmate is closer then you thought?’ He asked as you furrowed your brows as you looked at him as a weird feeling befell you. It felt as though Hobie knew something you didn’t and your hand immediately went to your covered wrist, feeling over exposed all of a sudden as a flurry of thoughts rushed to the forefront of your mind all at once, overwhelming you to the point where it became hard to not only swallow but breath as well.

Hobie knew

He knew

Were the only thoughts that stuck out to you in that moment and in that moment, you honestly didn’t know what to do now that you were caught. You cursed yourself for not knowing any better as Hobie was as smart as they came but before you could start running your mouth with excuses, Hobie lifted one of his spiked cuffs slightly up his arm to show you his tattoo/mark.

However a question still remained unanswered; where do you go from here now that you found out that your best friend was your soulmate?

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 39 - Healing, Mentally and Physically

Ophelia's had quite the day! Time to unwind.

Ophelia: Oh Watcher, that feels good. If the bartending thing doesn't work out, you should pick up massage therapy.

Xander: I think I'd get fired if I did what we're about to do with a massage client.

Xander: You ready to take this upstairs?

Ophelia: Oh yeah.

Before she can make a move towards the steps, Xander scoops her up.

Ophelia: Oh! You're stronger than you look.

Xander: Your dirty talk needs a little work, Lemon Bar.

These woohoo partners still need a little time to... warm up before they get going. Not that they're complaining. Even if what they're feeling isn't love, it feels really woohoocking good.

One of the benefits of not having a romantic relationship is you can have a post-woohoo snack of an onion bagel and stuffed peppers like it's no big deal.

Ophelia can't help but think about her conversation with Libby from that morning…

Ophelia: Hey, there's something we forgot to talk about. We're being really careful, but things can happen. If I got pregnant, what would you want to do?

Xander doesn't freak out at her asking, that's a good sign.

Xander: If you're cool with it, I'd say co-parenting is our best option. Sure, it'd be awkward explaining it to people, but we could make it work. Either way, I'd want to be there for my kid.

Ophelia: Good to know.

Ophelia: We've got it all figured out! We're killing this woohoo partner thing, huh?

Xander: Totally.

Ophelia: Wanna go for a celebratory round two?

Xander: And you called me a horndog.

Real homies give each other good morning kisses.

Xander's got errands to run and a shift at Taste of Tartosa, so he needs to freshen up, but Ophelia needs to shower too!

Xander: Maybe we could… multitask?

Ophelia: You know I love being practical.

Keep it clean, you two!

These two decided to autonomously eat stuffed peppers for breakfast. I can't fault them for that.

Ophelia also tells Xander she's going to her first therapy appointment before band practice! She's seeing Dr. Diallo.

Xander's thrilled she's trying to change her klepto ways.

A Better Way Therapy Center looks nice enough. Ophelia doesn't have to wait in the lobby very long before someone comes out to greet her.

Ophelia: Are you Dr. Diallo? Dr. Diallo: That would be correct. Feel free to call me Omari. You must be Miss Lemon. Come on back, dear.

Ophelia: I didn't steal anything from the lobby. Omari: I appreciate that, but it's not my goal to judge you, Ophelia. You didn't choose your trait. I understand you're here for our re-traiting services. Ophelia: Yes. So do I just drink a serum or? Omari: It's not quite so easy.

Ophelia: Oh. So I have to like… actually talk about stuff. Omari: We find it's important to address any underlying causes for unwanted traits. Ophelia: My parents always said therapy was for erratic Sims. Omari: Luckily, parents have been know to be wrong every now and then.

Ophelia: So do I start telling you every bad thing I've ever done or…?

Omari: You can tell me whatever you like, this is your time, but I want you to know this is not about punishing you for past mistakes. This is about helping you move forward with your life in a healthy way.

Omari: A lot of first sessions consist of just getting to know each other. Why don't you tell me about your job?

Ophelia: Oh, sure. I just got a promotion, actually. I'm going to be a singer for a wedding band.

Omari: What an exciting job! How'd you get into that line of work?

And so, Ophelia tells Omari about her life since she moved to Willow Creek. She talks about the Blue Velvet, the BFFs, the Laurents, her relationship with Libby, moving to Tartosa, and even her ever-rising fame level. It's kind of nice talking about it all with an outsider.

Ophelia: So… Do I get my new trait yet? Omari: Not just yet. Changing a trait is a lot of hard work, but you've taken that first step, which is quite the accomplishment. Now, I have a bit of homework before your next session. Ophelia: Homework? Omari: Don't worry, it's simple.

Omari: I want you to keep a journal of how you're feeling when you get the urge to swipe. Are you angry, sad, bored? If you do swipe something, I want you to be honest about it. I won't be angry or judgmental. I just want to understand you better.

Ophelia: I guess I can do that.

Ophelia: Okay, this isn't so bad so far. Omari: I'm glad to hear it. I'll see you at our next appointment. Ophelia: Do I get a lollipop for being brave? Omari: I don't think the game has lollipops but I'll see what I can do for our next session.

[somekitly454]

list about me tag questions

i saw this at tumblr and i thought. “oh cool let me do that”

Are you a morning or night person?: night person

Are you afraid of the dark? no. im afraid of whats IN THE DARK

Are you an extrovert or introvert? introverted

Are you double jointed?: wish i was

Are you left or right handed?: the common righty

Are you more of a tidy person or a messy one?: i have no sense of organization

Are you on time or always late?: late

Are you ticklish?: not telling

Can you curl your tongue?: just did

Can you ice skate?: haven't tried

Can you wiggle your ears?: nope

Coffee or tea?: c o f f e e

Cookies, cake or donuts?: all of them at the same time

Did you ever participate in a talent show?: hell no

Did you go to prom?: hell no^2

Did you like school? hell no^3

Do you believe in ghosts? yeah

Do you bite your nails?: yes

Do you consider yourself a good cook?: im learning but no

Do you enjoy dancing?: not in front of people but yeah

Do you enjoy DIY or crafts?: yeh

Do you forgive easily?: i can hold a grudge

Do you have a nickname?: shawny

Do you have any allergies?: nope

Do you have any phobias?: clastrophobia and Acrophobia.

Do you have any piercings or tattoos? nope

Do you have children? nope

Do you have pets? used to

Do you have siblings? 2 brothers and a sister

Do you prefer dogs or cats? cats

Do you prefer Mac or PC? PC

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains? lets go to the beach, each

Do you prefer to bath or shower? shower.

Do you sing in the shower? who dosen’t?

Do you smoke? if you think that inhaling toxic fumes is a good idea then please seek help (no i dont smoke)

Do you speak any different languages? i wish

Do you still have your wisdom teeth? they're all gone!

Do you still watch cartoons? hell yeah

Do you/have you played any sports? hockey, soccer and volleyball

Does your name have a special meaning? gift of god

Have you ever been hospitalized? i fell on my head TWICE when i was an infant because how clumsy i was.

Have you ever been on a diet? those dont work (no)

Have you ever been to a concert? no cuz people

Have you ever gone camping? no but i would like to go

Have you ever met any celebrities? LOL NOPE

Have you ever skipped class? as much as i wanted to. no

Have you ever won something? not that i remember

Have you had braces? yes and they were HELL

How are you feeling right now? stressed and depressed but im still kicking

How tall are you?: around 5′9

If money were no object what would you get for your next birthday? stuffed animals or those cool hoddies i always see during tiktok comps

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? japan

Were you ever a scout or a brownie? nope

What city were you born in? NYC

What did you last eat? a sandwich and c o f f e e

What did you want to be when you were younger? video game designer/developer

What do you do on a typical Friday night? stay home, eat junk food, and watch anime

What is one food that you refuse to eat? b e a n s

What is one item on your bucket list? try bungee jumping

What is one item you can’t live without? my heart?

What is your shoe size? 9

What movie have you watched repeatedly? i havent seen a movie that i wanted to watch over and over again. its usually one and done for me

What phone do you have (Apple or Android)? apple

What should you be doing right now? homework

What’s one goal you would like to accomplish this year? dont die

What’s one of your pet peeves? when people tell me things that i already know and when i tell them “i already know that” they KEEP ON GOING

What’s the last song you’ve listened to? Venus fly trap

What’s the most expensive item of clothing that you own? dont know. dont care.

What’s the thing you can’t leave the house without? my headphones

What’s your best physical feature?. MY CO legs

What’s your Chinese sign? horse (great now the last question makes sense)

What’s your current obsession? himbos

What’s your dream car? a Tesla model s

What’s your favorite animal? sharks, snakes, or spiders

What’s your favorite book? the psychology book

What’s your favorite color? yellow

What’s your favorite dessert? brownies

What’s your favourite drink? orangeade Snapple

What’s your favourite food? tangerines

What’s your favourite foreign food? does sushi count?

What’s your favourite gadget? uhhhhhhhhhh. tazers???

What’s your favourite hobby? doddling/writing

What’s your favourite movie? curently steven universe the movie

What’s your favourite restaurant? anything is fine

What’s your favourite sandwich? chopped cheese

What’s your favourite season? fall

What’s your favourite series? craig of the creek (was steven universe future)

What’s your favourite snack? the person reading this Boston kreme

What’s your favourite sport to watch? i dont like watching sports

What’s your favourite thing to have for breakfast? pancakes

What’s your full name? [REDACTED.]

What’s your longest relationship so far? none

What’s your lucky number? 6

What’s your star sign? virgro

When is your birthday? sep 20

Which city did you grow up in? [REDAC-]

Which city do you live in now? [REDAC-]

Who do you miss right now? notning that come ti mind

Who is your celebrity crush? chris hemsworth

Who’s your favourite fictional character? it varies of what place of fiction

[cadenreigns]

Star vs the Forces of Evil: The Last Magic (part 1)

This is the first part of a movie idea I had. I originally wanted to do more of a script with included images, but I just don’t have the time or energy to do that to the degree it’s in my head, so here’s the first fourth~ish of my movie idea that tries to stay similar in tone to the show and would answer some questions that were left hanging. Also, the end of this section will probably make you think it’s going in the way one would expect from someone with my character preferences, but I think you may be surprised once I get farther into it.

1

“Many Years Ago”

Fade In

Hekapoo is seen holding an infant Festivia with Omnitraxis, Lekmet, and Rhombulus walking out of the room.

Omnitraxis: “We’ll call for the caretakers, keep an eye on the new princess until they get here.”

Lekmet: “Baaaaah”

Hekapoo: “Yeah, yeah. It’s not like I’m gonna drop her.”

The door closes behind the Glossaryck brothers leaving Hekapoo alone with Festivia. The infant reaches up, making babbling noises, then starts shaking her arms.

Hekapoo (holding Festivia up so they’re eye to eye): “Oh we got a little party animal here.”

Festivia giggles and Hekapoo smiles. “When you get older I’ll show you how to really party.”

Fade Out

2

“Many Years Later”

Fade into Hekapoo yelling as Moon tries to pull a toddler Star off her horn while Star screams “Mine!” repeatedly. Hekapoo nearly falls over when Star is finally pulled free.

Moon: “I’m so sorry, Hekapoo. The book said you practically raised Festivia, so I thought Star might take to you…not try to take something from you.”

Star (still reaching towards Hekapoo’s horns): “Mine!”

Hekapoo (rubbing the base of the horn Star was grabbing): “Yeah, well she’s quite the aggressive little party animal, isn’t she?”

Moon (sighs): “Her father’s influence I suppose. Maybe we can find her a head band or something so she’ll think she has horns of her own.”

Hekapoo (shrugs): “Sure, you do that. But if there’s nothing else, I’m going to head back to the forge. Someone’s gotta keep an eye on the portal network so no worlds get smashed together or anything.”

Moon (laughs): “Oh Hekapoo, who would even be capable of such a thing.”

-Cut to Star and Marco walking down the street of a post-Cleave Echo Creek-

The familiar toll of the opening song notes starts. What looks like the wand is pushed in front of the camera, but then pulls back to show it’s the face of Star’s watch as the opening continues. The opening would be a modified version of the show’s regular opening, but instead of jumping through portals Star drags Marco through doors and windows, with each small scene they jump through giving a glimpse of life after the Cleave. Their parents, along with Eclipsa and Globgor having a cookout while Mariposa and Meteora play, Ludo and his band of monsters landscaping, Jackie and Chloe (I guess) skating by, a glimpse of the military at the edge of town, and so on until it culminates in the final shot from the season 1 opening of Star and Marco standing in the center of a big group of characters, but in addition to those in the original opening there will be all the characters introduced since then for one massive group shot.

3

The shot starts black, which is revealed to be the interior of a fridge when Star opens the door and faces the camera while looking for something.

After a few seconds of her not finding anything and making “thinking noises” Marco, who can be seen sitting at the table behind her looking through a stack of papers, says: “Can I help you find something, Star?

Star (looking back at Marco): “Do we have any more of that brown goop?”

Marco: “You mean the disgusting leftover Glossaryck pudding that you wouldn’t let me throw away and that you’ve been snacking on for weeks?”

Star: “Yeah, the pudding (extra drawn-out emphasis on the word pudding, almost like she’s saying it for the first time).”

Marco: “No, Star, you finished the last of it yesterday.”

Star (turning to Marco): “Aww man, I was in the mood for pudding.”

Marco: “We can pick some up la-”

The alarm app on Marco’s phone sitting on the table goes off, drawing both their attentions.

Marco: “Looks like there’s no time for pudding anyway, we gotta go or we’ll be late.”

Star: “Last one to the backyard’s a rotten corncob!”

Star races out of the kitchen towards the backyard. Marco smiles and stack all his papers together before putting them into a backpack and following after her.

The scene shifts to the Diaz backyard, where there’s now a large pen for Nachos and Cinnabar (Hekapoo’s dragoncycle). Star is leaning over the side, swinging her feet back and forth while watching them eat.

Marco: “Are you going to take Cinnabar out today? Or are you riding with me again?”

Star (puts her hands on her hips and feigns annoyance): “Marco, how am I supposed to hold onto you like a girlfriend should if we’re not on the same dragoncycle.”

Marco (rolls eyes): “We gotta find you a different channel to watch besides that one that only shows 50’s biker movies, but alright. Nachos, time to fly, girl.”

Nachos looks up from her bowl and excitedly takes off, jumping the pen fence and landing right besides them. Cinnabar briefly looks up at Star, growls, then goes back to eating.

Star: “I think Cinnabar still doesn’t like me.”

Marco (hooking his backpack to the back of Nachos’s saddle and then mounting her): “She’s still just getting used to all the changes.”

Star: “And she misses Hekapoo.”

Marco (briefly looks away while his hand tightens on Nachos’s horn-handle, then looks back at Star with a smile): “Well there’s nothing we can do about that right now. Not if we want to actually be on time for once.”

Star (hops on Nachos behind Marco, princess style, and wraps her arms around his waist): “Then we better get going!”

Marco (revving Nachos horns): “You heard the lady, time to fly Nachos!”

Nachos takes off. The camera follows behind and then slightly above to give a sweeping view of the fused Echo Creek. They fly past the ponyhead cloud kingdom, over the entrance to the underworld, and between castles and skyscrapers that make up the skyline until they start to descend towards city hall.

Marco (once they come to a stop at the entrance): “Here you are Ambassador Butterfly (emphasis on the word ambassador)”

Star (hops off and kisses Marco on the cheek): “See you after work Principal Diaz (emphasis on the word Principal)”

They laugh and Marco takes off, leaving Star to go inside.

4

Star skips though the townhall entryway, greeting everyone she sees by name, until she reaches a door labeled “Inter-World Conference Prep Room.” She pauses, takes a deep breath, and steps inside. There she sees Moon and Eclipsa talking beside a playpen with Meteora and Mariposa inside.

Eclipsa (looks up, noticing Star): “Well look who’s on time.”

Moon (smirking): “Wonders never cease.”

Star (sarcastically): “Haha” (leans over the side of the playpen) “Hey babies! Mariposa, are you being good for Eclipsa and Globgor while your parents are on vacation?”

Meteora and Mariposa: (happy giggling)

Eclipsa: “She’s been very good, like a little angel.”

Moon (crossing arms and leaning towards Star): “And have you and Marco been good (emphasized) while the Diazes have been away?”

Star (exasperated): “Yes mom.”

Moon: “Well good. Now I hope you’re ready, we have a full docket today.”

Star: “Really? Anyone we know?”

-Cut to a table with Star (slumped over), Eclipsa, and Moon sitting at one end while Ludo (wearing a little suit) and human man (let’s call him Bruce, it doesn’t really matter) yell at each other from either side-

Bruce: “You’re stealing all my landscaping business!”

Ludo: “You’re stealing all my remodeling business!”

Bruce: “Well that ain’t hard, I’ve seen the shoddy electrical work your boys do.”

Ludo: “Well your team of ne’er-do-wells wouldn’t know how to stack a stone feature if their lives depended on it!”

Eclipsa: “Now boys, there’s no need to be so hostile. Just like when I used to work on combining magic, trying to put together two volatile spells will just cause everything to explode.”

Moon: “That’s a very good analogy, Eclipsa.”

Eclipsa: “Thank you Moon.”

Ludo and Moon look at the two former queens with expressions that say they obviously don’t get it.

Bruce: “Look ma’am, I’m sure that means something interesting wherever you’re from, but that doesn’t help me when this little chicken-man is messing with the livelihood of me and all the employees of Campbell, Inc.”

Ludo (outraged): “Chicken-man!? I’ll show you a chicken man!” (snaps fingers, the chicken-headed monster from his crew, dressed in construction-style clothing, steps out of the shadows and next to Ludo). “You’re keeping all of us at Avarius Construction Co. from getting our foot in the door! So if you want to see what a chicken man can do, we’ll show you right here right now!”

Star: “Ok, why don’t each of you take a deep breath and calm down.”

Ludo and Bruce give Star the stink eye.

Star: “Look, these meetings are supposed to be about helping fix the problems between people from earth and people from mewni, but we can’t do that if you just start fighting from the get go. So why don’t each of you give the other a…um, opposite of an insult…”

Moon: “Star dear, do you mean a compliment?”

Star: “That’s it, give each other a compliment!”

Ludo and Bruce each lean back and cross their arms, each now refusing to look or speak to the other.

Star: “Come on.”

Ludo: “Fine. I guess his team is pretty good at the electrical side of things. We sent some boys off to study it, but it’s been slow going.”

Bruce: “Well, I guess it is pretty impressive how fancy you all are with your stonework.”

Ludo (embarrassed): “Well you know, you get a feel for it after rebuilding a castle so many times.”

Moon: “That’s a wonderful start. Maybe now we can start to discus ways you two could work together to not impede one another’s businesses.”

Bruce (ponderously): “Working together huh…that’s not a half bad idea.”

Ludo and Star: “Huh?”

Bruce: “The Avarius and Campbell teams come together. My boys will help yours learn all they need to know about the wires and pipes that fill a home, and your boys teach mine about all style and finesse that goes into the exterior work.”

Ludo (smiling mischievously): “Then not only would our teams figure out the other aspects of the job…”

Ludo and Bruce (excitedly): “But we could charge even more!”

Star: “Uh, that wasn’t really what I had in-”

Bruce: “What do you say we go draw up some paperwork for this joint venture right now?”

Ludo: “I say let’s do it!” (jumps off the table, but looks back at Star before making his way out after Bruce and smiles) “Thanks Star!”

Eclipsa (as everyone but she, Moon, and Star files out): “Was that a good outcome?”

Moon: “Well, they weren’t fight anymore…so technically I suppose it was.”

Star (slouching in her chair): “I hope Marco’s day is going better than this.”

5

-Cut to Marco landing in front of the high school while Mr. Blue Sky by ELO (or something similar in tone) plays-

A banner over the entrance reads “Mewni catch-up month” as Marco dismounts Nachos, grabs his backpack, and heads inside. The tune continues, Marco basically bobbing to the beat as he goes down the hall and passes open classrooms. Each classroom’s door is clearly marked with a subject, with mewmen, monsters, and demons filling the student desks while one of the Echo Creek natives we all know and love stands at the front of the class. Alfonso in Math, Jackie in history, Janna in shop (though she seems to be showing them how to make lockpicks), and so on. Marco finally arrives at the principal’s office, approaching the intercom as the tune starts to fade out.

Marco (into the microphone, as he talks different shots of the classrooms listening to him over the intercom are shown): “Good morning Echo Creek students new and old alike. I’m Marco Diaz, your state assigned mediator and I’d like to welcome you all to another day of learning. Thanks once again to all the mewman, monsters, and demons for coming and thank our volunteer teachers for helping everyone to catch up with earth subjects so that we can all start the next semester together. As usual I’ll be making rounds for a good part of the day, but if you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out to me. And above all else, have a great day.”

The tune fades back in as a montage starts that jumps back and forth between Marco mostly having a great day assisting different classes (maybe have slime mix some chemicals with himself and catch fire at one point just for fun) and Star growing increasingly frustrated with dispute after dispute between monsters and humans, humans and mewmen, and monsters and mewmen. She would also start to have bags under her eyes near the end of it. This would go on until the song reached its natural conclusion during a Marco part of the montage and the school bell goes off.

Marco (shouting for all to hear as the mewmen, monsters, and demons file outside the school as he stands where the parking lot meets the football field): “Alright everyone, now it’s time for the active part of the day. For those of you that brought something with wheels, follow Jackie to the parking lot.”

Jackie (raising her arm and shouting): “You heard Diaz, follow me skaters, bladers, and bikers!”

Jackie skateboards off with Rock Johansen (on a homemade, Flintstones-like bike), Courier-chan on her own skateboard, and Penelope Spiderbite in rollerblades, among others following after her.

Marco: “As for the rest of you, (pulls a football out from behind his back) today we’re going to give football a go. It’s sort of like cornball, but weirdly both simpler and more complex.” (Tosses the football to Tom) “Will you get them start on the field, I need just a minute.”

Tom: “Will do.” (turning to group) “This way everybody.”

Marco watches everyone file towards the field, including Rich Pidgeon (in his mech suit) who’s making his way up next to Tom in the procession. Marco seems content, even as Janna steps up beside him with one of her mischievous grins.

Janna: “So how’s the honeymoon going?”

Marco (still smiling as he turns to face her, in the background you can see Tom pass Rich the ball): “Not gonna let you bait me today, Janna.”

Janna: “Liar, I always get you to take the bait.”

Marco: “Well there’s still some time left in the day for you to try I suppose. Though, before that, I need you to stop teaching everyone how to be…well, criminals.”

Janna (feigning surprise): “As if I would ever do such a thing.”

Marco (crossing his arms): “Yesterday I caught you teaching a class how to hack military software.”

Janna: “psh, that’s an important life skill.”

Marco: “It’s an illegal life skill is what it is.”

Camera jumps to the field where Rich still has the ball.

Rich (winding up a throw with his robot arm): “I’ve been studying this game, watch the ‘wicked’ spiral on this throw.” (throws the ball super hard)

Camera jumps to the parking lot, where Jackie is instructing everyone on how to keep their balance. She looks back towards the field and sees the ball arcing up and preparing to come down right towards Marco.

Jackie (shouting): “Diaz!”

Camera jumps back to Marco and Janna, who notice Jackie shouting something, but can only just make out that it has something to do with being behind them.

Jackie (now hard to hear from distance): “…behind…”

Marco (visibly confused): “What’s behind-” (turns towards the field as the football collides with his face).

Screen goes black. It’s silent for a few seconds, then slowly a voice starts to be heard. It’s faint, but repeating the same word over and over, each time becoming just a little clearer until you can finally hear…

Faded voice: “Muscles!”

[rmg91]

The Woes and Antics of Living Together-8

FIRST OFF! A special thanks once again to @hair-in-the-air/AutumnalTroll for drawing my first ever fic fanart of the couch cuddles from last chapter! (Link down below)

Uggg, I hate when writing trickles out because then it feels icky even though I know it's just me that feels that way. Anyway, felt I needed a little inbetween chapter after the last one before I get to one of the scene's I've been wanting write so that's where this chapter comes from.

Hope you enjoy!

Previous Chapter/Next Chapter; AO3/FF.net

@writerofberk Got some Branch and (part of) Snack Pack interaction for you! And Bridget!

                                                      ~*~*~*~*~*~

It was once again Tuesday night as Poppy trotted across the university's campus toward the library. It had been agreed upon that the nights study session needed a scenery change so she and the pack had decided to use the vast collection of novels to their advantage. Another advantage, at least to Poppy, was that she could help save her roommate some bus fair later as she knew he was hiding somewhere within finishing his own essays. He had been complaining again about how her singing wasn't helping him concentrate, the spoil-sport.

Bridget was also joining them for the night which Poppy was thrilled about as it felt like she hadn't seen the sweet woman in forever. Grinning, she sped up her pace as she approached the large building and saw said pastel haired woman waiting on the steps. She waved enthusiastically all the while trying to balance the books in her arms.

“Bridget! Hey!”

“Hi, Poppy.” Bridget greeted, hopping down the stairs to offer her friend a hand with her books, “Thanks again for letting me join in tonight.”

“Of course! The more the merrier, right?!” She giggled, “So how's Gristle?”

“Oh, he's good. Said he was going to take the opportunity to play that spooky video game I'm not fond of while I'm gone.”

Poppy giggled at that before asking Bridget how she had been and that it felt like she hadn't seen in weeks. The two young woman continued chatting as they weaved around tall bookcases, Poppy leading the way toward the sitting area with the comfy chairs. She told her friend that both she and Gristle should come to her next party, as it had been a while since they came to one, and that she wouldn't take 'No' for an answer. Bridget giggled and said she'd do her best to be there.

Arriving at the predetermined meeting spot, the two pinkettes found Suki and Smidge waiting for them, books and paper already set up. After dumping her books on a table, Poppy claimed a nice cushy chair and nestled into it.

“So where's Guy and Coops?” She asked, reaching for her bag and pulling out her thermos of chocolate milk, “I thought they'd be here with you guys?”

“Guy texted about five minutes ago, said he had to work overtime.” Suki answered.

“And Cooper said he had to take over a co-workers shift tonight.” Said Smidge.

“But Biggie and Creek should be here soon.” The DJ said happily.

“Aww...” Poppy sighed, she hated it when her friends unexpectedly couldn't show up, “And the twins said they needed to finished a project for their sewing class.”

“Don't worry, Pops'. We'll still have a good time.” Suki comforted.

Smidge nodded, “Yeah! And we can always have a party to make up for them missing tonight!”

Poppy giggled, “You're right~ And I can make cupcakes for everyone!”

“Oh!” Bridget exclaimed, “Do you think you could help me make some for Grissy, Poppy? I've been needing to ask and almost forgot.”

“Of course! What's the occasion? Something...romantic~?”

The chubby woman blushed, “No, no. Nothing like that. He asked for some new ones I haven't baked before and I wasn't sure how to do them.”

Poppy giggled, “Oh! Well, no problem~ Just tell me a time and date and I'll be there.”

The conversation moved on from there, going from baking and cupcakes to plans for that weekend. The Snack Packs usual club was going through renovations so they had been discussing alternate locations, the current vote being for one that was a bit swanker than they were used to. Guy swearing he would be able to get them in. Somehow that turned to Poppy excitedly mentioning the new mini golf park that was almost done just out of town and how much fun she thought they could all have going together.

That's when Biggie finally showed up, “Sorry, I'm a little late, everyone.”

A chorus of hellos greeted him back as he took a seat next to Poppy. She looked around before asking him, “Where's Creek?”

“Oh! He got a call right as I was picking him up about helping to host a late night yoga class from his mentor. Said he's sorry he couldn't make it.”

“Oh...” Poppy let her shoulders droop for a moment, she had been looking forward to seeing him as she hadn't all day, “Well, that's a great opportunity for him, I guess.”

Everyone agreed with her and soon the group of five began working on their homework in earnest. With everyone working as diligently as they could, Poppy constantly doodling in her margins as she read the next section for her English class, it was no surprise that a hour passed by quickly. Smidge was currently muttering about stupid history essays and Suki was deep in her Japanese homework when Bridget groaned and buried her face in her arms.

Poppy was instantly out of her seat and beside her friend, “Bridget, what's wrong?”

“I hate Calculus! No matter how many times I try to do it, it just keeps getting more and more confusing. I don't even know why I have to take this stupid class!” She cried, “I should just quit and drop out.”

“Bridget, No!” Biggie exclaimed, “Don't do that! I'm sure whatever it is, we can help you out.”

“Yeah!” Suki agreed, “Just cause things are a little tough now, doesn't mean they won't get easier.”

Smidge nodded, “And once you're done with it, it's over! Don't have to take it again, like this stupid history class!”

Bridget frowned, “I don't know...I mean, you're right, I guess. It's just...”

Poppy pursed her lips and thought for a moment before sitting up, “I got it! Just wait right here. I'll be right back!”

The others watched her hurry off towards the other side of the library, wondering what idea had come to her to help Bridget with her problem. They were all a little surprised when ten minutes later, Poppy returned towing a frowning Branch behind her. She grinned and proudly presented him to the group.

“Ta-dah! Help has arrived!”

Rolling his eyes, Branch went to sit beside Bridget, dropping his backpack on the floor, “Same section as last time?”

“Yeah... You don't have to do this, Branch. You can go work on your own stuff, I-I can figure it out.”

He shook his head, “Nah, I was done with this weeks stuff anyway. It's no problem. Also-” He gently knocked a knuckle against her forehead, “No quitting. Gristle wouldn't like to hear you talking like that.”

She smiled shyly, “Right...I know.”

Poppy giggled proudly to herself, she just knew Branch wouldn't let Bridget struggle and quit because deep down he cared. If only she could convince him that it was okay to show that more often maybe he wouldn't act like a jerk all the time. She knew deep down -maybe even deep, deep down- he wanted to be happy and she'd do whatever she could to make that happen. Shifting back into her seat, she happily hummed and entertained the idea of how nice it would be to have Branch hanging out with them more often, laughing and smiling like when they were kids. Maybe she'd even get him to sing again, with her even!

                                                   ~*~*~*~*~*~

“You can't be serious?! Status effect moves are so useful in battle!”

It was a few hours later and somehow Branch's presence had gone from surprisingly helpful for the others with his different opinions to talk about video games and the usefulness of status effects in Pokemon battles. Branch was apparently of the opinion that status effects were useful in battle while Smidge and Poppy were trying to convince him that they were virtually useless. Biggie and Bridget were staying out the argument, as they preferred to just collect and coo over their Pokemon, where as Suki was on Branch's side and once again was trying to explain their place in battle.

“Believe me, Dude.” Suki sighed, draped over her chair, “I've tried telling them this for ages, but Pops' is little Miss I'm-Gonna-Blow-You-Up.”

“I know!!” Branch proclaimed, “Do you know how many time I've tried to explain how helpful it is to be able to paralyze or put your opponent to sleep?! She doesn't listen and just goes about fighting willy-nilly!”

“I do not!” Cried Poppy, “I just think it's way easier to just beat any challenger when I'm ten levels higher and a type advantage. My team's too amazing to make up for any status effects I don't use. You two are just mean.” She then stuck her tongue out at them for good measure.

“Yeah!” Agreed Smidge, “You two just put way too much thought into battles.”

“Says Miss I-Only-Use-Fighting-Types.” Teased Suki.

“Fighting types are epic!”

“And easily beaten by Flying, Fairy or Psychic types.” Branch said, crossing his arms. He wasn't sure how they had even gotten on this subject, or how he had let himself get involved, but he wasn't going to back down. “It's a good strategy to have a well rounded team.”

“Oh really? Care to put your money where your mouth is?” Poppy smirked.

Branch frowned, he hated it when she used that tone of voice, “Where are you going with this?”

“Epic Death Match when we get home! 6 on 6 battle, best Pokemon. Whoever wins owes the loser twenty bucks! And we have to film it for my vlog!”

“No! No way am I getting involved in that!” He crossed his arms, “I'm right, just accept it!”

“Never!” Poppy laughed, “And fine, fine, I get it. You're just too scared to battle me. Can't prove your method is right when challenged so you just refuse.”

Branch sputtered, “I'm not scared! I just know how easy my victory will be!”

“Prove it!”

“No!”

“Prove it~”

“I'm not battling you, Poppy.”  

“Bwak, bwak, bwak!”

“I am not chicken!” Branch practically screeched, “Fine! We'll battle when we get home! Happy?!” He glared at her, “Just don't cry when I beat you!”

“Yes~” Poppy giggled.

Biggie laughed a little nervously as he began stacking his books together, “And I think maybe that's our queue to go home. That was just a little bit loud and I don't think Mrs. Dewdrop would appreciate us getting any louder.”

Bridget nodded, “And it's getting sort of late. I wouldn't want to worry Grissy by coming home any later.”

Suki suddenly let out a large yawn, “Yeah, dudes. As fun as it is to talk Pokemon tactics, I got an early class tomorrow.”

“Right, of course!” Chirped Poppy. She wouldn't want to keep her friends out any later on a weekday. Plus she had a roommate to destroy.

Everyone quickly picked up their things and packed it away before going toward the door. Poppy waved a good night to the librarian as they past the front desk and then cheerfully skipped down the stairs after her friends. She gave each of them a tight hug as Branch looked suspiciously around the empty courtyard, trying to find some hidden mugger who wasn't there. He was about to insist on walking Bridget to her car when he heard Biggie offer as he was apparently parked close to her.

“Night, Poppy. Night, Branch.” Bridget bid goodbye before walking away with Biggie.

“Night, Bridget! Night, Biggie!” Cried Poppy, waving, “Be safe and text when you get home!” She then turned to Suki and Smidge before they walked away too, “Same to you guys~”

“Of course, Pops.” Suki winked, “Night, guys.”

“Let us know how bad you whoop his ass in that battle, Poppy!” Smidge smirked before walking away with the DJ.

Poppy giggled and ignored Branch's affronted look, “Will do!” She then turned to him with a smirk of her own.

“What?” He asked, suspicious of that look.

“That wasn't so bad, was it?” She giggled before latching onto his arm, “You joined a study night!”

He shook her off with a scowl, “I did not! I was just helping Bridget.”

“And then you stayed and studied with the rest us and even helped Biggie and I with some of our work!” She bounced happily, “And then you got so into video game discussions with Suki for the last hour and now we've got an Epic Pokemon Battle to commence when we get home!” Poppy excitedly punched the air with fist before smirking at Branch, “Which by the way, I'm totally gonna wreak you at!”

The raven haired man scoffed, “Fat chance.”

Poppy tsked and wrapped her arm around his again, leaning her head on his shoulder to cheekily say, “Admit it, Branch. You liked hanging out with other people for once.”

He shook her off again, trying to fight the rising blush on his cheeks, “I did not. Now can we hurry up?! I just know we're gonna get jumped if we linger any longer.”

“We will not,” She rolled her eyes, “But since you're so eager to lose. Let's go~” She then grabbed his hand and gleefully started running toward the parking lot.

“Poppy! Poppy, let me go!” Branch screamed.

“Never~!”

                                                       ~*~*~*~*~*~

Admit it, Branch, you enjoyed yourself a little there. Also Poppy, honey, you keep clinging to him like that and he may start to think you like him....Then again this is Branch XD

Chapter 7 Couch Cuddles Ft. Fuzzbert 2

[thehighestmountains]

woo-wee, it’s been a wild 2 weeks. ca -> ind

the last week i was in california was quite emotional, saying goodbye to a lot of people, having one last hot pot meal with my roommates, playing badminton for the last time, having a last scrum cheer. my leaving gd was an extremely positive experience, people were so kind and supportive of my decision, wishing me the best, claiming the team would just fall apart without my bright personality. honestly, i shouldve wrote a post about that experience more but ive worked for my new company for 3 days, and scorpius who? (jk, if youre from scorpius, im totally kidding). 

i feel like moving away made me more open and less apologetic for who i am, and that in turn made my friendships more substantial. i now have a very frequent stand up for my personal sprints consisting of michelle, valerie, michael and zach from work - which i am so thrilled about because i need people to hold me accountable. we have weekly philosophy discussions, and a monthly book club. really keeps me socially active. 

speaking of socially active, my new work place has extremely open style seating. my whole team works on one teeny tiny desk, and i already feel super comfortable with them. i like their humor very much, and i was afraid i wouldnt make any friends. ha! 

there are many benefits to my new work place. ok, so we dont have any 401k matching, bUT we have free snacks (like la croix, pringles, energy bars, chips, starbucks cappuccinos in those glass jars, u know the ones, all the snacks you want we have), bring your dog to work fridays, team lunch where um you dont have to pay (like wtf, gd..jk but srs), the funniest people, and my work place is down the street from my apartment - like a 5 minute walk. i get to use a mac book pro, which is fun and more luxurious, but also for good reason. its much easier to test across platforms with a mac.

ok, a quick faq on how i am doing, submitted by michelle and valerie - wow its annoying i can just lump them into one word (my roommates) anymore. 

1. how is the weather? its quite finicky, in just the past three days. wednesday, it was very sunny, i wore shorts to walk snoot outside and our bed was so warm at night i couldnt even stay under the covers. on thursday, it was extremely windy, like so windy i was afraid the pie leftover (from pi day) that i was bringing home was just going to get ripped out of my hands. and friday, it snowed. 

2. did you finish unpacking yet? i finished unpacking on day 1. i am no slacky-michelly.

3. do i miss california, if so what do i miss? i already miss playing badminton, i sure hope this purdue badminton club works out. i would say i miss my friends, but i talk to them frequently enough that im doing okay. 

4. how is living with kay? he makes me dinner every night, which has been incredibly healthy for me. it takes the one thing i hate out of my day the most - cooking food. but it is a little weird to have him on voice call playing games with his friends all the time, like almost all the time hes at home. to be fair, division 2 just got released.

5. how is your job? like fantastic, i feel at home with these people. im really enjoying the work and dev environment already. also what i previously said.

6. what are some challenges? well, i have to find a comfortable stool for this high bar table that i am trying to use as a desk. the stool has to have good back support, which i think will be a challenge. 

7. what do i do for fun? well this is what is on my sprint for next 2 weeks: set up my sewing machine that i just bought so i can finally do some thrift flips, read 2 books (the tattooist of auschwitz, and trevor noahs new book), watch russian doll, moral orel, schitt’s creek, and whatever movies valerie, michelle, and i decide to watch on movie mondays, as well as reading some philosophy articles as part of our discussion. aside from personal things, we went to chicago the first week i was there, where we explored the art institute, and attended the chicago symphony.

8. what shops and stores are there? payless is our safeway. idk we have most cuisines you can think of, for restaurants. and idk just regular stores.

9. have i made any friends? my new co-workers who are the same age group as me.

10. apartment tour: this is what it currently looks like. lots got to change, but itll take a bit. 

[mars-the-4th-planet]

Cat and Cowgirl in a Haunted House pt. 2

"A Haunted House? Yang, dont be silly."

"Cmon Blake! It would be a great date for us! Imagine all the spooks!"

Blake rolled her eyes. "Ghosts arent real Yang, you know that."

Yang turned around and began walking away "Okay! Its fine, you could have just said you were too scared!"

Blakes ears turned back. "I am NOT scared! There is nothing to be scared of!"

"Whatever you say!"

"Fine, you know what? We are GOING to the haunted house and ill show you whos the scared one!"

"Alright! I cant wait!"

Blake pouted as usual and went back to reading.

...

That night, the two girls snuck over a fence and began creeping towards a large abandoned mansion. It had a large sign saying "Schnee Dust Co. 1786"

Blake stuck out her tongue. "Ugh. Schnees."

"Relax Blake, all the schnees who used to be here are dead now... And are all

GHOSTS!"

"Ahh! Dont startle me Yang!"

"Hehe, sorry."

Blake rolled her eyes and opened the door. It creeked loudly.

Blake walked inside.

"Wow, this place is filthy."

It was. Cobwebs and dust were all over the place, and not the good kind of dust either. Antique furniture was scattered all over the place and there were several staircases. Yang followed her inside. "Yea... Good thing I brought us a sleeping bag!"

"A sleeping bag? Are you sure we can fit?"

"Of course! I mean, with some squeezing. It will be a little tight but I am sure it will work! Or you can sleep on that filthy, dust coated couch over there."

"No, the sleeping bag is fine."

Illuminated only by the full moon through the windows, the girls prepared their sleeping space and got out some snacks.

"I wonder how long it will take until the ghost activity starts?"

"Whenever your imagination gets paranoid enough Yang."

"Blake, come on! This is serious!"

It wasnt, but Yang hoped that if she could make Blake believe then she would get spooked and cuddle Yang for comfort.

After eating some tunas and yams, the two slid into the sleeping bag and enjoyed being so close to one another.

That is, until there was a skittering sound...

"W-What was that?!"

"Just a rat."

"How do you kn- oh."

Blake had a sheepish smile on her face and was holding up a rat that had gotten a bit too close to her.

"Let it go, Blake."

"Aww..." Blake released the rodent and it scurried off. "Hey Yang? How about we explore this place? I wanna see more of this house."

"Are you sure? The ghosts probably dont want us to snoop around."

"Psh, Yang come on."

Blake and Yang proceeded to wander around the mansion, finding more creaky doors and floors and dusty furniture and cobwebs. Some walls and ceilings had begun to fall apart from termites or mold, which gave them an interesting look into the inner walls.

But for the most part, it all looked pretty much how one would expect a long since abandoned mansion to look.

Until they reached the only clean bedroom in the house, with some curious powder on a well-dusted wooden counter...

"Catnip!" Blake said cheerfully. She plopped her face down on it and inhaled.

"Hey! No wait Blake! It could be poison!"

"Relax Yang I know what catnip smells like!"

Yang had a bad feeling about this but she did not stop her. Blake continued until it was all gone. Then she found more on the window, and dopily staggered over there to sniff it too. Then she noticed more outside the window, and began sliding out...

"BLAKE NO!"

But it was too late

Blake was grabbed by a metal claw and carried away by a helicopter, much to the distress of Yang. She jumped out the window and chased after the catnappers.

To be continued...

[putthison]

Transitioning out of Dress Codes Altogether

I’ve always paid attention to what I wear -- I specifically remember the floral tie and pegged pants I wore to my first dance, where I awkwardly box-stepped with a girl, shout out to Junior Capers and the Tredyffrin/ Easttown school district--but I didn’t really think about it in relation to others’ clothing deeply until I started going to work. In a cubicle. Wearing a tie I stole from my dad.

Most weekdays since then (for over a decade) I’ve left my house in the morning to work in a traditional office, and worn what I’d like to consider thoughtful business casual. The boundaries of business casual are rarely clear and tend toward the khakis-and-polo side of things. As Derek wrote, “Not as interesting as casualwear could be; not as sharp as the traditional coat-and-tie. It’s just vanilla bland.” It’s one of those areas where we’re technically free to wear nearly anything but unwritten rules often keep us boxed in, or else we’ll raise the eyebrows of our Kirkland polo-d co-workers. I mostly wear OCBDs (lighter cotton weaves in summer), cotton twill or wool flannel trousers, and extra-casual sportcoats (like Engineered Garments or Camoshita might make) or a cardigan.

Last week, though, I started working from home close to full time. My new situation has a lot of benefits -- I can access snacks at any time -- but it’s made me wonder whether my business wardrobe is obsolete. I have a decent desk setup with natural light, I literally do not have to leave the house; who am I getting dressed for?

Of course, many men work mostly on their own terms, don’t have an office, and cope just fine. I asked a few guys who’ve been working this way for awhile how they approach dressing for the home office.

The Tailored Uniform Approach

Mitchell Moss is an editor and writer working for a church in Cincinnati, but he lives and works in an older house outside of Nashville. He likes tailored clothing, mostly Italian, and doesn’t let the lack of a conference room and water cooler stop him. “I usually wear open collar shirt and sportcoat, and jeans or dress pants. I’m almost always in tailoring. That’s how I like getting dressed.”

So no sweatpants. “The slob thing? I cannot do that. Tailored clothing -- it’s what I’ve spent money on for years, and didn’t buy it just to hang it there. Plus I get on instagram in the morning, and a lot of accounts I follow are in Europe, and have already posted cool outfits -- it gets me excited about wearing a jacket again.”

In the two years he’s had this work style, Mitchell says he’s gotten more casual and wears ties less often. “I do wear jeans a lot more -- almost every day now. Wearing a tie with jeans just feels weird. Part of my philosophy is trying to keep it real: ‘OK dude you’re working from home.’ I have a very strong utilitarian streak in me, I live in the real world -- and there’s no point in putting wear and tear on nice pants.” Plus he does have to set up and break down for photo shoots sometimes, which is better to do in jeans, and shoes he won’t scratch.

What does he do in the summer swelter of the South? “At the extremes of the seasons, when it’s hot, I will forego a sportcoat. No shorts! Don’t quite go that far.”

The Approach That Changes Day to Day

Eric Cano runs a fashion casting agency -- that is, he connects brands with the right-looking people for photo shoots or runway shows. Striking out on his own a couple of years ago after a long time working for a single company, he’s changed his style with his role and the shifting sands of men’s style. “I don’t have to worry about what I look like. I consider myself a fashion person, but on any given day I can kinda wear whatever I want. I don’t really have to put a suit on, which is a shame because I have so many.”

When he was in ad sales, wearing tailoring felt like it fit the role. “My uniform was sports jacket, woven shirt, nice pants, and shoes. I’d show up to meetings with Nike, it was kind of my calling card to be the guy in this market in a suit, meanwhile it was just a sports jacket. Asking a company to do a media buy, it would have felt funny showing up in a tshirt, jeans, and Jordan Is asking someone to spend that much money -- a navy blazer justified what I was asking for. I don’t know, maybe people thought I was a narc.”

Now he balances his interest in fashion with the different demands he has every day: sometimes meeting clients or models, sometimes spending the day at his home office or co-working space answering emails.

“I want to be comfortable, and functionality is great, but I still want to look nice. When it’s my first time meeting someone other than email, want them to think ‘Oh, that’s what he looks like, that’s really sharp.’ Then next time we meet I’ll be in sneakers and a trucker jacket.”

When I talked to Eric (over the phone), he was in post-gym-wear -- snow boots, sweatpants, and a bubble jacket. “I’m meeting people for dinner later, I’ll probably get out of the sweatpants. I’ll wear good jeans, a knit, nice shoes, and call it a day.” Eric, who’s in his 30s, told me he likes Dior Homme for jeans but also Levis 511s or 501s, recently picked up a shawl cardigan from Martin Margiela, which he’s been paying attention to, he estimates, since 2003.

He’s always liked black boots, and guesses he has 40 pairs. Recently he’s been wearing Balenciaga biker boots or Dries Van Noten chelseas. “Work hard, buy nice things. On sale of course.”

The Sophisticated Traveler Approach

Gus Walbolt works as an artist’s licensing agent and business consultant--selling his publishing business in the early 2000s afforded him the opportunity to set his own work style, which includes a couple of phone calls a day in his home in Walnut Creek, California. “Then off to gym; it’s one of the advantages of selling your company.”

While in publishing, he witnessed the casualization of the workplace in the 1980s and 90s. “When everyone still dressing up a lot, I still got questions-- ‘Gus, why do you get so dressed up -- it’s your company, you don’t have to dress up.’ But it’s all about showing style. In the 1990s my uniform was a double-breasted blue blazer, jeans while traveling, and gray flannels when I arrived. And I wore a tie. During that time, because we were selling art-based products, I felt it was important to project style. I thought it was necessary to show that I understood style in order to sell style and design.”

Nowadays Gus, who’s in his 60s, mixes his tailored taste with modern dressed-down looks, mixing the vibes perfected in global style capitals. “When I started working for myself, I started wearing what I wear today: American jeans, English shoes, and Italian shirts. Maybe LVC 1954 jeans, an Italian collared shirt, a casual sport coat -- like Ring Jacket, Japanese made in an Italian style.”

In the last year, Gus has started to favor cardigans rather than sport coats all the time. "Cable-knit cardigans, maybe with pockets; not so much grandpa cardigans, a stand-up rather than shawl collar, with a scarf."

“Every now and then, my wife goes 'Everything’s so casual, don’t wear a jacket; can you wear something else?’”

[fertility-journey]

Pregnancy story

Overall, I had a beautiful pregnancy filled with glow, joy and support. One of the most unexpected things about pregnancy was the support I received from my co-workers constantly there for me and sharing items. I was deemed a ‘low risk’ pregnancy given all tests I completed (x4 ultrasounds, glucose, Group B Streptococcus (GBS)) were clear.

Early on we picked the name ‘Theodore’ since this meant ‘gift of god’. We were convinced we were having a boy after two friends had told me earlier in the year that in their dreams I had a boy and during my meditation on my 30th birthday I envisioned this. The week baby arrived we realized that Theodore was in the top 10 boys names when looking to register his birth so we had to rethink it.

The first trimester I was fortunate to not experience any morning sickness or real nausea. I just always had to have a snack and craved spaghetti bolongaise and burgers for meals - meat and carbs. I experienced fatigue but going to bed an hour earlier each night sorted that out. I started applying Weleda stretch mark oil, having collagen drinks and switching to a prenatal vitamin. By the second trimester, I got my usual palate back but still wanted snacks. I needed to pee more often and it was good to lean forward and wait an extra minute to ensure everything it out before leaving the loo! We visited a pelvic floor physio and got some exercises to do. During this whole time I was able to continue my usual morning meditation and yoga practice and afternoon walks. There was a period of two weeks were I contracted a viral infection. To the point where a took a bit of time off work and didn’t even have a voice fir a few days! It really highlighted just how low immunity can be and I started taking an additional immunity supplement for the rest of my pregnancy.

In the third trimester, we went to an antenatal day workshop at the hospital and did hypnobirthing. It was important to do both courses to get a balanced view of what to prepare and expect for birth.

I started to experience bad thoracic pain from 33 weeks so we were able to practice a lot of hypnobirthing techniques to try ease the pain. This include 2am sessions of my partner reading relaxation passages or trying rebozo. The thing that worked best was ‘fisiocream’. We think that perhaps baby was pressing on a nerve because later when baby’s head became engaged, the pain suddenly stopped.

My partner commenced perinium massage from 34 weeks and also did foot massages to help ease the swelling in my ankles.

Once having commenced maternity leave, we hosted a baby party in our home which needed low numbers due to Covid-19. I prepared a large table platter, we ordered sandwiches and a cake and did a trivia quiz. There were separate sessions for family and friends to keep numbers low. The following weekend we went to Noosa Peppers Resort for our babymoon - I loved the hotel and look forward to staying there again one day.

The remainder of maternity leave was pain management for back which included morning creek swims, washing a heap of baby clothes and items which had been given to us, meal preparation to store in the freezer, and putting together the nursery. Our visits to our obstetrician increased and we did a few ‘get to know your midwife’ visits at the hospital. One of the things I enjoyed most was having photos taken with my beautiful baby belly bump :)

[krs724490]

4/15/21

I’ve been read Dr. Joe Despenza’s becoming supernatural. and he is talking about making mind movies. which i might do! Right now, however, I will write them out in a detailed fashion to help me envision my future. He also suggest making several for the different areas in your life. I agree that this would be super helpful! I want to make one for my career, my home/environment i exist in, my love life, and my health journey. I will start with my love life because it’s the one that so easily consumes my thoughts so i want to knock it out first. so it doesn’t distract me as a i move through the others. I may come back and add detail later. or rather i should. well we’ll see how this practice goes.... 

1. LOVE

I deeply sighed before writing this because I’m not so sure. If that makes any sense. Like I’m unsure of what I want my love life to look like because I don’t fully trust myself with love. Which sucks. I’ve just gone down too many rabbit holes and its funny because in my head I always say “waste my fuckin time” in that funny voice. but what it really is is me wasting my OWN fucking time because I don’t feel like I have the self control to stop myself from being with men or from discerning which ones are worth my time. I think back to Collin Thiex from less than a year ago and I laugh. Same with Cooper Johnson. Two boys that were so clearly wrong for me and yet at some point I was swept up in them. Maybe it’s because I have met Chase and Tyler and they’ve raised my standards for men. They make me believe that better men, men more meant for me are out there because I’m done wasting my energy. The saddest part is that I keep thinking.. what if I’m wrong about Tyler? What if its just another one of those honeymoon illusions where I think the guy is great in the beginning and then he ends up “waste my fuckin time?” I dont know. I don’t know if I believe in marriage. I’ve just seen too much divorce. Too much shift in people’s lives and maybe I’m too selfish to work with someone like that. You need to value the relationship SO much to prioritize it and make it work. I want to think that I could end up married to someone who challenges me in the best ways. Who encourages me to be my best self and helps me do so. I run a pretty tight ship. I like to be on my routine. On my game. I don’t like to drink or smoke or do anything that feels unproductive. I think Tyler drinks more than I do. Or I know he does. I dont think I want that to be a big part of my life. I do fitness. I dont have room for a hangover. There is just no space for it. Tyler is so amazing in so many ways but I’m just NOT SURE. and i know i dont have to be. but it sucks not to be because your brain is constantly searching for answers. its like im getting closer and closer to that person. and i love chase. chase is me. chase and i are the same. and like FUCK because he’s just so out there. I feel like my husband is an aubrey marcus type. idk. maybe it is tyler?! i know he cares about being healthy. i just OIJAOSIJDOADJIASOPJD. im so young. when i envision my love life in the future. i see white. i see nothing. i have no expectation. which is good. i think for love thats all i need. wow it took me all of this goo to come to this conclusion. my love life is a blank slate. i dont have any ideals here. Other than our interactions building me up to have more energy rather than sucking my energy away. i dont know about marriage. i dont know about a relationship. i just take that shit day by day because to have this fairytale planned out is just unrealistic. I meet so many men. I love men. I love them. I just dont know if one really fits into my life. like SUPER well. this is just me treading lightly because of what ive been through. i need to accept that this one doesn’t have an answer and move on lol.

2. CAREER/MONEY

All I want is a job that can sustain me without too many frills. I want one that can sustain my basic habits. My grocery bill, car insurance, random nights out with friends. Where I can save up for a flight home. I want to know all aspects of my finance. I want to have it as nailed down as the meal plan I’m going to have. I want to track where everything is going. I want to have it on lock so that when I do go astray I know I have the space for it. Let’s say I spend $2000/month. I want to save for retirement, save for plane tickets to visit ppl, save for trips. I want to look closely at everything I’m doing. So I want a career in fitness that can sustain that. I acknowledge that right now I’m at the bottom of my industry working to gain more experience and that I will move up. Right now is a grind, but I will never stop looking for ways to move up. I will make it. I will make it in 2021 to a high position. I will be running something. I will consolidate. I will begin to HONE IN. To get more specific. I envision myself walking into VASA. I really do. VASA in Willow Creek. I envision the group classes being more popular than ever. I envision everyone in a myzone. I envision helping new instructors. I envision ALL OF IT. I know I would be great at this job. I know that THIS IS THE JOB. I know it. I know it. The energy I’ve already produced there. It’s been incredible and its where i want to grow my career. I know I’m the best person for the job. I’m no longer wish washy. I know I am. I feel ready to take it on. I feel ready at this point in my life. I’m just READY. I want to pull into that parking lot and look at that building and think this is my home. I care about this place. Despite any criticism anyone else has... this is my place. I am determined to make it a success. Chris wont know what hit him. and I think he’s super sweet. He is someone I would want to learn under. This next interview with Lori will be the best interview I’ve ever had because it is something I love and care about so deeply. They will. have no choice but to give me this job.

3. HEALTH/WELLNESS

I am on my way hunny!!!!! This is finally exciting for me to write about haha. I really want to shoutout Chase here. This nutrition plan is giving me LIFE. I can already see myself running those full marathons. LIFTING WEIGHTS. Teaching cycle and yoga and all of the things and absolutely thriving. Following an exact nutrition plan that I have nailed down to the point where I can seasonally switch things out?! ?!!?!? what?! Taking the supplements. Becoming more specific with my goals and absolutely crushing the fitness game. This week has been busy but I’ve been handling it so well because ive been sleeping and eating right! It’s like my classes aren’t overwhelming and I’ve even been working out on my own??? I’ve done some long runs. I’m proud of myself. I know I’m goin places and I’m slowly leaving Mara at the door more and more.

4. HOME

Always CO. I think the only thing I would consider like I’ve always talked about is moving closer to the mountains but nature is such a priority for me. The mountains truly hold a lot for me. They carry things I can’t carry. They hold them for me. I love their energy. I dont want to get too attached because like Ram Dass says if you’re doing your work New York City and a Himalayan cave feel the same. So I just want somewhere cozy to exist. Where I can keep my snacks and get my beauty rest. Somewhere to feel rooted. I feel like I’ve got my roots dug pretty deep here :)

[roadtrip-2020]

Telluride, CO.

Telluride has been on my bucket list for some time now, and I am very happy to report that it did not disappoint! In fact, we loved it so much that we extended our stay, and even explored other towns recommended to us in the surrounding area: Ridgway and Ouray. I’ll write about these in a separate post. :)

Where we stayed

The New Sheridan Hotel - The New Sheridan was great because it’s in the perfect location -- right on the main street in the center of everything. We also loved eating brunch at the restaurant and getting drinks at the rooftop bar. The rooftop bar was very popular when we were there and so I’d recommend getting there early and putting your name down. The room we had was small but comfy and had a nice, big bathroom. The staff even washed a bag of our laundry for us, which was so nice and much needed after camping for 8 nights.

What we loved:

Location

Restaurant and bar

Staff was super helpful

What we didn’t love:

Room was small and dark

Kind of pricey for what it was IMO

Me @ brunch at the New Sheridan:

Dunton Town House - Worth the extra splurge!! We LOVED Dunton Town House. Dunton Hot Springs is another longtime bucket list item for me, but it’s an hour or two outside of Telluride, very expensive, and they were all booked when we were in Colorado. We stopped by Dunton Town House while we were staying at The New Sheridan just to see if there was any chance they had a room available. They did!! And it was the best room of the house, Hirsch. 

Dunton Town House is essentially a luxury bed & breakfast. The rooms are super cute and comfy, and ours had a little porch area and beautiful mountain views. All the bath products are Aesop, which is a very nice luxury touch. Breakfast is included and SO good. They get pastries from a local bakery, have fresh yogurt, granola, and fruit, and bagels with lox, tomatoes, etc. They even have gourmet cheese and meats for a more European-style breakfast. YUM! They have a host onsite at all times that can help with anything, and all the snacks and drinks (including beer, wine, and alcohol) are available for free. 

What we loved:

Our room - beautiful design, super comfy, big bathroom, and mountain views

Staff was so friendly and helpful

Breakfast was so tasty!

Booze and snacks for free

They have cold Dunton branded water bottles filled with water available at all times

What we didn’t love:

The only bummer was that there is only a small common living area to hang out in outside of your room. It’s like an attic or living room and has a TV, board games, books, and a full bar. The one time we tried to hang out there was to watch the Vice Presidential debates (no TVs in rooms), but there was another couple there so we left. 

What we did

We were pretty excited to be in a cute town again, so the first two days we were there we mostly shopped, ate good food, and explored. We took the gondola to the mountain village, which was fun and beautiful views, but the mountain village itself looks like most ski villages. Downtown Telluride has much more to offer.

Our second two days in Telluride, we hiked Bear Creek Trail and got massages at Pure Beauty & Wellness Spa downtown. 

We also really enjoyed going into the galleries along the main street. I don’t remember any of the names, but we found a lot of cool pieces!!

Recommendations

Restaurants:

The National - The was one of my favorite meals of the trip! A trendy contemporary American restaurant with delicious food and really amazing craft cocktails. 

221 South Oak - This was our other favorite meal in Telluride. I believe the head chef is from Top Chef and is known for her vegetarian dishes. We went the other direction and had the Elk steak and Bison Short Ribs...haha

There - Trendy, Asian-fusion small plates. We loved the spicy duck buns, crispy chicken lettuce wraps, and the wagyu skewers. 

Smuggler Union Brewery - We came here our first night because we didn’t have a reservation or plan and wanted something good, but casual. We were very pleasantly surprised, the food was pretty good for a brewery! The music and general vibes were on point, so we definitely will go back. 

Hikes:

Bear Creek Trail - This was a stunning, moderate ~5 mile hike that leads to Bridal Veil Falls. The trailhead is right by the gondola in town, so we didn’t even need to get in a car. This was absolutely perfect when we were there in mid-October with the leaves turning (pics below).

Shopping:

Crossbow Leather - By far my favorite store in Telluride! Really cool handmade leather goods and women’s accessories. Amazing hats, belts, bags, and jewelry.

Spa:

Pure Beauty & Wellness Spa - We got massages here and they were great! They also have a Salt Cave which sounded cool but was an extra cost, of course.

Also highly recommend taking the gondola to Mountain Village! Beautiful views, especially in the fall!