#but still grateful that they get to meet so many moas

[yeonjun4beagles]

ahhh its not an asia world tour if my country doesnt get skipped 😀

so.....do i buy a ticket to jakarta...or bangkok....🥲

#CJ!thoughts #bye #im just gonna go cry #all day #all night #AAAA IM SO STRESSED #but still grateful that they get to meet so many moas #BUT MY COUNTRY ALSO HAVE MANY MOAS SO WHY NOT #okay calm down cj #calm down 😀

[unlocktxt]

hi 😄 i saw your reblog and i want to ask the same thing: what was your first impression of your moots?

First i want to say that I may of gotten a littleeeee carried away. I wanted to include as many people as possible, but some I don’t have enough to say. Despite this I might add more. I’ve met so many various people on this app and I’ve loved interacting with them all or just seeing them around. So much so that I can’t list everybody. I really love all my moots and there are so many of them that I’ll forever be grateful for. (yes i added a keep reading because this was so long and please excuse my gramtical errors)

@hoes4hoseok - our first impression was playing among us WHICH WAS SO FUN. I don’t remember much about talking to her in the game BUT I do remember that she was the first one to ever make the group chat filled with those who played with us. honestly I’m so grateful that she did that because I wouldn’t have been able to become friends with her and many others. I remember thinking that she was beyond kind and that she was good with trying to include everyone. After that I just remember hearing her voice and then DYING because she has a wonderful voice. I felt as though I related to you just a bit. Now I’ve gotten to see different aspects of her and really value her as a person and friend. She keeps things real and is so helpful. Sometimes I wish I could see what goes on inside her head because sometimes I think she reserves herself or overthinks and I’d like to give her a big hug.

@binniebutter - amie... oh amie 🙄 just kidding 😂 amie well... I also met her while playing among us in that same group. we played a lot with each other and I find that nice BECAUSE I CANT REMEMBER WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT DURING THE FIRST TIME WE PLAYED. I think I do remember laughing about her and gen tho. In our first gc I remember thinking that she had a bright personality and could keep the conversation going. I also find out we live about an hour away so I was able to connect with her about that (I also was so excited just because IVE NEVER MET AN ONLINE FRIEND IN THE SAME STATE) After that we played among us a lot together and I just remember thinking amie was EVIL. She was funny though and I felt comfortable around her. Now... I honestly think I’m pretty close to amie emotionally. It’s very rare that I put down my guard and talk to someone about certain things (I don’t really think I’ve talked to her about certain things tho) I still feel as though I can talk to her or that I can cry or rant to her without feeling judged. I don’t know how much she’s come to me about, but anytime I try to comfort her i feel like I get to know her better. I usually don’t start joking with my friends and being “rude” to them unless I know that they know I love them, which is why I’m starting to show amie sarcasm at times ☺️ I may of written too much 😅

@hyukaite I ACTUALLY REMEMBER MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF KAT. oml we’d send asks every now and then and I remember thinking she was a crack head. From the videos I’d see her post to that one drawing. Man if only I could go all the way back to it, but it was monthssss ago. I also remember relating to her about having to help our sisters with math 💀. I wanted to be her friend after seeing her interact with some of my other moots, but I was too shy to actually message her so I stuck with sending in asks every now and then 😂 then we started playing among us together. I remember thinking “NOOOO SHE STOLE YELLOW” which led to me falling in love with the dark green among us color JFKAJFLW. After that I remember getting betrayed by her in the game SO MANY TIMES. she killed me during the Simon says task... to tell you what grudge I hold... I still remember it. ITS SUCH A HARD TASK AND SHE DIDNT LET ME FINISH IT. She also killed me in electrical when I thought she was INNOCENT. Now... kat I don’t even know how to describe her. She has many aspects to her that I love. She also is able to help me think straight whenever I let my anger get to me.

@yawnjunie - I thought she was shy at first because when I first met her she didn’t talk much, so I felt bad because I thought she didn’t feel all that welcomed by us (no specific reason we were just introduced to blu so abruptly 😂) After that I think I was intimidated by her at first JFJAKFJERI. We also compared our schools and our grade mindset which I think really opened my eyes a little bit more. I still believe she’s really smart Zknfaltn. She makes me laugh though and she also started the network moacabinet. She’s really sweet with so many ideas, but I feel bad because sometimes I think she gets stressed easily. She’s not on much, but everytime she’s online I’m blessed with her presence.

@kkuming - gigiiiii! my first impression of gigi was fairly simple. We met on the au group chat and she seemed really sweet. I wanted to try and give gigi a warm welcome and make sure she felt comfortable. I wish I remembered more about our first meeting. I DO HOWEVER remember thinking she was v v innocent. I sat back and watched gigi get thrown into the group and laughed my ass off at how she interacted with kat. I was worried that because the others were already so comfortable with her and joking around about things that she may actually think that the “divorce” or whatever it was that kat and her had would make her upset, so I wanted to remind her that I appreciated her Zofnakfjeof. She also was taking a lot of stressful classes so I could only hope this girl didn’t die underneath all that stress. Now I- she’s crazy guys. Just kidding 😂 she’s still really sweet and jokes around with all of us. I’m glad she’s online a lot more now. she’s also really funny.

@lipbeom - I’m like 99.9% sure rynn was the first person I ever really talked to on tumblr. I thought she was a really good writer and saw that she was a senior as well, so I was glad that I wasn’t the only one on tumblr that was going to suffer through the last year of school. I was so glad when she messaged me first like Y’ALL HAVE NO IDEA. When I first met her I remember thinking she was really sweet AND BEYOND SMART. I’m really grateful for rynn and I actually miss her a lot because I feel like I don’t interact with her as much as I should. She was very supportive and still is. It’s only been a few months since I first talked with her but I’m reminiscing 😂 She also got me hooked on selling sunset WHICH WAS AMAZING but I was talking like the girls on the show for WEEKSSSSSSS.

@bbhyeoliskooks - I don’t really remember how I came across her, but I realized she was a new moa writer and wanted to check her out. My first impression... hmmm I guess you could say that I believed she was very grateful even when she didn’t have to be. Sometimes she makes me feel old 💀 but she’s reminds me a little bit of my sister... just way sweeter. She’s very loyal and anytime you tell her you’ve posted something oml she’s wonderful. She’s the type of person who is really supportive and I appreciate that, but sometimes I feel like I don’t give her enough of ittttt. I really need to go stalk her blog now as for some reason I don’t see her notifs half the time. I’m really proud of her and think she’s one of the sweetest people on tumblr NOT TO MENTION SHE SINGS BEAUTIFULLY.

@txthearteu - oml cj 😂 she is also one of the first people I talked to on tumblr. I don’t really remember our first impression tho :/. I DO REMEMBER I READ ONE OF HER STORIES THO and i sent an ask about it because she deserved the recognition for it. Hmmm at first I believe I was intimidated because she is older than me 😂 however she was so extremely sweet and I loved talking to her. I tried talking about various different things with her because I wanted our conversation to continue hehe. She stays feeding me 😌 and even if I can’t physically eat del taco I get full off of the love and support cj gives me. My eyes light up when I see her in my notifs. I think she deserves the world and I always want to be there for her. I don’t think I can ever repay her for the love she’s given me.

@sung4oon - SAM I SWEAR IF YOU CHANGE UR URL BEFORE I HAVE A CHANCE TO POST THIS! I met her when her url was... 👁👄👁 lixxie sumtin. I think it was lixieebear. I truly don’t remember her first impression 💀 the only thing I remember was thinking that she was also a crack head. She was really funny and sweet and DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE WHOLE BRAINCELL THING. I should’ve given her my brain cells for christmas. I still think she’s really fun to talk to and I literally try to remind myself as much as possible that I need to go stop by and send an ask every now and then. Even so she still says hi to me ☺️

@beomiebear5 - R A I N A. hehehehehehe I actually love this first impression for me. At the time I saw her anon asks to rynn. I saw that she was going to start posting stuff on her blog soon and she gave a hint about how to find her. Ofc I let rynn do that herself BUT I went searching KFJSIFIWFKW I couldn’t help it I saw it as a challenge. My first impression was rlly just that she was sweet. Then after a while KFJAOFJWOF I really love interacting with her and seeing her rants. Gosh she’s so funny and ✨inspires✨ me. I’m always down to talk to her because she’s amazing and sweet.

@magicisland9-34 - lillie ☺️ I honestly don’t remember our first impression? I do however remember when she first sent an ask! I would always get so excited when I got an ask from her 😂 I loved talking to her and she let me ramble on and on. Whether that be about gymnastics or ballet. Once again even lillie is sweet, but she’s betrayed me for siding with amie about Christmas 😤. She’s also one of the people that I try to remind myself to go and visit their blog and see what they’ve posted.

@spookybias - if I remember correctly gen was the first one who reblogged my about me post, which ended up allowing others on this app to see that I was a new writing blog. She was also one of the first people I followed and one of the first who followed me, so I was really grateful and thought she was beyond helpful and nice. I also really believe she’s a great writer and i admired how she would tell things how they are. She’s always been sweet to me even if she’s threatened to shoot me a while back 😤. OH YEAH we also played among us together in that group as well and I always suspected her at one point. IT WAS BECAUSE THE ONE TIME I TRUSTED HER SHE KILLED ME.

@bffsoobin - My first impression of Sara was pretty simple like I found her blog and fell in love. she writes so well and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from her. I thought she was really pretty and pretty funny too. When she’d talk about some of her stories revolving school it honestly made my day as well. I admire her especially because she’s such a good writer and LET ME TELL YOU when she followed me back I think I did a little cheer. I was reading her fics before I even started writing on tumblr.

@soobcxre - I saw Sara around because we had a lot of moots in common and when I saw them interact I would just think about how I wanted to befriend her 😂. When she texted me I got so excited, but I WAS SO CAUGHT UP IN SCHOOL TOO. She’s also really sweet ajfjwkfjw and I’m glad to have met her.

@lovesickchoi - MADDIE 🤩 I.... I don’t remember my first impression of her 🥲. It may of revolved around asks? I think I ended up trying to get to know her more at the time I was trying to get to know yoonie. I say this because I remember always seeming to get their urls mixed up... I think it’s because the h at the beginning. I LITERALLY DONT REMEMBER HOW WE STARTED INTERACTING. She’s also an amazing writer tho! Now I still think she’s sweet and we’ve talked about yeonbin together 😂.

@sunoo-luvs - 🥺 zaara JFJAJRKSKF literally my first impression was “cute.” That still stands btw. She’s absolutely the sweetest and is really considerate of others IM SCARED BECAUSE SHE MAY APOLOGIZE FOR THINGS THERES NO NEED TO APOLOGIZE FOR. Even so she can easily add happiness to people’s day with just a hi and a hug.

@i2gyu - I- first impression: scary. IM KIDDING wait... actually even though that was a joke because she used to stop by and say “boo” I MAY OF ACTUALLY FELT INTIMIDATED BY HER AT FIRST. I think one of the first times we interacted was about a network and at the time I was ready to join a network SO I FELT SO BAD FOR SAYING NO. Afterwards tho I realized how nice she was and I always end up getting a little energetic once I see she’s sent in an ask. One day I’m scared I won’t see her change her url or blog, but that’s if she does again.

@fairycore-gyu - I haven’t interacted with anyone new recently and when I saw kira that obviously changed 😂. I related to her with music taste and stuff. LET ME TELL YOU when someone seems to have the same music taste I JUST my eyes light up. She was really welcoming and I instantly felt like I could message her anytime. I also just realized she’s a pisces 🥺.

@yoonjunie - I just remember thinking ooooo new moa writer! I think anyone who comes across her can say she’s very welcoming and sweet + she deserves everything she has. I really just wanted to support her 😂 I need to interact with her more and read more from her blog.

@hyeyoonwrites - yoonie 🥺 AHHHH okay 😂 first impression: LITERALLY THE SWEETEST. I know I’ve said that so many people here are sweet but yoonie is a different kind of sweet. I don’t know every single time I’ve interacted with her has felt like a soft hug. She’s supported me a lot and I really need to check up on her more frequently I feel guilty about it aifoshf.

@txtextme - gon I- even though we haven’t talked much she’s extremely funny and relatable. she just has this vibe that I love about her. I know I don’t have much to say, but I had to add her because she’s left an impact.

@yeonbins - VIVI HAS WONDERFUL GIFS. Every now and then I’ll see her post some stuff just talking and akfjskf. I mainly remember (I think) Starbucks getting her name wrong. Her names so pretty tho. I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE HOW MUCH OLDER SHE WAS THAN ME. I also played among us with her for a lil... I was scared she was gonna murder me 😂.

#asks 💌 #wonderful anon ✨ #first impressions #not me forgetting to tag people

[an-excerpt]

12/31/19

Looking back to 2019

January & February

It is filled with adventure and thrill because I explored different places without asking my parents' consent tho. I went to ek and moa with my college friends.

March

I also explored some parts of manila and also enrolled to my review classes for boards.

April - September

I still have classes that time. May was our retreat and it was held in baguio but we didn't have enough free time to explore the city during our last day. Also in this phase, so many what ifs are disturbing my inner peace. Those nights wherein I cried my heart out thinking that what if I will not graduate from 5th year and after that I don't know what my next step will be. Those nights full of regrets that I should have given all my best in studying so that I have not failed my accrev. It also made me think if I really wanted to continue this journey, to become a cpa. I was also exhausted emotionally, physically and mentally that I just gone with the flow. I felt like I lost the fire inside me to continue. After some time, I regained the fire, I was motivated and inspired to fight again. I studied my heart out to pass the exam given as our "second chance".

I was feeling positive to study for the review season which also started this May. Tbh the first part of my review season, I was a lil bit excited because I can feel how to be independent because I was all alone in my dorm, my dorm mates were going home every weekends. I felt like I was in a kdrama and it was fun because I don't have to deal with other people but as weeks passed by, I felt so lonely. I felt the exhaustion of travelling back and forth to the province and such. I felt tired and lazy to study. Tbh I was demotivated to study, I lacked the work and just depended on prayer alone. At first, my thinking was that, I'll pass the boards no matter what, but as the day of the cpale went closer, the doubt was slowly getting bigger.

I also happened to attend my first fangirling event for this year which is Dylan Wang's fm brought by Bench. It was really so fun and I felt that I am alive! I think I was born to be a fangirl lol.

Dorm moments and bonding with dorm mates, those things made our bonds stronger with some of my college friends. Being with them to that phase in my life, really is a big part. Those adulting chika, walwal and foodtrip -- simple things that I really cherish.

October

CPALE season, that 2 weeks was like a torture, including the waiting for the results. I kept thinking positive and claiming that I'll passed but every end of the day, I saw myself going to St. Jude and crying. My heart was so heavy. I kept praying and surrending everything to Him. Crying out to Him, I felt like the heavy burden in my heart was lifted. While waiting for the results, I claimed and at the same time thought that I did not passed but the thinking that I failed weighing the most. Those relatives asking me about the results made me teary eyes every time.

Results day, if I remembered it right I was anxious all day. The results were out at night, every notifications I got from PRC in twitter made my heart skipped a beat. When the time had come I was really nervous, i searched first for all my friend's name but only some of them made it. Then I searched for my name and found none. I didn't cry maybe because I cried everything whenever I went to St. Jude every after the exam day. I felt bad but seeing that almost of my college friends were in the same boat as mine, I felt comforted. Sorry, I know I'm mean. I also told my parents about it that night because I don't want to prolonged the disappointment the next day. Thinking that tomorrow will be another day; new hope for things to be better. Some of my friends were sending comforting messages and that made me teary eyes for a bit but after that I felt numb. I don't know what to do with my life. I felt lost. I felt empty. I think I also got to "tampo" with Daddy G because I knew I never failed to pray to Him every day, it was only later that I finally accepted that maybe it was really my fault. I was so lazy and demotivated. I only relied to prayers and not doing my part. I'm so sorry Daddy G 😭.

End part of October, I felt alive. I attended a fan meet. I happened to see Cha Eun Woo and became an Aroha. I think being a fangirl is really my calling lol.

November & December

November 1st and it is our fam's tradition to go to cemetery to visit our deceased loved ones. I didn't go there because my relatives from Manila were there and I thought I was not ready to face them.

I attended IU's con named Love, Poem. Hearing IU's singing live is just my goal but when I left the premises of Araneta, I became a certified Ma-aena. That 4 hours concert is really a daebak! ✨

I went to Elyu this December and I think it made me breathe for some time. I was a bit exhausted. I felt like I was being left behind because wearing bikini is not my cup of tea. I lacked confidence of my body.

These two months is filled disappointments, pressure, self pity, self doubts and so much more. I felt like I was a total failure. I envied those batchmates who are already hired and working as a corporate slave. I attended some interviews but unfortunately I was not hired. I was also judged by some of my relatives saying that maybe I was too picky for my first job. Yes, I declined a job offer because the salary is below the minimum and it does not offer to help me grow as a professional. I do believe that I can have more and I can do more that's why. It also made me think those what if I didn't pursue this course instead I took engineering, which I really wanted; maybe I am now an engineer. I felt lost after that boards season.

2019 is really a year of lessons, experiences and survival. It is just a 365 days but it gave plot twists which gave a mark in my being. It reminded me that I am living and living doesn't only mean that you are always at a top; living also means that you can be at the bottom. I am grateful for all the people who never left my side, who gave their never-ending support and love, who believes in me and who keeps me sane. Surviving this 2019 through He's help is already a gift.

Thank you Daddy G for guiding me throughout this year's journey despite those times that I almost turned my back to You. I'm deeply sorry if it took some time for me to realize that You just answered my prayers with "not yet" and not a stern "no". I am now trusting Your own timing. 💙

#personal #thoughts #learnings #blessings #life #2019

[shimmerjjang]

VIP Diaries: (Meeting Seungri!!!) The Great Seungri Show in Manila 2019

Hello 안녕 안녕 shimmers and VIPs! Wow, I’ve been wanting to publish this post for a while now because this experience I had during The Great Seungri Show in Manila is a FIRST in my whole life as a BIGBANG VIP! I met Seungri and I got the sweet sweet chance to be in a photo with him. Not a standee, not a poster but the real Seungri!! Gurlll, I could go on and on about this but let me compose myself for a bit and talk about The Great Seungri Tour which happened in MOA Arena last January 19, 2019.

So, if you know me or if you’ve been following my SNS and happened to see one of my posts from last year, you’d know how much I loathe this area. I swore I won’t even go anywhere near Mall of Asia after the trauma I had from this horrible incident. And after that, I never attended any sort of event if it’s held around this area.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME back here in months. Only BIGBANG can bring me back! The bitter memories are now replaced, thanks my Panda Seungri!!

This VIP concert experience is made possible by K-Music Insider! I’m beyond grateful for this chance because the truth is, my budget didn’t allow me to shed 10k upfront that time for the VIP seats and photo-op opportunity. I would’ve settled for a cheaper lower box ticket but I still made sure I hop into giveaways with the goal of getting a photo-op pass in mind. And dear heavens K-Music Insider blessed me with one! 넘너무 행복해 ㅠㅠ

Gates opened at 7pm and I entered the venue at around 7:15. There weren’t crazy lines so I just went straight to the entrance. There weren’t any chaos (thank goodness) and I know it’s a good thing, but I’m kinda sad too because we weren’t able to fill the entire arena. The show was announced late so many VIPs weren’t able to prepare them fundsss (including me haha)

BUT when the show started, it didn’t feel like the arena isn’t full! It was a whole new party out there!! Just exactly as how I expect a BIGBANG concert should be. I mean, Seungri is a total charmer and I’m sure all VIPs know that he’s the best at sweeping the crowd off their feet compared to the rest of the members. Seungri has been my bias wrecker since 2012! Oh well, but yo gurl is tough and my heart for G-Dragon won’t be swayed by anything!!!! \\(^^,)//

Here are some fancams I managed to take. I know, I wasn’t able to take that much because I really want to savor the moment. Also, this is my first time to attend a concert without my sister or cousin (huhuhuhu) so I don’t have someone to take turns with recording. But then again, all throughout my life as a K-Pop fangirl, I have learned how important it is to really get into the moment instead of recording each and every part of the show. So yep, enjoy my mini fancams! 

Opening MV - Where R U From

BANG BANG BANG

Intro Talk (Some in Tagalog)

GG BE

If You

Where R U From

Fire - 2NE1 Sandara 

I am the BEST - 2NE1 Sandara

Go Away - 2NE1 Sandara

Dahil Sa’yo Tagalog Cover - Pandara (Seungri & Sandara)

Seungri calling his mom (haha!)

Tagumpay (Seungri’s self-composed Tagalog song LOL)

We Like 2 Party

셋 셀테니 (1,2,3)

In My World

I’m so proud of Seungri! This is his first ever solo world tour and I can see that he did so well in pleasing and wowing the crowd despite the absence of his hyungs. 

Did you watch the whole video? BOYYY I CHOKED WHEN HE SLAYED THAT TAGALOG SONG!! I swear that song by Inigo Pascual annoyed me for a while because I hear it everywhere. But gurllll, who would’ve thought that I’d learn how to love it. I’ve been singing it subconsciously right after the concert. I mean, I’m gonna be honest, he sounded more native than Sandara and Ryan Bang (he showed up briefly on stage too along with Anne Curtis) LOL

Dara was also a guest for Seungri’s show. Well, Sandara has always been a steady guest whenever BIGBANG would show up here for a tour! That’s OG YG Family for you, children! The 2NE1 songs she performed were immensely nostalgic. How can my eyes well up over happy songs? I’m still hoping for a 2NE1 reunion to fulfill my empty Blackjack heart! :(

Seungri has always been the life of the party and he’s so good at being in variety shows! That’s what he served us during his concert. For a short moment we all thought we mistakenly entered a comedy bar, not a concert LOL Seungri made my stomach burst out of laughter the entire night. He’s just GOLD! He even savaged his fellow BIGBANG members in front of us. haha! Ang lakas ng loob kasi everyone’s in the military haha

Seungri showed us funny photos of every BIGBANG member for him to roast... EXCEPT for T.O.P... So naturally, us VIPs will ask and look for him. When he wrapped the photos up without including TOP, all of us went “Where’s TOP?!!!” I honestly thought he’ll just brush it off, considering all the crazy controversy surrounding TOP, I won’t be surprised if he’ll just ignore us. But Seungri didn’t. He heard us and he gave us a very reassuring answer.

VIPS: “TOP!!! TOP!!! Where’s TOP?”

SEUNGRI: “Ah, TOP? He’s fine! I just wanna say he’s okay.”

ME: Wooooh!!! OMG OMG *hyperventilating*

SEUNGRI: “He’s super okay. Yeah. He will come back soon, don’t worry!”

VIPs: *crying and going wild*

SEUNGRI: “You know what, now in BIGBANG, TOP is MOST OKAY! hahaha We are all okay..”

ME: LAUGHING WHILE CRYING UGLY TEARS

Watch the full clip of that comedic/unexpectedly emotional part here..

The entire show lasted for around 3 hours, I think. Seungri gave us major K-Pop throwback as he also sang a lot of his great hits from his early solo career (Strong Baby, Gotta Talk to U, GG BE..), as well as BIGBANG’s! It was an amazing show full of nostalgia. 

Here’s my only #OOTD shot from the concert, together with my fellow mod at BIGBANG Philippines - Chi! 

We, along with the ladies of 2NE1 PH, as well as other VIP friends lined up for the photo-op right after the concert. Each photo with Seungri will be done by 10s and we’re fortunate enough to be the last ones in line so there were just 8 of us.

AND NOW! TADAAAAAA!! Here’s our official group photo courtesy of LOONG Studio, the official promoter for Seungri’s Manila leg of the tour.

I mean, let that sink in for a short moment. Gurl, MY EXISTENCE GOT PULVERIZED! I wasn’t sure of what was happening and if it really was happening at all. For the first time in my 10-year VIP fangirl life, I was able to see and interact with a BIGBANG member. INSANE!

As I was walking towards Seungri, my mind went blank. I just stretched my hand for him to shake and I told him that he did great on stage. OH DEAR I remember him just looking back at me, smiling and thanking me for coming to his show. I’m in a trance! And because I went straight to him and approached him first, I totally forgot everything I initially planned. I have my phone in hand to secretly record everything just for my personal memento but totally forgot!! Also planning to stand beside him (I was 2nd in line so I could’ve done that) but chose to just talk to him first so by the time I was done talking, everyone got settled already while I’m still lost in front of him! Also planned to stand on his right side because that’s my freakin’ angle but totally forgot!!! HAHAHAHA Basically, my mind stopped functioning LOL but I’m so happy I got to interact with the King of all Maknaes, SEUNGRI. Everything happened so fast and when we were asked to leave, I made sure I told him I love him! HAHA He’s probably tired of hearing that from everybody but at least I let it out my chest. ^^

Say hello to my very nervous smile!!!! HAHAHA My heart was about to pop out of my mouth! SEUNGRI is just super handsome and I’m not just saying this because I’m a fan. Like he’s legit handsome and his smile is so dreamy. He’s just genuinely friendly and there’s this warmth from him that makes you forget he’s a star. I guess I’m used to seeing K-Pop stars being cold in real life, but definitely not Seungri! 

Ah, seeing him so close is definitely one for the books! Ah also, I would like to thank my Moonshot x Innisfree combo for keeping my foundation on point despite going crazy the entire night. hihihi~~ (I will review these two soon, promise!)

I’m beyond happy to see Seungri’s last show before he enlists. Their OT5 comeback may take a while because of their military schedule and all these sad controversies that still stir everything up unnecessarily! But hey, we’re all waiting at the Flower Road (꽃길) so I can only hope that the kings stay healthy and happy. 

My next goal is to see all BIGBANG members in their Final world tour in Seoul - 2020, 2021, who knows! Really hoping to have the same amazing opportunity like this to meet all of them next time. IT WILL HAPPEN I CAN FEEL IT! <3

Read more of my VIP Diares here or my other K-Pop shenanigans here.

#seungri #bigbang #seungri in manila #BIGBANG VIP #VIP Diaries #VIPDiaries #BIGBANGPH #BIGBANG Philippines #The Great Seungri #the great seungri tour #kpop #event #VI #Victory

[orokinarchives]

Vox Solaris

Eudico would do anything to keep her people safe, but will she stand up to Nef Anyo?

Starting the quest

The Tenno must talk to Eudico upon arriving in Fortuna. Occasionally, Nef Anyo can be heard broadcasting messages over the numerous screens in the town.

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Fortuna! You are behind schedule! The final coolant tower must be operational in time for my investor's showcase. Failure to meet your quotas means one thing: repossession. If you aren't willing to work for your rig, someone else is."

Eudico is located at the north end of Fortuna, near the elevator to the Vallis.

Eudico: "Busy. Oh, an Outworlder? A… Tenno. Look, we're a Corpus operation, we are, but these people are Solaris. We work for a livin'. We don't need no trouble, and we don't need no one gettin' hurt. You wanna help? Go buy something from Thursby. He's been staring down the barrel of a repo order ever since he took on his parents' debt."

Tenno: "Repo order?"

Eudico: "Ugly thing, repossession. A Solaris falls too deep in debt, and Nef sends in his repo squads to take what he says he's owed. You know, mechanical body parts, even a full rig. In Thursby's case, cause he got none of that, they take the organics: arms and legs. Yeah, there's a market for those, too."

(after exiting conversation) Eudico: "Aye… mucking what? Nef wants to start that fossilised coolant tower back up… today. It's damaged Orokin tech, not a bleeding moa; you can't just turn it on."

Thursby's shop is located near Eudico, on the western side of the coolant canal. The only items on display are twisted metal and scrap – not very appealing.

Thursby: "If you need scrap in a snap, just talk to your junkyard diplomat! That'd be me, Thursby – thunderstruck, short on pluck, down on his luck. Ah, whatever. Tell me you wanna buy something. Please. I need this."

Tenno: "Eudico sent me."

Thursby: "Eudico sent you, a Tenno, to help me meet quota? Well, I'll be…. You know, you could buy some scrap… but… if you really wanted to help, you could source me some supplies. Sumtin' I could sell. Not this garbage. I know where the Taxmen keeps the good stuff. If you're up for that sort of thing, boss, head topside."

(if the Tenno says "Debt?") Thursby: "When my parents… passed… I inherited their debt. And boy, were they owing deep. Can't work to pay it off cause I ain't got no augmentations, and I can't buy augmentations on account of all my debt. Vicious cycle, right? So here I am, selling useless scrap at the edge of a coolant canal."

(if the Tenno says "Tell me about Eudico.") Thursby: "She means well. Don't want to see nothing bad happen to us workers… but, there was a time she had another name: Vox Solaris, the voice of the resistance, the voice of Solaris United. She stood up for us. Said how wrong this all is. She always said Solaris United was all of us, but it weren't nothing without her. When the trouble happened… Nef did try to identify her…. What he did to the others… [sniffs] what happened on Deck 12…. [clears throat] She's always been kind to me. What happened to them was never her fault."

Once both dialogue options have been exhausted, the conversation ends. The Tenno is directed to go out on the Orb Vallis via the elevator at the north end of Fortuna.

First Mission: A Favour for Thursby (The Orb Vallis, Venus)

(Fortuna hype image)

Thursby: "You ever been out on the Vallis, boss? She's a miracle, she is. A blizzard in a firestorm. All thanks to the magic of rebooted Orokin tech, and… the blood and the sweat of so many thousands of Solaris. But, you know what Eudico always says…."

Thursby: "She says—"

Eudico: "'Welcome to Venus, it'll kill ya.' Thursby, what's going on, you keepin' your nose clean?"

Thursby: "Eudico? Ah, sure am! Just giving a— a tour to my shiny boss here, ya know, earnin' a wage any way I can."

Eudico: "Alright then, Thursby. Just don't let this Outworlder get you into trouble."

Thursby: "I need something I can sell, you know? Spare parts. Quality merchandise, see? I know where the Corpus drop supplies. You can get in and out, before anyone catches wind of what we're up to."

The Tenno is waypointed to an area near the base of the Orokin coolant tower at the Coolant Reservoir. As the Tenno approaches, 3 supply crates are airdropped in and an 8-minute timer starts counting down.

Thursby: "Sneak and peek, boss. Crates full of the good stuff should be nearby."

The crates give off a sonar-like ping when nearby, so are relatively easy to locate. As the timer counts down, the area objective on the minimap shrinks to narrow down the field.

(upon opening the first cache, variant) Thursby: "Haha, outstanding. If Eudico would just loosen up, we'd be taxin' the Taxmen on the regular! What else can you find?"

(upon opening the first cache, variant) Thursby: "Haha, outstanding. If we had the old Eudico, we'd be taxin' Taxmen on the regular! What else can you find?"

(upon opening the second cache) Thursby: "Amazing! With this haul… won't be just my debts getting paid off. You're gonna make more than one Solaris happy today, boss."

(if the timer reaches 2 minutes) Thursby: "You're makin' me nervous here. Hurry it up, boss."

(upon opening the last cache) Thursby: "Unbelievable! Why stop here? With your power, we could hit Nef hard, make him pay for all he's done to us. Blow up his precious coolant tower before he's even had a chance to show it off to his muckin' board!"

Eudico: "Thursby! What are you thinkin'?! You're on an unsecured channel. You want a Corpus spy drone hearin' what you're up to? Ah, muckers! Too late. Got no choice. Tenno, you got Thursby into this mess, so you can damn well help him out of it."

The Tenno is waypointed to the Temple Fabrication site.

Eudico: "Tenno, you're looking for the Corpus spy drone that overheard Thursby's little 'guided tour'. Find the drone before it reports back to central command."

(upon arriving at the site) Eudico: "The drone is nearby. Ground it, and I'll see if I can still hack one of these things."

A Vallis surveillance drone is hovering about, surrounded by Terra Corpus. The Tenno must disable the drone by damaging it.

(upon disabling the drone) Eudico: "Hold on, Tenno, been a while since I did this. Now, where is that recording of Thursby?"

Corpus reinforcements will begin to arrive. The Tenno must kill 30 of them without letting them destroy the drone.

(if the Tenno fails the mission, at any point during the quest) Eudico: "This is bad. We've put all of Fortuna in jeopardy."

(upon defeating enough reinforcements) Eudico: "Corpus are legging it. Take out as many as you can. Keep 'em quiet."

Eudico: "Well, well, well. You're a bright spark and no mistake. Coulda used you back in the…. Don't let me catch you running more missions for Thursby, understood?"

The Tenno is prompted to return to Fortuna.

[in Fortuna]

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Resurrect a dormant Orokin coolant tower? They said it was impossible, yet such profitous glory is within our grasp! But, I can't get there without you, Fortuna. That is why I am so grateful that all here have volunteered to dispense of work breaks in the name of my glorious enterprise."

The Tenno is directed to speak to Thursby, whose stall looks like it now has lots of Moa parts to offer.

Thursby: "Aye, boss. Eudico says that if I try anything like that again, she'll rip me arms off herself. But… look at this! Yesterday, didn't have 'nuff Lucre to stay outta repo. Now I got what I need to open me own shop. Get me head outta the red. All I needs is a ripe hook. Something ta set ol' Thursby apart. Somethin'… memorable. Oh, almost forgot: Biz heard what you did, said he wanted to speak with you."

(after exiting conversation) Thursby: "Moa parts, get a head start, if you're building a cart, with… Thursby. No? Bah. I need to work on that one."

Eudico will be standing next to Thursby instead of in her usual chair, and can be spoken to.

Eudico: "Maybe I was wrong about you, Sparky. You managed to pull that off without getting Thursby killed. Biz says he has work for you. Fine by me, 'long as you stick to savin' little animals and nothin' else."

The Business is near Thursby, south along the coolant canal, past Smokefinger.

The Business: "Ah, the Tenno Eudico mentioned. How do you do, Outworlder. My mission is to conserve this region's unique species. You know, before the Corpus drive them to extinction. I'm known as 'The Business'. Eudico calls me… 'Biz'. I wasn't always about the preservation of life – more the… strategic deletion of it. Conservation may be my calling now, but the scales still require an occasional… adjustment. Head to the Vallis if you're looking for some work."

Second Mission: Retrieve the Hit-list (The Orb Vallis, Venus)

(Fortuna hype image)

The Business: "Are you averse to getting your hands dirty? Send a message? I've learned that the head of the Corpus repo squad has made a hit-list of indebted Solaris. Before his goons can do their thing, I've got a K-bomb with his name on it."

Eudico: "Biz! That's not what we discussed! Wait. There's a repo list? Who's on it? Ah, crap. Okay, fine, but we do this my way. No K-bombs. Had about enough mess for one day."

Eudico: "We do this quietly and maybe, just maybe, Nef doesn't find out. Biz, this isn't the old days. We've got no leverage now. All we can do is try to save our people from getting ground up by the bureaucracy."

The Business: [angry sigh] "People are already 'getting ground up,' Eudi. Debt on debt, accident by accident, repo by repo! How many even remember actual freedom?"

The Tenno is directed to approach a secure area: the garage in Central Maintenance.

Eudico: "You're nearing the secure area. Steal that list. Don't get noticed. If they destroy the data, we won't know who to hide from Nef's repo squad."

The Tenno must infiltrate the building and hack the data station to retrieve the list. If the alarms are triggered, a 60-second timer will count down to data destruction.

(if the Tenno sets off the alarms) Eudico: "Counter-intrusion just made you! It's started erasing files! Pull that data immediately!"

(upon hacking the data station) Eudico: "Accessing the file… okay, okay. Ah, guts. Biz. This says they're going after your field team… today."

The Business: "They're already overdue for a check-in. Outworlder, you need to find my team before Nef's repo squad does."

An area nearby to the north is waypointed. Upon arriving, four Solaris corpses can be found in the snow.

The Business: "They were in debt because they choose the calling of conservation over filling Nef's pockets. It seems like the preacher wanted to make a point. But… this isn't the whole team. We need more info. Search the bodies."

The Tenno must go to each body and interact with them.

(upon searching the first body) Eudico: "Damaged. There's something in the buffer. We need to get it decoded before the device fails."

(upon searching the second body) Eudico: "Accessing buffer. Analysing…."

(upon searching the third body) Eudico: "Password… hello… buffer… accessing final transmissions… c'mon, c'mon, final transmissions…"

(upon searching the last body) Eudico: "I'm in. Taking a quick look around… itinerary, patrol log, coordinates, reports, blah blah blah…"

The Business: "The survivors are being held nearby. Awaiting 'processing'. Eudico, we don't have long."

Eudico: "Not again…. Listen, Sparky. I need you to get in there and get our people back. And you don't need to be nice about it. If they're still alive our team will be… here."

A prison facility nearby has the surviving members of the Solaris field team. The Tenno must hack the jail console to initiate the breakout, and stay alive during the slow hacking process. The hack can be accelerated by collecting data keys carried by Corpus Terra Jailers.

(upon completing the hack and rescuing the team) Nef Anyo: "Tenno, did you think I didn't notice your little heist earlier? Quite a stunt you pulled with that young— what was his name? Thursby…."

Eudico: "Oh no. Tenno, you have to get back here before they get to him."

Thursby: "Hey fellas! Thursby? Nah, ya just missed him. He…. No, I didn't do nothing. You don't understand. Stop! Ahh…." [video transmission shows Thursby being approached by Corpus agents before going black]

[in Fortuna]

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Remember, friends, forgo hard work for cheating and stealing, and the Void will judge not just you, but the collective. Lift together, punish together. If you lot continue along this path, I'll gladly repossess all your rigs."

Thursby's shop is marked off by orange, holographic crime-scene tape, and Thursby himself is absent. Eudico is still standing nearby.

Eudico: "Thursby… I was… I was supposed to protect him, and now he's in pieces. The medics aren't sure if they can stabilise him with… so much… missing. This was a mistake, letting you get involved. Why did I listen to Biz? Maybe i-it's not too late to impress Nef before his big unveiling. Appeal to his mercy, show him what we can do. Get topside. I'll fill you in."

Third Mission: Amarast Excavation (The Orb Vallis, Venus)

(Orb Vallis concept art, DevStream 107)

Eudico: "Nef's pushing ahead with activating that coolant tower. But it's not ready. My engineers need a mineral, amarast, to counter the inevitable heat cascade. I've marked an excavation site where you should find some. Bring it back, and maybe we stop the entire Vallis from being bathed in slag."

The Business: "Amarast? Do you not understand? Nothing you do will make Nef kind. The more you give, the more he'll take. When you rise up, people get hurt, but if we left that fear divide us… it will only get worse. I saw a Eudico I haven't seen for years back there. Fortuna needs that Eudico back. We need Vox."

The dig site is located south of Fortuna, on the moutainside north of the Transit Depot. As the Tenno near the site, an excavator will drop down, and the Tenno must protect it from being destroyed while supplying it with power. Power cells drop from Power Cell Carrier enemies that spawn with the Corpus reinforcements.

(once the excavation is completed) Eudico: "That should be enough. Get to the coolant tower before Nef turns on the juice."

The coolant tower is due west of the Enrichment Labs and southeast of the Pearl.

Nef Anyo: "Solaris! The investor showcase is tomorrow and you lot still maintain the coolant tower is not ready. Have you no faith? My test run will commence now, and the Board shall know it was I, Nef Anyo, who brought the glory of the Orokin to life once more!"

Eudico: "He's starting already? Nef's gonna trigger a heat cascade if he boots that coolant tower up without the amarast. He's going to get us all killed. Hurry."

Before the Tenno can reach the coolant tower, Nef will attempt to activate it. A loud rumbling will echo across the Vallis.

Nef Anyo: "Solaris! Why isn't it working? Fix this!"

Eudico: "We're… too late. Come back to Fortuna, Tenno."

Nef Anyo: "Solaris, this disaster is your bumbling! Present me your Floor Boss."

Eudico: "I… I am. Floor Boss Eudico FB-9. I take responsibility for this."

Nef Anyo: "Finally. One of you shows some backbone. Floor Boss, select fifty workers of low efficiency and have them in front of Fortuna for repo. Their upgrades I shall bequeath to Solaris of greater efficiency. And for the failures: brain-shelving. Make your list. You have one orbit-hour."

The Business: "Eudico?!? You're not going through with this, are you?"

Eudico: "Not now, Biz."

[in Fortuna]

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Understand this, Solaris: you are all replaceable. Corpus engineers are more expensive, but far cheaper than the loss of an Orokin coolant tower. Fifty Solaris now, or the lot of Fortuna tomorrow. The Void commands it."

Eudico is still standing near Thursby's shop.

Eudico: "Ever since Nef crushed Solaris United, killed my friends, I've focused on one thing: keeping him happy. Thought it was the only way to keep people safe. …It's not working. Biz is right, someone needs to say something. Do something. Listen, you don't have to help. You can leave Fortuna and never come back. Wouldn't blame ya. This isn't your fight. But, Sparky, Nef's massing his troops outside our doors. And you're the only thing standing between us and bloody oblivion."

(if the Tenno says 'I need a moment.') [conversation ends]

(if the Tenno says 'I'll help.') Eudico: "Knew I could trust you. Take this; there's a present in there for the mucking Taxmen. Why don't you deliver it to them?"

Fourth Mission: Defend the Gate (The Orb Vallis, Venus)

(Fortuna hype image)

The Business: "What are you trying to do, Eudico? Buy him off? You've lost it. Wait. Where's my K-bomb?"

Nef Anyo: "Where's my fifty Solaris, Fortuna? You're wasting my time. Who do you think you are?"

Outside the Fortuna elevator, a large number of Corpus troops are amassed and will immediately fire upon the Tenno.

Eudico: "Now, Sparky. Get that case as close as you can to them."

A target site for the K-bomb is marked nearby. Arriving at the waypoint and interacting with it will detonate the bomb, killing all enemy units in a wide radius. More troops will promptly arrive via warp-in, coildrive, and dropship.

(after detonating the K-bomb) Eudico: "Now give 'em hell. For Thursby."

The Tenno is instructed to remain at the entrance to Fortuna and fight off the Corpus forces. As they do, a transmission is sent out. The speaker is hidden behind a mask of Nef Anyo's face, their voice is distorted, and they are identified only as "Vox".

Vox: "We are the used. The mutilated. The indebted. We are Solaris United. And this Tenno is our messenger. Hello, Nef."

Nef Anyo: "Solaris United? I know that voice. I killed that voice! You are… a ghost. But I don't believe in ghosts!"

Vox: "Halt repossessions immediately. Recognise the importance of our work. These are our demands."

Nef Anyo: "I will find you."

Nef Anyo: "Whoever you are, you don't know what hell you've brought upon your people."

During the Tenno's fight, the Profit-Taker Orb Mother will have left its perch above the Enrichment Labs and slowly approached Fortuna. At this point, it is now within range, and will begin to attack the Tenno with its impressive arsenal. Due to its Sentient-hybrid shielding, it cannot be damaged in any way.

Eudico: "Sparky, not worth it. Get back in here. Nef won't risk destroying Fortuna with that Orb. We've bought the time we need."

(upon entering the elevator) Nef Anyo: "That's right, scuttle back to your hole. I'm going to replace the lot of you with Moas. In the meantime, Profit-Taker here will make sure you stay good and planted."

Biz: "I… I owe you an apology, Eudi. And if you see… 'Vox', pass along my thanks as well."

Eudico: "No, Biz. Thank you – for not giving up on me. We all lift together."

The Business: "And we will… we just poked a kubrodon, and if we don't show him who's in charge, we're lunch."

[in Fortuna]

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Investors! Despite some recent… labour relations issues, we are going ahead with today's showcase! You will witness Orokin terraforming technology expanding the Vallis more quickly than you could possibly imagine! Making available land for new opportunities. New investments. Behold this coolant tower [sounds of applause], once thought damaged beyond repair, return to glorious profitability [sounds of applause and cheers]."

Eudico will be back at her post near the elevator.

Eudico: "Sparky, Solaris United's just getting started. Nef won't want us messing with his investor showcase – he's planted that Orb Mother out there to make sure we stay in here. But now is the time to press for leverage. Head to the surface when you're ready. I've arranged a little something for you."

Fifth Mission: Investor Showcase (The Orb Vallis, Venus)

(Fortuna hype image)

Eudico: "Roky lent us her personal K-drive. Fastest board in the Vallis. See if you can't slip right past that spider momma."

The Profit-Taker Orb is still standing guard outside Fortuna. Near the elevator is a K-drive.

(upon mounting the K-drive) Eudico: "Hit the accelerator, Sparky. No hope of outgunning that Orb."

The Tenno is directed to the Orokin coolant tower. Their path leads right under the Orb Mother, who is straddling the road. The Tenno will take fire, but should be able to avoid it on the K-drive.

Eudico: "How's the ride? If you want one, see Roky when this is all over. Right now we got a job to do."

(upon arriving at the coolant tower) Eudico: "You made it. Time to give Nef a taste of repossession. Patch me into the coolant tower's control system."

The Tenno must hack the console on the small control outpost near the base of the tower.

Nef Anyo: "Corpus engineers? What's going on down there? I've lost control of the coolant tower. The investors are watching. Acknowledge!"

Vox: "You never had control, Nef Anyo. This tower is Solaris United property. We do with it as we please."

Nef Anyo: "You weasels picked the wrong day for collective bargaining. Corpus kill squads, converge on the control cluster at once! [sounds of commotion] Investors! Everything is under control. [nervous laughter]"

At this point, Corpus troops will begin attacking the console, and the Tenno must defend it.

Eudico: "Let's turn up the heat on Nef."

A loud rumbling can be heard as Eudico starts overheating the tower. A meter on the HUD will indicate the overheat progress from 0 to 100%.

Nef Anyo: "Are you freeloaders trying to damage my coolant tower? Oh, of course. All your grovelling has moved the bleed-heart Tenno to come to your aid. No matter. My kill squads will carry you all swiftly… to the Void."

Vox: "You have been warned. Say goodbye to your precious terraforming project."

Nef Anyo: "Investors, e-enjoy this display of security prowess. Rest assured, your investment is protected."

(at 40% overheat) Nef Anyo: "Solaris United, in the name of the Void, I command you to stop. You're putting my entire enterprise at risk!"

Vox: "Stop the repossessions. Acknowledge our work. Honour the age-old accord between Solaris and Corpus."

(at 75% overheat) Nef Anyo: "Blow that tower and you'll destroy Fortuna."

Vox: "Your fortune is what dies with us, Nef Anyo. And we know that, to men like you, poverty holds a greater dread than death."

At 95% overheat, a loud booming noise can be heard from the tower.

Nef Anyo: "Wait! Wait! Fine. I'll halt the repossessions. Is that what you want? Stop this."

Vox: "Never forget: Solaris make the Vallis work. No Solaris, no Vallis. Do we have an understanding?"

Nef Anyo: [through gritted teeth] "Yes. I… understand."

Eudico: "All I needed to hear. Sparky, drop the amarast in. Fingers crossed this even works."

The amarast needs to be delivered to a port on the side of the coolant tower. Upon doing so, more loud rumblings will be heard, and the smoke will stop billowing out of the tower.

Nef: "[sounds of gasps and shouts] Investors, please. I swear the system works. This is just a minor hiccup. Some minor labour-relations issues to deal with. You understand, right? Right? Where are you going?"

Eudico: "The heat cascade is dissipating… readings returning to normal. [satisfied sigh] That did it. Well then, Sparky, looks like SU is back. Only a matter of time. If it wasn't me, someone else woulda done it. Meanwhile, you come see me anytime. Solaris United's got plenty of work for you."

[in Fortuna]

Nef Anyo broadcast: "Solaris, rejoice! Due to my overwhelming generosity, I have cancelled any open repossession orders, and returned your work quotas to their agreed-upon levels. In unrelated news, I'm offering a 2.000.000-credit reward for information leading to the arrest of the radical agitator known as Vox. Report any suspicious activity to your foreman immediately. Praise be the prophets!"

Upon return to Fortuna, the Tenno will receive a K-drive launcher, which allows them to summon the K-drive from the quest, as well as an inbox message from Eudico containing the blueprint for Garuda.

Inbox message: One More Thing

Sparky,

Smokefinger found this blueprint embedded in a tangle of Vallis fungi years ago. Didn't know what to do with it until you came along. I want you to have it; it's the least we can do to thank you.

Don't be a stranger, Eudico

The component blueprints for building Garuda can be obtained by completing bounties in Fortuna. Once the Vox Solaris quest is complete, the merchants of Fortuna will be fully available to the Tenno, along with the Syndicates of Solaris United, Ventkids, and, if the War Within quest has been completed, Vox Solaris.

[Navigation: Hub → Quests → Vox Solaris]

#warframe #quests #lore #vox solaris #eudico #thursby #legs #business #nef anyo #solaris #solaris united #fortuna #orb vallis #corpus #orokin archives

[vevehoshizora]

EARTH & FIRE - (moana) maui x reader

r e q u e s t e d

“Could I get a request with readerxMaui? The reader is another demigod but of the Fire and earth, she has lived with Moana’s family ever since Maui took the heart, but she has never really forgotten him. But she promises Moana’s grandmother that she will protect Moana so when they find Maui and he chits her in that cave, the reader gets mad and actually reveals herself sooner than planned. Sorry if that is too specific, if you can’t do that, that’s okay.”

|[ 1,872 words ]|

Y/N = your name

In this, you took a different appearance. Only small changes like covering your tattoos (which are basically like Maui’s) and changing your height.

◢ ◣◥ ◤ ◢ ◣◥ ◤ ◢ ◣◥ ◤

 Maui… How long has it been since you had last seen Maui? You felt has if it had been thousands of years. And maybe it had.

 You closed your eyes, vaguely remembering his taunting smirk, his soft hair, his deep voice and his tattoos, recounting both of your exploits. You used to be best friend, or you liked to think a little more. Yet, your relationship had never really been established.

 You both had been saved by the Gods, him because his family had abandon him to the sea while yours had died in a storm. You had become demigods. Maui was the demigod of the wind and sea while you were the demigoddess of the earth and fire. Together, you had accomplished many feats. You had pulled island from the seas, extended the day by slowing down the sun, stole fire from the bottom of the earth to provide humans with light and warmth and many other things.

 But then, Maui had stolen the heart of Te Fiti. You had tried to stopped him, but he deeply thought that pleasing mans was his only way to be loved. You had find shelter in Motunui, the village warmly welcoming you. You had taken a new appearance as well: covering your tattoos while reducing your height.

 You frowned has you were snapped back to reality by someone calling your name. Sina was standing before you, a worried expression on her face. “Y/N? Are you alright?” she asked. “Yeah, sorry, I got distracted,” you responded with a small smile.

 You went back to work, collecting coconuts as Moana watched from afar with a frown. Later that day, the chief’s daughter approached you. “Are you sure everything’s fine?” she demanded, “You kinda looked sad earlier.”

 "It was nothing, I was just lost in thought,“ you explained. The young girl looked unsure, but let it go: “If you say so…”

 "I was planning on visiting Gramma, do you want to come with me?“ she questioned. A smile flashed onto your face. “Of course, you know how much I love Tala, she’s like a second mother to me.”

 The sun was setting, causing a orange-pink hue to invade the sky. A small fire was lit in Gramma Tala’s tent as you both were sited on opposite side. You were deeply looking in the fire that you had created using your powers.

 "Tala, there’s something wrong. Aren’t there?“ you suddenly asked. There was a silence before the elder women answered: “Yes… When Maui took the heart, he caused a great malediction to fall upon the world. I fear that life is fading away from our earth.”

 "Is that why I’ve been weakened? I feel like my powers are diminishing. Like, I’m losing them,“ you realize. "It may be a reason. But, I think I’ve found the solution. Moana is the one that will restore the heart of Te Fiti,” Tala informed. “What? But that would mean that she’d have to pass through Te Ka, you can’t let her go on a suicide mission,” you protested.

 "I believe in her abilities, and so should you. The ocean was the one to choose her. I want you to accompany her on her quest,“ the elder replied. You thought for a second as to what this quest implied: "Alright. I promise to do everything to protect her.”

 "I know you will. But, you will need help along the way. You will need to find Maui,“ Tala said. "What? No. No way,” you laughed. 

 "And why is that?“

 "I- He- He won’t help us.”

 "That is why you will convince him.“

 "I can’t,” you exclaimed, losing your temper. Unshaken, Tala unconvincingly looked at you. You continued: “I- I just feel like… Like I gave everything to Maui, but he- he never gave something back. He just took it and then threw it away because he thought it wasn’t enough for him…”

 "Y/N… Everyone makes mistake. And I believe that Maui may have made more than others. He will listen to you. Don’t you want to see him again?“ Tala asked. You were silent for some time, thinking about the question.

 "Fine, I’ll convince him.”

 You woke up, startled, when water crashed on you. Sitting up, you coughed as you observe the area around you, shielding your eyes from the blinding light of the sun. You found Moana laying a few feet away and you remembered the event of last night.

 You had been caught in a storm, which had thrown you and the younger girl to the raging sea. You caught sight of your boat higher on the island’s beach and thanked the god for their gratefulness. At least, you hadn’t lost your ship.

 Getting up, you headed to Moana who was slowly starting to wake up. She opened her eyes, meeting yours, and muttered a small “Hey”.

 You chuckled, helping her to her feet. “Are you alright?” you questioned. The girl nodded before sarcastically adding: “Aside from learning only yesterday that the weight of the world rested on my shoulders, that I have to fight a giant lava monster, that I have to find Maui and that YOU are is fellow hero, the demigoddess of the Earth and Fire, everything is just peachy.”

 You grimaced at her way of putting it. “I’m sorry for not telling you…” you apologized, looking away. The girl’s gaze softened: “It’s okay.”

 Followed by Moana, you approached your boat, which was on its side. “Boat! A boat!” a male voice suddenly exclaimed from the other side of the ship. You saw Maui’s form appeared on your side: “The Gods have given me a- AAH!”

 The demigod yelped as he came face to face with Moana and you, but he quickly regained composure. You were frozen in place while Moana stepped forward.

 "Maui, shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea. I am Moana-“ the younger girl started. "Hero of Man,” Maui suddenly cut her off.

 "Wh-What?“ the fazed girl stammered. "It’s actually Maui, shapeshifter, hero of Man. I interrupted, from the top, hero of Man. Go,” Maui explained. Moana took a large breath: “I am Mo-”

 "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. And women. Man and women. Both. All. Not a guy-girl thing. Ah, you know, Maui is a hero to all. You’re doing great,“ the demigod added. The girl glanced at you, taking notice of the deep frown decorating your face. "What? No, I came here to-” she tied to explain.

 "Oh, of course, of course. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Maui always has time for its fans. When you use a bird to write it, it’s called tweeting. I know, not everyday you get a chance to meet your hero.“

 "Always has time for his fans, but not for his friends,” you muttered under your breath. It still was enough to attract Maui’s attention. He looked intrigued by you, but, before he could say anything, Moana added: “You are not my hero. And I’m not here so you can sign my oar. I’m here because you stole the heart of Te Fiti and you will board my boat, sail across the sea, and put it back.”

 "Yeah… It almost sounds like you don’t like me, which is impossible because I got stuck here for a thousand years, trying to get the heart as a gift for you mortals so you could have the power to create life itself. Yeah. So what I believe you were trying to say is ‘thank you’,“ the demigod said. Moana, for her part, looked utterly confused while your eyebrow was twitching.

 "Thank you?” she repeated. “You’re welcome,” a smirking Maui replied. Moana’s eyes widened: “Wait, no, no, no. I-I didn’t- I wasn’t- why would I ever say-" 

 As Maui started singing, you were extremely surprised. The demigod had never really sung while with you. But, when actually hearing him sing, it was easy to get distract and dance along to his voice.

 "Thank you!” Maui exclaimed as he pushed both of you in the cavern and sealed off the opening with a giant rock. Moan gasped while you stared, mouth hanging in indignation. “Hey, let us out! You lying, slummy, son of a- ARGH!” the girl screamed in anger as she turned to you.

 You gritted your teeth and, eyes wide, Moana took a few steps away from you. You approached the rock with a dangerous smile, before punching it with all your strength.

 A surprised Maui, whom was currently preparing to sail, watched as the rock was propelled away from the island far into the sea. With a dumbfound look, Maui turned back to the island, watching as you stalked towards him with an angered expression while Moana trailed behind you with a sheepish smile.

 "You are an egotistical stubborn idiot, Maui! Have you never realize that I gave you all my love! Wasn’t it enough? I loved you with all my heart, but you threw it out to the sea!“ you exclaimed while Maui looked at you in shocked.

 In the heat of the moment, you hadn’t realized that you had lost your disguise, taking back your demigoddess’ form. Tattoos now were covering your body, symbols of your exploits with Maui, your silhouette now stood tall beside Moana, arriving at Maui’s height.

 ”… Y/N? Is that you?“ the demigod asked. Your eyes widened and you finally realized that you were back to your original form. You stiffly nodded. Maui stared at you before he stuttered, which took you by surprise: "I- I… I never knew, Y/N… I-”

 There was a long silence in which Moana’s gaze continuously switched from Maui to you and vice versa. After some time, you turned to the younger girl.

 "Let’s go, Moa. I knew it was going to happen. I don’t even know why we came here to begin with…“ you dejectedly shook your head. You started to walk away, when you were suddenly stopped by Maui.

 The demigod gently took your arm. You turned back, confused, only for Maui to take you in his arm, holding you close to him. Your eyes widened comically as Moana stammered that she would wait further away.

 "I’m so, so sorry, Y/N… You are right… I do am an idiot. I-I never realized that you wanted to be more than friend. I always thought that our relation was solely platonic, and, for that, I was wrong…” Maui said, “I love you too, Y/N.”

 He deposed a kiss on your forehead. “I was simply hurt…” you whispered, hugging him close, knowing that obtaining an apology from him wasn’t an easy task. “And you had every right to. I… acted like an idiot. I was only thinking of myself back then, and I made a mistake, losing you in the process. I promise I’m gonna win you back, I’m gonna help you and Moana with her quest, I-“ Maui said.

 You cut in off by planting your lips on his. The rest of his sentence vanished into nothingness as he returned the gesture with eagerness. When you finally separated, he was wearing the smirk he was known for.

 "You already did… Win me back that is,” you explained, “You still have to help Moana and I, though.”

 He simply nodded.

#disney #moana #maui #moana waialiki #gramma tala #tala #y/n #disney imagine #disney imagines #disney x reader #moana imagine #moana imagines #moana x reader #maui imagine #maui imagines #maui x reader #moana waialiki imagine #moana waialiki imagines #gramma tala imagine #gramma tala imagines #tala imagine #tala imagines #y/n imagine #y/n imagines #reader insert #imagine #imagines #x reader

[missaureus]

EXOrDIUM in Manila Concert

It took me four months to write this down but still, the events were fresh! Heaven knows how much risk I put on top of this experience. I was about to give up EXOrDIUM because I never knew that it was still possible with this deranged medical school schedule.

After EXOluXion, I still held my hopes up to experience it again, especially that I was not able to witness my bias, Jongin, dance for real. Thus, I still starved myself to save my allowance for 5 months. However, half of me was a coward who already gave up the possibility of going since I had no one to go with. I actually can conquer the familiarity of the city, but sadly the change of venue ended that thought. Because 1) Manila is a jungle I cannot tame and 2) To avail the ticket is a Hunger Games!!! (unlike  in MOA Arena, you can avail it via SM tickets in all SM stores nationwide; Araneta Coliseum can have it only via TicketNet which branches are only in Manila or via online)

However, my parents raised opposition when I showed them hints of going to the event. My mom was more disappointed than I was last year when Jongin was injured! But I told her that it would be my last(?) and I needed to see him dance ( I uttered this to my mom omg, secondhand embarrassment to my old self haha) I was crazy, seriously! I was like defending my boyfriend to my parents, that he is worth it HAHAHA! Every time my parents say no, I do not take that for granted because going against their will is scary as hell! Yet, I persisted and gave them the idea how desperate I was prior to the ticket buying. Still, I had so many worries, school on top of everything! But slipping the chance of seeing them got me heartaches. ISTG I was in great chaos back then. 

 After the announcement of ticketing, 8th of January, I remained my hopes not wavered. I kept on searching on different SNS for possible concert goes or mutual friends who had plans to go even if they are not from Iligan. But guess what? The universe seemed to tailor up things for me. A friend of mine said that her classmate asked her if I will be going. That question gave me a speck of light! I immediately contacted her and patched up things on how we can avail the concert ticket (which happened to be purchased by her friend in Cebu), plane ticket and the accommodation. To cut it short, everything was so unfortunate she was not able to make it since her friend was not able to get our tickets due to financial problems. I was disheartened and a part of me mocked myself for being too desperate so, considered it a blurry sign of not going. But from the start I already had an ill feeling about this not-so-sure ticket purchasing so I did a plan B simultaneously (see?! the desperation tho)

I availed the Provincial Assistance of Tickentnet, which was reserving one VIP seat. I had three days to pay for it through a third-party service. Three days. Yes, I had a chance to buy a good seat! But then, back again to my fear of being alone, I chickened out. Yes,I was so indecisive! I had three days to decide to take the risk of going or not and ended up giving myself a condition of going if I find a concert buddy. 

On the second day (to go until judgement day) I randomly scrolled on my Twitter and I saw a liked tweet by a friend which was about EXOrDIUM. I stalked over the account of the owner of the tweet and yas, she is from Iligan and a schoolmate way back in High School. With all the confidence I could muster, I mentioned her on Twitter to ask about it. Violaaa haha, the Lord really paved the way for me! I cannot imagine the wonders this universe could create to give me such happiness!!! The Lord gave me not one but two concert buddies!!! It was for me, I believed.

It was the last day to secure my seat. I grabbed it despite the fact that I needed to part ways from my concert buddies during the concert proper since they had a VIP Standing, while mine was seated.

Eventually, we booked our plane tickets a month before the event and set everything.  One of the best things in this fandom is that you get to know more friends that were once the people that you only knew by face and pass by in some random corners. Now, this commonality bonded us like we know each over for ages already!

Since I was very busy with school (Does "very busy" even give justice to the hardships? huhu) I was not able to feel the tension of the countdown! I studied hard like a cow to pass my Locomotor exam because I did not have the right to fail it and join the concert! Thank God for giving it to me! One day prior to the D-day, I was finally able to prepare the things that should be brought. Ghad, even with packing up my things I still cram haha (and ended up forgetting to bring along some important things).

One of them, Anne, was already in Manila days prior to the concert, so, Lis, slept over in our house since we need to depart to the airport at dawn the next day. But lol we only had like 2 hours of sleep because we kept on chatting about random things! Eventually, we slept with the fact that the boys already set foot in the country but sadly without Yixing...

By 4 AM we were already on our way to the airport and arrived after an hour. My parents drove us there, thank you parents for the support system despite the fact that they opposed to this partly huhu! We immediately checked in and sadly was not able to avail a window seat. 

We waited over an hour and wow for the first time, I experienced a non-delayed flight. By past 6 AM we were already on board. In between, we just chatted with lots of stuff. Lis is a bubbly person, so I got no problem creating scenarios in my head to make things less awkward in moments of silence. I got comfortable with her right away, you will never imagine how much things we've already covered haha! Since we had no aerial view to enjoy, we just took a nap and put our earphones on to blast EXO's vocals to our eardrums.

By past 8 AM we already arrived in Manila airport! Riding the bus shuttle and walking through the Arrival Area were so nostalgic and deja vu! I was here last year with the same purpose but with different worries left at home (uhhh PBL on Monday!). Lis' aunt fetched us from the airport and went to their house which is just within Pasay City. I guess it runs in their blood being talkative haha, I did not have a hard time and feel awkward all throughout the trip. I was able to take a glimpse of the city in a much closer look of reality (dusty and messy Manila) and eventually arrived in a subdivision. There, I was able to know Lis more with her relatives.

Her relatives were so accommodating and jokingly told me to receive them also if they happen to go back to Iligan (after a very long time). They prepared breakfast for us and I really savored it haha, when it comes to food, nope, being shy is not applicable for me! After an hour, Lis' cousin drove us to Baclaran for us to take the MRT (one of the edges of my trip from last year's). Her tita told us that EDSA's traffic is really crazy that it might take us 2 hours of travel to Quezon City if we choose to take the private car. We walked through the station. The people were in haste and painday inday was not an option! There I was able to experience Manila's real air pollution, crowdedness, danger from pickpockets! It was indeed reality! Throughout the travel, I witnessed a larger stretch of the adjacent cities, the rustic roofs of houses, the old buildings, some ruins, vandalism, the gray picturesque created by smoke belched out from all transportation units. It was crazy it made me think of my hometown, at least I still get to see the shades of green from trees and grassland! HAHA

After 15 minutes, we already arrived in Araneta Cubao. Lis contacted Anne right away to fetch us. Finally, I was able to meet her up close for the first time, though we bumped into each other randomly in the campus but we do not say hi to each other hahaha! Just like Lis, Anne has also this rainbow spirit. Getting along was never an issue with these girlies.

We finally headed on our way to the condo unit we shared with two other concert goers. Communication and getting along with them was not a problem also since they are from Davao City. Our room is on the 41st floor! In that moment, I get to realize how opposite the view was from my MRT ride. It was completely opposite, two-faced. All I can see is really pleasant to my senses, just like a city within a city. Everything is well-landscaped with tall buildings,, perk is that they give you lots of shade from the sun thus, walking around the coliseum is still no sweat! (of course city lights at nighttime!)

Anyways, we left out our baggage and refreshed ourselves. This was also an advantage from last year's concert since the unit is only a walking distance. The moment we arrived in the room, I was amazed, a condo indeed haha, there are appliances, such as tv, refrigerator, a sink, 2 crs, a sofa bed, a dining table, in the adjacent room is a big bed good for three and a cabinet for your clothes. It was really spacious and we only paid 600 php each wow!!! I commend Anne for arranging our accommodation, but by that time, we were not able to meet our roommates since they went down the coliseum area. We went out and met Anne's dad, they had their lunch so Lis and I went back to her Titas and also had our lunch in the Gateway Mall. Eventually, we bid farewell to them. I was really grateful to them for accompanying us to the venue like I cannot imagine myself doing it all alone huhu!

We went back to the condo afterwards and finally was able to meet the other roommates! We just chatted about where we came from and stuff. By 2 PM we were already on the grounds. We first explored the colored gates for our respective entrances and literally walked and ran around. I was so thankful to the girls who were really patient for accompanying me with my meet ups. I bought and received goods from random EXOLs, hahaha it was really tiring yet fun!

The coliseum was surrounded by so many people, with different races! There were so many happening such us meeting up with internet friends, distributing giveaways and banners, some selling unofficial merchandises by mostly Koreans. All food stores were full of fans. Everywhere, EXO's music was bursting. It was some kind of noise pollution that was not pollution at all! I was just so happy and we were there outside the venue anticipating the same thing, to see the boys!!!

By 4 PM, we already parted ways. So I just sat down in a corner. It felt like the rush of adrenaline subsided a little that I was able to feel the numbness of my feet from walking and running. I just carried along with me a bag full of goods! By 5 PM I already lined up in front of the Green Gate. It was so crowded since there was a pakulo nearby with Alodia as the host. Everyone was shouting and I was like ok, whatever let me just jam over EXO's music bursting everywhere haha!

Minutes after, they already let the fans go inside the venue, my heart was about to run from its sac! This is it ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I was lowkey lost at first but eventually recovered haha! ISTG my sense of direction is extremely poor! The usher guided me to my specific seat and I seated right away because my knees were shaking!!! I was so close, I just cannot collect myself!!! I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces and simply exchanged smiles with them. At that point, I enjoyed the time being solitary! Weirdly, the unfamiliarity gave me a happy feeling. It was comforting. It was a whole new experience for me. I was on the third row and basically almost everyone in front of me were Koreans or Chinese. I cannot distinguish them though, all I know is that they have qt eyes hehe. We just waited for more time and all I did was take pictures. Since I had no one to talk to, I burst out all of my emotions on my Twitter wall!

Every now and then the security officers were roaming in ever corner while bringing placards stating that no pictures or videos are allowed. They explained to us that we will be sent outside if we failed to adhere to the rules. Even cellular phones were prohibited. The fans were pissed off and haggling to allow take pictures and videos via phones but they were firm it. Bouncers were also distributed in the venue which gave me another headache, istg their body built really bothered me huhu. I just ranted over my twitter account how stressful it was. But minutes after, it was disseminated via Twitter brigade that Inang Reyna said cellphones were okay to use! Still, it was bothersome to be surrounded by them. I was supposed to feel safe around them but lol nope no thanks!

They eventually played EXO's music inside the venue as the audience were already filling up the seats. It was a cue that the event proper would start minutes from it. The fans started running in the center part and occupied the gaps. I really did not knew who allowed them but it was so scary like a stampede!!! The guards controlled the crowd right away and did not allow some fans who attempted to transfer seats! 

By 7PM the lights went off and a loud scream roared up until the top of the coliseum!!! There again my heart was fainting and I just want to back out from my post! Those shouts triggered so many mini heart attacks and the rush was on fire again! Though it turned black, the silver ocean was revealed! 

They were about to come out behind the screen!!!

And my heart stopped for a second when the barrier split into half! They came out with their red outfit that I used to only see on my Twitter screen!  ㅠㅠ and at that moment, I never knew I missed them so much omg! I got severe goosebumps when the intro of MAMA bombarded the coliseum! There is so much power with that song! I tried to compose my weak slef since I cannot punch the person beside me HAHAHA! I attempted to take videos and pictures since everyone was already raising their gadgets, IDC about the security officers anymore! However, I only did it a few times since I cannot afford to watch them on screen, I expended more than 20K to see them face to face lol!!! It was my closest proximity to them and all I ever asked was Are the even real? ㅠㅠ because they look like mannequins I can see no trace of blood flowing in their flesh! 

Anyways, I was happy to see Monster stage live! This era is one of the bests because I live for the leader’s dab  ㅋㅋㅋ and yas the Tree of Life, still surviving up until NOW and that was so beautiful! 

At some point, I felt conflicted with what to do, I was torn among holding the lightstick, take a video, a picture, watch them on LCD screen or on stage, to sneak out my action camera or not? HAHAHA butt I did not care eventually and just enjoyed the performance. Though I promised to myself to take lots of it since I was not able to do it last concert... 

White Noise happened next! There was no raining effect. I wanted to feel disappointed because PH concert is the most expensive concert among all countries, yet they were not able to give this set up. But I was not, because the vocals were so perfect, plus the choreography, the boys on rising platforms just left us slayed! Everything was so pure perfection, though it could get prettier with the effects of the water but I had no regrets! 

And yes, everyone’s favorite LOL the sensual part!!! Putting back Thunder on the setlist is yet the best decision ever made, thank youuu for putting back that relevant song and choreography!  Plus the rude Playboy hahaha, please let me pair myself with Jongin  ㅋㅋㅋ bless  bless the pairings! I though Araneta will collapse when the fans started screaming ( I see everyone’s tonsils being shookt lol) by the time they grinded on their canes. My goodness, what kind of sin is this?! I was prepared? but I remained shocked!!! We were not able to save our eyes from committing an unforgivable sin myghed!!! Who allowed this?! HAHAHUHU 

Bless bless Jongin doing that break dance of Artificial Love on the rising platform with blindfold on, I love him huhu... I just realized how desperate I was to see him up close and dance in real life! Thank you for making it happen! 

Eventually the acoustic session came next which allowed us to breathe and recover from so much attack! I was able to take a video of the whole segment and watching it all over again just makes me happy. I live for Jongin’s angelic voice in Moonlight! and yaaas Kyungsoo’s rnb-ish voice huhu! 

Everyone was laughing hysterically when Junmyeon commented on how well we sang the whole songs! Lol, sorry but we do not do fanchants here hahaha! He even asked if the PH has KPop Academy LMAO  ㅋㅋㅋ ㅋㅋㅋ ㅋㅋㅋ I commend the leader/s eagerness to converse directly to fans in English  ㅠㅠ *bow 90 degrees* and Kyungsoo singing to Because of You snatched me  ㅠㅠ and Chanyeol’s random shuffling and dabbing were too funny haha! Baekhyun also suffered from ADHD! 

Unfortunately, Jongin was not in his best condition. I only knew this when he said it during the ment. I was not able to notice that he had a tummy ache, he fought a hard battle to hide it though! 

They also noticed and talked about the fan project of the banner that we raised during Heaven. But how I wish the fans have better ideas, like yes we can do better than this... the PH official fanbase should innovate more for the next concert huhu...

Most fans remained standing starting from the EDM session. Like I said last year, the only rave that I am going to attend. It was lit, the lights delivered well. Eventually, the songs such as Growl were my cue that the event was about to end... I did not want to, so I put everything down and just live the moment! They had their last encore which I was able to understand the translator but I felt their sincerity even though their is a language barrier and besides, the fans were always screa m i n g !!! 

I felt sad when Angel played. They playfully picked up the toys thrown on stage and said bye bye to all the fans in every corner. I was teary eyed, I really did not what were the appropriate feelings huhu... 

I really cannot believe that God allowed me to witness this in the last minute of holding my hope of buying that ticket! This makes my youth memorable, that I was crazy enough not to eat just to buy those sick tickets. But never in my whole life I imagined of seeing them, it was just a mere appreciation of their talents but I was whooshed inside the black hole and got personally attached  ㅠㅠ Yet, I am having no regrets, just like I said over and over again. Meeting EXO is a kind of haven. *drama queen takes over haha*

I hope to see them I-dunno-when but surely I will!!!  감사합니다 

#exordium #exordiuminmanila #exordium in manila #exo

[pixelonline]

GW2 Story Week - Tor: The First Meeting

Tor never liked sailing much, or flying, or dolyak carts, or really anything that jostled him about while he was trying to read or write. Was it really so hard to just stay still so he could finish this new design? Really? Though this particular complaint had him barred from many an owner’s mode of transportation it never stopped him from voicing it.

“Asura gates exist for a damn reason,” he muttered for what felt like the millionth time. His journal open on his lap, with a sketch of what looked like a hawk coming to realization. Why his father had forced him into this barbaric traveling was still beyond his realm of understanding. He was supposed to replace his father at a trial in Divinity’s Reach, not go on some scenic tour. What good did it do commoners to see a noble traveling? To have one temporarily insert himself into their lives for the sake of appearing like he cared? They worked and lived and loved just fine without his presence, and he worked and dreamed and lived just as well without being directly involved with them. A pompous attitude, sure, but was it really different from what reality had decided was true? He cared no more for the person in the third house of the second village than they did for some Human noble’s bookah son gallivanting around. His father was an ambassador, in any case, so it’s not like anything he did even mattered to people. So long as the waypoint taxes were low and some useful Asura tech made their way to the farms there was no reason to even bother remembering the Human ambassador and his family living in Rata Sum.

The harsh ring of Fort Salma’s watchtower bell forced him out of his pity party. Next stop, this place. Check on some Human/Asura relations at the first human fort between the two capitals, chat with a trader or two, pet a cat, maybe even have dinner with some Seraph commanders or whatever. Then, his trip continues on, stopping at small settlements and trading posts, meeting those who wouldn’t know or bother to remember his face. End up at Dvinity’s Reach and spend the next few months flittering about like some self important toadstool. What a lovely trip, really. With a sigh, his journal carefully closed and fit into the small pouch at his hip, he glanced out the cart’s window to the farmland around him. Inspiration struck whenever it might, and he preferred to be able to jot them down immediately. Propriety be damned.  

His cart rolled to a harsh stop, the dolyak doing their obnoxious dolyak yell as stable hands begin the process of cooling them down. He stepped out of the covered cart, dust rising as his boots hit the ground harshly. With Tor’s face an immediate mask of noble dignity and grace, he greeted the people nearby as if he’d known them all his life. He shook hands with a Sergeant Yarbrough who didn’t seem all that pleased to meet him, and was led from the front gates through the small marketplace and into the fort’s more fortified walls. He stopped abruptly in what appeared to be the dining hall.

“My time is precious, my lord, so forgive me if I don’t spend quality time showing you about. We have centaurs invading all around here and I’m needed to protect the villagers. Your quarters are to the left, down the hall. Last room, can’t miss it.” the Sergeant was curt in his statement, already turned from the room and walking out. “The Captain will meet with you tonight, though. She’s dealing with some issues around the fort. We have a higher rank visiting as well, but she’ll be leaving soon. On some mission for the Queen.” Tor nodded, uninterested in responding. He was already planning his report of the place. The farms were a distance from the market and dolyaks were slow. They’d definitely benefit from the efficiency and speed of a hovering...well...anything.

Tor began to wander about the building. Clearly the center of the Seraph’s settlement, the rooms were all packed with either beds, weapons, or supplies. Still considering what tech would make the Fort and its residents safer, maybe a laser turret system for the centaur issue wouldn’t be the best after all, he wandered through a large door to an open plaza in the center of the keep. Obviously redesigned to be a training area, worn out straw dummies hung off wooden poles sadly and blunt weapons littered the ground. A small well in the center drew his attention. More accurately, the sound coming from the well. A woman, clad in red and gold armor sat with her back against it, humming softly as she sharpened arrows. Her long red hair kept away from her neck and face by a single hair pin, her expression serious and focused on her task.

Girenadayle.

He hadn’t seen her since he was a child. A noble as well, he recalled the times he’d seen her play in the central plaza of Divinity’s Reach. Unafraid of adventure even as a kid, she would throw herself fearlessly into whatever game they were playing. He’d watched from the royal library’s window as she bothered her Seraph sister each day to teach her how to hold a sword, what stances would bring the most to her attacks. Tor had been young when his father was chosen to move to the Asura capital, but he never forgot how this one girl stood out to him. He’d heard about her from time to time. Her sister, murdered on patrol. She joining the ranks after her father was claimed by them as well. She rose to lieutenant quickly, rumors claimed it to be because of her nobility, though he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it couldn’t be true.

“Are you going to stare much longer? It’s getting annoying.” She glared in his direction and a thousand daggers pierced his body. No, there was no way she used her noble rank to gain her military one. Her eyes had been sharpened by many, many battles, that much was obvious.

“Er...I-I, yes. I mean, no! I mean...it’s nice to see you. Again. Once more.” Shut up, shut up, shut up! Mashed onions for brains, Tordacien. He stepped towards her and offered a polite bow. Perfectly noble. Not at all weird. It was completely normal to bow to a soldier. Yep. Everyone did it. All the time. She...she was still staring at him. Slowly from boot tip to skull. He felt like a show moa. Had he been assessing her like this? Surely not. ...Right?

“Book kid. You went to Rata Sum. Not much of a dancer, if my feet remember. What are you doing here?” She set down her arrows and stood. “There isn’t much in the way of Asura here, and if you’re heading to Divinity’s Reach I’m fairly certain the gates are much faster.”

He let out a sigh so deep his entire body slacked, the ping of embarrassment at her remembering his two left feet immediately gone. “Thank you. That’s what I said, but no, I’m supposed to see how the settlements between here and Metrica are, get an idea of how the people we govern live, but we get reports every week so how is seeing it myself supposed to change anything? I’m replacing my father at the royal court this year, not taking a nice tour of the territory and have inane talks about things those living it understand much better than I.” She chuckled as he ran out of air for his sarcastic rant. Leaning against the well she seemed entirely at ease now that he’d dropped his own formal posture.

“Well, you can’t do good with laws and whatnot if you don’t see what the needs are, can you? You sound an awful lot like Faren, though you’d think all the books would have made you far more intelligent. You have a responsibility as a noble and representative of Kryta, you should probably act like it. These people, all people, work hard and deserve your full respect.”

He gaped. She just compared him to the most pompous imbecile in all of Tyria. That pinhead couldn’t be a decent Lord if someone covered the goal in women and coin. A constant fountain of ego, even as a child. He’d never liked Faren. None of that having to do with him easily becoming friends with every child, while Tor found himself lacking the skill, of course. Unable to retort, Tor stood there, completely engulfed in old jealousies and new shame. She definitely had a point. Multiple, even. He’d been treating these people as if they didn’t matter, and she saw right through him. Damn fool, even as an adult.

“I’ll be a court in a few days, myself. Captain Thackeray and I have been building a case against someone very dangerous. We may see each other then, Lord Tordacien.” She walked past him, bumping her armored shoulder against his. The shock of her so close, so warm, drove him out of his thoughts.

“Lady...Lieutenant...er...G-Girenadayle. You, uh, you know...I prefer Tor. My name is kind of a mouthful. And overly grandiose.” He hated stuttering. He thought he’d conquered this while attending the College of Statics, but it would seem that the case not so.

She smiled. “I completely agree. Giren, for me. See you in Divinity’s Reach, Tor.”

He didn’t move, didn’t breathe, until she was completely out of sight. She knew his name. She knew his name. They’d only spoken a handful of times at social gatherings. Years, and years ago. He sat down with a thud. She knew his name, wanted to see him again! ....And most likely thought he was a complete ass. Of course, he sounded like one. The commoners, farmers, tradesmen mattered, dammit. How could he have even thought otherwise?! Without them, nothing would function. Every person in Kryta mattered, made their society function and flow. He was no better than them, he’d never had to do hard labor in his life. There’s no way he’d be able to survive the way these people did with what looked like ease. He rubbed a hand over his face, exhausted suddenly. Yep, he’d been a right bear’s rear end. He left the plaza consumed with examining his past behaviors. He’d have to treat his traveling companions when they reached their final destination. He had no doubt that he’d been a pain to be around. As the Sergeant said, his quarters were easy to find, much nicer than any of the other sleeping areas he’d seen. He was grateful that they’d tried to make him feel welcome, though the streak of guilt at the residents going out of their way to make a room nicer just for him still struck. Sitting at the small writing desk in the far corner of the room underneath a window with just enough of the setting sun’s light creeping through, he pulled out his journal. Opening to a new page, he began to write.

Entry 1: Fort Salma

I’ve been quite terrible, recently. Lady Gi Giren reminded me of that. She’s very much the same as I remember her, and so much better. I know now why I’d never seen her around when visiting the capital from time to time, she was out changing, learning, being someone people needed. And what have I done? Wallow in my own thoughts and never once thought of anyone else. That changes, as of now. I’ll take on this duty to meet the people of Kryta seriously and listen to their concerns. What I can’t change myself I’ll take to the ministers. Surely someone has the capability to fix what’s wrong. It’s well past time to get serious. After father’s task is completed, I’ll find something to do that puts some meaning in my life. Continue working on those elixirs I had such an affinity for in my schooling, maybe. We only met for a moment, but still she is an inspiration, isn’t she?

#hail the platypi #gw2 story week #tordacien #gw2 #this is where he finallt decides to apply himself and starts becoming an asset to Tyria #and also i figured out how to fit what i've been working on into his lorem #*lore

[quirkyjasmine89]

What is it about traveling solo that makes me wanna cry? Seriously, my recent trip to Sagada was already my second solo adventure. But from the moment that I arrived back home, I was crying so hard and I just knew that I will never ever be the same. Because it had already taken a special place in my heart and will truly long for it wherever I go. A desire that I hopefully pray that I will have the chance to visit it again, not once or twice, but for quite a number of times.

Anyway, Sagada, known as one of the most sought-after tourist destination in the Philippines, has always been at the top of the list of those places that I really wanted to explore in my our very own country. And I’ am so grateful beyond words for finally having the opportunity, the time to visit, and also get to know in person this queer small town in the Ifugao Province.

(Stopover in Banaue for Breakfast)

Well as usual from my previous blogs, I will share with you my travel diary about my trip there. However, there will be certain things that I would have to omit or filter for such reasons that those moments were so private or special that I just couldn’t share it; and that whatever that is, is something that I wanted to keep it to myself.

First of all, this trip was actually decided when I had the chance to book earlier this year a promo fare going to Manila and also had already planned to book my tour in Sagada under Ms. Aileen’s travel agency, the same one that had handled our tour in Ilocos Sur and Norte.

Unfortunately, a day before the trip, I was informed by her that majority of its joiners in our scheduled tour had to reschedule it for another week. Considering that I’ am only a solo joiner, Ms. Aileen had no choice but to transfer me to another travel agency. So by the time that I was informed about it. I was quite nervous and anxious because of the unexpected changes. But who would have thought, that such alterations in my Sagada tour would turn out to be a very unique and memorable experience. Truly a blessing in disguise.

Moving forward into my story, I’ve arrived in Manila in the early morning of Thursday, and I was informed upon arrival that the new tour guide would pick me up in front of MOA SMX Convention at around 8pm. Therefore I had the time to visit my relatives in Makati before heading off to my assigned meeting place in the early evening.

Then at 8:30pm, Mr. Ron of Travel Ventours had arrived along with two fellow joiners named Miss Arge and her mom. And as for the rest of the group, they were picked up in a different mall. So by the time that our group was complete. We were officially on our way to Sagada with a short side trip to Banaue for our early breakfast, and a site seeing in its world famous Rice Terraces. According to Kuya Ron, the journey will take for about 14 hours including those many stopovers that we really had to do.

(Greeting the new day in Banaue)

Well, I must say, the journey was quite exhausting due to the number of hours that we were sitting in the van and also to our lack of sleep. But it’s a good thing that we were only 10 in a 14 seater van because it had really made us entirely comfortable in our sitting position all throughout our journey. Which was truly important since it’s a very long road trip. Thus, it was a big factor that made it less stressful.

I think it was around 5am that we’ve finally arrived in Banaue for our breakfast. So we were taken at the Banaue Sunrise Restaurant and Guesthouse. This Bed and Breakfast type of restaurant is known as the place where many travelers around Ifugao and Benguet Province would stop over. As to their food, it’s a bit pricey, but their servings are quite big. Plus, they provide such a very delicious brewed coffee. In which I’ve really enjoyed drinking while I was watching the beauty of the sunrise in Banaue.

(Banaue Rice Terraces)

After that, we went straight to Banaue Rice Terraces for a short stopover to take some pictures, and see in person as to one of the most stunning views in the world. But honestly, the views around Benguet were definitely more breathtaking than the one I saw in Banaue.

Anyway, the journey to Sagada from Banaue will take for about 2-3 hours depending on the weather. In our case, it was a bit foggy and then suddenly a sunny trip all the way to the mountains. Moreover, it was a bit scary because of the zigzag roads that we had to pass through, and I was a bit nervous. By the time that we were about to approach Sagada, everyone in our group was truly grateful for the sunny atmosphere. And from the moment that we had finally arrived in our guesthouse. We were all entirely greeted by such a cold weather.

Upon arrival in the guesthouse, we were given for about 3 hours to rest and get settled into our assigned rooms. Then go out again to eat our lunch at the Sagada Homestay Inn and Restaurant. Plus, if there’s one thing that I’ve observed in our first day in Sagada is that the cost of its meals there is somewhat expensive.

After our lunch, we went back to the guesthouse to drop-off two of our fellow joiners who wouldn’t be joining us in the trekking inside the Sumaging Cave. As for the other two in our group, Ate Arge’s mom and solo traveler Miss Rizelle, they would be going to a different site seeing.

(Sagada Homestay Inn and Restaurant)

The reason that there were four joiners who have decided not to join us was that it’s a challenging physical activity and that they don’t want to really exhaust themselves. But as for me, I wanted to know what the fuss was all about. So I’ve decided to really go for it.

Considering that the five of us who were willing to trek inside the cave are amateur trekkers. We were just requested by Kuya Ron (Tour Guide) for the safer option because the cave connection (Lumiang to Sumaging Cave) is for those who have such an experienced in cave trekking.

Some tips for anyone who are planning to go there:

Bring with you a waterproof jacket.

Wear Leggings, or Shorts

For your footwear, make sure that it’s a rubber slipper.

Don’t bring anything. Both of your hands needs to be free from any handy thing.

If you’ll bring your phone or camera, make sure that its waterproof.

It’s a must that at all times, you should definitely follow and obey your assigned local guide inside the cave. For its really risky if you don’t.

Be physically fit, and be willing to hold those big rocks despite all of its muddiness and sliminess.

And lastly, always pray for your strength and safety inside.

(The Entrance Going to Sumaging Cave)

(Group Picture)

By the way, even if the Sumaguing Cave was a much safer choice. It still doesn’t mean that it’s entirely secure. It is because, as a trekker, one should be very responsible and careful inside the cave. One mistake, and it could be fatal, and it’s entirely up to that person to be alert and attentive at all times.

Honestly, it was a very exhausting and scary experience, but the kind of experience that makes all the hardships inside totally worth it, and like I said, just be careful. The trekking took for about 2 hours and had really made us all physically tired and wet by the time that we were out of the cave. At 4pm we were back to our guesthouse to change and take a short rest before heading back to town for our dinner.

(Sumaging Cave)

For our first dinner night out in Sagada, Kuya Ron’s first choice was supposed to be in Salt and Pepper Diner, but the restaurant was already fully booked that we had to transfer to another one. Somewhere a bit farther from his first choice, the Sagada Hub. And upon arrival, I was surprised to know that for a meal, it actually cost about P150-200. I must say, for a local destination. It sure is expensive.

And since it was quite obvious that we were all so tired. We went back to the guesthouse so that we could sleep early and prepare for our 6am assembly time for breakfast because we really need to have an earlier start in our trekking to Bomod-Ok Falls.

So that’s the story of our journey and first day in Sagada, and I’m so looking forward to sharing with you my travel diary of our second day of trekking there.

Thank you so much for reading.

That Place Called Sagada: The Long Journey and First Day in Town What is it about traveling solo that makes me wanna cry? Seriously, my recent trip to Sagada was already my second solo adventure.

#Banaue Rice Terraces #Blog #Blogging #Cave Trekking #Ifugao Province #Philippines #Photography #Road Trip #Sagada #Travel #Travel Diary #Wanderer #Wordpress #Writing

[ralphmorgan-blog1]

Heres How To Give ThanksNot Once A YearBut Every Day

Ryan Holiday’s Instagram

The modern practice of this Thanksgiving holiday here in America is that we are supposed to take the time to think about what we’re grateful for. And the candidates are usually pretty obvious: We should be grateful for our families, for our health, that we live in a time of peace, for the good laid out in front of us. All the usual suspects.

I agree, these are important things to recognize and appreciate. It’s also a good to have a specific day dedicated to that occasion. So by all means, celebrate.

But over the last year, I have come to practice a different form of gratitude. It’s one that is a little harder to do, that goes beyond the cliche and perfunctory acknowledgment of the good things in our lives, but as a result creates a deeper and more profound benefit.

I forget how I came up with exactly, but I remember feeling particularly upset—rageful if I am being perfectly honest—about someone in my life. This was someone who had betrayed me and wronged me, and shown themselves to be quite different from the person that I had once so respected and admired. Even though our relationship had soured a few years before and they had been punished by subsequent events, I was still angry, regularly so, and I was disappointed with how much space they took up in my head.

So one morning, as I sat down early with my journal as I do every morning, I started to write about it. Not about the anger that I felt—I had done that too many times—but instead about all the things I was grateful for about this person. I wrote about my gratitude for all sorts of things about them, big and small. It was just a sentence or two at first. Then a few days later, I did it again and then again and again whenever I thought about it, and watched as my anger partly gave way to appreciation. As I said, sometimes it was little things, sometimes big things: Opportunities they had given me. What I had learned. A gift they had given me. What weaknesses they had provided vivid warnings of with their behavior. I had to be creative to come up with stuff, but if I looked, it was there.

A few months later, I came across a viral article about a designer who had gone through a painful divorce. Prompted by his work computer to change his password every 30 days, he decided to use this medium as a chance to change his life. The password he chose: Forgive@h3r. And at least once per day for the next month, often multiple times a day, he found himself typing in that phrase over and over. Each time he got to work, each day when he got back from lunch, when his computer would go to sleep while he was in a meeting or on the phone: Forgive her. Forgive her. Forgive her.

It struck me that that there was something similar about my gratitude exercise and the small success I had. It was easy to think negative thoughts and to get stuck into a pattern with them. But forcing myself to take the time not only to think about something good, but write that thought down longhand was a kind of re-wiring of my own opinions. It became easier to see that while there certainly was plenty to be upset about, the balance of the situation had still overwhelmingly in my favor. Epictetus has said that every situation has two handles: Which was I going to decide to hold onto? The anger or the appreciation?

Now in the mornings, when I journal, I try to do this as often as I can. I try to find ways to express gratitude not for the things that are easy to be grateful for, but for what is hard. Gratitude for that nagging pain in my leg, gratitude for that troublesome client, gratitude for that delayed flight, gratitude for that damage from the storm. Because it’s making me take things slow, because it’s helping me develop better boundaries, because some flights are going to be delayed and I’m glad it wasn’t a more important flight, because the damage could have been worse, because the damage exposed a more serious problem that now we’re solving. And on and on.

Because he is a ridiculous, embarrassing clown, Donald Trump once tweeted “Happy Thanksgiving to all–even the haters and losers!” But in his own way, he’s right. We should be giving thanks even to the haters and losers. Actually, that’s particularly who we should be thanking. The haters for pointing out our flaws and keeping us sharp. The losers for being losers so we don’t have to be. Or whatever. The point is: There is something to be thankful for in everything and to everyone. Even in and especially in a hater and loser like Donald Trump.

This is part and parcel of living a life of amor fati. Where instead of fighting and resisting what happens to you, you accept it, you love it all. It’s easy to be thankful for family, for health, for life, even if we regularly take these things for granted. It’s easy to express gratitude for someone who has done something kind for you, or whose work you admire. We might not do it often enough, but in a sense, we are obligated to be grateful for such things. It is far harder to be grateful for things we didn’t want to happen or to people who have hurt us. But there were benefits hidden in these situations and these interactions too. And if there wasn’t, even if the situations were unconscionably and irredeemably bad there is always some bit of us that knows that we can be grateful that at least it wasn’t even worse.

“Let us accept it,” Marcus Aurelius wrote to himself in his own journal some two thousand years ago, “as we accept what the doctor prescribes. It may not always be pleasant, but we embrace it —because we want to get well.” The Stoics saw gratitude as a kind of medicine, that saying “Thank you” for every experience was the key to mental health. “Convince yourself that everything is the gift of the gods,” Marcus said, “that things are good and always will be.” This isn’t always easy to do, obviously, we should try to do it because the doctor asked us to try this experimental procedure—and because the old way isn’t working well either.

I’m not saying it will be magic but it will help.

So as you gather around your family and friends this Thanksgiving or Christmas or any other celebration you might partake in, of course, appreciate it and give thanks for all the obvious and bountiful gifts that moment presents. Just make sure that when the moment passes, as you go back to your everyday, ordinary life that you make gratitude a regular part of it. Again—not simply for what is easy and immediately pleasing.

That comes naturally enough, and may even go without saying. What is in more desperate need of appreciation and perspective are the things you never asked for, the things you worked hard to prevent from happening in the first place. Because that’s where gratitude will make the biggest difference and where we need the most healing.

Whatever it is. However poorly it went.

Be grateful for it. Give thanks for it. There was good within it.

Write it down. Over and over again. Until you believe it.

If you want some specific journaling prompts (many of which are about gratitude and appreciating the present moment) check out The Daily Stoic Journal. And here are some more thoughts on the practice of journaling.

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Heres How To Give ThanksNot Once A YearBut Every Day was originally posted by A 18 MOA Top News from around

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[ralphmorgan-blog1]

Meet NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman: Antarctic Adventurer And Trained Poet

“More than 18,000 applied when the job posting went live,” future astronaut Zena Cardman told IFLScience. “After the first round of interviews, there were just 120 remaining; for the final round, there were 50. And then there were 12 – and I’m one of them.”

The allure of the dark star ocean is difficult for anyone to resist – the enormity of it all, the planets, the galaxies, the comets, and the black holes, all wrapped in an impermeable mystery.

No wonder so many kids want to be an astronaut when they grow up, but so few actually get to see if their dreams match up to the extraordinary reality. Shifting expectations, societal barriers, and pressures all contribute to this discrepancy, but the extremely tough selection process itself definitely has something to do with it.

Back in May, NASA announced that it had picked its Class of 2017 – 12 highly skilled and ludicrously lucky individuals that would be trained up to escape Earth’s atmosphere. We sat down to have a chat with a couple of them – both future heroines taking women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to the extreme.

Cardman, a self-confessed “microbe wrangler” and Antarctica frequenter, was first up. Hailing from Virginia, she was in the middle of her PhD in microbiology at Penn State when she applied, and even when she received the fate-changing final call.

“I genuinely thought I wouldn’t get it, and I thought that at every stage of the process. The day after I turned in my application, there was all this stuff in the press about 18,000 people applying – so I thought, there goes that!”

-

The first round of applications opened in December 2015, posted online across several job application websites, like any ordinary job would be. Then came the unnerving waiting. Months flew by, and the first interview requests were sent out in September 2016. After the second round in April, the 12 winners of the competition to end all competitions were found out in May.

“Getting the call for the first round interview was one of complete shock – even more of a shock than the second round one, it was so out of the blue,” Cardman added.

“Just meeting everyone that were experts at what they do, with such a diversity of experience – and so humble and nice on top of that – I just thought there was no way, I wouldn’t be picked out of these people.”

She was ultimately chosen, of course. We point out that she now has the stress of actually being an astronaut for real. “Well that’s a wonderful problem to have,” she replied.

Although she points out that it wasn’t as “cutthroat” as she imagined, Cardman describes the entire process as “definitely unlike any other job interview that I’d had.” Although much of the interview process remains off-the-record and under wraps, it all sounds a little more like the interviews shown at the start of Men In Black than anything else.

Considering that Cardman’s expertise is in extreme life forms – the sort lurking around deep-sea hydrothermal vents and beneath ice sheets – talk of alien life wouldn’t be amiss here. However, it seems that NASA was far more interested in her as a person, and in her experiences, than her academic background.

“I expected to do so many sit ups in a certain amount of time, or run a mile, or do a hundred pull ups or whatever, but they really are just trying to get to know you,” she explains.

“Really, they want to know if they’re willing to spend six months in a tin can with you.”

Probably not as high-tech as you'd imagine. xyzena.com

In any case, her academic career – much of which was spent on isolated research vessels heading along the coastline of the Southern Continent, along with a small but diverse crew – certainly appealed to the upper echelons of NASA. After all, this sounds a lot like what she will be doing in a couple of years’ time.

“Antarctica is like summer camp for grown-ups, but cold,” Cardman tells us. You work together, you play together. It’s a really great experience because you have all these different types of people with a common goal of doing a science project – from academics to engineers to cooks to electricians.”

She describes her time in Antarctica – “a constant nature documentary” – as instrumental to not just career, but her life. “It’s amazing, getting to see penguins in real life, getting to smell penguins in real life – that last part is less exciting. They are endlessly adorable and fun to watch.”

She added that, on Christmas morning, while they were out on a pair of Zodiac speedboats, “some humpbacks appeared right next to me – you could reach out and touch them if you wanted to. I am so grateful for that experience.”

Penguin spotting - a classic pastime in Antarctica. xyzena.com

Cardman’s time in extreme environments conducting cutting-edge science certainly seems like a good fit for a future astronaut, but her earlier time at university featured a somewhat more eclectic mix of subjects, including biology, marine science, and poetry.

She signed up for poetry at first simply because all science majors had to take an English class, but thanks to a wonderful lecturer – a long-term substitute to boot – and a fantastic course, she ended up writing a thesis on the subject. “It’d be my last chance to do that sort of thing,” she adds.

We mention the scene in the movie Contact, where protagonist Dr. Ellie Arroway, upon seeing an alien civilization for the first time, remarked: “They should have sent a poet.” How does Cardman feel about finally being an astronaut that ticks this box?

“I hope that experience will help me convey the things that I see when I eventually go to space,” she tells us, before adding: “God, I really… I have no idea what to expect.

“From what I understand, this job continues to feel surreal and fake until that moment that you lift off. But I think getting to see the curve of the Earth against that black background – it must be completely life-altering. I can’t even imagine what it’ll be like, but I hope I’ll be able to convey that back home.”

So what happens now, we ask. With a wonderful sense of nonchalance, Cardman tells us that “the first two years is the training period. It’ll be like being back in school again; everything from learning to fly P-38 supersonic jets to learning spacewalking techniques.”

She’ll also be mandated to learn the Russian language, “which I’m very excited about – I’ve never learned a language that has a different alphabet before.” Robotics and the workings of the International Space Station (ISS) will also feature heavily.

Indeed, the ISS is where she’ll be headed first, but soon after, “our eyes will turn outwards beyond low-Earth orbit, just like it did with the Apollo program.” Cardman says that whether it’s an asteroid, the Moon, Mars, or anywhere else, she’ll be fine. “I’ll happily go wherever they send me.”

Cardman has done much and explored a lot of Planet Earth in the name of science, and she’s not even 30 yet. That makes her a powerful ambassador for women in STEM – and now, she’s also going to be an astronaut. It’s a one-in-a-billion legacy, and something she doesn’t credit to hard work alone.

“Part of it is that I followed what interested me,” she notes. “But more importantly, I got lucky – I had mentors that wrote back and said they would help me, who took a chance on me when I was just some undergrad.

“I will be forever grateful to them – and to my family of course, who let me go on all these crazy adventures, and who are still supporting me on this new, wild adventure.

“I think I speak for everyone in this class when I say, we haven’t done this alone. That’s for sure.”

The Class of 2017. NASA

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Meet NASA Astronaut Zena Cardman: Antarctic Adventurer And Trained Poet was originally posted by A 18 MOA Top News from around

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