#i just wanted to complete the trifecta ok | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

the-valiant-valkyrie · 7 months

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Dr Prism headcanons?

jumping up and down……. the woman trifecta is complete whoopiee!!!!!!!! ok ok hang on lets see. [spoilers for ieytd3 but i feel like that's kind of obvious]

she's a great singer, but has two left feet. she can not dance for her life. thankfully, i don't think she's ever attended a social event where she would be expected to dance (or a social event at ALL, really💥)

she was a gifted kid in her youth. she was an incredibly charming and intelligent girl- could hold meaningful conversations with adults, could handle academic work well above her grade level, and had a natural sense of curiosity that her peers couldn't rival

as a result, though, this also meant that she was never really popular. she was great at talking with adults, but other people her age was a different story entirely… she never really developed great social skills. that carried with her into adulthood.

reginald was really one of her only friends that she made in her time at the agency. yeah she knew people, but he was the only one she could say she trusted.

HE made friends with HER, by the way. that's the only reason they even are friends. he's just exceptionally social and likes making new people feel comfortable in the office, and she latched onto him as the only guy who was especially niceys to her.

she's pretty hard on herself when it comes to her work. she'll keep her nose to the grindstone for an unhealthy amount of time.

she- much like the fabricator- is fond of encouraging her own progress with snacks and treats in between her work. however, unlike the fabricator, she wants to feel as though she's earned them before she has them. more often than not, this leads to hours/days passing by in between the times where she lets herself have a treat.

she has autism.

as a result- because she is their creator- all of her robots also have autism. they weren't really supposed to talk or interact with the world the way that they do. most of that is because of them picking up things from roxana.

she stims, and her robots picked that up from her too. except they don't do it for any particular reason. they just really like mimicking her.

SPEAKING OF HER ROBOTS!!! She loves those things so god damned much. which is canon that's not even a headcanon. but it's so real i have to say it here, too.

despite how absolutely absurdly dangerous it was to interact with any part of the Agency after KBOOM, reginald and phoenix got back in touch with her specifically so that they could reunite her with right robot

and she did cry when she saw him again. obviously she didn't think that any of her robots survived… she couldn't really bring herself to react when she lost them all in cold shoulder. the shock affected her so much she didn't really have the time to grieve in any traditional sense of the word. but seeing one still alive really got to her. it was relieving and devastating all at once.

she backs up right robot's memory every day, to three separate gigantic ass hard drives. it's the only way she can sleep at night.

she's also vowed never to make another robot again… not like remaking the ones she lost would help. she can't, anyways- not without Kinesium- but even if she could, how could she? how could she bare replacing them? obsessing over robots brought pain to everyone she cared about, her only friend, herself, her own creations. she's not doing that again. she can't bring herself to do it again

she's not above consuming caffeine to get more work done, but she's incredibly sensitive to it. it helps her work at the cost of increased anxiety. she always regrets it but it never convinces her to actually stop

#ieytd #i expect you to die #ieytd3 spoilers #roxana prism #she is SOOOO cool and SOOOO lame at the same time dude. im obsessed with her i want to put her in a jar.#i would muse her if i wasn't scared of musing smart characters. i could never be her. i want to though #headcanons

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benjenren · 2 years

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ok ok when I first saw the "laenor fakes his death" rumor I dismissed it as wishful thinking because, lol, this is asoiaf not ofmd, the bad explanation is usually the right one.

but I keep seeing it and... I can't help it

I WANT TO BELIEVE

first and foremost, killing off joffrey/laena/laenor in back to back to back episodes is uhhh quite the egregious diversity loss for a modern tv show. it's plausible the writers are aware of that and want to avoid completing the trifecta. think of the tweets. hbo probably did.

secondly, since there are screencaps of a fight, I have a theory that if qorl was actually sent to kill laenor, it will turn out he was sent by vaemond not daemon. (larys kinslay inspo icon.) the show already had daemon unambiguously jumpscare murder rhea. having him also kill laenor just feels... tired? it's not fresh, it's not exciting, it's not popping. in f&b after laenor's death, vaemond starts calling rhaenyra's kids bastards and insisting he's the rightful heir to driftmark. he's a plausible plotter. wildcard!

thirdly, and this is just personally entertaining to me, I would find it very funny if, after repeatedly insisting on his valyrian right to have multiple wives, daemon ends up in a two husbands marriage with rhaenyra and laenor. I would personally quite enjoy that reversal. (plus daemon is bisexual in the supplemental materials now, so, bonus.)

I'm prepared to be disappointed but...

WHAT IF

#house of the dragon #house of the dragon spoilers #hotd #laenor velaryon #daemon targaryen #yes yes i'm fully prepared to apply my clown makeup if it just turns out daemon kills laenor #but i dun want it #'but wouldn't that make daemon and rhaenyra's kids illegitimate if laenor ever turns up again?'#that's why you get valyrian married cause it's fine then just use that targ dragon power to remake reality force people to accept it #that's daemon's whole argument the first two times he tries to do a bigamy #third time's the charm!!#what's a few more bastards between friends it's fine #also it would have interesting implications for jon's legitimacy if the targ royal line is descended from secret bigamy #i'm getting too enamored of this idea i'm in too deep #gotta be prepared to let it go #tumblr deleted this when i went to post it i retyped all this from memory i hope someone finds it mildly amusing lol

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dangermousie · 1 year

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Finished ep 1

Yeah, just your normal school here...

All sorts of foreshadowing in general: Jacinta telling Caye if he doesn’t stop talking, he won’t live to adulthood, Hector saying this is a school and not correction facility (hah! if you only knew!) and Elsa responding that the parents send their kids there to control and rule them. Alphonso looking for weapons of mass destruction etc. Also, charming, laid-back Fermin has a gun!

Speaking of, god the start of Maria x Fermin, where he tries to flirt and she’s not having it.

A random, inconspicuous start to an OTP that eventually won and broke my heart! In general, Maria is always always awesome and watching her make friends with Jacinta and talk about the heartbreak of having her baby taken from her at 13 (!) is...and then them bonding over the insanity of life...

Yup, Caro is noticing Marcos and Ivan is noticing her noticing. I think some degree of friction between Marcos and Ivan would have always happened (Ivan has an abrasive personality that is very much at odds with Marcos’) but it got turbocharged because of this. I do love that the show ended with them being 110% complete bros, despite the inconspicuous beginnings.

I liked Marcos in general, but the way he loved and took care of Paola, was next level. It was the best thing about him. Their parents are missing, likely dead and he is basically both mother and father to his little sister and he never wavers from it - it’s uncool for a teen boy and he gives no fucks. She wants to sleep him? Sure. (And he tells Ivan to back off when Ivan wants to send her back - you can see the little frictions add up and add up.)

Just as he tells Ivan to move to make space for Paola. And if they were friends, it would be whatever, but Ivan already doesn’t like him, so he views it as being ordered around instead of someone who just doesn’t have bandwidth for niceties.

I find it ironic btw that one of the reasons Caro is drawn to him is because of how he is with Paola, but that very fact means she will always be second. It’s almost like dating a single father.

I have remained ambivalent about Elsa through the whole run but here ugh...let the lost little girl eat with her one familiar person, bend the rules for once!

That little shot of Ivan quietly enjoying Marcos being thwarted.

Ugh this! I think this is the worst thing Ivan does in the whole show and it’s not epically bad compared to melo gonzo stuff like hanadan. But I think perhaps that is why it hits so hard - it’s so real somehow in its everyday cruelty, precisely aimed for the weakest spot for no major sin. He tells Marcos that his (missing) parents are on the phone and Marcos tells Paola and they run to the phone...

Nobody is on the phone and instead the picture of the parents is nailed to the wall with RIP on it.

God, it’s Paola’s incomprehension that gets me here. You know a show is good when I love a child character! (PS if I remember correctly, eventually Ivan and Marcos can get to bond about amazing moms and nazi scum dads. Heh.)

When Marcos comes back and SLAMS Ivan into the table and starts trying to shove his face through it, I cheered. You deserve it!

You know, living with Noiret did give Ivan a tongue like a razor but also the instinctive ability to go for what would hurt the most. When he “jokes” he’d like to tell Paola she is an orphan. God, I will love you later, but you are a piece of scum here. (FWIW, he clearly was just saying it to rile up Marcos but picking at an orphan by talking about his baby sister is...Noiret’s upbringing is evident in his utter lack of comprehension that there are limits even in fights. He will eventually learn slowly and painfully, but not yet.)

You know, I cried. I literally cried as Marcos tried to gently explain to uncomprehending Paola that their parents are dead. I literally cried. God. (That sibling relationship, together with Maria-Ivan parental one and the Ivan x Julia OTP form a trifecta of my favorite relationships in the show. OK, fine, that and Maria x Fermin.)

He really is the best best brother in the world.

#spanish tv #el internado #mousie rewatches el internado

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amieravenson · 6 months

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If I Could Only Keep 10 Decks

I simultaneously love and hate questions like this. On one hand, it makes you evaluate everything and look at what's really important to you. On the other hand, thinking of letting things go sucks. But when I looked at my decks, I found that the choices were easier than I thought they would be. I decided to choose 5 tarot decks and 5 oracle decks for balance. I'll start with the tarot cards.

Tarot Cards

Sacred Rose Tarot

We're starting at the very beginning. This is the deck that my dad bought me for my birthday when I was 12. I had seen tarot used on TV or a movie, and was completely obsessed with it. All I wanted that year was a tarot deck. So Dad took me to a metaphysical store called The Sphynx in Midtown Atlanta, and bought my first deck. It was really hard to learn on, but it's incredibly precious to me. I couldn't let this deck go if I tried.

Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Rider Waite Smith

I ordered this deck from the UK before the American version came out. And I'm glad I did, because the colors on the American version are washed out and dull. I also trimmed the white borders off, and edged this deck in black. It looks great and it feels really good to shuffle. It's my ride-or-die deck. I use it to read at DragonCon and any other events because it's just such a good reader. It loves to read for other people, but it doesn't really read for me well at all. I'm OK with that. I think that you need a deck that's primarily for other people. It's my travel deck that goes everywhere in my purse with me!

Thoth Tarot

I bought this as a study deck and forgot about it for a few years. I read somewhere that the 3 of Cups was associated with Persephone, and I was hooked! I started studying it here and there when I got a chance, but never really did a deep dive. Then, in 2022, I used it for my daily draws every day, and I learned a lot. I love this deck and its layers of symbolism. I should use it more, but I love having it near me. I could spend years studying this deck and never get tired.

The Forhaxa Tarot

I love this deck for a few reasons. First, the art is absolute perfection. It's so complex and layered. Second, it's based on Swedish folklore. I don't know most of the references, but it makes me want to study the tales. Third, it was given to me by my awesome husbear. A trifecta of awesome!

The Alleyman's Tarot

What can I say about the Alleyman's Tarot? If you know, you know. It's just so fuckin' COOL. It's a mixed deck of cards from different artists that come together to make a jumbled, crazy mess of fantastic art. And you're encouraged to bend the cards (I could never), write on the cards (I have), and even get rid of the cards you don't like (I just set them neatly aside). The Alleyman has a few other neat tricks up his sleeve, including a dice set (that reads really well), and he's coming out with some oracle decks as a Kickstarter early next year. LOVE!

Oracle Cards

The Faeries Oracle

This is one of my oldest decks. I can't remember exactly when I bought it, but It wasn't that long after it was released in 2000. I just love Brian Froud. And believe it or not, this deck is a good reader. The messages are deep and meaningful. I don't read with it often, but when I do, it always reads true. I love it!

Tea Leaf Fortune Cards

I really don't know much about reading tea leaves, but these cards are just cool. They're small and round, and they come with a huge bag that you can 'shuffle' them in. I should definitely use these more than I do, but if I had to make a choice about my 10 decks, they would definitely make the cut.

The Arcane Bullshit Oracle

This deck is an irreverent collection of weirdness and I love it. Again, the husbear bought it for me, and that gives it a special place in my heart, but I honestly love how this deck thumbs its nose at how serious cartomancers can take themselves. It's a big 'fuck you' to anyone who can't take a joke, and I'm here for it.

Seasons of the Witch Samhain Oracle

This deck is MOODY AF. The art is stunning in shades of black and grey with pops of red, and the messages are creepy and eerie like you would want in a Samhain deck. And the red edges? COME ON. Beautiful. This deck is so much better than the Yule version, which screws everything up with all the thys and thous that are misused. It really begs to be used in the dark half of the year. The Mabon and Beltane editions are really great too, it's a shame the Yule oracle is written so weirdly. I'm sure I'll still collect all the sabbats.

The Herbal Astrology Oracle

This is still a pretty new deck to me, and I admit I haven't delved into it like I would like. But there's just SO MUCH TO LEARN and dive into with this deck. It's deep. And the first time I read with it, it gave a really intense reading that I won't go into details about because it hasn't come to pass yet. I can tell that this deck is accurate and will give good messages, though. I could spend years on this deck and still feel like I have more to learn. And the art is stunning! ******** So that's it! That's my list. How about you? Do you have some favorite decks that you could never part with? Or decks that you keep around because you keep intending to spend more time with them? What are your 10 decks? Let me know in the comments. Blessed be! Read the full article

#cartomancy #decks #divination #oracle #pagan #tarot #wicca #witchcraft

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collectalong · 1 year

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4, 6, 10, 18 -"The Night Light"

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE...

Favourite thing about roleplaying?

answered already! there is also something to be said for having inside jokes and memes abt plots and characters. i LOVE a good laugh. p much most of the muns i have a connection w on my carrd can attest to this

OTP for your muse?

TOUGH!!!! mostly bc i have so many. ready for a lightning round? ok... go!!!

collector: king is his bestest friend ever!

gus: i think him and matt would be fun, but no preference!

eberwolf: darius qpp forever ^_^ was also fond of darius and raine rebellion trifecta! i think whatever he and darius have its open as hell.

fern: no one in adventure time canon, but funnily enough, my OTP is actually with a friend's OC! they don't go here, ok? but rest assured it's very sweet!!!

miria: ISAAC. NO QUESTION!! NEXT!!!

jacuzzi: NICE ALWAYS!! though i can see something with graham on the side too. kind of a freak. teehee!

kris: a strange question! 🤔 berdly has been circling my brain for a bit. but a friend of mine and i have been rping for a while, and funnily enough, kris and joshua (from twewy? yes from twewy) have been an interesting couple!

zenitsu: ...sorry... i ship him with both tanjiro and inosuke... im sorry... i hope you forgive me...

emu: polysho! but of course, it's not necessary. a close second has been emurui believe it or not.

kanade: mafuyu! was it ever any question?

shiho: polyneed! this one felt like a no brainer too.

toya: akito! im also starting to see the appeal of polysquad...

tsukasa: again, polysho! but also, who could deny the classic rui ship?

len: i don't actually ship him with anyone...weird, huh?

iroha: this is a tough one. im not well versed in vocaloids besides the classics. una? maybe... they both have weird hats, so maybe...

teto: again, i don't know a lot. but i feel like she would be good friends with other UTAU, like namine ritsu and yowane haku—and the triple baka squad, of course!

shou: ritsu, that feels right. i also think he has a bastard sibling energy with teru.

tome: i think she has a weird respect for mezato, but besides that... again, i find myself shipping her with another OC of a long lost friend's.

cirno: best friends with daiyousei!

mystia: i can see the appeal of many characters, but in the end, her bandmate kyouko seems the most natural approach.

crona: oh... maka and soul, yeah... that aside, i don't know why others overseas ship them with death the kid, but i guess i'm just missing something.

wirt: sara is sweet ^_^. geez, i haven't considered ships for wirt in forever though. wonder if that'll change here?

thanks for attending the rapidfire OTP corner! now for something completely different!!

Are there any AU’s you’d like to explore but haven’t had the chance to yet?

UMMM COSMO OPENED MY EYES TO KRIS BEING A RESIDENT TO THE DEMON REALM. I REALLY REALLY LIKE THAT. i also want to craft AU's for my other muses in the world of the owl house. we'll see how well that goes! something something... mutter mutter...

#☆ caught me! ( ooc )#☆ summon the huntsman! ( answered asks )#do i have to use hc tags for everyone...

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the-cosmic-gentle-giant · 2 years

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Astrology Observations Pt. 6

Hello all you lovely people! I have decide to drop a few astro notes your way and this will probs be my last post for a while as I'm writing exams. Wish me luck and hugs you beauties!🤗

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Capricorn 3rd House Natives will avoid small talk and lengthy explanations or discussions, as they feel it a waste of time in getting the information they need. When they are asking for answers or seek information, it must be direct and to the point. Anything else added in the mix is useless.

Everyone goes on about how 7th H Saturn Natives are so loyal, mature and longterm minded in relationships, but when that bitch is retrograde in the chart, these natives can be quite unfaithful and, at the mention of marriage, will catch the ick faster than an anti-masker can catch covid. This is because these natives hate any restrictive things that take away their freedom. (this may not apply to all tho)

Moon-Jupiter aspects may potentially find that they have to care or help care for a grandparent in their life. These individuals, depending on other placements and aspects, could also be quite close to one or all of their grandparents.

Leo Moons represent the gaslight bit in the girlboss, gaslight, gatekeep trifecta.

Just a theory, but maybe Taurus Mars could enjoy some element of food during sex? Like licking honey off of a lovers body? No? Maybe not, but I feel like pissing off a Taurus Mars today so yee...a theory with no evidence just for you lot lol.

Capricorn Stelliums are scary to encounter. Like everything is so well planned out and orderly and they flip their shit when their order of doing things are disturbed. My granddad has this and literally berated me for daring to make him a peanutbutter and jam sandwich for lunch. "You don't mix condiments ever!" Like okay old man, sheesh. Like he'll make you feel like shit for doing the smallest of things improperly.

Virgo Venus natives may prefer to to marry at an older age or just delay the idea of marriage until they are completely sure that they have met the right person. This may infuriate more fast paced signs, but this is a good placement to look out for if you want a partner that is willing to take things slow and find their footing in the relationship before making major decisions.

Virgo Moons have a very analytical approach to their emotions and the emotions of others. They're able to disect important information without being overly clouded by emotion, which makes them very good candidates for a careers in therapy or psychology. This could have people take advantage of you as they may see you as "therapy for free".

Have you ever talked to someone who you felt was quite overbearing in conversation? Chances are they have an Earth or Aquarius Mercury or 3rd House. Not saying this is true for all, but this is just from my personal experience.

Natives with fire over the second House likely prefer hot beverages to cold ones. (Don't come for me, it's just a theory)

Retrograde Uranus in the natal chart may feel rather disconnected or cut off from other people. Feeling as if you need to hold back from expressing your true self out of fear that others will judge and ridicule you. You therefore distance yourself from people causing this feeling of disconnection. Sometimes this is healthy and sometimes unhealthy. These natives need to learn how to discern situations where they can freely express themselves and where they should hold back. It's a tough life friends, but it's going to be ok. I'm here for you.

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

I hope you all enjoyed the few notes I made here. Take what resonates en let me know what I need to sharpen up on. I hope you all have an absolutely splendid day. Hugs my peoples.🤗

#astro notes #astrology #astrology observations #astrology on tumblr #astro observations #the cosmic gentle giant #capricorn #taurus #saturn astrology #uranus astrology

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ffunseen · 4 years

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Many times I’d just have miscellaneous sketch pages where I tried to figure out multiple characters in the style at once.

The first page was me trying to translate the Steven Universe Future designs to FusionFall style. We thought the designs would fit the style better and decided to use them for the NPCs while Steven’s nano would use his original design. In the next page you can see Fusion TOM, who was based on the Intruder from Toonami’s Total Immersion Events. Instead of the red goo from the original design, it would have been held together with Fusion Matter. I thought it was a neat callback and it completed the trifecta wherein the NPC would be TOM 3, the Nano would be TOM 2, and the Fusion would be TOM 1. We don’t talk about TOM 4.

Past that, you can see Ilana and Octus. Lance already had art (though we only saw it once and it was largely obscured) so I tried to match their designs to that. The original game had Octus in his robot form but that didn’t seem to make sense. We never really figured out what we wanted these characters to do, but we knew we wanted them to be involved at some point.

Next is Ami and Yumi, who near the end of the game’s life we had decided to station at an overhauled Townsville City Center, by the Sunken Mall. We would have redone the layout of the mall so the mall area itself would only take up half the space with the remaining half replaced by a park at ground level. The park would feature a stage, on which Ami and Yumi would be playing. We were planning on adding them around the time of Expansion 3 and they would have had a mission where you enlist the help of the cast of Class of 3000 (who would have been organizing a benefit concert in the Park from Regular Show) to perform as their backing band. At least, that’s what I think the plan was. I don’t know how much of that was just in my head and how much of that was set in stone.

I forget precisely what Lazlo’s role was going to be, but I kept trying over the years to get a design for him that felt in style while still feeling like Lazlo. I like what I ended up with here and I think Devan based a recent model on this art.

Lastly we have some OK K.O. characters. They would have been included in Expansion 3, which would include an area based on Lakewood Plaza Turbo with Boxmore across the street. These three are kind of the only ones whose designs I’m satisfied with. The main three are deceptively difficult to translate into other styles. I believe the idea was that Lord Boxman wanted to recruit Robot Jones and steal him from Mandark. Darrells would have been NPC shopkeepers in the area. I don’t know what Fink would do, but she and Venomous are fan favorites so we wanted to include them, lol. We probably would have cut down on K.O. characters by the time we got around to making the area, but I like the show a lot so I drew as many characters as I could lol

#fusionfall #fusionfall retro #fusionfall legacy #fusionfall universe

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sloppy-butcher · 4 years

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Ok,new follower here. So this blog is amazing,you writings are just beautiful. I hope I can become as good as you, beause I would like to open my own blog, but I always think my works are too bad. Anyways, I don't know if you write soulmates stuff, like your partner name is written on your body or thigs like that. If so, could you write something related with Joey and Frank sharing the same male sm reader? If you don't feel comfortable writing for three characters or for a male reader it's fine!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support T_T I love you so much! I encourage you to start that blog because the only way to get better is to try. and if you do start a blog, drop me that link babey

So i spent a hot minute finding which soulmate alternative universe would best fit your request since you didn’t specifically state which au you wanted. Well, i found a reaaallly interesting one. hope it’s okay

This AU states that soulmates share pain. If one is hurt the other shows their wounds or bruises. I think this will work well with Frank and Joey and a survivor!S/O. I have no problem writing for a male S/O (although i will probs just make this gender nuetral as i dont see gender really playing an important role in this (and i prefer gender nuetral tings)) or for three characters. i will have to write this in HeadCanon form as i am very lazy and i dont want to write like a full fic T_T cause you know.... i have toomuch to say

hope these are okay? ily

Soulmate Au HeadCanons: Poly!The Legion (Frank and Joey) with a Survivor S/O

They realized their connection long before they even knew you existed. The theory was that soulmates shared pain and it was obvious to them that they were meant to be together. Joey would share in Franks pain, he could feel the scar that tore across his face and Frank could feel when Joey had worked himself far past his breaking point. They thought they were the only ones connected in this psychic-link, bound by a force too grand and cosmic to be comprehended by simple-minded mortals. But like the universe, fate works in mysterious ways and everything changed when you joined the Fog.

Joey first noticed it when he went to sit down at the end of a particularly gruelling workday. He felt his left shoulder explode into a burning hot pain and his body seized with the sudden shock. He barely held back his cries of a surprise but Frank wasn’t so well-restrained. Joey heard him from across the Lodge and fearing for his friend, ran off in the direction of his call ignoring his own body screaming for him to stop. He found Frank surrounded by a worried Julie and Susie. They looked between him and Joey, expressions from behind their masks piercing through to Joey's soul. They were worried for their friends, Frank’s scream and Joey’s sluggish and limp stature was enough to tell the girls that the pain the two were experiencing was, no doubt, incredibly excruciating. No one knew what had just happened, neither of them had been hurt or injured, and they feared that maybe the two were being punished by the Entity for a lacklustre performance. But both boys assured they did well enough to keep the thing satisfied and when the pain spontaneously faded, the whole incident was pushed out of their minds and momentarily forgotten.

But the pain never stopped completely. It was sporadic, turning on randomly like a lightswitch bursting with newfound anger and agony that would contort their limbs and burn their muscles. And there was nothing they could do to alleviate the pain, no amount of massaging or rubbing could take away the sharp edge of the hurt; there weren’t even enough painkillers in the realm to quell the agony. The only thing the boys could do was just sit there and wait for the pain to decide to go away. It was torture, sometimes the simple act of sitting alone was pure unadulterated suffering. But still, the boys had no idea where this pain was coming from.

It was only after Joey returned from a trial in which he had mori’d a rather annoying and pesky survivor that something started to click. Joey walked into the main lounge of the Resort and found his friends standing around the fire pit waiting for him. Frank had his shirt off and the pants of his left leg rolled up. Ordinarily the sight of Frank without his shirt on would excite Joey but something made him hesitate. A harsh red scar ripped down Frank’s chest and when Frank noticed Joey's reaction he held out his left arm for the other to inspect. Another red wound ran across the forearm. There was no mistaking it now. It was their trademark kill, a stab at the left arm followed by the grabbing of the left ankle then finished with the brutal gutting from the collar bone all the way down to the hip. “We watched it appear.” Julie’s voice wavered with concern. “We watched it appear on him as if...” She broke off ‘as if Joey himself did it to him.’. Joey approached Frank. Through the pinpricks of his mask, Joey could see Frank's eyes and he could feel his pain. Without saying much the girls made Joey take off his own shirt and directed him to stand next to Frank. When Julie stepped back to inspect both boys she raised a hand to cover the mouth of her mask and Susie audibly gasped. They were identical, both bore the exact same scars of the exact same knife.

To be honest, the boys would never have figured out the source of their shared pain. Combined the two barely make up a single brain cell so it was by the grace of God or something else that allowed the truth to finally be exposed. It was in a trial between you and Frank. The killer had been run around for the past ten minutes and with no sign of catching his elusive prey. You were impressed by your capable teammate and when they went down just outside the opened exit gate you leapt into action to save the wounded hero. You ended up sacrificing yourself for them, a worthy trade, everyone else got out except you. And, to you, that was okay. You were okay with this. Frank, however, was not. He was beyond furious at being denied his prey and when he trudged back to your collapsed form he felt his rage overflow him. He stood over you and you smugly returned his glare. That was it. In a swift motion, he punched you in the face. Your nose broke and blood gushed out and into your mouth. You screamed out but your cries, however, were mixed in with the killers. Frank recoiled, clutching at his mask where his nose would be. You watched in shock as he spilt swear words and stomped around you.

Curiously you reached up for your busted face and using your thumb and forefinger you squeezed the throbbing nose. Frank’s cries intensified and he clawed desperately at his mask. Through the haze he caught you staring at him in shocked amusement, which he mistook for condescending judgment. He growled and stormed over to you determined to make you regret everything. Panicking you grabbed your nose again and Frank jumped back. And then all the pieces fell into place. Frank could feel your pain. His eyes widened on your collapsed body and it felt as if his world was imploding. Oh shit.

It took some convincing but eventually, you agreed to meet Frank back at the Resort. He told you there was someone else, another ‘soulmate’ in this trifecta of fucked-up bullshit. You used the term ‘soulmate’ loosely. You had heard the stories about soulmates, people destined to be together would share such a special bond that they would even share pain. But never in a million years would you have guessed that your soulmate (or soulmateS) was, a serial killer. You really wanted it to not be real, you wanted this to be some kind of dream, a sick nightmare you were experiencing while laying on your deathbed somewhere far away. But there Frank was before you at the boundary between snow and forest, like he promised you, with his partner Joey. You walked up to them and stopped at a safe distance away. Joey seemed to bloat his chest as if to say not to try anything. Frank looked at you and you knew you had to show him. Reaching up you grabbed at your nose which was starting to feel better but was still puffy and red. You put pressure on it and Frank began to shake with the pain. Frank moaned and clenched his fists in an effort to ride out the pain like Joey was but after a moment he relented and shouted at you to stop. Frank turned and muttered something to Joey who never took his gaze off you. You could have sworn that he was a stone-statue because he never moved and showed no sign that what you did had affected him in any way. But then you noticed his slight leg twitch and the irregular heaving of his chest. He did feel it. Frank returned his attention back to you and in the cold silence of realization, you said, “Well? What do we do now?”

You could have forgotten everything, walked away from the nonsensical situation that had been presented before you and continued on living a simple life devoid of drama and tension. But that life would also lack depth, something to make it special and worthwhile. You were presented with your soulmates, a rarity in this hellhole and something about the wonder of what made the universe decide to bring you all together surpassed your urge to stay away. Slowly but surely you introduced yourself into their lives. Your interactions at first were stiff and hollow, fear and uncertainty making you doubt if the boys would respect the bound of soulmates enough to not kill you or at least hurt you.

But time wore on and you became braver. They were gentle, well... they tried to be. And when you spoke with them as people do you realized that you had a lot in common with them both. And eventually, you were confident enough to laugh and joke with them.

Joey was the one who needed the most time to accept that you and he were soulmates. He eyed you suspiciously as you would talk with Frank, feeling some kind of jealousy build up in his chest. He hated how you could get Frank to react in ways he had never seen before. He hated how easy it was for you. One day when he had you alone to himself, he finally broke that long silence between you two. But where he expected a change in personality, a two-face switch, Joey only found genuineness. You were as kind and playful with him as you were with Frank, unfazed by your burden of the circumstance and not worried by his own mistakes and misfortunes. You were strong and he admired you for that. “How do you do it?” Joey softly asked clutching his hand which now held a new red welt. The mood quietened down and you turned to look at him. “How do you handle all this pain each and every day?” You reached out and gently took his hand in yours. Suddenly all his pain vanished at the contact and he slightly gasped at the shock. You were warm and comforting, like the wind of a summer’s afternoon, constant and welcoming. He raised his eyes to yours and you gave him your best smile. He melted. “One day at a time.” You replied squeezing his hand for emphasis. You relaxed and began to pull away only to stop as he held you firm, determined to not let your warmth go.

Frank always had a problem when it came to hurting you in trials. While Joey could suck it up and deal with the pain, Frank could not bear the thought of having a hook run through your shoulder and subsequently his. It was you who finally convinced him that his job was more important than your fleeting health. You took Frank's hand in yours, engulfing him in your comfort and reassurance. “We can get through this. I will get better.” He breathed out and admitted, albeit to himself, that you were right. This was a momentary instance, a speck of nothing when compared to the kind of torture the Entity would inflict on him. And it wasn’t just himself he had to look out for, it was everyone. He had you and Joey he had to look out for. With a look apologetic regret Frank would mercilessly hunt you down and when he would lift you up and onto the meat hook he could hear you at the back of his mind saying, “Suck it up, Princess.”

They would always feel awful if you had a particularly bad day. You would trudge back to the Resort trying your best to hide from their concerned eyes your bruised limb or uneven walk but of course, they already knew what had happened. Joey would sweep you effortlessly off your feet and he would not let you walk around without his assistance. Frank, although less forward than the other, would follow behind and would pester you with questions, ‘Are you okay now?’ ‘Are you comfortable?’ ‘Anyway that he could help ease the hurt?’ They both were like oversized puppies yapping at your ankles because they heard you make a noise. You’d reassure them that you were fine and after exchanging doubtful looks between each other they would give in and give you some air.

They would listen to your stories. It's one thing to experience the pain and another thing to watch it happen. You’d tell them about how you got your injuries and more often than not you would end up a broken-down and crying mess. The image of looming figures silhouetted against an endless black sky haunts your mind. Although you all share the physical scars, the mental ones stay trapped inside you. When you would become an inconsolable disaster the boys would be by your side in an instant. By the time you regained control over your anxiety, you would find yourself buried in the arms of either Joey or Frank. You face pushed deep into their bodies as if they were trying to shield you from the monster that was yourself. It was scary, they could tell. But you weren’t alone. Not anymore.

After a long day's work of causing and enduring pain, when your bodies would ache with collective suffering the 3 of you would find a quiet cove to all lie it. The boys would sleep on either side of you, draping their limps over you and almost drowning you in their weight. It felt good to be lost at sea with them, so far away from the pain of the day and from the pain tomorrow will bring. If for a moment, you all were at peace, happy and content in the embrace of your soulmates.

#dbd imagines #dbd x reader #dbd frank morrison x reader #dbd frank morrison #dbd joey #dbd headcannons #dbd soulmate au

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spnfanficpond · 4 years

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May 2020 Angel Fish Awards

(New Angel Fish design by @slytherkins!!)

Every month all of you fantastic writers work your asses off to post some truly incredible stories. Our Angel Fish Awards are the way for all of us, as a community of writers and readers, to lift each other up and give praise to those who have captured our attention and deserve a few kind words.

The monthly Angel Fish Awards are peer-nominated, meaning ANYONE IN THE POND CAN NOMINATE ANY POND MEMBER’S FIC. While the Pond was founded to support the Guppies, everyone in this community deserves to be showered with love and feedback, and we hope that by opening this up as a Pond wide system, we’ll be able to share the love as far as it can go.

NOTE: WE’VE BEEN HAVING OCCASIONAL PROBLEMS WITH ASKS GOING MISSING. Please use the Submit button when submitting your nominations and make sure you’re signed into Tumblr or your URL won’t show. (If the form asks for your name and email address, then you’re not signed in.) If you like, you can also send a message to Michelle @mrswhozeewhatsis or Mana @manawhaat to check and make sure we got your submission.

Be sure to read through this whole post as people who were nominated more than once only had one tag activated for tumblr tagging purposes!

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE MAY’S ANGEL FISH AWARDS!

Nominated by @focusonspn

A Night on the Town (oneshot) by @supernatural-jackles

I completely love this fic!! Jensen is a total sweetheart, it’s really easy to read and all those words felt like only five minutes. This is everything a Jensen!girl could’ve asked for!!

Hunger (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer

HOLY. MOTHER. OF. HOTNESS. It was a fucking pleasure for my eyes to read every single word of this fic!! hot as hell, dark, Demon!Dean and in character as always.

Nominated by @mrswhozeewhatsis

Handkerchief (oneshot) by @babypieandwhiskey

I don’t usually read RPF, but this is an AU, so I dove in. Mechanic!Jensen with a magical supply of handkerchiefs, ready and willing to clean up whatever mess I find myself in? SOLD. Sweet, appeals to my love of Jensen’s back-pocket bandannas, and it activates my competence kink! Excuse me while I go wibble in the corner.

Nominated by @supernatural-jackles

Still The One (oneshot) by @luci-in-trenchcoats

I have a lot of respect for the way Michelle writes such difficult topics. She approaches them with such grace and accuracy, that makes it all the more realistic. This series is no exception. I deeply enjoy this series and the way things are playing out between Dean and the reader. It’s an extremely heartbreaking story that most of us don’t really think about until it’s put into this kind of perspective. This one is still ongoing, and I’m extremely excited to see how she handles the rest of the story. I highly recommend checking this one out. Just heed the warnings beforehand.

Nominated by @peridottea91

Healthy Competition (Series) by @kittenofdoomage

This! Omg this series! I love it so much!! It’s slower moving but keeps you itching for the next chapter and is oh so relatable. What woman hasn’t had body image issues? And what plus sized woman hasn’t had to deal with rude jerks and bullying? This fic is actually super realistic and hits all those relatable issues. Can’t wait to read the rest!!

Dangerous Signs (Series) by @kittenofdoomage

Ok, let me start by saying that I am a sucker for a good “character transported to alt. universe/world” fic. That said, I got soooooooooo addicted to this fic! It was so well written and you could just feel the reader’s hesitation and torn emotions. Should she stay? Should go? Ugh! Fantastic!! Also, kudos for the Norse mythology!! *chef’s kiss*

Nominated by @thegirlwhorunswithwinchesters

Cotton Candy (oneshot) by @ellewritesfix05

“It was always nice knowing [...] you could always find ways to bring light into Dean’s life.”

And he damn well deserves it! This was so sweet. No one can resist that “I didn’t do it” smile of his ;)

The Oath (Series) by @thecleverdame

This series is definitely dark, but it’s so so good. If you’re okay with reading about the heavy subjects covered in these chapters, you won’t regret giving this series a try. I can’t seem to stop diving into all of this author’s content. She’s just too good.

Choices (CYOE) by @talesmaniac89

I’ve been excited about this impressive project since I first saw the announcement post. Though I’m ashamed to say I haven’t gotten into reading the full thing yet, I plan on making time for reading ALL the different endings. I’m excited to see the different ways in which the story plays out, depending on the brothers’ personalities. For now, I’m recommending this first chapter, the starting point, which was already a beauty of its own. If you haven’t started yet yourself, prepare to be amazed.

Not Safe (Oneshot) by @torn-and-frayed

I love this. Spicy but sweet… Is that a cringy enough way for me to try and put my thoughts into words? I also just really miss Bobby, man.

nominated by @impala-dreamer

Safe Here (series) by @because-imma-lady-assface

This is one of the greatest Dean series. Ashley writes Dean amazingly well, too well sometimes, and this series gives him exactly what he needs; a place to feel safe and find comfort. I love this one so much!

Losing You (series) by @idreamofhazel

This is a superbly done Sam series that has stuck with me for a long time. I literally can’t go into Bed, Bath & Beyond without thinking about the ending <3

nominated by @kittenofdoomage

Blind Luck (oneshot) by @crispychrissy

A great Sam x reader that hits the holy trifecta of smut, fluff, and angst.

Blood And Water (series) by @crashdevlin

Pretty sure I’ve recc’d this before but it’s such a good series, so twisted and angsty, my dark little heart loves it. Heed the warnings!

Just Sam (oneshot) by @dontshootmespence

This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but for me, it’s perfection, because I am a kinky bitch and any other kinky bitches out there would definitely enjoy this XD

nominated by @deanwanddamons

Private Party With A Rockstar (oneshot) by @mummybear

@mummybear Has been working her butt off this month for her RolePlay May. She wrote this story for me and put me in it (my name is Sian). Rockstar!Jensen is one of my weakness’s, and she knows that, and clearly knows me very well too, as included everything I like 😉

She’s Not You by @winchest09

@winchest09 is one of my fave authors. This is a super cute, super fluffy fic which really cheered me up.

Dangerous Signs (Series) by @kittenofdoomage

I LOVED this series. it was so good and lots of fun with some very sexy going’s on. Rhi’s work is just fantastic 💕

Wedding Bells (oneshot) by @katehuntington

This one shot is super cute and fluffy! I love her writing so much and this is not exception 💕

Not Much Left (oneshot) by @impala-dreamer

Demon!Dean is another of my weakness’s and fic really hit the spot 🥵🔥

Dear Dean (series) by @smol-and-grumpy

This series made me laugh, made me cry, made me horny and made me gasp. One of the best series I have read 💕

nominated by @emilyshurley

Jensen’s Self Care Routine (oneshot) - @luci-in-trenchcoats

It is just adorable. People taking care of themselves for their loved ones. You can’t get more fluffy.

The Proposal (series) - @katymacsupernatural (Ongoing)

If you love fake dating fics, you’ll definitely love this one. Really like the character of “the reader”.

Private Party with a Rockstar (oneshot) - @mummybear

This one is both hot and adorable at the same time

You shook me (oneshot) @myinconnelly1

It’s Myin writing Demon!Dean what more do you want? No seriously that’s the perfect combination

Dancing the Spiral (oneshot) by @myinconnelly1

One of the only times I genuinely felt like a fic was creepy in a good way. And the passing of the whole thing is great. Am I little biased because its Myin, yes but that doesn’t make the fic any less good. sure it’s on the longer side but definitely worth it.

The only exception (series) - @ne-gans and @negans-lucille-tblr

I have only read the first part so far but I had to mention it. It is a serial killer AU so read the trigger warnings just in case.

Make it Big (series)- @negans-lucille-tblr

Again I’m still catching up It’s one of those fics I thought I won’t like reading but was really glad that I started.

Cast no Shadow (series) @kittenofdoomage

It’s Rhi, I can fangirl a lot about her fics. Really enjoyed (?) (that might not be the right word) the whole fitting a new relationship in existing ones. Felt to real in a weird way. It might seem like I don’t like the fic because of how I’m wording this but that’s really not the case.

Nominated by @deanwinchesterswitch

Sunshine (oneshot) by @talesmaniac89

If you like angst, this is the fic for you. It is utterly captivating and heart wrenching. It’s a cut your heart out with a dull centuries-old wooden spoon style hurt. The use of the song lines in this fic is well thought out and poetic. Make sure to have a box of tissues handy. If you don’t at least tear up while reading this, then you don’t have a heart to cut out, and your soul is already in hell.

Choices (CYOE) by @talesmaniac89

A clever interactive series where you get to choose your favorite Winchester, and the ending of the story. This is so detailed and intriguing. I loved the story I ended up with the first time, and excitedly went back in to pick the other options. Each story was unique and well written.

Babe I’m Gonna Leave You (oneshot) by @waywardbaby

This one shot is an absolutely stunning piece of smut. The lack of dialogue makes it that much better. All you’re left with is the option to feel the detailed emotions—sexual tension to the max.

No Words (oneshot) by @because-imma-lady-assface

Beautiful, detailed, and heartbreaking. Dean’s pain and need for comfort are palpable, and I cried while reading it. I can’t find the proper words to describe how this fic made me feel, but man did it ever make me feel.

Sky Full of Stars (oneshot) by @smol-and-grumpy

This is the sequel to Something Just Like This and is just as exciting as the first series. A roller coaster of suspense. The characters continue on their journey of love, dealing with the good and bad that comes with every relationship—the perfect combination of angst and fluff with a healthy dose of smut.

Something Just Like This (oneshot) by @smol-and-grumpy

A perfect combination of big badass Dean and soft, fluffy Dean, along with all the incredible smut your little heart could desire. I usually don’t like to read a series until it is complete, because I am impatient and don’t want to wait for the next chapter to post. However, this story was intriguing and sexy, and I couldn’t keep from reading each chapter as soon as it posted and then eagerly anticipating the next.

Nominated by anon

Request 42 (oneshot) by @thegirlwhorunswithwinchesters

This was super-duper cute!! I love frustrated soon to be parents especially when one of those parents is Dean! Great work, well worth the read!

Just A Daydream (onesho) by @maddiepants

This fic is refreshing with its canon-ness! I love Sam's little dream, and you get so wrapped up in it, you forget. Absolutely masterful and HOT AS HELL! Also, Tall People, WTF?

Thank you all for the awesome work and great feedback!

These are not actual awards! This system is set up so everyone in the pond has a chance to share the love and promote a fic/author that has grabbed your attention. The more people that participate, and the more everyone remembers to submit their own fics after posting, the better this will be :D

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN, KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK, AND AS ALWAYS, HAPPY WRITING!

#afa masterlist #afas #angel fish awards #spn fic rec #spn fanfic

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cksmart-world · 3 years

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The completely unnecessary news analysis

by Christopher Smart

February 23, 2021

UTAH LEGISLATORS: OUTLAW TRANSEXUAL RIOTERS

Enough it too much. It's one thing for trans girls to cheat at soccer but when they start rioting and burning police cars they've gone too far. We have to put teeth into our laws to bring safety to cops and soccer moms. Hanging should not be ruled out — that'll make 'em think twice before cheating at volleyball. A bill that just passed out of legislative committee would outlaw burning police cars and would keep housewives in Cottonwood Heights from marching in neighborhoods dressed as Mardi Gras Indians. “Enough's enough,” said state Sen. David Hinkinbottom, who sponsored the legislation, known as the “Rioters Suck” bill. “We saw what happened in Washington, D.C.,” he said of the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. A companion bill sponsored by Democrats to outlaw Trump supporters died in committee. Many of the “Rioters Suck” advocates are members of the pro-gun group United Citizens Alarm who promised to never allow Utah to become Portland. A second companion bill to outlaw Portland was sent to interim committee for study.A spokeswoman for the ACLU objected to the “draconian” legislation, declaring that trans soccer players are not a threat to democracy. Nonetheless, the bill is expected to pass.

THE GREEN NEW DEAL DONE FROZE TEXAS

We warned you about them windmills. They done blew all that cold air down from Canada and now look — everything is froze. That's what Texas Gov. Gregg Abott said. It got so cold that Ted Cruz had to go to Cancun. This here so-called emergency is not from de-regulation those leftist whine about. See, down here in Texas we know how to run a free-for-all-market economy without a bunch of regulatory stuff — and that keeps the coal and gas industry happy, and that keeps our Republican lawmakers happy. We're happy and free in Texas. You see, it's people like that AOC woman — who lives in communist New York — who want to destroy freedom and jobs by saving the environment. If they had their way this place would be nothing but windmills and solar energy doohickeys. What would happen on a cloudy day with no wind — it's just like Trump said, you couldn't watch TV. Of course nobody's watching Duck Dynasty now anyhow and the pipes have all bust and there's ice on the TV set. But it's like former Gov. Rick Perry said in a call from the Ritz-Carlton in Cancun: Texans will happily freeze to death to keep the federal government from telling us what the hell to do. (Dozens of frozen dead Texans couldn't be reached for comment.)

DANCING ON THE GRAVE OF RUSH LIMBAUGH

OK, you've had your fun, now stop dancing on the grave of Rush Limbaugh. According to the LDS Church-owned Deseret News, such glee is not good for the soul. “The death of a human, including Mr. Limbaugh, doesn’t give them a free pass from accountability,” the editorial posited. “It would, however, do wonders for us to recognize our own sins of contempt, avoid dancing on the grave of the dead and cease to spew such angry vile toward anyone.” And speaking of spewing angry vile, Limbaugh did just that every day to 15 million Americans aimed at minorities, women, gays and liberals. He gave rise to Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and other broadcast haters, which eventually led to the rise of Donald Trump. Here's a taste of what Rush said: "Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women access to the mainstream of society." "When a gay person turns his back on you, it is anything but an insult; it's an invitation." "The objective (of the migrant caravan) is to dilute and eventually eliminate or erase what is known as the distinct or unique American culture … ." “There's no major sickness component associated with secondhand smoke.” Ironically, Limbaugh died of lung cancer. Darn.

Post script — Everything's coming up roses. Trump is at Mar-A-Lago, Rush is six feet under and folks are getting vaccinated. We've hit the trifecta. Great, now all we have to do is defeat Climate Change and brace for “Spermagadon.”(We are not making this up, folks.) From 1973 to 2011, the sperm count of average men in Western countries had fallen 59 percent, according to experts. Epidemiologist Shanna H. Swan's new book, “Count Down” is subtitled, “How our modern world is threatening sperm counts, altering male and female development and threatening the future of the human race.” Finally, the solution to homelessness. If you were putting off the purchase of a new Porsche or a weekend in Mesquite, this may be the excuse you've been looking for because we may soon be joining the Neanderthals in the fossil record. “Honey, you'll never guess what. I just got a great deal on a Maserati and you're just going to love the color.” Of course for men it's a double-edged sword (no pun intended). Their genealogical line could die off, but on the bright side there's reduced risk of getting the secretary pregnant. As for women, unwanted pregnancy could become a thing of the past. It could really screw up the Right-to-Life industry. Tip: Dump your stock now.

OK, Wilson, we should celebrate our good fortune. And the guys in the band are looking pretty happy. What can you drum up to send us on our merry way:

Groovin' on a Sunday afternoon Really couldn't get away too soon I can't imagine anything that's better The world is ours whenever we're together There ain't a place I'd like to be... Just groovin' on a Sunday afternoon Really couldn't get away too soon No, no, no, no We'll keep on spending sunny days this way We're gonna talk and laugh our time away I feel it coming closer day by day Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly Groovin' on a Sunday afternoon Really couldn't get away too soon No, no, no, no Groovin', uh huh... Groovin'

(Groovin' — The Young Rascals)

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letterstothemidnightsociety · 4 years

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It’s week three of my Global-Pandemic-Induced decision to rewatch all of Supernatural, and so I’m still attempting to make this watch more productive than the last show that I binged.

So I’m on disc two now - that’s episodes 5 - 8 for those of you watching on Netflix. By the time we get to this disc, we know the basic formula for Supernatural as a series - Two Hunks + Fighting Evil to the Power of Acceptable Levels of Gore x Missing Dad = Ratings Gold. Or at the very least, good enough ratings that we’ll give you a season (or fourteen). And then...well...then.

Episode five is “Bloody Mary”, easily the scariest episode of this first season and, based on the nose dive that the formula takes after season 1, probably the entire series. Maybe it’s that the Bloody Mary legend was one that really got me as a kid, maybe it’s just that I don’t do so hot with ghosts, but guys this episode still made me turn on all the lights and avoid all my mirrors. I accidentally turned this episode on at 9pm and regretted it immediately. I walked away at one point to go clean my kitchen to strategically miss some of the spookier points and I walked back in during an even spookier point. I was mad that there were no commercials at the commercial break cut-to-black! The first time I watched this episode, I’m pretty sure I watched it through my fingers. This most recent viewing, I ALSO watched it through my fingers. Guys, THIS EPISODE.

I will say it a-hecking-gain: This episode scared the SHIT out of me.

AND THEN, THEN! Then this show has the gall to go ahead and drop a major season/character plot point right there in the middle of all this content that I am actively trying not to look at: SURPRISE! Sam has premonition powers and sorta kinda knew that his girlfriend was gonna die a terrible death weeks before she dies. Because sure, why not?

Ohmiglob the DRAMA.

I’m gonna take a moment to say that, yes, technically this piece of plot gets dropped within our first six episodes, so we can still safely say that, you know, they’re still setting up the story for the rest of the series. It’s not like a sudden twist they drop half way through the season, it’s being laid down as ground work. And I know that this turns out to be a MAJOR issue for the next four seasons at least, but can I just say: Kripke, you’re really throwing a lot at us. I mean, OK. here’s what we’ve got -

The Winchester’s lost their mom at a young age to some evil thing. Cool, got it.

THEN they have daddy issues with C-minus Single Dad John Winchester. Alright, that seems logical.

The brothers hunt bad guys looking for the thing that killed their mom. Ok still on board.

There’s family drama, relatable.

Dad’s gone missing and we gotta find, ok ok ok.

Also Sam’s girlfriend dies in a fire, alright, so we’re looking for that thing now too.

OH! And now Sam has magic powers.

I mean, it’s a lot, right? We got a lot of layers here. That’s all I’m sayin.

So “Bloody Mary”, right? Big episode, big bad guy, they kinda loophole their way into defeating her but I’m not mad. Big reveal at the end, so kind of an important lore episode. And then...well...then we get the following episodes:

“Skinwalker” - gross-out fx, establishes Dean as a lonely asshole with a lot of APB’s out on him

“The Hook Man” - takes the Urban Legend angle of the show and dials it up to 11

“Bugs” - Does what it says on the tin.

Now to be fair: all three of these episodes have at least ONE shining moment that reveals a little more about the characters we’re working with, and that character development plays out in important ways in the rest of the season/series. But all three of them are arguably---

FILLER EPISODES-ODES-ODES-ODESSssssssss.

Alright, maybe that’s unkind. Maybe we should call them standalones or self-contained. A Filler is an episode designed to “fill out” your season. It doesn’t necessarily move the overarching story of the season forward, although it may contain some concepts or revelations that are important later. I’d argue that Supernatural has only ever had two kinds of episodes - Series Arc and Filler. Not that that’s a bad thing - I like a filler episode now and again. Depending on how heavy your season gets (and by all accounts Supernatural gets pretty heavy), they can be a nice breath of fresh air - also known as a Breather Episode. Or they can be just for fun. I’mma reference “Once More with Feeling” again because sure, why not throw in a musical episode in season 6 of a show about vampire slaying, that’s fine. I wanna reference something from Community here too, but honestly anything after season 2 could probably be called filler or self contained, so who even knows. I’ll point at the Voltron episode where they spend a day in the mall to gather some unobtainium for the ship and wacky shenanigans ensue. Point being, they can be times to break the mold and experiment and have fun with what you’re writing. Or they can be ridiculous nonsense. Mileage may vary.

The crazy thing about these episodes is that they most closely resemble what Kripke intended the show to be in the first place. Kripke wanted a show that revolved around characters investigating American urban legends. What is more quintessentially urban legend than Bloody Mary, the Hook Man and curses from ancient Native American burial grounds? These were stories that I as the viewer was already sort of familiar with because I’d heard of all of them before. What I appreciated, specifically about the Bloody Mary episode, was that they a) acknowledge the fact that these are Urban Legends (capital letters and all) and then b) acknowledge that the legends vary wildly so a part of their job is figuring out what is true and what is rumor. I guess you could also call that a cop out but when I was a kid, I was told that Bloody Mary was the ghost of Queen Mary of England who was sister to Elizabeth I and was also violently anti-protestant. WHERE did I get this story? I have no idea. But I also have no idea where Sam got the “mutilated bride” story from either.

In an old article I found circa season 2, Kripke actually talks about preferring standalone content to mythology/lore episodes in television. Both as a creator and as a viewer, he wants a show where people can jump in at any time and “join the party” wherever they are. That’s the beauty of procedurals - you don’t need to start from the beginning to enjoy them.

But what really got me personally hooked on the show was the mythology, was the season long arc to find John Winchester and whatever killed their mom. Those mythos episodes were where the meat of the show was for me - it usually involved a lot of feelings and a lot of character development which is still mostly my jam. If I’m obsessively watching a show, it’s because I’m connected to the characters and watching them struggle through the challenges in their path, not because I want to see what monster they kill next.

And again, I’ll reiterate that each of these episodes contains an important nugget of character. In “Bloody Mary”, easily the least likely to be called Filler, we find out that Sam has weird magic powers that are the real source of his guilt over Jessica’s death.

In “Skin”, we find out a lot about Dean’s inner landscape from the DopppleDeaner, who reveals that Dean is probably most afraid of people leaving him (be still my 19-year-old heart).

Wasn’t mad about this bit...

Coulda done without this bit tho...

In “Hookman”...alright, you kinda got me on “Hookman”, but we do get the first appearance of the rocksalt shotgun and Sam talks with a girl about her dad issues which is really Sam talking about his own dad issues in the language of tv shows. Also, he maybe starts to move on from Jessica???? It’s unclear, and also a little weird but I guess he’s only 22 and that’s not that far off from 18/19.

Really, WB?? Sneaking into sorority houses?

And then in “Bugs”, yes, even in “Bugs”, we get juicy little bit of tension between the brothers as they advise some teen boy about family dynamics. The fight shows a lot about what each character feels about their own experiences growing up the way they did, how they manage the expectations from their own father, and how they believe those family dynamics should exist. I mean I guess you could also argue this is the episode that plants the seed for Wincest, but I don’t really want to go there, let’s not talk about it.

This kid’s like, “This is...not a conversation about me and MY dad, is it?”

So they could be worse. I mean the last two definitely aren’t great, and we’ll see how they measure up to the Monster Truck episode later in the season, but they’re not bad episodes.

So let’s flash forward to Now again - have we seen the end of Filler Episodes?

As I have mentioned in previous posts and will probably continue mentioning in future posts, the 22 episode season is not the norm anymore. A lot of articles I’ve read point to Breaking Bad as the first American show to really break that mold. Breaking Bad released only 7 episodes in it’s first season in 2007. When you’ve cut your story down that much, there’s no room for filler - you’re basically producing a 7 hour movie.

Now notice I said American TV show. I’m pretty sure for most of the rest of the world, 22 episodes is way outside the norm, but really I can only speak to UK TV. Seasons in the UK do not last as long as seasons in America. Doctor Who, one of, if not the, longest running show on BBC, aired its first season with 42 episodes, which is mind boggling. But since the series revived in 2005, it hasn’t had more than 13 episodes in a season. Spooks/MI5 never had more than 10 episodes. The IT Crowd only aired 6 episodes per season. Broadchurch had only 8. And because I must complete the Superwholock trifecta, Sherlock seasons were only 3 episodes a piece. These are the shows that spring to mind while I’m writing this, but you get the idea.

So why does American broadcast TV have such long seasons? Well, the answer is: moneymoneymoney.

We live in an age of “prestige” TV. Some throw around “Golden Era”, but there’s been like, a Golden Era of television every 10 years since tv’s became household commodities, so that phrase basically means nothing. TV today is more similar to long-form film making than it was a decade ago. We associate terms like “film” with other terms like “art”, and sometimes we forget that television is, and always was, a business. It’s a business that’s making a lot of money entertaining you for hours on end, but a business nonetheless. I’d argue that it doesn’t mean it’s not art, but I don’t think we can separate the art and entertainment value of tv from its actual monetary value.

Strategically, the 22-episode season was to get a show to a magical number of total episodes - 100. Once you hit the 100th episode, somewhere around season 5 (thanks math), then you can sell the show in syndicated reruns. This is also referred to as second-run syndication or off-network syndication. When a show is syndicated, that means the production company that produces the show can now sell the right to air episodes to other channels. Think channels like TBS or TNT or even USA Network - they don’t really dabble in producing their own content, they just repackage content from other networks to plug in to empty slots in their programming. And because these channels can air episodes 5 days a week, 365 days a year, that means the production company can actually make more money by selling the show in syndication than when they sold the show to the primary network. The more episodes you have in a season, the faster you get to syndication, and sometimes that means a show that’s on the brink of cancellation due to poor numbers may still get greenlit for another season or two if they’re closer to that magic 100th episode. For a show like Supernatural, that has a very procedural, not-super-heavy-mythos, structure, you can do very well in syndication. Just cuz another network agreed to air your show doesn’t mean they agreed to air it in order, so procedurals work better in syndication than your season-arc shows do. And that’s why we have episodes like Bugs, that have nothing to do with the overarching plot of the season and also phone in some questionable CGI.

Apparently they DID use real bugs to shoot this scene and everyone got bit to hell but the bugs didn’t show up good and they went with CG anyway?!?

But these days, you don’t have to hit 100 episodes. Sometimes only 80 episodes will do. Sometimes, you run a streaming site and you don’t have to worry about reruns at all because your revenue isn’t generated from air time or even ads, but from subscription prices. Honestly, when you think of it that way, it makes way more sense to greenlight shorter seasons so that you have the budget to buy more and more diverse shows that will appeal to a broader audience of viewers.

So if Supernatural was produced today, would we get these off-shoot, self-contained episodes that have little to do with the plot of finding Sam and Dean’s dad? It’s hard to say. Knowing what I do about Kripke’s original plans for the show and his thoughts on procedural standalone episodes in general, its possible that he’d still try for a traditional season aired on a traditional TV network. But in that same interview I quoted above, he also mentions that the only way to get into a show with a heavy mythos is to buy the DVDs. We don’t need DVDs anymore - we have Netflix. And Hulu and Prime and any number of other streaming services that pick up any show they can get just to have a larger library of content and attract new viewers. I think a good indicator of what Supernatural would look like if it aired today is Hulu’s Helstrom - a show about two siblings with a childhood marked by strange and terrible happenings, who spend the season trying to defeat an evil demon. This show is a Hulu original that dropped all 10 episodes on October 16, 2020, and damn if that doesn’t sound familiar. I told a friend, “it’s like Supernatural but more emotions.” (Her response was, MORE emotions?!?!?) And before you dive down the rabbit hole, the characters in Helstrom made their debut in a Marvel comic back in the 70’s, so you can just chalk it up to nothing new under the sun.

Big Mood, guys. Big Mood.

I’ll close this one by reiterating I don’t mind a filler episode. Some fillers can be weird and great and wonderful. I’d say “Tales of Ba Sing Se” (Avatar the Last Air Bender, Season 2) is a great example - with the possible exception of Appa, the vignettes presented in “Tales” are basically side quests that have nothing to do with the main quest of season 2 and only serve to develop characters. The stories are sweet and touching and also light and fun.

I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying! It’s ok, I’m also crying.

And the longer a show runs, the more likely you are to run into these fillers - episodes that take a break from the main action to bring something that’s new and out of the box and possibly/probably writers getting bored with the every-day formula of the show. I think season 1 of Supernatural does a decent job of balancing the two styles of episode so that neither gets boring. In fact, I’m pretty Supernatural was what taught me the difference between the two episode styles in the first place. And the first time around, I was hyped for those season arc episodes, because back in the late 2000’s, I hadn’t seen a lot of TV content like that. Now, 15 years on and mired in a sea of seasons that stick mainly to a season arc story with little to no room for breathing, I think that if all TV became nothing but season arc episodes...well, it’d get pretty boring.

#Supernatural #Supernatural Season 1 #Bloody Mary #Hookman #Bugs #Skin #Jensen Ackles #jared padalecki #kripke #helstrom #Filler episodes #TV #TV history #Supernatural Rewatch #CW #Sam #Dean #Winchesters

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ober-affen-geil · 5 years

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I've broken down two crucial Michael and Alex scenes previously (The Pilot Scene and the talk outside the trailer in 1x09). I want to do another one here which (in my mind) completes the trifecta of critical Malex scenes, the three that form the foundation of their relationship. It's the museum scene, of course.

I've joked about it before, but truly the most extraordinary part about this scene is that nearly the entire conversation between Michael and Alex in it is done with body language. Once inside the museum itself, there is literally one, one, line of dialog that consists of two words. That's it.

The scene is about 45 seconds long and it has two spoken words in the ENTIRE THING.

Of course, having said that, the scene really starts outside the museum. And while there is significantly more talking, the body language is still the most telling part of the communication between Alex and Michael. Because part of what makes the scene inside the museum so gutwrenchingly sweet is that they start on completely different pages.

We know from Michael's earlier conversation with Max that he has decided to take a chance on the "moment" he had with Alex in the shed. He's nervous but it's an excited, happy nervousness. He's buzzing with energy, bouncing on his toes and leaning towards Alex as far as he can with the glass between them. x

He's considered what happened between him and Alex in the shed, he's come to the conclusion that he would like to pursue that spark, and now he can't wait to go after it.

Alex on the other hand. Poor Alex. The last time he saw Michael he had just made a move that had been rejected. Alex took a chance and Michael had said "no homo" in no uncertain terms. As far as Alex is concerned, Michael has made himself off limits.

His whole body language in the ticket booth is resignation. He had hoped they could pretend that incident hadn't happened but he knows. When Michael says "somewhere private" he knows exactly what it is he wants to talk about. And from Alex's perspective this puts him in a very dangerous position. He saw what happened to his friendship with Kyle as they grew older, as their "tastes" diverged (thank you Kyle for that word), and now he thinks this new friendship is going to suffer the same fate. x

He leaves the booth expecting, at best, an extremely awkward conversation. More realistically, he thinks his relationship with Michael in any capacity is over. At worst, he's probably preparing to have to physically defend himself.

This carries over to when we see them enter the back of the museum.

I’ve mentioned, many times, that Michael is a “face it head-on” type of person. In fact, that’s what he’s doing here. He’s discovered an intense connection with this person and he’s chasing after it, heedless of the fact that Alex Manes is a boy and this is completely new territory for him. But the thing is, Alex is like that too. He is different from Michael in that, given the chance, he will bide his time enough to be sure he will come out on top, but Alex does not avoid his problems.

And that’s the Alex we see in the museum, that’s the Alex who gets the exactly two words of dialog in the entire scene.

“Ok, talk.”

And now Michael is bitten in the ass by his “move forward” style. Because he didn’t plan this. It’s always awkward to try and tell a person you like them, and it’s compounded in this case by the fact that he’s never done it with a guy before. Not to mention he is well aware that he’s already shot Alex down once. (That’s why he’s here at all.) So now that he’s got Alex alone, Michael is at a complete loss for words.

But then he looks up and sees Alex, who is radiating discomfort and anxiety. Alex is sure he knows exactly how this is going to go and he’s bracing to deal with it, but it doesn’t mean he will enjoy the experience while it’s happening. The Alex that Michael sees tells Michael that he is blowing this. At which point he says “fuck it, yeet”. x

And Alex is just. I don’t think there’s a word to describe how far out of left field this was for him. It’s deliberately left ambiguous, but I don’t believe this situation (a boy he likes making a move on him) has ever happened to Alex before. He is so utterly and completely floored he doesn’t kiss back, just lets Michael drag him gently forward a little so he doesn’t have to crane his neck as much and when Michael finally pulls back he kind of. Stands there. x

Because that wasn’t real. That didn’t just happen. No way. Alex knows this script by heart and Michael Guerin just threw it out the window. Alex doesn’t get to have the things he wants. Alex doesn’t get to be happy. He’s waiting for the freak out, for the “psych!”, for some indication that Michael didn’t mean it.

He doesn’t get that though. What he gets is a soft, sincere smile. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. x

(By the way, this is exactly the same crooked smile Michael gives Alex in the shed after he says “people don’t always have an agenda”. End me.)

Because everything in Michael right now is just singing out “yes” in so many different ways. “Yes, that was what I needed to do.” “Yes, that was as nice as I thought it would be.” “Yes, I made him understand.” “Yes, that really happened.” “Yes, the world didn’t end.” Yes.

And Alex doesn’t seem to be objecting to anything he’s just done, so Michael is eager to continue where he left off.

From Alex’s perspective, he won’t fully buy into the whole “Michael Guerin likes me back” thing until the shed, but hell. He’s stunned, not stupid. He’s standing face to face with a boy he likes who, for some unknown reason and against all odds, seems to actually want to kiss him. He’s more than happy to roll with the situation while it lasts.

So they kind of fall together again by mutual magnetic pull, and this time they’re both able to get into it more. The first kiss was chaste. It was a statement, a question, an apology. This is a kiss. They both lean into it with gusto, Michael so much that he goes up on his toes in an effort to get as close as possible, like he always does with Alex. x

And that is where we leave them at the museum, in a happy bubble of their own private moment where the rest of the world doesn’t exist. If only it could have stayed that way.

#roswell new mexico #rnm #my roswell meta #malex #alex manes #michael guerin #im counting this as a roswell week contribution #i know meta isnt in the catagories #but yolo #smells like teen roswell #roswellweek19 #rnmweek19 #day one #list #a riley special

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eriisaam · 4 years

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Ten for Ten for Ten

AFKL:jafklasfjj I have been summoned by @arlithenerd

(Just kidding thank you, now here’s hoping I did this right haha)

My responses will be posted under the cut (cuz I’m a wall of text monster and don’t know how to do read mores mid-post), but in the spirit of the meme, I’ll move my own 10 questions up first, and the tags at the bottom of it.

Now let’s see what to ask, UUUH...

1) Is there a character you really, really like? Could be waifu/husbando, could be just someone you really resonate with.

2) How about OCs? Is there an OC you’re really fond and/or proud of?

3) What’s your most favorite character trope, and what’s your least favorite? (Example tropes: Jerk with a Heart of Gold, Beware the Nice Ones, Amnesiac Hero, etc)

4) Now what’s your most and least favorite plot trope? (Examples: Rags to Riches, Hurt & Comfort, specific AUs, etc)

5) To complete the Trope Trifecta: What tropes do you most or least like in terms of character design (Examples: Capes, futuristic or fantasy style, how practical they are, how complex or simple they are, etc)

6) What are you the most proud of? (Like, something you made or an achievement)

7) Who/What has been your biggest inspiration? (Like an artist or celebrity, a fandom, maybe something you read or watched growing up, etc)

8) When you want to relax, what’s your go-to way to chill? What immediately calms you?

9) Any favorite myths, legends, folklore or themes you really like? Or what kind of theme or element would immediately draw you in to a new series if they have it?

10) How merciful or evil will you be with your 10 questions you’re giving? (Heheheheh)

And now to subject all of you to these questions, but especially you: @mdzs-tgcf-svsss-fanblog @miss-laney @moanderfe @abenignsmile @okamiryuu @flowerytrashpotato @milli-and-chika819 @littlemissdash @grimastiddies @avistella (kidding, join in if you want, tag or no. Or don’t, even when tagged. It’s all cool, no pressure~ I have no idea who to tag and/or who is chill about being tagged for something like this, I’m sorry orz)

1) a personality trait that most people wouldn’t know about you (if you feel comfortable with sharing of course!)?

I’m kinda self-defeating. I tend to think of the worst about what I do as default and have to ease eventually to the idea what I did turned out at least ok afterwards. It’s still a mindset I’m learning to work on, though it trickles in from time to time.

2) what are you most passionate about?

Creating.

|’Dc Broad answer, I know, but more specifically, I love a lot of creative hobbies, and it’s hard to narrow it down to any specific one since I love them in different moods and different reasons. Things like writing, drawing(/spriting), textile things like sewing or crocheting or origami... It’s easier to say I like the core theme of knowing you made something, and it exists because of you, and “you did this” kind of feeling.

3) what is your favorite flavor profile? (sweet, spicy, sour, umami, bitter, etc)

Sweet! Depending on the food and my mood, I also like sour and spicy things, but I tend to gravitate more to sweetness with less fussiness of how so.

4) favorite series/franchise (from any medium) and favorite character within that series/franchise?

Oh gerd, there’s a bit, but in a vague attempt to narrow it down that let’s face it, I know I’ll fail, UUUH...

Fire Emblem (particularly Fates and Heroes) - I love both of them for just how easy it is to generate ideas for. It’s funny because I realize it’s admittedly taking a lot of things that frustrate or disappoint or leave me hanging with either games that I end up liking the two most by virtue for how many ideas it paves way for in terms of headcanons or fanworks or the like. I do like things on their own merits as well, but I think the “I wish things could’ve been better/elaborated on, and therefore I will create things based on that!” side to it was what made me appreciate them more (probably not exactly for the best reasons, but! It’s a thing.) In terms of favorite characters, there’s a ton inside and out of just these two games, but I’ll give the honorable mention to Summer Takumi specifically, because the paralogue he (among others) was released in came at a critical point in my personal life that had some effects on me that, tl;dr, led to me commiting to making this blog, and making more art in public, and eventually writing fanfics in public too.

Pokemon - Was basically my childhood and went a long way into starting the first spark of a lot of the kind of hobbies I end up growing up and obsessing over/enjoying. Things like giving me a massive interest in coding and programming along with glitches and unused beta elements, or how it’s where I got my start in art back when I was little and trying to figure out how to do pokemon fusion sprite edits. I’d probably say my favorite character is a tie between Missingno and Celebi (in case the former doesn’t really count), the former for just how varied it is and being the main part of why I love how game coding works while being a gateway to beta content interests, and the latter for sentimental reasons spanning all throughout the entire time I followed the fandom game-wise.

Animal Crossing - It got me through ups and downs, it made up a chunk of nostalgia since the first game up to New Leaf (no switch, so now New Horizons, oh wellz), and I had a lot of memories both fond and low-key terrifying otherwise all throughout. I got a lot of favorites among villagers and NPCs otherwise, but if I had to narrow it down to one each:

I love Whitney for being the only snooty-type villager back when I played Wild World who was surprisingly kind to me (and I’m sad I no longer have the original cart and imagine she long since moved out anyways probably), and so she gave me an experience pretty similar to Ai’s own experience with Whitney in the movie.

NPC-wise, I’m going to go with Sable (it was a really tough choice!) for the fact that in every game, she was among the first instances you can get to know a villager so closely that she was willing to explain to you more and more of her character. Usually in many of the games, once her arch is finished, she no longer elaborates on her life and goes right back to talking generally, but if it wasn’t enough that it was among the first times you see how her demeanor changes from ignoring or staying quiet with you, to going out of her way to find things to chat with you, it was also the memories she explained once you start befriending her.

5) how have your closest family members and/or friend(s) impacted your life?

I consider friends more as family than my actual family (to put it vaguely and/or kindly, my actual family did few to no favors for me). My closest friends have picked me up when I fell (multiple, multiple times), and they were much of why I’m still here, doing what I can. I owe the world to them...

6) if you could be anything (any job, other person, type of animal or beast, literally anything aside from what you are now) what would it be?

A multi-billionaire Maybe someone who shapeshifts. The possibilities with that are endless.

7) favorite beverage?

Coffee. There’s quite a lot of drinks I really love, but coffee is the most easily accessible for me.

8) i know this is a generic one but favorite subject/class you’ve taken?

Arts & Crafts and Computers, give or take. Pity they’re usually the least important for grades and also the shortest class semesters of the year.

9) early bird or night owl?

I’m heavily inclined to be a night owl, which is unfortunate, because I’m in a place constantly forcing me to be an early bird.

10) favorite meme?

I’m completely in love with memes of cat pictures where cats have expressions that are beyond words, yet represents big moods all the same. If I had to narrow it to one specific meme, however...

My heart will always be with Anfisa. Aka Angry Cat No Banana.

#Tag and ye shall receive #but srsly thanks #Also if you get tagged and don't want to do this then again no worries sorry

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kcowgill · 5 years

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Today!

So, yeah - today!

I looked at my lifting schedule, and (oh right, I’ve been continuing to lift but not bothering to post because who cares, right!) today’s lifts could NOT be done at the gym in my office. Because I bought a new bench with a leg curl/extension attachment, I put that in my Tuesday leg day workout. But no such exercises are available at my work gym, because they’re all weird cable machines.

Not wanting to miss the opportunity to be away from my desk I went and got on the dang elliptical (ok, the adaptive motion thingy) for half of an entire hour!

I intended to lift later on at home so as to not miss leg day, but it didn’t happen. We had a couples counseling session a bit after dinner that she had to leave early to get on a conference call which she was still on when it was time to put the kids down, so I went ahead and did that. Shortly thereafter she got off her call and when she went up to tuck the kids in I headed out for the climbing gym.

I had one goal - pass my belay test and get my coveted orange belay tag. I walked in, swiped in, and asked to take my test. “Who are you going to belay for?”

I was there all by myself. No one around to be my guinea pig.

Not to be deterred, I harnessed up, got my climbing shoes on, and hit a few of the auto-belays. Chatted a bit with some rando obviously there for his first time, but he was with some friends of his. I gave James (as I learned later) a bit of advice, and then went around the corner for another auto-belay.

James and I were resting on the couch a bit afterwards, a bit more chatting, and his two friends come up and we all introduce ourselves - Eddie and Rachel. Meanwhile I was watching the “climbing partners wanted” white board and trying to see if the woman (who had just put her name on the board) had an orange tag, but I never saw it, so didn’t approach her. (whew!)

I should digress for a moment and explain that initiating conversation with strangers is COMPLETELY outside my comfort zone. I’m especially worried that I’ll come off as some creepy guy trying to hit on women (which I’m TOTALLY NOT. I mean, I HAVE to take off my wedding ring for climbing (don’t google “degloving”) but it’s totally obvious there’s normally a ring there thanks to my finger pudge). Regardless, approaching strangers, approaching women, asking strangers for a favor - that would be my social anxiety trifecta.

Anyhow, I finally worked up the nerve to ask Eddie to be my belay test guinea pig, and he agreed!

An employee of the climbing gym finally came around, administered my test, and I passed with flying colors! Ok, maybe not flying, because he had to prompt me for a few things, but I still passed :)

Eddie belayed me up a route I tried on Saturday after I took the class with my partner Greg (holy moly I think I didn’t post about any of that, oh well). On Saturday my arms were still sore from the prior Tuesday so I had to give up not even halfway.

I passed the point I had to stop at on Saturday and KEPT RIGHT ON GOING. Finally near the top my hands/arms were dying, so I asked Eddie to give me a rest. I chalked up a bit more, steeled my resolve and GOT THE REST OF THE WAY UP THATS BAD BOY.

Then I belayed Eddie up a really tough route (5.11something, very pinchy holds) and then headed home.

But... I GOT MY ORANGE BELAY TAG!

#climbblr #ellipticalblr

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