#(especially since we need to get groceries and the extra time would be nice) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sirfrogsworth · 6 months

Text

FFFF: Froggie's Fuckin' Fancy Foray

In a previous post I was debating whether I should go to the Sam's near me, which requires a short 11 minute drive, but the path to get there is quite stressful due to traffic and construction and frustrating detours onto narrow side streets.

There was even a time when a bunch of signs got knocked over or removed and I accidentally went down an unfinished road that dead-ended into a pile of rocks. That was a fun moment. Especially when people stared at me as I did some improvised off-roading to get turned around.

Like I said... STRESSFUL.

Or I could head the other direction across the river into Illinois.

A scenic 22 minute drive with empty highways to a much nicer Sam's. The extra 20 minutes of total drive time is a lot, especially after all the walking required to collect my groceries. And I feared it would test my energy limits, since I had to go to Sam's and Schnucks to get all of the groceries I needed. Sam's is great, but sometimes I just don't need seven dozen of something.

I was having a decent energy day, so the scenic route won.

My plan was to go to Sam's for the bulk of my groceries and then drive all the way back across the river, past my house, and go to the Schnucks that stocks my favorite new fancy Fitz's soda. Which would add another 30 minutes of driving. Though I figured if I wasn't feeling up to it, I could go to Schnucks another day.

But as I stood in the Sam's parking lot holding a five dollar rotisserie chicken, an idea struck me... "Maybe there is a Schnucks near here."

I opened Maps and to my dismay, there was a Schnucks just down the street and for three entire years I never thought to check.

Literally half a mile down the street.

I think we are all familiar with the concept of chain stores varying in quality depending on the area they are located.

There is a Schnucks only 1.2 miles from my home. It is what I would call "tolerable."

Let's deem this location "TS" for Tolerable Schnucks.

TS is clean and has all of the essentials but they try to shove ten pounds of Schnucks into a five pound bag. It is cramped and poorly stocked and the lighting is somehow extra florescent.

They managed to squeeze in a decent deli, but that is where the niceties end. They usually have one register open even if the checkout line wraps around the dairy section. I have yet to find a less busy time to go. It's always filled to the brim with people—morning, noon, and night.

And, frustratingly, they rarely stock my new botique soda obsession, Fitz's.

I allow myself one occasional sugary treat to manage the cravings and I never know if they are going to have it.

However, if I travel an extra 15 minutes then I can upgrade to the Schnucks I would call "nice." So we'll go with "NS" for Nice Schnucks.

Weirdly the NS is near the "tolerable" Sam's (no acronym because that would be confusing with Tolerable Schnucks (TS)). They are only 3 minutes apart but the store quality difference is pretty drastic. If I have the energy, I will try to stop at both places in one trip since they are so near each other.

NS is a much bigger store than TS and they even have a bigger selection to go with that extra space. I have to get my fancy soda there because I guess TS figured "let's just fill the aisle with Diet Coke and nothing else." NS has a much bigger deli and full bakery and a fish person and even a quaint little floral department. They usually have multiple registers open and they stay open past 8pm so you can go when it isn't busy. The lighting is a little better, they keep things in stock, and they even have half-sized shopping carts that are easier to push if you only need a few things.

I thought that was the gold standard for Schnucks.

As nice as it gets.

But then I discovered this new Schnucks near the Nice Sam's and that assertion was about to be shattered.

Let me introduce you to the FFS.

The Fuckin' Fancy Schnucks.

The first thing you notice at the FFS is the front has well-maintained landscaping. Like, proper shrubbery.

That's fuckin' fancy.

The second you enter the store you are greeted with a fully staffed floral department.

It felt like if Valentine's Day could manifest a jungle. Brightly colored flowers everywhere surrounded by mylar balloons wishing people happy whatevers.

Then I turned the corner to see the biggest Schnucks of my life. With one entire side of the store dedicated to bespoke food items.

They got a deli. They got a bakery. They got a fish person. They got another fish person who just makes sushi all day.

They have an entire wall of prepared food items made at the store daily. Sandwiches and salads and pastas and full chickens. They even make their own frozen pizzas.

And then I noticed... the Meat Masters.

They have their own damned butcher on staff!

I found myself just going up and down all of the aisles and discovering new things the other Schnuckses never stock. The soup aisle was ridiculous. I was getting pretty tired and I was paralyzed by too many choices. So I decided to just get my normal boring soups and come back another time to explore the Fancy Soup Section.

The FSS at the FFS, if you will.

And the lighting was just so much more pleasant. It didn't feel like a 90s office building.

And look at that flooring. Did they hire an interior designer?

TS & NS just have generic square tiles.

I mean, I guess making some of them blue is something. But even the ceiling is drab comparatively.

And look at the TS Zapp's display compared to the displays at FFS.

I will say, TS takes much better care of their robot friend. FFS stuck their robot in a very undignified location.

This Roomba with a giant erection spends all day counting stuff and they stick him next to the men's room? Let him hang out with the Meat Masters or the fish people.

This is how a robot uprising starts.

The soda aisle was at the end of the store so I arrived there last. I was nervous they might not have my beloved bottled soda pop. Not only did they have it, but they also had 4 other flavors I didn't even know existed.

I guess you could say the FFS had an FFFS! (Fuckin' Fancy Fitz's Section)

I got that same feeling when you unlock bonus items in a video game. I don't know what the difference is between cream soda and "cardinal" cream soda... but I'm gonna find out!

Update from Future Froggie: It's fuckin' tasty!

So...

Future Froggie approves of Fuckin' Tasty Fitz's Soda from the Fuckin' Fancy Fitz's Section at the Fuckin' Fancy Schnucks and is sad Nice Schnucks and Tolerable Schnucks Failed Future Froggie with their Lacking Fancy Fitz's Soda Section.

Or...

FF approves of FTFS from the FFFS at the FFS and is sad NS & TS FFF with their LFFSS.

Got all that?

I loaded up the FTFS and my frozen pizzas and my non-fancy soups and headed over to the registers. They had 3 lanes open despite hardly anyone shopping at the time. I didn't have to wait in the dairy section for 25 minutes. So I justified that extra drive time and then some. Because standing in line is harder than sitting and driving.

So I guess I answered my question about which path to choose. If only I had known about the FFS earlier I would have forgone NS and Tolerable Sam's and just drove the extra 20 minutes across the Mississippi River to and from MO & IL.

On the one hand, it is kind of depressing that just like public schools, property taxes dictate the quality of vital stores in our communities. I mean, these are stores run by the same company. I know the physical property can necessitate some variation due to size and configuration differences. But it's clear they are pumping a lot more resources into the FFS. Not just more cashiers with a bagger on every lane, but actual experts in flowers and fish and baking and deli.

And who knows how much a MoM costs. (Master of Meat)

On the other hand...

We live in a society and can't fix capitalism overnight and all that.

I need my FTFS and FSS at the FFS, okay?

#long post

203 notes · View notes

beachylupin · 10 months

Note

can you pls write a blurb where remus finds you asleep on the couch and it’s all fluffy and cute

thank you for being my first request, anon!! i hope this is kind of what you wanted! word count: 1k warnings: besides the mention of curling up and dying in the third sentence there really aren't any warnings, remus being cute, domestic fluff (??)

Dozed Off || Remus Lupin x Reader

Work today was hard. The customers were rude, your boss was a dick, and you didn’t make anything for tips. You just wanted to go home, curl up, and die.

But you couldn’t. That isn’t the way the world works. As soon as you got home, you had to unload groceries, shower, and start dinner so that you and Remus could eat when he got home from work. That’s how it always was when he woke up early to work at the factory: he would shower while you cooked so that you could both be clean and fed before you’d both pass out from exhaustion, whether it be on the couch or your bed.

You toed off your shoes at your front door and sighed, taking in the unkempt flat.

The two of you had been especially busy lately. With Harry’s birthday coming up, you both had taken extra shifts to get him something special.

“We need to get him something that will top whatever ridiculous thing that Pads is getting him,” Remus mentioned a few months ago. “Something that makes the ickle lad go ‘Wow!’”

The two of you had also been helping James and Lily plan a party for the tot since it fell on the day after the full moon, and Remus wouldn’t be up to much of anything on that specific day besides attending the party and sitting down.

Your flat had been nearly abandoned because of it. It was used for eating and sleeping; none of the normal shenanigans that you and Remus got up to. Dishes were piling up, clothes were strewn everywhere, and every flat surface had been decorated with things that didn’t belong on them.

You looked at your couch longingly. Glancing at the time, you figured it wouldn’t do any harm to just sit for a few minutes. You desperately needed to rest your aching feet.

Giving in, you tossed the groceries on the kitchen counter then plodded your way to the couch, falling on it when your shins met the deck. It felt softer than ever before, and the worn brown leather sucked you in, determined to make you stay.

Remus sighed, trudging his way up the stairs to the flat. He was actually in a good mood, which was a nice change of pace for him. Good moods nowadays were few and far between since he was nearly always at work or asleep: not spending nearly enough time with you.

As he approached the door, he noticed the stark silence coming from the flat. When you were cooking, you were usually blasting whatever artist you were in the mood for that day. Sometimes, Bowie could be heard crooning all the way down the hall, while other days, George Harrison kept you company as you bent over the hot stove.

But today, there was nothing, which either meant one of three things. One: you were finally using the tape deck Remus had gotten you for your birthday. Two: you were angry. Or three, and worst of all: you weren’t home yet.

Preparing for option two or three, he opened the door quietly, slipping inside, and pushing it shut without a click.

“Love?” He called as he took his shoes off, noticing yours on the mat. He glanced toward the kitchen, seeing nothing except a bare stove and the bag of untouched groceries. “You alright?” He asked apprehensively. When he got nothing in return, he immediately knew it was option two. Not the worst, but definitely not the best.

“Whatever Dick said to you today doesn’t matter,” Remus said, peering down the small hallway to try and hear any noise. Both doors were open, meaning you weren’t in the shower. The bedroom was the next possible place you could be in your small flat.

“You know that guy lives up to his name. You’re home now, love. Everyone here adores you,” he said into the open bedroom. He peeked his head inside, seeing nothing.

Eyebrows furrowed, he backtracked down the hallway.

That’s when Remus found you: small puffs of air leaving your parted lips, eyes gently closed, looking as peaceful as ever still in your apron from work.

His heart clenched at the sight. He grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over you as softly as he could. Remus pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead then tiptoed away, letting you rest.

“Baby,” Remus cooed, lightly pushing your hair off your forehead, watching your eyes flutter slightly open. “You want to shower while dinner cooks?”

You hummed at the scent of his aftershave. “Time ‘s it?”

Even through bleary eyes, Remus looked good. He had freshly shaved, leaving his face smooth. His hair was slightly wet, showing off the natural waves in his sandy blond hair. He lost his normal sweater and slacks for just a white t-shirt and sweats.

“Uhhh…” Remus looked over his shoulder at the clock on the stove. “Seven.”

“Seven?!” Your eyes flew open as you sat straight up. “Shit! Dinner!” You groaned, your hands meeting your face in frustration. “I’m so sorry, Rem. I didn’t mean to doze off, and I-”

“Hey, hey,” he said, grabbing your shoulders lightly. When you met his eyes, he smiled. “It’s okay. I got it handled.”

“I know, but-” You looked around him, noticing how clean the flat was. “Remus. You worked today! I was supposed to do that!”

He scoffed, pushing his damp hair off his forehead. “You worked too! It’s okay to let me do things sometimes, love. We’re a team.”

You sighed, your shoulders slumping forward. “I just feel bad.”

Remus rolled his eyes playfully, cupping your cheeks in his hands. “Well, go shower, okay? We’ll eat dinner after, and then, I’ll figure out a way to make you feel so much better.” He kissed your lips firmly, pulling away to leave you breathless. He kissed your cheek, then nipped your jaw lightly.

“I love you,” you said, now cupping his face in your hands before he could go any further. “You know that, right?”

Remus smiled. “I know. I love you more.” He kissed you again before pulling away, leaning in so that his breath tickled your ear. “Now, go shower before dinner is burnt, and I have to eat you.”

#answered ask #remus lupin #marauders era #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin fluff #remus lupin blurb #remus lupin x you #remus lupin fic #remus lupin imagine #remus lupin drabble

338 notes · View notes

rocksibblingsau · 2 months

Note

Hey! I wanted to ask if you had any ideas on currency for rock and pop trolls. (I think pop trolls would be the type to exchange services on goods while rock trolls have some form of money)

Also sorry you’re going through writers block :(, hope you get through it soon!

Currency is the bane of my existence because trolls apparently must have some sort of currency because Rosiepuff 'plays for the money'. I do enjoy them having a barter system for some things, though their market seems to have reached a level of industrialization in The Beat Goes On/Trollstopia (Having factories and fast fashion) that would likely be a little difficult to manage. One example is Smidge's stoutberry juice business. It pops up and the crowd moves so fast on it that I imagine having to barter for a single glass of juice for every person would be a bit more difficult than bartering for weekly groceries. We don't see her exchanging it for anything in the episode but she does explicitly refer to it as a 'business' that would be jeopardized by competition, so she is gaining something from it.

I also think 'favors' would make things a bit difficult especially during their time at the troll tree. Imagine making a huge deal only for them to get eaten before you can collect.

A friend of mine has them using jellybeans as currency, which I find on brand and hilarious.

Honestly I could see Pop Trolls having 'money' but it works a bit differently. Money is paper based and anyone can make it at any point they wish. On it, rather than numbers or pictures of troll-ified presidents is nice words. Everyone has different takes on it and the more heartfelt the words written on it increases its value. This would mean you couldn't just mass produce it, because it wouldn't be heartfelt and so it wouldn't be worth much.

Since they're personalized, unlike our money you can't take the money you were just given and use it to pay someone else. As you can imagine you'd be buried in 'money' fast so that's what the bank would be for. Holding on to all your lovely money so you could read it any time.

I also imagine that this would be why canon Branch would want to harvest his own supplies so much! He never made his own 'money' and at the time there likely wouldn't have been anyone who would have accepted it because it wouldn't have seemed sincere. After his colors came back I imagine he made some and was a bit worried if it would be worth anything, but every time he used it everyone could tell it was worth a lot because he put a lot of effort into trying it, so most places gave him extras of whatever he was trying to buy.

These would have definitely been popular during their time under Trollstice. A perfect pick me up to sit and read over all the kind notes!

Rock Trolls I could see having a money system closer to ours, as they're a LOT more industrialized than TBGO Pop Trolls and we know they have some sort of 'pay' concept since Barb tells Riff "I don't pay you to hear."

Since Riff replies that he's not being paid, he's doing it for college credits, it would also imply that they don't have a barter system, as doing it for college credits would be virtually the same as receiving a 'favor' so there would be no reason to clarify that.

The only difference is I imagine their economy isn't in shambles. Riff isn't buried in student loans.

Of all the tribes to most likely exchange favors, I could see it being Country.

The intermingling of tribes would probably create the need for a standard currency or exchange rate, as I can imagine Rock Trolls don't want glittery notes as payment. Honestly I could see the Funk Trolls coming up with some sort of conversion system so that among your own tribe you could keep your standard money or go to a Funk bank and swap in so you can visit Symphonyville and not have to do any extra math.

TY for the well wishes and the fun question! I had a lot of fun turning this over in my head.

#sibblings au #sibblings qna #rock troll culture #pop troll culture

28 notes · View notes

hockybish · 3 months

Text

Bean groaned throwing another piece of clothing on the floor "I'm fat, nothing fits, nothing looks right."

"Well you are pregnant, with twins" he pecked her cheek, rubbing small circles into her bump

"I know but I'm like two times bigger than I was with Zeph or Percy. When I was this far with them everything still fit."

"Momma again, twins"

"Again you aren't helping" Bean pouted, he wouldn't understand.

Trevor sighed. He never would be able get why she feels the way she does, she literally had two little lives growing in her, but he could try to help her feel a little better.

He drew her a nice warm bath, making sure to add extra bubbles, and some pretty dried rose petals. Trevor even lit one of Bean's favorite candles to give the room more a relaxing atmosphere.

"You relax for a while, take a nap even. I'm gonna take the boys out for a bit, we've got a few errands to run."

"Don't be gone too long. Percy has eat in a few, and he's teething so he might be a little cranky." Bean sank into the water. "Oh and Zephyr needs to-"

"Bean, pretty Momma, I got this. Don't worry." Trevor kissed the crown of her head. "We'll be back later."

Trevor had a plan, while they were out they were going to get foods Bean was currently craving and a few other little goodies that will left her mood. Today was about her.

At the grocery store they had gathered everything they need and were about to check out when Zephyr spotted the bunches of pretty flowers. They were calling him, especially the tulips as they were Bean's favorite.

"Daddy we need to get flowers fo Mommy. These ones!" Zephyr held up a bunch of red tulips.

"Those are perfect little dude." He agreed, purchasing them plus another bouquet, because Bean could never have enough flowers. "What do you think Perce?"

Percy grunted glaring at his father while he nawed on a frozen toy. Trevor tickled the baby's foot to get him to smiled, but he just kicked his hand away. Teeth are not fun.

"Mommy wants cupcakes too. The ones with frosting." Zephyr tried again since Trevor listened to him about the flowers. He didn't wait for his dad to reply and put the desert in the cart as they were on their way to checkout. Trevor never noticed and bought them anyways.

While the boys were out Bean got the little break she very much needed. She got enough time to finish the bath, take a nap and even watched an episode of her show without any interuptions.

She was getting anxious as the minutes ticked on, it was getting close to feeding time for the baby and that little boy could be a terror when he didn't get fed right away. As soon as they were through the door, she snagged him from his carseat and went off to feed him.

Zephyr went off to play and Trevor got to work on lunch. Rice and ranch for Bean, mac and cheese for everyone else. He decorated the table with the flowers and some nicer tableware. The whole set up look pretty good if you asked him.

Bean was very surprised by it all.

"Mommy can I try that?" Zephyr pointed to the odd combo on her plate.

"Of course Zeph. It's pretty good"

Zeph put a small spoonful in his mouth and swallowed. The combo wasn't gross or disgusting by any means, but he didn't really like it. His parents laughed at the face he made.

"weird" He shoveled noodles into his mouth.

"That's okay babe, you don't need to have anymore"

"Can I have cupcake?"

The little family ended the night in a little cuddle puddle on the couch watching a movie. Zephyr was snuggled into Bean, the child had one hand on his mother's bump, talking to his brothers and Trevor had a sleeping drooly baby on his chest.

"Feel better Bean?"

"Yes. Thank you for everything"

#west winds au #trevor x bean #trevor zegras

42 notes · View notes

cloveroctobers · 10 months

Text

EM HAYWOOD — summer prompts 🍋

A/N: writing this quickly with a cold and before that vertigo has me spread out like Anderson Paak in that one music video lmao. This was meant to be out last month during pride but there is no limit to that sugar in your tank if you catch my drift! 😜 Also we’re always spreading love to THEE mother Keke so I thought why not? Hope ya’ll are still out there reading and it might be time for me to give NOPE another watch this summer! This is a mixture of fluff & humor mostly since the last one I wrote ages ago! really wasn’t that. Although I love a little spookiness too, otherwise I wouldn’t be called “Octobers” for nothing! You’ll find that out towards the end ❤️‍🔥

PROMPTS are from here & I’m using: “i know it’s hot but we have to go grocery shopping, get up...” + “roll the windows up, I’m about to put the AC on.”

ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.*

The sleep was hitting okay!

Especially when it took forever to get comfortable in this new home and you were managing the electric bill. Emerald was used to the heat SoCal would bring growing up in Agua Dulce but moving out to Lancaster? That dirt was bringing up a different type of heat—despite being only twenty something minutes away! But she didn’t mind spending the extra money so that the both of you could be comfortable.

With the way inflation is set up and companies are increasing everything every month just because they felt like that was the answer to their problems was a problem. You weren’t having it and settled on opening windows and fans majority of the time while Emerald let it slide…except for today.

You’re sleeping on your stomach, cheek pressed into a pillow made for hotels, covers a tangled web over your now room temp body as you rest peacefully. Which was a contrast to what started at the beginning of the hot uncomfortable night, you were home alone dressed in nothing but a oversized white t-shirt and Em was hanging out at the ranch with OJ and Angel. The invitation was always open for you to join but you needed to get some last minute things done for work, so you stayed behind to meet that deadline.

It was funny how that worked out, you being a digital journalist who fell in love with a charming woman, who went through a unexplainable experience that is still talked about to this point in time. If you thought Emerald Haywood was a talker, then that made you a believer and combined? That made the both of you a invested duo.

You thought you had it all figured out, since the trio received a nice “settlement” if that’s what you want to call it—once the higher ups were involved but that didn’t mean you didn’t want to put in the effort towards this home. Em’s name maybe on the deed and she wanted you to live with her but you’re the piece that made this feel like home.

Emerald’s dreams were always big and bright, she had no issue being a hustler but with you by her side you had to level her out just a bit and so she wouldn’t get too crazy when it came to home shopping. Sure house shopping was actually kind of fun; you personally didn’t think too much about it before, since you were still scrapping for money once living underneath your elementary school teacher mother’s home. It was just the two of you since your brother moved off to Texas with his girlfriend; that your mother didn’t particularly like but respected that her eldest wanted to start a new chapter elsewhere.

She just didn’t expect her daughter to go off and do the same thing a year later. Your mother tended to be harder on you than she was on your older brother but you stemmed that as your mother being dependent on you. Relax! Y’all were finally in therapy working that out and it definitely wasn’t with the help of Em’s ex, that would be a huge red flag.

So yeah there was some things going on along with some heat? You were going to do everything in your power to ease that electricity bill. Even if a nagging throbbing headache started to occur? Ice packs were in your reach for your dear forehead and back of your neck. If the walls were getting sticky? Put the fans on blast and rotate and open up those large windows to allow some fresh air in. You had it figured out and definitely was known as the DIY queen.

Emerald was staring down at you adoringly, kiss going right to the side of your neck before she lightly shook your shoulder, “wakey wakey, baby.”

You huffed, keeping your eyes closed, normally Emerald was the heavy sleeper but for some reason she wanted to be up and at ‘em, “huh?”

“We got things to do.”

“…like?” You croaked, knowing you needed some water soon.

“Plenty. First we need to get more gas and fill up the portable tanks, then we need to pick up Bam Cooke and Cathaway.” Emerald started counting your to-do list as she began pacing beside your side of the bed.

You honestly forgot your mom had your dog and cat (they were named after some soulful legendary singers, name creds completely go to emerald for this one!) for the weekend.

Peeking over at your nightstand you squinted trying to see the time and settled on snatching your phone instead.

8:56am.

Unlocking your phone you checked the weather and sighed, “there’s also a heat advisory today and tomorrow.”

“Girl what else is new? We also need to eat. I know it’s hot but we have to go grocery shopping, get up.” Emerald stated with her hands digging into hips, after she just yanked the curtains open to reveal the sunlight.

Slapping a slighty damp arm over your eyes after resting your phone back on the night stand, you exhaled, “can’t we just do a delivery service?”

“Yeah, we can. But you’ve been cooped up in this house for who knows how long. Like when’s the last time you’ve been to the office or been interacting with people?”

You’ve interacted with plenty people! That’s the perks of working remotely, you chatted only when necessary—although that also started to feel like a ghost town? Ghost server? it was still enough socializing for you with a employer that was basically a chatty Kathy that loved video calls and phone calls that could go on for hours every other day.

“Interacting with you and my mom is more than enough,” you mumbled, “plus we still have to get this house together, things are still in boxes, and we’re still waiting on backordered items.”

Emerald scoffed with a fan of her hand, “we’ll worry about that in due time! There’s no timeline to when this place has to be together, it’s about what we make of it.”

Which didn’t stop her from having a house warming with her group of close friends and your best friend. You wouldn’t have minded if it was just family but having friends over when the decor wasn’t even in the state was a little annoying. However emerald was open to sharing with everybody, her success was basically everyone’s success, although you tried to hint that one of her friends out of the group seemed to be moving a little funny after Emerald came into that money.

True tea.

You repeated after a yawn, “Grocery shopping?”

Emerald nodded as she approached the bed in her bra, brief’s, and rodded hair. She then climbed up onto the bed, standing over you as she lightly sang, “oooowoaaahyeaaah!”

Snorting you teased with some snaps, “Okay, Hannah.”

Winking, Em spun off the bed as you pushed up onto your elbows, “you need help taking your rollers out?”

“I got it, baby, thank you.” Emerald called out as she entered the bathroom, “you can help me pick it out though…never mind yo ass is heavy handed.”

“Compared to who?”

“Me myself and I.”

You rolled your eyes as you tossed the covers back, reaching for your tumbler so you can down some water, before joining your girlfriend in the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Now…drives to the grocery store was just as if you were in the south. This you knew since you were originally from North Carolina but finished your senior year and attended college in California. Emerald was always in the driver’s seat out of your relationship but it was amplified with the new car y’all were leasing. You offered to get out and pump the gas along with refilling the extra jugs, leaving Emerald to sit sideways, checking social media while her elbows dug into her knees with the door wide open, legs begging for some air since…you guessed it! wouldn’t drive with the AC on either.

Gas stations were never far from the house living in Lancaster but going to the grocery store? That required at least a thirty-five minute drive on the highway and there was a accident, which was taking this little outing much more time than usual.

Emerald was getting impatient while you sat with your legs up on the dash of your Honda sport, hands throw up and locked behind the headrest while you gently nodded your head along to the Afrobeat mix.

The side eye game was strong as Emerald peeked over at you, completely at ease in this weather. Yeah she should be used to this weather and normally she is but with a heat wave with barely a breeze brought on some agitation for real.

Sitting bumper to bumper, tumblers of water in the cup holders, heat rays roasting the brown on Emerald’s hands and arms, and the drip of sweat sliding down the back of her neck towards her back was enough for Emerald’s Patience to wear very thin. With one hand on wheel and the other shooting out to mess with the knobs and buttons on the dash, caught your attention.

“roll the windows up, I’m about to put the AC on.” Emerald started before sitting up straight and glanced over her shoulder, “I’m also about to float this motherfucker.”

Your eyes went wide after cautiously rolling your window up and latching onto the door before Emerald whipped the car out of the slow lane, now flying down the emergency lane towards the next exit, quickly influencing some cars to follow right behind.

You breathed, “Excuse me, Samuel L. Jackson.”

“You ain’t know? That’s my uncle.” Emerald curled her lips into a smile, proud of herself before increasing the volume of the music by the steering wheel.

Shaking your head, you lowered your feet onto the floor, stretching before sitting up on the passenger side. You were already comfy before but now you had to reach into the backseat to reach for your crochet blanket you made last winter to toss over your bare thighs.

“Sorry but we’ve been inside the house with no AC during ninety degree weather and there ain’t no type of breeze outside! If we’re gonna be outside, we need to survive.” Emerald claimed as she paused at the stop sign before turning right.

You shrugged, “We got a full tank now so it’s whatever.”

Emerald hummed at this before holding her hand out to rest on top of your blanket, “Guess that means now we can be cute and hold hands without being sweaty.”

“Uh uh, both hands on the wheel Ms. Float this muthafucka.”

A laugh bubbled out of Emerald’s lips at this, “Fine, if that’s how you wanna do me.”

“Safety first,” you raised one finger in the air before pushing your glasses up the bridge of your oily nose.

“You right, can’t have nothing interfering with my baby and I.”

“That’s riiiight.”

“Oooh, alto.”

You laughed.

Eventually the both of you made it to the grocery store after eleven, the parking lot wasn’t packed but had a nice little crowd filling the area.

“Good, now we can use the corporations’ air instead, knowing they’re about to sell us some overpriced eggs.” Emerald told you as you walked the aisle, making a elderly woman glance at you two.

You laughed, watching as the woman slowly smiled at your conversation before carrying on. Emerald was pushing the carriage and you were rotating between hanging onto the crook of her arm and holding onto the side of the carriage.

“That’s my girl.” You praised as Emerald pointed at you.

Stopping at the vegetables section, you bounced up on your toes as you noticed the organic section up ahead, “Ooh, I see that tangerine juice we like. Let me grab that before there’s none left.”

“Yes please do! I’m gonna get into these bell peppers and zucchini.”

“Alright,” you tapped the carriage before departing.

Folding your arms and humming to the soft 80s jams the store played, you took your time heading over to the organic section, briefly glancing at the other sections before getting to the main one that sparked your interest. Standing in front of the mid-sized section, you scanned the various of drinks and decided on three main ones.

First you picked up the tangerine juice, tucking it underneath your arm, some kombucha that people were raving about on tiktok, and finally when you reached for the small bottle of pomegranate juice, you paused as another hand was reaching for the same thing.

“Oh,” the voice says, making you turn to them.

Hey listen, normally you weren’t the type to say much on anyone’s appearance but the woman with the sun hat and wicked smile made you feel some type of way. Her green eyes were large, almost too large that they looked too big for her tight pinched face. Her ears were also pointed and stuck out from her long frizzy jet black hair, lots of teeth, thin barely there brows, and pale skin the color of powder.

“Looks like there’s only one left of the little ones.” The woman spoke, taking note that your eyes went to the four large bottles to the right of the smaller bottle.

“Mhm.”

The woman’s eyes almost widened as she said, “A little goes a long way, don’t you think?”

“Sure does. My mimi—my grandmother, used to have a pomegranate tree. Learned to love them from a young age.”

“How wonderful,” the woman commented, “I sense southern roots…where about? Princeville?”

You halted and pushed your glasses further up the bridge of your nose at that. You knew your history regardless of being a journalist or not but this didn’t feel like good ‘ol southern chat with this woman. It felt invasive and unsettling.

Clearing your throat, you pulled on the top of the bottle, weighing the juices in your arms as the woman cradled the basket that held small amounts of pink petals that grew from the lengthy green leaves and stems. Almost as if she pulled the shrubs up herself, which you noticed she had lace gloves covering her hands. You’ve never seen flowers like those and planned on picking up some here later but there was a feeling in your gut telling you otherwise.

“A much bigger city,” you responded with a small smile, “my family leaves their mark wherever they go. We tend to be active in many communities. Excuse me, I have to get back to shopping.”

The woman kept a smile on her face as you talked, not blinking once as you conversed. She turned while you walked by her before she called out to you, “Yes, Miss. we all have to finish our deeds before God pours the storm on us. You should enjoy that juice to ease his suffering and return.”

You didn’t grant the woman a word or a glance as you sped-walked back to Em who also happened to be chatting with a bald buff man. You caught their attention as you placed the items back into the carriage, almost roughly.

“Hey baby, this is my new friend, Duncan. He listens to Angel and I’s podcast…matter of fact, why don’t you snap a pic on our phones so I can send it to him and our socials?”

“Really? Oh no. I don’t want to trouble you.”

“Oh please! Anybody that’s a supporter of mine, can get something as simple as a conversation and a picture. Don’t be shy on me now, Duncan!”

The man grinned as he cautiously held out his phone to you, “Only if you don’t mind?”

This was nothing new.

Ever since operation nope hit the internet and radio stations, people were intrigued to know the people who took it on. You didn’t feel any sort of way when people would come up to Emerald, you admired how she handled herself with grace, chatting with people with ease as they inquired about the what and the how.

Although she was advised not to speak much on it, with hush money, her and Angel still touched on some of it on their supernatural podcast: UNO U KNOW U.F.NO! Yes it was lengthy title that was abbreviated when you search for it but it makes sense if you’re observant and think about it. The listeners that get it, get it and those that don’t?

They don’t listen.

You seemed to be on autopilot, taking the phones as you snapped a few pictures, which Duncan thanks you two for before the both of you carried on shopping. You didn’t see the woman around anymore and that still didn’t make you feel alright.

“Can we hurry out of this section, em?”

“Yeah sure,” Emerald responded as she finished up some texts before shoving her phone into her back pocket, “we only need some fruits then we can head out into the main aisles.”

“I think we’ll be fine with frozen fruits, we don’t eat the fresh ones fast enough.”

“Speak for yourself, there’s nothing wrong with stocking up.” Em leaned on the carriage as she pushed forward, “don’t worry about a thing, I’m buying.”

Quietly you responded, “okay,” eyes still searching the area around you.

Emerald raises her brows at this, stopping in front of the pineapples, “…you okay? Is The AC making your head hurt again or something? Usually you’re all up for debating on who wants to pay.”

“I’m fine.”

“If you say so,” a look of uncertainty passed on Emerald’s face as she wrapped the pineapple in a plastic bag for protection before placing it into the carriage.

The tension in your shoulders almost faltered as the both of you went through the main floor, breezing through two aisles until you got to the third one. You stood in front of the carriage while Em voiced her complaints on oat milk and coconut milk. She had her back to the opposite end of the aisle while from your peripheral you saw a flash of black.

Turning your head, you glanced out the aisle and saw no one for awhile before a customer walked by with a carriage.

“I mean I don’t even care for oat milk like that, I think it messes with my stomach. Almond milk ain’t all that and coconut milk is only good for certain meals…wait a damn minute they got rice milk? How do they do that?!” Emerald browsed the milks in awe.

It was when you turned back, you saw her. She was walking by the aisle, raising a few fingers to wave at you, sickening smile planted on her lips, except her green large eyes were almost see-through, a silver tone that flashes as she went by.

Hell. nawl.

Leaving the carriage behind, you backed up in the other direction and took off into a sprint.

“Aries?” Em called out to you.

However you didn’t look back until your back was pressed up against the car. Emerald was only seconds behind you, hands on her knees as she finally caught up to you.

“…what…the…hell…was that? you never told me you were a track star?!”

You pulled yourself from the heat of the car that seeped through the thin material of your shirt and yanked on the car door handle. Emerald was completely confused but something was clearly going on as she rested a hand on your waist.

“Hey, tell me what’s going on?”

You swallowed, “There’s a shapeshifter or some shit in there that’s been following me—or us around!”

“Say what now?” The look of seriousness washed over Emerald’s features as she let go of you to start patting herself for the keys.

You nodded your head, not showing a ounce of humor on your own face and Emerald knew she had to ask questions later. Unlocking the doors, you threw yourself inside, waiting for Emerald to jog around the car to get into the driver’s side. She locked the doors and stuck the key in the ignition as specs of rain began to platter against the window shield.

Before she could turn the key, the both of you turned to the right parking space to see a yellow Volkswagen beetle pulling up beside you with their window down. It was the same woman with the bow sun hat, smiling and her eyes flickering silver like a coin about to be spun in circles, just watching you two before she sped off.

That action alone made your glasses fog up more than the humidity outside.

You sank into your seat, ripping your glasses from your face, other hand holding onto the strap of the seatbelt as you croaked out, “Did you see that?”

“Uh uh. And I don’t want no damn parts,” Emerald stated as she started the car, putting it in reverse not bothering to use the back up camera this time, “Let’s get the hell up outta here and call OJ.”

You pulled out your own phone with shaky hands as Emerald led the both of you in the opposite direction. As the phone rang on the Bluetooth, Emerald reached out to grip your hand in her’s.

The touch was comforting enough but you couldn’t help but to think:

Here we go again.

However it was round one for you and round two for Em but with the warmth of her hand in yours, maybe you’ll make it out just fine with her by your side.

Or you could both simply ignore this?

Yeah…

Right.

ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.* ↟ ੈ✩‧✧.*

Continue along with my summer anthology prompts here.

#nope #nope film #nope 2022 #jordan peele #keke palmer #emerald haywood #em haywood #emerald haywood x reader #emerald haywood x f! reader #emerald haywood x black! reader #em haywood x reader #em haywood x f! reader #em haywood x black reader #summer prompts #queued

45 notes · View notes

skiptomy · 1 year

Text

Vent post; feel free to ignore unless you have very specific advice for how to live as a disabled artist in an increasingly hostile world.

Feeling less than stellar as of late. I'm trying to come to terms with my disability, but it's so fuckin hard cause I still live in a world that needs so much from me. I feel like I'm constantly dipping in and out of burnout. (Which makes a lot fuckin more sense now that I know I'm ADHD and autistic) But I literally can't do anything to stop it because I can't stop working or anything like that.

Most months I barely make enough for groceries, and I haven't been able to save money in.... Ever. Which sucks because there's so much shit I need to replace or fix. I need a new computer because even after completely factory resetting mine (and accidentally losing about three years worth of files despite thinking they were safe on the cloud) my comp still breaks down every other time I go to draw, and it takes an exceptionally long time to do even basic tasks like open the Internet.

I need to get my car re-registered, get an oil change, probably new tires, and who knows what else. I'm so fucking lucky to have a car at all, but there is kind of no alternative since public transit is barely a thing around where I live. Even if it was, I physically wouldn't be able to walk to the stops.

Almost all my clothes have holes or are from like eight years ago or just don't fit anymore. I have like three pairs of shoes and one is breaking. I don't have money for some of the meds I need and I definitely don't have money for medical aids that could really help.

I think I'm getting extra down on myself about all this because I lost my spot at the tattoo shop I was working at. I completely understand why, they have limited space and need reliable artists who are there all the time.

I can't be.

Most days I can barely wake up. I've got maybe 7- 10 good days out of any month and that's being generous. My health is getting worse and worse and it really doesn't seem like there is much I can do about it, mostly because money is such a problem that any significant improvement (a functioning wheelchair for bad days, some kind of management for chronic fatigue, even just good healthy food) seems entirely impossible.

Getting on disability is technically an option but it takes so long and I don't even know where to begin. And I wouldn't know what to do in the meantime before it kicks in. Plus, who the fuck knows how stable that's going to be, or if it would end up fucking me over if I ever wanted to actually legally marry my partner.

I'm just so scared. About everything. But mostly about being a burden. Being a disappointment. I'm in pain all the time and the only thing I can think about is how much I just want to draw and be able to sit up for a couple hours without feeling like I need to take a nap. I want to do so much, and I can't do almost any of it.

What do you even do with that? How do you cope? "Take it easy, be kind to yourself" Sure, but how do you do that in practice in a world that demands so much and causes so much guilt for failing to give everything you have and more.

I appreciate you so much if you've read this far. It's nice to be able to put it to words even if it's scary and doesn't really fix anything. I'm just scared and frustrated and need to let some of it out in a non-destructive way. And hey, if there are other disabled folks out there dealing with similar shit, I see you and I love you even if I don't know you. Maybe we'll get through this together. Especially if we share any and all tips n tricks.

It's a tough world out there. Be kind where you can.

#vent #compassion fatigue #disability #ehlers danlos syndrome #fibromyalgia #adhd #autism #chronic illness #chronic fatigue

99 notes · View notes

msfbgraves · 10 months

Text

Thrifting: a way to help yourself and others when disabled

My mother grew up in a family that was constantly penny pinching and she hated it. My father was so cheap other people made fun of him or complained bitterly (my parents made an interesting couple). My ass is disabled so "just getting a job" was never on the table. Employment has always been an unreliable option - not impossible, but tumultuous. So saving money has always been a keen interest. But doing it right, like. I feel that people use it as an option to shaft someone, even themselves, and I do not hold to that. Also, you cannot thrift yourself out of insufficient funds. You need mo money, you need mo money. But we also know that society loves an excuse to underpay people, deny promotions and fuck you over in a million different ways no matter how hard you work.

Thrifting is work that will always yield results, no matter who you are, and a good skill to have when mf's keep finding excuses to not pay you, or even employ you. It's even better when you're in a position to say, hm, more would be nice, but I'm staying afloat. Again, this is no feckin bootstrap talk. This is getting more bang for your buck.

And especially during Disability Pride this actually makes me proud to be able to do. Without hurting anyone, for one, and actually helping those without the time for it. I can find The Thing for less for them very often.

OK, first things first.

This is not self-denial 101. Fuck off with that. We want more joy maximisers, not fewer.

The Vimes boots theory is 100% correct. But there are plenty of places where $50 boots are sold for $25 or even $20. Yes, in Ankh Mopork too.

Skills are cash money. I should know, I barely have any.

Many people think that thrifty means "cheap" and "no fun". And that's what people do. "Whelp, I have to economise, so I can't have any treats and can only shop at Primark. Bummer! I hate life."

No, you're going to have to put some more time in preparation, and you need to figure out where to look.

It's an activity.

The first thing I would advise people to do is clean their stuff up. Told you this was work. And that may feel terrifying but if you know what you have you find things you thought you needed to buy. That's an immediate savings without pain. C'mon, do you really think you'd get a high from buying oregano? Of course not, and now you don't have to. You've probably slashed off 25% off your grocery bill for the week without going without anything you look forward to buying. King shit.

You probably have a keen sense of what you need to replace and since you're already going to Goodwill, look there. A lot of second hand is higher quality, and even if it's not, it can still be 25 to 80% below dollar store.

All that extra space will come in handy for buying things and storing them until gift giving season arrives, or birthdays and the like.

Gifts are insanely important. Don't skimp on the quality of something you buy for others. Find the place that stunts with that item. Here, time is your friend, too. If you can wait three weeks for it to ship, you can take advantage of a lower price nearly always.

Ask people what you're looking for and spruce the thing up when they offer it to you. Again, here the skills are a lifesaver.

Personalise. Any small thing that actually fits a recipient will be much appreciated. Gift wrap with care, write a kind message. But only do this when you can't find a "normal" gift for a better price. If you can find a steal, still gift wrap with care.

Do treat yourself! But treat it as anything else you want: best quality for the best price. This can also mean adding a top up. For instance: I generally know what the best bang for your buck is when it comes to theatrical shows: the last preview. Saw a show during the last try out, but spent $30 extra on seats. More expensive than just regular seats, vastly better experience. I did find a discount on parking too - who tf likes to pay for parking anyway?

Buy clothing that fits your body shape. That's what makes you look good. Vintage is fine, who cares if you wear something high quality that looks gorgeous?

Learn what stuff is made of. I bought a stick of foot balm that is supposed to prevent blisters. Felt suspiciously like vaseline. Next time I succesfully used vaseline.

Something I never hear but I find very useful: go on and try the hideously expensive option if possible. See what the fuss is about. Incorporate the thing you like most about it in your routine, don't bother with the rest. Other end of the spectrum: do a taste test with store brand. If it's bad, now you know. If it's good, no one will notice.

Loyalty programmes can be your friend, if you don't look at them as the default option. Do sign up, don't get mad if they keep taking away your credit. Every time they give you something for what you would have done anyway is a win.

Shop around for better banking fees. Who the hell wants to pay those anyway.

Try to pay for what you want and only what you want. Review any package deal; they're rarely worth it.

Try something a little bit different, if you have the skill to back it up. Go do things "people like you don't do". Slovenian wine, people.

Be consistently nice, and people will gladly help you with things. Can be a huge savings. Give where and what you can.

Take the bus, geezus. All that nonsense about it being a poor people thing or dangerous when travelling. How do you think locals get home?

Again I am aware this is work and of course, nobody can do all of it all the time. But I know a lot of people who start by slashing the joy, but why would you? Have your latte! Take your trip! Have your avocado and triple organic eggs. Think about where and when you buy things instead, and be a little adventurous.

If you're disabled with limited energy, this is a way you can help out those around you. Maybe you can do it for them. I am proud of all the ways I have saved my friends and family money without compromising on quality at all. I promise you: loyalty discounted organic chicken thighs with store brand cream cheese blanched in leftover white wine sauce with $0.40 worth of pasta are really damn yummy. And those $40 dollars saved on a taxi because I found the right bus on a trip are welcome too.

People mostly don't want to do this work. But if you can, and know how, you can be a great help to those you love.

#thrifting #disability

15 notes · View notes

ketho484 · 1 year

Text

Part 4 of the actor AU WOOOOOOO!!! I hope you like it

Au belongs to @frillsand

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

Chapter 4: The gift of friends

The days blurred together rather quickly as a new routine was established. Willow would be dropped off at the studio by Jessica, the kid would interact with the cast, she’d watch them record, and then Wally would take her somewhere. Sometimes they’d go with someone else, like going with Howdy to help him get some groceries, or going with Frank to the library, or going with Sally to the theater. Willow’s mood definitely improved as she interacted with everyone. She wasn’t as shy anymore, she was happier, and thanks to Wally making sure she ate something every day, she looked healthier too. She loved this new life. Some of the stage hands loved this kid too for how endearing she was. She actually gave her own personal opinions on scenes when they were shooting, even showing the cast how something might be funnier or more coordinated. Her favorite pastime with the cast was helping them with their lines. She especially helped Wally give Poppy some extra attention by stepping in for him when he was busy shooting a scene. Life was nice…until a month after the first visit.

Willow was a wee bit depressed today, which immediately seemed to change the atmosphere of the work environment. She was jittery and flinched if anyone, including Wally, tried to touch her. She kept up a chipper attitude when her new friends needed it, but other than that, she was tired and she was sad. By lunchtime, she’d locked herself in one of the storage closets used for props while the rest of the cast ate at the canteen.

“…Okay, enough is enough” Sally spoke up, an agitated tone in her voice “We need to figure out what’s going on with Willow”

“I agree” Julie piped up “Willow’s all down in the dumps and we have to fix it!”

“Might be harder than you guys think” Wally stated, making everyone look at him “When she gets down like this, sometimes it’s hard to make her smile”

“There’s gotta be something to turn that frown upside down” Barnaby said as he started thinking

They all began brainstorming. Some fresh treats? No, she might not eat them. A fun game? She might not play. Read her a story? She may fall asleep or end up hating the book. A joke? She might not laugh. A funny skit? Same problem as the joke. A sweet note? She might get upset and rip it up. A new toy? She might reject it.

Wally sighed and got up, the others not noticing since they were chatting. He went to the closet Willow was hiding in and sat down with his back leaning on the door. He could hear her crying in there. It broke his heart to hear that little puppet crying. Even still, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, leaning on the door as a gentle song came from his lips, a song his late mother would sing to him if he was ever sad or scared or if he had a hard time sleeping.

“Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me

Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee

Sounds of the rude world heard in the day

Lulled by the moonlight have all passed away

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song

List while I woo thee with soft melody

Gone are the cares of life's busy throng

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me”

By the time he was done, his eyes opening slowly as a few tears trickled down his felt, yellow cheeks, Willow’s crying had ceased. He heard a loud click from the door before getting up and going into the prop closet. The light was on, which was good. Willow was sitting with her back against the far wall, face buried into her knees as they curled up close to her, arms keeping them from slipping. Her hair was messy, her body was shaking. She was a mess. Wally sighed and went to sit down next to her. He didn’t say anything, but he did look at her sadly. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Willow finally spoke.

“…Daddy said you were using me” She spoke in a broken voice “H-He said you wanted me to help you and your friends do better in your show…H-H-He said when…when you were done with m-me…You’d throw me o-o-o-out!” Her shoulders heaved and she started crying again

“What? No!” Wally pulled her into a gentle hug. He didn’t grip her shoulder so as not to scare her too much, and although she froze, she didn’t fight to run away “No, we’d never do that to you. Never in a million years. You’re precious and sweet and important to us not because of our careers, but because we want to see you happy too. I see it in the eyes of my friends every time they see you. You make them smile, so they want to help you smile”

Willow turned slightly and buried her face into Wally’s sweater, sobbing into his chest as he hugged her a bit tighter. He gently rubbed circles into her back to help soothe her, which did seem to make her feel a bit better as she calmed down rather quickly…because she fell asleep in Wally’s arms. All that crying for, quite possibly, hours on end, left her rather exhausted. Wally sighed, smiling as he picked her up and left the closet with her, heading to his dressing room. There was a couch in the room that he laid Willow down on. She curled up into the orange dyed leather as Wally used a long cardigan as a blanket for her. When he was satisfied and knew she was safe, he left the room and locked the door to make sure nobody would disturb her. He went and met up with his friends on stage six.

“Wally!” Barnaby called him over “We have a plan to help Willow!”

“No need” Wally smiled as the others gathered around him “I know what happened”

Wally relayed what Willow had said to him. To say the rest of the cast was alarmed or upset would be an understatement. Frank, Julie, and Sally were boiling with rage, Barnaby was downright horrified, and both Howdy and Poppy needed to be stopped from going and trying to wake Willow up. They had each planned to get her a present that would hopefully cheer her up, but they all decided to put it all into one manageable lump present. After shooting was done for the day, they all created the present and left it in the dressing room, watching from the slightly ajar door as Willow woke up, saw a piece of paper, and opened it. Her eyes watered at what she read, many types of handwriting present and each one telling who wrote what:

‘Dear, Willow,

We all hope you had a nice nap. You looked so peaceful that I didn’t want to wake you, so I let you sleep in my dressing room. I told the others what you told me and to cheer you up, we all decided to write a letter. The following are the messages from the cast:

Sweetheart, you’re the sweetest little treat that helps brighten my day. The flour that holds together our friendship cake. You make my day that much sweeter.

Pup, you’re a really funny gal. Your jokes never fail to make me laugh, and when you laugh at mine, I can’t help but laugh with you. You really tickle my funny bone.

Starlight, you’re truly the best person I know. If it were up to me, as a thanks for all the help you give us, I’d give you a leading role in the show, like Wally’s top co-star.

Little one, you are incredibly intelligent. When I spout out my facts, you listen, and if I’m ever wrong, you correct me. I can respect your intelligence at such a young age. It’s one of the things that makes you so endearing.

You’ve got such big dreams, kiddo. I know they are there, and I know you haven’t shared them yet, but like a letter with a stamp, I know your dreams will find you.

Little butterfly, you’re like a teddy bear. You’re so resilient, but when you tear, you need fixing. Luckily, if you want, a guy with four arms can stitch you up easily.

Rosebud, you bloom so brightly every day. On the days you wilt, I’m willing to give you extra care to make you happy again.

Willow, I know you’re scared of being left behind, but I promise that we’re not going anywhere. Anything you need, just tell us and we’ll all do our best to provide. We all love you’

The entire cast signed the letter. Willow was crying again, though the crew could clearly see the smile on her face as she pulled the letter close to her chest. They had never seen her this happy before. Wally went in, immediately catching Willow’s attention. The little puppet ran to Wally, hugging him tightly. He sat her on the floor as he hugged her back. One by one, the cast joined in the hug, making Willow smile more and more as she started crying again. She had never been this happy before…

…and she didn’t want the feeling to end

#Welcome Home #OC #Wally Darling #Poppy #Sally #Julie #Frank #Howdy #Barnaby #TW: Mentions of abandonment

26 notes · View notes

inamoment · 8 months

Text

I met this gentleman in the Britton Plaza parking lot last night. I had just let him cross the street in front of me before parking. Once I parked - he waved at me through the window, which I then cracked so we could speak.

His first words to me were:

“Hello. My name is John. I’m 39 and I’m gay. I won’t hurt you, I don’t do bad things. You’re safe. I’ve been homeless for a very long time but this week I got keys to an apartment with help from a group. I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I’m trying to get $9 to buy eggs, milk, bread and hot dogs at Dollar Tree. Do you have anything to help?”

I gave him $10 and he was filled with so much gratitude and asked if I would pray for him. I said yes and he walked away after thanking me again.

I collected my things and by the time I had gotten out of my car, John was already two parking lanes away. Without even knowing what I was doing, I shouted, “John?” he turned around and I yelled “can I take you grocery shopping?”

His voice cracked and he said “that would be nice.” By the time he got back over to me, he was crying.

He told me he was scared to go into Publix looking “so disheveled” and I assured him it was okay.

We started talking and walking around the store grabbing the items he mentioned. He didn’t ask for anything else besides those 4 items above. I asked if he had a freezer in his apartment and he said yes. I told him to grab two of certain items bc he could freeze things like the bread and hot dogs.

He told me about growing up in Key West, how his mom was sick with MS and he helped take care of her. She died when he was young and he’s been on his own ever since. He explained how he’s been looking for a job but he has a criminal record for selling drugs - he didn’t do them but he wanted to make money to get off the streets and thought that was the way. Every fiber in my body told me this man was good and just needed help. I had him grab a few extra things (he was VERY excited to get cereal, face wash and “something to drink besides water”). I put a couple of canvas totes in the cart so he wouldn’t have to carry plastic bags.

I spent 20 minutes and $46 and you would’ve thought John won the lottery. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and kept saying how blessed he was.

We parted ways after check out as I needed to start my own grocery shopping and he went to wait for the bus.

I share this bc sometimes it’s the little things that can make a BIG impact. Sometimes it means stepping a little outside your comfort zone to help someone in need. Sometimes it means extending a handout to help someone get a hand up. We’ve all had ups and downs and highs and lows and the unexpected blessings and kindness that come out of those moments are what makes the world go round, especially in times like these.

via Toni Mari Wofford .

Credit: Life's Simple Truths - Facebook

8 notes · View notes

never-not-ever · 2 years

Text

I can’t wait for work to be over today. Then I’m off tomorrow and only have 3 days this week before being off on a 3 day weekend! It worked out perfectly that the wedding we have to go to falls on our weekend off…

I’m low key not looking forward to the wedding itself especially since it’s taking up all 3 days off.. it’s in a different state (not that far though) so my girlfriend and I are getting a hotel room with her sister for 2 nights. It’ll be nice spending time with her the night before cause we all used to hang out a lot before she moved away from home.

Anywho I still need to find a dress for the wedding… I feel like I could get away with an old dress I wore to one of the past weddings. I should actually check to see if it was with this side of the family… not that they would remember lol.

Completely off topic but I feel like I’m definitely starting to feel burn out with this job. I don’t pick up extra shifts anymore and honestly have been noticing myself not get that excited about work anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my job and prefer it 100x more than the grocery store but lately it’s just been a lot.

And another coworker was saying the same thing so I know I’m not alone. At first it was a “what if” joke but now I’m seriously considering changing my schedule to two doubles a week and every other weekend. We’ll see how much longer I can last before that happens.

#personal #work #sorta update 🤔

4 notes · View notes

lovemesomesurveys · 2 years

Text

What was the last TV show you binge watched? I’ve been watching Daredevil. Would you rather eat burgers or tacos? Tacos. I have been wanting a burger, though. I’ve been craving a lot of foods since I’m STILL not able to eat whatever, yet. I have been cleared for things like pudding, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cheesecake. So, for the past few days I’ve been on a mashed potatoes and gravy and cheesecake kick, ha. I can also drink pretty much whatever, I just have to add this dissolvable powder stuff that thickens it up a little. It’s nice to finally have some food and my coffee again at least. All I need is that damn swallow test and then hopefully be cleared to eat whatever, but I haven’t been able to get it done yet. :/ Have you ever taken a first aid course? No. Did your mother change her maiden name when/if she got marred? She didn’t marry. What was the last job you applied for? Did you get the job? I’ve never applied for one.

Do you use TikTok? I used to spend quite a bit of time on there during like the first year or so of the pandemic, but then it died off for me. Did you participate in any extracurricular activities when you were a kid? I was a Girl Scout. If you were given the chance to relocate for work, would you do it? It would depend on various factors. What decorations do you have in your bathroom? We have some framed photos hung up. What was the last thing you cooked in an oven? It was probably pizza. I haven’t used the oven or made any food in several months now. Describe your favourite coat or jacket. It’s oversized, black, and super soft. Do you like Seinfeld? Nah. My parents love that show, especially my dad, and quote it constantly. It just doesn’t appeal to me. Have you ever lost something really meaningful? Yes. What's something you could teach a class in? Nothing. What do you look forward to the most at Christmas/holidays? I love buying gifts for my family. How do you like your coffee? Hot with either flavored creamer or cream and sugar. What year was your favourite band formed? 1996. What's your least favourite pizza topping? Extra sauce, cheese, crumbled meatballs, spinach, garlic, and pesto. What does your shampoo smell like? I don’t know how to describe it, but it smells good. How old were you when you learned how to drive? I still haven’t. Are you in a relationship? How's it going? No. What grocery store do you shop at most often? Walmart. What percentage battery is your phone on right now? Like 80 something. What's the best way to spend a rainy afternoon? I don’t do anything different, but I do love rainy days. I wish it’d rain here, we’re in the middle of an excessive heat wave D: Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Did you like it? No, I haven’t. I have no desire to do so. Are you closer to your mother or father? My mom. What do you wish didn't exist? Health issues. Do you own any costumes? I have a Lucy Ricardo one and an Alice (from Alice in Wonderland) one. Is your bedroom clean or messy right now? It’s clean-ish. The main issue is that it’s a bit cluttered right now because stuff had to get moved around and there’s a lot of medical supply stuff. What's your favourite fruit? Bananas.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

3 notes · View notes

theschlaepfer · 5 months

Text

2024 goals

This is a non-comprehensive list of some things I want to achieve in the new year. Maybe I’ll set reminders to check in on this as the year goes on.

Downsize

I want less stuff. Every time we move there’s a box or two full of random stuff that just sits in another box or drawer until we move again. Not great! But also so tedious to go through! I’d love to take a week and just really decide what things I need, and what things are weighing me down. And also figure out eBay.

Read a book each month

I read my first full books since high school this year, and I enjoyed it a lot. I always envy readers and bookworms. I have a lot of other media I like that can eat away at my free time (games, shows, films). Zelda especially has just torpedoed my free time. I’ve loved every second of it, but wow is there a lot to do in that game.

Getting off topic. Point is: time short, want read book. I got a couple for Christmas so I’ll start there! To make it more of a tangible goal, I’ll try to read one book each month. I can already tell you I’ll fail but at least it gives me a framework.

Brush up on a language

I took three different languages in school: Spanish in junior high, Latin in high school, and German in college. I’d like to brush up on either Spanish or German in the new year.

Spanish is vastly more practical for me because of where I live, and would be used weekly if not daily.

German is of interest to me because my family is from Switzerland. Ideally I’d love to learn the Swiss-German my extended family speaks, but learning resources are scarce. And nearly all of them are fluent in English so it’s not a pressing matter. Just would feel nice to connect more with that family history.

Then there’s an entirely impractical side of me that wants to learn Japanese. Japan is the Switzerland of Asia in a lot of ways and visiting this past summer made me want to go back so badly. Probably has the most uphill battle to learn though, so maybe I’ll leave that for another year.

My tentative plan is to put on some videos and such while I do dishes or other chores, when my ears and brain are a captive audience!

Establish a workout rhythm

This is such the stereotypical New Year’s resolution, but yeah, I’d like to get fit. Specifically, I want to know what it’s like to feel “in shape”. Especially since becoming a father, there are so many things in my daily life that I think would be so much easier if my muscles were just a bit stronger or my heart and lungs a little more efficient.

How am I going to do this? Not sure yet. There’s a gym club near us that offers childcare so I might try that for a bit. I’ve tried running before and I liked it when I could find the time for it. And Fitness+ gets flack but I’ve done quite a few exercises through it and it’s honestly quite enjoyable.

I’ll end up doing a combo. Or nothing at all. But maybe me saying this into the internet will provide some sense of accountability. Ideally I just want to get into a sustainable rhythm. Doesn’t have to be much, just something.

Use public transit?

This is a tough one for me. Right now I live in the mountains on a somewhat steep, busy, and narrow road with a lot of blind turns. This makes riding a bike a bit treacherous from my home, especially after dark. When the days start to get longer, I’d like to try riding my bike to the bus station and ride the bus to work more often. It tags on quite a bit of extra time in my commute, but I’ve just grown to really resent driving recently. Tough in a car-dependent area of a car-dependent nation.

Unlock the power of Costco

At the end of this year we went to Costco a few times and I forgot how much is there in terms of building blocks for easy meals. I want to come up with some meal plans using Costco stuff to cut down on grocery costs and also make dinner a bit easier at the end of the day.

Well that’s about it. I have some other vague goals of journaling or meditating but I can’t really put it into words yet.

See you in a few months, wall of text.

0 notes

karlsencrosby3 · 2 years

Text

replica designer handbags 10

Replica Designer Purses On The Market These luggage do not have the sturdiness of a higher-end bag and are often from disreputable sources. These are great if the bag fashion is extraordinarily of-the-moment. Handbag rental firms like Bag Borrow or Steal let you rent and even purchase gently used designer luggage. Replica purses are not produced in accordance with the quality requirements of the unique luxurious designer gadgets. If you have an interest in buying wholesale fake designer baggage you need to positively try the wide selection of luggage which would possibly be out there at discounted prices. This is the bests place for the retailers who're on the lookout for replica designer luggage. The only factor that you need to take care is the standard of the items that you will buy. LuxuryTastic is actually working in this enterprise since 2007. Questions are almost similar to the last round, for optimal comparison analysis. A lot of the questions within the authentic survey were heavily inspired by r/MoneyDiariesActive 's finish of yr survey. I tried to be as inclusive as attainable with every query, and apologize prematurely to our non-US pals for some of the selections / response formatting. The survey will remain open through Sunday, December twenty sixth to permit loads of time for informal members to answer as properly. https://phoenet.tw/ Stay updated to what's new and in style in the marketplace. I’ve been sourcing products from China for over 5 years now. When you would possibly be in search of super fakes or another kind of luxurious replicas, know what to search for. Instead, you have to search for high-quality merchandise from reputable locations identified for giving authenticators a tricky time. Copyright © since 2005 BestReplicadesignerbags.com All Rights Reserved. Replica Louis Vuitton Bags new interpretation of the 2015 Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Monogram V Bag M41602, exploring the nice particulars inside the bag. The redesigned interior details are especially commendable for the detachable zippered clutch, which can be utilized as a separate clutch or as an additional pocket. The brilliant inside lining adds a lively and vivid feel to the Monogram classic canvas. Almost all of us have experienced a state of affairs when the product that was delivered was not the same as displayed on the net site. Sometimes an entirely completely different product is delivered to the buyers. So, keeping that in thoughts you want to ensure that the product that you will buy in bulk is precisely the same. Retail retailer purchases could be returned or exchanged for as much as 30 days, whereas on-line and telephone orders get a bit longer with 60 days. If you place an order in a J.Crew retailer to be delivered later, you may even have 60 days to make your final choice. Alway access the really helpful vendor list for locating duplicate baggage. Their finest products are their backpacks which look amazingly stunning and neat. The Wd2011 is a high seller and has been around since 2011. They have ninety seven.4% optimistic score and have more than 10,000+ joyful customers. They have an excellent collection of bags that includes baggage, wallets, backpacks and extra. This lovely little precise reproduction purse is a good purse for somewhat deal with for each girl. This pink-flavored purse is the right bag to bring with you on a sunny day when you are going to the park, or on a purchasing trip, and works properly for girls in every type of life. Yes, Dhgate has replicas of designers in each category. Whether you commute to work or buy groceries, you'll have the ability to totally hold your storage needs. Every single wallet, not to mention bag, that we carry, is crafted with the highest quality materials out there in the marketplace, which embrace 100 percent genuine leather-based, canvas, calfskin, hardware, and so on. We supply one of the best copy purses, prime notch calfskin and distinctive craftsmanship, notably ready for ladies with great taste and sophistication. A top grade bag is the highest high quality in the online market. This collection is essentially the most colourful assortment of the Dionysian bag, and it's also the favorite sequence of Mingyue. This large embroidery is really beautiful, delicate, retro and particular. wikipedia handbags This is a reproduction bag tote that can’t be bought with money. Unlike the general LV, GUCCI, BURBERRY should buy it when you stroll in.

#replica designer handbags #replica handbags #high quality designer replica handbags #replica bags

0 notes

fergusonferguson64 · 2 years

Text

replica designer handbags 10

Duplicate Designer Purses For Sale These baggage don't have the sturdiness of a higher-end bag and are sometimes from disreputable sources. These are nice if the bag fashion is extraordinarily of-the-moment. Handbag rental corporations like Bag Borrow or Steal let you hire and even purchase gently used designer bags. Replica purses aren't produced based on the quality standards of the unique luxury designer objects. https://skel.io/ If you are interested in shopping for wholesale fake designer luggage you must definitely take a glance at the big selection of luggage which would possibly be available at discounted prices. This is the bests place for the retailers who're on the lookout for duplicate designer luggage. The only factor that you have to take care is the quality of the gadgets that you're going to buy. LuxuryTastic is definitely operating on this enterprise since 2007. Questions are nearly identical to the final round, for optimal comparison evaluation. A lot of the questions in the authentic survey were closely impressed by r/MoneyDiariesActive 's finish of 12 months survey. I tried to be as inclusive as possible with each question, and apologize in advance to our non-US friends for a few of the decisions / response formatting. The survey will remain open by way of Sunday, December twenty sixth to allow loads of time for informal members to reply as well. Stay up to date to what's new and popular available on the market. I’ve been sourcing products from China for over 5 years now. When you're on the lookout for tremendous fakes or any other type of luxurious replicas, know what to search for. Instead, you want to search for high-quality products from reputable locations recognized for giving authenticators a troublesome time. Copyright © since 2005 BestReplicadesignerbags.com All Rights Reserved. Replica Louis Vuitton Bags new interpretation of the 2015 Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Monogram V Bag M41602, exploring the fine particulars inside the bag. The redesigned inside particulars are especially commendable for the detachable zippered clutch, which can be used as a separate clutch or as an additional pocket. The bright inside lining provides a vigorous and vivid feel to the Monogram basic canvas. Almost all of us have experienced a state of affairs when the product that was delivered was not the same as displayed on the website. Sometimes a completely different product is delivered to the buyers. So, maintaining that in thoughts you want to make sure that the product that you are going to purchase in bulk is strictly the identical. Retail retailer purchases may be returned or exchanged for as a lot as 30 days, whereas on-line and telephone orders get a bit longer with 60 days. If you place an order in a J.Crew store to be delivered later, you may even have 60 days to make your final decision. Alway entry the beneficial seller list for finding reproduction bags. Their finest merchandise are their backpacks which look amazingly stunning and neat. The Wd2011 is a prime seller and has been round since 2011. They have 97.4% constructive ranking and have greater than 10,000+ happy clients. They have a great assortment of luggage that includes luggage, wallets, backpacks and extra. This beautiful little precise reproduction handbag is a superb purse for slightly treat for each lady. This pink-flavored purse is the perfect bag to bring with you on a sunny day when you are going to the park, or on a purchasing journey, and works properly for ladies in each type of life. Yes, Dhgate has replicas of designers in each class. Whether you commute to work or buy groceries, you'll find a way to absolutely hold your storage needs. Every single pockets, let alone bag, that we feature, is crafted with the very best quality materials available in the marketplace, which include 100% authentic leather, canvas, calfskin, hardware, etc. wikipedia handbags We supply the most effective copy purses, prime notch calfskin and unique craftsmanship, particularly prepared for girls with great taste and class. A top grade bag is the highest quality in the online market. This collection is the most colourful collection of the Dionysian bag, and additionally it is the favorite series of Mingyue. This giant embroidery is actually lovely, delicate, retro and special. This is a duplicate bag tote that can’t be bought with money. Unlike the general LV, GUCCI, BURBERRY can buy it when you walk in.

#replica designer handbags #replica handbags #high quality designer replica handbags #replica bags

0 notes

sunfish-studies · 3 years

Text

Period Lecture

✄・・・ Crisp Leaves [Aoba Johsai Manager Series]

➜ Pairing: Aoba Johsai x Manager! Reader

➜ Warning: period, mentions of bleeding, mentions of cramps

➜ Notes: Manager in this story will be portrayed as a girl. She will be tall, around 170.5 cm.

↷ SUMMARY ↶

You’re kind of grateful and proud all of them for taking this… rather seriously?

As a manager, re-stocking the team’s needs is one of your duties–which means, when the school’s monthly allowance come it’s time for you to go on a short trip to the supermarket and sport’s supplies shop while bringing a grocery list.

This is also a way to unwind from the suffocating gym–slightly refreshing relief rather than just being cooped up in one place. Usually, there were you and another member tag along in case the groceries piled up and it was impossible being carried alone. Sometimes, Coach Irihata let the whole team tag along just so they didn’t get too bored.

Shopping trips were also a great moment for you to buy anything you need with your own allowance, of course. It’s like killing two birds with one stone.

“This is kind of the place men usually avoid as much as possible,” you commented, before snorting in amusement. “I’m surprised you tailed me here without hesitation.

All you said was true–your boys did follow you even until you stood in front of a high shelve filled with womanly needs. Yes, you’re talking about sanitary pads for monthly period routine.

“We kind of want to know somethings,” Matsukawa didn’t even pull out his punches. “And if we know maybe we can help you in some way.”

“True, true!” Oikawa agreed, pulling out a sanitary package of 12–eyeing it nervously. “Still, I didn’t know the brands are this many…”

“I thought you’re used to this from your previous girlfriends,” Iwaizumi deadpanned.

“Well, I’ll try to explain as easy as possible, so ask away,” you remarked, reaching out for your usual brand and dumping it into the grocery cart. Since the stock at home was already diminishing, you need to piled it up again, so you bought quite a many.

“Uhm, why are there wings and non-wings…?” Hanamaki frowned, staring at the packaging with bold letters ‘with wings’ on it. “What’s the difference?”

“The ‘wings’ means extra material right here,” you answered, pointing out to the sheets on the sides of the pad. “It will fold over the edges so the pad will stay securely in place. Extra prevention for possible leaks.”

“And the s-size are so many…” Kindaichi stuttered. It was true, though. A few packages were in 29 cm, and gradually the size increased from 35 cm even to 42 cm.

“We have heavy duty days,” you explained. “So, instead of wearing the short-regular ones, we opted for the long ones so we don’t to worry too much about leaking. Usually, the ones that extremely long are the night-pads.”

And there went you explaining many things to them in the end–about it would be better to wear pads which has no scent as precautions to allergies, about the ‘day’ and ‘night’ types, and possibly anything they had their curiosity on.

It’s kind of endearing on how they were eager to learn, good for their future significant other–they care enough to prepare for the future and not embarrassed themselves in some way from the lack of knowledge.

There were even girls and older women whispering about how precious your boys are for wanting to know. It made you proud in having such responsible people around.

“Do you have cramps at around the time of the month, senpai?” Kunimi questioned–once you got everything you need, he volunteered to help you in carrying the heavy plastic bags. Now, all of you were on your way back to school.

“I do,” you answered, sighing when you remembered the natural pain that always accompanying your period. “Remember when I don’t show up for at least a day or two every month? It’s because of cramps. It’s torturing, you literally had your insides being smushed together.”

Yahaba went pale in just a matter of seconds. “Just thinking about it already makes my stomach hurts…”

“How do you handle it, senpai?” Watari asked, which made you hummed in wonder.

“Most important will be having a nice hot compress.” You remarked. “It can either be anything as long as it’s warm. It lessened the pain, and if you couldn’t handle the pain even with hot compress you can drink pain relief medicine.”

“Tylenol, Paracetamol, Mefinal,” to your surprise, Kyotani was the one listing the pain relief medicine.

“You know a lot, Kyotani-kun!” you praised the blonde-haired boy. “I’m impressed!”

“My sister always kicked me out to buy one of those.” He replied gruffly.

“Does food really help?” Oikawa piped up. “My previous girlfriends always asked for snacks or drinks.”

“Sometimes, depending on the person,” you said, laughing nervously. “I’m not too eager to eat especially when I have cramps, but sometimes I craved chocolates, sweets, or even savory things just to indulge my hormone fluctuations.”

And that’s how your lecture went, and what surprised you the most was how it definitely being branded onto their mind.

Amazingly, Iwaizumi had the period tracker app in his phone and even asked the date so he could prepare (this man is just truly impressive-).

Oikawa would stop by in your class to drop small chocolate snacks or sweets just for you during your week of bleeding–wanting you to be comfortable as possible.

Your friend from another class almost went head over heels for Matsukawa because he had pads in his school bag when she’s desperately searching for one. Matsukawa mentioned that he wanted to be prepared because of their manager.

Hanamaki didn’t even hesitate to do errands for you if you asked him–he’s just a call away he said, and wouldn’t shy away if you nervously asked if he could buy you your brand of pads in the supermarket.

Kyotani had his medicine ready anytime, if your cramps acted up he immediately shoved them to your hand along with warm lemon tea he fetched from the vending machine.

Kindaichi and Kunimi constantly checked if you’re feeling well or not during practice, urging you to drink often and even pushing some sweets so you wouldn’t be too sluggish.

Yahaba offered to bring you your bag or even taking over the duty of filling water bottles just so you could sit down and not moving too much.

Meanwhile, Watari made sure to had at least one hot pack in his bag–if he noticed you wincing from pain, he instantly went to your side and gave you the hot pack to relief the pain.

When you’re out of duty because of intense cramps, the team stopped by at your house after practice–bringing along all of your favorite food, scented candles, or even anything that could lift your mood up.

Oh, you truly love your boys down to the very core.

410 notes · View notes