a small church/chapel in new england. 🍂

Get to know me tag

Thanks to @zosa95 for the tag. There are more of these fun social tags going around than I can handle, but this one looks like something I can manage!

(I’m lousy at tagging people but would love to see responses from more folks.)

Rules: Answer the questions and tag 9 people you want to get to know better.

1. Favourite colour

I used to love purple, then green, then yellow. These days, I think I just love bright, cheerful colors. I like tie-dyes. I love autumnal colors together -- reds and oranges and golds. I like colors in gradients. Colors really cheer me up, particularly in the pandemic year(s) where everything seems a little gray.

2. Currently reading

Sailing to Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay Star Wars Legacies: Survivor’s Quest, by Timothy Zahn The Two Towers, JRR Tolkien, reading aloud to my daughter

3. Last song you listened to

Pretty sure that was a Hawaiian rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the speaker system of the airport shuttle :-D. We’re on vacation and aren’t listening to a lot of music.

4. Last series you watched

We’re almost done with Picard. We haven’t loved it as much as I would expect.

5. Sweet, spicy or savoury

Savory, usually? But I have a severe weakness for ice cream.

6. Craving

Sleep, actually. We’re at the travel fatigue stage of a long vacation. I’m also really craving time to play Sims and work on my mod suite.

7. Tea or coffee

Coffee, but sometimes tea.

8. Currently working on

Sims Games: The Samples, of course. I have laid out a bunch of posts I want to write. I also added the Weddings for Inactives mod and Non-Wedding Wedding Cakes and I’m excited to try them out in a wedding for (spoiler) Edmund who is (spoiler?) out of the household at this point. I’ve also been toying with a bit of Bring Me to Life Challenge by @queeniecook, inspired by @mosneakers‘s Oh My Darling. It doesn’t HAVE to start with bringing Erik Darling back to life for Agnes, but I love that premise. I started this challenge just to test out a fresh game using the MacOS 64-bit game, so it’s a one-sim household with minimal mods, but I AM playing in Sunset Valley 2020. To my surprise, it’s been fairly stable so far. Maybe the OS 64-bit game isn’t too bad if you’re not trying to load an existing save.... I don’t know how committed I am to playing it through because I have two other challenges I deeply love (an ISBI and a highly modified Nothing Is Free) that I want to return to. I’m also on-and-off designing a challenge built from the different ITF futures. Because I can’t do anything simply, I’m looking to see if I can update Lunar Lakes and hack it as an Oasis Landing replacement. I’ve already played in Oasis Landing and just don’t find it that interesting. I have the basic outline of the challenge put together, and of course it’s a matter of taking time to finish prep. Modding: I just made a version of Mermaid Tail for Children that is attached to only one set of leg bones to match @danjaley‘s Toddler Fin Reworked to go with some child mermaids I’m currently playing. Danjaley reported that the original creator JuBa-Oo gave her permission to upload changes to hers, but I haven’t verified if I can upload mine. I’m rebuilding Nona Meena’s Breastfeeding mod to use the breastfeeding animations from The Sims Medieval. Thanks to @danjaley who sent me the animations some time ago. I was always kind of shocked that nobody had done this. Now I know why. It took a LOT of work to figure out how to execute a custom JAZZ script while carrying a baby. Also TSM has the same baby-as-object thing going on as TS4, so it’s taken quite a bit of massaging. ALSO, though Nona invited folks to produce breastfeeding animations when she released the mod, it turns out that I’ll have to rewrite the breastfeeding interaction and release a new version. (Nona has granted permission to muck with her mods, fortunately.) The good news is that I have it all working for the standing-up (non-rocking-chair) interaction. Except, well, the baby is upside down. Working on that..... The Pets Expansion is still in progress! I’m about to release a small mod to fix pet breed tracking so that you can breed purebred pets. I haven’t figure out if it’s possible to get NRaas Consigner to make use of the breed. :( I’m also working on diseases for pets, fixing some bugs in pet fighting. When those are in good shape, I can go back to the Medicine Cat mod from Warrior Cats because the medicine cats will have something to cure.

The Lone Wolf of House Lannister

From my FanFiction account with the same username, here is my longest running fic :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing: A Song of Ice and Fire is the property of GRRM and I wish that I owned Game of Thrones so that the final season was not such a friggin disaster.

                          Chapter 1: When the Past Comes Knocking

It was midday by the time Lyra awoke to the hot, bright Dornish sun. Groaning at a bright ray shining directly into her face, thus making her skin hot, she pulled a pillow over her head as a shield against the offending light and its heat. Last night she had celebrated her nineteenth name day with her family. It was a quiet, reserved family affair; rather than the large celebration she had for her eighteenth name day, which included many of the nobility of Dorne. Still though, to this very day, Lyra felt embarrassed about the whole affair, but her family had insisted that her eighteenth name day be a grand affair.

It's the day you reach majority! You must have a celebration, was what her mother, Meria Martell, had argued when Lyra told her that she didn't want an affair of a celebration that day.

I'm not a Martell! Lyra had stubbornly grumbled back to her mother.

You may be a Stark in name, but you are still half Martell. Besides, t'would be inappropriate not to have a celebration for the future Lady Stark of Winterfell, Lyra's uncle, Prince Oberyn Martell, had argued to her response. After stubbornly arguing back and forth between her mother and uncle, Lyra realized that neither would budge on the issue. In the end, Lyra relented and her mother planned a rather grand affair for her day of majority. In fact, the even was so grand that even her betrothed, Robb Stark, traveled all the way down to Sunspear for the event; of course, he was accompanied by his mother, Aunt Cat, who is the current Lady Stark, Robb's sibling's, the lady-like Sansa, the ornery Arya, little Bran, and the Stark's ward, Theon Greyjoy.

Thankfully though, for her nineteenth name day, Lyra's Martell family allowed for a more reserved family affair; however, could one ever actually call any Martell celebration a "reserved, family affair"? Of course not! Everybody was drunk off of the finest wine in Dorne, even Prince Doran! The wine, of course, being compliments of Prince Doran himself whenever there was any kind of celebrating in his household. Lyra's other uncle, however, the fiery passionate Prince Oberyn, was always drunk at every celebration he has ever been to; unlike his older brother, Prince Doran, who rarely got drunk and always has a calm, collected demeanor. In fact, sometimes Prince Doran could be so cool headed that Lyra even wondered if he was actually a descendent of the Rhoynar. Of course, always drinking alongside Oberyn, his paramour, the exotic and equally passionate Ellaria Sand, was always drunk along with him. In addition, Oberyn's bastard daughters, Lyra's cousins, who were collectively known as the Sand Snakes, were typically drunk as well if they were old enough so stay up all night at feasts. There was also Princess Arianne, Lyra's buxom oldest cousin, and Prince Doran's heir, who drank a lot as well; unlike her younger brother, Prince Trystane, who tended to drink less, much like his father. Finally, there was Lyra's mother, Princess Meria, the 'little sister' of Doran and Oberyn, who had insisted that her only child's name day not go unnoticed at least to her family; which all led to last night's fun! With all the drinking and laughing and stories shared, Lyra couldn't help but to actually enjoy her name day. Something she didn't do often.

For Lyra, having the family involved in any celebration was always a painful reminder that her father was never around; the Mad King saw to that before she was old enough to remember him. The most painful reminder these affairs brought these days, though, was the fact that Lyra was a Stark and not a Martell. Granted, Lyra was proud to be a Stark, but at times, she also wished that she was a Martell like the rest of her family. Her father was Brandon Stark, and his only legitimate heir, but Lyra had grown up in Sunspear and she knew the Dornish better than the Northmen. Needless to say, she had rather complicated feelings about her place in the world. Lyra was the sole Stark in a family of Martells; who, to their credit, always treated her as family and always made her feel like their home was also her home; a place to feel like she belonged. Still, though, no matter how much she was loved by her Martell family, it was a reminder that she was all but actually banished from what should be her true "Homeland": the North.

Lord Eddard Stark, Lyra's lord uncle whom she rarely saw, was a "Man of Honor", as they call them outside of Dorne, and he did not feel right about the fact that his older brother's only child, the child who should be the true heir to Winterfell, would never receive her title; which is why she has been betrothed to her cousin, Robb Stark, Ned's oldest son and heir to Winterfell. Ever since Lyra was eleven and Robb was ten they were told that they would one day be wed, which is why her and her mother make a trip to the North once a year and stay with the Starks for a month, without the other Martells. It always feels foreign and strange to Lyra every time they make these trips; she was so used to the familiarity and the natural inclusion of the Martells that her Stark family, the family that is supposed to be her main family, always felt more like friendly strangers with whom she spent a month with once a year. To their credit, the Stark children and Ned always did their best to make her feel welcome, which made her feel guilty because she knew that the North would never be her real home. However, Aunt Cat, Lady Stark, is cordial to Lyra, but she also keeps her at a distance, like Jon Snow, Ned's bastard. Lyra's mother always said that Aunt Cat treated her this way because she didn't understand the love her and Brandon had for each other, but Lyra knew better. When she was old enough to understand the relationship between Jon and Aunt Cat, and why Cat hated her kind, noble cousin so much, Lyra realized that Cat was a proud woman and Jon's presence wounded her pride, which is why she also could not be close with Lyra; like Jon, Lyra's existence wounded her pride because she was the constant reminder that Brandon broke his oath to marry her by marrying Lyra's mother on an impulse instead. Though Lyra supposed that she should feel lucky that she was not treated with open contempt like Jon, and that Cat actually tried to be an aunt to her, but her pride always got in her way. Apparently, at least according to Robb, Aunt Cat's pride and inability to accept Jon's meer existence, as well as her pride and inability to be a proper aunt and future mother-in-law to Lyra, caused quite some contention between Lord and Lady Stark. Lyra tried to be understanding and to see these situations from her aunt's point of view, but it still hurt Lyra that she was being punished for her father's broken oath, and Aunt Cat's open contempt and loathing of Jon absolutely made her blood boil to the point that she would sometimes excuse herself to avoid an outburst of anger towards her future mother-in-law.

The Houses Martell and Stark, of course, always enjoyed the political aspect of this marriage alliance; together, they had Westeros closed in from the North and the South (though Dorne was not "technically" The South). Even the children got to enjoy this alliance in various ways; for one, Sansa got to enjoy the alliance when the small Martell party brought their annual crate of lemons as part of their gift to House Stark for having them as guests every year. As for Theon Greyjoy, he got to enjoy the Dornish handmaidens accompanying the Martell party. Robb, on the other hand, got to enjoy the presence of his betrothed, something he did not truly care for or look forward to until he was about fourteen years; as children, Lyra and Robb were always more or less playmates. They would usually either practice archery or spar with training swords, which Lyra usually beat him at, thus earning her the response from little Robb that as his future lady he was simply letting her win; or Lyra would join Sansa, Jon, and Robb in playing knights and maidens. During this game, Sansa and Lyra would dress up in their finest dresses and borrow their mothers' jewels, while Robb and Jon would duel for their favor. When they all became older, however, these games stopped and Robb and Lyra's relationship and interactions changed.

When Robb was around fourteen years of age, Lyra began to see him differently; rather than another child to play with, Robb and herself began to see each other as something more akin to romantic partners to whom were betrothed. She supposed it was likely due to the fact that he was beginning to reach manhood and finally became taller than her, but Lyra began to actually flirt with Robb. A gesture which he was initially shy to return, but gradually Robb began to do so happily as they spent much more time together, alone; which sometimes led to some rather scandalous activities. At this point, Lyra found herself beginning to find Robb to be quite handsome. Lyra had always found her uncles, Ned and Benjen Stark, to be rather handsome men; in fact, Lyra found many men with the traditional Northern build and coloring to be quite handsome. Robb, despite having inherited more Tully features like his mother, was built more like the Northmen; having a stronger, taller, and more rugged build like his Stark relatives, a trait he shared with almost all of his siblings. Dornishmen were typically average in height, but very lean and graceful in build, which are the kind of men Lyra was used to seeing. She supposed that perhaps the reason why she found Robb so much more appealing than the Dornishmen who often tried to woo her, was because he was a Northman like her father; or perhaps, he simply seemed more exotic to her than the Dornishmen.

Lyra, on the other hand, had inherited more Martell features, but she did still have some of the tell-tale Stark traits from her father; she was a little taller than the average Dornish woman, had thick long waves of dark hair, and a long face like the Starks, but she was built lean, had dark eyes, and olive skin (albeit fair olive skin, unlike the traditional Dornishman) like the Martells. In addition, her nick-name in childhood had been "horse face", a trait Lyra shared with her cousin Arya Stark, and something the Stark boys and Theon occasionally made fun of her for. However, the way Robb has looked at her during her visit when she was sixteen years, told her that he no longer found her face to be so long. In fact, he even teased her good naturally about the fact that she had "grown into her face quite prettily". For years, their houses had been trying to make them spend more time together in order to spark romantic interest, which had been all for naught until then. Now Lyra and Robb enjoy their time together, and he feels more like a friend and suitor now. Robb may not be passionate or fiery like her or her family, he was more cold and reserved like his father in Lyra's opinion. However, Lyra did not mind this because in turn, Robb was kind, noble, and honorable; he was a good man. Despite the fact that Lyra was bored in his company sometimes, she felt like she could marry him and be happy as his lady wife. Admittedly, she may need to get used to the North, but eventually she felt she could be happy being the Lady Stark of Winterfell, a title she should have had since her father's death. A title she would soon have since Robb had already had his eighteenth name day some time ago and their families were now talking about marriage arrangements during their last visit to Winterfell.

Despite all of this however, Lyra would say that she was probably closest with Jon Snow out of all of her Stark cousins. It was Aunt Cat's ire towards her, and to a much greater degree, Jon Snow, which ended up being the whole reason why her and Jon were so close. Lyra and Jon would spar with sticks as children, and when they got a little older, they would even sneak a spar here and there with sparring swords. Robb would never spar with Lyra after he was fourteen years, claiming it as "unfair" and "dishonorable" for him to fight a future lady, especially if said lady were to be his lady one day.

*****************************************************************************************************As Lyra was just about to doze off again, she got knocked in the face by something furry.

"Meraxes!" It was Lyra's cat who had jumped on to her pillow, the cat she had received from her deceased uncle, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, when she was about five. Her and her parents were visiting King's Landing and she had befriended her cousin, Princess Rhaeneys. Prince Rhaegar and Princess Ellia were so pleased that both girls had become so close, that they each received a kitten to celebrate the occasion. Rhaeneys had named her cat "Balerion" after one of Aegon the Conqueror's dragons; so Lyra, being just a little girl and wanting to emulate her royal cousin and friend, felt inclined to name her cat "Meraxes", especially since that was the name of the dragon that her cousin's namesake rode, Queen Rhaenys, one of King Aegon's sister wives.

"Silly cat..." Lyra muttered as she gently lifted the elderly cat down.

"Ugh...seven hells...", Tyene mumbled to herself, waking up. "Did we really fall asleep talking all night?" Tyene questioned Lyra.

"Yep", Lyra answered, stretching. "You were going on and on and on about how much you fancied Prince Doran's newly pledged knight", Lyra rolled her eyes at her cousin. Tyene was so fierce as a warrior but she tended to fall for knights like a love-sick maiden.

"It's midday, let's see if there's still any breakfast left", Lyra said splashing the cold water on her face. Drying her face with a towel, she began brushing her hair down, which had become rather volumized and frizzy from sleeping. Lyra considered herself rather fortunate to inherit straighter, finer hair than Tyene, who kept hers short so that it was easier to "deal with" as she had put it. Lyra generally just wore her hair down and brushed, preferring the freedom, but she did have the sides pinned back a little so that they would stay out of her way. She also normally wore black kohl liner and lined her eyes similar to a wolf's, it highlighted the brown in her eyes and made them more prominent while also protecting them from the rays of the Dornish sun; but now, Lyra was tired and just wanted to eat. Throwing on a light purple dress and black belt, she waited for Tyene to finish getting ready, then they went down to the kitchens to, embarrassingly, pick at the remnants of fresh fruit brought out for this morning's breakfast.

*****************************************************************************************************Getting down to the kitchens and seeing that all of the fruit from breakfast had been consumed, Lyra and Tyene had to beg for some bacon, cheese and toast. The head chef finally relented, called it a late birthday gift to Lyra, and told them not to make a habit out of it. Bringing their food to the main Dinning Hall, where the rest of the Martells were having their midday meal, the two girls sat down with the rest of the family.

"Hey!" Tyene exclaimed to her older sisters, Obara and Nymeria, "you could have woken us up you know!"

"Oh but little sister!" Obara sarcastically said, "you were so besotted with Prince Doran's new knight that we thought to give you and Lyra the day to recover from all the talking Tyene probably did". Obara was goading Tyene, something Nymeria usually did; but Obara thought it shameful that her little sister acted this way around knights.

Tyene was about to retort back when Doran's Head Guard, Areo Hotah, came in. "Lady Lyra", Areo addressed her, "Prince Doran has just received a raven from Winterfell and requests your presence. Your mother has already arrived. I would be happy to escort you". Areo was scary-looking, as a hulking fierce warrior wielding an axe-like spear should look, but he was always very calm and polite. Doran and Oberyn often spoke of his ferocity in battle, but they also joked about how polite and professional he was outside the battlefield.

Lyra trailed behind Areo Hotah as he led her down the hallways towards Prince Doran's solar. It was a beautiful day with a mild breeze. Maybe it's cool enough to go for a ride later, Lyra absentmindedly thought to herself.

Arriving at Prince Doran's solar, Areo announced Lyra to her own uncle and mother, who looked as if they were in the heat of a passionate argument. Lyra's presence interrupting their argument, they both stared at her a moment before her mother spoke.

"Lyra", Meria said, glaring daggers at Doran, "the Prince of Dorne has something to tell you".

Prince Doran, considered his sister for a moment with a look of distaste before composing himself back into his usual cool manner. "Robb Stark has called in his banner men in the North", he began.

Lyra, quickly realizing the gravity of the situation, sat down and seriously listened to Doran's words. Quickly sobering up.

"He is proclaiming himself 'King in the North'", Doran continued, occasionally glancing at the scroll, "he wants to expedite your marriage, making you 'Queen in the North'. In return, he wants my men to fight in his war. He is promising that in return, he will help Dorne, the North, and the Riverlands break away from the Crown. King Robb tells us that upon winning against the Crown, Dorne will be freed from the Seven Kingdoms and regain it's former glory as an independent kingdom of Westeros", Doran finished. He must have then seen the worry written all over Lyra's hungover face because he added, "Do not worry child. You will not be going". At this Lyra's mouth dropped.

"W-wha", Lyra was lost for words. The Martells hated the Lannisters and the Crown because it was held by King Robert Baratheon, the man who wanted the deaths of Lyra's cousins by her deceased aunt, Ellia, and uncle, Rhaegar Targaryen. The man who also upheld Ned's claim to Winterfell over Lyra's by Royal Decree so that Ned's claim would be uncontested, and so that Dorne, fighting alongside the Targaryens, would not lead the North against his rebellion. Dorn had the opportunity to finally get revenge on the Lannisters, specifically Lord Tywin, and Baratheons.

"What in the Seven Hells?! Why not?!" Lyra exclaimed to her uncle the Prince. Why were the Martells not taking this "golden" opportunity that would make Dorne an independent kingdom again, make Lyra a queen, regain her seat in Winterfell, and fulfill their long held family revenge in one bloody war? Doran's gaze hardened, reminding Lyra that though he is a gentle ruler and an old, wheelchair bound man, he was still THE Prince of Dorne.

"Because King Robb may have won every battle so far, but he cannot win this war", Doran spat this more to Lyra's mother, Meria, who was still glaring daggers at him, rather than to Lyra herself. "Tywin Lannister is a seasoned general, and he has won every war he's ever fought". Doran looked back at Lyra continuing, "I have much better plans concerning your future than for you to become the fallen queen of a traitor king".

Softening his gaze at his niece, Doran then asked, "Do you understand why I cannot let you marry Robb Stark?"

Lyra calmed herself and considered Doran's words about Lord Tywin Lannister. He is the same man who slaughtered House Reyne and effectively kept the Seven Kingdoms at relative peace while the Mad King was tearing it apart. After much consideration concerning Tywin's long history in battles and in wars, Lyra begrudgingly came to the conclusion that Doran was right.

"I understand why Prince Doran", Lyra finally answered.

"Good", he replied, relaxing back into his wheelchair, "now, go on and have your midday meal with your cousins".

As Lyra got up to leave her uncle and mother, Doran suddenly spoke to her just before pulling the door open to exit his solar.

"Please-" Doran suddenly stopped Lyra as she was exiting,"tell your uncle Oberyn that our sister and I would like a word".

With that, Lyra left for the Main Dinning Hall.

Princess Meria, however, was not easily pacified on the matter. "Doran, THIS is our opportunity! Why are we not taking it?! An alliance like this with the North would create the perfect strategy to become and remain independent again as a kingdom! The northern most regions in alliance with the southern most region would create the perfect pincer move against the Crown! We could have Tywin and that awful King, Joffery, on their knees, begging for mercy within two years!"

"Because sister", Doran drew himself up before his younger sister, "I am The Prince of Dorne and I have spoken on the matter. In addition, your daughter's inheritance predicament gives her an opportunity for an even bigger future than Queen in the North or Lady Stark of Winterfell that will actually last". Doran looked at his little sister angrily, while she stared at him with surprise. "Now, if you will sit down and listen to me, you will understand why; and if you wait and be patient enough for the results, it will please you more than this proposal and her previous future".

*****************************************************************************************************

End Note: What do you think? Have I set it up well? More will be posted soon!

Nautiscarader’s Wendip Week day 6 - Moving in with each other

Wendy and Dipper, now married, move into house they've proudly built. But there is someone else there already. Rated T for some language and minor innuendos.

Wendip, T, 3,7k

(Ao3) (FF) (masterpost)

- Hey, guess who has two differently coloured thumbs and finished painting the study? - Dipper proudly announced his feat to his wife, pointing to his equally messy shirt.

- Good job, Dip!

The tall, red-haired woman emerged from behind the door, holding set of brushes, her skin and white top as pristine and clean as when she begun decorating their bedroom about an hour ago.

- Hey, it's no fair, you should be way dirtier, you had more to paint! - I can find one way to fix it. - Wendy snickered.

She put the cans on the floor, and closed her arms around Dipper's neck, pulling him into a deep kiss, allowing his freshly painted hands to grab her waist.

- See, now we have to take a shower. - she winked. - It's a good thing I did all the plumbing first.

But before the newly-wed couple could take a break from decorating their small house, a sudden rumble from downstairs alerted them both, and at once they sprinted to the ground floor. Wendy arrived there first and it was her scream that only hastened Dipper, who grabbed the only weapon in his reach on the way down.

Armed with the telescopic paint-roller, he jumped the last three steps and aimed it at the sight that froze Wendy to the ground, ready to defend their household.

But instead, Dipper Pines found himself as astonished as his wife, when he spotted a round, see-through blob hovering above their sofa, staring down at the broken vase, whose pieces laid scattered on the floor.

- I do apologise, it does sometimes happen. - the stout ghost turned his disproportionally small head towards them. - I still have trouble controlling my ethereality.

Though initially shocked by the unwanted visitor, Wendy has managed to recover first, grabbed a pillow from the nearby chair, and took first cautious step into their living room, slowly approaching the spectre.

- Alright, who are you, and what do you want?

With her eyes fixed at the ghost, she was already thinking ahead; Wendy knew she would have to get to the kitchen for salt, and she might need to roll over to grab a can of nails from the other edge of the room if the intruder decided to attack. But instead, the ghost grabbed the edge of his bowler hat and bowed, or at least moved his head in a similarly looking manner, and greeted them.

- Good afternoon. My name is... well, was, Anadol Porcupine. At least I think so. It has only been about a day or two since I died, it's still a bit fuzzy for me. - What do you want? - repeated Dipper, circling the ghost from the other side, watching Wendy's face for signals. - Well... I'm here to stay and haunt. - the ghost spoke nonchalantly, and with severe disappointment in his voice. - I didn't want to, but that's the job.

Dipper waited again for Wendy to make the first move, but the lumberjill was exactly as baffled by his statement as he was, and even lowered her makeshift shield, which only now she realised how useless would be.

- You are here to... haunt? - And to stay? - added Dipper, alerted by that part of his response much more. - Yes... - the ghost turned around, shifting his stare from Dipper to Wendy.

They both flinched when he suddenly floated back and onto the couch, this time without damaging any of the furniture.

- Ah, now it works better. - he said politely - Where were we? Oh, yes, I'm afraid this is the place I will now forever haunt. But don't worry, I only have to do it every few days, and between us, I'm terrible at it, I don't want to cause any discomfort, so I'll just, I don't know, jingle some glasses, or make the floor creek, nothing heart-stopping. Please, sit down.

Before either Dipper or Wendy could accept the offer to sit in their own house, the ghost reached his chubby arm and, to both their and his surprise, grabbed the remote, and somewhat clumsily managed to turn the TV on. With his see-through eyes gaping at the flashing screen, he paid little attention to neither Dipper nor Wendy, who used that distraction to exchange a few important words.

- We have to trap him... - she mumbled, keeping one eye on the ghost, admiring a soda commercial. - How? - Dipper whispered back through his teeth, sidestepping behind ghost's back. - You grab the nails, I grab the salt, we have to ensnare him in a circle. - she pointed to the salt and pepper shakers on the coffee table - Then we'll have to make the iron cage...

But then, a sudden movement of the see-through blob caused them to cease their talking, as the ghost floated to the kitchen, opened (with some difficulty) few cupboards, and amazed Dipper and Wendy again by bringing a bowl of popcorn with him. Before the ghost could sit, or at least hover above his seat, Wendy decided to advance her plan and launched herself forward, grabbed the salt shaker, and was about to open it, when the ghost's cold, slimy hand took it from her.

- Oh, thank you ma'am.

He once again tipped his hat, emptied the contents of the shaker into the bowl, gave it a few solid shakes, and begun munching on the salted popcorn, still mesmerised by the never-ending stream of ads.

- Okay, scratch that, then. - Wendy raised to her feet again, stepping between the ghost and the screen - Listen here, you... what was your name again? - Andole Porcupine. Or it might have been Antonio. Or Angela. See, my mind is already going blank. - Whatever your name is, unless you haven't noticed, we live here, you can't just butt yourself in here! - Well, sadly, I have to. - he explained, slightly annoyed by Wendy and Dipper blocking his view.

He solved that problem, to Dipper and Wendy's annoyance, by floating through their bodies, handing Dipper the bowl of popcorn, and taking it from him once he was behind their backs.

- See, I'm bound to that place, so I have to haunt it. - he took another mouthful of popcorn, which somehow disappeared in his blobish form - It's natural for ghosts to haunt their graves after all. - Wait, graves? - Dipper raised his brow. - You... you're buried here?! - Oh, yes - the ghost spoke politely - In the ancient burial ground underneath your house. - Ancient burial ground?!

Wendy and Dipper shared the same accusatory look, though they both backed up equally fast.

- Wendy, honey, I swear I checked! This parcel of land had nothing! - he kept explaining - No background radiation, no anomalies, and definitely no burial grounds. No native tribes were on this place even for a day. - Yeah, and I checked it in the mayor's office. This land is freaking clean! - Excuse me...

The low, but somewhat warm voice of the ghost interrupted the couple's bickering.

- I beg your pardon, but this one is right. - the ghost spoke softly, pointing to Dipper - There is no burial grounds underneath your house... - But you've just said... - Dipper shook his hands in act of desperation. - Oh, yes, there is no one right now, but it will be in the future.

The two live beings in the room blinked.

- So... you're... a ghost from the future? - Dipper asked, scratching his head. Wendy remained astonished for another minute or so, her face twisted in a shocked grimace. - I suppose, from your perspective, yes. - the ghost replied. - I had nowhere to go. The future is overcrowded already. You do realise there are more dead humans than alive ones, right? I'm surprised the management hasn't started shifting people temporarily before. And by "temporarily", I do mean moving them in the fourth dimension.   - Well, lucky for you - Dipper interrupted, clapping his hands. - You've managed to end up in Gravity Falls, Oregon, and if there's one town with more freaky places than anywhere on Earth, it's here! - he stretched his arms in a showman-like routine - So we're gonna find you a nice place to live in no time. Auch!

Dipper immediately cowered when Wendy nudged him in the ribs.

- You can't say "live" to a ghost. - she whispered, though once she met Dipper's confused stare, she turned to the ghost herself - Uh, can you? - Honestly, death is pretty new to me as well. - he sighed - But yes, I presume it is a bit offensive. - Well, as I said, we will find you a nice abandoned house, or mine, or cave for you to, er, haunt...? - Dipper raised his brow - Inhabit...?

The ghost once again sat, or rather floated onto, Wendy and Dipper's sofa.

- It's very kind of you, but even if you do find me that place, I will have to return here. I'm bound to my grave, even if it has not been made yet.

Once more, the two adventurers exchanged looks of utter confusion and helplessness.

- Well, we can't let you stay here... - Dipper started. - We've just moved in ourselves, we're newlyweds! - My congratulations. - the ghost bowed - I'm sure we will find a peaceful way to coexists her- Oh, see, "exist", that's another bad word, since I do not exist anymo- - No, we damn won't! - Wendy roared, slamming her fist on the wooden coffee table. - I mean, this is ridiculous!

She grasped the hem of Dipper's shirt and ragged him towards the doorway.

- Come on, Dipper, we need to find an expert. - Oh, you mean Ford? - he cheered - He would be able to come up with something- - No, I meant an actual expert!

And with that, the bickering couple left their house, slamming the door behind them. The ghost moved his hand to try scratching his head, realised he couldn't anymore, shrugged, and went back to watching the television.  

Dipper thought that seeing a ghost in his living room (which, as it now occurred to him, was a misnomer) was the strangest thing he would see this afternoon, but the sight of Robbie Valentino in a suit was far, far weirder. He still had vivid memory of his look as a teenager, and his current one changed drastically. His untidy goatee and earrings were gone, and only his hairstyle remained of his old, gloomy demeanour, though of course his job made up for it tenfold.

Sitting in the chair once occupied by his father, Robbie took a sip of his coffee, blinked a couple more times at his two friends, and repeated his concerns.

- So... you guys have a ghost in your house.

Wendy and Dipper nodded.

- And how exactly can I help you? - he asked hesitantly. - Who else would knows about that stuff more than you? - Wendy threw her arms into air again in another explosion of emotions. - Yeah, except we only deal with dead. Like, properly dead dead. - Robbie Valentino stressed. - The dead that are, uh, not really dead, that's more of your style, guys. - But this ghost said something about his grave.

And Dipper relayed the ghost's story, hoping they would finally gain Robbie's attention, even if prospect of working with his old rival wasn't up his game.

- Okay, graves I can deal with... Though not sure what about the ones that haven't been made yet.

Robbie reluctantly stood up and grabbed his black jacket, heading towards exit.

- Mother, I'm going out. Call me if there's a problem. - Bye, Robbiekins! - a cheerful, female voice reached their ears from another room of Robbie's family house - Don't forget to give out pamphlets to anyone looking miserable and depressed as if their whole world suddenly collapsed! - Mom!

A few minutes later, Robbie was faced with the same unimaginable sight that Dipper and Wendy were still refusing to get used to. The ghost, from the looks of it, moved from popcorn to cookies, was still watching the same channel, and hasn't given a single moment to acknowledge Robbie's presence until he spoke, or rather emitted a faint noise of confusion.

- Uh... - Oh, hello there. Do you live here as well? The more, the merrier! - Okay, that's it, this is freaking me out. - Robbie spread his arms out, and ran towards the front door, but he was promptly stopped by Wendy and Dipper, who grabbed him by his arms and forced to sit next to the ghost.

Wendy took a deep breath, cracked her knuckles, and shifting her determined stare from the ghost to Robbie, begun what Corduroys would call a "conversation".

- Alright, I'm fed up with all of that. You said there is... will be a grave of yours here, right? - Yes, we're almost directly above it. - he spoke somewhat proudly.   - Great. So, Robbie, can you guys do anything about it? - Like what? - Robbie snarled - We could relocate the grave, if we had tons of paperwork, and oh, I don't know, if the grave was there! But it's not! Not now, at least! - Wait a minute, that's it! - Dipper suddenly clicked his fingers - You're from the future! We've been to the future! - You what?

Robbie opened his mouth, until Wendy almost causally stretched her arm and pulled it back into place.

- Oh, shush, and ask Tambry. - she said - But, Dipper, that's an idea! We can call Blendin and let him fix everything!

Their faces, for the first time this troublesome afternoon were filled with delight. Dipper ran upstairs, and after a quick rummage through their packed belongings, he brought the time-tape with him.

- So, what year are you from? We're gonna transport you in a jiffy, but we need a number. - Number? - the ghost asked - Oh, no, those were deemed illegal long time ago. Or will be. Tenses get a bit confusing when you travel in time. - So... you... don't know which year you are from? - Dipper stuttered - I am terribly sorry, but no. But it happened after the duck rebellion, because we had to demolish the old statues. And, do you guys still have two Moons? That might help you pin point my time of death...

The colour and hope from drained from Wendy and Dipper's faces as fast as they gained it.

- You know, why do I think that bringing Blendin would only made things worse? - Dipper spoke, closing his time tape. - Yeah, it's not like things been doing smoothly at the agency... - Wendy crossed her arms. - Dipper, I think we bring back someone who would really know how to deal with a ghost.  

And once again, she reached for the exit, dragging behind her Robbie's body, still mumbling to himself about the revelation of time-travel.

- Oh, boy I can't wait to hear what Ford will think of that! - Dipper cheered and swiftly follow Wendy, helping her carry Robbie's body.

- Hi there, mister ghost! My name is Mabel Pines. - Mabel Pines smiled at the ethereal being, practically leaping from her chair and onto the coffee table. - See, I've heard you've been bugging my bro and my sister-in-law a bit, and I'm here to solve any problems!

She cheered, and put a plate of cookies shaped in the form of cat's faces before him.

- There! I've heard you've got a bit of sweet tooth! All for you!

While the ghost was busy devouring the cookies one by one, Mabel leaned to her brother's ear and whispered.

- I'm playing the good cop now.

She turned her attention back to the ghost, sitting opposite of hers, and continued her would-be-polite speech.

- So, mister.... - Barnacle. Barnacle Porcupine. At least, that sounds good for me now... - the ghost pondered. - Mister Porcupine...

Before either Wendy, Dipper or the ghost could react, Mabel leaped from her seat, stomped on the coffee table, and faced the ghost, tucking the long sleeves of her sweater.

- Okay, mister ghost, no more nice Mabel! - she shouted - You get your non-existent backside from by bro-bro's house, or I'll...

But Mabel couldn't finish her threat, as the see-through body of the ghost disappeared, letting Mabel fall to his seat, forcing her to wonder for a moment what was she exactly pressing her nose before. Th ghost appeared a few feet next to her, slowly drifting back to his place as Mabel hastened from it back to hers.

- I told you already, I have to stay here. And, really, am I that big of a nuisance? - he asked, opening a jar of pickles. - Yes! - Wendy and Dipper roared in unison, but Mabel fixed her hair again and sat on the edge of the table. - Let's try this again, nice mister ghost... See, my brother here and his wife just moved in, and, well... - she rolled her eyes - ...they would like to have time for themeselves. And even if they didn't, well, it's just not nice to just go to other people's house and... - ...demolish their living room? Eat their food? - Wendy and Dipper added - Why do you even need food, man? You're a ghost! - I miss it! - he suddenly cried - And... I eat when I'm nervous. - There, there....

Mabel moved closer to him, and placed her arm where she thought the ghost had his back, and gently patted it.  

- I know it can be hard to... uh, die. - Mabel looked in confusion at Wendy and Dipper - We've all b... been through it...? Will be, at least.

Her confidence was sapping away; this was not a preschooler that had his toy stolen or had to go to the dentist for the first time. But nevertheless, Mabel refused to help this soul, even if it lacked a body.

- I can't! - he cried again, letting the jar of pickles smash on the ground - I don't even want to haunt you, but I have to be here, see?

And with that, he whipped out, from an invisible pocket of his ephemeral coat, a piece of what looked like paper. he lay it on the table, partially covered in bits of food he has managed to gauge on, and went back to crying his milky eyes.

- What on Earth is that...? - My haunting contract. - the ghost replied - See, it states I have to haunt in this place.

With some reluctance, Dipper took the simultaneously old and futuristic looking piece of slightly translucent paper and tried reading through it. And as Wendy, Mabel's and Dipper's eyes moved from top to bottom, suddenly, the same idea popped into their mind.

- I think we need an expert.

The ghost currently identifying himself as Capybara Porcupine was delighted when an old man presented him not just his old contract with dozens lines scratched off, but several additional pieces of paper clipped to it, saying that he won't have to bother the nice living beings in the place he was bound to haunt.

He produced a silvery, glowing pen from his pocket, pressed it to the paper, and just when he was about to sign it, he looked once again at the wide smile of the man in front of him. The golden tooth shone as much as his pen, and nearly as much as the light reflecting in the man's square glasses.

- Are you sure this will work?   - Of course! You can trust the best lawyer for mythical beings in town! - Grunkle Stan laughed joyfully, pushing the paper hastily closer to the ghost.

No sooner than the ghost ended signing the document, he burst into flames, leaving only an odd-smelling scent in the air where he once was.

- Is he gone? Like, for sure? - Dipper asked, leaning out from behind Grunkle Stan's back. - Yep, should've asked me first, kiddo. - he stood up, grabbed the slightly burned paper and begun rolling it - No matter which century, folks never read the whole thing. Have I told you how I once was able to sell part of Washington's monument that way? - Grunkle Stan, where did you exactly sent him...? - Wendy asked, taking the document from his hands. - Oh, I just added a bit of this, and a bit of that... - he spoke - I mean, the fool hasn't signed the contract, so I just rolled with it, and sent him to Honolulu. - Grunkle Stan, it says "Hell"! - Mabel shouted, pointing him to the printed piece of paper. - Does it? - Stan took it, squinted his eyes, corrected his glasses, and shrugged - Oh, well, blame the auto-correct thingy, he was annoying you anyway.

Stan took his fake briefcase, ripped the equally fake suit he was forced to wear, revealing a Hawaiian shirt underneath it, and reached for the exit, followed by Mabel.

- Call me if you'll need my legal help again! I'll send you guys a bill via a woodpecker.

And with that, Dipper and Wendy were left alone in their house, with their ground floor covered in bits of food, ectoplasm, and with a smell of sulphur around the sofa.

- I'm gonna grab a mop. - Dipper started - And I'll take the flamethrower, good thing this sofa was cheap.

- ... and that's how I came here! They were some delightful people, they were. Say, do you have more of that rotten fish, it is delicious! - the ghost cheered, accepting another plate of the regional delicacies.

It took the locals some time to adjust to their new spectral visitor, but after learning that for a foreigner he had quite the stomach, they've accepted him as one of their own, and enjoyed listening to his stories from the future. They even found him a nice deserted tower to live in, ensuring that it will bring even more tourists to the village of Hell, Norway, even at the time of year when it freezes over.    

A/N: The town of Hell, Norway actually exists, and I initially intended to send Dandelion Porcupine to Hel, Poland, but given the quality of water in the Baltic sea, I decided not to. 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: Review + Recipes

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Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: Review + Recipes

Over the last few years, I’ve been simplifying and reducing the tools and appliances in our kitchen and only keeping the ones we use often. In fact, our kitchen now has a simple assortment of unusual appliances and tools that we use every day. One appliance that has definitely earned its place on the list is the Instant Pot.

While it may feel like everyone in the world owns an Instant Pot now based on Instagram or social media, according to the most recent stats I could find (2018), only about 12% of households own one.

So, this review is for all of those “holdouts” because I promise you… it will change your life!

What Is an Instant Pot?

In short, it is an electric, programmable pressure cooker with a lot of extra functionality. It definitely isn’t our grandparent’s stove-top pressure cooker!

Although I’ve had one for a while, I haven’t even tried all of the uses for it yet. Our family uses it mostly as a basic pressure cooker and I now make many of my slow-cooker recipes in the Instant Pot instead (…a fast cooker?).

Instant Pot advertises that it is a single kitchen appliance that does the work of seven kitchen gadgets, including a rice-cooker, yogurt-maker, steamer and pressure cooker.

In essence, it is a fancy electric pressure cooker but it does this job exceptionally well.

Pros and Cons of Instant Pot

In my quest to simplify life, I decided to only keep kitchen appliances that serve more than one purpose. The Instant Pot met my criteria of being multiple-use so I decided to give it a try. It has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools and now I use it often.

Instant Pot: The Pros

All Stainless Interior: Unlike most electric pressure cookers, the Instant Pot has a fully stainless-steel interior so this is the only part that touches the food. While parts of the exterior are plastic or other materials, these do not come in contact with the food and there is no Teflon or non-stick surface.

Multi-Use: As a multi-use gadget it could conceivably replace a slow-cooker, rice-cooker, sauté-pan, and steamer. I’ve even had friends tell me that they now use the Instant Pot so often that they rarely use their stove and oven. I certainly can’t see the Instant Pot replacing my oven and stove, but it definitely could if I ever needed it to if one of those appliances broke.

Replace the Slow Cooker: The Instant Pot has largely replaced our slow-cooker and I’m considering even getting rid of the Crock-Pot completely since the Instant Pot works more quickly and often provides better results. I could see an electric pressure cooker like this one being especially helpful for anyone with a small kitchen as it could replace several other kitchen appliances.

Time Saving: This is perhaps the biggest benefit I noticed right away with the Instant Pot. It can cook a slow-cooker recipe that takes 6-8 hours in just an hour and I can even prepare a roast for dinner in about 40 minutes. This is tremendously helpful on days that we aren’t home during the day and I need to prepare a meal quickly at night (or days that I forget to defrost food until the afternoon or to put food in the slow-cooker in the morning).

Good Price Point: While the Instant Pot does cost more than most single-use kitchen appliances like slow-cookers and rice-cookers, it is cost-effective if you use it to replace one or more of these other gadgets. I found mine 50% off on sale here, and it has definitely already paid for itself in space and time savings.

Programmable: This is one advantage of the Instant Pot over regular pressure cookers and most slow-cookers. Since it cooks so quickly, I sometimes don’t need to start cooking a recipe as soon as I put it in the Instant Pot but I want to have it ready to go. The Instant Pot lets you program up to 24-hours in advance and has quite a few options pre-programmed for easy use.

Energy Efficient: Like a slow-cooker the heat source is electric and built in so it doesn’t require a separate gas or electric stove and is more energy efficient. Since it is self-regulated, it is also safer and easier to use (in my opinion).

Easy to Clean: Since the cooking bowl is all stainless steel it is easy to clean by hand and can even be placed in the dishwasher.

Instant Pot: The Cons

The Price (Up-front): Like I said, I found the price reasonable considering the other kitchen appliances that it replaced, but it does retail for up to $150 if you buy one with all the bells and whistles (though I found mine for under $100 here). If I’d known about this when we got married and registered for this instead of various other appliances, it definitely would’ve been a cost savings, but if, like me, you already have these other appliances, the cost can seem like a lot up front. Also, as I said, I don’t use many of the extra settings, so if you buy a basic model you might never miss the extra features.

Learning Curve: I’ve always been a little terrified of pressure cookers since a relative once severely burned her face in a pressure-cooker accident, and while the Instant Pot seems easier to use than many pressure-cookers, it is a new style of cooking with a little bit of a learning curve. It only took me a couple of uses to get comfortable using it, but I’d recommend reading the (short) instruction manual first before using the first time. It definitely didn’t feel intuitive the first couple of times I used the Instant Pot, but it was easy to learn.

Misleading Prep Times: When I first starting using the Instant Pot, dinner was late more than a few times because the recipes I was following said things like “cook on manual for 7 minutes.” I didn’t realize at first that the IP takes time to come to pressure and then release pressure, so a 7 minute cook time might actually mean 20-30 minutes. This still isn’t long to wait (especially when you’re talking about a tender roast ready in under 30 minutes!), but now I know to leave extra time when planning.

Lower PSI: Stovetop pressure cookers typically operate at around 15 PSI, while electric ones, like the Instant Pot range from 10-12 PSI. This can be both an advantage and disadvantage as electric cookers have built-in feedback that makes them more efficient but they do cook *slightly* slower than stovetop pressure cookers. I personally prefer the electric pressure cooker because it is easier to use and doesn’t require constant monitoring, but if speed is your main concern, the Instant Pot is slightly (5-10 minutes) slower on some recipes.

Safety: The Instant Pot is much safer than most other types of pressure cookers but it is still a pressure cooker and can release steam and cause severe burns if misused. I’ve never had trouble with ours and wasn’t able to find any cases of someone being harmed while using it correctly, but I am still very careful using it around my kids. I make sure it is in a sturdy place in the corner/back of the counter and that there are no chairs or stools that would let kids get to it or tamper with the lid. While I am a fan of kids in the kitchen, this is one device I don’t let them use.

Instant Pot Recipes

I have a few years of experience now with the Instant Pot and have gotten past the (short) learning curve. I’ve been creating my own recipes (here’s one of our current favorites!) but I’ve also tried some from other bloggers, especially when I was learning how to use the Instant Pot and wanted to make sure I didn’t mess up any meals (hint- I’ve found that it is really hard to screw up a recipe with the Instant Pot!).

Some of my favorite Instant Pot recipes are:

You can even make apple cider or applesauce in the Instant Pot!

A Simplified Kitchen

I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I have a minimalist kitchen (or that I’d even try to when cooking for 7 people three times a day) but I would say that I have finally created a simplified kitchen and it works really well for our needs. In hindsight, I wish I’d known what I know now when selecting items for our wedding registry, since we’ve gotten rid of many of the items we thought we “had to have” when registering.

In the past few years, we’ve:

Replaced the coffee pot with a French Press

Ditched the vegetable and onion chopper and replaced it with… a knife

Replaced plastic and heavy glass dishes with stainless steel ones for the kids (dishwasher & oven safe, and unbreakable)

Ditched the juicer (we just make smoothies instead)

Replaced the multiple different types of specialty glasses with quart-size multi-use mason jars

Got rid of the toaster, bread maker, and other appliances we just never used

Most of the kitchen appliances we got as wedding gifts have broken or been donated and the ones that remain get used daily:

The Bottom Line

I bought this version of the Instant Pot (the 6-in-1) and I really like it. As I said, I got it on sale and it has more than paid for itself in time savings in the past few months. There is also a 7-in-1 version that also makes yogurt but since we make yogurt in the oven, I didn’t think this extra functionality was needed.

There is also a much-fancier Bluetooth enabled version that I wouldn’t personally recommend, since we are trying to reduce our exposure to Bluetooth/Wi-Fi but also because it doesn’t offer much extra functionality (besides being able to program from a smartphone) for the price (almost double).

I was skeptical about the Instant Pot so I put off trying it for a long time. I was surprised how much I really like it (and over 5,000 Amazon reviewers seem to agree!). In hindsight, I wish I’d tried it much earlier and can see this being my go-to wedding gift for friends in the future.

Unlike very basic kitchen tools like knives and quality pans, the Instant Pot is definitely not an absolute kitchen necessity but I would definitely recommend it to friends and family and it is becoming one of my most used kitchen tools. It is even great for camping!

Ever tried the Instant Pot? What did you think?

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/77045/instant-pot-review/

CHASING SUNS: Epilogue

3,021 words

And we’ve come full circle! A massive THANK YOU to all my readers and followers who’ve kept with this crazy ride of a story. I love your feedback and comments, I’ve read all of them and live for your tag reactions. This won’t be the last of ‘Gladicam’ though; I have some fantastic one-shots and drabbles planned, so stay tuned for that. 

Tagging some of the best people ever and my moral support, @blindbae, @nifwrites, @themissimmortal

“What’s the score?”

“Cam: five, Iris: seven.”

Cam scoffed loudly and caught her breath, sheathing her swords behind her back. “Pffft, as if. You wouldn’t have downed that second one so quickly if I hadn’t helped.”

Beside her, Iris stuck her greatsword into the earth to free her hands and adjust her leather gloves. She reached over and impishly flicked Cam’s nose. “Nuh uh, I had it under control. You were trying to mess with my kill count!” 

“Oh, please,” Cam rolled her eyes and chuckled at the younger girl, pulling out her phone to snap the dead beasts but also to check the time. “Say, we got time for another. You up?”

“Are you crazy?!” Iris’s eyes widened as she gaped at her trainer and friend. “You’re getting married tomorrow, not many people who’d rather hunt the night before their big day.”

She had a point there. A good night’s rest was tempting to say the least. Decided, Cam pocketed her phone. “Fine, fine. Let’s head out.”

Six months had passed since Gladio proposed to Cam in the infirmary at Hunter HQ, and the time when they destroyed the first daemon nest. After that other nests began to turn up across Lucis, though varying in size and daemon spawn rate. The first one was the largest on record, having taken the better part of a week to destroy when a handful of seasoned hunters could dismantle a smaller nest in a day.

Hence was the reason for Cam and Gladio to put off the wedding until now. Things were only just starting to quell, the aftermath of the first nest also having drawn excess amounts of daemons to the surrounding area including Lestallum. It kept them busy, kept everyone busy, getting hitched being the last thing on their mind. Add to the mix Cam’s new job and training Iris, and she barely had enough time to herself anymore. Not like she was complaining.

Cam was given the position of gilmaster at Hunter HQ, Steph’s disappearance leaving the position vacant. Gladio and Cam never spoke about her passing, but her phoned ‘mysteriously’ turned up one day and Cam was immediately absolved of any involvement with the armory ransacking, including an official apology provided by the Marshal before he offered her the promotion. It was tedious work for the most part, dotting her i’s and crossing her t’s on a daily basis and ensuring payments for supply runs were both delivered and received.

That left her evenings free for training Iris, who was freshly recruited as an initiate. Gladio gave her her new set of tags with a proud smile on his face, though it took a bit of convincing; the current state of Lucis with the nests popping up meant they needed all the extra force they could offer, and Iris was one of few with the drive to fight back. 

Cam’s little condition to their marriage also gave him a good influential push in the right direction as well. Over time however, he’d caught on to just how quick of a learner she really was, how the fighting gene didn’t skip a generation. The day she graduated from short swords to a custom-albeit smaller than most-great sword, the shield shed a tear-

“Ahem,” Iris piped up from the passenger’s seat, buckling her seatbelt. “You listening?”

“Uhh,” Cam gaped. “Yes.” 

Iris gave her future sister in law a narrow look before blowing a raspberry at her. “You and Gladio are the same person sometimes, I swear.”

“Nah, less abs.”

“Not what I meant!” though the teenager couldn’t resist a giggle. She tossed her great sword in the back cab with little grace, ignoring Cam’s startled glare as it scratched the rear passenger’s side door. Looking for a quick distraction, Iris swayed the discussion to more pertinent events. “So, tomorrow. What’re you gonna wear?”

Cam frowned, looked down at her in-desperate-need-of-replacement leather armor and pants and shrugged. The sound that came from Iris’s mouth in response was a muffled groan and shriek combo package. “You’re kidding me. Cam you’ve got to have something nicer to wear than that.”

She mused over it for a moment, then shook her head. “Like I have time for dress up these days.”

“Well okay, fine.” Iris sighed. “Wish I knew where to find you a dress…”

But then a thought occurred to her, an idea that nearly fleeted from the unsettling prospect before she could consider it. Sighing, Cam turned the key in the ignition. “I know where to find one.”

After dropping Iris off in the city, Cam steeled herself for the familiar drive to the Duscae countryside. If not for the sickly darkness that continued to saturate the world, perhaps it would have been nostalgic to a certain degree. Instead her gut was churning, uncertain as to what awaited at her destination.

She drove over the crest of the hill she had hundreds of times, but instead of seeing the house that built her, her heart broke at the sight of her family home in rubble and ruins, partially caved-in walls that still held the familiar sky blue clapboard siding intact near the base before bending inwards from the iron giant’s blows. As Cam pulled into the driveway, passing the ripped fencing and disturbed patches of earth, she reconsidered if she was prepared for this both mentally and physically; in hindsight she should have come with a friend to prevent trapping herself in debris, but she was already too in over her head to resurface and try another day. With a deep breath, she put the truck into park and hopped out.

The place wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined; there was ample room to sidestep most of the mess, using the flashlight she’d pulled from the glove compartment to watch her footing over and around any obstacles. The place was obviously looted; the fridge was long since emptied and pantry though buckled inwards was barren of non-perishables, some furniture was gone, and the comfy sneakers Cam hoped were still around were nowhere to be seen.

No matter, she thought, if someone needed it all for the better, then.

She made her way over to the area where their bedroom was, glad to see her wardrobe was laying on it’s side but completely accessible beneath a toppled over support beam. Cam lifted the mess of drywall and made certain to not let anything collapse beneath her, feeling for any sudden shifts in stability, before opening the double doors to let her old clothes spill out. 

It was a disaster of mold, dust and dirt that had made its way in over the months, the fabrics stained and useless. Cam’s heart began to teeter, feeling defeated. It was foolish of her to believe anything could survive the elements and destruction. She sighed, prepared to close the wardrobe but then…

Something bright white and plastic caught Cam’s eye, tucked beneath layers of her destroyed clothing. Careful to not inhale the musty smell, she tossed pile after pile out of the wardrobe until it could be pulled free. 

Cam held her breath as she studied the white garment bag for damages and praised the Six when she found it to be in pristine condition. Being careful to not dirty the item inside, she allowed herself a peek and only that.

It was untouched, the exact same as the day she’d bought it with Nolan’s mother. 

Tears welled in her eyes and she clutched her wedding dress to her chest, silent sobs of appreciation and pure joy caught in her throat.

The following afternoon wedding preparations were well under way at the Scientia household. A very modest group of guests conglomerated in the living room of the small home, sharing refreshments and chatting about how a wedding was just the thing they needed in these dark days; something to give them pause, to remind them that not all hope is lost.

Cam was upstairs in Raine’s room, having just slipped the dress on and awaited assistance with the back clasp that she couldn’t reach herself. “Feels a bit big,” she suggested, shifting into place and pulling the garment straight and level.

“Hardly,” Raine replied, “I mean, sure there’s some give in the waist but nothing too crazy.” After connecting the last hook and eye closer, she stepped back and looked over the bride to be.

She couldn’t speak, unable to find the words to appropriately describe the beauty before her. Cam gave her an apprehensive look, cocking an eyebrow at her closest friend. “What?”

“You’re…” Raine began, her brown eyes threatening to spill tears at a moment’s notice. Unable to speak, she tugged Cam over to the full length mirror and let her see for herself.

She refused to believe the reflection was her own; Cam was a vision of steel and lace, the blush fabric making her olive skin glow from within. Cut close to her figure before cascading over her hips, airy fabric with a decorative floral lace overlay and cap sleeves tailored to her proportions though the plunging v-neck made her cheeks turn pink. She swallowed hard, trying not to cry and looked back over her shoulder at Raine. “You don’t think it’s too much?”

“Shut the fuck up and hug me, woman!” she pulled Cam into a warm embrace and the gesture was enough for a tear to spill over and into the blue-tinted ends of Raine’s hair. “You’re going to make them walk into walls. Please let Iggy touch the fabric, if you don’t mind,” she added, seating Cam down in front of the modest vanity that looked ancient. “I can’t believe that survived the wreckage.”

Cam was still taken aback at her reflection. “Neither can I…”

Raine brushed out her curls until they loosened into soft waves that waterfalled over Cam’s shoulders, tucking one side behind her ear and pinning it in place with a bobby pin. She didn’t own much for makeup, a scarce unnecessity in the world of ruin, but she darkened Cam’s already thick lash line and tidied up her brows. She held a bottle of foundation, gnawing on her lip. “Do you...want me to cover up the scars?”

“No, that’s okay,” Cam replied quietly with a whisper of a smile. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” 

“I wouldn’t be here today without this fucker!”

Dave slung an arm around Gladio’s shoulders, a feat only possible due to him being seated. He continued his slightly-inebriated praise of the king’s shield. “Him and these fellows, including the Prince of Lucis himself came to my aid when I sprained my ankle. I was a sitting duck, and these fellas saved my neck.” 

The guests consisted of other hunters and some close friends; the Marshal helped Prompto with seating arrangements, Greyson was in the kitchen helping Ignis with appetizers and snacks while keeping everyone’s drink topped off. Iris was buzzing about the group, pitching in a helping hand wherever needed and antsy to welcome Cam into her tiny family.

Gladio tugged at the white dress shirt buttoned up to his neck, the full charcoal suit he wore a wedding gift from the best man and officiant, Ignis. He kept it a secret from everyone, intent on surprising the bride to be. Fine dresswear nearly impossible to find nowadays, the hunters in attendance donned new uniforms in an attempt to be more formal. Ignis was looking sharp as ever, a suit he’d left at Raine’s place from some time ago making an appearance again, the pewter grey and black dress shirt combination making him look like an editorial model. 

Dave sauntered off in search of something to fill his cup with and Ignis took his place next to Gladio on the sofa. “Nervous?”

Gladio scoffed dryly, unbuttoning the top three buttons of his dress shirt as it was making him uncomfortable. What Ignis doesn't know won’t hurt him, he mused. “A bit, yeah. Think I gotta walk it off, go splash my face with cold water or something.”

“Please keep the jacket dry,” Ignis requested, the hint of worry in his tone making Gladio roll his eyes as he rose and headed towards the stairs. He jotted a mental note though, as he had to admit; he pulled the suit off surprisingly well, even having been a touch too small for his liking. He took slow steps up the stairs, smoothing his hair back, hoping his facial hair looked alright... 

Gladio heard Raine and Cam’s idle chatter on the second floor and couldn’t help but notice the bedroom door was open a few inches. Though the age-old saying that it was bad luck in seeing the bride before she walked down the aisle resounded through his head, he couldn’t resist. He had to sneak a peek…

And he fell for her all over again. 

Cam was seated in front of the vanity, a vision of tenacious elegance as Raine made some last minute touchups to her hair, though Gladio thought her to be already perfect. His soulmate marking hummed delightfully, tingling warmth that spread throughout his entire body, and he was reminded just how incredibly lucky he was.

How irrevocably in love he was. 

Cam’s head turned a fraction and she caught his gaze in the mirror’s reflection. Her eyes lit up and a gentle, charming smile slowly spread across her lips. They shared a silent moment, Cam’s eyes flicking up and down in her reflection at the sight of Gladio dressed so handsomely. It took everything in her power to keep seated, to not spin around and jump into his arms…

Raine noticed Cam’s attention was elsewhere and before she could look where she was looking Gladio walked passed the room and out of sight. What’s up?” she asked, peeking out the gap in the door. 

“Oh, uhh,” Cam stuttered, cheeks flaring. “Just thinking is all.”

“Need a minute?” Raine was smoothing her floral dress in place, blue-tipped locks in her hand. “I’m going to get Iggy’s help with my braid. Ceremony starts in ten.”

She gave her a nod and Raine left the room. 

Cam stood, nervous as the gravity of today finally settled on her shoulders. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Already her palms were clammy and she grabbed fistfuls of the chiffon and tulle of her straight skirt, her thumbs rubbing the lace floral details as she finally opened her eyes.

Gladio was standing feet away from her near the door, having slipped in when Raine left. The suit he wore accented his built physique, the partially unbuttoned dress shirt teased her so tastefully. He looked positively smitten, a man with purpose and full heart, his eyes lidded and lips upturned.

They didn’t speak, Gladio not needing an invitation to take the two wide strides forward and wrapped his arms around her, joining them as one and Cam buried her face into his chest. The two of them stood locked in embrace for many moments, neither one willing to part from the other, making up for the lost time before they’d finally met, knowing a lifetime was ahead of them and yet it wouldn’t be enough. They’d gladly face whatever the world had to throw at them together, watch their other half assigned by the Astrals grow and age, learn and live and overcome.

Gladio exhaled and his warm breath washed over Cam’s hair. He spoke, so low she almost didn’t hear him. “I love you.” 

Cam pressed a kiss to the center of his chest. “I love you more.”

The ceremony was brief, neither of them desiring to drabble on about the other as both Cam and Gladio were not gifted with enthusiasm to talk for long. Raine and Iris stood proudly at Cam’s side while Prompto and Cor flanked Gladio as groomsmen, Ignis officiating the wedding with perfect prose and poetry. They shared short, meaningful vows that made everyone-even the Marshal himself-tear up. After the rings were exchanged with help from little Lucas as ringbearer, Gladio had all but picked Cam up to give her the most passionate kiss he could muster, eliciting several wolf-whistles from the group of hunters. 

Ignis and Greyson prepared some hors d'oeuvres for the reception and Raine dusted off her grandmother’s piano. Cam and Gladio shared an impromptu first dance as Ignis played a classical ballad, though they mostly just swayed in embrace as neither of them could dance to save their lives. As the party winded down and the bulk of the guests left, the newlyweds decided to get some air and strolled down to the overlook in the parkade. People were gawking at them, a sight for sore eyes as they walked hand in hand, looking like they strolled out of a romance novel, writing their own along the way.

They reached the overlook and Cam leaned on the stone half-wall next to the binoculars and Gladio wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You know,” she began, pressing back into him, “I almost didn’t come to market that day.”

“Oh?” Gladio responded, his fingers stroking the back of her hand. “Why’s that?”

“The forecast was poor. Weather called for rain, and lots of it.” Cam craned her neck back to kiss his cheek. “But then I was greeted to the most amazing sunrise, pinks and purples and yellows…” she trailed off, sighing. “It was a sign. Had to be.” 

Gladio chuckled airily, letting his hand skim around her waist. “You know that night we had to stay at the hotel cause the truck broke down?”

Cam smirked. “Yeah, I remember. What about it?”

“That night...I fell for you.”

Grinning, Cam swivelled in his hold and was prepared for his mouth, melding against his with perfection, every curve in his lips carved from stars just for hers. Certain it was becoming too much for public eye, Gladio hoisted her up and carried Cam bridal style towards the Leville. 

Though Eos was shrouded in darkness, for that fleeting moment they basked in the warmth and glow of pure sunlight.

One for the Money, Guide to Family Finance

If you want to be successful raising a family, one of the most important skills you can develop is managing your finances. In the 21st Century, being a parent is more expensive than ever. A USDA report released in 2017 estimated that it will cost parents $233,610 to raise a child born in 2015. In a time where a strong marriage is becoming increasingly difficult to find, in large part because of financial problems among married partners, it is even more important to draw upon time-tested principles for staying ahead (or catching up if that’s your current situation) of your money concerns.

When I was newly married, I read a pamphlet produced by my church entitled, One for the Money, Guide to Family Finance, written by Marvin J. Ashton, a devout religious leader and businessman who spent lots of time counseling young couples. The twelve principles outlined here were first introduced during a speech Ashton gave in 1975, but their application is as useful today, if not more so, than when it was given.

I will discuss the twelve principles included in Ashton’s One for the Money speech (which was subsequently made into a PDF pamphlet) below, including sharing my own experiences in trying to abide by these principles.

Because it was presented by a religious leader, this advice is faith-based. My strong personal opinion and experience tells me that strong faith is required to be the most successful and prosperous. However, most of these principles can also be used in strictly secular circumstances as well.

1: Pay an Honest Tithing

It is no coincidence that this principle is first on the list. Those who are not inclined towards religion will naturally be skeptical about giving charitable contributions away from your earnings as a way to become more financially stable, but there is more to this principle than just the math that would involve mere subtraction of funds.

Paying an honest tithing means to contribute 10% (the word tithe means 10%) of your income to God. In my church, we pay 10% of what we personally consider to be our “increase” to the church. That money is used to build new church buildings and to fund the operations of a globally expanding church along with its mission of sharing the gospel.

Those who don’t belong to a church might consider this principle to be an opportunity to open their hearts and be generous to a cause they support as a way of showing gratitude to a higher power. That sense of gratefulness itself opens doors and provides opportunities that wouldn’t be available otherwise.

I have personally seen enough miracles and heard stories of others such that I consider paying a tithe to be a sort of divine insurance program. My payment of one-tenth of my income is the way that I give thanks to God for what has been given to me, thus allowing the “windows of heaven” to be opened and blessings contingent upon my faithfully paying tithing to be poured out upon me and my family.

If you’re intent on getting ahead financially, don’t skip over this principle!

2: Learn to Manage Money Before It Manages You

When a couple is married, into that marriage is brought two often very different backgrounds with respect to managing money. In a worst case scenario, neither of the spouses has experience or is good at managing money. More often, the varying priorities regarding what’s important have to be reconciled in a new marriage relationship. Making that happen and establishing a plan for managing the money of the new entity normally takes work, assertiveness, and discipline.

As a family grows and evolves, habits regarding money also have to mature. As a father of six (with one more on the way), I’ve found that every child added to the mix places an increased financial burden (one I’m happy to shoulder) that requires increased discipline and teamwork to absorb into the family unit.

When my wife and I were newly married, we had no money, and we had a little bit of debt from some small financial misfortunes that had happened just before we were married and right afterward. Each of us came from backgrounds that were meager. Before our wedding and in the months afterward, we sat down and made a plan to take control of our finances. More than 15 years later, we are very glad we took that approach early on in our marriage.

3: Learn Self-Discipline and Self-Restraint in Money Matters

One of the most common problems afflicting modern society is an unrestrained addiction to materialism. Commercials from car dealers, furniture stores, and so many other consumer items constantly tell us that six months financing is the same as cash, that anyone with a job is approved for credit, and convince us that wants should be classified as needs. In church leadership positions I’ve held, I’ve seen people who were asking for church financial assistance classify everything from premium cell phone plans to pet grooming as “needs”. Our society (and marriages collaterally) is paying dearly for this mentality. Household debt is at a record $13.2 trillion as of the first quarter of 2018, with consumer debt (debt for things that are consumed or that don’t appreciate) in the neighborhood of $4 trillion.

A lack of self-discipline and self-restraint is certainly the cause of too many divorces, in addition to the anxiety stress, and sense of bondage it creates for those whose marriages don’t end up failing.

A big part of the challenge of this life is to learn to deny ourselves things that we want naturally, because we can see how indulging in those things will affect us negatively in the long term. In matters of financial management, this principle is paramount.

In his commentary on learning self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters, Ashton suggests that couples demonstrate “genuine maturity” and the unselfishness required for a happy marriage when they prioritize the needs of the family unit over their own natural spending impulses.

4: Use a Budget

Budgeting tends to be a chore for most people. My wife and I have struggled with being consistent budgeters, especially as we’ve increased in wealth and haven’t felt such an urgent need as when we were newlyweds. However, when we are out of the habit of budgeting, we always find ourselves feeling a bit lost, unsure of how much we’re spending and how much we’re saving. Even for those who have already done well financially, maintaining a regular habit of tracking expenses and planning income against expenditures opens communication channels in a marriage relationship and gives empowerment to a couple and their children.

In our technology driven world with millions of applications that do almost everything, there are plenty of computer and mobile apps that can be used to make budgeting easier. In my family, we use the EveryDollar application produced by Dave Ramsey’s organization. It’s free, easy to use, and it’s built with the foundational approach used for Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps program.

If you aren’t using a budget, make a plan to start right away. You need to know how much money you’re spending on what things and be able to compare that with what income you’re receiving each month if you want to have greater power over your financial future.

5: Teach Family Members Early the Importance of Working and Earning

Kids can learn from an early age the concepts of working for something and being rewarded for their efforts. I’ve seen my kids beginning at younger than two years old regularly acknowledge and appreciate the ability to provide value and contribute to the family.

The term “millenial” (identifying those born between 1982 and 2004) has become somewhat of a pejorative, referencing adults who constantly want things to be given to them instead of earning what they receive. It’s easy to see that many of this latest generation have lost the sense of accountability, which naturally influences too many of them to feel lost and lacking in value. An entitlement demeanor most often comes from kids being spoiled, which teaches them to be takers rather than givers. That mentality is not easily fixed, and often leads to financial destruction.

Kids can and should be taught beginning in their toddler stage and continuing through adulthood that working, contributing, and being rewarded based upon merits are healthy for them. Their parents should be examples to them of loving and enjoying work.

In teaching children to work, it’s important that they learn to appreciate both physical and mental exertion. Earning an allowance can be done by either doing things like chores in the home or completing homework or achieving educational goals. As kids get into their teenage years, it’s helpful for kids to take on summer jobs and/or part-time work during the school year to give them the opportunity to experience what it will be like when they eventually have the responsibility of providing for their own families.

6: Teach Children to Make Money Decisions in Keeping with Their Capacities to Comprehend

I’ve often experienced having one of my little children come to me with some coins he has collected and asking if he can buy a bike or some other object that is much more expensive than what his young mind comprehends. At an early age, kids start to try to piece together the need to have money to pay for things, and they can be given perspective on a small scale starting at a young age.

The One For the Money guide recommends giving kids opportunities to save money for specific purposes that make sense for their stage in life. Saving for a new toy, to contribute to a family trip, and for other purposes helps them connect work hours an effort with the potential rewards that come from it. It also helps them get a sense of how skills and effort factor into a wider economy.

7: Teach Each Family Member to Contribute to the Total Family Welfare

In many family settings, kids are insulated from what it takes to manage the household. While younger kids should certainly not take on the stresses and challenges the parents face with providing for the household, they should understand that there is effort required by their father and mother to provide a comfortable home for them. If a child reaches adulthood thinking that free room and board is a human right, he will be in for a shock when it comes time to fully cut the apron strings. In fact, the trend over the past several decades has led to more adults (people ages 18-34) living at home with their parents than there have been since the 1940s. Some of this trend is attributable to young adults’ lack of ability to earn a living that would allow them to move out on their own.

Children should be taught to contribute money they’ve earned towards a shared family benefit, such as a trip. Ways to help children understand their obligations to their own household and learn how to become givers should be discussed during family council meetings.

8: Make Education a Continuing Process

The One for the Money guide suggests getting as much formal education as possible. Learning, increased income, and better management of money are highly interconnected. In the process of getting education, it is important to consider how to match natural skills and propensities with income earning opportunities in the current and future economy. For instance, the majority of high earning jobs in the modern age involve the use of a computer. Kids and adults should spend time understanding how computers and technology work so that they don’t find themselves left out on earning opportunities they could otherwise have.

One word of caution regarding continuing education involves how to finance it. The higher education system in the United States has become nearly unaffordable for the majority of those who are candidates for obtaining college degrees.

A recent Forbes article that evaluates the cost of obtaining a college degree compared with the benefits it provides explained that wage increases from attending college are losing value because of the dramatically rising cost of a college degree.

There are also many alternatives to college available in the modern era that make it possible to get both informal and formal education without having to spend time on an expensive college campus.

9: Work Toward Home Ownership

Home ownership has long been considered a major part of the American Dream. Although there have been uncertainties in the housing market (the housing bubble of 2008), home ownership is still considered to be an investment as opposed to a consumption expense.

Purchasing a home has become easier as lending institutions have become creative (in many cases irresponsible) about lending to more people, many of whom are in reality unqualified. Becoming a homeowner and paying off your home is a worthy objective. Just make sure you don’t jump the gun and become “house poor” by buying too much too soon.

10: Appropriately Involve Yourself in an Insurance Program

Insurance protects against unexpected losses. Your financial stability can take a beating if you are not adequately insured. Typical insurance concerns that you should address include:

Medical/Health Insurance

Automobile Insurance

Homeowners Insurance

Life Insurance

Shopping for insurance can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to find an agent you can trust and lean on him or her for advice based on your specific family situation, including as it changes from month to month and year to year. Spending the time and making the effort to find the correct balance between being adequately insured and being over-insured (which happens more often that it should) will allow you to protect your financial standing.

11: Understand the Influence of External Forces on Family Finances and Investments

This principle deals with making sure that you are aware of your financial surroundings and make the best use of your income and investment options that are available. Being wise about concepts like inflation, investment options, interest rates and other aspects of a dynamic economy will help you to make better financial decisions.

I will share with you an example of how this principle has benefitted me.  When my wife and I bought our first home together just after finishing college in 2006, it was clear to us that the housing market was unhealthy. We had observed and tracked the speedily increasing prices of homes in our area. We also heard from friends and read about in the news and in advertisements about interest only loans and other practices that we knew were not sustainable. Instead of buying a home for the amount we were pre-approved for (over $400,000 on a $70,000 income), we found a modest home in an area 20 minutes outside of where we really had wanted to live. Four years later, after we’d witnessed the largest housing collapse in history, we bought a larger home for just over half the price it was originally sold for four years before we bought it.

By paying attention to the external forces that could affect us, we were greatly benefitted.

12: Appropriately Involve Yourself in a Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness Program

This principle is another kind of insurance for your family. There is always a possibility that emergencies could arise for your family specifically or in widespread cases throughout your community.

The story of Joseph in Egypt is illustrative. During seven years of plenty, his advice to store food and be prepared was heeded by the Pharaoh, and it ended up saving a nation from starvation.

Experts recommend keeping at least three months worth of food at home, along with a supply of water to last for 14 days. Comprehensive strategies for long-term storage are available online, including this one from the BYU Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Science department.

Being prepared for emergencies has as many aspects to it as there are chances of danger to you or other members of your family, whether from natural disasters, political or economic instability, or any of the other thousands of things that could pose a threat.

A family I met recently moved to the United States two years ago from Venezuela as living conditions began to quickly deteriorate there. Inflation and food shortages, leading to lines that took days to buy even small necessities, made it impractical for them to obtain food. They told me of how grateful they were that they had planned ahead and could rely upon their food storage to see them through until they were able to leave the country.

There are lots of education resources for emergency preparedness topics. The ones I recommend the most are the LDS Church’s emergency preparedness guide and Ready.gov.

Establishing a Financially Sound Family

Following these twelve principles should put your family on a solid foundation financially, which will provide stability for your marriage and a rearing environment for your children that simply cannot be obtained in households that struggle financially because the parents have not been responsible.

If you have experiences regarding these principles, suggestions you’d like to share, or feedback on financial principles for families, feel free to share them with us by commenting here or by interacting with Prosperopedia on one of our social media accounts.

The post One for the Money, Guide to Family Finance appeared first on The Handbook for Happiness, and Success, and Prosperity Prosperopedia.

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10 Ways to Endure Building or Renovation Your House

Building or renovating a home is a difficult experience. Right up there with visiting in-laws and also getting origin canals. So here's some suggestions for locating the positive side on this often difficult time. 1. Think of the job as a new diet. Who does not want to shed at the very least five extra pounds? This is one method to do it. Between going to shops throughout the day and also night long, meeting with specialists, examining the work, looking the Western world for the ideal lighting fixture, that has time to eat? Given you do not undermine this new, unconventional diet regimen plan, with McDonalds drive through, you're good for shedding 5 pounds. If you are a masochistic type who does a few of the work yourself - whether it be painting, laying floor tile, landscaping the lawn - you can rely on another 5 to ten extra pounds of weight management. Just believe, you could be unpleasant, aggravated, worn down, nd down best cynical concerning the good of the humankind, yet your denims will certainly fit perfectly! 2. Create checks as cardio workout. These exercises are fantastic for toning the wrist as well as fingers. Usually done in hectic surges as you race out the door in the morning while the specialists are breathing down your neck and also your children are defeating each other with the lunch boxes you just prepared, the stress as well as frenzied task make sure to raise your heart beat for an excellent hr. Whining under your breath that the plumber, electrical contractor, or you call it, isn't actually worth this much loan includes greater intensity and calorie melt to this little publicized exercise routine. 3. Conserve loan with shopping exhaustion. Yes, even the most die-hard shopper will certainly pertain to fear setting foot in any kind of shop. This affliction starts innocently sufficient as you most likely to seek light fixtures. Exactly how hard can it be? Hard! Either the light you want is being delivered from Yugoslavia and also won't get here up until your youngest kid acquires his very own home, or you simply can not discover the one you want. You'll shop every lighting and also electrical store you know. You'll look House Depot. You'll haunt equipment stores. Then there's pipes components. Sink centers, faucet takes care of, coatings, special orders. Just what's all that concerning? As well as the price. You 'd think you were equipping the royal residence for a previous 3rd globe authoritarian. Naturally, there's carpet, tile, hardwood, stairs, house siding, windows. Enough. And also you believed it was a discomfort picking mints and also pleasant table treats for your wedding event. After your 1000th journey to Residence Depot (or Lowes or Menards or whatever), in addition to all the other journeys you've made for items that shouldn't count as shopping (bathroom seats, for instance), you've had it. Your friends won't have the ability to bribe you to take a look at the most recent sale at Bloomingdales. You'll think it will certainly be much better when you can choose "fun" things like paint, wall surface paper, drapes, textile, furniture - but don't bet on it. Now, the stress to earn your residence look like something besides a vacant rat maze will certainly neutralize any joy in shopping. Investing this much cash has never ever been such an unpleasant experience. Therefore, when your home comes to be half-way presentable, you'll choose not to go shopping once more - also for grocery stores - for a minimum of 6 months. The cash you save during this buying hiatus will certainly suffice for you to resume this previously pleasurable hobby one more time without shame. 4. Impress your pals with rare truths. Just someone that has actually built or renovated their residence can explain the liquid dynamics of a proper bathroom water swirl. Or cite the International Building Code that asks for no more than 6' in between electric outlets. Or brag that three-way glazed windows are truly the wave of the future for light emitting tool modern technology. See what I mean? 5. Satisfaction yourself on your brand-new innovative abilities. You'll discover an innovative side that you never recognized existed. Like ways to clean recipes in the tub. And also ways to make a full training course meal for a family members of four utilizing absolutely nothing more than a toaster as well as hot plate. Or how to fit an entire household in a home smaller sized compared to your very first apartment or condo. They state that necessity is the mommy of creation. That's most likely real, yet I likewise assume that the only thing that divides modern-day and leader life is simply one kitchen or bathroom improvement job. 6. Scream at somebody aside from your children - as well as not really feel guilty. Honestly, as a contemporary woman attempting to manage the operating of our houses, possibly a work, and also the future Olympic football desires of our children, you have the primal have to shout. At someone. Anyone. Typically our partner as well as children struggle with this requirement of ours to release pencil up negative energy created from nothing greater than some mini human leaving foul-smelling gym footwears on the kitchen area table. (Ok, that possibly is worthy of a little bit of screaming - we consume at this table!) But when you redesign your house, you have an entire actors of characters - and also think me, they're personalities - that usually are entitled to a good scream periodically. Like when they tell you that they tore out the fireplace since they really did not think it looked right. Or when they show you a blunder made three weeks ago that currently needs half your house to be taken apart in order to repair. Screaming isn't really premature or a result of excessive estrogen, it's treatment. 7. Throw away (finally) your loved one's treasured [fill in the blank] from his bachelor days. You understand just what I imply. Maybe the semi-nude poster he will not get rid of. Or his collection of exotic beer canisters. Or all of his Sports Illustrated publications given that the Chicago Bears last won the Superbowl. Now is the ideal time to obtain eliminate it. If you should vacate your house while the improvement is done, or you are relocating to a new house, such a favorable time might never occur once more. Say it will not fit in the rental house. It's either this or his golf clubs. Gently advise him that the nostalgic item actually works as a suggestion of foot massager review his progressing years. Anything. Eliminate it. It will certainly be one positive you can advise on your own of when the stress of renovating makes you feel that this project was the largest error of your life. 8. Grow closer to your family members with forced bathroom sharing. The saying goes that absence makes the heart expand fonder. Probably that smart expert had to share a storage room sized restroom with 3 children as well as a spouse. In truth, there's no better way to develop intimacy in a family members compared to by all attempting to prepare yourself for the morning in the exact same 7'x 5' area. You'll discover brand-new exciting things about your children - like bathroom tissue is purely optional for little young boys. You'll find that there is no bond quite like the one created when the entire family members brushes their teeth together over the exact same sink. You'll realize why the older generation of your loved ones only washed their hair once a week rather than dealing with common bathroom time. Yet most importantly, you'll not should yell at your children to hurry for college - they're standing right alongside you. 9. Make cost-free trips from every one of your acquisitions. In just what is undoubtedly (and rather sheepishly) the only practical survival pointer on this list, obtain an airline gas mileage credit card. Cost every little thing on it - lights, pipes components, windows, doors, lumber, carpeting. The windows alone can obtain you close to one totally free trip. Whether you choose to share your miles with any individual else in the family members or to escape on your own to a world of silent privacy and, ideally, an open bar, is completely as much as you. 10. Employ some excellent looking specialists and also seem like you're 15 years old once more. Hey, men get an entire chain of restaurants and bars where the piece de resistance is busty waitresses in tight tees (Hooters). Why cannot us gals have some eye sweet from time to time? Besides, it's a performance tool. You'll be more likely to inspect the task or satisfy the architect if some young, healthy, good-looking men exist - especially in the summer months when t shirts have the tendency to come to be optional. For example, we as soon as worked with a roof team of male model wannabees for a house we constructed. My spouse called them the "Beefcake Roofers." They created rather a mix in your area that summer season. Allow me inform you, it made hurrying to visit your house to go over notes with the trades first thing in the early morning a bit extra interesting ... as well as far more fun! Finally, bear in mind, the end outcome of your new house will deserve the irritation of the procedure. Plus, think about all the great stories you can inform!

Relationship Between Music And also Heart Price.

Because that minute at the wellhouse at the Keller house in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1887, where Helen was transformed from something a little bit greater than a beast right into a human, both ladies had actually ended up being world-famous. Extremely Positive (9,435 testimonials) - 99% of the 9,435 user testimonials in the last 1 Month are positive. The interpersonal results of stars' objectives built up with time, indirectly forecasting modification in companions' connection quality and objectives over three weeks (see base of Number 5 ). Actors' chronic compassionate objectives anticipated boosted responsiveness and actors' persistent self-image goals predicted decreased responsiveness to partners from pretest to posttest. And as always with Tara Oakes, Employer was well created, addictive, as well as involving, a lot so - my body was tight with stress as a result of the taut story-line. Ladies are more likely to check out cohabitation as a step toward marital relationship, while males are more probable to see it as a means to hold off or test a relationship commitment, and this sex crookedness is connected with adverse communications as well as reduced degrees of dedication after the partnership advances to marriage.. Talking at a joint interview with the United States Head of state at the G20 top in China, both leaders sought to supply confidence that the close relationship in between the UK and also the US would certainly not be compromised by Britain's choice to leave the EU. In a chilly and also indifferent world filled with chilly as well as detached unfamiliar people, a good friend was something you had to make on your own. This consists of starting a debate in their visibility, checking out his cellular phone when he bowel movement, putting him down or talking badly concerning his various other close friends who are not about. There's not much deeper psychology explored in this spouse-swapping funny ... however its winning ensemble cast makes it, on the whole, a delightful reward. When I was more youthful, it was difficult sometimes to make buddies as well as maintain them because friends could change throughout the years. Instance: Your buddy tosses you a surprise event despite the fact that she knows you hate shock events. This book took me thr Pal Me is John Faubion's first release appearing on February 4, 2014. Even if you believed one point when the two of you started your relationship does not indicate you will certainly still believe that exact same point years, months or perhaps weeks in the future. In an interview with Dr Phil that aired on Thursday, Condit at first declined to review his relationship with Levy. Everything starts out with a lie but not all of it. Danny has some problems with his health and wellness that make him stand off-ish in the connection division. He notes ruefully that brings oneself along on every trip, and that after a quarrel with a pal on this same coastline he really felt so disagreeable that he was even insulted by the perfection of the climate." In a Madrid hotel, bordered by guidebooks that told him what to see as well as exactly what to feel about it, he felt a solid desire to stay in bed and take the following trip house. A fugitive Naples criminal activity employer that constructed one of the most hazardous extortion and also drug trafficking cartels has been caught, Italian authorities stated. It has to do with compromise-- it's beneficial to review your certain strategies as well as goals ahead of your weddings. She could read both of your charts as well as supply a remarkable array of ideas and recommendations. She advised the viewers at least when every phase that he's her employer as well as they shouldn After really taking pleasure in Badass In My Bed # 1-3 as well as Made for Him: A Mafia Child Romance, I was a little dissatisfied with this one. Employees believed that the antagonism in between themselves and also companies emerged due to the fact that employees did not have something necessary as well as real: enough bargaining power in the relationship. Both their boys go to the exact same institution as well as they begin this brand-new, pleasant pals I would like to say thanks to the writer for offering me this Advance Copy in exchange of an honest testimonial. Without it, any kind of charming relationship amongst qualified and otherwise healthy and balanced grownups falls short of being total. After college he landed himself a job working in the city where his climb started. The city requested the mobilization of 5,649 Illinois National Guardsmen, with an added 5,000 on alert, bolstered by approximately 1,000 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officers as well as armed forces knowledge police officers. You are imagining just what you desire your life to be like in the future when you consider the future it is very easy for your mind to see the value in doing something about it with lasting benefits. Manager was not as steamy as the initial publication in the collection, Child V, however supplied a heaping helping of intrigue and also suspense rather. We COULD have hit Xmas and also probably offered you a pretty suitable Boss 101 game. Movie critics Consensus: Generic, complex, and trashy, New Buddy is a laughably negative, apparent university whodunit. I went to the very same locations each day with Demitri and also absolutely nothing had taken place to seasoning my day up. That was when Demitri suggested a trip of kinds. Yet you want her back so severely that you're willing to 'do anything' to get her, which means you'll suck it up and also be that good friend whenever she needs it. After Tokyo, Pal came to be reporter-at-large in New York for the BBC Morning meal Time programme. They additionally make use of informal networks of friends and family to spread their hate-filled message in a bid to encourage new fans, Ms Karska, a Polish legal representative, said. If I hadn't currently check out a Tatano book (Twitter Girl) after that I could have been put off by Boss Woman, I do fret that. After the genial chancellor had actually plied him with generous quantities of scotch, Buddy wandered right into the yard, climbed up a tree and also started barking, prior to falling asleep. When you're beginning a new partnership with a person, you could feel extremely unconfident regarding the connection and just what you indicate to each various other. Masters) appears sexy as all get-out, but Erica was SO hung up on the fact that he's her employer and their partnership is inappropriate that it comes to be the only focus of the tale. It is a Straight bond, so drawn that you cannot let go of the connection also if you never ever had a relationship or if He or she is not solitary, that thoughts will be endlessing, often for years. He stated: There is audio judgment behind it. You could obtain really possessive relationships, and also it is a lot easier if they share relationships as well as have a wide variety of buddies as opposed to consuming excessive about who their buddy is. Relationship quality included measures of satisfaction, commitment and closeness. \ http://gesund-lebenblog.de/diet-stars-effekte-kritiken-preis-kaufen-sie-in-der-apotheke-oder-bei-amazon/ , I felt that ultimately some one comprehended me and spoke my 'language'. He is wed as well as really faithful to his household, as I am in my relationship, however the lovely point is that I feel, as well as he has actually trusted that he feels the exact same, that we don't should remain in a romantic relationship to benefit from this incredible bond, as long as we are a part of eachother's life as well as see the other person delighted, our hearts full of happiness as well as ridicule. There was additionally proof of the altering nature of domesticity - and increasing separation prices - in the study, which found that almost one in 4 of the people questioned had actually experienced the failure of their parents' relationship. Premature suggestions might hinder enabling the individual to be the agent of change, however. In general, results from these 2 researches support our debate that social goals cause both people's relationship top quality via the forecast of responsiveness as well as responsiveness characteristics in between relationship companions. As she tries to get the partnership back on the right track, he withdraws an increasing number of.

What You Should Know About Refinance Mortgage and home loan.

Keep pushing, and you will get a means to refinance mortgage. Refinancing a mortgage is not cheap, and it is not always simply, but if you think about the probable savings, it might be worth your time and energy. Sub-prime mortgages are only brief term financing alternatives. The reverse mortgage is an intricate loan which is costly. In any situation, the reverse mortgage can occur rather quickly and will be able to help you to guarantee the finances that you want. With bad credit, you will undoubtedly pay increased mortgage to refinance rates.

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What refinance mortgage actually, means?

To refinance a mortgage actually, means that you have to pay off a loan that is already and then you will replace it with a new loan.

There are numerous reasons why some homeowners refinance their home.

Having the desire to consolidate a debt.

They would like to grab the opportunity of obtaining the lowest refinance rates they can get;

To lessen the term of their mortgage policy;

To convert an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage, alternatively, vice-versa;

or, to have the chance to touch a home’s equity and eventually finance a large purchase.

Whatever the reason for refinancing mortgage may be, the homeowner should determine whether the idea is offering real benefits, since a lot of factors are involved in refinancing a mortgage.

Should I refinance my home loan?

So it is better that we take a closer consideration at each of your reasons and find out if it is worth the choosing and if it will meet the benefit.

Firstly, although some grounds for refinancing can be financially sound, it can also present a slope which will slide you down to the road of never-ending debts. So this is important, and you should always remember it. It is always better to keep in mind that you are refinancing your home to save money so that you can grow your home equity.

Some homeowners make use of the equity in their homes so that they will be able to cover up significant household expenses,

One being the costs of remodeling their house, by doing this, they also say that the remodeling done will add up to the home’s value.

Or a college education of a child.

Another consideration is because the mortgage interest is tax deductible.

Still, a lot of other homeowners refinance so that they can consolidate their financial debt. On the outside, a high-interest replaced by a low-interest one in the form of mortgaging will appear like a good idea. But then, when you look at the reality behind it, refinancing does not in any way bring along with it a dose that will automatically bring financial wisdom.

Because once you study it closer, when you jump on a high-interest offer, expensive cards or credit cards, for example. You will do it all over again after the refinance mortgage gives you credit available for you to do it. In reality, this creates a loss equal to a quadruple including the following:

wasted refinancing fees,

lost equity of your house,

more and more years of payments with interest on the newer mortgage all of which resulted in the endless accumulation of the debt cycle.

So your question will be, should I refinance? The answer here will be just simple. Refinancing your mortgage is a good financial idea,

if it will reduce your payment on your mortgage,

if it will build equity in a quick way,

and if it will shorten your loan terms.

If you use refinancing loan carefully, this can be a very valuable and excellent tool in actually getting your existing debt under your control.

So, before you make such move of refinancing, take a very closer look at your present financial and debt situation and then ask this important question to yourself:

How long do I plan to live in this house?

Another question worth considering is:

How much will you save once you refinanced your home loan?

Never forget also that generally, refinancing costs between 3 and 6% of the principal amount of your loan. And it will take you several years to recoup that particular cost with the much-needed savings you will generate in having a lower refinance rates or a shorter term. This is why when you actually decide to stay in your house for a couple for years, the actual cost of this refinancing may negate any potential savings; And it is also wise to heed that a prude homeowner is always striving to look for different ways possible

to reduce the debt,

build the needed equity,

to save more importantly money,

and eventually, eliminate the mortgage payment.

And that deciding to take cash out of the equity if ever you will refinance will not in any way help you in achieving any of your goals.

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4 Reasons For Refinance Mortgage

1. If you are paying too much every month for your mortgage it may be time to refinance. A drop in interest rates could mean big savings for you. If you have made your payments on time and have a good overall credit score refinancing at a lower mortgage rate could lower your monthly payment and help you have more money at the end of the month,

2. If you have built up some equity in your home and you need to access some cash refinancing your mortgage could be just the place to get it. If property values have increased since you took out your mortgage loan you are sitting on a pile of money that could come in handy.

Banks do not really care about what you want the money for. Common reasons to pull out some cash on the equity of your home could include paying for your daughter’s wedding, doing a home improvement, taking a vacation, or paying for college tuition.

All the bank wants to see is that you have a way to repay the refinance loan and they are secured by the equity in your home when they do the loan.

3. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage that has crept up and is getting ready to roll into a high fixed rate this may be another reason to refinance. People take out an ARM to get a lower rate and to be able to qualify for a little bit more expensive home.

After a number of years the ARM will be ready to settle into a fixed rate loan. Depending on the fixed rate you may be able to do better by refinancing. Your mortgage loan professional can help you decide the best route for you to go if this is the case for you.

4. One other reason that people look at refinancing is to shorten the length of the loan. That is commonly done when you want to go from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan.

If your income has gone up and you determine you want to stay in the home you have for many years to come then this makes sense. Paying off your loan early gives you the peace of mind of knowing you own your home.

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What can you gain from a mortgage refinance?

A lot of people don’t think about mortgage refinancing because they often believe that they can get nothing out of it. In fact, mortgage refinement has more to offer that people don’t know about it. Read on to learn more ways on how you can benefit from it.

1. reducing the term of your mortgage

If you can manage to pay for the required monthly payments all the time, try reducing the term of your mortgage when you plan to refinance. If you do this, you can get very low rates that may be as low as payment for a 20-year loan for your current 30-year loan. The shorter the term of your loan, the lower your interest rates will be. Refinancing for a lower mortgage can help you save at least $ 300 every month! That amount of money can you use for other important bills.

2. future expense

There are a lot of future expenses to consider, such as your child’s tuition, medical bills, leisurely expenses and much more. While you’re refinancing your current loan, inquire if you can still borrow a few more and check out its effect on your current loan.

3. Changing your ARM

Changing your ARM or your adjustable rate mortgage into a fixed rate loan while the rates are low is another technique, though you may have to sacrifice a lower payment for this. If you can refinance at the reduced loan amount, your monthly payment will stay the same for the whole term of your loan.

4. combine your mortgages

Did you know that you can combine your mortgages and benefit out of it? Combining two mortgages will get you less than 80 % of the real value of your home then you can just choose a cash-out to refinance to pay off your second loan. The monthly payment that you’ll be making will increase because you are paying more than just the interest on your second mortgage, also, if the prime rate goes up, you’ll be benefiting from it as well.

5. split the loan

Huge mortgages or home loans that are more than $ 500, 000 tend to have higher interest rates. If you have one just like this, you can split the loan into two to save up for it. Your first mortgage will be no higher than $ 5000, 000 and your second mortgage will be the home equity line of credit (HELOC). The borrower will benefit a lot from this because they usually get to pay down the HELOC in 10 years or less. And if you can pay off the HELOC within ten years, you’ll be left with a low-rate first mortgage. If however, you want to refinance a jumbo loan into a first mortgage and line of credit, most lenders will ask you to have a 20% equity or for some, a 15% equity.

see also: Do you qualify for a harp refinance?

conclusion

Don’t forget, good financial news tends to earn mortgage rates go up, and bad financial news tends to make mortgage rates go down.

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