Christmas bugsnax headcanons because it’s almost Christmas and the holidays finally mentally clicked for me

Snorpy

Snorpy doesn’t really like the holidays, I mean, he still celebrates it, but he doesn’t find it entertaining as he used to as a kid.

He likes all the cool decorations but other than that he’s practically just there for the food.

He’s one of those “gonna stay for a while” guys then bounce the minute his existence is perceived by a guest he doesn’t really know, which heightened his anxiety back then because random family members would claim they know him, but he doesn’t have a clue who they are.

Yayyyyy anxiety!!! (Same, snorpy. Same 🥲)

Floofty

Floofty goes FERAL for the decorations. Look! Christmas lights that are elaborately placed to look like…. Floofty?? Wait is that floofty’s house?

I gave them the headcanon cause mainly I thought it’d be funny for someone to confront them about their obsession with the holiday and them declining as they put the Christmas stoking on their grocery list

They go crazy for the sweets on the holidays, the stockings being their favorite part

When they were younger the stockings would be last and they’d be so impatient to demolish the candies in the stocking

Wiggle

AAAAAAA

wiggle is the icon of Christmas.

She sings Christmas carols and karaoke, she’s the queen when it comes to the karaoke

I have a feeling she’d spend her holidays off to celebrate with gramble because gramble doesn’t really have a family so he celebrates it with wiggle.

Filbo

Filbo is the one to start all the Christmas parties and secret Santa’s stuff

Filbo acts like a kid when he’s given his gift and it’s adorable to watch. He gets stuck on the children’s table, even if there isn’t any children present, they smuggle the rum away from filbo cause the results would be accidental arson. (Even if it doesn’t seem possible he finds a way how almost EVRYTIME he’s offer any.)

He’s the one with swear the swear jar. He gets lots since one of them uncontrollably curses like a sailor. (**COUGH COUGH** Cromdo and wambus **COUGH COUGH**)

He’s also the only one who would give a child a present but not mention shit about Santa he gets away with it almost every time.

He’s the man child who makes sure the other responsible ones don’t cause chaos.

Cromdo

He’s the Santa in malls. He’s-

He’s why parents don’t trust Santa’s that ask for money.

I don’t care what everyone else says, it’s friggin’ hilarious, and I’m keeping this HC.

It’s even funnier knowing well he’d be the Santa to his own bar. Like kids visit there. /s

Chandlo

Chandlo is why they have eggnog, dude doesn’t go a day without it in December.

He’s the one guy to most likely burn the fruit cake. If you ask “sounds like something filbo would do”

No.

Filbo takes this stuff seriously. The holiday is like a sport to filbo. The whole arrangement is filbo. The foods? Made by filbo. Presents? Wrapped and picked by filbo. Eggnog? Only thing by chandlo. This is like a sport to the two grumps.

Chandlo is that one guy to get overly excited the minute Halloween ends and immediately start decorating the house.

He’s why they (him and snorpy) live in apartments.

Chandlo has no self control on Christmas parties, you see him, he has the first cup of eggnog and he’s already demolishing a whole plate of food.

Beffica

She’s the one to munch on stocking candy with floofty.

She has the Christmas movies she’s why they all get nostalgia.

She’s the one to cause havoc and start snowball fights. No mercy for literally no man.

There’s not much to say with Beffica besides the fact she’s why the others take the time to make rules like, “no eating the shampoo.”

Shelda

(there isn’t a color that’s shelda’s at least on mobile so we’re going to pretend it’s brown.)

Shelda is why they have something to do there other than talk. She has the card games and won’t hesitate to demolish floofty in poker (in a “haha loser” friend way)

Shelda is the mom of the group, but then proceeds to be why “instructions unclear” happens.

Fire? Throw shelda at it. The tree lights are buffering? Throw shelda at it. Need someone to talk to? Throw shelda at your problems. Just don’t ask for elaboration.

The party would most likely be at her place if it isn’t at filbo’s.

The Christmas music is all her. The records and everything

Floofty may pitch in with the music same as wiggle, but shelda is filling up the room by playin some wayyyyyyyyyy old school holiday music.

She’s the one with Wiggle’s vinyl records also.

Wambus

Wambus is the one who doesn’t really do much for Christmas.

He doesn’t really acknowledge the holiday. A gift for the triffany and that’s about it.

He’s the dad to get the kids a puppy and triffany would be so pissed at him.

“A puppy!!”

Triffany:

It’s no longer safe when wambus gives presents.

Speaking of, TRIFFANY!!!!

She’d be that one person to gift you an ancient relic, make a dramatic introduction to it, then casually leaving you with it without telling you where you put it or how you clean it. (Let alone if it can be cleaned.)

Triffany gives more than receives. She gives gigantic mom vibes.

Triffany would be the one to stay sober to drive everyone home.

She’s absolutely amazing and I’m willing to die on that boat.

Eggabell

She one thousand percent is the one to party the hardest.

It’s funny and it’s hysterically strange to think about.

That’s it. Thats- that’s all.

Elizabert

THE ONLY ONE TO SET UP MISTLETOES.

Literally annoys the whole crew, cause the mistletoes are always coincidentally only above where Eggabell and lizbert is.

That and they can never get rid of it. It stays there from beginning to end.

K that’s all I’m doing if I missed some of the crew pretend they’re there or just tell me in the reblogs.

Frick the rest of them. (An excuse to get away with not properly looking into the others.)

Survey #434

“i hate this town, it’s so washed up, & all my friends don’t give a fuck  /  they’ll tell me that it’s just bad luck, when will i find where i fit in?”

You get a text from your ex. He/she wants to hang out. How do you respond? Admittedly, I would. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex that you secretly want to be more than friends with? No. Well, there are times where I think I WANT to like-like Girt, but I just don't. And yet he's always been there for me without fail, is super funny and kind and chill... but I think we were just friends for too long; he feels like my brother by this point in time. If your partner smoked, would that be a problem for you? If it was cigarettes, yes. Even weed (UNLESS it was for medicinal purposes and not a constant thing) I'd be iffy about. I just don't want to date a smoker. Lung damage is lung damage and weed actually has more carcinogens, and I don't want to sign myself up for all that. I don't want to watch my partner wither away from nonstop smoking and also have myself suffer from second-hand smoking. When will you next see your best friend? There's no telling. Right now I'm trying to be realistic and responsible with the money I DO ever get and put it towards more important investments, but I really do want to take a plane up there at some point. But that's also waiting until Covid is in the past. Heeeell no would I be stepping into an airport right now, even being vaccinated. How many tattoos would you like to have? Too many to count, ha ha. I want LOADS. Paint me, baby. :') Do you like your first name? I actually do. Have you ever talked to a boyfriend about an ex-boyfriend? Yes. It's kind of inevitable when you go into a new relationship, hoping it'll go well and be seriously invested, that you let your partner know "oh hey, this happened and seriously affected me to where I'm going to have 'my days.'" Greatest birthday gift you ever got? My snake Venus was technically a birthday present, though I obviously picked her out. Worst memory you have? Losing Jason. I can't say enough that the night of the breakup still doesn't feel real. First memory you can remember? My brother going down our slide into the Hurricane Floyd flood in our front yard, ha ha. I was around two, I wanna say? I don't feel like looking up the date of the hurricane. Oldest object you own? When did you get it? I'm sure that would be a stuffed animal we have stored away somewhere. Or my baby blanket, also safely tucked away. Meanest person you know? Why do you feel this way? I don't "know" Colleen anymore, but God knows she fit the bill. She was so fucking rude to people (yes, she was one of those people that bitched out store employees that have no control over things that inconvenienced her), the world revolved around her problems, she started drama with the damn grass... It's funny even picturing how she was my best friend once. My standards were lower for who I could befriend back then, but goddamn. Ever been dumped? By who? Yes, Jason. Technically Sara as well, but "dumped" seems like an unfitting term? Like we just talked it out and sorta mutually agreed that it was wiser that we weren't together at the time. Have you ever dumped someone? Why? Yes, mostly because I didn't like-like them. Juan was more so because I believed a rumor by Rachel, and Tyler, I just wasn't invested in and had NO desire to put up with the "we need to talk every five minutes" crap. Where do you buy most of your food? Wal-Mart. Last house you have been to: whose was it, and why were you there? My sister's, for my nephew's birthday party. Have you ever been a drunk driver? No, and fuck you if you've ever put others (and yourself) at risk like that. One kid you cannot stand? None that I know, and that's very few. Has anyone ever saved your life? Jason and Mom literally have. Last thing you cried about? Ha ha, I finished watching another SOMA playthrough earlier, and I will ALWAYS start to cry at the end. Without fail. Would you sacrifice your life for someone else's baby? I honestly think I would if it was a split-second decision. Tell me about your latest dream: I think my APAP mask wasn't positioned well last night, because I had a SHITLOAD of nightmares. Too many to even remember. Have you ever been in a limo? No. I've always wanted to experience that once, man. Have you ever been the maid of honor in a wedding party? No. Has anyone ever seen you naked? I was born naked, my man. Mom used to give my sister and I baths together, and I took a bath with a best friend once as a kid. Then one other person has. Do you have a calendar? If so, what is the theme of it? Not a current one, no. Nicest thing you have ever done for a complete stranger: I have no idea. Meanest thing you have ever done to a complete stranger: *shrug* Have you ever been sent to the principal's office? If so, why? And how did you feel? Yes, I think because they wanted to ask the reason behind all my morning tardies. I was soooo scared, just being a kid. Person you hope you never run into again: Colleen. Have you ever streaked? Heeeeell no. Why do you hate your ex? I don't hate any of them. What animal did you last pet or hold? Roman, my cat. What color is your hair? It's my natural brunette right now. I want to dye it SO badly. Have you ever fallen asleep in someone's arms? Yeah. Have you ever had to clean a cat box before? Yeah, seeing as I own an indoor cat. Christmas is coming. Who are you buying gifts for? In the hypothetical situation where I had the money, I'd buy things for my parents, my stepmom, my two immediate sisters, Ash's kids, as well as her husband, but only because I'd feel obligated to as he's considered a close member of the family. I'd also totally get something for Sara! When somebody intimidates you, how do you usually act around them? SCARED. I get quiet, stutter if I do talk, and possibly cry. Is your favorite singer in a band or does he or she ride solo? He was originally the singer of Black Sabbath, but he's been solo for forever now. I prefer him solo, honestly. Did your parents ever hang your old artwork up on the walls? Ohhh yes. Mom still does, ha ha. What is the weirdest obsession you’ve ever had? Nothing really "weird," I think... How long can you be in a car before wanting to get out? It depends on if I have my music or not. If I do, I can last hours, but if not, I don't really like being in the car at all. Have any songs ever inspired you to play an instrument? No. Do you ever use Pandora?No. Are you better with creative writing or writing essays? Creative writing, but I'm fine with both. What is the weirdest animal you’ve ever seen as a pet? I know OF someone who rescued I want to say a baby bobcat, or something along those lines, but I didn't know that guy personally. I don't think I've ever actually met someone with a truly *strange* pet... The most unique I've seen is probably just a chinchilla. If you had to change one, would you rather change your hair or your eyes? My eyes. I don't like them much, mainly the shape. What was your favorite computer game as a kid? I loved the various Oregon Trail games, as well as one I think was called The Amazon Trail 3. Then there was a few dinosaur games I LOVED, and then there were the classic kids' games like the Putt-Putt and Fred the Fish series. Any shows on TV that you flat out refuse to start watching? 13 Reasons Why. I don't even support that show existing. Pajamas with feet: yay or nay? NOOOOOOOO, that is so uncomfortable. What is your opinion on fruitcake? That's an even BIGGER "no." Who did you last dream about? I don't remember. Do you have trouble remembering important things? Yes. .-. I barely remember anything. Which animal can you imitate the best? I dunno? Have you bought any drugs this month? I don't do drugs, so. Have you ever set foot in a tanning bed? Nope, never will. Do you know the Soulja Boy dance? Ha ha, I did as a kid. My then-best friend, younger sister, and I wanted to learn it. I don't remember it now, that's for sure. What is the best ice cream flavor? Ben and Jerry's "Phish Food" is GODLY. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop? Teddy, my late dog. Do you clean when you’re upset? Hell no, I do the opposite: nothing. Do you sleep with the door open or closed? It stays open. My cat would pitch a fit otherwise. Do you know anyone who has actually been in an alcohol or drug related crash? Yes, actually. It was incredibly tragic; the both of them were high (maybe drunk, idr for sure), and my friend was driving with her best friend in the passenger seat. They crashed, and said friend's best friend died. For YEARS she would share pictures of them together on Facebook, "talking" to her, and it was just so heartbreaking. I doubt she's forgiven herself to this day, but she seems to have mostly moved on the best she could, being married with a daughter now. Have you ever gotten a professional massage? No, and I do NOT want one. I don't want some random stranger touching me in ANY way. Do you have a good relationship with your first love? No. We haven't talked in years, so maybe he feels no hatred for me at this point, but I do for myself. I don't hate him at all. Do you feel like you have life figured out? bitch hell no What would you do if you were faced with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy (at your current age)? Was I raped? I'd almost certainly abort because I would be traumatized as FUCK. If it was my own fault, I think I'd go through with the pregnancy, but give the baby up for adoption. There is no way I could raise a kid right now. Or probably ever. Water or Gatorade? I don't like either, really, but I HATE Gatorade. Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced? It's been pierced twice, and I'm thinking of getting it redone again, but this time use a hoop instead of a stud to keep the damn piercing from falling out and closing in my sleep. Have you ever slapped someone? On the arm as a kid. That doesn't excuse it, though. Who are the pictures of in the room? I have a lot of posters, but no real photographs of anyone. Have your parents ever smoked pot? Dad did a lot of drugs before I was born, but Mom's never touched anything. I think. Would you ever consider moving to a different country? I'd love to live in Canada, if that didn't entail leaving my family. What is your favourite food from your culture? Cheeseburgers, alsdf;alwer Do you know any pick-up lines in a foreign language? No. What degree are you or will you pursue while in college? I've dropped out of college three times. I am never going back to major in anything. I changed my major quite a few times while I was there. Favorite arcade game? I don't really have one. One of my life goals is to go to an arcade that has Silent Hill: The Arcade, though. There are very few throughout the world, and it looks fun. Would other people consider your sense of humor inappropriate? I don't see how. Some inappropriate things can make me laugh, but it's definitely not my favorite form of humor, and I myself don't really make jokes of that sort. Who is your biggest celebrity crush right now? Mark Fischbach. :'') What are they famous for? He's a big YouTuber, aND WILL ALSO BE A MAIN ACTOR IN A SHOW NEXT YEAR. LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO. Have you ever had a controlling boyfriend/girlfriend? No, I would NOT stand for that bullshit. Do you have any gay family members? I know my mom's... cousin I want to say is gay. Somebody related to her is. Was your first kiss romantic? I feel like it was. What are you most likely to go to jail for? Pirating shit. Well, can you even be locked up for downloading minor shit? Shows what I know. Have you ever liked someone that was in a relationship with someone else? Boy, have I. Would you ever get a boob job? When (or if...) I lose all the weight I want, I can almost guarantee a breast lift will be something I'd want. Certain things happen when you lose a shitload of weight alsdkf;alkwe Have you ever tried to break up anyone because you liked one of them? Not intentionally. What would you think if you found out your ex was gay? If we're talking THE ex, safe to say I'd be shocked. Did you ever think someone didn’t like you, but come to find out they really did? It's weird, I've felt both ways with Girt? Like there were times I was pretty much 100% certain he liked me, but I'd also be like "nah, no way, he sees me as a sister." Turns out he like-liked me. Are you worried about anything right now? I can't possibly recall the last time I WASN'T worried about something. When you are home alone, do you still close the door when you shower? I don't shower when I'm home alone because I'm afraid of ever fainting and busting my ass again. What noise do you hear? I'm currently listening to "All Signs Point To Lauderdale" by A Day to Remember, and I can also hear my fan going. Do you go online everyday? Pretty much without fail. It'll probably be a cold day in Hell before I willingly don't come online, ha ha.

(pt.1) ahahaha aww! :’> that’s so great to hear and no worries about when you get back to me ahaha we all got lots of other things on our hands i’m sure of! ^^ and AHHH!! a very happy birthday to him! ^^ I hope he and you and your family all had a great time celebrating together! :’) and I absolutely agree! All the joy and love going around is always a pleasure to be around ^^ And aw having a lot of your family owning farms sounds really lovely!

HIIIIIIIIIIII💖

(pt.2) There’s a lot of farms around where I live and seeing them whenever I’m commuting is really like, there’s something about them that makes my heart really warm if that makes sense! :’DAND AHH did I shadow write this bc 👀👀👀 THAT’S A BIG MOOD AHAHA I’m a big introvert myself as well and in a way I’m a bit thankful to have so much time away from things to kind of mentally recharge I suppose? LIKE HAHA don’t get me wrong I absolutely love my friends but I’m also a bit of a homebody as well

(pt.3) and in a way I’m a bit thankful to have so much time away from things to kind of mentally recharge I suppose? LIKE HAHA don’t get me wrong I absolutely love my friends but I’m also a bit of a homebody as well >< and!!!!! I’M AN INFP AND A SCORPIO AS WELL AHHhHhh??? what a coinky dink! I also just did a couple things to find out my life path number and it’s 4! (from what I’ve read about so far I can’t say it’s 100% accurate to myself though! ahaha maybe 50/50 😂I’ll definitely look into

(pt4) it a bit more though!)AHH ME TOO they’re kinda dangerous for me 👀 but I can definitely say that more about stationary stores! 😂😂😂 atm I’m not working on anything specific in particular but I’m an art student and so you can definitely say that craft stores are kind of a second home to me LOL but I was mainly just checking out different kinds of mediums I can add to my paint! ^^ I’m definitely a big window shopper so I didn’t make any purchases this time haha :’D And AHH I feel that!

(pt5) That’s definitely a hard decision! >< I remember being curious about when they were dropping their season’s greetings this year and they had literally dropped them later that day and i was like!!!!  👀 I stayed strong and held off for this year since I was saving up to buy both versions of pt.2 (which pleasantly arrived today woohoo!!) But OOF if they had released an nct 2020 season’s greetings...... consider my bank account empty LMAO And yes I love playing games! Ooh I’d say ac is

(pt6) definitely a favourite since I’ve been playing the series since I was a kid but hMM at the top of my head, I also really like botw, undertale, earthbound, maplestory and osu! ^^ hbu do you like any other games?  (and ooh if you ever get ac, feel more than welcome to add me! ^^ I’ll gift you some cute stuff on there hehe ^^) AND OOOOOH HORROR!!! horror’s a lot of fun! do you have any favourite horror movies? I can’t say I’ve watched a whole lot of horror recently (I actually watched Eli

(pt7) around Halloween and it was alright! Definitely worth a watch with the slow unravelling of everything! ^^) but my favourites would probably the two It movies! I’d also definitely recommend anything from A24! I haven’t watched a whole ton of horror from them other than Hereditary but they do have a pretty solid selection and from what I’ve seen from some of their non-horror titles, their film quality is just 👌👌 (I also watch this really great horror movie based youtube channel and they do

(pt8) mainly film summaries/reviews and they’re a lot of fun to watch since they do a lot of lesser known films too ^^) I’ve also been meaning to watch the original Suspiria movie! The cinematography in it is super beautiful 🥺 I’m also a big chill/r&b/lofi fan as well! 🥺 perhaps to go with your gift, I’ll also throw in a playlist of recs for you! ^^ and I’d absolutely love to hear some of your favourites! Ahh absolutely! Cooking for others is always such a sweet gesture :’D also here’s a

(pt9) recipe for you! Unfortunately tumblr won’t let me send links but! if you google betty crocker cake mix crinkle cookies, it should be the first result! It’s my go to recipe for everything whether it’s someone’s birthday, there’s an event going on at school or if I just feel like making something easy and sweet! There’s also only 4 ingredients (plus vanilla if you want but it’s not necessary) and you can use any flavor of cake mix or even add additional chocolate chips/fillings if you want! ^^

(pt10) I’ve tried it with red velvet cake mix and white chocolate as well as with vanilla cake mix and crushed oreos and they always come out super great! ^^ And aw that’s okay! :’))) What song drew you to them? Oof personally I feel like an nct granny LOOOL I remember the day smrookies dropped jeno’s teaser photo and I thought he looked SO YOUNG (jokes on me tho bc I’m only about 6 months older than him HAHAHA) and yeah for sure!!! it’s so wholesome to see! ^-^ AND!!! absolutely xiaojun this era

(pt11) just.. let’s say he reALLY rode up my bias list in the shortest amount of time AHAHA and yesss 90s love was super cute! (my inner Canadian is thriving at the whole hockey concept LOOL) and AHH when everyone else joined in and theY ALL SANG FROM HOME TOGETHER I JUST- a single tear definitely escaped HAHA AND AHH OF COURSE Faded in my last song definitely takes the cake too and I’d say the same with Music, Dance and Deja Vu too!! Honestly their whole album is such a great time ahh :’) AND!!!

(pt12) AW I think you’re super fun too!!!!!! (AND SUPER SWEET??? I’M- I don’t know hOw many times I’ve had to stop myself from accidentally liking a post of yours (your gifs are lovely!) or following you BUT!!! expect a lot of that when I reveal myself LMAO) :’>>>> fjghdkjhfg Talky squad! ^^ And that’s great to hear!!!! My heart stOPPED when I sent each one bc tumblr didn’t give me the mssg that they sent and I FREAKED OUT AHAHAHA and that’s great to hear! and aw that’s really sweet that you guys

(pt13) got to chat! And thank you! My day is going quite okay thanks! a little downside is that my work contacted me this morning and said there were a couple positive cases at one of my job sites when I worked a couple weeks ago so at the moment I’m chilling in my room for the next few days just in case. I’ve been feeling just fine so I’m hoping all will be well soon! On the positive side, my albums arrived today and I pulled a Xiaojun pc and died aHAHA and I’m really loving all the freebies

(pt14) that came with it! Stickers are always a delight to get :’)) (even tho I’m usually too scared to use them! xD) I also got a chance to talk to some kind people at work and that’s always nice! ^^ and aw that’s so great :’000 i’m really happy you guys had a great time and got to eat yummy food!!!!! Here’s also a burning question for you! Do you possibly have a favourite hyuck era? Asking for research purposes ofc hehe 👀👀👀

(pt15) hope your day is going swell so far! p.s. will try my best to keep these a bit shorter bc i can only send 5 asks per hr :’o + also you're an infinite fan aaa!!!!! i used to be a big fan back in the day hehe - ss☃️🎄

Thank you!!! we did have a great time :>

Farms are fun, I just love spending time away from the city sometimes hahaha KJFNDVKJDNK yes, I honestly am ok with being at home for long periods of time (huge homebody here), but it’s been a year already and I just want to go out and sit under the sun for a few minutes HAHAHAH (for a few minutes only bc I usually can’t stand being directly under the sun OTL) 

OOOOHHH INFP Scorpio twins eheheh, when’s your birthday??? must have been recently so I’m wishing you a late happy birthday💕 and yes, I need to look a bit more into numerology as well because I have no idea what my number means fdkjndfk. 

OMG!!! an art student!!! That’s so cool :< I hope I get to see some of your art after the event! eheheh. What’s your favorite medium? Favorite thing to draw/paint? :) 

I was so curious too!!! I loved NCT Dream’s Season’s Greetings concept last year! and I don’t have any NCT merchandise so I just jumped in for it this year kjdfnkdvfk I liked both concepts but I decided to get 127′s! BOTH VERSIONS OF PT.2!!! EXCITING! Whic PCs did you get??? (Also who is (are) your bias(es)??? omg dkfjnfvkjd) !!!!!!! I absolutely love botw too!! and I play osu as well :D but lately I’ve just been playing Genshin Impact and Overwatch! (OMGGG  I’ll definitely let you know if I do!!!) 

I know Hereditary!!! I haven’t watched it yet! but I have watched The Witch from A24 and it was really interesting! (which youtube channel? o: I love watching movie analysis videos!!) LKFDNKFDMFL and yes, please, I love getting songs recs, discovering new music is so fun! I’ll share here some songs that I’ve been listening to a lot lately!:

Nlve x Sam Kim — Like a Fool

DPR LIVE — Jam & Butterfly

SOLE — haPPiness

eaJ x Seori — It just is

eaJ x keshi — Pillows

Woosung — Face

OMG I just watched a video that showed similar looking cookies!!! they look so yummy! I’ll save this recipe and maybe I’ll try to bake some for Christmas eheheh thank you!!!!

I knew of NCT since their debut but AHAHAHA you see, I felt a bit funny because I’m older than many members JKFNDJK so I avoided them until around Superhuman/Boom when some friends exposed me to their music during a trip we made for a Got7 concert, a week with them was enough for me to go back home straight to search more about NCT, and here I am now : D 

AND YESSSS when they all joined to sing From Home on the stage :((( I’m also about to cry each time I watch the  MV for the rearranged version KJNVFNKD (omg!! I’ve always wanted to go to Canada! I can imagine the hockey concept was exciting ahahah) but yeah! I absolutely agree, love love LOVE the album!

Awww :< <3 that’s SO relatable LMAO I was just saying to my friends the other day “don’t you sometimes get the urge to like your own anon on you event person’s blog????” AHAHAH thank you for thinking my gifs are lovely;; I just started giffing this year and it’s been really fun so far :D 

Oh god :(( I hope you’re okay! that sounds a bit scary;; please take care :< but I’m glad that your albums got there and that you got to talk to nice at work! (stickers are always great!!! yes!! though I tend to save them and never use them as well ahahah)

FAVORITE ERA? god that’s a difficult question KJFNDVKJ well, my favorite Dream song is MFAL but I have no idea if it’s my favorite era...... I also really really really liked Superhuman (his silver hair????? gorgeous) so maybe those two would be the answer kjndfkdk and yes!!! I’ve been an Infinite fan since their debut! and Sunggyu was my bias until Haechan happened hahahah (I’ve been a kpop fan since around 2008 :        D hbu???) I think I asked here earlier but who’s your NCT bias/es?? o: are there any other kpop groups that you really like? :)

BIG EDIT: RIDIN’ ERA HAECHAN IS A BIG FAVORITE TOO his hair was at a beautiful length and that eyebrow piercing.............*cries*

Big edit 2: .......ridin’ is the favorite era, I stil like MFAL as a song more, but Ridin’ era haechan is......deadly

🍭 five candy canes 🍭

waiter!soonyoung x waitress!femreader

category: seventeen days of christmas

———

this sucked, all you wanted was to spend the holidays chilling at home or hanging out with your friends. you’ve had it rough lately, going through a breakup. thankfully your part time job called you in, needing your help on the floor operation. you had the manager jumping when you finally agreed to come in for work. 

you cleaned the tables before opening the shop for business. in all honesty, you preferred doing opening rather than closing. mainly because you were an earlybird, and loved seeing winter during the day. besides, college was done for the semester and you were glad that work was something to keep you occupied, finally agreeing with your mother’s reminder. ‘i told you so!’ she’d say.

it had been two days since then and you loved the happy smiles on the little kids’ faces who ate the restaurant’s iconic chocolate brownie. you could say christmas season is one of everyone’s favourite holiday.

for you? of course. maybe one day, you’d find someone to spend it with.

a familiar face entered the doors, and it was someone you wished you didn’t run into again.

your ex-boyfriend, kim doyoung, with another girl you didn’t seem to recognise. you were halfway to greeting them when your instincts immediately stopped you from doing so, and turned around.

it had been eleven months.

and it still hurt.

jaein, your roommate, nudged your nervous self. “y/n, just leave it. he doesn’t deserve you.”

“i know. i thought i was over it already.”

“it’ll take time. you’ll be over it eventually. he was a jerk to you.”

“i hope so..” you barged pass other staff members.

soonyoung stood by the entrance of the kitchen, sucking on lemon flavoured lollipop as he took a ten minute break. the restaurant was at its busiest this week and it was only a monday.

“who are you staring at?” wonwoo asked the tiger faced boy. “jaein?”

“no one.” he turned around and threw his lollipop away before continuing the day’s work.

you thought work would be over by 6pm. to make things worse, you had to overtime until closing and your back’s been aching from working the whole time. on the bright side though, overtime meant more pay. so it was worth it.

and it was assuring to know that christmas was a season of giving. to celebrate, your manager decided to play a candy cane hunt throughout the month, and an extra gift given to anyone who’d be able to find the most before christmas. wonwoo said that it was irrelevant, saying that it was more suitable to play such a game during easter instead.

but everyone disagreed, and played along.

it was finally 11pm when you walked to your locker when something dropped as you opened it.

it was a candy cane in pale red and white, luckily it didn’t break. “huh, sturdy aren’t you? i must’ve bought it few days ago.” though when you looked closer, there was a little note attached to it saying : “y/n..”

confused, you shrugged it off. “yep must’ve bought this few days ago.”

the next day you stretched your arms up high and thought that you’d be doing overtime a lot more for the holidays. since the manager loved your performance, and quite a few of frequent customers loved your personality.

soonyoung gave you a teasing push. “it’s not even christmas yet and you’ve got plenty of tips from customers already.”

you gasped and pushed him back, “well i can’t help it if people love me. i’m irresistable.” putting a tray down by the sink, almost slipping on the way.

“just don’t do that in front of them. it’ll be bad for your image.” he called out.

“oh shut up soonyoung!” you stuck your tongue out.

“by the way, how’s you and doyoung?” he innocently asked, not noticing the change of expression in your face.

“l-let’s not talk about that, shall we?” you pursed your lips before changing your expression entirely as another customer entered the restaurant, walking away from soonyoung, “good evening! welcome to la pizzeria italiana..”

wonwoo cackled to the other boy’s guilt, “well that went well.”

“very well.” he scoffed, “can’t believe i asked her that when she clearly wasn’t okay.”

“yeah,” wonwoo agreed, “why did you ask a ridiculous question?”

“i wasn’t thinking okay?” soonyoung rolled up his sleeves, preparing a menu for a couple who were ready to order.

———

in no time, the game went by quicker than expected and the announcement came by. all of the staff kept quiet about their tally on the canes. what was ironic and funny was that wonwoo had collected the most even though he had slightly criticised the game.

“y/n!” jaein jumped behind you. “let’s see your candy canes.”

“huh, i dont understand.” you pouted, “i got more than everyone else but the manager didn’t include them.”

you both spread out the candy canes and observed them if there were any differences from the rest. it took you five minutes until jaein pointed something quite unusual. “y/n, there are small tags in five of the candy canes.”

“what do you mean?”

“here,” she took five of the said things. “don’t you think there’s a pattern?”

so you took them and the tags formed a short sentence.

and it was personally for you.

“five candy canes” you spoke softly, “it says ‘y/n, everything will be alright’..”

you stood there confused, yet you kind of knew what it was pointing towards to. and something else was prominent in the canes. “jaein, can i see yours?”

“my candy canes?” she asked, “okay.”

and there it was, “the colours, they’re in a lighter shade than yours.”

“then these weren’t from the company?”

“i guess so.” you scrunched your brows.

“you girls are still at it? i already won the prize.” wonwoo bluntly said, soonyoung right behind him.

you stared at them, they were the type to always tease you, especially soonyoung. you found it annoying, but something caught your attention:

there was a candy cane in his mouth in a lighter shade of red and green and white. just like yours.

you didn’t know why, but you blushed like a tomato, coughed, and avoided eye contact. you knew soonyoung since you were kids, and he knew you better than everyone else. candy canes were something you both shared during the christmas season. often he’d tease you and you’d cry whenever he crossed the line. and when he did, he gave you a kiss on the top of your head.

remembering that certain gesture made you hit your forehead with the palm of your hand. you covered the lower half of your face, your heart beating rapidly.

wonwoo pushed jaein away and the latter questioned why, he just told her that you both needed privacy.

“y/n,” soonyoung walked closer, “remember our promise back when we were eight?”

you nodded, “y-yeah.”

“that if we’re still single til the age of twenty three, we’ll date.”

you chuckled, “yeah. i remember that, we were little.”

“so is it still valid?” he held your hand.

“i guess..” you said. you never thought of soonyoung as someone to be romantically acquainted with, but he was there when you broke up with doyoung. and put up with your drunken self for the past months. “i’ll take the chance.”

maybe it was time to start all over again?

you could open your heart to a new love.

soonyoung smiled from ear to ear, “great. i’ll pick you up this friday and we’ll go to the little macs?”

“oh my gosh that pizza place where we used to play at?” you bursted out laughing, little wrinkles evident at the sides of your eyes.

“well it was the place were we first met.” he poked your nose, immediately pulling his hand back. you looked at him, he was now blushing. “... and also the place where i first fell in love.”

you sighed in relief. you found love at the wrong places this whole time, whereas the right, true love you’ve been longing for was just in front of you.

“and just like this candy cane,” he held the said delicacy and approached closer to you,

“you’ve always got me hooked.”

{Anzu/Mika for kicks lol}

Send in a ship and I’ll give my take: accepting

Gives nose/forehead kisses: Anzu. She’s pretty casual with her affection as long as it’s not in public, so if she feels like it, she’ll get up and give him a forehead kiss, which leaves him shook.

Gets jealous the most: Mika, maybe? Anzu doesn’t really get jealous, she doesn’t care if someone hits on him, and she might actually think it’s funny depending on what the person says. Mika might get jealous considering her closeness with Trickstar and Natsume. 

Takes care of on sick days: Anzu! Prepare to be pampered, idol boy. She’s made you soup and brought you a few teddies to keep you company, as well as three blankets.

Drags the other person out into the water on beach day: Neither of them? Or, alternatively, they both drag Shu into the water so this man doesn’t burn up and die in the sun.

Brings the other lunch at work: Depends! Anzu might do it most of the time considering she already makes certain idols lunch and wouldn’t mind doing it for Mika, but if Mika learns of her habits of not eating in favour of concentrating on work, he might try his hand in getting her lunch.

Tries to start role-playing in bed: Look me in the eyes and tell me these two would ever get the courage to bang.

Embarrassingly drunk dancer: Anzu, Mika is skilled due to all the training he’s done, so even if he was drunk- his moves would still be rather polished, but Anzu? Oh god, look away-

Firmly believes in couples costumes: Mika! Mika thinks it makes Halloween even better, considering they could pair off each other which would be cute, but still be creepy which is the perfect combination since he adores cute and creepy things. They even work together to make them! 

Breaks the expensive gift rule during Christmas: Anzu! She likes to spoil Mika a little, mainly because he looks super flustered when she does, but he is a little pouty about her spending so much money on her and will ignore her for a few days.

Makes the other eat breakfast: Depends. Mika might force Anzu to eat when she’s went a few days without but Anzu probably makes him pancakes every morning or something to make sure he’s well fed and can make it through the day.

Remembers anniversaries: Mika! Anzu’s pretty busy so dates often slip her mind, and while he’s also busy, he does like to keep them marked on his phone in case he forgets. 

Brings up having kids first: JGHJkgrh BRO, I think Anzu would as a joke?? They’d “adopt” a cat baby though.

Kills the bugs: Neither of them! They both relocate them. If Mika is too grossed out by a certain bug to touch it, though, he’ll call for Anzu, and she’ll pick it up and yeet it outside.

First to define them as a couple: Mika? Anzu’s mental state while being casual when in a relationship, is way too panicked to deal with the idea of having feelings before getting in one. He’d have to make the move, or Anzu will confess so he can “reject her and they can move on with their lives”

Who hides their guilty pleasures longer: ANZU. She refuses to let him know about her obsession for horror movies and heavy metal, but when he goes through her phone ( with her permission, to see the games she had ) he found it out. He doesn’t mind it.

Snorts while laughing: Both!

Dear First Love {2/4}

Genre: angst, fluff?

Word count: 1,935

Part one here

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Dear first love,

I don’t know what I was expecting. I was, of course, hoping that you would be there to see the performance, but I also can’t expect you to be there. You were probably busy practicing, right? Or perhaps you just didn’t want to come, which is fine too! You didn’t have to. I think it went well! I think Guanheng and Mark got some good photos of it if you wanted to see them. Many people said that they enjoyed the performance, or at least that’s what the boys said, they may have been just hyping it up for me though! How was your week? I imagine it was tiring, no? It looked like you had bags under your eyes at lunch. Please rest well, my little chicken wing. You worry me when you don’t look after yourself! I enjoyed spending time with you and some of the boys, though. You waved at me so cutely, I thought my heart would burst. Ahh, our friends would never let me live it down if they knew I wrote such cheesy words for you. I really mean it, though. What were you doing smiling at me so brightly? Is it your intention to kill me off? Especially when I continue to “protect” you from everyone’s affection. I wonder if you’ll be at Donghyuk’s birthday party next Friday, I assume so. To be honest, me and him aren’t even that close and I was invited, so I can only assume you will be too. If not, I will invite you! You can eat some more delicious cake and play some more games, although if any kissing comes up, I think I will sit those games out after last time. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, I just don’t want to make things weird between us. I hope maybe you'll be there?

Your little dumpling

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear first love,

The past couple of months have been crazy, haven’t they? Did you enjoy Donghyuk’s party? I was so anxious about inviting you, but you told me that you’d already been invited anyway. Oops! I think the both of us ate a lot, there were a lot of tasty snacks, after all. I’m glad that we got to speak a lot at the party, it was good to talk more to you and to ge to know one another more. I hope that we will only get closer as the months pass. At least no one had to kiss each other, although Donghyuk did dare Johnny to lick the carpet. At least Kun was there to stop him from actually doing it, who knows what bacteria is on that boy’s floor! You really didn’t have to come with Mark when he walked me back home.. but I’m glad you did. Even if it was a little awkward because I was trying so hard not to smile too much at you, I’m glad. Can you believe that it’s already been a year since we first met? It feels as though we only met a month ago. How did the dance competition go, by the way? I saw a video of part of your performance, you were amazing! Even though I’d already seen you dance before, I was still blown away by your talent. I bet you did really well. I do wish I could have been there watching and cheering you on, but I was too nervous to ask you if I could go along. The last thing I’d want is for you to think I’m a weirdo.. Anyway, I heard that you saw the pictures from my performance. What did you think? I am slightly worried that Mark may have taken some unflattering photos of me just to embarrass me, please forget that image of me! 

Your little dumpling

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear first love,

I have to do a project with some of the boys, and I’m a little nervous because I don’t know them well but they must be good people if you’re friends with them, right? We have a couple of girls on our team that I’ve never spoken to before, too. I think they’re only there for Lucas, though, cause they keep giving him heart eyes.. but then again, so does Jungwoo! :D I also recently got to meet your friend Yangyang for the first time. Isn’t he cute?? Not quite cuter than you, though, my little chicken wing. You’re the cutest of all. Oh! How could I forget? It’s your birthday soon! I heard that it’s probably going to be a joint party for you and Yuta. I want to get you a present but I don’t know if you want one from me. Ahh, I’ll just get one anyway. It’s the sentiment that matters above anything, after all. If I don’t get invited I’ll still see you on your birthday and I’ll wish you a happy birthday! You’re another year older to no longer being a ‘little’ chicken wing hehe. I bet you’ll have lots of fun, the others really know how to throw a good party. I wish they could throw a party for mine. As much as I loved having Guanheng and Mark singing happy birthday to me in the park whilst holding a burger with a candle stuck in the middle of it, I do wish I could have spent it with you. Don’t get me wrong, I love those two, but it’s not the same. I wonder if they threw me a party, would you be there? I like to think we’ve become more comfortable with one another now, right? We’ve had many conversations by now, so that must mean something, or at least it does to me.

Your little dumpling

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear first love,

I’m not going to lie, when you came up to me after class that day and asked if I wanted to go to your party I melted. I wasn’t expecting you to invite me at all, especially not personally, but of course I was happy that you did. That means you wanted me there, right? I still feel the butterflies in my tummy just remembering the way you smiled at me. Has anyone told you you literally have the most beautiful smile ever? Because you do, and I will never get over it. I want to see you happy like that always, even if it’s not because of me. You may have noticed that I put a bit more effort into my appearance for your party, although you probably didn’t realise that I did that for you. I hoped you liked the present! I was thinking of what to get you when I remembered a conversation we had a while back. I bet you thought I forgot, but I didn't. You keep making me weak, my little chicken wing, especially when you pinched my cheek out of nowhere like that. Are you trying to kill me off again? Why do you do things like this? You’re such a meanie! Anyway, I enjoyed the party. We played many games, though again I tried to avoid an awkward scene like that one time. Although I definitely wouldn’t mind sharing another kiss with you, I also know how awkward it must have been for you. For me, my heart was racing but I hope you didn’t feel that! We got to speak a bit, too, which was good, even if it was mainly about snacks. I hope you had a really amazing birthday! I wished you happy birthday at both the party and on the actual day. Even though it was a busy day for me, I still found time for you <3

Your little dumpling

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear first love,

There’s been so many parties recently, hasn’t there? I guess that’s what you get when you hang around with so many people hehe. I really enjoyed planning Kun’s party together! I’ve been getting closer to him, too. Now I see why you like him so much (the food is one reason ;)). It was good to see some of the boys again, I haven’t spoken to them much since November. I guess that’s what happens when the holidays take over though, everyone becomes so busy it’s hard to hang out until the new year. I heard that you met up with a few of the boys to see the new year in. Did you have fun? I was busy trying to make the cake for the party and completely missed the countdown, but oh well, there’s always next year, right? Did you enjoy your holidays? I forgot to ask you at the party since you kept being pulled away every two minutes by someone wanting to talk to you. That’s just the joys of being popular I guess :P. I can’t believe I’ve only just gotten to know Kun properly and he’ll be graduating soon. That’s what you get for hanging out with the older generation, hmm? He would hate me saying that, but I’m not wrong hehe. School starts again soon so we’ll be able to talk more in person instead of just through group chats (and Mark passing on messages for me). To be honest, I was surprised when you told me that you were staying in Korea over the Christmas holiday. I thought you might have spent some time at home, but I guess you did have us here to keep you company, and to buy your favourite foods for you whenever you felt homesick. I don’t believe you’ve ever told me about your family, I’d love to know more about them, but I didn’t want to ask before in case I made you sad <3

Your little dumpling

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear first love,

We just got back from a school trip not long ago. It was fun, wasn’t it? Apart from when we thought that Jungwoo broke his arm and Mark starting screaming cause he was panicking.. That was less fun. But hey, it’s a funny story to bring up whenever any of us want to tease him. I’m glad Jungwoo’s arm wasn’t broken though. Who was in your tent again? I think they put you with Lucas, no? I think I remember you telling him to stop screaming at one point, but that may have been my tired brain making up stories again. We got to talk a little, didn’t we? It was when the others were cooking food and the two of us watched them because we didn’t want to get involved in the ‘kitchen drama’. I did love doing a commentary of our imaginary cooking show, it was fun! Maybe we should ask to go camping more often, although maybe wrap the boys in bubble wrap so no one can break anything. I was kind of hoping that the trip would be to an amusement park or something similar, but I guess that might have been pretty hectic. Let’s face it, a ‘peaceful’ camping trip was chaotic enough, imagine what things would be like at an amusement park! I would still love to go to one, though. Who would be the responsible adult, though? Perhaps papa Kun, since he is old now hehe. By the way, did you receive any gifts for Valentine’s Day? I wanted to give you these letters but I made my identity too obvious, I wouldn’t be able to face you ever again if I had given you them. That’s why I settled for something that wasn’t too obvious. Maybe one year I’ll have the courage to say these things to you, but for now, I will love you from afar.

Your little dumpling

The Party is Just Beginning

Special thanks to @princesswagger15 for collaborating with me

“Is it on?” Garcia asks as she looked through the lens of her video camera. “Okay, it’s on, and hiiiiiiiiiiiiii everyone.” She then roams around the mansion. Rossi was fortunate enough to take the team to the ski lodge over the holidays and the team decided to take advantage of it, from going skiing, to using the hot springs and even setting up a party. Garcia then decides to film the holiday party.

“Say hi to the camera.” She then tells JJ, Tara and Kate, as they wave back to the camera. She then runs to Luke in the kitchen, who had just pulled out a tray full of gingerbread cookies.

“Luke, Luke! Say hi to camera.”

“Hi camera.” He playfully waves back. She then runs to Alex and Reid, who were sitting near the kitchen table while Reid eats some doughnuts.

“Hi Spence, Blake.”

“Oh hi Garcia, are you making a movie?” Alex asked as she and Reid look on to the camera.

“Yep, I am.”

“Cool.” Reid then waves back while eating a donut.

“What game are you two playing?”

“Oh, just some lovely mahjong. It’s a lovely tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century.”

“Cool.”

Both Reid and Alex nod as Garcia walks away. It didn’t seem much of a big party going on, mainly since it was only 14 of them at the house, tho it would soon become on, as the gang starts to become energetic just as the day progresses. She was just about to encounter Matt and Elle play smash bros, only to hear Ashley and Emily laugh in the living room, as Derek flops on top of Hotch on the sofa. Boy, this was starting to become a Christmas party.

“Oh my god, what are you guys doing?” Garcia laughed as she noticed Derek hudding Hotch.

“Huh? The fuck are talking about?” Hotch said rubbing his eyes. He tried to move, only to notice Derek wrapping his arms around him. “Wha-Morgan?! What the hell?!”

“W-What?? I-I i don’t understand.” Derek said sitting up a little.

“Were you just on top of me?”

“If that’s what you call it.”

Hotch then noticed Garcia staring at him with her camera, much to his surprise. “Garcia, are you filming this?!”

“Yes haha! How could I not?”

“Shhiiitt, to be honest I thought the couch was just really hard and lumpy.” Derek said getting off Hotch.

“And stop laughing, this isn’t funny.”

“Yes the fuck it is!” Tara said.

Garcia then points her camera at Emily, who glares into the lens.

“Uh Garcia, do you mind asking me why you’re filming us? I mean, what’s the point.” “Uh hello, I’m just trying to make some memories. Plus you all look pretty photogenic here.” Garcia tries to zoom up on Emily’s face, only to cover herself while pushing the camera away, much to her amusement.  “Rude.” She scoffs. She then points her camera back to Hotch, whom Derek continues to wrap his arms around him and cuddle, much to his amusement though also embarassment when he sees Garcia filming him again, this time, with him smiling as Derek hugs him.

Hotch groans as he tries to wave Garcia away, but to no avail. He then covers himself with the blanket before turning his back away. Fortunately for him, Garcia left as she overheard Elle and Matt playing video games in the game room.

“Not gonna lie, but I was hoping that me and Reid would end up in the same position as Derek and Hotch.” Marissa said drinking fruit punch.

“Maybe later.” Emily winked. They suddenly stop to hear a couple of screaming from another room. They watched as Garcia follows the source of the noise and followed her as well. Soon, they were suddenly greeted by the sounds of Elle and Matt screaming and swearing as they play Outlast 2 on the game console.

“FUCCCKK! I swear this game has me all the way fucked up! What are we even supposed do?!” Elle screamed.

“Why did we even chose this game in the first place?!” Matt asked.

“Because we didn’t play it when it first came out…”

He paused and looked over to Elle. “I-”

“Hey guys, what are you two playing?” “We’re playi-”

“OHHH SHHITT!.......FUCK!” They were suddenly startled by a jumpscare in the game.

“What the shit was that??!!” Elle yelled.

“Piggy Piggy Dude.”

“My god, what is this?” JJ asked.

“We’re playing Outlast 2.”  Matt responds, clutching his chest. “Goddamn jumpscares.”

“This is a Christmas party and of all the games you wanted to play, you two chose that?” Kate glares at them.

“It………..it was free tho……..”

“Yeah, but still. You’re gonna get nightmares from it, I know I did when I played it.”

The two gamers sigh as they keep playing.

“Well, all I know was that I got some really cool content for my video.” Garcia smiled. “Even though that means I’d have to spend a few hours watching happy cat videos after this.”

“Wait Garcia, were you just filming us?” Elle looked at her.

“Mayyybbeee…..????”

“W-why?”

“B-Because I wanted to…”

She and Matt sigh as Garcia pats both of them on the back before skipping away. Nonetheless, they kept playing.

“So I guess that’s everyone.” Garcia looked to her camera. “Oh except Rossi, but he’s only out to get some more eggnog, because Someone thought it was a good idea to hog most of the eggnog!” “I said I was sorry!” Luke shouts in the background.

“You better be.” She rolled her eyes. She then walked over to a tall tree standing by the staircase, and scrolls up and down.

“And here it is, our beautiful Christmas tree.”

“Oooooo pretty!” Tara said.

“We all took a fair share in decorating the whole tree, and might we say that we all did a pretty good job.”

“Yeah, we did.” Garcia then scrolls down to a large pile of gifts surrounding the tree. “And oh my, we’ve got tons of presents. I wonder what’s inside, ooooo can’t wait to open them.”

While Garcia continues to roam around the holiday home, Reid just had just walked out from the bathroom after washing his hands, where he noticed Marissa sitting alone at the living room. Seeing that she was all by herself, he walks over to her.

“Hey Marissa.”

“Oh hey Spencey.”

“What are you watching?”

“I think it's Rudolph the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Reid looked to the screen “Ooo Rudolph, the 1964 version, my favorite one.”

“Really? Haha, I would've picked you as a Tim Burton Nightmare Before Christmas guy.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I-I like both.”

Marissa raised an eyebrow “What’s up? You stuttering?”

“Eh, it's a force of habit. I was gonna ask you if it's okay if I can watch the movie with you seeing that you're by yourself. Unless you want to be alone.”

“Oh, of course you can! I'd love to spend some time with you hun!”

“Cool.” He then sits down beside her as they watch the movie. Just then, the two notice the little mistletoe hanging above them. Before either of them could say anything, the two suddenly found themselves kissing each other on the lips.

“Wow haha.” Marissa blushed, prompting Reid to blush in return.

“Where'd you learn skills like that Reid?”

He stuttered. “I-I don't know. It just came into my head.”

“Well you're amazing.” She smiled.

“Thanks.”

“Always.” She rest her head on his shoulder as the two continue to watch the movie. Unbeknownst to them, Garcia was somewhere secretly filming them.

“Omg you guys are giving me LIFE! Y'ALL ARE JUST THE CUTEST!” She quietly squealed. She then strolled around to the living room before staring into the camera

“And that’s all of us, I hope you-” She heard the doorbell rang. “Oh, I wonder who could that be?” She then peeks at the door and smiles, revealing Rossi as she opens the door.

“Oh look it’s Rossi! The man we’d want to thank for letting us stay over and borrow this beloved holiday house for a party. Say hi to the camera Rossi.” Rossi was too focused to even bother staring or saying anything to the camera as he struggled to carry two large boxes inside, giving a rather side eye look to Garcia. “Sorry about that. He’s a little preoccupied at the moment, but that’s okay. He’s usually like that.” She then looked around to see everyone else having fun at the party, from Matt and Elle playing video games, to Reid and Marissa watching a movie, to Alex eating cookies with JJ, Luke and Tara while everyone else play games and dance. It wasn’t much, though it was already becoming a party.

Happy New Year everyone!

tagging: @marvelfanlife​​, @cosmicmelaninflower​​​, @jaqren​​, @cynbx​​, @farfallasunicas​​,  @theartisticgogh​​, @ultrarebelheart​​, @itsmeedee​​, @princesswagger15​, @theartisticgogh​

Anon: Hi! Could you write like a Spencer and reader insert one where it’s christmas time and the team does a secret santa. Reid and her get each other and they get excited because they both like each other and then reid asks her out or something like that? Thanks!

Christmas had always been Y/N’s favourite season. Maybe it was from years of odd family traditions or just the way that the world seemed more peaceful around that time of year. Thanksgiving whizzed by which only added to Y/N’s ever growing excitement for Christmas. Of course the team carried it’s own traditions as well. An annual “Secret Santa” gift exchange always took place. So it was no surprise that as Emily gathered everyone in the bullpen, excited chattered filled the room.

“Everyone ready?” Emily asked as she held out a small jar. The female had already decided to write everyone’s name on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. JJ was the first to reach into it and pull out a paper. The blonde carefully unfolded it and held it so only she could see who it was. A large grin plastered itself to her face as she folded the paper back up and placed it into her pocket. Luke was next, followed by Garcia and Tara. That left only Spencer and Y/N. The two both awkwardly leaned in to pull out a name at the same time. With an awkward laugh Reid motioned for Y/N to go before him, “Ladies first.” he said softly. A small blush graced her soft features as she reached in once more and grabbed a name. She quickly unfolded the paper and felt her heart race. It was funny how just two simple words could make someone nearly melt. ‘Spencer Reid’ was scrawled out in Emily’s somewhat rushed yet still neat handwriting. She took a step back and quickly put the paper in her pocket. Spencer stepped forward and took the last name. Y/N could have sworn that she saw him blush slightly but it more than likely was just her imagination 

December 1st officially kicked off the first secret santa gift swap. It wasn’t too hard to secretly stash the other member’s gift given that they were almost always busy or out in the field. Y/N had decided to start out with a small gift for Reid. For weeks he had been talking about how he needed new socks, mainly from Garcia’s efforts to “revamp” the “heartthrob with a PhD”. Y/N had found the perfect pair, they were each decorated with different Doctor Who quotes. Reid’s love for Doctor Who had not gone unnoticed, he practically begged Y/N once to come over and watch an entire box set of the Fourth doctor. While it took the better half of two days, they both had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

Thankfully today was the one day that Spencer had arrived late. This gave Y/N ample time to hide his gift in his desk drawer. As she made her way back to her desk the sound of laughter turned her attention towards Luke. In one hand the male was holding a faux tuxedo and in the other was a Roxxy sized wedding gown. “Aw that is definitely your dream gift.” JJ teased as she made her way over to the small kitchenette. A few moments later a very flustered Spencer arrived. “Look who decided to show up!” Garcia quipped with a teasing smile. “Stupid traffic.” Reid muttered as he made his way over to his desk and lifted his bag off his shoulder. Y/N tried to tentatively watch to see if Reid noticed the small bag peaking out from under one of his drawers. Much to her dismay Garcia dragged Y/N into her “Bat Cave” to show some fancy new software she had downloaded. When she was finally able to sneak away from Garcia and make her way to her desk she noticed a small bag neatly placed on her chair. The bag displayed a beautiful winter scene on the front and the tissue paper inside was a glittery white, almost in parallel with the snow that had begun to accumulate outside. Y/N gently pulled out the tissue paper which revealed a small box which contained a silver necklace engraved with her initials. “Aww.” she remarked as she held it up for the rest to see. JJ quickly rushed over, “That is gorgeous!” she admired as she glanced over at Emily who was slightly smirking. 

Over the next few weeks Y/N and Spencer has unknowingly swapped gifts. Each gift seemed to be more personal and thoughtful than the last. While the two of them seemed to be taking the gift swapping idea down the sentimental route, Luke’s secret santa didn’t seem to have the same idea in mind. The gifts became increasingly corny and hilarious. Thought they all mainly seemed geared towards Roxxy who was probably benefiting more from the game than Luke. 

Today was Christmas Eve which meant that it would be the final gift and reveal. Spencer was extremely nervous about revealing that he had been the one giving Y/N super personal and sentimental presents. He had feelings for her that he could never really express correctly with words. Things would be pretty awkward if she didn’t reciprocate his feelings. Y/N herself was having doubts too. Whenever she tried to even talk to Spencer her thoughts got jumbled and the words never seemed to come out correctly. Emily has gathered them all around in the now decorated bull pen. Lights had been neatly strung from the ceiling while silver garland was wrapped around the handrails of the second level. Snowflakes that Henry had clearly assisted in making were hung on the side of each desk. A small tree with teeny tiny ornaments stood proudly in the middle of the room. “All right it’s the night you’ve all been waiting for!” Emily said dramatically as a JJ and Garcia gleefully whooped and cheered. “What are you waiting for? Swap those gifts!” Emily announced with a laugh. JJ handed Luke his final gag gift of the season. Garcia gave Tara her gift. Meanwhile Luke swapped with Tara. Emily received a bright sparkly picture frame of her and the team thanks to Garcia. Once again that the left Y/N and Spencer. “Here you go.” Reid said with a small smile as he handed her a small envelope. Y/N whispered a quiet thank you as she gave her gift bag to Reid. Y/N quickly opened the envelope and began to read the poem that laid inside. “Dawns gifts a soft touch, An invitation to love, Sweetest surrender.” was neatly written on a fancy sheet of paper. Y/N’s warm eyes gently looked up at Spencer. Did this mean what she thought? The genius cleared his throat, “Would you like to go out to dinner with me tonight?” he asked almost sheepishly. Without a second thought Y/N nodded and grinned widely, “I’d love to!”. A large smile formed on his face as he pulled her small frame in for a hug. A loud series of cheers and wolf whistles erupted from the team. Garcia quickly raced over with a small cluster of mistletoe in hand. The blonde stood on her tip toes and dangled the small plant above their heads. “Look who’s under the mistletoe!” JJ cheered. “You can’t break a tradition can you?” Y/N asked. Reid quickly shook his head, “Of course not.” 

Gifts for: @letitbrie  @clrholt  @deltslea  @butlergerry  @kellixo  @keshababyy  @elisabetholsan  @margcterobbie

Brie, my (friendly) gaming competition,

No surprise at all our first memories involve playing video games, and no doubt we always put our all into trying to best each other. Though honestly, I love that you're always a good sport about it, from the trash talking to acting like we're actually going to take each other out. But it's always a good time hanging out with you no matter what we're doing, and competition aside, you're amazing, Brie. You're definitely one of the folks I've always admired not only for everything you've accomplished, but for the fact that you're always optimistic and sunny and an absolute ball to be around. I'm really glad we became better friends this year, and I'm so looking forward to the next and everything it'll bring, including some new Mario Kart showdowns. It'd be a crime if your gifts from me didn't involve games in some way, wouldn't it? I got you a night light that I think you'll recognise immediately, and a pair of socks that tell people you're busy gaming without you having to say a word. Additionally, since you told me you're such a fan of nacho cheese Doritos, enjoy this highly fancy and delicious bouquet of them. I hope you and the family have an amazing Christmas!

- Bill

Dear Claire,

Man oh man, we've been through some times, haven't we? I was thinking about it when I started to write this, and I guess it's a bit wild to me to do a side by side of last year this time compared to now. Or perhaps you don't want to because I'll admit I was sort of a pain, minus the sort of. I'm just glad to be where we are right now, that you're one of my best friends and main casserole partner in crime. This year has been so up and down and in a lot of ways, and it just makes me even more grateful for the people in my life who support and encourage me, and you're certainly one of them. I didn't have the words to say it at the time, but whenever I think about us at Paco's that afternoon when I felt like everything in my life was falling apart, myself included, I think of how you told me you like the person I am, no matter what. You have such a knack for saying the things I need to hear right in the moment, and those words definitely helped me pull through a really rough time. And of course, you've been here for me to help pick out decor for my new house, to chat with me about nonsense whenever I needed a distraction, or to cook a meal that isn't half bad when we're both in the kitchen tending to it. I've seen the ways this has been sort of a landmark year for you as well, and it just makes me so happy to see you content and enjoying yourself and life on the whole. For Christmas and the new year, I hope you get a whole lot more of that, and that I'll be lucky to witness it for being a part of your life. You're amazing, in case I haven't summed that up. I remembered that you like chocolate and wine whenever you're relaxing, so naturally I had to get you a gift basket with the two of them. And also a casserole in a jar, which I knew you'd get a kick out of! Finally, I know I said I'd get you a fire extinguisher, but this is one with a twist: an old style one turned into a lamp! I hope you can find some use for it, but if not, at least it's a pretty funny gadget to have. I love you and hope you have a great Christmas, Claire.

Love, Bill

Dear Delta,

Is it strange that when I think of you, I think of your cats too? They'd probably be delighted by this and count it as another measure of their taking over the world, but you don't laugh too much when I chase them around your place trying to pet them. Aside from that, though, you'll always be one of the first people who made me feel welcome when I moved here. A year later, you're still one of my favourite people and an amazing friend, someone who's company I'm always excited about no matter what we're doing. I never told you how much it meant to me that you were there earlier this year when I was feeling so all over the place, but one of the things that easily put my mind at ease, at least for a while, was being on the high cliffs with you, overlooking the ocean and sipping hot chocolate. It was just the sort of peace I needed, not to mention the great company. Thank you for that and always being the wonderful person you are. I hope you have so much good coming your way in the new year, and I can say I'd be happy to drag you on plenty more adventures, too. I wanted to get you a few gifts that reflect the things you like, so I couldn't pass on this cat sign. Tell me, where is the lie? Also, since I know music is such a huge part of your life, and as it should be with your talent, I got you some music note cookie cutters and a cool clock that I thought you might like. Have an amazing Christmas, Delta! Here's to celebrating and ending the year in style.

Love, Bill

Gerard, my second father,

Can I just say my dad would be proud of the job you're doing looking after me? I'm just saying, I know sometimes it's a task when it comes to a Skarsgard kid, but you do it impeccably. All joking aside, you're an amazing guy and friend, Gerard. The kind of person who's always there for the folks he cares about, but doesn't hesitate to straight shoot with them if there's some brutal honesty they really need to hear. And god knows I've needed that at times. I know this year's been a rough one for you with everything that happened in Cali with the wildfires and homes there, yours included. I have to say though, I so admired the way you stepped up and helped out, even in the midst of having your own home so damaged. You're the kind of folks we all look to in disasters, the ones that give us a bit of hope when everything else seems so dim. Thank you for that and for providing that in my life. Like I said, Dad would be pretty proud. Since you're celebrating at home this year, I thought I'd get you some snacks and goods from there in this basket. Though you can tell me if it's terrible and I got ripped off, but I'm hoping not. And since we will forever love our coffee and cigarettes and never give them up, I feel like I have to encourage your habit as well as you encourage mine with a new coffeemaker and this lovely case. I hope you and your family have the best Christmas yet, and hope next year provides you with all the good you can handle.

- Bill

Kelli, my sis from another miss,

I still can't believe you're getting married?! Like when did you start growing up and how? Do I sound like a typical big brother yet? Just be glad I'm not stalking Luke and putting him through various tests just to make sure he's good enough, because well, I trust your judgment and if you say it, he must be. As long as he gets you that boat for the wedding present, that is. All that aside, I'm so thrilled for you and that you've found such happiness this year. You know you mean the world to me, and I'm glad we met and are glad we're the friends we are. You've always been there for me, to help me through rocky times or celebrate good times and everything in between. Thank you for always being someone I can count on and who’s happiness and sunlight personified, because that's pretty much how I always think of you, like the sun. I love you and I hope the year to come brings you so many more good things, because you deserve every bit. I hope you like these Christmas presents as well! I had to throw in something that's a nod to the wedding for being so excited for you, and of course our #1 food, cheese. Also, hanging this sign up in your place will be a good reminder to Luke to get you those goats, am I right? Let's hope it works. Merry Christmas, and I hope your holiday is amazing.

Love, Bill

Kesha, the newest family member,

I think the fact that you've described your own family as so wild just means you'll fit into mine perfectly. After all, your DNA did show that you have Swedish genes, yes? At least that's the story we'll tell people at the family reunions. Naturally, I would not invite just anyone to join the family, and that means you're aces, Kesha. All the joking aside, I think anyone in the music industry knows you're one of the strongest voices out there, and it takes a whole, whole lot of will and strength to do even half the things you've done with just music alone. You're inspiring and someone so many people look up to, especially your little girl. I know I don't exactly say things like that when we're just shooting the shit about whiskey or strip clubs or any other topics I'm amused we get to talking about, but it's Christmas, and Christmas is the perfect time to tell you how amazing you are. I hope the holiday is absolutely brilliant for you, and that the upcoming year is your best yet. And you know, that you'll constantly watch your back for any of us because that's just the way we do in this family, take each other down when they're least expecting. For your gifts, you know I had to get you something whiskey related, because the whiskey angel needs things to supplement her supply, and this homemade whiskey maker will do the trick. Also, a key chain with a good reminder, and a glass with another so you don't forget about the family reunion. Have a wonderful one, sis!

Your bro, Bill

Lizzie, my cooking show partner,

Can I just say I'm really glad we became better friends this year? I am, not only because you're awesome to go to the farmer's market with, but mainly because we're getting our cooking and trivia show off the ground! I'm kidding, of course that's not the only reason, but it's a pretty good one given that we come up with some quite creative ideas. Seriously, I always enjoy your company, whether we're just talking or making bread, or laughing about Nailed It! or how silly interviewers can be, you're a really cool person to have around, Lizzie. Plus someone who genuinely enjoys the art of acting and the process of making films and shows as much as I do and trading off slightly nerdy trivia is my kind of person. I know the two of us could happily watch a really long director's cut of one of our favourite films and be completely content in it, along with even stopping the tape to discuss each point in full detail. These are things that would drive an average person crazy, I know, but with us, it's obviously just more practise and wisdom for our show. Naturally, your gifts are going to involve some things you can use in the kitchen, like this pasta basket you can use to make an amazing Italian dish. Also, this bunch of spices, good for both storing in the kitchen or taking on the promo trail as you see fit. I also know you're a huge Star Wars fan and don't know if you already have this cutting board, but it was too funny and kitchen-y to resist. You either have it now or have two, but even if, is there anything as too many cutting boards? They always come in handy. I hope you and little JD have an amazing holiday, Lizzie! And here's to all our film and cooking adventures in the next year.

-Bill

Margot, the Harley to my Penny and everything in between,

Oh man, where do I even start with you?! Perhaps at International Bargot Day, since it's a top future accomplishment? Our future careers as politicians? The fact that we're making a box decorating holiday happen in the first place? Or the fact that we terrorise people at Halloween with our costumes? More importantly, would people be more afraid of those costumes or us recording videos from inside a box? A certain wig featuring Instagram and playing pranks on our siblings (okay, or mostly mine)? All this to say, it's wild what the two of us can come up with in the span of a year, and just imagine those accomplishments over more years or decades. Which well, by that time, I'm banking on us taking over the world. Needless to say, Margot, life's so much more fun with you around, mostly because it's inevitable we'll put our heads together and effortlessly come up with the most random things anyone's ever heard of. I mean, it's to the point where our brains conspire without even having our permission, so you can just imagine how deep these ideas run. All that to say I'm grateful for you and your friendship and filling life with a whole lot of laughter. Not to mention you're always there for me, even when I'm acting dumb and you might have to talk some sense into me. More often than not though, it's more like we're talking each other into dumb ideas like dancing on stage drunk and falling over, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad you're spending Christmas with us again this year, proof that last year didn't scare you off and that you're one of the family. So Merry Christmas, Margot! I hope you like your presents, all to do with some of your favourite things: your dog, alcohol, and Harley, so I hope that you like them. And here is to yet another year of wrecking havoc together.

Love, Bill

Secret Santas Part 2

Four Part Series

Catch up! Part 1

Choices: THe Royal Romance

Characters: TRR Gang (MC is Kristina, horse is Enchanting Fate

Type: Fun Fluff, Christmas Related, Game

Word Count: 1,854

A/N: In this four Part series play along with the TRR Gang and see if you can guess who their Secret Santa is along side them.

Pixelberry Studios owns these characters, I just have fun with them.

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Friday morning Liam makes his way into his office. Opening the door he sees a festively wrapped box on his desk. An excited grin crosses his face. Liam studies the gift before picking it up. The wrapping paper is exquisite, but there wasn't a ribbon or bow, it’s just elegant. A card type and printed out is addressed to him from “Your Secret Santa”. Already Liam was enjoying the mystery. What would it be and from whom. He gently picks up the box and feels its moderate weight. Not really getting any clues, he opens the gift to find a gorgeous bocote wood and bubinga wood chess set. It's obvious that this chess pieces are hand carved and the board is beautifully inlaid wood.

He immediately sees that the Cordonian Crest has be carved into the middle of the board. When he picks up a piece and turns it in his hands to admire the craftsmanship he sees that the bottom of the piece has also been carved with the Cordonian Crest. The same is true for all the pieces. Liam sits down in his chair and looks at the set which is a work of art its own right. He imagines a game with one of the guys as he has a glass of scotch. He thinks that maybe it won't be too hard to figure out his Secret Santa.

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Kristina has had a very, very long Friday. She’s extremely tired, and wants a glass of wine and her husband. As she walks down a long hall to her and Liam's royal apartment, she sees something on the floor at the front door. With caution she begins to move forward to see a plain green wrapped present with a bright red bow. She looks to the guard who nods as if to say it's safe. She picks up the gift and reads the tag which is in handwriting she doesn't recognize, which simply reads, “Your Secret Santa”. She had been focusing on her hectic week and finding the perfect gift for her secret Santa gift she hadn't even realized that she didn't receive her gift yet.

She takes the square box, which fits in her hands, into the apartment and excitedly sits on the couch. Not one to contemplate the whole “What could be inside thing” or “How the person wrapped the gift” she rips it open. She finds a beautiful blue leather box that is obviously for jewelry. This just keeps getting better, she thinks. She opens the box to see a striking vintage Art Deco Hamilton cocktail watch. The white gold is as bright as the day it had been originally purchased. The beautiful bracelet band rested at the top and the base of the unique and distinctly Art Deco square watch face. Where the band and face of the watch met, there were three delicate scrolls of white gold each with a round diamond in the center. Kristina couldn't take her eyes off it. Finally she see a note in the box, “A vintage working watch from a renowned American watch maker given to the new Cordonian-American.” She simply cannot wait for the next Christmas event.

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Hana had been waiting for her gift form her Secret Santa all week. She loves this time of year and every aspect of it. She loves giving more than receiving, but this game is too much fun not to get into. Since it's Christmastime she was more than happy to accept Kristina's invitation to stay at the palace so Hana wouldn’t have to travel between there and Valtoria for all the holiday events. It was late in evening that Friday night when she hears her phone ping. She looks at the screen and the message is from “Secret Santa” telling her to look outside her door. She cracks her door to see a package in gold glittering wrapping paper with a matching gold glittered ribbon and bow. She cannot contain her excitement, and picks up the gift bouncing her way to her bed.

Leaping onto the bed she places the gift down and studies it. Every side, every bit of ribbon and bow. She notices the seams meet perfectly and how the tape is virtually invisible. She really doesn't garner any other information or clues from her assessment. Either one of the ladies wrapped it, or one of the guys had it wrapped for them. If it was one of the guys, she wasn't sure that Drake would pick the wrapping even if he didn't have to wrap it. Of course, she knows every aspect of the wrapping and the gifts she will receive tell which friend is her Secret Santa. Hana never guesses, she figures out all puzzles.

She opens the gift so delicately, really only the way that could be done by Hana. After unwrapping and opening the box she sees matching glittering gold tissue paper as the wrapping. She thinks to herself if this is one of the guys they obviously had a lot of help, or is an extremely thoughtful person. Once she pulls back the tissue paper she knows from one glance she loves it. She pulls out a shimmering gold tee length, A-line dress. The sleeves are three quarter length and the neckline is a perfect V-Line. It was designed by the Parisian designer Lancelin St. Claire! She tries it on, and it fits perfectly. The bodice is slightly formfitting, but just right for Hana tastes. She feels like she just stepped off the screen of a 1950’s movie, and she adores it! It’s a beautiful, tasteful dress which is perfect for the holiday season.

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Drake is heading out to the stables to check on the temperature for the horses, and checks in on Kristina's Enchanting Fate. Out of the corner of his of his eye he sees a large, but not skinny, long box wrapped simply in brown paper and tied with twine. He goes over to it and takes it out of the stall and sees written directly on the paper of the package, “From your Secret Santa”. Drake knows the writing, it's Leo’s. Leo has come for a holiday visit and he seems to have gotten himself roped into some Secret Santa’s antics. It's too obvious for it to be Liam. He guesses it could be Hana, she would know the perfect way to wrap a gift that fits his personality. He stops, and thinks to himself what the hell is he even doing. I’m not at all interested in this crazy Maxwell FriendFest or whatever this thing is. He goes on to do what he came to the stable to do.

Before he leaves he sees the box and can't help remember his birthday at the western themed bar with his friends. He still kinds hates admitting it, but it was nice to have them to celebrate things with. He sighs and goes to the box. The twine is tied in a plain old bow that he easily undoes. He unwraps the gift to see another “Leo note” taped to the top of the box which has written “Brown paper packages tied up with string, here's something new for your favorite things.” He opens up the box and sees a brand new fishing rod, line, a full tackle box, and a set of fishing tools. All top of the line quality. This is the nicest fishing equipment he's ever owned, and the gift wasn't whisky, so someone really took the time to figure this all out.

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Olivia received a note from her Secret Santa to be at the boutique at 4pm. She saunters in at the appropriate time only to find it empty. She waits for fifteen minutes, which was fifteen more minutes than she intended to. Oh, real funny Secret Santa, she mutters out loud. As she turns to leave something near the changing rooms catches her eye. She walks over to the red package with a black bow and sees on it, “Yours truly. Secret Santa.” She thought it would be smaller. This is too big for jewelry. It's the size of a shoe box. She rips the paper and opens the box to find a ton of tissue paper. So much that while she pulling it all out she almost missed the red velvet pouch. This is more like it she thinks to herself. She opens the pouch to find a bracelet with the most brilliant black and red stones. The bracelet is an intricate horizontal sword. Engraving on the back reads, “Never underestimate the power of Olivia, fools.” The clasp is easy and she as the bracelet on immediately. Her face is absolutely beaming, until she steps out of the boutique composing herself.

Walking down the hall she is amazed that her Secret Santa actually did a semi decent job. Ok, she admits only to herself, they actually did a damn good job. Definitely someone who knows her well, isn't a screwup, and has taste almost as good as her own. She looks at the tip of the blade of the sword as she admires the bracelet again. Hmm, this is actually sharp, I can use this as a weapon and a piece of jewelry. She smirks as she continues down the hall.

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It’s late and Maxwell needs a snack. Everyone knows, of course, that his go to late night snack is ice cream. Mainly because he tells everyone. When he gets to the palace kitchen and moves toward the freezer he sees an eight and a half by eleven envelope taped to its door. On it is purposefully written chicken scratch which simply reads, “Maxwell - S.S.” Maxwell is now completely fired up. He snatches it and opens it as fast as he can. He pulls out all sorts of paperwork and some pictures which he can't look quick enough. He reads all the pamphlets, certificates, and looks at each picture.

He can't even begin to contain himself and yelling at the top of his lungs, “BEST.SECRET.SANTA.GIFT.EVER.” He looks at the certificates again, each one reading the same way, “We thank you for your love of one of the world’s most amazing creatures, the hippopotamus. We are delighted to let you know that a hippopotamus has been adopted in your name and will be protected by the support of you and others like you.” Each certificate has a different name for a different hippo, five in total. Maxwell scoops all of it up while he runs yelling, “My Secret Santa is on Point!!” He stops running, spins around, and goes back for his ice cream, then heads out with a bounce in his step.

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Next week, Part 3 is the second week of gift giving. Do you, dear readers, have any guesses as to whose Secret Santa is whose yet?

Go to Part 3 here!

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Series Tag: @jyreusser85

How it may have gone - Humble Beginnings

A fic taking place in the marauders era. While the political climate seems to head to a conflict, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter are still just teenagers. Dealing with typical teenage problems.

But this year their little group grows. Who would have known that more prefects would be a good thing?

Masterlist

Seven: New Year's Eve II

I slept in the next morning and called the Crickets right after breakfast. Mrs Cricket told me that Crick had lost his phone privileges and that he was also grounded. That did not sound good for our plans. I kindly asked if she knew whether she and her husband would still be mad at New Year’s Eve, and through a chuckle she said that they didn’t know yet. She did tell me that I didn’t need to worry too much, but she couldn’t make any promises. 

I relayed that information to Potter in a quick note, in which I also told him and the other boys that most of my plans had been cancelled but his answer that came only fifteen minutes later only told me to keep him up to date. No mention of any kind of invitation to join them in their shenanigans. Something about his note was off, I thought. It was funny and polite but it seemed to … correct. I wondered if I had offended him by getting involved in his argument the other night. Milla, whose owl arrived that afternoon, would’ve probably known whether I had stepped on his toes but I didn’t want to burden her with my petty problems while she was on “the best holiday ever”. Instead I asked her what she had gotten Remus for Christmas. 

That evening I mostly spent on the couch with my parents and Felix. 

The next three days were rather uneventful. After deciding that the dress I had worn to Slughorn’s Christmas party and on Christmas Eve at my grandparents would probably get ruined at a noisy and messy pub I had organised some jeans, a skirt and several t-shirts and jackets on my bed to figure out my outfit for New Year’s.  As I couldn’t decide at all those clothes just travelled from my bed to my little armchair and back every day. 

We fell into the routine of having breakfast together, playing board games – Felix won every single one of them – and watching a lot of TV. As much as I loved my family, I’d had better Christmas breaks. Milla’s letters informed me about the fact that none of the boys she’d met in Austria came even close to Remus and that she had gotten him all kinds of chocolate, a snow globe and a warm, woolly cardigan in his favourite colour.  

She wasn’t sure whether he’d be offended at that because most of his clothes were fairly old and distressed. I wrote back saying that a cardigan was a cardigan and his favourite colour was a good choice. Besides, I thought but didn’t put down on paper, he had blushed at the mention of her gift and smiled. I reckoned he was rather touched by her spending some money on something he liked and needed rather than just getting him the goofy snow globe. It was high time those two had a heart to heart and got their feelings out there. They’d be a great couple. 

I told myself that the boys had planned this holiday as an elongated boys’ night and didn’t that I’d only be in the way if they had invited me. Especially, if they planned any more “normal Tuesdays’. 

The morning of the 31st I moved my clothes back onto the back, stared at them for a bit, was uninspired and decided that it wasn’t too early to call Crick and ask if he was going to the party with me. 

“Cricket” 

“Jonas?” 

“The very same. That you, Jette? 

“ Indeed it is. I was wondering whether your brother got his phone privileges back.” 

“Guess, you don’t mean Tristan?” He laughed. 

“I was thinking of Crick.” 

“Well, he’s out with Dad and I don’t know when he’ll be back. But I would be willing to take a message.” 

“Oh, would you just have him call me back? My parents only agreed to let me go to that party because he was going to walk me there and back. If he doesn’t get to go I need to come up with a plan B.” 

“I see. Mum?...Mum!...”It’s Jette on the phone. She wants to know whether Nate goes to the Raven tonight…He’s supposed to walk her home…Right, mum. She’s fifteen…uhu…hmh…thanks! 

Mum says she and Dad talked about it and they’ll let him go but he doesn’t know yet. He’ll probably call you this afternoon and you’re supposed to act very delighted. But there’s no need for a plan B.” 

“Tell your parents, they’re the best, yeah? And thanks for getting that done for me.” 

“Anytime. See you tonight, then?” 

“Tonight. Bye. 

“Bye.” 

I hung up the phone and skipped back to my room to write to Godric’s Hollow. It was a quick, barely legible letter in which I mainly stated that I didn’t need to make use of Potter’s kind offer. I could have told them a whole lot more and asked when exactly they planned to show up at the pub but since they hadn’t reached out to me, I didn’t really feel like it. 

Crick called somewhere around four in the afternoon and told me he was allowed to go to the Raven. As instructed I reacted with delight and we made plans. I would walk over to Crick’s around nine o’clock and then we’d take the pathway to the pub. The Crickets lived at the very edge of Marlowe’s Creek, closest to Godric’s Hollow, but the walk would still take us at least half an hour. We had briefly thought about going earlier but we both figured there was no reason to arrive hours before midnight. 

After everything was organised I ran back into my room and chugged the skirt back into its drawer. Thirty minutes – or more – in a snowy December night was not calling for skirts and tights. The rest of my legwear options were all very similar: Jeans in various shades of black and grey. In the end I opted for black and decided to wear my new charcoal grey “The Who’- shirt that one of my cousins had given me for Christmas. I would pretend to be cool, rather than pretty tonight. I put the rest of the clothes back in the various drawers and cupboards and waited for it to be time to go to my first real New Year’s Eve party. 

It took forever until mum called us for dinner. In honour of dad’s Dutch family she usually made appleflap for a midnight snack. It was one of the best variations on donuts anybody had ever thought of. Baked apples and donuts and powdered sugar. Since I wasn’t going to be home to wish them all a happy new year and munch down on way too many appleflaps she had decided to fry them in advance and serve them as dessert which I was chuffed about. After we were done eating and chatting and eating some more I got dressed, packed my back and spent quite some time in the bathroom to deal with my hair and face. 

I looked at myself in the mirror. Usually I never wore my hair down. It was always crafted into a fairly impressive bun on the top of my head to not be in the way. Now, that I looked at my hip-long dark brown locks, all brushed and shiny I thought that it would add a little umph to me if I had hair to swing around. A high ponytail it was. 

And to that I added my usual make-up of mascara and dark lipstick, though I went for a dark maroonish red instead of brown. The result made me rather proud. I looked old enough to go out on New Year’s Eve. I looked cool.  

“Don’t you dare go home without Nate, you hear me. I know that you’re responsible enough to not get in trouble but I don’t trust any drunken teenagers or twenty-somethings”, mum said for the third time. 

“Why would I go home without him. It’s a pretty boring walk.” 

“She’s just worried, cause you’re growing up. Cut her some slag, kid”, dad chuckled, while hugging me. “You look very nice. Don’t drive those boys too crazy, huh.” We both laughed, while Felix rolled his eyes and mum got flustered. 

“Don’t give her ideas, Wim!” 

“She’s allowed to have fun, right? Calm down, honey, all will be well.” He kissed her on the top of her head and pulled her to his side. I hugged Felix one last time and promised I’d made sure to wish everybody a happy new year from him, waved at my parents and quickly ran out the door, just in case mum changed her mind last minute. 

Generally, it took about ten to fifteen minutes to get to Crick’s house and generally, it didn’t bother me but the wind was fairly icy and the coat I had chosen to wear was not necessarily made for winter. But it looked great. When I finally rang the doorbell at the Crickets’ I was already shaking. 

Mrs Cricket opened and gave me on of her hyper-happy smiles before pulling me into a hug and the house, leading me into the livingroom. 

“Run! She’s gone absolutely mental!”, Crick yelled before we had even entered the room and tried to pull me right back to the door. 

“No way to speak to your mother, young man. Not after she was generous enough to let you go to a party with alcohol after what you did last time you saw beer.” 

“Can’t we at least agree that you overreact a little?”, Crick asked with a pained reaction. On the couch to our right I saw Tristan, Alanna and Jonas laughing behind their hands, trying hard not to make any sounds. I tried to silently ask them what was going on, but they all just shook their heads. 

“Now, I’m sure Jette won’t mind me taking a few pictures. To commemorate your first big party.” 

“Uhhmm… okay?” This I had not expected.  

“Why would we need to commemorate this?” The couch erupted in laughter. 

“Oh shut up, you!”, Mrs Cricket chuckled and went to fetch her camera. 

“Ugh!”, moaned Crick and sank into a chair. “This has been going on all day. She’s gone mental, I tell you.” I took off my jacket and sat down. 

“Why are you so happy?” 

“Because this has been going on all day. Since you called this morning to ask whether you should go with someone else mum’s been all flustered”, Tristan explained. 

“I think she’s rather proud that your parents trust Nate this much. And maybe she has a slight case of empty-nest-syndrome. None of us had to take pictures when we first spent New Year’s somewhere else”, Jonas chipped in. 

“She’s so cute!”, giggled Alanna. 

“It’s not cute, Al. It’s annoying and frustrating and takes up a lot of time”, Crick hissed when his mother returned. 

“There we are, lovelies. Won’t take long. Now, how about one picture of you alone, Nate, and one of Jette alone and one of you together and one with Jonas. He’s going, too, after all.” 

“Why do you need four pictures of us not doing anything?”, Crick whined, while the sofa had gone back to stifling laughter. 

“Don’t be a spoilsport! The longer you argue, the longer you’ll stay here…” 

“Ugh, fine!” Crick got up and stood in front of the decorated window, not looking happy. 

“Come on, smile!” 

“Mum!” 

“Smile for me, Nathan.” Crick pulled his face into a weird grimace and his mother snapped a shot. Then, she waved me and Jonas to join Crick, she took another picture and in the end she took one of me alone, in which I was very uncomfortable and understood Crick’s irritation. This was not necessary and pretty strange. 

“See, that wasn’t so bad. Now come here, I’ll give you a warming charm.” 

“Brilliant idea, Mrs Cricket. Thank you!”, I cheered while she waved her wand over me. We both put on our jackets, wished the giggling sofa and a grinning Mr Cricket a happy new year and left. 

“I’m sorry, Libby, I don’t know what got into her”, Crick started as soon as we had reached the street. 

“No big deal.” 

“Still…I’ve already made an arse out of myself once this week I didn’t need another round of humiliation.” 

“You’re mum is the sweetest. No need to be humiliated.” 

“Tristan said your night was pretty eventful after I left.” 

“Well, yeah, Potter got into it with a troll of a muggle. Thought they’d throw punches but he managed to talk the idiot down.” 

“Did he seriously snog some 21-year old?” 

“I didn’t ask her how old she was. But yeah.” He nodded and trotted in silence. 

“Did they make a lot of fun of me?”, Crick asked after a few minutes. 

“Fun of you?” 

“For getting pissed to the point of no return before eight.” 

“No. They didn’t make fun of you.” 

“Please! It’s their job to badmouth others!” 

“I will never understand why you can’t stand them. Potter said he had expected you to last longer and that it was a weak outing. The others agreed. That was it. Nobody laughed at you, nobody made fun of you.” 

“Weak outing, huh. D’you think that, too?” 

“No… I was just confused by it. And worried. Didn’t seem like you.” 

“Worried? You were worried about me?” 

“Yes, I was. When Tristan came back and said he’d take you home, I figured you felt pretty miserable. And you’re parents would be fairly mad, So, I worried.” 

“Hmmhmm” 

The question why he had gotten so sloshed burnt on the tip of my tongue but I didn’t know how to ask it. 

“Jonas said you were drowning your sorrows that night.” No reaction he just looked at the snow covered path that led us through a field. A little to our right was the forest, right to our left the creek. 

“I didn’t know you were unhappy. You okay? Anything I can do?” He smiled. 

“No, everything’s fine. I was just…the group was…and…” He stopped, took a moment and started again. “I might have been thinking that the Market was our thing. You, me, Tristan, Jonas and Milla. We didn’t even let Felix come. But Alanna got herself invited and then there was dancing and then Potter, Black, Lupin and Pettigrew tagged along.” 

“So, what?” 

“It’s our thing, Jette! Without us going to the market it’s not really Christmas.” 

“I know! But it doesn’t have to be exactly the same every year, does it? I mean Alanna and Tristan seem serious and very slowly approach appropriate wedding-age. She might end up a part of your family, why not have her join in on the traditions. And the dancing is just as much an addition as the beer tent or the rum-spritzed hot chocolate. If nothing ever changed or evolved we’d end up at the merry-go-round every year.” I smiled at him. 

“To be honest I’d love it if in like twenty years we’d still do this after the holidays. Each of us with the husbands and wives, children of our own… You can’t expect it to be the same forever.” 

“I’m not expecting it to be the same forever. And I’m fine with wives and husbands joining in.” 

“But?” 

“But Potter and his friends are not wives and husbands.” 

“You’re not seriously telling me that you drank yourself off your trolley because those blokes were there?” 

“I didn’t plan to throw up!” 

“I know”, I whispered. Shouldn’t have brought it up.  

“Point is, I made an arse out myself over nothing, and I’m not feeling too good about it. And it didn’t help that I imagined all of you pissing yourselves laughing over how dumb I’ve been.” 

“We didn’t do that.” 

“Thanks.” He put his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head like he always did. “Now, let’s talk about something more fun.” 

“Have you heard any further details on Jonas’ little vamp from that night?” I looked up at him in pure excitement. 

“You mean Valerie?” 

“I don’t know, do I?” 

“Think you do.” 

Apparently, Valerie was a Ravenclaw whose grandparents lived in Godric’s Hollow and who had had an eye on Jonas for a while. She stayed with her grandparents for the entire holidays  and was friends with a friend of a friend’s of Jonas’ which meant that they would run into each other at the preparty that they both went to. 

I asked whether Crick thought that it would get serious between the two of them but he shook his head. In his mind Jonas was still very much under Elaine’s spell. 

“He’s talked about her over the holidays. Tried to make it sound casual but it wasn’t. She’s really done it to him.”  

We tried to think up an elaborate scheme to get Jonas and Elaine together and were pretty surprised when we found ourselves in front of Morgana’s Raven.  

The music was pumping through the air, vibrating the ground and entering my body. Some people stood in the shadows smoking and drinking all kinds of potion looking drinks. We looked at each other and Crick gave me a knowing grin. 

“Have at it then. One quick cigarette.” 

“That’s why you’re the best!”, I grinned back at him and found a spot under the little pavilion next to the entrance. I lit my smoke and looked around. I had only ever seen the Raven when it was closed during the day, this was the first time I got to actually experience it. And an experience it was. 

The building itself had probably been built in the 1800s, white with brown beams and the big sign over the double door reading Morgana’s Raven in black gothic letters, two ravens at both sides. There were statues and images of ravens all over the little front garden that also had three tables with benches around them and a bar table. I spotted some giant kibbles next to the doors and figured that they had flowers or other plants in them during the spring and summer months. 

The tables, benches, pavilion and doors were all black as the night and gave the whole building – despite the white walls – a spooky and haunted vibe. I loved it. The fact that it was an all magical pub and invisible to muggles only made it all more important, cool and exclusive. 

Crick watched me watch the place and laughing people with a vague smile. 

“You look amazing by the way. Love your hair like that”, he said in a soft voice when I was done taking in all the impressions. I felt myself blushing. I never blushed. 

“Thanks…” I looked him up and down. He had cut his hair again and wore a black dress shirt with blue jeans under his winter coat. 

“You look quite dapper yourself, if I may say so”, I regained my emotional balance, smiling up at him. 

“I hoped you’d be impressed.” 

“And impressed I am. Wanna go in?”  

“Yeah, let’s do i…” 

“Oi, Goods! Mind if we join?” A group of four approached us, cigarettes in hand. 

Remus was the first to pull me into a short hug, then the rest followed.  

“Cricket!”, Remus shook Crick’s hand. 

“Glad to hear you got to come. My parents would have grounded me for ages… How bad was it?”, Pettigrew said while shaking Crick’s hand. Crick didn’t seem all too happy to see them but was surprised by their genuine approach. 

“I was grounded all week. No phone. No TV. No fun. Mum told me this morning that I could go.” 

“So, de Witt said”, Potter answered. “Wait, no fun? I thought de Witt was supposed to hang out with you every day.” 

“That was the plan. But I kind or ruined that by getting smashed…” 

“So, what have you been doing the past couple of days” Black looked at me. 

“Oh you know, enjoyed the time with my family, tidied my room, organised Christmas presents…” 

“Why didn’t you tell us you had nobody to go to? Could’ve come over to ours”, Potter asked with the most confused face I had ever seen on him. 

“Euhm… I thought you were mad at me for interfering in you fight… Dunno…Didn’t want to make you any angrier…” 

„Mad at you?“ 

„You got involved in a fight?!“ Crick stared at me in utter shock. 

“No”, Black answered for me “James here got into a fight and Goods defended him.” 

We quickly told Crick the whole story about the giant man and his cheating girlfriend. 

“Thanks, man”, Crick said, one hand on Potter’s shoulder. 

“Come again?” 

“For making sure she didn’t get herself in any trouble. I appreciate it.” 

“Sure.” Potter turned to me. “Why on earth did you think I’d be angry?” 

“Just.. your letter seemed so… polite. I didn’t trust it…” 

“And you hate pissing people of which means that you always assume you do”, Crick added. All the boys chuckled for a second. 

“Look we’ve crashed your traditions last time already”, Black said throwing his fag to the ground and stepping on it. “Won’t do that again. Find us at midnight, yeah?” He waved his friends to follow him and they all went inside. 

“See, there not at all bad.” 

“Guess so. They didn’t invite themselves to tag along all night. And anybody who keeps you from getting slapped is a good person in my book.” 

“You do realise I can look after myself?” 

“Yeah, yeah…” 

He pulled me by the hood of my coat and led me to the double doors to finally get to the party we had both been looking forward to for weeks. 

The inside of the raven was even better than the outside. The whole place was covered in knee high fog that I suspected was conjured with the help of a well-executed sculptile charm. For all I could tell the floor was made of black marble, there were no windows, they had real crows and ravens flying all over the place in the high ceiling that was completely covered in black satin. The walls displayed different paintings and renderings of Morgana, Merlin, Avalon and Excalibur, the first goblin sword that was ever kept by wizards and – if I remembered correctly – one of the reasons for the goblin riots. 

The room was gigantic and hexagon shaped, a bar at every other wall. Directly opposite the double door we had just come through a silver podium had been erected on which a band played live music. I had to do a double take but it really was Baba Yaga. One of the hottest new wizarding bands of this year.  

Crick and I both squealed at the idea that we would see them live before we remembered that we were very cool teenagers that went to concerts of popular bands all the time. 

“Tickets!��� A woman roughly the age of my parents stood next to the door and held out her hand. We put our tickets in it, she took out her wand and mumbled something, then a silver raven appeared on both our left wrists. 

“Have fun!” The woman smiled a lot wider and warmer than I had expected and pushed us into the room, to let the next group of people in.  

Despite the 100 or 200 people in the room it wasn’t hot, but warm enough to want out of the jackets. We through them in the pile on one of the window sills and let the crowd sent us to one of the bars. 

“Fancy anything in particular”, Crick yelled in my ear over the music. I studied the menu that was written out in silver chalk on a huge blackboard. They had the typical wizarding drinks like Fire Whiskey, Giggle Water and Butterbeer. But I also spotted my mum’s favourite drink: Daisy draught and several kinds of mead that were all listed above an array of cocktails I had never heard of before. 

“Think I’ll have the Daisy Draught”, I finally said. 

“Like mother like daughter”, Crick laughed and ordered the draught for me and a Raven Mead for himself. I was going through my handbag to get the 15 sickles I owed him but he wouldn’t take them.  

“My treat”, he said. “Cause I left you alone all this time.” 

Drink in hand we fought our way through the crowd and to the stage where Baba Yaga now performed their number one hit Soul Eater and we went absolutely crazy. 

Jonas and his friends – among which vamp Valerie – arrived roughly an hour after us, positively inebriated and up for a good time. Jonas instantly found us and forced us to follow him to the bar where he treated us to shots of Gigglewater and a Glass of Master’s Brew each. It tasted like a holiday in Tahiti and I decided to never have more than one of those. The alcohol was not detectable although the menu informed me that there was rum, firewhiskey, gillywater and gold leave brandy in it. This was one of those drinks that my dad referred to as dangerously unsuspicious and headache inducing. But it was so good. 

Jonas introduced us to his friends, some of which I knew from my own common room or the great hall and some of which I had never seen before. Valerie was the sweetest girl I had ever met which absolutely clashed with her mysterious ‘come-hither’- appearance. She was just a year older than me and told me how jealous she was that I got to spend my time with so many gorgeous boys. 

“First you grow up with all the Cricket boys and get to be the apple of their eye – from all I hear – and then you work your way into that group around Potter. Please, tell me you’ve snogged at least one of them!” I admitted that I hadn’t and hadn’t even thought about it which led Valerie to hit her head against the wooden bar top. 

“How is that even possible? Do you have eyes?” 

“I do. And they work fine.” 

“Are you into girls? I mean those girlfriends of you don’t look too shabby either.” 

“Nope, not into girls. I used to have a crush on Crick when I was in second or third year but that’s been over forever.” 

“Which one’s Crick?” 

“Nathaniel. Nate. You probably have classes with him, right?” 

“Right, right… Why don’t you call him Nate?” 

I explained to her that Milla had a phase when she was about four or five years old where she would refer to everybody by their last names. She herself had become Scibbyderson, I was Devit and Crick became Crick. Why only his botched last name stuck as a nickname I didn’t know but it was how he’d gotten it. 

Valerie leaned in even closer and yanked my ear to her mouth. “You know Jonas well, yeah?” 

“I guess…” 

“You think I have a chance with him?” 

“Didn’t you already take him home? I’d say that constitutes… 

“”I mean in the long run”, she interrupted me. I bit my lip. 

“Honestly, that’s not the kind of stuff I talk to him about. I reckon Crick might know, but it’s most likely that Jonas takes Tristan as his confidant. Sorry.” 

“It’s just that I think he doesn’t fancy me. He doesn’t seem interested in me.” 

As if he’d heard us talk about him Jonas threw one arm around each of us. 

“Ladies! Time to dance dance dance! Let’s not waste the last fifteen minutes of this year standing at a bar sipping stale drinks and talking about nail polish” we both shot very disapproving looks at him “let’s spend it laughing and twirling and shouting and celebrating.” 

He dragged us into the middle of the dance floor where we also found Crick and the rest of Jonas’ group who all instantly welcomed us in their little circle. Given that I had never talked to any of these people aside form Jonas and Crick I felt surprisingly at home. Older students didn’t necessarily give younger ones the time of day, so I their welcoming manner was baffling at first, but then I realised that I had spent most of this school year with older students – either Crick, Magnus and Toby or the Potter-posse and realised that maybe I had just let down my guard and was more approachable. 

About two minutes before midnight Crick took my hand and followed the moving crowd outside. I had neither an idea where my jacket was nor time to grab it and the cold December air hit me like a wall of ice. But I didn’t complain. The flyers for the party had advertised “the biggest firework display in the history of Morgana’s Raven, sponsored by Dr Filibuster’s Fabulous Fireworks” and I really didn’t want to miss that. 

In the last minute before midnight the lady who had taken our tickets conjured a giant grandfather clock, made out of silver, encrusted with Ravens and knights from the round table to let us all count down together. I reached for my cigarette case and inhaled the last smoke of this year. Crick noticed my shaking and put an arm around me. 

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!”  

Light and colours and explosions everywhere around me. I turned to hug Crick and wish him a happy new year to then enjoy what had to be the grandest firework extravaganza ever and then everything went wrong. 

1-100 binch

1: when you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk?cereal than milk duh

2: do you like the feeling of cold air on your cheeks on a wintery day?lovelovelove it

3: what random objects do you use to bookmark your books?sticky notes, gum wrappers, candy wrappers, string, if it’s a quick bookmark sometimes headphones

4: how do you take your coffee/tea?i like my coffee with creamer and i do something different for each kind of tea i drink so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

5: are you self-conscious of your smile?uhmmm kind of and kind of not? my teeth? no. my lips when i smile? yes.

6: do you keep plants?i have so many plants and i shall eventually post a picture of them

7: do you name your plants?every single one.

8: what artistic medium do you use to express your feelings?pAinTiNGggGg���💗💗💗

9: do you like singing/humming to yourself?i don’t ever stop doing either one, there’s always a song stuck in my head.

10: do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach?usually side or stomach, don’t think i’ve ever slept on my back.

11: what’s an inner joke you have with your friends?my life.

12: what’s your favorite planet?uhmmmm??? i guess earth probably because it’s so damn beautiful

13: what’s something that made you smile today?my best friend and my dog. lub u dingle

14: if you were to live with your best friend in an old flat in a big city, what would it look like?aesthetically pleasing. duh. (this is also happening and we have yet to talk about it so glad this brought that up)

15: go google a weird space fact and tell us what it is!all of space is completely silent. ew.

16: what’s your favorite pasta dish?uhmmm??? i dunno alfredo? olive garden? not a dish but we’re going with olive garden.

17: what color do you really want to dye your hair?well i have a lot but one that i’m actually doing soon is lavender.

18: tell us about something dumb/funny you did that has since gone down in history between you and your friends and is always brought up.HA okay so in like first grade this kid who was like my brother told me that his brother was Zac Efron and i believed him. for like two years.

19: do you keep a journal? what do you write/draw/ in it?yes! i actually keep several, one is a planner, one is just a little painting thing, and the other is my wicca notes and whatnot!

20: what’s your favorite eye color?green. or blue. anything but my own.

21: talk about your favorite bag, the one that’s been to hell and back with you and that you love to pieces.i don’t have one of those?

22: are you a morning person?helwkrisbd ONE HUNDRED PERCENT I LOVE MORNINGS SO MUCH OKAY.

23: what’s your favorite thing to do on lazy days where you have 0 obligations?netflix and eat. 10/10.

24: is there someone out there you would trust with every single one of your secrets?there is, and it’s not a would trust, it’s a do trust.

25: what’s the weirdest place you’ve ever broken into?never broken into anywhere!

26: what are the shoes you’ve had for forever and wear with every single outfit?uhmmmm. adidas (all of them), my vans, and birkenstocks.

27: what’s your favorite bubblegum flavor?spearmint.

28: sunrise or sunset?sunrise, easy.

29: what’s something really cute that one of your friends does and is totally endearing?uhmmmm actually cares about me? lol

30: think of it: have you ever been truly scared?i have.

31: what is your opinion of socks? do you like wearing weird socks? do you sleep with socks? do you confine yourself to white sock hell? really, just talk about socks.okay so. love socks on a cold day, i never ever match my socks. if my socks match i get really upset and i literally cannot wear the same ones (unless they’re longer socks). i hate sleeping with socks. my socks are always cute and multicoloured, hence the not matching.

32: tell us a story of something that happened to you after 3AM when you were with friends.none of my friends are up past three???

33: what’s your fave pastry?uhmmm i dunno. everything?

34: tell us about the stuffed animal you kept as a kid. what is it called? what does it look like? do you still keep it?i’ve kept all of my stuffed animals. every. single. one. two that mean a lot to me though are a pink lion and bear. the bear is brenda, and the lion is lily. they’re both from my dad.

35: do you like stationary and pretty pens and so on? do you use them often?well i think they look really pretty but i don’t have any.

36: which band’s sound would fit your mood right now?uhmmmm? hm. arctic monkeys.

37: do you like keeping your room messy or clean?considering i most likely have OCD, clean.

38: tell us about your pet peeves!when people are overly lazy or just don’t have a goal in life, being rude to people for no reason, sexist people, racist people, homophobic people, etc.

39: what color do you wear the most?easy, black.

40: think of a piece of jewelry you own: what’s it’s story? does it have any meaning to you?so i got this piece of jewellery really recently actually. i got a silver necklace with a “C” for my name and in the C are diamonds. i got it from my mom this christmas. when i opened it she said, “i know it wasn’t on your list, but i’ve never gotten you any really nice jewellery, and you’re going away to college soon so i wanted to get you something really special from me. so i got you real diamonds.” to say the least, i cried.

41: what’s the last book you remember really, really loving?Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire!!! amazing and totally would suggest!

42: do you have a favorite coffee shop? describe it!i do! i have two actually. one is called Kelly’s Mercantile and it’s like a library almost, there’s huge book cases up front with a little cafe too the side, and to the eye it looks small, but once you go up these steps it literally expands into a narnia of books.

43: who was the last person you gazed at the stars with?no one.

44: when was the last time you remember feeling completely serene and at peace with everything?never? my life is a mess.

45: do you trust your instincts a lot?very much so! a lot of times my gut feelings are correct.

46: tell us the worst pun you can think of.i’m no good at puns.

47: what food do you think should be banned from the universe?uhmmmm. i literally can’t think of anything right now rip.

48: what was your biggest fear as a kid? is it the same today?elevators. it still scares me but it’s not my biggest fear.

49: do you like buying CDs and records? what was the last one you bought?i lOVE buying both. i have only bought one CD though. the last record i bought was a Frank Sinatra one!

50: what’s an odd thing you collect?uhmmm?? i dunno? nothing. i don’t collect anything.

51: think of a person. what song do you associate with them?My Girl by The Temptations

52: what are your favorite memes of the year so far?tide pods. tide pod toast. my life.

53: have you ever watched the rocky horror picture show? heathers? beetlejuice? pulp fiction? what do you think of them?i have not but i’m hoping to very soon! love heathers! love beetlejuice! never seen pulp fiction ):

54: who’s the last person you saw with a true look of sadness on their face?my dog because he always looks pressed.

55: what’s the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to prove a point?i can’t think lol.

56: what are some things you find endearing in people?uhmmmmm i dunno.

57: go listen to bohemian rhapsody. how did it make you feel? did you dramatically reenact the lyrics?i think bohemian rhapsody is a little annoying honestly?

58: who’s the wine mom and who’s the vodka aunt in your group of friends? why?both of us because i only have one friend and we are both.

59: what’s your favorite myth?myth or mythical creature???

60: do you like poetry? what are some of your faves?love poetry, i love R.H.Sin, Rupi Kuar of course, and my english teacher from last year.

61: what’s the stupidest gift you’ve ever given? the stupidest one you’ve ever received?none? i feel like all my gifts are very sentimental and based upon the person and i love all gifts i get!

62: do you drink juice in the morning? which kind?no i do not. i drink coffee.

63: are you fussy about your books and music? do you keep them meticulously organized or kinda leave them be?mETICULOUSLY ORGANIZED. music in spotify is ALWAYS listed in order of recently added, and books are alphabetical order. always.

64: what color is the sky where you are right now?no idea, probably dark blue considering it’s dark outside.

65: is there anyone you haven’t seen in a long time who you’d love to hang out with?uhmmmm? yes. kind of. i saw him like two months ago but i miss him ):

66: what would your ideal flower crown look like?daisies and lots of little flowers, maybe some queen anne’s lace, i dunno! just pretty!

67: how do gloomy days where the sky is dark and the world is misty make you feel?i love them as long as it’s not for months and months! i live in washington so!

68: what’s winter like where you live?usually we get a little snow, but it’s mainly cold and desolate.

69: what are your favorite board games?ouija board😩

70: have you ever used a ouija board?HA LOL. actually yeah. last week.

71: what’s your favorite kind of tea?Tazo ™ vanilla caramel chai ♡

72: are you a person who needs to note everything down or else you’ll forget it?not really?

73: what are some of your worst habits?organising.

74: describe a good friend of yours without using their name or gendered pronouns.perfect.

75: tell us about your pets!his name is toby and he is the goodest boy ever.

76: is there anything you should be doing right now but aren’t?homework lmao.

77: pink or yellow lemonade?pink.

78: are you in the minion hateclub or fanclub?neither? i’m neutral. but they’re kind of adorable. i’m a child.

79: what’s one of the cutest things someone has ever done for you?given me a valentine’s gift (^: thanks dingle.

80: what color are your bedroom walls? did you choose that color? if so, why?white. because they were pepto bismal(?) pink and make me wanna die.

81: describe one of your friend’s eyes using the most abstract imagery you can think of.this is a lot of effort and i don’t feel like it.

82: are/were you good in school?i am, not in my current classes but ya know.

83: what’s some of your favorite album art?uhmmmm. dunno.

84: are you planning on getting tattoos? which ones?lots. i’m hoping to be getting lip ones soon ☻

85: do you read comics? what are your faves?no.

86: do you like concept albums? which ones?don’t even know what those are rip.

87: what are some movies you think everyone should watch at least once in their lives?Stuck In Love, Palo Alto, To The Bone, Perks Of Being A Wallflower, lots more.

88: are there any artistic movements you particularly enjoy?it’s not so much a movement. well. kind of. i have three. Impressionism, surrealism, and pop art.

89: are you close to your parents?my father is dead, but my mom and i are like sisters.

90: talk about your one of you favorite cities.it’s Kaanapali, Hawaii.

91: where do you plan on traveling this year?La Push Beach, dunno.

92: are you a person who drowns their pasta in cheese or a person who barely sprinkles a pinch?a pinch.

93: what’s the hairstyle you wear the most?i rarely do anything to my hair so i just wear it down.

94: who was the last person you know to have a birthday?my uncle.

95: what are your plans for this weekend?nothing lol.

96: do you install your computer updates really quickly or do you procrastinate on them a lot?well they’re automatic.

97: myer briggs type, zodiac sign, and hogwarts house?enfj (i think rip), aries, ravenclaw.

98: when’s the last time you went hiking? did you enjoy it?uhm december. it was pretty!! loved it.

99: list some songs that resonate to your soul whenever you hear them.Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. i dunno what else. there’s too many honestly.

100: if you were presented with two buttons, one that allows you to go 5 years into the past, the other 5 years into the future, which one would you press? why?neither. i think things that are in the past are lessons, i tend to try not to look back and focus on my future without looking too deep into it. i’m trying to be spontaneous and adventurous instead of planning everything. so if throw them away.

Navigating November 2019

I love being in the middle of the holiday season. So many get togethers, fat-ass blankets are on the bed, the snow is on its way, presents are coming, I love it all. It’s finally time for reflection and to celebrate the entire year that has come and gone. It’s the best time of the damn year. So excited for December to start. Here’s what happened last month:

Chrissy Teigen started her own website and though I haven’t tried any of her recipes on it yet, I intend to soon. I’ll likely start with this Lemon & Walnut Pasta since it’s been pretty popular. One thing I do like so far about the site? The newsletter that she emails out. She gives restaurant recommendations in them, which I happen to love.

I rewatched The Game and it’s still as great as I remembered. Michael Douglas can do no wrong.

Quick question: does anyone ever change up their makeup routine? I want to and don’t know how. I’m thinking maybe I’ll go the YouTube-tutorials route, but they can be so boring. Any suggestions welcome. I do not want to watch James Charles. His face bothers me.

I tried the Hard Kombucha from Trader Joe’s and it’s absolutely nothing special at all. The regular non-alcoholic stuff is way tastier.

I rewatched Rosemary’s Baby (I first saw it as a teenager and did. not. enjoy. it.) and surprise surprise: adult-me didn’t enjoy it either. It’s just really frustrating to watch. Mia Farrow makes all these terrible decisions and her husband has sex with her when she’s unconscious (???) and it’s just a lot. Must remember to never watch again.

We bought a new couch! It’s been a very big deal.

The TWA Hotel just keeps getting cooler: they’re going to have an ice skating rink this winter.

Love this cartoon:

Above Photo: Elilis Rosen, The New Yorker

I tried the Staten Island-style pizza at Joe & Pat’s in the East Village and it was good, but nothing to write home about. Skinny pizza is skinny pizza.

We haven’t watched any old Twilight Zone episodes in forever, probably because we forgot about it but also maybe because I think we’ve already seen all the good ones. But we recently watched The Long Morrow episode (mainly because it’s mentioned in a Gilmore Girls episode where it’s noted how romantic this episode is supposed to be) and WOOF. It fucking blew! I was pissed. I should’ve known it would suck though because it was “Logan’s favourite episode.” Serves me right.

I tried these cauliflower crackers from ALDI and whoa. Greatest cracker. This was also the first time I’ve ever been to an ALDI and I was expecting a bit more, to be honest. It’s just a dumpy grocery store? Why all the caps?

I’ve been following this woman Arielle for a few years now and I like her a lot. She used to work for Buzzfeed and that’s where I’d first heard of her (don’t judge me) and now I just sort of like to keep up with her life and what she’s doing. Very sweet, likable person to follow. This sounds vague as hell, but I’m really just mentioning it here because I feel like it’s hard to come across good people to follow who don’t make you feel bad about your own life and are sort of inspiring.

You know how you’ll buy something that’s supposed to change your life and you use it for a week and then never again? Yeah, that’s me with every single thing on my dresser. ANYWAY, I’ve actually started to use the Origins GinZing Eye Cream every night for the past little while and it really works, I think. (God, this just reminded me that I need to start remembering to put on neck cream. I can’t remember where I heard someone say that no one cares about their neck when they’re young and then WHAM one day your neck looks like that of an elderly turkey.)

I really thought I wanted to buy this new Frozen Colourpop palette but then I realized that I actually only want that colour in the middle, soooo I might just get this Huda palette in Topaz instead. (Yeah, I just bought it.) I’m very in the mood to do holiday makeup this year.

I think I’ve decided that there are way better eyeliners out there than Fenty’s Flyliner. It sticks to your eyelashes so that a coat of mascara can’t go on smoothly! It sucks. There! I’ve said it! Still love the sponge, though.

I rewatched The Day After Tomorrow and I’ve gotta say… I love movies like these. Dante’s Peak. Twister. This one. Love watching the world get all fucked up. But really, did climate change WRITE this movie? It’s great.

I have been watching so much Living Single and maaaaaaaan, this show’s perfect. It’s funny, it’s got heart, it’s not a typical kind of sitcom, there are minimal white people, it’s got it all! Love it so much. Wish reruns were easier to find on TV.

Hulu is having a sale right now where it’s $2/per month for a year. Yeah, that can’t be right. Check it out, might be worth it. Sale ends Monday December 2nd.

I am in love with these socks I got from Express. Love a smooth, soft sock in the wintertime.

I posted about my trip to New Orleans last month.

I made this Melt In Your Mouth Chicken and it was actually pretty good. Never would’ve even thought about coating chicken in yogurt.

I rewatched Big and of course I love this movie, it’s got a wish-granting robot machine in it. I should’ve wrote this damn movie!

Words can’t fully describe how much I love the Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas themed episodes of Bob’s Burgers. They’re always the best.

I watched Rumble in the Bronx and wow. Just a fun movie. Best part is by far the moment he launches a toddler out of harm’s way.

I went to Mister Paradise in the East Village and I’m sorry, it’s too expensive to drink in public these days. It’s nuts. One drink should never cost more than $15, have we all gone insane to silently agree to these parameters? And if you’re advertising “fancy sauce” for your fries, it better not be fucking ketchup mixed with mayo. That is some bullshit.

I finished Lindy West’s new book The Witches Are Coming and wrote a post about my favourite parts from it.

I watched True Lies and holy shit, a lot happens in this movie. In a good way. Fun watch.

I tried a sample of this Belief cream and it is luxurious as hell. Feels like it might be the perfect neck cream, too. You know, if you’re looking for that kind of thing (YOU SHOULD BE).

So I watched the Mr. Rogers movie with Tom Hanks and it’s just an unnecessary movie. I’m not hating on Tom Hanks, he’s fine in it (although he looks nothing like the man, it isn’t a good impersonation, the story doesn’t need to be told, ETC.) but it really just didn’t need to be made. A great Mr. Rogers movie already exists. They already did it! That being said, I teared up whenever any of the Mr. Rogers songs were sung. I can’t NOT cry at those songs, I’ve got a beating heart, don’t I?

So when I did Nathan’s podcast earlier this month, we talked briefly about going vegan for a week (we watched The Game Changers documentary) and we did it and now our lives are changed. Hahah, no no no, but that’d be wild. It was a hard week to do (mostly to cut out the dairy) but it did feel really good, so we’re going to try to limit meat and dairy much more strictly and see where that takes us. I promise not to talk about this for the rest of time.

I tried Trader Joe’s Vegan Mozzarella and holy hell, it was bad. Tasted like cooked plastic. Returned it immediately.

In contrast, their vegan butter was really, really good and a great substitution for regular butter.

I will forever love and miss In Living Color.

In true November fashion, I had my Thanksgiving croissant from Momofuku Milk Bar and I got it at their new flagship store in the city that is huge. They also had (vegan) apple pie soft serve that was insanely good and the seasonal pumpkin dulce de leche truffles they have right now are amazing. And the flagship location accepts cash! This better be the start of all the damn locations accepting cash. Don’t GET ME STARTED on places not accepting human cash.

Some thoughts on how to have a cheaper Christmas.

Some things that I’m looking forward to this month: I’m going to attempt to make (rather than buy) some of the Christmas gifts I’ve giving this year but we’ll see if this actually pans out, I’m awaiting Jenny Slate’s new book from the library, I definitely have to find time to watch Krampus, putting up the (real) Christmas tree since this is the first year we’re getting a normal, adult sized one, the first day of snow is apparently tomorrow (in NYC) and I’m in looooove with the fact that it’ll also be December 1st when this happens, taking the family Christmas card, I have an obligation to make these Nutella cookies, and I will definitely watch a few of these. Santa, get your ass over here!

If you’ve got any interest in reading last month’s roundup, you can see what went down in October over here!

answers to anon

Is a kiss considered cheating? yes

Have you ever faked orgasm? i don’t think so

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? FLY 100%

Do you think you are going to be rich in 7-8-9 years? haha definitely not

Tell us some funny drunk story. i’ve only been ‘drunk’ once and it wasn’t super exciting or anything. i remember running around in circles in the grass w/ my friends seeing how many i could do before i fell down or threw up lmfao

Why are you no longer together with your ex? well, i’ve had quite a few ex’s and none of them are even SLIGHTLY comparable to my current girlfriend. tbh no one ever could be in any way. she’s my soulmate and i wouldn’t trade her for the world.

If you had to choose one way to die, what would it be? in my sleep, in bed with my gf holding my hand.

What are your current goals? to get through the next 6 months or so without too many hurdles, and to do exceedingly well with the certificate i’m planning to get in order to get a full-time job so i can live by my gf (:

Do you like someone? obviously yes ^^

Who was the last person to disappoint you? probably one of my old friends

Do you like your body? i’m beginning to honestly

Can you keep a diet? if i put all my effort into it, i’m sure i could manage. i just don’t want to lmao.

If the whole world listened to you right now, what would you say? love yourself first

Do you work? yep

If you could choose only one food to eat to the rest of your life, what would it be? probably either cheese or potatoes

Would you get a tattoo? already have one, want soooo many more

Something you don’t mind spending all your money on? presents for my girlfriend or my friends

Can you drive? yes, i wouldn’t have a relationship if i couldn’t tbh

When was the last time someone told you you were beautiful? uhhh idk

What was the last thing you cried for? a stupid reason lol

Do you keep a journal? yeah sorta

Is life fun? sometimes

Is farting in front of people irrelevant? it’s funny ?? lmao

What’s your dream car? definitely a 67′ chevrolet impala

Are grades in school important? yeah i mean, they weren’t my biggest priority when i was in high school, but they are pretty important if you’re wanting to get into a 4 year college and whatnot.

Describe your crush. she’s fucking stunning. so intelligent. extremely sweet and kind. overall the most amazing woman i’ve ever known. (besides my mom ofc)

What was the last book/movie that really impressed you? the glass castle. great movie.

What was your last lie? probably about eating lunch - i always tell my gf or mom that i ate, when sometimes i don’t (not because i’m restricting myself but because i’m either too lazy to make food or because nothing sounds appetizing).

Dumbest lie you ever told? i haven’t told many crazy lies or anything that i can remember..

Is crying in front of people embarrassing? nah, at least not to me. i always try to tell my friends, “crying is good. we all need to do it. don’t worry about looking dumb because you won’t to me.”

Something you did and you are proud of? uhh well it’s not a huge deal but on my last trip up to see my gf, i gave this lady at the grocery store a ride to her house because it was pouring rain and she lost her keys. i felt really bad, i wasn’t gonna make her walk home with a whole cart of groceries (she had a limp and was on the older side) and although it wasn’t my safest idea, it was still nice and she called me her savior like 100 times and said i was an angel from heaven, so that was sweet. (:

What’s your favourite cocktail? i don’t drink lol

Something you are good at? umm idk tbh.. i’m pretty decent at basketball????

Do you like small kids? yes as long as they’re respectful and sweet

How are you feeling right now? pretty good!

What would you name your daughter/son? son: atticus / daughter: mable

What do you need to be happy? music

Is there some you want to punch in the face right now? yes always

What was the last gift you received? i think it was when my friend zoe surprised me with sweet-tarts on my break at work and it was so nice. i love her sm.

What was the last gift you gave? it’s technically not a gift but i just mailed  some random cute stuff to my gf and she opened it on skype like an hour or so ago (:

What was the last concert you went to? green day in st. louis, missouri!!

Favourite place to shop at? either h&m or old navy

Who inspires you? morgan freeman tbh

How old were you when you first got drunk? like 16 i think

How old were you when you first got high? probably early 16 also.

How old were you when you first had sex? 17 i think ?? or i had just turned 18

When was your first kiss? we don’t speak of that

Something you want to do until the end of this year? bANG MY GF

Is there something in the past you wish you hadn’t done? ohhh so many things

Post a selfie. ok i will 

Who are you most comfortable around? honestly cami

Name one thing that terrifies you. the ocean

What kind of books do you read? the typical basic-as-fuck teen novels

What would you tell your 12 year old self? don’t spend so much time on any of those people. you’ll lose them all in like 5 years. it’s so fckn sad but true like… i am not friends with a single person i was friends with back then.

What is your favourite flower? roses bc i’m baSIC-AS-FUCK

Any bad habits you have? uhhhh overthinking, comparing myself, not eating when i’m stressed, talking to people that aren’t worth my time, giving too many damn chances.. the list goes on and on.

What kind of people are you attracted to? idk nice people?? people who have the same sense of humor as me. idk like if you like trump,,,, we probably wouldn’t work out lmao.

What was the last thing you cried for? i think i already answered this but it was over someone i’m no longer friends with. idk it was earlier today & not worth it.

Is there something you don’t eat? Some food that truly disgust you? PINEAPPLE 

Are you in love? very

Something you find romantic? i like random notes or texts or cute shit to remind you that the other person is thinking about u

How long was your longest relationship? it is the current one i am in - 1 year and over 8 months so far.

What are 3 things that irritate you about the same sex? uhhh idk this is a weird question for me

What are 3 things that irritate you about the opposite sex? again ?? it’s weird ??

What are you saving money for? i should be saving it for moving away lmao. but i’m using most of my money on christmas presents for my gf, friends & parents.

How would you describe your bad side? HANGRY

Are you actually a good person? Why? idk think so ? maybe ? but sometimes i think i’m the worst person ever so ????

What are you living for? my future plans with my girlfriend honestly & cause i have the sweetest niece now (’:

Have you ever done anything illegal? yeah

Do you like your body? some of these questions are repeating lol ^ it’s also Q #11

Have you ever made someone feel bad about themselves intentionally? yeah but not directly i don’t think :/

Ever sent nudes? all day erryday

Have you ever cheated on someone? nah

Favourite candy? anything sour especially sour jolly ranchers uggfuugfgf

Is there a blog you visit every day, or almost every day? Tag it! @wulfwire it’s my alpha gay (; she’s da best, go follow her !!!

Do you play any computer games? What is your favourite game? i don’t really have time to play anymore :// 

Favourite TV series? THE OFFICE UHGGHHFGHD

Are you religious? Does God exist? i used to be christian and believe in god and whatnot, now i guess you’d call me agnostic?? like i believe in *something* but not in ‘God’ necessarily. 

What was the last book you read? Did it impress you and why? i haven’t read in so longgggg

What do you think about vegetarianism/veganism? i mean, you do you. i know for a fact i couldn’t do it because i’m so picky and depend on dairy products so i know i could never go vegan and idk man it’s just so much work.

How long have you been on Tumblr? since july of 13′ so wow. over 4 years… 0.0

Do you like Chineese food? ehh. i’m trying to like it more!

McDonalds or Subway? mcdonalds probably.

Vodka or whiskey? neither bleh

Alcohol or drugs? drugs ?? i guess - only if weed counts ??

Ever been out of your province/state/country? yes many times

Meaning behind your blog name? don’t wanna talk about it

What are you scared of? lots of things; insects mainly, and open water - like not even just the ocean, but even lakes and ponds too. 

Last time you were insulted? i can’t remember ?? damn, that’s a great feeling

Most traumatic experience? probably the time i was having seizures for 5 years straight. thankfully i’ve been seizure free for about 6 years now.

Perfect date idea? something corny or cheesy idk. i love simple things like going to a park and talking for hours and eating ice cream and laughing about nonsense.

Favourite app on your phone? tumblr for sure, or 8-ball pool *cause i’m such a cool kid* 

What colour are the walls in your room? navy blue

Do you watch Youtube? Who is your favourite youtuber? always and forever a fothermucker (; @jackskellin

Share your favourite quote. “i’d rather be hated for who i am, than loved for who i am not.” - miles mckenna 

What is the meaning of life? who knows, man. just enjoy the ride.

Do you like horror movies? eh not really, i’m a total baby. but my new friend is probably gonna end up making me like them cause that’s all she watches.

Have you ever made your mum cry? What happened? yeah probably a bunch of times. we used to fight all the time. we both weren’t mentally great a few years ago. mainly due to my dad dealing with being an alcoholic. we’re much better now, thankfully.

Do you feel lucky or special in a way? yeah i definitely feel lucky a lot of the time.

Can you keep a secret? always.

rucas for the ship thing :)

AHHH nice thank you hilde i was hoping someone would ask rucas, i can always count on you 

who hogs the duvet: riley fjdkaf riley is such a snuggle bug, that she always always wraps herself up in the blankets, and lucas would be annoyed, but riley always cuddles herself up next to him when she’s all wrapped up in the blankets, and she’s just so darn cute about it, he can’t be mad. so he just wraps his arms around her and uses her body heat to keep him warm. 

who texts/rings to check how their day is going: both of them, but riley does it far more often. i’m diving a little more into hc territory and @friarlucas‘s fic, but this happens especially during junior-senior year of high school when things aren’t Great with lucas, so riley is always just texting him, asking him how he is and giving him little encouragements to get through the day. 

who’s the most creative when it comes to gifts: riley! lucas and riley are both hella pro gift givers, and always give each other very sentimental things that usually make the other one cry, but riley’s are always out of left field and lucas never, never sees them coming so when she gives them to him he’s like “????? i love you ????? how did you do this?????” 

who gets up first in the morning: riley, lucas doesn’t get up that much after her, but riley usually is awake with the sun and she usually spends those early morning minutes before lucas is awake just Admiring him while he sleeps, because he looks so at peace. most of the time she’ll end up like stroking his face while he’s asleep which eventually ends up waking him up. 

who suggests new things in bed: fdjkaf probably riley. it’s always kind of sheepish too, like she’s always a little embarrassed about it, but her and maya are always reading cosmo and what not when they’re together and riley will see stuff and be like “huh....that’s......something” and it will take her like a week to finally bring it up to lucas but he’s always super cool about trying it, luckily at this point if they try something and it doesn’t work, they’ll just end up collapsed on each other in laughter. sometimes lucas almost never suggests things because he always gets worried about riley’s comfort, so he’s always afraid to make her uncomfortable. 

who cries at movies: riley cries at pretty much every movie her and lucas have ever seen, like she cried during some stupid comedy movie that they saw together and lucas was like “riley are you ok what happened” but that’s just bc riley is one of those sympathetic cries so if someone even lOOKS upset in a movie, she’s already in tears. however, whenever lucas and riley watch a movie where an animal gets hurts, lucas will  have to subtly wipe the tears from his eyes. they also both cry at disney movies, always. 

who gives unprompted massages: this is the same as i said in my zucas one, but lucas. with his fidgety hands, he’s always looking for something to do with them, and they almost always are doing Something relating to riley, whether that be braiding her hair or unbuttoning and buttoning up a shirt that she’s wearing, but one day while they’re studying, she casually mentions that she slept on her neck wrong and keeps moving it, so he just starts giving her a message, and it’s a win win situation, it gives lucas something to do with his hands and he gives really good messages to they always make riley feel better. 

who fusses over the other when they’re sick: they are both extremely, extremely guilty of this. both of them get fussy and jump into nurse mode when the other one in sick, the biggest difference is that when riley is sick, she lives for lucas taking care of her and he’s so good at it, always making her soup and bringing her medicine and making sure she always has a cold washcloth on her forehead and she loves it and it always makes her feel better to have him take care of her, whereas lucas gets VERY stubborn when he’s sick and for the first day he refuses to let riley take of care of him because “he’s fine!!” but then when he gets too weak to protest, riley is finally able to treat him with the same care that he treats her with when she’s sick. 

who gets jealous easiest: while riley has been prone to get jealous, lucas gets jealous a little more easily, mainly because he’s So scared of losing riley that it comes out more than he wishes it would. also lucas’ jealousy is usually completely impulsive and he’ll feel it even though he knows he has no reason to. this is something that really only happens in the earlier stages of their relationship, by the time they’ve been together for a while, they get much more confident in their relationship. 

who has the most embarrassing taste in music: lucas ajfkdaf lucas doesn’t think that he has embarrassing taste in music, but sometimes one of his songs will come on shuffle when they’re studying together and lucas will start humming or singing to himself and it’s some country song or weird 80s song that riley has never heard and she’ll just look at him across the room, and when he sees her looking at him, he’ll just start singing louder and getting more into it before riley just bursts into laughter and lucas is giving her a full on performance while trying to keep his own laughter in check because they’re NERDS 

who collects something unusual: while neither one of them have necessary unusual collections, they both keep pretty much EVERYTHING from their relationship. like riley has a box under her bed that has notes that lucas has written her, the riley sign he made during rah rah, movie ticket stubs, funny little drawings that maya has drawn of her and lucas, or that lucas has made for her, his valentine’s day cards, etc and lucas has a drawer in his desk that’s the “riley drawer” where the orange leaf sits, along with the little name tag she made him in sneak attack and just everything she’s ever given him or things that remind him of her. they both just have everything from their relationship, they’re hella sentimental. 

who takes the longest to get ready: riley, while lucas is extremely fussy with his own appearance, riley takes showers every morning and always takes a while to pick out her outfit, she doesn’t take all too long, but she takes a little bit longer than lucas, especially because she’s usually still getting herself ready when she fixes lucas’ hair and shirt the way she knows he likes them and then once riley has fixed his shirt and hair, lucas doesn’t touch it so then he just has a wait a couple more minutes for riley to finish up getting herself ready. he doesn’t mind though, because he loves watching her get ready in the morning. 

who is the most tidy and organised: neither one of them are “unorganized” per se, but lucas is definitely the more organized one of the two of them. he gets very weird about things being too out of order and it almost surprises riley how Clean his room is when she sees it for the first time. riley doesn’t let her room or locker get too messy, but if something is out of place, she doesn’t bother fixing it right away, unlike lucas, who kind of always needs things to be in their rightful place. 

who gets most excited about the holidays: riley! lucas doesn’t dislike christmas, but it was never a favorite holiday of his (especially with his weird kind of disconnected family), whereas riley has always loved it. she loves decorating their apartment and usually sets aside the first saturday in december for her and lucas to decorate together, they both make sure they take the day off, get a tree, make cookies so on and so fourth. lucas grows to love christmas as him and riley continue their relationship, but his excitement level never really competes with riley’s. 

who is the big spoon/little spoon: i’ve answered this before, but oH MAN lucas is almost always the big spoon, he’s very Protective of riley and while he’s well aware that she can take care of herself and doesn’t need his protection, he worries about her sometimes so when he’s the big spoon and he can just hold her in his arms, he feels at Peace because he knows that she’s safe. however, when things get Hard for lucas later in high school, sometimes riley is the big spoon and lucas likes it because riley feels like home and it makes him feel so much better. 

who gets most competitive when playing games and/or sports: riley! riley is very competitive sometimes (she gets that from her mother), and while she never gets particular competitive when she’s playing a game with lucas, she gets competitive on behalf of lucas, more than once she’s been talked to by the baseball coach for getting too aggressive from the sidelines of his baseball games and yelling at the refs. this only becomes worse when they have children and their children are involved in activities. 

who starts the most arguments: riley, however, it’s never because she actually wants to argue with him about something. they hardly ever argue to begin with, but sometimes if riley really needs him to Hear something, she’ll get really frustrated and just kind of immediately jump to the argumentative place. she hates arguing with him and fighting about things, but sometimes it’s the only thing that seems to work.  let it be known though, this only happens like FOUR times their entire lives bc they both hate fighting and are v v good at communication, so they can usually talk through their issues.  

who suggests that they buy a pet: ok so here’s the thing, lucas is a vet so he LOVES animals and he’s down with getting a pet, but he wants him and riley to do it together, and they both are just always busy so they don’t get a chance to go to the shelter together, however, one day while lucas is at the clinic or in his internship, riley happens to stop by the shelter, not because she’s going to ADOPT but just to look, but then she meets the absolute cutest little dog in the entire world and he’s a puppy and needs a home and she just can’t say no, she she adopts him right there on impulse, names him pluto and then surprises lucas when he gets home later that day. luckily, pluto and lucas immediately bond and he’s only a lil angry at riley for like .5 seconds for not telling him before pluto has him wrapped around his little paw. 

what couple traditions they have: riley and lucas LOVE to take naps together?? this is something that starts about sophomore year of high school and just continues throughout their relationship, they’ll come back to her house after school, he’ll give her his sweatshirt and they’ll just nap together. they also love to go to the movies together on their date nights, and lucas will get popcorn and chocolate and riley will get jellybeans and they’ll split their treats up and just stare at each other while the movie plays in the background (neither one of them ever remember what the movie was about), also STUDYING together, they love doing that. 

what tv shows they watch together: riley is the only, i repeat only person who is allowed to watch cuddle bunnies with lucas, it’s one of their favorite things to do if they’ve both had kinda hard days but aren’t able to fall asleep and take a nap, they’ll just cuddle on her bed and watch cuddle bunnies together. real talk, they love to watch just like goofy kids shows together, because it makes them both happy. and while riley is always trying to get lucas to watch the knicks with her, he usually tries to avoid it because knicks fan riley kinda scares him a lil bit. 

what other couple they hang out with: rucas and smarkle double date like all the time, especially when zay and maya are both single, bc they’re the couples of the group. they never do anything crazy but they always have a good time, later in life, they hang out with joshaya all the time too, especially when there’s a big matthews family gathering, like joshaya and rucas will just stand in the corner and judge the rest of riley and josh’s family. 

how they spend time together as a couple: riley and lucas do basically everything together, like they’ll study together, watch movies, bake together, eat together, take naps, talk ALWAYS, they don’t actually Go out that much but any moment that they get to spend together they love. 

who made the first move: i mean technically lucas did?? he was the one that asked riley out in first date, so he kinda jump started the whole romantic aspect of their relationship, but she kissed him first, so they both kinda made the first move. 

who brings flowers home: lucas!!!! he’s such a sap!!!!! he always brings riley flowers!!! like there’s this one flower shop down the street from them that has the prettiest purple roses and once a week lucas always brings her flowers, not for any reason in particular but when she asks, he’s like “oh you just look so pretty today” or “i brought one of your cookies to work and it made me really happy so i brought you these” like he’s such a sap he just wants to buy riley flowers every day of his life!!! 

who is the best cook: lucas and riley both like to cook, but lucas is way better at it than riley is. baking is much more riley’s speed. so usually lucas will cook dinner and riley will bake something for desert and then they’ll do the dishes together. 

2018: A Year in Review

Hey, everyone! So, it is currently November 29, 2018. I’m starting my AYiR earlier than my normal December 10th for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I’m busy with working two jobs and don’t have the time that I used to have in the past. The proof: I’m publishing this on January 2nd instead of December 31st. Oops! Secondly, a LOT has happened this year, and I want to make sure I have it all written down.

Of course, like I say every year, you are not obligated to read this. It’s for me to look back on someday. If you choose to read, enjoy reading about my year :)

January

The new year rang in. It was just me and my dog. I was watching Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie in the living room and ended up falling asleep shortly afterwards.

January 2nd was the day that completely changed my life, though I didn’t know it at the time. I had been using Tinder on and off since 2015, mainly for shits and giggles. I was actually extremely picky when it came to swiping right on people. First, I would decide whether or not I thought someone was attractive (it’s important to be attracted to people you might want to date). Second, I would look at all the pictures (pictures that included smoking, drinking beer, hunting, pro-Trump, or nudity would cause me to swipe left). Third, I would read the bio (mentions of only wanting a hookup, supporting Trump, wanting a side-chick/third wheel, being obsessed with anime, or not having ambitions caused me to swipe left). Finally, I would check the distance, since Tinder would sometimes goof up and show people who were hundreds or thousands miles of way (I tried long-distance before and it ended with him cheating on me). If all was good, I swiped right. 

So, while I was swiping (and laughing whenever I found someone I knew), I came across a guy that I found cute. He had one other picture of him, and both were selfies with him just smiling. Ok! I went to read his bio. He mentioned working on his Masters in Accounting (good! He has ambitions!), liking video games (that’s every guy ever, so ok!), looking for someone to talk to (not sure if that means a friend or a girlfriend, but ok!), and loving to go to Cedar Point (sold!). The distance was about 30 miles, so not that bad. I swiped right and we matched instantly. Then I thought I would never have a conversation with him and moved on.

Well, half an hour later, I got a notification that someone messaged me. I typically didn’t respond to messages because they either had one word or said something creepy. I went to at least read it, and it said five words: “Hi, nice to meet you.” I replied back, “Hi, nice to meet you too.” I thought that would be the end of it when he didn’t reply back, so I went to bed. When I woke up the morning of January 3rd, he replied. “Thanks for messaging back. Most don’t lol. So, what’s your favorite ride at Cedar Point?” From there, we talked all day about Cedar Point. I gave it three days before conversation would die.

Instead, three days later, he asked if he could meet me in person.

January 3rd was also the first day back to dance after the Christmas break. In the class was me, my sister, my aunt, and Danny, who is an ice skater who was taking ballet to work on his technique. We started a new dance to Million Reasons by Lady Gaga. The dance teacher started shipping me and Danny because we made each other laugh (he was obsessed with grand battements and kept asking if it was time to them, which was funny), but I only saw him as a friend.

On January 8th, I submitted my application for rehire at Cedar Point. I wanted to work a rollercoaster SOOOO badly. While I knew my chances for getting Raptor were slim, I was hoping I had a good chance for Blue Streak, since it doesn’t get as busy. My top three when I applied were Blue Streak, maXair/Dodgem, and Giant Wheel/Tiki Twirl/Troika. I absolutely did not want to work Cads again.

On January 9th, I had my first date with Russell. I was nervous as all heck because I hadn’t been on a date in a long time. I couldn’t sit still because I was so nervous that he’d be a serial killer, or not who he said he was, or wouldn’t like me in real life after talking to me online. He picked me up at my house, and we went to Olive Garden. I was a little quiet during the car ride and tried thinking of questions I hadn’t asked him yet. When he accidentally missed the turn for Olive Garden and we ended up in the parking lot for Planet Fitness, he asked me if I thought they served any good food. My response? “They probably have all the granola bars and protein shakes you can eat.” He laughed, and that calmed me down a lot. Making someone laugh is reassuring for me. We got seated at Olive Garden and just kept spitballing topics to talk about. He noticed I was fidgeting and thought he was making me uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to tell him the real reason I was uncomfortable: I was on my period. We kept talking and talking until we realized Olive Garden was a little too quiet. I checked the time and laughed because Olive Garden was closing in five minutes. Russell paid for our meals and we walked out to the car. He turned on the car radio and Bring Me to Life by Evanescence came on. I commented that it was a good song and wanted to sing along, but I was too shy to sing in front of him. When we got closer to my house, he asked me if I wanted to go on a second date with him. I didn’t even hesitate to say yes, and he smiled. We hugged goodbye, and he kissed me on the cheek.

On January 13th, we had our second date. We went to get frozen yogurt and then watched The Greatest Showman. It was a fun time. As we were walking out, I saw a movie playing called Proud Mary, and I started singing it under my breath. Russell looked at me and then saw the name of the movie on the theatre. He laughed and said, “Yes! I’m glad you were thinking that too.” It was cold outside and my teeth started chattering, so he held me close to him. In that moment, I knew that I sincerely liked him. When he dropped me off at my house, I saw him leaning in to kiss me, and I decided to kiss him too. My heart was pounding and I had butterflies in my stomach. It was a nice, passionate kiss that lasted quite a while. 

On January 20th, we had our third date. We went to a place that was like a hyped up Chuck E Cheese. There were arcade games, go karts, bumper cars, mini bowling, laser tag, mini golf, and inflatables. It was a ton of fun. After we got done with playing, we went to IHOP for dinner (there were unlimited pancakes). We talked and ate and talked more. I was hoping he’d ask me to be his girlfriend, but he didn’t.

On January 27th, we had a fourth date. We went to a park near my house, got into the backseat of his car, listened to music, and made out. Honestly, that was a lot of fun for me. While we were making out, he said, “So, my mother has started referring to you as my girlfriend. Do you think we’re on that level?” I nodded and said, “Yeah, I do. Do you?” He nodded too, and that was how we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Also, we went to second base that day too, and we went to Rockne’s for dinner. While we were eating, I saw one of my old teachers from middle school, I called out to her, and she walked over. I gestured to Russell and said, “This is my boyfriend, Russell.” It felt so good to say that, and he later told me that it felt good for him to hear me call him my boyfriend.

February

Every Saturday, I went on a date with Russell. It was our day to spend together, and I loved having my Saturdays with him.

We had our Valentine’s Day date on February 10th. We went to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, and it was an awe-striking experience getting to see outfits and instruments used by John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Bon Jovi, everybody! After we looked at everything and browsed in the gift shop (everything was hella expensive, but I guess that’s to be expected since it’s a tourist location), we went to where our reservation is and decided to walk around for a while since we had time beforehand. We got a look inside The Arcade (which was an old mall that had shops on the first floor and a hotel on the rest of the floors) and went inside JACK Casino, where we won $30 (Russell called me his good luck charm). As we were walking back to meet our reservation, a homeless man stopped us and said, “Now, here’s a lucky man. He’s got a beautiful woman. Would you like to buy her one of these roses?” He showed us some fake roses, and Russell gave him $20 for two of them. We walked away and Russell explained that he had seen that man before, so he knew he wasn’t some kind of scammer. Since we had a little more time before our reservation, we got a drink at The Corner Alley. I got a vodka Sprite and he got a rum and coke. We then met our reservation at The Chocolate Bar, and it was amazing. We both got spiked hot chocolates and pasta dishes, and we got fried lasagna as an appetizer. After we finished our dinner, we went to the candy shop, and I bought a bagful of salt water taffy. We didn’t want the night to end yet since it was only 8pm, so we went to our park to make out for a while.

February 14th was Ash Wednesday. It was thankfully a pleasant day, so I walked to church. I got my ashes, and decided to stop at Starbucks on the way home since I was already out. I gave up the one thing I said I’d never give up for Lent again: chocolate. It was a long, sad Lent, but I did it!

On February 16th, I was awakened with a phone call from Cedar Point. I was asked about my top three, and after stating what they were, I was asked to consider Ocean Motion. I thought it over for a moment, and decided to say yes, since I was actually considering Ocean Motion for my top three anyway (the early-entry part was what stopped me from putting it down). My first day of work was April 24th, and I was excited to make my return to Sandusky.

February 24th was the day Russell met my parents. We first went to see Black Panther, just the two of us. We then met my parents and sisters at Hooley House. He said he was nervous, and I told him it would all be ok. We went inside and found my dad. We got seated at two different tables. One table was my sisters and my sister’s boyfriend. The other table was me, Russell, and my parents. Russell was kinda shy around my parents at first. My dad asked him about sports teams, and from there, he became a lot less shy. They were talking about sports, traffic, and their jobs. After we finished dinner, my mom hugged him goodbye and my dad shook his hand, and me and Russell went to get dessert at Dairy Queen (and also, make out).

February 28th was Danny’s last day at ballet class. I was sad that he was leaving since he was my friend, but at the same time, it was kinda relieving since he still wasn’t picking up choreography too well and he had to be corrected on technique many times.

March

On March 3rd, Russell showed me around his hometown. I got to see where he had previously lived before living in his current house, his high school, his workplace, and the landmarks in the city, including a high-end mall (which had a Spencers, which we totally went in). We ended the day by getting drinks and seeing Wish You Were Here, which is a tribute band for Pink Floyd. They were amazing. When he went to take me back to my house, he showed me his former workplace where he got accused for something he didn’t do and ended up getting fired.

March 10th was the day of my cousin’s baby shower. I was so excited for her to become a mom because she had babysat me and my sisters when we were younger and always thought she would be a good mom. The food at the baby shower wasn’t quite my taste (it was a lot of Greek food, since my cousin married a Greek man), but I ate some to be polite and ate a slice of cake (which was regular store-bought cake). After the baby shower, Russell came up and spent some time with me.

On St. Patrick’s Day, my family has two traditions: getting ice cream at Honey Hut since it’s the day the reopen for the season, and going to my Grandma’s house for a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef, boiled potatoes, boiled cabbage, and Irish soda bread. I remember being unsure if the dinner would even happen this year since Grandma passed away in 2017. My aunt, who lives in Grandma’s house, decided to continue tradition. Did I end up going? No. I told Russell about it to see if he wanted to go, but we agreed it probably wasn’t in his best interest to meet the family while everyone is hammered. The ice cream tradition went off without a hitch, and then me and Russell went to a mall near me. We walked around, went into Spencers, wreaked havoc in Dillard’s and Macy’s, looked at the cute dogs in Petland and Pick of the Litter (which should totally be closed down because the dogs were lethargic!), got ice cream at Mitchell’s, and saw Peter Rabbit. We left the mall and got dinner at Panera.

On March 24th, I got to meet some of his friends at a wedding. I was pretty nervous to meet them, but it ended up going great. The wedding was pretty high-end with the food. I found out that day that I like goat cheese, and that I don’t like butternut squash. After congratulating the bride (Russell’s friend), we left to spend some time together. 

The next weekend was my birthday weekend. Because Russell couldn’t be with me on my actual birthday (my birthday was on Easter, so I was going to be with family, and he had planned to go to a Cavs game with a friend), he spent that Friday and Saturday with me. We got dinner at Carrabba’s on Friday, and went to the IX Indoor Amusement Park on Saturday. He also got me at Wii-U for my birthday.

April

April 1 was Easter and my 24th birthday. I went to church with my mom’s side of the family (there was a Mass offered for Grandma), and then we went to brunch at my dad’s side of the family. I also got a text from my long-lost BFF Ashlyn, and we talked about how our lives were going.

On April 7th, I got to meet Russell’s mother, Tee. I was nervous to meet her and afraid that she wouldn’t like me. We went to Olive Garden and the very first thing we bonded over was cheese. I looooove cheese, and when the server started grating the cheese, we both stared at the cheese, which made us laugh. 

On April 14th, me and Russell went on our first vacation together, which was a birthday present for both of us, since Russell’s birthday is in May. We went to Kings Island, which was about 3.5 hours south of us, but still in the same state. We left at 5:30am, and got there around 9. We got a pretty decent parking spot and the line to get inside wasn’t bad at all for April 14th being Opening Day. At 9:30am, we were let in and we got our fast passes. We rode all the rollercoasters twice, except for Beast, which we rode three times, and Adventure Express, Racer, and The Bat, which we rode once. We also went into the Eiffel Tower to get some pictures of the views, and when I went to get my glasses, I found that they broke on one of the rides. Oops lol. Russell guided me around since I couldn’t see too well. Once we were all rollied out, we checked into our hotel and got dinner at McDonald’s. We headed back to our hotel and laid down in bed for a nap. It led to us making out instead, and I let him see me topless for the first time. We continued making out and, at some point when I was on top of him, he adjusted himself, accidentally dry-humping me in the process. I pushed back on him, and that is how we got into one of our favorite things to do together. It was hard to sleep that night because, even though we had the A/C on, it was hot in the room. Also, my shoulder was hurting, and the pain was keeping me awake. Russell tried massaging it to ease the pain, which helped a little, but it still hurt a lot. I don’t know when we fell asleep, but I do know that when Russell’s phone alarm went off, neither of us wanted to leave the bed. We went to see what was for breakfast in the hotel, and it was pretty lame. Just pastries and coffee. I had went into the bathroom because I was getting nauseous from a combination of how badly my shoulder hurt and I hadn’t peed in over 24 hours (I get bladder shy). I managed to relieve my bladder, which helped me feel kinda better. When I got back to Russell, he asked me if I puked, and I shook my head no. I drank the rest of my coffee and then we went back to the room to lay down for a bit before we had to check out. We started watching Pinocchio (it was on Freeform) and making horrible jokes about it. Eventually, it was time for us to go. We checked out, got lunch at McDonald’s (it was across the street from the hotel), and went back home.

I went to the eye doctor shortly after the incident to get a new prescription for my glasses. I ended up picking a pair of red Ralph Lauren glasses, and I added a blue light filter to protect my eyes when I use my laptop and phone. They told me the glasses would be ready in 7-10 days, and I was a little panicked because I was moving back to Sandusky in less than a week for work. My mom said she could drop them off, and Russell offered to bring them if they were ready before he was up there for the Steel Vengeance first rider event. 

On April 21st, me and Russell had a fun day together at a hyped up Chuck E. Cheese (not the same place as we went before). We played skee ball and other games, played mini-golf, and rode go-karts. We then went to Panera and spent some time together, since we knew it would be a little while before we could spend days like this together.

On April 24th, I was back in Sandusky. It was exciting to be back. I didn’t see anyone I knew at process-in, which was kinda a letdown. After getting processed in, I went to get my room assignment and key. I saw my friend Pam from last year in the housing office, and she right away knew where to put me: same building as last year (Valravn House) and first floor. I got the last bed in 123, which was kinda nerve-wracking, since the last time I was the last bed, I had two partier roommates and one roommate who thought she was better than everyone else because she was drinking underage and had a black boyfriend. I moved in all my stuff and organized everything. After I had everything where I wanted it to be, I went to get lunch at McDonald’s. I then relaxed for a while, waiting to meet my roommates. At some point, I left to go to the bathroom, and upon returning, one of my roommates was entering the room too. That was how I met Tracy, a 47 year old who worked at the resort. We got to know each other and learn a bit about our lives. Soon, we were joined by Michaela, a 19 year old who was a first-year ride op. She got excited to learn I was a ride op too and she asked me tons of questions about which rides I had worked, who I knew, and my favorite rides. The last roommate I didn’t meet until the next day, and I don’t remember her name because she processed out and left a few weeks later.

April 25th was iROC day. I had to take my drug test, and I made sure to get some coffee on the way. I got there a half hour early, and it took me 75 minutes to go (bladder of steel never fails lol). I met Tarshikka, another ride op, there and we were racing to see who could finally go first (she won lol). Thankfully, because I was a returner, they let me go into iROC class late. I went into class, completed everything, passed the iROC exam with a perfect score (2 for 2!), and caught up on what I missed. After iROC, they sent me on a 45 minute lunch break. The issue? I didn’t have a car, nothing on Point was open, and the buses were running every half hour. I found a candy cane in my purse, and that ended up being my lunch. After “lunch,” I was sent to clean/train at Kiddy Kingdom, or as we all affectionately call it, Kill-me Kingdom. Boooo! I put on a happy face anyway and trained at the rides. I met Cieara, Sam, Mario, Isaiah, Eileen (Kiddy’s sup), Lacey (Cads’ sup), Chris (Planet’s sup), Olivia, and Savannah. Chris had us just clean and he’d train us in tomorrow. Ok, good deal. We were supposed to be sent home at 6pm, but they kept us til 7pm. Lame! After leaving, I got dinner at Dairy Queen. I was starving! 

On the 26th, I got to train at Kiddy. Chris was the trainer, and I was in a group with Tarshikka, Kayge (a ride op who had previously worked at Kennywood and was a first-year at CP), and Isaiah. Chris had us all run one cycle at Mustangs (the “Hampton sample” since all the Hamptons run the same), Roto Whip (which was a lot like a Hampton, except without the umbrella and with magnetic gates and a lapbar secured with a strap), Sky Fighters (which went up into the air), Helicopters (which used a foot pedal instead of a presence button, and also went up into the air), and 4x4s (which had manual jogs, which is not fun!). After I signed off on all my training papers, I went off to clean. 

On the 27th, I started off with cleaning until Eric (my sup from last year) asked for some volunteers in Kiddy to help him commission Dodgems. Chris sent me (yay!), Isaiah, Lacey, Savannah, and Olivia. We drove the cars around in circles, which wasn’t as fun as it sounds. I got called to train at the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel, which was finally given state approval to run. Eileen knew it would be an easy task to train me there since I worked Cedar Downs the year before. I ran the cycle exactly like I would have ran Cedar Downs, and Eileen passed me. I signed off on the paper and was asked to send Savannah to train. I took Savannah’s spot in Dodgems and continued helping to commission. After the commissioning was done, it was back to cleaning.

That night, Russell and Tee were up at CP for the first rider event. He let me know that he had my new glasses and asked where to meet me. I suggested Dairy Queen, but then when I realized it closed at 9pm, I suggested McDonald’s. We met there, I got my new glasses, and we spent a bit of time together. 

The 28th consisted of more cleaning and running rides, since the 29th was Family and Friends Day, meaning we’d have riders! I was nervous to have people, but I knew I was ready. The next day, I showed up with coffee and my water bottle in tow (lawlz) and chose to start off at Mustangs. Since we were only open for three hours, I knew that I THANKFULLY would not have to run 4x4s (the rotation went Mustangs, Police Cars, Rock Spin and Turn, Carousel, Roto Whip, Dune Buggies, Sky Fighters, Helicopters, 4x4s, Motorcycles, and Space Age). The day was pretty easy.

The next day was our day off. Only productive thing I did was go to Walmart to buy a backpack and a watch, since I wasn’t allowed to wear my Fitbit at work. Who knew that a Fitbit counted as a “smart watch?” At least that’s what corporate said...

May

On Tuesday, May 1st, I reported to the boat, since we were supposed to be training at our contracted rides. I met Kel (the sup) and Mario and Olivia were contracted to the boat too. Kel then got a call that me and Olivia had to go to Planet Snoopy to train (boooo!) and Mario had to go to Sky Ride. It was a sad day that led to another week of not being at the boat. I got to Planet, and saw that Cieara, Sam, Savannah, Isaiah, Chris (well, obviously), Lacey, and Eileen were all training at Planet as well. Audrey (who was my TL last year, and now the TL at Kiddy), Amanda (the sup of maXair), Kim (the TL of Windseeker), and Kendra (the TL of Planet) were there too. Everyone who was in a leadership position got trained that day, leaving everyone else to clean. After leadership was trained, they started to commission the rides. Chris sent me, Olivia, and Isaiah to help commission Joe Cool’s Dodgem School since we were the smallest weight-wise and could fit in the cars (I ended up being the only one to fit comfortably since Olivia and Isaiah were 6 feet tall and I’m 5′5″). Kim controlled the ride and set the speed to its highest setting. When Chris came to check on us and saw how fast we were going, he put the speed back to where it should be and told Kim not to mess with it. As we were finishing up, Lacey, Eileen, and Audrey all came over and asked to switch out. Lacey took my spot and I went back to cleaning.

The next day, I trained at Planet. Every single ride was operated exactly the same with a foot pedal and magnetic gates. Chris trained me and Olivia and had us run a cycle of each ride since all the rides moved differently. The only ride I didn’t get to train at was Snoopy’s Express since the train was out of commission. After we got done training, Chris asked me to continue commissioning Flying Ace Balloon Race since the person commissioning yesterday only got 15 cycles done. I worked on Balloon Race for awhile until Cieara asked me if I would switch with her and commission Road Rally. I agreed and we switched spots. I saw rain clouds begin to form as I was finishing up Road Rally, so I sped up since it can’t run in rain. I thankfully finished commissioning just in time. As I went to turn in the paperwork, it started to rain. I went back to cleaning after I was done.

Thursday was the day I ended up getting frustrated. The area supervisor kept trying to keep us later and later. Our end time was 6pm, and they originally said they were keeping us til 7pm, which wasn’t bad. They then said we were getting a 45 minute dinner break and staying til 9pm. Then they extended it til 10pm, 11pm, and finally midnight. I was livid! They were only keeping us so late because Raptor and Windseeker were still commissioning, so they were punishing the whole area instead of just those two rides. It was terrible! Everyone in Area 2 had gone home, and the only people in Area 3 still at work were the Steel Vengeance crew. Since Planet was spotless, Chris sent us all to help clean Windseeker while they were commissioning. We all worked hard, and at 11:15pm, Kim decided to call Herbert and ask him if we could go home since the ride was clean and they’d come in early tomorrow to commission. Herbert arrived, looked around, and approved us all to go home, holding Kim to her word that she and everyone else training at Windseeker would be in at 8am. 

May 5th-6th was Opening Weekend. I spent the first half of the day at Kiddy, and the second half at Planet. How we operated it since we didn’t have enough staffing to work both was Kiddy was open from 10am-3pm, and Planet was open from 5pm-10pm. 3pm-4pm was our linner break, and at 4pm, we did opening procedures for Planet.

May 7th was our day off, and on May 8th, I FINALLY got to train at the boat. I had to train at Midway Carousel too, but that was easy since I was already trained at Kiddy Kingdom Carousel and it was exactly the same. Same amount of ride units, same cycle length, even the same music! After we trained, we cleaned the rides, and then we all took turns running the rides and riding them. 

The euphoria of being at my contracted ride was short-lived, as I had to spend the weekend split between Planet and Kiddy. This time, since staffing was up, I spent the first half of the day at Planet and the second half at Kiddy, taking my 45 at Planet, and my 30 and 15 at Kiddy.

After that weekend, the park was open daily. I was always at either Planet or Kiddy. If I was ever at the boat, I’d always be sent to Planet or Kiddy shortly afterwards. It felt like I was contracted there instead of OMO. One day, I showed up at the boat, and it was just me and Kel. Mario had become notorious for being late and we were surprised Olivia hadn’t shown up. I was thinking maybe Mario and Olivia were carpooling, but when Mario showed up and not Olivia, Kel called for a higher-up. Turns out, Olivia had quit, so it was just the three of us now.

May 16th was Russell’s birthday. I was off that day, and since I couldn’t spend it with him since he was 90 minutes away and at work, I took the opportunity to get my first ride on Steel Vengeance. It was about a 90 minute wait since they were only running one train due to mechanical issues (the running joke was Steel Vengeance had a Mean Streak), so it wasn’t bad at all. I was assigned towards the back and seated with a stranger. He seemed a bit nervous to be seated next to a girl, but I assured him that I wasn’t scared and loved rollercoasters. My heart was pounding as we went up the lift hill and because I was in the back, as soon as the rest of the train cleared the lift, we were quickly thrown down the hill. I was hooting and hollering the whole ride. It was fun! By the time the ride ended, I was breathless. We got off, and the man sitting next to me shook my hand and said he had fun riding with me. I happily grabbed my stuff out of the locker and decided to splurge on a Steel Vengeance t-shirt to commemorate my first ride.

Memorial Day weekend, Russell and Tee spent the weekend at the resort as a combination of his birthday and Mother’s Day celebration. Saturday, Russell invited me to spend the night with them. I got off at 8pm, and we went to Bay Harbor for dinner. It was a huge ripoff. I could have gotten the same dish at Olive Garden for half the price. We then went for a swim in the pool. I was off that Sunday (May 27th), so we went to the park together. We went on Windseeker, which Russell was terrified of. When the ride was stopping, he said to me, “You know, this ride really isn’t as bad.” In that moment, like word vomit, I said to him, “There’s something I’ve wanted to say to you all day.” He looked at me nervously, and I said, “I love you.” Things were quiet for a moment and I said, “If you’re not ready to say it back, it’s ok. I just wanted to put it out there that that’s how I feel.” Later that night, we were in the pool again, and he said, “So, do you remember what you said on Windseeker?” I asked him what about it, and he replied, “I love you too.” I was a little skeptical and asked if he really did or if he was saying it because I said it. “No, I’ve loved you for a while now. I was just waiting for you to say it first.”

May 28th was Memorial Day. I was a little bummed out because I wanted to see Journey and Def Leppard, but I was at work. I opened the carousel that day, and as I was hanging out waiting for riders, a storm began brewing in. I was a bit nervous because the roof of the carousel was made of tin. As I was nervously standing by the horses to avoid the storm, I heard someone call out to me. I looked over and saw a blonde girl walk up to me. “Hey, I’m Katie! I’m the TL!” she said. I smiled at her and introduced myself back. She asked if I had met Kel, and I told her I have and he was over at the boat. She then headed over there, and I was left by myself again. Eventually, Kel called over and told me to take the carousel down because of the storm, and I ran over to the boat because I didn’t want to be by myself.

June

June 2nd was my mom’s birthday, and I got to go home that night since I was off on the 3rd and my cousin’s daughter was being baptized. It was good being home for a bit. I went back that evening.

Around this time, I started getting closer to Mario. I was annoyed by him because he was always late and seemed so careless, which irritated me because he was the in-charge (I couldn’t be the in-charge since I was always being sent to Planet). One day, we were down for rain. Herbert wanted us to go back up, but Katie refused because it was raining and she didn’t want to boat to catch fire. Mario returned from break while I was sitting in controls eating a snack and Katie was arguing with Herbert. When I saw Herbert walking to the booth, I stuffed the rest of my snack into my mouth, and Mario made a sound effect to go along with it. I started laughing and asked why he did that, and he said that’s what it looked like. In that moment, I realized Mario wasn’t so bad after all. Herbert made me run a cycle of the boat and, when it didn’t show any signs of slippage, he made us go back up, despite it still pouring down rain. I was then sent to the carousel and Mario was sent home. He came to talk to me for a minute and invited me to go on Professor Delbert’s Frontier Fling with him. I accepted the offer, and we planned for the 12th since he was an O-4 and I was the cutback. 

Also, around this time, I met Bailey, Estefany, Deannia, and Mustafa. We all became like family to each other.

On the 12th, I went on Frontier Fling with Mario. I was off the next day, so Russell made the trip up to see me and spend time with me. He watched the two of us on Frontier Fling (he was too scared to join us) and laughed at how loudly I screamed. We then went to see what the wait time was for Steel Vengeance, since it was still on single-train operation. It was a 75 minute wait. Russell didn’t want to wait that long, but Mario did, so we let Mario go ride and me and Russell decided to go to the hotel. 

*THIS PART IS A LITTLE TMI* Russell brought his Switch along and we played Strip Mario Kart. When I lost, I was nervous about taking off my underwear, so we went into the bathroom and I pulled them off. I was terrified being naked in front of him. He took off his underwear too, making us both naked in the bathroom. We kissed, and then I giggled at the realization that we were standing in the bathroom, naked, and kissing. We then got into the shower together. Once we were done, we got into the bed and made out. We then did some inappropriate things (not sex though).

The next morning, we got breakfast in the hotel, and then we went inside the waterpark that was in the hotel. It wasn’t really that impressive. The water coaster was fun and the jacuzzi was great, but the water slide wasn’t fun (water got in my nose, and I couldn’t breathe. When I got into the water, I thought I was going to die for a few seconds until I remembered the pool where I landed was three feet deep and I could stand up. I stood up, took in a big breath, and saw Russell racing towards me because I was under for a bit longer than I thought. The lifeguard asked if I was good, and I nodded). We left the waterpark after a while, and then decided to go to CP for some fun.

On the 14th, I sadly had to go back to work. I put on my uniform and we got breakfast at McDonald’s. While eating, I saw my cousin and her kids. I waved them over and introduced them to Russell. My cousin asked what time I got on, and when I told her 11am, she said she’d stop by to see me (which ended up not happening. I’m thinking she probably stopped by while I was on break). Russell then dropped me off in the employee parking lot, and I waved as he drove back home.

Around this time, I started having trouble with my wisdom teeth. As you may remember from 2017, the right side of my mouth was giving me issues. This time, it was my left side. It was almost excruciating. I cried at work a few times because the pain was so bad and Advil and Tylenol were not helping at all.

The rest of the month was pretty dull. Though, at some point towards the end of the month, I watched The Incredibles 2. It was, well, incredible. MUCH worth 14 year wait.

July

July started off ok. I was still having problems with my wisdom teeth, but I was pushing through it the best I can.

On the Fourth of July, I worked the opening shift (because I requested to have the fifth off). After getting off work, I went to chill in my room for a while since the park was crowded and I didn’t feel like standing in the heat. When the sun started setting, I went back to the park and rode some rollies. I was going to hang out with Mario because he was supposed to be off at 9pm, but apparently the closing shift was taking their sweet time with breaks, so I ended up being on my own. I watched the fireworks show and then Mario found me. We rode some rollies together and then decided to hang out at the boat. When the park closed, I went to the “food festival” the park was having for employees, but nothing looked appetizing to me, so I left, thankful I was off the next day.

On July 9th, I was off... and so was Mario. When we found out we had the same day off, he asked what we were doing. Without skipping a beat, I told him we were riding Steel Vengeance. That morning, I had to run to Walmart and asked if he wanted to come with me (I needed to buy tampons, Orajel, and mac n cheese. I of course ended up buying some shit I didn’t need too). Mario came with me, and we kinda went our separate ways while shopping because he didn’t want to go into the tampon aisle. We met up after we were done, stopped at employee housing to drop off our stuff, and then we went on our way to the park. We had a ton of fun riding all the rides. Towards the end of the night, we rode Maverick, and the operators allowed rerides since there was nobody in line. We rode three times without needing to get back in line, though we did have to change seats once because someone was in line for our row. By the time we left, it was 11:05pm (five minutes after park close). Mario wanted to ride Steel Vengeance again, and we were a good five minute walk from there. I told him he had three minutes before they closed the line and I didn’t want to run, so he took off. I asked him the next day if he made it, and he said he did. 

In late July, I took three days off because I needed a break and was hoping to see my dentist. I went home and, while I wasn’t able to see the dentist, I was able to see Russell on July 25th, since I hadn’t seen him since June. We got dinner together and hung out. 

August

On August 5th, I was off, so Russell and Tee came up to visit the park and spend time with me. We rode a bunch of rides and had tons of fun. They left around 9pm since they had to work the next day, and I went to get some rest since I knew work was going to be brutal.

August was a pretty rough month. I was sick to death of the same old cycle of rotating between the boat and carousel. My schedule started becoming more hectic as Stef left on the 15th, Deannia left on the 24th, Bailey left on the 26th, and Katie left daily operations on the 25th (she’d return for Halloweekends though). Mustafa had been moved to Blue Streak, so it was only me, Mario, Kel, and whoever else was cross-trained that could come work. Because I was still sent to Planet and Kiddy quite a bit, they often would have to scrounge up two people. On top of that, Katie and Kel had no choice but to make me an in-charge since both of them were gone on Labor Day weekend and they couldn’t have Mario be the only in-charge.

Also, because Mario was late so often, the manager said that if he was one minute late ever again, he was getting fired. One morning, I knew he had to be in at 9am because he was at another ride. I was running the carousel, and as it was going, I saw Mario arrive. I looked at my watch. 9:25am. I gave him a sad look and shook my head, and he said, “I’m so sorry.” I broke down in tears. He was my best friend and honestly my only motivator for coming to work. After the cycle ended, I had nobody in line, so I called over to OMO. Katie answered and upon hearing my sobs, said to me, “Listen, I know you’re upset and I wish I could give you a hug right now, but you need to pull yourself together. Mario knew this could happen, and I don’t need you being sad right now. Be sad on your break. I love you, but please calm down.” Thankfully, Mario ended up not getting fired because he had a legitimate excuse for being late and the manager gave him another chance.

On August 27th, I had an appointment with the employee clinic. A couple weeks prior, I was experiencing migraines and nothing was making them go away. Not Advil, not Tylenol, not coffee, not ASMR videos, not even praying. I talked to the doctor about how I was feeling. I described all my symptoms (pain located on the right side of my head, nausea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to loud noises, and the pain was so bad that it made me cry during work. I hadn’t called off though because I didn’t want to let anyone down. The doctor asked when my next day off was, and I said Friday. She said she didn’t want me to wait that long, so she gave me a medical excuse to get the day off so I could get Excedrin. I walked to park op and talked to Ashley (one of the operations supervisors). She saw how bad I felt about taking the day off, but she said, “I appreciate that you’ve been pushing through the migraines, but I think you need to listen to the doctor on this one. I promise you aren’t letting the crew down. We’ll find someone to take your spot. Get the medicine and feel better. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I tried to sneak out so nobody on the crew saw me leave, but Jana saw me and ratted me out. Thankfully, after taking the Excedrin, I felt much better. I was afraid Kel would be mad the next morning, but he wasn’t mad at all. He asked if I was feeling better, and I just said, “Excedrin is magic. The migraines that have bothered me for the past two weeks are gone.”

August 30th was the roughest day yet. I started that day as the cutback, meaning I opened and left when breaks were done. I was supposed to be the first break. Come 11am, I saw that Kel, Mario, and Jana (an international who worked at Cads) were all at the boat, and wondered why I wasn’t sent on break. Before I had the chance to call and see what’s up, Kel called me and said, “You’re going to Planet. When Mustafa gets here, you’re going over there.” I was not happy to hear that! I wanted to go on break. When Mustafa came to the carousel with my bag, I wished him luck and sulked to Planet. After dropping off my stuff, Chris asked me what my shift was. I told him cutback, and he said he’d send me on break next and to send Emylee to Raptor. I ran one cycle at Snoopy’s Express when I was sent on break. That was fast! I told Chris I was taking an hour break and left. After break, I was sent to Road Rally. Noooo! I was at Road Rally for four hours til Chris came over and sent me to Deep Sea Divers because the person there needed to go to First Aid. I was getting impatient because it was 5pm and there were tons of breaks left. I was at Divers for about five minutes when Chris came to me again. He asked me the one question I thought he’d never ask... “Can you go to Cads?” Cads?? I went, not bringing my bag because I didn’t think I’d be there long. When I got there, Holly (the TL) filled me in on the details: she sent someone to HR hours ago and she never returned, and they had to give the cutback to an international because he had to process out or else he becomes “undocumented.” Since I was an in-charge at Cads in 2017, Herbert figured he could just throw me into position. She asked if I needed her to retrain me, and I said, “No. I got this.” I jumped cars *just like old times* and saw Josh (a regular from last year) who got excited to see me. Once breaks were done at Cads, Holly verified that I was ok with staying another two hours, and I said it was fine, but would it be ok if I ran to Planet really quick to get my bag. Holly said yes and told me to take my time since I *technically* needed a 15 since my shift was now an O-C. I got my bag and returned to Cads as promised. Holly then asked me if I wanted to close Cedar Downs since she previously heard me call it “my baby.” I said yes, and Kyle (the sup. Oh yeah, Lacey demoted herself to TL and took a position at another ride) handed me the keys when I got there. He teased me about working yet another carousel, and I just laughed. I got my spiel mixed up a few times because I was so used to Midway Carousel, but I managed to get it together. I thankfully only had one guest issue because he thought his little kid could ride, but he thankfully didn’t yell at me (so many people yelled at me last year!). At the end of the night, I was exhausted. Who knew being pinballed all over Area 1 could be so exhausting?

On August 31st, guess who made their return? That’s right: Russell and Tee! I was happy to see them. I was off that day, so I met up with them and we first dropped off our stuff at the hotel. Afterward, we went to Walmart and Cracker Barrel. I felt sad though because Russell was having coughing fits and I wanted him to feel better. That night, Russell decided to nap while me and Tee went into the park. We got our last ride on Witches’ Wheel (RIP 1977-2018) and also rode Magnum, Pipe Scream, and Maverick (mainly out of spite since it’s Russell’s favorite coaster). 

September

On September 1st, I didn’t have to be in til 11am (#bless) but that also made me the closing in-charge. I left the hotel room around 10:30am because I had to stop at Wardrobe and Starbucks. When I was at Wardrobe, I went to get my ID, and found Tee’s season pass with it. I gasped in horror because I completely forgot she gave it to me. After getting a clean uniform, I bolted back to the hotel and to the room. I knocked, when Tee answered, I gave her the season pass back. “I’m so sorry. I completely forgot I had it. I have to run now.” Tee laughed and said, “Yes, you do. Run!” I made it to work right on time and took charge sending breaks. The day went relatively smoothly. No big issues at all. At the end of the night, it was me, Louie (who worked Gemini), and Xavier (who worked at Windseeker). I took controls during the last half hour so I could organize paperwork to make closing easier. After both rides were closed, I sent them home and told them I’d see them bright and early. I finished up the paperwork and went to file it. Once everything was done, I texted Russell that I was on my way back. I got there, took a quick shower, and got into bed next to him, not looking forward to tomorrow morning. 

On September 2nd, I was the opening in-charge, meaning I had to be at work at least 15 minutes early. I set my alarm for 7am since I was on-site at the resort, and when Russell woke up with me, I quietly whined that I didn’t want to go. He helped me up and I got dressed into my uniform. He then walked with me to the entrance. He kissed my forehead goodbye (he was afraid he’d be contagious) and said he’d see me later (he and Tee were leaving that afternoon) and I went off to get breakfast before heading to park op. I then picked up the folder and keys, and went off to the ride. I sat alone and ate my breakfast while waiting for Louie and Xavier. When they showed up, I told them to decobweb the carousel. I worked on organizing the morning paperwork. I glanced over at the carousel about 20-past and they were goofing around. I called over and asked if they finished decobwebbing, when they didn’t give a coherent answer, I sighed and told them they had 10 minutes to decobweb before we had to do opening procedures. After 10 minutes, I saw they were still goofing around. I sighed again and called them again, telling them to come over for preopening. Because Xavier was the cutback, I had him open the carousel, and I had Louie open the boat with me. It felt weird being on the other side of opening the boat, since I’m so used to pressing the button and giving the “all clear” signal. Once preopening was done, I had Louie test-ride the carousel, and had Xavier test-ride the boat. At 11:20am, Mario arrived. Naturally, I was ticked, but I kept my cool and asked if he called park op. He said he did and explained that the bus schedule was off. I nodded, and wrote his explanation in the notes section. First breaks went off without a hitch. Xavier, me, and Louie all took hour breaks, and Mario took a 45. I went to send Xavier on his 15, and when he didn’t come back after 15 minutes, I thought maybe he was taking a 30 because he forgot he took an hour. Hey, shit happens. I saw Xavier pass the carousel and thought he was going to clock back in from break. When I wasn’t sent on a 15 after a few minutes, I looked over and saw Xavier was nowhere to be found. I called the boat and asked where Xavier was. Turns out, Xavier interpreted “go on your 15″ as “go home.” What? After an hour and no break help, Mario sent Louie over to rotate me out. After another hour (at this point, 45 minutes before we close), Jana came over for break help. Jana looked upset at first and asked me if she was here for the rest of the night. I told her no, and that she was only here for half an hour so Mario could go on break (both me and Louie forgoed our 15′s, since they’re optional. However, 30′s are mandatory). Jana looked relieved, and, to our delight, the ride went down for weather. We hid in the control booth and, when Mario returned, we sent Jana back to Cads.

September 3rd was the last day of daily operation, and Kel had returned (hooray!). It was kinda bittersweet to not be at the park daily, but it was a huge relief too.

September 4th was the scariest day ever. Me and Russell have a thing where we don’t got a day without talking. I texted him as usual, and when I didn’t get a response, I was a little concerned. By 10pm, I still had gotten nothing from him. I looked at the messages from the night before, and they were all good messages. Around 10:45pm, I sent him a message (admittedly out of spite) that said, “Ok, I’m going to guess you were super busy today lol. I’m going to bed now because I’m exhausted. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight, babe. I love you.” I was hoping that would trigger some kind of response, but it didn’t. I began running worst case scenarios in my head. My biggest fear was he was either dead or cheating on me. I was more worried than I was angry. I laid in bed and cried, because I didn’t know what was wrong.

Needless to say, I did not sleep well that night. I kept waking up and checking my phone, just hoping for some kind of text from him. Around 9am, I got a text. I didn’t even want to look at my phone at that point, because I was afraid I’d be getting my hopes up and that the text would be from Ashlyn or my aunt or something. I reluctantly looked, just in case. Sure enough, it was Russell. “Hey, baby. I am sooo sorry about yesterday. I got admitted into the hospital yesterday, but don’t panic. I was only admitted as a precaution because my oxygen levels were low. Turns out I have pneumonia after all lol. I would’ve told you yesterday, but my phone died and I didn’t have a charger on me. I hope you’re doing well. I love you, baby.” Tears filled my eyes, and I muttered that he was an ass. I replied to him, and we talked. (PS: Yes, he knows all about how I felt. We had this conversation later on and he almost got upset when he found out that he had me worried, but I told him that it was kinda a good thing too because it shows how deeply I care about him).

September 5th was also the first day of dance classes. I had ballet on Wednesdays and tap on Thursdays. I chose not to do jazz since the advanced class does hip-hop (which is not my forte) and the adult class is too basic for my repertoire. 

September 8th, it was back to the old grind. I came into work at 8am and we cleaned the rides super good. I was happy to see Katie again though. 

September 9th, Russell was released from the hospital (yay!) and it was Mustafa’s last day (boo!). He stayed in Sandusky til the 16th though and stopped by the boat to say goodbye to all of us.

Starting September 14th was Halloweekends. I was at Planet on Fridays, and at OMO Saturdays and Sundays (though there was one weekend I was at Planet all weekend, and the last two weekends, I was at OMO all weekend and Katie went to Planet because she was the TL there last year).

September 23rd was Jana’s last day. I was at Planet all weekend, meaning Jana was at OMO. I passed her on my way out, and Jana hugged me and kissed both cheeks. I was sad she was leaving because she was fun. 

On September 27th, I had my consultation for my wisdom teeth surgery. The surgeon said he would’ve liked it if I were a couple years younger since my wisdom teeth were pushing on my molars, but it was ok and I’d “probably live.” (he said that as a joke because he could tell I was nervous). The surgery was scheduled for November 8th. Hooray.

That’s about it for September.

October

October wasn’t all too exciting either. I got into the rhythm of dance and work. I was meanwhile trying to find another job since I can’t go back to CP for summer 2019 (way too busy, with the dance recital in 2019 and a coaster trip in the works with Russell). 

On October 19th, Russell and Tee came up for the weekend. It was great to spend time with them, albeit not much since I was working all day. That Friday, they visited me while I was working the carousel. The Saturday, they visited me both at the carousel and at the boat (I was working platform and they asked me if I wanted anything from McDonald’s. No, thank you. I don’t get off for another 75 minutes, plus if I eat before sleeping, I won’t sleep lol). The Sunday, they came to see me at the boat, and I happened to be in the control booth at the time. I didn’t notice them by the booth til the ride was stopping (Russell kept making faces at me to get my attention lol). When they were loading, Katie got back from her break (finally lol, We had to hold breaks for two hours because they sent Blake (the sup of Sky Ride) to Raptor and wouldn’t give us break help). As Katie signed for her break, I notified her, that my boyfriend was on the boat (71, my team lol) and that I was going to run the ride in manual (but only a little since we had a line). I ran in the ride in manual and let it swing in full power for 75 seconds (in automatic mode, it only swings in full power for 60 seconds). After the ride stopped, it was my turn on break, so I left with my bag to finally get some lunch. My boyfriend asked where I was going, and I told him lunch. He asked if I planned to leave when they got there, and I said no, I was supposed to go on break hours ago. He told me he was leaving, but would return next weekend because many of the rides were down for wind during the weekend, and he wanted the chance to ride more. He also offered to help me move out, and I accepted.

The 28th was the most bittersweet day of work. Kel and Katie established that nobody was getting a cutback to make closing fast and easy. We closed the boat 10 minutes early and the carousel five minutes early. We then got to work on cleaning the carousel super duper good. It was raining that day, so we spent the downtime at the boat cleaning everything. Once we agreed that the carousel was as clean as it would get (it IS 106 years old, after all), we called for area supervision to approve us to leave. While waiting for Herbert, I went to sign my name in the shed with Katie. Katie then gave me a heartfelt speech about how she loved working with me, even though we butted heads a few times. I gave her a heartfelt speech back about how much I appreciated her as a TL. We hugged, and Katie said, “You give really good hugs.” We laughed, and after a few moments, she added, “We should probably head back to controls before Kel thinks we’re making out.” Herbert messed with us a bit before saying, “You’re all good. Bye!” Kel and Mario went to sign their names too, and I gave Mario a big hug, with tears in my eyes, and told him I love him. Mario said he loves me too, and Katie demanded that she gets invited to our wedding. I clocked out for the last time, and went to process out so I could move out. Processing out was fairly easy. By the time I was all processed out and ready to move out, it was already 10pm. I texted Russell to let him know I was on my way back, and he said he’d meet me in the Commons lot. When I got there, I was nervous about talking to security, but it was thankfully a guard who likes me. “Hey, so they’re here to help me move out. Is that ok? Do they need to sign in?” The guard shook his head and laughed. Moving out wasn’t too bad since I packed most of my stuff already (just had to pack my pillows and blankets lol). Getting everything to the car was an adventure since one of my totes weighed more than I did. Soon enough, we got to my house, unloaded everything into the basement, and decided to let Tee (who was with us, btw) meet Seamus (my dog). She thought he was the cutest little dog ever.

On Halloween, I realized at 4:30pm we had no candy for the trick or treaters. How rude! I ran to Walmart, and Walmart had already set out their Christmas candy. No Halloween candy in sight. I ended up buying a Snickers variety, Reese’s, Dubble Bubble (my mom insists on this. Idk why), M&Ms, and gummies for the trick or treaters, and Almond Joys for myself. I then dressed into my Big Bird onesie and passed out candy to the trick or treaters.

November

November 6th, I voted ALL blue. Ok, MOSTLY blue. I voted for one red, because the blue candidate was an asshat. He apparently refused to test rape kits, which was a huge turn-off for me. Plus, the red candidate acted more Democrat than the actual Democrat candidate.

November 8th was wisdom teeth surgery day. I was nervous as all heck, but it ended up not being bad at all. I didn’t look when they put in the IV (my veins suck) and I was knocked out pretty quickly after the medicine was in (then again, my surgery was at 8:30am, so I may have fallen asleep on my own accord and they waited to make sure I was fully out). I can remember some things that were said while I was asleep (which freaked out one of the dentists) and everything that I said after I woke up. Contrary to popular belief, getting ‘loopy’ and ‘high’ isn’t too common after getting them removed. The first thing I said was, “Did the surgery happen yet?” because I thought I had only been asleep for five minutes. The dentist said yes, and went to get the surgeon, and I asked again because I didn’t know if she said yes to me or someone else. I looked at the clock, and noticed I was out for an hour. My whole mouth was numb, so I really didn’t know if it happened or not. The dentist returned, and asked for my mother’s name. I told her, and she left again. She then returned again and my mom was with her. The surgeon then came in and asked if I had questions, I asked him if it was over, and he said yes. I then asked to see the teeth, and he said no because they were in pieces and already thrown out (the dentist thought it was hilarious though). The surgeon then reminded me to not use straws til the wounds were closed, to replace the gauze as often as I needed, and to eat soft foods and incorporate more as I’m comfortable. He then wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic and a prescription for Vicodin. We stopped at CVS to get the medicine, and that’s when my mouth began to hurt. My mom was hesitant to let me take the Vicodin because she was afraid I’d develop an addiction (I kinda was too because I watched every episode of House MD, but I also thought that I was smart and knew when I had a problem).

The bleeding in my mouth stopped after a day and a half, the pain subsided after three days (I never once took a Vicodin), and I was able to eat most foods that weren’t super crunchy (e.g. chips, carrot sticks, crackers, popcorn) and drink from a straw within 10 days.

On November 21st, I went to Georgia with Russell and Tee for Thanksgiving. The trip down took about 13 hours (lots of traffic and construction, plus counting in time to eat and go to the bathroom), and I slept in the backseat for some of the trip. When we got to his aunt’s house, we were greeted by his two cousins (Cailen and Jacob) and Cailen’s boyfriend. His aunts (Sherrie and Tracy) joined us a few minutes later with pizza. Tracy first saw Russell and gave him a hug, and then she saw me sitting in a chair in the corner. She went up to me and said, “We’re a family of huggers, so get used to it.” I laughed and hugged her, saying I was a hugger too. We ate pizza together and his family asked questions to get to know me. Russell thankfully told them ahead of time to not be offended if I’m quiet at first, and that I’d be more open with them after I warm up to them. At bedtime, we put sheets on Sherrie’s roommate’s bed (who had left for the holiday) and fell asleep.

November 22nd was Thanksgiving. I sound asleep until I woke up to Russell shaking my shoulder. I opened one eye, and Russell asked me what I wanted from Starbucks. I muttered my order and fell back asleep. I ended up getting out of bed a few minutes later, and saw the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was on (I never watched it as a kid). Sherrie asked me if I wanted to taste-test a new recipe of hers, and I said yes. She made pumpkin waffles. The first batch looked good, but didn’t taste like much and had a pillowy texture. I didn’t hate it though. The second batch was ugly looking, but it tasted better and the texture was pancake-like. Russell returned with Starbucks, doughnuts, and McDonald’s breakfast. He got me an Egg McMuffin, and I gave him the Canadian bacon. After breakfast was done, we relaxed for a bit before starting making dinner. I helped out in the kitchen by pitching ideas and finding casserole dishes. While the cooking was going on, we played What Do You Meme and Social Destruction. One moment I’ll remember most was when Russell was talking about all the places he was applying, and he jokingly asked me if I would move to Pittsburgh with him, and I sincerely answered with, “Yes.” When dinner was ready, Tracy went to say the blessing, and Russell kept poking my ribcage, which made me laugh and made Tracy irritated. Once the blessing was done, we ate. It was a great dinner, and the chocolate pecan pie was amazing. After dinner was done, we watched the football game and Jacob kept bugging Russell to play video games. At bedtime, Russell asked me if I meant it when I said yes to moving with him, and I nodded. He then snuggled me and said, “That means a lot to me that you would move with me. The fact that you didn’t even hesitate to say yes or even ask if we could talk about that. The fact that you would move with me, it’s how I know this relationship is for real and that we’ll be together for a long time.”

On November 23rd, I woke up to Sherrie knocking and asking if I wanted to go to Bath and Body Works. Hell yeah, I wanna go! I took a quick shower, and then me, Sherrie, and Tee were on our way (Russell didn’t want to go lol). There was a deal that if you spent $30, you got a tote for $30. I definitely wanted that deal, and I ended up spending.. $144. Oops! We then stopped at Starbucks, and I got a souvenir mug with Georgia on it as well as coffee. We then stopped at home and hung out for a bit while waiting for Cailen to get off work so we could go shopping at The Mall of Georgia. Once we got the message that Cailen was off, we met her at her workplace and went to stop at Cook Out to meet up with Russell’s friend Monkey (not his real name) and his girlfriend Laikyn. I just got a milkshake since we planned to go to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. We all then went to the mall, with Sherrie and Tee in one car, Monkey and Laikyn in another, and me, Russell, Cailen, and her boyfriend in another. The parking lot was PACKED. It took Sherrie about five minutes to get a spot, Monkey about 20 minutes, and it took Russell an hour. Fun stuff. We met up with them at Bath and Body Works (Sherrie found the color tote she wanted there) and then we went off to Spencer’s. I have no idea how, but I managed to spend more at Spencer’s than I did at Bath and Body Works. $153. Whoops! We then went to Cheesecake Factory to get a table, and there was a 45 minute wait. They gave us a buzzer, and we went to Books-a-Million to wait since it was cold and raining outside. We browsed around, and Russell found a book called Gray’s Anatomy (I laughed, and told him the show was Grey’s with an e, not an a). We went back to Cheesecake Factory about 30 minutes later, and we got our table pretty soon afterwards. I got a pasta dish, and it was pretty subpar. I then shared an Oreo cheesecake with Russell since I’m not the biggest fan of cheesecake. 

On the 24th, I got to meet Russell’s grandmother, Tee’s mother, Miss Linda (that’s how she introduced herself to me). I was nervous to meet her since she has dementia and lives in assisted living. I was polite and courteous throughout. She asked me for my name a few times, and she asked me what I like to do for fun. I mentioned that I’m a dancer, and she called me Twinkle Toes. After our visit (we only stayed about 20 minutes, since Miss Linda would probably forget we were ever there anyway), we went to Captain D’s, which is a much better version than Long John Silver’s. After lunch, we made the drive down to Commerce, which is where Russell grew up. He gave me a little tour of where he lived, where he went to school, and a hospital that Miss Linda used to run, and I laughed upon seeing a furniture store called Badcock. We were waiting for Russell’s friend Sergio to get off work, so we went to pass time at Tanger Outlets, where I’ve never been before. We drove around, looking at the stores that were there, and out of all the stores there, I wanted to stop at the cookie shop. After we finished driving around Tanger Outlets, we went to Starbucks. Finally, Sergio was off, so we went to see him. We only stayed for a few minutes, and we invited Sergio to come over tomorrow to play games. We then got back to Sherrie’s house and ate our leftovers from Cheesecake Factory.

On the 25th, we decided to stay at home and chill. Sherrie asked me to go to Starbucks with her, and I went because Starbucks. At 3:30pm, Monkey and Sergio came over, and Cailen came over around 4pm to play too. At 6pm, Cailen left, and we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner. I got a marg and vegetarian nachos, and the marg ended up being stronger than expected. I became dubbed as “drunky” because of how out of it I was after drinking it. I couldn’t remember much of what happened, except for telling everyone how much I love Russell, wanting to go to Atlanta Beach, and rapping Anaconda. Oh, another thing. When Monkey asked me how I met Russell, I kept answering, “Fire Emblem” because Russell doesn’t want Tee to know we met online, let alone on Tinder, and I don’t like lying (Russell had told everyone we met at school, which really isn’t logical since I’ve never gone to his university. The lie I ended up creating was I was with my sister for a college visit and we met while I was there). Russell, Monkey, Sergio, and Tee all played Mario Kart, and I watched.

The next morning, me and Russell woke up, and he asked if I remembered last night. I shook my head, and he filled me in on all the details. I laughed. I then got up to shower since we had to head back to Ohio (back to reality). As we were getting ready to go, Sherrie got up and gave us Christmas presents. I was surprised she got me something too. She got me a pair of leg-warmers, which I was happy about since I could always use leg-warmers in ballet class. I thanked her, and after everything was packed, we went on our way... but first, we stopped in South Carolina to see Russell’s friend Mole (whom I had spoken to on the phone a bit). We met at Mole’s workplace and we talked for a bit. It was good to have a face to his name after speaking to him. After leaving, Russell wanted to see Clemson University, since that’s where Mole goes. After taking a little unofficial tour, we went to Waffle House to get some breakfast. We then hit the road on our way home. Traffic was much better on the way back home... til we got to Ohio. It started snowing pretty hard, and people don’t know how to drive in snow in Ohio. When I saw we were going 30 miles per hour on the highway and had passed a few spin-outs/wrecks, I called my mom and asked her not to take the highway on the way home from the studio. We got to my house safe and sound, and I found Seamus in the living room by himself. I took him outside, and kissed Russell goodbye since he had finals coming up and I wouldn’t see him for a little while. Seamus came over to us and he was growling at Russell. I told him to “be nice to my boyfriend” and Russell called him. Seamus came over, sniffed him, and... barked. I looked over at Tee, who was sitting in the car, and she started cracking up at Seamus barking at Russell. I told Russell to drive carefully, and took Seamus inside. 

November 28th was Fiona’s 16th birthday. We asked her if she wanted to go to the studio with us, but she said no. I didn’t want to do nothing for her birthday, so I asked Mom if we could get Dairy Queen for her. We picked Fiona up from Moira’s apartment and we bought her some ice cream.

On the 29th, my dance teacher asked me to join the tap class that took place before my ballet class because there were only two in the class and she want to merge them with the advanced class (the class I take). I asked if I would be in two tap classes, and she nodded. I then asked if I would look ridiculous since I’m 12 years older than them, and she said that I wouldn’t height-wise since Alana is my height and Caroline is taller than me, but I might look more advanced since I’ve been tapping longer than they’ve been alive. I lastly asked if she was asking anyone else to join, and she said she was asking Clare to join too since we were the only two that weren’t in a jazz class. I pondered it for a minute, and agreed. She then asked Clare to join, and Clare didn’t even hesitate to say yes after she found out I was in too. Yay for a second tap class.

December

On December 5th, I decided to get a head-start on joining the tap class so I could get a feel for where they are technique wise and learn their warm-ups. 

December was quite a frustrating month for me. I kept getting rejections after rejections. My dad yelled at me about getting a job because he wanted me to get my own phone bill, and yelling at me didn’t help at all! It completely frustrated me.

On December 15th, I got to see Russell. We went to Dave and Busters. He beat me in our first 2 out of 3 for Skee Ball, and I beat him in our second round. I beat him in Mario Kart, which made him mad and me laugh. He beat me at Connect 4 and I beat him at Pac-Man. We also did some of the “win tickets” games, and I won the 500 ticket jackpot on a Plinko-like game after he won 5 tickets. I thought he was going to be mad again, but he looked shocked. “That was honestly impressive” was all he said. After we ran out of tokens on the play card, we got dinner. I got the veggie burger, and it was the best veggie burger I’ve ever eaten! I offered Russell a bite, and he hesitantly accepted. He looked skeptical putting into his mouth, but he looked amazed that it actually tasted good. After dinner, we played some more. After we ran out of tokens, we went to go get prizes. I took home a plush Tommy Pickles, and Russell took home a plush Ren and a Plush Pikachu. We then went to Dairy Queen to eat ice cream and then Russell asked to see my dance studio since it was in the area. I showed him where it was, and pointed out where everything was from the windows. Afterwards, he dropped me off at my house. 

December 18th, my mom asked if we wanted to go to the mall when she got home from work. We all said yes (I needed to buy something for my dad still, Fiona wanted to spend time with Mom, and I made Bridgid come with because I didn’t want to walk around the mall by myself since the mall has become a prime spot for human trafficking. Gotta use the buddy system!). Me and Bridgid went to Dick’s to find a present for Dad, and I bought him an 18 pack of orange golf balls. I then took Bridgid to Spencer’s, and limited myself to buying only two shirts. We then went into Forever 21 (Bridgid’s favorite store) and I bought a sports bra (that ended up being too small), leggings (that ended up fitting good), and socks (they had Minnie Mouse on them!). We decided to walk around, and I saw that Payless was having a sale: 40% off the entire store! I bought some nice shoes to wear on Christmas (Dad always gets on my case for wearing sneakers to Christmas) and some tie-dye socks. Finally, we went to find Mom and Fee in the food court. Mom saw all my bags and rolled her eyes. Oops. We then went to leave the mall. We parked at Sears, so we went through Sears to get to the car. As we walked, I saw an ugly Christmas sweater vest, which reminded me of Grandma. I called for Mom, and she came over, saw the vest, nodded knowingly, and led me away.

December 22nd, I met up with Russell for our little Christmas celebration. We drove to IHOP for dinner, and decided to open presents before going in. I got him a Saints sweatshirt that had autographs from Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara and two t-shirts from Spencer’s (one that read “In my defense, I was left unsupervised” and “I didn’t mean to end up this sexy, but shit happens”), my mom got him a Saints football, and Bridgid got him a McDonald’s gift card. He didn’t have a physical present for me because he was getting me a platinum pass to Cedar Point (this man is a keeper!), but Tee got me a blanket that came with cherry blossom lotion, a sleep mask, and peanut butter cups (Russell told her that they’re my favorite). I got Tee a Jack Skellington t-shirt, a jaguar print blanket, and Trident cinnamon gum (because I know that’s her favorite). We then ate dinner in IHOP and then we went to the mall. We then stopped at Walmart to walk around and buy graham crackers for my cookies. We then went to Steak n Shake to spend more time together and get milkshakes for dessert. After we got done, we hung out in a park. 

On December 23rd, we went to Moira’s house. I got Moira a body spray and both of them a CrockPot. Moira got me a shirt, leggings, and mascara. Adam got me lotion, socks, and a candle.

Christmas Eve, I made peanut butter blossoms and s’mores cookies. Both recipes turned out amazing. Score for me!

Christmas morning, I set my alarm for 8:30 because I was under the assumption we were going to 9am Mass. When nobody else was up, I hit snooze. I intended to get up shortly after 9am so I could shower, but I ended up sleeping til 10:30. Oops! I dressed for Church and did my hair as neatly as possible, promising myself to shower afterwards. Thankfully, my dad didn’t complain about it. After Church, my dad wanted coffee, but McDonald’s was closed. Thankfully, the Dunkin next door was open. We went in and got coffee and doughnuts. After getting home, the first thing I did was get in the shower. Later on, we went to my uncle’s house on my dad’s side for Christmas dinner. After dinner and presents, we went to my uncle’s house on my mom’s side for presents and dessert. Once we got home, it was time to open our own presents. I got an iPhone 7+ (it was time for my upgrade anyway, so it worked out perfect), a new pillow, a blanket (I love blankets), some clothes, and new bedsheets. It was a wonderful Christmas.

On December 28, I met up with someone I hadn’t seen in a very long time... Ashlyn! We were so excited to see each other, especially since it had been 2.5 years. We got dinner at Applebee’s and got dessert at Menchie’s. I was glad to spend time with my best friend.

New Year’s Eve, I spent with Russell. We got a hotel room for us to spend time together and have some fun. *THE REST IS TMI* I felt a little bad though because Russell had brought Trojans, just in case we went that far, and I was too scared to do it. I got upset, and Russell held me and reassured me that he loves me and that he respects my decision to not do it. Later on, though, I allowed him to do just the tip, so the Trojans got a use after all. 

Well, that was 2018. What an amazing year. I came into 2018 single and sad. I’m leaving 2018 taken by an amazing man and happy. Hopefully 2019 will be good too.