bella and mortimer weren't super young parents to begin with to me. i feel like they both had careers and did crazy young rich people shit for a while. popping bottles on yachts and travelling around to explore the world. amassing a collection of Oddities. and finally had cassandra at like 30 at the earliest. bella's gotta be like mid 40s at the youngest. you can even go with 'she had some work done, she does botox' to get away with Looking younger and i guess i'd be able to follow that logic but it is still the coward's way out. let her be old!!!

Hey, not to be that person (😭) but I sent an ask a few days ago(?) and idk if you answered and I missed it, if tumblr ate it, or if you haven't gotten around to it, so feel free to just delete this lol but I was just wondering about what your thoughts on Tim keeping Red Robin as a name when in his RR run he talks about how he chose it to be a temporary/disposable ID and why writers chose to keep him like that. Sorry for being like this lol 😳😅

ITS OKAY i did see that i’ve just got backlogged anons and stuff from like the last several days still 😬 sometimes i see something and im like ‘oh i have thoughts on that topic but im busy rn i’ll answer it later’ and then i forget/it gets buried (if u send me something in general and i didnt answer it thats prob what happened and hopefully one day i will get to it djdhshs)

ANYWAYS THOUGH:

So I think part of the problem is that had Red Robin 2009 been able to continue as a comic, without the New 52 happening, over time we probably could have gotten to see Tim grow into another role, because that was the comic that established how Red Robin was supposed to be a temporary thing (or even as Kon had called it in Adventure Comics #3 a ‘punishment’) and had him on a trajectory to move in a new direction as a character. However, since he hadn’t found other footing yet and had still been in that Red Robin role when DC slammed that reboot button it was just easier for them to use the same name he’d been using but shove him back development and story-wise (Again, stuff like the ‘he was possibly only ever Red Robin not Robin’ thing that isn’t consistent in the New 52 but is brought up multiple times, which contradicts the notion that it was only supposed to be temporary) which has left him in this stagnant place attached to that role.

Before the reboot he’d only been Red Robin for what, like 2 years? And by the end of the comic he’s there asking himself ‘What will I become?’, that definitely fits in with the idea of Red Robin being something temporary and transitional still.

But since the reboot in 2011, so around 10 years now, he’s been more or less in the Red Robin role and it’s been treated as essentially just ‘Robin: 2’ rather than an independent thing he was using as a launching point to define himself as an individual (and then he was more on the Robin end of things in YJ 2019 but still kinda using both names? and then the brief Drake detour) because DC just doesn’t know what the hell to do with him. He had been starting to create his own path but all the things that had built up to that got erased by the New 52 so it was no longer relevant and they had nowhere to go with him.

I think now that memories of before the New 52 are an accessible plot point again due to Death Metal & Infinite Frontier stuff, maybe they could start to get Tim back on track to grow out of Red Robin, pick up pieces of some of that from before.

But yeah, Red Robin being this longterm is something I really blame on the New 52 and the changes it brought more than anything else

Tales of Symphonia is one of the most common answers I get when I ask "What was your first Tales of game?"

It's usually followed by "I didn't finish it my first time" or "I finished it but kind of forgot about it and didn't realize how good the story was."

Most of those people fell in love with the Tales of series through a different game than Symphonia even though Symphonia was their first Tales of game.

While this is okay, a lot of them also state that Symphonia is one of their favorite games in the series.

I have a theory on this and I want to lay it out. So... I will. Here is why I think Symphonia was a lot of people's first Tales game but wasnt the one that made them love the series.

First off, age. Destiny and Eternia (Tales of Destiny 2 in NA) were the only western releases before Symphonia. Destiny was released in 1998 and a lot of people weren't quite old enough to fully play through it all grasp the seriousness of the game and story. Those that were old enough probably weren't too excited about the gameplay and battle system which was mostly turn base at that time. It seemed weird, a little stiff, and a bit clunky at times. A lot of people didnt like that and the challenge it brought. It was also the first in the series (second ever) to reach the west. It had no fanbase and the internet wasn't exactly there like it is now.

Tales of Destiny II came out Seltember 10, 2001. That's right. One day before the Twin Towers fell, Tales of Destiny II was released.

Okay, I have to stop. It's Eternia. I hate they called it Destiny 2 in the west. Lol. I am going to say Eternia from now on.

Tales of Eternia had almost no good advertising for it's western release and the status of 9/11 brought about some weird thing where people only remember the towers and not much else going on. That being said, Eternia wasn't all that great and there were other things to be hyped about.

Namco thought that naming it Tales of Destiny II would be enough advertising since Destiny did pretty good in the west. The only problem is... they literally didn't do almost any advertising. They kind of just threw it out there to the west with minimal effort. A big mistake in my opinion but it sold enough to try the western market at least one more time.

Now it's on to Symphonia' release!!!

So here is the main part to my theory on why a lot of people begin with Symphonia but never finish or it takes a different game to love the series. This whole theory is more based on people 32ish and under.

It's because the beginning of Symphonianis bright, vibrant, and childish. I think people started it expecting some awesome adventure with a darker undertone than what we got in the first hour or the game. It takes a long time to get to the boss in the fire temple. There is one fight with humans. After that you fight bunnies and birds. Yep. You're supposed to be on a big adventure to regenerate the world and you fight bunnies, birds, and snakes at the start lol.

Also, your protagonists are children with two adults. Raine does make the situation better with her history enthusiasm but Kratos is kind of boring tbh. The cast is kind of dull at the start. They are immature (naturally) and fight bunnies lol. I digress when it comes to their decisions with the start to an otherwise epic, monumental game.

Symphonia was released in North Amarica July 13, 2004. Also, Final Fantasy was dominating the JRPG market and FFX was released a year prior and FF X came out just before 2002 and that's is arguably one of it's best games, mainly among FF/JRPG newbies. FF X-2 entering NA during December the same year (2004). Final Fantasy XI was kind of a disaster but it was there as well. Crystal Chronicles was a Final Fantasy game released in 2004 that was a multiplayer and kind of a 3D battle system (in a weird, "step outside the circle and you will die" kind of way).

There are a few other games that took attention away from Symphonia such as Drakengard. Drakengard got a bunch of advertisements that year. It was everywhere. I bought it abs remember thinking how amazing the gameplay and graphics were. It was one of those "test the limits, build an amazing story, and show off current gen capabilities" games.

Drakengard took up time. People had both saved to the memory card. A lot of people played both and sometimes never finished Symphonia or half assed paid attention.

Star Ocean: Till the End of Time was released. Star Ocean was a hit in the west and everyone waited forever for the new Star Ocean (TEOT). It finally came that year and Square Enix knew the west had been waiting forever for a new Star Ocean. Square Enix had the big name in the JRPG and did a beautiful advertising job.

All that being said, Tales of Symphonia is finally released. The gameplay and story were amazing. Word of mouth helped out. Couch co op existed and the 2 player option was actually fun. The second player felt way more involved and could move around during battle and at the time, a co op JRPG of that caliber didnt really exist. It drew some people in. Siblings could play an RPG together and it was actually a really good game with an amazing story and combat system.

Namco also advertised Symphonia and learned their lesson that name alone wasn't enough in the west. They had full page ads in Nintendo Power. They advertised it in EB Games (Electronic Boutique, AKA, Gamestop before Gamestop bought them). They actually advertised it very well. I think it was because Star Ocean advertisements were out there and that was their big competitor for that release (they had to beat that before they could step to FF even though SO and FF are both owned by SE).

So... I think the flurry of all these things created one of the best games of all times. However, all the other games surrounding it and what led up to it created a storm.

A storm that had almost everyone play it at some point.... but not realize it's a series. Having played it they eventually come across another Tales game and buy it or play it. Quickly they think "oh... that's a series? I played that. Oh... this looks good actually."

Thus.... we have a reason why so many people have ToS as their first Tales game, admit it's one of the best in the series, but then tell you it's not why they love the series lol.

Thanks for reading my essay. There is more but tbh I spent way too much time as it is and wrote out way too much. I highly doubt anyone is even going to read all this or be interested but here it is. My stupid, useless theory.

Encourage you to write aus and post some stuff saw you say something about that so do it 💌

Asoakahag ok I did ask for that.

The most recent fantasy high au thats been invading my brain is an amusement park au where the bad kids all work there. Its got like no rules, actual children in charge of operating rides and being lifeguards and it's insane. It's kinda set in the 80s still with fantasy stuff tho (Mostly inspired by watching a bunch of action park documentaries)

(Starts off like a documentary, dialogue with intros and then flashbacks to scenes in between)

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Oh, um, I am Gorgug Thistlespring and I was an employee for The Augefort Adventuring Park. I was in charge of the moving rides like coasters and stuff."

"Great. So what was your experience working there?"

"Well working there was not uh very safe?- Wait is Augefort going to see this because he already didn't like me much for some reason, but talking bad about him is just asking for trouble."

"I would think that won't be a problem now."

"Ah right, yeah, I forgot sorry."

"Thats fine. Now back to the question, what was it like?"

"When I worked there, well I was only there for a few seasons, my parents heard the rumors, well not rumors they were true, and got concerned about it all. Makes sense. I still miss it a bit though. Not much because yeah there were a bunch of injuries on the rides. Like that was a daily occurrence. People would get sent to the medic all the time I'm sure thay they got overwhelmed and didnt have enough supplies. I dont remember. Well Kristen would know more."

"Interesting, and what was you're job specifically?"

"Oh I was one of the crew who operated the rides and would fix them when they broke. Which was fairly often. I was not good at it. At first. I got better though. Because my parents are engineers and they taught me some. And probably not enough because I was a kid in charge of these huge electronic rides that never worked right."

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Riz Gukgak, licensed private investigator."

"And former position please."

"... I was the guy that they would stuck in the Tube of Death to clean it out. I'm small so I could fit. It got pretty bloody in there even with all the water going through it. And I was stuck in the moter city circuit area most of the time. Unfortunately, that was next to the water areas and the smog from the moter cars and machines would get mixed with the chlorine of the pools and create this toxic cloud."

"Huh. I did not know that. What was it like working there? And why did you choose to work at the park?"

"Working there? It was wild. I mean you had just kids there, anyone who could look 14 would get hired to work the park. Child labor laws really meant nothing to them. Legally they did alot of messed up stuff. Insurance fraud, negligence, manslaughter at one point, cause you know how many people got hurt there? I mean some people died even. It was scary. And any lawsuit you could think up. Of course they won most of the suits."

"Well you certainly know alot. But you still didn't answered my questions."

"Oh I got a job there specifically to investigate all the weird stuff going on there."

"At 14?"

"At 14. I should not have been hired."

"Yes I agree to that."

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Gilear Faeth, I was the lunch lad."

"Um I'm sorry, lunch lad?"

"Yes. That is what the children and Augefort called me. Quite alot. I was also the vice president, but mostly I was the lunch lad."

"Ok then hm." The sound of paper and pen writing down ferociously.

"Now what exactly did your job entail."

"Well one of the things I had to do as lunch lad was take all the week old stale hot dog buns and place them in a colander with hot water to make them less stale. But then they were soggy so I would put them in the oven."

"I'm sorry... what? No I meant what did you do as the vice president?"

"Oh much less than soggy hot dog buns. I actually had very little influence on the park. I would say I actually had such little influence that I was the lunch lad more than i was the vice president. In fact when I was vice president I had a much worse time and was fired and rehired so many times it was unbearable."

"Uh ok moving on."

"Actually my daughter got me the job of lunch lad and vice principal. Well she's not technically my daughter, Fig was raised by me but I am not biologically her dad. But she is very insistent that she is still my daughter and now has multiple dads."

"Yes, well the question-."

A crinkling sound from Gilears mike, muffles his voice.

"Apologies, but sir I think your mike is-"

"Oh, no"

A high pitched feedback sounds from his mike.

"Oh god someone please fix that!"

"I am so terribly sorry about this-"

"Cut his mike! God that sound!"

Static.

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Kristen Applebees-O'Shaughnessey and I was the medic for the infirmary of the Adventure park. Well one of two medics. The other is my wife! I love her."

"Well ok then, is she available too right now?"

"Oh nah, Tracker has got this religious cleric thing to do. I mean could be doing that with her, but instead I'm talking to you about that old danger park."

"The Augefort Adventuring Park."

"Right that thing."

"Ok then, let's get to it."

"Well I don't really remember much."

"What do you remember?"

"Yeah I mostly would hook up with Tracker in the employee shed."

"I did not need to know that."

"Well that's what I remember the most of the park."

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"I am Fabian Aramais Seacaster-"

"Sir please stop shouting."

"Oh right. Sorry. Well I was the best lifeguard in the entire Adventuring park!

"Didn't multiple people get hurt on your watch? Many times? Not an isolated incident either. This happened many times. "

"Well yes but these things do happen. Isn't that just in the nature of adventure though! For exciting things to happen!"

"Not for a park no, generally its frowned upon when people get hurt."

"Well if people don't want to get hurt they shouldnt have gone to The Adventuring Park. It is very much dangerous."

"That is something we can agree on."

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Well you should know who I am! C'mon!"

"Um I still need you to say it for the record."

"Ok! Well I'm Fig Faeth of Fig and the Sig Figs fame!"

"And your former position."

"I was supposed to be on the moter city thing but I'd usually dump that on Riz to do and go smoke or something."

-

"Yeah and Fig would always shirk her duties on me to go gods knows where."

-

"I'd go to the parking lot and throw bottles at the ground from the tall construction equipment. That was fun. Everyone did it. We just didnt invite Riz becaus he's such a buzzkill."

-

"Wait they did what without me? That's so dangerous. And I am not a buzzkill!"

-

"Oh Riz is not a buzzkill. He's more of a fun withholder. Like he will tell in you if you're having any fun."

-

"Thank you Fabian! Wait no I am fun."

-

"Please state your name and former position for the record."

"Adaine Abernant. And is this really necessary? I mean I dont mind doing it but-"

"Well yes. I want to discover everything about The Adventuring park to make sure something like it doesnt happen again."

"What do you mean 'happen again'?"

"I have been thinking about reopening the Park. Of course making everything much safer and less chaotic and less deadly."

"Oh that's going to be extremely difficult but I am very excited for you, [REDACTED]!

"Ah please refrain from using my name, as this is all supposed to be a surprise."

"Alright. Well if you want any help with it I would be perfectly fine with that."

"Thank you very much Adaine. I will take that into consideration. Now back to the questions."

New Beginnings

Kai Parker x Reader word count: 8 470 warning: smut summary: concludes the story from ‘White Christmas’ & ‘Let It Snow’ ☃🎑/ though if you don’t have the time to read them, you can just skip over to this one; it can be read completely separate … ❤ *gif by me / keep reading after the cut🙄😈 ________________________________________

New Year’s Eve

Kai rubbed his palms together in an attempt to warm them up on his way up the stairs of her house’s front porch. Snow covered the front yard and the tiny snowman they had built together the day before seemed to greet him with it’s branch-hand lifted up. Lights twinkled around the windows and even though Christmas had been a week ago, the Christmas spirit was very much in the air. As he got closer to the front door, he could hear light music playing inside along with her soft footsteps as she danced or tiptoed around the house humming along to the song. His lips curled into a small smile and he knocked on the door.

During the past few days since their conversation at the Salvatore’s backyard and their snow fun, he had started to see the walls built around her heart start to crumble down. He could see the little passageways in them too, ones that he had created which seemed to get bigger with every passing day along with her smile. A smile which somehow brightened up his day and warmed his heart like nothing else and didn’t seem to leave her lips ever since they had walked in the Salvatore boarding house after their winter wonderland adventure. He couldn’t get the image out of his head – her eyes sparkling, her smile so bright and warm ot was almost as if it could melt the snow outside. Every time he had thrown a snowball at her a little harder causing her to nearly slip up on the snow, he had ran in vampire speed to catch her… and in the end both of them fell on the ground, her on top of him every time. But one of his favourite moments from that day had been walking into the house afterwards, both of them covered in snow and smiling wider than ever as if they didn’t have a care in the world; For the first time in his life he knew what real happiness felt like. Kai glanced at his reflection in the door’s small glass windows, ran his fingers through his hair and tried to take a peek inside through the small gap in the curtains. They had spent every day the past week together – sometimes watching a movie; making a puzzle, playing chest, just having fun in the snow or just doing nothing. Kai had never imagined that sitting in silence gazing at her while she read a book next to him on the couch or just tried to untangle a giant ball with Christmas lights she seemed very keen on putting on, could be so much fun. Those days went down as one of the best ones in his life and kind of reminded him of the week he had been taking care of her after her clock tower jump not too long before her parents moved away and she had stayed behind. Just the two of them, no one there to interrupt them or anything. Only problem during those lazy afternoons together was the fact he couldn’t kiss her like he wanted and the close calls like when they reached across the floor for a puzzle piece or to move a chess piece weren’t helping much.

    “Hey. You are so punctual.” she opened the door smiling. Their eyes met and her breath got caught in her throat. His gorgeous blue/grey eyes sparkled like never before causing her heart to do an Olympic gold medal flip and the fact he was wearing that black trench coat wasn’t helping her heartbeat calm down. “Wow –”

Kai smiled at her, barely able to tear his gaze away. “Wow what?”

Y/N took his hand and pulled him inside. “Nothing, just … I don’t know. There is something different about your eyes. I um –” she cleared her throat, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips at her reaction. “I’m almost ready. Just have to grab my coat and bag.” she turned around and took a few steps before he gripped her wrist. “Malachai –”

He looked her up and down. Y/N had chosen a short black skirt, no surprise at all seeing how much she loved wearing those, ankle high boots and a long sleeve white pull over with a horizontal thick black stripe right in the middle. Her hair was pulled in a sideways loose ponytail and there was barely any make up on her face. Not that she needed any, she always looked – “So beautiful. Hmmm—” he licked his lip. “I’ll never get over it… or how much I love hearing you say my name.”

Y/N smiled shyly at the ground, intertwined their fingers together before her eyes met his. “Get used to it.” she took a shallow breath, feeling his palm brush gently against her cheek. “I um… and get ready to watch me fall like a thousand times on the ice skating ring.” she laughed nervously.

Kai’s lips curled into a smile. “How many times do I have to tell you? I will always catch you when you fall.”

*                   *                *

Spending the last day of the year with Kai at the ice skating ring quickly turned into her most favourite memories from the passing year. His hands never seemed to leave her body – he was always either holding her hand or his hand was on her waist keeping her balanced while they skated, not letting her even slip on the ice. His smile never seemed to leave his face and his laugh, well his laugh was the most beautiful sound she had ever head in her life.

Meeting her parents for christmas day dinner (seeing how their plane got rerouted due to a snowstorm the day before) had gone better than she could’ve expected. All those nerves she had felt the night before about the meet had vanished the second Kai’s arm had wound around her waist and everything had somehow seemed clearer than it had ever been before. Kai had gotten her parents approval and even more – her parents had asked when they could expect grandchildren from them seeing how they had been dating for quite a while (though that hadn’t been exactly the truth) at which point, if it hadn’t been because of Kai holding her she probably would’ve fainted. Always there to catch when you fall indeed, she thought.

Later on, after their ice skating adventure, they had stopped by the Grill to grab a cup with hot cocoa before heading towards the boarding house for the New Year’s party. Upon their arrival, they had gotten quite the looks walking in through the front door hand in hand, especially from Damon and Bonnie who were more on the fence about Kai than anyone else in the group. Neither of her friends said anything nor did they tried to separate them as they made their way into the living room and sat on the sofa next to each other. But even if someone had said something, neither Kai nor Y/N would’ve heard it – they were too lost in each other to notice much like all those times before. Only this time it was different because they werent standing on the opposite ends of the room exchanging longing glances, acting as if they didnt feel a thing for the other.

    “I have something for you.” she whispered in his ear while he tried to decide if he should put his arm around her shoulders or if it that would be too much for her friends to see. “It’s um… It’s at home actually.”

Kai turned towards her, his face barely an inch away from hers. He tried to remember if he had seen a gift wrapped somewhere in the house, but the only gift he could think of was her. Unless she had hidden it somewhere… but what else could she give him? He had everything right there by his side. “You already gave me the best presents ever – spending my first real Christmas with you; this tie –” he wrapped his fingers around the tie on his neck, which she seemed to really like playing with. “—which I absolutely love, though nowhere as near as you seem to. You opening up and letting me into your heart … and something I never thought I’d get.”

    “What?”

    “My girl’s parents’ approval. I love saying that – my girl… Even though you um – you still haven’t given me an answer.” He smiled, watching her cheeks flush a light shade of pink a moment before she pulled his hand around her shoulder. Two days ago he had asked her to go on a date with him, at which point she had neither said ‘no’ nor she had said ‘yes’. There hadn’t been a ‘I’ll think about it’ either, just her eyes lighting up like he had never seen them before and her cheeks flushing a bright shade of red. “So cute when you are blushing.” He tapped her nose. “What else could you possibly give me?”

Y/N leaned towards him. “At least two more things that I can think of… Maybe three. I am not sure.”

Kai laughed and started to say something when Damon popped up in front of them, a drink in his hand and a curious slightly suspicious look on his face. “You two seem… cosy. Anything you’d like to share with the rest of the class?”

    “Awwwh are you jealous I got a girlfriend to spend the holidays with and you don’t?” Kai said innocently. Y/N elbowed him lightly noticing Damon’s expression shift at Kai’s comment. “Sorry, that was insensitive, wasn’t it?”

    “What he meant was – wait, did you just call me your girlfriend?” she asked, having a hard time not to smile even wider.

Kai smiled, tapped her nose again and turned towards the vampire. “We are just two best friends enjoying the holidays together. Why? Got a problem with that?”

Damon raised his hands in defence. “No. Just curious as to why this little sunshine is radiating so much sunshine. It’s melting the snow outside and possibly largely contributing to global warming –”

    “Sure, blame that on me.” she laughed. “I’m just… happy. You know, it’s Christmas. Was Christmas… and a new better year is coming.”

    “Yes it is…and I can tell you are going to be beyond happy.” smiled Caroline, grabbing her hands to pull her up. “But before that, there is something you have to help me with.”

    “What?” wondered Y/N, not wanting to get up from the couch. “Care –”

    “It will only be a minute. I promise.” said her friend determined, “You are coming with me.” Y/N groaned quietly, got up from her seat and gripped Damon’s shirt. “If something happens to him, you are a goner. Got it?”

Kai watched the scene with amusement – Caroline kept trying to pull Y/N away but her feet seemed cemented in the floor until Damon muttered ‘Got it.’ and she finally let go off him.  “I just love her.” Kai said glancing at Damon who growled quietly and gave him the ‘one more word and you are dead’ look. “I mean um… she is awesome. The best. Really, the most incredible person on the planet.”

Damon sat next to him, almost slapping Kai’s shoulder with his hand. “That she is twerp.” He grinned at Kai’s nervous expression. “A real treasure and if you hurt her, you are a goner. I’ll personally make sure of that.”

Kai swallowed hard and started to say something when Y/N ran back towards him, leaned over him to grab her phone and shoved something in his pocket. She winked at him and ran off to catch up with Caroline. For a moment Kai stood there, watching Y/N’s skirt dance around her legs as she semi-ran away towards her friend who called out for her while he lightly tapped his hand on his pocket when he felt something inside and his breath got caught in his throat. He had felt it before … the way his jeans had tightened around him in the past few seconds. Though not in a familiar way which only added to his curiosity and he looked down at his pocket noticing something red stick out of it a little. His eyes widened at the thought of what was sticking out of his locket and he lightly pushed his hand in his pocket to confirm his suspicions.

Y/N had pushed her panties in his pocket and even though he knew it wasn’t possible, it felt as if fire radiated from them. He took a shallow breath, cleared his throat and looked around for her. Wherever she had gone, she was wearing only a skirt and he couldn’t help the thoughts flooding his mind. What does that even mean? he wondered, his lips curling into a small smile remembering something he had read in her journal by accident about a week ago.

Kai hopped off the sofa and poured himself a drink from Damon’s fancy alcohol, completely ignoring the vampire’s protests mostly because he was trying to figure out where she was in the house. Just the thought of her walking around with no underwear while wearing a skirt was enough for his mind to start drowning in all the things he wanted to do with and to her.

    “Hey –” smiled Y/N, “Are you okay? You look –”

    “Ready to watch tonight’s fireworks with the hottest girl to ever walk the planet?” he winked at her, his gaze drifting down her body and involuntarily bit his lip. If only they were alone his wondering hands and curious fingers would’ve found something else to occupy them instead of his phone. Having all her friends lurking around, he couldn’t even tell her what he wanted to do to her in that moment… “Beyond ready. W-where do you think would be the best place to watch?”

Y/N took a step closer to him without taking her eyes off his for a second. “I think I know a place.”

    “Good, good.” muttered Kai, holding her gaze as he pressed sent. “Drink?”

Y/N’s phone buzzed in her hand and he could hear the sudden change in her breathing and heartbeat as she read the text he had sent her. “No. No, I want to remember every second of tonight.”

You naughty girl. said the text. Teasing me like that? When I get you alone, there won’t be stopping me from g1etting what I want. And what I want is you.

*                       *               * 11.25PM

As the clock got closer to midnight, everyone gathered in the living room talking and laughing while waiting for the clock to mark the last second of the year and the first one of the next. Everyone but Y/N who had slipped away to make sure their perfect spot for watching the fireworks would be theirs alone.

Word about the New Years’ party at the Salvatore’s had spread and crowds with people had filled in the large living room during the past few hours. Kai had a slight suspicion all those people coming in groups for he party at the Salvatore house hadn’t been coincidental or random. Not after seeing that mischevious spark flash in Y/N’s eyes every time the doorbell rang and Damon tried pointlessly to try and compel the groups to go away.

Every time he thought he saw her in the crowd it turned out it wasn’t her. Finally, after what seemed like forever without having her in his arms, he spotted her in one of the corners. She lifted herself of her toes looking around for someone and her eyes instantly lit up when she saw him. Not wasting any time she started pushing her way through the crowd same as him, completely ignoring everyone else’s complains.

They had spent a better part of the past few hours in each others’ arms, dancing or just her sitting in his lap with the excuse that ‘someone else might want to sit down on the sofa’. Though he knew better. Every now and then she’d shift slightly on his lap, grinding her against the slight bulge in his jeans which seemed to get larger with every second. And keeping his hands away from what he wanted; from what he wanted so desperately to touch became harder and harder. All he wanted was to pull her out of the crowd and have his way with her, not carrying who might hear or see them. Or what they’d do to him. All he knew was that he wanted her –

    “Hey, sweet cheeks. I was just looking for you.”

    “And I you.” she smiled shyly, her gaze focused on his. “Do you think we could um, go somewhere a little more private?”

    “Yeah, of course.” he smiled nervously. Both of them made their way through the crowd until they ended up near by one of the hidden closets on the first floor not too far from the stairs and his hands found their perfect spot around her waist. “So, what happened to Clarisse’s playlist? I am pretty sure she didn’t pick those songs.”

Y/N smiled innocently, humming along to one of Kai’s favourite songs from the 80s/90s. “I don’t know. Someone might’ve made a couple additions to the playlist.”

Kai laughed under his breath mentally adding another thing to the list of reasons of why he loved her. “Hmmm, I wonder who that someone is. I want to show them how thankful I am for their awesome choice in music.”

    “Maybe I can help you find them. But I will want something in return.” A smile tugged at the corners of her lips and lifted herself on her toes to whisper in his ear. “Like for those few layers of clothes between us to disappear until its just you and me. Skin to skin. My hands on your body, your hands on mine… Our lips and bodies colliding while you make me moan your name over and over again.”

Kai felt his breath get caught in his throat and his jeans tighten around him at her words. Watching her bite her lip while she played with the tie around his neck wasn’t helping him much to remember how to breathe. He wanted the same thing as her – her body against his, nothing not even a very thin layer of fabric separating them.     “I think we can work something out.” he gazed in her eyes.

Without realising it he started tugging at her shirt, his fingertips brushed against her bare skin causing a serious increase in her heartbeat. Her eyes pierced into his while she pulled him down by the tie and lifted herself on her toes until their lips met in a gentle kiss, deepening with ever second. Kai pulled her closer to him and something told him the last wall she had built around her heart had crumbled down. She backed him against the nearest wall and pressed her body firmly against his while his hands travelled up and down her back and lower. Her lips got more demanding with every second, craving more of him the more they got same as his. Neither of them appeared to care someone might see them, or maybe they just thought no one would notice them in the crowd.

He pushed her away ever so slightly, enough for his eyes to meet with hers but just as she was about to kiss him again, some girl bumped into her and knocked her sideways. Kai caught her before her stumble turned into a fall, though her shirt didn’t have the same luck and the girl’s drink got spilled all over it.         “Are you okay?” asked Kai, almost reaching to try and wipe her shirt clean when he noticed how it was sort of see-through. “Your shirt um – you have really nice –”

Y/N raised her eyebrows at him. Kai cleared his throat, quickly took his jacket off and covered her shoulders with it doing the zipper up for her. “Thank you. I um – I’ll go upstairs to um… find something not-sticky to change into.”

Kai nodded, watching her make her way through the crowd and then up the stairs catching the tiniest peek of what’s under it and his jeans tightened around him even more. He glanced around for a moment to make sure none of her friends will see him and went after her.

It didn’t take him long to find her seeing how it was the only room with a slightly open door. For a few minutes he stood in guard, listening in to what was happening inside – her light footsteps, her heartbeat and breathing which were a little uneven at the time. With every second the temptation to take a peek at what she was doing got a bigger and bigger; the image of her see through shirt flashed before his eyes every single time he blinked and the more he tried to push it away the more it seemed to pop up. Her panties in his pocket seemed to burn and without realising it, he reached in his pocket and pulled them out. There was no one in the hallway, though he still looked in every direction to make sure before thoroughly checking out his present and his lips curled into a smile. Red lace. He would’ve loved to press his mouth against her core while she was wearing them before he tore them off her. A sigh left his lips at the feeling of his jeans had tightened even more at the thought she was not only not wearing those but was probably topless at the moment.

Kai knew he shouldn’t spy on her but couldn’t help himself and in the end, he pushed the door fully open. His breath got caught in his throat instantly at the sight before him. Barely a metre away from him was Y/N standing in front of a tall mirror; topless, just like he had suspected. 

    “Hmmm –” he licked lip, his eyes taking in every curve. “You know, I love tearing the wrapping off my presents… yet somehow I don’t mind you did half the work for me.”

Y/N’s eyes widened a little and she grabbed at the blanket on the bed in an attempt to cover herself. “Malachai!”

Kai took a step inside and closed the door, twisting the key before turning towards her with devils dancing in his eyes. Slowly he took a step closer while she shifted nervously on her feet. “Come on, Y/N.” he stood barely a few inches away from her. “It’s just you and me. You can drop the act.”

    “What act?”

Y/N grabbed her old pullover she had left there a few days ago when Kai raised his hand and the clothing landed in his grasp instead. He brought it to his face, inhaling her scent for a moment and tossed it across the room. His hands found their perfect spot on her waist and he pulled her towards him, lightly pushing his crotch against her. Her breath got caught in her throat seeing his eyes barely had any trace of the usual blue color she loved so much and seemed to get darker still.

    “Don’t ‘what’ me, sweetheart. You know what.” he leaned towards her, his lips almost touching hers as he spoke and his hot breath intoxicating her completely. “That burning red present you left in my pocket earlier, flooding my mind with all those thoughts of everything I’ve wanted to do to you for weeks. Not to mention what just happened downstairs.” his voice dropped a few octaves. “Do you know how hard it was not to hold you up against the nearest wall, rip that perky skirt of yours driving me insane every second if every day and have my way with you; kiss you until you need mouth to mouth. Feel our bodies… skin to skin. You are in so much trouble, young lady.”

Y/N involuntarily bit her lip and pushed him off her, taking a step away when faster than she could process she found herself pinned against the wall. “Kai, someone might hear or walk in. Don’t –”

    “Don’t what?” his hot breath hit her face. He gripped her wrists, holding them over her head and dragged his hand down between their bodies. “Do that?” he asked, brushing his fingertips up her inner thighs towards her heat without taking his eyes off hers. “Or that?” his hand went up higher under her skirt until his rough fingertips brushed against her core, confirming what he already knew. His lips formed a small letter ‘o’ and a devilish spark flashed in his eyes. “So wet already? I wonder why that is? Were you day dreaming about us doing something since you left your gift in my pocket?“

    “You are so –”

    “Hot?” he smirked. “Irresistible?” his lips brushed against hers, continuing to brush down her cheek to her earlobe, his voice dropping a few octaves. “I want you –” he pressed his fingertips against her clit. An involuntary moan tumbled off her lips making him smile into her skin. “—here. Now.” he dragged his hand up her body, resting on her waist. Y/N whined quietly, missing his touch. “You were thinking what it would be like to ring in the new year with your new boyfriend. Not watching the fireworks but tangled in the sheets, moaning my name while I make you mine again… and again.”

    “Full of yoursel—” she gave up midsentence, noticing the faint glow in the room. Lights were off and technically the only light in the room should’ve been the moonlight seeping through the window, along with the snow glow from outside only that wasn’t the case. As she looked at the ceiling a thousand snowflakes started falling down around them, but it wasn’t possible unless – “Magic snowflakes?”

    “How else would I impress a girl who loves Christmas and snow more than her own birthday?” he smiled, loosening the grip on her hands knowing she’d want to touch the magic snowflakes. A moment later a snowflake landed on her finger remaining still for a few moments before dissolving into a dozen sparks. “Had I known we’d end up here, I would’ve made sure there were rose petals all the way from the stairs to the bed. Along with candles and –”

    “There is always next time. Unless you –”

    “Don’t even think it.“ he said softly, his eyes piercing into hers. “There is no way I am ever letting you go. You won’t be able to get rid of me if you –”

Y/N hooked her hands around his neck and in an instant pulled his lips towards hers, cutting him off mid-sentence. There was no doubt in her mind he meant what he had said but just in case he made sure his lips would convince her and again she couldn’t help but notice how their lips were a perfect match for each other. Their lips moved hungrily against each other while his hands skimmed the sides of her body sending waves of electricity directly into her bloodstream. Before she realised it, her skirt was torn off and her bra got sent flying across the room leaving her completely exposed before him. ‘Jump’, he ordered between kisses; her legs pushed off the ground and hitched around his waist, her hands hooked around his neck and her fingers tangling in his hair while he held her tight against him. Her entire self screamed for him, wondering and anticipating what it would feel like to be with him like she had imagined so many times. To feel his body against hers, his hands all over… to wake up in his arms.

    “You are such a tease.” he tossed her onto the bed. “Making wait so long to do this with you.”

    “Do what?” she undid his tie and gripped on his shirt, tearing it straight off him. Her hands ran all over his bare chest and down to the belt of his jeans. “You can’t do a thing with those in the way.” Her fingers worked swiftly, pushing them down his legs and she couldnt help but feel a wave of excitement flow through her body seeing the large bulge in his briefs. “And be quieter or do you want us to get caught?”

Kai slapped her hands away when she tried to push his boxers down. “Now now… Little miss ‘we don’t belong together.’” he scolded her, pushed her back on the bed and crawled after her until their eyes were on the same level. “You said way too many ‘no’s to me. My rules… and you are the one who has to worry about being quiet.”

    “What do you think the fireworks are for?” she winked at him. “Or did you think every teenager with a pulse showing up at the party was an actual accident?” she laughed, her laugh making him laugh. “I was kind of hoping for us to get home before–” 

    “I unwrapped my most favourite, wanted and cherished present ever? Not a chance. I want you—” he nibbled on her earlobe, his hot breath tickling her skin. “Here. Now. I want to kiss every square inch of your body, trace every curve… again and again.”

His lips crashed against hers, moving so hard it almost hurt while he both sucked he air out of her lungs and gave her mouth to mouth. He wanted to take his time driving her out of her mind but judging by the way her hips bucked up at his every time his crotch grinded against hers a little harder, she was just as impatient as he was. 

    “Malachai –” she moaned between kisses. “– I want you.”

Kai growled quietly, leaving we sloppy kisses his way down her jawline towards her neck. “Calling me that in bed is like playing with fire, princess.” he cooed in her ear. “Or do you want to get burnt?”

Y/N tangled her fingers in his hair, moaning softy while he sucked on a spot on her collarbone, marking her as his. “Malachai –” she started to say when he shoved his fingers in her mouth. Her tongue swirled around them, quiet moans trying to escape her lips.

    “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” he smirked devilishly, biting her without actually puncturing her skin. “I’ll give you one last chance, understand?” Y/N nodded. “Good girl.”

Slowly he trailed his wet fingers down her neck to her breasts, cupping them and playing with them as if they were his new favorite toy. He took his time, swirling his tongue around her nipples until they were fully erect, listening to her moan softly every time he sucked/nibbled on them without taking his eyes for a second off hers. Every touch felt as if electricity shot directly into her bloodstream, coursing through her veins waking up every cell in her body and she couldn’t get enough of his touch. If it was humanly possible to melt because of it, she could’ve already melted over a dozen times. He used her body as a canvas, using his lips, tongue and fingertips as the brushes while he explored every inch on his way to her core. His fingertips brushed up and down her inner thighs drawing fire lines everywhere he touched her bare skin as he parted her legs wider and pressed his mouth over her core, slurping some of her arousal about to drip onto the sheets.

A louder moan tumbled off her lips feeling the vibrations hit her clit directly. Y/N tangled her fingers in his hair, her hips bucking up at him a little feeling his tongue flick her clit from side to side and in circle motion. Every move of his tongue felt like a match being lit up and ger thoughts ran wild in every direction, only able to focus on one thing – Kai; the way his now completely black with lust eyes never left hers, the way took turns between sucking/nibbling and tugging on it while he parted her legs a little wider and his tongue slid inside her, curling around as he felt every inch and his nose brushed against her clit. There were bound to be bruises the shape of his fingertips on her thighs but she didn’t mind. Their eyes met and she couldn’t help but notice all the devils dancing in them. It seemed like it didn’t matter if she had called him ‘Malachai’ again or not. He had all intentions of burning her no matter what. 

    “MMmm you taste amazing.” he moaned, sending the vibrations directly onto her core. “I don’t think I will ever be able to get enough of you.”

Every drop of arousal hitting his tongue felt like a drug coursing through his veins and it seemed the more he had, the more he wanted. He still had trouble believing this was all happening for real, that it wasn’t just a really vivid looking dream. But even if was, he had no intentions of stopping or slowing down. Listening to her moan his name again and again only spurred him to find another way to drive her crazy and he couldn’t wait to make her scream. His fingertips brushed against her clit, spreading it a little wider and he leaned in, licking a slow line straight through her middle when he heard her moan his full name again. A devilish spark flashed in his eyes and he bit on her clit, making her squeal. He couldn’t explain it to himself, how it was possible that hearing his full name when was turned on was able to pull out his rough side. Though something told him she liked it a little rougher and he was more than happy to play it that way.

    “Such a naughty girl.” he said in a tone one self would use to scold a little child. “So disobedient.” Y/N moaned, feeling his fingertips press against her entrance and pushed her hips down on him. Kai chuckled and grabbed the tie which was hanging at the edge of the bed. “Maybe I should tie you up, teach you a lesson. What do you think?”

    “N-no. I’ll be good.” she licked her lip. “At least tonight.” 

Kai laughed under his breath while he spread her legs a little wider and semi-wound one of them around his head before blowing a light stream of air onto her clit before enveloping it between his lips, sucking and tugging on it. Slowly he dipped his fingers inside her warmth, curling them around exploring every inch before pulling out and going in a little deeper and faster every time. loved how her body responded to his every touch, how her back arched off the bed every time his fingers curled inside her; how her soft moans became a little louder and started to mix with whimpers and his name rolling off her tongue like the most beautiful song he had ever heard.

    “So tight around my fingers.” he cooed, feeling her walls tighten around his fingers and he couldn’t help but get lost in thoughts of what it would feel to bury himself inside her, to feel those walls tighten around him while he made her his –“It will feel so good stretching you out.” he cooed, pumping his fingers inside her a little deeper turning her moan into a small scream and he knew he got her spot. “Right there?”

    “FU-ck Kai, yes –” she moaned, feeling him readjust his angle so he hit her spot every time.

Y/N had never known it was possible to feel like this – every time his fingers pumped and curled inside her felt like gasoline being thrown into a fire he had started and only he could put out. There was no way she’d ever be able to get enough of the way he sucked and tugged on her clit. Or of the way his fingers darted in and out of her at a vampire speed hitting her spot every time, slowing down for a few pumps and picking up right where they had left off a moment ago until she was right on the edge.

    “Cum for me princess.” he ordered, continuing to drive her wild while her body shook before him and she came screaming his name. “So hot falling apart like that because of me –” He trailed his way up her body leaving wet sloppy kisses until their eyes were on the same level and their lips collided into a passionate kiss. Instantly her hands shot towards his briefs, starting to push them down when he pinned her hands on either side of her head.     “No, no.” he cooed, watching her start to protest immediately. “I told you – my rules. Don’t move.”

Kai hopped off the bed and quickly pushed his jeans and briefs down his legs, freeing his thick shaft. Y/N braced herself on her elbows, not taking her eyes off him while his fingers wrapped around his lenght and he stoked himself slowly, his eyes fluttering closed for a split second. As much as she wanted to do as he said, she couldn’t help herself and hopped off the bed, getting on her knees before him. She gripped his wrist and wrapped her fingers around his thick shaft, swirled her tongue slowly around the tip licking off the pre-cum, moaning softly when she tasted him on her tongue. 

    “Y/N –” he moaned, tangling his fingers in her hair feeling her tongue ran slowly on the underside of his lenght. “—you never listen, do you? Naughty girl. I think I love you more because of it.”

Y/N looked at him with innocent puppy eyes, blowing a light stream of air directly onto the head of his thick shaft. “I’ve been so naughty, I think I need to be punished. Wait –”

Kai smiled widely, pulling her up. He cupped her face, pressed his lips against hers for a long passionate kiss and pushed her roughly back on the bed, crawling over her. “Yes, you do.” He whispered in her ear, gently nibbling on her earlobe. “Not tonight though.”

    “Kai?” she pushed him away enough for their eyes to meet. “Y-you just s-said you –”

    “I love you.” he said softly, the tip of his thick shaft pressing against her entrance driving her crazier with every passing second. “I love you… and you don’t have to say it back. I won’t push–”

    “You better push something –” she bucked her hips up at him, wanting all of him inside her and not just the tip entering her slowly. “– or I’m going to lose it completely. I need every inch of you inside me.”

    “So eager.” he teased, sliding just the tip inside her. “And I thought I couldn’t wait.”

Y/N laughed under her breath, both of them gazing into each others eyes while he continued to tease her for a few moments longer and when she least expected it he buried himself inside her drowning her scream in a passionate kiss. Their fingers intertwined together on either side of her head and he rested his forehead on hers while he watched her eyes roll in the back of her head feeling every inch of him as he withdrew slowly and thrusted inside her a little harder and deeper every time. His hot breath hit her face intoxicating her completely and with every passing second, she could feel her body surrender completely to his. Her moans got drowned by the sounds of the fireworks outside, marking the beginning of the new year, though neither of them seemed to notice. They were so lost in each other, in the way their bodies felt against one another the world could’ve be ending around them and neither of them would realise.

    “FUck Kai –” she moaned, her hips bucking up at his wanting him to go deeper. “Fuck me harder or –”

Kai smirked devilishly at her, thrusting inside her so hard her eyes rolled in the back of her head a little. A loud moan tumbled off her lips followed by another and another while his thrusts picked up the pace, getting a little rougher every time. “Or what princess? You think you can fuck yourself better than I can?”

Y/N rolled on top of him, putting things in reverse. “Thought never crossed my mind, Malachai.” 

Kai started to say something but never got the chance. Her lips collided with his and she kissed him as if her life depended on it, tugging at his lower lip at the end of the kiss. A half moan half growl left his lips and he lifted his head off the pillows trying to kiss her again but she only shook her head. Y/N had been driving him insane for weeks and although it seemed impossible, in that moment she drove him completely out of it. The more she had pushed him away the more he wanted her – her lips on his and her hands on his body just like they were in that moment. Her hands braced on his chest, her nails lightly digging in his flesh turning him on more –

    “So fucking hot when you are on top of me.” he moaned, watching her breasts rock before his eyes every time she went down on him. His hips thrusted up at her meeting her hips halfway while his nails lightly digging into her skin on their way to her hips to help her create their own rhythm.  “Fuck me –” he bit his lip lightly. “—I want to feel those walls clench around me.”

Y/N smiled lazily, clenched her walls around him earning a low growl from him and pinned his hands on either side of his head not taking her eyes off his for a second while she went down on him a little faster. Absolutely breath-taking, he thought – her mouth hanging semi open, her head lightly thrown back; his hips meeting with hers halfway, soft to loud moans tumbling off her lips because of him. He couldn’t get enough and something told him no matter how many times they were going to do that in the future, that’s never going to change. His girl would always drive him crazy without even trying. His eyes travelled all over her body, trying to memorise every single curve and second of what was happening he noticed her playing with her clit; her fingertips ever so slightly touching his lenght while he disappeared completely inside her. It was the last straw for him – watching how fast her fingers worked trying to match every time he thrusted inside her –

    “You are driving me insane.” he semi-sat on the bed, his fingers tangling in her hair. “Playing with yourself like that? Those naughty fingers of yours… I wonder what else they can do.”

Y/N hitched her hands around his neck, playing with his scruff, and rested her forehead on his. Teasing him or more like challenging him quickly became one if her favourite things to do because the more she pushed him, the more he pushed back. And even though she wouldnt admit it to him or anyone else, she loved it when he got ‘pushy’ and went after what he wanted. “So many things –”

A devilish spark flashed in his eyes and he pushed her towards the other end of the bed, resting his forehead on hers. Every time he buried himself inside her, her body jolted a little upwards until her head rested at the edge of the bed and his hot breath hitting her face intoxicated her completely. All she could taste, see and feel was him. His length twitching inside her at the same time her walls contracted around him, his thrusts getting harder and rougher every time, knocking the air out of her lungs; his lips trailing their way towards her neck, his breath tickling her skin… Everything felt more magical than she could’ve ever imagined. Thats when she noticed it – how slowly the magic snowflakes which had turned into fireworks at some point, began started to dissolve and disappear from sight until all that remained before her eyes was Kai. Even though it was dark, no light but the faint snow glow coming through the window, she could see his eyes gleaming in the darkness as he took her breath away in more ways than one. Their lips collided in an anxious kiss, drowning out their moans while he continued to thrust inside her harder and faster, almost as if wanting to bury his entire self inside her. Y/N buried her fingers in his hair, lightly gripping on it as he continued to both suck the air out of her lungs and give her a much needed mouth to mouth. How was he able to both take away her breath and give it back to her? How was he able to drive her so completely crazy about him that she wouldnt even notice when the fireworks outside had stopped? Fear of someone walking in on them tried to creep inside her but she quickly shoved it away. Only one thing mattered and that was how right and perfect it felt being with Kai that way in this very moment.

    “Fuck, I’m so close –“ her moan turned into a small scream as he thrusted inside her a little rougher, knocking the air out of her lungs.

    “Me too, princess.” he moaned feeling her walls clench around him at the same moment his lenght twitched inside her. “Hold it just a few moments longer.”

Y/N nodded slightly, watching purple/black veins flashed under his eyes for a second making her heart skip a beatand start beating even faster as her breathing tried to catch up with no luck. There was something so extremely hot about the way he looked when his vampirism showed that was enough to get her skin to flame up instantly and she found herself dreaming about him biting her. But how crazy would he think she is if she asked? Bite me, she mouthed watching his eyes widen a little. Bite me. 

    “I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop.” he almost whispered. “I don’t – I don’t want to hurt you… o-or worse.”

Her lips curled into a small smile. “I trust you.”

His vampirism showed again and a moment later she felt his fangs puncture her skin. It was almost as if the whole room went up in flames in that moment, like the feeling of him feeding on her was enough to make her cum. A small gasp escaped her lips followed by a moa of pleasure as he continued to feed on her. Warm blood trickled down her skin but it felt like it was something cold compared to the way she felt in that moment. It was almost as if the temperature in the room had gone up a hundred degrees and something told her the snow outside might actually be starting to melt because of the heat radiated from their bodies in that moment.

His thrusts got a little sloppier, never losing their roughness or failing to hit her spot, almost pushing her over the edge more than once. Slowly he pulled away, swirling his tongue around the little holes on her neck not letting a drop of her blood go to waste before he attempted to wipe his chin clean and she gripped his wrist, pulling his bloody lips on hers drowning their loud moans into the kiss leaving only the sounds of flesh on flesh and the light screeching of the bed to fill the room. Their lips moved hungrily against each other, their tongues danced together while her nails dug into his flesh and her walls clenched around him at the same moment he came in hot spurts inside her triggering her orgasm; his thrusts never stopping or slowing down until they were both finished and he collapsed on top of her. 

    “You look so hot with your hair stuck to your face.” he smiled, brushing away a strand of hair from her face before rolling off her. “You okay?” he trailed his fingertips around the place he had bit her. Y/N nodded. “So how about that date?”

Her lips curled into a smile. “We just had sex and that’s your first question?”

Kai grinned at her and bit his wrist, bringing it to her lips. “Well yeah. Cuz that’s when we get to this again.”

    “Oh and you are not just with me because of the sex?” she teased, her fingers wrapping around his wrist.

     “In fairness, I did ask you out. Twice. You never gave me an answer.” he wiped away a drop of his blood from her chin, unable to tear his eyes from hers watching the glow like never before. “I want to take my girl out, you know… Show up with flowers on her doorstep, take her to dinner. Or just go to the movies, make out in the dark. Throw popcorn at people in the front row. Tell her how much I love her and every single thing about her. Do cheesy, shmoopy things like they do in the movies. Make her dreams come true…Your dreams come true.”

    “You should know, I don’t hook up on first date.” she said making him laugh. He raised his eyebrows at her, glancing at the piles of clothes around the room. “That’s different –"

Kai laughed under his breath. “You are right. We haven’t been on a date yet. Which is why from now on we do things right.” He sat on the bed watching her brace herself on her elbows and pressed his palms together. His eyes fluttered closed for a few seconds and he muttered a spell while moving his palms away from each other revealing a red rose. He smiled nervously, meeting her eyes. “Y/N, will you go out with me? Officially.”

Y/N took the rose from her his hand and swug her leg over his lap, her hands hitching around his neck. Her lips pressed against his in a passionate kiss, lightly tugging at his lower lip at the end before she rested her forehead on his. “Does this answer your question? Yes!”

Kai smiled wider at her and kissed her slowly, listening to her heartbeat increase again. “Happy New Year, sweet cheeks.”

    “Happy New Year.” she smiled, leaning in to whisper in his ear. “Wanna know a secret?” she wondered, hearing him hum in a ‘yes’. “I love you.”

________________________________________

MASTERLIST- SMUT ‘17 MASTERLIST- FLUFF‘17

GoT fans reeling after finale's shock twist

WARNING: SPOILERS. Televisions most anticipated finale is over and Game Of Thrones is no more, with one final, massive twist and an ending that could have come straight from the books of JRR Tolkein. Look away now if you havent seen the final episode, as we prepare to enter a spoiler-filled discussion of one of the biggest events in television history. First of all, the biggest mystery is why this season was a mere six episodes. As the last episode proved, there was just too damned much to fit into this truncated season.

media_cameraDaenerys Targaryens fate is sealed in the shocking Game of Thrones finale. Picture: HBO And, like a dragon trying to squeeze into the boot of a family car, some things just didnt fit. Well, as George RR Martin promised, the ending was bittersweet with elements of both, as well as a fair sprinkling of WTF over the top and a strong aftertaste of Tolkein. We knew the showdown was going to be between Daenerys Targaryen and her secret nephew Jon Snow. But, just like Danys descent into the Mad Queen in the last episode seemed to take no time at all, Jons decision to go from enjoying auntcest to committing aunticide was way too fast. Basically, he had a quick chat with Tyrion and then stuck his dagger into her heart. This was the pivotal moment of the final season and it would have really benefited from another episode or more to ratchet up the tension. After all, Dany wanted him to not just be by her side but in her bed. Yet that itself jarred a little with the way she acted towards him previously, when he refused to return her kiss. Incidentally, you have to commend Drogon for being more precise with his dragonfire than a laser-guided missile.

media_cameraTensions were high! Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm and Kit Harington as Jon Snow. Picture: HBO Last episode he managed to collapse almost all of the throne room. Yet not one brick damaged the Iron Throne. Likewise in the basement, he managed to dislodge just enough bricks to kill Jaime and Cersei but not so many that they looked like Lannister-flavoured jam when Tyrion uncovered them. Anyway, it was obvious that Dany needed to die because, as she helpfully told everyone in hearing, she wasnt going to stop until she ruled the world. But, just like Bill Shorten measuring up new furniture for The Lodge, she was a little premature.

media_cameraEmilia Clarke AKA Daenerys Targaryens fate was sealed in the finale. Picture: HBO Jon, prompted by Tyrion, decided to kill her. Yet where were her guards? Sure, Drogon was hanging about outside but Grey Worm couldnt have been so busy murdering prisoners that he forgot to stick a couple of spearmen around her? Drogon flying away with Danys body was a nice touch, although this is where things start to get a little weird. If Drogon was so attached to Dany, why didnt he kill Jon? Why just burn the Iron Throne instead? And, if he recognises Jons Targaryen blood and therefore dominance over him, why did he fly away and not come back?

media_cameraBrooding Kit Harington as Jon Snow. Picture: HBO And, once Danys body was gone, why did Jon admit to Grey Worm that he had killed Dany? Drogon was gone, with her body and the throne was melted. He could have plausibly said that the dragon went mad and killed her. So then it came down to the remaining noble Houses to choose a new ruler.

media_cameraIntense stares from Maisie Williams as Arya Stark, Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark, and Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark. Picture: HBO Despite Sams best efforts, they found the idea of democracy very amusing. Not quite as amusing as Edmure Tully putting himself forward as the next king but pretty close. Then came the big twist Bran is to be the next king. There is the small matter that he spends most of the time in the past and doesnt really care about people since he became the Three-Eyed Raven but it is certainly a clever switch rather than just having Jon end up there.

media_cameraPeter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister. Picture: HBO Although what is the point of Jon secretly being the true heir to the throne and the one person who can unite the North and the other six kingdoms? There is also the matter of Bran living for probably hundreds of years, thus creating the problem of the Kings Hand becoming the real power in the land. After all, the devious chamberlain/vizier is a staple of fantasy stories. Anyway, with little details like that swept aside, there is just time to wrap up everybody elses stories.

media_cameraGame of Thrones (GOT), Season 8, Episode 6 (Post-Air, 1/2), The Iron Throne", Final Episode - Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully. Picture: Macall B. Polay/HBO Sansa takes the North for herself as a separate realm and becomes a queen. Why she felt the need to do that when a Stark is on the throne of the kingdom (ie the North has won and is ruling everywhere else) feels a little forced. Bronn gets Highcastle and a seat at the Small Council, where he is joined by Tyrion as the Kings Hand, Ser Davos and the now Archmaester Sam Tarly. Podrick gets knighted, while Brienne is now in charge of the Kingsguard and gets to write Jaimes story in the kindest way possible.

media_cameraFans have been divied on the finale of GoT. Picture: HBO Jon, meanwhile, gets to go and lead the Nights Watch again. The Nights Watch. Who are guarding a Wall that has a bloody great hole in it where the Night King came south. A Wall made to stop the Night King (who is dead) and the Wildlings (who are now everyones friends). Plus, hes the last Targaryen and the last one capable of controlling Drogon, if he decides to come back for a quick fire sale. But hey, Jon gets to meet up with Ghost and Tormund again, so thats not all bad. Finally, Arya has had enough of Westeros and decided to leave. Not for Braavos but instead to sail into the west. Sound familiar? Probably because sailing into the west is what the elves, Gandalf, Bilbo and Frodo did at the end of Lord Of The Rings. Still, her adventures could make a great sequel. And that leaves Tyrion to sum up the ending beautifully: Nobody is happy, which makes a good compromise, I suppose. Farewell, Game Of Thrones. Gone but never forgotten. To be reborn, like Jon Snow, through endless re-runs and planned prequels. After all, as the Greyjoys say, what is dead may never die. Originally published as GoT fans reeling after finales shock twist https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/television/game-of-thrones/game-of-thrones-finale-recap-fans-reeling-over-shock-twist/news-story/871fcfc1cfe68c3d8928b409e63f5542?from=htc_rss

Character Design Questions that i really just wanted to do because they looked fun

Tagged By: No one. I do what I want.

Most of my characters started in D&D but ill list em all for context:

 Aliphos Gardwin, effectively ex-military Ranger from a what is now a frozen wasteland. Hes like a puppy in my eyes.

Anastasia Shepard, actual military. From my ME binge days. Probably the only one who’ll ever have an actual solid visual depiction

Alistair Shepard, twin brother to Ana. Technically not my character, but he punches things and hes such a dick i love it.

Unit 2038, mass produced celestial war machine with severely stunted emotional development. Had a REALLY long nap a while ago.

Firo Schwartzstein Avanezo, sleazy brat who likes to pickpocket and flirt. Closer inspection might catch a glimpse of some of that old money in his blood though.

Morgenstern, funny how dying from several impalement wounds makes a demonic deal for vengeance seem like a good idea. Might know Aliphos eventually im still pondering that...

Sacha Julian N’Doul, THE RICH PRETTYBOY IS JUST HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME

THIS IS REALLY LONG SO UNDER THE CUT IT GOES!

Who’s the oldest character of yours that you still use?

oh man i dont really use them as much as id want to...im not a great writer so i dont really do anything with any of them until something comes up like a d&d game for instance. Id still use all of them given the chance.

Aliphos is the one i can always fall back to though, ive had him the longest

Who’s the oldest character of yours, defunct or not?

Im gonna go ahead and assume this means physically. Pretty sure its Unit...either Unit or Firo. Ones a robot, and the other doesnt age, but i dont exactly remember whos older...

Pretty sure its Unit

Has creating a character ever made you realize something about yourself?

There hasnt been a “realization” per se...

Each character ive made has been some kind of manifestation of what i was feeling creatively at the time, with the exception of Aliphos. Hes straight up my first character who i made not realizing how self-inserty he was all the way back in grade 9 of highschool.

Any minor characters that have either taken over or branched off into their own stories?

See now this ones a bit more interesting because i didnt really have a side character until very recently. Sacha is a backup character for the wandering mess that is the party Morgenstern belongs to, and he acts as chief sponsor after they saved him from bandits. He isnt SUPPOSED to come into the spotlight of the adventure, but he will if Morgen becomes otherwise unavailable

Do you prefer to make human, animal, monster, or _____ characters? Why?

Well i mean “human” is very loosely defined here but yeah. These are characters i know and relate to best and im not a furry, so “human” it is!

ignoring the fact that only four of them are actual humans, and one of those four isnt even mine

When creating a character, do you come up with the visual concept or the written concept first?

written concepts, easily. when im sitting down trying to make a new brain-child theres a list of questions that goes through my head to get a better idea of what im going for.

where did they come from? what is the most important thing that has happened to them this far? how do they react to waking up on just a regular day? what is the most common thing they feel both physically and mentally? how do they handle being in a group of other similarly skilled people?

i find that answering just these gives me a better idea of what im working with than trying to get a picture going before having at it

Do you have characters that you know you’ll never use, but can’t bear to get rid of/recycle?

Im honestly having a hard time envisioning using Ana anywhere. shes a bit of an alcoholic downer, and she doesnt play well with others. Morgen doesnt either, but hes currently in use and even then i have to creatively stretch his personality quite a bit just to keep things rolling

i dont like the idea of just getting rid of characters though. a few of them have died. multiple times in some cases. continuities are a thing that doesnt really exist for me, but it is hard to find a scenario where those two in particular would click in well

Is there a character that embodies your good traits, or traits you wish you had?

Aliphos is generally up-beat most of the time, and Firo and Sacha love a good time more than anything else. in general, theyre my more happy characters and i like holding onto that.

Is there a character that embodies your bad traits? Several characters? Which ones and what traits?

Ana and Morgen are definitely some pretty negative characters at their cores. Morgen less so simply because i felt like i was in a bit of a creative rut and i wanted to try something new, but Anastasia came around back at the end of highschool during the Depression Years™ and it shows...

Morgens definitive characteristics are nonchalant detachment and disdain and anger, where Ana is a depressed alcoholic with a death complex. Theres nothing happy here.

Is there a character that explores your interests or fetishes (orrrr is that just all of you characters)?

The most interesting things i can do with my characters is something that i think is unexpected of myself. I had Ali for YEARS before i tried making another character, and while it was fun making a new one, she boiled down to a drunk depressed version of what came before. The more varied and exploratory i can get with my characters the better. 

One of my best experiences with a character was developing Unit. I played out the inner conflict of realizing you are able to take a hold of personal freedom now that you know you can have it while simultaneously not wanting to because youre still holding onto the faith that the higher powers know whats best and you should still be awaiting further instruction. those instructions would never come, and Unit is just another forgotten soldier stuck fighting the war, but it was SO MUCH FUN to play out the moral dilemma and ponder the philosophy! that was such a new experience for me, and i loved it! so i made a point to try and spice it up with whatever i try and make next

If you have characters that embody certain traits of yours—good or bad—has writing them changed how you view those traits? Has it affected you in any way?

In truth? not particularly. i just sorta vomit ideas out onto my characters and whatever sticks sticks. i pay no real mind as to what those ideas mean. its just fun to me.

Do you fantasize about being any of your characters, or are you more detached?

Oh there is no way i can play a character and stay detached...

When im in it? Im in it.

Do you create playlists for your characters?

HELL YEAH I DO. SPOTIFY iS A BEAUTIFUL THiNG.

When writing for specific characters, is there anything you have to do to get into the right mindset?

I will ask myself all the same questions from above as when i come up with the character design, i listen to their playlist if i made one yet, and i picture whatever it was that they just got through experiencing.

a quick crash course refresher on how this character ticks.

Which character is your guilty pleasure?

Oh Sacha easily....hes the first character i think ive made where his entire backstory is hes from a rich family and he likes to try new things. Theres no intricacy here, hes just a simple start to a character and hes fon loving. Hes super refreshing to play around with.

Is there a character of yours who’s a real struggle to write/draw? Why do you think that is?

Award for hardest to work with is probably going to Firo. I just wasnt as invested into making him as i have been for other characters. When i think of characters id like to play around with, hed be on the bottom of the list purely because he has the least amount of my interest

Which character is the easiest to draw/write?

The self insert. Next question.

Is there anything you really wish you could do, character-design-wise, that you feel is outside your current skillset? A concept that you wish you could pull off but are uncertain about?

BRO LITERALLY EVERYTHING. I love coming up with the concepts and flushing them out as i go along, but i am not the greatest at writing and they all just sorta stay in my head. also i cant draw. its a bad time for everyone involved.

What’s more important to you: visual design, unique personality, a trendy character aesthetic, etc? If you’re not sure, then what’s the first thing you usually nail down in a character?

well the first thing i always nail down when i think id like to entertain the thought of a character is their origin. so in a way i guess the aesthetic? though as i said above i like to keep things anything but trendy

Do you ever plan to do anything (comic, animation, etc) with your characters? Or are you just happy to have them?

dude i would love to make something big out of my characters! the problem becomes then that i would need someone who is as in sync with how i perceive my characters to be artistically inclined with, because god knows i cant do shit out here. until that day arises? in my head they stay.

Opinion Series

Benjamin Smith

English 2010

Fish Burton

Opinion Series

           Opinion 1: “Movies negatively impact people, societies, and cultures”

Well I’m glad that we only need to provide 3 different types of opinions for this assignment, my overall first opinion is that movie genres have the ability to negatively impact individuals lives. But I also agree that genres and movies can positively influence someone to be better, but I will get to that later on. So, my first opinion for this assignment is that movies have the ability to negatively impact cultures, people, and societies. Now I believe that this opinion can be taken many different ways. The first way I would like to take this, is how individuals views change after they have seen a politically influenced movie. I believe that big times movies, with big name actors can sometimes act as a form of propaganda. For example, “The Star Wars Trilogy” is a great example of propaganda, the Star Wars creator George Lucas has even said so, in a statement in 1973 he said, “empire going after a small group of freedom fighters” (1).  So, to an extent this goes to prove a pivotal point, movies and their producers can overreach and step out of bounds and in a way have a negative impact on people. And I’d like to give my opinion on this specific point, I believe that whether or not the individual who puts together this specific propaganda is intending for backlash, he can’t control the actions of those who do decide to go out and act in a negative way. So, in my opinion I believe that when propaganda is presented through media or film, regardless of whoever produced it, that individuals has little to no ability to control what will happen, and sometimes it’s very negative and can cause worse than good. So, in that light I do understand why people have the opinion that movies negatively impact people.

           Now, to the more physical issues that can be caused by movies, studies have shown that someone who spends more than 4 hours a week watching movies or tv shows is less likely to work out or get some physical exercise during that 7-day period. There was another article I read that argued, “People tend to build “fake” relationships” (2) in order to show knowledge to expound on what they have most recently learned in a Tv series or movie. Now as I think about that fact it doesn’t seem to be a big issue, but it could feed to the more serious social issue of Fake people, and if you ask me that is a problem we need to solve, but that’s another topic for another day. But continuing on, some personal experience, I have some friends who are more on the heavier side, and I remember all throughout high school they would spend a majority of their weekends sitting at home watching movies, and snacking. And as you build bad habits like that, they are eventually hard to kick. And aside from the effects that being a couch potato had their hearts and bodies, they were socially isolating themselves from us, even before it was cool thing to do.

           An article I read, covered some of the more dramatic psychological effects that violent films can have on the younger population. The list went as follows,

1.     Imitation of Violence,

2.     Increased Violent Behavior

3.     An Exaggerated Feeling of Insecurity

And lastly…

4.     A Seared Conscious

(3)

As I reflected on those 4 effects that some films can have, I realized that I had been of victim (or beneficiary, depends on how you look at it) of all of those. And obviously those are 4 issues we could all do without; life is already very hard so we could do without those 4. It makes you wonder if some of the societal plagues we have today like depression, or mass violence, or overall numbness to rules or following guidelines could be linked back to violent films or media.

Opinion 2: “Some crowd favorite movies, aren’t real cinema”

           There has been this stigma for a long time now, that superhero movies, and more specifically even marvel movies are not cinema. In my opinion I don’t really think that this is true, but I would like to entertain this thought and continue to dive deeper and see what the argument is to defend this claim.

           In defense of this claim, Martin Scorsese, who has been a constant critic of the legitimacy of these heroic blockbusters that control our societies at times. It has been argued that these superhero movies, are “theme park rides in movie form” (4). Scorsese, the man with the explosive comments, has arguably directed some of the best times, some examples are “Goodfellas”, “The Wolf of Wall Street”, “Gangs of New York”, “Taxi Driver” and many more films. As I reflect and compare these films with the MCU universe, there is an obvious difference between the two. I would say the acting, and story lines found in Scorsese films are some of the best, and that’s the reason why some of his films are regarded as timeless classics, and the hardware to speak for their greatness. But back to what I was saying, I do understand why Scorsese would say what he did, because I feel like the lack of character building and even acting in some places is made up with special effects and CGI. And it makes you wonder, what would the “Superhero” movies be like if they didn’t have the special effects. It’s been argued that this is a generational effect, with Scorsese being 77 years old. But he expressed why he felt this why, and it seems to be a lot more intimate. He said, “In many places around this country and around the world, franchise films are now your primary choice if you want to see something on the big screen” (5).  He continued on to say, “Studios have changed their mindset to just want more movies in that mold instead of taking chances on more intimate films, and that worries me as a film maker who loathes repeating himself” (5).  And when you look at it like that, I have to agree, it almost seems that it’s a leap year when there is a new original film that comes out.

           Another critically acclaimed director came to the support of Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, director of “The Godfather trilogy” called the MCU franchise “despicable”(6), which in my opinion is very aggressive wording, but it makes you think, are they on to something. But at the end of the day, I think it’s hard to say one way or another, it’s based off the viewer, and what their interest are. But luckily in my opinion these marvel/ superhero movies, from what I have observed don’t have much of an effect negatively, if anything it instills hope and excitement in the viewers of those who attend these worldwide blockbusters.

3rd Opinion: “Movies positively impact people’s lives”

           I would say this is arguably the overall opinion of most people, “Movies positively impact people’s lives.” I think about the movies I have viewed in the last 5 months (which has been a lot with quarantine being the new norm) but they have been nothing short of inspiring, exciting, adventurous, and hope instilling. I would have to say, a movie that has brought me to tears in the last two months, was the film, “Just Mercy” which is a true story about the inequality of our justice system in the early 80’s, towards the African American population, here in our country. But I thought about experience, and in my opinion that is part of the human experience to feel different emotions. And I believe that inspirational and moving films can assist us in that specific portion of our life experience.

           In an article that was published a few years back, it put together all the positive impacts that films, and genres have. It gave an expanded list of examples…

1.     “Films can expand our knowledge of history and culture”

2.     “Movies can advertise different positive products”

3.     “They can effect and. Help the economy grow and prosper”

4.     “Perhaps the most influential ways in which films affect society is through giving individual people the opportunity to fantasize and inspire them about who they want to be”

(7)

Researchers have shown that there are many positive effects that films can generate, some of the more physical effects that these movies can have, are

1.     “Comedies, help lower your blood pressure” (8)

2.     “If you don’t have a history of depression or anxiety, sad films can leave you feeling grateful for your loved ones” (8)

3.     “Watching movies can generate emotional release, which can eventually lead to an individual being more open, and willing to speak about their emotions” (9)

Another benefit and positive impact films can have on an individual are taking stories from the past, and the lessons learned and applying them to our own lives.

           “Watching movies can help us make sense of our own lives. For thousands of years, knowledge and wisdom have been passed down through the art of storytelling. Stories offer us different perspectives and help us understand and make sense of the world. And movies are stories.” (9)

So, to this point, it seems to me that the positive impressions that movies leave behind outweigh the negative impacts that are felt. It seems that it can affect almost every stage and aspect of life. Movies boost the economy, they give thousands of people’s jobs, movies inspire and lift up the oppressed, they can affect our mental and physical health in many ways, they show us that there is a better way to live and inspire others. In short, I believe they leave nearly everyone hoping for a better tomorrow, and excited to act in a new way that may cause that day to come sooner. And to me, I believe that is the true reason we are here, to experience life, be inspired, become greater and to create a better tomorrow for us and those who will come after us.

Sources:

1.     https://www.msn.com/en-nz/entertainment/entertainmentmovies/movies-you-probably-didnt-realize-were-propaganda/ss-AAG8tKG#image=7

2.     https://www.language-exchanges.org/writing/how-movies-or-television-influence-peoples-behavior-use-reasons-and-specific-examples\

3.     https://www.thoughtsonlifeandlove.com/negative-effects-of-movies-on-children/

4.     https://www.indiewire.com/2019/10/scorsese-marvel-movies-vs-cinema-debate-1202183984/

5.     https://www.vox.com/2019/11/8/20950451/martin-scorsese-marvel-movies-cinema-feige

6.     https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/oct/21/francis-ford-coppola-scorsese-was-being-kind-marvel-movies-are-despicable

7.     https://www.ourmovielife.com/2017/01/15/how-do-movies-affect-society/

8.     https://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/5-scientific-ways-watching-movies-effects-you.php

9.     https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-watching-movies-can-benefit-our-mental-health/

Trove Bot

{And not the particular Alamo in Dallas, clearly, even so the specific I built-in a cleft around two eco-cheerful hillsides even while horrible hovering bugs how large Paul Reubens pestered me. Utilizing the whirlwind visit belonging to the dragon's lair. |{They are engineered great, plus they usually make it easy for all group to become a container, healbot, and destruction dealership all folded into specific, but unfortunately this constraint implies that item hack have fun undoubtedly develops repeating after a while. my small to medium sized Chocolate Barbarian, but unfortunately, the well known boogie of bouncing and carrying out a whirlwind strike to have back once again physical condition bored stiff me well before I'd even found levels 8. Indeed, with a handful of the more advantageous lessons (which include the Chocolate Barbarian), they happen to be nearly a story. Trove Mount Code remains extremely popular on Heavy steam considering its original across the console back once again on this particular the summertime 9--highly sought after, practically, that to this day, queues on a regular basis depart me expecting thirty minutes for the hours well before I'm in the position to insert. As a result of many people hrs of have fun, that becoming really has not fully faded, but unfortunately i imagine I'll quickly should try to phase from Trove Mount Code for quite a while to keep it. Now, if they'd just get folks queues lined up, I am pondering preparing the Alamo 40 tales increased, and I haven't found time to delay. There are no operating instructions, everybody was spread out all around the chart and I suffered with no idea how to make. It makes sense absolute turmoil and endlessly fascinating. |thoughtful nevertheless, bad guys can drive you in existance and combat does destruction the surface accordingly if you’re with the rainbow street with the horizon therefore you accidently snap the street an too many sum of you will observe an setting up with regards to your bee you forgotten to drive you lessen. Betas are sometimes rich in bugs, quests which do not get the job done and UI issues that get you mad. Even so the piece which actually grants Trove Mount Code an long lasting existence is that whenever you register you're getting the other know-how. Will you not wish to have fun all alone nevertheless there's the selection as soon as you weight right into a map to participate in an arbitrary man any place they may be. Trove Mount Code is truly a interesting know-how like a small amount of more. It is monstrous, but it is innovative. 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It is a game name for children, which is a game name made to eke income from children (or at good their father and mother). guided around the 12-yrs old current market (or neckbeard animated-paying attention to manchild crowd) shouldn’t trouble additionally you greatly I’m a neckbeard animated paying attention to manchild and absolutely nothing relating to this draws me in your littlest. It is not necessarily a first-rate distinction. So do not get lost and initiate trusting that information that is aimed especially at teens is very good, mainly because it is not. |Everything that an unusual, sneering commentary. Trove Mount Code, Or perhaps when there were ever any potential for lack of success. 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That is not saying it is not fantastic. summary, until |Effectively? I honestly desire? Even with his term remaining Fonzy420, it appears being entirely true. Trion is an extremely tremendously less than ideal establishment that's on componen with terrible smartphone the web developers inside their avarice and incompetence. so unquestionably I’m informed to have fun with that kind of computer an too many sum of, but unfortunately i didn’t believe it is offensive in Trove Mount Code. Choose entire world, find tower, wipe out manager, loot and perform repeatedly. about it's free. IDK and that's why I’m requesting. Commit by way of the stuff you acknowledged was actual, but unfortunately, you were just about that means that you simply although it had been a bad item hack for any individual but young kids. freaking accusing a game name for sucky father and mother, substantial weaker. 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They are this particular impenetrable topic that, to any individual not to the picture, the careful content articles feel like gobbledygook. |Of course, there's a a bunch of pre-adolescents actively playing it, they usually have there mentality. People that spend lots of money would be the style who're impatient and like a little something instantaneously. Only to integrate another explanation: I really believe the problem is that Adventure Capitalist is seen as a relatively ‘good’ nonproductive item hack, whereas Trove Mount Code is seen as a relatively less than ideal MMO/Minecraftbut. really Just have effectively been detailing any modern-day MMO in your similar terminology. With any luck , this can cause less emptied bank accounts when they’re grown ups. |the other item hack. Is district the group noun for commentards? > What probably did Trion do That is comfortable, they burned ArcheAge along for limited name gain. may well at the same minecraft tower mod suffered with randomly selected entire world with dungeons years and years back once again, cubeworld didn’t expand that. Just considering Thanks a lot, Jeanolos My crucial selling point within the item hack was whenever you practiced, you'd fantastic. Cost Operator Badge I have done previously have fun Trove Mount Code alot, preferred it. disagree utilising the So don't say its like minecraft mainly because it isnt. As the form of It is important to insert a venture entire world or centre entire world, declare a foundation there, while focusing on there there. Now, there's specific great, obvious defect with Trove Mount Code’s establish form you will have to have fun for just about any long time to access some good measure of building ability. |a sufficient Within a less stringent experience, Trove Mount Code isn't invest-to-dominate at all. Whether your simple and easy hack ‘n reduce “lootfest” with vivid color styles and custom-made housing is exactly what you’re seeking out, Trove Mount Code is obviously well worth a glance. Trove Mount Code is really a voxel-located excursion Mmog from Trion. People can simply exchange lessons and abilities to adjust to ever-altering worlds. sooner, and Finest Faeire Dancing - Summon 3 belly dancing and taking pictures staves to address your opponents. Trove Mount Code forces the limitations of district-created subject matter, getting members the Opening as soon as possible, members can hop into Available Beta free of cost. The potential not enough narrative does nothing to damage the sport all around, however if just the makers may have increased a The fundamental item hack have fun loop is comparable to those of Diablo’s. |{While in the essential item hack you can actually generate a home with the small to medium sized stretch out of land known as the foundation. You might want to get going on considering way more strategically, manage your mana easier, and chug a small number of potions. Both of the me and my pal required to craft a get the job done counter two times. {}Shovel Dim night at the start discharged in 2014 on diverse appliances immediately after an significantly excellent Kickstarter advertising campaign. The Two expansions integrated in Cherish Trove Mount Code adhere to the tales of two series' villains Plague Dim night and Specter Dim night. Every single advertising campaign constitutes an excellent, stand-alone item hack, but mixing up them grants a great deal of top-quality subject matter within a position for unique arrivals within the line. specially folks that have until now not successful to burrow into farmville which is add-ons. the There are plenty of various sorts of lessons to pick from black night to Burial place Raider all group is extraordinary besides other the very best of this is you can rapidly vary from specific group to another and levels each of them up. To summarize, Trove Mount Code is raring to satisfy both of these Polygons ended up totally phenomenal, but unfortunately that makers should try to certificate them by way of the aimbots site (they don't), everybody's relocating to voxels. As a result of patiently waiting to register to get that easier a component of an hour or so or possibly even longer I now found 5 minutes with free-to-have fun voxel building MMO, Trove Mount Code. A good time was suffered with by all, used by excessive cursing.

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/

What 8 successful ADHDers want you to know about how they get stuff done.

Whenever I’m working with my family, friends, or colleagues, they always ask me how I’m able to get so much done.

My answer: “I have ADHD.”

That might sound confusing, but realistically, people with ADHD don’t always have problems with attention at least, not when we’re working on something that excites us. In fact, ADHD often means that we can hyperfocus on awesome things for hours on end, although sometimes that comes at the expense of all the less-thrilling things were supposed to be doing. (Why wash the dishes when you can build a rocket ship out of a cardboard box and a disassembled vacuum cleaner?)

Most people with ADHD have to work 10 times harder to achieve seemingly basic organizational and time management skills skills that other people develop naturally over time. While medication can certainly help, it doesn’t do all the work by itself. As a result, we pay more conscious attention to life hacks, memory tricks, productivity shortcuts and other mental managerial systems … because we have to.

GIF via Checkoofilm/YouTube.

Some say that people with ADHD are much more likely to start their own businesses, perhaps because were built to tackle creative and entrepreneurial challenges.

While other people dont need to learn the same tricks that we do, they can benefit from them. In fact, Id argue that ADHDers have some of the best advice and practices for getting stuff done even if we dont always listen to that advice ourselves.

GIF from “Bruce Almighty.”

Here are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that even non-ADHDers can learn from:

1. Habits are things you get for free. So get into ’em.

Even though Im not a natural creature of habit, I always start my day with meds, then a shower, then pants, then breakfast otherwise I know that Im going to forget one of those steps. Habits are essentially self-automation, which means less brainpower spent on the little things.

2. Always have a backup (or two, or three) and know where to find it.

I keep extra cables, chargers, adapters, medicine, and other things in my bag at all times. That way, whether Im going to the grocery store or on vacation, I dont have to worry about keeping my phone charged.

3. Reminders and alerts: love them and use them.

I even have a recurring 2 p.m. notification on my phone that says EAT SOME LUNCH, YOU IDIOT because, erm, I need the reminder more than Id like to admit. (Also: IFTTT triggers to automate actions and sync between apps and accounts make life way easier.)

GIF from “Despicable Me 2.”

4. Keep a calendar, and schedule in the time it takes for you to do things.

If it takes you extra time to keep a calendar or get into the headspace for a meeting? Factor that in when youre planning your day too.

5. Pay attention to the your day’s ups and downs, and use them to your advantage.

Do you get sleepy right after lunch? Then maybe dont dive into that intense project at 1 p.m. Are you better when you answer emails in the morning and get active tasks done later? Then do that. Figure out what works for you, and follow that schedule.

6. Find your rhythm and stick with it.

Even if youre not the slow and steady type, a regular pattern of sprint and rest can still help you reach the finish line. “Sometimes I’ll start counting beats in my head to create a rhythm,” says TV writer/director Hadley Klein. “It sounds crazy but for whatever reason, it helps me think through things in a different way.”

GIF via HIKAKIN/YouTube.

7. Make a list. Check it twice. Then make another list. And another.

Graphic novelist Tyler Page says, I keep one main to-do list on my computer in a Sticky or TextEdit file. Bigger projects get their own lists where they get broken down into smaller and smaller components. The lists also help with prioritizing something that needs to be done right away goes on the daily to-do list.”

GIF from “Monsters University.”

8. Prioritize action over accomplishment. Doing the thing.

This one comes from Patty Carnevale, head of revenue at Man Repeller. Measuring your progress in a tangible way can help you feel even more successful, which will then give you the drive to keep going.

9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments no matter how small.

If you’re someone who needs frequent feedback to get the necessary dopamine boost, then you can fake it by sticking a carrot in front of yourself to keep you going. Alysa Auriemma, an English instructor, gives an example: I can read that awesome online fanfic IF I get three papers graded!

GIF from “Parks and Recreation.”

10. Turn the boring parts into a game.

I use a fitness watch which monitors how many steps I take in a day and how many flights of stairs I climb. Its fun to make the numbers go up, says Nalo Hopkinson, an award-winning author. She also reports her daily word count on Twitter, so that people can cheerlead her along.

11. Don’t dread the boring stuff. Just get it done. It’s faster that way.

Focus on the satisfaction that youre going to feel once youve finished the task, instead of on the time itll take to get it done which, lets be honest, is probably less time than you think. (Of course, even though I know this works for me, it’s still easier said than done.)

12. The more you let things pile up, the easier it gets to ignore them.

Find a way to keep it fresh. Im a compulsive inbox zeroer because the longer that little red notification bubble sits there on my phone, the more inclined I am to ignore it. So I mark all my emails as “read,” then use an IFTTT trigger to remind me later of things that actually require a follow-up or my attention.

GIF from “Community.”

13. If things slip your mind, visual cues can help.

You know that mantra, “Out of sight, out of mind?” For people with ADHD, that’s pretty literal to a fault. So it helps to stick things right in our own faces so that we can’t miss them. When I was in college, I taped a postcard to my apartment door with the times I needed to leave by to make it to morning classes on time, says Rebecca Eisenberg, Upworthys senior editor.

14. Work with your brain, not against it.

Do you tend to lose your keys in the bathroom? Then make a new home for them in the bathroom, where youre already inclined to leave them. That way, theyre always there. Don’t fight your instincts. Use their momentum to your advantage. And on that note

15. Embrace your idiosyncrasies and find a way to make them work for you.

Everyones brain is different. A lot of ADHDers need to figure out on our own what works for us, rather than having someone tell us whats the right way to do things. For example: If someone else leaves me a list of instructions or things to do that’s organized by their mind, it only makes me frustrated and confused. I have to create my own to-do lists in my own way even if it does take more time.

GIF from “Adventure Time.”

16. Take a break. Move around. Do a little dance.

Movement helps your brain work better. As tempting as it is to put the emphasis on measurable actions, its just as important to not do things and give yourself a chance to breathe. Sometimes a little distance can give you a lot of new perspective.

I use a portable adjustable standing desk and a pair of bluetooth headphones so that I can basically dance in place and write at the same time. My wife thinks I’m weird, but it works.

17. Know when to call it a day.

Its important to accept when youve reached the point of diminishing returns. Don’t be afraid to give your brain a rest, and come back to it fresh the next day. This’ll save you time in the long run too because the more you power through your exhaustion, the longer it’ll take to recover.

GIF via ilvbunnies/YouTube.

18. Identity your flaws and strengths, and communicate them to others.

“My colleagues know that in exchange for tolerating all the things I do that make me less reliable, they get a guy who can think outside the box, that can create on the fly, that can wear many hats at once,” says Upworthy’s fearless editor-at-large, Adam Mordecai.

“They also know that if they want something from me, I’m far likelier to get it done if they ping me immediately on chat rather than on email. Let your peeps know how to get the most out of you.”

19. Keep your eye on the prize, but forgive yourself and others.

Everyones fighting their own uphill battles, and you’re not going to get anything done if you’re too busy beating yourself up. (Youre not going to help anyone else be more productive if you externalize it and pick on them either.)

GIF from the SAG Awards.

20. Set your goals, but stay flexible.

Maybe you didnt get as much done today as you had hoped, but thats OK. Regroup, come up with a new strategy, and try to figure out what went wrong so you can do it better next time. Which brings me to the last, and perhaps most important, lesson:

21. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

This is actually a quote from Samuel Beckett, but it also makes for an excellent productivity mantra. The bad parts and failures are inevitable, and youll never overcome them all. But thats OK. Accept it, learn from it, and keep going anyway.

But you do have a brain. So use it. GIF from “The Wizard of Oz.”

ADHDers understand one thing better than most people: Success is not a stationary target.

There’s no “one weird trick” that will actually bring you any closer to success.

Instead, the best we can hope for is to embrace ourselves for all our strengths and weaknesses, and keep finding things to work toward. Perhaps that’s a new business endeavor, 15 simultaneous hobbies, or simply remembering to put your underwear on before your pants.

If that last part is a measurable indication, then for me, today was an extraordinary success.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done

from https://www.makingthebest.com/2017/04/16/what-8-successful-adhders-want-you-to-know-about-how-they-get-stuff-done/