Price of cigarettes in vermont

I DO NOT GIVE OUT PASSWORDS! I USE 2FA & YOU SHOULD TOO! ALWAYS BE WEARY OF PEOPLE PHISHING FOR YOUR PASSWORD OR CLAIMING YOU ARE BANNED!
PAYMENT: Zelle (strongly preferred), Venmo, CashApp, or Paypal FF. High value orders and new to the sub Zelle only.
SHIPPING: USPS $6 less than 10oz. $10 over 10oz. $100 insurance and tracking included. Free shipping on orders over $500. Additional insurance over $100 is optional at buyers liability. Additional insurance $0.80/$100 coverage. I can ship other methods at buyers' request.
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ORDERS SHIP THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS DAY!
PROOF: https://imgur.com/a/zGw3PFy
All Prices rounded up to the nearest $0.25
Coins:
Ancient Greek Silver AR Drachm Osroes II 190 AD - $100
Ancient Greek Rhodes AR Hemidrachm 408-390 BC - $135
Ancient Greek Kings of Macedon (Alexander the Great style) AR Drachm 323-317 BC Early posthumous - $155
Mexican Gold 2 Peso 1945 Restrike (x3) - $130ea
Gold Jewelry:
14K 18” Variable Diameter Italy Rope Chain by Milros 16.38g - $750
14K 20” 1mm Rope Chain 5.45g - $246
10K White Gold Fuchsia CZ Heart Necklace and Earrings Set 18” Rope Chain Signed 4.39g - $125 (Way below spot)
14K Two-Tone Wedding Band Style Ring Size 11 3.85g - $170
10K Masons Ring Size 11 7.65g - $235 (Spot)
Sterling Silver Necklaces: I can swap chains / pendants on request
18” Figaro Chain w/ Egyptian Isis Pendant (Figaro has a few distorted links) 9.88g - $20
18” Sterling Beaded Necklace (Note: has elastic wire) 4g - $10
24” Italy Box Chain w/ Heavy Cherub / Cupid Pendant 10.44g - $25
18.5” XO Necklace 925 Italy 39g - $50
18” Italy Box Chain w/ Pendant with Blue Topaz 3.68g - $15
18” Italy Box Chain w/ Large Aquamarine Pendant 5.64g - $20
30” x 6.5mm Italian Curb Chain - 54.47g - $100

• Appears to be rhodium plated

16” Italian San Marco Chain with 7” San Marco Bracelet 62.3g - $100

• Nice heavy set

20” Etched Puff Heart Necklace 925 Italy Chain 7.66g - $20
18” Gold Vermeil Herringbone 11.33g - $27.50
Taxco Vintage Simple Cross on 18” Italian Box Chain 12.02g - $30

• Taxco house TS-110

18” Italian Sterling Box Chain with Ross Simon Cross Pendant 2.61g - $20
18” 925 Box Chain with Synthetic 14x10mm Sapphire Pendant & Matching Earrings with 10x8mm Sapphires 8.12g - $30
18” 925 Gold Vermeil Box Chain with Pear Cut Ceylon Sapphire Pendant & Matching Triangle CZ Earrings 12.13g - $30
15.5” Italian Millefiori Bead Necklace 3.98g - $20
15.5” Italian Murano Style Necklace (Note the wire is ferrous for strength, clasp and non-stone charms are sterling) - $15
17” Sterling Bead / Clasp Turquoise Nugget Necklace (Note the wire is ferrous material for strength, beads and clasp are sterling) - $15
Sterling Silver Bracelets:
9.75” Byzantine Chain Bracelet / Anklet 6.56g - $20
8.25” Italy Byzantine Chain Bracelet 5.85g - $20
8.5” Italy Rope Chain Bracelet / Anklet 2.66g - $10
8.75” Italy Box Chain Bracelet / Anklet 1.61g - $8
Taxco Hammered Cuff Bracelet 24.49g - $50
Sterling Flower Filigree Bracelet 8” 10.19g - $30
Sterling Rose & Garnet Tennis Bracelet 7.5” 13.43g - $35
Ross Simon Sterling Rose Quartz Aventurine Tennis Bracelet 7” 9.50g - $30
Sterling Native American Bear Bracelet (Note the wire is ferrous for strength, clasp and non-stone charms are sterling) - $40
Sterling Silver 2-Strand Malachite Bracelet 7” 2.32g - $20
Sterling Silver Earrings:
Turquoise Circle Ball Drop Earrings 9.39g - $20
Turquoise Flower Feather Drop Earrings 5.31g - $15
Turquoise Curved Oblong Drop Earrings 3.27g - $15
Spiral Shell Studs 12.7g - $20
Teardrop Shell Studs 11.81g - $20
Dolphin Jumping through Hoop Drop Earrings 6.86g - $15
Taxco Sterling Shell / Feather Drop Earrings 6.01g - $15
Flower Drop Earrings with Aquamarine Stones 9.28g - $25
Teardrop Shaped Earring with Black Beads 5.13g - $15
Concentric Oval Earrings 2.05g - $12
Vintage Sterling Dragonfly Earrings 12.39g - $20
Heart Shaped Drop Earrings with Lapis Stones 5.22g - $15
Sterling Silver Rings:
Wedding Band Style Ring with CZ 10-¾ 4.35g - $15
Bali Swirl Design Sterling Ring Size 7-1/2 11.06g - $27.50
Large 925 Ring Black & Silver w/ CZ Size 6 5.97g - $18
Large 925 Ring with CZ and Flower Engraving Size 6 9.28g - $18
925 Ring with Bands of CZ Size 6 5.9g - $18
Wedding Band Style 925 Ring with Moissanite Size 6 2.41g - $18
Shablool Didae Israeli Filigree Style Ring Size 7.5 One-of-a-kind 8g - $25
Sterling Silver Flatware / Kitchen:
Enamel Guilloche Demitasse Spoons made in Norway 12 pcs w/ case 133g - $120
Enamel Guilloche Olive Forks made in Norway 6 pcs w/ case 46g - $60
3.5 Kilos of Sterling Flatware + Dishes by Gorham, Towle, & Westmoreland by Weight

• Various Patterns
• Pick & Choose what you want
• 95% of spot price + Shipping

Miscellaneous:
Vintage 800 Silver Cigarette Case 68.51g (Elastic Bands are worn and old) - $65

I am a lifelong Patagonia customer and probably own 40 pieces between bags, clothing, and accessories. I try my hardest to support companies (regardless of their country of origin) where I know the products I am using are free from abuse of those who made them. As I got older and became more conscious of these causes, I began to study as much as I could on Yvon Chouinard and the efforts he has made to have Patagonia be a company completely free from any inhumane and unethical treatment of children, workers, animals, etc. I truly want to believe the heart of the company and its mission is in the right place. I know for a fact Patagonia pays all it's U.S. workers very well; retail, wholesale, corporate/admin, etc.
But one thing I cannot get past is why Patagonia products *must* be made in 3rd world countries. I have read Patagonias stock response they send to anyone who inquires about their goods being made overseas. According to Patagonia, the bottom line seems to hinge on the fact that the textiles used to make Patagonias products are all created in 3rd world countries, therefore the garments must be produced wherever the textiles are. Here's what I don't understand and my apologies if I am over-simplifying it. If Patagonia was truly dedicated to ensuring both ethical production and safe working conditions, where they can monitor their factories and factory workers daily, weekly, etc., and their obligation to use 3^rd world factories is strictly due to textile locale and not as a cost saver (as they insist it isn't), then why wouldn't they just import the textiles to the U.S. and have U.S. workers assemble the garments, as opposed to having completed garments imported here? I know Patagonia insists they don't use inhumane factories, but according to Follow The Money (an investigative journalism organization), Patagonia do, in fact, use the same sweatshops as Nike, Adidas, and many other verified human rights violaters. Patagonia claims they visit the factories once a year to ensure safe and humane working conditions, but what factory owner can't tuck his shirt in for one day a year to pass inspection? (and Follow the Money still cited numerous infractions)
And worse case scenario, if they truly cannot import the textiles, why doesn't Patagonia simply open their own dedicated factory in Sri Lanka that they can monitor 24/7 and ensure 100% humane treatment of all workers? Patagonia grosses over $1B per year in sales. Billion, with a "B". Surely there is enough product being sold and capitol being generated to justify this ?
I don't want to cite a laundry list of companies to pit Patagonia against but I will name Darn Tough Socks, who make the finest socks I've ever owned, as an example a of a company producing top of the line garments 100% in the U.S. (Vermont), and yet their sock prices are on par with Patagonias. I also read where they are now importing certain proprietary threads from overseas in order to create certain specialty socks. So why can't Patagonia do that? I also own numerous shirts produced in the U.S. using 100% American grown organic cotton, and they are not any pricier than Patagonias basic tees.
Sorry if this post seems facetious. Not my intention. But every time I go down the rabbit hole on my favorite brand, I come back with more questions than answers.

I don't know if you've heard of Kunnumkulam cig (the fake ones). It's the low quality ones and now widely available in the shops and costs the same price and gives a bad aftertaste.
The shop which I used to buy cigarettes everyday is my friends shop and he showed me both. They both look same but has only a minute difference in the logo print.
Have you guys experienced this Kunnumkulam kings?

...for a whopping $119 before shipping from Canada across the northern Pacific. Call me surprised for the quality seen in the photo, as the only other option with a price near half of this had its screen burnt by cigarettes or something.
So what do I need to check for as soon as this arrives safely, like checking for firmware versions or unresponsive keys? I sincerely hope I made the right choice for choosing this instead of a new TI-89 Titanium as my "daily driver" AAA powered CAS machine...

You were already drunk and wearing your red sweatshirt the night we met. My memory pairs it with a blue ball cap but I’m not sure if that’s a detail I’ve implanted from a photograph of you in that same sweatshirt. You were from Florida and fit this stereotype I had formed from working in hospitality to a tee. I lumped Floridians in with New Yorkers as abrasive, arrogant and rude. This wasn’t entirely fair but it brought out some sarcastic humor in me that deflected my own insecurities. I really don’t remember much of the evening until I partitioned the neighbor to score some coke.
I imagine sitting on the curb by the carport with you under the power lines. We look good side by side The lines would crackle in the moisture of the fog which somehow made the city feel bigger. We talked of philosophies and science and broken hearts and the care packages your mom would send you of baked goods to eat on the boat. That detail especially stands out to me now that you’re gone. We smoked cigarettes and explained the significance behind our tattoos. You insisted you were jaded and told me about Venice while you pulled the leather belt she’d given you for your birthday through the hoops of your chino pants.
It’s interesting to see as I write this how sad you were under that price-is-right-humor and Florida pride. We were both tethered to the bottle and relating too deeply to song lyrics. I was mad when you left, not because you were leaving but because you needed money for a Lyft.
I’d try to keep you at arms length, we’d talk on the phone about sadness; about alcoholism and as I withdrew you said you wanted to build me a blanket fort with a surprising sincerity. I was always so fixated on the ways we wouldn’t work; you living on a boat without transportation, my broken heart, not wanting to drink and not wanting to not drink. I had neglected to see until now how much you actually cared.
We’d let so much time elapse writing each other off and then I’d call or you’d text and we’d jump right back in. I have a lot of regrets around that last night together. I’d noticed those scars on your forearms with alarm before slipping into oblivion unable to revive my memory of your explanation. You did however revive my consciousness with a line on the plate. What a train wreck, I hated that we were in this situation; hearts otherwise occupied, adult children, scrambling for a ride. This new gal you’d met was willing to come get you.
The next day my spirit was gone and looking at where I was and where I wanted to be took the wind out of me. I was mad when you called. Again in hindsight I see you cared. I can hear you saying this happened to both of us.
I thought we were bonded by this shared experience. I hadn’t considered all the words and non words of our bodies entangled where my memory lapses. How could I not have seen this was the source of your care? I wasn’t present for you and now you aren’t present at all.
I still check your mom’s Facebook page from time to time to cry at a photo of your face and say your name in my mind. This was your most confusing exit yet. We were at arms length and at this time even out of touch and I’ve felt a lot of different things about it over the years. Mostly “by the grace of god, go I”. And in looking at that time with new clarity I must say I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t see your sincerity, your vulnerability and I didn’t appreciate your pain because I was too wrapped up in my own. I see you differently today. I see me differently this morning.

ADDED SOME NEW TITLES & LOWERED SOME PRICES
Hello, I have a bunch of things that I need to get rid of ASAP. ALL PRICES ARE NEGOTIABLE!!
DM me for better detailed pictures. If in picture but not listed, it's sold.
https://imgur.com/a/etgfNop (Reach out for more detailed pictures)
-Complete Sets- (NOT SPLITTING)
Day of the Flying Head 1st Edition 1-4 / G4 / $475 CAD / $335.46 USD
The Legend of Kamui The Island of Sugaru 1-2 / G4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
The Legend of Kamui (Floppies) 1-37 / G4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
Satsuma Gishiden 1-3 / G4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
Scary Book 1-3 / G4 / $225 CAD / $158.90 USD
Striker 1-3 / G4 / $75 CAD / $52.97 USD
Tohyo Game 1-3 / G2-3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Dark Edge 1-10 / G3-4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
Orochi 1-4 / G4 / $100 CAD / $70.62 USD
The Drifting Classroom 1-4 / G4 / $75 CAD / $52.97 USD
-One Shots-
Fukushima Devil Fish / G4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
Reptilia / G4 / $50 CAD / $35.31 USD
VIZ Signature Sneak Peek 2006 / G4 / $10 CAD / $7.06 USD
Wild Com. / G4 / $50 CAD / $35.31 USD
Bomber Girl / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Orochi: Blood / G4 / $50 CAD / $35.31 USD
Cigarette Girl / G4 / $10 CAD / $7.06 USD
World War 3 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
World War 3 Battle Over Hokkaido / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs / G4 (tear on top of dust jacket) / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
The Twelve Sisters of the Never Ending Castle LTD Edition (1000) / G4 / $200 CAD / $141.24 USD
-Partial Sets- (NOT SPLITTING)
Basara 3-12 / G3-4 / $150 CAD / $105.93 USD
-Random Volumes-
The Ghost and the Lady 2 / G4 / $120 CAD
Jormungand 9 / G4 / $120 CAD
Phoenix 1 / G3 / $150 CAD
Phoenix 3 / G3 / $100 CAD
Robot Super Color Comic 4 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Robot Super Color Comic 5 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Comics Journal #250 (Yoshiharu Tsuge's Screw Style) / G4 / $50 CAD / $35.43 USD
(HENTAI) Secret Plot 2 (NeWMeN) 2 / G3 / $200 CAD / $141.24 USD
World War 3 Raid On Tokyo 1 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
FLCL Light Novel 1 / G4 / $100 CAD / $70.62 USD
Drifters 1 / G3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Old Boy 2 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Old Boy 5 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Old Boy 6 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Samurai Executioner Omnibus 2 / G3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Battle Royale 10 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
The Flowers of Evil 9 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Wounded Man 4 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Wounded Man 8 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Wounded Man 9 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka 6 / G4 / $60 CAD / $42.37 USD
Golgo 13 8 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Path of the Assassin 7 / SEALED / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Path of the Assassin 9 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Path of the Assassin 13 / SEALED / $50 CAD / $35.43 USD
Kaiji: Gambling Apocalypse 1 / G4 / $10 CAD / $7.06 USD
(HENTAI) Adventure Kid 2 / G4 / $100 CAD / $70.62 USD
(HENTAI) Adventure Kid 3 / G4 / $100 CAD / $70.62 USD
Eagle The Making of an Asian American President (Omnibus) 3 / G4 / $30 CAD / $21.19 USD
Eagle The Making of an Asian American President (Omnibus) 4 / G4 / $30 CAD / $21.19 USD
Tenjo Tenge (Full Contact Edition) 1 / G4 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Shaman Warrior 2 / G3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Shaman Warrior 3 / G3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
Shaman Warrior 5 / G3 / $20 CAD / $14.12 USD
-Free Volumes- (Must Purchase Something Else)
Shadow Star 1-2 / G2 (V1 has stains on the top of the first few pages, and V2 has stains on the edge of the pages)
Legend of Mother Sarah City of Angels 1 / G4
Black and White (Tekkonkinkreet) 4 / G4
Gen of Hiroshima (Barefoot Gen) 1 / G3
Phoenix 5 / G1
Thanks.

Another one of my essays about being homeless in America.
Let's Take The Escalator
How quickly do things get out of control out here
"Sir," I barely heard the voice through the cacophony of the convenience store. How in the hell could a store be this busy at two am. in a town of this size was a mystery to me. As if everyone living here had set their alarm for this exact time to go out and overpay for stuff that they didn't really need. As for me, I needed hydration, hopefully at a price that would also let me squeeze in a bag of nuts or a candy bar. Anything at all, really. My stomach ceased being particular about twenty-three hours ago, which was ten hours into my non-consensual hunger strike in protest of something. Take your pick and then look the other way.
I already had felt the temperature of the crowd, and it wasn't a comfortable number at all. There was a line that stretched from the register down to the candy aisle that I had to go through to get to the cold drinks. I had already seen other people pass effortlessly through the line as people made safe passage for their fellow insomniacs without needing to be asked, moving out of the way in time that the newly arrived barely broke stride before passing the gap. I watched this miracle of humanity through the front window as I took the last couple of drags from my roll-up cigarette, knocked off the cherry, then reverently placed the last precious bits into my bag of butts before making my way inside. I put on my best 'don't mind me' smile and opened the door. The line immediately tightened up, and that was the only acknowledgment of my existence. I took two steps and had to stop. Apparently, the Red Sea wasn't going to part for me.
"Scuse me," I mustered up as much politeness as I could at that moment, which was more than I wanted. At this point, I had been awake for almost two days and on my feet for the vast majority of that time. The big festival was only three days away, so the city was determined to keep us undesirable on the move and out of sight. It seemed like every time I even thought about resting, there would be a cop five feet away ready to swoop in and tell me to keep moving.
But, as tired and close to the breaking point as I was, I knew better than to lose it. So I put so much sugar in my voice that I risked giving diabetes to the listener. "Excuse me, miss, can I get by?"
I guess that was a major inconvenience, like I had just told her to run to the kitchen and whip me up an omelet, because she let out an exaggerated sigh while rolling her eyes as she made a gap for me to pass. I decided it wasn't large enough and made sure accidentally bump her with No. 7. My tiny little way of saying "fuck you".
My buddy behind me veered right as I went left to the drink cooler, almost feeling the coolness against the back of my throat in anticipation.
"Sir!" This time I heard it, "You, with the green bag!" I stopped and looked back. "You have to leave your bag at the end of the counter." I looked to where she gestured and saw Mike coming out and dropping his weight and thought, 'Thanks for the heads up.'
Smiling, I started for the indicated area, "Not a problem."
"Did you not see the sign on the door?" She said in just such a way that felt both condescending and accusatory at the same time. I glanced at the door and saw at least twenty-five different signs, stickers, and ads plastered over nearly every inch of glass available.
"Well, I'm sorry I didn't take the time out to peruse your fucking door and I'm glad you took the time from your busy day of circling the sky looking for something dead to eat and think of an asshole thing to say even though you clearly saw me doing what you asked me to do already. I bet having sex with you is an emasculating wonderland." ran through my mind like a tornado. "Sorry. I must have missed it." is what actually came out of my mouth.
Then, just as I was congratulating myself on my superhuman level of restraint, I heard her say to a customer, "You know damn well he saw that sign."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, what was that?" Judging by her reaction to my words, she thought her whisper had done the job and was surprised for a second.
"Just sayin'."
Perfect. The perfect retort for that place at that time. I was honestly shocked that she popped that out there. Now, if I speak my mind, then it could come across as me trying to dominate her, giving her every right to feel attacked and lash out, which seemed to be what she wanted me to do right from the start.
But I knew how this would turn out. If I so much as put a sharp edge to my voice then I would be dealing with cops and the best case scenario is being kicked out and told never to return, while the worst is the worst. Every scenario I could imagine meant me leaving here dehydrated to dangerous levels with no other options open this time of night in this town. Would getting this off my chest be worth possible liver and kidney damage going forward? I remembered drinking two twelve ounce bottles of water earlier that day while walking in the heat. I had been drenched in sweat for three days. My urine had been an almost fluorescent orange color since around ten.
This is one of the choices on the homeless menu. Suck it up and move on. In my previous life, I may not have said anything to her. I would have just laughed and walked out the door. Tell myself that I should leave some kind of complaint that I never do, while I drive the thirty minutes to the next open store. That was no choice for me. Another twenty something miles would have been damn near impossible.
So, I did what I had to do. I kissed her ass and got my hydration. I also knew that I had better make my visit short. You never know when that someone will want to challenge you again, having come out on top for the first round often emboldened a person, and they want to revisit that feeling of success while the opportunity is there. Thankfully, this lady was too busy to drag it out any further, and as I got in line, I saw that Mike was already making for the door with his cup of coffee. I don't know how he could drink coffee on a miserable hot night like tonight.
I made my way to the register, and our champion of justice was waiting. I asked her if people stealing with book bags was a big problem there. I couldn't help but notice the proximity to a local high school, and I told her that I sympathized with her trying to get a bunch of high school kids to get with the program. Endearing 101. Find a common enemy.
She said it was the most frustrating part of working there. So, I shared an idea. Limit the number of kids that can enter the store at one time. You would have thought that I had just introduced them to fire or the wheel.
"I bet you that would work like a charm. We can try in a couple of hours with the before school rush." she looked at me and considered my existence for a moment before adding, "Look, I'm sorry about before, but we get a bunch of homeless people in here stealing beer and wine. They also grab our honey buns. Can you believe that? Last week, we only sold twelve out of one hundred and forty-four."
"That's gross."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. I'm just tired."
"Well, the drinks on me for the great tip and because of my attitude, my little make-up gift."
"Sounds good. I appreciate it, but make sure you put a sign on the door so people can see your new policy." I laughed as I walked outside, and looking back, I could see that she was as well. I got No. 7 situated the way he liked to be, and our little two man caravan started across the parking lot in the direction from which we came.
"Hey, man, you want a honey bun or two. I grabbed a shit load while you had Ms. Officer Sedanko distracted. I bet I got twenty of them. You wouldn't believe how many I steal every week."
"I'm betting about a hundred and twenty-four."
"That's oddly specific. But right. Almost down to the number. How'd you know that?"
"Because I used to be a magician. Which reminds me, now that we're out of sight of the store and that woman, I guess I can pull this out." I pulled two bottles of Gatoraide out of my pants waistband. Then I pulled about fifteen assorted candy bars out of my various pants pockets. "Fuck that lady. You know, I wasn't planning on taking anything, but she really pissed me off."
Mike looked at my haul and grabbed a Three Musketeers.

Okay.... please fn help 🙏 I need to stop so badly.
Omfg in exhausted. I hope this doesn't turn into a rant but I'm also sure it will....
I'm currently staring at about 3/4 of an ounce next to the empty bag previously smoked while finishing my morning blunt. Don't know if it makes a difference but I primarily smoke blunts. 6-12 a day.
I'm gonna roll another one to write this:
I'm 33 years old. I'm a white male. I have 2 kids. (8 year old twin boys). I'm separated. I live 3500 miles away from my children. I own an old suv that's probably gonna die in the nest 250 miles that was bought for me by my current girlfriend of 4 years. My wife (Baby mother is 10 years older than me. Girlfriend is 20 years older than me.) I'm a felon, been out bout ten years give or take. I have absolutely 0 resources. I've blown 85% of job opportunities on the island I live on due to mental health/relationship/pride/physical limits/poverty. I always try to work and provide at least for myself. [My needs (My weed, gas,food) aren't much.] I love the fuck out of my kids but never see them. Ever. Currently I'm in the last month of a restraining order bm took out last year. (I think mostly for control). My current gf legit honestly frfr loves me. I love her. I'm incapable of expressing this love due to past problems and to be completely open and honest her weight. I love her with all my heart. She is beyond good to me and she's of course had struggles of her own. I've fought it for years but I understand that we are in love and love is blind.
I need to quit smoking. I smoke cheap af at 2 ounces and two 30 packs of cigarellos every week. I could do so much more for me and my children with money save and time I'd have.
I have an incredible opportunity laying ahead of me supposedly. My gf is selling the house we live in and has a cash buyer lined up. She is giving me most control of it and in doing so has forfeited a guaranteed income of 2k a month. We have a house picked out in NC where my children are at for a fifth of the price of the WA home we reside in. She is investing in me and my dream of a tiny home business. I've already created a design for my first build. In order to pad our pockets and give us piece of mind and a little insurance hopefully she also wants to establish two airbnbs. And hopefully goes unsaid to establish custody of my children as well. I see a great future and all my dreams coming true.
But not if I'm smoking all this fn weed....
pauses while I roll the next blunt
flicks
inhales
Okay....
Blue dream... what I'm smoking right now is def one of my favorites. When I started smoking weed at 18 in NC it wasn't legal and it probably wasn't weed. I couldn't positively identify it confidently till 21ish and was lucky I never ended up with some laced stuff.
I've never missed a day of smoking since 18th birthday even in jail and prison. Never owned my own place rented maybe a total of six months two diff places. Always worked been physical. No six pack or nothing but never really a belly till recently. I guess I'm getting dad bod lol. I feel laziespoiled. I feel exhausted though. I really can't stress that enough. It feels like getting beat with a baseball bat and pistol whipped repeatedly. Life is fairly good now compared to being homeless living in tents/jails. I live in a beautiful somewhat spacious home. It's actually a home. Or is it. I don't have my kids and I don't have a career buy I stay with weed. I went through a very serious depression when my bm got that restraining order right around the time of my birthday, grandpa's birthday, start of summer and father's day. I was floored. Especially after I leverage everything I could for about 7500 dollars and spent it all on the kids. I knew I should just set myself up but I didn't cause it was not maintainable and I could make the kids happy. I could get a little weed.
I don't want to ruin my future over weed. I want to work hard I want to be a good dad I want to be a good bf and I want to be a good person. I want to sell tiny homes so I can provide ones for homeless people. I want to smoke smoke smoke mother fucking smoke. It's nuts.
I want to stop. I want to stop smoking weed so bad. I don't smoke cigarettes drink alcohol pop pills molly coke etc anything.
Is anybody out there??
Can someone please help??

Okay.... please fn help 🙏 I need to stop so badly.
Omfg in exhausted. I hope this doesn't turn into a rant but I'm also sure it will....
I'm currently staring at about 3/4 of an ounce next to the empty bag previously smoked while finishing my morning blunt. Don't know if it makes a difference but I primarily smoke blunts. 6-12 a day.
I'm gonna roll another one to write this:
I'm 33 years old. I'm a white male. I have 2 kids. (8 year old twin boys). I'm separated. I live 3500 miles away from my children. I own an old suv that's probably gonna die in the nest 250 miles that was bought for me by my current girlfriend of 4 years. My wife (Baby mother is 10 years older than me. Girlfriend is 20 years older than me.) I'm a felon, been out bout ten years give or take. I have absolutely 0 resources. I've blown 85% of job opportunities on the island I live on due to mental health/relationship/pride/physical limits/poverty. I always try to work and provide at least for myself. [My needs (My weed, gas,food) aren't much.] I love the fuck out of my kids but never see them. Ever. Currently I'm in the last month of a restraining order bm took out last year. (I think mostly for control). My current gf legit honestly frfr loves me. I love her. I'm incapable of expressing this love due to past problems and to be completely open and honest her weight. I love her with all my heart. She is beyond good to me and she's of course had struggles of her own. I've fought it for years but I understand that we are in love and love is blind.
I need to quit smoking. I smoke cheap af at 2 ounces and two 30 packs of cigarellos every week. I could do so much more for me and my children with money save and time I'd have.
I have an incredible opportunity laying ahead of me supposedly. My gf is selling the house we live in and has a cash buyer lined up. She is giving me most control of it and in doing so has forfeited a guaranteed income of 2k a month. We have a house picked out in NC where my children are at for a fifth of the price of the WA home we reside in. She is investing in me and my dream of a tiny home business. I've already created a design for my first build. In order to pad our pockets and give us piece of mind and a little insurance hopefully she also wants to establish two airbnbs. And hopefully goes unsaid to establish custody of my children as well. I see a great future and all my dreams coming true.
But not if I'm smoking all this fn weed....
pauses while I roll the next blunt
flicks
inhales
Okay....
Blue dream... what I'm smoking right now is def one of my favorites. When I started smoking weed at 18 in NC it wasn't legal and it probably wasn't weed. I couldn't positively identify it confidently till 21ish and was lucky I never ended up with some laced stuff.
I've never missed a day of smoking since 18th birthday even in jail and prison. Never owned my own place rented maybe a total of six months two diff places. Always worked been physical. No six pack or nothing but never really a belly till recently. I guess I'm getting dad bod lol. I feel laziespoiled. I feel exhausted though. I really can't stress that enough. It feels like getting beat with a baseball bat and pistol whipped repeatedly. Life is fairly good now compared to being homeless living in tents/jails. I live in a beautiful somewhat spacious home. It's actually a home. Or is it. I don't have my kids and I don't have a career buy I stay with weed. I went through a very serious depression when my bm got that restraining order right around the time of my birthday, grandpa's birthday, start of summer and father's day. I was floored. Especially after I leverage everything I could for about 7500 dollars and spent it all on the kids. I knew I should just set myself up but I didn't cause it was not maintainable and I could make the kids happy. I could get a little weed.
I don't want to ruin my future over weed. I want to work hard I want to be a good dad I want to be a good bf and I want to be a good person. I want to sell tiny homes so I can provide ones for homeless people. I want to smoke smoke smoke mother fucking smoke. It's nuts.
I want to stop. I want to stop smoking weed so bad. I don't smoke cigarettes drink alcohol pop pills molly coke etc anything.
Is anybody out there??
Can someone please help??

Edit to add: I shared here because I felt my issue likely stems from my experiences as an adult child of an alcoholic. Folks referring me to AlAnon isn’t helpful? My husband doesn’t fit criteria of an alcoholic.
This being uncomfortable to buy alcohol seemed like a ME problem. I am not asking (literally anything) about how to solve it, or how to make myself comfortable with it.
I came to share a struggle with a group that I thought people would relate to. —-
It’s something I typically avoid doing. I rarely have asked my husband to purchase cigarettes in our 14 years. I don’t see why I should buy him alcohol. I don’t drink it (rarely, if ever).
I think I’ll just tell him “I’ll stick to buying the nicotine, you stick with the alcohol”. It’s not as bad if he’s present, but if I’m alone I do not like buying it. I’ve always been uncomfortable purchasing even if I was buying for myself.
I stood there today in front of what he wanted me to buy, at the sale price he told me to buy if it was available… and I got so anxious I started to feel nauseous. I thought about it and walked away without grabbing it from the shelf.
I feel extremely guilty, sick, and wanna just cry.

Here is an essay about being homeless in America. I hope you enjoy half as much as I don't enjoy living it. How quickly do things get out of control out here
"Sir," I barely heard the voice through the cacophony of the convenience store. How in the hell could a store be this busy at two am. in a town of this size was a mystery to me. As if everyone living here had set their alarm for this exact time to go out and overpay for stuff that they didn't really need. As for me, I needed hydration, hopefully at a price that would also let me squeeze in a bag of nuts or a candy bar.
Anything at all, really. My stomach ceased being particular about twenty-three hours ago, which was ten hours into my non-consensual hunger strike in protest of something. Take your pick and then look the other way.
I already had felt the temperature of the crowd, and it wasn't a comfortable number at all. There was a line that stretched from the register down to the candy aisle that I had to go through to get to the cold drinks. I had already seen other people pass effortlessly through the line as people made safe passage for their fellow insomniacs without needing to be asked, moving out of the way in time that the newly arrived barely broke stride before passing the gap. I watched this miracle of humanity through the front window as I took the last couple of drags from my roll-up cigarette, knocked off the cherry, then reverently placed the last precious bits into my bag of butts before making my way inside. I put on my best 'don't mind me' smile and opened the door. The line immediately tightened up, and that was the only acknowledgment of my existence. I took two steps and had to stop. Apparently, the Red Sea wasn't going to part for me.
"Scuse me," I mustered up as much politeness as I could at that moment, which was more than I wanted. At this point, I had been awake for almost two days and on my feet for the vast majority of that time. The big festival was only three days away, so the city was determined to keep us undesirable on the move and out of sight. It seemed like every time I even thought about resting, there would be a cop five feet away ready to swoop in and tell me to keep moving.
But, as tired and close to the breaking point as I was, I knew better than to lose it. So I put so much sugar in my voice that I risked giving diabetes to the listener. "Excuse me, miss, can I get by?"
I guess that was a major inconvenience, like I had just told her to run to the kitchen and whip me up an omelet, because she let out an exaggerated sigh while rolling her eyes as she made a gap for me to pass. I decided it wasn't large enough and made sure accidentally bump her with No. 7. My tiny little way of saying "fuck you".
My buddy behind me veered right as I went left to the drink cooler, almost feeling the coolness against the back of my throat in anticipation.
"Sir!" This time I heard it, "You, with the green bag!" I stopped and looked back. "You have to leave your bag at the end of the counter." I looked to where she gestured and saw Mike coming out and dropping his weight and thought, 'Thanks for the heads up.'
Smiling, I started for the indicated area, "Not a problem."
"Did you not see the sign on the door?" She said in just such a way that felt both condescending and accusatory at the same time. I glanced at the door and saw at least twenty-five different signs, stickers, and ads plastered over nearly every inch of glass available.
"Well, I'm sorry I didn't take the time out to peruse your fucking door and I'm glad you took the time from your busy day of circling the sky looking for something dead to eat and think of an asshole thing to say even though you clearly saw me doing what you asked me to do already. I bet having sex with you is an emasculating wonderland." ran through my mind like a tornado. "Sorry. I must have missed it." is what actually came out of my mouth.
Then, just as I was congratulating myself on my superhuman level of restraint, I heard her say to a customer, "You know damn well he saw that sign."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, what was that?" Judging by her reaction to my words, she thought her whisper had done the job and was surprised her for a second.
"Just sayin'."
Perfect. The perfect retort for that place at that time. I was honestly shocked that she popped that out there. Now, if I speak my mind, then it could come across as me trying to dominate her, giving her every right to feel attacked and lash out, which seemed to be what she wanted me to do right from the start.
But I knew how this would turn out. If I so much as put a sharp edge to my voice then I would be dealing with cops and the best case scenario is being kicked out and told never to return, while the worst is the worst. Every scenario I could imagine meant me leaving here dehydrated to dangerous levels with no other options open this time of night in this town. Would getting this off my chest be worth possible liver and kidney damage going forward? I remembered drinking two twelve ounce bottles of water earlier that day while walking in the heat. I had been drenched in sweat for three days. My urine had been an almost fluorescent orange color since around ten.
This is one of the choices on the homeless menu. Suck it up and move on. In my previous life, I may not have said anything to her. Just laugh and walk out the door. Tell myself that I should leave some kind of complaint that I never do, while I drive the thirty minutes to the next open store. That was no choice for me. Another twenty something miles would have been damn near impossible.
So, I did what I had to do. I kissed her ass and got my hydration. I also knew that I had better make my visit short. You never know when that someone will want to challenge you again, having come out on top for the first round often emboldened a person, and they want to revisit that feeling of success while the opportunity is there. Thankfully, this lady was too busy to drag it out any further, and as I got in line, I saw that Mike was already making for the door with his cup of coffee. I don't know how he could drink coffee on a miserable hot night like tonight.
I made my way to the register, and our champion of justice was waiting. I asked her if people stealing with book bags was a big problem there. I couldn't help but notice the proximity to a local high school, and I told her that I sympathized with her trying to get a bunch of high school kids to get with the program. Endearing 101. Find a common enemy.
She said it was the most frustrating part of working there. So I shared an idea. Limit the number of kids that can enter the store at one time. You would have thought that I had just introduced them to fire or the wheel.
"I bet you that would work like a charm. We can try in a couple of hours with the before school rush." she looked at me and considered my existence for a moment before adding, "Look, I'm sorry about before, but we get a bunch of homeless people in here stealing beer and wine. They also grab our honey buns. Can you believe that? Last week, we only sold twelve out of one hundred and forty-four."
"That's gross."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. I'm just tired."
"Well, the drinks on me for the great tip and because of my attitude, my little make-up gift."
"Sounds good. I appreciate it, but make sure you put a sign on the door so people can see your new policy." I laughed as I walked outside, and looking back, I could see that she was as well. I got No. 7 situated the way he liked to be, and our little two man caravan started across the parking lot in the direction from which we came.
"Hey, man, you want a honey bun or two. I grabbed a shit load while you had Ms. Officer Sedanko distracted. I bet I got twenty of them. You wouldn't believe how many I steal every week."
"I'm betting about a hundred and twenty-four."
"That's oddly specific. But right. Almost down to the number. How'd you know that?"
"Because I used to be a magician. Which reminds me, now that we're out of sight of the store and that woman, I guess I can pull this out." I pulled two bottles out of my pants waistband. Then I pulled about fifteen assorted candy bars out of my various pants pockets. "Fuck that bitch. You know, I wasn't planning on taking anything, but she really pissed me off."
Mike looked at my haul and grabbed a Three Musketeers.

“A story left untold” – his point of view
... He was a guy thinking he was tough, happy and had everything he wanted it life. And she was a girl, actually an unknown girl which he knew nothing about, she was like a mystery box for him but who would have thought that this would happen! The way he was he would never imagine the way he became, he would never imagine that he had that inside him!
Just another busy day at his work place when he gets called by his colleagues to go and take care of some new clients, but little did he know that that moment was the moment that was gonna change his life! It was a hot day of July when he came out from a short break to go and help some new customers and take their food order. He didn’t know what was waiting for him down there. He had no idea what he was walking towards to. Not something bad of course but maybe something too beautiful for him to handle. He arrives at the table but what to see. Four beautiful girls sitting there and all four turned their eyes on him. He froze for a second but then said hi and welcomed them which not by surprise led to him talking to them and laughing them. He is the type of waiter who wants to make his costumers smile, even to some say that he appears too serious. Four beautiful afghani girls but one was standing out. She was the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Beautiful dark long hair. Dark big eyes which would hypnotize a guy like him. You know it if you ever been hunting. She was like a gazelle that when it stares at you makes you doubt about taking the shot and from a hunter turns you into a lover and admirer. They made an eye contact for a second and that second was magical, he felt something. He felt something that had never experienced but also that something was not okay with this girl. He could see behind them deep dark eyes was hidden a huge and good heart but he couldn’t understand what was wrong with that heart. At the moment he didn’t react or anything and continued doing his job. But this mysterious gazelle so straight up to him, starts negotiating with him about the prices which was something he hadn’t seen in a place like that. That got his attention even more. That attracted him even more. He had to reject her and tell her that negotiating about the prices was not possible there and its something that can’t be done. But inside him something was telling him to screw the rules and say yes to her. From a nice place by the sea now it turned to a beautiful forest where he wanted to just stay and admire the gazelle he had found. He served differently on that table, he was always nice to clients but not like that. They ate and left to the beach but something was eating him from inside. He couldn’t take her out of his mind. He really wanted to go and talk to the girl but something had stopped him. What could stop a talkative guy like him to go and talk to a beautiful girl like her?! He kept going by the beach when he was free and just stare at the girls, not all of them but her. He couldn’t forgive himself that he didn’t say anything to her but then all of a sudden his legs took him there in front of the girls laying on the sand and told them that they could sit on the sunbeds without payment for the rest of the day, and also just for them for the following days there would he a 50% discount. The sun went down and the girls left. She was the last one to go. He followed her from another table and admired her while his clients talking to him. All he is thinking now is not work but if she is going to come again tomorrow. He went home and tried to sleep but why is this girl on his mind all the time? Why isn’t she letting him sleep? He goes to work next day saying hi to his friends quick and without taking his coffee first to fix his sleepy eyes he goes straight to look if the girls was there. And as soon as he sees them sun bathing on the beach he feels calm and cheers up. He just wants to sit there on the beach and stare at her, admire her but he doesn’t want to be rude and look creepy. Few days pass and that girl is the only thing on his mind all day. He would see her everyday at some point of the day. Flirting without noticing everyday. He doesn’t notice it but he gets lost in the beautiful eyes of that girl. Even his colleagues start noticing this. The plate of the food starts changing the way it looks. From time to time there is a heart decoration there. Until...one beautiful evening he finds her away from her sisters and takes the courage to tell her that she is so beautiful. That’s where it started. That’s where their life got troubled. After that eye contact and flirting for days that compliment dived everything deeper. But on the other side looks like she was waiting for him to do that. She thanked him and asked him if she was gonna see him tomorrow again but he couldn’t hear anything. He was lost, lost like he had never been. Lost in her deep eyes. After that moment they go separate ways. But he couldn’t stop fighting with himself why didn’t he get her contact. He was blaming and calling himself stupid until someone from work tells him that he might have found her name. He finds her name and sends her a message but was that a good thing?. It actually was becuase that message turned into a nice chat and ends up with him asking her out. Because of the long hours they meet at his work place when everyone is gone. The place has an antique name which means south wind and the south wind had brought a beautiful gazelle to his forest. What happened with them? What was going on between them? What was this thing going that was troubling their hearts and minds? They meet each other and start talking but he couldn’t stop admiring her. Now he was like a kid who gets a new toy and can’t stop looking at it. None of them goes straight to what they really want to do. They just sit there and talk until this moment when their eyes meet and he leans over to kiss her. She moved to him. Their lips met and there they are kissing each other. That was the big step they couldn’t take for days. In the middle of the night just the two of them and the beautiful moon above shining on their sweaty faces. But the moon was nothing compared to her. That girl was a moon shining only above his forest.
Kissing for hours until they get so drunk by their lips and they can’t think anymore. He couldn’t stop kissing her lips her neck playing with her hair. He was drunk by her beaty and she was drink by his kisses. He wants more. He wants to feel her more but she just wanted a kiss. A kiss, a long kiss which turned into a romantic sex night until its time for them to leave the place. He leaves her alone for a moment to take care of something but when he comes back no one is there!! What happened?! Where did the beautiful gazelle go?! He gets scared. What happened to her? Did he do something that hurt her or she got hurt by someone else. Who got his gazelle away from his forest. He looks for her like crazy but can’t find her. There is no sleep for him. His mind and heart are racing. Even the moon lost her beauty without her there. The beautiful afghani girl is gone. But was she even there?!! Everything was so beautiful to be real. Next day he goes work worried until he gets a message. The girl was okay and all was a misunderstanding. That day the girl went to explore another beach but she promised him to be there in the evening. This is the evening 17 of July and she will leave next day. They spend the night together, a more crazy and romantic night between 2 strangers who felt like they been knowing for centuries. All them kisses are his wine and her body becomes the fruit to snack on with his summer wine. They sit there on the sunbeds and wait for the sunrise. Is just the sun rising or anything else rising too?! Whats more beautiful the sunrise or the shining face of that girl. He is confused. Was she a real girl or a mermaid like in the myths? What was he doing with her? Why was he feeling something that he couldn’t understand with her? After the beautiful night on the beach and an amazing sunrise at dawn now its time. They have to separate. His beautiful gazelle was gonna go away from her Mc Dreamy. But they can’t go away from each other. He can’t let her hand go and the way she looks at him makes it more difficult for him to let go. They have to! What was this? Was it just an obsession of the moment? It couldn’t have been love, love doesn’t happen that quick. It was something though, big, really big and beautiful but they couldn’t understand. After she left he was just feeling lost and guilty. Lost because the beautiful girl left but why guilty? What was giving him that feeling of guilt? What made him hate himself was doing that to 2 beautiful girls?! Yes!! There was actually another girl in his life. He was in a relationship and he didn’t tell the girl anything. She thought he was single and free until he dropped it. He send a message that shocked her. Finally he was brave enough to tell her the truth.
He couldn’t keep going anymore with his lie. Why did he do something like that? Why did he hurt them girls? Was he that bad of a guy?! After that message all the happiness turned into sadness. He was feeling hurt but more than that he was feeling guilty. Guilty that he lied to a girl like she was and for doing something like that to his girlfriend. That changed them, both of them! She was disappointed from him and that would hurt him everyday more and more. Seeing the hurt on her eyes and feeling her voice made him hate himself. But as they say there is no happiness there is just drops of it. The only thing that would give him peace now is alcohol. He ends up being almost an alcoholic. All the alcohol that gives him peace, turns into tears after. And the girl on the other side more heartbroken that she was before. But can “everything” break your heart, or only certain things? The summer ended. Season closed and now all that is left is him, his pack of cigarettes and the alcohol on his hand. Is the only thing that gives him peace now. They say time heals everything but it doesn’t. It just pushes it in the back of our heart until one day you remember it and all comes back. He knows he wasn’t honest with her but he wants her again. He wants to see her again. Feel her again. Kiss her again. As time passes he decides to get himself together. Even tho that beautiful girl is still somewhere in the back of his heart he still remembers her. And everytime he does a smile comes on his face, the real one. All the good time that they had now its turned into memories. He turns into an overthinker and there the thoughts start again. Is he gonna see her again?! Does she remember him same way he does?! His imagination kicks in. What if one day he sees her? Is she gonna be same? Beautiful? He doesn’t doubt that but what if when he sees her again there is a kid on her hands? How is he gonna react? What is he gonna do? Months have passed and still that girl is there with him from time to time. Almost a year passes and the guy has moved on. Or maybe that’s what he thinks. But that doesn’t mean he forgot her. How can he? She make them 2 nights feel like 2 centuries for him. She made him feel like he had never felt before. Questions and questions run on his mind. Questions which he cannot answer. It’s May now. Almost a year has passed. He is about to go there again but is that gonna be good for him.
It’s not a work place anymore. It’s a factory of memories for him now. She was like his summer wine and summer came again. What is he gonna do? Is he gonna have his summer wine again? It’s 27 of May when something that would cheer him up happens. The beautiful afghani girl is back now. His forest is rich and beautiful again because the beautiful deep eyes gazelle is back. She contacted him and after a year thousands of miles away they was gonna be so close to each other. She was gonna visit his country. All the fire of a year ago got the spark to light up now. They talk to catch up and they decide to meet. He can’t wait for the day. He plans like crazy. They meet and hug as friends. They start traveling, but do friends hold hands? Do friends kiss? The trip is tiring but he can’t see it that way with her next to him. So many natural beauties on the way but she is the one that got his mind. They arrive on destination and go to settle in on their hotel rooms. The spark now has turned on a massive fire. What’s gonna happen? Is that it? Just a hug and a kiss on the cheek? Oh no! What is he gonna do? How is he gonna get her to come down to his room? He made up something and there she is! Knocking on the door. He opened the door and what to see the beautiful afghani girl was there smiling. He couldn’t wait anymore so he grabbed her closer to him and kissed her again, but this time he got his summer wine earlier. He kissed her lips that he’d been missing for a year now. He is lost again. Lost in thoughts? No, he is lost in her beauty. They get out walking hand on hand and go the beach to enjoy the sun but why would he need that? He has something more shiny than the sun holding his hand. They walk out holding hands looking like a loving couple who has been always together.
Anyone who sees them during the day would think what a lovely loving couple, but on the other side only the hotel room walls see the passion and the romantic nights they have. Something has changed. It’s her. She has changed and from his summer wine now she became like a spicy margarita for him. He still can’t believe it. Is this real? Is it happening again or is just his dreams and imagination? No that’s true, the girl who he went crazy about is there again next to him. She is with him for 3 days but she makes these 3 days feel like an eternity for him. An eternity he doesnt want to end. They spent time on the beach and go on dates in the evenings. They walk holding hands and enjoying it to the fullest. They have a bond between each other that makes them feel safe and calm. The storm on his heart has calmed. She is like the sunshine after a rainy day to him. They talk to each other without holding back. They open up to each other and try to guide each other like they are a married couple. Everywhere they go he can’t take his eyes out of her. He is drunk. He is drunk from her beauty. Her smile melts his heart. Her gazelle eyes make him lose himself in the depth of them. Her long dark hair and her beautiful body drives him crazy. Calling her name now becomes the thing that he wants to do all the time because the look when she turns at him is what he needs and enjoy. The beautiful coast line now has become even more beautiful. He wants time to stop and stay like that forever. It was 2nd of June and now they have to come back to reality. He takes her to the airport and now he feel like he is sending her away. The closer they get to the airport there is something growing inside him. Is a sad feeling. Why is he doing that? Why is he sending his beautiful gazelle away? Questions kicks in again. Is he gonna see her again? What’s gonna happen now? Is he ever gonna forget her? It doesnt look like he will. Is she gonna be always with him somewhere in his heart? Only time would answer this but how long will time take. How long till they see each other again, if they are gonna see each other again?! He knew that she wouldn’t be always there with him. But he thought this would be easier now. Because that’s what people say it always gets easier. But it doesn’t! Not for him not for her. They hug and kiss on the airport and he watches her go away. His tough heart can’t take that. He doesn’t want people to see what’s he going through so as soon as she goes out of his eyesight he leaves. The truth is that airports have seen more sincere kisses than the wedding halls, and they have felt the most true tears that come of a human eye. The closer they get to their homes now the more sadness takes over. This is a story that was left untold and a guy left with a broken heart. Again!!!

This is a continuation of the first half of my March trip, where I hit up Kamakura, Yokohama, Tokyo, Hakuba, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.
These last two weeks of my trip I was in Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okunoshima, Kyoto, Nozawaonsen, Fujikawaguchiko, and Tokyo.
The first half of my trip, I was working full time and barely sleeping. This second half, I had a lot more freedom.
Some things I did: fed some bunnies, watched a baseball game, attended an anime convention, waited a long time for donuts, wait through transport delays, wandered through a forest
A large portion of my trip was planned on the fly which was why I was able to make some seemingly nonsensical travel decisions. If I'd planned ahead of time, I wouldn't have missed out on certain in-demand experiences, for example, seeing a band I badly wanted to see, or returning to the Ghibli Museum to replace the kodama figure I'd smashed. However, one of the benefits of solo travel is the flexibility of doing whatever one wants, and I certainly did that.
On that note, most of the other people I saw throughout my trip were traveling with friends or significant others. There were plenty of occasions where I wished there was someone to share the experience with (the fact that I was still carrying a torch for someone the whole time didn't help).
In general, the hostels in Japan also seemed far less interested in promoting social activities, compared other countries I've visited. There were exceptions, like the one place that was run by a European guy. People on the streets also tended to do their own thing; I was approached by strangers twice during my trip, both times cos I was carrying a box from a very trendy donut shop.
This probably isn't Japan-specific, but one of the biggest lessons I learned was leave ample time for travel delays. I got caught by unforeseen circumstances and each time I wished I hadn't scheduled things so tightly. If hurrying between cities, I'd also take the train over the bus next time. It might cost a little more, but worth it just to avoid being stuck in traffic.
Expenses (gonna use USD):
Credit card $2802 / Cash $855
Total spent $3657
I charged my card as much as possible, both for the travel points and for fear of running out of cash. I arrived with almost $1k in bills and actually ended up with a bit left over
Lodging - $746 for 28 days, ranging from several $16/night hostels to a $52/night ryokan
Shopping - don't know total cos I used both card and cash, but my biggest expense was $217 electronic device from Don Quijote, followed by $49 at Uniqlo
Food - also don't know total, but most expensive meals were $70 and $35 for two tofu dinners, and $50 for wagyu lunch. The majority of my meals were <$10.
Other - notably $334 for one-week JR Pass and ~$200 for private lesson to level up snowboarding skills
Mon 3/18 - Hiroshima, Miyajima
Took off for Hiroshima on the shinkansen first thing in the morning. I was pleasantly surprised to by how much the JR Pass covered for this leg; I barely paid for any transportation costs the next few days. My pass covered the sightseeing bus that takes you from Hiroshima Station to a bunch of tourist locations (my hostel was right by one of them), the train and ferry rides to Miyajima, and my trains to Tadanoumi. IIRC all that was left was the 100yen Miyajima visitor tax and the ferry ride for Okunoshima. Score. Once again, Japan Travel by NAVITIME was super helpful for figuring out covered routes.
I got off the tourist bus at Peace Memorial Park and checked into my hostel, then immediately headed to a nearby okonomiyaki place (Henkutsuya Horikawa). Damn, that ooey gooey chewy flavour bomb seriously hit the spot. I wasn't expecting to be served right on the griddle where the food was being prepared.
After that, I walked around Peace Memorial Park, full of solemn tributes for everyone affected by the atomic bomb. The museum painted a very vivid picture of what transpired the morning of the bomb. It's hard for me to write about this. I'll just say people should know the human toll of war.
The park was built near the bomb had detonated; now everything is beautiful and serene, with only a few eerie vestiges of destruction like the Atomic Dome (kinda eerie at night).
I'd lingered a little longer than expected at the museum (it'd take hours to read through everything) and had to rush off to Miyajima. First things I noticed after getting off the ferry were the deer, so chill unlike the entitled ones I'd encountered in Nara. These, I like.
I spent some time walking through the shopping street, plenty of seafood, snacks, and souvenirs were available. Also diddle around Itsukushima Shrine a bit, waiting around for sunset and high tide. The view of the Great Torii was quite lovely.
Had some very cheap udon and egg sushi at Ueda, an adorable mom-and-pop restaurant near my hostel. The old lady there was just hustling to serve me; I wanted to hug her so bad. There was also a Dodgers game was on, and the camera kept cutting to Shohei Ohtani. The love for this guy here is real; I want to watch him play in person now.
Tues 3/19 - Okunoshima
Set off bright and early for a day trip to Rabbit Island for some eye bleach, and that was what I got, sorta. I'd bought some carrots and lettuce for feeding at the konbini beforehand, but you can buy bags of food pellets as well. The bunnies there were not shy at all; they come running out straight to you soon as they detect human presence, probably because they are so dependent on us for food. There were pans of presumably food and water around the island, which put my mind slightly more at ease.
Rabbits aren't all Rabbit Island is known for. It also used to be a secret island used for poison gas production, but maybe Poison Gas Island doesn't have the same appeal to it. There are still some creepy abandoned buildings and other traces of its martial past scattered around. I visited the poison gas museum, which was tiny but informative. Many of the plant workers suffered from ailments or straight up died here. There is now a resort where some of stuff took place.
Dark past aside, it was a nice quiet day of walking up and down trails. There are some decent views of the surrounding islands from the top of the hill.
Wed 3/20 - Tokyo
Well, today was a little unusual. About a week or so ago, I got the idea of seeing a baseball game in Japan. Was originally thinking the Hiroshima Toyo Carp but their schedule didn't work for me. Then I found out the historic Meiji Jingu Stadium, home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, might get torn down soon, and I wished to see it before that happens. There was a home game today that fit my schedule. Also - I'd decided previously that I wanted to hit up another ski resort at some point for more riding, and my JR Pass was active this week. Yeah so that's how I found myself leaving Hiroshima for a pit stop in Tokyo, then finishing the day in Nozawaonsen.
Left hostel around 6am to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station, where I found a locker to dump my bags. Quick tempura soba lunch at Tendon Tenya, then off to Meiji Jingu Stadium. I was 15 min late to the 1pm starting time, right as it was starting to rain.
It'd been a few years since I last saw a baseball game, and this turned out to be a great experience. The fans were super into it, singing and chanting every few minutes. They also did the Tokyo Ondo dance with their tiny ass umbrellas at the 7th inning and whenever the Swallows scored, so adorable. Concession fare was not bad either; I got udon and matcha parfait instead of hot dogs for a change, and it was funny to see the players hamming it up.
Home team won, a few rounds of Tokyo Ondo were sung, now it's back to Tokyo Station to take the Shinkansen toward Nozawaonsen. Now Japanese trains are renowned for their punctuality, with the average train delay less than one minute a year - well my train was two hours late to arrive. It was very windy and rainy that day, and a fallen tree had blocked the way or something. I arrived at my Iiyama stop way too late to catch the last bus and the taxi stand was empty. It was snowing hard outside and I thought I was SOL. Thankfully, a station attendant was able to call up a cab for me. What was supposed to be a $4 bus ride turned into a $50 cab ride but, shou ga nai. I was so so happy when I finally entered my room at Miyasakaya at 11pm and found a kotatsu and heater waiting for me.
Thu 3/21 - Nozawaonsen
I chose this place because it was a cute little village with both a ski resort and over a dozen public baths. Despite the travel mishaps the day before, I was glad I came. The village was very compact and it was only a short walk to the resort. I felt very fortunate to have fresh pow both times I went riding.
After that was over, I set off to explore the village a bit. Everything was beautiful and serene from the freshly fallen snow. There was Ogama, a hot spring used by locals as an open air kitchen for cooking food. Only villagers are allowed in, probably for good reason.
I tried one of the 13 free public bathhouses where, as is customary in Japan, the baths are gender-separated and everyone strips down completely. Big yikes. It seemed like elderly (locals) had no trouble wading right in whereas the younger generation, myself included, had to struggle a bit to acclimate to the high temperature of the water. I decided one bath was quite enough for me and went to enjoy a hearty dinner that included an onsen egg and the local pickled nozawana.
BTW, I understand the serious dangers that come with backcountry riding, but the dourness of this poster just sent me.
Fri 3/22 - Kyoto
Well, I ended up deciding I wanted to visit Fushimi Inari on this trip after all (but mostly I wanted an excuse to eat more tofu), so back to Kyoto I went. First stop was Nishiki Market which had a very wide delicious-looking assortment of food stands. The freshly fried tempura and freshly prepared seafood looked especially good; too bad I was full.
Then up some shopping streets, quick stop at Ippodo to buy some matcha which I forgot to do the week before. Afterwards, back to Kyoto Gyoen to scope out the tree situation. Well there was one big cherry blossom tree that was in partial bloom; nevertheless it was surrounded by people taking pictures (hey we take what we can get).
Hopped on the train to Fushimi Inari and got there in the late afternoon, still lots of people around. I started climbing the steps, stopping only for a city vista with the orange glow of sunset. The crowds were petering out, awesome. By the time I reached the top (~50 min later), it was already dark, peaceful, eerie almost. I'd never seen this place at night and was glad I came. (It's technically open 24/7 but there are warning signs about wild boars out at night.)
The rest of the night was kind of a bummer. I went back to the restaurant where I first had tofu dinner eight years ago. The only tofu set available included seafood which I was allergic to. I inquired about potential substitutions and there must've been some miscommunication; what I ended up getting was a plate of wagyu and rice, which was obviously quality but my heart was set on tofu. I was probably mostly mad at myself for the failed listening comprehension. Oh well, things don't always turn out when traveling.
Sat 3/23 - Tokyo
Back to Tokyo, where I would stay for much of the remainder of my trip. This was the last day of my JR Pass so no more stupid bouncing back and forth after today.
There were two concerts I'd really hoped to attend happening today, primarily King Gnu at Sapporo Dome. (They had an international ticket sale late last year, way before I'd decided on this trip.) Knowing how slim my chances are as a foreigner to get tickets, I hedged and bought a day pass to the AnimeJapan 2024 convention instead. It was only ~$16, way cheaper than any anime convention back home, a cost I would happily eat if I managed to score a concert ticket.
I was aiming to make it into the convention by 10:25 which alas did not happen. I had a chance to see the voice actor of my favourite anime in person but the wait to get in took too long and I missed the panel completely. Oh well... This was actually my first anime convention ever and it was certainly a interesting if not overstimulating experience. The place was completely packed with attendees, giant screens, loud noises. Many anime that I recognised, many that I did not. There was also a decent number of cosplayers; this one's my favourite. Oh yeah I also had the least-satisfying meal of my entire trip here (aside from non-tofu).
The rest of the day was less interesting - visited the life-size Unicorn Gundam, wandered into a random tulip festival nearby, checked sukiyaki off my list, arrived at my hostel in Chiyoda. I was pleased to have milked that JR Pass until the very end, an 11pm ride on the Yamanote line.
Sun 3/24 - Tokyo (Akihabara)
First stop of the day was the National Museum of Modern Art, which I ended up enjoying quite a bit. Modern art is sometimes known for being inscrutable, but this museum offered accompanying text for almost everything and I felt engaged the whole time. There was also a cherry blossom special exhibition going on, and they provided low benches to emulate the hanami experience, such a nice touch.
Next up was the Sumida Hokusai Museum, which only has replicas in its permanent exhibition but was still very informative about the many artistic periods of the man's life (he also went by over 30 names, depending on the period!) I especially liked this display on process behind the the Great Wave Over Kanagawa.
I'd originally gone to Asakusa for lunch at Ichiran around noon, but noped out after seeing the line out the door and around the corner. Returned right before 5pm, the queue was only 6 people long, score. All I can say is that it was GOOD to be back. My bowl was customised to perfection; it's still my favourite ramen chain.
After dinner, walked over to Akihabara to explore a bit. The streets were lined with a ridiculous number of girls trying to hand out flyers and get people into their maid cafes (also a couple of guys for butler cafes); I was just glad they were allowed to wear jackets and carry umbrellas standing in the cold. Already tried the maid cafe experience last time; being addressed as "your majesty" once was more than enough.
My hope was to locate a Gintama figure. I saw lots and lots of figures on display in various stores but sadly nothing for what I wanted. One of my stops was the eight-floor Mandarake complex. That place... was an experience. So much stuff, including a sorta creepy floor with customisable dolls. BTW, you might think all the hentai would be hidden at the top or something. Haha well, just don't take your kids into the fourth floor. On that same note, how DARE they defile Frieren like that!
I wandered around a bunch of other shops and saw and hundreds and hundreds of figurines, e.g. Gundam, One Piece, Spy X Family, all the shounens, etc. It was still fun to explore and see all the displays.
Mon 3/25 - Tokyo (Asakusa, Akihabara)
Today's schedule was relatively light as I'd planned to go hiking at Jimba today; however the rain kinda blew those plans away. Instead, I got some cardio in by running the Imperial Palace 5k loop. It was really pleasant, a lot of urban scenery to take in. Maybe a little pleasant - I stopped several times to snap pictures. If you go, make sure you run counterclockwise to not look like a knob!
Afterwards, I headed back to Asakusa to pay a visit Senso-ji. As expected, the place was completely packed, with good reason: every direction you turn, there was a pretty view. Honestly I didn't even mind the crowds; they added to the energy. This place is just so invigorating I would visit it every time I'm in town.
Also got matcha gelato at Suzukien right behind Senso-ji. The level 7 matcha really hit the spot, was totally worth the hype.
For dinner, I ventured back to Akihabara to try Japanese-style spaghetti at Spajiro. As a lover of noodle soup, it really hit the spot for me. Afterwards, picked up some stuff at Uniqlo and Donki (gotta love that duty-free shopping) before calling it a night.
Tues 3/27 - Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku)
It poured all day, which was rather unfortunate. I had plans to visit the Tokyo National Museum, and it seemed that many other tourists also got the idea that being indoors was better than wandering around Ueno Park today. Cue the hourlong queue.
The contents of the museum were as expected: many cultural treasures that they were (rightfully) proud of. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful folding screens, kimonos, calligraphy, and woodblock prints (including actual Hokusai ones). There's also a nice garden, which I almost had all to myself bc only one or two other people wanted to step out in the pouring rain.
Now for the crummy part: I had reservations in the afternoon for Shibuya Sky, but visibility was terrible. The rooftop was also closed due to rain. It was hard to see far, but at least the immediate surroundings, e.g. the crossing, were still easy to see.
Before going up the tower, I'd passed by this place called "I'm donut ?" that had a ginormous line. After the tower, line was gone so I went in to check it out. There was literally one single donut left and they closed up shop after I bought it. As I stood outside enjoying my pleasantly not-too-sweet chocolate spelt donut with the texture of fluffy bread, several other people came by and stared hungrily at my treat. Awkward...
This evening I was headed to Shinjuku's Golden Gai for dinner at Ramen Nagi, the first place I'd ever eaten at in Japan. It was eight years ago, way past midnight, and this cramped second-story ramenya was the first place we saw open on the way to our lodging. We were flustered by having to order off a machine for the first time, but the anchovy broth and curly ribbons of noodles, unlike any ramen we'd eaten back home, promised only more surprising delights to come for our trip... Anyways. It was as cramped and delicious as I'd remembered. I was happy.
After dinner, wandered around Kabukicho a bit, wondering what was going on inside all these buildings of the red-light district. The place was already very loud and bright from all the signs around, but the reflections off shimmering wet streets made things seem doubly so.
Walked through Omoide Yokocho, where I found myself getting pulled into one of the stalls. Goddamnit, I just ate. I politely ordered two skewers and the bill, which includes a $3 yen table charge, came out to be around $7. Well I guess in a way it was worth it for the "unique" experience - the guy grilling the skewers was casually just reaching into the snack mix bin and smoking a cigarette at the same time, that's the kind of place this was.
Saw something on Google Maps about a giant Godzilla head, which took me to a nearby movie theatre. Instructions unclear, watched Dune: Part Two instead.
Wed 3/26 - Tokyo (Ginza), Koga
First half of today would be Ginza, followed by a day trip to Koga in Ibaraki Prefecture to visit a trio of octogenarians I'd befriended at a cave in Vietnam.
I like Ginza. Very pretty and walkable, obviously you don't actually have to buy anything.
First stop was Kimuraya, supposedly the oldest bakery in Japan, originator of anpan and whatever the hell this is. Munched on shrimp katsu sando at their cafe on 2F and watched the passersby below.
Next, walked around the Kabukiza Theatre and checked out the free little kabuki museum in the tower behind it. Kinda cool angle of the theatre too. Didn't have time this trip, but I remember catching part of a kabuki show was a pretty nice experience, plus you can just buy tickets for a single act and then peace out.
Lunch at Ginza Hachigou, the reason I came today. It took me two weeks to get that reservation, basically the same experience as fighting bots for concert tickets. I ordered the one with the foie gras ravioli, which at $14 would be my most expensive ramen this trip. And, it was really good. Each part of it was prepared well; I especially enjoyed the flavourful lightness of the consomme and the pillowy softness of the ravioli (honestly feels more like a wonton to me). You only get 30 min of seat time and I took it pretty slow to savour everything.
Walked around a bit more to take in the glimmering architecture. There was a giant mass of people outside the Michael Kors store; apparently some kpop idol was inside and fans were trying to catch a glimpse of her.
A place I ended up really liking was the free Shiseido Gallery, which provides solo exhibition space for various artists. When I went, the featured artist was Zai Nomura, whose work really spoke to me. There was one interactive piece that invited visitors to submit their own photographs, which I gladly did.
Mid-afternoon, I hopped on the train to Koga to see my cave buddies. It was an hour and a half ride, and they picked me from the station to go to the local park. There was a peach blossom festival going on, with orchards of mostly Barbie-pink fluff as far as the eye could see. We took a lovely sunset stroll at the park, then headed off to a nice Japanese restaurant. I had input my order and gone to the restroom, when they decided that ordering off a tablet was too confusing and we should go somewhere else. (Like many of the elderly I'd encountered here, they are healthy and spry, but still utterly befuddled by technology.) Instead we went to a Chinese restaurant and I must say, the Chinese food I've tried in Japan has continued to disappoint me; at least the company did not. It was also nice hanging out in an average, non-touristy city for a change.
Thu 3/28 - Tokyo (Shibuya)
No real plans today other than wandering around Shibuya and eating. With only a few days left on my trip, this was gonna be my lazy weekender foodie day. Skip if you don't want to read me yammering on about food.
Took a stroll through Nakameguro to catch some cherry blossoms. The trees lining the streets were indeed coming along quite well, but the ones along the river were still barren. Everyone's been waiting expectantly but the recent cold snap delayed the blooms by a week.
Next up was a visit to the Kyu Asakura House, a well-preserved local politician's estate from the early 1900s where they absolutely do not want you touching anything. It really was a nice home that takes you back in time, even if barren of furniture - and the garden was even nicer.
Realising the house was only a 6 min away from the Shibuya I'm donut ?, I returned, again to a long orderly line (Japanese people really do not mind their queues). So I figured, already tried one donut of theirs that was good, why not see if the rest were worth the hype?
55 minutes later... I didn't notice it last time, but this particular branch was like an atelier of donuts; everything was arranged in such a beautiful, bougie fashion. And there were dozens of interesting flavours too! I picked out six and decided to save worrying about how to eat them all for later.
Next stop: Nanaya. The intense matcha and black sesame gelato I had at Suzukien was so enjoyable I decided to get it again, at Nanaya. (The 7 levels of matcha gelato was a collab between the two.) So good, made me wish there were a level 8 or 9...
At this point, I figured I should get some real food in my belly before I fill it up completely with sweets. Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, which charmed the hell out of me a few weeks ago, was nearby so I went back for an actual meal. The flower arrangements for the place had changed, but my omurice lunch was as aesthetically pleasing and delicious as expected.
Next up was Latte Art Mania that was recommended to me by a barista I'd met at the hostels. Their deal is that they specialise in latte art (duh) and their drinks are pitch black (charcoal, most likely). Apparently I got the same design as my friend, a swan, but the drink itself was very good and it tripped me out to see my matcha latte the colour of tar.
Rest of the day was just wandering around Shibuya, lots of big brand stores, lots of trendy boutiques, lots of people to see. Walked through Harajuku, which was not as busy as I'd remembered, maybe bc it was late afternoon.
I saw a sign for Harry Harajuku hedgehog cafe that included pictures of otters, some of my favourite animals, so I went upstairs to it for a peek. There were indeed otters outside, but most of them were running in circles restlessly in small pens. It was a little unnerving for me and I decided not to enter.
Next up, Shibuya PARCO, which had Pokemon Center, Nintendo Store, Jump Shop, Capcom Store, etc all on the same floor. It was, expectedly, crowded as hell, so I didn't stay too long. It was cool to see full-size statues of Mewtwo, Luffy, Link, and others though.
Took another obligatory Shibuya Crossing video (this time from the Mark City bridge) and decided I was done with crowds for the day. It was surprising to see how uncongested everything was even just 200m away from the crossing.
Tried to walk into Tofu Cuisine Sorano for you-know-what, but they were sold out for the night, four hours before closing. :( Instead I settled for a hearty plate of napolitan at Spaghetti no Pancho, which I doused in Kewpie mayo and parmesan until I felt bad about myself. And then I got to work on the donuts, which turned out to be very much worth the hype.
Fri 3/29 - Tokyo (Ginza, Shinjuku), Fujikawaguchiko
I returned to Shiseido Gallery in Ginza. As previously mentioned, Zai Nomura's exhibit had an interactive portion, which invited users to submit photographs of the deceased to be "printed" into a tank of water at a scheduled time. Hard to explain. My grandmother had passed the month before and it was a real cathartic experience for me.
Before leaving, I stopped at Ginza Ginger for this exquisite bowl of shaved ice. It was a seasonal sakura theme, delicate in flavour and varied in texture, a beautiful treat. The hot strawberry ginger drink was an excellent accompaniment as well.
Speaking of sakura, more were finally getting into bloom in Tokyo so it was time to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The park itself was pretty vast and there were a lot of people, mostly crowded under the clusters of blooming sakura. I only had an hour, which was enough to see plenty of trees, but had to skip revisiting the Garden of Words pavilion.
I was on a tight schedule today. I had to catch my bus to Fujikawaguchiko and make it to my hostel by 8pm to check in. Based on the bus schedule, I should've made it on time, but alas traffic conditions prevented that from happening; I got off at 8:15 and reception was closed. This was a sleepy resort town with dark streets, and I legit started worrying having to find a hotel way out of budget, if any were even open, or the safety and legality of sleeping outside.
I wandered into an izakaya at the bus station that was open to ask for help and someone said they would call around for me. I sat around awkwardly for half an hour with my luggage before realising I'd only eaten a donut all afternoon, so what a pleasant surprise it was to find this place had tofu stew and horse sashimi, my two comforts, on the menu.
At around 9:30, the employee returned and said he found an available place ~2km away if I'd be willing to sleep at a hostel. Uh, are you kidding me??? I quickly agreed and he made arrangements for me. Thank you, tenin-san from Uotami Fujisan Station, for saving the day!
I walked 20 min the dark to get to this place and not a single car passed by. At $35, it'd be one of my more expensive lodgings this trip (and eating the cost of the original hostel) but who cares right now. I arrived at Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn and wow the place was way nicer than I'd thought, more of an upscale capsule hotel than a hostel. Spacious capsules with lots of lighting and charging options, huge lockers, the whole place was immaculately clean, vending machines, laundry machines, plenty of showers with soaps, lotions, dryers, etc. I slept very soundly that night (sheer relief may have also factored in here).
Sun 3/30 - Fujikawaguchiko
First stop of the day was the iconic Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park. The earlier to go the better - I arrived around 7:30am and a few dozen people were already up there, plus I was kinda flushed after climbing the 400 stairs in the sun.
I realised that my trip was nearing its end and there was still nary a shred of evidence (screenshot of drained bank account maybe?) that I was in Japan. So, a photo here would have to do. Mt. Fuji - check, pagoda - check, cherry blossom - still in hiding. Eh, 2/3 ain't bad.
I hadn't noticed in the dark of night, but Mt. Fuji was so close by, casually looming over everything; just face the right direction and there it was, in your face. Pretty neat to experience.
Checked out of the capsule hostel and made it to Kawaguchiko Station to dump my luggage. It was a total zoo there and all the lockers were already occupied. I kept walking a few buildings down and found plenty of vacant lockers across the street from the 7-Eleven.
After securing bags, I went for lunch at the popular Hotou Fudo across the street from the station. Ordered the local specialty hoto miso noodle soup and horse sashimi, both of which I loved. It was a hearty and delicious meal.
Ambled along Lake Kawaguchi to where the cherry blossom festival was supposed to take place this weekend; however because the trees were still stubbornly refusing to blossom, there were barely any people around. I felt kinda bad for the people with booths out. It was a pleasant stroll along the lake but in all honesty, I wish I'd spent the day at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
Visited the Kawaguchi Asame Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of Mt. Fuji. This place is remarkable for having seven tall, healthy cedar trees clustered closely together, each one named and over 1,200 years old.
Went back to station to grab my bags and got picked up by the kind owner of my next hostel, Michikusa-ya. This place had a very lovely window seat.
Sun 3/31 - Fujikawaguchiko, Tokyo
Last full day in Japan!
There's this shrine on the lake called Rokkakudo that can only be accessed when the water level is low; other times it's on an islet. The inside of the shrine is bare but being able to get to the place was kinda cool on its own.
The majority of the day would be spent in Aokigahara aka Sea of Trees aka Suicide Forest. I was in a weird state of mind when I decided on this for the end of my trip. I had the two-day bus pass that gave unlimited rides on the red, blue, and green sightseeing buses. It's purchasable at Kawaguchiko Station or online, and is worth it for anyone making multiple stops.
I took the bus to the Bat Cave, closest stop to the forest entrance. There was an information center that naturally had three rooms full of Batman posters.
The forest really lived up to its name; the trails were clearly marked, but I did feel at numerous points as if I was standing amidst dense, undulating waves of trees. The forest floor is composed of impenetrable volcanic rock; thus most of the tree roots are splayed across the ground as tripping hazards. Though vast, there were plenty of exits to main roads or rest stops. I didn't think I'd meet a toilet I wouldn't like in Japan, but I was wrong.
At some point I decided that was enough forest and hopped on the sightseeing bus to the Narusawa Ice Cave. It was exactly as the name implied, a cave that naturally contained ice. I'd say it was borderline worth the price of admission: a cool phenomenon but you're also in and out in under ten minutes. I skipped the wind cave, which I think is similar.
With 24 hours left in Japan, it was time to head back to Kawaguchiko Station so I could catch the bus back to Tokyo and squeeze in last-minute activities. In hindsight, I should've taken the train. Just as the bus had taken longer to arrive than expected, it was stuck in traffic returning to Tokyo as well - this time delayed by three hours :/
I decided to spend my evening at Rikugien Gardens, which was specially lit up at night for sakura season. It was quite lovely and peaceful, in spite of the crowds, in spite of cherry blossoms not yet being in full bloom.
Final dinner was the familiar comfort of Marugame's nikutama bukkake udon, piled high with scallion and tempura bits. Also threw in vegetable kakiage and burdock root tempura since we don't have those items back home.
Watched the trains ride off into the night as I walked back to my hostel. Love you, Yamanote Line <3
Mon 4/1 - Tokyo
My flight was a little past 2pm but I wasn't quite ready to be done yet. Walked over to Ueno Park at 8am, where the trees were finally teasing pink and white cotton candy splendour. It wasn't very crowded yet since all the food stands wouldn't be open for another hour or so, but a bunch of people were already camping out their hanami picnic spots. I would've killed for a few more days...
I enjoyed Rikugien so much at night that I wanted to take the opportunity see it during the day as well. It was a peaceful stroll through a well-maintained garden; barely even register the dead grass anymore.
And with that, it was off to Narita. I wanted to give Ippudo a second chance and tried the akamaru ramen this time - much better flavour, and the chashu was perfection. After that, just hitting up the souvenir shops and making one final konbini run for my airplane "lunch". (Everything was fantastic except for the weird-tasting grapefruit gummies.) Also shoutout to Shiroi Koibito, the biscuits have a delightful buttery texture and they pack a good number into the boxes.
And that's the end of this trip. I didn't really want to go on it but I'm glad I ultimately went. Japan just has this certain charm makes you temporarily forget your troubles because you're so filled with wonder by what you're experiencing. Will probably return much sooner next time, to see the autumn leaves, and/or eat my way through Hokkaido and make use of pass at Niseko. Or go back to Koyasan, still a magical place for me. So many possibilities.
Anyways, that's it. Sorry it got kinda long. Thanks for reading, if you got this far.
Edit: fixed some errors and added missing photos

yes, yes you heard that right.. we removed the zombies, but why Will? what the heck is wrong with you? Well the truth is Project Zomboid is quite possibly one of the greatest zombie survival sandboxes of all time. nothing truly compares to Project Zomboid, and with b42 we will see a game that's already extremely realistic with extreme depth take it to an entirely new level.
I purchased project zomboid after seeing quite a few videos on it, players who were so truly dedicated to their characters they cried when they died. Hours upon Hours these players spent writing in their journal about their characters day, decorating their house, gardening, smoking a cigarette on their front porch, and reading books in their lazy boy with the lights off in their living room. The way I look at it, is there is an entire ecosystem of players who spend more time talking about their garden in their journal then they ever spend killing zombies!
The very first day I purchased project zomboid, I'll be honest with you I don't think i killed a zombie at all truthfully. In fact I thought there might be some awesome SIMS1 recreation type servers, servers that mimicked GTA5 RP, or ARMA 2/3 Life. However to my surprise it didn't exist. Nobody had done it to scale yet, That day I told myself I was gonna set out and build a server like no other, I was gonna remove what makes Project Zomboid, Project Zomboid. Well, its exactly what I've done..
With this being said this is a quite large and ambitious project Me and my partner Jonny have spent countless hours and truthfully thousands of dollars into the project because honestly, at this point its our hobby. we have a genuine passion for our project and we've got tons of support from the PZ community over the past nearly 3 years. We've worked with some of the greatest modders on the workshop, and even a game dev. "He wasn't when we started" but his mods were so great we still use them to this day. with that all being said know what you might be thinking.. This is just another one of those terrible Roleplay communities that have terrible staff and have you repeating the same old thing. Well and, the truth is yeah we kinda do have the good old mine a rock for money stuff.. "I'm sorry" but it's genuinely a bit deeper then some of our small stuff we showcase in the wiki.
Getting involved with the community is being someone, You aren't just a number and you'll feel it you can purchase your own business, stock it up, customize it to your liking, build your trucking empire, run a gas station "yes you have to order gas and refill it if players use all your stock" and you can even manually set your price you BUY and what you SELL gas for.. be a farmer produce goods and sell it to your local player owned store grocery store. transport large quantities of goods across the map for stores, create a taxi company, make your own insurance company. borrow money from the bank... go bankrupt D: become the mayor, a judge, a lawyer, a clerk, sheriff, criminal, rob stores, rob a bank.. do bad things.... truth is anything is actually possible within reason any ideas you come up with that seem like it would add more in depth Roleplay we'd love to incorporate. If the Idea is good enough we may even make a entire mod about it and incorporate it into the game.
We've got major plans, and the end goal is a player run economy with no outside meddling.. a fully developed ecosystem completely forged by players and ran by players... And we aren't all that far from it already.
This is project Zomboid Life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdSa1lhsT3U&t=83s
This is one of our Infamous players highly respected in our community please check his channel out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoEFNrEBaPo&t=895s
This is where you can find some our information
Pixel-Port: https://www.pixelport.community
PZL Website: https://projectzomboid.life/
This is our Game discord for our main server, you can join the pixel port group from in their if you want to get involved with the actual project however it isn't needed.
Discord Inv: https://discord.gg/4nEjdYFr9v
Now I know I've info dumped you a bit here, I sincerely hope it was worth the read and watch, I also wanted to just say, if any Modder's would like to come help us with the project I've got quite a few Small and large projects, between UI, modeling, Map making, audio changes, and so fourth so if your interested in making a little bit of money over the summer time feel free to DM me on discord
My discord: WilliamGroover

I should have never included my mom in the wedding or anything related to it. I thought it was innocent to invite her on the bachelorette trip. However, my mom took it upon herself to try to get me to persuade my dad to pay for her to go on this trip. I said no because I was paying for myself and didn’t even ask my dad for money. I’m a grown adult and can pay for my own trip. My mom then took it to the next level and wanted it to be like a "Parent Trap" scenario, trying to get my dad to go on the trip with us so she could be in the same room with him. My parents have been divorced for 30 years. My dad remarried and recently got divorced again but is still seeing my stepmom. I was already uncomfortable with the situation. If my dad went on this bachelorette trip with us, he would have gotten into a lot of trouble. It was a joint bachelobachelorette trip, so men were there too, just to clarify.
My mom ended up convincing my dad to pay for her trip. The worst part was that I had to book her trip and flight myself. I ended up paying for it, and my dad reimbursed me later. I’m thankful my dad didn’t go because I think he would’ve gone crazy dealing with my mom. Sadly, during the bachelorette trip, my mom only came out of hiding a couple of times, taking advantage of a free vacation without really doing anything with us other than showing up for dinner.
Fast forward to the wedding week. I told my mom multiple times that my dad was coming in early and she wasn’t. We booked her flight to arrive in Austin on the Thursday morning before the wedding. My dad flew into Houston on Tuesday to ensure everything I needed was done. I’m so thankful I didn’t let my mom come earlier because that was just the beginning. When she landed in Austin on Thursday, my mom threw a fit because I wasn’t picking her up from the airport—I wasn’t even in Austin to pick her up. She kept guilt-tripping me into paying for her Ubers. The first one was from home in Colorado, where she had no way to get to the airport. She tried to get me to set up an Uber for 2 AM, which I refused because if the Uber didn’t show, I wasn’t waking up at 2 AM. I forced her to order her own Uber, and I ended up paying for it.
The second Uber was from the airport. She kept looking at the rate while smoking a cigarette, causing the price to go from $20 to $60 due to a surcharge from her repeated checking. Later, I received a Zelle request for both Ubers. The amount of money I lost that weekend on just my mom was insane. Initially, I didn’t mind because my mom was helping with the flowers and the dress. I paid for the flowers; she just put them together. She hemmed the dress but did it the day of the wedding, which is another story.
Throughout the weekend, I kept checking on my mom, who was constantly asleep. Whenever something needed to be done, she would guilt-trip me into letting her finish something, which she never did.
On Friday, we decided to get food while my mom took a nap. Even my dad asked if I invited her, so I texted her in case she was awake. After lunch, I called her to check in, and she found out we went to lunch without her. She started yelling at me for not calling her. My mom guilt-tripped me so badly that I ended up figuring out what she wanted to eat and DoorDashed it to the hotel. The burger sat there for two hours before she ate it. She also didn’t go out Friday night because she had to finish the dresses, which she hadn’t touched by Saturday.
On the wedding day, a couple of hours before the ceremony, we were trying to find my mom, who had the dress and the flowers. I had tried to get her up in the morning to go to the venue, but she refused, wanting to take my car and making me ride with someone else. I needed my car to pick up the cakes and other things before heading to the venue. She guilt-tripped me again, making me feel terrible because she didn’t have a vehicle. My mom’s hotel was paid for by my stepmom because my mom guilt-tripped her into believing she would have to sleep in her car—despite not having a car.
My mom decided to finish hemming my wedding dress on the day of the wedding, which is why she wasn’t early or on time. Although the makeup artist was already an hour late, I was going with the flow and not stressing. An hour before the pictures, my mom came in, dropped off a suitcase, and disappeared. An hour later, when we were trying to get ready for pictures, we found out my mom said not to touch the flowers. We started organizing everything, and I called my mom, only to have her scream at me for touching the flowers before hanging up on me. I burst into tears, almost throwing my phone, and the room went silent. I had been calm all day, and my mom put me at my tipping point.
My maid of honor took my phone because every time my mom called, it pushed me to my limit. My mom sent nasty messages, and my maid of honor replied politely, but my mom continued her rant. I couldn’t believe my own mother would write those messages on my wedding day. After that, I barely talked to my mom. When the mother-son dance happened, I forced my brother to dance with her. But I didn’t have any further conversations with her. Since walking down the aisle, I literally avoided my mom the entire wedding and reception.
AITAH for literally avoiding my mother on my wedding?

5.35 tons of basalt gives you a 2ft wide 2ft high interior space with 1 ft thick walls. It is 107 cubic ft which im counting as 100lb per cubic ft but that might be wrong. It could be as low and half that weight. Basalt is supposedt to weight 100lb per square ft of gravel or sand sized basalt. l the walls are 1ft thick except for the floor which is half a foot thick. Inside of the interior is extra protection around your head chest and feet half a ft thick for your head and chest which brings the total to 1.5 ft thick for your head and chest. The protection around your head doesnt have any cracks so it can block RNM. I can give you a desighn for this but it will be uncomfortable. On top of sand bag wall full of basalt is 1 or 2 pieces of .5 inch' OSB which is similar to plywood. This only has to support a 2ft wide and 7ft long abd 1ft thick ceiling of basalt. This weight is 1400lb or possibly a lot less. The OSB goes under the top ft of basalt thats directly over the walls and thats covers the 2ft gap in between. Only the basalt over the gap which is 2ft by 7ft stresses the OSB. The sandbags directly over the walls dont add to the weight the OSB must support If I could make it so that the walls would support the ceiling I would make its three ft wide ont he interior and the protection around your head was 1ft thick which would reduce the weight to like 2/3 or something For the walls to be 1ft wide and 2ft high seems like it would be stable. My friend wondered if the sandbags can hold that much weight or if theyll burst but I dont think thats a danger at all. Bags sand sized basalt will pack down well compared to gravel. My friend says that sharp gravel will make a stronger wall then rounded gravel because the sharp pieces of rock will pierce through the sandbags and make the sandbags grip eachother. You can use barbed wire between sandbags to make them hold together better but steel can be used against TIs to generate stronger radiowaves. So non magnetic stainless steel barbed wire could be used. You might need reviews to verify that it actually is non magnetic like you have on amazon. Instead of making the interior 2ft high you could also make it 3ft high which is enough for most people to sit up straight in. You need a floor chair or the right cushions to be comfortable like this but I think It might be as comfortable as sitting in a regular chair once you get set up right.If you want to use half a ft thick of basalt and not 1ft thick walls you might be able to do that. Stack your mini basalt sandbags about 7 inches wide in between the water barrels and the plywood box after then in place. The idea is that the box and the water drums keep the sandbags from tilting at all so that they exert there force only downward. You might be able to make it more stable by making the walls 1ft thick at the 4 corners so theres a one ft by one ft sandbag support on the 4 corners.
In order to test if this is safe you can test it like this. There is the danger of the basalt shifting sideways so that it cant support the ceiling and it will fall on you. In order to test if it will do this you can test it like this. Set up your sandbags on a pronounced slope. Put extra weight on the ceiling. Kick it from the sides at an angle to see if it will collapse. If it can withstand all three of those things than it should hold up when its level. Make the ground you put it on as level as you can. You can use some type of level and a leveling rake.
The basalt structucture is surrounded by 55 gallon water drums. These weight 440lb when full. They are 2ft in diameter and 3ft high. A basalt structure as I described it is 3.5ft tall. So either you haft to make it 1.5ft tall on the interior or you haft to leave out the .5ft floor or dig down half a ft into the to put the floor in.
It will take 6 or 7 barrels to cover the long sides and 2 barrels to fill in between these two walls. This means it will take 14 to 16 water drums to surround the basalt structure. There is 1 or two layers of .5 inch OSB spanning the 4ft by 7ft gap between the barrels. The OSB is turned perpendicular to the structure so that its takes 2 to 4 pieces to to cover the whole thing. OSB and plywood are 4 x 8 ft for a whole sheet. This is ceiling to the water shielding supports 28 square ft of water. I think it should be half a ft thick so that the OSB supports 840lb. The ceiling is 8 ft long and 5ft wide in total although the gap bewteen the barrels is 3ft by 7ft. This is half a ft added to every side so that they cant get through the shielding by simply by attacking at a angle. You might need to add extra water shielding on top of the wall over the gaps where two barrels meet. Where two of the barrels meet the shielding goes gets very thin even though its about 2ft thick for most of it. So you should try to fix that. You can take a LDPE polly tube and hang it in between the cracks. You could put a 6 wide strip of OSB or a 2 x 4 board on top of the water barrel walls. Then hang the poly tubes on that. It will be like 35lb for 3ft of 6 inch thick poly tube full of water. So you want to hang the two halves seperatly. Six inch thick poly tubes will roughly fit into the gaps between the barrels and of course hanging two of them on either side will make your shielding at least a ft thick at the weakest point. Get 6 mil thick poly tubes the thickest you can normally find. If 6 mill turns out not to be thick enought you can do the following. Tape the end of a poly tube tightly around the end of a wooden down and then thread the wooden dowel through another poly tube. You add marine sealer or PB plastic weld on the inside of the bag on the lower end and then you add one or two zip ties. There are many strenghs of zip ties including very strong. Then the top gets only zip ties since it doesnt haft to hold up to any water pressure. The cord holding it up is tied to the zip ties on the top.
The poly tubes add 15 percent extra weight to the water barrels. If it takes 14 water drums then they weight about 6200 total and if you have 16 they about 7000. So if its 6200 then the 15 percent extra adds 9300lb. The total roof of 8 x 5 ft x .5 ft thick adds 1200lb. So the ceiling and the poly tubes mulitiply the total weight of the water barrels by 1.33 times of add 33 percent extra weight. The ceiling on the sandbags is 1ft thick. Then you put half a ft or more of water on top of that. The ceiling of water that rests on top of the barrels covers the cracks completely since it overlaps the water barrel walls by half a ft on each side. The water shielding on top of the basalt doesnt overlap to seal out the attacks perfectly it makes it a lot thicker. So this combination of overlaping and thickness will be good I think
You could also have a wall of water barrels thats two barrels thick with then offset so that the thick part of one barrel covers the gap between the two barrels on the inside row of barrels. This would remove the 15 percent in poly bags. or you could have poly bags only on the outside of the outer row of water barrels. eThis would also make the supports for the roof much stronger but it only if you have boards that are long enough. With this plan a 8ft long piece of plywood doesbt reach any farther than to span the 4 ft gap and to cover the two ft thick barrels on either side but no more. If it takes 16 barrels to make your fisrt walll of barrels than I think it will take roughly r26 extra to create a second wall but thats lots of strenigh if you have long enough boards or beams.
You need to use a gas powered or electric water pump to fill the barrels.. You transport the water in the barrels that are secured in a trailer or pickup or both. You bring an extra barrel or 3 that you leave empty. You transfer the water to the empty barrels and once the new barrels are empty you move then into position in the water all and you fill the with the full barrels from the truck. You must have a water pump in order to fill them up. An electric one is like $60 but it might charge the air for days or something and make there attacks stronger. A gas powered one is $150 or $200. Theres one at harbor freight which moves 35 gallons per minute I think so it will take about 20 minutes to fill all the barrels first at your water source and then at the location you want to shield at. Sheilding works far better away from powerlines and the wiring in houses and cell towers and your phone or any other electronic device especially ones that can emit some type of signal.
You can use plywood boxes or forms to support your extra basalt shielding around your head chest and feet. Takes about 700lb to have total coverage with half a ft thick but you could probably make it thicker than that. Instead of using basalt sand or gravel you can create basalt concrete. Basalt sand and gravel are roughly 100lb per cubic ft. Solid basalt blocks of rock are about 180lb per cubic ft. Concrete is roughly like 140lb cubic ft even though it uses granite I think which is a bit lighter than basalt rock. Concrete is made of roughly 4 parts gravel and 2 parrts sand and 1 part portland cement I think. I think if you make concrete with basalt in the normal proportions you will have 130lb of basalt per cubic ft even though your concrete will be heavier in total. If you change the levels of gravel sand or portland cement than you will reduce the strengh of the concrete. Adding large rocks will reduce its strengh to. The strengh doesnt matter very much if its not holding up a lot of weight and it only has to stay in blocks.
Dont think you cant move this amount of weight. If you strong enough you can use 40 or 50lb sandbags of basalt and move 3 in a row 3 times a day and youll move all 6 tonns in 24 days. If your not strong enough to move the 50lb bags you can get these mini 15lb plastic sandbags off of amazon. I think there probably Sandbaggy sandbags. You could also use the tubular 6 inch wide sand bags off amazon and cut them to the right lengh. You can also cut a normal sandbag to a smaller size but it might not be as good of a shape for preventing cracks as the normal proportions. You could also use a 6 inch wide poly tubes. a ft long one 6 inch wide would weight 20lb. You can double the up to make them 2 or 3 times thicker. Filling them with water is probably a good way to get them to fit in together well for the inner one to conform to the outer one. Use zip ties. So even if you use 15lb sandbags then you would only have to move 11 of them 3 times a day to be done in 24 days. You can probably far much faster even if your very sick. Just warm up first.
Plywood with some kind of slippery plastic on it would be helpful in moving the bags off of a truck or trailer and directly into a wheel barrel or work cart. A work cart is easier to move. On amazon and harbour freight. You could also use a gravity converyer off of amazon. A cheap 4 wheeler for $500 or $1000 off of facebook marketplace could be usefulf if its strong enough to move stuff. Possibly even a large moped which is a similar price In order to test if this is safe you can test it like this. There is the danger of the basalt shifting sideways so that it cant support the ceiling and it will fall on you. In order to test if it will do this you can test it like this. Set up your sandbags on a pronounced slope. Put extra weight on the ceiling. Kick it from the sides at an angle to see if it will collapse. If it can withstand all three of those things than it should hold up when its level. Make the ground you put it on as level as you can. You can use some type of level and a leveling rake.
The basalt structucture is surrounded by 55 gallon water drums. These weight 440lb when full. They are 2ft in diameter and 3ft high. A basalt structure as I described it is 3.5ft tall. So either you haft to make it 1.5ft tall on the interior or you haft to leave out the .5ft floor or dig down half a ft into the to put the floor in.
It will take 6 or 7 barrels to cover the long sides and 2 barrels to fill in between these two walls. This means it will take 14 to 16 water drums to surround the basalt structure. There is 1 or two layers of .5 inch OSB spanning the 4ft by 7ft gap between the barrels. The OSB is turned perpendicular to the structure so that its takes 2 to 4 pieces to to cover the whole thing. OSB and plywood are 4 x 8 ft for a whole sheet. This is ceiling to the water shielding supports 28 square ft of water. I think it should be half a ft thick so that the OSB supports 840lb. The ceiling is 8 ft long and 5ft wide in total although the gap bewteen the barrels is 3ft by 7ft. This is half a ft added to every side so that they cant get through the shielding by simply by attacking at a angle. Where two of the barrels meet the shielding goes gets very thin even though its about 2ft thick for most of it. So you can take a LDPE polly tube and hang it in between the cracks. You could put a 6 wide strip of OSB or a 2 x 4 board on top of the water barrel walls. Then hang the poly tubes on that. It will be like 35lb for 3ft of 6 inch thick poly tube full of water. So you want to hang the two halves seperatly. Six inch thick poly tubes will roughly fit into the gaps between the barrels and of course hanging two of them on either side will make your shielding at least a ft thick at the weakest point. Get 6 mil thick poly tubes the thickest you can normally find. If 6 mill turns out not to be thick enought you can do the following. Tape the end of a poly tube tightly around the end of a wooden down and then thread the wooden dowel through another poly tube. You add marine sealer or PB plastic weld on the inside of the bag on the lower end and then you add one or two zip ties. There are many strenghs of zip ties including very strong. Then the top gets only zip ties since it doesnt haft to hold up to any water pressure. The cord holding it up is tied to the zip ties on the top.
The poly tubes add 15 percent extra weight to the water barrels. If it takes 14 water drums then they weight about 6200 total and if you have 16 they about 7000. So if its 6200 then the 15 percent extra adds 9300lb. The total roof of 8 x 5 ft x .5 ft thick adds 1200lb. So the ceiling and the poly tubes mulitiply the total weight of the water barrels by 1.33 times of add 33 percent extra weight. The ceiling on the sandbags is 1ft thick. Then you put half a ft or more of water on top of that. The ceiling of water that rests on top of the barrels covers the cracks completely since it overlaps the water barrel walls by half a ft on each side. The water shielding on top of the basalt doesnt overlap to seal out the attacks perfectly it makes it a lot thicker. So this combination of overlaping and thickness will be good I think. You should use plastic water drums instead of steel. The steel ones are a lot stronger but might be used against you. You should ground your water by having a copper grounding cord dip into the water of every barrel and than connect to copper rods in the ground of course. You should also try grounding yourself. Look up supreme somethings grounding information. I compiled a list of 8 of his posts on grounding.
You need to use a gas powered or electric water pump to fill the barrels.. You transport the water in the barrels that are secured in a trailer or pickup or both. You bring an extra barrel or 3 that you leave empty. You transfer the water to the empty barrels and once the new barrels are empty you move then into position in the water all and you fill the with the full barrels from the truck. You must have a water pump in order to fill them up. An electric one is like $60 but it might charge the air for days or something and make there attacks stronger. A gas powered one is $150 or $200. Theres one at harbor freight which moves 35 gallons per minute I think so it will take about 20 minutes to fill all th powerlines and the wiring in houses and cell towers and your phone or any other electronic device especially ones that can emit some type of signal.
You can use plywood boxes or forms to support your extra basalt shielding around your head chest and feet. Takes about 700lb to have total coverage with half a ft thick but you could probably make it thicker than that and you could make it lighter in a set up more similar to the one u/microwavedindividual uses. Instead of using basalt sand or gravel you can create basalt concrete. Basalt sand and gravel are roughly 100lb per cubic ft. Solid basalt blocks of rock are about 180lb per cubic ft. Concrete is roughly like 140lb cubic ft even though it uses granite I think which is a bit lighter than basalt rock. Concrete is made of roughly 4 parts gravel and 2 parrts sand and 1 part portland cement I think. I think if you make concrete with basalt in the normal proportions you will have 130lb of basalt per cubic ft even though your concrete will be heavier in total. If you change the levels of gravel sand or portland cement than you will reduce the strengh of the concrete. Adding large rocks will reduce its strengh to. The strengh doesnt matter very much if its not holding up a lot of weight and it only has to stay in blocks. Im guesing you can make it have 150lb of basalt rock per square ft if you fill your blocks with a lot of large basalt rocks as well as a lot more gravel to sand than is normally used in concrete. This is 80 percent the density of basalt of solid basalt rock. Just keep in mind that you should overlap the large pieces of basalt rock. You can look up how to bricks from concrete on youtube. Its pretty easy. So you can use the dense basalt concrete in the half a ft of added protection around your head which will bring the total weight of basalt in between you and the attacks to 175 as opposed to 150lb without the denser basalt. You might be able to use more basalt concrete around your head as part of the outer wall. Its a lot lighter if you half a 3ft wide 2ft high .5 ft thick basalt walls and ceiling. Then you can have 1ft of extra protection on the inside which would weight roughly 1800lb in gravel or sand or 2500 lb for basalt concrete. With that set up using the basalt concrete instead of the gravel or sand will bring it up to 200lb betweeen you and them instead of 150lb without it. You can actually work with concrete fairly easily when your doing a limited amount like this and it has very low requirments for strengh and getting the mix just right. Look up how to mix your own concrete on youtube.
On top of your half a ft thick added basalt protection you can add extra water bags so you add roughly half a ft thick. Water is about 60lb per cubic ft and basalt is about 100lb per cubic ft of gravel or sand sized basalt. Youu use salt water for shielding. This is about 3.5 percent weight salt. You can make a solution of up to 25 percent weight in salt though. This is 4 times more conductive than 3.5 percent salt which is the same as sea water. That increase in conductivity might increase its ability to shield by a lot. It might take one half of the thickness of water to shield the same as the 3.5 sea water.
Get your plastic water drums or metal water drums used from facebook market place. Theyre only $10 or $15 each and you can even find some for free. You can find wood there to. Some are made stronger than others and weathering probably can reduce there strengh. So this plan adds about 33 percent extra in weight in the ceiling and the poly tubes. This is all the weight I feel comfortable with putting on top of the water drums. Test there strengh by taking like 3 full water drums and multiply the weight by 1.5 times. Do this by adding a half full water drum on top of it. Then take 3 more and add multiply there wieght times 2. Test them for days and see how they hold up. Then leave them as long as you can so you test if they last for week or a month or a year and you can feel secure that you water barrels under less strain will hold up.
You might be able to reinforce plastic water barrels. Take a strong cord or vinal strapping and create a series of bands around the barrel. The vinal strapping is the cheapest but the strong. Its very cheap at home depot. Its $25 for 300 ft.
This is an example but far cheaper at home depot. You must order in advance.
https://www.amazon.com/TECEUM-Inch-Webbing-Climbing-Outdoors/dp/B09FKQDJ68/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3NC4G74H3DN4K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4pZE5hbb6FqRH6dfCq96XVWW-tzD3Dhvw40n40j1NQoDnbl3lZDjrNAnNLe542jnODfFy2c3RHLnRUZFnKoaOeUH04rm_xoa5-A3Uvp4K3sEg-2N90kNo0ixCUSdmGZKvwNQsASfhAZaSap_9UZovd1Fl7kSLpxSy0Xx5uO_vjG6CDFS1RTqkuzsqhlj-b_ZqDltOFW1cOnP3M7R3qm9L037zdsv97S8WoyaJrwGNaJNIKGei-lKFPc5SRmsE4Sil22Qhhw_2nleEsYG0Dqusf1kEO5HW4k4z2pOCmDCSSk.vAB7rytS5EAvYhbYGvEITbcSwetYRnil2LTB44vldDI&dib_tag=se&keywords=vinyl%2Bstrapping&qid=1717683989&sprefix=vinal%2Bstrapping%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1
Or one of these im thinking would be the best bet but I dont know anything about them either.
https://www.amazon.com/LNYEBN-Banding-Strapping-Tensioner-Sealedp/B0BYP6259L/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g41cctvOt2OgtebWwcDHi3X5dt2d85SdsL4HTW5kFacSfwc97o06rZej8EkpL3CsoUFw5sxQLbcNTkcUhCvfqaYI5h8h9NEsg-qpZZnYOagU4UjNxjuV9N5A-BAQ4zExQbTCGO1jCFAaPkd3kujNjlaeTqBcb0ttqbe-n4epy13fJJPv5VgAjVxQ_3TYTDjwkBjsaziKCOj-Q_-1eZoPumEE5aX-sb9w8rOXOFVRRtw.yfZb_l5EqzhWoHomtSmuR-hm7CIDeJ3a5ZR1C69A71E&dib_tag=se&hvadid=492467284996&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1021910&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5546890073611227018&hvtargid=kwd-348570924856&hydadcr=23316_9903831&keywords=banding+strapping+tool&qid=1717683713&sr=8-5
They also have these metal strap things you could use.
On the inside of your basalt and water protection you can use a box made .25 purebond plywood which is formaldyde free. You can use the OSB indoars because its somewhat toxic. Outodars though there should be plenty of ventilation. You might also be able to take farmers plastic put it on the inside of a OSB box. My thought is that it might only outgass outward and not inside the box. You cant stop plywood or OSB from outgassing all together but it might work to protect it from one direction. You can get used copper sheet metal from facebook marketplace which is the cheapest place and wrap your box in it. Than make extra protection around your head chest and ft. When you only use an extra 50 percent of sheet metal you can have 5 times the protection total around your head and 3 times total around your chest and ft. This includes the copper wall of the box as well. Try grounding it. The .25 inch or .5 inch thick plywood or OSB box needs to be reinforced by .125 thick 2 inch by 2 inch aluminum angles or by .25 inch 2 inch by 2 inch UHMWPE which is a extremely strong kind of plastic. You should use a lot of angles I guess like 2 or 3 8ft angles per box after cut up? I dont know. The box built right can support 300 or 400lb. The roof doesnt support the basalt or water ceiling at all. Sheets of OSB are laid on top of the basalt walls and there is a space between the top of the box and the sheets of OSB so that the box doesnt get any extra weight from the ceiling.
You let sound in to your structure by making a like a 6 inch hole in the back behind where your head is. Then put a second wall of sandbags 3 inches behind that . You could make it 2 ft wide and two ft high I guess. Then put two walls of sandbags on that conncet directly to the back of your structure and are 3 inches to the left and right of your 2ft wide wall. This will hopefully let in air and sound. You could play a podast on big portable speakers postioned far away. You could also possibly use pvc pipes or something and have the go from your speaker into the ground and then up into your structure from the floor with some basalt wrapped around it. You could also use an improved version of a tin can telephone or cups and string telephone.
You find the best materials for it and then get a $20 all plastic stethescope that has good reviews. The string enters your shielding and might take a tiny pipe or tube seperate it from the and bags. It just goes between them. You put the listeing end of you stethescope on the bottom of the cup and possibly seal tthe open end as well to increase the vibrations. Then you simply wear the stethescope or you buy these $40 air tube headphones from amazon and take apart both so that the air tubes of the stethescope are connected to the air tubes of your headphones.
fiberglass and basalt chop
polycarbonate sheete f
dunnage rack
extra stuff to do
gettng cheap basalt. This 6 tons will take cost me $3000. Its $500 a ton including shipping for basalt sand or dust used in farming. They also have it at farming .com. You can get a ton of basalt for only $80 from earth stone rock but the shipping is up to $800 per ton if you live on the east coast. Earth stone rock is in california. I thought Id have to pay about $1000 per ton including shipping since sources of basalt are mostly in california and other western states but even in new england I eventutally found I can get it for $500 a ton. They test it thoroughly I think to verify you can add it to soil to improve it. This is from vermont. If you find solid basalt blocks from the US they might be porcelan mimecking basalt. Earth stone rock has large basalt rocks and there far cheaper than cut basalt blocks I think.
I have the idea of sealing any cracks between your sandbags by mixing basalt with concrete or epoxy and samwitching a layer of that betweeen two pieces of hardboard which is a lot cheaper than plywood and is probably non toxic so you can use indoars. You could make half an inch thick pannels of basalt sand and small gravel samwhitched between to layers of hardboard and then you could have two layers overlapped if you want. This is more for blocking mental attacks and RNM. Half an inch thick will make it over 8 of basalt lb per square ft total. $1 for the basalt at $500 per ton and $.8 for the two layers of hardboard at 40 cents per square ft. So $1.80 total. You can add fiberglass or even better basalt fiber chop to concrete to make it twice as strong.
. You could also use pannels mineral wool which is mostly made of basalt. Pannels are a lot easier to handle not batts which is rolls of insulation. You can get this for roughly $2 per pound per square ft at home depot or lowes. Same price as using he homemade pannels but 1/4 the weight. It is more effective in blocking low frequency sound than other sound blocking materials. It is good thermal insulation. It is partially made of steel slag though which again might be used against TIs. Perhaps its not even conductive though which I think solves the problem.
An aluminum dunnage rack could provide extra support or better many small ones put together. They have good ones at webestraunt it looks like. They will only have a fraction of the strengh sideways that they have verticly wich is how they measure the strengh if they even have that. So it has the danger of breaking it the force shift to be somewhat from the side and not purely verticy. You could also use a steel bed frame which is only 20lb max but its made of steel and might be used against you. they have some that are like 18 or 20 inches high on amazon.
You can use all types of other protection and active countermeasures while you inside your shielding and you must cleanse your skin and insides of conductive particles the best you can as lookoutfacharlie describes on youtube in his video an end to electronic harrasment. More useful to me was the well written blog that he linked under the video. He made a second much harder to find follow up video. You must ground yourself and in the way supreme something described. You must try removing all electronics from your surroundings and even turning off you portable speaker that you could play outside of your shielding at a distance. You can use candles or better yet cheap emergency glowsticks off of amazon.
You can let in sunlight by using .25 inch sheets of clear polycarbonate plastic to hold up your roof probably but Im not sure. Or they might need to be .5 inches thick. You need one or two layers thick I guess. They are 4 x8 ft like plwyood for a full sheet. The cheapest I found .25 inch sheets was $100 for one sheet if I remember right. Some amount are strong enough to walk on so hopefully you can also put the 850lb of water on the roof. The water also lets in the light when in clear or tinted plastic bags.

I absolutely loooooove gourmands. If I hear a perfume smells like a dessert, I want to try it! My favorite Youtuber is Lauren Mae Beauty, and though we have some scents that I hate and she loves (or vice versa), I find that most of the time I tend to enjoy scents that she likes. I watch her obsessively, so I gathered quite the list of her recommendations that sounded up my alley. If you watch her you will know which ones were inspired by her (most of them LOL). These are in the order I tried them in. I’ll rate them each as a like, dislike, or meh. For reference, some of my favorite scents are Ariana Grande Cloud, Skylar Boardwalk Delight, and Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth
I ordered from The Perfumed Court, and I had a great experience. They had all the scents I wanted to try (and then some!) and they were all in stock. I was going to order off LuckyScent but 1-2 of them went out of stock with no timeline for restocking, and it was super frustrating when I just wanted to make 1 big order. TPC pricing is similar but a tad cheaper than LuckyScent. Some of these are 1/2 mL instead of 1 mL which is why they were cheaper, but when all I want to do is smell it a couple times, 1/2 mL is plenty. My order took 5 days from order date to delivery date so I’m really pleased with it! Nothing was leaking or damaged upon arrival either.
PS: I LOVE the lowkey moderation on this subreddit. I feel free to post whatever I want that’s feminine fragrance related, and I don’t have to worry about it being removed for any petty reason 💕 I am interested to read almost every post on here so I know I have found my home 😂

• PDM Oriana - sweet, airy, powdery lychee laundry (in a good way). I found myself intrigued by this one and kept sniffing my wrist. I’ve heard this smells like Fruity Pebbles which I was really excited about, but unfortunately I don’t get that from it. I got this to see if I would want Ansaam Gold by Lattafa, and I did end up buying that one after trying Oriana! (Ansaam Gold starts out more similar to LDBS with that funky gross smell, but dried down basically identical to Oriana) - like
• Bianco Latte - this one is hyped up in general, and LMB adores it, so I was excited. I immediately got a sense of nostalgia from it, and then I realized it smells exactly like a brown (and/or black? I can’t quite remember) scented marker from Mr. Sketch, with a hint of maple syrup on the drydown. Lauren mentioned this has a “mintiness” like fruity gum has, but to me it does smell actually “minty” on the drydown, unlike the “fruity minty” she describes, and it’s similar to the sharpness you’d smell in the scented marker. I’m pretty disappointed, I thought I would at least semi-like it! However, something about it keeps intriguing me so I may need to try it again to get a better opinion - meh
• Vilhelm Mango Skin - does smell like mango, but more floral/perfumey than something like Golden Mango Lagoon from B&BW. It smells like Sea & Sol from SDJ to me, but more floral with no citrus. It’s way more floral than I was expecting. I prefer the other two scents I mentioned but still want to try it again - meh
• Mancera Instant Crush - a more unisex/spicy version of BR540/Cloud DNA. Leaves a slightly oily residue, too unisex for me - meh
• Kyse Delizia di Marshmallow - really does smell JUST like a marshmallow! Exactly what I expected. Dries down to more of a toasted marshmallow scent. Not the best projection. I’ve heard this one leaves an oily residue but it didn’t for me - like
• Kyse Gateau de Carnavale - smells plasticky fruity sweet, similar to Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande. Was hoping for a photorealistic funnel cake but I don’t get that at all. This one is a bit oily — 2ND TRY - it smells like plasticky oily used to fry funnel cakes… - dislike
• Akro Bake - initially smells like B&BW Iced Lemon Poundcake but more lemony, and in a cleaning product way. Dries down to have more of a floral/perfumey scent, and then it has a gasoliney smell to it - dislike
• Snif Crumb Couture - smells like a perfume version of a croissant with jam. Smells like something Le Monde Gourmand would make, fun and youthful. It’s done in the same way LMG’s Mais Souffle is done, it’s like the perfume version of the food - like
• Xerjoff Lira - like Pink Sugar but more floral/gasoliney? I like Pink Sugar on occasion but there’s something I don’t like about this one, it’s like Pink Sugar mixed with something like Chanel No. 5 - dislike
• Dossier Floral Marshmallow - pretty similar to LDBS, but has a bit of an “off” smell that I don’t notice in LDBS. It’s not as unpleasant as Sweet Addict from Oakcha (which smelled like LDBS + cigarettes to me), but I still find something pungent/stinky about it - dislike
• Lattafa Khamrah - a more Christmas-y version of Angel’s Share. I love Angel’s Share but this one’s a bit too cinnamon-y (reminds me of Big Red gum) and the apple is too artificial. It smells a bit medicinal — 2ND TRY - smells just like Big Red gum but I was intrigued enough to try it twice, I could see it being a good cozy cold weather perfume - meh
• Indult Tihota - wow! I really liked this upon first sniff. I immediately thought “Vanilla Bean Noel from B&BW!” based on how the sweetness came through (not the vomit smell, thankfully 😂). After that I smelled Vanilla 28 from Kayali, and when it dried down I got the smokiness of Bonfire Bash from B&BW. It’s like if those 3 scents had a baby. I could see myself loving this one, especially in colder weather, but at the same time it’s not unique and you can get a similar scent for much cheaper - like
• Goldfield & Banks Sunset Hour - smells like SDJ ‘68 but a bit more perfume-y. The perfumey quality makes me think of Bianco Latte or Baccarat — 2ND TRY - got a similar impression both times, this time it reminded me of a more fruity B&BW In the Stars, which wasn’t sweet enough for me - meh
• Imaginary Authors A Whiff of Waffle Cone - immediately smells like a slightly burnt waffle smothered in maple syrup, and gets a salty note on the drydown. Too heavy on the maple syrup on me and not the “ice cream parlor” waffle cone scent I was hoping for. It smells pretty similar to Demeter’s Waffles and is more of a candle scent than something I would wear - meh

Here are the ones I only felt the need to try once and why:

• Lira - gasoliney
• Bake - gasoliney
• Instant Crush - too masculine
• Floral Marshmallow - has an off-putting scent to it that I find in almost all LDBS dupes, but isn’t as present in the original imo
• A Whiff of Waffle Cone - too much like a candle

My top picks in order are:

1. Delizia di Marshmallow - I could see myself buying a bottle of this, it smells delicious
2. Oriana - bought the dupe of it!
3. Crumb Couture - I keep wanting to smell this one again
4. Tihota - not as memorable, but still smelled great

CONTEXT: I used to own a little 2000 Civic LX Sedan, but it was swiped by someone running a stop sign and unfortunately is not fixable. I'm in the process of selling what's left of it right now, and in the end I'll probably have around $3000 in cash to spend. I value safety, reliability, comfort, and visibility the most.
I went to a used car lot today, and there were two major contenders that caught my eye, especially because both were very, very cheap for what they are. Here's the two options:

• 2003 Mercury Sable GS Sedan
  • Miles: Around 138,000.
  • Engine: 3.0L V6 (the Vulcan engine, not the Duratec, from the looks of it!)
  • Condition: Near perfect. Seriously. I've never seen something so clean and well kept for its age. There is zero rust, dirt, or really anything in the engine bay and undercarriage. Everything, interior and exterior, is completely spotless. My OBD2 scanner gave no warnings, but we weren't allowed to start it, so it might not be able to catch everything. I know that it has a broken pinion that the person I'm buying from will be fixing before I buy it, and the repair cost is included in the car's price, but I have to buy the car first, which does seem a little suspect. Still, nearly perfect condition.
  • Cost: $3,000
  • Recalls: None
• 2005 Subaru Legacy Hatchback
  • Miles: Roughly 168,000.
  • Engine: 2.5L H4
  • Condition: Interior is not great. It has a distinct smell of cigarette smoke and is generally pretty dirty. I think I can clean that up, though. Mechanically it seems fine. It had a recent inspection, the guy said it had a new head gasket about 2,000 miles ago, and that he had been daily driving it for the past few months. There is minor rust, but it isn't anywhere major or important. The OBD2 scanner that I brought gave a warning for a problem that can affect emissions, but it passed an emissions inspection (and mechanical inspection as well) very very recently, so I don't think it's a big problem.
  • Cost: $3,000
  • Recalls: None

I'm having a mechanic go with me when I go back in a few days, and he will be able to tell me more information on their condition. What I want to know is, are there any major dealbreakers, problems, or things to look out for on both of these? Are either an obvious choice over the other? I plan on owning these for at least 5 years to get through college, but I'd love to have them for longer if I can.
I'll gladly answer any questions and give any extra details if I can. Thanks!