Graduation cake designs
Graduation Caps
2017.07.30 23:45 eduardorandom Graduation Caps
graduationcaps was made to share custom graduation cap designs. Go wild! If there are any nsfw caps since anything is possible, please put nsfw tag! Pictures of just plain caps that aren't modified will be removed because people who visit this community want ideas for graduation!
2022.03.07 02:19 Outside-Idea4947 XboxDesign
Share your Xbox related Designs: š® Design Lab Controllers š„ļø Gaming Setups š Console Skins š² Xbox Cases / Shells š Forza Livery Designs šØ Paint / Drawings š° Cake
2024.05.15 08:30 creepypond My mother wants to meet over memorial weekend, she wants me to fly out a day to visit before Iām getting married.
This is a long read sorry!
Hi, I (22F) literally just joined, I have been on reddit for a while now, I post here or there but I really need the grace that only reddit seems to have, kisses but you know it's true. So, I guess, I am screaming into the void, because the truth is I am so gutturally confused.
Like the title says- I have always fantasized of being a flower child, a changeling, of turning towards the corner of the yard, the woods beckoning me to run away, the gentleness of which the coyotes would pick my bones clean. My childhood felt like a house fire only I could see.
My father's nightcap of whiskey got less and less watered down as nights were uncomfortable to spend on the family room couch. The one that he fiercely protects, once threatening my friend who mistakenly lounged in his spot. My mother's love felt scarce, a luxury only my younger sister could afford. Between that and her ambition to become the first nurse and college graduate of both families, I was more of my father's daughter. My younger sister and I were doll-like children, meek and polite to the price of our own dignity and self. To give a brief snapshot of what it was like being raised by them \~ even though "I'm remembering it all wrong, or not at all" I will try to go in chronological order, but you can quickly see most of these were not isolated incidents and I jump around:
-daily spankings because of crying during daycare drop off (fair technique)
-tricking us out of the "broken" car, in the rain on a dirt road "get gas" and proceeded to speed past us laughing as we ran after his taillights in the mud, we were in another country, on a solo trip with just our dad, we were both elementary school age.
-In elementary school and 6th grade I lived in a sweatshirt because when I hit puberty. I pleaded to my mother how hard it was to hear my father's constant comments about my womanhood and new body. He started to compare me to a hooker around this time, calling me a slut for trying to wear what my friends wore to school- leggings, shorts shorter than the knee but not offensively short I promise, though I strongly feel as clothing does not mean consent.
-For as long as I can remember, he would take pictures of us when we looked embarrassed then show it to family, friends, whoever in conversation in front of us then scold us when we inevitably felt bad or asked him to stop. He would also promise to delete the photo but would continue the previously mentioned above.
-So far, I have just been harping on my father, but the truth is they are a match made in hell, and though I feel like my mother is a victim in her own way. It was very hard to exist without their constant horrible comments about my appearance and character. They both shamed skinny children to be thinner, critiqued my body through puberty, and felt entitled to touch my body when and how they wanted. Examples include my father's frequent ass grabbing, and then allowing his adult male friend to do the same.
-They both would ridicule me for working minimum wage jobs in high school, while my father funnels out of my sister and I's joint accounts, only when we confront him does he fess that he required the money we earned for ourselves for the "mortgage". He continues as well as set monetary account goals, right before trips or plans, he would always be surprised that we had managed to scrape together enough money. He expects me to find a place that will fire and schedule me on a winter vacation, or to amount 5k in less than 3 months, while paying for my own necessities, thank you for teaching me to live on frugality as a means of survival.
-The name calling I touched on, but I would be the first to come home from school, my father would take his lunch to come home and berate me verbally of how much of a loser I am and will continue to be. The verbal arguments were daily, I fully admit to yelling back but in truth I couldn't leave his spewing red face hurling threats, I had to stay glued in place until he had his fill.
-Another solo trip with my father and sister, my mother had cleaned my room while we were away and had found my treasures- vapes, two beers. I got pulled out of the running shower to be beaten on and off through the night whenever my father took a break from tv, my sister sob in the room with my father to stop and I sat on the couch until morning. We had a tourist excursion the next day and I got it again before we left because I was not to "ruining the rest of his vacation with my bad attitude"
-They locked away my childhood cat, sick with cancer, to die alone in the basement so she would ruin their floors with her incontinence. When she passed, they did not tell me, they buried her in the woods behind our house, I wish I could lay beside her, I'm sorry little one.
-My father would come home and yell at me for not having dinner ready for him, because when my mother worked late or was not home, the next one responsible for dinner was my younger sister or me.
-He physically corners us or refuses to let us leave. Threatened my life when I tried to leave the house during an argument.
-Put his hand through the door a couple of times because I āgave attitudeā by responding with ok. Readers, please note I am capable of attitude, but this was not the case, I was scared, and I just wanted to give him whatever answer he wanted
-I'm a summer birthday, so for my big 21st I had my cousin, bf and sister have a pool party in my parents' pool. No one told me the plan all day. I was told to just relax by everyone, because normally I would be running around serving people or helping my parents. No one told me anything, so we played some games in the yard, had some wine coolers and then swam. My father flies outside and starts yelling at me from the side of the pool to get my ass out and blow out my candles because he needs to drive my cousin 20 minutes home each way. So, I blew out my candles, soaking wet staring daggers because my father has always managed to underplay or make me feel bad on my birthday too? Another grievance from my 21st birthday is that my father grilled frozen steaks, and I truly do not want to seem like a stuck-up princess, but he proceeded to buy 300$ of food from my favorite restaurant and his favorite food is steak not mine. Note his birthday is the next day following mine.
I may post in regard to the tribulation that was my childhood in this thread again, but it takes a lot out of me, and I have already had myself a day sorry. Now you're all caught up and I just want you to know-
I have long ruminated over my own words and actions; though I have many regrets I do not feel ashamed of my choices or who I am because I try to treat everyone with kindness and most importantly respectability. I know the lengths my immigrant parents have gone through to build themselves a life. I know the struggles my father had with his father, the alcoholic who raised him with cruelty reserved for not even a barn animal. I know that my mother lived in the shadows as a neglected middle child hoping to find someone who realized all her good in the way her parents did not. I can see and understand that I carry the same wounds, and now it is within my responsibility to be better.
So, my relationship with my parents is strained right now. I have been in low contact with my mother and father for nearly four years, with periods of better contact. We have tried therapy, though it's difficult as my mother uses this as an opportunity to explore her wounds rather than our history or relationship. Though the therapist was helpful in directing the conversation back, I believe that the work can only happen with the person wanting to actually work on themselves, so I feel like I am at a frustrating impasse.
Every time I feel like I can take out a brick between the wall I keep between us, my mother will say something that makes me build another layer. I try not to be sensitive, yet I know my mother likes to cut with her words, though she claims otherwise. In a recent conversation my mother admitted that my father and she spent a great effort in making sure my beauty did not go to my head and did this in order to keep me humble.
For context, my motherās side of the family does not like my father, and this along with other childhood issues festering into adulthood drove a wedge between my mother and her younger brother. His recent divorce and my motherās empty nest have given them much time and space to rekindle their sibling relationship. So on our already strained phone calls she hits me with these metaphors of her brother and her relationship to ours. Am I off for thinking that those are two very different relationships, yet both have.. Jealousy? Furthermore, I feel a looney because I am fighting to keep them in my life, and they are fighting to be right.? To be absolved of the guilt and shame that maybe they did do the wrong thing.?
What gives them the right? When we all have to lay away at night with our guilt you want me to hold yours? I want a mother and they want a guiltless soul
Truthfully, I do not know what kind of future lies ahead for us. I think I grieve having bullies instead of parents, of what I missed out on and who I could have been. Like I said I am low contact right now, but after a normal phone call talking about the weather and our pets today, I had an anxiety attack to the point I fought to stay conscious. This has not been the first time I have fainted due to anxiety, mostly surrounding situations that remind me of them or things they punished or did to me in the past. The day after I wished my father a happy birthday after a year of no contact, I got two pills of ativan to the face after a ER visit in which they thought my poor bf was trafficking me. Though this is maybe too much, I am always sweating, my sides literally pour, my hands shake, and I can string together a sentence if I try. I feel like a different person, a moist, meek person.. which is not me, I self tattoo and pierce, I can and have tackled an attacking dog and I have punched touchy men square in the nose. Iām tough because I fought tooth and nail to be kind and gentle, we rescued cats and recently a possum, and we let out spiders and bugs, so our cats donāt terrorize them.
Hereās the thingā¦ weāre getting married!
Weāre tying the knot in the woods at the end of May, but I feel like an asshole because I have not told my parents. They know weāre engaged.
My mother, in a recent phone call, told me of this travel nurse that she had gotten close to, that was getting married soon, and invited my mother to go dress shopping with her. My mother told me how sad this girl felt that her family was all the way across the country, coincidently much like we are. This felt like she was guilting me, but she went so far as to send me a picture of a couple, I didnāt verify who it actually was.
Another issue is I am dealing with the guilt of getting a ring and bands elsewhere. My father is a high-end jeweler whose work has been showcased by celebs, my whole life I heard that my father was going to design and make my engagement ring. After long consideration, we picked out a ring from Madrid that felt more like me. When I look at my wedding rings I want to think of my husband not my father. I am more than happy with anything else, rings for other occasions, but it makes my skin crawl and my stomach curling because part of me feels as if it's more of a collar than a ring then.
My mother wants to meet over memorial weekend, she wants me to fly out a day to visit before Iām getting married.
I do not know if I should facetime them and break the news before, after or invite them. Itās already last minute so airfare will be expensive, but I know they are going to be so heartbroken. Part of me does not want them there either because I have felt alone my whole life, I figured I would do my wedding the same way, though it's hard because my fiancĆ©'s family will be there, and I will have no one. I wish I could hire a friend... lol typed that with a tear in my eye that's ironic.
Suggestions please
submitted by creepypond to raisedbynarcissists [link] [comments]
Hi, I (22F) literally just joined, I have been on reddit for a while now, I post here or there but I really need the grace that only reddit seems to have, kisses but you know it's true. So, I guess, I am screaming into the void, because the truth is I am so gutturally confused.
Like the title says- I have always fantasized of being a flower child, a changeling, of turning towards the corner of the yard, the woods beckoning me to run away, the gentleness of which the coyotes would pick my bones clean. My childhood felt like a house fire only I could see.
My father's nightcap of whiskey got less and less watered down as nights were uncomfortable to spend on the family room couch. The one that he fiercely protects, once threatening my friend who mistakenly lounged in his spot. My mother's love felt scarce, a luxury only my younger sister could afford. Between that and her ambition to become the first nurse and college graduate of both families, I was more of my father's daughter. My younger sister and I were doll-like children, meek and polite to the price of our own dignity and self. To give a brief snapshot of what it was like being raised by them \~ even though "I'm remembering it all wrong, or not at all" I will try to go in chronological order, but you can quickly see most of these were not isolated incidents and I jump around:
-daily spankings because of crying during daycare drop off (fair technique)
-tricking us out of the "broken" car, in the rain on a dirt road "get gas" and proceeded to speed past us laughing as we ran after his taillights in the mud, we were in another country, on a solo trip with just our dad, we were both elementary school age.
-In elementary school and 6th grade I lived in a sweatshirt because when I hit puberty. I pleaded to my mother how hard it was to hear my father's constant comments about my womanhood and new body. He started to compare me to a hooker around this time, calling me a slut for trying to wear what my friends wore to school- leggings, shorts shorter than the knee but not offensively short I promise, though I strongly feel as clothing does not mean consent.
-For as long as I can remember, he would take pictures of us when we looked embarrassed then show it to family, friends, whoever in conversation in front of us then scold us when we inevitably felt bad or asked him to stop. He would also promise to delete the photo but would continue the previously mentioned above.
-So far, I have just been harping on my father, but the truth is they are a match made in hell, and though I feel like my mother is a victim in her own way. It was very hard to exist without their constant horrible comments about my appearance and character. They both shamed skinny children to be thinner, critiqued my body through puberty, and felt entitled to touch my body when and how they wanted. Examples include my father's frequent ass grabbing, and then allowing his adult male friend to do the same.
-They both would ridicule me for working minimum wage jobs in high school, while my father funnels out of my sister and I's joint accounts, only when we confront him does he fess that he required the money we earned for ourselves for the "mortgage". He continues as well as set monetary account goals, right before trips or plans, he would always be surprised that we had managed to scrape together enough money. He expects me to find a place that will fire and schedule me on a winter vacation, or to amount 5k in less than 3 months, while paying for my own necessities, thank you for teaching me to live on frugality as a means of survival.
-The name calling I touched on, but I would be the first to come home from school, my father would take his lunch to come home and berate me verbally of how much of a loser I am and will continue to be. The verbal arguments were daily, I fully admit to yelling back but in truth I couldn't leave his spewing red face hurling threats, I had to stay glued in place until he had his fill.
-Another solo trip with my father and sister, my mother had cleaned my room while we were away and had found my treasures- vapes, two beers. I got pulled out of the running shower to be beaten on and off through the night whenever my father took a break from tv, my sister sob in the room with my father to stop and I sat on the couch until morning. We had a tourist excursion the next day and I got it again before we left because I was not to "ruining the rest of his vacation with my bad attitude"
-They locked away my childhood cat, sick with cancer, to die alone in the basement so she would ruin their floors with her incontinence. When she passed, they did not tell me, they buried her in the woods behind our house, I wish I could lay beside her, I'm sorry little one.
-My father would come home and yell at me for not having dinner ready for him, because when my mother worked late or was not home, the next one responsible for dinner was my younger sister or me.
-He physically corners us or refuses to let us leave. Threatened my life when I tried to leave the house during an argument.
-Put his hand through the door a couple of times because I āgave attitudeā by responding with ok. Readers, please note I am capable of attitude, but this was not the case, I was scared, and I just wanted to give him whatever answer he wanted
-I'm a summer birthday, so for my big 21st I had my cousin, bf and sister have a pool party in my parents' pool. No one told me the plan all day. I was told to just relax by everyone, because normally I would be running around serving people or helping my parents. No one told me anything, so we played some games in the yard, had some wine coolers and then swam. My father flies outside and starts yelling at me from the side of the pool to get my ass out and blow out my candles because he needs to drive my cousin 20 minutes home each way. So, I blew out my candles, soaking wet staring daggers because my father has always managed to underplay or make me feel bad on my birthday too? Another grievance from my 21st birthday is that my father grilled frozen steaks, and I truly do not want to seem like a stuck-up princess, but he proceeded to buy 300$ of food from my favorite restaurant and his favorite food is steak not mine. Note his birthday is the next day following mine.
I may post in regard to the tribulation that was my childhood in this thread again, but it takes a lot out of me, and I have already had myself a day sorry. Now you're all caught up and I just want you to know-
I have long ruminated over my own words and actions; though I have many regrets I do not feel ashamed of my choices or who I am because I try to treat everyone with kindness and most importantly respectability. I know the lengths my immigrant parents have gone through to build themselves a life. I know the struggles my father had with his father, the alcoholic who raised him with cruelty reserved for not even a barn animal. I know that my mother lived in the shadows as a neglected middle child hoping to find someone who realized all her good in the way her parents did not. I can see and understand that I carry the same wounds, and now it is within my responsibility to be better.
So, my relationship with my parents is strained right now. I have been in low contact with my mother and father for nearly four years, with periods of better contact. We have tried therapy, though it's difficult as my mother uses this as an opportunity to explore her wounds rather than our history or relationship. Though the therapist was helpful in directing the conversation back, I believe that the work can only happen with the person wanting to actually work on themselves, so I feel like I am at a frustrating impasse.
Every time I feel like I can take out a brick between the wall I keep between us, my mother will say something that makes me build another layer. I try not to be sensitive, yet I know my mother likes to cut with her words, though she claims otherwise. In a recent conversation my mother admitted that my father and she spent a great effort in making sure my beauty did not go to my head and did this in order to keep me humble.
For context, my motherās side of the family does not like my father, and this along with other childhood issues festering into adulthood drove a wedge between my mother and her younger brother. His recent divorce and my motherās empty nest have given them much time and space to rekindle their sibling relationship. So on our already strained phone calls she hits me with these metaphors of her brother and her relationship to ours. Am I off for thinking that those are two very different relationships, yet both have.. Jealousy? Furthermore, I feel a looney because I am fighting to keep them in my life, and they are fighting to be right.? To be absolved of the guilt and shame that maybe they did do the wrong thing.?
What gives them the right? When we all have to lay away at night with our guilt you want me to hold yours? I want a mother and they want a guiltless soul
Truthfully, I do not know what kind of future lies ahead for us. I think I grieve having bullies instead of parents, of what I missed out on and who I could have been. Like I said I am low contact right now, but after a normal phone call talking about the weather and our pets today, I had an anxiety attack to the point I fought to stay conscious. This has not been the first time I have fainted due to anxiety, mostly surrounding situations that remind me of them or things they punished or did to me in the past. The day after I wished my father a happy birthday after a year of no contact, I got two pills of ativan to the face after a ER visit in which they thought my poor bf was trafficking me. Though this is maybe too much, I am always sweating, my sides literally pour, my hands shake, and I can string together a sentence if I try. I feel like a different person, a moist, meek person.. which is not me, I self tattoo and pierce, I can and have tackled an attacking dog and I have punched touchy men square in the nose. Iām tough because I fought tooth and nail to be kind and gentle, we rescued cats and recently a possum, and we let out spiders and bugs, so our cats donāt terrorize them.
Hereās the thingā¦ weāre getting married!
Weāre tying the knot in the woods at the end of May, but I feel like an asshole because I have not told my parents. They know weāre engaged.
My mother, in a recent phone call, told me of this travel nurse that she had gotten close to, that was getting married soon, and invited my mother to go dress shopping with her. My mother told me how sad this girl felt that her family was all the way across the country, coincidently much like we are. This felt like she was guilting me, but she went so far as to send me a picture of a couple, I didnāt verify who it actually was.
Another issue is I am dealing with the guilt of getting a ring and bands elsewhere. My father is a high-end jeweler whose work has been showcased by celebs, my whole life I heard that my father was going to design and make my engagement ring. After long consideration, we picked out a ring from Madrid that felt more like me. When I look at my wedding rings I want to think of my husband not my father. I am more than happy with anything else, rings for other occasions, but it makes my skin crawl and my stomach curling because part of me feels as if it's more of a collar than a ring then.
My mother wants to meet over memorial weekend, she wants me to fly out a day to visit before Iām getting married.
I do not know if I should facetime them and break the news before, after or invite them. Itās already last minute so airfare will be expensive, but I know they are going to be so heartbroken. Part of me does not want them there either because I have felt alone my whole life, I figured I would do my wedding the same way, though it's hard because my fiancĆ©'s family will be there, and I will have no one. I wish I could hire a friend... lol typed that with a tear in my eye that's ironic.
Suggestions please
2024.05.15 08:28 CollegeDuniyas12 Your Journey Begins with B.Tech in Civil Engineering
 | https://preview.redd.it/o1y3wy93bj0d1.jpg?width=740&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7764c2a5b99a14eeb06ca94869b90d2c8e8f63e submitted by CollegeDuniyas12 to u/CollegeDuniyas12 [link] [comments] The Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) is an undergraduate academic degree conferred after the completion of a four-year program of studies at an accredited university or institution in India. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of engineering and technology, and it prepares them for careers in various fields of engineering. Structure of B.Tech Program:
Popular Specialisations:
B.Tech in Civil EngineeringB.tech in Civil Engineering is one of the oldest and most respected engineering disciplines. It deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including structures like buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and water supply systems.Curriculum:1. Basic Sciences and Mathematics:
Skills Developed
Career OpportunitiesGraduates of B.Tech in Civil Engineering have a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Potential job roles include:
Higher Studies and CertificationsMany graduates opt for higher studies to specialise further or pursue research. Popular options include:
Conclusion:A B.Tech in Civil Engineering from an Indian institution provides a comprehensive education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This program not only prepares students for a successful career in civil engineering but also equips them with the skills necessary to address the infrastructure challenges of the future. Whether opting for immediate employment or further studies, graduates are well-prepared to contribute to and excel in the field of civil engineering. |
2024.05.15 08:27 Crofty_girl Bf now has a job and I don't. I think I'm ruining our relationship.
Some context,
A few years back I decided to do my master's abroad. Me and bf studied the same master's (that's how we met), however he is a local of the country. The master's is basically designed for someone who did a bachelor's in the arts but wants to make a career change to something more technical, mostly IT related.
I was able to finish my thesis in august 2022 and have been looking for work in the same country since then. (I don't want to move back) my bf on the other hand took an extra year to finish his thesis. I would apply day and night for work, I got some interviews but I was met with rejections. Either because I had no previous experience, they didn't like me or in my opinion they didn't want to hire a woman in tech.
After the graduation of my bf, it took him 7 months to APPLY for one position and he got an interview within two days. He got rejected for the position he applied for but the company offered him something else to which he declined. After that, one of our friends who is also a local referred him to his company and he got accepted right away and now they work together. (I can't apply to this company because you'll be required to speak fluently the local language).
My bf started his job 3 weeks ago. He tells me how he's learning all the things that I was dreaming of learning when I finally do my career change. I can tell he really likes it. Him and his friend chat about the work and I'm just sitting there trying not to kill myself.
I'm starting to feel very resentful. And I'm starting to feel hatred towards men in general. I can feel that this is really starting to affect our relationship. It feels like I have nothing going on now except for having a bf in IT. I'm becoming everything that I hate, a stay at home gf who waits for her bf to come back with food ready to serve him. Last night we wanted to have sex and midway my brain wouldn't shut down and it kept thinking that I'm nothing now but a maid he has sex with, I freaked out and pushed him away and locked myself in the bathroom for a bit; he was so confused and I think hurt that I suddenly acted this way for no reason. I don't think this can be resolved unless I find work... But it's just taking so much time.
My bf tells me that this is just a small period that we are going through and it'll pass. He's very supportive and loving and very respectful of me which makes me question why I think this way about myself. I'm just not happy with who I am, I hate myself. I used to love my relationship with my bf but this imbalance is making me hate him.
I feel like everyone is judging me. I feel everyone thinks that I'm in the foreign country because I just follow my bf around. Nobody understands that I chose to stay in the country because I love it, nobody understands that my bf agreed to take this job because I wanted to change cities, nobody sees that I work hard to be something. I'm just my bf's girlfriend in the eyes of everyone and I despise it.
Sorry I'm a bit all over the place but I'm so frustrated.
submitted by Crofty_girl to TwoXChromosomes [link] [comments]
A few years back I decided to do my master's abroad. Me and bf studied the same master's (that's how we met), however he is a local of the country. The master's is basically designed for someone who did a bachelor's in the arts but wants to make a career change to something more technical, mostly IT related.
I was able to finish my thesis in august 2022 and have been looking for work in the same country since then. (I don't want to move back) my bf on the other hand took an extra year to finish his thesis. I would apply day and night for work, I got some interviews but I was met with rejections. Either because I had no previous experience, they didn't like me or in my opinion they didn't want to hire a woman in tech.
After the graduation of my bf, it took him 7 months to APPLY for one position and he got an interview within two days. He got rejected for the position he applied for but the company offered him something else to which he declined. After that, one of our friends who is also a local referred him to his company and he got accepted right away and now they work together. (I can't apply to this company because you'll be required to speak fluently the local language).
My bf started his job 3 weeks ago. He tells me how he's learning all the things that I was dreaming of learning when I finally do my career change. I can tell he really likes it. Him and his friend chat about the work and I'm just sitting there trying not to kill myself.
I'm starting to feel very resentful. And I'm starting to feel hatred towards men in general. I can feel that this is really starting to affect our relationship. It feels like I have nothing going on now except for having a bf in IT. I'm becoming everything that I hate, a stay at home gf who waits for her bf to come back with food ready to serve him. Last night we wanted to have sex and midway my brain wouldn't shut down and it kept thinking that I'm nothing now but a maid he has sex with, I freaked out and pushed him away and locked myself in the bathroom for a bit; he was so confused and I think hurt that I suddenly acted this way for no reason. I don't think this can be resolved unless I find work... But it's just taking so much time.
My bf tells me that this is just a small period that we are going through and it'll pass. He's very supportive and loving and very respectful of me which makes me question why I think this way about myself. I'm just not happy with who I am, I hate myself. I used to love my relationship with my bf but this imbalance is making me hate him.
I feel like everyone is judging me. I feel everyone thinks that I'm in the foreign country because I just follow my bf around. Nobody understands that I chose to stay in the country because I love it, nobody understands that my bf agreed to take this job because I wanted to change cities, nobody sees that I work hard to be something. I'm just my bf's girlfriend in the eyes of everyone and I despise it.
Sorry I'm a bit all over the place but I'm so frustrated.
2024.05.15 08:18 firstcoupon123 What is Designer Cake Delivery in Noida?
Designer cake delivery in Noida involves ordering custom, beautifully designed cakes for various occasions like birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. These cakes offer a personalized touch, use quality ingredients, and provide convenience with home delivery. To order, choose a reputable bakery, decide on the design and flavor, and place your order in advance. Ensure details are correct and communicate any special instructions clearly. Popular bakeries is The Cake Man, and other
submitted by firstcoupon123 to Cake4You [link] [comments]
2024.05.15 08:17 invitrium I Am SOLO S20E04 - Ep. 149 2024-05-15
Cast of Season 20
Men
| Name | IG | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Soo | nogurchito | 38 (1986) | Pediatrician and is undergoing training to specialize in neonatal care at a hospital in Seoul |
| Young Ho | powermks | 34 (1990) | Dated a woman who was 10 years older. Likes women who earn well. In charge of quality management at Hyundai Engineering. |
| Young Sik | mingquu | 34 (1990) | Was raised by his grandparents. Still lives with his grandmother. Works at Nonghyup bank. |
| Young Chul | ry.ool | 40 (1984) | Process engineer at Intel USA. Lives in Oregon. US citizen. |
| Kwang Soo | 35 (1989) | Went to a science 'magnet' school in Seoul. Was a circuit design researcher at L Display. Now an escape room designer. | |
| Sang Chul | mezzzzzzzini | 36 (1988) | Lived abroad for a number of years. AI developer at Samsung Electronics |
Women
| Name | IG | Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Sook | ddohyunnii | 33 (1991) | MBTI is ENFJ. University assistant professor > Hyundai Steel Pangyo Headquarters |
| Jung Sook | IG bitterpeach.kr & YT | 37 (1987) | Likes fashion. Is unhappy with how she looks. Wants her partner to be attractive who needs to be 'kissable'. Senior manager at LG Electronics. |
| Sun Ja | r_ang22 | 32 (1992) | Owns a home in Gangdong-gu. Looks for personality & values. Elementary school teacher. |
| Young Ja | hyemnie | 30 (1994) | Graduated from Yonsei University, Department of Business Administration. Lotte Members Digital Marketing Assistant Manager |
| Ok Soon | flying.heej & globetrotterheej | 36 (1988) | S7 OS's younger sister. MS in CS from Cornell. Works at Google in NY. Hobbies are scuba & sky diving, flute, golf etc. |
| Hyun Sook | jyujin_smile | 36 (1988) | Bachelors and Masters in Pharmacy from Seoul U. Researcher at Amorepacific |
Season Notes
Previous S20 Discussion Posts
S20E01, S20E02, S20E03Panel
- Defconn - thugdefconn
- Song Haena - songhaena
- Lee Yi Kyung - luvlk89
Links
SBS Plus ėė SOLOStream - Kocowa - Subs +24h from broadcast
Official YouTube channel - Clips from episodes and live stream
Wiki - Unofficial and it's in Korean. Turn on auto-translate in Chrome browser.
NOTE: This discussion post may (and probably will) contain spoilers
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2024.05.15 08:07 Money_Rope4493 First Year GrC Student Thinking of Switching into ITP for Packaging or Business Administration for Consumer Packaging
When I first got into Cal Poly as a Graphic Communication major I was so sure that I wanted to do UX/UI, but as many have pointed out the curriculum probably won't improve until after I graduate. I also considered the current job prospects for UX/UI and web development in general and it seems very oversaturated.
I'm a simple guy, I just want a decent job after I graduate which is why I thought about the Packaging Concentration Graphic Communication or taking up a minor in Packaging. However, I haven't been able to enjoy my Graphic Communication classes because of my lack of design experience. Furthermore, it's hard to see myself in Graphic Communication classes going forward (although I do love the faculty and the overall support I've gotten).
Design doesn't really bring me joy and so I wanted to delve deeper into the technical aspects of Packaging and the career support OCOB offers. My first plan is to switch to Business Administration with a concentration in Consumer Packaging, but in case that doesn't work out for me, I'll try applying to ITP with a concentration in Packaging, but if that doesn't work work out I'll stick with Graphic Communication with a concentration in Management and Minor in Packaging.
I'm hoping it's still not too late to switch majors! If anyone has gone through a similar experience I have please let me know.
submitted by Money_Rope4493 to CalPoly [link] [comments]
I'm a simple guy, I just want a decent job after I graduate which is why I thought about the Packaging Concentration Graphic Communication or taking up a minor in Packaging. However, I haven't been able to enjoy my Graphic Communication classes because of my lack of design experience. Furthermore, it's hard to see myself in Graphic Communication classes going forward (although I do love the faculty and the overall support I've gotten).
Design doesn't really bring me joy and so I wanted to delve deeper into the technical aspects of Packaging and the career support OCOB offers. My first plan is to switch to Business Administration with a concentration in Consumer Packaging, but in case that doesn't work out for me, I'll try applying to ITP with a concentration in Packaging, but if that doesn't work work out I'll stick with Graphic Communication with a concentration in Management and Minor in Packaging.
I'm hoping it's still not too late to switch majors! If anyone has gone through a similar experience I have please let me know.
2024.05.15 08:05 Quirky-swaggurl-420 I have no idea where to work and my appearance doesnāt help, any advice??
Kind of long, but any advice or input would be greatly appreciated :)
I (22F) have been working in fast food/ retail since I was 17 and Iām finally ready to take that leap to leave my current job and find one that will help advance my career and give me at least some financial stability. I also live in NorCal for context (not sure if Iād be willing to move quite yet.) Iāve been at my current retail job since 2021 and was honestly just going to stay there until I was completely finished with college but I just received my AA and the current management im under is so difficult to work with and extremely offensive I can barely take it not to mention Iāve been in management for about 2 years now and have gone from at least 20hr a week (part time) to less than 10hr a week, less than some associates and theyāre all 3 hour shifts so Iām not even allowed to take a 10min break though im not even sure if thatās legal??
I am very fortunate to not have to pay rent as I live with my parents and I only have to worry about paying for my car, gas, phone, school, necessityās etc. So no rent is a life saver in this economy. With that being said I donāt necessarily need the highest paying job quite yet (willing to work my way up or gain helpful experience) though that would be ideal for anyone. I just want to be able to find something that fits with my personality/ needs and also doesnāt care the way I look. I know sometimes you have to do what u gotta do but I cannot take working somewhere Iām miserable at and I understand that is a privilege within itself so Iām just trying to use the time I do have to really find what Iām passionate about and not be scared to try new things.
I still want to go back to school to get my bachelors degree since itās always been a dream of mine, but since I pretty much pay for everything out of pocket besides some degree of financial aide, I donāt want to just aimlessly transfer somewhere with no clue on what to study which has been my issues for some time. I feel like my interest havenāt changed much and neither have my dreams to further my education so Iāve pretty much been saying the same things since probably before high school and I still have no clue what exactly the direction is I should go. I would love to gain some first hang experience to know if getting my B.A. is even worth it for the field I want to go into or what major would benefit me the best.
I have many interests and ideas as to what I could possibly do but I feel like as much as I say them out loud no one really relates so I always feel alone or like thereās no possible job for me that Iāll feel happy in. I mean I think majority of people would rather not work and focus their lives on their hobbies and passions but unfortunately thatās not in the cards for most people and though I sometimes live in that dreamland that doesnāt change the fact that Iām extremely dedicated, hard-working and really want to make a difference in whatever field I end up in. So I guess Iāll leave a list of the things Iām interested in, in case anybody has some advice or input on any occupations Iāve listed or have experience in anything Iāve listed.
I guess another thing to mention is that I was recently applying to a lot of jobs in childcare and pretty much every interview I went to turn me down on the spot because of my appearance. Of course I hear the stories of looking less professional due to your tattoos, piercings, etc., which I never understand. I donāt even have a single tattoo or piercing, not even my ears, but I have bright pink hair and that has been such a downside for the interviewing processes, even some retail jobs like Box Lunch for example doesnāt accept colored hair when theyāre literally a pop culture store and share the same company as Hot Topic. I donāt want to have to change my appearance for a job. I know itās just hair but I was never able to express myself the way I wanted to and the amount of money and maintenance that goes with having colored hair would not be worth it to me to color black just to get a job. It would feel like Iām altering myself and changing something that makes me feel good about myself is unfair and already puts a bad taste in my mouth about the company because they are willing to look over my qualifications and work ethic due to one minor detail in my appearance. One of these jobs I even had two on the phone interviews that went amazing and was going to my final in person interview and was literally meeting with a family for a behavioral technician job and the first thing they (the company) told me was I would need to change my hair to even be considered and I had to eventually politely end the interview because they still wanted to me to meet a kid despite straight up telling me they will not hire me if I didnāt immediately change my hairā¦ and Iād be working with a family, not even in a ā public setting.ā I would just love to be able to work in a community that embraces people for their differences for the way they express themselves, and encourages self expression.
Anyways, here are some of my interests and Iād be eternally grateful to hear any feedback! Maybe youāve worked in some of these environments and have advice or horror stories, if you have similar interests to me let me know what kind of job you have because Iām sure I donāt even know the formal titles to half of these jobs, or even have other ideas that match my interests. Thank you thank you thank you!
My schooling/ experience so far: * 5 years of theatre under my belt (onstage/backstage/management) * Just graduated with my AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences (Random but was recommended to do so based on all of the same interest I told my counselor some odd years ago) * Most of my college classes were focused in sociology, psychology, and child development, which has been super interesting so I am willing to branch out from my interest because I did find a lot of interest in the classes Iāve taken previously. * Have worked in retail for four years; Pretty well received by people * A nanny to 4 kids (ages 4-16) for about 3.5 years as well
My personality: (not sure if this will help with knowing if I would be a good fit for any of the jobs listed )
iām extremely bubbly and can have my extroverted moments, but I can also be introverted at times and when work needs to get done, I will figure out the best way to do it and get to work. I work pretty well with a team and always have ideas flowing and bouncing around, but I can also excel working on my own/have no issues being independent with my work. I donāt have a huge preference on a fast versus slow paced work environment. I would like something flexible, but I have no issue with getting into a routine. I feel like I am truly pretty flexible when it comes to my work environment, I just really want a place that I can express myself and be surrounded by a community of people similar to me. I love to be innovative and creative.
My interests/ ideas: (sorry kinda random and jumps around)
Thank you so much to anyone who responds with advice and kind words :)
submitted by Quirky-swaggurl-420 to careeradvice [link] [comments]
I (22F) have been working in fast food/ retail since I was 17 and Iām finally ready to take that leap to leave my current job and find one that will help advance my career and give me at least some financial stability. I also live in NorCal for context (not sure if Iād be willing to move quite yet.) Iāve been at my current retail job since 2021 and was honestly just going to stay there until I was completely finished with college but I just received my AA and the current management im under is so difficult to work with and extremely offensive I can barely take it not to mention Iāve been in management for about 2 years now and have gone from at least 20hr a week (part time) to less than 10hr a week, less than some associates and theyāre all 3 hour shifts so Iām not even allowed to take a 10min break though im not even sure if thatās legal??
I am very fortunate to not have to pay rent as I live with my parents and I only have to worry about paying for my car, gas, phone, school, necessityās etc. So no rent is a life saver in this economy. With that being said I donāt necessarily need the highest paying job quite yet (willing to work my way up or gain helpful experience) though that would be ideal for anyone. I just want to be able to find something that fits with my personality/ needs and also doesnāt care the way I look. I know sometimes you have to do what u gotta do but I cannot take working somewhere Iām miserable at and I understand that is a privilege within itself so Iām just trying to use the time I do have to really find what Iām passionate about and not be scared to try new things.
I still want to go back to school to get my bachelors degree since itās always been a dream of mine, but since I pretty much pay for everything out of pocket besides some degree of financial aide, I donāt want to just aimlessly transfer somewhere with no clue on what to study which has been my issues for some time. I feel like my interest havenāt changed much and neither have my dreams to further my education so Iāve pretty much been saying the same things since probably before high school and I still have no clue what exactly the direction is I should go. I would love to gain some first hang experience to know if getting my B.A. is even worth it for the field I want to go into or what major would benefit me the best.
I have many interests and ideas as to what I could possibly do but I feel like as much as I say them out loud no one really relates so I always feel alone or like thereās no possible job for me that Iāll feel happy in. I mean I think majority of people would rather not work and focus their lives on their hobbies and passions but unfortunately thatās not in the cards for most people and though I sometimes live in that dreamland that doesnāt change the fact that Iām extremely dedicated, hard-working and really want to make a difference in whatever field I end up in. So I guess Iāll leave a list of the things Iām interested in, in case anybody has some advice or input on any occupations Iāve listed or have experience in anything Iāve listed.
I guess another thing to mention is that I was recently applying to a lot of jobs in childcare and pretty much every interview I went to turn me down on the spot because of my appearance. Of course I hear the stories of looking less professional due to your tattoos, piercings, etc., which I never understand. I donāt even have a single tattoo or piercing, not even my ears, but I have bright pink hair and that has been such a downside for the interviewing processes, even some retail jobs like Box Lunch for example doesnāt accept colored hair when theyāre literally a pop culture store and share the same company as Hot Topic. I donāt want to have to change my appearance for a job. I know itās just hair but I was never able to express myself the way I wanted to and the amount of money and maintenance that goes with having colored hair would not be worth it to me to color black just to get a job. It would feel like Iām altering myself and changing something that makes me feel good about myself is unfair and already puts a bad taste in my mouth about the company because they are willing to look over my qualifications and work ethic due to one minor detail in my appearance. One of these jobs I even had two on the phone interviews that went amazing and was going to my final in person interview and was literally meeting with a family for a behavioral technician job and the first thing they (the company) told me was I would need to change my hair to even be considered and I had to eventually politely end the interview because they still wanted to me to meet a kid despite straight up telling me they will not hire me if I didnāt immediately change my hairā¦ and Iād be working with a family, not even in a ā public setting.ā I would just love to be able to work in a community that embraces people for their differences for the way they express themselves, and encourages self expression.
Anyways, here are some of my interests and Iād be eternally grateful to hear any feedback! Maybe youāve worked in some of these environments and have advice or horror stories, if you have similar interests to me let me know what kind of job you have because Iām sure I donāt even know the formal titles to half of these jobs, or even have other ideas that match my interests. Thank you thank you thank you!
- A lost 22 year old just trying to find her way
My schooling/ experience so far: * 5 years of theatre under my belt (onstage/backstage/management) * Just graduated with my AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences (Random but was recommended to do so based on all of the same interest I told my counselor some odd years ago) * Most of my college classes were focused in sociology, psychology, and child development, which has been super interesting so I am willing to branch out from my interest because I did find a lot of interest in the classes Iāve taken previously. * Have worked in retail for four years; Pretty well received by people * A nanny to 4 kids (ages 4-16) for about 3.5 years as well
My personality: (not sure if this will help with knowing if I would be a good fit for any of the jobs listed )
iām extremely bubbly and can have my extroverted moments, but I can also be introverted at times and when work needs to get done, I will figure out the best way to do it and get to work. I work pretty well with a team and always have ideas flowing and bouncing around, but I can also excel working on my own/have no issues being independent with my work. I donāt have a huge preference on a fast versus slow paced work environment. I would like something flexible, but I have no issue with getting into a routine. I feel like I am truly pretty flexible when it comes to my work environment, I just really want a place that I can express myself and be surrounded by a community of people similar to me. I love to be innovative and creative.
My interests/ ideas: (sorry kinda random and jumps around)
- always wanted to be a nanny or travel nanny; to work with one specific family and grow with them
- Pre-k - 1st grade teacher; I find teaching younger kids really fulfilling, love crafts/ activities/planning, extremely patient
- Art teacher (i love ceramics, but pretty much any type of art would be so cool to incorporate creativity with teaching)
- Child advocate (possibly on movie and tv sets)
- Teacher on movie and television sets
- Directing or any sort of behind the scenes job for movies and television (I love to write and create concepts, costuming, sets, music, casting)
- Set designer for movies, television, or theater
- Costume designer for movies, television, or theater
- Possibly work with an acting company backstage (I donāt even know if thatās a job but possibly a permanent backstage role somewhere)
- Open my own curated thrift shop or a shop in general that is really creative or theme oriented
- Have a small bakery business or just a business in general, I love the idea of being able to run a company or brand thatās inclusive and creative
- I do love to bake and Decorate desserts
- Creative Director; photographer, videographer; I just love the thought of creating things and bringing concepts together, planning, etc.
- Magazine company?
- Wedding planning/party and event planning; again, I just like bringing things together I feel like I have an eye for aesthetics
- Something with marketing or managing
Thank you so much to anyone who responds with advice and kind words :)
2024.05.15 08:05 epicmozamba Chance me for UC schools + USC (CS OOS)
USC isn't a target for me, but I want to know what you guys think. I've cemented CS as my major. Also, if there are any ideas for what schools I should target please tell me. I'd appreciate recommendations of any kind relating to how I can strengthen my profile in the coming months.
Demographic:
submitted by epicmozamba to chanceme [link] [comments]
Demographic:
- Second generation South Asian male
- Out of state
- Legacy at USC (two siblings with masters from there)
- Middle (upper middle?) class
- Kind of competitive public high school (Washington)
- I have no idea because the circle I tend to find myself in is super competitive, so my perspective is biased (I have a friend with ~15 aps, plays a sport internationally, internships, a whole bunch of other crazy stuff... he's going to UCD this fall).
- 3.95 GPA UW
- Will have taken 6 AP's when I graduate (CSA, micro, macro, physics c, gov, psych)
- Predicting a 5 for csa, micro, macro. I'll be taking the other 3 as a senior so the scores won't be on my apps, although the classes will be on my transcript.
- SAT 1470 (Please let me know if I should take it again in the fall!)
- Will be taking a computer science course in a University of Washington summer quarter
- Game design/development
- Have published several games online (little to no downloads)
- Have won 3 hackathons for said games, biggest one had ~10k teams/submissions
- I could stretch and say I have been making video games of some kind since elementary school. I've always committed time out of my week to it. To be more selective, I have been "actually" making games since I began high school.
- Involves brainstorming, designing, programming, and art
- Video production/YouTube
- Not currently active but was semi active for a few years. ~60 videos in a 3-year period, each one took anywhere from 3-12 hours in total to make. 269 subscribers on YouTube, 257 followers on TikTok. Additional time spent researching how to make the videos succeed, SEO optimization, etc.
- Involves graphic design as well as video editing
- Outside of school sport
- Not currently active but played for about 2 years, practiced for around 4 hours a week, plus matches when in season. Made it to a low intermediate level.
- Uncommon sport (cricket)
- For some fluff, playing video games... nothing to show for it
- Computer building
- Have built 2 computers
- Have set up 2 different Linux-based home servers for Minecraft and NAS purposes
- Over the summer (currently finishing up my junior year) I plan on adding to my game portfolio and doing some volunteer work. I may also learn more programming languages.
- Hackathons as previously mentioned. Nothing else
2024.05.15 07:54 Quirky-swaggurl-420 I have no idea where to work and my appearance doesnāt help, any advice???
Kind of long, but any advice or input would be greatly appreciated :)
I (22F) have been working in fast food/ retail since I was 17 and Iām finally ready to take that leap to leave my current job and find one that will help advance my career and give me at least some financial stability. I also live in NorCal for context (not sure if Iād be willing to move quite yet.) Iāve been at my current retail job since 2021 and was honestly just going to stay there until I was completely finished with college but I just received my AA and the current management im under is so difficult to work with and extremely offensive I can barely take it not to mention Iāve been in management for about 2 years now and have gone from at least 20hr a week (part time) to less than 10hr a week, less than some associates and theyāre all 3 hour shifts so Iām not even allowed to take a 10min break though im not even sure if thatās legal??
I am very fortunate to not have to pay rent as I live with my parents and I only have to worry about paying for my car, gas, phone, school, necessityās etc. So no rent is a life saver in this economy. With that being said I donāt necessarily need the highest paying job quite yet (willing to work my way up or gain helpful experience) though that would be ideal for anyone. I just want to be able to find something that fits with my personality/ needs and also doesnāt care the way I look. I know sometimes you have to do what u gotta do but I cannot take working somewhere Iām miserable at and I understand that is a privilege within itself so Iām just trying to use the time I do have to really find what Iām passionate about and not be scared to try new things.
I still want to go back to school to get my bachelors degree since itās always been a dream of mine, but since I pretty much pay for everything out of pocket besides some degree of financial aide, I donāt want to just aimlessly transfer somewhere with no clue on what to study which has been my issues for some time. I feel like my interest havenāt changed much and neither have my dreams to further my education so Iāve pretty much been saying the same things since probably before high school and I still have no clue what exactly the direction is I should go. I would love to gain some first hang experience to know if getting my B.A. is even worth it for the field I want to go into or what major would benefit me the best.
I have many interests and ideas as to what I could possibly do but I feel like as much as I say them out loud no one really relates so I always feel alone or like thereās no possible job for me that Iāll feel happy in. I mean I think majority of people would rather not work and focus their lives on their hobbies and passions but unfortunately thatās not in the cards for most people and though I sometimes live in that dreamland that doesnāt change the fact that Iām extremely dedicated, hard-working and really want to make a difference in whatever field I end up in. So I guess Iāll leave a list of the things Iām interested in, in case anybody has some advice or input on any occupations Iāve listed or have experience in anything Iāve listed.
I guess another thing to mention is that I was recently applying to a lot of jobs in childcare and pretty much every interview I went to turn me down on the spot because of my appearance. Of course I hear the stories of looking less professional due to your tattoos, piercings, etc., which I never understand. I donāt even have a single tattoo or piercing, not even my ears, but I have bright pink hair and that has been such a downside for the interviewing processes, even some retail jobs like Box Lunch for example doesnāt accept colored hair when theyāre literally a pop culture store and share the same company as Hot Topic. I donāt want to have to change my appearance for a job. I know itās just hair but I was never able to express myself the way I wanted to and the amount of money and maintenance that goes with having colored hair would not be worth it to me to color black just to get a job. It would feel like Iām altering myself and changing something that makes me feel good about myself is unfair and already puts a bad taste in my mouth about the company because they are willing to look over my qualifications and work ethic due to one minor detail in my appearance. One of these jobs I even had two on the phone interviews that went amazing and was going to my final in person interview and was literally meeting with a family for a behavioral technician job and the first thing they (the company) told me was I would need to change my hair to even be considered and I had to eventually politely end the interview because they still wanted to me to meet a kid despite straight up telling me they will not hire me if I didnāt immediately change my hairā¦ and Iād be working with a family, not even in a ā public setting.ā I would just love to be able to work in a community that embraces people for their differences for the way they express themselves, and encourages self expression.
Anyways, here are some of my interests and Iād be eternally grateful to hear any feedback! Maybe youāve worked in some of these environments and have advice or horror stories, if you have similar interests to me let me know what kind of job you have because Iām sure I donāt even know the formal titles to half of these jobs, or even have other ideas that match my interests. Thank you thank you thank you!
My schooling/ experience so far: * 5 years of theatre under my belt (onstage/backstage/management) * Just graduated with my AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences (Random but was recommended to do so based on all of the same interest I told my counselor some odd years ago) * Most of my college classes were focused in sociology, psychology, and child development, which has been super interesting so I am willing to branch out from my interest because I did find a lot of interest in the classes Iāve taken previously. * Have worked in retail for four years; Pretty well received by people * A nanny to 4 kids (ages 4-16) for about 3.5 years as well
My personality: (not sure if this will help with knowing if I would be a good fit for any of the jobs listed )
iām extremely bubbly and can have my extroverted moments, but I can also be introverted at times and when work needs to get done, I will figure out the best way to do it and get to work. I work pretty well with a team and always have ideas flowing and bouncing around, but I can also excel working on my own/have no issues being independent with my work. I donāt have a huge preference on a fast versus slow paced work environment. I would like something flexible, but I have no issue with getting into a routine. I feel like I am truly pretty flexible when it comes to my work environment, I just really want a place that I can express myself and be surrounded by a community of people similar to me. I love to be innovative and creative.
My interests/ ideas: (sorry kinda random and jumps around)
Thank you so much to anyone who responds with advice and kind words :)
submitted by Quirky-swaggurl-420 to careerguidance [link] [comments]
I (22F) have been working in fast food/ retail since I was 17 and Iām finally ready to take that leap to leave my current job and find one that will help advance my career and give me at least some financial stability. I also live in NorCal for context (not sure if Iād be willing to move quite yet.) Iāve been at my current retail job since 2021 and was honestly just going to stay there until I was completely finished with college but I just received my AA and the current management im under is so difficult to work with and extremely offensive I can barely take it not to mention Iāve been in management for about 2 years now and have gone from at least 20hr a week (part time) to less than 10hr a week, less than some associates and theyāre all 3 hour shifts so Iām not even allowed to take a 10min break though im not even sure if thatās legal??
I am very fortunate to not have to pay rent as I live with my parents and I only have to worry about paying for my car, gas, phone, school, necessityās etc. So no rent is a life saver in this economy. With that being said I donāt necessarily need the highest paying job quite yet (willing to work my way up or gain helpful experience) though that would be ideal for anyone. I just want to be able to find something that fits with my personality/ needs and also doesnāt care the way I look. I know sometimes you have to do what u gotta do but I cannot take working somewhere Iām miserable at and I understand that is a privilege within itself so Iām just trying to use the time I do have to really find what Iām passionate about and not be scared to try new things.
I still want to go back to school to get my bachelors degree since itās always been a dream of mine, but since I pretty much pay for everything out of pocket besides some degree of financial aide, I donāt want to just aimlessly transfer somewhere with no clue on what to study which has been my issues for some time. I feel like my interest havenāt changed much and neither have my dreams to further my education so Iāve pretty much been saying the same things since probably before high school and I still have no clue what exactly the direction is I should go. I would love to gain some first hang experience to know if getting my B.A. is even worth it for the field I want to go into or what major would benefit me the best.
I have many interests and ideas as to what I could possibly do but I feel like as much as I say them out loud no one really relates so I always feel alone or like thereās no possible job for me that Iāll feel happy in. I mean I think majority of people would rather not work and focus their lives on their hobbies and passions but unfortunately thatās not in the cards for most people and though I sometimes live in that dreamland that doesnāt change the fact that Iām extremely dedicated, hard-working and really want to make a difference in whatever field I end up in. So I guess Iāll leave a list of the things Iām interested in, in case anybody has some advice or input on any occupations Iāve listed or have experience in anything Iāve listed.
I guess another thing to mention is that I was recently applying to a lot of jobs in childcare and pretty much every interview I went to turn me down on the spot because of my appearance. Of course I hear the stories of looking less professional due to your tattoos, piercings, etc., which I never understand. I donāt even have a single tattoo or piercing, not even my ears, but I have bright pink hair and that has been such a downside for the interviewing processes, even some retail jobs like Box Lunch for example doesnāt accept colored hair when theyāre literally a pop culture store and share the same company as Hot Topic. I donāt want to have to change my appearance for a job. I know itās just hair but I was never able to express myself the way I wanted to and the amount of money and maintenance that goes with having colored hair would not be worth it to me to color black just to get a job. It would feel like Iām altering myself and changing something that makes me feel good about myself is unfair and already puts a bad taste in my mouth about the company because they are willing to look over my qualifications and work ethic due to one minor detail in my appearance. One of these jobs I even had two on the phone interviews that went amazing and was going to my final in person interview and was literally meeting with a family for a behavioral technician job and the first thing they (the company) told me was I would need to change my hair to even be considered and I had to eventually politely end the interview because they still wanted to me to meet a kid despite straight up telling me they will not hire me if I didnāt immediately change my hairā¦ and Iād be working with a family, not even in a ā public setting.ā I would just love to be able to work in a community that embraces people for their differences for the way they express themselves, and encourages self expression.
Anyways, here are some of my interests and Iād be eternally grateful to hear any feedback! Maybe youāve worked in some of these environments and have advice or horror stories, if you have similar interests to me let me know what kind of job you have because Iām sure I donāt even know the formal titles to half of these jobs, or even have other ideas that match my interests. Thank you thank you thank you!
- A lost 22 year old just trying to find her way
My schooling/ experience so far: * 5 years of theatre under my belt (onstage/backstage/management) * Just graduated with my AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences (Random but was recommended to do so based on all of the same interest I told my counselor some odd years ago) * Most of my college classes were focused in sociology, psychology, and child development, which has been super interesting so I am willing to branch out from my interest because I did find a lot of interest in the classes Iāve taken previously. * Have worked in retail for four years; Pretty well received by people * A nanny to 4 kids (ages 4-16) for about 3.5 years as well
My personality: (not sure if this will help with knowing if I would be a good fit for any of the jobs listed )
iām extremely bubbly and can have my extroverted moments, but I can also be introverted at times and when work needs to get done, I will figure out the best way to do it and get to work. I work pretty well with a team and always have ideas flowing and bouncing around, but I can also excel working on my own/have no issues being independent with my work. I donāt have a huge preference on a fast versus slow paced work environment. I would like something flexible, but I have no issue with getting into a routine. I feel like I am truly pretty flexible when it comes to my work environment, I just really want a place that I can express myself and be surrounded by a community of people similar to me. I love to be innovative and creative.
My interests/ ideas: (sorry kinda random and jumps around)
- always wanted to be a nanny or travel nanny; to work with one specific family and grow with them
- Pre-k - 1st grade teacher; I find teaching younger kids really fulfilling, love crafts/ activities/planning, extremely patient
- Art teacher (i love ceramics, but pretty much any type of art would be so cool to incorporate creativity with teaching)
- Child advocate (possibly on movie and tv sets)
- Teacher on movie and television sets
- Directing or any sort of behind the scenes job for movies and television (I love to write and create concepts, costuming, sets, music, casting)
- Set designer for movies, television, or theater
- Costume designer for movies, television, or theater
- Possibly work with an acting company backstage (I donāt even know if thatās a job but possibly a permanent backstage role somewhere)
- Open my own curated thrift shop or a shop in general that is really creative or theme oriented
- Have a small bakery business or just a business in general, I love the idea of being able to run a company or brand thatās inclusive and creative
- I do love to bake and Decorate desserts
- Creative Director; photographer, videographer; I just love the thought of creating things and bringing concepts together, planning, etc.
- Magazine company?
- Wedding planning/party and event planning; again, I just like bringing things together I feel like I have an eye for aesthetics
- Something with marketing or managing
Thank you so much to anyone who responds with advice and kind words :)
2024.05.15 07:25 eleciahadley How to get ex back help of genuine astrologer vashikaran specialist
 | Vashikaran astrology to get love backAstrology, or Jyotish, studies celestial bodies and their influence on human life, playing a pivotal role in various aspects, including relationships. Vashikaran, distinct from astrology, is a Tantra-derived practice using mantras and rituals to influence or control others, primarily executed by Tantriks harnessing the Daivat mantra and their own aatmbal.This article delves into how astrology and Vashikaran can be harnessed as proven techniques to reclaim lost love, exploring their roles and applications in mending relationships. Through practical techniques and successful case studies, readers will gain insights into reigniting love and the transformative power of these ancient practices. Understanding Astrology and Its Role in RelationshipsAstrology, often viewed as a guide for personal and romantic insights, holds a significant place in many people's lives when it comes to relationships. However, it's important to recognize that astrology is not scientifically proven to influence relationships or guarantee romantic reconciliation. The effectiveness of astrology in matters of love remains subjective and lacks empirical backing. Many turn to astrology to understand potential compatibility through various astrological signs and elements such as Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, each associated with specific zodiac signs.https://preview.redd.it/fwlf1zax0j0d1.jpg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eddf78efaaae834c1f1de1a9eb9828f34eef68e Astrological Elements and Relationship DynamicsFire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Often passionate and dynamic, which can bring intensity to relationships.Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo): Known for their stability and practicality, potentially offering a grounding effect in partnerships. Air Signs (Gemini, Aquarius, Libra): Typically communicative and intellectual, which can foster mental stimulation and connection. Water Signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio): Deeply emotional and intuitive, possibly enhancing emotional bonds in relationships. While astrology can provide a fascinating lens to view compatibility and personal traits, relying solely on astrological matches may lead to unrealistic expectations or a dependency on predetermined outcomes, which overlooks the essential personal effort required in relationships 3. It is crucial to understand that successful relationships are influenced by mutual respect, effective communication, and shared values, which are not determined by the stars. Astrology can offer insights into one's personality and preferences, which might help in understanding each other better in a relationship context. For instance, knowing whether a partner prefers communication styles that align with their astrological sign can aid in smoother interactions. Additionally, astrology might suggest favorable times for significant relationship decisions, like marriage or other joint commitments. Get love back after breakup However, a comprehensive approach that includes both astrological understanding and practical relationship skills, like communication and emotional intelligence, is more likely to contribute to the success and health of a relationship. Exploring Vashikaran for Love ReconciliationVashikaran, an ancient practice integral to Indian customs, involves using specific mantras and rituals to influence or control a person's feelings and actions, particularly in romantic relationships. This mystical technique is employed to attract a specific person or rekindle a fading relationship, often facilitated by a Vashikaran specialist. However, the effectiveness and ethical implications of using Vashikaran are subjects of significant debate. Vashikaran Techniques and Their ApplicationsMantras and Yantras: Vashikaran mantras are ancient and are believed to tap into astronomical energies to fulfill the desires of the practitioner. Alongside, Vashikaran Yantras are used to control a person's mind, necessitating positive intentions and the guidance of experienced astrologers or tantriks. Specialist Involvement: A genuine Vashikaran specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the process is performed ethically and correctly, aiming to control thoughts and actions for reclaiming lost love. Ethical Considerations: Despite its popularity, Vashikaran is controversial, often viewed as manipulative and against Dharma. It is vital to approach these practices with caution, considering the moral implications and the potential for negative consequences. Potential Outcomes and Risks Effectiveness: The time for Vashikaran to take effect can vary greatly, influenced by factors such as the target's resistance, the Tantrikās power, and the specific method used. Controversies and Misuse: The use of Vashikaran mantras to gain control over someone's will is often seen as unethical and akin to black magic. Misuse can lead to serious repercussions for both the practitioner and the target, highlighting the importance of using such practices sparingly and with good intent. In the context of love and relationships, while Vashikaran promises a solution to attract or regain a lost partner, it is essential to weigh its ethical considerations and potential risks carefully. Practical Techniques to Reignite Love Vashikaran Mantras and Rituals Addressing Marriage Conflicts: Utilizing Vashikaran can enhance understanding and strengthen bonds between partners, thus addressing core issues in marriage conflicts. Divorce Prevention: Specific Vashikaran mantras are designed to ease tensions and encourage compromise, potentially preventing divorce proceedings. Family Harmony: Implementing Vashikaran mantras can also foster harmony, understanding, and unity within family settings. Daily Practices for Relationship Strengthening Open Communication: Regular sharing of daily experiences and maintaining open lines of communication are fundamental in building trust and resolving relationship issues. Specialist Guidance: Consulting a love marriage specialist can provide tailored advice for partners considering reuniting after a breakup. Mantra Instructions for Relationship Mending Basic Mantra Practice: Familiarize with the mantra, chant it 100,000 times for mastery, and then 14 times with the desired personās name to rekindle the relationship. Avoiding Divorce: Chant a specific mantra 81 times over 11 days with a focus on the partner seeking divorce to avoid separation. Reigniting Love: The simplest yet powerful Vashikaran mantra should be chanted 3 to 5 times daily with sincere intentions to restore lost love. Advanced Rituals for Deeper Connection Blissful Union:Enhance the joy and depth in a relationship by performing a ritual involving mantra chanting and placing a couple's photograph under candles. Eternal Commitment: Solidify long-term commitment by lighting a white candle, meditating on its flame, and chanting a dedicated mantra. Passion Resurgence: To reignite passion, create a ritual space with candles, write down past grievances, burn the paper, and chant a specific mantra. Ethical Considerations and Effectiveness Moral Implications: While Vashikaran mantras can create a positive atmosphere, it's crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure the intentions are pure. Patience and Practice: Achieving the desired outcomes with Vashikaran requires patience, time, and consistent practice. Successful Case Studies and Testimonials Vashikaran Specialist Consultations Astro Pavan Sharma ji World famous: Recognized for his expertise in Lost Love Back Astrology, Acharya PK Sharma recommends consulting Astro Pk Ji for trusted astrological advice on rekindling love. Personal Experiences and Opinions Aakash Kumar: An MBA graduate who emphasizes the importance of genuine apologies and expressing true feelings over seeking astrological or tantrik help. User Experience: A user shares their regret after spending approximately 60K on astrologers without success, cautioning against high financial expectations set by certain practitioners. Chris Longford: Critiques the reliance on astrology for personal decisions, labeling it as nonsensical and attributive to coincidence, highlighting the skepticism surrounding astrological practices. Ethical and Practical Warnings Sakshi Singh: Warns against the dangers of obsessively pursuing an ex, advising individuals to focus on personal happiness and well-being instead. Jaya Surya: An astrology student who cautions against the severe potential consequences of using tantrik methods in personal relationships. Conclusion Throughout this exploration of astrology and Vashikaran, we have uncovered their roles and applications in navigating the complexities of love and relationships. Astrology offers insights into compatibility and relationship dynamics, albeit without empirical backing, encouraging a more profound understanding of oneself and one's partner. On the other hand, Vashikaran presents a more controversial approach, wielding the power to influence and rekindle love through specific rituals and mantras, while also prompting a nuanced discussion on ethical considerations and the implications of such practices. Given the insights and case studies presented, it is clear that the journey to mend or enhance relationships spans beyond the realms of celestial influence and mystical practices. Both astrology and Vashikaran prompt individuals to reflect on their personal commitments, ethical boundaries, and the depths of their intentions. As we consider these ancient practices in the context of modern relationships, it remains crucial to balance spiritual or mystical solutions with practical, ethical considerations and interpersonal communication, fostering relationships built on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine connection. FAQs 1. Is it possible for vashikaran to reunite me with my ex-partner? While there is no definite assurance that using vashikaran, specifically the recitation of love mantras, will result in reuniting with an ex-partner, it can serve as a significant method for personal development and introspection. The practice of mantras establishes a positive and concentrated intention, which could potentially lead to attracting more favorable circumstances into your life. 2. Can astrology help in restoring a lost love? Astrology can indeed be a potent instrument for understanding the dynamics that may have led to a separation, and it can offer valuable insights. By examining these aspects, astrology may provide suitable remedies that could facilitate a reconciliation with a lost love. 3. What are some effective methods to win back the love of my life? To rekindle a lost love, consider these 10 effective strategies: Comprehend the underlying issues within the relationship. Accept the situation, let go, and be willing to move forward. Engage in effective communication. Invest time and effort in your personal growth. Maintain honesty in your interactions. Embrace a romantic approach. Resolve any misunderstandings that may exist. Leverage your shared social circles by connecting with mutual friends. 4. What is a powerful mantra that can be chanted for love? The Kamdev Gayatri Mantra is highly regarded for its potency in matters of love. It goes as follows: āOm Kamadevaya Vidmahe, Pushpabanaya Dhimahi, Tanno Anang Prachodayat.ā This mantra honors Lord Kamdev, the god of love and desire, and its recitation is an appeal to the divine to infuse one's life with the energies of love and passion. Get ex love back permanently |
2024.05.15 06:56 alimajr About to be a Mechanical Engineer Graduate, Need Help getting Job Applications
Hello, I am just about to graduate from my university with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have been applying for the past 2 months and have been getting a lot of Rejections. Any Particular advice to help me stand out or improve?
Edit: I need help getting Job Interviews** correction from the title Names and Locations have been Censored of course. I do work part time in a Fast food restaurant so I have some experience in general but no job experience specially towards Engineering. I want to take a year gap before continuing for Masters, plan to get a certificate at a CC for the next year or so. In terms of what fields I'm looking at, I have a high interest in Manufacturing/Robotics(I guess Mechatronics), and Design Fields and I'm open to other fields in order to get my foot in the industry. Thank You!
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Edit: I need help getting Job Interviews** correction from the title Names and Locations have been Censored of course. I do work part time in a Fast food restaurant so I have some experience in general but no job experience specially towards Engineering. I want to take a year gap before continuing for Masters, plan to get a certificate at a CC for the next year or so. In terms of what fields I'm looking at, I have a high interest in Manufacturing/Robotics(I guess Mechatronics), and Design Fields and I'm open to other fields in order to get my foot in the industry. Thank You!
2024.05.15 06:47 Total-Mastodon-6888 Understanding Different Types of Visas Adric Immigration Consultants
The world beckons with its rich tapestry of cultures, vibrant landscapes, and exciting opportunities. But before you embark on your international adventure, navigating the world of visas can feel like stepping into a labyrinth. At Adric Immigration Consultants, your trusted partner in Bangalore, we understand the complexities of visa applications. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the different types of visas available, helping you choose the right path for your aspirations. visa consultant
.
The Big Picture: Broad Visa Categories
Visas act as official permissions granted by a country to enter and stay within its borders for a specific purpose and duration. Broadly, visas fall into two main categories:
1. Non-immigrant Visas:
Designed for temporary stays, non-immigrant visas cater to diverse needs, including:
For those seeking to establish permanent residence in a new country, immigrant visas pave the way. These typically involve a lengthier application process with stricter eligibility requirements. Common types include:
Understanding your purpose for travel is crucial. Hereās a breakdown of some commonly sought-after visas and key factors to consider:
Visa processing times and fees can vary significantly depending on the visa type, country of application, and individual circumstances. Itās crucial to factor in these costs and potential delays when planning your international move.
Visa reciprocity plays a role in certain work visa categories (e.g., TN visa between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Understanding the reciprocity agreements between your home and destination countries can help determine your eligibility for specific work visas.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Eligibility for dual citizenship varies by country. Researching the policies of both your home and target country is essential if this path aligns with your goals.
Travel restrictions can be implemented due to various reasons, including pandemics or political situations. Staying updated on current travel advisories is crucial before embarking on your international journey.
Your Trusted Partner in Navigating the Visa Maze
At Adric Immigration Consultants in Bangalore, we understand that navigating the complexities of visas can be overwhelming. With our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of global immigration regulations, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Services:
submitted by Total-Mastodon-6888 to u/Total-Mastodon-6888 [link] [comments]
.
The Big Picture: Broad Visa Categories
Visas act as official permissions granted by a country to enter and stay within its borders for a specific purpose and duration. Broadly, visas fall into two main categories:
1. Non-immigrant Visas:
Designed for temporary stays, non-immigrant visas cater to diverse needs, including:
- Tourism (B-1/B-2): Ideal for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or attending short-term events like conferences.
- Business (B-1): Allows participation in business activities that donāt involve paid employment in the host country. Examples include attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research.
- Work (H-1B, TN, etc.): Enables qualified foreign professionals to work in specific occupations for a sponsoring employer. The type of work visa required depends on the profession and the reciprocity agreements between countries.
- Student (F-1): For individuals pursuing full-time academic programs at accredited institutions. May come with restrictions on work authorization.
- Exchange Visitor (J-1): Facilitates participation in exchange programs like cultural exchanges, internships, or research collaborations.
For those seeking to establish permanent residence in a new country, immigrant visas pave the way. These typically involve a lengthier application process with stricter eligibility requirements. Common types include:
- Employment-Based: Grants permanent residency based on a job offer with a sponsoring employer in the host country. Categories exist for skilled workers, investors, and individuals with exceptional abilities.
- Family-Based: Allows sponsorship of immediate family members (spouse, children) by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Provides a limited number of visas annually through a random selection process.
Understanding your purpose for travel is crucial. Hereās a breakdown of some commonly sought-after visas and key factors to consider:
- Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2):
- Duration: Typically short-term stays, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Extensions might be possible depending on the countryās regulations.
- Eligibility: Varies by country. Generally, applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources, ties to their home country, and a valid passport.
- Important Note: Working or studying while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.
- Business Visa (B-1):
- Duration: Similar to tourist visas, with extensions potentially available.
- Eligibility: Proof of business purpose, such as invitations from companies, conference registrations, or business documents, is essential.
- Restrictions: Engaging in paid employment or setting up a business venture is not permitted under a business visa.
- Work Visa (H-1B, TN, etc.):
- Duration: Varies based on the specific visa type and job offer. Extensions and renewals are often possible.
- Eligibility: Requires a valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa petition. Specific qualifications and experience are mandated for each profession.
- Labor Certification: For certain categories (e.g., H-1B), the employer must first obtain a labor certification demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker wonāt adversely affect U.S. worker opportunities.
- Student Visa (F-1):
- Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program, with potential extensions for practical training after graduation.
- Eligibility: Acceptance letter from a SEVP-certified educational institution, proof of financial support, and a valid passport are mandatory.
- Maintaining Status: Students must maintain full-time enrollment and comply with program requirements to keep their visa valid.
- Work Authorization: Limited on-campus or OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunities might be available depending on the program and student category.
- Employment-Based Immigrant Visa:
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status, allowing indefinite stay and work authorization.
- Eligibility: A valid job offer with a sponsoring employer and meeting the specific requirements of the chosen visa category (e.g., EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees) (EB-3 for skilled workers with less education but experience) are crucial. The process can be complex, and seeking guidance from an experienced immigration consultant is highly recommended.
- Family-Based Immigrant Visa:
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents can sponsor immediate family members (spouse, unmarried children under 21). The process can be lengthy, and wait times can vary depending on the relationship and visa category.
- Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery):
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status if selected and the application process is completed successfully.
- Eligibility: Open to nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Selection is based on a random drawing.
- Important Note: Winning the lottery doesnāt guarantee a visa. Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements and undergo the full application process.
Visa processing times and fees can vary significantly depending on the visa type, country of application, and individual circumstances. Itās crucial to factor in these costs and potential delays when planning your international move.
Visa reciprocity plays a role in certain work visa categories (e.g., TN visa between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Understanding the reciprocity agreements between your home and destination countries can help determine your eligibility for specific work visas.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Eligibility for dual citizenship varies by country. Researching the policies of both your home and target country is essential if this path aligns with your goals.
Travel restrictions can be implemented due to various reasons, including pandemics or political situations. Staying updated on current travel advisories is crucial before embarking on your international journey.
Your Trusted Partner in Navigating the Visa Maze
At Adric Immigration Consultants in Bangalore, we understand that navigating the complexities of visas can be overwhelming. With our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of global immigration regulations, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Services:
- Visa Type Assessment: We will help you identify the most suitable visa category based on your specific circumstances and goals.
- Application Assistance: We will provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
- Preparation for Interviews: We will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate visa interviews.
- Staying Updated: We will keep you informed of any changes in immigration policies or procedures that might affect your application.
2024.05.15 06:41 EchoJobs Hiring Design Verification Engineer - Graduate Intern USD 63k-166k [Austin, TX] [Python Perl]
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2024.05.15 06:33 HeadOfSpectre The Deepest Abyss
āReady to make history, baby?ā
I looked over toward Sheila as she stood on the gangplank leading up to The Burger. I still couldnāt believe she named our research ship āThe Burgerā... emotional relevance be damned.
āIt's not exactly history,ā I corrected.
āOh come on! If your survey is right, this trench might run even deeper than the Challenger Deep, and youāre gonna be the first person to explore it! How is that not exciting?ā
āMight be deeper, we only have a limited amount of topological data. And even if it is deeper, weāre talking only a few hundred feet at most, itās really not that im-ā
Sheila silenced me with a kiss.
āNerd.ā She teased, and I found myself too flustered to reply. After five years of marriage, she still could leave me speechless with just a kiss. Godā¦ how did someone like me end up with a woman like that?
Then again, how did someone like me end up where I was in general? It was honestly a little overwhelming. Standing on the dock, getting ready to board that ship and join the ranks of Jacques Piccard and James Cameron (yes, that James Cameron) as one of the few people to take a manned submersible down to the deepest parts of the ocean. And Iād be lying if I said I wasnāt a little scared too. Diving down that deep could easily be a one way trip if even the slightest thing went wrong. My submarine would be experiencing between 600 to 1100 atmospheres of pressure and while weād tested it over and over again to make sure it would actually be up for the challenge, there was still a lingering iota of doubt in the back of my mind. All that needed to go wrong was one little thing, and that would be it for me.
The scariest part is that I probably wouldnāt even know what had happenedā¦ Iād simply be goneā¦ and Sheila would be alone. The thought of that caused a momentary spike of panic in my chest that almost made me want to call this whole thing off.
Almost.
But, then I felt her hand close around mine. I looked up into her bright blue eyes, and saw her gentle smile.
āYouāre gonna be okay, hun,ā She promised. āYou and your team have been running the numbers, right? Itās gonna go just fine!ā
I nodded slowly.
āItās gonna go fineā¦ā I repeated, before she leaned in to kiss me, and gently pulled me by the wrist up onto the deck of the Burger.
She was probably right.
It probably would be fine.
Probablyā¦
The trench Iād be exploring was a fairly recent discovery, located south of Greenland, in a vast stretch of water situated directly between Newfoundland and Iceland. Itād been uncovered during a topological survey in the area, and my team had taken an interest in investigating it further. At minimum, it was believed to descend to about 35,000 feet deep (over 10,000 meters), although the current theory was that it might have run even deeper. Determining the exact depth of the yet unnamed chasm was just one of the intents of our dive. The rest was studying the organisms that might be found down there, and how they might have differed from the ones found in other deep ocean trenches (some variation being expected given the isolated environment they were developing in.)
I had to admit, it would be exciting to see what new life might have developed in a place such as this, especially if it ran even deeper than our predictionsā¦ and that excitement was enough to make me chase the fear of the risks out of my mind, even if it was only briefly. While Sheila went to make sure we were ready to embark, I caught myself wandering out toward the rear of the ship where my submarine, The Tempura, waited for me. Did this submarine deserve a better name than The Tempura? Probably. But, this was my project, so I got to name it and since Burger was already taken, Tempura was the next best name I had. I liked to think that the subs namesake might approveā¦ if she hadnāt died fifteen years ago. Shrimp donāt live very long.
As the ship began to depart, I caught myself reminiscing on how Iād ended up hereā¦ it really was all because of those damn shrimp, wasnāt it? Wellā¦ maybe not all because of the shrimp. But they were certainly part of it. Back when I was a lot younger, I never really gave much of a shit about anything at all. I guess I did have a thing for the oceanā¦ the great, romantic vastness of it. The sense of adventure that it beckoned with. The endless mysteries that lay within its dark depths. I used to read about it all the time when I was a kid and I especially loved the classic adventures: Verneās 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and Melvilleās Moby Dickā¦ but that love was just confined to my books. I didnāt really have any interest in actually going out and seeing the ocean. Hell, the idea of going to a beach and standing in the sun with my toes in the sand seemed miserable to me. I was happier (although calling myself happy mightāve been a little disingenuous) alone in my room, enjoying the company of books as opposed to people.
Then came the shrimp.
One of my online friends kept them as a hobby. He used to post pictures of his tanks all the time, and I always thought they looked kinda cool. He said that if I was interested in them, I should try keeping some for myself, and during a particularly bad bout of depression, I figured that maybe it might be worth a shot. So, I bought a cheap tank and some cheap decorations, bought myself some shrimpā¦ and promptly watched them die over the next few weeks. Thatā¦ that bothered me. I donāt know why butā¦ it really bothered me. Iām still not entirely sure how to describe what it was that I was feeling. Guilt? Defeat? Shame? Here I was, trying to set up a habitat for these creatures just to have something to do to keep the suicidal ideation at bay, and Iād failed almost right out of the gate.
Was I just that bad? Was I just that much of a failure? Was this just going to go to shit just like everything else in my life did, because I was just such an abysmal piece of shit who barely deserved the life she had? Had I just not tried hard enough? Was I too apathetic? What had happened? What went wrong?
It bothered me.
It bothered me enough that I made up my mind to just dump the remaining shrimp down the toilet and toss everything. Forget about it. Move on. End of story. Butā¦ that wasnāt fair, was it? The shrimp didnāt all deserve to die just because I couldnāt be bothered, did they? Sure, they were just shrimp, but they were alive too, just like me. They deserved to be alive.
I owed it to them to try and keep them alive, didnāt I?
Soā¦ I didnāt dump the shrimp.
Instead, I started doing some reading. Started looking into what I was doing wrong and how to do it all better. I actually got really into it and a few months later, I had a nice planted tank. Looking back, it was amateur shitā¦ but it made me happy. Iād even picked out names for my two favorite shrimp. Burger and Tempura. Theyād been the last survivors of my original batch, and they were the ones I ended up caring about the most. Caring for Burger and Tempura gave me a purpose. It became an obsessionā¦ and that little obsession drove me to finally start turning my life around.
Like I said, shrimp donāt live for very long. Burger and Tempura were long dead by the time I graduated with a degree in Marine Biology. But they were the ones who inspired me to finally get my life in order. Hell, the shrimp were half the reason that I met Sheila. She was something of an aquarium fanatic tooā¦ weād met on a forum, and gotten to talking. I found out that she just so happened to be studying Marine Biology at another school, and we bonded pretty quickly after that. After graduation, I moved to California to be with her and after that, the rest is history. She was my rock. She was the one who always pushed me to be the best possible version of myselfā¦ and I loved her more than I ever knew I could love someone.
A glance back at the shore, fading into the distance tore me out of my reminiscing, and I shifted my focus to the present, going over The Tempura to perform some quick checks. My colleagues and I would be checking and rechecking the submarine over the next two days as we made our way toward the dive spot. Considering the danger that descending that deep posed, I didnāt want to take a single unnecessary risk.
I had too much to live for, after all.
***
The day of the dive, I couldnāt notice how excited the rest of the crew seemedā¦ wellā¦ Sheilaās usual crew seemed excited. I guess to them, this was just another research expedition, no different than the ones Sheila usually took this ship out on. Lately her research had been focused on the analysis and study of whale calls. Her recent voyages had involved following their pods, recording their calls and playing them back to see how the whales reacted. It was fascinating stuff, but my research was admittedly a lot different than that.
My obsession had drawn me to the denizens of the deep sea. Iād used The Burger for expeditions before, although none of them had been on quite the same scale as this one. Up until today, the most ambitious thing Iād done was send down unmanned submersibles with cameras. Those submersibles had typically returned. We had lost a few early on due to technical glitches, but the past few years had been blissfully uneventful. Logically, this dive would probably be uneventful as well. But it was still hard to get the jitters out of my head.
My team and I did the final checks necessary to make sure that The Tempura was good to go, before setting up the crane to begin lifting it up. In less than an hour, Iād be inside of that thing, descending to the darkest depths of the ocean.
It didnāt feel real.
I felt Sheilaās hand on my shoulder, and looked over at her.
āMoment of truth, huh?ā She asked. She probably meant it to sound encouraging, but it just sounded ominous.
āMoment of truthā¦ā I replied.
āYouāre gonna be okay, honey. I know you will.ā
She reached out to gently squeeze my hand and gave me a reassuring smile that I meekly returned.
āYeah, itās gonna be okay,ā I agreed, although there was an element of a lie in it. Statistically, yes. It probably WOULD be okay. But there was that lingering anxiety in the back of my mind that just wouldnāt go away. I looked quietly out at the submarine before me and couldnāt shake the thought that it sort of looked like a giant coffin. Unconsciously, I found myself squeezing Sheilaās hand tighter than normal. She just held me close and pressed a kiss to the top of my head, before gently rubbing my back.
āYouāll be okay,ā She promised.
āDr. Jenner, weāre ready for you.ā I heard one of my colleagues say.
Moment of truth.
I took one last look at Sheila, and gave her a quick kiss on the lips for luck. She smiled at me, and I smiled back anxiously at her before heading over toward the submarine.
The crew helped me enter the cockpit and get myself situated inside. The cockpit of the Tempura was fairly cramped and not particularly comfortable. Space and comfort arenāt really luxuries you can afford in a submarine like this. The instruments I needed took up a lot of space, leaving little room for me in thereā¦ and I am not a very big person.
Once I was inside, they sealed the hatch. Then the diagnostics checks began.
āGrayson, can you hear us in there?ā I heard Sheila say through the radio.
āLoud and clear,ā I replied.
āGreat. Weāll keep in constant radio contact, just to monitor the signal. In the meanwhile, howās everything looking in there?ā
āGreen across the board so far,ā I said, although I hadnāt finished running all my final checks yet. Ultimately, nothing was out of place.
This submarine was as good to go as it was going to get.
āIām all good in here,ā I said once I was done. āYou can drop me when youāre ready.ā
āYou got it, honey. Letās get you in the water, run one final round of tests and start lowering you down.ā
A short while later, I felt the submarine begin to move as the crane lifted it off the deck and lowered it into the water. The Tempura honestly resembled its namesake in a way, being long and cigar shaped, only vertically oriented instead of horizontally oriented. Weād admittedly taken more than a few design cues from James Cameronās Deepsea Challenger. Why fix what isnāt broken, after all?
Once I was in the water, a 1000 pound releasable ballast weight would cause the submarine to sink. Releasing that weight was also my ticket back to the surface, and I could either trigger it from inside the cockpit, or, in the event that the release failed for any reason, it would trigger automatically after roughly 12 hours of exposure to salt water.
Ideally, this would be the first of a number of dives Iād be undertakingā¦ and if all went according to plan, the Tempura could be the first of many similar submarines that would allow other researchers to safely and effectively descend to extreme depths. If all went well, this could be a massive leap forward for researchers like me, allowing us to better explore the deepest depths of the Hadal Zone and learn all we could about the ecosystems down there via direct observation.
If all went well.
If.
Through the viewport, I watched as I was lowered into the ocean. A few of the other crew members had donned diving gear to escort me down, and after they did their final checks and I did mine, we were fully ready to go.
āAllās green across the board,ā I said into the radio. āYou can start my descent.ā
āI hear you, honey,ā Sheila replied. āWeāre letting you go. Have fun down there.ā
āYeah, Iāll tryā¦ā I said quietly as finally, my submarine began its descent.
I took a deep breath, and told myself again that everything would go fine. We had checked everything on this submarine. Weād tested it rigorously. I wouldnāt have allowed myself to set foot inside of it if I hadnāt personally assured that it was safe. But anxiety never really goes away, does it? The crew couldnāt accompany me far. After only a few meters, they fell behind me as I sank deeper and deeper into the infinite, empty blue of the ocean. Soon after, the tether was released.
I was officially on my own.
ā60 feet,ā I heard Sheila say over the radio. āHow are you doing in there?ā
āGood,ā I replied. āDoingā¦ doing good.ā
The submarine continued to descend. Through the viewport, I could see a few stray fish, but nothing particularly eye catching. I almost felt alone down thereā¦ almostā¦
ā120 feetā¦ā Sheila said.
āStill doing good,ā I replied.
The descent continued, as the waters slowly grew darker and darker.
ā400 feetā¦ā
Everything around me just kept getting darker and darker. Only a fraction of the light from the sun ever reached these depthsā¦ and Iād be lying if I said that darkness didnāt feel a littleā¦ oppressive.
ā800 feetā¦ still feeling good?ā
āYeah, still feeling goodā¦ā I said, although it was a bit of a lie. If anything, I was second guessing all of this, but I wasnāt about to say that out loud.
ā1000 feetā¦ still good?ā
āStill goodā¦ā I murmured. āI hear you loud and clear.ā
Deeperā¦ deeperā¦ deeper.
ā1500 feetā¦ā
Three miles. I was three miles away from home. Three miles away from Sheila.
ā2000 feetā¦ā
Still a ways to go.
ā3000 feetā¦ā
By this point, it was fully dark outside of my cockpit. Outside, all I could see was inky darkness. Even the submarineās lights didnāt really cut through it. And the kicker? Relatively speaking, I wasnāt that deep. Fishing trawlers reached deeper than this. Better to conserve power until I was at the bottom. My descent continued.
ā6000 feetā¦ still good?ā
āStill goodā¦ā
The check ins were becoming less frequent. My descent still continuedā¦ deeperā¦ deeperā¦ deeper. By now, Iād entered the Hadal Zone. But there was still so much deeper o go.
ā8000 feetā¦ā
This was past the depths that most whales would dive toā¦ and I still had a ways to go.
ā10,000 feet.ā
This was close to where the ocean floor usually bottomed outā¦ and yet there was still so much further to go. No. I was really only a third of the way there. How long had it been?Not much had happened beyond my descent and a few sightings out of my viewport, but time had been passing. A glance at my watch confirmed itād been almost an hour since Iād started to sinkā¦ and I knew I wasnāt even close to the bottom yet. The submarine continued to descend, sinking ever deeper as I dropped into an infinite darkness that few had ever dared to witness.
ā15,000 feet.ā
This check in came later than the others. At this point, Sheila and the crew must have figured that no news was good news, and they were right. I just continued to sink peacefully, down into the crushing depths of the ocean.
These were the depths that one might normally find deep sea fishā¦ and yet I was going somewhere even deeper than that.
ā20,000 feetā¦ā
So closeā¦
I continued to sink.
ā25,000 feet.ā
Soonā¦ and finallyā¦
ā30,000 feet. You still doing alright, honey?ā
āYeahā¦ yeah, Iām doing good,ā I assured her. I was so closeā¦
By this point, my real work had begun. Iād engaged the lights and begun documenting what little I could see using the on board cameras. Granted, there wasnāt much life at these depths and what little there was, was scarcely documented. Most of what was down here consisted of invertebrates and microscopic life that seemed to float past my viewport.
The light seemed to draw a few creatures in search of food. Small, hardy things that resembled shrimp.
āHowās it looking, Grayson?ā
āDark,ā I said, half joking. āWeāve got some lifeā¦ shrimp. Theyāre translucent. Canāt get a great look at themā¦ but weāll see what the cameras pick up.ā
āTheyāve recognized you as a friend,ā Sheila said. I could almost see the smile on her lips as she said it.
āYeahā¦ā I replied, āTempura sent them a message, told them Iād be down. How am I looking on depth?ā
ā35,000 feetā¦ you seeing a bottom yet?ā
āNoā¦ not that I would until I was there.ā
āDamnā¦ how deep does this go?ā
āIt canāt go that deepā¦ā I murmured, although I really wasnāt so sure about that.
The submarine continued to sinkā¦
36,000 feetā¦
37,000 feetā¦
38,000 feetā¦ and then finally, just past the 39,000 foot mark, I finally saw solid ground below me.
Looking through my viewport, I could see a familiar dark brown diatomaceous sludge, covering the seafloor. Microscopic life, likely similar to what had been observed in other deep sea trenches, such as the Challenger Deep.
I needed to gather a sample.
As my submarine reached the bottom, I extended the mechanical arms, pressed flat against the surface of the Tempura, and opened the collection port near the bottom of the ship. Slowly, I sifted some of the sludge into the port. My disturbance of the seafloor kicked up a cloud of the microbial colony, and I couldāve sworn I saw something wiggling through the debris. A pale, white thing, perhaps some sort of sea cucumber? I hastily angled my submarines camera to try and catch a glimpse of it, before returning to my collection. Even in this forlorn place, there was still so much to see! And here I wasā¦ completely forgetting my fear as the excitement took hold of me! Few people had ever been down to these unfathomable depthsā¦ and yet here I was.
It didnāt feel real but it was! I had reached the deepest part of the ocean!
āHowās it going down there?ā I heard Sheila ask. Her voice was a little garbled. The connection down here was faltering.
āItās beautifulā¦ā I said. āI canāt wait for you to see it!ā
āIāll betā¦ā
āIām going to do a sweep of the area, see what samples I can gather,ā I said. āWhatās my time right now?ā
āThree hours. Youāve got nine before your connection to the weight deteriorates and you start to ascend.ā
āIāll make the most of it,ā I said. The plan was only to stay down there for six hours, and I didnāt want to push that limit. Life support would only last me for so long, and one little error was all it would take for the ungodly pressure down here to crush me.
I began to move the submarine. Mobility was limited. This thing wasnāt built to travel far. But I still had some limited movement. I recorded all that I could, filming the shrimp that investigated my light, and the things that slithered and crawled through the muck, likely feeding on the carpet of single celled organisms that populated these depths.
The first two hours wereā¦ wellā¦ I hesitate to call them uneventful, they were actually very fascinating, but little of note happened beyond my recording of a few specimens.
Midway through the third hour though, as I was reaching one of the rock walls of the abyss, I noticed something just above the edge of my viewport swimming away from the light. I couldāve sworn I saw slender, pale tentacles of some sort. Was that a squid? Were there squid down this deep? I wasnāt aware of any species of known squid who could reach these depthsā¦ but in this unknown place, what use was the known?
I moved my light and my camera to try and catch another glimpse of it, but whatever it was, it seemed to be gone. Maybe Iād see another one. I still had plenty of time.
āYou made a noise. Whatād you see?ā Sheila asked.
āSomething bigā¦ I think,ā I said.
āDown there? Like a fish?ā
āSquid. You wouldnāt find any vertebrates down this deepā¦ the pressure would crush their bones.ā
āJeezā¦ā
I didnāt reply to that, still searching for the thing Iād seen. I shone my light up along the walls of the chasm and angled my camera up as far as it would go. I could see a few volcanic vents, spewing dark clouds into the darkness, and more diatoms. But not much else. Strange invertebrates crawled along the walls. Small creatures, no bigger than an inch long. Related to isopods, perhaps? If I could collect one as a sample, I would haveā¦ although taking any of those back to the surface would surely kill them. They were built to live under the impossible pressure of these depths. Taking them to the surface would rip them apart.
I went back to my research, and it wasnāt long until I saw something in the darkness, just on the edge of where my flashlight reached. Trailing white tendrils, snaking their way through the darkness. My eyes narrowed as I moved the submarine forward, trying to catch whatever it was in the light. I saw the shape move, its body turningā¦ I saw its tendrils unfurling. Whatever this was, it was big. It was almost as big as The Tempuraā¦ although it was also slender. If I didnāt know any better, I wouldāve thought I was looking at some sort of floating debris, but this far down? No. And debris wouldnāt move like that.
This had to be a deepsea squidā¦ or perhaps some other type of cephalopod? Something that preyed upon the various invertebrates down here, perhaps? It seemed to float, just out of sight for a bit, as I tried to get closer. I angled up my light to get a better look at it. The light seemed to shine through it, like some sort of ghostā¦ but I did manage to get a look at it.
Although that lookā¦
That single look made me freeze up.
This things slender tendrils certainly resembled a cephalopod of some sort, but the rest of itā¦ the rest of it looked like something else entirely. Its body was thin, emaciated and translucent, yet despite that it still had characteristics that almost seemedā¦ human. It wasnāt human! Not by any stretch of imagination, but the resemblance was there. It almost reminded me of an exhibit Iād seen in a museum once, depicting a preserved, fully removed human nervous system. I could see a similar shape in its translucent body. Its head seemed almost human as wellā¦ albeit with no eyes, and a lamprey like mouth I could only describe as fleshy yet crablike.
Still, despite having no eyes I couldnāt shake the feeling that it was looking at me. And that was when I felt something hit the submarine.
I felt a sudden jolt of panic in my chest. For a moment, I thought that the pressure had started to crush me, but noā¦ no, everything was still fine. Something had just hit me. But what? It didnāt take long before I got my answer.
Another pale creature floated past my viewport, swirling gracefully in the cold dark waters. I watched it for a moment with wide eyes, before noticing its āheadā turning slightly toward me. Then, almost instantly, it launched itself at the submarine, darting toward me with blinding speed.
I heard a distinct THUD as its body collided with me, and I could see its pale tendrils pressing against the viewport, twisting and writhing violently. It was trying to attack me. The first creature that Iād seen lunged as well, pounding on my submarine with another THUD. And moments later, I could hear more impacts against the hull. There were more of themā¦ and they did not like having me down there.
āWhatās going on?ā Sheila asked.
āSomebody doesnāt like meā¦ā I said. āOne of the animals down hereā¦ some kind of squid, itās just started attacking the hull.ā
āHow bad is the damage?ā
āNot sureā¦ could be nothing, could be-ā
I felt the submarine shake as I tried to move it. The thrusters that pushed me forward weren't responding. Had something gotten caught in it? One of the creatures perhaps?
āGrayson?!ā Sheila asked.
āLost propulsionā¦ā I said. āFuckā¦ I canāt move.ā
āThen drop the weight and come up!ā
āNo, itās fine, thereās no other damage, I can still use the port and starboard thrusters to-ā
āGrayson!ā
I paused. There was genuine panic in her voiceā¦ enough to make me realize that even if these things stood little chance of actually breaching the hull, taking the risk would be a fatal mistake.
āIām on my way upā¦ā I finally said, before reaching out to disengage the ballast weights.
Immediately, I felt myself beginning to rise, although the tentacles clinging to my viewport didnāt disappear.
āWeāve got youā¦ā Sheila said. āRising up to 38,000 feet.ā
The submarine continued to rise, but the creatures clinging to me went nowhere. In factā¦ I was sure I could see more of them. More pale shapes coming up through the darkness, and these ones filled me with dread. I thought I had been looking at some sort of eerie undiscovered life. But seeing what was coming up toward me nowā¦ I knew that I was looking at so much more. The creatures swimming up toward me through the darkness carried weaponsā¦ makeshift stone spears and daggers. Primitive toolsā¦ but tools all the same.
Signs that these were more than just undiscovered animals.
Much. Much more.
The word: āMermaidsā crossed through my mind, but these were something far different than the ones Iād heard of in folklore. These looked like theyād swam out of the depths of hell itself. Boneless pale tendrils reached for meā¦ and they were getting closer. The pale shapes reached my submarine as I rose higher. I kept praying to whatever God may be listening that the dropping pressure would force them off. The air in a submarine is pressurized, so during normal operation, there should have been no danger of decompression sickness for me.
For themā¦ wellā¦ normally Iād feel a little guilty about subjecting an undiscovered species of deep sea mermaids to the horrors of the Bends. But given my circumstances, I didnāt have a lot of other options.
They didnāt let go, though.
They should have. But they didnāt.
What were these things?
I saw a splayed hand press against my viewport. Orā¦ it somewhat resembled a hand. It had suckers on it, like a tentacle and the āfingersā curled open like tentacles. The creature crawled over my viewport, clinging to The Tempura as it rose, and I could see the folds of its crablike mouth opening and pressing against the glass. I could see some sort of bile rising up through its translucent throat, before it secreted it all over my viewport. Was it trying to digest me? Was that how these things fed? How strong were its stomach acids? Were they strong enough to-
The window cracked.
My heart skipped a beat.
āNoā¦ no, no noā¦ā
āGrayson, whatās wrong?!ā
āThey cracked the windowā¦ S-Sheila theyā¦ oh Godā¦ oh fuck, they justā¦ā
āTHEY DID WHAT?ā
āItās secreting some sort of enzymeā¦ itās on the window, itāsā¦ FUCKā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ā
āYouāre not gonna die, baby! Justā¦ just keep ascending, okay? Youāre at 30,000 feetā¦ just keep goingā¦ā
I nodded, and kept on rising, although the question of whether or not the rest of the creatures were trying to digest the other parts of my submarine floated through my mind. How much damage could The Tempura take before it imploded? How much longer did I have? The submarine still continued to riseā¦ 25,000 feetā¦ almost halfway homeā¦ almostā¦ almost.
The creature outside of my viewport slithered along the glass, searching for a better area to try and digest. Past him, I noticed a few of his companions dropping off. Maybe the change in pressure finally was getting to them?
From the corner of my eye, I suddenly noticed a flashing light. A warning. The hydraulics on one of the Tempuraās arms were shotā¦ what else was damaged?
I checked my oxygen levels. 32%.
I shouldāve had at least 14 hours of air. Iād only been down there for about 6 hoursā¦ I shouldnāt have been this low.
31%.
Noā¦ no, no, no, noā¦ theyād damaged the air tanks!
30%.
29%
ā20,000 feet!ā Sheila said. āYou still with me, baby?ā
āY-yeahā¦ā I said. I didnāt mention my air situation. I didnāt need to worry her further.
The submarine continued its ascent.
15,000 feet.
24%. I was running out of time.
The creatures still clung to the Tempura. How had the pressure change not killed them yet? My oxygen was dropping faster than before. I was hemorrhaging air. Another crack formed across my viewport. I let out a little, involuntary gasp before trying to force myself to stop hyperventilating.
āGrayson, what was that?ā
āI-itās fineā¦ā I stammered, āItās fine!ā
āGrayson what the hell is going on down there?!ā
āTheyāre still on the submarineā¦ theyāre stillā¦ā I paused, looking at my oxygen levels. ā19%...ā
ā19% of what? Grayson whatās going on!ā
I paused.
18%.
āAirā¦ Iāmā¦ Iām losing airā¦ā
āThatās fine, youāre going to make it!ā She said, although I heard her voice cracking a little. āYouāre gonna make it!ā
I didnāt answer.
12,000 feet.
11,000 feetā¦
My oxygen level continued to drop.
15%.
14%.
12%.
9,000 feet.
The creatures still clung to me, as the submarine continued to rise. The one on my viewport was still there, slowly crawling along the glass again. I stared into its eyeless face and swore I was looking at the face of my killer.
7,000 feetā¦
Oxygen had dropped to 9%. It dropped to 8% before I even got to 6,000 feet. I was going to die hereā¦
The viewport cracked again and I squeezed my eyes shut. The submarine rocked. I was sure one of the thrusters had been damaged. My ascent slowed.
āGrayson, whatās going on?ā
āIām sorry Sheilaā¦ā
Another crack spread across my viewport.
āIāmā¦ Iām not making it back upā¦ā
āYES YOU ARE!ā
āIām sorryā¦ā The tears started to come as the reality of my death became clearer and clearerā¦ this was it.
āYOUāRE COMING BACK UP, YOU HEAR ME! GODDAMNIT, IāLL BRING YOU BACK UP!ā
āI love youā¦ā
That creatures face pressed against the glass. It vomited more of its stomach acid onto the cracked glass, and I wondered if this might finally be what broke it. Part of me hoped it would beā¦ the one good thing about dying this deep was that at least Iād die quickly. My suffering would be over. Then, the creature suddenly pulled back, twisting and writhing violently. I saw other shapes moving past it in the water, other āmermaidsā that had been clinging to the submarine.
Something was agitating them.
Something was scaring them off.
Then I heard it, over the radioā¦ whale songs.
āWhat the hellā¦?ā
āGrayson, are you still there?!ā
āIā¦ theyāre finally breaking off. Sheila, what did you do?ā
āIām broadcasting some of the orca recordings weāve been using. Are they still clinging to you?ā
āNo! Theyāre backing off! Iā¦ whatever youāre doing, keep doing it!ā
The submarine kept rising.
5,000 feet.
4,000 feet.
4% oxygen.
I could still do this, right?
The submarine continued to rise.
3%.
3,000 feet.
2,000 feet.
2%.
1,000 feetā¦ so closeā¦ I was so closeā¦
I could almost see the surface through my viewport, rushing up toward me. I tried not to breathe. Tried not to move. All I did was hope.
500 feet.
I closed my eyes.
āGrayson we have your signal, weāre coming to pick you up!ā
Sheilaās voice sounded so far away as my submarine finally breached the surface of the waterā¦ and with the last of my strength, I pulled the emergency release on the hatch, and threw it open, taking in lungful after lungful of fresh salty air.
I didnāt dare so much as touch the water beneath meā¦ but I was topside again, and in the distance, I could see The Burger!
āWe see you!ā Sheila said, āWeāve got you babyā¦ weāve got youā¦ā
āI see you tooā¦ā I said through the tears. āThank youā¦ thank youā¦ā I didnāt have any words left in me after that.
As soon as I was back on the ship, I collapsed into Sheilaās arms, breaking down into tears as I clung to her, terrified that at any moment, some sort of unspoken other shoe would drop and Iād lose her all over again.
āShhā¦ itās alright babyā¦ Iāve got youā¦ youāre safeā¦ youāre safeā¦ā I felt her fingers running through my air and I knew that what she said was true.
I was home.
I was safe.
***
I left my colleagues to review the data that the Tempura gathered during its short expedition. As far as I know, they havenāt published anything. I have a few ideas as to why, but Iāll keep those to myself. Letās just say that some people would rather this information not become public.
I have a feeling that the Tempura may not be diving again for some time, if ever. I will confess that I do consider that a bit of a shame. Despite everythingā¦ I would consider it a success. It endured far more stressful conditions than I had expected, and from what I heard, required fewer repairs than Iād thought it would. But, even if it was approved for another dive, it wouldnāt be me piloting it. No. I will never be setting foot inside of that machine again, nor will I ever be returning to what my colleagues have been quietly referring to as āThe Jenner Trenchā.
I canāt.
Every night, I wake up crying after dreaming of pale shapes outside of my cracked viewport, clinging to Sheila and sobbing. I canāt put myself in that situation again.
I canāt.
Instead, I think Iām going to spend the next few years on solid ground. Thereās a teaching position available at a local university. I think that might be the best place for me right now. Who knows, maybe I can help some other deadbeat discover a passion for marine biology.
After everything, my love for the sea remains unchangedā¦ Iām just a little more wary of it, these days.
submitted by HeadOfSpectre to HeadOfSpectre [link] [comments]
I looked over toward Sheila as she stood on the gangplank leading up to The Burger. I still couldnāt believe she named our research ship āThe Burgerā... emotional relevance be damned.
āIt's not exactly history,ā I corrected.
āOh come on! If your survey is right, this trench might run even deeper than the Challenger Deep, and youāre gonna be the first person to explore it! How is that not exciting?ā
āMight be deeper, we only have a limited amount of topological data. And even if it is deeper, weāre talking only a few hundred feet at most, itās really not that im-ā
Sheila silenced me with a kiss.
āNerd.ā She teased, and I found myself too flustered to reply. After five years of marriage, she still could leave me speechless with just a kiss. Godā¦ how did someone like me end up with a woman like that?
Then again, how did someone like me end up where I was in general? It was honestly a little overwhelming. Standing on the dock, getting ready to board that ship and join the ranks of Jacques Piccard and James Cameron (yes, that James Cameron) as one of the few people to take a manned submersible down to the deepest parts of the ocean. And Iād be lying if I said I wasnāt a little scared too. Diving down that deep could easily be a one way trip if even the slightest thing went wrong. My submarine would be experiencing between 600 to 1100 atmospheres of pressure and while weād tested it over and over again to make sure it would actually be up for the challenge, there was still a lingering iota of doubt in the back of my mind. All that needed to go wrong was one little thing, and that would be it for me.
The scariest part is that I probably wouldnāt even know what had happenedā¦ Iād simply be goneā¦ and Sheila would be alone. The thought of that caused a momentary spike of panic in my chest that almost made me want to call this whole thing off.
Almost.
But, then I felt her hand close around mine. I looked up into her bright blue eyes, and saw her gentle smile.
āYouāre gonna be okay, hun,ā She promised. āYou and your team have been running the numbers, right? Itās gonna go just fine!ā
I nodded slowly.
āItās gonna go fineā¦ā I repeated, before she leaned in to kiss me, and gently pulled me by the wrist up onto the deck of the Burger.
She was probably right.
It probably would be fine.
Probablyā¦
The trench Iād be exploring was a fairly recent discovery, located south of Greenland, in a vast stretch of water situated directly between Newfoundland and Iceland. Itād been uncovered during a topological survey in the area, and my team had taken an interest in investigating it further. At minimum, it was believed to descend to about 35,000 feet deep (over 10,000 meters), although the current theory was that it might have run even deeper. Determining the exact depth of the yet unnamed chasm was just one of the intents of our dive. The rest was studying the organisms that might be found down there, and how they might have differed from the ones found in other deep ocean trenches (some variation being expected given the isolated environment they were developing in.)
I had to admit, it would be exciting to see what new life might have developed in a place such as this, especially if it ran even deeper than our predictionsā¦ and that excitement was enough to make me chase the fear of the risks out of my mind, even if it was only briefly. While Sheila went to make sure we were ready to embark, I caught myself wandering out toward the rear of the ship where my submarine, The Tempura, waited for me. Did this submarine deserve a better name than The Tempura? Probably. But, this was my project, so I got to name it and since Burger was already taken, Tempura was the next best name I had. I liked to think that the subs namesake might approveā¦ if she hadnāt died fifteen years ago. Shrimp donāt live very long.
As the ship began to depart, I caught myself reminiscing on how Iād ended up hereā¦ it really was all because of those damn shrimp, wasnāt it? Wellā¦ maybe not all because of the shrimp. But they were certainly part of it. Back when I was a lot younger, I never really gave much of a shit about anything at all. I guess I did have a thing for the oceanā¦ the great, romantic vastness of it. The sense of adventure that it beckoned with. The endless mysteries that lay within its dark depths. I used to read about it all the time when I was a kid and I especially loved the classic adventures: Verneās 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and Melvilleās Moby Dickā¦ but that love was just confined to my books. I didnāt really have any interest in actually going out and seeing the ocean. Hell, the idea of going to a beach and standing in the sun with my toes in the sand seemed miserable to me. I was happier (although calling myself happy mightāve been a little disingenuous) alone in my room, enjoying the company of books as opposed to people.
Then came the shrimp.
One of my online friends kept them as a hobby. He used to post pictures of his tanks all the time, and I always thought they looked kinda cool. He said that if I was interested in them, I should try keeping some for myself, and during a particularly bad bout of depression, I figured that maybe it might be worth a shot. So, I bought a cheap tank and some cheap decorations, bought myself some shrimpā¦ and promptly watched them die over the next few weeks. Thatā¦ that bothered me. I donāt know why butā¦ it really bothered me. Iām still not entirely sure how to describe what it was that I was feeling. Guilt? Defeat? Shame? Here I was, trying to set up a habitat for these creatures just to have something to do to keep the suicidal ideation at bay, and Iād failed almost right out of the gate.
Was I just that bad? Was I just that much of a failure? Was this just going to go to shit just like everything else in my life did, because I was just such an abysmal piece of shit who barely deserved the life she had? Had I just not tried hard enough? Was I too apathetic? What had happened? What went wrong?
It bothered me.
It bothered me enough that I made up my mind to just dump the remaining shrimp down the toilet and toss everything. Forget about it. Move on. End of story. Butā¦ that wasnāt fair, was it? The shrimp didnāt all deserve to die just because I couldnāt be bothered, did they? Sure, they were just shrimp, but they were alive too, just like me. They deserved to be alive.
I owed it to them to try and keep them alive, didnāt I?
Soā¦ I didnāt dump the shrimp.
Instead, I started doing some reading. Started looking into what I was doing wrong and how to do it all better. I actually got really into it and a few months later, I had a nice planted tank. Looking back, it was amateur shitā¦ but it made me happy. Iād even picked out names for my two favorite shrimp. Burger and Tempura. Theyād been the last survivors of my original batch, and they were the ones I ended up caring about the most. Caring for Burger and Tempura gave me a purpose. It became an obsessionā¦ and that little obsession drove me to finally start turning my life around.
Like I said, shrimp donāt live for very long. Burger and Tempura were long dead by the time I graduated with a degree in Marine Biology. But they were the ones who inspired me to finally get my life in order. Hell, the shrimp were half the reason that I met Sheila. She was something of an aquarium fanatic tooā¦ weād met on a forum, and gotten to talking. I found out that she just so happened to be studying Marine Biology at another school, and we bonded pretty quickly after that. After graduation, I moved to California to be with her and after that, the rest is history. She was my rock. She was the one who always pushed me to be the best possible version of myselfā¦ and I loved her more than I ever knew I could love someone.
A glance back at the shore, fading into the distance tore me out of my reminiscing, and I shifted my focus to the present, going over The Tempura to perform some quick checks. My colleagues and I would be checking and rechecking the submarine over the next two days as we made our way toward the dive spot. Considering the danger that descending that deep posed, I didnāt want to take a single unnecessary risk.
I had too much to live for, after all.
***
The day of the dive, I couldnāt notice how excited the rest of the crew seemedā¦ wellā¦ Sheilaās usual crew seemed excited. I guess to them, this was just another research expedition, no different than the ones Sheila usually took this ship out on. Lately her research had been focused on the analysis and study of whale calls. Her recent voyages had involved following their pods, recording their calls and playing them back to see how the whales reacted. It was fascinating stuff, but my research was admittedly a lot different than that.
My obsession had drawn me to the denizens of the deep sea. Iād used The Burger for expeditions before, although none of them had been on quite the same scale as this one. Up until today, the most ambitious thing Iād done was send down unmanned submersibles with cameras. Those submersibles had typically returned. We had lost a few early on due to technical glitches, but the past few years had been blissfully uneventful. Logically, this dive would probably be uneventful as well. But it was still hard to get the jitters out of my head.
My team and I did the final checks necessary to make sure that The Tempura was good to go, before setting up the crane to begin lifting it up. In less than an hour, Iād be inside of that thing, descending to the darkest depths of the ocean.
It didnāt feel real.
I felt Sheilaās hand on my shoulder, and looked over at her.
āMoment of truth, huh?ā She asked. She probably meant it to sound encouraging, but it just sounded ominous.
āMoment of truthā¦ā I replied.
āYouāre gonna be okay, honey. I know you will.ā
She reached out to gently squeeze my hand and gave me a reassuring smile that I meekly returned.
āYeah, itās gonna be okay,ā I agreed, although there was an element of a lie in it. Statistically, yes. It probably WOULD be okay. But there was that lingering anxiety in the back of my mind that just wouldnāt go away. I looked quietly out at the submarine before me and couldnāt shake the thought that it sort of looked like a giant coffin. Unconsciously, I found myself squeezing Sheilaās hand tighter than normal. She just held me close and pressed a kiss to the top of my head, before gently rubbing my back.
āYouāll be okay,ā She promised.
āDr. Jenner, weāre ready for you.ā I heard one of my colleagues say.
Moment of truth.
I took one last look at Sheila, and gave her a quick kiss on the lips for luck. She smiled at me, and I smiled back anxiously at her before heading over toward the submarine.
The crew helped me enter the cockpit and get myself situated inside. The cockpit of the Tempura was fairly cramped and not particularly comfortable. Space and comfort arenāt really luxuries you can afford in a submarine like this. The instruments I needed took up a lot of space, leaving little room for me in thereā¦ and I am not a very big person.
Once I was inside, they sealed the hatch. Then the diagnostics checks began.
āGrayson, can you hear us in there?ā I heard Sheila say through the radio.
āLoud and clear,ā I replied.
āGreat. Weāll keep in constant radio contact, just to monitor the signal. In the meanwhile, howās everything looking in there?ā
āGreen across the board so far,ā I said, although I hadnāt finished running all my final checks yet. Ultimately, nothing was out of place.
This submarine was as good to go as it was going to get.
āIām all good in here,ā I said once I was done. āYou can drop me when youāre ready.ā
āYou got it, honey. Letās get you in the water, run one final round of tests and start lowering you down.ā
A short while later, I felt the submarine begin to move as the crane lifted it off the deck and lowered it into the water. The Tempura honestly resembled its namesake in a way, being long and cigar shaped, only vertically oriented instead of horizontally oriented. Weād admittedly taken more than a few design cues from James Cameronās Deepsea Challenger. Why fix what isnāt broken, after all?
Once I was in the water, a 1000 pound releasable ballast weight would cause the submarine to sink. Releasing that weight was also my ticket back to the surface, and I could either trigger it from inside the cockpit, or, in the event that the release failed for any reason, it would trigger automatically after roughly 12 hours of exposure to salt water.
Ideally, this would be the first of a number of dives Iād be undertakingā¦ and if all went according to plan, the Tempura could be the first of many similar submarines that would allow other researchers to safely and effectively descend to extreme depths. If all went well, this could be a massive leap forward for researchers like me, allowing us to better explore the deepest depths of the Hadal Zone and learn all we could about the ecosystems down there via direct observation.
If all went well.
If.
Through the viewport, I watched as I was lowered into the ocean. A few of the other crew members had donned diving gear to escort me down, and after they did their final checks and I did mine, we were fully ready to go.
āAllās green across the board,ā I said into the radio. āYou can start my descent.ā
āI hear you, honey,ā Sheila replied. āWeāre letting you go. Have fun down there.ā
āYeah, Iāll tryā¦ā I said quietly as finally, my submarine began its descent.
I took a deep breath, and told myself again that everything would go fine. We had checked everything on this submarine. Weād tested it rigorously. I wouldnāt have allowed myself to set foot inside of it if I hadnāt personally assured that it was safe. But anxiety never really goes away, does it? The crew couldnāt accompany me far. After only a few meters, they fell behind me as I sank deeper and deeper into the infinite, empty blue of the ocean. Soon after, the tether was released.
I was officially on my own.
ā60 feet,ā I heard Sheila say over the radio. āHow are you doing in there?ā
āGood,ā I replied. āDoingā¦ doing good.ā
The submarine continued to descend. Through the viewport, I could see a few stray fish, but nothing particularly eye catching. I almost felt alone down thereā¦ almostā¦
ā120 feetā¦ā Sheila said.
āStill doing good,ā I replied.
The descent continued, as the waters slowly grew darker and darker.
ā400 feetā¦ā
Everything around me just kept getting darker and darker. Only a fraction of the light from the sun ever reached these depthsā¦ and Iād be lying if I said that darkness didnāt feel a littleā¦ oppressive.
ā800 feetā¦ still feeling good?ā
āYeah, still feeling goodā¦ā I said, although it was a bit of a lie. If anything, I was second guessing all of this, but I wasnāt about to say that out loud.
ā1000 feetā¦ still good?ā
āStill goodā¦ā I murmured. āI hear you loud and clear.ā
Deeperā¦ deeperā¦ deeper.
ā1500 feetā¦ā
Three miles. I was three miles away from home. Three miles away from Sheila.
ā2000 feetā¦ā
Still a ways to go.
ā3000 feetā¦ā
By this point, it was fully dark outside of my cockpit. Outside, all I could see was inky darkness. Even the submarineās lights didnāt really cut through it. And the kicker? Relatively speaking, I wasnāt that deep. Fishing trawlers reached deeper than this. Better to conserve power until I was at the bottom. My descent continued.
ā6000 feetā¦ still good?ā
āStill goodā¦ā
The check ins were becoming less frequent. My descent still continuedā¦ deeperā¦ deeperā¦ deeper. By now, Iād entered the Hadal Zone. But there was still so much deeper o go.
ā8000 feetā¦ā
This was past the depths that most whales would dive toā¦ and I still had a ways to go.
ā10,000 feet.ā
This was close to where the ocean floor usually bottomed outā¦ and yet there was still so much further to go. No. I was really only a third of the way there. How long had it been?Not much had happened beyond my descent and a few sightings out of my viewport, but time had been passing. A glance at my watch confirmed itād been almost an hour since Iād started to sinkā¦ and I knew I wasnāt even close to the bottom yet. The submarine continued to descend, sinking ever deeper as I dropped into an infinite darkness that few had ever dared to witness.
ā15,000 feet.ā
This check in came later than the others. At this point, Sheila and the crew must have figured that no news was good news, and they were right. I just continued to sink peacefully, down into the crushing depths of the ocean.
These were the depths that one might normally find deep sea fishā¦ and yet I was going somewhere even deeper than that.
ā20,000 feetā¦ā
So closeā¦
I continued to sink.
ā25,000 feet.ā
Soonā¦ and finallyā¦
ā30,000 feet. You still doing alright, honey?ā
āYeahā¦ yeah, Iām doing good,ā I assured her. I was so closeā¦
By this point, my real work had begun. Iād engaged the lights and begun documenting what little I could see using the on board cameras. Granted, there wasnāt much life at these depths and what little there was, was scarcely documented. Most of what was down here consisted of invertebrates and microscopic life that seemed to float past my viewport.
The light seemed to draw a few creatures in search of food. Small, hardy things that resembled shrimp.
āHowās it looking, Grayson?ā
āDark,ā I said, half joking. āWeāve got some lifeā¦ shrimp. Theyāre translucent. Canāt get a great look at themā¦ but weāll see what the cameras pick up.ā
āTheyāve recognized you as a friend,ā Sheila said. I could almost see the smile on her lips as she said it.
āYeahā¦ā I replied, āTempura sent them a message, told them Iād be down. How am I looking on depth?ā
ā35,000 feetā¦ you seeing a bottom yet?ā
āNoā¦ not that I would until I was there.ā
āDamnā¦ how deep does this go?ā
āIt canāt go that deepā¦ā I murmured, although I really wasnāt so sure about that.
The submarine continued to sinkā¦
36,000 feetā¦
37,000 feetā¦
38,000 feetā¦ and then finally, just past the 39,000 foot mark, I finally saw solid ground below me.
Looking through my viewport, I could see a familiar dark brown diatomaceous sludge, covering the seafloor. Microscopic life, likely similar to what had been observed in other deep sea trenches, such as the Challenger Deep.
I needed to gather a sample.
As my submarine reached the bottom, I extended the mechanical arms, pressed flat against the surface of the Tempura, and opened the collection port near the bottom of the ship. Slowly, I sifted some of the sludge into the port. My disturbance of the seafloor kicked up a cloud of the microbial colony, and I couldāve sworn I saw something wiggling through the debris. A pale, white thing, perhaps some sort of sea cucumber? I hastily angled my submarines camera to try and catch a glimpse of it, before returning to my collection. Even in this forlorn place, there was still so much to see! And here I wasā¦ completely forgetting my fear as the excitement took hold of me! Few people had ever been down to these unfathomable depthsā¦ and yet here I was.
It didnāt feel real but it was! I had reached the deepest part of the ocean!
āHowās it going down there?ā I heard Sheila ask. Her voice was a little garbled. The connection down here was faltering.
āItās beautifulā¦ā I said. āI canāt wait for you to see it!ā
āIāll betā¦ā
āIām going to do a sweep of the area, see what samples I can gather,ā I said. āWhatās my time right now?ā
āThree hours. Youāve got nine before your connection to the weight deteriorates and you start to ascend.ā
āIāll make the most of it,ā I said. The plan was only to stay down there for six hours, and I didnāt want to push that limit. Life support would only last me for so long, and one little error was all it would take for the ungodly pressure down here to crush me.
I began to move the submarine. Mobility was limited. This thing wasnāt built to travel far. But I still had some limited movement. I recorded all that I could, filming the shrimp that investigated my light, and the things that slithered and crawled through the muck, likely feeding on the carpet of single celled organisms that populated these depths.
The first two hours wereā¦ wellā¦ I hesitate to call them uneventful, they were actually very fascinating, but little of note happened beyond my recording of a few specimens.
Midway through the third hour though, as I was reaching one of the rock walls of the abyss, I noticed something just above the edge of my viewport swimming away from the light. I couldāve sworn I saw slender, pale tentacles of some sort. Was that a squid? Were there squid down this deep? I wasnāt aware of any species of known squid who could reach these depthsā¦ but in this unknown place, what use was the known?
I moved my light and my camera to try and catch another glimpse of it, but whatever it was, it seemed to be gone. Maybe Iād see another one. I still had plenty of time.
āYou made a noise. Whatād you see?ā Sheila asked.
āSomething bigā¦ I think,ā I said.
āDown there? Like a fish?ā
āSquid. You wouldnāt find any vertebrates down this deepā¦ the pressure would crush their bones.ā
āJeezā¦ā
I didnāt reply to that, still searching for the thing Iād seen. I shone my light up along the walls of the chasm and angled my camera up as far as it would go. I could see a few volcanic vents, spewing dark clouds into the darkness, and more diatoms. But not much else. Strange invertebrates crawled along the walls. Small creatures, no bigger than an inch long. Related to isopods, perhaps? If I could collect one as a sample, I would haveā¦ although taking any of those back to the surface would surely kill them. They were built to live under the impossible pressure of these depths. Taking them to the surface would rip them apart.
I went back to my research, and it wasnāt long until I saw something in the darkness, just on the edge of where my flashlight reached. Trailing white tendrils, snaking their way through the darkness. My eyes narrowed as I moved the submarine forward, trying to catch whatever it was in the light. I saw the shape move, its body turningā¦ I saw its tendrils unfurling. Whatever this was, it was big. It was almost as big as The Tempuraā¦ although it was also slender. If I didnāt know any better, I wouldāve thought I was looking at some sort of floating debris, but this far down? No. And debris wouldnāt move like that.
This had to be a deepsea squidā¦ or perhaps some other type of cephalopod? Something that preyed upon the various invertebrates down here, perhaps? It seemed to float, just out of sight for a bit, as I tried to get closer. I angled up my light to get a better look at it. The light seemed to shine through it, like some sort of ghostā¦ but I did manage to get a look at it.
Although that lookā¦
That single look made me freeze up.
This things slender tendrils certainly resembled a cephalopod of some sort, but the rest of itā¦ the rest of it looked like something else entirely. Its body was thin, emaciated and translucent, yet despite that it still had characteristics that almost seemedā¦ human. It wasnāt human! Not by any stretch of imagination, but the resemblance was there. It almost reminded me of an exhibit Iād seen in a museum once, depicting a preserved, fully removed human nervous system. I could see a similar shape in its translucent body. Its head seemed almost human as wellā¦ albeit with no eyes, and a lamprey like mouth I could only describe as fleshy yet crablike.
Still, despite having no eyes I couldnāt shake the feeling that it was looking at me. And that was when I felt something hit the submarine.
I felt a sudden jolt of panic in my chest. For a moment, I thought that the pressure had started to crush me, but noā¦ no, everything was still fine. Something had just hit me. But what? It didnāt take long before I got my answer.
Another pale creature floated past my viewport, swirling gracefully in the cold dark waters. I watched it for a moment with wide eyes, before noticing its āheadā turning slightly toward me. Then, almost instantly, it launched itself at the submarine, darting toward me with blinding speed.
I heard a distinct THUD as its body collided with me, and I could see its pale tendrils pressing against the viewport, twisting and writhing violently. It was trying to attack me. The first creature that Iād seen lunged as well, pounding on my submarine with another THUD. And moments later, I could hear more impacts against the hull. There were more of themā¦ and they did not like having me down there.
āWhatās going on?ā Sheila asked.
āSomebody doesnāt like meā¦ā I said. āOne of the animals down hereā¦ some kind of squid, itās just started attacking the hull.ā
āHow bad is the damage?ā
āNot sureā¦ could be nothing, could be-ā
I felt the submarine shake as I tried to move it. The thrusters that pushed me forward weren't responding. Had something gotten caught in it? One of the creatures perhaps?
āGrayson?!ā Sheila asked.
āLost propulsionā¦ā I said. āFuckā¦ I canāt move.ā
āThen drop the weight and come up!ā
āNo, itās fine, thereās no other damage, I can still use the port and starboard thrusters to-ā
āGrayson!ā
I paused. There was genuine panic in her voiceā¦ enough to make me realize that even if these things stood little chance of actually breaching the hull, taking the risk would be a fatal mistake.
āIām on my way upā¦ā I finally said, before reaching out to disengage the ballast weights.
Immediately, I felt myself beginning to rise, although the tentacles clinging to my viewport didnāt disappear.
āWeāve got youā¦ā Sheila said. āRising up to 38,000 feet.ā
The submarine continued to rise, but the creatures clinging to me went nowhere. In factā¦ I was sure I could see more of them. More pale shapes coming up through the darkness, and these ones filled me with dread. I thought I had been looking at some sort of eerie undiscovered life. But seeing what was coming up toward me nowā¦ I knew that I was looking at so much more. The creatures swimming up toward me through the darkness carried weaponsā¦ makeshift stone spears and daggers. Primitive toolsā¦ but tools all the same.
Signs that these were more than just undiscovered animals.
Much. Much more.
The word: āMermaidsā crossed through my mind, but these were something far different than the ones Iād heard of in folklore. These looked like theyād swam out of the depths of hell itself. Boneless pale tendrils reached for meā¦ and they were getting closer. The pale shapes reached my submarine as I rose higher. I kept praying to whatever God may be listening that the dropping pressure would force them off. The air in a submarine is pressurized, so during normal operation, there should have been no danger of decompression sickness for me.
For themā¦ wellā¦ normally Iād feel a little guilty about subjecting an undiscovered species of deep sea mermaids to the horrors of the Bends. But given my circumstances, I didnāt have a lot of other options.
They didnāt let go, though.
They should have. But they didnāt.
What were these things?
I saw a splayed hand press against my viewport. Orā¦ it somewhat resembled a hand. It had suckers on it, like a tentacle and the āfingersā curled open like tentacles. The creature crawled over my viewport, clinging to The Tempura as it rose, and I could see the folds of its crablike mouth opening and pressing against the glass. I could see some sort of bile rising up through its translucent throat, before it secreted it all over my viewport. Was it trying to digest me? Was that how these things fed? How strong were its stomach acids? Were they strong enough to-
The window cracked.
My heart skipped a beat.
āNoā¦ no, no noā¦ā
āGrayson, whatās wrong?!ā
āThey cracked the windowā¦ S-Sheila theyā¦ oh Godā¦ oh fuck, they justā¦ā
āTHEY DID WHAT?ā
āItās secreting some sort of enzymeā¦ itās on the window, itāsā¦ FUCKā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ Iām gonna dieā¦ā
āYouāre not gonna die, baby! Justā¦ just keep ascending, okay? Youāre at 30,000 feetā¦ just keep goingā¦ā
I nodded, and kept on rising, although the question of whether or not the rest of the creatures were trying to digest the other parts of my submarine floated through my mind. How much damage could The Tempura take before it imploded? How much longer did I have? The submarine still continued to riseā¦ 25,000 feetā¦ almost halfway homeā¦ almostā¦ almost.
The creature outside of my viewport slithered along the glass, searching for a better area to try and digest. Past him, I noticed a few of his companions dropping off. Maybe the change in pressure finally was getting to them?
From the corner of my eye, I suddenly noticed a flashing light. A warning. The hydraulics on one of the Tempuraās arms were shotā¦ what else was damaged?
I checked my oxygen levels. 32%.
I shouldāve had at least 14 hours of air. Iād only been down there for about 6 hoursā¦ I shouldnāt have been this low.
31%.
Noā¦ no, no, no, noā¦ theyād damaged the air tanks!
30%.
29%
ā20,000 feet!ā Sheila said. āYou still with me, baby?ā
āY-yeahā¦ā I said. I didnāt mention my air situation. I didnāt need to worry her further.
The submarine continued its ascent.
15,000 feet.
24%. I was running out of time.
The creatures still clung to the Tempura. How had the pressure change not killed them yet? My oxygen was dropping faster than before. I was hemorrhaging air. Another crack formed across my viewport. I let out a little, involuntary gasp before trying to force myself to stop hyperventilating.
āGrayson, what was that?ā
āI-itās fineā¦ā I stammered, āItās fine!ā
āGrayson what the hell is going on down there?!ā
āTheyāre still on the submarineā¦ theyāre stillā¦ā I paused, looking at my oxygen levels. ā19%...ā
ā19% of what? Grayson whatās going on!ā
I paused.
18%.
āAirā¦ Iāmā¦ Iām losing airā¦ā
āThatās fine, youāre going to make it!ā She said, although I heard her voice cracking a little. āYouāre gonna make it!ā
I didnāt answer.
12,000 feet.
11,000 feetā¦
My oxygen level continued to drop.
15%.
14%.
12%.
9,000 feet.
The creatures still clung to me, as the submarine continued to rise. The one on my viewport was still there, slowly crawling along the glass again. I stared into its eyeless face and swore I was looking at the face of my killer.
7,000 feetā¦
Oxygen had dropped to 9%. It dropped to 8% before I even got to 6,000 feet. I was going to die hereā¦
The viewport cracked again and I squeezed my eyes shut. The submarine rocked. I was sure one of the thrusters had been damaged. My ascent slowed.
āGrayson, whatās going on?ā
āIām sorry Sheilaā¦ā
Another crack spread across my viewport.
āIāmā¦ Iām not making it back upā¦ā
āYES YOU ARE!ā
āIām sorryā¦ā The tears started to come as the reality of my death became clearer and clearerā¦ this was it.
āYOUāRE COMING BACK UP, YOU HEAR ME! GODDAMNIT, IāLL BRING YOU BACK UP!ā
āI love youā¦ā
That creatures face pressed against the glass. It vomited more of its stomach acid onto the cracked glass, and I wondered if this might finally be what broke it. Part of me hoped it would beā¦ the one good thing about dying this deep was that at least Iād die quickly. My suffering would be over. Then, the creature suddenly pulled back, twisting and writhing violently. I saw other shapes moving past it in the water, other āmermaidsā that had been clinging to the submarine.
Something was agitating them.
Something was scaring them off.
Then I heard it, over the radioā¦ whale songs.
āWhat the hellā¦?ā
āGrayson, are you still there?!ā
āIā¦ theyāre finally breaking off. Sheila, what did you do?ā
āIām broadcasting some of the orca recordings weāve been using. Are they still clinging to you?ā
āNo! Theyāre backing off! Iā¦ whatever youāre doing, keep doing it!ā
The submarine kept rising.
5,000 feet.
4,000 feet.
4% oxygen.
I could still do this, right?
The submarine continued to rise.
3%.
3,000 feet.
2,000 feet.
2%.
1,000 feetā¦ so closeā¦ I was so closeā¦
I could almost see the surface through my viewport, rushing up toward me. I tried not to breathe. Tried not to move. All I did was hope.
500 feet.
I closed my eyes.
āGrayson we have your signal, weāre coming to pick you up!ā
Sheilaās voice sounded so far away as my submarine finally breached the surface of the waterā¦ and with the last of my strength, I pulled the emergency release on the hatch, and threw it open, taking in lungful after lungful of fresh salty air.
I didnāt dare so much as touch the water beneath meā¦ but I was topside again, and in the distance, I could see The Burger!
āWe see you!ā Sheila said, āWeāve got you babyā¦ weāve got youā¦ā
āI see you tooā¦ā I said through the tears. āThank youā¦ thank youā¦ā I didnāt have any words left in me after that.
As soon as I was back on the ship, I collapsed into Sheilaās arms, breaking down into tears as I clung to her, terrified that at any moment, some sort of unspoken other shoe would drop and Iād lose her all over again.
āShhā¦ itās alright babyā¦ Iāve got youā¦ youāre safeā¦ youāre safeā¦ā I felt her fingers running through my air and I knew that what she said was true.
I was home.
I was safe.
***
I left my colleagues to review the data that the Tempura gathered during its short expedition. As far as I know, they havenāt published anything. I have a few ideas as to why, but Iāll keep those to myself. Letās just say that some people would rather this information not become public.
I have a feeling that the Tempura may not be diving again for some time, if ever. I will confess that I do consider that a bit of a shame. Despite everythingā¦ I would consider it a success. It endured far more stressful conditions than I had expected, and from what I heard, required fewer repairs than Iād thought it would. But, even if it was approved for another dive, it wouldnāt be me piloting it. No. I will never be setting foot inside of that machine again, nor will I ever be returning to what my colleagues have been quietly referring to as āThe Jenner Trenchā.
I canāt.
Every night, I wake up crying after dreaming of pale shapes outside of my cracked viewport, clinging to Sheila and sobbing. I canāt put myself in that situation again.
I canāt.
Instead, I think Iām going to spend the next few years on solid ground. Thereās a teaching position available at a local university. I think that might be the best place for me right now. Who knows, maybe I can help some other deadbeat discover a passion for marine biology.
After everything, my love for the sea remains unchangedā¦ Iām just a little more wary of it, these days.
2024.05.15 06:33 MiniLover08 16F, looking to meet new people :)
Hii! My name is Sophia and Iām a 16 year old girl looking to exchange stylish letters/small packages with a penpal :D I also donāt mind just sending messages to each other here on Reddit, or a different platform you may be comfortable with!
Letās set one thing straightā¦ I am extremely lonely! I havenāt had a real connection or conversation with anyone for a long time and Iām need of someone to talk to! I donāt mind any conversation, wether itās deep and personal or if itās just something about your day. We can talk about anything!! I have a great personality and just looking for a real human connection.
Iāve been homeschooled for a long time, since the past 8 years! So Iām not very social, and I have zero friends, and I mean that literally š Unless you count my journal as one! But just because I donāt have friends, doesnāt mean I donāt know how to make a great conversation š I have so much to talk about, our conversations could go on for a long time with white I have stored in here š§
Iām not very focused on school, I just do the assigned work and go to classes and thatās it, nothing extra! Itās just really hard for me to focus on it, I donāt feel happy doing it and doesnāt have anything to do with what my future career is going to be š¤ Being a singesongwriter is my goal for the future, and yes to most people it probably sounds silly and think itās not possible, but if it was then would be have any musicians today? I like to think that almost anything is possible!! šš I honestly canāt say if Iām good or bad. Iāve been singing almost non stop for the past six years. Of course there are some things I need to improve on though. The thing is.. Iāve never sang in front of anyone before! Not even my own parents. I sing in front of my brother, but heās really young so he canāt criticize me š£
I love watching shows and movies! My favorite genres are romance and comedy the most but I like others too. I also watch crime/investigation shows, itās always interesting and I have so many recommendations! I have been watching many different shows for the past couple of weeks, itās very entertaining. Iām always open to recommendations as I usually stick to watching the same things in rotationā¦which can get boring š My favorite show (anime), is One Piece!! If you donāt like One Piece, then Iām not sure I can talk to youā¦ just kidding š Itās something my entire family likes watching together, weāre currently starting the Whole Cake Island Arc! No spoilers please, Iāve already seen too many š
I like drawing, coloring, doodling. I have a journal that I like to decorate with stickers and cute little designs, which is what I plan to do in our letters!! Iām not the best, but Iām not the worst either šš
I go to the golf range regularly to practice! I joined a golf club when I was younger and entered in tournaments too! I say Iām a decent player haha ā³ļø
I have an āonline business.ā I sell here on Reddit and other platforms as well. I sell miniature toys and have been doing so for over a year. I make a decent amount of money from it! š¤š
I love cats, flowers/plants/nature š, both my parents are amazing cooks so itās hard to choose a favorite dish š¬, one of my favorite colors is blue, and I can describe what I look like in a private chat if youāre interested in knowing!
Iām very serious about skincare, I had really horrible acne and after all these years Iāve finally been able to clear it up completely š¤© My skin has never been more radiant :D Still needs work in some places though, I am always open to hearing what you think are the best products, or products that youāve used that you feel are amazing! Im half Korean, and have always wanted to try Korean/Japanese skincare products. Im not very big on makeup, I donāt wear any. Iām working on showing my natural beauty, and also because I donāt want my skin to break out š I like wearing lipgloss and thatās about it :o
Iāve been through some really dark times and Iāve found the easiest way to let your feelings out is by writing it out in a journal, which is what Iāve been doing recently! My young brain is still growing so itās hard to process what I see and hear sometimes, and I talk inside my head a lot to try and process it, but the best way to make sense of it all is by writing out what you really feel ā¤ļøāš©¹ But, just know that even if you may be going through something terrible, that it will eventually come to an end, because life is not that cruel and has to balance negative and positive. Itās what Iāve learned and seen, thatās why we have so many emotions because we canāt just be happy all the time, and life canāt just give you happy moments every day, sometimes you need sad/bad days in order to appreciate the good ones! I realized that the past few years I havenāt done anything productive or tried to make myself feel better. But thatās changing! Iāve starting exercising, journaling, upgraded skincare routine, eating healthier and more nutritious hearty foods, and hoping to keep it up! Remember to love yourself and donāt neglect your body, and always take care of yourself š And hopefully once we start chatting, youāll feel comfortable sharing any dark times youāve been through!
Iām looking for a penpal from anywhere, male or female!! And hopefully also around my age (16-25), but age doesnāt really matter to me, itās just a number after all! š We can send letters, chat here on Reddit (or somewhere else if youād like) or little packages with things each of us like ours letters inside! Iāll be sure to design the letters in an aesthetic you like āØ I really just want to talk about anything and everything, whatever we want!! Hopefully it can turn into a long lasting friendship š
Message me if youāre interested in becoming my penpal! Thereās still so much you havenāt learned about me yet <3
submitted by MiniLover08 to penpals [link] [comments]
Letās set one thing straightā¦ I am extremely lonely! I havenāt had a real connection or conversation with anyone for a long time and Iām need of someone to talk to! I donāt mind any conversation, wether itās deep and personal or if itās just something about your day. We can talk about anything!! I have a great personality and just looking for a real human connection.
Iāve been homeschooled for a long time, since the past 8 years! So Iām not very social, and I have zero friends, and I mean that literally š Unless you count my journal as one! But just because I donāt have friends, doesnāt mean I donāt know how to make a great conversation š I have so much to talk about, our conversations could go on for a long time with white I have stored in here š§
Iām not very focused on school, I just do the assigned work and go to classes and thatās it, nothing extra! Itās just really hard for me to focus on it, I donāt feel happy doing it and doesnāt have anything to do with what my future career is going to be š¤ Being a singesongwriter is my goal for the future, and yes to most people it probably sounds silly and think itās not possible, but if it was then would be have any musicians today? I like to think that almost anything is possible!! šš I honestly canāt say if Iām good or bad. Iāve been singing almost non stop for the past six years. Of course there are some things I need to improve on though. The thing is.. Iāve never sang in front of anyone before! Not even my own parents. I sing in front of my brother, but heās really young so he canāt criticize me š£
I love watching shows and movies! My favorite genres are romance and comedy the most but I like others too. I also watch crime/investigation shows, itās always interesting and I have so many recommendations! I have been watching many different shows for the past couple of weeks, itās very entertaining. Iām always open to recommendations as I usually stick to watching the same things in rotationā¦which can get boring š My favorite show (anime), is One Piece!! If you donāt like One Piece, then Iām not sure I can talk to youā¦ just kidding š Itās something my entire family likes watching together, weāre currently starting the Whole Cake Island Arc! No spoilers please, Iāve already seen too many š
I like drawing, coloring, doodling. I have a journal that I like to decorate with stickers and cute little designs, which is what I plan to do in our letters!! Iām not the best, but Iām not the worst either šš
I go to the golf range regularly to practice! I joined a golf club when I was younger and entered in tournaments too! I say Iām a decent player haha ā³ļø
I have an āonline business.ā I sell here on Reddit and other platforms as well. I sell miniature toys and have been doing so for over a year. I make a decent amount of money from it! š¤š
I love cats, flowers/plants/nature š, both my parents are amazing cooks so itās hard to choose a favorite dish š¬, one of my favorite colors is blue, and I can describe what I look like in a private chat if youāre interested in knowing!
Iām very serious about skincare, I had really horrible acne and after all these years Iāve finally been able to clear it up completely š¤© My skin has never been more radiant :D Still needs work in some places though, I am always open to hearing what you think are the best products, or products that youāve used that you feel are amazing! Im half Korean, and have always wanted to try Korean/Japanese skincare products. Im not very big on makeup, I donāt wear any. Iām working on showing my natural beauty, and also because I donāt want my skin to break out š I like wearing lipgloss and thatās about it :o
Iāve been through some really dark times and Iāve found the easiest way to let your feelings out is by writing it out in a journal, which is what Iāve been doing recently! My young brain is still growing so itās hard to process what I see and hear sometimes, and I talk inside my head a lot to try and process it, but the best way to make sense of it all is by writing out what you really feel ā¤ļøāš©¹ But, just know that even if you may be going through something terrible, that it will eventually come to an end, because life is not that cruel and has to balance negative and positive. Itās what Iāve learned and seen, thatās why we have so many emotions because we canāt just be happy all the time, and life canāt just give you happy moments every day, sometimes you need sad/bad days in order to appreciate the good ones! I realized that the past few years I havenāt done anything productive or tried to make myself feel better. But thatās changing! Iāve starting exercising, journaling, upgraded skincare routine, eating healthier and more nutritious hearty foods, and hoping to keep it up! Remember to love yourself and donāt neglect your body, and always take care of yourself š And hopefully once we start chatting, youāll feel comfortable sharing any dark times youāve been through!
Iām looking for a penpal from anywhere, male or female!! And hopefully also around my age (16-25), but age doesnāt really matter to me, itās just a number after all! š We can send letters, chat here on Reddit (or somewhere else if youād like) or little packages with things each of us like ours letters inside! Iāll be sure to design the letters in an aesthetic you like āØ I really just want to talk about anything and everything, whatever we want!! Hopefully it can turn into a long lasting friendship š
Message me if youāre interested in becoming my penpal! Thereās still so much you havenāt learned about me yet <3
2024.05.15 06:16 Total-Mastodon-6888 Understanding Different Types of Visas Adric Immigration Consultants
The world beckons with its rich tapestry of cultures, vibrant landscapes, and exciting opportunities. But before you embark on your international adventure, navigating the world of visas can feel like stepping into a labyrinth. At Adric Immigration Consultants
, your trusted partner in Bangalore, we understand the complexities of visa applications. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the different types of visas available, helping you choose the right path for your aspirations.
The Big Picture: Broad Visa Categories
Visas act as official permissions granted by a country to enter and stay within its borders for a specific purpose and duration. Broadly, visas fall into two main categories:
1. Non-immigrant Visas:
Designed for temporary stays, non-immigrant visas cater to diverse needs, including:
For those seeking to establish permanent residence in a new country, immigrant visas pave the way. These typically involve a lengthier application process with stricter eligibility requirements. Common types include:
Understanding your purpose for travel is crucial. Hereās a breakdown of some commonly sought-after visas and key factors to consider:
Visa processing times and fees can vary significantly depending on the visa type, country of application, and individual circumstances. Itās crucial to factor in these costs and potential delays when planning your international move.
Visa reciprocity plays a role in certain work visa categories (e.g., TN visa between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Understanding the reciprocity agreements between your home and destination countries can help determine your eligibility for specific work visas.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Eligibility for dual citizenship varies by country. Researching the policies of both your home and target country is essential if this path aligns with your goals.
Travel restrictions can be implemented due to various reasons, including pandemics or political situations. Staying updated on current travel advisories is crucial before embarking on your international journey.
Your Trusted Partner in Navigating the Visa Maze
At Adric Immigration Consultants in Bangalore, we understand that navigating the complexities of visas can be overwhelming. With our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of global immigration regulations, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Services:
submitted by Total-Mastodon-6888 to u/Total-Mastodon-6888 [link] [comments]
, your trusted partner in Bangalore, we understand the complexities of visa applications. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the different types of visas available, helping you choose the right path for your aspirations.
The Big Picture: Broad Visa Categories
Visas act as official permissions granted by a country to enter and stay within its borders for a specific purpose and duration. Broadly, visas fall into two main categories:
1. Non-immigrant Visas:
Designed for temporary stays, non-immigrant visas cater to diverse needs, including:
- Tourism (B-1/B-2): Ideal for sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or attending short-term events like conferences.
- Business (B-1): Allows participation in business activities that donāt involve paid employment in the host country. Examples include attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or conducting market research.
- Work (H-1B, TN, etc.): Enables qualified foreign professionals to work in specific occupations for a sponsoring employer. The type of work visa required depends on the profession and the reciprocity agreements between countries.
- Student (F-1): For individuals pursuing full-time academic programs at accredited institutions. May come with restrictions on work authorization.
- Exchange Visitor (J-1): Facilitates participation in exchange programs like cultural exchanges, internships, or research collaborations.
For those seeking to establish permanent residence in a new country, immigrant visas pave the way. These typically involve a lengthier application process with stricter eligibility requirements. Common types include:
- Employment-Based: Grants permanent residency based on a job offer with a sponsoring employer in the host country. Categories exist for skilled workers, investors, and individuals with exceptional abilities.
- Family-Based: Allows sponsorship of immediate family members (spouse, children) by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: Provides a limited number of visas annually through a random selection process.
Understanding your purpose for travel is crucial. Hereās a breakdown of some commonly sought-after visas and key factors to consider:
- Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2):
- Duration: Typically short-term stays, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Extensions might be possible depending on the countryās regulations.
- Eligibility: Varies by country. Generally, applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources, ties to their home country, and a valid passport.
- Important Note: Working or studying while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.
- Business Visa (B-1):
- Duration: Similar to tourist visas, with extensions potentially available.
- Eligibility: Proof of business purpose, such as invitations from companies, conference registrations, or business documents, is essential.
- Restrictions: Engaging in paid employment or setting up a business venture is not permitted under a business visa.
- Work Visa (H-1B, TN, etc.):
- Duration: Varies based on the specific visa type and job offer. Extensions and renewals are often possible.
- Eligibility: Requires a valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa petition. Specific qualifications and experience are mandated for each profession.
- Labor Certification: For certain categories (e.g., H-1B), the employer must first obtain a labor certification demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker wonāt adversely affect U.S. worker opportunities.
- Student Visa (F-1):
- Duration: Valid for the duration of the academic program, with potential extensions for practical training after graduation.
- Eligibility: Acceptance letter from a SEVP-certified educational institution, proof of financial support, and a valid passport are mandatory.
- Maintaining Status: Students must maintain full-time enrollment and comply with program requirements to keep their visa valid.
- Work Authorization: Limited on-campus or OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunities might be available depending on the program and student category.
- Employment-Based Immigrant Visa:
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status, allowing indefinite stay and work authorization.
- Eligibility: A valid job offer with a sponsoring employer and meeting the specific requirements of the chosen visa category (e.g., EB-2 for professionals with advanced degrees) (EB-3 for skilled workers with less education but experience) are crucial. The process can be complex, and seeking guidance from an experienced immigration consultant is highly recommended.
- Family-Based Immigrant Visa:
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents can sponsor immediate family members (spouse, unmarried children under 21). The process can be lengthy, and wait times can vary depending on the relationship and visa category.
- Diversity Visa Lottery (DV Lottery):
- Duration: Leads to permanent residency status if selected and the application process is completed successfully.
- Eligibility: Open to nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. Selection is based on a random drawing.
- Important Note: Winning the lottery doesnāt guarantee a visa. Applicants must still meet all eligibility requirements and undergo the full application process.
Visa processing times and fees can vary significantly depending on the visa type, country of application, and individual circumstances. Itās crucial to factor in these costs and potential delays when planning your international move.
Visa reciprocity plays a role in certain work visa categories (e.g., TN visa between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico). Understanding the reciprocity agreements between your home and destination countries can help determine your eligibility for specific work visas.
Dual citizenship allows individuals to hold citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Eligibility for dual citizenship varies by country. Researching the policies of both your home and target country is essential if this path aligns with your goals.
Travel restrictions can be implemented due to various reasons, including pandemics or political situations. Staying updated on current travel advisories is crucial before embarking on your international journey.
Your Trusted Partner in Navigating the Visa Maze
At Adric Immigration Consultants in Bangalore, we understand that navigating the complexities of visas can be overwhelming. With our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of global immigration regulations, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Services:
- Visa Type Assessment: We will help you identify the most suitable visa category based on your specific circumstances and goals.
- Application Assistance: We will provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
- Preparation for Interviews: We will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate visa interviews.
- Staying Updated: We will keep you informed of any changes in immigration policies or procedures that might affect your application.
2024.05.15 06:09 alexisdavid1892 Confused on which path to take. Pathway to PR
Confused if I'm going to push through with my Student Visa application or just scrap my plan and look elsewhere. I've visited Australia few months ago and loved everything. I have relatives there and they are willing to help me but I've done a lot of research and it's easier said than done.
Some details about me: BS IT major in Multimedia Arts graduate with 10 years solid work experience (Graphic Design, Branding, Print production, some video editing). Turning 32 years old this year. No dependents. From Philippines. Target school is QUT or Griffith.
I've talked to an education agent already and told him I'm keen on doing a career change as I am not happy with where I'm at right now. I'm originally planning to get Civil Eng or Nursing as I know they are in demand (albeit I'm starting from scratch) and might help me to my journey to PR but the agent advised that doing a career change is a red flag for case officers (which I agree) and that I will be 36 by the time I graduate and not eligible on the Post Higher Education Work Stream. He recommended I do Masters in IT or Project Management. However, I believe my work experience doesn't align with both and even if I graduate, I will have 0 knowledge and work experience and I might be considered overqualified if I apply to entry level jobs. Employee sponsorship/s might be hard to come by as well and I'm afraid all the expenses I will incur will not bring me to any solid pathway... or am I just being negative? lol
I am considering booking an initial consultation with a migration agent but I would like to here your thoughts on this. Thank you!
submitted by alexisdavid1892 to AusVisa [link] [comments]
Some details about me: BS IT major in Multimedia Arts graduate with 10 years solid work experience (Graphic Design, Branding, Print production, some video editing). Turning 32 years old this year. No dependents. From Philippines. Target school is QUT or Griffith.
I've talked to an education agent already and told him I'm keen on doing a career change as I am not happy with where I'm at right now. I'm originally planning to get Civil Eng or Nursing as I know they are in demand (albeit I'm starting from scratch) and might help me to my journey to PR but the agent advised that doing a career change is a red flag for case officers (which I agree) and that I will be 36 by the time I graduate and not eligible on the Post Higher Education Work Stream. He recommended I do Masters in IT or Project Management. However, I believe my work experience doesn't align with both and even if I graduate, I will have 0 knowledge and work experience and I might be considered overqualified if I apply to entry level jobs. Employee sponsorship/s might be hard to come by as well and I'm afraid all the expenses I will incur will not bring me to any solid pathway... or am I just being negative? lol
I am considering booking an initial consultation with a migration agent but I would like to here your thoughts on this. Thank you!
2024.05.15 05:53 SlimeSpree MEGA SIZED Rodem review (with many pics!)
 | Rodem Slime Shop submitted by SlimeSpree to Slime [link] [comments] 7.5oz for $12.99-19.50 Labels are now waterproof! Yaaay! šŖš» I was so excited to get into this giant package from one of my favourite stores, and one I really love to support as they deserve it! This was actually a couple of orders I placed over time and Rodem contacted me to ask me if I wanted to combine them which demonstrates their incredibly attentive customer service. Usually the customer needs to contact the store for this to happen. Included inside was powdered borax, a free gift slime for each order plus one more because it was a large order and they are generous. This exchange with Rodem got us chatting and then something very special transpired but I will post separately about that as I have to cram a lot of slime into this review and have limited space for images! I had to brew a cup of tea, sit down and take my time going through all of these to make sure I combined all the correct things! It helps a lot that they are all pictured on the enclosed invoice but it would be helpful if they were packaged together. That having been said, separating the heavy pots of slime from the clays is a good idea when the order is this big and heavy so I can't complain!
The clay was soooo very soft, moist and pleasant to squish into the base. After you take the base out the pot you are met with a little bit of ācaramelā sauce on the bottom of the pie. Itās all very mouth watering. This was the perfect, massively inflatable snow fizz and I was so in love with it. It was super crunchy and had the expected abundance of ASMR fizzles. It was beautifully activated and in every way a perfect slime. Some may find snow fizz a bit pokey but this wasnāt bad at all, the inflation was very cushioning! https://preview.redd.it/wtbtvsydai0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0666d6916014f49d076dc2eb32c19490944c76f
https://preview.redd.it/uggzl3jxai0d1.jpg?width=5069&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0aff4fec5a963375e26dba47933e031964192c1
https://preview.redd.it/16uyngjsbi0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aca9e164028150c88c86158d328adefb6b3e6cbf https://preview.redd.it/eeqlwp5vbi0d1.jpg?width=3006&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b386a343da46f684d4352e6e497fea9b19a61681 https://preview.redd.it/tbbnwgzwbi0d1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e6f008ea26eb215ac1d38dc74b63cae76f4b69c
The base was soft, jiggly, super clicky and fluffy and the Styrofoam really satisfying to crush into it. I just couldnāt get over how spectacular the scent was, it was making me hungry! This slime was a slightly looser slay texture and needed a little bit of activator to aid in handleability but not much. It had a few nice medium pops in it but very little hold, which unfortunately isnāt to my taste but many people love that. I was tied over this slime as the scent was just divine but I prefer more holdable textures. That is a reflection on my personal tastes however, not the slime which was great! If you like jiggly slays youāll fall in love with this. I may not be a slay person but there is no way this wasn't going be a keeper, it had just too good a scent and crushing the styrofoam is great fun! https://preview.redd.it/x9yw1riaci0d1.jpg?width=9009&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f3ceaaf5020ef0116257b956ce3da686e84b61c
The base was quite loose and jiggly and called for a little bit of activator but very soft, chubby, quite matte and pleasant in the hands. This combined into a huge, soft, marshmallowy mound of slime with a lovely plush surface. Super stretchy and fun to fold for soft bubble pops and lovely soft sizzles. It was a little on the loose side for my personal tastes but slay lover will again adore this! It was a well made slime. https://preview.redd.it/d6t6p7llci0d1.jpg?width=5515&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fff18d675300332aa3e06239028d0de57701e0c1
The HUUUUUGE cheese clay came in a sealed package and was so soft and pleasant to squish. It became a ginormous, matte, sort of butter texture, which was both fairly holdable and yet exceedingly soft. It stuck to my play area a bit. It was quite a job to handle it on account of its size and a difficult texture to describe. It didnāt feel sticky at all on my play surface but stuck to my hands when I tried to pick it up and stretch it. When I pressed my hand into it on the surface it didnāt stick or feel sticky but if I picked it up to try and stretch it, it was very gooey and hard to shape. Activator didnāt seem to make that much of a difference. This was a texture unlike any other Iāve experienced. Itās one Iām a little lukewarm on but still enjoyed playing with for an unusual experience and worth it for the mega-sized clay cheese alone! https://preview.redd.it/0kgtacjfdi0d1.jpg?width=5846&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=075fb7676513e410ab1c2962e84c2cbec9cd13b7
https://preview.redd.it/hhob7e8ndi0d1.jpg?width=4823&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eac50e47e3ae4040528d30a10444dede22dea5aa
https://preview.redd.it/o5fah6ugei0d1.jpg?width=4905&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3941974b12b9e28570cad567ace8fb1fa46f2d9
https://preview.redd.it/u2372z0wei0d1.jpg?width=5691&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f60afeb65d0269a8d83619526e9b97a4c264cb49
https://preview.redd.it/uaecn0p0fi0d1.jpg?width=8457&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0009976a0dc188ea74922188d351bcc7aeef8dd1
The scent was a relaxing and homely peachy perfume with notes of bubble bath and baby powder. The drizzle was good!! True cloud is a hard slime to make to spec and, in light of that, a lot of companies donāt really bother with it. Iām so happy Rodem did and did such a great job. It was very soft and plush with gorgeous blankety folds and I have everything crossed they make more of this texture soon. I have no idea what Iāll do with the delightful little rug other than treasure it forever! Haha! Even just looking at these photos as I type out the review I'm smiling again! I wish this slime was my dressing gown! haha!
This was a medium thickness, glossy texture which was very chewy and clicky. The foam pieces were quite hard and angular but crushable if you really go for it. This was a very novel floam texture which made a great change from the usual balls. This was exploding with fantastic crackles and pops, top tier sounds. I think the angular foam is even better for trapping air as this slime sounded like a tiny elephant stampeding in a bubble wrap factory! I got some big air pocket type bubbles from this one too! https://preview.redd.it/t6eh86yigi0d1.jpg?width=5986&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5954f9b63ef8b82f6b18c833abed2b45aa816ce0
The clay was again super soft and pleasant to squish into the nice, clicky base. This was a lovely, chubby, stretchy slime. It was a little on the thicker side and created satisfying farty bubble pops. C'est bon!
https://preview.redd.it/z24t4ms5hi0d1.jpg?width=5704&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38d0ba14bbeeec427f15096407d5c23c0c9f0f67
https://preview.redd.it/2yfdnspdhi0d1.jpg?width=5788&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2498da365a7c185a377dd2a8b7bbf12c9b80e52e https://preview.redd.it/pt6a3kjbhi0d1.jpg?width=6051&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e7081712ecf6916d69111bfd736883628f12a6b
https://preview.redd.it/37msqhrnhi0d1.jpg?width=8440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=65fa12490f41bec1c7c30cea77764e8082b63382
This is a moist, super clicky, jiggly slime with two large sponges in it that crush like jelly cubes. This is extremely bubbly and full of juicy wet crackles and high pitched big pops. You can create absolutely gargantuan air bubbles with this texture. If you, like me, donāt typically enjoy loose jiggly slimes, there is a damn good chance that you will enjoy this as I loved it! It was just so multifaceted with what it offered. First, you have the unusual scent which is pretty intriguing and different. Then you have the two giant cubes to crush which is always nice. Then you have the joy of the crackles, pops and loud clicks. Finally, you have the enormous bubbles! You just canāt not have fun with this! That bubble (slubble?) was bigger than me!!
This was exactly the texture and scent I fancied finishing on and quite by chance it was! I couldnāt find Rodemās description for this oneās texture until later so I had no idea what to expect as I had forgotten, what a joy!!! This combined into a really lovely, soft sage green. This is another light, soft, squishy, chewy and chubby inflating texture that ends up airy and puffy. I absolutely loved it! Unfortunately that is one more image than I am able to embed on Reddit so please click here to see it! With Rodem, nothing is fully predictable and every texture brings with it a nice surprise. This is especially pleasing to experience when you place big orders. There is nothing more disappointing to me than buying a lot of slimes from a company just to discovered there is hardly any nuance between them and the experience is basically a rinse and repeat one, texturally identical and/or predictable. Rodem break the mold and throw in some very unusual elements and scents. Their themes are so well thought out and utterly charming and beautifully presented. They produce so many textures and master them, each one designed with so much love and attentiveness. I really adore this company and feel they work hard to bring joy and excellence to the slime community. Recently one of the more commercial slime companies was caught using Rodemās brand as a key word on their google ads to steer business away from them and onto their own website which I thought was in very poor taste. It is however testament to the fact that they knew Rodem was a company slime enthusiasts were talking about. And so we should be! It is my pleasure and honour to continue supporting this wonderful company. I'm so excited to see what they come up with next! I loved pretty much every slime and the ones I didnāt were more so a personal taste thing than a quality control issue. There were a couple I found less handleable or with activation issues (Emmental and Sakura Sand) but that is pretty damn good going for an order this huge and the sand one was easily fixable. A well deserved 9.9/10 |
2024.05.15 05:35 terumikoizumi A Collection of Recent Thumbnails by a Graphic Design Graduate
 | submitted by terumikoizumi to terumi [link] [comments] |
2024.05.15 05:15 amranan 400+ apps, not a single callback or interview. Getting ghosted by everyone. What am I doing wrong?
https://preview.redd.it/8icfxnvhci0d1.png?width=1104&format=png&auto=webp&s=ed10da5ed8143b4c86cad1687b606674b434b602
Hi everyone,
I'm a spring 2024 grad and just graduated with a degree in CS. I've sent about 400 applications since October, and got nothing, and I'm starting to feel so worthless and scared. I really want a job in either front end or UX design, but at this point, I'm okay with getting my foot in the door in any way possible. I'm not sure why I'm not even getting callbacks; it has to be my resume right?
A couple of things to note:
submitted by amranan to resumes [link] [comments]
Hi everyone,
I'm a spring 2024 grad and just graduated with a degree in CS. I've sent about 400 applications since October, and got nothing, and I'm starting to feel so worthless and scared. I really want a job in either front end or UX design, but at this point, I'm okay with getting my foot in the door in any way possible. I'm not sure why I'm not even getting callbacks; it has to be my resume right?
A couple of things to note:
- I have a VERY foreign-sounding name, and a woman who wears a headscarf, but I am a U.S. citizen. There's no way to make my name sound less diverse, unfortunately.
- Both of my work experiences come from working at my university directly, not big-name companies.
- I'm applying EVERYWHERE. I don't care about prestige, or a crazy starting salary as long as it's not straight up too low
2024.05.15 04:48 Irish_andGermanguy My first ārealā fountain pen setup- how did I do?
 | Recently āgraduatedā from a pilot varsity m (no pun intended as per the etymology) to a pilot kakuno m. I honestly love the pen, flexible nib, great body, fair price, and friendly design. submitted by Irish_andGermanguy to pens [link] [comments] And I cannot express how much I love the iroshizuku inks! They flow so well and I love the gradients that their strokes leave behind. They work on all sorts of paper, and they surprisingly donāt bleed much at all on printer papers. PS found out the hard way that you shouldnāt store FPās upside down- you live to learn. Thank you! |
2024.05.15 04:22 Aatir203 Review of a no experience CV (potential job titles are attached)
I want to get into accounting, auditing or finance role but I don't have any relevant experience, just a graphic designing internship during my college. I will complete my graduation in June 2024 and I am an ACCA student too and have gained knowledge about various aspects of accounting, financial management, auditing and even management accounting. I am very new regarding CV or resume preparation and need help with my current CV.
submitted by Aatir203 to resumes [link] [comments]