As a woman. It's been an entire month, 200 applications later. I work in sales, car related products. Running a business completely by myself. For a lot of reasons I won't explain, I'm dropping it. I've always been incredibly ambitious, high reaching for sales positions. Every job l've had in sales l've reached the top. I'm 25 now. I guess I don't look like the negotiating type, considering I'm only 5'2" with pastel pink highlights in my hair. But my tenacity, my drive, determination, and relentlessness that shows in interviews still isn't getting me anywhere. Every dealership I go to, they only have one female working if any. And they're the top salesperson there. Yet they don't want to consider me. After wasting the last month of my life interviewing at almost 10 dealerships now, it's painting a picture for me that I never really wanted to see. I would bet money, and I will be torn apart for this here, that if a man interviewed at a dealership with the same confidence, phone skills, resume, and performance metrics that I do, they'd get hired on the spot. The worst experience so far was walking to the receptionist and saying I was there for an interview, and her facial expression changing to almost a sneer? I'm dressed professionally. l've sat down with these managers and told them with unwavering eye contact that wherever go, I am determined to make top sales and make the dealership money because it makes me money. the fact that who I am isn't taken seriously. It's quite disappointing when even your own dad suggests you work food service. All I want to do is sell cars. The interview I did today was for a cash-only paying mud lot that offers no health insurance, and was SO sketchy. I'm doing this to also not have to worry about taxes and insurance... I don't know if that's worth the risk there. I've even lied on my resume in the first two weeks of interviewing, saying I had 6 months of car sales experience yet no one took me then. So l kept my honest resume with a nicely written cover letter. I've been pretty sheltered from the world of working outside food service as a woman but damn. This is disappointing. I don't want to have kids, I don't want to work a dead end job, and I just want to be successful. Is this really what that path looks like? THIS much rejection day in and day out? Am I an idiot to keep trying? I don't want to feel like a victim. I don't want to believe it's because of how I look. But I'm doing nothing wrong in these interviews, l've had SO much guidance from all of my friends in car sales. Is this really what trying to get into this industry looks like?

Hi moms and dads. First time pregnant here, I just want to to get a clarification from anyone who knows or have a similar situation before I send out my maternity leave letter to my employer. I am currently 21 weeks right now, located in BC, Canada. I am hoping to apply for maternity ei at the earliest 12 weeks before my due date. Now, I work for a federal regulated company, I read that as a pregnant employee, your leave can begin 13 weeks before the expected due date but then it says unpaid, so does it mean I can leave work as early as 13 weeks with that 1st week unpaid as a waiting period then I can start applying maternity ei which will be 12 weeks before due. That being said, I would like to start my maternity leave as soon as possible so If I hand in the letter to my employer stating my last day of work (exactly 13 weeks before due date) is there any possibility they will reject it ? I am giving 4 weeks notice.

So I have an S Corp. I never owe any money when I file my S Corp tax return. I know they are due by March 15. So I went to the post office on March 11 and sent an extension and have proof that my envelope was post marked March 11 which matches the certified mail receipt. I got a letter today that the IRS rejected my extension because my extension envelope was post marked March 18 and they only received it on March 26! Huh???!!! How do they send me an official letter when I sent it via post office certified mail return receipt. May they didn’t receive it until March 18 but I clearly sent it in March 11. Do I just reply to the letter and send a copy of the post office receipt? They have already sent me a bill for $250 for failure to file. I ended up filing on March 20. I’m really annoyed and upset. Please calm me down.

I work for a ‘special collections’ agency and I don’t think our customers are human.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13
I wasn’t exactly thrilled when, on the first night P’uy̓ám stayed with me, the moment we sat on the sofa he turned to me and asked, “Can we talk?”
I was tempted to sprint out the front door (like any perfectly reasonable and emotionally stable person would), but I’m proud to say that I managed to fight that instinct. The talk ended up basically being ‘did I mind that he wasn’t human’. I told him no, he’s the smartest, nicest person I know, and I think he’s amazing. I asked him if he minded that I am human, and he told me he didn’t care about that. He said I make him laugh, and spending time with me makes him happy and want to be the best version of himself. He did also say that I’m beautiful and a lot smarter than I claim I am, but I chalk up those last two to him being super nice, because if asked to describe myself, the two words I’d probably use would be, ‘loud’ and ‘confused’.
We just stared at each other awkwardly for a moment after that, neither of us seemed entirely sure what to do – it was the first time we’d actually been alone together since ‘the kiss’.
Just when we’d figured it out (and no, internet stranger, I’m not going to be sharing any more specific details, thanks), a knock on the door and the sound of Sandy’s voice outside interrupted us.
“Oh hey hon. I just wanted to make sure you were still alive.” She smiled once I jumped up to open it.
Her eyes drifted to P’uy̓ám who waved awkwardly from the couch, glasses askew.
“Well alrighty then, I guess I’ll be going.” She just stood there, looking a bit lost.
I realized that was the first night she’d come home to any empty house after having company for a month straight – I guess even unspeakable horrors get lonely too.
“Sandy, do you want to come in and watch a movie with us?” I offered after a moment.
“Oh, you betcha!” she brightened and then proceeded to choose the seat between us. I swear she’s got psychic chaperone powers or something.
I suggested that maybe the three of us could do a game night every month, since we figured it’d be nice to catch up outside of just when we were trying to prevent the world was ending. I must say though, I thought Sandy was intense as a supervisor but she is a thousand times more frightening as a poker player – and we don’t even play for money.
I joked that we needed to take her to a casino, but she very seriously replied, “Oh I’m banned from every one in the state.”
I moved apartments after a month had passed without hearing from Yyohn. I’d been waiting to be absolutely sure, because I didn’t want to saddle a new renter with the whole, ‘you might be pulled into a nightmare world and sacrificed to an interdimensional entity’ thing – that would’ve been really inconsiderate.
I was so appreciative that P’uy̓ám stayed with me for a while. I may write with bravado when describing things in retrospect, but the very real possibility of being dragged through a reflective surface silently in the night never to be seen again, did freak me out.
It was also nice to finally spend some time together where we weren’t worrying about the imminent demise of either myself or our plane of existence (well no more than we usually have to worry, at least).
We decided not to tell anyone at the office that we're dating, it's easier that way. Well, I mean, Sandy knows since she did witness our first kiss whilst they were burying me alive.
As the time approached for our trip, I just really hoped that after not seeing P’uy̓ám for decades, maybe his family would welcome him back this time, forgive him for the minor transgression of ‘leaving home’ (yes, I’m still salty that they pretty much disowned him for that.) I figured if he didn’t, maybe he could get some closure, he could at least see the places where he grew up – homesickness had very clearly been really eating at him ever since we went into the woods for team building.
When we were planning our trip, he told me he’s never liked planes and was hoping to avoid flying. Considering ‘traveling on business’ in our line of work isn’t exactly defined as moving across physical space, it made some sort of sense.
He said it was something about not having solid ground under his feet, but when we mapped it out, it was over 5,000 miles round trip – so we could either spend 40 hours in a car, or 6 hours on a plane, each way.
He decided to give flying a shot.
People sometimes struggle to pronounce my first and last names off my driver’s license or credit cards, but they’ll at least try. As we were checking in the lady at the desk ended with, “Thank you Mr….” and then after staring at his driver’s license in silence for a few moments just gave up and handed it back to him.
I get it though, I mean, if I hadn’t heard him pronounce his last name, I would’ve never guessed it on my own – I’d just never encountered a ‘7’ in a name before I met him.
The security guy at the airport spent a long time studying P’uy̓ám’s passport. He stared at P’uy̓ám, then the passport with narrowed eyes. Back to him, then the passport, several times before eventually shrugging and handing it back over. I peeked at it before he put it away and noticed it said he was born in 1960 – and he may be 233, but he looks like he’s in his early thirties at most, so that explained the look of disbelief written on the agent’s face.
When I asked him about it, he said it’s a lot of work to fake all the documents needed to make the date match his outward appearance.
“It was a lot easier before there were electronic records.” He smiled.
I warned him that he should probably update that soon – bureaucratic apathy would only get him so far.
As we waited in the security line, his eyes widened when he saw people go through the body scanner, and he asked me what it was. When I told him, he turned pale and said he couldn’t go through it.
That left me with some questions.
“P’uy̓ám, when was the last time you flew?”
He had to think about that for a moment. “1986?”
“Yeahhhh… I’m pretty sure you can ask not to, but they’ll probably pat you down if you skip it.”
He grew even paler at that.
“Do you want the scan, or the hands?”
He ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head, indicating that he wanted neither, which unfortunately for him was not an option.
I squeezed his hand, which helped calm him down – only letting go when it was time to show our IDs, and even then, only after the TSA officer glared at us
It’s a good thing we got there early, because when they asked if he’d emptied his pockets, he said no.
So, I watched him remove:

• His wallet
• His phone
• A multi tool
• A small plastic baggie of dirt
• A (rather large) Swiss army knife with the Canadian flag on it ("It was a gift" he informed me)
• One 16g stick of RAM

We both got out of line so he could check his bag and keep his tools – and I didn’t want him to have to go through it again by himself.
I hated seeing that look of misery on his face – I tried to maintain comforting eye contact with him as they patted him down.
They did let him keep the dirt with him, after scanning it since it’s apparently not prohibited, (just weird). He proceeded to stick it in one of his beat-up Converse before putting his shoes back on.
I understood the dirt – since he mentioned something about solid ground, I guessed it was as close as he was going to get on a plane – and even the multitool and knife.
But, when I asked him why he was trying to bring 16g of RAM into rural Canada in his pockets he just smiled, “You never know when you might need it.”
As soon as we boarded, I realized flying had been a terrible idea. He had a hard time fitting his legs in since he’s so tall – his knees were just jammed in there the whole time. Before we took off, some guy elbowed him in the face while trying to load a bag into the bin and P’uy̓ám said ‘I’m sorry’ to him. I glared at the guy until he apologized.
Everything freaked him out and he gripped the arm rests for dear life the entire flight. The sound of the wheels, staring out at the wings and the little flaps every time they moved (“Are those supposed to be doing that?” to which I could only unhelpfully shrug), the turbulence. I was just glad they let him keep the dirt.
He looked so absolutely horrified during the entire flight and I felt so bad for him. Before we even landed, I asked him if he wanted to drive on the way back instead of flying and he instantly said yes, relief written across his face.
We had to rent a car to get to his hometown, and it took us an extra two hours to get there because there were so many places he wanted to stop and show me, like this amazing waterfall off highway 99. I could’ve done without the constant feel of eyes on us despite us being alone, but it was definitely beautiful, at least.
We began to see signs for this little touristy shop. As we kept driving, the billboards seemed to multiply, until they were at almost every mile. At my insistence, we stopped.
I regretted that decision as soon as we walked in – the place was devoid of life, there were no other customers, no employees – and something about how the dim, blueish lights cast shadows across the shelves gave me a searing headache.
Not to mention the items on the shelves themselves – a mildewy hoodie, that had ‘Someone who loves me visited Oklahoma and bought me this sweatshirt!’ written in fading letters.
It seemed more like a second hand shop than a tourist trap.
I’d found a beaded purse, but it had a wallet and driver's license still in it.
As we wandered, a case of jewelry across the store caught my eye and drew me towards it – it was insane how beautiful each piece was – all so captivating, and each one was totally unique. They looked almost like blown glass – swirling golds and blues in one, sharp magentas with specs of green in another.
As I was leaning in closely, studying them – it almost looked as if they were moving a bit in their case – someone whispered directly into my ear from over my shoulder, “Thanks for stopping in”
The guy appeared out of nowhere to lean in over my shoulder, causing me to scream (just a reasonable amount).
Creeper dude walked around to position himself behind the counter, asked if I wanted to see anything, before pausing to study my face for a moment. His eyes drifted down to the pendant that P’uy̓ám made me, the one for ‘I’m totally not a human, please don’t eat me’ purposes.
“Oh, this is beautiful”, he whispered, before deciding to violate my personal space by lifting it up and holding it.
His demeanor instantly changed from a handsy salesperson to something else entirely – his grin widened and he looked a little too excited.
“Have you signed our guest book?” He gripped my left wrist tightly, shoved a pen into my right, and studied me in a way that told me he wouldn’t let go until I signed it.
“Can I switch hands please?”
He had the audacity to look at me as if I had mildly inconvenienced him, but did let me switch after I told him that was the only way he’d get actual, readable, words.
I flipped through the thick, yellowing pages to find a blank one and signed it ‘Mikayla G. and P’uy̓ám K.’
“Last names too.”
I sighed and wrote ‘Mikayla Garabedian and P’uy̓ám K--’ (I just wrote random letters after the K because I didn’t like how pushy he was being. )
“Exquisite, aren’t they?” he asked me with a smile, gesturing down at the jewelry. The small piece streaked with yellow and pinks was definitely shuddering in response to him pointing at it.
I nodded, but more out of politeness at that point, because he still had my wrist in a death grip.
“Mikayla, Wait.” I could hear P’uy̓ám call out in the distance, but I felt frozen there – it sounded like he was miles away
“Would you like to see how they’re made?”
Before I could answer, he leaned in and put a stone that resembled the others in shape and size, the only difference is that it was just plain, totally clear – into my hand, which he closed around it. It was like glass, but weightier, and where it touched my skin it burned slightly.
I could hear P’uy̓ám calling my name as he came sprinting over, right as the guy read my name off the guestbook.
P’uy̓ám gasped, but I didn’t understand why he was so freaked out.
Literally nothing happened.
P’uy̓ám helped me free my wrist from creepy guy’s crazy strong grip and sassily smacked the book out of his hands, before he could read it again.
And still, nothing happened.
The guy looked at us with narrowed eyes – a look P’uy̓ám returned, with even more intensity. The guy hissed at us as P’uy̓ám guided me out of the store.
Once we got to the parking lot, P’uy̓ám pulled me close to him and put his chin on the top of my head while quietly muttered that he wasn’t sure how I was unaffected – calling someone their true name is how all those other pendants got filled.
He hadn’t realized at first, but when he saw another collection of ‘items made from tourists’ (I made him repeat that to ensure I’d heard that correctly but he didn’t expound on what the ‘items’ were and I was a bit afraid to ask) in the back, he knew.
That was when P’uy̓ám ran over to me, but the guy already begun to read my name, so he was worried it was too late.
He was relieved when I saw that I didn’t provide either of our actual full names – I’ve learned that sharing your entire, true name isn’t a great idea, not with non-humans, probably not with the internet in general.
Mikayla is what I go by, but it’s my middle name – I mean, my sister’s name is ‘Hasmig’, so yeah, I have a fairly traditional first name, too. And no, I’m not sharing it here.
Look, I’m not saying that you’re going to come track me down and try to bind my soul to an inanimate object to then sell to tourists. But, after that ordeal, I’d rather not take that risk.
When I turned back around, the entire store was just … gone.
Apparently since I’m subletting a part of my soul (or as I like to say, ‘mildly possessed’), P’uy̓ám says mine was probably even more fascinating to the guy.
Due to our detours, it was getting dark by the time we reached P’uy̓ám’s family home.
Even in the low light, I could see the apprehension clearly written across his face. I wondered if he thought I was kidding about pummeling his family with my thousand page book if they were shitty to him. (Because I wasn’t)
The entire time, I’d thought that the worst thing that could happen would be that they rejected him – as we pulled up to the dark house, I realized just how very wrong I was. _
If you want me to let you know when the next part is posted, just comment that you want me to update you, and I'll tag your user name in a comment, when I post the next part :)

Asking for a friend. He goes to a school where some of the ISSO staff is not super helpful or informative. However, he has received an offer letter for an internship. His potential employer has not asked him about his VISA status or if he will need sponsorship in the future since the application was primarily a face to face interview and that question was not asked. Days after the interview my friend got an offer letter asking for him to accept and that after signing they would then being "onboarding steps" and "verification of authorization to work in the US".
My friend wants to know if the following CPT approval process is difficult and if there is still potential for his employer to reject him. He also wants to know if there is anything he can do or prepare to mitigate his chances of a rejection or to move the process forward. He has already done the obvious steps of emailing his academic advisor as well as his ISSO he is just seeking other sources of input as he awaits their responses.
Thank you for your help and input, I will forward your advice to him.

PC

Discord Tag: 7up
Name and House: Ronnel Arryn
Age: 33
Cultural Group: Valeman
Appearance: Cheekbones poised like a falcon perched, an aquiline nose after a raptor's beak, a stature rivalling a mountain's (if it were the size of a tall man), and blue eyes the same color as the sky. Aside from a propagandist's parallels to whatever sigil their patron displays, Ronnel Arryn errs from the example of the aloof falcon. Once possessed of a heedless will, a brashness and an impatience, those qualities have been tamed in turn by fatherhood, husbandhood, and rulership—though those traits still persist, merely tinged by the manner that an elder brother might take with the younger. His hair has shifted from dirty blond to sandy brown with age, and a trimmed beard covers his jaw.
Trait: Inspiring
Skill(s): Blunt Weapons, Cavalryman, Tactician, Cunning (e)
Talent(s): Falconry, hunting (non-mechanical 🤫🧏‍♂️), dragonriding
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): Lord of the Eyrie, Lord of the Vale, Defender of the Guarded Domains of Arryn, Warden of the East, Warden of the Green Fork, First and Last of His Name, the King Who Flew, Rider of Vhagar (sometimes), and the Last King in Westeros
Starting Location: Feast
Family Tree

AC

Name and House: Marq Hardyng
Age: 32
Cultural Group: Valeman
Appearance: A broad and ruddy man, blonde, brown-eyed, and bearded. Marq Hardyng wears his duty on his sleeve; that duty mostly being hunting with his milk brother.
Trait: Hale
Skill(s): Swords, Investigator (e)
Talent(s): Tourney lore x3
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): Scion of House Hardyng
Starting Location: Feast

Biography

Little of the Last King’s early years are of much import; Ronnel Arryn was born to King Joffrey I and Queen Sharra Arryn. His few memories of his father were that of a pallid man, wan and sickly but still a king who bloody well fought the illness that plagued him.
Or perhaps those were just fanciful tales, an imagined story that supplanted the truth of the matter.
Joffrey Arryn did at least survive, if he did not fight. Ronnel’s siblings, Jonos and Roland, would be born in succession. The falcons grew in number, Joffrey’s ailment ceased, and—the gods took him away and brought Arwen Arryn into the world.
Shortly after his sister’s birth, Sharra Arryn dressed her son in royal regalia and placed a crown on his head, assuming rule as sole regent while the boy distracted himself with toys and games. He would be nursed with Marq Hardyng, and he and his milk brother grew to be quick friends.
The Queen Sharra could not rest. There were new contenders on the horizon, greater than what meager assaults the Hoares could occasionally muster against the Bloody Gate: the threefold conquerors atop their dragons. Where the ravens sent by Aegon were met with scorn by Durrandon and hubris by the Hoares, Sharra offered alliance. Her hand in marriage and the left bank of the Green Fork to be annexed into the Guarded Domains.
The dragons rejected the offer, and instead, a Velaryon fleet was sent to take Gulltown and establish a foothold. They were repelled and the Targaryen ships were sunk for that transgression, but Vhagar’s fire consumed the Grafton fleet with them.
Ronnel knew what war was. It was like those tales in storybooks, that of the Griffin King and the Winged Knight, the legends of the Battle of Sevenstars. He, Jonos, and Marq fashioned themselves as Jaime Corbray or Luceon Templeton and fought each other over who could best live up to Artys Arryn’s example. When the Gates of the Moon swelled with men-at-arms, knights, and levied smallfolk, the three would find the most fearsome looking of them and challenge them to duels. Once he heard of dragons, though, Ronnel was consumed. He begged his mother to let him lead a parlay under a peace banner just so that he could see them, but Sharra sent him off to the nurses or left him to kick rocks in the courtyard.
The banners gathered, and the defenses were headed by Lord Rodrik Hardyng. Orders were given, the soldiers were drilled. And Vhagar’s wings cast a shadow so large that it engulfed the Bloody Gate whole. Shouting on the ramparts and in the valleys, but high above in the Eyrie? Ronnel, then just eight, was in awe at the sight.
Sharra could only muster a smile when she returned to find her son on Visenya’s lap. An accord was struck, on Ronnel’s terms this time: he asked to fly on Vhagar and his mother would surrender the crown to the Targaryen Queen. The mercy that Visenya afforded was well-taken, though in Sharra’s mind, the threat of dragonfire crystallized.
A marked shift came then. There were no battles to be won, no politicking to be done that outweighed the import of her sons and her daughter. The Queen-Regent, now the Lady-Regent, empowered her son’s advisors and devoted her time to looking after her children. When Visenya returned after burning House Sunderland whole and gave reprimands, Sharra frowned and offered blunt words in turn, which the Queen acquiesced to. Their relationship thawed hence, though Ronnel had never wavered in his admiration of the Targaryen. A Winged-Knight-Come-Again. Perhaps he could ride a dragon of his own one day.
Ronnel was a rowdy lad and by the time he was of squiring age, he was content to leave the rule of his lands to his mother and whoever she picked as an advisor. Lords such as Lyn Egen, Willem Ryger, and Rodrik Templeton would come to advise the young lord or hawk with him. Lord Mathos Grafton became the most prominent of that cadre, his wisdom in old age allowing him more room for criticism. Ronnel wanted to while his time away with falconry and training, while the old lord reminded him of the issues that Targaryen reign brought.
At four-and-ten, Ronnel stole away from the Eyrie and gathered what boys and knights he could to face the mountain clans. He knew what war was; it was the Root Father and his savages, stealing and laying waste to the lands he was sworn to protect. It was in the throes of battle that Ronnel would be dubbed as a knight by some unknown dying man. The knighthood was left unmentioned, though the purpose he found for his rule—no, his guardianship—lingered.
In his victorious return to the Eyrie, Ronnel would be clouted on the ear for the stunt then barred from leaving for months. Visenya Targaryen landed once more in the Vale. This time, she took it as a home, and she was welcomed with open arms. Aegon’s heir was born in the Eyrie that year, dubbed as Laenor Targaryen and soon practically adopted by the Arryns as their younger sibling. Sharra would grow close to the dragon queen in the years to come.
A year later, Ronnel was sent to King’s Landing to squire for Orys Baratheon. Only a few months elapsed before he grew incensed with the Hand over one thing or another, and the squireship ended when the Arryn came to blows with his knight-master. Ronnel was sent back to the Vale, where he earned his spurs once more. Publicly this time, before a crowd of tourneygoers and then holding a vigil with oaths modeled after those of the Winged Knights.
Though he gave off the impression of a true knight by that time, he was more preoccupied with wine and women and the hunt than statecraft. In any room he entered, he laughed the loudest, boasted the loudest, fought the hardest, always with Marq at his side. Nothing but a scolding from his mother Sharra or a clout on the ear from his second mother Visenya could fetter him. He was a falcon, and he flew high and bright.
Such a lofty stature is bound to attract envy. As any elder brother would, he butted heads with his siblings often. His rivalry with his brother Jonos was much more than a sibling spat, however, though the nature and root of their rivalry is unknown to all but a select few. In later years, their quarrels grew louder and their rifts deeper, with Jonos having been sent thrice to play second fiddle to the Knight of the Bloody Gate, and threatened with taking the black twice as many times. Still, their early quarrels proved to be mere distractions, and they wreaked what havoc boy-lords would in taverns and winesinks.
But his lip had to become stiff the day his mother died, just a few months after he came of age and assumed power. Sharra Arryn's last words of advice ate away at his spirit.
"Kill the boy."
So he was offered at the altar, and so did Rhaenys Targaryen seize the opportunity. Ronnel Arryn would be wed to the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, Serena Stark, and that match was confirmed by Sharra’s will. Yet numb, he received his wife to be in Gulltown with courtesy, and they were wedded with haste. Once a Princess of the North and now the Lady of the Vale, Serena found no home in the Eyrie. Ronnel came to avoid her; going on hunts, staying at the Moongates or even the Bloody Gate, and offering only short conversation in their rare meetings.
It came to a head when Serena stated her intention to return to Winterfell. Ronnel gave a shrug in response, and asked when she wanted to depart. Jonos could be his heir if need be, and his mother’s death still dragged his thoughts, so why bother at all?
The intervention of one dragon queen then another halted the split: Visenya reminded Ronnel that Aegon made two marriages work at once. A raven carrying a letter from Queen Rhaenys arrived, affixed with a ring wrought of Valyrian steel. Ronnel gave it to Serena as a peace offering.
There was no parting from the Targaryens’ grand plans, it seemed. So Ronnel’s marriage with Serena began anew. She would be introduced to the Vale and its customs with feasts and tourneys, sitting on councils and holding court as the Lady of the Vale. In the same vein, more familiar items and furnishings were brought in from the North, and Ronnel would journey to the weirwood tree that the mountain clans held sacred to try to pray with his wife. He did not hear the old gods’ whispers and could not bear the stillness, but the two came to understand one another, and their marriage grew warm. Their first child, Robar Arryn, was born a year later, and the Tourney by the Maiden’s Bay would be held in his honor.
Ronnel settled into his reign. His liveliness returned, though boyish pursuits were restrained with fatherhood. He replaced the Keeper of the Gates of the Moon after the Cavaliers proved more competent, sent tax collector after tax collector when Witch Isle grew silent (and nearly called the banners before being dissuaded), and ensured that the mountain clans and any other would-be invaders were quelled while Lae Targaryen was raised to be a greater king than their father. The Brotherhood of the Winged Knights, once decrepit, grew stronger after pieces of the Winged Knight’s armor were found.
His second child, a daughter, would be born then. Faced with the choice of naming her after Sharra or Visenya, she would instead be named after her great-grandmother Cynthea. Artos Arryn would follow four years later, his name chosen by the Lady Arryn.
Another day in the Eyrie. Five-and-twenty years after Aegon's Conquest, and near thirty years into Ronnel's reign. He slides a razor over his cheek and coughs once into a fist. Ronnel opens his palm to see droplets of blood. He wipes his cheek. A shaving cut, no doubt and no matter.
The next week while he sups with his family, the coughs come back. He excuses himself, blames his trip to the valleys with a chuckle, and Jonos meets his gaze with a sidelong glance before shirking away.
He sees his maester without telling anyone. And once more after a hunt. Soon, he is left sitting on his bed with grains of sweetsleep in hand and a warning: he would die. And soon.
Ronnel Arryn is honorable. He is just, or at least just enough. But when he bounces his son on his knee and looks into smiling grey eyes where his Stark mother's are oft stern, he wonders whether the next Targaryen to come to the Eyrie would let little Artos fly or burn him and his family whole.
It is not enough. Ronnel Arryn is not just enough. As the last king yet walking on the earth of this damnable regent's kingdom, he needs to ensure that the next monarch in Laenor Targaryen sits firmly on the Iron Throne before he dies—honor be damned if need be, by any means fucking necessary. That is his duty to the realm. That is his duty to his wife and children, and that will be his legacy.

Timeline

• 8-9 BC (33 now idk how BC works): Born the first child to King Joffrey I and Queen Sharra Arryn.
• 3 BC: Joffrey I dies of a chill. Ronnel is crowned king at age six.
• 1 BC: After House Grafton’s fleet is burned, the armies of the Guarded Domains gather at the Bloody Gate. Visenya’s landing.
• 2 AC: The Three Sisters burn.
• 4 AC: Ronnel begins squiring for Elbert Waynwood.
• 6 AC: Ronnel fights his first battle against the Sons of the Tree, and undergoes his first dubbing.
• 7-9 AC: Visenya arrives at the Eyrie. Ronnel departs for King’s Landing to squire for Orys Baratheon, returning after a fight with his knight-master. He is knighted once more at a tourney.
• 10-11 AC: Sharra Arryn dies, and the Arryns’ grief is cut short by a match arranged by Rhaenys and approved by the Lady-Regent before her death. Serena Stark and Ronnel Arryn are wed, and the marriage nearly falls apart before the intervention of the dragon queens.
• 12 AC: Robar Arryn is born. The Tourney by the Maiden’s Bay is called in the new heir's honor.
• 13 AC: The Cavaliers fight off the Painted Dogs outside the Gates of the Moon, and are given wardenship over them as reward. Marq Hardyng begins pursuing the tourney circuit.
• 15 AC: Cynthea Arryn is born.
• 19 AC: Artos Arryn is born.
• 23 AC: With Jonos Arryn settling into a discontent life at the Bloody Gate, the need for a sworn sword is lessened. Marq Hardyng travels to Essos to search for clues linking the Winged Knight to the Andal conquerors. He finds none, and returns a year later.
• Early 25 AC: An illness wells in Ronnel’s lungs. His maester tells him that he has about a year to live.
• Late 25 AC: The Arryns travel to the celebration near King’s Landing.

Sup porting Characters

• Cortnay Arryn, 54 (General): Ronnel’s uncle. Once a prince, Cortnay served variously as the Knight of the Gate, the Captain of the Guards, or an advisor. Cortnay is known for his exasperated sighs, and struggles to keep up when he hunts with his nephew. Still, he has a good head for tactics and participated in actions against the Mountain Clans and the Hoares.
• Jasper Arryn, 19 (General): Ronnel’s second cousin. Though removed from the main line of House Arryn, Jasper was raised in the Gates and remained a fixture in the Arryn household. He swore vows modeled after the Ash-Branded, though his cheery disposition seems to contradict them.
• Cynthea Corbray, 78 (N/A): The Queen-Grandmother claims to have been asleep when Visenya landed in the Eyrie, and preserved her coronet by hiding it in the Gates. She resides at the Gates of the Moon with the Cavaliers, and it has become tradition to pay one’s respects to her when passing through.
• Jonos Arryn, 31 (N/A): In another world, Jonos would be known as the Kinslayer, and he certainly possesses that propensity. Wed to Maris Grafton and perhaps favored by her lord grandfather, he has long since hated the Targaryens, and blames Visenya for his true mother’s death. Jonos’ truculence precedes him, and he is kept fettered with thankless offices.

Hi there! Thanks for approving my post!
After a virtual interview with the search committee about 7 weeks, had an on-site campus interview 4 weeks ago to the day. Sent my physical thank yous in the mail the day after and have heard nothing from anyone at the college since that interview.
Emailed 2 weeks ago the head of the search committee politely asking for an update. To no response. Read online that this college might send out physical offerejection letters to candidates? (Is this a thing in higher ed?) They never mentioned that during interviews.
Are they instructed not to communicate with candidates? Is this a sign that the offer is probably not coming? Would it be okay to email again the head of the committee, or maybe try reaching out someone else, like the hiring manager?
Knowing these things "take awhile" from reading other posts, however this seems unusually long... Thanks!

My friend recently bought a house and paid in part with a large deposit (over £200k). The money partly came from her saving a portion of her salary and the rest from her grandmother 10 years ago. The conveyancing solicitors asked for paperwork to explain where the money came from but she had two issues:

1. Some of the saved salary came from an online bank account she had closed, so she didn't have paperwork showing the money slowly accruing for about 4 years.
   
2. Her grandmother has dementia and couldn't/refused to sign a letter saying the money was a gift
   

My friend asked her solicitors about this and they said that the money cannot be used as a deposit since there is insufficient paperwork. My friend then used a trick someone had suggested. She moved the money into her mother's account and her mother gave it back as a gift. The mother signed off that it was all a gift and the solicitors approved it. Nobody seemed phased that after rejecting a cash deposit that an identical amount was given a few days later as a gift. No further questions about where her mother got a huge sum of money from either.
Isn't it therefore very easy to launder money through your parents, as long as they are willing, by buying property?

The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most enduring stories from the Bible, offering deep insights into forgiveness, redemption, and the power of unconditional love. Its themes resonate profoundly with the journey many face in recovering from addiction, providing not just a blueprint for spiritual renewal but also practical wisdom for those walking the path toward healing.
Understanding the Parable In this well-known parable, a young man demands his inheritance early, squanders it on a life of excess, and finds himself destitute. In his lowest moment, he decides to return home, expecting scorn and rejection. Instead, his father welcomes him with open arms, celebrating his return rather than condemning his departure. This story, at its heart, is about redemption and the possibility of a new beginning, regardless of past mistakes.
The First Steps Back The journey of the Prodigal Son mirrors the initial steps towards recovery from addiction. The decision to return home symbolizes the moment of realization and acknowledgment of one’s addiction, where the individual understands the need for change. Like the Prodigal Son, this acknowledgment often comes in the depths of despair, when the consequences of addiction are undeniable and all-consuming.
Facing the Past One of the hardest steps on the path to recovery is facing the past and the harm caused to oneself and others. The Prodigal Son’s return home is a metaphor for facing one’s mistakes and the humility it takes to seek forgiveness. It’s about confronting the reality of one’s actions and the impact they have had, not just on oneself but on family, friends, and community.
The Role of Forgiveness The father’s response in the parable highlights the power of forgiveness in the recovery process. Forgiveness, both self-forgiveness and receiving forgiveness from others, is pivotal. It’s a recognition that everyone deserves a second chance, that our past actions do not define our future. This unconditional love and acceptance are what many seek from a higher power, their loved ones, and themselves during recovery.
A Celebration of Renewal The celebration upon the son’s return home underscores the joy of recovery and renewal. It’s a reminder that returning to a life free from addiction is not merely a return to normalcy but a cause for celebration, a second chance at life that should be embraced with joy and gratitude. This celebration is a powerful motivator for those in recovery, offering hope and something beautiful to strive towards.
Lessons for the Journey Ahead: The parable of the Prodigal Son offers several key lessons for anyone on the path to recovery from addiction:
Acknowledgment is the First Step: Recognizing one’s need for help is the critical first step toward healing.
Humility Opens Doors: Admitting mistakes and seeking forgiveness are acts of courage that open the path to recovery.
Forgiveness Heals: Forgiving oneself and accepting forgiveness from others are essential for healing and growth.
Support is Crucial: Just as the father welcomed his son with open arms, having a supportive community is vital for recovery.
Every Day is a Celebration: Every moment of sobriety is a victory, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the joy of a second chance at life.
The story of the Prodigal Son is a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone on a journey of recovery from addiction. It serves as a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, there is always a way back. Through humility, forgiveness, and the support of a loving community, recovery is not just a possibility; it’s a cause for celebration.
Self-Reflecting Questions/Journal Prompts:

1. Moment of Realization: Reflect on the moment you realized that change was necessary for your life. How did you feel, and what motivated you to seek a different path?
2. Facing the Past: Consider the challenges you’ve faced in confronting your past actions and their consequences. How have you managed to seek forgiveness from yourself and others?
3. Accepting Forgiveness: Write about a time when you felt truly forgiven, either by yourself, someone you hurt, or a higher power. How did this forgiveness impact your recovery journey?
4. The Role of Humility: How has humility played a role in your path to recovery? Reflect on moments when admitting vulnerability or asking for help led to significant growth.
5. Support System: Who has been your “welcoming father” on this journey? Describe how their support has made a difference in your life.
6. A New Beginning: What does the concept of a “new beginning” mean to you in the context of recovery? How have you embraced this new chapter in your life?
7. Lessons Learned: Reflect on the most valuable lessons you’ve learned through your recovery process. How have these lessons shaped your perspective on life and relationships?
8. Celebrating Milestones: Think about the milestones in your recovery. How have you celebrated these achievements, and why is it important to recognize them?
9. Forgiving Yourself: Forgiving oneself can be one of the hardest parts of the recovery journey. Write about your experience with self-forgiveness and the challenges you’ve faced.
10. A Letter to Your Future Self: Imagine writing a letter to your future self, reflecting on your hopes, dreams, and the person you hope to become. What advice would you give to your future self about maintaining resilience and hope on the journey ahead?

So I passed the bar last July (on my third try god help me) and I've been working as a superior court judicial law clerk in the northwest for the last two years. I feel like failing the bar two times absolutely throttled my self-confidence and now I'm interviewing for associate positions and trying to figure out where to live and how to get back to the confident person I was before taking the bar. This process is brutal.
I've been applying for jobs, interviewing, practicing answers, perfecting cover letters, etc., and I've been rejected twice for applicants with years of litigation experience. I wanted to work for the government or a non-profit but it's looking like I'm just going to have to take a job from any firm willing to invest in me. I thought that a clerkship would make me a more desirable candidate but it doesn't feel like it's helping. I also worry the rejection is because I didn't go to a good enough school, but I went to Idaho, which is fine in the northwest.
But also, maybe this is hard for everyone and I just need to be patient. I'm first generation and I have no idea what I'm doing here.
Any encouragement / suggestions / tips for a baby lawyer seeking her first attorney job?
​

I received a letter after my interview, I am just confused on whether it is a rejection letter or if I should be waiting for a phone call. All it says is please be advised your name will remain on an active list for possible selection into apprenticeship for a period of two full years. Does that mean I'm not selected for the next class, but I might be later down the road? Thank you in advance.

I am currently pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in IT at Humber College as an international student. My session started last year in September 2023, I applied for my wife's SOWP before the new policy and her visa got rejected last week. Considering the new SOWP policy for Masters and PHD students, should I be able to file her case again? Else what options do I have now? My PG Dip. ends in 2025 April.
SOWP got rejected because I did not attach any bank statements/financial proofs. The rejection letter also stated that if I am to submit a case again it would be treated independently.

It didn’t really start off good but I would always want to remember him💘 Maybe not in this life hope it works out in the other.. You were the first person whom I guess I genuinely loved maybe I was not good at showing it but those teasing annoying you was my kinda way of showing love I had never really loved anyone in my life but it was my first so… It was kind of hard not showing that I liked you though it was obvious enough but I guess it didn’t mean a lot to you but for me it meant it lot… Maybe it was me that didn’t make the move it was my first so I was kinda scared of rejection I suppose and mostly I thought things would not work out so I never did :( I didn’t really had a good image of him and I had always thought that staying away from him was the best but like knowing him everything changed…. That image that I had of him in my mind was completely shattered I really did enjoy talking to him but mostly I could not to him in person first of all I used to get so shy and I don’t know abt him like did he also really like me? Though I never asked and I would never I really wanted to know maybe he just saw me as a friend that’s okay though :) I didn’t really expect much cuz I never dated so But as we started talking firstly his replies was fucking late like I would sit there literally waiting for his replies😩 Like who replies after 1 day my letter would deliver faster😟 But I kinda got used to it and even knowing the time he used to online so i would wait for his replies in those times and get super mad if he is online and is still not replying to me🙄 Anyways our talks was like nothing serious like I never really asked him any personal questions cuz if a person feels comfortable they would automatically say it itself that’s what I believe so… So we did talk about our day and I would talk every single detail about my day to my surprise I feel he is a pretty good listener like I would write a whole paragraph and he would read it and ask me about those small details… Those moments I would be smiling like a fool Days passed by we did talk everyday but I always had thoughts that one day we would completely stop talking but it’s just better for both of us just my thoughts. Though things happened where I was obviously jealous cuz he used to always be with that one girl though she was nice but seeing him with someone else really did hurt me so I used to just run fast back home… Though there were days where we completely stopped talking and we used to just share reels and nothing though I used to see him everyday Just didn’t really knew how to converse with him… First of all the reason I really liked him was that he really took his studies seriously I admired that the most so I started working hard along with him.I found out that we both had so much similarities like studying at night and we were really not a morning person 🤪 I feel that he really helped me get back on track with my studies seeing him really motivated me… Maybe he doesn’t know it but he really left a big impact in me through those small things he would do for me it really meant so much from helping me with my studies to listening to my yapping:)and I’ll forever will be grateful for that.. The way you used to ask me to call you to wake u up to study i was genuinely excited tbh first I though you would pick up the call like damn u texted me that I’m up so I was like this is how it is so nevermind 🧐 Sorry for days in which I could not wake u up cuz broo even I need to fucking sleepppp😭 But texting you after waking u up was genuinely fun😼 like those nagging to not fall asleep again I like doing it 😗 I really wanted to thank you for helping me in my studies you were really there when I needed you and I loved the feeling that someones really out there who is equally working as hard as me right now …

Hi i just received the rejection outcome tdy, looking to appeal, wanted to know my chances of success and how to go forward from now.
about me: Poly student from nyp (gpa 3.45), only join in SHSS club as a member but instead joined in more events/camps throughout poly.
Has/had multiple part time jobs while studying. Started volunteering regularly since feb 2024
context: applied for NUS nursing only as i would only want to be in nursing in the future, saw no pojnt in applying for other courses.
did not get any interviews -> no news until rejection tdy.
re: SIT nursing, did not complete application in time before deadline. therefore, not possible.
currently decision:
appeal if not succesful -> gap year, build portfolio and try 2025 again for both nus and sit this time.
if i still am reject by then -> will just work and get a degree in the future instead (not vv worried about lacking behind and waiting)
Questions: 1) Would testimonials or recommendation letters help with appeal? (thinking of attaching in email to NUS separately)
2) Would it be better to start working in a hospital full time with my diploma then quit if i get accepted next year?
3) Join hospital as a locum nurse and do more passion projects relating to nursing?
4) What are my chances of successful appeal if i did not go through the interview?
5) anyone got a lower gpa (<3.4) but got an interview offer? (want to see if my write up was the problem instead)
any advice is appreciated :”) thank you in advance

I am currently a second year economics and marketing student.
Didn’t really know about spring weeks until quite late and by the time I applied, I didn’t have enough experience to pass any of them. I would like to have a banking role, but it seems like nobody wants me.
So many of my friends got a spring and I regretted never replying much because I didn’t think I had it in me.
I decided I need to change that so I applied very early on for all the summer internships I could find for this summer but out of the two I was riding on the one I wanted the most rejected me half an hour ago . I am truly numb. I know some terrible people who have got internships lined up and I just don’t understand, (i know i’m just being bitter here but I try to be a good person in my day-day life and it seems so unfair). I tried my best and I tried my hardest. I learnt from my mistakes and I took it really seriously this time.
In order to secure a penultimate internship, I need some experience. But at this rate I won’t have any.
When people tell me to network I try but nobody responds to me, whether that’s people or cold emailing. I have cold emailed every retail bank in my vicinity. Some didn’t even bother with a response.
I’m truly sick of this. There’s a few I have applied to you that haven’t even responded, which I don’t think ever will. I redid my cv and cover letter over and over each time to make it better. I’ve stayed up late applying so many nights. I have severe anxiety so this is just extremely taxing.
Thinking of everyone having their experiences at internships when I’m just sitting in my house seems like torture.
I just want to give up.

Saint Theodore was called “Sanctified” because he had purified his heart of its passions and made his body a worthy temple of the Holy Spirit, so that he was the first in his monastery to be ordained to the priesthood.*
Saint Theodore came from Egypt and was the son of wealthy and noble Christian parents. The yearning for monastic life appeared early in him. Once there was a large party at the house of his parents during the feast of Theophany. The boy did not want to take part in the festivities, grieving that because of earthly joys he might be deprived of joys in the life to come. He secretly left home when he was fourteen and entered one of the monasteries in the diocese of Sne, near the modern town of Esna, Egypt. A brother from Theodores’ monastery stayed with Abba Pachomios in Tabennisi while traveling and preached of the virtues of the cenobium upon his return to Sne.
Hearing about Pachomios the Great, he burned with the desire to see the ascetic. Although initially denied passage to Tabennese by a Pachomian monk due to his wealthy background, Theodore opted to follow the visiting monk, and his persistence (and lack of obedience) paid off. He was welcomed by Pachomios upon his arrival, having been informed by God beforehand about his coming, and quickly integrated into the community at Tabennisi around 328. Remaining at the monastery, Saint Theodore quickly succeeded in all his monastic tasks, particularly in his complete obedience to his spiritual father, and in his compassion towards the other brethren. Theodore’s mother, learning that he was at the Tabennisi monastery, came to Saint Pachomios with a letter from the bishop, asking to see her son. Saint Theodore did not wish to break his vow to renounce the world, so he refused to meet with his mother. Seeing a convent not far away which was under the spiritual direction of Pachomios' sister, she entered the convent and was tonsured a nun. After a period of time Paphnutios, Theodore's brother, also came to the monastery and was tonsured a monk.
Seeing Theodore’s strength of mind and ability, Pachomios once told him to instruct the brethren on Holy Scripture. Saint Theodore was then only twenty years old. He obeyed and began to speak, but some of the older brethren took offense that a new monk should teach them, and they departed. Pachomios said to them, “You have given in to the devil and because of your conceit, your efforts will come to naught. You have not rejected Theodore, but rather the word of God, and have deprived yourselves of the Holy Spirit.”
Pachomius appointed Saint Theodore as overseer of the Tabennisi monastery, and withdrew to the more solitary Monastery of Phbow (several new monasteries had been built by this time). However, Pachomios recalled him from the position after witnessing several monks under Theodores’ watch violating the monastic rules without reprimand. Having failed to prove his governing ability and once more in a position no higher than when he had entered the monastery, Theodore became a personal assistant to Pachomios and remained relatively quiet for some years. Despite his clear potential and popularity, Pachomios refused to grant Theodore any kind of authority; though the old man's failing health soon changed things forever.
When Theodore the Sanctified was in Panopolis with Saint Pachomios, his spiritual father, a philosopher came to him and offered to debate with him about the Christian faith. The philosopher then posed these three questions to Theodore: "Who was not born, but died?" "Who was born and did not die?" "Who died and did not decay?" To these questions, Theodore replied: "Adam was not born and died. Enoch was born and did not die. Lot's wife died and did not decay." And the Saint added this advice to the philosopher: "Heed our sound advice; depart from these useless questions and scholastic syllogisms; draw near to Christ Whom we are serving and you will receive forgiveness of sins."
After Theodore had been assisting Pachomios at Tabennisi for several years following his demotion, Pachomios became very ill and seemed to be on the verge of death. Pachomios had not named a successor, and several brothers pleaded with Theodore to assert himself as head of the cenobium when the sickly man died. Despite the assertion that Theodore apparently did not want the rank of a father, he consented. Unfortunately for the would-be leader, Pachomios recovered, and upon hearing of Theodore’ decision, exiled the ambitious young man. After living a life of constant weeping and prayer in solitude, Pachomios forgave Theodore and allowed him to live among the brothers once more. Normalcy returned, though never again would Pachomios fully trust his former protégé.
In 348 Saint Pachomios died, naming the monk Petronios as his successor rather than the clearly qualified Theodore. The death of Petronios later that year would leave Apa Horsiesios (Orsisius) in charge, and the popular Theodore would retreat to the distant Monastery of Phnoum. Although it seems Theodore practiced complete submission to the new leader of the cenobium, problems soon arose in several Pachomian monasteries that viewed Horsiesios as a weak leader. Refusing to work or communicate and demanding a new leader, many of the elder monks completely abandoned any notion of obedience to Horsiesios. The federation of monasteries was falling apart, and Theodore rushed to Tabennisi to placate the rebels. Soon after his arrival, Theodore was the new de facto leader, though he claimed to be only acting on behalf of Horsiesios. For eighteen years Theodore administered from Pachomios’ old headquarters in Phbow, using techniques far more assertive than his predecessors, such as constantly shuffling the offices and locations of the most ambitious monks. Yet in spite of this somewhat unstable shifting, he oversaw the Thebaid monasteries peacefully for nearly two decades, at which point Theodore predicted he would soon die. Within a few months his prediction came true, and Apa Horsiesios once more took his place as the head of the communities in both title and authority.
Saint Theodore the Sanctified was famed for his sanctity of life, and the great gifts of wonderworking and prophecy (many of his miracles and prophecies are recorded in the Letter of Ammon), and he was well known to Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria, who heaped praises on Theodore after his passing. Saint Theodore reposed in his old age in the year 368.
Source

Saint Theodore was called “Sanctified” because he had purified his heart of its passions and made his body a worthy temple of the Holy Spirit, so that he was the first in his monastery to be ordained to the priesthood.*
Saint Theodore came from Egypt and was the son of wealthy and noble Christian parents. The yearning for monastic life appeared early in him. Once there was a large party at the house of his parents during the feast of Theophany. The boy did not want to take part in the festivities, grieving that because of earthly joys he might be deprived of joys in the life to come. He secretly left home when he was fourteen and entered one of the monasteries in the diocese of Sne, near the modern town of Esna, Egypt. A brother from Theodores’ monastery stayed with Abba Pachomios in Tabennisi while traveling and preached of the virtues of the cenobium upon his return to Sne.
Hearing about Pachomios the Great, he burned with the desire to see the ascetic. Although initially denied passage to Tabennese by a Pachomian monk due to his wealthy background, Theodore opted to follow the visiting monk, and his persistence (and lack of obedience) paid off. He was welcomed by Pachomios upon his arrival, having been informed by God beforehand about his coming, and quickly integrated into the community at Tabennisi around 328. Remaining at the monastery, Saint Theodore quickly succeeded in all his monastic tasks, particularly in his complete obedience to his spiritual father, and in his compassion towards the other brethren. Theodore’s mother, learning that he was at the Tabennisi monastery, came to Saint Pachomios with a letter from the bishop, asking to see her son. Saint Theodore did not wish to break his vow to renounce the world, so he refused to meet with his mother. Seeing a convent not far away which was under the spiritual direction of Pachomios' sister, she entered the convent and was tonsured a nun. After a period of time Paphnutios, Theodore's brother, also came to the monastery and was tonsured a monk.
Seeing Theodore’s strength of mind and ability, Pachomios once told him to instruct the brethren on Holy Scripture. Saint Theodore was then only twenty years old. He obeyed and began to speak, but some of the older brethren took offense that a new monk should teach them, and they departed. Pachomios said to them, “You have given in to the devil and because of your conceit, your efforts will come to naught. You have not rejected Theodore, but rather the word of God, and have deprived yourselves of the Holy Spirit.”
Pachomius appointed Saint Theodore as overseer of the Tabennisi monastery, and withdrew to the more solitary Monastery of Phbow (several new monasteries had been built by this time). However, Pachomios recalled him from the position after witnessing several monks under Theodores’ watch violating the monastic rules without reprimand. Having failed to prove his governing ability and once more in a position no higher than when he had entered the monastery, Theodore became a personal assistant to Pachomios and remained relatively quiet for some years. Despite his clear potential and popularity, Pachomios refused to grant Theodore any kind of authority; though the old man's failing health soon changed things forever.
When Theodore the Sanctified was in Panopolis with Saint Pachomios, his spiritual father, a philosopher came to him and offered to debate with him about the Christian faith. The philosopher then posed these three questions to Theodore: "Who was not born, but died?" "Who was born and did not die?" "Who died and did not decay?" To these questions, Theodore replied: "Adam was not born and died. Enoch was born and did not die. Lot's wife died and did not decay." And the Saint added this advice to the philosopher: "Heed our sound advice; depart from these useless questions and scholastic syllogisms; draw near to Christ Whom we are serving and you will receive forgiveness of sins."
After Theodore had been assisting Pachomios at Tabennisi for several years following his demotion, Pachomios became very ill and seemed to be on the verge of death. Pachomios had not named a successor, and several brothers pleaded with Theodore to assert himself as head of the cenobium when the sickly man died. Despite the assertion that Theodore apparently did not want the rank of a father, he consented. Unfortunately for the would-be leader, Pachomios recovered, and upon hearing of Theodore’ decision, exiled the ambitious young man. After living a life of constant weeping and prayer in solitude, Pachomios forgave Theodore and allowed him to live among the brothers once more. Normalcy returned, though never again would Pachomios fully trust his former protégé.
In 348 Saint Pachomios died, naming the monk Petronios as his successor rather than the clearly qualified Theodore. The death of Petronios later that year would leave Apa Horsiesios (Orsisius) in charge, and the popular Theodore would retreat to the distant Monastery of Phnoum. Although it seems Theodore practiced complete submission to the new leader of the cenobium, problems soon arose in several Pachomian monasteries that viewed Horsiesios as a weak leader. Refusing to work or communicate and demanding a new leader, many of the elder monks completely abandoned any notion of obedience to Horsiesios. The federation of monasteries was falling apart, and Theodore rushed to Tabennisi to placate the rebels. Soon after his arrival, Theodore was the new de facto leader, though he claimed to be only acting on behalf of Horsiesios. For eighteen years Theodore administered from Pachomios’ old headquarters in Phbow, using techniques far more assertive than his predecessors, such as constantly shuffling the offices and locations of the most ambitious monks. Yet in spite of this somewhat unstable shifting, he oversaw the Thebaid monasteries peacefully for nearly two decades, at which point Theodore predicted he would soon die. Within a few months his prediction came true, and Apa Horsiesios once more took his place as the head of the communities in both title and authority.
Saint Theodore the Sanctified was famed for his sanctity of life, and the great gifts of wonderworking and prophecy (many of his miracles and prophecies are recorded in the Letter of Ammon), and he was well known to Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria, who heaped praises on Theodore after his passing. Saint Theodore reposed in his old age in the year 368.
Source

I have been helping students apply to FAFSA this year and i finally realized what irks me so much about this year’s application.
It is built like a puzzle.
A government form that seeks to provide financial aid for students should NOT be built like a puzzle.
it should be the most straightforward and easily accessible form ever.
I have been able to help several students apply, but the amount of random work arounds and “hacks” and “tricks” that we’ve had to use to make their forms go through is INSANE. it makes me so angry.
example 1: The form wasnt opening for the kid’s dad even though the kid had invited him and completed his own sections. We physically could not click on the form in the dad’s account. I had to delete it from the kid’s side and then make a new form from the dad’s account and then invite the kid and then that finally worked. But if a kid doesnt know to do that (who would know?) then they wouldnt be able to submit their FAFSA
example 2: The form was rejecting the mom’s info for no reason when we were adding her info as the second parent. I googled it and it said to make sure her last name is not longer than 12 characters. I deleted the extra characters and it worked. Which is INSANE!!! Some kids probably never submitted the form bc they didnt try to submit their mom’s name with letters cut off because who would try that, and cant get money for college bc of that
im sure you all have many more examples of how broken and tricky this forms. Idk if this is unpopular, but id rather have the entire form just not work than have it work with these stupid “tricks” and workarounds that only some people have access to
this whole thing makes my blood boil

For the sake of my privacy, I'm going to be vague...
At the beginning of the year I went out on FMLA for approved medical treatment. The FMLA was approved for the primary diagnosis but a secondary diagnosis was also listed. During the time off, I sought and received a legally standing confirmation of the secondary diagnosis along with a host of other comorbidities. I had a real nightmare of a time getting the short term disability paperwork filled out as my initial provider switched firms in the middle of my time off.
My employer-paid disability insurance approved the STD up to the last time I met with the initial provider but then demanded attending physician notes and all notes from any providers I have seen since the date they set the STD to end.
So when I submitted the requested documents, they ignored the notes from one provider, stated that I hadn't taken any effort to work on the primary diagnosis (they never asked nor told me notes from the beginning of my leave were required), and said that since my claims were based on conditions I was born with that my disabilities (ADA covered) aren't debilitating since I've been able to work for decades.
They denied my claim. But the issue my providers are helping me to understand is that the disabilities need to be addressed and I need to take care of myself now to avoid further damage to my physical and mental health. One provider said that it isn't within the claims reviewers authority to diagnosis the affect my disability has on my physical and mental health.. that such a diagnosis and treatment plan is made by the treating provider(s) and that the reviewer is diagnosing and simultaneously rejecting the other provider's medical statements.
I'm trying to find a lawyer to help me through this, but the one I just spoke to said there's not enough meat on the bone to appeal the denied STD. But I also can't claim nor apply LTD if I don't run the full course of the STD allotment per my employer's handbook. Parallel to this issue is that my employer was initially only going to give me a 40 day leave extension after FMLA ran out until I sent them a letter from one of my providers stating my ADA protected disabilities (HR even told me explicit not to send in this medical statement so that it didn't become part of my employee file - where my business would become common knowledge to anyone with access).
please help if you can!

Hi everyone! I need some advice. My job search has gone well and I’ve had two offers. I’ve signed a contract with one and I’m still in touch and delaying my answer with the second.
Here’s why: my contract is contingent on a background check by HireRight. My current/soon to be previous employer was easy enough to confirm by uploading contracts and agreements. What’s causing me concern is before this position I freelanced for several years. I’m in Central Europe and here that work was very informal and relied on networking, referrals and invoices. The redacted invoices, NDAs, and tax returns were rejected. I’ve reached out to former clients and have been successful at least a couple signed letters confirming the dates and nature of my collaboration.
In the meantime, I’ve received another offer and they’re even indulging me another chat tomorrow afternoon.
My question is what to do. Should I stick with the offer I accepted and hope that I can somehow provide enough to clear HireRight?
Or should I maybe be direct with the second offer by admitting that I’m facing a strict and uncertain background check, offer the transparency of sharing what documentation I do have?
Some have told me that I’m over-thinking. I’m just confused about the best path forward and don’t want to end up back at square one with my job search.
Thanks for any input and wisdom. I’ve been lurking here lately and have seen a lot of good advice.

Hey everyone, I received my rejection letter for the MSc Educational Psychology programme a couple of days ago. For context, I am an international student (from India) and I have a 3.6 CGPA on a 4.0 scale, and an 8.5 band IELTS (academic). I have defended my dissertation - a experiment that was well received and is relevant to the programme since it revolves around the field of educational psychology. I was feeling good about my motivation letter too. However, I got rejected. If they had better applicants that scored better than me in some criteria, I completely understand and accept the decision. However, their primary and ONLY reasoning in the letter was that my "previous education does not meet their requirements." I do not understand how they assessed this. On the website, it says that it's a combination of my CGPA and my university's NAAC grade (a national assessment concerning universities in India). My university's NAAC grade is high and my CGPA was not a problem too - since it was not highlighted in the list of things that were lacking in my application in the letter. I agree India has a long way to go when it comes to research-based universities in the behavioural sciences fields; however, I did the best with what I got - my undergraduate degree (BSc Honours in psychology) is the most comprehensive programme here in India for psychology with a high focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics. I took extra courses and classes outside of college as well but all of that simply went down the drain haha. My university awards credits only for classroom hours (we do not get credits for assignment/self-study hours). Without understanding the credit system of my current university (there was no explicit provision for it at the time of my application), I find it unfair to judge me based on that criterion. I am disappointed because I was rejected solely based on that purpose. Again, knowing that there are better applicants out there is reasonable and gives me some type of closure lmao (so if anyone out there who is a student/has experienced this can tell me if that rejection letter was only a formality and not transparent truth, please do so!). Also I do have the option to appeal against this decision. Do I do it? Do they listen to such appeals or is it a flowery provision only?

Hey all, Anybody here attempt a claim for bruxism/teeth grinding ? Began grinding my teeth down both in my sleep and while exercising so bad to the point that my molars are needing fillings every year or so. Never needed a pair of night/athletic guards until my first year of service in the Corps and now at this point they’re inop.
I claimed bruxism back in 2020 and got denied for it. The letter stating it’s not “service related” even though I never needed/wore a mouth guard prior to service. My in-service dental records also show this, stating I needed “Goldilocks” which I can only credit to being mouth guards. Haven’t tried to get the claim looked at again since my rejection letter. Then again, it might be worth trying to submit the claim again now that I was awarded 50% for general anxiety.
Currently sitting at 80% SCD. Any advice here helps guys!