Cute things to tell your girlfriend
Floof
2014.08.30 07:03 Kiloueka Floof
Go do a good thing today. Pick up some trash. Clean your room. Hug a loved one. Draw a pretty picture for a friend. Buy an indie game. Support a queer artist for pride month. Listen to the rain. Make sure somebody is safe. We're back, but at what cost? We got The Threat.
2013.06.27 15:48 r/nonononoyes
A sub for things that seem to go so brilliantly wrong, but oh so right.
2008.01.25 05:07 A subreddit for cute and cuddly pictures
Things that make you go AWW! -- like puppies, bunnies, babies, and so on... Feel free to post original pictures and videos of cute things.
2024.05.01 13:51 kylfittt You are not alone!!
I used to be a victim of SA when I was around 11. I struggled for years and couldn’t tell anyone. To be exact, I was too afraid to say anything. If you’re also a victim, I am here to listen to your stories and give you support. We all need a safe and nonjudgmental environment. I believe in humanity. There are bad things out there but you don’t have to let them pull you down. It’s always better to let things out and keep them in
submitted by kylfittt to CasualConversation [link] [comments]
2024.05.01 13:50 seemslikeitsok Has this job made anyone else seriously consider suicide? How did you get past it?
I worked this job with all my effort. The admin didn’t care, the co workers didn’t care ,the kids didn’t care and the parents didn’t care. I’d chastised routinely for not being “mean enough” and told despite doing everything by the book and to my training. I was told this isn’t good enough and to be meaner because that’s what kids need. When I did this, the exact same as my co workers I had people telling me I should have done things by the book.
People routinely mocked me , made fun of me and blamed me for every issue. It was all for nothing and the system is just teaching next generation that it’s ok to have contempt for people trying to help you and nothing is ever their fault. What’s really the point ? Has anyone experienced this? I’ve tried asking people who haven’t worked in the industry and they clearly don’t get it saying things like “yeah they’re KIDS what did you expect???” And “it’s your fault you didn’t stand up to people more” .
If this is “just the way it is” then why bother?
submitted by seemslikeitsok to ECEProfessionals [link] [comments]
People routinely mocked me , made fun of me and blamed me for every issue. It was all for nothing and the system is just teaching next generation that it’s ok to have contempt for people trying to help you and nothing is ever their fault. What’s really the point ? Has anyone experienced this? I’ve tried asking people who haven’t worked in the industry and they clearly don’t get it saying things like “yeah they’re KIDS what did you expect???” And “it’s your fault you didn’t stand up to people more” .
If this is “just the way it is” then why bother?
2024.05.01 13:48 flyggwa Playing after elbow injury
Hi everyone, I fell off my bicycle three days ago, needed my arm in a splint for a day and until yesterday night it was hard to rotate it (from palm facing down, which is how I had kept it these days, to palm facing up so I can hold a guitar neck). The first day and a half I couldn't move it much without pain (had an X-ray cause I was really paranoid, nothing broken, but the tendon in my elbow had swollen and my fingers in the fretting hand felt like plump numb sausages)
Yesterday I managed to bend my arm so I did that lightly every couple minutes. Today after I woke up I found my fret arm was feeling better, and after some minor stretching, I am able to play guitar again.
Thing is, after a couple minutes I get a numb sort of feeling in the tendon going from thumb to elbow, no pain, but just a sort of electric feeling (like hitting the funny bone, but much less intense).
My question is: Does returning to the guitar ASAP make recovery better (as the muscles/tendons have less time to grow weaker), or should I wait until any sign of discomfort is over? I have been in a very bad mood just these two days, but I rather wait if it means it'll make recovery faster and prevent chances of damage. On the other hand, I've also read anecdotal evidence of people not needing rehab treatment for other injuries of the hand an arm precisely due to guitar playing. Take this as a chance to tell me about your experience with arm injury and what helped you overcome it.
Stay safe folks, this scare has made me realize that having functioning hands is an enormous privilege we have as a species, and I'm certainly gonna be much more fucking careful when on my bike
(Silver lining is that my barres have actually improved, because if I have tension or apply force with my thumb instead of pulling back with my arm, it will hurt like hell lol)
submitted by flyggwa to LearnGuitar [link] [comments]
Yesterday I managed to bend my arm so I did that lightly every couple minutes. Today after I woke up I found my fret arm was feeling better, and after some minor stretching, I am able to play guitar again.
Thing is, after a couple minutes I get a numb sort of feeling in the tendon going from thumb to elbow, no pain, but just a sort of electric feeling (like hitting the funny bone, but much less intense).
My question is: Does returning to the guitar ASAP make recovery better (as the muscles/tendons have less time to grow weaker), or should I wait until any sign of discomfort is over? I have been in a very bad mood just these two days, but I rather wait if it means it'll make recovery faster and prevent chances of damage. On the other hand, I've also read anecdotal evidence of people not needing rehab treatment for other injuries of the hand an arm precisely due to guitar playing. Take this as a chance to tell me about your experience with arm injury and what helped you overcome it.
Stay safe folks, this scare has made me realize that having functioning hands is an enormous privilege we have as a species, and I'm certainly gonna be much more fucking careful when on my bike
(Silver lining is that my barres have actually improved, because if I have tension or apply force with my thumb instead of pulling back with my arm, it will hurt like hell lol)
2024.05.01 13:47 Significant-Tower146 Best 12 Gun Safes
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/gd075ikxysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14d7c490bee3fa03a9aafff03b81bd5ef6352298 Welcome to our roundup of the top 12 gun safes that will keep your firearms secured and protected. Whether you're a hunter, a collector, or simply a gun owner, we understand the importance of keeping your firearms safe. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of top-rated gun safes that cater to various needs and budgets. By the end of this piece, you'll be more informed about the best options available on the market today. So, buckle up and get ready to learn about the 12 gun safes that stand out from the competition. The Top 7 Best 12 Gun Safes
Reviews🔗Ultra-Secure Narrow Gun Safe with Biometric Lock and 40 Gun Capacityhttps://preview.redd.it/rkcigfzxysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab23d60ae91fd4cb737223ffd68c6a243a63a1a2 Recently, I had the opportunity to use the Sports Afield Preserve SA5940P Gun Safe. This big guy stood tall at 59 inches by 40 inches by 22 inches, giving it a commanding presence in my home. The first thing that caught my eye was the fire rating of 45 minutes at 1400°F, and its waterproof capabilities in 2 feet of water for 7 days. Impressed by the safety it provided, I decided to try my luck on opening it. To my surprise, the biometric lock worked almost instantly, recognizing my fingerprint with ease. Inside the safe, I discovered a well-organized interior. The 40-gun capacity left plenty of room for my firearms, and the additional 8-gun storage on the left side was a thoughtful touch. The fully carpeted interior and barrel rest made it easy to keep the firearms in place and protected. I also appreciated the reinforced top shelf, which provided a reliable space for storing important documents. However, there were a few aspects of the Preserve SA5940P that could have been improved. Firstly, the illuminated biometric lock had a somewhat finicky process when programming the unique fingerprints. It took a few tries to get it just right, but eventually, I managed to get it working without a hitch. Additionally, the presence of a rather noisy alarm proved to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provided an extra layer of security, but on the other hand, it was not a silent operation. It seemed rather sensitive to movement, making it difficult to make any changes to the firearms or documents without triggering the alarm. Overall, the Sports Afield Preserve SA5940P Gun Safe delivered on its promise of providing a fire-resistant and waterproof storage solution for my firearms, documents, and other valuable items. Despite the minor hiccups, I still feel that it is a reliable and secure option for storing guns and other important belongings. 🔗California DOJ Approved 12 Gun Biometric Rifle Safehttps://preview.redd.it/e9s0lrfyysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c6098eb2d51f9009ed11f48c08569fea959e14a I've been using the Barska Extra Large Biometric Rifle Safe for a while now, and I must say, it's been a game-changer for my firearm storage needs. The first thing that stood out to me was the biometric locking system. It's so convenient to be able to just scan my fingerprint instead of remembering a complex numerical key combination or searching for my keys. One of the highlights of this safe is the ample storage space it provides. I can fit multiple rifles, ammunition, and accessories all nicely organized. The removable storage shelves are a great touch and allow me to keep everything neat and tidy. The interior lining is also a thoughtful feature that helps protect my valuables from scratches. While the safe is quite heavy, which is a good thing for security, it can be a bit challenging to move around if needed. Additionally, some users have mentioned that the racks inside aren't as sturdy as they would like, but overall, the safe has been working well for me. So, if you're looking for a spacious and secure biometric rifle safe, this one could be a great option for you. 🔗Superior 12 Gun Capacity Ironman Safe with Firewall Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/dn46t0tyysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b9a02fadc993ffc68986f61ca3e0a49d38e49dc As a homeowner, I'm always seeking the best security measures for my household. That's why I had to give the Ironman 6024 Gun Safe a try. Upon opening the safe, I immediately noticed its impressive build quality. It's amazing to have a physical barrier between your valuables and potential burglars. The safety features of this safe were truly impressive. A drill hard plate behind the lock, and if someone tries to force entry, the relocking device ensures the safe stays sealed. The added layer of a solid frame to protect against pry attempts makes this an even more secure option. Despite its high-quality features, I did notice the safe's weight, which made maneuvering it around a bit challenging. However, considering the protection it offers, it's a small inconvenience I can live with. All in all, the Ironman 6024 Gun Safe was the best security investment I've made for my home. Its superior protection gives me peace of mind and makes me feel safe. 🔗Top-Quality American Rebel AR-12 Black Smoke Gun Safe: Reliable Protection and Customizable Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/52mwvkezysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cef8f2c3d194c0978d5be5ea5f83cfe9b7f3b63d The American Rebel AR-12 Black Smoke Gun Safe with Digital Lock has been my trusty companion for protecting the valuables I store. It's designed with thoughtful features that make keeping my gun and other essentials safe a breeze. One of the things I appreciate the most is the sturdy construction of the safe, as it's made with double plate steel and has 1-1/4" diameter door bolts to prevent pry attacks. The 4-1/2" thick door and the four-way active boltwork add another layer of protection. Not only does the AR-12 prioritize security, but its interior is also thoughtfully designed. The 3 adjustable shelves and door organizer make it easy for me to keep track of my items. The two large pockets and 2 pistol holsters on the door are a fantastic addition, as they provide quick and easy access to my handguns. However, I wish it came with an app that would allow me to control and monitor the safe remotely. The outside of the safe is protected by a Sargent and Greenleaf Digital Electronic Lock which adds a level of convenience. The safe has undergone rigorous testing for fire resistance, with a fire rating of 75 minutes at outside temperatures up to 1200 degrees F. Another feature I can't live without is the exclusive five-spoke custom handle which makes moving the safe much easier. In terms of color, there are 3 options available - Black, Gray, or Orange, which certainly helps personalize the safe to your preferences. The size of the safe is also perfect for office spaces, and I was pleasantly surprised when Safes and More delivered it even earlier than promised. I highly recommend the American Rebel AR-12 Black Smoke Gun Safe with Digital Lock for those looking for a safe combination of sturdiness, craftsmanship, and protection. 🔗Heavy-Duty Security Cabinet for Firearms, Ammo, and Valuableshttps://preview.redd.it/zts8bwtzysxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b3a3232ef214cb18eb41e9b6fa5962cd18552ad0 I've been using the Homak 12-Gun Steel Security Cabinet in my home for a few months now, and let me tell you, it's been quite the experience. The main highlight of this product is its sturdiness - with a 0.047" steel thickness, it definitely gives you a sense of security when storing your firearms and valuables. The additional storage bins and foam kits included make it even more convenient to organize everything in one place. However, there were a couple of cons that I encountered while using this cabinet. First, the installation process of the foam kits was quite challenging, and the bins themselves were rather flimsy. Additionally, some users have faced issues with the delivery condition and customer service. Overall, the Homak 12-Gun Steel Security Cabinet is a well-built, functional storage solution for those looking to secure their firearms and other valuables. Just be prepared to deal with a few minor hiccups, and make sure you have some time and patience during the installation process. The cabinet is a bit light, which could be a concern for security-conscious users, depending on their specific needs. 🔗14 Gauge Steel Long Gun Safe with SafeX Security Systemhttps://preview.redd.it/k9telsg0zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18f27272dbb41a44f4d5b20a1079c528bd1cf207 The Kodiak KBX5933 46 Long Gun Safe with SAFEX Security System has been an impressive addition to my daily life. The SafeX Security System is a game-changer, providing an unbeatable level of protection against any attempts of prying or drilling. The fire protection is top-notch, with the ability to withstand 1400° F for 40 minutes, all thanks to the fireboard protection in the ceiling, walls, floor, and door. Another highlight has been the heat-activated Palusol Fire door seal, which expands up to 8 times its size, keeping out heat and smoke when needed. The UL listed electronic lock and CA DOJ certification reassure me that my firearms are in good hands and are secure from unauthorized access. The 14-gauge steel construction is sturdy and adds to the overall safety of the safe. The external dimensions are perfect for accommodating 46 long guns, and the deluxe door organizer comes with customizable handgun holders and pockets. However, one downside I've noticed is the weight of the safe, as it can be challenging to move alone. Despite that, I'm thrilled with the performance and craftsmanship of this Kodiak Long Gun Safe, and it's definitely worth the investment for a peace of mind when it comes to storing your firearms. 🔗Secure Haven Gun Safe with E-Lock and Custom Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/7g1757y0zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd1ce9b88c4e22cc333da03b8adeb89834ca7efc As a sports enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for reliable equipment and accessories, so when I came across the Haven SA5942HX Gun Safe from Sports Afield, it caught my attention. The first thing that struck me was its impressive size – it can store up to 48 long guns and 8 handguns, making it perfect for gun owners like me who need secure storage space for their firearms. One of the standout features of this gun safe is its pry-resistant recessed doors with 1.5" steel bolts, ensuring that the contents are well-protected against unauthorized access. It's also California CDOJ Approved and has a 75-minute fire rating, providing peace of mind in case of emergencies. Customization-wise, the Haven SA5942HX doesn't disappoint either. It comes with a deluxe door organization kit that allows for better organization, and adjustable shelving to accommodate various firearm sizes. Additionally, it features UL Rated dual outlets and 2 USB ports, offering convenience when it comes to charging or using the built-in LED motion lights – features I found very useful. In terms of construction, the 14-gauge steel body feels solid and well-built. The safe has a weight of 722 pounds, ensuring it's not easy to move without proper tools. The interior is surprisingly sleek, thanks to the 4 bar LED lights. While I appreciate the overall quality and functionality of the safe, some minor setbacks include the need to remove a sticker on the keypad for better visibility, and a less-than-perfect shipping experience. Nevertheless, I believe that the Sports Afield Haven SA5942HX Gun Safe is worth considering for its custom features and high-quality construction. Buyer's GuideA 12-gun safe is an essential investment for gun owners who need to store and protect their firearms securely. These safes offer enough space to store multiple long guns, providing peace of mind and enhanced security. This buyer's guide will help you navigate the features, considerations, and general advice for selecting the best 12-gun safe for your needs.1. Capacity and Dimensionshttps://preview.redd.it/3ozqq2o1zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3084baae1df7b788ae05367cd02add36cf4cec5 When considering a 12-gun safe, you need to ensure that it can accommodate all your firearms comfortably. The internal dimensions of the safe and its weight capacity should be sufficient to store the desired number of firearms. As weight can vary between models, it's crucial to check both the safe's dimensions and its maximum weight capacity to make the right pick. 2. Locking Mechanism and Security FeaturesThe locking mechanism is another essential factor when choosing a 12-gun safe. Look for models with high-security locks like keyed, combination, or biometric locks, which provide multiple layers of protection to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, advanced security features like fireproof materials, drill-resistant construction, and anchor points can further enhance the safe's security.3. Material and ConstructionThe material and construction of a 12-gun safe play a vital role in its durability and functionality. Steel is a popular material due to its strength and resistance to theft. Thickness and gauge of the steel, as well as the interior finish, should be considered to ensure that the safe can protect your firearms effectively. Additionally, look for models that have proper insulation to maintain the temperature inside the safe, especially when storing valuable items. https://preview.redd.it/72ck6x52zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8614f2c7533e41d5689efe0d49e99acae373dff8 4. Design and AestheticsWhile security is the primary consideration when purchasing a 12-gun safe, many users value a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing product. Consider the overall design of the safe, including door hinges, door handles, and any interior compartments or shelves. You may also prefer a safe with a scratch-resistant finish that maintains its appearance over time.5. Weight and PortabilityWhen selecting a 12-gun safe, consider its weight and portability. Many models often come equipped with wheels to simplify transportation. The weight of the safe also affects its security, as a heavier safe is more challenging for thieves to move. However, be cautious not to compromise security for portability.General Advicehttps://preview.redd.it/ztyt2bs2zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22100875f4d3fe4e8c31b028e266c432ee8f4835
FAQHow do I choose the right gun safe for my needs?When selecting a gun safe, consider factors such as the number of guns you need to store, the size and weight of the safe, and the protection it provides against fire and burglary. Additionally, think about the type of locking mechanism and whether you prefer a digital or mechanical lock. https://preview.redd.it/96ewmhh3zsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec30f28962c034fb4ebb9f8b5e3ec9512512247f How does a gun safe protection against fire?A gun safe with fire protection features will have insulation and heat-resistant materials to keep the temperature inside the safe during a fire. This helps prevent the guns from warping, corroding, or melting. Be sure to look for a UL fire rating when shopping for a gun safe.What options are available for locking mechanisms in a gun safe?Locking mechanisms in gun safes can include digital keypads, mechanical locks, electronic locks with a keypad, or biometric locks that require a fingerprint for access. Choose the lock that best fits your needs and ensures the security of your guns.How do I ensure my gun safe is properly installed?Proper installation of a gun safe is crucial for its effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement, anchoring, and securing the safe to prevent it from being moved or pried open. If possible, use a professional installation service to ensure the safe is properly secured.Should I invest in a heavy-duty or a lightweight gun safe?Heavy-duty gun safes typically have better security features, including thicker walls and reinforced door bolts. However, they can be more difficult to move and place. Consider both the protection and convenience factors when deciding between a heavy-duty or a lightweight gun safe.What are some tips for maintenance of a gun safe?
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2024.05.01 13:46 kem81 The Necromancer - chapter 24
Hello. We have a time jump. A note on cultural information in this chapter is strictly from Google. I try to get as close to correct information as I can with Google.
I think this story only has about a chapter or two left to get it to telling the story I wanted to tell.
Follow me on my Patreon and you can catch new chapters there if you don't get notified here, or even become a subscriber for a story that was never released here. It doesn't fit into a HFY theme and is complete. You won't have to wait weeks for another chapter or wonder if it will get finished.
First / Prev / Patreon
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The school year had progressed and it was now May. Alpha Featherwind had been mostly quiet as he needed her able to travel, which she currently couldn’t to the extent he would need her to. Instead, he would help her and Leo list all of the packs she would need to go to. She had also moved to Leo’s room at the packhouse and they had become official mates. Celeste had been correct that the full effects of the mate bond would hit her after mating. When they were apart it was like there was a string that became stretched and would tug at her heart until they were back together. It wasn’t painful, but it was an annoyance. Celeste explained that you get used to it and it won’t feel so noticeable after a while.
It was now time for the Survival Class final. Erin and Leo woke up snuggled together to the alarm going off. Leo grumbled, and Erin giggled at his grumbles. He gave her a last squeeze before getting up and turning off the alarm and retrieving her leg brace. The pack house had multiple showers, so he headed off to one while she headed off to another.
They had already received their info sheet for their final and Erin suspected they were headed back to the desert. She had asked Alpha Featherwind about it, but he just smiled and left. They had decided to dress in light layers so that they would be able to put something over their heads to keep the sun off during the day. They both also slathered on as much sun screen as they could as it wouldn’t count as them bringing anything with them. Leo grumbled as it covered much of Erin’s natural scent.
After they were prepared, they headed to the food court and made sure to eat and drink a lot of water to help stave off hunger and thirst for as long as they could. They headed to the room everyone was leaving from and waited their turn. Within the hour they had been transported to a familiar desert.
“Alpha Featherwind did this, didn’t he.” Leo stated.
“There’s no way we could end up here twice without intervention. You saw the look some of the teachers were giving us, didn’t you?”
“Oh yeah. I’m sure they know they have been mettled with.”
“So which way is the pack?” Erin asked.
“That’s right. You were unconscious last time. We started in that direction.” He pointed. “But the ley line had me going in that direction.” He pointed again.
“Can you see the ley line?” Erin asked.
“No, but I think if we head in this angle, we should encounter it, and then we can just follow it.” He released his hawk totem. “Hawk will scout ahead for us.”
They drank as they walked, unworried about running out of water. After a few hours, Leo spotted the ley line, they adjusted their course, and continued. It was dusk when Hawk alerted Leo that the pack was ahead.
“Should we rest the night or continue?” Leo asked. He knew her hip had to be aching by now.
“Let’s keep going. It’s only a few hours and we can sleep in a bed tonight.”
“Ok. But let’s rest for a little bit and you eat the last of the jerky.”
“Fine. Fine.” She replied. They rested for about an hour and then headed back out. After another hour and a half of walking, he had them stop.
“This is the edge of their territory. I need to call out to them to let them know a non-pack member wishes to enter their lands.” He had her cover her ears before he howled as loud as he could. After a few moments, there were return howls letting him know he was heard, and someone was coming out to meet him.
A few minutes later, they could hear the hoofbeats of the approaching pack. “Leo and Erin. It’s good to see you again, but how did you manage to get sent here a second time?” One of the men said.
Full night had fallen, and Alpha Featherwind appeared next to Erin. “It was my doing. It’s time for her to meet with Petro and Lorena Mendoza and then to speak with your dead.”
“They’re finally ready?” Leo asked.
“What are you two talking about?” Erin asked.
“Alpha Featherwind told me back when we fought the specter that someone named Mendoza might be able to heal you, but they weren’t ready yet and to not seek them out because they weren’t ready then. When we were here for the Midterm, they mentioned that they were working on a new method of healing that combines mage and werewolf magics. They didn’t want to raise your hopes if they were going to fail.”
“Come. Let’s get you two fed and you can speak to Pedro and Lorena tomorrow morning.”
_____________________________________
The next morning, they got up to have breakfast, and Rosa had invited Pedro and Lorena to the Main House for the meal.
“It’s good to see you again.” Lorena remarked. “Finally gave into the bond, I see.”
“You were right. And I didn’t even have to smack him.”
“Impressive.” Pedro replied.
After they finished eating, they asked Erin if she was ready, and when she replied in the affirmative, they took her outside. Lorena directed her to a bench to wait on while they prepared the space. Some people came out with drums and set up in a circle, while Pedro and Lorena made sure the space was clear of anything that might cause them to trip. Once the space was cleared, a cot was brought out to the center and Lorena waved Erin over.
“Remove your leg brace and lay down. You understand that werewolves exist within paradox. That’s why when they shift from one form to another, it can cause madness if a human views it. When they dance their traditional dances, different energies are created. This will be a Pascola Dance. It’s usually not done at this time of year, but it has the right kind of energy we need. We tested it and the time of year doesn’t change the strength of the magic. I’ll be combining it with time arcane. Usually, you can only move time forward, or pause it. Because of their paradox, I’ll be able to move time backwards on your injuries and move them back to before your accident. I’m going to go take your cane and brace over to Leo for you. Just relax. As the energy rises, you may see things, but don’t worry. Nothing will harm you here.”
She left and when she came back, she knelt down on Erin’s left side. A few minutes later, men came out in masks and regalia and took their positions. The drums started first, and then the chanting soon after. Then she could hear the movement of the dancers. After a few minutes, even Erin could feel the raising of magic all around them. Erin looked over to Lorena, and she was glowing with magical power. Erin felt the need to close her eyes. Seeing the magic and feeling it was overwhelming, but closing her eyes helped.
Lorena began her work on Erin’s eye, then moved to her shoulder, and last was her hip. The healing ceremony lasted several hours, and when it was done, Lorena, Pedro and the other dancers needed to be helped back to the sidelines to rest. Leo came over to Erin and helped her to sit up. When she opened her eyes, he saw that her left was no longer pale with blindness. The scars all remained, but the eye behind it was healed.
“How are you feeling?” Leo asked.
Erin rolled her shoulder. “Strong. Like I was before. I want to stand.” He helped her to stand, and she moved her hip around, testing it. “It’s like it never happened!” She moved away from Leo and took a few more steps unaided and laughed with the joy of it.
Erin walked over to where everyone was resting. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Pedro chuckled. “You’re going to bring back the strength of the New Moon Wolves. That is payment enough and even beyond what we did for you. You have no idea what this will do for the people.” There were many nods of agreement.
They continued to rest and chat with the pack members until night fell. Leo and Erin started out towards where they had met Maria, and as they walked, Alpha Featherwind appeared next to them, walking with them. “You had to be healed first, or some of the dead may have rejected you. Even dead and about to fall into oblivion, some are just stubborn. It’s the oldest with the most knowledge and are the most needed. Otherwise, I would have let them fall for their stupidity.”
At the edge of the territory of the dead, they met Maria. “Take us to Hiahi.” Featherwind commanded. (Hiahi means Night Wind in Yoeme)
“He is beginning the fade. You are too late.” She replied.
“We are not. Take us to him.” She decided to humor them and lead them to a very ancient looking wraith dressed with the regalia of a medicine man. He was kneeling at his burial place and he flickered. “You must hurry.” Featherwind whispered to Erin.
She nodded and knelt next to the wraith. She placed her hands on the dirt in front of her and felt down into the ground. It was the tiniest sliver of bone that was left. It was fragile feeling. Erin began to do as Jeremiah had taught her and felt for all of the leached calcium from the bones and pulled it back into the shard of bone, giving it enough strength to be pulled from the earth. She then gently pulled it free and then wove the protective magic wards around the bone that was smaller than her pinky.
The wraith next to her spoke. “I was on the edge of oblivion. Why have you saved me?”
“It’s not your time yet, Hiahi. I have a job for you.” Featherwind replied.
“You are very far from your pack lands, Alpha Featherwind. And the coffin paths are unusable. You are this child’s servant?”
“Partner is a better word. We are going to find all of the New Moon Wolves that are like us and this Necromancer will pair you with students to teach. Come into contract with her so that she can facilitate this for the people.” Featherwind replied. “Will you do this?” After a few minutes, Hiahi nodded.
Erin had gathered the items she would need from the packhouse with Rosa’s permission before they had come out to the dead. She set everything up and performed the right with Hiahi.
“Are there any more New Moon Wolves here?” Erin asked Hiahi.
“No. I was the last here. At least the last that has any of the old knowledge. New Moon Wolves have become rarer over the years. You will find that most packs only have 1 or 2 living New Moon Wolves and many of us that are dead fall into Oblivion quicker than our companions. The newer of their dead have less of the discipline strengths as they enter into death. This translates into weaker wraiths. It’s hard to explain to a living non-wolf.”
“I think I understand. Fewer life skills within your moon discipline in life will make you have a weaker connection to your anchors in death.” Erin chuckled. “You forget, this IS my discipline in life.” He gave a small chuckle of recognition and they soon parted ways. Hiahi would “awaken” the next night near one of his anchors; either his remaining bone, or Erin herself as the contract they had made was now an additional anchor and would be able to travel between them if there was any distance between them. He would be otherwise able to travel as he wished during the night.
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submitted by kem81 to HFY [link] [comments]
I think this story only has about a chapter or two left to get it to telling the story I wanted to tell.
Follow me on my Patreon and you can catch new chapters there if you don't get notified here, or even become a subscriber for a story that was never released here. It doesn't fit into a HFY theme and is complete. You won't have to wait weeks for another chapter or wonder if it will get finished.
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______________________
The school year had progressed and it was now May. Alpha Featherwind had been mostly quiet as he needed her able to travel, which she currently couldn’t to the extent he would need her to. Instead, he would help her and Leo list all of the packs she would need to go to. She had also moved to Leo’s room at the packhouse and they had become official mates. Celeste had been correct that the full effects of the mate bond would hit her after mating. When they were apart it was like there was a string that became stretched and would tug at her heart until they were back together. It wasn’t painful, but it was an annoyance. Celeste explained that you get used to it and it won’t feel so noticeable after a while.
It was now time for the Survival Class final. Erin and Leo woke up snuggled together to the alarm going off. Leo grumbled, and Erin giggled at his grumbles. He gave her a last squeeze before getting up and turning off the alarm and retrieving her leg brace. The pack house had multiple showers, so he headed off to one while she headed off to another.
They had already received their info sheet for their final and Erin suspected they were headed back to the desert. She had asked Alpha Featherwind about it, but he just smiled and left. They had decided to dress in light layers so that they would be able to put something over their heads to keep the sun off during the day. They both also slathered on as much sun screen as they could as it wouldn’t count as them bringing anything with them. Leo grumbled as it covered much of Erin’s natural scent.
After they were prepared, they headed to the food court and made sure to eat and drink a lot of water to help stave off hunger and thirst for as long as they could. They headed to the room everyone was leaving from and waited their turn. Within the hour they had been transported to a familiar desert.
“Alpha Featherwind did this, didn’t he.” Leo stated.
“There’s no way we could end up here twice without intervention. You saw the look some of the teachers were giving us, didn’t you?”
“Oh yeah. I’m sure they know they have been mettled with.”
“So which way is the pack?” Erin asked.
“That’s right. You were unconscious last time. We started in that direction.” He pointed. “But the ley line had me going in that direction.” He pointed again.
“Can you see the ley line?” Erin asked.
“No, but I think if we head in this angle, we should encounter it, and then we can just follow it.” He released his hawk totem. “Hawk will scout ahead for us.”
They drank as they walked, unworried about running out of water. After a few hours, Leo spotted the ley line, they adjusted their course, and continued. It was dusk when Hawk alerted Leo that the pack was ahead.
“Should we rest the night or continue?” Leo asked. He knew her hip had to be aching by now.
“Let’s keep going. It’s only a few hours and we can sleep in a bed tonight.”
“Ok. But let’s rest for a little bit and you eat the last of the jerky.”
“Fine. Fine.” She replied. They rested for about an hour and then headed back out. After another hour and a half of walking, he had them stop.
“This is the edge of their territory. I need to call out to them to let them know a non-pack member wishes to enter their lands.” He had her cover her ears before he howled as loud as he could. After a few moments, there were return howls letting him know he was heard, and someone was coming out to meet him.
A few minutes later, they could hear the hoofbeats of the approaching pack. “Leo and Erin. It’s good to see you again, but how did you manage to get sent here a second time?” One of the men said.
Full night had fallen, and Alpha Featherwind appeared next to Erin. “It was my doing. It’s time for her to meet with Petro and Lorena Mendoza and then to speak with your dead.”
“They’re finally ready?” Leo asked.
“What are you two talking about?” Erin asked.
“Alpha Featherwind told me back when we fought the specter that someone named Mendoza might be able to heal you, but they weren’t ready yet and to not seek them out because they weren’t ready then. When we were here for the Midterm, they mentioned that they were working on a new method of healing that combines mage and werewolf magics. They didn’t want to raise your hopes if they were going to fail.”
“Come. Let’s get you two fed and you can speak to Pedro and Lorena tomorrow morning.”
_____________________________________
The next morning, they got up to have breakfast, and Rosa had invited Pedro and Lorena to the Main House for the meal.
“It’s good to see you again.” Lorena remarked. “Finally gave into the bond, I see.”
“You were right. And I didn’t even have to smack him.”
“Impressive.” Pedro replied.
After they finished eating, they asked Erin if she was ready, and when she replied in the affirmative, they took her outside. Lorena directed her to a bench to wait on while they prepared the space. Some people came out with drums and set up in a circle, while Pedro and Lorena made sure the space was clear of anything that might cause them to trip. Once the space was cleared, a cot was brought out to the center and Lorena waved Erin over.
“Remove your leg brace and lay down. You understand that werewolves exist within paradox. That’s why when they shift from one form to another, it can cause madness if a human views it. When they dance their traditional dances, different energies are created. This will be a Pascola Dance. It’s usually not done at this time of year, but it has the right kind of energy we need. We tested it and the time of year doesn’t change the strength of the magic. I’ll be combining it with time arcane. Usually, you can only move time forward, or pause it. Because of their paradox, I’ll be able to move time backwards on your injuries and move them back to before your accident. I’m going to go take your cane and brace over to Leo for you. Just relax. As the energy rises, you may see things, but don’t worry. Nothing will harm you here.”
She left and when she came back, she knelt down on Erin’s left side. A few minutes later, men came out in masks and regalia and took their positions. The drums started first, and then the chanting soon after. Then she could hear the movement of the dancers. After a few minutes, even Erin could feel the raising of magic all around them. Erin looked over to Lorena, and she was glowing with magical power. Erin felt the need to close her eyes. Seeing the magic and feeling it was overwhelming, but closing her eyes helped.
Lorena began her work on Erin’s eye, then moved to her shoulder, and last was her hip. The healing ceremony lasted several hours, and when it was done, Lorena, Pedro and the other dancers needed to be helped back to the sidelines to rest. Leo came over to Erin and helped her to sit up. When she opened her eyes, he saw that her left was no longer pale with blindness. The scars all remained, but the eye behind it was healed.
“How are you feeling?” Leo asked.
Erin rolled her shoulder. “Strong. Like I was before. I want to stand.” He helped her to stand, and she moved her hip around, testing it. “It’s like it never happened!” She moved away from Leo and took a few more steps unaided and laughed with the joy of it.
Erin walked over to where everyone was resting. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
Pedro chuckled. “You’re going to bring back the strength of the New Moon Wolves. That is payment enough and even beyond what we did for you. You have no idea what this will do for the people.” There were many nods of agreement.
They continued to rest and chat with the pack members until night fell. Leo and Erin started out towards where they had met Maria, and as they walked, Alpha Featherwind appeared next to them, walking with them. “You had to be healed first, or some of the dead may have rejected you. Even dead and about to fall into oblivion, some are just stubborn. It’s the oldest with the most knowledge and are the most needed. Otherwise, I would have let them fall for their stupidity.”
At the edge of the territory of the dead, they met Maria. “Take us to Hiahi.” Featherwind commanded. (Hiahi means Night Wind in Yoeme)
“He is beginning the fade. You are too late.” She replied.
“We are not. Take us to him.” She decided to humor them and lead them to a very ancient looking wraith dressed with the regalia of a medicine man. He was kneeling at his burial place and he flickered. “You must hurry.” Featherwind whispered to Erin.
She nodded and knelt next to the wraith. She placed her hands on the dirt in front of her and felt down into the ground. It was the tiniest sliver of bone that was left. It was fragile feeling. Erin began to do as Jeremiah had taught her and felt for all of the leached calcium from the bones and pulled it back into the shard of bone, giving it enough strength to be pulled from the earth. She then gently pulled it free and then wove the protective magic wards around the bone that was smaller than her pinky.
The wraith next to her spoke. “I was on the edge of oblivion. Why have you saved me?”
“It’s not your time yet, Hiahi. I have a job for you.” Featherwind replied.
“You are very far from your pack lands, Alpha Featherwind. And the coffin paths are unusable. You are this child’s servant?”
“Partner is a better word. We are going to find all of the New Moon Wolves that are like us and this Necromancer will pair you with students to teach. Come into contract with her so that she can facilitate this for the people.” Featherwind replied. “Will you do this?” After a few minutes, Hiahi nodded.
Erin had gathered the items she would need from the packhouse with Rosa’s permission before they had come out to the dead. She set everything up and performed the right with Hiahi.
“Are there any more New Moon Wolves here?” Erin asked Hiahi.
“No. I was the last here. At least the last that has any of the old knowledge. New Moon Wolves have become rarer over the years. You will find that most packs only have 1 or 2 living New Moon Wolves and many of us that are dead fall into Oblivion quicker than our companions. The newer of their dead have less of the discipline strengths as they enter into death. This translates into weaker wraiths. It’s hard to explain to a living non-wolf.”
“I think I understand. Fewer life skills within your moon discipline in life will make you have a weaker connection to your anchors in death.” Erin chuckled. “You forget, this IS my discipline in life.” He gave a small chuckle of recognition and they soon parted ways. Hiahi would “awaken” the next night near one of his anchors; either his remaining bone, or Erin herself as the contract they had made was now an additional anchor and would be able to travel between them if there was any distance between them. He would be otherwise able to travel as he wished during the night.
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2024.05.01 13:44 FickleLionHeart Finally Mustered Up Some Courage Against MIL
I posted this in another group https://www.reddit.com/Mommit/s/CwjzxE8rHs asking how I can say no to MIL holding baby. I know that sounds ridiculous but to sum it all up, she runs at me as soon as I get there/she gets here, hands out already, asking in a way that is clear she just assumes it's her right to have my baby. Then she hogs him the entire visit (which is usually a few hours), desperately tries to give him to others so I can't have him back if she needs to do something, or says stuff like "ok do you mind holding him for a minute I just have to do x" which I always respond "if course not, he's my baby???". She also has handed him off to anyone that asks her for him and just plays mommy with him it seems. She says stupid stuff like, "oh I have to go for a minute but don't worry! I'll be back!" And when she comes back tries to take him back and says "see! I came back, it's okay, did you miss me???" Like lady, he didn't even notice you left lol get off your high horse. She also calls attention to herself saying "look at me!!! I have the baby!!!!" And makes it a huge deal that she has baby and she's SUCH a baby person. It really irritates me, I can't even explain it. She's just a very annoying person honestly.
Anyway now that I just typed a storybook as a summary..... Here is my very small success story but I'm riding the high anyway cause it took A LOT just to do this!
We were gearing up to go have dinner with the in laws and some others, husband could tell I was really stressed while getting ready and very edgy. He asked me what was wrong and I said I didn't want it to be a huge argument (he's 8/10 times very defensive whenever his mother is even merely mentioned) but I'm feeling very stressed about going. I explained to him that I get stressed in anticipation because I know the second we get there his mom is going to have her hands out and be asking for the baby. I also explained it's not as simple as just saying "no" because she doesn't accept it fully and hovers until I give her the baby. I told him that puts me in a bad mood as I feel forced and then I feel resentment to her and it ruins my whole visit. Now, my first win was to my surprise he said, "I hear what you're saying and I will back you up 100%." Usually he makes an excuse for her or says it's no big deal. Maybe he is finally hearing me along with seeing how it's effecting me? I'll take it lol.
Second part is we get there and surprise!!! (Side note, for background we weren't even at MIL's house they just got a camper so we were out roasting hot dogs and checking that out somewhere else) As soon as I sat down she ignored whoever was talking to her, dragged her chair across the circle everyone was sitting in over to me and baby, held her arms out and said "I can take him!!" Which she usually says. Without missing a beat I said, "maybe in a little bit, I'm going to let him get comfortable since he doesn't even know where he is". She made a face and only half backed off but then husband swooped in and said, "yeah mom, we just got here let's give him time to settle in." She was STUNNED. It took everything in me not to do a lil happy victory dance in all honesty.
She actually ended up not even getting the baby until the very end of our visit. Not on purpose but then she started doing a bunch of different things like getting dinner ready and such so I was like, well...no point in offering you the baby now you look busy lol. My daughter had to use the washroom and MIL jumped at that opportunity (cause I needed to help her), half leaping out of her chair and saying "I can take him!!!!!" But I just pretended I didn't hear her and asked my husband to go get daughter's potty from the truck lol. She finally got the baby as we were loading the truck back up after dinner, but she only got him for probably only a minute, as soon as we were done loading the truck my husband said "okay mom, give (me) back the baby so she can get him all buckled in!" And she kept trying to hold him longer but I just walked right up, put my arms out and took him right from her.
This is huge for me because I tend to just freeze around her. No one else, literally just her. Her overbearing personality is suffocating and makes me freeze and just give in. But I'm so tired of it and the resentment and anger it brings!! It's taken me years to start growing a spine and I am beyond ready for this new mama bear. That is all, just wanted to share somewhere that someone would understand!
submitted by FickleLionHeart to JUSTNOMIL [link] [comments]
Anyway now that I just typed a storybook as a summary..... Here is my very small success story but I'm riding the high anyway cause it took A LOT just to do this!
We were gearing up to go have dinner with the in laws and some others, husband could tell I was really stressed while getting ready and very edgy. He asked me what was wrong and I said I didn't want it to be a huge argument (he's 8/10 times very defensive whenever his mother is even merely mentioned) but I'm feeling very stressed about going. I explained to him that I get stressed in anticipation because I know the second we get there his mom is going to have her hands out and be asking for the baby. I also explained it's not as simple as just saying "no" because she doesn't accept it fully and hovers until I give her the baby. I told him that puts me in a bad mood as I feel forced and then I feel resentment to her and it ruins my whole visit. Now, my first win was to my surprise he said, "I hear what you're saying and I will back you up 100%." Usually he makes an excuse for her or says it's no big deal. Maybe he is finally hearing me along with seeing how it's effecting me? I'll take it lol.
Second part is we get there and surprise!!! (Side note, for background we weren't even at MIL's house they just got a camper so we were out roasting hot dogs and checking that out somewhere else) As soon as I sat down she ignored whoever was talking to her, dragged her chair across the circle everyone was sitting in over to me and baby, held her arms out and said "I can take him!!" Which she usually says. Without missing a beat I said, "maybe in a little bit, I'm going to let him get comfortable since he doesn't even know where he is". She made a face and only half backed off but then husband swooped in and said, "yeah mom, we just got here let's give him time to settle in." She was STUNNED. It took everything in me not to do a lil happy victory dance in all honesty.
She actually ended up not even getting the baby until the very end of our visit. Not on purpose but then she started doing a bunch of different things like getting dinner ready and such so I was like, well...no point in offering you the baby now you look busy lol. My daughter had to use the washroom and MIL jumped at that opportunity (cause I needed to help her), half leaping out of her chair and saying "I can take him!!!!!" But I just pretended I didn't hear her and asked my husband to go get daughter's potty from the truck lol. She finally got the baby as we were loading the truck back up after dinner, but she only got him for probably only a minute, as soon as we were done loading the truck my husband said "okay mom, give (me) back the baby so she can get him all buckled in!" And she kept trying to hold him longer but I just walked right up, put my arms out and took him right from her.
This is huge for me because I tend to just freeze around her. No one else, literally just her. Her overbearing personality is suffocating and makes me freeze and just give in. But I'm so tired of it and the resentment and anger it brings!! It's taken me years to start growing a spine and I am beyond ready for this new mama bear. That is all, just wanted to share somewhere that someone would understand!
2024.05.01 13:44 glitteringcicada A reformed AI user's story.
My background: I have no education in writing at all. I'm completely self taught. I also have ADHD, this is something I've struggled with all my life. I have a really easy time starting projects, and a really hard time finishing them.
I won multiple fiction contests when I was a teenager for short stories I wrote. I had a story of mine published when I was 12, it was in an anthology of stories by tweens and teens. I had an English teacher who told my parents I was a prodigy writer.
I started the novel I'm currently working on in 2021. It took me two years to write six chapters. I have a really hard time focusing, like most people do with ADHD. I got hooked up with an editor through some writer friends. He read my work and told me I have a lot of raw talent.
Around the same time I started working with him, I also joined a discord server for writers in my city. And I really liked the conversations we would have on voice chat, etc. Well, there was one night when everyone in the voice chat was sitting around talking about ChatGPT. A lot of these people use it to outline and brainstorm. And they all were discussing it in such a casual way. And a lot of these people are published authors.
Well, here is either my downfall, or my game changer, depending on how you choose to see it. I told my editor that I didn't think I would ever finish this book, because at the rate I'm going it will take me ten years to write it. And I told my editor it's really hard for me to get a first draft written. And I know people are going to read this and call me a liar. But I swear this happened. He recommended that I try drafting with SudoWrite, and then re-writing the drafts.
This is how I got into using AI. I didn't just wake up one day and decide, "Hey, I'm gonna use AI today." It was recommended to me by more than one professional. And before everyone assumes, my editor is not some fly-by-night freelancer who no one has ever heard of. He is vetted and has a good reputation. I won't be giving his name.
And so, I started using GPT to write outlines. I wrote a 4k word summary of the whole novel, it took me over an hour to write. I included character descriptions, all the plot points, etc. And I asked for an outline. And then I tweaked the outline until it was to my liking. That was the first game changer for me. And then on the chapters where I was really stuck with the draft, I used SudoWrite to make a draft and then I rewrote it. I did this for about 10 chapters (The novel has over 30 chapters.)
I'm sure people will say I'm just making excuses or lying. But I really was under the impression that this is just something people did. I have like 12 other writers on Discord talking about ChatGPT like it's the best writing assistant ever, and I have my editor telling me to make a shitty AI first draft and rewrite it. I took the advice of professionals.
I have a hard time varying sentence structure. So I also use to do this thing with GPT where I would give it a random sentence and ask it to re-write the sentence ten different ways. These weren't even sentences from my story. It would be something random like, "Jane and Bob have two dogs." And by doing that, I started getting a lot more creative with the way I structure my sentences. And the flow of my work has gotten a lot better because my sentences are a lot more varied now, etc.
And now, after rewriting ten chapters that SudoWrite drafted, I'm starting to see rewriting AI chapters as more of a pain in the ass than it's worth, and I'm starting to feel like it's just easier to write my own draft. And so, I have six chapters left, and I've decided, no more AI drafts. I'm also giving myself a deadline on each chapter. Because it took me two years to write the first six chapters. It won't take me that long to write the last six.
I posted a much shorter thread here the other day about this same topic. I didn't have as much time to sit and really write everything out. And instead of having any real discussion, most people just wanted to yell at me. For me, this was an exercise in figuring some things out and a huge game changer. Everything in my book was written by me. It's human text. And I don't feel bad about how I got there.
So many people online are stuck on this idea that if anyone uses AI in any capacity at all then they're not a "real writer." Ok, but who decides what a real writer is?
I have two photographers in my family. Back in the 90s when Photoshop first came out, any Photographer who used it was a hack and it was considered this huge taboo thing. Now everyone uses it. I have a fine art degree and my focus was on digital art and film. In was a digital artist in the mid aughts when it was still a new medium. And back then Digital art got so much hate. I heard so many times that I"m not a real artist. Digital art takes no skill, etc. Now it's just as respected as a medium as anything else.
If someone looks up synonyms to find a better word to use, does that mean they aren't a real writer because they didn't know those words on their own? If someone writes better when they have classical music playing, does that mean they're not a real writer because they can't write as well in silence? I smoke weed when I write because it helps me focus and my writing is just better when I"m stoned. Does that mean I'm not a real writer because I can't write as well sober? If AI helped someone write better, how is that any different than other things that help us write better?
I don't think that AI will replace human writers. I can tell immediately when something was AI generated because AI writing is awful. But, I do think it has it's place as a teaching tool, organizational tool, etc, for those who utilize it right. And, it's not going anywhere. So, adopt, adapt, or atrophy. I'm about to finish a novel that I probably would have never finished had I not taken that plunge. I'm glad I had this experience. I always had the talent. This just helped me hone the craft.
Feel free to reply. I would love to have an actual discussion about this. If you're just going to yell at me and tell me what a POS I am, I'm not interested. This isn't middle school and we're not on the playground.
submitted by glitteringcicada to KeepWriting [link] [comments]
I won multiple fiction contests when I was a teenager for short stories I wrote. I had a story of mine published when I was 12, it was in an anthology of stories by tweens and teens. I had an English teacher who told my parents I was a prodigy writer.
I started the novel I'm currently working on in 2021. It took me two years to write six chapters. I have a really hard time focusing, like most people do with ADHD. I got hooked up with an editor through some writer friends. He read my work and told me I have a lot of raw talent.
Around the same time I started working with him, I also joined a discord server for writers in my city. And I really liked the conversations we would have on voice chat, etc. Well, there was one night when everyone in the voice chat was sitting around talking about ChatGPT. A lot of these people use it to outline and brainstorm. And they all were discussing it in such a casual way. And a lot of these people are published authors.
Well, here is either my downfall, or my game changer, depending on how you choose to see it. I told my editor that I didn't think I would ever finish this book, because at the rate I'm going it will take me ten years to write it. And I told my editor it's really hard for me to get a first draft written. And I know people are going to read this and call me a liar. But I swear this happened. He recommended that I try drafting with SudoWrite, and then re-writing the drafts.
This is how I got into using AI. I didn't just wake up one day and decide, "Hey, I'm gonna use AI today." It was recommended to me by more than one professional. And before everyone assumes, my editor is not some fly-by-night freelancer who no one has ever heard of. He is vetted and has a good reputation. I won't be giving his name.
And so, I started using GPT to write outlines. I wrote a 4k word summary of the whole novel, it took me over an hour to write. I included character descriptions, all the plot points, etc. And I asked for an outline. And then I tweaked the outline until it was to my liking. That was the first game changer for me. And then on the chapters where I was really stuck with the draft, I used SudoWrite to make a draft and then I rewrote it. I did this for about 10 chapters (The novel has over 30 chapters.)
I'm sure people will say I'm just making excuses or lying. But I really was under the impression that this is just something people did. I have like 12 other writers on Discord talking about ChatGPT like it's the best writing assistant ever, and I have my editor telling me to make a shitty AI first draft and rewrite it. I took the advice of professionals.
I have a hard time varying sentence structure. So I also use to do this thing with GPT where I would give it a random sentence and ask it to re-write the sentence ten different ways. These weren't even sentences from my story. It would be something random like, "Jane and Bob have two dogs." And by doing that, I started getting a lot more creative with the way I structure my sentences. And the flow of my work has gotten a lot better because my sentences are a lot more varied now, etc.
And now, after rewriting ten chapters that SudoWrite drafted, I'm starting to see rewriting AI chapters as more of a pain in the ass than it's worth, and I'm starting to feel like it's just easier to write my own draft. And so, I have six chapters left, and I've decided, no more AI drafts. I'm also giving myself a deadline on each chapter. Because it took me two years to write the first six chapters. It won't take me that long to write the last six.
I posted a much shorter thread here the other day about this same topic. I didn't have as much time to sit and really write everything out. And instead of having any real discussion, most people just wanted to yell at me. For me, this was an exercise in figuring some things out and a huge game changer. Everything in my book was written by me. It's human text. And I don't feel bad about how I got there.
So many people online are stuck on this idea that if anyone uses AI in any capacity at all then they're not a "real writer." Ok, but who decides what a real writer is?
I have two photographers in my family. Back in the 90s when Photoshop first came out, any Photographer who used it was a hack and it was considered this huge taboo thing. Now everyone uses it. I have a fine art degree and my focus was on digital art and film. In was a digital artist in the mid aughts when it was still a new medium. And back then Digital art got so much hate. I heard so many times that I"m not a real artist. Digital art takes no skill, etc. Now it's just as respected as a medium as anything else.
If someone looks up synonyms to find a better word to use, does that mean they aren't a real writer because they didn't know those words on their own? If someone writes better when they have classical music playing, does that mean they're not a real writer because they can't write as well in silence? I smoke weed when I write because it helps me focus and my writing is just better when I"m stoned. Does that mean I'm not a real writer because I can't write as well sober? If AI helped someone write better, how is that any different than other things that help us write better?
I don't think that AI will replace human writers. I can tell immediately when something was AI generated because AI writing is awful. But, I do think it has it's place as a teaching tool, organizational tool, etc, for those who utilize it right. And, it's not going anywhere. So, adopt, adapt, or atrophy. I'm about to finish a novel that I probably would have never finished had I not taken that plunge. I'm glad I had this experience. I always had the talent. This just helped me hone the craft.
Feel free to reply. I would love to have an actual discussion about this. If you're just going to yell at me and tell me what a POS I am, I'm not interested. This isn't middle school and we're not on the playground.
2024.05.01 13:42 Otherwise-Goal-3881 there’s never any justification not to have sex (discussion of the book “earthlings” by sayaka murata)
long post.
first off this book can be very triggering. there are depictions of sexual activity between minors, child rape, and other things. this post won’t have graphic descriptions but it will discuss the rape and how characters react to it.
i would consider this book antisex, though naturally i can’t be sure the author actually intended it as such.
the main character, natsuki, is raped by an adult when she is a child.
in high school, she confides in a friend who tells her:
“Even if it’s true… After all, he was so cool you must have purposely let down your guard. That’s basically consenting, isn’t it? I can’t understand why you’re playing the tragic heroine, really.”
in college, she confides in a friend, miho, who appears to understand, and responds empathetically.
but there’s still a problem: the main character doesn’t pursue sex or romance. and it seems it has little to do with her traumatic experiences. it’s not that she wants it and is afraid, she just doesn’t seem to want it.
and her “friend” miho drops the mask eventually:
“However, when I entered my second year of college, then my third, and still made hardly any effort to meet boys, (Miho’s) focus began to shift.
‘Look, I know what you went through was awful, but aren’t you letting him win? Finding happiness is the best revenge. The longer you continue to mope, the longer that dirty old man will be rejoicing.’
[…]
‘Look,’ she went on, ‘I hate to be the one to say this, but he didn’t even force you to go all the way, did he? So I kind of wonder why you’re acting so traumatized. I mean, I’ve been groped loads and it’s horrible, but we just have to put up with it, right? If we let that sort of thing stop us from hooking up with anyone for our whole lives, the human race will die out pretty quick! Some of my friends suffered way worse, and they all have boyfriends now. Everyone else does their best to forget the past and look to the future, Natsuki. You’ve got as far as college without even so much as speaking to a boy. It’s a bit weird.’”
miho then tries to set up the main character with a guy:
“One day I went to meet Miho only to find she wasn’t alone. There was a guy with her. ‘Who is he?’ I asked.
‘Someone I want to introduce you to.’ She laughed and turned to the boy. ‘I’m sorry, she’s got issues with men. But hey, you said you liked the innocent type, right? I thought the two of you would be just right for each other.’
I no longer knew who Miho was or why she was making such a fuss or why was she so determined to get me to have sex with someone.”
and the main character reflects that:
“…young women were supposed to fall in love and have sex, and if they didn’t, they were ‘lonely’ or ‘bored’ or ‘wasting their youth and would regret it later!’
‘You have to make up for lost time,’ Miho was always telling me.
But I couldn’t understand why, when it meant doing something I didn’t want to do.”
“Earthlings baffled me. If I were an Earthling, though, I suppose it would be absolutely natural for me to be controlled by my genes, too, just like Miho was. It must be a peaceful, secure way of life.
[…]
Society was a system for falling in love. People who couldn’t fall in love had to fake it. What came first: the system or love? All I knew was that love was a mechanism designed to make Earthlings breed.”
essentially there’s no “excuse” to abstain. if you were assaulted, get over it; if you don’t want it, there’s something wrong with you and you need to get over it.
or, alternatively: you weren’t really assaulted because how could you not want it ? I see this with female victims but also a lot with male rape victims being assumed to have wanted it by other men. even children are assumed to have wanted or incited their victimization in some way.
the idea is that there are simply no circumstances under which sex could be undesirable. it’s not just used against asexuals or celibate people; even sexuals are supposed to always want it, like anything short of obsession or addiction isn’t enough. look at how being single is characterized as sexless suffering. they even project this onto children too young to know what sex is.
sex and rape are separate, they say, but do they really think that ?
submitted by Otherwise-Goal-3881 to antisex [link] [comments]
first off this book can be very triggering. there are depictions of sexual activity between minors, child rape, and other things. this post won’t have graphic descriptions but it will discuss the rape and how characters react to it.
i would consider this book antisex, though naturally i can’t be sure the author actually intended it as such.
the main character, natsuki, is raped by an adult when she is a child.
in high school, she confides in a friend who tells her:
“Even if it’s true… After all, he was so cool you must have purposely let down your guard. That’s basically consenting, isn’t it? I can’t understand why you’re playing the tragic heroine, really.”
in college, she confides in a friend, miho, who appears to understand, and responds empathetically.
but there’s still a problem: the main character doesn’t pursue sex or romance. and it seems it has little to do with her traumatic experiences. it’s not that she wants it and is afraid, she just doesn’t seem to want it.
and her “friend” miho drops the mask eventually:
“However, when I entered my second year of college, then my third, and still made hardly any effort to meet boys, (Miho’s) focus began to shift.
‘Look, I know what you went through was awful, but aren’t you letting him win? Finding happiness is the best revenge. The longer you continue to mope, the longer that dirty old man will be rejoicing.’
[…]
‘Look,’ she went on, ‘I hate to be the one to say this, but he didn’t even force you to go all the way, did he? So I kind of wonder why you’re acting so traumatized. I mean, I’ve been groped loads and it’s horrible, but we just have to put up with it, right? If we let that sort of thing stop us from hooking up with anyone for our whole lives, the human race will die out pretty quick! Some of my friends suffered way worse, and they all have boyfriends now. Everyone else does their best to forget the past and look to the future, Natsuki. You’ve got as far as college without even so much as speaking to a boy. It’s a bit weird.’”
miho then tries to set up the main character with a guy:
“One day I went to meet Miho only to find she wasn’t alone. There was a guy with her. ‘Who is he?’ I asked.
‘Someone I want to introduce you to.’ She laughed and turned to the boy. ‘I’m sorry, she’s got issues with men. But hey, you said you liked the innocent type, right? I thought the two of you would be just right for each other.’
I no longer knew who Miho was or why she was making such a fuss or why was she so determined to get me to have sex with someone.”
and the main character reflects that:
“…young women were supposed to fall in love and have sex, and if they didn’t, they were ‘lonely’ or ‘bored’ or ‘wasting their youth and would regret it later!’
‘You have to make up for lost time,’ Miho was always telling me.
But I couldn’t understand why, when it meant doing something I didn’t want to do.”
“Earthlings baffled me. If I were an Earthling, though, I suppose it would be absolutely natural for me to be controlled by my genes, too, just like Miho was. It must be a peaceful, secure way of life.
[…]
Society was a system for falling in love. People who couldn’t fall in love had to fake it. What came first: the system or love? All I knew was that love was a mechanism designed to make Earthlings breed.”
essentially there’s no “excuse” to abstain. if you were assaulted, get over it; if you don’t want it, there’s something wrong with you and you need to get over it.
or, alternatively: you weren’t really assaulted because how could you not want it ? I see this with female victims but also a lot with male rape victims being assumed to have wanted it by other men. even children are assumed to have wanted or incited their victimization in some way.
the idea is that there are simply no circumstances under which sex could be undesirable. it’s not just used against asexuals or celibate people; even sexuals are supposed to always want it, like anything short of obsession or addiction isn’t enough. look at how being single is characterized as sexless suffering. they even project this onto children too young to know what sex is.
sex and rape are separate, they say, but do they really think that ?
2024.05.01 13:41 earthyshroooms I (21F) feel like my boyfriend (27M) doesn't respect me and put in the same or more emotional/mental effort into our relationship. Should I count my losses and break up with him?
Apologies in advance if this is written in a chaotic/unorganized way. It's 4am and this feeling is keeping me awake still.
I recently got into a relationship with "Adam", and I'm already noticing with some yellow or potentially red flags with him. We have been dating for 3 months and made it official less than a week ago. He has some strong qualities that made me interested in him like being a provider, treating me like a princess and queen, seeing the good in the bad, making time to see me, and taking care of his 60+ year old parents. Despite this, there are aspects of him that make me question why I said yes to being his girlfriend. He hasn't been in a relationship for almost 10 years (not even dating or hookups). He is very emotionally sensitive and will shut down every time he's upset. Most of the time, it's because I've said something that triggers/hurts his feelings. However, the things I say or do aren't that mean in my opinion. For example, I cancelled and RESCHEDULED a date we were supposed to have because he picked me up late and we weren't going to make it on time. It was one of those reserved time entry locations, and I didn't want to be disrespectful to the workers for not being there before, on time, or even within 15 mins of being late. He knew what time he had to pick me up and what time we had to be there. I understand traffic can get bad where we live, but he didn't leave until an hour before the entry time. He lives an hour no traffic away from me and the place was 30 mins no traffic from me. I did my best to get us there at least 20 mins early to find parking and everything. He then claimed I was giving up on the date and proceeded to shut down. I told him we can go anywhere else and suggested 2 other places that were free entry. I also told him that I rebooked the date so we could go another day. Another example is when he did something slightly dangerous that triggered some brief anxiety for me, and I asked him to not do it again. He shut down on me, and I couldn't figure out why that would get him to not talk to me. He eventually told me that it was because he didn't want to make me anxious. There are at least 6 other times he has completely shut me out, and each time I do my best to be understanding and give him time to process before speaking to me. Something else that has irked me is the fact that while we were dating I have told him repeatedly that I would love to be his girlfriend. His excuses for not asking me out were 1. he wants to build memories with me first 2. he doesn't know if I will say yes 3. he doesn't know how/when to ask me. I understood the building memories portion; however, the way he kept phrasing it was that the plethora of dates, long calls, daily texts, etc. weren't strong enough. The "doesn't know if I will say yes" was stupid to me because I kept asking him why he won't ask me and that I want to be his girlfriend and I'll be waiting blah blah blah BUT NOTHING!!!! I also told him how and when to ask me. I said I don't care if he asked me out while we are eating food or just chilling in the car or wherever. If he asked me, I would be so thrilled and happy. Sure, would a girlfriend proposal be cute? Heck yes because that's like an extra extra effort. Would I have said no if he just did a basic asking? No, I wouldn't have rejected him like that. He told me later on that he wanted to ask me out at one certain place, but I told him multiple times I didn't want to be asked out there because he made me feel like shit because we couldn't go every time it was planned. I told him anywhere else but there. Did he listen? No. We went to that place a few weeks ago (I surprised him with the tickets) and he got upset that I didn't tell him so he could plan to ask me out. So when he did ask me out somewhere else, I said yes however I realized it's not how I wanted to be asked. It was at a beautiful beautiful location and we had a great morning but the reason I wish I wasn't asked out there is because I had to state (for the millionth time) that I have yet to be asked out. He then said to me that he doesn't know what I will say and that's why he hasn't asked. I HAVE INVITED HIM TO MEET MY FAMILY, BOUGHT HIM CONCERT TICKETS TO ONE OF HIS FAVORITE ARTISTS, AND INTRODUCED HIM TO MY CLOSE FRIENDS. WHAT MORE DO I HAVE TO DO??? GET HIS NAME TATTED? just kidding. Anyways.......the last thing I will say that irks me is that he claims I am hiding him from people. I can't tell if this is a joke or not, but it's getting annoying. I have been out in public with him a lot and show signs of PDA. My friends, roommate, and parents know about him. He's coming to a big event for me and meeting my immediate and extended family. The only thing I won't do is post him online. 1. I don't post myself. I have had no pictures on my pages for years. Just recently did I post a picture of me but that's rare and felt weird. 2. We have been bf and gf for less than a week.......why would I post you???? I can soft launch which I have done, but nothing further right now. 3. I prefer a private not secret relationship when it comes to social media. I know lots of people who follow me or who I interact with for things who can be straightforward and brutally blunt. He is already sensitive to my comments and cries if I am being serious and not all lovey lovey sugarcoating everything. He does not want to hear what I have already heard from some people. I can't even talk to him when he does stuff that upsets me because I know at the end of the day I will be comforting him instead of the other way around if he shuts down (which is 96% likely unless I tell him to not shut down on me and listen). Overall, I think I'd be okay with this behavior if we were together a bit longer than 3 months as I would realize that there's some underlying problem that has built up in our relationship, but I can't understand what has caused him to be like this. There are a few more light yellow flags for me but not worth me stressing over right now. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking of uninviting him to my big day event and meeting my family even though it's in 3 days. I can't tell if he's disrespecting me or if I'm just extremely insensitive or something. But I am exhausted. He even shut down on me again about 7 hours ago and I told him to stop but I don't know anywhere. Any advice for me before I talk to him?
Please and thank you and sorry if it's long and confusing.
submitted by earthyshroooms to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
I recently got into a relationship with "Adam", and I'm already noticing with some yellow or potentially red flags with him. We have been dating for 3 months and made it official less than a week ago. He has some strong qualities that made me interested in him like being a provider, treating me like a princess and queen, seeing the good in the bad, making time to see me, and taking care of his 60+ year old parents. Despite this, there are aspects of him that make me question why I said yes to being his girlfriend. He hasn't been in a relationship for almost 10 years (not even dating or hookups). He is very emotionally sensitive and will shut down every time he's upset. Most of the time, it's because I've said something that triggers/hurts his feelings. However, the things I say or do aren't that mean in my opinion. For example, I cancelled and RESCHEDULED a date we were supposed to have because he picked me up late and we weren't going to make it on time. It was one of those reserved time entry locations, and I didn't want to be disrespectful to the workers for not being there before, on time, or even within 15 mins of being late. He knew what time he had to pick me up and what time we had to be there. I understand traffic can get bad where we live, but he didn't leave until an hour before the entry time. He lives an hour no traffic away from me and the place was 30 mins no traffic from me. I did my best to get us there at least 20 mins early to find parking and everything. He then claimed I was giving up on the date and proceeded to shut down. I told him we can go anywhere else and suggested 2 other places that were free entry. I also told him that I rebooked the date so we could go another day. Another example is when he did something slightly dangerous that triggered some brief anxiety for me, and I asked him to not do it again. He shut down on me, and I couldn't figure out why that would get him to not talk to me. He eventually told me that it was because he didn't want to make me anxious. There are at least 6 other times he has completely shut me out, and each time I do my best to be understanding and give him time to process before speaking to me. Something else that has irked me is the fact that while we were dating I have told him repeatedly that I would love to be his girlfriend. His excuses for not asking me out were 1. he wants to build memories with me first 2. he doesn't know if I will say yes 3. he doesn't know how/when to ask me. I understood the building memories portion; however, the way he kept phrasing it was that the plethora of dates, long calls, daily texts, etc. weren't strong enough. The "doesn't know if I will say yes" was stupid to me because I kept asking him why he won't ask me and that I want to be his girlfriend and I'll be waiting blah blah blah BUT NOTHING!!!! I also told him how and when to ask me. I said I don't care if he asked me out while we are eating food or just chilling in the car or wherever. If he asked me, I would be so thrilled and happy. Sure, would a girlfriend proposal be cute? Heck yes because that's like an extra extra effort. Would I have said no if he just did a basic asking? No, I wouldn't have rejected him like that. He told me later on that he wanted to ask me out at one certain place, but I told him multiple times I didn't want to be asked out there because he made me feel like shit because we couldn't go every time it was planned. I told him anywhere else but there. Did he listen? No. We went to that place a few weeks ago (I surprised him with the tickets) and he got upset that I didn't tell him so he could plan to ask me out. So when he did ask me out somewhere else, I said yes however I realized it's not how I wanted to be asked. It was at a beautiful beautiful location and we had a great morning but the reason I wish I wasn't asked out there is because I had to state (for the millionth time) that I have yet to be asked out. He then said to me that he doesn't know what I will say and that's why he hasn't asked. I HAVE INVITED HIM TO MEET MY FAMILY, BOUGHT HIM CONCERT TICKETS TO ONE OF HIS FAVORITE ARTISTS, AND INTRODUCED HIM TO MY CLOSE FRIENDS. WHAT MORE DO I HAVE TO DO??? GET HIS NAME TATTED? just kidding. Anyways.......the last thing I will say that irks me is that he claims I am hiding him from people. I can't tell if this is a joke or not, but it's getting annoying. I have been out in public with him a lot and show signs of PDA. My friends, roommate, and parents know about him. He's coming to a big event for me and meeting my immediate and extended family. The only thing I won't do is post him online. 1. I don't post myself. I have had no pictures on my pages for years. Just recently did I post a picture of me but that's rare and felt weird. 2. We have been bf and gf for less than a week.......why would I post you???? I can soft launch which I have done, but nothing further right now. 3. I prefer a private not secret relationship when it comes to social media. I know lots of people who follow me or who I interact with for things who can be straightforward and brutally blunt. He is already sensitive to my comments and cries if I am being serious and not all lovey lovey sugarcoating everything. He does not want to hear what I have already heard from some people. I can't even talk to him when he does stuff that upsets me because I know at the end of the day I will be comforting him instead of the other way around if he shuts down (which is 96% likely unless I tell him to not shut down on me and listen). Overall, I think I'd be okay with this behavior if we were together a bit longer than 3 months as I would realize that there's some underlying problem that has built up in our relationship, but I can't understand what has caused him to be like this. There are a few more light yellow flags for me but not worth me stressing over right now. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking of uninviting him to my big day event and meeting my family even though it's in 3 days. I can't tell if he's disrespecting me or if I'm just extremely insensitive or something. But I am exhausted. He even shut down on me again about 7 hours ago and I told him to stop but I don't know anywhere. Any advice for me before I talk to him?
Please and thank you and sorry if it's long and confusing.
2024.05.01 13:41 Vootoro [SF] Abomination
Abomination By Cody VJ
“Fuck off fat cunt” the insult comes from an old, dishevelled man with wrinkles squished in between his beady eyes. The smell of bourbon reeks off his clothes, off his breath. I think I am in his seat. It is a public bus stop and he has no right to the bench. In my cowardice I move, my place is sadly in the pouring, cold rain. The words fat cunt sting like an ice pick, melting into my bloodstream. “Sorry”, I say, as I remove myself from his spot. The man lies down on the bench and reaches into his bag for a longneck wrapped in a brown paper bag. He takes a long sip while the rain pelts the cement around us. The bus stop is outside the mall. I am heading home after a long shift, it is getting dark outside, and hundreds of cars are flying down the black, wet tarmac. Then my bus pulls in splashing up water onto the curb. “Fuck off fat cunt”. I am not even fat, not anymore. I mean sure, I guess my chest could be more toned or maybe my thighs could lose some more flab, but ‘fat cunt’? I didn’t work hard just to get called fat by some drunk. The playground comes into mind. There’s me, I am ten years old and a whole lot of fat is straddled to my hips and stomach. It is Friday morning; the air has cracked my lips. Classmates play on various, colourful equipment while Mrs Sanderson surveyed above like a hawk. Waddling over, my ears get hot and a catapult of insults get slung my way. “Fatty.” Kids can be cruel. Maybe I deserved it. Why didn’t Mrs Sanderson stop it? She just stood there zeroing in on me with disgust, she covered her mouth and gagged at the sight of me. I just wanted to play. Thud. I step up onto the slippery entrance of the bus. I look behind me at the bus top, the old blokes large, fat, beer belly pops out from his dirty brown jacket. Bastard. The bus driver is a thin, elderly blonde-haired woman. She looks just like Mrs Sanderson. After a quick g’day and a tap of my opal card, I take a seat in the first group of chairs where the prams and wheelchairs usually go. The doors close, and my prison for the next half an hour sets off. The bus is not flashy by any means. A few passengers muddy the interior with silence, the windows rattle with each bump in the road. It jostles the few passengers onboard. The aircon above me is whistling with an annoying pitch, smelling like old gas. The small town I live in slides by my window, a few of the passengers move, some of them cough and sneeze. Mrs Sanderson presses her foot on the brake as the bus stops at another bench. Outside, I see a pleasant looking woman drop her cigarette, stamp it out, step inside and tap her opal card. She blows her last breath of smoke near Mrs Sanderson’s face. The smoker then walks down the aisle and sits across from me. I check her out for a second. With a squeak of the buses door, we are off again. It travels to other stops along its route, turning down corners and hitting potholes along the way. I keep staring at the other passengers, at Mrs Sanderson through the mirror above her, at the smoker across from me. Why did he call me fat? Every street I get further away from the mall, the more I question it. I need a smoke. I nearly ask the chick across from me for one, but my throat is blocked like I’ve just been force-fed. I hear the gasp of her breath and my heart starts beating incredibly fast. Blood is pounding in my ears-does the ride home always take this long? The sky gets dark outside and passengers slowly filter out of the bus at various stops. Soon enough it is just me, Mrs Sanderson and the smoker. She is wearing a crop top and some tights. She’s young and fit, probably goes to the gym. I should get back into working out again. My eyes keep flicking up to check her out like some sleazy pervert. Does she think I am fat too? It has gotten colder, and I start to shiver. Why do the bus drivers never fucking turn down the aircon? “You right mate?” the smokers voice is raspy; it reminds me of Mum’s. “Y-yeah, why?” I stutter like a fool. As the word leave my lips, I realise I have been chewing off all my nails this whole time. I have been nibbling at their frayed, form edges like a famished mouse. “Stop eating your fingers and eat your bloody dinner” Mums voice croaks from the kitchen. I sit down at the table, my little chubby legs dangling off the dining chair. Spag bowl. Again. I remember twirling the wet spaghetti around my fork and devouring the entire meal like some pig at the trough. Mum joins me at the dinner table and eats her slop. I feel like making myself vomit. What an utterly disgusting body I have. I look at my fat fingers, the smoker still staring at me with a puzzled look. I feel my heart start to race, why the fuck am I not home yet. The darkness creeps in from outside and I find myself spiralling. Again. I need to get out of here, I quickly stand up nearly falling over from momentum, I hear the lady across from me ask if I’m alright again. I ignore it. My fingers plunge into the red stop button. My eyes meet with Mrs Sanderson through the mirror above her, the outside streetlamp giving her elderly skin a yellow hue. “There isn’t a stop till we get off the freeway darl” she says. I can barely formulate a response. I curl my fingers around the cold metal pole that guards the luggage near the front. The aircon blows in my direction flicking my fringe in my face. My hand begins to shake and falter, I flex my bicep and clench onto the safety of the pole for as long as I can. The silver coffin rattles as it races at high speeds along the freeway. I can feel the smoker’s eyes burning a hole right into my brain from behind. I think she’s talking to me but all I can make out are mumbles. I am too afraid to sit down and face her again. It’s so fucking cold in here but my hands are clamming up from sweat. Mrs Sanderson pulls off the freeways exit into some bush. The bus stop is coming up soon. The bush around me passes by, I can’t even comprehend how long I’ve been on this bus. The bus left the stability of the freeway a while ago, the rough, bush road makes me bump up and down and almost puts me to sleep. As my eyes close, my thoughts become erratic, I see a few faces from last week, from work. I see memories of when I was younger, from over ten years ago. I don’t think too hard on them. They are more like quick flashes into a time where I was worst. Where I was not myself. Where I was fat. I press the red buzzer for a second time. My feet are aching from standing up too long. With a tap of my opal card I shamble out of the doors. They take a second to open, I leave without hesitation, I don’t look back for a second. I am free. My shoulders loosen up and I let the natural open air fill my lungs. There is only one signpost and a streetlamp that flickers every ten or so seconds. The rain has stopped, and the leaves are damp, they wet the sole of my boots. The walk home is not long, about five minutes, I start walking. The only thing I can hear are the leaves in the strong wind that starts to howl. I look up and feel mesmerised by all the fluttering leaves that dance above me. I keep staring and the leaves turn to eyes staring at me with a piercing gaze. They blocked out the moonlight and form a dome around me. My anxiety kicks into gear again. The usual walk that I take nearly every night slowly turns me into a cautious maniac. I remember going for bush walks when I was young during school camps. I was always the last in the pack. Straggling. Left behind. I was always so sweaty. That’s the thing about losing weight, all that pressure, all that heat goes away. Those hikes were always harder being forty-three kilograms heavier. Fat Cunt. Yeah, he’s right. I was, still am. It stays with you. Everything reminds me of it, no matter how many times my girlfriend says, “You look so much different, I’m so proud of you.” I still see the 10-year-old kid. I still see me. My house lies on top of a tiny hill like a fat cupcake waiting to be eaten on a dinner plate. It has strong brick walls and a door of aged oak. The windows look out to the bush, casting a strong stare over wet leaves and damp grass. It’s rustic yet inside it is as modern as any city dwelling, more so perhaps. I may need the country for my soul, but I have no intention of living without the modern conveniences I was raised with. I plant my feet onto the porch of my house, the bug zapper humming in my left ear. My keys nearly fall out of my hands as I fumble opening our front door. I’m greeted by my girlfriend and her petite, small figure. “Hey babe, you alright?” she says. Can people stop asking me that! I manage to mumble a few words about work and how I just need a shower. She has a fucking bowl of ice cream in her hand. I storm past her and out of the entryway as fast as I can. I completely skip putting my bag on the kitchen table, I don’t want to be there. My stomach rumbles, I ignore it for now. I walk down my illuminated hallway to enter my bathroom. My bathroom is so small that only one person at a time could be in there, unless someone stands in the bath itself. The walls are a busy mosaic of white and blue, and the toilet could use a decent clean. I put my bag on the towel rack, face the toothpaste flicked mirror and start to undress. This is the hardest part of my day. I peel off my clothes layer by layer. Shoes and socks first, then my pants. jacket, dress shirt and finally underwear. I don’t dare open my eyes. My petite girlfriend pounds on the door and asks if I am alright. Just like on the bus, blood pounds in my ears, my head is throbbing like a toothache in my brain. It’s always the same, a crushing pain just on one side of my head that comes and goes in a pattern. Squeezing my eyes shut, I beg my pain to leave. The world around detaches from me, all I can concentrate on is the throbbing pain. Her voice drowns out. My eyes open. This abomination of flesh takes over my mirror. limbs flail everywhere as the giant, fat, mound of flesh stands like some failed experiment. Its man boobs create a hundred creases and its thighs struggle to hold up its weight. I can hear its fat slushing and twisting, churning like butter. A fat cunt, a ten-year-old, an absolute abomination. I ignore it, for now.
submitted by Vootoro to shortstories [link] [comments]
“Fuck off fat cunt” the insult comes from an old, dishevelled man with wrinkles squished in between his beady eyes. The smell of bourbon reeks off his clothes, off his breath. I think I am in his seat. It is a public bus stop and he has no right to the bench. In my cowardice I move, my place is sadly in the pouring, cold rain. The words fat cunt sting like an ice pick, melting into my bloodstream. “Sorry”, I say, as I remove myself from his spot. The man lies down on the bench and reaches into his bag for a longneck wrapped in a brown paper bag. He takes a long sip while the rain pelts the cement around us. The bus stop is outside the mall. I am heading home after a long shift, it is getting dark outside, and hundreds of cars are flying down the black, wet tarmac. Then my bus pulls in splashing up water onto the curb. “Fuck off fat cunt”. I am not even fat, not anymore. I mean sure, I guess my chest could be more toned or maybe my thighs could lose some more flab, but ‘fat cunt’? I didn’t work hard just to get called fat by some drunk. The playground comes into mind. There’s me, I am ten years old and a whole lot of fat is straddled to my hips and stomach. It is Friday morning; the air has cracked my lips. Classmates play on various, colourful equipment while Mrs Sanderson surveyed above like a hawk. Waddling over, my ears get hot and a catapult of insults get slung my way. “Fatty.” Kids can be cruel. Maybe I deserved it. Why didn’t Mrs Sanderson stop it? She just stood there zeroing in on me with disgust, she covered her mouth and gagged at the sight of me. I just wanted to play. Thud. I step up onto the slippery entrance of the bus. I look behind me at the bus top, the old blokes large, fat, beer belly pops out from his dirty brown jacket. Bastard. The bus driver is a thin, elderly blonde-haired woman. She looks just like Mrs Sanderson. After a quick g’day and a tap of my opal card, I take a seat in the first group of chairs where the prams and wheelchairs usually go. The doors close, and my prison for the next half an hour sets off. The bus is not flashy by any means. A few passengers muddy the interior with silence, the windows rattle with each bump in the road. It jostles the few passengers onboard. The aircon above me is whistling with an annoying pitch, smelling like old gas. The small town I live in slides by my window, a few of the passengers move, some of them cough and sneeze. Mrs Sanderson presses her foot on the brake as the bus stops at another bench. Outside, I see a pleasant looking woman drop her cigarette, stamp it out, step inside and tap her opal card. She blows her last breath of smoke near Mrs Sanderson’s face. The smoker then walks down the aisle and sits across from me. I check her out for a second. With a squeak of the buses door, we are off again. It travels to other stops along its route, turning down corners and hitting potholes along the way. I keep staring at the other passengers, at Mrs Sanderson through the mirror above her, at the smoker across from me. Why did he call me fat? Every street I get further away from the mall, the more I question it. I need a smoke. I nearly ask the chick across from me for one, but my throat is blocked like I’ve just been force-fed. I hear the gasp of her breath and my heart starts beating incredibly fast. Blood is pounding in my ears-does the ride home always take this long? The sky gets dark outside and passengers slowly filter out of the bus at various stops. Soon enough it is just me, Mrs Sanderson and the smoker. She is wearing a crop top and some tights. She’s young and fit, probably goes to the gym. I should get back into working out again. My eyes keep flicking up to check her out like some sleazy pervert. Does she think I am fat too? It has gotten colder, and I start to shiver. Why do the bus drivers never fucking turn down the aircon? “You right mate?” the smokers voice is raspy; it reminds me of Mum’s. “Y-yeah, why?” I stutter like a fool. As the word leave my lips, I realise I have been chewing off all my nails this whole time. I have been nibbling at their frayed, form edges like a famished mouse. “Stop eating your fingers and eat your bloody dinner” Mums voice croaks from the kitchen. I sit down at the table, my little chubby legs dangling off the dining chair. Spag bowl. Again. I remember twirling the wet spaghetti around my fork and devouring the entire meal like some pig at the trough. Mum joins me at the dinner table and eats her slop. I feel like making myself vomit. What an utterly disgusting body I have. I look at my fat fingers, the smoker still staring at me with a puzzled look. I feel my heart start to race, why the fuck am I not home yet. The darkness creeps in from outside and I find myself spiralling. Again. I need to get out of here, I quickly stand up nearly falling over from momentum, I hear the lady across from me ask if I’m alright again. I ignore it. My fingers plunge into the red stop button. My eyes meet with Mrs Sanderson through the mirror above her, the outside streetlamp giving her elderly skin a yellow hue. “There isn’t a stop till we get off the freeway darl” she says. I can barely formulate a response. I curl my fingers around the cold metal pole that guards the luggage near the front. The aircon blows in my direction flicking my fringe in my face. My hand begins to shake and falter, I flex my bicep and clench onto the safety of the pole for as long as I can. The silver coffin rattles as it races at high speeds along the freeway. I can feel the smoker’s eyes burning a hole right into my brain from behind. I think she’s talking to me but all I can make out are mumbles. I am too afraid to sit down and face her again. It’s so fucking cold in here but my hands are clamming up from sweat. Mrs Sanderson pulls off the freeways exit into some bush. The bus stop is coming up soon. The bush around me passes by, I can’t even comprehend how long I’ve been on this bus. The bus left the stability of the freeway a while ago, the rough, bush road makes me bump up and down and almost puts me to sleep. As my eyes close, my thoughts become erratic, I see a few faces from last week, from work. I see memories of when I was younger, from over ten years ago. I don’t think too hard on them. They are more like quick flashes into a time where I was worst. Where I was not myself. Where I was fat. I press the red buzzer for a second time. My feet are aching from standing up too long. With a tap of my opal card I shamble out of the doors. They take a second to open, I leave without hesitation, I don’t look back for a second. I am free. My shoulders loosen up and I let the natural open air fill my lungs. There is only one signpost and a streetlamp that flickers every ten or so seconds. The rain has stopped, and the leaves are damp, they wet the sole of my boots. The walk home is not long, about five minutes, I start walking. The only thing I can hear are the leaves in the strong wind that starts to howl. I look up and feel mesmerised by all the fluttering leaves that dance above me. I keep staring and the leaves turn to eyes staring at me with a piercing gaze. They blocked out the moonlight and form a dome around me. My anxiety kicks into gear again. The usual walk that I take nearly every night slowly turns me into a cautious maniac. I remember going for bush walks when I was young during school camps. I was always the last in the pack. Straggling. Left behind. I was always so sweaty. That’s the thing about losing weight, all that pressure, all that heat goes away. Those hikes were always harder being forty-three kilograms heavier. Fat Cunt. Yeah, he’s right. I was, still am. It stays with you. Everything reminds me of it, no matter how many times my girlfriend says, “You look so much different, I’m so proud of you.” I still see the 10-year-old kid. I still see me. My house lies on top of a tiny hill like a fat cupcake waiting to be eaten on a dinner plate. It has strong brick walls and a door of aged oak. The windows look out to the bush, casting a strong stare over wet leaves and damp grass. It’s rustic yet inside it is as modern as any city dwelling, more so perhaps. I may need the country for my soul, but I have no intention of living without the modern conveniences I was raised with. I plant my feet onto the porch of my house, the bug zapper humming in my left ear. My keys nearly fall out of my hands as I fumble opening our front door. I’m greeted by my girlfriend and her petite, small figure. “Hey babe, you alright?” she says. Can people stop asking me that! I manage to mumble a few words about work and how I just need a shower. She has a fucking bowl of ice cream in her hand. I storm past her and out of the entryway as fast as I can. I completely skip putting my bag on the kitchen table, I don’t want to be there. My stomach rumbles, I ignore it for now. I walk down my illuminated hallway to enter my bathroom. My bathroom is so small that only one person at a time could be in there, unless someone stands in the bath itself. The walls are a busy mosaic of white and blue, and the toilet could use a decent clean. I put my bag on the towel rack, face the toothpaste flicked mirror and start to undress. This is the hardest part of my day. I peel off my clothes layer by layer. Shoes and socks first, then my pants. jacket, dress shirt and finally underwear. I don’t dare open my eyes. My petite girlfriend pounds on the door and asks if I am alright. Just like on the bus, blood pounds in my ears, my head is throbbing like a toothache in my brain. It’s always the same, a crushing pain just on one side of my head that comes and goes in a pattern. Squeezing my eyes shut, I beg my pain to leave. The world around detaches from me, all I can concentrate on is the throbbing pain. Her voice drowns out. My eyes open. This abomination of flesh takes over my mirror. limbs flail everywhere as the giant, fat, mound of flesh stands like some failed experiment. Its man boobs create a hundred creases and its thighs struggle to hold up its weight. I can hear its fat slushing and twisting, churning like butter. A fat cunt, a ten-year-old, an absolute abomination. I ignore it, for now.
2024.05.01 13:40 Stage-Piercing727 Best 12 Gauge Shell Holder
 | submitted by Stage-Piercing727 to u/Stage-Piercing727 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/17ceasotxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0afbf3bd4b806b649c2c4da4f410e950b04033c0 Welcome to our roundup of the best 12 Gauge Shell Holders on the market! Are you tired of constantly trying to keep your shells organized while shooting? Look no further, as we've compiled a list of top-rated products designed to make your shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable. In this article, we will review a variety of 12 Gauge Shell Holders to help you find the perfect one for your needs. From durable materials to easy-to-use designs, we've got you covered. So, whether you're a seasoned gun enthusiast or just starting out, our roundup of the best 12 Gauge Shell Holders is sure to have something for everyone. Make your shooting experience better with one of these top-notch products! The Top 7 Best 12 Gauge Shell Holder
Reviews🔗Velcro Shotgun Shell Holder for Open Top Pouchhttps://preview.redd.it/htw6ng4uxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e96a3557a12251407187fdf042678b082b5b8e29 The Plate Carrier Shotgun Shell Holder in Multicam, or HRT Caddy, has become an essential part of my daily life. Its unique design allows you to carry four additional shotgun rounds with ease. The HRT Caddy is versatile and can fit in various locations where loop Velcro is present, making it convenient for open top modulus pouches or hooks. The 500 Denier Cordura is a highlight feature that adds durability to the HRT Caddy, ensuring it can withstand wear and tear even when used in the field. One downside of the Shotgun Caddy is its lead time, which can take up to 30 days subject to change. However, the performance advantages and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter's gear. 🔗Advanced Shotgun Shell Auto Catcher for Easy Reloading and Gun Protectionhttps://preview.redd.it/hi8k9ckuxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3256813ea232a8279d32c5f597240de1d6c263a2 Recently, I had the chance to test out the Carlson 12 Gauge Right Handed Auto Catcher, a handy gadget for avid hunters and shooting enthusiasts. This shotgun shell catcher is specially designed to prevent empty hulls from being ejected through the receiver opening on semi-automatic shotguns and holds them for easy removal. With a simple and hassle-free installation process, it saves precious time and energy from constantly bending down to pick up empty hulls. One of the features that I found particularly useful is the soft, padded tape. It acts as a barrier between the metal plate and the gun, ensuring that the metal plate does not cause any scratches or damage to the receiver's finish. This attention to detail has been a true lifesaver for my hunting equipment. However, there was a slight learning curve in adjusting the Auto Catcher to fit properly on different semi-automatic shotguns. It required a bit of trial and error to ensure a secure fit, and there were some cases where it did not work with certain shotgun models. Despite the minor inconvenience, the Carlson 12 Gauge Right Handed Auto Catcher definitely proved its worth on the range. I am confident that it will make trap shooting and other shooting activities much more efficient and enjoyable for both myself and fellow shooters. This is an essential addition to any hunter's arsenal. 🔗Lee #12 X-Press Shell Holder for App Reloading Presshttps://preview.redd.it/j4ediyvuxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=962e53088a1b3c48bf84b94c0c8bddfb10330a2a I recently tried the Lee X-Press Shellholder #12 and it has been a game-changer in my reloading process. This shell holder fits perfectly for 22 PPC, 6 PPC, and 7.62x39 cases, making it a versatile tool in my arsenal. The X-press system allows the case to easily pass through the shell holder once the necessary operations have been completed. With its dimensions of 0.60" x 3.70" x 4.95", this holder is compact yet sturdy. Its size and finish are #12, which adds a sleek touch to the overall appearance. I found the shell holder to be an essential component when using the APP press, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. However, I did encounter some minor issues. The holder can be a bit challenging to attach to the press initially, but once it's set up, it works like a charm. Additionally, this shell holder is specifically designed for adult use, so make sure you're in the right age group if you plan to use it. Overall, the Lee X-Press Shellholder #12 is a reliable and quality tool that simplifies the reloading process for various cases. Its sleek design and functionality make it a worthwhile investment for any serious reloader. 🔗Universal Precision-Machined Redding Shellholder Set for 9mm Luger and 9x18mmhttps://preview.redd.it/q88c3cdvxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=081412ff1994091383b909c66842e35d8ec4ba37 I recently started using the Redding Shellholder #13 and let me tell you, it's a game-changer in my reloading routine. This tapered design is a game-changer, making case insertion feel like a breeze compared to other holders I've used. The precision-machining ensures a perfect fit for my cases, which is a huge plus since I've had issues with some holders before. My favorite feature has to be the universal design that fits my reloading press perfectly. Plus, the heat-treated exterior and knurling make handling and changing cases a breeze. Overall, I'm really pleased with this product and would highly recommend. 🔗10 Gauge RCBS Shell Holder Set for Affluent Shotshellshttps://preview.redd.it/bkpa0gpvxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5dd43b2b43b8f719f652f756f1f76037b719f53 I recently had the chance to try out the 71510 10 Gauge Shellholder, and I must say, it was a game-changer for me. As someone who frequently engages in activities requiring shellholders, this product immediately caught my attention. One aspect that truly stood out was the durability of the shellholder. It has held up well during my rigorous use, showing no signs of wear even after numerous rounds of use. The press-type design is also a fantastic feature, making it incredibly easy to operate. While using the 71510 10 Gauge Shellholder, I did notice a slight drawback. The sizing might not be a perfect fit for some shells, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users. However, given the overall performance and convenience it offers, I believe the pros outweigh the cons in this instance. 🔗Pine Ridge 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Coaster Set: Hunting-Inspired Gift for Man Cavehttps://preview.redd.it/5bb6ox1wxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b08ea4ccef7ce6d5b7150694c70e92c898c5dcd8 Having tested these Buckshot 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Coasters, I must say, they're quite a conversation starter. The cold cast resin design perfectly mimics the real thing, giving your home a delightful touch of the outdoors. The coasters are sturdy and felt-bottomed, ensuring they don't scratch your furniture. This 4-piece set comes with an easy-to-store holder, adding a unique touch to its already impressive design. However, despite their durability, they cannot be washed in a dishwasher, which can be a drawback for some users. Yet, their hand-wash-only nature lends a certain personal touch that one can appreciate. Overall, these coasters live up to their 'bullseye' reputation, adding a splendid dose of charm to your man cave or hunting cabin's décor. 🔗Universal Lyman X-12 12 Gauge Shell Holderhttps://preview.redd.it/2mwskccwxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b28b96a519dde96f0749d2621362fa0e37b6ed0 I recently gave the Lyman X-12 Shellholder (0.30 Luger Pistol Caliber) a spin in my daily routine, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with its performance. This little beast is made from good old-fashioned quality steel, ensuring a perfect case fit for your cartridges. It works seamlessly with any Lyman press, and I've had no issues incorporating it into my reloading setup. One of the coolest features of this shellholder is its ability to fit a wide range of calibers, not just the 0.30 Luger. It's like having a Swiss Army knife of shellholders - all the tools you need for the job, right at your fingertips. The steel quality is top-notch, giving it a sturdy, dependable feel that I've grown to appreciate. While the Lyman X-12 Shellholder has its perks, I did encounter a minor hiccup. Occasionally, the shellholder would not fit into the locking lugs of my pistol, causing some frustration. However, a quick adjustment to the barrel usually did the trick and allowed me to safely load my rounds. It's a minor gripe, but one I felt was worth mentioning in my experience. Overall, the Lyman X-12 Shellholder (0.30 Luger Pistol Caliber) proved to be a reliable and versatile addition to my reloading arsenal. It's a bit of an investment, but for the peace of mind it provides and the convenience it offers, I'd say it's well worth the cost. Plus, with excellent customer service and quick shipping from Natchezs, you've got nothing to lose but that last bit of frustration from misfiring rounds. Buyer's GuideThe 12 Gauge Shell Holder is an essential accessory for shotgun enthusiasts. It is designed to store the 12 Gauge shells securely and conveniently. A well-made holder can make your shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable. In this buyer's guide, we will discuss the important features to consider when selecting a 12 Gauge Shell Holder.Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/4rbg40xwxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=315c680fb884999236fb6413ba410161ceafb943 The material of a 12 Gauge Shell Holder plays a crucial role in its durability and functionality. Popular materials include plastic, metal, and durable polymers. Metal or polymer holders are generally more robust and resistant to wear and tear. They also tend to have better moisture resistance, an essential factor when using them outdoors. Make sure to choose a holder made from high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance. CapacityConsider the number of shells you want to store when selecting a 12 Gauge Shell Holder. The capacity of a holder varies depending on its design. Some holders can store as few as 4 rounds, while others can hold up to 10 or more. Select a holder that meets your specific storage needs, balancing the capacity with size and portability.Storage TypeThere are two primary types of 12 Gauge Shell Holder designs: standalone and belt-mounted. Standalone holders require a stable surface for placement, while belt-mounted holders can be worn around the waist. Standalone holders provide easier access to stored shells, but they take up space. Belt-mounted holders are more portable but may be more accessible when needed. https://preview.redd.it/30pn055yxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08cdfb23d0b06b2382815d85bc014344a3403e82 Weight and SizeWhile capacity is important, it's also crucial to consider the weight and size of the holder. A bulky or heavy holder can be inconvenient to carry and store, limiting its usefulness. Look for a holder with a balance between capacity and portability without sacrificing durability or functionality.Ease of UseA good 12 Gauge Shell Holder should be easy to use and quick to load. Some holders feature a spring-loaded mechanism or a tip-off design that allows for easy removal of shells. Choose a holder that fits comfortably and securely in your hand or on your belt, allowing you to access shells quickly during shooting activities.Durabilityhttps://preview.redd.it/35oekufyxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ec639f45b67acfde6d23f6f2a71921f930f4d86 As with any purchase, durability is a key consideration. A high-quality holder will withstand repeated use and rough handling without cracking or breaking. Read reviews and check product specifications to make sure the holder you choose can withstand the demands of your shooting activities. Price and AvailabilityThe price and availability of a 12 Gauge Shell Holder should also be taken into account. While it's not always necessary to buy the cheapest option, investing in a budget model may not provide the best performance or durability. Research and compare prices, and ensure the product is readily available from a reliable seller.When choosing a 12 Gauge Shell Holder, consider the material, capacity, storage type, weight and size, ease of use, durability, and price and availability. Selecting a high-quality holder that meets these criteria will enhance your shooting experience and ensure a secure and convenient storage solution. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/47zt9nvyxsxc1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=66419bc41d42dbcc77bf151b2d9467b459329714 What is a 12 Gauge Shell Holder?A 12 Gauge Shell Holder is a device designed to securely hold and store 12-gauge shotgun shells, allowing for easy access and quick reloading during shooting sessions.Why do I need a 12 Gauge Shell Holder?Having a 12 Gauge Shell Holder is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to keep your ammunition organized and easily accessible during your shooting sessions. Secondly, it can increase your reloading speed, which is essential for target shooting or hunting scenarios. Lastly, a good 12 Gauge Shell Holder will help you avoid misfires and other accidents that can occur when trying to load shells in a hurry.What are the key features to look for in a 12 Gauge Shell Holder?
What materials are commonly used for making 12 Gauge Shell Holders?12 Gauge Shell Holders are typically made from materials such as plastic, metal, or a combination of both. The choice of material depends on factors such as durability, weight, and cost.What is the difference between a 12 Gauge Shell Holder and a shotgun shell pouch?While both are designed to hold and store 12-gauge shotgun shells, there are a few key differences. A 12 Gauge Shell Holder is generally more secure and less prone to tipping over compared to a shell pouch. Additionally, shell holders often come with adjustable features that allow for a better fit and easier access to the shells.How do I choose the right 12 Gauge Shell Holder for my needs?When selecting a 12 Gauge Shell Holder, consider the following factors: your budget, the type of shooting you will be doing, the size and number of shells you need to store, and the portability requirements. By taking these factors into account, you can find a shell holder that meets your needs and provides the best value for your money.Can I use a 12 Gauge Shell Holder for other types of ammunition?While most 12 Gauge Shell Holders are specifically designed to accommodate 12-gauge shotgun shells, some may be adjustable to fit other types of ammunition as well. It's essential to check the product's specifications to ensure it can hold the ammunition you intend to use.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.01 13:39 chitheinsanechibi Preparing to go NC feels a little like preparing for war.
Hey, it's me again lol. For the full context check my post history but the TL;DR is that my ndad was a complete ass on our trip to take my mum's ashes to her hometown to scatter and my sister and I are just completely and totally DONE with his BS.
So at the moment, I'm kinda in a limbo. The reason for this is my brother wants to have a face to face conversation with ndad about his behaviour on the trip, mostly for his own peace of mind so that the last thing he said to ndad weren't angry words. And hey, if that's what he needs, then that's what he needs and I am totally here to support him.
Because of this though, my sister and I are holding off on sending ndad our emails/letters telling him that we're initiating no contact and each of us briefly outlining our reasons. (Yes we know he'll just try to twist that reasoning, but honestly that part is for US to get it out of our systems, and so he can't come back and try to say that we didn't give him a reason).
The reason we're holding off on sending our letters until after brother has met with dad is because we KNOW that if we do it before brother gets a chance to have that conversation, the conversation will be ALL about how sister and I 'betrayed' ndad, how horrible we are etc. And I want to give my brother the best chance at having a focused conversation about their issues without my sister and I muddying the waters.
In the meantime however, I am starting to steel myself because as soon as that conversation is done, I am pushing the send button and letting the nukes fly. My anxiety is through the roof though because I really don't know how he will respond. Especially with my sister and I cutting him off simultaneously. Losing 2 sources of supply at once might make him even more volatile and unpredictable, so obviously I'm going for the 'hope for the best, but prepare for the worst' mindset.
To that end, I've already warned my daughter and niece's school that we're cutting ndad off and that he is no longer permitted to pick the girls up from school (he used to do drop-off and pick up on Wednesdays) and that if he shows up to basically not let him have the girls and use all their resources to basically get him to go away. The principal (who is so amazing and I adore her) has reassured me and my sister that the school has our backs and will support us and our daughters through this.
So my question is, what else should I be doing to prepare for the inevitable fallout? My husband has some tools of ndad's that we've been borrowing, but we're collecting them up so that when he demands them back we can just give them to him and have that be the end of it.
Any other suggestions/bases to cover? What crazy shit did your nparents do when you cut contact? I am totally here for the tea.
If people are interested I can also post the email I'm planning to send to ndad for your thoughts and comments, but I also understand that it's my baggage to carry and am happy to do so.
Thanks fellow ACNs, I love this community and knowing I'm not alone.
submitted by chitheinsanechibi to raisedbynarcissists [link] [comments]
So at the moment, I'm kinda in a limbo. The reason for this is my brother wants to have a face to face conversation with ndad about his behaviour on the trip, mostly for his own peace of mind so that the last thing he said to ndad weren't angry words. And hey, if that's what he needs, then that's what he needs and I am totally here to support him.
Because of this though, my sister and I are holding off on sending ndad our emails/letters telling him that we're initiating no contact and each of us briefly outlining our reasons. (Yes we know he'll just try to twist that reasoning, but honestly that part is for US to get it out of our systems, and so he can't come back and try to say that we didn't give him a reason).
The reason we're holding off on sending our letters until after brother has met with dad is because we KNOW that if we do it before brother gets a chance to have that conversation, the conversation will be ALL about how sister and I 'betrayed' ndad, how horrible we are etc. And I want to give my brother the best chance at having a focused conversation about their issues without my sister and I muddying the waters.
In the meantime however, I am starting to steel myself because as soon as that conversation is done, I am pushing the send button and letting the nukes fly. My anxiety is through the roof though because I really don't know how he will respond. Especially with my sister and I cutting him off simultaneously. Losing 2 sources of supply at once might make him even more volatile and unpredictable, so obviously I'm going for the 'hope for the best, but prepare for the worst' mindset.
To that end, I've already warned my daughter and niece's school that we're cutting ndad off and that he is no longer permitted to pick the girls up from school (he used to do drop-off and pick up on Wednesdays) and that if he shows up to basically not let him have the girls and use all their resources to basically get him to go away. The principal (who is so amazing and I adore her) has reassured me and my sister that the school has our backs and will support us and our daughters through this.
So my question is, what else should I be doing to prepare for the inevitable fallout? My husband has some tools of ndad's that we've been borrowing, but we're collecting them up so that when he demands them back we can just give them to him and have that be the end of it.
Any other suggestions/bases to cover? What crazy shit did your nparents do when you cut contact? I am totally here for the tea.
If people are interested I can also post the email I'm planning to send to ndad for your thoughts and comments, but I also understand that it's my baggage to carry and am happy to do so.
Thanks fellow ACNs, I love this community and knowing I'm not alone.
2024.05.01 13:39 KanadeKanashi If only I was better
We met, on a busy train station Eyes locked, shoulders relaxed We hugged, and after that, Everything was quite alright
We'd walk around the city You gave me a gift But there was no greater gift, Than the joy in your eyes
We'd talk late into the night Sitting shoulder to shoulder On a little metro station bench We weren't quite ready to leave
But that wasn't our final day We grew closer, became a pair A spark of happiness formed Everything was quite alright
Wild events would happen I still remember, meeting your mom While dying on your couch What a day that was
We'd start a new journey together In an unknown city A road of discovery With each our own place
We met wonderful people Even though we were always a package We would bond with them for our own merits And make so many friends
We'd have our ups and downs Failed semesters, or getting evicted But we had each other through it all Everything seemed quite alright
But what I did not realize Was that my personal issues Started creeping up to us And they slowly started to build a wall
You'd climb the wall, build a ladder Desperate to make us work We loved each other after all But the wall became a cliff
And that cliff was oh so deep A bottomless pit for my desires and needs You'd continue trying to fill it With all the love in your heart
But that love wasn't enough for me And I wasn't able to admit I wasn't ready For your love. For your faith in me Not everything was alright
We persisted. I moved into the new place But something changed in me I no longer was that same person That met you on that station platform
Compulsive lies. Unfaithful actions Seeding doubt. Creation questions, That I would never answer Pushing you away inch by inch
Until that fateful Tuesday Where nothing was alright anymore You could no longer recognize me As the man you once loved
And I tried blaming you. For everything that went wrong Not seeing, that I was to blame That I was the one who was fucked up And that I should feel some shame
In the span of less than a week I would transform into a nightmare from the best that ever happened to you To becoming the worst
And I still couldn't see it The pain I was causing you I would continue pushing you Breaking boundaries of everyone involved
And now I sit here Painfully aware of all my sins And knowing there is nothing left Nothing I can do to make things right
Except for letting you go Letting you heal from the scars I caused And work on myself But why is it so hard?
Ever day, I wake up imagining your voice Telling me good morning I imagine apologizing to you Telling you how stupid I was
Every day, I cry my heart out Realizing I lost you forever That I'll never see your eyes Light up in joy again
But what hurts the most Is knowing how much I hurt you The nights you must have spent crying And how alone you must feel
Because you lost your best friend A long time ago, when I changed If only I could have been better But now I'm no longer your lover
I'll continue to mourn us every day And follow my promise to myself To never hurt anyone like this ever again To become a better person
I know it's too late for us Nothing will bring us back Not after all this pain Nothing will ever be alright again
I know this isn't a very good poem, but I needed to get this out of my heart and onto paper. Thank you to whoever reads it.
submitted by KanadeKanashi to Poems [link] [comments]
We'd walk around the city You gave me a gift But there was no greater gift, Than the joy in your eyes
We'd talk late into the night Sitting shoulder to shoulder On a little metro station bench We weren't quite ready to leave
But that wasn't our final day We grew closer, became a pair A spark of happiness formed Everything was quite alright
Wild events would happen I still remember, meeting your mom While dying on your couch What a day that was
We'd start a new journey together In an unknown city A road of discovery With each our own place
We met wonderful people Even though we were always a package We would bond with them for our own merits And make so many friends
We'd have our ups and downs Failed semesters, or getting evicted But we had each other through it all Everything seemed quite alright
But what I did not realize Was that my personal issues Started creeping up to us And they slowly started to build a wall
You'd climb the wall, build a ladder Desperate to make us work We loved each other after all But the wall became a cliff
And that cliff was oh so deep A bottomless pit for my desires and needs You'd continue trying to fill it With all the love in your heart
But that love wasn't enough for me And I wasn't able to admit I wasn't ready For your love. For your faith in me Not everything was alright
We persisted. I moved into the new place But something changed in me I no longer was that same person That met you on that station platform
Compulsive lies. Unfaithful actions Seeding doubt. Creation questions, That I would never answer Pushing you away inch by inch
Until that fateful Tuesday Where nothing was alright anymore You could no longer recognize me As the man you once loved
And I tried blaming you. For everything that went wrong Not seeing, that I was to blame That I was the one who was fucked up And that I should feel some shame
In the span of less than a week I would transform into a nightmare from the best that ever happened to you To becoming the worst
And I still couldn't see it The pain I was causing you I would continue pushing you Breaking boundaries of everyone involved
And now I sit here Painfully aware of all my sins And knowing there is nothing left Nothing I can do to make things right
Except for letting you go Letting you heal from the scars I caused And work on myself But why is it so hard?
Ever day, I wake up imagining your voice Telling me good morning I imagine apologizing to you Telling you how stupid I was
Every day, I cry my heart out Realizing I lost you forever That I'll never see your eyes Light up in joy again
But what hurts the most Is knowing how much I hurt you The nights you must have spent crying And how alone you must feel
Because you lost your best friend A long time ago, when I changed If only I could have been better But now I'm no longer your lover
I'll continue to mourn us every day And follow my promise to myself To never hurt anyone like this ever again To become a better person
I know it's too late for us Nothing will bring us back Not after all this pain Nothing will ever be alright again
I know this isn't a very good poem, but I needed to get this out of my heart and onto paper. Thank you to whoever reads it.
2024.05.01 13:37 tinderstoryed [23F][27M] What would be your reason for liking all of someone's social media posts?
I went on a date with a guy I met on a dating app 6 months ago. We had a good time, got something to eat, things got a bit physical, we almost had sex but I stopped him because I felt it was too soon, so we left it at some head and making out. It was a very romantic experience, and he said it was the most intimate experience he'd ever had. I coined him as the most gentle person I had ever met.
Fast forward months later and I get follow requests from him and a woman on Instagram who I find out is his girlfriend. I accept the requests and message his girlfriend (that I had no idea existed), who was asking about what happened that night. I guess he felt so guilty he had confessed to her what had happened, but she wanted to hear it from me to make sure our stories aligned, so she hunted me down on social media. I called her and told her everything, and then I had a short call with him after (his gf put him on the phone). I truly wished them both well. Aside from this incident, she said they had been together 5 years and he had never done anything to hurt her, and I could tell it was a huge source of hurt not only for her, but for him, who was ridden with guilt over it all.
That was 2.5 months ago. Today I logged into my Instagram for the first time since then (I don't really use social media) and saw that he had liked all of my posts. I only have 6 posts on Instagram. What is most odd to me is that he staggered these likes; he liked one 8w ago, two 7w ago, two 6w ago, one 4w ago. He also hearted a DM I sent him 8w ago when his gf had contacted me (the DM itself was harmless; it was just me reaching out about talking to them).
I'm a bit confused by this behavior. His gf shared with me in our call that she's logged into his Instagram, so she can see all of his activity, and he's aware of that. I want to think it was maybe his gf that went through my account, but that doesn't really make sense because she's very active on her own account, so I don't have much of an explanation for why she would switch accounts to interact with my posts. My friend said that didn't really make sense, and it was probably him that did it. I'm wondering if he chose to do something a bit more quiet and sneaky; if I sent him a message, his gf would get the notification, but she won't get notified if he just likes my photos.
So, I'm wondering, what does it mean to guys when they choose to like all of a girl's posts? Is this something wrong that I should tell her about? I'm leaning towards just letting them be, because it feels too small to bring up and I want them to just move on, but the behavior feels very icky to me. If it were me and I found out my partner liked all the photos of the girl he cheated with I would spiral, but maybe it was a harmless and thoughtless action on his part. I want to give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps he's just thinking about it a lot (because he's so guilty) and keeps coming back to my profile for that reason. But I also can't help but wonder if he's doing it to try to get my attention in a way that she wouldn't notice.
My conclusion right now is that I should just stay out of it. I told her everything I could months ago, they're still choosing to be together, and this is a small thing that truly could be harmless and there's no need to ring a false alarm bell in their relationship when it's already in a fragile state. Thoughts?
submitted by tinderstoryed to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
Fast forward months later and I get follow requests from him and a woman on Instagram who I find out is his girlfriend. I accept the requests and message his girlfriend (that I had no idea existed), who was asking about what happened that night. I guess he felt so guilty he had confessed to her what had happened, but she wanted to hear it from me to make sure our stories aligned, so she hunted me down on social media. I called her and told her everything, and then I had a short call with him after (his gf put him on the phone). I truly wished them both well. Aside from this incident, she said they had been together 5 years and he had never done anything to hurt her, and I could tell it was a huge source of hurt not only for her, but for him, who was ridden with guilt over it all.
That was 2.5 months ago. Today I logged into my Instagram for the first time since then (I don't really use social media) and saw that he had liked all of my posts. I only have 6 posts on Instagram. What is most odd to me is that he staggered these likes; he liked one 8w ago, two 7w ago, two 6w ago, one 4w ago. He also hearted a DM I sent him 8w ago when his gf had contacted me (the DM itself was harmless; it was just me reaching out about talking to them).
I'm a bit confused by this behavior. His gf shared with me in our call that she's logged into his Instagram, so she can see all of his activity, and he's aware of that. I want to think it was maybe his gf that went through my account, but that doesn't really make sense because she's very active on her own account, so I don't have much of an explanation for why she would switch accounts to interact with my posts. My friend said that didn't really make sense, and it was probably him that did it. I'm wondering if he chose to do something a bit more quiet and sneaky; if I sent him a message, his gf would get the notification, but she won't get notified if he just likes my photos.
So, I'm wondering, what does it mean to guys when they choose to like all of a girl's posts? Is this something wrong that I should tell her about? I'm leaning towards just letting them be, because it feels too small to bring up and I want them to just move on, but the behavior feels very icky to me. If it were me and I found out my partner liked all the photos of the girl he cheated with I would spiral, but maybe it was a harmless and thoughtless action on his part. I want to give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps he's just thinking about it a lot (because he's so guilty) and keeps coming back to my profile for that reason. But I also can't help but wonder if he's doing it to try to get my attention in a way that she wouldn't notice.
My conclusion right now is that I should just stay out of it. I told her everything I could months ago, they're still choosing to be together, and this is a small thing that truly could be harmless and there's no need to ring a false alarm bell in their relationship when it's already in a fragile state. Thoughts?
2024.05.01 13:37 AKindaCoolWeirdo My Ex broke up and immediately moved on.
My ex, with whom I was almost 2 years together, broke up with me about 1.5 months ago. It really messed me up mentally for a week, but I managed to get back on my feet relatively quickly. However, a couple of weeks post-breakup, I unfortunately found out she had immediately moved on with someone new—a mutual friend she met the evening before our breakup.
The relationship towards the end was not great. Although she was a beautiful woman, we no longer found each other sexually attractive. We constantly partied, used drugs, and spent our weekdays in bad moods just lounging around watching TV series. Financially, she was much better off than I was; she owned a practice while I was just a student.
Anyway, I have a large "party friend group," and a guy I brought into this group, whom I had talked a lot with and was cool with, ended up hooking up with my ex right after we split or maybe even while we were together. This devastated me. I abused drugs because I couldn't handle these emotions, threatened him with violence, and basically terrorized them both. It's incredibly embarrassing and I'm ashamed of my actions, but I also understand my own feelings because I had to endure the betrayal.
I even ended up in a clinic because it affected my mental health so badly, and I needed to detox. I've managed to heal a bit since then. Sure, I've been a bit of a burden to my friends because I'm currently difficult to interact with, keep retelling this story, and am unfortunately trapped in my own head. But I kinda got better.
I was even ready to forgive my ex-girlfriend, wrote to her again despite being almost completely blocked, for which she thanked me. However, last weekend, I saw her in a club with her new guy. Since they're also friends with my friends, I had to be near them as my friends wanted to hang out with them. I ended up losing control of my emotions again, spat in front of the guy’s shoes, and later sent her a message telling them to stay away from me, that his friends badmouth him, that I heard she can't handle her alcohol anymore, and that I wouldn’t care if the guy overdosed.
I know I made everything worse again, and even though I apologized afterward, I know that it only complicated things more. Since we live close to each other and share the same circle of friends, it's an incredibly shitty situation because now I look like the psycho. But that's life, I guess.
submitted by AKindaCoolWeirdo to ExNoContact [link] [comments]
The relationship towards the end was not great. Although she was a beautiful woman, we no longer found each other sexually attractive. We constantly partied, used drugs, and spent our weekdays in bad moods just lounging around watching TV series. Financially, she was much better off than I was; she owned a practice while I was just a student.
Anyway, I have a large "party friend group," and a guy I brought into this group, whom I had talked a lot with and was cool with, ended up hooking up with my ex right after we split or maybe even while we were together. This devastated me. I abused drugs because I couldn't handle these emotions, threatened him with violence, and basically terrorized them both. It's incredibly embarrassing and I'm ashamed of my actions, but I also understand my own feelings because I had to endure the betrayal.
I even ended up in a clinic because it affected my mental health so badly, and I needed to detox. I've managed to heal a bit since then. Sure, I've been a bit of a burden to my friends because I'm currently difficult to interact with, keep retelling this story, and am unfortunately trapped in my own head. But I kinda got better.
I was even ready to forgive my ex-girlfriend, wrote to her again despite being almost completely blocked, for which she thanked me. However, last weekend, I saw her in a club with her new guy. Since they're also friends with my friends, I had to be near them as my friends wanted to hang out with them. I ended up losing control of my emotions again, spat in front of the guy’s shoes, and later sent her a message telling them to stay away from me, that his friends badmouth him, that I heard she can't handle her alcohol anymore, and that I wouldn’t care if the guy overdosed.
I know I made everything worse again, and even though I apologized afterward, I know that it only complicated things more. Since we live close to each other and share the same circle of friends, it's an incredibly shitty situation because now I look like the psycho. But that's life, I guess.
2024.05.01 13:34 Late_Cheesecake_3908 21 [F4A] talks, games, updates
Just want a comfortable presence to fill up empty days atm, g? None of that flirting stuff, low maintenance friends but I understand if things feel forced
about me: - premed - loves deep talks bout life, love, etc (anything under the moon, except nsfw) - currently engaging with: gym, games, self-care, art - I still reply even if it's the most random topic at the most random time. - type of person who'd bully and tease you - willing to talk if you're having a rough time - honest - nonchalant (i hate this word) pero marunong makiramdam - hindi talks a lot (i'm working on it naman!)
you:
if u have servers or groups i can join, i'll try my best to fit in!
see ya buddy :)
submitted by Late_Cheesecake_3908 to PhR4Friends [link] [comments]
about me: - premed - loves deep talks bout life, love, etc (anything under the moon, except nsfw) - currently engaging with: gym, games, self-care, art - I still reply even if it's the most random topic at the most random time. - type of person who'd bully and tease you - willing to talk if you're having a rough time - honest - nonchalant (i hate this word) pero marunong makiramdam - hindi talks a lot (i'm working on it naman!)
you:
- same wavelength
- understands late replies
- same interests
- just needs a friend, nothing more
- if not interested in replying, do tell, no hard feelings on my part
if u have servers or groups i can join, i'll try my best to fit in!
see ya buddy :)
2024.05.01 13:32 Tatgatkate Graduated in February but wanted to make this post for a while (NT scan)
So while I was pregnant I was way too scared to look into things more than I had done because if I have one piece of advice to new pregnant first time moms is to stop googling and diagnosing via the internet or comparing your experience to stories on the internet, even this one. So now that my baby is here I want to talk about it to see if others had a similar experience.
I found out I was pregnant in June 2023, a week before my wedding! Wow! I was shook but so happy it finally happened, me and my husband had been together for 13 years and no baby, we weren’t trying during those years but part of me was like really, no accident? Lol I sort of thought maybe it would never happen. We started talking and wanting children for a few years recently.
So let me jump to my second appointment, the 12 week scan. Firstly, no one told me that this ultrasound would be a scan of any kind, and the technician seemed to not like us and didn’t have a friendly demeanor and got really upset with my husband for trying to take a video/picture of the ultrasound she said that’s against the rules there. But I’m like dude it’s my body we want to remember this moment! So after she scolded us, the appointment went on, she’s not saying anything to us the whole time, except the only thing she verbalized multiple times was “having a hard time seeing the neck” and other variations of that. Me and my husband were like shrugs (what’s that even mean? Oh well!) we were so happy because our baby was jumping around even at 12 weeks! It felt so real at that point.
So I get to exam room waiting on the NP to talk to us about ya know being pregnant and the baby and what not and there my whole world went quiet. She told me that there was this thing about his neck it’s called nuchal translucency fold his is very high, in the 97th percentile, and this is how they detect Down syndrome or possibly another defect. I didn’t hear anything else she said during that time, I even got a Pap smear after that and other things were talked about and I completely left my body, so did my husband. I only asked so was a reading like this common? She said no. That struck. She told me about the tests I can take and I took the NIPT blood test and got screened for other stuff too that I can’t really remember what it’s called. (Trinity I think?)
So we left and my husband is great and was like it’s fine done worry about it! Keeping everything light and then we started wondering about the scan in general, that technician did not seem to like us, she said she couldn’t see the neck and then we get a result like that about the neck?? Didn’t seem right. I was shaken though, I never thought something like this would happen.
So I get home and I’m like really not sure what I’ve been told, I had to see what that even looks like and means, and compare my ultrasound to what the internet says is normal or not. (Don’t do this) it seemed terrifying. Everything I read said it was all so declarative if your NT measured high. I just sobbed and continued to search things in those weeks and drove myself absolutely fucking nuts waiting for the NIPT to come in.
I got the call and she asked first, would you like to know the gender? In my head I’m like I don’t fucking care what it is I need to know if it’s okay. But we did plan on finding out and she told us we were having a boy! My dreams came true I wanted a boy so badly! My heart was still pounding waiting for the result and she said everything came back normal!! I felt sooooo relieved and happy just like I did when I found out.
That lasted for maybe a week, then my anxiety took over again. I basically was telling myself there still had to be something wrong, the NIPT was probably wrong because everything I read was so scary and stuck with me so much. Jump to my anatomy scan, I cried during it and asked is everything okay? Does it look like Down syndrome? She said no everything looks great! That was a relief too, one more thing we’ve gotten through. I still had my fears that something was wrong though. I felt that the joy of pregnancy was stripped from me, and I learned how bad my anxiety really was.
At this point I stopped looking things up for a while, and had spoken to my husband about how I felt and when I said it out loud I knew I sounded crazy and I wanted to enjoy this and be secure, but it was always in the back of my mind. And listen, I understand it may seem dramatic, but I didn’t know if I could handle something like that, or my marriage. Especially for the first child, I thought I’d have to have more kids so that they’re never alone and not taken care of after I pass, thought about how society might judge me and all types of other crazy stuff. B im a believer in god and my faith was tested, and I prayed so much about it and started to think no matter WHAT my baby is, I will love it so much and it will be okay, well all get through this gods in control not me.
So I get an early growth scan, at 34 weeks. I felt like every doctomidwife I saw (had to jump around a little bit cause of insurance problems) saw that NT scan in my records and got scared and sent me for an extra ultrasound. I got a ton of ultrasounds during my pregnancy even though I was never deemed high risk and the only thing that ever came up was that until now. They said one of his kidneys were slightly dilated and I have a little too much amniotic fluid. The woman I saw said this is another marker for Down syndrome, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case. I’m thinking we’ll why the hell would you bring it up then? Sent me into another spiral and started looking things up again and yep, it sure is another sign. Oh and it’s possible I could have a cord prolapse? Fuck. I couldn’t take anymore anxiety from this and started becoming upset with ultrasounds and they wanted to have an ultrasound every week from that point on and I was so mad at every appointment. I thought what the hell does it matter now? I’m almost full term just leave me and my womb alone.
I went past my due date, got induced at 41 weeks which turned into an emergency c section. He came out crying and peeing! I saw him for a second but my husband was with him at the table they bring them to. I asked the midwife who was staying by my head, is he okay? Does it look like he has Down syndrome? She said no. I couldn’t believe it, my whole pregnancy I drove myself crazy about everything. On top of that I was so scared of miscarriage which would’ve been much worse for me than DS. and I couldn’t believe we made it to the end. He’s perfect. He even got his kidneys checked after birth and they were normal no dilation.
So basically I’m sharing my story because sometimes pregnancy is really scary and prenatal anxiety took over my experience and I should’ve never looked things up on google or even Reddit. But also, if I get pregnant again I will be going about it so differently not going to let doctors scare me by the “risks” there are. Unless something is diagnostic I don’t wanna hear it. So who knows if that US technician made a false measurement or if his nuchal fold did measure really high, but for me it turned out okay. More than okay my son is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
submitted by Tatgatkate to pregnant [link] [comments]
I found out I was pregnant in June 2023, a week before my wedding! Wow! I was shook but so happy it finally happened, me and my husband had been together for 13 years and no baby, we weren’t trying during those years but part of me was like really, no accident? Lol I sort of thought maybe it would never happen. We started talking and wanting children for a few years recently.
So let me jump to my second appointment, the 12 week scan. Firstly, no one told me that this ultrasound would be a scan of any kind, and the technician seemed to not like us and didn’t have a friendly demeanor and got really upset with my husband for trying to take a video/picture of the ultrasound she said that’s against the rules there. But I’m like dude it’s my body we want to remember this moment! So after she scolded us, the appointment went on, she’s not saying anything to us the whole time, except the only thing she verbalized multiple times was “having a hard time seeing the neck” and other variations of that. Me and my husband were like shrugs (what’s that even mean? Oh well!) we were so happy because our baby was jumping around even at 12 weeks! It felt so real at that point.
So I get to exam room waiting on the NP to talk to us about ya know being pregnant and the baby and what not and there my whole world went quiet. She told me that there was this thing about his neck it’s called nuchal translucency fold his is very high, in the 97th percentile, and this is how they detect Down syndrome or possibly another defect. I didn’t hear anything else she said during that time, I even got a Pap smear after that and other things were talked about and I completely left my body, so did my husband. I only asked so was a reading like this common? She said no. That struck. She told me about the tests I can take and I took the NIPT blood test and got screened for other stuff too that I can’t really remember what it’s called. (Trinity I think?)
So we left and my husband is great and was like it’s fine done worry about it! Keeping everything light and then we started wondering about the scan in general, that technician did not seem to like us, she said she couldn’t see the neck and then we get a result like that about the neck?? Didn’t seem right. I was shaken though, I never thought something like this would happen.
So I get home and I’m like really not sure what I’ve been told, I had to see what that even looks like and means, and compare my ultrasound to what the internet says is normal or not. (Don’t do this) it seemed terrifying. Everything I read said it was all so declarative if your NT measured high. I just sobbed and continued to search things in those weeks and drove myself absolutely fucking nuts waiting for the NIPT to come in.
I got the call and she asked first, would you like to know the gender? In my head I’m like I don’t fucking care what it is I need to know if it’s okay. But we did plan on finding out and she told us we were having a boy! My dreams came true I wanted a boy so badly! My heart was still pounding waiting for the result and she said everything came back normal!! I felt sooooo relieved and happy just like I did when I found out.
That lasted for maybe a week, then my anxiety took over again. I basically was telling myself there still had to be something wrong, the NIPT was probably wrong because everything I read was so scary and stuck with me so much. Jump to my anatomy scan, I cried during it and asked is everything okay? Does it look like Down syndrome? She said no everything looks great! That was a relief too, one more thing we’ve gotten through. I still had my fears that something was wrong though. I felt that the joy of pregnancy was stripped from me, and I learned how bad my anxiety really was.
At this point I stopped looking things up for a while, and had spoken to my husband about how I felt and when I said it out loud I knew I sounded crazy and I wanted to enjoy this and be secure, but it was always in the back of my mind. And listen, I understand it may seem dramatic, but I didn’t know if I could handle something like that, or my marriage. Especially for the first child, I thought I’d have to have more kids so that they’re never alone and not taken care of after I pass, thought about how society might judge me and all types of other crazy stuff. B im a believer in god and my faith was tested, and I prayed so much about it and started to think no matter WHAT my baby is, I will love it so much and it will be okay, well all get through this gods in control not me.
So I get an early growth scan, at 34 weeks. I felt like every doctomidwife I saw (had to jump around a little bit cause of insurance problems) saw that NT scan in my records and got scared and sent me for an extra ultrasound. I got a ton of ultrasounds during my pregnancy even though I was never deemed high risk and the only thing that ever came up was that until now. They said one of his kidneys were slightly dilated and I have a little too much amniotic fluid. The woman I saw said this is another marker for Down syndrome, but it doesn’t look like that’s the case. I’m thinking we’ll why the hell would you bring it up then? Sent me into another spiral and started looking things up again and yep, it sure is another sign. Oh and it’s possible I could have a cord prolapse? Fuck. I couldn’t take anymore anxiety from this and started becoming upset with ultrasounds and they wanted to have an ultrasound every week from that point on and I was so mad at every appointment. I thought what the hell does it matter now? I’m almost full term just leave me and my womb alone.
I went past my due date, got induced at 41 weeks which turned into an emergency c section. He came out crying and peeing! I saw him for a second but my husband was with him at the table they bring them to. I asked the midwife who was staying by my head, is he okay? Does it look like he has Down syndrome? She said no. I couldn’t believe it, my whole pregnancy I drove myself crazy about everything. On top of that I was so scared of miscarriage which would’ve been much worse for me than DS. and I couldn’t believe we made it to the end. He’s perfect. He even got his kidneys checked after birth and they were normal no dilation.
So basically I’m sharing my story because sometimes pregnancy is really scary and prenatal anxiety took over my experience and I should’ve never looked things up on google or even Reddit. But also, if I get pregnant again I will be going about it so differently not going to let doctors scare me by the “risks” there are. Unless something is diagnostic I don’t wanna hear it. So who knows if that US technician made a false measurement or if his nuchal fold did measure really high, but for me it turned out okay. More than okay my son is everything I’ve ever dreamed of.
2024.05.01 13:32 Ill_Pudding8069 App Recommendation (for Europeans)
(Sorry for posting 28294957 times today) Hey everyone! Not sure if it works for US people but I wanted to recommend an app for Europeans.
It's called Yuka and if you scan the bar code of amy product, food or sanitary, it will tell you the health ranking of it, and if not a perfect score, what components (chemical, pesticides, etc.) are in the product, declared and undeclared in the written part, that migh male it worse for your health (and why).
I have been using it for a while for skin and hair products and it's been helping me a lot finding things my scalp will not react to, and to find healthier snacks alternatives.
It won't take histamine into account because it's not made for that, but I thought it might be useful to anyone who needs to pay attention to any add-ons. (Also keep in mind that different products from a same brand can have vastly different rating depending on what goes into the individual product.)
submitted by Ill_Pudding8069 to HistamineIntolerance [link] [comments]
It's called Yuka and if you scan the bar code of amy product, food or sanitary, it will tell you the health ranking of it, and if not a perfect score, what components (chemical, pesticides, etc.) are in the product, declared and undeclared in the written part, that migh male it worse for your health (and why).
I have been using it for a while for skin and hair products and it's been helping me a lot finding things my scalp will not react to, and to find healthier snacks alternatives.
It won't take histamine into account because it's not made for that, but I thought it might be useful to anyone who needs to pay attention to any add-ons. (Also keep in mind that different products from a same brand can have vastly different rating depending on what goes into the individual product.)
2024.05.01 13:31 teronism [Online] [Saturday] [1PM EST] [5E] Looking for players for one-shot - Weekly oneshot games upcoming -Rules Light, RP-Heavy
Hey there, fellow adventurers! Let's make some magic happen
I've been immersed in the world of RPGs for over a decade – crafting stories, guiding adventures, and most importantly, having a blast with awesome folks like you. If you love diving into a character, building a story together, and letting your imagination run wild, we might be a perfect match.- Over the next 6 weeks, we'll be jumping into a bunch of different one-shot adventures.
- Each one will have its own flavor – new worlds, new stories, new systems to try out.
- Think classic fantasy one day, maybe a dash of sci-fi the next.
- The focus is always on the story, the characters, and those "whoa!" moments we create together.
- Fill out the form: Let me know your preferences and what makes you tick as a player. Only those who submit the form will be considered.
- Let's connect: Before you're in, we'll have a quick chat so you can hear more about the adventure and I can get all your questions answered.
- A decent mic & Discord: Let's hear those brilliant ideas!
- Willingness to learn: We'll play on a VTT (Virtual Tabletop). I'm happy to help you get the hang of it if you're new.
To apply please fill out this form: Thanks!
This Week: A mothers plea
During a lively evening at the "Dragon's Breath" tavern, a frantic Elara disrupts the merriment. Tears stream down her face as she pleads with the adventurers. Her son, Finn, a lively young man with dreams of becoming a ranger, has vanished without a trace. She shows them his final note, scrawled in his hurried, barely-literate hand:"I belong to the night now. The monster inside has grown too great in size. Forgive me."
Elara begs the adventurers to find Finn, offering a hefty reward and assurances of her eternal gratitude.Hope to see you at the table! I'm pumped to tell some epic stories together.
2024.05.01 13:30 methodicallyapril PAYPIG scam , need advice🫶🏻
Okay I really fucked up.. so I was approached by a paypig on insta who wanted to buy content off of me. It was like 15 mins of vids for £100 and all I had to do was talk about how gross and weird he was. I spoke a bit also about my sex life and how he would never get it etc .. weird stuff obviously But I thought for the money I’m getting, it’s worth it. He asked me to make a Google folder and add a trial clip to check that the vid was okay for him (right angle etc) so I added him to the private drive and then removed him after he checked the 5 second clip. Afterwards I did about 30/40 mins worth of content and put it on the drive and he said he was going to pay me in order to access the drive. Little did I know, he had changed the privacy on the drive from before. So he had shared the link with himself, I presume, and he was able to view all the vids and things on there without me knowing. As soon as I figured this out I obviously removed the link access. Now , there wasn’t anything super crazy of me like any nudity or anything like that. But the vids are super weird .. I wanted my money 😂 now as soon as I removed the access he has been ignoring me and I assume he’s downloaded the content too, although Google drive doesn’t notify you when someone downloads your content( I don’t think?) . So now I’m stuck for what to do. I thought this was legit as he told me his name , sent me pics of his face (on insta camera so I know it’s legit ) Do I report this to the police or will they laugh at me? I’m worried he’s going to share my content without my consent .. any advice would be appreciated 💕 also pls no need to tell me I’m an idiot, I know that already! 🙂
submitted by methodicallyapril to Scams [link] [comments]
2024.05.01 13:29 MovieMiester What's everyone's thoughts on the radio silence?
So, I'm just curious, how does everyone feel about the radio silence when it comes to games like this? Because I was thinking, it's a surprisingly common practice for console ports yet, to me it seems counter intuitive.
I loved the way System Era went about it, they'd upload office vlogs and just, basically just, always keep the community updated and like, just in the know, when it came to new content coming and stuff. Maybe it's that, that has gave me a personal bias.
But like, it's been a year, and not a word on the new DLC, I get, Biotech is huge, and if the devs are working on it behind the scenes, nothing but love for them, and I hope they take their time to make it as great and bugless as they can.
But on the other hand, the lack of information, and communication from then just, irks me. But I'm sure it's because I was spoilt with how System Era used to do it.
Stellaris is similar, just watching from the sidelines while PC gets all these cool things, and we're over a year behind in updates. I've had the game from release and like, surely I'm too dumb to realise radio silence is the best method.
Just, basically what's everyone's thoughts on it. Maybe I'm stupid, but common sense is telling me, atleast tell your community if a update is coming or not. For games like this, it's a incredibly small niche for console and I feel like your best asset, is your community, and keeping them in the know is the best possible business move you could do. That kinda, personal relationship vibe within the community. If that makes sense.
But, clearly that can't be the case since it's such a common practice for developers to take when it comes to console ports. Like I would be, beyond satisfied, and never ask a Biotech question again, if I could just know, it's coming within the next 3 years. I'd be over the moon. Yet, they stick to this, firm mindset of, holding their cards close to their chest until they have a flush, and the DLC is ready.
So, what do we think? Does the radio silence build hype? Does it, make you more excited? Is it annoying? I'm genuinely curious on other views on this. Never been a fan of D11 since it took like 15 years for community servers to come to console for Rust, but then again, I'm not a game developer.
Love the game, the devs have done an incredible job, and I'd gladly wait years for another DLC, and pay 30 bones for that thang, but, the radio silence kills me. I'm curious of other views on this.
submitted by MovieMiester to RimWorldConsole [link] [comments]
I loved the way System Era went about it, they'd upload office vlogs and just, basically just, always keep the community updated and like, just in the know, when it came to new content coming and stuff. Maybe it's that, that has gave me a personal bias.
But like, it's been a year, and not a word on the new DLC, I get, Biotech is huge, and if the devs are working on it behind the scenes, nothing but love for them, and I hope they take their time to make it as great and bugless as they can.
But on the other hand, the lack of information, and communication from then just, irks me. But I'm sure it's because I was spoilt with how System Era used to do it.
Stellaris is similar, just watching from the sidelines while PC gets all these cool things, and we're over a year behind in updates. I've had the game from release and like, surely I'm too dumb to realise radio silence is the best method.
Just, basically what's everyone's thoughts on it. Maybe I'm stupid, but common sense is telling me, atleast tell your community if a update is coming or not. For games like this, it's a incredibly small niche for console and I feel like your best asset, is your community, and keeping them in the know is the best possible business move you could do. That kinda, personal relationship vibe within the community. If that makes sense.
But, clearly that can't be the case since it's such a common practice for developers to take when it comes to console ports. Like I would be, beyond satisfied, and never ask a Biotech question again, if I could just know, it's coming within the next 3 years. I'd be over the moon. Yet, they stick to this, firm mindset of, holding their cards close to their chest until they have a flush, and the DLC is ready.
So, what do we think? Does the radio silence build hype? Does it, make you more excited? Is it annoying? I'm genuinely curious on other views on this. Never been a fan of D11 since it took like 15 years for community servers to come to console for Rust, but then again, I'm not a game developer.
Love the game, the devs have done an incredible job, and I'd gladly wait years for another DLC, and pay 30 bones for that thang, but, the radio silence kills me. I'm curious of other views on this.
2024.05.01 13:28 McGogy why bro i just wanted to peacefully do my schoolwork 😭😭😭
so theres this kid at my school named michael in my 8th period and its total chaos in there because its the last period of the day. but he is someone with his whole personality based around a certain thing. for him its taylor swift (and he knows i despise of taylor). so he keeps telling me about taylor swift for like 35 minutes and i eventually get tired of him and roast everything about him in like 15 seconds and hes like "oh im gonna report you" and i said "well maybe you're so appalled because you're getting attention your parents never gave him" and he shut up. i was just trying to finish the day on a high note and he barges in here like hes frickin john cena or something 😭😭😭😭😭
submitted by McGogy to teenagers [link] [comments]