Leave absence approval letter

I broke NC two days ago after 2 months. I felt the urge to talk to her because I wanted to give her a proper goodbye.
I really hate the way we ended things. She didn't want to see me and kept ghosting me, so I had to end everything via text.
But it still bothers me today because she really meant a lot to me during those 3 years together, and I didn't want to end everything like that through a message, as if we were nothing.
I sent a message trying to get her to let me deliver a farewell letter to her, thanking her for all the time we spent together. But she simply ignored me and hasn't responded until now.
I know I need to move on and leave all this in the past. But I didn't want our last interaction, after all those moments together, to be through a message.
Now I don't know what to feel anymore. After being ignored, I didn't even feel sad, just an immense emptiness in my heart...

So this happened to me a couple of years ago.
I went to Loblaws to buy some steaks, since I did like the quality of their meats in the butchers section. Grabbed a couple of steaks, and a few other items for some sides. All in all, I spent maybe $80-$90, for one bag of groceries, to make a nice steak dinner.
Went to a checkout line with a cashier, paid, and made my way to the exit.
As I was leaving, in the foyer, apparently someone says something to me. I have no idea someone is talking to me. Those entances are big and the person is kinda off to the side. They bark at me now, loudly and rudely, and I realise this person is talking to me. It's an employee. They want to see my receipt. They ask if I used self checkout, still in a very rude tone. I bark back "No! I went to a cashier!" I'm pretty annoyed at this point.
She looks over my receipt and the contents of my bag, is satisfied and lets me go.
WTF. To say I was pissed off was an understatement, as evidenced by the fact that I'm writing about it two years later lol.
First of all, the employee was soooo rude. Second, this wasn't a normal practice at Loblaws. It had never happened to me before (like at Costco) so I wasn't expecting it or noticing her speaking to me. Third, she was stationed off to the side, not in a direct area where she would be able to successfully cut people off, and handle her business without confusion. And lastly, it's just not a nice feeling to be spoken to rudely and to be treated like a criminal after spending almost $100 on a bag of groceries.
When I got home, I wrote them a complaint letter. Never heard back, not even a follow up. So now that the boycott is here, I'm all for it! I started mine 2 years ago. Glad more and more people are on board now!

Hello everyone.
I had questions and I wanted answers so I searched for a phone number{ (315)313-6700 } and called it this morning. I had to leave a message. I was surprised when I got a call back. Spoke in great length with a man named Sergio Holguin ([sergio@irthcommunications.com](mailto:sergio@irthcommunications.com)). He emailed me information regarding my questions. Basically this company needs $21 million. The 420 million shares that are being offered to entice the large institutions are currently circulating. It is not sure how many will be purchased. in addition to that there are 587 million other shares for sale. The stock did get caught up in the meme stock run and is higher than usual. By September 30 if price isn't above $1 there is an option already approved for a reverse split. This company came into existence in 2021 when Mass Roots acquired Empire to form GWAV. They do have 13 locations and are looking to expand but he couldn't tell me where. The second shredder is almost operational and they hope it will help increase earnings. They mostly strip automobiles and separate and recycle the metals.
I BOUGHT IN HIGH AT .29 AND HAVE OVER 900,000 SHARES (which was an accident and is another story in itself). I am a single mom with a daughter on the autistic spectrum. I am a basically screwed unless the pumping God's show favor to this stock and get it moving!!!
If you have questions, call the number above and leave a message. Sergio will call you back.
Anything I say is merely speculation and not investing advice. Due your due diligence. Good luck to everyone!

Synopsis:
Carlos was an ordinary software engineer on Earth, up until he died and found himself in a fantasy world of dungeons, magic, and adventure. This new world offers many fascinating possibilities, but it's unfortunate that the skills he spent much of his life developing will be useless because they don't have computers.
Wait, why does this spell incantation read like a computer program's source code? Magic is programming?
___
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"So, in short, the most stuck-up bully of my life is now begging for our help to fulfill his greatest dream, because we've happened to become his only remotely realistic hope of achieving it. Do I have that right?"
Carlos looked up from his plate of succulent roasted meats and vegetables, all covered generously with a rich gravy, and raised an eyebrow at Amber. They were in Mayor Stelras's personal dining room, enjoying the service of his personal chef. "You know you do. You've read the letter yourself, what, a dozen times now?"
Amber set the letter aside yet again and took another bite of her own lunch. "Yeah, I know. It's just…" She shook her head and chuckled. "Out of all the things that happened the last few weeks, this one is somehow the hardest for me to believe is real. It's ridiculous. I know it's ridiculous. I've personally met and spoken with royalty! Kindar should be nothing compared to that! But, somehow… This is hitting me harder than anything."
Carlos nodded calmly. "Makes sense to me. The presence of royalty is completely new to you. It's huge and important, and far beyond anything you ever expected might happen, but the only thing you've experienced before that's different is its absence. You don't have any memories in the back of your mind telling you 'that's not how this is supposed to work.' For Kindar, you have a lifetime of memories telling you that he's more powerful and better supported than you are, and that you're mostly helpless against his bullying. Now that you're the one in power, and he's the one helpless against you, that's not just new, but contradicts a lot of your past experiences. Some part of you in the back of your mind is having difficulty reconciling the contradiction; it's like you have a subconscious voice shouting 'that's wrong; it's not how this is supposed to work!' For meeting Princess Lornera, that voice is only confused and surprised, not feeling like something's wrong."
"Hmm." Amber cocked her head and paused. She looked down and idly speared another forkful of tender steak. She made a few more contemplative sounds as she chewed and swallowed. "That makes some weird kind of sense. I think." She shook her head. "How did you know that? I never would have figured it out."
Carlos chuckled. "Don't feel bad about it. Not many people would ever figure out that kind of thing about how human minds work without being taught. I certainly didn't. My dad's a therapist, and he taught me a lot."
Amber blinked, then blinked again. "I have never heard of that profession before. In fact, I think it doesn't exist here."
Carlos realized on reflection that "therapist" hadn't translated. There was no word for it in Ganler, the native language here. "Huh. … I hadn't thought about it, but I'm not surprised. It took a long time for people where I grew up to realize that kind of thing can be important. Or maybe the hard part was realizing that it takes education and training to do it well."
"Ah."
They ate mostly in silence for a while, occasionally humming in thoughtful consideration while they chewed. Eventually Amber was leaning on her elbow, just watching as Carlos scraped up a few last bits of gravy from his plate. She stared distantly at nothing. "Hmm… You know, I'm tempted to actually accept, just so I can rub his face in how I succeeded better at his own greatest ambition than he ever will."
"Hmm? Oh right, Kindar." Carlos chuckled. "I imagine a few sessions of smugly condescending to him would be rather cathartic revenge for you. Would it be worth the downside of helping him actually achieve his ambition, at least to a minor degree, though? I'm sure that if Darmelkon had any other viable options for helping his son with this, he would have taken care of it years ago. If we refuse, we'll be denying Kindar from achieving his ambition at all. Wouldn't that be better revenge?"
"Logically, yeah, that makes sense. But it just doesn't feel satisfying to me." Amber took a sip of water and pushed her empty plate away. "I want to show him how badly we outclass him now. I want to see his face when he realizes that he will never measure up to the 'annoying stupid girl' he used to tease."
Carlos put his hands together, resting his elbows on the table, and rested his chin on his hands as he looked at Amber. "Not to mention how much money Darmelkon will pay us for doing it." His voice was calm and level.
Amber nodded quickly. "Yes, that too."
"You realize we're already rich now, right? Receiving taxes, and all that."
Amber threw her head back laughed uproariously. When her laughter finally tapered off, she leaned forward and looked Carlos in the eyes. "You may have heard that Darmelkon is rich, but you clearly don't understand how filthy rich he really is. Yes, I was shocked when he offered a hundred gold bounty for finding us back before we became nobles, but that was only because I didn't know why he considered us valuable. For this? For helping his son achieve his otherwise impossible greatest desire? A price in platinum would be cheap! I would bet that he'll pay in mythril and be glad about it."
"Hmm." Carlos quickly did the math in his head. 100 gold was roughly equivalent in value here to a million dollars on Earth, and is also equal to 1 platinum. So 1 million dollars per platinum. 100 platinum is 1 mythril. So each mythril coin is around the same order of magnitude value as 100 million dollars. Just 10 mythril to match a billion dollars. "Okay, that's more than I thought. So he's a major business tycoon? What the hell is he doing living in a backwater in the middle of nowhere like Erlen?"
Amber shrugged. "I have no idea. Ask him."
Carlos stared for a moment and snorted. "I suppose it doesn't matter." He took a deep breath. "Alright, I guess we're at least seriously considering it after all. So, let's break it down, pros and cons. Pros: personal satisfaction for you, Darmelkon loses any basis for claiming we still owe him a favor, and we get a ridiculous amount of money. Cons: Kindar becomes a noble. Also, we have to put up with him being here for a while. Anything else?"
"Another one for pros: Even with the favor and Darmelkon paying so much, Kindar himself will personally owe us, bigtime." Amber grinned. "His house will just about be permanent vassals in service to us."
Carlos hesitated, then frowned. "… Just how much, and how long, do you intend to keep paying him back for how he treated you?"
Amber raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "…Until I get tired of it? I don't know."
"I'm all for giving him a well-deserved comeuppance, turning the tables, and giving him a taste of his own medicine to teach him a lesson. But I will not countenance continuing to humiliate and abuse him long term!" Carlos shook his head emphatically. "If we do that, we would be bullies just as bad as he was. I hate bullies, and I refuse to be one."
Amber slowly lowered her eyes, blushed, and nodded shyly. "I… You're right. That is not the kind of person I want to be. I'm sorry for suggesting it."
Carlos leaned forward and reached out to gently put his right hand on top of her hands. "It's okay. What's important is that you recognize your mistakes, learn from them, and make yourself a better person. My parents taught me that very, very thoroughly."
"Yeah." Amber sighed and shook herself. "Thanks. I'll try to remember that. And… Should we just call off the whole idea?"
"Only if you truly want to." Carlos squeezed her hands gently. "If you can get some satisfaction without taking it too far, then that's completely okay, and you were right that there are serious benefits to it. Even having him as a vassal house, as long as we treat him reasonably. Though… Hmm." He frowned. "There has to be a reason why strong noble houses aren't raising up new vassal nobles all the time, right? It's not all that hard to make a noble soul plan if you know the requirements details."
"I suppose. Lorvan probably knows the reason."
Carlos nodded. "Yeah. I feel like he might just ask if we can figure it out ourselves, like he did about nobles keeping mana wellsprings, though…" He shrugged. "I'm sure Darmelkon knows too, and he wouldn't have asked if the Crown forbids it, or anything like that. He's ambitious and ruthless, not stupid. We should ask, certainly, but I expect any consequences we might have overlooked will be manageable. As I see it, the core question is just…" Carlos reached his other hand forward, firmly clasped and lifted both of Amber's hands, and looked her in the eyes. "Amber, what do you want to do with this?"
Amber stared back for a moment, then averted her gaze. "Don't you have an opinion about this too? Why are you only asking me?"
"Of course I have an opinion, but all he did to me was loan me a sword in a dungeon and then act rude and arrogant when he demanded it back afterward. You are the one who grew up being bullied by him. How to treat him matters far more to you than it possibly could to me." Carlos squeezed Amber's hands reassuringly. "Amber, please, look at me." He waited, and after a few seconds Amber hesitantly turned her head to face him directly again. "My opinion on this is that I want our response to be something that you will be content and happy with. All other relevant considerations that I can think of are less important than that."
Amber stared and slowly nodded. "I… Thank you." She squeezed Carlos's hands back and awkwardly extracted her hands from his grip so she could lean forward and rest her head on them, propped up by her elbows on the table. "I think… I do want to accept, but maybe with some conditions. I still want to show him up in person and see his reaction. Part of me still feels afraid of him, and I want to prove to myself that he doesn't have the power to threaten me anymore. That seems like something your 'therapists' would say something about. Would they say it's a good idea? Do you know?"
Carlos nodded. "Yes, absolutely. Standing up to something you used to fear is a great way to resolve residual fear of it that lingers in your mind."
"Then, yeah. I want to do that, and I do still want to get some payback." Amber hesitated. "But if I start bullying people like he did, I'd start hating myself as soon as I realize it. So, no bullying. And that goes for Kindar too. If he can't learn to stop being a bully, then he doesn't deserve what he wants. Let's give him a chance. Make our conditions clear, and demand partial payment up front, but give him an opportunity to earn our help."
"That sounds fair." Carlos cocked his head and frowned in thought. "Having him with us may require adjusting some of our plans. … Actually, we're overdue for making certain plans in the first place. I got a bit too carried away with my excitement over all the spell keywords we can learn now. Sorry."
Amber grinned. "Have you forgotten that I told you I'm well known for always having a plan? What do you think I've been doing the past two days?"
Carlos raised an eyebrow, then grinned back at her. "Oh really? Let's see what you've got!"
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Disclaimer: THIS IS ONE OF MY FRIENDS STORYS!
I, a 23-year-old female, and my sister Rebekah, who is 27, are very close. I was surprised by her recent stubborn and childish behavior. Rebekah and I have been close since childhood, and we rarely ever argue. Rebekah often has guys over at our house, but there's one guy in particular she really likes - Max, her boyfriend. Max seems to be overly attached to my sister; for instance, there was an incident when Rebekah was not home and Max showed up uninvited unexpectedly. Despite me informing him that she wasn't around, he insisted on entering the house and waited for her for 9 hours until it was already 6 am.
About 2 months later, my parents met Max and approved of him. Shortly after their meeting, Max proposed to Rebekah, and she accepted. Months later, before the wedding, Rebekah had a party at an Airbnb. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling well and brought my own food to eat during the event as I didn't purchase anything there - please keep that in mind.
During our trip, I was unable to move around much due to not feeling well. On the last day when it was time to settle the bill for the party expenses, I assumed I wouldn't have any charges since I hadn't consumed anything provided at the gathering. However, there was a shock when Rebekah gasped upon seeing that the bill amounted to $7,000. The reason for this high cost was because Rebekah had ordered most of the food without considering others' preferences or contributions.
To my surprise and disappointment, instead of taking responsibility for her excessive spending on food items she chose herself, Rebekah asked everyone else present to pay their share except for her. She justified this by saying "I'm the bride; you are just guests," implying that she deserved special treatment compared to us attendees who were merely supporting roles in her celebration.
Her behavior took a negative turn when she started criticizing others based on their weight while emphasizing her own appearance as justification for not contributing financially towards the shared expenses. This selfish attitude displayed by Rebekah during this incident was unexpected and disappointing given our past relationship dynamics. After leaving her to pay the bill, I called an Uber. Later on, Max yelled at me over the phone. I responded calmly, hung up, and blocked him. Am I the a$$hole?

Hello HPI community!
I've successfully applied for the HPI visa and am planning to move over around August onwards, hopefully this post is helpful for those applying in 2024 and feel free to DM me or leave comments about my experience, hopefully I can be of help!
Some background about me:

• Studied in Singapore, Bachelor of Business (Marketing Specialization)
• Worked in the banking industry for 2 years post-graduation (graduated in 2022)
• Don't have a job offer at the time of application, will be heading there to find work (fingers crossed)

Timeline:
Sep 4 2023 - Submitted ECCTIS Application (Academic + English Verfiication), paid £217.50
Sep 12 2023 - ECCTIS application completed and was successful
May 3 2024 - Submitted HPI application, paid HPI application fee (SGD1458) and 2-year healthcare surcharge to UKVI (SGD 3671.92)
May 9 2024 - Biometrics appointment at VFS centre in Singapore (remember to bring the document checklist and appointment letter along with you, as well as upload all the required documents on their portal 1 day before your appointment)
May 9 2024 - Visa application forwarded to UKVI (lady at VFS told me it would take 15-20 working days)
May 15 2024 - Visa application was processed and successful! :) Super fast, was expecting to receive it around June
May 21 2024 - Collected passport with 90-day vignette sticker inside
Visa duration: 20 July 2024 - 20 July 2026
90-day vignette: 20 July 2024 - 18 Oct 2024
I haven't bought nor decided when I will fly to the UK, but shall do that soon!
---
Note about my timeline: I decided to submit the ECCTIS application first as I heard there was a 30 working day turnaround time and I thought this would've been the longest part of the whole process. Besides, you needed this document to submit in the HPI application. I was still on the fence about applying for the visa, I was also still employed at the time and I wasn't sure if I would be staying or resigning, hence why I didn't apply for the HPI visa right away.
Documents I uploaded:

• Degree certificate
• ECCTIS Academic & English Verification
• 3 month Bank Statements
• Photocopied Passport

My experience:
Honestly, I think my application process was quite smooth and hassle-free, I was just worried that the documents I uploaded were not enough but in the end the process was faster than expected. The only thing I was stressed out about was uploading the documents because it stated to upload them before the day of your appointment and I procrastinated doing so (lol). And the annoying bit was ensuring that my documents were not password protected (which my bank statements were) and I had to re-scan them in order to submit the documents on the portal, but a minor issue overall.
I've also read about the 90-day vignette confusion, I was also confused about this but it seems like it's 90 days from the day my visa starts, at least in my case.
Hopefully this helps give people a rough timeline on what to expect, feel free to ask any questions and I'll try my best to help :)
Would also love to hear from those who are in the UK right now and have any advice to share on housing, opening bank accounts, finding jobs, UK phone numbers etc. as these are the hurdles I'm currently trying to get through :')
Thanks everyone and good luck!
​

1. Courtesans and the Crown: I will be playing M! I am also open to potentially playing a MxM version. (1530s) Benjamin, the illegitimate son of a King, lives a life of luxury without any of the consequences that come with royal blood. He indulges in fine clothing, gambling and is a frequent patron of brothels. At sixteen, he met a courtesan named Antonia, who was five years his senior. Unlike the other women he had encountered, Antonia was beautiful, kind, and captured his heart. While they both share a deep love for each other, they face their own challenges. Benjamin is still learning the ways of the court at the age of eighteen, while Antonia holds a great deal of influence over him due to her life experience. From encouraging him to invite her to tea to spite his royal parentage and even convincing him to petition for legitimation to take his sister's throne, she is ready to shake things up, disguising their power-hungry nature as love. What started as a quiet and humble relationship has now turned them into vicious antagonists towards themselves and others, but their love for each other remains strong. Even though the character's name is Antonia, feel free to create your own character with a courtesan theme. I even encourage it!!!
2. Our Father, who art in Heaven: I can play M or F! (1450s) Through a combination of extortion, torture, and occasional bribery, Pope Castello has ascended to the Papal throne. Despite his vow of celibacy, his illegitimate offspring roam freely in the town, behaving as though they were the offspring of a monarch. His son, in particular, plowing through any woman with a pulse, loses vast sums of money gambling, and harbors his own dark secrets. Meanwhile, his father strives to elevate him to the rank of cardinal. However, what will happen when his son encounters the same fate as his father? Will he fall in love with a noblewoman and violate his church oath? This woman has her own secrets and a father who is eager to marry her off to the wealthiest suitor available. The resulting whirlwind will leave blood on the floor and lipstick stains on collars, reminiscent of The Borgias, but without the incestuous undertones.
3. Of course, Your Majesty: I will be playing M! (1500s) Your protagonist is the eldest child of a powerful monarch, destined to become the next Queen. During her childhood, she formed a close bond with the son of a Lord who was a bit older than her. As they grew up, their feelings for each other became more than just friendship, prompting them to explore a romantic relationship. However, it is the heavily religious 1500s, and fearing that their relationship would compromise her purity and jeopardize her chances of marrying another royal, the Lord's son was sent away to a chateau. Despite the distance, they kept in touch through letters and other means. But, a dramatic shift in the court's dynamics has brought him back, much to the chagrin of your character's father. He is willing to disrupt the status quo for the sake of love and occasionally for his own gain.
4. The Lost Princess: I will be playing F! (1480s-1520s) Princess Margery was adored by her subjects and set to ascend the throne one day. However, her fate changed drastically when, at the tender age of four, her carriage was attacked by bandits. In a desperate bid to survive, Margery pretended to be dead in the frigid snow of the forest. She wasn't certain what happened next, but she eventually found herself in the care of two kind-hearted parents who renamed her Elizabeth and raised her as their own daughter. As Elizabeth came of age, she began searching for potential suitors. But what happens when a young man uncovers her true identity? How does she make her way back to the castle, and what challenges await her upon her return? Most importantly, where do you fit into this tangled web of intrigue and deception?
5. For Our Kingdoms: I am open to playing M or F! (1530s) An arranged marriage between a prince and princess from neighboring kingdoms looms on the horizon. Is she a timid princess, suddenly thrust into the role of heir apparent, seeking a partner to bolster her claim to the throne? Or is she merely a commodity being sold off to the highest bidder? Regardless, what happens when two royals who are less-than-enthusiastic about the arrangement are forced to wed for the betterment of their kingdoms? With an unkind and brash prince making every quip in the book as he rises to the throne, she must find a way to make her marriage work. Will they find common ground, or will they be at each other's throats? Only time will tell.
6. Shadow in Stage Lights:I will be playing M! I am also open to potentially playing a MxM version. (Post-WWII 1940s) In the smoky haze of post-war Hollywood, where dreams are traded like currency and the past casts long shadows, Jack Turner returns from the frontlines of battle a shattered man. Once hailed as a literary luminary, he now struggles to find his place in a world that has moved on without him, haunted by memories he can neither escape nor forget. Enter your character, a radiant starlet whose ascent to fame is as swift as it is dazzling. Cast as the lead in Jack's latest play, she embodies the very essence of the character he once envisioned, igniting the stage with a brilliance that eclipses his own. But as the spotlight shines ever brighter on YC, Jack finds himself consumed by a bitter resentment, his heart seething with anger at the injustice of it all. In a world where shadows lurk behind every smile and fame is but a fleeting illusion, Jack and YC must navigate the treacherous waters of love and ambition, forging a path forward that leads them out of the darkness and into the light.
7. The West was Wilder: I will be playing M or F! (1830s) A young man is a moonshiner and owner of a notorious saloon in a small frontier town. With a reputation for brewing the finest illegal whiskey in the region, he walks a fine line between outlaw and respected member of the community. Meanwhile, a young lass is new to town and is seeking change. She has a tough exterior, but there is a vulnerability that draws folks in. As their paths cross in the dusty streets and dimly lit saloons of the Wild West, sparks fly between them. Whether it's a fiery confrontation over a poker game gone wrong or a chance encounter in the dead of night, their chemistry is undeniable. But with danger lurking around every corner and secrets waiting to be uncovered, their burgeoning romance is anything but smooth sailing.
8. Underneath the Bald Cypress: I will be playing F! (1930s) Amidst the sultry streets of New Orleans, the daughter of a wealthy sugar cane baron, finds herself torn between societal expectations and her own desires. Engaged to a controlling man of her father’s choosing, she longs for true love. Her path collides with your character, a jazz singer, a man of color, or something else entirely, sparking a forbidden romance that defies family secrets. As their love blossoms amidst the city's vibrant nightlife, she must choose between the safety of convention and the allure of a life filled with passion and uncertainty, where forbidden love and hidden truths threaten to unravel the world she knows.
9. Revolution or Run: I will be playing F! (Fallout Fandom) In Vault 47, life appears idyllic, with its inhabitants blissfully unaware of the horrors unfolding beneath the sterile corridors. Your character, recently assigned to a coveted scientist position, stumbles upon a hidden lab deep within the vault, where ghastly experiments are conducted on unsuspecting fellow dwellers. Amidst it all, your character finds help in a resourceful maintenance worker with a knack for uncovering secrets. With the weight of responsibility heavy on their shoulders, they must navigate a treacherous path, torn between loyalty to their community and the pursuit of justice.As tensions escalate within the vault, they must decide whether to ignite the flames of rebellion from within or to venture into the unforgiving wasteland beyond the vault's walls.
Linked here is my writing sample and lore explanation.
I am also open to sending a master list of my current OCs with their vague descriptions!
When you DM me, please send me the answers to these questions!

1. What is your name and pronouns?
2. What RP are you interested in?
3. Are you comfortable playing on Discord?
4. What gender are you interested in playing? (for scenarios 2, 5, and 7 only!)
5. What are your hard boundaries for writing? (i.e. unwilling to write gore/abuse/etc)
6. What is your biggest roleplay pet peeve?
7. What is your paragraph min/max?
8. What is the most important thing to you in RP?
9. Are time zones important to you? If so, what is yours?
10. Is ooc essential to you?
11. Are you okay with a fade-to-black romance style?
12. What is your typical romance speed? Slow/Medium/Fast Burn?

I will answer these questions back! Thanks for reading!

Part Two: The Solitude of This Fire
Chapter 6
Location: Hust Forge. Hust Henarald's conference room
POV: Kellaras
After making Kellaras wait some days, Hust Henarald finally grants him an audience and says "One day, I will be a child again". These words seem to be nonsense to Kellaras. While waiting for his audience he noticed the Hust Forge never stops working. Henarald goes on to say we all war with two parts of ourselves and both make weapons from anything at hand. Henarald asks Kellaras if Anomander simply wants a sword or to join the Hust Legion. He doesn't think Urusander's Legion would like that very much. Kellaras says he knows the request of a sword is unusual at this time. Henarald responds by saying others will see it as political. Perhaps even a secret allegiance. Kellaras is put off balance by Henarald's pragmatic responses and then shifting into ending each with "One day I will be a child again." Henarald asks for specs and Kellaras says Anomander wants the sword to be silent. Henarald responds by asking if he would prefer a gagged weapon and if Anomander will hide it's origin. Kellaras tells Henarald that Anomander wants his swords spine to be quenched in the purity of Darkness itself. Henarald muses on power and says those with the most power have the greatest fear and that means power is meaningless and delusional. Kellaras counters that the Forulkan would have enslaved the Tiste with their power had they won, but they lost to the power of the Tiste. Henarald responds, "A triumph in solitude makes a hollow sound, and to every glory proclaimed the heavens make no answer".
Kellaras reiterates that his master requests a sword. Henarald responds "To take the blood of Darkness". Kellaras is surprised by this as Mother Dark is not Azathanai. Henarald asks how she feeds her power and if now that Anomander knows the secret of House Hust if he will use it for political gain. Kellaras says his Lord is the ultimate secret keeper. Henarald agrees to forge Anomander's sword, but requires that he be present at the quenching of it by darkness to witness if it is blood Mother Dark uses. Kellaras tells him he won't be able to see anything and leaves the chamber trembling mostly upset by Henarald's repeated assertions that he will return to childhood.
Kellaras goes to the main hall where there is feast taking place. He pushes aside his doubts and is proud that he got Henarald's agreement to make the sword. He searches out Galar Baras and finds him leaning against a pillar staring at a woman that had just entered. Kellaras sees her see Galar Baras and watches her stiffen. The woman is Toras Redone. Kellaras notes that even grimed from hard travel she is beautiful and makes his way to Galar. Galar asks if Henarald spoke to Kellaras of childhood. Kellaras says yes, but does not understand. Kellaras invites Galar to join a table and Galar accepts though he tells him he can't drink. Galar tells the captain that the childhood thing troubles them all. Kellaras asks him to call him by his name and not rank. Galar says that Henarald claims that he is losing his recent memories, but no one can see any evidence of this. Galar tells Kellaras of a sickness called Loss of Iron that afflicts smiths. Kellaras tells Galar that in his meeting Henarald was sharp and focused. No evidence of a crumbling mind. Galar asks if he will tell Anomander of this. Galar says it has no bearing on the creation of the sword and says his master would likely just say returning to childhood isn't a bad idea.
POV: Galar Baras
Kellaras gets drunk and stumbles off and now Galar has to be alone with his thoughts and heartache at the presence of Toras Redone. She was still holding court at one of the tables and after a while she shuffles over to him. She comments on her husband transferring as far away as he could. She tells Galar that he is a pariah in the citadel. That people think him arrogant and dismissive. She knows that's not him, so is puzzled. She says he should have sex with the priestesses. That celibacy is not for soldiers. He should feed his appetites. Galar responds by asking if she is well fed. The barb slides off of her and she says well enough. She says she is certain that her husband stays true to her and that leads her to infidelity. Galar does not understand this. She changes the subject and says she has missed him. She tells him to go to bed, but he knows he won't be alone for long. He compares himself to Toras Redone's husband, Calat Hustain, knowing that both spend their nights alone, "because it was in their nature to choose it: to remain alone in the absence of love"
Location: Neret Sorr
POV: Kadaspala
With Osserc and Hunn Raal gone, Kadaspala is having a more enjoyable time having dinners with Urusander. The painting however was still irritating to him. He doubts anyone will see below the surface of his painting. He is finished and will leave in the morning. "There is but one god, and its name is beauty. There is but one kind of worship, and that is love. There is for us but one world, and we have scarred it beyond recognition". Kadaspala now truly sees Urusander and is terrified. Urusander asks him why he chose to accept this request. Kadaspala says he's denied hundreds, but if anyone can prevent a civil war, it's the man in the portrait. Although his thoughts imply that that may not be the same man standing before him.
Location: House Enes lands
POV: Cryl Durav
On his short self-imposed exile from the wedding preparations, Kryl finds the antlers of a long dead Eckalla. A symbol of triumph. Cryl thinks the triumph is hollow. Hunting for food was once a necessity, but that necessity bred traditions that resulted in the extinction of this animal. Thinking back on his youth he dreamt of discovering a new world free of Tiste where he could become prey and know the thrill of fear. Enesdia was also present in these fantasies. He thinks, "He had been trained for war just as he had been taught how to hunt and how to slay, and these were deemed necessary skills in preparation for adulthood. How sad was that?".
His horse notices some movement and he sees a troop of Tiste riders approaching. This makes no sense as there is no reason for them to come here on there way to somewhere else. Cryl rides to meet them and sees that they lead a score of Jheleck children. There were no chains. The captain of the company asks why Cryl is out this far and Cryl tells him who he is. The captain breaks in and says Cryl is probably fleeing the frenzy of the coming marriage. The captain introduces himself as Scara Bandaris and says there are two reasons for him being here, one trying to figure out what to do with the Jheleck hostages and two to attend the wedding. Cryl agrees to escort them all to house Enes. Scara perceptively guesses that Cryl is out here because he is in love with Enesdia. He says he will say no more on the subject.
There are 25 Jheleck children. Scara says they will raise wolves in these children. Cryl says he's heard they are more like hounds. Scara says hostage taking may come back to bite them. Scara laughs at his own joke and forces a smile onto Cryl's face. Cryl feels a little better.
Location: House Enes
POV: Enesdia
Enesdia is upset that Cryl has been gone for a few days. She searches out her father and overdramatically asks him why they are shirking their responsibility to their hostage. She says, "For all you know he could be lying at the bottom of a well, legs shattered and dying of thirst" Jaen responds "Dying of thirst in a well?" he tells her he sent him on a search for Eckalla. She says that's a hopeless quest. Jaen says Cryl's familiar with those. Enesdia asks what he means. Jaen responds that his time with House Enes is ending. It has only now struck Enesdia that her companion will not be at her side much longer. Enesdia laments the fact that Cryl's family has only one occupation. He will be a soldier like his only living brother, Spinnock. She muses that she could ask Andarist to offer Cryl a commission in the citadel, far away from fighting. Cryl would never know, but he would be safe.
Location: House Drukorlas
POV: Orfantal
Orfantal is standing near the estate road with Wreneck, a stable boy that used to be his friend. They are also standing near an old nag horse. They have been standing for some time. They are being circled by 3 feral dogs that have smelled the food that Orfantal carries. Orfantal wished he knew why Wreneck stopped being his friend, but it seemed impossible to ask now. Orfantal has all of his possessions in a trunk. They are not much. Orfantal thinks he could fit in there too, ready to be discarded. Wreneck is 10, Orfantal is 5. His grandmother is sending him off somewhere to learn how to grow up. He knows there will be a time when unhappiness comes into his life as it does with every boy. A wagon pulls up. It will be his ride to wherever he is going. Wreneck makes sure they know that he is going to the citadel and that he is nobleborn. Wreneck tells Orfantal that the old horse is blind in her left eye, so don't let anything ride on that side of her. Orfantal says goodbye to Wreneck and Wreneck waves dismissively and leaves.
POV: Wreneck
Wreneck turns from some distance to watch them leave with tears running down his face. He resolves himself to return to the "evil hag" and now he doesn't even have Orfantal to make his life easier. Nerys Drukorlat had forbidden him from playing or even speaking to Orfantal. She would fire him if he did. His mother and father and sisters relied on his income. He wished he could have played with Orfantal this entire morning and hugged him goodbye, but he was afraid of the evil hag.
Location: Toras Keep. On the road to the Citadel
POV: Orfantal
The party makes camp and the scarred old man who loaded Orfantal's trunk says that this is likely his horse's last journey. Orfantal is sad to not even know the horses name and wonders what things she has seen in her life. He decided that she had been a warhorse and saved her rider many times, but not from the betrayal that finally killed him. The leader of the troop introduces himself to Orfantal as Haral and tells him not to call him sir. He tells him he guards merchants and that's all. Orfantal asks about bandits. Haral says there are some Deniers. Haral tells Orfantal that he will be sharing Gripp's tent. The man who took care of his horse. He says that Gripp can be trusted and not some of the other men in the party.
Haral says after this he will be joining House Dracon's houseblades. Orfantal asks if he was a soldier once. Haral says few weren't in his generation. Orfantal introduces himself. Haral asks why she named him that. His name is a Yedan dialect. The holy language of the monks, Shake. Narad, one of the guards, says it means unwanted and laughs. Haral tells him to keep his mouth shut on this journey and tells Orfantal his name doesn't mean unwanted, it means unexpected. Narad laughs again and Haral savagely kicks him in the face then punches him. He then walks away from the unconscious guard. Orfantal is trembling and his heart is beating fast. Gripp comes over and calms him down. He says it's discipline and Narad was pushing for weeks. Orfantal now has a face to put to all the faceless betrayers in his war games. Narad. Gripp shows Orfantal how to raise a tent.
Location: Within sight of Dracon's Hold
POV: Ivis
Ivis and Sandalath are riding towards the hold. Ivis tells her that Draconus will be gone for several weeks still. Her body tells him that she probably had a child, but that's none of his business. She is now a hostage at House Dracon's and she will be treated well. Sandalath asks where Draconus comes from. Ivis says even his servants do not know, but he proved his worth in the war. Ivis is upset at the discipline now presented by his houseblades and resolves to fix it. Sandalath is being led to a warm bath and thanks Ivis. He responds, "My pleasure, milady". Hilith the head of the house maids does not like him calling her a lady as she is only hostage now. She lets him know it. Ivis says, "Old woman, you are no queen to so command me. I will choose the honorific our guest deserves. She rode well and without complaint. If you have complaint, await the pleasure of our lord upon his return. In the meantime, spit out that sour grape you so love to suck on, and be dutiful." Hilith says this isn't over. Ivis responds with a command to leave his courtyard and if he hears of her being miserable to the hostage that it will in fact not be over.
Location: Dracon's Hold
POV: Sandalath
Hilith tells Sandalath to come with her to the bath. Sandalath asks if the water is hot. and asks her if there is wood ready just in case. Sandalath challenges Hilith and says she is to treat her as if she was the lady of the house. Hilith bristles but agrees. Sandalath remembers her first stint as a hostage and the horrible hag that made her life miserable until Andarist found out and got rid of her. If Hilith turns out to be the same, she will tell Draconus. A younger maid escorts her to the correct bath, not the one Hilith had prepared for her. Sandalath says if Hilith is her enemy, then Sandalath should have many allies. The maid smiles and says thousands. Sandalath asks the maid about Ivis and if she finds him handsome. She says he is old, but Sandalath doesn't think so. Sandalath tells the maid she feels welcomed by this house and feels born anew.

So, I had a really emotionally abusive roommate who I had to leave in the very end of April. For reasons I won't get into here, I had to go into emergency housing because of her and completely uproot my entire side of the room at the end of the semester.
She would take her anger out on me frequently, even if I wasn't the cause of her anger. If something made her mad, she would yell at me and make the atmosphere of the room really uncomfortable. She would also say really nasty things to me if I did something she didn't like, too. For example, I unfollowed an old mutual friend of ours because they weren't treating me well and told her for transparency. She got quiet and then said "I get it, but you're really fucking stupid" and then later told me that I caused her to shut down because I "tore apart the only friends she has and she really needs support." Then after acting out like that, she would lovebomb me and tell me how she's so grateful for me, she's such a terrible friend and yet I've stuck beside her, she loves me, I'm the best friend she's ever had, stuff like that. She would also randomly buy things for me, even when I asked her not to. She wouldn't allow me to do things on my own or with other people, like dinner or other plans. The only thing she wouldn't get mad at me for going to were my classes. Her possessiveness was really bad, especially when I was with my boyfriend. She would yell at him and say "Back off! appastoebeans is MINE!! She's MY girlfriend!" I also had to file a Title IX against her, too. So, you can see why I had to leave.
Before I left, I had blocked her on absolutely everything so that she couldn't message me because she could be pretty caustic and guilt trippy over text. I was afraid of the things she would say to me and I was afraid that I'd fall for whatever she would say, so I blocked. I spent the night before I moved out somewhere else and then went to my old room to quickly move out while she was in class. Since I had her blocked, she wrote me a letter. At first, it didn't bother me but now, her words are kind of seeping in. I threw out the letter the day I moved out but I still remember a lot of what was written. She said stuff like "I don't know why you blocked me on everything because I have done nothing wrong. I'm really hurt and confused right now. Did you ever care about me at all? Was I that easy to throw away? Did almost 2 years of friendship mean anything to you at all? I don't think I can accept any kind of apology from you. Let's just be civil to each other since finals are near." I can't help but feel terribly guilty now. Especially because she thought I was coming back and apologizing. She also had a major meltdown upon seeing I moved out, publicly posted about her anger towards me online, and then tried to ask people to tell her where I was staying.
Her words just keep repeating themselves in my head and I keep feeling like a terrible person. I also keep having thoughts like, "I threw her away. I threw 2 years of friendship away. She was so confused. I hurt her. I made her panic. I ruined the friendship, not her. It all falls on me." It's just hard. It's really, really hard. If you read all of this, thank you.

Mentions - Empty Orchestra, Tom & Gerri
Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do) is the song Duane sings in Empty Orchestra - which I just enjoyed rewatching (love this episode, and Javone Prince's performance and dancing is great!)
Anyway, I got the song stuck in my head and really started listening to the lyrics. Then I realized, after learning about Reece and Steve's time on the dole (interview here - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=toH_GNuWgxE) that it was probably a favourite song of theirs during that time.
The time they spent on the dole inspired the play they were writing which included the character Pauline and eventually turned into the Tom & Gerri episode. They were sharing a flat, prior to the production of League of Gentlemen, and they said that it was rather miserable and they spent a lot of time playing board games "...drained of all their life energy." "Can't be bothered to leave the flat," "What's it worth going out for?"
George Michael wrote the song because he was given an ultimatum from his father "get yourself a job or get out of this house." He rapped about "the joys of living every day to the fullest, reveling in unemployment and celebrating government assistance."
So then, I can just imagine, Reece and Steve in their dingy little flat, on the dole, Reece just got back from being told he's dolescum by someone resembling "Pauline," and they're sitting down to play a game of Escape from Colditz. (Has anyone played this by the way!? I imagine Reece as the Security Officer and Steve as the Escape Officer!) Furthermore, in this game there is such a thing as a "Do or Die" card (interestingly named, for someone to be playing this while on the dole). Anyway, after playing their game, I imagine them feeling glum, and then one of them puts on Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do) and they both start ironically singing and dancing to it.
Isn't it wonderful, when you really think about it, how those difficult and "miserable" times led to the masterpieces we cherish today? Their struggles and their perseverance through adversity were not in vain. Instead, these challenging periods gave rise to works of art that continue to inspire and move us.
This realization serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest chapters of our lives, there lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. When we find ourselves at a low point, it’s important to remember that the only direction to move is upwards. For creators, these low points are not just obstacles to be overcome but are often the very catalysts that ignite their most profound and impactful works.
So, if you are facing a difficult time, take heart. Embrace the potential for growth and creativity that these moments can offer. Your struggles today could be the seeds of tomorrow's masterpieces.
After all, "You got soul."
Here are the lyrics:
Wham! bam! I am! a man! Job or no job, You can't tell me that I'm not. Do! you! Enjoy what you do? If not, just stop! Don't stay there and rot! You got soul... You got soul... I said get, get, get on down, Said get, get, get, on down. Hey everybody take a look at me, I've got street credibility, I may not have a job, But I have a good time, With the boys that I meet down on the line I said, I - don't - need - you So you don't approve, Well who asked you to? Hey, jerk, you, work This boy's got better things to do Hell, I ain't never gonna work, get down in the dirt, I choose, to cruise. Gonna live my life, sharp as a knife, I've found my groove and I just can't lose. A.1. style from head to toe, Cool cat flash gonna let you know, I'm a soul boy - I'm a dole boy, Take pleasure in leisure, I believe in joy! Wham! bam! I am! a man! Job or no job, You can't tell me that I'm not. Do! you! Enjoy what you do? If not, just stop! Don't stay there and rot! Party nights, and neon lights, We hit the floors, we hit the heights. Dancing shoes, and pretty girls. Boys in leather kiss girls in pearls! Hot-damn! everybody, let's play! So they promised you a good job - no way! One, two, three, rap! C'mon everybody, don't need this crap!
If you're a pub man Or a club man Maybe a jet black guy with a hip hi-fi A white cool cat with a trilby hat Maybe leather and studs is where you're at Make the most of every day Don't let hard times stand in your way Give a wham give a bam but don't give a damn Cos the benefit gang are gonna pay! Now reach up high and touch your soul, The boys from wham! will help you reach that goal. It's gonna break your mama's heart, (so sad) It's gonna break your daddy's heart, (too bad) But you'll throw the dice and take my advice, Because I know that you're smart. Can you dig this thing? Yeah! Are you gonna get down? Yeah! Say wham! Wham! Say bam! Bam! Wham! bam! I am! a man! Job or no job, You can't tell me that I'm not. Do! you! Enjoy what you do? If not, just stop! Don't stay there and rot!

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm RBS, a self-improvement coach, and I've got something special to offer you, absolutely free—no strings attached.
But before I dive into that, let me share a little secret with you. Just a year ago, my life was pretty tough. Every day seemed clouded with negative thoughts, and my relationships, both with myself and others, were strained. Feeling alone and worthless was my norm, and I settled for less because I couldn't believe I deserved any better. It felt like a hopeless cycle.
I was constantly worried that no matter how hard I tried, I'd never measure up. This fear kept me tossing and turning at night. I tried improving myself, but it felt like I was stuck in an uphill battle with no end in sight. I started questioning if all the effort was even worth it. At times, it seemed like my fate was sealed by what I was born with—like success was reserved for the naturally gifted.
But then, something incredible happened about a year ago. Thanks to the grace of Allah (God), my life took a turn. Now, I chase my dreams with an unparalleled drive, exuding confidence and energy like never before! Today, I'm happier and more accomplished than I ever thought possible.
So, what changed in that year? It was surprisingly simple... I stumbled across my mentor.
But why a mentor, you might ask? Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about getting directions; my mentor provided priceless feedback, drawing from his own life experiences. He has been through it all and knows what worked. When things got tough, he was there to give me that extra push and remind me of my potential...
So, if you're feeling stuck, consider seeking guidance from a mentor. Someone who's been in your shoes and can help you navigate the path ahead.
That's why I'm passionate about mentoring others for free! As a self-improvement coach, I'm dedicated to helping young men transform their lives and become the best versions of themselves. I draw from various sources like books, podcasts, studies, philosophy, and personal research.

What you will unlock 🔓:

1. **Boost your masculinity**: Walk into any room with your head held high, feeling a surge of confidence and strength that makes navigating the world effortless.
   
2. **Achieve your dreams**: Imagine crossing the finish line of your biggest goal, feeling the thrill of turning your aspirations into reality, and living the life you want.
   
3. **Embrace better habits**: Feel happier and healthier as you leave behind what holds you back and step into a brighter, more fulfilling future.
   
4. **Improve your looks**: Imagine people nodding in approval as you walk by, feeling confident and catching everyone's eye with your undeniable charm.
   
5. **Manage stress, overthinking, and other mental problems**: Feel peaceful and strong inside, helping you handle life's ups and downs with ease and calmness.
   
6. **Conquer obstacles**: Develop the strength and determination to overcome challenges and achieve your goals, like a resilient mountain climber scaling peaks in the face of adversity.
   
7. **Achieve more with less effort**: Boost your productivity and efficiency, like a swift arrow hitting its target with precision, allowing you to invest time and energy in what truly brings you joy.
   
8. **Establish routines**: Experience the sense of stability and control that comes from establishing healthy habits and routines that support your well-being and success.
   
9. **Financial ideas and business ideas**: Experience the joy of being in control of your finances and running successful businesses, as you learn to manage your money wisely and explore profitable opportunities.
   
10. **Master communication and social skills**: Take pride in being known as "that guy" among your friends, as they rave about your outgoing personality and the meaningful bonds you create, earning you the reputation of a true friend and a genuine charmer.
    
11. **Finding Your Purpose**: Uncover the deep meaning in life and your core values, where everything falls into place and makes sense for you.
    

I keep it simple. No complex strategies, just straightforward guidance to elevate your life.
In just a month, I've already had 4 people book sessions with me. Testimonials are available on my profile page. It's a month-long commitment, with the option to cancel if you don't see results after 2 weeks. Sessions are 45 minutes, twice a week, or an hour once a week if you prefer. And if you're not satisfied after the initial call, you can cancel with no further obligation. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain—so why not give it a shot?
It's time to take the next step. Just send me a DM, and I'll provide all the details you need.
Imagine sitting at the family dinner table, radiating confidence and success. Your family members might glance at you with envy, noticing how manly and prosperous you've become. Let's schedule a call to begin turning those dreams into reality.
It's easy. Don't let your fear win. Conquer your fear, and take the first step by sending me a DM now!
**Note**: While coaching can be immensely helpful, it's essential to prioritize your health. If you're dealing with severe depression, chronic pain, or any other challenges, don't hesitate to seek medical support.
Note (We will only be able to coach another 3 maximum because we already have 2)

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm RBS, a self-improvement coach, and I've got something special to offer you, absolutely free—no strings attached.
But before I dive into that, let me share a little secret with you. Just a year ago, my life was pretty tough. Every day seemed clouded with negative thoughts, and my relationships, both with myself and others, were strained. Feeling alone and worthless was my norm, and I settled for less because I couldn't believe I deserved any better. It felt like a hopeless cycle.
I was constantly worried that no matter how hard I tried, I'd never measure up. This fear kept me tossing and turning at night. I tried improving myself, but it felt like I was stuck in an uphill battle with no end in sight. I started questioning if all the effort was even worth it. At times, it seemed like my fate was sealed by what I was born with—like success was reserved for the naturally gifted.
But then, something incredible happened about a year ago. Thanks to the grace of Allah (God), my life took a turn. Now, I chase my dreams with an unparalleled drive, exuding confidence and energy like never before! Today, I'm happier and more accomplished than I ever thought possible.
So, what changed in that year? It was surprisingly simple... I stumbled across my mentor.
But why a mentor, you might ask? Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about getting directions; my mentor provided priceless feedback, drawing from his own life experiences. He has been through it all and knows what worked. When things got tough, he was there to give me that extra push and remind me of my potential...
So, if you're feeling stuck, consider seeking guidance from a mentor. Someone who's been in your shoes and can help you navigate the path ahead.
That's why I'm passionate about mentoring others for free! As a self-improvement coach, I'm dedicated to helping young men transform their lives and become the best versions of themselves. I draw from various sources like books, podcasts, studies, philosophy, and personal research.

What you will unlock 🔓:

1. **Boost your masculinity**: Walk into any room with your head held high, feeling a surge of confidence and strength that makes navigating the world effortless.
   
2. **Achieve your dreams**: Imagine crossing the finish line of your biggest goal, feeling the thrill of turning your aspirations into reality, and living the life you want.
   
3. **Embrace better habits**: Feel happier and healthier as you leave behind what holds you back and step into a brighter, more fulfilling future.
   
4. **Improve your looks**: Imagine people nodding in approval as you walk by, feeling confident and catching everyone's eye with your undeniable charm.
   
5. **Manage stress, overthinking, and other mental problems**: Feel peaceful and strong inside, helping you handle life's ups and downs with ease and calmness.
   
6. **Conquer obstacles**: Develop the strength and determination to overcome challenges and achieve your goals, like a resilient mountain climber scaling peaks in the face of adversity.
   
7. **Achieve more with less effort**: Boost your productivity and efficiency, like a swift arrow hitting its target with precision, allowing you to invest time and energy in what truly brings you joy.
   
8. **Establish routines**: Experience the sense of stability and control that comes from establishing healthy habits and routines that support your well-being and success.
   
9. **Financial ideas and business ideas**: Experience the joy of being in control of your finances and running successful businesses, as you learn to manage your money wisely and explore profitable opportunities.
   
10. **Master communication and social skills**: Take pride in being known as "that guy" among your friends, as they rave about your outgoing personality and the meaningful bonds you create, earning you the reputation of a true friend and a genuine charmer.
    
11. **Finding Your Purpose**: Uncover the deep meaning in life and your core values, where everything falls into place and makes sense for you.
    

I keep it simple. No complex strategies, just straightforward guidance to elevate your life.
In just a month, I've already had 4 people book sessions with me. Testimonials are available on my profile page. It's a month-long commitment, with the option to cancel if you don't see results after 2 weeks. Sessions are 45 minutes, twice a week, or an hour once a week if you prefer. And if you're not satisfied after the initial call, you can cancel with no further obligation. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain—so why not give it a shot?
It's time to take the next step. Just send me a DM, and I'll provide all the details you need.
Imagine sitting at the family dinner table, radiating confidence and success. Your family members might glance at you with envy, noticing how manly and prosperous you've become. Let's schedule a call to begin turning those dreams into reality.
It's easy. Don't let your fear win. Conquer your fear, and take the first step by sending me a DM now!
**Note**: While coaching can be immensely helpful, it's essential to prioritize your health. If you're dealing with severe depression, chronic pain, or any other challenges, don't hesitate to seek medical support.
Note (We will only be able to coach another 3 maximum because we already have 2)

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm RBS, a self-improvement coach, and I've got something special to offer you, absolutely free—no strings attached.
But before I dive into that, let me share a little secret with you. Just a year ago, my life was pretty tough. Every day seemed clouded with negative thoughts, and my relationships, both with myself and others, were strained. Feeling alone and worthless was my norm, and I settled for less because I couldn't believe I deserved any better. It felt like a hopeless cycle.
I was constantly worried that no matter how hard I tried, I'd never measure up. This fear kept me tossing and turning at night. I tried improving myself, but it felt like I was stuck in an uphill battle with no end in sight. I started questioning if all the effort was even worth it. At times, it seemed like my fate was sealed by what I was born with—like success was reserved for the naturally gifted.
But then, something incredible happened about a year ago. Thanks to the grace of Allah (God), my life took a turn. Now, I chase my dreams with an unparalleled drive, exuding confidence and energy like never before! Today, I'm happier and more accomplished than I ever thought possible.
So, what changed in that year? It was surprisingly simple... I stumbled across my mentor.
But why a mentor, you might ask? Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about getting directions; my mentor provided priceless feedback, drawing from his own life experiences. He has been through it all and knows what worked. When things got tough, he was there to give me that extra push and remind me of my potential...
So, if you're feeling stuck, consider seeking guidance from a mentor. Someone who's been in your shoes and can help you navigate the path ahead.
That's why I'm passionate about mentoring others for free! As a self-improvement coach, I'm dedicated to helping young men transform their lives and become the best versions of themselves. I draw from various sources like books, podcasts, studies, philosophy, and personal research.

What you will unlock 🔓:

1. **Boost your masculinity**: Walk into any room with your head held high, feeling a surge of confidence and strength that makes navigating the world effortless.
   
2. **Achieve your dreams**: Imagine crossing the finish line of your biggest goal, feeling the thrill of turning your aspirations into reality, and living the life you want.
   
3. **Embrace better habits**: Feel happier and healthier as you leave behind what holds you back and step into a brighter, more fulfilling future.
   
4. **Improve your looks**: Imagine people nodding in approval as you walk by, feeling confident and catching everyone's eye with your undeniable charm.
   
5. **Manage stress, overthinking, and other mental problems**: Feel peaceful and strong inside, helping you handle life's ups and downs with ease and calmness.
   
6. **Conquer obstacles**: Develop the strength and determination to overcome challenges and achieve your goals, like a resilient mountain climber scaling peaks in the face of adversity.
   
7. **Achieve more with less effort**: Boost your productivity and efficiency, like a swift arrow hitting its target with precision, allowing you to invest time and energy in what truly brings you joy.
   
8. **Establish routines**: Experience the sense of stability and control that comes from establishing healthy habits and routines that support your well-being and success.
   
9. **Financial ideas and business ideas**: Experience the joy of being in control of your finances and running successful businesses, as you learn to manage your money wisely and explore profitable opportunities.
   
10. **Master communication and social skills**: Take pride in being known as "that guy" among your friends, as they rave about your outgoing personality and the meaningful bonds you create, earning you the reputation of a true friend and a genuine charmer.
    
11. **Finding Your Purpose**: Uncover the deep meaning in life and your core values, where everything falls into place and makes sense for you.
    

I keep it simple. No complex strategies, just straightforward guidance to elevate your life.
In just a month, I've already had 4 people book sessions with me. Testimonials are available on my profile page. It's a month-long commitment, with the option to cancel if you don't see results after 2 weeks. Sessions are 45 minutes, twice a week, or an hour once a week if you prefer. And if you're not satisfied after the initial call, you can cancel with no further obligation. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain—so why not give it a shot?
It's time to take the next step. Just send me a DM, and I'll provide all the details you need.
Imagine sitting at the family dinner table, radiating confidence and success. Your family members might glance at you with envy, noticing how manly and prosperous you've become. Let's schedule a call to begin turning those dreams into reality.
It's easy. Don't let your fear win. Conquer your fear, and take the first step by sending me a DM now!
**Note**: While coaching can be immensely helpful, it's essential to prioritize your health. If you're dealing with severe depression, chronic pain, or any other challenges, don't hesitate to seek medical support.
Note (We will only be able to coach another 3 maximum because we already have 2)

Hello! In January, I applied and was approved for an apartment cross country in California. Turns out it was a fake listing after I paid the deposit. The unit manager requested more money than the agreed upon deposit and first month’s rent. I denied the request and asked for the refund that was in the contract. The unit manager agreed but never responded to my calls or texts. I reported it to my bank as well as the IC3. I tried to report to the local police department in California but they told me since it was online to only do it through the IC3. I just received letter from my bank that they cannot help return my funds. I am wondering what should I do next. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone! 👋 I'm RBS, a self-improvement coach, and I've got something special to offer you, absolutely free—no strings attached.
But before I dive into that, let me share a little secret with you. Just a year ago, my life was pretty tough. Every day seemed clouded with negative thoughts, and my relationships, both with myself and others, were strained. Feeling alone and worthless was my norm, and I settled for less because I couldn't believe I deserved any better. It felt like a hopeless cycle.
I was constantly worried that no matter how hard I tried, I'd never measure up. This fear kept me tossing and turning at night. I tried improving myself, but it felt like I was stuck in an uphill battle with no end in sight. I started questioning if all the effort was even worth it. At times, it seemed like my fate was sealed by what I was born with—like success was reserved for the naturally gifted.
But then, something incredible happened about a year ago. Thanks to the grace of Allah (God), my life took a turn. Now, I chase my dreams with an unparalleled drive, exuding confidence and energy like never before! Today, I'm happier and more accomplished than I ever thought possible.
So, what changed in that year? It was surprisingly simple... I stumbled across my mentor.
But why a mentor, you might ask? Having a mentor was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about getting directions; my mentor provided priceless feedback, drawing from his own life experiences. He has been through it all and knows what worked. When things got tough, he was there to give me that extra push and remind me of my potential...
So, if you're feeling stuck, consider seeking guidance from a mentor. Someone who's been in your shoes and can help you navigate the path ahead.
That's why I'm passionate about mentoring others for free! As a self-improvement coach, I'm dedicated to helping young men transform their lives and become the best versions of themselves. I draw from various sources like books, podcasts, studies, philosophy, and personal research.

What you will unlock 🔓:

1. **Boost your masculinity**: Walk into any room with your head held high, feeling a surge of confidence and strength that makes navigating the world effortless.
   
2. **Achieve your dreams**: Imagine crossing the finish line of your biggest goal, feeling the thrill of turning your aspirations into reality, and living the life you want.
   
3. **Embrace better habits**: Feel happier and healthier as you leave behind what holds you back and step into a brighter, more fulfilling future.
   
4. **Improve your looks**: Imagine people nodding in approval as you walk by, feeling confident and catching everyone's eye with your undeniable charm.
   
5. **Manage stress, overthinking, and other mental problems**: Feel peaceful and strong inside, helping you handle life's ups and downs with ease and calmness.
   
6. **Conquer obstacles**: Develop the strength and determination to overcome challenges and achieve your goals, like a resilient mountain climber scaling peaks in the face of adversity.
   
7. **Achieve more with less effort**: Boost your productivity and efficiency, like a swift arrow hitting its target with precision, allowing you to invest time and energy in what truly brings you joy.
   
8. **Establish routines**: Experience the sense of stability and control that comes from establishing healthy habits and routines that support your well-being and success.
   
9. **Financial ideas and business ideas**: Experience the joy of being in control of your finances and running successful businesses, as you learn to manage your money wisely and explore profitable opportunities.
   
10. **Master communication and social skills**: Take pride in being known as "that guy" among your friends, as they rave about your outgoing personality and the meaningful bonds you create, earning you the reputation of a true friend and a genuine charmer.
    
11. **Finding Your Purpose**: Uncover the deep meaning in life and your core values, where everything falls into place and makes sense for you.
    

I keep it simple. No complex strategies, just straightforward guidance to elevate your life.
In just a month, I've already had 4 people book sessions with me. Testimonials are available on my profile page. It's a month-long commitment, with the option to cancel if you don't see results after 2 weeks. Sessions are 45 minutes, twice a week, or an hour once a week if you prefer. And if you're not satisfied after the initial call, you can cancel with no further obligation. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain—so why not give it a shot?
It's time to take the next step. Just send me a DM, and I'll provide all the details you need.
Imagine sitting at the family dinner table, radiating confidence and success. Your family members might glance at you with envy, noticing how manly and prosperous you've become. Let's schedule a call to begin turning those dreams into reality.
It's easy. Don't let your fear win. Conquer your fear, and take the first step by sending me a DM now!
**Note**: While coaching can be immensely helpful, it's essential to prioritize your health. If you're dealing with severe depression, chronic pain, or any other challenges, don't hesitate to seek medical support.
Note (We will only be able to coach another 3 maximum because we already have 2)

Good afternoon I find myself in an odd position and I'm hoping to find some clarification/answers. It's a long story so please bear with me.
In fall of 2021 I sustained an injury while drilling.
Employer policy is if you get injured and it didn't happen on shift, you cannot be placed on light duty and have to take time off. Therefore I ended up essentially taking a leave of absence from 2022-2024
Fall of 2021 I have surgery which partially fixed the issue. The surgeon then has me do 11 months of pt and cortisone injections before deciding he wants to go back in (fall 2022). By this point, the LOD 1 year window closes and I have to go through the VA process to get it service connected and all that jazz. Spring 2023 I have a more invasive surgery and it helps, but there are still issues so we are doing PT.
Throughout all this time, HR, my employer, and I are communicating back and forth without issue. It's been a long time, I get it, and I appreciate how understanding they are being. There is still 8 or 9 vacancies so I'm not blocking any spots so we are good.
Last month HRs tune changed to being aggressive and saying that it may be time for me to go and they want in depth documentation from the surgeon to include a prognosis, return date, any permanent restrictions etc. All fair questions. The surgeon tells them that he expects a full recovery with no restrictions, and my return date is expected to be November but based on follow-up visits may change. 3-6 month recovery but it could be sooner.
HR takes this and says that because follow-up visits will dictate when I return, they are considering my recovery to be indefinite so they are letting me go. However she then states that I am more than welcome to reapply in November when I'm cleared.
All of it just seems shady and I'm trying to ensure my ducks are in a row.
My questions are 1, can they legally let me go?
And 2, despite being employed this whole time, this time doesn't seem to be counted for time in service for retirement purposes. Should this whole time have counted?
Thanks!

A month or 2 ago I posted here regarding a consistently disrespectful patron. This person was nasty/cruel/dramatic with bartenders and patrons alike.
This is a private club, she was not a member (EDIT: members can sign in guests). I had made known to the presiding Board that the next time she came in on my shift that I would not serve her. The response was “it’s your bar, do what you want”.
A now former friend (member) who has witnessed her bad behavior in the past was hanging out when I was working and suddenly left. I figured he was making snacks or picking up a food order.
Well, he went and brought her back with him (they are not in a relationship).
I asked her if we could be respectful to each other, and both have an enjoyable evening. If she couldn’t do so then I would not be serving her. She lost her bananas. I gave her ample opportunity to say “yeah, we’re cool, np” she wanted to re-hash what my problem was, stating she was confused and did nothing wrong blah blah. I told her she was more than welcome to contact me and we could talk when I wasn’t working. That was unacceptable to her.
I asked her to leave. She refused, she went to other patrons for “help” “she can’t do this” my former “friend” was outraged “you didn’t tell me you were going to do this!!” Sorry, bro.
Notable quotes: “But I don’t have a ride home”. Walk.
“Can I at least have a water?” No.
“I’m not leaving, let her call the cops!” (I called at this point)
“Can I at least have a cup so I can fill it in the bathroom sink?” No.
“You can’t deny me water, I’m thirsty!” I told her if she grabbed a cup she was going to have bigger issues regarding theft.
“I haven’t had a drink all day, it’s not like I’m drunk” (I had 5 patrons who saw her at 2 other bars all afternoon, drinking)
Now, it’s past closing time (I can stay open later if I want). I have a bar full of patrons who have been consuming. They sure don’t want to see the police.
All in all she was asked to vacate after 45 mins of absolute BS.
She wrote a letter to the Board demanding a full investigation into me and why I was “harassing” her.
They LOL’d and yeeted her for good. 🎉

Hi, my family is moving to a different area in one year. Current salary ~400k, spouse will be moving to a different job and will take a pay cut (new salary more like 300k). We hate where we live and are committed to making this change despite leaving a very good financial situation (our current mortgage is only $2200 with great rates 😬) There is a house on the market for $975k… way, way more than we ever thought we’d spend on a house. It’s in an ideal location and is well built, no clear improvements needed immediately. It’s expensive to build there and the market is not great, super low inventory. I think they have it priced way too high, it’s been on the market for a year. I’d be willing to pay $850k tops for it.
We have kids, have ~$75k in 529s. Have $100k in 401k, $20k in HSA, $150k in Roth, $220k in stocks and $175k in HYSA. Our only debt is our current house mortgage and we're in our mid 30s. We’re able to save about $12-15k/month as it stands for the next year. After that our finances will tighten a bit. When we sell our current house we hope to make at least $150k profit. The mortgage payment for the new house would be ~$5500, including taxes and insurance. We would hope to refinance if rates go down.
Should we make an offer on this house, we could low ball and see what they do? How high would you go if you were me? Our lender seems to think we would be approved for this loan even with our current mortgage.

I’m processing a lot of stuff that happened, and I can’t believe I didn’t act upon anything. This sub saved me and I wanted to return the favor. If you find yourself aligning with any of these, PLEASE question your happiness in this relationship.
-he controlled who I spoke to: he tried to convince me that my friends of 20+ years were jealous of me and wanted him, and he also hated my family. he would get into my phone late at night and block people without telling me. he also threatened to leave me if I unblocked them.
-he controlled what I ate: I wasn’t allowed to eat out, as he said that eating at restaurants was unhealthy for me and I could only eat at home with groceries from stores he approved of. If someone invited me out to eat (family members, friends, etc), he told me not to eat anything.
-he controlled how I looked: he told me I couldn’t wear tight clothes because it was bad for my health, and he also told me I couldn’t wear makeup because I didn’t need it and it would damage my skin. he wouldn’t allow me to buy certain products for my curly hair because it could give me cancer. even though it was proven he couldn’t. same with lotions and perfumes.
-he controlled what I said: I wasn’t allowed to say “yeah” to him, as it was too masculine. I could only say yes. I also couldn’t cuss even though I’m a 27 year old woman. But he could do those things. he also tried to “fix” the way I said thank you, as he said it was too nice.
-he controlled my activities: I couldn’t go anywhere without him, even to family events or work events. I got invited to an Astros game by my company and he was upset they didn’t offer him a ticket. And he said I couldn’t go without him. He also told me I couldn’t watch television or commercials because they would brainwash me to be a sheep. He didn’t allow me to listen to my favorite artists because he said I would be influenced to join the Illuminati.
-he controlled my movements: he constantly said I would do the most mundane actions wrong. I peeled shrimp wrong, so he had to “teach” me how to do it right so I didn’t look stupid. I didn’t open or close doors right, so he would make me open and close doors until I got it right. I would slouch when I got tired and he would physically move me to stand up, even in public.
Please don’t mute yourself for someone else.

I have been NC and No Social Media snooping with my last LO since January. The fantasies are fading away, new healthier thoughts about my future are coming in but unfortunately I'm now looking at a colleague with a little limerent interest. Imagining him hanging out with me at home of while shopping. No!!!! This is someone in my life I can't really ditch unless I leave a musical ensemble I really like.
I'm trying to use what I've learned the last few months to knock this out. Thinking about him feels several needs. When I'm doing things alone I feel a need for social contact so he becomes a fantasy that fills that need. He is in a position of authority and I have a need to win the approval and respect of those in positions of authority. So I am going to try to fill those needs myself. I'm going to reach out to people more to socialize and engage more with people in my industry. I'm going to name the fantasy and redirect it to one that fills the needs but without the romantic aspect of it. Or maybe fantasize about writing a book with similar plotlines.
Have you every knocked out a fantasy? If you have tips let me know! It's early enough that I think I can do it.

This is an update from my previous post.
I feel like the title is no longer valid. The change of contract doesn't necessarily stop me from attending therapy but the lack of cooperation on my therapist's side is almost forcing me to terminate... This doesn't come easy at all, and I can't even begin starting processing this.
Since my previous post, I've had two more therapy sessions. Here's a summary:

• First Session:
  
  • I expressed how the new contract doesn't fit my needs and work situation. I explained that the current contract works well for me and asked if there was any way to keep it or find a compromise. He stared at me for 10 minutes, then pressed me to admit I felt punished or that he was acting intentionally against me. I admitted feeling scared about losing therapy due to the new contract, to which he said it was entirely my choice.
  • I used an analogy to explain my situation: "What if I said I could only come on Mondays and Wednesdays, but you said you couldn't accommodate that? If I replied, 'That's your choice, take it or leave it,' it wouldn't be fair." He didn't respond, and I reiterated that it wasn't 100% my choice and that I would choose the current contract if I could.
  • He explained that the new contract is for the patient's benefit, arguing that consistent settings are crucial and that catch-up sessions were detrimental in the long run.
  • He suggested I was taking the contract change personally and feeling rejected. I clarified that while I was disappointed, I didn't think he was acting personally against me. Despite my attempts to discuss our misaligned needs, he told me that I am intellectualizing.
  • I kept trying to focus on the contract while considering his perspective. I emphasized the need for his input to find a solution but was told I was seeking him to "fix my emotions."
• Second Session:
  
  • I asked if he had considered my proposal to keep the current contract, but he remained silent. I acknowledged understanding his need for structure and consistency in therapy, which I now see as somewhat standard for psychodynamic therapy. However, the new terms don't work for my job situation. He didn't address this.
  • I revisited his point about my feelings of rejection and desire for him to "fix my emotions." I explained that my disappointment was about the situation, not him personally. I don’t see this decision as a reflection of his care for me. To which he said "You know, I simply don't agree with this.
  • He extensively discussed how he found it concerning that my attachment to therapy had shifted from intense dependence to a more detached, intellectual negotiation. He suggested I was hiding my true feelings of rejection and hurt, questioning why I previously reacted strongly to his comments but now seemed unaffected.
  • I considered his perspective, acknowledging I might be numb or scared, but it didn't resonate with me. I genuinely don’t hate him or think he's a bad person. I just hoped for more openness to finding a solution after four years of therapy.
  • I said that on very practical level, I simply don’t want to pay for sessions that I’m not doing. And he said that it’s interesting that I am preoccupied with paying for sessions that I’m not going to get, but I’m not preoccupied about him not getting paid for sessions that I was missing. So, apparently those eight sessions that are allowed in the contract, those eight absences, that’s him not being paid and I should be preoccupied about that even though they're in the contract and they're allowed. 🤯

I feel exhausted and heartbroken. I think I might need to terminate therapy next session, despite my immense gratitude for my therapist and the significant role he played in my life. I've learned to protect myself more, and it seems this situation can't be fixed.
If you’ve read this far, do you have any advice or support for someone stuck in transference hell?
PS: I used chatgpt to help me rephrase my post because I'm not native English speaking and I'm emotional enough to write "he said and then I said, and then he was like, and then I was like.." which didn't make much sense...I hope I'm not breaking any rules...