Appearance: Celestria's appearance is a striking blend of elegance and power. Her body is covered in smooth, iridescent scales that shimmer with a pearlescent sheen, reflecting the light like the surface of a calm pond. The patterns adorning her scales resemble intricate fractals, reminiscent of the delicate veins of a leaf. Glowing orbs of energy hover around her form, emitting a soft, ethereal light that illuminates her surroundings. Her wings are expansive and translucent, resembling the delicate wings of a butterfly as they flutter gently in the breeze.
Abilities:

1. Luminescent Aura: Celestria emits a gentle aura of light that seems to emanate from her very being. This aura not only provides illumination but also serves to soothe and calm those in her presence, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
2. Stellar Manipulation: Celestria possesses the ability to manipulate light and energy with precision and finesse. She can bend light around herself, creating illusions and concealing her movements from prying eyes. Additionally, she can focus beams of light with pinpoint accuracy, using them to dazzle or disorient her adversaries.
3. Celestial Harmony: When threatened, Celestria can channel the energy of the cosmos into powerful bursts of light. These bursts are not only devastatingly beautiful but also possess a purifying quality, cleansing the area of darkness and negativity.
4. Ethereal Flight: Celestria's wings are perfectly adapted for flight, allowing her to navigate the skies with grace and agility. She moves with a fluidity that is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring, her movements reminiscent of a bird in flight.
5. Astral Connection: Celestria seems to possess an innate connection to the celestial bodies that adorn the night sky. She can sense changes in the cosmic energies around her, allowing her to anticipate events before they occur and react accordingly.

Habitat: Celestria is a creature of mystery, often found in remote and secluded areas where the natural world remains untouched by human hands. She seems to prefer environments that are rich in natural beauty, such as lush forests or serene meadows.
Hunting Celestria: Encountering Celestria in the wild is a rare and exhilarating experience, one that few are privileged to witness. Hunters who seek to confront her must be prepared for a challenge unlike any other, as she possesses abilities that far exceed those of ordinary creatures. Only those who approach her with respect and humility have any hope of success.
Yougive it a more draconic feelChatGPTChatGPT
Introducing Celestria, a formidable Elder Dragon whose presence evokes both wonder and fear, her draconic features commanding respect and awe.
Appearance: Celestria's form is that of a true dragon, her scales gleaming with an otherworldly iridescence that seems to shift and change with every movement. Her body is sleek and sinuous, with powerful muscles rippling beneath her shimmering hide. Horns crown her head, curving back like the crescent moon, and her eyes blaze with a fierce, otherworldly light. From her back sprout majestic wings, their membranes translucent and ethereal, reminiscent of the aurora itself.
Abilities:

1. Luminescent Aura: Celestria exudes an aura of radiant energy, bathing the area around her in a soft, celestial glow. This aura not only illuminates the darkness but also imbues those within its radius with a sense of calm and tranquility, soothing their fears and invigorating their spirits.
2. Stellar Manipulation: With a mere thought, Celestria can bend light and space to her will, weaving illusions and distorting reality with ease. She can conjure blinding flashes of light to disorient her foes or create mirages to confuse and confound them.
3. Celestial Nova: When provoked, Celestria can unleash the full power of the cosmos, summoning forth a torrent of celestial energy that burns like the brightest of stars. These blasts of energy can scorch the earth and incinerate anything in their path, leaving naught but ashes in their wake.
4. Ethereal Flight: Celestria takes to the skies with the grace and majesty befitting a dragon of her stature, her wings beating in a rhythmic cadence that echoes the pulse of the universe itself. She soars through the heavens with unmatched agility, her movements as fluid as a river's flow.
5. Astral Dominion: Celestria's connection to the cosmos grants her insight into the very fabric of reality, allowing her to perceive events before they unfold and manipulate the forces of nature to her advantage. She is a master of time and space, her will shaping the world around her like clay in the hands of a sculptor.

Habitat: Celestria makes her home in the most remote and inaccessible reaches of the world, far from the prying eyes of mortal beings. She dwells in caverns deep beneath the earth or atop towering mountains, her lair a sanctuary of ancient power and mystic energy.
Hunting Celestria: To hunt Celestria is to challenge the very forces of creation and destruction, for she is a being of primordial power and cosmic significance. Hunters who seek to confront her must be prepared for a battle of epic proportions, one that will test their strength, their courage, and their very understanding of the universe itself. Only those who are truly worthy will emerge victorious from the crucible of Celestria's wrath, their names forever etched in the annals of legend and myth.
Lore: In the annals of the world's ancient lore, there exists a tale whispered only among the most venerable sages and wisest scholars—a tale of a celestial being known as Celestria, the Dragon of the Cosmos.
According to legend, Celestria is not merely a creature of flesh and blood but a manifestation of the very fabric of the universe itself—a living embodiment of the cosmic forces that govern all of existence. Born from the primordial chaos that preceded creation, she is said to have traversed the endless expanse of the cosmos since time immemorial, her luminous form weaving through the stars like a comet streaking across the night sky.
In the forgotten epochs of the world's infancy, Celestria was revered as a deity by ancient civilizations, worshipped as the guardian of the celestial realms and the harbinger of cosmic order. It is said that she bestowed blessings upon those who honored her with offerings of light and energy, guiding them through the darkness of the unknown and granting them visions of the divine.
But as the ages passed and the world changed, the memory of Celestria faded from the minds of mortals, relegated to the realm of myth and legend. Her name became synonymous with mystery and wonder, spoken of only in hushed tones by those who dared to seek the truth behind the veil of time.
Yet, despite her enigmatic nature, Celestria's presence continues to be felt throughout the world, her influence woven into the very fabric of reality itself. It is said that she watches over the world from her celestial throne, her eyes blazing with the light of a thousand stars, ever vigilant against the forces of darkness that seek to unravel the delicate balance of creation.
And so, the legend of Celestria lives on, a testament to the enduring power of the cosmos and the eternal mysteries that lie beyond the boundaries of mortal comprehension. To encounter her is to witness a glimpse of the divine, a fleeting moment of transcendence in a world bound by the chains of time and space.

Hey all, doing some spring cleaning and getting rid of gear I never use.
All prices are OBO, shipping is on the buyer. Will absolutely consider a package detail if anyone wants to take multiple things, would actually be preferable.
Located in the GTA.
Pics at the imgur link below:
https://imgur.com/a/pWAoPNW
Item 1: FMA Fast helmet, tan, size M/L - $90 OBO SOLD
Shell is on the thicker side, pads are the non-lux liner type. OCC dial is the actual dial type, not the worm gear that I found to be kind of annoying. Changed out the old shroud to a copy of the Wilcox shroud. Also upgraded the velcro from the old pattern to the newer, more broken up pattern (better coverage).
https://imgur.com/a/jvScgUZ
Item 2: Riggers belt + replica TACO pouch - $20
Riggers belt and TACO pouch, TACO will comfortably hold M4 mags, will probably be fine with AK mags. I don't believe it's really meant for bigger mags like 417 or SCAR-H mags.
https://imgur.com/a/5KRey0b
Item 3: Replica Haley Micro Chest Rig, Multicam, $55 OBO SOLD
Comes as an X-Harness.
https://imgur.com/a/2LnbKnG
Item 4: Replica Spiritus Systems Mk4 Chest Rig, Multicam, $90 OBO
Comes as a H-harness. Has a stretch kangaroo insert to hold 3x M4 mags. Also has the two radio pouches on the sides.
https://imgur.com/a/bZDHhgX
Item 5: Replica PlateFrame, Multicam, Med Plates - $125 OBO SOLD
Comes with the hard swimmer plates + multicam plate covers. Has the S&S Precision style triple mag pouch, and the cummerbund radio pouch. Also comes with the soft foam backers (flotation backers).
https://imgur.com/a/FZ2GaxO
Item 6: Replica Slickster, Ranger Green, Med Plates - $125 OBO SOLD
Replaced the cummerbund with an elastic cummerbund that uses tubes. Original elastic cummerbund will still come included. As well, Slickster currently has a triple mag G-hook style placard on the front. It will also come with the kangaroo+MOLLE G-hook placard pictured as well.
https://imgur.com/a/accNyhg
Item 7: Replica JPC, Multicam, Med Plates - $125 OBO
JPC has the cummerbund replaced with an elastic cummerbund. Comes with the dangler pouch, and has the old school hard plastic triple mag kangaroo insert. Shoulders are that nicer rubbery material, not fabric.
https://imgur.com/a/fA38nXq
Item 8: Replica SPC, Multicam, Med Plates - $200 OBO
Spent some time putting this kit together and really tried to like it, but it just doesn't fit me well - decided to stick with an FCPC.
SPC is multicam, never fielded and completely clean. Comes with medium cardboard plates to hold the shape. Also comes with the side plate pouches, which are filled with foam. It will include the original front flap, which currently has the stretchy fast mag pouches. It will also come with the AXL advanced placard adapters, and the attached triple M4 mag placard. Will also throw in the quad SMG mag pouch.
Biggest thing to note for this SPC is that the cummerbund has been modified. I didn't like the original tab + flap combo, so I cut the flap and replaced it with a tab + cobra buckle combo. The mod is not reversible, so if you don't like the idea of a cobra buckle for this carrier, be warned now.
https://imgur.com/a/FrzAldA
Thanks for looking

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means – it's time to refresh our wardrobes with those breezy, beautiful summer dresses! Whether you're hitting the beach, enjoying a picnic, or just soaking up the sun, the perfect summer dress is a must-have. Let's dive into the top trends, styles, and tips for rocking the best summer dresses this season!

1. Floral Frenzy

Nothing says summer quite like a vibrant floral dress. From bold, oversized prints to delicate daisy patterns, floral dresses are a timeless choice. Pair them with a straw hat and some cute sandals, and you're ready for any summer adventure.

• Tip: Look for lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen to keep cool.
• Style Idea: Midi-length floral dress with puff sleeves for a romantic look.

2. Maxi Magic

Maxi dresses are the epitome of effortless chic. They provide comfort while giving you that goddess-like flow. Perfect for beach days or casual evenings out.

• Tip: Opt for slits or wrap styles to add some flair and movement.
• Style Idea: Boho-inspired maxi with tassel details and earthy tones.

3. Bold and Bright

Summer is the season to embrace color! Think neon pinks, sunny yellows, and electric blues. Bright dresses not only lift your spirits but also make you stand out in a crowd.

• Tip: Accessorize with neutral or metallic pieces to balance the boldness.
• Style Idea: A-line dress in a vibrant hue paired with white sneakers for a sporty-chic look.

4. Elegant and Effortless

For those who prefer a more understated look, minimalist dresses in neutral tones or soft pastels are perfect. They exude elegance and can easily transition from day to night.

• Tip: Focus on quality fabrics and simple, clean lines.
• Style Idea: Sleek slip dress in a pastel shade, perfect for layering with a denim jacket.

5. Sustainable Styles

Eco-friendly fashion is in vogue! Look for brands that offer sustainable and ethically-made summer dresses. Organic cotton, recycled materials, and fair trade practices are some key things to watch for.

• Tip: Support local brands and artisans to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Style Idea: Handcrafted dress with unique prints and patterns.

6. Accessorize Your Look

Don't forget to elevate your summer dress with the right accessories. Here are a few must-haves:

• Straw hats for a classic summer vibe.
• Statement sunglasses to protect your eyes in style.
• Woven bags that add texture and are perfect for carrying all your summer essentials.
• Comfortable yet stylish footwear like espadrilles, sandals, or even chunky sneakers.

7. Share Your Summer Dress Selfies

We want to see your summer style! Drop your photos in the comments and let's celebrate the season together. Plus, share your favorite brands and shops – we're always on the lookout for new fashion inspiration!
Stay cool, stay stylish, and enjoy every sunny moment!

To get this up early, I’m splitting the two days of round 2. Here’s Wednesday’s ATP. The WTA Wednesday matches will go up around 12:30AM EST.

Rublev vs Martinez :

For a good chunk of his career, Rublev has made quick work of matches like this. When he’s the bigger hitter and his opponent doesn’t have a huge serve, he’s supposed to thrive. Lately though, Andrey hasn’t been automatic in these spots. He’s always had a temper, but it’s been on display following his errors lately and it has given his opponents belief. Taro Daniel won a set, and Martinez is at least as good as him. 5 sets with Tirante doesn’t indicate he’s ready to upset Rublev, but I would expect the bulk of this to be fairly competitive. Rublev in 4.

Muller vs Arnadli :

Muller scored a comfortable victory against Luca Nardi in the opening round, and he will continue to battle the Italian federation in round two against Matteo Arnaldi. Arnaldi had a fairly easy time with Arthur Fils, despite getting broken 6 times. Fils is a solid player with all the attributes to be a top player on clay, but he has no patience. He’s extremely willing to go for broke from any position, and when the rally stretches long he tries to hit the big shot as soon as it appears. As a fan, I want to see big shots, but to win on clay you need to play a more conservative approach. Arnaldi is way more stable from the baseline than Fils, but bailing out of rallies early isn’t the right plan because it means Arnaldi doesn’t really feel like he has to do anything special to win.
Muller will hang in rallies longer and is a good bit better than Fils on clay, but he doesn’t have this level of win on his resume yet. Arnaldi’s register is very high and I mostly only see him losing to players who hit bigger. I expect him to have to work harder and longer than he did against Fils, but this should go to Arnaldi in 3-4.

Sonego vs Zhang :

Immense power. A huge forehand. Inconsistent results. A cannon of a serve but a slightly subpar backhand. Which player am I describing? This is a matchup that is very close. Humbert fell apart against Koepfer last week in Lyon and his slump continued, allowing Sonego to get a much-needed win. Zhang had a great draw and took advantage of it, besting Vukic in 4. The big difference I see in these two players is the speed. Sonego is a bit quicker around the court and that might allow him to win a few extra points. Given they both have the ability to protect their service games I would expect a tiebreaker or two, and at least 4 sets. I’m a big Zhang fan but he hasn’t been as good on clay as he was in the Challenger grind, so Sonego in 4-5.

Altmaier vs Tsitsipas :

Tsitsipas was clinical in beating Fucsovics in round one. He’s back with Badosa, he’s a dark horse to win this event, and he’s playing great tennis. Having that focus is big for a player who’s struggled for confidence, and Altmaier is a player he can probably beat. Daniel has always been capable on clay, and he has some amazing clashes with big name players like Sinner in the past, but lately I haven’t loved his level. Beating an inactive Djere was honestly good, but I think Tsitsipas is fresh and will be hitting the ball bigger the entire match here. Altmaier moves the ball well but he will very likely get worn down as this progresses. Tsitsipas in 4.

Shelton vs Nishikori :

Nishikori pulling up and beating one of the better qualifiers was impressive, but I guess if we’re being honest Diallo isn’t automatic yet. He has a bright future, but big hitters can often be undone by a slick defender and Nishikori has all the experience in the world. I think this will be fun because Shelton is a lefty. Attacking Nishikori’s backhand will get him punished up the line and cross-court, because Kei has one of the best backhands the tour has ever seen. The downside is Kei just played a five setter so he might be a bit tired, and he’s not serving well enough to score easy points. Shelton’s team hopefully has told him to take his forehand inside out and down the line as often as possible. Shelton in 4.

Auger-Alliassime vs Squire :

Gutsy performance in round one from Squire. Even in the fifth set tiebreak he was still hitting his backhand down the line for effect, and while he double faulted in a few crucial moments he served effectively the entire match. I’m not sure how his game will fare against Felix. FAA is inconsistent but he’s had a good month and he does everything a little bigger than Squire here. Felix in 3-4.

Korda vs Kwon :

Korda winning in straight sets is honestly surprising the way it feels like his season is going. Checking his history though he’s been winning his fair share of matches, it’s just watching his losses that makes me feel he’s struggling. More surprising is Kwon winning in straights. Ruusuvuori continues to struggle on clay and Kwon returning from a layoff to black him is a great result for him. His insistence on pushing the pace and hitting to the open court will bother Korda a bit, but he’s a bit out of his weight class here. Korda’s serving is good enough to get him through here, but Kwon winning in straights means expecting him to just lose in straights is pretty unreasonable. Korda in 4-5. The problem here is Korda is supposed to win this in straights, but Kwon is supposed to lose round one so he’s at a level beyond what we’re estimating him at when we say Korda in 3.

De Jong vs Alcaraz :

Jesper De Jong won the best match of his career in round one, getting past Jack Draper and setting up a matchup against the current tournament favorite. It almost has to be the end of the road, but De Jong will give us our first look at how Alcaraz is playing. Carlos was immaculate in round one, losing only 4 games, but Wolf is just not good on clay, and is having one of his worst runs ever on tour. Alcaraz in 3 is likely again because De Jong doesn’t have the hugest serve, but this will be much more competitive than the Wolf match. Alcaraz in 3-4.

Hurkacz vs Nakashima :

Considering Mochizuki took Hurkacz to 5, Nakashima has to like his chances here. Mochigoat is one of the fun players to watch on tour and his volleys at net are unreal, but Hurkacz is supposed to win that match in a safe manner. Now he’s playing Nakashima who won against Moreno De Alboran in a solid performance, and has been grinding clay events the entire year, using them almost exclusively to earn his way back into the top 100. Hurkacz won’t necessarily struggle as much in this one; it’s fairly common on tour for players to squeak through a strugglebus performance and feel like they’re freerolling in the next round. You already should have been out, so you play with no pressure and your best tennis comes out.
Hubert’s serve can get him to the finish line against pretty much anyone as well, so Nakashima will have to lock in and try to wear Hurkacz down. It may sound silly, but Isner used to struggle more against the guys that couldn’t ace him. Putting the serve return in is great, but if the other player is a solid baseliner, it means you’re playing 6-8 shot rallies over and over. This can take the legs away from a big server, and Nakashima fits this bill. While I’m bullish on Nakashima here, I think it’s more likely that this will be close enough that anyone can win, and whoever plays the big points better will. A server like Hurkacz in tiebreakers is pretty efficient, and playing a servebot in a 5th is a really tough ask if they’re serving first. Honestly, I saw this match in the draw and thought Nakashima was 50/50, so I’m sticking with it. Nakashima in 5.

Shapovalov vs Tiafoe :

Shapovalov is winning tennis matches again. It’s great to see, but he’s in Dimitrov territory for me. Sure he’s winning, but I’m not going near it because I don’t want to get hurt again. His opponent this round is a player whose range of play goes from “does he even play tennis anymore?” to “omg he’s going to win the US Open” Bellucci almost had Tiafoe, and a few big returns for Tiafoe ended up being the key in the end. Tiafoe will probably be competitive here, and playing a lefty the round before means his backhand got a good workout and he’ll be comfortable with the generic patterns that a lefty will bring. Shapovalov hits bigger than Tiafoe regularly, and it will take a big step up in effort/consistency from Tiafoe to win this. Given his serving ability and the underlying ability to play top level tennis, being sure Tiafoe will lose here doesn’t make sense. I’m expecting a match where both players will be pretty frustrated at times, and I think the one who’s more willing to lock in and play stingy defensive tennis will win. For once, that seems to be Shapo. Shapovalov in 4-5.

Bergs vs Marterer :

There were some wild first round results, but Tabilo losing quickly to Zizou Bergs was one of the biggest. Not only does he get a huge result, but he’s a favorite to win his second round also. Marterer has gotten a lot of respect and fallen short on tour for a few seasons, but he made good on the respect and beat Thompson in 3. Marterer is a powerful lefty who crushes the ball, and the one problem with his game is he sort of plays at one speed. Hitting big is great but he sometimes plays his opponents into form by showing them the same pace over and over. Shapovalov had a similar problem during his slump as well. Marterer shouldn’t be counted out of this match at all, but Bergs is much quicker around the court and I think Maximilian’s backhand will get worn down eventually. Bergs in 4.

Maroszan vs Dimitrov :

I’ll take tickets to this match. Both are through in straight sets, and both hit extremely clean and play skilled tennis. Maroszan can win this match, but I think Dimitrov’s ability to defend will eventually get him through. Maroszan’s power and forehand are good enough to hit some winners, but he also scores a lot off of dropshots. I think it’s still a viable option, but Dimitrov’s speed will make it a risky option. Expecting a high level clash here and when both players are extremely skilled sets usually get traded. Dimitrov in 4 is what I suspect, but since it’s his defense I expect to get him across the finish line this could easily go 5. Maroszan is really good, and it’s just fitness and decision-making that are left for him to work on.

Moutet vs Shevchenko :

Moutet’s coach got a bit spicy before the Jarry match, allegedly mad about fans’ behavior in the Moutet Jarry clash in Chile. It seemed to work, as Moutet played some of the best tennis he ever has and beat Jarry in 4 exhilarating sets. That same level should win this contest, but a slightly different style of opponent can complicate things. Shevchenko is a plucky baseliner and he will make Moutet earn all his points. He managed to outlast Karatsev in round one in a 5 set clash that had a million changes in momentum and 21 breaks. Moutet’s level was higher, but besting another offense is sometimes a simpler task. Shevchenko is going to put the ball in annoying spots and try to outlast Moutet, so this is a mental test. I think Moutet is up for it, but I could see it taking some time to happen. Moutet in 4.

Ofner vs Baez :

Gustavo Heide should be on everyone’s radar now. He hits the ball huge and clean, and has one of the better serves from the young crop of talents on tour. Honestly, when I first saw him 2 years ago I think he was a servebot and an old guy, and now his baseline game has developed in a major way and somehow he’s 22. Stay still Gustavo! Baez had this mostly wrapped up and Heide was tired, and then he won 2 lopsided sets in a row. I was expecting Baez to go on a run here, and he played Ruud close in Geneva so this is a good reprieve for him (playing Ofner). Ofner beat Atmane in 5 and he has the power to compete with Baez, but not the consistency. The 5 setter with Heide was surprising, but I’m willing to chalk it up to Heide’s high level rather than Baez being a flight risk. Baez in 4.

Kotov vs Wawrinka :

Hehe. Kinda fair for these two to play each other. If there were any two players to look both ways during a changeover and then sneak a cupcake out of their bag and scarf it, it’s these two offensive wizards. Kotov managed to outlast Norrie which is honestly a tremendous win, and Wawrinka continued his clay dominance against Murray in a straight set win. Kotov is a little better and has more stamina at this point, but Wawrinka is serving well and I expect him to win at least 1 of the first two sets.
Wawrinka has been losing to a lot of players right around Kotov’s level recently (Martinez in 2, ARV in 3, Borges in 3) so it’s tempting but tricky to declare him a winner. Tennis-wise, my brain won’t let me see Kotov winning. Pavel serves well and hits big, and for a guy who appears out of shape he wins a lot of marathon matches and has good power late in the game. 5 sets with Norrie isn’t going to help him here, and if Wawrinka can get up 2-0 or 2-1 it could easily be goodnight just because he can then open up. Norrie is a tough out, but on clay his shots don’t really clear the court. Wawrinka is almost a clay specialist at this point in his career, and he serves a lot bigger than Cam also.
This is wide open, and if I could skip a match, it’d be this one. Wawrinka in 4 or Kotov in 5. Stan needs to win quickly, but his recent results don’t make it realistic. You can point to him smoking Murray, but Murray is really a gimme these days on clay.

Gasquet vs Sinner :

Jannik Sinner has filled the void that the gradual departure of the big 3 is creating. He was always a tremendous player, but now he’s become extremely reliable at that level. His returning is world class, his serve is constantly improving, and his baseline game is now measured and tactical rather than an all-out assault. He knows when to just put the ball in play, and his footwork is constant. I love it. Gasquet turned back the clock and smoked Coric in straight sets, but the road probably ends here. This will be a high-level match and the crowd will be behind Gasquet in a major way. Jannik is a classy kid and will understand the atmosphere and respect it enough to navigate to the finish line. Sinner in 3-4.

I’m feeling quite helpless and am hoping for some advice on how to navigate these family problems.
TL;DR: My sister Emily, who has a history of lying, claimed our stepmom Christie was accusing her of dropping out of college and other things, which led to a lot of family stress. Christie recently committed suicide, and it turns out she was right about Emily not being in school. Now, I’m worried about my dad’s emotional state, and my sister’s ongoing lies are making family life toxic. I can’t even stay in the same house as her because I fear for my safety.
___
For perspective, my immediate family overview:
My mom and dad divorced when my mom was pregnant with me. My dad left her for my two older brothers' babysitter. I grew up with her as my step mom. There was always some tension between my brothers and her growing up, while I was more of a neutral observer. To be honest, she wasn't the best person but I did come to love her in the end. My dad and stepmom, Christie had one child together, Emily. When I was in high school my older brother passed away in a car accident, which was needless to say devasting for my parents. My oldest brother struggle with extreme drug addiction after that, going to rehab twice. He's doing very well now, with two kids and a wife in Florida. I'm in Chicago with my partner; gay, came out in high school.
____
Emily’s always been the golden child, spinning tales that often cast her as the victim or star. Last year, she started telling me these intense stories about her mom / my stepmom Christie, who was truly going through a rough depressive patch mentally. Emily used this depression and painted her as delusional and abusive. Then, Christie tragically took her own life, a decision we believe was heavily influenced by the stress of Emily’s lies about attending college—lies that we only recently discovered were actually true.
At Christie’s funeral, Emily’s behavior was off. She looked like she was dressed for a TV show rather than a funeral, and her emotional breakdown during a speech she barely prepared for felt staged. It was like she enjoyed the drama.
Her past is a complex web of claimed abuses and sexual assaults, many of which have been proven untrue. She’s excellent at manipulating narratives and even now boasts about becoming a CEO from a supposed buy-out of her PR firm (really she's just a freelancer), dropping names like Pauly D and Blake Lively as if they’re everyday business contacts.
The lies escalated in the days following her mother’s death. She claimed she was graduating a year early, was getting her diploma overnighted, that she had been named valedictorian, and that she was supposed to speak at the graduation ceremony. After her diploma didn't show up after a few days and she had excuse after excuse, had us drive 45 minutes to a friend’s house to pick up her 'diploma', only to receive a last-minute call from a random girl claiming it wasn't there after all. Random lie anyway, because why would a friend have her new diploma!?
This pattern of deceit was further confirmed when my brother and I checked with the National Student Clearinghouse and found out she wasn’t enrolled since last year and has no diploma from her university, contrary to her claims. Rather than coming clean, Emily’s response was to weave even more complex lies.
On top of all this, she’s lying about big financial moves involving my dad’s friends, like apartments in NYC and buying new houses, which just isolates us more when we can’t follow up on these claims without risking embarrassment.
Our dad is devastated. He’s always been private and protective, and these events have hit him hard. He’s still defending Emily and seems in denial, despite everything. It feels like everything’s falling apart because of Emily’s fabrications. My brother and I aren't speaking with my sister right now, and not speaking to my dad much, after we gave them ultimatums that they ignored.
I suggested family therapy, but that got shut down. I’m at a loss. I want to help my dad and find some way to bridge the gap, but Emily’s presence makes it impossible to even think about staying at his house. I’m genuinely scared of what she might do next given her track record and intensity.
So, what should I do? Is there a way to get through to my dad or to arrange some kind of intervention for Emily without making things worse? How do I find someone who can help us navigate this incredibly tough situation? I'm also open to some questions and perspectives on her outrageous lies.
And before you ask, yes, I know about What Jennifer Did, let's not bring that up!
Thanks for letting me vent. I just want to find some way to bring honesty and peace back to our family.

Hi advice,
I’m feeling quite helpless and am hoping for some advice on how to navigate these family problems.
TL;DR: My sister Emily, who has a history of lying, claimed our stepmom Christie was accusing her of dropping out of college and other things, which led to a lot of family stress. Christie recently committed suicide, and it turns out she was right about Emily not being in school. Now, I’m worried about my dad’s emotional state, and my sister’s ongoing lies are making family life toxic. I can’t even stay in the same house as her because I fear for my safety.
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For perspective, my immediate family overview:
My mom and dad divorced when my mom was pregnant with me. My dad left her for my two older brothers' babysitter. I grew up with her as my step mom. There was always some tension between my brothers and her growing up, while I was more of a neutral observer. To be honest, she wasn't the best person but I did come to love her in the end. My dad and stepmom, Christie had one child together, Emily. When I was in high school my older brother passed away in a car accident, which was needless to say devasting for my parents. My oldest brother struggle with extreme drug addiction after that, going to rehab twice. He's doing very well now, with two kids and a wife in Florida. I'm in Chicago with my partner; gay, came out in high school.
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Emily’s always been the golden child, spinning tales that often cast her as the victim or star. Last year, she started telling me these intense stories about her mom / my stepmom Christie, who was truly going through a rough depressive patch mentally. Emily used this depression and painted her as delusional and abusive. Then, Christie tragically took her own life, a decision we believe was heavily influenced by the stress of Emily’s lies about attending college—lies that we only recently discovered were actually true.
At Christie’s funeral, Emily’s behavior was off. She looked like she was dressed for a TV show rather than a funeral, and her emotional breakdown during a speech she barely prepared for felt staged. It was like she enjoyed the drama.
Her past is a complex web of claimed abuses and sexual assaults, many of which have been proven untrue. She’s excellent at manipulating narratives and even now boasts about becoming a CEO from a supposed buy-out of her PR firm (really she's just a freelancer), dropping names like Pauly D and Blake Lively as if they’re everyday business contacts.
The lies escalated in the days following her mother’s death. She claimed she was graduating a year early, was getting her diploma overnighted, that she had been named valedictorian, and that she was supposed to speak at the graduation ceremony. After her diploma didn't show up after a few days and she had excuse after excuse, had us drive 45 minutes to a friend’s house to pick up her 'diploma', only to receive a last-minute call from a random girl claiming it wasn't there after all. Random lie anyway, because why would a friend have her new diploma!?
This pattern of deceit was further confirmed when my brother and I checked with the National Student Clearinghouse and found out she wasn’t enrolled since last year and has no diploma from her university, contrary to her claims. Rather than coming clean, Emily’s response was to weave even more complex lies.
On top of all this, she’s lying about big financial moves involving my dad’s friends, like apartments in NYC and buying new houses, which just isolates us more when we can’t follow up on these claims without risking embarrassment.
Our dad is devastated. He’s always been private and protective, and these events have hit him hard. He’s still defending Emily and seems in denial, despite everything. It feels like everything’s falling apart because of Emily’s fabrications. My brother and I aren't speaking with my sister right now, and not speaking to my dad much, after we gave them ultimatums that they ignored.
I suggested family therapy, but that got shut down. I’m at a loss. I want to help my dad and find some way to bridge the gap, but Emily’s presence makes it impossible to even think about staying at his house. I’m genuinely scared of what she might do next given her track record and intensity.
So, what should I do? Is there a way to get through to my dad or to arrange some kind of intervention for Emily without making things worse? How do I find someone who can help us navigate this incredibly tough situation? I'm also open to some questions and perspectives on her outrageous lies.
And before you ask, yes, I know about What Jennifer Did, let's not bring that up!
Thanks for letting me vent. I just want to find some way to bring honesty and peace back to our family.

I'm currently knitting the Lisbeth blanket and it has a thick moss stitch border (10 moss stitches on each side) that I'm going to trust will prevent the blanket from curling once it's finished and blocked. I'm making a single bed size version of the blanket.
The blanket is curling like mad as I'm knitting it, to the point where on every even row that I'm purling, it's literally more difficult to get the needle into each stitch because the fabric is curling so much. The fabric is curling into an increasingly fatter tube around the cable as I'm knitting and it's making it more and more difficult to handle. Is there anything I can do about this as I'm knitting?
Edit: I've uploaded a photo of the WIP here: https://imgur.com/a/eSjHuVl

I'm curious if anyone has attempted to incorporate the system prompts from the Fabric project into Crew. I was thinking they might make effective templates for tasks and agents. The identify and purpose sections of the system prompts could be used for backstories while the output could be used for tasks. I'm planning to experiment tonight. Will report back if anyone is interested.