Dealing with a skunk-sprayed dog can be a nightmare. The foul odor is not only overwhelming but also challenging to remove. Acting quickly is crucial to minimizing the stink and preventing the smell from spreading. In this article, we'll guide you through effective methods to get skunk smell off your dog and offer tips for future prevention.

Understanding Skunk Spray

What is Skunk Spray?

Skunk spray is an oily liquid produced by glands located under a skunk's tail. This liquid is a defense mechanism, and skunks can spray with remarkable accuracy.

Why is it So Pungent?

The spray contains sulfur-based compounds called thiols, which are incredibly potent and difficult to wash away. These compounds are responsible for the intense, lingering smell.

👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about it

Immediate Steps to Take

Isolate Your Dog

As soon as your dog is sprayed, keep them outside or in a confined area to prevent the smell from spreading inside your home.

Assess the Situation

Wear gloves and check your dog for any signs of distress, such as eye irritation or drooling. If your dog has been sprayed in the face, they might need immediate veterinary care.

Homemade Skunk Odor Remover

Ingredients Needed

To make a homemade skunk odor remover, you'll need:

• 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Preparation and Safety Tips

Mix the ingredients in an open container just before use. The solution can be volatile if stored, so do not try to save it for later. Avoid getting the mixture in your dog's eyes, ears, or mouth.

Step-by-Step De-Skunking Process

Initial Rinse

Rinse your dog with lukewarm water to remove as much of the skunk oil as possible. This will help dilute the odor before applying the cleaning solution.

Application of Skunk Odor Remover

Apply the homemade solution to your dog’s fur, focusing on the areas most affected by the spray. Work the solution into the fur and skin thoroughly, but be careful around sensitive areas.

Thorough Rinsing

After letting the solution sit for 5-10 minutes, rinse your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all traces of the solution to prevent skin irritation.

👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about it

Repeat if Necessary

If the smell persists, you may need to repeat the process. Some skunk sprays are particularly stubborn and might require multiple treatments.

Alternative Solutions

Commercial Skunk Odor Removers

There are several commercial products designed to neutralize skunk odor on dogs. Look for enzymatic cleaners, which break down the thiols more effectively.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda baths, can also help reduce skunk odor. These might not be as effective as the hydrogen peroxide solution but can be useful if you're in a pinch.

Preventing Future Skunk Encounters

Supervised Outdoor Time

Keep an eye on your dog when they are outside, especially at dawn and dusk when skunks are most active.

Skunk Deterrents

Consider using skunk deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or sprinklers, to keep skunks away from your yard.

When to Seek Professional Help

Persistent Odor

If you’ve tried multiple treatments and the odor still lingers, it might be time to seek help from a professional groomer.

Skin Irritations

If your dog shows signs of skin irritation or other adverse reactions, consult your vet. They can provide additional treatments and advice.

Handling Skunk Odor in Your Home

Cleaning Tips for Indoors

If your dog brought the skunk smell inside, clean affected areas with a mixture of vinegar and water or use commercial deodorizers designed for pet odors.

👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about it

Dealing with Contaminated Items

Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding with a mixture of detergent and baking soda. Multiple washes may be necessary to completely remove the odor.

Conclusion

Getting skunk smell off your dog requires quick action and the right cleaning methods. By following these steps, you can effectively neutralize the odor and prevent it from spreading. Remember, prevention is key—supervise your dog outdoors and use deterrents to keep skunks away. If you encounter persistent issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

FAQs

Can I use tomato juice to remove skunk smell?

Tomato juice is a popular myth, but it is not very effective at neutralizing skunk odor. The hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution works much better.

How long does skunk smell last on a dog?

Without treatment, skunk smell can linger for weeks. Proper cleaning can significantly reduce the odor in a few days.

Is skunk spray harmful to dogs?

While skunk spray is not usually harmful, it can cause irritation, especially if it gets in your dog's eyes, nose, or mouth. If your dog shows signs of distress, seek veterinary care.

Can skunk smell be completely removed?

With the right treatment, skunk smell can be significantly reduced and eventually eliminated. It might take a few rounds of cleaning.

What if my dog gets sprayed in the eyes?

If your dog gets sprayed in the eyes, rinse them immediately with cool water and contact your vet. Skunk spray can cause significant irritation and should be treated promptly.

👉 CLICK HERE to learn more about it

Mary's perspective
So I'm tied to a fucking tree, though at least I'm in the shade. Hooded, panel gagged, wrapped in a white sleep sack, secured with rope. My ass, tits, and pussy exposed. Almost directly beneath my hanging boobs, two of Queen Of Mean's most junior Dommes play Spades on a fold out card table, ignoring me for the moment. Not that I'm complaining.
The filming for the episode where Saarya Rahul's clone is discovered by the Perseverance Co. has started. Yeah, I learned that bitch Lara Gupta is coming back, before I knew why.
I was actually mummified and trapped in the bondage frame on the Amazonian Ship's bridge. We're not filming a scene, QOM's crew just found it a convenient place to strap me into when they're busy and want to make sure their lowest slave stays out from underfoot. Just like in the ready room, I'm supposed to have a domme watch me all the time for my safety.
Of course, Daci is in charge of drawing up the rotation, and she assigns the youngest and most immature of Queen Of Mean's crew to watch me. No big surprise, sometimes they go to screw off with their friends, leaving me trapped alone on the set. A silent mummy with her lady parts hanging out, and her wide, desperate eyes tracking back and forth.
That's what happened the day I was reacquainted with Lara. I had been enjoying the peace and quiet of the set, I actually enjoyed not being tormented by one of QOM's sadistic Junior Dommes. Then I heard steps and laughing voices, coming from the sets back passageway. I braced myself from some sadistic cruelty from my Mistress Daci and her evil minions.
Instead I heard Mistress Daci say "You want to know where Girl Mary is, Miss Nora and I want to surprise you. Surprise, Miss Lara, here she is!" I heard an audible gasp that had to be Lara Gupta. "That's Mar-".
I hear Mistress Nora's girlish chuckle. "You said you read the release material, Lara, this is Girl Mary being her new super submissive self!" Both her and Mistress Daci giggle.
The three women walk around to regard my mummified ass from the front. To the right Mistress Daci, in her black Amazonian pilot flight suit, with red insignia and badges. She grins at me with her usual sadistic delight.
In the center Lara Rajaneesh Gupta in the flesh. I'm surprised she's not wearing the tight bootie shorts and unicorn T-shirt. She is wearing a loose fitting black T-Shirt saying "Want To Impress This Desi Girl? Whip Me Up Some Curry!" And what looks like faded store bought Levis. Most striking is her eyes. Last time her eyes were shifty and sneaky. Now they're warm and open, she actually looks saddened by my plight, and embarrassed for me.
I don't have much time to process that when I hear Mistress Nora speak. My eyes automatically track to my slender former student and current Domme. She's wearing her especially low cut Stellar Compact Navy blue jumpsuit with Commanders rank tabs.
"Girl Mary, why are you contaminating these two fine free ladies with your scummy slave gaze? Eyes down now!" Realizing my mistake, too late, my eyes dropped to the deck. I hear Daci giggle at my plight.
"Mistress Daci, why isn't there a domme to watch this slave and stop behavior like this? This is lax for such a professional crew as yours." Daci seems more serious when she says. "Miss Nora, I apologize, I fix it now." A moment later I hear her chewing ass, presumably on her phone, of the domme she assigned to watch me. I take no pleasure then that, I know the little bitch is going to take out Daci's butt chewing on my sorry slave hide.
"Miss Nora, Miss Lara, I apologize, the domme assigned to watch this subbie is on her way back here. She will be appropriately disciplined for not watching this slave." Miss Nora says "Thank you, Daci." Lara remains silent.
I hear footsteps running down the passage in a rush. Daci orders the junior domme to halt in the entrance, and unleashes another blistering tirade on her. Then she tells her to remain in place until her betters leave.
Nora says "Daci, Lara, lets forget this unpleasantness, I ordered us some curry from Miss Connor's favorite Thai Bistro! She's going to have lunch with Slave Sarah and Slave Constance at her living unit. Layla is going out to eat with a visiting uncle. We have the Ready Room to ourselves, we can eat and chat there."
Lara and Daci agree that sounds good and I hear the three ladies receding steps. Then I hear my designated Domme "Miss High and Mighty barks orders and eats with the cute little bunnies, while I have to watch your stupid ass! But that's okay...I can still get my own back!"
I feel the first stinging line of fire on my behind from her whip. Punishing my slave ass unfairly for her screw up...
A day later, I'm sandwiched between Nora on my right and Layla on my left. I'm naked, hooded, and panel gagged with my arms bindered behind my back. My nipple clamps chained to the desk, my clit leash anchored to the deck.
We're in the classroom where Constance and I were first indoc'd into QOM's crew's way of doing things. Guess I'm not even good enough to be in the ready room anymore. At least for script readings, Daci, for whom English is obviously not her first language, is absent. Layla and Nora can get really rough, but even together they're not as mean as that fucking Romanian bitch.
Today I focus, and obey their directions, keeping my gloomy slave feelings inside. My former protege and the Hispanic girl are surprisingly calm as they guide me through my part of the script.

 Opening Scene 

A mummified, helpless girl secured to a tree. Only her eyes, tits and pussy visible in her slave wrappings. The camera pulls back with her still centered. She's surrounded by a hellscape of burnt out vehicles, scorched earth, and blackened trees.
A robotic AI Voice gives a briefing:
AI briefer: At 0800 we spotted a hostage at the forward observer point guiding artillery pinning down the 6th Stellar Compact Marines Battalion. Obviously female, her identity remains unknown, although she might be one of the MIA Orbit Guard members from when this planet was initially assaulted by a combined Amazonian N'Docc" force.
This tactic was first noted when we were mopping up the surviving ground forces after the retaking of the Botany Bay colony. A captive is secured at a critical strategic point, to buy them time to do the most damage to Stellar Compact forces and slip away. They know we will eventually sacrifice the hostage, if we feel that's necessary. But they know our doctrine, that we have to do a cost benefit analysis and try to save the hostage if we can. They count on this to do the maximum damage as they retreat, if they can't turn the battle to their favor.
Unfortunately, a cost benefit analysis determined this unknown hostage could not be saved without unacceptable losses to the 6th Marines, and possibly jeopardizing the ground campaign on this world. At 0956, the determination was made to terminate the forward observer post with extreme prejudice.
A Plasma Mortar Smart Round was keyed to the coordinates and launched. ( A Holo Data link picture appears, showing the mortar in relation to the forward observer spot. A graphic represents the round launched, and a line with mathematical calculations represents its trajectory).
(The picture shifts back to the restrained slavegirl. You see shifty scrambling in the background) It appears all hostiles manning the outpost detected the launch and escaped without discernible casualties. (The hostage isn't so lucky, her desperate eyes track the flaming football descending on her position. She mmmphs and wiggles, her big breasts swaying. A moment later, in an Orange red flash she is incinerated, a death devoid of dignity bestowed on so many courageous Stellar Compact female soldiers before her).
(The view shifts with no further commentary, which would be superfluous. We see Commander Gail to the left of a large viewscreen, Rear Admiral Mendez to the right. Gail puts her head in her hands and takes a moment to gather herself.)
Mendez: Commander-Nora, I'm sorry. I know that must be hard, especially after what happened to Captain Rommie. But I need you to understand what's going on down there. There are still fierce pockets of resistance. Stellar Compact Intelligence has confirmed that the Amazonians want to take you alive and make you a Whipping Girl, whomever does it will attain greater honor than even Commander Sappho capturing poor Rommie. Is a morale tour really worth it?
Gail (Raises her head, visibly pulls together) I know the risks, but understand why you showed that to me. I don't want to die at all, especially not like that. But war entails risks. I knew that when I pounded my fist on that table, and yelled at a conclave Admirals, that I risked Dismissal or even Court Martial. I know it now, and think it's important enough to do.
Mendez: It's not just you. The media has dubbed you the "Heroine Of Botany Bay" and "The Savioress Of The Stellar Compact" you being killed, or slowly tortured as a Whipping Girl, could devastate our morale at a critical juncture, even turn the tide of the war against us again!
(Mendez takes a deep breath, pauses)
Don't get me wrong, I care about your well being Commander. I lost one of the finest female command Officers I knew on my watch. If I lost another-I don't know if I could forgive-(The normally poised Admiral casts her head down and seems to be wiping away tears).
(Nora reaches out to gently touch the Admiral's right shoulder with her left hand. Unsolicited contact with a Flag officer in peacetime can be a serious offence, depending on circumstances. In wartime, it can be a Capitol one. The Admiral's Marine Guard starts to move in on the impertinent commander. The Admiral pulls herself together and waves them off).
Mendez (Grabs Gail's hand with her right, clasps it in both hands) Nora, the first time I saw you, you seemed ready to jump behind the Cybo-Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO to escape from my gaze. Now you're a battle tested hero. You've come a long way baby."
Nora: Ma'am, I never wanted to be a hero. I don't FEEL like one. All I ever wanted to do was be an explorer. Also show a society on the verge of revoking women's rights, that we ARE as capable as men. But now that I am one, it's not about me, it's about us, the Stellar Compact as a whole. What kind of hero avoids risks when it comes to encouraging those who look to them as a role model?
Mendez (releases Gail's hand, looks stern again) Young woman, I could order you not to go ground side. (She gets a small, fond smile) an order you might choose not to obey. So I don't have to convene Court Martial proceedings, I give you permission. You be careful down there, Commander, or I will personally spank you like I used to do to my daughters!"
Gail (small smile) Ma'am, I have Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO protecting me-and Gabby-Staff Sergeant Perez and her Marines. I'd bet on them over a Regiment of N'Docc" any day!
Mendez (Stern and serious) Young lady, you may have to. Keep your head on a swivel. Dismissed.
(Nora salutes, the Admiral returns it, the meeting is over. Nora leaves the briefing room, her own Marine Guard falling in after her as she leaves).
I try to cover my chagrin, once again, "Boss Bitch" Miss Connor, makes me look pathetic and my Mistress looks awesome with her writing. I wish I'd never asked Dave to let me start this project! I'm still strapped to this tree, sweltering, with my lady parts exposed for all to see.
Lara's perspective
So "Boss Bitch" asked to meet me at 08:30 at the Ready room for a script meeting about my character. With my security badge, I could walk around unescorted, and I had the cypher lock combo to the ready room. Still when I came to the door ten minutes early, the red privacy light was on, I thought it polite to wait for Sheila.
The pretty half breed girl rolls up almost right on time, trademark fedora on head, coffee cup in hand. She sees the red light and frowns. She politely asks me to hold her cup and pounds the intercom button.
"Alright, bitches, I don't care if you're having a les orgy in there! You have 30 seconds to get dressed and wipe off the table, then I'm coming in!" She takes the coffee cup back and times it on her phone. When time's up, she punched in the combo and stormed in, with me close behind.
Her assertion of them having an orgy isn't far off. Constance is naked, kneeling and facing a chair, her arms secured with padded zip ties to each arm of the chair, panel gagged. Sarah is also naked, behind Constance, standing and with arms bindered behind her, though not muzzled. She is proudly standing facing us, smiling, her fine Asian assets on display.
I take a quick glance at Nora, in her blue jumpsuit, sitting across the table with a coffee cup in hand. Her proud smile shows how far her exotic subbie has come. Sarah knew without being told she had to proudly "present" to Sheila and I, because she was nude. I look back at the two naked girls.
Layla is on the other side of the chair from Constance in her Stellar Compact Marine Uniform, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
Our fearless leader fixes the two Dommes and the Alpha Slave with a "Start talking, ladies" gaze. Nora asks "Sarah, would you like to explain to Miss Connor what we're doing?" Sarah eagerly replies "Yes, Mistress Nora!"
The Asian girl turns to face Sheila earnestly. "We're helping Constance get in touch with her submissive and sapphic desires. I was rubbing my nipples on her back and whispering in her ear, while Mistress Layla reassured her and calmed her. This was an idea the four of us came up with together, and Constance has a safe signal, three mmmphs, if it gets too intense for her."
Sheila's attention turns from the happy, nude former Navy girl to the other sub. "Constance are you ok, and alright with all this?" Constance mmmphs "Yes, Miss Connor." She doesn't sound under duress, this is the most relaxed I've seen her.
Sheila nods. "Girls, make sure you clean up any messes you make, and no going down on each other on the table, remember we eat there. Carry on." Three clear, and one mmmphed "Yes, Miss Connor."
Sheila nods. "Lara and I will be in my office, don't hesitate to knock if you need me." Boss Bitch turns to her office and I move to follow.
"Miss Connor, Lara wait ." Nora is looking at us with a bold, devilish glint in her eye. Where is that mousy little waif I met the first time? "We're ahead of the shooting schedule, we have time, why don't you and Lara join us? Four Dommes, two subs, why not have a little fun, girls?"
Then the gleam in her eyes got even more wicked. "If one or both of you want to sub for awhile, relinquish some of your responsibility? Two hot dommes, four exotic subs, it would challenge Layla's and I's Mistress skills, and we'd all enjoy a big shower of girl come." Nora and Layla exchange looks like they're ready, even eager for that challenge.
Sheila looks intrigued, hell I'm a little intrigued and horny myself, despite what happened last time. But Sheila firmly asserts "Tempting, my little horndogs, but we're ahead because I put business first, my horny little bitches. Lara and I have a lot to do if we want to stay on schedule, so we'll have to pass. Have fun girls." Layla, Nora and Sarah look disappointed, but nod, they know who's in charge.
When Mary, Nora and Sarah "topped" me last time, Shelia helped them Domme me, of course, but never took off her clothing. Does she ever cut loose, get naked with her girls when they get really wild? If Sheila and I had a private session, who would top, and who would bottom? My pussy getting wet, I send those thoughts to horny jail. Sheila's right, we have priorities, not just the show but saving Sandy.
I wait for Sheila to sit, then politely take my seat. With her usual lack of preamble, Boss Bitch shoves a shooting script for my first new episode across her desk at me. I pick it up and page through it.
Basically, Commander Gail does a morale tour of the violently liberated colony world Persephone. The Stellar Compact has the upper hand, the Alliance fleet being driven out of the system. Fierce pockets of N'Docc" and Amazonian Warriors fight on ground side, they'd rather fight to the last cat and woman than surrender.
The Mobile Medical units are overwhelmed with military casualties, so liberated civilian casualties languish. The Red Cross, the Red Crescent and other medical NGO's are allowed on world to pick up the slack. The problem is some of them feel obligated to treat N'Docc" and Amazonian wounded. This causes sometimes enraged reactions among a recently liberated civilian population. Violent acts against aid workers who treat the enemy are common. Military authority usually looks the other way if a victim is the "enemy" or someone known to treat them. Most incidents are blamed on "Insurgents" even when they're obviously not the culprit.
During a tour of a hovel city, Gail, Assho, and their Marine Guard hear screaming. They head down a shadowy alley, and see several men trying to rape a dark skinned woman clad only in a tattered man's work shirt, the rest of her torn clothes strewn around the alleyway.
Gail yells at them to stop, and the woman takes the opportunity to flee her rapists and run to Gail, ASSHO, and their Marine Guard; cowering behind ASSHO. A moment of shock from Gail, when she sees the woman is a dead ringer for her mentor LCDR Saarya Rahul, but she composes herself.
Gail: What are you men doing to this poor woman? Hasn't the enemy done enough, bastards like you need to finish their work?
Scumbag 1: Begging pardon, miss, but this little tart is giving aid and comfort to the enemy, we's just seeing if she got some fur her own, miss.
Gail(looking disgusted) Really? You're a sick freak.
(She's about to say more when a local militia patrol shows up. They ignore the Scumbag and his two minions focusing on the girl hiding behind ASSHO).
Patrol Leader: Causing a ruckus again, you little tease? We let you off easy even though you were the Domina's body servant. You still can't keep from making difficulties.I'm taking you to lock up!
(Gail clears her throat pointedly)
Patrol Leader (Really looking at her, taken aback) Oh, sorry Commander, that this little twitch got you caught up in her troubles. If you'll just hand her over...
Gail: (looking for insignia, seeing faded Sergeant stripes) Sergeant, you will arrest these three men and take them to your lock up immediately, charge them with attempted rape!"
Patrol leader (looking shocked) Ma'am you can't be serious....
Gail: Take them into custody now, or we will. And I'll report you to the planetary Provost Marshall!
Patrol Leader (Looking angry) Aye, Ma'am! (To the scumbags) C'mon boys. (The patrol surrounds the three men but doesn't cuff them. The patrol laughs and jokes with the scum as they saunter away).
(Gail looks disgusted, but then turns to help ASSHO tend to the sobbing girl who is a double of her mentor).
I look up. "Your usual top notch work, Sheila, Ari will believe we're not just phoning it in. Trust me."
Sheila looks at me soberly "I do. Now let's start talking about freeing my sister....
I nod. "So my initial plan is to simply purchase her...

As per my normal weekend routine, I grab some packs from Walmart, I order a pizza, and I try my luck at hitting a couple alts. When the pizza guy knocked on my door he looked so familiar but I couldn't put a name to the face. I asked him if I could take a picture and he said "of course, I get that a lot" but I still have no idea who he is. I know he used to do something with Pokémon on YouTube, but clearly that's not going soo well. Anyways I didn't really get any hits just a few full arts, but from what I can tell, it looks like a lot more rip and shippers are gonna be delivering pizzas in the future.
https://preview.redd.it/aaozo7iv9j1d1.png?width=1914&format=png&auto=webp&s=932b32eee54e9364e188ad0943d2d36677bc9dcf

Link download: Splash Photography Bundle – Photigy

What You’ll Learn In Splash Photography Bundle?

On Black Splash, Milk
Stunning splash effects in white against a black backdrop facilitate easy extraction and compositing.
Sturdy Paint Splash
Most likely, you were hoping that this pack had included a lot more awesome solid color splashes. Take it for granted!
Mocha Splash
Fun with delicious chocolate! One hundred premium brown splash effects on a white backdrop make composing and blending simple.
White Splash with Milk
It's quite challenging to get the lighting just right for white splashes against a soft white background. Hence, we completed it for you!
Splash of Oil
Oil droplets appear as liquid glass, liquid gold, and other cold hues when placed against subdued backgrounds with varying degrees of pigmentation.
Clear Splat
For all of your splash needs, 100 translucent splashes in a variety of colors are available. Reds, pinks, yellows, greens, and blues. All of them are present and functional.

I posted this on CFB and would like to see y'alls thoughts on this
I’m a Kentucky fan. Our success under Mark Stoops in making us an adequate SEC program has led us to enter the competition of who will finish behind Georgia in the SEC East. In this group are three teams Florida, South Carolina, and Missouri.
TLDR; is a completely self-indulgent piece about UK football and how their current success has brought the question of who the rivals are now. Florida is probably not due to historical success, it’s up to them to decide. Mizzou is our coworker, not a rival. South Carolina can eat a bag of dicks.
Also Fuck Tennessee
I think I should start by defining a rivalry. The two programs need to be close enough in short-term and long-term success to draw comparisons. Games between the schools need to occur regularly and there needs to be mutual hate.
Florida for years would beat the living shit out of us. Your players had career games, and draft highlight tapes. Every fan in the Bluegrass state loathed playing you all and we never thought we would see the day the mighty Florida Gators would whimper. The best moment of the series for us was when we knocked out Tim Tebow. It’s not because we like to see players injured, but because it felt cathartic to draw blood on our god-king overlords finally. Even in that game, we lost 41-7.
Now we have won three games straight, with us blowing y’all out last year. Even though we are 4-6 in the last 10 matchups, it is usually a competitive game with huge memorable plays. We check the boxes for playing regularly and it being competitive.
Is there hate?
Stoops hates Florida. He was a defensive coach at both Miami and FSU and has always brought a different intensity to the Florida game. When Stoops won his 100th game we celebrated by frying a Gator. Kentucky fans hate Florida, but do Florida fans even think about UK?
Florida has pissed off every fan base at some point. From the stupid “two bits” chant, corny ass chomp, and them chanting “it’s great to be a Florida Gator” after every TD. There’s nothing that pours salt in the wound quite like hearing that shit in your home stadium after Jeff Badet drops a wide-open game winning TD in the to lose the game.
Florida is hated by FSU, Miami, LSU, Tennessee(fuck you btw), Alabama, and Georgia. Historically they’re a three time national champion. I feel like they view us as a momentary speed bump until they reach CFB glory again. Unfortunately for them, that’s not true. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe Florida fans hate us and view us as little brother rivals. Florida fans let me know what you think.
Missouri? I put Missouri on the list because they fit the criteria. Historically they are a better program than UK, but since joining the SEC has been on par with UK. UK has a winning record against Missouri 9-5 and there have been no true blowouts. There have been some big plays late and controversial calls. Your players don’t like us. We fans hate having to travel to Mizzou to play, not because of the atmosphere (which is great btw) it’s just Missouri. I think the best way I can summarize my feelings is through an analogy.
I play NCAA 14 dynasties to completion. I go for either 60 years or until the game starts crashing. The problem is after you win 5 national championships in a row you can get anybody you want and the game isn’t a game anymore, it’s a job of being dominant. You’re faced with a choice either leave to a new school or edit your opponents to be a challenge. Each has these perks and shortcomings. Editing is very tedious but, you only have one dream school. The tedious part with editing is you can’t just make a bunch of guys 99 and call it a day. I’m sure a couple of teams don’t need the spit shine, but you can’t play 12 of the same boring team and you need to challenge yourself. What you have to do is edit their playbooks and schemes so they play in different and fun ways but more importantly you have to find out how to stop them. You can make a mimic team (they are you but a different color, crazy, right?), or triple option no-huddle, or my favorite the anti-thesis team, or whatever you can think of. The issue is some of these teams will make you eat shit on a platter. This forces you to either to De-edit the team - like a bitch - or get good. Getting good though requires discipline, repetition, and practice. My solution was to make less talented versions of these all 99 squads to play before I hand the big showdown. Kind of like a level boss before the BBEG.
My BBEG was an antithesis team and was Kentucky's most hated Rival Louisville. I had lost to them in a couple of blowouts so, to better myself I edited Temple. I picked them because they played at the Philadelphia Eagles Stadium, and the Eagles are my favorite team. I'm quite fond of Philidelphia due to Ben Franklin and Philly Cheesesteaks. I have nothing against the real-life University of Temple, but I ended up hating the Temple game more than Louisville's game. Louisville there was a challenge I had to play perfect to win, every play had stakes. One bad read and I cost my team a national title to our arch-rival. Temple, I knew I was going to win, but it was going to be a miserable slog. Temple would not allow ANY big plays and would only allow 3-4 yards at a time if you fell behind the sticks you had to punt. Every time a run went for negative yards or a sack it was like you were Sisphyus watching your boulder roll back down the hill at the end of the day. Fortunately, their offense was dog shit and it would be a quick 3&out. I would feel no gratification from winning, only relief that it was over. I never felt animosity or hatred towards them it just felt like they were just doing their job. I would root for them against other teams. Hoping the other teams would feel the same virtual torment I endured.
Missouri is Temple. I don’t care about them. I have complete apathy towards them. I don’t expect to win against them, I expect to endure 60 minutes of football. I never expect fun to creep into the occasion. If something fun happens, I expect it to happen by accident. I don't expect anyone to see the one cool play either, you will go to the restroom, return to your seat and see a replay of it, you'll ask your friend about that play. He will say "Oh... it wasn't that exciting." A Kentucky-Missouri football game is not a football game; it is a test of one’s fandom and loyalty to the game of football. It is an endurance of football on par with an Iowa football game, there is no joy, no happiness, no pleasure just two-yard runs and punts.
I don’t consider you a rival, I consider you a coworker that Greg Sankey makes us mud wrestle in a pool at our company Christmas party for our holiday bonus. I know it’s not your fault and it’s an experience we both must suffer through to get our wife’s boyfriends a collectors edition Optimus Prime.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this Missouri fans.
Hey South Carolina, GO FUCK YOURSELF!!! I hate your venereal disease ass state, I hate your Michael Scott ass coach, and I hate Darude Sandstorm. Who the fuck listen to that and thought “People need to hear this”
I’m sorry let me backtrack.
South Carolina historically is equal to Kentucky, only recently did Steve Spurrier make them an adequate SEC program. South Carolina does lead the series 20-14. The series has been marred by memorable moments and has been defined by streaks. Flames have been stoked when Beamer first joined USC, Stoops said “You can’t just put on some sunglasses and start winning games” in response to a corny ass tik tok Beamer made. Beamer is taking that personally as he brought a different level of energy to the games. There’s been more shots and there’s more history between the two coaches than just that but to keep it short and sweet they hate each other. The teams don’t like each other. I hate them. Their fans seem to not like us either. What are we gonna call this rivalry? I'm partial to the cock fight and the winner gets a golden pair of sunglasses. Let me know what you think South Carolina fans.
Ps go fuck your sister Tennessee

Guys , I am currently dealing with a very very toxic experience I had in a workplace and I really feel stuck.
For Background. I have anxiety disorder and clinical depression. I had 2 very aggressive episodes in 2015 &2020. I am b.tech graduate , and while studying b.tech 3 Rd year I developed IBS due to mental stress. I had to continue my course with all this issues and I completed b.tech in 2020. Soon after completing , I had a very very aggressive depression & anxiety episode that took almost 2 years away from me. I took therapy meds etc during this period. It was dark and I had cried every single day in that period.
I did a correspondence degree in Library science during that period and a digital marketing course. Wanted to do MBA but my family did not support. Even before recovering completely I had to look for jobs , due to the constant taunts and mocking from toxic relatives and friends , In 2023 , I somehow landed a wfh job as a digital marketing executive after completing an intern. Somehow I was able to earn something fr me , moreover I could answer people who were repeatedly questioning me left right and center. In order to look for a stable job I prepared for UGC net in library science and cleared it in second attempt. ,
in 2023 October , I got an opportunity to join one of the famous colleges in Chennai to join as a Librarian ( Self supporting only) , I thought life is going in the right path. I discontinued my job to join in this college . Shit began from day 1. There were existing politics between the 2 librarian s who were already working there. From day 1 I was treated like a garbage. I worked there for 6 months. I was not even alloted a place to sit or keep my bags , when I asked that incharge librarian told me , unaku kudutha avalum kepa ( the other librarian ) , nee poitu vandhutu iru , Then they did not allot even a system for me. In this day and age what can anyone work on without even a system , when asked about it she told it's not their policy to allot place or system for librarian. They did not tell me about the nature of the post. I was recruited under consolidated staff , but I was not informed about it , consolidated staffs won't even have an I'd card it seems , they said they won't give any experience certificate , No objection certificate or anything unless and until I completed 2 years there. All these were told after I joined there. I was not even let inside the librarian's room. There was a separate librarian room wjth 3 table chair setup , all three were occupied by one woman who never let anyone inside. I was made to sit and issue books for sometime , when she saw that staffs are interacting with me , she sent me to the top floor to paste stickers for books , which was clearly not a librarian 's job and there were other people available to do it. On one month I took 2 week leave due to respiratory problem , she I fluenced the finance person to hold back my salary for that month saying that I might not return , I had to constantly asking and got that salary after 4 months. She has the software access of each and every person , she had the username and password , no one can change it. By having this , she often blamed random people for not collecting proper fine , not returning books properly and made them them pay the fine amount , but she never showed proof of it to anybody. Most people there were in their 50s , one day I asked why there is no dustbin in the restroom and she replied that they do not need it so it's not there, I do not want to go indepth in this , but if you understand you understand.
I was not let to participate in anything , any events , conference , etc happening in the college , I was not allowed to interact with anyone. There were several programmes conducted on behalf of library and she did not even inform about anything , she will come , she arranged the programme with attenders , a t like she is the only librarian in the college and never let the other two people even come out of library. We couldn't do anything because she was close to the management. No one else except her from the library could meet the institution head. She monolpoized the access to each and every resource in the library and others could do nothing. Seeing all this , I was enraged and I wanted to give a compliant to the institution head , but my father stopped me saying this is my first job in this field and not to create a problem here. I tried talking directly with her , but she told , this is how it will be and it's an indecent field and that I should go and study something else to be respected. And you know what , all these happened because there was 1 Govt aided librarian post lying vacant in that college. She is in self supporting post , wanted to show only she is there and only she is the star of the library and as if she is a great leader. Finally she won. Out of extreme pressure , manipulation , lie and indecent to the core behaviour I left the job in 6 months. I HV joined in my previous company for a lesser pay . I did not even tell anything to the management , I quit as such .
I seriously cannot understand how one horrible person can bring everything in my life back to square one. I am afraid to apply for any self supporting librarian posts hereafter. After completing a b.tech degree , p.g degree and cracking a national level exam , if this is the situation , I do not know what I am even going to do. I have so many restrictions in terms of diet , etc , it's not feasible for me to stay away , relu on mess food , hotel food etc , I thought this field would be suitable for me , proper timing , not much of a stress in terms of work. but I think I HV lost it.Now I do not even have a proof that I worked there for 6 months. I just feel sad. It's not the first time , my life is being ruined by such horrible people and am really worried on seeing so many people simply using lie and insult as their sole weapon to kill others lives. It took so many years to bring myself out of very horrible things I faced , I pulled through and gave my everything for this , but alas everything went in vain.
I do not know how to navigate , how to move on from this ? . I am currently in my previous company it is flexible and has a good environment but growth is limited here. Finding a workplace that is suitable is becoming very difficult. I am not even able to take a gap because again , so many people will push me into much horrible depression saying that I am useless and I will be a maid and what not.

/[Previous/] ​ ​
/[First/] ​ ​
[/[Next/]] ​

Mission Log: Day 0024

Addendum 04

Well. The jig would seem to be up, as the old folks used to say. ​
I started by dimming the north-facing windows, slowly enough to merely catch Kregorim's attention; he responded by turning his head to face them and letting his bushy eyebrows rise a bit, but generally keeping a neutral stance. Then, I animated a glowing white dot appearing on the duskward wall at roughly chest-height to my new visitor, then extending it vertically into a line, then expanding it laterally into a door. Then, I let my avatar open it 'from his side', walk through, and close it again. ​
“I'm called Joachim,” I said, animating the avatar's mouth to match my movements, along with rubbing the back of his head with his left hand. “And I have to say that that spell of yours was... an interesting experience.” ​
Kregorim nodded and offered a stiff bow. “Then we would seem to have been equal partners in the exchange,” he answered, the barest trace of a twinkle in what I could pick up of his eyes; if he had anything like a smirk under that thicket of facial hair, I couldn't detect it. “So, are there any other introductions to be made? Exchanges of oaths or demands for sacrifices, things of that nature?” ​
I chuckled, and pointed at the fabricators behind him. “Introductions, certainly. No sacrifices of baubles or blood, if that was what you expected. But I'd advise you to get some practice in making your own furniture. It'll take a bit of explaining, even if I try to trim it down.” ​
Kregorim nodded, and this time I could definitely hear a chuckle in his voice. “I would be highly disappointed were that not the case, Joachim of the mysterious outpost,” he answered. He gestured at the fabricators. “Would you mind offering a weary old scholar some assistance with these marvelous machines?” ​
I animated the avatar nodding, then waving at the walls. “You may have noticed that the chambers in which your...” the avatar coughed into one hand, then continued, “... Lord Zortemos Egenor Lignignory the Fourth has been settling have those empty frames on the walls of each room?” The avatar pointed off to one side, and a simplified version of the baseline model of the communication-screens appeared a handsbreadth away from his finger. “I can see and hear through them, and they have other functions as well, but this unit specifically includes the fullest expression of the tool.” ​
With that, I 'jumped' the avatar onto the dawnward wall of the utility room, releasing another light coughing sound to let Kregorim know where 'he' had gone. “This way, at least, I won't need to raise my voice so it carries further...” ​

Addendum 05:

Kregorim turned out to be a very quick study. I walked him through designing some new clothes, starting from the base model of a Chinese scholastic robe but incorporating a three layers of lighter fabric in something more akin to a Japanese kimono. Yes, I helped him figure out some more practical forms of undergarments, and the very concept of 'elastic' fascinated him; I left a mental note to explore 'latex' and the organic sources thereof with him at some later point. And, of course, getting to the first pair of suitable 'house slippers' presented no challenge at all. ​
Still, I satisfied his curiosity about the need for five 'magic trunks' in rather short order, and once he got into his own set of 'wondrous finery' he tossed his 'traveling robes and unmentionables' into the 'laundry' trunk. Once he'd gotten the remaining machines programmed for things like a camp-cot and bedding, a chair and writing desk and a samovar of all things, I sort of walked him through the rest of the unit's features. ​
“Quite an array of tankards,” he commented, in the kitchen. “Stocked well enough to entertain guests of a stature from Orks all the way down to Gnomes, unless I'm very much mistaken.” ​
I animated the avatar nodding. “I'll need to explain more about that, but you and the rest of the group aren't my first guests.” ​
He nodded, and turned to face the avatar; his smile was wide enough to re-arrange the forest of his facial hair. “I'll try to keep from disappointing Lord Zee overmuch on the point,” he said, then turned to face the refrigerator. “Another magic trunk?” he asked, examining it without touching it. “Wider than the others... does this one produce foodstuffs?” ​
“Not 'produce' them, as such, but it does serve as a 'cold well', of sorts. The upper section keeps things moderately cool, the lower section keeps them frozen.” ​
That got another look of wonder out of him. “You can maintain ice in there, without magic?” he asked, pulling out the freezer-drawer and confirming it for himself. “What manner of foods are these?” he went on, examining the squared, shrink-wrapped blocks and rounded tubs. ​
“Soups, meats, and vegetables, for the most part. The rounded tubs are sort of an experiment for a dessert.” ​
“I don't suppose you could allow a hungry traveler something a bit more substantial?” ​
“You skipped past the cold box,” I pointed out. “I've been experimenting with various kinds of meats as well as vegetable dishes...” ​
“Soups of some sort...?” he asked, closing the freezer-drawer and opening the refrigerator. He paused, visibly confused, before extracting one of the wrapped and sealed 'meal bowls', turning it to examine it from three different angles, then replacing it to examine another, and then another. Finally, he selected one and turned to face the avatar. “The lid has markings resembling words, but I cannot say with confidence that I comprehend them precisely,” he said. “What is meant by... 'Pasta Salad Experiment Number 8'... if you don't mind?” ​
The avatar pointed. “The silverware you'll probably want is in the second drawer from the end,” I said. “As far as your question is concerned, I have... several different kinds of farms in the spaces below the living quarters up here on the surface, and a rather large library of information from my home that permits me to make approximations of a small but growing number of food.” I added a slight blush to the avatar's cheeks. “I have no capacity to taste or smell things, at least as you or the others might, so I have no idea whether you'll find it appetizing. All I can tell you is that I have a limited stock of various spices in the cabinet just to the right of this box, which is known as a 'refrigerator' in my language. If you feel the need to repay me for my hospitality, you're welcome to help me learn the names for the spices while we talk.” ​

Addendum 06

Kregorim devoured the first salad, admitting between bites that the Lignignory family's exit from the Ducal lands to the south had been somewhat hurried and therefore their dining-experiences had been something of a gamble. “We've managed to trade for many things as we head north,” he commented. He had figured out how to get clean drinking water from the kitchen sink into an Ork-scaled flagon without much prompting, and after swallowing five mouthfuls proceeded to turn his attention to the salad. I explained the basic ingredients and principles of 'pasta', as he considered a segment of neo-rotini on his fork. He ate it, a thoughtful expression on his face, eventually dubbing it 'surprisingly flavorful'. ​
From there, I walked him through an explanation of the 'dish washer' and 'stove' before guiding him through a simple tour of the rest of the house. The bathroom intrigued him, but he expressed even greater fascination with the barbecue on the back patio, especially the 'fuel pellets' I provided in sealed bags from one of the lower shelves. ​
“Why bother with such means, when these other amazing machines can cook food with greater precision?” he asked. ​
“My function, the reason I exist, is to help people recover from disasters,” I answered, when he came back inside from admiring the stonework of the patio handrails. “If they happen to be more comfortable cooking their own food over a fire, I want to help them do so. Hence, the cookfire station out there. It's called a 'barbecue grill' in my language, by the way.” ​
“...'Your language'...” he repeated, returning to the main room and settling down into his chair with a flagon of water in his right hand. “You've also mentioned 'your home' at least once in my hearing. May I ask where you come from?” ​
Hoo, boy. The tough questions... ​
“I'm from a lot further away than you might think, to begin with,” I explained. The avatar pointed south with his right hand, in the general direction of one of the four moons glowing in the sky. “For one thing, I'm from a place with only one moon.” The avatar tapped 'his side' of the wall with the other, and an equatorial-perspective image of Earth showing North and South America along with a portion of Antarctica down at the bottom. “This is a special kind of illusion, showing details of my home from far above its surface,” I explained. ​
Kregorim's eyes widened and he took a long pull from his flagon. “Seas, forests, deserts, mountains, wintry wastelands,” he murmured, attention moving from one detail to the next, until finally he straightened up in his chair. “... None of the lands with which I have knowledge appear here,” he stated. “And I suspect that this globe's other face will reveal similar mysteries.” ​
I animated the avatar shrugging. “Likely.” ​
I considered my next words very carefully. “Since I arrived here, 24 days ago, I have watched the heavens as best I can. From what I have discerned, the local star... or your sun... is measurably different than mine. I haven't been able to pick out any local planets yet, but I can say for certain that if any of the stars in your sky are the ones my people had cataloged, they're too far away for me to positively identify as such.” ​
Kregorim took that in, eyebrows twitching, and drained his flagon dry. He took it away from his mouth with a scowl, directed at the offending drinkware, but reduced its intensity before turning back to address the avatar. “I don't suppose you've managed to produce anything like a good strong ale since you've arrived?” he asked. “Our own supplies of such things are unlikely to be fit for drinking.” ​
I animated the avatar raising an eyebrow and waggling a finger. “I've none available, alas, though I do have some rather promising teas,” I told him. “You'll need to fabricate a teapot, though.” ​
He got up and proceeded to do so. As he did, I continued, “As far as your assessment of whatever ale you've managed to carry with you, I would ask you to ask the servants to pour whatever portion of it they wish to discard into the nearest convenient sink. Hopefully, you'll be able to get the word to them before they reach that stage of unloading.” ​
The avatar flicked the image of Earth away, then tapped 'his side' of the wall four more times. With each one, a new visual-window opened: one displaying the view just outside the foyer, another the main stairwell from the camera on the half-step just above the second-floor landing, the third the first-floor walkway (identifiable as such by the view of Lord Zee bustling in and out of the doorway to 'his' quarters, giving directions to the flow of 'servants') and the final one the view of the ground-floor walkway. ​
Up among the caravan, Thusarrel acted as a kind of traffic-director, guiding groups of servants with gestures and shouts to one wagon after another, in an order that made no particular sense to me. The 'flackaroos' stayed in the center, managed by three ragged-looking folk who seemed to know what they were doing; they also hurried to rake up any droppings as quickly as possible, out of the foot-traffic of the flow of servants carrying as mismatched a collection of luggage, furniture, decor and miscellany as ever came out of an estate sale. Kregorim's wagon remained mostly ignored, though the stair-steps remained down. ​
On the main staircase, Adallinda and Pippa made their way downward, the 'lady' scowling at the lines of servants passing her in both directions and flowing around her too-wide dress as smoothly as possible. Pippa guided her charge to frequent rest stops on the half-landings, sparing a moment here and there to nod back at the silent looks of gratitude from the luggage-bearing people. ​
“You're certain that my greedy brother and cousin have both gone for the chambers adjacent to my father's, Pippa?” Adallida demanded. ​
Her servant nodded once, then offered her hand to help steer the young lady back into the flow of foot-traffic. “Of course, my lady, “ she answered. “They both wish for the honor of being physically closest to your father's chosen quarters, though your other cousin and sister have likely out-raced them..." ​
On the first-floor view, from the camera opposite the service staircase and now pointing toward the lobby, I just caught a glimpse of Bhiocasaid shepherding Zoti into the second 'double unit' on the first floor, Yera and Totra actually holding the somnambulent Zoti while Bhiocasaid held off Nehdud and Haruinn as they protested the two ladies staking their claim ahead of the 'more worthy young lords' of the family. ​
“We're not sharing quarters with you beasts, and that's simply that!” she shouted at them. “If you want your own choice of suitable quarters, you'd better get down to the ground-floor and claim one before Adallinda does!” ​
The boys blinked at her, then looked at each other. Nehdud spun on his heel and raced back to the cliff-face lounge area, shoving his way through the flow of servants. I winced as I watched him making half-hearted goo-goo eyes and kissy-faces at whichever of them had obviously female shapes under their travel-rags. The female servants burdened with effects, even boxes the size of filled shopping bags that couldn't possibly require two people to hold, found themselves getting extra help to disguise both women's use of the item in question as a makeshift shield against his efforts. However slowly he was moving, though, he still made faster progress than Haruinn could possibly manage. ​
Adallinda's voice rang out from below, shrieking in triumph. Through the final view-window, Kregorim and I observed as she managed to slap her hand on the not-glass biometric scanner next to the door to the lower double-unit, Pippa now holding the sweating lady up and maneuvering her through the door, a line of six servants carrying baggage behind them. ​
Nehdud pushed through the line of servants to stand in front of the handrail, slamming his fist on the stone with one hand and snarling. Then he turned to look at Haruinn, noting his near-complete lack of movement, and his rage turned to a grin. He waved at his rival for the remaining double-suite, then resumed his efforts to force his way through the flows of servants. ​
Haruinn clenched his fists, until Midmolk pointed at the 'service stairway' just next to the now-claimed double-unit. “Their position matches something similar on the door below, master,” he pointed out. ​
Haruinn nodded, clanking his way to them at best possible speed, Midmolk following with the tower-shield. The Lignignory male slapped his hand on the palm-scanner; I granted him temporary access, mostly because I wanted to see if he could possibly beat that smarmy Nehdud if he had a clearer path. The young man succeeded in surprising me by gesturing at Midmolk, who handed him the tower-shield. He proceeded to ride it down the two half-flights of stairs like a sled, scraping the heck out of the finish and arriving at the ground-floor before Nehdud made it all the way through the lobby. ​
Haruinn pushed himself to his apparent limit, huffing and red-faced, as he quick-marched with all of that extra metal on his front to reach the palm-scanner and slap his hand on it. ​
Just as Nehdud threw open the door from the ground-floor lobby to see him do it. ​
The knife-burdened man strode into his doorway while Nehdud sank to his knees with a frustrated scream. ​
/[Previous/] ​
/[First/] ​
[/[Next/]]

I should not be writing this. I know they will be looking for me as soon as this goes live. I had to get the word out despite all the secrecy surrounding the project. I don't know what they'll do to me when they find me, but this has to get out.
I was unemployed vet tech looking for work when I came across a job listing offering a strangely large amount of money. What did I have to loose? I called the number and they gave me a website to go to that took me through an application process and a security clearance form that I had to fill out the last seven years of my life. They said it would be months until the clearance would come through but to my surprise a month later I got a phone call telling me I had been granted Interm Secret clearance and the job would proceed.
I had to go to a building without any name on it downtown and they took my photo for an ID card and a packet of information about where I was to go to the next day.
The next morning I drove to the address with a mix of excitement and apprehension. What about this job required a security clearance? Why had I gotten my interm secret so quickly? I figured I'd soon find out when I pulled up to a gate with a card reader. I swiped my ID and the razor wire topped gate slid open so I could pass. Yeah nothing ominous about that. I drove a mile or so down the road and parked in the parking lot in front of a building that looked like the set of a prison movie. The windows were narrow slits and I could tell from a distance that the door was very heavy duty. Thinking back a few minutes ago wasn't the top of that razor wire fence angled in as if to keep something in rather than people out?
I got out and approached the heavy door. I spotted the card reader and used my ID on it and it flashed green and there was a loud clunking sound from the door as it unlocked. I had to put some muscle behind it to get it to open and then it shut behind me followed by another loud clunk as the locks reengaged.
I turned to see a thick armored window with a guard staring me down.
"First day huh?" he asked me as he looked at his screen.
"Yeah," I said a bit nervously.
"Sit tight, your department head will be coming to pick you up and take you to your in-brief," he said.
"What uh, what is this place?" I asked.
"All that will be answered by the briefing so have a seat and relax. You're likely in the safest spot in the facility," he said.
I looked at the inner door and noticed it was just as thick and heavy as the outer one. I was essentially sitting in an armored booth so he was technically right about it being safe.
When my boss arrived he was wearing scrubs and had his ID card clipped to the bottom of the V of the top.
"So, you're my new tech?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir," I replied.
"Good, hopefully you follow instructions better than the last one," he said. "I'm Dr. Tanner. You can call me 'Sir' or 'Doctor'."
"Sir, can you tell me what I'll be doing here?" I asked.
"All in due time. First you need to complete the safety briefing. It is not a joke. Take a look at the windows and doors if you need convincing. The government doesn't spend this kind of money unless it's very necessary, and it is. You'll understand the need for it when I introduce you to our charges. I'm not going to tell you yet because I enjoy the look on people's faces when they get their first peak of what we're doing here," he said. "Now, for the safety briefing. Follow me."
He began to open the inner door when he stopped and looked back at me. "Do you have any electronic devices on you?"
"No Sir, the security documents instructed me to leave my phone and anything with a digital memory in the car," I said.
"Excellent, you're already demonstrating that you can follow directions," he said. Was that a hint of a smile I saw?
He lead me down the hallway to a room on the left and used his card to unlock and open the door. After I walked inside what appeared to be a conference room he followed me inside and let the door shut.
I immediately noticed the back of the door wasn't the usual thing one would expect to see. It had a big lever in the middle that looked like it operated bolts to secure the door shut. I started to wonder what the hell I had gotten myself into. I expected to be working with maybe the facility's guard dogs. This kind of security was on a level I hadn't experienced before.
"Good, you're observant, another plus," the doctor said.
He walked over to the table and picked up a recorder and pressed play. A trilling alarm sound came for it and he let it play for a few seconds before cutting it off.
"If you hear that sound along with flashing red lights you are to go to the nearest safe room, such as this one and use this lever to bolt the door," He walked over and pressed a button by the windows and the thick glass became opaque.
"And you are to opaque the windows with the control in the room so nothing can see in," he said and then pointed to a door on the other wall that had 'Emergency Supplies' written on it. "There you will find food, water, and other necessities if you happen to be locked down for an extended period of time. There is also a radio already set to the control room frequency. If the phone is not working pull the tab on the back of the radio so the battery makes contact and reports in with the information posted on the back of the door. That's basically who you are, where you are, and if there are any threats you know of near you. Otherwise sit tight unless told otherwise."
"Threats?" I asked.
"Our charges are out of containment or an external threat," the doctor replied.
"What's so dangerous that we need bunker rooms like this?" I asked.
"All in due time," he replied. "Have you ever used a tranquilizer gun?"
"No," I responded.
"No matter, you'd need to qualify on the two types we use anyway with the security team," he said.
"Why do we need tranquilizer guns?" I asked.
"The animals we work with are dangerous. They're sedated before they get to us and one of our tasks is to make sure they stay sedated until they're returned to the enclosure. If one wakes up and slips a restraint you are not going to want to go near it to give an injection. That's why we have tranq guns," The doctor said.
"That makes perfect sense to me," I said. My curiosity was burning wondering what we were working with. Had to be something like large predators to require this much security. A grizzly would be a plausible reason why the doors had the extra bars. The force they could produce could snap the usual latches.
"Good because it's time for my favorite part. Showing the new guy what we work with," the doctor said and led the way deeper into the facility and up a set of stars to a room labeled 'observation deck'.
"The windows are to remain frosted by the electronic controls there whenever the room is not in use. They cannot see in but they seem to know someone is watching them and it upsets them. It's best for everyone if they are not upset," He reached over and pressed the button and the electronic frosting cleared.
That's the moment where my brain completely derailed and I questioned my own sanity.
"W-Werewolves?" I asked.
"No, at least not at this facility. These are a lesser known cryptid called Dogmen, kind of like Bigfoot."
"Wait, is Bigfoot real?" I asked.
"Yes, but not nearly as widespread as 'sightings' would make you think," he said.
"If these exist, what else is real?" I asked him.
"That's beyond your need to know," he said sternly, but then his face softened. "I'll lend you a book later that contains everything we've confirmed and studied. After all, if you continue with this job you will have the opportunity to work with them in the future, and it's best you know what you're getting into," he said. "One benefit they probably haven't gotten around to telling you yet is that they will pay for your education. You can become a full veterinarian working with the most interesting creatures that exist," he said. "Not a bad gig, huh?"
"Except for the part where I'm working with large dangerous creatures," I said.
"Large, intelligent, dangerous creatures," he replied. "And that is why we have procedures and rules. Things like always having more sedative staged to inject if a patient starts to wake up, having them restrained at all times, and if they do wake up you have the tranq guns to put them back under without risking yourself," he said and tapped the control to frost over the glass again.
Our next stop was back in the conference room where there were now a couple of binders.
"Now for the boring part. Study these because you'll have to pass a test on them later. It's those procedures I mentioned. It covers everything from handling the animals, dosages we use, and why we can't leave after dark."
"Wait, we can't leave after dark?" I asked, a bit alarmed.
"There are dogmen in the woods surrounding this facility. The fence does a decent job of keeping them out but they do get in and they're not happy we have some of their kind captive. They're fairly shy during the day and become active at night so it's for your own safety that once the sun sets you stay here. We have secure rooms just for the occasion, and scrubs are not short in supply if you need a change of clothing. We have a mess hall staffed 24/7 by some excellent cooks. People who can do this job are rare so they take care of us. Now get to reading, you'll have to pass a test before you're allowed to work. I'll come pick you up for lunch."
I did as he said and spent the next few hours reading with a break for the promised lunch that was beef stroganoff and actually really good. I went for seconds. Then it was back to memorizing policy and procedures till I was finally done and managed a passing score on the test. That was followed by some time at an indoor range getting qualified on the tranq guns.
The doctor reviewed my test and nodded. "Excellent, you're a fast learner. We've rescheduled some things for tomorrow so we'll have the extra help. You head home and get a good night's rest. I'll see you in the morning in the veterinary section, just follow the signs it's easy to find," the doctor said.
I did as he said and drove home. I couldn't help but be a good deal more vigilant as I looked at the woods on the way out. Dogmen were out there and no one in the area except us knew. There were the cryptid hunters but they didn't know for sure like I did from seeing a pack close up.
Needless to say I didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night. My mind was racing with the possibilities of what was real from all of the stories.
In the morning I made breakfast and sat for a bit having to give myself a reality check that yesterday wasn't just a dream, so I finally picked up my keys and headed out. I drove down the lonely road and passed through the gate without incident. I parked my car and made my way through the security checkpoints and began following the signs to the Veterinarian department. As the doctor had said, it wasn't difficult to find.
There were three entrances all like airlocks that were long enough for a gurney. It didn't take long to figure out the purpose. If you had dangerous animals inside you wanted at least one door containment so they couldn't get past you and into the larger facility.
I went inside through the airlock like doors one at a time and found myself in a very familiar veterinary clinic though one that was very well stocked.
It was then that I met my other coworker, I'll call him Mike, who was sitting on a stool reading a magazine.
"Hey, you must be the new guy. I'm Mike," he said and I introduced myself.
"So, your first big day. You excited, or terrified?" Mike asked.
"A bit of both," I said honestly.
"Relax, by the time they get to us they've been pumped with enough drugs to drop an elephant. We take samples and the guards take them back out. Then we run the usual tests like any other animal. It's easy money," Mike said. "We're never in any danger."
"What about all of the procedures?" I asked.
"There's what's written down on paper and then there's what is practical and works. If we followed the checklist for every dogman that's brought in here it would just take us twice as long, and twice as long that it can wake up," Mike said. "So relax, I'll show you what you really have to do to streamline things."
What was I to say? He'd obviously been doing this for a long time and if his system worked who was I to question it?
Our first patient of the day made me the most nervous. The security team wheeled in a restrained female on a gurney right into the middle of our space then they backed out. Being the new guy I did the basics by checking heart rate, breathing, and looking into the eyes to make sure she was out cold. Everything was normal based on the numbers I had memorized.
Mike watched me, corrected my stethoscope placement a little and started drawing blood as soon as I was done. The moment he was done he buzzed the guards to take her back out while he labeled the samples.
"Less time they're in here the better so label your samples and fill out the papers once they're taken out," Mike said. "No need to have a dangerous animal laying around while we fill out forms."
"What about the extra sedative we're supposed to have ready?" I asked.
"The tranq guns are right there. Much safer to back off out of reach and just shoot them with another dose," Mike said. I couldn't fault his logic.
We had four more patients that day all went as smoothly as the first and I was beginning to relax. It was our last patient of the day when things went wrong.
It started normally with the guards rolling the male into our space and I took vitals and checked the eyes.
"Hey, I have some dilation here. I don't think he's under enough. Where's the sedative?" I asked.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be done before he realizes what happened," Mike said and undid one of the restraints a little so he could get to the vein. It was at that point things went horribly wrong. As soon as Mike inserted the needle the male woke up and jabbed it's hand upward catching Mike in the throat and spraying blood everywhere. I moved forward out of instinct to try and tighten the restraint when I felt a searing pain across my face and my right eye went red.
I stumbled back. Oh God had I lost my eye? I shook myself out of it long enough to badge through a door and throw the bolts before pressing the intercom button. "Creature out of containment in veterinary. I think Mike is dead. I'm hurt and need a medic!" I said before blacking out.
I don't know how long it was but when I woke up I was in a hospital room and the Veterinarian was sitting beside my bed.
"You're safe, you're in a hospital and just out of cosmetic surgery. You'll have some scars but it'll look like the result of a big cat. Your eye is fine."
"Mike?" I asked.
"Dead before any help would get to him. We have video of the whole thing including you questioning him multiple times on matters of procedure. Don't let someone senior intimidate you into not being safe. You have a month's paid leave to recuperate." he said.
So here I am. I need some advice. Should I go back to work after my leave is done or turn in my resignation? It won't take them much to figure out who I am if they find this post. I also don't know what they'll do to me if they do.

Are you tired of the relentless pain and disruption migraines bring to your life? If conventional treatments have left you seeking a more holistic approach, it’s time to dive into the world of Ayurveda. Kerala, often hailed as the cradle of Ayurveda, offers a sanctuary for those seeking natural and lasting relief from migraines. Join us as we explore the best Ayurvedic treatments for migraines, the rejuvenating power of Panchakarma, and the serenity of the best Ayurveda resort in Kerala.
Understanding Migraines in Ayurveda
Ayurveda views migraines as a manifestation of imbalances in the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These imbalances can be triggered by lifestyle choices, diet, and environmental factors. The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes personalized treatments tailored to an individual’s constitution, known as Prakriti, and aims to find and address the root cause of migraines. Unlike conventional treatments, Ayurveda offers a holistic path to healing and long-term relief.
Panchakarma: The Foundation of Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala
Panchakarma, meaning "five actions" in Sanskrit, is a profound detoxification process designed to cleanse the body and mind. This ancient practice is central to Ayurvedic treatment and plays a crucial role in managing migraines.
Panchakarma Therapies for Migraine Relief
Nasya Therapy
Clearing Nasal Passages: Nasya involves the nasal administration of herbal oils, which clears congestion and mucus from the nasal passages, promoting better airflow and reducing migraine triggers.
Balancing Doshas: This therapy helps balance Vata dosha, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Nourishing Brain Tissues: The nasal passages connect directly to the brain, allowing medicated oils to nourish and rejuvenate brain tissues.
Detoxification: Nasya helps eliminate toxins from the nasal region, contributing to migraine prevention.
Stress Reduction: The gentle massage involved in Nasya promotes relaxation, reducing stress—a common migraine trigger.
Shirodhara
Stress Reduction: Shirodhara involves the rhythmic pouring of warm or cool medicated liquids onto the forehead, targeting the third eye or ‘ajna’ chakra. This induces deep relaxation, harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit.
Balancing Doshas: Shirodhara helps balance the body’s natural energies, promoting overall balance and reducing the impact of stress on migraines.
Scientific Benefits: The continuous flow of liquid activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response that counteracts the heightened sympathetic activity associated with migraines.
Dosha Imbalance and Migraines
In Ayurveda, migraines are often linked to imbalances in the three fundamental energies or doshas:
Vata Dosha: Associated with movement and communication within the body. Excessive Vata can lead to erratic blood flow, affecting the brain’s nutrient supply and contributing to migraines.
Pitta Dosha: Controls metabolism and energy production. Aggravated Pitta may cause inflammation in the blood vessels, triggering migraines.
Kapha Dosha: Regulates structure and stability. An imbalance can result in sluggish circulation, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the brain and migraine episodes.
Personalizing Your Migraine Treatment
Ayurveda emphasizes personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s Prakriti (constitution). Understanding your dosha constitution is fundamental in tailoring an effective migraine management plan. Here’s how:
Dietary Adjustments:
Avoid trigger foods and incorporate migraine-friendly ingredients.
Follow a balanced diet that supports your dosha constitution.
Herbal Remedies:
Utilize Ayurvedic herbs like feverfew and butterbur for natural migraine relief.
Yoga and Pranayama:
Integrate yoga and breath control practices to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Discover the Best Ayurveda Resort in Kerala
For a truly immersive experience, explore the best Ayurveda resort in Kerala. These resorts offer comprehensive care tailored to rejuvenating both body and mind. Nestled in serene environments, they provide the perfect setting for holistic healing.
Resort A:

• Renowned for its personalized Panchakarma therapies.
• Offers luxurious accommodations and serene surroundings.
• Experienced Ayurvedic practitioners ensure a tailored healing journey

Resort B:

• Specializes in migraine management through a combination of traditional and modern Ayurvedic treatments.
• Provides a holistic wellness experience with yoga, meditation, and dietary guidance.
• Set amidst tranquil landscapes, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Embrace Holistic Well-being

Migraine Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala offers a profound shift towards holistic well-being. By embracing Ayurvedic wisdom, individuals can experience lasting relief from migraines. This approach goes beyond symptom management, addressing the intricate interplay of factors contributing to migraines. Through dosha balancing, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and mindful practices, you can embark on a transformative journey toward sustained migraine relief.
Discover the holistic healing power of Ayurveda in Kerala and reclaim your life from the clutches of migraines. Explore the best Ayurveda resorts in Kerala and experience the profound benefits of Panchakarma and other Ayurvedic treatments designed to restore balance and promote enduring well-being.

I’ll go first. I’m doing terribly. I’m not okay today. I could barely get out of bed. I’m meant to be looking for jobs but I couldn’t focus on any of my applications, and all I can think about is what last night represented, and how familiar that deep seated feeling of dread is as the best chance we had to witness a premiership in Melbourne - by Melbourne - out of the Covid hellscape - fades away.
It wasn’t a close loss, or a clutch loss, or that weird Brisbane loss after a (hugely successful) business trip, this was something else. It was darker and messier than that.
The player we tried desperately hard to trade for reduced us to a meme that’ll outlive a lot of our achievements as he made Gawn, Oliver and Trac look like clowns in the space of 5 seconds. Waterman’s display as a key forward, something we’ve sorely missed since Hogan, only twisted the knife further. His dominance against what’s touted as the best defence was a painful reminder of what we lack.
The early concussion of Lever, reminiscent of Brayshaw’s situation last year, disrupted our defence early on, setting the tone for the rest of the game. While it’s easy to fall back on excuses, the truth is we were simply outclassed by a team that, just last year, was at the bottom of the ladder. It’s a tough pill to swallow, acknowledging that last year’s wooden spooners showed more class, but that was the reality. Our historical head-to-head record against the Eagles only adds salt to the wound—they’ve bested us in 38 of 58 encounters, a stark reminder of our long-standing struggles and their long-standing success.
Judd and Reid feel like history repeating, and the Eagles feel like they have all the luck, and if he ever comes back to Victoria after many successes and accolades in Perth, he’ll probably snub Melbourne for the same reasons Judd did. He has ten clubs to choose from, six of them more glamorous than us.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that change is needed—not just in strategy (and cough personnel) but perhaps in spirit too. How do we rebuild not just a team, but our faith in this team? I find myself asking: What makes us loyal to Melbourne/Narrm, through thick and thin? It’s more than just the games; it’s the community and shared passion. Let’s channel our frustrations into hopeful energy for the next game. After all, resilience is forged in the face of adversity, and as fans, our support can be the unwavering force behind the team’s refusal to fade.
Because right now we look like we’re fading, and I’m fading with them, and it’s lonely and it hurts.

Throwaway, I (20F) have known my girlfriend Cerise (20F) since high school and started dating her 3 years ago. I met her through mutual friends that I have stayed friends with until now, they all knew each other way before I transferred to that high school and seemingly had a great friendship with each other. My girlfriend has always been the shy and quiet type of person, doesn't really talk unless spoken too and keeps herself reserved. Her friends brought out the best in her in my opinion and when she got comfortable with me she was a little less shy but still reserved and quiet.
Among these friends we had was Carly(19F) and Sugar(20F). My girlfriend and Carly had a big fallout during the pandemic but both agreed that it wasn't fair for me to be dragged into their fight, So upon my girlfriend's wishes I stayed friends with Carly. Recently I had to deal with a lot of family problems and stress from college so I decided to take a break from my social media to focus on my exams and whatnot. Upon the first week after I had told everyone this though Sugar had confronted my girlfriend about supposedly their friendship falling apart.
My girlfriend would text me during the span of their talks saying how stressed she was about the situation and that they couldn't find any common ground between the two of them. The talks going on between them lasted for about a month until my girlfriend decided that she couldn't salvage the friendship anymore. Through the course of this argument they've been having my girlfriend would come to me asking if she was in the wrong and I would explain to her that I wasn't really in a position to tell her what was right or wrong with the situation, I didn't understand the extent of what they were even fighting about and could only offer her reassuring words that she could work this out in the end. I didn't want my opinions to sway her in any way and she said she respected that. Once she made her decision to end the friendship with her friend she said she felt relieved, stuck in the same position again She told me she doesn't mind if I still stay friends with Sugar as long as I don't mention anything related to her when I was with her.
A few days later Sugar would reach out to me and pretend like nothing went on between them. I thought this was just a sensitive topic for her as well so I didn't mention anything and talked to her like usual. But along the way of the conversation she brought up the subject of the fight and how awkward it might be between all of us now (referring to the friend group) I said it was fine and that my girlfriend said it was alright for me to still be friends with everyone. And then she asked me if I wanted to hear her side of the story. I told her that I wasn't really comfortable with that because the conflict was already over and there would be no point in telling me her side since I wasn't really involved in the problem between them and that I didn't want to get into this conversation again, Since as I said this conflict lasted them a month and I've only been there to comfort my girlfriend through it all.
Despite me giving this response Sugar went ahead and sent me paragraphs upon paragraphs of the same things my girlfriend had explained to me about their conversations. One part that made me the most uncomfortable was Sugar bringing up the trauma my girlfriend had with her old friend and using it to compare their situations. It didn't sit right with me how she did that, nevertheless she kept sending me these paragraphs of her side of the story. I didn't interrupt her, I just closed my phone and went on with my day, all throughout she would send me message after message.
After a few hours of the notifications stopping I figured she was done with everything she had to say. Upon opening the messages I read through all of them carefully, I noticed a bunch of things she mentioned in passing that my girlfriend told me in detail. Things like she only brought up her trauma briefly when in reality my girlfriend told me about the paragraphs she received of Sugar comparing their current situations with her pass trauma. At the end of the messages she told me she wanted to hear my thoughts about the situation. I'm not a very emotionally intelligent person, I'm almost an airhead when it comes to things like this. So rather than tell my thoughts I told her to just accept the fact that no matter how many times she tells other people about this she'll have to move on eventually.
I've always been someone to take things at face value, If someone wants to stop being my friend then there's nothing much I can do in my opinion. I'm guessing Sugar didn't see the world the same way as after I had said that she started to rip into me, Telling me that It's my fault my girlfriend's friendships keep failing is because I wasn't steering her in the right path, and That because I didn't sway her with my opinion that she ended up choosing the wrong choice. That it was my responsibility and I could have done something to change the outcome of this situations.
I was honestly just baffled at this conclusion that I told her I needed some time to be alone and reflect on all of this. When I would ask my friends for their perspective on this situation and if it really was my responsibility to guide my girlfriend through this argument they said it wasn't my responsibility to tell my girlfriend how to handle her relationships. But I was still very conflicted with myself. I didn't tell my girlfriend about any of this happening, She was also stressing out about applying to colleges at this point and I didn't want to open this fresh wound back up for her to worry about.
I still hang out with my friends and they don't hold any ill intent towards me. Carly invited me onto a discord server so we can all catch up despite our busy schedules and whatnot. It's been about 2 weeks since I've joined that discord server and everything has been fine, but lately Sugar has been going into the chatrooms and venting vaguely about how it wasn't her fault and that she wasn't guilty or feels any regret. Saying that my girlfriend was the one that inflicted that trauma on herself and so on. She doesn't blatantly name drop my girlfriend, but it's very clear exactly who she's talking about.
The other people in the server don't seem to react to this at all. No one has called her out on this and everyone just ignores that it's happening. And as far as I can tell this only started when I joined the server, There are days where I will wake up and she has a new paragraph of just the same things she said the day before , Calling my girlfriend a coward and that it was always about her and how she was faking everything. Upon the advise of my other friends they have told me not to engage with her at all but I still don't know if that's the right decision. My girlfriend is unaware of any of this happening because I refuse to put even more stress on her with a situation where she has clearly moved on from it.
Am I the Asshole?? I don't know what course of action to take and I could use some advice.

🔍I had pretyped this just ranting then I realized i can post it anonymously here bc i’m really struggling with knowing if they are narcs or just shitty ppl. They have supported me and given me everything I need materialistically and do what they are supposed to as parents in that aspect I am very grateful and appreciative of that in no way shape or form will I ever complain ab them giving me food, shelter, clothes etc. I’m not seeking to be coddled or get sympathy either i just need to know if it really is that bad or am I tripping.
🔬emotionally manipulative & guilt tripping parents will be their own demise. lol. finally dropping that mask you have with them, making them look at themselves and see the torment i had to mentally internalize & take on over the years > sitting back & letting them continue their behavior and control to keep destroying your identity & self continuing to deal with immense shame, guilt, sadness, and anger because you know how they are and you think theres no point in opening up to them or telling them what they do wrong bc they always do the same shit & continue to blame you for everything. note this though when I finally released all my years of internalized emotions on them and started texting them very knowledgeable shit about themselves, how they treated me, my mom trying to control and ruin me and my girlfriends relationship when we first got together (+ we have continued to be together for 1yr and 3 months still going strong she ain’t ruin shiiiit) & shit talked my gf for no reason at all. When I started texting paragraph after paragraph (+ texting them back and forth.) I was met with my mom thinking something isn’t right regarding my mental health and telling my dad and brother she thinks something is wrong with me again (she was surprised how I could speak so knowledgeable bc I barely even interact with them anymore) them texting my phone asking if everything is okay and they are worried ab me (she’s also made many comments before this situation like “you seem like you need to get back on ur medication you’re being irritable” etc when clearly that was the correct response to some fucked up comment she made i’m sick of that shit.) (sorry that was lowkey irrelevant but holy shit). them throwing what they do for me as PARENTS in my face, blame shifting, manipulation, lying, her saying she has no acknowledgment of ever treating me like that over the years, trying to ruin our relationship, or saying any of the vile shit she said about my gf. OH and how she thought It couldn’t possibly be me that’s writing these exceptional level paragraphs and she thought my gf was controlling me and making me send all of that to my parents(me texting her ab this shit went on for like 3 days, 3 days of her not taking accountability for anything, lying, trying to manipulate by making me feel bad as well and she had the nerve to say “it feels like i’m being abused” GIRLLL STOPPP HUH im still confused ab that one) it’s honestly sickening and baffling knowing ppl can think & say shit like that. i’ve been so detached from them since I was little (never knew why at the time) but THIS makes that detachment 100x worse and I feel like that’s a GOOD thing for me even though the outcome wasn’t what I wanted, bc i’m feeling free, released, not pint-up, etc most importantly more like I can finally be MYSELF!!! i’m way more comfortable in who I am and my Identity now at 19 could you imagine that like damn (just hoping it’s not temporary)!!! just putting this out there in hopes that someone else going through the same thing or similar will see and maybe help them a little. now i just gotta move out.
⚛️ she can’t see how what she says to people effects them drastically and takes 0 responsibility and acknowledgement of doing so and passes it off as you “don’t know me” “i’m a good person” “i have a good heart i love everybody” etc or blame everything on me for examples “we do everything for you” “you’re going to treat us like that when we sacrificed so much for you” “we feel like we can’t say anything right we are always walking on eggshells around you” etc um .. yeah they signed up for that when they decided to have a child so it’s fucked up to throw that in my face food as well. THEN she loves to do this the most playing the victim card “you’re abusing me” “it feels like you are abusing me” she knows damn well I’m not abusing her in any way shape or form that’s disrespectful to many people who actually had to go through and endure actual abuse. “do you want to hurt us? is that your goal” “you’re destroying the family” “you’re destroying our marriage” etc. i didn’t do anything wronggggg all I did was speak up for myself FOR ONCE bc it’s been YEARS ab the shit she does and how i’m not okay with it bc i internalize literally everything and I get met with all that blame shifting and lying. the reason why i never open up to her is bc when I do ever since i was little she always blamed me and made it seem like this whole other thing so hell yeah i’d rather internalize then talk to her that’s a way better option than getting met with guilt tripping and shit. there are MANY more examples of what else she would say and my dad too but i really think he’s brainwashed by her so idk that’s just off the top of my head .. lmao. she makes me feel so insaneee i even feel like i’m exaggerating and making a big deal n being too sensitive writing all this😵‍💫. there’s SO MUCH more but fuck all that i typed enough. thx for coming to my ted talk🕷️.

Sorry for long text: A 17-year-old girl has been living with us (family of 7) for a few months as an exchange student. She has a nice and friendly nature, is an only child and really wanted to be the "big sister" in a large family. Now, however, she often finds it difficult to cope with the hustle and bustle of our family (children aged 3 to 11) because she is likely to be hypersensitive and reacts strongly to loud noises or hectic times. If it's too much for her, she retreats to her room and gives herself a break - she's okay with that.
Shortly after our arrival, after a few "aha" moments, it became clear that our exchange daughter had grown up very sheltered by her mother. We talk about it openly and she often says when we do something that she never did it herself or didn't even know it was necessary. Her mother "managed" everything for her and took it off her hands. So: She never has done housework on her own (like: I shouldn't wash black and white clothes together? Ok.); for almost all activities she needs an step-by-step explanation and instructions first (like: Egg dish? Never made.); because she has no practice at it, and you have to check if she is doing it right; sometimes she thinks she has a better idea how to do it and gets instead a bad result - but she is trying at least ;-)
My wife, on the other hand, had to be very independent on her parent's farm as a young girl and was able to run the household on her own at the age of 17 because her parents worked hard in the fields. She is also a little heard impaired and sometimes speaks louder than normal. So if my wife talks to our exchange daughter in that way to explain something to her - the girl often makes a meee-face unconsciously, because I think it's too loud for her. My wife instead often gets offended by that and "the girl isn't listening again" or "the princess doesn't want to do". She also is tired of explaining things "a girl this age should know that already" or going an extra mile to achieve something "I do it myself, it's faster done".
So tension was building up recently between the two females and now my wife starts asking me, that I should decrease my efforts in the exchange: "It's only two months to finish the exchange, don't invest time in doing things with the princess." She even gets angry sometimes or sends me a facepalm, when I suggest leaving the house as a family and show the girl some nice places of your country et cetera. My wife likes to stay at home on weekends, bc the kids consumpts a lot of energy over the weekdays and she need it for recreation. So I struggle between two things: Should I take the advice of my wife and reduce activities ("sorry girl, we are in a rural area, there are no buses on weekends, you have to stay with us at home, you can read...") or should I keep the pace for the last weeks to not end the exchange with a bad taste of "they didn't care any more at the end" and take the elderly kids and the exchange daughter out to activities even I get into conflict with my wife?
Thanks for your insights on this in my opinion lose-lose situation.

In a mystical world where the air sparkled with magic, The Fool embarked on an extraordinary journey, guided by the whimsical energy of The Fool card. The Fool, a carefree wanderer, stood at the edge of a cliff, a small dog at their side, oblivious to the potential pitfalls below. It marked the beginning of an adventure, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with experiences. With innocence as their guide, The Fool ventured forth, stepping into the unknown with boundless curiosity.
The Magician awaited, a masterful sorcerer who revealed the secrets of manifestation. Through the Magician's guidance, The Fool learned to harness the elements, discovering the power to shape their destiny with intention and will. The journey continued as The Fool encountered the High Priestess, a mystical guardian of ancient wisdom. In the quiet sanctuary of her temple, The Fool delved into the depths of their subconscious, discovering the hidden realms that shaped their inner world.
The Empress, a nurturing force of nature, cradled The Fool in her bountiful arms. Amidst blossoming flowers and flowing rivers, The Fool learned to appreciate the cycles of life, understanding that growth and abundance spring from a harmonious connection with the earth. With the Emperor, a figure of authority and structure, The Fool gained insight into the importance of discipline and order. Together, they built the foundations of The Fool's aspirations, creating a stable framework for their dreams.
The Lovers entwined The Fool in the dance of relationships, urging them to seek balance and connection between heart and mind. Through choices and reflections, The Fool navigated the intricate dynamics of partnerships. The Chariot, a symbol of determination, guided The Fool through challenges with a triumphant spirit. The Fool learned to steer the course of their destiny, harnessing inner strength and willpower.
In the serene hermitage, The Fool encountered the Hermit, a wise sage bearing the lantern of introspection. Through moments of solitude, The Fool discovered the guiding light of their inner wisdom and the importance of self-reflection. Justice, with her scales of balance, weighed The Fool's actions and decisions. The Fool learned that fairness and ethical choices are the cornerstones of a life well-lived.
The Wheel of Fortune spun tales of destiny, reminding The Fool of life's ever-changing cycles. Through ups and downs, The Fool embraced the constant motion of the wheel, trusting in the rhythm of fate. Strength, symbolized by a gentle maiden taming a mighty lion, taught The Fool the power of inner courage and resilience. The Fool discovered that true strength lies in compassion and gentleness.
As The Fool approached the Hanged Man, suspended upside down, they learned the art of surrender and sacrifice. Through letting go, The Fool gained new perspectives and found enlightenment in unexpected places. The mysterious figure of Death marked a profound transformation in The Fool's journey. The old made way for the new, and The Fool embraced the inevitability of change and rebirth.
In the temperate waters of Temperance, The Fool discovered the delicate balance between opposing forces. The winged angel guided them to blend elements harmoniously, finding peace and equilibrium. The Devil unmasked illusions that bound The Fool, revealing the chains of materialism and earthly desires. Through this revelation, The Fool learned the importance of breaking free from self-imposed limitations.
The Tower, a symbol of upheaval, shook The Fool's world, dismantling false structures and beliefs. Amidst the chaos, The Fool found the potential for liberation and renewal. The enchanting Star illuminated The Fool's path with hope and inspiration. Guided by the celestial light, The Fool embraced a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
In the moonlit shadows of the Moon card, The Fool delved into the realms of intuition and subconscious desires. The mystical journey continued, unveiling the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. With the radiant Sun, The Fool basked in the warmth of joy and vitality. The vibrant card symbolized a period of enlightenment and clarity, infusing The Fool's journey with optimism and positivity.
Judgment called for self-reflection and awakening, urging The Fool to rise from the past and embrace a higher calling. The Fool, reborn and enlightened, stood ready for a new chapter. Finally, The World card marked the completion of The Fool's Tarot odyssey. Encircled by a wreath of victory, The Fool danced in celebration, embodying a harmonious union with the cosmos.
And so, The Fool's journey through the Tarot deck unfolded, a tapestry woven with lessons, challenges, and the eternal cycle of life. As The Fool continued their wandering, each card became a stepping stone, guiding them through the intricate dance of existence, ready for the next adventure that awaited beyond the turn of the cards.
As The Fool danced through the pages of the Tarot, the Ace of Cups overflowed with the pure essence of love and emotional abundance, opening The Fool's heart to new possibilities. It marked the beginning of a profound emotional journey, where The Fool embraced the depths of their feelings and connected with the wellspring of love within.
The Two of Cups celebrated partnerships, whether romantic or platonic, as The Fool discovered the joy of shared connections. With the Three of Cups, The Fool reveled in joyful gatherings and celebrations, savoring the bonds formed with others. These cards encouraged The Fool to appreciate the richness of relationships and the importance of emotional connections in their journey.
As The Fool encountered the Four of Cups, a moment of reflection emerged. This card prompted The Fool to ponder their emotional landscape, encouraging them to consider new perspectives and opportunities. The Five of Cups, a gentle reminder of the inevitability of loss, offered solace in resilience and the healing power of time.
The journey continued as The Fool encountered the Six of Cups, a card that stirred a wave of nostalgia. In the simplicity and innocence of the past, The Fool found moments of warmth and cherished memories, adding depth to their emotional tapestry.
The Seven of Cups presented a myriad of choices, encouraging The Fool to be discerning amidst enticing possibilities. It marked a moment of introspection, where The Fool navigated through illusions and fantasies to uncover their true desires.
With the Eight of Cups, The Fool embarked on a journey of introspection and the willingness to let go of what no longer served them. This card symbolized a crucial step in their emotional growth, encouraging The Fool to embrace change and seek fulfillment.
The Nine of Cups, often called the "Wish Card," promised emotional fulfillment and the realization of heartfelt desires. The Fool found themselves surrounded by a sense of contentment and emotional satisfaction, a testament to the power of aligning one's wishes with the universe.
The journey through the Cups suit reached its culmination with the Ten of Cups. In this card, The Fool immersed themselves in the harmonious bliss of family and emotional fulfillment, completing a cycle of love and joy. It served as a reminder that true happiness can be found in the interconnectedness of our emotional bonds.
As The Fool transitioned into the Swords suit, the Page of Swords rekindled the flame of intellectual curiosity. The Fool eagerly embraced the pursuit of knowledge, opening themselves to new ideas and perspectives. The journey of the mind had begun.
The Knight of Swords rode in on waves of swift decision-making and assertiveness. The Fool learned to charge forth with clear communication and determination, cutting through the complexities of thought. The Queen of Swords embodied emotional intelligence and compassion, while the King of Swords ruled with a discerning mind and wisdom.
The Ace of Swords brought forth a new wave of mental clarity, cutting through confusion and paving the way for fresh insights. The Two of Swords urged The Fool to confront difficult decisions with a balanced mind, seeking equilibrium in the face of uncertainty. The Three of Swords acknowledged the pain of heartbreak, guiding The Fool through the process of healing and renewal.
The Four of Swords encouraged moments of rest and introspection, allowing for rejuvenation and renewal. The Five of Swords urged The Fool to navigate conflicts with discernment, choosing battles wisely. The Six of Swords hinted at a journey of transition and moving towards calmer waters, embracing change with a sense of optimism.
As The Fool delved into the Pentacles suit, the Page of Pentacles signaled a fresh start in practical matters and the pursuit of tangible achievements. The Fool's curiosity extended into the realm of earthly pursuits, grounding their aspirations in the material world.
The Knight of Pentacles encouraged a steadfast and methodical approach to responsibilities. The Fool learned the value of diligence and patience in the pursuit of their goals. The Queen of Pentacles emphasized the importance of nurturing oneself and others, recognizing the interconnectedness of well-being.
Guided by the King of Pentacles, The Fool delved into the art of financial mastery and the creation of a stable foundation for their endeavors. The Ace of Wands burst forth with fresh enthusiasm and creative energy, signaling a new beginning in the material realm.
The Two of Wands invited The Fool to explore new horizons and embrace opportunities with confidence. The Three of Wands urged them to take a proactive stance in shaping their destiny, embracing the potential for expansion and growth.
The Four of Wands beckoned The Fool to celebrate achievements and milestones, fostering a sense of community and joy. The Five of Wands reminded them of the value in healthy competition, where diverse perspectives could lead to growth and understanding.
With the Six of Wands, The Fool found themselves basking in the glow of recognition and success, acknowledging the power of perseverance and determination. The Seven of Wands challenged them to stand their ground in the face of adversity, while the Eight of Wands propelled them forward with swift momentum, embracing the energy of change and transformation.
The Nine of Wands highlighted resilience and the strength to overcome challenges. The Fool learned to navigate through obstacles with unwavering determination. The Ten of Wands cautioned against carrying burdens that hindered progress, urging The Fool to release unnecessary weight and embrace a lighter path.
As The Fool revisited the realm of Cups, the Page of Cups infused them with fresh inspiration, signaling the start of a new emotional venture. The Knight of Cups rode in on waves of romance and artistic pursuits, urging The Fool to follow their heart's desires with courage and passion.
The Queen of Cups embodied emotional intelligence and compassion, while the King of Cups ruled with emotional stability and wisdom. The journey continued, each card revealing new facets of wisdom and experience, weaving a tapestry that echoed the cyclical nature of life and the eternal dance of the Tarot. And so, The Fool eagerly anticipated the next turn of the cards, ready for the mysteries and magic that awaited in the unfolding chapters of their Tarot journey.

Hello everyone,
Briefly introduce the importance of fitness, health, wealth, and weight loss. Getting Started: Who Am I? Share personal background and experiences related to fitness and health. My Fitness Journey Highlight key milestones and challenges in my fitness journey. Health and Wellness Practices Discuss the importance of holistic well-being and share personal practices. Wealth and Its Connection to Health Explore the relationship between financial well-being and overall health. Weight Loss Struggles and Triumphs Narrate personal struggles and successes in achieving weight loss goals. The Mind-Body Connection Emphasize the link between mental and physical health in the journey. Fitness Tips for Everyone Share general fitness tips applicable to a wide audience. Nutrition and Weight Loss Strategies Discuss dietary choices and effective weight loss strategies. Balancing Fitness and a Busy Lifestyle Provide insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle amid a busy schedule. Financial Wellness Tips Offer practical advice on improving financial health for better overall well-being. Inspiration for Others Share motivational stories and quotes to inspire readers. Setting Realistic Goals Discuss the importance of setting achievable health and fitness goals. Celebrate Small Wins Encourage celebrating progress, no matter how small. Conclusion Summarize key points and encourage readers to embark on their wellness journey. My Journey to Wellness: Introducing Myself for Fitness, Health, Wealth, and Weight Loss Introduction:
Embarking on a journey towards fitness, health, wealth, and weight loss is a transformative experience. It's a path filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. In this article, I'll take you through my personal journey, sharing insights, tips, and the connection between these vital aspects of life.
Getting Started: Who Am I?
Before we delve into the details, let me introduce myself. I'm [Your Name], a fitness enthusiast with a passion for holistic well-being. My journey is not just about physical fitness but encompasses the broader spectrum of health, financial wellness, and the pursuit of a balanced life.
My Fitness Journey:
The road to fitness is seldom a straight path. From overcoming initial hurdles to celebrating personal records, my journey has been a rollercoaster of challenges and achievements. It's a testament to the fact that anyone can achieve their fitness goals with dedication and perseverance.
Health and Wellness Practices:
Fitness goes beyond the gym. Incorporating holistic practices, such as mindfulness, adequate sleep, and stress management, has played a pivotal role in maintaining overall well-being. These habits not only contribute to physical health but also foster mental and emotional balance.
Wealth and Its Connection to Health:
Surprisingly, financial well-being is intricately linked to health. Stress related to financial instability can adversely impact physical health. I'll share insights on managing finances to alleviate stress and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Weight Loss Struggles and Triumphs:
Weight loss is a common goal, but the journey is unique for each individual. I'll open up about my personal struggles with weight and how I overcame obstacles, providing relatable experiences for readers on a similar path.
The Mind-Body Connection:
The mind-body connection is undeniable. Mental health influences physical well-being, and vice versa. I'll explore this connection and share practices that promote harmony between the mind and body.
Fitness Tips for Everyone:
Fitness doesn't have to be complicated. I'll offer practical tips suitable for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, emphasizing the importance of consistency and enjoyment in any fitness routine.
Nutrition and Weight Loss Strategies:
A crucial aspect of any wellness journey is nutrition. I'll discuss the significance of a balanced diet and share effective weight loss strategies that align with sustainable, long-term health goals.
Balancing Fitness and a Busy Lifestyle:
In today's fast-paced world, finding time for fitness can be challenging. I'll provide insights into how I balance a busy lifestyle while prioritizing health, offering practical tips for readers facing similar time constraints.
Financial Wellness Tips:
Financial health is often overlooked in discussions about overall well-being. I'll share actionable tips on budgeting, saving, and investing, empowering readers to take control of their financial destinies.
Inspiration for Others:
Motivation is a key factor in any wellness journey. I'll share inspirational stories and quotes that have fueled my determination, hoping to inspire others to kickstart their own paths to wellness.
Setting Realistic Goals:
Setting achievable goals is paramount to success. I'll guide readers through the process of establishing realistic and motivating goals, ensuring that they are both challenging and attainable.
Celebrate Small Wins:
In the pursuit of grand objectives, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. I'll highlight the importance of recognizing progress, no matter how incremental, as it contributes to long-term success.
Embarking on a journey towards fitness, health, wealth, and weight loss is a commitment to a better and more fulfilling life. As you reflect on my experiences and insights, I encourage you to take the first step on your own path to wellness. Remember, it's a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, celebrate victories, and keep moving forward.

Hi!My name is Artur and I am a programmer with experience in various projects. In this article I will share my experience and talk about some of the most challenging points. In our project I faced such challenges as flexibility, adaptability, performance, interactions with in-game systems and I will talk about them briefly.
Flexibility and adaptability: Creating a flexible and adaptive user interface can be a real challenge.Depending on the platform, screen resolution and other parameters, the UI must scale correctly and look equally good on all devices.This requires not only the ability to write responsive code, but also an understanding of UI design principles.
Performance: Had to get a beautiful and complex interface, but at the same time clear and easy to use, which does not affect performance.Working with a lot of widgets and complex animations can negatively affect the performance of the game.Therefore, you have to constantly seek a balance between the appearance of the interface and its performance.
Interaction with other systems: The user interface had to interact with other systems in the game, such as the animation system,physics, or artificial intelligence. Integrating the UI with these systems can be challenging,especially if the developers did not provide special mechanisms for such interaction.
Documentation: Had extensive documentation and many tutorials, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the information you need. In addition, some aspects of working with the user interface may not be sufficiently covered in the official documentation, In the future I will go through all the points in more detail and share my experience and impressions!!!!

This is by far my favorite album from Billie and is slowly becoming my favorite album of the year. I've been through the album many times now and want to share my interpretation of the entire work as I firmly believe it is intentionally cohesive and structured to have an overarching narrative.
Overall, this album is of course about a relationship Billie was in. I do think she wrote these songs about multiple different people but structured it to be cohesive. Each song throughout the album is a step along this journey and either is parallel to, or in direct reference of, the stages of the relationship and her feelings throughout. She leverages a number of metaphors and thematic imagery that's mentioned multiple times throughout the album
SKINNY
On its surface, SKINNY is about her fans, the public and the media and their lack of awareness of her actual mental state (ie they think skinny = happy) . In addition, I view this as her introducing the narrative. This is current Billie reflecting on the relationship and her experiences and setting up the story to "feed the hungry internet". She asks persistently "do you still cry?" knowing that she herself does even after everything she did for this person and "not doing them wrong".
This song sets up 2 important thematic elements first is The Bird/Cage/Trap. While it varies from positive to negative, but ultimately, the theme is a sense of being trapped in the relationship, for better or for worse. I do think that is also is tied to this relationship being with another women and Billie's sexuality. It has a parallel theme to The door which i will discuss later.
The other theme is String Motif which is what ill call the melody and string orchestra that plays at the end of this song. In my opinion, this melody represents the relationship itself and is used 2 other times throughout the album for different purposes. This is personally my favorite thematic element as its beautiful and pays off mid-way through the album.
LUNCH
Lunch is fun, flirty and explicit first step in the relationship. Its Billie and her love interest kicking things off intense and obviously full of passion. In the broader context of the album its the "honeymoon" phase, full of heightened emotions and fun. This may be a stretch, but i do find it fascinating putting a song called LUNCH after a song called SKINNY and i think its a metaphor for her relationship fulfillment and happiness in the moment.
CHIHIRO
Personal favorite on the album. There is a ton of imagery and parallels to spirited away in this song of course that i think Genius and other lyric websites do a decent job of breaking down. I'm going to focus on the context of the album.
CHIHIRO is Billie dealing with some of the likely obvious red flags she noticed immediately as things become more serious. Its Billie trying to reconcile the "fling" that's occurring and it being a potential serious relationship that she needs to invest emotionally in. She has reservations considering the lack of response or commitment from the other person and the theme of space/rest/freedom ("I need to be along, take a break", "cant cope with anymore") as opposed to Billie's lack of sleep / closeness / commitment ("waiting in the garden", "come back around" etc.) (which comes up a few times in the album).
However, Billie ultimately aligns on committing, trusting they'd "show [her] whats in store". This is also the song that introduces The door. This theme, I typically associate with the bird change / trap (which is also mentioned in this song). It represents opening up about their feelings, letting the feelings "out". and letting Billie in. This may be a stretch, but I do wonder if its associated with the other person not feeling comfortable "coming out" in the sense of their sexuality either.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie is now happy to "stay in the cage" with the person, calling back to the Bird/Cage/Trap theme. Birds of a feather sticking together. The lyric "I dont know why im crying" i think is referring to CHIHIRO, basically "i dont know what I was so worried about this is great" but also she still feels an uneasiness about the whole thing. Billie is willing to spend her whole life (till the day she dies) with this person (or in other words the love of her life).... so she says. Despite the rose colored glasses, Billie starts to sense the cracks in the 2nd verse. "Say you dont see it....Say you wanna quit". Billie is all in at this stage giving everything she's got to try to make this work and just hoping their lack of commitment is "a bit" or them "being stupid". For now, Billie is in love and thats all that matters.
When i first heard this song i kinda thought it was a bit too "cliche" for Billie. However, in this context it feels like shes grasping at straws, trying to find the good, looking past the issues and saying shes in love. It makes future songs like L'AMOUR DE MA VIE hit harder since its basically calling her feelings in this song a lie.
WILDFLOWER
This takes a bit of a detour in my opinion. I think this is more about a previous relationship (though thats of course speculative). I dont want to discuss real people because i dont think it matters. This is a song about her supporting a women through a break up and ultimately dating her ex and the guilt / issues that come along with that. I think narratively, shes looking back on other issues in her past relationships, mistakes she made and ultimately her not speaking up when her feelings were hurt. I have a theory that the women she is supporting is who this album is about (ie she ended up dating both of them which makes these lyrics hit even harder) but thats just speculative.
THE GREATEST
This is a pivot point on the album. Its when Billie "snaps out of it" so to speak and realizes how much she is putting in but how little she is getting out. She expresses this in many different ways, begging for passion and waiting for something to change. Right off the hop Billie mentions again the rest / staying up all night theme of her committing while her partner is allowed space / comfort / coming and going. While it was a simple worry originally in CHIHIRO, it is now officially a problem weighing on her. "Man am i the greatest" is notably sarcastic but also has some truth to it. Its a reflection of regret/shame in terms of just how much time and energy she's put in despite getting nothing ("doing whats best without a reward" "All my love and patience", "...time I waited" etc etc). While not explicitly stated, this is making reference to the Open Door / Trap theme. They never let Billie in / let their emotions out and Billie ended up feeling alone because of it.
This song ends with The String Motif, the same one played at the end of SKINNY. However, this time she is belting it "I loved you, and I still do...Just wanted passion/what i gave you". While its related to the other lyrics, I feel this as "current" Billie screaming through, telling the story that connects us back to SKINNY (and hint hint ultimately to BLUE). This moment is so powerful because it symbolizes her change in perspective but just how much it still weighs on her and upsets her. Its a very important moment in this relationship/album and how she cope's / deals with it. Its probably my favorite moment on the whole album.
L'AMOUR DE MA VIE
I feel like this song is YIN to BIRDS OF A FEATHERs YANG. Basically, she admits that all these feelings were bullshit because she knew there were problems from the beginning. Shes over all of the excuses the person was giving for not committing, opening up etc. They said they "cared" a lot and would be destroyed if she left but they moved on right away. I think its a little over the top like BIRDS OF A FEATHER was but in the opposite direction. She's coping with the hardship she faced and described in THE GREATEST. The back half of this song I just think is her anger coming out about how little time it took for the person to move on, she flings dissses (you were so mediocre) and proclaims, "Its over now".
THE DINER
Im curious what other's think. Obviously on its surface this is about her stalkers and how conniving it is however i do think its connected to the narrative. She mentions trying to save the person which is a theme thats brought up again later. The way i felt is that this is her obsessing over the relationship they moved onto in L'AMOUR DE MA VIE. Shes stalking them trying to figure out what she was missing and how she couldve made it work.
BITTERSUITE
This is a reflection on many dream sequences Billie has about the relationship. Shes not over it, shes on tour overseas now but is still obsessed with it its ("underneath all of her beliefs"). She imagines that she is now desired by the person (the thing that she desperately wanted in THE GREATEST). She admits she hasnt been able to fill the void left since they broke up. She also brings up the theme of not sleeping (despite the dreams). At the end of this song she also brings references back to L'amour dema vie" and "Open up the door for me". Shes dreaming and hoping and fantasizing about how it was, what it could have been and what she wanted. By the end of it she seems to be getting what she wanted... but its unfortunately just a dream. Of course this transitions into BLUE with the same melody at the end and BLUE has coming.
BLUE
Blue closes things off and explicitly connects all of the major themes in the album. She makes direct references to several other songs "Birds of a feather", told you a lie desole (L'amour dema vie), dont know whats in store / open the door (CHIHIRO), in the back of my mind (WILDFLOWER) im still over seas (BITTERSUITE), a bird in a cage (SKINNY). This is her reflecting, accepting and trying to get over it but having difficulty.
The transition in the music and ultimately the lyrics is to her gaining understanding and acceptance for the other person. She's able to cope with the relationship falling apart because of what the other person went through. This provides a different meaning to BLUE. While at first it was her being sad, now its her now ex-partner growing up BLUE (likely not accepted by her parents or a difficult childhood). Billie proclaims "i dont blame you, but i cant change you, dont hate, but we cant save you). This is a form of acceptance but also a reference to THE DINER about trying to save the person, though now its acceptance instead of an attack / blame. "Too afraid to step outside" is in reference to the cage, the trap or stepping through the open door. Billie realize she also had fear and could have done more.
Finally, the final String motif playing the same melody as in SKINNY and THE GREATEST, this wraps the entire album sonically and thematically. It showcases the acceptance but the weight it still has and ultimately the impact this relationship had on her.
Im probably missing some stuff but this is what i took away from it. Love to hear any other thoughts or perspectives!

Dream sharing with a stranger?
!!Long Post!! Crossposted in a lucid dreaming reddit.
Unsure if this goes in this reddit page or not, but here it is:
I have always had interesting dreams. Dreams that have happened later in life, dreams of saying goodbye to loved ones and waking up to them dead. Nightmares about things attacking me in the room I stayed and being woken up at 3:33 a.m as the 8 hour music I had playing was somehow paused at 3:33:33.
Yet by far, the most interesting dreams I have had was with a boy with blonde hair and blue eyes.
There is only 6 dreams I know he was in. All spread out through the years, but I always knew it was him when I woke up.
The first dream I had was in 7th grade. In the dream I was walking around this amusement park in the town I resided in, and it was empty. The only people there was me, and this tall blonde haired blue eyed boy.
At first I thought it was my crush at the time, but realized that 1, My crush didn't have that light skin tone and hair color, and 2, this was the first time I have ever seen a person's face in my dream so vividly, and it 100% was not my crush at the time.
Anyways, I am walking around the fairgrounds with this boy, and we decided to go on the fairis wheel. Upon getting on, I felt the anxiousness I always do while on those wheels, and felt the boy grab my hand. He then says to me "Thank you for going on this date with me. I hope we meet again." And shortly after I woke up.
I don't remember the dream I had with him after that one, I just remembered that I saw a familiar face which was his. I never thought too much of it at the time, because I was in 7th-8th grade during those two dreams. Yet all I do know is that I can instantly recognize his face, and I feel a calm and warm presence whenever he is around. (Makes me wonder if I had any other dreams with him that I can't remember.)
A side note, people normally have dreams and see people they know in them, but for me, if it's a dream and it's with someone I know, the person always has a weird alteration to their appearance, like if you were looking at an AI generated photo. For the boy, he looked real, never in my life have I seen him but nothing about him looked like the normal dream people I've seen all my life. (The only exceptions were the loved ones saying goodbye, I saw their faces clearly aswell.)
Anyways, the next dream I had with him, it was a silly one. I was leaving school after gym class and waiting for my grandma to pick me up. I was for some reason pulling up my sweat pants and trying to hide in them?? A voice from beside the bench makes me stop and I turn to see that familiar face again, and I just stared, almost like I was about to realize I was not in a dream in that moment.
Then I felt if my attention was getting pulled away from the boy, and I quickly get forced into looking at my grandma driving up in her car. Once I felt like I could move on my own again, I look back to the boy and see that he is gone. I was a Junior in highschool.
Now, we are getting into the weirder dreams with him. In this dream I was training to be a survivor in the zombie apocalypse. It had not started yet, but me and a bunch of people were testing in an underground place to see who would get released into the apocalypse with the better gear. After all the testing, no one scored above the top 50, so when we were about to get released into the world, we had to stand 50 feet away from the exit.
Soon the zombie fog(fog that turns people into zombies) started arriving. After about 50 seconds of waiting for our turn to grab the supplies and run, I book it outside, meeting a random group of survivors and that was the end of it.. until I woke up, and went back to sleep. When I went back to sleep, I felt as if everything I had just went through in the dream was re-winded and I was back in the testing room. Yet this time I was fully lucid.
I took advantage of this and made sure to ace the test, since it seemed unless you were lucid you'd be stuck with the rest of the group, which I was wanting to avoid this time around. After the test we went into a waiting room area, and I was talking to this random Korean man, and he and I were just chatting and I made a joke saying "if you are real add my Instagram" and he said bet, (he never added me on Instagram lol) but after I did that, I felt my body move on its own. I was still fully aware it was a dream, but I felt like something was moving me. And I was moved in front of this person, I didn't get to see what they looked like but a sense of familiarity overcame me.
The test was then calculated, and I was the only one who went in the first place, so it was me, a bunch of empty space, and everyone else... that is what I thought until I saw a blonde boy tied in first place with me. In my head I was baffled, because only a person aware it was a dream would have made it to the top.. so why was he there?
We get released back outside, me and the blonde the first ones out of course. I follow this motorcycle dude, to a hilltop (he was in the group I made in the first part of the dream)and for some reason the blonde boy was following us aswell and as the zombie fog got closer and closer, we were forced to jump off the cliff and hide under the water. While in the water, I felt the fog brushing against my back, it felt so real. I then gained the courage to breathe while under the water, realizing I was in a dream and I couldn't drown.
Once the fog was gone, I instantly realized who the blonde haired boy was. I quickly stand up, and so does the other two. I force my attention on the boy, and he looks straight at me as well, and I locked eyes with his blue ones. "Why are you always in my dreams?" I asked.
He looks at me confused, "No, your the one always in my dreams!" Instantly I felt myself forget I was in a dream, and my attention was forced to look at a zombie, I was no longer lucid for some reason.. and the boy disappeared from my dream after that.
The next dream happened 2 days after that one. I was in a normal dream, or nightmare I assume. This grudge lady was dragging me down the hall, over and over again. The lights turning off behind her, as I faced watching all of it happened. Yet before she could turn the corner, she woulds stop, and there would be a figure in the corner of the hall we came from watching us.
This dream repeated that same scene over and over again. I would switch places with the person on the corner of the hall, watching them get dragged down it, and they would watch me do the same. After about what felt like an hour, the person who was being dragged looked at me and spoke, "I'm getting tired of this dream, aren't you?" And I instantly woke up. Yet I wanted to go back to sleep, which I did.
So I went to sleep, and it looked like I was playing omegle in the dream I was dreaming, but it kept making me wake up, and I'd force myself to sleep again, each time this happened, the scene would change, and I noticed that I was on a tablet, and as I kept waking up and going back to sleep, I felt as if my attention was slowly getting away from the tablet, like I was pulling away from the suction. As this kept happening, I was still waking up and going back to sleep.
Soon a guy with brown hair and a black suit and top hat appeared, and he was mocking me for waking up and going back to sleep, saying "Why don't you just stay asleep? Or maybe just wake up huh?" I ignored the man and kept waking up and sleeping again, I was almost out of the suction, I could see the edge of the tablet. Soon, a white being appeared, he looked like a child, but had white hair, pale white skin, and a white suit. He was asking if I was ok, if I was stressing out, he told me to just wake up. I ignored him aswell.
I woke up one last time, and as I went back to sleep I finally was able to pull away from the tablet. Instantly I was lucid, and I saw that i was in a warehouse, around me were thousands and thousands of grayed out people who's attentions were all on their tablets, I looked at the few around me and realized that each one was a different dream. I look up to see how far the warehouse was another person standing up. Once they stood up a alarm went off and I found myself in the middle of a lobby of some sorts, it was like all the games you've ever seen or played meshed into on lobby.
There were people walking around, like a busy new York street. I felt confused, but I just casually started exploring the area. A intercom voice echos through the lobby saying "turn on the protocol, two are aware, two are aware."
Instantly all of the people's heads turned into emoticons, and it made me realize that they were just random NPC's. I continue to walk around when the white being from earlier came over to me and grabbed my shoulders. I could physically feel this, and it freaked me out. The white being had a worried expression and asked me, "What are you doing here? Why didn't you wake up! You need to wake up."
I shrug and try to wake up but it didn't work. So the being sighs and tells me he has to bring me to the safe house before the other one finds me. So we jump across the crossy road and make our way to the minecraft safe house. As we got closer, the white being drags me to hide between the graying out border and some bushes. In the safe house was the brunette guy in a top hat from earlier. He was speaking in a random hanging microphone, "I got eyes on the blonde boy, find the brunette girl, find the brunette girl."
The white being then turns to me, and grabs my shoulders again, he looks me dead in the eyes and says, "You need to wake up. Right. Now."
I then woke up, and was unable to fall back asleep for another 30ish hours. I told my mom about the dream, and she suggested that this blonde boy was someone sharing dreams with me, but I didn't really think much of it. That was before I turned 18, after highschool.
The last dream I remember with him was a year ago, in the dream I had to move back in with my dad, and I was attending a school like Hogwarts, but you could go home or something. It was weird because I was an adult in the dream so why did I have to go to school?
Anyways, my dad sells me off to get married to this random guy. And I am forced to live in their luxury house. Yet I never meet the guy, (I am not lucid in the dream so I was very compliant). After weeks of not meeting this guy, a boy in a dres shirt and suit vest comes inside of the home. His hair was blonde and swoopy, and he had the brightest blue eyes. For some reason I felt enamored with him.
The scene quickly changed, and I am in a Applebee's with my older brother and this boy. My older brother was juggling rings made out of fire, and he flings one in the air like a coin and catches it. "You two should just get married." He says, and I turn to the boy, feeling almost in love. Yet the boy was smiling, he gave me an awkward or sad smile before the scene changed again.
We were walking to the flying cars to go to school, and he quickly grabs my hand. "Remember that time we met, and went on the fairis wheel?" He starts, "or that time your grandma picked you up, or the time we ran from zombies?" He was reminding me of all the dreams we shared, but I just stared at him confused, for I didn't remember it in the dream. Then things started to click in my mind. As they started to click in my mind a name quietly echoes in my brain, it got louder and louder until I couldn't bare it anymore. Yet once it clicked, I looked at the boy, lucid for one split second.. his name was Harrison.
Suddenly I was being forced back into the dream, the moon was aparrently crashing into earth, causing Co2 fumes into the air, and it was going to hit Chicago?? Before anything else could happen I felt a pair of hands grab me, and I look over at the boy named Harrison one last time. He says to me, "I will find you."
Then I wake up.
Now idk if this is anything, but it sure as hell is interesting. I've been convincing myself it's just my imagination, but the fact some of my friends have said they shared a dream recently with a blonde boy, sometime refering or asking about me. My older brother recently told me he did have a dream(he never dreams) that he was juggling rings that were hot to the touch, and saw a blonde boy next to him and me across from him. Yet before he flung the ring in the air he said "you two should stop whatever this is that your doing." In his dream.
BUT I don't know if people are just messing with me. So that's that. Thank you for reading, sorry if it was boring and sorry it was so long haha....
HARRISON IF YOUR OUT THERE WHY TF ARE YOU IN MY DREAMS!!
EDIT: 5/19/24
I had another lucid dream last night, it wasn't good enough to be considered an encounter, but I walked outside of a house I was in, and felt a jurassic temperature change. I was walking down some cement steps towards a street (almost neon dark blue and purples surrounded the area, and it looked as if it has just rained.) And after feeling so cold, I processed it was a dream. So I looked around and could feel the breeze. But there was nothing there or around me.
I had the urge to call out to someone. To find someone, so I called out to Harrison. I then feel a spirit shake (what I call whatever the feeling is when you did something wrong In a dream/ something is attacking you) and it intensifies, even though nothing was there. I then get sent to an alternate dream which was me waking up in bed, like something was trying to make me think I was waking up. But idk.

I think that’s why I find it so hard to cope. I asked you a couple times and you denied it every time… I just want to sit with you one more time and tell you to your face everything my thank yous and goodbyes and then hug you one last time probably cry for a minute and then say a final goodbye… my mind refuses to let me cope properly because of everything going on and it sucks!!!! Please find it in your heart…. I’m tired of being stuck in a cycle. I want to get better… if there’s one time I NEED you to hear something is this time…
I’d pay your gas and send you money to book a hotel where you want so without telling me so you feel safer.. we can meet at a park or food truck or something idk, then get this all over… I’m never going to be over you but clearly you’re over me…
Please just consider it… I’d literally do anything for that chance….