Hi everyone! I’m looking for some resources/ advice on how you manage feelings of jealousy about a partner’s ex.
My partner and I met just a few months after he ended a longterm relationship. We moved pretty slowly and intentionally to make sure he felt comfortable being in a relationship again (and that I did, too). It’s now been 8 very happy months together.
I feel very secure in how my partner and I communicate, and in his feelings for me and commitment to me. Frankly, I have never felt so supported and understood by a partner and I’m very proud of the relationship we’ve built, even though it’s still new.
If we have one problem, it’s my anxiety around his ex. I don’t worry about them getting together or anything like that - I worry about similarities between us and how they might drive my partner away. She was anxious to the point of being pretty unkind and controlling (this is my general interpretation and feedback I’ve heard from their friends - my partner does not speak poorly about her, which I appreciate).
She exhibited a lot of qualities I think I did at my worst and most anxious-preoccupied: resentment of a partner for having their own hobbies and space, making a partner unfairly responsible for her emotions, inability to communicate her needs calmly and kindly. I’ve done a lot of work (and therapy, and taking medication) to manage these behaviors in myself, and so far, I’m proud of the partner I’ve been in our relationship.
But sometimes when she comes up in casual conversation I get irrationally anxious. I’ve stopped asking for reassurance in these moments, because I can tell my ex wants me to feel supported and I don’t think words of affirmation or comfort are truly helping me at this point.
Ironically, my anxiety about this is the one thing that puts me on edge and causes me to act unkindly. For example, this ex was a potter and one evening i snapped at my partner that I was tired of eating dinner off of plates she had made. He got me a new plate right away and even went out later to buy new flatware - but I feel terrible about my overreaction. I’m sure his patience has a limit and I’d like to manage my emotions better before I reach it.
I’ve been trying to reaffirm my own self worth through hobbies and time with friends. I’ve also tried to share my worries with my partner while being careful to take responsibility for them.
Other advice you can offer? How do I manage my anxiety without letting my fear of becoming this ex turn me into her?

3… 2.. 1.
OPENER below.

The ouija board sat in the center of the coffee table, the letters and numbers written in black ink on a wooden surface. The flickering light from the candles cast an eerie glow on the room, making the shadows dance along the poster littered walls.
Tessa sat with Bridget and Amelia, her fingers lightly resting on the wooden planchette. They had all heard the stories about the dangers of playing with an ouija board, but they had laughed them off, thinking it was just superstition.
As they began to ask questions, the planchette moved slowly, almost imperceptibly. At first, they thought it was just their imaginations, but the movements became more pronounced. The entity they were speaking to did not identify itself, and with each passing answer, the girls became increasingly frightened.
Bridget was the first to notice that the temperature in the room had dropped. She looked around, seeing tiny droplets of condensation forming on the windows. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through the room, extinguishing the candles and leaving them in complete darkness.
Suddenly, Tessa felt a hand grab her wrist, squeezing it tightly. She let out a scream, realizing that it wasn't Amelia's or Bridget's hand. She tugged, trying to break free. For a brief moment, the entity and her locked eyes, reflecting the same type of consuming darkness. The moment was fleeting, but it left Tessa expelling the air from her lungs.
At that moment, something happened, and he released her only to use each hand to grab Bridget and Amelia. He tightened his grip, sending shooting pain up their arms.
Frantically, the girls tried to break the connection, but he was too strong. They were trapped, helpless to escape his grasp. Then the lights cut off. Silence filled the room.
Breaking through the silence, Bridget starts to cry, "Run..." That was all Tessa needed to hear to pull herself from the ground and head to the only direction she thought to escape.
Tessa stumbled through the night, finding her way out of the dorm building, tears streaming down her face as she tried to understand what had just happened.
Every breath felt like fire in her lungs as she ran outside into the darkness. She could hear the wind howling through the trees and the sound of her own ragged breathing.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder and spun around in terror. But it was only a security guard, one of the ones who worked at the dorms. He looked concerned as he saw her tears and asked her what was wrong.
Tessa tried to but couldn't explain.
" I... I just got spooked when all the lights cut off... I.." she fumbled with her words, but eventually, she formulated enough of a sentence to justify her demeanor.
The security guard looked at her skeptically, but something in Tessa's eyes must have convinced him. He asked her if she needed to be walked to her car, the direction she was heading before she was stopped.
Tessa waited anxiously, her heart pounding in her chest. It took all but a split second before she shook her head.
"No, I think..erm-- I'll be fine," she concluded, solidifying her fib with a confident smirk.
As Tessa pushed forward off her heels, her thoughts drifted to that dorm room. What had happened to Bridget and Amelia? Had they run too?
Tessa returned to her hotel room after just a 1-mile walk from the campus. That long mile left her head spinning in every direction until she was ultimately hollow.
It was midnight by the time she reached her single room's threshold. There was no time wasted. Tessa kicked off her shoes and flung herself on the bed. Her eyes close tightly shut, neglecting to even use a once of strength to cover herself. She welcomes the darkness as she drifts to sleep.

ABOUT TESSA ( My Character)
Tessa, formally known as Theresa Louise Logan, was a nineteen-year-old, bright, and promising talent at Julliard, dazzling her professors. However, the pressure of being a student proved too much for her. That and also, Georgina Logan, Mother, and the self-proclaimed manager, was pulling Tessa too thin.
Juilliard was a full-time commitment. Tessa knew this. However, Georgina had other plans. She had commercials and modeling on the weekend. The occasional private dance performances are usually requested by New York's top 3%--not quite making it to the top 1. Instead, they pretend. The performances always made her feel cheap, but if Georgina asked...Tessa delivered.
This road eventually led to her dropping out. Though still determined to pursue her passion, she landed a spot at the Northern Pacific Dance Company in Dover, New Hampshire. For a moment, Tessa found a renewed sense of purpose, but her stage mother followed closely behind, dimming any hope that once flickered in her eyes.
Tessa resembled her mother. She was a thin, petite girl with a delicate face framed by soft strands of honey-blonde hair and brown eyes that probably used to sparkle. Now they were filled with a mix of unyielding sorrow and vulnerability. }

STORY Info
Hey there! I'm Sunflower, a nickname I was given, and it has become an alias.
I am a 31F // EST US // Married with a Family NOT looking for boyfriends.
I have had a decade's worth of experience role-playing. I have been on hiatus, I got pretty sick there for a minute, but I have returned. As you (hopefully) read in my opener, I would consider myself an "Literatate"... I try putting thought and detail into every scene.
All of my characters are usually broken girls that have the potential to be some dark goddess. What does that even mean? In romance novel terms, I would teeter on the edge of Sub/Brat with a heavy amount of sass and sarcasm. They are typically far from sane and have flexible morals. They are flawed and beautifully addicting.
As for what I am looking for, I would prefer my partner to be able to mostly match me in literacy. I will always prefer quality over quantity.
I was thinking of a cat/mouse, romantic, slow-burn, modern fantasy with a "Dark Alpha Male" type for this particular plot idea! My character would be human and your character we can discuss! If you hate my idea, I am always open to other ideas.
I favor plot over adult scenes, but you can expect some NSFW scenes, especially for this particular idea. The mix would be about 80/20 in favor of the plot.
My requirements are:
-Must be 25+ (Sorry) -Must write in 3rd/Past Tense -Must not be a creep -Open to communicate -Discord preferred but not a hard limit. -Please bring ideas or at least contribute -Can write a solid 3-4 paragraphs considering. -Lastly, Be Kind. :)
I can typically type a well-thought-out post like this 3x per week-- I do have a demanding job. We can also play in discord if you would like, but I prefer to chat on Reddit before hand and discuss your thoughts and see if we are a good mix.
Anywho, you can send me a chat message if you fit the criteria and are interested in potentially being partners!
Sorry for the lengthy prompt, but I do hope you enjoy it! Also, give me some time to answer because I am typically in and out throughout the day. Also, anxiety.
-S

Since there’s a lot of discourse on this, I decided to post my opinion. Argue with ya mama not me.
If you’re already thin and “struggling” to lose 10lbs, it’s likely that the weight you’re at is the weight your body is at its best health wise. Thus your body is fighting to stay at that weight and the scale won’t budge.
Your body (one that is in pretty good shape, but maybe not as lean as you want) won’t fight that hard against weight loss that is healthy. Meaning if you’re not suffering from a health condition that makes it difficult to lose weight (PCOS, thyroid, diabetes etc.) then you should be able to lose weight through fitness and a calorie deficit.
If those things stop working and you’re at a healthy BMI, that’s probably where your body wants to be.
And 10lbs could come down to just some water weight, not actual fat, that needs to be gone. Thus, something like semaglutide is not the solution. And as far as my understanding, semaglutide is not necessarily a fat burner, but you’re able to lose weight and fat because it helps your body can regulate insulin efficiently (if it’s not doing that already)
And the goal of semaglutide and (it should be) of the doctors who prescribe it, is to get you to a healthy BMI no matter the start which is why it’s prescribed! And if you’re already at a healthy BMI and just want to be thinner the problem likely is not insulin resistance!
So the difference between someone having 10lbs left is that that person needed their insulin regulated to get even close to normal, it is medically necessary and could even be necessary for maintenance. If you only have 10lbs to lose from your start point, your body is already pretty good at keeping your insulin regulated so that you remain at a fairly “normal” weight.
It is not a weight loss miracle drug! If you don’t have an insulin problem, taking semaglutide is the equivalent of putting on a bandaid for a headache. It’s not solving the problem. Save yourself the money, and figure out what the actual issue is and spend that money on the solution and some sexy clothes for your body!!
And there are a lot of people don’t see a difference or lose weight because their problem was never insulin resistance! Even people that are bigger. And many don’t feel the “appetite suppression” which is actually an effect from your insulin being regulated because you’re finally processing glucose efficiently, so your body can actually access the energy from the food you consume. Thus your body isn’t constantly starving for more energy (food).
And the very hard pill to swallow is that some of you don’t need semaglutide and just need a better relationship with yourself and food. It’s not realistic to be super thin and shredded for extended periods of time, a lot of bodybuilders even talk about this. But there’s obviously a lot of societal pressure to be as thin as possible, but screw society and listen to your body.
Sending much love to everyone on their weight loss, self-love, or whatever journey they’re on!
And if you’re already thin and still want to take it, guess what? You can! I’m just a stranger on the internet who has absolutely no control over your life. To each their own.

My daughter was adopted to my sister as I lost my rights when she was two but up until the. I raised her and gave her everything and we had and still have a close loving bond. She is now 5. My sister is very jealous since day one.
(My one sister actually adopted her then went behind my back with our older sister and adopted her to her without my knowledge, it was awful bc I never trusted her and she is very short tempered selfish controlling and mean)
She ended up a year ago moving her over a thousand miles away which kills me even more than it already was. When I came to visit it was awful. She wouldn’t let me do “mom duties” like help shower her, wipe down, take her potty etc. while she would be screaming for me telling my sister she hates her and telling her “you don’t like me” and just in so many screaming matches. Everything I did she bitched about and bossed me around. I had flown there she let me stay 3 days. DD is extremely attached to me and loves me endlessly as I do the same. She is my heart. My everything. And life is so hard without her. The only time I feel pure joy is when I see her face. My sister doesn’t like to tell me about big things like her dr app. , her days she has a sport, never tells me things she does in school, never tells me anything. And ignores most of my calls and texts. I know my daughter hates being there and I hate myself for it. I don’t know why I can’t just have her back . My life is just missing her. My sister tries to tell me she is happy with her when the only time I’m around she is miserable and they yell at each other and if I chime in sticking up for my dd she will make me pay for it by cutting me off completely. I’ve spent this whole time kissing her ass about so much I don’t agree with and I feel so disrespectful to myself and even dd. But I don’t want to have anymore time taken.
Adoptees… have you ever gone they this? What do you think about this? Why would my sister want to continue keeping my dd when I had a addiction to opiods even though I maintained taking care of her and I’m clean now.
Ps When I was there visiting my dd told me twice my sister told her that she will “never live with me ever again”
She made her call her mom and her new hubby dad when her dad and I are together still and always remained consistent in her life.
I’m worried about her mental health being with her.
She makes it a point to not include me in any life decisions or even bring them up. She wants me to understand my place and if I ask her questions she gets defensive and says “she’s my child.” “I don’t have to tell you anything about her” “I don’t have to give u any time with her or even let you see her” which unfortunately legally is true. But that’s my child. I gave birth to her . I raised her . I loved her. I stayed by her until I lost her bc Cps is corrupt and lied a lot and my case worker came from the biggest adoption agency where I live. I got threats everyday about taking my child away. The worst judge that tells parents he only give one in five families back their kids. My baby was loved cuddled spoiled with TIME and LOVE and affection and I connected with her. I could already feel who she was and feel her personality and she’s never changed who she is. We have a strong bond for a reason. And I know my sister thought she was young enough that she could have her detach all feelings and memories of me being her mom and her dad being her dad if she scooped her up and kept us away for a while and told her to call her mom and never talks about me or shows her pics of when she was young and hates when anyone brings up anything when she was with me. Bc she actually didn’t show any interest in dD after I had her . She never called her ,video called, messaged asking about her, she did not reply to pictures or videos or funny stories or when she learned to walk or talk. Nothing. She lived 8 hours away and seen her at birth and 5 other times. 35 and never spoke of having kids.
Also is there any books, videos, articles that I could suggest for her to read to help her understand adoption trauma because she believes that DD has no trauma and absolutely loves this arrangement when she does not and tells me she really wants to live with me and she does not like my sister and she is mean. And when I confront her about it she gets defensive and acts like that’s not true. I just don’t understand why she is holding onto DD so hard ware she even keeps distance between all the family members just wanting to be in her own world with DD and her husband and say she doesn’t need a big family. It’s just so sad I could go on for days straight.
I just need so bad for something to make her understand my DD needs in this situation this is my DD wife that is being messed with in the wrong way she is so innocent and did not ask for this and it is just not fair for her it is so heartbreaking to feel helpless and have zero control. She needs to understand that she wants to alwayskeep her bond with me and her family and acknowledge she did have a life before her that she remembers and misses and hurt just wanting that back. she is adopted and her sister is her Mother too & have respect for that just like I bite my tongue and respect her.

Prelude

Mythic+ is a goldmine of a system, a dreamland of infinite scaling for any dungeon in the game. There is a boundless land of opportunity for endless content to be played through. From its conception to now its been a massive W for the game and its players, but one pain point is how weekly affixes have such a large negative impact on your experience playing M+ from week to week. We have the data that blizzard does, we see on some weeks massive drop in participation on certain affixes, healers don't queue up and this creates a hole in the Group Finder Ecosystem. I don't have to go into every reason why you don't want to push players away from playing your game because its obvious that you obviously want people to play your game organically because they enjoy it.

Proposal

Affixes, in short should ALL positively affect your keys and your dungeon going experience.
"But, smokecocks that would make dungeons and keys too easy!" Sure at the same key levels we're doing right now they would be easier, BUT Mythic+ is an INFINITE SCALING SYSTEM. We could in theory keep the difficulty scaling curve (% hp/ dmg per key level) in tact or it could get changed to be harder with the addition of positive affixes.
When I think of the possible positive affixes I think of mechanics like razageths/thaddius positive and negative charges but without the downsides of stacking with the wrong person or removing the brutal backlash of not clearing your charge properly. I believe that the fundamental design and approach of M+ affixes should present players with the opportunity to really interact with the affixes to give them damage, healing, defensive, & speed bonuses without the negative side affects of not interacting with them.
How would this work? Well in an infinite scaling system the higher keys you do the more you are actually needed to interact with the positive affixes in order to min/max the bonuses they give you so you can clear the key in time. Say for example you're doing a +30 and in a boss fight scenario you chose to ignore the bonuses provided by our new 'dreamlike' affixes leave you without the damage or defensive bonuses to clear the key in time by not meeting a damage check or surviving a key moment. This would fall under the category of not using the tools you were given to you at their fullest.
Doing higher and higher keys would change how you play keys according to how you can maximize these positive affects rather than compounding negative consequences for not interacting with them.
Lets do a 1:1 example of the positive/negative charges affixes in their current iteration and what they would be like had they no compounding negative side effects:

• Current system: you get 30% damage uptime depending on how fast you do or don't clear the charges. Fail to clear charges, you wipe.
  
• Proposed system: you get 30% damage uptime when stacked with players of the same charge, fail to stack and you lose uptime. no wipe.
  

The two approaches to affixes are at the polar opposite of design approaches. One punishes you for not playing with it by a compounding negative side effect (deaths/ killed key timer), the other punishes you by reducing your uptimes.
The result is you didn't wipe due to the affix, if you wipe its on you and your team for not doing a mechanic in any given dungeon.

Conclusion

I want to be excited to do M+ every week, I want to log into the game on tuesday and feel like its a new Diablo season with treats in each of my keys.
There is so much creative room for positive affixes; things like group wide haste, speed bonuses, momentary invisibility(?), spell echo effects where all abilities are cast again (similar to elemental shaman overloads) if you engage with xyz affix properly.
I'm hoping to start a real conversation here and maybe open the discourse to Blizzard with this proposal of an ideology shift, the current approach to M+ makes players get burnt out fast with always dealing with negative affixes that just make me think "meh I won't do keys this week". Well once you've not done keys for one week the chances are I might not do them again next week regardless of the next weeks affixes because now i've already distanced myself from playing in the field already.
I think more people would actively participate in all roles from healers to tanks if the affixes from week to week were fun to play and engage with rather than something to dissuade me from playing the game for the whole week.
I really think Blizzard should utilize the amazing infinite scaling system they have in their hands by reworking every single affix whether that is now or over time I don't care so long as the change in ideology is acknowledged, agreed upon and will happen in time.

i have gotten signs and synchronicities from goddess athena for the past 2 YEARS and just recently thought about working with her. she is my first deity i’ve ever worked with. i see lots of talk about how to tell if she’s trying to communicate with you, but my biggest question is -why- she wants to communicate. does anyone have any experience working with her that can tell me more on why she may want to work with me? 🫶🏻

Platform(s): Played on SNES, unsure of others
Genre: Heavily a horromystery game with some puzzles
Estimated year of release: I played ~96-97, unsure of release
Graphics/art style: I compare the characters and art from my memory to a somewhat “Pokémon-type” style (but the game is actually pretty dark and gloomy). 2D design, I remember it being very atmospheric and suspenseful, but I was also around 8 or so when I played. Third person, side-view perspective. I can totally picture this game being in an arcade (if this provides a picture!).
Notable characters: The game starts and allows you to choose several characters out of a larger group, I think you pick three. These characters work as your “extra lives”. If something happens to the character you’re playing, you go to the next character in line. IIRC, you can choose switch between your chosen characters at different times in the game. You play as one character at a time, they do not follow each other or stay in this group (example: if you die inside the house and your next character is outside on the porch, that’s where you restart).
Notable gameplay mechanics: Some interactions with objects in the environment, such as finding keys to unlock doors, solving some puzzles.
Other details: Again, IIRC, the game starts with the available characters lined up outside of a large, possibly Victorian-style house in a wooded, remote area. It’s nighttime, and I cannot recall if there is actually any backstory provided as to who these people are or why they are here.
There are some scenes/areas you can explore around the outside of the house, and eventually you have to figure out how to get inside. Once inside, you have to quickly and quietly explore. There are traps in the house, and you will enter rooms where there are already occupants. I can remember depending on the “occupant” character, you would either be killed or captured. If captured, I remember some sort of dungeon-y basement/cellar that you would be locked in. If your character was locked up here, you would have a chance to come rescue them using another one of your characters. Also if you stayed in one place for too long, the chance of one of the occupants finding you increased. Essentially, the game created a great atmosphere and feeling of never being “safe”.
I never finished the game, so I apologize for leaving out storyline details.

A literally perfect day to prime minis weather was great popped open a new can of wraith bone and it destroyed 1k points of Dark Angels, the paint came out fuzzy and chunky, so I got simple green since I heard it works, didn't even make a dent after about 2 days, I'm trying super clean now been there for about a day or so longer than the recommended time and it barely does anything it'll get the edges just a little bit, I'm gonna let it sit for a bit longer but what should I do if that doesn't work

May 7th, 1945
This home is wonderful, it has everything I want and need, everything I ask for and for such a low price. I had always wondered why beautiful houses such as mine were on sale, and I would assume it was due to the inflation. Though don't ask me because I don't know how it works around here. The neighborhood is quite beautiful too, we have lovely rich neighbors who have welcomed us with open arms and oh our garden! That is what I set my pride and joy to, however there is this beautiful willow tree that I can't seem to revive, it's slowly dying and I don't know how to save it. I decided in the end it was un-savable, until one night I had thought I heard someone in my garden. I had tried to wake my wife and asked if she heard anything but she was in a deep sleep, I checked to see if maybe my daughter was awake but she was also asleep. I went downstairs with my flashlight and walked into my garden, but no one was there. I was going to head back to sleep but I heard a woman crying, it was coming in the direction of the willow tree.
"Who's there?" I called out, but she only cried, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" But she didn't answer, I slowly walk towards the willow tree and looked around but no one was there, "Hello?"
"Up here." Her voice was angelic and she sounded young, I looked up and saw the shape of a beautiful woman. I went to point my flashlight towards her but it had died, I banged on it but nothing worked. I looked back up and she was still here crying.
"Why are you crying?" I asked softly, I wondered if she needed help or if she was hurt.
"The tree," She said, "It's dying." I almost felt ashamed when she mentioned this, because there really wasn't anything I could do to revive it.
"I tried to fix it, but there isn't anything I can do. It's something that doesn't want to be saved." She sniffled and I saw her slightly perk up.
"I know a way you can fix it." Excitedly I looked up, "But... I shouldn't tell you, it's too much to ask. The last owner, he refused to help the tree, that's why it is dying."
"I want to save the tree, I'll do anything!" I couldn't tell but it looked as though she looked down at me.
"Anything?" She asked in a curious tone.
"Of course! My garden means everything to me," I turn and spread my arms to show my lovely garden, "As you can tell I have taken well care of everything, all I need to save is the willow tree, so if there is anything I can do to save it I must know!" For a long moment she was silent, not a word was said and for just a moment, I lost slight hope until she spoke again.
"The tree needs blood." She said in a cold tone, "But your sacrifice won't be for nothing. The tree can grant you a gift, one thing everyone wants and can't deny. The one thing everyone is so desperate to have." My heart almost stopped beating for a moment, did she mean to sacrifice my own blood or kill someone?
"I can't kill someone!" I said, "That's a horrible thing to do! I would rather the tree die." For a second I laughed, "You have to be joking right? You don't really mean blood." She fell silent and didn't answer, a lump had got caught in my throat, she really does want me to kill someone, "I'm not killing anyone."
"You don't have to worry about hiding your crime, the tree will help you!" I grabbed my flashlight and began to walk away, I wasn't going to feed into these delusions, "The tree can give you Eternal youth!" She called out, and I stopped in my tracks
"Eternal youth?" I asked quietly, "You're lying."
"It's true! It's the gift that anyone would kill for and the only thing that the tree will offer to those who sacrifice for it." I turned to face the tree and walked closer again, looking back up, she hadn't moved an inch, "I was once and owner, I did the same thing for the tree. I too was skeptical, and one night, a burglar broke into my house, I ran into my garden and I killed him. The roots of the tree sank his body to the ground and granted me the gift of eternal youth, as long as I kept providing, and anyone else who was willing to provide for the tree." I looked at the trunk of the willow tree and grazed my hand upon it, I began to fantasize the idea of murdering people and continuously staying young with my wife and daughter forever.
"I don't even know how I would be able to murder someone."
"A party." She said softly, "Throw a party and bring someone alone to the garden, then, when no one is looking, kill them in front of the tree. The roots will consume the body into the earths soil." I stayed silent, was it really that easy? Will I really be granted this gift of eternal youth and my family, "Think about it, you don't have to decide now." She began to hum an unfamiliar tune and didn't utter another word, I went back to bed, but I couldn't sleep, all I could think about were her promises and her soft voice.
"Eternal youth..." I whispered to myself before falling asleep. My wife woke me up for breakfast the next morning, and as I went about my day, all I could was stare at my tree. Dead people in exchange for eternal youth didn't seem like a bad deal, and the tree will hide the body and my crime. I shake my head in shame, why would I ever do that to anyone? I couldn't hurt a fly, but if it were for my family...
"Honey! Dinner is ready!" my wife called out to me from the kitchen, I was in the garden, staring at the tree, not a woman in sight. I quickly walked back inside and my wife began rambling about how we need friends, a social life and how our daughter needs to make friends of her own. At first I didn't even pay attention, but I knew what I was going to do and I had finally made my decision.
"Let's have a house warming party." I said, "You'll make friends and so will Edith." Edith looked up at us with sparkles in her eyes, clearly excited by the thought of having friends. My wife, hugged and kissed me already planning on everything that was going to be needed for the party. That night I thought about who I would kill, how I would kill them, and how do I lead them to the tree. I looked out my window and there was the figure of the woman staring at my house, it felt as though she was waiting, like she knew I had made my decision.
The next morning I spent all day helping my wife decorating, I did all the things she wasn't able to and Edith made some cards and my wife cooked a wonderful feast. I bought fine wine and sat the drinks in an ice bucket. It was beginning to grow dark and finally the guest arrived, drinks were served, music was playing and everyone was having a joyful time.
"Ethan!" I turn to see Henry James calling my name and he held a glass of wine in one hand, and the other wrapped around his wife's waist, "Let's take a look at that garden of yours! You talk about it so much I just must see it!" My heart sank, I had completely forgotten that I was meant to kill someone and this was basically an opportunity falling write in my hands.
"Of course!" My throat suddenly became extremely dry as I guided him outside with my flashlight, "Isn't she a beauty? I designed her myself and she's very healthy."
"What about that thing?" I dreaded facing my light at the tree and showing its dead leafs and branches.
"Nothing I can do about it, it's not something I can save." I said taking another sip of the drink.
"It's because you don't have the money!" Henry laughed, "Your tree is dying from all those cheap products you use, of course it can't live in such cheap condition." He laughed much harder, his faced slowly glowed red, "I'll pay for your tree, I'll take it and show you what money can do!" I began to grow more and more angry; he looked down on me for not having much money, and he wanted to see my garden so he could laugh. I shut off my light, "Where's the light?"
"Battery died, give me a second." I said in a dark tone, "I just gotta give her a little shake." Henry laughed again, talking about cheap flashlights and gardens and he began to mention how I was lucky to even afford this kind of wine, I had lost it, smashing his head repeatedly, I turned the light on and shine it on him. I watched as the ground softly rumbled and the roots of the tree grabbed the body of Henry James, and I vomited.
"The tree is grateful," It was that woman's voice, and my flashlight stopped working again.
"No," I panicked, "I didn't mean to, it was an accident!"
"The tree will bless you now, aren't you happy?"
"No!" My heart raced with fear, "This shouldn't have happened! I'm drunk!"
"And who will believe you, the police? All the see is a man whose poor and killed a rich man." My eyes began to widen with fear, I have made some sort of deal with a demon and it was clear there was no escaping this. I ran inside, dropping my flashlight.
"Honey? Is everything okay?" I looked up and realized everyone was looking at me, I had to come up with a quick excuse, something that made sense and something believable.
"Yeah!" I laughed softly, "I wouldn't go back there until I've cleaned it, I vomited, had a bit much to drink."
"And my husband? Where is he?" Henry's wife perked her head up, "Didn't he go out with you?"
"Yes," I quickly thought of something, "He walked out through the back, headed home! He said he wasn't feeling well and to tell you he'll meet you home." She smiled softly, clearly calmer.
"This wouldn't be the first!" She laughed raising her drink and everyone went back to partying. Everyone believed me, no one batted an eye, no one questioned me, and my wife was social. Was I afraid of nothing? I continued to party with everyone like nothing had happened, even though the reminder of Henry James body was dead in the ground, nurturing my willow tree.
The next day, police knocked on my door, my wife had explained that Henry was missing and his wife had reported it that he was last seen with me.
"We just have a few questions to ask you," That woman was right, all the police will see is a poor man who killed a wealthy man, they don't care what went down.
"Of course." I softly smiled, "Ask me anything, Henry was a wonderful person and if there is anything I can do to help I will do everything I can." I invited the police in and My wife brought out tea for everyone, they asked me all the simple questions of what happened, when I last saw him, if he said anything out of the ordinary and of course I lied to them.
"Could be having an affair and decided to start anew." One of the officers mumbled, and then a lightbulb popped.
"You know officer, he did mention something," I spoke silently, leaning in the table and so did they, "He mentioned another woman, younger than his wife, mentioning starting anew." I shook my head, "Easily could just have been drunk talking, but I felt it be important to mention. He's a good guy, I don't think he would do that to his wife, I don't want to bad mouth him you know?" The officers looked at each other and began to stand.
"Alright, thank you for taking the time to speak with us," I guided towards the exit and one of the officers stopped, "By the way, you have an extremely beautiful garden, especially your willow tree there. Got any tips?" I chuckled and told him the fertilizer I used.
"Definitely something to die for." A lump in my throat formed remembering the dead body of Henry. The officers left. Later that night I went out without my flashlight, "Where is the gift? I don't look or feel any younger!" I angrily spoke to the woman in the tree, "Was this all just for me to kill?"
"The tree is more lively is it not?" She spoke softly.
"What are you?!" She went quiet, and finally she dropped down, I watched as she slowly walked towards me and stepped into the light, she was naked, and she had beautifully shaped body. I slowly looked up to her eyes and horror filled my body. She had leafs and branches sticking out of her eyes and mouth, she looked as though she was just flesh and the tree filler her with its branches like a puppet.
"The tree," She whispered. I screamed at the top of my lungs, rushing back in my house as quickly as I could, "Feed me, and I will allow you to live." She said before swinging back up, hiding behind the branches. I must feed the tree, I have to keep feeding the tree.
~ End of Diary
I looked out the window of my house, and there tree was. The same tree in the diary, and right below it was my great grandfather, sitting in front of it, in his rocking chair and staring at it. I opened the window hearing a woman softly cry, and I watched in horror, as she stepped out from under the tree and into the backyards light, staring up at my window before the lights flickered and popped.

A few months ago, I made the mistake of buying a Dell XPS 17 for $2,300 plus taxes instead of a MacBook Pro. As a lifelong Dell customer, I thought the new and improved XPS 17 2021 version would be worth the investment.
After purchasing it, I got the infamous speaker crackling and popping sound issue and made a support request. At first, Dell's chat support people, who I will call automated answering machines from now on because, just like an answering machine, they have no brain or problem-solving skills outside of the built-in programming, made me waste hours of my own time going down a checklist of things to try and attempt before they gave up and set up a technician appointment. They get paid for the hours they spent, but I just wasted mine.
A technician came out, at first, he replaced just the speakers instead of also replacing the motherboard, even though I told him on the internet it says that there is most likely a motherboard problem too. Dell even sent him a motherboard, but no, he does it his way, just replaced the speakers and the fans, and what do you know, just like it said online, the issue didn't solve itself.
To make matters even worse, he put the entire device back together, thinking he was intelligent and a problem solver, and had to redo the entire thing, this time replacing the motherboard, wasting hours more of my time, but I was okay with that if he resolved the issue. But after fixing one problem, he makes another problem, he dents the back cover and damages the laptop, causing some dead pixels and screen issues.
I submit another request for this, and again, the automated answering machines take me through a long checklist attempting to fix the issue. Time and again, none of their dumb fixes work, and I get scheduled for another technician appointment. This time, I get some crackhead technician who smells like pot. I'm not making this up; his eyes are literally bloodshot. But I'm no snitch, and I'm not against weed, so I was okay with it if he did the job. A little info before we continue, though; it took two weeks for him to have an appointment available, and finally, he meets me on a Friday afternoon.
He does the LCD replacement, the back panel, and also the motherboard again. During the repair, he literally forgets to put back some screws and just wings it. After he's done with the repairs, he opens the laptop up, and it starts up, then just goes black, displaying the 2 amber 8 white. Now I have an LCD display failure. The display no longer works after Dell's so-called "fix," and this is my only personal laptop, completely gone.
At this point, I've wasted 80-plus hours dealing with these people, and the laptop now doesn't even work. I then reach out to support once again. I tell them that I have the 2 white 8 amber issue, and the display doesn't work. What do they tell me? In typical answering machine fashion, they send me some YouTube videos from the Dell YouTube channel, like always, and some articles to try.
Now, this time, I've had just about enough. I literally told them the screen doesn't work, and they were dumb enough to send me a list of things to do when the screen doesn't even work, and the computer doesn't boot. So I tell them that the screen doesn't work, and I have no way of doing any of this. They tell me that I will have to ship my device in for service, so they send out a box. I put everything in the box, along with the charger in a plastic bag, and just send it to them.
The same day I received the box on March 15th - keep in mind, this is already 5 days with no functioning laptop since they broke it on the 10th. So after I sent the laptop, I finally get it back on the 29th. A whole 19 days without any device. When I asked them how long this process will take, the answering machines told me that the service will take 10 days. And being a college student with assignments due and just having lost all my data on my laptop and having no laptop now, it was very difficult.
But moving forward, when I open the box, to my surprise, shock, horror, really no words to describe it, the entire device which was in pristine condition when I sent it, completely damaged when returned. I kid you not, they did 10 years' worth of damage to the device in two weeks. The carbon fiber on the palm rest, touchpad, keyboard keys, top cover, bottom cover, charger, and God only knows what the condition of the parts inside is are all scratched up, dented, some goo or glue in some places, and it just came back in a totally horrible condition. And to make matters even worse, they forgot to enter the product key for Windows 11 Home when they re-downloaded the OS.
I got back to support and sent them the pictures of the horrible condition the laptop is in, and asked them if they could at least help me get the product key for Windows 11 Home so I can activate Windows. Once again, in usual answering machine fashion, they sent me an entire checklist of things to resolve, telling me to try rolling back the updates first to check if the issue is resolved. I did that, but nothing worked. Big surprise that updating doesn't have anything to do with their failure in putting the product key when they reset the OS. Then they told me to download the media creation tool and re-download the entire OS, which would have taken hours of my time and have done nothing to resolve the issue. The guy always says 'I understand the issue' and comes back with some shitty idea. All I needed was a product key, and in the end, I just bought one myself for $89. I asked the guy to get me his supervisor, and I've had no reply and no response on what is going to be done with fixing the device.
I am extremely angry and disappointed with Dell's customer support. They need to compensate me for the cost of purchasing my own product key. I demand that they either send me a brand new XPS or refund my money, and compensate me for wasting my time on their bullshit support. If Dell fails to address this issue properly, not only will I never purchase another Dell device again, but I will also discourage others from doing so. It is unacceptable for such issues to arise with their flagship and top-of-the-line devices. If anyone knows how to contact Dell's US Domestic customer support and speak with competent individuals who can assist me, please let me know. Furthermore my support warranty has expired and now I might even have to pay for the repairs myself, even though they messed it up. I am planning to file a complaint with the BBB. Any advice on what other actions I can take will be greatly appreciated.

So my roommate and I are looking for a new place to live in Louisville. Another friend of ours is likely to come along with us as well, which means we have been looking at three bedrooms. We're all pretty agreeable on what we want except for the location. One roommate does not seem to care where the new place is. The other, however, is dead set on living in somewhere around Middletown, while I would prefer to live somewhere like St. Matthews or the Highlands. My biggest complaint with Middletown is that it seems so far away from everything. My friends and I spend the majority of our free time at places on Bardstown road and in Nulu. I also work in Clarksville, so I feel as if moving to Middletown would really increase my commute across the river (I use the 2nd street bridge). I currently live off Taylorsville Rd near Bowman field. He says that Middletown isn't too far at all and that I'm just being stubborn. Anyone from Middletown here that can change my mind?

I've always been a hard working student and got really good grades. My college experience was amazing in terms of grades and I started my PhD degree last fall. Honestly i felt very lost and unmotivated this past year doing the PhD. I didn't feel like i belonged there and i couldn't understand anything. No lab was interested in keeping me, so i decided to quit.
Lately i've started feeling an interest in understand how Marketing works. I would love to create my start up one day. My BS was in Health, but i'm not sure which masters to pick? Does anyone have suggestions, or has been through something similar?
Plz i would really appreciate advice.

I've worked in a few codebases on big company projects (joined with the app already functioning)
I never fail to see utterly gargantuan components of 1000s of lines long with several pieces of business logic all over the place that should go into much smaller components
Of course my first instinct is to feel frustrated, do a table flip and think "idiots, why do they do that?!", but then of course I'm sure the people who built that did their best and I know that is a mean thing to say.
Why does that happen and how can it be prevented?

I have a working oil production chain that links an oil well to a level 2 oil refinery and a level 2 fuel refinery by train. The fuel is distributed by trucks in the nearby town. Close to the oil well is another oil well that I want to connect to the chain. Because of the short distance I don't want to build another station, so I created a truck line from that second well to the station serving the first oil well. But that does not work. The second oil well won't send out crude oil for the trucks to pick up. But when I connect the truck line to the refinery instead, the oil is suddenly available for transport.
Is there a way around this? Or more generally, can cargo types be daisy-chained via stations that don't require them by themselves?

Struggling with your assignments! Our team of experienced writers and editors specializes in a wide range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to literature, business, psychology, sociology, history, and science. We offer a variety of services to help you achieve your academic goals, including:
Customized writing services: We can help you with any type of academic writing assignment, from essays and research papers to dissertations and theses. Our writers will work with you to ensure that your paper is tailored to your specific requirements and meets the highest academic standards.
Editing and proofreading services: We can help you polish your writing by editing and proofreading your paper to ensure that it is error-free and meets all of the formatting and citation requirements of your academic institution.
Assignment help: Our team can also assist you with any type of academic assignment, from homework and quizzes to case studies and presentations. We can help you understand the requirements of your assignment and provide guidance on how to approach it.
24/7 support: We understand that academic deadlines can be tight, which is why we offer 24/7 support to ensure that you can get the help you need, when you need it.
At our company, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality academic writing services and assignment help that is tailored to your individual needs. Our team of experienced writers and editors will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you achieve your academic goals.
If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve academic success. Whatsapp +1(906)-214-3800 Email: [email protected]

I've been able to log into my Motorola 8600 modem for a number of years but recently the default password of "motorola" does not work anymore. This is a modem I purchased and is/has been customer owned from the beginning. I don't have any significant issues but do like to log in and check details. I've tried the last 8 digits of the S/N i.e.: 8600xxxx but that does not work either. I know Comcast will update the firmware as needed and has done so in the past but the password always worked.
Has something changed recently to modify the password to so that a customer cannot log into a customer owned modem?
thanks!

It was late in the evening, nearing midnight, when the class were finally able to sneak out. On the horizon blocking out the moon's light, were dark clouds already rumbling, announcing the oncoming storm.
They couldn’t help but feel self-conscious about the clothes they were all wearing. They were all extremely flashy and the kind of clothes that Jack would gush endlessly over. Despite their reservations, they pressed on at a decent pace hoping to make it to the manor before the storm actually arrived.
Turning the corner, they could see their destination. A garish, brightly lit up manor house with far too much ornamentation. Outside the front was a masterpiece of artwork that had been roughly converted into a water feature. Putting on the masks of their costumes, they pressed forwards toward the gate with their invitations at the ready.
“Invitations?” the gate guard asked. Like the other people arriving in carriages, the guards were all dressed up for the event. However, they were wearing plain black three-piece suits with a plain white masks covering their faces. The whole appearance left a slightly unnerving feeling about them.
“Here,” Maxwell said as he handed them over.
“Ok, welcome to the party; you arrived just in time. The real event starts at midnight,” the guard said as he waved them through.
“Real event?” Tasha asked aloud as they made their way to the main doors.
“Common with big nobles in cities. They have a big game for all the partygoers.”
“Oh… wonder what kind of parties Lady Lust holds, do you know Maxy?”
“Best not dwell on it, Tash,” Maxwell said, ever thankful for the mask that covered his cheeks.
Entering the building, they were greeted by servants dressed all in white, with masks of pitch black—the inverse of the guards on the manor grounds.
“We welcome you, the ballroom is through those doors, and there is food and drink available,” one of the servants said as they all bowed in unison.
“T-thanks,” Gunter muttered, stumbling over his words. Gunter was very much like Bea in the sense he grew up without servants, so he was often unsure how to respond to them.
Arriving in the ballroom, the class was greeted by the sight of a mass of people moving around. Some were clumped together in clear and very animated conversations. Others were dancing on the dancefloor. At the same time, others were simply taking in the scene before them. Making their way to a corner of the room, slightly out of sight, the class now went over what to do next.
“So, where is the host?” Daisy began her anger seeping out of her and upsetting Sir Sparky, who was hanging limply around her neck disguised as a costume feature.
“Dunno but with these things, they usually show up late, and if there's a party game, she will initiate it.”
“Dunno bout you kids, but Gorm looks forward to this party game.”
The class slowly turned to face the towering figure dressed as a rook from a chessboard. Despite his face being hidden behind his ridiculous outfit, it was clear who was under.
“SIR GORM!” Gunter cried out as he went to kneel down, only to feel Gorm's hand on his shoulder.
“You know Gorm doesn’t like that stuff. Besides, we are at a masquerade party. No one will know it is Gorm you speak to!” The class decided not to point out his tendency to use his name to refer to himself might give away that little secret.
“What are you doing here? I heard you were on a nature walk with my brother and the other kids?” Daisy asked pointedly.
“Oh, they are still on the walk. They are camping out at the moment. Gorm is here because Gorm is the Frozen North's representative. Gorm has to show Gorm’s face at these events occasionally.”
“Where are they then?”
“Dragon Nest Mountain Range.” The class paled at the name of what was widely considered the most dangerous place on the planet. If the dragons didn’t get you, the various wildlife would. It was often joked it was where the gods put their failed projects.
“You…you left my brother alone in such a dangerous place?”
“What? No, Gorm may be foolish, but Gorm is not an idiot. The kids are in the valley of the sleeping horse with Elissa and Sithy.” Maxwell immediately perked up hearing Insithrilax’s nickname.
“Sithy is there?”
“Yes!”
“As is Gorm’s great love. Gorm had to come to this party and flew here.”
“You flew here? How did you… no, wait, dragons… so they are safe?”
“Daisy, they have Insithrilax with them.”
“That nervous-looking bookworm?”
“I’ve already told you he is the most powerful dragon of all time. If he really wanted to, he could conquer the continent. Though you’d need to find a rare book to get him to do it.”
“Bahahahah! You know Sithy well, boy!” Gorms guffaw drew the attention of the people around them, who promptly decided to ignore the foreign savage.
“It still doesn’t feel like enough, though.”
“Flower girl Gorm has heard what happened, and he understands. But you cannot smother him to keep him safe. Regardless anyone who could hurt him now would be too strong even for Gorm to face bahahahaha!!!!” Daisy still seemed hesitant to accept her brother was safe where he was. But she couldn’t deny having Yuu, Elissa and an ancient dragon defending him was a significant force.
“So you come here with bestest buddy?”
“Sir?” Daisy asked to which Gorm nodded as he pointed to a corner near the grand staircase where a group of people with outlandish outfits, even by this party’s standards, were having an animated conversation. Their teacher's very distinctive lanky figure was obvious, as was the small frame of a girl with red hair next to him.
“That lying bastard!” Bea grumbled. When they had asked him about his plans for the evening so they could avoid him, he said he was spending the night in reading.
“Ah, you done sneaked out… Don’t worry; Gorm is the personification of SNEAKY!!!! He will be occupied in the geek corner all night. They like to talk about engineering and magic research. Stuff Gorm’s heart and soul likes.”
“So you know the people here, sir Gorm?”
“Yes, flower girl Gorm does.”
“I have a few names and was wondering if you could point them out for me,” Gorm thought momentarily before nodding to Daisy’s request.
“Ok, the first is a man Septus.”
“Guard boss… he’s the guy in the grand general dress suit,” Gorm said, pointing to a man surrounded by scared men with medals. His was the most distinctive as it was coated top to bottom in medals.
“Gorm has heard the fake medal makers love him.”
“Next is a Lux Lightbringer,” Bea added, to which Gorm pointed to the most eye-catching figure in the ballroom. It was a man in gold thread clothing with countless gems sewn into it. Every so often, a rainbow of light would refract off of him.
“Certainly lives up to his name,” Kline quipped.
“Then there is a Stephano,” Gorm paused in thought before he pointed to a man in rather plain clothing having what appeared to be a serious discussion.
“And Gabriella?”
“She is upstairs preparing for the game… though Gorm doesn’t know what it is, so don’t ask… GORM IS AN INNOCENT MAN!!!”
“How very interesting… especially those names,” a voice that felt smooth as silk said as it approached the group. Looking to the source, the class saw a man wearing priestly robes with a crusader's helm with large wings attached to the side.
“Apologies for eavesdropping. These parties can be so dull before the game starts, so I kind of make it a habit to listen for intrigue.”
“And you are?” Daisy near snarled in a way that caused Sir Sparky to twitch.
“My deepest apologies… I am High Priest Bernard of the city's temple.”
“High Priest?” Gorm repeated.
“Yes, the high priest. I handle all the holy rituals for the northern pantheon. Speaking of Northern Pantheon, I have a message I wish for you to convey to your father, Lord Gorm.”
“Gorm is not Gorm!” Gorm protested in a manner that almost felt pathetic.
“Well, ok… I’m sure a strapping lad like you knows the most excellent and magnificent master of combat that is Lord Gorm. Would you pass on this letter to him to pass on to his father?”
“Not Gorm will accept letter for Gorm to pass onto father.”
“Thank you… please enjoy your evening… I imagine it will be an interesting one.
The class watched the high priest walk away, and they only felt a sense of unease. While it was true the high priest in the city worked for Crozonia, their recent experiences with the theocracy had left a foul taste in their mouths regarding the clergy.
“Gorm thinks he successfully fooled him.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please!” a servant on the stairs announced.
“Her most magnificent being and your host this evening, Lady Gabriella!!!” A smattering of applause rang out as Gabriella descended the stairs in a ball gown and a veil covering her face.
“Good people of Hades Seat… I thank you for coming; we have prepared a most fun game tonight.” As the class focused on their last known suspect, they heard a grumble near them.
“Does she really think this will get her back in her majesty's good graces?”
“Tonight's game will be a murder mystery. There is a killer amongst us right this very moment!”
“Yeah, and she’s on the stairs,” Daisy grumbled under her breath.
“When the murder happens, you will have two hours to find the culprit before they can get away. Throughout my little home are clues hidden in rooms. There are even servants with clues that, if identified correctly, will share them. The winner of the game gets the coveted ambrosia crown,” a servant walked up next to her and held aloft a bottle containing a golden liquid.
“A liquid said to heal all wounds, even those considered fatal if the rumours are to be believed,” this reveal sent a fresh stir through the crowd. While opinions about the host were mixed, opinions about the prize were not.
“Here’s to a fun night!” Gabriella said as she raised her glass in a toast which was returned by the partygoers, with the class being the sole exception.
Just as everyone took a sip from their drinks, a lightning bolt struck just outside the room's windows. The glass shook, and the lights went out. There was a blood-curdling scream, and then the lights slowly came back on.
At the top of the stairs where Gabriella had stood moments ago was now a body impaled to the wall by a spear. There were a few shocked murmurs around the room before a person began to clap. This applause slowly but surely spread around the room till all in attendance were applauding the impaled Gabriella.
“Bravo, such showmanship. So the game is afoot!” a Noble called out as he and a few began heading out of the ballroom to start their search.
The class, however, didn’t move. They had the sneaking suspicion that she genuinely was dead. What told them this especially was Gorm looked rather pale, having removed his mask to gawk at Gabriella. They already knew he must be the chosen murderer for the game, considering he all but admitted it to them.
Searching the crowd for their teacher, they were surprised not to find him. He seemed to have gone off with the researchers and geeks from his corner to play the game. Deciding to go up and investigate the body, the class now knew for certain it wasn’t a trick.
“Yep, that’s real,” Maxwell said as he examined the body.
“Maybe one of the people here killed her. She was supposedly on her way out?” Bea suggested.
“But it was just a rumour,” Gunter pointed out.
“She might have already been kicked out by Crozonia,” Daisy suggested as she focused her gaze on Gabriella’s veil.
“How can you tell?”
“One of the things my parents always told me to stay away from was vampires wearing veils.”
“Why?” Tasha asked.
“Because they were likely defanged,” Daisy said as she pulled the veil down, revealing a pale but beautiful face. The mouth was hanging agape, and there were clear spaces where the vampiric canines should’ve been.
“See.”
“So they pulled her fangs out?”
“It’s worse than that for a vampire. The fangs are what makes a vampire, well… a vampire. Vampires can live an incredibly long time, and barring injury, nothing will stop that. So exiling a vampire won’t do anything. But you yank out the fangs from a vampire and…”
“They begin to age?” Bea asked, putting the few clues together.
“Yes, and say a vampire has lived centuries… well, those years will start to catch up and quickly. It is one of the greatest punishments for vampires, who always will try to hide it.”
“Why not just execute and be done with it?” Maxwell asked.
“Some do take that way out. After being defanged, a vampire will run something through their heart to symbolise their broken heart and desire to die.”
“That must be where the idea doing that kills a vampire comes from,” Kline pointed out.
“Likely,” Daisy said, nodding in agreement.
“But she is clearly a young blood… that’s the weird thing about this; she could’ve lived a full human lifespan. With the amount of wealth on display, her descendants could’ve lived comfortably for their entire lives.”
“Maybe that’s the problem… her partner wanted to cut off a wasted expense?” Kline suggested.
“Possibly…”
“What now?” Tasha asked.
“Why don’t we split up and follow the group following each suspect? It could be one of them… Regardless I’m not going to go out of my way to solve the murder of the person who might be behind my mum's death!”
Reluctantly the class split into three groups of two and followed the groups slowly leaving the room with their chosen suspects. Unbeknown to them, a heavily shaking figure was hiding in the shadow of a pillar, intently watching them.
​
​

Start of Alex Series
Start of Teacher Series: Lesson 1
Previous: Investigation Begins: The Oracle
Next: Coming Soon
Royal Road
Alex and Freki Artwork // Class Picture
Sub: Random3X (lore and more)

My boss learned that I am trying to apply to transfer to a different department.
Context: I am not yet hired nor even started with the application process. Not even sure if I will be accepted on that other department. I am considered as one of the "future leaders" of our department.
He said these to me (not exact words tho)
Since you no longer like it here, I'll look for someone to replace you, for now we'll think about where to put you. (in short, floating). I'll also remove you from the management team and you'll no longer be considered on our future plans. Actually, I, we, regret to lose you on the team, however like says other employee's name who resigned who was also very effective and efficient with her work, we eventually found someone to replace her. Skills are not monopolized by a single person.
Me: I believe that's true, that skills are not monopolized. For sure there's someone out there who is better.
I said that bc I was kinda triggered but still tried to compose myself.
Just sharing it here to get it off my chest. This boss thinks of employees as mere utilities. In fact, not to brag tho, but I have made impactful and significant contributions to our department hence why I was being considered as "future leader". And I did have some contributions on why he is where he is now.
I'm with them for 5 years and this is the treatment I got for just trying to look for growth and better opportunities. I don't deserve this.

Hi, I can't go on not discussing this any longer with no one except my metamour and wife, so here I am.
I'm 35, and opened up to my wife of a couple years (she's 32, lets call her R) that I wanted to transition male to female. We have a 2 year old son too, have to throw that out there. This happened the day after thanksgiving last year (every friday after Thanksgiving will now be my anniversary for coming out which I find cute). She was and still is super supportive, it's actually made sense of a few things with my mannerisms and general character (I'd be constsntly telling her how big of a drag it is to be a guy, or how Ive only ever wanted friendhsips with girls since I was in Highschool, ad I've just related to them more.) It's this very fulfilling, happy euphoric thing in my life right now and I'm loving myself for the first time ever in my life. Our marriage and bond hasn't weakened at all, and she's been the absolute most helpful person to ever help me not just with my transition but literally so many other things in the past 7 years of being together.
Ok, so transitioning male to female, that's gotta be so difficult, right? Especialy in this god awful political climate?
WRONG.
That's a cake walk compared to being in our new poly relationship. Back in January, our friends whom my wife has known for a couple years through work, asked her if they (both the husband and wife, we'll name them Brad and Taylor) could date R. We've always known about how they've been in an open relationship for over a year or so now. But with R, and R being this absolutely delightful, incredible human being she is, they decided they were willing to switch it up and full on being poly, to specifically date her. I felt like I couldn't say no to my wife doing this, especially considering literally all she's done for me. I'm abundantly thankful for her accepting me and my decision to transition! How could I spoil her fun?
Q: Does this couple wanna date me? A: Nope
Ok! Fine. I need the time to focus on myself anyways, journal, go through 35 years worth of living with my secret that now I can fully explore and be proud of. I find Taylor to be really attractive! But im not into guys at all (was really delighted to find the term 'transbian' which sums up my orientation). But the whole situation does fuck with me, with not just being denied, but how ill be perceived as a trans person and what sort of desirability/undesirability I'll attract from people.
I've read one book so far on being poly, Many Love, and ended up getting so angry after reading it. I find myself having to learn about polyammory more than being trans, that being trans is like this really incredible thing for me, very effortless, easy breezy beautiful cover girl. It's being poly that I feel like I've cornered myself into a position of "well, I have to go along with it and be supporitve even though I dont want to be poly right now anyways." Of having to find the podcasts and books about it to feel more included and understanding. I tell myself that reading these books in some ways helps me understand myself better too. But I'm left with having to explore that stuff, while also watching our 2 year old and doing chores while shes a couple miles away getting railed by 2 people. Like. It's hard.
Taylor actually lent me the book, Many Love. "Hey read this while I have sex with your wife. I'm on your side 😉." Ughh 😩. Not her intent, and she's being great and proactive, but it also feels like... I'm in study hour while they're out having fun.
I came home from work one day to find R and Taylor having sex upstairs (our son was at my parents). It sucked R didn't tell me she was over. I also told her I was coming home from work earlier that day. Also The Last of Us was paused on the tv, on episode 3 (was hoping to watch the show together with her, we had just watched the first episode a few days before), so THAT made me mad! Our cute couple thing, ruined. I also texted her if she could switch the laundry, which she said sure, but forgot. She felt bad and has appologized. And this is some pretty average airing out of grievances, the "he said she said bullshit," but.... All of it hurt. Not being openly communicative, the chores she doesnt do especially with her being over at their house alot of the time, the feeling im just a third wheel house wife (I've mainly felt like the housewife in our whole relationship though.) I'm tasked with just straight up doing all the chores and watching our son a lot more.
I guess I'm saying all this because I don't feel comfortable in telling anyone. I feel like it'll come off as a bad and manipulaitve situation I fell into. To tell my friends and family, who are all supporitve and awesome with me transitioning, that R decided to be poly, and that I sheepishly said sure. And I do want her to be sexually fulfilled, and be loved. But I have no one to talk to except Taylor (I dont really talk to Brad, he's sort of doing his own thing plus I've only ever felt comfortable around girls anyways). And I constantly feel like talking to the metamour about how I'm so on the fence with being poly and how hurt I feel sometimes is not at all a safe space.
What should I be doing so I'm not feeling so left out, jealous and constantly feeling like I'm agreeing with this for her own benefit?

Some (not all) of my previously tagged Photos will not show up in the text search box results when I try to tag a new photo that Google does not recognize. Can anyone tell me why this is happening. This would not be a big deal if I could figure out how the thumbnail pics were organized. I can find no rhyme or reason to the order they are listed. Can someone tell me the logic used to sort them. Thanks for any help or advice!

Hi. I'm new here and I know this is highly used as an advice blog for people. I figured I'd tell my story because at this point I'm at a loss and could use some input, preferably non bias. I apologize for this being so lengthy.
I (32F) have been dating my boyfriend (40M) for nearly 2 years. We have a great relationship and we are very compatible. I love him so much and hes been nothing but good to me. When we first started dating, we agreed to take things slow and not rush into anything. We decided we would hold off on introducing our kids until about a year into dating. I have 2 kids, a 12 year old girl and an 8 year old boy. They have separate fathers. I have split custody with my daughters dad and my sons dad is not involved. My bf has one 11 year old son with his ex wife, they too have split custody. We agreed to only have our sons meet, because as of right now I am currently going through a custody dispute with my daughters dad. I filed for primary against him for multiple reasons. We felt we should have my daughter meet my bf until after my custody trial and the dust has settled.
I have a very messy history with my daughters dad. We have been in and out of court many times over the past 10+ years since we split , a lot of it because he has made false accusations against me as a mother. I've had CPS at my door 3 separate times now because he repeatably alleges I'm this abusive, unfit mother when him and I are butting heads. All of these accusations were dropped and unfounded. He is extremely vindictive and has slandered me in court over and over. My life has been a living hell because of him, and he has manipulated my daughter into thinking he's this awesome parent and I'm the bad guy. He's coerced my daughter into keeping secrets for him and lying for him. It's an absolute nightmare and it one of several reasons I filed for primary. She doesn't realize his horrible and narcissistic behavior because he has her wrapped so tight around his finger. He even went as far as falsely accusing my last boyfriend of abusing my children and getting him involved when he did absolutely nothing wrong, eventually that relationship ended but not for that reason. It's a control issue for sure and I believe her dad is intimidated by my daughter forming any type of bond with a man other than him. He wants her all to himself. Which is unfair, because I never gave him a hard time about girls he's dated. I told him as long has they're decent people , not on drugs and treat my daughter well, I don't care who hes with. I am not that territorial baby mama. This just skims the surface of all the horrible shit he's put me through over the years. After I filed for primary, he filed an emergency petition against me claiming I'm emotionally and physically abusing my daughter. Not sure how this petition was granted but eventually after not seeing her for 15 days, I went to court with my attorney and everything was fixed and his petition was thrown out due to lack of evidence. My trial is in 2 months and it's been torture waiting on this day to come. It's been put on hold for months because the court system is pushed back due to covid and my lawyer also had to extend the trial because he had to go out on medical leave for a bit.
So back to the topic of me and my bf. We decided to keep my daughter out of the picture for now until after court. But we had our sons get acquainted and things seemed to be going well. We were spending a lot more time together over the summer and we were making progress in our relationship. I was really happy about this. But then it seemed like things came to a halt, and we stopped doing things as a family and just reverted back to only seeing each other on weekends he doesn't have his son. We live 40 minutes away from each other, so it's hard to spend time together with our kids schedules and work schedules. I see him a few times a month tops. it sucks but I love him and I've tried my best to make this relationship work. We text and talk everyday.
Recently, I confronted him and asked him why we haven't spent any time together with the kids. I told him I felt he has no desire to grow as a family unit and I wanted to know whats up, being that we've been together almost 2 years. He confessed the reason he hasn't wanted to engage the kids is because he is nervous about my daughters dad. He says he's afraid that when we introduce my daughter, her dad is gonna go A wall and accuse him of abuse like he did with my ex. I didn't understand where this was coming from, because I had been very open with him from day 1 about both of my kids fathers and my history with them. I told him everything he deserved to know. But then he told me that about 2 months ago he had talked with his lawyer and asked for advice on the situation and what he should do if my ex should ever tried to pull a stunt like with the last guy. His lawyer flat out told him to end things with me and that there's nothing protecting him and those kind of accusations could ruin is custody arrangement with his son and even his job position. She basically told him hes risking everything if he moves forward with me and he's in for a world of trouble. He has also discussed this matter with friends, family and colleagues who have gone through similar issues.
I'm crushed, I went into this relationship wanting to settle down. I told him from the door I wanted a family and marriage. He said he wanted that too, but now that he's been given this advice, he's basically telling me that right now he cant give that to me cause he feels he's at risk. He says he doesn't know what to do. I asked him, so what are we supposed to do, just not engage our kids and keep only seeing each other a few times a month? I understand his perspective, but what makes this hard is that he's coming to this decision 2 years in. I'm fully invested in this relationship and he just unloads this on me. It's not fair, I cant just be happy and have a good relationship with someone because my daughters dad is unhinged and his behavior is unpredictable. How is it right for someone to have that kind of control over my life and the person I'm involved with. Please don't judge me, I know I picked the people I had my kids with and can't change that now. I've been bearing the cross of my choices for years and I'm trying to make things right and do right by my kids. I'm just so down about this and feel so guilty for pushing people away with the baggage I bring. What should I tell my bf?