What time does walmart money center close

Hello, I want to ask a question here for clarification. I apologize if this is in the wrong reddit. For context, I am a 16 year old teenager. I was walking home from school recently and got followed by a man. He tried to talk to me, saying he should take pictures of me. Luckily I got home safely and I told my parents. They called the police and they strolled around my area for 60-120 minutes but couldn't find him since he got away from the area. A couple days later, my parents found him and eventually police got called again. My parents got the police to come to our house since I was at home at the time, and I was questioned by police about what happened and I gave them a description, and a timestamp of when it happened (I checked the time when this was happening and I kept a profile of him so I could identify him later). The police said they'll be trying to get camera footage from places nearby. This is where the question part comes in. I don't know what will happen next with everything. I was wondering if anyone had any idea what could happen. My parents said because I'm the victim in this situation, I may have to go to court for this, but I'm unsure. I guess I feel worried not knowing how this will be handled. Does anyone possibly have any clue what might happen next to this guy?

Hello everyone,
I wanted to share a frustrating experience I had with Carvana. I went through purchasing a car from them, but I didn't sign any contracts. Despite this, Carvana charged my account the full amount, including the shipping fee, five days after I completed the steps, even though the car wasn't scheduled for delivery for another month.
To give you some context, I'm currently in the process of moving to another state, but I haven't arrived there yet. My plan was to have the car shipped to my new state. Carvana informed me that if I didn't provide a temporary driving license from the new state by 9 PM that evening, they would cancel the car. Unfortunately, I couldn't obtain the license because I wasn't physically present in the new state at that time. My intention was to keep rescheduling the delivery until I reached the new state, at which point I would quickly upload my license to prevent the cancellation and proceed with the shipment. During a conversation with a Carvana representative, they assured me that I could cancel the car and receive a full refund, including the shipping fee. I was surprised by this information, so I repeated the full amount several times and had them confirm what they were saying. Although the call was recorded on their end, I don't have access to the recording, unfortunately.
I received a refund for the car itself, but the shipping fee has not been refunded. When I called Carvana to inquire about it, they informed me that the shipping fee is non-refundable and there is nothing they can do about it. I would never have cancelled the car if they hadn't misled me! It doesn't seem fair that I'm being charged $990 for absolutely nothing. I would be willing to pay a reasonable fee for their time (perhaps for the underwriting job, which may have taken around five minutes), but $990 is incredibly excessive. I'm completely shocked by this situation.
Is there anything I can do at this point? Losing that money for nothing is not something I can afford, and I'm seeking advice on how to handle this matter.

21/10/1
I worked with ychild to get her to clean her room. i did not help her but tried to tell her step by step on cleaning. ochild found out and started cleaning his room. He did well but missed something small. I asked him to finish this one section and he flipped out. I did not yell at him but did start to become heated because he was throwing a fit like a toddler. spouse came bursting into the room yelling at me for yelling at ochild.I think ochild knows he just can just yell and stomp to get spouse's attention and I will get in trouble and he will get to do whatever he wants. This is when I finally made up my mind that the only option is divorce. I cannot think that this marriage is fixable now. I did the dishes, cooked supper, cleaned the living room, swept, and vacuumed. spouse asked me when was the last time I cleaned the toilets. spouse slept with the kids.
21/10/2
spouse spent all day in her room working on her school work. I got the dash cams working in both of our vehicles. Worked with the dogl while walking with her harness. I put up all the laundry except for her shirts because there is no room in our closet and we are out of hangers. I picked up all the torn up trash and dog poop in the backyard. Did a water change in the aquarium. ychild has torn up her room that she cleaned the other day. I spent about an hour outside playing with ychild and ochild. I managed to get the kids in bed around 10-10:30pm. spouse announced that she was taking a bath. At the end of the bath I went in. She started talking about how after everyone went to bed she was going to stay up in the livingroom to work on school. She then told me i came in there for a reason and to tell her what was going on. So I asked if I could go down on her that night. She got angry and told me "does not need to be taken care of." I closed the door and left but I could hear her still going off on me. I feel deflated and unloved again. I don't know why I keep trying to bring the spark back in the marriage. spouse slept in our bed last night and ychild joined us. Today I cooked a breakfast supper and made pizza for lunch. I woke up at 3:30 am and couldn't get back to sleep.
21/10/3
I started this journal and decided to try and write about the previous 2 weeks events. My goal is now to record the things I do in the house, my interactions with spouse and the kids, where spouse sleeps, and anything noteworthy on a daily basis. This morning I tried to talk to spouse (she sighed and looked annoyed when I started talking) about an interaction I had with ychild on our way to get breakfast this morning. ychild decided to talk in a way that makes it sound like she is cussing even when she isnt. I told her what I told ychild and spouse snapped at me when I tried to get into the details. If I know I am going to talk to spouse about something non-spontaneous I'm going to try and start recording the interactions. I cooked supper. spouse slept in our bed last night, ychild joined us after waking up.
21/10/4
Today we went to the state fair. It started out as usual when we go on the trip. late start, blaming, getting mad, yelling, her being upset. After getting to the fair the day went well. We didn't argue very much and the day was actually nice but long. Wife had a school meeting at 5. Went out to eat for supper then ice cream with the kids. As usual fight started when the kids only wanted to sit with Wife. Get home kids bathed and put in bed. Wife bought a special deodorant to help with smells in the breast/pubic area (something she is self conscious about) I helped apply it and try and kiss her breasts. She turns away and says she is cold. Helped wife put together kids lunch and backpacks for the next morning. Take the trash out. I shower and notice my wife isn't in bed when I get out so I assumed she was sleeping with the kids. She was sitting in the living room in the dark with her phone on facebook. Wife said she was going to bed but didn't want to "do anything." I go to bed also so I can spend some time with her. Once again I try and cuddle with her. I roll next to her and place my hand on her leg. I don't move it because it tickles or annoys her. After 5 min without her trying to cuddle and with her face buried in facebook I roll over. She can tell I was upset and said that she didn't try and cuddle cause my arm was pinning her down. This isn't true it was only on her leg and i wasn't applying any pressure. YChild ended up in our bed during the night.
21/10/5
Went to work today. no goodmorning or goodbye kiss. Worked all day, picked up the kids, brought them home and emptied their backpacks. Wife got home about 10min later. No hey how was your day. no hello kiss. Nothing. She disappeared into the bedroom again. Worked with Ychild on her letters because she isn't doing well in school. had a breakfast supper. Took the dogs for a walk. made OChild lunch. She complained because I had not yet done the dishes. Waited till the last minute to get their backpacks/clothes together for the morning. Complained because things were missing. feels like I never hear anything positive only ever complaints. Went to bed and wife finally makes it in. I don't really attempt to cuddle just put my arm on her leg and accidentally scratched. Thought I had made her mad so I pulled my hand back. A few minutes later and she rolled over and spooned with me (little spoon.) Its been years since this happened. Is she doing that because of my persistence and she is trying to make me happy? or is it because of a positive change. Only time will tell (success.)
21/10/6
Woke up and wife wasn't in the bed. I don't know if she woke up early or went to lay down with the kids in the night. She was in a mood when i got up. Complained because I hadn't put up the kids school laundry when it came out of the dryer so the clothes are now wrinkly. I let myself relax last night and did not do as many chores. I need to work on that and try and stay busy. ran into trouble picking the kids up from school. Their school fund raisers were supposed to come out with the kids. Ochild did not bring them out because he didn't listen to instructions from his teacher. Wife had to swing by and pick them up because I was already on the way home and the line was seriously backed up. Got home did the dishes, cooked supper, folded the laundry and put a load of laundry in, and gathered and took the trash out. Wife spent the evening once again in our bedroom but this time it was working on activities to help our daughter learn better for school. She did have a school meeting at 7 pm. I thought the kids would shower on the next day so I did not tell them to bath, but was overruled agrily by wife and gave my daughter a shower because her hair was dirty. Kids got to bed 1 hour late because wife kept overruling me on telling them to go lay down. After kids went to bed I got on my computer to play games. I put too large a load in the dryer and it took a long time to dry so I was not able to put it up before bed time. Wife went into the kitchen to make the kids lunches. I asked if I could do anything to help and she said no. I layed down in bed a little later than I was planning. Wife was very angry when she opened the dryer because I hadn't taken the clothes out and folded them, I had washed our large pile of clothes instead of the kids 1 day of clothes, when I folded the laundry I didn't put the towels in the bathroom because i did not want to interrupt her meeting so she yelled at me because the towels were not in the bathroom when she went to take a shower. I was berated very badly and once again felt unappreciated, emasculated, and unloved (hated maybe.) She said that I was doing more around the house only because I felt our marriage was failing (in a sarcastic tone of voice) and I wanted to be praised. I am doing it because it helps with my depression and honestly I am trying to get into the habit for when I inevitably divorce her. I turned off my emotions and went to sleep. No kiss goodnight and even saying goodnight.
21/10/7
Woke up at 3:30 am alone in bed. I assume the wife slept with the kids. I couldn't go back to sleep so I laid in bed. Closer to the alarm time of 4:30ish I got ready for work. When my wife came in I had to say good morning,she wasn't even going to talk to me. I had to initiate the conversation. I left 5 min early because I didn't want to be around her. I had to kiss/tell her goodbye which is usual. I'm not sure the last time the morning routine was initiated by her. several times in our marriage I have experimented with how long we would go without a kiss or an I love you that wasn’t initiated by me. Usually its several weeks and I almost feel like seeing how long it would take this time. Got home with the kids and stopped for our weekly
treat. Wife did not spend as much time in the bedroom as usual. I was tired so I did not feel like doing any cleaning. I cooked supper and we watched a show during supper. Afterwards she joined me and the kids in walking the dogs. We got back and watched a few more shows and then I helped her with lunches and getting the kids things together. Anytime something didn't go perfect she always had little comments and blamed me (like when she couldn't find Ychilds clothes or if a tape was missing.) all in all, the day wasn't bad and wasn't good either. I went to bed a little early and she decided to stay up and watch one of her own movies. I did not kiss her or say I love you. She did not say anything about it.
21/10/8
Woke up at a normal time. Wife and Ychild were in bed with me. The morning went ok and Ychild was very chipper and loving. Got home from work with the kids and went out picked up groceries and ate out. we stopped at some yard sales and had a decent fun time with minimal arguing. Got home and put up the groceries. wife's parents were coming over the next day and "we" cleaned the house. I did the dishes, cleaned the counters, vacuumed and shampooed the carpets, picked up the living room, cleaned off the fireplace, put up the clothes in the living room. It was 10:30 I kept telling the kids to go to bed and Wife kept overriding me. Telling me its the weekend and the kids should be able to stay up. I think 10:30 is too late for an 8 and 5 year old to stay up. I told wife I was tired and was going to bed. She complained that she was going to have to stay up and clean the house by herself. She said i didn't do enough. The only thing she could come up with when i asked her what i didn't do was keep the entertainment center clean and organized. Apparently i'm fine living in an empty house. Funny when she was a stay at home mom after she got laid off and then during the pandemic, the house was never cleaned. She stayed home all day everyday and never cleaned nor cooked supper or did the dishes. I feel like I am bending over backwards not only am I not receiving credit for what I have done. I am actually getting complaints for not doing enough. She eventually went to bed with the kids while I slept in my bed alone again. Not that I wanted her company after making me feel like that.
21/10/9
Got up around 7:00. I finished cleaning the carpets in the living room, cleaned the trash from the carpets, and swept the bathroom. We went looking at garage sales. Parents got there a little late in the day and spent more time with her sister than they did with us which is usually. I tried to get the kids to go to bed at a decent hour but was once again overruled by my Wife. She said the kids are on a school break and should be able to stay up later. I agreed but didnt think staying up till 11:30 at night should be the answer. They should be in bed at 9:30 and asleep at 10:00. Needless to say Wife slept with the kids.
21/10/10
Today we spent a great deal of the day traveling and going to yard and estate sales. It was a decent day with minimal arguing except for right before supper trying to get the kids to not cry when we wont buy them everything they want. Wife said I am fuel to the fire for the kids. It upset me that she constantly bad mouths my parenting style. Apparently not putting up with children throwing fits and actually punishing them instead of just letting everything play out without saying anything is a bad day. A thunderstorm came late in the evening and none of us went to bed before it passed. Wife slept with the kids again.
21/10/11
We all woke up early and took wife to work. When we got back I let the kids play and be kids. We did work on Ychilds worksheets for school. Ochild had a dr apt then we went to pick up wife. Got home and cooked supper and did the dishes. I also vacuumed the livingroom. spouse spent the entire evening in the bedroom working on schoolwork. Wife slept with the kids again.
21/10/12
Woke up with Ychild in my bed and wife at work. Had a good day with the kids. Ychild lost one of her (only pairs) of shoes. They played all day in the living room having a good time. Had leftovers for supper. Wife spent all evening in the bedroom working on schoolwork. Wife slept with the kids again. I was feeling very alone again. Just reminded me how we don't have much of a marriage.
21/10/13
Woke up early alone in bed. Had a good day with the kids. Helped them build a big fort in the living room. I did some woodworking today and got the pole saw from our neighbor. Walked the dogs before supper. Supper didn't turn out well, the pork chops were freezer burnt so we got taco casa. Wife spent the evening in the bedroom working on schoolwork. Another thunderstorm rolled in around bedtime. Wife slept with the kids again. That's 6 days straight sleeping in my bed alone.
21/10/14
Woke up at 3:30am got up but went back to bed and eventually sleep around 4:30-5:00. Woke up with Ychild in bed. I took the kids to several stores today and changed the water in the aquarium . Wife got back home and let the kids play. Once my wife got home I cooked supper and washed the dishes while she disappeared into the bedroom. Went back there and she was just laying in bed saying she was tired while watching tv. I convinced her to come and eat supper with the family at the table. Afterwards she went back to the bedroom for more bed and tv. She would rather spend time laying in bed and watching tv than spend a little time with me. I have been all alone with 2 kids all day (actually for the last 4 days.) Ochild convinced her to come out of the bedroom to show her something on his tv. I don't know what to do and no longer feel connected to my wife, I feel like I am all alone. Wife came out and before laying down with the kids mentioned I havent kissed her goodnight in a few days and to come kiss her. It was just a smooch but at least she took notice. I told her it feels like she wanted me to do that lately.She told me she was just stressed and tired from school work. She slept with the kids again tonight.
21/10/15
Woke up with Ychild in bed with me. Got the kids up and fed them breakfast. Wife got home early and we went to an estate sale. I made hotdogs for supper. Kids went to bed late. Wife complained about them not being asleep. I told her what she said about them being on a school break and me getting in trouble with her earlier for putting them to bed before 10:00 pm. It didn't matter, it was still my fault and still upset. Wife slept with the kids again.
21/10/16
Wife got up earlier than me. We left the house around 9 to go look at some neighborhood garage sales. had a decent day in the car with minimal fussing. Got home a little later than planned. Had Ychild start cleaning her messy room. Wife started complaining about the messy house again saying she is the only one who cleans. Apparently I am not doing a good enough job. What a surprise. did some laundry today. got the kids to bed around 9:30. They were constantly out of bed until 11:00pm with different things. I was getting upset with them and my wife strolled in and took over as usual as soon as the kids started crying. She actually came to bed with me tonight. I tried to cuddle with her but as usual she huffed as soon as I put my arm around her. She said she doesn't mind me cuddling, she just doesnt like it when I move my hand. She made no effort to return the love. I am glad for these interactions because it reminds me that I am not loved and why I want a divorce.
21/10/17
Woke up around 6:00 am with a stomach ache and bloated. Down to 238 lbs. Wife spent the day in the bedroom working on school. I did some laundry, trimmed the trees in the yard, and put out bulk pickup items. Cooked chicken fajitas for supper. Wife came down sick with something and went to bed early. Kids were asleep by 9:00. Wife was asleep by the time I came to bed.
21/10/18
Went to work. Not a bad day there. Got home and cooked supper, took the dogs for a walk. Tried to put the kids to bed at 8:00 Ychild started crying and got wife to agree to let her sleep in our bed tonight. All they have to do is turn on the water works. The wife doesn't want to hear them cry so she caves. Ychild slept with me and wife.
21/10/19
Went to work. Picked up the kids and went home. Cooked hotdogs for supper. Put up some laundry. Wife cut the Ochild and my hair. Didn't go for walk today. Got kids to bed on time. Wife slept with the kids.
21/10/20
Worked from home today. Picked the kids up for a half day. Stopped at chick-fil-a for lunch. Went to the fish store with the kids. Met Wife for the Ychild's parent teacher conference. Cooked chicken fajita nachos for lunch. Gathered trash, did laundry, and did the dishes. Cut out the pumpkin with the kids. Wife and I watched Netflix until bed. We lay down and I decided to try cuddling again. I rolled over to her and she actually reciprocated. She put her leg around mine and held my hand. It felt really nice.
21/10/21
Went to work. It was an uneventful morning and work. Picked up the kids and called my wife to meet us at DQ for a treat. We got home and my wife wasn't feeling well. She didn't eat supper. Me and my kids took the dogs for a walk while my wife stayed behind and took a bath. We watched netflix until bed again. Got the kids in bed on time. When the kids threw a fit when they wanted Wife to cover them up she said something in a low voice and refused to tell me what she said. I kept asking her and she finally told me "it's probably why you resent me." I didn't say anything because it was partially true. I do resent her because the kids prefer her, but they only prefer her because she constantly gives in their fits and I do not. So I keep being the bad guy and she get to be the fun yes mom. Later we started working on the kids' lunches. I got a bottled drink off the table and started to open it.She asked if it was old and I said i don't think so. She started to complain at me because she didn't want to give the kids an old drink. I started to explain why I didn't think it was old (the cap still had seals on most of the cap.) She told me I was talking too loud (I wasn't, I was talking in a normal voice.) She told me she didn't need me anymore so I left and went to bed. We went to bed angry with
each other.
21/10/22
Woke up still angry at her because it was such a little issue to get mad about. Things like this happen all the time. Little things that don't matter in the long run end up being blown up beyond what it should have. had a decent day at work then went and got the kids. ate at the olive garden. Ochild asked if he could have her phone. I explained to him that he could only have his tablet, not her phone or tablet. He got upset and wife immediately caved and gave him her phone. I explained to my wife that we agreed 2 weeks ago and they haven't had either this entire time. their behavior is much better but she said she isn't feeling well and just didn't want to hear it. i got home and unloaded the groceries. My wife started complaining about me unloading the groceries wrong. Apparently I'm supposed to put them on the table starting at the far end then work down the table from there. Like it makes a difference if you take an extra step either way the entire table is filled up and it doesn't matter which end you start on. Then my wife complained that I hadn't cleaned up the blood drops from the dog yet. I literally was only home for 2 minutes before she got home then we left but it's supposed to be my job to get it done with no time to spare. I cleaned it up and she started complaining that I cleaned it wrong. I used a baby wipe when I should have used clorox wipes. There is litteral pee on the floor and she is worried that the blood wasn't sanitized. Makes no sense. This all happened within 20 minutes. Needless to say she slept with the kids again.
21/10/23
Woke up for overtime on a saturday. i worked 7 hours on a boat on the lake. Come home and the wife is sitting on the couch watching tv and the kids are right next to her zoned out with electronics. she didn't do anything all day and has been binge watching netflix. she said
She wanted to go to a local festival today. I fixed myself a pbj for lunch then did the dishes. We went next door to help the neighbors put on their pool cover. After that we went to watch a country band perform at a local festival. We were there for 2 hours and she seemed
upset with me because she knows i do not like crowds and i told her i was there because it's what she wanted to do. that's supposed to be my job to do things i don't like to support her but I guess i am actually supposed to like it to avoid offending her. The kids were
horrible and kept fighting over her phone. It seems like im never gonna get her to put her foot down. Came back home and watched the last episode of season one of our favorite shows. Kids stayed up late and the wife slept with the kids.
21/10//24
Had a decent night's sleep. The kids were screaming when I woke up. Kids had a full day of playing. I took Ochild with me when I went to the store and I bought him lunch. We get home and I throw the kids' laundry into the washer. Wife and the kids made a pumpkin into a puppy for
Ochild's book report. I take Ychild to the store to get her own pumpkin. Kids are playing a game with a hula-hoop like mirror-mirror. My son asks the mirror who is the laziest and he puts it up to me. It really hurt my feelings. Wife talked to him and told him all the things I do (dishes, cooking supper, laundry, sweep/mop, vacuuming, gardening, mowing.) She listed all these things. I talked to her about it later and she said "well" like she really thinks I am lazy. She just listed off all the things I do and she talks to me like I am lazy. Ychild threw a fit at bedtime because her required stuffed animal is dirty from the dog. I begin telling her that she needs to take care of it and this wouldn't happen. Wife gets onto me about trying to teach her life lessons. Wife allows ychild to sleep in our bed with us. I don't think any of my lessons will ever stick when wife is there to overrule me and go softer on the kids. At least I didn't sleep alone tonight.
21/10/25
Woke up and went to work. Uneventful day at work. Get the gets and bring them home. I put up the laundry and started a new load. Picked up the living room and then cooked supper (smothered pork chops.) Afterward we walked the dogs (wife got home and was tired so she changed into pajamas) ychild was upset and wants her mommy to walk with us so she got peeved but changed into street clothes and we walked together as a family. We get back and sit on the couch for the next 3 hours watching netflix. Put the kids to bed then finish our netflix binge. After I volunteered to help fix the kids' lunch for the next day. She praised me for the speed that I made their lunch. Unfortunately ychild had spilled something in her lunchbox and I cleaned it. It got wet when I cleaned and my wife flipped out and got in a bad mood. the next 20 min was kicking me out of the kitchen, complained because i forgot to bring ychild's sweater in from the car, upset because i did not put the laundry into the dryer. I went to bed alone.
21/10/26
Woke up with my wife and ychild in bed with me. I started getting ready and my wife started complaining to ychild that she will have to go dig through the laundry basket to get socks because they never get put up. I spent all my time between getting home and cooking supper and putting up laundry. The both of us sat on our butts and watched netflix for hours the previous evening. we could have done those together but we didn't. Instead it's my fault because I didn't do it. Its tiring bending over backwards, feeling like you are doing the brunt of the housework, the only one working, the only one cooking and feeling unappreciated and getting bitched at for minor things. especially the 1st thing in the morning to our ychild within earshot of me. She is very passive aggressive and saying these things to my kids undermines my authority and prevents me from being an effective parent. Its things like this that leads me to believe that's why my son thinks I am lazy. I wonder what she has said to him so that I didn't overhear. I got the kids from school and brought them home. I immediately put up the clothes that had been folded but not put up. I cleaned the fish tank of dead fish and snails. I cooked supper (hamburgers), i wasn't feeling well so we didn't go for a walk, I got an old laptop together for Ochild to use. Wife and I watched TV for about an hour and got on my computer. Went to bed alone.
21/10/27
Wife and I had an argument at the end of the night. Went to bed upset.
21/10/28
Woke up with my wife and ychild in bed. Didn't say goodbye to my wife when I left. I had a decent day at work. Picked up the kids and brought them home. We didn't walk the dogs today. Wife had to stay late at school. Wife went to bed early with the kids.
21/10/29
Woke up in bed alone. Left again without saying goodbye to my wife. She was upset but I guess doesnt realize that our marriage is in trouble or just doesn't care and wants to maintain an illusion. Didn't have to pick up the kids from school today. We went out to eat for supper. Wife slept with the kids again. came home and mowed the lawn. We ended up eating out at Tuscan Slice. came home and the wife slept with the kids.
21/10/30
Woke up alone. Worked 10 hours of overtime. got home and immediately left to go do some halloween stuff at the big church. had a decent time with little arguing. Afterwards I ate at CFLA. Daughter got upset because she wanted to switch seats and I said no. I am tired of giving in
to the kids' every demand. When she started throwing a fit and told her she was about to get a spanking. Wife got upset because I will actually spank them and she thinks it doesn't do any good. The kids only really seem to do this when they know mommy is around cause when it's just me they behave. They know they can always get mommy on their side and turn her against daddy just by crying. The wife stayed in the bedroom working on schoolwork after we got back. The kids stayed up really late (11:30). went to bed alone.
21/10/31
Woke up alone a little later. Wife and ychild had slept with me. We ended up staying home most of the day. Wife stayed in the bedroom working on schoolwork. I played with the kids, swept, vacuumed, did the laundry, cleaned the living room, and cleaned the aquarium. We went to a local church event for trunk or treat and then we took the kids trick or treating down downtown. It was a decent night. We got home and the kids went to bed a little late.
Nov 2021

I am a developer at an insurance company who is blind. I have worked in the same area for 14 years, but my company is migrating many of its systems to the cloud. I have wanted to freshen my skillset for a while, so I decided to pursue an AWS certification.
I started ACloudGuru’s course before COVID hit but didn’t like it. This was before I had heard about the use of AWS at my firm, which happened about a year ago. At that point, I tried Stephane Maarek’s course and gave myself three months before the exam. Listening to Maarek’s course felt like being hit with a bunch of facts without being able to apply them, so I canceled the exam and began Adrian Cantrill’s course in October. This mostly did the trick, since it’s centered around an actual scenario (building a cloud infrastructure for an animal rescue firm). I was able to visualize most of the infrastructure configurations in my head. For instance, when I heard about a transit gateway being used to connect multiple VPCs, I imagined a wheel or a fan with the VPCs being the blades and the transit gateway in the center. I found Cantrill’s technical fundamentals section which explained how networking works to be one of the most difficult parts to visualize and wound up listening to it three times. It was certainly very informative and covered a lot that I should have learned long ago. I may wind up listening to it again.
I was able to listen to the whole course at chipmunk speed since I have been listening to mechanical speech all my life. At first, I took notes, but found that 15-minute lessons were taking 45 minutes, so I started to just listen. I worked on Cantrill’s course sporadically during the fall, before he made the tech fundamentals section free. I had just moved to NYC and was getting a guide dog, so my time was limited. While I was training with the dog, I read How To Be a Straight A Student at the recommendation of a Slack user. I also took part of the Learning How to Learn course on Coursera at the recommendation of a Reddit user. I ramped up my studying around January and February and completed the course in April. My screen-reading software cannot read Instance Connect or Session Manager. The only way for me to use them was to do OCR on my screen, then read the output, then enter the next command, then repeat. There was one night when I spent three hours doing a single lesson this way, then his course had you delete the infrastructure and provision it automatically via CloudFormation. This was quite frustrating and there was one lab late in the course that I followed but did not do.
When I finished the course, I took the included practice exams and scored between 50 and 60 percent. I bought the practice pack from Tutorials Dojo and worked through it in review mode. I scheduled my exam for May 30th because of the free retake offer. I tried to use the pomodoro method to study in 25-minute segments as suggested in Learning How to Learn. By last week, I was still scoring around 70% on the TD exams and was worried. I crammed through most of Memorial Day weekend. By Monday night, I wasn’t as confident as I wanted to be, but my brain was mush. I kept getting tripped up by questions about Config Artifact, and other services that Cantrill did not cover extensively. sat through the test on Tuesday feeling like my chances of passing were 50/50 and passed with a 793. I could have scored considerably higher with a few more weeks of slow burn studying instead of cramming. But I am very relieved and would like to find opportunities to apply what I have learned. My only on-the-job experience has been testing an API call for an alerts system. I was allowed double time for the exam due to my disability, but only took three hours. I only flagged two questions for review, since I felt I either knew the answer or I didn’t. The TD exams had two or three questions with graphics that were inaccessible, but I had no issues with the real deal. Thanks to whoever recommended the Learning How to Learn course and the How to Be a Straight A student book. I would be happy to discuss more details about my experience with anyone and offer assistance to other blind people. Pearson Vue said the exam had not been tested with screen-readers, so I wonder whether any blind people have taken it before. My experience on the phone with them was awful, I spent half a day getting a few questions answered since I kept being placed on hold. This feels like the first credential I’ve achieved with no sighted assistance to speak of. This was important to me, but probably made the experience much more frustrating than it needed to be. My next goal is the SA Professional exam, but that’s at least a year off.

This one features Sam, Liam, John, and DJ.
John Constantine VS Raidou Kuzunoha: Liam immediately says he wants to do it as an episode. He thinks Constantine is a cool character, and that an SMT character would be the best choice for a close fight. John suggests Constantine VS Merlin from Fate. Sam says the matchup makes sense. Discussion devolves into being about Japanese media using Nazi aesthetics. Ultimately, they all like/want the matchup.
Conker VS Postal Dude: Sam thinks it’s “a shit idea”. He thinks that both Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Postal are bad games that get by solely on crude humor instead of actual quality, and thinks this matchup would be more or less the same. Liam suggests Conker VS Duke Nukem. Sam thinks that’s slightly better, but then DJ brings up Duke Nukem VS Serious Sam, which Sam and Liam both agree is much better.
Max Steel VS Generator Rex: They already talked about it, though Sam is the only one who remembers it. Liam jokingly says they should do it so they can have two characters with the surname MacGrath.
Lego Battle Royale (Lloyd from Ninjago VS Clay from Nexo Knights VS Laval from Chima): They don’t know Clay or Laval, so they don’t really have an opinion on the match. The same comment also mentions Tai Lung VS Morro, but all that leads to is DJ mentioning that you’re not supposed to submit multiple matchups at once.
Lissandra from LoL VS Azshara from WoW: Once again, none of them know much about the characters (Sam has knowledge of WoW, but not the era where Azshara comes from). Based on what they can figure out from the comment, Liam says Lissandra just freezes Azshara, though Sam says that, if she’s a 25-man raid boss, Azshara should have good scaling, and John says that he’s heard Azshara scales to the Lich King. They’re not sure how to scale most LoL characters.
Infinity Ultron VS Fleetway Robotnik: Liam says he would want Robotnik to win. Sam says it would come down to just Metal Sonic, but the others clarify that Fleetway Sonic is very different. DJ mentions Infinity Ultron is very powerful, and they all agree Ultron almost certainly wins (to Liam’s disappointment). Some barely related discussion about TV shows ensues.
Thrall from Warcraft VS Grimgor from Warhammer: Sam thinks it’s cool. He notes how strong Thrall is, but says 40k is a stronger universe overall. Liam points out that Grimgor is from Fantasy, not 40k, but says that probably doesn’t matter. Liam really wants to do a 40k episode, but knows that Games Workshop wouldn’t allow it. Sam thinks Thrall is a good pick for a humanoid WoW character.
Giovanni Potage VS Papyrus: They get distracted by the thumbnail using gritty fanart of both. Sam likes the vibe of bumbling idiots who talk more than they fight.
Leone VS Makoto: They all agree Leone would be fucked. Only further note is that DJ liked Akame ga Kill when he was 13, and doesn’t anymore.
Kratos VS Asura: They skip past it because they’ve talked about it a lot.
Xeno Gogeta VS Omnimon: Liam says it’s a classic (presumably referring to Gogeta VS Omnimon as a whole). Sam thinks Omnimon looks like Alphonse. Liam and DJ both think it’s sick, and they talk about how insane upper-tier Digimon like Omnimon are. Liam prefers Gogeta over Vegito.
Bowser VS Lord Hater: None of them know anything about Wander Over Yonder. Liam gets the vibe, and they all love Bowser.
Shard the Metal Sonic VS Jenny Wakeman: Liam is the only one familiar with Shard. No actual opinions on the matchup, just advice about how to make thumbnails.
Capsule Corps Goku VS Golden Age Superman: Sam awkwardly scrolls past it.
The Wonder Pets VS Team Umizoomi: Liam says he’s wanted to do this for several years (thought that might have been sarcastic). DJ wants to bring in characters from preschool shows, but also thinks that it would be really weird. Sam also likes the concept of doing preschool show matchups, (he says he saw Teletubbies Sun VS Super Mario Bros. 3 Sun a while back), and thinks that they’ll eventually do at least one, if only because Chad has kids and has to watch those shows all the time, but thinks Wonder Pets VS Umizoomi is too niche. DJ points out that they were both extremely popular in the era they came out in.
Seryu Ubiquitous VS Rob Lucci: Liam thinks Lucci is cool. DJ agrees, but dislikes Seryu. Liam brings up Lucci VS Grimmjow. Sam comments that there’s a lot of fun stuff you could do with the “corrupt governments clash” concept.
William Adams from Nioh VS Wolf from Sekiro: Sam has played the first Nioh, but not the second. He doesn’t think William would win. John comments that William gets pretty ridiculous, but Sam argues that Wolf has a better arsenal and “deflects everything always”, but also admits he may just be saying that because he likes Sekiro more than Nioh. Liam brings up Wolf VS Scorpion, which Sam thinks is fun.
2B VS Sky Striker Ace: Sam thinks a NieR: Automata VS Yu-Gi-Oh matchup sounds buck wild and cool. Everyone else seems to agree.
First matchup for the next Ballot Banter is Arbiter VS Mithrax.

So, I’m running for ASB at my school, specifically the position of Diversity Representative. I put in my proposal for my speech about a week ago, and was contacted yesterday about the “issue”. I was told I would have to “edit the religious aspect out” (specifically Proverbs 22:2), and that “ students would be forced to engage”. Engage in what? I have to hear me quote a Bible verse? What’s the harm in that?
I explained, “What about freedom of speech? Freedom of religion? I thought the first amendment protect my rights”. They then explain to me that there must be a clear separation between religion and State. But that doesn’t make sense to me since this is a school assembly speech, it has nothing to do with the actual government. They then also explained to me it may offend, some kids, and that it’s not necessarily “appropriate” work “doesn’t fit their criteria”. I just think it would be pretty difficult to represent the diversity of my school. If I, myself cannot express my spiritual beliefs. They said that I can still include that I’m Christian, and that’s what guides my decisions, but that quoting scripture or even mentioning Christ himself is “not acceptable”.
My question is this; Am I in the right? Isn’t the first amendment supposed to protect my religious freedom in school? I’m from Washington, and Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction states “The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects a student’s rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Students who choose to express their religious beliefs at school are permitted to: - Express these beliefs at school, in homework, and in school assignments - Pray or study religious materials during recess, lunch, and other non-instructional times, such as before or after school - Pray or discuss religion with other students during the school day, in the same way that students can engage in other conversations with students, as long as it isnt disruptive, and does not infringe on the rights of other students.” https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights/information-families-civil-rights-washington-schools/religion-schools.
Is there anything I can do to protect my freedom of speech in this situation? Or am I hopeless and my school is right? My speech is Friday, June 2nd. I’ve already reached out to my church and currently trying to contact my pastor to see what input he has.
Please help!!!

This one features Sam, Liam, John, and DJ.
John Constantine VS Raidou Kuzunoha: Liam immediately says he wants to do it as an episode. He thinks Constantine is a cool character, and that an SMT character would be the best choice for a close fight. John suggests Constantine VS Merlin from Fate. Sam says the matchup makes sense. Discussion devolves into being about Japanese media using Nazi aesthetics. Ultimately, they all like/want the matchup.
Conker VS Postal Dude: Sam thinks it’s “a shit idea”. He thinks that both Conker’s Bad Fur Day and Postal are bad games that get by solely on crude humor instead of actual quality, and thinks this matchup would be more or less the same. Liam suggests Conker VS Duke Nukem. Sam thinks that’s slightly better, but then DJ brings up Duke Nukem VS Serious Sam, which Sam and Liam both agree is much better.
Max Steel VS Generator Rex: They already talked about it, though Sam is the only one who remembers it. Liam jokingly says they should do it so they can have two characters with the surname MacGrath.
Lego Battle Royale (Lloyd from Ninjago VS Clay from Nexo Knights VS Laval from Chima): They don’t know Clay or Laval, so they don’t really have an opinion on the match. The same comment also mentions Tai Lung VS Morro, but all that leads to is DJ mentioning that you’re not supposed to submit multiple matchups at once.
Lissandra from LoL VS Azshara from WoW: Once again, none of them know much about the characters (Sam has knowledge of WoW, but not the era where Azshara comes from). Based on what they can figure out from the comment, Liam says Lissandra just freezes Azshara, though Sam says that, if she’s a 25-man raid boss, Azshara should have good scaling, and John says that he’s heard Azshara scales to the Lich King. They’re not sure how to scale most LoL characters.
Infinity Ultron VS Fleetway Robotnik: Liam says he would want Robotnik to win. Sam says it would come down to just Metal Sonic, but the others clarify that Fleetway Sonic is very different. DJ mentions Infinity Ultron is very powerful, and they all agree Ultron almost certainly wins (to Liam’s disappointment). Some barely related discussion about TV shows ensues.
Thrall from Warcraft VS Grimgor from Warhammer: Sam thinks it’s cool. He notes how strong Thrall is, but says 40k is a stronger universe overall. Liam points out that Grimgor is from Fantasy, not 40k, but says that probably doesn’t matter. Liam really wants to do a 40k episode, but knows that Games Workshop wouldn’t allow it. Sam thinks Thrall is a good pick for a humanoid WoW character.
Giovanni Potage VS Papyrus: They get distracted by the thumbnail using gritty fanart of both. Sam likes the vibe of bumbling idiots who talk more than they fight.
Leone VS Makoto: They all agree Leone would be fucked. Only further note is that DJ liked Akame ga Kill when he was 13, and doesn’t anymore.
Kratos VS Asura: They skip past it because they’ve talked about it a lot.
Xeno Gogeta VS Omnimon: Liam says it’s a classic (presumably referring to Gogeta VS Omnimon as a whole). Sam thinks Omnimon looks like Alphonse. Liam and DJ both think it’s sick, and they talk about how insane upper-tier Digimon like Omnimon are. Liam prefers Gogeta over Vegito.
Bowser VS Lord Hater: None of them know anything about Wander Over Yonder. Liam gets the vibe, and they all love Bowser.
Shard the Metal Sonic VS Jenny Wakeman: Liam is the only one familiar with Shard. No actual opinions on the matchup, just advice about how to make thumbnails.
Capsule Corps Goku VS Golden Age Superman: Sam awkwardly scrolls past it.
The Wonder Pets VS Team Umizoomi: Liam says he’s wanted to do this for several years (thought that might have been sarcastic). DJ wants to bring in characters from preschool shows, but also thinks that it would be really weird. Sam also likes the concept of doing preschool show matchups, (he says he saw Teletubbies Sun VS Super Mario Bros. 3 Sun a while back), and thinks that they’ll eventually do at least one, if only because Chad has kids and has to watch those shows all the time, but thinks Wonder Pets VS Umizoomi is too niche. DJ points out that they were both extremely popular in the era they came out in.
Seryu Ubiquitous VS Rob Lucci: Liam thinks Lucci is cool. DJ agrees, but dislikes Seryu. Liam brings up Lucci VS Grimmjow. Sam comments that there’s a lot of fun stuff you could do with the “corrupt governments clash” concept.
William Adams from Nioh VS Wolf from Sekiro: Sam has played the first Nioh, but not the second. He doesn’t think William would win. John comments that William gets pretty ridiculous, but Sam argues that Wolf has a better arsenal and “deflects everything always”, but also admits he may just be saying that because he likes Sekiro more than Nioh. Liam brings up Wolf VS Scorpion, which Sam thinks is fun.
2B VS Sky Striker Ace: Sam thinks a NieR: Automata VS Yu-Gi-Oh matchup sounds buck wild and cool. Everyone else seems to agree.
First matchup for the next Ballot Banter is Arbiter VS Mithrax.

First off I am grateful. My father bought me this house when I was 18. It has gone double in price since he got it for me. It has housed me in depressed and rough times. It has saved me in multiplayer ways. It’s still in nice shape. .
However, mentally, emotionally, spiritually even, I am stuck. I’ve lived in this town for 18 years, and this house since I was 18 (25 now). The environment / trauma i’ve been through in town and this house is I feel impacting my wel being. I simply want out and to move and press the hard reset button on my life. I deep down am optimistic, knowing that everything will be alright. I really wanna sell, but seeing stories of regretting selling and rent prices really puts on me on edge about going through with this. I also simply don’t have a job that can afford big necessary improvements (roof and deck stuff) that I wanted to take off the top of the price. I also want no attachments to this town, making me not want to rent and keep it. I was thinking of using the money from selling to go to school with while working and having the money as back up in case of anything. I have no financial literacy, no credit score, etc., so I am not even sure how to down pay/ mortgage a house in that scenario. I feel like I need some reassurance, guidance, because I myself do not know what the hell to do. I am prioritizing my mental health before anything, since everything else depends on it. What are some actual things I can read up on or look into to do something about this in a productive manner? Thank you for the energy reading and or replying to this. Much love.

I'm tired of driving back and forth to my partner. It's been 2.5 years long-distance and it'll be another 2 years before we can even think about living together. I feel like we're stuck in this phase where it's just me driving back and forth to them. I work full-time, sometimes part-time and keep busy with hobbies. I rent a room b/c I honestly cannot afford to live alone on my salary. I've had shitty situations with roommates in the past. My partner is a full-time student in a doctorate program. I've noticed that both of us have gained a significant amount of weight throughout this relationship. I'm honestly afraid to look at the scale at this point. I've picked up really bad eating habits with them. I think this relationship brought on a different type of stress than I've been accustomed to.
The first year I met them, they weren't in school. So dynamics were a bit different. Lately, I've been reflecting and I feel like I give up my time, gas money, and energy to spend time with them when they have time. I've tried to be accommodating b/c school comes first but I have not been able to put myself first in this relationship. Even when I visit, I'm limited on the hours I can visit. Also they do not have an income so it's been very difficult. I've taken the financial responsibility to offset the costs of our dates, activities, events, or whatever. When we spend time w/ their family, that costs even more money that I cannot budget for or even expect b/c it just happens. Yet I make a pretty low salary for the cost of living in my area.
It doesn't feel fair to me. I'm always so exhausted and can't even stick to my budget b/c there are too many variables. They live rent free with their mom. They're currently full time in a doctorate program. So there is very little time for me. I've become accustomed to seeing them on a very rigid schedule. Sometimes we won't see each other for weeks. Texts/calls are limited in a way where I'm always told, "Well, I have to go or sorry to cut you off." At first I was very understanding and now I'm beyond frustrated b/c it feels like whenever I get comfortable in the conversation or with them, there is a limit and I'm cut off. Then other times it's like they're overwhelmingly wanting to spend time w/ me, in their time off affection, and etc... when I need to reacclimate to being around them in that capacity.
I'm not certain if I have the patience for another 2 years. I love this person greatly but this has been incredibly difficult and I find myself getting more and more frustrated even when we talk things out. I want to settle down. I want to live with my partner and start taking milestones towards settling down. I'm tired of the back and forth. I want to have a conversation without being cut off.
I've also been working on myself the past year. Started therapy, finding hobbies, and building social connections. Recently, I've been super involved in my hobbies. They came w/ me to one event and got upset w/ me, I felt bad, missed out on another event I planned on going to (even invited my partner) w/some friends but they weren't happy until I spent that time in the way they intended. I was so emotionally exhausted that I just cancelled everything for the remainder of the week. Another thing I cannot prepare for is when we're upset with each other and how draining that can be.They were mainly upset b/c they felt like I have a life outside of them and they're not included in my plans and they're struggling socially and they have absolutely nothing planned on their time off(they're doing clinical right now).I've literally planned so many of our dates in the past... I don't see why I always have to be responsible. It would honestly be nice if they planned something instead of expecting me to constantly take charge.I was also very upset and resentful that I didn't get to do the events I planned on doing and how I lost so much energy to do the things I wanted b/c of the whole situation.
I also feel like I want freedom, flexibility and my time back. I want to know if I intend to commit to something, nothing out of my control will prevent that. I've had to sacrifice so much for this relationship, time, money, inner peace, and energy. I've been really depressed lately and this relationship has only made it worse. They haven't even noticed that I'm actually depressed b/c they're so overwhelmed. When I communicate my frustrations or reasons why I'm upset they start crying and I feel guilty for saying how I feel or what frustrates me & it always goes back to how they're overwhelmed and how they can't handle things. I feel like I have to say what they want to hear b/c they're so sad but it's building resentment. Lots and lots of resentment. I am struggling with setting boundaries b/c for some reason I feel like this bad person when I try to. I don't know if this relationship is worth it. I don't know if I'm getting the things I need from it. I really don't know if sacrificing my sleep, my money, or my inner peace is worth the love, trust, and relationship I have with this person. I am so tired of going back and forth for nothing to change. I am so confused and cannot look at this objectively b/c they have made me feel incredibly loved, accepted, and make time/effort for me when they can. I just think the things I truly value from them aren't possible for a while and I don't know if this is something that'll pass with time or won't. They do make efforts in other ways but I'm honestly at the point where I don't think it's making any difference for me. I'm so conflicted between what I feel like I need and my love for them.

I've always loved captain falcon, he's always been my fav character to play in every single smash bros game. In the story of the game itself, I know captain falcon is a bounty hunter but we never really get to see any of that expanded upon because f-zero is primarily just a racing game. I'm aware that F-zero also had an old anime adaptation, but I feel like that doesn't really do it justice. I think it would be so cool if Nintendo made a beat em up type game, similar to Arkham knight or mad max, where you get to play as Captain Falcon as a bounty hunter, fighting guys but also driving and racing around in his Blue Falcon.
I just love the like built up lore Captain Falcon has gained over the years in the smash bros games. I know none of it's canon, but I feel like the game has been so dead for years, what would be the harm in adapting the story a bit to make his cool smash abilities canon (although captain falcon did do a falcon punch in the anime so maybe it is idk lol). He's just such a cool character and has these crazy powers and fighting abilities and IMO its a waste to just sit on something like that and not use it. Like c'mon, who wouldn't want to go around falcon punching and kicking as captain falcon in his own game it would be so fun.
Now I know this is beyond a stretch. At the end of the day, the name of the game is money and Nintendo is most likely gonna stick to their major titles like zelda, mario and pokemon. But we have been seeing recent older games make a resurgence, like the recent metroid prime remaster that did pretty well, so that gives me a sliver of hope.
(Pardon my cringe) I can picture it now. The day of the new Nintendo direct. We see Captain Falcon in a race. OMG its for a new F-Zero game, wow I can't believe they're making a new one! Everyone's going nuts. But then we see Captain Falcon hop out of the car. Wait he wasn't in a race, he was chasing some outlaw or bounty. And then we see him start to fight a bad guy and then he does a falcon punch. Like COME ONNN. I know that shit would be soooooo hype. People would go fucking crazy.
I just feel like Nintendo would make a fortune making a game like this; People love Captain Falcon and he has garnered such a fanbase over the years from a game that wasn't even his own. His Smash Bros, fighting game character-esque persona has arguably been received way better and given the character far more notoriety then his own game series.
I love the F-Zero games. Now, I'm not saying I want to completely get rid of the original games essence, I definitely would still want racing modes. I'm just saying that, Captain Falcon gained such popularity because of the smash games' interpretation of the character, that Nintendo would be crazy to just sit on a property like that. I just know Fans would go nuts for this game.
Now I know this is but a naïve pipe dream, but I just wanted to get my thoughts out there lol.

So, I’m running for ASB at my school, specifically the position of Diversity Representative. I put in my proposal for my speech about a week ago, and was contacted yesterday about the “issue”. I was told I would have to “edit the religious aspect out” (specifically Proverbs 22:2), and that “ students would be forced to engage”. Engage in what? I have to hear me quote a Bible verse? What’s the harm in that?
I explained, “What about freedom of speech? Freedom of religion? I thought the first amendment protect my rights”. They then explain to me that there must be a clear separation between religion and State. But that doesn’t make sense to me since this is a school assembly speech, it has nothing to do with the actual government. They then also explained to me it may offend, some kids, and that it’s not necessarily “appropriate” work “doesn’t fit their criteria”. I just think it would be pretty difficult to represent the diversity of my school. If I, myself cannot express my spiritual beliefs. They said that I can still include that I’m Christian, and that’s what guides my decisions, but that quoting scripture or even mentioning Christ himself is “not acceptable”.
My question is this; Am I in the right? Isn’t the first amendment supposed to protect my religious freedom in school? I’m from Washington, and Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction states “The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects a student’s rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression. Students who choose to express their religious beliefs at school are permitted to: - Express these beliefs at school, in homework, and in school assignments - Pray or study religious materials during recess, lunch, and other non-instructional times, such as before or after school - Pray or discuss religion with other students during the school day, in the same way that students can engage in other conversations with students, as long as it isnt disruptive, and does not infringe on the rights of other students.” https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights/information-families-civil-rights-washington-schools/religion-schools.
Is there anything I can do to protect my freedom of speech in this situation? Or am I hopeless and my school is right? My speech is Friday, June 2nd. I’ve already reached out to my church and currently trying to contact my pastor to see what input he has.
Please help!!!

21/11/1
I worked from home today because the kids' school was having a teacher work day. It was a decent day. When I am alone with the kids they don't really argue too much and even if they do I am there to help them. It seems like I have a better relationship with my kids and my children don't misbehave as badly when it is just me taking care of them. They really ratchet things up when their mother is home. Wife came home and she is nearing the end of her academic degree plan. Had to have an HVAC repairman come try and fix our heater. He shocked himself 3 times. Wife has had problems with her Dr office adding stress to her day meaning that she was in a bad mood and let me know it. She spent all afternoon in the bedroom while I dealt with the kids, cooked supper, did the dishes, washed clothes, and did the laundry. We took the kids for a short walk after supper without the dogs because it was already getting dark. I gave the kids baths and they went to bed on time. Wife stayed up late working on schoolwork and I went to sleep alone.
21/11/2
Woke up with ychild in bed. Wife was already up and griping about something. Getting gripped out 1st thing in the morning always starts off the day in a bad mood. Work was uneventful but productive. Got home and cleaned off the kitchen table (of course there wasn't a single square inch of available space on it for the past 1 1/2 weeks) none of the mess was mine it was all wifes/kids projects.I cleaned it so that she would have a space to make cookies with the kids like she promised. Trying to make her day a little easier knowing that had she gone in there with the table like that it would have been bad and also knowing that there were things on the table so I knew that I would get blamed for any misplaced objects. My prediction came through when she came into the kitchen and thanked me for cleaning the table but immediately started griping about missing items and how she had wished she had cleaned it to show she would know where they are. This always happens and is one of the main reasons I cannot declutter our house. It just leads to more gripping. If I clean or don't clean I'm gonna get bitched out. Wife had to head to town quickly to pick up an Rx so we went with her. I had not yet started supper so I put everything up so we could have it the next day and we all went into town together and ate supper in the van. She also got some negative comments on some of her schoolwork so she was in a bad mood x2 because of an incident with her dr's nurse. Wife stayed in the bedroom working on schoolwork while I got the kids dressed in their PJ's and put them to bed about 15 min late. I walked into the bedroom and she was searching for socks for the kids in the laundry hamper. When she was done I took the hamper into the living room and matched them all then put them up. I then played on my computer. Wife went into the kitchen at about 9:45. I went in there about 10 min later and asked her if there was anything I could do for her. She said no then asked me if I saw her come into the kitcher. I said yes and she started gripping that I should have come in there sooner to help her cause she was now almost done. She started complaining that the only time she gets to relax is when she is laying down on her phone in bed (nevermind the number of times i come into the bedroom to find her watching TV or on facebook on her computer.)
I was only on my computer for about 30 min. Its not like I spend all day doing nothing but she makes me feel like I do nothing at all. A common mantra in this house is the wife saying "I never get any help" and "I cannot keep this house clean by myself" when she literally hasn't done any cleaning since her parents visited last month and I still did most of the cleaning. The only time she cleans is when someone is coming over. Needless to say I am feeling very resentful and unloved. We haven't shown any affection to each other since a month ago. Some Days when things are decent (not good just not bad) I wonder if it's a mistake to be considering divorce but days like today are more common and remind me of why I want one. I couldn't sleep due to drinking some tea at supper so I got out of bed and sat on the couch until 1am.
21/11/3
Woke up this morning very tired and sleepy with ychild in bed with me. Wife was already in a mood and I was gripped out for "not listening" she then proceeding to account for 3-4 times recently that I have asked her a question that she had already told me an answer in a previous conversation. So once again I get to start the day in a bad mood. I feel compelled to kiss her and tell her I love her now or she will get upset. I did that then came back inside for something and she got upset when I didn't go back and give another hug/kiss. No way am I gonna do that while being bitched out so I just walked out the door. Great start to the day. Got the kids from school and came home. Cooked supper and took out the trash. Got the kids into bed but ychild talked herself into falling asleep in our bed. Wife said she would move her but of course didn't and ychild slept in our bed all night long.
21/11/4
Woke up with ychild in bed with me. kissed and told her i loved her before work. Had a decent day at work and left to pick up the kids. This was my last day picking the kids up from school and we stopped for ice cream on the way home. We were supposed to walk the dogs before I started supper. I told my wife this but she was on the phone with her mother about her job offer. 25 min later and it was getting close to supper time and she was still on the phone.I decided it was too close to supper to walk and then cook. Wife came out and I told her that. she got upset and we ended up having a small walk. I got back and cooked supper and we all ate at the kitchen table. Wife disappeared back into the bedroom to work on schoolwork. I put the kids to bed on time and then got on my computer. Wife started working on the kids lunches and I asked if there was anything i could do. She said no. Then the bedtime ritual started. This all happened within 20min. I came to bed and turned the lights out. When my wife came back she bitched at me cause she had left one of the lights on on purpose. Then she zinged me for not paying attention when she told me about her medication a few days ago. Then she complained that I had missed a bag of trash in the bedroom. Then she accidentally slammed the bathroom door and got mad when I asked if she did that on purpose. Then she cussed at me when she complained about the bed hurting her back and I suggested a sleep study. Despite all of this I really felt the need to try and cuddle with her. I rolled over and she immediately asked if she needed to turn off her phone. I told her no but she could if she wanted to, then she complained that this is the only time she gets to relax and then immediately jumped up cursing because she forgot to put the clothes from the washer into the dryer. I rolled over and put my mask on to fall asleep. I knew I would get hurt but I couldn't help myself. It took me a while to go to sleep because of the pain in my heart and the lack of love.
21/11/5
I worked from home today so i did not have to wake up as early. Wife woke up and got the kids ready. Wife had a full one sided conversation with ychild in our bed while i was trying to sleep. I feel like she was resentful for me being able to sleep in and her having to get up so she did it as a way to wake me up and keep me from being able to sleep. The kids yelled goodbye and the wife left without so much as a word or touch. I had a decent day at work. The HVAC repair man showed up early.I was going to go and pick up the kids at 11:00 but we decided to just get powerhouse(aftercare) at the school instead also for monday. I could have gone and picked up the kids but didn't because they were already scheduled and I thought we had already paid. Wife got mad at me for that. She was really late because it was her last day of DT and she had people say goodbye to her then went to pick up the kids. We decided to eat at the new seafood place then went and picked up groceries. We got home and put the groceries away and watched some shows on the couch. She got upset because I was on my phone (so was she) and said she watched more of the tv than I did. I tried to get the kids in bed but she overruled me because it was the weekend. The kids stayed up and eventually convinced her to go to bed with her. I slept alone but honestly I think I prefer that now.
21/11/6
Woke up alone. Had a decent day and went to Ychilds 1st birthday invite party. Wife made appointments for both kids to get the flu and covid vaccine. We had a great time at the party and socialized for the 1st time in a long time. We had to leave early to get to the pharmacy for the vaccines. When we got there the pharmacist told us we were scheduled for the flu only. It greatly upset the wife and she flew into a rage. Canceled both appointments. We got back to the car and she was yelling, screaming, and violently hitting her phone on the steering wheel. I told her to be an example to kids and she told me to "kiss her ass." She is angry the whole ride home. She started getting loud with me multiple times and I asked her not to talk to me like that. Apparently, asking her to speak to me politely instead of raising her voice at me is not giving her grace. Saying that I never give her grace when she talks nasty to me. saying that I do it all the time to her and she never says a word. I told her to speak up next time and she says she does and just gets bitched out. I am at my wits end. She is being very nasty to me and then puts the blame on me instead of realizing how she is treating me and accepting blame. A really nice day totally
ruined by her temper. We ended up having cereal for supper and going for custard afterwards. We stayed up late and the kids convinced my wife to go sleep with them.
21/11/7
Woke up by myself again. After wife got up we ended up going to the new donut store for breakfast and we stopped off at walmart on the way home. When we got home I noticed my radiator was leaking.I went to oriellys to buy some stop leak. We got back and I put on jumanji and then beethoven. Ochild really loved jumani. We were having a decent time. Today I did 4 loads of laundry, bathed the dog, cleaned the aquarium, cooked supper, and cleaned the guest bathroom. Of course wife got onto me when I did the kids laundry because i missed 1 shirt and 4 socks out of ychilds room. After supper we played a board game. Then the kids had a bath and I was chastised when I went in there to talk to the kids after my wife was yelling at them. I am not supposed to step in except when I am supposed to of course I have no idea when that is supposed to be. Kids went to bed a little late. I slept by myself.
21/11/8
Woke up by myself. Got up early even though I am working from home to help my wife with kids and take the dog to the vet. Wife started gripping about me not doing anything to help with the kids. I don't understand because she gets them ready at the last minute. That's usually when I am getting together also. She doesn't tell me or let me ask what she needs help with. Just grips after the fact. Dropped the dog off and returned to work. Picked the dog back up and returned to work again. Wife got home late due to her new job onboarding and flu vaccine. We had mcdonalds for supper and the kids went to bed really late. ychild spent the evening with wife because she wasn't feeling well. Since both the kids were up past their bedtime wife went to sleep with them.
21/11/9
Woke up early because I am still stuck on the old schedule. Wife came in and got herself ready for her 1st day. I got up, helped with the kids and got the dogs ready (surgery) then went to work. work was ok. Came home and cooked supper. The evening was uneventful.
21/11/10
Ychild got sick so I worked from home. We were both asleep when wife came into the room. She then had a loud conversation/argument with ochild in the room. waking up ychild and me. If I were to wake them up when they were sleeping in I would get bitched up one side and down the other. Seems like she does it all the time. Took Ychild to the dr and she was covid negative thankfully. Wife came home and the day went ok. She was tired so we watched netflix. I cooked supper and did the dishes. We got the kids in bed a little late. Wife went to bed a little early. I went into the bathroom to get some medicine shortly after. Wife was visibly upset when I came in. I really don't understand why and she wouldn't tell me. Eventually she said that she didn't expect me there. It made me feel really hurt. I felt like she not only didn't want me there but actually got mad that I showed my face. Maybe she thought I was going to lay down with her
but if that was so it would be no reason to get mad, I know she plays on her phone in bed and that's her relaxation time. Either way it was totally uncalled for and if that's how she is going to make me feel I don't see a point in staying together. storm came rolling in and ychild woke up so she had to go sleep with them.
21/11/11
Holiday today so I stayed home. I could hear the wife yelling at the kids trying to get ready. So I got up to help.
21/11/15
Skipped some days because nothing happened. Nothing good or bad. At bedtime my wife was getting lunch ready. She has been a little stressed lately due to her computer HD failing and EDTPA coming back for revisions. Her professor didn't come to her appointment to help. I helped make the kids lunches. The kids' clothes were still sitting in the chair (apparently it's my job.) I offered to help get the kids clothes together. She very sarcastically said she would welcome the help if I could turn on a light so she could see. I know it doesn't sound bad on paper but she was very hateful and hurtful. When I asked her not to talk to me like that she responded that she didn't need a lecture right now. I just want to be spoken to with respect and love not hate and vitriol.
21/11/21
Not journaling everyday because things aren't as bad everyday. Yesterday I did the laundry for the entire house. This morning I got up. my wife had already left for the grocery store to pick up groceries. I got up with Ychild. She got home and we unloaded the groceries. I relaxed in the living room. and she started cleaning the kitchen. I always hate days like this because anytime she cleans I get to hear her bitch and moan and the state of things. I am the only one to clean the house/kitchen for the last 6 months, actually even longer,for as long as she has been in college or working. It is not messy, it's just not up to her standards. Plus most of the mess is hers. She does projects and things but doesn't clean up afterward. When I get in to clean, if I move things around or put up her things I get yelled at. It feels like a handicap because the only one that can truly clean is her and when she doesn clean I feel like crap because she spends the whole time
mouthing and bitching about me because it isn't clean enough to suit her. And if I try to go in and help or clean another part of the house I get bitched at again because "i'm only cleaning because she is upset" she doesn't seem to notice the hours of cleaning I do when she is not around or is concentrating on other things.
21/11/29
We left on the 23rd (my birthday) to go down to Carthage for the weekend. The holiday went well with minimal fussing. Friday the 26 came and my wife surprised me with a weekend getaway sans kids. her family pissed her off right when we left. we get to our BnD and then leave to do some shopping. We went way too long, ate supper,and drove to longview. She had thought that we would just spend the weekend together. I wanted to get physical. I take her to a sex shop and she gets embarrased and refuses to look at anything or consider any toys. Our sexlife is laughable and practically non-existant. You would figure if someone was trying to save their marriage they would at least attempt to spice things up. I got upset and we went back to our cabin. I am tired and we just go to sleep. Wife makes us take a bath in the morning. We wash each other, then when we get out she changes into a negligee. She tells me I am not allowed to do any oral on her and that it will be the last time I see her in a G string. Totally sexy right? I had put some nice smelling lotion on my privates and she made a comment about how that would taste ( thinking I might get some oral) but instead she just led me to the bed and got on top. She has sex with me and I find it difficult to finish becuase she is clearly not enjoying it and refused to do any foreplay. We leave for the day and walk around Jefferson. Get back and start drinking wine and painting. She gets drunk enough to make a move and changes into another negligee. I feel like I almost forced her to let me eat her out after I gave her oral. She says I am not allowed to kiss her. we eventually start having some decent sex but she cannot stand much of the physical aspect and eventually it just shift to the standard missionary. I cannot finish and she gets up. I tell her i'll finish myself off if she will help. She starts cleaning and doesn't care when I get upset. We eventually have a small heart to heart where she tells me she is resentful
for the way my parents treated her and I was very pacifist instead of confrontational with my parents. She tells me she watches squirting videos and masturbates in the bath (lied to me when she says she doesnt masterbate.) She clearly has very strong issues with sexual intimacy and refused to do anything I wanted. She thought it was a successful weekend and I'm thinking it just shows how far apart we are and how little in common we have. multiple times just both of us on our phones because we have nothing to talk about. We go back and pick up the kids and it takes forever to get home. When we do I find the dog with something sticking out of her chest.
I am trying to work on her when my daughter comes out there and the dog jumps up and runs to her. She starts freaking out and i try and get ychild to come to me, unfortunately i did yell because i was scared of her getting stabbed by the dog. Of course she freezes up screaming as the dog is trying to get to her. I end up having to go to her and pick her up. As I am trying to take her to the garage I fall and bust my knee. This starts a big fight because I am now hurt, angry, and yelling while also trying to find out what's wrong with the dog. Eventually I discovered that the dog had forced herself inside the metal loop of a small childs butterfly net. I end up cutting it off her with some wire cutters. My knee is now busted and my wife and I have been fighting because she feels like when I am angry and hurt is the best time to keep getting in my face and talking shit about me. Just makes me want to seek a divorce all the more. She thinks this weekend was a success and all I can see is the end. I was angry when I went back out to her van and hit the open door button too hard and dented it. No real excuse but I wish she didn't pile on my problems by yelling at me in front of the kids while I'm trying to discipline them. I wasn't abusing them or being physical in any way but my wife will not allow for any dissent from the way she wants to raise the kids. I feel like I am not a father. I am allowed no say in raising them. The kids can just yell/scream/cry and my wife will come to the rescue, preventing me from actually doing any good or teaching them to understand right/wrong. It's her way or the highway.
Dec 2021

Flairing as politics because this topic tends to get very political.
Greenville and the rest of the Upstate comprise the 39th largest CSA in the country, with over 1.5 million people. Considering this large and growing population, and the strong regional economic power along the I-85 corridor, I find it absurd that the only public transit to speak of is the Greenlink bus system, which is fine but doesn't cover nearly enough area, and Tiger Transit, which is not really useful to most people who aren't Clemson students.
A strong public transit system has a plethora of benefits including better connectivity, a decrease in road maintenance costs, and a healthier, less car-dependent population. It will also provide some help in releaving the strain on our overworked road infrastructure as the population continues to grow. I would love to see Greenlink expand their lines into the currently unserviced parts of Greenville, and then even into neighboring but close areas like Easley, Travelers Rest, and Mauldin. Maybe one day we could even bring back the streetcars that the misguided city got rid of so many decades ago. Then maybe we could even think about a regional rail service connecting Greenville to Anderson, Walhalla, Laurens, Clinton, Spartanburg, etc.
This kind of thing would be costly, likely require some reworking of our current transit system, and would need to be robust enough to change our local culture away from being so completely car-dependent. It wouldn't be easy, and I'm not saying we should do this overnight, as nice as that would be. But what I am saying is that if we want the prosperity of our area to grow with our population and not collapse under it, the time to plan for adequate (and well-funded) transit is now, and not in a near future when it's too little, too late.
Tangentially related, but it is only a matter of time before high speed rail leaves the northeast and expands to the rest of the country. I think it would be very good if we were ready for that when the Charlotte-Atlanta connection eventually comes in. Greenville's current station is fine for the two Crescent line trains coming through every day, but we could be doing so much more.

Hi, Im going on holiday with my boyfriend this summer and I need some help. For context i wear a binder any time im around him, (and anyone else for that matter) including sex. i know this is not the healthiest but my dysphoria is too strong for me to not have a literal breakdown if i cant bind. Holiday means we’ll be sharing a bed which means i cant take my binder off at night but i know this is seriously dangerous and wearing a binder for 3 days without breaks even at night is an awful idea that could permanently damage to my ribs. However im really, really not comfortable not having any sort of chest flattening when im around people, especially people i care about so just not binding isn’t an option either. Im a DD cup, so yes, it is very evident when i dont bind and i’ve tried transtape but it doesn’t work for larger chests like mine. does anyone have any advice on what i can do?? i really dont want this to ruin our holiday but i am not able to just not bind and binding for 40h straight is too dangerous. Its the south of france in the summer so layering up at night isn’t possible either. I am eternally grateful for any advice!!!
P.S.this isn’t about me being worried my boyfriend will be weirded out or not accepting, he is incredibly supportive. but i personally dont feel able to not bind around people i care about.

Hi everyone. I will be graduating with a BS in Molecular Biology from the University of Washington next week and I wanted some advice. I understand that the current biotech job market is in a fairly weak position and it has made finding a full-time position difficult. Thankfully I managed to find internships for the past few summers so I am not lacking in industry R & D experience, however, the job hunt has gotten me down lately. By now I've sent out just over 100 applications, largely through linkedin and indeed, although some from company websites. I haven't had too many issues in getting screener interviews, but promises of future interviews from those screeners have mostly ended in ghosting on the part of potential employers. My search has been centered in San Diego as that's where my previous work experience comes from and where most of my family is located. While finding a job isn't of immediate concern, I would like to find one before September in order to be able to move out. Most of my search has been for entry-level Research Associate positions at companies and some staff RA positions at UCSD, although I am considering widening my options to QC and manufacturing roles if that's what it will ultimately take to find a role. Any advice on what I should do from my position would be highly appreciated. If you or anyone you know is hiring entry-level in the greater San Diego area, please send me a message as any lead would be greatly appreciated at this point. Thanks for reading.

Today I decided to log back into my old account after not playing for a very very long time. Last expansion I remember playing was I think Mists of Pandaria or maybe it could have been after Legion came out, I can't remember. I went to check subscription options thinking I could just play the old expansions and I have zero idea what I am looking at.
I figured there would be some new expansions but I didn't expect that much of a drastic change. What happened to all of the previous expansions? Does this mean all my characters are gone?

Like until about 2013 I thought I was doing well enough and felt fairly normal...yes I only had a few friends and I that many of my interest were different than others...and yes I may not have been the most social person but I tried to blend in with others around me in hopes of being accepted...
Growing up I was fairly eccentric and weird compared to other black kids my age and always had a strong sense of justice...projected many of my interest upon people I considered friends...was easily manipulated and a bit naive to people and as my mum would say "book smart but not street smart" (I still am to a degree)...and while I did not always care to be around many people or partake in activities that others did...I still was able to be around people to a degree...in high school I was in JROTC...played football briefly...was in taekwondo...and I ran cross country...I was even able to get an ROTC scholarship to college despite dropping out of the program to try try and better focus on strictly school (I became way too invested in trying to succeed in the program and fit in with my peers)...I tried to assimilate and reinvent myself multiple to be like various groups (I indulged in drinking and trying to party and have sex...etc)...but I was still an outlier and introverted cast off...
Then in 2013 after most of my close friends graduated I started to struggle more and eventually began to break down...the panic attacks became more frequent...depression became much more prevalent..I was at times more impulsive and reckless...and then I started to revert to my more natural self...things were not good and got worse the more stressed I became...I was diagnosed again (this time as an adult) with ADHD and was given medication that helped me focus a bit more in classes (I still struggled greatly with anxiety and communication with my teachers and people I was not familiar with)...
I finally graduated college after struggling for 10 years and received my Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2018 and afterwards in an effort to reorient myself... returned home with my mum and began working...then in 2019 I started to decline even further...I had been working in a call center as a customer service representative for health insurance and while I was very knowledgeable and helpful...I still struggled with taking calls and ingratiating myself into the company culture as I took things very literal and tried to do things appropriately and according to standards...
Then in 2020 I was placed on leave due to constant panic attacks and depression due to concerns over being fired after I had just been accepted to our appeals department...then to add to that things started to get worse with legal troubles I was involved in...I slowly started to break even further and experience increased burn out and became more withdrawn due to overstimulation and fear of meltdowns...then last year I was diagnosed with ASD and while things made sense somewhat I still felt unsure about myself and my mental health...then reading a lot of the experiences of others on Reddit and how others with ASD struggle a lot more than I did and currently am I feel like a lazy fraud and that I am just invading spaces not meant for in particular...
Sorry for the long post...

This is part of my little series about the adventures of Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick. If you'd like to read previous parts, they're linked below, along with brief summaries of each if you prefer to just jump right into the new installment:
Part One: Alien learns what "sleep" is and how humans prefer to do it in a comfy bed with blankets and pillows. And they find it utterly adorable.
Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick are sent on a survey mission together. Things go south, Aldrick makes sure they're safe, and then Vr'ocria learns what human sleep is and how vulnerable humans are when they sleep. Vr'ocria's people don't sleep, but enter stasis, a form of rest in which they typically stand, and they are still slightly aware of their surroundings. Vr'ocria finds human sleep utterly adorable, and also decides she will protect Aldrick while he sleeps. And she also develops a massive crush on him. (Her scales turning purple is her version of blushing)
Part Two: An alien + human adventure with such shenanigans as poison drinking, befriending dangerous wildlife, and fighting a space pirate. Oh, and they have a huge crush on each other.
Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick end up assigned together for another survey mission. Vr'ocria tries to deny her feelings for Aldrick after a tense conversation with her nestmate about the danger of humans, but when they're ambushed in the night by a pirate and Aldrick takes a blow to save her, becoming injured in the process, she comes to realize just how strongly she feels for him. She carries him to safety and the two share a tender moment, but nothing yet happens between them.
Part Three: When a cold-blooded alien has to cuddle a warm-blooded human for warmth
Vr'ocria and Human Aldrick are assigned to an ice planet for their next mission. Aldrick chews out Command for assigning Vr'ocria there when they know she's cold-blooded and not built for the cold, and when the power goes out, they cuddle to keep her from freezing. And they finally confess their feelings for one another.
On to the story!
—
Aldrick didn't ever want to move from this spot. Waking up in a beautiful woman's arms felt like a dream, and he still wasn't sure if it was real. As consciousness returned to him, he tilted his head back. Vr'ocria's head still rested on the pillow next to him. Her second eyelids were closed, the thin white membranes making her black eyes appear foggy. She was still resting in stasis.
Aldrick lazily trailed his fingers up her cheeks, across her forehead, all the way to the four ridges that ran up her sloped skull. The way her angular features and pointed ears sloped up towards the back of her head made her look…regal. Almost like she was wearing a crown. Her scales, which changed and flexed with her emotions, were at their neutral emerald green. However, the very tips of each individual scale nearly glowed a vibrant, dark pink. Vr'ocria had explained that the pink was triggered by strong feelings of love–as well as the result of a mating bond.
Mate. It wasn't a human concept. But the word still lit a fire in his heart.
Aldrick continued exploring Vr'ocria's body, slowly running his hands up her arms, tracing her shoulders, until he reached her back. Her spine seemed to buzz underneath his fingers, and he tried to recall what he knew about Ethyrian anatomy. They didn't have hearts, like humans did. Instead, their spine served a similar function, flushing their blood through the veins, but at a constant flow instead of a rhythmic pumping. At the moment, the buzzing was barely noticeable unless he felt for it, perhaps because she was so relaxed.
Still, he was surprised she hadn't woken from stasis yet. Ethyrians were still slightly aware of their surroundings while in stasis, unlike human sleep. Curious, he decided to see how much it took to rouse her.
He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, between her two center skull ridges. Nothing.
He moved down to her left browbone. Nothing.
He kissed the tip of her nose. Still nothing.
Her cheek was next. Then just beneath her right eye. Her jaw. The crook of her neck.
Finally, she squeaked through her nose, a quiver running down the scales on her back. When he pulled back, her eyes were clear now and her scales had flushed purple. It had taken him a while to figure out that was her version of blushing, and he couldn't help grinning. "You're so cute," he chuckled. "I was trying to see how long it would take you to wake up."
She covered her face with her hands, but she was smiling. "How long were you doing that?"
"I got seven kisses in. You didn't notice?"
She pushed her chin out, pulling her neck up in a leisurely stretch. It reminded him of an Earth gecko. So damn cute.
Vr'ocria dropped her head back down with a sigh. "No," she mused. "I think I didn't register them as danger, so my defense mechanisms didn't kick in and alert me."
"But neck kisses are danger?"
"Neck kisses tickle," she giggled. She met his gaze with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Do it again."
Aldrick happily obliged.
—
The blizzard outside had finally died down enough for the power main to restore itself. Vr'ocria was grateful for the return of the heater, although she was still reluctant to leave Aldrick's warmth. But hunger finally drove the two of them out of bed, and together they headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
While they were eating, Vr'ocria's communicator pinged. She glanced over. "Oh, it's my nestmate, Galek." She shot Aldrick an apologetic look, but he shook his head and waved her away.
"It's your family, go, take it!"
She smiled gratefully. "I'll be right back." She trodded back to the resting quarters and shut the door behind her. Taking a seat at the desk in the corner, she set the communicator down and pressed the button that allowed a holoscreen to appear. Galek's face smiled back at her, a bit grainy due to a bad connection, but there he was nonetheless. She beamed back at him.
"Hey, how've you been?" He asked. "I haven't seen you in so long, I had to call you."
She rested her chin in her hand. "I've been good. Great, actually," she said dreamily. She launched into a summary of the past few moon cycles and how she'd started taking on more away missions since Galek had suggested it.
But as she talked, a shadow crossed his face. "So you're still working with the human?"
Vr'ocria rolled her eyes. "His name is Aldrick. And he's been nothing but wonderful to me." She looked down, tracing the edge of the desk with her finger. "I like him."
Galek was silent. When she finally glanced back up, he looked angry. She frowned. "What?"
"You turned pink just now."
Vr'ocria glanced down, and sure enough, the tips of her scales had flushed pink.
"Vr'ocria."
She refused to meet his gaze.
"Vr'ocria. Did you mate him?" Galek demanded.
"I didn't mate mate him," she blurted defensively. "I only mate bonded him. Accidentally." She blushed purple. "We haven't done that yet."
"You BONDED him?" Galek exploded. "And YET? What does that mean? That you plan to?"
"No! Well, yes–I mean maybe–" she scoffed and threw her hands in the air. "We haven't gotten that far, okay? Humans court each other first, remember? Also, keep your voice down," she said in a lower tone. "He's in the next room."
"HE'S WITH YOU RIGHT NOW?"
"Galek, I will hang up on you, I swear to the moons–"
But Galek had abruptly fallen silent, leaning forward towards the screen with his eyes narrowed.
"What now?" She demanded.
"What's that on your neck?"
"What?"
"On your neck. Is that a bruise?" His voice was dangerously low.
Vr'ocria stood and went to look in the small mirror hanging on the wall. Sure enough, there was a small bruise beginning to form on her neck.
Right where Aldrick had been kissing her.
Uh oh.
She slowly returned to the desk, a hand clasped over the bruise. She sat down. "It's nothing, I just slipped on some ice."
Galek's eyes bore a hole through her. "He did that to you, didn't he?"
"No!" Her protest was weak. She was never good at lying to Galek.
"You're a terrible liar." His voice was a low growl, a tone that she only ever heard when he was at peak protective-nestmate-mode. "I am going to kill him." She could see his hands shaking from where they were clasped in front of him, his scales bright yellow and standing on end. "I don't care if he's human, I don't care if he's a Union agent, I don't care–"
Vr'ocria threw her head back with a groan. "Shut up, you will not. It's nothing, it's just from a kiss."
"What in the planets is a kiss?"
"It's a human sign of deep affection," she quoted Aldrick, and couldn't wipe the girlish grin from her face as she recalled last night.
"Their 'affection' leaves bruises?" He looked close to bursting at the seams.
"Only that one time, because he was doing it so much." Her scales were a deep purple now. "Because I asked him to."
Galek stared at her in disbelief. "You…asked him to do that to you?"
She covered her face in pure embarrassment. "Planets, you're my nestmate," she groaned out between her palms. "I don't want to talk about this with you! All you need to understand is that I love him, and he loves me." Her spine buzzed at the last statement.
Galek crossed his arms, still looking upset.
Vr'ocria heaved a sigh. "Galek. When we were ambushed by that Norvidian, he saved my life. He protected me from an explosion and it almost killed him. You hear that? A human almost died! That doesn't happen! And he did it for me! And yesterday, you should've heard him tearing Command apart over the communicator for sending me to an ice planet."
Galek refused to meet her gaze. Only the crackle of the holoscreen filled the room.
"Okay, now you're just being stubborn," she snapped. "I'm not a hatchling anymore. I'm an adult and I can make my own decisions, and I've decided that I want to be with Aldrick." She slammed her hand on the table. "And you will respect him."
Galek remained in stubborn silence for a moment longer, before he finally blew out a breath and disappeared from the screen as he sank forward, presumably dropping his head to the table. "You know I'm just worried about you."
Vr'ocria softened. "I know."
He sat back up, rubbing his eyes. "You love him?"
"Yes."
"And he treats you right?"
"Yes."
Galek sighed. "Alright. Alright, fine. I'll be nice…and I'm sorry for being a jerk."
She smiled. "Thank you." She rose to her feet. "Now. I have to finish breakfast with my mate."
To his credit, Galek tried to stifle his groan.
When Vr'ocria emerged back in the kitchen, she found Aldrick looking concerned. "Everything okay? I heard yelling."
She plopped down at the table. "Galek is just protective of me. He's not too sure about…us."
"Oh." Aldrick picked at his nails. "Right. I mean, I understand why." He gave a strained smile. "I'm human, after all."
"Hey," she placed a hand on top of his to stop the picking. "Don't be like that, you're not a monster. Galek a good guy. He's not unreasonable, he'll come around."
His expression softened as he squeezed her hand. Then his eyes drifted down her neck. "Oh shit, he saw that, didn't he? Fuck, Vr'ocria I'm so sorry–"
She could only laugh. "Stop, stop, it's okay. I mean…I kind of like it."
Aldrick turned red and couldn't meet her eye. "Just remind me not to leave hickeys on you when I meet your brother for the first time."
"Nowhere he can see, anyway," Vr'ocria said casually, taking a bite of cereal.
Aldrick choked on his juice.
Alright, that's about as spicy as this series is gonna get, so don't get your hopes up for anything more explicit than that, LOL. I just wondered what would happen when aliens discover hickeys, hehe.
Next chapter will have some space pirate action, so buckle up babes 🤠

Let me preface by saying that I’ve taken the time to work through whatever advantages nostalgia goggles and initial wonderment may have given this game, and I recognize the obvious flaws with story, character interaction, odd textures, etc.
However, despite all that (and after two full playthroughs for the platinum) I can honestly say I really love this game. It’s beautifully set, exploration is fun, the Plant and Potion and RoR mechanics were interesting, and overall I had a great time…. Honestly, I’m surprised to see the majority of posts here being about how much they were disappointed or wished they could be more evil than the game would allow them to be (understandable in a respect) but it still feels like a great game, and it makes me excited and hopeful for what they could improve on for future iterations.
Does anyone else feel this way?

I’m in my late 20’s and discovered Dave Ramsey last summer. I started with about 10K in credit debt, and 10K in student loans. In the past 10 months, I’ve all but paid off the credit cards. Waiting for my next paycheck to make the final credit card payment. Student loan payments don’t begin until September, so I haven’t even touched them. The minimum payment for student loans is $75 (nothing), so I want to start saving for a house while making $75-150 payments on the loans. I don’t make great money, I just started at the post office, and the hours are weird. Most new people get the scraps, but I’ve been working a consistent 5 day week since I got lucky with the route they put me on. That being said, I should be making decent money (about $1400-1500 each paycheck) and can comfortably put away roughly $1200-1500 each month once my last card is paid off. I’m not stressing about the student loans because I will ATTACK them once I’m established in a house with guaranteed hours at work.
Now that my situation has been explained, my question is “where do I start?” My girlfriend (future wife) and I rent an apartment and plan to resign for another 9 months once our lease ends (end of July) since it’s easier to stay put and everything is overpriced. We pay $1600 for a ONE BEDROOM, outdated apartment far from the city where you’d assume it’d be cheaper. She has a lot of debt (car, student loans, credit card), so I’m wondering if banks/lenders would be more satisfied with solely my financial info, or if we should combine our stuff to get a house. I grew up poor, so I don’t spend money on things I don’t need. I limit myself to gas, groceries, and bills. After doing some basic math, I could potentially have $15K saved up for a house at the end of our renewed lease.
Should I talk to banks? Should I ask realtors about other lenders? I have 11 months before we’d buy a house, so there’s plenty of time to sort things out. I took finance classes in college, and I understand most number-related things after doing research, so I would choose what’s best for us, but I don’t even know where to start.
Sorry for the excruciatingly long story, but now you know my background and what I’m working with. Any advice is appreciated!!!!!!

Hi I’m hoping someone can help me with this issue I’m currently facing. I moved out of my previous apartment and turned in my keys on April 3rd, 2023 and was told I would receive my security deposit within 30 days. I contacted the leasing office within 15 days to check on the status and after a few emails with no response, they finally responded and told me that they sent my move out statement to my provided forwarding address but the check was sent from their corporate office to my old address, despite me providing my forwarding address 2-3 times, but would be forwarded because I put in a mail forwarding request through USPS. In this email, they also attached my itemized list showing what charges I owed and confirmed that I did have about $800 that was supposed to be refunded to me after all of the deductions.
45 days pass and still nothing, not even the itemized deduction letter that was supposedly sent to my forwarding address had arrived so I assumed it was now lost in the mail and called them and requested them to void that check, have a new one sent to their office, and I would just come pick it up there to avoid this happening again. I’ve also called USPS and given them both my old apartment address and my new address and asked if there was any mail being held for either address and they don’t have anything. After a few more emails checking on the status of this request with no response and contacting their corporate office (who was also very unhelpful, they had me submit a customer service request form online which has apparently been ignored to this day) the leasing office finally responded to me and said they put in a REQUEST to stop payment on the current check and would get back to me when on the status of the request but since I requested the previous check to be voided, the process now takes “additional time”. Attached with this email was an image of the check and it showed a mailing date of 4/25/2023 so apparently they sent it yet it’s May 31st and I still haven’t gotten anything.
It’s now been almost 60 days, and since that last email about 2 weeks ago, all further emails to them have gotten no response despite saying they would check on the “status” which I’m not really sure what status they’re checking on. It’s starting to feel like they’re giving me the runaround and I’m not sure if I should just go ahead and file a small claims case in an attempt to get the money I’m legally obligated to, or try to keep contacting them. I was never late on rent, and I never had any issues, noise complaints, etc. while living there.
Is it time to take this to small claims? Or should I keep trying to contact them the way I’ve been doing in hopes that they’ll respond? Even if it’s just to tell me “chill the f out, we’re still waiting on the status” that’s at least better than me sending emails and getting nothing back, that’s the most frustrating part. In Texas, landlords have 30 days from the time a tenant turns in their keys to give them their security deposit back and in some cases the tenant is entitled to 3x the security deposit if this time limit isn’t met. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get 3x the amount because they can just say “look we mailed it on x day, we don’t know what happened” but at the very least I should be able to get the amount listed on the itemized move out statement. I have a strong feeling if any of them had $800 just in limbo with no concrete updates they would be doing everything in their power to try to find out exactly what was going on with their money.
I’m sorry, I know this is a wall of text but I wanted to provide as many details as possible.