Encounter: The Herbalist's Haven Location: Solace East Woods (Hex: 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36) (whichever hex you choose for this adventure make a note of it so the party can return there)
Solace East Woods: The Solace East Woods is a serene and enchanting forest filled with towering Vallenwood trees that stretch towards the sky. The petals from the violet flowers of the Vallenwood trees drift down to the forest floor. The fresh green foliage and the vallenwood flowers create a verdant canopy that filters sunlight, casting a mosaic of dappled light on the forest floor below. As you walk along the soft forest paths, your every step releasing the scent of the vallenwood blooms. The woods are alive with the sounds of nature, with sparrows flitting about and squirrels playfully chasing one another through the branches overhead. Their playful quarrels add a lively ambiance to the tranquil setting. The air is filled with a delicate fragrance Description: Within the Solace East Woods, the PC's stumble upon a humble wooden hut nestled amidst the tall trees. Surrounding the hut is an enchanting garden filled with vibrant herbs and flowers. Smoke gently rises from the chimney, indicating signs of life. As the party approaches, a howl echoes through the woods, followed by the distant rustling of leaves. Unknown to the PC's, a werewolf and the herbalist, Elysia, dwell here, bound by a tragic curse. Encounter Details: Non-Player Characters: • Elysia, the Herbalist: Non-Combatant, Elysia, a kind-hearted herbalist seeking a cure for the werewolf curse. 1. HP: 42 (5d10 + 15) 2. AC: 13 (unarmored defense) 3. Speed: 30 ft. 4. Abilities: Healing Touch, Nature's Insight, Herbal Remedies Elysia, the Herbalist of Solace East Woods, is a middle-aged woman with a gentle and serene presence. Her long, silver-streaked brown hair is often pulled back into a neat braid, and her bright green eyes reflect her deep connection with nature. She has a fair complexion, adorned with a few faint lines that speak of wisdom and experience. Elysia's attire consists of simple, earth-toned garments made from natural fibers, reflecting her affinity for the natural world. She wears a hooded cloak made of forest green fabric, adorned with intricate leaf patterns. Her fingers bear the stains of herbal dyes and her arms are adorned with various bracelets crafted from vines and flowers. She carries a woven basket filled with freshly picked herbs, wildflowers, and pouches of dried ingredients. Her movements are graceful and deliberate, each step guided by a deep-rooted connection to the woods that surround her.
Elysia exudes a calm and nurturing energy, with a voice that holds a soothing cadence. She possesses a profound knowledge of plants, potions, and natural remedies, and her expertise in herbalism is highly regarded by those who seek her aid. Elysia is known for her kindness and willingness to help those in need, often providing herbal remedies and healing potions to the people of Solace. Her deep understanding of the woods and its inhabitants has granted her a unique relationship with the creatures that dwell there. Elysia possesses a rare ability to communicate with animals, allowing her to befriend and gain the trust of woodland creatures. This connection makes her a valuable source of information for adventurers and locals seeking guidance or assistance within the forest. Elysia's peaceful abode is a cozy hut nestled amidst the towering Vallenwood trees. The walls of her humble dwelling are adorned with dried herbs and roots, and shelves are lined with neatly labeled jars containing various botanical specimens. The scent of fresh herbs and incense lingers in the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. Elysia's presence brings a sense of solace and wisdom to those who seek her out, making her a beloved figure in the community and a beacon of hope for those in need of healing and guidance. Adventure Title: Echoes of the Lunar Cairn Adventure Hook: Elysia, a grief-stricken herbalist living in the Solace East Woods, seeks the aid of the PC's to break a curse that has plagued her wife, turning her into a werewolf. Elysia shares a forgotten legend that connects the curse to an ancient burial ground known as the Lunar Cairn. To lift the curse, the PC's must uncover the remnants of the past and perform a ritual during a rare lunar eclipse, seeking the guidance and blessings of the moon god Solinari. Adventure Details: 1. The Curse and the Forgotten Legend: Elysia reveals the tragic tale of her wife's affliction and the curse that binds her. She shares a forgotten legend passed down through generations, connecting the curse to the Lunar Cairn, an ancient burial ground hidden deep within the Solace East Woods. Elysia, with a heavy heart, shares the tragic tale of her wife's affliction and the curse that has plagued her for years. She takes them out to a barn where a Werewolf is trapped in a cage. She explains that her wife, once a noble and compassionate soul, was cursed by a malevolent force that stripped her of her humanity and bound her to the form of a werewolf, Desperate for a solution, Elysia delves into the depths of her family's lore and uncovers a forgotten legend that may hold the key to breaking the curse. According to the legend, the Lunar Cairn, an ancient burial ground hidden deep within the Solace East Woods, is the source of the curse's power. It is said that the first werewolves were interred there, and their restless spirits
continue to haunt the sacred grounds. The energies of the Lunar Cairn have become entwined with the curse, strengthening its grip on Elysia's wife. Elysia believes that by unraveling the secrets of the Lunar Cairn and performing a ritual of redemption, the curse can be lifted and her wife's true self restored. She beseeches the PC's to accompany her on this perilous journey, she knows of locations where the Remnants needed to perform the ritual might be located.

DRAG RACE!
Chronologica struts the runway wearing a lace lingerie set, with long, blonde hair.
Hello world!
Welcome to Drag Race.
German Expressionist Painter Hugo Lang, are you ready for the Snatch Game?
Hugo gasps.
Hugo cannot speak, as he is currently doing an art project.
Hugo nods.
“The fuck?” Rachelle says.
Rachelle, this is your 4th Snatch Game, how does it feel?!
“Amazing.” Rachelle grins.
Floss Michaels, who would you play in the Snatch Game?
“RuPaul!” Floss cheers.
Ahh, my good friend.
Floss nods. “Mine too, baby.”
For our Challenge, our racers were tasked with competing in the SNATCH GAME!
And on the runway, they’ll be wearing Disco Legend looks.
It’s TIME!
~
Category is… Disco Legend!
Aguacate does the hustle down the runway, wearing a sparkling purple slip-on dress. With golden accessories, including sparkling shoes, earrings, and a belt, she is the queen of this disco party. And her sick moves only prove this!
Hugo does a thumbs up.
Haja Hubiani enters the stage in a big afro with a golden chain that spells out “DRAG”, white corset and gold bell bottoms, with white and golden bracelets and a whole lotta disco moves as she shakes and shimmies through the stage.
“Look at that Southern Belle bottom!” Floss cackles.
Jaslene Bangus wears a pretty little mini dress that looks as if it is made of disco balls themselves, a gorgeous little thing that shows off all of her body, with brown hair that nearly hits the floor and a matching pair of heels.
“She’s ready to do some…?” Rachelle laughs. “I can’t say that on camera.”
Granny Gorgeous arrives straight out of the 70s, wearing a gold bodysuit that’s covered in glitter. She’s got a flared pant, with the words ‘Granny’ sprinkled in white writing, and big fluffy hair that really adds to her look with a smile.
Granny at the disco, baby!
Yasmin pokes her head onto the runway from around the corner, revealing her perky blonde bob, pink headband, and chunky white Ray Bans, grinning. Then she “Soul Trains” onto the runway, revealing that she is in her element in a stunningly patterned, pink, white and black mini-dress with alternating checkerboard and flower designs, paired with chunky black and pink wedge heels.
“Pretty in pink.” Rachelle adds.
Crayola Boxx enters the stage in a huge silver cloak that glitters as she walks through the runway. She’s got a big, big wig that she combs as she walks through the stage, strutting and twirling around.
Hugo puts his thumbs down.
Referencing Sylvester, King Omari Star has frizzy shoulder length hair and a firm gaze. He’s got a yellow jumpsuit, with various cut-out sections as he stomps through the stage with platinum boots, and he’s ready to dance, baby!
You make me feel MIGHTY real.
Zazu walks out with a sleek and fitted jumpsuit in a shimmery silver fabric, adorned with sequins, and a dramatic and voluminous wig in long and flowing dark hair and feathered layers, chunky chains and a bold pendant as she has a big smile upon her face.
“Metallic princess.” Floss smiles.
Fiore Stravaganza has long, gorgeous blonde hair and enters on a white horse, flung by the pit crew. She’s got a sleek metallic bodysuit, and the judges gasp as she trots through on her white horse.
Hugo gasps.
~
Hi Racers.
I’ve made some decisions.
King Omari Star.
Granny Gorgeous.
Jaslene Bangus.
Please step forward.
You are…. Safe.
The three nod.
You may untuck in the platinum lounge.
The three enter the lounge.
King Omari Star: “I am safe, which is… fine. It is still a solid placement, nonetheless.”
King Omari grabs a drink, before handing another to Granny and Jaslene.
“Look at you, a true gentlemen.” Jaslene smirks.
“Thank you, Omari.” Granny smiles.
“Gentlemen?” Omari raises an eyebrow.
“You’re all stilted, specific and always intentional with your words.” Jaslene says. “Specific, like a real gentleman.”
Omari takes a sip of his drink and leans back, crossing his legs and giving Jaslene a side-eye.
“Well, Jaslene, I do pride myself on being intentional with my words. It's important to communicate effectively, don't you think?" Omari responds.
Jaslene rolls her eyes dramatically.
"Oh, honey, communication isn't the issue here. It's about having fun! Drag is all about letting loose, being expressive, and embracing the joy of performance. Sometimes, it looks like you're not being real." Jaslene sips her drink.
"Being real? I assure you, I am fully committed to my craft. I may not express it in the same flamboyant manner as some, but that doesn't mean I'm not having fun." Omari looks on, slightly annoyed.
Jaslene smirks and takes a sip of her drink. "Darling, there's more to drag than just technique and precision. It's about connecting with the audience, letting them see the fire within you. When you portray someone like Nelson Mandela, for example, it's essential to embody his spirit, his charisma. But sometimes, you come across as... well, a bit icy."
Omari scoffs. "Icy? That's not how I see myself. I strive for authenticity in my performances. If I'm playing a historical figure, I want to honor them and bring their essence to the stage."
"Jaslene has a point, dear. I feel like it is important to embrace, that it's okay to let go, to allow yourself to feel the energy and excitement of the crowd. Drag is about self-expression, and that includes embracing the fun and spontaneity of the art form." Granny grins.
King Omari Star: “I am having fun with drag. I…” Omari purses his lips. “I don’t see it.”
“This isn’t meant to hurt.” Granny puts her hand on Omari’s leg.
“I mean…” Jaslene chuckles.
“I just…” Omari looks flustered. “Have never heard that.”
“You have now.” Jaslene shrugs.
Omari nods.
Jaslene Bangus: “I’m just here to deliver facts.” Jaslene shrugs.
~
You represent the tops and bottoms of the week.
Starting with… Crayola.
Crayola waves with a smile on her face.
“I really wanted to like this.” Rachelle says. “But… this Elmo was rough.”
Crayola gulps.
“Simply put, it did come across like you were… cringy. I wanted to see a lot more then what you were doing. You hit all the wrong nerves, for me.” Rachelle responds.
“I did want to go outside of my box, as directed.” Crayola looks at the judges.
Well, not like this. I wanted to see you go outside of the box. Elmo wasn’t that.
Crayola frustratingly nods.
Fiore.
Fiore smiles.
You didn’t go outside the box… and in this instance, it worked.
Fiore looks proudly.
It was hilarious, it was campy, it was a real talented showcase and truly, I was living.
“Thank you.”
I want to say, you’re showing up and deliver. Keep it up. I also love, love, love these looks.
Fiore nods. “I will.”
Zazu.
“Hiya.” Zazu waves.
“I know Charlize. This was not Charlize.” Rachelle says.
“You know Charlize Theron?!” Zazu gasps.
Rachelle looks at Zazu.
…
“It was just a strange portrayal. I feel as if you were not delivering where I needed you to be, because I was hoping- wow, a nuanced portrayal but you were appealing to the lowest common denominator.” Rachelle responds. “It was bad.”
Zazu nods. “I’m sorry.”
Yasmin.
“Hiya!” Yasmin smiles.
“I loved this choice.” Floss grins. “You know I am a top chef myself.”
“Tops unite!” Yasmin cheers.
Floss chuckles.
“It was a real charming choice, and I do feel like you’ve come here and really begun to show yourself.” Floss nods.
Yasmin tears up. “Fabulousities.”
Floss laughs. “You okay?”
“I feel like… people who see me often don’t get me. They think I don’t have anything behind me, that I am just a silly little Drag artist who loves to cook. And that is me. But being here, I feel seen.” Yasmin clutches her chest as Floss smiles. “Thank you.”
“Those bitches are dumb.” Floss laughs.
Yasmin chuckles.
Haja.
Haja looks on nervously.
I really wanted you to slay this. And sadly… you bombed.
Haja nods.
There was a lack of humor, of wit, of comedy- the portrayal was off, and I feel as if you were trying too hard- not in the right way, either.
“I really wanted to show myself. Because I am…” Haja tears up.
Fiore looks over.
Fiore Stravaganza: “Are we all crying this week? Oh Dio.” Fiore sips her drink. “I never cry.”
“Really wanting to be here. And I hope you see that.” Haja says. “Because, I am a fighter.”
I’m going to need you to show it, because I will say to you now, you will be up for elimination.
Haja looks concerned for a second, then nods.
Aguacate!
“I promise I will not cry.” Aguacate laughs.
Aguacate: “I am not a LOSER!”
Hugo mouths the word ‘Star’.
Aguacate smiles.
Hugo holds up a picture of Aguacate with a plus sign on it.
“It was a masterclass in drag.” Rachelle responds.
“Thank you very much.” Aguacate nods.
Thank you, racers. Whilst we deliberate, you may untuck backstage in the Crystal Lounge, sponsored by Princess Papaya Tropical Drinks.
~
The racers enter the Crystal Lounge.
“Drinks time…” Aguacate smiles. “My favorite part.”
Yasmin, Haja, Zazu, and Crayola make their way to the lounge, all looking emotional.
Yasmin wipes away a tear, her voice trembling. "I just can't believe I finally feel seen. This competition means so much to me, you know? To be recognized… it's everything."
Fiore looks over uncomfortably.
Fiore Stravaganza: “Are we doing this again?”
Haja sniffles, her eyes glistening with tears. "I wanted to prove myself, to show everyone that I have what it takes. But now... I'm worried. I don't want to be up for elimination."
Crayola, sitting next to Haja, puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't worry, Haja. We all have our off days. It doesn't define who you are as a queen. You're talented, and you'll bounce back. Just keep believing in yourself."
Zazu bursts into tears.
Fiore and Aguacate stare.
"I... I just wanted to prove that I'm not dumb, you know? People always think I'm stupid because I'm ditzy, but I really worked hard on this challenge. And now... now I feel like a failure, too.." Zazu says, wiping her eyes.
Yasmin pulls Zazu into a hug. "Oh, sweetie, you are not a failure at all. Look at how far you've come already. You have a heart full of passion and a spirit that shines. Don't let anyone's judgments define you. We all believe in you, Zazu." Yasmin smiles.
“I feel stressed.” Crayola says. “I feel as if I am giving my heart and soul, and I don’t know how to deliver my brand, because they’re not…” Crayola exhales, her eyes welling with tears.
Fiore Stravaganza: "Emotions won't get you far in this competition. It's about talent, strategy, and staying focused on the prize. Crying won't change the outcome."
“This is a lot.” Aguacate rolls her eyes playfully. "Alright, enough with the sob fest, my darlings. Let me tell you a little story to lighten the mood."
Everyone turns to look at Aguacate.
"One time, I was dating this guy," Aguacate begins with a mischievous grin. "And I found out he cheated on me. Now, most people would just break up and move on, but not me. I decided to take matters into my own hands."
Crayola raises her eyebrows.
"I faked my death." Aguacate continues dramatically. "And then for a whole week, I would knock on his door with ghost makeup on, crying, acting as if I was haunting him!”
Yasmin bursts into laughter, followed by the others. Even Fiore can't help but crack a smile.
"Oh, Aguacate, you never fail to surprise us." Yasmin grins, wiping away her tears of laughter. "You certainly have a unique way of dealing with things."
Aguacate shrugs. "Well, darling, life is too short to dwell on negativity. I prefer to add a little spice and drama to it. Plus, it taught that guy a lesson he'll never forget."
Haja smiles. "You're right, Aguacate. We shouldn't let our setbacks define us. We're strong, talented queens, and we'll bounce back from this."
Zazu sniffles, wiping her tears away. "I guess... I just need to remember that I'm more than what others perceive me to be. I can be ditzy and passionate and still excel in this competition."
"You're absolutely right, Zazu. We all have unique qualities that make us special. We just need to stay true to ourselves and keep pushing forward." Crayola nods.
The safe racers enter the werkroom.
“How are you, my sister?” Jaslene smiles, looking at Fiore. “How are you going?”
“These girls…” Fiore gulps. “They’re too much.”
Jaslene cackles.
~
Welcome back, racers.
I’ve made some decisions.
Fiore, well done this week. You’re… safe.
Fiore grins.
Yasmin Raiz, keep it up. You’re… safe.
Yasmin bows.
Aguacate.
Aguacate shimmies a little.
This week, you made us laugh, you made us cheer, and we ATE. IT. UP.
Condragulations, you are the winner of this week’s challenge.
Aguacate smiles as everyone claps for her.
Aguacate: “Look at me! I am a CHAMPION!”
…
…
Crayola, you’re safe.
Crayola exhales sharply. “Thank you so much.”
That means Haja Hubiani and Zazu Nova, I’m sorry my dears, but you are up for elimination.
The time has come… for you to lip sync to your life!
**Your Disco Needs You by Kylie Minogue starts to play**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqtzMue6Izw
Good luck… and don’t fuck it up!
Zazu Nova: “I love to perform. I want this, so bad… and I am giving everything.”
Haja Hubiani: “I know I can survive this. There’s no other option.”
~
Next Time!
Racers, it’s time to HOST YOUR OWN FESTIVAL!
“...Don’t you love this idea?” Jaslene looks at Fiore, wearing a huge hat.
“No.” Fiore responds.
I need you to have fun with it, Omari.
King Omari Star: “Don’t I look like I am having fun?!”
“Will you marry me?” Aguacate looks at Granny, who screams.
~
Stats
Voting
Spreadsheet

DRAG RACE!
Chronologica struts the runway wearing a lace lingerie set, with long, blonde hair.
Hello world!
Welcome to Drag Race.
German Expressionist Painter Hugo Lang, are you ready for the Snatch Game?
Hugo gasps.
Hugo cannot speak, as he is currently doing an art project.
Hugo nods.
“The fuck?” Rachelle says.
Rachelle, this is your 4th Snatch Game, how does it feel?!
“Amazing.” Rachelle grins.
Floss Michaels, who would you play in the Snatch Game?
“RuPaul!” Floss cheers.
Ahh, my good friend.
Floss nods. “Mine too, baby.”
For our Challenge, our racers were tasked with competing in the SNATCH GAME!
And on the runway, they’ll be wearing Disco Legend looks.
It’s TIME!
~
Category is… Disco Legend!
Aguacate does the hustle down the runway, wearing a sparkling purple slip-on dress. With golden accessories, including sparkling shoes, earrings, and a belt, she is the queen of this disco party. And her sick moves only prove this!
Hugo does a thumbs up.
Haja Hubiani enters the stage in a big afro with a golden chain that spells out “DRAG”, white corset and gold bell bottoms, with white and golden bracelets and a whole lotta disco moves as she shakes and shimmies through the stage.
“Look at that Southern Belle bottom!” Floss cackles.
Jaslene Bangus wears a pretty little mini dress that looks as if it is made of disco balls themselves, a gorgeous little thing that shows off all of her body, with brown hair that nearly hits the floor and a matching pair of heels.
“She’s ready to do some…?” Rachelle laughs. “I can’t say that on camera.”
Granny Gorgeous arrives straight out of the 70s, wearing a gold bodysuit that’s covered in glitter. She’s got a flared pant, with the words ‘Granny’ sprinkled in white writing, and big fluffy hair that really adds to her look with a smile.
Granny at the disco, baby!
Yasmin pokes her head onto the runway from around the corner, revealing her perky blonde bob, pink headband, and chunky white Ray Bans, grinning. Then she “Soul Trains” onto the runway, revealing that she is in her element in a stunningly patterned, pink, white and black mini-dress with alternating checkerboard and flower designs, paired with chunky black and pink wedge heels.
“Pretty in pink.” Rachelle adds.
Crayola Boxx enters the stage in a huge silver cloak that glitters as she walks through the runway. She’s got a big, big wig that she combs as she walks through the stage, strutting and twirling around.
Hugo puts his thumbs down.
Referencing Sylvester, King Omari Star has frizzy shoulder length hair and a firm gaze. He’s got a yellow jumpsuit, with various cut-out sections as he stomps through the stage with platinum boots, and he’s ready to dance, baby!
You make me feel MIGHTY real.
Zazu walks out with a sleek and fitted jumpsuit in a shimmery silver fabric, adorned with sequins, and a dramatic and voluminous wig in long and flowing dark hair and feathered layers, chunky chains and a bold pendant as she has a big smile upon her face.
“Metallic princess.” Floss smiles.
Fiore Stravaganza has long, gorgeous blonde hair and enters on a white horse, flung by the pit crew. She’s got a sleek metallic bodysuit, and the judges gasp as she trots through on her white horse.
Hugo gasps.
~
Hi Racers.
I’ve made some decisions.
King Omari Star.
Granny Gorgeous.
Jaslene Bangus.
Please step forward.
You are…. Safe.
The three nod.
You may untuck in the platinum lounge.
The three enter the lounge.
King Omari Star: “I am safe, which is… fine. It is still a solid placement, nonetheless.”
King Omari grabs a drink, before handing another to Granny and Jaslene.
“Look at you, a true gentlemen.” Jaslene smirks.
“Thank you, Omari.” Granny smiles.
“Gentlemen?” Omari raises an eyebrow.
“You’re all stilted, specific and always intentional with your words.” Jaslene says. “Specific, like a real gentleman.”
Omari takes a sip of his drink and leans back, crossing his legs and giving Jaslene a side-eye.
“Well, Jaslene, I do pride myself on being intentional with my words. It's important to communicate effectively, don't you think?" Omari responds.
Jaslene rolls her eyes dramatically.
"Oh, honey, communication isn't the issue here. It's about having fun! Drag is all about letting loose, being expressive, and embracing the joy of performance. Sometimes, it looks like you're not being real." Jaslene sips her drink.
"Being real? I assure you, I am fully committed to my craft. I may not express it in the same flamboyant manner as some, but that doesn't mean I'm not having fun." Omari looks on, slightly annoyed.
Jaslene smirks and takes a sip of her drink. "Darling, there's more to drag than just technique and precision. It's about connecting with the audience, letting them see the fire within you. When you portray someone like Nelson Mandela, for example, it's essential to embody his spirit, his charisma. But sometimes, you come across as... well, a bit icy."
Omari scoffs. "Icy? That's not how I see myself. I strive for authenticity in my performances. If I'm playing a historical figure, I want to honor them and bring their essence to the stage."
"Jaslene has a point, dear. I feel like it is important to embrace, that it's okay to let go, to allow yourself to feel the energy and excitement of the crowd. Drag is about self-expression, and that includes embracing the fun and spontaneity of the art form." Granny grins.
King Omari Star: “I am having fun with drag. I…” Omari purses his lips. “I don’t see it.”
“This isn’t meant to hurt.” Granny puts her hand on Omari’s leg.
“I mean…” Jaslene chuckles.
“I just…” Omari looks flustered. “Have never heard that.”
“You have now.” Jaslene shrugs.
Omari nods.
Jaslene Bangus: “I’m just here to deliver facts.” Jaslene shrugs.
~
You represent the tops and bottoms of the week.
Starting with… Crayola.
Crayola waves with a smile on her face.
“I really wanted to like this.” Rachelle says. “But… this Elmo was rough.”
Crayola gulps.
“Simply put, it did come across like you were… cringy. I wanted to see a lot more then what you were doing. You hit all the wrong nerves, for me.” Rachelle responds.
“I did want to go outside of my box, as directed.” Crayola looks at the judges.
Well, not like this. I wanted to see you go outside of the box. Elmo wasn’t that.
Crayola frustratingly nods.
Fiore.
Fiore smiles.
You didn’t go outside the box… and in this instance, it worked.
Fiore looks proudly.
It was hilarious, it was campy, it was a real talented showcase and truly, I was living.
“Thank you.”
I want to say, you’re showing up and deliver. Keep it up. I also love, love, love these looks.
Fiore nods. “I will.”
Zazu.
“Hiya.” Zazu waves.
“I know Charlize. This was not Charlize.” Rachelle says.
“You know Charlize Theron?!” Zazu gasps.
Rachelle looks at Zazu.
…
“It was just a strange portrayal. I feel as if you were not delivering where I needed you to be, because I was hoping- wow, a nuanced portrayal but you were appealing to the lowest common denominator.” Rachelle responds. “It was bad.”
Zazu nods. “I’m sorry.”
Yasmin.
“Hiya!” Yasmin smiles.
“I loved this choice.” Floss grins. “You know I am a top chef myself.”
“Tops unite!” Yasmin cheers.
Floss chuckles.
“It was a real charming choice, and I do feel like you’ve come here and really begun to show yourself.” Floss nods.
Yasmin tears up. “Fabulousities.”
Floss laughs. “You okay?”
“I feel like… people who see me often don’t get me. They think I don’t have anything behind me, that I am just a silly little Drag artist who loves to cook. And that is me. But being here, I feel seen.” Yasmin clutches her chest as Floss smiles. “Thank you.”
“Those bitches are dumb.” Floss laughs.
Yasmin chuckles.
Haja.
Haja looks on nervously.
I really wanted you to slay this. And sadly… you bombed.
Haja nods.
There was a lack of humor, of wit, of comedy- the portrayal was off, and I feel as if you were trying too hard- not in the right way, either.
“I really wanted to show myself. Because I am…” Haja tears up.
Fiore looks over.
Fiore Stravaganza: “Are we all crying this week? Oh Dio.” Fiore sips her drink. “I never cry.”
“Really wanting to be here. And I hope you see that.” Haja says. “Because, I am a fighter.”
I’m going to need you to show it, because I will say to you now, you will be up for elimination.
Haja looks concerned for a second, then nods.
Aguacate!
“I promise I will not cry.” Aguacate laughs.
Aguacate: “I am not a LOSER!”
Hugo mouths the word ‘Star’.
Aguacate smiles.
Hugo holds up a picture of Aguacate with a plus sign on it.
“It was a masterclass in drag.” Rachelle responds.
“Thank you very much.” Aguacate nods.
Thank you, racers. Whilst we deliberate, you may untuck backstage in the Crystal Lounge, sponsored by Princess Papaya Tropical Drinks.
~
The racers enter the Crystal Lounge.
“Drinks time…” Aguacate smiles. “My favorite part.”
Yasmin, Haja, Zazu, and Crayola make their way to the lounge, all looking emotional.
Yasmin wipes away a tear, her voice trembling. "I just can't believe I finally feel seen. This competition means so much to me, you know? To be recognized… it's everything."
Fiore looks over uncomfortably.
Fiore Stravaganza: “Are we doing this again?”
Haja sniffles, her eyes glistening with tears. "I wanted to prove myself, to show everyone that I have what it takes. But now... I'm worried. I don't want to be up for elimination."
Crayola, sitting next to Haja, puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't worry, Haja. We all have our off days. It doesn't define who you are as a queen. You're talented, and you'll bounce back. Just keep believing in yourself."
Zazu bursts into tears.
Fiore and Aguacate stare.
"I... I just wanted to prove that I'm not dumb, you know? People always think I'm stupid because I'm ditzy, but I really worked hard on this challenge. And now... now I feel like a failure, too.." Zazu says, wiping her eyes.
Yasmin pulls Zazu into a hug. "Oh, sweetie, you are not a failure at all. Look at how far you've come already. You have a heart full of passion and a spirit that shines. Don't let anyone's judgments define you. We all believe in you, Zazu." Yasmin smiles.
“I feel stressed.” Crayola says. “I feel as if I am giving my heart and soul, and I don’t know how to deliver my brand, because they’re not…” Crayola exhales, her eyes welling with tears.
Fiore Stravaganza: "Emotions won't get you far in this competition. It's about talent, strategy, and staying focused on the prize. Crying won't change the outcome."
“This is a lot.” Aguacate rolls her eyes playfully. "Alright, enough with the sob fest, my darlings. Let me tell you a little story to lighten the mood."
Everyone turns to look at Aguacate.
"One time, I was dating this guy," Aguacate begins with a mischievous grin. "And I found out he cheated on me. Now, most people would just break up and move on, but not me. I decided to take matters into my own hands."
Crayola raises her eyebrows.
"I faked my death." Aguacate continues dramatically. "And then for a whole week, I would knock on his door with ghost makeup on, crying, acting as if I was haunting him!”
Yasmin bursts into laughter, followed by the others. Even Fiore can't help but crack a smile.
"Oh, Aguacate, you never fail to surprise us." Yasmin grins, wiping away her tears of laughter. "You certainly have a unique way of dealing with things."
Aguacate shrugs. "Well, darling, life is too short to dwell on negativity. I prefer to add a little spice and drama to it. Plus, it taught that guy a lesson he'll never forget."
Haja smiles. "You're right, Aguacate. We shouldn't let our setbacks define us. We're strong, talented queens, and we'll bounce back from this."
Zazu sniffles, wiping her tears away. "I guess... I just need to remember that I'm more than what others perceive me to be. I can be ditzy and passionate and still excel in this competition."
"You're absolutely right, Zazu. We all have unique qualities that make us special. We just need to stay true to ourselves and keep pushing forward." Crayola nods.
The safe racers enter the werkroom.
“How are you, my sister?” Jaslene smiles, looking at Fiore. “How are you going?”
“These girls…” Fiore gulps. “They’re too much.”
Jaslene cackles.
~
Welcome back, racers.
I’ve made some decisions.
Fiore, well done this week. You’re… safe.
Fiore grins.
Yasmin Raiz, keep it up. You’re… safe.
Yasmin bows.
Aguacate.
Aguacate shimmies a little.
This week, you made us laugh, you made us cheer, and we ATE. IT. UP.
Condragulations, you are the winner of this week’s challenge.
Aguacate smiles as everyone claps for her.
Aguacate: “Look at me! I am a CHAMPION!”
…
…
Crayola, you’re safe.
Crayola exhales sharply. “Thank you so much.”
That means Haja Hubiani and Zazu Nova, I’m sorry my dears, but you are up for elimination.
The time has come… for you to lip sync to your life!
**Your Disco Needs You by Kylie Minogue starts to play**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqtzMue6Izw
Good luck… and don’t fuck it up!
Zazu Nova: “I love to perform. I want this, so bad… and I am giving everything.”
Haja Hubiani: “I know I can survive this. There’s no other option.”
~
Next Time!
Racers, it’s time to HOST YOUR OWN FESTIVAL!
“...Don’t you love this idea?” Jaslene looks at Fiore, wearing a huge hat.
“No.” Fiore responds.
I need you to have fun with it, Omari.
King Omari Star: “Don’t I look like I am having fun?!”
“Will you marry me?” Aguacate looks at Granny, who screams.
~
Stats
Voting
Spreadsheet

i lost my best friend january 7th of this month. i’ll always remember the date. i only had him for three short years when i took him to the vet and they told me he had something called a blocked tom. i hadn’t heard of it before that day. we did everything together. the spot where he slept beside my head feels so empty even now, months after him being gone. i sometimes sleep with his ashes so i don’t feel so alone. it’s been almost 6 months and i’m still a mess. he comforted me when i cried, followed me everywhere. he took care of me just as much as i took care of him. i wear the collar he had on when i took him into the vet’s office as a bracelet, and sometimes i hear the bell when i move my arm and i look around for him. it still doesn’t feel real. he was my little buddy, we cuddled for hours with him napping on my chest, i miss it so much, i miss him with my whole heart. i still expect to see him when i come home, i still have all his things set up, and i still have his cat food on the shelf. i’m not sure if it ever gets better. but i hope it does

My first recap, was pretty long and very random discussions throughout 😂 apologies for the grammar in advance as well, lol
EDIT: Edited for clarity.

• They recap VPR in the beginning, Mary starts around 32:23
• “How’s your heart?” - Mary says, full of love. Has a good life and people surrounding her.
• Season 6 - her thoughts and feelings about it.
• Expected the season to be easier since Christine is gone.
• Describes Nicole as a new cast member but is a long-time friend and officiated her wedding. Saw the drama unfold and did not expect it. Jason was the only one aware of the situation and he didn’t want to be involved.
• Regarding the Chrishell x Nicole drama: Remembers Nicole originally getting upset for bringing Nicole and Chrishell onto Jason’s listing. In the beginning, Nicole did a lot more work and Jason brought Chrishell on for a learning experience. Chrishell posted on IG about the house being sold and Nicole found out it was going to be featured on the show and got upset. Mary was unsure how it played out since it was a long time ago. Says the drama wasn’t going to come off the way Nicole wanted because of her experience on the show since they won’t show the drama one sided and take her side but also will hear out Chrishell’s side.
• Mary mentions no cast member will be afforded more protection than anyone else. However, Mary mentions Chrishell is never going to look bad (but mentions they are “being more honest” in season 7 so maybe a hint there that Chrishell might look a bit bad there?)
• Mary says Palm Springs was a total shit-show. Her dad also had a health thing that she found out about while arriving to Palm Springs, and was also in the process of buying a house and moving - so had a lot going on. There was 4 days of filming and not all of it was shown.
• They talk briefly about Bre and Nick Cannon’s relationship, and Chelsea’s opinions over the relationship.
• Mary says Chelsea’s too opinionated (and subtly says she’s self righteous). Mentions Chelsea does not give help but just dishes out her opinions.
• Regarding topics and boundaries for the show, Mary calls beforehand any cast members which things they can discuss on camera.
• Nick says if anyone is “in it to win it” and Mary responses that Chelsea is in it for herself and to win (previously was Christine).
• They talk about how Chrishell is the “protagonist” and how Mary doesn’t care about the limelight. She competes for listings rather than fighting for screen time, etc.
• They talk about Nicole and how she is very self aware, funny and overall fun to be around. Because of this, Nick asks if Nicole thought she would be the new Christine and new villain. Mary thinks Nicole thought she was coming in as a badass and came in telling her side of the story. And since it wasn’t coming across, she was trying to explain it more because she wanted people to know from her side what happened.
• Chrishell’s drug accusation: Nick mentions Chrishell accused Nicole on being on drugs to discredit her. Mary says they don’t show the scene where she goes and talks to Chrishell in her room before being mic’d up asking her why she accused her knowing Nicole is very animated in her gestures. Mary thinks it’s a dig and that Chrishell apologized to Nicole for the accusation (later is asked how Chrishell apologized but did not go into detail for it). Overall, she was shocked by the accusation and saddened that Nicole had to get a drug test. Mary thinks Nicole is smart for that since it’s her reputation on the line.
• Mary mentions how she’s learning the OC market and discusses guest appearances on the Selling the OC and how she likes the cast members (she specifically named Polly).
• Chrishell and Amanza drama: will unfold in S7. Thinks both were right and wrong and won’t choose a side or discuss more in detail.
• Nick asks if Mary thinks Jason will marry Mary Lou and she says no and does not think he will marry anyone else until he’s atleast 60. (spoiler alert: 😂)
• The three week vacation Jason took: Nick speculates that Jason doesn’t like to admit he’s wrong and asks how does Mary manage his ego. She says she doesn’t see Jason the way the public sees him since they help each other out. Regarding the responsibilities Jason put on mary, she thinks Jason didn’t think too much about it at the time when he handed off the responsibilities and has apologized since.
• Nick and Mary briefly talk about reality tv shows and how how Mary doesn’t watch them because it’s too much drama. She does enjoy love is blind and her favorite couple from the most season was Brett and Tiffany and mentions meeting them at a Netflix event.
• Nick asks “who’s there for the right reasons (real estate)?” Mary mentions her and Jason are there for the right reasons and won’t answer who is there for the fame and glory and subtly mentions there are some real estate agents that aren’t really driven for real estate.
• Nick asks areas for improvement he would like Emma to make (not sure why she was specifically singled out). On the show, everyone dresses up a bit more and she wears short skirts/dresses. Mary says doesn’t have any criticisms for Emma but would have advice for Chelsea. Says Chelsea needs to stay out of other people’s personal business and not to come for Mary’s job. However, Mary gives Chelsea kudos for being ambitious and forgives her for coming for Mary’s job. Mary does not think Chelsea has the right personality for the job because she’s very opinionated and would project her own personal opinions onto the employees. Mary found out about how Chelsea was coming for her job at the same time we as viewers did. Has not discussed with Chelsea or reached out to talk about it.
• Discussing Chrishell and Jason’s breakup: during the original breakup, the breakup made it difficult to choose who to hang out with during hangouts. You would have to choose one of the either, which ultimately impacted the amount of time spent together with either party. Mary also had to deal with a family emergency at the same time of Jason and Chrishell’s breakup, and was embryo freezing during that time. She has since apologized to C.
• Nick also asks if she is friends with Nicole still to which she responds yes. Doesn’t think Chrishell and Nicole will ever reconcile.
• They discuss (TW) Mary’s miscarriage and her embryo freezing. Didn’t expect it to happen and was shocking. Found out at the doctor and how the baby stopped growing from the last appointment. And was carrying the baby. Was heartbreaking. Romaine didn’t understand what was going on. Didn’t process it in the beginning and couldn’t talk about it. She kept herself busy with work and events. (Can listen in detail around 1hr 26 minutes if you want to hear more details, but don’t want to write out of respect of her story). Towards the end, she mentions they will try another round of embryo freezing.
  
• Summer plans: going to Vancouver, Romaine’s 30th bday, Tulum trip with Nicole and other friends, Italy (Florence) trip with Romaine’s mom and family.
  

Overall thoughts: The interview is all over the place really, and some questions aren’t answered or she says “I don’t know”.
These are the main points in my opinion. Feel free to add anything I may have missed.

Any veteran reader who comments in the newbie thread will be banned from WoT for 5 days. Please read the full the rules before commenting.
This is the newbie thread. Visit the veteran thread if you have already read the series.
Subscribe to the read-along without subscribing to /WoT by clicking here and clicking the FOLLOW button at the top right. (This only works on desktop, but the alerts will be sent to mobile apps as well).
For more information, or to see the full schedule for all previous entries, please see the wiki page for the read-along.
BOOK NINE SCHEDULE
This week we will be discussing Book Nine: Winter's Heart, Chapters 26 through 31.
Next week we will be discussing Book Nine: Winter's Heart, Chapters 32 through 35.

• May 3: Prologue and Chapters 1 through 3
• May 10: Chapters 4 through 10
• May 17: Chapters 11 through 17
• May 24: Chapters 18 through 25
• May 31: Chapters 26 through 31 <--- You are here.
• June 7: Chapters 32 through 35
• June 14: The Path of Daggers - Final Thoughts & Trivia

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
I have provided summaries for each chapter below and hidden them behind spoiler tags. There are no spoilers within the summaries. I've tried to make them as factual and unbiased as possible. If, however, you want a completely blind read through, then ignore what's behind the spoiler tags and proceed to the discussion below. I will not be guiding that in any way, so post any thoughts and questions you have. It will be other new readers who reply to you.
​
Chapter 26: Expectation
Chapter Icon: The Wheel of Time
Date: February 23-24
Summary:
Elayne catches up with Egwene in the Emond's Field of Tel'aran'rhiod, then wakes to receive her reports. Merilille returns, having found the location of the rumored Borderland armies.
​
Chapter 27: To Surprise Queens and Kings
Chapter Icon: The White Lion of Andor
Date: February 24
Summary:
Elayne visits the Borderland armies and grants them permission to march south across Andor in search of the Dragon Reborn. She returns, exhausted, only to learn that her fellow claimants for the throne have begun marching on the city. Caemlyn prepares for a siege.
​
Chapter 28: News in a Cloth Sack
Chapter Icon: Harp
Date: March 1
Summary:
Tylin and Suroth leave on a tour of Altara. Mat prepares to leave, spurred on by news that the gholam is still in the city and by Beslan's talk of insurrection. Juilin brings him two dresses and an a'dam in a sack.
​
Chapter 29: Another Plan
Chapter Icon: A'dam
Date: March 1
Summary:
Mat tests his plan for smuggling Joline from Ebou Dar, but Setalle Anan is unable to wear the a'dam bracelet. Bayle Domon corners Mat and takes him to Egeanin, who reveals that she helped Elayne and Nynaeve in Tanchico. Mat takes a gamble, asking Egeanin if she knows three sul'dam who can keep their mouths shut. It just so happens that she does.
​
Chapter 30: Cold, Fat Raindrops
Chapter Icon: Dice
Date: March 2
Summary:
Mat reviews the plan incessantly with the Band and arranges for a diversion, then waits in the darkness until Egeanin arrives with her sul'dam.
​
Chapter 31: What the Aelfinn Said
Chapter Icon: The Wheel of Time
Date: March 2
Summary:
Mat frees a Sea Folk damane while Egeanin collects Teslyn and Edesina. He runs into Tylin—returned early—and Tuon, who he fights, ties up, and intends to leave behind, until he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Mat tells everyone that Tuon is his wife, and takes her with him.

Please read the full the rules before commenting.
This is the veteran thread. Visit the newbie thread if this is your first time reading.
For more information, or to see the full schedule for all previous entries, please see the wiki page for the read-along.
BOOK NINE SCHEDULE
This week we will be discussing Book Nine: Winter's Heart, Chapters 26 through 31.
Next week we will be discussing Book Nine: Winter's Heart, Chapters 32 through 35.

• May 3: Prologue and Chapters 1 through 3
• May 10: Chapters 4 through 10
• May 17: Chapters 11 through 17
• May 24: Chapters 18 through 25
• May 31: Chapters 26 through 31 <--- You are here.
• June 7: Chapters 32 through 35
• June 14: The Path of Daggers - Final Thoughts & Trivia

CHAPTER SUMMARIES
I have provided summaries of each chapter we will be discussing. I've tried to make them unbiased, but if you see anything that could be construed as spoilery, please point them out because I'm using these same summaries in the newbie thread. I'd like to keep their experience as spoiler-free as possible, so even if I make a tiny mistake, please let me know.
I usually make a comment for each chapter, but feel free to start your own comment thread to discuss anything you want.
​
Chapter 26: Expectation
Chapter Icon: The Wheel of Time
Date: February 23-24
Summary:
Elayne catches up with Egwene in the Emond's Field of Tel'aran'rhiod, then wakes to receive her reports. Merilille returns, having found the location of the rumored Borderland armies.
​
Chapter 27: To Surprise Queens and Kings
Chapter Icon: The White Lion of Andor
Date: February 24
Summary:
Elayne visits the Borderland armies and grants them permission to march south across Andor in search of the Dragon Reborn. She returns, exhausted, only to learn that her fellow claimants for the throne have begun marching on the city. Caemlyn prepares for a siege.
​
Chapter 28: News in a Cloth Sack
Chapter Icon: Harp
Date: March 1
Summary:
Tylin and Suroth leave on a tour of Altara. Mat prepares to leave, spurred on by news that the gholam is still in the city and by Beslan's talk of insurrection. Juilin brings him two dresses and an a'dam in a sack.
​
Chapter 29: Another Plan
Chapter Icon: A'dam
Date: March 1
Summary:
Mat tests his plan for smuggling Joline from Ebou Dar, but Setalle Anan is unable to wear the a'dam bracelet. Bayle Domon corners Mat and takes him to Egeanin, who reveals that she helped Elayne and Nynaeve in Tanchico. Mat takes a gamble, asking Egeanin if she knows three sul'dam who can keep their mouths shut. It just so happens that she does.
​
Chapter 30: Cold, Fat Raindrops
Chapter Icon: Dice
Date: March 2
Summary:
Mat reviews the plan incessantly with the Band and arranges for a diversion, then waits in the darkness until Egeanin arrives with her sul'dam.
​
Chapter 31: What the Aelfinn Said
Chapter Icon: The Wheel of Time
Date: March 2
Summary:
Mat frees a Sea Folk damane while Egeanin collects Teslyn and Edesina. He runs into Tylin—returned early—and Tuon, who he fights, ties up, and intends to leave behind, until he learns that she is the Daughter of the Nine Moons. Mat tells everyone that Tuon is his wife, and takes her with him.

DRAGI ZMIJANAC: “It is a challenge to be the leader of this great global movement!” Founder and President of the First Children's Embassy in the World MEGJASHI - MACEDONIA
https://preview.redd.it/1hz5adgry73b1.jpg?width=688&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57bd5ad684d37f617bd81b483439333b081bbb98
INTERVIEW
******
DRAGI ZMIJANAC: “It is a challenge to be the leader of this great global movement!”
*Being a pillar and the head of the First Children’s Embassy in the world MEGJASHI is a feeling and experience that only you a familiar with. There were no working conditions, you were the one who created them over all these past years completely oriented towards children, you were alone against the established rules and patterns of behavior, prejudices, discriminations, institutions, loopholes in the law, and above all the mentality of the environment that we live in, as a transitioning society. MEGJASHI is grounded by the milestones of your struggle for children's rights, you leave values ​​behind you, and traces. What motivated you to embark on this great struggle, maybe the fact that you are a parent yourself?
- In the beginning, we were the three pillars - Gorde, Kole and I, and as time passed, more pillars were built into this global children's movement called the First Children’s Embassy in the world MEGJASHI, which represents children and has been fighting for a fairer world for children for 30 years. Since you already asked me about the feeling and experience that I have experienced throughout all these 30 years, the one thing that I can emphasize is that you cannot build something significant and motivating only if you want it, if you are dedicated and believe in what you are doing. It takes persistence and courage in order to see the outlines of the structure, from the very beginning and in the first few years. Now when I look back, I have to admit to myself that everything has to be earned, through work, belief, perseverance and honesty. When you strongly want something and believe in what you are doing, the Universe has your back. Change does not happen overnight. You need to stand strong, be mobile, resilient to attacks and blows and come out stronger after every battle. Defending and fighting for a fairer world for children is not only difficult, but also inspiring. I saw this challenge as an opportunity to be a driver and leader in this great worldwide movement called the First Children’s Embassy in the world. Recognizable and recognized all over the world. It is the pillar of success. Everything else builds upon it, complements it, changes it and pushes it forward. We are here and exist because we are needed. I often joke when I say that if this embassy, ​​the first one in the world, whose heart is in Macedonia, did not exist, it would have to be invented. And, since it exists and continuously proves itself, creates, creates, it should be selflessly supported and helped. In one of UNICEF's manuals, the author, Ms. Sue Gilbert wrote: “Macedonia is famous for children’s rights, because that’s where the First Children’s Embassy in the world, MEGHASHI, was formed”.
The conditions when we started working to help and support children affected by the war in former Yugoslavia were tense, the war had started. Gordana Pirkovska Zmijanac, who is the initiator and founder of the First Children’s Embassy in the world MEGJASHI, appealed for the care of children affected by the war. At her strong insistence, the editor Ljubisha Nikolovski allowed her to make an appeal for solidarity, for help and care for the children affected by the war, on the prime news block of the Macedonian national television. The appeal reached Macedonian citizens. And that's how it all started. It was on April 12, 1992. While Gordana was on MTV, I was at home, I recorded her appeal, the phone rang continuously, I registered all the calls and requests from citizens to take a child under their in their homes. It was real solidarity and humanity in action. That's how we started, as an informal citizen initiative. Due to the fact that we agitated and mobilized all state institutions and demanded the opening of children's resorts, hotels, etc., we realized that we had to get formalized as an organization. On April 29, we had the Founding Assembly in the “Karposh” Youth Home (Pionerski dom), and we got officially registered as a civil soviety organization at in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, back then, on May 25, 1992. Otherwise, I draw the main motive, inspiration and incentive in this struggle from my childhood. I grew up in conditions of social and educational injustice and neglect. I grew up in a family with a single mother. I grew up in a dysfunctional family. The conditions were hrash. Not to mention bordering on poverty and social injustice. But for me as a person it posed a major challenge - to either become strong or to break down. I chose the fight for justice and it has been my guide all these years in my life. It is my life energy, mission and vision. I know that I was not born by accident and I have a task to do something. At least to change and improve things a little. Injustice affects me. And that's why I'm often rebellious, I speak loudly about it and I'm not afraid to raise my voice. My voice is the echo of millions of children. That's how I bring myself up and enter from one battle to another. I know it's difficult, painful, uncertain, but I'm waiting, I'm patient and I'm watching even the smallest changes as a big step forward towards a fairer world for children.
*It is subtle job to deal with children's rights, first of all you need be familiar with all the laws, as well as the mechanisms of their functioning in reality. At the same time, it is not easy at all, because we live in conditions in which society, instead of facilitating, gives resistance against the citizens and their needs, many rights are violated, and many crimes against children are concealed in a well-organized manner. Did all that resistance scare you, this entire situation around you that created pressure, did it discourage you at times?
- Sometimes I feel that our work stagnates. That's the initial impression. There is an improvement in the defense of children's rights, but the state institutions sometimes seem to shift the responsibility between each other. They are not sufficiently efficient and mobile, they do not implement violence prevention in time, they only impose sanctions when there is a case of incest or death, which is a belated measure. The level of abuse of children in Macedonia is constantly increasing, and this is due to the aggressiveness, loneliness and alienation of children, they are increasingly left to fend for themselves. First of all, the most important thing is that we broke the silence surrounding children's suffering, we spoke publicly about all the problems that children in Macedonia face, which were previously shameful and scary to talk about, we encouraged children to talk about violence, to recognize us as protectors of children's rights, as their advocates. Of course, we have instruments, indicators, how to reach information about the problems that children encounter. In 1993, we opened the SOS telephone line for children and youth, now known as “Hello, Bushavko” 070 390 632. This hotline for children has been operating for 29 years, so far over 21,000 children, parents, guardians, relatives have contacted it to report child abuse, violence, violation of children's rights. We use our mechanisms to resist and often with the help of the media we exert pressure, sometimes we can be even louder than what is expected of us, to push the state institutions into working with maximum functionality and efficiency, in defense of children's rights. To respect the best interest of the child. The motto of the Children’s Embassy MEGJASHI is that “All the ideals in the world are less important than the tears of a child”.
*It has been proven that in order to improve a child's right or at least to initiatite a change, unfortunately, one has to see or experience the worst example or incident. After all, we can't do anything about those sad and devastating facts or terrible statistics, but we can build a fairer children's world on their foundations and on the basis of lessons learned.
- In the fight for a fairer world for children, we upturned many taboos, stereotypes, opened up and initiated the solution to many problems affecting children, prioritized the importance of respecting children's personality and their best interests. We broke the silence about the children suffering from sexual abuse, from physical violence, from the problems they have when their parents’ divorce, from the sadness due to the secrecy of adopted children not having access to their biological parents, from the everyday problems that children encounter, from bullying, from the fact that there are still children without a birth certificate, children whose labor is abused, children who are not included in primary education or are prevented from completing their education. But what worries me the most in recent years is air pollution and the carcinogenic particles that children breathe. Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death in children because that air permanently crosses the blood-brain barrier and permanently damages a child's developing brain. Due to the negligence and absence of measures against the extremely polluted air in Macedonia, the most basic right of the children is violated and threatened - the right to life according to Article 6 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was ratified by the Republic of Macedonia in 1993.
*You were a scanner and with your work you brought to light the fact that, in fact, children are not deviant towards society, but that society is completely upside down towards them. That what they do is, in fact, only a response to the irresponsible behavior of adults and that all of us together bear responsibility.
-Society and state institutions are often deviant towards children. Instead of being their support and help, they often act against their needs and interests. Very often when they do not act properly or act wrongly, the state does not have a mechanism to sanction those who are responsible, but rather protects them. And so the problems only deepen, and the state and institutions become complicit in the dysfunctionality of the system. There are many examples in practice. The alienation between the child and the parent is a deviation that adults and society are responsible for, and such direct and irresponsible behavior affects the proper growth and development of the child. It is difficult for parents from dysfunctional and broken former marital relations after leaving the marital union to be participants in functional and responsible parenting. Joint and responsible parenting even after divorce should be focused on what is most important, which is the best interest of the child. The child should not feel guilty about the divorce and should live a normal life, receiving attention from both parents equally, because the termination of the marital union puts an end to the marriage, but not to the process of parenting. The mother and the father are equally important and significant for the correct growth and development of the child and under no cirscumstances should a child be put in a situation to choose between them. Divorce is the end of marriage, not the end of parening, the child needs love from both parents during the process of growing into a healthy individual to avoid deviant phenomena in adolescence. The child is not to blame for the divorce and must not feel any remorse. The child should not feel guilty about the divorce and should live a normal life, receiving attention from both parents equally, because the divorce of the marital union is the termination of the marriage, but not the termination of parentage. The mother and the father are equally important and significant for the correct growth and development of the child and it should not be put in a situation to choose under any circumstances. Divorce is the end of marriage, not the end of parenthood, the child needs love from both parents during the process of growing into a healthy individual to avoid deviant phenomena in adolescence. The child is not to blame for the divorce and must not feel any remorse.
*Society really swallows up children's rights. The youngest seem to be the most discriminated against and have no way to defend themselves from the adults, unless another adult helps them. Young people need to know that there is a solution to their problem, even though it seems like the whole world has collapsed on them. You indicated this through numerous engagements and campaigns. What would you single out in particular?
- We live in a completely divided society along ethnic, social, educational and any other lines. We live with rude and aggressive, violent behaviors towards those different from ourselves. We live in a segregated society in which students from different ethnic communities study in different schools. Although we each speak our own language, we rarely understand each other when it comes to building trust, shared values ​​and life. That's why we decided to launch the campaign “Foster Peace”, to stir things up and be part of the change, acting both individually and as a civil organization, and on a collective level. At the same time, let's ask the state to be more mobile in terms of what we ask of it, to nurture, build and promote values ​​such as empathy, solidarity, responsibility, dialogue and non-violence.
*Generally, it is a great injustice - with their existence, children paint the world with the warmest and most cheerful colors, and the world often shamelessly paints their childhood in the darkest, gray, sad colors, in the color of tears. We all need to change our attitude towards
children and we must educate them about their rights. You have done a lot in this direction. What is most valuable in all of this?
- One of the most difficult traumas that can happen to a child is sexual abuse. And this trauma is shrouded in silence for many years. But we raised our voices and spoke clearly and loudly about these traumas suffered by the children and sought solutions. Both preventive and punitive. The strong advocacy, support and lobbying of the First Children’s Embassy MEGJASHI for stricter sanctions against sex offenders, incest perpetrators, pedophiles, especially towards children under the age of 14, bore fruit, three out of our four recommendations were accepted and I think that in this way there is an opportunity to put this pathological phenomenon under control, especially when it comes to recidivism. What we advocated for was accepted, drug therapy or chemical castration, a minimum of 15 years in prison, but they did not accept the wearing of electronic bracelets after the pedophile leaves the prison institution. We believe that chemical castration should be mandatory as a measure, especially for recidivists and that it should be established immediately after leaving the prison institution and the pedophile will thus be helped not to repeat the crime, because the Children's Embassy advocates for lifetime in prison for every repeated offender. This is not corporal punishment, because it affects the psyche, i.e. the mental disorder that the pedophile has because he is not able to control his drive and libido, and in this way we believe that we are helping the pedophile, as well as the children, not to commit these crimes again.
*All of the people in the Embassy have experience in all directions, profound, extensive, long-lasting, and each of you can write a thick book of experiences. Can you recall which was the most difficult moment for you in all these 30 years, and which was the brightest and the greatest source of pride?
-”The girl fell on the rolling pin and lost her virginity”, this is how the case of the then nine-year-old girl, who was raped by her mother's friend, ended somehow. Case closed! In cases of sexual offenses, the procedure for determining the origin of the injuries cannot be performed by a gynecologist, but exclusively by a forensic medicine expert. But back then no one reported the case to forensic medicine, where if there had been a case of rape, it would have been discovered due to the specificities of the injuries. It is interesting to note that the two injuries that the gynecologist found could not have been caused by one fall, or even by any rolling pin, but were done on at least two occasions. So, the case was closed, there were neither suspects nor was anyone accused. Macedonia will remain the only country in the world where “virginity is lost by falling on a rolling pin!”
Then, we helped thousands of children affected by the war in the former Yugoslavia, responded to the challenges of rescuing and evacuating children from Bosnia and Herzegovina and taking them into care in Macedonia. We responded to the Kosovo crisis and worked with the children in the camps in Radusha, Bojane, Chegrane, Stenkovec 1 and 2 in the period between 1999 and 2000. During the conflict in Macedonia in 2001 we opened a Shelter for Internally Displaced Persons and took care of 16 people, they were taken care of at the Children's Embassy MEGJASHI during a period of five years. Three babies were born here - Alexander, Marija and Nikola. We responded to the migrant crisis. We had a rapid response humanitarian action to help the children from the flood in Skopje, the children who fled from Syria and were taken care of in Turkey. We also adequately responded with humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, by distributing aid to the competent institutions and providing them with overall protective equipment, gloves and masks…
*You moved a world from inside to outside, from invisible to visible, you instigated changes. Going back through the timeline, you can see how quixotic your work was, but then you add things up at the end, when it all comes together, you manage to see the scope of work and the conclusion that nothing was in vain. That MEGJASHI became a “moral” home for any child, barefoot, hungry and starving, but also for those who have a roof over their heads and dream of higher goals... That MEGJASHI became a school for transformation towards democracy and children's rights and managed to impose many positive changes. *Was it worth it?
- The state is more focused on the legal amendments and what the legal norms stipulate, and less or in some parts it is not mentioned at all how those legal provisions are applied in practice. There is no established system of monitoring how the laws are implemented, nor is there any information that an adequate analysis has been made as to what funds are needed for the implementation of the laws. The omission in the protection of children's rights usually occurs during the implementation of laws, and in certain cases it happens due to legislative gaps and inadequate regulation of certain issues. For example, there are laws where it is stipulated that the child has a certain right, but it does not specify how the child can exercise that right, through which procedure, before which authority and in accordance with which law. Such legal solutions are unenforceable in practice and instead of promoting children's rights, they represent an additional obstacle. But yes! It was worth it. The Children's Embassy has not only become a school for transformation towards democracy and children's rights, but also strengthens and encourages children's activism and participation. Namely, Macedonia is one of the few countries in the world that has managed, for the second time, to prepare an Alternative Report on the situation with children's rights in Macedonia - from the children's perspective. To submit, present and defend it in front of the members of the Committee on the Rights of the Child at the UN. Children state that they are victims of various forms of violence, among which bullying is the most common, and emphasize that schools should do much more to educate children to prevent this type of violence. They point to the problems in education, which are numerous, including the poor quality of teaching, insufficient care for hygiene, inadequate conditions for children with disabilities and insufficient care for children's mental health. However, they believe that polluted air, especially in winter days, as well as illegal landfills, factories near populated areas are part of the environmental problems that children face, and they believe that there is neither sufficient awareness nor sufficient care on the part of the government. Not to mention any liability and criminal prosecution. They listed many other problems that children face. We expect the specific recommendations from the Committee on Children's Rights to arrive soon. But, also specifically their implementation and realization by the Macedonian state. Our engagement will still be necessary here, because in every report so far there were numerous problems that children were facing, that have been noted down in the reports sent to the Committee, and are repeated.
*The hard-working team of the Embassy, very gently and carefully, with filigree-like precisions, weaved a network of children's rights. And, with your relentless persistence, you made people to increasingly realize that children's rights are not one or two and that there is no right dosage for fulfillment of children's rights, they need to be exercised down to the last percent. And no matter what is settled, new rights always arise that the heirs of the world deserve. *According to you personally, what is the first most inviolable and supreme right of every single child, wherever he/she may be on this Planet?
- The right to a healthy environment. The right to life. The population most affected by air pollution is children. Air pollution has a harmful effect on children's health. The negative effects of air pollution on children begin even before they are born. The polluted air that pregnant women breathe can lead to damage to the fetus and its development. Polluted air also leads to reduced body weight at birth, premature births, various anomalies in newborn children whose mothers were exposed to polluted air during pregnancy. Children who breathe polluted air have an increased number of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. As a result of frequent infections of the respiratory organs, permanent damage to the lungs and chronic diseases that last a lifetime can occur, such as asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis. As a result of polluted air, there is also a disturbance in the development of the central nervous system in children, a change in the immune system, and the occurence of malignant diseases. Air pollution directly affects children and their right to life. Namely, according to data from the World Health Organization, more than one in every four deaths of children under the age of five is directly or indirectly related to exposure of children to air pollution. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. Children inhale a larger amount of air, and thus a larger amount of harmful substances.
*What other message would you like to send?
- In the upcoming period, we plan to focus on achieving the following long-term goals of the organization, such as respecting and understanding the rights of children and children's personality; promoting and advancing the culture of peace and non-violence among children from an early age, mobilizing, updating and undertaking initiatives and actions for the benefit of children; joint and responsible parenting even after divorce, children having the right to find out who their biological parents are, the right to a healthy environment and clean air, and the struggle to mobilize and build functional institutions that act in the best interest of children.

http://www.megjashi.org.mk/content/pdf/MONOGRAPH%20%20First%20Childrens%20Embassy%20in%20the%20World%20MEGJASHI%201992-2022%20,%2030%20years.pdf

​
******

Would someone be able to draw a spring eladrin for me?
​
Name: Zenrian (Zen) Dayedarai
Age: ~16 in human years/~27 in elvin years
Class: Circle of Spores Druid
Race: Eladrin Elf (Spring form)
Build: 5' 9", lean but slightly muscular
Pose: Something dynamic having to do with casting a spell through his staff. (my mind is blanking on poses right now-)
Hair & Eyes: medium ginger hair pulled up into a small fluffy ponytail. Eyes: white sclera, yellow iris, and dark yellow slit pupils, eye shape is doe eye with a hint of siren eye towards the inner corners of the eye.
Outfit: Greenish, goblincore themed outfit with wood plates over shoulders that have mushrooms on top of them as well as moss. Outfit consists of: darker green overalls, a cream-colored long puffed-sleeve top, acorn earrings, short height light brown boots that have white laces, brown leather cuffs around wrists, and butterfly pins all over the outfit (pins look like real butterflies). Hands are always wrapped in bandaging.
Extra: vines running down both arms, goblincore-esque, crowcore accessories, with aspects of cottagecore bracelets and necklaces, has a mushroom hat on head, has a long wooden staff which looks to be splintered and well-used, staff has a green heart-shaped gem on top, the staff also splits at the top making a circle-like curve for the gem to fit into, has a scar running from his upper left eye to his lower left lip from battling a hobgoblin, and has a pet owlbear cub named Cedrick.
Owlbear cub: like a great horned owl owlbear, has huge adorable eyes with large pupils.

Introduction of Kaghan Valley, KPK Pakistan

This is a blog post about my journey to Pakistan one of the most beautiful tourist attraction spots in Khyber pukhtoon khan province, District Manserha. KPK is renowned for its beauty and hospitality. The northern Pakistan areas are covered with mountains and lush green trees. It is an adventurous and eye-catching location for tourists. This area is full of tourists in summer; People from all over the world come and explore its beauty every year. KPK is not far from the capital city of Islamabad. It is a well-developed area with public transportation, telecommunication, and accommodation services. All services are available easily. People are well-educated and communicate in English as an international language. Overall, this place is good in terms of environment and services. As a tourist, I am going to explore rounding areas with images and written information.

The Beauty of Kaghan Valley, KPK Pakistan

This summer of 2023 my first destination is kaghan valley in the northern province of Pakistan. Kaghan is a famous destination in Pakistan for many reasons. In many historical books, we find kaghan a place of beauty and romance. Kaghan Valley is located in the Mansehra district of KPK. It is about 158 kilometers northeast of the capital city of Islamabad. This valley is full of the beauty of tall green trees, blue sky, and white snow-covered Himalayan mountains series. Landscapes and waterfalls make this place more beautiful for tourists. The best time to visit kaghan valley is in summer from the month of April to September because the rest of the months, these areas are covered with snow.

The Tourists Attraction Point Of Kaghan Valley Are:

Scenic Beauty: When you enter this beautiful valley, the mountains cool wind, clouds, and mountains well-come you there. Kaghan Valley is surrounded by towering mountains, lush green meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and flowing rivers. The picturesque beauty of the valley attracts nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and photographers. The first thing people like to run here and there. They feel excited and fun with the scenic beauty of kaghan valley. People love to take photos and make videos.
Lake Saif-ul-Malook: This stunning alpine lake is one of the major attractions in Kaghan Valley. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Lake Saif-ul-Malook is known for its turquoise waters and offers boating and hiking opportunities. Lake Saif-ul-Malook has a historical background. Local Poets use the beauty of saif-ul-malook in their romantic and natural poetry. In most of the local poetry, poets precise the beauty of this lake in their books. This place is the gift of nature for this world. Moreover, a Muslim Sufi saint Main Muhammad Bakhsh tells the story of the Egyptian price and local princes' love story. I must say If you are a tourist must go and check the history of Saif-ul-Malook in local libraries and on the Internet.
Babusar Pass: The highest tourist spot in this area, where you have only 3 months to visit from May to August. Babusar Pass is a high mountain pass located at an elevation of 4,173 meters (13,691 feet) above sea level. It connects Kaghan Valley with the Gilgit-Baltistan region and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Babusar Top as I told you the top place in kaghan and most of the time weather is rainy and cloudy here.
Siri PAYE: Siri PAYE is a scenic plateau located near Shogran, another popular tourist spot in Kaghan Valley. It is famous for its lush green meadows, grazing horses, and panoramic views of Makra Peak. You can find here very beautiful horses.
Hiking and Trekking: If you love hiking and trekking as your favorite hobbies then come in June and July. Kaghan Valley is a beautiful place for hiking and trekking. Several trekking routes and trails lead to high-altitude lakes, glaciers, and peaks. The most famous trek in the region is the trek to Ansoo Lake, which is known for its unique tear-shaped formation.
Local Culture and Hospitality: Well not only here in all areas of Pakistan you will get the best hospitality culture. People love to serve you with a great heart. The people of Kaghan Valley are known for their warm hospitality and rich culture. Visitors can experience the local lifestyle, taste traditional cuisine, and witness colorful festivals celebrated in the area. I must say you need to shop from local markets and bazaars. Because you love to get discounts as tourists. It’s unexpected but people love to present gifts.
Activities in Kaghan Valley, KPK Pakistan
This area of Pakistan is full of activities. If you plan to visit Pakistan's northern areas, you need to plan a holiday trip. You need at least 10 days to complete only this kaghan area. You have local transportation facilities. I recommend you hire a local tourist Guide. Because locals are well aware of the area. The road network is good and you have internet services here. Kicking, trekking, boating, camping, dining, and local festivals are the best activities here in this area.

Hello,
I'm selling off my collection. Shipping varies. Will send pictures when requested.

Game	Console	Price	Condition
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D	Nintendo 3DS	13	Cart Only
Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution	Nintendo Switch	10	CiB NO CARDS
Super Mario Party	Nintendo Switch	28	CiB
Monster Hunter Rise	Nintendo Switch	12	CiB
Animal Crossing: New Horizon	Nintendo Switch	35	CiB
Mario and Sonic at the olympic games	Nintendo Switch	15	CiB in a gamestop box
Rayman Legends Definitive Edition	Nintendo Switch	5	Box only
Dark Souls Trilogy	PS4	75	CiB
Days Gone	PS4	5	CiB
Elden Ring	PS4	28	CiB
KH: All in one Package	PS4	20	CiB
Monster Hunter World	PS4	5	CiB
Yakuza 6	PS4	10	CiB
AC: Origins	PS4	5	Box only
Wild Heart	PS5	35	CiB
Final Fantasy XIII	X360	5	CiB
Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania	XONE	5	CiB
The Banner Saga Trilogy: Bonus Edition	XONE	10	SEALED
Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age	XONE	10	SEALED
Mortal Kombat XL	XONE	5	CD only
White Playstation Vita OLED		120	w/ charger moded
New Nintendo 2DS XL Black & Turquoise		180	as is good condition
Nintendo 2DS Electric Blue		60	good condition

^{Table formatting brought to you by ExcelToReddit}

I am currently in the midst of downsizing my collection. I bought a Rolex Submariner several months ago and am moving on my Grand Seiko white birch and Omega Seamaster.
I’m looking to purchase something to exist with the Submariner. I previously owned a titanium Grand Seiko SBGA415 and absolutely loved the light weight case, so have my heart set on getting another Ti watch.
The two most obvious choices that come to mind and the Tudor Pelagos 39 and the Grand Seiko Shunbun. Those watches are obviously quite similar to what I own/have owned previously, but that doesn’t really bother me. I love the style of both.
I’d really appreciate some suggestions of other titanium bracelets. Budget is flexible, but shouldn’t exceed $10k.
Thanks for your help :)

I’ve worked in a jewelry store for several years, and it’s a pretty routine job. One of the best parts of the job is when you work with a customer who is celebrating something, and you get to be part of their excitement and happiness. That’s a big part of the experience of buying jewelry. Someone isn’t just buying a ring or a watch, they are commemorating a moment, and the jewelry is simply a tangible symbol of that. And sometimes those tangible reminders of timeless moments need to be repaired for one reason or another. That was what started my strangest experience on the job.
It was a Wednesday afternoon when the first customer came in. An older gentleman wearing a flawlessly tailored three-piece suit, he had slicked back grey hair and eyes that seemed to study everything they encountered.
“Hello, how may I assist you?” I asked him with a friendly nod when he approached me while I was at the counter.
“Yes, I’d like to have my watch repaired.”
“Of course. What is the issue?”
“The clasp isn’t working.” He took the watch out of his suit pocket and placed it on the counter. It was an expensive gold wristwatch with a small diamond in the center. To demonstrate, he tried to fasten it shut and it wouldn’t.
“I see. We can certainly fix that.”
Then I launched into our rates and prices, which he agreed to. Once he’d signed all the paperwork, his watch was taken to the back where it was properly cataloged and stored away until one of our professionals would fix the clasp. Once that was done, I went back to work and that was it.
I didn’t see the gentleman in the suit until a week later, and the watch was ready to be picked up. He came dressed in a different, but equally expensive suit. Then he gave his name, and I hustled to the back to pick up his now fixed watch.
Once he signed the paperwork confirming he’d picked up his order and paid the bill, he took the watch, placed it on his wrist, and closed the clasp, where it shut with a satisfying click. The gesture made him smile.
“Good job Michael,” he said to me.
“Thank you. Our staff are the best.”
“I know, that’s why I’ve always come here. There’s no chance I would go anywhere else for this. It means the world to me. I had a nasty spill at home, and the clasp was probably broken in the fall.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that.”
“That’s very kind of you. But I was fine. Lucky too. But anyhow, you have a wonderful day.”
“You do the same.” I smiled as he turned around and left the store.
I didn’t think anything more about him until about two weeks later when I saw on the news, he had been in a car accident close to where he lived. He was unharmed, but his car was completely totaled. No one would be able to fix that.
Since I was about to leave for work when I saw that, I shut off the TV and headed out. My day at work was uneventful until the end when a young woman in her late 20s walked into the store. By that time of day it was quiet, and she was the only customer. She was casually dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, and she looked like she felt a little out of place in the store.
“Hello, how may I assist you?” I asked as I gave her my most welcoming smile.
“Hi,” she smiled in return as she hesitantly walked to the counter. “I’d like to get a bracelet repaired.”
“Of course. And what bracelet would we be working on?”
“This one.” She reached in her sweatshirt pocket and took out a black velvet box. She opened it, took out the bracelet inside, and placed it gently on the counter. It was a beautiful gold bracelet dotted with sapphires. Right in the middle, there was an empty space where a sapphire should have been.
“It’s beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She nodded solemnly. “And here’s the sapphire that fell out.”
She reached into her pocket and took out a small plastic bag. The missing sapphire was inside.
“Very good.” I took the bag in hand, set it on the counter, and got to work with the paperwork. Once she had her pickup time in hand, she left the store, and I went to put both the bracelet and the bag with the sapphire away. I had just put both away when I got a very odd feeling. The best thing I can describe it as is unease. But I shrugged it off, reminding myself that the customer was obviously going through something. It happens a lot, as jewelry can be inherited for sad reasons, or just bring a lot of emotions to the surface. So I finished logging the order and returned to the counter.
I was there a week later when she returned for her repaired bracelet. This time she seemed slightly more at ease, and when she saw the repaired bracelet, her eyes lit up.
“Thank you so much,” she said with a wide smile. “I feel so much better now that it’s back to normal.”
“That’s terrific. That’s what we’re here for.”
“This bracelet means the world to me, so I was beyond upset to see it get damaged.”
“Completely understandable.”
“It was a gift from my husband. For our wedding anniversary. We took a vacation together and it was a disaster. Our luggage got stolen and it was downhill from there.”
“I’m truly sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you. And I’m sorry for rambling in the middle of your store.”
“No, it’s ok. That’s what we’re here for. Jewelry tells a story, and no two pieces tell the same story.”
“That makes a lot of sense.” She nodded. “Thanks again for your help.”
“Of course. Have a great day.”
“You too.”
She turned away from the counter and walked back outside. Then I went on with the rest of my day.
The rest of the month went by without anything noteworthy until one day, a woman with long grey hair came in towards the middle of my shift. She was dressed in a black business suit, wore glasses over intelligent green eyes, and carried a small black purse.
“Hello, how may I assist you?”
“Good afternoon, I was hoping to get a locket engraved.”
“We can certainly do that. Which locket would we be engraving?”
“This one.” She reached into her purse and took out an elegant gold locket, which she carefully placed on the counter.
“And what are we engraving on it?”
“For Marissa.”
I wrote that carefully on the order.
“And where do you want that?”
“Inside the locket.”
“And what script would you like?” I asked before I presented her with a list of the various options she could go with.
She studied it for a moment before she pointed to an option halfway down the list.
“That one.”
“Good choice.” I nodded approvingly before I wrote that into the order as well. “Is there anything else you would like to incorporate? Or that we should know before we file this order?”
“No, that’s it. It’s for my niece. She’s getting married.”
“Congratulations to her.”
“Thank you. We’ve always been very close, so I’m very happy for her.”
“That’s great.”
Then she finished signing the paperwork, and once she was able to leave the store, I filed away the order and the locket for our experts. The rest of the day passed by, until I was left to close the place up. I went through the end of shift routine, closed up, and headed to my car. As I was walking towards it, I suddenly got the feeling I was being watched. So I immediately looked around to check the area.
Nobody was watching me, and there was nothing going on. Still, I carefully walked to my car, got inside, and quickly left once I had locked the doors. I immediately felt better as I drove away.
I didn’t see the woman with the locket again, but she picked up her order, and my boss told me she was thrilled with it. I wasn’t surprised I wasn’t there, because I was on vacation that week. I’d long been looking forward to seeing my best friend Craig’s new cabin out in the woods, so the first chance I got, I’d made plans with him to go see it.
It didn’t disappoint. It was like something out of a painting with its log structure and stone fireplace. And it had all the modern conveniences you could want, and plenty of room for guests. Craig’s parents and his sister Christina were also going to be there, so I was looking forward to seeing them as well.
“There he is.” Craig greeted me with a grin before he and his whole family took turns hugging me and saying it had been too long. Then I took my bags inside, got settled in my room, and we had some dinner. Then we all headed out to the backyard, where Craig and his dad built a fire that we all sat around for hours. After we all had our fill of s’mores and it had gotten late, we all went inside, said goodnight, and headed to our respective rooms. I was tired from the long drive out of the city, so I fell asleep quickly.
It felt like moments later when I was shaken awake by Craig.
“Mike, wake up.”
“Huh?” I mumbled out.
“Wake up,” he whispered intently.
“What’s going on?”
“There’s someone outside.”
That woke me up immediately.
“Someone outside?”
He nodded. “And we think there’s more than one. You weren’t followed here, were you?”
“No,” I said quietly.
I quietly got out of bed and crouched by Craig on the floor. My heart was thudding loudly in my chest, and I had no idea what to do. Not only was I in an unfamiliar area, I was in a house I had never been in before. But I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm.
“Did you call the police?” I asked after what felt like an eternity.
“Yeah. They said they’d be out here as soon as they could, but out here, who knows what that means. At least we have an alarm system. And you know my dad.”
I did. Craig’s dad was the kind of guy you wanted to have with you in a situation like this. That was the one thing that kept me at least relatively calm, aside from the fact I wasn’t alone.
“Did he send you in here?”
Craig nodded. “Told me to stay here until he told me otherwise.”
Time seemed to stop as the two of us sat there, silently watching each other while I tried my best to ignore the fear creeping in the back of my mind.
It seemed like we’d been sitting there for hours when suddenly, there was a loud crash from downstairs that was immediately followed by the sound of an alarm screaming to life. Then came several loud bangs in rapid succession that were followed by the much quieter sound of footsteps fleeing from the cabin. Then, I heard Craig’s dad yelling at whoever was running away. I couldn’t quite make out what he said, but I didn’t blame whoever had been fleeing.
Craig and I had bolted upright at the commotion, but we stayed inside as Craig’s dad had said. Moments later, the alarm was shut off and there was a gentle knock on the door.
“Come on out guys,” Craig’s dad instructed us.
He didn’t need to tell us twice. We immediately bolted out of my room while Craig’s mom came out of Christina’s room, where the two of them had been during this time.
“Everything’s fine. They’re gone,” Craig’s dad said before he walked back to the living room where he’d been keeping watch with his gun.
We all quietly sat there until the police arrived and took statements about what had happened. They agreed to put a car outside the cabin for the night and keep watch on the area. By the time they left, I felt exhausted. So I fell asleep even quicker than before. Fortunately, no one interrupted my sleep this time, and I woke up late the next morning.
Craig’s mom made pancakes for breakfast, and since we were all starving, we were happy to dig in.
Once we all had our fill and were sipping coffee, the conversation drifted to other matters. At some point, I noticed Christina was wearing a necklace I hadn’t noticed before. It was a simple, but elegant gold hoop on a chain.
“Nice necklace Christina,” I said before I took another sip of coffee.
“Oh thanks. It was a birthday gift from Aunt Helen.”
“Nice.”
“She didn’t get it from your store, but it’s still nice.”
I chuckled. “No doubt.”
Then Craig’s dad, who had been reading the morning paper, turned the page. As he did, I saw the front page and saw there was a headline about some company declaring bankruptcy. The company didn’t sound familiar to me at all, but there was a photo of the family that owned it. In the middle of the photo was the woman who had come in to get the locket engraved.
My stomach sank and the pancakes I’d just eaten now felt uncomfortably heavy. Craig must’ve sensed something because he immediately asked, “Mike? What’s wrong?”
I managed to explain the story of the customers who’d recently come into the store and the unfortunate incidents that seemed to have happened to them. Craig and his family quietly listened to the story until I finished, then added that nothing like last night had happened to them before. Once we all got back to the city, Christina gave me the paperwork her Aunt Helen had given her with the necklace, and I did a little research. Since jewelry stores keep tons of information on file, it didn’t take me long to find out the scoop on Christina’s necklace.
The gold in it had come from a local mine in California. It had been doing quite well until one day there was a cave in, and a ton of workers died in the accident. The mine was eventually shut down, but not until all the gold that could be retrieved was gotten. And I didn’t need to look up the mine to know rumor was the place was considered cursed or haunted by locals. I’d been to the area years ago on a vacation, and the place had given me the creeps. But even I got chills when I looked later through the store’s records and saw documents that the man in the suit and the other two customers had all brought in items containing gold mined from the area.
Christina wasted no time in trading in her necklace for a ring made of silver. When she did, I got a text from her that had a picture of the ring next to a joke about hoping it was her own personal silver bullet to ward off monsters. It made me laugh.

The "Reviewing 80s Korean Pop Albums No One Cares About" series is back - I am cheating a bit though. This album is from 1990, and it was promoted on broadcast pretty succesfully. But it is an album that is not really talked about at all, and even in the singer's wider discography, it isn't really acknowledged. So here I am.
Today, we are going to be taking a nice listen to 80s teen singer and proto-idol, Lee Jiyeon's 1990 released third album- Spotify has it as "90 이지연 III 연(娟)" (with "90" referring to the year it came out, 이지연 being her name in hangul, III being the "serial number" of her album, and 연(娟) being the "title" of the album), while namuwiki lists it as just "연(娟)". Yeon, in this hanja, refers to "예쁠 연", which translates to "pretty, beautiful, graceful". Pretty fitting for such a beautiful person, imo. Also, to be noted that it is the third syllable of her name!
I have always wanted to write a long-ass writeup on her, but I just never got the chance. Her career, albeit short, is extremely eventful, full of upsn and downs, impactful n the long run, and there's a reason she has been given the name of "proto-idol". Her two biggest songs, the 1989 Gayo Top Ten Golden Cup Winner Wind, Please Stop Blowing and I Still Don't Know Love, have been covered by a lot of idols and singers to this day, with That Reason Was Pain To Me not beng far behind, and Graduation and After That being songs played in almost every 7080s concert. She basically laid the foundations of a teen pop singer in Korea. This does not mean that there have never been teen singers elsewhere before,or that Jiyeon's image and songs weren't influenced by them - the influence of Tiffany/Debbie Gibson vibe American teen pop-rock as well as Okada Yukiko/Nakamori Akina vibe (or just in general, Showa era) Japanese idol pop are very visible on this album too. But sometimes, you just gotta have one person who does something the local style for it to become mainstream or more widely recognised in that country.
Also, I must confess, in this case, I am extremely biased, for Jiyeon has been my favourite 80s singer for a good while now. I just absolute stan and love her, and I have documented some shenanigans of mine on here too, such as dressing up as her for a RPD event, or playlisting her songs to get her to 100 monthly listeners on Spotify for no damn reason.
Which means, I know and love the songs on the album already, and I really wish I could relive that moment when I first heard the songs to give y'all an unbiased review. But alas, here we are. I shouldn't be calling this post "Reviewing", but "Gushing over", I guess. But I'll do my best.
For the first episode, I always compared the songs to the original because we looked at an album of remakes. Here, I'll take the chorus and translate the chorus lyrics, as to give a little insight on the meaning of the song

#1 : 늦지 않았어요 / It's Not Too Late

Rating : 8.5/10
Review : The album opens with a melancholic, nostalgic, mid-tempo city-pop genre song. When I first heard it, I remember being bowled over by the prominent and catchy bass line, as well as the little vocal embellishment hook. It has a very distinguishable and mellow vibe, and the guitar solo in the middle is pretty fitting and doesn't overdo it. The lyrics are about an impending breakup, and the wish to avoid it, but they're delivered in a very... matter-of-fact way which kinda makes it iconic lol. Jiyeon's vocals are as usual, clean and crisp, and the higher parts are sung with no effort. It is a hidden city pop gem, and people who like that genre and all its subgenres will love this one too.
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나-나-나는 내 소원,
I-I-I, my wish,
나-나-나는 내 생명,
I-I-I, my life,
다시 한번만 생각해줘요,
Do think again one more time,
늦지 않았어요.
It's not too late.

​

#2 : 하지만 / However

Rating : 8.5/10
Review : We go on, to a fast-paced disco-esque beat, with the bass again taking precedence, and a very high-energy but sparse synth backing up the verse. The vocals are nice and deep in the verse, and pick up pitch and power in the chorus (A/N : SLAYYYYY THE HIGH NOTES GIRLIEEEE). It sadly loses a bit of rhythm in the hook part, but I think the vocal buildup is pretty. The guitar solo is also top notch - as expected from Baekdusan, 60s-70s metal band who are Jiyeon's agency seniors and usually played the band instruments in her songs. I would have wished for a bridge part and a final, bombastic ^{side eye} chorus instead of just repeating it once again. For a song that only has such less structure, the fact that it fills 3 minutes is kinda great lol. All in all it's a super disco headbanger with a nice amount of vocal showcase mixed in.
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내가 필요할 땐 항상 그대 멀리 서서 바라보고만 있네
Always when I needed you, you were always standing far away and just watching
아무 표정도 없이, 느낌도 없이, 바라보고만 있네
Without any expression, without any feeling, just watching on
내가 싫어졌나?
Did you hate me?
잊혀졌나?
Did you forget me?
착각일까?
Is it an illusion?
떠나가네
You just left
(A/N idrk if it's "I left" or "you left", because it's not obvious)
하지만
However,
후회하네
You regret
(A/N here again, it could be "I regret" or "you regret" and I can't really figure the context out at all, so just choose what you want to hear lol. Either he regrets leaving her - which makes the most sense as she complains about him not being there for her, or she regrets leaving him for some reason)

#3 : 세상은 하나 , 당신도 하나 / There's Only One World, There's Only One You, Too

Rating : 7.5/10
Review : A bit of a cool off from the previous high tempo song, is a mellow, soft and slow RnB ballad, which sometimes picks up a little tempo here and there but keeps the soft and rather sad-ish atmosphere - with a nice acoustic guitar part in here too. Korean producers in the 80s loved their instrumental breaks - not surprisingy, as a lot of them are former musicians themselves. The chorus consists of two parts - one slow one, and one rather faster part that is connected nicely. For anyone who likes mellow and moody songs, this one's for you. The opening instrument reminds a little of 1991 release "Scattered Days" by Kang Susie (who was called Lee Jiyeon's direct succesor in the "innocent singer" lineage), is it bells? Glockenspiel? either way, it's beautiful.
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새상은 하나,
There's only one world,
당신도 하나
There's also only one you
하나뿐인 세상 속에
In this one world
나만이 홀로
Only I alone
사랑해, 사랑해, 사랑해
I love you, I love you, I love you
그대를 떠나보낼 때
When I sent you away
마음 아파고
My heart hurt
나는 웃어야 해요
I should be laughing
사랑해요
I love you

​

#4 : Love For Night

Rating : 9/10
So this is the title track of the album. It was sent, with Jiyeon, to the annual, now-defunct ABU (Asian Broadcasting Union)'s Pop Music Festival) as Korea's representation, and won (iirc) 3rd prize. It was performed there before this album came out (she was also on top of her popularity), and loking at the good public response to it, they added it to her abum. Now, the most impressive thing about this song is that the entire chorus is in English. Like, 100%. The lyrics are simple, yes, but for 1990 and a Hallyu-less Korea, this was great, we might even say ahead of it's times. But it did land Jiyeon and her producers in a bit of hot water - KBS. KBS didn't allow any foreign words or songs on it's broadcast, so they had to re-write the title of the song and the chorus into Korean. "Love for night", (which already is a pretty ambiguous because of the lack of an article - is it "love for A night" or love for THE night?) became :
- "사랑을 위한 밤" (Which translates back into "A night for love"... yeah weird ik)
- "한밤의 풋사랑" (translating back to "One night's young love" which makes it EVEN weirder) or
- "사랑의 밤" (A night of love),
depending on the station and occasion lol. The album has it as "사랑을 위한 밤", so I guess that's that.
They even translated the entire chorus to korean for one show, which was so disastrous I refuse to acknowledge it. It's just plain bad. I want to believe Jiyeon heard the lyrics for the first time and went, in true gen z sense, "ijbol".
Back to the song - it's a uptempo disco dance song (run-of-the-mill, if you want it that way, because the beat is generic tbh) and is so extremely catchy. With nice bell synths and a Madonna-esque percussion line, I'm yet to see a person who doesn't bop along. Not just the "na na na" part in the beginning is catchy af - the lyics are super sing-along-able, the hook is in english and even then pretty easy to sing along even for someone who doesn't speak english. The vocals are classic Jiyeon-style clean, playful and powerful. It's a very simple, "generic" dance song tbh, and the instrumental break ist just basically the percussion instrumentation with nothing else in the middle (no guitar AT ALL!) - which is kinda sad, because the ABU Fest version had a beat change and a dance break (which she killed) in that part. It would have been so nice to keep that in the album version, or add a nice guitar solo there. Bridges and stuff weren't really a thing in even 80s American Pop music (afaik but PLEASE correct me) so there's none here too (The prevalence of the bridge only came after RnB dance pop made it's big entrance into the Korean pop scene). It's a nice introductory song to her, it's catchy, cute and fun - it's as simple pop as can get.

Love for night, don't you know, my lover
Love for night, need you, my lover
Love for night, don't you know, my lover
Love, love, Love for night

​

#5 : 사랑한다고 말하지 말아요 / Don't Tell Me You Love Me

Rating : 8/10
Remember I said that there are Showa idols/ Okada Yukiko influences on the album? Here they are. A sugary, sweet mid-tempo dance pop song where Jiyeon goes back to her "innocent" persona and voice and plays it up to the max. It would have fit so well on her first two albums, and could have easily replaced one of the 1192831923 ballads on there, and could have even been promoted on TV. I can so imagine even the outfits, a little cute choreography - it would have been as pioneering to the start of the "innocent singer legacy" as can be. The instrumental/backing vocals are the catchiest part of the song, with a sparse chorus that doesn't make sense (and actually does make sense because it's that vibe of a shy cute sweet girl who's to shy, sweet and cute to say the word with three syllables LMFAO) , but it's still pretty enjoyable and replayable.

아, 사랑을
Ah, love
말 안해도
Even if I don't say it
난, 사랑해
I, love
널, 사랑해
you, I love
사랑한다고 말하지 말아요
Don't say "I love you"
사랑이란 느낌이니까
Love is a feeling, after all

#6 : 내 마음 나도 몰라 / I Don't Know My Heart Too

Rating : 8.5/10
Review : This is another "cute" bop, with a bit more tempo and spunk, and it's a bit more... Jiyeon. Idk how to explain it, but if you've listened along to the album with me, it's more natural when it comes to her vocals and the delivery. It's not as sugary sweet, but like, funny and relatable cute. Age-appropriate cute. The lyrics were a big standout for me here, they're just kinda relatable because it's about a girl who is liking a person, but is just like super clumsy and shy about it. But she doesn't make shy her entire personality lol. Idk how to explain it - it sounds like she's just talking in a song, rather than making her voice fit a song. The song fits her, not the other way round. It fits in a musical when the main female lead is phoning her friend and like, lamenting that this guy has her in a chokehold loll. This could have been promoted nicely on broadcast too - there's so many awesome b-sides on the album.

신나는 영화구경 혼자선 아무런 의미가 없어
Watching a exciting movie alone has no meaning at all
나 혼자서 걷는 이 길이 쓸쓸해
The street that I'm walking alone is so lonely
어쩌다 그댈 보면 한마디 얘기도 하지 못하고
Either way, when I see you, I can't say a word
돌아서서 후회만하네
I turn around and just regret it all
내 마음 나도 몰라
I don't know my heart myself
어쩌면 좋아
Either way, I like it

​

#7 그대는 변덕장이 / You're Such A Moody Person

Rating : 9/10
Aaand we're back with some energy in the house! There's a lot of brass band elements and again, an almost signature prominent bass line in this uptempo dance track. If the previous two songs were about the innocent, sweet feeling of falling in love, this one is the almost natural continuation of the story : a "boyfriend-complaining" song LOL. The title is according to the 80s grammaspelling standards (nowadays, the spelling would be 변덕쟁이), and is kind of a hard word to translate. The word describes someone who changes very fast and can't stick to one thing or be consistent, most importantly when it comes to the mood or the atmosphere around them. And with that in mind, the quirky, almost brash delivery of the vocals and the blaring, loud instrumental comes off as no surprise at all - the girl in the lyrics is angry at her boy for not showing up to the date , leaving her coldly in the lurch, despite him saying he loves her. And when he finally meets her, there's not even an apology for that incident, and worse, he jokes around like nothing happened at all! Damn, girl. If he does that again, he's not a keeper. Hell hath no fury than our S/O spurned, they say, so... y'all, please, don't be late for dates!

그댄 정말 내 마음 몰라
You really don't know my heart
그대는 변덕장이
You're such a moody person
안절부절 어쩔 수 없어
Fidgeting around, unavoidably,
그대는 변덕장이
You're such a moody person
미워해도 그댈 정말 미워할 수 도 없어
Even though I hate you, I can't really hate you
사랑해도 그댈 정말 사랑할 수 도 없어
Even though I love you, I can't really love you

​

#8 촛불연가 / Candle Sonata

Rating : 8.5/10
There's more brass band, but a rather mid-tempo song that is sung entirely with a chorus. It has a very uplifting, flowing melody, but it's not necessarily a very happy vibe. It has a touch of melancholy, overcoming struggles and hope. The lyrics remind me of a song that would have been sung at protests - which the Korean 80s had seen a LOT. Korean 80s protest songs, be it "Morning Dew" or "Sangroksu" by Yang Hee-eun, were almost the same lyrically, about hope, love and overcoming hardships together, tied together by one central imagery (in this case, a candle).
Now, Jiyeon, being born 1970, would have been too young to actually participate in the actual protests that were at their peak in 1980 - 1985, and just about old enough, and 1 year into her career, to see democracy win over the dictatorship after almost half the nation fought for it in 1988. Plus, she had felt the impact of the dictatorship first-hand - she was one of the last singers to release 건전가요, "healthy songs" a.k.a. fake "patriotic" propaganda tracks dedicated to the dictatorship, on her debut album. She was one of the last singers that were considered "important " by the dictatorship, as her agency housed Baekdusan, the 60s metal band I talked about earlier. The thing about them is, is that metal and hard rock music was considered "unhealthy" and was actively censored and banned on the regular, and with them being one of THE bands the dictatorship didn't like, anyone who associated with them - including Jiyeon, whose debut songs were written and produced by their frontman, Yoo Hyunsang - would be under the eye of the censorship board (which also decided who is "societally important" and had to release patriotic propaganda songs on their albums).
With that info in my mind, I think this song is not just Jiyeon's attempt for a "public-friendly" song, but on an extended note, I interpret this song as an attempt to setting the record straight and disassociating with the dictatorship, it's like showing "hey, I'm on the side of my friends, and my generation". It's a good song, all in all, it's quite nice and easy to listen to.
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내 친구들, 소원을 빌어봐요
My friends, let's pray for a wish
여기 둥글대 둥글대 모여서 작은 심지의 사랑을
Let's gather around, for a little lamp wick of love
오 그대여 소원을 빌어봐요
Oh, you, pray for a wish
여기 둥글대 둥글대 모여서 작은 연인의 꿈을
Let's gather around, for a little dream of lovers
함께 빌어요
Let's pray together

​

#9 졸업 Graduation

Rating : 8/10
Review : This song - which Jiyeon had recorded and released on her second album in 1989 already, was recorded by her classmates from her high school and her homeroom teacher as chorus. It takes one back to the hall of one's school, when all the high school seniors are in nice clothes, waiting for their graduation certificates, feeling sad, happy, hopeful, and still laughing and having fun until the last moment of them as high schoolers. It's a very nostalgic, melancholic, and warm ballad about graduating, including the sound of said students actually laughing, whistling, chattering, whispering in the interval and intro/outro. I wish I had found this song whn I was in high school, so my graduation would have been a bit more special, a bit more romanticised, and tied to a memory... I was just waiting to be gone from my school, to be honest. It's just now, that a few years have passed, that I realised I had a bonding to more classmates than I thought.
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기쁠때 나, 슬플 때 나
When we were happy, or sad
같이 웃고 울던
when we laughed and cried together
우리들의 사랑
Our love
우린 잊지마라요
Let's not forget it
아름답던 우리 옛추억
Our beautiful past memories
따쓰했던 우리들 마음
Our warm hearts
이젠 다시 올 수 없어도
Even if they don't come again
우린 잊지마오
Let's not forget it

# 10 늦지 않았어요 (Instrumental) / It's Not Too Late (Instrumental)

Rating : 7/10
Review : This is the instrumental of the first track, It's Not Too Late. It's beautiful city pop. I just wish that the background vocals weren't there because they'e kinda... redundant, plus there are a lot of people that might wanna listen to just the instrumental. At least I do. The last instrumental on her album (Maybe We Were Young) had a beautiful whistling melody added on top of the instrumental, that gave a total feel to the song altogether. I wish that they could have just kept the background vocalists out of the track or put a guitar or sax melody playing the main melody on top.
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With that, we conclude the review of 80s korean pop idol singer, Lee Jiyeon's third album, an album full of personality and diverse songs, vibes, beats and melodies! The combined score of the album is 8.25, which is fueled mainly by u/SeetheSeaInUDP's love for the singer lmfaooo. I'm curious to know y'alls ratings!
For the next album, I am thinking of going a little bit back into the 80s and maybe take a Min Hae-kyung or a Hye Eun-yi album.

So I’ve been rxed Midodrine and I’m a bit nervous about taking it. When I get an adrenaline dump my BP jumps too (this is usually right after my heart rate dips to the 40’s). When it happened the day I was gonna take it, my BP was 134/90 and I don’t know if it’ll stop those or make it worse. Has anyone taken Midodrine and had this as a symptom before?
UPDATE:
Found out why my BP was even starting to get that high in the first place (I had just gotten my BP cuff so only had one days readings of my own)
I got injured two weeks ago w a huge laceration (8 stitches) and I’m pretty sure was in shock at the hospital (severe tremor, confusion, delirious, and extremely on edge/scared) but they didn’t listen to my attempts to tell them I have dysautonomia and hypotension. They didn’t even note it and I honestly can’t remember much past vitals. I apparently eloped bc I got them at another location. Don’t remember much of the 2nd location, but they diagnosed me with anxiety and my arm as secondary for the trip saying I was hostile but also calm??? Only got clarity back when I was finally laying down and getting stitched up. 1st ED put anxiety and PTSD on my paperwork and acted like I was just trying to be a prob. My HR was at 160 -.- and going up and down. I’m surprised I didn’t pass out.
I’ve gotten worse and fast since then and now have low potassium, I believe as a result of not getting proper treatment during the injury. I just got home from the hospital after my hr wouldn’t drop under 130 in bed. Unfortunately had to go by ambulance as I couldn’t make it to my car. Got IV fluids too. Feeling better and my BP is back to its usual 88/60 range (w/o meds). My neuro appt is in two hours ;A; no sleep gang I guess I think it’s time for a medical alert bracelet.