briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

is it strange to say I find this analytical way of figuring out my mother actually a lot better to handle than discussing it emotionally? What does that say about me? I don't know, but you don't need to apologize to me for finding the situation intriguing.

I'm sorry that you've had to deal with family drama. No matter how you look at it it's never pleasant. I appreciate you. But family drama aside, I suppose it does give me a lot of freedom and space.

What's something you've solved in the past that made you feel really good about yourself? I'm curious really, as you seem to be quite the analytical type (which I appreciate).

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

a cup left for @bubblymolecule at town hall

I hope you stay hydrated and healthy while you immerse yourself in your novels - briskthames

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear briskthames,

Until then.

Interesting.

And she said nothing else? Has she cleaned out any bank accounts? Or in your communications with her, has she done anything else impulsively? Sorry, perhaps these questions are callous. This is just a fascinating mystery.

I am sorry it is happening, though. Family drama is hard.

Regards, SlowCyclone

Dear slowcyclone,

No.

But not communicating everything is quite standard with her. And her bank accounts are normal as far as I know. It is definitely a mystery, I'll give you that. But maybe an objective outside party can see it more clearly than me.

But I don't think she's done any other impulsive things. I've been trying to look back through texts and such to see if I missed anything.

It is, but it's something I'm somewhat used to. Maybe not quite like this though. I hope you don't have to deal with any major family drama. It's definitely frustrating to deal with.

All the best, briskthames

Briskthames,

When all this is said and done, we should definitely meet up at the dog park then. At the very least, I'll have two new friendly faces to see there :)

And that is a very good point -- I don't particularly know if I'd like to meet any of my heroes either. What if they're actually terribly rude? Or terribly boring? Better to be an idea in my head, I think.

Oh, perhaps one of those fancy galas at a museum? I'd love to do one of those "dining with the dinosaurs" or something like that. Or a first glimpse at a new exhibit. I think that would be fascinating and worth waiting in line for. Or maybe tickets for a World Cup final? Now that would be exciting.

I've got to confess, though: I am not a huge concert person! Maybe it's because I haven't been to a good one. Somehow the idea of going to a crowded sporting event seems more tolerable than a crowded concert. I'm not certain why!

Best,

bubblymolecule

@briskthames

Bubblymolecule,

Absolutely. I'm sure my dog would love to meet a new friend along with me. It sounds like a good lowkey date actually.

See? I've thought about it more and meeting my heroes is less appealing on the whole. The fantasy is often better than the reality in that case.

I looked up the dining with the dinosaurs concept and that does sound really interesting. I would agree, it would be something I'd wait for. Oh or the World Cup!! Absolutely! I would definitely spend... an embarrassing amount of time trying to get tickets for something like that finale.

Maybe because a sporting event might not deafen you? Actually no, the crowd cheers and chants could still do something to your ears. But I would also much rather be at a crowded sporting event. I like music, but there's just something about a major game that just gets your blood pumping. Or maybe that's just me.

Maybe if we're lucky we can include a game of some kind on the list of potential fun dates. ;)

Warm regards, briskthames

@bubblymolecule

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear briskthames,

That is admirable. Wanting to study past your own field. I do believe that kind of thing can expand your mind, as long as it does not distract your focus. I would be happy to share if you are still interested once you find out what it is.

Interesting. So, you are still speaking with her but haven't asked her the cause of her sudden disappearance? Perhaps it is too personal, but was your relationship good before this? Or is this a pattern of typical behavior?

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

I think other fields can offer interesting insight on the world too, even if I don't always understand it all. Well let's wait and see then. I think I'd be interested, but there's no way to tell until we do find more out.

It is a bit personal, but I don't really mind sharing it. She and I have never really been close. She's not the sort of person one gets close to. I suppose going off to do one or another thing for a job is a pattern of typical behavior. The house though... that's the step that is absolutely bizarre to me.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear briskthames,

Yes, I am American. Ha. Glad to know that there are enough of us here that it doesn't immediately pin me down. Unless you are lying to me to catch me out. In which case I can only admire your cunning.

I will certainly let you read the research once I have proofread it enough--so it might be a while. And, if we aren't in the same field, it might go over your head, so keep that in mind.

And that does sound like a strange situation. Did she show any other signs before she actually left? Or any altered ways of thinking? Is it possible she had a head injury?

Sorry if that is insensitive or too prying. It just sounds like it was very abrupt and mysterious, which can often point to a head injury.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

Dear slowcyclone,

Yeah it's really not as much of a giveaway as one would hope. But I guess you'll just have to wait and see whether or not I lied. ;)

Good thing I'm patient and can handle waiting. But even if we don't share the same field I'll give it a try. Always interested in learning what other people are researching.

Not that I recall, but she hides a lot from me. But actually I had considered there could be something with her head or mental status, but she left before I had the chance to figure it out. But since she is still in contact with me it's not ringing every alarm bell yet.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Hi briskthames,

Oh wow, the Olympics! That's amazing! May I ask what sport, or would that give away your secret identity? Are you excited to watch the upcoming winter games? I always like watching the ice skating and in recent years, I've found myself very invested in cross country and the biathalon.

And yes, I would very much like that. It's so nice to meet someone on a similar wavelength -- who also loves dogs :)

Not to segue the conversation too much, but do you have a favorite place in Swynlake? Unless you're very new to town, in which case, I suppose you can simply say "not yet." But I always find it interesting what people say! I love Hatter's a lot, but I'm also fond of the park and Ruff to Fluff. And Chapter Three as well.

Best,

bubbly

@briskthames

Bubbly,

It would be amazing if I had been able to really hone in on one sport that I could commit that energy to. I think that was the main flaw. Too much drive to try all of them and not be devoted to one. But I am very excited! The ice skating is always interesting. I really love watching hockey. I love a good team sport. There's also this new winter sport this year that I'm curious about... ski mountaineering? You climb a mountain and then ski down it or something. Sounds intense and exciting to me.

I do love dogs. I guess I can expose the fact that I actually have a dog now. If I don't say what kind or any of that I don't think it reveals enough probably. =]

I am not new to town at all actually. I have so many spots that I love. I love the park and the lake. I also really like Hatter's for my regular coffee fix. Enchantra is also great for a run or a hike. I guess I'm giving you a lot of the outdoorsy answers, but we do live in a naturally beautiful area.

What is something that would make you stand in the longest queue for, or go through the biggest hassle to get tickets/a reservation for? I never really have time to wait that long for anything these days, but I think if I had to maybe to meet one of my sports heroes? But then I'm actually not sure I really want to meet them and find out they're actually quite ordinary other than their sport (though I suppose that is allowed). So maybe actually something like a hard to get in museum. I don't know. What about you?

Warm Regards, Brisk

@bubblymolecule

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear briskthames,

Are you British then? I suppose it doesn't narrow it down much, considering most of the world calls soccer football.

Inheriting a house? Wow, congratulations? Unless it isn't a congratulations, lol. It sounds like a strange situation, but that's alright. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want. I understand needing some privacy. I am not the most open person myself, so it would be hypocritical to expect that from someone else.

And thank you, it is interesting. Maybe if it turns out we are in adjacent fields, you can read it when I am done. :) (Just for the record, this is a very big compliment.)

I hope you get the house in order quickly in that case!

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

I am. It's true, most people do call it what it is. lol. I'm guessing you're American maybe? That won't narrow anything down here either, because I've noticed we have a pretty strong American population in Swynlake.

It sounds nice in theory, but I don't know that I'd want congratulations either. Difficult to explain, but I don't mind trying. Maybe an objective party can get a better sense of what I could do. Because the basic summary is my mother saying good luck, handing over the keys and taking off. So then it's also... is she coming back? Do I change anything anyway? As I said right, no one died but it is still bloody bizarre.

I would really like that. I want to know what an ambitious mind like yours is reading =]

Thank you! If nothing else I might just move some boxes around and call it done for the time being.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear Briskthames,

Agreed! The events have been a really great way to meet new people and get immersed in Swynlake culture.

Okay, question for you! This one is from a couple days ago, but I think it's a fun one. If someone described you as an animal what would the animal be and why?

Sincerely, Criticalable

@briskthames

Dear Criticalable,

They really are one of the best ways to get to know other people and experience the best Swynlake has to offer.

Hmm... that is a tricky one. I think they would probably describe me as maybe a horse? I don't know. I'm very headstrong and like my freedom. Alternatively, one might be able to argue a very locked in dog, but I think the horse might be more accurate. What about you?

Sincerely, briskthames

@criticalable

#criticalable

Hi briskthames,

I know it's so silly since we're just writing emails, but you're going to make me blush! Though, I suppose empirically you are correct: Swynlake does boast more attractive than average people than the average town, so the likelihood that you are also a gorgeous individual is quite high.

I suppose we will have to see in person.

Not to bring up our careres again -- but I think since we're so aligned in that matter, neither of us would mind -- but today's question has got me thinking. I propose a variation: is your current line of work what you always dreamed you would be doing as a child?

For me, yes. It's been quite thrilling to get to fulfill the career dreams I've had since I was a kid. I know I've still got a long way to go in my career, but it does feel fulfilling to know I'm on the right path to making my dreams happen.

Best,

bubbly

@briskthames

Hi Bubbly,

I don't think it's silly. Makes me feel kind of pleased with myself actually. Only I don't know for sure what you look like so I'm picturing rosy cheeks on an ever morphing face. But I'm sure I am correct just based on the nature of Swynlake. But thank you, we will definitely have to wait and see ;)

I love that that was your dream from early on. For me... yes and no. Sort of... my first big career dream was to go to the Olympics. lol. But after that, my current line of work became my big dream. The beauty of it is it's still quite competitive as a field, so in a way I'm in my own Olympic competition every day.

I also have a long way to go in my career, but it's kind of nice to talk to someone who also is working hard to get where they want to go. Even if we don't spark in person I'd want to keep talking to you. Rooting for your success and cheering you on toward your dream. We're in this together in a way.

Warm regards, briskthames

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Hello,

While I cannot relate to the sports of it all, I do relate to the concept of wanting to wrestle a win from the maw of defeat. Very much appeals to me. I think anyone with ambition feels similarly. And I appreciate other people with ambition.

The "regular kind." Ha. My dad would fight you over that. Though, I think you are correct in that football (soccer) came first. He is just stubborn about his teams.

Home decorating? I won't be much help there, unfortunately. I don't have much of an eye for design. Did you just buy a house?

I am not really working on much outside of work, to be honest. I am working on a research proposal, however. That is not what you asked, I acknowledge. And I understand if that makes me less appealing. Unfortunately, I can be rather singularly focused.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

Hi,

It is a satisfying feeling isn't it? I like it both in sports and in my career. Nothing feels quite as good as that kind of a win.

He'd be welcome to try, but football has been around long before Americans decided to try their hand at inventing a sport. I still like the American kind just fine. I do enjoy tackling people.

I guess it's more like... I just inherited a house. No one died which makes it an odd sort of situation, but it is a lot of space for one person and I should maybe try to make it my own. And have it feel a little less like my childhood home... perhaps. But hey maybe it's fine too. Not like I can spend that much time in it.

Hey a research proposal is interesting too though. Your ambitions eclipse everything else. I don't find that less appealing. It just tells me you're passionate about what you're doing. But I already knew that and admire it. I want to work on something similar after I get my (literal) house in order. lol.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear Briskthames,

Cool! I think the town is really cool, with all the events and stuff. And the people have all been really nice. I mean, I get to meet people like you and everyone else doing this letter thing!

What do you like most about Swynlake?

Sincerely, Criticalable

@briskthames

Dear Criticalable,

It is definitely a unique and charming little town, that's for sure. It's nice to meet the diverse people that choose to live here.

Hmm. I think for me, I like the small town events that you wouldn't see in the city. They have such a charm to them, wouldn't you say?

Sincerely, briskthames

@criticalable

#criticalable

Hi briskthames,

Yes, that makes perfect sense!

On my end, to be candid, I am looking for a serious relationship. However, I am not under any false pretense that I am going to get that simply by exchanging a few emails. I view this whole event as a sort of... trial, I suppose. To find people that I click with and see if anything could blossom from there.

However, I am absolutely open to any sort of platonic relationship that might stem from this as well! I suppose the only thing I am specifically not looking for is a casual romantic dalliance or a hook up. If I wanted that, I'd just use Tinder (and I really don't like using Tinder). I generally hate app-based dating. I find it so superficial.

Not that I have a lot of relationship experience, mind you. The idea of using an app just doesn't appeal to me. No judgment to those who it does appeal to but... definitely not my vibe.

It does sound like we are aligned then, and I am very much enjoying our conversation. It seems we are also both ambitious and career-minded people, which is very nice to see! Definitely good to have someone who understands that.

Best,

bubbly

@briskthames

Dear Bubblymolecule,

I respect that. And honestly if people wanted a hook up or a casual dalliance they could have simply stuck to tinder and not committed to this event, I would think. That route would be much easier for them than to do all of this. So I understand where you're coming from.

It's only ever my vibe if I really don't have the time to think or feel and just need to blow off steam. But I also don't really have a lot of relationship experience either. As I've told you, my career has come first and likely will for a while still but if you understand that and are okay with it then I think we are very much aligned!

It's actually a refreshing surprise that I've gotten to communicate with someone so interesting. It makes me more open to the possibility of something serious, even if it's not something that I know a lot about or have experienced. I guess it all does kind of depend on if we like each other when we meet face to face too, now doesn't it?

Though Swynlake is known for having excessively beautiful people in town, so I don't doubt you're an incredibly beautiful woman.

Warm regards, briskthames

@bubblymolecule

sparrowconspiracy

Briskthames,

Sometimes I feel like my entire life is a conspiracy, which does mean it doesn't get boring very easily. I don't know about that whole flat earth or moon landing thing though, in theory plausible but maybe just in theory. My brain likes science too much to just want to believe anything and everything.

But then again magic kind of makes anything possible so moon landing maybe, the earth being flat though? I don't think so.

But you don't like conspiracy theories, huh? Why not? I mean I'm not judging I'm just curious as to why. The entertainment value alone is pretty high with some of them. Like those people who think everyone is secretly a lizard person if they're powerful. I'm not sure why lizard person was the way to go there, what it is about lizards specifically that someone decided was definitely what rich people have to be?

I mean if that one was true it would be kind of funny. I'm just picturing giant heat lamps and mansions full of sand.

- Sparrow

@briskthames

Sparrowconspiracy,

My brain also likes science. Far too much to buy into some outlandish theories in general. It's not that I hate them exactly, but I think they're annoying in the ways they can make people buy into them so much that they lose any sort of common sense.

The lizard one is fairly funny, that's true. But they can get crazy and disturbing health wise... or god the one with birds not being real or something? We have eyes and we can see them. Actually more than eyes we have all of our senses. And we have the ability to prove that they're real.

I don't know. I just might not be geared towards conspiracies on the whole. But there are some funnier ones to read about I guess. What else do you find entertaining? I've noted the lizard people so I won't possibly forget about that.

Sincerely, briskthames

#sparrowconspiracy

briskconspiracy

Dear sparrowconspiracy,

absolutely fascinated by your username. I hope the conspiracy goes well. lol.

I'm not a believer in conspiracy theories, but I do find it funny to hear them said. What about you? Is it just a fun username for you or do you buy into something wild like the earth being flat or the moon landing not being real?

Sincerely, briskthames

@sparrowconspiracy

#sparrowconspiracy

Hi Briskthames,

Sports fiction! Oh that sounds so fun. I don't read a lot of it, but I feel like I should.

Honestly, that is also one of my big problems. I also hate when the detectives don't follow proper procedure, or when they seem to magically find evidence just from arbitrarily scanning things or "running tests" -- I'm always like what tests? what is your procedure?

Oh and don't get me started on all those fictional detectives who use pseudo-psychology to analyze a serial killer's deeper motives. Newsflash: 95% of the time, it's just because the killer hates women!

I think in that regard, I once had to put down a book because the detective somehow tracked the killer to a remote cabin based on a high school yearbook quote from some girl he'd been obsessed with. Like okay. Oh, and the detective ran there moments after being choked out, which okay.

I'm glad we're of the same mind here!

I want to be candid and say I am very much enjoying our conversation so far. Therefore, I'd like to ask you what your goals are for this exchange.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@briskthames

Hi Bubblymolecule,

It's very good, in my totally not biased at all opinion. lol. I mean yeah they've got shows like Heated Rivalry or whatever because it is a good subject. The rivalry the sports, the competition. It's spicy. Though I prefer a mxf or a fxf rivalry, but either way... so much good to explore.

Ohhh yeah. I totally get that. I get very nitpicky with some of that stuff too. Especially health wise. There's no way you're walking off getting choked to save the day an hour later or whatever. And the serial killer thing is just...yeah. There's a reason so many of them are men. I don't know the actual stats on that but I don't feel like I need them.

I am also really enjoying our conversation! It's really nice to be able to talk so easily about our interests. I'll admit I wasn't really sure what to expect with these exchanges. You know they say you can meet someone you could really be interested in, but I wasn't sure about how likely it was. I didn't think I'd have such a great conversation somehow. But I really have enjoyed this conversation. I could probably thrive off of just discussing the inaccuracies in crime fiction or any other kind for days.

Have I answered your question? I don't know. I wanted to make some real connections and thought this might be easier than waiting for other things because I have a pretty intense job and limited free time. That said, if this does lead to something romantic I would be ready to see where that takes us. One day at a time. Do you have more specific goals?

Warm regards, briskthames

@bubblymolecule

Dear Briskthames,

Yeah, that makes sense. I haven't bothered with the apps. I've heard such crazy stories about them, I just don't think it would be for me. But some people have good luck with them, so who knows!

Those both sound like pretty good ways to spend the weekend. I'm no stranger to picking up an extra shift! I honestly have a hard time saying no to my coworkers if they ask me to cover for them.

My usual weekends are probably one day working at one day just seeing what Swynlake has to offer, finding an event to go to or just kinda wandering. You meet lots of interesting people that way!

Sincerely, Criticalable

@briskthames

Dear Briskthames,

It’s great that you love your job! I like mine well enough, but it’s not really something I can improve at much more at this point, if that makes sense. I just show up, work hard, and go home.

I’ve been here long enough to know most things but not quite long enough to be considered an expert. But I really love it here! What about you?

Sincerely,

Criticalable