Hey guys, I know I don’t post much in this blog anymore and I am not exactly sure who will see this but I’m posting this because today is the Philippine Presidential Elections and, just like what other people here are already saying, we’re fighting for our lives right now.
We are fighting against the return of dictatorship in the country. We are fighting against the continuation of corruption and injustice. We are fighting for a better future. We are fighting, so that we may finally know peace.
Today, multiple issues regarding the elections have come up. Vote-Counting Machines (VCMs) “malfunctioning”, SD cards missing, people getting PAID for voting for the dictator’s son and his party, and more. Even the commission in charge of ENSURING FAIR ELECTIONS is failing to fully understand the grasp said issues, wasting people’s time and votes.
If you do find this post and read it, all I ask is that you share the news about the Philippines. Anything about today (May 9, 2022),
about Halalan 2022/PH Elections 2022,
about BBM and the Marcos Family,
about Leni Robredo, Kiko Pangilinan, Chel Diokno and the rest of Robredo’s senatorial slate (+ Neri Colmenares),
and if this inspires you to learn everything else, then please do.
We are asking for your help, not in votes, but in sharing what is happening here to the rest of the world. Whatever happens, whatever the results are, we want the whole world to see what is going on. (But thank you to the foreign news outlets who have been speaking on this).
All the Filipinos are asking for is a fair government, where lives are recognized and uplifted. We cannot be kept in the dark again, we have had enough.
And if we need to meet in EDSA once again, then so be it.
The Sun rises over Earth in a postcard illustrated by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, recalling the 1965 mission when he became the first human to walk in space.
As I pulled myself back toward the airlock, I heard Pasha talking to me: “It’s time to come back in.” I realized I had been floating free in space for over 10 minutes. In that moment my mind flickered back for a second to my childhood, to my mother opening the window at home and calling to me as I played outside with my friends, “Lyosha, it’s time to come inside now.”
This is why, as an engineer, it is so important to have people in the field who do not have the stereotypical “right” personality for it. Of course we need people who understand the math and science behind the work but we also need engineers who understand and are passionate about sociology and psychology and truly want to help the communities they’re working for. We need engineers who understand not just the historical failings of engineering calculations but also those failings of morals or humanity. Not just people who are “good at math” or “analytical.”
But unfortunately, I think the way we handle engineering school in the US is partially to blame. I went to a university that ranked in the top 5 for diversity and inclusion in its engineering program. And I understand why, we did have a lot of amazing programs designed to provide support to women, poc, and lgbt engineering students and my department was about 50/50 male/female which is rare in engineering programs (tho that also has to do with environmental engineering being seen as a more “feminine” kind of engineering which I could write an essay on all by itself).
BUT despite that, it was still common practice for the first two years to be full of “weed out” classes. Classes where the professor made it clear that if you couldn’t pass their class, you just weren’t cut out for engineering. But who does that affect the most? Those from underfunded schools, often bipoc students, who were not introduced to physics or calculus until college. Those who had to work and could not make office hours. Disabled students whose accommodations were sometimes scoffed at or pushed back on by a professor with tenure. Female and lgbt students who were still treated differently when they asked for help.
So if you design and uphold a system where the material is already challenging, but you also make it that much harder for students who need help because of their background or their family situation or their physical health and do also not punish teachers who actively treat students like shit because of tenure, then you cannot be surprised when a large number of the students who make it through that system are wealthy white men with no perspective.
And then to top that all off, you’re not even required to take sociology or psychology or history. Many people do bc of the way gen eds are structured, but it’s certainly wasn’t a requirement at my university. So now you’ve got a lot of young adults, with no real world experience, who only had to take math and science and enough English to write a technical memo, and you’ve pushed out the ones who come from and understand the perspective of the communities your profession should most be helping.
That’s not to say that other people don’t succeed in engineering school or that every professor is like this. I had lots of lovely and kind professors in my time in school but most of them taught upper level classes, once you’ve made it through the hell that is your first 2 years. But it is to say that we push out a lot of people who have the exact perspectives we need more of in engineering, and often, universities do not realize (or just don’t care) that they need to focus on changing the system they are upholding rather than just providing spaces for social support for minorities in engineering, although those are important too.
My dad always said that lots of engineers are book smart but not street smart and it’s because we’re not necessarily taught how to view our work in the context of the world around us or even expected to understand the world around us. My department did a very good job of that, but from talking to other engineers, I’m not sure many do.
I know there are so many more issues than that, this is just a piece of the puzzle that is the societal recipe for disaster OP is talking about. And it’s systemic.
P.S. if you’re a guidance counselor, please stop herding every white boy who’s good at math and has no social skills towards engineering instead of therapy, jfc
I saw these fall pics and thought of you. Maybe they’ll inspire a fic or an edit (no pressure 🥰)
Hi again! I was planning to answer this with the fic itself but after deciding to set the fic aside for now, I knew I couldn't leave this unanswered any longer!
Definitely using these photos as inspo for my fic and edit! Will let you know when I do ☺ thank you so much for sending these to me, hope you have a wonderful day/night 🧡
Just in case no one has told you this today, I'm so proud of you and everything you have endured and achieved. I hope you know how worthy you are and how much you bring to the world. We are so lucky to have you in our fandom! (Share if you'd like to spread the encouragement, but no pressure) 💛
This took me forever (again fjhkfhahbkb i am so so sorry) but thank you so much for your kind words! Receiving this from you is extremely special to me as you always share sunshine and positivity in the fandom. Again, thank you so much for this! Wishing you the best and sending you love and hugs 💖
A/N: I was super excited this past weekend to issue an impromptu angst prompt challenge to several of my TNA-fan friends, and boy, did it get fun and deliciously intense (the submissions are on WattPad; if you would like to read through the ficlets, let me know!)! I thought I would share my prompt and submission with my tumblr family! Special thanks to the lovely @kat-tia801 for pre-reading! My prompt that was chosen at random: "You... you never had a problem with it before."
***
The sweet smell of lemon and basil greet him at the elevator doors. As he stumbles into the foyer of his pristine penthouse home, he catches a glimpse of his disheveled appearance in the reflection of a large framed family picture hanging on the entryway wall. Sam quickly finger-combs his waves into submission as he slips off his crooked tie.
He freezes when he hears the sudden roar of laughter coming from his dining room. He shakes his watch around his wrist. He texted Brynn that he wouldn't be home for dinner hours ago. It's now close to 9:30, and-- another exuberant resound of chuckles and squeals echo from the other room, including two little voices that should be in bed.
Sam abandons his briefcase with his trenchcoat on the marble breakfast nook before he bounds to the dinner table.
"There he is!" announces Robin, lifting a glass of pinot.
"Hey, baby!" Brynn delightfully greets, "did you--?" Her words muffle as Sam zeroes in on the arm resting casually on the back of his wife's chair, an arm connected to his newly hired laboratory supervisor, Dr. Casey Stevenson. Even though Sam had the ultimate say in his employment, Brynn would be Casey's boss. Also a UMass alum, she was impressed with his research and credentials; Sam jealously noticed his physique and charm.
Sam is brought back to reality with his eleven-year-old twins tackling him with hugs. "Go get ready for bed," he callously demands, pulling the boys off of him.
"But, Dad--"
"Go. Now." Sam's voice becomes louder, gruffer, causing the room to fall silent.
"Oh, c'mon, Sammy, it's Friday night--" chimes in Robin, chuckling into another sip of his wine.
"Baby, is everything okay--?" Brynn gently stands, reaching for his neck.
"Robin, I think it's time for you to leave," interrupts Sam, dodging his wife. He points an accusatory finger at Casey. "Take him with you."
"Samuel," Brynn warns, frowning in shock.
"Dude, Sam," Robin stands up, clapping Sam on his shoulder. "Loosen up. Let me get you some wine. Casey has this hilarious story about--"
"Get the fuck out of my house," Sam snarls, "now."
Casey gingerly wipes his mouth with a cloth napkin, nodding at Robin. "Thank you for the lovely hospitality, Brynn." He stands, exiting the stifling room with Robin by his side. "See you Monday, Mr. Dalton." Sam's jaw twitches as he fixes his eyes onto his wife, listening for the elevator to close.
Brynn begins to collect the dessert plates, carefully not looking at Sam. As she turns to exit to the kitchen, he puts his arm out, stopping her. "You're not to host men over here for dinner unless I'm here."
Brynn smirks, furrowing her brows as she pushes past Sam. "You," she scoffs, "you never had a problem with it before--"
"Well, now I do," Sam barks. Brynn glares at Sam before rolling her eyes. "I'm serious, Brynn. Don't pretend for one moment I don't know what's going on--"
Brynn drops the silverware into the sink, turning her attention to her husband. "What the fuck has gotten into you? You really think I'd throw this--" she steps closer, motioning her hand back and forth between their bodies, "--us, our love, our marriage away? For that?" She chuckles, the idea being completely preposterous to her.
Sam begins to anxiously chew on his bottom lip, beads of sweat gathering on his brow as he breaks his gaze away from his wife's stormy blue eyes. "Hey," her voice becomes smoother as she slips her arms around his neck. "Look at me." She lovingly pecks his lips, but she can sense the tension. "Sam, I love--"
And that's when it hits her. Brynn's eyes grow wide as the subtle feminine smell of Chanel No. 5 wafts from his clothes, from his hair and even his skin. Her body grows limp as she realizes her husband isn't accusing her of anything.
He's confessing.
***
TNA Tag List (please let me know if you need to be added/removed): @ao719 @charlotteg234 @chemist-ana @choiceskatie @forallthatitsworth @kat-tia801 @khoicesbyk @lovelyladyk88 @lucy-268 @neotericthemis @phoenixrising308 @sfb123 @shannonsaid @shannonwrote @shewillreadyou @somersetmummy @taniasethi @thefrenchiemama
Reblogging this fic because this is one (if not THE very first fic) of the first fics I read from you + it's where you got to meet the Crow of Judgement™ (it's currently resting today, especially since there will be no judging here!)!! And then the rest is history 🤩
But seriously...this fic?? With Sam going home and acting the way he did, making it seem like it's one thing when really it's ANOTHER??? I love iiiiit I love it I love it I love iiiiiiit 💅🏻
Aaaand I'm late 💀 I am so sorry for that gaaaah but I do not want the week to end without me joining @choicesfandomappreciation's Choices Spread Kindness Celebration, especially since the first day celebrated fandom love!
I want to thank the entire fandom for basically existing! I always thought playing/reading Choices is such a niche thing (I think it definitely was at first but ofc there are a lot of us now) that I couldn't find a place comfortable enough to talk about it or create stuff for it UNTIL I found y'all! I have met a lot of people along the way--and I still am meeting more and more of everyone here--which is amazing because it makes me feel less alone in the world. Thank you so much for the memes and the shitposts, all the fanfics and the edits, and everything else in between. You all are awesome 💙
Next, I want to mention the people I have met along the way as you have been the sweetest, kindest, most awesome human beings ever! @txemrn @peonierose @writing-not @socalwriterbee @ladylamrian @kingliamsbitch @lahelasaveiro @rice-wiife @gaydinosaurbananamilkcarton @jerzwriter @sincerelyscarring @alexabeta @peonyblossom @korgbelmont @littlee-sparkle @lahelasaveiro you are all amazing people! I'm super happy and grateful to have met you!
I also want to thank the following blogs for helping keep the fandom alive @itlivesproject @nightboundthesecond @thedistantshoresproject @immortaldesiresproject @choicesficwriterscreations @wip-wipeout-weekend @choicesmonthlychallenge @moodmusicmonday @openheartfanfics @thenannyaffair-fanfics @edgewaterbookclub @playchoicesconfessions @openheartconfessions @choicesflashfics and of course, @choicesfandomappreciation! (special shoutout to @lovealexhunt for this beautiful event 💗)
Thank you so much for the love. Y'all are awesome ✨
fucking hate thar when you go to uni you have to actually do and turn in work like some kind of seventh grader. you should be able to just listen to the lecture & vibe
What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck what the fuck-
WHAT IN ACTUAL HELL IS THIS
(Link to the article)
Why.
Why the hell Is the Philippines (my country) placing down a law that pointlessly "protects" Cishet people's rights?
Cishet people aren't oppressed
They don't need these kinds of laws in place
Not to mention that it is heavily implied that any Cishet people can ridicule members of the LGBTQIA+ because it's within their "rights"
And they pulled Christianity into the reasoning which should not be a part of it in the first place.
WHAT. THE. FUCK.
Not only are women in the Philippines not allowed to have abortions, divorce isn't legalized, and gay marriage isn't even a thing... They just had to make a stupid pointless law that said people wont even benefit from because they aren't oppressed in the first place.
Sorry for the out of place rant and politics, especially since I post Goddamn fanart, but holy shit this is just too outrageous for me to not speak up about it.
Here is a quick and dirty writing tip that will strengthen your writing.
In English, the word at the end of a sentence carries more weight or emphasis than the rest of the sentence. You can use that to your advantage in modifying tone.
Consider:
In the end, what you said didn't matter.
It didn't matter what you said in the end.
In the end, it didn't matter what you said.
Do you pick up the subtle differences in meaning between these three sentences?
The first one feels a little angry, doesn't it? And the third one feels a little softer? There's a gulf of meaning between "what you said didn't matter" (it's not important!) and "it didn't matter what you said" (the end result would've never changed).
Let's try it again:
When her mother died, she couldn't even cry.
She couldn't even cry when her mother died.
That first example seems to kind of side with her, right? Whereas the second example seems to hold a little bit of judgment or accusation? The first phrase kind of seems to suggest that she was so sad she couldn't cry, whereas the second kind of seems to suggest that she's not sad and that's the problem.
The effect is super subtle and very hard to put into words, but you'll feel it when you're reading something. Changing up the order of your sentences to shift the focus can have a huge effect on tone even when the exact same words are used.
In linguistics, this is referred to as "end focus," and it's a nightmare for ESL students because it's so subtle and hard to explain. But a lot goes into it, and it's a tool worth keeping in your pocket if you're a creative writer or someone otherwise trying to create a specific effect with your words :)
Hiya! Since we have reached the end of WWW, I want to share a couple of parts from my two current* WIPs, Standing Right Here and Hey, You. You can find them below!
*I decided to table Coming Home to You for now!
About fic: M!Robin Flores x MC/Marina Acuña; Sequel to Alone Together, set post-Chapter 16; Series: Slow burn, Current chapter: Friendship
Always quick to say something, he opens his mouth to reply, but whatever thought he must have had leaves his mind as my words seep into him. And though it is quite small, I notice his face falling to a frown. Good.
A second passes in silence, then another, and I am just about ready to actually send a discreet text to Jenny and ask her to call me when Robin sighs. “If it makes you feel any better,” he says, his voice suddenly soft, “Sofia doesn’t believe me.”
She never told him anything, it seems. “She clearly does.”
About fic: Ian Kingsley x MC/Augusta Hughes; Set in the future post-Book 1 (events in Book 2 did not occur); How We Got Here, Closure
I turned around, and true enough, there you were. Standing at the entrance of the garden, and it was though we were meeting for the first time again. It must have been, in a way. Eighteen months were enough, I found, for the whole world to start over. To rewind itself back to the very beginning and press play.
Only now, I didn’t know how to act. A flush of warmth crept all over me. My hands had grown sweaty and shaking. I felt my heart pound against my chest. My legs stood their ground, even when I so wanted them to move. I wished desperately to the stars above that you would not come to notice any of these. That you will never know they were all because of you.
------
WIEEEEE It's so good to write something again! I'd like to thank @wip-wipeout-weekend again for the event. It really did help me work on my WIPs, and I got to meet new people there who I am super excited for bc they have their own projects too! This was super awesome 💗
If you have any questions about the WIPs, feel free to send an ask or a message! Hope you all have a great day/night!
I really hope this weekend has been helpful to you in some way. Whether you were able to progress in your writing, just clear your head and get ideas flowing, or if you made a new friend in the fandom.
Let me know your thoughts about the event. I'd love to hear them.
If you want to share your progress here, please feel free to!
Don't forget!
Share what you worked on this weekend:
Fics you finished
Fics you edited/rewrote
Snippets/sneak peeks of works that are still in progress
I will put together a masterlist to share tomorrow in case people are still working on writing tonight.
I loved having writing buddies and getting to know some of you better! Thank you so much for participating.
Yay! I’m super happy that I not only made some significant progress in my WIPs, but I was also able to meet and talk to other members of the fandom! Thank you so so so much for this event, @wip-wipeout-weekend ! I absolutely loved it, and maybe we can have more of this soon ☺️
I’ll be posting snippets of the two WIPs I was able to work on in a bit! I can’t wait to read what everyone has made 💖
