Shower mixing valve and trim kit

Fixed the issue with my lock/unlocking. Bonus pics of the headlight restoration kit.

2023.05.29 03:38 Majestic-Avocado805 Fixed the issue with my lock/unlocking. Bonus pics of the headlight restoration kit.

Fixed the issue with my lock/unlocking. Bonus pics of the headlight restoration kit.
Spent a good portion of the holiday weekend working on the LR3 - Highest priority was the issue where I could not unlock/lock my car, with the key fob or using the manual key! Had to get a locksmith to get inside. Once I had interior access, I opened up the passenger side footwell to find standing water where all the wiring is. After some research I found it’s a common issue for the green/white wiring that connects the locking receiver to become corroded, so I dried everything out, re-spliced the wiring, reconnected and got it working again. Hardest part was reassembling the bottom floorboard trim.
Obviously need to replace the sunroof drains to prevent the water ingress, so will be looking at ordering parts soon.
Next up was the headlights, bought a 3M kit and sanded down the headlights with three different grits of sandpaper and then applied the chemical treatment. Really happy with the results, but will see how it holds up over time.
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2023.05.29 03:33 DailyHoroscopeIndia Today's Horoscope! (29th of May, 2023)✨

♈️ Aries: Today is a day of new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Your personal life is set to be filled with warmth and sparks, especially if you are a solo Aries. Professionally, you are in for a lucrative business venture that will revolutionize your professional landscape. Health-wise, try something new and enjoy the thrill of novelty. For those who are travelling, make sure to bring something to keep you entertained. Financially, Jupiter is sending you fortuitous vibes, but it's best to stay away from stock market investments today. Emotionally, take charge of your own ship and use this calm to focus on self-growth.
♉️ Taurus: Today is a day of love and luck for Taureans. If you are in a relationship, it's time to reignite the spark and take your love to the next level. Professionally, be wary of any Libra who approaches you for financial aid and make sure they can repay you. Health-wise, focus on hydration and consider group workouts to mix socializing with fitness. When it comes to travel, you may cross paths with a wise soul who will sprinkle wisdom on your journey. Luck-wise, keep an eye out for the number 24 as it may bring some luck your way. Emotionally, the Moon is your ally today, sending soothing vibes your way. Consider organizing a small gathering with your inner circle to soak in the calm and connection.
♊️ Gemini: Today is a day for honest conversations and understanding in your personal life. Mercury, the celestial communicator, will guide you to an open-hearted conversation with your partner. Professionally, you may receive a small financial windfall, so keep your eyes on the horizon. Job seekers should keep their phones close as they may receive the call or email they have been waiting for. Health wise, it is important to nurture your body and spice up your routine workout. Travel plans may have to be put on hold as you attend to pressing priorities. Luck wise, it is best to avoid real estate investments for now. Emotionally, you can look forward to a rewarding exchange with a Sagittarius that will leave you feeling enlightened and uplifted.
♋️ Cancer: Married crabs may experience a slight misunderstanding with their partner today, but a romantic dinner conversation could help clear things up. Single signs may be feeling the need for some extra affection. On the professional front, this is a great time to learn something new about finances and be mindful of your spending habits. Health-wise, you are in great shape and allergies may be an issue today, so be prepared. If you're considering traveling solo, do your research and enjoy the journey. Luck is on your side today, so bask in the aura of this lucky starlight. Lastly, under the Moon's benevolent glow, you will find strength and steadiness to maintain an optimistic outlook.
♌️ Leo: Today is a day of harmony and potential for Leos. In terms of love, it is the perfect time to have a heart-to-heart conversation and clear the air. Job-seekers should be prepared for some encouraging news, while those already employed should be wary of any Scorpian influence. Health-wise, it is important to strengthen your back muscles to maintain your majestic posture. Traveling doesn't have to be expensive, so look for affordable alternatives that can still provide a rich experience. The numbers 12 and 19 form your lucky constellation today, so keep an eye out for any auspicious opportunities. Finally, the presence of a special someone will likely influence your emotional responses today.
♍️ Virgo: Today is a day of admiration and romance for single Virgoans. Enjoy the attention you receive and make sure to show your partner some extra love. At work, you may face a difficult challenge, but you have the skills to tackle it. If you're struggling with addiction, take it one step at a time and seek help if necessary. To break away from the monotony of everyday life, plan a trip with a close friend. The planet Jupiter may not be in your favor today, but the number 2 will bring you luck. Lastly, be mindful of your emotions if someone from your past attempts to re-enter your life.
♎️ Libra: Today is a day of balance and harmony for Librans. Solo Librans should be open to flirtatious connections with fire signs, but remember to respect your boundaries. For those in committed relationships, consider revisiting a shared favorite place to reignite the spark. Professionally, stand your ground and advocate for what is rightfully yours. Health-wise, make sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated. When it comes to travel, plan a budget and stick to it. Lady Luck graces you moderately today, particularly where finances are concerned, so keep your eyes open for unexpected windfalls or opportunities. Emotionally, you'll find yourself in a serene state of mind, but be prepared for some tension if living with family. Maintain your cool and sail through.
♏️ Scorpio: Today is a day of emotional highs and lows. Scorpio, you may find yourself feeling a bit of a flutter when someone gets under your skin. Married Scorpios will be blessed with blissful moments that bring them closer to their partner. Professionally, it's time to take a disciplined approach and stick to a schedule. Financially, there may be bumps in the road, but you have the strength to overcome them. Health-wise, channel your energy into a workout and boost your nutrient intake with vegetables. If you're travelling, make sure to curate your checklist and be prepared for turbulence. Lady Luck is on your side, showering you with healing energies and leaving you feeling invigorated and positive. Emotionally, it's okay to let your guard down and let the tears flow - it's catharsis and will leave you feeling stronger and lighter.
♐️ Sagittarius: For those in a relationship, today promises a delightful dance of love and passion that will rekindle the spark. However, beware of any 'innocent' flirtations that may have stirred up a cocktail of guilt. Seek solace in honesty and conversation. If you're feeling like a hamster in a wheel at work, reach out to a seasoned colleague for guidance. It's also time for some self-love, so why not indulge in a massage or a bubble bath? If you're hitting the road, prepare an uplifting playlist or audiobook to make the ride more enjoyable. Luck is on your side today, with the digits 46 and 23 holding special fortune. Finally, a family member may seek your emotional refuge, so be their shoulder to lean on and provide them with objectivity and guidance.
♑️ Capricorn: Today is a day of potential for the charismatic Capricorn singles. A playful banter with a Taurus is likely to ensue, and those in relationships should fill the day with shared activities that will cultivate their bond. Professionally, it's time to consider looking for greener pastures and acknowledge your worth. Health-wise, stress may be the culprit behind any discomfort, so remember to practice self-care and take some time off if needed. An exciting journey is also peeking over the horizon, so get ready for the ride of your life! Lady luck will be your companion as you step out into the social landscape, and you'll effortlessly charm everyone you meet. Despite the tumultuous emotions churning beneath, your exterior remains calm and collected. Keep embracing your resilience, Capricorn, it’s one of your strongest traits.
♒️ Aquarius: Today is a day of reflection and change for Aquarius. In your personal life, it's time to open up the lines of communication and dive into the heart of any tension that may be brewing. Professionally, a figure of authority is about to take note of your untapped potential, so rise to the occasion and show them what you can do! Health-wise, it's time to make some changes in your lifestyle. If you're traveling with your partner, expect a deep and profound bonding experience. Luck is on your side today, with the numbers 93 and 5 as your charm. Finally, the shackles of old emotions have fallen away, so embrace the empowering energy of the Sun and step into your renewed self with pride and joy.
♓️ Pisces: Today is a day of intrigue and luck for Pisces. A magnetic Leo may be orchestrating a dance of flirtation and charm to capture your interest. On the financial front, things are looking brighter and you may have the chance to make some extra cash. Health-wise, it's important to make healthy choices and stay hydrated. Travel plans may need to be postponed, but your ruling planet is showering its protective grace upon you, creating a force field of luck. Lastly, remember to take some time for yourself and rest, as you have been weathering life's ups and downs with admirable resilience.

Check out today's Hora

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2023.05.29 03:33 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning hacks

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
submitted by Impossible-Change-39 to HonestHoneyReviews [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 03:29 skyburn I have some questions...

Hi winemaking! I'm an experienced home brewer and on a lark decided to buy 5.25 gallons of chenin blanc juice and try my hand at winemaking. The juice-monger sent along a kit of yeast/fermaid etc. Here was my process and I just have a few questions about what's next (right now, I've racked from primary fermentation into a glass carboy):
5/16/23 - started the process, juice into a fermentation bucket @ 65F, using a hydrometer I read 1.090 starting gravity, 21.6 brix per an online converter (the juice-monger says this juice is 20.6 brix, pH 3.91, TA 4.5 g/L). Per their instructions I added 40g of tartaric acid and included opti white (their kit inclusion) and used GoFerm. I did hydration per this excellent document: https://morewinemaking.com/web_files/intranet.morebeer.com/files/wineyeastrehydration09.pdf
5/17 (24 hours later), added 2.5g of fermaid into a small amount of warm water and mixed into must.
5/21/23 at what I measured as approximately 1.050 SG or about 1/3 sugar depletion I mixed in another 2.5g of fermaid.
5/28/23 checked SG and we're at 0.990 and very little if any activity, so I racked to a carboy and filled it all the way to the top. Smells great, tastes dry as hell and is quite tangy. Per advice I've gathered here and there, I added 4 crushed Campden tablets to the carboy prior to racking.
If you read this far, I am appreciative - just a few questions:
  1. I don't know if I am going to continue making wine, so I don't want to invest a bunch of money up front. I searched the archives of this subreddit, and didn't get a ton of advice on bottling, but some. I'm wondering if using crown caps on brown 22oz beer bottles for bottling this wine is going to be a reasonable thing to do.
  2. If so, how long should I a) let this wine sit in the carboy (2-3 months?) and b) then how long in the bottle that's crown-capped?
  3. Should I re-rack into a 2nd carboy at some point to get the wine off the sediment? Is stirring the lees an important step to perform periodically while it's in glass?
  4. Should I add more Campden just prior to bottling? If so, like 1/2 tablet per gallon? I know there are ways to measure sulfites but, again, I don't want to spend too much upfront until I'm sure this is something I want to continue.
Thanks much for your sage advice!
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2023.05.29 03:26 JCarnacki Recently adopted a Hermann's Tortoise.

Recently adopted a Hermann's Tortoise.
This guy is 3-5 years old and was surrendered to a Reptile Rescue. I was looking for a Hermann's and I had initially looked at CB hatchlings, until I decided to look around and see if any humane societies or animal shelters had an older one needing a new home. He needs a beak trim, but I have cuttlebone and a slate for him to eat off of, so hopefully that takes it down. The last time I worked with tortoises was in the Mojave Desert with Gopher Tortoises, so I'm not familiar with tortoise substrates, but I went with a mix of cypress mulch on top and then sand, organic soil, and coconut fiber underneath. I don't think I'm too happy with the cypress though.
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2023.05.29 03:25 dudeimdying is what i'm doing enough? or do i need to oil my hair and deep condution?

is what i'm doing enough? or do i need to oil my hair and deep condution?
that's my hair, i'm growing it out, it's really soft and shiny 80% of the time especially when i wash it once every week. my routine isnt fancy at all, i'm just diligent about the way i wash it, before i hop in the shower i brush my hair first then i shampoo my hair (roots only) then i condition the ends not in circle motions to not get it tangled, and i rinse off the condition perfectly to not weigh my hair down. and i par it dry i dont rub it. and i get it trimmed too (so far got one).. but i was wondering if i have to do deep conditioning? or oil? i'd love to tho
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2023.05.29 03:19 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning hacks

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
submitted by Impossible-Change-39 to HonestHonesyReviews [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 03:16 letheatredude How to stay safe on transatlantic flight/trip?

I'm being dragged on a family vacation to London for a week. Don't want to go, but it's my sister's graduation present and was told I have to even when I offered to pay for my share of the trip. How can I stay as safe as possible? I'm already planning on bringing a bunch of n95/kn95 masks and hand sanitizer and clorox healthcare wipes, wearing an n95 mask with a sip valve on the plane and not eating, getting a portable air filter for the room (sharing with a family member who doesn't mask anymore unfortunately), basically living/sleeping in a mask for a full week and only taking it off to shower or brush my teeth, not eating in restaurants with the family (i'll either take it to go and eat in my bathroom or just go back early and order takeout or something), and testing probably every day with some rapid tests I'll bring.
Basically I'm not planning on having any fun on this trip because I'll be too stressed/anxious/worried and will never let them forget it if I end up with Long COVID again...I might end up leaving early, depends on how it goes and how hostile people are towards me masking over there.
submitted by letheatredude to ZeroCovidCommunity [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 03:16 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning hacks

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
submitted by Impossible-Change-39 to honesthoneycleans [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 03:12 sprucegoosestep Condom mishap + precum....what are the odds?

A week ago, my FWB and I were having sex and as we took a break, I pulled out and the condom slipped off. We realized what had just happened immediately and we were able to find and extract the condom quickly. I had not ejaculated yet and wasn't close to doing so, but I had certainly been leaking a fair amount of precum. Long story short, my FWB was not taking birth control at the time and in most cases, we would have just opted for Plan B the following day and slept easy. But my FWB believed that she had been ovulating around this time, which would have rendered the Plan B ineffective. To double check this, we used an ovulation predictor kit the next morning and sure enough, the result suggested that ovulation had happened recently. So we did not avail ourselves of Plan B.
Both of us are in our mid-thirties (not exactly maximum fertility) and we're aware that in some cases, precum might contain small amounts of sperm. When the condom slipped off, it had been over 24 hours since my last ejaculation and I had peed several times since then, before we had sex...which would seem to eliminate or at least lower the risk of any residual sperm left in the urethra getting mixed into the precum. The ovulation factor is the other question mark. If my FWB had ovulated on the day we had sex, that would raise the odds of a surprise pregnancy. (We're hoping maybe the egg was released the day before the condom mishap occurred.) Right now our plan is to take a pregnancy test after Day 10 since we had sex and then wait and see what happens with her period.
From all the reading that we've done, it sounds like the chances of an accidental pregnancy in a case like ours are pretty low but not zero. Until we know if we're actually dealing with that contingency, we're keeping fairly calm and seeing what happens next. But naturally, we can't help but wonder...
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2023.05.29 03:09 draftedlobster LV1.6 Issue

So I recently bought a used 1.6 and it had some obvious wear and tear, but I noticed a little TOO much wear and tear. The inside of the body had obvious scratching like the previous owner played in some mud and just rolled around in it for some Sunday fun. The bolt doesn't look any better, it has MASSIVE wear on it. After some deep cleaning I see what looks black soot on the bolt and rammer after every use. Am I just overthinking it considering I am new to the spool valve scene? Could it be the metal is shaving away at the bolt and mixing with the oil and creating what looks like soot? Should I invest in a new bolt to prevent further damage or is it okay?
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2023.05.29 03:08 Lolasglasses To help with the Sunday Scaries, Marcus Pike sexy A-Z. I wrote this during quarantine in NYC. Please feel free to judge me.

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex) Marcus is content to stay inside you after you both orgasm, but when he finally slips out of you, he grabs a warm washcloth to sweetly clean you up so you don’t have to do the awkward walk to the bathroom. When you do get up to pee, he’ll find your panties for you in the sheets at the bottom of the bed, just in case you want to wear them while you sleep. If he’s planning a special evening, he’ll fill up the bath with steaming hot water in advance, and lead you to the tub afterwards for soothing warmth and soft kisses and caresses. He knows he’s big, so he’s always concerned about whether you’re in discomfort after sex, and he’ll offer extra cuddles and soft strokes over your entrance if you’re feeling sore. If you’re at his house, he keeps an extra blanket in his bedroom to throw over you before you fall asleep, because he sleeps warm but knows you get chilly. And of course, he sleep-cuddles with you all night long, making you feel safe and secure.
B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s) First, your hands. He loves holding your hand, playing with it, feeling that connection with you. He is fascinated with how tiny your hands are compared to his, and you love how he holds your hand during mundane everyday moments, like walking to dinner, riding the metro, or simply sitting together on the couch while you read or watch TV. He loves your skin in general, how soft you are, how good you smell. He softly rubs his fingers over you when you cuddle together on his couch, like you are his source of comfort. But he is also a boob man, and nothing gets him going like seeing a glimpse of your cleavage or a taut nipple through thin fabric. The first time he took your bra off, he couldn’t stop holding you in his big hands, thumbing your nipples, suckling your soft skin. If you are going on a special date, you’ll purposefully wear a shirt or dress that shows off your chest, then tease him when he flushes stealing glances at you.
C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically) Marcus is all about intimacy, so he loves finishing inside you. At first you used condoms, but after getting tested, you both agreed to go without, and the first time he was able to cum in you without any barrier, he was so turned on by the feeling of filling you with his cum, he got hard again before even pulling out. You love giving him an intimate lingam massage, and at the last moment, when you see him start to pulse, take him into your mouth and swallow as he cums down your throat. He almost passed out the first time he experienced this with you, and now it’s your favorite way to make him feel special. But, for everyday intimacy, he still loves finishing in you and staying inside to savor your tight warmth, gently stroking and kissing all the soft parts of you he can reach.
D = Drunk (what they’re like when they’ve been drinking) Believe it or not, Marcus gets even MORE affectionate when he’s been drinking. If you’re home, he’s pulling you onto his lap and whispering sweet adorations in your ear while his hands stroke your arms and legs and ass. If you’re in public, his hand is running up your leg under the table, and in the backseat of the taxi, he’s slowly making his way up your thigh and teasing you over your panties until you are holding back whimpers, gripping his wrists and closing your eyes in pleasure. He never gets so sloppy drunk he needs help, but he’ll have a few extra drinks if he knows he gets to take you home and make sweet, tipsy love to you for the rest of the night.
E = Emergency Situations (what they’re like in an emergency) I mean, he’s an FBI agent. You’ve never felt safer than when you’re sleeping in his arms. He hates having to bring his gun on dates, but you assure him you understand, and you secretly feel a little better knowing he’s prepared if anything goes south. And he looks hot wearing it. The first time he came to your apartment, he checked your locks and alarms (with your permission) to make sure you were safe. He has some quirks, like never sitting with his back to a doorway, or silently checking out every person who walks in the room, but you understand it’s a part of his training. You feel safe walking with him through the streets of D.C. at night, and you often suggest walking back to either your or his apartment instead of taking the metro or a taxi. You both love these moments together walking hand in hand through the city, sometimes in silence, just enjoying each others’ presence.
F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) This man loves missionary because it allows him to be close to your sweet face, but there is nothing boring about it. He thinks like both an artist and a cop, so he's going to pay close attention to your moans of pleasure and how your body responds to his touches. He'll take his time stroking and building your desire with his hands and mouth, and then when you are absolutely aching for him, he’ll cage you in his strong biceps and slowly, sweetly, inch by inch, fill you completely, your hands gripping his muscular arms and back as he stretches you. And when he finally starts moving, his big hands stroking your hair and face, he’ll use his tongue to do to your mouth what his cock is doing to you elsewhere, until you lose yourself in pleasure in his arms.
G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.) Marcus is definitely more sweet than goofy, but he does like tickling you out of nowhere on the couch or in bed in the mornings, because he knows it leads to more touching and soft kisses and sex. During sex, he is usually too worried about making sure you feel good and safe to joke around too much, but he can laugh when things go wrong, like accidentally leaning on your hair or an awkward position change. Or that time you got a little excited and spilled the red wine sitting on the side table all over the bed. (Oops!)
H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.) Judging by his well-groomed head and facial hair, you guessed he would also be well-groomed below, and you were right. Not bare, but closely trimmed. It made his dick look even bigger. As if he needed it.
I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect) Marcus believes intimacy starts long before sex. He’ll cook for you, give you massages, and tell you all the things he loves about your body as he notices them. At first, it’s a little hard for you to accept, because you’re not used to hearing what someone loves about you, but you soon realize he wears his heart on his sleeve, and you learn to appreciate how openly he adores you. You give him compliments, soft touches, head scritches, and splurge on his favorite bakery treats as a way to make him feel loved, too. And by the time you are in bed, the world-shattering orgasms you share are the natural progression of your intimacy.
J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon) Marcus would prefer to cum in you, not kleenex, so he doesn’t jack-off very often any more. If its been a while since he’s been able to see you, he’ll gladly engage in mutual Facetime sex with you. It’s especially hot if you’re both in hotel rooms. Oh, and that one time you texted him that picture, and he had to shut his office door and quickly stroke himself to completion so he didn’t walk into his next meeting with an erection.
K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) You suggested once that Marcus stay in his suit, complete with badge and gun, and slowly undress you, until you were fully nude. You sat on his lap, and being able to hold you naked against him while he remained fully clothed uncovered a slight domination kink he never knew he had. It was still important to him he didn’t hurt you, but you encouraged him to touch and explore you, and by the time he finally took out his cock, you were both on the verge of cumming as soon as he slid into you. He also loves cockwarming, because it satisfies his need for intimacy and closeness. He’ll cuddle in behind you in bed and slide himself inside you, and you love feeling full and warm and safe. Or, sometimes he’ll stay on his back while you sleep on his body, chest to chest, and he’ll put his arms around you while you sleep with his cock buried deep inside you. You especially love when you wake up in the middle of the night to his sleepy moans and the feel of him growing hard inside you.
L = Location (favorite places to do the do) Definitely his bedroom. He takes pride in having created a bed worth fucking in: high thread count sheets, down pillows, soft, gray-toned bedding, flattering lighting, candles, and a very sturdy headboard. He loves seducing you on the sofa or in the kitchen, then leading you by the hand to his bedroom, and falling into the luxurious bed with you. His side table always has lube, and other sweet, sensual enhancements. And of course, his master bathroom is elegant and warm, with a tray for washcloths next to the sink, and thick, fluffy towels outside the bathtub and glass shower. It’s his favorite place to spend hours and hours with you, and some Sundays, he only gets up to answer the food delivery driver at the front door, or to grab more wine.
M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going) Marcus is motivated by love and how much he adores you. He expresses himself through touch and sex, so just spending time with you puts him in the mood. He loves your hair, your eyes, the way you lean into his soft caresses and use his belly or biceps as a warm pillow. When you lovingly scratch his back and stroke his scalp? Forget about it. Instant erection. And whether you are dressed for comfort or for going out, he loves your style and is turned on by the thought of being lucky enough to be with the most beautiful woman in the room. But, don’t even get him started on lingerie. His first erection was seeing a Victoria’s Secret catalog on the kitchen table as a boy, and he’s never gotten over the titillating thrill of lace, satin, and shyly exposed curves. He has a degree in Art History, and definitely has an eye for beauty and sensual experiences. He buys you panties and chemises to keep at his place, and on special occasions, spends all evening fantasizing about what you’re wearing underneath, and just how you’ll disrobe for him later. (You love surprising him with a merry widow, garters, and thigh highs in his favorite color.) In fact, given the chance, he’ll try to convince you to let him undress you before you even have a chance to go out for the night, and just stay in.
N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) Degradation is off the table, as well as anything that hurts you. He’s nervous to leave a mark. And you’ve asked him to explore light choking, but he’s just not there yet.
O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) Marcus is a pleaser, and his love language is ‘touch’, so he prefers to give, and his oral game is off the charts. He starts by kissing and caressing your whole body, so you’re completely warmed up and tingling before he even reaches your center. He loves focusing on you and hearing your moans and sighs of pleasure, and the way you say his name over and over, like a prayer, when you’re close to cumming. You’ve felt like you nearly passed out a few times, just from the intensity of the orgasms he gives you. (And as a bonus, it’s a little easier for his large member to slide in afterwards.) As far as receiving, you’ve finally convinced him you also get turned on when he finishes in your mouth, but what he really loves is the attention you pay to his body: the feel of your hands on his thick thighs, kissing your way down his neck and chest and belly trail, using your hands and mouth together to massage and suck his cock and sensitive head. And if he does come in your mouth, he enjoys the intimacy of you swallowing, if you’re up for it. He especially loves when you slide your thumb firmly up his cock after he finishes, emptying the last bits of cum from him, licking the head to get every last drop. And then gently cleaning him with a washcloth in the warm candlelight. He looks at you with such love in his eyes, and reaches for you, pulling you tightly against him.
P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.) In the dictionary next to ‘slow and sensuous’, there is a picture of Marcus. His preference is to spend hours and hours in bed with you, incorporating soft music, candles, wine, oils, and adoration of your body, bringing you to the edge with his tongue and hands, then plunging you over the edge when he thrusts into you. In fact, sometimes you just want it hard and fast, but it’s foreign to him. Why take 20 minutes when you can take 2 hours? You know to keep your Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings open for Marcus and his love of sensuality.
Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) Marcus likes to make a fuss, so quickies go against everything in his heart. He’ll do it to please you, such as if you only have a little while before dinner, or if you are feeling stressed or in pain and need a release. But he doesn’t really initiate them.
R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.) Listen. Marcus is all about risk. It’s why he became an FBI Agent, and why he enjoys the cat-and-mouse game that comes with chasing art thieves. He has never had an idea he didn’t act on, no matter how inappropriate or impetuous. So when it comes to sex, he’s more than willing to introduce some risk, as long as you are not going to be hurt. Sex in the evidence room? Fuck yeah. He’ll teach you about the art while he fingers you next to a priceless statue. Role playing FBI Agent and sexy art thief? Oh yeah, he’s down for that, and knows exactly what to do with you once he catches you. You plan to give him fur-lined handcuffs for his birthday, just so he feels more secure about not hurting you. And you can’t wait.
S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) The great thing about Marcus Pike is he knows sex is more than just penetration. He usually is good for two rounds before he needs time to recover, but that doesn’t mean you are only going to experience a round or two. When it comes to giving you pleasure and making you feel adored, his stamina is endless. He’s always ready to caress and kiss and stroke you, massage you, feed you sensuous bites of the special meal he’s made for you, and stay awake until you are satiated.
T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) His side drawer has a few little goodies you never expected, like nipple tingle cream (he loves applying it!), oils for massaging your back, thighs, and ass when you have stressful days, and a heavy feather pillow to put under your hips, raising you into the perfect position to take him as deeply as possible. You recently stashed a silk scarf in the drawer, and he’s open to you trying it on him, this time. Perfect for heightening the lingam massage experience. He’s not opposed to battery toys, but he’ll wait for you to suggest it, because he’s not sure what you’d like, and he wants you to enjoy it.
U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) Marcus wears his heart on his sleeve a little too openly to be a tease, but the exception is when he incorporates his love for art into foreplay by painting your semi-nude portrait. You’ll never forget the first time he showed you his home studio; you had no idea he was an artist, but his talent inspired his art history degree and career, and he softly asks you, while stroking your bare arm with the back of his fingers, if you’d be willing to pose for him. You nod in agreement, swallowing nervously. He chooses what you’re (barely) wearing, and keeps you warm with a heater while he sketches and paints. Every now and then, he’ll stop to just admire you, and when you self-consciously ask him, “What??” he smiles and says, “Just making some decisions, sweetheart.” Or, “Just admiring the most beautiful art I’ve ever seen.” But he won’t let you see the painting until he’s finished, and it takes several sessions. No matter what, he won’t budge. You didn’t know he had it in him to say “No” to you! But when he finally unveils your portrait, it was worth the wait.
V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) Marcus isn’t very loud, but what he lacks in volume, he makes up for with expressive words of adoration and sensuality. He’s usually whispering to you, rather than loudly moaning, but you love his voice in your ear, urging you to orgasm with his words, tongue, and cock. And when he stops talking and uses his mouth to kiss and lick your ear? Instant cum button.
W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) Marcus has been married 3 times. No kids, though.
X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) He stays in shape running, and is proud of his muscular legs. As he’s gotten older, he has a soft little tummy you love, and both his belly and his broad shoulders are perfect for your head when you’re cuddling on the couch. As far as his cock, he’s above average in both length and girth, so he takes extra care to make sure you are wet and soft before sliding inside you. In fact, after the first time you had sex with him multiple times in one night, you were bleeding a little bit the next morning, just due to how stretched you were inside by his huge erect cock. He felt terrible, but you assured him it didn’t hurt, due to not having many nerve endings up there. But, he is now mindful to ask if you’re okay before starting another round, and you have to assure him it’s always worth it.
Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) High. Sky high. International Space Station high. He can’t get enough of you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a fancy gown, comfy yoga pants and t-shirt, or sexy lingerie: he wants you.
Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) Marcus never falls asleep first, if he can help it. Sometimes when you’ve given him a lingam massage and warm washcloth cleanup, he struggles, and you are quick to whisper in his ear it’s okay to fall asleep, his arms around you, using your breasts he loves so much as his favorite pillow. But usually he stays awake to make sure you’re not shivering from cold or uncomfortable in any way, and only falls asleep when he hears your breathing soften and slow down, and your body relax into his cuddling embrace. Usually the last thing you remember is his soft kiss against your temple. But first to wake up? Always you. Sometimes you wake him up by stroking his hardening cock, sometimes with gentle kisses on his face, and sometimes with soft fingers stroking the fair away from his peacefully sleeping face. He’ll gladly stay awake after you if it means he gets to wake up to your gentle ministrations.
submitted by Lolasglasses to Pedro_Pascal [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 02:39 Top-Macaroon23 Hot water “lag” in shower.

So for the past few weeks when you take a shower the pressure is normal and water hot, occasionally the pressure will dip and water gets colder, this last about 5-8 seconds and then hot water pressure kicks back in.. will stay steady for a minute or so then same problem happens again. No other water source is being used in the rig during this time. We have been full time for 6 months and just started having this happen in the past few weeks (also arrived to our current site coincidentally a few weeks ago but their pressure seems to stay steady around 45-50 PSI so doesn’t seem to be a problem there?) I have also had to reset the hot water pressure valve a few times over these past few weeks which I haven’t had to do before. Thanks for reading!
submitted by Top-Macaroon23 to RVLiving [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 02:36 StructuralGeek Any quality 5th gen suspension kits that can be adjusted for no lift?

I have a ‘23 non-KDSS TDR ORP and I’m looking at changing out the suspension for more control and ride quality on- and off-road. The reduced spring rate of the 4R is more comfortable than my prior F150, but the shocks seem to just let the body bounce and roll too much.
The thing is, I don’t want to lift it. I want maximum wheel travel for off-roading, and lift kits usually just offset the spring equilibrium point downward while effectively removing that much up travel due to spring compression force. That, and my wife is short and already hates the stock height.
I’ll accept some lift if I have to, like if it’s half an inch or something, but most of the kits I can find either don’t state a range (just a flat 2.5in lift for instance) or the range is like 2-4”. Do you guys know of any kits I haven’t considered that can be adjusted for zero lift, or if any of the kits I have considered are just stating the maximum for an adjustment that can actually go down closer to stock?
Bilstein 6112/5100 seems like they can go down to roughly factory height, but are valved more for on-road than off-road priorities. Probably what I’ll go with if no one has a better suggestion.
Eibach and Dobinson kits seem to start at 2 inches minimum. They seem to be better valved for off-roading, but the added height is a deal breaker.
Ironman Foam Cell are highly regarded but seem to only have options for 2.5 or 3 inch lift springs.
Thanks
submitted by StructuralGeek to 4Runner [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 02:03 Zabe03 Looking For A Versitile Travel Lens For The Sony ZV-E1O

Hi everyone! I have a Sony ZV-E1O, and I'm looking to upgrade from the 16-50 kit lens to something more versatile, which would be used for travelling. The most appealing lens that I have found was the Zeiss 16-70 f4, but I'm a bit hesitant as the reviews are mixed. Does anyone have any recommendations?
submitted by Zabe03 to Cameras [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 01:46 AmaznAznthrowaway 35 [M4F] #California -Looking for a girl with daddy issues

I love the idea of teaching a girl all the right ways to turn on a man. We can go slow, then ramp up. We can do oral training. We can do roleplay. You want it rough and hard? Smooth and romantic? I am pretty open. Condoms are a must or proof of BC, not looking to have any kids. This should be obvious, but 18+ ONLY, no exceptions.
I am also open to just chatting online, but my ideal match would be someone local we can eventually meet up. PLEASE have better conversations skills than a potato. If you are going to send 1 word replies do not bother.
My ideal set up would be us chatting a little bit, then moving over to some type of video chat. Then set up a IRL meeting to feel each other out and get comfortable at Starbucks, where we can discuss G-Rated or X-Rated things. Then we can go back to my place(Yes I can host) shower up, then get down to business
My top kinks are cum worship, DD/LG, face- fucking, rimming, and face slapping/choking. I will not do any "break-in" scenarios without some type of face to face meeting first, not looking to get set-up/robbed/go to prison. I also require safe words, that way we can both get off pushing right up to the border, but wont go over it. I want to rape own and abuse your holes and body ONLY if it is consensual and turns you on.
Pluses but not requirements are : Petite body- A cups Younger(18+) Innocent girl next girl type or church camp type. Mixed race.
Here is a more detailed kink list:
https://i.imgur.com/rz7TB3F.png
submitted by AmaznAznthrowaway to AgeGapPersonals [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 01:21 meeotch Polishing & surface questions

Polishing & surface questions
I've got two items I'd like to repair, and have some newbie questions. The first is a Japanese bowl that has a highly glossy glaze. I'm considering buying the Chimahaga kit for this, but I noticed that it comes with 800 grit sandpaper, and something called "800 grit abrasive sheet". I'm concerned about dulling the bowl's glaze while sanding/polishing.
Am I better off using a tiny folded square of sandpaper, and trying to only sand the urushi lines, then using polishing powder or charcoal for polishing? Any tips or product recommendations from someone who has worked on something this shiny?
The second item is a mask made out of "Aquaresin", which is a gypsum-like powder mixed with resin. It has a matte texture that is much more fragile than ceramic - even 1500 grit sandpaper would probably change the surface visibly around the kintsugi lines. Since this one doesn't need to be food-safe, or even highly wear-safe, I'm considering a quick-set epoxy-based solution, and maybe not trying to smooth/polish it at all.
Again, any tips or product recommendations for repairing this type of surface would be welcome. I'm open to a non-gold finish - black would be o.k., if that's the only option. The key is that it should be easy to work with, as any mistakes I make will likely be permanent. I've even considered an epoxy base fix, and then just painting over with a fine brush to get the right look.

shiny bowl

matte mask
submitted by meeotch to kintsugi [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 01:21 greyv9 hayward h150fdn heater valve pricing question

I need a replacement gas valve for my heater. I believe the part number is FDXLGSV0001. It costs about $300. I also found online a LP to natural gas conversion kit FDXLGCK1150PN for the heater that sells for less than $200 and comes with the valve, new outlet pipe and orifices. Anyone bought this kit?
submitted by greyv9 to pools [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 00:58 TSMaynard1 [RF] ABP "Always Be Preparing"

Pine needles brushed across Paul's arms as he charged through the trees with his bugout bag slung over his shoulders. Weighing in at forty pounds, it hardly slowed him down as he’d practiced this hike many times. He flicked his wrist and checked his Garmin Solar 2 Tactical Watch. The timer read: 2:23.
“You can do this, Paul.” He increased the pace and gritted his teeth, the weight finally having an effect. Paul bounded over a small creek, up a rolling hill, and pushed through a row of baby birches into a clearing. He doubled over to catch his breath and looked at his watch one more time. Two hours and twenty-eight minutes. Paul pumped his fist in victory.
After a short break, he approached a thorny bush in the center of the clearing. Paul brushed aside sand at the bush’s trunk, revealing a yellow rope. He pulled it, which lifted a hidden door in the ground covered with dirt, shrubbery, and other camouflage on the top side, and drab gray iron on the other. Underneath, wooden stairs descended into darkness. Paul retrieved a flashlight from his pack, clicked on the beam, and disappeared into the earth.
At the bottom of the steps, Paul faced a steel door and a combination lock. With several quick swipes of the dial, he opened the lock and tugged the metal door, which creaked as it cracked open. Paul flashed the beam on the offending hinges and shook his head. Something to fix later. He stepped into the secret chamber and pulled a hanging aluminum chain that turned on a large halogen light, illuminating a twenty-foot by eight-foot metal rectangle. The exposed corrugated walls revealed the bunker was nothing more than a shipping container. Paul buried it two years ago and had divided the interior into three spaces. The entry had a shelf with four dozen gallon jugs of sealed water along with a portable toilet, stacks of toilet paper, and a wastebasket. The middle section was the main living area and contained a futon, a TV with a DVD player, and a neat collection of movies underneath. A nightstand housed a small library of books, including the Bible, The Art of Meditation, Buddhism for Dummies, and other spiritual tomes. The back area of the unit had two shelves filled with canned food—black beans, green beans, peaches, peas, carrots, beef, and chicken. There was also a stationary bike, which was Paul’s proudest accomplishment because he had rigged it to a giant battery that provided power to all the electronics.
Paul was a prepper, and this would be his home when the end of the world came, an event he believed was imminent. The global economy was a house of cards built on greed, corruption, and inflated asset prices, but worst of all, it was based on a faith in paper and digital money.
His fear was triggered four years ago when he attended a lecture by a professor who explained the fragility of the world’s financial system. If a few banks failed, it would rattle people’s confidence, causing a herd-like response. Thousands of people would rush to withdraw their cash, which the banks no longer had because they’d invested it. The banks would either fail, and everyday folks would lose their life savings, or the government would print new money to replace the missing money, making all money worth a lot less. Anyone holding dollars would attempt to convert them to other assets.
Just like dominoes, the banks would topple over one by one, and as they crashed, people’s faith in money would crater. After all, what was money? It was just paper with printed images and numbers that we’d all accepted as having value. More recently, money had become numbers displayed on a computer screen, something Paul knew firsthand as he spent the first seven years of his career working at a regional bank in Asheville, North Carolina. Paul could literally change someone’s net worth with a few keystrokes. He could turn a pauper into a millionaire, or he could bankrupt the richest account holder. Sure, there were safeguards, but all were built on faith, which Paul believed was misplaced. Most people didn’t realize that the Federal Reserve only required each bank to hold at least ten percent of its deposits as a reserve. Ten percent. That’s it. The rest of the money was invested in loans or other financial instruments. As the rich bank owners and executives pushed for bigger and bigger returns, they invested in riskier and riskier assets. The lessons from the financial crisis of 2008 had been forgotten.
Once the monetary system collapsed, the entire economy would become paralyzed. Without a means of exchange, transactions would halt. Think about it. If someone tried to give you a slip of paper that you thought was worthless, would you give them anything of value in return?
The doomsday scenario would escalate. Food and water prices would skyrocket, but with no way to purchase them, many would starve. But people don’t just roll over and die, they would riot and take what they need to survive. Marshall Law would be implemented, but citizens would revolt against the government they felt had cheated them.
As Paul listened to the lecturer that fateful day, a depressing epiphany struck. Everything he’d learned and everything he’d spent his life acquiring was worthless.
Growing up, Paul had been taught the value of money, saving, and planning for retirement. He internalized these lessons as a teen after his father got sick and lost his job. His mother had died when he was very young, but his father still managed to provide him with a stable childhood, even though they were barely middle class. When his father fell ill, Paul witnessed firsthand how fast a family could sink into financial trouble, which couldn’t have come at a worse time. He was applying to colleges, and instead of choosing the one he liked best, he chose the one that gave him the most financial aid, which turned out to be a small school half-way across the country. He also didn’t choose a major he was excited about; he chose the one that would offer the safest financial prospects—economics with an emphasis on banking.
The distance from home meant that Paul didn’t see the rapid deterioration of his father. It wasn’t until he returned for the funeral that family friends told him how the disease had spread. His father had refused to let anyone tell Paul because he didn’t want that to distract Paul from his studies.
After graduating, Paul accepted a job at a bank, and immediately signed up for the company’s 401K match. Most college graduates can't grasp retirement when they enter the workforce, but a 401K match was free money. Over the next several years, Paul worked diligently to advance his career while saving most of his salary. He’d mapped out his life on an excel spreadsheet and calculated that he’d be financially secure at 53.
Everything went according to plan until that damn lecturer came along and blew it up. Sifting through the rubble of his grand scheme, Paul realized that in the new world order, he possessed no skills to survive. The savings he’d so meticulously built up would have little to no value. When the economy collapsed, he'd be like a baby, unable to do anything for himself.
After a week of wallowing in despair, Paul rallied himself. “I can still fix this” became a daily mantra. To start, he threw himself into survival classes. The first was a basic camping course where he learned how to create shelters and start a fire. The next class was more advanced and focused on water purification and building snares for small game.
Paul continued working at the bank, because he needed to pay for the classes and survival equipment he began hoarding, but on his next vacation, he put his training to the test. He planned to camp for a week in the Appalachian Mountains, but the temperature swings, especially at night, were too much. Paul lasted three nights in the wild. The humbling experience forced him to admit that he wasn’t a bushman. His depression returned until he stumbled upon an article about “preppers”—individuals who prepare for end of world disasters. Suddenly, things made sense. He didn’t need to abandon all the comforts of modern society. He needed to prepare for the end of the world the way he had planned for retirement.
As Paul traveled down the rabbit hole of prepping, he uncovered an underground society of people like him who knew the truth about the world’s demise. Of course, not everyone believed it would end because of an economic collapse. Some thought a nuclear war would destroy civilization. Others feared electromagnetic pulses from the sun would wipe out all modern electricity. And still others worried a massive volcanic eruption would spew enough ash and soot into the air to blot out the sun. There was no shortage of theories about the world ending, but one thing was clear. The world would end. Did it matter how it happened?
Paul began his prepping quest by purchasing ten acres an hour and a half outside of Asheville. It had plenty of small animals and a creek running through the middle. He then transported an unused cargo container to the land and buried it. This was the toughest part of the plan because it required heavy equipment. Next, he dug out a staircase and installed a steel door at the entrance. Finally, he furnished it with a mix of modern comforts and survival essentials.
Almost every weekend, Paul trekked to his underground sanctuary and made improvements. He also planned his bugout strategy. When the end of the world hit, he figured he needed to be safely hidden in his home within two and a half hours, a time he had achieved with this latest trip. Everything was set, and Paul could finally relax. He was prepared.
Paul slumped down on his futon and considered playing a movie or cracking the bottle of Jim Beam whiskey he stored in a special cabinet, but he shook off the urge. Those things were the rewards and comforts he’d enjoy after the world ended. His fingers rubbed the top of the Bible, something he planned to read cover to cover once the global economy cratered. He’d have plenty of time then to discover his spiritual side, but not now. Something else needed to be done. Something he’d missed.
The biggest mistake a prepper can make is assuming he had everything covered. This was the lesson taught by Yannis, the guru of the prepping world. He was so well-known within the doomsday community; he only went by one name. The guy was sharp as a whip and could live off the land, if necessary, but he preferred a more sophisticated lifestyle, so he created a luxurious cave that contained backup systems for all his backups. Food, water, shelter, and electricity were all taken care of, and it was projected that Yannis could survive ten years comfortably after the apocalypse. His famous blog titled “ABP” stood for Always Be Preparing. It was a motto Yannis lived by and something Paul aspired to, but as he sat in his bunker after the relentless hike, fatigue set in. He didn’t want to think about prepping or his bugout strategy. He wanted to just be.
Paul tilted his head back onto the futon’s cushion, and a loneliness crept into his mind. All his prepping left little time for relationships. He dated off and on in college, but it was never anything serious. It wasn’t like his high school sweetheart, Kristin Summer. They dated junior and senior year, but then Paul broke it off when his father got sick. Paul couldn’t focus on romance, and he knew the relationship wouldn’t have worked when he left for school 1,500 miles away. It still hurt when he learned from a friend that Kristin started dating Derek Gorman, an old classmate Paul hated. It hurt even more when he found out they had gotten married.
After college, Paul joined a couple of dating sites, but he hadn’t used them in over two years. Most women wouldn’t understand his prepping lifestyle, at least that’s what he feared, so he rejected dating before anyone could reject him. But most wasn't all, and with eight billion people on the planet, there had to be someone for him. Almost without thinking, Paul pulled out his phone and opened “My Match,” the site where he’d had the most luck. His profile still had a photo from his early banking days. He was clean shaven with a naïve smile. The face staring back in the picture differed greatly from the bearded survivalist he’d become. Would anyone consider a relationship with the new Paul? Only one way to find out. He snapped a selfie, uploaded it, and then updated his hobbies with the first being “prepping” followed by “survival skills training.” He finished by pressing the button that showed he was actively looking for someone. All he had to do now was wait.
After spending the night in his bunker, Paul checked the dating site in the morning. No response. “It was a stupid idea,” he told himself, and stuffed his phone back into his pocket. He locked his container and returned home.
Over the next two weeks, Paul received zero requests for a date. He didn’t even receive a message from anyone to start a conversation and test the waters. “Shake it off, dumbass,” he said alone in the confines of his cottage-style home. “The world is going to end, anyway.” He clenched his jaw and did what he always did. He researched more ways to survive. Paul poured over blog posts and imagined worst-case scenarios. How could his water be contaminated? Maybe he should bury some caches of water. What if someone finds his shelter? Maybe security cameras were needed. What if he gets lonely in his shelter? No ideas came to mind.
After his eyes got tired from reading, Paul clicked out of his browser, and the list of all his apps stared at him. For reasons unknown to him, he opened Facebook, something he hadn’t done for months. There were a handful of notifications and a couple of friend requests sent weeks ago. His heart raced when he saw the name of one—Kristin Summer. When he accepted, he saw she was on-line right then.
Should he message her? Would that be weird right after accepting her request? But wasn’t it weird that he hadn’t responded for several weeks? He pulled up the messenger and typed. “Hey. Sorry for the delay in accepting your request. Hadn’t been on Facebook in a while. Been busy. Hope you and Derek are well.”
He curled his lip in disgust as he typed Derek’s name and considered deleting it, but he took the moral high ground and hit “send” with his message unaltered.
Kristin Summer. Just the thought of her name brought a smile to Paul’s face.
Bing.
The sound alerted Paul to a response, which he read out loud. “Hey Paul. Good to hear from you. Derek and I divorced a little over a year ago. It was rough at first, but it was for the best. How are you?”
Paul’s eyes widened with shock and excitement. He couldn’t believe Derek was so stupid to let Kristin go. Paul could at least blame their breakup on his father’s illness. His fingers prattled away on the keyboard. “Things are amazing.” He stopped typing. That was a lie. Should he pretend like things were great or should he be honest and tell her about his prepping and the end of the world? Neither option sounded appealing. He tapped the keys without writing until he settled on something uncontroversial.
“Working at Trinity Bank in Asheville. It pays the bills. Where are you?”
Within a minute, the sweet sound of the notification binged. “I’m not too far away in Durham. If you’re ever in town, let me know.”
If you’re ever in town, let me know.
Paul couldn’t believe his eyes. Was Kristin asking him out? He shook his head. Nah, she’s probably just being polite. But maybe. If there was any chance, he had to find out. He chewed his lip and deliberated his next response. Fortune favors the bold, he told himself. Then he remembered Matt Damon telling people that in the now infamous commercial for FTX months before its collapse. When that occurred, Paul thought it was the beginning of the end, and he lived in his bunker for two days before emerging and finding the world still intact.
Paul clenched his fist. It was still good advice, and he had to try. Almost involuntarily, he typed, “I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon. If you want to get together, let me know.” His finger hit send before he could talk himself out of it. There was no qualification in the message. No waffling or hedging. It was clear Paul wanted to see Kristin. The only question now was whether she wanted to see him.
The next ten minutes felt like ten days. Paul paced back and forth with his hands over his head, and he glanced at the monitor every few seconds, just in case his ears had missed the notification alert.
There was nothing.
A dark depression filled the room. Why had he gotten his hopes up? What was the point, anyway? The world was going to end.
Bing.
Paul leapt to the computer and his eyes widened with each word he read. “How about a lunch at The Fig Tree Restaurant on 7th?”
People overuse the word literally, but Paul at least felt like his jaw was literally on the floor. He had a date with Kristin Summer, the one woman he had loved. His hands rattled away at the keyboard. “See you at 1 tomorrow.”
“Holy crap,” he muttered to himself.
Panic replaced his excitement when he imagined sitting down and talking to Kristin. What would he say? “Hey Kristin, what have you been up to? Oh me? I’ve been working at a job I hate and planning for the end of the world.”
He drifted into the bathroom and stared at the scruffy character in the mirror. Paul could only cringe at the thought of Kristin’s reaction upon seeing him. She might not recognize the bearded loner who resembled Ted Kaczynski more than the short-haired, clean-shaven teen she last saw.
Only one thing to do.
Paul had to prepare. He opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of clippers. He began trimming his beard and mustache as short as the clippers would allow. Next, he applied a generous amount of cream and shaved all of it off. Paul smirked at the young man hiding under the shabby beard, but it still wasn’t enough. He set the guard on the clippers to a four and began shaving his head. In college, Paul cut his own hair to save money, and the skill came back to him quickly. He dropped to a three and worked in a fade on the sides and then finished with a two. Paul turned to the left, then to the right, and assessed his work. Not bad.
Next thing to prepare was his outfit. Paul slid the door of his closet open and evaluated his choices. A banker’s suit was too stuffy, and his mountain man denim was too hermit inspired. He yanked the clothes aside and climbed deeper into the recesses of his wardrobe until he found a nice buttoned-down shirt and a dark pair of slacks. It gave just the right vibe of successful and stable, while not trying too hard to impress, even though that was his precisely his goal. Paul laid the selection on the chair by his bed. Durham was a three-and-a-half-hour drive away, and he wanted to make sure he got there with time to find parking, and maybe use the restroom. He set the alarm on his iPhone for 6 a.m. That would give him plenty of time to take a shower, have breakfast, and get dressed.
There was no chance of falling asleep easily. His mind raced with thoughts, questions, and various scenarios about what the day would bring. To relax, he poured himself a double whiskey, which he downed with a single slurp. He poured another and sipped.
Kristin Summer. He shook his head, still in disbelief.
As the effect of alcohol set in, Paul laid down on his bed and shut his eyes. Tomorrow would be a good day.
Paul slipped into a deep, satisfying sleep until his mind jolted him awake. It was past 6 a.m. He didn’t know how he knew. He just knew. Paul had slept through his alarm. He snatched his phone off the nightstand, but it was out of battery. He checked his watch and saw it was 7 a.m. There was still time to get to Durham.
Paul jumped out of bed and into the bathroom. He flicked on the light switch, but nothing came on. Paul toggled it on and off, but the outlet was dead.
Police sirens wailed in the distance. Paul meandered out of his house and onto the front lawn. Aside from the sirens, there was an uneasy stillness. Paul’s neighbor Kurt ran out from his home with two suitcases that he flung into the trunk of his car.
“Kurt. What’s going on?” Paul asked.
“Fort Knox was bombed. All the gold was obliterated. And something happened to the electricity and the internet. They shut it down.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know, man, but it’s not good. No one has access to news, no money, nothing.”
“Where are you going?” Paul asked.
“I don’t know. Somewhere isolated. I’m just hoping there are no more bombings or other attacks.” Kurt jumped into his car and sped away.
This was it. The world was ending. All of his preps were about to pay off. But what about Kristin? Paul didn’t want the world to end. If he tried to get Kristin, there was no chance he could reach his shelter before things get hairy. Plus, there was no way he could find her. He didn’t have her address, and she might have already left Durham for somewhere safe.
Paul forced himself to focus on his plan. This was what he had prepared for. He dashed back inside and changed into his camouflage gear, grabbed his bugout bag, and then sprinted to his truck. He drove through his neighborhood and reached the main road. His shelter and plans were to the left. Kristin and the unknown were to the right. The whites of Paul’s knuckles flared as he gripped the steering wheel. Now was not the time to waffle. He turned left and hit the accelerator.
Paul gritted his teeth and raced down the street. Keep going. Keep going. He urged himself on. Almost involuntarily, his foot slammed on the brakes. Paul couldn’t do it. He’d planned for the worst all his life, and while he sat alone with the engine idling, he had to admit the truth. He’d lived all his life in fear.
Paul yanked the wheel and turned around toward Durham.
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2023.05.29 00:56 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning hacks

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
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2023.05.29 00:56 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning hacks

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
submitted by Impossible-Change-39 to honesthoneycleans [link] [comments]


2023.05.29 00:55 Impossible-Change-39 Vinegar cleaning

Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your home. Here are some examples:
Remember to spot test any new cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger surface. Also, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble, as it can damage the finish.
https://honesthoneyreviews.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-power-of-vinegar-clever-hacks-for.html
submitted by Impossible-Change-39 to HonestHoneyReviews [link] [comments]