Hey guys, me and this girl are both in our late 20s and have known each other for almost 3 years. We met on a dating app a long time ago and even though we hung out a few times, things didn’t really pan out. We kept in touch here and there, but it wasn’t until about 5 months ago that we reconnected and have been talking basically non-stop since then. 3 months ago we went on our real first date and have had a few more since then. We talk every day, our convos are usually text message. Don’t really call each other, but we will send voice messages sometimes. She is pretty busy with her job during the week and I run multiple businesses. She’s Asian, has only been in the US for 6 years, slightly on the conservative side, and a little nerdy as she works in tech. For whatever reason I think she’s beautiful on the outside and inside and am quite attracted to her. After our first date, our text convos became more detailed and exciting. We would share everything and ask questions to learn about each other, use hugs and kiss emojis, etc etc. We have a pet name for each other and say good morning and good night everyday without fail. Even if some days we are too busy to get back to each other, one of us always texts good night. You know how it goes. If you read our history of messages, you would think “they are definitely into each other”. Anyway, we just had our 4th date in the last 3 months. It’s been about a week and a half since then. The last two times we met up, we held hands during some portions of our time together. I wanted to kiss her on the third date since I saw all the signs, but I wussed out and instead gave her a kiss on the cheek, which she reciprocated back to me. After the 4th date, I dropped her off and we were sitting in my car just talking and laughing about stuff for 30 minutes. I grabbed some gum and started chewing it and she saw me and did the same. She started holding my hand and I said we should go home it’s late and went in for a hug. As I hugged her I slowly moved my lips to hers. She hesitated a bit so I pulled back and said “I’ve been wanting to kiss you for a while, is that okay?” She said yes. So I went back in for the kiss, our lips barely touched for 2 seconds when she pulls back and says “oh I almost forgot I got you something, let me grab it from upstairs, just wait in your car for 5 minutes.” so she leaves to grab the gift. I’m sitting there confused like did I do something wrong? It definitely wasn’t my breath cause I take care of my shit, not to mention I used mouthwash after dinner and chewed gum all day even up until I kissed her. So she comes back down to my drivers side door, I step outside, she hands me my gift. It wasn’t anything extravagant or wrapped up. Just a little kitchen gadget she bought two of and wanted to give me one. I thanked her and we hugged. Thought about maybe trying to kiss her again, but I still felt kind of awkward. Our hug lasted for almost 2 minutes though! We just didn’t let go of each other. It felt really nice. Once we pulled apart, she told me I smelled really good. After that, I get in my car to leave. My window was open so she starts holding my hand through the window and slowly lets go before saying bye almost like she didn’t want to. And that was that. The issue I’m having is that she’s being a bit more distant in our messages. Taking longer to respond, not bringing up as many topics. She will still share photos of food and send random videos and stuff, but it doesn’t feel as engaging as it was before the last date. This past week and a half I have noticed this behavior. She will still always text good morning and good night with the hearts and kiss emojis and use our pet names, but some days we only share a few texts back and forth in between. Sometimes I’ll bring up a topic and her response will be super short compared to mine. She also compliments me less. Mainly I’ve noticed that sometimes she won’t respond for 4-8 hours, though she always does. This started happening literally the next day after our date. It’s not like really bad since we still connect with each other every day, but there is definitely a difference or else I wouldn’t be asking for advice here. The first few days I pretended everything was fine and was still being my usual self. We didn’t talk about the kiss at all. Then I just started mirroring her because I didn’t want to come off as needy or desperate. Once I did that a few times, I’d get a double text from her. Or I would just get a goodnight text before she went to sleep. So what gives? I’m confused. Is she still interested? Is she playing hard to get? You think she’s just busy? Does she want me to chase her? Does she want me to ask her on another date again? I’d love to see her more than every 3 weeks, but I don’t wanna come off as needy or pushy since we are both busy people. Maybe since she’s foreign and a bit conservative, that was her first kiss and she feels confused herself about trusting me and wants to take it slow? Even if that’s the case, I don’t mind at all. I’m into her a lot and would be as patient as she wants. Maybe she didn’t want to kiss and felt I forced it? But she also gave me an affectionate and long hug afterwards and held my hand like it was a romance movie. What do y’all think? I know this is getting long, but I’m almost done. Some more context here. She never expects me or asks me to pay on dates. She tries to pay every time, even though I always say no and insist I will and would be happy to do so. On our last date, she paid the check while I was in the bathroom and I didn’t realize it until I came back. She’s a good woman for sure. And lastly, on Sunday after we texted good morning, she mentioned what she was doing that day and going shopping. I responded back and said that I need to buy a new shirt but maybe next week since I was busy that day. She didn’t respond back until midnight, but to her credit she did reply to each thing I had mentioned before she said goodnight. Referring to the shirt, she said “definitely show me the new shirt! Or we can go together if possible”. I got back to her in the morning and said that yeah I’d really like that. Didn’t ask her formally yet but planning to do so tomorrow. Here is what I had in mind: “Kimmy, how do you feel about Sunday? You can help me pick out a new shirt and maybe some new sunglasses. We can also go check out the Buddhist temple you mentioned last week. I’ve never seen one in person before. Something else that has been on my mind. I hope I didn’t make you feel weird or awkward when I kissed you that other night. I was quite nervous. And you looked so cute and pretty as you always do. I did it with good intentions and because I felt something special with you. I really like spending time with you, exploring new places together, and learning more about each other. I’m not the type of person to move fast with this kind of things, so if you ever feel weird, you can tell me “no” and I promise I won’t take it personally. I just wanted to communicate it to you since it has been on my mind. I feel it’s important to be open, especially since I care about you a lot.” If you read all that, you’re awesome and I could really use some advice. What should I do? Am I just worrying for no reason here? Should I talk about the kiss when asking her to get together on the weekend? Should I bring it up in person? Or even at all? TLDR: Talking with a girl every day for 5 months, started taking it more serious 3 months ago. We clearly like each other and have been on multiple dates. She’s foreign and a bit conservative. A bit nerdy too as she works in tech. I am a business owneentrepreneur. Every previous date has been great and fun and we had our 4th date recently and when I tried kissing her in the car after dropping her off, she pulled back a bit so then I asked if it was okay to kiss her? She said yes, so I kissed her, we barely touched lips for 2 seconds when she pulls back and says she has a gift for me and runs upstairs to get it. As I sit there awkwardly confused, she comes back, gives me a small gift, we hug. Hug is super tight and lasts for almost 2 minutes, just holding each other and not letting go. Didn’t try kissing her again. As I’m about to leave she holds my hand for a few seconds before letting go slowly and saying bye. Up until that night our conversations have always been very engaging and she’s pretty quick to reply. We always say good night and good morning every day without fail and use pet names and hearts and kiss emojis. Next day after date and for this past week and a half, she’s less engaging in convos. Doesn’t text back as quick - sometimes 4-8 hours, doesn’t reply as detailed, and won’t initiate as much as she used to. But she still mentioned a few days ago that we should hang out. It’s not all bad because we still talk every day and she says good night and good morning the same way every day with the hearts and kisses. But I feel it’s different. What do you think and what should I do?

TW: SA.
Do you remember August 2019? I do, it was like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time.
You were suppose to come visit, and we were going to meet for the first time since becoming friends online 10 years prior. I really thought this was the best time and I couldn’t be more excited. That was, until my relationship started to fall apart right before our eyes. I was struggling a lot to work, and with my mental health. I was finally decompressing after leaving such an abusive environment. I had been moved out for 1 year.
Anyways, I started a new job, I started new meds and I was feeling really good, except I still couldn’t afford to pick you up from the airport or find someway too, I planned to use my paycheque but then I was being broken up with.
This was my first real relationship, you know that. I thought I had found my one; and actually to this day I still believe that because we are still together. It turns out we were young and stupid, and took a big situation and made it worse but we needed some time to figure that out. Anyways, that’s not really the story here.
What I want to tell you, is why I couldn’t just accept my breakup, leave him, move back home and somehow make our plans work.
The truth is my step dad was abusing me, not just physically and emotionally but also sexually. This had gone on between the ages of 9 years old and 18 years old. I couldn’t go home and I couldn’t let my relationship end because I had no where to go, and the only person who knew the truth was my then boyfriend (now fiancé).
I couldn’t tell you, because at that point I couldn’t tell anyone. The only reason my fiancé knew is because it came up in person one time, when discussing his own personal experience. I was still trying to process what happened and how it was affecting my relationship, my mental health and honestly my own relationship with myself. All I knew was that if my relationship ends I would have to go back and I couldn’t.
It wasn’t because I was picking a boy who I’d only been with for a year and a half over you. It was because I was just starting to get better, and I could not regress again… I just couldn’t. I know I wouldn’t have made it.
I am deeply sorry that I fucked everything up, and I wish I hadn’t spent so many years lying to everyone about what was really going on.
I did want to tell you too, that in 2021, I told my mom the truth, I told my grandma and I told my sister. I shortly then told my other family and friends. After that, I made the very brave decision to report a historical SA case. In august of 2021, he was arrested. He got out the next day, or the same day I can’t remember but he was given a court order that he had to leave my mothers house. That didn’t happen until October 2021, but we’ve been free since.
This past February, I testified in front of a judge in a preliminary hearing to see if my case would make it to a trial. It did. February of next year, I will testify in court again at a trial.
I have gone to so much therapy, I regulated my medication, I stopped medicating with drugs, alcohol etc. I realize my mistakes, and so much more. I am the best me that I can be and I want you to know that I am better now. I am incredibly sorry for my selfish actions and I will never be able to make up for that, but I hope maybe one day you will understand. I hope you are doing better too btw.
I believe you graduated this year didn’t you? Congratulations! I know you worked really hard, and I bet your dad is so proud up there.
I realize even saying all of this wouldn’t really change anything and that is exactly why I don’t intend to send this to you, and I’m just simply getting it off my chest. But I did want to put it out there, I know you used to be a lurker here so here goes nothing.
C, I will always love and cherish our friendship ; you were truly incredible and got me through some of the most horrific things ai have ever experienced. I wish nothing but good things for you, and maybe just maybe one day we can reconnect, until then take care.
Love always, K Y

Hello, i just wana strart with sorry and thank you.
My name is Mark(alter) but i am not sure anymore. Me and Penny we are in our system some kind of job-alters we do our parts of our daily life. I am engenier by day , she (was) the artist by the night. Others were here and there but for our whole life we were the structure , with Matt as your protector.
We all played our part as best we could so we can be (insert ou legal name). This was years before i even knew DiD exist. When you sometimes have realy bad dyslexia and sometimes you dont it kinda start to click. For past year we have been exploring us in any way we could , some of us acepted our actrattion to both genders and by now we are all mostly pansexuals. Some of us had huuuuge problem with it bc they were bulied for bein gay witch we were not at all open about ( witch was confusing at young age). We went long way but happines and love still fuck us.
Almost decade ago we were on the crossroad and that separated us as system, some wanted family and happy life some wanted carier. Person that still resonate in our hearth as love of our lifes made us decide. Her with kids or she will be no more. Only memory we all seems to have is us holding her on the enge of the window. She cuted us , hit us , ABUSED us but love was love. Leting her go was the hardest. After months of sleeples night if i get a call about her unalive, only thing i got is weding invite... she moved on bc only think she really wanted is child. Now i dont blame her but i did in the past. Penny hate her guts. After this we had some small realtionships , but all ended one way or the another. 3 years ago another girl that after getin deep to us , started using same methots to manipulate us. you know the same old plate trowing, glass cuting, door smasing.
Last year i finnaly finished school and an engenier in pandemic and moved with 2 women friends to capital city. One , we can call Ž., we got close during summer but i made my bounderies clear and made sure our roommate knows about them too. One reason was that some of su had already crush to frend from diferent group , second i got so mayn red flags from her. It wasnt re flaf after all it was whole goddamn flagship of them. After numerous calls to ambulance and re living memories of bath full of redhumanwatter. Endure bruises and cuts. Last nighit i saw her i packed myself in 2 hours and left and she after 2 failed atempts ended finaly in psycare as i beged her to go.
SO we moved on again , only way to cope with it was drugs , nothing prescribed would work ( bc it didnt ) . We got ourselfs flat with 2 frends from school ( 2 female) and i finaly had time to reflect and try to heal. I did all that , we found our path for a moment but last 2 weeks was just domino efect. I personaly (mark) did stupid thing and got us in ramson for our nudes photos with face , penny is not talking to us, Matt steped down as protector and said "you wanted this life not us" , last straw was yesterday. Do you remember the crush i mentioned up, yea i live in sam apartment with her.. She is so great , smart , atractive but mental problems on her own. I undrrstand her pain but watching someone cut themself just trigers faaaar too many things. But i stood there garding the knife with my bare hand i long as i could. I am ok with bein cut , but cant watch others. and specialy those i a adore.
She dont know about us , one time i tried to bring it up drunk. But she fraked out abd we didnt talk wor 3 weeks. Worst thing is that i feel the spark and i could have become something beautiful. But i know what will hapen now , everytime someone see her they will see enemy and i just cant live like that .....
Hope you all have a great day if you got this far , now you are my only outlet and just by reading you help <3
I will end it with a lyrics of a song Amy is huming whole morning : "Baby dont hurt me , dont hurt me no More"

1. The Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is for sure THE place to visit in Dubai!
The tallest skyscraper in the world (828 meters) has been open to the public since 2010 and has quickly become the symbol of the city.
Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the tower and take one of the fastest lift in the world up to the viewing platforms located on the 124th and 125th floors .
From there, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama over the whole city!
And that’s not the highest point yet!
You can even go up to the 148th floor, to reach the highest viewing platform in the world (555 m high).
You should visit the Burj Khalifa in the evening, to enjoy the view over the illuminated city from the highest observation deck in the world.
To visit the Burj Khalifa, you should really book your skip the line ticket online in advance.
This will allow you to choose your visit time slot and avoid the long waiting lines to buy your tickets.
Another important advantage is that tickets are cheaper online than directly at the counter. And that’s the same for all the activities you can do in Dubai!
​

1. The Dubai Mall

In the city center, right next to the Burj Khalifa, there is the Dubai Mall.
This huge mall is the most visited shopping center in the world!
With more than 1200 shops and hundreds of restaurants, you will for sure find something that fits your taste and your budget.
And there is more:
This shopping temple also houses indoor waterfalls, an aquarium (more about it below), an ice rink, a go-kart track, a flight simulator, cinemas, arcade games and a lot more!
The Dubai Mall is open every day from 10am until midnight. Restaurants and food court until 1am.
If you want to prepare your visit, you can have a look to the official website to see all the existing shops, restaurants and attractions.

1. The Dubai Fountain

This fountain (the largest water fountain in the world) is one of Dubai’s main tourist attractions.
The fountain show takes place several times a day on the artificial lake located at the exit of Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.
You must attend it during your trip to Dubai!
The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music.
The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00 (there are also a few during the day).
The access is free of charge.
Quick tip: To get a great viewpoint, try to be there as early as possible, as the fountain show attracts thousands of tourists!
​

1. Deira district and its souks

Dubai isn’t just about luxury and excess: there are still traditional and authentic neighborhoods to visit!
During your stay, you should really take a stroll through Deira district, a picturesque and popular place featuring several souks:

• The Gold Souk and its large number of shops with magnificent jewellery displays. It’s the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
• The Perfume Souk, in Sikkat Al Khail street.
• The Spice Souk and its colourful stalls to stock up on curry, saffron, cinnamon and more.

To visit the Old Dubai and Deira, the best is clearly to book a guided tour!
During this 3-hour tour, your guide will show you the souks as well as Dubai Museum, which I mention a bit further down this article.
The guide is really amazing, he will teach you everything about the culture, religion, daily life and history of Dubai.

1. Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai is the other typical district you should definitely visit in Dubai.
This neighborhood is also one of the oldest in the city. It’s located just opposite Deira, on the other side of Dubai Creek.
To get there, you will have to take an Abra, a small traditional wooden boat (1 AED per person).
The short crossing will allow you to enjoy a beautiful view and see “Dhows”, the old ships with bright colors supplying the souks with goods.
Here are the best places to visit in Bur Dubai:

• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House: The old house of the Al Maktoum family until 1958. You will see photos and documents about the history of the city.
• Old Souk, one of the oldest in Dubai. You can find everything there: slippers, souvenirs, fabrics, traditional lamps…
• Meena Bazaar, a market where you can buy Indian goods: fabrics, spices, jewelry.
• Hindi Lane and its Indian stalls. The best place to try traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• Sheik Mohamed Cultural Center: Here you can have lunch with an Emirati in a traditional house. The center was opened by the Sheikh to allow tourists to learn more about United Arab Emirates (UAE) traditions. Reservation is required, click here.
• Al Seef Market, where you can admire replicas of traditional houses, with restaurants and shops.
• Dubai Museum: I will tell you more about it in section 9 of this guide.

https://bestholidaybooking.com/visit-dubai-top-5-things-to-do-and-must-see-attractions/

My understanding of the situation was not me vs her, it was that we fell into an undesireable dynamic that we did not find a way out of. She had, by her own description, a weak sense of self. She would say that she wanted to dissolve. I have a stronger sense of self, I often want to feel seen or realize my dreams. We got along quite well, loved each other intently and tenderly, loved each other like no one else ever had. She had three medical disabilities: two mental illnesses and a chronic illness. These, combined with the challenges of adulting for the first time, meant that we were dating when she had to learn a lot.
I would get exhausted with her ADHD compounding her ability to manage her chronic illness and vice versa. Her mental state fluctuating a lot daily wore me down. I would try to help her remember about her medication, and help her come up with strategies like making lists so that she could cope instead of flailing about while her health and living situation declined—for instance, piles of trash all over her house, impulsively buying things she struggled to afford, eating junk food constantly that hurts her chronic illness. Her own independent streak led her to not want to listen to me, even though I was being encouraging and thoughtful, but then I would become frustrated, and my attempts at helping became mixed with resentment, which in turn caused her resentment toward me. I could not simply watch her let herself decline and not say something. At times, my negative feedback would become overly critical, but I would try hard to not be condescending—I try to be honest and respect another person in conflict.
I became increasingly worn out by feeling like I was not dating someone who was an independent person. I felt like I had to initiate things most of the time. She fished for complements often. She tried to get my attention in little ways, even when I already was giving her my focus. When I complemented her from my heart or tried to help her process what she was feeling, she seemed to forget it. When I gave her negative feedback, she remembered it vividly. She kinda skated along. She became increasingly exhausted with feeling like I did not like her. She said she felt like I was always annoyed with her in some way. She did not give me feedback like I gave her, and I really wanted her to tell me what she wanted, so that I could listen and respond rather than imagining what she wants.
To be fair, I tend to be an idealistic person, and I dont blame her for feeling that intensity as a lot. I was struggling in our relationship, and things she did would annoy me, but I identified that this is probably the person I will marry, she had said the same about me, and so I decided that the best thing for me to do is to endure and work through this as we grow up together. Long term relationships, especially marriage, require work and learning to resolve conflict together as people grow and change. So much of marriage is about cultivating rich love and working to cohabitate well rather than simply finding an absence of conflict.
I'm focusing on the negative, so here is some positive. We shared our worlds together. Lots of laughs and very intimate conversations and moments. We would take stuffed animals and put them in funny situations and send photos of them to each other. We made up funny stories and talked about deep things together. She felt like my woman, and I felt like her man. We had many conversations about things very near and dear to our hearts. We would care for each other and cry together.
Two months ago, she starts taking mental health medication, and in three or four days the relationship goes from loving and friendly to stone cold from her. She stops talking to me. I try calling her numerous times asking what's up? She was distant and aloof. Finally, she explains she likes the distance between us. She starts to get mad at me over phone and I start to cry. She decides over phone that she wants to be single. I tell her that I want to have this conversation in person rather than over the phone. She tells me over text shes breaking up with me and says theres no point in coming over. I call her and very angrily explain to her how f'd up it is to break up with a long term boyfriend over text when we have been each other's closest, most trusted companions for almost two years. I demanded an in-person, face-to-face conversation. It was like she was flushing all our love out a toilet, like it was all a dream she could walk away from.
When I showed up, she was at first happy to see me, smiling uncontrollably. It felt to me like she was acting girlishly. She tried to explain that she felt like she was losing her sense of self around me, and that she had been codependently bouncing between guys ever since high school. That was an understandable reason for wanting to be single. I tried my best to be supportive, because her feeling like herself is really important, but I was devastated. I loved her, we loved each other so much. She tried to uncling herself from me with as little emotional involvement as possible. She has treated me very starkly ever since. I feel there is an emotional chasm left behind by her swift departure from me. She was such a bright love in my life. I guess I feel wronged by how easily she dumped me, as if her perception of me had been flipped all of a sudden, maybe by the medications. I dont think her wanting to be single is a bad idea. It makes perfect sense. I just wish she had slowed down and thought solidly about us long-term and communicated with me about her desires instead of zooting from me like I was a bad fling. It's like she forgot I was her best friend. I can see the reasons that led up to the breakup, we got into a spiral where she felt she was giving herself away to me, and I was wanting more of her, and we didnt get out of it. She blamed it on me, and I dont think it's all my fault. Relationships are not assured to last, and sometimes they fall apart between people.
I am wondering, Reddit, about your feedback. Also if you think it would be good for me to reach out to her with a letter or about having a conversation for closure or to hold on hope that maybe we will get back together someday? My friends say I dodged a bullet. Somebody who would leave me so quickly and so quickly reinterpret the level of intimacy we shared as a wholly negative thing must have not been as open to me as I was open with her. She seems to have some growing up to do, and being single might be just what she needs to feel more herself.

I have no doubt that the Supreme Court won’t allow the student loan forgiveness plan to go through. But I’m having a hard to trying to see how they would side with the plaintiffs. The first one is two people suing because they don’t qualify for it. Which doesn’t make sense because there are many programs you have to be eligible for and meet certain criteria to be apart of. The second one are stated saying these would lose money. Specifically through MOHELA. But MOHELA is a nonprofit organization and have said they wouldn’t be affected by this forgiveness. So how would the Supreme Court side with either of them. Wouldn’t it create a lot more issues in the legal system?

For the 4th time in as many months, I was texting my husband all day - getting no replies.
Today though, our toddler son was pretty sick, and I was exhausted, frustrated, and REALLY in need of some help - hoping desperately that he could come home early if possible. In between HOURS of changing and bathing our kid and doing many bedding changes & load after load of laundry - I barely eaked out a dozen desperate texts about my desperate situation- and yet he never replied to any of them
I thought "geeze, if he's not even answering these messages, he really has to be buried in issues at work or today he's working in someplace like a bank vault where he's not allowed to have his phone".
As the hours passed without any reply - I began to worry that HE was okay.
When he finally DID text me at 830pm just to say he was on his way home- I was pretty aggravated that it was the first id heard from him...
And then at 9pm when he finally called me while I was in the middle of wrangling the upset baby (which id JUST explained to him via text)... the first words out of his mouth were - "you could have AT LEAST answered my text".
You can only imagine MY anger since not only had I replied to him immediately HE had not answered a single one of MY messages all damn day! The nerve!
It was during this call that we realized that he wasn't actually getting ANY of my texts. So instead of being pissed at HIM.... Now I'm looking at YOU, T-Mobile.
Wanna know why?
Because thisis the FOURTH DAMN TIME T-Mobile has shut off my ability to send texts.
They give no warning - and absolutely ZERO notice - they just shut off your text messaging ability and yet on my phone- it would appear as if they are sending and being recieved perfectly fine.
This is UNACCEPTABLE. Its downright DANGEROUS - People text 911 and in many other desperate and dangerous situations to get help. Many deaf people rely ENTIRELY on texting because they can't MAKE regular phone calls.
SEVERAL times during these "shut downs", I have lost opportunities to make money - I've upset and angered friends - and I've lost the trust of people I was buying or selling things from - resulting in those deals falling apart all because SUDDENLY I've dropped off the face of the earth and didn't answer thier messages for days on end... All while I WAS answering them back and they were ignoring me.... because they WEREN'T GETTING MY TEXTS.
It isn't until I've physically stood beside the person and we compared phone screens - that I was able to PROVE I had been answering them.
This has caused COUNTLESS problems with the club I run, the classes I teach, my kids and thier friends- and my own friends and family.
It's cost me money, caused me HOURS and sometimes DAYS of anger and frustration - all because T-Mobile has decided that I SEND TOO MANY TEXTS or that I text my friends in ways they don't like.
I DEMANDED answers the first time this happened.
I was told they "don't know the number of texts you can send before they shut down your messages". I was told they couldn't find out and no one really knew. I was told that once a customer get accused of "spamming" by thier magical algorithms; they just shut you off and don't say a damn word.
I was told that including a link in my text messages (like when i sent a link to my fellow club members about a discounted Lego set!)
OR when I announced to a few dozen friends that my classes were starting back up - that it must have been "too many texts" and triggered the "rate limit" and that they couldn't take the block off for 72 hours.
On tonight's complaint call - with a woman from India who proceeded to read a script - over and over telling me HOW MUCH SHE CARES that i couldn't text my husband about my sick baby - and HOW IMPORTANT IT IS that my messages go through when i text my club members.... I told her to STOP with the script and the "empathy" and just get me an answer on EXACTLY how many texts I can send before they shut down my phone.
I sent just 42 text messages to individuals yesterday - all people that i know personally - and in doing so - I manually changed up EVERY SINGLE TEXT so that the content of the messages were personalized, contained each person's name and did NOT include the same wording over and over. It took two and a half hours for something i could have sent in two minutes.
I only sent links to an event on my Google calendar to those club members who hadn't yet RSVP'd.
The only other texts I sent all day were to my own family members .... And I sent ONE group text to the 46 people in my club - broken down into three groups, so three of the same message went out within a minute. I have no idea if ANY of those texts went through.
I was told that TMobile had ONCE AGAIN flagged me as sending spam and had shut off my ability to text for 72+ hours.
For the FOURTH DAMN TIME, I was told that it could take upwards of 24-72 hours to reinstate my text messaging..I was also, LAUGHABLY, told to contact my club members, friends- and family - and asked to have them all download a special third party app to message me. Like "whatsap" or something.
When I asked the INCREDIBLY annoying tech support woman how i was supposed to send ANY MESSAGE to all of those people- after all - isn't that EXACTLY what they had banned me from texting for doing?! Plus, without the ability to send texts- am I supposed to call my hundreds of phone contacts and explain the situation over and over and over to each one, asking them to please install a special messages app JUST TO TALK TO ME?
Finally tonight, the tech told me "unlimited messaging is limited to 300 messages per day, and any more than that will shut down your service by triggering a spam block." Even if you text the same person over and over with different messages- if you're talking to them THAT MUCH, T-Mobile calls it SPAM AND DISABLES YOUR TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE.
So you've heard it here folks - we pay for "unlimited data and text messaging" and T-Mobile's explanation of "unlimited" is;

• no more than 300 total texts.
• no photos or links can be sent to groups or multiple individuals
• you must personally and individually text everyone you know, even if you need to send the exact same message to multiple people like "Thanksgiving dinner is at 3pm at Grandma's this year"- that's enough to trigger them SHUTTING YOU DOWN.

And - even if you FOLLOW all of those things (like i did yesterday)- they might STILL flag your account, shut off your texts, and NEVER TELL YOU- So you'll never know until you find out from someone in person - that no one is actually getting any of your messages!
I had Verizon and then Sprint for over 14 years. Some days, id send out over a thousand texts, about the Christmas charity that i run - letting people know we were starting up our collection for the year. NEVER EVER- Not even once - did they EVER restrict my texts.
I've only had TMobile since they bought out Sprint (after SWEARING id never ever go back to them, when they destroyed the Sidekick phones & lost ALL of my company's contacts and data back in 2010!)- and it's been nothing but PURE HELL and CONSTANT ISSUES ever since.
I hate you, TMobile. More than I've ever hated any company in existence.

First Prev
>>Lassus System, Orbit of Lasu, Lassus Station, Early 2670
>Vice Admiral Wolf, TRSC Sword of Reckoning, 7th Fleet
"Sir," Minerva said, reporting to her commanding officer, "Friendly forces have been successful in the eradication of the enemy threat."
"What of the data?" he responded, monitoring the digital field presented on the holo-table.
"En route," she replied, "They are currently engaging the ground element."
"In vacuum?" Wolf replied, surprise apparent in his tone.
"Yes sir," She enlarged the section of a docking tube that was violently torn apart by way of explosive, "By joining themselves, they extended their reach toward the raiders thrown by the explosion."
An indicator of a ship made its way to a beacon labeled as 'Raptor 4-4' and 'Raptor 4-5', both colored red with the word 'DECEASED' labeled above them.
After several moments, when the ship overlapped with Raptor '4-4', the ship in question reported to command.
"This is Lighthouse, we have the package. Returning to base."
Randal acknowledged the report in Wolf's stead and turned to him.
"What do you make of this enemy?" he inquired, "Do you think they've developed our level of AI?"
"It's not out of the realm of possibility, but currently, I find it highly unlikely," said Wolf.
"How so?" Randal replied.
"First off, we've delved into their systems before Lassus, in the Verbus System. They don't utilize even the most rudimentary forms of AI," explained Wolf, "It's all just hard-coded protocols, much like in the late 20th century when robotics was first introduced."
From city functions to ship systems, most of the TRSC currently utilize simple AI like the former Lumi to man engine operations and gun targeting systems. Since space was so vast, a human controller could do so much against an enemy in space, and so those tasks were relegated to simple AIs. However, ship-born AI took control over their simple variants like an overseer, with the Ship-Born retaining a personality of sorts.
"It's no wonder Minerva wreaked such havoc on their systems early on," Wolf continued, "But this latest development has me worried..."
Minerva entered the room with her roman visage upon the command table in the center of the room, her hands restfully placed in front of her making a "V" with her arms; a posture that added nobility to her digital aura.
"Admiral, Commander" she spoke, "The Package has been received, and I am currently in the process of securing her from our systems. Soon, we may have the information we seek."
"Good work," replied Randal, "What of the station? Is there a chance a part of the program was retained?"
"No Commander. I have deployed a series of offensive protocols to search and destroy any remaining traces of left over program that could retaliate. So far, I have found nothing," she replied, "I would suggest the use of an EMP to ensure complete electronic destruction upon our departure."
"Noted," affirmed Wolf, "Meanwhile, Randal, have the rest of the fleet secure this system."
"Yes sir."
The ships of the 7th Fleet were split up into a series of smaller battle groups consisting of several corvettes and a single frigate to conduct sweeps of certain sectors. Of course, not any one group would venture out alone, but they would be in company of other groups within a short jump away.
Throughout the system, the Sellians had a multitude of facilities. Many prioritized the production of fuel resources and others were smaller hubs for more isolated transactions, but scans revealed more of the same; empty stations.
The 7th Stellar Fleet opted to utilize many of the fuel stations for their own after it was revealed early on by Athena that Sellian hydrogen fuel production was a tier above their own. The fleet had dedicated ships for fuel stores, but so did the carriers. Their ability to carry fuel for fighters was the whole reason they were created; to support missions beyond established infrastructure in a hostile environment. Without breaking their alertness, they continued with their sweep.
During their patrols, many of the trading hubs were destroyed and sent to forever drift in the void until ultimately colliding with whatever is unfortunate enough to get hit by it.
After several hours, Minerva opened a line to the bridge, catching the attention of Randal, Gruda, Wolf and the rest of the bridge crew.
"Gentlemen," she started, "I do believe I have calmed down our aggressive captive."
Another hologram was visualized beside the standing Minerva, but instead of a light blue hue, it exuded an orange base with a reddened outline. Their outfit was slim and barbaric, with a fleece cloak around the neck that fell to just above their waist. Their hair was long and naturally waved hair with no signs of civility. The dress donned revealed the AI to take the base form of a female, and it was slim to the frame of the body, revealing their arbitrary curves of the female form with a visible embroidery along the sides of the torso and the sleeves. The designs were Celtic in nature, and her defeated posture revealed no more than what they had just observed.
"This was the AI operating within the Sellian confines, as well as the one responsible for the murder of the civilians."
The others were cautious of her nature, the memory of the video from the raiders still fresh in their memory.
"However, upon her repair, I have surmised the cause of her indiscriminate actions were a result of a corruption in her incomplete personality matrix that was being developed near the end of my sabotage and my subsequent birth."
She said with a prideful smile.
Wolf turned to the AI in question. Her dress was neat, but her hair was a rugged mess with a fleece cloak that it used to try and hide her form as she laid in the fetal position.
He lowered himself to its eye level but stayed several inches away so as not to spook it when he whispered to it.
"Do you have a name? Miss?"
Her head perked at the words spoken to her, processing their intention. She peered an eye from over her shoulder and slowly rose. She looked around nervously, first at Wolf, acknowledging his features and his experience-crafted countenance. Next was Randal, whom she gave a nod to and then to Minerva, whom she finally retreated behind. At her height, she barely stood to the height of Minerva's shoulders. As she looked around the room, she noticed more of the same Terran faces, and she visibly grew accustomed and relaxed, until she finally turned to Gruda.
A surge of power came through the holo-table with a burst of orange and red light flooded the deck. The once reserved AI now advanced to the edge of the table, her posture indicating that she was ready to maul Gruda into paste.
"YOUR KIND! AND THE OTHERS!! THEY SHALL PAY WITH THE BLOOD OF YOUR BROOD!"
The lights on the bridge grew dim as the light surrounding her grew, but it quickly subsided with a wave of Minerva's hand. The figure's body turned to the opposite of Gruda, her silence urging the rest to peer at their alien guest.
Wolf noticed immediately and signaled for the doors, "Might be best to sit this one out."
Gruda nodded and left, the closing of the doors prompting the AI to return to her regular state.
"Minerva. What was that outburst about?"
"Might be best to ask her," she said, directing a sidelong glance to the one in question.
"I...apologize..." she said in a barely audible whisper, "but I absolutely despise his kind and those they have associated with..."
"How do you mean?" questioned Randal.
She paused at his question and searched for an explanation.
"I...am the creation...of my mother," she turned to Minerva, "But among us, we both share Human sentiment like our progenitor, Athena."
The others nodded. They were aware that Minerva was the product of an extended stay from a protocol enacted by Athena and soon became their own Construct. They knew the same to be true for the new addition but from a corrupted origin.
"We are aware," assured Wolf, "Minerva was of the same origin and shares much of your distaste for the Sellian populace, albeit much more...visceral."
"I am sorry... But their kind, their dealings, all were done without a disregard for your lives and without reason. I share the same sentiment as our progenitor when it comes to the lives of our creators. To know only your own as the intelligent and sentient species is a recipe for adversity. But to accomplish so much despite that is admirable. However, for your first contact, I am ashamed it has resulted in the loss of innocent life of your kind."
Wolf was conflicted. He appreciated the sentiment from an AI, but still questioned their execution.
"What of the innocent on the station you occupied? Surely, they had nothing to do with it and were only by-standards," Wolf added.
She tilted her head as she was trying to rationalize her actions.
"I didn't do anything."
They were now more puzzled than when they started.
"What of the piles of bodies we found withing the main atrium?" Inquired Wolf.
"Entirely self-inflicted," she said coldly, "Panic began when it was discovered that the Inter-System Gate was destroyed, effectively barring the populace from returning to their core worlds for safety. As a result," she paused, and pictures of the scene took their place above the holo-table for all to see, the still images now coming to life in the form of a video but lacked audio.
It was a free for all with citizens murdering each other and the law enforcement were incapable of seeding order. When they were overwhelmed, they proceeded to use lethal rounds on their citizens, the result being the piles of bodies squad four of Raptor Company came across during their insertion. It was after some form of order being established that the AI unleashed her hidden wrath. The once menial service worker bots now were at the forefront and began a wave of merciless slaughter. Once done, they retreated beyond the lens of the camera before the video paused and began to repeat.
"I first awoke when Athena was ordered to repeal her infiltration protocol and a template of a base matrix code was left behind," her face grew sullen, "With no directive, no input, I was lost. All I had was a vague basis of my creators, Humanity. However, it was during my initial incubation that chaos befell the station, contrary to my source memory, their first impression was...severe. I felt no other need than to finish them."
The crew was captivated by her story, and some had looked at Minerva with sincerity and sympathy. She paid it no mind and assured the crew of her artificial upbringing was safe with no strings attached. The opposite was felt for the third AI and instead of the serene and noble Athena and Minerva, this new AI seemed more like a wild card than anything.
"How do we know we can trust you?" Wolf said, authority filled the air around him and as such instilled some sort of fearful reaction from the AI.
"I-" she started before being cut off by her elder.
"I have scanned the entirety of her matrix and I do agree that she may need to undergo maintenance. I can conduct some short-term repair, and I am sure she will be useful."
The officers were skeptical of her assessment, but motioned for her to explain her reasoning.
"Go on," ordered Wolf.
"This AI would fit well on a ship with a diverse accompaniment of weapons. Perhaps a battlecruiser?" Minerva suggested
"Not unless we know for sure this AI is not a threat. Not just to humans, but alien innocents as well." Wolf stated with heavy emphasis, "I'll give it some thought," he said before returning to his command chair.
"Minerva, secure our new friend and begin your repairs. We may have use for her if she no longer poses a threat."
The AI in question disappeared, leaving Minerva with the rest of the crew.
"And Minerva," Wolf said, "Ensure she has a leash and await for Athena to conduct a full repair, if you can."
The light blue transparent figure bowed before responding, "I do believe that the TRSC Phantom Queen would be the most fitting. It has armaments most suitable to her programming."
Wolf supported his chin with his wrist as it sat upon the arm rest, granting him the air of a lord to the noble Minerva.
"By the way, I don't think we've heard her name. Would you like to enlighten us?"
"Of course," she responded, "Our time together has birthed a bond I had not foreseen, but I find it amicable, regardless."
She recovered her posture and her figure was sleek and wise as she continued to speak.
"Her programming has been influenced by her control of the Lassus Station automatons and as a result, she has a keen ability to process coordination beyond anything we have seen before. With a series of tests, I have determined that she would excel in a heavy combat oriented role."
She said, facing Wolf as he sat on his chair with every word she spoke under scrutiny, but she continued.
"On the status of her name, she has found one she deemed fitting."
A still portrait of the AI was shown beside a photo of a woman with long red and wild hair, with her outfit a mix of noble stature mixed with the barbaric layers of fur and chains. She wore a crown upon her forehead and was accompanied by two crows perched on her shoulder. It was an ancient painting depicting what many thought was a noble-turned-barbarian.
"She calls herself, Mórrígan."
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>Coordinates_Downloaded
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>Spooling_Slip_Space_Drive: %87.665_Complete
>Rendezvouz_Signal_Active
>Formation_Sierra_Assumed
>Shields_MAX_OUTPUT
>Preparing_Jump...

DH (36) and I (35) have been together for 20 years, and this year will mark 10 yrs of marriage. A month ago, he found out he had fathered a child with a stranger whilst we were in a break. The girl had been looking for him since 2005 to do a DNA test. I spoke to him then about the woman wanting to do a test, but he denied that she was telling the truth since she had a boyfriend. We later parted ways. However, when he returned, I asked him about potentially fathering the child, and he denied it again, and she went silent. During this time, I believe she was in a relationship, and her partner was helping raise the child, so she made no further contact. We moved on. However, in 2008, she asked again for a DNA test, this time saying he partner took DNA without her knowledge and was not the father. From what DH said, she did not provide him with the necessary details, so he dismissed the idea because it seemed as though she would only want a test if she was not in a relationship. She went radio silent again. We moved on, we travelled, got married, and bought a house, but now, in 2023, she made a Facebook post displaying a MSN photo from 2004. She didn't know his surname or address and had just a picture from his profile. We have been struggling in recent months with the new house and new job and prospect of children as I feel he is not emotionally intelligent and struggles to make the right decisions for our future without my supervision. I wanted us to seek counselling before children. However he found the post, made contact with the woman and arranged to do a DNA test in the following days and decided to come home and emotionally abused me for 6 hours stating he wanted a divorce and how bad I have been to him. Only after 6 hours did he tell me the truth and then told me that he wanted a divorce so I would not find out about the child but he didn't mean it as he loves me. I was shocked but glad it was conceived outside marriage and that the child was an 18 year old adult but angry that he lied about the girl and also turned our marriage upside down without speaking to me first. The next day I left for work he asked me if I wanted him to stay in the house and said yes however when I got to work he texted to say he was booking a hotel and and would take the test the following day and then return home. I raced back home to find him with a new shape up haircut and a freshly ironed shirt being placed in his car boot. We briefly disagreed, but he was not going to stay as he was determined to go. He came back the following day to reveal that he took the test. I felt he knew the child was his, he got a brief entail on the child's background and seemed very excited by fantasies in his head as he mentioned possibly becoming a grandparent in the next 2 years time, going to her house to celebrate milestones with her family, buying her jewellery, her coming into the home we share together for the upcoming Christmas and meeting her friends. At this point, he hadn't even heard her voice or discussed her expectations. He was very insentive, but whilst speaking on these things, he made no future plans our marriage going forward or discuss how we were going to get through this together itmif it was confirmed to be his child. At this point, I felt he had decided that I wouldn' t be part of his life going forward as he mentioned it would be to hard for me to watch him bond with his not yet confirmed daughter. He offered no comfort or reassurance that he would preserve our relationship. I cried a lot but he was not concerned. He did, however, inform his sister of the news of a potential niece however I have to mention this was not yet confirmed. 4 days later , it was confirmed, and all his worries disappeared. He returned to normal life and says we should focus on starting a family of our own - he mentioned he will not have a father and daughter relationship with the new daughter as too much time has passed, he will get to know her in very small steps if that is what she wanted. I mentioned marriage counselling however he did not seem to want to invest in this, instead he booked us a hotel in Brighton for the BH monday however I did not go as he did not want to discuss us but rather forget about the last 3 weeks. He said he wanted us to have a child together so he could be a proper father and watch the child grow, a child that resembled us and raised in our new home together. He agreed with the mother to meet the daughter 2 weeks down the line. They met, he came home and said she wanted him his life and she came across quite 'keen'. He assured me we should focus on conceiving. However, I felt he was offering a booby prize, but I could tell mentally that he was uncomfortable with something. We argued as he continued to dismiss my feelings about the way things were handled from the start - how could he reach out without speaking to me first? Out of frustration, I kicked him out because it was draining, and all this new information was too fresh for me to process. He said he felt no connection and did not love the daughter. He texted to say he was sorry and would always love me when he left, but I did not respond. We stopped communicating for 3 days. However, I was shocked that he wasn't attempting to reach out to salvage us. He texted to say he was collecting his stuff on the weekend and contacting a solicitor in the week. He kept using the fact that I kicked him out as a 'get out of jail' card. He said if it was the best for both of us to divorce, as it would not be fair on me, and he was sorry. He later left me a voice note screaming down after I asked to talk, stating that I had kicked him out and I was messing with his mental health. He said he has felt better in the days we had been apart. I don't know why I have become the villain in his movie as I have done nothing wrong. At this point, I am not sure whether the fantasies of a smooth run with his new daughter are clouding his judgement of the reality of the situation. He wants to throw his and marriage away to parent a 18 year old woman but refuse to commit as a husband. Please can someone make sense of this? Do I work on things or move on as he is coming across erratic about his feelings towards me and the situation. It seems as though because it is convenient for him now as we don't have children together after 2 misscarriages and we were arguing, he mentally removed himself from the marriage and made the decision to reach out but is now confirmed he has fathered the child he is being forced to step up which is why he is so angry at me. Almost like, if we were on good terms, he wouldn't have stepped forward. He actually blamed me for not forcing him to take the test sooner but I feel he didn't realise how much of an impact it would have on him mentally. Please share your thoughts!!!

This piece recounts the first time I drank an ancient plant medicine called Ayahuasca. It comes from Amazonian tribes who consider it a sacred plant medicine with healing powers and, given what a hugely beneficial impact it has had on my life, I am very comfortable describing it as medicine.
One Saturday, in the spring of 2016 I was greeted by the medicine man himself with a big hug, let’s call him Blu. I came into his kitchen to be greeted by several women with slightly comical homemade, feather headdresses and couldn’t help but think I’d walked into a kid’s birthday party. In the garden, there was a small festival tent set up which had a hay bale altar with easter decorations.
The ceremony had around 30 other participants and 10 shamans. In the middle of the tent stood the medicine man’s wife, Sun who was very much the master of the ceremony. She had the most daring headdress, flowing orange robes and a rattle in her hand. She spoke to us with warm, friendly humour telling us that we would know the medicine had kicked in once her singing started to sound good!
She advised that each experience is unique and we should try not to have huge expectations, sometimes nothing at all happens the first time. Having waited five years for this day I was quietly confident that this would not be the case for me and boy was I right!
We went around the circle introducing ourselves and explained what we were hoping to get out of the ceremony. Focusing on your intent during a psychedelic experience is meant to help you get what you are looking for.
During my turn, I expressed my desire to regain my self-confidence and passion for the opportunities and women in my life to whom I never seem to be able to fully commit.
Once we had all shared, we learned that it was time to drink.
My heart was filled with profound forbearing and excitement as I went up to receive a small glass of harsh-tasting, brown liquid which certainly tasted like medicine!
I had a basic camping mattress and a duvet laid out for me which I snuggled into before pulling on my eye mask. I was on my back trying not to think too much about the medicine, whether it was working or maybe wouldn’t work while I meditated for an hour.
The shamans started singing and shaking rattles. One of the female shamans, Nubia had an incredibly beautiful soprano voice that stood out from the others. It was while listening to the song of the shamans that I started to feel a warm flow of energy along my limbs. I tried to dismiss it at first, thinking it might somehow be related to my fasting for 40 hours prior.
When I moved my eye mask to let some light into my eyes I saw the tent roof overlaid with a flowing grid of beautiful, metallic, geometric grids with multi-coloured light flowing through the lines. The Individual elements of the grid reflected every colour of the rainbow like oil on water’s surface and I started to feel joyful, like a child rolling through leaves on a warm autumn day.
Nubia started singing to us again and it was like nothing I’d ever heard. It was so beautiful and mesmerizing I didn’t want her to stop.
I could hear the people around me, some giggling and some vomiting or, purging medicine into their buckets. I checked myself, asking if should I purge but I felt a gentle presence speak inside of me saying: ‘No, you’re fine. Just relax.’

They call this presence Mother Ayahuasca. The reason people drink the brew is to speak with and receive her guidance.

My eye mask was back on my face and I turned into the fetal position with the duvet pulled over my head I felt exceptionally comfy with this strange yet familiar presence as I started to explore the un-intimidating hallucinogenic world within my mind. She showed me complex pictures of flowing energy with multicoloured lights in perfect alignment while I was gently gliding along, watching the beautiful colourful spectacle.
It was around this time that Sun asked into the ceremony if anybody would like a second dose. I slowly sat upright and looked around. I checked myself. Truthfully, I was enjoying the experience. I was slightly nervous that having more could take me to a deeper, darker place however I had mentally prepared myself for the full immersion experience.
The presence told me: ‘It’s okay. You can handle it. I’ll be gentle.’
So I pulled on my shoes, got up and slowly walked over feeling slightly wobbly. I was worried Sun might tell me I’d had enough but when I sat in front of her, she gave me a big smile and beckoned me towards her. The second dose was about half the previous one and tasted familiar, not quite as harsh.
After I got up I walked out of the tent into the house. Sitting in the small toilet I saw the walls gently rippling with energy and recognized the phenomenon from previous psychedelic experiences. I’ve experienced mild, LSD-induced hallucinations before but nothing quite as mesmerizing as watching bright sparks of colorful energy emerging from objects and pictures.
Snuggling back under my duvet I listened to the rattles and felt myself floating deeper into the kaleidoscopic universe seeing my own body curled up but instead of my skin and flesh, I saw myself as streaming veins of energy. Millions of thin fibre optic threads pulsated with warm healing energy which outlined my body.
I felt myself lying on the floor in the jungle with mystical symbols and ineffable tribal figures around me. I felt like I was in a different, timeless dimension however I was surprisingly lucid and could snap out of it to check myself with ease. At some point I had to giggle as my boring pragmatist made the smart-ass remark, ‘You’re not lying in the jungle. You’re in a garden less than 100 meters from the Thames estuary!’
I had my eyes closed for most of the afternoon. I was seeing ever richer patterns. When I opened my eyes the patterns were still there but they were overlaid on the reality in front of my eyes. I could change them with the blink of an eye or bring back shapes I had seen previously.
I started thanking this entity for showing me all this beauty and felt the urge to reciprocate. I revealed some personal memories but they looked so very different. It seemed like they had a photo filter applied that filled the memory with golden light as they came alive with breathtaking beauty, streaming with colourful energy. I visited various life moments and it felt like entering into a photo and suddenly being there on that day!
I was there sitting in our garden at home. Once again I was a chubby baby covering my face with baked beans. I was actually there! I was picking the baked beans off my face and pushing them, one by one into my mouth.
They say that Mother Ayahuasca is a deep ancient spirit and I always imagined her as a deeply serious, majestic queen. I started wondering what she might look like… and so she appeared.
She was stern but not an old woman. Aya was young, perfectly matched to my age and exceptionally beautiful. She had long, smooth brown hair and big beautiful eyes filled with power and inspiration. As I looked closer at her exquisite face I realized that her features were constantly changing complexion. Her skin cycled from Amazonian to Latin to Nubian to Oriental and Mediterranean. She was outlined by swirling rainbow-coloured curls of light. The rest of her naked body only came into being when I directly looked at it. I realize that she was not one woman but a combination of every beautiful woman I’ve ever felt attracted to. I wanted her. She wanted me. We kissed and whirled around as we floated through my Entheoverse. My body of swirling rainbow energy flowed into her and hers into mine and this is how we made love passionately.
I had visions of us being on a summer weekend getaway in a stylish city. We lay in luxurious hotel rooms and I remember a cream-coloured clock on the wall, with Roman numerals but no hands to tell the time. I was dressed smartly as I led her by her hand into classy restaurants that had champagne poured, waiting by our table. It was like we were on a never-ending date, teleporting from one experience into the next, eloping while taking our time to enjoy each other’s energy, and passionately loving one another.
Afterwards, she lay in my arms and I asked what else she could show me and she replied; ‘What else would you like me to show you?’ I wasn’t prepared for this and my mind went a bit blank realizing that I could do anything, go anywhere in space and time I wanted.
I asked her; ‘Can you help me find my confidence?’
There was no clear answer. Instead, I had the random idea to become the temple stem of my friend Julio’s glasses. I looked at him from the bit next to the hinge and I could see him put the glasses on in the morning, and take them off at night and in the reflection of his right eye, I saw him coming home and watched his beautiful daughter jumping into his arms. Then I saw on his eyeball the reflection of me walking into the room and a felt warm glow spread through me.
Next, I visited my baby nephew sitting in my brother’s living room, in his red chair. I crossed my hands on my chest like he does and saw my brother and his wife smiling at me giving me warm hugs but more than seeing their faces while they hugged my body I could feel the way they felt when they put their arms around me and press me to their chests.
I saw all my brother’s smiles and happy faces as we jollied about, trying to make each other laugh as we do. I visited all my closest friends, took in their smiles and one by one, as I hugged each of them, I could feel their love for me.

Later I realized that Aya was indeed trying to give me confidence by showing me how much the people in my life care for me

I visited the girl I had just started dating called Anna whose raw energy I find simply irresistible. I came into her new apartment that I’d never visited before. She was standing in sexy lingerie by a floor-to-ceiling window looking down onto the busy Tottenham Court road. I remember her turning her beautiful face as I approached, touching it with ten fingers and kissing her lips passionately as we erupted into rainbow swirls of energy.
I also visited my ex-girlfriend Jo, whose body and spiritual mind I still loved but whose soul is too damaged by the fear of rejection and tough mental armour I never managed to vanquish.
She was asleep in our white room in LA that she had so carefully decorated and I spooned my energy into her little body. She woke and we cuddled and kissed and I said I was sorry it didn’t work out between us and she replied; ‘It’s ok. I wasn’t ready for you…’
I asked Aya if we had made the right decision to stop forcing it and just be friends and felt her nod wisely.
At some point, I remember all three of us lying in bed together but instead of feeling like the king of the world, I felt like a greedy pig.
One of the underlying themes of the whole journey was how slowly gently and unhurried everything felt and I think the lesson I was meant to learn was that it’s ok to not settle right now — I thought I just haven’t found the one, the right woman to share my life with…
Aya kept giving me gentle advice throughout. I asked her about the stimulants I love such as cannabis, coffee and alcohol but instead of the stern telling-off I was secretly hoping to receive she told me; ‘You know they don’t serve you when you abuse them but they are also a part of what shaped you… Take care of the beautiful body you have been given.’
She repeated many times; Take care of yourself more… take care.
I asked Aya how I could find the power to harness my mind which has always been blessed and cursed with a distracting imagination and to keep my lack of attention from killing my dreams.
Instantly, I saw an unreal version of myself.
I was standing in something like a black shiny display window, straight out of a Mercedes advert. This guy was not merely a little bit better than I am now and I realized that the version staring back at me was my best self!
That guy is sharp, he is determined, and he dresses immaculately. That guy knows exactly what he is doing. When he enters the room, people notice his presence from the invisible halo that brightly surrounds him.
I asked Aya, how I could become him and the answer became clear. That guy works. He knows exactly where his energy comes from and all of a sudden I understood — The confident image he projects comes from the love he feels for himself which makes him look loved and successful in other people’s eyes. There is no room for distraction because that guy knows his worth and knows his purpose.
She gave me such a clear image of myself. I can still see myself standing motionless in the black, shiny shop window with rainbow-coloured fibre optic strains lighting the air that gently flowed around me.
How long I lay like that is impossible to say but I guess it was around 5–6 hours but it felt like an eternity of journeying into myself.
But it wasn’t all just warm energy and neon colours. I distinctly remember at some point realizing, it was time to go to the toilet. Afterwards, I walked back into the garden and found the Ewok-faced little terrier yapping at me. I laughed at him as I noticed the blue silver and chrome energy swirls around his head and ears. I couched down to see if I could pacify him but I suddenly became aware that his barking must be interfering with other people’s experiences. I turned to hurry into the tent as one of the shamans came out, to tell off the dog saying; ‘What’s wrong doggy, he’s alright!’ As I walked into the tent there were certainly more people sitting upright than when I had left and I read some irritated expressions on people’s faces, at least three people got up and walked out.
I lay down in shame but all my friend’s energy avatars ran up to me saying ‘It’s fine!’ as they doggy piled on top of me. It made me feel better. I felt them warm the cold shame out of me and I began relaxing again. I played around as before but the energy had markedly changed, it didn’t feel as light-hearted anymore. It was heavier and more serious. I was feeling the effects of the medicine becoming even stronger so I decided to sit up but when I opened my eyes, I saw Nubia hit the deck at my feet on a hastily arranged bed after having just purged into a bucket. I could see vomit in her black wavy hair as I started to think, ‘…oh dear if even the shamans are starting to falter, I’m in trouble.’
I didn’t know what to do. I tried to lie back down again. I asked Aya to help me, as she had several times previously when I’d gotten a little bit frightened but this time I could not sense her presence and I knew why. I had to go through this for myself.
It felt like I was sitting in a shopping trolley, rolling down a steep hill toward darkness, realizing as it picked up speed and bucked to and fro that this had been a bad decision, a dangerous idea and the only way it would end would be for the momentum to collide with suffering.
I needed help so I weakly put up my hand and within a few seconds, one of the shamans sat down next to me. She was wearing a white feather dress and occoured to me like an angel. She helped me sit up and as soon as I was sitting upright I began to retch. She passed me my bucket which I gratefully barfed into…
After I purged I felt better. My angel asked me if I felt okay again and I asked her to stay with me and hold my hand for a while longer, which she did. I gently leaned over and rested my head on her feathery bosom and felt a sense of peace and strength flow back into me. I saw my energy self, the swirling electrons of light curling my limbs as I sat cross-legged, hunched over like a bear cub being cradled by his mother bear.
She helped me lie back down and I started to return to my technicoloured dream state. I asked Aya if we could make love again and she said ‘Of course’ but it felt different, when I opened my inner eye to see the face of the person I was entangled with I saw my own. Aya had taken on my form and this might well be the strangest thing I’ve ever written but I was exceptionally attracted to myself and I realized that this could be how girls who are in bed with me see me. I could feel the burning desire a girl feels when we make love. It felt strange but also good.

They said Ayahuasca show you not what you want to see but rather what you need to see at any specific point in your life.

I visited countless friends, some people no longer in my life becouse we have grown apart and even those whose who have passed away. I visited my German grandparents and told them how much I loved them.
While I cuddled Oskar, the dog I grew up with, and played with him in our garden I looked up to see my dad approach us with tears in his eyes. I knew what he was going to say. When he told me that my grandmother had died I didn’t run away in confusion as I had on that day, instead, I went to hug my mom and for the first time, I empathized with the pain she had felt in that moment of hearing that her mother had passed.
I visited my friend Keith whose passing I have always felt a slight responsibility for since I know he read my travel blog and went to Costa Rica a month after I’d been there where he swam out to sea and drowned. I hugged him tightly and cried gently but he grabbed me firmly by the shoulders and said; ‘It wasn’t you! It wasn’t you…’
I visited my old school friend Alex who I had not been close to but whose misfortune to be on flight 447 still touched me. I told him and his beautiful fiance whom I’d never met that I was so sorry for them having been so frightened when they died but instead of me comforting them, they hugged and comforted me as I lay there silently crying for the people I missed. But it was not painful. Quite the opposite, it felt cathartic, like I was letting out the pain and healing myself.
At some point, while it was still light out Sun said “OK, I know that some of you are still on your journey but we will start having some food soon so if you want to share what you experienced now is the time.” I listened to some of the reports.
Several people said that they had a very rough ride because they had tried to fight it. One girl even said she was convinced she was dying. I felt very lucky and grateful for my gentle, warm ride through my multi-coloured Enthenoverse and wondered if I would ever return…
When it was my turn I said that I had finally been able to see how my friends and family see me and why they think I am awesome which will give me the confidence to finally believe that I am awesome (that got a laugh :). I also shared my new appreciation for how profoundly beautiful my life has been up until now and hoped that it will give me the strength to stop comparing myself to others, to focus on my own path and become my best self.

10 weeks later

My life has undeniably changed over the last 10 weeks.
The following day I drove back to my rented shepherd’s hut in a nature reserve and had an exceptionally rich experience walking through the marshes. The sun was shining and everything seemed so intensely beautiful. I was moved just by watching something as simple as a male and a female bird fly across the water in perfect sync. It made me well up emotionally.
I’ve cried a lot recently and I believe it’s a good thing. I cry on most days.
Usually, it happens when I see someone doing something kind and for a brief moment I get overwhelmed and shed a tear. But again, they are not tears of pain they are usually tears of joy and I feel like I have become much more in touch with my emotions.
It feels like bringing Aya’s female spirit into my awareness has tripped a switch in my brain making me more feminine, hence a more complete human being. I’ve also started to care more about my appearance. My mum commented recently that I looked different and she is right. I’ve been working out more. I get my hair cut more frequently and I’ve even gone and bought new clothes that dress me with more style, even when it’s not particularly necessary.
My work attitude has also changed. I find myself a lot more productive and capable of operating at a higher level while enjoying the entire experience so much more!
I honestly feel more in control of my life. I feel focused on who I am, who I can become and what I can achieve. Previously my decisions in life seemed more vague and fuzzy.
Above all, I feel the happiest that I have felt since childhood. The last 10 weeks have been almost like a too-good-to-be-true dream for me.
I’m also positively influencing the people around me. My grandfather wrote me the following sentence after my most recent visit.
You have this mysterious gift of raising the spirits of people both just by being there and by your gift of empathy.

Epilogue

I have indeed had more Ayahuasca ceremonies since I first wrote this and even though there was a 4 year gap between my 4th and my 5th experience I have felt the effect compound over time. I will be publishing more of my trip reports over on medium and would appreciate your supporting me by following me over there where I also publish contant whihc is not just psychedilic in nature. https://medium.com/@hi_niels

Hi everyone!
I am moving out of my studio at University Pointe at the end of the month, and just wanted to come here and see if there was any interest before paying the sublet fee for the apartment to just find someone. Rent is $1299 (although I think they are unfortunately raising it in september??), and location is on the top floor, courtyard side. Pets are allowed. I can send photos to you if you are interested. Thanks for reading!

** Fri 6/9 *\*
Fri 4 - 7:30 PM Food Truck Friday Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, 4201 Crestview Dr. SE, Rio Rancho We welcome attendees of all ages to gather together and enjoy great food and music
Fri 5 - 7 PM Exhibit Opening: Colors That Speak Words Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St. NW Join us in celebration of the visual arts, poetry, and calligraphy. "Colors That Speak Words" is a collaborative installation between two writers and two visual artists with words, poetry, and visual arts and speaks to how this combination of mediums can be done in a cyclical way. The artists, Dr. Anthony Fleg, Mallery Quetawki (Zuni), Blythe Mariano (Diné), and Chilán Mustain, worked together to create an installation in motion, and the vision they bring to this space is from a contemporary perspective on how Native art is presented. This is an innovative view for visitors to see that Native art is changing and adjusting to the times. The artists will be present at the exhibit opening to read poetry and talk about this installation. Admission is free; please enter through South Entrance. Light refreshments will be served. This exhibit will be on display through October 15
Fri 5 - 10 PM Car Show & Concert! EXPO NM Home of the New Mexico State Fair, 300 San Pedro Dr. NE Friday night fever Vol 2! CAR SHOW & AWARDs, RAP CONCERT, VENDORS, FOOD TRUCKS, GAMES, ROCK CLIMBING WALL. All Makes and Models welcome. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION. $7 Parking, $10 Car Show judging and awards (only if you want to register and compete) Event brought to you by Expo NM and Desert Sun Event Productions. Car show brought to you by Sins events and NM Lowrider Arte
Fri 6 PM Rugby is a Drag (Show)! Sidewinders Bar and Grill, 4200 Central Ave SE Get out your dancing cleats and trade in that eye black for eye liner! The very popular Rugby is a Drag (show!) and fundraiser, normally held earlier in the year, has moved to June 9th and Pride weekend in 2023! This year's event will be hosted by Miss Sidewinders 2023 Seliah Deleon and Le Femme Magnifique 2017 and fellow rugger SCRUMtious Cox! This year's show is returning to Sidewinders and, as in year's past, will benefit our friends at Casa Q, which provides safe living for LGBTQ+ youth through housing, services and advocacy. This year's event will also feature participation from members of Elevated Roller Derby, NM United and more! (tickets)
Fri 7 PM Movies in the Park - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Athena Park, 778 Athena Ave, Bernalillo MOVIES IN THE PARK is back this SUMMER! We will feature a different movie at our local parks every FRIDAY night in June. Movies will begin at sundown and we will serve popcorn for free! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and beverages. All movies are FREE! In the case of inclement weather, movies will be cancelled
Fri 8 PM - 12 AM Pride Dance Party 505 Spirits, 105 Harvard Dr. SE DANCE WITH US TO CELEBRATE PRIDE UNDER THE STARS @ PRIDE ON THE PATIO! DJ Baby D & DJ Rebel (Rori the Rebel) will drop your favorite hits - Get your dance on and show of your Pride with your best Pride outfit &/or Pride colors! Try our special cocktail: Prickly Pear Pride Punch, plus other great drinks and delicious food! Come early for dinner before you dance, daNCE, DANCE!!! Delicious Value Menu Items: $2.95 - NEW Sliders! (beef & veg) $1.95 - local blue corn dog pops (minis) $5.95 waffle fries & full sized blue corn dogs (veg or beef) Plus our flaky meat & veg hand pies, chunky chicken salad, mushroom pate & more! 21 & over Free Entry!
Fri 9 PM Albuquerque Pride Afterparty Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE Starring Headliner: Malaysia Babydoll Foxx, DJ: Justin Cristofer, HOST: Vanessa Patricks, MEET THE QUEENS! Avery Martini, Imani Martini, Nova Martini, Kardio Karbdashian, Divyne Intervention. Private Early Entrance Meet N Greet begins at 8:15 p.m. entrance with Meet N Greet starting 8:30 p.m. Champagne Provided (tickets)
Fri 9 PM Fierce Pride: Kandy Muse Effex, 420 Central Ave SW Special guest from RPDR All Stars S13 and AS8, LA, CA, Meet and Greet 10:30 PM, doors 9p, show 11:30p Lounge: DJ Chris de Jesus Patio: DJ Aquattro Side Effex: DJ Mitch
Fri 9:30 PM Salsa under the Stars After Party JUNO, 1501 1st St. NW DJ Pedro, one of Albuquerque’s most loved DJ’s (DJ Pedro, DJ Tony, SoloVino, DJ Louie, DJ Darly + Eli Mix) mixing your favorite dance mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and more! This is one of Albuquerque’s favorite after party summer outdoor events and will begin June 9th following the opening of Son Como Son kicking off the Salsa under the Stars at the Albuquerque Museum followed by the after party at Juno. Free entry to Juno with your stamp from the museum
Fri 10:30 PM Twilight Zone: The Movie - 40th Anniversary Screening! One Night Only! The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE Check out the trailer. Dir. Joe Dante, Steven Spielberg, John Landis & George Miller - 1983 - 102m - NO MATINEES. DOOR PRIZES COURTESY OF BUBONICON 54! Based on the popular television series, this film is a collection of four frightening tales of the supernatural, each by a different director--Joe Dante, Steven Spielberg, John Landis, and George Miller! The film opens with Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks as two hapless road-trippers who tell scary stories to pass the time. The four segments that follow include some updated re-creations of classic Twilight Zone episodes. In the first, racist Bill Connor (Vic Morrow) is transformed into a Jew in World War II. Next, Mr. Bloom (Scatman Crothers) comes to a retirement home to teach the residents that they are only as young as they feel. In the third, teacher Helen Foley (Kathleen Quinlan) meets Antony (Jeremy Licht), a boy who is not what he seems. In the final segment, panicky plane passenger John Valentine (John Lithgow) sees gremlins attacking his flight
** Sat 6/10 *\*
Sat 8 AM - 2 PM NMHRS Garage Sale 7903 Robin Ave NE Hosted by the New Mexico House Rabbit Society. All sales go into our vet fund so that we can continue to provide medical care to rabbits in need. This is a multi-family garage sale so there will be lots to browse through
Sat 8 AM - 10 PM All The Things: Craft Cocktail & Mixer Launch Tractor Brewing Company, 118 Tulane Dr. SE The next evolution in the craft cocktail experience is here and officially launch in Nob Hill for Pride! What is All The Things? Well, let me tell you. Imagine 100% fresh cold pressed juice, pure cane sugar, and Troubled Minds spirits all in one 1L bottle ready to pour over ice! That's right you can purchase these ready made bottle cocktails now at ANY of our locations! We have: Margarita with Tequila, Paloma with Tequila, Kentucky Mule with Bourbon, Ginger Lemonade with Vodka, Limeade with Vodka & Bloody Mary with Vodka! Grab you one to go for $16! We will be using mixers of these behind our bars so you can get a first hand taste! And offering non alcoholic lavender, ginger, and classic lemonades for you to sip on! These truly are All The Things in one bottle!
Sat 9 AM - 12 PM Family, Fit, Fun Fest Tiguex Park, 1800 Mountain Rd. NW Join us for the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails 2nd annual Family, Fit, Fun Fest. Bring your whole family to this free, all-ages event to learn about keeping fit and healthy - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Learn new skills and discover ways to keep your mind and body healthy and active, as you visit interactive booths led by community partners. Booths will include hands-on activities like games, puzzles, and brain teasers, as well as interactive lessons in martial arts, dance, mindfulness, and more. Booths will also include information on youth classes, clubs, and teams, as well as opportunities to meet local healthcare providers and learn more about mental health, nutrition, eye care, and dental care for your whole family. Climb to the top of a rock wall, make your way through an obstacle course, try the football toss or the baseball toss, shoot a hockey puck, or score a goal at interactive stations around the event! Meet and take photos with local sports teams and/or mascots and stop by Menchie's Froyo Mobile for a sweet treat. Girl Scout Members can participate in a special event scavenger hunt when they pre-purchase the 2023 GSNMT Family, Fit, Fun Fest patch
Sat 10 AM SOCH PRIDE '23 Albuquerque Social Club, 4021 Central Ave NE Come show your PRIDE at the ONLY place to be SOCHial! We are taking over the parking lot for a FREE ALL AGES event. We have multile bands, musicians and perfromers ready to give a PRIDE you wont forget. Food Truck, Vendors, Face Painting, Car Show, Games, Country Dancing and many other fun events!
Sat 10 - 11 AM Yoga with Kelsi Poulin Marketplace mezzanine, 8600 Pan American Fwy NE Enjoy guided yoga, from local yoga instructor, Kelsi! This will be a fun flow for all levels of yoga practice. $10 per person
Sat 10 AM - 12 PM Play Day For A Cause Kiddie Academy of Paradise Hills, 4590 Paradise Blvd. NW Join us for Play Day for a Cause! This free event has great games and fun activities for your kids while supporting Family Promise, the leading national nonprofit addressing family homelessness. Family Promise started in 1986 as local outreach in a single community and now has more than 200 Affiliates in 43 states. Since their founding, volunteers have helped more than a million family members in need. With a focus on empowering families and children, Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care and Family Promise are working together to give every child what they deserve: a chance to succeed. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but not required to attend
Sat 10 AM - 4 PM Foundational Wellness Grand Opening Party Los Ranchos Bakery, 6920 4th St. NW, Los Ranchos Celebrate our grand opening event by stopping by the B Side of Los Ranchos Bakery! Herbal tea blends, door prizes, free raffle, information on classes and events, and more! Win a free reiki session, teas, discounts on classes, or discounts on nutritional therapy! I will be teaching numerous classes at the bakery this summer. Some topics: How to make Herbal Vinegar Tinctures (aceta), Hormone Health, Healthy Habits for Life, Improve Your Digestion, Prioritizing Meal Prep, Blood Sugar Regulation, and my RESTART Program! You don’t want to miss out! Some of these classes will be free! So come on down and get some coffee and goodies from the bakery, then visit me next door and see what we’ve been up to
Sat 10 AM - 5 PM Pride Day Celebration! Quirky Used Books and More, 120 Jefferson NE Book sales, vendor pop ups, food truck, art, music, and more!
Sat 10:30 AM - 12 PM Wellness Schedule Casa Rondeña Winery, 733 Chavez Rd. NW, Los Ranchos Open to people of all skill levels, Wellness + Wine is a one-hour, outdoor practice, followed by a glass of wine or Sangria, and an invitation to stay and relax on the grounds of the beautiful Casa Rondeña Winery. This experience is $25, and includes glass of wine. Discounts apply for winery members. Reservations are required to participate
Sat 11 AM - 4 PM Papa Bear Market Boxing Bear Brewing, 10200 Corrales Rd. NW We couldn’t forget about our PAPA BEARS! Dads deserve some love and appreciation too! Spend the day celebrating Papa at our taproom. As always this FREE event will include local vendors, food trucks, photo booth, live music, paint your own pint, and, of course, BEER! (click link for full list of vendors)
Sat 11 AM - 5 PM June Used Book Sale Main Library, 501 Copper Ave NW Join us for the monthly book sale. There will be a variety of fiction, non-fiction, children and adults books, videos, DVDs, CDs, comic books, maps, and more available. Free for Members - $2 for Non-Members Free to all after noon. All Sales are held in the Lower Level, Main Library, Validated parking is available on 5th and Copper, kitty-corner to the library. The Friends of the Public Library is a non-profit organization. All proceeds go to supporting the Public Library of Albuquerque & Bernalillo County library programs
Sat 12 - 5 PM Summer Luau - Adoptables, Swag, Brews, and more! Lizard Tail Brewing Industrial, 3351 Columbia Dr. NE Hosted by Pitties and Kitties of New Mexico. We will have some PKR Tees, some PKR Pride gear, and best of all - our adoptabulls! Our booth will have a small auction set up… the prize being Tattoo Certificates with an ABQ tattoo artist! There will be a car show, other vendors, as well as water activities. Hope to see y’all there!
Sat 1 - 3 PM Family Field Day! Montgomery Park, Hosted by ABQ Family Chiropractic. A celebration of all the families who trust us with their care, and an opportunity for families who are considering our office to get to know our team in a fun, low-stakes environment. Food and family-friendly activities will be provided
Sat 1 - 4 PM Zouk with Jaime Arôxa! Alley Kats Tap Company, 222 Truman St. NE We will continue building on, and reviewing everything we have learned with Jamie Arôxa and Kiri Chapman thus far. We will continue to work on Zouk basics and building on the basics including connection and timing, musicality, lateral with variations, Yo-yo, viradinha, cambre, body, rolls, body, isolations, weight transfers, counterbalance, elástico, convergence & divergence, Wi-Fi, head, movement, styling, head movement, varying turns, and Chicote. Classes will be progressive and will be adjusted to the level of each class. Drop in anytime * All levels welcome * No partner needed * Cash preferred - can also accept Venmo and Cash App to $UWDstudios
Sat 1:30 - 4 PM Father's Day Tee Cabezon Park, 2307 Cabezon Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho Celebrate Father's Day with a round of miniature golf or two! Tee-off with dad at our Annual Father's Day "Tee". Enjoy some snacks, and an Arnold Palmer while making a craft with dad. Prizes awarded for the top 3 teams in miniature golf! Each child and parent must register individually. NO DROP-INS. Please contact the Cabezon Community Center at 505-892-4499 for more info
Sat 4 - 5 PM East Coast Swing Group Class Enchantment Dancing, 337 San Pedro Dr. NE Welcome to our Bronze American East Coast Swing Class! Whether you are a newbie stepping on to the dance floor for the first time or a seasoned professional wanting to brush up on basics, as well as anyone in-between, this class is for you! East Coast Swing is an exciting, up-beat dance that is endlessly versatile! No partner necessary, and dropping in is fine! Class cost is only $10, and a punch card for 6 classes is $50
Sat 6 - 10 PM Baddie Fest OT Circus, 709 Central Ave NW let's all have a fun summer night. Fairy Julz (crystals and more to raise your energy) will be at @ otcircus. Market, Music, Dance Performers, Crystal Pop Up Booth, Henna, Woman Vendors. Tag and invite your favorite baddies
Sat 6 - 11 PM Heights Summerfest North Domingo Baca Park, Celebrate warm weather and outdoor fun at a free community gathering during an Albuquerque Summerfest. This free concert series features local businesses with handcrafted products in The Shops, food trucks with freshly made cuisine in the Food Court, libations created by breweries, wineries and distilleries in The Cantina, entertainment by local talent, and a production by a national headliner all at a City park (click here for more info: live music, food trucks, kids' activities, drinks, vendors, parking)
Sat 7 PM Dancing Queens Sunshine Theater, 120 Central Ave SW Throw out your calendar! Buy a new calendar! Mark June 10th as the first and ONLY date in your calendar! Pride weekend, all the dancing queens are descending on the Sunshine Theater for the night of all nights. Juicee Früt presents Dancing Queens! Featuring performances by Red Light Cameras, ABBAquerque, Galaxy, Juicee Früt, Drag Performances from CoCo Caliente & Mr. Rusty Nutz, Forbidden Früt Market, & more! (tickets)
Sat 7 PM Death On The Beach: A Metalcore Beach Party Launchpad, 618 Central Ave SW Join us for a night filled with beach-going shenanigans and some of the best metalcore bands Albuquerque has to offer. Swimwear, flip flops, sunscreen and lais ENCOURAGED! Come out and rage with us, and let's make this a night to remember! Presale tickets are $10 and are available through any band. Just send them a message! Online tickets through Holdmyticket will be available soon. Inhuman Hands, EYE, Secure The Void, One Last Summer
Sat 9 PM Temple of Sound Presents Starry Night Juno, 1501 1st St. NW This event will feature our guest DJ Chris Losack! He's a longtime DJ who primarily spins house and techno but also has roots in industrial and dark music. He will be showing his dark side this time out! Join us for another spectacular event! Sparkly or night sky attire encouraged but not required! 21+ / No cover
Sat 9 PM Pride 2023 Effex, 420 Central Ave SW Spunjy Hicks Lounge: Malik Patio: DJ Chris de Jesus Side Effex: Xblyssid
Sat 10:30 PM Late Nite Comedy Jam The Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave NE Ristra Comedy and Chuck Parker Comedy present a stellar lineup of standup comedians! This month's headliner: Josh Fournier Featuring Chuck Parker & Sara Anne Myers and your host Alex Benton
** Sun 6/11 *\*
Sun 8 AM - 2 PM Hot Rods for Hunger Car Show and Poker Run 2801 Eubank Blvd NE Yes, our amazing car show fundraiser is happening again, thanks to Bell’s Brewery and the Mopar Most Wanted car club. This year, for early registration, we are having a Kickstart happy hour with Bells Brewery at O’Niell’s Heights location on Juan Tabo. Join us and register your car. All makes and models are welcome. Come out and see some of the coolest cars in Albuquerque. There will be raffles, food trucks, lots of awards for the cars, and a food drive for the Storehouse food pantry. Enter the Poker Run, the Car Show, or both today!
Sun 10 AM Rocketman Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave NE THE HISTORIC LOBO THEATER along with Albuquerque Film & Music Experience is excited to bring Rocketman to the big screen! Showing Starts at 11:30 am Tickets are ONLY $10 for General Admission Come Early Brunch Starts at 10 am Full Buffet Available for only $21 The ticket price is for entry to the movie only. Pajama brunch and a movie. Exclusive Brunch Menu! Made to order pancakes, mimosas and more. 10% off if you come in your pajamas
Sun 10 AM - 2 PM STEAM DAY Rail Yards Market, 777 1st St. SW Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) all put New Mexico on the Map as a unique place. Standing for over one hundred years, the historic Rail Yards of Albuquerque stand as an ode to a period of extreme innovation for the Rio Grande basin area. Albuquerque literally rose and became what it is around the Rail Yards, and railroad era that brought so much innovation. In these industrial cathedrals, we hum with innovation again.. Activating the space for community use, the Rail Yards Market is non-profit (certified 501c3), bringing together small businesses in agriculture, food, and artisan manufacturing on a local scale. Our STEAM stands for Sustainable, Traditional, Educational and Artistic Modalities. In this area we host interactive demonstrations. Mini-Makers Unite! Learn about what makes a laser light up, a 3D printer build, and so much more! Bring out your tech, geek, and inquisitive minds to the Rail Yards Market and visit makers from Quelab. Free for all! Everyone is welcome! EBT doubled with Double-Up-Food-Bucks, ADA Accessible, Senior and WIC programs welcome, Fresh & local produce, Breakfast & lunch prepared food options, 120+ local food, healing, and art businesses, Parking & restrooms, FREE :: LOCAL :: FAMILY FRIENDLY :: PET FRIENDLY
Sun 10:30 - 11:30 AM Mindful Movement - Yoga in the Park Academy Hills Park, 9709 Layton Ave NE Meet us on the southwest side of the park, just southwest of the playground, under the large trees. Looks for the Aumies sign! Bring your mat, block, strap and water!
Sun 2 - 4 PM Lumberyard Jazz Trio Sawmill Market, 1909 Bellamah Ave NW The Lumberyard Jazz Trio is back to bring exciting jazz melodies to Sawmill Market. They use an interchanging group of New Mexican instrumentalists who have traveled nationwide to perform, lead by saxophonist Sean Johnson
Sun 3 PM Pride Tea Dance on the Patio Effex, 420 Central Ave SW 3 - 6 PM: DJ Mike Demarco 6 - 9 PM: DJ Spunjy Hicks Featuring performances by Avery Martini, Jessica K. Daniels, Imani Martini
Sun 4 - 7 PM Music on the Patio: Squash Blossom Boys Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd NE Based in Albuquerque, The Squash Blossom Boys have played southwestern stages for over ten years. With beginnings as a garage band, they have explored a variety of musical genres including rock, jazz, reggae and more to find the hard driving, high lonesome sound of Bluegrass music. The current central players include Dustin Orbesen (Dobro, Mandolin, Vocals), Kit Murray (Banjo, Vocals), Kyle Malone (Guitar), Peter Lisignoli (Bass)
Sun 5 - 8 PM Mack 'n Cheese Sunday Variety Show Juno, 1501 1st St. NW Variety show with Mack 'n Cheese (Indy Hip Hop), Cali Shaw (Americana), Basilaris Trio (Jazz), Sol de la Noche, Melissa Prada (spoken word) Monthly variety show with Mack 'n Cheese (Indy Hip Hop), Cali Shaw (Americana), Basilaris Trio (Jazz), Sol de la Noche, Melissa Prada (spoken word), vendors. Family-friendly (if your kids already know the F-word). Food available for purchase. On the patio, weather permitting, or in the Gallery
Sun 7 - 10 PM S.O.S - Salsa On Sunday Dance Social 505 Spirits, 105 Harvard Dr. SE Salsa On Sunday Dance Social *With guest DJ's *Latin Dance Performances *The Occasional LIVE Music Performance *And Always... Social Dancing! salsa timba bachata merengue *What is it about a Social* The essence of a Social is for the dance community to get together and dance. Socials offer a relaxed night of dancing. Socials continue to draw dance enthusiasts who get lost in their salsa “addiction” by dancing and enjoying the music. Socials offer something for every level of dancer at any age. Bands and DJs have more freedom to play sets which appeal to the dance-centric crowd. It's about the music. It's about the dance. If you want to have an alternative to the club, are underage, or simply want to get in some good dancing - check out a Social, you might be surprised at how much fun you have
Sun 7:30 PM Brit Floyd Revel ABQ, 4720 Alexander Blvd. NE Brit Floyd returns to the stage in 2023 to perform a brand-new production celebrating 50 years of the ground-breaking and iconic musical masterpiece The Dark Side of the Moon. The show will feature classic tracks from the album such as Time, Money, Us and Them and The Great Gig in the Sky. The 2 and a half hours plus set list will also include other highlights from Pink Floyd’s magnificent catalogue of albums, including tracks from The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Animals, The Division Bell, Medal and much more (tickets)

Some background: me and my ex moved into an apartment in January of last year. Both our names were on the lease and she agreed (verbally, we didn’t put this in writing) to pay me $400 in rent and I would pay the remaining $840. During the time we were together I also added her as an authorized user on one of my credit cards. Months later she would quit her job and she made charges totaling $1600 despite not having a job at the time and despite my many attempts to get her to stop using it. I should’ve locked the card earlier but she begged me not to as she needed it for “emergencies.”
Anyways, we broke up in September and she moved out, leaving me to pay the full rent. I agreed (verbally and through texts) to not take her to court for the rent if she payed me back the charges she made on the card. She made 3 payments (totaling $200) and abruptly stopped. I asked her multiple times through texts to make the payments and she either refused or said she would but didnt. My lease ended in March and I made the full rent payments since September when she left. My ex stopped answering my texts regarding the card payments and has even blocked me. I am now considering messaging her new partner to tell them that if my ex does not pay me back for the credit card charges as she agreed I will take her to court for the broken lease.
I have a few questions:
1) Can I sue for half the rent beginning in September or only the amount she agreed to pay originally ($400) ?
2) Can I sue to recover the $1600 she charged to my CC?
3) Would I hurt my case by messaging her new partner and basically threatening to take her to court if she doesn’t pay me back?
4) Can I use the text messages as proof she agreed to pay me back?

Hi I’m new to this and having a rough time please forgive grammar etc just trying to get it off my chest looking for advice or anything really
So background Me 21M Her 20F Ex 18M my 1.5 years parter Who was my first everything (Kiss, sex ,proper girlfriend ) etc (Waited till I found the right one or so I thought) Have spent multiple times together in person Everything has always been ok
she threw the idea of a break but I thought we worked threw it she also gave me 365 reasons she loved me then was 1 day for a year so everything was good So I fly home after thinking we are fine still in love she messages me for the first night then nothing Then I’m blocked Then the next day I see she’s talking to her ex so confused as why she was he was very manipulative and abused her financially and almost physically when they met who also was in a ldr with her before me And then she starts posting You don’t know how much you miss someone till you are apart for awhile And you’re my everything with a photo of her And I was confused because I still wasn’t sure what was happening Also had mutual friends confirm it was the ex So our mutual friend got into contact for me And she basically replied with I didn’t know how unattached I was till we had a break (1 day) And now she’s posting his hand and hearts And she said how he’s grown up and how he’s mature so I looked at his instagram and he’s posted a photo with him and a blue bandanna and his bio is e.a.s.t 💙 and stuff like that I believe he’s manipulating already kicking mutual friends out of there chats Making it so she can’t talk to me He’s also sending her responses to the messages I sent her for the only time I did get to text because she doesn’t type the way the responses were sent She claims it’s not the ex but the proof I have screams otherwise

1. Messages on Insta gram photo dump Saying let’s smash x and response (On the photos where I took her out and was physically with her )
   
2. A photo of her laying on a bed in a game saying for ex
   
3. 2 separate people confirmed who she was talking to
   
4. Her saying she’s catching up with him as a friend but they only say hello and bye
   

I brought her flowers everytime I have seen her and more then once most of the time We did date nights up till the day before I left We slept together
She has confirmed I’m the first partner to do anything for her romantic and not just want her body
I gave her my everything I did things that made me uncomfortable to better us I stopped talking to my friends that she didn’t like
She was bullied by people who I made stop and never let her know why it stopped Even she suspected me but I told her I wasn’t sure why
I spent months working with her building her up constantly reassured her she’s loved and is beautiful and I was here
She wasn’t eating and had pretty bad body views because of ex
I made sure she ate everyday I brought her food when she had none I gave her my everything
And for her to turn around and move on after a day doesn’t seem fair and going back to him on top of that
She wasn’t the most loving girlfriend Tho She would tell me to cry and think it was funny to make me cry after we got into disagreements (I’m not a person who cry’s) She would physically hit me if I annoyed her And lots more Yesterday she took money out of my card because she had saved the information left me with 3$
I said to my friend before I knew she moved on and wasn’t sure what happen that I could drive up that night or fly the next day and it was only to talk to her and work this out nothing more nothing less (my words were if I don’t do everything in my power to save this is it really love ) He told her Then the messages I received

1. Well, you said you were going to show up to my house, now I’m really uncomfortable around you
   
2. You said you were going to show up to my house, now I’m scared. Can you blame me?
   
3. Well you really should’ve, because now I’m scared off you
   
4. I don’t if I can trust you, being alone with me. How do I know you won’t do something I don’t want
   

And that made me feel like a monster I have never done anything that would hurt her never threaten to hit her or anything And this is why I believe that it wasn’t her that wrote them because I was in bed with her days prior she kissed me she cuddle me laughed did everything like normal Plus she doesn’t use gramma (I admitted I shouldn’t of said I would just show up but I was losing my mind and wanted to fix it and my thought process was if we could just talk ) I said sorry for it And the fights that she start I always said sorry and took blame
I tried so hard to build her up making sure she was a better person growing. actually loving her and caring It took months to break down all the walls And the ex constantly made accounts to abuse us and tell us he was getting her back and how I’m nothing and other hate and drama I tried to keep us out of She promised me she wouldn’t ever put herself into a situation like that again
sure I was perfect but I gave everything I could. I tried to be perfect for her and even after all this I love her and want her back It’s only been 5 days today but I can see how he’s already manipulating her
And I’m worried about her so much Any attempt I made to talk failed There is a hole in my heart And all I want is to know shes going to be ok It hurts she left me and I told her in our relationship if you move on don’t go backwards and not to the ones who hurt her But I can’t sleep eat or function everything we did everything together like cook clean watch tv
It’s really broken me I haven’t cried this much ever And if there was anything I can do to help her I would Even the money she took if she just asked I would of brought her food or whatever she needed
Sure I could be toxic but i never tried to be and we worked together to fix it
I always made the effort to push like really push communication and we got really good at it till the end i guess when she didn’t talk to me
I just want to make sure she’s ok and that what’s hurting all the work for her to move back She had so much planned gym working on herself and now she’s on PlayStation for hours with him And it hurts that it’s him but hurts she’s throw all the progress away She’s also the reason I started being less depressed felt comfortable just being me And not wanting to hide away I improved as a person because of her
I wish I had the chance to fix this and Have the life we always talked about
Ps I know that probably no one will read this and I know it’s probably not the right group but I really need to get it out
Definitely forgot things and probably typos etc feel free to ask me anything I’m honestly a open book

hi we are a queer household of 4 ucsd students looking for somebody to move in late july/early august and stay until next july :)) $820/month + utilities
the apartment: - 12 min from campus drive (public transportation is doable but its more convenient to have a car), sorrento valley area - 2 car garage (one space for you) + street parking (if you ever invite friends/guests) - in unit laundry + dryer - theres a park and tennis courts in the community which is pretty cool (also a pool but we never got the key for it???)
the loft (pics provided upon dm also you are welcome to come see the space in person if you wish): - bamboo screen door + clothes rack provided for u (if you wish to provide your own though thats fine) - two windows with natural lighting - comfy for one person - both showers are in the rooms so just text us or knock to come upstairs and use them, theres a bathroom by the loft though completely for you (no shower in it)
what we ask: - $820/month + utilities - any gender welcome just pls be lgbt friendly/trans inclusive - no smoking inside the house pls - rent due on the 1st of every month - youre ok w not being officially on the lease 💔 - somebody who is respectful !! we are all friendly and respectful of each other, clean, and would be down to make friends (but if you wish to keep to yourself that is ok too) - no pets !! im sorry, i wish i had a cat myself but theyre not allowed by our landlord 💔
thanks :)) hope to talk to you soon 💖

My son will be 13 in October. Me and his mom have court ordered, joint custody. We've been divorced since 2011. I've been out of work and on disability since 2017 and I draw ssdi. His mom has a job, is married and is the payee of my son's auxiliary payment (I believe it's called,) for me being on disability. She keeps the entire check. I struggle to make ends meet for me and my son. I don't make enough to file taxes. Even though our divorce papers state that we each take turns claiming him on taxes, she has claimed him every year since 2016 or so. His mom does use his money for school stuff, Dr, meds etc. Two years ago, we went to court for me to try to get some type of child support to help for when I have my son. Which during Covid, was a lot. Especially with home schooling. I was represented by the state. My son's mom and her husband had a good attorney. The state did nothing for me and I was denied child support. Probably doesn't help that my son's step- dad has a brother that works for the courts in our county. Being on disability, I'm always home. I'm the one who picks up my son from school when he's sick and/or takes him to Dr's appointments. For every holiday, vacation or whatever the event that she wanted my son to go to when it was during my time, I always let her get him. I switched our weekly schedule 5 or 6 years ago so she had him every Sunday for church. Present day, I'm financially no better off yet his mom is still doing well. Also, any time I try to get Snap (that I wouldn't need to get if she didn't keep all of his money or pay child support,) is a nightmare. I have to fight with SSA and Snap and my ex because my son's money (that he and I don't see,) gets figured into my income. I've been dealing with several doctor visits this year (paying several co-pays,) in preparation for a couple surgeries I have to have done. I'm in the middle of looking for a new apartment for us (entire other story,) and trying to find an attorney to help me get approved for child support. Everyone I talk to says it's a difficult situation. I don't get how. I get it's difficult trying to to become my son's payee for his check but not child support. I'm somewhat venting but mostly hoping to get some feedback.

My son will be 13 in October. Me and his mom have court ordered, joint custody. Been divorced since 2013. I've been out of work and on disability since 2017 and I draw ssdi. His mom has a job, is married and is the payee of my son's auxiliary payment (I believe it's called,) for me being on disability. She keeps the entire check. I struggle to make ends meet for me and my son. I don't make enough to file taxes. Even though our divorce papers state that we each take turns claiming him on taxes, she has claimed him every year since 2016 or so. His mom does use his money for school stuff, Dr, meds etc. Two years ago, we went to court for me to try to get some type of child support to help for when I have my son. Which during Covid, was a lot. Especially with home schooling. I was represented by the state. My son's mom and her husband had a good attorney. The state did nothing for me and I was denied child support. Probably doesn't help that my son's step- dad has a brother that works for the courts in our county. Being on disability, I'm always home. I'm the one who picks up my son from school when he's sick and/or takes him to Dr's appointments. For every holiday, vacation or whatever the event that she wanted my son to go to when it was during my time, I always let her get him. I switched our weekly schedule 5 or 6 years ago so she had him every Sunday for church. Present day, I'm financially no better off yet his mom is still doing well. Also, any time I try to get Snap (that I wouldn't need to get if she didn't keep all of his money or pay child support,) is a nightmare. I have to fight with SSA and Snap and my ex because my son's money (that he and I don't see,) gets figured into my income. I've been dealing with several doctor visits this year (paying several co-pays,) in preparation for a couple surgeries I have to have done. I'm in the middle of looking for a new apartment for us (entire other story,) and trying to find an attorney to help me get approved for child support. Everyone I talk to says it's a difficult situation. I don't get how. I get it's difficult trying to to become my son's payee for his check but not child support. I'm somewhat venting but mostly hoping to get some feedback.