text:
Competitive Blessings – the game
Walk around the room or wherever you are. Look for someone who might be looking for you. Walk up to them. A little closer. Maybe smile even. And then ask them for a blessing. Any blessing will do. And when they bless you. Bless them back, better.
A round of competitive blessings might go like this:
- You say: bless me please, my friend
- And I say: May the fruits of your labors never spoil
- And you say: And may they all be beautiful
- And I say: And ripe
- And you: And may there be free same-day delivery
- You say: At no extra charge
At which we arrive at the crucial step of ending the round of what clearly could be going round for quite some time. And
- I say: Amen
Amen. How indescribably profound it is of me to end the game so simply, without anyone winning, with everyone winning.
Alternative Blessing Cycles
But if you do (or don't, or isn't)
- I say: Bless me please o blessed of all blessers
- And you say: May you never run out of toilet paper
- And I say: But if you do, may there be a box of tissues near by
- And you: And if there isn't, may there at least be a sink in easy reach
Combined with the standard blessing augmentation:
- You say: With a clean towel right over it
- I say: And a bottle of antibacterial soap
- You say: And a can of deodorant
- I say: Amen
Yes, yes, you might say, it's a game. And it's competitive, in a way. But, you might wonder, if it's so competitive how do you win?
That's the blessing of this particular game. All you have to do to win, is play.
Blessing Starters
Here are some competitive blessings starters, to help you get, well, started:
- May you be happier than a lark
- May you never be taken to be sillier than you want to be or more seriously than you think you are
- May this blessing make more sense to you than it does to me
- May your company remark on the cleanitude of your window sills
- May your optimism be based in realism and your pessimism totally unfounded
- May you be wise enough to know how lucky you are, and v.v.
- May all your accidents be happy
- May you have as much money as you know what to do with
- May you look happier than you have a right to be, and feel happier than you look
- May your injuries heal before anyone adds insult to them
- May all those who bless you be blessed
- May your misery have company
- And finally, from a traditional Hebrew prayer: "May all the holes in your body that are supposed to be open stay open, and may all the other ones that should be closed stay closed.
When my wonderful friend Zalman and his amazing wife Eve were last in town, we arranged to meet in West LA for some hugs and Indian food. After dinner he and I and our delicious wives (Rocky, mine, Eve, his) were almost actually accosted by a briefcase carrying, suit-wearing man wielding a paperback book. Being the warm and terminally polite people we like to be, we were immediately subjected to a sales pitch of stunning complexity and only minimal coherence. He had written and published a book proving that Abraham's little-known wife Keturah was the progenitor of most of the civilized world and Denmark (something about the tribe of Dan).
Now, Zalman was a biblical scholar of great depth and high repute. When the bookseller asked rhetorically, "and, how many people know who Abraham's other wife was?" Zalman answered his question immediately. And yet never once in his entire monologue did the impassioned author deign to find out with whom he was actually speaking.
At the end of the pitch, the guy explained to us that he was going to offer us a very special opportunity. That for $20 dollars, he'd not only sell us his book, but sign it, personally.
"All right," said Zalman, "I'll make you a bargain. I'll buy your book, but I want something extra."
"Of course," replied the self-proclaimed proclaimer, "I'll be happy to dedicate it to you or any person of your choosing."
"Thank you," said Zalman, "but I want something else. Something even more special. I want your blessing."
The fact is, I don't remember what the blessing was. But I do remember how Zalman, with his simple request, transformed this whole somewhat seamy encounter into a profoundly moving spiritual experience.
From that day on, I've made Competitive Blessings - the Game an integral part of my work.
see also Games of Endless Gratitude
Here are a few sources for more blessings sources:
3 Comments
thank you very much Bernie. Loved the blessings and the frog, really cheered me up.
May you always live a life full of love and laughter and and may you and all your loved ones be vibrantly healthy.
May we have peace and harmony in the world, and may there be numerous frequent playing of your kind of games with all types and ages of people, all over the planet.
I do wish you a long healthy and happy rest of your life.
You will definitely go to heaven when you die for all the good you have done. Thank you very much again. God bless you, and all your loved ones, and all those who play your games,
warm regards
From Mary
May you be surprised by the best surprises made only for you and only as big as you can handle!Reference
Leave a Comment
This site uses inline comments. To the right of each paragraph, a comment bubble with a + sign appears when you click inside the paragraph. Click the bubble to load the comment form.


text:
227 Ranking
19261 Curtiram
377 Foto
1944 Seguindo
1386 Seguidores
Hi guys! I'm an italian cosplayer: 4 years ago I decided to make cosplay and now the art of cosplay is my first passion! The 'anime' I prefer is Naruto: I've got 2 tattoos about Naruto :) I like to play with videogames, above all RPG like Dragon age! If you like my 'worldcosplay profile', you can follow me also in my FACEBOOK profile! https://www.facebook.com/vanessakonan96 I hope you like my works <3
王炜、中国昆明の出身で、過去5年間にコスプレテーマの撮影を仕事にした。彼の特長は夜系の撮影で、400以上のコロケーションがあった。また、彼は豊富な撮影経験を持って、たくさんの作品とコースはCOSTOP雑誌で公開された。 Wang Wei, he has worked on COSPLAY-class themed shoots for nearly five year,many works and tutorials of him were published by COSTOP, a famous magazine of our country. 왕웨이(王炜), 중국 쿤밍,사람이며 cosplay유형 테마 촬영을 5년간 하였으며 협력한 야외촬영이 400여 세트가 되며 풍부한 촬영경험을 갖고 있으며 특히 야간촬영이 뛰어나며 많은 작품과 강좌가 국내의 유명잡지 COSTOP에 게재되였다.
Nathy~csplayer and artist from paraguay official web site facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=339678659557807&ref=bookmark intagram ^^ https://instagram.com/nathy_suzumiya/
Hi I am SquallV3, I am a cosplayer, gamer and aspiring martial artist. I got into cosplay thanks to my beautiful and very talented wife, who gives me my ideas and inpirations for the cosplay outfits and who also is my seamstress. FB page: www.facebook.com/Kalikittycosplay Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYk6ecropZDpMbsM3N5uwsw
hi, i'm Sasha Sky, an Belgian cosplayer since 2011, my favorites cosplayers are Kaname, Reika, Yuegene, HLK (NorRio), Cage, Takeshi, DirtyPlayGround, Sanne and ShamanRenji Facebook page "Sasha Sky Cosplay": https://www.facebook.com/cosplayskycosplay Facebook page groupe: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nanodayo/920028114678990 You tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ic6XIdb0Q6toLv5g4WjmA please take a look and like <3
Español: Hola y bienvenidos a mi perfil! Mi nombre es Jana y soy una cosplayer venezonala! soy estudiante de musica clasica, espero que te gusten mis cosplays!! muchas gracias! <3 Ingles: Hello and welcome to my profile! My name is Jana and i'm a Venezuelan cosplayer! I am a student of classical music, I hope you like my cosplays! Thank you very much! <3 Twitter: https://twitter.com/EuphiJana Blog: http://euphijana.blogspot.com/ Deviant: http://janakraehe.deviantart.com/
Hi! Thanks for checking out my profile! I'm a noob at cosplaying but i'll try my best in my next cosplays! I like to make friends! Feel free to message me anytime :) Here is my line account: Tokkihaje12 If want to know more about me!~ you can check out my other accounts: IG: hydrangeafei12 FB: http://www.facebook.com/michikana12
Hello , My name is Haku , i have 20 years old i love otome, shojo and many others anime nice to meet you :3
Recife/Brasil ✩ https://instagram.com/fanski.cosplay/ ☆ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Estefanski/417389915091632?ref=hl ✩ http://ask.fm/readybesk ✩ http://readybesk.tumblr.com/ ✩ https://twitter.com/readybesk
안녕하세요! 한국인 코스어 넬리입니다 (유민은 애칭으로 붙여두었습니다:)) 만나서 반갑습니다! 트위터 팔로는 언제나 환영합니다:)~ 사진은 즐겁게 넓은마음으로 봐주세요~ 😄 ㅎ Hi, I'm korean costume player Nelly :> I do like various costume play÷> if you like my costume photo, Click ♡ AND I don't want to posting or copying my picture without my permission. Please take care my page // E-mail : firstname.lastname@example.com Twitter : @nelly_mean (Welcome to twitter follow:>)
はじめまして♪ 日本の中部地方にて活動中の雑食レイヤーです‼色々な作品を楽しく沢山やってます(^ν^)宜しくお願いします! Twitter→@https://mobile.twitter.com/account archive→http://sp.cosp.jp/prof.aspx?c=1&id=248881 Nice to meet you! I am nagi ♪ It is a Japanese cosplayers. I am not good at English. But, I want to be in everyone and friends Thank you ♪ (^ ν ^)
Wlcome to see my space! ~\(≧▽≦)/~ I come from China and cosplay for 10 years. It`s interesting and can know more friends from all of world! If you want to talk to me, you can use Chinese、Englsh or Japanese。 O(∩_∩)O Weibo❤http://weibo.com/yuuifox Cure❤http://ja.curecos.com/profile/?ch=154294
Oi =^.^= Sejam bem-vindos =^.^= e fiquem a vontade para curtir as fotos =^.^= para ver mais fotos aqui na minha página oficial =^.^= --> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebelling-Cosplayer/216569265179313?fref=ts

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Denver, CO-based oil exploration and production company Emerald Oil Inc. has appointed David Veltri as COO.
Send this story to:
Enter the email address of the recipient.Separate multiple addresses with commas.
Add your own personal message:
Enter your email address:
Note: Your email address is used only to let the recipient
know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error.
Both your address and the recipient's address will not be
used for any other purpose.


text:
At Monolith Interactive we design, develop, and consult on high-end iOS apps for the iPhone and iPad. We're based in Waterloo, Ontario, within walking distanceMore
$1 mil. - $5 mil.in Revenue
5 - 10EmployeesContact people at this company
15A King St N Unit 201WaterlooOntarioN2J 2W6Canadaview map
(905) 920-8056
Pro2015_Iteration9_NoTests.148[02] SEIDXWK-41


text:
AMAZING performance. GREAT price.
AMD A-Series APUs deliver great performance and best-in-class online gaming with an easy upgrade path for your desktop.
Get more of what you want with an AMD A-Series Desktop APU
Introducing MSI A88XM Gaming Micro ATX AMD motherboard
Premium performance at a great value in today's online games for Windows® 10
Quad core performance and features for the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience
The rich entertainment experience you expect from AMD
A fantastic Windows® 10 experience.
A complete solution to eliminate screen tearing without all the usual lag and latency1 for a more seamless viewing experience.
Take your online gaming to the next level with stunning visuals and seamless gameplay on AMD A-Series Desktop APUs.
With the new DirectX® 12 API from Microsoft®, you get blazingly fast performance, higher frames per second, and reduced latency.
AMD's APU technology with up to 12 Compute Cores (4 CPU + 8 GPU)* features innovative Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture.9
*Visit amd.com/ComputeCores to learn more about compute cores
AMD A-Series APUs utilize the latest AMD Turbo Core technologies to maximum CPU and GPU performance in your latest applications, enabling up to 4.1GHz of CPU performance to deliver an amazing experience.
Immerse yourself in leading-edge graphics technology with Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture from AMD. This third-generation technology enables advanced features and the stunning performance of AMD Radeon™ graphics.10
The new AMD A-Series APUs support the latest graphics APIs to bring next generation games to life. With support for these latest technologies in the latest AMD APUs, you can game at unprecedented levels of performance, with impressive effects and details.11
AMD TrueAudio technology makes 32-channel surround audio possible to make games sound better and deliver more accurate voice recognition. Experience a whole new level of immersion.11
Revolutionary Heterogeneous System Architecture (HSA) is a new standard in processor design where the CPU and GPU work together in harmony. With HSA, the full potential of AMD hardware is enabled for more efficient performance, so applications are fast and responsive.
*Visit amd.com/ComputeCores to learn more about compute cores


text:
I Love My Mom and Dad
Personal Stories, Advice, and Support 11,428 People
They're everything to meand I'd do anything for them. They took me in as a baby from relatives when they didn't have to and I'll never be able to pay them back enough for that huge gift. They're the only ones I have or want. :)
texile 26-30, F 5 Sep 21
I love my parents.. I wish I was a betterdaughter.. they been together since 1974.. I love how my dad still brings my mom flowers n how my mom still winks at him.. I pray they live longer.. I don't see myself without them..
RICHARDLOVESME 31-35, F 1 Response 4 Jul 7
Where would I be without them?Unborn.
CourtneyPaige17 16-17, F 1 Response 4 Jun 17
bandit5320 31-35, M 2 Jun 23
they don't know it though,they each disowned me
cashetty69 51-55, M 1 Response 2 Sep 21
My mom and dad are the two most amazing peoplein the world. I couldn't have asked for better parents. Sure they do get on my nerves at times, but really, who's parents don't, but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I love them so very much. They are the best parents and grandparents ever..
kel619 36-40, F 6 Feb 10
I love my parents but my mom is annoyingand makes me do all the chores she also makes me feel like I'm worthless my dad is a heart surgeon in Australia and he's re married and they have 4 kids he's not really in my life but he puts $200 in my bank account every month so I can care less
Vswagger 13-15, M 1 Response 2 Jun 18
I'm sure my parents weren't perfect peroplebut as far as I am concerned they were perfect parents to me. I can think of absolutely no reason to complain about my upbringing.
xxxtop 36-40, M 1 Response 5 Jun 28
My parents may not have much,but they always try to give me what they didn't have when they were kids. I love them so much!
Love my mum to bits what a great women she is .. Dad rest in peace love you too wish I could of spent more time with you 😘
maj32 31-35, M 2 Jul 16
I'm very close with both my parents!I tell them everything because I trust them and they're very understanding! I even told them when I had sex with my boyfriend and everything just because I want to have that good relationship with them and they know they can't control my life but they can always give me advice...
PrincessKylieP 16-17, F 5 Oct 2
My dad is the most interesting person I know.His quest for knowledge and wisdom never ceases to amaze me. Despite his astounding social and professional abilities, it seems to me that he's narrow minded about the realms of humanity. Relating all mysteries of life to religion, without acknowledging the possibility of...
ConsciousExplorer 18-21, M 5 Jul 5
I thank God for giving me two wonderful parents.They gave me, my brother and sisters the best education and moral values to live by. They lavished us with love and trust . In March 2015 they celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary. In May mom got sick and died last week. After a week dad followed mom to the grave. In...
aishu1996 18-21, F 2 Responses 7 Sep 6
I love my Mum and Dad,they are the best, crazy and insanely protective but they always do everything they can to help me. I moved out of home 6 months ago and my Mum texts me everyday to ask me how I am and to tell me she loves me. she and my Dad both support me no matter what, it makes me feel much...
Ems1864 18-21, F 1 Response 4 Jul 8
Mom I love you so much you will always be myeverything
saharghahramani 18-21, F 2 Responses 11 Apr 27
couldn't/shouldn't/wouldn't askfor a better pair of folks ????
My father is a really great guy,when i was 6 year old he left vancouver to go get clean and begged my mom to go with him, she declined cause she wasn't ready yet. my stepfather tore up any letters he would send tell me lies about him, my mom always told me not to believe him and told me good things and he...
Maszea 31-35, F 4 Sep 5
Just to clarify... It's "Mum" not "Mom".Sorry USA. Parents... Wow. When I became of age where i considered myself independent, from let's say, 15 years old onwards... Like most teenagers I thought nothing could stop me, I'm free to stand on my own two feet to do whatever I please. "They can't tell me what to do...
wilzyp 22-25, M 6 Jun 4
I owe them both so very muchand would move mountains of they needed me to!
jaimeedl 36-40, M 1 Response 4 Aug 19
When there was nobody,they were there. When I failed at every attempt to be something, they picked me up off the hard ground and nurtured me back to life. They love me with all my faults, my sins, my stupidity. I know what loving unconditionally means because they have shown me. If you owe gratitude...
lylely81 31-35, F 1 Response 5 Sep 22
College, work and all the things on my mindmade me forgot that today is my dad birthday, now i feel bad :/
viperguy96 18-21, M 1 Response 0 4 days ago
I remember going on a plumbing repair call withdad, I was around 7, we were under an old nasty house, well, dad was already ticked off, then he told me to go and get his dope (pipe tread sealent), I sat down and started crying, he asked me if I was ok, I said "dad, i know you like beer but not dope too" Then after H.S grad...
sargebill 51-55, M 3 Sep 21
i woke up to breakfastwhich is unusual
QueenDDxxx 16-17, F 1 Response 0 Jun 30
I honestly have the coolest parents in thewhole world. Like sure, my parents are strict but I feel like they understand me as a teenager and make it feel like they've also been there. I'm so grateful to have them as parents because I feel like even though they're not as strict as most parents, they still keep me in line...
jasminestone 22-25, F 1 Response 5 Jun 18
I love my parents very much.They loved having a large family with many children. Both mom and dad were always in our lives touching almost everything. They were always wonderful to my siblings and me as well. There was nothing we ever did without.
americanfemaleonvacation 36-40, F 4 Apr 9
I love the so much. They doso much for my sisters and I. We are spoiled by them, and there is never a day that passes where I don`t tell them "I love you" and 'Thank you".
BookWorm333 22-25, F 4 Jan 10
My mom is a great woman.. government took me away from her when i was ten while she was quitting heroin, and she actually quit and i was able to move back in with her at 15.. then my grandma died and she ran away from home pretty much and we both had the downtown vancouver life she chose the crack path...
Maszea 31-35, F 1 Sep 5
RealmRunner 22-25, F 5 Aug 14
aleighemerson 13-15, F 1 Response 4 Feb 5
yep i love them bothso much im glad i still have them
hopelovegod 22-25, M 4 Responses 14 5 days ago
jenna0990 22-25, F 1 Response 6 Apr 30
In the car with the rentsand blasting Now Power Ballads... Reminds me of being a little girl and going away for day trips.
I love my parents. They areso funny and sweet.
lorrena19 18-21, F 4 Responses 7 Nov 19, 2014
Abusive Father And Alcoholic MotherMy parents are not perfect. Their own childhood's were so different and whatever they found in one another for a minute made them stronger. They were married seven years before deciding to have me. She was 25 and he was 29. I was born and the three of us became the "picture...
anotherinnocent 26-30, F 10 Responses 4 Mar 13, 2011
They are my everything.Literally I wouldn't be here now to post this without them but if I was born even to someone other, I think the situation now wouldn't be the same as it is now. I know no one other could love and do for me and my brother as they did. I never want to loose them.
RITUatEP 18-21, M 2 Responses 3 Jun 18
I wouldn't be here without them (both literallyand figuratively)
pushdolly 18-21, F 4 Jan 4
amandashere 16-17, F 2 Responses 4 May 26
Family Relationships Cannot Be Described InWords But Only Through Actions
aks008 26-30, F 2 Responses 8 Mar 28
I love them both very muchand I'm really lucky to have them. Not too people have parents who care about them. My mom gave me her strength and her wonderful love of reading (thank you). My dad gave me his street smarts (literally) and his sense of humor. I owe them for everything they do for me :)
Anaaaaa345 18-21, F 7 Aug 26
although I feel replaced by other familymembers at times..
Peaceloveflowerchild 18-21, F 2 Responses 1 Aug 7
IF you see your motherand your father every day , you dont have the right to talk about sadness !!💔
ibrahim30 31-35, M 4 Jan 24
I didn't have a chance to meet my father ,he died when I were 1 year old , so my mother is my life , I am happy when she is happy <3
as3adsamy 22-25, M 4 Responses 11 Mar 2
Thank you Mom for punishing mefor the things I did wrong, I deserved every slap I got on my bottom, I am a disciplined woman because of you Mom. Thank you.
somegirl300 31-35, F 2 Responses 7 Feb 11
Without them, I would noteven be here. Although, they are no older in health and have illness, I think of them often and I am so thankful I have them. They helped me learn to fight so, I would not struggle and loved me even when difficult. I unconditionally love them in return.
FrankK70 41-45, M 1 Response 9 Aug 3


text:
Welcome to Tacoma World!You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.
As a registered member, you'll be able to:
Quick Links: FS: Whytner FM-45G 12v Portable Refrigerator WTB: Warn 5 wire controller Full Yakima BedRock Truck Bed System *Mint Condition* Need mud flaps/gaurds?? where to buy the MUD FLAPS Garmin nüvi 2797LMT 7-Inch Portable Bluetooth Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps Rocky Mount Clutch SD Bike Mounts for sale
- Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
- Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
- Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
- Access all special features of the site
Couple of items for sale on CL
Discussion in 'Buy / Sell / Trade' started by bendbolden, Jan 13, 2012.


text:
Disclaimer. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, and references included in this chapter are property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Hello, my lovelies. This is it. Thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart.
Chapter 4.
Fifteen minutes passed and just as I was about to call Emmett again…I heard gunshots being fired outside…and then all hell broke loose.
I pulled Bella closer to me and slowly opened the door.
Chaos was what met me outside. The girls jumping out of the stage, customers running back and forward not knowing exactly where to go. I saw a couple of guys fighting over by the bar.
Total chaos.
This was it. This was my moment to get us out of here. As I could, I opened my hoddie and removed my bulletproof vest and put it on her, leaving me only in my shirt. If gunshots were being fired…I couldn't risk her getting injured.
I used the hoddie to cover her up and grabbed Bella by the waist with one arm and with the other, I brought my gun out. I made our way outside and frowned when I saw all the craziness. I didn't notice before when I came in here, but tonight was especially crowded. Some sort of contest was being held for sure, because this many people on a regular night? Not likely.
All the commotion was making it harder for me to move. For some reason people weren't getting out of here, just running and making themselves paranoid.
Gunshots will do that to you.
Besides carrying dead weight in my arms was kind of slowing me down. She wasn't heavy, but I was trying to be careful and prevent her from bending over backwards.
And then…"ISABELLA."
Someone was yelling her name over all the noise in here. I looked around then…and right in front of the main exit…was one of the guys from before. And he was holding a gun in his hand.
They were looking for her.
I could try and take him down. I knew I could. But not with Bella in my arms.
Where the fuck was Emmett?
I looked around, searching for another way out of here, but when my eyes landed on the guy by the door…he was glaring at me…and at the girl in my arms.
And then he was moving.
So was I.
I went inside the private room again and immediately went through the door Bella always left. Bad move. I had no idea where this place led, but given the choice, you went for places you were familiar with, not ones you had absolutely no idea how they were built.
But I'd already entered this path, so I kept moving.
Somehow we ended up in some sort of a basement. This place was deserted with terrible lighting and no windows. But I could still hear what was happening upstairs. I no longer heard yelling or shouting. I now heard glass shattering. Things being smashed and Bella's name being called.
I looked for a way out. There was a door, but of course it was locked. It looked reinforced, so it could take some time to bring it down. I could do it, but not too fast.
I heard the voice getting closer and I knew he was just outside, ready to step into the room. In that moment…I…I realized I had just cornered us.
Fucking asshole.
Classic rookie mistake.
A mistake I had made over a year ago and now it was haunting me again. I brought my phone out and sent Emmett a text, hoping this would work, because…this place was too familiar. This scenario was too real. The girl standing behind me was too much like…like…
Flashes from…from a year ago invaded my mind.
"Step out of the way agent Cullen."
"You know I can't do that. Put your gun down. Now."
He just chuckled smugly and brought his gun up higher. "Do you really think I'll do that? Come on, agent…you know there's no way out of here. You should just move out of the way and let me finish what I came here to do. We don't care about you…you could just walk away right now…I only want her."
"Put the gun down. NOW."
He just kept laughing at my attempts, but I wouldn't back down. I wouldn't let them get her. Then…the girl behind me whimpered, a sign she was coming around. And somehow…for a fraction of a second…I turned my head to the side for just an inch, to see her…not even turning around fully…and the next thing I knew…someone to my right stepped out of the dark and shot the girl behind me.
Till this day I can't figure out why I did that. Why I turned my head. Why I let my guard down. I will always wonder the same fucking thing…because if I hadn't done it…she'd still be alive.
"Who the fuck are you?" someone spat from the entry way, bringing my attention back to the present and to the fact that he was now inside the room.
"I'm a Federal Agent. Drop your gun now."
"Federal agent?" he was shocked for sure. "That bitch…she said something? To a federal agent?"
"What you have been doing to her is a federal crime. If you surrender now, I would personally make sure to let the court know that."
I wouldn't. Ever.
But it was called negotiating.
He chuckled. "No, you won't. And I won't surrender. So you might as well drop the gun, man. Neither one of you is getting out of here now. There's nowhere for you to run." I could tell he was being serious. Then he cocked his gun, causing Bella to whimper behind me. "Edward."
That sound. Again.
This time…this time when I hear that sound…I had the same kind of urge to check and see if she was alright, just like all those months ago. Everything was happening the same way as it did back then. Except…except this time…there was something different.
This time, I checked the room before. There was no one else here to come out of the blue.
This time…somehow, I had no idea why…I put the vest on her before leaving the room.
This time…this time…I…I was…in love.
So I did turn around. Completely turning my back on him. I was met with those gorgeous brown eyes full of confusion and fear, but I just smiled at her and pressed my lips softly to hers, before pushing her against the wall and caging her in completely.
No one was dying today because of me…she wasn't dying tonight. I just hoped Emmett would get her out of here soon.
And then a gunshot rang out.
One year later.
I was starting to go fucking nuts, for sure.
I'd said this plenty of times before, but today…fuck…today was completely exhausting. At first, I thought being promoted would be fucking awesome, you know? More money, more benefits, different activities and functions…I thought it was gonna be fucking great.
Yeah. Foolish man.
I mean, at almost thirty years old…having to deal with fucking twenty year olds? Not good for my state of mind. And then on top of that, having to deal with Emmett? Yeah, fucking annoying. Seriously, if I kept this up I'd end up with grey hairs and a heart attack before I reached thirty five.
I parked my car in the driveway and was immediately assaulted with memories when I saw the house that I'd lived in for the past five years. A lot of memories had been formed here. A lot good…and a lot bad. But it was finally time to move on.
One year had passed since…since Bella happened…since those scumbags held her captive and tried to break her spirit. A year had passed since she'd asked for help. My help.
I shook my head to get rid of those memories. Nothing good came out of reliving those awful times. I reached over to the back seat and took the yellow folder I'd need for tonight. I made my way inside the house and looked around. This place was a mess. Boxes were scattered around the floor, making it almost impossible for anyone to make their way through. Moving would do that to a house. Except…I was immediately enveloped in the most amazing smells a house could ever hold.
Not even boxes making a mess on the floor could overshadow that fact. Then…I was assaulted with that beautiful voice that even invaded my dreams every night, and just like that all my fucking mood swings…all of it…it just went away. I walked into the dining room and there she was.
My Bella.
Standing near the table with her back to me, wrapping the silverware and china set. Completely oblivious to my presence.
"Ya no importa cada noche que espere…cada calle y laberinto que cruce…" she sang softly, so softly I could barely hear what she was singing. "..porque el cielo ha conspirado a mi favor…y a un segundo de rendirme te encontré." She swayed from side to side, never breaking her infamous task of wrapping whatever she had in her hands.
At first that little thing she did…singing in Spanish…yeah, it drove me absolutely crazy, for two reasons mostly. One of them…I didn't understand her. I knew nothing about that language, so it was clearly frustrating to me not knowing what the hell she was singing, every time she did it. And ever single time I asked…with a beautiful smile on her glowing face…she fucking said she wouldn't tell me. Driving me even crazier.
I mean, she had a beautiful voice and I loved hearing her, but…it would be nice to know what the words coming out of her lips meant. And two…yeah…she…um…she got me hard every time she spoke Spanish. Don't ask me why, I'm still trying to figure that one myself. But she did.
I also noticed, most of the times…she sang the exact same song. Every time. So one day I'd finally had it and ordered her to tell me what the hell she was singing. Well…I…um…I didn't order…I actually…begged…and begged…and yeah. Whatever.
At first, she explained her reluctance to tell me what the song said, because it meant so much to her, and she was afraid that if she told me…I would run out the door.
Crazy beautiful girl. Nothing she could say would make me run away from her.
So she did tell me.
'It doesn't matter every night I waited…every street and maze I ever crossed…because the sky has plotted against me…and one second away from giving up…I found you.'
So yeah.
And the way she said those words, so…so sweetly, so tenderly…so full of love…I almost cried…I almost did. A twenty year old girl almost made me cry, but I couldn't have cared less at that point.
That was the first night I told her I loved her.
And she said it back.
That horrible night, the last night she spent in that hell hole, just as I was ready to accept my death and praying for Emmett to come and get her…God must have answered my prayers, 'cause he did. He shot Paul right before he shot me. He saved us both, and for that I will owe Emmett for the rest of my life.
Both of them were dead. Laurent was shot by one of our officers right outside the club, while he was making a run for it.
There was so much paperwork to be done after, it was ridiculous, but I spent every minute of every day by Bella's side. I couldn't leave her. Not again. Not after leaving her all those nights by herself with those monsters.
When all of that was done, she was given her papers back and was granted permission to stay in the country, due to the circumstances of the case. Except…she didn't have a place to stay. Or a job. Or anything.
Well…she had me. She just didn't know it yet.
"You could stay with me." I'd blurted out right as we left the Bureau's offices. She froze on her spot and stared at me for a long time.
"You could stay with me…"
"I…can't do that, Edward. You've already been to kind with me…I couldn't impose like that…"
"You wouldn't be imposing." I admitted as I stepped closer to her. "I…Bella…please, come with me. I…" love you, I wanted to say. "Please. Please." I begged. I couldn't let her leave my side. I couldn't, so I took her face in my hands and kissed her softly.
I couldn't have been clearer even if I wanted to.
"Please." I whispered one last time, before releasing her.
She nodded, making me the happiest man on earth…right until two months ago, when she'd said yes after I proposed to her.
Cheesy, I know. Whatever.
We were getting married in two months. After a year of spending out time here, it was time to move out. We managed to find a house bigger and better that we both loved.
I was tempted to sneak up on her from behind, but I knew I could scare her easily, so I just cleared my throat, making my presence known. She turned around quickly and gave me the biggest and brightest smile in the whole world. She stepped to where I was standing, wrapped her hands around my waist and kissed my chin. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, baby. How's the moving going?"
"Great. Almost done. How was work?"
"As usual. You know the same stupid kid as always." I huffed and she laughed. "Enough of that…I have a present for you."
"You do?"
"Yes." I wasn't our official anniversary, but a year ago, it was the first time I ever laid my eyes on her, so that date made it in my book.
"What is it?" Her eyes sparkled like a kid in a candy store.
I took her hand and led her over to the couch. We sat down and I handed her the yellow folder. "Open it." She eyed me curiously, before opening it and inspecting what was inside. When she realized that it was she gasped and her eyes immediately filled with tears.
"What…w-what? Why…? What is t-this?"
"Plain tickets."
"I know, but…" She was staring back and forward between me and the tickets. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Wha…I don't…why?"
"Because I love you, that's why." I said simply, pecking her lips.
"You…you're taking me…to…Argentina?" She breathed. I knew how much she wanted to go back. She said there was nothing for her there anymore, but I could see the longing in her eyes every time she talked about it.
"Yes, baby. We're going. We…"
I didn't get a chance to say anything else because she jumped on my lap, straddling me and peppering my face with kisses. "I love you. I love you. I love you so much."
"I'm glad you like it, baby." I said chuckling, bringing my hand to rest on her hips. "I love you, too."
"Happy anniversary." I whispered, making her look at me in confusion. "Today…a year ago…was the first time I ever saw you."
"I didn't think you'd remember." She murmured as she placed her hands on my chest.
"Of course I remember. I'll always remember the day I met you."
"Well…I think I'm about to give you something else to remember this day for."
Huh? "What?"
"Um...I…I…I'm…I'm pregnant, Edward." She said looking down at her lap. And I just…what? What was that she said? Because I'm sure I must have heard her wrong, right? She…she said she was…um…pregnant?
"Say something, please."
Yeah, I know. But…what? My mind was trying to leave the fucking black hole where it had been sucked in. I mean…pregnant…as in…a child…a baby…with Bella…Bella's baby…and mine…our baby. Suddenly the world had become a perfect place. I looked at her and just…smiled…smiled so much my cheeks actually hurt, but that was beside the point.
"A baby? Our baby?" I asked in amazement.
"Yes." She nodded biting her lip.
"I…I love you so much, baby. So, so much."
And then I kissed the hell out of my future wife…and mother of my children.
Yes, children.
Again. Thank you so much for everything. Hoped you enjoyed this little piece of me.
Love. - X


text:
Innovations in Financing Affordable Housing: The Inside Scoop
MaRS Discovery District
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Event Details
Community Finance Solutions—an initiative of the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing—will be hosting Innovations in Financing Affordable Housing: The Inside Scoop. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 12 p.m. ET.
We will provide a behind-the-scenes look at two housing funds currently in development, featuring the following speakers:
- LoriAnn Girvan, Moderator
- Joe Deschênes Smith, Trillium Housing (Toronto)
- James McGregor, Investissement Résidentiel Responsable (Montreal)
Our speakers will provide practical advice for anyone considering creating a new investment product for impact, or anyone working in affordable housing and interested in new financing models.
Space is limited, so please register today!
About Community Finance Solutions:
Community Finance Solutions is a consulting and referral service supporting initiatives creating new impact investing funds and financial products.
Since launching in March 2013, we have supported 10 initiatives across Canada. They are a fantastic group, involved in sectors as diverse as First Nations housing, community economic development, investing with a gender lens, and seed investing for impact.
The MaRS Centre for Impact Investing is pleased to announce that applications for the second cohort of Community Finance Solutions are now open. The deadline is September 30, 2014.
When & Where
Online only (Webinar)
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Add to my calendar
MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD), in Toronto is one of the world's largest urban innovation hubs. MaRS cultivates high-impact ventures and equips innovators to drive economic and societal prosperity. MaRS provides expert advice and market research, and makes connections to talent, customers and capital. MaRS startup clients have created 6,500 jobs and, in the last three years alone, they have raised $1 billion in capital and generated $500 million in revenue.


text:
Searched for: "x port authentication with microsofts active directory"
About 13 results for "x port authentication with microsofts active directory"
Troubleshooting Android ActiveSync problems with Exchange 2010
Find out how to approach some common Android ActiveSync problems caused by BYOD with Exchange 2010.
Set up a free and secure Terminal Server with Linux
Jack Wallen suggests ditching the Windows Terminal Server and migrating to using a Linux box. Learn how to set up and use NX Free, a tool that can help with this task.
Secure Outlook Web Access with (free) SSL: Part 1
Secure Outlook Web Access with (free) SSL: Part 1
Introducing Zimbra Collaboration Suite
The collaboration space is getting crowded these days, with various products offering Exchange-like functionality and a few enticing extras. Among the available solutions is Zimbra...
Ultimate wireless security guide: Microsoft IAS RADIUS for wireless authentication
Enterprise wireless LAN security is a persistent concern for every system administrator and CIO. This article, part of the TechRepublic ultimate guide to enterprise wireless LAN se...
Linux 101: Establish more effective security capabilities with OpenSSH
Longtime Linux administrators know that SSH, the "Secure Shell" protocol, is one of the most handy and potentially critical utilities in their software toolbox. This document expla...
SolutionBase: Using ISA Server 2004's HTTP Security Filter to block instant messengers and peer-to-peer applications
Peer-to-peer applications and instant messengers can present special threats to your network's security. Here's how you can use HTTP filtering with ISA Server 2004 to block these a...
Root out spyware problems network wide with Webroot SpySweeper Enterprise 2.5
Most spyware applications are stand-alone, workstation-based solutions. How do you manage spyware across your entire network? Using Webroot SpySweeper Enterprise 2.5. Here's how.
SolutionBase: The fundamentals of MacIntosh networking in a Windows network
It can be difficult enough getting Windows workstations to work properly with your Windows servers, but what do you do when you have to support MacIntoshes as well--especially if y...