Medic's response to an essay titled "What's a Collar to You" by Z

Medic's response to an essay titled "What's a Collar to You" by Z https://fetlife.com/users/2202977/posts/3952470

What's a collar to me?

When I received my collar of protection, I was happy. Not because I was getting a collar, but because I was getting friends that I could trust. I felt more at ease knowing someone was looking out for me and I wasn't in over my head. Now, I felt like I've gotten a new sister and brother. It's the feeling of safety that I get when I'm wearing my collar. I feel brave and believe I will be okay to talk and interact with people.

The writing I read actually talks about one's opinion about a collar and what it means. But with my collar, I also feel like I have teachers,not just friends. I know it doesn't necessarily go with protection, but learning what I need to know what is expected of me, to communicate and not make a fool out of myself, is part of my protection, in my opinion.

I actually agree with the writer. The different collars and what they mean, help me think about what my collar means to me. It took me a while to sort out what I felt, but it was informative for me. Also, learning about the different ones and a good explanation of what they should mean.

Ongoing stuff currently

Had an event this past Saturday. Made $500 ish. Plan on paying off another event I'm attending, SELF. 

Matt quit his job. 

We almost hit a deer on the way home from Saturday event. 

I need my chisels sharpened so I can do woodworking. 

On my period.  Lots of pain this time. Due to lack of red meat? 

Have to write lots of recipes for Rellys cooking class this semester. 

Relly has a creative writing class, and is enjoying the work, but not the teacher, and the teacher won't give him a phone call to talk about anything. 

We have been very into dnd lately, and it's been very stressful but also fun. 

Think the squirrels have all been captured and are no longer sneaking into our pantry to steal food. Will work on cleaning and replacing pantry shelves soon.

That thing we did tonight. And lots of crying.

Tonight there was sex. It was good sex. It met my needs, it made the pain stop, and it was fun and it was my Master taking care of me, helping me let go of control. I felt I had to be in control of myself, that I had to be able to handle anything that happened. 

Once we got everything ready for vending tomorrow (today, I wake up in three hours) we went upstairs and he sat me in position two and we talk. Of course I cried, I cried today when I couldn't get the box of business cards to close, but this was an important, no holds barred, floodgates kind of crying. Which led to sex. It is the second time we've had really good sex after I've had weird unrestrained crying and I'm strangely ok with it, and it strangely makes everything better. 

So that thing, in movies where the girl is freaking out and the guy kisses her? In certain situations, it really works. Because he let me finish talking, and to comfort me, we kissed, and then, me still crying (just tears flowing, not sobbing at this point, that would be weird) we ended up snuggling, he rubbed my back, and then, followed up with really hot kinky damn sexy sex with things that were so beautiful they made me want to cry.  But enough about the crying. 

There was doggy style, and a leather hood, and pulling the leather hood into whatever position he wanted so my head was pulled back while we were banging, and I was changing my body to fit better, and there was a little mean hitty stick (what is it called? From Tattoo) and it even felt good, and I think I actually moaned "oh yes" this time it was so delicious. And there was lots of pain and pinches that made me giggle.

He took care of my needs and helped my head go away so I could stop worrying and hurting for a while. 

I didn't know it was what I needed but it was, and it helped me so much. 

Rant

No. 

I don't want to baby and coddle you and protect your emotions. I want you to do what you have to do to keep your grades up. Don't "make a stand" for the thing writers have dealt with since forever. It may seem painful but it's a refining process it's not aupposed to be easy. It leaves you with a polished gem. If you want a rough unwieldy piece of work then fine, whatever but what happened to trying to do this justice for me? Oh wait I don't like her opinions on it, fuck it.

I have my own shit to deal with and I've been putting it aside for you for a week. I have needs. I have things I can't fucking do on my own because I'm in too much pain to move but somehow it still gets fucking done. By me. 

Yes. One of my needs is sex. Oh no, lets minimize that because how dare she have sexual needs! But wait, you don't get to dismiss my sexual needs until you have to go without when you want it. Do you go without sex when you want it? No. You get it every. single. time. you ask for it. So yeah, I need some fucking genital stimulation because it makes me stop hurting so bad that I cry every time I do something more strenuous than sitting. And maybe it only helps for an hour, but I have to live with this pain for a fucking week, an hour off without having to pack all my stuff for the guilt bus would be really ducking nice. 

I need help preparing for the event tomorrow:

I need tickets printed. 

I need a PatchworkLeather sign printed. 

I need tables packed into the car. 

Chairs. 

Tents. Which have to be opened and checked first. 

I need big heavy things packed in the car. 

Change for the event. 

And more because unfortunately my head is on upside down and I can't think anything through. 

I need a muscle relaxer, or maybe a hysterectomy. Because I think getting fixed might be less painful and have a faster healing process at this point. Or maybe a Vicodin. Or alcohol. Or a hot bath. Or a back rub. Or neck nuzzles and cuddling. Or maybe all of that. With chocolate and a big juicy tender steak. And a protein shake. 

Oh, and on top of all that, not including that the bleeding hasn't started yet and I'm terrified how I'm going to survive tomorrow, my right breast, which has been sore and aching for at least a month and painful to touch and swollen, now also has milk. Which means I have a hormonal imbalance in regards to female stuff. Since I know I'm not pregnant because it's been hurting like this since before my last period, it explains why I'm depressed, why I'm hurting every period, and also the female pain in generally every female place I have, generally any time it's touched. Which I haven't told you because I've known two days and I dunno, there hasn't exactly been a good time, or even a single moment alone together where I could talk about something like that. 

I'm going to go clean out and start getting ready to load the car now, and I'm am so past get over yourself. 

3rd Q School Schedule

4/11/17 CUL WK 2, Day 2: 
Mid-Atlantic (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the Historical Development of the Mid-Atlantic
Menu
Vichyssoise
Sautéed Soft-Shell Crabs on Fennel and Arugula Salad
Roast Long Island Duck Breast with Parsnip Puree and Spiced Blueberry Sauce
Roasted Potatoes and Pearl Onions
Angel Food Cupcakes with Whipped Vanilla Cream
Homework:
Journal for Week 2, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 2
Recipe Cards for Week 3, Read text on the South

4/12/17 ENG Due Week 2, Day 3

Task 1: Analysis of Story, Plot, and Character Motivation

Assess how professional writers craft story and character motivation.

A response of 50-100 words to a story of your selection from the Gutenberg website posted to the Discussion Area.

Format according to MLA standards.

At least two substantial responses to other students.

1. Select a story from the Gutenberg website that, to the best of your ability, resonates with you but also coincides with how you envision your own story's plot structure to be materializing.

2. Carefully assess how the author is crafting the story's narrative arc.

3. Consider what is motivating one or more characters to act.

4/13/17 ENG Due Week 2, Day 4

Learning Activities:
Plot
A Good Starting Point
Character Motivation
Some Final Thoughts
Assigned Readings

From your course textbook, Gotham Writers' Workshop, read the following chapter:
Plot: A Question of Focus
Select a story or stories of choice from the Project Gutenberg website to match the milestone requirement.

Watch the following videos:
- Opening video from actor playing the role of the literary magazine editor
- Eleanor Henderson discusses the coming-of-age tale in her novel

Task 2: 
Narrative Arc
Dramatic Question
Character Obstacles
Share story's narrative arc, dramatic question, and make a list of character obstacles.
Submission Specifications
Microsoft Word document saved as AI_ENG3020_M2_Narrative Arc_LastName_FirstInitial.doc that includes:
Indication of which point of view you have chosen for your story and why you believe this to be an appropriate choice.
Creation of a narrative arc, either in graphic form or straight text, on how you see your story unfolding.
What you see as your dramatic question and whether you have properly distinguished the difference between story plot and character motivation.
A list of obstacles—internal and external—that you believe might block the achievement of character motivation.

Post your submission to the Discussion Area by Week 2, Day 4. (4/13/17)
1. Isolate how your protagonist is beginning to function within the emerging story plot. Always remind yourself, though, of your main character's motivation.
2. Decide upon a point of view or the "lens" through which you will be telling your story.
3. Craft a narrative arc for the sequence of events your character or characters are experiencing. Constantly remind yourself of the story's dramatic question as well.
4. Make a list of obstacles that might block the achievement of your main character's motivation or pursuit.
5. Format according to MLA standards.
6. Post at least two substantial responses to other students in discussion thread.

Grading Rubric
Your task submission will be graded on the following criteria:
Met deadline and specifications: presentation of protagonist, point of view, narrative arc.
50
Participated actively in the discussion.

10

4/16/17 Due Week 2, Day 7

Milestone 2 

Final Submission

Create a narrative arc, address the story’s dramatic question and character motivation, and make a list of the obstacles.

Now that you've received feedback from your instructor on viability of point of view, narrative arc, your dramatic question, and your list of obstacles, it's time to consider revising these into a M2 Final Submission.

As you work on revising your completed work from M2 Task 2, make sure you take into consideration the feedback you received from your instructor and classmates.

1. Carefully consider the point of view of your story.

2. Craft a narrative arc, either in graphic or prose format that clearly displays how you envision your story trajectory at this early stage.

3. Consider your story's dramatic question and how it may differentiate from plot trajectory.

4. Make a list of those character obstacles, both internal and external, that may hamper your character's, or characters', ability to achieve a goal.

5. Make sure you actually revise your M2 Task 2 submission; don't just resubmit what you have done from M2 Task 2 without making changes.

6. Run the spelling/grammar checker on your submission and ensure your sentences are clear and polished.

7. Write a 150-word Milestone Report addressing the following:

Reflect on the specifics of your process, from planning, to drafting, to editing, to delivering the product.

Discuss challenges and lessons learned. This way we know what you are struggling with, what you had as a concept that might not have been part of the reality of your production, what you learned from this task, etc.

8. Save your Milestone Report document and name it M2_Report_Lastname_Firstinitial.

9. Submit the final draft to the M2 Final Submission Dropbox by Week 2, Day 7.

Your milestone submission will be graded on the following criteria:

Plot and character

Shared how narrative arc is materializing, story protagonist is evolving and responding to obstacles. 20

Indicated story point of view. Story dramatic question noted/differentiated from story plot. 20

Revised submission reflected more defined narrative arc, protagonist, point of view, and dramatic question. 10

Employed correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and appropriate logic, voice, and formatting. 10

Milestone report

Used at least 150-word to describe lessons learned and challenges encountered 10

Total 70

4/17/17 WK 3, Day 1:
South
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the South
Menu
Caramelized Watermelon and Mixed Greens with Shallot-Citrus Dressing
Shrimp with Pimiento Cheese Grits
Fried Chicken Thighs with Pickled Okra and Stewed Tomatoes
Potato Salad
Peanut Brittle
Benne Wafers
Homework:
Recipe Cards
Equip List for Day 1 and Day 2

4/18/17 WK 3, Day 2:
South (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the South
Menu
Pecan-Encrusted Catfish with Succotash of Corn, Hominy, and Baby Lima Beans
Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with Haricots Verts, Caramelized Onions, Sweet Potato Fritters, and Sweet Tea Lemon Jus
Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwich
Sandwich Slaw
Banana Pudding
Homework:
Journal for Week 3, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 3
Recipe Cards for Week 4, Read text on the Florida
First Report due Week 4, Day 1

4/19/17  Due Week 3, Day 3

Task 1: Analysis of Story Prose and Dialogue

This first task invites you to analyze how established writers are crafting prose passages and character dialogue.

4/20/17 Due Week 3, Day 4

Task 2: Story Draft

A reasonably complete draft of your short story incorporating all story elements discussed in the course thus far, including a passage of dialogue between and/or among characters.

4/23/17 Due Week 3, Day 7
Milestone 3 Final Submission
This final submission is your opportunity to see how your story is coming together in a reasonably complete draft form.

4/24/17 WK 4, Day 1:
Florida
Lecture:
Overview: History and Development of the Cuisine of Florida
Menu
Jerk Chicken Skewer with Cucumber and Pineapple Salsa
Butter Lettuce Salad, with Orange, Avocado, and Shallot-Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Rock Shrimp with Shellfish Quinoa
Jamaican Beef Patties
Butterscotch Pudding with Molasses Crisps
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2

4/25/17 WK 4, Day 2:
Florida (Cont.)
Lecture:
Cuisines of FloridaMenu:
Golden Gazpacho with Puff Pastry Straws
Hearts of Palm Salad
Cuban Braised Pork Shoulder with Mango and Jalapeño Mojo
Pan-Seared Grouper with Black Bean, Jícama, and Corn Relish
Corn Custard
Key Lime Pie
Homework:
Journal for Week 4, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 4
Recipe Cards for Week 5, Read text on Cajun and Creole

4/26/17 Due Week 4, Day 3

Task 1: Analysis of Authorial Voice and Setting

Allow the uniqueness of your authorial voice to emerge as you craft the ideal setting for your fiction.

4/27/17 Due Week 4, Day 4

Task 2: Unique Voice and Setting

Share how your authorial voice is emerging in your fiction writing and share a passage from your writing that displays setting. Read a select passage from your fiction aloud and submit the work as an audio file.

4/30/17 wk4 d7

 Milestone 4 Final Submission

This milestone’s sequence of your fiction will showcase your emerging authorial voice, both in written and audio form. But, you will also add geographical and spatial dimension to your story as you craft story setting.

5/1/17 WK 5, Day 1:
Cajun & Creole
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of Cajun and Creole Cuisines
Menu:
Chicken and Bacon Hash with Poached Egg and Hollandaise Sauce
Red Beans and Rice
Frog Legs Pinquate
Cajun Omelet
Fried Oyster Po’Boy
Beignets
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2

5/2/17 WK 5, Day 2:
Cajun & Creole (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of Cajun and Creole Cuisines
Menu:
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Tomato and Haricots Verts Salad
Fried Fish in Pearly Meal with Remoulade Sauce
Crawfish Étouffée with Rice
Smothered Okra
Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Homework:
Journal for Week 5, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 5
Recipe Cards for Week 6, Read text on Central Plains

5/3/17 
Due Week 5, Day 3Task 1: Revision and Integration of Theme
Take some time to put the final touches on your story while you determine how theme manifests throughout your work.

5/4/17 Due Week 5, Day 4

Task 2: Letter of Intent
Share a draft version of your letter of intent for your fictional story.

5/7/17 Due Week 5, Day 7
Milestone 5 Final Submission
This milestone’s final submission will focus on the letter of intent, your introduction to the presentation of your story.


5/8/17 WK 6, Day 1:
Central Plains
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the Cuisine of the Central Plains
Menu:
Roasted Beet and Pickled Rhubarb Salad
Wisconsin Friday Night Fish Fry
Pork Medallions with Pears and Herbed Israeli Couscous
Sautéed Green Beans and Cherry Tomatoes
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2


5/9/17 WK 6, Day 2:
Central Plains (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the Cuisine of the Central Plains
Menu:
Wisconsin Cheddar and Beer Soup
Cannellini Beans with Tomatoes and Basil
Roast Chicken with Wild Rice, Walnuts, and Dried Fruit Stuffing
Winter Vegetables with Thyme and Broccoli Florets
Brownie Pudding Cake
Homework:
Journal for Week 6, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 6
Recipe Cards for Week 7, Read text on Tex-Mex Cuisine

5/9/17  Due Week 6, Day 2
Task 1: Reflective Writing
This final task of the course merely involves you reflecting back on your journey as a writer over the past six milestones crafting a single piece of creative prose.

5/10/17 Due Week 6, Day 3
Milestone 6 Final Submission
This final submission writing is the culmination of your work through this point, including the final version of your story for publication with the online/print journal, your letter of intent, and your reflective writing from M6 Task 1.

5/15/17 Wk 7, Day 1:
Tex-Mex Cuisine
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of Tex-Mex Cuisine
Menu
Tortilla Soup
Pork Taquitos with Sour Cream, Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo
Tex-Mex Plate: Crayfish Tacos with Green Chile Sauce; Cheese Enchiladas
Arroz Mexicana
Refried Beans
Flan
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2

5/16/17   WK 7, Day 2:
Tex-Mex Cuisine (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of Tex-Mex Cuisine
Menu
Caldo de Res
Gulf Shrimp Corn Dogs with Cabbage and Radish Slaw
Fried Chicken Livers with Bacon Hollandaise on Petite Rosemary Biscuits
Redfish on the Half Shell with Grilled Red Onion and Frisée Salad
Pecan Squares
Homework:
Journal for Week 7, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 7
Recipe Cards for Week 8, Read text on Southwest & Rocky Mountains
Second Report Due Week 8, Day 1


5/22/17  WK 8, Day 1:
Cuisines of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the Cuisines of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains
Menu
Tortilla Chips, Tomatillo Salsa, and Salsa Fresca
Poblano and Potato Soup
Marinated Grilled Quail on Spinach Salad
Pumpkin Seed–Crusted Rainbow Trout with Calabacitas con Maize
Annatto Rice and Queso Fresco
TresLeches Cake
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2


5/23/17  WK 8, Day 2:
Cuisines of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains (Cont.)
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the Cuisines of the Southwest and Rocky Mountains
Menu
Navajo Fry Bread
Porrusalda (Leek Soup)
Chiles Rellenos with Roasted Tomato Salsa
Jícama Salad
Grilled Apache-Style Pork Chops with Squash Salsa and Tobacco Onions
Sopaipillas
Homework:
Journal for Week 8, Days 1 & 2
Take Quiz for Week 8
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Cooking Practical


5/29/17  WK 9, Day 1:
Cuisine of California
NO CLASS - MEMORIAL DAY
Lecture:
Overview of the History and Development of the Cuisine of California
Menu
Caesar Salad
Hangtown Fry
San Francisco Cioppino
Strawberry Shortcake with Cornmeal Biscuits
Homework:
Recipe Cards & Equip List for Day 2

5/30/17  WK 9, Day 2
Group Practice for Cooking Practical & Knife Skills Assessment
Batonnet carrots – 4 servings
Small dice carrots - 1 cup
Tourné potato - 8 each
Concassée, roma tomatoes - 2 each
Small dice - 1 medium onion
Finely chopped parsley - 1/4 cup (1/2 bunch)
Quartered mushrooms – 1  cup
Orange suprêmes - 1 orange
Minced garlic - 2 tablespoon
Lecture:
Going over Menu & Knife Skills
Going over Written Final
Menu
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Mixed salad with orange sections and vinaigrette
Chicken Breast Chardonnay/Rice Pilaf/Broccoli Hollandaise
Coq au Vin/ Chateau Potatoes/ Glazed Carrots
Homework:
Recipes, Equipment Lists, & Timelines for Cooking Practical, Study for Written Final


6/5/17  WK 10, Day 1:
Cooking Practical & Knife Skills for 1/3 Class
Lecture:
None
Menu
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Mixed salad with orange sections and vinaigrette
Chicken Breast Chardonnay/Rice Pilaf/Broccoli Hollandaise
Coq au Vin/ Chateau Potatoes/ Glazed Carrots
Homework:
Recipes, Equipment Lists, & Timelines for Cooking Practical, Study for Written Final


5/6/17  WK 10, Day 2:
Cooking Practical & Knife Skills for 1/3 Class
Hand in Notebook
Lecture:
None
Menu
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Mixed salad with orange sections and vinaigrette
Chicken Breast Chardonnay/Rice Pilaf/Broccoli Hollandaise
Coq au Vin/ Chateau Potatoes/ Glazed Carrots
Homework:
Recipes, Equipment Lists, & Timelines for Cooking Practical, Study for Written Final


5/12/17  WK 11, Day 1
Cooking Practical & Knife Skills for 1/3 Class
Hand in notebook
Lecture:
None
Menu:
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Mixed salad with orange sections and vinaigrette
Chicken Breast Chardonnay/Rice Pilaf/Broccoli Hollandaise
Coq au Vin/ Chateau Potatoes/ Glazed Carrots
Homework:
Recipes, Equipment Lists, & Timelines for Cooking Practical, Study for Written Final


5/13/17  WK 11, Day 2:
Deep Clean Kitchen
Take Written Final
Last chance to hand in notebook
Lecture:
None
Menu
None
Homework:
None

Learning to Garden, Essay by M Girl

Learning to Garden

To start off, I wanted to learn about herb gardening. Next, I would like to learn about vegetable gardening. I am going to give you the basic in planting. Including herbs and then describe the basics for planting them. Some herbs I will be telling you about are rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Mint, Parsley, Tarragon, oregano, coriander and chives.

The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to plant from the seeds or from an established plant. Some herb seeds are harder to get started, then some are easier. Herbs are usually easy to maintain. No matter what your gardening experience might be, herbs usually is a good place to start. Once you decide which to start with, you will need to gather your supplies. Deciding where you will plant them. You can plant them in pots for inside or actually plant a herb garden outside. Most of these herbs require sunshine for up to 6 hours. But, they can survive in the shade, as well. That is one of the reasons they are easy to take care of. You will need to take in consideration that these plants will spread to a certain degree. Mint, for example, will spread a lot and can take of an area. So, you may want to plant it separate from the other herbs. Measuring the area to make sure the pots will fit or the garden area is in the sun for a longer period of time. Some will thrive in the shade, but you can not guarantee this.

Now, to give you the height, planting distance, and conditions for survival on each plant.

Rosemary: this is a perennial plant that will grow each year with the right conditions. The height of the plant can be up to 6 ft. You will need approximately 18 inches in between each plant. Remember, you will need that space for the plant to spread.

Basil: Basil can grow up to around 2 feet. Spacing between each plant needs to be 9 to 12 inches. The plant needs full sunlight for up to 6 hours and survives in dry soil.

Thyme: Most varieties will stay low toward the ground and other varieties can grow up to 12 inches. There are over 300 varieties. You need to leave 18 to 24 inches between each plant and they survive with dry soil.

Mint: Remember mint spreads quickly, so you should grow mint of by itself. Mint can grow to up to 18 inches. The soil needs to moist and well drained. Mint does not like to have it's roots soaked.

Parsley: This herb will grow up to 18 inches. You need to leave at least 12 inches in between each plant. Parsley likes several hours of sunlight and higher nitrogen level soil.

Tarragon: It can grow up to 36 inches, but most plants will only grow around 12 inches. Leav

To do

Husband gave me a wonderful to do list today. Check out the pictures. Gonna be busy!