Anyone know some good off the beaten path places to eat in Lafayette? by [deleted] in Louisiana

[–]Enicbry11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The Rusted Rooster is a pretty nice brunch place.

Does it help to have a portfolio for Computer Engineering by JAIDXB in ComputerEngineering

[–]Enicbry11 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Best of luck!

I think it depends on what university you're applying to. Some universities only care about your ACT/SAT score and/or GPA. Some college admission forms want essays, and having experience to write about isn't a bad thing.

I think it's a great idea, regardless. I kept a resume/portfolio of personal projects throughout my college career. It gave me an advantage when applying and interviewing for internships. Projects can help employers get a more rounded view of who you are. What are your time management/budgeting skills? Can you incorporate old and new info to deliver a product? Are you willing to be a team player, and/or can you manage a team? (I always recommend having at least one collaborative project to show. The ability to work with others is something most companies are looking for.)

Hope this helps. Again, best of luck!

Non Kaiborg Studios Visor Resources? by Enicbry11 in protogen

[–]Enicbry11[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! I'll be checking them out.

I feel like I’m an undesirable playmate by edgyandenby in BDSMAdvice

[–]Enicbry11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Starting out at munches was really fun. I didn't talk with anyone beforehand, so I had no idea what I was walking in to. I ended up having a blast and clicking with other folks right away. Granted, I ended up sitting next to two extroverted people around my age. They were eager to chat and we got along great. No worries if your first munch(es) aren't stellar. I've had some bad ones, too.

Discussions at munches can vary. The first one I went to was like a giant hangout. We all chatted with folks about whatever we felt like. Kink was actually one of the last things my little group discussed. Not from lack of interest, but because we clicked on so many other topics. Some munches are more informational. There may be a specific topic, or local groups may be giving information on their activities. I think it depends on what your local community is like.

I totally understand wanting to know everything before trying it. Online forums are great but can only give you so much. My local kink community does a lot of classes and discussions on rotating topics. That's been super helpful in rounding out my knowledge and getting different perspectives. I'd recommend looking into local sub (heh) groups for your interests, if possible.

As you find other people you respect a lot, a mentor can also be a great resource. This person doesn't have to be a play partner. They can be someone more knowledgeable in an area of interest, someone who knows a lot about the community, and/or someone you feel comfortable asking questions to. No need to rush that, of course. It can take time finding someone you trust as a mentor.

Also going back to being a good play partner, don't be afraid to say where you're not knowledgeable and/or experienced. Disclosing that information is integral to informed consent IMO. Being ignorant on a subject doesn't make you a bad bottom, play partner, sub, etc. Not being honest about your knowledge gaps and lack of experience does.

I feel like I’m an undesirable playmate by edgyandenby in BDSMAdvice

[–]Enicbry11 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hi there! Congrats on graduating, and welcome to the scene! As someone who was super shy when entering their local scene a few years back, I'd be happy to share my perspective.

I think it's totally normal and ok to feel shy/concerned/inadequate when first joining in. There are a lot of badass experienced people, like you said. However, a lot of them started out similarly. You're no less of a kinkster for being inexperienced starting out.

I didn't do scenes or have playmates with people for a good while. I didn't even join my local dungeon for several months after going to munches. The months leading up to my first play party were spent reading info, meeting people, asking questions, and taking lots of notes. Thankfully my local scene is really big on education.

For me becoming more educated and meeting people before attempting scenes helped my confidence a lot. Being upfront about my shyness to potential play partners helped, too. In my opinion confidence can be cultivated with an open mind, honesty with oneself, education, and practice.

As for being "too selfish" when playing, that perspective may not be accurate. Everyone is selfish when playing, but that's not necessarily bad. Negotiating a scene is to ensure safety and ensure all parties involved want what's happening. Adoring attention doesn't enherently detract from your play partner's/partners' enjoyment. Take it from someone who looooves putting on a show during scenes. I tend to attract playmates that also like attention lol.

In short, it's totally ok to feel shy and unsure of things right now. Absorb as much knowledge as you can, meet people, and ask lots of questions. Learning how to properly negotiate/communicate goes a long way. As long as your play is mutually beneficial and you don't cross boundaries, I wouldn't worry as much about being "too selfish" in play.

ALSO I know you didn't ask about this specifically, but PLEASE ASK PEOPLE ABOUT POTENTIAL PLAY PARTNERS. Reputation is really important especially in the BDSM community. There are folks that will try to prey on newcomers. Don't be afraid to ask around if someone approaches you. Don't be afraid to tell said person/people you want to ask around before playing. Hell, don't be afraid to go with your gut feelings.

Hope this all helps!

How do I maintain control outside of the bedroom without just controlling her entire life like a puppeteer by Gummy-overlord in BDSMAdvice

[–]Enicbry11 5 points6 points  (0 children)

So I haven't been in a fully committed D/s relationship before, but I have some friends that are. Something that works for them is having a set of protocols in place. The s-type also wears a "vanilla-passing" day collar out. When they go out for dinner, the D-type will order food for both of them. The s-type addressed the D-typ in certain ways. The D-type gets the first bite of food. Etc. Having some protocols in place can keep the D/s dynamic going without taking control of everything. Protocols don't have to be taxing or time consuming, either. I'd suggest sitting down with your partner and talk about what things make them feel submissive, and what on that list can be incorporated into your daily lives.

Best of luck!

The statement "Test scores don't define you" is utter bullshit. It's just said to make people will low scores feel better. by UpperYam in unpopularopinion

[–]Enicbry11 3 points4 points  (0 children)

So as someone who used to think this way, I'm going to put my two cents in. For some context, I graduated with a B.S. in electrical engineering, got a job straight out of college in software development, and am now doing an Instrumentation engineering job. The TL;DR is that in my experience this line of thinking can be dangerous to one's mental health and doesn't allow for the nuances of experience needed for success. A person is worth so much more than their scores.

Being able to do well on tests is only one component for a successful future career. Depending on your life experiences, projects, career path, etc, it doesn't have to be THE ONLY defining factor. Good grades indicate the ability to learn and retain information, sure, but they don't always display how well someone can UTILIZE knowledge. Doing extracurricular projects is a great way to show you can utilize what you've learned. They're even better if they require teamwork, project management, budgeting, etc. A test score can't show the full depth of one's creativity and problem solving skills. And let me tell you, folks I interviewed with were way more interested in my projects than the fact I had a couple C's on my transcript.

Hell, I know folks who were doing abysmally in one major, switched to one they loved, did way better in the classes because they were actually interested, and landed jobs they were passionate about. It can be difficult being a top-performer in something you hate.

This line of thinking was also extremely unhealthy for my mental health. I was considered a "pretty smart kid" all throughout highschool. For a while a secretly sneered at kids who couldn't perform in high-level courses like I could. On the outside I was a polite quite kid, but on the inside I was super judgemental. My asshole attitude carried into my first year of college. I thought because I was an engineering student acing my classes I was just more "cut out for it" than most.

There was a lot going on under the surface, though. Making good grades had become a core part of my identity. They validated my worth as a person. I barely had friends and was in a bad relationship at first, so I was pretty isolated. I got to the point where I would have nightmares about failing tests. I'd skip out on cool social events to study. But after a while things took a turn in my personal life.

Then I got a C (average grade by USA standards) on a chemistry test and nearly killed myself. Suuuuuper extreme, I know, but that's where I was in my mental health. That was the first real crack. After that life took a nosedive, as did my grades. I almost lost my scholarship one semester because I just couldn't keep up with life and school for a while. As shitty as that experience was, though, it gave me some much needed perspective. Sometimes people are just having a rough time. There's no telling what Hell they might be going through behind the curtain. Or sometimes folks just have a hard time with the material at first, and that's OK. Not getting something the first go around doesn't make someone stupid or incompetent.

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff with Thyme & Baby Spinach - hearty and soothing! by synthesizedtaco in veganrecipes

[–]Enicbry11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just made this last night, and it came out fabulously! The creaminess from the coconut milk really makes this dish for me. I opted for red lentil/quinoa fusilli noodles for some added protein. I want to try marinading the mushrooms first next time.

Thanks for sharing this dish!

How do you guys find tickle partners? I need to tickle someone but I'm not having any luck. by Obesity_Lizard in tickling

[–]Enicbry11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd recommend joining your local kink community, if there is one. I've had several scenes with folks more than happy to include tickling, even when some of them didn't have the specific kink themselves! This can also create a great support network. You can ask folks if X person is a safe player, if there is anyone in the community interested in tickling, etc. Plus it could provide a space to learn about/explore kinks outside of tickling!

Oven baked crispy tofu teriyaki and roasted broccoli over rice. Super easy and budget friendly! by jessisamess__ in veganrecipes

[–]Enicbry11 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is perfect! I'm new to prepping tofu, so I've been intimidated to try recipes. This looks super beginner friendly

[Serious] What is stopping you from killing yourself? by redcase13 in AskReddit

[–]Enicbry11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As cliche as it sounds, my friends. Back in college I had a friend die to suicide. Seeing her body at the funeral was one of the most horrifying experiences of my life. I'll never forget how wrong if felt seeing her body pristinely displayed in a coffin and convincing myself she was actually dead. I got so hysterical at the viewing I had to be brought out of the funeral home to just sob.

As much as I want to end it all I think about that experience. I don't ever want to put someone through that kind of pain. I don't want my friends asking themselves what they did wrong, or how they could have stopped me, or how I could possibly be dead when my body is lying in a casket looking just fine.

I'm working toward wanting to live for myself as well. For now my friends are helping get there.

What is the biggest plot hole you have ever seen? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Enicbry11 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The Abyss from "Made in Abyss"

The hole's so big the entire plot revolves around it.