"The Angst Monarch"

However, he replied to said email within five minutes, asking a question that required an answer. So I answered and was like "Also, I was going to apologize for answering emails during this call, but I see we're both here at the Devil's Sacrament, so I don't think an apology is necessary."

I watched him read that on screen and try not to laugh. And then at the end of the call as everyone started saying goodbye, he goes, "Hey, MJ, I meant to tell you. I like your shoelaces."

And I looked straight into my camera, stone cold serious, and said, "Thanks. I stole them from the president."

And the rest of the team was like, "What...the fuck...?" before he abruptly ended the call for everyone.

Sometimes using a wheelchair means you can no longer get to the places that used to be important to you, and not because of man-made inaccessibility. I have sat with someone as they cried because they could no longer visit the place they had scattered a loved one’s ashes because not even the most expensive wheelchair in the world could handle the terrain. As much as I wanted to, my wheelchair meant that I couldn’t position myself in a way that would allow me to give them a proper hug. In that moment, our wheelchairs felt more like heavy weights than freedom.

And sometimes wheelchairs are like the legs of someone who can walk but would maybe benefit from a wheelchair themselves. Sometimes wheelchairs are exhausting and painful and you’re counting down the time before you’re able to be lifted into bed. Sure, like painful legs, you can do more with them than without, but constantly performing gratitude for something that hurts you is exhausting. And again, not because you need a better wheelchair, but because those are the limits of your body and the technology that exists.

My point is that I go to the dentist, and no one even asks if I'm fine with mint or not, they just put it in my mouth. I get free floss from my dentist which I won't use because it's mint flavored and I have to use the non-flavored floss that I bought and they could very easily buy as well. And even if you go out of your way to ask for non-mint options, your dentist may not have any because they just assume everyone will be fine with mint. My prescription high-fluoride toothpaste ONLY COMES IN MINT.

As appreciated as this information is (and it is!), I need y'all to appreciate the absurdity that I got this ask at the exact same time as that one:

But this 100% makes me feel we gotta go further.

I never buy mint toothpaste now. And if I can, I avoid it for all other dental care products.

I was at the dentist recently and instead of just taking whatever toothpaste she gave me, I asked her for what they give out to kids. When they asked me what flavour rinse I wanted, I made sure to ask for non mint.

I'm thinking that for everyone else, if you're not super attached to mint, start asking for the non mint alternatives. And when you go shopping, give the non mint toothpastes a go. Even if mint doesn't bother you.

Maybe if enough of us go out and purchase non mint things, even periodically, companies will start to put out more non mint alternatives. And pharmacies will make sure to stock not mint items.

Anyhow, just a thought.

i had no idea i had those allergies for the majority of my life, i just knew that brushing my teeth was torturous, made my gums inflame and bleed profusely no matter how regular i am with it, and made it harder to breathe. A full brushing with mint toothpaste makes me vomit.

Marvel Swimsuit Special: Brand New Beach Day #1 (2026)

pin-up by Dan Panosian

context:

However, he replied to said email within five minutes, asking a question that required an answer. So I answered and was like "Also, I was going to apologize for answering emails during this call, but I see we're both here at the Devil's Sacrament, so I don't think an apology is necessary."

I watched him read that on screen and try not to laugh. And then at the end of the call as everyone started saying goodbye, he goes, "Hey, MJ, I meant to tell you. I like your shoelaces."

And I looked straight into my camera, stone cold serious, and said, "Thanks. I stole them from the president."

And the rest of the team was like, "What...the fuck...?" before he abruptly ended the call for everyone.